Issuu

Chinese Banks to Commit $250m to NNPC’s Ajaokuta-Kano Gas Line Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), yesterday disclosed that its Ajaokuta-AbujaKaduna-Kano gas pipeline project, often called the

AKK Pipeline Project, would receive a funding boost worth $250 million from Chinese banks. The corporation also explained that the gas line which would cost it $2.7 billion to execute had achieved a lot

of milestones in its contracting process. NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated these in a statement from the Group General Manager Public Affairs Division of the corporation, Mr. Ndu

Ughamadu, in Abuja, though he did not disclose the identity of the Chinese banks that are willing to do this. The statement however noted that Baru hosted a delegation of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) which

was led by its President, Dada Thomas, when he made these disclosures. Baru stated that the corporation got the funding window when it recently signed a $1.78 billion alternative financing agreements with

International Oil Companies (IOCS) in London, for oil production, adding that the Chinese banks agreed to contribute $250 million towards the gas line projects. Continued on page 8

Violence Erupts in Kenya Following Kenyatta's Win… Page

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After Ozubulu: Drug Crisis at Centre Stage, 80 Nigerians on Death Row in Malaysia UN agency: Nigeria produces finest quality of Methamphetamine in the world, barons raked in $939 million in three years Yemi Adebowale The recent massacre at the St. Philip's Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra State, linked to a gang war among the Nigerian Methamphetamine

barons, which resulted in the death of 13 people has brought to the fore the increasing prominent role of Nigerians in the global illicit drug trade. Continued on page 8

All Set for PDP’s National Convention in Abuja Today Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Convention of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seen as a major acid test for the party's quest to take over power at the federal level in 2019, opens this morning in Abuja amid optimism. As at yesterday evening, Abuja was already agog with many of the party's delegates occupying every available space in hotels.

Although the convention is a non-elective one, it is seen as very critical, since it would not only authorise the extension of the tenure of the National Caretaker Committee, but mark the return of unity to the party. Speaking yesterday shortly after inspecting the Eagle Square, venue of the convention, the Chairman of the planning committee and Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Continued on page 8

Court Fixes September 11 for Dino's Application to Stop His Recall… Page 10

FROM CHINA WITH LOVE… L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, receiving a souvenir from the Chinese Vice Minister, Guo Weimin, after the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries in Abuja… yesterday

Boko Haram: Troops Carry Out House to House Search in Maiduguri… Page 55

T H I S D AY SATURDAY AUGUST 12, 2017

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ ˜ ͹ͺ˜ ͺ͸͹Ϳ

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L-R: Director of Research, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Mr. Omoteso Gbenga; Director of Studies, Mrs. Mayriam Kawu; representative of Administrator, Mr. Abubakar Maidama; and Director of Finance, Gambo Ibrahim, during a national workshop for directors of ﬁnance and internal auditors of NJI in Abuja… yesterday

ALL SET FOR PDP'S NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ABUJA TODAY Okowa said the arrangements had been finalised on all fronts for today’s convention. The party also said that there was no legal encumbrances to today's non-elective convention. It was learnt that some people tried to obtain court order to stop the convention but failed because the court declined to grant them the order. While speaking on the outcome of the screening exercise conducted on the seven governorship aspirants seeking for the PDP ticket for the Anambra governorship election, the chairman of the panel, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri said that five of them had scaled the hurdle. He said that screening committee conducted the assignment with all sense of responsibility and fairness,

adding that anyone who is not satisfied may still approach the appeal committee. The five PDP governorship aspirants that passed the screening hurdle were Ifeanyi Ubah, Senator Stella Odua, Alex Obiogbolu, John Okechukwu Emeka and Lynda Ikpeazu. Whereas one of the aspirants, Ofordike Akolisa was disqualified for holding dual citizenship, another aspirant, Oseloka Obaze was placed on probation pending the decision of the party's National Caretaker Committee on his application for waiver, having just moved over from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Earlier yesterday, the Chairman, sub-committee on Publicity of the special convention planning

committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye addressed a pre-convention press conference dismissing a failed move to obtain court injunction stopping the convention. "The convention is going to hold legally and constitutionally." A source in the party however, disclosed that the attempt to stop the convention came from some South West PDP members. Adeyeye who gave update on preparations for the event, disclosed that the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would monitor today's convention. According to him, over 3,000 delegates will attend the convention, including former members of Ali Modu Sheriff faction.

Adeyeye used the opportunity to compare notes on the performance PDP and that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that the APC had squandered a lot of goodwill given to it by Nigerians in 2015. He chronicled the failings of the APC to include inability to protect lives and property of Nigerians, poor economic policies, politisation of fight against corruption and impoverishment of the people. Adeyeye described charges against the former Minister of Petroleum Resource, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke as wild allegation, and challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to go to court if it has any case against her. "This is not the way to

prosecute anti-graft war, go to court if you have any charge against her. It is only the court that can pronounce her guilty. "If you said you recovered N150 billion, why is Nigeria in recession? What are you doing with recovered loot? APC, propaganda will not save you," Adeyeye said Meanwhile, as part of the buildup to today's convention, the PDP held a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The meeting on Friday night considered critical party issues including trying to tidy up grey areas in the resolutions to be presented to delegates. Addressing journalists after the NEC meeting Adeyeye said that NEC took a number of decisions on may memos that were submitted

by the NCC. For instance there were memos on the status of party executives in Borno, Kwara, Adamawa, Kebbi, Osun and Lagos states According to him the NEC also received memos on the decision taken by the NCC on the dissolution of the parallel executives in Anambra state. Also considered by the NEC is the proposal for a three months extension of tenure of the NCC which it referred to the convention for final ratification. On the nature of disciplinary action to be meted out to airing party members, Adeyeye said that NEC decided that the leadership will go through the internal party processes in dealing with the actions of those who took party to court over the convention.

as much revenue from gas as oil will definitely be realised," he stated. Baru, said the current efforts to connect the eastern part of the country, where there are lots of gas reserves, with the west, where high consumption demand exists, showed that the NNPC is ready help the country’s power sector grow. He said the NNPC would make inputs into the National Gas Policy recently adopted by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as well as the fiscal bills on gas being worked out by the legislature, with the view to prioritising gas. The statement equally noted that

Thomas, in his remarks applauded Baru for the numerous initiatives he said NNPC has taken, and which had attracted NGA's attention. "We would like to congratulate the NNPC on a number of paradigm shifts, changes and initiatives it had brought to the fore in recent times. I am talking about the new alternative funding which you recently signed with Shell and Chevron to the tune of $1.78 billion; the clearing of $400 million debt in April; the progress being made on the ELPS - 2 loop lines and the OB3 gas project, one of the most critical gas pipelines in the country," Thomas stated.

CHINESE BANKS TO COMMIT $250M TO NNPC'S AJAOKUTA-KANO GAS LINE He equally disclosed that the Chinese banks had made commitments to bring in as much money as might be needed to finance oil and gas investments in Nigeria. According to him, the NNPC has opted to use the Public Private Partnership (PPP) financing framework to execute the gas line project, and that the corporation’s recent gradual exit from Joint Venture (JV) Cash Call regime would free up a lot of money for the project under this framework. "We have gone far with the

development of the project using the same paradigm shift of Public Private Partnership (PPP) financing. We have also gone far with the contracting process, part of which is to ensure that money meant for the project is raised from the private investors," Baru, was quoted to have said in the statement. He explained that the feat recorded in the project would bring to the fore, a new dimension in gas projects execution in the country, noting that it would equally signal a regime of private investors funding for such projects. "On that occasion, I did challenge

the Chinese banks that since they have now come on board, they should move from the back seat to the driver’s seat and they gave me their commitment that they have plans to bring in as much money as we need to execute our projects. And if the Chinese tell you that they are going do it, definitely they will do it and we will give them a run for their money," he added. He explained that the corporation would continue to support the federal government’s aspiration to increase Nigeria’s electricity generation to 10,000 megawatts (MW), with improved gas generation and

distribution nationwide. The recent debt settlement for arrears of JV cash call obligations by the corporation, he stated, would have great impact on the gas industry because the initiative was capable of freeing some dedicated funds that could be used to develop the sector. "We have the aspiration of government to raise power generation to at least 10GW capacity, not just 10GW in terms of installed capacity, but one that will be steady in the grid by 2020. All these will drive our activities to ensure that the gas business is expanded and government’s aspiration to earn

AFTER OZUBULU: DRUG CRISIS AT CENTRE STAGE, 80 NIGERIANS ON DEATH ROW IN MALAYSIA This upsurge in the involvement of Nigerians in the global cocaine and heroin business has resulted in the arrest and conviction of many the couriers, including students, in Malaysia and Thailand where demand for hard drug is very high. According to sources at the Malaysian embassy in Nigeria, out of 81 Nigerians on death row in their country, 80 of them were sentenced to death for drug-related offences. “As at today, 123 Nigerian students are in various detention centers after being arrested by Royal Malaysian Police for drug trafficking. This is out of a total of 350 foreign students in detention in Malaysia,” said the embassy sources. Another source at the Thai embassy informed THISDAY that another batch of 350 Nigerians were in prison in Thailand for trafficking mainly cocaine and heroin. The finest quality of the deadly synthetic illicit drug called Methamphetamine which is produced in Nigeria is also enjoying a boom and exported mainly to Japan. Further investigation revealed

that South Africa had also joined the list of destination of choice for the Nigerian barons to market Methamphetamine. THISDAY gathered that the Methamphetamine barons were being assisted by Mexicans and Colombians in clandestine laboratories scattered all over the South-east. Unfortunately, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) appears incapable of arresting the situation as many of its officers collude with the barons, alongside NAFDAC officials, who regulate the importation of ephedrine, used in the manufacturing of Methamphetamine. Sources said the NDLEA officials were further hindered by other factors like lack of operational vehicles and computers, poor funding by the federal government and low officers' morale. "The situation is so bad that the agency monthly imprest is hardly available for the various commands to maintain a modicum of operational readiness. Most of the commands are being run with bribe money from drug lords." THISDAY checks revealed that the headquarters of the drug agency

located in Lagos on Shaw Road, Ikoyi was cut off public electricity supply for almost a year, and was just restored a few weeks back. The Lagos office could not even install the generator donated to them by international partners. The generator is still lying idle in agency's premises," a source revealed. A recent report by the International Narcotic Control Board (INCB) which covered a period of three years. 2012 to 2014, had confirmed that the finest quality of Methamphetamine is produced in Nigeria and exported to mainly Japan. This report was analysed by NDLEA/NAFADC Inter-agency Strategic Intelligence team which estimated that this illicit business has fetched drug barons in Nigeria about $939 million in the last three years. The recent massacre in Ozubulu was linked to a gang war among the Nigerian Methamphetamine barons over sharing of proceeds of the illicit trade. The INCB report detailed that Methamphetamine "is produced from ephedrine, which is also used to

produce licit drugs like cough syrups." However, the INCB revealed that poor regulation of the importation of ephedrine into Nigeria had resulted into the diversion of the large quantity imported to the production of methamphetamine in clandestine laboratories scattered around South-east of the country. The INCB report titled, ‘Methamphetamine – The New Danger in The Illicit Drug Business,’ stated: “Methamphetamine is a synthetic illicit drug produced from ephedrine. For this reason, ephedrine is listed in the Second Schedule of the NDLEA Act as a Psychotropic substance. However, ephedrine is also used to produce licit drugs like cough syrups. For this reason, ephedrine is imported under control because of its licit uses.” The INCB, saddled with the responsibility of regulating the country needs of narcotic drugs and precursor chemicals for licit uses, stated further that Nigeria’s main sources of importation of ephedrine were India and to a lesser extent Germany. An analysis of the importation figures of ephedrine into Nigeria

in the three years under review by INCB showed a disparity of about 8 tons of ephedrine between what India records as having been exported to Nigeria and what the National Agency for Drugs Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) claims was imported from India. The INCB stated that Nigeria drug barons were smiling to their banks with Methamphetamine production: “In Asia, especially Japan, 1 kg of Methamphetamine ranges between USD150,000 and USD200,000. That is to say the 8 ton disparity of ephedrine imported into Nigeria in three years, which is presumed diverted for the production of Methamphetamine, would yield approximately USD 939m for the 6263kg.” It stated that diversion of ephedrine in Nigeria took place through “mis-declaration (false) or non-declaration or obtaining permits in excess of licit needs - stockpiling and/or deferring production. Investigations reveal further that Methamphetamine is hot in demand globally, and fetches more money than cocaine because “it is

stronger in the long run and holds addicts longer.” Wikipedia reveals: “Cocaine and meth are a lot alike, while being completely different. The high is similar, cocaine is much stronger initially, but it doesn't last. People on cocaine need to use more cocaine constantly. Meth will take you almost to the same level as cocaine, but not quite there. But then meth holds you at that point for sixteen hours without needing more. “Cocaine is a numbing agent; it will cause you to not be able to feel tactile sensations. A person who is really high on cocaine can handle pain well because he is numb to it in some ways. A person on meth will feel all the sensations as though he wasn't on meth, but the meth user won't care about things like that if he doesn't want to. Meth makes you ignore your pain but aware of it if you cared. “They will both turn you into a raving lunatic after constant habitual use, but meth will take you there after a few days while cocaine may take a few months before you will be a complete addict.”

AUGUST 12, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Governor Yahaya Bello and the Turmoil in Kogi

have spent quality time reading the statement by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba on the crisis-ridden Kogi State, following the removal of Alfa Imam as Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly. In the avowal released last week, Wabba chastised youthful Governor Yahaya Bello for being responsible for the crunch plaguing the state. Imam was removed as Speaker, after being badly battered and replaced by Mathew Kolawole. The lawmaker who moved the motion for the probe of the Paris Club refund was battered by the thugs dispatched to disrupt proceedings in the House. The NLC President raised the alarm that the removal of Imam could weaken democratic institutions and lead to anarchy. “The offence of the former Speaker was that he had initiated a legislative process to look into the disbursements of the Paris Club refund following non-payment of salaries and pensions and the industrial tensions in its aftermath. The Kogi State mess represents the height of intolerance, insensitivity and impunity, and a precursor to dictatorship and anarchy and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians and apprehended by the Federal Government before the situa-

Gov. Yahaya Bello

tion spins out of control,” Wabba remarked. I concur with Wabba on this pronouncement. Kogi State has persistently been in the news for all the wrong reasons since the

emergence of Bello as governor. Civil servants have been seething over huge unpaid salaries. Just few weeks back, there was a fatal rally involving Senator Dino Melaye and the governor over attempt to recall Dino. The ban of academic staff union at the Kogi State University by the governor is still generating controversy. In the case of Alfa’s removal, thugs, allegedly sponsored by the governor, invaded the Assembly, beating lawmakers and journalists. Governor Bello’s explanations on all these issues are not convincing. Honestly, I fully agree with Wabba that the developments in the Kogi State House of Assembly in particular and Kogi State in general, under Bello’s watch, are appalling. An urgent intervention by the founding fathers of this state has become pertinent before Kogi is turned into a theatre of war. The peace-loving people of this state must also stand up and be counted in the battle to checkmate Bello. They should not be under the delusion that the debacle in the state will simply vanish with time. It will be a risky and criminally-negligent assumption. The industrial disharmony in Kogi

Akwa Ibom’s Prickly N1.2bn Lodge in Lagos Governor Udom Emmanuel’s plan to spend a gigantic N1.2 billion on a new governor’s lodge in Lagos is most undesirable at this period of recession. The governor has confirmed that this amount was approved for him by the state’s lawmakers. To be candid, the state’s House of Assembly ought not to have approved this profligate expenditure. I still can’t understand how this kind of expenditure would impact on the lives of the people of Akwa Ibom State. Governor Emmanuel, this is profligacy. I won’t be surprised if cash backing is swiftly provided for this budgetary expenditure. This must not happen in a state where civil servants are being owed

promotional arrears of over two years. It must not happen in a state where local government pensioners are wallowing in abject poverty due to huge unpaid entitlements. The Akwa Ibom State governor even described the budgeted N1.2 billion as “a paltry sum.” It seems Governor Emmanuel has forgotten that the majority of his people lack access to basic amenities of life like public water supply, quality public schools and health facilities. Even in the state’s capital, Uyo, only few people have access to these basic amenities. This governor must judiciously use Akwa Ibom’s money to change this narrative instead of planning for a bogus lodge in Lagos.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel

Traumatised Edo State Pensioners I thought Edo State Government and local government pensioners would enjoy a better life with the emergence of Godwin Obaseki as governor, but unfortunately, this has not been the case. These retirees are still being pummeled as was the case under Adams Oshiomhole. These traumatised seniors were again on the streets of Benin on Monday to protest huge unpaid pensions, gratuity and other entitlements. In their hundreds, the pensioners blocked the King’s Square area of the Edo State capital for hours, chanting solidarity songs. No doubt, the Obaseki administration has been insensitive to the plight of these seniors. Gabriel Osemwenkha, leader of the aggrieved pensioners, remarked that Obaseki had deliberately refused to attend to them and that several seniors were going through untold hardships due

Obaseki

to unpaid pensions, while some had died. “We find it insulting that government can issue statements of threat over our protest.

We have every right to demand for our entitlements; we worked hard for it and should not be viewed as a privilege,’’ he said. The pensioners had embarked on a similar protest last week, but the insensitive administration in Edo State described the action as a “sponsored protest’’. Our governors must put an end to treating seniors with disdain. The situation in Edo State has been most pathetic in the last four years. I wonder what Obaseki did with the Paris Club refunds meant to offset part of the liabilities of the pensioners and civil servants. This governor has to rise and change the narrative of Edo retirees who are going through hell. My dear Obaseki, please ensure that these seniors experience genuine “change.”

Rochas Okorocha is Still in Fantasy Land The Progressive Governors’ Forum met in Kebbi State few weeks back and the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha who also chairs the forum, boasted that the All Progressives Congress has the best set of governors in the country. “Our party has the best governors ever produced in the history of this country, from Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, Lagos, Imo, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi and others. When you visit those states, you will know that Nigerians have not made a mistake electing us to lead their state of affairs. We have resolved to fix

the economy and it has already been fixed,” he bragged. I watched him on television also warning Nigerians that it was too early for them to judge the performance of persons elected on the platform of APC, “since the party has only spent a little bit over two years at the centre.” He wants Nigerians to only judge his party “when the mandate entrusted to us expires”. This is one governor that never ceases to amaze me. Virtually all economic indices are on the negative, yet, Okorocha says his party is doing very well. Civil servants are

wallowing in poverty in most APCcontrolled states, his beloved Imo State inclusive, due to huge unpaid salaries and other entitlements. Health, education, road, water supply and other key social amenities are in a mess in Imo State, and in virtually all the other states, yet, this governor goes about bragging. Well, there is no way he would understand that there is so much pain in our land because of his bulky monthly security vote. Okorocha is no doubt a highly successful stand-up comedian.

State aside, patriotic Nigerians should also be worried by the travail of a 32-year-old Kogi State civil servant, Johnson Musa, dragged before a Chief Magistrate in Lokoja for allegedly threatening and exposing the Abuja residence of Governor Bello. Musa, an indigene of Dekina Local Government Area of the state, was alleged to have taken aerial pictures of the governor’s Abuja residence and posted them on social media. He purportedly posted the pictures with the caption, “This building is owned by an individual in Kogi, where hunger is the first name, in less than one year.” The prosecuting counsel, Mohammed Abaji from Kogi State Ministry of Justice, confirmed that Musa was arrested by men of the Department of State Services. The action, Abaji said, had put the governor and his family under threat and capable of causing potential harm to their property, urging the court to take cognisance of the offence of cyberstalking against the accused. This is absurd. This young man stood up against corruption. Patriots and human rights lawyers must rise up to save citizen Musa from further humiliation. I am particularly pained by the persistent mess in Kogi because Governor Bello ought to be representing the youths who are “Not Too Young to Run.” At 42, Bello is the youngest governor in Nigeria. I was expecting him to prove to cynics that Nigerian youths are capable of managing sensitive political positions. But the reverse has been the case. Bello is just not getting things right in Kogi, mainly because of his specious exuberance. I doubt if any governor has inflicted this much pain on civil servants in particular and the people of the state in general. His endless staff audit has become a convenient alibi for owing salaries and pensions. The disbursements of bailout funds by this governor have also not been transparent. The instruction of the federal government was that 50 per cent of the fund should be used to pay of salaries, pensions and gratuities. I doubt if this has been the case in Kogi State. Today, I am urging youthful Bello to deeply reflect on the numerous crunches bedeviling Kogi State and strive to change his style of leadership. If Bello is genuinely interested in the progress of Kogi State, he must put aside his personal interest and reconcile with all aggrieved stakeholders. He sure knows that no meaningful development can take place in a chaotic environment. The welfare of civil servants must also be prioritised, because this is a “civil servant” state. It is a shame that the huge bailout funds and Paris Club refunds were not transparently utilised by Bello to ameliorate the suffering of the civil servants. This governor must urgently make amends to reduce tension in Kogi State.

Abubakar Malami Blinks on ‘Hidden’ Funds A couple of days back, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami regaled Nigerians with the story of $793.2 million allegedly hidden in seven banks by the NNPC and two other federal government agencies. He succeeded in getting an interim forfeiture order for the said funds. When his lawyers returned to court this week to face the banks, they suddenly backed down and filed a notice of discontinuance of the suit before Justice Chuka Obiozor of a Federal High Court in Lagos. Malami’s lawyers said it was purportedly “in the larger interest of the public.” Our AGF should have thought of this in the first place before dancing naked in public with the NNPC. He has suddenly realised that the matter is better resolved through other means apart from litigation. Haba! After amusing the nation with the alleged discovery and getting an interim forfeiture, Malami turns around to discontinue the case. This is preposterous. What about the collateral damage to the banks after demeaning them in the media in Nigeria and beyond? Malami’s action was certainly unhealthy for our depressed economy and polity. He must learn to think deeply before acting. I am disappointed that Justice Obiozor did not strike out this case with substantial cost. He awarded a paltry N200,000 to each of the banks. He also ought to have directed that the notice of discontinuance be published in all national dailies.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍşËœ ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ

NEWS

News Editor Ă’Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ Ă‘ĂŒĂ&#x; Í¸Î€ÍšÍšÍžÍżÍ˝Î Î€ÍšÍ¸ Ě™sms only) Email Ă‹Ă’Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹Ë›Ă™Ă‘ĂŒĂ&#x;ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—

FOR BRIGHTER FUTURE... L-R: Vice Chancellor, McPherson University, McU, Prof. Adeniyi Agunbiade; Chancellor, McU, Dr. Christopher Kolade, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, McU, Dr. Mayowa Afe, during a strategic develpoment meeting with a group of Consultants, at Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State... on Friday

Obiano: Why I'm Running for Second Term in Anambra Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has cited the need to take development further to the grassroots in the state as well as to complete pending projects for seeking a second term. Obiano who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Friday shortly after returning his nomination form for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives (APGA) said that the

state government was bankrolling both the cost of treating the injured and burial of dead victims of the attack. Speaking further on why he was running for a second term, Obiano said he wanted to institutionalise the achievements he had made in his first term and to actualise some ongoing projects like the Anambra airport which he assured was going to come on stream in two years. According to him, in less than

three years, every town in Anambra state had experienced government's presence to the tune of N40 million. He said that his target was that by the time he had done eight years in office, every town in Anambra would have very significantly improved on their infrastructure. The governor who expressed confidence at the possibility of clinching victory at the poll, said virtually all major in the state had been lighted up and beautified.

He said that so far his, government had achieved 66% target in internally generated revenue. â€œIn agriculture, the state is doing very well and has attained self-sufficiency in rice production. We consume 320,000 metric tonnes and now we produce 375,000 metric tonnes per annum, from 80,000 metric tonnes when we assumed office. "What I want to leave behind as my legacy when I leave office after eight years is to ensure that Anambra

state is self-sufficient in the its revenue sources so that we will not have to be waiting for Abuja to run the affairs of governance," he said. He opined that agriculture was the major employer of Labour in Anambra State. On the crisis rocking the party, the governor said there was no faction in the party, adding that he knew no other leadership of APGA other than the one led by Chief Victor Ike Oye. Also the former national chairman

of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh said that the activities by a factional group was a non-issue and would not affect the chance of the party. "We have been on the process for our governorship primaries but the other side has not sold any form, we have not heard that they are doing anything towards organising their primaries maybe they will enter their room and concoct a name and send to the INEC but of course it will be thrown into the trash can, â€? he said.

Police Arrest 70 Kidnappers, FG Fires Managers of Abuja- Court Fixes Sept 11 for Kaduna Rail over Extortion Cultists, Others in Rivers Judgement on Dino's person in charge of the system has Application to stop Recall are prepared to go the whole hog to Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt allowed it to fail and that would achieve this goal. We have expressed The Rivers State Police Command yesterday paraded about 70 suspected cultists, kidnappers and armed robbers arrested in the state between July 1 and August 1, 2017. A breakdown of the number shows that 30 suspected cultists were arrested within the period while 22 suspected armed robbers and 18 suspected kidnappers were arrested within the period under review. Parading the suspects before journalists at the Police headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, the commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed, said six suspected armed robbers were killed within the period while 11 kidnap victims were also rescued. He said 29 arms, including two AK-47 rifles as well as over 600 ammunition and 10 magazines were recovered within the period under review. He said, "Like I have always said in my successive briefings, the Command has zero tolerance for crime and criminality and we

strong commitment and unwavering resolve to deal with all criminal elements in the State. And by the special Grace of God the battle against them must be won and sustained. "Once again, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris, I want to thank you for coming. I will continue to call you to share our success stories. As a Command we are not relenting in fighting these criminals. "We have put in place adequate crime control measures which are already yielding good results. We are continually and regularly raiding all perceived criminal hideouts in the State. We have also increased motorised patrols of the East West Road and other flash points. "There are many more things we are doing in the Police Command. I sincerely seek your collaboration and partnership as together we shall win the war against these criminal elements in the State," he said.

The Federal Government, Friday, Sacked the Manager of Idu and Rigasa train station including all the ticket sellers and porters involved in extorting money from passengers. The Federal Government, through the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi hinted that their removal would help address the menace and restore passengersâ€™ confidence. Amaechi during an inspection tour to the rail station at Idu and Kubwa, Abuja, said that, passengers had complained on social media of the activities of these managers, porters and the ticket sellers. "When I discovered that the complaint lasted for over four weeks, it showed that, it is not a lie and that is why I have to come to check. "You know, Nigerians are human beings and whenever the system fails, it is because the

not happen under my watch. "The emphasis from the public is that we should concession it so that they can take over. When concessionaires put their money, things would run well because, there would be multiple coaches and it would increase competition. "I think the best thing to do is to remove the ticket sellers in Idu and Rigasa and also remove station manager at Rigasa and let's hope that would address it,â€? he said. He added that the Porters should equally go and that those they help to carry luggage should carry their luggage themselves. "We will soon fix the elevator to make it easy for passengers to carry their luggage. The fact the train itself is dirty means you people are not doing the right thing because passengers complained on social media that the toilet is bad and they want me to fix it,â€? he lamented.

Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday fixed September 11, for judgement in an interlocutory application by Senator Dino Melaye, seeking an order of court to stop his recall from the senate. Also fixed for judgement that same day is a sister suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 12 others, who are members of the Kogi State chapter of the party against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging the planned recall of Senator Melaye. In the substantive suit, Melaye's counsel, Nkem Okoro had urged the court to grant the plaintiff's reliefs seeking to stop the recall process. Melaye, in an amended originating summon dated August 7 and filed same day, brought pursuant to Sections 1(1)(3), 36, 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended as well as

Order 3 Rule 6 of the Federal High Court Rules is seeking for stopping the process. Melaye, in the suit is challenging the purported petition for his recall on five grounds. In one of the grounds, Melaye submitted that the petitioners ought to have availed him with facts and circumstances upon which the alleged loss of confidence was based on prior to submission of the petition to INEC. He argued that by not giving him copies of the petitions, "INEC has violated the rule of natural justice and fair hearingâ€?. Secondly, Melaye posited that even when the petition was submitted, the electoral body failed to given him a copy. Thirdly, the 1st plaintiff challenged the constitutionality of required numbers of signatories to the petition in line with Section 69 of the Constitution, which requires more than half of registered voters in the constituency.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY AUGUST 12, 2017

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

COMMENTARY

A FIRST LADY TO REMEMBER

Patience Jonathan as a first lady made a difference, writes Azibola Omekwe

f there was anything that endeared Nigerians to the person and character of President Muhammadu Buhari, it is his austere life; an evidence of incorruptibility. Another character trait is his perceived disdain for corrupt Nigerians and his bravery to frontally tackle people that steal public money. This was his cloud way back in the mid-80s as a young president. Those were in the days when the judiciary was yet to be fully activated; when Nigerians talk less about the Nigerian state; when a slight misdemeanor could earn one a beating by his foot soldiers. Probably, if the scenario had endured till now, no one knows where corrupt leaders of Nigeria would have been. In a mere allegation of stealing public money, Buhari took extra measures alien to governance in an attempt to kidnap late Umaru Dikko in London and bring him back to Nigeria. Remember some Nigerians were shot dead, back in those days by his government for crimes that were yet to have statutory prohibitions. The case of Bartholomew Owoh and two others readily come to mind. These narratives in his life earned him victory over an incumbent president. And when he was sworn in, the anti-corruption war took the fast lane. This anti-corruption war has taken a special gaze on no other than Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, the former First Lady of Nigeria, popularly called Mama Peace. But she is a wrong pick. Mama Peace is “untouchable” because she is thorough in her financial dealings – at least says the court. In her encounter with EFCC, the media was abuzz with tales of having hard evidence that would put her away. It was a bad case. It involved money laundering and her aides corroborated it. The companies connected to her smell of dollars. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a former first lady would pay back money to the government. But what became of it? She was discharged by a competent court of law. EFCC needs to be advised because they rely so much on media trial. Mama Peace had by their own mediocre act of commission suffered derision and defamation. This is just not how to prosecute corruption cases. When they get their prey, they call a hyena-like press conference, and convict the person on the pages of newspapers and other electronic news media. That same week, EFCC lost three other high profile cases. How they would walk out of this quagmire remains to be seen. At the instance, the government and people of Nigeria are being subjected to intense embarrassment. To say the least, we have become a laughing stock in the comity of prosecutorial bodies, not because we lack the institutions but that we lack the one with procedures and updates. The country’s recent suspension by the Egmont Group attests to some of the anomalies. And to think that this government came to power for EFCC to win the war on corruption while we see otherwise is to surreptitiously declare to Nigeria that this government is incapable of doing its primary objective that propelled it to power. It is curious to note why Mama Peace larger-than-life cloud has refused to go years even after leaving the revered first lady position. She has refused to go into oblivion after her first lady life. Her predecessors disappeared into thin air despite much more government funds and patronage when they assumed that role. She became a first lady when opinion was high that such office was unknown to the constitution. Yet she seems to have had the greatest impact. She was probably the only first lady to have gotten global recognition on her ability to touch lives of women, children and the vulnerable. Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan has always worked for money, and by that could afford to give to the needy in those days when she and her husband were relatively unknown. She is reputed to be the first to have owned a community bank in a big and sophisticated city like Port Harcourt, which was supposed to have had that facility before a teacher like her could dream of it. Climbing the ladder of success via the political attainment of the family, an ambitious character of impacting on the community like hers would not sit back. She was first lady twice; first as a governor’s wife and then wife of the president. And when she became the first lady her relentless efforts to reach out to the needy made her a crowd wagon. Her handset number was made available for women to put a call to her. Incidentally, the government

FOR US TO PROGRESS IN THIS COUNTRY, EFCC AND OTHER RELATED AGENCIES NEED TO BE CIRCUMSPECT AND THOROUGH IN THEIR ACTIVITIES. THEY NEED TO RESIST THE URGE TO RUSH TO THE PRESS BEFORE EVEN STARTING THEIR INVESTIGATION

then had again the highest female participation in government. Nigeria could be said to have been handed to the womenfolk. Perhaps what endeared her to top government functionaries then was her zero interference on official matters. The last point was unknown to other first ladies before her and even immediately after her. Some of her predecessors were reputed to have nominated ministers for the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the same simple reason that they were the presidents’ wives. What is the amount involved here? Some $5.9 million. That amount is made big because of the present state of the naira. In her days as a first lady, that amount was maybe slightly above a billion naira. Nigeria’s first ladies are rich by the imprimatur of their ‘office’. They can afford more than that. In fact, they are worth more than that through legitimate earnings. Nigerian president is arguably the most coveted in terms of financial opportunities on the planet. And anyone who wishes to see him has limitless opportunities to become rich too. A first lady sees him every day and even sleeps on the same bed with him. Is that the kind of wife who cannot afford a billion? One who had the courage to run a tough business like a community bank can seize the opportunity to do business, especially with the desire to reach out to the needy. Recall there was a first lady in Nigeria who boasted that she was richer than Dangote, who was already on the Forbes list. She had on a particular occasion addressed military generals in their full regalia as the military might of Nigeria and indeed the first in Africa with a global reckoning. That occasion was even beamed live on the NTA network when it was practically the only station people could watch in Nigeria. A first lady in Nigeria is that powerful and rich. Mama Peace has refused to leave the Nigeria socio-political firmament. She still pulls a lot of crowd because she has not forgotten her age-long dance. Remember people are wont to go to where they would be watered. It would also not be out of place for other first ladies to come out and impact positively on the society just like Mama Peace had dedicated herself to doing. To the credit of Mama Peace, for her worthy contribution of improving society, she received the ‘Beyond The Tears’ International Humanitarian Award in 2008, for her fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. Her foundation, A-Aruera Foundation (AARF), has served as a vehicle in empowering women and youths. She is also in the health sector supporting and assisting the poor on heart related problems. The issue of anti-corruption is a holy war in Nigeria, no doubt, but care must be taken, as it must not be vindictive or used as a witch-hunt venture. As was confirmed by Mama Peace, through her petition to the lower chambers of the National Assembly, the EFCC has been carrying out deliberate plots to undermine and embarrass the former first lady – ridiculing and exposing her to public odium. Acting in desperation, the commission had gone as far as trying to stop her from renewing her travel documents. Going as far as seizing her properties and other valuables. Going as far as bugging her phones. Very pathetic. And the most disgusting of all, to get as far as claims of her life being threatened by unknown persons. This is unacceptable and has to stop. Of course, a fallout of the continued hounding of the first family was the incident that happened a few weeks back where their home was burgled and properties carted away. I can bet that the burglar-policemen only leveraged on past incidents. Their actions against her call for deep questions to be raised. Well, let me not go there but rather remain open-minded. For us to progress in this country, EFCC and other related agencies need to be circumspect and thorough in their activities. They need to resist the urge to rush to the press before even starting their investigation. They need to demonstrate high level of professionalism lest they would end up begging or making public apology to their perceived accused persons as in this case that the court had said ‘touch not my anointed’. That is one of the cardinal points that make Dame Patience Jonathan untouchable. When would Mama Peace even go away? Hon. Omekwe is a former member of Bayelsa State House of Assembly

CONTENDING WITH UPSURGE OF RAPE CASES Rasak Musbau writes that the authorities could do more to stem the scourge

n recent times, the Nigerian media has reported the increasing frequency of rape cases across the country. The upsurge, especially of gang-rape, and the raping of girls by miscreants, relatives and neighbours, should be a source of concern to all. Though a global phenomenon, our experience has to do with the impunity of the perpetrators, the lackluster response of justice administrators and absence of institutional supportive system to help the victims. Perhaps more worrisome is the fact that large numbers of suspected rapists roam freely on the streets after committing the heinous act. Equally bothersome is that the act has now assumed a new dimension whereby victims are sometimes gang -raped in broad daylight with crowds hanging around as mute spectators. Another sad aspect is that the victim is occasionally blamed while little is done to strengthen the law. The rape epidemic in our society sadly reflects the extent to which women’s rights are threatened. This calls to question not only our sense of justice but our civilisation. The big question, of course, is why do men rape? Most experts believe the primary cause of rape is an aggressive desire to dominate

the victim rather than an attempt to achieve sexual fulfilment. They consider rape an act of violence rather than principally a sexual encounter. This is the opinion of experts. But one is of the opinion that beside the desire to dominate, rape, can also be situated in the state of minds of perpetrators. The brazen manner rape is often committed indicates that perpetrators still have a stone-age mentality of women as chattels who are to be used without independent thoughts. It also portrays some as pure lunatics. Or what do we think of such recent reported case of a 14-year- old who was gang-raped to death by some miscreant in Lagos? The Junior Secondary School student on holiday was said to be alone at home when the hoodlums gained entry into her parent’s apartment and took turn to rape her. The miscreants, according to report, usually hang out in a smoking joint in Abule-Ado area of Lagos State. Perhaps, more horrifying is the case of a 21-yearold lady who was gang-raped by five men on her way to work early in the morning at Irawo area of Owode-Onirin, Ikorodu, Lagos in May 2017. Most Nigerians would still not have forgotten an incident that occurred in 2011 when a woman, repeatedly

asked her attackers to kill her as they took turns to rape her at a university dormitory at Abia State University. There was also the abominable case of a Dad who raped her 12-year-old daughter. Cases of security men especially police officers‘reraping’ rape victims have not been lost in our memory either. In 2014, an Amnesty International report listed rape as one of the methods allegedly being used by the Nigerian Police to extract confession from female suspects. Again, most often, police officers purportedly ask rape victims irrational questions. Sadly, the military is no better. As if to prove a U.S novelist and feminist, Marilyn French right, over her submission that: “All men are rapists and that’s all they are. They rape us with their eyes, their laws, and their code”, voice against rape is still criminally silent, the law against rape is ineffective, the institutions to render support are sick and culpable of the act while our leaders seem helpless. We tend to reduce the problem to issue of indecent dressing as if the kids that the “beasts” violated also attract them with indecent dress. Millions of Nigerians continue to believe that women invite trouble on themselves by being

careless. Mothers often chide daughters for wearing provocative clothing, in most cases a sleeveless garment or a pair of hip-hugging jeans. Though one is against indecent dressing, but it could not be a justification for rape. Dramatic changes have to take place in public attitude towards rape if we are ready to stem the tide. Steps towards this direction include public enlightenment and education campaign as well as institutional support. Cheerfully, all these are being offered in Lagos State by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) and Ministry of Justice through Office of Public Defenders (OPD). WAPA has trained health workers drawn from primary and secondary health facilities in the state on women’s rights, gender based violence (GBV) and the management of GBV survivors. The health workers were trained to serve as change agents through which statistic on rape and other forms of violence can be got. Documentation by health facilities can be useful as evidence to get a no contest order in criminal proceedings against perpetrators.

Musbau writes from Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

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

INSIGHT

What next?

Kidnapping and Weak Value System

Ugwuanyi’s Impressive IGR Regime

ecently, the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State announced an impressive increase in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) receipts through the sterling performance of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, under the chairmanship of Mr. Emeka Odo. The Accountant General of the State, Sir Paschal Okolie, while briefing members of the State Executive Council on the mid-year budget review, declared that the state has grown its IGR to 35% of her total revenue, adding that the state’s IGR receipts for the period of six months (January-June 2017) was N12.4 billion - an unprecedented increase which he said almost equalled federal statutory allocation of N13.5 billion to the state within the period under review. He also pointed out that the state’s total IGR receipts for 2016 was N14.2billion, describing the development as unprecedented on the part of revenue collection agencies in the state, under the effective coordination of the State Internal Revenue Service. The state’s accountant general disclosed that the remarkable achievements being recorded in all strata of the economy in the state, especially in the provision of critical infrastructure and prompt payment of workers’ salaries on or before 25th of every month, among others, despite the economic recession in the country, were as a result of the impact of the significant growth in the income of the state, through her IGR. He added that an effect of the feat was also the governor’s further directive that all civil servants in the state should be paid promptly on the 23rd day of each month, noting that the directive has been complied with. The commissioner for Information, Mr. Ogbuagu Anikwe, said that the governor commended the Chairman of Enugu State Internal Revenue Service for his creativity, hard work and commitment which “have led to recovery of massive stolen funds by unscrupulous public officers colluding with corrupt commercial bank officials to defraud the state to the tune of billions of naira”. From the foregoing, kudos must go to the governor for his sound vision, renewed vigour and sheer dexterity, borne out of his deep-rooted commitment to transparency, accountability, fiscal discipline and prudent management of the state’s lean resources. He should also be applauded for strict adherence to the promises he made to the people of Enugu State before and during his inauguration in 2015. It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi in his inaugural address promised to turn the present economic challenges in the county into huge blessings by looking inwards to harness the potential which free oil money has blinded the state from exploiting.

He also pledged to lead by example to pilot “a lean government to free up resources and channel them to the real development issues”. Consequently, the governor declared that “every revenue-generating agency of government should be ready to generate and remit revenues to fund government development efforts”. In the same vein, he directed that “individuals and corporate entities should henceforth start paying tax as defaulters will not be counted as friends of Enugu State”, stating that “one thing I must assure you is that every kobo you put into the coffers of government will be utilised transparently and in a way that adds value to your lives”. In keeping with these promises, in June last year, in a bid to systematically increase the state’s IGR for the delivery of more dividends of democracy to the people, Gov. Ugwuanyi took a bold step and reconstituted the State Board of Internal Revenue. The decisive action, which was taken pursuant to Section 19 (1) of the Finance (Amendment) Law of Enugu State, brought on board men of proven integrity and financial prowess to drive the noble agenda of the state government. Louis Amoke, Enugu State

rior to its reaching an escalating height, kidnapping did not rank among the most ardent security concerns or crimes in the country. But then, all that seems to have changed as it has not only become a high-ranking crime in the country but a lucrative one for that matter. According to a Freedom House report, Nigeria recorded one of the highest rates of kidnapping in the world in 2013. Similarly, the US Department of State’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013 indicates that kidnapping and related violence were “serious” problems in Nigeria. Initially, kidnapping was ‘invented’ in the creeks of the Niger Delta by militants as a way of calling the attention of government and multi-national companies who are involved in the oil industry to their environmental and infrastructure challenges. Later on, kidnapping was to transform from a social crusading art to a well-oiled commercial enterprise. Today, without a doubt, the crime has become a top money-spinning industry being used to acquire wealth by crooked criminals who kidnap for ransom across the nation. Recent arrest of billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudebem Onwuamadike, alias Evans, in Lagos

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

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

clearly shows that kidnapping has become a huge source of livelihood for some who desire to live big through criminal means. Before his arrest, Evans lived like an emperor courtesy the booties from his heinous crime. He lived in a delightful mansion in the highbrow Magodo GRA, Lagos. He had some of the most fascinating automobiles in his garage while also having unhindered access to choice drinks. Evans reportedly wears a wristwatch valued at $170,000 and he is also a proud owner of two mobile phones valued at $600 each. He has properties in Lagos as well as in neigbouring Ghana. Being a kidnapping dude, Evans had in his possession a wide range of ammunition with which he carried out his dastardly act. For instance, upon his arrest, four AK47 rifles, other kinds of assault rifles and 50 magazines were reportedly found in his house. Money was not an issue for Evans as his well-oiled kidnapping venture was bringing in loads of cash in various currencies. According to police source, Evans had collected billions of naira as ransom from his victims including expatriates, business moguls and public officials. The self-styled kidnapping genius preferred to collect his ransom in dollars or other alluring foreign currencies. But then, how did kidnapping suddenly rise to become a top rated crime in the country? The rise of kidnapping to prominence in our country could be linked to the steady disintegration of moral values in our society. Since the early 90s especially, moral value in the country has nose-dived. Today, crooks and individuals with warped moral code are being celebrated across the country. Only God knows how many ‘Evans’ that currently serve as elected or appointed political officers in the country! What we need to redress the situation is a complete re-orientation that cuts across all spectrums of the society. A process that is all encompassing in the sense of a fusion between the physical and the spiritual. As a prelude to setting this process on course, we need to change our value system as a people. We need to re-appraise our undue obsession to materialism and wealth accumulation. It is such mania that is partly responsible for the rot in our socio-political system. How come men of questionable characters and unproven integrity are calling the shot in nearly every sector? The answer is simple. Money has become our god. Sadly, religious centres are not excluded from this craze! Neither are traditional institutions. Today, respected monarchs, who occupy sacred ancestral thrones, dole out chieftaincy titles to the highest bidders. Tayo Ogunbiyi, Alausa, Lagos

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER Ëž AUGUST 12, 2017

SUPER SATURDAY

Donald Trumpp Had a Tough g Week W Putin W Went Sunbathing in Siberia

Putin fishing in Tyna, in Southern Siberia By Mahita Gajanan

ussian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week enjoyed j y a naturefilled vacation that included hiking, g, fishing and diving, g, according g to photos. p The images g are the latest in a series that seek to portray p y Russiaâ€™s leader as an adventurous and rugged outdoorsman and athlete. Russian news agency g y TASS reports p that Putin went to Siberia to hike in the forest,, go g fishing g on mountain lakes and dive underwa ter while chasing g a pike p during ga short stop p in the Tuva region g over the first two days y in August g Photos of the vacationing g on Putin show the Russian leader sit ting g shirtless and accompanied p by Russian Defense Minister Sergei g Shoigu, g , who was also p pictured shirtless and wearing camouflage pants. In other pictures, p , Putin is decked out in outdoor gear g and is shown wading g into water to fish. According g to presidential p spokesperson p p Dmitry y Peskov,, Putin at one point p donned a diving g suit,, complete p with a mask,, breath ing g tube and GoPro camera, and started spearfishing.

President Vladimir Putin holding a huge pike fish fish, after he caught it in the Tyva region

PHOTOS: Russian News agecny/TASS PHOTOS

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ GUST 12, 2017

SATURDAY PUTIN WENT SUNBATHING IN SIBERIA

R Russia’s President Vladimir P P Putin and R Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu

The Russian leader sitting shirtless and accompanied by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu Shoigu,

“He filmed some unique q footage g while hunting g a pike,” p , Peskov told Tass. “He chased a p pike for two hours before eventually y hitting g it. It was very brief, but very eventful

trip.” p “He filmed some unique q footage while hunting gap pike,” , Peskov told Tass. “He chased a p pike for two hours before eventually hit -

The Russian leader fishing and snorkeling The snorkeling, too

ting g it. It was very brief, but very eventful trip. p Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week enjoyed j y a nature-filled vacation that included hiking, fishing and

diving, g, according g to p photos. The images g are the latest in a series that seek to portray p y Rus sia’s leader as an adventurous and rugged g outdoorsman and athlete.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ GUST 12, 2017

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri

As President Buhari Sets a New Guinness World Record

resident Muhammadu Buhari must be congratulated because he has set a new Guinness World Record: President Buhari has become the first elected president of a country to become resident of another nation while still in power! Shame on all those haters who say President Buhari has not achieved anything in over two years of being in office. Is this not an achievement? And where are all those shameless critics who keep comparing President Trump to President Buhari? The two of them are not mates at all. Not only is President Muhammadu Buhari older than President Donald Trump, in a comparison between them on an elementary matter like jobs, we find that according to the latest US job report from the United States Department of Labour, the US economy has added 1,074,000 under President Trump while according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, the Nigerian economy lost 4.58 million jobs in President Buhari’s first year! This is no mean task! It is easy to do what Trump did and make jobs appear, but it is much harder to do what President Buhari has done and make jobs that someone produced disappear! And as President Muhammadu Buhari continues to make London Nigeria’s new Federal Capital Territory, his rapidly shrinking horde of supporters want us to feel sorry for him by selling the narrative that what is happening to him could happen to anyone. That is true enough, but make no mistake, President Buhari does not deserve our sympathy. When the shoe was on the other foot, he called on the Executive Council of the Federation to declare the late President Yar’adua incapacitated and failing that, for the Senate to impeach him. His exact words on March 9, 2009 were, “If the Executive Council of the Federation had acted in accordance with the constitution, by invoking the necessary sections to declare the President incapacitated, we would not have found ourselves in this present situation.” Again, when he thought he could be sanctimonious without proving his sainthood, he decried the practice of government officials going abroad at public expense for medical treatment.

He has set a new Guinness World Record: President Buhari has become the ﬁrst elected president of a country to become resident of another nation while still in power! Shame on all those haters who say President Buhari has not achieved anything in over two years of being in oﬃce. Is this not an achievement?

Buhari

His exact words on April 27, 2016 were, “While this administration will not deny anyone of his or her fundamental human rights, we will certainly not encourage expending Nigerian hard-earned resources on any government official seeking medical care abroad.” Today he is spending his 96th day in London and “expending Nigerian hard-earned resources” on himself. If these are not prima facie evidence of hypocrisy, then I am as old as Robert Mugabe! And I must say that I was not really surprised that the Buhari administration brutalised popular musician, Charly Boy and his #ResumeorResign group who were beaten, tear-gassed and slapped at the Unity Fountain on Tuesday the 8th of August, 2017. What less can one expect from an administration that killed 347 shiite men, women, children and infants in cold blood on December 15, 2015? The incident at the Unity Fountain involving Charly Boy and others only proves that dictators may grow old, but they do not grow into democrats! And the Senate lost a chance to side with Nigerians when it described the Charly Boy-led group as “unreasonable”. If Charly Boy’s group is unreasonable for demanding that President Muhammadu Buhari #ResumeOrResign, was President Buhari also unreasonable when he demanded that the late President Yar’adua resume or be impeached on March 9, 2010? President Muhammadu Buhari himself, his side kick, Nasir El-Rufai, and other top shots of the present All Progressives Congress-led government protested against the Jonathan administration but were never tear-gassed or harassed! In the case of El-Rufai, woe betide you if you dare hold a press conference in Kaduna. You may end up being treated worse than Senator Shehu Sani and his guests! I mean, we are not allowed to see President Muhammadu Buhari. We are not allowed to hear from President Buhari. We are not allowed to protest against President Buhari. Yet President Buhari’s government wants us to pray for President Buhari’s health! And the most ridiculous part of the saga is that the Presidency has the guts to tell Nigerians that it is disrespectful to ask after the President’s health status and that he is entitled to his privacy as a ‘private citizen’. Is the Presidency not ashamed to call President Muhammadu Buhari ‘a private citizen’? He is stay-

ing at ‘Abuja House’ not ‘Buhari’s House and we the citizens of Nigeria are paying for his treatment. He is NOT a private citizen. Yesterday, he released a statement condemning the Ozubulu massacre and assuring us of our safety. Which private citizen does that? Nigeria is tired of a part-time President. Nigeria is tired of a freelance President. Nigeria is tired of a private-citizen President! In fact, I suddenly feel inspired to write a book titled, How To Identify A Dictator: He uses your tax money to pay for his medical treatment, yet you are not entitled to know his medical condition. When it suits him, he is a public official. When it does not, he transforms to a private citizen. Yet, his government instructs you to pray for him. No, I am not talking of Kim Jong-Un here! That President Muhammadu Buhari’s Anambra statement assuring Nigerians of their safety though! How can a private citizen in London assure other private citizens in Nigeria of their safety? And what is the point in having an acting President in charge when the London-based private-citizen President is issuing statements? Has he resumed from London? Nigeria is getting mixed signals from the Presidency. Has the President resumed from London or is the acting President still acting? President Muhammadu Buhari wrote to the National Assembly to make Professor Yemi Osinbajo acting President, yet he is still releasing statements as Nigeria’s President. Is he a freelance President? Osinbajo is either in charge until President Buhari returns or he is not in charge at all. In fact, I don’t know why people still pay to watch Game of Thrones on Cable TV when they can watch it for free at Aso Rock. And a week after it became public knowledge that an anti-Igbo hate song is circulating in parts of Nigeria, we have radio silence from the Presidency. Vacationing President Muhammadu Buhari, who condemned the Ozubulu killings in a statement, has nothing to say about the anti-Igbo hate song. How won’t the anti-Igbo hate song take root when the Arewa Youths who gave the Igbo quit notice are walking around freely in public? In the wake of the anti-Igbo song, I remind the Buhari administration that we have not forgotten the speed of their onesided arrest during the Ife Yoruba/ Hausa clash! Obviously, this administration is very quick to go after real or imagined enemies of the Buhari administration but is slow to act against Nigeria’s enemies, if at all they even act. Look at the difference in the way they treated the Charly Boy group and the Arewa Quit Notice group. Look at the speed at which they arrested the Buhari dog man. But what have they done against Fulani herdsmen? According to The PUNCH Newspaper, half of Nigeria’s 71 million hectares of arable farmland is not being cultivated because farmers have abandoned their farms due to the activities of herdsmen. In Benue State alone, the governor says 1800 farmers have been killed by herdsmen in the last three years (no wonder he says we are all sick because of Buhari’s sickness). According to the Global Hunger Index, the Jonathan administration reduced hunger in Nigeria from 16.3 in 2005 to 15 points in 2013 (please Google it). But guess what? Under the Buhari administration according to the latest Global Hunger Index, 32.9 per cent of Nigerian children under the age of five suffered stunted growth due to hunger and malnutrition. By halting attacks by herdsmen, the Buhari administration can immediately and dramatically increase the amount of food grown in Nigeria and push prices down. Yet what is this administration doing to halt the herdsmen crisis? I do not know. If you do, maybe you can tell me!

Reno’s Nuggets

When you hear someone’s success story, don’t get jealous. Instead, get zealous about creating your own success story. If your friend is ‘jealous’ of your success story, know that he was never your friend. He was a fake friend. So how do you deal with fake friends? Fake friends always desert sinking ships. So if you want to identify your fake friends, just pretend that your ship is sinking #RenosNuggets.

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS SPECIAL REPORT AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FASHION FILE INSIGHT H

Godwin Ezeemo

I was a Cleaner and Later a Security Man

pg. 20 pg. 21 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 41 pg.. 43

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 12, 2017

PLUS

I Made a Vow to Leave the UK and to Come Back Home and Replicate what I Have Learnt in the White Man’s Land Godwin Eze Ezeemo started from the scratch to become a b business magnate. He is the Chairman Group, an establishment with over seven of Orient G subsidiary companies (Orient Daily Newspaper, Orient Water, Orient Mega FM, Sokka Global Orie International, Orient Merchant Limited, Orient Internation Limited, and Union Haulage) under it. Farms Lim Ezeemo, uunlike most businessmen, decided to build his b business empire in his state, Anambra. speaks with Anayo Okolie and David-Chyddy He speak about his childhood and why he decided Eleke ab to build a multibillion-naira business empire in hometown, Umuchu his hom

he rise of the Chairman of Orient Group, Godwin Ezeemo, was a miracle. He was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth and for that, life was not easy for him and his siblings while growing up. His father died when he was too young to know him. His mother had to work very hard to ensure their survival. Ezeemo’s mother was making pots from clay and she had to go to all the four markets of Igboland in order to put food on the table for them. Ezeemo said, “The church did almost everything for us, and that was where we gave our lives mostly. We only went to school when we had to, and after that, we were back in the church for choir or any other activities. But we were mostly in the church and that was where we were trained. It was while we were growing up that the BiafraNigeria war began. “After the war,

things were no longer the same for us. Remember, I told you our condition had begun to change because our eldest brother was helping our mother. But when the war, things went bad again for us.” It took Ezeemo another three years to get back to school after the war because there was no money. He returned to school in 1973. “I was the only one who went to secondary school. At that time, if you made a distinction, you were given a job by the education commission as a teacher, so when I finished secondary school in 1977, I was given a job to teach in 1978, before I left and went to Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, where I studied Marketing and attained a higher national diploma and had my youth service in 1985/86,” he recalled. After his NYSC programme, Ezeemo ventured into business. “It was where I did my youth service that I found out that you don’t really need a lot of cash to start the freightforwarding business. All you need is confidence in yourself, truthfulness and ability to be persistent and persevere in all that you do. “I lived in Lagos from that 1986 to 1993; and got married around 1991. It was in 1993 that the restiveness in Lagos began because the military boys did not want (Chief MKO) Abiola to be the president, despite having won the presidential election. There was a situation that looked like a war was going to break out, and everybody deserted Lagos, and even the Yoruba left Lagos and Lagos was a ghost city. Fleeing to London

AUGUST 12, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS My Vision to Reshape Anambra State “That was when my family and I decided to travel to the United Kingdom. Our plan was to spend one month and see if things would calm down, then we could return. But on getting to London and seeing how organised how everything was, we decided to stay. I did not decide to stay because I wanted to make money. My business was thriving in Nigeria. I was a landlord before I left, and NNPC was my tenant. That is to show you the kind of place I had. “One of their staff came to look for a residential place, and when he saw the facilities I had on the ground, he told me to reserve the entire place for him, which was about seven flats, and the company came and took the place for their staff. When they paid me, it was almost the entire cost of the building. This was made possible because I ensured I did a good job in the place, so when I want to do something, I do it well because you never can tell what purpose it will serve tomorrow.” Working As a Cleaner in the UK Despite his wealth after leaving Nigeria, when Ezeemo got to England, he started from the scratch. He took a job as a cleaner, just like many other Nigerians, no matter their educational qualifications. You see some people who get back and tell you stories, but that is what we do. I was a cleaner and later a security man. I did a lot of things before going back to my usual business, which was freightforwarding. I joined one company owned by one Mr. Okoro, who comes from Umuahia, the company was First Atlantic, and I gave them six months free service, just to know how freight-forwarding was being done in England and after that I started my own company. While I was learning for those six months, I was also driving, and then went into security. But later I stopped the security job and was only driving, and that helped me to know London very well – an added advantage for me. “You cannot drive then without a map, and then there was nothing like GPRS. So, after giving free service, I started my own company, but I was making money from driving to sustain myself because my wife was not working. I didn’t allow her to work. My idea was to ensure that our children were raised properly. When I started my company, we began with a small place, and we were paying about £40 a week as rent. I made a card, flew back to Nigeria and gave them to some of my customers for whom I had been doing business with before I left Nigeria. That is why it is good to be sincere. Afterwards, I got my customers back.” Most of them, Ezeemo noted were already doing business with expatriates, but when “I told them that I had returned to the business, they moved their businesses to me and my business started flourishing and before long, we became big again.” Becoming Big Again It did not just happen by chance; it took a long time. “We started looking for businesses to invest in; open new shops to supplement what the main business was bringing. You know, when you are in a business, and you are doing well, the next thing is to look for other businesses you can

invest in. So, we went into importation. We built our products in China, brought them back to England and sold them and add up to freight forwarding. We also included trading with forestry equipment. We got it from the US, brought them to Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Togo and other places. I will travelled straight there, arranged sales in those countries, got right back and so on. At a certain point, I told myself I was not going to spend the whole of my life in England. In the first instance, what made me to stay was because the society there was organised. When I was doing my business in Nigeria then, it was so bad that you can go to the port, do your business successfully, but coming out of the gate, one young boy would frustrate your entire efforts because you were Igbo, and this would put you in a trouble that you need another two months to resolve. This made me feel so bad, especially when you look at who you are, and who the person is, and you see that he is nobody compared to you. Yet, he has the powers to frustrate your commercial activities, maybe because he has someone as a godfather. This just kept happening, and that was one of the things that made me to stay in the UK. His Ultimate Goal But despite his wealth, Ezeemo is still respectful and humble and today, he is keen on giving back to the society through his business empire, the Orient Group. The company has over seven subsidiaries: Orient Daily Newspaper, Global Orient Water, Orient Mega FM, Sokka International, Orient Merchant Limited, Orient Farms Limited, and Union Haulage. But his ultimate goal of building a multibillion-naira conglomerate is not for material gains. “My ultimate desire is to impact on my society. You are talking about the hotel, what about my other businesses? I made a vow to leave the UK and to come back home and replicate what I have learnt in the white man’s land, and I told myself I will not live

anywhere else upon returning to my country but in my state, and in my community if possible, and that was what I did. So, while others are taking their businesses abroad, I am bringing mine home, and today, I can tell you that all my businesses are now in Anambra State. Concerning my businesses that are overseas, what I did was to bring an arm of them to Anambra and operate from here,” he said. Next Anambra State Governor? Ezeemo, who is also the candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) in the upcoming Anambra governorship election, also promised to do more if elected the governor of the state. “I am convinced that I can help my people to enjoy what I have enjoyed in the white man’s land that is why I am here to ask them to give me the opportunity to give them what they lack. I am fully prepared for this, and I have come up with what we call SHAPE: Security, Health, Agriculture, Power, Education, Empowerment and Environment. It’s a seven-point agenda. Among these, I have priority and that is power. All

the agenda will be simultaneously handled, but where I will spend more money is power generation. “From my experience here, I found out that power supply is very epileptic. To start with, in this company where we are now, we have three generators there as you can see. There is no way any business can run like that. No business can survive powering a company with generator in this country, and that is why I saw power is a priority to us,” Ezeemo disclosed.

My ultimate desire is to impact on my society. I made a vow to leave the UK and to come back home and replicate what I have learnt in the white man’s land, and I told myself I will not live anywhere else upon returning to my country but in my state, and in my community if possible, and that was what I did. So, while others are taking their businesses abroad, I am bringing mine home, and today, I can tell you that all my businesses are now in Anambra State

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 12, 2017 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Governor- Willie Obiano

Anambra: Sorrow, Tears and Blood Today, laughter has been killed. No yabis today, the children and women of Anambra have murdered sleep. They cry and crawl on the floor in sheer nakedness as they mourn their loved ones. The wicked in their quest for blood money have struck; they have snatched the young innocent lives who did nothing but attempted to take their supplications to the Lord and ended up running into a hail of bullets fired by the sons of dogs. Anambra has murdered sleep; Nigeria is fully awake, yes, in disbelief as we bury our children. Dreams have been snatched and vision disrupted. Should I say enough is enough, I cannot dare for that would be an exercise in futility. For as I write, the revenge plan is being hatched, another set of innocents would be felled by the blood-thirsty b………..ds and we would be helpless as we stand by the side and watch our future being mowed down. To say this is sad is the greatest understatement of a generation. This is pure madness and I, I can barely contain my anger and my disgust. They say THISDAY is a national platform and as such I should mind the words I use, but editor can’t you just give me this one waiver to call these people what I really need to call them? Why should I be held back in throwing very strong and harsh words at the murderous perpetrators? Men who can rape their own mothers, men who dare to spill blood right inside a place of worship, men who have killed their own souls and sold their hearts to the devil for a pittance. Hot tears roll down my handsome cheeks as I write this morning in darkness and under my bed. I feel their pain, I feel the anger unleashed on a poor community that have done really nothing wrong but birthing sons of prostitutes and who have come back to haunt them. God has assured me that he has received the souls of the innocent and they are right there beside him, granting them a general amnesty, forgiving them of all their sins. Strong consolation so I am calm now. Anambra, it is not yet uhuru, go bury your children. Charly Boy: Please Don’t Make Me Laugh Charly Boy is my man o, my friend for some time now so make una allow me yab am small. I dedicated my first book to him, splashing his picture on the cover. During its launch I invited him and the man no come. Ever since, I have been waiting for an opportunity to revenge.The time has come o as I watch a video of the man faint after police pour him water during his attempted protest in Abuja. How can a militant collapse like that in action? This is what you get when you do not train and prepare well. See even the women who have been protesting BBOG in Abuja all these years none collapse o. Na our militant man come collapse. I am sorry laugh nearly kill me. As I watch the video I was looking to see if there were any gunshots or physical molestation, what I saw was water o. Police was firing pure water from canon and the leader fainted. My advice to our self-appointed King of area Boys, the area fada himself is to do the following before the next protest: he should stop eating fufu three weeks, to the D-day, abstain from the other room, jog six kilometres every morning, do a complete medical check-up making sure the BP is just right and heart condition is perfect before embarking on such a dangerous activity. No be to wear lipstick and make up go siddon in front of police be protest o. Abi you no watch Fela many protests marches? Those

Charly Boy

Daisy Danjuma

Arthur Nzeribe: No Pity Here The picture went viral and his people quickly responded. Reports were that he was suffering from stroke and that he was living the last days of his life lonely and in a pitiable state. His people however were very quick to dispel the story claiming that there was nothing wrong with him and that he was hale and hearty. I believe them even as I always pray for long life for all Nigerians especially our leaders so that they can see and feel the results of their activities with their very eyes. Chief Arthur Nzeribe was a key actor in the public eye. He did everything and anything to remain on the national stage and played a vital role I really would not want to describe here during the last years of the IBB regime. He was a true ‘’patriot’’ depending on which side of the fence you sat. May illness especially amnesia not be his lot, for he must live long and stay healthy to

were real serious protests. What if there was a stampede and the Area Fada was trampled upon as people were rushing, then they will say it is police brutality again. This police sef don suffer. Abeg my brother, return to the studio go record protest songs, leave the physical aspect to those who are better prepared. Thank you sir. Daisy Danjuma: My Eternal Crush There comes a time when a man is ready to damn the consequences and stand up to his belief. That time has come today as I stare at Senator Daisy Danjuma’s pictures at 65. With full apologies to the very respected General Danjuma, I want to state very clearly to the whole world today that I have been nurturing a huge crush on this legendary beauty. Poverty has not allowed me launch a bid to snatch her from the very loaded General Danjuma but that has not stopped me from admiring her and con-

see the Nigeria of his dreams. As I look at the picture, I try my very best to think of him in a positive mien but could not. I will keep my thoughts to myself; I dare not talk about how history will treat people like Arthur. You see, history does not suffer fools, the report of history can never be biased and does not have emotions. History will judge you fairly according to the dictates of your actions. What should guide the activities of our present political actors as they look at the picture of the wheelchair-ridden former strongman is just how history will judge them. Like I have said, my prayer is for all these people to live long so they will have enough time to look back at their activities with regret, wishing they had acted differently. For Arthur, I send my very good wishes and really do pray for continued good health and long life, but my lord you no try.

tinually beholding her ever-incandescent beauty. Madam, you remain one of the most beautiful women this Nigeria has ever produced, up there with other beauties like Ronke Ayuba, Rosemary Anieze Adams and Julie Coker all of whom at one time or the other I fell in love with. My love for you started the day, you walked past me at the Eko Hotel after one of those Thisday awards and my heart stopped beating. Your height, gait, luminous skin and angelic facial construct rendered me immobile and there and then I lost my train of thought and had to quickly sit down before I fell like a park of cards. Please Ma, in the unlikely event that you would attempt to leave the great General, kindly let me have the right of first refusal. I will take you to Shomolu where I am the Duke, dethrone the Duchess and make you the forever Duchess of Shomolu sitting beside me and with your life-size portrait hung at Onipanu Bus top where all

Olusanya, 9mobile CEO

the molues park so that the over one million people who live in Shomolu will continue to stare at your eternal beauty. To the General, I say of all your life’s accomplishments which are plenty especially the role you played in stabilising the Obasanjo regime after the unfortunate assassination of Murtala Muhammed and your great business acumen all fall into lilliputian proportions compared to your great acquisition of this manifestly exquisite beauty of heavenly proportions. I tell you sir, you do not know just how lucky you are waking up to view her soft and warm smile and the joy that envelopes you as you gently kiss those lips every morning to the joy and full trumpets of the angels up in heaven. This is the very best thing you have achieved for you captured selfishly for yourself an eternal beauty, a real jewel and the holder of my heart. In this we remain eternal rivals. Let me assure you that I will not rest until my Daisy comes to me in Shomolu, till then I say well done sir and to my darling, I say many happy returns and may your beautiful looks never fade. Your poem is all written and ready and the next time I see you on the road, I will go on one knee and read the very powerful words to you with the hope that a tear will drop from your eyes and touch me, turning me into your prince. Happy birthday mummy. Musings of a mad Shomolu man. 9MOBILE : I Want to Buy It Yes, that is my position this morning. I am interested in buying off this firm from the Banks that are holding it to ransom. I hear the amount it owes is $1.2billion. Now let us listen carefully. As Nigerians, we should wake up from all our corporate fraud that has continued to impoverish us. These people came into this country with nothing but their leather suitcases and conniving with our financial system raised the funds to not only pay for the licence but also run the firm. Basically it was our money which came from deposits and savings in banks that was used to buy and also serve as working capital of the firm. Today, they have sucked the place dry and have run away leaving the ghost for the hapless bankers who rather than give productive support for serious business people will be hobnobbing in champagne and smoke-filled rooms with those who have the hyena tendency to defraud and cripple poor Nigerians. The opportunity has now come for a people-driven corporate revolution to take back what is rightfully ours. Let the people buy the firm from these traducers. Let us mobilise and let every Nigerian contribute funds even if it is N1,000 per person and buy this firm and hold it for our children, otherwise, another set of hyenas will come and working with their banking partners take our monies again in various long-term structured facilities and buy the firm, voraciously milk and wreck it again. A firm with 4,000 Nigerian employees and over 16m subscribers (not sure of that figure but e plenty sha) cannot be left to be continually raped by corporate philistines. I am ready and I am sure millions of Nigerians are ready, the subscribers can put the funds together in little pieces to buy the firm. It will be owned by true Nigerians and subscribers who will now appoint credible Nigerians to manage it to profitability. We can do it. I will do it. Where are the shareholders pressure group, the association of Nigerian shareholders? Let’s talk, we need to rescue 9mobile as a first step to reclaiming our economic manhood as Nigerians. Enough is enough.

AUGUST 12, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPECIAL REPORT

This portion of the road has become like a bush path farmers take to their farms in the village

The Tragedy of Apapa (II) The death of a LASTMA oﬃcer two months ago and of several others due to trauma, the weekly loss of N140 billion revenue, the recent mob attack on two banks are epithets of a failed and neglected port city that once held promise, writes Eromosele Abiodun

he once beautiful Apapa has gradually transformed into a hell on earth. Due to long neglect, Apapa has become Nigeria’s signpost of incompetence, mismanagement, and lack of vision. The roads leading to Nigeria’s premier ports, Apapa and Tincan, are now totally impassable, source of untimely death to and businesses and people alike. Many Apapa-based companies have gone under while some managed to relocate, the inevitable result is massive revenue loss for the government itself, importers and other operators whose livelihood depends on the ports. Recently, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, joined numerous port users and businesses to echo the daily suffering and the revenue loss by businesses and government.

Dangote estimated that the country was losing about N140 billion weekly to traffic gridlocks on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos, the access road to Nigeria’s main sea ports. Dangote who spoke to journalists in Lagos, said: “The economy loses more than N20 billion daily and N140 billion weekly. It affects businesses across the country. All our operations in the hinterland in Ilorin, in Kano are operating at 40 per cent maximum capacity.” Lamenting the state of roads in the country, he added: “Today there is no linkage road going from South West to the North. You have to go all the way through Ajaokuta, Obajana, Lokoja and you have to go by that uncompleted road Obasanjo (ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo) started 13 years ago.” In the last few weeks, two tragic incidents occurred, indicating that the

situation in Apapa will soon implode, and these are the stoning to death of a LASTMA officer and the burning of banks. Both incidents were directly related to the gridlock in Apapa and were the products of the frustration borne by truck and tanker drivers. The first was the murder of the LASTMA officer, allegedly by some tanker drivers protesting the death of one of their motor boys, which they blamed on LASTMA officers trying to seize a tanker for wrong parking. The second was the burning of two banks and destruction of other commercial properties by truck drivers, protesting the killing of a truck driver by a policeman for wrong parking. With numerous petroleum tank farms in Apapa, no one knows what will trigger the next altercation over the gridlock

that can cause a meltdown and massive destruction in Apapa. Apapa is home to Nigeria’s key ports (Apapa and Tin Can); numerous petroleum tank farms, media organisations (THISDAY Newspaper and BusinessDay), numerous manufacturing concerns, businesses and residents. In the last few years, particularly in the last two months, Apapa has become a no-go area for visitors, hellish for those who reside and work there, and traumatic for business owners and those exporting or importing goods. The primary reason for the gridlock has been the complete collapse of the Wharf Road which leads from the base of Ijora Bridge entering into Apapa to the entrance of Apapa Port. This has resulted in a long queue of Cont’d on Pg. 22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ, 2017

SPECIAL REPORT The Tragedy of Apapa, Failure of Governance trucks and tankers on the Ijora Bridge, which sometimes extends all the way to Western Avenue making it difficult for other road users to go in and out of Apapa. Likewise, the only other access road out of Apapa through the Liverpool Overhead Bridge and Apapa-Mile 2 Expressway is similarly in a state of complete disrepair and blocked by trucks and tankers. Wrong Premise Efforts are being made to decongest the traffic on Apapa road, but these are misdirected, as authorities believe that Wharf Road and the Apapa – Mile 2 Expressway will resolve the gridlock in Apapa. But that approach fails to answer the question why these roads have gravely deteriorated; many readily blame the prevalence of tank farms in Apapa for this. Yes, tank farms in Apapa have brought about a fleet of tankers coming from many parts of Nigeria to lift petroleum products. When you add these tankers to the trucks going to the port and the trucks coming to the manufacturing concerns and other vehicles that have cause to be in Apapa, the eventual convergence on Apapa roads is like Armageddon. The right premise for tackling the traffic crisis is in realising that the trucks and tankers that flood Apapa on a daily basis are forced to park and queue on the roads. Holding Bay Palaver With no holding bay in Apapa for trucks and tankers, their drivers are forced to park on the access roads into Apapa and main roads inside Apapa. So, roads and bridges not meant to be parking spaces for heavy-duty vehicles have been subjected to the unbearable

A pond in the middle of the road

weight of the trucks and tankers. This makes life hellish for both occupants of trucks and vehicles and has turned Apapa into a nightmare for all but the government which continues to collect trillions of Naira as taxes, duties and charges. Before the port concession exercise undertaken by the Obasanjo administration, trucks coming to Apapa and Tin Can Ports had holding bays inside these ports for parking and queuing. During the port concession exercise, the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) went on to concession every available space inside these ports to private companies. With the concession of their holding bays inside Apapa and Tin Can Ports, the NPA designated the Lilypond Terminal in Ijora which is outside the ports, as the new holding bay for trucks. However, AP Moller, the successful concessionaire of the Apapa Container Terminal also set its sights on leasing the Lilypond Terminal at Ijora for its excess container cargo. This effectively pushed the truck drivers patronising Apapa and Tin Can Ports from inside these ports to the streets of Apapa and to also occupying the two access roads in and out of Apapa. With these trucks now parking and queuing on the streets of Apapa, joined by the 3,000 trucks coming weekly to Lagos to lift petroleum products from tank farms in Apapa, these roads do not stand a chance. With these deteriorating roads, which daily bear the load of the trucks and tankers, bad roads in addition to traffic congestion have turned Apapa into a nightmare for all. The Way Out According to experts, what is needed is a holding bay to serve as a receiving point

for all trucks and tankers coming into Apapa, either to patronise the ports, tank farms and other manufacturing concerns. From this holding bay, these trucks and tankers can be released on a need basis to either go to the ports to discharge containers and pick up cargo or go and load petroleum products or goods. This will free up the access roads into Apapa, the roads within Apapa from serving as parking and queuing places; improve the life span of these roads and provide access to other road users. The solution therefore is to terminate AP Moller’s lease of Lilypond Terminal at Ijora and restore the facility to what it was designated for by the NPA, a holding bay for trucks and tankers. The tragedy is whether AP Moller, a key beneficiary of demurrage charges due to the current traffic gridlock in Apapa, will be willing to help solve a problem that it indirectly facilitated. Rising Cost to Importers It is not just AP Moller that is benefiting from the Apapa situation, other terminal operators do. As a matter of fact, the cost of clearing cargo in the ports has gone up by as much as 35 per cent. Chairman, Shippers Association of Lagos, Mr Jonathan Nichol told THISDAY that the cost of local transportation has gone up uncontrollably by 51 per cent or more. “For instance, the cost of a truck to Ikeja before now was N65, 000.00. Same truck charges between N185, 000 and N200, 000 a trip. Trucks are gradually rejecting imports cargo for export cargo; wood, for instance from Bauchi and Ondo States for between N800, 000 and N1.2million a trip. It suits the truck owners better because of the turnabout trip which is more economical to them. Three drivers waiting on the queue as a result of inhuman conditions which increased their blood pressure lost

their lives on their steering,” he said. Demurrages, he stated, had gone up as well, a result of inability to vacate released containers due to lack of trucks. He added, “Customs unreceipted incidental expenses remain unchanged. Demands are high as officers do not know when they will be transferred from lucrative terminals out of Lagos. Shippers are at the receiving end as far as imports are concerned. “Most of the Government Port regulatory Organisations do not have answers to the present dilemma on the ground. The Nigerian Ports Authority is always trying their little best to facilitate the easy way of doing business which is yet to have a human face.” Nichol added that clearance of goods was getting more expensive due to collapse of the port access roads. “APM Terminal now moves containers by rail to Iddo Train Terminal to be transferred to designated off-dock terminals. Some Importers take delivery of their consignments direct from Iddo and return empty containers back through the rail services to the Port. However, the receiving end of the empty containers are not cooperating enough to offload the trucks on queue all around Apapa, thereby blocking the inward routes into the Apapa Ports. Most of the Containers including export cargo are trapped in the queue. It takes three to four days for trucks to gain access into the ports to offload their empty containers,” he said. Terminal Operators Decry Situation In the same vein, terminal operators decried the poor state of Apapa roads, stressing that it had negatively affected port operations. Spokesman for the Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Bolaji Akinola told THISDAY that, “The severely damaged state of the Ijora-Wharf road and

AUGUST 12, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPECIAL REPORT The Tragedy of Apapa Apapa-Oshodi expressway has for many years constituted a huge drawback on the efficiency of our ports. While various terminal operators have invested heavily in man, machine and processes to ensure efficiency in their various terminals, the poor state of the roads and the preponderance of rickety vehicles mean that delivery and evacuation of cargo from the port has not been as efficient as one would hope. “So yes, the bad state of the roads has negatively affected terminal operators and other port users. In addition to the bad roads, there is an absence of efficient traffic control. For instance, years ago under the term of Chief Adebayo Sarumi as the NPA Managing Director, we had a dedicated standing committee headed by Ms. Aina Egharevba who was Apapa Port Manager at the time, taking charge of traffic control. The committee had trained security and traffic officers working with it. They had base stations and tow trucks. “They worked in shifts 24/7 to ensure free flow of traffic. So even though the road was bad, there was free flow of traffic unlike the chaos we see on the roads these days. No one seems to be in charge of traffic control. It is everyman for himself. It is most unfortunate. The situation has even been aggravated by the repair work on Wharf road. While the repair is commendable, though long overdue, the absence of traffic control makes things difficult for us.” On what the roads have cost the operators, he said, “It is difficult to quantify really. How do you put a figure to that? Is it the loss of man-hour or the impact on the psyche of employees? Apapa is government’s cash cow but unfortunately successive governments’ attitude to infrastructure around the port is disheartening. But you may recall that someone recently said the loss was running into N20 billion daily. I’m unable to verify this figure but I know that everybody is a loser in the chaotic circumstance that we found ourselves. “The situation is even a lot dicier for terminal operators with huge overheads, and have certain humongous financial commitments to government. If the situation continues like this, port congestion is inevitable and that could cost us more than $100 million (over N30 billion) annually. It happened before port concession and that was the price we all paid. “We cannot afford the return of congestion and that is why NPA must take the lead by setting up a standing committee to take charge of traffic control as it used to be. Traffic officials should be deployed in large numbers to work under the committee. They need to work in shifts of eight hours each and daily allowances should be paid to them. Their welfare also used to be taken care of at the time and we had free flow of traffic.” All said, there may have been an easy way out of the terrible situation in Apapa, which is the rail line. Apart from the rhetoric by the Minister of Transportation, nobody seem to be looking at that direction. For those who may not know, there is a railway line linking the port to other parts of the country. However, like everything Nigeria, the facilities and several investments by past government have been allowed to rot away, leaving innocent Nigerians to suffer untold hardship and untimely death.

Coconut Bus stop, horrible

Government Oﬃcials Avoid Apapa To add insult to injury, the same government whose responsibility it is to fix the roads now avoid the road like a plague each time they have an event in the Apapa axis. Recently, at the inauguration of the largest jetty in Africa, five federal government ministers, Ibe Kachikwu, Okechukwu Enelama, Rotimi Amaechi, Raji Fashola and Idi Serika of Petroleum, Trade and Investment, Transportation, Power, Works and Housing and Aviation, came by boat Cont’d on Pg. 24

Unbelivable that this part of the road has become a refuse dump

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ, 2017

SPECIAL REPORT Mr. Babatunde Fashola for How long will Apapa Remain in this Tragic State?

Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Works, Power and Housing

to the event. The same goes for heads of major government agencies in the maritime sector. For instance, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) , Hadiza Bala-Usman, comes to Apapa ports by boat for any event. just last week at the inauguration of a clinic an Executive

Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation

Enelamah, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

Director at the NPA who came with the NPA MD boastfully told the people in attendance that Usman’s entourage were going back to Marina by boat. The same goes for the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside who sources at NIMASA said

Ambode, What is the State Government Doing About Apapa?

Bennett Oghifo

t is a wonder how Apapa came to this sorry state of being a total neglect by all levels of government – from federal to local. The most horrific aspect of it all is that Apapa is within Lagos State and the government collects revenue daily from all users of the Ports in Apapa, but regrettably, the state government has shown little interest in the plight of Apapa residents and those doing business in the port city. Ambode seems not to have noticed the complete collapse of many of the roads in Apapa since he became governor. It is very convenient for him to turn a blind eye as Apapa rots away. Fashola whose brief it is to fix the roads has so far failed the nation on this score. But Ambode shares a moral burden since it is Lagosians who suffer the daily grind of navigating this hell-on-earth road. When will the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola wake up to his responsibility of finding lasting solution to the Apapa tragedy? Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah wants investors from outside Nigeria, but where are the roads they will use to evacuate their goods? The road to the Tin Can Port from Berger Bridge on the Mile 2 to Liverpool stretch of the Oshodi-Apapa Road is a death trap.

Luckily, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has come to the nation’s rescue by taking the responsibility of reconstructing the Barracks-Wharf stretch of the Ijora- Wharf road as corporate social responsibility. The government must understand that nobody is asking for palliative works on these roads, Nigerians want you to repair the roads to international standard. Anyway, when will the Federal Executive Council meet on the state of Apapa? The state of Apapa roads is a shame to Nigeria.

Gov. Ambode

Only trucks and motorcycles now use Wharf road, as cars divert to other roads marginally better

Mr. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo why is the past better than the present? These roads used to be beautiful and smooth in the good old days… Today they have become craters and gullies. What happened?

This stretch of Wharf road is being prepared for a contruction

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 12, 2017

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

‘Conscience, Nurtured by Truth’

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

HE Guardian of July 14 fumbled two times: “The United States has donated a whooping (whopping) N995 billion to the Multinational Joint Task Force to boost military operations against the Boko Haram insurgency, the U.S. government has said.” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: no whooping cough, please “Also, the Presidency has pledged to garner the necessary investments to improve the wheeling capacity of the nation’s transmission infrastructure.” Would it have been ‘unnecessary’ investment? Still on THE GUARDIAN under focus: “He said that is (was) why he would come back to salvage the state and rescue it to put it back to realize it’s (its) pride of place as he left it in 2003 and go even beyond that.” “Cash and carry (Cash-and-carry) democracy, bane of Nigeria’s development” “Falana supports Soyinka’s objections on (to) Sexual Offences Bill” “Train to become a certified child care personnel (official)” ‘Personnel’ is a collective noun. “In other jurisdiction (another jurisdiction or other jurisdictions), you don’t just file for the sake of filing, you can’t just take a matter for the sake of taken (taking) it.” “We therefore regret any inconveniences this might cause our esteem

(esteemed) distributors. This announcement is ordered by Tiens Group—Nigeria.” “NDIC boss charges corps members on bank saving (bank-saving) culture” “…and newly-elected officials sworn-in (sworn in) at the federal and state levels….” Phrasal verbs abhor hyphenation. “Oil swap (Oil-swap) contracts: AITEO not front for Jonathan, AlisonMadueke—Spokesperson” Except if the headline caster meant that oil was swapping contracts! “Jigawa council chairmen pledge support to (for) APC govt” “I wish you many more years in good health and prosperity, to further your accomplishments to (in) journalism and humanity (service to humanity, you mean?)” “I and my wife, Lady (My wife, Lady…and I….) Etymological sequence is critical to good writing. “Use of made-in Nigerian (Nigeria) cars by Mr. President will lift auto industry” “Tribunal will recover Abia stolen mandate, APGA chieftain assures” Who did the chieftain assure? “Soyinka laments Chibok girls (girls’) continued captivity” (THE NATION ON SUNDAY, August 6) THE NATION ON SUNDAY of July 30 comes up next with the following errors: “Dangote commissions (inaugurates/auspicates/launches, et al) $500 million cement plant in Ethiopia” “Osinbajo to flag off (inaugurate) super highway in Cross River”

“First and foremost, you must look at the PDP; they mismanaged their victory and haven (having) mismanaged the victory….” “The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria…played very prominent roles during the electioneering campaigns that ushered in the new administration.” ‘Electioneering’ and ‘campaigns’ cannot co-exist in the same lexical environment as the former encompasses the latter. From THE NATION of August 9 issues the next set of diseased lines: “Ekweremadu: Igbos (Igbo) right to vote for PDP” “On the occasion of your birthday anniversary….” For the umpteenth time, ‘birthday’ and ‘anniversary’ cannot cofunction. ‘Birthday’ is the anniversary/ commemoration of one’s birth. Take note that the old, grammatical rule that “one” must be followed by “one” and its parts –“one, one’s, oneself”, has changed. The feeling that the repetition of “one” - - - one’s (e.g. One must do what one can to ensure one’s family a decent standard of living) makes for a stilted style has now led to the permissible shift from “one, one’s” to “he, his” (e.g. One must do what he can to ensure his family a decent standard of living). In general, a shift in the number or nature of pronouns is undesirable, but this particular shift is established usage. Examples: When one is in power and things go his way in highly competitive elections, his first task is to fight his own mentality. Perhaps one has gone to the

university where he has been given the wrong orientation that his degree is an opportunity to reach for the skies just like that. One could be said to hate himself if he lacks self–confidence in his abilities. Every user of the language, particularly every journalist or communicator, must keep abreast of the current changes—the dynamics—in the language.

FEEDBACK

IT seems to me that your pen brothers either do not read your Wordsworth or they are simply lazy in the head. Now, in whose pool of blood is a person shot or stabbed to death supposed to lie? (ONY NWABUFO, Abuja/08092055256) THE import of my intervention with regard to the word “decampment”, published in Media Gaffes of July 1, appears to have been missed, judging from an undeserved stinging feedback a week later. Granted the word is listed as a noun derived from “decamp” (word not in dispute) in a few dictionaries, it is not a substitute or synonym for “defection” which the concerned writer meant. Longman (Contemporary English), Oxford Advanced Learner’s and Chambers are some standard dictionaries and are not meant for us in the nursery school. The phrase “available to me” was my honest submission. So, it is regrettable that a lofty and highly interactive portal such as Wordsworth is being turned to a platform for hurling abuses and insults at other contributors. (KOLA DANISA/07068074257)

INSIGHT

Poli-trick-cians Duke Ogunbor

t is a sad and yet telling commentary on our development as a nation that during the last presidential election, we were limited to a choice between two inherently flawed candidates; a political satirist even described it as a pick between being shot in the head or taking swig from a bottle of poison. Elections have consequences, and judging by the current state of the nation, it is self-evident that the majority’s choice in March, 2015 is indeed a very poor one. Just before cyber warriors from both sides of the divide unsheathe their verbal swords, permit me to state for the record, that this is not a surreptitious attempt on my part to relitigate that election - my focus instead, is to sensitize the electorate on the wily ways of the Nigerian ruling elite, and with any luck, help us make better choices during the next election. Through the ages, politicians have deployed the art of deflection to perpetuate their grip on power - the Nigeria political class is certainly no different. Just like the Roman Emperors made use of bloody spectacles in the Colosseum to keep the habitually irascible mobs of Rome engaged and distracted; Nigerian politicians are equally adept at creating such distractions through a variety of means, one of which is the use of populist catchphrases that more often than not become rallying points for agitation. Taken at face-value, their intentions seem noble, but a quick peek behind the veil reveals their very dark, and less than altruistic motives; oftentimes, it is for the twin purposes of deflection and strengthening their vice-like grip on power. Our politicians have become so adroit at this subterfuge that the masses are utterly clueless

Osinbajo about the end-game game until another election cycle, when a new catchphrase is thrown at them to; yet again, howl and fight over. In this cycle, the rallying cry is:“Restructuring.” Before that, it was Fiscal Federalism, preceded by Resource Control, and in-between the ad-nauseous and perennial cry of marginalization by any ethnic group which, finds itself outside the centre of power. Over the years, we have had different catchphrases for different times, all with a sole purpose to deflect attention from scrutiny of the lack of visionary leadership at all levels of governance. I have studiously watched all shades of political leaders cry themselves hoarse for and against restructuring. I have also heard them wax lyrical about its importance for the future of our nation. I have equally felt the heat of the frenzy

this agitation fuels. B-but I am not amused, because, sadly, I have seen this movie play out too many times; the actors might be different, but the script is still the same (no originality), and I make bold to call it what it is – a classic art deflection. This time around, the restructuring ruse is being sold to us like it is some single-dose cure for the political malaise that has bedeviled our nation. Just like the professional illusionist, these “PoliTrick-Cians” deflect attention from their main act by tricking the masses to look the other way. Nowadays, we are daily reminded of the “glorious 60s” a period when we had regional governments, and the giant economic strides of that era. However, what they cleverly fail to mention is the depth of quality leadership of that same era, from: the eloquent Zik, the visionary Awo and the sagacious Sardauna. What is also rarely highlighted is the fact that the success credited to the regions was not because they were awash with cash, nor because they had complete control of their region’s resources. Their success instead, was a result of good, focused and exemplar leadership - pure and simple. Permit me at this juncture to take a very short detour and highlight a remarkable episode during the campaigns for the presidency at the last general elections. Then presidential running-mate and current acting president Prof. Osinbajo, was guest at a radio programme, the interviewer obviously impressed by the laundry list of social welfare programmes captured in the All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto had enquired how it will be paid for, and if proper costing had been done - an innocuous question, which ordinarily should get a straightforward answer. B-but in what was should have

been an ominous pointer to what was to befall us as a nation, the usually eloquent legal luminary failed to give a convincing response. Sadly, and probably not to further embarrass his distinguished guest, the interviewer let him off easily by not asking a follow-up question. Now compare, by way of example, Osinbajo’s tortuous response to that of Chief Awolowo, whose party’s manifesto, from the Action Group (AG) to the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) contained programmes that were properly costed, with a detailed implementation rationale. It is little wonder politicians of that era were able to achieve so much. Therefore, it did not come as a shock to some, when even the head of the APC’s presidential ticket President Buhari, disavowed his own party’s manifesto on assumption of power. Nations evolve politically, and not even the most advanced of the lot can claim to have a perfect union. You see, our challenge has never been about restructuring or lack of resources, nor has it been about marginalization, if that was the case, Bayelsa State with the smallest population and the highest allocation from the federation account should by now be rubbing shoulders with city states such as Singapore or even Dubai. Our challenge has always been about a dearth of selfless and visionary leadership, and this is a fact our “Poli-trick-cians” have over the years cleverly deflected our attention from. This has to stop! So when they come around in the next election, to distract us with their usual guile and sloganeering, let us collectively refuse to fall for their ruse – we can start by asking the right questions and demanding convincing answers. Nigeria deserves better. – Ogunbo writes from LagosW

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

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

MeetingTraffic and Adequate Clearance AdequateClearance

2018 Maserati GranTurismo

2018 Maserati GranTurismo Restyled to Reﬂect Pioneering Spirit Stories by Bennett Oghifo

he 2018 Maserati GranTurismo has been meticulously restyled to reflect the pioneering spirit of the original GranTurismo concept, a thrilling pairing of race car sportiness with uncompromising luxury. This is a car for those who defy convention, those who dare to be different. Whatever your ambition, whatever the distance, the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo

delivers – in audacious style. Exterior details have been revised to give even more of a sense of striking, unmistakable elegance. The restyled interior picks up on the dynamic themes of the exterior; close attention has been paid to every luxurious detail to ensure excellent comfort. Uniquely, GranTurismo is at the heart of every single Maserati. The original concept was enticingly simple. It involved fitting a sophisticated race car engine into a luxurious, handcrafted sedan. Seamlessly combining these two worlds was, of course, far from simple. Yet it is

exactly what Maserati did in 1947 with the A6 1500 GT Pininfarina. Such power had never been so beautifully packaged and delivered – opening up all kinds of new, long-distance possibilities. Today’s GranTurismo models are direct descendants of this breakthrough innovation. They embody the irresistible allure of exotic Italian style, combined with hard-edged, race-bred performance. They offer a tantalising blend of exclusive luxury, progressive technology and surging, uncompromising power. All with a spinetingling soundtrack to match.

Kia Motors Nigeria Restates Commitment to Meet Local Demand

he current wave in the economy has continued to dampen the spirit of industrialists and makes policy makers to intensify their efforts in ameliorating the economic condition. In an expected reaction from the economic instability, harried auto makers and some stakeholders in the country remain perturbed as economic growth declines and consumer buying power dips to a record low. As an advocate of the policy and a major stakeholder in the industrialization of the economy, Kia Motors Nigeria has continued to produce made in Nigeria cars from its plant in Lagos. With a capacity to produce 27,000 cars per annum, it’s evident that Kia Motors Nigeria is committed to meeting the local demands. On the heels of the establishments of assembly plants, Kia Motors Nigeria localized the production of its cars in the country. In a move that’s reassuring and in consonance to the policy framework by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Kia has remained committed to making Nigeria a manufacturing hub of automobiles in sub-

Automotive engineers working at the Kia assembling plant in Lagos

Saharan Africa. The present economic challenges can be daunting, but the company remains undeterred and committed to strengthening the nation’s economy through the automobile

industry. Since the inception of its plant’s operations, all Kia cars are produced locally and are manufactured to the exact standard of the brand’s global quality.

IKA Germany Appoints Auto Report Africa as Authorised GeBeTrader, Agent inWest Africa

KAGermany (IKAIndustrie- und Kraftfahrzeugausrüstung GmbH), a leading global player in the automotive aftermarket spare parts supplies with customers in over 70 countries across five continents, has appointed the Pan-Africa automotive media agency , Auto Report Africa, as an Authorised GeBe Trader and itsAgent for Nigeria and Ghana with oversight for the rest of West Africa. The appointment is part of the move by the German company to fully launch into the West African markets with GeBe range of products, in-

cluding its newly-introduced made-in-Germany GeBe premium water pumps for a wide range of vehicles. It is also coming at a time many German companies are planning to return to Nigeria because of the current administration’s hard stance on corruption. Promising to bring to Nigeria, Ghana and the larger WestAfrican markets, highest quality GEBE range of products at very competitive prices, with fast , efficient and cost effective delivery from its hub in central Germany, Head of Sales, IKA Germany, Sebastian Hoff, said his company had

been missing a representation in Nigeria and other WestAfrican markets despite its popularity in other parts of Africa. “We are set for a solid partnership! Our MD just signed your certificate, all other information, we will take step by step,” Hoff was quoted as saying in a letter sent to the Managing Editor, Auto Report Africa, Olaolu Olusina. Commenting on the appointment as IKA Germany’s Agent, Olusina attributed it to the grace of God and the confidence of the team in Germany.

hendriving,youneedtoallowspace around your vehicle and clearance when you are following other vehicles. Maintaining a safe gap to other traffic will reduce danger and can even prevent a crash. This gap is known as adequate clearance and maintaining this around your vehicle can help create a safety zone to allow for the mistakes of other drivers. You should always keep a safe distance when you are following other vehicles, and you need to also keep clear of parked vehicles and other obstructions. When driving along you should be able to give this adequate clearance when there are no oncoming vehicles or if the road is wide enough that oncoming traffic is not adversely affected. When passing parked vehicles, you need to allow the same clearance in case a car door opensorsomeonestepsoutfrombetweenparkedvehicles. As you approach parked vehicles, look well ahead and steer out into position early so you can follow a smooth line past parked vehicles. If the road is too narrow or you can’t give a metre clearance or approximately a car door’s widthbecauseofapproachingtraffic,youwillneedtoslow down. The closer you need to get to parked vehicles, the slower you should go. Clearance to the Side of theVehicle Ashasbeendiscussedinearlierarticles,whilstdrivingyou should normally keep about a metre from the right kerb or other obstructions, which we referred to as your normal driving position or your safe driving line. If you are unable to stay a metre away from the kerb or any obstructions, as you get closer, you must reduce your speed. A slower speed will allow you to manoeuvre your vehicle through the smaller gap safely. As a rough guide, a metre is about the width of your car door. Following Behind OtherVehicles (QueuingTraffic) When joining a queue of stationary traffic, make sure that you brake early enough so that you can stop safely. You should stop far enough back so that you can see the vehicleinfrontandsometarmacbetweenthetwovehicles, referred to as ‘tyres and tarmac’. Leaving this gap will enable you to manoeuvre around the vehicle should it stall or breakdown. Following Moving Traffic Whendrivingweshouldbeabletostopwithinthedistance we can see to be clear ahead of us. However, in urban traffic it is sometimes impractical and we would not be able to leave our full stopping distance, so we must always drive with due care and consideration to other road users. Following Traffic at Higher Speed When following other traffic at a speed in excess of 60 kilometres per hour, you can use the second rule to ensure youarefollowingatasafedistance.Toapplythetwosecond rule, wait until the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed point and then say, ‘only a fool breaks the two second rule’. This will take about two second, and if you arrive at the fixed point having completed the rhyme, then you are at a safe distance and you are more than two seconds away. But if you arrive at the fixed point without completing the rhyme, then you are too close. You should check your mirrors, ease off the gas slightly to allow the vehicle in front to pull away slightly and then apply the rule again. Following Cyclists and Motorcyclists Whenfollowingcyclistsandmotorcyclists,staywellbehind until you can give them enough clearance as you go pass them.Always remember that cyclists or motorcyclists can wobble or move sideways without warning to avoid pot holes and so on. Always think of the consequences if a cyclist or motorcyclist fell off as you were passing them, so give cyclists and motorcyclists enough room where possible so that if they fell off, you would still be able to avoid them.And if you must overtake with less clearance, then you must slow right down. In next week’s article we shall be discussing overtaking on single carriageways and dual carriageways using the MSPSLor hazard routine. For further explanations or clarification on the articles in the Essential Skills of Driving column, consult the author. …Concluded Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

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

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

NADDC Searches forTalented Youths

The new E-class

Mercedes-Benz the new E-class to Navigate withVoice Control Stories by Bennett Oghifo

ercedes-Benz has refined mobility with the introduction of vehicular control using voice commands in the new E-class. The auto company has further enhanced the performance of the LINGUATRONIC voice control system for navigation use and entertainment. “This is one of the many efforts aimed at perfecting mobility in the autonomous future,” the automaker said. The E-class is available for immediate delivery

at Weststar Associates, Authorized General Distributors of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria and all authorized dealerships nationwide. The new E-class features a new Audio 200 entry-level radio that comes with a larger display, new infotainment software and the option of a widescreen cockpit. Major highlights include the new Mercedes-Benz SD map navigation, which turns the radio to a high-end navigation system, online access and car telephony with fast LTE technology, additional interior appointment options and ambient lighting with dynamic light scenarios. The LINGUATRONIC Voice control is an evolutionary leap forward as it comes with

a wide variety of control options and an additional eleven new languages. For example, when the vehicle is equipped accordingly, blower level, temperature and seat heating can be controlled conveniently by voice command, with no need for drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel or their eyes off the traffic. Other controlled functions include the rear window heater and various comfort and lighting functions. Another new feature enables the driver to call up a wide range of information – such as the date the next service is due, the current speed limit, the vehicle’s range or the current date.

he National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, will soon organise a nationwide Automotive Design Competition to engage and promote the incredible creative and innovative talents of the youth. This is contained in a statement by Mr. Jelani Aliyu, Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council,who noted that it was “not to design sports and luxury cars, but to conceptualise highly advanced, innovative and cost-effective strategically positioned market-driven concepts that would be produced in Nigeria.” NADDC, he said would support the development of winning concepts and integrate local content, feeding directly into the Nigerian automotive ecosystem, especially our proposed Automotive Industrial Clusters for Nnewi, Kaduna and Oshogbo. Automotive Design goes beyond beautiful shapes, it is about the strategic conceptualization and development of applicable transportation solutions that will enable survival and economic growth. NADDC is working with industry professionals and stakeholders, and will soon be launching the Automotive Design Competition. Already, a Local Organising Committee has been inaugurated to chart the pathway towards this proposed competition.

Eight Must-Read Tips for First-Time Car Buyers

n recognition of International Youth Day, observed annually on 12 August, Ford Motor Company and its local dealer Coscharis Motors would like to provide the youth of Nigeria with tips on purchasing their first car. Here are eight tips that will help in making the correct car purchase decision. *Budget The price tag on the car is only a part of the total cost of ownership. There are many additional costs that catch many first-time buyers off guard. Whilst doing your research and deciding which car you want to buy, keep the following in mind: Insurance: How much will your car of choice cost to insure? Visit insurance websites and request quotes to get an idea of what you’ll be paying

for vehicle insurance. Maintenance / Warranty: Most first-time car buyers have a very tight budget, but it’s worth paying a little more for a decent maintenance/ warranty plan. Expected mileage and fuel consumption: Many first-time car buyers often don’t realise the impact fuel costs will have on their monthly expenses. If you tend to do a lot of driving, you’ll need to be very conscious of fuel consumption figures whilst shopping around. *Research Research is probably the most important part of buying a new car. Once you’ve narrowed down the type (size and use), start looking at your available options.

2017 Ford Mustang

Is Traffic Light Infraction Insanity Too?

usten Buke,(not real name)is a 45year old resident of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He is a driver and a self employed Nigerian. Sometime in 2003,I was on my way to anchor Oga Driver, an interactive road safety Radio programme on Aso Radio when I spotted the young man on his wheels driving from Mabushi towards theAso Radio junction. On approaching the traffic light by Nicon junction, the light changed to red but the young man to my astonishment, jumped the traffic. After the light changed to green, I followed him and finally succeeded in pulling him over and asked him why he jumped the traffic light. His reponse was funny but a great eye opener on the level of ignorance exhibited by some drivers. He told me there was no reason for him to stop since there was no oncoming vehicle from either side of the road. When I asked him the meaning of red, he said it meant go. Worried by his gross ignorance, I decided not to book him but to use him as a subject for enlightenment by driving him to the studio where his narration of the incident that brought him to the studio got my listeners reeling in laughter and shock.My experience with him is a pointer to the dangers some drivers constitute to themselves and other road users and explains why I have today chosen to focus on traffic light violation. Since I commenced the series on the life threaten-

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ing offences, I have treated each with reservation because of my last experience some years back when after a piece I titled, learners or lunatics, I received a mail from a reader who felt different about the choice of my topic. I am however relieved that no such response has been received yet. This explains why I am today continuing my focus by looking at another of the listed traffic infractions-traffic light. The notice of offence sheet usually issued to traffic offenders made pursuant to section 10(4), 28(2) of the FRSC(EST) ACT, 2007 and Regulations 220 of the NRTR, 2012 list 38 offences, their codes, penalty points and penalty or fines. Light or sign violation which is our focus for this week, is incidentally the first traffic infraction listed on the offence sheet. It carries 2penalty points and a fine of N2000.This offence is defined as ‘’failure to use headlights, rear lights between 1900 and 0630hrs or when it is dark while on the highway or failure to use directional signal indicators when required to do

so or non-observance of traffic light’’. This is not my first piece on traffic light. My usual style is to treat,’’ Lane Indiscipline before traffic light because I believe the two infractions are insane behavior from the same stem.I was however compelled change my style by treating dangerous driving before treating traffic light The last time I treated the two simultaneously, I was stunned by text messages and phone calls from two very interesting readers whose comments I will forever cherish.I will not bore you today with the first but will simply go to the second response from a reader whose details I do not know till date. This is what he said; ‘my brother, you are doing very well with the public awareness on right motoring. I just read the one on lane indiscipline driving which is very educative. I wonder whose duty is to arrest road traffic light offenders in Abuja town. The violation is done with impunity and nothing is done to such characters. I think something can be done to check the current abuse to avoid unnecessary rod crashes. The icing came from Cliff, my brother from Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who took me to the cleaners when he challenged me to take drastic actions, pledging to back up my enforcement with detail coverage. Although I partly spoke about traffic light infraction a fornight ago, I have chosen to dwell more on it this week. The Revised Highway Code advises thus; ‘’When coming to a junction, obey any lane indication ar-

rows marked on the road. These markings are also there at roundabouts, traffic light junctions and highways. At the Traffic Light at Junctions, although green light means you may go, do not go forward if other vehicles ahead are held up at the junction. When the red and amber lights are showing together you must stop. It is an offence to pass a junction when the red and amber lights are shown. Make sure you stop at the stop line (double lines) to enable you see the lights’ ‘Unfortunately it is common to see motorists treat the traffic light as a souvenir. But how bad is the traffic light infraction across the country? What percentages of drivers really jump traffic lights? To answer this, please allow me share an experience I narrated in a piece I tilted, I love my barber.In that piece I narrated how On my arrival on this faithful day, I was stunned at the topic for the day. Instead of the usual politics and football, road safety was the menu. In order to have a feel of what some saintly Nigerians think of our driving behavior, I choose not to disclose my identity but to just listen to this seven feet client who spent over an hour lamenting at what he described as the madness on our highways. In his feat of anger, he said it is obvious that madness is the order of the day while driving on Nigerian roads. He submitted that there was indeed a funny irony as those who chose to drive sanely are actually seen as mad while the real madmen are hailed as heroes for their guts in exhibiting grass irresponsibility and disrespect for the rules that govern civil driving. This young man cited several cases when this madness is displayed.

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Pedal Edema

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here are many things that can go wrong with the human body. Some can be due to no reason at all. Others are as a result of disease and careless lifestyle. Some of these could be a secondary manifestation. But we must pay adequate attention to our body. Oedema is a build-up of fluid in the body which causes the affected tissue to become swollen; pedal is the swelling of the areas around your ankles and feet. The swelling can occur in one particular part of the body or may be more general, depending on the cause. It is swelling or puffiness of parts of the body. Edema usually happens in the feet, ankles, and legs. It also can affect the face and hands. Pregnant women and older adults often get Oedema, but it can happen to anyone. If you have swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet not related to an injury, it could be Oedema. It can cause puffiness of your face and hands, too. You can have swelling in all of these areas at once or in only one area. It can cause you to feel uncomfortable. It can even restrict the range of motion in your ankles and wrists. Edema is swelling of both legs from a build-up of extra fluid. Symptoms The accumulation of fluid under the skin causes swelling, often in the lower legs and ankles (known as peripheral oedema). As well as swelling or puďŹƒness of the skin, oedema can also cause: r TLJO EJTDPMPVSBUJPO r BSFBT PG TLJO UIBU UFNQPSBSJMZ IPME UIF imprint of your finger when pressed (known as pitting oedema) r BDIJOH UFOEFS MJNCT r TUJGG KPJOUT r XFJHIU HBJO Causes Itâ€™s normal to have some swelling in your legs at the end of the day, particularly if youâ€™ve been sitting or standing for long periods. Oedema is often a symptom of an underlying health condition. It can occur as a result of the following conditions or treatments: Pregnancy 1. kidney disease 2. heart failure 3. chronic lung disease 4. thyroid disease 5. liver disease 6. malnutrition 7. medication, such as corticosteroids or medicine for high blood pressure (hypertension) 8. the contraceptive pill 9. Immobility and standing for long periods are the two most common causes of oedema in the legs. Other possible causes include: r B CMPPE DMPU r TFWFSF WBSJDPTF WFJOT r B MFH JOKVSZ PS MFH TVSHFSZ r CVSOT UP UIF TLJO r 1SPMPOHFE TUBOEJOH PS TJUUJOH FTQFDJBMMZ in hot weather, can cause excess fluid to accumulate in the feet, ankles and lower legs. r 5JOZ WBMWFT JOTJEF UIF WFJOT PG UIF MFHT can become weakened, causing a common problem called venous insufficiency. This problem makes it more difficult for the veins to pump blood back to the heart, and leads to varicose veins and buildup of fluid. r 4FWFSF DISPOJD MPOH UFSN MVOH EJTFBTFT including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, increase pressure in the blood vessels that lead from the heart to the lungs. This pressure

Tiny valves inside the veins of the legs can become weakened, causing a common problem called venous insuďŹƒciency. This problem makes it more diďŹƒcult for the veins to pump blood back to the heart, and leads to varicose veins and buildup of ďŹ‚uid

backs up in the heart. The higher pressure causes swelling in the legs and feet. r $POHFTUJWF IFBSU GBJMVSF B DPOEJUJPO JO which the heart can no longer pump efficiently, causes fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body. Swelling is often most visible in the feet and ankles. r 1SFHOBODZ DBO DBVTF FEFNB JO UIF MFHT BT the uterus puts pressure on the vena cava, a major blood vessel that returns blood to the heart from the legs. Fluid retention during pregnancy also can be caused by a more serious condition called preeclampsia. r -PX QSPUFJO MFWFMT JO UIF CMPPE DBVTFE by malnutrition, kidney and liver disease can cause edema. The proteins help to hold salt and water inside the blood vessels so fluid does not leak out into the tissues. If a blood protein, called albumin, gets too low, fluid is retained and edema occurs, especially in the feet, ankles and lower legs. In Idiopathic oedema is a term used to describe cases of oedema where a cause canâ€™t be found. Diagnosis Your doctor can tell whether you have edema by examining you. The skin over the swollen area may be stretched and shiny. Pushing gently on the swollen area for about 15 seconds will leave a dimple. If this happens, your doctor might want to do some tests to see what is causing your edema. If both legs are swollen, your doctor will ask about other symptoms and will examine you. A urine test will show if you are losing protein from the kidneys. Blood tests, a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (EKG) also may be done. Prevention of Oedema $BO FEFNB CF QSFWFOUFE PS BWPJEFE Depending on what it causing your edema, you may not be able to prevent it from happening. If your edema is caused by health problems, such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, you will not be able to prevent it, only manage it. If your edema is caused by eating too much salt, you will be able to prevent it by eating less salt. Treatment Oedema is often temporary and clears up by itself. For example, if youâ€™ve been standing up for too long on a hot day, your ankles may swell up until you get the chance to put your feet up and rest. If oedema doesnâ€™t go away by itself, see your

doctor. Theyâ€™ll try and find out if thereâ€™s an underlying cause which needs to be treated. This could involve taking medication or following some advice, such as: The only way to treat Oedema is to treat the condition that is causing it. Your doctor might want you to take a medicine called a diuretic. This is also called a water pill. These pills help flush salt and extra fluid out of your body through your urine. It is important to see your doctor if you have edema, especially if you are pregnant. If it is not treated, your skin may keep stretching. This can lead to other health problems. If you have edema and you start to have trouble breathing, call your doctor right away. Treatment of edema focuses on correcting the cause of the fluid accumulation. A low-salt diet usually helps. You also should avoid drinking too much fluid. If you are not short of breath, elevate your legs above the level of your heart to keep swelling down. Your doctor might suggest that you take a low dose of a diuretic (water pill). For swollen ankles and feet caused by pregnancy, elevate your legs and avoid lying on your back to help improve blood flow and decrease swelling. If you have mild leg edema caused by venous insufficiency, elevate your legs periodically and wear support (compression) stockings. Sometimes surgery is needed to improve the flow of blood through the leg veins. No matter what the cause of edema, any swollen area of the body should be protected from pressure, injury and extreme temperatures. The skin over swollen legs becomes more GSBHJMF PWFS UJNF $VUT TDSBQFT BOE CVSOT in areas that have edema take much longer to heal and are more likely to get infected. r MPTJOH XFJHIU JG ZPV SF PWFSXFJHIU

r UBLJOH SFHVMBS FYFSDJTF TVDI BT XBMLJOH swimming or cycling r SBJTJOH ZPVS MFHT UISFF UP GPVS UJNFT B day to improve your circulation r BWPJEJOH TUBOEJOH GPS MPOH QFSJPET PG UJNF If an underlying condition is causing the fluid imbalance, it should clear up after the condition has been diagnosed and treated. $BMM ZPVS EPDUPS JNNFEJBUFMZ JG ZPV IBWF pain, redness or heat in a swollen area, an open sore, shortness of breath or swelling of only one limb. Lymphoedema -ZNQIPFEFNB JT TXFMMJOH JO UIF MFHT DBVTFE by a blockage in the lymphatic system, or an inherited condition. The lymphatic system consists of a series of lymph nodes (glands) connected by a network of vessels (lymphatics), similar to blood vessels. It canâ€™t be cured, but it can be controlled using a number of treatments, including: r DPNQSFTTJPO TUPDLJOHT r TLJO DBSF r MZNQIBUJD NBTTBHF r FMFWBUJPO Living with Oedema The following are some things you can do at home to keep the swelling down: 1. Elevate your legs when you are sitting or lying down. 2. If you have edema of the legs, wear support stockings. You can buy these at most drugstores. Support stockings put pressure on your legs to keep fluid from collecting in your legs and ankles. 3. Do not sit or stand for long periods of time without moving around. 4. Follow your doctorâ€™s advice about limiting how much salt you eat.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ë¾ JUNE 16, 2011

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Calistus Chukwujekwu: Requiem for Nigerian Referees?

CHELSEA BEGINS TITLE DEFENCE PAGE. 29

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Calistus Chukwujekwu oďŹƒciating during the 2002 World Cup qualifying match between Cameroun and Togo in Yaounde, Cameroun

Requiem for Nigerian Referees? Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ ĂŒĂ™Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ˜Ă?ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? Ă“ĂžĂ&#x;Ă? ĂŒĂ‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă–Ă‹Ă”Ă“ Ă•Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă–Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ăž Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ë› Ă™Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁĂ—Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁËŞĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă˜Ă™ Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ăœ Ă‹ĘľĂœĂ‹Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ăž Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂžĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;Ă? Ă’Ă&#x;Ă•ĂĄĂ&#x;Ă”Ă?Ă•ĂĄĂ&#x;Ëœ Ă‹ ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ“ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž ĂžĂ™ Kunle Adewale Ă™Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?Ă–Ă™ĂšĂ—Ă?Ă˜Ăž

ne of the things that propelled Calistus Chukwujekwuâ€™s football interest was his secondary school. â€œIn those days, the national academicals was very popular and if you have the opportunity to play very well for your school, the chances of being invited to the academicals were very high. And in the old Anamabra State, there were very popular schools like Christ the Kings College, Metropolitan College, Holy Ghost College and the rest and these schools took sports very serious. â€œI went to a Catholic Seminary school - Ohalu Seminary, Onitsha, where I was not availed the luxury of sports, but we were defeating schools that were noted for their football prowess and some of us felt we could indeed do well in the round leather game. However, we had restrictions because it was a special school and we could not therefore fulfil our football ambition,â€? Chukwujekwu said. After his school certificate in 1980, he had the

opportunity of staying back at the seminary to teach for one year. The opportunity to fulfil his ambition of becoming a referee however presented itself when somebody came to his school on a fateful day and asked if some of them that were into football could be interested in going into refereeing, and that was how Chukwujekwu and some of his colleagues started refereeing in Onitsha. The following year he went to the major seminary in Ikot Ekpene and continued refereeing because he had got the foundation and practical. After one year at the senior seminary, he was free to do some extracurricular activities and it was then that he wrote his RI2 Grade Three examination, and then later graduated to Grade 2. It was during his service year in Ondo State that he wrote his Grade 1 exam. 1990 was significant in his career because that was when Nigeria's football made a significant shift. â€œMany of us were looking forward to being part of the professionalism. Onitsha was particularly good in shaping my refereeing career between 1986 and 1989 because so many matches were played there and I officiated many,

which really helped my practice. â€œOne of the things that helped me as a referee was realising as young man in Onitsha that spectators like good football and good officiating. I would join the crowd during football matches and listen to comments. They would comment about my person without them knowing I was in their midst and the kind of comments passed about me really encouraged me and to a large extent it, carried me throughout my life as a referee,â€? he recalled. As a young referee, Chukwujekwu was always looking up to the likes of Bolaji Okubule. "Anytime I heard that Okubule was coming to Enugu then, I will leave my base in Onitsha to go to Enugu, not to watch the game, but to see how he goes about his officiating. The same thing I do each time the late Benjamin Ladipo comes to Enugu and so also when Dr. Esan visits Enugu. These were the notable referees as at that time and I learnt a lot from them. Donald Nbezue also had a lot of influence in my refereeing career. Anytime they are officiating, I will take my notes and jot and if there is an opportunity to ask questions I'll do,â€? he noted.

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Continuing, he said, “During my days at Ikot Ekpene, I will leave my base for Calabar to watch games because Calabar Rovers were in the top division then and all the big clubs in Nigeria were always visiting and I will go there to see the mode of officiating. “As I grew up, my interest in refereeing grew. Also in those days Pierluigi Collina of Italy was the reigning referee and was about the best in the world. So, anytime I saw him refereeing, I concentrate a lot. By 1995, I had grown to become an international referee. I started interacting with some international referees like Ly kin Shawn, Egyptian El gandor. After some of my games, they would come up to me and say 'I think you have a bright future’. Being appointed as one of the referees to the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Trinidad and Tobago in 2001 and the U-20 World Cup the same year were moments Chukwujekwu will not forget in a hurry. “The 2001 U-17 Championship was a special for me because I officiated till the moment Nigeria qualified for

the quarter final after which I was asked to leave the tournament, because the standing order is that all the referees whose countries are in the quarter final must leave the competition. It was a special moment because I had to go through a lot of experience to get my papers sorted out before the competition because some of my colleagues who did not like the fact that I was going for the competition did not release information in time for me and as a result I had to go through a whole lot. But to God be the glory, I got to Trinidad and Tobago and the off shoot of that championship took me to Mali 2002,” Chukwujekwu recalled with nostalgia. By virtue of his performance in Trinidad and Tobago, he was selected by CAF for Mali 2002 Africa Cup of Nation. But, since he last officiated as a centre referee at the 2001 U-17 World Championship, no other Nigerian referee has been to any FIFA tournament, which to him is unfortunate. The closest opportunity any Nigerian referee has had was being an assistant referee. For Chukwujekwu, his most difficult match as a referee was in the local scene at the Liberty Stadium in a game involving IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan and Stationery Stores of Lagos. “Some 12 lorries carrying Stores supporters were turned back at the toll gate in Ibadan on the allegation that they were armed with different weapons. It was a very big game as far as Nigerian football was concerned and I had the privilege be the centre referee. It was a turning point in my career because by 1994 when I was recommended for listing, the match was referred to by Okubule, who was a member of the committee for the listing,” he stated. At the international level, Raja Casablanca of Morocco against Al Ally would readily come to the mind of Chukwujekwu. “Former Super Eagles Coach, Johannes Bonfere, was the head coach of the Egyptian side, so there was the fear in Morocco that I would have my bias, because of Bonfere had once worked in Nigeria. At the end of the game, the whole of CAF was pleased with me. At a point in that game, all the balls were seized by Raja's supporters because after a 2-0 lead, Al-Ally scored a goal and kept on the pressure and Raja fans seized all the balls and by the time I noticed it, I stopped the game and asked for the whole balls and added 15 minutes for lost time. But at the end of the game, the supporters of the two teams did not really know what to make out of me. From then on, I was selected for any big match involving North African teams.” After climbing the rope in refereeing, Chukwujekwu would not discourage any of his children to go into refereeing. "I know the terrain and I know that the only thing that keeps you going is honesty. Refer the game as it should and there should not be any closed door premeditating. Anyone of my two kids that says he wants to go into refereeing I would encourage them, but I would rather not push them into doing anything because nobody pushed me," he said. Asked if he is financially okay after his retirement from the game, "refereeing did not provide me financial gratification, the highest that you got was the money from FIFA tournaments. In FIFA tournaments you are paid good money but I did not have the opportunity of going to many of them because I had my issues with my country, which were not very palatable. While people from outside the country saw me as a good material my own people were busy running me down. “Refereeing is art that is based on skills and performance. You don't just wish that I want to be there and you get there. You have to work very hard to get to the top.”

The Arsenal Story and Why the EPL Should be a Worry (2)

Arsenal celebrating their victory over Chelsea

n the first part of this write-up last week I talked about the rather shocking report on CNN that, after London, Lagos was the city with the highest sale of Arsenal jerseys in the world. I had a huge problem with how people in a poor sub-Saharan African country hit by recession could still be draining billions from their economy, and pumping this money into the British economy, in the name of entertainment. In my calculations, after taking into consideration the TV rights for the English Premier League, for which we pay over N20b annually to DSTV, and adding the money spent on sponsorship, football tourism and the acquisition of merchandising items, we pay close to N50b annually for this toxic entertainment. Experienced sports journalist Lolade Adewuyi, writing in the Guardian on August 04, referenced research conclusions that claimed that Nigeria’s top 15 brands would spend $343m (N124b) on European football sponsorship and activations between 2016 and 2019. This figure makes mine look very conservative as it does not include what fans pay in TV subscriptions, sport tourism and the acquisition of merchandising items. It is simply suicidal for any people to reason like this. My argument was that the money fans spent on sports entertainment comes from what the economist or marketing man would call disposable income: that sum available to the individual to invest, save or spend after paying their taxes. It is the money we spend on our rents, phone credit, food, school fees, cable television and data subscriptions etc. The more of your disposable income you spend in Nigeria and local businesses, the wealthier society is. The more of it you spend overseas, the poorer our local businesses – many of whom entrench the EPL in our popular culture, and society, are. With our major source of income in Nigeria still being oil, and the global oil industry in a bind, it follows that life has become tough for us. WE ARE IN A RECESSION and to get out of it, it is important that we as Nigerians drastically cut down what proportion of our disposable income we ship overseas so we can create wealth within. Suppose our big advertisers instead focus on sponsoring the Nigerian Professional Football League and other sports, and by so doing boost the quality of local sports, won’t society become richer and their businesses stronger? Look people, it is no secret that the quality levels in our local sports desperately need lifting, but the panacea can never be to shun them and spend on foreign sports. In fact shouldn’t the business brains managing our biggest brands be at the forefront of any movement to clean up local sports? Shouldn’t they be the ones who best understand the consequences of our disposable income disappearing into economies overseas? Are their businesses not suffering today, are some not retrenching staff,

halving salaries or not paying at all, are some not shutting down? If we won’t raise ourselves who would? It has been a South African company Supersport spending billions on Nigerian sports while our own businesses have been too sexy for their shoes. What is it that global business leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Bill Gates, GE’s Jeff Immelt are seeing in us that makes them want a piece of what we have, that our business leaders are blind to. We are the most populous nation in Africa, we are rich in mineral resources, we have great topography, we have talents, we are fine sports people; we have everything but the mindset to see how our individual actions mess up the whole. Given our many strengths, if we get our sports right, rather than money leaving our shores, foreign investments would come in. Global sports giants like Adidas, Nike, Puma would sponsor our teams and sports directly rather than pay millions of pounds to the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea to cover the Nigerian audience. Also, one of the biggest strengths of sports is that it spikes commerce within a country. If we get sports right, people will travel in different directions across the country weekly to compete, boosting business for airlines, hotels, local transportation, eateries, SMEs etc. A sane man, for instance, cannot dress up in Kano, tell his wife he is flying to Lagos on Medview Airlines to lodge at Eko Hotel because he wants to watch Real Madrid take on Barcelona on TV, but he would do this if he were a die-hard supporter of Kano Pillars and they had a massive game against MFM FC in the NPFL. Imagine 50,000 people descending on the National Stadium to watch a big local game: the food and drinks they would consume, the merchandising items sold, the boost to transportation, the business for banks, etc. That is what business the failure in our sports industry costs us today and that is what they gain from us in Europe. Oil will soon be yesterday’s news and we need to grow new industries at home. This is not the time to continue pouring money overseas, this is the time for thinking business people to stand up and create value within or go the way of oil.

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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Chelsea Begin Title Defence against Burnley ÏÐÏØÎÓØÑ ÜÏ×ÓÏÜ ÏËÑßÏ ÍÒË×ÚÓÙØ˜ ÒÏÖÝÏË˪Ý ÎÜÏË× ÙÐ ÝÞËÜÞÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÝÏËÝÙØ ÙØ Ë áÓØØÓØÑ ØÙÞÏ ÎÓÎ ØÙÞ ÍÙ×Ï ÞÙ ÚËÝÝ ËʰÏÜ ÖÙÝÓØÑ ÞÙ ÙØÎÙØ ÜÓàËÖÝ˜ ÜÝÏØËÖ ÓØ ÞÒÏ Ù××ßØÓÞã ÒÓÏÖÎ ÙØ ßØÎËã˛ ÒÏ ØÞÙØÓÙ ÙØÞÏ ÖÏÎ ÝÓÎÏ áÙßÖÎ ÒÙáÏàÏÜ ÌÏ ÒÙÚÓØÑ ÞÙ ÕÓÍÕ̋ÝÞËÜÞ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÎÏÐÏØÍÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÞÓÞÖÏ ËÑËÓØÝÞ ßÜØÖÏã ÞÙÎËã áÓÞÒ Ë áÓØ˛

helsea begin the defence of their Premier League title with a meeting against Burnley at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, aiming to build on their impressive opening-day record of previous years. The Blues have claimed more points on matchday one than any other side in the competition's history, while the visitors are at the opposite end of the spectrum after losing all three of their past openers. There is a sense around Stamford Bridge heading into the new campaign that all is not quite right. Conte, very much the hero in his maiden campaign outside of Italian football, has made clear that he is not entirely happy with his side's transfer dealings to date. As witnessed over many years during Sir Alex Ferguson's time at Manchester United, there is no harm in ripping up a squad and bringing in a new spine to keep things fresh after a title success, but Conte is worried by the lack of incoming players with three weeks of the window to run. With Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alvaro Morata so far added, taking over from John Terry, Nemanja Matic and the soon-to-depart Diego Costa, it is hard to conclude whether the Blues have strengthened or weakened at this stage. The pressure will be on Morata from the off, certainly, as he is expected to take over from prolific goalscorer Costa up top, but even he arrives with questions over his ability after being used largely as a bit-part player at Real Madrid and Juventus. Worryingly for Conte, each of the past two title-winning managers have failed to last the duration of the next campaign - Claudio Ranieri joining Jose Mourinho in being sacked last time out, while prior to that Roberto Mancini just about lasted one full season after lifting the trophy in 2011-12. The lack of serious squad depth is something that was picked up by newly-named skipper Gary Cahill after last week's Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, admitting that any sort of injury crisis over the next nine months could seriously cost his side. A lack of European football is often seen as a blessing in disguise these days, with the past two winners both having a clean run at the title, though there is no denying that a return to the Champions League after a short absence is a major boost for the Blues. If anything Conte now has a chance to prove that last season's hugely impressive title success, achieved with a record number of wins, was not simply down to his side being fitter than the rest, but rather a case of the smartest tactician coming out on top. The Italian did outsmart pretty much all of his counterparts, after all, with his switch to a three-at-the-back formation a quarter of the way through the season, something which 17 other sides would go on to replicate at some point. There was a sense late in the season that managers had sussed out how to deal with the system, though, perhaps explaining why Conte experimented a little during games, and it would come as no surprise to see him tinker with things further for this opening fixture of a gruelling campaign. Never has the home/away divide been so telling in a Premier League campaign as it was last time out, as Burnley

Chelsea players celebrating their 2016/2017 Premier League victory

survived on results at Turf Moor alone over the duration of the 38-game season. Sean Dyche was right to constantly point out that, ultimately, it matters little where the points are generated - all that counts is that his side get themselves above the dotted line by any means necessary, which they did with a fair bit of ease. Burnley won 10 of their home games in all, two more than top-four challengers Manchester United, while accruing 33 of their 40 points on Lancashire soil. That it took until a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on April 29 to pick up their first away victory says an awful lot. Unlike their previous taste of football at this level, the Clarets worked out how to grind out results against the sides around them, winning nine of their 13 home matches against teams from outside the division's top six. If Burnley fail to replicate this impressive Turf Moor form in 2017-18 then they could be in trouble, though, as goals also proved a real problem - none of the surviving sides scored fewer than their 39 - while the departure of some experienced heads has also left them a little light. While Michael Kightly, George Boyd, Joey Barton and Paul Robinson can all be replaced, the loss of Michael Keane will surely be felt, not to mention losing nine-goal scorer Andre Gray with the new campaign just a few days away. Leading marksman Sam Vokes will now have an even bigger role to play up top. Dyche is frantically trying to bring in some defensive cover in the remaining weeks of the window, so far being restricted to just young full-back Charlie Daniels from Leeds United and the far more experienced Phil Bardsley from Stoke City. Many bookmakers have Burnley among those to face to drop this campaign, which is not all that surprising when taking into account their transfer business, though Dyche is the type of manager who has proved in the past that he can thrive off the underdog nature.

Only time will tell on that front, but with a fairly tough start to kick things off - Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Everton in succession on their travels up to October 1 - it may be a long year ahead for Dyche and comany. Victor Moses will sit this one out after picking up a red card in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal last May, yet Pedro is free to play due to the Community Shield officially being classed as a friendly. Bakayoko is still a few weeks away from full fitness following his move from AS Monaco, meanwhile, and Eden Hazard will be nursing a damaged ankle for the foreseeable future. A lot of weight will be on the shoulders of Morata, who scored more goals per game than any player in La Liga last season other than Lionel Messi, and he could lead the way if Conte opts to stick with his 3-4-3 hybrid of last season. These two sides have met on six previous occasions in the Premier League, with Burnley yet to pick up all three points. The Clarets have held Chelsea twice before, though, earning a 1-1 draw in their most recent encounter in February and playing out a draw by the same scoreline at Stamford Bridge in February 2015. In fact, the defending champions have won only once in the past three league meetings- a comfortable 3-0 triumph early last season before they truly clicked into gear. Meanwhile, Liverpool will start their Premier League campaign on the road, as the Reds take on Watford today. Manager Jurgen Klopp and his troops will have to keep their focus in order to make a successful start, with the UEFA Champions League qualifier against TSG Hoffenheim looming. That match will take place on Tuesday, but the Reds can't afford to look past the Hornets starting the season on the right foot is pivotal.

Watford barely survived last year's Premier League season and ended the campaign on a dreadful losing run, prompting plenty of transfer activity during the summer. The hosts have the talent to avoid the drop again and will stand out for their attacking intentions, but Liverpool should grab the win today. The loss of Lallana hurts, but it came with enough time left in the summer for the Reds to find an alternative. Klopp clearly feels comfortable with his options, as the team hasn't signed a replacement, and today's outing will give the German the chance to experiment ahead of the Hoffenheim clash. A midfield trio of Emre Can, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson could be an option, while Marko Grujic could get the nod if Klopp wants to add a dose of creativity. Up front, no one impressed more in preseason than Dominic Solanke and Klopp didn't hide the fact he impressed him.

Premiership TODAY Watford

Liverpool

12:30

Chelsea

Burnley

15:00

Crystal Palace v

Huddersﬁeld

15:00

Everton

Stoke City

15:00 15:00

Southampton

Swansea

West Brom

Bournemouth 15:00

Brighton

Man City

17:30

Newcastle

Tottenham

13:30

Man Utd

West Ham

16:00

Hull City

Tottenham

15:00

SUNDAY

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

˺˺

Action in the Nigeria Premier League

Justin Gatlin beats Usain Bolt to the third place at the 16TH IAAF World Championship in London

Tinubu: Why Ambode Supports Hosting of ITTF Nigeria Open The Lagos State Government has described its support for the hosting of Seamaster ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open tagged Lagos 2017 as one of the several ways of making the state a sports destination in Africa. The fourth edition of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) sanctioned championship gets underway inside the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. The Special Adviser on Sports to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Deji Tinubu said that the policy thrust of the

government of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is to drive the tourism potential of the state with sports, while also make Lagos the sports hub of Africa. Tinubu, who is also noted that by playing host to international competition such as the ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open, it would drive foreigners to the city while it will also open the state to the world. To Tinubu, the city of Lagos will play a good host to all the players at this year's tournament, which had seen the venue becoming a beehive of activities in the last few days, adding that the players,

especially the foreigners, would savour the hospitality of the government and the good people of Lagos for a very long time after the competition. Meanwhile, the organisers of the event said all logistics to ensure a hitch free competition have been put in place. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr. Enitan Oshodi, disclosed that with people of proven integrity and experience in the organisation of tournament of this magnitude in the LOC, the world should expect an excellent tournament this year.

Building Football Clubs through Corporate Sponsorship Sponsorship deals reflect an interdependent relationship between external companies and football clubs. Companies need football clubs to promote their brand, using football shirts as advertising boards amongst others, while football clubs need companies to generate sufficient income to boost their finances and potential growth. By sponsoring Rivers United, Eunisell, a leading global chemical and specialty fluid management company, has displayed its unwavering commitment to the development of domestic football in the country. No doubt, it is a pioneering feat for Eunisell as it continues to play a significant

role in creating a brand profile for Nigeria Professional Football League side, Rivers United, formed following the merger of two clubs: Sharks and Dolphins, in 2016. There is a limit to government funding of the club and that explains the presence of a corporate sponsor, who in turn boosts the clubs revenue base. In only one year into its existence and sponsorship from Eunisell, Rivers United made an audacious bid for the Nigerian title, but narrowly lost to rivals, Rangers. Rivers finished behind Rangers to earn a place in Africa. As a strategic player supplying key products and solutions to a wide base of customers operating in Africa, Eunisell

backed Rivers United financially in its bid to make an impact in the continent, this year. Rivers United emerged the only Nigerian team to reach the group stage of continental football this year. Interestingly, there is also the brand connection as both share blue as colours. Social Media With #EunisellFootball, Eunisell continues to evolve a brand profile for the Rivers United via Social Media. Fans The Rivers United brand continues to evolve as it now appeals to an increasing number of fans in its area of influence and beyond, thanks to the energy of Eunisell.

ACF Thrills Students with Cycling Challenge It was really keen competition at the maiden edition of the cycling athletes event for private secondary schools organised by the African Cycling Foundation (ACF) tagged: “Schools Cycling Challenge” which held in Ota recently. The three-main events, time trials, point race and obstacle course, saw Bells Secondary School, Ota, the host school, coming tops with five gold, three silver and two silver medals. The Good Shepherd School was first runner-up with three gold, three silver and two bronze medals while second runner-up was Acada Secondary School with two gold and two bronze medals.

Temitayo Bankole from Good Shepherd School got the highest number of medals with three gold medals. The very-excited participants who exhibited their cycling skills were cheered by their mates from the different schools which also included Prestige Secondary School. The ACF President, Mr. Yemi Osilaja said the one-day event will be held annually to focus on cycling as a universal sport and create public awareness about its health and wellness benefits. Leading bottling company, Coca-Cola; top cycling club, Cycology Riding Club, X-Bikes, Bicycle Store, Cycle Hub Plus

and Light Level Limited partnered the ACF to make the event a success. Other partners were Farmex Meyer, a top pharmaceutical company; Roses and Pearls Events, Veggie Victory and Specialised Bicycles. The ACF Programme Manager, Mr. Bajo Adebule, said the foundation hopes to provide Nigeria with a pool of cycling athlete which the country can draw from to represent her in international tournaments in future. The Lagos edition of the SCC will hold on September 23, 2017 in collaboration with The Association of Private Educators of Nigeria (APEN).

Nigerian Sports Gets NSSM Boost National Society for Sports Management (NSSM) is set to host its 2017 National Conference which aims to address issues relating to effective implementation of sports policy in Nigeria. The conference, scheduled to hold at the Permanent Campus of the Bayero University, Kano from August 15 and 16 with the theme “Challenges in the implementation of sports policy to power sports development”, also has 22 sub-themes which cover health, economic, ICT, ethics and legal aspects of sports development, among others.

Highlights of the two-day conference would have Professor Florence Adeyanju of the Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria present the keynote address while Lead Papers 1 and 2 would be presented by Professor Nabath Tanglang of the National Open University, Abuja and Professor Babatunde Asagba of the University of Ibadan respectively. Among participants at the conference would include professionals in physical education, health education, recreation, sports and dance in primary, secondary and

tertiary institutions, as well as states’ sports directors, secretaries of sports associations and federations and the organised private sector. According to the NSSM President, Professor Muhammed Baba Gambari, the conference will be hosted by Vice Chancellor of the Bayero University, Professor Muhammed Yahuza Bello, while Dean, Faculty of Education, Professor Ali Tijani Abdullahi and Head of the Physical and Health Department, Dr. Musa Njida, of the same institution will be co-hosts.

16TH IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Bolt: Sun Sets on Glittering Career In 9.95 seconds, it was all over. Usain Bolt had run the final individual race of his unprecedentedly, distinguished career. The fastest man in history had not, however, run fast enough to finish with another gold. In a men’s 100m final that failed to go to script at the end of day two of the IAAF World Championships, the Jamaican with the Midas touch had to settle for bronze as the fast-finishing Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman completed a one-two for the United States. At the end of a short farewell season in which he has been hampered by injury and rocked by the death of his great friend Germaine Mason, Bolt did not have quite enough in the tank to take his record haul of gold medals at the IAAF World Championships to 12 – although, of course, he will have the chance to do that in the 4 x 100m relay. Having stumbled out of his starting blocks in his heat last Friday and finished behind Coleman in his semi-final (9.97 to 9.98), the 30-year-old Jamaican got off to another shocker in the final. His reaction time of 0.183 put him significantly down on Coleman (0.123) and Gatlin (0.138) before he could even get into his running. Running in lane five, Coleman recaptured a significant measure of the early-season form that took him to a 9.82 world lead at the NCAA Championships in June, leading until the final 20m. At that stage, the charging Gatlin, running out in lane eight, drew level. And in the last 10m the former world record holder edged in front. Runner up to Bolt in the last three global championship 100m finals, Gatlin took his first global title since the 60m at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships in 9.92 (-0.8), not just a season’s best but also a world masters record. At 35, Gatlin became the oldest winner of the men’s 100m title – 12 years after he won it in Helsinki. Coleman, 21, claimed silver in 9.94 and Bolt bronze in 9.95, equalling the season’s best he set at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Monaco last month. It was the first time that Bolt had failed to break 9.80 in a World Championships final, apart from in Daegu in 2011, when he was disqualified for a false start. It was, however, enough to take the 100m and 200m world record holder level with the Jamaican-Slovenian sprinter Merlene Ottey with a World Championships medal tally of 14. Until tonight, Gatlin had been the last man to beat Bolt in a 100m race – in the IAAF Diamond League Golden Gala meeting in Rome on 6 June 2013. Coleman ended that streak at 28 races in the semi-final and, having proceeded to make it a second loss in less than two hours for the Jamaican national treasure, Gatlin found himself as the first world 100m champion from the USA since Tyson Gay in Osaka 10years ago. “It’s just so surreal right now,” Gatlin reflected. “I jumped in the crowd and went wild. “Usain has accomplished so much in our sport and inspired others like Coleman to come out and compete in the championships. “Usain said to me, ‘Congratulations. You deserve it.” And that’s from the man himself. “He knows how hard I work. Tonight was all about the ‘W’ [win] and I managed to sneak it.” For Bolt, it was not quite the same as London 2012, when he blitzed to three Olympic gold medals on the same track, although he did receive huge support from the sell-out crowd. "My start is killing me,” Bolt lamented. “Normally, it gets better during the rounds but it didn't come together. And that is what killed me. I felt it was there. "It was rough. A little bit stressed. But I came out like at any other championships and I did my best. “It’s just one of those things. This place is wonderful. I appreciate this crowd so much. “Thank you to London for all of your love and appreciation. It’s a wonderful experience. I’m just sorry I couldn’t end it on a winning note.” After helping the USA to their first one-two in a World Championships men’s 100m final since Maurice Greene was followed home by Bernard Williams in Edmonton in 2001, silver medallist Coleman reflected: “Both of us have done well to come out here and get the win. I'm really happy for Justin to get the gold and I'm delighted with silver. “It's an historic moment. Usain’s a man who has taken the sport to a whole new level. He's been an icon of mine as I've grown up. It's an honour to toe the line with him.” Behind Bolt, his Jamaican team-mate Yohan Blake finished fourth in 9.99, with South Africa’s Akini Simbine fifth in 10.01, Jimmy Vicaut of France sixth in 10.08, Britain’s Reece Prescod seventh in 10.17 and Bingtian Su of China eight in 10.27. -Culled from IAAF.com

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PERSPECTIVE

Public-Private Partnership: The National Assembly Perspective Iyiola Omisore

he inclusive national budgeting strategy adopted by the National Assembly is a significant step towards optimisation of the benefits of the countryâ€™s annual budget. Budgeting is the most important fiscal policy tool that determines the quality of management of national resources. This in turn determines the nature of the economy, and overall welfare of the citizenry. Literature has also shown that the quantum and quality of resource endowment determines the pace and rate of economic growth and development. Similarly, we know that Nigeria is richly endowed in terms of human and material resources, and should, therefore, be one of the countries registering spectacular growth and development on a sustainable basis. Unfortunately, experience suggests that the manner in which we manage the enormous resources so far does not augur well for maximum realisation of our development potential. For example, Nigeria is currently witnessing a co-movement between huge annual public expenditure and deterioration in the welfare of the citizenry. In fact, Nigeria is being stigmatised as a paradox of a rich nation and poor people. This scenario is neither desirable nor sustainable, if we are really desirous of becoming one of the largest 20 economies in the world by year 2020. The ability to meaningfully turn things around on a sustainable basis requires proper understanding of the fundamental causes of our problems. I believe it is this knowledge gap that has accounted for the concentration of our collective effort on addressing the effects, rather than the real causes, of the problems. Emerging findings of the various probes instituted by the National Assembly may provide useful insights to the nature and extent of these fundamental causes of the paradox. In my view, these could be summarised as follows. Firstly, there appears to be persistent lack of coordination of policies, programmes and activities, both within each and among the various agencies of government. This continues to affect adversely their internal consistency and synergy. Secondly, there seems to be an onslaught on the timehonoured institutions and processes for safeguarding and managing public fund and resources. Thirdly, the level of effectiveness

Omisore and efficiency of legislative oversight of fiscal operations of government, since the re-emergence of representative political system of government in Nigeria in May 1999, leaves room for significant improvement. In my view, these are some of the major components of the systemic deficiencies that constitute the fundamental causes of our problem as a nation. I believe the National Assembly has a fiduciary responsibility towards addressing these and other fundamental causes. Under a representative political system, the legislative arm has an important role to play in ensuring an effective, efficient, and purposeful management of national resources, to enable the people enjoy the so-called dividends of democracy. The Nigerian context still faces the challenge of adding value towards assuring the envisaged dividend. This realisation has informed the initiative by the National Assembly, aimed at enhancing understanding of the causes of our economic problems, and proffering informed solutions to them. One of these is the series of probes being initiated by the National Assembly, the findings of which have been very revealing.

The National Assembly is aware of the interest of the people in these probes and the apprehension that the findings may not be pursued to logical conclusion. There is no doubt that the National Assembly is determined to widen the scope and pace of such probes to logical conclusion. In addition, it will utilise the findings to address some of the systemic deficiencies that have plagued the nation over the years. The National Assembly has put in place a framework under the auspices of the UNDP Support Programme to, among others, enhance the capacity of legislators in the budget process. The implementation committee was inaugurated for the purpose of realising the set objectives. Membership of the committee was made up of the leadership of the appropriation committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, management, standing committees, and legislative staff. A team of experienced consultants were also engaged to serve on the committee. It is a fact that there has not been dearth of good ideas, intentions and plans over the years. Rather, poverty of purposeful implementation remains the major problem. In view of this, the National Assembly considered inclusive monitoring and evaluation of the various aspects of the national budgeting. I am of the view that the absence of such structured monitoring and evaluation mechanisms remains the weakest link in the fiscal policy chain. The legislators realised that this was a multi-dimensional multi-party task. Hence, the National Assembly decided to partner with stakeholder groups as the major strategy for achieving this goal. The legislators also recognised that the people constitute the beginning and the end of any credible and legitimate policy. Therefore, they need to be involved in the processes and decisions that affect their future. This calls for their effective participation in such processes. This principle will be brought to bear in implementing the inclusive monitoring and evaluation initiative. By definition, a credible inclusive initiative must provide a level playing field for willing stakeholders to engage in the process. The new initiative will respect this attribute. Specifically, the inclusive process will be guided by the principle of purposeful partnership within the National Assembly, the three tiers of government, public sector agencies, and the private sector.

The tentative scope of the inclusive monitoring and evaluation framework included, but not limited to, the following: r1SPWJEJOH JOGPSNBUJPO PO UIF MPDBUJPO PG the on-going projects. r'JFME USJQT UP TFMFDUFE QSPKFDUT CZ MFHJTMBtors, legislative staff and technical resource persons of the implementation committee. r/PO TUBUF BDUPS HSPVQT UP JEFOUJGZ MPDBtions and status of various on-going projects. r7FSJĂ DBUJPO PG DMBJN BT UP UIF UJFS PG government implementing a particular project. r"QQSBJTBM PG JNQMJDBUJPOT PG FDPOPNJD policy proposals on the developmental aspirations of the nation and distributive effects on the citizenry. r&WBMVBUJPO PG RVBSUFSMZ SFUVSOT PO revenue and expenditure performance, and other information items as may be demanded from the various ministries, departments and agencies of government, and r *OWFTUJHBUJPO PG BOZ BMMFHBUJPOT CPUIFSJOH on the implementation of the Appropriation Act. There is the need for proper delineation of roles here. For example, the various civil society and non-governmental organisations as well as local units of professional and interest groups should be able to identify and voluntarily provide information about the status of any federal project in their locality. The media, also, should strive to bail out the citizenry from the current poverty of reliable information about the fiscal operations of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Other groups have similar roles to play in the initiative. Similarly, it is important to note that a necessary condition for an effective participation is timely access to adequate and accurate information. Herein lies the rationale for this article, which seeks to sensitise the general public about the new initiative and solicit support for its overall success. Towards deepening the culture of openness, the implementation committee organised series of sensitisation and consultative meetings across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. We appeal to all our traditional rulers to actively complement the effort towards ensuring the overall success of the people-oriented budget initiative. t0NJTPSF XBT TFOBUPS GPS 0TVO &BTU 4FOBUPSJBM %JTUSJDU UP

Why Nigeria Must Join in Global Application of Biotechnology Bennett Oghifo

igeria needs to take proactive steps to ensure it is able to feed its population that is growing astronomically and for other crops needed for manufacturing like cotton and cassava, among others. Thus, it is imperative for Nigeria to embrace the application of Biotechnology, which is â€œthe use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products, or â€œany technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific useâ€?, according to UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Art. 2. Nigeria and other developing countries have problems of food shortage, global warming, erosion, desertification, health and poverty. These problems require immediate solutions that can be provided by Biotechnology. India, with its huge population, relies on biotechnology for its agricultural needs and, particularly in its cotton industry. Nigeria can use the same technology to revive its cotton plantation that was corrupted by pests. This technology can be applied to produce highly efficient agricultural, pharmaceutical and forestry crops to counter problems associated with unemployment and population growth. Seeds production is the primary event in the value chain of agrarian production. Quality seeds production has been achieved employing biotechnologies, said Dr. Joseph Olugbenga Tola Odusanya, Chief Executive Officer of Biocrops Biotechnology Company Limited, a leading research and

development company in Nigeria, specialising in plant biotechnology, peri-urban agriculture and novel products development through bioreactors. Odusanya advised the federal government to embrace biotechnology because of its benefits, which, he said, India and developed countries use to ensure sustainable food production, among others. He explained that â€œBiotechnology is the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of human life. â€œThe science of biotechnology can be broken down into subdisciplines called red, white, green, and blue. Red biotechnology involves medical processes such as getting organisms to produce new drugs, or using stem cells to regenerate damaged human tissues and perhaps re-grow entire organs. White (also called gray) biotechnology involves industrial processes such as the production of new chemicals or the development of new fuels for vehicles. Green biotechnology applies to agriculture and involves such processes as the development of pestresistant grains or the accelerated evolution of disease-resistant animals. Blue biotechnology, rarely mentioned, encompasses processes in marine and aquatic environments, such as controlling the proliferation of noxious water-borne organisms.â€? Regardless, he said Biotechnology, like other advanced technologies, had potential for misuse. â€œConcern about this has led to efforts by some groups to enact legislation restricting or banning certain processes or programmes, such as human cloning and embryonic stem-cell research. There is also

concern that if biotechnological processes are used by groups with nefarious intent, the end result could be biological warfare.â€? According to Odusanya, â€œWith the appropriately trained technical and vocational FEVDBUJPO USBJOJOH 57&5 TQFDJBMJTUT NBOning our most critical sectors of agriculture, Nigeria can use biotechnology to the best advantage, providing the world with better quality food and produce, ramping-up its industrial production of agro-allied products, managing its waste by converting them into useful items and finally becoming a credit worthy nation. â€œThe low-hanging fruit technologies associated with Biotechnology are sufficient and necessary for the nation to be self-sufficient and finally to generate income from its investments. Biotechnology is one of the tools needed to diversify the Nigerian economy. True Biotechnology is what Biocrops is promoting.â€? Biotechnology has provided the tools for job creation and at the same time, improve our productivity and income, he said. â€œEvery university of Agriculture, every department of agriculture, every institution of higher learning, should have a minimum of the facilities that we have at Biocrops for seedlings production as part of its training tools. The students must be prepared for the next vista of agriculture â€“ commercial scale, industry-ready agriculture. This is only applicable by using non-offensive biotechnologies, such as Biocrops have domesticated. The real job numbers come from technical and WPDBUJPOBM FEVDBUJPO USBJOJOH 57&5 â€œUp to 70 per cent of the skill needs of agriculture could be met by focusing on pro-

ducing the right caliber of workers. The cost of providing these skills are much lower than the higher education needs of agriculture. Biocrops continuously opens up its facilities for training and research in Agriculture.â€? Biocrops Biotechnology Company Limited, he said currently has capacity to produce four million plantlets per annum at its Utako, Abuja facility. He said, â€œIt is a customer focused company that does not engage in multiplication of Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs). Biocrops is seriously engaged in training the next generation of modern farmers and agriculturists, assuring that its technologies could make significant impact in employment generation and food productivity within the Nigerian economy.â€? He advised the President Muhammdu Buhariâ€™s administration â€œto equip our teaming population of youths, giving them the necessary livelihood-giving skills that would link agriculture to industrial production. â€œFruit juice manufacturers would thus be able to use concentrates derived from farm-fresh produce which result from harvest time-enabled farming that biotechnology offers. â€œThe factories will be fed with produce which are timed for harvest in a manner that would ensure continuous operations in an industrial setting. The sugar industry, for example, which needs to grow at the rate of 25%/annum for the next 20 years to meet our sugar needs, would have seedlings supply capacity domesticated in Nigeria. We would eventually have indigenous sugarcane that is well adapted to our climate.â€?

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ, 2017

PERSPECTIVE

The Role of the NDPHC in the Nigerian Power Sector Bernard Ebelechukwu

here is a consensus among Nigerians on the inadequacy of power supply. With a population of over 180 million, Nigeria needs no less than 18,000 MW to electrify every home, and about 50,000 MW to achieve uninterrupted power supply. The Federal Government has, over the years, invested a huge chunk of money in the power sector, without a commensurate yield. In the early 2000s the Federal Government began a holistic power sector reform that saw the introduction of policies and initiatives to drive an accelerated sector reform. While some of them failed or fell short of expectation, some initiatives have proven successful. One of such successful initiatives is the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC). NDPHC is a company incorporated and co-owned by the Federal, State and Local Governments, with a mandate to oversee the National Independent Power Projects (NIPP). The NIPP is a project conceived by the Federal Government to address the issue of insufficient power, by building independent power stations across the country. NDPHC may not have the magic wand to immediately solve the electricity needs of consumers in its catchment areas, but it has recorded some milestone that have now put the nation on the clear path to uninterrupted power supply. Because of its relatively quiet operational methodology, some have asked the question: what exactly is the role of NDPHC in the country’s power equation? NDPHC has continued to fulfil its role as a catalyst in bridging the power infrastructure deficiency that has continued to hinder development in other productive sectors in the country. With more than 10 power plants with designed ISO capacity of 5,067MW, the NDPHC can boast of over 4015MW, representing about 80 per cent of its targeted capacity. At the pace the company is going, it is only a matter of time before it achieves of full capacity. NDPHC has built substations across various locations in the Niger Delta zone. These include the 55km long Alaoji Substation; Ikot Ekpene Substation 330kV; a Double Circuit line built to evacuate power from the NIPP Power Plant located at Alaoji. Also in the kitty is the 70.3km long Calabar Substation to Ikot Ekpene Substation with 330kv Double Circuit line built to evacuate power from the NIPP Calabar Power Plant. Starting with the commissioning of the 330kv Switching Station built under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP). The unique thing about NDPHC’s intervention in the power sector is its multi-lateral approach to tackling the seeming perennial problem of inadequate power in the country. This is manifest in the fact that NDPHC is working round the clock to complete the 162km long Ikot Ekpene to Ugwuaji 330kv Double Circuit Line 2, which is designed to evacuate all power arriving at Ikot Ekpene to the grid at Ugwuaji. It is important to note that the 12 circuit Ikot Ekpene 330kV Switching Station serves as the control and switching hub for receiving generated power from four generation locations at Calabar, Alaoji, Afam and Ikot Abasi and for flowing all such power to the grid via the 330kV Double Circuit lines to Ugwuaji and the rest of the grid connecting Makurdi in Benue State and Jos in Plateau State. But for an unexpected delay in funding, these projects would have taken off earlier. The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NDPHC, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo states that in spite of the fact that the projects started at the commencement of the NIPP programme in 2006 were disrupted by inadequate funding particularly in 2008, he is optimistic that realistic progress would be made going by the progress of works at the various sites. Ugbo noted that the resolution of clashes among members of the host communities which also contributed to the delay with protracted court cases rekindled hope and fired the NDPHC to speed up work on the projects. Months after the commissioning, the projects are energised and smoothly operating at full capacity without any significant interruption. For instance, the Ikot Ekpene substation was successfully energised from both Alaoji and Calabar power plants and has since been evacuating power to Ugwuaji, Makurdi and further up to Jos. Interestingly, Calabar Power Plant has been running two units simultaneously for two years, with 1200MW evacuation line in place through Ikot Ekpene. This feat is

Egbin Power Plant

the first power flow along the Eastern flank axis, marking the beginning of the end of stranded power constraints in the southern and eastern axis of the grid. It also marks the beginning of a more robust transmission grid that will no longer collapse in case the only export line pre-existent to this time – the Alaoji – Onitsha 330kv Single Circuit line trips. The implication is that better grid stability is now firmly in place and electricity consumers in these areas are better for it. It is also important to note that two more lines have since been joined to the station. The 65km 330kv Double Circuit line to Afam by Cartlark International and the second 162km 330kv Double Circuit line to Ugwuaji have been completed. With the Ikot Ekpene 330kV Switching Station joined to these lines, a combined 2,400MW evacuation facility has been added to the grid. The NIPP Generating stations in Calabar and Alaoji, with a combined installed capacity of over 1100MW, have since been connected through this corridor, to the grid. These stations have already commenced flowing power to the nation with available generation capacity since 2016. With these links in place therefore, a significant increase in generation levels has been attained through the expanded wheeling capacity, provided by the transmission corridor and grid backbone. From all indications, the NDPHC has come to stay as a veritable platform for enhanced power supply in the South-South and export to the North link through its interconnecting lines. Although not one to blow its trumpet, there is no doubt that the NDPHC has worked assiduously towards achieving the targets set for it by the Buhari administration. Through efficient management, the NDPHC has ensured increased reliability of the national grid, as heavily loaded lines have been relieved of excess burden even as more paths are being created to take care of contingencies that may arise within the catchment areas. The NDPHC is also expanding its portfolio, to provide power through solar to Nigerians, particularly in the rural areas. Ugbo observed that about 70 million Nigerians in rural communities are not connected to the grid and are therefore denied access to electricity. According to him, NDPHC will be actively involved in the process of bringing power to these rural communities, thereby stimulating social and economic activities in communities located off the grid. Ugbo said, “Under the first phase of the programme, NDPHC will deploy about 20,000 units of solar home systems to the underserved rural communities with no access to grid electricity supply. NDPHC has deployed 200 units of the SHS as pilot programme here in Wuna, in the Federal Capital Territory.” “The beneficiaries of the 20,000 units are among the already identified communities of the nineteen (19) Northern States of the

Federation. The units will be deployed within a period of twelve (12) months. In order to vigorously drive this initiative, NDPHC engaged Azuri Technologies Group/Azuri Solar Power Nigeria Limited in July 2016. They are to ensure that the first phase of the initiative is achieved within 12 months. “The NDPHC adopted a community-based approach that will allow the rural low-income dwellers an opportunity to participate in this project. This approach allows a monthly payment for energy and also acquisition of the SHS unit after a certain period of time”. To underscore the commitment of the NDPHC to the solar project, a new department has been set up to drive the initiative. The company’s solar project is also directed at auditing and re-activating 1,073 solar powered boreholes. Already, two of these boreholes, located in the Wuna community, were the first to be repaired. The boreholes have been providing access to clean water for the community. The community is now enjoying a more efficient system against the use of time consuming manual pumps. Furthermore, NDPHC installed a solar system at a community school in Wuna, with about 250 pupil population. The NDPHC is using this launch as an opportunity to demonstrate the uses of renewable energy by providing lighting and power to the pupils in the school. The facilities, Ugbo noted, are still operational as at today. In order to ensure that inadequate gas infrastructure does not affect fuel supply to the power plants, the NDPHC initiated and constructed 7 gas conditioning and metering facilities along several kilometers of pipelines to facilitate gas delivery to these plants. Out of these, only the Egbema gas metering station is yet to be delivered, with construction level above 85% and awaiting commissioning. Most of the completed facilities have been handed over to the Nigerian Gas Company, which is the statutory body to manage the gas facilities. For maximum effect, the management is focused on concluding the privatization process of the ten NIPP generating power plants. The three power stations of Calabar, Geregu and Omotosho are being concluded as a first phase. Specifically, this process will continue with the conclusion of the rest of the plants slated. Preferred bidders for these plants have already emerged for 80% share sales. All these strategies are designed to enable the management complete all the on-going projects under the current NIPP phase, thus delivering uninterrupted power to Nigerians. In a similar vein, the management is also planning the completion of Gbarain power station by firing the second unit to bring available capacity to 225MW as well as completion of Alaoji Combined Cycle Phase. This will bring additional capacity of 270MW with one block steam Cycle. Like any other organisation, the NDPHC

NDPHChasbuiltsubstations acrossvariouslocationsinthe NigerDeltazone.Theseinclude the55kmlongAlaojiSubstation; IkotEkpeneSubstation330kV; aDoubleCircuitlinebuiltto evacuatepowerfromtheNIPP PowerPlantlocatedatAlaoji. Alsointhekittyisthe70.3km longCalabarSubstationto IkotEkpeneSubstationwith 330kvDoubleCircuitlinebuiltto evacuatepowerfromtheNIPP CalabarPowerPlant.Starting withthecommissioningofthe 330kvSwitchingStationbuilt undertheNationalIntegrated PowerProject(NIPP) is also faced with daunting challenges that tend to slow down its schedule of operations. Liquidity limitation in the sector (market debt profile owed the company at over N105 billion as at last invoice); Slow pace of work by some contractors resulting in re-assignment of some projects; Vandalism of completed projects and transmission lines; Failure of DISCOs to provide Distribution Substation Operators (DSOs) to man completed substations as well as their failure to take over some completed injection substations; and Lackadaisical attitude of DISCOs to service customers from the Completely Self Protected (CSP) transformers, hence failure to utilise already handed-over High Voltage Distribution System, amongst others. Despite the challenges however, Ugbo said the company would not be deterred in its mandate to complete all the on-going projects started by NDPHC and to deliver power to Nigeria. “We will keep faith with this national assignment”, declared the man that oversees the silent revolution by a company that works round the clock to put a physical reality to a promise by an administration that cannot afford to fail the millions of voters that believe in its ability to deliver and expressed it with the power in their thumbs. –Ebelechukwu, a solar energy expert and public affairs analyst lives in Abuja

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

FAIRGROUND

Omotola Hosts Dangote, Otedola, Shell MD to AlterEgo Private Viewing

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

ne of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and Queen of Nollywood, according to the UK Telegraph, hosted leading African businessmen and leaders of industries such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Femi Otedola, ex-Governor Donald Duke, Managing Director, Shell Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor and ex-Governor Otunba Niyi Adebayo. The viewing was held at The Cube IMAX, Lekki and had in attendance, the Director of the great Flick, Moses Inwang and leading actor, Wale Ojo. Alter Ego is a movie on PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder) and Mental illness, as a result of child abuse. It is produced by Sidomex productions and stars Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Wale Ojo, Kunle Remi, Jide Kosoko, Madam Kofo, Elvina Ibru and many others. The movie has been doing well and is still showing in all cinemas. Omotola wore a sequin blue gown by @mazelle. studio, styled by @flostyling, makeup by @bare2beauty. Art direction by @iguredominic, Photographed by @kolaoshalusi.

Omotola and Moses Inwang

Wole Ojo, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde anf Femi Otedola

Osagie Okunbor, Moses Inwang and Wole Ojo Donald Duke and Osagie Okunbor

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

L-R: Aliko Dangote, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Femi Otedola

R-L: Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Aliko Dangote and other guests at the event

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

FAIRGROUND

Denrele , Humblesmith, Others at Wanneka’s Lounge Grand Opening

ekki was all funfair on July 23, as the latest luxury Lounge and food court, Wanneka’s Lounge was opened to the public in grand style. The event, which was hosted by Denrele Edun, was attended by celebrities like Humblesmith, BBNaija Eriata Ese, Yvonne Jegede, Belinda Effah, BBNaija Jon Ogah, Fredrick Leonard, Mary Lazarus, Azuka Ogujuiba, Latasha Nwugbe, Peggy Ovire, Mimi Orijekwe and many others. Also in attendance were top executives businesses. The event was filed with class; from the red carpet, to the colourful balloons, the beautifully adorned ushers and the DJ. Just before declaring the lounge open, the owner, Mrs. Doris Nkumah, popularly known as ‘mizwanneka the hair boss’, talked about her journey as a serial entrepreneur and the times she had almost given up on her dream of opening a lounge. She said, “I am grateful to all that encouraged me to never give up; my husband, my elder sister and my friends. I’m glad and excited that this lounge is now a reality” Her elder sister, who did the honour of cutting the ribbon and declaring the lounge open, said Mizwanneka was born while she was already in the university as their mum had nine children. “I am really

From left Belinda Eﬀah, Doris Nkumah (Mizwanneka), A guest and Mimi Orijekwe

proud of her and what she has done,” she added. The cutting of the ribbon was then followed by a tour of the lounge, while a Saxophonist welcomed everyone with a beautiful performance. Guests were treated to an array of intercontinental and

local dishes after which Humblesmith entertained everyone with his beautiful music. Located in the serene environment of Lekki Phase One, Wanneka’s Lounge is situated at 32 Onikepo Akande. The lounge oozes elegance, class and it is a

perfect mix of fun, relaxation, entertainment and, of course, top-notch meals, thereby treating you and your family to a unique and cost effective dining experience. Wanneka’s Lounge is one home away from home that is open to all.

Lorenzobysujimoto Attracts Singaporean Partners

n visiting the Headquarters of Sujimoto Construction in Lagos, the Lead Director of the Singaporean committee reaffirmed their commitment to expanding their horizons in the development of exceptional projects in Africa. Reports show that the delegation was wowed by the beauty and sophistication of the LorenzoBySujiMoto project and they declared “We have never seen such anywhere across sub-Sahara Africa.” The LorenzoBySujiMoto project which stalled last year due to the economic recession seems like it has captured the eyes of major partners from Asia. The project when completed will be consid-

ered the tallest residential building in Lagos, and the first fully automated building in Africa. Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) are the fuels of great projects in the world; the Eko Atlantic, the Burj Khalifa, Number 1 Hyde Park London, and many other projects would never have been successful without an enabling environment that gives comfort and security to the FDIs. It is a great belief that the administration of General Muhammad Buhari through the ministry of investment and trade is doing everything to attract and encourage investors to Nigeria. With a favorable population size which offers great potential for growth, Nigeria can experience the influx of investors because the From left, Micheal Chew, Head of Business Devt. Khong Guan Limited, Yusuf A. Mustapha. Asst. Director, NIPC, Liew Kah mun. MD archicom more FDI flows into the country, Singapore me. Tinashe Hatendi, Business Devt. Manager (africa). Shalini Kamal Sharma. Group MD., Formula one urniche pte Ltd. Elieeen the greater our economy. lee manager Global Business Division

The Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre Launches Forensic Interviewing Facility

epresentatives of the child protection community in Lagos State gathered recently to attend the launch of the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre’s state-of-the-art forensic Ssuite for children who have experienced sexual abuse. A forensic interview is a structured conversation between a forensic interviewer and a child with the objective of obtaining detailed information or accounts of events that the child may have experienced or witnessed. The interview is usually carried out in a child friendly setting, at the beginning of a police or child protection investigation. It is especially valuable especially where there are no witnesses or physical evidence, and the outcome of the case depends on the victim’s verbal account of what happened. The child’s account is also digitally recorded. In recent times, Nigeria has recorded an alarming rate of child sexual abuse more than ever in history. It is regrettable to know that only a minimal number of perpetrators are convicted or punished for this crime. Underreporting, improper interviewing, the

inability of our community and law enforcement agents to react appropriately to disclosures of child sexual abuse, as well as the limited ways to assess the credibility of testimonies of victims, may have also contributed to the increasing number of unprosecuted cases. At the launch, Mrs. Bola Tinubu, the Founder Trustee of the Cece Yara Foundation, stated that the Forensic Interview Suite was in the forefront of technology and research-based investigation of child sexual abuse cases, and would be transformational in assisting the police to carry out more thorough investigations and the discovery of high quality evidence. “It is a professional discipline that can make a fundamental difference to the way in which we approach the investigation of these crimes against young children. Now our children have a child friendly environment to disclose all the details of their abuse to a professional that understands them and who understands the challenges they have articulating the details of the abuse due to their age, the range of their vocabulary, and the effect of L-R: Mrs. Bola Tinubu - Founder Trustee, The Cece Yara Foundation and Dr. Princess Olufemi – trauma” Mrs. Tinubu. Kayode – MD/CEO Media Concern Initiative

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

SPY GLASS

ZEETO LATE PROFESSOR PELLER’S SON, ZEETO’S ELEVATION How time flies! It all happened like yesterday when Prof. Moshood Abiola Peller, who was unarguably Africa’s greatest magician of his time, was gruesomely murdered at his Lagos home exactly 20 years ago. It is however relieving that even in death, the memories of the Oyo Stateborn magician has remained indelible in the minds of his family, fans and contemporaries. In life, Prof. Peller, as he was famously known, took magic practice to a dizzying height, a feat that earned him the respect of his contemporaries at home and abroad. Interestingly, following his passing, some of his children have taken up the baton of magic, all in the bid to keep the memories of their father alive. In particular, one of his children, Saheed Peller, a.k.a Zeeto, has passionately been involved in the practice. Indeed, the Law graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife is making no mean efforts to fill the vacuum created by his father in the world of magic. So far, fair-complexioned Zeeto is known to have revived the art of magic in the country as his services are mostly being sought by corporate organisations. As proof of his dedication to the art, Zeeto has moved up the ladder in the world of magic by securing a seat as a member of the internationally accredited league of magicians. By this, he has been able to fill the vacant slot created by the death of his father. Zeeto’s elevation in the global circle was announced at the ongoing Convention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians in the United States of America. Meanwhile, it was gathered that the family of the late magician would be rolling out the drums for his 20th anniversary. Until his death, Prof. Peller was a

BURUJI KASHAMU

with BAYO ADEOYE .... 08054680651

FANIKAYODE

MAKANJUOLA prominent member of the internationally accredited association of magicians, where he competed and was crowned the best magician in Africa.

SARAKI’S AIDE, GBENGA MAKANJUOLA, TURNS 50 A few days ago, Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, turned 50 in a blaze of glory. Makanjuola couldn’t have been happier, particularly as the party was attended by several heavy- weights in the nation’s political arena. Although the birthday celebration was devoid of the usual razzmatazz often associated with such attainment in life, not a few shared in the joy of the man described as very hard-working, meticulous and humble. In attendance at the event, which held inside the Senate building, were Saraki, Ben Bruce and Senator Dino Melaye, among other principal officers of the Senate. One of the highlights of the event was the cutting of the commemorative but modest birthday cake by the celebrant. For him, it was a prayer answered, as he had anxiously looked forward to the day when he would hit the proverbial golden age. BURUJI KASHAMU, LADI ADEBUTU’S WAR DEEPENS Are you one of those thinking that the lingering war between Senator Buruji Kashamu and Ladi Adebutu, a member of the House of Representatives, is over, following the recent ruling of the Supreme Court on the chairmanship position of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP? If yes, you may be utterly wrong. Spyglass gathered that since the apex court awarded full power of chairmanship of the party to Ahmed Markafi, the two political gladiators from Ogun State have yet to sheath their swords as they have reportedly resorted to name- calling, which has

HAKEEM OLADELE

further deepened the animosity between them. It all started last year. But it has now degenerated into the PDP chapter in Ogun State being factionalised. The Adebutu faction is said to be more recognised by the party at the centre and more popular among larger members of the PDP. It is said that he is banking on his father, Chief Kessington Adebutu’s wealth and influence to defeat anybody within the party, who wants to vie for the governorship ticket.

HAKEEM OLADELE TURNS 40 IN STYLE If you say that Akeem Oladele, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Oladele Golden Autos, really took his time to plan his recently held 40th birthday bash, you will not be far from the truth. Indeed, the presence of eminent personalities and top socialites at Radisson Blu Hotel on Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island Lagos, venue of the party, showed very clearly that the celebrant, who is also the CEO, Organic Bureau de Change and Lamardan Global Resources Limited, is a man about town. Spy Glass gathered that Oladele, who is married to Jesutomiloba Victoria, played a good host on the occasion, which was further enlivened by pulsating music supplied by talented DJ Humility. Some of the guests who honoured Oladele, fondly called Koko, included: Gbenga Oladele, an engineer; Faruk Ibrahim; Abbey Atilola; Gbenga Oladele, Managing Director, Bukums Ventures; Gbadebo Oyeyi, Chairman, Debosco Motors; Bisi Olaniyan of Farm House Hotels; Femi Alade; Senator Adeyemi; Ayo Somorin, Proprietor, Monica School; Sudan Falawe; Ayo Salami; Kunle Remi and David Oladele and a host of others.

LATE ADO BAYERO’S SON, SADIKU, TO WED SA’ADATU At last, Prince Sadiku Ado Bayero, son of the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, will quit bachelorhood, as he is set to marry his long-time heartthrob, Princess Sa’adatu Ibrahim Muhammad, soon. Already, the planned Nikkah, is generating buzz in the social circle. Those who witnessed the recent Arabian night and bridal shower of the couple confirmed that it was a precursor to what to expect at the Nikkai ceremony. It was also learnt that invites had been sent out to notable personalities from the political, business and social circles, particularly in northern Nigeria. FANI-KAYODE EXCITED OVER BIRTH OF GRANDCHILD For Femi Fani- Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, these are certainly the best of times. For some days now, he has been in very joyous mood, following the birth of his grandchild by his beautiful daughter, Temitope, in a London hospital. It was gathered that Temitope, who got married two years ago, had travelled to London in February, where she was delivered of the baby boy in July. It was also learnt that Yemisi Wada, the ex-wife of the former minister, had jetted out of the country to meet her daughter at her United Kingdom base. Although, he was conspicuously absent at Temitope’s wedding in 2015, he was said to have received the news with indescribable joy. It will be recalled that Temitope got married to her heartthrob of many years, Jaiye Randle, son of Chief J.K. Randle, in Lagos on July 25, 2015 in a high-octane party that attracted high profile personalities from all walks of life. The wedding, which had all the trappings of glitz and opulence, was chaired by the immediate past Minister of Trade and Industry, OlusegunAganga, who is a cousin to Yemisi.

PRINCE SADIKU

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ˜ 2017

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fashogbon... ͸΀͸ͻͻ;ͺ͹͸͸΁

L-R: Chairman, Board of Trustees, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Mr. Andy Olotu; Minister of State for Petroleum. Dr. Ibe Kachukwu; Representative of Group Managing Director. NNPC/ Group Executive Director,Ventures. NNPC ,Dr Victor Babatunde and Regional Director, Africa, SPE, Mr.Yemi Akinlawon, during the opening ceremony of SPE -Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Lagos...recently

L-R: Sustainable Business Manager, Unilever Nigeria and Ghana, Ayodele Alabi; Women Empowerment Manager, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Aviv Okonkwo; First Lady of Kaduna State, Hajia Aisha Ummi Garba El-Rufai; Growing Business Foundation Programme Manager, Tolulope Oni; Member, KADENAP Steering Committee, RTD Wing Commander, Gambo Kurﬁ and Growing Business Foundation Programme Supervisor, Kaduna State, Ayuba Baju, at the launch of Women’s Empowerment Shakti partnership with Kaduna State government ...recently

Josla Targets Banks, Customers with New Apps Information Communication Technology Company, Josla Electric Company Limited, has unveiled a new web and mobile-based solution for use by operators and costumers in banking services. The application, Cloud Automated Spend Bank Analytics, CASBA, is a self-service solution integrated with a chatbot interface to provide users with alternatives and convenient platform needed to execute banking transactions round the clock. Speaking at the official launch of the product, Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Akinlabi Ajelabi, noted that the app which was developed under seven months was useful in solving banks’ problems in-house as well as customers’ problems.

Elfreeda Foundation Activates Programme, Partners Imo Air With the interest of homeless women and children at heart, Elfreeda Foundation, a non-government organisation, has promised to make the society habitable for the less privileged. According to the company’s Media and Technology Director, Idoroenyin Daniel Isoro, the foundation was out to provide basic needs for desperate women and children while also helping them build a stable and productive life to address homelessness in Nigeria. Isoro noted that while poverty level around the world, especially Africa, was increasing geometrically, such was not divine nor hereditary but could be blamed on socio-economic and political issues. “In this present day, Africa which is characterised by economic downturn, poverty, socio- political instability and underdevelopment, the future might remain bleak and hopeless for less privileged women and children if they keep waiting or depending on the government to salvage the situation. However, it is imperative that drastic measures be taken to rescue the situation. “Hence, the move to reintegrate the affected ones back to the society to live a meaningful and productive life. We have also established a Resource Centre where we provide daily guidance, counselling and training for them,” Isoro said.

He stated that while there were other existing e-payment platforms, the new app functions to optimise and complement other related platforms for efficiency, and not to supplant them. “As a business, we are targeting financial institutions for Business to Business, B2B, marketing for technology consultation, cognitive banking and cloud computing while our Business to Consumer, B2C marketing targets everyday users. The app being a 24/7 automated customer support system would enable a user to open an account in three minute with Biometric Verification Number. “Banks can easily monitor their businesses from any location and even track customers’ demands. The latest provides spend analytics

on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly transactions as well as credit scoring for individuals requiring funds access,” he explained. He added that CASBA, unlike other apps integrate trending messaging applications like WhatsApp, technology (Artificial intelligence and Cloud Computing) to create an alternative and convenient platform for users by interacting with what they were already familiar with. Describing the app further, Co-founder of Josla, Akintola Adesanmi said that CASBA had in it, a solution called KIRA, an intelligence robot that solves all kinds of banking issues. While he noted that the app was targeted at the financial institutions at the moment,

Osun Osogbo Festival Promises of High Return on Investment Organisers of the 2017 Osun Osogbo festival have assured investors and sponsors of the sociocultural feast of a robust return on investment, as the feast holds on August 20. They gave this assurance at a Stakeholders Presentation Forum/Press Conference held at the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, at Osogbo the Osun State capital. According to the Chief Festival Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Infogem Limited, Otunba Ayo Olumoko, the event offered fertile ground for supporting brands to gain further exposure and interact with over 15,000 local and international tourists that would be gracing the occasion. Olumoko who specially thanked the promoters of the legendary event since inception craved their indulgence to sustain the gesture. Identifying this year’s corporate sponsors as Nigerian Breweries PLC and Goldberg Lager Beverage, MTN Limited, Grand oak Limited, Government of Osun State and the Olokun Foundation, he commended their steadfastness and confidence in the event despite the gloomy economic situation. The recently appointed Vice President of Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, FTAN also disclosed plans by

Infogem Limited to partner with State governments in the South West region in order to boost tourism activities for their economic gains. “This is part of our efforts to turn the tourism sector around and to develop the entire landscape to benefit the region and the country at large. “I so much believe that a synergy among the South West states would help foster economic and cultural integration in the region. Hence, we look forward to working with relevant agencies and stakeholders to make this dream realisable,”.Olumoko said. Meanwhile, the Ataoja of Osogbo, has called on the government to leverage on the festival to improve the nation’s ailing economy and advised all traditional rulers in the South-west to develop and revive their various festivals to boost tourism. The Osun Osogbo Festival is a funladen occasion that lasts for two weeks, beginning with the traditional cleansing of the town called Iwopopo. The festival’s grand finale showcases the cultural procession of the people to the Osun Grove. Osun Grove has been enlisted officially as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Durban, South Africa.

he assured that it could be applied in every other sector that deals with customers. “CASBA app is data reliant. In other words, it is effective with organisations that have data and that are why we are exploring the financial institutions because they have data and customers they interact with. The app is trained and improved on regularly to harness, structure and off course, utilise data rightly to help bank and customers respond to challenges at any time of the day,’ Adesanmi said. He added that the firm had entered into strategic partnership with a digital payment technology company, Flutterwave Inc., to provide adequate security for customers.

Chi Woos Consumers with New Product Nigerian’s Beverage maker, Chi Limited has launched a new product, Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink, fondly referred to as “3-in-1 Yo.” The latest addition to the Chi family makes the first ever ready-to-drink chocolate, milk and malt drink that would be available in the market. According to the company, the new product which specially appeals to the youth segment of the market is an innovative product that combines chocolate, milk and malt in trendy pack sizes .It can be consumed immediately after opening and delivers instant nutrition to consumers. Speaking on the new product, Managing Director of Chief Limited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, said that latest development further justified the company’s commitment to customers’ satisfaction by offering superior product value that addressed consumer needs in line with changing trends. “Our latest achievement is the result of our consistent efforts to push the frontiers in innovation and consumer satisfaction .ChocoMalt Drink is a perfect blend of chocolate, milk and malt in a highly nutritious ready-to- drink form which provides instant nutrition when needed. “It offers convenience, guarantees delicious taste and eliminates the hassles associated with combining all three ingredients,” he said.

Princess Halliday Signs Deal with Mnet

NET has signed another deal with Princess Halliday to broadcast the Empower Africa Initiative, Princess Halliday Show, across 54 Africa Continent. Princess Halliday Show is created and hosted by ace TV host, Princess Halliday and airs on Sky Network London Channel 182. Hollywood celebrities on the show includes Rob Riley, Amy Gibson, Raz Adoti among others. Nollywood actors, Jim Iyke, Joseph Benjamin, Robert Peters, Deyemi Okanlawon, Monica Swaida and a host of other A-list personalities will feature in the new season of Princess Halliday Show on Mnet. Shot in the United States, guests of

the show have included political figures, business leaders, global players, popular stars and ordinary people who have done something extraordinary. The 2017 season of “Princess Halliday show” is directed by Mr. Robert Peters. The Princess Halliday Show is an Empower Africa Initiative that showcases people who have demonstrated positivity against all the odds. Princess Halliday, a straight-talking Royalty and Empathic lady with a warm sense of humour, can immediately put her guests at ease. In her company they talk freely, especially about difficult experiences they have encountered.

Through the provision of a platform for her guests to tell their stories, Princess Halliday inspires and educates the world. “The show has proven to be a treasure trove of wisdom, inspiration and lifeaffirming stories,” said Princess Halliday. “The mission of Empower Africa Initiative is to positively enhance the mindset of the world by showcasing and engaging people, communities, while empowering to lead, innovate, and serve authentically,” she said. Some months ago, Princess Halliday developed a show for a renowned production TV network in United States known for producing many hit shows on BET in Los Angeles California.

Princess Halliday

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍşËœ ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

TRAVEL&LEISURE

When Travel Destinations Become Too Cool ĂœĂ? Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă— Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ě‹Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă•Ă?ĂœĂ? ĂœĂ&#x;Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂ“Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă“ËŁ Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă‹ Ă“Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă Ă?Ă– Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“ĂžËŞĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ? Ă‘Ă™Ë› Ă?Ă˘Ăž ĂžĂ“Ă—Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ËŞĂœĂ? Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă— Ă?Ă˜Ă Ă“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă–ĂŁ Ă–Ă™Ă™Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ăž ĂšĂ’Ă™ĂžĂ™Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂœĂ&#x;ĂšĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă Ă“Ă?ĂĄĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă? Ă–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă‹ĂšĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă™Ă–Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ăž ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž ĂŒĂ?Ă’Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ Ă Ă“Ă?ĂĄ ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ăž Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă‹ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ă&#x;Ă– Ă™Ă? Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ ĂšĂ?Ă™ĂšĂ–Ă? Ă’Ă™Ă–ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă“Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă•Ă?Ëœ ĂĄĂ‹Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂ™ Ă‘Ă?Ăž ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă“Ăœ Ă—Ă‹Ă‘Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂžË›

Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? ĂŒĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă‹ ĂšĂ–Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă’Ă?Ă–ĂšĂ?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ ĂŒĂ™Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă™Ă—Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă?ĂžĂ? ĂžĂ™ ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂŁ Ă—Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă Ă?Ăœ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂœĂĄĂ“Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă˜ Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă“ĂžËŞĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ–Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă“Ă—ĂšĂ–ĂŁ Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂšĂšĂ?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă– ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;Ă˘ Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă?ĂžĂ?Ë› Omolola Itayemi ĂĄĂœĂ“ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă‹ĂœĂŽ Iceland

any travellers want the opportunity to Instagram photos of themselves in Iceland. This island nation has seen a dramatic surge in visitors over the past few years. One reason for that is the socalled â€œGame of Thrones effect,â€? as dramatic landscapes that appeared in the series. This, combined with the availability of cheap flights and some very effective marketing campaigns, has made Iceland a popular travel destination. The number of tourists almost doubled from 566,000 to over 1 million between 2011 and 2015, according to Icelandâ€™s tourism board. In 2016, the number of Americans visiting the country outnumbered the Icelandic population. Iceland was recently likened to Disneyland by a local politician who complained that the area is now swarming with tourists. While this influx of visitors has brought a much-needed boost to the economy post-recession, it has also pushed up prices for residents and put pressure on the infrastructure. Locals complain of tourists destroying the fragile ecosytem and leaving a mess behind them as they trample over the formerly untouched natural sites. Cuba According to Cubaâ€™s ministry of tourism, four million visitors went to Cuba in 2016, an increase of 13 per cent from the year before. The tourism boom has had some consequences for the countryâ€™s residents, The New York Times reported in December 2016. The surge in visitors has led to a food shortage, and basic food items have become completely unaffordable for locals. Local hotels and restaurants are buying up supplies in bulk for guests, pushing up prices and leaving limited amounts for locals. The situation has been acknowledged by the Cuban government, who put caps on prices to make them more affordable for residents. This has only encouraged sellers to put products

Santonini ,Greece

on the black market, according to The New York Times. Santonini, Greece Santorini gets about 10,000 visitors in one day during the peak summer months. This town is known for its white-washed hilltop houses overlooking the sea. These have now become an ideal backdrop for Instagrammers and travel bloggers. In 2015, a record-high

number of cruise ships was recorded there. This summer, the local authorities have instituted a limit of 8000 visitors a day. Pig Beach, The Bahamas Swimming pigs have long populated an island in the Bahamas, and they recently became a major tourist attraction. They have even made it into the Instagram posts of Donald Trump Jr. In February 2017, seven of the pigs were

NTDC Pledges to Partner Private Sector On National Holiday Events Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Folarin Folorunsho Coker, has pledged that Tour Nigeria, the corporationâ€™s tourism brand would leverage on local events, national holidays and other symbolisms to unleash the Nigerian tourism potential. Coker made this disclosure at the Delphino Picnic with the Theme, Spreading Happiness, held recently at the Julius Berger Shooting Range, Kado, Abuja. The picnic was put together by Delphino, an entertainment outfit managed by Emmanuel Onoja in collaboration with NTDC and holds biennially. The widely advertised Sunday rendezvous had music DJs dishing out high percussive and latest Nigerian songs. There were also food vendors in many varieties providing refreshments. â€œIt is just our own way of showing that there are so many things to enjoy inAbuja, hence the theme of the picnic, â€˜Spreading Happinessâ€™,â€? stated Onoja Adole, CEO of Delphino Entertainment. Coker said that event was template on how

NTDC intends to partner with private sector to unleash the tourism potential in the country. â€œThis is a simple template and it is not a difficult thing to achieve. It is about bringing different assets together; that is music, light, stage, event planners, the entire ensemble; we bringing them all together,â€? explained the DG. Coker further explained that the event was like having a wedding or any of those social ceremonies. â€œOnly, this one is in a larger scale. And this is not what only NTDC can do. Every state can do it. Everybody can connect to these new values that we have in terms of our cultural heritage. There are national assets in terms of sports, religion, film food, all of them; all those things that we already have. There is no difference between this and large weddings. The difference here is that a wedding could be large but you donâ€™t pay for the food. But things are tough now so letâ€™s look at different ways of doing this. We can set this up and have people pay to come in, eat and have a good time. It is cheaper than you going to Dubai.â€?

Guesst hav ving fun n at th he Picn nic

found dead, and initial reports claimed that the pigs had been given alcohol and food by visitors. National Geographic later reported that the pigsâ€™ deaths were most likely caused by eating sand, but that tourists were not completely without blame. An inspector from the Bahamas Humane Society claimed that these swimming pigs had become so reliant on snacks from humans; it had completely altered their lifestyle.

AUGUST 12 , 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

‘Butterﬂy’ Collection by Ekaz Signatures

FASHION FILE

‘Butt ‘Bu tterfly’ erfl rfl rfly fly’’ fly

kaz Signature g Creations announces the release of its Resort 2018 Collection titled Butterfly and featuring the awardwinning g actress, Meg g Otanwa. The collection is a multicultural beauty y to behold, just j like the transformation of a caterpil p lar to butterfly, y the designs g exude the euphoria p of exploring p g the universe. They y practically p y accentuate the freed soul, the transformed woman! The sophisticated p butterfly y design g features all positive characteristics of nature: bold elements, p adorable symmetry y y in fabric pattern, p striking g colours, velvet and sequin q adornments. Just add this collection to your y wardrobe and get all the attention you deserve……… Credits Designer: @ekazsignatures Dress worn by Actress: @megotanwa Photography: @ifeoluwaar Assistant photographer: @akanu.nduka ; @ dlorsview Make-up Artist: @bantasyl Hair Artist: @treesesbytobi Stylist: @fayo_ths Videographer: @chukystv Creative Director: Shirley Ukpaka Company: Ekaz Signature Creations

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ AUGUST 12, 2017 By Azuka Ogujiuba ByAzukaOgujiuba g j azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 12, 2017

INSIGHT Mrs. Bolanle Ambode: A Profile in Humility Idowu Ajanaku

“Man is never as tall as when he kneels before God; never so great, as when he humbles himself before Him. And the man who kneels to God can stand up to anything” -Louis Evans

nspiring. Instructive. Food-for-thought. Those words kept reeling round my mental horizon, as one delved deep into the compelling persona of none other than the current First Lady of the Centre of Excellence, Lagos state, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode. And why not? Like all the biblical virtuous women she must learnt a lot from, such as Sarah, Hannah, Abigail and Esther she has had her fair share of life’s challenges but she never capitulated to their whims and caprices. Rather, she simply turned her stumbling blocks into stepping stones. She mustered the needed courage at every twist and turn of immanent Fate, with absolute faith in God to weather the storms. Like raw iron she has been purified through the fires of affliction to assume the inner strength of steel.As reflected in the book of Isaiah 48:10 KJV: God stated that: “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction” And by scaling over what would ordinarily have constituted the hitches and hurdles along her chequered life, she was drawn closer to God. Those challenges served as the tonic to reinvigorate her faith in Him. Now, by that special grace she stands solidly as the pillar of unflinching support behind her loving husband, GovernorAkinwunmiAmbode, now widely acclaimed as one of the best performing governors in the country. The lesson to glean from this is that as Christians there are some miracles that we may not have the capacity to carry, unless we have been adequately prepared to do so. Such preparation would definitely involve having to pass through some trying times.As Henry Ford rightly puts it, “we learn more from our challenges than from our successes”. What therefore, define her today are catchy phrases such as; “ a prayer warrior”, “an epitome of care and love as the chief host in the State Government House”, “a virtuous woman”, “a lesson in humility” and “mother to all”. For those who are close to her these words do not connote hyperbole. They are apt descriptions of her true character. According to Patricia Ennis, “Avirtuous woman isn’t ruled by her passions-she passionately pursues an incomparable God.” For instance, she has used the power of prayers to propel her husband in his quest to become the state governor. Throughout the hectic periods of campaigns back in 2014 and early 2015 she never for once stepped foot in the campaign office. She attended only important rallies and seminars but was at the background galvanizing the good women of Lagos to cast their lot for her husband.As she told them and others who offered their support, his ambition was informed by “the will of God”. She would also add that, “this is God’s project and He will see it through”. What a woman of faith! Indeed, her legendary humility was exhibited during those trying moments when she had to personally cook the delicious meals for vari-

Mrs. Ambode ous visitors and members of the campaign team. She would welcome each of them with her genial smile, exuding her alluring meekness and modest lifestyle. It is on record that even at the monthly thanksgiving service at the State House Chapel, she would lie down flat for prayers and stand up to take part in the singing of songs to which she would dance to the admiration of God and man. It is also worth noting that she has in no small measure inspired her husband’s uncommon passion in the determined drive to rid Lagos of all forms and vestiges of crimes against women from rape to domestic violence. She is an advocate of a happy and peace-loving family being a good example of one herself. And as part of her pet project, Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative, (HOFOWEM) she has commenced the distribution of 175,000 educational kits, consisting of school shoes and socks to children across

the State public primary schools. The Foundation had in September last year launched “ Project Bright Steps’’ for public school pupils in Lagos State, during which Mrs.Ambode make the promise. Speaking at the Central Primary School, ObaAkinjobi Ikeja, one of the venues slated for the distribution exercise, Mrs.Ambode also renewed her call to parents and well-meaning Lagosians to pay adequate attention to the welfare of school pupils in the State. In a similar vein, she has flagged-off the State’s mass de-worming exercise for primary school pupils in the State, charging parents in the state to encourage hand-washing among their children, as well as maintain a clean and healthy environment so as to prevent them contracting worm infections.. According to her, “De-worming children helps them to develop well and boost their learning capability. This is a great advantage that cannot be ignored because good academic performance will to a large extent determine the future of a child”. She has in addition, twice successfully hosted the coming together of all the wives of the top-notch political office holders in the state to carry them along in her dream to make governance more people-friendly. And as one with a burning desire for one, united and peaceful country, she has enjoined Nigerians to embrace peace and love. She said this during the past Ramadan Season “For any country to thrive, she needs love and peaceful co-existence to strengthen the social bond, and overcome any challenge confronting it as a nation. It is only when we allow love to grow in our hearts irrespective of religion, language and tribe barrier that we can collectively as a nation surmount any challenge confronting us”. Little wonder that she has through her humility demystified the exalted office of the First Lady in Nigeria. Not for her are the apparatchiks of office. Not for her is the loudness or frivolities normally linked with such political platform but to be the true soul-mate to her hard working and resourceful husband. She is there assisting in his daily sensitive and critical leadership choices and actions, with powerful prayers. As Proverbs 31:10 states “Awife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies”. Stretching it further Proverbs 31:1112 states that: “Her husband trusts her completely. With her, he has everything he needs. She does him good and not harm for as long as she lives”. She was born into the Odukomaiya family in Epe, Lagos, on February 15, 1964. She attended St. Theresa’s College, Ibadan, Oyo, for her secondary school and Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos, where she graduated in Physics/Mathematics for her first degree in 1989 and later Masters degree (MSc) in PublicAdministration in 1994. Until her emergence as the Wife of the Governor of the State of Lagos, she worked as staffer of the now defunct People’s Bank of Nigeria before she left to join Instant Finance Nigeria Limited and laterAguagem Consulting. She is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rehoboth Chops and Confectioneries Limited. The Rehoboth bread is said to be very popular among Lagosians. It would interest Nigerians to know that she and her husband were born at the same General Hospital in Epe! What a coincidence, many would exhale. But the truth of the matter is that their union is God’s own Project that can never fail. Her life is therefore, most inspiring to the younger generation of Nigerian ladies; instructive to those praying for a brighter future and food-for-thought for all lovers of God, willing to humble themselves at His feet and who He would raise, to stand up to anything! --Ajanaku Idowu is the S.S.A Media & Strategy to Gov. Ambode.

RIGHT OF REPLY

On the Senate, Ports and Revenue Leakages Chukwudi Obi

ne is constrained to join issues with “Mr. Yahaya Sadique”, supposedly a Kaduna-based writer over an article authored by him and published recently in THISDAY. The article entitled “The Senate, Ports and revenue leakages” is to say, the least a disservice to the cause of truth. Although it hinges its premise on the ports and attempts by the senate to investigate alleged revenue leakages at the ports, it dwells extensively on a statement recently issued by respected elder statesman and former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Col. Umar Abubakar Dangiwa Umar(rtd). And that is really pathetic. One finds it distasteful that “Mr. Sadique” would disparage a man who has remained one of the most committed patriots and has never shied away from speaking his mind on national issue no matter how contentious they are. To insinuate that the statesman is under the influence of the NPA, is to say the least, a disgraceful position not expected of anyone conversant with and national history and national interest at heart. But it does not seem that the writer under discussion is in tune with the current state of affairs going by the content of his article especially as it concerns the NPA.Anyone familiar with the

current state of affairs at the NPAwould readily testify to the increasing level of transparency at the agency. Just on Tuesday this week, a report in The Nation quoted statesman and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba as saying the following about the new administration at the NPA. “If anybody is complaining about Hadiza Bala Usman… it must be that such people are not transparent.And if you are not transparent and compliant to the rules and regulation of NPA, you will run into troubled waters with Hadiza Bala Usman.” How does this differ from Umar comments made about her just a few hours before Osoba said the foregoing? It is unfortunate that it is this same person that Sadique is accusing of not just embarking on a media campaign against the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise &Tariffs and Marine Transport, but recruiting “supporters” in an imaginary media trial. From what I have read about the NPAin the past couple months, its management has shown commendable commitment to instituting a culture of transparency at the organisation. Concerning their relationship with the Senate, the only public comments that can be attributed to the NPAare those which offered explanations on issues raised by the Senate committees and went on to assure of its readiness to provide further information. Two examples of these are statements entitled: “NPAwelcomes Senate’s

investigation of its JV Enterprises,” published in the July 7, 2017 edition of Leadership and “No evidence of 282 missing vessels, says NPA,” published in the July 27, edition of THISDAY. From this, it is evident that the NPAdoes need not any mouthpiece to communicate its opinion to stakeholders in the Nigerian project. Having said that, there is a need for me to highlight the part of report of The Nation ofAugust 3, 2017, which he quoted in his article. He had written: “…To support this position, which Col. Umar seemed to align to, the same publication stated more than four instances where vessels had come to Calabar Port and exited the Port without any proper documentation.” He went ahead to list these occasions when vessels were not properly documented and concluded that: “If these are true, then the NPAhas tacitly admitted that indeed vessels enter the Nigerian waters and disappear without documentation. This tacit admission validates the position of the Senate that indeed, vessels do enter Nigeria’s territorial waters under the watch of the NPA and exit without documentation, hence the Public Hearing by Senate to look at the revenue leakages in the Ports. This tacit admission by the NPAtherefore explains the aversion of the MD of the Nigerian Ports ofAuthority to honour the invitation of the Senate Committee and testify at the Public Hearing.” My own understanding of the part of the report in The Nation is different. In my own understanding, the ships quoted in the article

by “Mr Sadique” have nothing to do with the 282 ships that were said to be missing. On the contrary, they explicate the conclusion of the investigations into actives of the Calabar Channel Management Company and the attempt to hoodwink the NPAby the appearance and disappearance of these ships which were supposed to have been deployed as part of the company’s dredging contract. Furthermore, in the THISDAY report of July 27 earlier cited, the NPAexplained that it was presented with a number of documents on July 20, 2017 while another set was passed on to it through the Nigerian Shippers Council on July 24, 2017. The report said after looking through the documents, the NPAdiscoveredthat of the 29 items handed over to it, only five vessels were identifiable with the other 24 items being repetitions of the five identifiedvessels. The THISDAY report furthersaid the organisation was unable to conduct a meaningful review of the documents sent through the Nigerian Shippers Council because they did not include data like vessel names, arrival date of vessels, port of arrival, name of terminal and no rotation number of vessels that will enable verification.It also said that the situation had been communicated to the Senate Committee. ––Obi, a maritime business analyst, wrote in from Lagos

Continued online www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY SATURDAY AUGUST 12, 2017

HURRAY! THE BOSS IS

TODAY

Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Indimi, OFR Executive Chairman, Oriental Energy Resources The Management & Staff of Oriental Energy Resource Limited wish to join the family and associate of our amiable Executive Chairman, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Indimi, OFR on this auspicious occasion of his 70th birthday. Boss, you donâ€™t look seventy, It is our prayer that the Almighty Allah (SWT) grant you good health to continue mentoring us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOSS! Signed:

MANAGEMENT & STAFF

ORIENTAL ENERGY RESOURCE LIMITED 397 Muhammadu Buhari way. CBD, Abuja. Nigeria.

Oriental Energy Resources Limited

T H I S D AY SATURDAY AUGUST 12, 2017

INDIMI @

MANY HAPPY RETURNS!!!

Alhamdu Lillahi! It is with gratitude to the Almighty Allah that we felicitate with you on your 70th birthday. We pray that Allah (SWT) in His infinite mercies will continue to bless, guide and protect you, as well as increase you in Taqwa.

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY

ALHAJI (DR.)

MUHAMMADU

INDIMI, OFR

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, ORIENTAL ENERGY RESOURCES LTD.

SIGNED: Alhaji Mohammed Bukar Alibe Alhaji Babagana Ali Alkali Alhaji Mallam Dala Bello Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa B. K. Alhaji Usman Danburam Barrister Mahmud El-Tayeb Mallam Usman Eya

Alhaji Abba Abdul Gana Arch. Musa Garba Alhaji Baba Geidam Alhaji Hassan Mohammed Gur Alhaji Haroun Ibrahim Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar Kollere Alhaji Abubakar Mamu

Alhaji Mamun Ibrahim Maude Ambassador Mustafa Sam Ambassador Usman Sarki Engr. Goni Sheikh Dr Shehu Sule Ambassador Ahmed Yusufari Alhaji Ali Zarma

T H I S D AY SATURDAY AUGUST 12, 2017

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

TRIBUTE

Dapo Adelegan: Fulﬁlling His Own Prophecy At 55 Idowu Ajanaku

f Adedapo Adelegan, President and Chairman of Council of the NigerianBritish Chamber of Commerce, had pursued a career in evangelism, he would most probably have made a resounding success of his ecclesiastical calling. Yes, this is most plausible in this milieu of the exponential growth of pentecostalism in Nigeria and indeed the world at large, with some preachers listed in the bracket of the most affluent and the most influential personalities globally. For the avoidance of doubt, Adelegan is endowed with the qualities to excel in this vocation if he elected to pursue it: He is as grounded in English, the most popular medium of ecclesiastical communication today, as he is in the word of God, being a consummate student of the Holy Bible which he prefers to study in the Yoruba version. Beyond these, however, it is perhaps Adelegan’s gift for clairvoyance that would have stood him in good stead in the faithbased sector. As a student of English in the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, in the early 1980s, Adelegan was regularly in the company of his course mates, classmates and friends with whom he shared academic experiences and discussed life after university education. Given the zest of young people for selfexpression and the desire to make a name in the mass media, most of Adelegan’s friends at the time, favoured pursuing careers in journalism. The likes of Gbenga Ayeni, who had stints in Daily Times and West Africa Magazine, has gone on to become a professor of Communication Studies at the Eastern Connecticut State University, while Tivlumun Nyitse straddled Concord newspapers and The Voice, before becoming a lecturer in Bingham University. Blessing Wikina, also Adelegan’s classmate and friend, rose to be Director of Information in the Rivers State Civil Service, while the present writer equally worked in Daily Times and served three Kogi State Chief Executives and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in several media and communications capacities. Speaking introspectively while sharing a drink with some of his friends including this writer, one of those days, however, Adelegan said: “The long and short of all these morphology, phonetics and sociolinguistics, as far as I am concerned, is that some of us will eventually make our living in business, doing buying and selling…. Mark my

Adelegan

words”. Not many would have been able to draw a link between the course we elected to study in school, our vision for our professional futures and Adelegan’s almost weird projection for the future. If anyone was going to be “doing buying and selling” like the predicted, why didn’t such a person simply pursue a course in Business Administration or Economics, which for us, were perhaps the closest to Adelegan’s “prophecy”?. It didn’t take long after that, however, for the clairvoyant in Adelegan to begin to manifest. He had visited the Lekki Maiyegun Beach, in Lagos, fortuitously, early 1988. Taking in the scenery, the seaside ambience of the beach, the enchanting romantic feel of the waterside, he was inspired to conceptualise a mega beach party, which will draw enthusiastic youths from across Lagos. Adelegan had a reputation for being an organiser of parties and social events at the University of Ilorin, with an uncanny capacity to string together all the ingredients of show-stoppers, within a very short-time. All roads regularly led to those campus gigs put together by ‘Skindy,’ the popular nickname by which he was known in the university. That innocuous visit to Lekki Maiyegun

Beach, midwifed what was to become Africa’s largest musical and touristic event at the time in 1988, the Lekki Sunsplash. An event that was supposed to be a one-off beach carnival, would not only metamorphose into a dominant, much anticipated annual festival, it would subsequently define the career path of the young Adelegan. Adelegan would proceed to establish his first business concern, DP Lekki Limited, wholly devoted to the rediscovery and re-engineering of the nation’s musical scene. Lekki Sunsplash, which ran for nearly two decades, specifically between 1988 and 2006, would become a veritable launchpad for several highly regarded Nigerian artistic brands and showbiz impresarios. Thus, while many of his contemporaries trudged the streets of Lagos and other major Nigerian cities in the sweaty quest for white-collar engagements, Adelegan, to borrow from the Biblical phrase, had placed his hands, firmly on the plough, and for him, there was no looking back. Artistes like Lagbaja (the masked one); King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, KWAM 1; Alex Zitto; Daniel Wilson, Mandators; Ras Kimono and Pasuma Wonder, are some of the artistes who owe their rise to fame and prominence, to the erstwhile annual Lekki Sunsplash. Indeed, heir of the Afro Beat genre, Femi Kuti; comedian extraordinaire, Ali Baba and the renowned compere and broadcaster, Olisa Adibua, earned their early epaulettes on the performance rostrum of Adelegan’s Lekki Sunsplash. An indomitable quester for new challenges, Adelegan conceived the “Madein-Nigeria Exhibition” in 1999. It was an attempt to re-write the consumption narrative on Nigeria, against the backdrop of our global notoriety at a virtual dumping ground of all manner of junk from across the world. Adelegan’s thesis was that Nigeria really did have comparative advantage in the production of certain goods, over other countries. This needed to be maximised to serve the twin purpose of burnishing our international profile and conserving scarce foreign exchange, respectively. The “Made-in-Nigeria” vision subsequently berthed exhibitions in the United Kingdom in 1999 and 2000, and in South Africa in 2005 and 2006, in collaboration with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NEPC. Determined to revolutionise outdoor advertising in Nigeria, Adelegan pioneered the introduction of electronic billboards in the country, deploying the corporate platform of his outfit, Benjamin Black and Co. Ltd, in 2002. Billboard advertising has since become very popular across the country ever since,

as the preferred advertising platform for products and indeed for political campaigns. Adelegan has continued to expand the frontiers of his endeavours in entertainment, media and advertising, to include high profile events management, in the portfolio of his entrepreneurial interests. In 2005, Adelegan’s organisation, PR Africa Ltd, was commissioned the professional conference organisers of the International Conference an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases, STDS, jointly organised by the Federal Government, the United Nations, UN, and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and STDs, NACA. Collaborating with the late Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, who was the Director-General of NACA at the time Adelegan delivered world class conference. The success of the International Conference on AIDS recommended Adelegan and his team for further patronage by other intergovernmental agencies. For the two years 2006 and 2007, for instance, PR Africa was once again called upon to organise the International Technical and Vocational Conference and Exhibition, by the Education Trust Fund, ETF. Similarly, the 2007 Conference of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, NEPAD, had the imprimatur of Adelegan’s organisation. With this robust resume garnered over three decades of selfless exertions in the testy waters of private enterprise in Nigeria, it was little, surprise when in 2015, Adelegan was appointed the 14th President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce. And he is broadening the frontiers of collaboration between Nigeria and the UK, beyond the traditional confines of oil and gas. His vision is to stretch the trade balance between both counties, beyond the present £7 billion, towards the £20 billion threshold. Dapo Adelegan turned 55 recently, specifically on Thursday, April 20, 2017. That landmark coincided with the 30th Anniversary of his foray into the uncertain world of self-employment. There was no ceremony whatsoever, except of course a special family devotion attended by friends of the family. And it became imperative to ask him the motivation for his early vocational preferences. Reminiscing, he says: “My Mother was my major mentor in entrepreneurship. She studied Catering in England, while my father qualified as a Chartered Accountant and Secretary. With the transition of Dad in 1974, when I was just 11 years old, I was co-opted to serve as “Husband” and business partner, in my mum’s flourishing catering business. This established in me the culture of hardwork and devotion to God and to prayers.”

For Senator Yisa Braimoh @ 75, It’s Double Celebration Sufuyan Ojeifo

oday, Senator (Engineer) Yisa Braimoh, the Seriki Musulumi of Afenmai Land in Edo State and the Osiozoikhai of Auchi Kingdom, is 75. There is excitement in the air, particularly for his immediate family members, who converge on Ihievbe, his home town, interestingly not only to celebrate the septuagenarian father and grandfather, who is aging gracefully, but also to honour the loving memory of his mother who died ten years ago on August 12-his birthday. He has every reason to celebrate. His mother died in her full old age. And here he is, hitting the 75-year-old mark in a nation where life expectancy for men is 47. He is still strong and going about his businesses. Besides, here is a politician of a very humble beginning, who has surmounted the odds to carve a niche for himself in Nigeria’s cloak-and-dagger politics. His beautifully designed and distinctive caps with “YB”, an acronym for Yisa Braimoh, always embroidered on them, remain his own way of constructing and defining an avuncular and/ or leadership identity for himself. That character basically feeds his charisma and panache in their vast flourish, with implications for unswerving cult-like political followership and loyalty in his home base. YB has been able to define his eon as a resilient player on the political terrain in Edo state and on the national political scene as a member of the Senate in the sixth National Assembly. He represented Edo North Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011, during which loyalty to some extended interests pitched

Braimoh him against the senate leadership under the presidency of Senator David Mark. He voted for Senator George Akume at the expense of his friend, Mark, on the floor of the senate on June 5, 2007. The senate leadership ensured he paid dearly for his decision. But his political voyage before his engagement in the senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had also been turbulent: he was a running mate to Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion in the 1991 governorship election on the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC). That election was won by Chief John

Odigie-Oyegun on the platform of the defunct Social democratic Party (SDP). The loss did not dampen his spirit and the investment of energy, time and resources in politics, despite that the mega bucks in political sponsorship that the unsuccessful bid for the Edo State Government House cost him. In the interval that followed the loss, he was appointed Special Adviser to the Minister of Transport and Aviation in 1993 and Special Adviser to the Minister of Power and Steel in 1994. Thereafter, he had emerged, once again, under the Abacha transition programme as one of the strategic leaders of the National Conscience Party of Nigeria (NCPN), between 1995 and 1997, collaborating with the like of Chief Don Etiebet and the late former deputy governor of Kano state, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji, to prop up the party in support of the presidential ambition of Etiebet, which he had to drop due to a real threat to his by those working on the transmutation of Abacha to a civilian president. With the advent of the current Fourth Republic, YB had pitched his tent with the PDP, providing leadership in his Edo North senatorial district. Before his election to the Senate in 2007, he was appointed member of the Board of Directors of the National Maritime Authority (NMA) in 2000 and Chairman of the Governing Board of NYSC in 2005. In the senate, he was deputy chairman of the Committee on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation. He was also a member of the committees on Communication as well as National Planning, Integration and Cooperation in Africa. His contributions in plenary and committee sittings were robust.

In 2014, he was appointed a member of the National Conference, where he also added perspectives to such issues as the indissolubility of Nigeria, cost of governance, fiscal federalism/resource control, devolution of powers, independent candidature, citizenship, and minority rights, among others. With the defeat of his party in the 2015 presidential election, YB has largely retreated to his home base, where he has been involved in efforts at reworking the party in Edo state. He has also continued to deploy his vast engineering knowledge, which saw him occupy, at different intersections, top positions at the defunct Nigerian Airways, and the goodwill in politics, in the advancement of his business concerns. YB was educated as an engineer at the University of Western Ontario, Canada in 1982; Cranefield Institute of Technology, Cranefield in the United Kingdom in 1981 and at the Engineering College, Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom from 1969-1970. YB is a pragmatist in politics and business. Self-respecting, he is imbued with a great deal of sagacity. He is no doubt brilliant in his articulation of issues of governance, public administration and political engineering. He is always restless about achievement of goals once specific goals have been set. He would put himself and those who are game with him in such pursuit(s) on their toes. That is his defining nature. This is wishing the Osiozoikhai of Auchi Kingdom happy celebrations-his birthday and the tenth year remembrance of his mother. – Ojeifo, Editor-in-Chief of The Congresswatch magazine sent this tribute via ojwonderngr@ yahoo.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ˜ 2017

MARITIME BITS with John Iwori.... ͸΀͸ͽͿͿ;ͻ͹;ͼ

L-R: President, Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA), Nigeria, Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere exchanging views with the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman when she led a delegation of WIMA executives on a courtesy visit to Usman at NPA House, Marina, Lagos...recently

L-R: Managing Director and Chief Executive Oﬃcer (CEO), Basil and Dominic Integrated Limited, Mr. Dominic Udodi; National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Area Manager, Lagos, Engr. Muazu Sambo; Managing Director/CEO Seamap Nigeria Limited, Chief Peter Obi at the 2017 NIWA International Conference and Exhibition in Lagos…recently

CGC Compliance Team Anti-smuggling Campaign Yields More Results The strategies put in place by the Comptroller General of Customs’ Compliance Team have yielded more tangible results with the seizure of more vehicles. The seizure worth over N1.4 billion is coming on the heels of the recent disbandment of the former team by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Colonel Ibrahim Hameed Ali (retired). Apparently pleased with the development, Ali said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was more than ever determined to run smugglers out of business in the country. Describing smuggling as the most terrible aspect of sabotage on the national economy, Col. According to the retired military officer

NCS Nets N8.8 bn in Oyo, Osun Not less than N8.8 billion has been generated in the last six months of the year by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The command has within its jurisdiction some of the most routes often used by smugglers of contraband in the country. The command in a statement by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ifeoma Onuigbo quoted the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Udoaka disclosing this while giving report of the activities of the command between January and June 2017. According to the statement, the revenue generated from import and export during the period under review stood at N7.2 billion which is in contrast to the sum of N7.4 billion generated within the same period in 2016 which showed an increase of N1.5 billion. Comptroller Udoaka also revealed that the command also made 57 seizures of various items including textile materials rice foot wears, vehicles and bales of second hand clothing among others worth N103 million. A breakdown of the items seized include 33 vehicles with a duty paid value (DPV) of N3.3million, 500 cartons of imported frozen fish worth N3.3million and 250 cartons of imported frozen chicken with a DPV of N2.7million. Others are 55 jerry cans of 25 litres of foreign vegetable oil with a DPV of N757million, 477 pieces of re-treaded Pneumatic tyres with a DPV of N2.8million and 16 bales of foreign textiles worth N3 million. He noted that some of the smugglers have become so deadly and desperate and have resorted to harassing and intimidating officers.

who in his hey days was the military governor of Kaduna State said the NCS will not allow the illegitimate business to thrive. Impeccable sources at the Customs high Command said the seizure of the vehicles was based on intelligence was carried out by the new surveillance team of the CGC Compliance Squad led by Mr. Hassan Bello, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC). It was gathered that the team had trailed the smugglers right from Ihombe-Idiroko axis where they were moving in group of 15 vehicles into the mainland of Lagos for three days before it rounded them up early this month. A breakdown of the seizure which has

sent tongues wagging in several quarters showed that they were no fewer than 26 vehicles comprising 2017 model Prado SUV, Land Cruiser. Lexus and several Hilux Vans of 2016 model. They were however picked up at different locations in Lagos metropolis, especially Victoria Island and Ikeja where they were brought in for sale. It was gathered that no fewer than 11 additional Hilux vehicles were intercepted by officers and men of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos. According to the source who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to newsmen one general feature in all

Onne Port Takes Delivery of Tug Boat Onne Port Complex, Onne, Rivers State has taken delivery of a tug boat from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Headquarters, Lagos. The tug boats was among the ones the Managing Director of NPA, Ms. Hadza Bala Usman procured on taking the reins of administration following her appointment as the first female chief executive officer of the of the authority by President Mohammadu Buhari. The Port Manager, Onne Port Complex, Alhaji Alhassan Ismaila Abubakar and some of his management team were on hand to receive the tug boat. The tug boat, MT Ohafia, a Nigerian flag vessel with the registration number 9252711 had earlier been received in Lagos. The vessel, wholly owned by NPA has a gross tonnage of 369 GRT, while the tug net tonnage stands at 110NRT. It was built by Rynwaal Shipyard, Rivierdi JK 436, 3372 BW Hardinweld of the Netherlands. Confirming the development, Abubakar said that as a port it was very happy to

receive the tug boat. He stated the arrival of the tug boat will improve operational capacity and value chain of Onne Port. “You cannot operate Onne Port effectively without tug boats. This watercraft is what we need to get job done”, he said. The Port Manager said the rivercraft will henceforth go for repairs at the repair yard to ensure operational efficiency when deployed just as he observed that the aim of receiving the tug boat was to serve NPA’s numerous customers well, and to raise adequate revenue for the federal government. He expressed gratitude to Usman for the gesture in sending the tug boat to Onne Port. “This is just the beginning. We thank the Managing Director for fulfilling her promise during her recent visit to Onne Port to give us a tug boat to boost our operations. We thank her for fulfilling her promise”, he said. He expressed appreciation to the MD, noting that more tug boats and more support to Onne Port from NPA Headquarters is underway.

Lamido Adamawa Turbans Ex-NPA MD Dokaji Adamawa Accolades have started pouring in on the choice of the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Omar Suleiman as the Dokaji Adamawa. Suleiman was appointed in December 2010 as the Managing Director of the NPA. He was relieved of his appointment in 2012 following the appointment of Alhaji Habib Abdullahi as his successor. The erstwhile NPA boss will be turban today by the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Barkindo Musdafa at the palace of the Lamido in Yola, Adamawa State. Suleiman was appointed the helmsman of the money spinning mega parastatal following what many key actors in the shipping sector of the economy described as his “superlative performance” as the NPA General Manager, Capital Projects. This was not unconnected with the fact that his appointment came at a time when he considered worthy for the position far ahead of his senior colleagues in the authority. Already, some stakeholders in the maritime industry have expressed delight at

the selection of the highly cerebral former NPA Managing Director for the traditional institution in his home state. The promoters of Nigeria’s first ever deep ocean port, Port Notel Limited (PNL) said it was very pleased with the selection of Omar as the Dokaji Adamawa. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PNL, Mr. Victor Akpanika described the choice of Suleiman as “another feather to his cap.” According to Akpanika who has not left anyone in doubt about his determination to pursue the actualisation of the deep ocean seaport to a logical conclusion, the management, consultants, and staff rejoice and felicitate with the family, friends and the entire people of Adamawa State for this very special recognition. We wish him and his family all the very best, God’s guidance and wisdom in the new office. Suleiman

the seizures made was the absence of any legal import document or proof of payment of duty, a major pointer that they were smuggled. Suspects behind the smuggling are still at large as efforts are ongoing to smoke them out of their hide outs. The CGC Compliance Squad was said to have been strengthened with additional crack officers whose functions are majorly surveillance and intelligence on vehicles/ rice imports. They are located in the North with Assistant Comptroller Gambo in charge, while Bello heads the Western axis. This is sequel to the National Assembly displeasure recently that smuggling was still thriving across the land borders.

MMS Hall of Fame Gets BOT Chairman The MMS Hall of Fame has got a Board of Trustees (BOT), Chairman. Shed is the Chairman of Nigerian Ship Owners Forum, Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi. The MMS Woman of Fortune (WoFHoF) initiative, is a gender-focused Lagos based not-for-profit organization with the preoccupation of building capacities in different sectors of the economy through pairing accomplished women role models as mentors with mentees, who largely career making women, budding entrepreneurs, graduates and students. The former President of Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA) and a Diamond of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA-Nigeria) who was inducted into the MMS Hall of Fame in 2012 Class, is expected to bring her wealth of experience to bear in helping to shape the growth of the organization, which has been fully registered as an NGO fast spreading its focus in Africa. Other members of the BOT are the WISTANigeria Diamond is the Chief Executive Officer, Le Look Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa; Publisher, MMS Plus Newspapers and Co-founder of MMS WoFHoF Initiative, Mr. Kingsley Anaroke, and the co-founder of the initiative and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of WISTANigeria and National Co-ordinator of Young and Professional Women in Politics (YOPWIP), Mrs. Promise Anaroke. MMS WoFHoF Initiative in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development since 2012 has been organizing the annual MMS Hall of Fame induction ceremony and conference centered on gender sensitivity and campaign for leadership reforms through women in Africa. The 2017 edition has been scheduled for Thursday, 26 October, 2017 at EKo Hotels and Suites. MMS WoFHoF Initiative has nine Governing Council members, chaired by the former Transport and Aviation Minister, Mrs. Kema Chikwe; former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA), Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Director, Human Resources, Chevron Mrs. Ihuoma Onyearugha; and the President, National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture(NACCIMA) Chief Mrs. Alaba Lawson.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER Ëž ÍšÍşËœ ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ

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TANA ADELANA

I am More of An Introvert Than An Extrovert Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ëœ Ă‹ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ“Ě‹Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁËœ Ă“Ă? Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂĄĂ?Ëœ Ă—Ă™Ă Ă“Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă—Ă™ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁËœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă Ă™ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;ĂžĂŁ Ă™Ă‹Ăš Ă—ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ™ĂœË› Ă‘ Ăš ĂŁ ĂŁ ĂŁ ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹ ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă? Tosin Clegg, Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă?Ăœ ĂœĂ™Ă–Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă—Ă™Ă Ă“Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă™ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Right now Iâ€™m recording a show Itâ€™s called, Uncensored with Tana Adelana. I put that on hold for a little while because I got busy with work and scripts coming my way. Also, Iâ€™m working on producing a short film and a feature length film. My short film will talk about domestic violence because I strongly speak against it as you have no reason to touch a woman. Whether a woman or man honestly. Love doesnâ€™t have to be violent and thatâ€™s what I want to preach. Iâ€™ll then do a feature length film subsequently.

Tana is an actor, producer and a TV Presenter tarting g out, I did a few things g in 2005 on Flatmates and went on to be a TV p presenter. After marriage g and kids, I came back into acting g in 2012. Once there is a vacuum y you have to fill it in cautiously y or un-cautiously. y The industry was filled by y the time I came back and realised I probably p y had to struggle gg a bit more and, being g an entertainer, you have to be multi-faceted. As a TV y presenter, you p y can vibe into anything y g and I started off as a model and later to acting. I realised the acting g industry y had a void to be filled so I just j decided thatâ€™s where I wanted to be and I went back in.

Violence Not Always Physical There is the mental violence and emotional torture. So much really is surrounding violence, so even if you cannot beat a man and you say things that are awful, it can drive a man to suicide or to something they originally wouldnâ€™t do. It may not be physical because we know men are naturally stronger than women, so when it comes to physical, itâ€™s man to woman but psychological are mostly women to men.

First Nigerian on Channel O as TV Presenter Back then, I represented Channel O in the Big Brother Africa and Naija shows. I hosted the eviction shows and I was the representative of the Big Brother West Africa show for three years consecutively. Also, I had a show on MTN, Mnet letâ€™s dance, Peak Talent show and we ran that for a couple of seasons as I was a presenter for the show. Itâ€™s a lot I did back then but I worked closely with Multi Choice and Mnet.

In the next ďŹ ve years y I want to be where God wants me to be I work hard, pray hard. Take each day as it comes and also I work really hard and I know that when you do, success is certain. So, work hard and smart and I know in five years time, the sky will be the starting point.

Paying My Dues You may not place the name and the face because I am more of an introvert than an extrovert but, yeah, when you hear my name you will know me, because I have done a lot of work and paid my dues. I wouldnâ€™t want to blow my horns but I am a good actor and I take pride in what I do. I train myself and try to be the best I can be which means that for every script I get, I try to be better than I was because you are only as good as your last job. So yeah, if you do that consistently, then your stake is going to be there. Hanging Out with Big Players I have acted with a lot of people such as Rita Dominic, Ramsey Noah, Richard Mofe-Damijo, basically almost every major name. Also, I was on Hush which was an Mnet production that ran for about a year. I did â€˜Three Is a Crowdâ€™ for Iroko, The Kingdom, Single, Married and Complicated and a lot more. Becoming g Ivory Beauty Soap Ambassador I got a phone call asking if I can come to the offi f ce to discuss something and I went. Obviously, we discussed and shared the same vision so it made it easy for us to work. I chose to go ahead with Ivory because, like I have always said, Iâ€™m not a fan of using a lot of harsh products on my skin and thatâ€™s because I want to age gracefully and look back after twenty years and still be proud of my skin. All that, take it or leave it, comes down to how you have treated your skin because if you nurture it, then it would give you

Adelana

the best. So, I went ahead with the endorsement because Ivory is a completion maintainer and not a bleaching soap. If it was a bleaching soap I probably wouldnâ€™t be attached to it.

craft, but itâ€™s also good to know God is not asleep and when itâ€™s time, itâ€™s time and you canâ€™t push it or force it. If you do, you come falling like a pack of cards. Itâ€™s my time and itâ€™s what God has said and thatâ€™s whatâ€™s happening.

Plan with Ivory Beauty For me, being a woman, youâ€™re beautiful as you are. You just need to know how to nurture and maintain your skin, as you donâ€™t need to be in competition with anybody, just be who you are and the best of yourself. Using Ivory soap is going to help you maintain your skin as we are not going into competition with anybody. As a woman, you have your voice and lots more, so using Ivory is going to improve all that and more. Sometimes, itâ€™s painful because you know how much work you have put in, dedication to what you do and your

Challenge of Production Quality This was a challenge, but Iâ€™m glad everything is changing right now. Iâ€™m sure if you ask nine out of 10 actors, they would probably say the same thing. Generally, people need to understand that acting is a serious industry and that it is as serious as any professional work you see. It is serious business because when you come back home, one of the few things you do is to put on your TV or radio because you need to be entertained. We are doing that work to entertain you and people need to understand this, which I would regard as a challenge.

I donâ€™t Put Husband and Kids on Social Media Everyone who knows me know I donâ€™t. I try to keep them away from the market. Itâ€™s my career and not theirs so itâ€™s unfair to have people judge them based on what they see on my page and not who they are. So, thatâ€™s my secret; I donâ€™t put them out there. I try to keep my private life, private. I just give people a little bit of what I want them to see. It may work for you and it may not. Itâ€™s whatever rocks your boat and it works for me, so I keep it that way. I have been married for 10 years and itâ€™s been fantastic and, donâ€™t get me wrong, every marriage like mine has its ups and downs but it all depends on how you manage it, as there is no perfect marriage. Even Joseph and Mary didnâ€™t have a perfect marriage but they made it work and if you want it to work you make it work. I Play Candy Crush and Swim Also, I talk to my cousins and do Yoga too. And the most expensive thing I have ever bought is a plot of land. One thing I canâ€™t leave home without is definitely my phone and I canâ€™t go out without it. My favourite beauty brand is Ivory thatâ€™s number one and my clothe brand is The Generals by Nikita and my favourite shoe brand is Gucci, as they are cute and comfortable. For bags Channel and perfumes, I like Marc Jacobs and more.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍşËœ ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ

MY STORY MARIAM AFOLABI OPENS LUXURY CONTAINER INSPIRED MALL

HOSENAT MABIFA

My Passion for Modelling Started As A Child

The Creative Director of fashion brand, Mazelle (formerly Mademoiselle Aglaia), recently had a grand opening of â€œThe Style Loft Boxâ€?, which is a mega luxury hub for clothings, perfumes, dining, beauty checks and more. Ramsey Nouah, Desmond Elliott, Iyabo Ojo, Femi Adebayo, Laoye Oyatogun, Sound Sultan, LAX and many more all graced the event. The Style Loft Box is a fashion, beauty and lifestyle mall located in the heart of Ikoyi. The first-of- its-kind in Nigeria, the mall was creatively and innovatively constructed from containers. It is the future of retail space now in the present. Mariam, sister to sensational act, LAX ,was excited and happy about the new venture.

Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ăž Ă“Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?ĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ăž Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă?Ě‹ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă?ĂŽĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜ Ă™ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă’Ă? Ă“Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂ“Ă‘ ĂšĂ–Ă‹ĂŁĂ?Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁË› Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ăž ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ Tosin CleggËœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ĂžĂ‹Ă–Ă•Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă—Ă™ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă‘Ă“Ă™Ă˜

STUDIO 24, LSETF & PARTNERS UNVEILS EMPOWERMENT & CSR PROJECT TAGGED â€œ#SUMTIN4DGIRLSâ€? This project which has Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) as its anchor partner is targeted at empowering 3,600 young girls and women at the grass root level with passion for photography. Kick-starting with Lagos state for itâ€™s pilot, the project aims to empower a final selection of 100 from the state and make sure each of them are empowered enough to start off their own businesses. With the official launch of this project taking place on Saturday, 19th August 2017, the project will see some of the biggest names in photography in the local and international space come together. This project is also supported by Canon, The Royal Photographic Society UK, African Artists Foundation (AAF), Maybelline New York, School of Art, Design & Printing (YABATECH), Lagos State Professional Photographers

Association of Nigeria (LASSPPAN), DNP Photo Imaging, International Manufacturer of Printing Technologies, Civil Society Groups and Studio24

NIGERIAN STUDENT FASHION & DESIGN WEEK TO HOLD NEXT WEEKEND The biggest fashion event platform in Nigeria which aims at promoting young and emerging fashion designers is set to go big as they celebrate their 5th anniversary of Nigerian Student Fashion & Design Week. NSFDWeek also showcases current collections from established designers who are role models to these emerging designers. Nigerian Student Fashion & Design Week has had a successful run over the past four years, and what started with a small group of creative minds has grown to become a big fashion brand which is recognized not only in Nigeria but also in Europe. One of the foremost goals of NSDFWeek is to recognize young emerging creatives in fashion and design giving them a platform to showcase

their designs and understand the business of fashion. As it celebrates its 5th year, Nigeria Student Fashion & Design Week unveils Maria Okanrende and Akin Faminu as brand ambassadors for NSFDW5. Powered by BlacknBold Fashion House, its CEO Abiola Orimolade has managed to sustain a brand which has evolved beyond Nigeria and has reached the shores of Europe. Its notable partners include Africa Fashion Week London and Mahogany International. Each year the Most Creative Designer is chosen, based on creativity and detail in design. Other opportunities for the winner includes a feature showcase at the Africa Fashion Week in Nigeria, exclusive interviews, business & fashion mentorship and lots more.

hen did you start modelling?

Iâ€™ve always had passion for modelling since I was a child. I noticed I love watching fashion shows. I love fashion, love to dress well and to have my own style. I also love taking pictures. I would always look at my pictures admiring myself and it grew to be part of me.

How has the journey been so far? So far, the journey has been good, thank God. I started modeling professionally in December 2016. Iâ€™ve worked with great brands, stylists, photographers and makeup artists, to mention a few.

Who are your role models? I admire top models like Lauren Hutton, Cindy Crawford, Tyra Banks, Cara Delevinge and Iman, but Agbani Darego has always been my role model right from when I was very young.

How is it like being Muslim and working as a model? One can still be gorgeous, stylish and yet still maintain their religious beliefs. Just learning to have good self- esteem and accepting yourself for who you are and not trying to

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍş, 2017

POLITY

Larry Ettah Lauds Mobil Chairmanâ€™s Tenacity As He Turns 60 Kunle Adewale

s the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc, Mr. Tunji Oyebanji turns 60, The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UACN Plc, Mr. Larry Ettah has described him as a pragmatic, courageous and decent busi-

ness leader and friend with an uncommon sense, culminating in his exemplary life. In a 2-page statement commemorating the epoch, Ettah recalled that in 16 years of close relationship with Oyebanji, both had built an â€œenduring alliance between our two companies and between our two familiesâ€?. In the heartfelt letter, Ettah, who

will be retiring from his position at the UACN Plc January next year, also depicts Oyebanji as a steward of capital, an operator, catalyst and strategist who is not publicity hungry. The UAC boss said Oyebanjiâ€™s life had been a source of inspiration to him. â€œAs you turn 60 and the winter of life sets in, your life commitment to the ide-

Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers Honours Nwanne Amby Uneze Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂœĂ“

o achieve greatness in life transcends rhetoric of claims which of course has become the order of the day in our clime today. That is not the way of Bright Nwanne, a third republic senator who at a tender age became a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because of his humility and astuteness in life. He has since then continued to maintain such posture.

Nwanne

Nwanne, who was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Nigerian Constitution which midwifed that republic, though short-lived due to military incursions into the Nigerian political foray, believes in the development of the country hence he had not relented in promoting any cause that is geared towards making Nigeria a great nation as it were. Ever since he became a national figure going by his numerous contributions both in the Constituent Assembly and the Senate, Nwanne has not looked back in also contributing to the development of his immediate community, Ezinihitte as well as the Mbaise nation and Imo State at large through his philanthropic gestures spanning from offering employment to many to assisting others in their educational pursuit. He is a believer of the development of Nigerian as well as a peace-loving, humanitarian personality that likes putting joy and smiles in the face of the people. A successful businessman par excellence with interest in manufacturing, international trade, and real estate, Nwanne also contested the governorship primaries under the Peopleâ€™s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. To show an appreciation for his numerous

contributions to the society at large, especially to the Mbaise nation, the entire Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers comprising more than 100 Traditional Rulers under the leadership of the deputy Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers for Owerri zone as well as the Chairman of Mbaise Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chidume Okoro would confer the prestigious chieftaincy title - Ugwu Dike Mbaise on him on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, as an honour to mark the 2017 Mbaise New Yam Festival.

als and edifying values that have brought you this far should continue to burnish your reputation through service and duty to others. You are an â€˜unbigâ€™ Bigman. Effortlessly, you are never too secure in your own insight, shunning over confident thinking and the seductive corporate hospitality,â€? Ettah, who has been at the helms at UAC for 11 years said. Oyebanji who turned 60 August 7, holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Lagos and an MBA in Marketing from the City University, London, UK. He started his career with Mobil in late 1980 as a trainee where he served as a petrol station attendant selling petrol at the fuel pump for the first six months. From that point onwards, Oyebanji grew from one position to another in the company and was first appointed to the Board in 2002 and after several foreign assignments, was reappointed in 2007. In October 2008, he was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc.

The Fecund Mummies 2017 Conference

he Fecund Mummies (TFM) has begun the countdown to its first annual conference tagged: â€œThe Physical Fruitful Manifestation.â€? This event will hold at Bethel Place, Redemption Camp, Km 46, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State on August 25. The grand finale holds on August 27. The resource persons for the conference are Barr. Adebimpe Bada, Pastor Olusegun Oluyemi, Ossi Yinka amongst other. The conference will unveil emerging talented music ministers like Debola Olorunesan,

T-Vocal, Gbenga Oke, Psalmmyist alongside Fecund facilitators who shall intercede on behalfâ€™s of mothers waiting on God for womb blessings. Ossi Yinka, the Visioner said the conference â€œis based on the mission to lift voices together, bend kneels to receive Godâ€™s fruitfulness, as none is termed barren.â€? She added: â€œThe main keys to receiving fruitfulness are absolute trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the giver of life Himself.â€?

L-R: Director, Special Duties, Coscharis Group, Mr. Cosmas Maduka Jr; Customer Service and Corporate Affairs Manager, SIXT Nigeria, Edokwe Ifeoma Juliet; Head of International Franchise Operations, SIXT Rent A Car, Mr. Karsten Jaensch; General Manager/CEO, SIXT Nigeria, Mr. Christian Chigbundu; and Executive Secretary, Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN), Mr. Andrew Efurhievwe, at the companyâ€™s annual national conference in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Manager, Hubmart Stores, Ikeja, Mr. Chigozie Omeike; Managing Director/Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Hubmart Stores, Murat Bektaslar; Assistant Vice President, Marketing, Hubmart Stores, Mr. Cheng Fuller, and Head, IT Hubmart Stores, Sunny Egho, during a facility tour of the new outlet of the store in Ikeja, Lagos...recently

L-R: Executive Director, Access Bank Plc/RIMAN Board member, Gregory Jobome; Managing Director/Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, H. Pierson Associates/Speaker, Mrs. Eileen Shaiyen; Executive Director, Heritage Bank/RIMAN President; Mr. Jude Monye and the Managing Director Restorium Capital/General Secretary RIMAN, Mrs. Omotayo Adeola at the RIMAN conference in Lagos...recently

L-R: Senior Partner, ACAS-Law, Mrs. Funke Agbor (SAN); Strategy and Operations Lead, Deloitte West Africa, Bola Ashiru; Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi; Chairman of the Occasion, Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi; Partner, Templars Law and moderator of the plenary session, Inam Wilson; Executive Vice Chairman, ENL Consortium Limited and Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, Princess Vicky Haastrup, at the second edition of the 2017 Taiwo Afolabi annual maritime conference in Lagos...recently

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

NEWSXTRA

In Brief Flood Sack Uduaghan’s Community

TheoilrichAbigborodocommunityinWarriNorthLocalGovernmentareaofDelta Statehasbeenfloodedwithpropertiesworthmillionsofnairadestroyedand residentsdisplaced.Agedandwomenaswellaschildrenwerebeingevacuated asatyesterdaywhenTHISDAYvisitedthecommunitywheretheex-Governor EmmanuelUduaghanhailsfrom.ChairmanofAbigborodocommunity,Comrade MondayAgbeyitoldTHISDAYthatperennialfloodhaddestroyedproperties andlivelihoodofpeopleoftheoilrichcommunity.Hethereforeappealedtothe Federal,StateandLocalGovernmentstocometotheaidofpeopleoverthe submerged thecommunitybyfloodduetotheendlessdownpourinthearea. Agbeyi stated that the people of the community were presently enveloped in a vicious cycle of untold hardship and socio-economic despondency. He explained that the rain does not only destroy their farmlands, fish ponds but also someof their housesand household properties.

Anambra: IG Promises to Strengthen Security

SWEET VICTORY... L-R: AGM Operations, Cyprian Ukpai; Head of Finance, Mr. Tiwalade Adebiyi; DMD, Mr. Adedayo Paseda; AGM Marketing and Sales, Mr. Fola Laguda and GMD/CEO Chemstar Paint Industries, Aderemi Awode at the Gama merit award...recently

FG Requests Extradition of US-based Man Accused of $712,000 Fraud Ugo Aliogo

The federal government has requested the extradition of a United States-based Nigerian, Jim-Daniels Nnah, accused of defrauding two companies of the sum of $712,000 approximately N261.3 million. The request was contained in a letter marked HAGF/Ext/08/14 from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) addressed to the US Department of Justice, Washington DC. This extradition request is coming four years after Nnah through his company, Biowish TM Africa Limited allegedly fleeced Environ-Aid Technologies Nigeria Limited and Alsa Logistics Limited of the sum under the pretence of giving them sole distributorship rights of some bio-chemicals. Made pursuant to the provisions

of the extradition treaty between the governments of the USA and United Kingdom (UK) of December 22, 1931, which is applicable to Nigeria, the request was signed by the AGF, Abubakar Malami (SAN). Giving facts of the case, Malami said Nnah obtained the money for the purpose of supplying the complainants with products made by Biowish Technologies Inc., USA. He said the complainants alleged that the suspect neglected or refused to supply the products, thereby, has stolen or converted the money to his personal use. Malami stated that by his alleged action, the suspect deprived the complainants of their money and the goods in-spite of several efforts to recover the property or money. He said: "The complainants claimed that sometime in September 2012, their companies entered in

an existing joint venture agreement with Biowish Technologies Inc., 150N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2800, Chicago, Illinois 60601, USA, to supply its products in Africa. "For Biowish Technologies products to be sold in Africa, Jim Daniels-Nnah incorporated Biowish TM Africa to market a variety of the products ranging from Biowosh-Aqua, Biowish Odor, Biowish Remediation, Biowish Crops (fertilizer), etc. "Relying on the information provided by the suspect, the complainant entered into separate agreements with Biowish TM Africa Limited to procure Biowosh Technologies' products for which the sum of $712,000 was paid into Jim Daniels-Nnah's company, Biowish TM Africa Limited and IC&T America Inc.'s offshore accounts numbers 2531597994 and

2513861179 at BBVA Compass Bank, Houston Texas, respectively at different times. "Unknown to the complainants, Jim Daniels-Nnah has signed two separate identical contract notes making each of the two companies the sole distributor of the same products in Nigeria, demonstrating fraud and insincerity in handling the whole transaction." Continuing, Malami stated that both companies separately terminated the agreements and demanded for a refund of their money paid Nnah when he failed to deliver the products over a period of time. He said the suspect's inability to supply the products or refund the complainants' money made them suspect fraud and individually filed complaints with the authorities in Nigeria.

Libya to Deport 540 Nigerians Violence Erupts in Kenya Following Kenyatta's Win in August, Says NAPTIP Chiemelie Ezeobi and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), yesterday said 540 Nigerian deported from Libya will arrive Lagos this August. In a related development, the Director-General of the National Agency For The Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons(NAPTIP), Julie Okah-Donli has said that the agency had rescued and supported over 12,000 victims and secured 325 convictions. Already, the first tranche of 180 deportees arrived Lagos on Thursday night, just as the Agency partnered the Tony Elumelu Foundation. The DG said this during a courtesy visit to the founder of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, who also doubles as the Chairman of United Bank of Africa. Giving a further breakdown of the ills of human trafficking and its effects on the society, she said out of the 540 to be deported, 180 had already arrived.

She said, "In 2017, we have witnessed mass deportation of Nigerians from various countries including Libya. This is further draining our very lean budget. "This year, over 2000 Nigerians have been deported from Libya alone. It may interest you to note that we are expecting the deportation of no fewer than 540 Nigerians from Libya in three batches this August. The first batch of 180 will arrive Lagos tonight." On the support needed she said, "We need provision of financial and logistics support including operational vehicles and work tools, sponsorship of some of the agency's project and programmes. "We need to refurbish and rehabilitate our existing shelters, periodic provision of food, clothing and medical consumables to shelter to help victims. "Assistance in the development of standard skills acquisition centers in some strategic locations in Nigeria for training of vulnerable and indigent persons, as well as rescued victims."

Adedayo Adejobi with Agency Reports

President Uhuru Kenyatta has been re-elected in Kenya, defeating veteran opposition leader and longtime rival Raila Odinga in a tense contest. Following Tuesday’s election, Kenya's electoral commission declared Friday that the 55-yearold businessman and son of the country's founding President had received enough votes to secure a second five-year term. Mr. Kenyatta, in office since 2013, ahead of his rival, garnered 54.27% of the final vote, similar to what he had in a preliminary count. Odinga received 44.74%. The President, in a nationally broadcast said he and his opponent were not enemies. "We are all citizens of one republic," he said. "As with any competition, there shall always be winners and there shall be losers. But we all belong to one great nation called Kenya." Kenyatta said he wanted to work

with the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA). "I extend a hand of partnership knowing full well that this country needs all of us pulling together in order for us to succeed," he said. The President told his countrymen there was no need for violence. But the opposition rejected the results even before they were declared, calling the process a "charade". However, it has been endorsed by international observers. Mr. Kenyatta said they had ensured a "free, fair and credible election". Angry protests have started in the city of Kisumu - an opposition stronghold - and in various slums of the capital Nairobi, including Kibera, where businesses are said to have been attacked. Police, who were deployed in anticipation of the results, have fired tear gas in several locations. Fires have been lit by protesters on a road in the heart of Kisumu, a BBC reporter at the scene says. Gunshots have also been heard.

TheInspectorGeneralofPolice,IbrahimIdrishaspromisedtostrengthenthe securitynetworkinAnambraState.TheNigeriapoliceChiefstatedthisinOnitsha whiletakingdeliveryoffivesecurityvehiclesdonatedtotheAnambraandDelta States police commands by Intafact Beverage vs makers of the Hero brand ofbeerattheirOnitshafactory.Hesaidlackoffunctionalvehiclesweresome oftheproblemsfacingthepolice,butwiththevehicles,thepoliceinAnambra will be able to respond swiftly to distress calls from residents of the state. Intafact's legal and corporate affairs director, West Africa, Otunba Michael Daramola who spoke on behalf of the company said that one out of the five vehicleswouldbepresentedtotheDeltaStatePolicecommandjustacross theNigerriver,whilefourotherswouldbeusedbytheAnambraStatepolice command.RepresentedbytheAnambraStatepolicecommissioner,Garba Umar,theIGsaiditwasthoughtfulofthecompanytoalsodonatetoDeltaState.

ANN Condemns Ozubulu Killings

The Alliance for New Nigeria, ANN, a new political group, has condemned in strongtermsthekillingsattheCatholicChurchatOzubulu,inAnambraState. The group said it was an unimaginable desecration of the house of God and unparalleleddisregardforthesanctityofthehumanlife.Speakingonbehalf ofthegroup,LeonardEbute,anagriculturalentrepreneurandmemberofthe Board of Trustees of the group, said the group received with shock news of thedawnraid onthechurchwhichleft manypeopledead and scoresinjured. Ebute said this was totally unacceptable and the ANN condemns such in totality. "We are not interested in the motivation of the killers or the reason behindsuchheinouscrime.Wearenotunmindfulofdifferentstoriesmaking theroundspurportedlyexplainingthereasonbehindthekillings.TheANNisnot interested in these stories while trusting security agencies to do a thorough job in fishing out the killers and make them tell the whole world the reason behind suchdastardlyact.

NCC Raids SIM Cards Sellers

TheNationalCommunicationsCommission(NCC)hascarriedoutraidstostop thesaleofpre-registeredSIMcardsinBauchiState.TheNCCteamcarriedout the operations yesterday in Bauchi metropolis and Azare, headquarters of Katagumlocalgovernmentareaofthestateandwasaccompaniedbypersonnel oftheNigeriaSecurityandCivilDefenceCorps(NSCDC)whoarrestedsome ofsuspectedsellersoftheSIMcards.Speakingtojournalists aftertheraids, thePrincipalManager,EnforcementUnitoftheNCC,ChukwuemekaObisaid thattheycarriedouttheoperationsafterreceivingcomplaintsaboutthesale oftheSIMcardsinthestate. Accordingtohim,theproliferationofSIMcards thatwerenotlegallyandproperlyregisteredinthecountrywassecuritythreat and increasingcriminal actslikekidnappings,armed robberiesand others.

Chemstar 2017 Gama Award

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Chemstar Paints Industry Nigeria Limited, manufacturers of Finecoat and Shield Paints, Mr. Aderemi Awode, has said the last three years had been very tough and challengingforpaintsindustryinthecountry.This,heattributedtothehighrateof foreignexchange,giventhefactthatover60percentoftherawmaterialsare imported,andcoupledwiththelowdisposableincomeofthepeople,whichto alargeextent,havenegativelyaffectedtheperformanceofthesectorinthe yearsunderreview.Awodesaid:“Forpaintsindustry,ithasnotbeentoughand challenginginthelastthreeyears.Also,thehighrateofforexandlowdisposable income of Nigerians, even as paints are the last in the chains of people’s demandshaveaffected our capacityutilisation.

NASCO Sponsors Customers on Hajj

As part of its efforts toward rewarding outstanding customers that have immensely patronised it's products across the country, NASCO Group of companies yesterday rewarded three of its customers with tickets to go on 2017MuslimPilgrimage(Hajj)withadditionalcashof$1,000each.Presenting someoftheawardstothewinners,ExecutiveDirectorOperationsofNASCO,Mr. IdrisNasreddinthankedthecustomersfordoingbusinesswiththecompanies, addingthatitwasonlygoodtoappreciatecustomersthathavecontributedin termsofpatronageandpartnershipwiththecompanies.Speakingattheevent, PlateauStateGovernor,Mr.SimonLalongextolledmanyvirtuesofNASCO, which he said had contributed immensely to the economic development of thestate,especiallyintermsofgivingemploymentstotheyouthsofthestate.

Church Inaugurates Building

TheBishopofLagosWestDioceseAnglicanCommunion,Rev.JamesOdedeji, hasinauguratedtheChristianMissionfortheDeafCentre(CMDC)whichwas builtbytheGoodShepherdSocietyofArchbishopViningMemorialAnglican Church, GRA, Ikeja Lagos. Speaking at the dedication ceremony recently in Lagos,OdedejihasapplaudedtheGoodShepherdSocietyforbuildingachapel for the deaf and dumb, adding that with this gesture, they have fulfilled one ofthecoreobjectiveswhythesocietywasformed.Henotedthatthechapel would be a place mainly for worship and not for societal use, stressing that the society has positioned itself to be a blessing to the people especially by ensuringthatthephysicallychallengedaretreatedthesamewaywithother worshippers. “WhateverGodhasgiventousisnotmeantonlyforourbenefit, butalsoforthegoodofothers.Iwanttoassureeverymemberthathassowed intothisprojectthatGodwillrewardthem.Ipromisetoassignpastorshereto carryout baptism,HolyCommunion,and other churchactivities.

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

NEWSXTRA

Police Set Up Panel to Probe Bribery Allegations for Special Promotion Paul Obi in Abuja and Okon Bassey in Uyo Following the controversy that have trailed Police special promotion exercise, the Nigerian Police yesterday set up a Special Investigation Panel to unravel allegations of bribery in the promotion of Police officers. This is as the Akwa Ibom State Police Command yesterday banned groups from protesting against the planned construction of a new Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Lodge worth N1.2 billion in Lagos State. Contrary to the State Government explanation on the project, a cross section of indigenes within and outside the state planed a mass peaceful protest in the state capital against the idea. The setting up of the panel is coming on the heels of growing concerns raised by the Police Service Commission (PSC) Chairman, Mr. Mike Okiro and the Nigerian Senate. According to Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), CSP Jimoh Moshood, "the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris set up special Investigation Panel to investigate complaints and allegations credited to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Isah Hamma Misau and other petitions and complaints emanating from Police officers on allegations of payment of money for special promotion. "The Special Investigation Panel has consequently upon the directive of the Inspector General of Police invited Senator Isah Hamma Misau to a meeting to shed more lights and provide more details to the Panel that will assist them to conduct a very discreet investigation into his complaints and allegations, and those of other aggrieved Police officers."

WE 'RE PROUD OF YOU... L.R: Mr Tafa Zibiri-Aliu, President -Deep Trust Investment LTD, Prince Tony Momoh(Fmr. Minister of Information,and wife- Janet, - grandparents of Esivue Suleiman who who Completed his M.Sc in Industrial Mathematics at the 12th convocation ceremony of Covenant University, Ota, ...recently Moshood explained that "the Panel amongst other responsibilities has the following terms of reference: to investigate the complaints from Senator Isah Hamma Misau on allegations that Police Officers pay bribe for special promotion." The terms of reference also include "to investigate other complaints,

petitions and grievances from Police Officers within the Force and from other members of the public on allegations of giving money for promotion, either special or otherwise. "To determine the substance of the complaints, petitions and grievances from aggrieved Police

Nigeria to Reﬁnance Domestic Debts by External Borrowing The federal government has approved the refinancing of the country’s domestic debt through external borrowing. Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who disclosed this allayed fears of increased borrowing, insisting that instead of borrowing Naira, “we are now borrowing dollars and at a cheaper rate.” The approval followed a proposal by the Debt Management Office (DMO) for the refinancing of part of the country’s domestic debts, particularly Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs), through the borrowing of $3 billion. The move is informed by the

cost effective rate of the US Dollar interest rates in the International Capital Market (ICM), which is at 7%, while the domestic market is pegged at 18.55%, leaving an interest rate differential of 12% lower. The implementation of the refinancing is expected to result in substantial cost savings for the FGN in debt service costs. Besides reducing the cost of borrowing, the fresh injection of capital is expected to be raised for a tenor of up to 15 years, which is very long compared to the maximum tenor of 364 days for Nigeria Treasury Bills. It is expected that the move will effectively extend the tenor of the

government’s debt portfolio. The longer tenor enables the Government to repay at a time when the economy would be stronger and more diversified, to meet the obligations. The reduction in the level of the FGN’s borrowing from the domestic market would result in a reduction in domestic interest rates and free up borrowing space in the economy, particularly for private sector borrowers. The $3billion from the refinancing will also represent an injection of foreign exchange into the economy which will boost the country’s external reserves.

Officers and members of the public on allegations of giving money for special promotion." They also include "to determine those who were involved, to recommend appropriate judicial action and other punishments as it is appropriate in line with the provisions of Public Service Rules

Section 030401 (j) (k) and other statutory enabling laws/Acts. The Panel is to submit reports to the Inspector General of Police within two (2) weeks. Still in Akwa Ibom, another group of indigenes who supported the project had also planned to march simultaneously in similar rally at

the same time and date in the state capital. The State Police Command acknowledged receiving a letter from the opposition group to carry out the protest in Uyo and another letter from an organisation requesting for Police permission to carry out a demonstration.

Nationwide HIV/AIDS Survey, Largest Worldwide, Says NACA Boss Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Director General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Sani Aliyu, has said that the ongoing comprehensive survey of the HIV/AIDS status in Nigeria was the largest ever carried out in the world. Aliyu in exclusive interview with THISDAY said that the programme being supported by the United States (US) government with $85 million will give detailed information about the state of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria He also used the opportunity to commend the US government and foriegn donors for funding about

90 percent of HIV programmes in Nigeria, which he warned is not sustainable. He said that cumulatively the US and foriegn donors have contributed over N5.6 billion to various intervention programmes in Nigeria. According to him the Agency has "agreed to a population-based HIV survey, which would be the largest ever carried out in the world". This will give us the true picture of the HIV epidemic in Nigeria. It will however, cost the US Government about $85 million; this is no mean achievement. "Secondly, I have always been worried about the issue of sustainable

HIV funding. As you know, more than 70 per cent of the entire HIV national response is being driven by external donor funds. In fact in 2016, 99 per cent of the HIV commodities brought into the country was courtesy of our donor friends. Definitely, that is not a healthy situation for the country to be in and in the long term is a major threat to the overall sustainability of the programme. "Since the start of the HIV national programme in Nigeria, the US Government alone has spent more than $4.3 billion and Global Fund more than $1.3 billion, a colossal sum by any imagination".

Power Tussle: Bayelsa Govt. Moves APC Moves Against Banire through to Take Over APC Secretariat Ward over Alleged Anti-party Activities Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The Bayelsa State Government on Friday moved to retrieve the building currently occupied by the crisis-ridden All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, insisting that the structure belonged to the government of the state. Citing a court order which directed that the APC should vacate the building located on Melford Okilo Expressway, Kpansia , Yenagoa, the Peoples Democratic Party-led state government noted that the house

was ‘forcefully’ taken over by the leadership of the APC without resort to it. According to the state SolicitorGeneral, Mr. Preye Agedah, who addressed journalists at the state Ministry of Justice office, Yenagoa, aside the fact that the government bought the building from the original owner, the current crisis bedeviling the party, whereby two factions were laying claim to secretariat was also capable of causing serious damage to the structure. The opposition party had recently

run into troubled waters, following the removal of the Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe by the APC National Executive Council (NEC), whose loyalists have been protesting the action and laying claim to the secretariat. A faction loyal to Orunimighe has been at loggerheads with the group supporting ex-Governor Timipre Sylva, which currently occupies the property seized by security operatives last week to avert anarchy.

Bennett Oghifo The Disciplinary Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward C of Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State has summoned the embattled National Legal Adviser of the party, Mr. Muiz Banire over alleged anti-party activities and misappropriation of campaign materials and logistics. In a letter dated July 10, 2017 signed by the Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Badru Olaide, Banire was directed to appear before the Committee to

defend allegations contained in a petition written against him by concerned members of the party over series of infractions of the party’s constitution. According to the letter which was published in some national dailies on Friday, Banire is to appear before the Committee scheduled to hold by 10am on Monday, August 14, 2017 at Mushin Sports Centre in Bishop Aggey Memorial School, Ilasamaja. “The business of the sitting is to examine, hear and determine the complaints against you (Banire) by

concerned members of our party,” Olaide said, adding that Banire was at liberty to attend with legal practitioners of his choice and relevant documents and witnesses to defend the allegations against him. In the petition written by two members of the party – Mr. Olukayode Tunde Tolu and Mr. Ayodeji Adebayo, the petitioners are asking that Banire be suspended from the party and debarred from holding any party office as well as contesting office on the platform of the party for a period of 10 years.

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Osinbajo: Human Rights Abuses Capable of Undermining Anti-terror Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday in Abuja said a series of allegations of fundamental rights abuses levelled against the military were capable of undermining the war against terrorism. Osinbajo made this comment while inaugurating a presidential investigative panel to examine the compliance of the Armed Forces with rights obligations and rules of engagement in the course of their assignment. He said inaugurating the panel became imperative in the face of many allegations levelled against the security agencies. â€œIndeed conventional human

rights norms and conventional human rights observers are challenged by various nuances of asymmetric warfare. Nonetheless, there are series of allegations levelled against security forces by some local and international commentatorsâ€Ś.. the allegations are capable of undermining the good works and efforts of the men and women of the armed forces who have largely conducted themselves in a disciplined and professional manner,â€? he stated. He said the focus of the Buhari administration went beyond mere constitutional duties of protecting lives of the Nigerians citizens, adding that "respect for the lives of Nigerian citizens is not just a constitutional but also moral duty."

He added: "This is why it is incumbent upon us even as we maintain security especially in conflict situations, to interrogate alleged crimes and human rights abuses by all sides of these conflicts and insurgencies. â€œTodayâ€™s occasion is a continuation of the efforts of this administration geared towards attaining its goal. You may recall that in June, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the military to conduct an internal inquiry into allegations of rights abuses by its personnel." The acting president also praised the Nigerian military, saying â€œit is also a well - known fact that the conduct of the countryâ€™s defence and security forces during insurgency in the North-east and militancy in

the Niger Delta has in recent times attracted significant commendations. While charging members of the panel to discharge their duties diligently, impartially and with all sense of professionalism, the acting president urged them to also obtain information on conditions of service of the armed forces or any other factors that might have hindered the optimal performance. Members of the Panel are as follows: Hon. Justice Biobele Georgewill ,Chairman, Maj. Gen. Patrick Akem, Olawale Fapohunda, Mrs. Hauwa Ibrahim, Jibrin Ibrahim, Abba A. Ibrahim,Mrs. Ifeoma Nwakama, Dr. Fatima Alkali, Counsel to the Panel Mr. S. Halliru.

13 Millionaires Emerge as Diamond Bank RafďŹ‚e Draws Diamond Bank Plc, has created additional 13 millionaires in its daily extraordinary draws across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeriaâ€™s economy. With these newly created millionaires, the Bank has fulfilled the promise made by the management to make one customer a millionaire every working day in the month of August. According to the Bank, 18 more Nigerians would become millionaires before the end of September, adding that the daily extraordinary draws are not just only meant to reward its loyal customers and potential customers but also to show appreciation to Nigerians for the trust and confidence in its array of financial products and services. Among the newly created millionaires, a lucky customer from the Bankâ€™s Branch in Warri, Delta State, Daniel Chijioke Jombo, emerged as the winner of Salary for Life, the star prize. He will receive N100,000.00 every month for the next 20 years. Two more customers are expected to emerge as the winners of salary for life in August and September while

15 more millionaires will be created in the remaining days in August. In a press release made available to the press, a total of 1, 521 winners have emerged in the draws held since mid-July this year. In all, 10 customers have won N500,000.00 each, while 300 customers have won N10,000.00 each with another set of 200 customers winning N5,000.00 each. Also, 1000 customers of the Bank have been rewarded with N500 recharge cards across all mobile telecommunications networks. Chioma Afe, the Bankâ€™s chief spokesperson stated that with a deposit balance of only N5,000, a customer was qualified to participate in the draw and multiples of that amount increases the customers chances of winning. According to her, the Season 9 extraordinary edition had been very rewarding to the customers, noting that the draws scheduled for the this season reaffirmed the Bankâ€™s commitment to financially empower more Nigerians by spreading the draws across the six geopolitical zones.

Glo Laffta Fest Berths in Ikorodu

GAINING MORE GROUND... L-R: Sarkin Jawa, Idris Musa; Vice President, Star Times Group Guo Ziqi; Vice Minister of State Country Information OďŹƒce China Guo Weimin; DG NTA, Yakubu Ibn Mohammed and CEO Star Times Nigeria, Justin Zhang, at the Launch of the Startimes Satellite TV Project in Hulumi Village held yesterday in Abuja. PHOTO;Julius Atoi

Ogah ConďŹ rms Defection to APC, Boko Haram: Troops Search Urge Abians to Dump PDP Houses in Maiduguri Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia After emerging from his dogged fight to become Abia governor to no avail the president of Masters Energy Group, Mr. Uche Ogah has dumped the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). There had been insinuations that the oil magnet and industrialist was no longer in love with the PDP, under which platform he made strenuous efforts to become the chief executive of Abia without realising his dream. But speaking with journalists at his Unuaku country home in Isuikwuato local government Ogah confirmed without mincing words that he had left PDP and pitched his tent with APC, which is holding sway at the federal level. â€œIt is not a rumor, it is the truth,â€? he said, adding, â€œYou know after the Supreme Court decision on the 2015 Abia Governorship Election, I took time to rest (and) after careful consultations, I decided to finally join APC even though many political parties had approached me to join themâ€?. Ogah, whose long drawn legal struggle to unseat Governor Okezie Ikpeazu really jolted the ruling PDP,

further explained that he jettisoned his former party because it lacked internal democracy. He said: â€œThe way PDP is structured in Abia is like a cult. Cult is not for the masses. Cult protects the interest of its members alone and popularises itself. In Abia state, people are sitting on the resources of the entire state, sharing public fund among themselves. I believe that anything that will not benefit or interest the masses, I get myself out of it. My belief is adding value to the lives of the peopleâ€?. Ogah explained that he joined APC because it is â€œa party at the centre and Abia as a state needs the party,â€? adding that â€œthose in APC are all progressives and the party is well positioned.â€? The Masters Energy boss was effusive in praising his new found broom brandishing political party, saying that APC would not impose candidate on its members as it â€œwill choose among the best to be its flag bearer not just any person like the PDP doesâ€?. Apparently alluding to the forthcoming 2019 gubernatorial election in Abia, Ogah asserted that PDP must be dethroned in Abia, which according to him, was in dire need of good governance.

Paul Obi in Abuja

In a new move to fish out Boko Haram terrorists from their hideout, military troops under Operation Lafiya Dole yesterday searched some properties in Maidugiri, Borno State and other areas for the terrorists who might have used the metropolis as a hideout. The move came on the heels of renewed onslaught against Boko Haram sect by the military troops. Lt. Col. Kingsley Samuel of the Theatre Command under Operation Lafiya Dole explained that had to clear the area and ensure terrorists were taken out. He said: "As part of ongoing counter insurgency operations, the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole has been conducting several clearance as well as cordon and search operations in urban and rural areas within the Theatre "The operation was successfully conducted as over 30 houses were searched. One of such included a property which was said to be occupied by United Nations Staff, although the property did not carry a UN designation. "On the whole, operation in the general area was successfully

concluded but no arrest was made because the suspects were not found" "The clearance operations effort has been yielding several successes. It has forced the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) to change tactics and resort to employment of suicide bombers to target military locations and the populace. "This necessitated the need to intensify Cordon and Search in Maiduguri metropolis and environment. In the last one week cordon and search operations were conducted in Jiddari â€“Polo, Muna Garage, Jakana amongst several other areas. Samuel explained that "on 10th August 2017, Theatre Command received information from one of its credible sources that some high value BHT suspects had infiltrated into Pompomari Bye Pass. "It therefore became expedient to take preemptive action by combing the general area through a cordon and search operations. "The command wishes to assure the general public that these operations are being conducted to safeguard lives and properties but not targeted at any individual or group," Samuel added.

The comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest, currently touring the nation is berthing in Ikorodu, Lagos State this Sunday afternoon. In the past 18 weeks, the highly celebrated comedy show has taken some of the continentâ€™s best known humour merchants, such as Basketmouth and Bovi, across Nigeria, dispensing mirth and happiness. The next stop this Sunday, August 13, 2017 is Ikorodu where more than a dozen comics are expected to climb the stage and treat residents to hilarious jokes. Among the comedians expected to perform are Helen Paul, Bash, Kenny Black, Salvador from Uganda, Acapella, Gordons and Basketmouth. The show, slated for Ikorodu Musical Village at 1pm will attract some of Nigeriaâ€™s celebrated Thespians, such as Odunlade Adekola, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Mama G and Mr. Latin. The show anchors are two of Nigeriaâ€™s most accomplished actresses, Uche Jombo and Ebube Nwagbo, while dignitaries and very important

personalities from all walks of life are expected to grace the occasion. "We are taking the fun to the heart of Ikorodu this Sunday. The people of this city should get ready to enjoy themselves like they have not done before. The experience will be simply breath-taking,â€? Globacom said in a press statement from its head office in Lagos on Friday. The show headliner, Basketmouth urged the people of Ikorodu to expect "a pleasant surprise" as he was coming fully prepared for them. Another of the accomplished comedians billed to perform, Godwin Komone, popularly known as Gordons, said it would be a Sunday to remember for the people of Ikorodu.

CHANGE OF NAME

Saturday, August 12, 2017

UT H

& RE A S O

Price: N250

MISSILE Transperancy International to the Military

“Corruption in military establishment is dangerous, divisive and wasteful with far reaching consequences on the state and fuels insurgency. Soldiers, sailors will die as a result of it; nations would fail as a consequence of it.” Senior Advisor to Transperancy International (TI) Ian Andrews, speaking during a workshop organised by the Nigerian Air Force in conjunction TI and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CSLAC) in Abuja.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

As We Begin the Journey to 2019 F

ellow Nigerians, unbeknown to many of our people, the battle for who becomes our next President has already started in earnest. Never mind the fact that the incumbent President is still firmly in power even if he’s spent more time outside than inside in recent times. Despite his absence, President Muhammadu Buhari continues to exert almost total control on the affairs of state through regular phone chats with the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who is deeply loyal and committed to their joint cause, and emissaries who criss-cross the two continents to transmit messages to him and relevant officials. Nonetheless, you can’t blame the gladiators for shaping up this early for the big contest that is looming. It is big because it is unlikely that the current incumbent President will run again because of the fragile state of his health. Like joke, like joke, the Buhari/ Osinbajo government is in its third year. By this time next year, the general elections would just be about six months away. That’s just too close for comfort. The Presidential race is always the biggest deal in most countries, Nigeria in particular. The reason is simple. The President of Nigeria is probably the most powerful black President in the world. This is why you find so many perpetual contestants who never get tired of seeking power. Let me just go straight to the meat of my message without wasting your precious time on any long preamble. Some aspirants have actually started making subterranean moves, here and there, to prepare the grounds for their eventual launch. The most obvious ones include former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano. The boldest and most vocal visible aspirant is the current Governor of Ekiti State, Peter Fayose who has even announced a date for the official declaration of his bid for the Presidency. Fayose seems to have mastered the art and science of politics. He has warned that no one should underrate him. I won’t because nothing is impossible in our clime. Anyway. Let’s move on. The main cause of the early moves is the general belief in political circles that President Buhari is not likely to contest in 2019. His poor health has virtually eliminated him from the race no matter how much and how well he recovers from his present ailment. I think so too. Baba himself had declared in one of his rare interviews that he’s never been this sick in his life. Only the cruellest human being would advise President Buhari to continue to subject himself to the rigours of the Presidential office when he returns. To add the vagaries of rough and tumble of a Presidential race to his recuperation would be inhuman indeed. God has been very kind to him and there is nothing more to prove or to achieve. Others must carry on the fight as his able Vice President, now Acting President has been doing. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar had shown interest in becoming Nigeria’s President since 1993 when he contested the Presidential primaries of the then Social Democratic Party alongside Chief Moshood Abiola and Baba Ghana Kingibe. He

Buhari was persuaded to withdraw from the contest and throw his weight behind Chief Abiola on the basis of his relative youth amongst other things. Age, it was said, was on his side, and he had many years to seek the Presidency. Since then, he has never stopped dreaming and aspiring. Unfortunately, he has always just fallen short! He had made his next move in 2003, after he served as Vice President to President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999. The “abortive coup” (as it was described), to force Obasanjo out and bring Atiku in, by the all-powerful Governors of the time failed spectacularly. The cold war between Atiku and his boss exploded into full view and became a smouldering inferno. Atiku instantly became a marked man. He himself would be forced out of the party he helped to found and had to join others to form another party. But before too long Atiku was compelled by circumstances to scamper back to PDP. Not many felt that was a smart move. He was viewed as being too desperate and unprincipled. This flip-flop has been his major albatross. And he was not yet done! Atiku again jumped ship from the floundering PDP when some five Governors defected and joined the fulcrum of APC. There are already indications that he may be compelled to abandon ship again but where to, we don’t know. Some say that he is grooming PDM for this purpose and has already caused a crisis in his former movement. There is no doubt that Atiku would make a good leader. He is a seasoned politician who is known to have the ability to unite Nigerians because of his extensive networks across the nation. He also has the penchant for recruiting the best brains to work with. If he becomes the President, he would be bringing in his wealth of experience in public service and private business that is almost second to none. But there are major setbacks against him. One is how to find the detergent to cleanse or unglue himself from the sticky mud his former boss President Obasanjo had generously splashed on him. He’s largely portrayed as a very corrupt and corruptible leader who may lead Nigerians

into temptation and perdition with his acolytes. Whether this is a fair assessment or wicked blackmail is his business to deal with but it won’t be so easy to wish or wash away. Atiku will find it difficult to clinch the APC ticket. There are obvious signs that he has already positioned some of his close associates in PDP, in case of emergency but he may be scammed at the end of the day if he takes the risk of pulling out of his present party. He needs to worry about his age. He has already crossed 70 and it is doubtful if most Nigerians want to be saddled with another old man who may collapse under the brutal weight of presidential stress and pressure. He would require more of a clean bill of health to persuade young Nigerians that he’s not carrying some health liabilities like others in the past. In summary, we have a reasonable bridge-builder and veteran administrator who may be too old and too late in seeking political office. Next is the former Governor of Kano State, Senator Mohammed Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a man with very vast political and administrative pedigree. He has gone through the whole gamut of governance at both executive and legislative levels. His performance as Governor of the massive state of Kano is an eloquent testimony to the fact that he may be the one to ignite the infrastructural revolution in Nigeria. He cuts the image of a frugal Aminu Kano with his simple mien. His grassroots non-governmental movement known as Kwankwasiyya Pillars of the Nation is well mobilised and may give him an edge over most aspirants. He also has in his favour the fact that Kano State has the highest number of registered voters and may be able to count on garnering a significant number of these. He is also expected to draw strength from his former colleagues in the Governors’ Forum across the nation but no one is sure how relevant they still are. Kwankwaso is 60 years old and falls the under the age of 65 that many want as the upper limit for contestants. On the negative side, he is not likely to have the formidable war chest of an Atiku Abubakar though this did not stop him from beating Atiku to third place in their last APC Primaries. Say what you will, the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, must be factored into the equation by all means. The reason is that he seems to enjoy a special rapport with his ailing boss who may prefer to hand over fully to someone he knows well than risk certainty for uncertainty. Osinbajo has been a very loyal and dependable ally, the sort that are not common in this clime. This is no surprise because his vocation as a lawyer, his service as a teacher and his calling as a Pastor makes him imbued with integrity and dignity. Osinbajo has also succeeded in bringing Nigerians together and calming frayed nerves. His handling of the economy, security and national awareness is quite commendable and many Nigeria’s applaud his brilliance and performance in steering the affairs of state to its present comfortable position. His only worry would come from ethnic jingoists who do not care about merit but prefer only members of their tribe no matter how useless or incompetent they may be. Osinbajo is likely to

be vehemently opposed by such powerful forces who think only about themselves, although it seems to me that the people of the North are not with them on this occasion. There is no question that Osinbajo has restored hope and promise to Nigeria and should ordinarily be allowed to stabilise the polity and lead us out of the doldrums. The fact that he lacks his own political platforms may be a great disadvantage because he would need to lean on his political godfather and kingmaker, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who seems tired of fixing others into positions of power without being the ultimate King of Kings himself. However, Asiwaju is canny and wise and would prefer to be in the hallowed corridors of power with his protégé in charge than be outside it particularly given that he is himself ageing and would be over a couple of years over 65 by the time of the next elections. There has always been speculation that the Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, is interested in being President. He is eminently qualified to do so. The way he has managed the Senate and worked assiduously on churning out unprecedented number of very efficacious bills is a pointer to his effectiveness as a modern and cosmopolitan leader who understands what the people want and how to give it to them. His biggest migraine apart from allegations of corruption and mismanagement of Societe Generale Bank which has seemingly not gone away, is that he comes from Kwara State. The State is geographically Northern but culturally Southern. His father was Olusola. He is Bukola. His wife is Toyin. His sister is Gbemisola. His Brother is Olaolu. His son is Olaseni. No one could be more Yoruba than Saraki. However, surprisingly, despite this great Yoruba credentials, the Yorubas do not also apparently view him as a Yoruba man but as a Northerner. I do not know how he plans to overcome that challenge of being neither cat nor rat. The Governor of Sokoto State, Waziri Aminu Tambuwal, attempted very briefly to run the Presidential race in 2015 but seemed to have chickened out and pulled back to settle for the gubernatorial race, where he eventually emerged successful. It is being mentioned in informed circles that he may still want to try his luck. As a former Speaker of the House of representatives and now Governor, he comes with some intimidating arsenal as e is still clearly well loved by his old constituency, the Federal legislators. It is not certain if he would abandon his almost guaranteed second term as Governor for a not so certain Presidential bid. His antecedents in this regard would persuade me not to expect too much of a change in Tambuwal’s circumstances this time around. The same goes for one of my favourite leaders, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State, one of the most cerebral, experienced and visionary leaders in Nigeria today. He is silently revolutionising Kaduna State although people see more of the controversial stuff coming out of that State because of its highly volatile religious mix of Muslims and Christians. Though he is yet to declare his interest openly, he is someone to watch…

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