Saturday 28th October 2017 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Emefiele Foresees Single-digit Inflation by June 2018 CBN injects $286m into forex market

Obinna Chima with agency report Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele yesterday projected that inflation rates in the country would fall at a faster pace and

hit high single-digit rates by mid-next year. “We are very optimistic that food prices will come down, and as they come down, it will help to complement the reduction in core inflation,” Reuters quoted Emefiele to have told journalists on the

Fitch says high Treasury Bill yields helping banks to maintain margins

sidelines of the launch of the Afrinvest 2017 Banking Sector Report at the London Stock Exchange, adding he expected a “more aggressive moderation.” “We are hoping that by the middle of next year, we should begin to approach the high single digits,” he said. Around

nine per cent would be a good target,” he said. Annual inflation in Nigeria slowed for an eighth month in September, easing to 15.98 per cent. Nigeria, which has Africa’s largest economy, emerged from its first recession in 25 years

in the second quarter as oil revenues rose. But the slow pace of growth suggests the recovery remains fragile. However, the central bank held interest rates at 14 per cent in September to keep liquidity tight, saying it felt

that loosening would worsen inflation and drive bond yields negative which could lead to capital flight and hurt the currency. Emefiele said as the economy began to hit thresholds on Continued on page 10

EU Supports Nigeria’s Immunisation Programme with N3.8b ...Page 62

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UT H

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Presidency: President Ready to Present 2018 Budget Next Week

Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja

The Presidency said yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari was fully ready to present the 2018 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly,

adding that he was only waiting for the legislative arm of government to give him a date for the presentation. The Senior Special Assistant to the President (National Assembly Matters), Ita Enang,

told THISDAY that the process for the presentation of the budget by the president had started, adding that before that is done, the President would have to send a communication to the legislators and have a

dinner or breakfast with the leadership of the National Assembly. Enang said that President Buhari might likely present the budget next week after consultations with the

leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly. However, one of the principal officials of the National Assembly told THISDAY that although the Federal Executive Council had approved the 2018

Budget proposal submitted by the Budget and National Planning Ministry on Thursday, the proposal might not be submitted to the National Assembly until next week Continued on page 10

Buhari's Administration Has Derailed, Needs to Get Back on Track, Says Hameed Ali Everyday, when you wake up, there is a story that makes you shiver that we have been infused by people who were not part of this journey

I must confess here

Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Comptroller General of the Customs and Exercise, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) yesterday lamented that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was increasingly losing grounds due to the infusion of people who did not share in the vision or took part in the journey to get the government into power. Also yesterday, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations warned that the case of the former Chairman, Presidential Committee on Pension Reform Taskforce Team (PPRT), Abdulrasheed Maina, would Continued on page 10

Dickson Presses FG for Agge Deep Seaport, Airport, GOVERNORS' COURTESY VISIT… Coastal Railway in President Muhammadu Buhari with L-R: Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje, Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Geidam and Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar during a courtesy visit to the Bayelsa … Pg 61 Abdullahi President at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja ...yesterday Godwin OMOIGUI

How we Killed 3 Policemen, Kidnapped Dr. Ehanire, Collected N61m Ransom ... Page 14

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PAGE TEN FULL TRANSCRIPT OF HAMEED ALI'S REMARKS TO BUHARI SUPPORT ORGANISATION

Our Vision Then Was to Install a Government That'll Bring About Change I am overwhelmed by the attendance at this event this morning which to me is a testimony that BSO is still alive and kicking. We are indeed grateful to all of you for finding time to be here. This is a gathering to rekindle what we started in 2015 and what we used as a vehicle to fight in the trenches, out of the torches, along the routes and in so many difficult terrains to see to the success of our vision and mission. Our vision then was to install a government that will bring about change in this country. Our motto and expression then was that we want change. I want to commend Nigerians for sharing that same vision with us. They decided to vote the government out and voted us in because of that vision of change. We are riding on that mantle of change today. It is good to take us back on memory lane. Some of us started this journey in 2011. There are those who started as far back as 2003 and are still in the trenches. I am sure that the 2007 veterans are still here, while some of us joined the train in 2011, while many others joined in 2015.

Why did we then sacrifice everything that we need and want? A lot of us have lost their jobs, others have lost their businesses. A lot of us sitting here today have nothing to do because they committed their time and resourceS working for the success of a change for a better Nigeria. We did this not because of ourselves or any individual but because of our love for this great nation. Many of you can remember that we went through this because we are committed to a course and that whatever we eventually installed would be something that we are committed to. But let me say here without fear of being contradicted, that I think half way through the journey, we are losing our core values. We are losing our vision and mission and I think that the idea of our being here today is to look critically at what we need to do to get back on track. There is no doubt that we have derailed because we are not doing what we say we want to do. Why is it so? We need to find an answer to that. If we do find

an answer, then what should we do to get us all back on track? We owe this great nation and the 180 million Nigerians the duty to give good governance. Good governance is what they voted for and good governance is what they expect to get and they deserve that. We therefore, as BSO, have a great task ahead of us. My dear comrades, the battle and the job start now. We have won one battle by taking over power. But what we make of this power is very essential to us and to humanity. Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to tell my colleagues here that we have to change the narratives. When we were out there working and jumping on the streets and reaching every corner, we were shouting change, change for a better Nigeria. Now, the key word is good governance for Nigerians. We must agree that we cannot finish our four years without delivering and leaving something to be remembered for in this country for a long time to come. We have no problem with our President because he is on course. But I must confess here that we have been infused by people

who were not part of this journey and these people are the ones that call the shots today. That is why we are derailing. If we had the right people who had the vision and have been there in and out, I believe that we will not be going the way we are going today. It is my belief that those of us who have been in the trenches all these years to get good governance will surely be sleeping with belly ache every day, especially in the recent past. Every day, when you wake up, there is a story that makes you shiver. We cannot, as a people who have fought and committed everything we had to bring in this government, sit back and allow things to happen the way they are happening. At the end of the day, the fingers will point at us because we were the ones who went to people and spoke to them to give us their votes. These people that are calling the shots today were not there and when the chips are down, they will disappear and melt within the system. We are the ones that will be asked to account for what happened. Are we willing to

face Nigerians and tell them that we have failed? I think this is the time for us to come together, create a system that is very robust enough to fight back and take back government in our hands and ensure that we deliver. I will therefore ask my colleagues of the BSO to go back to the study room. This is a commission, but it is also the beginning of the fight for good governance. We must get back to the trenches, draw our own battle plan and battle line. I enjoined you that the same commitment we had in 2015, I employ you to bear with us and commit yourself to a better future for Nigeria. We will be calling on you from now on and we will be working day and night. We must do so because we want to save our name at the end of the day and the name of the President for what he is doing. Our President is on course and all we need is to ensure that we support him. What do we do? For those of us who believe in God, we must know that God is the first point of call. We believe that if you want to change the system, it

will happen. Let me say that in the course of the jihad of the Prophet Mohammad, anytime they go out for a battle, they come back with loot, but these loots, as far as my own research told me, are not distributed to everybody, but to those who took the sword and faced the enemies. Today, with all sense of responsibility, I want to say that we have 50 per cent of PDP in our government. How can we move forward with this load? How can we achieve our target with this load? It is a spoilt system and so, when you come in, you shake off everybody and bring in your own. That is what democracy is all about. Today, we have members of PDP calling the shots. That is what we will begin to fight for; we will fight for our right position, our vision and our mission for this government. I am sorry to deviate into politics, but it is very essential because we are a political organisation. It is time for us to wake up from slumber and chart a course for this great nation and I believe that we can do it. May God help you and see us through.

BUHARI'S ADMINISTRATION HAS DERAILED, NEEDS TO GET BACK ON TRACK, SAYS HAMEED ALI make or mar the image of our country if not properly handled. While Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State alleged that the Mainagate scandal reflected the level of corruption in the Buhari administration, the Labour Party urged the federal government not to shield Maina from prosecution. Speaking while opening the campaign office of the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) in Abuja, Ali blamed the slide in the Buhari administration on the alleged dominance of the government by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ali, one of the strongest allies of President Buhari, said that about 50% PDP members were occupying key positions in the Buhari administration and were daily calling the shots. "Let me say here without fear of being contradicted that I think half way through the journey, we are losing our core values. We are losing our vision and mission and I think that the idea of our being here today is to look critically at what we need to do to get back on track. "There is no doubt that we have derailed because we are not doing what we say we want to do. Why is it so? We need to find an answer to that. If we do not find answer, then what should we do to get us all back on track? We owe this great nation and the 180 million Nigerians the duty to give good governance, good governance is what they voted for and good governance is what they expect and deserve. We therefore as BSO, have a great task ahead of us. Our battle starts now." The gathering brought together some serving governors, ministers and other other Buhari loyalists, who in their separate speeches, declared war against

cabinet members alleged to be working against the President's interest. In attendance were governors of Bauchi, Mohammed Abubakar; Kogi Yahaya Bello, and Plateau State, Simon Lalong. Also present were the Ministers of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello; Defence Minister, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali; Niger Delta Minister, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani; Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire, and Olorunnibe Mamorah, among many others. According to the Custom boss, unless something is done urgently, those that worked for the victory of the President and the APC government might be losing the "battle." Ali said: "When we were there working and jumping on the streets and reaching every corner, we were shouting change, change for a better Nigeria. Now, the key word is good governance for Nigerians. We must agree that we cannot finish our four years without delivering and leaving something to be remembered for in this country for a long time to come. We have no problem with our President because he is on course. "But I must confess here that we have been infused by people who were not part of this journey and these people are the ones calling the shots today. That is why we are derailing. If we had the right people who have the vision and have been there in and out, I believe that we will not be going the way we are going today. "It is my belief that those of us who have been in the trenches all these years to get good governance will surely be sleeping with belly ache every day, especially in the recent past.

Everyday, when you wake up, there is a story that makes you shiver.” While urging the group for action, Ali said: "We cannot, as a people who have fought and committed everything we had to this government, sit back and allow things to happen the way they are happening. At the end of the day, the fingers will point at us because we were the ones who went to people and told them to give us their votes. "These people that are calling the shots today were not there and when the chips are down, they will disappear and melt within the system. We are the ones that will be asked to account for what happened. Are we willing to face Nigerians and tell them that we have failed? "I think this is the time for us to come together, create a system that is very robust enough to fight back and take back government in our hands and ensure that we deliver," he said. In his remark, the Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong, who echoed the views of Col. Ali, added that some of them who are governors were not carried along when appointments were made. "Let the Mr. President be aware that this is the time to do something about it, because even as governors, we are also complaining in our various states. We complained that while we are here, we are sitting down and we hear that appointment were made and then people start asking you as the governor where is this man coming from? But when we turn right and turn left, we don't know where they are picked from.” Mainagate Will Make or Mar Nigeria's Image if Not Wall Handled , Says CSO The National Coordinator

of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, warned that the issue of Maina could make or mar the image of Nigeria if not properly handled. While addressing a press conference in Abuja, Ogenyi said Maina should be given the opportunity to tell his side of the story “if that would lead to more revelations of people involved in the embezzlement of pension fund and subsequently, its recovery.” Don't Shield Maina from Prosecution, Labour Party Tells FG In a related development, the Labour Party LP yesterday accused the Buhari administration of complicity in the return, reinstatement and consequent disappearance of Maina. LP which demanded for immediate arrest and prosecution of Maina noted since he was brought back by government, “they must definitely know his whereabouts.” Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the National Chairman of LP, Mike Omotoso said that it was on record that Maina was sacked by the last administration and placed on wanted list, adding that the way and manner he was ferried in and reinstated in office “is a national disgrace.” "We are calling on the federal government to arrest and prosecute Maina if they know where he is. Since they were the ones that brought him back and reinstated him, they should also bring him out now, arrest and prosecute him." Fayose: Maina's Saga Shows Buhari’s Govt. Scandalously Corrupt Also speaking on the scandal, Governor Ayodele Fayose has described the Buhari-led government as one “that is

PRESIDENCY: PRESIDENT READY TO PRESENT 2018 BUDGET NEXT WEEK owing to the minor face-off between security agencies at the State House and principal officers of the National Assembly on Thursday night. The officers were at the State House on a dinner invitation by the President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss the submission of the budget, which was initially slated for Tuesday October 31, but security details at the State

House security gate insisted that they must be screened; but the legislators protested against being subjected to the security screening and were turned back. Presidency officials, who regretted the incident, said it was due to a breakdown in communication, which was purely avoidable. When word got to President Buhari on the incident, he immediately

reached across to both the Senate President and House Speaker and apologised to them, requesting that they should come back to the villa. “By this time, only the Senate President and the House Speaker were available as other legislators had dispersed. The two subsequently joined the President at a private dinner, while the main dinner was rescheduled for next Tuesday

night,’’ said the source. He said that when the idea of the President presenting the budget proposals to the National Assembly next week was mooted at the private dinner, the Presidency was advised to do that after the engagement with principal officers, “otherwise, the proposal might get a hostile reception by members following the incident.”

rotten and covered with scandalous corruption.” He added: “Within the last one month, Nigerians have been confronted with messy revelations that gave credence to my earlier position that President Buhari is the life patron of corruption in Nigeria.” The governor also alleged that there was a grand plot to release another set of Chibok

Girls as a means of shifting the attention of Nigerians from the various scandals rocking the government, adding that the claimed recovery of $85 million as part of funds allegedly looted from the Malabu oil deal and conclusion of negotiation with Switzerland on the return of $321 million recovered from the late Abacha family were diversionary.

EMEFIELE FORESEES SINGLE-DIGIT INFLATION BY JUNE 2018 inflation and other gauges, he expected the monetary policy committee would begin to look at interest rate cuts a bit more favourably and think about easing. “I would like to see low interest rates and I would like to see low inflation and I would be happy to see it as quickly as possible. When? I cannot categorically say.” Asked about the outlook for unifying the country’s multiple exchange rates, Emefiele said Nigeria needed to see more foreign investors coming and was analysing the situation on which further steps to take. In April, Nigeria introduced the Investors’ & Exporters’ FX Window, which allows investors and traders to swap Naira for dollars at market-determined rates. “We are beginning to get it right, and all I want to do is to continue to enforce what we are doing, and we will not want to take any action that ...will upset any gains that we have seen so far.” The World Bank forecast Nigeria’s economy to grow by one per cent in 2017 - 0.2 percentage points below its forecast in April. Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings has stressed that very high Nigerian Treasury Bill yields were helping banks to maintain their margins. Banks have been investing heavily in treasury bills since the second half of 2016, boosting interest income and maintaining margins. But the rating agency pointed out that the “boost to net interest income may be temporary, as treasury bill yields have reduced in recent weeks, falling to about 15.5 per cent from their mid-year levels of just over 18.5 per cent, and they may decline further.”

According to Fitch, high yields on treasury bills were part of the central bank’s attempts to control inflation and manage demand for foreign currency. “By providing a remunerative, relatively low-risk, Nairadenominated investment (interest payments are tax-free), they hope to encourage Naira retention and dampen demand for US dollars,” it added. CBN Injects $286m into Forex Market In a related development, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday injected $285,759,449.10 into the interbank foreign exchange market to meet requests in four sectors of the economy. Details obtained from the CBN indicated that the agricultural, airlines, petroleum and raw materials were the four sectors that received various sums of allocation forex allocation from the CBN based on requests put forward by their respective banks. Confirming the figures, the Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, CBN, Isaac Okorafor, said the intervention underlined the high levels of transparency of the Bank in foreign exchange management. According to him, the CBN would continue to play its role in easing the foreign exchange pressure on manufacturing and agricultural sectors through sales under the new flexible Foreign Exchange regime. The CBN has consistently injected funds into in the interbank foreign exchange market to ensure liquidity, thereby easing pressure on the local tender currency. Meanwhile, the naira closed at N360 to the dollar on the Bureau De Change segment yesterday.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY OCTOBER 28 2017

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COMMENTARY

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

Win or lose the 2019 presidential election, the north will win, writes Nnamdi Ebo

“

North by Northwest” is a 1959 American thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The epic movie is a tale of mistaken identity; an innocent man pursued across the US by agents of a mysterious organisation trying to prevent him from blocking their plan to smuggle out microfilm that contains government secrets. The power equation in Nigeria shifted in 2015 when a North by Northwest grand alliance pursued a 16-year “PDP dictatorship” from power using a mysterious political organisation called APC. The north is running for something in 2019 and no region is pursuing it. Some have surreptitiously declared their intention but not the parties. The north is running for something - again. One politician from the north has run many times before, much to the utter amusement of his former principal: Olusegun Obasanjo. Why Obasanjo finds it incessantly amusing whenever Atiku Abubukar is running for something is best known to Obasanjo but Atiku is running again, the fourth time. The north is not a monolith (as against the dwarfish west, whose monolithic political prowess has never been tested since the division of the colony of Southern Nigeria on October 1, 1954 into east and west). The north is a power bloc and the power behind the throne even when the east, west and south south held the reins of political leadership. As a political bloc, the north has produced nine leaders: prime minister, military and civilian heads of state and presidents in a totality of governance that spans more than 35 years, equivalent to approximately 62% stay in power, in Nigeria’s 57 years of independence. The PDP zoned the presidency to the north while the APC has an incumbent from the north, who may run again in 2019. Nigeria is set to have a president from the north in 2019, whether anybody likes it or not, and irrespective of Ayo Fayose’s political juvenility as presidential candidate of a party in denial. In 1957, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sadauna of Sokoto, the Premier of the North and de facto leader of Nigeria, said inter alia: “We the people of the North will continue our stated intention to conquer the South . . . after the British leave our shores.” This political hegemony began 12 days into Nigeria’s independence on October 12, 1960. The north has always been in power except when four majors struck in 1966; the assassination of Murtala Muhammed; and Ernest Shonekan’s 11 weeks hiatus, before the north took back their power. As a result of June 12 wahala, the north conceded power to the west and later made sure it is the last time they allowed a “shoeless” south south minority to venture into Aso Rock. According to an “urban legend” many Nigerians believed the country was going to disintegrate in 2015. Ominous dark clouds gathering as Nigeria descended to the brink towards 2015. The north became jittery, on edge and ready to unleash mayhem if their candidate failed to win. Many Nigerians were aghast when the APC contraption won through north by northwest power brokerage. Nigeria has had three attempts at disintegration in its chequered

THE NORTH IS A POWER BLOC AND THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE EVEN WHEN THE EAST, WEST AND SOUTH SOUTH HELD THE REINS OF POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

history. One, when the north’s delegates to the pre-independence Constitutional Conference in Lagos asked for secession after being irked by the west’s motion for independence through Anthony Enahoro. Two, the Nigeria-Biafra war. Three, Major Gideon Okar excised eight states from the Muslim north in a failed coup d’état. Since independence, the north has produced the majority of Nigeria’s leaders, leading to the political concept of “northern primacy”. The British deliberately bequeathed a North bigger than the South combined. The north developed a political theory of domination: east to control trade, west to control the civil service and north to control political power. Economic and social imbalance between north and south makes political power sharing a sensitive issue. The north has long feared domination by the more advanced south and there is the long standing view that only through political power can the north catch up. The banality of power in “democratic” Nigeria is its unoriginality which is an essential banality to the history of Nigeria. President Buhari’s health challenges sparked intrigue occasioning a north-south flare-up, awakening the politics of succession (which revolve around an assumed power-sharing arrangement between north and south) which led to increased irredentism and separatism from the east. Echoes of separatism in the west sounded doubly - from calls for Oduduwa Republic - to restructuring of Nigeria. The north has had intermittent demands for Arewa Republic, while some talk of the “north” as if it is “a country within a country”. The south south has shades of separatism embedded in demands for “resource control”. In essence, there is a fairly generalised feeling of alienation among the various constituents of the Nigerian federation. However, because there has never been a referendum, it is difficult to know whether the leaders of these various separatist groups reflect the wishes of the people of those areas or whether the agitations are masks for pursuing other agendas. The north dominates Nigerian politics (a metaphor for Hausa-Fulani domination, which is a myth), despite the north’s religious, ethnic, tribal and linguistic differences, but one lingua franca: Hausa. The crux remains that if the south is more intelligent and educated than the north, the south will nevertheless serve the north, if the south is not united, and the north is united, because unity is greater than both intelligence and education. Will the mysterious political organisation with the north by northwest expediency win in 2019? Will “Tinubusm” and “Buharism” still be married in 2019? Will the north concede power to its strange bedfellow from the west? Whither the east in these calculations? Will both candidates from the north in the APC and PDP lock horns? Win or lose the 2019 presidential election, the north will win! Will north by northwest alliance still be relevant in 2019? Friction between “North by Northwest” may just be simmering as 2019 looms in the horizon. www.nnamdiebo.com

ANTI-CORRUPTION WAR: A CAMPAIGN COMPROMISED? Abdulahi Osi expresses serious worries because of recent developments “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody” – President Muhammadu Buhari

t was May 29, 2015 when that speech was made by the then newly inaugurated President Muhammadu Buhari. That punchy line resonated across the country, from the vast landscape of the north to the forest region of the south. The long awaited nemesis of the chronically corrupt and unrepentant enemies of good governance has arrived. It shall no longer be business as usual. The optimism on the part of the citizens was infectious. From a backdrop of a beaten and battered economy, widespread insecurity and a massively looted treasury, President Buhari served to the citizenry a three-pronged dosage as antidote, namely- anti-corruption war, security and economic rejuvenation. It is common knowledge that the most potent weapon in the kitty of General Buhari was the famed iron cast integrity earned over the years in the course of his service to fatherland. To clean the Augean stable of 16 years of filth left behind by the former administrations of the retreating PDP, he had committed himself to taking on corruption in every area where it reared its ugly head and there was no doubt on the part of Nigerians and other watchers that this difficult battle was capable of being won given the antecedents of its exponent. The zeal and seeming determination with which the onslaught against graft commenced gave hope that, indeed, the nation was undergoing a rebirth; that a new Nigeria, free of malfeasance, was here. But recent developments have given Nigerians and, indeed, international observers cause for serious concern. Is this war on course? Is the battle arsenal being evenly deployed to all troubled spots? Are some toes getting too big and too sacred to be stepped upon? More and more frightful questions continue to run through the minds of many. And

rightly so, their doubts have not been unfounded. As this article is being written, the nation’s media landscape is saturated with, perhaps, the most scandalous and most embarrassing story that promises to deliver the biggest blow to the anti-corruption drive of this government. It is the story of the former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms Task Team, Mr Abdulrasheed Maina who the EFCC had declared wanted for monumental fraud, but was helped back to the country and reinstated to the public service with promotion. We will shed further light on this presently. Only recently, the federal government approved the appointment of a 14-member board to boost the arsenal of one of the duo of the country’s anti-corruption specialised agencies, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. On that list of anti-corruption warriors was someone least qualified for the position. In reaching a conclusion on such sensitive appointments, one must have thought that proper background security checks would have been carried out to ensure a high level of uprightness in character and reputation of those in whom we would be placing our collective aspirations in routing the disaster that corruption and all its vice have bedevilled us with. The ICPC board appointment misstep is just one of the series of unfolding events that are daily rubbishing the gains of the anti-corruption campaign and depleting the credibility this government initially enjoyed at the onset of the battle. Take the recent open altercation between the Minister of State, Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru. Pointedly, Kachikwu accused Baru, among others, of awarding contracts totalling $24 billion without due process and without recourse to the board of the corporation. The contracts

include: the crude term contracts valued at over $10billion, the Direct Sale Direct Purchase, (DSDP) contracts valued at $5 billion, the AKK Pipeline Contract valued at $3 billion, various financing allocation funding contracts with the Joint Venture oil Companies to the tune of $3 billion. Baru’s defence was that the said contracts went through due processes and were approved by the president, who also doubled as the substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources. What Baru however failed to explain is if it was statutorily tenable for the board which was supposed to formulate the work plan and the budget of the corporation not to be carried along in the award of contracts of such monumental proportion. After all sides have stated their cases and all dirty linen washed in the open, one major takeaway was that impunity and corruption are still firmly entrenched in the nation’s oil sector and that some sacred cows can still get away with any malfeasance even without the proverbial slap on the wrist. How does this help the war against graft? How does this help to build confidence and engender trust in the government’s much touted determination to fight corruption to a standstill? All these questions are being raised even while the grass cutting contract scandal which led to the suspension of the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF) Babachir Lawal and the riddle surrounding the discovery of millions of dollars at a location in Lagos are yet to be laid to rest. Several weeks after the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo-led panel set up by Mr. President submitted its report, the nation is still kept in suspense, in matters that ought to have been treated with utmost dispatch. Mr. Lawal, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, allegedly used a company, Rholavision Engineering Ltd, while his name was still on its directors’ list, to secure a N230 million contract to clear “invasive plant species” in Yobe

State. The Senate ad-hoc committee that investigated the contract scam found out that some tidy sum of N450 million was paid into the Ecobank account of Lawal’s Rholavision by five different companies which also benefited from the grass cutting contracts which was awarded by the now suspended SGF. In a related development, the EFCC last April, following a whistle blower’s tip off, found a pile of currencies in an apartment in Ikoyi. By the time the counting was concluded, the currencies included: $43.4 million, N23.2 million and £27, 800. A shocked nation was still wondering who could have turned a living apartment into a cash warehouse, when it was treated to further absurdities as the DirectorGeneral of the National Intelligence Agency, Mr Ayodele Oke, claimed that the huge pile of cash belonged to his agency. A government Agency? With such huge amount in cash? For what purpose? Under which appropriation? Following the decision of the president to set up a high-powered committee to look into these two unsettling developments and come up with all the facts, and subsequent submission of the report to the president since August 20, Nigerians had largely awaited a presidential pronouncement on them. The silence from the seat of power since then has remained very deafening. Does this not amount to a major setback for the war against graft? Does this not take a big chunk out of the credibility rating of this government regarding its avowed desire to stamp out corruption? Concerned citizens were still analysing the disturbing turn of events and taking stock of the reverses the anti-graft battle has recorded when the Maina bombshell dropped. Now, this is a major devastating and damaging blow on whatever may have been left of the anti-graft campaign. Osi wrote from Ajaokuta, Kogi State

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

INSIGHT

Who cares?

Amosun’s Legacies in Ogun State “There will come a day, when all the lies will collapse under their own weight, and truth will again triumph” Joseph Goebbels

ie in itself is a manifestation of complex, those in who’s nature it is to peddle them do it to cover up their innate disability, inferiority and crass disrespect for their audience. Humanity must be saddened and to say the least, the good people of Ogun State for the circus of politics destiny has thrust on them in the past weeks and months. They attempted to repackage their product to make it appeal to the people but, the discerning public will not have any of their concocted lies so, they resorted to blackmail and campaign of calumny. A lie will remain a lie no matter how long it is told and who is believing it. In the past weeks the social media was awash with some jaundiced story of how operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invaded the residence of a sitting governor. Those who planted the story knew that it is fake and to further help them put an end to their delusion, the EFCC has spoken, case closed: “Governor Amosun was neither under surveillance nor was any of his residence raided by operatives of the EFCC. Consequently, members of the public are enjoined to disregard the false report.” The above statement from the EFCC, clearly shows to the public how low, mischievous and desperate those who are currently angling to govern Ogun could go with their conglomerate of sponsored lies. Unfortunately, rather than accept the ignominy they are now faced with and tender unreserved apology to the good people of Ogun State, they have again gone to the market with new set of lies, claiming that the EFCC acted under pressure. It is equally important to state here that the Ogun State government does not need an EFCC rebuttal to put a lie to that allegation, the good people of Ogun State know the truth, they remain Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s pillar of support. In 2011, when he was first given the mandate to govern Ogun State, it was the triumph of truth over lies. That feat was repeated in 2015, an endorsement of Amosun’s sprawling legacies spread across the three senatorial districts of the state. You cannot deny the existence of the six-lane Ogun standard roads/flyovers, linking NNPC with Iyana-Mortuary at one end and the Brewery-LafenwaItoku-Sapon-Idiaba. Sagamu Benin Express-Oba Erinwo seven kilometres road wears the Amosun signature. Also completed

are flyover bridges at Lagos Garage and Mabolufon junction, both in Ijebu-Ode. The road from Illishan connecting Ago-Iwoye is over eighty per cent completed. Ota got a total facelift with six-lane road network crisscrossing the entire township, a departure from the once-upon-a-time failed Ilo-Awela/Ota roads. Also very critical to the Governor Amosun administration is the ongoing construction of the 32 kilometres Sango-IjokoOjodu-Abiodun six- lane Ogun standard road and flyover bridges. Despite its proximity to Lagos and the potential value addition of this all important settlement, no previous governments dared to embark on the road project, because of the very huge financial implications. Amosun has successfully changed the narrative with the provision of five bridges along that stretch, flying over densely populated and flood-prone areas. Imagine the value of linking Sango-Ota-Idiroko road with the Lagos-Ibadan express road at Berger and connecting an international road corridor at Idiroko. Truly, SIA, as he’s fondly called, has in six years outperformed previous governments in the state. He’s still breaking new grounds despite the paucity of funds. Eshomomoh Imoudu, Abeokuta

The Aisha Ahmad Sensation

couple of times with Nupe families. The all it a paradigm shift if you wish, whole thing about layering up is a belief but the buzz around the CBN in some sort of carte-blanche propensity to Deputy Governor-designate, Mrs. hide dirt and not come clean. This is where Aisha Ahmad, regarding her Mrs. Aisha Ahmad is different. May I also wardrobe is a sensation to say the least. add the uncomfortable truth that ladies It is sad that a lot of Nigerians still have who hide behind too much layers have a not come to realise that there is a strong urine-odour essence about them? This is correlation between outward appearance true because heavily-layered ladies always of the everyday working female and the state and condition of her home. Even with come out awkward after a bathroom visit; there are lots of them working over here the tough demands of work, Mrs. Ahmad at the Federal University of Technology, strives to create and maintain a sense of Minna. harmony about herself by the way she Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of dresses (hair arrangement, clothing style, lip gloss, nail polish, shoe kind, etc.) Thus, Physics, Federal University of Technology, it can be inferred that she maintains an Minna impeccable home that reflects this personal harmony. Mrs. Ahmad’s critics should be informed that it requires finer aptitude to maintain the good looks that Mrs. Ahmad t is with deep pain in our hearts and a sense projects; it is a fact amongst her Nupe of irredeemable loss that we bid farewell to our tribal group that ladies who hide beneath beloved sister, Mrs. Chioma Hope Endwell Akwu layers and layers of clothing and shawls Orlu (Nee Udutchay). are poor homemakers and terribly prone A time like this is a solemn moment when we to keeping shabby apartments. I know reflect on the true meaning of life. For all of us this fact because I had been co-tenants a who are related to Mrs. Chioma in one way or

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Goodbye, Chioma Orlu

the other, it has been very difficult to accept the frightening reality that she has finally left us. Chioma represented every good value the family could boast of. She carried the family reputation in a very outstanding and dignified way. She was an embodiment of condour, chastity, love and kindness. Her life was a rich testimony of remarkable quality and achievement. She was a good sister to all of us, just as we know that she was a good mother to her two lovely children and good wife to her husband. She was a devoted Christian who never joked with her Christian life. Good things, they say, never last for two long. Chioma was too good to have left us at such a prime of her life. But God knows why she would be called back at such a time like this. No doubt we shall miss her ever smiling presence, her friendliness and love. We also know that her colleagues in the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Port Harcourt would equally miss her. We take solace and comfort knowing that she had lived a good life. We just say, farewell to our good sister. God be with you till we meet again. Chief Henry Udutchay, ooukey@yahoo.com

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POLITICAL BONDING...

Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade (m) flanked (R) by his wife, Dr. Linda Ayade (L) President, Southern Governor's Wives Forum, Mrs. Nneoma, Rochas Okorocha, alongside wives of other Southern Governors, shortly after paying a courtesy call on Governor Ayade, during the Southern Governor's Wives Forum in Calabar. Yesterday

How we Killed 3 Policemen, Kidnapped Ehanire, Collected N61m Ransom Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The circumstance leading to the abduction of the Managing Director of Ogba Nature Park, Benin, Dr. Andy Ehanire; killing of three policemen in the process and collection of N61m as ransom emerged yesterday. This is as the 4th Brigade Nigerian Army yesterday confirmed that its19 Battalion had arrested three suspected kidnappers and 27 suspected cultists in Edo and Delta states One of the four suspects arrested in connection with the Ehanire

incident, disclosed this in Benin City, Edo State shortly after they were arrested in Sapele, Delta State and other communities in Edo. On September 24, Dr. Ehanire, younger brother to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, was kidnapped by some gunmen who also killed three mobile policemen. Narrating how Dr. Ehanire was abducted, one of the suspected kidnappers whose recording at the police station has gone viral said they earlier attempted to carry out the abduction twice but

were prevented by the presence of policemen. The suspect said it was at the third attempt they were forced to shoot the three policemen and took their target away through the water ways. He said they attempted to burn the vehicle they used but there was no matches to ignite a fire. He confessed that they (kidnappers) collected and initial ransom of N25m and another $100,000 before Dr. Ehanire was released. It was also gathered that during the process of arrest, the sum of

N800,000 was said to have been recovered from the wife of one of the suspects. Confirming the arrest, Edo Police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkomba, said efforts were on to arrest other fleeing suspects. On the arrest of other kidnappers and cultists, the Brigade said the arrests was made possible because of the use of swamp buggies it deployed to enable it destroy illegal bunkering camps within its area of operation. A statement issued by its spokesman, Captain Mohammed Maidawa

said the suspected kidnappers whose names were given as Emomotimi Thomas (30), Mebi Blas's a.k.a Producer and Smart Yebu were arrested at MT Palace Hotel, off Airport Road, Warri while holding a secret meeting. The statement said the suspected cultists including four females were nabbed at a hill top joint in Benin City where they gathered before carrying out their nefarious activities. Captain Maidawa stated that the use of swamp buggies led to the destruction of several metallic tanks, drums as well as the covering of

several dugout pits all containing illegal bunkering substances. Maidawa added that a total of 103 dug out pits used as storage facilities for illegally refined products were destroyed and covered in various illegal oil bunkering camps. He stated that two speed boats hidden by militants in the general area of Ajakurama in Ovia South Local Government Area of Edo State were uncovered while another militant's hideout in Ugbolukangan Community in Ovia South Local Government Area of Edo State was destroyed.

Notorious Kidnapper, Evans, Asks Pay State Civil Servants Directly to Court to Quash Charges against Him Stem Diversion, Diplomat Cousels Buhari Akinwale Akintunde According to the second charge, the state will call 12 witnesses - six civilians and six senior police officers - to testify against Evans and Aduba for the alleged attempted kidnap of Obianodo. The prosecution also listed nine exhibits that it intends to tender, including four rifles, two pistols and bullet proof vests, among others. Before his first charge could be read last Monday, Evans, through his counsel, Olukoya Ogungbeje, drew the court's attention to his two applications challenging the competence of the charge. At yesterday's proceedings, Ogungbeje argued that both charges should be quashed and dismissed on the grounds, among others, that they were repetitive and duplicitous. He also argued that the third and fourth counts on the first charge relating to firearms possession and

sale required the fiat of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation which, according to him, the prosecution did not have. "Only a court in Uganda, Idi Amin's Uganda, will entertain this kind of information (charge). This kind if charge can only be filed in a court in Uganda. We are in Nigeria. I urge this court to dismiss the charge against the defendant and allow him to go home", he added. Ogungbeje further argued that all 11 counts in both charges were "bad for duplicity, grossly defective, a gross abuse of court's process and do not disclose a prima facie case" against Evans. However, in its counter-affidavit, the Lagos State Government contended among others that there was no duplicity in the charges. Shitta-Bey explained that the second to fifth defendants in the new charge were not defendants

in charge number; ID/5970C/2017. She stated that apart from the confessional statements of Evans, arms and ammunitions were recovered from him and his alleged cohorts. As to why Evans could not be tried in one court for all the charges, she said: "It is not feasible to bring all the charges before one judge for reasons of logistics and it is going to make the case of the prosecution so complex and difficult to prove. "We have many victims and witnesses. The offences happened at different times, places and spanned over several years. The only common factor is the defendant." The DPP also countered Evans' claim that the prosecution had no fiat from the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute the case. Justice Taiwo, however, adjourned till November 10 for ruling on Evans' applications.

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Former Nigeria High Commissioner to Canada, has said the only way the Federal Government could stop governors from mismanaging the bailout funds being given was to devise legal way through which workers’ salaries are paid directly from Abuja. Bejide, a chieftain of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), in a chat with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, described as worrisome the situation where more than two-third of states could not meet their financial obligations to workers. The governorship aspirant, therefore urged President Muhammadu Buhari led administration not to sit back and allow workers to wallow in abject poverty, saying he should fashion out ways of paying workers directly from Abuja. The PDP chieftain said as a lawyer, he was not unaware that the state

was saddled with responsibility of paying the workers, something urgent must be done curb the ugly situation. According to him, many state executives preferred to embark on capital projects which had no direct bearing to the lives of the masses. "Almost two- third of the state are owing and the fund is meant to settle the backlog of Salaries. But, unfortunately, it is like most of the governors diverted the funds for various capital projects." "And which is why we still have the problems till now. Even in Ekiti State pensioners are yet to be paid as well as workers. Maybe, the Federal Government would ask for the details of outstanding salaries from states and paid directly into workers and pensioners accounts, instead given it to the governors." "Although, some people may want to argued that it is the duties of the governors to pay workers but now that they have failed, there is

need for the Federal Government to sit down and look at the issue properly, otherwise the shall continue to experience the problem in all the states." On his ambition, Bejjde disclosed that he remained the aspirant to best in the party, claiming that he is the most senior and experienced PDP aspirant in Ekiti today. "Well, as far as I am concerned, PDP is the party to beat in Ekiti in the sense that Ekiti once experienced the leadership of APC .It is very easy for an average Ekitiman to choose between APC and PDP. " "If you look at the governorship aspirants in APC today, many of them are from the PDP. They left because of the style of leadership of governor Fayose. And soon as they see somebody like me emerge as candidate of the PDP, I can assure you that they will all come back. Our party has noticeable presence all over the state”.

OCTOBER 28, 2͸͹Ϳ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Agony of Muna Garage IDPs and Boko Haram Killings in October

housands of IDPs in the sprawling Muna Garage camp on the outskirts of Maiduguri are traumatised daily. This year alone, they have been attacked 13 times by Boko Haram bombers, with scores killed. Yet, there is no succour in sight. They ran away from their homes in different parts of Borno State, only to be persistently slaughtered in this IDP camp. The latest attack on October 22 claimed 16 lives. This is according to official figures. Sources said dozens of people were actually killed. The terrifying tactic of the military is to obstinately keep casualty figures low. We must all demand for better protection for these hapless Nigerians at Muna Garage. The military must revise the security situation in this camp and employ modern surveillance strategies, to enable them identify potential attackers before they strike. This same security overhaul must take place in all the 27 IDP camps in Borno State. On the flip side, the raid on a military

We must all demand for better protection for these hapless Nigerians at Muna Garage. The military must revise the security situation in this camp and employ modern surveillance strategies, to enable them identify potential attackers before they strike base in Sasawa, Damaturu, Yobe State, on Tuesday by Boko Haram again exposes the deceit of the Buhari administration about

having decimated the terrorists. It is a shame that the leadership of the military has persistently failed our gallant soldiers. A forward-looking government would have overhauled this sluggish leadership. I find it difficult to comprehend why these terrorists must consistently take the fight to our soldiers. They have been obviously emboldened by the lethargic tactics of our ill-equipped and ill-motivated military. Boko Haram has repeatedly attacked several military formations. Haba! This must be stopped. In the Sasawa attack, eight of our gallant soldiers, including an officer, were killed. A civilian also died. Dozens of soldiers are still missing, while several others were injured. Eyewitnesses said the terrorists overran the military base with several gun trucks and took the soldiers unawares. A resident, Lawan Adamu, corroborated the Sasawa raid, which he said was a well-coordinated attack on the military base. Many will be shocked to know that this base had been attacked four

Celebrating Binge Borrowing in Nigeria The Buhari administration is looking good for the unenviable record of being the most notorious for binge borrowing in the 57 years’ history of this country. Within 29 months, it took foreign loans of almost $7 billion. Early this year, it celebrated the $150 million loan approved by the World Bank for our mining sector. The Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi announced it with fanfare after a meeting with Buhari. The government is also negotiating $1.25 billion in budget support from the World Bank. This is aside the $575 million already approved by the same bank for the rehabilitation of the North-east. There is the $1 billion loan approved by the African Development Bank. Of this amount, $600 million had been drawn. There is $1 billion Eurobond, with an additional $500 million expected from the Global Medium Term Note Programme. The China Exim bank is expected to provide $5.8 billion in the next few months, once all outstanding issues connected with securing the loan are addressed. There is the $300 million raised through a Diaspora Bond issued in June 2017. With the way things are going, the federal government may end up with close to $13.7 billion foreign loans by the end of this year. Perhaps, this would have been higher if the Senate had not truncated plans to borrow another $30 billion earlier this year. Just two weeks ago, the federal government forwarded another proposal for $5.5 billion loan to the Senate for approval. I can clearly remember the Chairman, Senate Committee on Debts, Shehu Sani, remarking that if Nigeria must borrow, it must borrow responsibly: “If we must bequeath to the future generation a pile of debt, it must be justified with commensurate infrastructural proof of the value of the debt. The payment plan of this debt will undoubtedly last the length of our lifetimes and possibly beyond. We must leave behind a legacy that will appease and answer the questions the next generation of Nigerians will ask.” Unfortunately, this has not been the case in Nigeria. This administration and indeed previous ones have imposed a heavy debt burden on the country without commensurate development

Adeosun

projects or programmes to justify the loans and to aid repayment. What hapless Nigerians have been gaining from these massive borrowings are poverty, hunger, disease, malnutrition, unemployment and decay in infrastructure. The burden of these loans on our star-crossed generation and indeed future generation is weighty. Just recently, the IMF estimated that Nigeria spends 66 per cent of its tax revenues on servicing debts. It also projected that Nigeria’s indebtedness would climb to 24.1 per cent of its GDP by 2018. The IMF said that Nigeria’s current indebtedness would have reached 23.3 per cent of the GDP by the end of 2017. A worried Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II recently urged the FG to slow down on its borrowings. The Emir remarked: “The federal government is spending 66 per cent of its revenues on interests on debts, which means only 34 per cent of revenues is available for capital and recurrent expenditures. That model cannot work. If you look at the 2017 budget, I sometimes wonder what Nigerian economists are doing? In the 2017 budget, the amount earmarked for debt servicing is in excess of the entire non-oil revenue of the federal government, but that is not the problem. The problem is that it is a budget that is even going for more

times by the insurgents this year alone. Spokesman for 3 Division, Nigerian Army base in Damaturu, Colonel Kayode Ogunsanya, confirmed the attack on the military base but was silent on the precise loss on the side of the military. As at press time, sources said the terrorists were still roaming freely in Sasawa. I sincerely hope that our gallant soldiers will respond appropriately to the challenge in Sasawa. The recorded killings by Boko Haram in this October are now 34. Just on October 19, seven soldiers were allegedly ambushed and killed by the terrorists on Maiduguri-Damboa highway. Legal adviser of the civilian JTF in Borno State, Barrister Jibrin Gunda, confirmed the killings. He said the soldiers were taken unawares. The Maiduguri-Damboa road was declared safe last year by the Army, yet no vehicle can drive through without military escort. Several people, especially women have been killed by the terrorists along this route in the last two years, without appropriate response by security agents.

The Lucky Chap Called Ibrahim Lamorde

debts. Borrowing has reached its limit and government should therefore look for ways to attract investments. Growth can only come from investments. It cannot come from consumption. It cannot come from government balance sheet. It cannot come from borrowing because you cannot borrow unsustainably.” The states are also into binge borrowing. Many of them have accumulated foreign and domestic loans far beyond their repayment abilities. This is why states like Osun, Kogi, Imo, Kwara, Oyo and Benue can no longer meet basic obligations to their citizens; civil servants inclusive. It is preposterous that Osun State is struggling with N147 billion domestic debts as at December last year. The poverty in Osun State is frightening despite taking huge loans. The way governments celebrate these loans often leaves me crestfallen. They create the impression that it would be a quick fix for all our problems. Unfortunately, it does not often turn out that way. Just imagine the completed $1 billion Eurobond sale being turned into an achievement. The oversubscription to the tune of $ 7.8 billion at an interest rate of 7.88% was celebrated as if we are getting free money. For those who don’t know, by the time this country exits this bond, we would have conservatively paid an additional $1 billion as interest. My message to the Senate this morning is that it should please turn down this latest loan request. Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, said it would take this country 30 years to repay this $5.5 billion loan proposal. For me, if we have a focused, intelligent, prudent and pragmatic federal government, our budgets can be safely financed with revenues from big federal agencies like NPA, NIMASA, FAAN, NBC, NCC and NNPC. These agencies are still squandering a large chunk of money that should be going into the federation account. Buhari must look inwards to save this generation and indeed future generation from excruciating loan burden.

Ibrahim Lamorde, the immediate-past Chairman of the EFCC is no doubt a very lucky chap. After his skewed tenure as boss of the anti-graft agency, he disappeared abroad under the guise of going for medicals, to frustrate attempts by the Senate to probe sleaze allegations against him. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest. Lamorde eventually came back to the country and was rewarded with double promotion by his godfathers. On November 25, 2016, he was further rewarded with an appointment as the CP in charge of the Police Special Fraud Unit in Lagos. Even the Senate Committee that was investigating him has been silent. I guess Lamorde is still technically out of the country. The committee investigated allegations of financial crimes and corruption brought against Lamorde by George Uboh, a human rights activist. Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Anyanwu admitted that the petition against Lamorde was weighty. Anyanwu reeled out Uboh’s allegations against Lamorde to include: That EFCC operates accounts in banks to warehouse recovered funds which do not reflect in EFCC’s audited account; that the EFCC doctors and manipulates bank accounts to conceal diversion of funds; that the EFCC releases recovered funds to unidentified persons and EFCC officials; that EFCC moves fund from its recovery accounts to EFCC operations account from where it diverts same; that over 95 per cent of EFCC recoveries in foreign currencies, other than those from multinational companies, had been diverted; that EFCC trades with recovered funds through bank deposits and placements; that EFCC colludes with real estate companies in order to grossly under value seized assets before they are sold to their cronies; that EFCC has not accounted for offshore recoveries and that over half of the assets seized from suspects were not reflected in EFCC exhibit records. These are indeed hefty allegations. I am surprised that nobody is talking about the case against him anymore.

He destroyed lives with marijuana. Will these people celebrating Fela allow their children near marijuana and prostitutes? They pretend to be unaware that Fela was the grandfather of marijuana, a psychotropic drug that goes straight into the brain and destroys it. They pretend to be unaware that Fela’s shrine was the venue for all sorts of atrocities. They pretend to be unaware that Fela destroyed hundreds of lives with marijuana. They pretend not to remember that he was killed by promiscuity. Hundreds of genuine role models around us are not celebrated by government. What a country!

Lamorde

Fela: A Carnival of Moral-Bankruptcy How many of those who spent most of last week celebrating the late Afro beat musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti would say “Amen” to their children ending up like this late artiste? I am sure that none of them would chorus this “Amen.” Yes, Fela gave us good music. For me, it should end here. The other side of Fela remains despicable. This was a man who spent virtually his entire life smoking and promoting marijuana. It would have been nice if he was just doing the smoking of this hard drug. Fela’s shrine was a big market for marijuana. So many young men and women who thought what he was doing was right, trooped there to buy marijuana. Many of them

ended up in mental hospitals. The truth that must be told is that Fela destroyed hundreds of innocent lives with marijuana. I grew up near his shrine and I know what I am talking about. A neighbour’s daughter, got hooked on marijuana in the shrine, dropped out of school, had mental challenges and eventually died of marijuana addiction. Fela’s shrine was also a big hidey-hole for prostitutes and their customers. How can we be celebrating a man that promoted marijuana and prostitution? Lagos State Government even erected a statue in Fela’s honour with public funds. Some people are even canvassing for a national honour for him. Fela was never a role model.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY OCTOBER 28, 2017

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND TEEN CONNECT FASHION FILE

pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 38 pg. 41

Society Gagging Girls, Women from Reporting Sexual Violence

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 28, 2017

PLUS

One in Four Nigerian Females Reported Experiencing Childhood Sexual Violence

Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru is a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist who tends towards Public Health from the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. She has been in private practice in Lagos for over 10 years and dedicated a lot of her time working with non-governmental organisations and related agencies focusing on gender-based violence, rape and traﬃcking of young girls and women in Lagos communities by oﬀering free medical support and counselling. She speaks with Azuka Ogujiuba about the reason for her foundation, the development and welfare of the girl child and women

an we have an overview of Women at risk International Foundation? The Women at Risk International Foundation; WARIF, is a non-profit organisation established by me in response to the high incidence of rape, sexual violence and human trafficking of children, young girls and women in various communities across the country. The foundation serves to address this concern through the implementation of target-oriented initiatives which are measurable, impactful and sustainable in addressing this problem. What is the most vulnerable age group? It has been noted that young girls under the age of 18 appear to be the most vulnerable group as the highest incidence of sexual assault and violence is associated with this age group. Do you have adults that seek care? We have a significant number of women over the age of 18 up to the elderly that are seen and treated at our sexual assault referral centre – The WARIF Centre in Yaba. These are women that are either married, in relationships or single, from varied social-economic and educational backgrounds as well as different religious affiliations. What are the experiences of some survivors? We have had survivors of different ages treated at the WARIF Centre – some are young children of varying ages, as young as two. The narrative often reveals the perpetrator as being a family member or a person of authority such as a teacher and the places these acts occur as usually places considered as safe havens by these children such as their homes or at school.

DaSilva-Ibru

How does your organisation help these survivors? The young children, girls and women in need of our services are seen at the WARIF Centre - the sexual assault referral centre run by the foundation in Yaba, Lagos. The Centre is open six days a week from 8.00am to 5.00pm including all public holidays; it is a warm, safe and friendly environment with qualified full-time medical personnel and counselors who address the

necessary forensic examinations, tests and medical treatment of all clients seen. Counseling for psychological trauma and social welfare needs of all young girls and women are also addressed. All services are offered free of charge. The Centre also offers a 24-hour confidential helpline where qualified, experienced counselors are available round the clock to address concerns and encourage callers to visit the WARIF Centre at no cost. Is the trend of this abuse reducing or increasing? The foundation implements a series of initiatives to address this problem and cases that are seen vary and are addressed accordingly. The number of cases seen at the WARIF Centre varies from month to month and currently the average is about five clients seen weekly. This number spikes considerably following our outreach programmes that are carried out in secondary school settings as children are educated on the issues of genderbased violence through the WARIF Educational School Programme; WESP. I cannot necessarily say there is an increase in our communities but I can say without a doubt that this is a major problem that has existed for a very long time. The available UNICEF 2014 data on violence against children in Nigeria confirmed that one in four females reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood with approximately 70 per cent reporting more than one incident. With more organisations such as WARIF working in this health space and facilities like the WARIF Centre being made available to offer free care and services to survivors of rape and sexual abuse there is currently a much needed spotlight that has been placed on the prevailing problem. Consequently, there is more dialogue about the issue of gender based violence. I would also add that an increased awareness and better reporting of these cases by the media has contributed to this and with the advent of social media, more and more survivors have more platforms to speak out from and this should be encouraged. Are law enforcement agents helping out? The Lagos State Government has set up a Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) made up of a select number of ministries and related regulatory organisations

OCTOBER 28, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS

Society Gagging Girls, Women from Reporting Sexual Violence such as Law Enforcement to address all aspects of sexual and domestic violence in the State. As a member of this regulatory body, WARIF works hand in hand with other qualified representatives to reduce the number of these cases in Lagos State. I believe this unprecedented level of collaboration created by the Lagos State Government among all professionals all working towards ending Sexual and Gender Based Violence is seeing positive results. The Police Force are also sensitising more police officers to tackle this problem and have available now in some police stations, Gender desks with trained sensitised officers available to address these cases. This must be encouraged and emulated in all police stations across the country. What is the best approach to breaking the silence on sexual violence in Nigeria? When survivors go through traumatic sexual encounters, the society we live in does not encourage or empower women to speak out about the atrocities that they have had to endure. They are made to feel ashamed and guilty. We need to change this existing status quo in Nigeria where sexual violence and rape is concerned and encourage this dialogue. Survivors need to be reassured that they are not alone and the crime committed against them is not their fault. They need the support of their families, communities, law enforcement and organisations like WARIF. Society labels survivors and ‘victim blame’ by questioning their choices, in their clothing for example, instead of addressing the crime for what it is. We need to send out this important message that the act of consensual physical relations can and should only be condoned with the full consent of the woman who is above the age of 18 and not under the threat of violence or if she is incapacitated or unconscious. This, I believe, will start to break the shroud of silence that surrounds sexual violence in Nigeria. What do you counsel parents and care givers to do on protecting

vulnerable children? WARIF works very closely with young secondary school children through the WARIF Educational School Programme. This is an initiative that was implemented in a select number of government schools in Lagos State targeted at 13 to 16-year-olds of both sexes and sought to establish the prevalence of sexual assault and rape as well as to change the behavior pattern of the children affected. With the program, affected children and parents are taught to address the issue of child sexual violence through recognition of the signs, speaking out and knowing where to seek assistance. Parents, care givers and teachers are encouraged

to listen and believe their children when they come to them with these concerns, to recognise these heinous acts as a crime and report it to law enforcement regardless of whether the perpetrator is a family member and to come to organisations like WARIF to seek treatment, counseling and assistance for the affected children. What legislations should be put in place to check sexual violence in Nigeria? The laws addressing rape as a crime already exist in the Criminal Code of 1990 in the southern part of Nigeria; as well as in the Penal Code in the North, stating the penalty for rape as

life imprisonment. This law pertaining to rape and sexual violence in Nigeria has recently been amended with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAAP) Act 2015 which expanded the law to include gang rape and rape of a man as well as the introduction of a sex offender registry for all perpetrators convicted. What we need to see is a more vigorous implementation leading to more convictions so as to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice. However, the issue of marital or spousal rape being recognised as a crime remains a grey area from a legal stand point and needs to be clearly articulated in our criminal justice system as a crime.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 28, 2017 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Maina

Maina : Buhari, Watch Your Back! You see, whether I like Mr. Buhari or not is not the point here. In fact, I still have an axe to grind with him. He made me suffer while in Command Secondary School for nothing. They said he was coming to visit the school, and they made us cut grass for two weeks on a daily basis in a bid to keep the school clean for his visit. Come and see blisters all over my palms and I hated this Buhari person. Why would I have to suffer like that because he was coming? What was he even coming to do sef? Didn’t he have enough work on his table? As I cut the grass in tears, I swore for him and promised to deal with him whenever I had the opportunity. And then Buhari came looking very handsome and smart in his starched uniform. I looked at this lanky and very handsome gap-toothed officer, and a funny way of speaking English, I forgave him for all the trouble he had caused me. Well, till today, he has not told me sorry for all that grass I cut, hence, my small grudge. But I will not say because I hold him responsible for my teenage suffering, I should sit down and not say anything especially when I see bad things coming towards him. If for nothing else, the fact that he did not wait to eat that day thereby giving us enough to eat at dinner is enough reason to have his back. When this Maina thing broke, I decided to look deeper than most. So I did what I normally do to clear my head, I went straight to my toilet seat and sat down there to think well and hard. At the end of my deep reflection aided by seamless bowel movement, I had a eureka moment. It never fails me, you guys should auction this my toilet bowl when I pass away because the kind of ideas that come from it are just crazy. This was where I wrote that my Majek Fashek story which led to his rehabilitation; this was where I wrote my letter of resignation from Aquila Asset and this was also where I wrote my powerful letter of apology to my wife when she caught me…….. Well back to Buhari, Maina and the rest. You see I want to believe that all this incompetence and blatant attempt to slap 180m people by a tiny cabal - that is what they have called them, cannot just be the drunken dance of a tiny group of incompetent people. I want to believe that there is more to it, just maybe there is a fifth columnist at work here to discredit Mr. Buhari, rubbish his legacy thereby reducing his second term chances if he even dares try. Otherwise, how can you explain this Maina issue and the kind of people with big positions and sensitive roles in our system working to bring back this thief? Documents have been flying, counter accusations and denials have been going all over the place but this still does not remove the fact that somebody at a very high level of government could even think about this scheme in a government whose legitimacy is hinged on an outright war against corruption and thievery will now recall someone who has been alleged to have stolen with so much brazen boldness and now give him a position in a ministry as sensitive as the one we have heard. Aghhhhhh Buhari, Buhari, Buhari how many times have I called you o. Shine your eyes o, my bobo, something is not right o? Listen to your darling Aisha. These things are not normal o. She has been screaming about these things and I don’t think you are taking her seriously o. I am in a panic on your behalf as my late father would say, ‘how many times will something do you before you stand up’. From DSS versus Magu at the Senate, to

Buhari

Jonathan

Command School Alumni Chike Ogeah: Asaba man in Hollywood Well, I have been looking for an opportunity to yab this tall, slim and handsome paddy for some time now. The occasion of his 56th birthday party which held during the week has given me the perfect platform. You see, my first contact with this perfect gentleman was with a picture of him and his bosom friend, the iconic actor, Richard Mofe Damijo taken on the red carpet at the Grammies one of those years. My very good friend Ibukun sent me the picture from America as proof that indeed she could take people to the Grammies. As I stared at the picture, surprisingly it was Chike that caught my attention and not RMD. He was trying so hard to look and feel like a Hollywood star. He was decked out in a perfect suit, with dark sunglasses and shiny patented black shoes. But what caught my attention was the pose. His wife, the very delectable Funke Ogeah would have called him that morning just before he left his hotel room, to ‘remember the son of who you are’. She must have continued by saying to her husband of many years, ‘remember you carry the hopes and aspirations of all Asaba men on that red carpet and that you are my knight in shining armour, so make me proud’. You can now imagine Chike’s state of mind as he woke up that morning. As he jumped into the shower, the first song that came to his mind was to sing Oliver de Coque’s’ Funny funny identity’, but as he made to word the lyrics he suddenly remembered that he was in Los Angeles and not downtown Asaba. He did not want to be kicked out of the Hotel, so he started singing the only song that could come into his head, James Brown’s ‘I’m black and proud’. The walk on the red carpet was

something else for chike. As he swaggered along, he quickly put one hand in his pocket and the other permanently on the dark goggles. He must show these Americans how they do this thing. The walk that captured his darling F unke in Ibadan must be replicated on the world stage. It was a slow walk with a lot of attitude, shoulders bent to the right and a slight bounce each time the left leg was moving forward. It was Pastor Ighodalo that taught him the walk and he would be forever grateful to the amiable Pastor or how he for do for Grammy without the walk. Finally by the time it was time to enter the hall, MC Chike don tire from all the swag and posing that he promptly slept off missing most parts of the show. Anyway, the most important thing be say at least he go and he walk the red carpet. That singular honour gave him the only chieftaincy title he has today bestowed on him by the grateful people of Asaba. Chike is today my oga and I have nothing but gratitude to him for accepting to mentor me at a particularly difficult time in my life. He has been much more than a mentor but an elder brother to Lami and me as we struggle to keep our heads above water in these turbulent times. As he celebrates his 56th birthday, I want to wish him all that he wishes himself and his lovely family. I pray for eternal bliss and a wonderful and fulfilling life. Sir, have you however considered the possibility of making me your son-in-law at all….. Kai, I can actually see bros throwing that shoe at me. Happy birthday sir and greetings to madam – I still savour the taste of that rice and stew last time we came to the house. Can I come next week Tuesday for more to break my fast?

grass cutter, from Oke to Ibe and Baru and now Dambazau and the Head of Service in this Maina macabre dance, something is just not right. Why I pity you is simply because everybody knows you are forthright, disciplined and totally incorruptible and as such do not deserve all this childish chicanery around you. We need to pray o. We need to do something to remove the invisible cloth blinding you from seeing your closest confidants in their true colours. Some people are trying to rubbish you sir. Well, from Shomolu here the only thing I can do is to say some MFM prayers for you. Oya, wherever you are now kneel

down, let me say a small prayer for you. Ooooooooo!!!!!! Oga come out of the other room na, this is not time for bend, bend sleep, we have a national emergency on our hands. Oya hold Aisha’s hands and say after me with the loudest voice you can muster. Wait let’s call in Osinbajo, he is honest and OK. Oya repeat: all those within my government who want to disgrace me and make me a laughing stock like Donald Trump, fall down and dieeeeeeeeeeee!!! oya shoutttttttt it. Jump up and down and as you are screaming . Die!!!, die!!!!!!! Die!!!!!!!. Be shaking your head as you are jumping. They will all die,

Metuh

don’t worry sir. I will continue the prayer for you. Can I send my BVN number? Jonathan in Court? You see what I used to tell my editor that I should be submitting my stories on Thursdays, but he will never agree. You see, I hear that it’s looking like Jonathan may appear in court on this Olisa Metuh matter and I cannot wait to see what he will wear to the session if he would appear at all. As I have to meet the deadline for submission, I have to write without seeing GEJ today. My dear Jonathan, if it is true that you are appearing in court today, please do not forget to say your prayers before you leave your house. Read Psalm 23 and try not to drink anything else but coffee so you have a clear head. As you walk into the court do not stop to take any pictures as this is not time for any selfies and try not to shake hands with Olisa because as a loyal aide he no for involve you for him matter. Well, remember that in court the judge is king o, so you must not forget to start every sentence with ‘’My lord’’ and end same with the same phrase o, cos if you forget I no get power to bring food come meet you wherever they will put you for contempt. Remember we are not sure if there is still immunity for former presidents. Well, I don’t believe you will show if that small Kanu can disappear why not you? After all, we have speeches to deliver internationally and Kenyan elections to monitor. Anyway you will be OK, just don’t forget to put on your bowler hat and carry an extra one for Olisa, shey you see he is getting bald. My prayers are with you; have fun. Loudwhispers - The Book and Abubakar Shiedu Every year, I compile these articles into book form and sell to pay school fees. You see my people the amount we are paying as school fees can now be compared to the budget of some local government councils o. These schools will just be throwing the fees, not taking into consideration the fact that incomes are not jumping at the same pace. As no one will give me grass-cutting contract and I no fit steal so I do the next-best thing which is to use my Shomolu sense to raise money. So this year while I was compiling the articles, it’s usually a chore because I would have to drop some and it’s usually arduous to decide which ones to choose, I got a text from my new friend Abubakar Sheidu. Now Abubakar is a great guy and brilliant lawyer. Only just met him this year and since then we have been kinda like good friends. He had in his text informed me of how he enjoyed the Fela article that I did last week. The one the Fela people abused my grandfather over while also wishing that I came down with Ebola. He ended the text by telling me just how much he enjoys the column. I thanked him and informed him of the coming book and he immediately booked for the first six copies and actually sent his money. Now, you see why Abubakar should replace Bello as the Governor of his Kogi State. So let me announce to the world that a compilation of all these articles would be coming out in a new book to be titled, “ …just because”. Yes that is the title and please don’t ask me why that kind of title, na my papa give me for dream. So you can begin to book your copies now and like Abubakar, can also pay o. Harry Ebohon , Chike, Lami and Gabriel Ogbechie please take note especially the paying part. Ciao

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

SPY GLASS

with .... 08054680651

Right Of Reply

Adama Indimi’s Achilles’ Heel Jide Babalola

As daughter of billionaire businessman, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Indimi, many in Maiduguri, Abuja and other parts of the country expect her to go with the easy flow but she asserts that is not her way. Not eager to merely roll with the easy tide, independent-minded Adama Indimi, a graduate of American University of Nigeria with a Master’s degree from Lynn University, Florida prefers the twin focus of entrepreneurship and humanitarian activities, hence a prompt return to Nigeria after graduation. While she has not yet given serious consideration to marriage, fabricated ADAMA INDIMI stories of engagement to a non-existent son of a Niger State politician are among Her own cosmetics line, ‘Reign by the odd stuff she has taken in her stride Adama’ is quickly becoming known and without being perturbed. she is becoming a social media influwith him at that time. But the flipside of his unwritten memoirs is that his muse as a businessman seems to have left him.

SIFAX BOSS, TAIWO AFOLABI’S LOVE SONG

TONY ONOH

TONY ONOH’S FLIP SIDE

Tony Onoh, CEO, Eurafric Oil and Coastal Services, thrived under the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan. But today, no one envies him or wishes to be in his shoes for obvious reasons. If you are in doubt, one of his companies, Sapele Power Plant, which he purchased a few years back, has been shut down. A source also revealed that things have never been the same for him since his godfather, Jonathan, left office, hence his low profile; an indication he might be broke. A source revealed to Spy Glass that since February, 2016 when his company signed a 300- MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Cummings Cogeneration Limited, things have never been the same. Onoh set up Eurafric Oil and Coastal Service in the 1990s. A couple of years after, the owner of Sapele Power Plc in Ogorode, Delta State, struck a deal to provide over 10 million litres of diesel to Chad. Then, the only way to get the fuel delivered was to send it by truck through Nigeria’s northern borders. He was therefore advised to bring in the fuel by sea, store it in the Apapa depot owned by the old African Petroleum Plc in Lagos and engage a third-party logistic firm to handle haulage of the product by road. This arrangement worked so well for him that he not only became a multi millionaire, but he also empowered most of the other firms and commercial partners working

DEJI ADELEKE

Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, is known for his business acumen. Though he is always as busy as a bee, he gives priority to his family. In particular, he likes to celebrate his wife whenever the need arises. Last Sunday, affable Afolabi celebrated his beautiful wife when she turned 50 to the admiration of all. The event, which held at their palatial Osborne, Ikoyi, Lagos residence, was attended by captains of industry, politicians and socialites. For the celebrant, the day would go down as most unforgettable, especially as her husband cooed nice, loving words into her ears and also serenaded the guests with the tale of his long-standing relationship with her. She looked so regal, as she moved from one seat to another to express her gratitude to those who honoured her invitation and shared in her joy on the occasion.

DEJI ADELEKE’S SONG OF LAMENTATION

Without a doubt, these are not the best of times for Chief Deji Adeleke, a billionaire businessman and founder of the Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, who has been troubled by some happenings around him lately. A few months ago, the Chairman of Pacific Group lost his brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, to the cold hands of death. Though his other brother, Demola, has been elected to occupy the seat left vacant by the deceased in the National Assembly, the wound in his heart has reportedly not healed. While he continues to nurse the wound, his son, David, aka Davido, recently ran a knife through the wound by his alleged act of indiscipline. The billionaire is said to be gravely worried that his son, seems to have done violence to the agreement he reached

FOLASADE SIFAX

encer in her field but wealth and beauty are not part of what the Indimis put in their children’s heads. In Maiduguri, Kaduna and Abuja, the Indimis are treated like royalty. But Adama prefers to live in the manner of her billionaire dad’s quiet philanthropy. About two weeks ago, the familyowned Indimi Foundation flagged off construction of a N600m solar-powered village consisting of 100 units of 3-room houses for persons displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno state. On her own, she passionately emulates her father’s footsteps in opening her heart to the less privileged. Convinced that many underprivileged young girls, especially those among the internallydisplaced persons in the North East are like diamonds in the rough waiting for an opportunity to shine; Adama has with him, when he set out to embark on his music career. It was learnt that Davido had received the blessing of his father after he assured him that he would shun the company of bad friends, alcohol, drugs, women and all other vices that could possibly ruin his life and career. But his fears for Davido’s life have heightened, following the recent controversy generated by the death of his friends Tagbo, who died after alleged excessive intake of alcohol, and DJ Olu - and subsequent invitation by the police in a case of alleged manslaughter.

MARY AKPOBOME’S TROUBLE

been setting up skills acquisition centers where workshops are held to impart valuable skills that would empower young women to earn a living and provide for their family. “Never stop developing yourself, build your confidence, live consciously and stay true to yourself. Help your fellow sister and know that success is for everyone. Everybody has something to contribute to the world, find out what your talent is and go for it,” she tells a group of young girls she is mentoring. These days, she initiates and supports efforts that encourage young girls and women follow their passion, learn valuable life skills and feel confident about the pursuit of personal success. It is a tough task doing that, especially in northern Nigeria but Adama Indimi is resolutely committed.

MARY AKPOBOME

LARA BANJOKO’S LOW PROFILE

If Mary Akpobome, wife of ace comedian and actor, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, alias Ali Baba, were to come back to this world, she would most probably choose banking as a career. The reason may be that banking has done so much for her since she ventured into it. Very pretty, brainy and confident, she is believed to hold the magic wand that can turn the fortunes of any moribund bank around. It is, therefore, not surprising that she has risen to an enviable height in the industry. However, reports reaching Spy Glass about Akpobome are not too pleasant, since her employer, Heritage Bank, placed her on an indefinite suspension to recover the loans she signed off. It was gathered that the big girl has been running from pillar to post to get back her position. Until her suspension, the 49-year-old, who started her career in 1991, was overseeing the service and management group of the bank. Prior to her joining the bank, Akpobome, who holds an MBA from the University of Lagos, Akoka, had worked in Citizens International Bank (now Enterprise Bank Limited, Nigeria) and Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank).

LARA BANJOKO

Over the years, Lara Banjoko has successfully built a good reputation in the nation’s oil and gas business. Also, for a long time, the former Chief Operating Officer of Oando Plc bestrode the Nigerian social scene like a colossus, making many to believe that her name would resonate in the social circle forever. But her rating in the social circle dropped so embarrassingly, following her disagreement with Jide Omokore, Chairman of Spog. Consequently, she kept a low profile. However, she struggled to stage a comeback with the launch of her own company, Zone 4 Energy. But, just when her fans were rejoicing over her comeback, Spy Glass learnt that the lady might have fallen into yet another troubledwaters that might take a long time to swim through. It was gathered that her firm, Zone 4 Energy LTD, is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly receiving the sum of N5bn from a former Minister of Petroleum Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, which is said to be proceeds of crime. The success-driven woman is said to be making frantic efforts to clear her name from the mess. However, this development has reportedly forced her to withdraw from the social circle.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 28, 2017

SUPER SATURDAY

How I Survived Being Shot Six Times with My Intestines Coming Out CHARLES ‘IGWE 2PAC’ OKOCHA My Skits Are For My Fans I Have Never Lived In America Hate or love him, Charles Okocha is, presumably, the stuﬀ of Hollywood. From playing the role of an American returnee, ‘Igwe’, to other chequered roles, Okocha has – through his internet skits – built into his fame a larger-than-life character in Nollywood, Ferdinand Ekechukwu writes

Okocha

first-hand experience of the Delta State-born act tells much about his acceptance in the entertainment industry; and a testimony of a kind to what not a few would agree about his persona. Here it is: Charles Okocha had turned up for a meeting and had parked on Commercial Avenue at Sabo Yaba Lagos, just opposite Ozone Cinema. Moments after he made his way back to where he had parked, his appearance had caused a spectacle as cars snarled-up as people excitedly stepped out of their automobiles to take a photograph with him or get his autograph while chanting his nicknames. With a handful of passersby parodying his trending skit, ‘Haters Shove It Up Your Ass’. Remarkably, the skit has gone viral with media, corporate and A list personalities on it goofing around. In a way, it appears the Yankeeguised Nollywood star has long started a movement without even knowing. Explaining how his wavemaking skit got on, he said, “That movement I don’t even know. Even how I started, I don’t know.” But knowingly and for whatever reason, following comments on the blogosphere are mixed followers who, as a result of his acts, hate or like the comic materials he posts online. That, he acknowledged as “most definitely”, saying, “Even while you are not successful you have haters. When you are successful you still have haters. So is it good for you not to be successful and you still have haters or for you to be successful and still have haters? Its good for you to be successful and have haters. Because when you are successful and you have haters, trust me the love will always overcome the hate.” Okocha says he’s just a simple guy that knows where he is going to with the crazy skits and things he posts online for his fans. Apart from the false impression raised by his image, his acts have given him a different colouration. “Some go about saying perhaps I’m into this or that or perhaps I smoke. But trust me, I don’t even know how to smoke cigarettes. I have not even tried it one bit in my life. I could just make things up in movies. I have never really done it. I don’t do it. I’m just naturally hyper. It’s just my kind of person.

“Even at home, I’m hyper like that and that’s why if I leave home or I travel out of the country or travel for a movie, my family will miss me a lot. I’m this kind of person. I’m hilarious. There’s no dull moment with me when you are around me,” he explains. The ‘Akunatakasi’ star would argue that he does not owe his popularity to the Internet; that he has always been popular even before the online buzz, which his roles in movies fetched him. Okocha, however, admits that the social media is one of the best things that have ever happened to his career. “My roles have given me that popularity but trust me, the social media made it extraordinary. Do you know why? If you’re not watching me in movies you are with your phone watching me on Instagram. “The fans I have are in the Diaspora. I don’t just have fans like you do movie and your movie don’t cut across like you’re doing movie and people just know you only in Nigeria. On my Instagram page, you see people following me from many cities beyond this shore,” he added. With a seemingly diverse personality, Okocha is one of the most active Nollywood actors and so to say, appears the most popular on the Internet. Inspired by the likes of Pididdy, Jay-Z, and the rest, Okocha is like a scion of western hip-hop who draws from the pop culture. His style of showmanship, original and characteristically reflective of his persona is a signpost of his childhood. “It’s just the orientation,” Okocha said this of his background. “I used to watch these American movies and music of the likes of Pididdy and Jay-Z. That thing got into me and took a better part of me. So the music part has always been there.” Quite unlike popular thoughts about him, Okocha was raised in the streets of Ajegunle; from there to Oworonshoki and then to Surulere. From Surulere, he moved to Ikotun and on to Okota, his present neighbourhood. He has never lived in America. Okocha studied Business Administration but his passion dragged into another field. “You know passion, like they say no matter the school or anything if you got passion for something, it’s just

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OBER 28, 2017

SUPERSATURDAY HOW I SURVIVED BEING SHOT SIX TIMES WITH MY INTESTINES COMING OUT

Okocha on set with crew members

where your heart lies. So movie took the better part of me. From movie to music even while I was young, I used to mime rap music. I’m hip-hop inclined. “That’s why sometimes when you see me, even a lot of people think I stayed in America or perhaps I was brought up there or born there. Everything about me is Nigerian. I started going to America in 2014. Even in America people get interested in my character when they see me they say, ‘Where’re you from?’ Thinking I’m from America; Los Angeles or Houston,” he said. His breakthrough role came sometime in 2002. He was merely walking around Aguda, Surulere in Lagos when he caught the attention of a seasoned Nollywood movie producer, Teco Benson. “So when Teco saw me and asked, ‘Have you acted before?’ I told him no. He said ‘Okay, see me in my office; there’s something I have for you.’ I was so elated it was like my best day, best moment in life. I went to his office and that was how he gave me a role and I acted alongside Justice Esiri in the movie, ‘Wasted Years’. After that one scene, I nailed it. And there on, Teco started giving me more roles. From there, the big ones started coming,” Okocha narrated. One of such subsequent offers and a career launch pad came through a role he played in the movie by the same character, ‘Igwe 2Pac’. The movie was shot in 2011. He was called for the movie, though according to him the script wasn’t well written. But the director believing in his craft asked that he improvised.

My roles have given me that popularity but trust me, the social media made it extraordinary. Do you know why? If you’re not watching me in movies you are with your phone watching me on Instagram. The fans I have are in the Diaspora. I don’t just have fans like you do movie and your movie don’t cut across like you’re doing movie and people just know you only in Nigeria. On my Instagram page, you see people following me from many cities beyond this shore

“Then the director just told me ‘Charles Okocha, I know you can, just do your thing.’ Of course, I did my thing and I interpreted the role very well. And that was how that name ‘Igwe 2Pac’ got stuck to me,” he recalled. Since then he has remained the man producers and directors go to first when in need of one of an American returnee character. Although perceived as loose cannon, Okocha is often seen as attractive to scandals. The tale of how he got hit by bullets in 2015 where he had gone for an event in Asaba has been told overtime. Following that unfortunate incident, he stayed off movie shoots for quite some time after which he miraculously survived and returned to acting. “For me to have survived six bullets pumped into my system and somebody close to me got hit by just a bullet and he died, it goes to show that God have a good purpose for me in the future. My intestine popped out at some point – I just know there is a reason for that.” How does he handle the attention female fans give him? “They have been coming,” he said. “They come now more since ‘Amoshine’ (his single). Girls are just coming to me; they don’t need the money. They just want to feel like, ‘hey I’m with this guy.’ At the end of the day they just want that moment of a Snapchat, Instagram, do this with you and they are cool and before you know it, the whole world sees it. But you as an artiste it now depends on you.”

I Don’t Smoke, I Don’t Do Drugs

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 28, 2017

POLSCOPE Maina’s Mess: The work of the Cabal with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

was held in stitches, when last Sunday, an aide to Mr President, a Special Assistant on Prosecution, Mr Okoi Obono-Obla, mounted a strong a defence on Channels Television programme, Politics Today, on the controversial re-instatement of the former chairman of presidential task team on pension reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina. Obono-Obla maintained that Maina has not been found guilty of any offence and so the hue and cry over his reinstatement was misplaced. Although I could not understand the illogic of his argument, I was not totally surprised since this government has gradually come to define its acts in embarrassing oddities. A man was accused of robbing the till blind after betraying the trust government had on him in working to alleviate the plight of pensioners, and a government agency like the EFCC declared him wanted. The man fled the country, escaping justice, and three years after, he returns quietly and gets reinstated and promoted in a manner that is far less than straight and normal. And Obono-Obla does not see anything wrong with all that, and goes ahead to ask a jaded question of whether any “court of competent jurisdiction has found Maina guilty”. I was not sure whether Obono-Obla was in mere blind defence of whatever the presidency does or whether indeed, he is part of the notorious cabal that has held this government, and indeed, this country down for these past two and half years. If Maina was not guilty, why did he run at the time? Why did he not show up at EFCC to tell his own story and defend himself? Obono-Obla’s argument of last Sunday on a national tube are many of such silly and vexatious acts of this government that collectively vitiate its public rating and confidence. Thankfully, President Mohammadu Buhari tried to do damage control by wresting the image of the government from the bin when he ordered the immediate sack of Maina from the civil service and demanded an immediate report on the circumstances leading to the recall. The Head of the Civil Service of the federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita submitted the report on Monday evening. Although the details of the report are not yet made public, but insider sources have indicated that the Attorney General of the federation, Abubakar Malami, and the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau are behind the “backyard” reinstatement and promotion of Maina. He fled as assistant Director and got back as full Director, not even Deputy Director, perhaps with full and backdated benefits. What a country! Malami was said to have initiated the move, gave the order after consulting Dambazau (both members of the notorious cabal) and Oyo-Ita had to play ball by obeying, believing that the “sleeping” Buhari will never wake up to know what is happening as is often the case. It is the weakness of Buhari that has lionized the so-called cabal as nature does not allow vacuum, but they were wrong. Buhari woke smarter and earlier than they imagined, essentially because it was such a smelly breach that stands everything about this government on its head. Sacking Maina is just the introduction to the matter, The real issue will be having the courage to get down to the bottom of the mess. Malami who has been bungling a lot of processes either due to complicity or incompetence (remember the botched trial of the senate president, the suspension and nonprosecution of suspended judges for over seven months) has not said anything in the entire saga. Can his silence be taken as consent? So what will Buhari do to Maina, Dambazau, Oyo-Ita for this affront to our collective integrity? Will the matter go under like Babachir Lawal and Ayo Oke’s cases? Will it go under like

Abdulrasheed Maina the accusation against Buratai and his Dubai estates? Will it go under like the Abba Kyari and his MTN greasy story? Will it go under like Dambazau and his implicated involvement in the arms deal under former President Jonathan? Will it go under like the NNPC/Baru contract saga? We have not forgotten that the same Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to the president is also a member of the NNPC board that claimed a sick and absent Buhari signed the contract awards. On this matter, will heads roll? If there is no official cover up, many will be reined in because the web of complicity looks large. For instance, how come Immigration is claiming that it did not know that Maina was declared wanted three years ago? Were they not in this country? Is it not an indictment that the head of that organization is not in tune with what’s going on in the country? How can such an important agency of government claim ignorance? Then it mean he/she is not deserving of his/her office. It is clearly either a case of sabotage or ineptitude. None of which should be tolerated by a government that defined its identity with the change mantra. Have we forgotten how swiftly Buhari sacked David Paradang the former Immigration boss just because of the aftermath of the recruitment scandal that preceded his (Buhari’s) election? Have we not seen the annoying laxity with which the president has treated some persons simply because they are from certain sections of the country? There is a trending story of how a certain Ifeanyi Ezenwa a serial criminal in Kuje prison, Abuja, lives large like a monarch, right in the prison; having his own special wellfurnished apartment and enjoys the privilege of going around town whenever he wants, with armed guards (who carry his phones and purse), to boot. He continues to run the cartel of his crime network unchecked right from the

prison with unfettered access to his apparatus of fraud like telephones, laptops, iPad, and other such gadgets. He parades himself with regal carriage and gait in the prison. He probably has duped more people in jail more than when he was a free man. Sometimes, the Deputy Controller, Mr Akilu Abdullahi, even grants Ezenwa the use of his official Hilux jeep to go to town for shopping. The same man is said to periodically slaughter cows in the prison and shares same among the warders and the henchmen of the prison. But ever since the story has been running, nothing has happened to the Deputy Controller, essentially because he is from a section of the country protected by toxic presidential Teflon. Perhaps the Maina saga will be the final test that will confirm the capacity of the Buhari administration to deal with in-house evil, or forever seal his fate with discerning members of the public. This has become even more imperative given the recent revelations by both Maina himself and members of his family who have claimed that Maina was invited back from Dubai where he had been hibernating, by the Buhari administration. The family had further alleged that Maina had been working with DSS prior to his deployment to the Interior ministry. The allegations and claims stink. But the presidency has denied them. However, my hunch tells me it is true. What is not clear is whether Buhari himself is aware. His cabal members do a lot of atrocious things without clearing from Buhari whose grip of governance is loose and this pops the question of whether he is indeed in charge or not. The cabal has done the Buhari brand more harm than good. The cabal has defaced and disabled the government. But the saddest part is the fact that Buhari does not seem to have the courage to deal with the identified insider saboteurs of his government, almost suggesting as if he is under the spell of this group to the detriment of the rest of Nigeria. But there cannot be two set of laws in this country. One for the talakwas and the others for the politically blueblooded. Maina, had in an audio conversation with an Abujabased radio house, which has gone viral, refuted the fraud allegation against him stressing that he had saved Nigeria billions of naira and deserves to be praised. He claims that the effort of his committee which worked without any budget, stopped the unbridled pillaging that had gone on unchecked especially in the police service commission where the cost of pension was inflated by over a Billion naira which the powers that be in the commission have been sharing among themselves. He said the “conspiracy” against him by the powers that be is because he had stopped the deal that had been going on. He says he should be treated like a messiah, a reformer and not as a rapacious thief. But let’s for a moment believe that Maina is telling the truth. So how does he explain the array of prized properties credited to him? How can a regular civil servant be able to afford a $2million house in Abuja? Just how? How can a civil servant have the many houses he owns both in Abuja and Kaduna or the ambience of wealth and opulence around him? Is that not suggestive of something? And pray, why did he have to run to Dubai all these years? Why did he not stay back to defend himself against his accusers? Does his running not compromise his story? The claim that he fled because he was being marked for elimination, as his car was shot thrice in the presidential Villa (where the car is still parked) smells like an after-thought. No matter how it is packaged and presented, Maina is a bad case. And I am not surprised that he is already warming up to contest the governorship election in Borno. Such are the characters in our political space. Sad!

Gov Bello Deserves Our Prayers

resident Mohammadu Buhari asked a quaint question recently when he asked the governors how they sleep and feel cool knowing that they are owing civil servants? Gov Yahaya Bello is one of such governors. Steadily and gradually, he has displaced Gov Rauf Aregbesola’s (of Osun State) notoriety in owing workers’ salary. Kogi State has done biometric validation of its workforce so many times such that the malaise of ghost workers should have been eliminated. But month-in month-out, the story of inability to pay workers remains the same. It is difficult to understand what Gov Bello is doing with his state’s allocation. Ability to pay workers’ salary by any government should be a given. Why

is Bello struggling? The states have been given bailout funds by the federal government a couple of times, the states have received their Paris-refund money. The state government, no matter how small, has a small portfolio of income from its IGR. So why is Gov Bello so financially inept in tackling workers’ salary? I do not know how he felt when a Director, Edward Soje in the Kogi civil service, last week, decided to commit suicide because of unpaid salaries? Perhaps to forestall more suicide cases, the senators, during the week, pulled their resources together to buy and donate to Kogi workers, some 1,260 bags of rice. Just as if they have become refugees or IDP inmates. It is pitiable. This is the same Kogi State where the late Gov Abubakar Audu did so much and when asked how he was able

to accomplish so much, told me, in 2003, that he was able to do so much because unlike other states that had more money than sense, he had more sense than money. So is it that the sitting Gov Bello neither has money nor sense? This question has become necessary because Kogi is not among the states credited with any infrastructural rebirth. So what is Gov Bello doing with the state’s funds? He must rejig his administration to prove that his ascension to power is not a mere happenstance. He must re-strategise and retool his governance kit, and fight less with his workers and their unions. Does he not know that unionism flourishes when there is governance lacuna? I am convinced that Gov Bello deserves even the Novena prayers to save the state and its people.

Governor Bello

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 28, 2017

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

Marching Orders, not Order

“B

UHARI issues marching order to cement producers” Truth and Reason: marching orders. “Salute to a great leader and distinguish political icon @ 78” For the sake of Olooye: distinguished political icon. “LASAA’s double standards” (DAILY INDEPENDENT Headline, October 16) Fixed expression: double standard. “This is crucial because our steps have been faulty from the onset (outset).” “…the noise pollution that accompany (accompanies) the use and subsequent rise in the level of stress.” “I am usually on (in) my farm and I don’t think you….” “He spoke on Supersports about his achievements and experiences on the saddle of CAF Champions League second round….” SATURDAY Sports: in the saddle. “…Idoko has commended the board of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) over (for) the successful organization of the first round of the 2017/2018 league season.” “Bill Gates: The billionaire with unparallel love for the less privileged” Exceptional philanthropy: unparalleled love. “UNIBEN alumni commends INEC” UNIBEN alumni commend, but UNIBEN alumni association commends. No muddle. “Sometimes (sometime) ago, twenty-three wise men met at….” “As police beams (beam) searchlight on some formal groups, associations and organizations.” “In his sermon at the occasion.…” Get it right: on the occasion. “In 1996, ASUU, apart from demanding for

the review…” Military and varsity education: delete ‘for’ in the interest of grammatical sanity. “The Yorubas like I said on this platform last Friday.…” This way: The Yoruba, as (not like) I said, on this platform last Friday…. “… the good foundation laid for take-off and hopefully with what we have read and saw (seen) in the media….” “He sacked the Shonekan administration and assumed the reign of power as Head of State.” Get it right: reins of government. “They like parading themselves in state-of-theart cars, leaving (living) in mansions and dictating the economy (how?) of the country with their loots (loot).” Do we resort to vernacular, in the light of the foregoing morphological tragedies? “Thrown into panic, the driver of my vehicle managed to find a save (safe) haven from the portion of the road lawfully meant for Abujabound motorist (motorists).” “… talkless of (let alone) those actually chased into them by the escorts of the ‘big’ men.” “We urge that investigations be launched into the circumstances that led to the embarrassment and ask that those involved be brought to book to forestall a re-occurrence.” Let us foreclose a recurrence of ‘Eze-goes-to-school’ blunders. “The Real Madrid coach got the marching order on the 44th minute into the crucial competition.…” In brief: marching orders. “The last but not the least is….” An extra: the last but not least. That is the correct expression. “She is an alumnus of the popular…” Standard style: alumna. The next six blunders are from the sports pages of the Saturday Newspaper: “Flying Eagles (Eagles’) sloppy play bothered (bordered) on the fact that.…” “I seized the opportunity (sic) to congratulate him for (on) the very great successes at the recent polls.…”.

“The screening of the prospective footballers continued with the captain playing the role of the ball boy, perhaps with the believe that.…” Change ‘believe’ to ‘belief’. “Today, the Whiteman’s problem has been fully entrenched in the dark continent, especially south of the Sahara.” Standard expression: on the Dark Continent “Abia police warns (warn) on tinted windscreen” “3 state-own industries to begin production soon” This way: state-owned industries. “Drivers of luxurious (luxury) busses are not so often stopped or extorted.” “Such accusation leveled on (against/at) the FRSC is, however, an exception rather than the rule.” “…the commission was poised to enforce all road violations.” This is sheer linguistic monstrosity! Perhaps, it is only in Nigeria–where anything is plausible – that violations (instead of laws and regulations) can be enforced. “Adebanjo had been involved in a ghastly motor accident that claimed the lives of over five people almost immediately along (on) the popular Ibadan-Lagos expressway.” When lives are lost in any vehicular mishap, it is a fatal (not ghastly) accident. “Some few years later after I had almost forgotten about the Navy….” ‘Some‘ and ‘few’ cannot co-function. “So when this new uniform group was set up in 1988 by the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida administration, I have (had) no doubt in my mind (where else?) that this would certainly work because of the calibre of people behind it.” “People in power in this country atimes amuse me by their thinking.” This way: at times. “…I always doff my hat for (to) the electoral commission.” “Let me advise a rethink into (on) matter.”

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“Let the police remain on its (their) own….” “…power surge had resulted into (in) sparks which had in turn resulted into (in) sparks which had in turn resulted into (in) fires with dire consequences.” “Agroup that has transformed into one of the most powerful thuggish agency (agencies)....” “… the accounting firms also copy themselves (one another) such that it is difficult to tell the originator of such statements.” “…tankers drivers (tanker drivers) who can now hold everybody to ransome at the least conceivable excuse.” Petrol watch: ransom. “Yorubas warm to Obasanjo” Formal usage: Yoruba worm (take note) to Obasanjo. “Ironically, his administration has not fared better with regards to.…” Either: as regards or with regard to. “Ridiculous as it may sound, employers do lure workers to call off a strike action....” Get it right: a strike or an industrial action (preferably). ‘Strike action’ smacks of illiteracy! “As at Monday only half of the 36 states in the federation have (had) agreed to pay the minimum wage of….” “It was an unenviable task given the palpable hostility that rented (rent) the air.” “The lack of adequate knowledge of the areas have (had) often made past exercises to be.…” “The redeployment of the sports administrator comes in (on) the heels of sweeping changes presently (sic) going on in the federal civil service.” Yank off ‘presently’ in the interest of purity! “… we are assuming that among the privileged specie (species) of homo sapiens….” “A major platform under (on) which banking regulation has been carried out in Nigeria over the years has been through the use of statutory regulation.”

PERSPECTIVE

Ogun 2019: The Awo Factor Idowu Abraham

he 2019 governorship race in Ogun State is tending towards an all-comer’s affairs. That seems to also be the nature of our national politics. The lust for titles knows no bounds in Nigeria. To be addressed as a former governorship or presidential aspirant is no mean achievement in this clime. Therefore, every elective race throws up contenders and what has been cynically dubbed pretenders, with the figure of the latter usually the higher. This piece will not bore or waste the time of readers but simply concentrate on the former. There are two frontline parties in the race, viz the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC). Contrary to the submissions of some Nigerians, there are actually differences between the two main parties. The APC tends towards the left while the PDP is towards the right. The former is an offshoot of progressive politics and the latter has its roots in conservatism. But some conflation is certainly visible. Ogun State has always towed the line of progressive politics since the days of the Action Group led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo (of blessed memory). Virtually all those who have governed the state belonged to the Awolowo school of thought. Ogun State was created in 1976 under the military government of General Murtala Mohammed. By the time the ban on politics was lifted in 1978, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo and Chief Jonathan Odebiyi, both frontline Awoits, wanted to be the first civilian governor of the new state. The two were very well qualified and Chief Obafemi Awolowo must have been in dilemma of whom to support. First both Bisi Onabanjo and Jonathan Odebiyi were not fair-weather supporters of Awo. They both suffered the political persecution of the 60s with Awo. They had the opportunity to choose between integrity and freedom. They chose integrity, hence they were caught in the gale of restrictions imposed by the then ruling party in Nigeria. Many of Awolowo’s loyalists decamped to Akintola’s

Amosun

party. Some simply resigned from the Action Group to avoid (further) persecution but did not side with Akintola’s United People’s Party (UPP). Notable among the latter was Chief FRA Williams. He had served as Attorney General of the Western Region when Awo was the Premier. His letter of resignation from the Action Group was broadcast on the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) a few minutes after his aunt and elder brother delivered it to Chief Awolowo with the explanation that the decision of FRA to resign was taken by the family, not Chief FRA himself and he had no option but to accept the family decision. The 60s were the most trying period for the Action Group and Chief Awolowo. Of course, he was jailed by the powers-that-be and remained in prison until the collapse of the first republic. Chief Jonathan Odebiyi was

the Minister of Finance during the 1962 crisis between the leader of the Action Group, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the Premier, Chief Ladoke Akintola. Chief Jonathan Odebiyi was the Minister of Finance under the Premiership of Chief Ladoke Akintola. If there was a brawl between Awolowo and Akintola, which side should Odebiyi lean, considering the state of Nigeria today? He was not just a minister holding any other post but the entire purse of the Western Region under the leadership of Akintola. Indeed, the testimony of Chief JAO Odebiyi readily reminds one of the popular quote by Henry Wadsworth Long-fellow. Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time. Chief Odebiyi would rather lose his post as Minister of Finance than work against the interest of the people by aligning with Akintola’s UPP. He refused the lucre of the juicy post. And he did lose the post of Minister of Finance in defence of integrity. Chief Jonathan Odebiyi is that father of Chief Tolu Odebiyi, the current Chief of Staff to Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State. Although Chief Olabisi Onabanjo did not hold a ministerial post, he suffered with Awo and was not ready to trade principle for money or position. Upon assumption of office as Governor of Ogun State in 1979, he implemented the five-cardinal programme of the Unity Party of Nigeria. Among the contenders for the 2019 APC governorship slot are Chief Tolu Odebiyi, who accompanied his father to the campaign rallies of Awo in those days, Chief Kolawole Lawal, Engr Suraj Adekunbi, Chief Abiodun Akinlade, Chief Kunle Akinlade and Senator Solomon Adeola, currently representing Lagos West in the Senate. Notwithstanding the controversies surrounding the state of origin of Adeola, there is the argument that his chances would have been brighter because of the Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu’s factor if he were to be representing Ogun State in the Senate just

like Governor Amosun represented Ogun in the Senate prior to his becoming the governor. Adeola at present is not even a card-carrying member of APC in Ogun State. The roots of the the candidates will also play a major role in who wins the nomination. Chief Tolu Odebiyi, as earlier observed, is the son of Chief Jonathan Odebiyi. His mother, Chief Mrs Kemi Odebiyi, was the Lagos State Electoral Resident Commissioner, who upheld the rightful votes of Governor Bola Tinubu in the 2003 polls that saw the exit of other AD governors from power. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was a classmate of (Chief) Mrs Odebiyi, is rumoured to be in full support of the candidature of Tolu Odebiyi. And while Governor Amosun may not have openly endorsed any candidate there is no doubt in the mind of any keen observer that he and the broad spectrum of the leadership of Ogun APC lean on the side of Odebiyi. Some may regard it as sentiments but Asiwaju Tinubu cannot not really be seen to work against the candidature of the son of a core Awoist like Tolu Odebiyi, who has been a loyal party member and is also eminently qualified to be the governor. Being an insider in the workings of government has a role to play in performance. Babatunde Fashola was the Chief of Staff of Governor Bola Tinubu. We saw his sterling performance in Lagos because it was easy for him to build on the solid foundation laid by Tinubu. This will also count in favour of Tolu Odebiyi. It will be easy for him to build on the strong foundation laid by Amosun. A vast wealth of experience in business and administration (like some other candidates), strong political lineage, rich political heritage, fist-hand knowledge in the workings of government, a vision of a more prosperous Ogun and broad based support by leaders of all across the length and breadth of Ogun State give Odebiyi an edge over others in APC and Chief Gboyega Isiaka or Chief Ladi Adebutu of the PDP in the race towards Oke-Mosan in 2019. –––Abraham sent this piece from Ipara Remo, Ogun State

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

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

Reversing into a Side Road on the Right

Range Rover Velar rare view

Range Rover Velar Available January in Nigeria Stories by Bennett Oghifo

he Range Rover Velar, a sleek piece of machinery, is now available in sub-Saharan Africamarket,anditisexpectedinNigeria in January. Regardless,enthusiastswhodesireashare of the few units available in the market can get theirs by December. The Velar is something to hope for because it brings with it an unmatched brilliance in its segment, combined with the ruggedness that comes with its Range Rover bloodline. As it is, enthusiasts and prospective buyers even have enough time to personalise their vehicles, as the Velar offers such luxury. The luxury and creativity put in the Velar sprang to life at the full day drive experience by journalists, on and off road, after the Media launch of this machine at The Villa, an art gallery in the Western Cape area of SouthAfrica The food was designed by the famous NeillAnthony, one of Cape Town’s very few private chefs. He spent 10 years in Europe, honing his skills in the professional kitchens of Gordon Ramsay. The Villa’s real life sculpures and the Range Rover Velar are both works of perfectionists. After the launch, Journalists from sub-Saharan Africa took the variants- 3litre, 2litre diesel, and 3litre

petrol- of the sweet Velar for a spin, savouring their comfort and strength on arterial and on gravel roads, spread across long stretches of farmland with grape vines and wineries. The Velar is expected to leave the showroom quicker. Enthusiasts have good reasons to collect the Range Rover Velar, particularly because it brings a new dimension of presence, modernity and minimalist design to the Range Rover family. Designed to fit between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport, the Velar offers levels of luxury, refinement and all-terrain capability never before seen in the mid-size SUV segment. This is a new type of Range Rover for a new type of customer. Created from a clean sheet using Jaguar Land Rover’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, the Velar represents the next chapter of the Range Rover success story as Britain’s biggest luxury export. Velar is defined by a visually reductive approach and meticulous attention to precision in every detail, which evolves Range Rover DNAand previews the next generation of Range Rover vehicles, according to the automaker. “Velar’sdesignisbeautifullybalanced,fromitspowerful proportions to its continuous waist line through to the taut tapered lines of the rear. The generous wheelbase contributes significantly to its elegance while helping to provide a spacious interior.”

Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover said: “Velar is now the compelling, stand-out design in the class, showcasing perfectly optimised volume, powerful, taut surfaces and a stunning silhouette.” The leather seats and interior wrappings are simply stunning like the infotainment. There are no menus, as every function has been reduced to make the dashboard user-friendly. Buyers have liberty to personalise their Velar, said Mr. Nigel Clarke, the Sales Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover, sub-Saharan Africa, at the launch. “This is a vehicle that can be personalised, more so, as it stands today, it is one of the most popular Range Rovers for personalisation. Early this year in sub-Saharan Africa, we launched the configurator, so you can go on to configure your own vehicle.” The large alloy wheels – in particular the range of 22-inch designs – optimise the vehicle’s stunning silhouette, while further enhancing Velar’s dramatic presence. Advanced technology is pivotal to enabling Velar’s contemporary design: the full-LED headlights are the most-slender ever to appear on a production Land Rover. The flush deployable door handles emphasise Velar’s reductive, sculptured form, and contribute to the low drag coefficient of only 0.32 – this is the most aerodynamically-efficient Land Rover ever produced.

PSqaure Headlines KIA Ember 10% Discount Oﬀer

n the wake of the ‘ember’ season, Kia Motors Nigeria has rolled out, special offer tagged Ember Surprise Promo to give customers 10 per cent discount on select models; Kia Rio 1.4Ltr EX Manual andAutomatic, Picanto, and Soul. The promo is headlined by Kia Motors Nigeria ambassador, an ace musical artiste and Nigeria’s biggest musical exports to the world, Peter Okoye, one of the duo of PSquare. Over the years now, Kia Motors Nigeria has offered a model range that has been known as the most affordable yet trendy cars in the country. In line with its promise to provide affordable best in class cars to the Nigeria market, the company has presented an exclusive offer to make great savings on its made in Nigeria Kia cars. As the country’s leading Korean car manufacturer, Kia’s offering of these lucrative deals and discounts on the Picanto, Rio, and Soul is aimed at attracting customers in this season by giving them an opportunity to save big when they buy any of the models on promo. In this offer customers gets as high as N810,000 discount in this season. The Kia Picanto boasts of N495,o00 while Kia Rio 1.4Ltr EX Manual has N594,000 and 1.4Ltr LX and 1.4Ltr EX Automatic both have N765,000 and N810,000 discounts respectively. The Kia Rio is an extremely well-built car with innovative engineering, fun to drive, and its interior

L-R: Vice President LCCI, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje; President, LCCI, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande; Vice President, Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr. Olu Tikolo; and Marketing Manager, Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr. Jimoh Olawale, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry new members’ induction ceremony held in Lagos… recently

is suitably comforting. Emanating flair from every angle, the Rio’s low, wide stance and short overhangs give it a strong, youthful identity all of its own. The Kia Rio comes with high efficiency and performance,

low emissions and reduced fuel consumption, not to mention safety specifications of the highest order. The 10% discount is applicable to 1.4L trim for both manual and automatic transmission.

This manoeuvre is about reversing into a side road on the right and is useful for turning round to travel in the opposite direction or for reversing into your driveway. The reverse round a 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 right using effective observation, under full control and with reasonable accuracy. Like all other manoeuvres, you are requiredtochooseasafe,legalandconvenientplace to start the manoeuvre. Therefore, in carrying out this manoeuvre, you should avoid busy junctions, crossroads, schools, etc. You need to remember that, you do not reverse onto a main or major road or where there is a no entry sign. Before you drive to the starting position for the manoeuvre, you will need to stop at the side of the major road before the junction you intend reversing into (target road). Use your prepare, observe and manoeuvre (P.O.M) routine to move off, and as you drive past the target road, glance into the road to check for any parked vehicles or other obstructions that could make your manoeuvre unsafe. If and when satisfied that the road is clear, begin your mirror, signal and manoeuvre (M.S.M) routine in order to stop safely at the starting point of the manoeuvre. You should stop approximately two to three cars length beyond the junction (target road), and approximately half a metre from the kerb. The reason for stopping a bit further from the kerb than your normal parking position is to give you enough space to reverse. If you are too close to the kerb when you park, you run the risk of hitting the kerb and damaging your tyres. If you need your signals to stop, time them properly so that you do not mislead other road users that you are turning right (into target road). From the starting point, select reverse gear, set the gas and bring the clutch pedal to biting point (for manual vehicles). Carry out effective observation lookingoutforpedestriansandapproachingtraffic. You may turn slightly to your right in your seat, looking over your right shoulder, so that you can see well down the road through the middle of your rear window, whilst reversing slowly. You may remove your seat belt if you feel restricted. At this point, you are simply driving back in a straight line until you get to the point of turn. As you reverse towards the corner, the kerb will disappear from view in the rear window. As you look over your right shoulder, you will see the kerb come into view in the bottom corner of the side window. This is the point of turn. At the point of turn, the front of your car will swing out, so you must ensure that the road is clear before you start turning your steering wheel to the right. Check the road to the front and rear, including your left-hand blind spot. If it is safe, steer right to follow the kerb round while mainly looking out at the rear window and then in your right door mirror to confirm your position to the kerb. The amount that you turn the steering wheel to the right will be determined by the shape of the corner and how sharp the corner is. Follow the kerb round until you see through the rear window that the car is straight in the new road. Keep looking well down the road through the middle of the rear window. This will help you judge whether the car is parallel with the kerb. An occasional glance into the nearside (right) door mirror will help you judge your distance from the kerb. When parallel with the kerb in the new road, straighten up and then follow the kerb back approximately four car lengths. If you removed your seat belt for reversing, make sure you put it on again before moving off. In next week’s article we shall be discussing how to reverse into a side road on the right. For further explanations or clarification on the articles in the EssentialSkillsofDrivingcolumn,consulttheauthor. Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

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

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Mechville.com Connects Car Owners with Mechanics in Lagos

R-L: President BMW Club Nigeria, Kennedy Njideofor; General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communication, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; National Sales Manager, Coscharis BMW, Joseph Omokhapue; and other members of the BMW Club Nigeria, during the second edition of Bimmerfest in Nigeria… recently

Coscharis Thrills Enthusiasts With new BMW 5 Series Stories by Bennett Oghifo

ftertheBMW5Seriesrevealrecently,Coscharis Motors Plc., in partnership with BMW Club Nigeria, demonstrated the next step to automated driving through the BMW 5 Series automated driving capability, during the BMW Club 2017 Bimmerfest event, held at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island Lagos. The event aimed at celebrating BMW’s achievements and its enthusiasts across the country, while highlighting BMW’s performance. According toAbiona Babarinde, the General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications,

Coscharis Group, the essence of the collaboration with the BMW Club Nigeria is to create an enabling and empowering environment for BMW owners and fans in Nigeria. “It is an avenue for the customers to be celebrated as proud owners of their favourite BMW automobile brand and share experiences amongst each other while Coscharis Motors, as the exclusive representative of BMW, gladly takes feedbacktowardseffectiveresolutionofanyaftersales setbacks overtime to further delight the customers for their continued loyalty.” One of the key highlights of the event was when Joseph Omokhapue, the National Sales Manager, Coscharis BMW demonstrated some of the unique features in the new BMW 5 series which offer the

driver unbeatable support – not only at critical moments but also in less demanding situations at the wheel, such as traffic jams, slow-moving traffic and monotonous stretches of motorway. To this end, the 5 Series is fitted as standard with a stereo camera, which teams up with optional radar and ultrasound sensors to monitor the area around the car. New features in the BMW 5 Series alongside the evasion aid and Crossing traffic warning are the Lane ChangeAssistant and Lane KeepingAssistant with active side collision protection. “The latter keeps an eye on the lane markings and the area around the car, and actively helps the driver to avoid looming collisions by applying corrective steering inputs.

echville.com, an online platform dedicated to connecting car owners with auto technicians, has made a debut in Lagos. Already, over 50 certified auto technicians are on the platform, providing top-notch auto services to car owners that have signed on to the service at very competitive charges. Mr. Olu Okusanya, Managing Director, Partboyz Auto Parts Limited, owners of Mechville.com, disclosed this in Lagos as he unfolds plans for the launch of a mobile app for the service as well as expansion moves to other parts of the country. Okusanya said Mechville.com is fast becoming the first choice of discerning vehicle owners across the nooks and crannies of Lagos for its best service deals. “At Mechville.com, we make it easy and affordable to maintain your car by connecting you to the right professionals. With more than 50 automobile technicians across Nigeria, you can locate mechanics closest to you, call and ask for quotes to help you pick the best professional for your car repair,” Okusanya said. Disclosing that Mechvile.com works in three simple ways, the Partboyz Auto Parts boss said: “Mechville works in three simple steps. Simply log on to the site and describe what’s wrong with your car. Then choose a technician that is closest to you or that’s best suited for the job. Your car is fixed and you can rate and review the job done.” Okusanya maintained that Mechville.com has continued to grow its clientele because of the services provided by the technicians on the platform and the testimonials of satisfied customers. “Mechville.com offers a win-win service as both our technicians and customers are daily expressing satisfaction at the values being provided by the platform.

Micking Oil, Korea’s Best Entres Nigerian Market

Golden Stone Limited, a Lagos based company, has introduced a renowned and affordable synthetic engine oil into the market. The new engine oil, Micking brand of lubricants, is Korea’s number one top premium motor oil, which has been in the international engine oil market for many decades. Managing Director, Golden Stone, sales representative of Micking Motor oil in West Africa, Mr. Andy Offor, who presented motor oil to the motoring press recently, said the oil has been trusted in the automotive market. He explained that their future plan was to blend the oil locally, and create more jobs

for the youths, adding that Micking brand of oil comes only in semi synthetic and fully synthetic categories, which makes it outstanding in the engine oil category. “Though fully synthetic, Mr Offor said that Micking sympathetic engine oil brand are priced like ordinary mineral oil, said.” Its outstanding qualities include keeping the engine running like new, extending engine life and drain interval by up to eight months or 10,000 kilometers, as well as having remarkable anti-wear and anti-oxidation properties. Other qualities of the oil include improved protection against sludge and harmful deposits, easy engine starting and excellent high and low temperature performance.

2018 Audi R8

ROAD SIGNS AND SAFE DRIVING

etween 24th and 25th August, 2017,I had the rare privilege to accompany the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps,Dr Boboye Oyeyemi to the 12th session of the Expert Group on road traffic signs and signals held in Geneva, Switzerland. The trip was exciting because it provided a platform to learn best practices on road signs and signals. It also provided me an air of freedom that I will always cherish and I must thank my boss who resisted every attempt by me to carry his briefcase like we do back home and said to me, jonas, please this is not Nigeria ooo!.Please forgive me for this two weeks piece as the first part merely captures a reflection of the Geneva trip while the second part deals with road signs and your safety The Group was established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) to provide an international discussion platform to review the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals and the 1971 European Agreement supplementing the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals and their implementation. The Group aims at bringing together road safety specialists from the public and private sectors to analyse issues related to uniform interpretation and a more effective implementation of the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals and the 1971 European Agreement supplementing the

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals. The Expert Group seeks to achieve three major objectives: assess the internal consistencies of the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals and the 1971 European Agreement supplementing the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals and consider the coherence of these two international legal instruments, take stock of the existing national legislation (of each Contracting Party to these two legal instruments) to describe and assess the degree of implementation of the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals and the 1971 European Agreement supplementing the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals in these Contracting Parties and lastly write and submit a final report aimed at identifying any perceived inadequacies and inconsistencies of the two legal instruments; and inconsistencies between these two legal instruments and the existing national legislation. The final report may

propose amendments to the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals and the 1971 European Agreement supplementing the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Duringthetwodayprogramme,Ikeptpondering on the nakedness of our roads which was the focus of this column a couple of weeks ago. I tried reflecting on how much resources the developing climes are committing to ensure that lives are preserved by improving infrastructures that are by any standard high. Afallout of the session was a presentations made on e-CoRSS (electronic convention on signs and signals)e-CoRSS was made possible by Easa Hussain AL Yousifi of charitable Trust,Kuwait who sponsored the work. I do hope that similar charitable organisations and others from possibly the oil related companies, Insurance, Banks or transport sectors could be approached to sponsor an e-Revised Highway Codewillconsidersponsoringanelectronicversion of our Revised Highway Code which will add a fillip to the drive to inculcate safety awareness aimed at redressing the crash trend in the country. The programme further made me to reflect on the communiqué issued at The 23rd Meeting of the National Council on Works with the theme: “Adequate Traffic Signage-An Essential Key for Highways Infrastructure, Safety and Comfort,” which urged relevant government agencies to ensure regular review of Road Signs System to conform with the 1968 UN Convention and

stakeholders involved in the review should be expanded to include Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing (Works Sector), State Ministries of Works and Transport, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Federal Roads Safety Corps, VehicleInspectionOffice(VIO)andNigeriaSociety of Engineers, and the urgent need to review the Revised Highway Code to be in tandem with the final anticipated conventions which would incorporate the ongoing reviews. As a country there is the need to key into the changesandensurecomplianceespeciallyinkeeping withArticle 8 of the Convention which states that, ”In order to facilitate the understanding of signs, the system of signs and signals prescribed in this Convention is based on the use of shapes, and colours characteristics of each class of signs and, where possible on the use of graphic symbols rather than inscriptions. Where Contracting Parties consider it necessary to modify the symbols prescribed, the modifications made shall not alter their essential characteristics”. Although the Economic Commission forAfrica (ECA) and the WestAfrican Road Safety Organisation (WARSO) were missing in action, I am optimistic that both ECA and WARSO would play vital roles inAfrica and the sub-region. In the words of one of the participant, Nigeria must keep pace with global best practices. Consequently, the country’s intervention especially with regards to a review of our road traffic signs and signals/ Revised Highway Code should follow and incorporate the final report of the ongoing review since the 1968 Convention is now obsolete.

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FAMILY HEALTH with

The Seed of a Man: Sperm

ll human beings are blessed with a special gift from our creator, the seed , through which we can reproduce and multiply according to his word. This seed is a very minute cell that is present in all men and women. We will be looking at the male seed, which is called the sperm. It is a living cell, that is endued with the capability to recognize and fuse with a female seed, the oocyte or egg. This triggers of the long process of reproduction. Sperm is the male reproductive cell and is derived from the Greek word sperma (meaning â€œseedâ€?). ... Sperm cells cannot divide and have a limited life span, but after fusion with egg cells during fertilization, a new organism begins developing, starting as zygote. A sperm cell is the male sex cell. All animals (and many other types of organisms) produce what are called sex cells. Sex cells are the cells, that, when combined, produce a completely new organism. For example, your mother and every other human female carry egg cells (female sex cells) in their ovaries. Your father and every other human male carry sperm cells, or male sex cells, in their testes. When an egg cell and a sperm cell unite, the two combine to form an embryo or an unborn, developing organism. At this point, the embryo is able to develop into a fully formed offspring of its parents. When the cells combine in a chicken, a chick is the result. When the cells combined in your motherâ€™s body, the result is a human being. Structure of the sperm A sperm cell consists of three parts, the head , midpiece and the tail. The overall structure of the sperm makes it perfectly designed to carry out its function. The primary function of the sperm is to pass on the necessary biological information required to produce a new organism. The sperm showing the head , midpiece and tail. THE HEAD : In humans and most living things, the data that makes an organism what it is contained in a tiny molecule called DNA. DNA is basically a recipe book used to make you, well, you. All of your physical characteristics are determined by the information contained in your DNA. The DNA, or biological information the sperm needs to pass on, is contained in its head. THE TAIL : The tail of the sperm helps give it the momentum it needs to reach the egg cell, so it is able to create the embryo in the first place. So, just how can the male make sure that the information that makes him who he is, gets passed on to his children or offspring? This is done through the sperm. The midpiece This is the middle of the sperm cell, and it is the power house of the sperm. It contains the power generating structures called mitochondria, which supplies the energy needed for the motion and expulsion of the genetic material DNA , contained in the head during the fusion of the sperm with the egg , at fertilization. Remember, we said that DNA is like a recipe book that contains all of the information that makes an organism who and what it is. Half of the biological information contained in the DNA is packaged in each of the maleâ€™s sperm cells. When the sperm has the usual single flagellum (or â€œtailâ€?), it is called a spermatozoon and may be described as uniflagellate. The flagellum moves in a whip-like manner, propelling the sperm towards the egg and uniflagellated sperm are also termed motile sperm. A non-motile sperm that lacks a flagellum is called a spermatium. A sperm may contain an X chromosome and produce female off spring after fertilizing the ovum or it may have a Y chromosome, in which case fertilization will lead to the development of male offspring. The sperm consists of a head that is about 5 Âľm by 3 Âľm in size and a flagellum of around 50 Îźm in length. There is little cytoplasm in sperm and the â€œheadâ€? is densely packed with DNA. Sperm is released from the male in a fluid called semen. Semen is alkaline and does not allow the sperm to be completely motile until they reach the female reproductive tract or the vagina which is acidic in pH. Function of the various parts A sperm cell consist of three parts, the head , midpiece and the tail. The overall structure of the sperm makes it perfectly designed to carry out its function. The tail of the sperm helps give it the momentum it needs to reach the egg cell, so it is

A healthy sex life is a very important part of life for most men. Menâ€™s reproductive health is dependent on the health and proper functioning of the external genitals, internal sex organs, sperm, semen, and male sex hormones. Menâ€™s sexual health also includes fertility. You may assume that women are mostly responsible for infertilityâ€Ś

able to create the embryo in the first place. The head contains genetic information and an enzyme to help penetrate the egg cell membrane. The middle section is packed with mitochondria for energy. The tail moves the sperm to the egg. Contain haemoglobin to carry oxygen to the cells. Importance of sperm in reproduction The purpose of the organs of the male reproductive system is to perform the following functions: To produce, maintain, and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen) to discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract during sex. When a man ejaculates, the sperm-carrying semen fires out through the urethra in a seek-and-conquer mission. It may seem that all these millions of sperm are racing each other to the finish, but the sperm have different roles. Some are deemed the leaders of the pack, trying to be the first to cross the line. Others are designed to assist, specifically by blocking other menâ€™s sperm from making it to the finish line. The goal of pregnancy, of course, is for a sperm to find an egg during a precise window of opportunity and fertilize it. Protect your sperms A healthy sex life is a very important part of life for most men. Menâ€™s reproductive health is dependent on the health and proper functioning of the external genitals, internal sex organs, sperm, semen, and male sex hormones. Menâ€™s sexual health also includes fertility. You may assume that women are mostly responsible for infertility, but menâ€™s health issues account for half of all infertility cases. Protect your sexual health and fertility by living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding risky behaviors. If you notice pain in your groin area, have problems maintaining or getting an erection, or have problems with ejaculation, you may need to talk to your doctor. What affects sperm during reproduction When it comes to conceiving a child, there are lots of things that can go wrongâ€”sperm allergies, poor egg quality, and ineffective sperm. Of the approximately 1 in 10 couples who are infertile, it has been estimated that male factors alone contribute to 30% of these cases. Though men produce millions of sperm a day (compared to the 300â€“400 eggs that women release during their lifetime), external factors (like temperature) can affect the health of these little swimmers. And because sperm cells take about 75 days to grow to maturity, harming them can affect your fertility. r 0WFSIFBUJOH Human testes cannot function properly unless they are able to stay cooler than the rest of the body. Thankfully, the male anatomy is designed to create distance between the testes and the core body temperature. If the temperature of the testicles is raised to 98Ëš, sperm production ceases, when production is interrupted, sperm can be negatively impacted for months. r )PU UVCT There is a grain of truth in the myth about hot tubs preventing pregnancy. â€œWet heatâ€? isnâ€™t good

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, Í¸Î€Í¸Í˝ÍťÍťÍżÍşÍťÍ˝Íž

for the testes, and, according to a study published in 2007, even 30 minutes in a Jacuzzi or hot tub can temporarily decrease sperm production, However, the negative effects of wet heat on sperm may be reversible. r 'FWFST A high fever can have the same effect as wet heat on a manâ€™s spermâ€”with the same lasting effects. And depending on the timing in the sperm production process, sperm concentration can decrease by up to 35% following a fever, according to a 2003 study. A recent virus infection can cause serious harm to the sperm. r -BQUPQT Can a laptop computer really affect a manâ€™s ability to reproduce? There is a direct correlation between laptop use and increased scrotum temperatureâ€”up to 35Ëš in certain positions! This increase has a well-documented harmful effect on spermatogenesis (the process of male gamete formation), so if youâ€™re trying to conceive, leave the laptop on the desk. r #SJFGT #PYFST BSF CFUUFS UIBO CSJFGT JG B NBO T TQFSN DPVOU JT PO UIF MPX TJEF #VU JU QSPCBCMZ IBT MJUUMF effect if the sperm count is normal. However, wearing tight bicycle shorts for an extended period of time is a bad idea as well. The more constricted a manâ€™s pants are, the less hospitable an environment he creates for sperm production. r 7BSJDPTF WFJOT Approximately 15% of men have varicoceles, or enlarged varicose veins in the scrotum, usually in the left testicle. When a man is experiencing a low sperm count, doctors may recommend varicocele repair, a procedure that repairs enlarged varicose veins in the scrotum surgically or via percutaneous embolization, a nonsurgical procedure using a catheter. Though itâ€™s not clear, a varicocele may interfere with sperm production by interrupting blood flow, overheating the scrotum, or causing blood to back up in the veins supplying the testes. Though there is little proof that fertility improves after varicocele embolization, some doctors believe the surgery may improve semen quality. r $FMM QIPOFT The advice about cell phones in proximity to a manâ€™s reproductive organs varies. It is recommended patients carry their phones in their briefcases rather than pockets in order to limit radiation exposure. r 0CFTJUZ â€œObesity has been associated with increased production of female hormones (estrogen), decreased sperm counts, sexual dysfunction, and infertility,â€? says Daniel A. Potter, MD, of the Huntington Reproductive Center in California. Compared to normal and overweight men, obese fertile men have reduced testicular function and significantly lower sperm counts, according to a 2009 study by the World Health Organization. Although obesity reduces sperm count, only extreme levels of obesity may negatively influence male reproductive potential. r " QBSUZ MJGFTUZMF Tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana can impair sexual function. It is advisable that patients limit or avoid all of these when trying to conceive. Alcohol abuse negatively affects semen quality and production, while cigarette smoking impairs spermâ€™s motility, according to a 2010 study. In addition to slowing sperm down, other studies show that cigarette smoking can damage sperm DNA and increase erectile dysfunction. Marijuana isnâ€™t safe either. Smoking pot has been shown to reduce sperm count, sperm function, and overall male fertility. Other possible causes r #MPDLBHFT 8IFUIFS JU T DBVTFE CZ B CJSUI EFGFDU infection, trauma, or vasectomy, a blockage prevents the sperm from entering the semen. r (FOFUJD EJTPSEFST $ISPNPTPNF BCOPSNBMJUJFT can cause severely diminished or no sperm production . For example, one form of cystic fibrosis can cause the vas deferens not to form. r 0UIFS EFUSJNFOUBM GBDUPST "OUJ TQFSN BOUJCPEJFT hormonal imbalance, testicular cancer, undescended testicles, and sexual problems can affect sperm. Foods to increase sperm production Dark chocolate. A powerful aphrodisiac, dark chocolate contains L-Arginine. ... Oysters. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in improving testosterone levels as XFMM BT TQFSN QSPEVDUJPO &HHT #BOBOBT 4QJOBDI Asparagus. Garlic. Carrots amongst others.

GLOBAL SOCCER

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ë¾ JUNE 16, 2011

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

SPURS TEST FOR UNITED

28.10.2017

Messi-Ronaldo A Rivalry Like Never Before

PAGE. 29

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A Rivalry Like Never Before Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă– ĂœĂ“Ă Ă‹Ă–ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? ĂŒĂ?ĂžĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ĂšĂ–Ă‹ĂŁĂ?ĂœĂ? Ě‹ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă“Ă‹Ă˜Ă–Ă&#x;Ă“Ă‘Ă“ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă˜ Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă?

Ă•Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă‹Ă? ĂžĂ™ Ă&#x;Ă&#x;ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ?Ă–ĂœĂ™Ă™ĂŁ Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă?ĂœĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă˜ĂœĂŁËž Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă™ĂŁ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă? Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă‹ĂžĂœĂ“Ă?Ă• Ă“Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ‹ ĂžĂ™ Ă“Ă?Ă‘Ă™ Ă‹ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ă‹ Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă?Ë› Ă™Ăž Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă™ĂĄĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ™ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂœĂ“Ă Ă‹Ă–ĂœĂŁ ĂŒĂ?ĂžĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ĂœĂ“Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă–ĂŽĂ™ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă– Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ë› Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ ÍšÍ¸ Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă–Ă‹ĂŁĂ?Ăœ Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? ĂŒĂ?ĂžĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂžĂĄĂ™Ëœ Ă‹Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂšĂ? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă?Ăž Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ Ă˜Ă“Ă‘Ă’ĂžË› Kunle Adewale ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?

ristiano Ronaldo overcame competition from rivals Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. to claim the Best FIFA men's player of 2017 for the second year running in London, on Monday. It was presented to him by footballing greats Diego Maradona of Argentina and Brazil's Ronaldo

de Lima. "Thank you for voting for me," said Portuguese international Ronaldo. "I want to mention Leo (Messi) and Neymar for being here. I want to thank Real Madrid for their support all year. This is a great moment for me. Thank you to all my fans all over the world. I appreciate that. I'm so happy, thank you very much and have a good night!" Ronaldo, however, believes his rivalry with Messi has plenty of distance left to run after scooping the Best FIFA Men's Player award in London. Including the years when FIFA's individual award was merged with the Ballon d'Or, Ronaldo and Messi have now been labelled best player's in the world five times apiece. The Portugal captain has come out on top in four of the past five years, with Messi in second place on each occasion. Yet, Messi has been in a rich vein of form for club and country over recent months, firing Barca to the top of La Liga with 11 goals in nine matches and securing Argentina's place at the 2018 World Cup with a majestic hat-trick against Ecuador. Considering they're the all-time leading scor-

ers for their respective clubs and countries and the two leaders in both La Liga and Champions League history, debate over who is superior out of will remain for some time to come. Speaking to reporters at London Palladium, Ronaldo initially sought to play down the rivalry before apparently laying down a long-term challenge to the 30-year-old Messi, whom he swapped cordial greetings with as they sat alongside each other during the ceremony. "I don't compete with Ronaldo," he said. "He is a player, who is in the same era. He won five times. I won five times too â€” individual awards for the best in the world. So things are as they are. "Obviously, I am happy because, as I said before, I am at the best club in the world. I have had the opportunity to demonstrate that I am at a very high level during the last few years. And I am still physically very well. "So, I am very quiet. I will see what's going to happen tomorrow, but at the moment I have to enjoy this nice moment of my life because you never know what will happen next." But, asked whether Ronaldo versus Messi was over, the 32-year-old added: "It didn't finish yet... it is just starting." When the Barcelona forward beat the Real Madrid talisman to the Ballon d'Or last year, with the pair having shared the award for the previous eight years, Real boss Zinedine Zidane maintained that the former Manchester United star was the better player, but also admitted their personal duel was positive for the sport. Zidane said, â€œMessi the best player in the

world? Cristiano Ronaldo is the best. Many things are said about Cristiano, but deep in his heart, he is a good person. Messi is his rival and that rivalry is good for football. That's what people want to see. â€œRonaldo canâ€“maybeâ€“play longer than me. This does not mean that I did not take care of myself, but him, he gives the impression that he takes more care of himself and it shows. He is 32 years old but physically he's a monster. I think he can continue to play for several years more and I hope it will be at Real Madrid.â€? However, Messi has insisted that he was not in competition with Ronaldo despite the superlative duo being consistently pitted against each other in the media. He rejected the idea that having Ronaldo around in the same era and the same league for the last eight years has helped him to improve. "These are things that people say. I donâ€™t compete with Cristiano and I suppose he would not compete with me. What I want is the very best for my teams and thatâ€™s what I am working for." Messi and Ronaldo's perceived rivalry has existed since Ronaldo's move from Manchester United to Los Blancos in 2009. As a product of Barcelona's La Masia academy, Messi has only ever played for the Catalan club at a senior level, and he has won every title going, including eight La Liga triumphs and four Champions Leagues. When asked whether he could envisage himself playing in another league, he did not rule it out as a possibility, "I donâ€™t want to look too far ahead. I live for the moment and at this moment I am with Barcelona in the Spanish League where I have made my living and where I live very well."

OCTOBER 28,2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

AFRICA PLAYS

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

The Aiteo Cup: Why More Nigerian Businesses should Go the Aiteo Way

Messi and Ronaldo have dominated that discussion in recent years, while many viewed Neymar's record breaking $222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain as an attempt to emerge from the Argentine's shadow at Barcelona. Former Argentina international Ossie Ardiles, who won 52 caps for his country in the 1970s and 80s, thinks this competition motivates players to constantly reach new heights -- particularly in the case of Messi and Ronaldo. "The two of them have had a great, great season. It's great the two of them are playing in the same era because if one of them wins the other feels a little upset so he trains to improve his game. I always thought that Pele would be the best player ever, and no one would be better than him, and then Maradona came and he was the very best and we thought no one would surpass him. And now we have Messi or Ronaldo. I'm sure we will have the same thing again," he told CNN World Sport. So, the big question is: Can it be any more spectacular than what it’s already been? Not only are the two competing for the Ballon d’Or every single year, the two also play for teams that have arguably the greatest and grandest rivalry in the his-

tory of sports. Since Ronaldo’s move to Madrid, Messi and Ronaldo’s stats have been alarmingly close. Both are making an argument to be the greatest in the world, and will continue to do so until they hang their cleats in modest retirement. However, whichever side of the divide one belongs to, the fact remains that we are living in an era where the two greatest players in the world are going head to head as foes. All we need to do is enjoy the show. 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

gege made Nigerian football history two weeks ago when it hosted the Aiteo Cup (Federation Cup) final for the first time ever. This enduring competition, with roots stretching back to 1942, has been won 76 times; the latest champions being Akwa United who defeated Niger Tornadoes 3:2 on penalties to claim the crown. It was a great day for the Lagos suburb which has seen plenty of football, but nothing quite on this scale. Among their august guests were two Governors, leaders of Nigerian football, the president of the Ghana FA, Kwesi Nyantakyi, and CAF president Ahmad Ahmad. As is customary on this column, I am going to be focusing on the little things that make sports a huge economic and socio-cultural driver in nations, and why the failure of countries like Nigeria to prioritise the industry has left us far worse for wear. I also want to draw attention to the laudable sponsorship of the competition by the Aiteo Group and why other big Nigerian companies should do likewise. Whether the final deserved a grander stage is probably a good debate to have. Those who look at sports largely as big business would probably have preferred a bigger, more iconic stadium; while those who want to make a socio-cultural argument would welcome the beauty of playing the final in the 4,000-capacity stadium in this lower income community. What’s the difference? Hosting the game at a venue like the Abuja Stadium, assuming the necessary repairs are done, would certainly have given the final a grander stage; ensured better gate receipts; painted a richer picture of the country’s sporting facilities; and made for better TV content. Playing in Agege however took the game to the doorsteps of the common folk who are the vast majority in our country. Domestic football needs to capture the imagination of these fans, especially the young among them, many of whom need inspiration to dream bigger, work harder and break free from a debilitating cycle of unprotected sex, drugs, crime and street living. Whatever picture you have in your head, the Aiteo Cup final delivered the kind of good that sports can give our country on a more consistent, and more far-reaching, basis. With an estimated population of 192m people today, and projections of 398m people by 2050, Nigeria desperately needs to engage its people in a productive way. Sports have almost infinite powers to do this, but we all seem to be waiting for government to shoulder the responsibility alone. So, rather than investing their profits in creating real value within, big Nigerian brands continue to entrench the culture of foreign sports by throwing money at

the likes of the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. That is why corporate giants like Aiteo must be celebrated. A hefty N2.5b deal means that, if the Nigerian Football Federation plays its part, the men’s and women’s competition will run smoothly for the next five years. And, this is only part of an expanding bouquet of sponsorships that includes paying the wages of national team coaches and sponsoring the CAF Awards Gala. This investment in the local game, beyond the assurance of thousands of fresh jobs across the country, would lead to the positive engagement of millions young people. Imagine more Nigerian companies are as bold in supporting our sports? For some perspective, South African companies invested about R9b (N243b) in sports sponsorship in 2016, yet we see them as our direct competitors. The results are clear to see on the international stage where South Africa shines in various sports and Nigeria is largely in the shadows. The Aiteo Cup final itself was a poor advertisement for Nigerian football. It was a scoreless dour-fest that was fittingly decided by one of the poorest penalty shootouts you’d ever see. Many Nigerian sponsors would probably have watched the game and concluded: “see why we don’t sponsor local football?” But how does that solve the problem? Even worse, how does sponsoring European football and creating jobs in Europe while deepening poverty at home, help? We must learn to be builders and realise that building is dirty work that takes time. We must also all get involved in building the kind of success we crave as a society. I believe getting involved in domestic sports has been great for Aiteo. A cursory study would reveal that awareness for their brand, and interest in their organisation, have spiked as a result of this. More Nigerian business giants should join the investment in local sports for their own survival. Sports administrators must also find innovative ways to deliver the right value to the few sponsors that come their way. All too often sponsorships don’t last as sponsors come off not feeling the value. Sports administrators also need to do more to win fans beyond the bare responsibility of playing the games. To enchant their publics today brands globally are thinking more about ‘mattering’ in their lives rather than ‘marketing’ to them. Imagine the Aiteo Cup champions visiting one or two of our IDP camps and playing morale-boosting knockabout games with these victims who need some empathy and inspiration? Wouldn’t an initiative like this generate positive post-event buzz and help plant our local sports icons in the hearts of everyone? There are many great things sports do for countries. Leading nations invest heavily in the industry as a tool to inspire their people to aim for more; to create a sense of camaraderie and unity; and to help ingrain a culture of discipline and healthy living. Nigeria needs to do same. On their part, big Nigerian brands should not wait for government before investing in the creation of a healthier and wealthier Nigeria in which their businesses would fare so much better than today. That is why the Aiteo way is the right way.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY OCTOBER 28, 2017

T H I S D AY SATURDAY OCTOBER 28 2017

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€ËœÍşÍ¸ÍšÍż

Man United Title Quest Faces Spurs Test Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă‹ ĂšĂ™Ă“Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă“Ăœ Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž ĂžĂĄĂ™ Ă‘Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ’Ă‹ĂšĂ? ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă“Ăœ ĂŒĂ“Ă‘Ă‘Ă?Ă?Ăž ĂžĂ?Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă™ Ă?Ă‹Ăœ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂŁ ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ě‹Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ— Ă™ĂžĂžĂ?Ă˜Ă’Ă‹Ă— Ă™ĂžĂ?ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? ĂžĂ™ Ă–ĂŽ ĂœĂ‹Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă‘Ă™ Ă‹ Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă’Ă™ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ?Ăž ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? ĂžĂ“ĂžĂ–Ă? Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ăž ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă Ă“Ă–Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă? ĂšĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă?Ă• ÍşĚ‹Íš ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ăž ĂŒĂŁ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄĂ–ĂŁ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă&#x;ĂŽĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă–ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜Ăž ĂžĂ™ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ăž ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ Ă‹ ĂĄĂ“Ă˜ Ă™Ă Ă?Ăœ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă˜Ă”Ă™ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ Ă‘Ă™Ă™ĂŽ ĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—

anchester United head into their Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford looking to avoid extending their winless streak in the top flight to three matches, while Mauricio Pochettino's team make the trip to the North-West looking to move clear of United in the standings and reduce the gap on leaders Manchester City to two points. After witnessing his side lose out to Huddersfield Town last weekend, manager Jose Mourinho was quick to criticise the attitude of his players as the club slipped five points adrift of leaders Manchester City, and it leaves United in a position where they dare not drop more points in the top flight at this stage of the season. United got what they played for at Liverpool - a goalless draw, but the setback at the John Smith's Stadium has left Mourinho and his players likely having to find a way of claiming a minimum of four points from games against Spurs and Chelsea just to stay in contention with City. Their poor form comes at a time when the goals have started to dry up for Romelu Lukaku - who has gone 297 minutes without finding the back of the net and when chief creator, Henrikh Mkhitaryan has not set up a goal since the end of August. They are two statistics which cannot be prolonged, and Mourinho has been left largely reliant on the contributions of Marcus Rashford, who has played a part in five of United's last eight goals in all competitions. That said, it has been almost a month since United played at Old Trafford, and the North-West giants have won each of their last seven games at their famous home, dating all the way back to May 11. United are making headway in the cup competitions, but defeat to Spurs may leave United eight points off the pace today, which might prove too much to overhaul. At half time against West Ham United on Wednesday night, everything was going swimmingly for Spurs ahead of their trip to The Theatre of Dreams, but now Pochettino must now deal with his side letting slip a two-goal lead to a team bereft of confidence. Pochettino may point to the fact that the EFL Cup was the lowest of their priorities this season, but that result will sting the Argentine and he now must find a way of helping his players recover for one of the biggest games of their campaign at less than 72 hoursâ€™ notice. The setback was in stark contrast to the ruthlessness which Spurs showed in their 4-1 demolition against Liverpool last weekend. Harry Kane chipped in with two more goals, but the performance of Son Heung-son showed Pochettino the kind of quality he had been keeping in reserve during most of the first two months of the season. Son will probably be the player to miss out today despite also providing two assists against West Ham - but the South Korean attacker has shown Pochettino that he has not necessarily got to rely on Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Kane. Neither player have been at their best this season - Eriksen has not provided an assist since September 13 and Alli is only just starting to show a glimmer of his form from last season - but nevertheless, Spurs have kept on churning out results with an unbeaten run of 11 matches being put together until the defeat on Wednesday evening. It has also been nearly six months since Spurs lost on the road - a run stretching eight matches and with United looking almost untouchable in front of their own supporters, something will have to give this weekend. Kane remains a doubt for Spurs after

Dele Alli leads Spurs' charge against Man United

sustaining what appears to be a hamstring niggle during the latter stages of the victory over Liverpool. Today's match will represent the 187th time in which these two teams have faced each other in a competitive contest, with United winning 88 times in comparison to 50 victories for Spurs. The last five meetings have been won by the home team, and the record over the last 10 games remains even with Spurs prevailing on four occasions and United emerging victorious three times. Spurs last won at Old Trafford on New Year's Day in 2014. Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion head into their encounter with leaders, Manchester City having failed to win a match in any competition since August 22 - a period stretching eight matches. City make the trip to The Hawthorns having failed to score a goal against West Brom's Black Country rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers,

but Pep Guardiola's side have won their last seven fixtures in the top flight. West Brom are arguably only a couple of points off what they would have considered acceptable at the start of the season, but head coach Tony Pulis will acknowledge that the pressure is rising at the West Midlands outfit. The Baggies registered seven points from their first three league matches but since the start of September, just three points have come from half-a-dozen fixtures and it has led to some calls for the club's hierarchy to make a change. On Tuesday night, City failed to score in 120 minutes against a resolute Wolves side but rather than believing that the wheels have started to come off, opposing clubs will probably feel that any complacency in the club's talented squad has disappeared. On the face of it, Guardiola struggled to accept that his players could not break down

Bilbao, Barca Go Live on GOtv

very match of the prestigious La Liga will be broadcast live to GOtv MAX and Plus subscribers this weekend on SuperSport Select 4. Subscribers will have the opportunity to watch a resurgent Valencia, whose impressive run will face a test when they play away against Alaves. The match kicks off at 11:55am on Saturday, 28 October. Though the top spot in the Spanish first division is currently occupied by Barcelona, who have secured eight victories in their first nine league fixtures, Valencia have been the team with the most eye-catching performances marked staggering attacking play imposed by Coach Marcelino Garcia. Valencia are unbeaten

in nine matches, a run which includes five wins on the bounce, and have scored 25 goals in the process. Last weekend, they said goodbye Sevilla in dismissive fashion with a 4-0 thrashing. Other matches today include Sevilla versus Leganes at 3:10pm, Atletico Madrid versus Villarreal at 4:25pm and Athletic Bilbao versus Barcelona at 7:40pm. La Liga matches continue on Sunday as Getafe host Real Sociedad at 11:55am, Girona will take on mighty Real Madrid at 6:25pm, while bottom-placed Malaga will tackle Celta Vigo at 8:40pm.

Battle Royale at Nigeria Bankers Games

t will be battle royale this weekend as the ongoing Nigeria Bankers Games has entered its crucial stage at the Yabatech Sports Complex, Yaba and the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos. In the football event, battle for the semifinals ticket will get tougher as Sterling Bank battles First Bank, while Fidelity Bank and Union Bank for the semi-finals in Group B on Saturday. FCMB joined UBA in the semi-final after bashing EcoBank by three nil in Group A of the championship.

Action continues this weekend as tennis players take to the court at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Court, Onikan. In the concluded events, First Bank claimed gold in menâ€™s singles and doubles, while Fidelity Bank won gold in the female category of table tennis. Fidelity Bank picked the gold medal in the menâ€™s category, just as EcoBank were champions in the female category of the scrabble event. Union Bank also defended their title in chess, while FCMB stole the show in the female category.

a team from the Championship, but the Spaniard will point to the fact that 39 goals had been scored in the club's previous 11 games in all competitions. Each of those matches were also won, and it has left City in a position where they could potentially sit eight points clear of third by this evening, or seven points clear of both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Fixtures

TODAY Man Utd v Arsenal v Crystal Palace v Liverpool v Watford v West Brom v Bournemouth v

Tottenham Swansea City West Ham Huddersfield Stoke City Man City Chelsea

15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

SUNDAY Brighton Leicester

v v

Southampton Everton

13:30 16:00

MONDAY Burnley

Newcastle

15:00

ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă“Ăš Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Man City Man Utd Tottenham Chelsea Arsenal Watford Newcastle Burnley Liverpool Southampton Huddersfield Brighton West Brom Leicester Swansea West Ham Stoke Everton Bournemouth Crystal Palace

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

28 18 13 7 5 -2 2 -1 -2 -1 -3 -1 -3 -2 -4 -9 -10 -11 -7 -17

25 20 20 16 16 15 14 13 13 12 12 11 10 9 8 8 8 8 7 3

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

˺˺

General Manager, Kwese Free Tv, Chichi Nwoko

Anthony Joshua got the better of Wladimir Klitschko

Joshua Not Taking Anything for Granted With his exciting 11th-round TKO of former division king Wladimir Klitschko in April, unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua went a long way in announcing himself as boxing's next big thing. The 2012 Olympic gold medalist from Great Britain, may have just as well succeeded in reviving a dead division by bringing hope and drama back to the heavyweight scene. But as Joshua, 27, said himself at Thursday's final press conference, it's time to put the Klitschko fight behind him. Today, in front of more than 70,000 at sold-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Joshua will do that when he faces late-replacement Carlos Takam in the fourth defense of his title. "We're going to have to put that

Klitschko win to the side at some stage because boxing is unforgiving," Joshua said. "That was that. This is now. Carlos is a completely different animal than Klitschko." Takam, 36, accepted the fight on 12 days' notice after mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev pulled out with a shoulder injury. But the native of France believes he saw a weakness in Joshua last time out. "I saw Joshua go down," Takam said. "I saw he has a weak point, and we've been working on targeting that." Klitschko rose from a knockdown in Round 5 and rallied to floor the champion one round later with a right hand. Joshua, who ultimately blamed fatigue, was able to gather himself and avoid being stopped. Five rounds later, he brutalized Klitschko to the tune of

two more knockdowns before the fight was dramatically stopped. "Who knows what's going to happen in that ring Saturday? This division is unpredictable," Joshua said. "You saw I got tired in the fifth round against Klitschko. Am I going to find out I'm only a five-round fighter? Takam is tough and can go the distance. He's definitely going to take me into late waters and that's where it's going to be interesting." Joshua, already a massive star in England with his good looks and muscular 6-foot-6 frame, expects to make his long-awaited United States debut in 2018. His return Saturday not only fulfills a mandatory for the IBF title he won in 2016 by knocking out Charles Martin, it continues his build as a future worldwide star.

Kwese TV Takes Subscription Plans to New Level Beyond the recent Kwese TV launch with three, seven and 30 days subscription plans for would-be subscribers, the new satellite television could also serve as a platform to take young lads away from the street through its talent discovery project. What exactly is the idea behind the whole concept? The new satellite television, at the ground breaking ceremony last week disclosed its plans as the exclusive broadcast partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the General Manager Kwesé Free TV Nigeria, Chichi Elizabeth Amkpa, sports lovers can look forward to live action, weekly previews and highlights from the NBA, international boxing (including exclusive coverage of all Anthony Joshua fights), IAAF World Championships and the National Football League among other sports, on Kwesé Sports 1, Kwesé Sports 2 and Kwesé Free Sports which was first introduced to Nigerian audiences in earlier this year. " Kwesé Free Sports is Africa’s largest and first Pan-African free-to-air TV channel available in 25 countries providing premium sporting content to sports fans for free. The channel holds exclusive free-to-air rights to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and the Premier League," she explained. She pointed out that with Kwese Free sport channel, it about liberalizing content by exposing viewers to more sports content which historically was only available on pay-Tv. "We believe that it is lack of exposure that has hindered the

popularity of certain sporting codes. For all we know a future NBA MVP could be here in Nigeria but due to lack of exposure to the NBA, that young person has been denied the opportunity to develop their love and skill for the game. "With the free sport channel, basketball fans can glue to our 24/7 coverage from the new NBA season which tipped off recently. Football lovers can relish in the weekly Premier league matches. Athletics fans can enjoy unparalleled access to IAAF Championships while Formula One fan enjoys fast-paced racing action all on one Channel, she remarked last week. To the benefit of sports loving Nigerians and particularly boxing fans, tonight's World Heavyweight boxing bout between Anthony Joshua and Carlos Takam will be exclusive live on Kwese Tv. Nwoko recalled how the station won over Nigerian viewers with the exclusive broadcast of his earlier bout with former champion, Wladimir Klitschko. "We are committed to delivering premium sports and our viewers can expect to see more of these types of events in the years to come," she pointed out. As a follow up to the big fight in United Kingdom, Kwese TV will activate

a viewing center plan in Sagamu, Ogun State, the birth place of Joshua tonight. The activation is in conjunction with Sagamu Youth Congress and Joshua' family alongside well wishers from his State can watch on giant screen the live telecast of the 12 rounds event. On the impasse currently engulfed the leadership of basketball federation in the country, the Chichi Nwoko disclosed that the primary aim of Kwese is to empower Nigerian youths and not to get involved in the local politics of which group takes over the reign of the game in the country. "We have a corporate duty to give back to the community and we are not interested in which group to deal with as regards the leadership problem in the Nigeria Basketball Federation presently. "As we await the final judgment from the international body, we are not distracted on our plans to the game in the country and as you can see, the clinics for young boys and girls are still ongoing and the plan is for four years and renewable. "We have plans for other sports including athletics and others games in which Nigeria has the potentials to dominate in the years to come," she said.

Maracana, FESTAC All Stars Book Final Place Maracana All Stars will play FESTAC counterpart in the finals of this year's Lagos All Stars football championship after both teams dismissed their respective opponents in the semi-final matched decided at the NPA playing ground Surulere, Lagos. Maracana All Stars defeated Laspotech All Stars football team 4-1 on penalties after regulation time ended 1-1, while FESTAC All Stars had the upper hand over Paco All Stars by 5-4 via penalties after both

sides failed to score at regulation time. The tournament is basically for exfootballers, who have at one time or the other played for the country. The match also featured a penalty kick session between ex- Nigeria internationals and sponsors. Managing Director of Mikano International limited, Ghassan Libbos commended the organizers of the championship while calling on other

corporate bodies to key into the vision of the Lagos All Stars FA. “I want to congratulate organizers of the championship for creating this programme. There is need for corporate organizations to partner with such initiative because the government cannot do everything alone. We are proud to be part of this,” he said. The finals is expected to hold in two weeks at the NPA playing ground Bode Thomas, Surulere.

Nigeria’ll do Well at 2018 World Cup -Awogu The Managing Director of Super Sports, Felix Awogu has backed the Super Eagles to do well at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, just as he promised Nigerian football fans live viewership of all the matches. “We will deploy every resource because I know Nigeria will do well. We have a generation of new players, with the right philosophy and the right state of mind. They are youthful and a few experienced ones. It is going to be a great tournament for us and the timing is going to be perfect for Nigerians to sit back and enjoy the best of football. Supersport delivers the best content which anybody can be proud of. We will be well prepared and I hope we do very well in Russia. Awogu, also throws more light on the idea behind The Let’s Play Initiative. “The initiative is not only about the talent. If you look at the current situation in Nigeria, a lot of children are becoming obese and suffering illnesses that are typically for adults. The major objective of the initiative is to get children out and for them to play. In the last two years, we have reached over two to three million children in Nigeria because one of our driving philosophies is football. If you give out one soccer ball, it doesn’t stay with that person because you will have to engage other kids. “That has been our strategy. In the last six months, we have given out over 10,000 soccer balls to children in Nigeria. We have partnered with a couple of states like Ondo, Edo, Kwara, Lagos and Anambra States. The governor of Anambra State participated actively and he engaged with a lot of children and helped distribute soccer balls. It is something we are very proud of and happy. If we can deliver and children are leaving their houses to come out and play, we will be helping to prevent a lot of health crisis,” he said. Asked if there are plans by SuperSports to ensure that the dreams of some of the talents discovered with The Lets Play Initiative does not end at the grassroots. He added, “We are not a football club. We are a broadcast outfit and we bring in a couple of ex-internationals to support us and help us activate the initiative. So if they find a talent, why not, but we will have to liaise with the parents of the child to see if they are willing to take the child to the next level or not but major focus is to get children playing again. “For us there is nothing like giving back to the children and we are very grateful to millions of Nigerians who have been part of the MultiChoice family, both DStv and GOtv. So if this is some of the little things we give back, why not? Help them for health care, give them a few kits and it will be in their memories for years and years to come."

23rd Benin Ladies Golf Open Tees off in Style

The 23rd edition of Benin Ladies Open Golf Championship teed-off on Friday and will end Sunday at the famous Benin Club golf course, GRA, Benin City just as the executive governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki and the First Lady will officially declare the tournament open today. Obaseki, who is a golfer and club member, is expected to compete with his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, other members of the state executive and other club members to determine the best golfer In a chat with the media on what to expect at the tournament, the Lady Captain, Mabel Osazuwa, affirmed that plans at ensuring a successful organisation of the tournament have been adequately taken care of, while also expressing confidence that this year edition would be a glorious and an improvement on earlier editions. She added that and estimated 230 golfers both men and ladies would be participating at the event and that the introduction of the ‘Perpetual Cup’ would be make the event unique. Clubs from UBTH golf club, Ibori Country and Golf club, Asaba; Shell golf club, Warri, Port-Harcourt golf club, IBB, Ikoyi club, Ibadan, Jos, Enugu, Calabar amongst are expected. On Friday, Vet Men and Men’s handicap 19-28 took to the course and today will be the main event for the ladies in all the Categories, from handicap 1-36. Also, men’s handicap 1-18, guest men as well as sponsors will have their playing periods too. “On Sunday, it would be the turn of ladies handicap 1-28 to determine the eventual winner for the gross event. There are trophies and lots of valuable prizes to be won while the overall winner will get giant trophy,” she said.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ

FAIRGROUND

Lagos Fashion and Design Week Press Cocktail

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

eineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week will make the African continent to be the global locus for creativity, starting from Lagos, as it returned for its 7th edition with Heineken as the headline sponsor. Connecting with over 20 million Pan-African insiders, tents will open to Runway Shows, Fashion Business Series, Fashion Focus Talks, and the #HLFDW After Party. This yearâ€™s events will feature an exciting four-day line up. Themed â€œAfrica: Shaping Fashionâ€™s Futureâ€?, #HLFDW2017 will welcome various talents from across Africa. The event was formally announced to the press at a cocktail held at Heineken House on the 13th October. Speaking at the cocktail were: Omoyemi Akerele â€“ Founder Style House Files & Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week (#HFLDW), Franco Maria Maggi â€“ Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, #HLFDW, Imade Eduso â€“ Designer& Fashion Focus Alumni, Morenikeji Akinsolaâ€“ Project Manager, Human Capital Development Centre and Tobi Idowu â€“ Project Manager, Lagos Fashion and Design Week and Style House Files. Franco Maria Maggi, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries expressed Heinekenâ€™s commitment to inspiring its African consumers to break boundaries through the LFDW platform. He also stated: â€œWe are excited to be a part of this unique experience once again as Lagos shows the beauty of African fashion to the world. We are even more excited to showcase an African inspired Heineken hospitality collection at this yearâ€™s Lagos Fashion and Design week, created by East African designers - Lulu Mutuli and Azra Walji - a demonstration of Heinekenâ€™s appreciation of African designs, made possible through collaborative work between the Global Heineken, East African and Nigerian teams.â€? Tobi Idowu and Morenikeji Akinsola, provided insight into the initiatives led by Style House Files and supported by Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) which ran throughout the course of the year leading up to #HLFDW, starting off with the inaugural Autumn/Winter presentation in March, the Fashion Focus seminars in Enugu, Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt, the apparel manufacturing - courses running at the Human Capital Development Centre (HCDC) in Apapa, and ending with Trade Shows which ran in 4 cities - WWDMagic Trade Show in Las Vegas, Pitti Imagine Super in Milan, Tranoi in Paris and â€˜Music Mattersâ€? at Selfridges with Davido and Orange Culture. â€œIt has been an impactful year for us at SHF and LFDW. From the A/W presentation to working with our Fashion Focus finalists all year round through various brand-building workshops, our HCDC training centers in Lagos and Abuja and trade shows, securing 19 new stockists. There is still a lot to be done, but we are hopeful with an increased focus on skills acquisition, training, providing opportunities for access to markets, our imaginings of a buoyant fashion industry that impacts the African economic landscape will be actualized,â€? - Idowu, Project Manager, SHF said. Speaking about her yearlong Fashion Focus experience, Imade Eduso said, â€œIt has been an insightful experience. The knowledge gained on this journey has shifted my perspectives for the better and impacted the brand positively. Through the workshops and various Fashion Focus programmes I have learnt brand positioning, brand building, the importance of streamlining brand offerings, staying focused and how to sustain the business. #HLFDW is the perfect springboard to showcase my SS18 collection and I am excited for what lies ahead.â€? This yearâ€™s, Fashion Business Series will host its 5th season tagged â€œTechnology and the Fashion Industry: What lies ahead?â€? in partnership with Style House Files, TECNO, FETS Wallet, NEPC, Business Day and Eko Atlantic. Taking place on Day 2 of fashion week, #FBS will feature speakers such as Cosmas Maduka â€“ Founder/CEO of Coscharis Group, Mark Van Iterson â€“ Design and Concept Lead at Heineken Global, Mobolaji Dawodu â€“ Fashion Director at GQ Style, Asiyami Gold â€“ Content Curator, Sissi Johnson â€“ Global Brand Strategist, Mode Aderinokun â€“ Founder at Studio on Mode, amongst others, speaking on Sustainability, Digital, Technology, Sourcing,

Debola Williams L-R: Biyi Obadeyi, Brand Manager , Heineken, Omoyemi Akerele- Founder, Lagos Fashion and Design Week, Franco Maria Maggi- Marketeting Director, Nigerian Breweries and Tokunbo Adodo- Portfolio Manager, International and NAtional Premium Brands

Nimide Ogbeun Stephanie Ani

Godwin

Nowe Isibor

Derin Odugbesan

NEPC Representative

Manufacturing, Distribution, and Media. Awelcome addition to the HLFDW events will be the experience tent which will play host to Fashion Focus talks with influencers and tastemakers, an interactive Heineken bar and the bloggers lounge curated by The Assembly in collaboration with Newton & David. The bloggers lounge will be

Akin Faminu

a networking hub as well as the perfect spot for bloggers to wine down or work before the evening shows. Access is strictly by invitation. OmoyemiAkerele - Founder #HLFDW, rounded up the press cocktail thanking the commitment of sponsors and reiterating the objective of the #HLFDW platform and the growing need to en-

Tosin, The Style Infidel

Bayo Oke-Lawal Orange Culture,

gage the Pan-African fashion industry to promote skills acquisition and commerce that can catalyze economic growth. r)-'%8 -JOF 6Q r3VOXBZ 4IPXT UI UI 0DUPCFS r 'BTIJPO #VTJOFTT 4FSJFT UI 0DUPCFS r 'BTIJPO 'PDVT 5BMLT UI m UI 0DUPCFS

...Curvy Life Collective Returns

Itâ€™s not a fleeting trend thatâ€™s here today and gone tomorrow. â€œCurvyâ€? is here to stay! After the triumphantsuccessthatLatashaNgwubeâ€™sTheAboutThat Curvy Life Collective achieved at Heineken Lagos 'BTIJPO BOE %FTJHO 8FFL "5$- JT FOHBHJOH Africa in the conversation about body positivity and size inclusion via LFDWâ€™s esteemed platform. The About That Curvy Life Collective is proudly powered by tech giant, Intel. This amazing brand supported ATCL last year, and they are returning this year again, to offer their support. This is a particularly exciting time for the industry as key players like Intel, who understand the value of empowermentandexisttogivetechnologicalsupport to platforms like ours. In this digital age, a brand like Intel keeps us connected, allowing us go further with every stroke on our keyboard is definitely one to have on your team and we are super excited they have come on board once more, on a project like this. Intel itself is no stranger to fashion, as it has been the

official technological partner of New York Fashion Week for the last couple of years. Their current slogan #IamPowerful is in line with Aboutthatcurvylifeâ€™s message of empowerment which affirms a womanâ€™s right to want to feel beautiful, confident and stylish at whateversize. Attherecentpressconferenceorganized by AboutTheCurvyLife, She Spoke on what can be expected at the ATCL Collective showcasing this year, Ngwube says: â€œWe are extremely proud of the historical success The About That Curvy Life Collective achieved in -BVODIFE BU 5IF )FJOFLFO -BHPT 'BTIJPO BOE %FTJHO 8FFL XF NBEF IJTUPSZ BT UIF Ă STU QMVT sizefashionshowonaninternationalfashionrunway inAfrica.Pursuant,TheCollectivewasfeaturedacross several international media outlets including CNN, BBC, Yahoo, and The Guardian. This eventually led to our invitation to make history in Ghana by taking The Collective to the GlitzAfrica Fashion Week 2017, Accra, Ghana.

Latasha taking a bow at GAFW 2017

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

FAIRGROUND

Fetswallet Sponsors Lagos Fashion Week

etswallet, one of Nigeria’s fastest growing mobile payment companies, is sponsoring Lagos Fashion & Design Week for the second consecutive year, as mobile payments are increasingly seen as a key part of Nigerian fashion and creative industries’ growth. Speaking ahead of the start of Africa’s pre-eminent fashion event Ms. Omotade Odunowo, fets CEO, said: “Fashion and fintech are a natural fit, with mobile money having the potential to turn the Nigerian fashion industry into a world class business. Our mobile money service now accommodates not just transfers between individuals, but also corporate clients. With fetswallet, you can pay everyone in the fashion value chain, and this is what we will demonstrate during Lagos Fashion & Design Week.” The company has also announced that Orange Culture (designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal), will be fets’ brand ambassador during the week. Fresh from a fashion show at the prestigious London department store Selfridges

in September, Orange Culture will raise awareness of the fets’ track record in supporting Nigeria’s creative industries. This is in addition to an appearance of Harvey Imama, fets’ head of IT at the Fashion Business Series panel on Thursday 26th. Continuing, Ms Odunowo said: “Participation of Orange Culture highlights our commitment to creating value in fashion and art, which has been our motto for the past two years. Orange Culture is quickly building an international reputation, as his recent show in London suggests. Having our own Harvey Imama at the panel session on Thursday is crucial to advancing our view that mobile money will help transform fashion in Nigeria into a fully-fledged business. “Fets is proud to be part of that transformation. Whether it is used to pay workers or suppliers, fashion models or designers, in other words, whether it is used to pay for goods or services, our application fetswallet will ensure that everyone gets paid in a quick, reliable and affordable way.

Omotade Odunowo

Odunlade Adekola Joins 2017 QMA as Guest Judge Organisers of the 2017 Queen Móremí Àjàsorò (QMA) Cultural Pageant have announced popular Yoruba actor, Odunlade Adekola, as one of the judges for the competition’s audition which will take place from Monday, October 30 to Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at the Kings Palace, Enuwa, Ile Ife, Osun State. The QMA is an annual pageant set up to immortalise the legacy of the revered Queen Móremí Àjàsorò, a symbol of valor amongst the Yorubas. She’s believed to have single-handedly delivered her people from perpetual marauding invaders in the 12th century. Expected at the audition are the over 600 ladies of Yoruba extraction from ages 18-25, who already applied online. The competition requires contestants to exhibit the virtues of Queen Móremí by demonstrating their natural beauty, intellectual and entrepreneurial acumen. According to the Cultural Ambassador

of QMA, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, the winner of the competition will emerge at the grand finale slated to hold on December 3, this year at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos and receive N5 million investment fund, a brand new car and a chance to become a Yoruba Cultural Ambassador. “The 2017 winner will also receive a wardrobe allowance and other mouthwatering gifts. In addition, she will have access to business advice from experts to ensure the success of her new business venture,” she said. The maiden edition was won by a 600level Dental-Surgery student of the University of Ibadan, Blessing Animasahun, who emerged victorious, among 375 contestants in 2016 and was crowned by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, in Ile Ife. The guesgt judge, Adekola is a multiple award winning actor. He is famous for his roles in Mufu Olosaoko, Alani Pamolekun, Asiri Ikoko, among others.

UN Peace Ambassador Excites O’NIEL Boss Gbenga and Aisha Oyebode in partnership with the Murtala Muhammed Foundation and Harbor Point Limited have brought the Hidden Figures initiative to Nigeria. The critically acclaimed movie Hidden Figures,tellsthe truelifestoryofthreebrilliant African-Americanwomenwhoweremathematicians at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into orbit, a spectacular achievement that became one of the historical moments the world remembers. Pioneered by Infor CEO, Charles Philips alongside other business leaders in the United States, this initiative plans to offer free admission to the movie, to thousands of middle school students globally. Over Chief Daniel Chukwudi Obiorah 25,000middleschoolstudentsinNewYorkalonewere beneficiaries of this program, successfully executed schools, Kuramo Junior Secondary School, Victoria with the partnership of organizations such as 20th Island, Kuramo Senior Secondary School, Victoria Century Fox, Google, Facebook, Infor and AT&T. Island, Maroko Junior Secondary school, Ikoyi and On October 6, the initiative kicked off in Nigeria Maroko Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi respectively. with 120 students from four selected public schools Thisinitiativewilleducatestudentsaboutthemany going to the Genesis Cinema, Palms Lekki to watch contributions to science, technology, engineering, the movie. and math and seek to inspire more students to enter Thirty students each were selected from the four those fields.

Odunlade Adekola

‘I Feel Great at 50’

eistheunseenfaceatpopularcelebrity hangout, O’jez Entertainment, andthatisbecauseheworksbehind the scene. Mr. Ifeanyi Clement Odobeatu, C.E.O of Fantex Ventures and youngerbrotheroftheverypopular owner of O’jez Entertainment Group, Chief Joseph Odobeatu, just turned 50 last week, October 14 to be precise, and he had every reason to roll out loud drums in celebration at O’jez restaurant, National Stadium, Surulere-Lagos. “It is great to get to 50, in fact, I feel great being 50,” he told reporters at the event. Asked if he had any regrets, the younger Odobeatu quickly answered: “None, no regrets whatsoever. I have done what most 50 year-olds should do, and 50 years is like the half time in a football match, so what is left is to ensure one wins the game in the remaining half of life’s race. Nobody knows tomorrow, only God, so the remaining years He has given us after 50 is for us to consolidate on some of the things we could not do before we got to 50, make things right in the sight of God and man and that is all…” On why he prefers to be out of social limelight and plays behind the scene at O’jez. “O’jez (Joseph Odobeatu)ismyelderbrother,wehavebeentogether allourlivesandalsoinbusiness;fromwhenhestarted

Ifeanyi Clement Odobeatu Jonac Electricals to popular Ejiks Super Market, Jona EngineeringandO’jezwhichhasbecomeahousehold name after over 17 years, but I prefer to play behind the scene because my brother is a genius.” Even playing behind the scene did not stop him from building his own business empire. “I am the C.E.O of Fantex Ventures, we are into household gas and accessories business and by God’s grace; we have carved a niche for ourselves in that sector.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž OCTOBER 28, 2017

From Me To You

â€“ NKECHI IBENEME 08142358958 â€“ (texts only)

Itâ€™s Our World

Hello teens, I hope youâ€™ve fastened your seat belts because we are about to take oďŹ€ and would be cruising at an altitude of maximum excitement. Hereâ€™s the thing, every Saturday on this platform, teenagers will be nurtured and celebrated and they would have their say on burning issues in the society. He is only 16 and fresh out of secondary school, but Master Olaolu Olawuyi is a giant in the Tech world. His creation; Material Palenight Theme, has recorded an impressive 20,000 downloadsâ€Śand still counting Lessons from the master â€“ it is a rare privilege to have Mr. Opeyemi Awoyemi, a co-founder of jobberman; the number one job company in Africa, guide us through the right career path thank you Opeyemi, it is an honor.

In navigating through life, circumspection is highly advised. For every action, there are consequences and for every bad decision, there is a price. Today on issues, we will look at the eďŹ€ects of drug abuse and why teenagers indulge in it. Also, our illustrated story titled â€œEvil friendsâ€? teaches us to be careful when choosing/dealing with our â€˜friends.â€™ The teenage age is a delicate phase of oneâ€™s life because decisions taken at this age can either make or mar an individual. Teens Connect is designed to help teenagers make positive life impacting decisions and to take bold steps towards actualising their full potential. Wait a minute! Someone just asked, â€œWho exactly is a teenager?â€? Teenagers are those

Shout Out!

My appreciation goes to the Management of ThisDay Newspapers for the wonderful opportunity to connect teenagers through this platform; Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, Nduka Obaigbena, Managing Director, Eniola Bello and Editor, Saturday Newspaper, Shaka Momodu â€“ you guys rock!

young adults aged between 13 â€“ 19 years, who are neither children nor full adults. They are in Secondary and Tertiary Schools, some of them may have even graduated from the university. They have minds of their own peculiar to them and dwell in a world diďŹ€erent from the rest. Teens Connect will celebrate that world and connect all teenagers in it. It is â€˜Of usâ€™, â€˜By usâ€™, and â€˜For usâ€™. Yes! I said â€œUsâ€?, I am a teenager also â€“ by heart that is, lol â€Ś. And this is our world! Letâ€™s hear from you: teensconnectmag@ gmail.com Like our facebook page: www.facebook.com/ teensconnectmag

My love to these lovely tots who celebrated their birthdays this October, the â€˜Star 3â€™ as I call them; Winifred Vincent-1st, Olisaemeka Amadi-14th and Chizara Azubogu-25th . To little baby Sochikaima Arianna Ejiofor - a joy to all â€“ Welcome! And, to all teens born in the month of October.

ISSUES Teenagers and Drug Abuse Drug abuse can generally be defined as the unguarded use of both legal and illegal drugs to the detriment of the user. From the above definition, one could see that even legal drugs (drugs that are socially and medically acceptable) can be detrimental to the body when used wrongly. This is why it is advised that only qualified medical practitioners should prescribe these drugs. Some Reasons Why Teenagers Abuse Drugs: r 1FFS QSFTTVSF .PTU UFFOBHFST BSF susceptible to influence. The desire to belong and not be looked down upon by friends (feel among), push them into doing things they ordinarily would not do. For instance, a teenager who neither smokes cigarettes nor drinks alcohol is more likely to indulge in such if his/her friends smoke and drink. Sadly, such people often end up experimenting with harder drugs. r $VSJPTJUZ 5FFOBHFST BSF BEWFOUVSous by nature; as a result, they often experiment with the untouchables. A mere mention that when one takes marijuana one begins to feel â€˜highâ€™ will make an average teenager want to try it to know how feeling â€˜highâ€™ is and in the process might get hooked on drugs.

r 4USFTT 4PNF UFFOBHFST XIFO GBDFE with stress, be it at home, in the school or socially, resort to drug use as a way of escape. Abuse of drugs does not solve problems rather it compounds them. Try to discuss your concerns with your schoolâ€™s counselor or any responsible adult you can trust (you can also talk to Judy) r 4FMG NFEJDBUJPO .BOZ QFPQMF including teenagers are guilty of this, but it is wrong and strongly discouraged by medical experts. It is expected that people should consult qualified medical practitioners when ill rather than engaging in self medication which may result in fatalities (damage of vital organs or even death) if wrongly administered. t5P CF DPOUJOVFE OFYU XFFL

Talk toJudy

Hi guys! My name is Judy. I am here to share your problems with you. Trust me to proffer solutions to those mind boggling problems you wouldnâ€™t dare share with friends, siblings, parents or anyone else. A lot of people; teenagers alike, hurt secretly with problems they canâ€™t discuss openly for fear of being judged. You may hide your identity if you wish, but do write in and letâ€™s discuss that problem. It is not

healthy to bottle up problems. Moreover, problems shared are problems half solved. Or, you think no one cares? I do care! I will be here every week to help you solve that problem. But, I canâ€™t, if you donâ€™t talk about it, so do write in. you never know, what you call a problem may just be a normal growing up experience. *****Send your mails to: teensconnectmag@ gmail.com. Subject: Dear Judy.

To be contd

OCTOBER 28, 2017SS Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

He refers to himself as a â€œCSS3 sorcerer and JavaScript fanboy, a Front-End Nerd, who does a lot of JavaScript and CSS while also doing some backâ€“end stuďŹ€ with PHP. And builds Themes for code editors like Atom and VSCodeâ€? â€“ whatever all that means, lolâ€Ś. If you arenâ€™t a techie like me, youâ€™d be completely lost when you hear him speak. And even if you are hi tech, you will definitely be mesmerized by Master Olaolu Olawuyi, a 16 year old Technology whiz kid whose creation; Material Palenight Theme, a software development tool, has been downloaded a whooping twenty thousand (20,000) times and still counting. Olaolu was one of the speakers at the Girl Meets Tech: Teen Meet up, organized by StartZone recently, to establish a solid foundation for young girls to be major drivers of tech innovation in Nigeria. The Teens Connect team had a chat with him after the event, and brings you these excerpts:

TC: How long have you been coding? Olaolu: My journey into actual coding began in 2012. Then, my dad was planning to start a news website, so he got a web developer to build his website. I was so curious about the black screen I saw him working on, so I asked, and when he explained what it was, I fell in love with it instantly. He gave me HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript videos to start with and I also learned a lot on my own by digging into websiteâ€™s code. TC: What has been your experience so far? Olaolu: It has really been awesome and very exciting, although it could be frustrating at times. Iâ€™ve gone through a whole lot of those moments called â€œcoding rutsâ€?, when Iâ€™m stuck where Iâ€™d be like â€œwhat the heck is coding!?â€? , â€œwhy am I even coding!?â€?, â€œwhat am I coding for!?â€? and I would lose motivation completely. I recently got over one of such experiences when I read an article by Laurence Bradford. TC: Your invention; Material Palenight Theme, has been downloaded over 20, 000 times by software developers. How does that make you feel and whatâ€™s the next big thing

TC: What is the future of software programming in Nigeria? Olaolu: I can say boldly that the future of Olaolu: Naturally, I feel good that am adding tech in Nigeria is great. Nigeria is equipped value to the tech world and by that impacting with tech talents, but whatâ€™s lacking is the my generation. As for the next big thing, Iâ€™ve development of these talents. Weâ€™ve had visits recently been devising strategies to help me from great players in tech globally, speaking escape the web for a while so that I can dive into Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence of Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Sundar of Google and others. We also have great support â€“ Iâ€™ve fallen in love with it so much. and sponsorships from international organizaTC: Where do you see yourself in the next tions which shows just one thing - great hands are in Nigeria, but the ones that are currently ten years? equipped with knowledge are fewer than the Olaolu: I see myself as an established and ones that are yet to be discovered. I think the happy software developer with international government and NGOs have a huge role to recognition. play here, and we need to act swiftly. TC: What course do you want to study at TC: What are your hobbies? the university? Olaolu: Hmmmâ€Ś, thatâ€™s really funny â€˜cause Olaolu: I actually used to be a science student, but I changed to arts in SSS2 third term because I spend most of my time on the computer. I I couldnâ€™t cope with physics. So, I have applied love creating music, I play games very rarely, I to study Mass Communication at the University seldom watch movies, but I enjoy SciFi movies like â€œThe Flashâ€?, I also love to enlighten people of Lagos. about tech and I hangout with friends occasionally. TC: Who is your role model? Olaolu: My role model is Elon Musk. Heâ€™s TC: Whatâ€™s your final word for fellow the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and other great tech teenagers? companies. His lifeâ€™s story is really inspiring; Olaolu: Everyone should really stop playing looking at all the challenges and down times he faced. I suggest everyone should read about around doing nothing and see the light and potential of being in technology. They should him. get serious and look into a career in tech - it pays a lot. Organisations, both locally and TC: Why do you think every teenager internationally are looking to hire young smart should aspire to be tech savvy? minds for various roles and they pay handOlaolu: I think every teenager should be a somely for it. TC! techie because itâ€™s whatâ€™s trending and itâ€™s the future. Many jobs are going to be replaced by t (PPHMF 0MBPMV 0MBXVZJ UP LOPX technology, so if we donâ€™t prepare for it now, more about him. Follow him: mrolaolu: such persons would be left behind. everywhere on the web and whizkydee: on (JU )VC we should expect from you?

ÍšÍ¸Íš a guide to your career choiceâ€Ś.

by Opeyemi Awoyemi

â€œ

Olaolu Olawuyi

â€œ

TC: What/Who inspired you to learn programming? Olaolu: I guess curiosity. At a very young age, I got a personal computer, which was a desktop running Windows XP, and it was great. I used to play games like: Pinball, Zuma, Minisweeper and others on it, but I also found myself getting into weird parts of the software, like; ini, bat, cmd and I was like whatâ€™s this!? That curiosity made me often break the software and tried to figure out how to fix it. I did the same with other toys I got and this drove my mum and dad a bit to the edge.

Lifeâ€™s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they are supposed to help you discover who you are - Anonymous

What I wish every secondary school student knew and practiced â€Ś. Dear young friend, Welcome to the first edition of career guide for teens. You might ask, â€œwhy do I need career advice just yet since I am in/just out of secondary school?â€? The answer is simple. Now is the time you need it, not later. The difference between graduates who find it easy to get jobs and those who do not, lies in how early they had access to career advice. So go on, congratulate yourself, reading this might just change the direction of your life. The great people we read about (Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, et al) all had something in common as

young people. They dreamt of a great life ahead and took some steps to make themselves competent people. â€œ20 years ago was the best time to plant a tree, the next best time is nowâ€? â€“ Chinese proverb. Here are some things you should know/do before you turn 20 to become smarter and have a greater chance of being hugely successful. If you are 19, start today, if you are 11, start as well: 1. Follow your passion in choosing a career path and consider your area of strength as well. You are more likely to endure, overcome and succeed when you have passion for what you do than when you do not.

2. You do not have to be a doctor, engineer, or lawyer. No course of study guarantees a job or huge salaries. Nothing is guaranteed. Your skills and what you can personally do with them (job or no job) will stand you out. 3. Do not waste any part of your holidays before you graduate. Do something that adds knowledge and/or experience to you. Learn as much as you can, for as long as you can. Basic skills and concepts in seemingly intimidating disciplines are not as hard to master as they may seem. Learn sewing, graphics,

Participants at the â€˜Girl Meets Tech: Teen Meetupâ€™ organised by StartZone recently, to promote tech awareness among young girls

website programming or anything you can actually use to create something. Being indifferent to learning new things is plain stupid! 4. Learn as many languages as possible. The world is a global village and being multilingual opens up unlimited opportunities. t0QFZFNJ "XPZFNJ JT BO VOEFS 5FDIOPMogy entrepreneur. He is the founder of number KPC TJUF JO "GSJDB +PCCFSNBO BOE BMTP UIF GPVOEFS PG 8IP (P )PTU BO VQXBSEMZ NPCJMF XFC IPTUJOH DPNQBOZ (PPHMF IJT OBNF UP know more.

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

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TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

New Dawn For Nigeria Tourism Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă˜Ă™ĂĄËœ ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ăž Ă’Ă™Ă™ĂšĂ–Ă‹ Ă™Ă Ă?Ăœ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă— Ă?Ă Ă?Ă–Ă™ĂšĂ—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ě™ Ěš Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă–Ă– ĂžĂ™ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă?Ă˘ĂžĂ?Ă˜Ăž ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă“Ăž ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă— ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă‹Ă–Ă– ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă—Ă‹ĂžĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂžĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă— ĂžĂ™ Ă’Ă‹ĂšĂšĂ?Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂšĂ‹Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ăœ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă”Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă“Ă–Ă–Ë› Ă™ ĂŒĂ? ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?Ëœ Ă‹ Ă–Ă™Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?Ă™Ă—Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ?ĂšĂ?Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă“Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă–Ă‹ĂĄ ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă“Ăž ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă?ĂžËœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂšĂ‹Ă–Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂžĂ™ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ĂžĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă— Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœËœ Ă?Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂžĂ™ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă™Ă—ĂŁË› Ă˜Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂĄĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă˜Ă™Ăž ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă? Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂŽĂ™Ă— ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă? Ă–Ă‹ĂĄ Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ™ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă—Ă™ĂœĂšĂ’Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ë› Omolola Itayemi ĂĄĂœĂ“ĂžĂ?Ă?

o, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Amendment Bill has been passed by the Senate. When eventually signed into law, NTDC will cease to be a corporation and will now become an authority, Nigerian Tourism DevelopmentAuthority, NTDA.As its new name implies, the â€˜Authoriryâ€™ will ensure the birth of a new dawn for the prarastatal in order to position Nigeria as a tourism hub in Africa. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in its 2017 report projected that tourism contribution to GDP would rise by 1.1% in 2017, and a further rise by 3.6% pa, from 2017-2027, to NGN2,680.7bn (USD10.6bn), 1.6% of total GDP in 2027 up from the direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP of NGN1,861.4bn (USD7.4bn), 1.7% of total GDP in 2016. Before now, travel and tourism performance of both Nigeria and South Africa had been declining. International tourism receipts for June 2017 for both countries show declines by 8.9% and 5.1% respectively. Nigeriaâ€™s declining fortunes in international tourism receipts were quickly recognised by the Director General, NTDC, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, who on assumption of office, said that Nigeria had suffered a lot of negative perception. â€œHow could you sell Nigeria at a time when we were suffering from very negative news? Have you considered the amount of terror attacks going on at that particular period? That was what dominated global media about Nigeria. Then you come to say â€˜Fascinating Nigeriaâ€™. Are you believable?â€? He said that the way forward was â€œto reverse the negative narratives on Nigerian tourism; promote our diverse heritage; create new tourism channels, while shaping the positive perception of its citizens.â€? The NTDC went on to launch the â€˜Tour Nigeriaâ€™ brand. Tour Nigeria is a domestic tourism-driven vehicle on which essential tourism initiatives are being pushed. It is a no-brainer as to why this is the main foray of the new NTDC thrust. According to 2017 Jumia Hospitality report, domestic tourism accounted for 97% of tourism contribution to GDP in 2016. Then, 2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism which focuses on domestic tourism. UNWTO aims to promote tourism in areas such as inclusive and sustainable economic growth, social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction, resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change, Cultural values, diversity and heritage and mutual understanding, peace and security With the passing of the new NTDC Bill, domestic tourism is expected to be vigorously pursued through the provision of infrastructure and the promotion of activities in the areas of tourist attractions and festivals of food, fashion and culture, entertainment, water tourism, historic sites, museums, parks, game reserves, beaches, natural beauty spots, holiday resorts, and souvenir industries. Interestingly, major changes such as Nigerian Travel Bureau becoming the Tour Operating Company and the Tourism Development Levy being recognised by law will happen.Added to that would be a Tourism Development Fund, which will help the NTDC do the business of tourism development, aside from its statutory funding from the Nigerian federation account. Domestic tourism is normally expedited through tour ventures. A ready-made tour operation is the Tour Operating Company, which is established by the proposed NTDC law. This company is expected to serve as a flagship tour operating company in Nigeria. It is expected that it will lead in devising creative tour programmes which will stimulate touristsâ€™ interests both locally and internationally. The proposed NTDC law provides for the creation of an alliance of tourism enterprises in all the States of the Federation, which will be accredited for the purposes of standardisation, quality assurance, consumer protection and public health and safety.

Coker As there are no penalties for non-accreditation, this can best be seen as a persuasive alliance which has its benefits. It would seem then that this provision has been grossly misunderstood. Joining such an alliance seems to mean extra benefits such as international status and recognition by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) of which the Corporation is a country member thereof, eligibility for specific fiscal relief categories and tax exemptions, eligibility for Custom duty exemptions by the Ministry of Finance to encourage infrastructural improvements and development of tourism facilities. Other benefits are eligibility for financial incentives, subsidy grants and concessionary interest loans from the Tourism Development Fund and promotion of member establishments by the Corporation. The â€˜penaltyâ€™ for not being part of

the alliance may just then be the exclusion from all these. What may be contentious may be provisions for the setting up of the Hotel inspectorate Division. Without a doubt, the Supreme Court judgement of 2013 which empowers states to license hotels subsists. But the definitions of the words, â€˜inspectâ€™, â€˜licenseâ€™, and â€˜regulateâ€™ would need to be put in context in order that there would be no blurred lines between NTDC and the states on the administration and control of hotel practice. The seeming controversies over hotel practice jurisdiction, nevertheless, the just passed NTDC Bill signposts the beginning of a new travel and tourism regime. Already, the DG, NTDC has outlined the cardinal points of his administration in the acronym, CHIEF â€“ Corporate Governance & Regulations,

Human Capital Development, Infrastructural Development, Events & Marketing, and Finance & Investment. He had previously spoken about being limited by the lack of proper legislation in the implementation of his programmes. Much more than all these, Coker reiterates the freedom this law gives to individuals. â€œThe key to this law is the freedom it gives to the individual. It allows choice. It is based on alliances not enforcement. What is good for the goose isnâ€™t necessarily good for the gander. If we are to build a solid domestic platform on which international tourism will rise, we must operate to internationally accredited and recognised standards to which countries not states have access. Thirty six or even 10 different hotel gradings across the nation cannot work. Remember Nitel. 090.... This is the 2001 time in Tourism. Atime to invest and do what GSM did to analogue telecommunications. Did Nitel believe in the new telecoms? No. Did they not frustrate it with connectivity issues for the new telcos? Yes. Look at the Nigerian telecoms industry today. Look at the values it represents across Africa. The future is our people. Tourism is the business of Transportation Hospitality and Entertainment. Itâ€™s a people business. Invest now for our people or discount the collective future of unborn generations,â€? he said. As the administration forges full steam ahead with its plans, it would be a delight to see the extensions of tourism beyond the present platitudes of heritage and cultural tourism to a new medium of cultural expression that has come to dominate in the world. Our music is world-renowned with our musicians winning and competing favourably on the international scene. Our fashion is very strong and our food is currently going through a cosmopolitan metamorphosis that will change its fortunes. Our film is number two in the world. Film production is a big business globally. The film festival is a business on its own and that is where tourism again needs to look at. The Zuma Film Festival in Abuja needs to be like the largest film festival in Africa since the largest business in Africa resides in Nigeria. Something is seriously wrong in terms of how we define our tourism assets and how we use them for business. If you look at sports, we are a sports-loving nation, particularly football. We need to key into that. Of course, there abound a whole lot more to explore and savour in Nigeria because we are hopeful that while we battle the international perception of the lack of peace and stability as a country, as individuals we can take the advantage the new regime offers to begin to exploit and enjoy our country through hospitality and tourism. Viva, NTDA!

110 Countries to Attend African Culture, Design Festival The Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) is billed to host the 2017 edition of World Design Congress/GeneralAssembly of the International Federation of InteriorArchitects/designs (IFI) from Nov 9 to 12, at Federal Palace Hotel, VI, Lagos. This was disclosed at a meeting with the press, where the body unveiled the programmes. The General Assembly of IFI, which is its highest governingauthority,holdsbienniallyanditisattended by members of its executive board, past presidents, members and external stakeholders from membercountries and the event is usually a closed meeting. The Congress, which will see hundreds of design professionals from about 110 countries converging in Nigeria to discuss the theme of â€œWorld-class Design in Regional Markets: Interior Architecture/design into the Future.â€? Indeed, the Nigerian interior design industry appears set for interesting times ahead. According to Titi Ogufere, President of IDAN, the interior design industry in Nigeria has certainly comeofage,withtheentryofmoreprofessionals,who are introducing bespoke aesthetics that are turning residential apartments and corporate offices into attractive living and work spaces for satisfied clients.

L-R: Past IDAN Secretary General, Omoh Anenih Mordi; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Interior Designers Association of Nigeria, (IDAN), Ekuah Abudu; President, interior Designers Association of Nigeria, Titi Ogufere; Secretary General, Tola Akerele and Head of Communications, Sterling Bank plc, Tomi Ajakaiye during the briefing to formally announce the African Culture and Design Festival(ACDF), in Lagos

OCTOBER 28, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE ‘Misfits in Colors’ Collection by

P.O.C

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 28, 2017

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

‘Misfits in Colors’

ollowing their latest street style editorial, Lagos based Menswear brand P.O.C Lagos has released a new collection of Ready to wear pieces tagged ‘Misfits In Colors’ The brand reiterated it’s stance to ensuite men with more clothing options as evident in the use of bold colors and patterns to design Kaftans, tunics, shirts and pants. The pieces were rolled out at a shopping party at their Uurbandice designed retail space at Meidei on the 7th of October and was sponsored by Jameson. The brand is stocked at Meidei - New 3/ Old 6, Ogbunike street, Lekki Phase 1. Credits: Design: @P.o.c_Lagos Direction and Styling: @zerodays.off x @ wack.official

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ΀˜ 2017

MARKET PLACE áÓÞÒ ×ÙÖËÌËÕÏ ËÝÒÙÑÌÙØ˛˛˛ ͸΀͸ͻͻ;ͺ͹͸͸΁

L-R: MD/CEO, Backbone Connectivity Network Limited,Mr Ibrahim Dikko and President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, Mr Olusola Teniola during ATCON NEC courtesy Visit to the oﬃce of the former in Abuja...recently

L-R: Sales Ambassador, Rosemary Alfa; Learning and Development Manager,Ayodeji Ogunmola; Sales Ambassador, Natalie Omini and Managing Director,Phiroze Seth all of Fero Mobile at the launch of Royale X2 mobile phone in Lagos...recently

Firm boosts Cashless Initiative with Orangebox™ 7210 The agenda of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, cashless policy to encourage electronic-based transactions has been further boosted with the launch of Orangebox™ 7210, an advanced and versatile point of sales, POS, system. The latest technology was an idea of CitiServe Limited, a member of the Vigeo group Limited that deals in enterprise solutions and payment services by providing e-business solutions for industries, develop applications for e-transactions, bill payments and other value-added services. This in turn provides income, facilitates cashless payments via bank cards on the PoS and other touch points. The OrangeBox™ was formally Introduced in 2011 as part of CBN’s

Olx Seeks Consumers’ Confidence on Fifth Anniversary Online classified company, Olx, has used the occasion of its fifth year anniversary to solicit increased consumers’ trust for online deals in Nigeria. According to the company, a lack of consumers trust and confidence in the business model remained a major setback which has continued to slow down expected growth and development in the e-commerce sector of the economy. Speaking at an exclusive event that held at Terra Kulture Arena in Victoria Island, Lagos, Country Manager of the company, Lola Masha, noted that five years’ journey in Nigeria was not all smooth, however, the organisation strive to raise and maintain a position above sea level by constantly improving and re-inventing. “The business model continues to be a major chill wind as the environment is yet to come to believe in the business. Our kind of business relies on trust, yet, the level of trust we are getting from Nigerians is not encouraging. Users still express doubts about the credibility of buyers as well as authenticity of products, we need to defeat this hindrance to be able to reach our destination. “Above all, competition has been tight but it is welcome because it does help raise standards in the industry. Our five amazing years have been made glorious with new projects, analyses, reviews, management style and of course, creative strategies and approach. All thanks to our partners, users, the Olx team and off course, the media, Masha said.” The event graced by partners, media and other dignitaries also had users share their winning experiences on the platform in the last five years as they urged Nigerians to tap into the offerings provided on the platform. In her remarks, Marketing Manager of OLX, Fifemayo Aiyesimoju, said that the essence of the event was to further appreciate all stakeholders who have been part of the firm’s success story since inception. She added, “In commemoration of our 5th Anniversary, we are giving away a quarter of a million naira throughout the month of October to reward our loyal users and fans. We therefore implore our users to follow all our social media handles on www.facebook.com/OLXNigeria/, Twitter @OLX_Nigeria and Instagram @olxnigeria to stand a chance of winning”.

cashless roll-out and has emerged to be a preferred Point of Sale, POS, terminal modeled for the Nigerian environment with its external shell for accidental drop, designed to pick even weak signals for General Packet Radio Service, GPR, networks such as MTN, Etisalat, Glo, and Airtel. Improving on the OrangeBox™, the new OrangeBox™ 7210 box is a high-performance multiple hold terminal which has the capacity to support multiple tasks and applications. According to the company, the initiative stem from the need to strengthen its market base and growing appetite, to bring ease of financial transaction to the public and to pursue its drive as a base for innovative ideas.

The formal launch of the product took place in Lagos and was witnessed by representatives of commercial banks in Nigeria, Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) and other captains of industry. Shedding more light on the innovation, Chief Operating Officer of the company, Jubril Salaudeen, stated that the latest was poised to deliver superior value to stakeholders, banks, billers, merchants and the consumers. “The arrival of Orangebox7210 with its unique features promises to add new and exciting experiences to e-payment operations in the country.” The event also witnessed the launch of OrangeBox™ Retail platform, a digital distribution platform that creates and

Institute Strengthens Investment in $5 trillion Fashion Industry Just as Nigeria has been charged to tap into the prospect of the global fashion and creative industry valued at $5 trillion according to African Development Bank (AfDB), Lagos-based fashion institute, De-Image Creation and Fashion School, is the sector’s potential. The institute which recently graduated its first set of empowerment students who have been nurtured in the art of clothmaking and designs stated that it was on a mission to lift Nigeria’s fashion to an enviable height. Speaking recently at the institute’s graduation ceremony which held in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Temilola Akintayo noted that Nigerian fashion industry was rich enough to drive unemployment out of the country if given the needed verve. Akintayo posited that the industry held considerable potential to motivate and bring change to some of the most disadvantaged people, especially women and youths, while advancing structural transformation. “As our own way of boosting the sector and tackling unemployment most especially among youths, we have decided on free and fee training exercise for privileged and non-privileged students who have passion for

the profession. This we have been doing from inception and have so far graduated thousands of students. “Our students are being taken through practical and theoretical sessions after which they face thorough practical examination before they are branded certified. This is to ensure that we dish out core professionals in the market. “Upon graduation, we also equip graduands with sewing machines and other relevant tools to ensure that they set out immediately. This is why we welcome support from all corners to deepen and expand this gesture beyond what we are offering now,” she said. While she sought for government’s support for operators in terms of incentives and others, Akintayo also stressed the need for public private partnership to completely tackle poverty and unemployment. Admonishing the students, Deputy General Manager of Ajaokuta Steel Industry, Mrs. Imeobong Ibomhen, encouraged the graduands to make good use of the opportunity to drive the sector’s potential. The ceremony was graced by industry experts, traditional rulers, captains of industry and other eminent personalities.

delivers value, through the chain to the last mile by providing income opportunities in the sale of e-products via the point-of-sales device. According to Salaudeen, the platform is not just a PoS, but a merchant as it affords retailers opportunity to up-sell and make profit. With over 40,000 OrangeBox™ Pan Nigeria, the platform is boosted to afford billers/ product owners a deep and penetrating distribution channel delivering availability, accessibility and more profit. Its expanding products include sales and payment of airtime, Pay/cable TV, power/utility bills (token), lottery, internet, insurance, money transfer, amongst others.

Epara Beauty Brand Debuts The Nigerian beauty industry has got a lift with the arrival in the market of a new skin care brand, Epara, which is targeted at women of all colours. Coming into the market with the first luxury skin care products, Epara, which means to cocoon oneself, in Ebira dialect, combines natural ingredients to nourish and protect all kinds of skin. Speaking on the establishment, the founder, Mrs. Ozohu Adoh, explained that her venture in the beauty industry after years of exploit in the Oil and Gas sector arose from her personal experience in dealing with severe skin challenge as well as the influx of chemicalconcentrated products in the market. “My personal experience battling tough skin forced me into experimenting with natural ingredients, which did turn out well as my skin turn out to be cynosure of all eyes. Basically, our range of products will tackle all skin issues ranging from pigmentation, dryness, sagging, discolouration and others. “Our ingredients are organic and sourced from throughout Africa. Our range of products are all formulated to address specific needs in a healthy manner. For example, stubborn hyper-pigmentation is a problem specific to women of colour. Most products geared towards this issue are harmful bleaching products. We found a way to address this problem using natural botanicals combined with micro-algae that specifically seek out the parts of the skin that are over-producing melanin. This leaves women with an effective, completely non-harmful product to treat dark marks, a first in the beauty industry,” she boasted. Epara brand which presence has been established in countries like Tanzania, Ghana, Morocco and Nigeria has in stock 10-piece skincare products that include: Cleansing Oil, Cleansing Lotion, Moisturizing Face brightening Night Balm, Intense Hydrating Mask, Comforting Body Cream, Hydrating Serum, Eye Serum, Balancing Face Oil and Hydrating Mist. Away from solving skin problem, the new brand also opens business opportunities for retailers and even users who return empty containers for recycling.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 28, 2017

MEMOIRS Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo

I Failed My Common Entrance to Baptist College, Iwo

What comes to mind when his name crops up is a colossus of the Nigerian bar. Brilliant, meticulous and amiable, he has won many celebrated court cases. But for this legal legend, it was a long walk to a life of achievement. Raised in the village where the only source of inspiration was the priesthood, he failed his Common Entrance examination and so secondary education eluded him leading him to find solace in a Modern Secondary School. He later served as a policeman in the 1960s. But like a phoenix, he rose above his adversity.The turning point in his life to pursue higher education came while serving as a salesman in a bookshop, where he noticed the disparity in salary between graduates and others. He sat for the G.C.E. and advanced levels exam, while he was well advanced in age. But he passed. He entered the then University of Ife at 27, graduated at 30 and was called to the bar in 1978. This is the story of Asiwaju Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the first Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Osun State.Today, his resilient spirit and visionary prowess have paid off. He turned 70 on September 19, this year and in this interview with Funke Olaode, the Igbajo, Osun State-born legal icon talks about his life, challenges, and career

I never aspired to be a lawyer I went to university as an adult

I was raised in the village

am a legal practitioner, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria; Fellow, Chartered Institute of Administrator; and Life Bencher. By the grace of God, I have reached the peak in Legal profession. I was made a SAN when I was exactly 14 years as a practising lawyer. I was made Asiwaju of Igbajoland (my hometown) in 2015. But going this far is by the grace of God because the journey could have been truncated due to life’s circumstances. I was born in Orile-Ilugun on September 19, 1947. My mother, an indigene of Orile-Ilugun in Egba Odeda Local Government of Ogun State, was a Kolanut seller. My father, on the other hand, was a discharged British soldier, who fought the Second World War. He hailed from Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government Area in Osun State. One of my uncles, Rev. Moses Awomolo was a Nigerian Baptist Convention Reverend (an evangelist), who introduced Baptist Convention to parts of Osun, Ila, Iragbiji, Igbajo, Ejigbo, Ikirun and the present Kwara State comprising Offa, Ijagbo and so on. I have another uncle who was a contractor. So, I grew up among a large family of uncles, aunties, grandfathers, big mummies and so on. My father had only one wife but it was a large family where communal living was pronounced. We all ate from the same pot. The only difference is that you know your mother because of this motherly affection. And once in a while she calls you into a corner or room and gives you a piece of meat, sweet, egg and asks you to clean your mouth. In the midst of this setting, there was an emphasis on education. Of course, being a village setting there was no electricity, though we knew it existed in Ibadan because my late uncle, Deacon Adetunji Awomolo, a co-owner of Abdullahi and Awomolo Nigeria Limited, firm of civil engineers, builders and contractor was based in Ibadan and we used to visit him during long holidays or vacations. So, we knew there were television and radio stations because my father had a small transistor radio that was always present in his bedside.

I never aspired to be a lawyer

Being surrounded by noble and hard-working people influenced my life, to see myself beyond the local village. It was a family setting where you had educated and enlightened people and you were made to aspire to become something in life. Although at that age, I didn’t aspire to be a lawyer and didn’t even know about lawyers. I was only inspired by my environment. The only aspiration was to either become a teacher or a pastor or a priest in the Anglican Church. Then, one might have wanted to be a councillor. They commanded the respect, honour, and dignity of the locality. I remember, when a councillor wanted to have a town hall meeting, everybody would be there. At that time they always went around with local policemen. When the chairman of a local government was visiting a particular locality, it was a celebration. When officials of government such as a District Officer or Inspector of Education were to pass through a village or visit a particular school, it was like seeing a governor. So, we all aspired to be like them. Again, our parents left us to develop at our own pace although they monitored, very strictly, our morals. You were not allowed to fight in school, to steal or bring strange things home from school or anywhere. We were not allowed to eat in other people’s home or to be rude to others. We were taught to be prudent with money. I remember I had a small box, ‘kolo’ (piggy bank), where I kept my money. You were only allowed to break your ‘small bank’ at Christmas, Easter or on your birthday. As children, we didn’t lack anything. We ate chicken, egg, beef and whatever we wanted to eat. I am not a ‘butter’ child but not poor either.

I thought Nigeria’s Independence Day was a mere celebration

I began my primary education at the age of seven in 1955/54 at St. James Anglican Primary School, Orile-Ilugun. I was Agric and Sports Prefect between 1959/1960. I did my First Leaving Primary Examination called G2 in my village in 1960, which coincided with the year Nigeria got her independence. It was a special day for the country but as children, we didn’t know the legal and political implication. I remember prior to Nigeria’s independence we used to celebrate Empire Day, which normally fell on May 21 of every year. We would all get kitted in white socks, white knickers, and a T-Shirt. But on October 1st, we were made to do a parade. The District Officer was there with the police band. We knew that it was an Independence Day but didn’t know the legal and political implication of it. We thought it was a celebration day that was supervised by the D.O. We were given free meal on that day, green-white=green flags, a beret with Nigerian crest. We had a good time and those who were in the city watched the television. But we were listening to the radio as events were happening in Ibadan, Lagos and other places.

Lack of money denied me of secondary education

Adegboyega Awomolo

After my primary education, I was supposed to go to Baptist College in Iwo, Osun State but was not successful in the Common Entrance exam. I was persuaded to go to Modern School which I did. I enrolled at Egbe Odeda Anglican Modern Secondary School in 1961. By the time I finished in 1963/64, I still aspired to go to secondary school but my father said he didn’t have the money to help me achieve that dream. He asked me to wait till the next year. Right there, I decided to go and meet an uncle who was a contractor in Ibadan. He was one of those who never believed in influencing any decision or to go and beg. He said until I passed my examinations, I should keep trying. And because I didn’t make it the second time I was a bit discouraged. My uncle took me to his sites because he had a lot of projects at the University of Ibadan. I became his site assistant, records, and stock keeper and worked at various buildings, particularly at UI. I worked with him for three years. In 1967, I enlisted in

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 28, 2017

MEMOIRS I FAILED MY COMMON ENTRANCE TO BAPTIST COLLEGE, IWO I was having a glorious career as a sales rep, but this propelled me to go to university at a point.There was a year we had new recruits of young graduates. So, I introduced these young men into the market and they were trained by me on the field. And after a year, they were given almost 10 times of my salary.That was the day I decided to pursue tertiary education in law. As said earlier, I didn’t know about law, I read about F.R.A.Williams in Lagos and legal icons like Chief Afe Babalola SAN, Olu andYinka Ayoola who later served as Chief Judge of the Gambia and later retired as a Supreme Court Judge inspired me.These gentlemen were the toast of legal profession in Ibadan then...They rode the best cars in town: Rover, Bentley and Mercedes. I said I must be like them the Nigeria Police Force and worked in several divisions: Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode, Enugu, and quit in 1972. Of course, I had jettisoned the idea of going back to secondary school but I hadn’t lost hope. While working as a police officer, I attended Bamiyowa Evening School, Oke-Ado, Ibadan where I studied and obtained University of London General Certificate of Education (GCE O’Level and Advanced Levels). This feat rekindled my hope of university education. I left the Nigeria Police and joined the C.S.S. Bookshop Ltd. Ibadan from 1972-1974 as a sales representative, covering Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states.

Asiwaju Awomolo with wife, Victoria Olufunmilayo

The biggest threat in my career

Just like any other profession, I have had my own fair share of some intriguing moments. The bizarre moment I have ever faced in my life was when I was doing the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti’s case in the 1980s. Oba Aladesanmi died and another king, Oba Adelabu was installed and it went into litigation. There was a challenge by one of the princes of the Aladesanmi who said by tradition he was supposed to be the Ewi, not Adelabu. And because I was scared of sleeping in Ado-Ekiti, I would leave Ilorin around 6 am to go and defend the case in Ado-Ekiti. And each time I was going to Ado, the opposition would arrange women who would wear a white dress and put a pot of water on their head, carrying all sorts of fetish things. They would be dancing and chanting incantations. After about two occasions, I wasn’t scared again, because I am a Christian. Those were the challenges but we won because the judges were bold and courageous and treated the case as it was.

Disparities in salary as a marketer influenced my higher education I was having a glorious career as a sales rep, but this propelled me to go to the university at a point. There was a year we had new recruits of young graduates. So, I introduced these young men into the market and they were trained by me on the field. And after a year, they were given almost 10 times of my salary. That was the day I decided to pursue tertiary education in Law. As I said earlier, I didn’t know about Law. I read about F.R.A. Williams in Lagos and legal icons like Chief Afe Babalola SAN, Olu and Yinka Ayoola, who later served as Chief Judge of The Gambia and later retired as a Supreme Court judge inspired me. These gentlemen were the toast of legal profession in Ibadan then. These noble men were always in their sparkling bibs and white shirts, black suits. They rode the best cars in town: Rover, Bentley, and Mercedes. I said I must be like them.

How Ilorin touched my life positively

Anybody who has lived in Ilorin must have the blessing of Ilorin because it has a way of touching lives positively. Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Bayo Ojo, SAN, Yusuf Ali, SAN, Justice Ayo Salami, Justice Saheed Kawu, present Sultan of Sokoto and so on. I decided to leave Ilorin and relocate to Abuja in 2004 when my mentor and confidant, Chief BabaAfe Babalola, SAN, got the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s brief in 1999. His (Obasanjo’s) victory was challenged by Chief Olu Falae of Alliance for Democracy (AD). And Chief Afe Babalola was Chief Obasanjo’s lawyer. We were in Abuja doing election petition and filing appeals. Sometimes, we could stay for a month. In his (Obasanjo) second term too, he faced another challenge. In no time, it was clear that Ilorin could no longer accommodate us and I moved to Abuja. So, it has been a roller coaster. By the grace of God, it gladdens my heart for the opportunity God gave me and others of like mind to bring back Nigerian Bar Association to its feet in 1998 when it went comatose in1992, after the fracas in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. We conducted an election and Chief. T.J. O Okpoko, SAN, won.

I entered university aged 27

I enrolled at the then University of Ife at the age of 27 and graduated at the age of 30 in 1977. I went to Law School and was called to bar on July 8, 1978, which was an icing on the cake for me. I became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1992. Though it was a long walk to academic attainment, my first celebration was my admission into Ife. It was like metamorphosing into something else because to be an undergraduate of Ife was something else in those days and, more so, I never attended a secondary or grammar school. I was overwhelmed with joy the day I graduated at Ife; my mother was with me and my uncle, the contractor, was there. My life was also interesting at Ife where I met lecturers who were like a father-figure. I was one of the oldest in my class and also had a lot of Biafran returnees who were majors, captains in the Nigerian Army. I was also made the president of Law Students Society and Vice-President, Nigerian Law Student Association of Nigeria. Most of my classmates called me ‘Lord Awoms.’ I accommodated and related with them very well because they were younger than me. I got along well with the immediate past Chief Judge of Ondo State, Sehinde Kumuyi, a friend and he was also an ex-policeman.

Life as a ‘corper’

I was posted to Kwara State for the one-year mandatory youth service and began my career in Ilorin as a state counsel in the Ministry of Justice. The Solicitor-General then was Mr. Medopin, who retired as a judge of Kogi State. I later moved to the Legal Aid Council, which hadn’t been established then. It was our duty to establish the Legal Aid Council offices in Omu Aran, Okene, Lokoja, New Bussa, and Jebba. We also collated and collected people who needed legal aid, particularly. One of the cases that I would never forget was a woman in Ilorin who had post-natal depression and claimed to hear a voice that she should cut her three-day-old baby into pieces. She actually cut the baby and was charged with murder. It was my responsibility to defend her. She actually confessed to the crime. It was a case of unintended crime laced with a medical challenge. It was a challenge for me as a youth ‘corper’. I gathered some materials and was also tutored by some experienced lawyers. Of course, she was sentenced to life imprisonment but with clemency -if, she is cured, she can be pardoned. I defended several cases as a youth ‘corper’ because I immersed myself into what the moment could offer me. I was passionate about the job and was willing to learn. At the end of the youth service, I won the NYSC award.

Embracing the world of legal profession

After my youth service, I was invited by the late activist and lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, to work with him in Lagos. Another good friend, Femi Lanlehin, who later became a senator, also pulled me. So, I was tempted to go to Lagos, but Lagos life was not part of my desire. Chief Gani Fawehinmi offered me

Getting personal Awomolo as a police oﬃcer in the late 60s

good money and an official car. But I didn’t want to start my career in Lagos. I passed through Law School in Lagos and had a rough experience. I lived in Ikeja and would go to Victoria Island. The long traffic jam discouraged me. So, there was a push from friends like Bayo Ojo, SAN, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and a number of other friends who didn’t want me to leave Ilorin. I joined the chamber of Chief Tunji Arosanyin & Co. in Ilorin. At that time, Chief Arosanyin was the secretary of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was made the chairman of a Federal Parastatal. He handed over the chamber to me. The chamber was busy and because I was committed to it, I was not bothered. I was under a tutelage (understudying a senior lawyer) for five years. While there, I was affiliated to Chief Afe Balalola in Ibadan and David Foluso Babalola, a legal practitioner in Ilorin.

Becoming my own boss

Having served under the tutelage of Chief Awosanyin for five years, in February 1983, I set up my own chambers called Awomolo and Co. (Mosaic Chambers), located at Owoniboys House, No. 159, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Ilorin, Kwara State, where I had a whole floor to myself. It was an expensive adventure but I had made up my mind from day one that I don’t want to be a room-and-parlour lawyer. In 1984/85, Yusuf Ali, SAN, joined me as ‘corper’ and he was with me for 11 years before he decided to launch out and have his own chambers. Again, I handled celebrated cases. A few of the cases that shot me into prominence were the late M.K.O Abiola versus a professor who was sued for plagiarism; and FCMB versus Abiola & Son Company Ltd (a mortgagee). I was always on the front page of Concord papers. I won both cases.

I have been married for over 30 years to my wife, Mrs. Victoria Olufunmilayo Awomolo, SAN, a native of Ponyon in Yagba, Kogi State. She was a Chemistry graduate and was working as a teacher in Ilorin when I met her. It was love at first sight. She was a very young girl, but very organised, friendly, patient and meticulous. When I met her I knew she was the one (for me). She later read Law at the University of Ibadan, called to the bar and became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2013. I say jokingly that she is the only lawyer in Awomolo and Associates that cannot resign. The marriage is blessed with four children, two boys, and two girls. One of them is a lawyer. My first son read Economics and is currently studying Law; the last one did Electrical Engineering at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. Another one read Mass Communication in Bowen University and went to the University of Aberdeen in Scotland to study Human Relations. So far we have had a beautiful life.

It has been God all the way

I have run the race to the best of my ability. I have won cases; I have lost cases. And the mercy of God is sufficient for me and His steadfast love for me is new every morning. I didn’t know anybody in the Senate when I got a call to be their constitutional consultant for the last six years. The same thing happened when I got a call to handle the INEC brief as a legal consultant, among other five lawyers. I didn’t know Prof. Attahiru Jega. All these are unsolicited opportunities and I don’t take them for granted. Am I slowing down? Well, I think I am enjoying the moment and when it is the time my body will tell me to slow down. I like working, reading and doing research. God has been good and I have never had any health challenge. I have lived a very simple life. And looking at my life, nobody is perfect; life is full of ups and downs, success and failure but what matters is that one triumphed. I grew from nothingness to get to the height of the legal profession. It is not by my power but His grace. If I come again I would be a lawyer and would also marry my wife.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 28, 2017

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri

Ali Bubu and the Forty Thieves

ith the recent revelations that Abdulrasheed Maina (a man that former President Jonathan fired from the civil service and declared wanted for allegedly pilfering 100 billion Naira from the Pension funds) was secretly recalled, reinstated and given a juicy position within the Buhari administration, not even the most hardcore Buharist can still harbour any pretence that the present Nigerian government is prosecuting an anti corruption war. With the reinstatement of Maina, the non-prosecution of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, the return of Timipre Sylva’s ‘legally acquired’ 48 mansions and the $25 billion Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (AKA Northern Nigeria Petroleum Corporation) scam, was former President Jonathan not right to have said in 2014 that ‘the choice before Nigerians is between a record of visible achievements and desperate power seekers with empty promises’? And for those who believe the propaganda that President Muhammadu Buhari was unaware of the return, recall, reinstatement and redeployment of Maina, I have this to say-even if President Buhari devalued the Naira, did he also devalue your brain? How can you believe that tale by moonlight about Maina from the same Presidency that said rats chased the President from his office? That the President knew about Maina’s return should not even be questioned. On the Maina issue, the President is as guilty of this charge as a child with chocolate stained mouth. It is an open and shut case that needs no legal reflection. Thank God the Maina family has given a press statement where the spokesman for the family, Malam Aliyu Maina said ‘Abdulrasheed left Nigeria following threats to his life, only for President Muhammadu Buhari to invite him to come and help his administration.’ Speaking further, Malam Maina said “the present administration when they came into power to convince him to come back and assist in its “Change” agenda.” We have heard it from the horse’s mouth. Maina was brought back to assist President Buhari. Perhaps his looting skills were needed to show NNPC’s Baru how to do things. Who is fooling who I wonder? Thank God it has come to light that Maina even got a police escort and security detail from the Department of State Security. Yet with all these overwhelming evidence against his boss, Garba Shehu, President Buhari’s spokesman still has the audacity to accuse the Jonathan administration of somehow being responsible for the Maina reinstatement. Can you imagine? Even after Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation, has confessed, the shameless Garba Shehu is still blaming Jonathan. One day they will blame Jonathan for impregnating their wives! The real question we should be asking is this - did the Buhari administration sacrifice Maina to the press and Nigerians to divert attention from the alleged $25 billion scam at NNPC? In fact, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (AKA armed wing of the All Progressive Congress) that refused to even investigate the NNPC $25 billion scam must think we are all children. I say that because they waited for the media to cry out before sealing off Maina’s alleged $2 million house. Why now? Did the house also run away to Dubai prior to this week? Or is it that the EFCC did not know the address of the house before this week? Whoever is writing this bad Nollywood script for President Buhari should quit and be replaced with a renowned screenwriter like Zeb Ejiro, who has experience coming up with believable stories! The truth is now obvious. The anti-corruption credential of the Buhari military government of 1983-85 emanated from Tunde Idiagbon and not from Muhammadu Buhari, the ‘Abacha did not loot’ man! The Buhari administration is as anti-corrupt as Farouk Lawan’s cap that harboured dollars instead of a head during its brief foray into banking at Femi Otedola’s house. There are so so so many questions begging to be answered. How much of his loot did Maina, the alleged pension looter, donate to the All Progressive Congress to make the anti-corruption administration of President Muhammadu Buhari recall and reinstate him? Did President Buhari recall Maina and make him head of Human Resources in the Internal Affairs ministry for the purpose of recruiting more looters for his hopefully ill-fated re-election campaign? Now they are blaming the head of service for reinstating Maina, the same way they blamed Vice President Osinbajo for approving the $25 billion NNPC contract scam. And just like Osinbajo, the head of service has denied it. What does that say about this government’s credibility? President Buhari has as much hope of winning his so called anti-corruption war as a Nancy boy has of defeating herdsmen who are terrorizing Nigerians (oops! I forgot, they are ‘criminals, not terrorists) Like I said to Tunde Alabi of BEN Television who interviewed me on the 23rd of October 2017, “In Nigeria’s 57 years postindependence history, no other administration has been as corrupt and incompetent as the Muhammadu Buhari government”.

Maina No wonder BusinessDay in a recent editorial called the Buhari regime “corrupt” and “inept”. This administration makes Ali Baba and the forty thieves look like choirboys. Since president Buhari is widely known as ‘baba’, I would have called his government Ali Baba and the forty thieves but I fear a libel suit from the descendants of Ali Baba who would not want me to sully their ancestor’s name by connecting it with the name of Buhari, the head of the Federal Propaganda Government of Corruption. So instead of calling him Ali Baba, I will tweak the name a bit and call President Buhari, Ali Bubu. In a government of Ali Bubu and the 40 thieves, it is very hard to convince anyone, that Ali Bubu, who leads the 40 thieves, is himself not a thief. After this Maina episode, I have genuine fears that one day we may hear that the Buhari government has resurrected the notorious armed robber, Lawrence Anini, and made him Chief of Staff to the President. It is possible. After all, this administration and corruption are like 5 and 6. You cannot have one without the other following closely behind. And not only has President Muhammadu Buhari destroyed his reputation as a corruption fighter before Nigerians and the international community, he has also helped destroy the reputation of people around him. Take Babatunde Raji Fashola, the immediate past governor of Lagos state, for example. Fashola once said that a serious government will fix the power sector in six months. Since he has been the minister of power for two years and the sector has not been fixed and has rather gotten worse, can we conclude that both Fashola and the government in which he serves are unserious? I would have said that President Buhari has also destroyed his party’s reputation, but as Professor Itse Sagay recently proved to us, the APC does not have a reputation, so how can you destroy what does not exist? And consider that six APC Governors who owe massive backlog of salaries, including Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna (who owes salaries and pensions) went to Anambra to ask Anambrarians to vote for the APC gubernatorial candidate against a Willie Obiano who is not owing salaries! But the worst reputation self-destruction is what is happening to our very own dear pastor Yemi Osinbajo who went to Anambra to lie that $2 billion had been paid by the Buhari administration for the Second Niger Bridge. The Vice President not only lied about the amount involved, but Osinbajo forgot to mention that the 2 billion Naira (not dollars) that was paid for the Second Niger Bridge came from the Sovereign Wealth Fund that was set up by the Jonathan administration with great opposition (including going to court to try to stop the SWF) from APC. I am so disappointed in some Nigerians. After pro-democracy activists and staunch democrats paid a steep sacrificial price to liberate Nigeria from the clutches of an Abacha, hell bent on

self-succession, some Nigerians so cheaply fell for Abachaesque propaganda and ended up electing a slimmer and taller version of that nasty piece of work that was Sani Abacha. Talk of a dog returning to its vomit! What would MKO and Kudirat Abiola, Chief Alfred Rewane and General Shehu Musa Yar’adua think if they suddenly come back to life to see that the man who famously deified their killer and declared that ‘Abacha did not loot’ was sitting in Nigeria’s driver’s seat driving her backwards and downwards. Nigeria has gone backwards and downwards in every indicator of the human development index. Our people now earn less than they did before Buhari deceived his way into power in 2015. This is even as they now pay significantly more for food, fuel, electricity, aviation, taxes and even things as commonplace as data and mobile phone calls. When I used to read the oft repeated quote that ‘a nation deserves the leaders it gets’ I never internalized what it actually meant until Nigeria elected her own punishment all the while thinking she had voted for her saviour. But there were tell-tale signs that we would not have missed had we not been so drunk to the point of oblivion on Lai Mohammed’s propaganda that could only have been cooked up from the pit of hell. For one, how was a man who had to take a bank loan to pay for his APC Presidential nomination form in 2014 able to educate ALL his teenage and young adult children in the U.K? Secondly, how could a man who could not make a success of his own private business and spectacularly ran it aground, be in a position to make a success of the nation’s economy and manage it profitably? But an even more important question is this: How could a man who vowed to show ‘openly and within me a total commitment to the Sharia movement’ be expected to respect those aspects of the Nigerian Constitution that conflict with his ‘total commitment to the sharia movement’? A man who insisted that a probe must be initiated into the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation over the claims by the then Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, that monies totaling over $12 billion had not been reconciled with the federation account is now singing a different tune when it has been revealed, almost beyond all reasonable doubt, that the NNPC, of whom he is the supervising minister, had awarded $25 billion worth of contracts without due process. This is a man who insists that the world’s fourth deadliest terrorists (as adjudged by no less a body as the World Economic Forum) are mere criminals while one of the world’s non-violent freedom movements are terrorists! At least the real Ali Baba, of the forty thieves fame, knew how to count. This Ali Bubu, of the NNPC $25 billion fame, doesn’t. He thinks 97% plus 5% equals 100%. No wonder his school certificate is so valuable that he prefers to hire 10 Senior Advocates of Nigeria to ensure that he never has to produce it. After all, his word is enough that he has a certificate! We should believe the same man who used his gap toothed mouth to condemn public servants who go abroad for health care at public expense yet ended up being Africa’s biggest spending health tourist to London! Let me conclude by saying that it is an exercise in mindless optimism to expect any good thing to come from the man who Senator Shehu Sani famously indicted for using insecticide to fight corruption in the People’s Democratic Party and deodorant to fight it amongst APC members.

Reno’s Nuggets

No matter how sweet it is between your wife’s leg, it should never make you forget the woman from between whose legs you came into this world. The stream that forgets the river that is its source soon dries up. Remember to honor your parents if you want God’s blessings. And remember that the challenge of marrying a slay queen is that you pay for her. The blessing of marrying a pray queen is that she prays for you #RenosNuggets

That the President knew about Maina’s return should not even be questioned. On the Maina issue, the President is as guilty of this charge as a child with chocolate stained mouth. It is an open and shut case that needs no legal reflection

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ΀˜ 2017

Tribute to Mama Kate Anagbogu - 1927 to 2017 Ajulu Anagbogu

hen in 1925 Jonathan Nweke Obuekwe, of Umuogbu village, Awka (born 1902) and Gladys Abomezi Obuekwe, nee Aronu of Umueze village, Amawbia(born 1905), were joined in holy matrimony, the couple was no sooner blessed with a babygirl—Nwamuluana (Felicia)-the first child of the family. The second, also a baby girl, was born on Sunday, May 8, 1927. Born into an illustrious family, the baby was special in many respects, for she, like the first child, added to the happiness in the lives of her parents. It was (and is still) often said that the jewel of the sky is the sun, but the jewel of the house is the child. In like manner, Laurel Atherton, a renowned humanist, says of a girl child: “A daughter is one of the most beautiful gifts this world has to give”, and in the scripturesin Proverbs 31:10, declares that the virtuous woman is far more precious than jewels. In apparent agreement with all of these thoughts and philosophies, parents of the baby named her NWA-KA-EGO, which, when translated, means‘a child is far more precious than riches’. At her christening, Nwakego (as she preferred to spell it) was given the name Kate. Baby Kate was loved and doted on by her parents, much more so by her mom. She enjoyed the perks of good life from an early age, but notwithstanding the love and doting, she received proper upbringing—a virtue that she carried all through her life and imparted same to her children and all the persons that came under her tutelage and care. Kate received her education at a time when it was rare for females in Awka (then a primordial town) to go to school. As a matter of fact, the late veteran journalist and media person of Awka, Pete-Damian Ijomah, once wrote in one of his works, that only girls of the elite families of Awka (among them the Obuekwes) enjoyed such rare privilege at the time. Young females were preferably primed for marriage, their hands often given out even in their early teens, but Kate was different. She went to school at Government School, Awka from 1939-1944 and some of her contemporaries were General Alexander Madiebo and Prof Onyilogu. Although she gained admission into the famous Queens College, Lagos her father chose instead St. Monica’s, Ogbunike, 1945-1946. She exhibited remarkable brilliance as attested to by her late teacher Mrs Comfort Onwunyi who was also the Headmistress at St Barth’s Primary School, Enugu in the

Mama Anagbogu early seventies. It was in that school that her friendship with late Mrs Chikaodi Onyedika, the mother of the renowned footballers, Emeka and Ifeanyi, sparked off .Thereafter, she taught at St. Mary’s School, AgukwuNrifor one year, and had another spell at St. Matthew’s School, Nibo. In consonant with the practice among Awka parents of the time—to prepare their daughters for marriage by sending them to be mentored by older married women—the effervescent Kate was put on a different platform. She was withdrawn from her teaching vocation, and was enrolled in a formal school for Home Management at Onitsha. There, she learnt, among other vocations, Fashion and Designing, and Baking, all in preparation for matrimony. She had barely completed her training at Onitsha when Daniel Dibo Anagbogu of Umuike village, Awka asked for her hand in marriage. The handsome Dibo was then a licensed produce agent at Gashua in present-day Yobe State. They walked down the aisle on February 13, 1950, and to the glory of God, the union was well consummated. The life of the young couple was modicum, but the bliss was large. On account of the nature of DD’s trade, the couple moved quite around in the Northern Region, lived in Sakwaa and Gamawa in Bauchi province (now Bauchi State) before settling permanently in Kano, from where Dibo peregrinated to the hinterland during buying season (November to March/April) and back to the city during off-season. Kate was a woman of many parts. True to her training, she first took to ‘dress making’ (seamstress), which she combined with baking. But as baking seemed to show far more prospects, she veered rather strongly into it, and raised the bar among her con-

temporaries. Her modest effort at baking snowballed into quite a substantial commercial venture. Although bread making was a popular homestead vocation among many young Igbo wives in Kano of the time, Kate’s brand—Kate’s Special Loaf—stood a shoulder taller than many of the others. That loaf was her greatest selling point. She was similarly a great team player; through her vocations, she complemented the effort of her husband and together they built their own home at Plot No. 35, Barlatt Hughes Road in Sabon Gari, Kano. Kate was a very strict disciplinarian: Yes, why not? Remember she was a primary school teacher. At that time, primary school teachers were likened to demi-gods, and truly, they did not ‘spare the rod to spoil the child’. Mother Kate impacted so much on her children: she played the role of a mother, teacher, pathfinder, friend, mentor, and confidant, all of which culminated in raising well-disciplined and intelligent children. This was so much so, that the DD Anagbogu children became the ‘prism’ through which the small world of children of Sabon Gari, Kano was viewed. It was common to measure the behaviours of children, using the Anagbogus as a standard. This was evidently true, as the families of Sabon Gari, Kano, dominated by Ndigbo, was ‘one large family’; everyone knew another. The Igbo maxim: ‘onyeagha nanwanneya’ was well exemplified, not only in Kano, but in the whole of Northern Nigeria. That was one of the tenets of the gregarious Ibo Union—the pan-Igbo cultural/political organization of the time that superintended over Igbo affairs in Northern Nigeria and elsewhere. In 1966, Kate, with her entire family, inevitably fled the North and returned to the East. They left Kano after the first wave of political upheavals of May of the same year. Life became a bit of drudgery way back home, but Kate, the good-spirited woman, weathered the storm all through, up to the war (Nigerian civil war, 1967-1970) period and beyond. During the war, Kate and her family took refuge at Umuchima town, near Orlu from 1968-1970 and, to the glory of God, returned home unscathed. Every member of the family survived that intractable war, but of little concern, though, and worth mentioning here, was the apparent ‘loss’ of the family’s last son, Chuba (then a very little boy), who joined the Biafran Boys’ Company at Awka, followed the fighting troops to the theatre of war and ‘got ‘lost’, but was found and rejoined with the family. Mother Kate’s joy knew no bounds when this jewel of a child returned. Except for Amaechi, her first son, who joined the Biafran Air Force and fought at Oguta and Ajulu who served in the Biafran Navy (both of them teenagers), the rest of the children were not old enough to go to war, so it was a great occasion when the war ended and

everyone survived. In 1970, the family relocated to Enugu. While the father of the house took up formal employment at the Nigerian Sports Council, Kate, as usual, engineered a number of private businesses. She worked so hard to provide for her family and complement her husband. She put together a lounge/ eatery—Cool Cats Inn—at Onu-Asata, Enugu. The place, no sooner, became a ‘beehive’, where much of Enugu’s crème-dela-crème, the-who-is-who relaxed after the day’s work. The family made good progress from Kate’s ventures, and was able to put the children through education in reputable institutions: Kate was a devout Christian of the Anglican Communion. In Kano, she was a pillar at the St, Stephen’s (Anglican) Church, and remained consistent in church activities, all through in Enugu and Awka, at St.Bartholomew’s Church, Asata, Enugu, the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, and at her home church, St. Andrew’s Church, Umuike, Awka. It is, perhaps, pertinent to recall that she was the driving force in the formation of the present-day Women’s meeting at St. Andrew’s, and she held various leadership positions at different times. She was also severally recognized for her commitment to the Church, and accordingly won accolades and received awards. She was a member of Women’s Guild and Mother’s Union, and OtuOkwukwe—a women’s group in the Diocese of Awka. In 2012, she was among the octogenarians at St. Andrew’s Church honoured for God’s blessing in attaining the glorious age of four-score years and above. Mama Kate was a foundation member of the Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (AFAC) Awka: the membership promoted her Christian life with greater verve to serve the Lord. She was also involved in many sociocultural organisations both of Awka and at the stations she had lived. For several years, she was the secretary of Awka Development Union (ADU) Women wing, Kano and in ADU Enugu, she stood to be counted. Kate was adept at teaching people and she would stop at nothing to put the one who had strayed, back on track. She was endowed with a sound body in a sound mind. Truly, everyone on earth has his entrance and exit. Baby Kate entered Sunday, May 8, 1928 and exited Sunday, October 10, 2017. The ebullience in the effervescent life of this woman of great virtue, Mother Kate, just vanished into thin air to remind all that life is ephemeral. As her remains are committed to Mother Earth after a worthy and fulfilled life of 90 years, we pray Almighty God to receive her noble and generous soul in His bosom. Amen.

Lawmaker Seeks Stakeholders’ Inputs on Maritime Academy’s Development

he Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Mohammed Bago has called for stakeholders’ inputs in the development of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron Akwa Ibom State and the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Delta State. The legislator who represents the Chanchaga Federal Constituency, Niger State said the inputs of stakeholders on the way forward would make a huge difference in the sustainable development of the two tertiary institutions. Bago who spoke on the heels of the just concluded public hearing on MAN, Oron and NMU in the National Assembly stated that all hands need to be on deck on the building of capacity for the maritime

industry. He called on stakeholders to collaborate with the National Assembly initiating bills or submitting memoranda that would take the maritime industry to where it ought to be. His words: “It is common knowledge that there is gross incapacity amongst our indigenes and firms to perform jobs, roles and functions in the sector. You know the maritime sector is very technical in nature and specialized as it services ancillary sectors such as oil and gas. This lack of capacity among Nigerians has led to many of the jobs, especially highly paid ones going to foreigners. It has also weakened respective regulators in the sector in performing their statutory duties due to lack of requisite capacity”. According to him, the National Assembly in 2003 enacted the Cabotage Act

to ensure the participation of our nationals in domestic shipping (Coastal and Inland), by reserving crewing to only our nationals. The lack of indigenous capacity of persons with the requisite skills and training has meant that the expectations of Cabotage have not been met. He explained that it was in an effort to fill this gap in the short term that the Federal Government through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) embarked on the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) some years ago. “This programme entails sending out Nigerians to study maritime courses such as Nautical Science, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in foreign educational institutions. This has resulted in our committing a lot of foreign exchange to train persons to fill this gap. This effort no

matter how laudable, has restricted reach as it can only provide for a limited number. This ultimate solution is to provide for maritime training in licensed and certified educational institutions here in Nigeria”, he said. Bago noted that the two bills for the two institutions look similar on the face of it but they have difficult histories, even as he added that his committee was very conversant with both institutions locations and have visited them accordingly. “These institutions have the propensity to harness the budding and latent talent of youths in the country as a whole but particularly in the Niger Delta where the bulk of our oil and gas marine installations are located. Be assured therefore of our poise, zeal and drive to ensure just the entrenchment but the ultimate sustenance of these institutions”, he said.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ

Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‘

Í¸ÍżÍ¸ÍžÍşÎ€ÍšÍžÍżÍťÍż Ă?Ě‹Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ë? ĂžĂ™Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‘ĚśĂ’Ă™ĂžĂ—Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—

SPELLZ

My New Deal with Sony, A Blessing Ă?Ă˜Ă”Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă˜ ĂšĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă¤ Ă“Ă? ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂžĂ™ĂšĚ‹Ę¨Ă Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ë› Ă?ËŞĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ă?ĂŽ ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ Ă“Ă¤Ă•Ă“ĂŽËœ Ă‹Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ™Ëœ Ă“ĂĄĂ‹ Ă‹Ă Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă™Ă‹Ă–Ëœ Ă&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ Ă™ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ë› Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ Tosin CleggËœ Ă’Ă? ĂžĂ‹Ă–Ă•Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă™Ă˜ĂŁ ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă–Ëœ Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă–ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ

A lot has been up lately ew music, new deals, more blessings and my family. Thatâ€™s about it and as regards a new deal; I just got a publishing deal with Sony for worldwide distribution. Thatâ€™s what has been taking me over to the US and back to Nigeria, spending few months a piece in both places. So, Iâ€™m signed to Sony as a producer and a song writer. I write songs for their artistes and produce for their artistes but Iâ€™m not tied to producing only for their artistes still producing other artistes signed to other labels. Sony artistes I have worked with As you all know, Wizkid and Davido are signed to Sony. So, I have been busy with Wizkidâ€™s EP Sounds from the other side, and I did three singles on that. I did one for Davido featuring Tinashe and Iâ€™m presently working with a couple of international artistes and producers too. I love what I do Itâ€™s not even a job to me. Itâ€™s just like me living life and waking up in the morning. Just like how people love food; thatâ€™s how I love what I do. So, if I donâ€™t work or have a studio in my house aside from the office, I feel very sick. I love what I do and enjoy it; so itâ€™s not work to me. At Peace with Myself You canâ€™t be fighting yourself. Itâ€™s a vibe and not an office job. There are no rules, so you have to be at peace with yourself and with other people too. When you are not at peace with people, it tends to distort your vibes and your vibes have to be 100 per cent. So, those are my pointers and things I strive to do; I keep my mind happy so I can make good music. Music wasnâ€™t as big as it is right now Shout out to 2face, Dbanj, Don jazzy and Wizkid who paved the way for Nigerian music. These people have opened the doors. So, knowingly or unknowingly, whether they did it for themselves or for others, it has helped producers and artistes to see the bigger picture. That is if Wizkid can do it, we can do it, as we have the window, and the world is listening too. Afro beat is the new thing And do you know why? Because afro beats is like a mixture of every genre of music, and thatâ€™s why afro beats is so distinct. I love drums, so most times I really canâ€™t do without it. Iâ€™m a drummer, and as long as the mood is right you can get to people. Good chords, melodies are things I cannot do without. About my monthly competition Back then, we had two finalists, and I successfully produced for them. Now, I tell you with competitions and stuffs like that, itâ€™s not necessarily the person who wins that had the

biggest drive. So, I realised that I wouldnâ€™t do such again, but I would find other ways of finding real serious artistes, and not just those who want to win a competition. And thatâ€™s what I realized, as they were good and had good songs, but the drive of winning the competition ends there most times. If you check out most of these competitions, youâ€™ll notice that after winning it ends for the artiste. I believe you donâ€™t just win there, you win also in life. For me, itâ€™s the drive And it has always been like that. For me, an artiste should be above average and then I would work with you, because at the end of the day not the best singers make the best hits. As we have seen with many artistes, the drive is the main thing. God has kept me scandal-free We all have made mistakes on a daily basis and no one is perfect. Sometimes, some people make mistakes and it gets to TV, but I keep a level head, as I have always been a level headed person. Itâ€™s not now that I will start acting out of the normal. What should be expected of me Bigger music such as last yearâ€™s when we did Iskaba, and itâ€™s buzzing till now. Shout out to Wande Coal and DJ Tunes. This year, we have Malo which just dropped with Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and I. I think we would just keep pushing it and aim higher and bigger. I have collaboration with other artistes And itâ€™s not like the way people see it with other producers and artistes; like you just produce a beat and allow an artiste to jump on it. So, I want to change that, because music is music and I may not be singing but the beat is part of the music; itâ€™s 50 per cent of it and thatâ€™s the angle I want to face. I own my record label Benjamin Spellz productions, and I also own my record label in the US, October 11 music, but I am not signing artistes right now, as I want to focus on myself, because to carry people you have to stand and stand well. You donâ€™t bring people and waste their time and career. I donâ€™t want to do that and I want to be firm so that with time I can carry people along. Patience, as they say, is the best virtue. Marriage is fantastic and everybody knows I am married My wife is an amazing woman and she is the best. Recently, she did a surprise birthday party for me. I walked into the house with the lights off, and boom on it went, and I saw everybody from my friends and colleagues in the industry. So, I want to use this medium to appreciate them, and thank them for coming, considering the fact that I didnâ€™t know about it.

Spellz

Fatherhood is amazing My son gives me joy on a daily basis. And there is always something new with him; as he grows, he learns new things. He develops, and I see new traits in me. And you think everybody should be a father or a parent. My view on social media I donâ€™t want to be a nuisance, because you donâ€™t need to post when you donâ€™t have stuffs

to post, as itâ€™s not really mandatory to post. And you know social media is very addictive and you could spend your whole time on social media and still not achieve anything. So, for me, I have to find that balance and, most times, I canâ€™t be in the studio working on an artiste and be posting on social media, which is unprofessional. So, I just try to do it right.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ

MY STORY GENESIS CINEMAS BEGINS PAN-AFRICAN EXPANSION Genesis Cinemas has announced itsâ€™ partnership with Actis, to launch premium cinema operations in Douala, Cameroon. Over the next few years, Genesis Cinemas will launch operations in several African cities as it strives to become Africaâ€™s first Pan-African cinema chain. Expansion is also underway in Nigeria as Genesis Cinemas will commence operations in itsâ€™ eighth and ninth sites from November. These new additions to the Genesis Cinemas chain are situated in Abuja and Asaba, respectively. The

recently built magnificent Gateway Mall in Lugbe; developed by the Novare group, will play host to the second Genesis Cinemas site in Abuja. While the residents of Asaba, Delta State will get to enjoy stateof-the-art cinema facilities in the exquisite Asaba mall, developed by the Resilient Group. As an avid supporter of Nigeriaâ€™s film industry, Genesis cinemasâ€™ rapid expansion into new territories, is with the goal of continuing to provide international standard platforms for the exhibition of quality content.

TIMILEHIN BELLO

My â€˜Media Panacheâ€™ Story

Ă“Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă™ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ ĂšĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă˘Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëœ Ă‹ ĂŽĂ“Ă‘Ă“ĂžĂ‹Ă–Ě‹ĂŽĂœĂ“Ă Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁË› Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă˘Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë› Ă˜ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ăž ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’ Tosin Clegg, Ă’Ă? ĂžĂ‹Ă–Ă•Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ

BAMZ ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS NEW ACT Bamz Entertainment, a newly established record label, has officially announced the signing of its first artist, Wilfresh. â€œWilfresh is doing something different from many young musicians, he is talented and has a unique sound that appeals to todayâ€™s trend and he definitely has what it takes to thrive in the music industry,â€? said BAMZ Entertainment. The fast-rising singer and guitarist is not a new face in the music industry. He has worked with a few established acts like Tony Ross, Terry G, Dj mekzy and many others. Born Iwinosa Wilson Iguodala, the 24-year-old musician was born and raised in Benin City. He is the last child of a family of four. â€œAt Bamz Entertainment, we believe in helping young talents achieve their goals. We are happy to have Willfresh on board and we are confident in his abilities, â€œBAMZ Entertainment said. Bamz Entertainment, which is managed by fast rising management consultants Epignosis Management Solutions, is definitely one record label to look out for.

ell us about your journey in PR?

DR DOLOR ENTERTAINMENT KICKS OFF IN LAGOS Socialite, Osadolor Nate Asemota, popularly known as Dr. Dolor has left the telecommunications industry to follow his passion for music. He currently runs one Dr. Dolor Entertainment, which houses talents like Ryan, Teni Entertainer and Vanilla is here to stay and make a lasting impact on the Nigerian music scene. Dr Dolor explained that his passion for good music coupled with the pain of seeing many talented young music artists struggle to realize their potential in the music industry were his motivation for taking this direction. Dr. Dolor was born into the family of Chief Asemota-Ero in Edo State. He spent most of his early life in Edo, attaining his primary and secondary education in Benin and later attended the University of Benin where he graduated. He spent few years working in a business consulting firm and then began his career in several telecommunications organisations. His stay in the telecoms industry spanned about a decade and the highlight was his subsequent rise to the position of manager.

Truly, it wasnâ€™t a dayâ€™s. My PR journey started when I discovered the creation of social and messaging sites. It started when I joined politics in school and I got elected as the public relations officer in the Department of Theatre Arts, Lagos State University. Thatâ€™s how it started for me, and right now, the rest is history.

How did you come about starting Media Panache?

I was in a discussion with Obi Martins sometime in 2015, about registering a company for myself that will do media and PR related services, but I didnâ€™t know when to start, what to name it or anything at all. Obi Martins, who is a writer and a creative thinker racked his brain, and immediately gave me the name â€˜Media Panacheâ€™.

What are your Challenges so far?

I remember when we started, our area had no power supply for a while and we were running the company on generator, it cost us a lot of money to do that. Also, the issue of staffing, itâ€™s hard to get amazing staff for startups. Young Nigerians want to live big life and donâ€™t want to grow with companies.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Leading a bunch of happy staff, happy clients and a happy company, with offices all over the world. The vision is very big, and very possible.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€, 2017

POLITY

Empowerment: Paseda Gives Loan to Ogun EastTraders Femi Ogbonnika

n a spirited efforts to alleviate the suffering of petty traders in Ogun State, a non-governmental organization, Paseda Women Foundation, has extended its reach to Ogun East Senatorial district which is made up of nine local governments. At the launch of its second phase of the scheme tagged, â€œN10 million loan for Ogun Market Women and petty tradersâ€?, held at Ijebu Ode at the weekend, President, Paseda Women Forum, Mrs Yemi Layeni, expressed appreciation to the initiators of the scheme, Otunba Rotimi Paseda and his wife, Vivian, for coming up with the idea of giving out loans at a zero-interest rate to the indigent petty traders in the state. According to Layeni, the scheme which kicked off two years ago, is targeted at 5,000 petty traders across the three senatorial districts in Ogun State. â€œPaseda Women Foundation (PWF) which

is an offshoot of Paseda Legacy Foundation (PLF), was floated two years ago to improve the lots of petty traders in Ogun State. Through this empowerment programme, God has been working miraculously in our lives. We give thanks to the facilitators/ initiators of the scheme, Otunba Rotimi Paseda and his wife, Vivian, for deeming it fit and also for taking cognizance of the need to come to the rescue of the petty traders that the receiving end of the poor state of the economy. A lot of empowerment programmes, including health have been part of the foundation and we thank God, we have been impacting positively into the lives of the people of Ogun State, in generalâ€?, said the PWF President. Beneficiaries, in two categories, of the loan scheme thronged the Ijebu Ode venue and expressed their heart-felt appreciation to the initiators of the foundation for counting them worthy. The first set of the beneficiaries received cash gifts Otunba Paseda who personally went round the towns and

PWF President, Mrs Yemi Layeni, leading the women group

donated cash to roadside traders, especially roasted plantain and corn traders. They all extolled the generosity of Paseda over the loan scheme. They also prayed for

Ufombaâ€™s APGA Faction Dumps Party for PDP Bennett Oghifo

he Chief Reagan Ufomba faction of All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) in Abia State has dumped the party for the ruling Peopleâ€™s Democratic Party (PDP). Declaring for the PDP yesterday at the reception rally at Ntigha mini Stadium in Isialangwa North LGA of the state, Ufomba, who was a factional governorship candidate of the party in 2015 said that only PDP could better the lots of Abia State and Nigeria. In his speech, Ufomba who said that he was defecting for a better Abia added; â€œIt is not easy for someone to be with his brother, his friend, his colleague and there seems to

be a divide most especially in your partyâ€?. Ufomba who came along with the partyâ€™ s membership register said any other existing APGA in the state is fake â€œIf there is any other APGA existing in Abia after today, that APGA is fakeâ€?. The guber candidate who noted that he was a foundation member of the PDP, noted that he left the party in 2010, but had returned back to the party he built. He commended Governor Ikpeazu and described him as the choice of the people and a good man and must be given all the supports he needs. He said his decision to join PDP is hinged on his desire to bring his ideas to the table in a bid to achieving the Abia of everyoneâ€™s

dream. Speaking, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu while officially welcoming them said it was a step in the right direction, noting that every good idea is welcomed by his administration. â€œI must commend my brother, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba for this bold step. PDP is a large party and it will accommodate all of us. Nobody will discriminate against you in PDP. In PDP we love each and we see our party like a church. So I must urge you to be up and doing in the party.â€? Also speaking, the Chairman of Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Chief Ginger Onwusibe expressed delight that the former gubernatorial candidate was returning to a house he built, describing him as a very big fish.

the victory of Paseda in the coming 2019 governorship election in Ogun State on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). A trader, Atinuke Adebayo, who roasts plantain and corn by the roadside in Oyingbo area of Ijebu Ode, thanked God for using Otunba Rotimi Paseda to bail her out. According to the mother of two, â€œI was sitting down and roasting plantain and corn by the roadside at Oyingbo, Ijebu Ode when I suddenly saw a man I never knew, pulling down in his black jeep. Upon coming down, he offered me a white envelope and asked me to call the mobile number enclosed in it. It was cash that was in it. That was how we all began to dance and praise God for using Paseda to touch our livesâ€?. Other beneficiaries of the cash gifts from Igbile, Omu, Odo-Jobore, all in Odogbolu Local Government Area, were Mrs Folake Oluwo, Fatimoh Ashafa, Mrs Oluwole Osimowa and Fatimoh Esther. They all thanked Paseda for his gesture.

L-R: Chief Executive OďŹƒcer/Country Manager, DizengoďŹ€ Nigeria Limited, Antti Ritvonen; President , Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) , Alhaji Sani Dangote; Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Plc., Mr. Aliyu Abdulhamed; and former Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo, during the 6th Agrikexpo and NABG Conference 2017 with the theme: Harnessing Nigeriaâ€™s Agricultural Potential for Food Security , Youth Development , Nutrition and Wealth Creation, held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja...recently

L-R: Brand Manager, SmirnoďŹ€ X1, Toluwalashe Ogunyemi; Marketing and Innovations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Adenike Adebola; Rapper/Singer, Owoh Chimaobi (Zoro Swagbag); Brand Ambassador, SmirnoďŹ€, Sodamola Desmond (DJ Spinall); and Rapper, Tobechukwu Ejiofor (Ill-Bliss), at the Press unveiling of the SmirnoďŹ€ X1 Tour which begins in Owerri this weekend

L-R: Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Johan Doyer; Jidenna; and Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, FrancoMaria Maggi, at Nigerian Breweries, Head Office in Lagos on the 26th of October, 2017.

L-R: Director, Membership Services, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Timothy Olawale; Director General, NECA, Mr. Olusegun Osinowo; and Director, Learning and Development, NECA, Cecilia Oni, during a press briefing on the attack on the Enterprise Rights by the various committees and ad-hoc Committees of House of Representatives in Lagos... recently

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

INTERVIEW OBA ABDULRASHEED AKANBI

I See Myself as the Face of God on Earth

A first class traditional ruler in Osun State, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, recently visited the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, in his palace. After the visit, Oba Akanbi spoke to our correspondent, Hammed Shittu on a wide range of issues bordering on his ascension to the throne and relationship with other monarchs In 1981, something happened and I had to leave Iwo. Something happened I left home and I was lost for four months. I was even captured twice by ritualists but they rejected me. The second one, I can even remember, clearly said; he’s a king. The last time I left Iwo was in 1981. I only came back in 1984 just to come around and help my father

How did you become the Oluwo of Iwoland?

ecoming the king was just the will of God, but sent with a specific message for this generation. You can see it in the signs; the 16th ruler of Ife, Ooni Oluwo Gbagida gave Telu the crown. I am the 16th Oluwo of Iwo land. Again, when I wanted to do my coronation, I gave them two days, they rejected the two days and they chose the 16th January 2016. Again, when my child was to be born, they told me and my wife that ‘you are with a child, the child is a boy and his name will be Oduduwa.’ When the boy was to be born, he was born on the 16th February 2016.The 16 that you see is nothing but one plus six which is seven. I don’t do things from the physical; I do things from where the strength comes from. Strength of the physical comes from the spiritual. If there is no strength in the spiritual, there is no strength in the physical. You can’t raise this leg unless there is the strength from the inner side. What are you doing to reconcile other princes with whom you contested the stool? Majority of them have seen by now that yes, this is a leader par excellence. We won’t do it like in the olden days when others would be made to flee the town when someone becomes a king. No, we won’t do that. We want everybody to be free and comfortable, and that was why I even took the name Telu, which belongs to the father of Iwo land. The significance of Iwo is that it has never been ravaged by war. People say that you are a controversial monarch. Do you see yourself as being controversial? I see myself as the face of God on earth that God has sent with a specific message. The ways of God are very difficult for man to understand. Unless one is very deep in the spiritual, you cannot understand the ways of God, and it is what you do in the spiritual that manifest in the physical. With me, my belief is that age is not wisdom, and so is one’s level of academic standing, otherwise the richest man in Africa would be a professor in Accounting or Mathematics, not Alhaji Aliko Dangote. That is God; it is wisdom and God gives whoever that He wishes. God has prepared me for this because he made me to go through all that I went through in life. I have travelled wide in Africa. I have been to about 20 countries. Growing up, I was independent. God has made me to pass through thick and thin. Then, I have been through a war. I was in Liberia in December 24, 1989 when the war first started. I and my brother went for business in Liberia and we got stuck there during the war. God used me to save him. But I had also been to the dead point, that story is for another day. For you to say something to scare me, or you want to scare me with something, you have to get to where I am coming from. You have to pass through what I passed through. Then, I can say that you are a man. At 50, what I have passed through in life, I don’t think a 400 years old man has passed through. What is your family’s connection with the present Ooni of Ife? I believe my future is very clear and that I am not climbing on anybody’s back to become successful in life. Oluwo is a household name and I thank God for that, but why didn’t you ask me about the poor people that I also met and made impact on? I believe in myself; I believe in the future. That time, we cannot dig into that. He was younger than me. I am almost eight years older than him. People should learn from my life experience.

Oba Adewale Akanbi If you go to one herbalist to harm somebody, don’t think it’s what you did, it’s God that allowed it. In 1981, something happened and I had to leave Iwo. Something happened I left home and I was lost for four months. I was even captured twice by ritualists but they rejected me. The second one, I can even remember, clearly said; he’s a king. The last time I left Iwo was in 1981. I only came back in 1984 just to come around and help my father. I was in Form Two when the incidents happened. When I got lost after four months, I was found. I and the Ooni started from Holy Trinity in Ibadan. That time, we were living side by side near Senator Soji Akanbi’s house in Holy Trinity. He was just a big boy who came back from England. He would pocket his hand and would not want to talk to anybody. He was the son of one Alhaji M.Akanbi. We have been close by since then but the families didn’t know each other by then. But when I moved to my uncle’s place in Akobo, Ibadan, they were just living on the next street. It was then we started knowing each other. I and Tunji Ogunwusii used to play soccer together. He was at St Patrick Grammar School, Ibadan and I was at Oba Akinyele Memorial High School. We used go to parties together. Tunji played soccer very well. I don’t know if he still plays soccer now. So, we thank God that we are all great people today; at least we have made an impact in Yoruba land. What I want people to know is that the new dispensation of what kingship is about is here and we thank God for it. My own message to all kings is for us to be servants; it’s not about gathering money. Many rich kings have gone and their names are no more. We don’t remember them. Money don’t make you great for ever; its only for a while. Many people believe that royalty is about the king’s sitting in the palace majestically and attending to people’s needs and not walking on the streets like you do. What is your take on this? It sounds very funny because all these things you said are things of the past. The part of living in the past age is the worshipping of Orisa. Like me now, you cannot call me second-in-command to idols. I will say no but I am the controller of all idols. It’s because kings in those days didn’t know that kingship is for service. When you serve

the people, you will get due respect. Some people, because you don’t add to their lives, they won’t even greet you. Have you ever seen my convoy? Everybody will be prostrating and shouting, Kaabiesi ooo! If I pass there20,000 times, that is the respect. Serving them doesn’t make me less. I am writing my own story. Oduduwa served the people, but remember that he was not the first Yoruba man because he had a wife; at least he didn’t give birth to the wife now. Oduduwa had subjects, he did not give birth to them but he served diligently; he loved the people. That was why they said Oduduwa conquered Obatala and all of them. He conquered them with love ofthe people. They call Oduduwa their father. Do you see any king people call their father like that today? No. Can you point to one king that people will say this is the father of Yoruba nation? It’s because none of them is serving; they are just sitting in the palace. Government has taken over the duties of ….. No, it’s the kings that didn’t rule the people well. What they were doing in those days was wrong. Even today, some kings will go and be collecting people’s lands. Oduduwa said no king should take over any person’s land. I am talking about the traditional and natural kings and Oluwo is one of them. The natural monarchs are those who didn’t have the history of being a baale or a chief. I am not talking about the kings that the colonial masters asked for. I am talking about those who have history of being kings from the 11th century. What’s your relationship with other monarchs in Yoruba land and beyond? The ones among them who know and have the understanding know that I am liberating the Yoruba land and I have a very good relationship with the Sultan and the northern emirates. I just visited the Emir of Ilorin. When the Sultan of Sokoto came here and saw the palace, he said, ‘Oluwo, in this palace, I see the spirit of Oduduwa and Uthman Dan Fodio.’ Our progenitorsdid not worship any lesser gods. It’s not about being a Muslim or a Christian; Abraham and Moses were neither Muslims nor Christians and they did great things. Humans are the creators of lesser gods. Those things can

bring controversy in Yorubaland when you are liberating them. Why are we turning people into tin gods because of their being good? We are now enlightened now that such name-callings should not take place now. For instance, Innoson Motors is in Aba producing motor. If it were to be in the olden days and nobody had cars and he started to produce for them, they will turn him into a god. As an advocate of a new culture, how do we change our society for good? Please, take note that whatever I am doing or saying is not to kill our culture. But let me also say this that, the sacrifice and the things that the herbalists used to ask people to place at the junction of the roads in the midnight is to invite curse on them from the people. You don’t know? When you put the head of the rat, the fish, and others inside something and pour oil on it and put it on the road, the first person to see or sweep it will surely curse the person that puts it there. So, whoever you directed to do that, why don’t you ask him to be filling potholes or do other things that will attract the prayers of the people. It’s the few animists among us that go around putting names of these gods on human nature like stones, trees and all that, because of the way they look. In that case, it’s only the traditionalists that would be visiting such spots. You will never see any Christian or Muslim there and it shouldn’t be so. If we are just celebrating, and we are not performing any ritual in some of these places like Osun Osogbo, and the rest of them, everybody, Christians and Muslims would be there, the crowd will always be massive, but you won’t see any true Muslim or Christian in such places and it shouldn’t be so. Our religious people should be made to be free to visit our tourist sites, when ritualism is entirely removed. We don’t need it. If the monarchs truly serve the people, the people will call for self-rule; that the kings should be allowed to rule them, when they know that the kings won’t steal their resources. Did Oduduwa enter Ipebi that they say the Oonis of Ife must enter before becoming the king? No.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ΀, 2017

PERSPECTIVE

The NPA, Intels Debacle Azibola Omekwe

t is no news any more that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has authorized the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to forthwith commence the termination process of the Pilotage Monitoring and Supervision Agreement between NPA and Integrated Logistics Services Nigeria Limited (INTELS) on the ground that the said agreement was void ab initio. If going by the content of ThisDay Newspaper edition of 11th October 2017, the Attorney General of the Federation vide a letter dated 27th September 2017, directed the Managing Director of NPA to commence the said process. To begin with, my good friend Tommy Oshie, an erudite scholar who masterfully laid bare the legal implications of the imbroglio between both parties, provided the legal background to this piece. There are several phases or angles to the issue at hand, but since the fulcrum of it lies with the constitutionality or otherwise we shall be moved to look at it from that basis first. Going by what is contained in the letter to the Managing Director of NPA, the AGF is only asking NPA to unilaterally determine its relationship with INTELS. It suffices to say that the parties’ mutual agreement is to be terminated. Without really applying any sophisticated rule of interpretation it is only commonsensical that the said Sections 80 and 162 of the Constitution that the AGF is relying on simply require that all revenues generated by or on behalf of the Federal Government be deposited into The Federation Account. The said account which is by no means a special one. Without more, by S.162 (10) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it is clear that revenue means “any income or returns accruing to or derived by the government of the Federation from any source”. And it is not unclear that government makes or earns its revenues from either direct investment or through statutory functions of its agencies, one of which is NPA. NPA being a principal agency of the government generates revenues when a statutory function is efficiently and sufficiently carried out.

Atiku Abubakar That is to say when the NPA does not work efficiently it does not earn revenue efficiently for the government too. This is a follow up to S.7 (a) in the NPA Act, which provides that the functions of the NPA shall be to: “Provide and operate in the ports such facilities as appear to its best calculated to serve the interest of Nigeria”. Another look at S.7 (d) of the NPA Act shows that the NPA is to provide for the approaches to all ports and the territorial waters of Nigeria, such pilotage services and aids including clearing, deepening and improving of all waterways. It therefore means that the NPA has the sole power to provide pilotage services. Choosing to contract such pilotage service(s) here to INTELS is not outside its functions. A combined effect of Sections 8 (1)(L)

and 9 of the same NPA Act empowers the Authority to enter into agreement with any person for the provision or operation of the ports facilities and other functions and power other than the power to make regulations, which is exclusively reserved for the Authority. Going by the above, it is an emphatic Yes to say that the NPA has been acting under its statutory powers in its agreement with INTELS. Reports have it that INTELS as an independent contractor has had a 28% monetary commission for its services rendered. What this means is that the NPA on behalf of the government earns 72% as its revenue after settling independent service provider(s). With utmost respect that 72% money is the final revenue earned by the Authority for the

Government which is to go into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) that the AGF is seemingly canvassing for. At this juncture what makes up revenue for the Federal Government in this quest as provided for in Sections 80(1) and 162 (1) and (10) respectively is the 72% accruing to NPA and not the 28% accruing to the independent service provider like INTELS. But supposing it is true that the contract agreement is unconstitutional is it within the place of the AGF to instigate a party to unilaterally terminate the said contract other than an originating motion for interpretation? The answer is Capital NO. What about the principle of pacta sunt servanda governing contracts? It is sad how the AGF was curious without looking at the facts. The issue at hand involves rights and obligations. It is further sad how he was blind to the fact that the said agreement has an arbitration clause that must first be explored. From the political background, it is seen as this: the government is only groping for any means, by hook or crook, to constrict Atiku Abubakar in his likely ambition for 2019 election even when he has not announced. It is unfortunate how the government is bereft of how best to market itself to the electorate but has chosen fruitless ventures. It is as simple as this, if you are scared that someone is likely to take your position it only behooves on you to do more to merit that seat. It is not enough to go about killing an A-Class sector of the economy and putting innocent Nigerians off work and scaring away prospective foreign investors, frustrating revenues generation for the purpose of a fight that would definitely turn out to be frivolous, baseless and counter productive. It is worthy of note that latest reports now have it that INTELS has rendered “apologies” to the government. This is a beautiful public relations approach in sustaining the almost threatened sector. But notwithstanding the apologies from INTELS and without holding brief for the company, this piece is only intended to x-ray the ingredients that make up the contractual relationship between the parties and more importantly, to serve as guide to the AGF against other curious actions that will only end up misleading the citizenry. –Hon. Omekwe writes from Abuja.

2019: Does the Cap Fit Atiku Abubakar? Sam Ekpe

n the next few months the campaign for the 2019 presidential election will commence. Already there are moves by many politicians to forge alliances with various groups across the country, all aimed at ensuring that they find a place of reckoning in 2019, as every good politician seeks to be relevant at all times. A recurrent decimal in the political history and development of Nigeria since the Third Republic is Atiku Abubakar, Turaki Adamawa. You will only ignore him at your own peril. In fact he has become involved in politics since the early 1980s when he worked behind the scene on the governorship campaign of Bamanga Tukur who was then the General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority. He canvassed for votes on behalf of Tukur and also donated to the campaign. Towards the end of his career in the Nigeria Customs Service, he met Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who had been second in command in the Olusegun Obasanjo administration (1976-1979). He had been so involved in the political activities of the Yar’Adua Group that in 1989 he was elected National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Front of Nigeria which participated in the transition programme initiated by the then Military President Ibrahim Babangida. The influential politician won a seat to represent his constituency at the 1989 constituent assembly. He won the SDP primaries for the new Adamawa State governorship but was disqualified

from contesting the election, when his friend and political mentor Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was disqualified in 1992 for the SDP presidential primary, Yar’Adua pushed him forward as their standard bearer. In the convention’s primary Atiku came third behind M.K.O Abiola and Babagana Kingibe and a run-off was to be held between the first two candidates. Atiku stepped down for Abiola and directed his supporters to vote for M.K.O, on the understanding that he would be picked to be M.K.O’s running mate. Eventually, this hope was dashed. In 1998, he won the governorship of Adamawa State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but before he could be sworn in, he was picked by the then presidential candidate of the party, Olusegun Obasanjo to be his running mate. He was sworn in as Vice President of Nigeria on 29th May 1999 and served for two terms, until 2007 with President Obasanjo. In the build up to the PDP primary for the 2003 presidential elections, he was so influential within the party that with the support of the PDP governors, he could have easily defeated the President but agreed to support Obasanjo after Baba was alleged to have kowtowed to him. President Obasanjo never forgave him for that and has since then thrown his weight to frustrate any move by Atiku to become the president of Nigeria.It has become public knowledge that it is the main disagreement between the duo was the botched third term agenda. Since then, Atiku has been contested for the Presidency of Nigeria under

different political platforms - 2007 Action Congress (AC), lost to late President Yar’Adua, 2011 PDP Primaries lost to President Jonathan, 2015 All Peoples Congress APC, lost at the primaries to Muhammadu Buhari. The question is: Will Atiku succeed in his fifth attempt to be president? There is no doubt that he is a tried and tested hand. He is a middle-of-the-road politician and a bridge builder with many supporters and admirers across the country. Unlike many political leaders of northern extraction, Atiku is a vocal advocate of the importance of education and economic development. He demonstrated this in his establishment of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), the first American-style university to be established in sub-Saharan Africa. Atiku stood up to be counted when it was anathema for any politician from the northern region to support restructuring a recipe for devolving powers from the centre to the constituent states. Atiku has been vocal in his support for true federalism and has been delivering speeches all over the country stressing the need to restructure the country. He is of the view that our current arrangements is a unitary Federalism which was a creation of prolonged military rule and that every part of the country should take change of its resources while the Federal Government should handle Defence, Foreign Affairs and Immigration among others in the Exclusive List. He believes that political decentralisation will help to deepen and strengthen our democracy as it will

encourage more accountability. He also considers that federalism will encourage states to compete to attract investments and skilled workers than merely waiting for monthly revenue allocation from Abuja. Buhari became a democratic president after many attempts. He came with a huge bag of positives - an incorruptible leader, frugal in private and therefore will be in public expenditure, his government will fight corruption in the country to a standstill, will so improve the Nigeria economy that the naira will exchange 1:1 to the dollar and many other goodies. The country is going into the Third year of the military General’s Leadership and what do we see? Reports on the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, huge sum of money alleged to belong to the suspended Director General of Nigeria Intelligence Agency and a number of acts of corruption and indiscretion against the President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, are still gathering dust in the shelf several month after their submission. With his tremendous goodwill and general acceptance in the North-Central, South-South and South-East geopolitical zones, Atiku has the best opportunity to make a breakthrough in 2019 and realise his ambition to be president . With the solid background of Atiku in government and his actions, views and consensus-building in politics, shouldn’t the Nigerian electorate give him a chance in 2019? –Sam Ekpe, a political analyst wrote in

OCTOBER 28, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PERSPECTIVE

Udom Emmanuel’s New Drive to Reshape Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel inherited a largely Civil Service State despite being one of the major oil producing states in Nigeria but he is already creating a new image for the state in terms of drive for private sector investments, writes Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

ince the return of Nigeria to civil rule in 1999, the successive administration in Akwa Ibom State, had worked to improve the level of infrastructure in the hydro-carbon rich state to attract private sector investment. While much has been done in area of physical infrastructural development, the state is still a far cry from hitting the target in getting the much-desired private sector-led economy. However, the dream of former Governors Victor Attah and Godswill Akpabio is finding actualization with Governor Udom Emmanuel whose administration in the last two years has worked to give a new drive and impetus to give the state a new character different from being a sleepy civil service state. Development in Akwa Ibom under Emmanuel is integrated to deliver sustainable economic growth, where the private sector will play a leading role and create massive employment opportunities for the youth through massive industrialization especially through manufacturing, agriculture and agro-allied and service businesses. Coming from the banking sector where he was an Executive Director at Zenith Bank before he ventured into public service, Emmanuel recognized that he must continue with the expansion of infrastructural projects which his predecessor started especially roads to connect the entire state and for easy movement of people and goods. In this wise, his administration has, in the first half of his first tenure, constructed over 700 kilometres of roads across the state with 17 bridges to connect communities whilst boosting trade and commerce. With the upsurge of economic activities in the state/inflow of local and international investors into the state with the attendant increase in commercial flights to Uyo by local airlines and Executive jets, the Emmanuel-led administration is neck deep in the completion of a second runway at the Ibom Airport for ease of landing and take-off of aircrafts. In 2016 and the first half of 2017, the National Bureau of Statistics rated Akwa Ibom as the second best state for high inflow of Foreign Direct Investment due to the deliberate policy of the government to open up the state for private sector with business friendly fiscal policies, incentives and ease of doing business in the state which allow fast approvals to land titles and other government related approvals. Vice President Osinbajo recently in a state to commission major factories among which are the largest Syringe Factory in Africa that will produce 400 million syringes per annum with a future capacity to produce 1 billion in a year. Nigeria as a country currently imports all syringes. The country will save money and foreign exchange that go into importation of syringe with the new factory in Akwa Ibom now running. The state government also attracted an Electric Meter producing company which was also commissioned by the Vice President during his 2-day visit. In the two years of Udom Emmanuel, the government revived the state-owned Peacock Paint Factory and started a cottage industry to produce pencil and toothpicks. It was something that should make any Nigeria citizen sad that as a country, no company was producing pencil in Nigeria and toothpicks until Akwa Ibom state ventured into it in partnership with the private sector. As part of the private sector-led

Udom Emmanuel

Development in Akwa Ibom under Emmanuel is integrated to deliver sustainable economic growth, where the private sector will play a leading role and create massive employment opportunities for the youth through massive industrialization especially through manufacturing, agriculture and agroallied and service businesses investment drive of the government, an investor is embarking on a multi-billion naira Coconut Refinery project in the state which will soon be commissioned with a capacity to employ more than 5000 people directly and indirectly. As part of the agricultural value-chain and backward integration to service the Coconut Refinery with raw input from local farmers, the state had embarked on the cultivation of 11,000 hectares of Coconut Plantation. To also diversify the economy of the state to wean Nigeria from reliance on oil, the Akwa Ibom State Government has also registered 4,920 rice farmers in the state who are producing rice for local consumption and sales to other party of Nigeria and the West Coast. The state is also boosting its comparative advantage in growing Cassava with the cultivation

of at least 1,450 hectares of Cassava Plantation in 5 local governments. Animal production and husbandry is also part of the overall agricultural policy of the Udom Emmanuel led-administration. To date, the state has Akwa Prime Hatchery that produces 10,000 day old chickens per week and the government is also working with the Carlos Farms, a Mexican group that is investing in massive commercial farms - both crops and animal production in Nigeria to develop ranches for Cow Production and processing of Cow Milk for diary companies. For Cocoa production, the state has also trained 450 youths in new methods of planting cocoa and other extension services to cocoa farmers in the state. Beyond the expansion of road networks and the Ibom Airport, the state government is working with the private sector to develop the Ibom Deep Seaport on 2,565 hectares of land as part of the 14,000 hectares Ibom Industrial City. The Deep Sea Port is designed to process 9 million containers in a year and integrated into the Ibom Industrial City Plan designed to cater for Seaport need of the business people from the South-South, South-East and the North Eastern parts of Nigeria. Speaking on the drive to boost private business presence in the state, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh, who also came from the banking sector to serve the state, noted that after 16 years of investment in critical infrastructure that will drive and support private enterprise, the vision of Udom Emmanuel as a Governor is to integrate a new template that would ensure big businesses come to Akwa Ibom to maximize the huge investment made by the state in infrastructural development. According to the Commissioner, it is only the private sector that can create the economic and social opportunities that the people, especially, the youths want to move up in life and have a better life adding that government can only act as an enabler by providing the conducive atmosphere for businesses to strive and thrive.

“The government has invested in roads, security, healthcare and also boosting manpower, but the previous governments and Governor Emmanuel didn’t just spend huge money to provide infrastructure for the sake of just spending money. The investments in infrastructure were made with an expected end in mind. Governor Emmanuel recognized those critical infrastructures are needed to power and create a new economy outside the civil service for the state. No investor will come when the roads are not good, the healthcare delivery system is poor, security etc. They will come when the supporting infrastructure and social services to help their businesses to grow and profitable are in place. Now that we have good infrastructure, the Governor, a private sector man himself believes that the state and people can only enjoy shared opportunities, prosperity and inclusive growth when businesses- small, medium and big come to the state. “The Governor, working with his team, identified massive industrialization as the only way to employ thousands of youths in the State. He is changing the character of the state and he is investing in the required hard work. In two years, the people of Akwa-Ibom have seen the benefits of private sector coming to invest in the state. The jobs are coming that are not civil service. Akwa Ibom people are now beginning to know they can work without looking for government jobs. “The Government is creating employment in agriculture, supporting SMEs, where we have given out over N2 billion to beneficiaries to improve on their businesses. It is a journey and a revolution the Governor is leading and we are convinced with better commitment and strong fidelity to the vision the current administration with the support and goodwill within and outside the state will change the economic fortunes of the state with a private sectorled economy,” the Commissioner stated. Mr. Udoh also noted that the state was open for business for local and international investors and listed areas where the government is willing to partner with the private sector to get the state to grow in a sustainable way. The projects where the state government still seeks private sector investments include the $150 million MRO Hanger at the Ibom Airport where aircraft can be maintained and serviced; a $600 million Fertilizer Plant; a $350 million Flour Mill; a $250 million Steel Plant; a $150 million Ceramic Factory; a $350 million Tyre producing factory; a $750 million Power Plant to produce 500 megawatts of electricity; a $30 million office complex and a $1 billion Free Trade Complex. “We want to change the narrative for our people such that in the next 10 to 20 years, the whole social and economic landscape of the state would have changed and our young people will no longer think of government jobs as their first call. As leading oil producing state in Nigeria, Mobil and many of the oil servicing companies and other smaller operators do not have their head offices in our state. There is no purpose built and multi-storey office building in AkwaIbom State that these companies can rent for offices. You can imagine an investor coming to build office complex in Uyo. Such investor will make very good money on leases from the private companies that will take office spaces. Akwa Ibom is green and a great state for investment,” Udoh said.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY OCTOBER 28, 2017

T H I S D AY SATURDAY OCTOBER 28 2017

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 28, 2017

BUSINESS PEOPLE

Editor: Vincent Obia email: vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com Tel: 08054681757

Felix Oyediran

We Started Powerex to Solve Nigerians’ Electricity Problems They were young, ambitious and full of energy. For Felix Oyediran and Oluwole Abayomi, Managing Director and Executive Director, respectively of Powerex Limited, an electrical power engineering service company. From a three-bedroomed apartment as oﬃce 13 years ago, they now deal with A-list clients like MTN, NNPC, Airtel, Chevron, etc. Oyediran tells Samuel Ajayi about the company’s rise. A die-hard Arsenal fan who started learning electrical engineering on the streets reveals that soon Powerex will launch its own UPS and AVR brands into the Nigerian market. Okediran and Abayomi’s story is that of a dream kept alive

The Rise of Dream Merchants reams die but not when the dreamer fails to give up. And that is why it is often said that the only limitation to the dreamer is his or her own imagination. For Felix Oyediran, the Managing Director of Powerex Limited, an electrical power generation outfit, and his partner, Oluwole Abayomi, the journey started in 2004. While Nigerians were lamenting poor power supply, they saw an opportunity. They spotted a niche and they decided to dream. Not just to dream but to actualise that dream. Nigerians wanted alternative and well-filtered power and Oyediran and his partner promised to give them. “We just wanted Nigeria to develop in the area of power. We started and that was on the 17th of September, 2004. We just wanted efficient and quality power supply. The power supply then was so bad. People were energy-starved. People were just frustrated. We asked ourselves: where do we come in? Is it in the area of power generation or distribution or transmission? We are all electrical engineer, including Biola (sitting there). We knew generation was a no-go area because of finance. We had the experience in power quality but we had no money. We could not do quality power which was what is called power filtering. The power coming from NEPA and generator is not always a clean power. So it has to be filtered. People might not know this. UPS, uninterruptible power supply, had to come in,” Oyediran explained. He added that they had to look at the concept of inverter, which he said is called power storage system and not actually inverter. He said the idea was for the individual to generate power on his or her own through the inverter and reduce the bill being paid on electricity. And that was when the journey actually started in a three-bedroom flat in Ketu area of Lagos. Oyediran said they started with the importation of inverters and they supplied them to clients who needed them. To him, it is a thing of joy that some of the inverters they imported in 2005 are still with their clients and are still in use. As the dream grew, the three-bedroomed office in Ketu became too small to accommodate that dream. “We have kept our customers since 2005. They still trust us,” Oyediran noted, pointing out the company’s staff also proved the difference. “They are not just workers,” Oyediran said. “They knew our mission and values from day one. They knew what Powerex was and still all about. The values of this company I tell you as you are here are what the lady at the reception, Queen, would tell you if you accost

Oyediran

her. And you can take it to the bank. We actually wanted to be power experts from day one and that was where the name Powerex comes from: power experts. We put this into everybody’s consciousness. We always tell it as it is and we would never compromise on that because of profit. Any time we bring anything to the country, we always have that in mind.” The Clientele Tells the Story of Quality Powerex clientele cuts across banks, oil and gas major players, insurance companies and others, including the NNPC, NAPIMS, MTN, Airtel, Addax Petroleum, Chevron, UAC Foods, United States Consulate, PZ, Sterling Bank, Niger Insurance, and Honeywell. With these clients, they needed to go beyond importing or building inverters to proper power quality service delivery. This included UPS, industrial stabilisers, energy storage facilities (which is what is called inverter) and so on. Beyond this, the company also went into power stabilisation services; and this has to do with rural electrification projects where they partner with state governments to maintain power supply in rural areas. “When governments give people money for rural electrification, they don’t do much. So we help them handle this via power step-down and solar

power system. We have worked in Oyo and Kwara states,” Oyediran said. “We choose who we work with. We work with the world’s number UPS manufacturer and that is Eaton. As I speak to you, we are their number one representatives in Nigeria. You may go and do your findings. Eaton is a global player in terms of power and aerodynamics. We were also the one who brought Servomax to Nigeria. It is an Indian power company. This was in 2005 or there about. And may I tell you that most of the UPS units we supplied then are still being used till today. Example is PZ Nigeria Plc. We gave them about 25 to 30 units and they have not replaced them. You may go and find out. That tells you the quality of the products we give to our clients. There is another Israeli company that we brought to Nigeria. Though, we are no longer working with them,” he added. Powerex, Oyediran claimed, does not just supply power equipment to clients. To him, what they first do is listen to the power challenges the client is facing and then advise professionally. To him, that is what stands them out. “Anyone can push boxes around in the name of alternative power gadgets. But we don’t do that,” Oyediran said. Retaining these clients, Oyediran said,

We just wanted Nigeria to develop in the area of power. We started and that was on the 17th of September, 2004. We just wanted eﬃcient and quality power supply. The power supply then was so bad. People were energy-starved. People were just frustrated. We asked ourselves: where do we come in? Is it in the area of power generation or distribution or transmission?

OCTOBER 28, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

BUSINESS PEOPLE

Oyediran and Abayomi

How Powerex Is Turning Nigeria’s Power Failure Into A Success Story has been the greatest joy he has since Powerex started. To him, getting these big players to sign them in was very easy; but keeping them and their trust is a different ball game entirely. And what has been the secret? Oyediran provided an insight: “These are clients who don’t joke with quality. They are top professionals in their various fields. We don’t just sell them products. No, we don’t do that. As lawyers do, we take their briefs and come to our office and we design for them. We do it as a turn-key project even if it is not a turn-key. We procure it and do the engineering. Most people in this industry just import and sell. We don’t do that. Equipment we give to customers, we check to make sure they meet specifications. “Some clients might come and say they need 500KVA but in actual terms, they do not need more than 200KVA. I know that if I sell 500KVA, I make more money but for those customers, 300KVA will be a waste. I have 500KVA but 200KVA is what you need. Such customers will always trust me and I will not just turn my back. I will always ensure that I give them warranty and ensure the equipment works very well. This is how trust is built and sustained,” he said. ‘Our Works Advertise Our Quality’ Oyediran said Powerex does not make much noise. He said many have been asking why the company does not advertise or make the noise for them to be noticed but he always tells them that the quality of the jobs they do for clients will always tell their story. “Let me tell you something,” the electrical engineering graduate said. “Most of the jobs we do and the supplies we make are referrals. Those we have worked for always tell others. I can tell you that for free. In fact, one client can tell about us to two new ones and

We also have to deal with competition which does not want to do things in a more thorough and qualitative way we do things. It is a major challenge. Let me say we also have issues with manufacturers at times. There was a supplier that gave us a product that he wrote three year-warranty on the carton but by the time we opened, the parts started dropping oﬀ they will start doing business with us. That is why I said beyond the noise and marketing, which I believe play their own parts, the quality of our jobs also markets us. But let me say, we will be doing marketing from time to time. We are not saying we won’t do.” Challenges to the Dream “We also have to deal with competition which does not want to do things in a more thorough and qualitative way we do things. It is a major challenge. Let me say we also have issues with manufacturers at times. There was a

supplier that gave us a product that he wrote three year-warranty on the carton but by the time we opened, the parts started dropping off. In fact, we could not supply the material to our clients. It was a loss to us. When we called him, he said when we were to place the next order, he would give us the parts. Of course, we never went back to him,” he revealed. He explained that beyond these were unfavourable economic climates that are not helpful to business. Oyediran said the economic downturn of 2008 really affected the company but they were able to weather the storm thanks to clients who had faith in them. To him, banks too don’t help matters. “If you have a project and approach any of our banks, you are likely to be turned back. That is the reality of doing business in Nigeria. Another thing is instability in the political environment. We have been talking to some investors for some time now, but they are reluctant to come in. We have worked so much them on them but since elections are approaching again, they are afraid to come. They don’t want to burn their fingers.” The Dream Getting Better Oyediran said the idea now is that in five years’s time, they would have handed over Powerex to people like Abiola Olaleye, their head of procurement, and they would have diversified into manufacturing. The astute entrepreneur pointed out, “That is the dream. We would have really expanded. As we are now, we are integrators. We buy from Eaton or Servomax. Our clients call us and we supply and maintain. But it has come to time when we should be able to manufacture UPS and AVRs in Nigeria. The plan has reached an advanced stage and we have factory we are working on. We have partners. We have our products

and it is called Vectronic. That is our brand. “We have UPS and AVR under that brand name. We are also doing battery charger and everything you need. Powerex is the name, Vetronic is the brand. We are also doing phase-assure. If you have NEPA and generator and power goes off and you don’t want to stand up, we make sure that you start your generator with phase-assure and even programme it to work for about four hours and then go off. He added, “The UPS I am using is Vectronic. That is to tell you how far we have gone. In five years time, it will be household name. Right now, we bring CKD (completely knocked down) forms of UPS and AVR and we assemble all of them and we have done it for MTN, Airtel and different clients.” My Life Outside Powerex Engineers are generally seen as serious minded people who are always devoted to their jobs. In fact, they are practically married to their jobs. But Oyediran said he is not one of those people. “I unwind,” he said. “We work from Monday to Friday. My brother, there is need to relax and unwind. If I tell you one of the ways I unwind is going to the farm to eat fresh fruits with the kids you won’t believe. But I do. I also ensure that I spent quality time with my family that hardly sees me during the week.” Even when Wole, his partner calls, they tell him. “Call back. He is watching Arsenal.” Oyediran is a die-hard Arsenal fan. Even if he does not unwind, the dream of two young men in their early 30s has remained alive. And by the time their brand name, Vectronic, hits the market, they would have said the beginning has been more than half done. And the power of failure, by then, would have been overcome for Oyediran and Abayomi.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ΀, 2017

BUSINESS ISSUE

The Negative Implications of Oando’s Probe by SEC The investigation of Oando’s operations by the Securities and Exchange Commission is sending wrong signals to companies and investors and capable of aﬀecting the market negatively. The final outcome of the current investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) into the operations of Oando Plc, Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil & gas company, will go a long way in determining the level of confidence in the nation’s capital market. While companies get listed in capital market to extract value for themselves, government and shareholders, investors buy shares in order to reap good returns on their investments. On the other hand, the regulators in the market, SEC and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) are there to ensure that these objectives of companies, investors and other stakeholders are achieved. However, recent actions by SEC regarding Oando Plc is being monitored by many stakeholders both locally and internationally and it would go a long way to shaping the perception of investors about the capital market in particular and the economy in general. Writes Bennett Oghifo

The Genesis he decision by the SEC to probe Oando Plc began following petitions by Ansbury Inc. and Alhaji Dahiru Mangal. The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday directed the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to place the shares of Oando Plc be placed on suspension. The duo two had petitioned SEC, claiming majority shareholding in Oando Plc and that the company was being mismanaged by the Wale Tinubu-led management. They had sought the removal of Tinubu as Group Chief Executive Officer of the company so as to save it from going under. SEC, Wednesday, last week, said it carried out a comprehensive review of the petitions and found: breach of the provisions of the Investments & Securities Act 2007; breach of the SEC Code of Corporate Governance for Public Companies; suspected insider dealing; suspected related party transactions not conducted at arm’s length and discrepancies in the shareholding structure of Oando Plc among others. According to the regulator, these findings are weighty and therefore need to be further investigated. Suspension of Trading in Shares SEC said its primary role as apex regulator of the Nigerian capital market is to regulate the market and protect the investing public, noting that the above findings are weighty and therefore needed to be further investigated. The regulator added that after due consideration, the commission believes that it is necessary to conduct a forensic audit into the affairs of Oando Plc. This is pursuant to the statutory duties of the Commission as provided in section 13(k), (n), (r) and (aa) of the ISA 2017. “To ensure the independence and transparency of the exercise, the forensic audit shall be conducted by a consortium of experts made up of auditors, lawyers, stockbrokers and registrars.” SEC explained that to further ensure that the interest of all shareholders of Oando Plc are preserved during the course of the exercise, it directed the NSE to place the shares of Oando Plc on technical suspension. “However, in view of the fact that it is not technologically feasible for the exchange to effect a technical suspension except after 48 hours, the Commission directed as follows. Effective for 48 hours from today, 18 October 2017 to 20 October 2017, the NSE should implement a full suspension in the trading of the shares of Oando Plc and effective from 20 October 2017 and until further directive, the exchange should implement a technical suspension in the shares of Oando Plc.” Oando Reacts to SEC’s Actions Although Oando recognises SEC as the market regulator, it has said the actions of the commission appear to be biased and illegal. Oando said in a statement that the SEC’s directives are illegal, invalid and

In a letter from the SEC, the Commission informed Oando that the N160 million cost of the forensic audit will be borne by the company, to which Oando responded by saying that this must be an error in light of all its submissions to date, and not the best use of shareholder funds at this time. Also, the company has highlighted that in the letter sent to Oando by the SEC, both the petitioners were copied, Alhaji Mangal and Ansbury Inc. Oando stressed that it is unheard of and prejudicial for petitioners to be copied on correspondence to the investigated party on findings yet to be concluded.

Tinubu

Onyema

calculated to prejudice the business of the company. Dissatisfied with the most recent actions taken by the SEC and to safeguard the interests of the company and its shareholders immediately, Oando took steps to file an action with the Federal High Court (FHC), Ikoyi, Lagos, against the SEC and the NSE. And on Monday, October 23, 2017 the company obtained an ex-parte order from the FHC granting an interim injunction, via an order restraining the NSE from effecting the directive of the SEC to implement a technical suspension of the shares of the company, and an order restraining the SEC from conducting any forensic audit into the company’s affairs pending the hearing and determination of the matter. According to the company, the NSE and SEC were served with the court order on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 and the NSE and the SEC were legally obliged to comply with the interim orders pending the substantive determination of the suit. However, an Oando source advised that the company’s reasons for taking this stance against the commission is the clear bias that has been shown towards the petitioners and the mismanagement of the investigation from inception. Oando has raised questions as to why the Commission has investigated a petition brought on by an indirect shareholder (Ansbury Inc.) domiciled outside Nigeria, in a jurisdiction outside the SECs purview and one currently in arbitration court in the United Kingdom when the SEC’s Complaints Management Framework says it shall not consider any matter which is currently in arbitration. Furthermore, in a recent letter to Oando, the SEC re-categorised the petitioner as a “whistle blower”, contrary to its former position as a “shareholder”, which according to Oando shows a clear bias as it suggests the SEC re-categorised the petitioner’s position to ensure it is able to carry on investigating the petitions. In the Company’s statement, it highlights letters sent by its Chairman HRM Oba M. A. Gbadebo to the Director General of

the SEC ‘Mounir H. Gwarzo’ alleging bias and lack of due process in the way and manner in which the SEC has conducted this investigation. It goes on to say that the chairman asked to be granted an audience to present the company’s case, a request that the SEC repeatedly denied, whilst the regulator has granted an audience to Ansbury Inc and gone so far as to offer what is tantamount to legal advice to them. Oando stated that that the most recent action taken by the regulator confirms that the commission appears to be working to its own conclusion rather than looking at the facts before it, and acting in the best interests of the company and the minority shareholders whom it claims it seeks to protect. To further reinforce the company’s strong reservations with the SEC’s findings, Oando outlined all of the alleged infractions identified by the SEC and details its position, for the most part disagreeing with SECs pronouncements and going so far as to highlight the prescribed penalties as set out by the regulators for said infractions none of which singularly or together warrant the institution of a forensic audit, full or technical suspension of trading of the company’s shares on the NSE. According to the company, it does not believe that the SEC has presented a strong enough case to support the engagement of a forensic auditor to conduct a forensic audit into their affairs and highlights seven reasons to support this belief. Reasons include SEC requesting a forensic audit in order to investigate whether its findings are true which is a clear contradiction. “How did the SEC arrive at its findings if it cannot be sure of the veracity of those findings, and more importantly how did it ascribe the appropriate level of weight to be given to those findings, enough to warrant an immediate suspension followed by a technical suspension of the shares of the company, especially if those findings are still mere allegations at this point, as the Commission has clearly communicated? ,” the company queried.

Shareholders’ Concerns Some shareholders of Oando have raised concerns that if an indirect and foreign shareholder could wield so much power over a public listed company, with the backing of the SEC, with no regard for all the other shareholders, then none of us is safe. “Contrary to their mission to protect the capital market and Nigerian shareholders, the SEC has folded its arms and watch is the investment of hundreds of thousands of Nigerian shareholders go down the drain while the public has had to appallingly watch what should have been a closed door investigation play out in the media. For those of us who have invested in Oando and seen the drastic nose dive that its share price has taken, we are deeply saddened by the SEC’s management of this investigation,” of the shareholders said. Another shareholder, Mr. Olatunde Olufemi going by the decision of SEC that Oando Plc will bear the cost of N160 million for the forensic audit, the shareholders already losing money. “This penalty begs the question, is this the most effective use of shareholders money? How independent and objective is the process? Oando has confirmed that they weren’t carried along on the panel selection, they have not received a scope of work and timeline for the audit and accordingly a justification for the N160 million bill. So how did SEC arrive at this cost. What SEC is doing is setting a bad precedent in the market,” he said. Equally, some shareholders have displeasure at the SEC’s neglect of minority shareholders in favour of the majority shareholders. They have also expressed distaste at the public display of unprofessionalism stating that the leak from the SEC on the proceedings of the investigation is mind boggling. According to them, SEC can’t have reached an objective conclusion especially because it’s clear they’ve been working in favour of the majority shareholders to the detriment of the over two hundred and seventy-thousand shareholders whose investments are languishing as a result of the saga. “The financial results in contention was approved by the NSE, the SEC and audited by leading international auditors. If financials of the company was truly ‘cooked’, then all the regulatory bodies should also bare the cost as well and be investigated,” a shareholder said.

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

NEWSXTRA

In Brief CAN Commends Southern Governors TheChristianAssociationofNigeria(CAN),South-southZonehascommended theSouthernGovernorsfortheresolutionsontherestructuringofthecountry. ThereligiousorganisationexpresseddelightattheSoutherngovernorscoming togetheragaininLagosafter12yearsoftheirlastmeetingtodiscussandforge strongertiesamongpeopleoftheSouthernNigeriaspreadacrossthreegeopoliticalzones.ItstatedthisafterameetingofitsleadersinWarri,DeltaState whichwasattendedbyselectedleadersofCAN.Themeetingwaspresidedby itsChairman,ArchbishopGod-DowellAvwomakpa.Inastatementsignedby theSpecialAdviseronMediatotheArchbishop,Mr.OvieEdomi,itdescribed the2017Lagossummitofthe17Southerngovernorswherefiscalfederalism wasadoptedamongstothersasspeakingwithonevoice. Over 5,000 Graduates Ride Okada in Ekiti Okada Riders Tricycles’ Association of Nigeria(ORTAN), Ekiti chapter, has revealed that over 5,000 out of the 10,000 members of the body in the state possessed betweenNationalCertificateofEducationandBachelorDegrees. The Association, through its State Deputy Chairman, Com. Olusola Isola and PublicRelationsOfficer,Com.SikirulahiAkindipe,saidthebodyhasbeenableto overcomethechallengeof recklessriding,leadingtokillingandmaimingofthe citizensthrough theirpartnershipwiththepoliceandothersecurityagencies. Speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Isola said the high number of graduates among commercial motorcyclists in the state accounted for why there is orderliness and good conducts within the body . Isola said : “We have over10,000membersinallthe42branchesacrossthestateand5,000ofthese populationhold atleastNCE,withmanyofthemparadingBachelordegrees.

ACROSS FAITH... L-R: Alh Sani Ejoh Secretary Anambra state pilgrims welfare board :Alh Garba Haruna, SA, Islamic Affairs to governor of Anambra state and sariki hausa community Awka :Sule Momodu ndlea commander Anambra state and Alh illiyasu Yusha'u sarin hausa community onitsha during a courtesy visit to the state headquarters of NDLEA Awka

Dickson Presses FG for Agge Deep Seaport, Airport, Coastal Railway in Bayelsa Bennett Oghifo and Emmanuel Ade in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Government has sought the Federal government’s collaboration on Agge Deep Seaport, International Cargo Airport and Coastal Railway in the state. Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, who led a delegation on a visit to the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi in Abuja, urged leaders and government functionaries to always work for the good of the country. He said once elections were over, political actors must close ranks, irrespective of party affiliations to work for the security

and development of the nation. While stressing that the Agge Deep Seaport would be economically viable, Governor Dickson said the Seaport and the Airport would open up the state and enable Bayelsa play an active role in the Gulf of Guinea, since Bayelsa was on the tip of the Atlantic Ocean. This was contained in a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo who stated that the Deep Seaport was founded on a Public Private Partnership arrangement and declared that government had reached out to investors who had shown keen interest in the project. In his response, the Minister

thanked the Governor for the visit and pledged to facilitate all outstanding approvals to fast-track the takeoff of the much awaited Deep Seaport in Bayelsa. In line with the Federal Government's Ease of Doing Business, the Minister said his Ministry would do all within its powers to ensure that the Agge Deep Seaport was brought to fruition. According to him, “there is a presidential Directive on Ease of doing Business which makes it mandatory for us to treat all files before us within seven days. "I can guarantee you all approvals in my Ministry to fast-track the actualisation of

the Agge Deep Seaport. All you need to do is to look for the investors. We approved for Cross River State irrespective of party affiliations and we shall do everything necessary to make sure that Agge Deep Seaport takes off because development doesn't know party differences," he assured. On the Coastal Rail, Amaechi promised to look into it, while promising to liaise with Minister of State for Aviation on the Governor's request on the airport. The Minister also praised the Governor for providing infrastructure in his state in spite of the difficult terrain, stressing that in Bayelsa, "there is water everywhere, there is no upland."

Boat Mishap Claims 50 Lives in Kogi Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

A boat accident on Friday morning, claimed over 50 lives at Ebbe, a riverine area in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State while goods worth millions of naira were also lost. The incident took place at Miza village when the boat that was on its way to the popular Friday Market in Katcha village, a border town between Kogi and Niger States, had a head-on collision with an oncoming boat. THISDAY gathered on Friday

that both boats were loaded with mostly women, Children. and goods. According to the sources, the women were said to be taking smoked fish from surrounding villages and communities to the market, a trade they have been known for. An eyewitness who was among passengers inside the boat, Muhammadu Ndalugi, disclosed to newsmen that the incident occurred due to poor visibility at the time of their voyage as a result of harmattan.

He said the drivers, despite the obvious sounds of the engines, did not really see one another clearly, hence the collision. A relative of one of the victims, Ayishetu Ahmadu, could not control her tears as she narrated the loss of her aunt, whom she said, was on the boat from Ebbe. She wondered why the incident had to happen now, and at the end, said it was the will of Allah. "My aunt had been used to going to Katcha Market and she was famous for her jovial nature,

but today, Allah has decreed that she had to 'go' and there is nothing anyone can do about it," she lamented amidst tears. Local divers were at the scene of the incident trying to recover more bodies at the time of filing this report as several relatives had their hearts in their mouths awaiting the fate of their loved ones on that journey. Others who had their relations confirmed drowned, said they only wanted to get the bodies in order to give them proper burials.

Police Corporal Kills 13-Year-Old Boy in Yenagoa Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

A Police Corporal, David Napoleon, attached to the Bayelsa State Command, has shot and killed a 13-year-old Senior Secondary School (SSS) student , Tomizibe Johnson, in Kpansia community, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The officer, who until the incident worked with the operations department of the command, it was gathered, has been disarmed

and detained pending further investigation. But while the police said the officer shot in self-defence while being pursued by suspected cultists, residents of the area and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), said the boy was innocent. They also disagreed on the age of the boy, which the police put at 18, while relations of the boy said he was 13. "The incident occurred at about 10pm on Thursday after six armed

cultists invaded the home of Corporal David Napoleaon at Kpansia area of the State capital. "The suspected and armed cultists tore the window net and gained entrance into the house. The officer, who was home with his family ran after the hoodlums and arrested one Stephen Ayama, male, 16 years and a member of the Green lander cult group .He was handed to the State Security outfit known as Doo Akpo. "When he was coming back to

his house with a plan to move his family out to a safer place, some suspected cultists and indigenes of the community went after him to attack him . “He ran but was chased by the irate youths. He turned and shot at them below the knee level. The bullet hit one Tomizibe Joseph, 18 years, in the thigh. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre", Spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, Asinim Butswat, said while reacting.

UNIDO, ASVAN Commence ArtisansTraining TheUnitedNationsIndustrialDevelopmentOrganisation(UNIDO)andtheAssociationofSkilledandVocationalArtisansofNigeria(ASVAN)havecommenced thetrainingof37,000artisansacrossthe36statesofthefederation andthe Federal CapitalTerritory Abuja.The training being packaged by HP LIFE and ASVAN,wasaimedatenhancingandimproving businessmanagementskills ofartisans. UNIDOtrainer,Mr.DavidGarbage,whilespeakingwithjournalists inAbujarevealedthat thetrainingwastheinitiativeofHPLIFEtobeconducted undertheauspicesofUNIDOandfacilitatedbytheASVAN.Accordingtohim, “ASVANandUNIDOwillformastrongpartnershiptobuildsustainabledevelopmentinthenextfewyearstocome.Thecollaborationwouldhelpintrainingof over1000artisansineachstatesofthefederationandtheFCT. UNIDOhasa mandatewhichcallstoshapeinfrastructure,promoteinclusiveandsustainable industrialisationandfosterdevelopment. Foundation Donates Housing Estate to IDPs Aspartsofitsgoalstoaffectlives,theMuhammaduIndimiFoundation,founded byAlhaji(Dr)MuhammaduIndimiOFR,theExecutiveChairmanofOrientalEnergy ResourcesLimited,hassupportedtheplightoftheinternallydisplacedpersons inMaiduguri,BornoStatewithaN600mworthofN600msolar-poweredvillage. Thevillage,situatedinBama,consistedof100unitsof3-roomhouseswillcaterfor 100familieswhoarevictimsofthedreadedBokoHaramgroup.Thevillagealso featuresfiveblocksofclassrooms,afully-equippedhealthcentre,anopen-shed markettorevivelucrativetradeamongtheinhabitants,sportfacilitiesforthe children and an incinerator. At the flag off of the project, Idimi stated that the gesturewaspartofeffortsinrevivingthehopeofthevictims. LEAD Project Africa Holds November The 9th edition of LEAD Project Africa will hold on November 10, 2017 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The annual African-oriented project wascreatedwiththevisiontoignitethespiritofenterpriseinAfrica;promote entrepreneurshipinitiatives;proffersolutionstoeconomicchallenges;recognise trailblazers,leadingandbuddingbrandsindifferentsectorsthatarecreating value in the continent.The event features Annual Lecture,ThinkTank Forum and the Award/Gala Nite.The theme for this year’sThinkTank Forum is: ‘The NewOrderforEconomicAdvancementinNigeria’,whichisexpectedtoexplore theroleofagriculturaldevelopment,technologicalrevolution,amongothers. PlateauTrains 30 Herders ThirtyherdersdrawnfromthethreesenatorialzonesinPlateaustatehavebeen trainedbythePlateauStateMicrofinanceDevelopmentAgency(PLASMIDA) onmodernandimprovedwayofrearinglivestockinordertogetmaximumyield and boost the industry into a vibrant business enterprise. Speaking during a sectionofthetrainingyesterday,theProvostofCollegeofAnimalHealthand ProductionTechnology,Vom,Plateaustate,Prof.HamiduSharubutu,saiditwas regrettablethatpastoralistshavecontinuedtorearlivestockinatraditionaland conservativewaywhichhasnotresultedintothedesirablegrowthoftheindustry. Kunle Elebute Appointed Chairman for KPMG Africa KPMG,oneoftheglobalbigfourprofessionalservicesFirms,hasannounced the appointment of Kunle Elebute as the new Chairman for KPMG Africa, a position that he would take on in addition to his current role as the National Senior Partner (NSP) for KPMG in Nigeria. Elebute brings outstanding client service and leadership credentials, alongside in-depth knowledge of the Africanmarketandbusinessenvironment,withover35yearsofprofessional experience advising clients in the private/public sectors in Nigeria,West and Sub-SaharaAfrica.PriortohisappointmentastheKPMGAfricaChairman,he hasbeentheNationalSeniorPartnerforKPMGinNigeriasinceOctober,2016. Beforethat,hewastheHeadofAdvisoryServiceswithresponsibilityforDeal Advisory,ManagementConsulting,RiskConsultingandInformationTechnologyAdvisory.ElebutequalifiedasaCharteredAccountantin1986andhasled variousstrategicandtransformationalprojects for local & global clients. He was admitted as a Partner in 1996 and over the years, he has shownexemplaryleadership,headingvarious functions and sectors including the Financial Services Audit Practice, Financial Advisory Services,theFinancialServicesIndustry(FSI) and‘Infrastructure,Government&Healthcare’ (IGH).Withthisnewappointment,KunleElebute isnowamemberoftheKPMGGlobalBoardand continuestositontheKPMGEurope,Middle East&Africa(EMA)Board.

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EU Supports Nigeria’s Immunisation Programme with N3.8b Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The European Union has provided an additional N3.8 billion to support the Nigerian government’s immunisation programme and strengthen primary health care under its Support to Immunisation Governance in Nigeria (EU-SIGN) initiative. The amount was used to fund the procurement of 29 Four-Wheel Drive vehicles and solar refrigerators as well as construction and renovation of 49 health facilities and cold stores in 23 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The supplies and building projects was commissioned on Friday at the Gui Primary Health Care Centre, along the Abuja Airport road in the FCT by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Ketil Karlsen, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Enahire, representatives of the Minister of Budget and National Planning and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the WHO Country Representative, Dr. Wondi Alemu and the Executive Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, among other dignitaries. The EU Ambassador said the intervention was one of the most expansive of EU’s infrastructural interventions in the health sector that could save millions of lives every year by complementing the collective efforts of government and partner working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the various states. The overall objectives of the project, he said, was to contribute to reducing sickness and death in

FOR DRUG-FREE SOCIETY... L-R: Secretary to Oyo State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli; State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Col. Muhammed-Mustapha Abdullah (retd); and Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo, during the NDLEA boss visit to the Governor's Oﬃce, Ibadan... on Thursday PHOTO: Governor's Oﬃce children due to vaccine preventable diseases by ensuring quality routine immunisation and interrupting the spread of poliomyelitis in Nigeria. In realising the set objectives, he said “this EU Support has used both ‘hard and soft ware’ solutions to tackle identified challenges. Vaccine security for example, is one of the

key strategies of controlling communicable diseases and for saving children’s lives”, he said, adding that efforts to increase capacities in the health centres would amount to little, if there were no sustained supply of potent vaccines to give children and mothers and avoiding problems of stock outs at all levels.

Mr. Karlsen said beyond the financial assistance for hard ware solutions, the EU was also concerned about the governance and management of health service delivery and the utilisation of available budgets in a transparent and accountable manner but warned that “ the main responsibility lies

with the federal, state and local government authorities”, stressing that EU investment in health sector had also substantially decreased the incidence of polio in Nigeria such that we can now feel polio eradication is within grasp. He said EU and Nigeria shared a long standing relationship in the

health sector dating back to 2001 when they first committed 20 million Euros (about 7.2 billion) towards polio eradication using immunisation as a window of opportunity to strengthen the primary health care system to provide high quality preventable health services to all Nigerians.

Dickson: I Introduced Boarding System in Bayelsa to Make Education Accessible

Kogi Uncovers 1,046 Civil Servants with Fake Certificates

Bennett Oghifo

Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson has explained that his administration introduced boarding school system in the state to give equal opportunity to all children of school age. The governor said boarding school system was non-existent in the Bayelsa State before the inception of his administration in 2012. Governor Dickson stated his reason for investing in education during a colloquium entitled: "Raising A Wise Generation: Revamping Nigeria’s Secondary Education," organised by Government College, Ughelli Old Boys Association, September ‘73 Class, at the Civic Centre in Lagos, recently.

Speaking on "Grassroots Education," the Bayelsa Governor, who was one of the guest speakers at the event, said he decided to invest heavily in secondary education to empower the youth with requisite knowledge capable of discouraging them from taking to militancy. He stressed that there was a correlation between illiteracy and militancy in the region, adding that the establishment of boarding schools across the state and the free and compulsory education at primary and secondary levels had democratised education in the state and the grassroots in particular. The Governor, in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo said under his watch, education was no longer the exclusive preserve of the

bourgeoisie and the privileged ones in the urban centres, adding that the huge investment in education was paying off as militancy had reduced drastically in the state. “When I took over, there was no single boarding school in Bayelsa State. If you are wondering why some places have issues of militancy, insurgency, instability, criminality, unemployability and other similar crises, you just need to look at the state of investment in education. “When I became governor in 2012, standing on the podium at my inauguration, I declared a state of emergency on education. At the dinner, some of my friends said free education would destroy my government and they asked where I would have the money to fund free education."

No fewer than 1,046 workers in the Kogi State civil service have been discovered to be parading fake certificates, as well as controversial academic qualifications. This was part of several heartrending discoveries made during the just concluded staff screening and verification which commenced February last year in the state. The latest discovery was contained in the post screening report of the reconciliatory committee set up by the government to clean up the report of the disbanded screening committee. In the report which was presented during the State Executive Council meeting yesterday, a total of 5, 203 civil servants were found

culpable for various offences. The Kogi State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Okala, who gave a breakdown of the figures of various categories of offences, explained that this was coming after the governor had earlier granted amnesty to other civil servants held liable for offences ranging from age falsification and disparity, and sundry offences. According to him, about 1,046 workers were discovered to be parading fake certificates as gleaned from the verification conducted in schools within the state, adding that report from schools outside the state were still being awaited. Also about 1,846 workers were discovered to have had their appointments backdated from 2015 and 2016 to 2007, 2008 and 2012 respectively.

He also disclosed that a total of 40 persons were reported to have indulged in outright cases of fraud and embezzlement, while 66 workers were discovered to be on double employment. Okala also revealed that, 980 workers were discovered to be guilty of being, ‘ diaspora employees’, as well as 419 found to be illegally placed in the payroll of government by their parents. Meanwhile, the hope of those employed between 2015 and 2016 seems to have been dashed, as government has declared their appointments, null and void. However, those employed into vacancies in the health institutions across the state within this period were spared, in view of the critical need of their services.

Glo Supports SMEs at Jos Trade Fair Osinbajo: Most Allegations Against Globacom has thrown its weight through MSMEs for Economic Develop- Glo Jumbo SIM and Free Data Day Government are Unverified behind the ongoing Jos Trade Fair in ment, was conceptualised by the Plateau launched recently by the network. its bid to provide encouragement for small and medium scale industries in the state and Nigeria at large. The fair equally provides opportunity for the company to engage in SIM Sales, registration and re-registration, product offerings, customer query resolutions at a dedicated Globacom pavilion where the company’s staff are available to attend to customers within Jos and its environs. The trade fair with the theme, Sustaining the Promotion of Entrepreneurship

State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA) as a platform for various participants from within the state and across the country to exhibit their products, meet potential buyers and increase the state’s economic growth. Globacom said in a press statement issued in Lagos that it wa showcasing its innovative and affordable telecommunications products, services and offerings including the loyalty reward schemes namely Everyday Bonanza,

While disclosing that the fair provides a very good platform to engage with its numerous customers, the company added that it was willing to lend its support to the realisation of their social and business aspirations through its rich bouquet of products and services. The company, which further expressed readiness to continue to partner with PLACCIMA to enhance the growth of SMEs in the state, said they were the bastion of economic advancement of nations.

SholaOyeyipo

Nigeria's Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has advised the citizenry to always subject allegations against the federal government and the presidency to checks and not take them line hook and sinker. Osinbajo, who was a guest speaker yesterday at the Greater Nigeria Pastors Conference with the theme: 'Towards a Better Nigeria' organised by the founder, Foundation

of Truth Assembly ( FOTA), Pastor Yomi Kasali, said issues being raised against the government were untrue. Responding to questions of lopesidedness in federal appointments, non-arrest and prosecution of herdsmen allegedly responsible for gruesome murder of innocent citizens, alleged Islamisation of Nigeria and other issues raised by the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Mike Okonkwo,

Osinbajo said though Nigeria stood at the threshold of significant challenges, the country was making positive progress. On allegation that the government was not doing enough to address the rampaging herdsmen allegedly because they were kinsmen of President Muhammadu Buhari, Osinbajo said Nigeria has had herdsmen-farmer clashes long before the emergence of the current government.

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Pastor Adeboye, Others to Inaugurate Bayelsa 10,000 Capacity Ecumenical Centre Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) along with the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Samson Ayokunle; his predecessor, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Bishop Felix Omobude, President Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) will next Tuesday inaugurate the 10,000 capacity Ecumenical Centre built by the Bayelsa Government. In a press briefing yesterday, the

State government , represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, flanked by the Special Adviser on Religion, Pastor Samuel John-Peters, Bayelsa CAN Chairman, Arch Bishop Jacob Apiri and Chaplain Government House , Bishop Dotimi Ekpegi, said the programme will culminate in the annual thanksgiving of the state on November 2. The building located in Igbogene, which commenced over five years ago, the Bayelsa government said, also houses two libraries, including

an e-library , special locations for retreats, cafeteria and a restaurant. â€œ As a government we are excited about these developments. For the first time our state is going to experience the unveiling of a place of worship. No other state has done that in the magnitude we are doing it. As people of faith, this is very cheering newsâ€?, Iworiso-Markson said. The Special Adviser on Religion , Pastor John-Peters said aside the prayer and fasting on the first day of the three-day programme, there would also be dedication and the

annual thanksgiving backed by law which would be superintended over by Rev Uma Ukpai. He said that God had always been interested in people raising altars for him, noting that the ecumenical centre would draw economic benefits as time goes on. The cleric added that major Christian meetings all over the country will be held in the centre for which a hotel accommodation is also being planned for people who would travel from all over the country to have religious conferences.

Nwoye: Obiano Should Account for Misused Anambra Funds Anayo Okolie The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Tony Nwoye has challenged Anambra State Governor Chief Willie Obiano to account for the Local Government funds accrued to the state from the Federation account. Nwoye, who stated this at a dinner in Lagos criticised Obiano for failing to conduct LG elections for over three years, and questioned what the governor had done with the funds meant for LGs which accrued to the state throughout his first tenure. He also challenged the governor to give account of how he expended the funds left behind by the former governor Mr Peter Obi. According to him, "Obiano receives Local Government funds

of more than N20 billion from the Federal Government; he has also received the Paris Club funds of more than N13 billion, yet he gave communities only N20 million each. "If the Local Governments are supposed to receive over 100 million a month, multiply it by 12 calendar months and you will know how much each Local Government is supposed to get. For the past three years, he has not conducted Local Government elections, and he does not give the Local Governments up to 20 percent of their monthly allocations. For instance, Nwoye said in a Local Government like Njikoka where you have Enugu-Ukwu, Nimo, Agulu, Abagana and Nawfia, and the governor gives a big town like Enugu-Ukwu N20 million, where then is the money that Enugu-Ukwu

is supposed to get from Local Government funds, and I'm not even talking about the state funds. " Every month, Enugu-Ukwu should receive not less than N30 million from Local Government funds, but they are not receiving it because the governor has siphoned the money meant for Local Governments for more than 36 months. So Enugu-Ukwu alone is supposed to get about N300 million yearly from the federation account for Local Governments. I'm not even talking about the state funds that the governor uses however he wants or even the security votes of about N1.2billion a month. Yet the governor says he is giving them N20 million. "That amount is less than three per cent of what each community is supposed to be getting on a monthly basis, so he is not doing anyone any

favour. " It is a big time fraud and one day, he would account for it.

Victory for PDP is Victory for Oganiru Anambra, Says Obiogbolu One of the aspirants for the governorship ticket of the People Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Alex Obiogbolu has said victory for the party in the Anambra State governorship election would be victory for Oganiru Anambra. Obiogbolu stated this during an interaction session with PDP stakeholders in Njikoka local government area of the state. Obiogbolu who is considered a grassroot politician urged the PDP stakeholders and members to work for the victory of the party in the guber poll, noting that justice will surely be got at the end of the day even as he admonished party members to shun any form of violence before, during and after the election proper. He commended the PDP faithful for their commitment to his aspiration before, during and after the primary of the party even as he reassured them that he will always carry them along when he gets to Awka Government House. He said their commitment

towards him and his aspiration was essentially why he had come this far and he would never take it for granted. Speaking at the event, a stakeholder, Chief Ben Onuchukwu said what happened during the PDP primary was an aberration and a day light robbery and that they were prepared to stand with the Oganiru Anambra boss until he gets justice. He expressed their resolve to work for PDP during the electioneering campaign knowing full well that they would on the long run, work for Obiogbolu who would transform Anambra State just as he had done in every public office the medical doctor cum politician had held. Mrs. Nneka Osobe assured Obiogbolu that the women of the Njikoka Local Government Area and the Central Senatorial Zone shall vote for PDP as they were determined to flush out the APGA government which had done nothing for the women of the state.

NACCIMA, Others to Discuss Agriculture as Engine for Economic Growth Bennett Oghifo

Experts will congregate in Abuja at a summit to discuss, among other things, how agriculture can be utilised as an engine for economic growth and job creation through innovative business models, risk mitigating strategies, new technologies and strategic partnerships. The national Agri-Agro summit, facilitated by Kunoch Limited, endorsed and supported by the

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BARIRA MURTALA ABBAS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BARIRA MURTALA ABBAS SAKANAU. All former documents remain valid The general public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as IDARA JOHN INYANG, now wish to be known and addressed as EDIDIONG CHRISTOPHER UKPONG. All former documents remain valid The general public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as SALAMI BUNMI BOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNDIPE BOLANLE BUNMI. All former documents remain valid The general public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as EHIMIAGHE OHISAZOJE GODWIN, now wish to be known and addressed as OBOIGBE OHISAZOJE STANLEY. All former documents remain valid The general public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OBIOMA IMMACULATA ISIWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OBIOMA IMMACULATA EDOCHIE. All former documents remain valid The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MABEL JOY OKODUWA AKINDELE, now wish to be known and addressed as MABEL JOY OKODUWA. All former documents remain valid The general public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as ONAH GABRIEL I., now wish to be known and addressed as ONAH IJUOH GABRIEL. All former documents remain valid The general public should please take note.

Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (FMARD), will hold at the International Conference Center, Abuja, between Wednesday, November 27 and Friday, November 29, this year, according to a statement by the organisers. The summit is being organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) in conjunction with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC),

Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC). As part of the summit build up, several embassies had shown interest in some areas of agricultural produce base on areas of competitiveness and comparative advantages. In that same vein, The Brazilian embassy in Lagos played a host to the first breakfast meeting held at the prestigious Eko Hotel and suites on 12th September 2017 followed by the Indonesians on 28th September 2017 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Chivita, Hollandia Drive Chiâ€™s Recognition as Most Innovative Brand Chi Limited has said that two innovative product offerings, Chivita in Juices and Hollandia in Dairy fueled its recognition among the Top 50 brands and as the Most Innovative Brand in Nigeria, at an award ceremony held recently. Every year, companies strive to be more innovative through insights of new challenges, uncovering opportunities to create value. By being innovative, brands continually seek ways to reinvent themselves, propel growth and achieve market leadership that attracts industry recognition. A statement by the company said â€œThe brandâ€™s success story at the awards has been driven by a desire to churn out innovative products like Chivita and Hollandia that are benchmarks and definitive standards in their respective categories. â€œDeploying specific criteria, including brand popularity, category leadership, innovation, national spread, Corporate Social Responsibility and online engagement to measure brands, the Top 50 Brand Award evaluates and celebrates top corporate brands that have consistently maintained leadership position in their categories, living up to their promises, and have become a part of the popular culture, attracting powerful visual cue that evokes emotion from consumers.â€? Speaking on the awards, CEO, Top 50 Brands Nigeria, Taiwo Oluboyede said with the volume of competition that businesses faced, it had never been more important

for brands to stand out through innovation as well as develop a unique identity and value proposition through strategic branding. â€œThe brands honoured at this yearâ€™s edition of the Top 50 Brand Nigeria Awards have transcended their product/services categories and mean much more to the consumers. Specifically, Chivita and Hollandia have been outstanding in this regard through a consistent delivery of innovative product variants that have become household names in Nigeria,â€? he said. â€œThe recognition amongst the Top 50 Brands and the Most Innovative Brands Award for Chi Limited is a part of the outcome of a painstaking year-long brand research which reviewed the brandsâ€™ performance, classification and rating.â€? Mr. Deepanjan Roy, Managing Director of Chi Limited, expressed delight at the recognition and commended the organizers for creating an invaluable platform for celebrating brands that are at the forefront of their respective segments. â€œFor us at Chi Limited, these awards will inspire us on our journey of innovation-driven success. We are passionate about our brands like Chivita and Hollandia and the strategic innovations that ensure a competitive advantage that places us second to none. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to healthy and superior products that add value and exceed consumer expectations,â€? he added.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

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MISSILE PDP on Garba Shehu

“A man who is fixated on blaming each and every mistake of this government on the PDP has certainly run out of ideas, and must even have lost the capacity for rational thinking. The APC-led government should to re-evaluate the inclusion of the likes of Garba Shehu in the administration.” – The Peoples Democratic Party calling on President Buhari to send his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, for psychiatric evaluation.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

A Special Tribute to the Vision of Dr. Tai Solarin

ellow Nigerians, thanks for this special honour and privilege of inviting me to speak to you in Perth, Australia. This journey would not have been possible without the insistence and tenacity of one wonderful gentleman, Dr Dele Babalola. After leaving University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) decades ago, we re-established contact via Twitter. He first contacted me in July 2015 but I apparently disappeared from his radar, shortly afterwards. We subsequently re-established contact on September 28, 2015. Dr Babalola had done the smart thing after all attempts to reach me had failed. He sent me a direct message on Twitter: “I have tried to reach you via your Yahoo mail, called Ovation office in Lagos, tried you on Linkedin, everywhere! You would remember in July I asked if you would like to honour us with your presence at the event for the memorial for Tai. We want to give it a lot of publicity and would love your journalistic angle and special touch of panache to our icon. I am sure you would respect Baba Tai!... We would like to honour and appreciate you for your unparalleled work in celebrating Africans. You would complement the Tai event perfectly and I pray you will make it top priority…” I was deeply humbled by his generous words. Who wouldn’t? Dr Babalola, a medical doctor, is indeed a public relations guru who only found himself in a different profession and career. He said he had already emailed me an official invitation. He wrote further in his Twitter message: “I am the Vice President of Ex-Mays Global Charity (Old Students of Mayflower School in the diaspora) for Asia and Oceania/Pacific Regions, also the Editor-in-Chief of Ex-Mays Global Magazine. Please note this is not a local school event/function but a national function recognising Tai, an illustrious son of Nigeria, Africa and the world. We want you to please be part of this celebration…” I was sufficiently moved by his messages and my response would have been a resounding Yes, but I was unable to attend due to reasons beyond my control. I was booked to undergo cataract operations in London and the dates could not be shifted as my sight was rapidly failing me. I would have cancelled any other appointment, but I needed urgent surgery according to different tests in Lagos, Accra and London. This personal predicament was explained to Dr Babalola, who understood my dilemma. Dr Tai Solarin was one of my childhood heroes. I met him sometime in 1976, for the first time, at the popular CSS Bookshops, Atiba Square, Ile-Ife, where I worked as a shop assistant, errand boy and cleaner all rolled into one. Dr Solarin was already a familiar face, through reports of his activities, in the newspapers. I therefore recognised him the moment he walked in to purchase some books. There were no camera phones then, I’m sure I would have pleaded for some selfies, had that been the case. I was instantly star-struck and was deeply touched by his simplicity and humility. I doubt if I ever missed his column in the Sunday Tribune. I devoured everything he wrote. Who could ever forget his evergreen classic, MAY YOUR ROAD BE ROUGH? I also remember an article he wrote about Chief Moshood Abiola

Solarin who treated him to a supersonic flight on Concorde during their trip to New York. Dr Tai Solarin’s writings introduced me to atheism. I often wondered how a man who claimed not to believe in God could turn out to be such a humanist who was more humane than most of those who shouted “God” from the rooftops… As I grew up and became a writer and journalist myself, I had several encounters with Dr Solarin. His love for Nigeria was total just as his commitment to humanity was absolute. His passion was powerfully rooted in education and through that he could bequeath an enduring legacy to mankind. The establishment of Mayflower School, Ikenne, bears eloquent and everlasting testimony to the vision and mission of this man who today has given birth to so many world class scholars, geniuses and entrepreneurs, some of whom are present in this audience. I salute you all. I thought Dr Babalola had moved on from our mutual disappointment of not making that occasion. However, he soon returned to my case on December 12, 2015, in another Twitter message: “Dear Chief Momodu. Are you happy to be the Chief Launcher of my Tai Solarin book in Mayflower, Ikenne, for the 60th Anniversary, Saturday January 30, 2016? I would be most honoured if you can attend please…” This man again, I soliloquised. It was not a convenient date and I felt so embarrassed to turn him down a second time. Little did I realise I would be severely punished eventually. Dr Babalola bided his time before throwing the next sucker punch which landed thunderously on November 17, 2016, nearly one year after the last attempt: This time he was giving me more than ample notice. “We are planning to honour Tai Solarin in October 2017 in Perth Australia under the auspices of the Nigerians in the diaspora there. We have penned you as the keynote speaker. Are you happy to come – so we can send you formal invitation?” This was like the last straw that broke my

camel’s back. Although, I requested for time to ponder and said I would give a proper response in January 2017, I knew my goose was cooked and that I was faced with no choice but to accept, after studying my itinerary. Dr Babalola wasted no time in reaching out to me by January 22, 2017. I didn’t get to read his message until he sent another one on April 8, 2017: “My Brother, bawo ni? Kindly respond to my messages please. Even if it is a NO. We are all making a case for posterity. May God continue to bless and prosper you…” Wow, this was it! There was no escape for me this time. Thus, I granted a tentative approval. Before I could say a final Yes or No, Dr Babalola landed another devastating punch on June 15, 2017: “You will be glad you come… The occasion promises to be a great event. Joshua, the new World Heavyweight Boxing Champion is an ex-Mayflower student! Please Google Dr Kunle Odunsi, a US-based gynaecologist, and Dr Oluyinka Olutoye, a Texas-based paediatric surgeon and you will begin to understand what we are showcasing…” Dr Babalola was probably a boxer himself unknowingly. He landed punches on me relentlessly: “…Before your busy calendar fills up, please commit to our event. The Yoruba Society of Western Australia has penned you down as a Great Omoluabi, and a very great cultural ambassador of the Black Race…” I was intrigued by the stature and homegrown nature of two of the personalities he had mentioned. Anthony Joshua is a supreme Nigerian athlete that we must all be proud of. He always enthuses about his Nigerian roots and by God’s grace his boxing career is set to hit the stratosphere. The other gentleman, Dr Olutoye, a fetal surgeon and co-director of the Texas Children’s Fetal Centre is currently making waves in medical circles and is the rave of the moment having successfully jointly operated on a baby, Lynlee Hope, who was taken out of her mother’s womb to remove a tumour and was re-planted into the womb and eventually born again after 36 weeks of pregnancy. I eventually said Yes, to be in the company of these and many more illustrious Nigerian alumni of Mayflower School, Ikenne. Unfortunately, the exigencies of his profession mean that Anthony Joshua is not with us tonight as he prepares for his Heavyweight Title Defence in England against Carlos Takam. We wish him the very best and pray for a resounding victory for him. I knew I would encounter many hurdles as I planned my journey. True to form, more events popped up, including one of in London on Sunday. I’ve had to make a breath-taking journey to be with you this evening moving from London to Accra to Lagos to Johannesburg and then to Perth in the space of 4 days. From this event, I am heading straight to the airport. I will be flying for the next 30 hours through several countries and time zones just to catch my next appointment in London on Sunday. I’m happy to do this to honour one of the greatest Nigerians of the 20th century, Dr Tai Solarin. The theme of this event has been aptly put as EDUCATION FOR NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION. Nothing could be more topical at this stage of our national development when our education system has greatly regressed. The blame does not lie on this government but on their predecessors who have woefully

failed to plan. My life is an eloquent example of the power of education to transform nobody to somebody. My father was slightly educated and was a civil servant. However, my mum was a stark illiterate who could neither speak nor write one word of English. I lost my father when I was barely 13 and it was left to my mother to look after me. My trajectory is best left to the imagination. The lesson I have learnt is that education is the greatest and ultimate leveller in the world. Without attending one school or the other, most of us are not likely to have met. Many of us would probably have ended up amongst the dregs of society or the wretched of the earth. We must thank God and our parents for the gift of life and education. The downfall of Nigeria is definitely directly traceable to the collapse of education in our nation. In my view, some of our leaders deliberately killed our institutions from secondary to tertiary level in order to weaken, possess and enslave the minds of our people. In a bid to continue to enshrine and enthrone their mediocracy, they had to ensure that fertile minds are not allowed to germinate and snuff out their existence. The deadliest thing that can deaden the brains is to inflict and afflict a people with a combination of poverty and ignorance. This is the sad story of Nigeria. The quality of leadership has deteriorated at the speed of light. A country that once paraded many cerebral leaders has fallen on hard times and you can now count such leaders on the fingers of your hands. Nigeria is being led astray and aground by those who have no value or appreciation for intellectual thoughts and principles. It is a crying shame! Rather than continue to bemoan this monumental tragedy, my suggestion is to find an enduring solution. The only way to go, in my view, is to change our lackaidasical attitude to politics. For far too long, we’ve left politics to those who have neither managed people nor resources. Many of our leaders lacked any principle or ideology we can point at to determine if they are fit for their important positions or not. Many of our leaders are totally outdated and may never understand the current trends in the world. We’ve experimented with all sorts but it has because very obvious that we urgently require young, brilliant, stylish, visionary and cosmopolitan leaders to take over from where our parents and grandparents have taken us. We can never change society without changing the terrible quality of our leaders. It is unlikely that anyone can give what he does not possess. I plead with you all to leave your comfort zones to participate substantially in politics to determine how our leaders are selected and finally elected. By this, I’m not saying you must necessarily contest. But you must join political parties, you must make personal contributions in cash and in kind. We must educate our families, friends and associates on the virtue of electing good and competent leaders. We would have no one to blame but ourselves when we reap the repercussions of arrogant indifference and carelessness. This speech was made by DELE MOMODU in Perth, Australia on October 27, 2017

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