Saturday 7th October 2017

200 Farmers Get N43bn from CBN's Anchor Borrowers Loans Chineme Okafor in Abuja Over 200,000 small holding farmers in 29 states of the country, cultivating eight different commodities have gotten N43 billion so far disbursed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under its

Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) which was launched in November 2015, Governor of CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has disclosed.

According to Emefiele, the ABP has so far achieved tremendous success in terms of outreach and coverage, making

it one of the most successful of CBN's development finance initiatives to date.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja during the launch of the Presidential Initiative On Agriculture and Youth Empowerment Programme at the CBN headquarters, Emefiele

said though the government was targeting an expanded job generation from the scheme, rising from its initial target of 10,000 fresh jobs to 130,000 new jobs in each of the states.

"The 10,000 target per state is the very least. That is if the state is lazy. Already, Jigawa

has generated 56,000 jobs along the agriculture value chain from this programme.

So, we have looked at it and we know 130,000 new jobs can be generated in each of the 29 states that have keyed into the scheme. It is new jobs and new initiatives. After attaining food

sufficiency, the next stage is export to increase our foreign reserves.

"Currently, the success of the programme has culminated in wealth creation for the small holder farmers, who hitherto Continued on page 8

Sultan of Sokoto: Anybody Who Kills for Religion Will Go to Hell… Page 8 Saturday 7 October, 2017 Vol 22. No 8206 Price: N250

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Kachikwu Meets Buhari,Keeps Mum as Baru Meets Osinbajo Heavy Security at NNPC Towers Omololu Ogunmade and Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, yesterday met with President

Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Abuja over his letter on allegations of insubordination by the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum

Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru.

While Kachikwu was meeting with the president, Baru was also meeting with Osinbajo after which he entered into the office

of the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

After his meeting with Buhari which lasted for over one hour, Kachikwu kept mum and declined to entertain any question from journalists

who had eagerly awaited his emergence from the meeting.

He muttered "no comment" as he walked past the press gallery, accompanied by the president's chief spokesman,

Mr. Femi Adesina.

THISDAY gathered that Adesina only went to keep Kachikwu company after the Continued on page 8

…President Receives CJN, Supreme Court Judges Says Prison Congestion a National Scandal President Muhammadu Buhari also yesterday met with justices of the Supreme Court led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, in the Council Chamber of the State House.

The CJN alongside other judges on a courtesy visit to the President, pledged to discharge their constitutional duties responsibly.

At the meeting Onnoghen assured the president that the judiciary would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the dream of a better Nigeria is

realised.

He described the visit, which he said was meant to welcome the president back home from his medical trip as unique.

He said he had deemed it fit to lead members of the judiciary to the State House to celebrate the president's recovery and simultaneously thank the Almighty God who granted him healing.

He also thanked members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), particularly Continued on page 8

JUDICIARY MEETS EXECUTIVE… President Muhammadu Buhari with Justice Walter Onnoghen during the courtesy visit of Justices of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice of Nigeria to Presidential Villa, Abuja ...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

PDP Chairmanship: Bode George Declares Interest… Page 16

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PAGE EIGHT

Sultan of Sokoto: Anybody Who Kills for Religion Will Go to Hell Christopher Isiguzo and Gideon Arinze in Enugu The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar yesterday in Nsukka, Enugu State sent a strong message to those who kill in the name of religion that hell await them.

He described the herdsmen currently ravaging some parts of the country as criminals and not Fulani herdsmen.

He said the rampaging herdsmen were not true Muslims, declaring that any Muslim that killed on the guise of defending

his religion would certainly go to hell.

Abubakar who spoke while delivering the University of Nigeria Nsukka 57th founders Day lecture titled "Restoring the dignity of Man" said Islam abhors violence and killings.

"The herdsmen killing people are criminals and not Fulani herdsmen.

Anybody who kills people shouting Allah is a terrorist and not a true Muslim and will go to hell. Allah hates people who kill and said they will go to hell," he said.

He however said Education

remained a veritable tool for human development as it promotes unity peace and economy.

According to him, no human development would happen without education where knowledge and skills were acquired for development of any country.

"Countries that take education seriously tend to develop healthier and happier. Education is light and means of restoring the dignity of man while ignorance is darkness.

"Education will continue to be a veritable tool for human and societal development.

Education is an instrument for national development and the interaction of persons and ideas are all aspects of education," he said.

Also speaking, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State who was conferred with the Dignity of Man Award at the occasion said something must be urgently done to ensure the restoration of the dignity of man.

He noted that the unchecked rise in population had led to economic insecurity in some homes, urging traditional rulers in the country to begin to talk about it in their various

communities.

Okowa thanked the University for the Award, promising to return to the institution to show practical appreciation later.

Also Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in his goodwill message said the 57th Founders Day celebration was a landmark in the life of the UNN, which he said had met most of the aspirations of the founding fathers.

He applauded the vision of the founders of the university, whom he said looked beyond the region, to give it national outlook, pointing out that the

motto of the institution, which is To Restore the Dignity of Man, had remained apt till date.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Professor Chukwuma Ozumba thanked the Sultan of Sokoto for accepting to be the guest lecturer as he also praised the vision of the founding fathers of the university.

"We are glued to another Founders' Day celebration of this great citadel of learning, this first indigenous university in Nigeria and one of the best universities in the continent of Africa," Ozumba said.

eventually happens.

NNPC’s Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, debunked the alleged intelligence report of a possible protest.

He explained when contacted to clarify the situation, that it was nothing unusual, and that the corporation as the National Oil Company of Nigeria was expected to be heavily fortified at all times with good security measures.

“This is a national oil corporation that generates the bulk of the country’s foreign exchange and total revenue.

There is usually a heavy security here, but at times, it is on and off. Last week, we had a heavy police presence, just like we had last month and other periods.

“It is a routine issue here with the police and military presence, and if you look around, you can see that. As a national oil corporation, that is what is obtainable all over the world,” said Ughamadu.

Also, in a related development, Aiteo, a Nigerian-owned oil firm has announced its appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to raise the bar of financial discipline in its operations.

A statement signed by the Senior Manager, Corporate Communications of Aiteo Group, Mr. Ndiana Matthew, and sent to THISDAY, stated that the new CFO, Mr. Bruce Burrows, would be expected to resume at the company in November 2017.

It said Bruce will bring into Aiteo, his wealth of experience in managing oil and gas, power, mining, manufacturing, consumer products, finance and public service portfolios in different parts of the world.

The statement added that Bruce previously held the CFO posts at Lekoil and Seven Energy respectively - both are oil and gas exploration and production companies with a focus on Nigeria and West Africa.

He also has 14 years’ experience as a finance director in JKX Oil Gas Plc, a Londonlisted exploration and production company with interests in Ukraine and Central/Eastern Europe, as well as Ernst & Young in both Wellington, New Zealand and London.

The statement quoted the Executive Vice Chairman of Aiteo Group, Benedict Peters, to have said about the appointment: “Financial discipline is the

backbone of every successful company, and we are delighted to welcome Bruce Burrows to Aiteo.

“He brings unparalleled experience of working within the strictures of the global oil and gas market, and his knowledge will be invaluable as Aiteo continues to grow, both in Nigeria and internationally.”

Peters further said: “We are extremely proud of the work that we have done so far in building Aiteo into Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil company.

We must now ensure that we have the right foundations in place to bring about Aiteo’s emergence as one of Africa’s most innovative, reliable and diverse oil and gas companies.

Our appointment of Bruce underlines our continuing commitment to investing in the right people to deliver that vision.”

KACHIKWU MEETS BUHARI, KEEPS MUM AS BARU MEETS OSINBAJO meeting, as only the president and Kachikwu were in the meeting.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, and the president's media aides were not part of the meeting, a situation which implies that the president wants to keep his decision over the matter close to his chest.

Details of the three meetings are shrouded in secrecy.

Kachikwu's meeting with the president was the fallout of his leaked letter to the President where he accused Baru of undermining his office. and brazenly flouting due process in the award of contract worth $25 billion without recourse to the Board of NNPC for input and review.

He said whereas he would have liked to discuss issues contained in the letter personally with the President, he was blocked by some unnamed persons in the Presidential Villa despite several attempts he made to see him.

In the letter, dated August 30, 2017, Kachikwu had alleged that Baru undermined his office by unilaterally making senior executive appointments without recourse to the Board of NNPC which he chairs as stipulated in the law governing the operations of NNPC. In the letter, titled: "Re: Matters of insubordination and lack of adherence to due process perpetuated by the GMD NNPC, Dr. Baru,” and signed by the

minister, Kachikwu said whereas appointments made by NNPC ought to be subjected to review by the board constituted by the president, members only got to read about the appointments on the pages of newspapers.

"Mr. President, yesterday, like many other Nigerians, l resumed work confronted by many publications of massive changes within NNPC. Like the previous reorganisations and repostings done since Dr. Baru resumed as GMD, I was never given the opportunity before the announcements to discuss these appointments. This is so despite being Minister of State, Petroleum, and Chairman, NNPC Board.

“The Board of NNPC, which you appointed and, which has met every month since its inauguration and, which by the statutes of NNPC is meant to review these planned appointments and postings, was never briefed. Members at the Board learned of these appointments from the social media and the press release of NNPC," he said in the letter.

Kachikwu who also accused the NNPC GMD of awarding contracts to the tune of $25 billion without observing due process, appealed to Buhari to promptly save NNPC from imminent collapse.

"That you save the office of the Minister of State from further humiliation and disrespect by compelling all parastatals to submit to oversight regulatory

mandate and proper supervision which I am supposed to manage on your behalf.

“You kindly instruct the GMD to effectively leave NNPC to run as a proper institution and report along due process lines to the Board and that Your Excellency instructs that all reviews be done with the Minister of State prior to your decision.

“That to set the right examples, you approve that the recently announced reorganisation changes be suspended until the GMD, myself and the board have made relevant input to same.

This will send a clear signal of process and transparency," the letter read further.

Heavy Security at NNPC Towers In a related development, apparently acting on a security tip-off that civil rights groups in the country may have planned to storm its corporate headquarters on Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District (CBD) Abuja, to protest recent developments at the corporation, the headquarters of the NNPC was yesterday fortified with heavy and unusual presence of police personnel and anti-riot vehicles.

THISDAY sources could not confirm the interests of the groups planning the protest, but stated that the NNPC which already has a very tight security system at its premises, had to take extra security measures to safeguard its operations and personnel in case the protest

…PRESIDENT RECEIVES CJN, SUPREME COURT JUDGES Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for their continuous support and cooperation with the judiciary.

He said: “Today is a very unique day. It is a day we have come, the judiciary as a body to welcome you back home. When you went for your treatment the first time, you came back, I was the only one that came to welcome you and to thank you for the confirmation of my appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“This time around, I feel it is better for the Judiciary as a body to come and express our thanks to God because he is the greatest healer, for healing you, for taking care of your health challenges, for bringing you back. While you were away, the country was not at rest but we kept on praying that one day, you will be back and you are back.

“So, that is why we are here.

We thank God and thank you and the first family for continuing

to take care of the home front. We thank FEC for their cooperation, the vice president in particular, he has been wonderful, It is an opportunity for my brother justices to see you, a big masquerade very closely for the change, because we are always there closed up in our courts busy with the books.

“That is just why we are here to let you know that we are happy, we are glad you are back. We will continue to pray for your full recovery, for your good health and to reassure you that we will continue to do our best to discharge our constitutional responsibility and

by God's special grace, we will get to the final destination.”

In his remark, Buhari lamented the degree of congestion in Nigerian prisons, describing it as a national scandal.

Consequently, he urged the judges to ensure drastic measures are taken to decongest the prisons.

Buhari who said he was displeased by the state of the prisons, said they were about 90 per cent over crowded.

“We need a new approach to prisons decongestion. It is a national scandal that many prisons are overcrowded by up to 90 percent. Urgent new measures should be put in place to speedily decongest prisons not only in the interest of justice but to save cost for prisons maintenance and enhance the welfare of prisoners," he said.

He recalled that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had earlier made a request for the establishment of courts within prisons with a view to addressing the problem of logistics associated with the movement of suspects to courts during trial and consequently aid decongestion.

“My Attorney General is advocating establishment of courts inside the prisons to speed

up decongestion. The logistical problem of transporting prisoners from prisons to courts means a difficult period for suspected detainees. This is really bad," he added.

He commended the Judiciary for establishing Special Courts to speed up the trial of corruption and other criminal cases.

He also disclosed to the justices that the government had decided to increase budgetary allocation to the Judiciary in appreciation of its role to nation building.

He said: “We are not unmindful of the daunting challenges faced by the judiciary in the areas of infrastructure and funding. This informed our decision to increase the judiciary’s budget in the 2017 fiscal year which we are committed to sustain. I have asked the Attorney General to take up this matter with the salaries and wages commission for advice to the President,” he revealed.

200 FARMERS GET N43BN FROM CBN'S ANCHOR BORROWERS LOANS had been crowded out of the formal financial system, deepening of markets and value addition along the value chain of the various commodities."

The CBN boss further revealed that the National Food Security Programme (NFSP) was initiated in November 2016 as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to complement the ABP by supporting large farms involved in commercial capital intensive operations, to produce on a massive scale, engage in value addition and shore up strategic grains reserve.

On this he explained: "In June 2017, over 30,000 metric tonnes of grains was purchased by the federal government from companies participating under this program and distributed to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Given this track record, I believe we are on the verge of something very significant with the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS)."

"This scheme has been designed to create an ecosystem with the active participation of both the public sector, state governments in this regard and the involvement of the private sector."

Similarly, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, reiterated earlier in his remarks that Nigeria has to produce what she consumes and only import what cannot be produced locally.

"We should not be a dumping ground for all goods. By doing that for many years, we enriched other nations and imported poverty and our youths have nowhere to go.

"If Mr President did not launch the ABP on November 15, 2015, the rice and wheat production we have today would not have come. In rice, we have moved from five million metric tons to 17 million metric tons. We're getting all forms of mills. We now produce good quality rice.

"Our population is estimated to hit 450 million by 2050 and that will be the third largest population in the world. If we eat N3,000 worth of food per person daily, multiply that by 450 million. It will give you trillions in exchange of food daily. That's a lot.

"We're spreading artificial insemination to increase milk production. We've gotten back our universities of agriculture on track. So are our colleges of agriculture. We have a lot to do in agriculture. We are reforming the Bank of Agriculture.

"There's now a strong synergy between federal and state governments. The CBN has the cash, states have the land. That is good synergy. Cosharis has rice plantation and also going into cattle production. Imagine Kebbi State that was called the poorest state five years ago, today many millionaire rice farmers are there. It is all good for us."

T H I S D AY SATURDAY OCTOBER 7, 2017

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

NEWS

News Editor Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x; ͸Î&#x20AC;͚͚͞ͿͽΠÎ&#x20AC;͚͸ Ě&#x2122;sms only) Email Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ë&#x203A;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;ĚśĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;ĂŁĂ&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ë&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;

2019 IN FOCUS...

L-R: Members, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Nicholas Msheliza; General Abdulsalam Abubakar; former Governor of Ogun State and PDP Chairmanship Aspiriant, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Prof Rufai Alkali; Mrs. Chinwe Monu-Olanrewaju; and Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan, during a visit to Minna residence of the former Head of State, by Otunba Daniel as his part of the consultation for the oďŹ&#x192;ce of PDP National Chairman

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll not Be Intimidated into Negotiating with Criminals, Insists Obaseki

Adibe Emenyonu in BeninCity Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has insisted that his government could not be intimidated into negotiating with criminals as a condition for hoodlums to stop their criminal activities in the state.

This is as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Benin chapter, has condemned in strong terms, the killing of a senior

lecturer of the university by gunmen, describing it as one death too many.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Edo State in a statement signed by it Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, alleged that high level of crime was occasioned by the "new policy thrust" of the state government which proscribed Community Development Associations that engaged â&#x20AC;&#x153;the boys.â&#x20AC;?

Responding to ASUU and the

PDP, Obaseki assured that final touches were being put on a security architecture which would soon roll out and rein in criminals who he assured would have their days in court.

Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said that while there was no excuse for engaging in crime, the state had a better employment record than any

of its peer states in the South-South region. "I think we should allow the police to carry out their constitutional responsibility. Many people have said that the governor is the chief security officer of the state; of course, he is.

"But you are aware that the Federal Government is solely responsible for the administration, management and operation of the police and all other security agencies in the country. The responsibility of ensuring law and

order rests squarely in the security agencies, led by the police.

"And the police have made statement concerning the professor, that it is cult-related and they have three people in custody. So, I think that should be the narrative, instead of trying to put political colouration into it."

Besides, Governor Godwin Obaseki in a statement has said that the state will not be forced by criminal elements

and organised crime overlords to the negotiation table, stressing that law and order, as well as the liberty of the ordinary law-abiding Edo citizens and residents, were not for sale.

Obaseki called on the people to remain calm but vigilant, noting that an elaborate scheme was being finalised to rein in the orchestrators of the recent violence, bring them to justice and restore sustainable peace and safety in the state.

Ooni, Nwosu Decry Proscription, APC Govs. to Implement Compulsory Tagging of IPOB as Terror Group Free Education, Security Trust Fund Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi yesterday expressed disapproval to the proscription and tagging of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as terrorist, saying that the youths that were involved in agitations should not be discarded.

This is as the Archbishop of Aba Province, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Ikechi Nwosu urged President Muhammadu Buhari to drop the idea of treating those agitating for restructuring or self-determination as enemies that must be crushed by all means.

The Ooni expressed this view when he visited the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu in solidarity with the people of Abia and the entire people of Southeast zone following the recent security crisis in the zone.

The premier traditional ruler of the Yoruba race, who explained that he was in Abia â&#x20AC;&#x153;to continue the oneness we preach concerning the unity of

this country and to continue to build bridges across the entire countryâ&#x20AC;?. He faulted the manner youths were being discarded and branded terrorists for crying out against injustice in the land.

He noted that the youths who were involved in agitations were justified in asking for justice and equity in Nigeria and therefore renamed IPOB to mean the Indigenous People of Brighter Nigeria (IPOBN). â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is something that is bordering them that is making them to cry,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We should not throw them away; we should draw them closer (because ) the youths of this country are the future, the energy, they are the heartbeat of this country,â&#x20AC;? he said.

According to him, the youths had inherent energies that could be tapped and positively channeled to build a batter Nigerian state, that instead of throwing them away, they should be drawn closer and their energies channeled positively for a better Nigeria.

Oba Ogunwusi called for proper re-orientation of the youths in order to make them drop negative tendencies such as hate speeches and call for disintegration of the country.

Alluding to the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo that Nigeria should be restructured to ensure equity, justice and fairness, the Ooni said that the Yoruba race shared the same view on the way forward for a better and all-inclusive Nigeria.

He said; â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must chart the course of doing thing with positive energy.

I want to let you know that you are not alone in this. We stand by you positively in a very progressive manner. We stand by you that we all must come together to build a united Nigeria. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want any war; we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want any disintegrationâ&#x20AC;?.

Oba Ogunwusi who is also the deputy president of the National Council of Traditional Rulers, said that he was very proud of the youths , adding that he would never throw them away.

Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja Twenty four governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), have resolved to forward three executive bills to their respective State Houses of Assembly that would pave way for the creation of security trust funds in all the states, setting up of collection and administration of revenue boards, as well as implementation of free compulsory education for citizens, Governor Roachas Okoroacha of Imo State said in Abuja on Friday.

The three bills are titled Security Trust Fund, Collection and Administration of Revenue, and Universal Basic Education (UBE).

The Chairman of the Progressives Governors' Forum (PGF), who was represented by his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere told newsmen that the moves were part of measures to ensure that policy initiatives of APC states were equally implemented and sustained in APC controlled states.

He said that the moves would speed up the institutionalisation of common legal frameworks for adoption and subsequent implementation through legislation across APC states.

According to him, "State Security Coordinating Committee and Trust Fund for the States, is aimed at providing a robust, strategic, participatory and community grounded security architecture as a solution to the myriad of security challenges facing the Federal and State Governments.

"Security is also central to the realisation of the ideals of social justice, which is the cardinal anchor of the programme of the current government.

"Without adequate security, investors will be very reluctant to invest. Without adequate security, the people may not realise their full potentials.â&#x20AC;?

He added that to survive the current economic realities and sustain healthy internal revenue base, states

must design creative, aggressive and robust ways and mechanisms of raising their revenue profile.

Okoroacha said that the prototype bill was targeted at achieving the above, adding that it would help the states restrategise in the identification of their internal revenue base, mapping out of the base and collecting data on business and areas that could shore up the internal revenue base of the state.

"The prototype bill on compulsory, free universal education addresses issues of refusal to send pupils to school, charging fees and levies in public schools, membership of Universal Basic Education Commission, financing of the universal basic education, qualification to access funding," he added.

Giving further clarification on the new moves, the Imo Governor explained that the implementation of the laws in APC state would differentiate the party from other parties.

11

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

COMMENTARY

NNPC, BARU AND MATTERS ARISING Things could be done better in NNPC, writes Mfom Bassey-Wellington

T

he August 31, 2017 letter from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, complaining of the insubordination of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director, Dr Maikanti Baru, began to generate ripples less than 24 hours after it was made available to the media. The Senate, for example, the next day resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate grave allegations against the NNPC chief executive. The decision followed a motion by Senator Samuel Anyanwu asking for a probe into the enormous and constant jobs given to Duke Energy, a motion which Senator Kabiru Marafa successfully prayed the Senate to include an investigation into the charge that Dr. Baru has awarded $25bn contracts without due process.

In the letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, Kachukwu, who is also the chairman of the NNPC Board of Directors, revealed that the NNPC GMD has since his appointment sidelined him in the affairs of the organisation. He cited the example of recent appointments as part of the NNPC reorganisation done without his knowledge, as he read about the changes only in the media, like any other person. The irony is that the appointments were made shortly after the corporation’s board held a meeting which, presumably, Baru attended. In other words, he did not deem it fit to intimate the board of the impending development.

I do not think that anyone doubts that Baru has been carrying on as if the Minister of State does not exist and as if he is no longer the NNPC board chair. The justification provided by his supporters is that Kachukwu sidelined him when the latter was the NNPC MD, by making him a technical assistant in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. In other words, Baru is getting his pound of flesh against Kachikwu.

Mr President, there are serious consequences to the nation when key public officers trivialise their positions and make the nation go through avoidable political and social turbulences. Take the recent appointment of 55 NNPC executives which generated a nationwide brouhaha. The South-South geopolitical zone from which most of Nigeria’s crude oil and gas resourced are produced managed to get only two positions while the Southwest received three in the first round of appointments announced. While 10 persons were appointed from the North, not even one person was deemed fit to be appointed from the Southeast in the restructuring. Appointments like this tend to portray the Buhari administration as very sectional. They make Nigerians lose confidence in not just the administration but also the country itself.

It is self-evident that Dr. Kachukwu was not privy to the appointments. Yet, here is someone who has been working round the clock to provide peace in the Niger Delta. He made peace in the region a priority right from the moment he assumed office. The result is that Nigeria now produces up to two million barrels of crude oil per day.

Huge resources are no longer spent on repairing gas and oil pipelines blown up by militants protesting against the marginalisation of the region. Nor are cases of kidnapping for ransom rampant in the zone any longer.

Indeed, the NNPC management’s penchant for ignoring the NNPC board chairman cum minister of state has more dangerous ramifications than many Nigerians seem to know. There is, for example, a clear case of outright misleading of the President by the NNPC GMD. On December 20, 2016, Baru sent a memo to the president urging him

THE NNPC MANAGEMENT’S PENCHANT FOR IGNORING THE NNPC BOARD CHAIRMAN HAS MORE DANGEROUS RAMIFICATIONS THAN MANY NIGERIANS SEEM TO KNOW. THERE IS, FOR EXAMPLE, A CLEAR CASE OF OUTRIGHT MISLEADING OF THE PRESIDENT BY THE GMD. ON DECEMBER 20, 2016, BARU SENT A MEMO TO THE PRESIDENT URGING HIM TO CANCEL OIL MINING LEASE (OML) 13 ON THE GROUND THAT IT ORIGINALLY BELONGED TO THE NIGERIAN PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, BUT WAS ‘INADVERTENTLY REVOKED’ IN 2006 BY PRESIDENT OBASANJO, WHO WAS TO CONVERT IT INTO FOUR OIL BLOCKS

to cancel Oil Mining Lease (OML) 13 on the ground that it originally belonged to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NNPD), but was “inadvertently revoked” in 2006 by President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was to convert it into four oil blocks. The presentation was, of course, based on a complete fabrication. OML 13, which is within Ogoniland, never belonged to the NPDC. It rather belonged to Shell, but the company could not operate it for 12 years because it was sacked from Ogoniland by the Ogoni people who suspected that Shell had a hand in the killing of Ken Saro-Wiwa in 1995.

Obasanjo did not like the fact that this huge national asset had wasted for over a decade, and so resized it into four blocks which were subsequently put up for bidding in the 2007 round. OPL 202, for instance, went to Hi Rev, a Nigerian energy firm with American technical partners, which bidded $66m for it. Hi Rev has been keenly interested in building Nigeria’s first modular refinery, which is now 40% completed. Located on top of the Utapate Oilfield in Ibolo East Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the $150m modular refinery capable of producing 50,000 bpd on completion is designed to produce premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol; automotive gas oil (AGO), better known as diesel; dual purpose kerosene (DPK), often referred to as kerosene; and JET-A1, better known as aviation fuel.

The fate of this modular refinery is, however, now hanging in the balance. Dr. Baru deliberately misled President Buhari to cancel the OPL 202 licence last December 20 on the spurious allegation that it was originally an NPDC asset, whereas the NPDC did not ever have anything to do with it. Baru succeeded because neither the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Kachikwu, nor the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Malam Abubakar Malami, was aware of Baru’s move. Everything was done secretly. It is, indeed, curious that the memo was presented to President Buhari on December 20, when almost everyone was set to go on Christmas and New Year holidays, and approved the same day! To worsen matters, there was not even one change, nor was a query raised for clarification of any issue.

OPL 202 was not the only acreage which President Buhari invalidated last December 20. OPLs 201, 203 and 2004, all resized from OML 13, were also affected. By perhaps sheer coincidence, these were the only oil blocks won by firms promoted by Niger Delta persons in the 2007 bidding round. And the people of the region are naturally mad like hell at the cancellation. They have so far been held in check the promoters of the firms which won the affected acreages. How long can the restive people be kept in check?

While urging the president to look into the misadvised cancellation of OPLs OPLs 201, 202, 203 and 204, there is a critical need to make the NNPC GMD respect hierarchy by carrying key government officials along in policy matters. The failure to carry the Minister of Justice along in the cancellation of OPLs 201, 202, 203 and 204 has resulted in litigation and, more importantly, in a high degree of uncertainty in the Niger Delta. We cannot gloss over the fact that developments like the controversial NNPC executive appointments announced last August 30, which are heavily lopsided, are costing this administration tremendous political capital. Things could be done better in the NNPC. Mrs Bassey-Wellington is executive director of an oil servicing firm in Eket, Akwa Ibom State

THE NEXT BALLOT IN LIBERIA Okello Oculi urges Liberians to vote for continuity and stability

A

s Liberians drop their ballot papers into election boxes on October 10, 2017, they must keep their eyes on the years 1989 to 2003 not as cold arithmetical numbers but as a terrible lake boiling with barbaric rage in brother killing sisters and mothers and sons and fathers of other Liberians; a horrible swamp of terror which Liberians struck with a rod of unity: of declaration that ‘enough was enough’ in their wilderness of loss of human solidarity, and departure from the road to nation-building.

As each ballot paper drops it must be pulled down by a force of gravity made of aspirations of a people in a moment of renewal and renaissance rolled forward by a train fuelled by confidence that continuity in the best achievements of 12 years of Mama Ellen Jonson Sirleaf’s shall be built upon and not be disrupted by doubts and stumbles of new novices at the helm of government.

As Liberians drop their ballot papers they must recall recent lessons from sister African countries that have held elections in 2017. From the Peoples Republic of Angola is the lesson that 38 years of leadership by President Eduardo Dos Santos was followed by the National Electoral Commission organising an efficient and transparent election which international observers praised. The leaders of the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, (MPLA), were mindful of the tragic record of Jonas Savimbi, leader of opposition UNITA, dragging the country into a civil war which ravaged the country from 1992 to 2002. On knowing that he had lost the presidential election, he took a people fresh from a liberation war against Portuguese troops, into killing each other. He gave racists leaders in apartheid South Africa and Namibia a pretext and platform to invade and seek to become a gallant Angolan people’s new colonisers.

The Angolan people put forth their faith and determination to build a developed nation and country by voting for the former Vice Chairman of MPLA and Minister of Defence, Joao Laurenco as their new leader. Rejecting a return to uncertainty, insecurity and ravages of civil war, they have taught a lesson which Liberians must learn from by electing Vice-President Joseph Boakai.

As Liberians drop ballot papers into election boxes they must keep their eyes on the tragic arithmetic that over one million refugees fleeing war and carnage in Southern Sudan arrive into camps in Uganda. Lactating mothers, toddlers, and teenagers trek long distances to cross Uganda’s border in search of security; telling stories of husbands and fathers either slaughtered or forced to fight in tribal carnage. The point to remember is that these people had suffered through over 30years of war against the Arab-dominated Northern Sudan. Their selfish, greedy and egotistic leaders forgot their pains of the past and plunged them back into a people mocked and pitied by the world community for failing to learn from their recent tragic history. This must be a road which Liberian shall reject with their votes on October 10, 2017.

As Liberians drop their ballot papers on October 10, 2017, they must keep their ears on the historic courage shown by the Supreme Court Justices of Kenya on September 1, 2017. Africa and Liberia were astounded and thrilled by the reality of Kenya’s judiciary cancelling the election of Uhuru Kenyatta, a sitting president. This lesson of an institution – the Judiciary - standing up against whims, desires and egos of politicians while defending the will and aspirations of the people in democratic politics, must be imbibed by their counterparts in Liberia as the nation goes to the polls.

Kenya’s Supreme Court relied on a professional statistician to affirm that totals of votes counted at polling stations were altered fraudulently by the time they reached the central offices of the electoral authority. Results sent by E-mail were intercepted and fraudulently altered. Liberians must be vigilant in protecting their votes while the National Electoral Commission must boost public trust in their logistics and procedures. Corruption must not become a supreme voter. The October 10, 2017 election promises to give Liberians the first transfer of power through democratic elections when President William Tubman succeeded Edwin Barclay 44 years ago. Vice-President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and his running-mate, Speaker of Parliament Emmanuel Nuquay, bring with them long records of struggle to rebuild Liberia in partnership with President Ellen Sirleaf. They bring with them heart-wrenching management of our struggle against the EBOLA invasion and its threat to halt the gallant determination of Liberians to stay on the road of the African renaissance with their brothers and sisters around the continent. They bore the pain of again calling for help from ECOWAS countries whose soldiers had shed blood to close the jaws of our civil wars. They have these vital memories to build on if voted into office. In the determination to build trust in Liberians about their government and its leaders’ resolve to reconstruct the country, Boakai and Nuquay joined President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to enact ‘’The Freedom of Information Bill’’. They were fully aware of the glare of sunlight it would enable Liberians to shine into corridors of power, but they knew that building a democratic culture requires courage and the refusal to fear the pangs of fear about being judged by the electorate. This is a great asset they are going to take into governance when elected on

October 10, 2017.

Some commentators have regarded as a sign of weakness the apparent delay in forming the Unity Party’s election campaign team. They also see trouble in a struggle between those among them who had been close to President Ellen Sirleaf and those left ‘’outside’’. The first should be seen as a sign of effective deliberation before reaching important policy decisions; while the second is a healthy promise that creative and dialectical debates will characterise the Boakai –Nuquay administration as Liberia builds on past achievements and avoids past mistakes in making policy and implementing them.

Candidate Boakai has the experience of past elections stoutly monitored by the Women’s Situation Room and its co-travellers consisting of churches, NGOs, youth groups and professional associations and would see them as legitimate stakeholders in the electoral process, thereby avoid injecting undue suspicion, and possible conflict into the votemanagement process.

Liberians want concrete services delivered to them; their own enterprises and entrepreneurship as they struggle to rebuild their homes, their education, and their country. The Boakai – Nuquay team have hands-on experiences in these matters. Liberians long for leaders who will ensure them peace and stability. The vice-president and the speaker will build on the enormous efforts which President Sirleaf invested in this sector; an effort which saw her lead the determination by leaders of ECOWAS to prevent post-election violence in The Gambia; and earn her a Nobel Prize for her work on peace for women during our country’s civil wars. In voting for them Liberians are investing in their future.

Prof Oculi is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

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

INSIGHT

Will there be end to medical tourism?

The Passing of Chijioke Nwakodo

Nigeria: The Imperative of Restructuring

N

igeria turned 57 on October 1. It was indeed a great cause for celebration. Amidst all the aplomb and celebration lay a very important question: is the unity of Nigeria really non-negotiable? Let us examine the hypothesis surrounding Nigeria’s “sacred unity”. On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained her independence amidst celebration and fanfare. I was not born then but I have heard and also read about how Nigerians were filled with so much hope and promise of a better future, a future which people like me still dream about till this day. As for the question posed above, I am contending that the “Nigerian Unity” our leaders have sworn to protect is incomprehensible and indeed a disaster for our nation.

As the popular saying goes, “only a foolish man tries the same thing several times expecting different results”. Is Nigeria this foolish man? For 57 years, we have been “united” and what benefits has this brought? We have had 57 chaotic years of poor leadership, a civil war and our people by the hour sink into moral delinquency. Whenever people bring the argument that “our unity is sacred”, I ask: “How many countries have the same level of diversity as we have in Nigeria”? Nigeria has over 300 tribes and languages. All these tribes and languages have been merged into a strange contraption called Nigeria.

I am of the opinion that the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates in January 1914 was a grave mistake that we have yet to recover from. It took Malaysia and India far less time to rectify similar mistakes. They recognised their differences early with the former splitting into Malaysia and Singapore while Pakistan and Bangladesh were created from India. However, the mistake called Nigeria has been made and it’s far too late to correct it now. The only solution is to minimise the effects of that mistake.

The only way to achieve this now is by restructuring the country while abiding by the true rules of federalism, in a similar model as provided for in the constitution used in the period from 1960 to 1966.

The period from 1960 to 1966, otherwise called First Republic, was arguably Nigeria’s golden age. Power was effectively shared between the centre and the various regions. This gave autonomy to each region, basically enabling us to function as “three autonomous regions in one nation”.

In those six years, Nigeria had visionary leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and the less talked about Chief Michael Okpara. Nigeria was at its closest to achieving its promise and delivering on the hope which Nigerians were beaming with at independence on October 1, 1960. However, the ill-fated coup of 1966 came and since then we haven’t had such

quality leaders. These leaders focused more on their regions and paid little or no attention to “One Nigeria”. They were silent big achievers unlike the loud ones we have as leaders today. The fact still remains that the period from 1960 to 1966 under a regional system of government was our golden age. If it has worked once, we can try again. Our representatives in the National Assembly should indeed hear the pleas of advocates of restructuring as the current system of “unitary federalism” has left our country in a coma for a little too long. It is worthy of note to mention that I lend no credence to the thuggery of separatist groups like IPOB but the only away to allay such fears and to prevent a re-emergence of such groups is to restructure this country in a way that will accommodate all our differences. The unity might be non-negotiable but the structure of the country is definitely very negotiable and in fact must be changed. There is need for devolution of powers instead of concentration of powers at the centre. We must re-ignite healthy competition between the regions.

Cost of governance must be reduced to free resources for development. Our system must be tough on corruption. Source of revenue for the state must be diversified. We must allow component units to discover their strength and exploit it for development purposes.

Oladapo Olaniyonu, Bwari, Abuja

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

T

hursday, August 10, 2017 broke out like any other day without an inkling of the darkness that was gathering to snatch away our prized asset from our midst. However, as the day was entering its twilight, rumours (as it seemed then) began to make rounds and at the same time you could see people gathering in groups and speaking in hushed tones with their neck tilting left and right to see if anyone is eavesdropping; the topic was the same: our ebullient mentor, master strategist and the doyen of the progressives has passed on.

What naturally followed was a deluge of phone calls to different quarters and sources and behold our worst fears were confirmed.

The mayor, the people’s chair and our leader, Chief Chijioke Nwakodo is dead.

Baba large as I used to call him was a quintessential gentleman with knack for frugality and thoroughness in his actions.

A consummate politician that believes that government positions are veritable means of service and for advancement of the society. He was a visionary leader with tact and compassion, a detribalised man with a cosmopolitan view of life. As a bridge builder,

he related to all the divides in our political setting and thus became a rallying point for the actualisation of the requirement for a paradigm shift in allocation of power in the state.

His kind disposition, amiable nature and forthrightness will be greatly missed. He was one of the prime movers of the Okezuo Abia Movement and the conscience of the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration; no wonder he was made the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Abia State.

Sir Chijioke Nwakodo has fulfilled his time on earth but his footprints remains indelible. He was an honest man who abhors discrimination and injustice in any form. He had a meritorious political service to his people spanning close to two decades.

He was the Executive Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government (1999 – 2002) and The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ikwuano/Umuahia Candidate for House of Representatives in 2007 general election. He served as the Chief Economic Adviser to Governor T. A. Orji of Abia State and was the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Abia State till his unexpected demise.

My brother, my friend, I will miss you greatly and the government of Abia State will surely miss your valuable experience and contributions in statecraft.

Your allies and followers are still in a state of shock as it has become so difficult to accept the reality of your permanent departure. You have fought the good fight and it is our prayer that the good Lord will give all of us the fortitude and strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Chief Kingsley O. Megwara, Umuahia

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

14

NEWSXTRA

In Brief Nigeria 3rd on Global Child Malnutrition

Thefederalgovernmenthasexpressedconcernovertherateofmalnourishmentamongchildren,sayingabout 2.5millionchildrenunderfiveyearswere currentlyaffectedbysevere malnutrition.ThisfigureplacesNigeriaasthe countrywiththethirdlargestnumberofchronicallyundernourishedchildren globally.MinisterofState,MinistryofBudgetandNationalPlanning,Hajiya ZainabAhmed,whospokeTuesdayinAbujaatthe2017NutritionWeek,with the theme: ’’Improved Nutrition and Empowerment: Healthy Diet, Healthy Living,"lamented that, "Ifnothingisdone,oneinfive(500,000)childrenwill die annually."The minister, who cited the 2013 global nutrition report, said Nigeriawasfacingasilentnationalemergencythatiscausedbymalnutrition.

Shestatedthatinordertoaddressthetrend, abudgetlinewouldbecreated forfoodandnutritionintherelevantministries,departmentsandagencies, atalllevels.Accordingtoher,thousandsofchildrenwilldieannuallyifnothing significantwasdonetoaddresstheissueofmalnutrition."Wearegathered heretodaytotalkaroundasilentnationalemergency–malnutrition.Nigeria ishometothethirdlargestnumberofchronicallyundernourishedchildren globally,withabout2.5millionchildrenunderfiveyearsaffectedbySevere AcuteMalnutrition.Ifnothingisdone,oneinfive(500,000)childrenwilldie annually (Global Nutrition Report, NDHS 2013 report).

NiMet Receives Weather Stations

PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE...

L-R: His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Governor of Lagos State, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, Head of R.C.C.G, Apapa Family, Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye, Wife of the General Overseer, R.C.C.G, World wide, at the commissioning and dedication of CADAM Rehabilitation Centre at ARAGA, Epe, Lagos, weekend

Monkey Pox Epidemic Cases Rise to 13 as Bayelsa Govt. Battles Scourge Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt and Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

At least 13 suspected cases of the new Monkey Pox viral disease were being treated at an isolation ward at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, THISDAY learnt on Friday.

This is as the Rivers State government yesterday night dismissed rumours that the dreaded monkey pox virus had spread to a local government in the state, clarifying that there was no reported case in its domain.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Chike Princewill, was earlier yesterday quoted of having said that three cases of the virus were reported in the Port Harcourt metropolis. The

cases were said to have been discovered on Thursday night at Rumoulumeni, Eneka and Psychiatric Road areas of Port Harcourt. But in a statement yesterday night, Princewill denied the reports and said the suspected cases had been ruled out as they were mere severe symptom of other ailments.

It was also gathered that in Bayelsa, over 50 persons were being actively traced at different locations in the state following the outbreak of the disease which had also infected a medical doctor who came in contact with the patients.

However, the State Government said yesterday that it had inaugurated a 12-member rapid response team comprising top medical professionals to prevent the

spread of the disease, which has assumed an a epidemic proportion.

The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebimitula Etebu, who inaugurated the committee , noted that besides the 12 members, which make up the core team, other sub-teams to carry out contact tracing of patients had also been established.

He said: ”At present, as we speak, we have 13 suspected cases at different stages of recovery following treatment at the makeshift isolation ward at NDUTH, Okolobiri.

“There are also over 50 persons being actively followed at differently located places in the state.

And this is in order to quickly detect any new cases following exposure to suspected cases.

“The state Ministry of Health, with the support of the international community led by the World Health Organisation, international partners, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control have since embarked on enlightenment campaigns.

“Active disease surveillance has also been carried out. Case management and other sundry measures have also been carried out in a bid to halt the spread of the disease in the state”.

While stressing that there was no need for panic and that government had taken every possible action to curtail the disease, Etebu said the situation could get out of hand if critical measures like the government was taking were not quickly put in place.

Hoodlums Attack Customs Officials in Kwara

By Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Some people suspected to be hoodlums have attacked men of the Nigerian Customs Service' s roving team along Alapa area in Asa local government area of Kwara State During the incident according to THISDAY investigations, four Golf cars loaded with rice were taken away by the hoodlums.

The hoodlums according to our checks, were said to have escaped into thin air after they had carried out the dastardly act on Tuesday with the aid of a serving policeman

allegedly attached to Alapa police station The intercepted NCS's team was led by a Chief Superintendent of Customs, Maciver A.L. Other members of the team are Basheer, O.I, ASCII Iloba, M.I ASCII Ayinla J, CAI Mangai, and CAI Odo P According to the leader of the team, the incident happened when they went on information patrol on Ilorin - Alapa road when they received information that smugglers have hidden two golf vehicles laden with imported rice inside the bush.

He added that "on sighting the patrol vans , the drivers of the

vehicle containing the smuggled rice, bolted with the keys of the vehicles" Maciver said due to the state of the vehicles that were laden with the contraband, himself and his men decided to evacuate the rice into the two customs vehicles on patrol The customs boss alleged that after taking off from the scene of the interception and on their way to their office with the bags of rice, four golf vehicles loaded with people suspected to be thugs pursued their patrol vehicles with the assistance of a police corporal

and forcefully off loaded all the bags of rice after partially destroying the customs patrol vehicle.

According to him, the ongoing construction work along Geri Alimi Roundabout in Ilorin slowed down his men from moving fast and the police corporal and the thugs caught up with them and forcefully offloaded the rice back to the golf vehicles .

Micever said due to the pres-

ence of innocent citizens around where his men were attacked, they could not open fire on the thugs to guard against shooting of innocent people.

Gunmen kidnap Kogi Magistrate, Demand N100m Ransom Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

A Magistrate with Kogi State Judiciary, Mr. Sam Unwuchola has been abducted by some gunmen suspected to be kidnappers along Ajaokuta-Lokoja road.

An eye-witness account who disclosed this to THISDAY on Friday said the magistrate was returning from Onyedega, his station, in the company of a

friend, was kidnapped at Jimgbe, near Salem University, Lokoja at about 7pm Thursday.

The source said the Magistrate and his friend ran into the hoodlums who opened fire on them forcing them to stop.

According to him, the gunmen shot at the Magistrate’s friend who was on the passenger’s seat adding that the bullet almost ripped off the left eye

but shattered the cheek bones.

The wounded friend of Unwuchola whose identity is not immediately known, he added, was rushed to an undisclosed medical facility in Lokoja for treatment.

Confirming the incident, an authoritative source from the state judiciary on Friday told us that the kidnappers had gotten in touch with the wife

of the kidnapped magistrate and demanded N100 million ransom.

Mrs. Unwuchola was said to have pleaded with the kidnappers to have mercy on her asking where the family would get the money from and the kidnappers cut the line on her.

Contacted, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ali Janga said the police was still investigating the matter.

NigerianMeteorologicalAgency(NiMet)onThursdaysaidithadreceived10 automaticweatherstations(AWS)outof50earmarkedfortheWestAfrican region. NiMetinastatementinAbuja,byitsGeneralManager,PublicRelations, Mr.MuntariYusufIbrahim,hintedthatthedonationbyWestAfricanScience CenteronClimateChangeandAdaptedLandUse(WASCAL)wasinfulfilment of its mandate to support countries in all areas related to climate change andadaptedlanduse.Thestatementdisclosedthat,WASCALisdesigned tohelptackleclimatechangechallengeandenhancetheresilienceofhuman and environmental systems to climate change and increased variability. It doessobystrengtheningtheresearchinfrastructureandcapacityinWest Africa.The DG /CEO NiMet, Prof. Sani Abubakar Mashi, who was elated at thisdevelopment,disclosedthatNiMetcurrentlyhas54networkstations, which he described as grossly inadequate. According to him, "the principal focusoftheagencyistoincreasethedensityofobservationstationsspread acrossthecountryinlinewithWorldMeteorologicalOrganisationguideline of one AWS per 100 kilometer."

Ugwuanyi Presents Pilot Licenses

GovernorIfeanyiUgwuanyiofEnuguStateyesterdayformallypresented licenses processed and approved by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to five indigenes of the state who have successfully undergone training as helicopter pilots at the International Helicopter Flying School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Enugu, through the sponsorship of the state government. The graduate pilots are: Osita Ohagwasi, Kenechukwu Eze, Emmanuel Chime, Onyekachi Owo-onu and Henry Ezengene. Presenting the licenses, Gov. Ugwuanyi noted that the successful trainees had been found worthy in character and learning to be issued with the Commercial PilotLicenses(CPL)ofdifferentratings,alongwiththepilotlogbooks.The governorcongratulatedthemforpassingoutmeritoriouslyfromtherigorous trainingandurgedthemtoseetheopportunityasarareonewhichtheyare expectedtoreciprocatebymakingEnuguStateproud“asyoupractisethis profession with great dexterity”.

Epara Luxury Skincare For Women

Epara, a luxury skincare brand that harnesses nature to create bespoke products for women of colour has been launched in Lagos. The products, whichwere exclusively launched into Harrods in April 2017, was introduced to the Nigeria market last week. Its founder, Mrs. Ozohu Adoh , an Oxford graduate who was formerly employed in the oil-and-gas sector and is now afull-timeentrepreneur,confirmedthattheEpararangewascreatedfrom herownjourneyofsufferingwithsevereskinsensitivity,unevenskintoneand hyper-pigmentation. When no existing product or treatment worked, she beganexperimentingbymixingdifferentoilsandbutters,somanyfriends asked what transformed her skin that she decided to research the beauty industryandfoundahugegap-andahugeopportunity.Asthespendingpower ofwomenofcolourincreasesworldwideandmajorbeautyconglomerates continuetoignoretheirspecificneedsintheskincaresegment,themarket has been left wide open to finally address these concerns.

Stakeholders Laud WMC on Surveillance

Stakeholdersinthemaritimesectoroftheeconomyhavecommendedthe Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),Western Marine Command (WMC) on its anti-smugglingcampaignintheareasunderitswatch.Theyhailedthemeasures putinplacebythecommandtocheckmatetheactivitiesofsmugglersand other criminal elements in the areas of its supervision. They argued that thesemeasureshadraisedtheanti-smugglingcampaignintoahigherlevel therebymakingitdifficultforsmugglerstofreelyoperateinthewaterways in the jurisdiction of theWMC.The stakeholders specifically commended CustomsAreaController(CAC),WMC,ComptrollerSarkinKebbiMustapha forthewayhehasimplementedtheextantlawswhichhadhelpedinnosmall way to curtail the movement the movement of what they called “illicit and dangerous items” from coming into the country through the waterways.

Obiano Promotes Workers

Gov. Willie Obiano has approved the promotion of workers in the state service for the 2015 and 2016 fiscal year. According to him, these include thoseadjudgedsuccessfulintheirpromotionanddeservingofelevation.They includeteachers,localgovernmentstaffandotherswhoparticipatedinthe exercise.Thegovernorannouncementthisduringthe2017WorldTeacher's DaycelebrationheldatAnambraTeachers’HouseatAwkaonThursday,Oct.5, 2017.Theeventwiththetheme:“TeachingInFreedom,EmpoweringTeachers”, attractedteachersfromthe21councilareasofAnambra. Addressingthem, Gov.Obianoobservedthattheimplementationofthepromotionpackage wouldcommencebythe25thofthismonthwhentheOctobersalarieswould bepaid.Heemphasisedthatthestateeducationsystemunderhisleadership waswaxingstronger,explainedthathisgovernmentwasinvestingheavily in the welfare of teachers in order to put them in the right frame of mind to give their best in training the children.

15

OCTOBER 7, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER9

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Let’s Stop Miscreants from Emerging Leaders

L

et me say it straight away: Nigeria’s load of glitches like endemic corruption, hunger, poverty, disease, unemployment, disunity, and stunted growth are the products of our crooked, inept, and morally-bankrupt leadership.

Unfortunately, some prominent Nigerians have reduced the solution to all these anomalies to restructuring. These people have been going about this clamour for restructuring as if it would solve all the problems bedeviling this country without addressing the vital issue of how to exit leadership failure. The erroneous impression they have been creating is that once we restructure, everything will start working well. Are they saying that once we return to regionalism, corruption and poverty will become history in Nigeria?

Are these advocates saying that once the regions have more money and power is devolved to them, there will be jobs for our people, quality healthcare/public schools, good roads, access to public water supply, decent and affordable housing, and the rest of the good life? This envisaged Eldorado is a delusion.

This talk about regionalism is preposterous. For me, our 36-state structure is not responsible for our backwardness, but governance failure. Advocates of regionalism should perish the thoughts. What we

The truth that must be told is that touts and miscreants have been dominating elective positions in our dear country after clueless military boys truncated the First Republic. This is why we have been experiencing massive corruption and stunted growth. If we give these touts more money and more power, they will become more corrupt and more power drunk need to restructure is our “unitary constitution”, so that we can practice federalism as done in the United States where we borrowed the concept. I am convinced that our 36 states should continue to exist, while those desiring to merge should be constitutionally allowed. Yes, power devolution and fiscal federalism are also

desirable. However, we must first address how to put an end to rogue leadership. It is also pertinent to note that all sections of the country would have to be carried along in a constructive manner in order to attain this true federalism dream. Compelling arguments should be decently rationalised to ensure that our constitution is amended along this line in order to reduce agitations and marginalisation. In the long run, every section of the country stands to benefit from power devolution and fiscal federalism. Above all, it will help to preserve our federalism and strengthen our unity, as can be seen from the American example. We should also note that if we want to make progress in this bid for true federalism, this idea of portraying a section of the country as parasites must stop. Nigerians must act as allies in this bid for true federalism.

It is heart-warming that a man of Professor Pat Utomi’s status has joined in punching holes in the erroneous avowal about restructuring. “Restructuring alone would not solve Nigeria’s development challenges,” declared Utomi.

He added: “Empirical evidence showed no correlation between more resources and development in the country. Some states with fewer resources are more developed than some resource-rich states. The belief that the states would

The Powerful Chap Called Babachir Lawal The suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, is perhaps the most powerful chap in Nigeria right now. He has fraud allegation running into billions of Naira hanging over his head, yet, not even our anti-corruption Czar, Muhammadu Buhari is prepared to open his kinked books. Two different committees are believed to have indicted Lawal, yet, he is still walking around grandly. The almighty Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is apparently so scared about moving against him. The Senate had earlier indicted him, with very little to show thereafter. This legendary grass cutter seems to have everything under control. Even the reports indicting him are suspected to have been eaten by rodents. The suspended Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ayo Oke, whose investigation was fused with that of Babachir by the Presidency, is also benefiting from the powers of the fabled grass cutter.

Both reports look unlikely to see the light of the day. What a way to fight corruption with deceit, hypocrisy, and double standards.

Yes, Babachir looks untouchable, but Nigerians will never forget the damaging report about his role in the looting of the funds of the Presidential Initiative on North East. From the report of the forensic audit of the activities of PINE by the Senate, the case against the SGF remains weighty. Evidently, he allowed his personal interest to override his official duties. This is against the rules in the public service. The forensic report showed that Rholavision Engineering Limited, a company, with the suspended SGF as Director was awarded consultancy contract by PINE. It emerged further that Josmon Technologies, a firm that was awarded contract by PINE, paid the money into the bank account of Rholavision Engineering.

In the course of the public hearing on PINE activities, its key officers could not convincingly account for the N2.5 billion released to them to tackle the crisis in the camps of the IDPs. The transgression of Babachir is a further confirmation of Buhari’s skewed war against corruption that I have been talking about all the while. May Allah save Nigeria.

Lawal

Plight of Ekiti Civil Servants Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has been making intemperate and misleading remarks about the unpaid salaries to Ekiti civil servants. He was even quoted recently saying that he owed the workers “just four months salaries”. Haba! Fayose considers four months of unpaid salaries as meager? This is heart-wrenching. For the record, Fayose owes some civil servants as much as eight months. I am sure that he did not for one single day stop his own entitlements and the contentious security vote. According to the Ekiti State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress, “different categories of workers in Ekiti are being owed between five and eight months.”

Breaking down the level of indebtedness of the government to the workers,the State Chairman of the NLC, Ade Adesanmi said: “The state workers’ benefits are in different categories thus: pension, gratuity, deductions and salary. As we speak now, civil servants are owed five-month salary arrears; local government, eight months and institutions getting subventions like

Fayose

College of Education Ikere, College of Heath Technology Ijero and Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, are owed seven months’ arrears.

“One cannot but talk about the plights

of the pensioners, because one day, we will all retire, either on account of age or length of service. As of now, pensioners are being owed five-month arrears while gratuity has not been paid since 2012 when Kayode Fayemi was in the saddle.”

My dear Fayose has thoroughly derailed. Governors like Fayose who give prickly excuses for not paying salaries are not worthy of their offices.

Their usual story is dwindling federal allocation. So what? Nigerians are tired of governors who can’t think out of the box.

Leaders who don’t know how to raise funds to run their states have no business remaining in office a day longer. Instead of focusing on tackling the challenges in Ekiti, Fayose is busy pursuing a pointless Presidential ambition; obviously with state resources. This is happening in a state where civil servants have been turned into paupers. This Ekiti governor is taking his jest too far. I sincerely hope that those close to Fayose will call him to order.

do better with more resources is a myth. Only those states that make the people the core of their government would develop.”

Let’s go back to our crooked system that often throws up touts as leaders in our dear nation. The truth that must be told is that touts and miscreants have been dominating elective positions in our dear country after clueless military boys truncated the First Republic. This is why we have been experiencing massive corruption and stunted growth. If we give these touts more money and more power, they will become more corrupt and more power drunk. The battle against miscreants emerging as our leaders is one that must be fought if this country is to profit from the fiscal federalism and power devolution we dream of. Addressing the issue of reprobate leaders would require a thorough surgery. Genuine patriots must rise up against defective sections of our electoral laws and insist on appropriate amendments in order to deter touts and miscreants from emerging leaders. Decent people are being deterred from contesting elections because of ambiguities in our laws, particularly campaign fund issues. Unrestrained spending on campaign and election by miscreants is a big drawback and encourages emergence of these gangsters. Election spending and donations must be legally controlled. The issue of independent candidacy must also be placed on the front burner to tame the knavish character of our political parties.

Ibe Kachikwu, Please, Assert Yourself The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, is a big disappointment in his battle against the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Maikanti Baru.

Kachikwu, who was appointed the Chairman of the NNPC Board, with powers of the board clearly spelt out, is now asking President Buhari to come and help him do his job. The federal government has almost over 900 agencies with boards. Just imagine the chaos, if the chairmen of these boards are all running to Buhari, to help them run their agencies. This fraidy-cat called Kachikwu is busy writing petitions to Buhari, to help him curb Baru’s alleged insubordination and corruption, instead of taming the monster. Is Kachikwu unaware that the board of the NNPC has the power to discipline Baru? What action did the Board of NNPC take when it discovered that Baru was acting unilaterally? Baru should be the one running to Buhari, if Kachikwu had affirmed himself as the NNPC board Chairman. The NNPC GMD simply took advantage of this minister’s sloppiness to take key decisions without the Board’s approval.

I have given up on Kachikwu and his NNPC Board. As for Buhari and the NNPC, I reserve the story for another day. I sincerely hope the Senate will help tame Baru who has become power drunk because of his closeness to the seat of power. He does not submit to oversight regulatory mandate and supervision. This has resulted into several clear cases of corruption, which the Senate must further dig into as soon as the approved probe of Baru commences. A good example here is the award of contracts running into billions of USD exclusively by Baru, without due process. Some of them include crude term contracts valued at over $10 billion; DSDP contracts valued at over $5 billion; the AKK pipeline contract valued at approximately $3 billion; various financing allocation-funding contracts with the NOCs valued at over $3 billion and various NPDC production service contracts valued at over $3 billion.

The senate must take seriously Kachikwu’s allegation that in over one year of Baru’s tenure, no contract was cleared by the NNPC board, despite legal and procedural requirements that all contracts above $20 million would need to be reviewed and approved by the board.

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

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NEWSXTRA

Bode George Bids to Lead PDP, Claims Capacity to Oust APC in 2019 Segun James

As the race for the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), resumes, former deputy national chairman of the party, Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George yesterday declared his intention to contest for the national chairmanship position, saying that he was the only one among all the aspirants that had the experience and wisdom to rescue and position the party to regain power in 2019.

Speaking at the City Hall, Lagos, where he made the declaration, George said his first task, if elected, would be to reconcile the feuding factions within the party while also according party officials at all levels the recognitions they deserved while also protecting their interests.

“I have learned the ropes and I have been guided by the collective wisdom of our leaders across our great nation. I fully understand the precepts, the mechanisms and the constitution of our party “I know the tradition, the culture, the guiding ethos and the normative patterns that our leaders have built and nurtured for so many years. If elected, I am willing and ready to work with everyone regardless of personal differences to mend the broken places, to heal the ancient wounds, to reconcile the feuding factions and ultimately ensure that we strengthen our collective brotherhood and speak with one voice to regain victory in 2019.

“I will never compromise our foundational principles of justice, fairness and equity as enshrined in the constitution of our party. We will equally accord all our governors; and legislators at both state and national levels the necessary pride of

EMPATHIC INTERFACE...

L-R: Representative of Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr. Kofo Soleye; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs/ Executive Secretary, North East Children Trust (NECT), Dr. Mariam Masha; Principal Lecturer, Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Maiduguri, Mrs. Rose LutiHassan and Chairman, Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), Mr. Ahmed Satomi, during a stakeholders engagement workshop, by North East Children Trust (NECT), on the operation and management of Learning centre for 1000 children orphaned under construction, in Maiduguri…..yesterday

place and honour in this new dawn.

We will protect their interests and help to enhance their effectiveness.

“If I am given the privilege to serve, I will never play the role of an overlord. I will serve with dignity and diligence. I will respect the mighty and the low without discrimination.

Together, we will remove impunity.

Together, we will restore discipline and fair play. We will always insist

on internal democracy.

He said he would work tirelessly to revive the dream and principles of the PDP founding fathers anchored on justice, fairness and equity as enshrined in the constitution of the party.

George stressed that as the PDP National Chairman, he would bring back the dignity of PDP by working diligently to unite

Firm Solves Protracted Car Park Problem at MMIA Chinedu Eze Several years after the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport’s befitting car park was destroyed for a still-born hospitality facility, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in partnership with Seymour Aviation Limited has built the most modern car park facility at the airport.

The project which has a capacity for 1,300 comprising of six floors was an experiment of Public, Private Partnership (PPP) and funded by Fidelity Bank Plc. Speaking during the inauguration

of the facility, the Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, said the facility was long overdue and also timely as “it will improve passenger facilitation and reduce the menace of indiscriminate parking within and around the airport”.

He noted that the project was one of the numerous partnerships FAAN had carried out with the private sector investors and was exploring to improve the infrastructural developments at our airports through more PPP arrangement.

Dunoma who was represented by Salisu Daura, the Executive Director of FAAN in charge of Engineering

Service, explained that the “event is a testament of a Public Private Partnership with FAAN and Seymour Aviation Limited.

“The facility which is being commissioned today is a six level car park facility of 1,300 cars parking capacity built on a land measuring 9119.969m2, with a 30 years tenure”.

Applauding the commitment of the management of FAAN and Fidelity bank (financiers of the project) in seeing to the completion of the project, he stated that “this event wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of FAAN personnel and financial support of Fidelity bank Plc”.

members while mending fences and healing old wounds for all to attain the collective aspiration of the once ruling party, adding that the PDP under his leadership will strive to revive the economy of Nigeria which had been battered, working with well-meaning members of the party to get the presidential power in 2019.

He said having actively served

at the topmost echelon of PDP for 10 years, working with the most experience members, his loyalty to the party had never been in doubt, reason members should repose confidence in him to serve well as their National Chairman.

George thanked the Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi and members of the Caretaker Committee of the PDP on what he described as their

commitment, loyalty and their ability to pull the party from the brink of collapse. The Caretaker Committee, he said had done a great work over the past one year.

He also commended stakeholders of PDP on their resolve to zone the Chairmanship position to the south-west, describing the zoning arrangement as a veritable tool for stabilising the PDP.

Ijaw Youths Urge FG to Replicate $100m IDPs Fund in N'Delta Emmanuel Addeh inYenagoa The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, yesterday called on the Federal Government to replicate its plan to compel operators in the oil and gas companies to send funds to Internally Displaced Persons in the North East and the Niger Delta region.

IYC, the umbrella body of all youths of Ijaw descent, said it was unthinkable that while the Niger Delta which directly feels the impact of the exploitation of oil in their region was left in the cold, the government was forcing oil companies to pump such huge

funds to the north.

A national newspaper had reported on Thursday that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) had directed operators in the petroleum industry to contribute at least $100million annually to the IDPs Intervention Fund for the people of the North East.

But in a statement signed by the Spokesman of the IYC, Daniel Dasimaka, Ijaw youths argued that while they were not opposed to the development of any region, it was only fair that the government direct the oil companies to contribute more

to the development of the region which is most negatively impacted by their activities.

“Although the north east is a victim of its own destruction, Ijaws have nothing against any plans to help Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and to develop the region.

“However, we find it quite traumatic that the government and its agencies that have never considered for over 60 years to instruct the oil companies devastating our land to develop the Niger Delta are today instructing oil companies to contribute to the North East which was destroyed by its own home-grown terrorism.

Workers Strike: Benue Assembly Investigates Glo Storms Makurdi with Comics the capital of Benue among others to 25 locations comedy show is on the final lap State Executive Over Non-Payment of Salaries StateMakurdi, now, having traversed the length is to host the mega comedy nationwide.

George Okoh in Makurdi

Benue State House of Assembly has directed the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. David Olofu to forward all necessary documents relating to the payment of salaries and other financial transactions of the State to assist it dig into the salary challenge facing the State.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange gave the directive yesterday after the House interacted with the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Tony Ijoh (SAN) and Commissioner for

Finance, Mr. David Olofu, during Plenary as part of its efforts to find a way out of the strike action

by Benue workers.

Mr. Ikyange explained that the ongoing industrial dispute by the Organised Labour had called for a decisive action by the House in order to assist the Executive arm in unraveling the mystery behind the huge wage bill of the state.

The Speaker warned that the Assembly would not tolerate any act of frustration from any government official who would deliberately withhold any informa-

tion from the House and called on the House Committee on Finance to obtain all necessary documents from the ministry without any delay.

While fielding questions from the lawmakers, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ijoho said the House owes the people of the State a duty to get to the root of the salary problem through rigorous oversight and pleaded to support the full implementation of the outcome of the report of the Emergency Committee of salary payment.

show, Glo Laffta Fest that has been dispensing fun and laughter across the nation in the last six months.

The show, organised Globacom, was held in the commercial city of Onitsha last Sunday, drawing a mammoth audience.

Since it was flagged off in Port Harcourt on April 16, 2017, Glo Laffta Fest has taken the continent’s most talented stand-up comedians, including Basketmouth, Salvador from Uganda, Bovi Ugboma, I Go Dye, Acapella, De Don, Seyi Law, Bash, Senator, Dan D’Humorous, Kenny Blaq, and Still Ringing,

The Makurdi edition, which marks the 26th week of the show is slated to hold at 4pm at the Royal Choice Inn, in the heart of Makurdi.

Apart from the celebrated comedians who will strut their stuff on the massive stage on Sunday, the Makurdi edition of Glo Laffta Fest will also feature Nollywood legend, Kanayo O. Kanayo as a celebrity guest, while the duo of Nollywood’s finest damsels, Ebube Nwagbo and Uche Jombo would be the show anchors.

A statement from Globacom head office in Lagos, said: “This massive

and breadth of this great country in the last 25 weeks. The show has continued to evolve every week since the first edition. In essence, the people of Makurdi will be getting on Sunday the very best of comedy they will ever find on a single stage.

Our subscribers and prospective subscribers are invited to partake in this unforgettable comedy fiesta.”

One of Nigeria’s finest and most successful comedians, Francis Agoda, better known as I Go Dye, said he was poised to give Makurdi residents the best of his jokes on Sunday.

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS pg. 20 SUPER SATURDAY pg. 22 AUTO pg. 26 GLOBAL SOCCER pg. 29 FAIRGROUND pg. 36 FASHION FILE pg. 41

Kunle Afolayan

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not an Absentee Father, I Look after My Family

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 7, 2017

PLUS

My Life Behind and in Front of the Camera His trajectory in the film industry makes people believe that his career was cut out long before birth. The reason is not far-fetched. His famous father, the late Adeyemi Josiah Afolayan popularly referred to as A ‘ de Love’ made enviable marks as a theatre artiste, film director, and producer.

However, for the 45-year-old Kwara State actor and film producer, filmmaking was not his first love though he has hit fame and fortune with it. Kunle Afolayan studied economics, worked in a bank while acting on the sideline. He later took to full-time filmmaking and took a course at the New York Film Academy. Since 2005 he has been active in the film industry. To his credit are The Figurine, Araromire which was in the Yoruba and English languages, Phone Swap, October 1st among others.

The movie, Figurine, won five major awards in the African Film Academy. His movie, ‘The CEO’ which was premiered aboard Air France also received accolades. In recent times, Afolayan made a bold step when he approached the British companies to retrieve some of his father’s works. He was part of a cast of Saro, The Musical, and Bolanle Austen-Peters production in collaboration with MTN Foundation held at Shaw Theatre London recently. He tells Funke Olaode why he is embracing stage play, passion for work and love for family

Y

ou have a stage background which dates back to your father’s days and with productions like Saro and Wakaa. We have seen the comeback of stage performance in Nigeria. Does it surprise you?

I would say yes because currently, there are about six new theatres being built in Lagos State, inaugurated by the state government.

These theatres are being inaugurated primarily so that there can be a comeback of stage plays. Don’t forget that the state is trying to add value and at the same time it is a revenue generation platform so that creative people like me, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Joke Silva and others have to create a lot of contents that would run the platform. I believe with that, plays like Saro and Wakaa would continue to thrive. And of course, there would be new plays. I have been partnering Tera Kulture for some time and there are a few things we have done in the past. I have always told Mrs. Austen-Peters that we should do indigenous plays such as Efunsetan Aniwura. We have been working on it since last year. For me as an actor, this is like a comeback but doesn’t mean I want to be on stage all the time because it is time-consuming. Nevertheless, it is

something that I love and I’m very passionate about. If the role is good, I want to see myself in it.

Saro has been showing across theatres in the last two years, what informed your decision to be part of it in London?

The role was proposed to me earlier this year and I saw that it was good. I read the script. I have always been part of Saro since inception. My company filmed it at the MUSON Centre when it was first shown.

Coming on board as an actor, it was a surprise when I was invited. I checked my schedule and saw that it was okay. More so, Austen-Peters has been tested and trusted. Terra Kulture as a platform to a large extent has contributed immensely to arts and culture in Nigeria. So, I like to be part of it as well. I have done stage plays in the past, but I have been behind the camera in the past few years, the outing in London was very refreshing for me.

Are you planning to delve into indigenous plays in terms of directing?

Like I said before, we would be doing some indigenous plays which might be in Yoruba. We would look at books like Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmole, Aditu Olodumare, Ireke Onibudo, Irinkerindo Ninu

Igbo Elegbeje, and so on. We hope to bring them back. Also, for the sake of preserving the culture in this contemporary era, we need to bring back indigenous things for the sake of our children because our culture is dying. If you go to some areas in Nigeria and even in Lagos and you show English-speaking films the turnout will be so low. If you have a wide range of audience you need to give them what they want.

Having been behind the camera for many years, how would you describe your experience as a stage actor?

It has been good. As a matter of fact, what I wanted to do from the beginning was to be behind the camera and not in front. You have talents and people will propose something to you and if you accept it you will continue to thrive in the field. But being a filmmaker, producer, director, and the content creator has added so much to my life as an individual.

This is what I would continue to do for the rest of my life.

What do you think about the controversy around the production of films or videos outside of the country?

I don’t think what the Minister of Culture meant was that production should be completely done in

Afolayan...dishing out instruction to is casts

OCTOBER 7, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS It has been good. As a matter of fact, what I wanted to do from the beginning was to be behind the camera and not in front. You have talents and people will propose something to you and if you accept it you will continue to thrive in the field.

But being a filmmaker, producer, director, and the content creator has added so much to my life as an individual. This is what I would continue to do for the rest of my life My Kids Enjoy More Than Children Who See Their Father Every Day Nigeria. Obviously, the government is trying to increase the GDP of Nigeria but they want reasons that will justify why you are taking your production outside the country. For instance, if you are doing a film on Nigeria’s Independence and you want to film the colonialists, would they ask you to film that in Nigeria?

It is impossible. I think they were referring to studio-based shoot because if you want to do studio-based in Nigeria if the terms and conditions are good and the studio is good, it helps Nigeria and the economy to a great extent. I know how the South African film industry works. If the South African government is going to give you grants to do anything even if you are a Nigerian, they will make it mandatory that part of that money must be spent in South Africa. And a certain number of local cast and crew must be used on that project.

This way, they preserve their culture, enrich people and the economy.

I think this is what the Nigerian government wants to do.

A lot of people complain about the low quality technology used in Nigeria’s film-making. What do you think can be done to change the perception?

I think it has changed because recently a lot of stupid movies make money in cinemas because a lot of them have improved in production value. Technically, the movies are good but the storylines are wacky.

But as long as it can make people laugh you are good to go. That is why sometimes I don’t understand Nigerian audience. You know people make so much noise about a film and when people experience it for the first four weeks even if they are not going anymore they have paid.

But the lifespan of these films is for a short while. They are not films you will remember in a month to come.

There are films like October 1, 93 Days, etc., that I consider evergreen.

For instance, 93 Days didn’t make much money in the cinemas. It is a good film that you will remember in 10 years, while these other ones are for immediate consumption and they have served their purpose. For me, everybody would have their space.

It depends on what you want to be remembered for.

How would you rate the financial value of a film and stage production?

Both are not based on the same pedestal. If you are talking about the film it depends on the level. If you watch Game of Thrones (a television series); one episode of Game of Thrones sometimes cost $13 million.

We can’t even do $1million film in

Nigeria. The parameter is difficult in Nigeria if you are to quantify how much it will cost. I think it depends on the magnitude of the play or film.

That is what determines the budget.

A good film is expensive. The least of the crew I have ever had on set is 50. I have to feed them for 30 days. I will accommodate them as well. As a creator, everything depends on what you want to do.

You are partnering some British Film Houses to retrieve some of your late father’s works. How far have you gone on this mission?

Well, I have been able to retrieve some of my father’s films in Britain a few years back. Before I made that move, the films had exchanged hands from one company to another.

The good news is that after we retrieved three of my father’s films, there are still other Nigerian films there and I have been pushing to get those films out. Luckily, the company that acquired it from the previous company is willing to release those films to the filmmakers. There is Baba Sala film, Orun Mooru and Mosebolatan; there is Taboo by Ladi Ladipo; Itunu, by Gbenga Adewusi.

It is good news. In those days, when you filmed in Nigeria you either went to the UK or America to print the negative. You had to take the step for it to be processed to film. Things like that don’t die and because it was done in a place like Britain they are still being preserved.

It is a good thing for the country that a film of 40 years and 50 years are coming back to the country.

You have been doing endorsement lately for organisations like Peugeot and Air. How rewarding are they?

I have been doing the endorsement for quite some time. It is a privilege.

That is what you get when you make a brand for yourself; you make yourself a brand or, you make a brand out of yourself. It is not something that is common for a filmmaker. But if you are an actor or actress or a musician, it is easy to justify. So, if a filmmaker can be endorsed it means that they see more to you than just being you. And this has helped my business.

How do you strike a balance being a father, husband and a filmmaker?

Well, I have been balancing it.

They have not complained and it has to be like that forever. They enjoy more than those who see their father every day. What if I am there 24/7 and can’t provide for their needs? I am not an absentee father because I look after my family.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 7, 2017 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Kachikwu

Ibe Kachikwu: Hope No Problem?

No wonder Ibe has been calling me for the last four days. Not that I refused to take his calls but his timing has been quite awry. He is either calling me while in the other room, or calling me trying to jump into any of these Ambode’s BRT buses but anyway, when I saw the newsfeed about his leaked memo to the President I realised why he has been frantically calling. I guess maybe he wanted me to assist in writing the purported memo reporting the NNPC GMD to the President.

You see, like I always say, my fear for FAKE NEWS is palpable so I am careful to comment on an issue if I am not sure of its authenticity but then again this particular one was so irresistible that I am willing to take a risk. As I write I have still not been able to confirm if it is real, although I have seen a feed from a national daily showing a response on the leakage from his Ministry. But let us even just agree it happened with no risk of being castrated for commenting on a fictitious story, what advice would I have given Ibe if I had taken his calls. Well, it is simple, when I worked in Habib I had one subordinate too, Shehu like that who used to be insubordinate.

Making appointments and even appropriating the petty cash without my knowledge.

I was very patient o, but when he now fired my office crush who was the very dutiful receptionist without recourse to due process, he had hit me in the wrong place and I knew I had to respond and fight back. I mean how could he sack the lady who had only just started responding to me after over six months of continued agitation, and not only that, replaced her with a middle-aged woman who was breast feeding. Kai, Shehu had gone too far and I must act. The fact that I headed a committee whose sole task was to approve employments and resignations did not stop him from carrying out such a nationally devastating act. I only just walked into the office one wet morning looking forward to my full frontal hug which only just started two days earlier only to be confronted with a matronly woman breast-feeding at the front desk.. Upon enquiry she said she was the new receptionist and wanted to know if I was Mr. Edgar that she was told that as part of her duty she would be giving me a full frontal hug every morning I came into the office. She wanted me to be a little bit patient that as soon as she finished with the baby, she would come give me the hug. I almost fainted, rushed into my office ad locked the door. I did not come out the whole day while plotting my revenge. My brother, these kind things, no be memo. You take action with your own hands.

In this case, I simply banned all those who brought kunu to the office. So no more kunu during office hours. You know kunu, the local drink that some of our northern brothers can swear by. Shehu loved kunu to a fault so this ban hit him in a very bad place. I followed that by recruiting a second receptionist who sat beside the madam and did all the work including hugging me while madam kept feeding her baby on the side. So my brother if this story na true, which I no believe, act like a Minister, memo na long story. Just walk up to the Baru, shebi that is his name, make sure there is a major frown on your face, don’t eat before you get there so that your anger level would be at its highest. Don’t knock, just barge into his office, walk straight to his table and looking at him squarely in the eyes without flinching, ask him in the softest of voices for a nice explanation to his actions. I am sure he would explain to you in a gentlemanly fashion why he has chosen this path.

Whatever he tells you, just agree, hug him and go back to your office. This kind fight no be wetin you dey see for front you dey fight o. Something dey give am the power and I suspect you no go fit withstand that power o, or better still, take it all to the Lord in prayers.

I have Father Mbaka’s numbers if you need them or would you prefer Sat Guru Maharaji.

Abeg leave me o, I dey go chop no be this one be our problem.

Dangote

Prince Oniru

Command School Alumni The Igbo Question and Fidelis Anosike So I walk into the exquisite lobby of the Eko Signature suites to meet my new friend Fidelis Anosike who is the Publisher of Daily Times. A fine young man with a clear head. I met him through my Chairman, Chike Ogeah who himself is a fine-not-too young man. By the way Oga Chike ‘’where you see that perfume you wear come my office the other day?

Na wa o’’.. Well you know I can digress while telling a story. Kai. So I sat with Mr. Anosike over drinks, he drinking Tea and me drinking my favourite drink - won’t mention it.

Don tire to dey give coca cola people free endorsement dem never one day call me to ask if I need anything. The discussion as usual with me when I meet any serious Igbo person went straight towards the Igbo question.

Let me just say this that I have never met a young Igbo man so clear in his thoughts as to the position of the Igbo Nation in a united Nigeria. He

Aliko Dangote and Tales of the Unexpected I first heard this story on the radio. Nigerians were calling in and saying all sorts about the purported 10-year tax waiver as reward for his offer to reconstruct the Apapa Oshodi expressway. Well, my people as I write, I am seeing a statement from the Dangote people denying being offered any tax break. You see, for me on this issue I remain confused. For the first time in my wrestling career I find myself not being able to take a position. Seeing how strategic that road is and the purported billions they say we lose daily as a result of its poor state and one man suddenly decide to assist us in repairing the road what could be wrong in trying to reward him for this selfless work? But another school now says, that his trucks and those of his friends are the major cause of the situation with the reckless way they ply the road and risk people’s lives and as such he is just paying back what he has taken. For me, while I am still thinking of which position to take, I will beg Aliko to start work, I am sure that by the time the road is finished, we would have made up our minds as to what kind of reward to send your way.

For now, let the construction begin. God bless you bro.

spoke so passionately on his belief in one Nigeria, latching on to the economic angle and stating very clearly that the issue of IPOB or the so-called Igbo agitation was an economic issue and that if we could get robust and concise socio-economic development into Igbo land, it will mute all these agitations. From the discussions, we both agreed to leverage on the iconic pedigree of Daily Times which he publishes today to organise a National conference on the issue where key Ndigbo leaders of thought and other right-thinking prominent Nigerians will discuss not only this issue but also the Nigerian situation within the context of the interplay of national ethnic agitations as we move towards better cohesion in the country. Well, as I stood up to leave, I looked back at that conversation and felt for a long time at ease with the fact that even in this madness we can still get some level of sanity.

Prince (Aremo) Oniru: Congrats and Welldone You see Amara Nwadike who is the beautiful daughter of my friend, Mrs. Nwadike Obiaku - I had to write the name in full because I know Mrs. Nwadike very well o.

She will hit my head with her handbag and in that her shrill voice will scream, “Edgarrrrrrr how many times have I told you to do the right thing always? If you are going to put my name in the newspaper why not spell it in full, Edgarrrrrrrr?’’ So madam, that is it o.

So Amara calls and said she was sending me two VIP tickets to the Independence concert her boss Prince Oniru was organising which would be featuring my crush, Tiwa Savage, on stage. This was an offer I could not pass on. Let me shamefully state here that when this damsel that is Tiwa was going through a tiff with her bobo I had secretly written her a letter offering my shoulder for her to cry on and implicitly offering her a role in Shomolu as my new wife. Either she did not get that letter or was ill-advised by the plenty people around. Anyway, I did not get a response so I guess she had missed the opportunity to be with me in paradise. So, when I got the invites and I saw her lovely face I knew I had to be there. That night I jumped into my designer shorts, Mudi had created something for me with mosquito net and it was well, let me just

Alibaba

keep quiet. Na so I saunter into the expansive Eko Hotel Hall with dark goggles and feeling like Shina Peters. Shock o, my VIP ticket no be real VIP o. This Amara gave me fake VIP ticket. Our own side, no drinks, no tables just sitting down outside a fence cubicle and be looking at the real VIP people the way Obalende people look at Ikoyi people. Me, Duke of Shomolu to sit in the popular side, how would Tiwa see me from here? As I sat there vexing, I saw the kind of drinks that were distributed in the real VIP seat. How can this girl marginalise me like this? I had to do something to change my circumstances. This one, no be Wole Soyinka type of English because those bouncers looked very fierce. Well, my people, that is how when they switched off the lights for the show to start, I just jumped the little fence and entered the real VIP and immediately saw my man Demola Aofoloju who I can swear he too must have jumped in. That guy no fit buy that ticket, he too tight hand. Well, I sat there and enjoyed the show thoroughly. It was well put together and my Tiwa was a marvel even though Olamide stole the show. I did not understand a word of what he said and his face was ashen and wooden he still put on the most exciting performance on the day. For Shina Peters, I will keep my comment before they will say I am a tribalist.

So my dear Prince, well done and congratulations on this wonderful show. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Keep the flag flying and next time please let me come and collect my ticket personally o, so I will be sure it is the real VIP, not that marginalised VIP Amara sent to me.

Well done guys, you people did well.

Alibaba on the Prowl It is no longer news that I owe legendary comic Alibaba. He played the lead in my first play two years ago and since then I have not been able to complete the payment of his fees. All explanations to him that we fell into recession immediately after, and that some of my accounts have been frozen simply because I once took a selfie with Deziani when I saw her at the airport in Ikeja have fallen on Ali’s deaf ears. Well I stumbled on him at the last Command secondary school gala night marking the school’s 40th. Yes, we went to the same school and yes he wore a bow tie to the event. I think he came specifically for me, since I have carefully made sure that I find myself at the other part of the country anytime I hear he is in one part. Like five people came to me saying, ‘Edgar, wetin you do Ali, he dey look for you’. After spending the better part of the evening hiding under tables and crawling around I gave up and went to him to ask for debt forgiveness. After all, the Paris Club forgave Nigeria and even returned some of the excess we paid which led to some governors allegedly going into the hospitality business with the proceeds so why Ali no fit forgive me? As I explained to him how the activities of IPOB has led to my inability to pay and how also the latest NNPC appointments is also hampering my ability to get contracts from them, Ali was just looking at me. Meanwhile, our colleagues seeing two legends standing together kept asking for pictures. ‘Senior Edgar and Senior Atuyota – that was his name - can we take picture?” Ali would just smile like the statues you see when you want to enter Lagos and I would smile like RMD and they kept coming.

Anyway, I was able to interest Ali with a new project that will see him take on Nollywood in a Christmas special. We are still cooking so I cannot talk too much about it. But as I left, the Warri man warned me that if I did not pay his money, he would send Magu after me. So Nigerians, I hereby launch an appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to come to my aid. I don’t want cash o, just call him to give me small time, that as soon as my candidate emerges in 2019, I will be in a better position to pay him. Kai, where this Fayose go hide again o, we must win this election o by all means, no be for this age I go dey struggle with Magu o, you see the guy head?

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

SPY GLASS

AISHA BUHARI

OF ASO ROCK AND DISCORDANT TUNES If the report at the disposal of Spy Glass is anything to go by, it may be said that the alleged disaffection between the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and Mamman Daura may have taken a dangerous twist.

What used to be discussed in hush tune is now gradually becoming a matter of grave concern in the Presidency.

It will be recalled that reports about the smouldering war between the two broke out while the President was out of the country on medical treatment.

According to a reliable source, many had thought that the President, upon his return, would intervene and resolve whatever that might have fuelled the alleged animosity. But the President, it was learnt, was indifferent, thereby giving close family members a cause for concern.

Consequently, the children of the Adamawa State-born First Lady are said to have come in to save their mother any further embarrassment in the hands of Daura, a nephew of the President.

They are said to be angry at the smear campaign being sponsored by Daura who, many claim, has become so powerful in the corridors of power.

The source added, “Aisha’s children, especially Yusuff, have also taken side with their mother. He, in particular, is not on talking terms with the man, as he has taken the whole matter personally.

He says that after his mother did all within her power to support their father during the contest for the exalted office, some people, who were not part of the campaign train, want to rubbish her with a smear campaign for their own selfish interest.”

KEYAMO’S DAY OF GLORY It was obvious that popular lawyer, Festus Keyamo, did not know how much he is loved by family, friends and professional colleagues until penultimate Sunday, September 24.

On that day, prominent personalities from all walks of life converged on the beautiful Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos to celebrate him, following his recent elevation as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN. Indeed, it was a defining moment in the life of the Delta State-born legal luminary, who is famously known as the defender of the defenceless.

KEYAMO

with .... 08054680651 Over the years, he has successfully handled and won many high profile cases, while also mentoring so many budding lawyers.

His emergence as a SAN, therefore, did not come as a surprise to many who know his dedication to his first love, Law. Keyamo, who is the first SAN to have emerged from Uvwie kingdom, Ughelli in Delta State, had shown traits of excellence right from his undergraduate days in the university, where he represented his faculty and won several laurels as a student.

In attendance at the event were Africa’s richest man and notable industrialist, Aliko Dangote; Femi Falana, SAN; Mohammed Fawehenmi; popular Nollywood actress, Lillian Bach and respected fashion designer, Mudi.

Kamil Akinlabi. But handsome Adeyemi was able to achieve the feat and even literally dislodged Akinlabi from the House.

Though many had attributed his success in the election only to his father’s influence, the truth is that his beautiful wife, Princess Adeteju Temitope, also contributed in no small measures to his victory.

Indeed, his wife’s counsel, love and care, in addition to the trust and popularity he has built over the years in his people, can be described as the secret to his rising profile. In other words, the motivation he gets from his wife plays an essential role in his life, as he is able to climb the ladder of success with ease, while also bringing out the best out of him.

OONI OF IFE’S EX-WIFE, QUEEN ZYNAB, SHINES

HAJIA MARYAM TAMBUWAL’S LOVE FOR PEACE

In the past weeks, the media has been awash with the story of the crashed marriage of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi to Zynab.

When the woman of substance, who is now addressed as Queen Zynab, decided to walk out of the marriage, many could not fathom the reason for her action. Many had sneered at her, thinking that she might eventually go into obscurity.

But recent developments may have proved her critics wrong, as she seems to have put the doleful experience behind her.

Indeed, her fans could not have been happier when she participated at the recently held 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, where she was endowed with the “Humanitarian of the Year” award from “Kechie’s Project” at an event during the UNGA week for her outstanding contributions to women and children across the globe.

It will be recalled that she was also part of the United Nations delegates to a conference in New York, United States in April, where she shared her views on ‘Safeguarding and protecting the endangered cultural heritage in time of conflict.

The beautiful lady has remained focused and has not allowed the misfortune of her short-lived marriage weigh her down, as she continues with her humanitarian services Humble and respectful, Queen Zynab never trivialises the teachings of the holy Bible, which include that the rich should be a source of joy to the needy. In fact, it is said that her philosophy of life is deeply rooted in the aphorism that wealth is nothing if it cannot be used for the advancement of society and mankind.

ALAAFIN’S SON, HAKEEM ADEYEMI’S SUCCESS SECRET When Hakeem Adeyemi, one of the sons of the Alaafia of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, was nursing the ambition to represent the people of Atiba/Afijio/ Oyo East/Oyo West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2015, many had thought that he was on a wild goose chase.

The thinking in some quarters then was that he could not destroy the political structures already put in place by Hon.

HAKEEM ADEYEMI

Call her a lover of peace and you won’t be wrong.

Since providence brought her to the limelight as the incumbent Sokoto State First Lady, Hajia Maryam Tambuwal, has left no one in doubt about her love for humanity.

Therefore, it was not surprising when she led a powerful delegation, raised by the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, to the 3rd Annual Commemoration of the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Summit held between September 17 and 19 in Seoul, Republic of South Korea.

For Nigeria, the summit couldn’t have come at a more auspicious time considering government effort to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency in the northern part of the country.

The mission of the delegation led by the founder of of MMAWT Legacy Initiative was to discuss plans of action to raise public awareness and enhance the role of women in promoting a culture of peace through cooperation with women leaders and female organisations.

The WARP summit, which debuted in 2014, brings together political and religious leaders, heads of women’s and youth groups, civil societies, and the press from around the world and provides a platform for discussion and cooperation for peace.

The annual event is organised by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a nongovernmental organisation under the United Nations Department of Public Information, in association with International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG).

In her address during one of the sessions chaired by IWPG Africa Desk Director Nancy Roussopoulos, the First Lady noted that this year’s event aimed to establish collaborative synergy between governments and civil society groups with a view to developing education, religious and ethnic tolerance, a culture of peace as well as fostering harmony amongst religion.

She also described the slogan of this year’s event, ‘Together For Peace As Messenger of Peace’, as being apt and timely.

She also urged the participants to reflect on and discourage the issue of

MARYAM TAMBUWAL

QUEEN ZYNAB hate speech and bullying at all levels, as these twin evils have been credited on many occasions with igniting violence and war.

During the various sessions, the violence and uprisings bedeviling nations like Nigeria, Sudan, Burma, Middle East and several troubled regions were highlighted.

The summit also discussed the efforts being made through policy agitation to curb uprisings that could lead to war and have led to war in the past.

Among others, Hajia Binta Muazu, an APC stalwart, the First Lady’s Future Assured team, some Nigerian clerics and bodies, NGOs, educationists, policy makers and some government officials from Nigeria were in attendance at the event.

TOP FASHION DESIGNER, UCHE IBEZUE’S RISING PROFILE If anyone had told Uche Ibezue that she would someday be a force to reckon with in the world of fashion designs, she would have dismissed it with a wave of the hand The United States-based fashion designer and the brains behind the popular fashion house, O’ Make Designs, had trained as nurse.

However, her closeness to her mother, Mrs. Nnenna Udonsi, who was also respected fashion designer, had fired her interest in fashion designs.

Today, the brand is one of the fashion houses reputed for creativity and innovation.

In recognition of her rare talent, the Abia State born designer was recognised in an award by the organisers of the Next Generation Award, NGEA, which was held last Saturday in Maryland, USA. She was recognised among the Best Designers based on her outstanding innovation.

The NGEA is an annual event that celebrates amazing creative works of individuals and groups in the global entertainment industry. It is a prestigious platform where the next generation of celebrities is highly recognised by hundreds of millions of entertainment lovers around the world for their immeasurable contributions.

Ibezue obtained the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Dress-Making from the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos in 1995. Over the years, she has been globetrotting to showcase her works, while also inspiring youths who are interested in the business through African Arts and Fashion Imitative founded by Princess Fifi Ejindu.

UCHE IBEZUE

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ OCTOBER 7, 2017

SUPER SATURDAY

IWork Like I’m Just Starting My Career RITA DOMINIC

She is remarkable – in appearance, pp g grace and artistry. y Over the yyears, she has achieved the consistencyy of character and performance p that have eluded manyy in the movie industry. y Flawless in delivery, y gorgeous g g in countenance, she has remained one of Nigeria’ g s iconic and versatile actresses. Meet Rita Dominic. In this p piece, Ferdinand Ekechukwu u explores her essence and existence in Nollywood, and the trail of her beautiful life How A Fan Once O Grabbed G And A Kissed i Me

C

asually y dressed in all black ensembles, she had barely y walked through g Oakwood Park Hotels eliciting g glances g and hush tones from the first contact personnel and the g p guests at the lobby. y The simplicity, p y with which she carries herself like a garb g of honour, befits her status. Her warmth and infectious smile, p personify y her enduring g charm. Although g with a tinge g of stress on her face due to her hectic schedule, she had p promptly p y kept p to the appointment pp which had been fixed for noon, through g her business partner and manager, g Mildred Okwo.

Just within time upon p her arrival at the venue, she had called, indicating g her presence. p She would not want to talk about her private p life which she had restated politely p y somewhere in between the conversation. In fact, she was on her guards when the conversation steered g towards marriage g and the rate at which celebrity y marriages g crash in recent time, especially p in Nollywood which has been the lot.

However, a conversation on Nigeria g film industry, y her career of almost two decades few months from now and impact p on the upcoming p g ones, through g The Audrey y Silva Company p y ensued.

“When Mildred and I formed the company, p y the idea was to shoot films that the audience can connect with. “We have to remember what it is that made Nollyy wood what it is and that is those simple p stories that we tell. So the idea was to tell those same kinds of stories but shoot them at a much higher g quality q y and at the same time, try y and empower p young y g actors by y giving g g them the opportunity pp to showcase their talent to the world.

I’m happy ppy that even though g we have not done too many y movies, the few that we have done has helped bring some talents to the audience.”

‘Surulere’ and the upcoming p g television series, ‘Bankers NGR’, are jjust two of the few movies from the stable of Audrey y Silva. With the latter, she makes a return to television programme p g years y after she first featured in ‘Heaven’s Gate’ by y Zik Zulu Okafor. Then she had appeared pp in few episodes. p That was in 2000. And jjust recently y last y year, she appeared pp in the first season of ‘Cougars’, g by y Emem Isong. g As she speaks, p her face lightens g up p with marked enthusiasm.

Rita is quite q excited about the project p j as she reveals that ‘Bankers NGR’ is such a big g step p for her in terms of television production. “For me, even as much as I p have played p y on the television circuit, I think this is slightly g y different. Because first and foremost, we are co-producing p g a TV show and I’m p playing y g a major j role in it as well. It took us like two years y to finally y start shooting g it; to do all the planning, p g pre-production p p plans p and all.

“It is something g fresh, something g new that even if it’s been done, we trying y g to do something g different with Bankers NGR. It’s about banking g and of course, all the drama and everything y that comes with banking g in Nigeria.” g According g to her, the story y follows some of the workers in the bank and some of the procedures in the banking

hall that people p p don’t get g to see. “So what we have done is jjust to weave drama with some element of comedy y in it and make it believable and shoot it at a very y high g quality q y that the audience will watch and be happy.” ppy Her experience, p vis-à-vis acting g and movie making, g she says y tough g and difficult. Her first experience p was the comedy y movie ‘The Meeting’ g where she played p y the role ‘Clara Ikemba’. She admitted almost not playing p y g the role that it was such a challenging g g role filming g it. “I was p producing g for the first time. I didn’t know how to combine it to play p y with such a diffficult role. But my y business p partner talked me into playing p y g it, saying y g ‘this’ the kind of roles you y said you y are looking g to do.’ So I thought g about it and went ahead to shot it successfully.” y It till date remains her most memorable role over other innumerable films she has starred in. However, there are some that stand out a little bit more than the rest for her and these are the ones that sort of stretched her much more than other ones.

But it still doesn’t mean she didn’t like the roles she has played all through in other films.

Talking g further about the roles she has assumed, she said: “I have to like a role before I play p y it. And every y role that I have played, p y they y have all brought g different things g to the table. I have learned different things g from the different roles I have played. p y They y all have and come with their different challenges. g So that means that I like the roles I have played p y in every film I have been involved in.”

With an array y of roles in different characters over the years y sure has somewhat affected the Rita Dominic brand in the real world. Perhaps p leaving g her as a superhup man to her followers, but then she reckons that she tries as much as p possible to be herself regardless g of the name Rita Dominic, or her being g an actor, that she’s just j an ordinary y person. p The kind of person p that likes simple p things g even though g a lot of people p p find it diffficult to believe; liking ga simple p lifestyle y with that maybe y they can connect with her on that level.

That much, with her strong g social media presence, has helped p p g grown and maintain her fan base by y direct conversation with her fans, so many y of who g go overboard sometimes to appreciate pp her craft whenever they y see her. “Like fans screaming g on the streets outside Nigeria g even here, in Liberia, Sierra Leone…in some other parts. Just p p people p crying y g and screaming when they y meet you; y it’s amazing g that people p p scream and cry y when they y meet you. Sometimes I ask myself y y what I’m doing g right?! g They scream and jump at me, different things.” g Asked what the craziest or worst form of appreciation pp she has ever experienced, p her response p was shocking g as much as it was to her. “Some guy g y many y years y ago, g I was trying y g to p pass and I tapped pp him, jjust trying y to say y ‘excuse me’ and the next thing, g he does a double take when he turned his back seeing g it’s me and grabs g me and jjust p plant a kiss up p my y lips p and then he screams my y name ‘Rita Dominic!’ I was in shock…’what was that?’ Then my friend just took me away y from there.”

What could have happened pp should it be that her friend was not at the scene

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ OBER 7, 2017

23

SUPERSATURDAY I WORK LIKE I’M JUST STARTING MY CAREER

Rita and had not p pulled her away? y It could have been either way y bad or good. g “I’m human, I wouldn’t know, she responded p laughing. g g “The thing g is, first and foremost I’m q quite a p polite p person. It takes me a while to be pushed. p It’s possible p that I would have jjust ignored g and smiled since it’s a fan and it was a reflex action. He was jjust excited to see me. I could have ignored g it I’m sure. I found it unexpected p and was in shock. I wasn’t angry. g y It jjust happened pp in a split p of seconds and I was jjust out of that place. p But when I think about it I actually y laugh.” g On her star p power and being gq quite on top p of her game g and more so relevant in the industry, y she attributes to herself being g her biggest gg competition, p and not anybody y y else. By y that, she tries to reinvent herself in terms of her craft. “What I do is I try y to be better than I was last year, y I try y to be better than I was two years y ago, g I try y to be better than I was at the start of my y career in terms of my y acting. g I look at my y work from way y back and I say y ‘okay maybe y these are the things g I’m g going g to do.’ I just j constantly y look for ways y of immersing g myself y in a role. I feel like over the years y when people p p have seen that this p person has constantly y been g growing, automatically y your y relevance is there because p people p believe in y your ability y to bring g a character to light. g So because they y believe in that your y ability, y they y constantly y want to work with you.” y For the accolades and recognitions g in appreciation pp of her acting g prowess, p she has won the major j film awards there is in the continent. Recall she was the Best Actress Africa Movie Academy y Awards (AMAA); also Best Actress at the 2017 Africa Magic g Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs), for her role in ‘76’, a military y epic. p Prior to that also in 2015, she had won the Best Actress in a Comedy y at the same awards. ‘76’ p provided her the longest g stay on location in Ibadan where she stayed

for six months. There the cast rehearsed for two months and then four months to film which had never happened pp before in her entire career in Nollywood. y Yet with the commendations and honours she doesn’t rest on her laurels. “At the end of the day, y you y have done works and when y you g get a commendation for the ones y you have done, or for a jjob well done or even on any y work at all, it sort of encourages g you y to do more. But I don’t rest on my y laurels. I don’t let it get g to my y head because I have won the award. I work like I’m jjust starting g my y journey.” j y Flashed back to her journey, j y the p proud indigene g of Mbaise in Imo-state, says y that though g Nollywood y is still growing, g g it still has a long g way y to go g as much as it is commendable. “People p are seeing g the need to g go do courses in different film departp ments like cinematography, g p y directing, g editing, g sound design g and mix and all that and bring g the knowledge g to impact p on the industry. y We are growing g g in leaps p and bounds. When I came into Nollywood y me and some of my yp peers at the time, we were just j doing g this because we love to do it there was no money y in it but we just j enjoyed j y acting. g I studied Theatre Arts and I remember saying y g that all I wanted to do was to work in the film industry. y It wasn’t even called Nollywood y at the time. So to still be here and see the growth is a thing of jjoy.” y Having g graced g our screens over the years to become a household name in the y industry, y following g her first movie role in 1998 till date she has ever remained relevant to Nollywood’s y growth, g earning for herself g goodwill of p positive and outstanding g image. g Assuming g it was a blue chip p corporate p organization g with all such reputation, p what would be her monetary value on giving g g out the Rita Dominic brand for sale?

To her, it would not be for sale because it would be priceless. “I mean you can’t

Having g graced g our screens over the years to become a household name in the industry, y following g her first movie role in 1998 till date she has ever remained relevant to Nollywood’s y g growth, earning g for herself goodwill of p positive and outstanding g image

equate q the work and everything y g we have done to my y brand with money,” y she said, reclining g on the couch by y a wing g of the inn. “Obviously y being g in the industry y for more than nineteen years y it means you y are doing g something g good. g I feel blessed to still be here, to still be getting g g roles and still doing g what I love to do. It’s been a long, g but exciting g journey. j y Have had its ups p and downs, but I’m g grateful for the jjourney y so far. I’m g grateful for the obstacles because it has made me a stronger g person. It helped p p build this Rita Dominic brand we are talking about.”

Impacting p g Nollywood y Through The Audrey Silva Company

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ CTOBER 7, 2017

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

The Beautiful Ones May Never Be Born Lest we should be the last To appear before you, We left our corn in the barn And unprepared we followed The winding way to your hut.

Our children begged for water From the women bearing golden gourds On their heads, And laughing on their way from the well; But we did not stop, Knowing that in your presence Our hunger would be banished And our thirst assuaged By the flowing milk of your words.

Now we have come to you, And are amazed to find Those you have loved and respected mock you in the face. .....Lest We Should be the Last—Kwesi Brew

H

is election was heralded with wild ululations of joy, relief, and restoration of hope for a better country.

This was across the board. In the expression of such joy, many died as they engaged in unbridled and unconscionable celebrations of the victory. For some others, there was no better way of celebrating the victory of Mohammadu Buhari than to trek hundreds of kilometres. While some were trekking to the south, some others were trekking to the north. The unspoken sigh of relief was something like: now, a redeemer has come and the journey to nationhood and greatness has just commenced.

Such was the enormous goodwill that ushered in the presidency of (then) Gen Mohammadu Buhari. One of his remarkable Unique Selling Points (USP) was his no-nonsense portrait. He was seen as a straight driver, one who will deal rightly, firmly, justly and promptly with every issue, no matter whose ox is gored. His ascetic reputation in the military and his Spartan lifestyle endeared him to Nigerians.And that was his password.

But after two years plus, I keep remembering Kwesi Brew’s poem, Lest We Should Be the Last (cited above). In that poem, written by a Ghanaian, the worshippers who believed in journeying to a salvation place, denied themselves and their suckling of many things; strove to get up the hill, only to find that even their leaders did not know the way to where the redeemer is. Worse still, there was betrayal and utter disappointment of the devotees.

This is almost our experience with the Buhari administration as at today. It is as if Brew was capturing our experience in the last thirty months.

Almost every week, I am in a battle of wits with a group of friends, many of whom have never ceased to taunt me about the shortcomings of this government, knowing that I have been an avid supporter of the Buhari administration. But truth is that despite my belief in his person, he has shown less than requisite grip of the issues of his government.

At 74, President Buhari has betrayed manifest knack for slow-motion style of governance, a malaise made worse by the frequent health challenges he has faced. It is even more noticeable knowing that the mass of issues requiring urgent attention in Nigeria are a legion. To therefore attend to the issues with snail-speed approach bespeaks of a misreading of the situation.

I shall give some examples. Let’s start from the latest: the grudge fight between Ibe Kachikwu and Maikanti Baru, the Minister of State for

Buhari Petroleum Resources and the GMD of NNPC respectively.

The minister has complained bitterly of insubordination, humiliation, and brazen breach of due process in the award of contracts to the tune of $24 billion! This letter of complaint to Mr President is datedAugust 30, 2017. It has thus been with the president for nearly five weeks before it was leaked. Nobody is sure how the letter got leaked. But it may have been leaked as a way of forcing the President to act on it, since the issues thereof are now in the public domain.

So, what has the president done on this crucial matter that has the capacity to further imperil our dandling economy, five weeks after getting the complaint? It is likely that the presidency will act now only because the public has become aware of the issues. The Senate has vowed to investigate it.

Indeed, Dr Maikanti Baru may have acted with such impunity believing that the notorious cabal acting in the stead of Mr President is behind him. Were it not so, it would be preposterous for the head of a parastatal to ignore the Minister (of state) to whom he should report and head over to the President. What else is called the breach of protocol?

Baru may have anchored his defiance on the Paulean logic: if the president be for me, who can be against me? So it is up for the president to prove now that he is not behind the breaches Baru is accused of by acting decisively and promptly too.

On the other hand, Baru could have acted arbitrarily and just claim that he had the nod of the president to do what he did, whereas Mr President is not aware.

Another sorry takeaway from Kachikwu’s letter is the fact that ministers hardly have access to the president. Many of them see him only during the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting (if he attends) and can hardly discuss any other thing than contract awards and staid policies at such meetings. President Buhari, I understand does not attend any other meeting, be it caucus or political or party meeting,

save the FEC. So the issue of access to him is of concern as the lack of it could slow down the wheel of governance.

The other subtext from Kachikwu’s letter is that President Buhari who is the substantive minister of Petroleum is not in charge of the ministry. If he is, the number of breaches allegedly committed by Baru would not take place. Those who have known that the president is not minding what is going on have ceased the opportunity to play their own games, all in the name of the president. Little wonder that the latest appointments in the NNPC were so overtly skewed in favour of the north, which ironically does not have a drop of crude oil, the raison d’etre of NNPC. The other sore example is the issue of the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr David Babachir Lawal, the infamous grass cutter chief.After an initial presidential defence of the sordid deeds of Mr Lawal in January, the presidency turned around in May to suspend him, and ordered an investigation into the allegation as well as that of the National IntelligenceAgency ( NIA) boss, Mr Ayodele Oke who was also suspended . The panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had finished with the investigation while Buhari was away in London for his medicals. When he returned, Professor Osinbajo presented the report sinceAugust 23 to Mr President. Till date, about six weeks after, no action has been taken. Yet this was a scandal that broke since last December.

The unvoiced impression is that Babachir Lawal is an untouchable and so must be spared any hammer. Were it not so, what is the excuse for not acting on the report of the investigation, six weeks after? Is it a recast of the Orwellian maxim that all animals are equal, but some are more equal?

It does appear that the ploy is to allow a long period of time to pass, with the belief, that over time, it will all wear out and Nigerians will forget the issues.

Yet another instance is the allegations against the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, by Senator Isa Misau. He, a former police officer, alleged that the IG gets over 120billion per annum from corporate organisations that pay the police institution to get security.

He had also alleged favouritism on the promotion of policemen and women by the IG. These are weighty allegations that should not be swept under the carpet. But are we sure to hear anything? Buhari’s silence on these matters are not only worrisome, they eat away his profile and markedly dirty his credentials.

I do not want to talk about the famed mantra of anti-corruption fight, where I believe the bad guys in the judiciary have not helped matters as they resort to wonky legalese to frustrate prosecution of patent criminals and corrupt persons. No mega suspect has been jailed since the fight against corruption assumed a high keel. It’s been a backand-fro tussle. The prosecution of the former NSA, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd), it seems, is endless and bound to last as long as Buhari remains in power. Some persons have argued that the continued detention of Dasuki is to ensure that he is not available to spill any beans on classified issues in the country like Boko Haram sponsors, funders of PDP,APC, etc.

Buhari cannot afford to fail. He must not allow us to conclude that even with him, we did not get it right. He must not make us declare that the beautiful ones may never be born. If salt loses its taste, then it is no longer good for anything…. says the Holy writs.

The buck stops on his table. If the people he appointed are not delivering or are making a mess of the change ideology, as it seems, it is high time he re-jigged his cabinet, and save the nation the leechy hold of the existing, but denied, cabal.

He must double pace the speed of his government. The demands of the nation come with telegraphic urgency. No leader can afford to remain tepid on the slow lane and expect to make any meaningful impact. Time is ticking away irretrievably.

Is Anini’s Ghost Back on Benin Streets?

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eside the 1897 invasion of the Benin empire by the British exploiters, no other event had shaken the ancient Bini kingdom like the terror reign of the twosomeenfant terrible: Lawrence Anini and Monday Osunbor, in the 80’s.

They held the then Bendel State, nay Nigeria, captive with their unrivalled skill in robbery and killings. It was like a plague. Their notoriety was legendary. People (especially policemen) were killed most defiantly and easily. The fable about their ability to vanish after every dastardly act, only helped to further mystify them. But one day, their cup became full and they were caught, tried and executed. And the people heaved a sigh of relief.

Ever since then, the people of Edo State have had a long break from the rapacious rave from the men of the underworld. But it looks like the holiday is over.

With four bloody and dastardly incidents in ten days, the people of Edo State are apparently now under a siege.

On September 25, some gunmen stormed,

Obaseki

of all places, the Ogba zoo and Natural park, Benin-city. Not only did they abduct the Director and CEO of the Park, Dr Andy Ehanire, they killed three policemen who

were guarding the zoo. Till date, there is neither a word on the whereabouts of Dr Ehanire nor a word on the killers of the cops.

Three days after, September 28, a Catholic priest, Rev Fr Lawrence Adoloro attached to St Benedict Catholic Church, Okpella, Edo State was abducted by gunmen. Thankfully he was released some four days after.

And as if that was not ugly enough, last Wednesday, popular highlife musician and social critic, Joseph Osayomore was not only abducted from his Orovie Village, in Ehor Local Government Area of the state, his wife was shot in the head by some assailants. The attack came few hours after he had played to entertain the Oba of Benin in his palace.

The wife is receiving treatment, just as his whereabouts remain unknown.

And just as people were digesting the spate of bad news in the state, yet another horrible incident took place on Wednesday night, with the murder of a professor in University of Benin, Prof Paul Otasowie of the Department of Electrical/ Electronics Engineering.

The fear that has gripped the people of the state is best captured in a Facebook post

by a female colleague of the murdered Prof Otasowie who lamented, “why do good people die? I have cried and cried ….Hoodlums shot my colleague, a father and humble friend, Prof Paul Otasowie of the Electrical Engineering Department of UNIBEN. I am thinking of relocating from this Benin, everyday it is sad news. I am heartbroken.

My heart bleeds…”

So where is Gov Godwin Obaseki? This is a wake-up call. It is not enough wearing fitting suits and playing high-scale golf. The security of the people of Edo State is primarily the raison d’etre of his being in office.

He must wake up and rework his security apparatchik.

Of what use will his quest for foreign investors be if there is no security in the state? People cannot be getting killed like that without a trace. He must build on the facilities provided by his predecessor that helped so much in fighting kidnappers. This is not politics. People’s lives are precious and irreplaceable. The ghost of Anini or even its memory must not be allowed to re-enter any corner of Edo State in whatever guise. Let the people sleep with both eyes closed.

THISDAY AY, THE SATURDAY A NEWSPA P PER ˾ OCTOBER 7, 2017

25

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Flurry of Complaint

EBERE W WABARA

D

AILY Sun Editorial of Sepp tember 25 leads in the abuse of the English language this week with four introductory infractions in just the opening paragraph: “Last week, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, disclosed that the bank is currently inn vestigating (was investigating) some high-profile cases of insider abuse (abuses) by members of the board (boards) of directors of the (otiose article) commercial banks and other financial institutions in the country (would it have been outside the country?).” This egregious paragraph should just have ended at ‘institutions’!

“In Ibadan, eminent Nigerians g honour Bola Ige’s g memory…as y Akeredolu’s wife commissions (inaugurates) g school facility” y Power & Politics: “In Nigeria, g the poor p is (are) subsidising g (subsidizing: g latest trend) the rich…”

International News: “Two (2, for headline purposes) p p UK oil executives charged over (with) $400m fraud in Nigeria” g Wrong: g “Obituary y announcement”; right: g Obituary y (which impliedly p y is an announcement “Happy ppy birthday y to a kind hearted (kindhearted) husband” The next two solecisms are from DAILY Sun p 29: “…we enjoin j health Editorial of September workers to find other amicable and non-disrup ptive method (methods) of resolving trade disputes in the country.” y “Government must remove Nigeria g from the league g of countries with high g disease burdens in the African continent and the world.” Voice of The Nation: on the African continent and in the world.

“Reps: p Dorothy y Mato ‘ll be sworn-in soon, says y spokesman” National News: phrasal verbs abhor

BY

hyphenation. yp p “Okowa commended over (for)Ndokwa land power project” p j Finally y from DAILY Sun Editorial of October 2 which offered readers seven howlers: “The VicePresident, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo j (another comma) who voiced the concern of consumers at Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State during g the commissioning g (inauguration, g launch, introduction, kick-off, et al…) of a metering g factory, y lamented that the problem p of irregular g power p sup pply p y currently y being g experienced p in the country….” y ‘Currently’ and ‘being’ cannot co-function in the same environment “…consumers have g good cause to demand for prepaid p meters.” Delete ‘for’ from the extract.

“We recall that g government had in August g stated that it will (would) not oppose pp the wishes of electricity y consumers willing g to purchase their own meters outside the Discos.”

“However, he gave g assurance (an assurance) that government g would….”

“The minister said that (sic) g government deecided to intervene following g a flurry y of complaints p from consumers.” This way: y a flurry y of complaint p or flurries of complaints. p Here end the editorial blunders from DAILY Sun this week “To be concluded next week Saturday” y Short story: y next Saturday y or Saturday, y next week “Out of control (Out-of-control) Boko Haram kills dozens in Kano Mosque” Preferable: uncontrollable “But we should never lose sight g of the fact that like every y voracious entrepreneur p who has invested billions of dollars on (in) cement plants….” “Credit Bureaux records (record) 26 p million registered g borrowers” “The health workers strike” Conscience, nurtured by y truth: workers’ strike “Monetary yp policy p y committee at crossroads” This way: at a/the crossroads

“Having g served under a military y regime…he g needs to bath in the Yoruba River for forgiveness.”

Noun: bath; verb: bathe.

“Just before y you ponder p about this Owerri revelation….” ‘Ponder’ may y take ‘on’ or ‘over’, not ‘about’. It’s even more economical and elegant to use it without embellishments.

“When we hear of p people p talk about g glory….” y Get it right: g hear of people talking…or hear people talk about g glory y “Lack of facilities threaten course accreditation at LACOED” The verb here should be singular. g “What is g good for the g goose can equally q y be said to be good g for the gander.” What is sauce (not good)…

“Out of 57 y years of the nation’s p political independence, p the military y had been on (sic) the leadership p saddle for 25 years.” y Democracy In the saddle. “CPC to clampdown p on illegal g microfinance banks” Phrasal verb: clamp p down (two words).“An acknowledged g scholar, a distinguished g statesman and a team leader per p excellence” Get it right: g leader par p excellence.

“New trends in electioneering g campaigns” p g Politics Today: y just j electioneering g or political p campaigns. p g ‘Electioneering g campaign’ p g is sheer verbiage! g ‘Electioneering’ g encompasses campaign and other related electoral issues.

“INEC chair asks SSS to crackdown on violent politicians” Noun: crackdown; phrasal verb: crack p down (which applies pp here).

“Some countries have taken tobacco manu ufacturers to court for the damages g their products p cause.” The will to die: ‘damage’ g is uncountable, except p in reparative p applications pp for indemnity. y “With the launching g (launch) of the poverty p y alleviation (a hyphen) yp programme p g by y the Federal Government, not a few Nigerians desire to see it effectively y in p place.“ “…what happened pp was that somebody y filed a writ of summon.“ This way (singular): a writ of

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

summons; p plural: summonses.

“It is the Federal Board that is always y guilty g y of that, because it is them who take riff-raffs as welfare officers.” (Nigerian g Tribune, August g 22) ‘Riff-raff’, jjust like ‘stuff’, is uncountable.

“Modern technology gy has reduced the world into (to) a hamlet where the inhabitants are their brothers’ keepers.” p This way: y brother’s keeper p (fixed idiom), irrespective of the number of people involved.

“The coincidence in the timing g of all those sleazy y gossips g p in soft-sell magazines g and the beginning g g of his fashion p parade….” ‘Gossip’, in this context, is uncountable.

“More overaged g players p y for youth y soccer“(Sunday y Tribune, August 20) Get it right: overage g players. p y “Residents of some of the troubled spots p in Libya y in disarray” y (SATURDAY CHAMPION, August 26) Witness to lexical mayhem: trouble spots. “…rummaging g g all the bags g and ransacking g every y nook and corner.” (Source: as above) Stock expression: p nook and cranny. y Leadership p of August g 21 disseminated seven improprieties: p p “The p police requires q (require) q a redeemer who can uplift p the Force from the battering g it (they) y suffered during the long years of militarization.”

“I inquired q from those that appear pp to know and they y said that the president p is (was) roaming the country y in the name of campaigns.” p g “There is (are) no electricity, y no security, y no water, no roads, no health facilities in Nigeria.” g “Foreign g companies p will be falling g over themselves (one another) to come and invest here if we get g the 2019 elections right.” g “...given g the lame-duck p posture of the opposi pp ition parties, p the APC simply held sway from the onset (outset).”

National Nat Na ati tionalPi tio io ona al Pilot Piilo lot ot Ne Newspaper New ews wsspape er Ruffles Ruf Ru uff fffle les es Feathers Fea Fe eat ath the he ers in Kwara Kwa Kw waara raState State Sta St tat ate ate te It ranks high g among g the hottest titles on the newsstands across the Kwara state capital. p With alluring g penchance for exclusive stories, National Pilot newspaper p p with headquarters q in Ilorin, the state capital ruffles feathers at will, especially p y around corridors of p power. However, in this report, p Hammed Shittu in Ilorin x-tray the potentialities of the newspaper, the journey so far, challenge, the ways out among others

W

ith the addition to rich editorial p package g of the newspaper, p p that makes it a fi first choice of most members of the Kwara state populace p p ,includd ing g top pg government functionaries and teeming g members of the p public in the State of Harmony y called, Kwara, National Pilot Newspaper began its climb to prominence p about fi five years y ago, g yet y this regional g paper p p had been in circulation for about a decade and half. As the title indicated, the vision behind its set-up p then was to report p the nation as most newspapers p p in this part p of the world p preferred to do. The motive, however was purely p yp political. The succession g gubernato orial battle of 2003 in Kwara created the need for alternative platform p for opposing pp g views and opinions, p given g the blatant partisanship of state owned Media.

National Pilot stepped in to meet this need and instantly became popular. It’s circulation spread across South West and North- central states including Lagos and Federal Capital Terr ritory, Abuja. Post 2003 election period however saw the paper taking a downward slide.

For about a decade, the paper tottered, losing readership and relevance until a new helmsman was brought in to restore its bounce and vitality.

In repositioning National Pilot, the new kid on the block, the new Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, Alhaji Billy Adedamola took over the mantle of leadership in the year 2007 and changed the focus of the paper from national to regional.

Adedamola, a veteran journalist who had made its distinct in the journalism profession decided that for the paper to make the desired impact it has to move away from the national traffi ffic which has already become congested, and explore the less traveled roads of commuu nity, metropolitan and regional reporting.

According to him, , “the propensity for national focus by most Nigeria newspapers

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief National Pilot Newspaper,Ilorin, Alhaji Billy Adedamola

has left the communities and most of the states grossly under reported”.

“I believe every city or town should have it’s own publication to cater for the information needs of the hosting community as obtained in developed and most of the developing countries,” he said. With the repositioning, Adedamola has successfully restored National Pilot’s lost glory.

Today, the paper is widely accepted as far as this part of the world is concerned and one of the most popular newspapers doing very well.

In a chat with our correspondent, the MD/ Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, Alhaji Adedamola identifi ified some of the challenges the paper has had to surmount.

Said he , “Although, there is no business enterprise without its own challenges, the first fi challenge that confronted National Pilot and almost brought it down to it’s knees was when it suffered bomb attack in the year 2002 ,few

months after it was set up. A panel of inquiry was set up to probe the bomb attack, but not unexpectedly nothing came out of the probe.”

According to him, “With the repositioning of the paper and the single minded pursuit of truth in line with the motto of the paper which seeks truth and justice, we have faced lots of issues”.

He said, “The environment we operate in Kwara is more or less a conservative one and there is no way you want to pursue truth in this part of the world that you will not step on toes.

“We have stepped on a lot of toes because most of people are not comfortable with what we are doing and they are those that have the power of patronage in terms of advert. Some have tried to stifl ifle us with needed funds in this regard by refusing us adverts. We have had instances where we were threatened, intimii dated and encountered lot of hostilities.

“We are not pointing any fi finger at any direcction, but it’s been there. It is the same in every society both in Nigeria and the rest of Africa which says a lot about our level of development. Some have even tried to intimidate us through court actions and many other means”.

Adedamola stressed that, “But we have remained undaunted because we know a newspaper is held in public trust. The good thing about all these it is that our reading public appreciates what we are doing and they have stood solidly behind us.

“We have received a lot of awards of recognii tion from newspaper distribution association, state correspondents chapel, student unions and other numerous organization attesting to the fact that it’s the people’s paper”..

He added that, “It is the number one grassroots paper around here today. No paper reports Kwara like National pilot. “When we took over in 2012, we tried to resuscitate our presence in places like Ekiti, Osun and the north central states of Kogi, Plateau and the

likes. When the present governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom was gunning for the offi ffice during the 2015 election, he was faced with the incumbent and he needed a platform. National Pilot was one of platforms used then.

“There was a story we did on him and one thousand copies were booked and sent to Markudi. Another personality there also booked 700 copies and about 100 copies were ordered from Ekiti in reaction to one of our reports. For a long while now people will always book copies ahead of our editions up to five, six hundred copies”. fi Adedamola noted further that, “There was a time we did a story and somebody there in government in Kwara ordered for 2000 copies that were distributed at the stadium. We can go on and on. Part of the reasons why this is so is that we have adopted a policy where our lead stories and 70 percent of our news content are exclusive stories you can’t read anywhere else. It has helped the paper to be so loved and accepted by the people”.

On the way out to address some of these challenges, Adedamola said, “We have been working hard and we all know that the downturn being experienced across the nation today is affecting all the facets of the economy and the publishing sector is not exempted” He said, “ The cost of production has gone astronomically high and we have been struggling. “ We wanted to increase our cover price like many other papers did recently in the country but was stuck to the amount we have been selling over fi five years ago because Kwara is not one of the rich states. But in terms of sales, there is no paper that is selling like us especially in our area of coverage”.

Adedamola added that, ‘I must say the future is very bright because we are not resting on our oars and we continued to explore all possible avenues to take the paper to the next level.

26

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

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

Reversing into a Side Road on the Left

Nissan LEAF NISMO Concept car

Nissan to Show Concepts Cars at Tokyo Motor Show Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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issan Motor Co., Ltd. will show a number of exciting concept cars and production vehicles at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, giving customers a glimpse of the company’s newest and future innovations.

Anew concept model that embodies the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility will be among the highlights of the vehicles on display. The Nissan LEAF NISMO Concept car, the performanceoriented Serena NISMO and an updated Skyline will also debut at the show. In all, Nissan plans to display 13 vehicles, according to a statement by the auto company.

The 45th Tokyo Motor Show, held at Tokyo Big Sight, is open to the public from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5. Press days are Oct. 25-26. The Nissan booth, in East Hall 5, will feature a “spiral” design theme symbolizing the company’s past, present and future commitment to making exciting products.

It will showcase the values Nissan strives to offer,

including the company’s latest electric vehicles.

Asimulator will let visitors experience the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.

The following is an overview of some of the main display models: LEAF NISMO Concept: Nissan’s flagship electric car meets NISMO’s driving excitement Launched in September, the new Nissan LEAF comes with the latest iteration of Nissan’s ProPILOT single-lane autonomous driving technology. It also includes ProPILOT Park, the first technology in a Japanese-made vehicle to help drivers park by automatically controlling the accelerator, brakes, steering, shift changing and parking brake.

Another feature of the new LEAF is e-Pedal, which lets the driver start, accelerate, decelerate, stop and hold the car by using only the accelerator pedal.

TheNISMOConceptversionofthenewLEAFhas a sporty new exterior designed by NISMO, Nissan’s motorsports and in-house tuning division.

The application of NISMO racing technology to the car’s body results in enhanced aerodynamic

performance and less lift, without sacrificing the LEAF’’s excellent drag coefficient. The black interior features NISMO’’s signature red accents, creating an exciting, high-performance feel.

On the road, the LEAF NISMO Concept offers a truly exciting drive.

This is thanks to a sport-tuned suspension and high-performance tires, not to mention a custom-tuned computer that delivers instant acceleration at all speeds. The LEAF NISMO Concept combines the environmentally friendly character of an electric car with the exciting driving experience that has always been a hallmark of the NISMO brand.

Serena NISMO: a minivan with spiced-up looks The Serena NISMO offers NISMO’’s sporting technology – head-turning styling and exhilarating performance – without sacrificing the base model’s family-friendly, utilitarian nature. The exterior design appropriately reflects NISMO’’s performance-oriented nature, with custom aero parts that enhance the aggressiveness of its appearance. Inside, occupants will enjoy NISMO’’s signature red accents.

Experts Flays FRSC on Road crash Statistics

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stakeholder in the nation’s road and transportation sector, Adenusi Patrick has said over 36,000 deaths from road crashes occur in the nation annually. This contradicts monthly figures of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC, which say that between 13 and 20 lives are lost to road traffic crashes.

However, a report by the National Bureau of Statistics says no fewer than 2,673 people died in road accidents in Nigeria between January and June. This implies an average of 15 people died each day in the first six months of 2017 in road accidents across the country.

Adenusi, a safety advocate and a member of a non-governmental organisation, Safety Beyond Borders, made his views known at a one-day forum organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA).

He said, “Not less than 100 persons die daily across the length and breadth of Nigeria roads as a result of accidents,” explaining that fatigue was a major cause of most road traffic crashes.

According to him, “Over 100 die as a result of road accident in Nigeria daily. You would recall that 17 years ago, we were told that 65 people were killed daily. The question is what has changed?”

Adenusi said it was regrettable that over the years, both the Nigeria Police and the FRSC have not been able to work together on generating accurate and uniform, but reasonably

Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi

Adenusi

acceptable data on number of road users that loses their lives.

He called on corporate organisations in Nigeria to support the on-going effort by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to curtail road accidents across the country.Adenusi described road safety campaign as a collective responsibility, noting that corporate organisations and religious

leaders have critical roles to play.

“The FRSC needs more vehicles and equipment. The financial institutions such as Banks and Insurance firms are not supporting the activities of FRSC. “The financial institutions should understand that it is in their interest for people to stay alive. That is the only way they can make more profit,” he said.

This manoeuvre is about reversing into a side road on the left. The reverse round a left corner manoeuvre is basically made up of two straight line reverses with a turn in between. On full understanding of this manoeuvre, you should be able to reverse safely into a side road on the left using effective observation, under full control and with reasonable accuracy. Like all other manoeuvres, you are required to choose a safe, legal and convenient place to start the manoeuvre. Therefore, in carrying out this manoeuvre, you should avoid busy junctions, crossroads, schools, etc.

Whether you are moving off from the right or driving along the road, you must take special care when crossing to the left-hand side of the road. The associated problem is that other motorists or road users might think that you are turning left into the side as opposed to pulling up just beyond the left road. If moving off from the right, ensure that you complete your normal safety checks before moving off.

Use the Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre routine and take up a position as if you were going to turn left. Instead of an early signal on approach to the junction, you may have to delay your signal until you are alongside the road you want to the turn into. This is to ensure that other drivers are not confused into thinking that you are turning into the junction.

At the point of turning to the left side of the road, wait for any oncoming traffic at the point of turn and look into the road for any obstructions that would make your manoeuvre unsafe. Steer over to the left and stop a little out from the kerb about two to three car lengths past the corner (junction on the left). Take off your seat belt if you need to and you may also want to open your window to see the kerb.

Select reverse gear and prepare to move. Remember, you are manoeuvring on the wrong side of the road, and you are more vulnerable, so keep looking all around, and respond to other road users. When you are sure it is clear, move slowly back. For the straight part of the reverse, look back over your right shoulder to enable you have a clear view to the rear for other traffic; for easy glances to the front; and round to the left periodically to check your position and judge when to turn.

Just before turning, look all round again, remembering that the front of your car will swing out as you steer left. Look over your left shoulder as you steer, and follow the kerb. How much steering you need will depend on how sharp the corner is.

When you have turned the corner, look over your right shoulder again. This will help you judge whether or not your car is straight in the new road. You will also be able to see what is happening behind you and to respond to others.

When your vehicle is straight in the new road, turn the wheel to the right sufficiently to keep it straight. Remember, any final adjustments should only be slight. Check your distance from the kerb by using your nearside door mirror.

To complete the exercise and to prevent a potential head on collision with traffic turning into the side road it is important that you reverse far enough back to give them sufficient room to stop and overtake you safely, usually about 5 car lengths.

You also need sufficient room to ensure that you will not become a potential hazard to other road users as you cross over to the right hand side of the road. Also before moving off you will need to check over your right shoulder.

In next week’s article we shall be discussing how to reverse into a parking bay. For further explanations or clarifications on the articles in the Essential Skills of Driving column, consult the author.

Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

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

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

27

ANAMMCO Denies UNN AllegedTakeover Claim

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From L-R: Juliet Anammah, CEO, Jumia Nigeria and Abiona Babarinde, GM, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis Motors Plc during the unveiling of the All-New BMW 5 Series at the Banana Island Cultural Festival recently

Coscharis Launches BMW 5 Series Sedan Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he fun-filled atmosphere of the multinational cultural festival at Banana Island, Lagos was heightened with the launch of the seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan by Coscharis Motors Plc. Coscharis Motors is the exclusive franchise owner of BMW sales and service in Nigeria. With a network across Nigeria, it boasts of contemporary showrooms and after sales workshops in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Enugu and Ibadan.

The launch was attended by two enthusiasts of the BMW brand, Mr. Wale Okunfulure and Mr. ChidiAnosike, who were delighted to unveil the beautiful business machine.

The General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Motors Plc,Abiona Babarinde, said, “This is a first in our market and it’s coming shortly after the global launch, which set the pace for all other markets around the world in February 2017. Our launch today definitely has a global “look & feel”, given the global representation at this festival – why not, since we are launching a renowned global business car.”

The new BMW 5 Series, Babarinde said “Has

proven overtime, its borderless on-road power, competency and capability. But to really appreciate the new 5 Series you need to understand the levels of refinement and innovation captured in this vehicle.”

He said for the first time ever in the history of BMW 5 Series, the headlights were seamlessly integrated into the kidney grill. “This emphasises the car’s width, and gives it a more sporty and broad stance on the road. However, The BMW 5 Series Sedan further enhanced dynamics, an unbeatable line-up of assistance systems, an unmatched degree of connectivity and a new and innovative operating system are the most important new features.”

The management of Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company Limited (ANAMMCO) has denied claims that there is a pact with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to take over the auto company in Emene, Enugu, for the production of tractors. Astatement by the Special Assistant to Executive Director,ANAMMCO, Rev. Iheanyi Ogbonna described the reports credited to the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, in some newspapers, as “false, malicious, mischievous, misleading and provocative.

The statement further said, “ANAMMCO is shocked and deeply disturbed that these false, malicious,mischievous,misleadingandprovocative publications were credited to a personality like the Vice Chancellor of a citadel like the UNN in an apparent desperation to show results of excellent performance. The claim has generated negative perceptionandunquantifiabledamageintheminds ofourstakeholders,whichincludeourshareholders, technicalpartners,teemingcustomersandsuppliers.

“ANAMMCO is in very good standing with no discussion whatsoever and howsoever with any institution for take-over. The very good standing is reinforcedbystrategicalliancesthatareguaranteeing a decent utilisation of the production capacity. This is in addition to the rejuvenated global standard TechnicalandVocationalTrainingInstitutetoprovide high impact solutions to unemployment for the Nigerian public.”

Ogbonna stated that ANAMMCO was “open to strategic alliances with credible partners that attain set criteria and standards,” but that it was not in any discussion with the UNN, nor with any other organisation for that matter, to take over the plant.

The company also demanded an “immediate retraction of the claim from the Vice Chancellor in order to correct the negative perception already created in the public domain and save the company the resultant embarrassment.”

NADDC Tours BAW South Africa

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iththelaunchoftheBAWPilotmini bus in Nigeria by BAW Nigeria, less than two months away, a delegation from the apex regulatory agencyinNigeria’sautoindustry, the NationalAutomotive Design and Development Council, NADDC has visited the plant of the technical partners in South Africa.

Led by the Director-General, Jelani Aliyu, the NADDC team, early in the week toured the facility of BeijingAuto Works (BAW) SouthAfrica which is collaborating with BAW Nigeria, (a stable mate of Transit Support Services, TSS, andABC Transport), to produce BAW Pilot buses and vans at the latter’s plant in Enugu.

During the visit, the delegation held discussions with the management of BAW SouthAfrica, assuring them of NADDC and Nigerian government’s

support for their plan to produce their vehicles to the same high standards that contributed BAW brand’s huge success in Mandela’s country.

Produced in the Spring area of Gauteng, South Africa as BAW Sasuka, the bus has in the past few years become one of the most visible vehicles in that country’s taxi industry, where buses are used as taxis.

The delegation also visited BMW, Nissan, Ford, Volkswagen and Toyota.

WithAliyu were the Director, Policy and Planning, Luqman Mamudu; SpecialAdviser to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Emeka Ifezulike; and Special Adviser to the DG, Sani Musa.

With Ford and Nissan already producing vehicles in Nigeria, NADDC assured during the visit that it wascommittedtosupportingtheminexponentially increasing their production capacity.

Director General, NADDC, Jelani Aliyu (middle) and other members of the delegation with top executives of BAW South Africa, during the visit of the Nigerians to the BAW plant in South Africa... recently

WHY YOU MUST USE A CHILD RESTRAINT

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n Oct 1, 2017, I aged with grace and was extremely grateful to the Almighty God for His mercies and preservations over my life and over my career too.

As my usual practice is during my birthday, I took time off to reflect on my new age and over my career. While reminiscing on my failures and regrets, my feats and challenges and trusting God for grace to become a better me as I age, I took time to check my face book page and was excited to read messages posted by friends, colleagues and family. My excitement was however cut short by my brother from another mother, Chris Kehinde Nwandu, of CkN News, who startled me with his post on face book of the death of Master Kayikunmi kayode Ajulo ,the only son of human right lawyer,Dr kayode Olukayode Ajulo in a tragic road traffic crash which occurred on 30th September, 2017 in Abuja.

The sad news brought to my memory another tragic event which occurred on December 23, 2015 which I wrote about on this same column.

As I wrote then, I was busy monitoring Commands under my Zone in Abuja, comprising the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State when I arrived Yangoji Command along the Abuja-Lokoja highway and was informed

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

of a crash involving a family. The officer on ground quickly turned and pointed at a tall black man who should be in his late forties or fifty by name Wale Edwards (not real name).

After pleasantries, I expressed my condolence and solemnly asked him how the road traffic crash happened.

He was quiet for few seconds and then confessed to me and said, ‘’sir, I killed my own daughter, my Jewel. It was my entire fault. She could have been alive today if I had insisted that she buckle up at the rear just like her mother and I did in the front seat’’. His self confession hit me real deep beneath my cord. I barely managed to hold tears rolling down my cheek for fear that I might further break him down.

I do not have a daughter but I do have sons who I love dearly with my whole life just like every parent .I know the pain of losing a loved

one; like my late parents and so I know what it feels like to lose a loved one; worse of through your own fault.

I listened with apt attention as he went on explaining how they set out on a journey to Ekiti State from where they were billed to travel to Lagos for a United Kingdom Visa. But every of that dream was cut short along this busy corridor where as they were driving at a speed he couldn’t tell, there was a tyre burst and the car somersaulted severally and threw his pearl off .When the car finally came to a stop, he came out and rushed to his daughter; Pamela who had sustained severe head injuries and died immediately.

Although, he continued his journey after, it was without his ten year old daughter who from our few minutes discussion, he cherishes and loves dearly. The second leg of the journey was done with him seated as a passenger as he was too heartbroken to drive. As they set out in vehicle driven by his friend’s driver, all my thoughts were on the trauma and pain and regrets he will go though for years. How does a father forgive himself for causing the death of his lovely daughter?

But as I ponder on this tragedy and the event of 30th September whose details I still do not have, the question I keep asking is why parents or guardians toy with the safety and life of their wards? Why do parents drive above the

speed limit even when they have precious family members with them? I say so because I know that Pamela could have been alive maybe with some bruises or fractures if only the speed at which the vehicle was going was common sense speed based on the high traffic volume, and the fact that every family member was in that vehicle? I hope that other parents who read though this piece will pause and ponder on how safety conscious they truly are especially with respect to their children.

They should equally ask themselves why they play lip service to the use of seat belt by both the front and rear seat passenger, including the use of child restraints for children below twelve years.

The case of the young Kayode who has since been committed to mother earth is a bit sketchy for me. I am yet to find the strength to even confirm the details. Despite this, I believe that as we have entered the last quarter of the year, it is imperative for me to again refresh our minds on the importance of strapping our children in keeping with provisions of Section 126(1)(2) of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 which makes it mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle to use a seatbelt for their safety? Do you know that this provision covers children also? I know that seat usage has caught up with a handful of motorist.

Unfortunately, some still do not see any sense in protecting their children while driving by strapping them. Some lap them. Others leave them unattended in moving vehicles.

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FAMILY HEALTH

The Simplicity and Complexity of Human Blood

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Importance of Biological clock 8F BMM GFFM UIF FCC BOE ĂĄPX PG EBJMZ MJGF UIF EBJMZ rhythms that shape our days. The most basic daily rhythm we live by is the sleep-wake cycle, which (for most) is related to the cycle of the sun. It makes us feel sleepy as the evening hours wear on, and wakeful as the day begins. Sleep-wake and other daily patterns are part of our circadian rhythms, (circum means â&#x20AC;&#x153;aroundâ&#x20AC;? and dies, â&#x20AC;&#x153;dayâ&#x20AC;?) which are governed by the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal or biological clock, housed deep within the brain.

Circadian rhythms can influence sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, eating habits and digestion, body temperature, and other important bodily functions.

Biological clocks that run fast or slow can result in disrupted or abnormal circadian rhythms. Irregular rhythms have been linked to various chronic health conditions, such as sleep disorders, obesity, diabetes, depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

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

2. Rhythm and Moods Our internal clocks also have a hand in whether we feel up or down emotionally. People with mood disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) have altered circadian rhythms. In fact, sleep disturbances, both sleeping too much and too little, are one of the key symptoms of depression and other mood disorders.

The relationship between body rhythms and mood is an intricate one, and likely has to do with how the brain chemical serotonin fluctuates in relation to the light-dark cycle and throughout the year as the days become longer and shorter. Mice bred to have problems with serotonin function also have seriously altered daily rhythms. Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s serotonin levels increase during the part of the day when there is more light available.

Understanding what makes biological clocks tick may lead to treatments for sleep disorders, obesity, mental health disorders, jet lag, and other health problems.

It can also improve ways for individuals to adjust to nighttime shift work. Learning more about the genes responsible for circadian rhythms will also help us understand biological systems and the human body.

ime from the beginning of creation, has always played an important role in the functions and activities of man. This has led to the reason why all human beings have an involuntary response to the forces and gravitational pull created by the movements of the earth. This in turn makes man respond to the resulting light-darkness , [ day-night] phenomenon. This brings about the activity of the BIOLOGICAL CLOCK. The biological clock is a part of our body, which generates a number of biological responses regulated by cycles. Its control center is located in the hypothalamus, a gland located in the brain. Also referred to as the circadian clock when talking about cyclic phenomena which are governed by the clock over a period of 24 hours. Biological clocks produce circadian rhythms and regulate their timing.

In particular r JU SFHVMBUFT CPEZ UFNQFSBUVSF r BOE UIF DZDMF PG TMFFQJOH BOE XBLFGVMOFTT XJUI waking occurring in the morning and the need for sleep at night. r 5IFSF JT BMTP B DJSDBEJBO SIZUIN JO DFSUBJO IPSNPOFT such as cortisol. r 8IFO USBWFMJOH XJUI B UJNF [POF EJGGFSFODF UIF biological clock takes several days to readjust to changing light and schedules.

Biological clocks are an organismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innate timing device.

It is also an innate mechanism that controls the physiological activities of an organism which change on a daily, seasonal, yearly, or other regular cycle.

A few hours ago, three American men , Jeffrey C Hall, .JDIBFM 3PTCBTI BOE .JDIBFM 8 :PVOH XIP XPSLFE to explain in detail the importance of the biological clock in man, and how they are linked to other molecular mechanisms and physiological functions , were awarded UIF /PCFM QSJ[F GPS TDJFODF 5IFZ GPVOE PVU EJTDPWFSJFT on the molecular mechanisms controlling circadian rhythms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in other words, the 24-hour body clock.

The team were able to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;how plants, animals and humans adapt their biological rhythm so that it is synchronised with the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revolutions.â&#x20AC;?

The team identified a gene within fruit flies that controls the creaturesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; daily rhythm, known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;periodâ&#x20AC;? gene. This gene encodes a protein within the cell during the night which then degrades during the EBZ 8IFO UIFSF JT B NJTNBUDI CFUXFFO UIJT JOUFSOBM â&#x20AC;&#x153;clockâ&#x20AC;? and the external surroundings, it can affect the organismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wellbeing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for example, in humans, when we experience jet lag.

Hall and Rosbash then went on to unpick how the body clock actually works, revealing that the levels of protein encoded by the period gene rise and fall UISPVHIPVU UIF EBZ JO B OFHBUJWF GFFECBDL MPPQ :PVOH meanwhile, discovered a second gene involved in the system, dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;timelessâ&#x20AC;?, that was critical to this process. Only when the proteins produced from the period gene combined with those from the timeless gene could they enter the cellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nucleus and halt further BDUJWJUZ PG UIF QFSJPE HFOF :PVOH BMTP EJTDPWFSFE UIF gene that controlled the frequency of this cycle. The teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discoveries also helped to explain the mechanism by which light can synchronise the clock. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every living organism on this planet responds to the sun,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All plant and animal behaviour is EFUFSNJOFE CZ UIF MJHIU EBSL DZDMF 8F PO UIJT QMBOFU are slaves to the sun. The circadian clock is embedded in our mechanisms of working, our metabolism, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s embedded everywhere, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real core feature for VOEFSTUBOEJOH MJGF i8F BSF JODSFBTJOHMZ CFDPNJOH aware that there are implications for human disease,â&#x20AC;?

Nurse added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is some evidence that treatment of disease can be influenced by circadian rhythms too.

People have reported that when you have surgery or when you have a drug can actually influence things.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still not clear, but there will almost certainly be some implications for the treatment of disease too.â&#x20AC;?[ courtesy The Guardian London].

Our biological clock helps to regulate sleep patterns, feeding behavior, hormone release and blood pressure.

with

Disrupting our bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural cycles can cause problems.

Studies have found there are more frequent traďŹ&#x192;c accidents and workplace injuries when we spring forward and lose an hour of sleep. Heart patients are at greater risk for myocardial infarction in the week following the Daylight Savings time shift. But even more signiďŹ cant is that science continues to discover important connections between a disrupted clock and chronic health issues, from diabetes to heart disease to cognitive decline

But research has been finding that the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clock is responsible for more than r KVTU TMFFQ BOE XBLFGVMOFTT 0UIFS TZTUFNT r MJLF IVOHFS r NFOUBM BMFSUOFTT r BOE NPPE r TUSFTT r IFBSU GVODUJPO BOE r JNNVOJUZ BMTP PQFSBUF PO B EBJMZ SIZUIN Disrupting our bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural cycles can cause problems. Studies have found there are more frequent traffic accidents and workplace injuries when we spring forward and lose an hour of sleep. Heart patients are at greater risk for myocardial infarction in the week following the Daylight Savings time shift. But even more significant is that science continues to discover important connections between a disrupted clock and chronic health issues, from diabetes to heart disease to cognitive decline.

It turns out that the same genes and biological factors that govern our internal clock are also involved in how other body systems operate -- and break down. It can be hard to determine whether a disrupted clock leads to health problems, or whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the other way around.

8F SF CFHJOOJOH UP VOEFSTUBOE NPSF BCPVU IPX UIF clock interacts with and helps govern the function of other systems and affects our overall health. In fact, keeping your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily cycle on an even keel may be one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

Natural factors within the body produce circadian rhythms. However, signals from the environment also affect them. The main cue influencing circadian rhythms is daylight. This light can turn on or turn off genes that control the molecular structure of biological clocks.

Changing the light-dark cycles can speed up, slow down, or reset biological clocks as well as circadian rhythms.

1. Environmental disruptions to the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clock Some of the best knowledge we have about the roles the biological clock plays in our health come from instances in which the cycle gets out of sync. This can happen for different reasons, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just starting to understand them in greater detail. Sometimes we do things ourselves that disrupt our normal rhythms, like flying to a distant UJNF [POF 4PNFUJNFT JU T PUIFS GBDUPST MJLF HFOFT PS biology) that play a role. r +FU -BH Flying across the country on the red-eye is a prime example of how we can disrupt our own clocks, and a far more extreme example than the spring forward/ GBMM CBDL SJUVBM JO NBOZ QBSUT PG UIF 6 4 8IFO KFU MBH sets in, we feel disoriented, foggy, and sleepy at the XSPOH UJNFT PG EBZ CFDBVTF BGUFS DIBOHJOH UJNF [POFT our body clock tells us itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one time and the outside environment tells us itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another. In fact, jet lag can be considered one type of circadian rhythm disorder. It can be treated simply be allowing the body to adjust to the new time, although it may take several days for external cues (light) to help the internal clock catch up or fall back with its new cycle. r 4IJGU 8PSL Shift work is another example of how we can get ourselves off-cycle, and this too can develop into a circadian rhythm disorder over the long term. People who work the night shift not only have a hard time with their sleep patterns (feeling sleepy at work or experiencing insomnia during the day), but other systems in their bodies can also feel the effects -- and they can be chronic.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not been clear exactly why this connection exists, but weight gain or metabolic changes may be involved.

These phenomena underline how particular behaviors or lifestyles can affect the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clock, but there are other factors at play, like genetics and body chemistry.

Fertility The timing of life , as influenced by the biological clock, affects the ability of both men and women to reproduce.

Research has shown that age affects a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to have a child in a similar way to a woman.

Women As a woman goes from her 20s to her 30s to her 40s without having children, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely to hear more and more people warn her about the risks in waiting to get pregnant. :PV NJHIU BTTVNF UIBU CJPMPHZ FYQMBJOT XIZ XPNFO face so much pressure to have kids as they age, but men donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. After 35, the thinking goes, it gets harder for a woman to get pregnant, and, if she does conceive, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a greater risk the baby will have health problems.

According to that thinking, men are mostly untouched by this process, often able to father kids until a ripe old age. Except it turns out this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really true.

Men Researchers are increasingly arguing that men have a biological clock, too, even if most people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hear it ticking.

It is known that age affects a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to have a child in a similar way to a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, though the timeline isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the same. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harder for older men to father children, and their offspring are more likely to have health problems, too. In fact, new research suggests that many problematic genetic conditions may be more closely linked to the age of the father than the mother.

But few people today seem to be aware of how a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age can affect a pregnancy and the health of the child. The missing knowledge could be useful for a young couple thinking about when to have kids, or a childless older couple feeling the pressure of aging. It could be a strong reason for many couples to rethink their plans about career and family, and for many people to reexamine their ideas about work, gender and their health.

Studies indicate that a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age can affect his fertility in three main ways. The older the father, the harder it may be for a couple to conceive a baby. Older fathers are also more likely to see pregnancies result in miscarriages.

And the older age of the father can potentially trigger health problems in a child, too.

Unlike women, who are born with a finite number of eggs, men continue to produce sperm throughout their life, and some can father children into their 60s and beyond â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an age where womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clocks have totally stopped ticking. George Lucas, Steve Martin and Rod Stewart all famously fathered children in their late 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

But for most men, testosterone declines as they age, which can lead to decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.

And as they get older, men also see a decline in the quantity and genetic quality of sperm.

The aging male, at least from a reproductive perspective, is not as good when heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s older as when heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger.

These changes mirror similar changes in women, with a notable difference: Most seem to occur a few years later in men, and happen more gradually.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of disagreement about when exactly in a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life these changes occur; various studies and experts cite different ages and time periods. But many argue that, for women, fertility declines gradually in the mid- to late 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and then sharply in the 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. For men, the change appears to happen more in their 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

One study of 2000 couples in France found that while womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reproductive capacity tends to decline around 35, men experience a similar, though more gradual, decline after the age of 40. Several studies suggest that men over the age of 35 are twice as likely to be infertile as those younger than 25. Another study of about 2,000 couples in the U.K. showed that, after controlling for a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age and other factors, men who were 45 and older took five times longer to conceive than those who were 25 and younger.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 16, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Ola Aina Eye on Super Eagles Porous Left Back

07.10.2017

RUSSIA IN SIGHT

PAGE. 29

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Eye on Super Eagles Porous Left Back

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O

Ola Aina

la Aina has been rated as the player with the highest number of possession won in his defensive area in the English Championship so far this season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has won possession in the defensive area more times (34) than any other player in the Championship this season,â&#x20AC;?

Whoscored tweeted. Since joining Hull City on loan from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, 20-year-old Aina has been present for the 2014 FA Cup losing finalists.

It therefore came as little surprise when the utility full-back was included in the English Championshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Team of the Week for Match Day 11 of the current campaign. He narrowly missed out on a Man-of-the-Match Award penultimate week, in the Tigers 6-1 thrashing of Birmingham.

Aina had a game rating of 7.9, making three key clearances, one interception and four tackles, while also winning 11 of his 18 duels. The wing-back also had a pass accuracy of 70 per cent and completing three of his four dribbles.

Though many Nigerian soccer fans were relieved when Nigeria scooped four points from the available six against Cameroon, keen followers of the game were worried as the Cameroonians exploited the weakness in the left back of the Super Eagles manned by Elderson Echiejile, considered Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weakest link in the defence.

Though Aina is naturally a right footed player, he is comfortable with his left foot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I find it more comfortable playing left-back.

To be honest, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know why, but I feel comfortable playing there. If I have to do a job on the right I will feel the same. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not difficult for me,â&#x20AC;? Aina said.

Speaking with THISDAY, former Nigerian international, Waidi Akani strongly believes that the former junior international has done enough to win Gernot Rohrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confidence in the Eagles defence but said the experience of Echiejile would still count for him for now. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have seen Aina play on few occasions and I am convinced that he can comfortably man the Super Eagles defence, but you cannot compare anything with experience. I think Echiejile should surely start ahead of him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The coach would always count on the experience of Echiejile, some may argue that Aina is faster and probably has a faster recovery rate, but when the chips are down, there is no argument about who should start, and it would definitely be Echiejile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One thing anybody cannot argue is the fact that Aina is the future of Super Eagles defence,â&#x20AC;?

Akani noted.

In a telephone chat with THISDAY from his base in America, former Nigeria midfielder, Paul Okuku said he had watched some of Ainaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clips and feels that he has a place in the national team if he decides to play for Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is left for the coaching crew to decide if he is good enough to play for the team, but from the little I have seen of him, I have no doubt in my mind that he has a place in the team, if not now, surely in the nearest future,â&#x20AC;? Okoku noted.

Continuing he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you consider the fact that the World Cup is a different kettle of fish, we therefore need our best legs. The fact that Aina can play anywhere in the back four is an added advantage as the defence was the weakest link in most of our games.â&#x20AC;?

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OCTOBER 7, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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

The World Cup Beckons, Along with it the ‘Patriots’ In a few hours our dear country would almost certainly qualify for the 2018 World Cup after a showdown with Zambia in Uyo. The Super Eagles would secure the ticket to Russia, with a game to spare, if they manage a win over the plucky Chipolopolo who grabbed continental attention last month after a stunning double over star-studded Algeria. Despite the form of the Zambians however, many still expect the job done by the Super Eagles who themselves have had a near perfect campaign. Should we book our place at the quadrennial international, the calculators will fly out as stakeholders estimate the economic windfall for everyone: team, federation, business, media and all. We are probably looking at tens of billions of naira in fresh investments in the team by sponsors, the government, fans and FIFA.

Ola Aina takes on an opponent

S

Ola Aina left with Kelechi Ihenacho during one of the Eagles training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Asked if the trend of relying on foreign players to prosecute our matches was not a wrong signal to the local league, Okoku said, “Unfortunately, that is the situation we found ourselves.”

Aina who was loaned out to English Championship side Hull City by Chelsea for the 2017/18 season, has been with Chelsea since he was a kid and this will be his first loan move from the English champions.

He has also played for England at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U20 levels but had recently committed his international future to Nigeria.

He has made six first team appearances for the Blues but is now continuing his football education with the Tigers in the Championship.

"I'm very excited to be here and it is the start of a new chapter in my career. It's my first loan move away from Chelsea and I just want to hit the ground running," Aina said In what is apparently becoming a norm for the eggheads of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to woo European players of Nigerian origin to play for the Super Eagles as the local league is not incubating enough players capable of donning the national team’s shirt, Aina has since joined Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying train.

Super Eagles captain and former Chelsea player, Mikel Obi, was one of those that influenced the former England Under-20 player to represent Nigeria as against the country of his birth after Aina impressed in Chelsea pre-season debut against Bristol Rovers.

It came as no surprise that Chelsea

eventually loaned him out as the Blues have long been criticised for failing to provide a pathway from their all-conquering youth sides, which have been crowned European champions in the past two seasons, to the first team but Conte intends to change that.

“People who know me will know I don't gift a place to anyone, but only those who deserve to play will play for me. It is important for Aina to understand this. In the future, he can play from the start. Age is not important. I made my first appearance in Serie A at only 16,” Conte had said when he newly joined Chelsea last season.

The 19-year-old was born in Southwark, London and has represented England youth sides and UEFA Youth League 2014/15.

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

uccess has many friends, and the Super Eagles will not lack any if they qualify. Many will forget that to reach this stage the team suffered all sorts of indignities because they lacked quality financial support. They will also conveniently forget that rather than giving, or helping the team get, support, they were more focused on other teams in faraway lands. In Nigeria you are on your own until you find some success.

But we have a way of moving on as if the past did not happen. Soon enough the media gurus, the advertising agencies, and the big brands will step out of the woods to gush about their support for the team and country. Gone will be all the talk of European football being the ‘best’ entertainment. The Nigerian Football Federation and its president Amaju Pinnick will not want for new devotees. There will be plenty of backslapping and fine dining all around, and many will seek to win him over with tall tales about how the Eagles will blow everyone away in Russia.

However it will all be about the money and what each can get for themselves. When you think about it, nobody really gets a business contract from Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal in these parts because of their endless howling of their love and support for the clubs.

Try quantifying in financial terms the amount of free promotion we give European football in our media and you would easily be looking at hundreds of billions annually.

Yet I have not seen anyone that has received a single contract from the European clubs or FAs because of this.

Instead we make money for them, we devote thousands of pages and thousands of hours promoting their football, while our football and even the Super Eagles are left in the background. Thanks to our leading, we have passed the culture to the next generation – our children. Today Nigerians under 30 know more, and care more, about the English national team than the Super Eagles. Yet, apart from school boy pleasures, we derive almost nothing in business terms from overseas because of this.

Here, in Nigeria, is after all where we earn our living.

This is why some of us relentlessly argue that backing our domestic football makes simple financial sense. Without this kind of success we are all poorer. Missing out on

the last two Africa Cup of Nations finals would have cost many in the industry tons of money. So shouldn’t we be thinking more about growing Nigerian football than European football? Whereas one is a sure ticket to better quality living, the other is simply entertainment?

The more successful our football is, surely the more money pours into our game, and into our pockets. All the sponsorship that the Super Eagles will get, will trickle down to us: journalists, marketing and advertising professionals, banks, telcos, etc.

Why wait every four years for the World Cup, or every two years for the Nations Cup, when we can have this sort of financial bounce almost every week if we get behind our domestic football and sports the way it was in the 1970s and 80s. Even if we think our football is not perfect, none is by the way, who are we waiting for to create the perfection if not you and I? We must learn to build so we can reap bountifully. The fact is, these days, we don’t build our own. Ours is not sexy enough. So rather than create wealth for ourselves at home, we are satisfied to stay poor while helping the Europeans get richer.

Talk about the Parable of Talents. Just look at the standard of living of the Nigerian sports writer or analyst relative to his European contemporary.

While we spend our time living their dreams, the European media usually only covers Nigerian football when it concerns a Nigerian player in their league or when there is some ugly development. Over 90% of their time, they devote to their own domestic games. Their sponsors do the same, while Nigerian sponsors act like the rest of us by draining scarce funds from our distressed economy to sponsor European football.

Still, billions will flow after we hopefully qualify for Russia. The Super Eagles will find sponsors, the media will experience a boost in advertising revenues, and sports analysts will get support for their work from our brands. But would we learn anything? Knowing what I know of my country, the minute most benefit from this windfall they will travel to the homes of their favourite clubs in Europe to blow a substantial part. They will pay for British visas, pay BA-Virgin-Lufthansa-etc for air tickets, pay hotel bills, hit shopping centres, and then visit the home grounds of their clubs to watch games and buy all sorts of merchandising items.

Until the next Super Eagles success, it would most likely be business as usual. It is well. So soar ever higher Super Eagles!

32

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

2018 World Cup Qualifierâ&#x20AC;Ś 2018 World Cup Qualifierâ&#x20AC;Ś 2018 World Cup Qualifierâ&#x20AC;Ś 2018 World Cup Qualifierâ&#x20AC;Ś2018 World Cup Qualifierâ&#x20AC;Ś

Super Eagles players ready for Chipolopolo unslaught

Super Eagles Set Eyes on Russia as Rohr Optimistic of Chipolopolo's Fall Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;ĂŁ Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x203A;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x;Ă&#x161; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E; ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2039;ĚłĂ? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x161; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ë&#x153; ËŠ Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x161; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;ËŞË&#x203A; Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĂ?Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x161; ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; ͚͸ Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ë&#x203A; ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2014;Ë&#x153; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x203A;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x201C;âĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ë&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă? Kunle Adewale

N

igeria will look to take a decisive step toward qualifying for the 2018 World Cup when they host Zambia in Uyo this evening in the Group B match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom at 6pm.

A win for the Super Eagles will mathematically secure their place at the global showpiece in Russia next year, while a draw will leave them three points clear with one match to play and a much better goal difference, but wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite button down their World Cup spot just yet.

As for Zambia, a win is their only realistic chance of reviving their World Cup hopes.

If the Southern Africans can get the better of the Super Eagles in Uyo, it would leave the teams level on points heading into the final round of matches in November.

It all seems set up for a glorious home win for Nigeria, who would love nothing more than to seal a sixth World Cup appearance in front of their fans, having already outplayed Algeria and Cameroon at the same venue.

Yet German coach Gernot Rohr has admitted that Zambia will pose a stern threat and has warned his team not to underestimate Chipolopolo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can't predict the score line against Zambia because it would not be an easy match.

Zambia can be dangerous because they also have a good team. I don't think it would be a 4-0 win for us but the most important thing for us is to win even if it's by one or two goal difference. I have seen a lot of videos of the Zambian team and I must confess they are a very good side, much better than the team we played last October, but we are not afraid. We only have to give them respect but we won't make the mistake Algeria made by underrating Zambia; they have quick strikers but we shall be ready for them,â&#x20AC;? Rohr told Cafâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official website

Following their impressive back-to-back wins over Algeria, Zambia would be boosted with a quiet confidence that they can upset the West African giants - especially if they are mentally strong.

"This game will be highly psychological; therefore we are working on their mental strength before the match. Every player and everyone on our bench know and believe that this time is our time. God can only show you the fish and it up to you to fish it out. Looking at the way we worked against Algeria home and away it tells a lot of stories. The boys now know and believe it can be done. Nigeria is a different team. We are not going to be big-headed because we beat Algeria.

Ee are focused on looking at Nigeria only,â&#x20AC;? Coach Wedson Nyirenda told the FAZ website.

At a reception held for the Super Eagles by Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel on Wednesday, team Captain, Mikel Obi said the players know what is at stake and ready to give their best. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know how important the match is; that is enough motivation to go all out and give

our very best. There are several players in this team who have not played at the FIFA World Cup, they want to be there in Russia next year.

The talking will be done on the pitch. I have no doubt we have the quality to achieve victory, but we will not make the mistake of under rating the Zambians,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he said.

Obi said that the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good performance in previous matches was achieved due to the focus, determination and massive support of all Nigerians. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe the same indices are in place today against Zambia; we have played four matches in the campaign so far, but this one is the match. We are fully focused and ready. All we want is the usual support and encouragement by everyone involved, including the fans that will turn out at the match venue,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he said.

Meanwhile, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick, has tasked the Super Eagles to be calm but clinical against their opponent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The tendency is for teams to get uptight and tensed for this kind of match. I

Bellpoint Energy Hosts Female Youth Football Tournament

B

ell Point hosted its annual female secondary school football event with the Sunshine Queens triumphing over the Collin Edwin Girls 5-3 on penalties after an exciting 2-2 score draw.

The final match, which was held in the Asfro stuff pitch, National stadium, Surulere Lagos, at the weekend, was among the several initiatives Bellpoint carries out annually as part of it cooperate social responsibility to the community.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Bellpoint, Mrs. Gladys Amefele, represented

by Mrs. Yemisi Adebambo lauded the partners of the event, stating that the competition was among other initiatives Bellpoint employs to channel young peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources towards positive endeavours.

Amefele stated that Bellpointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment is to continue to assist the youths and engage them in positive and constructive projects that would help them become productive individuals in the community.

BellPoint Energy, she stated would continue to bridge the gap between the demand for and supply of petroleum products in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beyond trading in petroleum products, Bellpoint impacts the business value chain of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry by leveraging its skilled and experience human resources to provide core value-based services such as consultancy, engineering services, as well as product shipping and logistic.

have spoken to them and the approach should be to take full control from the beginning and take the chances that come without being too anxious. We defeated the African champions, Cameroon, by maintaining focus and with the team imposing its game and taking the chances that came their way. That should be the approach today.â&#x20AC;?

The two teams have met 18 times according to Fifaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statistics database, with Nigeria claiming seven wins compared to five for Chipolopolo. Their last meeting was in October last year in Ndola, where the Super Eagles claimed a 2-1 away victory.

In the other Group B game, Cameroon and Algeria will battle for nothing but pride when they lock horns at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in YaoundĂŠ today. The Indomitable Lions, along with their North African opponents have already seen their Word Cup hopes go up in smoke with two rounds of fixtures still remaining.

Cameroon have conjured a mere three points from four fixtures with three draws and one defeat. Despite their hopes of reaching next year's showpiece dashed, Hugo Broos believes there is still a lot to play for in the Cameroon capital.

Ă&#x201C;âĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?

TODAY NIGERIA CAMEROON

V V

ZAMBIA ALGERIA

06:00 PM 06:00 PM

Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă?

Nigeria Zambia Cameroon Algeria

P 4 4 4 4

W 3 2 0 0

D 1 1 3 1

L 0 1 1 3

F 10 6 3 3

A 3 4 7 8

GP +7 +2 -4 -5

P 10 7 3 1

33

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

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

L-R: Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu;Chairman, FCBESCOLA Lagos, Lesile Oghomienor; ; Director, Children International School (CIS), Lekki, Joke Chukwumah; Head of School, CIS, Mark Mcluckie and Vice Chairman, Blaugrana Sports International/FCBESCOLA, Kayode Adeleke, during the official media launch FCBESCOLA Island Campus in Lagos…recently

FCBESCOLA Opens New Campus In furtherance of the vision and in line with her 2017/2018 season’s objective, the FCBESCOLA, Lagos, launched a new campus at the Children international School, Lekki, during to cater for the talents that abound in the axis.

The management of the school revealed that the FCBESCOLA facility in Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, remains her parent campus because she is poised to expand beyond Nigeria since she is the first in sub-Saharan Africa.

Leslie Oghomienor, Chairman Blaugrana Group International, the promoters of the prestigious academy, in his address to the gathering, revealed that children International School, was chosen from a pack of very good schools to play host to the global brand after a holistic assessment, ranging from vision, objectives, management, leadership style, staff attitude and quality, environment, facilities, health, security, and safety among others. The school is well grounded in teaching endurable leadership values, character building, developing and growing stars in various sports, judging from many local and international laurels it has won.

He expressed his conviction that the partnership would fast track growth for both institutions, noting that the next Messi or Neymar might come from Children International School, Lagos.

‘After a thorough assessment, in consonance with our standards, values, and mode of operation, we were absolutely convinced that there was no other place to pitch our tent but here. A child can’t be trained here and remain the same. It is impossible. We are here to make a difference by adding immense value to what the school is noted for in favour of our focus of the season,’ he stated.

In his speech, Mark McLuckie, Head, Children International School, expressed the management’s overwhelming excitement to be a part of an institution that is strongly passionate, about raising a new generation of leaders, using the school as a training ground. ‘The FCBESCOLA model of excellence is what we cannot ignore, because it fits into our culture and traditions. Here in Children International School, we want the best for our children, even beyond the classroom. Thus, FCBESCOLA is a strongbrand to associate with,’ he explained.

In the words of Bernat Villa, Technical Director of the Academy, aside our focuson talent discovery and development, making our methodology easily accessibleby reaching out to more talents, through the establishment of more campuses without compromising our quality and values will be strategically pursued.

Deji Tinubu, Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, in his

remark said, that FCBESCOLA and Children International School are two great brands coming together to grow new generation of leaders that will make the country proud in their chosen fields of human endeavors.

He pledged the continuous support of the government and people of Lagos State in ensuring that the reason for the collaboration is achieved in the shortest possible time. ‘What the two organization is doing will have tremendous positive impact on the children, who are our future. I make bold to say that FCBESCOLA Lagos, is the first and only full fledge, all season Soccer Academy in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the vision that will outlived us. Therefore, giving the project, our full backing is for our own collective interest. We must not relent in supporting this novel idea,’ he said.

The FCBESCOLA/Children International School facilities can be compared with first class well equipped international standard facility, he further explained.

However, trial sessions for the remaining vacant positions for the Elite 96Scholarship Project, has since begun at the Island Campus, Interested candidates between the ages of six and 18 can still apply.

The project offers full scholarship for gifted talents who have successfully gone through rigorous, physical and technical test.

emerged the best boxer after defeating Ramadhan Shauri of Tanzania in a tightly contested bout. He won by a unanimous decision after a captivating 12 – round contest. He won N2.5million cash prize attached to the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Prize for the best boxer of the night.

Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, Eribo thanked the sponsors and organisers, for the opportunity which has earned him the highest pay-out in the Nigerian boxing history.

He said: “But for GOtv, I would have been an obscure boxer, fighting just for passion and not for a living.

Today, I am celebrated all over Africa.

I appreciate the commitment of the sponsors and organisers. My next goals are to win the Commonwealth and world welterweight titles soon.” he said.

The second-runner up for the best boxer, Fijabi, who also defended his West Africa light welterweight title against Ben Ankrah of Ghana, got N1 million cash prize. In another tightly-contested bout, Joe Boy defeated Israel Kammwamba of Malawi to make history as the first ever winner of the Commonwealth Africa lightweight title and also, emerged the second runner-up with N500,000 cash prize.

GOTV BOXING EDO BOY, FIJABI, JOESEPH HAIL SPONSORS FOR N4M CASH PRIZES Winners of the cash prizes for the best boxer at GOtv Boxing Night 12, Stanley Eribo, Olaide Fijabi and Oto Joseph have hailed the sponsors for their commitment towards taking Nigerian boxing to a new height.

The three boxers were voted by journalists as the best boxers at the event, which held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, last Sunday.

Edo Boy, who defended his African Boxing Union welterweight title,

Nigeria Bankers Games Begin Tomorrow The stage is set for the 17th edition of Nigeria Bankers Games which is set to kickoff tomorrow at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos.

The Games will commence with an opening ceremony with teams from participating companies billed to parade and display in the colours of their various companies.

This year’s event will feature six events – Football, Athletics, Tennis, Table Tennis, Chess, and Scrabble.

Defending champions in the football event and overall champions of the 2016 edition – Fidelity

Bank come into the Games hoping to retain both titles while other banks will be aiming to displace the champions in various events.

Five-time winners, UBA will come into this year’s games seeking domination, veterans of the competition, ECO Bank, Sterling Bank are ones to watch out for and last year’s finalist in the football event, First Bank are determined to better their performance.

Participants have been relishing the prospects of this year’s games with many of them hoping to break and set new records this season.

Speaking on the upcoming Games, the Chief Operating Officer, MediaVision Limited – organizers of the event, Mr Jimmy Sogbesan said the games will be more exciting this year as more exciting elements will be added to make the event more rewarding.

The Nigeria Bankers Games which is in its 17th season is unarguably the biggest corporate sporting event in the Banking industry. It is designed to bring staffs, family and friends of the Banking Industry together in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

L -R : Frank Traore – Senior Manager, Basketball Operations, NBA, Olumide Oyedeji, former NBA player, Chichi Nwoko, General Manager Kwese Free TV and Jerome Williams, former NBA player at a Youth Basketball Clinic hosted by Kwese Free Sports on Friday, 29 September at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos

Kwese Free Sport Developing Basketball through Clinics In its attempt to develop the game of basketball in Nigeria, about 250 students were involved in the basketball clinic organised by Kwese Free Sports and for the General Manager Kwese Free TV, Chichi Nwoko, it was a huge success It was a gathering of who is who as far as basketball is concerned, from former NBA players, Jerome Williams, and Olumide Oyedeji to the Senior Manager, Basketball Operations, NBA, Frank Traore.

“We are impressed with the turnouts of the students that came for the basketball clinic.

We are happy to provide this platform for the over 200 students that participated in the clinic. We had over 500 applications but we were able to accommodate about 250 students.

“We reached out to a lot of basketball academies and schools in Lagos and a lot of them had knowledge about the game. We decided to engage those of them who are already grounded in the game. This is one step closer to their dream,” a delighted General Manager Kwese Free TV, Chichi Nwoko said.

Speaking further, he said, “We are a sports channel and we decided to explore our partnership with the NBA to see what we can bring to the market to provide premium sports contents.

This particular basketball clinic is to marry what we do on our international platform, we bring in those format and we try to see how we can also engage the kids. Not just showing the NBA to them, we want to give them the opportunity and experience to relate with what they watch and that was why we brought a former NBA star Jerome and other NBA executive here to Lagos.”

Nwoko said Kwese Free Sport was the free channel operating 24 hours every day in Lagos and on UHF 32.

“That means that you can turn on local sport station in essence. We carry premium content and we have the NBA, Premier League matches every Saturday and we will be broadcasting the 2018 World Cup. We have the right too,” he said.

Continuing he said, “At Kwese TV, we are proud of our community and that is why we are giving back to our immediate society. We are Nigeria but we are also in 24 key markets because we are the largest pan-African pay tv that broadcast for free. In the next few years, we would be all over Africa.”

Former NBA play, Olumide Oyedeji, lauded as a great initiative Kwese Free Sports’ development of basketball in Nigeria.

“I’m glad to be part of the programme and I’m proud to be a member of the NBA family.

With Kwese Sports, basketball is going to develop in Nigeria and that will give the game more popularity in the country.

“Hopefully, we get more companies doing what Kwese Sports is doing to basketball because it make the fans and the players feel appreciated,” Oyedeji noted.

On his part, former NBA player, Jerome Williams, thanked the NBA for allowing him to come to Nigeria. "It was my first time coming to Nigeria. I participated in the basketball without borders in 2003 and 2005 in South Africa. And it has been just a very wonderful experience. I have truly enjoyed myself. Seeing the energy and excitement from these kids was just awesome.

“For me, I could do this all day because of the enthusiasm that the kids showed. The kids were excited, they were alive and when you get that feedback as a player or as a coach, it makes you stronger.

“It makes you want to continue helping. And I won’t have taken my eyes passing through sports without partners like this in NBA, who without them these kids will not have this kind of opportunity. I really appreciate what NBA have here and Kwese TV for broadcasting NBA in Nigeria and the whole of Africa and from bring NBA personalities to the kids to feel it.

"There is potential here in Nigeria and if I was here for 30 days and I am sure that 30 per cent of the people here are on scholarships. So many kids here have natural God given talents,” Williams said.

Senior Manager, Basketball Operations, NBA, Frank Traore , expressed his excitement to be at the basketball clinic which he described as a great initiative in sport, just as he said they are looking forward to having a direct occasion to draw the game of basketball in Africa and particularly in Nigeria.

“These kids are playing passionately and they are very hungry for the game. We can see that these kids need more of this. For sure, with hard work and dedication we can excel.

“The NBA league season will start on October 17 and this is the perfect time to start rolling and going closer to it. I am very glad that Jerome took time out of his schedule to join us and also work with the kids. He bonded all and he could do this for five hours. We are grateful to Jerome and Kwese TV for helping the kids to appreciate basketball the more,” he said.

Highlights of the clinic include participants worked on basic right and left-handed layups and jump shooting fundamentals. Jump Stops/Pivots and ball handling and dribbling fundamentals.

Kwesé Free Sports is Africa’s largest and only Pan-African Free-To-Air channel available in more than 24 countries in Africa. It offers live premium sports viewing to fanatics across Africa for free. It could be watched on Set Top Box (STB) or digital TV with no subscription fee. Viewers can also live stream the channel on www.kwese.espn.com.

The students were all elated to see the NBA stars some of whom they have been watching live on television.

According to one of the participants, Femi Kayode, he said, "I will forever be grateful to the organisers for making my dream come true. It was beyond my comprehension that I will one day come face to face with a NBA star."

35

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

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

TRAVEL&LEISURE

The Challenges of Sustainable Tourism in Nigeria Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? ĂŁĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ě&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2014; Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2039;ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë&#x203A; Omolola Itayemi Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă?

F

ar from a cliche, the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) provides the most appropriate definition of Sustainable Tourism. With emphasis on participation of all relevant stakeholders; this moment couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have come at a better time for the improvement of tourism in Nigeria.

According to WTO, sustainable tourism development requires the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Achieving sustainable tourism is a continuous process and it requires constant monitoring of impacts, necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever necessary. Sustainable tourism should also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them,â&#x20AC;? adds the WTO. One other key area relevant to sustainable tourism is the impact on Domestic Tourism - travel, enjoy and respect aspect - which is to the advantage of the host community.

Little wonder, World Tourism Day 2017, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), presented a unique opportunity to raise awareness on the contributions of sustainable tourism to development among public and private sector decision-makers and the international community, while mobilising all stakeholders to work together in making tourism a catalyst for positive change.

In light of this, the WTO definition becomes pertinent and calls to question the numerous gaps that seem to exist in the Nigerian tourism space, chief of which is the lack of a connection between the various stakeholders that should make sustainable tourism in Nigeria a success.

Some of the questions that readily come to mind are: Is there the existence of appropriate data for effective tourism planning in Nigeria?; Do all the stakeholders of sustainable tourism in Nigeria know their roles and responsibilities?; Do we all understand what the word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tourismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; really means?; How can we make tourism go beyond the buzzword that it is at present?

What do people think tourism really is?

And Are we aware that the words â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tourismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;investmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are used interchangeably?

On a national level, sustainable tourism can become more effective when there is more effective inter-governmental collaboration between the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and agencies like Ministry of National Planning, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Ministry of Information & Culture, Ministry of Transport and Aviation, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Trade & Investment, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Nigerian Police, Nigerian Immigration Service, and Nigerian Customs Service. The list can go beyond this.

It is not intergovernmental cooperation alone that is required. Other stakeholders are needed in the tourism ecosystem â&#x20AC;&#x201C; banks, insurance companies, medical outfits, transport companies, auto service companies, retail outlets, fashion and beauty operations, barbersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shops, and of course, hospitality and leisure companies.

Interestingly, those who should enjoy this

Coker

tourism ecosystem are not primordially the visiting investor or tourist. They are the normal Akin, Efe, Rekia or Okonkwo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nigerians.

According to DG, NTDC, Mr. Folurunsho Folarin-Coker, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bedrock of tourism is not the big footprint of foreign brands but rather, the many cottage industries manned by passionate indigenes. That is what allows tourism be the largest employer of labour in the world, even over the oil industry.â&#x20AC;?

Nigerians travel on local roads with local transport. As they travel, they visit cities.

Then they visit historical and cultural sites and natural areas. They meet people and interact with local businessmen. Some adventurous ones take time out to admire a scenic view, watch animals and birds.

Most times, they fly, swim, cycle, walk, eat, drink and sleep.

They go to shops or they attend events.

Some of them watch sports, go to shows, hang out at pepper soup joints or attend our famous owambe parties. They would like to visit museums but even the National Museum in Lagos, these days, is either locked up or is without power. They should do and experience what their foreign counterparts enjoy. But as it were, they may never get to enjoy all these in their lifetime if the connective tourism ecosystem is not working â&#x20AC;&#x201C; government, market or citizen.

Folarin-Coker is optimistic that Nigerian tourism would work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We go to celebrate

Ramadan and Christmas somewhere; we go for weddings, funerals in other cities outside the ones that we reside in. All those movements are tourism. Our currency is under pressure and it will be silly for us to

think that we can grow international tourism without the foundation of domestic tourism. Let us consume more of what we have. NTDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tour Nigeria project is focused on domestic tourism. Tourism is the largest employer of labour in the world, even more than the oil industry.

Tourism, because the activities in the value chain which includes hotels, restaurants, strategically employs women and youths.

It employs 292 million people globally and generates $7.8tn. In our economy, it contributes 1.8 per cent to GDP, so the possibility for growth is glaring. It is just for us to harness our resources to engender growth.â&#x20AC;?

The NTDC boss, while calling on Nigerians to learn to celebrate what the country is blessed with, stressed the need for a restructuring of the laws governing the practice of tourism in Nigeria. Coker said the change in the NTDC bill was to ensure international best practices in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism industry, adding that the 2017 bill, as against the extant Act, would open up avenues of collaboration with different stakeholders hoping to enter into partnerships in order to promote the industry.

Coker said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the ideal model to have a functional framework compared with some of the countries around the world, but what we have is good. If we compare Nigeria with other countries, especially with regard to cultural destination heritage tourism that we traditionally know as tourism, it is obvious that we are very wealthy.â&#x20AC;?

Hordes of investors and tourists will eventually visit Nigeria and the tourism ecosystem will thrive. The fact is that as they pass through, they will leave money behind. They will, willingly, even happily, part with their hard-earned cash in exchange for a service or a good provided by a local person. It can be an amazingly efficient and painless system for transferring wealth. It will definitely enhance the quality of Nigerian life. But there must be some movement in the Nigerian tourism space to draw them closer. It starts with Nigeria, at least, being an ideal tourism jurisdiction. Only a sound tourism law can ensure that.

TRAVEL BITS Beauty of Africa International Pageant 2017 The Ogun State Government has disclosed that it would continue to support beauty competitions in its quest to continue to promote the culture, tradition and beauty of its people. The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Muyiwa Oladipo who made this known in Abeokuta at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of England, Oba Aremu Gbadebo when the monarch played host to the Beauty of Africa International Pageant 2017, (BAIF2017) said the competition was one area where it was important to promote Africa to the rest of the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153; This is one area we need to project Africa, we have to project ourselves, we have to project Nigeria to the outside world, if we had not projected Africa, the very first Nigerian to be named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Miss Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Agbani Darego would not have come into limelight, we thank God we are on the right path, â&#x20AC;&#x153; He said.

Sheraton Lagos Hotel Reintroduces Signature Cocktails In line with offering Loyal Patrons elevated and transformative experiences, Sheraton Lagos Hotel is happy to announce that the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food and beverage teams are working on a collection of recreated signature cocktails, which the hotel is renowned. The General Manager, Barry Curran, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;at Sheraton Lagos Hotel , we have 3 bars that cater to cocktail lovers.As cocktails continually become an art of the bar man, Sheraton has decided that its bars will be renown as the place to go to for cocktails within the vicinity. Since we are strategically located along the MobolajiBankAnthonyWayattheepicentreofIkejaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bustling area, Our commitment towards ensuring consistent food and beverage experiences will drive us to celebrate â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;World Vodka Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the fourth of October 2017. â&#x20AC;&#x153;World vodka day is marked to celebrate the many flavors and recipes that make Vodka the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite Spirit. To celebrate world vodka day, the hotel host a social media competition which will bring all cocktail connoisseurs together to guess the ingredients of each vodka based cocktail posted on all our Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social media pagesâ&#x20AC;?.

34

Ë&#x153; Ëž OCTOBER 7, 2017

WRITERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; WORLD

Peter Abel vs the FBI in â&#x20AC;&#x153;The False Truthâ&#x20AC;?

BISI DANIELS bisi.daniels@thisdaylive.com Blog: www.bisidaniels.com, 08050220700

Long before fake news became a scourge, I noted in the novel, The False Truth that â&#x20AC;&#x153;lies repeated often enough can eventually be accepted as truth.â&#x20AC;? From time to time, I will share excerpts. Here the continuing character, Peter Abel, who is trying to stop a plot to kill his boss in New York, is arrested by the FBI

A

The doctor nodded, smiled faintly, and made another note on his clipboard.

Later that evening, Abel found himself in a hospital room with a reclining bed, delivered meals and a private bathroom. He wore a blue scrub suit, the same fashion statement seen on all the patients and inmates currently held in the building.

Abel had yet to speak with an attorney or anyone involved with the investigation of the bodyguardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death back in New York. He had no knowledge of the way that case was being handled, and he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t looking forward to explaining his involvement. At this point, if he were questioned directly, he might have to play the â&#x20AC;&#x153;crazy cardâ&#x20AC;? to the extreme. On the other hand, he was hoping he could find a way to expose Songa before any of that came to pass.

gent Ford leaned back in his chair. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How did you obtain access to Songaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s computer for the documents?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was in his hotel room.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Would that be the same hotel room where the NYPD found the dead body?â&#x20AC;?

Abel slumped back in his chair and winced. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Abel, you are under arrest.â&#x20AC;?

Abel under arrest

Abel tried to relax as he surveyed his surroundings. The bars and chicken wire on the windows, as well as the guard patrolling the corridor, made it clear that he had been completely deprived of his liberty. Even so, it could have been worseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;much worse. He could be in a jail cell right now.

As the interrogation with Agent Ford continued back at FBI headquarters, Abel noticed that the American operative was starting to question his sanity. He began speaking to him as if he were a small child who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully understand the gravity of the situation, rather than a hardened criminal. In some African countries, I would have beaten to a pulp and hurled into some dingy prison, Abel thought.

He quickly tuned into this and decided to use it to his advantage.

The more questions the agent asked, the more disjointed Abelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answers became. He enhanced this portrayal of mental confusion by inserting some out-of-context pauses and a few responses in his native Mubonde language.

The situation was quite ironic. When he had first contacted Agent Ford on the telephone, Abel had gone to great lengths to ensure he sounded sane and rational. During the interrogation, he had decided to bring that same sanity and rationality into question.

His tactic worked. Rather than order him incarcerated on murder charges in connection with the death of the bodyguard in New York, Agent Ford ordered Abel sent to the Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s detention facility for psychiatric evaluation.

Abel was free to move around the hospital room, as long as he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cause too much of a commotion. He had seen other â&#x20AC;&#x153;patientsâ&#x20AC;? lose control of their faculties only to have the staffâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;four very large men in white outfitsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;barge into their rooms and forcibly restrain them. Being strapped to a bed would have proven very detrimental to his goal of finding the nearest exit, so he played it as cool as possible.

He had been cooperative with the examination staff when they subjected him to the initial psychiatric review. They asked him various questions about who he was, who he thought he was, where he thought he was, what his intentions were, how he had come to his ideas, and what he expected would happen to and around him in the future. Then they performed a routine physical, checking such things as his heart rhythm, blood pressure, vision and hearing.

They required him to provide urine, blood, saliva and hair samples. Abel wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure if they were to be catalogued as evidence in the death of the bodyguard at the Waldorf or if they were being checked for indication of drug use. Most likely, they would be used for

The AfricanAmerican nurse

both.

Abel answered all of the questions with simple, often monosyllabic answers. He was trying to hedge his bets, hoping they would declare him sane enough not to be held under suicide watch or 24 - hour psychiatric surveillance, but not balanced enough to be declared competent and sent to the local correctional facility. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are you married?â&#x20AC;? the examining doctor inquired. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Have you ever been married?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;No.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you have any children?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Abel deliberately paused, and then responded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;No.â&#x20AC;?

The doctor scribbled down an illegible note. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are you currently taking any medication?â&#x20AC;?

Abel looked back at him, not offering a response. The doctor waited patiently, watching Abelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes in an effort to determine if he understood the question. When more seconds passed and he still received no answer, he rephrased his inquiry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Has a doctor ever given you a prescription for a specific pill, liquid or injection?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes,â&#x20AC;? Abel finally stated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you know what that prescription was for?â&#x20AC;?

Abel thought for a moment before replying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Penicillin.â&#x20AC;?

The physician appeared disappointed, and Abel had to work hard not to give himself away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you recall why you were given penicillin?â&#x20AC;?

Abel nodded, but didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak. The doctor rolled his hand, motioning for Abel to elaborate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sore throat.â&#x20AC;?

A young AfricanAmerican nurse entered Abelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room pushing a cart carrying a portable blood pressure machine, as well as various other medical supplies. Unlike most African-American women in the city, she was slim with a delicate wasp waist. She smiled at Abel as he quietly sat up in his bed. Abel liked the dimples in her apple cheeks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My African sister!â&#x20AC;? Abel said and chuckled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I need to take your blood pressure, sir.â&#x20AC;?

She ignored Abelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jokes professionally, unravelled the sleeve of the machine and wrapped it around his upper arm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Again?â&#x20AC;? Someone had already taken his blood pressure three times that day.

The nurse laughed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know. It was done earlier. Still, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a very stressful day for you, so we want to ensure that everything remains at a healthy level.â&#x20AC;?

Abel tried to relax as the nurse pumped the air into the machine and carefully watched the meter. His eyelids drooped in exhaustion, but before they could close completely, he caught sight of another object on the medical cart. A case containing syringes wrapped in clear plastic sat on the second shelf. The nurse busied herself with reading the meter and marking down numbers on her chart.

Meanwhile, Abel managed to snake his long arm over toward the cart, extend his fingers, and wrap them around two of the syringes.

His first instinct was to snatch them up, but he knew the rattle of the cellophane would catch the nurseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention. Carefully and methodically, he gripped the syringes and clutched them tightly in his palm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your blood pressure is fine, sir,â&#x20AC;? the nurse reported. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a little high earlier in the day, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure you were suffering from mental trauma and anguish. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be checking regularly. I know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a nuisance, but we have your health in mind.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I appreciate that, my African sister,â&#x20AC;? Abel

remarked. He admired this young woman.

She seemed very earnest, and considering that most of the people housed in this facility were accused of committing heinous crimes, she continued to treat them as patients rather than prisoners.

When the nurse pulled her cart away from his bed, Abel slid his hand back and claimed possession of the syringes. He reclined his bed and rolled over, turning his back to the door and pulling the blanket up over his shoulder.

Once the nurse had left and the patrolling guard had already passed by his door, Abel examined the syringes carefully. The wrapper was marked ETORPHINE. Abel recognized the drug as a heavy tranquilizer. He assumed that, considering the questionable mental state of the facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents, all staff members had to be trained to administer the drug in case someone got â&#x20AC;&#x153;out of hand.â&#x20AC;? Abel now had a double dose in his possession. He just had to think quickly about how to use it to his advantage.

Abel escapes

A moment later, he discovered a solution.

The patrolling guard passed by his door again, providing Abel with the opportunity he needed.

Abel slid out of his bed and walked toward the bathroom. He unwrapped both syringes and gripped them in his right palm. He then carefully dropped down to one knee. The next time the guard passed by, he called out to him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Excuse me, sir!â&#x20AC;?

The guard stopped walking and stuck his head inside Abelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are you okay in there?â&#x20AC;?

Abel pretended to wretch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m feeling a little sick and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get back to my bed. I need to lie down. Will you please help me?â&#x20AC;?

The guard entered the room and headed toward the voice. He found Abel kneeling on the bathroom floor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you need to throw up?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I already did,â&#x20AC;? Abel replied. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just need to get back to my bed.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Okay, take it easy.â&#x20AC;?

The guard leaned down and reached out to grab Abel by the crook of his arm. Abel instantly jammed both of the syringes into the manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thigh. As he yelped in pain, Abel quickly jumped to his feet and pushed the man to the floor. He held his hand over the guardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth to muffle his cries.

The guard continued to struggle, and for a moment, Abel wondered if the dose was high enough to incapacitate such a large, strong man. But it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long before the big, hulking man lay fast asleep on the bathroom floor.

Abel tried to keep the noise to a minimum as he tore off his scrubs, disrobed the guard, and slipped into his uniform. The guardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shirt was quite big across the chest and shoulders, and although the two men were almost the same height, his trousers encircled Abel as if he were standing inside a barrel. He tucked the shirt into the trousers and cinched the belt as tightly as possible. Then he stepped into the manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoes. They were also slightly too big, but he could still walk in them. Finally, he stepped out of the bathroom, leaving the sleeping giant alone on the floor.

Abel stuck his head out into the corridor and caught sight of the nurse. She was pushing her cart into a room further down the hall. Once the coast was completely clear, he threw back his shoulders and strutted into the corridor, mimicking the gait of the man whose uniform he was wearing. He knew that soon his face will be plastered on every TV as a wanted man!

--TO BE CONTINUED

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FAIRGROUND with

TheTaittinger Cocktail Evening

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

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aittinger the preferred Luxury champagne held an exclusive soirée for a selected few at The Intercontinental Hotel in Victoria, Lagos on September 8. Taittinger Champagne is the official Champagne for FIFA and is heavily affiliated with the arts and movie industry.

It was an evening of fine champagne, good music thanks to ace saxophonist Yomi Sax who played tunes from the 80s/90s and hors d’ourves served by the hotel to accompany the champagne. Guest mingled, networked and sang along to some of the old tunes.

The VIP guests included captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps like Amb. Seyi Onafowokan, Nella Hengstler, and many more.

Chief Tunde Onakoya, the sole importer said a few words about the brand, while Brand Manager, Emeka Nwankwo, gave the closing remarks.

Guests stayed close to midnight enjoying the occasion.

Dr Ebun Sonaya and Amb Sir Oluseyi Onafowokan

Emeka Nwankwo, Chief Tunde Onakoya

Onyeka Udechukwu, Ivie Omoregie

Yinka Shonekan

Pauline Onafowokan and Nella Hengstler

Adeyanju Adelakun

Liwhan Ugbizi and Chinye Onyemenam Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa Boye Olawoye and Omar Gambari

Obinna Nkwoji and Walter Ofonagoro

Chioma Uzomah and Chinelo Ngene

Umesh Armnani

Chief (Mrs) Fola Onakoya

Ikhane Akhigbe

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FAIRGROUND

TV Star Girl, Lolo Cynthia , Others Chaired JAF’s Fourth Annual Lecture

J

oan Agha Foundation recently held the fourth annual lecture on Entrepreneurship and Business Grant Award which aims at providing youths with training on entrepreneurship, knowledge about the local business environment, mentoring, networking with other entrepreneurs and access to business grant to deserving ten business ideas.

The lecture was panelled by Ogunlana Olumide, Co- Founder of Prep Class, Gbubemi Aibangbee CEO Madam Sabi, Zainab Ashadu, Creative Director of Zashadu Fashion , Ifedayo OladapoFounder of GRIT Systems , Yasmin Belo-Osagie- Co-Founder, She Leads Africa and Tunbosun Ajibola- Founder, Men’s Kitchen.

The speakers spoke extensively on how they started, growing their business through different strides, challenges, successes and lots more.

Which gave the audience a real state of how things are regardless of your line of business or craft.

Agha and others also spoke during the event before awarding the top 10 business ideas with grants.

Lolo Cynthia, A Guest and Mrs Joan Agha

Nigeria Beer Festival Promises Excitement, Mega Concert

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s Lagos State is set to host the maiden edition of the Nigeria Beer Festival from September 25 to October 1, organisers of the event have promised to crown the week-long event with an Independence Day

mega concert.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the event in Lagos on Tuesday, Akinola Oluwaleimu, General Manager of On and One Events Limited, the organisers of the event, noted that the festival, which would promote responsible drinking among 18 years adult consumers at all its touch points, would hold at the Lagos Atlantic City, to give it a carnival atmosphere.

According to Oluwaleimu, the event would see Nigeria enrol into the league of hosts of beer festivals around the world, and boost the country’s tourism opportunities.“It will be a gathering of the largest community of beer consumers from across the country and beyond,” he said.

He revealed that the world-acclaimed Oktoberfest (Beer Festival) in Munich attracts more than 50,000 tourists to Germany every year, while other countries in Europe and the Americas have caught the bug.

“Nigeria Beer Festival will be a carnival week of entertainment, sales and marketing

and a gathering of the largest community of beer consumers from across the country and beyond with economic value for the brands and the economy at large,” Oluwaleimu assured.

He added that the Nigeria Beer Festival would provide a fitting ambience to showcase fashion and lifestyle, as well as culture in a carnival atmosphere with various beer brands and other alcoholic drinks in Nigeria connecting with their existing and potential consumers.

This culture touch point, he said, is in line with the view of social scientists that that beer is among the symbolic vehicles for identifying, describing, constructing and manipulating cultural values and interpersonal relationships.

They classify different alcoholic beverages in terms of their social and cultural meanings.

Oluwaleimu also assured partners of world-standard facilities as the organisers have partnered with reputable and qualified architects from Europe to design modular stands to fit into any shape or style desired by exhibitors Also speaking at the event, Mr. Babatunde Annan, Deputy Director, Creative Arts, who Mr. Babatunde Annan, Mr. Ashimi Adewale, Mrs. Yetunde Simpson, Ho ... e organisers of Nigeria Beer Festival represented the Permanent Secretary in the at the press conference Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, explained that the government is collaborating with beer This according to him, is aimed at creating independence. brewers in the country and their counterparts maximum excitement during the week-long Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is expected across the globe to stimulate the economic and fiesta that would climax with the Independence to close the festival during the Independence tourism potentials in the State.

Day Mega Concert to commemorate Nigeria’s Day Mega Concert that will parade an array

Nigerian Breweries Leads As Nigeria Beer Festival Debuts

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The first Nigeria Beer Festival is living up to its billing as Lagosians continue to enjoy the excitement, fun and entertainment that pervade the Atlantic City Waterfront, venue of the festival.

The event which kicked off recently, opensdailywithhundredsoffunseekers trooping to the waterfront to enjoy the carnival. The weeklong festival boasts of the largest community of beer consumers from across the country.

Nigerian Breweries Plc, the foremost brewer in the country, has proved to be the dominant attraction at the event with its array of products to provide enjoyment to consumers. The company has taken the lead in terms of the most visible and exciting branding with its products available for tasting and exhibition.

Consumers grabbed the opportunity to sample and enjoy the variety of brands from the brewers’ portfolio. Brands like Heineken, Star, Goldberg, Gulder, 33 Export and others were readily available for the crowd.

Kufre Ekanem, Nigerian Breweries’ CorporateAffairs Adviser, explained that the company’s involvement in the beer festival is to reinforce the culture of beer as a social lubricant, which brings people from diverse

backgrounds to unite in enjoyment through responsible drinking. He added that the beer festival would impact positively on the nation’s economy through its tourism channels.

“As the nation’s foremost brewer, we want to ensure that the Nigeria Beer Festival is rich in various beer brands that would connect with diverse consumers in a unifying and responsible manner. We are also here to promote responsible drinking among consumers and fun seekers,” he said.

Organisers of the event have said that the festival is indeed a carnival of entertainment, sales, tourism and a gathering of the largest community of beer consumers from across the country.

They added that it presents economic value for brands and the nation’s economy. Since Monday evening when it flagged off, the festival has provided a fitting ambience to showcase fashion, lifestyle and culture in a festive atmosphere with various beer brands in Nigeria connecting with existing and potential consumers.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State is expected to close the festival with an Independence Day Mega Concert that will parade an array of A-list Nigerian artistes, which will feature eye-popping fireworks display.

L-R: Akinola Oluwaleimu, Kufre Ekanem and Patrick Olowokere

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ CTOBER 7, 2017

INSIGHT Atiku, The Apostle of Political Ideology Azibola Omekwe

“What do you have to say Mark Anthony?” was the question put forward by the Roman plebiscites on the death of Caesar in Shakespeare.

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he discourse at hand may not be connected to the scene in which the above question was asked, but the ordinary question in the statement is to be likened to as thus: what do you have to say Nigerians with 2019 knocking on the door?

Recently, one issue that had kept tongues wagging and which has only simmered down momentarily was the statement credited to the Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, who believes President Muhammadu Buhari would not contest the position of President come 2019. She made clear that she was going to pitch her tent with her sure interest, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, if he joins the race for the president of the country come 2019. That is a strange position and a show of courage in this part of the world. In other climes, such statement is normative. Yes, a former President of the United States of America said he could vote for the opposition party in any bill if he disagreed with his party on issues concerning the US. Nigeria of the Military-era behavioral pattern that survived into our democratic culture shows that it was treasonable to mention that someone was interested in the seat of the President. Practically, no Military Head of State tolerated that. In those days of compact reasoning, everyone agreed with everybody and such was actually expressive of the stance of the President. But times have changed. While being neutral as to the stance of the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, let us quickly congratulate ourselves of attaining such maturation which actually started with her principal, then the Turaki of Adamawa, who used everything he had including his position as the Vice President and ambition to rule Nigeria, to sustain our democracy by saying no to third term – a position that has earned him the unsubstantiated corrupt man blackmail.

Whether we like it or not, political activities have started to converge for 2019. This coupled with the issues of the health of the President imposes a kinetic activity in our polity. This subterranean alignment is heating up to a crescendo that would eventually cause an eruption. The thing is irreversible. Sooner or later Nigerians would be called upon to choose their king.

Would that person tell us about schools or road rehabilitation? Would he provide sewing machines for our teeming unemployed graduates to be self employed or talk about dry season farming? We have traveled this familiar terrain and heard this palm leaves whispering and lullaby for too long. The First Republic was anchored on infrastructural race amongst the regions. We were heavily divided then but it never mattered. So long Ahmadu Bello was going to plant a university in Zaria to counter University of Ibadan, the property of Oduduwa republic within Nigeria, it was okay. The Igbos that populated the civil service in the North was seen as tribe of occupation

Essentially, developments such as in telecommunications, road networks, agricultural support, institutional reforms and the rest, though recording relative successes but were unable to provide a platform on how we would operate as a people.

Sincerely, it is thoughtful to say that we have outgrown the whims of political parties and now tilting towards political ideologists. Nigeria presently is a cacophony of agitations since every one of us is angling to get as much as possible out of it without knowing what our obligations are to our country. Our politicians who are apt to build quickly are at loss as to what dose Nigeria needs to grow

Atiku

and everything was done to remove and replace them with the people of the North. Nigeria was divided in all ramifications but it was all right; things would eventually work out. The country was successful in building huge infrastructure with zero binding national ideology. The marathon race for infrastructure development amongst the regions might have been a success but things never really worked out. There was no national cohesion.

The National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the Second Republic promised increase in Agriculture and Housing for all citizens. The party logo was embossed with a house and two maize strands – meaning life in Nigeria is all about food and shelter or simply put, stomach infrastructure. They succeeded in terms of housing but not in food production. Instead of harnessing an ideology that would embrace national cohesion, the party never got near anything close to that. Nothing was said about how Nigeria was going to maintain our co-existence.

It’s gonna be all right and we would pray Jah see to it as proselyted by us. Like earlier said, things never worked out. Nigerians rushed to the Army to seize power from those rogue politicians.

The interregnum of the Military is one harrowing experience we hope we would never see again. In fact, they moved the capital to Abuja that serves as a command headquarters; that nothing happens in the country without it saying so. To prove the invincibility of Abuja, you don’t even look for money because it had it to give to you monthly through the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC. SDP and NRC were superintended

by Abuja and when they became too ambitious, the Command Headquarters Chairman himself kicked them out.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) started as a G-18.

They came and bought Jinjeng motorbikes as democratic dividends and did everything they could to resuscitate the rails - a great infrastructural leap. Essentially, developments such as in telecommunications, road networks, agricultural support, institutional reforms and the rest, though recording relative successes but were unable to provide a platform on how we would operate as a people. Sincerely, it is thoughtful to say that we have outgrown the whims of political parties and now tilting towards political ideologists. Nigeria presently is a cacophony of agitations since every one of us is angling to get as much as possible out of it without knowing what our obligations are to our country. Our politicians who are apt to build quickly are at loss as to what dose Nigeria needs to grow. This is not far-fetched as occasionally stated by Nigeria’s former vice president Atiku Abubakar – the polity is in a flux of ideological deficit.

Atiku Abubakar may not have started this ideological struggle generally but he can be identified emphatically as the first apostle of political ideology in Nigeria. It is just unfortunate that our political parties as we know them are still talking about mundane manifestoes of a Second Niger Bridge, Kano-Maiduguri Road and the dredging of the River Niger, instead of the dredging of our constitution first to remove all encumbrances towards fiscal federalism. We should identify those personalities with nationalistic spread who would transform a concrete bridge manifesto to a bridging ideology on how to stay

strongly together to achieve a national aspiration that our former contemporaries have so effortlessly achieved.

We commend the former Vice President to have made his stand clear in a turf where the political parties have allowed rights activists and regional leaders operate and hold sway. Other nationalists then and now have been afraid to touch it. In him we see an originality of the template. There must be an emphasis here with the ensuing: there are divergent voices for and against the efficacy and desirability of devolution of powers by the government in power. At best it exhibits a sidon-look approach just to jump into the fray whichever vote gets the arguments for or against restructuring. That is one attitude we must reject. That at best is the mode of operation of APC/El Rufai committee on restructuring Nigeria. This is the usual grand subterfuge and obey-the-wind wrapper of the wife of Chief Nanga in ‘A Man of the People’ by Chinua Achebe. Nigeria unfortunately is at a crossroad and so we need men especially those veterans, who have known power in Nigeria; who actually are tired of shenanigans; who told us their stand on such important matter in the country. It means if they are trusted with the ultimate wherewithal, they would do/walk the talk.

However, we should also not fall into the trap of blackmail by secessionists who want to destroy our existence with hate speeches masquerading as disciples of restructuring Nigeria. It is all about leadership and dialogue. We are in an era of a Honourable Minister of the Republic pledging her loyalty to someone other than the person who appointed her to that post. There are also other groups in the country who believe that Nigeria does not need true federalism but good governance – meaning the medicine for Nigeria’s illness can be cured by good governance. It is true.

Fortunately, such people are actually in the minority even in the north. Nigerians across all sections have come to identify that we must talk about what we want in order to live together. We have tried good governance vehicle since 1960. We have developed immunity or resistance to this normative style of good governance even with a good judiciary, free speech, police, the secret service, etc.

We have built hospitals with federal control down to the village level. We have a Federal Character Commission, an institution that distribute to Nigeria equitably.We have a bicameral legislature where people in Nigeria send their representatives. We gather our monies in one trust to be shared. What has that brought for us? Hatred and suspicion. As at today every section of the country is complaining of marginalization. All our institutions and much more have reached their limits yet the system is worsening. There is no card in our sleeve again to guarantee good governance. That is why we need to quash this feeding bottle governance that makes Abuja a very kind father caring for states and local governments, and its unwieldy self.

The Treasury Single Account, TSA, has a lot of attendant negative impact yet it is in place to forestall waste.

The government has a lot of policing mechanism to check corruption yet those institutions failed to check excesses of diverting government revenue. She had no choice but to embark on TSA. That should tell us that Nigeria now is at the point of going through the surgeon’s knife to survive.

The worst hit about TSA is our universities and teaching hospitals. The government is insisting on it as the ship is almost drifting into the Bermuda Triangle - meaning she has no confidence in EFCC, ICPC, CCT, CCB, the Police Anti-Fraud Unit and many other anti-corruption legislation. Thereby taking such a drastic action to cut waste from the system. That goes to show that without a radical revolutionary change in our mode of existence, we would never make progress. And so the idea that good governance is a substitute for true federalism is a lame argument and a tendency to postpone the doomsday. Already leaders of thought from the western states have converged in Ibadan and have literally sent an ultimatum to the Federal Government. There is clash between Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) proponents and the military. The present government initially very reluctant to touch the 2014 constitutional conference document has come out to say they would consider it.

And that is not how to go about it. We must not wait for the restructuring vehicle to be in auto-drive. that note it would take us to its destination we might not like. We should take the initiative. We should trust leaders that have the political courage to have told us that that is the main menu on their table if we give them our mandate. Without much ado, Atiku Abubakar is in town and has the patent. We have to reject infringers and copy typists who would promise us same now that it is becoming overwhelming. Any other person who desires it should align with the lead apostle or tell us another idea. Ideas are inexhaustible. If they are so thoughtful, our politicians should go to work and give us a bouquet of ideology that would give Atiku a fight for being the first political-dimension champion of restructuring. If I may suggest one for someone, he or she could say restructuring would not work, sort of being a leftist. What do you have to say Nigerians as the Romans had asked Mark Anthony, a noble man, in Rome? What do you have to say Nigerians now that Atiku Abubakar, the first political ideologist and a champion of restructuring is in town?

–––Hon, Omekwe is a former member of Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

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OCTOBER 7, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

FreshbyDotun Presents 2017 Suit Collection

Modern Groom

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 7, 2017

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

FreshbyDotun Presents 2017 Suit Collection

F

ew days after dropping its modern traditional menswear collection, Nigerian fashion brand, FreshbyDotun, debuts its suit collection titled Modern Groom.

The suits come in ideal fit and stunning details worn with collared shirts, vibrant neckties and lapel pins, with classic construction that helps you look your absolute best.

According to the designer, Adedotun

Adeyeye, “the collection is an inspiration for the modern groom and discerning dapper gentlemen. A bold expression for a man with style, who choose not to go with the conventional way.”

The collection consists of bright three-piece suits featuring damask, tweed and flawless tailored outline with elegance, style and trim that mould to you.

Credits Designer/stylist: @freshbydotun Photographer: @tobibakre Models: @sobaint01 @thecandidmorris MUA: @fionahmakeup Publicist: @moafricapr.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ Ϳ˜ 2017

MARKET PLACE áÓÞÒ ×ÙÖËÌËÕÏ ËÝÒÙÑÌÙØ˛˛˛ 08033621009

L-R: Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Budget, Oyo State, Mr. Abimbola Adekanmbi; Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank, Emeka Emuwa; Non-Executive Director ,Union Bank, Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande (OON, CON) and Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Union Bank, Adekunle Sonola at the bank’s Centenary Anniversary Gala in Ibadan recently

National Coordinator, Power Oil Health Camp,Mr Opeyemi Awojobi; Director, Women and Gender Affairs, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Annetu-Anne Aliu; Public Relations Manager of Power Oil, Mrs. Omotayo Azeez-Abiodun and Deputy Director, Women Education and Organisation, Mrs. Akpotive Regina during the flag off ceremony of Power Oil partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abuja...recently

Uber, Fizzling Out Too Soon?

When the American transportation network company, Uber, came onboard in 2009, it was a well-accepted initiative which made many heave a sigh of relief over an application that offers to make transportation service cheaper, reliable and accessible at one’s doorstep without much ado.

A location-based app that makes a hiring ondemand private driver easy, Uber was launched in California, United States of America and within a short period, spread to over 647 cities, across 77 countries. The business is currently valued at $70 billion.

With Uber came a redefinition of transportation business, which has leveraged technology tools to meet the stylish and the actual riding needs of business travellers, socialites, individuals, fun-seekers and many others.

But for some obvious factors, the pioneering firm soon began to lose the flavour that greeted it when it carved a niche in the industry.

In recent times, the US-based business has

been swimming in and out of one controversial issue to another bothering on regulatory violations, safety and security concerns, poor customer service and harassment of passengers by drivers amidst other disparaging claims which are being spotted on local and foreign media.

This has caused the firm to forfeit its business licence in countries like Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, Hungary and some cities in USA. Still struggling for reconciliation in the restricted areas, the firm soon hit the roadblock in London and just last week, the Transport for London threatened not to renew its licence after the present one expired today, September 30th. The firm was said to be inadequate with corporate responsibility as well as safety and security. Although, the organisation is still seeking a soft landing with the London authorities.

In 2014 when it launched in Nigeria, the app which operates extensively within Abuja and Lagos metropolises became the toast of

many, almost crippling business for the local taxi operators. Presently, from all indications, the forerunner appears to be gradually losing ground in the country as customers’ reports and experiences portray a not-too-pleasant image about the company. For Nigerians, it has been mixed feelings. Chief among Nigerians’ grievances are the company’s insensitivity to the safety and security of innocent passengers and even drivers, and other complaints.

Not quite long, the media was awash with the story of one Christabel Bello who escaped death by a whisker after surviving an attack while on an Uber ride.

Away from this, there have been cases of sexual molestation, assault and even murder of a driver on duty. The above reflect the inadequacy of the company in the area of security, thus leaving many skeptical of the platform.

A passenger, Femi Aderibigbe, said he was discouraged by his first experience using an Uber taxi and therefore expressed doubts on

Mamador Preaches Healthy Lifestyle on World Heart Day

Fashion School Urges Skills Acquisition

PZ Wilmar, makers of Mamador cooking oil has counselled Nigerians to adopt a healthy lifestyle that will keep the heart and other parts of the body functioning well.

The firm gave the advice on the occasion of the 2017 World Heart Day which its celebrated alongside the Nigerian Heart Foundation, NHF, the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation, WHO. The day was observed with a mass heart awareness campaign and free health screening across government agencies and parastatals to educate people on heart health and how to keep it.

Speaking during the occasion in Abuja, Marketing Director, PZ Wilmar Mr. Kalyan Bandyopadhyay, said this year’s theme is a call to action for everyone to be involved in the quest for a healthy heart.

“We believe awareness is critical and that is why we have continuously engaged our esteemed consumers on healthy life style which includes what they consume. We believe that the secret to a healthy living is closely linked to how healthy the heart is and that is why we want consumers to make decisions and adjustments that will favour their heart health.”

Also speaking, Category Marketing Manager of Mamador, Chioma Mbanugo said that the company will continue to champion and advocate the cause for a healthy heart amongst Nigerian as well promote government initiatives that are aimed at healthy lives.

“The National Heart Awareness Campaign is a laudable initiative that we are very passionate about because we believe it will help Nigerians make healthier choices. When Nigerians make good choices based on the knowledge they have, then we can achieve an improvement on our life expectancy rate in Nigeria. This is the objective of our #pledge4yourHeart campaign and the goal of Mamador for every Nigerian. Our passion for the well-being of consumers is the reason we produce healthy cooking oil and embrace campaigns that will benefit them,” Mbanugo stated.

Popular fashion centre in the heart of Lagos, De-image Creation and Fashion Institute is set for its fourth graduation ceremony with no fewer than 40 students swelling the fashion and creativity industry.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Mrs. Temilola Akintayo, the graduation event which holds on 14th October at 7Star Event Centre in Ogba, Lagos, would further lift the fashion business as a result of the value the new graduands would add to the sector.

She noted that the decision to embark on a free training exercise for the empowered students became necessary as a result of the surging unemployment figures and moral decadence in the society.

While she agreed that formal education was a right step for nation-building and development, complementing such effort with vocational training might not be a bad idea especially now that unemployment has hit an all-time high in the country.

“The reality on the ground is that not all graduates can be gainfully employed. This is why government needs to invest heavily in skills acquisition to relieve itself of the burden of unemployment and also generate more revenue to execute meaningful and developmental

projects.”

She said the trainees had acquired relevant skills ranging from trendy western and traditional designs, material mixing and others from which they can earn a living for the rest of their lives while also passing on acquired knowledge to younger generations.

She also reiterated the commitment of the school to produce professionals who are capable of competing favourably with local and foreign counterparts in the industry. As a way of encouraging the graduands, Akintayo added that the institute would also support students by providing free sewing machines and other fashion instruments. The essence of this was to enable graduands start work immediately after graduation as some may be forced to relax at home for a lack of start-up capital.

The multiple award-winning seamstress thus called on privileged individuals, corporate organisations and the government to support the cause so as to expand the effect of the gesture.

Some dignitaries expected at the classy occasion include: the Ooni of Ife, former Head of State, Ernest Shonekan, Chief Alex Duduyemi, representatives of Lagos State Government and other eminent personalities.

future patronage.

He complained of reckless driving, zero knowledge of routes and delay in bill computation. From the drivers’ angle, the business may not be profitable after all. Narrating his experience, a former driver, Ugwu Ikechukwu, noted that drivers struggle to subsist on the platform because of the dwindling economic situation in the country.

“As a driver, one is expected to fuel a car with personal fund, and then share the profit with the employer who takes 25 per cent, yet, does not make any provision for contingency to cover for mechanical faults and other issues.

Again, the balance after the 25 per cent deduction, we still have to share with the partner who is the owner of the car. I must say the enterprise isn’t worth it,“ he insisted To him, the company could only favour its drivers and guarantees its stability in Nigeria by reducing its share and earnings to 10 per cent in US.

Firm Designs Solar Innovations to Meet Specific Customers With the market already flooded with different brands of solar solutions to reduce the impact of electricity inefficiency, Renewable Support Solutions, RSS, is approaching the market with customised alternative power solutions that will address specific needs of individuals and businesses.

The latest customised products, Kam, Ngo and Fayan, according to the company, were its own contributions to ensure that Nigeria’s economy grew at expected pace.

Managing Director of the company, Mr Seyi Adisa, said the new solutions had been specially designed to save cost and avoid unnecessary waste of resources.

“For the first time in the history of renewable energy in Nigeria, Nigerians will have the opportunity to lease products to meet their exact power needs. In view of the technicality of solar deployments, each of the products will be available in variants and that depends on the power needs of each prospect. Aside from business needs covering schools, farms, communities and markets, the latest solutions would also serve residential facilities such as flats, bungalows and duplex apartments respectively, all supported by our lease-to-acquire arrangements,” Adisa pointed out. As long as the power generated cannot meet the power requirements of the country, he stated that electricity would continue to be a limitation to growth.

Noting that solar solution was cheap, durable and reliable, Adisa said a good solar solution could last about 20-25 years with changes only in its consumable part and basic maintenance.

“For us at RSS, we go the extra mile in providing after-sales support that would be deployed within the terms of the transaction. Our latest products are currently available in Lagos and Ogun States,” he said.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 7, 2017

FOR THE RECORD A Cacophony of Thunderous Fraud, Alarm Bells, Which Way Nigeria?

A few days ago, the whole country awoke to the extent of rot still continuing in the Nigerian oil industry following a leaked memo from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, to President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, of insubordination and award of contracts of over $24 billion without due process. Kachikwu’s letter mirrors a similar memo in 2013 by then Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, now Emir of Kano, to then President Goodluck Jonathan on the alleged non-remittance to the federal government of several billions of dollars by the NNPC. Below, are the two letters and the reactions that followed

Full text of the memo by Kachikwu, dated August 30, 2017 His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces The Federal Republic of Nigeria Presidential Villa Abuja

remained the same.

Meetings The matter of collaborative meeting is another issue altogether. When I call for meetings, the GMD chooses which meetings he wishes to attend and those he chooses to send subordinate. He sends such subordinates without the courtesy of a call to explain his absence. The unattended meetings are in the majority. In all of 2017, I have been able only to get him to have one on one meetings with me about four to five times.

At inception, I instituted a Monthly Parastatals review meeting with Head of Agencies and another with the all the Senior management in all the Parastatals. GMD objected to his Senior Staff coming to the Joint Senior Management meetings. He argued that this was overreaching his territory. He was only comfortable with the Monthly of all Heads of Agencies meetings which he has only attended a few times. I have had to carry on with the rest of the Ministry. Despite being Chairman of NNPC Board. I have tried to manage the bad perception created by GMDs blatant insubordination and disrespectful attitude. Particularly I have worked hard to avoid being seen as pretty and meddlesome.

Your Excellency, RE: MATTERS OF INSUBORDINATION AND LACK OF ADHERENCE TO DUE PROCESS PERPETUATED BY THE GMD NNPC – DR. BARU Felicitations Let me start by welcoming you back to the country and by thanking God for your recovery from ill health. I join millions of Nigerians who rejoice and thank God for grating you the grace of healing and strength to continue the good work you have done for Nigeria in your long illustrious career in public service. I would have wanted to come personally after receiving you at the airport to facilitate with you and discuss matters herein contained, however, I have been unable to secure an appointment to see you despite very many attempts.

Various activities of the GMD Mr. President, yesterday like many other Nigerians. I resumed work confronted by many publications of massive changed within NNPC. Like the previous reorganizations and reposting done since Dr. Baru resumed as GMD. I was never given the opportunity before the announcements to discuss these appointments. This is so despite being Minister of State of Petroleum and Chairman NNPC Board.

The Board of NNPC which you appointed and which has met every month since its inauguration and, which by the statues of NNPC is meant to review these planned appointments and postings, was never briefed.

Members of the Board learned of these appointments from the pages of social media and the press release of NNPC. At the minimum and like all other Parastatals being supervised by me at the Ministry have continued to do, and in compliance with the proper governance standards expected of a serious public institution, these executive actions by NNPC were supposed to benefit from mine and the Board’s input prior to presentation to you. I need to add that backdoor and present same to the acting president were met with a request that this be discussed with me. This was never done.

Indeed, in anticipation of vacancies that would arise from retiring senior executives of NNPC, I wrote the GMD A letter requesting that we both have prior review of the proposed appointments. This was to enable me to present same to the Board or give an anticipatory approval and then review with the Board later (Appendix 1). I wrote to the GMD given previous happenstance of this nature, in addition, thereafter, I called the GMD to a private meeting where I discussed these issues. Needless to say that, not only did he not give my letter the courtesy of a reply, he proceeded to announce the appointments without consultation or Board concurrence.

Mr. President please not that there is a Board Services Committee whose function is to review potential appointments and terminations of Senior Staff prior to implementation. This committee was also not consulted.

Buhari

The above is just one of the many occurrences of disrespectful experiences I have encountered with the GMD as your Minister of State.

Contracts The legal and procedural requirements are that all contracts above $20m would need to be reviewed and approved by the Board of NNPC. Mr. President over one year of Dr. Baru’s tenure, no contract has been run through the Board. This is despite my diplomatic encouragement to Dr. Baru to do so to avoid wrongfully painting you as a President who does not allow Due Process to thrive NNPC. Given the history of malpractices and the public perception of NNPC as having a history of non-transparency (Appendix 2: NEITI report), the NNPC Tenders Board (NTB) cannot be the final clearance authority for contracts it enters into. The NTB which is a collection of top level NNPC executives and COOs, with the GMD as Chairman, cannot continue to be the final approval authority for multi-million dollar contracts and transactions involving NNPC to the exclusion of the Board. Board members have singularly and collectively raised these issues to no avail.

(Appendix 3: Letter from Vice President on Expanded Contract) The following major contracts were never reviewed by or discussed with me Board of NNPC: The Crude Term contracts- value at over $10bn The DSDP contracts- value over $5bn The AKK pipeline contract- value approximately $3bn Various financing allocation funding contracts with the NOCs – value over $3bn Various NPDC production service contracts – value at over $3bn–$4bn There are many more Your Excellency, in most of these activities, the explanation of the GMD is that you are the Minister of Petro-

Kachikwu

leum and your approvals were obtained.

However, the correct governance should be that the Minister of the State and the Board review the transaction and give their concurrence prior to presentation to you. As I many cases of things that happen in NNPC these days. I learn of transactions only through publications in the media. The question is why is that the Parastatals which I supervise as Minister of State or Chair of their Board are able to go through these contractual and mandatory governances processed and yet NNPC is exempt from these?

I know that bravado management style runs contrary to the cleansing operations you engaged me to catty out at the inception of your administration. This is also not in consonance with your renowned standards of integrity.

Working relationship Your Excellency, even though the appointments of the other Parastatals Heads in my Ministry were made without my input. I have maintained a cordial and respectful relationship with all. Parastatals under my supervision have continued to excel in their respective areas and adhere to mandatory governance processes. However, my working relationship with GMDs has been fraught with humiliation, sidelining and campaigns of character defamation against me. This is particularly frustrating given many contributions I have made to the growth and stability of the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry through the many policies I have introduced August 2015.

If NNPC is considered and known to be one of the Parastatals under the Ministry, why does the GMD refuse to report into my office or to the Board on the serious issues such as above especially given that I have been by Your Grace, the Minister overseeing these Parastatals for two years?

Your Excellency, even at the time when we were unfortunate to have you away to England for a medical checkup, the situation

Fear culture The effect of the attitude of the GMD and the sidelining of the Board is that there is a fear culture in NNPC. The open administration I introduced, with your support in our first year of pushing reforms, has been completely eroded. The essence of this innovation was to drive great working interface and interaction amongst all Parastatals in the Petroleum sector. Other Parastatals have benefitted from this.

NNPC staff are afraid of contacting me to avoid being punished, sidelined in appointments and targeted. Indeed, the key factor for growth and advancement in NNPC of today is to avoid the Minister of State’s Office.

Various accusations In order to convince your Excellency of the need to sideline me, I am sure I have been labeled as being.

I.Anti-North II.Corrupt III. In Collusion With Militants Some faceless blogs have even had the audacity to circulate such rumors. Nothing Your Excellency can be further from the truth.

I mention this because this will be the likely response you will receive to this attempt I am making to alert you on the state of affairs under the GMD’s leadership.

These accusations are baseless.

I. anti-North First, all my appointments were generated with key inputs from all the COOs of NNPC and were balanced and based strictly on skills, experience, drive, and ethnic balancing for senior management positions. Mid-level positions were sole suggestions of the COOs. Let me say for the records that I am a completely detribalized Nigerian and I have lived my formative years in the East, West, North, and South-South part of the Country. My Father was a Federal High Court Judge in most parts of the North. My siblings and I benefited from growing up in Kano. In addition, I have resided and worked in Rivers, Delta, Lagos, Cont’d on Pg. 45

OCTOBER 7, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

45

FOR THE RECORD

Former CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s letter to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, dated September 25, 2013 Goodluck Ebele Jonathan: President and Commander-inChief Federal Republic of Nigeria State House Abuja Your Excellency, Subjects: Non-Repatriation to the Federation Account by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of $49.8 Billion, representing 76% of the value of crude oil liftings in 2012 and 2013 Failure of NNPC to pay N22billion Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) Levy Other Related matters I am constrained to formally write your Excellency, documenting serious concerns of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the continued failure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to repatriate significant proportions of the proceeds of crude oil shipments it made in gross violation of the law.

Sources of Federation Account Revenues include proceeds from Export of Nigeria’s crude oil by the NNPC, Petroleum Profits Taxes, and Penalties for gas flaring, oil exploration licenses and concession block allocations, etc.

Our analysis of the value of crude oil export proceeds based on the documentation received from preshipment inspectors shows that between January 2012 and July 2013 NNPC lifted 594,024,107 barrels of crude valued at $65,332,350,514.57.

Out of this amount, NNPC repatriated only $15,528,410,098.77 representing 24% of the value. This means the NNPC is yet to account for, and repatriate to the Federation Account, an amount in excess of $49.804 billion or 76% of the value of oil lifted in the same period.

Your Excellency, I have attached as an appendix, a table giving the analysis of the crude oil lifting and repatriations as prepared by staff of Trade & Exchange and Banking & Payments System Departments of the CBN based on the firm documentation in their possession.

The failure of NNPC to repatriate these amounts constitutes not only a violation of constitutional provisions but also of both the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No. 17 of 1995 and the Pre-Shipment Inspection of Exports Act No. 10 of 1996 which stipulates that “An exporter of goods, including petroleum products, shall open, maintain and operate a foreign currency domiciliary account in Nigeria into which shall be paid all exports proceeds corresponding to the entire proceeds of the exports concerned”.

Your Excellency, you will recall that as far back as late 2010, I had verbally expressed deep concern about what appeared to be huge shortfalls in remittances to the Federation Account in spite of the strong recovery in oil price.

At a recent NEMT meeting in the Presidency, I also expressed a strong view that while Government needs to continue its effort to combat oil thieves, vandals and illegal refineries in the Niger-Delta,

Goodluck

the major problem is transactions taking place under legal cover with huge revenue leakages embedded therein. Your Excellency, it is my respectful view that a place to begin is to insist on NNPC to account fully for all proceeds that were diverted away from its accounts with the CBN and the Federation Account.

There are also other lines of inquiry which your Excellency may wish to authorize and pursue.

These include; A thorough audit of activity on any domiciliary accounts held by NNPC outside of the CBN. This is because the CBN has no record of either the dollar proceeds of these diverted sales or the naira equivalent being transferred to the Federation Account.

An examination of banking records of companies involved in Oil lifting and swap deals, including audit trails of regular payments to third-parties; An independent review of the terms and condition of Oil lifting and swap contracts for fairness and equity and transparency; Investigation and prosecution of Bureau de change (BDC) that have purchased hundreds of millions of dollars from the inter-bank market and are unable to account for these monies. We have compiled a list of these companies with recommendations for prosecution under Anti-money Laundering Laws; Investigation of obvious avenues for money laundering, such as companies that sell private jets to Nigerians.

The Central Bank stands ready to render full assistance and provide as much data as possible to assist these inquiries.

Your Excellency, as an indicator of how bad this situation has become, please note that in 2012 alone, the Federation Account received $28.51billion in Petroleum Profits and related taxes but only $10.13billion from crude oil proceeds. In the period January-July 2013 the corresponding figures are $16.65 billion and $5.39 billion, respectively. This means, Your Excellency, that in the first seven

Sanusi

months of the year, taxes accounted for 76% of the total inflow from this sector, while NNPC crude oil proceeds, accounted for only 24%.

You will also note, Your Excellency, that NNPC liftings amounted to 64% of total oil liftings from Nigeria during the reference period, and yet its remittance represented only one-third of the taxes paid by the oil companies that exported the balance of 54%. Finally, your Excellency, we would like to report that NNPC has failed to keep up with payments of its levies under Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) in line with this law, and currently owes the Federal Government N22 billion.

As banker to the Federal Government and Economic adviser to the President, I am obliged to draw the President’s attention to these serious issues of which you have most probably never been aware in this detail.

To sumamarise, my recommendations are to respectfully advise the President to: Require NNPC to provide evidence for disposal of all proceeds of crude sales diverted from the CBN and the Federation Account; Investigate crude oil lifting and swap contracts, as well as the financial transactions of counter-parties for equity, fairness and transparency; and Authorise prosecution of suspects in money-laundering transactions, including but not limited to BDCs who are unable to account for hundreds of millions of dollars.

I trust your Excellency will find the content of this letter useful and hereby reaffirm the support of Central Bank of Nigeria for your Government’s transformation agenda and effort to serve the Nigerian people.

While thanking you for your consideration, please accept, Mr. President, the renewed assurances of my highest regards.

Yours Sincerely, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CON) Governor, Central Bank Of Nigeria

Full text of the memo by Kachikwu, dated August 30, 2017 Cont’d from Pg. 44

Oyo, Enugu, Anambra, etc. I have no reason to be anti-North because in my working career I have found that good and skillful people abound everywhere in our Nation.

II.Corruption I have done nothing in my time at NNPC or the Ministry that is corrupt or laced with any such intent. In my time as GMD, all policies and contracts were generated by the Heads of Division, approved by COOs, passed through NTB and (in the absence of a Board at the time) I received your approvals, I have had no relationship with any one of or any transaction in my period that was product of a personal deal or an arrangement, if anyone benefited from NNPC contracts, they did so on their merit and I rarely participated in those contractual processes except to review them.

Anyone peddling any contrary information is resorting to cheap blackmail.

III.Militants and security I took on the issue of security headlong because it was the primary causative factor for production that declined from 2.2 mpbd to 1mpbd at our lowest point (November 2016).

At great risk to my life. I visited militant camps, coordinated with our security apparatus, organized the four of the HEVP to several frontline states and worked with PANDEF and other groups to bring calm and increase production and some measures of stability to what it is today.

I have never betrayed the trust you placed on me. I did not deploy any public financial resources to achieve the results in the Niger Delta region. Most times I have utilized my personal resources and goodwill accumulated over the many years prior to my appointment to achieve these far reaching results and of course all these were with collaborations with Agencies of the government (Office of the VP, DSS, NSA, etc.)

I dare mention that the blueprint of these engagements were discussed with and approved by you.

Given the sensitivity of my position, I remain one of the most tracked officers of your government, so if there is any truth to these rumors, you would have known.

Mr. President you took me from the private sector where I left an enviable track record of performance and integrity spanning over 25 years rising to the highest positions in multinational oil sector organization. I came to this job with the zeal to change the sector. Measurable progress has been made and more would have been achieved but for the challenges I have listed above.

The future of the oil industry Mr. President I have been on a race to stabilize and move the industry to the next phase. Timing is critical. The sector is also in a critical state where only innovative ideas can stop the alarming impact of the fall of oil prices on the National Income. The innovations that we have developed and stated implementing in the Downstream, Upstream, Policy generation and Niger Delta Security have enabled the sector to stabilize slightly. However, truth is that given the global challenge in this sector, we must aggressively pursue out of the box ideas on rejuvenating this sector, getting the best yield and increasing our earnings from oil and gas. What this means is that Parastatals in the Ministry and all CEOs of these Parastatals must be aligned with the policy drive of the supervising Ministry to allow the sector register of the growth that has eluded it for many years. To do otherwise or to exempt any of the Parastatals would emplace a stunted growth industry.

Prayers My prayers most humbly and respectfully are: That we save NNPC and the oil industry from collapse arising from the above non-transparent practices and empower the Board you inaugurated to do the needful.

That you save the office of the Minister of State from further humiliation and disrespect by compelling all Parastatals to submit to oversight regulatory mandate and proper supervision which I am supposed to manage on your behalf.

You kindly instruct the GMD to effectively leave NNPC to run as a proper institution and report out along due process lines to the Board and that your Excellency instructs that all reviews be done with the Minister of State prior to your decision.

That to set the right examples, you approve that recently announced reorganization changes be suspended until the GMD, myself, and the Board have made relevant input to same. This will send a clear signal of process and transparency.

That your Excellency encouraged joint presentation meetings between heads of Parastatals and the Minister of State to you so as to encourage a culture of working together and implant discipline in the hierarchy.

These in my view, Mr. President, will provide you balanced analysis on issues and avoid exposing the exalted office of Mr. President to ridicule. It will also reduce nonproductive, unsubstantiated rumor peddling.

Mr. President, I thank you for the opportunities given me to serve and I wish you continued full recovery. I remain loyal and very proud of you Sir. Mr. President kindly accept the assurances of my highest esteem and loyalty.

Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu Honorable Minister of State Petroleum Resources.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 7, 2017

46

FOR THE RECORD

Mohammed

Amaechi

Adeyeye

Baru

PDP’s Reaction to Kachikwu’s Letter (October 5, 2017); Amaechi on Sanusi; Buhari on probe of Sanusi allegation In a statement on October 5 by its spokesperson, Dayo Adeyeye, the Peoples Democratic Party condemned “the loud silence of President Muhammadu Buhari on the humongous corruption scandal” rocking the NNPC. The party called for the suspension of the NNPC Group Managing Director, Maikanti Baru.

PDP stated, “As a political party, we expect that the President, who prides himself as an indefatigable corruption fighter, would for once try to live above board, by genuinely allowing one of his own, accused of corruption, get properly investigated and prosecuted as a show of his impartiality in the war against corruption.

“He should do this to correct the open impression Nigerians have about his so called anti-corruption war; that it’s just a tool of persecution of perceived enemies.

“We view the allegations levelled against Baru by Kachikwu as too grave to be swept under the carpet and we insist that the NNPC GMD must be treated like an accused who should not have the opportunity to influence investigation into his alleged misdeeds.

“In this light, we demand an immediate suspension of the NNPC GMD so that proper investigation can be carried out by the relevant anti-corruption agencies.

“Ordinarily if there was sincerity in the anti-corruption war, President Muhammadu Buhari should not have waited for any prompting before he takes a decisive action on this matter. But as customary with his administration, we suspect that he’s trying to shield Baru as he did for Babachir Lawal, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) whom he merely suspended to allow the hullabaloo generated by the fraud perpetrated in the management of the emergency fund for the IDPs, die down. Also up till now we have never heard anything again about the millions of dollars and billions of naira discovered at an Ikoyi apartment.”

The party added, “The sum involved in the NNPC scandal is $25 Billion. Less than 10% per cent of that ($2 billion) is involved in the so-called arms fund allegedly converted by the former NSA for which hundreds of Nigerians have been arrested and hounded.

“Nigerians can now see the hypocrisy in the so called anti-corruption fight. We may

as well say that the privileged class of APC members enjoys total immunity from the anti-corruption campaign.”

APC’s reaction warning Jonathan not to sack Sanusi on account of his memo about graft in NNPC (January 9,, 2014): In a statement issued in Lagos by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC said asking Sanusi to step down would not augur well for the economy. ”Our worry here is that the President should not destroy our institutions before he leaves office,” the party said.

suggest that immediate past governor of Rivers State and now Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi surreptitiously and clandestinely ‘leaked’ a letter written by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammad 11 to then President Goodluck Jonathan on the non-remittance of $49.8 billion from oil sale to the federation account. This is further from the truth and what exactly transpired as regards Amaechi’s involvement in that Sanusi letter.

“To put the records straight, we want to categorically state that: “1. A concerned and patriotic Nigerian who felt sufficiently troubled with what was happening then, gave a copy of the Sanusi letter to Amaechi in Amaechi’s capacity as the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). Like Amaechi, we should appreciate that concerned Nigerian’s patriotism.

“2. When Amaechi got the letter, he spoke with Sanusi who was still the CBN governor to confirm the authenticity of the letter. Sanusi confirmed to Amaechi that he wrote the letter. During their conversation, Amaechi made it abundantly clear to the then CBN governor that the bleeding of the nation had to be stopped, all non-remitted funds remitted and that he (Amaechi) was going to use the letter to do whatever is in the best interest of the nation and Nigerians, which was the stoppage of the non-remittance and the recovery of all the non-remitted funds from oil sale. The CBN Governor didn’t agree with Amaechi on the way forward.

“3. Considering that the letter was given to Amaechi as Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, he shared the letter with his colleague governors first, and with Senator Bukola Saraki (now Senate President), who before and around that period was doing some work or/and investigation around the oil sector in the senate.

“4. Around that period, a delegation from the United States of America government, from the offices of the Secretaries of State and Defense visited Amaechi in Port Harcourt to discuss the issue of oil theft in Nigeria. From their records, they gave Amaechi figures of billions of dollars (about $7 billion dollars, annually) that was being lost to oil theft in Nigeria. They were discussing the issue and figures of oil theft, and that was how the CBN governor’s letter to President Jonathan came up. In the

presence of journalists covering the visit, Amaechi brought out the Sanusi letter to the visiting American delegation to buttress the point that Nigeria was losing far more money to non-remittance of proceeds from oil sale into the federation account, which everyone seemed to concur, was in itself, another form and another dimension to the issue of oil theft.

“5. To suggest, infer or even extrapolate that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi surreptitiously, clandestinely or underhandedly ‘leaked’ the CBN governor’s (Sanusi’s) letter is indeed most unfair, disrespectful and uncharitable to his person. Amaechi did what he did because he believed that the theft and corruption was just too much.

He was propelled by his patriotic zeal to put Nigeria first, do what is in the best interest of the nation and Nigerians, and stop the bleeding and sucking of our collective resources by a tiny few. The mindboggling corruption revelations in the recent past, that is still ongoing clearly justifies and vindicates Amaechi’s stance on the issue and the actions he took. Faced with the same situation, under similar circumstances, Amaechi will not act differently. The good of Nigeria, putting the nation and Nigerians first, will always be his guiding principle.”

Amaechi’s reaction to Kachikwu’s letter to Buhari: Silence.

APC’s Reaction to Lamido Sanusi’s Letter: Economic loss would be enormous ”These include a loss of confidence in the economic management of the country, leading to uncertainty among domestic and foreign investors; as well as pressure on the exchange rate as foreign portfolio investors in government bonds and the stock market make their exit, and the corresponding fall in the value of share prices. ”Overall, a protracted standoff between the President and the CBN Governor will spell bad news for economic growth and employment and increase poverty. This is why we advise President Jonathan against precipitating a crisis in the economy, and we urge all Nigerians to advise him against such.”

The party said, “It stands to reason that if the CBN Governor had wanted to leak the letter, he had no reason waiting for four months to do so. Also, the moment the letter was sent to Mr. President, it has gone beyond the purview of the CBN Governor, and anyone with a reason to do so could as well have leaked the letter. ”Therefore, for the President to have made the extraordinary move to force out the CBN Governor, even though he has a few months to the end of his tenure, smacks of vendetta and is capable of impacting negatively on the economy. Circumventing the law to force out the CBN Governor will amount to brigandage and reinforce the perception of the Jonathan Administration as one with a propensity for impunity.”

APC reaction to Kachikwu’s letter to Buhari on contract abuse worth $25 billion: “No comment.”

Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, on how he leaked Sanusi’s letter (May 5, 2016): “Our attention has been drawn to reports in the media that tends to infer and/or

Buhari vows to probe missing NNPC $20 billion (April 24, 2016): Then as President-elect, Buhari said his administration will probe the $20 billion, which Sanusi had alleged was missing from the coffers of NNPC. Buhari told a delegation from Adamawa State led by the governor-elect, Bindow Jibrilla, “I heard that some people have started refunding money, but I will not believe until I see it.

“His royal highness, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was removed from the Central Bank because he said that about $20 billion was missing. Instead of the government to investigate the matter, they refused, instead they sacked him. As God will have it, he is now the Emir of Kano and that is exactly what he wants to be.

“He has already written all the detail report on it, the incoming government will not ignore it, even though we have promised to draw a line, but $20 billion is too big to ignore. This is Nigerian money and it must be investigated.”

Buhari’s reaction to the illegal award of $25 billion contracts so far: silence.

Capitalism, Population Control and the Culture of Death Cont’d from Pg. 53

Brian Clowe, advancing the argument further on the insidious motivation for population control quotes further from R.T. Ravenholt, Director of the United States Government’s Office of Population, who said at a 1977 meeting of the Population Association of America that “Population control is needed to maintain the normal operation of U.S. commercial interests around the world. … Without our trying to help these countries with their economic and social development, the world would rebel against the strong U.S. commercial presence. The self-interest thing is a compelling element.” Hear Brian again “Since 1991, the “developed” nations of the world have spent $4.91 billion in Nigeria

trying to keep down the population of the people. In 1991, the population controllers spent about $31 million in Nigeria, but this has increased by a factor of more than 30 to more than half a billion dollars a year. This is because Nigeria is becoming too strong and must be kept weak by suppressing its population.”

Population density is usually the basis for determining if a population is overpopulated. Inspite of their claims about Africa, a comparative analysis of African and European populations clearly exposes the fallacy and hollowness of their claims. The European claim of 39 people per Sq Km in Sub Saharan Africa as being terribly overpopulated is exposed by the fact that the European

population density per Sq Km is 174, about five times more populated. The same is true about individual countries. Nigeria`s population density is 197 per Sq Km and is of course considered scandalously overpopulated while England with 400 people per Sq Km is not considered overpopulated. Of course racism is playing a role in all of these contradictions. In Brian Clowe`s words, “The greatest fear of the racist population controllers had finally become a reality.Currently, Europe’s population is actually declining by two and a half million people a year, while Africa’s is increasing by 17 million per year.

By the middle of this century, the continents will have completed the process of switching places. Africa will have 21 percent of the

world’s population, while Europe possesses only eight percent. Even more interestingly, the average European will be 58 years old in the year 2050, and the average African will be only 29.”

With a final coup de grace, Brian Clowes asks the inevitable question “So who does the future belong to a continent with an old, small population with few natural resources, or a continent with a large, young population with vast natural resources? If Africa can overcome its corruption and civil wars, it will lead the world in just a couple of decades?”

– Achike Chude, a novelist, national and international affairs commentator, lives in Lagos

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

47

Fashola Commends Sukuk Investors as Adeosun Presents Cheques Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, has received the cheque of N100Billion proceeds of the just concluded Investments Certificates (SUKUK) for Road Infrastructure across the country commending investors for their demonstration of confidence in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy.

At the cheque presentation ceremony at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Abuja, Fashola charged contractors working on the roads being financed with the SUKUK proceeds to reciprocate the gesture of the Federal Government which,

according to him, had worked assiduously to ensure that funds were raised to pay them.

Recalling his meeting recently with the contractors where he promised that the roads would be appropriately financed, the Minister declared, â&#x20AC;&#x153;For me, I would only ask you to reciprocate the kind gestureâ&#x20AC;?, adding that a lot of efforts and collaboration were put into the project to make it successful.

He thanked the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeoshun, the Debt Management Office (DMO), other agencies and individuals who worked to make the programme suc-

cessful as well as all the investors in the SUKUK for showing confidence, â&#x20AC;&#x153;not only in the instrument but also in the Nigerian economy.â&#x20AC;?

In her remarks before the presentation, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who described the SUKUK as yet another demonstration of the present administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s readiness to embrace new developments in the financial sector, said Nigeria was not the only nation that had embraced such financial window, adding that South Africa and Britain had also used the SUKUK window.

The Minister, who expressed

gratitude to all the investors in the Investment Certificates, which, according to her, was oversubscribed

by N5.6 billion, said it showed the level of confidence and readiness of Nigerians to invest in the building of the nation.

Thanking the Minister of Power, Works and Housing for identifying the road projects covered by the SUKUK, which she described as critical to the economy of the country, Adeosun, who said the SUKUK programme was â&#x20AC;&#x153;all about inclusionâ&#x20AC;?, added that the investment would unlock the potential in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy.

Govt OfďŹ cials Advised to Adopt Responsible Investment Principles Bennett Oghifo

A former official of the Supreme Court of South Africa, Prof. Mervyn King has advised Nigerian government officials to adopt Responsible Investment Principles to enhance the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s socio-economic development.

King, who was guest lecturer at the 2017 Annual Conference on Corporate Governance in Lagos, recently, said responsible investment principles takes into cognisance the impact of decisions made on the society at large and how sustainable these decisions would be.

A government official is a representative shareholder who represents the citizens of Nigeria.

Appointments should be made to people who have the right skills, competency, to adhere to the effective decisions made

in order to better the economy, he said.

The Annual Conference on Corporate Governance hosted by Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria was tagged â&#x20AC;&#x153;Institutionalising Good Corporate Governance as a Tool for National Economic Development.â&#x20AC;?

According to King, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Corporate Governance cannot be legislated, because you cannot legislate for honesty or competency.â&#x20AC;?

King said Integrity, Competency, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness and Transparency, ICRAFT, which are stated in his book, King IV Basics, were essential to national economic development.

He stated that radical transparency with social media would help keep government officials on their toes as regards their responsibility and accountability to the citizens.

Jethro Tours Opens Tourism School

TOWARDS FOOD SECURITY...

L-R: Managing Director, Sunseeds Feed Mills and Oil Mills Ltd, Mr Tarun Kr Das, with Executive Director, Mr Rajeev Jain, Group Deputy Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Elder Victor Eburajolo,, Group Executive Director, Mr Vaitheeswarn Viswanathan, Director (Projects), Mr Ninan John, and Senior Programmes Manager, G.K Chanrai Memorial Hospital, Zaria, Dr. Mohammed Khaliq at the commissioning of Sunseeds Feed Mills and Oil Mills Ltd factory complex at the Old Jos Road, Kaduna State by Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai

Nigerian Breweries Rewards Outstanding Journalists Omolabake Fasogbon Nigerian Breweries plc has honoured six journalists at the ninth edition of its Golden Pen Award which held yesterday at Eko Hotels & Suite in Victoria Island, Lagos The award ceremony was graced by dignitaries from the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media, political and social circles.

The award is aimed at promoting professionalism and objective journalism. It is also meant to reward professionals who abide by the fine ethics of journalism profession.

This year's programme rewards outstanding reports on agriculture, local sourcing and industrial development in 2016.

The night of glitz and glamour saw Isioma Madike of New Telegraph Newspaper emerge as the NB Golden Pen Reporter of the Year with Arukaino Umukoro of The Punch as the first runner-up while Caleb Ojewale, of Businessday emerged as the second runner-up.

The Photo Journalist of the Year award went to Olatunji Obasa of The Punch Newspaper. Suleiman Hussaini of The New Telegraph

emerged as the first runner-up, while Toluwani Eniola of The Punch Newspaper was the second runner-up.

Mojeed Alabi, a reporter with The New Telegraph Newspaper won the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;NB Report of the Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

All the winning journalists also got cash prizes, a high-end work tool and special NB Golden Pen Award statuette as part of the reward package.

In his remark, the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Johan Doyer noted that in the last three years, the theme of the award had been â&#x20AC;&#x153;Education,

Youth Empowerment and Talent Developmentâ&#x20AC;?.

He explained that with the completion of that phase, attention was directed to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Agriculture, Local Sourcing and Industrial Developmentâ&#x20AC;? to align with Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current push for economic recovery and growth. This he said was hinged on the expectation that the media, in its agenda-setting responsibility, will exploit the Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Award to draw attention of all stakeholders in the Nigerian project to these keys sectors for economic revival.

Youths Protest against SARS Bishop Okonkwo Blames FG's ÂŁ20 Post Operations in Rivers Civil-War Policy for Rot in Igbo Land Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Hundreds of youths in Rivers State yesterday marched through major streets of Port Harcourt in protest against the activities of some operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the State Police Command.

The youths, under the aegis of Niger Delta Non-Violence Youth Leaders Assembly (NDNYLA), condemned the activities of some operatives of the police unit who had been using the unit as a cover to commit crime.

The protesters marched through some majors streets in Port Harcourt with placards that read, "Akin Fakorede has turned SARS into

something else," " IGP rise up to the occasion, Akin Fakorede must go," "The activities of Akin Fakorede is creating bad image for the Nigerian Police," amongst others.

Addressing journalists at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Port Harcourt, shortly after the protest, Coordinator of the group, Comrade Michael Omachi, accused the SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede, of being incapable of handling operatives under him.

Omachi said, "We want to state that the SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede is incapable of handling his men. We are being humiliated; our people are being killed. Our people have been raped and at the end of the day, the will come back and say it

David-Chyddy ElekeinAwka The founder and presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo has blamed the level of moral decay in Igbo land on Federal Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s post-civil war policy which left every adult male with only ÂŁ20.

Bishop Okonkwo, who spoke at the opening ceremony of a three day National Conference of the Igbo Christian Restoration Assembly (ICRA) in Awka said the policy left widespread poverty and underdevelopment of the southeast geopolitical zone and spurred male adults to work to cover lost ground, while leaving many with the impression that material wealth was ultimate.

He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a burden to some of us that things are going the wrong way in Igbo land and most worrisome is that our generation is exiting but our task is to make sure that the generation coming after us have basic foundation to survive and have a better society devoid of materialism and greed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our foundation as a nation has been destroyed and the things that we hold sacred is no more there. Now our people live and judge everything according to the amount of money involved.â&#x20AC;?

Earlier in his key note address, the former minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo had lamented the rate of marginalisation of the Igbo nation in Nigeria despite their huge investment in the economic growth.

A hospitality company, Jethro Tours International has formally commenced the opening of tourism school in Ota, Ado/Ota Local government of Ogun State to assist the country with requisite manpower in harness tourism potentials.

The move was in line with partnership agreements it reached with with the Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) from which it obtained a license open the institute.

Chief Executive of the company, Prince Adetunji Fadina, said his firm would work with NIHOTOUR to promote the cultural practices and historic sites in the state, especially in Ota become globally celebrated tourism destinations.

While canvassing the need to explore the tourism potentials of the state, he noted that many historic sites were located in the state, among them the second story building in Nigeria and the grave of biblical Queen Sheba in Ota and Ijebu axis.

Speaking at the event which was hosted to commemorate World Tourism Day, the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Mrs. Chika Balogun, who was the Special Guest of honour, said a vital element of tourism was sustainability, adding that tourism was the fastest growing industry in the world today and a major contributor to the economic development many economies the world over.

The DG who was represented by the Deputy Director, Public Relations Alhaji Ahmed Sule, also said that the sector stimulated development in terms of income generation, employment opportunities, foreign exchange and taxation.

She however noted that the effective harmonisation of a country's tourism potentials depends on functional infrastructures and vibrant administrative structures which she argued are imperative to the growth and development of its tourism industry.

In her keynote address with the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;'Sustainable Tourism: a Tool for Development,â&#x20AC;? she stated that, â&#x20AC;?economic opportunities in tourism are very massive as it is a catalyst for positive change when harnessed. It will boost economic growth for development.â&#x20AC;?

She also urged the government to intensify effort in creating an enabling environment for tourism, citing infrastructure as a key point to sustainable tourism development.

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48

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AAAN Unveils Unity Campaign To Promote Healthy Conversation

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N

igeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength as a nation lied on her unique attributes of the population, ethnic groups, culture and language diversity. With over 250 ethnic nationalities and diversified languages and culture, our diversity is certainly one of our unique qualities.

Several initiatives had been deployed in the past to emphasise and sustain our indivisibility as a nation and to promote and project the Nigerian brand in positive light amongst the comity of nations and among her citizens.

Wazobia, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Good people, Great nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; among others were deployed to encourage national unity.

However, during the last few years of our national history, the country has witnessed of the worst call for division ever in her 57 years of existence. Calls for secession, restructuring, referendum, true federalism have dominated our national life. The social media has provided a platform for Nigerians, both young and old, to vent their spleen against one another across the ethnic, religious and socio-cultural divide in their discourse of national issues. Hate speeches suddenly found its way in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern-day lexicon. Rather than an improved development of infrastructures, employment opportunities, equitable distribution of our collective patrimony, among other national issues, Nigerians are confronted with clueless and directionless leadership, poverty, hunger, uneven distribution of national resources to the benefit of some and exclusion of others.

To vent their concern, Nigerians take up every available media platform to discuss national issues as it affects them. Conversations in the social media are most often than not heated.

At no time has Nigerians been so polarized than now.

To calm the tensed nerves and give Nigerians something positive to talk about; to create an enabling environment for Nigerians to channel their energies towards discussing those issues that unite us more than those that divide us, the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) under the leadership of Kayode Oluwasona on October 1 being Nigerians 57th Independence Day Anniversary unveiled a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unity Campaignâ&#x20AC;?

L-R Assistant Secretary General, Barr. Nonso Ezenma, Captain, Other Sports, Mr. Jaiye Olafeso, Vice President, Mr. Joel Omodon, President, Alhaji Gboyega Sanni, Director/ Trustee, Alhaji Bash Adejumo, Chief Whip, Mr. Funso Omokolue, Treasurer, Alhaji Hakeem Shonibare, Social Secretary, Prince Uche Ezeagwu, Secretary General, Mr. Tony Ihuoma, Captain Tennis Section, Mr. Tunde Adeboye during the inauguration of the newly elected executives of Adejumo Tennis and Sports Club in Lagos recently

as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

While briefing the media about the essence of the campaign, Oluwasona who spoke on behalf of the Publicity Committee of the association explained that the campaign was born out of the need to emphasise a peaceful co-existence and unity among the citizens of Nigeria. Mindful of the discord and suspicion along the line of the ethnic and religious divide, he noted that AAAN desired to see improved political tolerance, national reconciliation, unity and social cohesion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe a transformed political and economic system in Nigeria requires the full participation and commitment of citizens that put the principles of trust, relationship building, love for one another and unity, first and above everything else.â&#x20AC;?

Speaking further about the rationale for the campaign, Okuwasona informed that national co-existence and development can only be

achieved through unity. He said the campaign reinforces and writes a new philosophy in the hearts of Nigerians that they are truly better together in spite of their differences and that there is no limit to what they can achieve if they lay aside their differences and reach out to one another.

The campaign which is deployed offline, online and through radio jingles reinforce Nigerians indivisibility. With copies of someone farting, coughing, laughing, sneezing and an open palm, the creators of the humorous copies expected that they would engender conversations online that would diffuse the already tensed atmosphere.

While unveiling the campaign, the Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr. Steve Babaeko said the aim of the campaign was to engender conversation online, calm tension a bit so that Nigerians can talk to themselves on how to

Chain Reactions Named Wâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Reputation Management Consulting Firm The Nigeria Brand Awards has named Chain Reactions Nigeria, a Public Relations and Integrated Communications Consulting Firm, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Reputation Management Consulting Firm in West Africaâ&#x20AC;?.

The award, organised in Lagos by International Brand Award Nominees had two leading Ghanaian agencies, Insel Communications Ltd and GMA Communications Inc keenly contesting for the gold medal.

Reacting, Managing Director and Chief Strategist of Chain Reactions Nigeria, Mr. Israel Jaiye Opayemi, who received the award, said it was a testament of the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and dedication to the consistent delivery of audacious integrated communications solutions that set our clients apart in their industries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are glad that Chain Reactions Nigeria has been recognised among those pushing the frontiers of cutting-edge public relations and reputation management practice in West Africa. It brings us a level of satisfaction because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve consistently worked on improving our human capital, approach to briefs and service delivery. The results of our efforts are becoming more apparent. I am also delighted that Edelmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confidence in appointing us as its preferred West Africa partner company was not misplaced,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Opayemi added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our competitive edge is embedded in our core values, which are expressed in our

can-do spirit; and our confidence and passion in handling our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; communication challenges. We are not an agency; we are a consulting firm. We are specialists, who always apply the finest traditions and trends of the practice in solving clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; problems and helping them reach their business objectives.â&#x20AC;?

One of the most prominent campaigns Chain Reactions Nigeria has managed since the start of 2017 was the PR-led brand migration of Etisalat Nigeria to 9mobile.

The brand migration which has been widely acknowledged as unprecedented, resulted in the successful rebranding of former Etisalat Nigeria to 9mobile in less than three weeks after the telcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign partners, Emirates Telecommunications Corporations and Mubadala Development Company, both of United Arab Emirates exited from Nigeria.

Another significant campaign was the international girl-child education advocacy campaign by ONE Campaign to draw attention to the plight of 130 million out-of-school girls around the world.

In managing the celebrity power campaign along with other PR firms in different parts of the world, Chain Reactions Nigeria leveraged the voice of Bono, Malala, Angelique Kidjo, David Oyelowo, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Desmond Elliot, and Waje, to call on world leaders to tackle poverty by addressing gender inequality. Nigeria emerged the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second best country with the most impactful campaign.

move the country forward so as to become a better and bigger country that we all dream of. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is about engagement, about having a conversation; it is about focusing less on things that divide us and more on things that unite us.â&#x20AC;?

The campaign is humorous, warm and engaging and there is no doubt that it would generate conversations online. As commendable as the campaign is being the first major initiative form the association to join voices and actions in shaping the Nigerian narrative, however, the campaign fell short of addressing those issues that tend to divide rather than unite us. Issues such as equity, merit, balance, religious tolerance among others are core to Nigerians existence. as long as these issues remain swept under the carpet, there is a doubt that the campaign would achieve its desired objectives.

MediaReach OMD â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mediafactsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tool for West, East African Marketers MediaReach OMD has unveiled a book, Media facts, to provide marketing information to professionals across West and Central Africa. The book contains in-depth media overview covering media consumption, the ranking of broadcast stations and publications, media investment trends, top categories, and advertisers, as well as a demographic understanding of consumers. In addition, it offers vital information and statistics about markets in terms of key facts and economic indicators, among other attributes.

Published annually since 2001 the book has become a reference on media information to countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cote dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo, and The Gambia.

Other countries covered include Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, Chad Republic, Mauritania, Congo Brazzaville, CentralAfrican Republic

and Cape Verde.

Analysts agreed that mediaReach OMD has continued to be a thought leader and pioneer in various initiatives at the industry level, including syndicated and proprietary researches. Last year, mediaReach OMD published a 10year trends report to commemorate over a decade of media facts book.

In February 2017, OMD Worldwide was awarded the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most Creative and Innovative Network of the Yearâ&#x20AC;? for the 11th consecutive time by the Gunn Report for Media, which is the industry standard for evaluating media creativity, innovation, and effectiveness.

Also, mediaReach OMD ranked No. 35 as the only media agency in Jobberman Best 100 companies to work for in Nigeria in March this year. This was measured across various parameters including job satisfaction, career growth prospects, work-life balance, staff welfare, equal opportunity policy and company culture.

49

OCTOBER 7, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

REPORTER’S DIARY

The group of journalist

Germany’s 2017 Elections: A Reporter’s Diary The atmosphere for Germany’s 2017 federal parliamentary election was almost an exact opposite of what obtains in Nigeria. Damilola Oyedele who was in Berlin for the elections reports

I

looked outside the windows from the fifth floor hotel room, watching runners participating in the Berlin marathon.

Runners from different nationalities, some with their country’s flag emblazoned on their outfits, participating not necessarily to win the race, after all there are renowned marathoners from Ethiopia and Kenya participating, but determined to get to the finish line.

It was 9am, and physically challenged marathoners already went by. It was hard to imagine, as a Nigerian, that on this day of the marathon, with 40,000 marathoners traversing the marked out routes, was the day for German election into the federal parliament.

Election into German Bundestag, (federal parliament) is the most important election to the German voting population. The 631 members of the Bundestag are voted in by their constituencies. They, in turn elect the Chancellor who is the head of government for a period of four years, which can be renewed without limits. All parliamentarians must be members of political parties, and each political party needs a minimum of five per cent of public, to be admitted into parliament.

Six weeks before the election, voters have the option of postal voting where they are mailed ballot papers. The mailed in ballots are however opened on election day and counted after physical votes have been counted. This option is one usually adopted

by Germans who live abroad, and by people who have scheduled events coinciding with election day, like weddings.

‘Boring’ Elections Several political commentators said the German polls are boring, quite unlike America’s elections, and for me, Nigerian elections. Ms. Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union/Chirstian Social Union of Bavaria (CDU/CSU) was expected to win anyway, which would pave the way for her to be Chancellor for the fourth consecutive time. The only unpredictability, was the percentage of votes the party would secure as it was not expected to be able to garner as many votes as it did in 2014 where it secured 41 per cent.

A minimum of 45 per cent votes is required to form a government, indicating that a party with majority votes may still have to enter an alliance with other parties to form a government. In 2013, Merkel’s party had formed a coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SPD: Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands), which scored the second largest number of votes.

Even though Merkel had faltered at opinion polls in 2016 due to her controversial refugees policy which saw Germany open its doors to over a million refugees in late 2015,

she had recorded a comeback, as she toughened up on conditions for asylum. Merkel also represents stability for many Germans, who although may want change after 12 years of her chancellorship, do not necessarily want to experiment with a new government in the face of crises around the world, and the exit of Britain from the European Union.

Her refugee policy had seen to the rise of far right nationalist party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD; Alternative for Deutschland), which was expected to enter parliament for the first time ever.

Ahead of the election which held on September 24, it was general knowledge that the SPD had been hurt by the coalition, as it is considered part and parcel of the CDU led government. The party could not offer any alternatives to Merkel’s policies. Also the CDU received credit for positive contributions of SPD members to the coalition government by the German voters, thus making it hard to differentiate between the two parties. There were therefore indications that the party, which was expected to garner the second largest number of votes, would pull out of the coalition government.

Winners and Losers As predicted, CDU/CSU won, with 33 per cent, while the SPD, in its most abysmal performance ever, secured 20.5 per cent. The AfD, in a historic win, secured 12.6 per cent, much more than it was expected to win, the Free Democratic Party: 10.5 per cent, the Left Party (Die Linke) 9.2 per cent and the Alliance 90/The Greens, 8.9 per cent.

The SPD immediately announced it would not be part of the coalition and would instead go into opposition and work to rebuild the party. As it would be impossible for center CDU to enter an alliance with far right anti-immigrant, anti-islam, overtly nationalist AfD, which also promised ‘constructive opposition’, Merkel’s option is to form coalition with FDP and the Greens. It has been named the Jamaican coalition, indicating the black, yellow, green flag.

The AfD’s presence in the parliament is expected to change the dynamics of the Bundestag, and would likely make Merkel’s next four years as Chancellor, a rougher ride.

Due to negotiations ahead of the coalition government after the inauguration of the parliament in three weeks, many people believe it may take as long as December for the new government to take off.

Complete opposite of Nigeria elections There were eight journalists in my group, from Nigeria and South Africa. We were in Berlin to cover the poll at the invitation of the German Federal Foreign Office, with the programme packaged by the Goethe Institute, Germany’s cultural institute. It seemed we were mostly waiting for the ball to drop, the

election was too neat and straight for us, after all, we were Nigerians and South Africans; countries where pre- and post-election violence are a stain to our democratic life.

The election was boring but not necessarily in a bad way. Voters obviously had peace of mind, did not expect any trouble or issues after the polls closed and results were announced. They generally went about their normal business as they would. THISDAY observed several wedding motorcades that Sunday evening.

Most major stores were closed, not because of the polls, but as is usual on Sundays in Germany. There were no curfews or restricted movement.

Campaigns were issue based, devoid of the use of abusive language and rallies were orderly. I attended the final campaign gathering of the SPD, and inspite of the huge number of party supporters, I had no fear mixing with the crowd. My group was able to get closer to the podium, where the party’s candidate, Mr. Martin Schulz, stood, after showing policemen our accreditation. There were no inducements to vote, unless one can term balloons, roses, chewing gum, and bottle tops, as inducement.

The conduct of the electorate is also different from what obtains in our climes. While on a stroll in the streets, THISDAY observed umbrellas belonging to supporters of the SPD and the Green Party, placed side by the side.

The supporters distributed fliers to passersby.

Postal voting starts six weeks before the elections proper and the mailed in votes are counted alongside the other votes. Citizens who expect to be out of the country on election day can use postal voting, while Germans living abroad can use postal voting through the constituency they last lived in while in Germany.

Voters do not have to register ahead or be accredited on election day. They make use of their national identification cards.

Election Day The voting opened at 8am. THISDAY visited the voting unit at Pankow Borough or District (one of the 12 jn Berlin) at about 12.30pm where the group met with the District Mayor, Mr. Soren Benn who said the presence of police was not necessary, and any person, regardless of party affiliation, could just come around to observe, so long they did not disturb the process.

By 12 noon, it was announced that only 24.8 per cent of expected voters had voted at the unit. Voters casually walked in, voted and left the premises to continue with their businesses.

“The marathoners have most likely done postal voting since they knew they were going to run. In any case the marathon closes at 3pm and most people vote in the afternoon,” he said.

Disabled voters have facilities but not all units are disable friendly. A disabled person can either have voted through postal voting, or write the electoral institution that their unit is not conducive, to be granted permission to go vote at a conducive unit, he explained.

There was not a single policeman in sight around the unit.

THISDAY also observed the voting process at another unit in the district at about 2.20pm in a school hall. Voter turnout was higher as expected since it was already afternoon.

There were children and pets on the premises where the voters lined up in an orderly manner.

“And the ball did drop” The ball dropped, but safe to say just a little. At the AfD party thrown to celebrate their entry into parliament, as was predicted, there were protesters on ground, who were expressing their opposition to the ideals of the party which are anti-Islam, antiimmigrant, and pro-nationalist. The police were however on hand to keep protesters from getting too close to the building where the party was holding. The troops formed a human barrier which protesters and journalists could get close to, but not behind. The protesters booed and blew whistles making lots of noise. More anti AfD protesters later joined at about 7.45pm and some threw bottles, one of which allegedly injured a female journalist. The police moved closer to protect the building, to and put on their battle gear.

It was however instructive to note that neither the police nor the protesters attacked or harassed each other. The protesters heeded the barrier formed by the police, even though their chants and whistles became louder, drowning out the shouts of celebration by the AfD members.

Conclusion A member of the group, Ms. Ranjeni Munusamy of the Sunday Times of South Africa, said there are a lot of lessons to be learnt by African countries, about how normal democracy should be.

“Elections by their nature in African countries, are prone to violence, conflict and disputes. People have different perspectives on what constitutes fair play in elections.

The German elections is a sign of a mature democracy. The rise the right wing is difficult in any country, but the tone of the campaign was respectful and they stuck to the issues,” she said.

While the experience was a worthwhile one, it made me a little sad; sad for my country and my continent where elections are hardly a peaceful affair. I am however hopeful that as we get closer to the 2019 elections, campaigns would be issue based, devoid of rancour and thuggery.

50

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

INTERVIEW Segun Oni

Fayose’s Utterances Have Been Unreasonable A one-time Governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, is eyeing a return to the state’s Government House.

In this interview with Adedayo Adejobi he talks about his love for the art and why he wants to be Ekiti governor again. He also speaks about the posture of the incumbent Governor Ayodele Fayose towards President Muhammadu Buhari

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ou’ve left the Ekiti State Government House for a while.

What has changed and would you want that life back?

I wish I still do.

Once you’ve been a governor, you have lost that privacy forever. When I wasn’t governor, I could share a beer with friends. But if I do that now anywhere people would recognise me. What we have to do is to live with it as we’ve lost that privacy forever. I don’t know whether I would wish to have it back because I know it’s not even feasible to want to have it back.

Once people can recognise you, having it back is out of it.

What are the memorable lessons you learnt in office?

Be good to people. See power as service to people. The way to look at future is to put your future in God’s hand.

You seem to be spiritually inclined. What do you owe to that?

I’m a Christian and I was brought up as one.

What prevents you from dipping your hands?

Dipping my hands into dirt is not a possibility because the values I was brought up with, and have become a part of me, will not allow me to do that. There’s no chance of me trying to dip my hands into public coffers. No matter how difficult or challenging, I can’t see that happen to me. That’s the way I was brought up.

What kind of childhood did you have?

I had an exciting childhood believing the future will be great.

I didn’t lack confidence. I believed in God and hard work, and that continue to be part of me.

What type of child were you?

I would not say I was a good boy.

I was a bit rebellious. I was outgoing. And I played all the pranks but I did everything in moderation.

Do you find time to bond with your wife and Kids?

I never had enough time, especially when my children were growing up, because I was in the corporate world. I lived outside Nigeria working. I left my family in Lagos so as not to disrupt my children’s education and social orientation. By the time they got to boarding school age I was fortunate to find a very good school that could inculcate in them the right values. They went outside Nigeria for their university education. They are old enough to contest elections now and it doesn’t matter how much time I spend with them. But I thank God that when I lacked the time, God made up that for me. The relationship with my wife is normal, cordial as it should be.

Oni

The ideal Ekiti should be a state where we drastically reduce unemployment and make everybody productive; where we are able to fund our budget reasonably and not depend on statutory allocations from Abuja. I will want to create an Ekiti where there’s a future for youths through sports, education, and entrepreneurship

Who’s more romantic?

I’ll probably agree she is.

How will she describe you?

She’ll describe me as good.

Do you still have time to do

those naughty things you did as a young man?

Of course; we have time once in a while but nowadays I get occupied by so many things. I don’t even take vacations for now.

Your space speaks volume.

What sparks your love for arts?

I love works of art. I used to keep a few paintings. But what I do is I give out my paintings, as they put a hole in my pocket. If have a piece of painting, and no matter how much I cherish it, and somebody admires it, I can give it out. What makes me happy is when I go to such people’s homes and I see it where it’s hung, I get a feeling of satisfaction. But I no longer have as much money to keep buying and giving out.

Politicians are considered greedy, selfish and self-serving.

What inspires you to give?

It is to create happiness for others because whatever I do that will make someone else happy I always want to do it.

What inspires you apart from politics?

I’m a service-oriented animal. I find opportunities to help and uplift people; to create value for people and to assist whenever I discover people are in need.

You sure have a simple dress sense. What’s the story behind it?

Maybe because my mum had me at a very old age after she had waited to have a male child.

I am the last born. So she liked to dress me up when I was young. I

was always trendy courtesy of my mum. I am however not flashy. For example, I don’t wear jewelry. I remember when I got a traditional title from my community, they said now it’s time for me to wear beads.

I said to the King that if the only way I can continue with this title is to wear beads, they will have to replace me with another person. I like to appear simple. I don’t think a simple appearance is inferior to anything.

How was your orientation growing up as the only boy amongst girls?

I come from a polygamous family.

My mum had a girl 19 years older than me. She’s old now in her 80s. I was pampered.

Did you experience the usual polygamous family drama?

No. Ours was much different and because my parents were also advanced in age and I had love from everywhere I turned.

Should you come back to power, what’s your dream of an ideal Ekiti?

The ideal Ekiti should be a state where we drastically reduce unemployment and make everybody productive; where we are able to fund our budget reasonably and not depend on statutory allocations from Abuja. I will want to create an Ekiti where there’s a future for youths through sports, education, and entrepreneurship.

With the election year approaching, you are planning a

OCTOBER 7, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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INTERVIEW

I Wasn’t Part of the Stealing Gang in PDP comeback to Ekiti State Government House on the platform of the APC. Why? First, I consider people’s opinion.

There’s is pressure on me from people who believe I still have a lot to contribute. I’ve been urged to run, and I have cause to say the majority would go in my direction.

If I refuse to run, I reduce my party’s opportunities for a resounding win. Nothing else will make me happy than to have this party in power. I also believe we can do things differently. I’ve been there and I believe there’s a lot we can do over and above what we have done before. We have to build a party that will be capable, big enough, organised to produce the kind of stability Lagos enjoys. I believe we can do a lot more. The youths are disappointed; their expectations are not met and no one is thinking in their direction. When I was leaving the university, there was a 70 per cent chance I would get a job in the late 70’s. Today, it’s less than a 10 per cent chance that a school leaver would get a job. We are not creating alternatives for them so they are frustrated. I believe the world needs a master plan for the youth. We can make ourselves a guinea pig for a new social and economic order. I don’t have all the answers but we are working and it’s a challenge. I believe it’s going to be an opportunity to do something new.

What will be your economic agenda for Ekiti State?

It will be serious drive for entrepreneurship, investment, and economic growth premised on agriculture and agro-processing.

I believe we can do better than we are doing now. We’ll try our hands on information technology.

This economy will be different substantially from the way it is running right now. The new social order would confront the frustrating challenge of inequity. We can settle these inequities by showing examples. Part of a new social order is getting young ones to take the future seriously in their hands. I lodged at a hotel recently, and they said if you are paying with a debit/ credit card you pay less than paying cash.

I confronted the owner of the hotel that it should be the other way round since it’s cash. He said no, that cash will be stolen.

Is there a unique idea or strategy that can help a state like Ekiti to generate wealth and investment to build the state?

When I was the governor, we were looking at green fuel. We had almost concluded a deal with some Chinese investors and a Nigerian consultant for a refinery to produce ethanol in Ilemosho in Oye local government area. We had done the test and they had double more than expected yield because it’s a very fertile environment. They would have been producing about 30 megawatts of electricity, and the GDP of Ekiti State through that investment would have doubled. It’s a small economy. If we can do that, we’ll produce the kind of economic environment that people want to see. We are thinking. I constructed roads, primary health care centres with equipment. To conserve lands so there’ll be playgrounds. We brought flowers to primary schools.

I built the first and best eye hospital

is doable and what’s not. I know what’s feasible and what’s not.

I’m not God, but I don’t see it as a project of reality. It could be that he wants attention and from the process of getting attention, he may get something else.

If you look back, do you feel totally fulfilled as a one-time Ekiti governor?

Not totally, but I feel fulfilled. I am fully convinced that one of the greatest opportunities that God can give anybody is that of ruling a state because you can affect people you know and you don’t know in a way that the impression can last a lifetime. If you do it well, the goodwill is forever; if you mess it up, the anger against your person, generation will also be forever.

What would you have loved to do differently?

I ran a micro-credit scheme that didn’t succeed. I wanted to use it as an opportunity to create wealth, but I missed out a gap. I should have first created a very solid cooperative system before setting up the scheme. It didn’t succeed and I feel that is a failure. However, we didn’t steal the money.

Oni

When I was the governor, we were looking at green fuel. We had almost concluded a deal with some Chinese investors and a Nigerian consultant for a refinery to produce ethanol in Ilemosho in Oye local government area. We had done the test and they had double more than expected yield because it’s a very fertile environment. They would have been producing about 30 megawatts of electricity, and the GDP of Ekiti State through that investment would have doubled. It’s a small economy. If we can do that, we’ll produce the kind of economic environment that people want to see. We are thinking. I constructed roads, primary health care centres with equipment and the teaching hospital. So, we have shown that we can do all this. That’s not the excitement I’m going back to. I’ll like us to have a situation where there is stability and continuity in Ekiti.

Electricity supply is terrible in Ekiti. How does that make you feel?

It makes me feel very bad. When we did solar power for streets, we knew that electricity was hardly available. If solar power was well maintained it wouldn’t have been a total blackout. We are starting a new stable, sustainable social and economic drive that will be enduring. We are learning.

What’s your honest assessment of Ekiti State since you left power?

I don’t want to talk about what has and hasn’t happened when I was not there, because it won’t be a fair assessment. We are brothers and were in the same party. We’ve identified a problem that’s not a direct criticism of anybody. It’s a response to the gap that we have seen and this is a gap about the frustration of the youth being reared into poverty not because of their inadequacy or lack of preparation but the society has not made available the sufficient opportunities for them. This is the problem we are going after.

The serving governor has been very critical of your party especially the President. What’s your view on that?

Everybody knows the utterances of my governor, has unfortunately been very unreasonable, and without mincing words, we are unhappy. People he thinks he’s talking for, are setting him down the slippery terrain, watching him slide downward. I want him to learn. As Ekiti people, we are not happy he’s representing us that way; because the governor is the face of the state and whatever he says is said by us; whatever he does right is done for us. I want him to stop (his utterances) especially now that Buhari is back. By God’s grace, he’s hale, hearty and we are all very happy.

Fayose has announced his presidential ambition, do you see this as a ruse or reality?

I will not talk about that.

Anybody can have a presidential aspiration. It depends on whether that person is saying it because he wants attention or he’s saying it because he really wants to be president of this country. I don’t think he’s saying it because he wants to be president of this country. I’m a politician and I’ve been in this business for a while now. I don’t have a crystal ball but I know what

Two years down the line Nigerians can’t see positive change APC promised. Why is it so?

The people on the streets should remember very quickly where we are coming from. When Buhari came into power, we were flying the flag of Boko Haram, but today we are very proud to say there’s no territory in this Nigeria flying other flags aside the green white green.

That’s an achievement and Nigerians. Those destroyers would have overrun two or three states today.

Before Buhari came, corruption rode on horses, limousines and private jets. Today, the story is different.

Recently, 56 properties were seized from a former minister. If someone in government less than a decade has 70 choice properties to show for it, this is a rape on all of us. People are not looking at it what could be the alternative solution to where we are now if that had continued.

You were in the same party before. Does being on the opposition now make you approbate and reprobate in your own court?

No. Even in the PDP then, it’s not all of who were part of the stealing gang. I did not steal, and if anyone knows anything I stole, they are free to say it. Leadership is the face of any entity and what it condoles or frowns at is what the entity imitates.

It’s unfortunate, but the PDP didn’t do well. Decent individuals had no opportunity to correct things, so they are judged on the performance of the leadership.

What is your position on restructuring?

Let us see what good idea will come about what to restructure, how to restructure, and when to restructure.

There have been projections that seven APC governors may lose reelection in 2019. What do you think?

I don’t believe that we would lose any state; rather, I believe we would add a few more to what we have.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Íż, 2017

POLITY

YouthGroupAdoptsUPNtoChallengeRecyclingofOldPoliticians

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coalition of youth groups under the aegis of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youths Occupy State Assemblyâ&#x20AC;? (YOSA) has pledged to upturn the old traditional system of recycling used politicians in their drive to take over the centre-stage of governing the country.

Also, the group has adopted the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), as the only veritable platform to actualise their dream.

At a press conference held in Lagos, the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Eric

Oluwole, noted that Nigerian youth platform has within the provisions of the 1999 Nigerian constitution, which guarantees the rights to lawful assembly and freedom of speech, resolved to rise against the dominance and the recycling of old politicians governing the country with a view to repositioning the bastardized political system through the involvement of youths in governance and other related governmental affairs.

Oluwole said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is on this premise that we have decided to adopt the UPN as the only

credible, veritable and youth-oriented party to be occupied and endorsed for youths for their political agitation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Respecting our political ancestral father, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, an astute politician, presented the most coherent plan of action during the electioneering campaign in 1979. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The recent â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;not-too-young-to-runâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bill passed by the National Assembly was a commendable step and depicted our resolve to indeed occupy the political space, in order to remedy the leadership mandate that has become a bottleneck in service

Ologbese Hails NCS over RiďŹ&#x201A;es Discovery in Lagos Ports Bennett Oghifo

have had about Customs in the past should be jettison in the light of these recent wonderful performances. Apart from the huge revenue it has generated into the coffers of the Federal Government, the discoveries have shown that the officers and men involved in the operations shunned all forms of inducements to look the other way. This has proved that the Nigeria Customs Service has turned a new leaf and Nigerians should start reposing confidence in itâ&#x20AC;?.

delivery of good governance in Nigeria.â&#x20AC;?

In his own remarks, the National Chairman of the UPN, Prof Bankole Okuwa, blamed Nigerian leaders for the poor economic state of the country.

According to the professor of political science, since the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political independence in 1960, Nigeria, being a leading African country, is not an example in everything positive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the home of corruption in the world.

We are number three in the world. Our leaders know this. When they travel abroad, they know those things that are good but they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t replicate them when they return home. All they want is upper class status, so that they can be different from others. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Young graduates have no job and none of the political parties that we have in this country is ready to look after the employment of youths.

PDP is in shambles. PDP is in ruins. APC has a semblance of the UPN but they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t practice the concepts and philosophies of the Awoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party.â&#x20AC;?

However, the UPN National Chairman admonished youths not to despair, that they should make themselves available for elective offices and seize the golden opportunities to unleash their potentials in the coming 2019 general elections.

Ologbese who is also the chief executive officer (CEO), Ogbese Marine Services Limited and a veteran in the clearing and forwarding business stated that officers and men of the NCS should be commended for a job well done.

He specifically lauded the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Colonel Ibrahim Hameed Ali (retired) and his management team for the successes recorded since he was appointed by President Mohammadu Buhari. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Customs Area Controllers (CACs) of Apapa Area Command, Tin Can Island Port Area Command, and the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos should be given a pat on the back for their efforts in ensuring that the illegal weapons were interceptedâ&#x20AC;?, he said. He wondered what would been the consequences if the dangerous consignments were not discovered by the officers and men of the NCS. His words: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The consequences of these illegal arms and ammunition getting into wrong hands in the society are better imagined than experienced. To say the least, they would have brought pains and sorrow into many families. Many would have been killed or maimed by these dangerous weapons if the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service had not lived up to their statutory roles and responsibilities.

That is why we must commend the CGC and his men for a job well done. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatever bad impressions Nigerians might

L-R: World President, YOSA, Otunba Soji Adeyemi; UPN National Chairman, Prof. Bankole Okuwa; and the YOSA National Coordinator, Comrade Eric Oluwole, during the press conference... recently

L-R: Eaton Distributor/Representatives, Idyllic Technologies Ltd, Omonzielen Kenneth; Victoria Eguwe; Power Quality Sales Specialist, Eaton Nigeria, John Ehiedu; Representative, Leo Computers Nig. Ltd/winner of Eaton UPS Promo 2nd Prize, Echebini Vivian; and Regional Sales Manager, Eaton Nigeria, Charles Iyo, at the Eaton UPS Promo prize presentation event in Lagos...recently

L-R: Publicity Secretary, Rose of Sharon Foundation, Mrs. Tope Olusola; protocol officer, Mrs. Lydia Saka; representative of Lagos State First Lady, Mrs. Bolade Dapo-Thomas; member, Board of Trustees, Rose of Sharon Foundation, Mr. Sola Ogunmoroti; and the foundation secretary, Mrs. Esther Osho, at the Rose of Sharon Foundation enterprise training and development workshop for widows and orphanage, held at Yaba Tech., Lagosâ&#x20AC;Śrecently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Director, Legal, Public AďŹ&#x20AC;airs and Communication, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), Mrs. Sade Morgan; Coke Studio Celebrity Artiste, Chidinma Ekile; representative of the Managing Director of NBC, Mr. Dragos Ion; and Public AďŹ&#x20AC;airs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Mrs. Amaka Onyemelukwe, during the grand launch of the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Youth Empowered Initiativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Lagos ...recently

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maritime expert, Prince Olusegun Ologbese has hailed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the discovery of arms and ammunition in Lagos ports since the beginning of the year.

Not less than 1, 000 pump action rifles had been discovered by officers and men of the NCS in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seaports, especially the ones situated in Lagos.

While the first one was intercepted earlier in the year shortly after they were cleared at Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier port, Apapa Quay, the service has in the last two months discovered more containers laden with lethal weapons at Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second busiest and largest port, Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIP), Apapa. The dangerous weapons which were concealed in building materials to divert the prying eyes of security operatives are high on the Import Prohibition List (IPL) prepared by the Federal Government in line with its fiscal policies.The IPL and its export counterpart, Export Prohibition List (EPL) are enforced by the Customs High Command so that the Federal Government can attain set goals and objectives according to its fiscal policies.

From the details in the bill of lading, all the consignments containing the dangerous weapons have the same consignee and port of origin in Turkey. In a chat with THISDAY,

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍżË&#x153; 2017

Can a Compromised Police, Dislodge Criminals in Edo? Joel Ofume

he soaring profile of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, built in less than a year in office, due to his unique style of governance that is devoid of the noise the typical Nigerian politician is known for, is currently under test with the reported cases of violent crimes in the state in the past few weeks.

With the allegation rife that there is grand conspiracy between the leadership of the police in Edo state and Abuja and a group of dislodged criminal elements, to create an atmosphere of fear in the state, a governor can only do so much.

Shortly after his assumption of office, Governor Obaseki changed the face of revenue collection from bus, taxi drivers and other business owners in Benin City. He dislodged the thugs that used to collect internal revenue and replaced them with well-trained revenue officers that were equipped with Point of Service (POS) electronic device for revenue collection. With a scratch card, business owners started paying their revenues without hassles.

The new approach sanitised a process that used to be marred by thuggery and lack of transparency that produced several emergency billionaires, who held sway at bus stops and markets and were highly sought after at local parties to spray wads of Naira notes.

Obasekiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reform in the sector was misconstrued by those who refused to take advantage of the new initiative as a deliberate effort by the government to remove food from their tables.

But most of the former revenue collectors who saw the wisdom in the reform of the sector have either joined the new team of revenue collectors that carry their POS machines about or are part of the new environmental officers clearing major bus stops to ensure free flow of vehicular and human traffic.

The governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second bold step was the signing of the Community Development Association Bill into Law, which has since

Ibrahim Idris

restored sanity in land administration in Edo State.

Obaseki had lamented that â&#x20AC;&#x153;The activities of the CDAs retarded economic growth and development in the communities and our state in general. They flagrantly disregarded rule of law so as to achieve their selfish interests.â&#x20AC;?

The law was the product of a rare synergy between the Benin Monarch, Omo Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Oba Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Governor Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly.

Again, the criminal elements among the youth who killed and maimed and committed all manner of crimes in the name of CDA chairmen and officials, misinterpreted the progressive intent of the CDA Law as governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deliberate design to throw them out of business.

These bold steps towards purposive governance in Edo State, as well as the state governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts at repositioning the agricultural, educational and other sectors of the state to create the desired jobs and improve the quality of life of the average Edo citizen and resident, earned the governor the sobriquet; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wake and See Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as people woke up us to see newly constructed roads, schools, and large farms in their neighbourhood.

Edo State is currently a construction site with several intra-city and inter-state roads undergoing reconstruction, at a time the harsh outcomes of the worst economic recession we have witnessed in years, are still being felt.

Obasekiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frugal allocation of scarce and meagre resources, a work culture he cultivated as an investment banker, accounts for the good news emanating from Edo State.

The sudden wave of violent crimes like the kidnap of Mr. Andy Ehanire, Chief Executive of Ogba Zoo and popular musician Osayomore Joseph, as well as the killing of a professor of electrical engineering in the University of Benin, and robbery incidents in the state have been linked to the former â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;feudal lordsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; who have refused to key into the reform train and want the restoration of the old ways of doing things.

The most disturbing dimension in what is being interpreted as organised crime in Edo State is that, it is not without the blessing of the top hierarchy of police in Edo State that is evident in their disposition towards fighting crimes in the state.

The police commissioner has been accused by the Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (NOCSON), the umbrella body of all Civil Society Orgnisations in Edo State of high level corruption and the Edo State police command, stations and outposts can be described as business centres where suspected criminals buy their freedom from the police for a fee.

There are claims that every DPO in Edo State has a target, an amount of money to send to the police leadership, which explains why junior police officers mount road blocks

indiscriminately, even in front of their offices and collect bribes with straight faces.

About three months ago, Police Commissioner Gwandu Haliru Abukar, was redeployed from Edo State and Commissioner of Police, Armament, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, was posted to replace him. But enjoying the support of the Inspector General of Police and some powerful people in the presidency, Haliru Abukar has spent another three months in Benin after he was posted out of the state.

Worried by these developments, Obaseki, as chief security officer of the state, made several efforts to seek the implementation of the transfers to pave way for a new order in security in the state. But his efforts proved abortive, as he was rebuffed by both the commissioner and the IG, who by this action have eloquently stated that the PSC lack the power to effect the transfer of police officers.

The violent crimes being witnessed in Edo State have been traced to members of the dislodged organised criminal network, who have since been upstaged by the ongoing revamp of most sectors of the state.

They have been stopped from intimidating and extorting innocent Edo people. These criminals are said to have taken advantage of the impasse created by the refusal of Commissioner of Police to vacate the leadership role to enable the incoming commissioner take charge.

It was learnt that Obaseki embarked on a trip to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, recently, to meet with president Muhammadu Buhari, with the aim of persuading him to prevail on the IG to honour the posting carried out by the PSC. The trip is yet to yield any fruits.

By this turn of events, Edo People and the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operating environment are now at the mercy of a disorganised police formation and its leadership with clear signs of being compromised by those they are paid to hunt down. o0GVNF B QVCMJD BGGBJS DPNNFOUBUPS XSJUFT GSPN #FOJO $JUZ

Capitalism, Population Control and the Culture of Death Achike Chude

read Dr. Alex Ottiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article published on the back page of THISDAY Newspaper of September with great gusto. Therefore I feel obliged to join issue with Dr. Otti in his said article with the alluring title: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aren`t We Too Many? because the issues he raised therein are vital to our developmental processes. I must begin by stating that those who set the rules for today`s population debate were very smart. They were deep thinkers also, but most important, they were capitalists. The capitalists do not live in the past but in the future. That is why they are so good at what they do â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making money. And money is the real, true god.

The other God, who is supposed to have created the world gets in the way much too often. Therefore, to advance the ends of capitalism, that God has to go. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if He is the God of the Christians, or the Muslims or the Hindus or the Shintoists.

He might even be the God of our ancestors or of the numerous peoples straddled across the human landscape. Afterall, the great philosopher,Frederick Nietzche had proclaimed years ago, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dieu est mort et tout est permisâ&#x20AC;? (God is dead and everything is permissible). He has to be gotten rid of so that humanity can move in the direction put forward by the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wisest, the most influential, the most sophisticated,the most wealthy and the most powerfulof the human raceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Charles Darwin the proponent of `survival of the fittestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has been re-invented and Hitler`s concept of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;super race` has at least undergone some modification to bring it in tune with the temperaments and demands of the modern era. To the capitalists therefore,the values that a theocentric world view brings to humanity is unwholesometo a `properâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; more `pragmaticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; world view that places man at the epicenter of creation and the pinnacle of human activity. Such a godâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;focused worldview that would constantly take its bearing from the transcendental order would naturally place limitations in the part of man`s insatiable lust to outdo himself in the Darwinian

human construct.

The population debate has raged for ages as the struggle for the advancement of the quality of life of the human person has intensified. This battle has magnified even in the midst of the contradictions of about five percent of people across countries and continents, owning close to ninety five percent of the resources of their entire geo-political spaces. Reference is here made to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aren`t We Too Many?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; THISDAY back page article of September 4th 2017 by the very accomplished ex-banker and former governorship candidate of Abia State, Otti. Perhaps, in the absence of both protagonist and antagonist in the debate, . Otti, a first class graduate from the University of Port-Harcourt as well as a recipient of numerous other international certifications played both postulator and devil`s advocate in the said article. Still you can`t help but get the feeling that while he was sensitive to religious and cultural nuances of the people, the economist in him naturally tilted towards the line of population control but not without advancing very strong reasons.

Fighting the cause of population control has naturally produced effects which have impacted negatively on whole peoples and civilisations while generating at the same time, profits in the billions of dollars to international pharmaceutical companies and Non-Governmental Organisations involved in implementing the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;culture of deathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; associated with population control measures. What is happening today is a result of a well scripted plan by the United States to put itself in perpetuity in a position always to continue its world domination not just economically but also politically. In the process, old stereotypes and mindsets are reversed and cultural values overturned.

Brian Clowe, a world renowned expert on population control in his extensive research traces todays population debates to the overall National Security Strategic Imperatives of the United States of America.

On December 10, 1974, according to

him,the United States National Security Council promulgated a top secret document entitled National Security Study Memorandum 200 (NSSM-200), also called The Kissinger Report. It wassubtitled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Implications of Worldwide Population Growth For U.S. Security and Overseas Interests.â&#x20AC;? This document was declassified in 1989. It laid out a detailed strategy by which the United States would aggressively promote population control in developing nations in order to regulate (or have better access to) the natural resources of these countries.

In order to protect U.S. commercial interests, NSSM-200 cited a number of factors that could interrupt the smooth flow of materials from lesser-developed countries, LDCs as it called them, to the United States, including a large population of anti-imperialist youth, who must, according to NSSM-200, be limited by population control. The document identified 13 nations by name that would be primary targets of U.S.-funded population control efforts. The named countries were India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Mexico, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, Egypt, Turkey, Ethiopia and Colombia.

According to NSSM-200, elements of the implementation of population control programs could include: a) the legalization of abortion; b) financial incentives for countries to increase their abortion, sterilization and contraception-use rates; c) indoctrination of children; and d) mandatory population control, and coercion of other forms, such as withholding disaster and food aid unless an LDC implements population control programs.

NSSM-200 also specifically declared that the United States was to cover up its population control activities and avoid possible charges of imperialism by inducing the United Nations and various non-governmental organisations especially the International Planned Parenthood Federation, the Pathfunder Fund, and the Population Council to do its dirty work.

While the CIA and Departments of State and Defense have issued hundreds of

papers on population control and national security, the U.S. government has never renounced NSSM-200, but has only amended certain portions of its policy. NSSM-200, therefore, remains the foundational document on population control issued by the United States government.

The reason NSSM-200 was written in the first place is explained in the document itself: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The U.S. economy will require large and increasing amounts of minerals from abroad, especially from less developed countries. That fact gives the U.S. enhanced interest in the political, economic, and social stability of the supplying countries. Wherever a lessening of population pressures through reduced birth rates can increase the prospects for such stability, population policy becomes relevant to resource supplies and to the economic interests of the United States.â&#x20AC;? NSSM-200 does not mention national welfare or the raising of the standards of living of the people of a nation; its only motivation is to allow the United States to get its hands on the natural resources of developing countries.

NSSM-200, Section 30(a), says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Concentration on Key Countries. â&#x20AC;Ś Assistance for population moderation should give primary emphasis to the largest and fastest growing developing countries where there is special U.S. political and strategic interest.

Those countries are: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Mexico, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, Egypt, Turkey, Ethiopia and Columbia. Together, they account for 47 percent of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current population increase.â&#x20AC;?

NSSM-200 also says that â&#x20AC;&#x153;No country has reduced its population growth without resorting to abortion.â&#x20AC;?

Malcolm Potts, a former Medical Secretary of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), said as much â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś.. itappears unlikely that developing countries can ever hope to see any decline in their fertility without a massive resort to induced abortion legal or illegal.â&#x20AC;? t$POU E PO QBHF

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ Ϳ, 2017

PERSPECTIVE/TRIBUTE

Can PDP Rise from Own Ashes?

Fela Shodunke

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ince the July y 10 Supreme p Court jjudgement g which con nfirmed former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Maikarfi fi as validly y elected National Chairman of the Peoples p Democratic Party, y the party p y has returned to the news. Maikarfi’s mandate is to midwife the election of a substantive national Chairman which hopefully p y will take the party p y to the next election in 2019.

This sidekick to this development p is that beyond y the one-sided narratives from what is fast looking g like a one-party p y state Nigerians g are expecting p g robust issue based campaigns p g with rhetorics, p promise and options p of “better life” and improvement p of living g conditions. The All Progressive g Congress, g the ruling gp political p party y have had it going g g for it since May y 29, 2015 all thanks to the protracted p crises in the PDP. The citizens expect p a change g in rhythm y in the songs g of hope. p But can the PDP rebrand to p play y that role expected p or anticipated p by y the citizens?

The next track on the political p album and the lyrics y played p by the politicians should chorus that.

Perhaps p what the All Progressive g Congress has g g going g for it is that it was formed on the ashes of those who had played p y in the Opposition pp for sixteen y years; those who felt they y had played p y on the sideline of national politics and those who were disgruntled p g things g were not as they y wished in the then ruling gp party, y the PDP, put p simply p y those who were angry g y with the way y issues and matters resolved. They y needed an expression, p a vent. It then comes as no surprise p that even in government, APC retained itself as an

Gbenga Daniel

Opposition pp to itself. PDP looks like having ga second chance like the mythical y Phoenix to rise from its own self immolation.

PDP miscalculated on its confidences to dominate the Nigeria g p political space p for some fairy y one hundred y years and became too fat to fly y, members behaved like fat cows without much troubles and the party

became a fiefdom of contest for control of landed p properties p and Spartans p were being g hired as mercenaries in the political p warfare.

Since 2011, conquered q territories declined, the party p y started shrinking g and loosing g battle weary y soldiers to other political p parties. p The few p parcel of land y yet p partitioned among various contending g interests. The APC defeated the PDP at its most vulnerable point, lashing g on to its weakest link.

The APC on the one hand built its structure and ascendancy y to p power on a foundation which appealed pp to the emotions of the younger y g g generation, maximising g the new political hardware of the social and new p media; the PDP refused to be regenerative. g Except p perhaps p p in the South Eastern states, the younger y g members of the party p y are gradu g ally y distanced from the PDP, and the p party becomes Orthodox suffering g similar fate as the Anglican g Church in the face of rising Pentecostalism or “Gospel” p churches.

The Supreme p Court landmark jjudgement g however gave g a renewed hope p for a re-set; an option p for a fresh start or further partitioning. p The Maikarfi led National Caretaker Committee has set December 9, 2017 as the date for a new National Convention to elect those who will steer the affairs of the party p y towards 2019. Many y options p have been thrown before the members; former South West Deputy p y National Chairman, Chief Olabode George g who had also served as the Military y Governor of old Ondo State 29 y years ago, g p precisely y between July, y 1988 and September p 199. Also in the race is Professor Tunde Adeniran, a former Minister for Education. Both Bode George g and Adeniran are equally q y members of the p party’s y Board of Trustees BoT, (the spirit and highest decision making organ of

the political p party) p y they y have played p y roles either for its good g fortune or otherwise. If age g is Bodeo George’s g albatross, Adeniran’s gooney g y bird is the fear that he is being g sponsored p by y a controversial Senator from Ogun g who many y believed was a leading g mercenary y and one of those responsible p for the party’s p y immediate sordid pass. p A former Governor of Ogun g State, Otunba Gbenga g Daniel has als shown interest in the race, so is Proessor Taoheed Adedoja, j a former Minister for Sports. p All of them are from the South Western states of the country y where it is believed the zoning g arrangement g might g be p preferred for the reason that the region had never had a shot at the offfice since g the party p y was founded in 1998. The political p party p y had zoned to the South. Both Adedoja and Daniel are the age g card p prospective p to connect and build successor generation and regenerate g the party. p y However, Dr. Raymond y Dokpesi, p the media merchant from the South South is also rumoured to be in the race. His main card on the table is the ownership p of one of the most virile media organisation g which is believed could assist the PDP in its p perception p reconstruction. But his choice may y suffer from the zonal arrangement g and an impediment p to the aspiration p of the South Eastern part to produce the Vice President in 2019.

Whatever their choice, the PDP has taken on itself the responsibility p y of redrawing g the political landscape p p of Nigeria g as an Opposi pp p tion p party y and a p prospective p p party y to be in power, it needs to recreate, refresh, rebrand p and connect to all generations to live in the future.

–Fela Shodunke is a Public Affairs Commentator, lives in Ikeja, Lagos

Olubadan: R Reinventing Traditional Governance in an Ancient City Tajudeen Akanni

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o matter what you y do, no matter who you y are, take notice that tomorrow is on the way. y No matter your y profession, p social standing g or belief, take notice that change g is bound to happen pp and happen pp p again. g This tends to shine the light g on the review of the Obaship p at Ibadan, as His Excellency, y the Executive Governor of Oyo y State, stated during g the crowing g of 33 Obas at Ibadan on August g 27, 2017, “today’s y innovations are tomorrow’s traditions.” There is no area of life, immune to innovation.

Without innovation, the human race would actually y be retrogressing. g g That is why the Governor’s position on the reform is apt. p No one can win an argument g against g innovation, particularly p y given g the common knowledge g that for over 30 y years leaders of thoughts g and many y interested parties p in Ibadan have consistently y called for the review of the traditional institution of their Oba, the Olubadan, currently occupied by Oba Saliu Adetunji. j Interestingly, g y Ibadan is made up p of 11 local government areas, more than the whole of g Bayelsa y State, which has jjust eight g local gov g ernment areas. Traditional administration of the ancient city y is very y unique, q commencing from the Mogajis g j and Baales, who function as family y heads to the Olubadan who is the paramount ruler, ruling with the Oluban-inp Council.

Even with the minor reform, ascension to the Olubadan throne remains by y seniority y among g the 11 High g Chiefs that constitute the Olubadan-in-Council, though g they y now wear beaded crowns. Ibadan has about the most peaceful p and orderly y ascension to the throne in Yorubaland and probably p y the entire Nigeria, g as the next Olubadan already knows himself up p to the next six in line.

It is instructive to state that despite p the well-structured path p to the throne of Olubadan, members of Olubadan-in-Council have to wait until the transition of a reigning g Oba to ascend to the throne. This accounts for why y in most cases only y the advanced in age g become the Olubadan, most of them were crowned at well above 80 years. y This is also the reason why most Olubadan do not reign g for long. g It is important p to note that the chieftaincy laws in Oyo y State p provide that a Governor can call for a review of existing g Declarations.

In the exercise of this power, the Governor of

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi Oyo y State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, j himself an Ibadan indigene g hearkened to citizens and stakeholders p persistent clamour for a review the traditional governance g structure in Ibadan to make way y for better administration and elevate the current status of the Olubadan stool.

To this end, the Governor set up p a Review Panel headed by y retired Justice Akintunde Boade. Chief Lanre Jaiyeola y served as Secretary y to the Panel. The panel p on completion p of its assignment g after receiving g Memoranda and submissions from various stakeholdergroups, g p including g Baales recommended that the 11 High g Chiefs be elevated to Oba status while still maintaining g their line of ascension to the Olubadan while the Olubadan becomes an Imperial p Majesty j y and Paramount Ruler. Similarly, y 22 Baales who had always y cried for an upgrade pg of their status were also elevated to Obas.

Since the inauguration g of the new structure and Obas, the current Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji j has not hidden his disdain and resentment to the new arrangement g which he considered a personal p affront and a reduction of his p power. He has a former Governor of the State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja j who is also one of the upgraded pg g High g Chiefs in his camp. p With Ladoja j in the fray, y the matter has assumed a political dimension, with many alleging that

the former Governor wants to fuel the issue to gain g political p mileage g and currency. y This stance tends to gain g support pp from Ladoja j himself, when he alleged g last week that the attack on the Olubadan Palace during g a meeting g was targeted g at him and blamed the state g government for masterminding g it. The Oyo y State g government has long g denied any y involvement in the attack.

Speaking p g on the matter, the Oyo y State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy y Affairs, Mr. Bimbo Kolade said that the reform carried out in the Ibadan Traditional leadership p structure will only y enhance the status of Olubadan and deepen p traditional governance g in the ancient city. y The Commissioner maintains that the Governor of the state, Senator Ajimobi j responded p to the call of prominent p Ibadan elders, Chiefs, Baales and leaders of thoughts g who have consistently y called for the review of the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law over the years.

Kolade noted that rather than diminish the status of the Olubadan throne and the current occupant, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, n the elevation of the 11 High Chiefs to Obas will enhance the status of Olubadan as the Paramount Ruler while the order of ascension to the Olubadan throne remains the same.

“For almost 30 years, there have been calls and agitations for the review of Ibadan chieftaincy law. In fact one of the notable Ibadan indigenes, Chief T. A. Akinyele wrote a book in which he posited the need for the Ibadan chieftaincy law to be reviewed. There have been several other books also written

by Ibadan indigenes on the need to review the Ibadan chieftaincy law. Between 1974 – 76, and as recent as 2003, there were several commissions of enquiry set up by government to look into chieftaincy matters in the state, during which there were constant calls for a review of the Ibadan chieftaincy law.

During g the Adio Commission of 2003, some 33 Baales in Ibadan made a request q through g the respected p lawyer y Niyi y Akintola, (SAN) for them to start wearing g beaded crowns.

“Out of the 33 Baales then, I think the Commission recommended 16 of them for the title of Obas,” he said.

He recalls that “Even though g the immediate past p administration of Chief Alao Akala in Oyo y State did not set up p a commission of enquiry, q y it actually y made attempts p to turn some Baales into Obas in the state, and about six Baales were given approval to

wear beaded crowns, although g this was not implemented. p So, the agitation g for a review of the Chieftaincy y law has been on for a very y long g time. Immediately y this administration came in, there were several representations p to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on the need to review.”

Notable stakeholders are already y calling g for calm, including g influential Ibadan elders and those outside the state like Afenifere and Yoruba Council of Elders. The two leading pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and p p political organisations g have weighed g in on the matter calling g for dialogue g and mutual understanding g in the resolution of the issues arising from the reforms.

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes g (CCII) has also stepped pp in to douse any y tension and acrimony y the reform could bring. g CCII has already y brokered a peace p meeting between Senator Ladoja j and Governor Ajimobi j which is hoped p will settle the matter even though g the Mogajis g j have called on Olubadan and Ladoja j to boycott y the meeting.

In the same vein, the Oyo y Patriotic Front led by y Mr. Jare Adepoju p j has cautioned the state g governor to be careful about any y deal with Senator Ladoja j because of past p peace p resolutions which the former Governor has breached.

“The peace p move by y the CCII to resolve the imbroglio g in Ibadan and other p parts of Oyo y State is commendable. However, we want to caution Governor Ajimobi j not to get g carried away. y He should remember that his g gestures in the p past were repaid ungraciously,” the group advised.

Lending his voice in the support of the reforms, a legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Niyi Akintola commended the government of Oyo State and the Governor for the courage to carry out the reforms in Ibadan traditional institution. For him, the review is long overdue, “What was obtainable in those days is no longer tenable today. Moniya in Ibadan is bigger than some state capitals in Nigeria; Omi-Adio is a cosmopolitan town with a population of 186,000 people according to the 2006 population census.”

“How can you expect the ruler in such a town to be under a Mogaji in Ibadan town?

That was what the past governors were trying to correct but they lacked the political will to execute it.”The coming days will see if the ancient city of Ibadan is pulled back to allowed to benefit from the drive of an innovative and courageous governor.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ TOBER 7, 2017

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri Meeting Prime Minister Theresa May And a Bit About Fela and Buhari’s Missing Billions

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must thank my friend, Daniel Hannan, a Member of the European Parliament, who invited me to the 2017 Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.

It was a beautiful and mind-expanding experience attending the conference as an official delegate and my democratic experience and temperament is all the better for it.

One of the best parts of the experience was that on Monday October 2, 2017, I met and was photographed with Prime Minister Theresa May and I must say that she is the epitome of simplicity and a specimen of good upbringing and class.

Prime Minister May gave me audience, listened to me and took a picture with me and then sat directly behind me without a single noticeable security aide for the entire Monday session where the Chancellor of The Exchequer, Philip Hammond, gave his inspiring speech.

Imagine if this were in Muhammadu Buhari’s Nigeria, would such an honour have been done to a person without much status in Nigeria? Would the security detail around the President even allow that? I leave you to answer that question.

But that was not even the best part for me. After meeting Prime Minister May on Monday, I was interviewed by a BBC crew and I informed them point blank that democratically unseating President Muhammadu Buhari is my greatest human ambition other than making it into God’s kingdom when I die.

President Muhammadu Buhari is President of Nigeria for now, and I will respect that, but when the time comes (and it is coming soon), I will do all that is legally and humanly possible to democratically unseat a man who I believe has taken Nigeria more than a decade backward.

By now, my readers must have either heard of or read the letter by the minister of state for petroleum resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, to his senior minister, who also happens to be President Muhammadu Buhari.

In that letter, Kachikwu states that not only has he, as chairman of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, been sidelined by the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru, but the entire board has, allegedly been made redundant.

Appointments that are heavily lopsided in favour of the North have been made by Baru without recourse to Kachikwu or the board of the NNPC. But perhaps most troubling is the fact that, according to Ibe Kachikwu, contracts worth $26 billion have been awarded by Baru, without recourse to due process.

$26 billion. Imagine that!

Of the 55 senior management positions recently made

by Baru at the NNPC, only 19 of those appointments

Democratically unseating President Muhammadu Buhari is my greatest human ambition other than making it into God’s kingdom when I die. President Muhammadu Buhari is President of Nigeria for now, and I will respect that, but when the time comes (and it is coming soon), I will do all that is legally and humanly possible to democratically unseat a man who I believe has taken Nigeria more than a decade backward

Prime Minister May and Omokri went to Southerners while 36 of those appointments went to the North, a region that produces no oil.

Does this not corroborate what Malam Nasir El-Rufai said about President Muhammadu Buhari on October 6, 2010, to wit that Buhari’s “insensitivity to Nigeria’s diversity and his parochial focus are already well-known.”

The above is a direct quote from El-Rufai. Today, his words almost seem prophetic.

Never in the history of Nigeria have we had an administration so openly partial to one group of Nigerians against other groups.

In fact, so obvious has the Northernisation agenda been that TY Danjuma, a retired Lieutenant General and former chief of army staff was forced to publicly call out the President.

TY Danjuma, whom many call the President’s godfather, on July 14, 2017 accused the Buhari administration of “deliberately disregarding the constitution and federal character.”

But back to Ibe Kachikwu.

Ibe Kachikwu obviously did not get the memo. There is no Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation any more.

It is now Northern Nigeria Petroleum Corporation.

And it is very sad that even the Minister of state for Petroleum resources cannot even see the President who is the minister of Petroleum resources! However, Kachikwu was naive for writing that letter to Buhari! He does not know that Baru was brought in to do exactly what he is doing!

The first time Muhammadu Buhari was Petroleum Minister in the 1970s, Fela sang ‘2.8 billion Naira missing’. Now he is Petroleum Minister again and Kachikwu is singing ‘$26 billion missing’! Why is it that huge billions tend to go missing or spent without due process whenever Buhari is Minister of Petroleum?

If President Buhari truly has integrity and if his anti-corruption war is not a cover for an anti-PDP war, then Baru must be investigated. Just imagine what would have happened if a minister accused Goodluck Jonathan’s government of awarding $26 billion contracts without due process! Anti-corruption government my foot! We will not know the extent of the Muhammadu Buhari administration’s corruption until they leave office!

In fact, the new definition of a fool is as follows: Noun used to describe anybody who expects a government that

returned Sylva’s 48 mansions to him to investigate Baru for the $26 billion oil mess.

Babachir Lawal is still enjoying his grass-cutter money because under this administration it is a case of guilty unless you are covered by the broom. If your covering is the umbrella, then you are guilty until proven innocent!

I mean, with Nigeria’s security challenges, one would have thought President Muhammadu Buhari would have appointed himself as Defence Minister instead of Petroleum Minister. I always felt it was an odd choice for an ex-general who was elected majorly because the electorate thought he could handle the security challenges facing the nation. Yet he left security to others and personally chose to handle the Petroleum ministry. Now we know why!

President Buhari told Nigerians that his government came to fix Nigeria. But thanks to Kachikwu, we now know that in reality, this administration came to STEAL, KILL and DESTROY! $26 billion corruption exposed in NNPC. Who knows what is going on at the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. You and I won’t know the extent of President Muhammadu Buhari’s corruption until he leaves power!

And finally, let me say that though Buhari is President, the buck does not stop at his table. In as much as he still blames Jonathan, the buck stops at Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s table.

What the President fails to understand however is that when a government repeatedly and consistently blames the opposition for their failure to fulfill their campaign promises, what they are really saying to the people is that they are no longer useful!

Reno’s Nuggets: Teach your children not to be in a hurry to have premarital sex. Bearded meat is most delicious when eaten only after marriage. Do this, because if you don’t train your children when young, they will strain your life when you are old. Train or strain. The choice is yours. Finally, if you train them well they won’t become fools. Who is a fool? A fool is a person that ignores their parents when they are alive and suffering only to spend big money giving them a ‘befitting’ burial when they die #RenosNuggets

Saturday, October 7, 2017

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE Ezekwesili to Nigerians “Norway, one of the biggest oil producers has just stashed $1 trillion of her oil money in a sovereign wealth fund. I was in Norway recently, and 10 per cent of vehicles used there run on electric. Nigeria should ask herself these critical questions because very soon, Nigeria will drink her crude oil.”

– Former Vice President of the World Bank, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, condemning Nigeria’s continued grip on crude oil as her economic mainstay.

RIGHTOFREPLY

By Richard Irikefe

Atiku Abubakar and the Death of Identity Politics

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n 2019, what Nigeria does not need is another Northern or Southern candidate or young or old leader or even Christian or Muslim leader.

The politics of identity, i.e. choosing a leader because of his identity rather than his ability, has failed us and will keep failing us for the simple reason that when you have a problem, you don’t look to where the person who can solve it comes from or how he worships his Creator. You just look to whether or not he can solve your problem.

And this is what Shaka Momodu failed to comprehend in his piece, ‘Musings on Atiku For President’, published on the back page of ThisDay on Friday 29th of September, 2017.

Nigeria is at a crossroads. We have been unashamedly and openly divided along the lines of 97% versus 5%. Every effort has been made by the man who considers himself the leader of the 97% to decimate the 5%.

The result has been recession, unprecedented division, a militarization of Nigeria like at no other time since the civil war and a threat to freedom of speech and association.

Those who freely threatened to unleash unprecedented bloodshed on others they termed ‘dog and baboon’ are unable to accept even the mildest criticism and want to give the ‘dog’ the bad name of ‘hate speech’.

Democracy is under threat with the introduction of the term ‘inconclusive election’ into our political lexicon even as aides of presidential declarants are arrested within hours of their declaration.

So thinking that politics of identity is what the situation of Nigeria calls for is an unfortunate situation.

In two years, the All Progressive Congress administration of Muhammadu Buhari has increased Nigeria’s indebtedness and the management of the economy is in fits and starts.

We need someone like an Atiku, who has had years of post retirement career as a successful businessman with a string of successful businesses that predate his re-entry into public service as Vice President in 1999 to help us generate the wealth that we need to avoid the Malthusian Trap that we are currently in.

Simply put, an administration that celebrates the end of recession with a paltry GDP growth rate of 0.55% in a country with a population growth rate of 2.6% obviously lacks the intellectual capacity to understand that unless our economy grows faster than our population, what awaits us is doom!

Obviously Atiku gets it, which was why when they were celebrating he said, and I quote “When all Nigerians can eat three square meals, that’s when the real recession ends. We have work to do.”

Nigeria needs a new leader. A leader who understands the problems of the Nigerian economy and can provide the needed leadership to fix it, create jobs for the scores of unemployed particularly the youth and put food on the table for struggling millions of families.

While the current administration ignores the challenge posed by herdsmen/farmers clashes (which is an economic issue, not a religious/ ethnic issue) and whose stupid solution is to “import grass from Brazil”, Atiku Abubakar came up with the brilliant economic solution of

Atiku setting up RICO Gado, a factory that produces livestock feeds of all types of livestock so our herdsmen can stop grazing and start ranching which will put an end to the clashes and the attendant deaths on both sides.

And what is Shaka’s main grouse about Atiku? Moving from one party to another?

The truth is that Atiku Abubakar has only left a party once not four times as Shaka and other pundits erroneously think. How do I mean? Lets follow the facts.

Atiku never left the Social Democratic Party. The party was dissolved on the 17th of November, 1993 with Atiku being a loyal member up until the day it was made defunct by the late Abacha.

He similarly did not leave the Peoples Democratic Party in 2007. He was pushed out by the re registration exercise engineered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo for the express purpose of kicking out Atiku and his followers.

You cannot remain a member of a party when all your followers, who used to be legitimate and bonafide members of the party, are deregistered and refused re registration.

Doing so would mean that you are not a leader.

And on the subject of Obasanjo I think we all know why he spits his venom at Atiku as he stood up to defend our democracy from the threat of dictatorship in the form of Obasanjo’s 3rd term agenda.

And Mr. Momodu is wrong to say that Atiku Abubakar was “was roundly trounced” in 2007. With all due redirect (respect?), Shaka can’t be more Catholic than the pope.

The late President Yar’Adua himself told the then United Nations Secretary General, Ban-Ki Moon in May, 2007 that “the April

elections had flaws and shortcomings”.

His successor was even more forthcoming.

Speaking about the April 2007 elections in which he became the ultimate beneficiary, former President Jonathan said he was “embarrassed” by the election.

Speaking candidly about the election on April 8, 2014, Dr. Jonathan said “Although we took oath of office and the Supreme Court declared us winners, but each time one travelled abroad, people asked all kinds of questions that even got one angry. That was when I promised myself that if have an opportunity to oversee elections in Nigeria, no other President or Vice President should suffer that can kind of harassment and embarrassment by the international community”.

So if the main beneficiaries of those elections admitted that it was embarrassingly flawed, how can a bystander declare that a man who was cheated in that flawed process was ‘roundly trounced’? If anything, Atiku Abubakar was roundly cheated!

Yes, the former Vice President is guilty of leaving the Action Congress after the 2007 elections but that was because the succeeding Umaru Yar’Adua administration had instituted the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee which had suggested ways of correcting the electoral excesses of the previous administration.

In fact, that administration reached out to Atiku Abubakar, acknowledged the wrong that the PDP had done to him and his members and then upon the untimely death of President Umaru Yar’adua, his successor, President Jonathan, invited him and his followers to rejoin the party they were kicked out off.

Nigerians, and Shaka it seems, have forgotten

that after his return to the Peoples Democratic Party in 2009, Atiku remained loyal to the party even after he lost its Presidential ticket to the then incumbent president at the PDP primaries on January 14, 2011.

The issue we have in Nigeria is that we do not have a sense of history. If we did, it would have been remembered that the PDP became factionalized after the party’s special convention of August 31, 2013.

It was not just Atiku that was affected, seven PDP Governors, the then Speaker of the House of Representatives and more than a hundred Representatives and Senators.

Atiku did not leave the PDP in 2014. It was the PDP that left him and others of the PDP. The party became factionalized with two executives, one calling itself the PDP and the other calling itself the nPDP. In fact, Atiku stubbornly remained in the PDP until Muhammadu Buhari, Bola Tinubu, Bisi Akande (then the APC interim National Chairman), Ogbonnaya Onu and other leaders of the APC visited him at his house in Abuja on the 19th of December, 2013 to lobby him to join their party as his own party was irreparably factionalized.

So, if you take an objective look at Atiku Abubakar, he may have been in more than one party, but he has always followed the progressive agenda wherever he has gone.

He has in truth only left a party once. He left the Action Congress to return to the PDP, a party he co-founded with other members of the original G-34.

Will he do so again? Well only time will tell as although the APC has belatedly begun to discuss the subject of restructuring, a policy which was in its manifesto it does not appear to be embracing it with any enthusiasm.

And with Professor Sagay’s recent exchange with the leadership of the APC, we now know that the progressive agenda left the APC long ago and the APC of today is not the APC that was formed in 2014.

In 1967, Nigerians said ‘Go on With One Nigeria’. In 2017, they are reechoing that message by saying ‘Go on With the Restructuring of Nigeria’.

Atiku gets that message, which makes him the man tailor-made for the Nigeria of today as he holds dear doing the right thing for our nation more than worrying about whether he is holding a brush, an umbrella or some other object.

And on the issue of restructuring, that is one idea that demonstrates the fidelity of Atiku Abubakar. He has consistently pushed for restructuring since July 13, 2001 when Jide Ajani, then the political editor of Vanguard, chronicled his fight to restructure Nigeria in an editorial titled ‘Nigeria: 6-1 Onshore-Offshore Jurisdiction Verdict’ published on that day.

The only redeemable part of Mr. Momodu’s musings is where he says Atiku “would have made a better choice to Buhari and even the much younger Rabiu Kwankwaso – a man very much like Buhari, a rabid bigot who sees everything from the prism of North vs South and would care less about burning his bridges to promote his narrow ethnic interests over and above national interests.”

Pray, if Atiku is, by Shaka’s own admission, better than the incumbent, why are we still even having an argument when it is obvious that the incumbent, who has taken us backward, rather than forward, is hell bent on coming back?

Mr. Richard Irikefe, a technology consultant, wrote from Lagos.

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