Saturday 4th November 2017

I Wish I Could Bring Back My Son But I Cannot, Grieving Tinubu Laments Yemi Adebowale Bereaved former governor of Lagos State and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu yesterday went emotional over the death of his first son, Jide, who died of cardiac arrest in Lagos early this week and was buried yesterday,

lamenting that he wished he could bring him back. Tinubu, who issued a formal statement on the passage of the 37-year-old Jide, lamented: “I wish I could bring my son back but I cannot. However, what I can do is to be more caring and helpful to the living as I know this is what Jide would want to become of his passing. Let us

all take a lesson from this and think a bit more about our fellow man, our neighbour, our fellow Nigerians. Let us live as we were meant to live with each other in greater peace, compassion and love. If only this can happen, I know my son will be happy.” The APC chieftain described late Jide as a highly intelligent person with a vibrant personality

and a zest for life. He said his late son followed his own course and made his own way on his own terms: “Those who knew him could not help but like him. Yet, he was taken away by cardiac arrest when it seemed he had so much life to still live. This is a reminder that we must live each day to its best as none of

us know when our last day shall be. Mortality comes upon us all. We have no choice in that but we do have a choice whether we shall be good or bad, just or unjust. Let us all strive toward the best in ourselves. “Jide lived for so long in London and there he has left behind a darling wife and three precious boys. My wife Remi,

and I, have gone to London to be with them at this painful time to support and help them. Please, excuse our absence from Lagos for a while, but it is essential that we are with them. Prayers are being offered and will continue to be offered for the repose of his soul. I have suffered a grave Continued on page 6

IG of Police Recants, to Appear before Senate as Police Deploy 21,000 Personnel for Anambra Poll ...Page 8 Saturday 4 November, 2017 Vol 22. No 8234 Price: N250

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Onaiyekan: With Maina's Reinstatement, Buhari's Anti-Corruption War Confusing OurMumuDonDo takes protest to AGF’s office Paul Obi in Abuja The Catholic Bishop of Abuja Metropolitan See, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan,

yesterday, said going by the revelations from the surreptitious reinstatement of former boss of the Presidential Team on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina,

a lot of things might be going on in the President Muhammadu Buhari administration that many Nigerians were unaware of. In a related development,

the Charly Boy group, OurMumuDonDo yesterday took their protest to the Abuja office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the

Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, over alleged cover up of several corruption cases against top officials of the government. Onaiyekan, who was speaking

in Abuja at the Bicentenary (200th) anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, the prophet and Continued on page 6

N/Delta Militants Call Off Ceasefire, Threaten to Resume Bombings Accuse FG of reneging on agreements

Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa After several months of respite, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), yesterday said it was calling off a ceasefire agreement it had with the federal government to halt the bombing of oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. The group also vowed that unlike its operation in 2016 when it pledged not to shed any blood, including that of Nigerian soldiers, the impending fight would be “bloody and brutal”. Members of the NDA who succeeded in cutting Nigeria’s oil export by at least half last year, in the violent group’s heady days, said they were returning to the creeks because the government at the centre had failed to develop the region and forge a new vision as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari. A statement posted on its website yesterday and signed by its Spokesman, ‘Maj. Gen.’

Murdoch Agbinibo, also took the Edwin Clark-led Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) as well as other leaders of the region to the cleaners, maintaining that the group had lost faith in PANDEF's ability to get the federal government to develop the region. But in a bizarre twist, NDA also took on Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, whom they accused of trying to intimidate them to stop their proposed destruction of critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta. It denounced the group, Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA), which had recently named some elders from the region to negotiate on their behalf, insisting that the RNDA was a group of “political jobbers”, bent on ripping off the Niger Delta people. It said: “The Intelligence Unit of the NDA has gathered Continued on page 6

Diamond Bank Divests West African Subsidiaries MAHAMA IN THE VILLA… R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari with the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama during a private dinner at the State House, Abuja ....yesterday ... Page 6

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Alleged N400m Fraud: Dasuki Pleads Innocence, Says He Didn’t Commit Illegal Transaction with Metuh ...Page 8

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NNPC, Agip Move Closer to Actualising 480MW Okpai Phase-2 Power Plant Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) Joint Venture have indicated their intention to improve Nigeria’s power generation capacity with the construction of the 480 megawatts (MW) phase two Okpai Phase II Independent Power Project (IPP) by 2019. This was disclosed in a

statement from the Group General Manager, Public Affairs of the NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, on Friday in Abuja. In 2015, an operating licence for Okpai second phase was issued to NAOC by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). NERC had at that time stated that it got an assured commitment from NAOC that it would continue to move the project forward to a final conclusion. But, Ughamadu in the statementexplained that the Group

Managing Director of the NNPC Dr. Maikanti Baru, inaugurated a 12-man project team for the Okpai Phase II power plant on Thursday, with a disclosure that all partners were working round the clock to deliver on the project in terms of its specifications, time, and budget Baru, the statement noted, said the decision by the partners to embark on the second phase of the Okpai power project was hinged on the enormous success of Okpai phase one, which he described as

the most consistent power plant in Nigeria. “Although it (Okpai Phase I) was meant to generate 450MW into national grid, it is now generating an average of 300MW due to evacuation challenge. This is a significant addition to the national grid,� Baru, said in the statement. He said the Okpai phase two project would on completion generate additional 480MW into the national grid. He also charged a 12-man committee

set up for the project, to work hard and explore the possibility of delivering the project ahead of the 2019 target date. Stressing that the project was very critical to the country’s power aspirations, Baru urged the joint venture partners to sustain the march towards transforming into an independent joint venture in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of same. The statement equally quoted the Managing Director of NAOC, Mr. Massimo Insula, who was

represented by Mr. Luca Bai, to have said that everything had been put in place to ensure that the project was delivered on schedule. Similarly, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Oando, Mr. Omamofe Boyo, said his remarks that Oando was committed to sustaining the successes recorded in phase one of the project, and assured that they would work with other partners to ensure prompt and timely delivery of the project.

Diamond Bank Divests West African Subsidiaries Obinna Chima Diamond Bank Plc said it had concluded plan to sell its West African banking operations in order to focus on Nigeria’s significant retail banking opportunity. According to a statement yesterday, the bank has agreed to sell its operations in Benin,

Togo, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal to Manzi Finances S.A., a Cote d’Ivoire-based financial services holding company. It further revealed that regulatory approvals had been obtained in all jurisdictions for the transaction, which it anticipated would close before December 31, 2017. “By focusing its resources

exclusively on Nigeria, Diamond Bank is poised to capitalise on the positive macro fundamentals inherent in the Nigerian market. “These include Africa’s largest economy and evolving socio-economic trends driven by changing lifestyle preferences in favour of mobile delivered services, and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship,� the statement

added. Commenting on the transaction, Diamond Bank’s CEO Uzoma Dozie said: “After 18 years of building the Diamond Bank franchise in other markets in West Africa, the time has come to fully apply our resources to Nigeria.� This, Dozie said aligns with Diamond Bank’s strategic objective: to be the fastest growing

and most profitable technologydriven retail banking franchise in Nigeria. He added: “We are prioritising the Nigerian market because of its vast potential. A large segment of the population is under-banked or unbanked and the use of technology and mobile banking is rising exponentially. “This provides Diamond

Bank with the opportunity to reach millions of people, and facilitate financial inclusion on an exceptional scale. “In addition, Diamond Bank already has a foundation for growth in Nigeria with over 15 million customers. We also have a framework in Nigeria that will allow us to scale rapidly, efficiently and cost effectively.

it's voyage to the oil fields of the Niger Delta to further exploit us while our concerns are left unattended. “We are presently tracking and monitoring its movement; and God willing, it shall not operate successfully amidst the return of the fury of the Niger Delta Avengers,� NDA said. It also sent a warning signal to oil companies operating in the region, promising to destroy any obstacle on the group’s way to victory. “Message to the oil companies: our next line of operation will not be like the 2016 campaign which operated successfully without any casualties; this outing will be brutish, brutal and bloody. “We shall crush everything we meet on our path to completely put off the fires that burn to flare gas in our communities and cut every pipe that moves crude away from our region. We can assure you that every oil installation in our region will feel the warmth of the wrath of the Niger Delta Avengers,� the militants said. Reacting to the allegation, Akinaka dismissed the statement as bunkum, insisting that he had no links with the said Reformed Niger Delta Avengers or any government agency linked to the said allegation. He said the security operatives knew who was doing what in the region but would not shy away from what would develop and empower the people of the Niger Delta. Akinaka admitted belonging to Pan-Niger Delta Youth Leadership Forum and being

the Chief Executive Officer of Grassroots Initiative for Peace and Social Orientation which pursues peace in the region. Akinaka said: “Avengers seeks to blackmail the government of the day for their selfish interest as there is no basis for the hostilities carried out by them. As a people, we sacrificed our struggles on the altar of the political ascension of one man, who’s reign has nothing to show for in the region. I am an objective young man who will not co-toe to the selfish sentiments of greedy people. “The problem with those avengers and their promoters is that Richard Akinaka is an independent-minded young man who will call black black. This publication is not far from blackmail again to secure security contracts for themselves on the project mentioned by them in their statements. I know I will be blackmailed by those whose activities are affected by my objective views. They should be prepared for more. “I am not working for any government official but as a man who has identified leadership failure as the bane of growth of my region, and as such, has decided to do what I can with my ability to hold leadership accountable and push for a better Niger Delta. I challenge them to just give me one history of fraud in my name. “Rather than exercising their energy on destroying oil installations and our environment, they should redirect their supposedly love of our region to tackling the leadership failure that has bedeviled us.�

N/DELTA MILITANTS CALL OFF CEASEFIRE, THREATEN TO RESUME BOMBINGS from our sources in the Nigerian Government that the operatives of the said Reformed Niger Delta Avengers are some fraudsters from the Niger Delta region working with government functionaries like the office of the Director General of DSS, office of National Security Adviser and office of the Minister of Transport. “The chain of Niger Delta fraudsters which is being led by one Richard Akinaka, Mike Loyibo and Famous Daunumugha and a host of others; has vowed to stop at nothing until they help the Nigerian Government to jeopardize the sincere efforts of the Niger Delta People at Economic, Social and Political freedom�, the group said. NDA declared that it was not surprised that Clark and his group were not able to achieve anything under this current government, insisting that the government at the centre was only interested in oil flowing from the region.

NDA said: “The elders of the Niger Delta, PANDEF, we warned you against the antics of the Nigerian Government, yet you requested a chance to broker a new vision for our people. “We told you and the rest of the world that the Nigerian Government is only interested in our oil wells and not our wellbeing, yet you told us the signs are different this time around. “Instead of allowing us to continue our quest to bring the Nigerian economy to our targeted zero daily production, which recorded huge success; you threatened us with Tompolo to stop the struggle; out of respect for elders and not to the threat of Tompolo, we adhered to the call and halted our strike actions hoping you (PANDEF) would keep your own side of the bargain.� While mocking PANDEF, they urged the elders’ group to point out any achievement since they heeded “your retrogressive call�,

maintaining that the destruction of the facilities was sanctioned “by our ancestors and the Almighty�. Also in an attack on Tompolo, an ex-militant leader who is currently in the wanted list of the federal government, the NDA leadership said it was no longer ready to heed “uninspiring advice� from him or anybody else from the region once the destruction resumes. “We have since lost faith in you (Tompolo) and PANDEF and have vowed never to heed any such retrogressive call or advice from you in the future. “The recent disruption of the PANDEF 4th National Assembly by the Nigerian government is the final evidence we needed to conclude that the federal government reserves not even an iota of respect for you (Tompolo) and the Niger Delta Elders. “The position of the Nigerian government is made emphatically known to the Niger Delta people

that its only interest remains the flow of oil from our region to the Central Bank of Nigeria. We want to make it known to the PANDEF and the Nigeria government that our call for halt on "Operation Red Economy" is officially over,� the Avengers vowed. For a start, the group said it had just concluded the headcount of its operatives across the country, and expressed pleasure that all “operatives are intact and focused; ready to implement instructions from the High Command of the NDA in the going (sic) few days.� It said the group was aware of a major project being carried out by the federal government in collaboration with some oil companies, vowing to crumble the business. “We are aware that Egina FPSO built in South Korea by Samsung to be operated by Total Nigeria is one of the biggest FPSO built in South Korea, and has started

ONAIYEKAN: WITH MAINA'S REINSTATEMENT, BUHARI'S ANTI-CORRUPTION WAR CONFUSING founder of the Baha’i Faith, organised by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Nigeria said that the whole episode surrounding the Maina saga was confusing and unimaginable in any sane clime. He said: "I am confused about the whole issue. If somebody, who had been accused, of misuse of public funds and public trust should be brought back by a government that is supposed to stand out against corruption, then something is happening that people like me cannot see. "Maybe, eventually, we shall begin to see what is happening in the government." The sack of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke, the Catholic clergy explained was not enough. He said should the federal government fail to prosecute them, it would make other people susceptible to temptation of corruption knowing they can only be sacked from their positions after stealing. “Also, there should be further actions beyond their sack. If nothing is done after that (their sack), others may think what can be meted to them as punishment for stealing millions is only sack. "They should also be made to refund the stolen monies if they were found guilty and maybe we can forgive them,� Onaiyekan said. He also urged Nigerians to

see the merits on the lives and teaching of the late Baha’u’llah on religious tolerance. The Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Nigeria and a former FCT Commissioner of Police, Barrister Lawrence Alobi said God sent prophets to guide mankind to success and save them from errors and that Baha’u’llah born in November 1817 in the present day Iran is an evidence. “Prophesies of Baha’u’llah are already manifesting in the quest for mankind to seek a common front, peace and unity. Baha’u’llah stood for sustainable peace and harmonious progression of mankind,� Alobi said. The Chainman Councilors of Baha’is of West Africa, Councilor Martins Yusufu said it is in the interest of mankind to manifest and imbibe the lives and teachings of Baha’u’llah. Charly Boy Group Protests against AGF The Charly Boy group, OurMumuDonDo yesterday took their protest to the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, over “cover up of several corruption cases against top officials of the government.� The group in a letter through their lawyer, Dr Sam Amadi, delivered to officials of the Ministry of Justice in Abuja said: "Since assuming leadership of the country, the President has refused or neglected to act beyond mere

words to fulfill his oath of office. “Since May 29, 2015, there had been many allegations of corruption against high profile public officers and presidential aides.� They listed corruption cases involving Buhari's aides to include: "Allegation of N270 million procurement fraud against the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; $43 million found in an apartment belonging to the former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency; N500 million alleged MTN bribery allegation, N120 billion alleged fraud against the Inspector General of Police; alleged award of $25 billion contract, contrary to the procurement law against the Group Managing Director of the NNPC and illegal reinstatement into the civil service of Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, declared wanted by the EFCC in connection with alleged N100 billion Pension Fund." They added: "In all these allegations, the presidency has not issued public reports. The Presidential Investigation Committee that investigated the allegations against the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA) has submitted its report for months. The presidency has refused to release the report. "This is clearly against the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, particularly Sections 2 and 3 of the Act. The

failure or refusal to publicly release the reports of these presidential investigations violates the President’s oath of office, the provisions of the FOI and declared policies of the administration. Also, failure or refusal to authorise the prosecution of these clear and serious allegations of violation of law and commission of crimes, amount to abuse and violation of executive powers of the federation in Section 5 of the Constitution. "In the foregoing premises, our client demands that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria publicly releases the reports of investigation into the allegations of crimes and or violations of law against the aforementioned public officials, namely the GMD of the NNPC; the Chief of Staff to the President; the SGF and DG NIA; the Inspector General of Police and Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina. "Our client further demands that the President authorises the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence prosecution of the cases against these public officers in line with the provisions of the law and the report of these investigation reports and executive reviews. "We hereby give notice that if after three weeks (21 days) after this notification the President has not publicly released these reports our client will consider to proceed to court to ask for declaratory and mandatory orders against the President and the Federal Government of Nigeria,� they stated. N

I WISH I COULD BRING MY SON BACK BUT I CANNOT, GRIEVING TINUBU LAMENTS loss that no parent would like to bear. As a father, I must spend time putting my arms around the family he has left behind.� Tinubu also urged Nigerians to seek a lesson from every loss: “Your reaction to my son’s passing has taught me that we can be a people of profound love and humanity when we want to be. People of every tribe, region, faith and every political affiliation have expressed their sympathy and extended to me the embrace of a brother or sister. Even those who don’t agree with me politically have shown strong support and care indistinguishable from that of my associates. This says so much about the innate goodness in all of us. For no matter what, we are not foes or enemies. We are all of one human stock, a single nation, one family.�

The former Lagos State governor expressed thanks and deep appreciation to all who had demonstrated sympathy and expressed condolences over the loss of his eldest son: “I want to especially thank President Muhammadu Buhari, VP Yemi Osinbajo, the state governors, distinguished senators particularly Senate President Bukola Saraki, members of the House of Representatives, APC leaders and members and indeed all Nigerians. I thank the traditional rulers for their display of support. Tinubu added: “Again, as we are away from Lagos, we thank you for the love you have shown and ask that you not only show it to us but to each other. Please continue to pray for him wherever you are.�

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News Editor Ă’Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ Ă‘ĂŒĂ&#x; ͸΀͚͚͞ͿͽΠ΀͚͸ Ě™sms only) Email Ă‹Ă’Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹Ë›Ă™Ă‘ĂŒĂ&#x;̜ÞÒÓĂ?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

TAKING STOCK... L-R; Mr Muda Yusuf Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; mr Tunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, Chairman, Lagos Chamber of Commerce International Arbitration Centre, LACIAC; Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, President, LCCI; Mrs Rhodes Vivour, member, LACIAC and Mres Foluke Akinmoladun, Company Secretary at the LACIAC 2017 Annual General Meeting held at Commerce House, Lagos

Alleged N400m Fraud: Dasuki Pleads Innocence, Says He Didn’t Commit Illegal Transaction with Metuh Alex Enumah in Abuja

Former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki on Friday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he did not commit any Unlawful transaction with the former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, as NSA to former President Goodluck Jonathan between June 2012 and July 2015. Dasuki stated this yesterday at the resumed trial of Metuh

over corruption allegations. Metuh and his company, Destra Investments Limited, are standing trial on a seven count charge of money laundering involving alleged cash transaction of $2 million and fraudulent receipt of N400 million meant for procurement of arms from Dasuki, when he was the NSA. Dasuki, who was led in evidence by Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, counsel to Metuh, also told the trial Judge, Justice Okon Abang that he had not been charged or convicted of any

Unlawful act or activity with respect to the first defendant. He also told the court that as NSA, he was only answerable to the president. Under cross examination by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Sylvanus Tahir, the former NSA however declined to comment on alleged transactions between his office (ONSA) and Metuh and his company Destra Investment Ltd without first consulting with his records. Even when confronted with

exhibits showing transactions between the Office of the NSA and the first and second defendants, Dasuki simply dismissed them as purported documents of "A prosecution that is desperate to get a conviction". "That is why I insist on getting and referring to my own record", he told the court. He referred the prosecution to the National Security Agencies Act on the responsibility and requirement of a National Security Adviser. He admitted knowing

Metuh, adding that Metuh was the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party which he claimed to have proudly served under. But, he however, stated that he was not aware of any relationship that existed between Metuh, his company and ONSA. Following an end of his evidences, Justice Abang then discharged the witness and adjourned trial till December 4, 5 and 6. Earlier, Justice Abang had

declined to grant Metuh's application for adjournment of the trial, to enable Dasuki access to his record and refresh his memory before testifying. The Judge stated that there was no provision in law for an adjournment to be granted to a witness who was not even a party to a matter to refresh his memory. According to him, it is the responsibility of the defence counsel to use his professional skills to get answers from a witness.

IGP Recants, to Appear before Senate as 'Trial of ConďŹ rmed Boko Haram Police Deploy 21,000 for Anambra Poll Terrorists to Commence in Kainji' Omololu Ogunmade inAbuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, yesterday promised to appear before the Senate ad-hoc Committee which had summoned him as a mark of respect for the apex legislative body. Idris who made this promise while answering questions from journalists in the State House, described his summons by the Senate as a legal issue being studied by his legal team. The police boss had been summoned by an ad-hoc Senate Committee investigating various allegations of misdemeanour levelled against him by Senator Isa Misau (Bauchi Central) including accusations of financial impropriety and abuse of office. But Idris during the week, shunned his summons by the committee, prompting the Senate to threaten him with a warrant

of arrest. But yesterday, he said the matter was being studied and if necessity dictated his appearance, he would appear before the committee to show his respect for the Senate. "These are legal issues. We are discussing with our legal team. Obviously, if there is need, we are going to appear for the sake of having respect for the Senate. I will appear before them," he stated. Idris said he was in the State House to brief President Muhammadu Buhari on security challenges confronting the nation including cases of kidnapping in various parts of the country. He also said he briefed the president on security requirements for the forthcoming November 18 governorship election in Anambra State, disclosing that about 21,000 police officers would be deployed to provide security during the election. Idris also said Police would

deploy boats to provide security on water ways while helicopters, conventional and special police units would also be deployed for both aerial surveillance and security situation on land. "Obviously, I am here as usual to discuss with the Commanderin-chief on the security challenges we are having and how we will face these security challenges adequately. "The security challenges are obvious. You know we are having elections in Anambra State and we are having challenges in various parts of the country especially some of these issues of kidnapping and these are things I discussed with the President and the measures taken to address it squarely. "Obviously, we are deploying a lot of police officers, almost about 21,000 police officers to be able to provide adequate security in the Anambra election.

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Federal Government has disclosed its intention to commence trial of Boko Haram suspects in custody with established cases of terrorism at Kainji, Niger State. This was disclosed yesterday by the Director of Prosecutions for the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Muhammed Umar, at the ongoing capacity building programme for the military and civil prosecutors in Abuja tagged: "Strengthening Justice and Accountability in Nigeria". The Programme organised by Wayamo Foundation, Africa Group for Justice and Accountability (AGJA) and International Nuremberg Principles Academy, aims to address the most serious crimes under Nigerian criminal law. Umar who was represented by Mr. Yusuf Ibrahim, said that those to be tried were suspects with established prima facie cases,

while decision was yet to be taken on those without any confirmed evidences. He however, assured that the Federal Government would take a stand on what to do very soon. He said, “This is a very important programme. My happiness is that we have our colleagues in uniform... since we have officers in our midst they will help us because while we only depend on the powers of investigation, they have the power to arrests and in custody. "Luckily, Federal Government has begun trial of those in custody with terror-related cases in Kainji. Those with established prima facie cases, their trials will commence but for those without any evidence established against them yet, Federal Government will soon take decision against them." The Director of Justice commended the organisers for assisting in building the capacity of Nigerian legal officers by equipping them

with conventional international skills. He said the training would widen the horizon of prosecutors (both civil and military) and would help in drastically reducing crimes in the Nigerian society. According to him, participants at the previous training were taught the need to rely on information available on files of various crimes, go through them, do an evaluation before filling charges in court. In the same vein, the Director Legal Services, Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Yusuf Shalangwa, said the military had taken the necessary legal procedures to gather enough evidence against the terrorist suspects. "The military is at the forefront of complex criminal cases and preparation of the case files against the terrorists to ensure that they have the appropriate evidences before trial commences."

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In Brief Kogi Police Nab 7 Suspected Kidnappers ThepoliceinKogiStatehavearrestedsomesuspectedkidnappers and criminals. According to press statement issued on Friday by the Command Police Public Relation OďŹƒcer, Mr. William Ayah, operatives attached to Special Anti-robbery Squad acting on a tip-o arrested the suspected kidnappers listed as Samson Akogun, Joseph Mathias, Hassan Idris. Others are Iliyasu Shaibu, Alhaji Shadow all of Egabada and Ede Adejoh of Idah and recovered arms and ammunition. The suspects were alleged to have kidnapped one Ogbu Chikehi of Egabada town in Igalamela/Odolu in the month of September and collected Ransom of N100, 000. The suspects confessed belonging to a gang terrorising Idah/Odolu area. Items recovered from them include, one Pump Action, Machetes, the sum of N33, 400 and other dangerous charms.

CREATING WEALTH... L-R; Swissgolden Africa Director, Mr. Dickson Onuchukwu; Swissgolden Nigeria Director, Emenike Augustine; Swissgolden lnternational, Elena Boychuks and CEO & Marketing Director, Swissgolden, Max Lawrence at the Grand opening of Swissgolden Online Shop in Lagos on Friday

Ex-Nigeria Airways Workers Lament Delay in Payment of N45bn Arrears Chinedu Eze

The Nigeria Airways branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) at the weekend decried the delay of payment of N45 billion pension arrears owed them by the federal government. Over one month after the money was approved as announced by the Federal Executive Council during the meeting of 20th September, 2017 and gave directive for immediate payment of N45 billion ex-workers/ pensioners of the defunct Nigeria Airway Limited (NAL), nothing has been heard.

One of the beneficiaries and a former Director in the defunct airline, Dr. Steve Mahonwu, told THISDAY on Friday that pensioners held a meeting during the week where they expected concerned government official to give them update on the payment but the official did not come until the end of the meeting. The pensioners said many of them had died and those in need of medication did not have the financial resources to seek the services of good hospitals. The Chairman of the Pensioners Forum, Mr. Godwin Jibodu who identified many of the

members that had lost their lives since government gave approval for the payment of the pension, however said that Mr. Ebenezer Akinbode, Mrs. Bose Odumiye and Mr. T Bellgame earlier mentioned to be among the deceased were still alive. The pensioners said that immediate payment as prescribed by the government should mean not more than two weeks after the approval of the money. In the official document signed by the Chairman, Mr. Segun Feyisetan and the Secretary General, Mr. Thomas Ojuderi, the NAL pensioners

said that Presidential Initiative on Continuous Auditing (PICA) which was saddled with the responsibility of effecting this payment had not contacted the union about it since the announcement was formally made. “By now PICA (which is handling this payment) would have called the union to a meeting to work out the modalities of payment with a view to informing the beneficiaries the date of commencement of verification but it's like everything is shrouded secrecy. No one knows what is happening�, they said.

'How Evans Collected N100m Fear Grips Benue Residents over Herdsmen Attack for my Kidnapped Brother' Akinwale Akintunde The first prosecution witness in the trial of suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike better known as Evans and his accomplices has narrated how the sum of N100 million was paid as ransom to Evans and his accomplices to secure the release of his kidnapped brother. The witness, Mr. Anselem Dunu, is the elder brother of the Chief Executive Officer of Maydon Pharmaceutical Limited, Donatus Dunu, who was kidnapped on February 14, 2017. Lagos State Government had last month, arraigned Evans alongside Uche Amadi, Ogechi Uchechukwu, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court. According to the prosecution, Evans and his accomplices committed the offence of conspiracy at 7.45pm on February 14 on Obokun Street, Ilupeju, Lagos. The prosecution said the defendants between February 14 and April 12 on Obokun Street, Ilupeju, while armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, captured and detained Mr. Duru Donatus. The defendants were also accused

of collecting a ransom of 223,000 Euros before Donatus could be released. Testifying before the court yesterday, the witness narrated to the court how his younger brother was kidnapped and was not released until the family had parted with N100m. According to Dunu, his brother was in the kidnapper's den for four months, adding that during this period, the kidnappers through phone calls threatened him and demanded for N100 million, which was changed to 223,000 euros, which was the currency demanded by the kidnappers. "On the 14th of February I received a phone call from my younger brother Innocent Dunu informing me about my brother’s kidnap. "We rushed to the Ilupeju Police Station where we reported the case. We were referred to SCID, Panti, where the CSP in charge told me that the pattern of kidnapping was similar to that of the notorious kidnapper, Evans. "The CSP further told me to be strong adding that Evans would contact me in two weeks as it was his pattern, and that I should be strong because the kind of money they would ask us to bring can make me faint.

George Okoh in Makurdi

Palpable fear of further herdsmen attack has gripped residents of some parts of Logo Local Government Area of Benue State as thousands of people were seen leaving the areas. Speaking to reporters yesterday on the situation on Friday, a community leader, Joseph Anawa who decried the recent attack said that massive destruction of crops and thatched houses was still going on till early hour of yesterday. Anawa said six communities had been razed down completely namely; Tsegi, Tse Jibo, Tse Abiem, Tse Aku, Tyo Affiah and Tse Ajim. According to him, “there is no casualty for now, apart from the killing on Thursday but there are a lot of people macheted, many have run away into the bush with varying degrees of injuries, their cattle have also destroyed farm crops like; yam, rice, guinea corn and soya beans. "You know that the settlement attacked now had been attacked before, so what the villagers did was to build thatched houses all which have been burnt down again." Anawa said that there had been influx of herdsmen with hundreds of thousands of cows in the council

area adding that the cattle were still grazing in the council area against the anti-open grazing law. According to him, “the antigrazing law is not effective in this area, because there is nobody to enforce the new law; there are no security men on ground aside the usual ones and the vigilante members are handicapped because the herdsmen are armed with sophisticated weapons.� The community leader claimed, “Ironically, Taraba State had deployed detachment of security men in two of their towns located along Benue/ Taraba border that is Arufu and Akwara leaving the entire Logo and other boundary communities in Benue State.� Also confirming the latest incident in the council, chairman of the local government, Hon. Richard Nyajo said six settlements in the council area had been attacked, adding that cattle were still grazing in the council area despite the new law. He added that policemen had been deployed to the council area to beef up security. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP, Moses Yamu when contacted said he was not aware of another attack on communities in the local government area.

5 Killed, 3 Missing in C'River/ Ebonyi Boundary Five persons from Itim-Amagu in Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi State were on Thursday allegedly killed and beheaded by Adadama people of Cross River State in a renewed boundary dispute between the two states. The headless bodies of the victims have been recovered while three persons have been declared missing. THISDAY gathered that the war had claimed over 100 of lives and unquantiďŹ able cost of property destroyed in Ebonyi State. ConďŹ rming the incident, the local government chairman of Ikwo, Mr. John Nnabo said he was called on Thursday morning by his Vice chairman over the incident. Also, ďŹ ve policemen were arrested and currently undergoing orderly room trials for aiding the escape of a murder suspect, one Ogonna Alioka aka "Pilot" and other suspects of various oences from the police Cell in the state command. 10m Nigerian Children Denied Education A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun and former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Ekiti State University, Prof Kunle Adegun have expressed regret that over 10 million Nigerian children were out of school in spite of the country's wealth. They advised wealthy Nigerians to devote large chunk of their resources to institute scholarship schemes to fund the education of poor but brilliant youths. They restated that the only way President Muhammadu Buhari Buhari’s government could win the war against corruption was by declaring free education at all cadres . The senior lawyer and the university teacher said these in Ikere Ekiti on Friday while presenting cheques to over 100 Ekiti students in secondary and tertiary institutions to mark the 2017 Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme. Daughters of Igbo Woman Premiers in Nigeria Following a successful tour to two memorial sites in Bristol UK - the Georgian House Museum; Greenbank Cemetery plus ‘the Bearpit’ in October for Black History month and contributing to the Journey to Justice Bristol programme between August and October, 2017 Daughters of Igbo Woman berths in Lagos Nigeria for the relish of ďŹ lm lovers in the country. The ďŹ lm now looks forward to another impressive outing in Lagos and is open for a possible tour of other cities in the country. Three African writers- Ros Martin UK, Akachi Ezeigbo Nigeria and Vida Rawlins St Kitts are united in weaving this moving tale in memory of Fanny Coker (Fanny being shortened form of Fumnanya -- 1767-1820) to mark her 250 birth anniversary & to commemorate International Slavery memorial day. Businessman Commits Suicide in Kwara The present economic situation in the country on Thursday recorded a painful tragedy in Ilorin, Kwara State capital as a middle-aged man simply identiďŹ ed as Prince reportedly hung himself over his inability to cope with the current economic situation in the country. Prince who was said to be a successful businessman before things turned upside down according to THISDAY investigations, lived in Jooro, Asa Dam area in Ilorin West Local Government area of the state. His lifeless body it was gathered reportedly found in his apartment by his neighbours. The deceased who was said to have lived comfortably as a miner for many years in Ibadan, Oyo relocated to Ilorin about three weeks ago after things turned sour for him. Ambode Appoints Five Perm Secs Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the appointment of ďŹ ve new Permanent Secretaries in the State Public Service. In a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor said the appointments were in line with his administration’s drive to continue to reposition the civil service for eďŹƒcient performance and service delivery. The names of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are Mrs. Clara Olutoyin Ibirogba; Mr. Timothy Olukayode Ogunnubi; Dr. Iyabo Suwebat Are; Dr. Taiwo Olufemi Salaam and Mrs. Kofoworola Omotayo Awobamise. Varsity Don Urges Right English Usage A university don, Nkem Okoh, has emphasised the need for Nigerians to pay more attention to linguistic hygiene just like they do to personal hygiene to be able to minimise the rate of unemployment in the country. Okoh, a Professor of English language at the University of Port Harcourt, was reacting to a recent World Bank report which highlighted the deďŹ ciency of Nigerian graduates in poor mastery of the English Language and lack of requisite technical skills. The report further stated that their weaknesses observed in oral and written communication as well as applied skills had made them unďŹ t for the labour market and sometimes, the larger society.

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T H I S D AY SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2017

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ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

THE BIG ELEPHANT FROM ABIA

Emeka Nwosu pays tribute to Bob Ogbuagu, elder statesman and doyen of public relations

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n Saturday, November 18, 2017, the mortal remains of elder statesman and frontline nationalist, Chief Bob Ogbuagu, OON, would be committed to mother earth in his hometown, Umukabia, Ohuhu in Umuahia, Abia State. He died on August 21, 2017 at the ripe age of 92. As we celebrate his translation to immortality, it is indeed apposite that we capture for posterity the exploits and accomplishments of this iconic figure who, until his death, was one of the very few surviving nationalists of the Zikist hue who fiercely fought alongside his other compatriots to free Nigeria from British colonial domination. He was born on May 25, 1925 in Umukabia in the Ohuhu clan of Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. He attended Methodist Central School, Umukabia and the famous Methodist College, Uzuakoli where he finished in flying colours in 1945. He was later to get fully immersed in the nationalist struggles of his time. The resolute commitment of Bob Ogbuagu to the political liberation of Nigeria made him to resign from his flourishing career at Nigeria Geological Survey Department, Kaduna in 1948. Between 1948 and 1950, he served as the Secretary General of the Zikist Movement in Kaduna and later, President of the Movement in Jos. He set up a newspaper known as the Northern Advocate. The paper was duly deployed to the anti-colonial struggles and campaigns. The political radicalism and activism of Bob Ogbuagu put him in collision with the colonial authorities in Nigeria. In 1950, he alongside other prominent leaders of the Zikist Movement like Anthony Enahoro, Kola Balogun and MCK Ajuluchukwu were charged and convicted for sedition and sentenced to prison. He served his sentence at Jos Prison where he was held in solitary confinement. His newspaper, the Northern Advocate, was consequently proscribed in February 1950. When he regained freedom, he relocated to the Eastern Region where he teamed up with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Michael Okpara to work assiduously for the repositioning of the economy of the region. With Dr. Okpara as the Premier, Ogbuagu was appointed into several government agencies; but the icing on the cake was Eastern Nigeria Development Commission (ENDC) where he called the shots. It was under his watch that the famed agricultural, industrial and infrastructural revolution of the Okpara administration took place in the whole of Eastern Nigeria. It is instructive to note that within this period in 1961, the World Bank in its report declared the Eastern Region as the fastest growing sub-territories in the world. The ENDC under Ogbuagu was responsible for the plethora of infrastructure that littered the geographical landscape of the region which include the following: University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); Presidential Hotels Enugu and Port Harcourt; Trans-Amadi Industrial Lay-out, Port Harcourt; Emene Industrial Lay-out, Enugu; Obudu Cattle Ranch; Nigercem Nkalagu; Calabar Cement; Cocoa and Rubber plantations in Ikom, Calabar and Abam and several farm settlements spread across the region. Ogbuagu was indeed a man of many parts who served the nation and humanity in several fields of endeavour with distinction. He was the doyen of Public Relations practice in Nigeria and Africa. He served as National President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations from 1980 to 1984. He capped his excellent outing in public relations with his

IT WAS UNDER HIS WATCH THAT THE FAMED AGRICULTURAL, INDUSTRIAL AND INFRASTRUCTURAL REVOLUTION OF THE OKPARA ADMINISTRATION TOOK PLACE IN THE WHOLE OF EASTERN NIGERIA

election in 1981 in Nairobi, Kenya as the Chairman of the Federation of African Public Relations Associations. He held the position till 1987. Ogbuagu was also famous for the pioneering roles he played in the Rotary Club International within and outside the country. He served the club in many capacities culminating in his election in 1983 as the District Governor, District 911, Rotary International, Nigeria. He executed many humanitarian and social projects in the country under the rotary platform. Ogbuagu was blessed with good health even till the very end. It was not surprising that he was called from retirement at the age of 70 in 1995 by the Publisher of Champion Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, to come and repackage and reposition the bourgeoning national daily as the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief. He held the position till 2000 when he gracefully bowed out. The story of the active and fruitful life of Ogbuagu cannot be complete without acknowledging the frontline roles he played in the struggles for the creation of Abia State alongside other compatriots like the late Dr. Michael Okpara, who at a time was the leader of the Abia State Movement. In acknowledgement of his services, he was honoured by the Abia State Government in 1997 with the highest award of Enyi Abia (the Big Elephant from Abia). Ogbuagu was also a devoted Christian leader in the Methodist Church, Nigeria where he was a one-time lay president. He was made the Knight of John Wesley in 2000 in acknowledgement of his leadership roles in the Methodist Church. At the community level, he was the quintessential man of the people as he was associated with many developmental projects including roads construction, school rehabilitation and church expansion. Indeed before his death, and in spite of his advanced age, he was the chairman of the Committee for the Expansion and Renovation of the Christ Methodist Church, Umukabia. In recognition of his outstanding achievements in the society, he was honoured with several awards and titles across the nation including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 1965. With the demise of Bob Ogbuagu, the nation has lost a frontline journalist, great statesman of uncommon vision, and one of the few surviving pillars of the nationalist struggles for independence. Indeed it is the end of an era! As we mourn his exit, we send our commiserations to the immediate family, the people and Government of Abia State and the nation at large. Given the personal sacrifices he made for the political liberation of the country and the engaging roles he played in several aspects of our national life, it is our view that Bob Ogbuagu deserves special national recognition. In an interview on the occasion of his 90th birthday in 2015, he debunked the idea that the nation`s independence was achieved on a platter of gold. Rather he noted that it was procured “through the sweat, tears, sufferings, brutalisation, deprivation, fractured family relationships, totally unjustified denials, frustrations and unparalleled inhumanity to man inflicted by imperial British�. According Ogbuagu national recognition would ensure that the efforts of our heroes past are never in vain. Nwosu, a former Political Editor of the Daily Times, wrote from Abuja

A JUNGE NO MORE

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria is safeguarding the health of the nation, writes Nosike Ogbuenyi

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pproximately one year ago, Mr. Osita Aboloma assumed the mantle of leadership as the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria [SON]. And for the quality safeguarding agency of the nation it has been a year deďŹ ned by remarkable strides, change and landmarks. It therefore becomes appropriate to take stock of the lofty programmes, vision and achievements of the strategic regulatory organisation within the momentous period. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has been repositioned by Aboloma culminating in significant reinvigoration of the war on fake and substandard products for better results. The SON is the federal government’s agency vested with the onerous responsibility of standardising and regulating the quality of all products in Nigeria for the strict enforcement of powers of seizure, confiscation and destruction of substandard products, including powers to seal off premises where such defective products are manufactured, stored or sold. Severe penalties for offending manufacturers, importers and sellers of substandard or fake products are provided for in the amended Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act No 14 of 2015 which repealed and overrides all other previous enactments. The SON has been profoundly motivated under the leadership of Aboloma to frontally confront architects of substandard products with a solemn vow to make business miserable for them. Also, the organisation has set for itself the goal to provide Nigerian industries with up-to-date information on standardisation and its benefits and to encourage participation of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in the standardisation and review to ensure

improved competitiveness of Nigerian goods at home and abroad by encouraging quality assurance practices. In addition, the organisation now provides information, enlightenment, advice and assistance to industries to match the required competitiveness in global trade and to motivate the workforce through steady investment in human resource development for acquisition of skills in line with latest technological advancements. The commitment and steam of the SON team have been markedly boosted under the new leadership thereby making it to affirm its prime place as a tough and uncompromising standards enforcement organisation. A robust atmosphere of discipline, motivation and dedication by all cadres of staff in the organisation has been established by the new leadership. The SON’s astuteness in sifting and analysing the labyrinth of products within the country and from abroad, while getting the companies and organisations to comply with the rules and regulations, is commendable. Operating under the change administration of President Muhammadu Buhari which is fighting corruption and quackery, the SON has achieved a lot in the present dispensation especially with regard to disarming many violators of set standards. Through the unprecedented passing of its amended act by the National Assembly in 2015, the SON has now acquired new powers not only to arrest, prosecute and jail purveyors of fake and sub-standard products across the country, but prevent importers of such products into the country. With this upgraded status, the war against fake and sub-standard products has gained additional impetus.

In view of the danger the criminal activities of those dealing in substandard and counterfeit products poses to the lives and wellbeing of Nigerians, the SON has deployed modern electronic platforms to tackle the menace. The platforms include the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) for locally manufactured products; the off-shore Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for certification of imported products from source; product registration for documentation and traceability of all products in the market and library services for access to relevant standards for local production, import and export with ease, among others. Determined to provide guidance on how businesses and organisations can operate in a socially responsible way and leveraging on Nigeria’s membership of the International Standards Organisation [ISO], the SON has launched the ISO 26000. The ISO 26000 is guidance standard on social responsibility. One unique quality of the current leadership of Standards Organisation of Nigeria under Osita Aboloma is its belief in synergy and mutual collaboration in pursuit of the federal government’s objective of sound service delivery and good governance. A lot has been achieved through inter agency collaboration between the SON and the Nigeria Customs, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the NAFDAC, among others. For instance, a recent collaboration between SON and the Nigeria Customs led to the seizure of a 20 feet container loaded with substandard armoured cables worth over N300m. Such collaborative efforts are really in the best interest of the consumers and the nation at large.

Apart from the Customs, the SON is also partnering with others like the Police. Even the market people are forming market associations to collaborate with SON towards ensuring that our markets are rid of substandard and fake products. The SON’s ultimate goal is to guarantee the safety of Nigerians and ensure that they get value for their money. It is also committed to the improvement of foreign exchange earnings for Nigerians through the export of standardised and certified local products. In one year under Mr. Aboloma’s stewardship, the SON has recorded the seizure of billions of naira worth of substandard tyres, cables, iron rods, telephone handsets, gas cylinders, fabrics, footwear, assorted building materials, etc. Nigerians and foreign nationals involved in importation or production of the products had been variously fined, arrested and handed over to relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution. The organisation has also sealed off several shops, seized and destroyed lots of substandard products in various parts of the country. An example is the seizure of about N2billion worth of expired household products in a three-storey building in Lagos. The goods were being clandestinely sold to supermarkets and open markets as wholesome products within the city and other parts of the country. Another instance was the arrest of two Pakistani citizens and importers of consumables by the organisation’s eagle-eyed enforcement team while changing manufacturing and best before dates of expired imported fruit juice at a warehouse in Lagos. Ogbuenyi, an Abuja- based public affairs commentator, can be reached via unitytalk@ gmail.com

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ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

In support of the anti-open grazing law...

Nigeria: Getting Down to Business

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unethical conduct in the public service, but has also de-emphasised the issue ho is denying that Nigeria has structural problem? It is quite evident of competence and merit. This accounts for lopsidedness in appointment into that the major issues with our country revolve round our dishevelled crucial national institutions and agitation for restructuring. structure, weak institutions and scrawny values. The country has Fourth, we have to beat the habit of preying on others and consuming proved too large and inefďŹ cient for the centralised management of without producing. Most politicians view politics as a major industry and a many of our institutions. Central control of many vital institutions and major sources main route to power and wealth. How to make the state or local government of revenue have stied the democratic context within which federation thrives best. under them viable economically is of less concern to them. Invariably, the ruling It is this anomaly that defines the mismanagement of our institutions and class is committed to the decadent existing social order which though furthers infrastructure. To correct the anomaly and ensure efficient working of the their class interest, marginalises the people. nation’s institutions, every patriotic Nigerian wants a true federal system, where It has now become imperative for us to have renewed education and new each component unit or region is imbued with attributes of a semi-autonomous attitude to overcome our national problems. We have been turned into perpetual entity. blamers. We blame government, them ‘up there,’ over us ‘below.’ No matter At this point in time, however, beyond restructuring and true federalism, how much less power we feel we have, we are not utterly without power. What there are certain attitudinal problems which have to be addressed simultanewe need now is for every one of us to become a leader. We have to start doing ously if we want real growth and development. All too often we show no sign the right things and insisting public officers adhere to basic tenets of ethics. of understanding that we are, each and every one of us, relevant and important We must educate ourselves that democracy is not just about election but what to the fate of our country. Instead of drawing on our own resources, we are we do every day. It is not about what is done for us, or done to us, but what we forever looking up to someone else, forever searching for good leaders to see us do daily. We must discard all dangerous tendencies of mutual distrust and total through. lack of confidence in our nation and seemingly inbuilt attitude by many to hate Our bane is our resignation to being eternally passive objects of other the country. It is dismaying seeing fellow citizens putting up dispositions that people’s will, begging on our knees for our rights and entitlements. We want show absolute hatred for the country in the guise of fighting those in governgovernment to stop corruption and yet continually urging motorists to settle ment. One is not saying that identifying with one’s nation is synonymous with corrupt police officers on the road because we cannot sacrifice five minutes blind followership, but we must embrace basic patriotic inclinations. delay. We beg, induce and compromise public institutions and yet still wonder Rasak Musbau, Alausa, Lagos why things are not changing. Second, we need serious and practical commitment to sharing the burdens and the rewards of citizenship with equity. We often think we are getting justice only when persons from our region are in a position to dominate and oppress others. Once in that position, we hardly T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R ever muster the discipline and objectivity to allow EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU that others have rights. Those who complain DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE vociferously that they are oppressed by the regional MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO distribution of power have no qualms about being DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI oppressive in states that they control; those who EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN complain about being oppressed in their state dish out oppression in generous doses in local government areas under their jurisdiction. The implications of these tendencies are very grievous. Since for us, political relations invariably T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D reduce to domination and subordination, defeat EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA in political competition is unthinkable, and by the GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, same token, restraint in the pursuit of political ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU power is anathema. Consensus-building and GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA peaceful coexistence are impossible for they demand DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE a disposition to share and a willingness to submit to DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI the demanding discipline of justice. SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH Thirdly, we must do away with parochial loyalty ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO if we want the country to move forward. Many are CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI more committed to lobby the political executive to GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI ensure that their sons and daughters in the public GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO service get undue favour. Also erring public officials are sometimes protected on the basis of connection TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com with highly placed personalities. This practice therefore has not only served as an incentive for

Nigeria’s Troubling Population Growth

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stroll through Minna, the capital of Niger State, on a languid afternoon would stir a dread deep in the hearts of professional sociologists and other caring folks. The burgeoning population of out-of-school children roaming the streets and the shoulders of expressways would be a cause for such consternation. Added to this confusing mix are discarded invitation cards and stickers on transport vehicles announcing pending weddings and celebrating the ones just concluded; more often than not these wedding notices are for plural-wedding unions. Thus, more babies would be birthed soon and, as the children of a household grows, more of them would drop out of school and go into jaywalking with “pure water,� groundwater, kola nuts, etc., for wares. Even those who are fortunate to make it to school are a bulge in the primary and the secondary school systems, and no wonder a good chunk of them never get to learn basic literate-level things at age 18 and they get stuck there essentially as semi-illiterates. Yet, their parents keep churning out babies at alarming rates. Over here in the North, religious and political leaders are not helping preach sustainable growth and development because there is this oft-romanticised point-of-view that there are some “tribes� down in the deep South who need to be “conquered� by sheer force of numbers to gain access to their petroleum resource and then the North would keep multiplying and multiplying and multiplying. Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚;

NEWSXTRA

Buhari Approves Ekwueme’s Treatment Abroad Omololu Ogunmade

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday approved the immediate medical treatment of former Vice-President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, outside the country. The approval, according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, followed a brief the president received yesterday on the medical state of the former vice-president. The approval, Shehu said, covered the immediate charter of an Air Ambulance for his emergency movement and the cost of treatment. He added that the president prayed God to grant the elder statesman speedy recovery. The former Vice President had been hospitalised over an undisclosed ailment while his handlers had allegedly warned that he should not be flown abroad for medical treatment until he was stabilised. Ekwueme reportedly collapsed and was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of an Enugu based hospital, Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery. He was said to have collapsed around 2am last weekend, at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu, few days after he celebrated his 85th birthday. “He was trying to get something from the table when he suddenly collapsed and immediately someone raised the alarm, we proceeded to revive him while cautious enough not to attract neighbours. “When it became obvious that he had lapsed into coma,

HELPING HAND... Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd left); Nigeria International, Obafemi Martins (2nd left); his Manager/Personal Assistant, Mr. Ayodeji Olusesan (left); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka (right); Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris (2nd right) and Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Deji Tinubu (3rd right) during the donation of health equipment by the Obafemi Martins Foundation at Lagos House, Ikeja ... recently

we rushed him to a hospital in GRA, but we were referred to Memphys Hospital by medical consultants who had critically examined his condition. “When there was no sign of improvement on Monday afternoon, we rallied round and informed the former governor

of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who is like a son, and he has been making plans to fly him overseas,� a relative was anonymously quoted to have said. Following apprehension and speculations over Ekwueme’s health, the family has allayed

fears over his health condition “Dr. Alex I. Ekwueme, GCON, the former Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, was on Sunday 29th October 2017 admitted into hospital for a chest infection. “It will be recalled that the former Vice President had a

quiet celebration of his 85th birthday on 21st October 2017 in the company of his family members and remained in high spirits up till his recent health challenges. “His doctors confirm that he is stable, but he will remain under close medical attention in

the meantime. The family would like to express its profound gratitude to all Nigerians who have shown concern over this development and requests their sustained support and prayers as he continues to make a full recovery.� A statement from the family said.

NNPC, Agip Move Closer to Actualising Dangote, Helios Towers in Early Lead in 9mobile Bid 480MW Okpai Phase-2 Power Plant Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) Joint Venture have indicated their intention to improve Nigeria’s power generation capacity with the construction of the 480 megawatts (MW) phase two Okpai Phase II Independent Power Project (IPP) by 2019. This was disclosed in a statement from the Group General Manager, Public Affairs of the NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, on Friday in Abuja. In 2015, an operating licence for Okpai second phase was issued to NAOC by the Nigerian Electricity

Regulatory Commission (NERC). NERC had at that time stated that it got an assured commitment from NAOC that it would continue to move the project forward to a final conclusion. But, Ughamadu in the statement explained that the Group Managing Director of the NNPC Dr. Maikanti Baru, inaugurated a 12-man project team for the Okpai Phase II power plant on Thursday, with a disclosure that all partners were working round the clock to deliver on the project in terms of its specifications, time, and budget Baru, the statement noted, said the decision by the partners to embark on the second phase of the Okpai power project was hinged

on the enormous success of Okpai phase one, which he described as the most consistent power plant in Nigeria. “Although it (Okpai Phase I) was meant to generate 450MW into national grid, it is now generating an average of 300MW due to evacuation challenge. This is a significant addition to the national grid,� Baru, said in the statement. He said the Okpai phase two project would on completion; generate additional 480MW into the national grid. He also charged a 12-man committee set up for the project, to work hard and explore the possibility of delivering the project ahead of the 2019 target date.

Emma Okonji TThe race to acquire 9mobile, Nigeria's fourth largest telecoms network operator, is taking a new dimension, as Dangote Group and Helios Towers are already emerging as the top two contenders among the 16 local and international companies bidding to acquire it. A source from Barclays, which is the official institution assigned to receive and evaluate bids from companies that have expressed their interest to acquire and invest in 9mobile, told THISDAY that contrary to the expectations of industry stakeholders, that the big multinationals may likely win the bid process, there is a new dimension, which clearly

shows that Dangote and Helios Towers are taking the early lead in the ongoing bid exercise, which is expected to be concluded by early next week, and result announced. According to THISDAY's investigation, the two top contenders are not new to telecoms business, as they both have vested interests in promoting telecoms business in Nigeria. Dangote Group that is bidding with the brand name, Blackstone, had in the past, acquired a 3G licence, through its subsidiary, Alheri Engineering Company Limited, but later sold it out at a time it did have need for it. Alheri Engineering alongside MTN, Globacom and Celtel, which has

since transformed to Airtel, won the 3G licence, among the 17 firms that expressed interest in the bid. Helios Towers, one of the bidders, owned and operated the largest telecoms towers in Nigeria and in other countries, before it sold its Nigerian infrastructure to IHS. Aside selling its Nigerian towers infrastructure to IHS, Helios has business in the telecoms, banking, and other sectors of the Nigerian economy. Analysts who are happy that a Nigerian company like Dangote Group is among the two top bidders, said its interest to invest in 9mobile would further strengthen the brand perspective, should Dangote eventually emerge winner.

22 Bag First Class Degree as Group Promotes Network Marketing Scheme UNIUYO Graduates 8,012 Okon Bassey in Uyo No fewer than 8, 012 students, 22 of them with first class, will today at the combined 22nd and 23rd convocation of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) in Akwa Ibom State graduate from the institution. The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Enefiok Essien (SAN) who disclosed this at a pre-convocation briefing at the main campus stated that some projects completed within his two years in office would also be inaugurated.

He listed some of the projects to include 1000 and 500 capacity lecture theatres, academy staff building, student hostel block among others while others were at various stages of completion. Professor Essien revealed that his initial challenges on assumption of office were to tackle strike by a major staff union on campus, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), as well as the national economic recession. Since then, he said there was no local strike either by the staff or

students in the institution linking it to his style of administration which allowed communication flow with open, focus and transparent administration. Essien said his vision was to improve on the present 26th position in the ranking of the UNIUYO among other tertiary institutions in the country. He indicated that many of the programmes offered in the school had received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) while few others were under-going accreditation.

Obinna Chima Promoters of Swiss Golden, a multi-level network marketing scheme have stressed the need for Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities created by the scheme to enhance their wealth. The Development Director, Swiss Golden, Mrs. Elena Boychuk, while addressing the media in Lagos yesterday, described the scheme as a stable business with bright prospects. “So, what we are offering members

of the public is very stable income. It is a good opportunity for career development. Any person can join the team to have an opportunity for wealth creation. “Gold used to be exchange for anything of value to earn money, so it has a universal value. It sells everywhere. “Swiss Golden is not just an investment company. It is not where you just put in money, sit and wait for people to work for you. Here you work for your reward. “We have several plans in the

company, starting from the minimum amount, which means that a person with even little income can get in and develop his own business,�’ she explained. On his part, Swiss Golden Africa Director, Mr. Dickson Onuchukwu, said the scheme which had been operating in Nigeria for about five years now had “produced 170,000 millionaires in Nigeria.� He described the network marketing scheme as an online gold shop that trades on 24-karat gold, stressing that it was not a Ponzi scheme.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚;

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Jigawa Judge Allegedly Assaults KEDCO Staff over Disconnection IbrahimShuaibuinDutse

The management of Kano Electricity Distribution Plc. (KEDCO) has condemned the alleged assault and illegal detention of its staff by the Jigawa State Chief Judge, Aminu Sabo Ringim over the disconnection of electricity from his residence and office. A statement by Mohammed Kandi, the spokesman in the company said the Jigawa South Regional Office of KEDCO had commenced the disconnection exercise of all government accounts on Tuesday, following reports of non-payment of accumulated electricity bills by government agencies in the state, including the state High Court.

Kandi, who disclosed that similar operation was conducted across KEDCO’s coverage areas of Kano, Kastina and Jigawa state, however, called on all the relevant government authorities to intervene in the matter saying “this intimidation is totally unacceptable and it must be stopped.� He also lamented that, “if those collecting revenue for the entire electricity value chain are being subjected to frequent harassment, intimidation and inhuman treatments by the law enforcement agents for doing their job, then the value chain may go bankrupt.� While the management team in the regional office secured the release of the victim four hours after his detention, the chief judge

threatened that more KEDCO staff will be victimised and brutalised if power supply was not restored at both locations before Monday, next week. The KEDCO spokesman said: “One of our drivers, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba was violently abducted by some armed security operatives who appeared in the vicinity of our Jigawa south regional office in mufties, were said to have done that on the orders of the Chief Registrar in the office of the state Chief Judge, Musa Ubale.� He said: “The unsuspecting KEDCO personel who was on his way out of the office premises, was hunted down, slapped, assaulted and handcuffed like a common criminal in the full

glare of bewildered onlookers and other staff.� It was also gathered that, while the regional office was under siege days after the disconnection operation was carried out, the staff had been trailed by the security operatives to Ringim, Birnin-Kudu and Kano where they conduct their daily operations. “The Chief Registrar, was said to have ordered his security details to arrest and detain any identified KEDCO official, so they had laid ambush on the driver who had closed from work,� Kandi stated. He added that, “the company like other DISCOs have a mandate to disconnect customers who have arrears of outstanding payment after they have been duly notified.�

Why NCS is Generating More Revenue, Seizures Lagos based veteran licensed customs agent, Prince Olusegun Ologbese has given an insight into the reasons why the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has continued to generate more revenue and seizures across the country in recent times. NCS which has Colonel Ibrahim Hameed Ali (retired) as its Comptroller General had in a public statement said it had not only generated more revenue since the beginning of the year but also intercepted more contraband across the country. While commending the NCS for the feat, Ologbese who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Ogbese Maritime Services Limited attributed it to the blocking of revenue leakages in the system and the competition among the Customs Area Comptrollers (CACs) to deliver. He stated that the feat was no surprise to those who had been following developments in the NCS High Command since President Mohammadu Buhari appointed the retired military officer as the NCS boss. “The steadfastness of the CGC and his officers, particularly the Customs Area Controllers who oversee NCS formations across the country also

contributed immensely to these achievements,� he said. Speaking to THISDAY in an exclusive interview in Lagos, Ologbese who is also the Life Patron of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo and Ekiti Councils said: “As far as I am concerned, it is not a surprise that Customs is generating more revenue and making more seizures, the service has put in place a lot of mechanisms in place to block the loopholes where revenue often leak in the system. “I strongly believe that it is now these measures put in place by the CGC and his management team have started yielding the results we are witnessing now. There is no doubt that we are going to witness more good results in terms of higher revenue generation by the service in the months ahead. Again, this increase in revenue can be attributed to the fact that officers and men have doubled up their efforts in three core functions of the NCS in line with the charge of the CGC. These include revenue generation, anti-smuggling campaign, and trade facilitation. Besides, there is more collaboration with other security agencies such as the Police and the Nigerian Army.

Monarch Passes Vote of ConďŹ dence on Fashola Femi Ogbonnikan

CELEBRATING YOU ... L-R: Mrs Ajuwon Omotayo (celebrant’s mother),Miss Ajuwon Anjolaoluwa (Celebrant),Bolatito Fasoyiro, Direct Sales Executive, Kassim Adenike, Direct Sales Executive, Adebukola Salami Channel Relationship OďŹƒcer, Mr Wale Adedosu, GIS Sta, all of Sterling Bank when the bank delivered a cake to Anjolaoluwa on her birthday, in the spirit of Customer Service Week

APGA Finally Breaks Up in Abia 'Osun Has No Financial Commitment as Ufomba Moves Faction to PDP to MKO International Airport' Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia After three years of factional struggles for supremacy the Abia state chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has finally split with the leader of one of the factions, Ochiagha Regan Ufomba, moving into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with his supporters. APGA split into two factions in 2014 in the run-up to the 2015 general election following a hotly disputed governorship primary in which Mr. Alex Otti and Ufomba emerged as governorship candidates from parallel party primaries, each claiming authenticity. Ufomba’s legal challenge of the Otti’s candidacy was finally resolved at the apex court in favour of the former bank boss after the governorship poll in which both campaigned on APGA platform though INEC recognised Otti as the flag bearer. At a welcome back rally held at the Amapu Ntigha mini stadium in Isiala Ngwa North local government, Ufomba declared that he was done with APGA and returned to PDP with thousands of his supporters. They included Ufomba’s running mate in the parallel governorship ticket, Mrs. Christiana Duruoha, all the factional state and local government executives as well as the executives

in the 184 wards of the state. Ufomba’s return to PDP was witnessed by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, state PDP chairman, Chief Johnson Onuigbo and his executives, former APGA factional national chairman, Chief Maxi Okwu, PDP members of the state legislature and other top party members. “I’m so glad to be back to PDP,� he said, adding, “All of us are coming back to make Abia better�. Ufomba who was the governorship candidate of APGA in 2011 has always insisted that he controlled the “original and authentic structure� of APGA in Abia State. He brought to the event stacks of long note books which he said were the party registers in all the 184 wards, adding that with his departure and his supporters and 250 affiliate groups nothing was left of APGA in Abia state. “When we say we are APGA and APGA is us we are not joking. If there is any other APGA in Abia State, it is fake, (because) I’m the grandfather of APGA in Abia State.� Ufomba who left PDP eight years ago for APGA citing “injustice in the party� said that his decision to return to the former ruling was to ensure the realisation of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s second term bid and also to help PDP retake power at the federal level.

Adedayo Adejobi The international company All Works of Life (AWOL) International Limited that took over the construction of MKO International Airport, Ido-Osun, Osun state, has dismissed the insinuation that the state government had financial commitment in the concession of the airport to the company. AWOL Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Nurudeen Ogunlade said the state government had no financial commitment to the construction of the airport, explaining that the concession agreement reached by the two parties excused the state of committing any amount to the airport. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Ogunlade said the airport would be constructed and funded 100 per cent by his company through the Turkish government, maintaining that they would build, operate and transfer the airport to the government. Besides, the state government would earn five per cent of the profit of the airport, Land rent, collect tax and other necessary dues would be committed to the government before the transfer. According to Ogunlade, the first phase of the airport would be

completed in eight months time and would begin to operate, adding that construction work had started at the airport site in earnest. He disclosed that the facilities at the airport would include an ultramodern commercial complex, terminal buildings, control tower, standard civil infrastructure, construction of maintenance building and power house, staff training centre, fire-fighting station, security infrastructure, apron and taxiways and dual carriage road from Oba Adesoji Aderemi road to the airport. Ogunlade said: “Compared with other Airports, MKO International Airport will open the doors of business and other trade related opportunity among Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi, Oyo, Kwara and Edo State as well as our foreign visitors. “On the completion of the construction of First Phase of the Airport within the period of 8months, it will take off with five aircraft, three passengers helicopter and one cargo aircraft by AWOL International Company.� Answering questions on why the contract sum of the airport increased from N11bn to N69bn, Ogunlade said there was new design and structures, explaining that the runway which used to be 3km had been increased to 3.5km.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi has assured Nigerian public that the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola would deliver the national duties with which he was assigned. Oba Akanbi, after his visit to Fashola’s office in Abuja, said his close assessment of the minister had revealed a man keen to meet the public expectations with a view to aligning with the change mantra, which the ruling party promised before the 2015 general elections. The Oluwo further said that the three ministries under Fashola’s supervision were key to socio-economic growth of any nation, thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for the confidence he reposed in Fashola and belief in his turn-around skill. The traditional ruler expressed happiness at the minister’s positive response to his call to fix the IbadanIwo-Osogbo road, saying the people of the two states would not forget Fashola because of the economic importance of the road. “I have mobilised other traditional rulers to reopen the road and it is

being used now. But the work left still needs federal government attention. That is why I deemed it fit to inform the minister and I am very happy with his response. That road will be fixed and open up my town for further development,� he said. Oluwo explained that though Fashola started from difficult place, in terms of declining economy, he had moved the ministries away from where they were three years ago. As a private sector stakeholder in Canada, Oba Akanbi said the global economic meltdown naturally had impact on local economies, maintaining that the minister was determined to leave a giant legacy behind in the ministries. “What I have seen so far has assured me that the minster is a proactive person who does not rush into doing things until after long plan. He appreciates the role of planning and that was what he first did that many seem not to understand,� he said. Responding to call from some quarters for the cancellation of electricity distribution contract, the Oluwo argued against the call and described it as retrogressive, saying privatisation is the in-thing in global economy.

'Ondo has Special Training Package for Physically Challenged' Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu had revealed that the Akeredolu led administration in Ondo State had special training package for persons with special needs in Ondo State. Mrs. Akeredolu made this known in her office while receiving in audience a delegation of persons with special needs led by the newly appointed special assistant to the Governor on special persons, Hon. Folashade Arise. According to her, the training program would cut across Information Communication Technology ICT, Renewable energy, Fashion designing and other vocations and encouraged them to indicate interest

in any vocation of their choice. She further revealed that some physically challenged people who were already in business would be used as paid resource persons during the training exercise to also encourage them. “This administration has a lot in stock for special persons. We are going to enroll some of you in special training program ranging from ICT, Renewable energy, Fashion designing and other numerous vocations. “When you are done we should be able to back you up with the tools you need. So you can be useful to yourselves and Ondo State at large because we believe there is ability in disability. � she said.

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LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND TEEN CONNECT FASHION FILE

pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 38 pg. 43

Nneoma Rochas Okorocha I’m So Devoted to My Marriage Such that I Don’t Know the Road to My Village

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 4, 2017

PLUS

As Governor Okorocha’s Wife I’m Not a Fashionista

Splendid in simplicity; alluring in an uncommon candour; eclectic in thoughts and disposition; with a humane world-view and selfless philanthropy, the First Lady of Imo State, Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha, is a still water that runs deep. Effervescent in outlook, unassuming in appearance, she is the mother-hen that always determined to cater for those who are largely uncared for. It’s little wonder she’s arguably the busiest first lady in Nigeria one can ever think of – running three non-governmental organisations without breaking a sweat. Her pet projects, She Needs a Roof Project, (SNARP); Women of Divine Destiny Initiative, (WODDI); and Nneoma’s Kitchen, have made a lot of difference in the lives of people across the most populous African nation. A strong believer in teaching people how to fish, she has built skills acquisition centres in each of the senatorial zones of the state; in Orlu Local Government for Orlu Zone, Ihitte Uboma Local Government for Okigwe Zone and also in Owerri North Local Government for Owerri Zone. The projects help people to acquire skills that will make them self-reliant. In this interview with Azuka Ogujiuba, Mrs. Okorocha talks about her compassion for the family and women, about Rochas Okorocha and his political adventures, among other issues

B

eing married to a politician, who is also a state governor, requires a lot of perseverance because they’re hardly around the house. How do you cope with that manner of schedule? He is truly hardly at home but that is not necessarily because he’s a politician. He’s someone always on his toes 24/7 and he’s been like that long before he joined politics. I will always tell women that there is the need for them to understand why God has given them the opportunity to be wives. Some works need to be done and once that fact is duly established, it makes it a lot easier for you not to bother about mundane things. I believe that my husband is on a divine mission, especially as it concerns the downtrodden and the less privileged. So, I understand that I have to make the home front peaceful and to make it peaceful starts with my understanding why he’s not available at the time I want him. I think it’s been a journey but I thank God for opening my eyes to understand why He has

called me to be his wife. What were the qualities that attracted you to Governor Rochas Okorocha? I saw him as somebody who knew what he wanted. He is one who is focused and who would do what he feels is right to do not necessarily because everybody wants him to do it. Those were some of the qualities that attracted me to him. He doesn’t feel anything is impossible. Was there any time things got so bad and you felt like quitting the marriage? Never! That is because, from day one, at the point I was saying ‘yes’ to him, the plan was not for me to quit after about five, 10 or 15 years. I don’t even know the address to my village. One thing that will help you as a wife is the understanding that you don’t have any other choice than to make the marriage work. It’s when you have Option B that you can try something else. ‘It’s until death do us part.’

Governor with wife, Nneoma

At what point did you set up your foundation and why? Well, we have a family foundation which is Rochas Foundation and even before I became the wife of the governor, I had a non-organisation organisation named, Women of Divine Destiny Initiative, WODDI. When I became the wife of the governor, I just thought I should go on with that. By the way, I’m passionate about the woman and the family. As I have told you, I have a wonderful relationship with my husband and my children. I know that some people have issues in their homes. When I sit down and analyse their marital problems, they are things that shouldn’t even occur in the first place. That was why I came up with the initiative; to gather people to approach God through prayers and, of course, educate women with the scriptures and help them become the women God wants them to be. In my foundation, we have some offshoots. One is: She Needs a Roof Project, SNARP. This is a project created to put a roof over the heads of widows and orphans. Having been able to

travel far and wide, I came face to face with the living conditions of these widows and orphans. Some of them are living in places you cannot expect human beings to inhabit. Our researchers revealed that those abodes have affected them psychologically. To the glory of God, we have been able to build almost 200 houses, fully furnished for widows and orphans. I want to say that I’m excited and grateful that God found me worthy to be used as a vessel to give hope to the hopeless and put smiles on the faces of people. When we handed over the houses to the people, you would see different beings altogether. That is my joy; the diamond and gold I like to wear. Is that all your organisation does? We also have the Morning Women Prayer, where we gather every month to pray for the country, state and families. People come every last Friday. We cook at mosalashi Jimoh (Jumat service) because my family believes so much in giving. We used that opportunity to feed the less privileged. We continue

NOVEMBER 4, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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PLUS

People Thought I was Childless Because My Husband Adopted Many Children to feed the poor in Imo State. We cook by ourselves along with some political appointees and we go out to feed the poor. We also have a leadership summit; we bring students from public and private schools together and speak to them. We realise that the problem we have as a people is that of leadership. Africa is looking up to Nigeria and we believe in catching tomorrow’s leaders young. What do you think about your husband contesting to become Nigeria’s president three times and failing? I said to him, at a point, after the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) issue – I remember, we were driving around the streets of Jos immediately after the loss – I told him, ‘I hope you know it’s not your problem that you didn’t win. If there is anybody whose problem this is, it should be He that had sent you to go and do what you’re doing.’ I added, ‘Go and believe that God is still preparing you. That it didn’t happen then

means that it’s not yet time.’ (Turning to her husband) “If you remember, you almost got it.’ You have been married for 30 years. You have two happily married daughters. What are the nuggets you will share with young women who desire a successful marriage? What I would say to young ladies of our time is that they should first establish a close relationship with God. I’d also like to warn them to be careful about whom they call their friends. They have to be careful who they surround themselves with. In my nearly 30 years of marriage until now I don’t think I have ever gone to anybody or family members – let alone friends – to discuss issues that I’m having with my husband. With due respect to my family members and friends out there, none of them is qualified to interfere in issues about my husband and me! The reasons you might want to know: When they’re going to get involved, some of them would be trying to be

overly protective of you. They will speak from the emotions they have for you, which may not be what you need at that time. So, I advise young ladies and even married women to watch their company. They should know what they allow themselves to hear because who they become is a product of what they hear. There was a story, at a time, that when your husband appointed an actress, Nkiru Sylvanus, as a special adviser, you were sidelined and you kicked against the appointment. How did you handle that? Nkiru Sylvanus, till tomorrow, is my daughter. People just talk and like I always tell people, they have the right to talk. For you to bother yourself about these hearsays is not healthy. This is a young woman that can walk into my bedroom if she comes to the Government House today. So, it’s our understanding as a people and the way some of our people think. Nkiru wasn’t the only female my husband appointed;

some of them are old enough to be my older sisters. If you’re a public figure, people must talk about you. That was how they also said that my husband once slapped me and I fainted. There was a time someone came to my house in Jos, an older person – that was when my husband started politics. The person said, ‘Do you mean you have your biological children?’ She said so because there was a rumour that I didn’t have children and that was why Rochas was adopting kids and building schools to train them! What is your fashion sense like? I don’t consider myself as a fashionista. I just try to look nice, simple and comfortable. Do you like jewellery? Jewellery? That will come when it will come. As you can see, I’m wearing a costume; it’s not a diamond. I believe in first things first – that doesn’t mean I don’t wear jewellery but there is time for everything.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2017 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Babachir Lawal

Olisa Metuh: President Jonathan, But Why? I have been looking for this Ishmael who is my lawyer to advise me as I attempt this piece; as I do not want to be pulled in for contempt of court. From my little knowledge, they say you do not comment on a case that is in court. I have been calling Ishmael all night and the guy no pick my call, I am sure he is running around again looking for charge and bail case; instead of him to come and advise me so that I do not carry my head enter the trouble that will pass me. But let me take the risk. You see, asking Metuh to drop N1b to cover travel expenses from Otueke to Abuja and other associated costs as we have read is to say the least mischievous. You see Olisa that could not even buy my last book, yes he had called to apologise stating that his accounts have been frozen, is now expected to bring N1b for transport fare when Jonathan can simply just take God is Good Motors’ air-conditioned bus for N6,000 to this Abuja, na wa o. This whole thing reminds me of another oga I once had. This one was a knight in the Catholic Church and a very gracious and nice oga. He was and is still my mentor and he is in the leasing business. He is my chairman when everything is going well but will suddenly remember that he is not executive chairman when there is a problem. This thing can be annoying as it makes the junior person who is looking up to the oga to lose trust and confidence in his leadership. The other time we had issues with the authority and my oga who stood to gain all if the transaction went well and who had even asked us to hand over to his new protégé as we were leaving the system, making sure that we handed over the files to our successor, suddenly remembered, that we were on our own and that he was not the executive oga. This is sad as this is especially what I think Jonathan is trying to do here with this N1b demand before appearance. Our leaders must learn to stand with their people through thick and thin. This is not to say they should support illegality or even condone it, but where the case is clear that this thing if it had gone well, would have benefitted everybody, then all should stand and be counted. If I were Jonathan I would have jumped into this matter and watch how the colouration of the whole case will change. Today, my friend and brother is being left alone to hang, but no problem as our madam once said, ‘’there is God o’’. Biafran War Compensation: Let it Be All Encompassing I have just heard that the Federal Government has reached an agreement to pay compensation to some victims of the Nigerian Civil War. This compensation as I have heard will go to victims of the land mines that were planted in some states during the war. Well, much as I applaud this move which I must put on record came as a result of arbitration, no be say, Federal Government on their own suddenly decided to pay, I must state very clearly that the scope of the victims must be expanded to include other victims of the war. That said, let me state here that I, Joseph Edgar, and by God’s grace the only Duke of Shomolu, I am also a victim. I swear to you that as a result of my mother’s military service, she was a military nurse, I was deprived of breast milk and this has affected me psychologically all these years, making me not see darkskinned women as beautiful. It makes me to only focus on only light-skinned women. This condition has limited my

Metuh

Buhari

CommandLawal: School Babachir It Alumni Happened to Me Too My lord, I feel I should reach out to you today to give you a shoulder to lean on during this trying times that your sack has been announced. Look, I know how it feels to be sacked just like that, hence this my hand of fellowship. Let me first tell you my experience so that you can easily connect with me. I used to work for one yellow bobo like that, I will not mention his name, tall, bespectacled with a potbelly. Our office was in Victoria Island on that street where Aliko Dangote is said to reside. Our firm was an Asset Management Firm and used to be a subsidiary of a large Bank with orange as its official colours. The man was a nice man, a strong Christian who attends the Redeemed church. I am not calling names today o as I am not in a mood to explain anything to anybody. It is even because of my deep patriotic intentions that I even want to tell this story, if not, I will just keep quiet and not let my teeming readers know that I was once sacked by this fellow who prides himself as the know all in our industry. Well, one early morning I was summoned to his office and seated beside him was the company secretary, a nice matronly woman who had on her face the impression you have when you have just been told that your father was now dating your youth corper girlfriend. Well, I was asked to sit down and immediately, I was told a long story about Tayo Aderinokun the late sweet Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank. I was told of how I did not embody the culture of the firm and how although I was a very strong especially in sales but my attitude and outlook was not in line with the direction of the company especially as it concerns culture. Well, long and short, I was asked to resign. The details of the events leading to this episode will be perfectly detailed in my upcoming autobiography (please you can book a copy in advance). The essence of my reach out to you is to show you how to handle the shame, fear and loss of self-esteem that comes with a sack. Immediately I got this message, sweat poured out of my head and a lump immediately swelled in my throat and did not leave for the three months it took for me to get another job. I walked out of the office like a zombie and entered my car with tears in my eyes and a strong sense of failure. If it is now that jumping off the third mainland bridge is a trend, I would have just jumped

and the Nation would have lost a strong person. There would have been no Duke of Shomolu today talk less of you getting this extended hand of fellowship. Well, my brother, the first thing I did immediately I regained my composure was to get a young 24-year-old girlfriend. I am sure everybody will scream now o, but what could be more therapeutic than a young girl who did not understand the issues of this world. Her innocence and refreshing youth will just be rebuilding your confidence, because you will be seeing in her eyes admiration and adoration and a strong belief in your true worth. Baba, it is not about the sex o, you know I don’t trust you for that kind thing. Just listen to her youthful talk about hair, fashion, cosmetics and travel to Dubai for shopping. It will de-stress you and calm you down giving you the ability to reassess your situation. The next step is to just take one month out. Do not think of anything or anybody. I am sure you have enough savings that should keep you na. So just free your mind, don’t worry about anything, just open your mind trying to achieve eternal bliss and peace of mind. After this, start to reach out again, very gently and strategically. This would happen after rethinking your skill set and your network. Start sending the signals that you are ready to come back. So after studying your pedigree, please look for something surrounding grass cutting as I am sure you will do very well in that area. For me, I went into writing that is why you are reading this column today. Do not let anybody and anything feel that you have failed o as a man. A man must fall but it takes a great man to stand each time he falls. I believe it was Awolowo that said it o or was it Charly Boy but nevertheless someone said it sha. You will survive, do not worry, it is not the end of the world, be strong and keep your head up. Do not cry o, do not hide your head in shame. There is nothing to be ashamed of, these things happen. I will reach out to my friend, the handsome Lanre Olusola who is a coach to provide some psychological support for you. My brother if I survived mine, you will survive yours and as our friend Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, you will be back’’. That should be your mantra. You will be back. Just avoid grass cutting when you eventually come back. It is well my brother, God bless you.

scope of activities and severally impaired my ability to be objective in my dealings with women. You may ask, how I suffered. I was born months into the war and my mother fighting on the Nigerian side, did not wait to breastfeed me. I was brought up by my father and our housemaid, koko, who I was told was lactose-challenged. I have suffered in silence all these years but this N88b has made me come out with my story. I must be put on that list as I need to travel to Ghana to seek a cure for my condition. Please who do I send my BVNenabled bank account to as I do not want to be marginalised on this issue? Let me state it very clearly here that I do not want to be pushed to take up arms on this matter. I am a peace-loving Nigerian who has suffered

for this country and made the ultimate sacrifice of never tasting breast milk in my life. Which sacrifice is higher than this one? Mbok, na beg, make una no let me waka naked from Lagos to Abuja on this matter, please send my own share now o. I no fit shout. Pastor Adefarasin and Tithes This issue has been there but has recently become vexatious. My mother used to tell me that if you do not pay tithes to God, you will pay it to the devil and that is the message most of our pastors preach, making people to contribute multi-billion Naira into church coffers. Today, however due to the singular campaign launched by the radio personality, Freeze, – do not know his real name - people have started

Davido

having a rethink on the matter. People have started questioning the need to pay tithe and to even demand for accountability and transparency in its utilisation. I am not sure yet as I do not want to be labelled a rumour monger, I hear that some people walked out on this powerful pastor on this matter even though others have said it was due to closing-time traffic that people were rushing out. I think I would want to align with Freeze on this matter simply because I no even get the money to pay. We should all reform this process of tithe paying and democratise it. Change must also come to the church. Transparency must also be in church not only in government. We cannot continue having rock-star pastors when the congregation remains impoverished. The government should look into this quickly before this Freeze guy start mob action against our pastors. My advice for Pastor Adefarasin and his ilk is to immediately erect posters on their premises delineating very clearly that thing that Tinubu used to do in Lagos with that sign that says, ‘’taxpayers’ money working’’. He should put a bold sign of “your tithe working’’ on his wonderful church auditorium, his customised designer suits and all, then and only then do I think that we can stop this Freeze guy in his tracks. I don’t know why he cannot go and set up his own church after all, it is a free entry business. Introducing Bobrisky, Hushpuppi, Wizkid, Davido, Et al It has come to my notice that my avid readers do not really know what is happening online. This message came to me during a chat with my wonderfully made mummy, Senator Ita-Giwa. In one conversation with her, she lamented about how one PR job she had commissioned was online and not on real newspapers and TV stations. She screamed that when she met the President, he mentioned just how popular she was and that he reads a lot about her in the papers; that her generation does not know online. This has made me decide to take my readers who mostly are of the 40 – 70 yr old demographics on a crash course of the Internet and its major players. Ekanmi, as I call her, you will see that over 70 million Nigerians go online daily and on it, billions of naira are made and lost daily. We also have things like Instagram, Snap chat, Whats App, Facebook and the likes for interaction. All you need do is first buy a smartphone, charge it and give your PA to snap your picture and then you use it as what they call DP – Display Picture. After that, when next you see Buhari, you ask him to take a selfie with you. Selfie is when you turn the phone to face you, you bend down and do your lips one kind and snap. You also tell Buhari to stand close to you, that is if he will not shout haram and he too will do his lips one kind and you snap a picture, that is selfie. I cannot tell you all about the Internet here but let one mention a few online superstars with a lot of influence and power. So, there is Bobrisky, this one I don’t know if he is a man or woman but has millions of followers on his/her every move online. Wizkid is a powerful musician who can defeat Ambode in an election if he contests. Another one is Davido who is followed by millions and has been screaming about N30b in his account and then the jobless but always powerfully dressed hushpuppi. So, for more education, give me a ring guys and I take you through it. Our generation is losing out by not being online.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

SPY GLASS

PATIENCE JONATHAN

PATIENCE JONATHAN’S WITHERING POWER

She was once influential and highly connected. When her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, held the reins of power in the country, her word was law. Before our very eyes Patience, fondly called Mama Peace, rose from obscurity to prominence. As a former first lady, she had large hangers-on. Many sought her listening ears for so many things. Life couldn’t be any better. But the return of General Muhammadu Buhari as a presidential candidate of the APC was no more but a kill joy of sorts for her. Also, Buhari’s victory in the 2015 presidential election forced her and her husband out of Aso Villa unceremoniously. Ever since, Mama Peace who is having a running battle with the EFCC over her frozen bank accounts and seized property, has been tasting the cold side of powerlessness. The attention she used to get, unsolicited, has dwindled. The number of her friends and hangers-on has also dropped. As proof of the transient nature of power, her recent 60th birthday celebration was reportedly devoid of the usual fanfare. But for her present unenviable condition and deepening controversies, she would have been celebrated to high heavens on the occasion. It will be recalled that while she was in power, her birthday celebration were always ostentatious coupled with tons of advertorials and publicity in the media. Sadly, the last birthday celebration was unusually low-key, as only a handful of her so-called friends remembered the day. In fact, Spyglass gathered that she could count on her fingers the number of friends who called to congratulate her. “None of those who used to swarm around her like bees to nectar deemed it fit to drop at least a word for her in any of the media, if only to show her that they are still with her, even in her travails and tribulations.�

ALL FOR TOLANI OTEDOLA

We all know them to be very busy but when they have to honour one of their own, they are always willing to sacrifice all other things. Such was the case, last Friday, when business moguls and celebrities gathered for beautiful Tolani, first daughter of billionaire oil magnate, Femi Otedola, who had a date with history. The Terra Kulture on Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the classy event, came alive, as beautiful Tolani showed her grand entry into the showbiz world. She wowed with her stagecraft on that beautiful evening. Her velvet voice tugged at the heartstrings of many of the guests who described her as a potential star. Besides, she did not leave anyone in doubt that her romance with music is eternal. Like her younger sibling, Florence Ifeoluwa, a.k.a DJ Cuppy, Tolani, to put it

TOLANI OTEDOLA

with .... 08054680651 mildly, is a bundle of talents. This music genius keeps tendering to her vision, which is like a pleasant surprise of sorts to her family, friends and associates of her billionaire father and Forte Oil boss. While the event lasted, there was a general agreement that her father had scored a resounding plus in fatherhood. How? Even as he keeps making giant strides in business, he still cherishes family values. Very liberal minded, he allows his daughters to choose their paths in life. Today, Wunmi is literally having a sizzling romance with soul music. The “Don’t Break My Heart� crooner went into music after bagging a degree in Psychology and Philosophy from the St. Andrews University and a master’s in Music from the Vocal Tech, United Kingdom. Also, Temi, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, is a delight on the turntable. Her dexterity has earned her accolades as well as popularity on the Africa continent. Like her sisters, Temi is also making her father proud. A fashion enthusiast, she owns JTO, a fashion blog, where she expresses her fashion, art and photography adventures. In this, she shares the same passion with her father whose abiding love for arts could be seen on his late father, Chief Michael Otedola’s Impact Press located on Randle Avenue, Lagos Though the event has come and gone, it will be the talk of town for a long time, especially as the respected businessman has succeeded in passing a message across that the pursuit of legitimate wealth, which is desirable, should not take the place of family value in a man’s life. In attendance at the event were Aliko Dangote, THISDAY Publisher, Nduka Obaigbena, Samad Rabiu, Tayo Ayeni, Bola Shagaya, Tunji Olowolafe, Donald Duke, Mutiu Sunmonu, Niyi Adebayo, Mo Abudu, Aig Imoukhuede, Herbert Wigwe, Ladi Balogun, Gbenga Oyebode, Muyiwa Bakare, Aremo Segun Oniru, Segun Sebanjo, Biola Akinola, Sam Iwuajoku, Dapo Balogun, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu and many others.

FUNKE FOWLER FINDS LOVE AGAIN!

If her love story were to be documented in black and white, it would make an interesting read, particularly for critics of romance novels. It is gripping and engaging at the same time. But Funke, daughter of Tunde Fowler, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, never bargained for such; rather, it is what fate thrust on her. In the beginning, her marriage to Abbey Kuku was tagged the talk of the town. But the union crashed faster than anyone could have envisaged. The superlative wedding, held in Lagos and Dubai, was said to have almost cost her father his job then as Chairman, Board of Lagos Inland Revenue. Following the crashed marriage, she reportedly shunned social functions. But today, the 35-year-old is set to give marriage another try. The man who has literally stolen her heart is 50-year-old Aigbovbioise Aig-Imoukhuede, younger brother of a former Access Bank top man, Aig Imokhuede, who has never been married. However, the question many are asking is if her marriage would work this time around.

DIRGE FOR LATE AKEEM SODEINDE?

Before his death two years ago, Akeem Sodeinde created around him a larger-thanlife image of big and bloated night club owners who dominated the scene for a long

FUNKE FOWLER

time and thereby changed the scene to some extent. His night club, Movida, for a long time, was one of the thriving night clubs in Lagos. It enjoyed very impressive patronage from fun lovers. But all that is history today as the late popular club owner’s fame has gone into obscurity. Though the late Sodeinde started out as a night club bouncer, he shot into the limelight when he became partowner and face of Xtreme. In no time, he brought clubbing back to reckoning. While some hated his gut, others recognised his tenacity and hard work. Sadly, he was hit by acute diabetes and flown to India. The trip not only cost him money and time, it also cost him one of his kidneys. While he battled with that, his club located on Adeola Hopewell, Victoria Island, Lagos was shut down and many of his customers simply looked elsewhere. But after several months in limbo, Movida was re-opened. Upon his return, he had vowed to quit smoking for good. But he reportedly started smoking and drinking again, a development that worsened his health. He died without fulfilling his dream of opening the biggest and most expensive club in Abuja. Today, his fame and memories seem to have been buried along with him. Tragic enough his family as well as close friends and associates that vowed to keep the memories alive have abandoned their promises.

OLALEKAN OSO CELEBRATED GOLDEN JUBILEE IN STYLE

For Olalekan Adesina Oso, top management-cum-electronic security expert, life is amazing. So, when he joined the league of the golden-aged on Monday, October 23, he felt his 50th birthday celebration should be an occasion for praises and thanksgiving. As expected, Oso’s wife of over 20 years and mother of his kids, Omodunke, along with some of her hubby’s close friends, like Jide Ogundana plotted a golden jubilee soiree last Saturday, October 28 where his equally successful friends and associates celebrated the jolly good fellow. The venue was the Class Events Centre, Surulere where guests were treated to an enthralling atmosphere that flowed with best of choice wine and tasty gourmet. To those familiar with the ever-smiling Oso, they would attest to his total commitment to excellence and that he is not given to indolence. The Ijesha-Isu Ekiti-born management wizard is one of the best trained men of his generation in agriculture, engineering and management. As the general manager of Datlex Nigeria Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading engineering and security consultancy firms, Oso led the team that installed the first fully electronics anti-robbery entrance door in any Nigerian bank and also led the company which pride itself as the manufacturers of the first indigenous burglar resistant safes and strong room doors. After obtaining a Higher National Diploma at the Lagos State Polytechnic and Post graduate Diploma at the University of Calabar, Oso moved to the Federal University of Technology, Akure where he however, put a temporary, stop to formal education after his masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the same university where he had to combine his daily expanding business with his ministerial call. The amiable manager of men later attended the Redeemed Christian Church of God Bible College and the School of Disciples after which he committed substantial time to nurture

AKEEM SODEINDE

ERIC UMEOFIA spiritual lives of many across different RCCG parishes. He presently serves as a pastor in charge of the Zone at the New Jerusalem Assembly of Lagos Province 8 under the leadership of Pastor J.A. Adeyokunnu.

ERISCO BOSS, ERIC UMEOFIA, AT WAR WITH CBN

By all standards, Eric Umeofia, President of Erisco, is a successful businessman. He always thinks through his business ideas. Little wonder, he has fared so well, even in the face of the inclement business climate in the country. However, the narrative has now been altered. Those close to him claim that he is paying the price for being upright in a nation that is steep in corruption. This began when his company, a tomato processing company, signed in to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), a scheme that offers financial support to Nigerian manufacturers in the agriculture sector by way of loans/credit facilities at interest rates not exceeding nine per cent per annum and Foreign Exchange (FX) at the CBN official rates. Under the scheme, the company, it was gathered, enjoyed a facility of N500million through its bankers: Stanbic IBTC Bank and Keystone Bank Limited, which enabled it to create employment opportunities for many job seekers. As part of its expansion plans, Erisco, on its own, paid a whopping USD$460,000.00( about 50% of the total cost) to its foreign suppliers, Messrs Urumqi High Tech Development Zone Elite Trading Company Limited in China on June, 16, 2015 for importation of tomato concentrate, the major raw material for its operations. This left Erisco with a balance of USD$460,000.00 to be paid to the suppliers before the items could be shipped to the country. However, the CBN, via a circular dated June 23, 2015, banned 41 listed items as not valid for foreign exchange (FX). By this, Erisco, one of the affected importers, would be required to source for foreign exchange independently. Among the items was “tomatoes/tomato paste�. Consequently, Erisco could no longer access or obtain foreign exchange from the CBN through its bankers for the purpose of importation of tomato concentrates, which is the major raw material for the its tomato processing lines. Very distraught, Umeofia, who said the CBN circular was not retroactive, got the greatest shock of his life when his bankers informed him that their requests to the CBN to approve the purchase of the balance sum of USD$460,000.00 at the official exchange rate were not granted. Consequently, the billionaire businessman has dragged the CBN before a Federal High Court in Lagos for redress. In the suit no: FHC/L/CS/402/17, he is praying the court to order the CBN to pay the sum of N20 Billion as general damages.

OLALEKAN OSO

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2017

SUPER SATURDAY

ADESUWA ILUOBE I Want to Be a Renowned Writer and Successful Businesswoman Young, cerebral, creative Adesuwa Iluobe’s love for poetry and creativity did not come by chance. At the age of six, she had begun to create comics. Few years after, she was already writing short stories. Fast forward to adulthood, she’s a writer, lawyer, innovator and a fashion designer – with a fashion line called Seams Clothiers. She tells Adedayo Adejobi about her sojourn in the literary world, and using technology, innovations to foster reading culture and inspire other young writers At Age Six, I Began to Create Comics

I

What can you say about yourself?

am creatively spontaneous; one who is always seeking ways to leave individuals and organisations better than I met them. I had a sheltered childhood. I was born in Lagos where I schooled at Dammyville Kindergarten School, and Fountain Nursery and Primary School, Adelabu, Surulere. Later, I went to Federal Government Girls’ College, Benin City, Edo State. I studied Law at the University of Abuja and got called to the Nigerian Bar in 2011. I became a chartered secretary and administrator in 2015.

How did you cut your teeth as a writer?

I fell in love with literature during my childhood, courtesy of my parents. Dad bought me books as gifts 95 per cent of the time and mum had boxes of novels and books like Pacesetters and so on. By the time I was six years old, I was reading Enid Blyton’s books, Malory Towers, Saint Clares. It was books, books, and books. I remember Yvonne Ifode, my Primary Two classmate. She used to lend me books to read. Reading was a huge part of my childhood. I graduated to drawing comics and stories with short chapters. I would draw over 20 leaves of comics with dialogues and then gave them to my schoolmates to read. They almost never returned them. If only I knew that those were priceless works, I would not have let them go that easily. I did this even while in the university but stopped as soon as I owned a laptop. That was how I started writing.

Did you grow up knowing you would be a writer?

Yes, I did. In fact, ‘I want to be a writer ’ was my mantra. I always wanted to study English and Literature.

If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing?

I am not only a writer – added to being a lawyer – I am also a fashion designer. I started an outfit called Seams Clothiers in 2012. I design and sew dresses. However, I am presently trying to rejig that aspect of me. I also have a growing interest in business development. We spend years in school but are hardly taught how to grow and sustain a business or create wealth via innovations. It is a major challenge I faced and still face. I feel excited at the moment we live in; there is so much evolution in business and technology and much to learn in making both works for one’s passion.

Iluobe

THISDAY, THE SAT A URDAY NEWSPA P PER Ëž EMBER 4, 2017

23

SUPERSATURDAY MUM AND DAD HELPED ME TO BECOME AN AVID READER

Adesuwa

How do y you jjuggle gg being ga writer,, lawyer, y , secretary and fashion designer? g

Being g a lawyer y and chartered secretary y leans more to the tasks that comprise p of my y day y job j and other advisory y roles. I love writ ing g so much I do not consider it a burden or a jjob. Sometimes, when I feel tensed or uptight p g I write. During g the times when I was actively y into fashion designing g g as a business, I engaged g g in it mostly y during g the weekends or at nights g when I had to meet deadlines. Then I engaged staff to assist me.

How did y you g get into fashion? Fashion is something g I have wanted to contribute to. So, I took the plunge p g and enrolled at a fashion school in 2011 during g my National Youth Service Corps programme.

What p projects are you working g on?

Aside p promoting g The Farm, a book I launched in July J y this year, y I am working g with other writers to set up p a virtual hub for writers and readers called, ‘Satayaa’. y It is a hub where one can learn to get improve p on writing g and be instilled with the value of extensive reading. g We are making g a debut in September p with a writers’ retreat in Abuja. j Every y writer who needs motivation should be there. The jjourney y as a writer would have been easier if I had a mentor or a writing g coach much earlier. I got g to learn a lot by y reading, g asking g questions and making q g mistakes. I believe we need more individuals

Photos: Tolu Fasoyiro

I fell in love with literature during g my childhood, courtesy y of my parents. Dad bought g me books as gifts 95 per cent of g the time and mum had boxes of novels and books like Pacese P tters and so on. By the time I was six years old, I was reading g Enid Blyton’s y books, Malory Towers, Saint Clares. It was books, books, and books. I remember Yvonne Ifode, my y Primary y Two classmate. She used to lend me books to read

with passion p and commitment to assist writers to be the best they y can be and I would be one of them. I am grateful g to p people p like Dike Chukwumerije, j author of ‘Urichindere’, who gave g me a listening g ear in the midst of his busy schedule.

Tell us about ‘The Farm’.

fears Death’, has been acquired q by y American media p power house, HBO, and will be p produced as a series by y George g R.R as executive producer. He is the writer of the p hit series, ‘Game of Thrones’. De velopments p like this give g young y g writers like me so much hope p and motivation. However, I feel there is need to revamp p the methods by y which books and stories are told. We can take a cue from Chukwumerije’s j strategy gy to sell poetry p y via creatively y presenting p g it in his Made-in-Nigeria g series holding g in different p parts of Nigeria. g We need to leverage g on technology gy in no small measure and embrace innovations that foster reading culture.

‘The Farm’ is a metaphor p that represents p a litany y of issues that besiege g Nigeria. g It is a collection of five stories which are satires and a reflection of us as a country. There are many y things g we refuse to talk about (like ( activities of baby y factories, terrorism, dis crimination and so on), ) p perhaps p for lack of insight g of their true position or because we have lost p hope p in any y chance of redemption. p Where do y you see y yourself in However, I felt bringing g g these is the next five y years? sues up p as stories would sear them I see myself y making g giant g strides into our minds and in turn spur us in my y mission to be a renowned into action. writer. I would also be one to reck on with in the business sphere.

How do you y see Nigeria’s creative industry? y

The creative industry y is taking g giant steps g p in the right g direction. The music and movie industry y has gone p g pretty y far. We are attract ing g international attention and focusing g on details that border on quality q y and creativity. y I like how technology gy is being g employed p y to aid this and while I believe it can be better, I know we would go g beyond y the p present. In the literary sphere, p Nigerians g are topping pp g p literary y awards all over the world. Authors like Nnedi Okoroafor is widely y acclaimed as one of the top p six sci-fi fiction writers in the world and her novel, ‘Who

Which authors do you admire?

JJeffery y Archer; I love his style y of writing. g I also think Francine Riv ers is g greatly y talented. I learn a lot from their books. They y are unseen mentors to me. I enjoyed j y ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ by y Chimamanda Adichie and ‘Tomorrow Dies Yes terday’ by Chimeka Garricks.

If y you were to meet a writer, who would that be? Jeffrey Archer.

What’s your y definition of fashion? Comfort.

I Used to Draw ComicsAs a Child

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POLSCOPE Maina and Matters Arising

T

he leaked Oyo-Ita’s memo to the Chief of Staff to Mr President, Mr Abba Kyari has changed the narrative surrounding the Maina re-instatement saga. The memo, dated October 23, 2017 says clearly that Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, the Head of service of the federation had indeed briefed President Buhari on October 11, 2017, on the planned reinstatement of Mr Abdulrasheed Maina into the service, and had also warned of the moral consequences of such a move, especially to the anti-corruption stance of the Buhari-led administration. Expectedly, the content of the leaked memo has generated lots of public debate, but more importantly has also provoked lots of altercation between Abba Kyari and Oyo-Ita. No official statement has been made on this development. But it is clear that the establishment is not happy with Oyo-Ita for seemingly indicting Mr President on the re-instatement saga. Question is: So Mr President knew of the plan to re-instate Maina? If he was briefed since October 11, so why did he seem surprised and angry when the news of the said re-instatement broke, prompting him to order the immediate disengagement of Maina? Was it all mere presidential histrionics? Was Mr President just playing to the gallery? Neither the president nor the presidency has denied the content of the leaked Oyo-Ita’s memo. But by the way, why did the Head of Service choose to address such a serious matter that unabashedly breached the civil service operational code, in an informal and undocumented discussion with Mr President? What if Mr President denies that such a verbal briefing ever took place? What will be Oyo-Ita’s proof to the contrary? Could it also be that she was behind the leakage of the said memo as a way of clearing herself of any blame from the court of the public? If Mr President knew of the plot to re-instate Maina and he did not object to it, then the story of giving him DSS officials to protect him (Maina) can be understood. And that thus explains how he sneaked back into the country unchallenged, as he had been cleared from above before his arrival. In the same way, that’s why he was also able to vanish again without a trace in a country fitted with manned international borders. Indeed, Mr Maina’s family had revealed at a press conference, that Maina was not only invited back to the country by the Buhari government, they were quite aware of his return and re-instatement and even given state protection. Already, Maina, from wherever he is hiding, has been spilling the beans detailing some of the rot in the system. For instance, he had alleged that some top government officials have invested Six Million British Pounds of pension funds in UK banks and collecting the interest thereof. He has not named them just yet. So let us ask: If the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) claimed that it did not know Maina was declared wanted in 2014, hence his unchallenged return, so where were they when Maina, again escaped? Yet a few more questions: Who was it that authorized the promotion to Director level and payment of N22 million to Maina? Is the service known for such system efficiency? Maina hadn’t spent a month in office after the re-instatement and he has already been paid the lump sum of three years’ salary? Haba! Are we not in this same country and people are owed their legitimate earnings for years unend because there is no money yet? Suddenly, at Maina’s return, his accumulated salaries and allowances are at the door post, waiting for him. Maina was assistant Director when he fled three years ago. When did he take the normal service exam that normally precedes promotion before he was catapulted to a Director, not even Deputy Director? Do “ordinary” mortals enjoy such privileges in the system? Does the Maina saga not clearly dramatize the suspicion that in this government, like many others before it, the Orwellian maxim that all animals are equal but some are more equal? Does it not belie Mr President’s declaration at his May 29, 2015, inauguration that he belongs to no one and he belongs to everybody? If Maina ‘s hands are clean, he should not evade justice. He should come forth, face his accusers and state his case with facts and figures. He cannot come clean by releasing unguided and dud bullets from unknown hideouts. The Maina mess, is a typical case of going all the way to Sokoto in search of what is/ was in our sokoto (pocket). Right now, both the EFCC and the Nigeria Immigration Service are going to launch an international manhunt (call it wild goose chase) for Maina at a huge cost with an uncertain outcome, whereas Maina had lounged amongst them all the while. Pennywise, pounds foolish! Who is fooling who? And for how long? And as an aside, what has the EFCC said about Maina’s bank accounts? Such a man’s account will tell lots of stories better than a confession will do. Surely, the Maina manuscript is the content of a whole Comedy of Errors and it looks like we have just begun reading only the prologue. The coming episodes are quite promising.

Maina

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2017

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Canticles...

Buhari and the 2019 Burden

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ave you heard the latest on Buhari? Latest? What is it again? Did they find Abdulrasheed Maina in his bedroom?

Nooooo. How can that be? Is Maina a member of the first family? Didn’t you hear that the APC governors and leadership of the party have passed a vote of confidence in Buhari and even went further to adopt him as the 2019 presidential candidate of the party? Be careful with stories spinned in the media. But what is wrong if he is adopted? Is he not adoptable as the party’s candidate come 2019? Whaaaat? You mean you are not surprised? Why should I be? Was there any agreement to the contrary? Or did you ever hear him say he’d serve only one term? What do you think is the essence of all the recent political moves of opening Buhari Support media campaign centres and organization of women groups in Adamawa State etc? Even former President Goodluck Jonathan who swore to serve only one term, did he not brazenly break that agreement? Or do you think Buhari will still be a president in the next 19 months and somebody in the party will displace him?You don’t know the governors and the party leaders in endorsing him are also preserving their own interests? Didn’t you notice that John Odigie Oyegun, the party’s national chairman whose continued stay in office was shaky and threatened also got a vote of confidence passed in him? It’s Quid pro Quo, my brother. So what credential or hope will Buhari be bringing to Nigerians in 2019? What is left unsaid that he will tell Nigerians? In partisan politics, you don’t ask too many questions.You just flow with the popular emotion. So the question of what Buhari will tell Nigerians now does not arise? Politicians are like gramophones, whenever you play them, music comes forth Wrong! Nigerians will, this time, ask plenty of questions. The era of mass hysteria is gone. Nigerians have to be critical and deeply discerning this time around. That is the whole essence of the Our Mumu don do campaign. And lest I forget, did he say he is well enough now to take the governance heat? Did you not listen to President Buhari while he reeled out his achievements to the NEC of his party last Tuesday? I did not. So what did he say he has achieved? Need you ask? Is it not obvious? Or do you need Tinubu’s glasses to see them? You don’t know this government has degraded and decimated Boko Haram terrorist group? You don’t know… (cuts in, raising the palm) Eh… eh… eh…, which Boko Haram? The one they have killed its leader, Abubakar Shekau more than four times (and keeps resurrecting) and now it is the wife they have begun the rounds of killing? The Boko Haram that has abducted some UNIMAID lecturers for over four months now and has continued to hold on to the remaining Chibok girls? Is it the Boko Haram that has continued suicide-bombing of innocent people? Is that how to decimate a terror gang? Do you know how many people this government has employed under the N-Power scheme? You mean you do not know the increasing volume of unemployed youths in Nigeria? You don’t know that is why crimes of armed robbery and kidnapping have geometrically increased? You have to be fair to this government. Give it some credit, Haba! It inherited a collapsed economy that was gasping for breath.That led to a relapse into recession. But this government has masterfully managed the economy of the country and today Nigeria is out of recession. Nigeria may have recovered from recession but you forget that Nigerians have not recovered from the acute hardship they have been experiencing since this government came to power. Do you know what people are going through? How many jobs and

families have been lost because of hardship? You think Nigerians will forget? You are merely harping on the negatives. Are you not aware that the World Bank has commended the management of the Nigerian economy, declaring it as one of the world’s ten most improved economies? Are you not aware that the foreign reserve of the country has grown to $32 billion? How much was left by the previous government? Go and check! Do you take those Oyinbo institutions serious? They deal with lifeless figures.We deal with live situations in Oshodi, Bariga, Amukoko ,Sabongari, Okere, Lafenwa, Borokiri, etc. Don’t you notice the huge disconnect between their verdicts and the realities on the ground? I am saying you should acknowledge the huge work the Buhari administration is doing to revamp the

Buhari ravaged economy he inherited. And that is why he has been verily high on the anti-corruption fight. You know that the huge sum recovered from past thieves is being used to finance the 2017 budget. So how much has this government recovered from the so-called past thieves? I don’t have the figures. Don’t speak as if you know. Nobody knows how much has been recovered.Why is it a secret? For a government that promised transparency, why is the figure of the recovered loot not in the public domain? How are we sure that even the recovered loot is not being re-looted by those in charge today? What an ungodly thought! Ungodly thought you say? If N250 million can be used to clear grass in a sandy Sahel region, and a man accused of stealing the treasury dry and fled to avoid prosecution can sneak back into the country, given state cover, promoted and paid compensatory salary, with the active direction and connivance of some senior mandarins, then there is no difference between godly and ungodly thoughts. Or in a federal entity when there are 15 appointments, ten of them go to one section (that has no natural bearing with the essence of the entity) while two sections share the remaining five, just as some other sections get nothing at all, and you speak about ungodly thoughts? How ungodly can ungodly be for it to be denounced? Contrary to what we thought at the beginning, this is also a government of anything goes. And I am telling you these are the issues that will form the fulcrum of Buhari’s acceptability or rejection in 2019. Haba! There you go again. You talk as if you do not know how crossed Mr President was with those infractions and how he flashed the red card effortlessly, eventually but surely. Look, I will strongly recommend you for the New Order Progressive Institute and by the time burnished academic legends like Professor Ila Mohammed take you through a course like Goebbels Model 101, the scales would have totally fallen off your eyes, and you will speak of more edifying experiences.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2017

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EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Diamond Bank Fumbles

EBERE WABARA

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AILY SUN of October 31 welcomes to this week’s session with the following headline solecisms: “Bread making business can strenghten your cashflow (sic)” Arewrite: Bread-making business can strengthen your cash flow” “SON destroys sub-standards (substandard) products worth N10m” “Dunlop expands, opens store (shop) in (on) Victoria Island” THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER, of October 28 follows DAILY SUN in this week’s edition of our language series with schoolboy blunders that ring true: “We must demand for better protection for these hapless Nigerians at Muna Garage.” Delete the first ‘for’ lest we agonize! “I don’t just have fans like you do movie (a movie) and your movie don’t (doesn’t) cut across like you are doing movie and people just know you only in Nigeria.” This extract is a little bit clumsy. “New dawn for Nigeria (Nigerian) tourism” Finally from THISDAY Back Page missile: “Aman 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 (sic) reevaluate the inclusion of the likes (like) of Garba Shehu in this administration.”—The Peoples Democratic Party calling on President Buhari to send his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, for psychiatric evaluation. “Buhari: North has seven ministers of states (state)” (THISDAY Front Page, October 14) “What’s a six letter (six-letter) word for ‘free’?” (Full-page advertisement by Diamond, Your Bank, THISDAY, October 14)

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“…the mobile app is designed for the upward (upwardly) mobile readers….” “Osagie said The Sun Nigeria mobile app has (had) a distinct features (sic)….” “He gave assurance (an assurance) that the launch of….” “Stopping children from watching TV can result to (in) blindness—Optometrists” “Okada union laments govt (govt.) encroachment in (on/upon/into) fees collection” Lest we forget, CELEBRATER or Celebrator is reserved for someone having a good time while “celebrant” is reserved for someone who conducts a religious rite. If “celebrator” becomes overworked/overused or becomes obsolete, then “celebrater”, the original word, will take over (Look it up in The New International Webster’s Comprehensive Dictionary of The English Language, page 214 and The Associated Press STYLEBOOK, page 36). “Inquire” is the preferred spelling, NOT “enquire” and “inquiry” is preferred to “enquiry” (DICTIONARY OF USAGE, page 91). Besides, in American English, the general preference is to use “inquiry” (GOOD WORD GUIDE, page 99). The debate continues. “But in the welter of these realignment of forces…” Re-thinking development: this realignment of forces. VANGUARD of August 28 circulated three goofs: “The fear along the room and corridor (corridors) of power of a sovereign national conference.…” “It is not in doubt that most of the commuters in the luxurious (luxury) buses that ply.…” “…Aba traders constitute a large proportion of the passengers on commercial aircrafts (aircraft) that fly....” “Major reorganization of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which may lead to mass retirement and sack of its men and officers, now looms.” Get it right: a major reorganization or

major reorganizations, as context demands. “One of the most outrageous abuses occurred.…” Spelling in the lurch: occur, occurrence, occurred. “I do not buy the argument that the advent of electronic mails and network computers have rendered postal services absolute.” Not yet time for structural proximity: the advent of electronic mails and network computers has (not have). “In doing this, however, he must be faithful to the mandate of the ECOWAS Heads of Government under whose platform he operates.” Agenda: on (not under) whose platform he operates “As Nigerian editors converge in (on) Katsina for their 10th Annual Meeting.…” “Agovernment white paper on the demonstration….” Sheer abuse of words! ‘White paper’ is a report issued by Government to give information. Let’s respect words. After all, reporting is all about telegraphic brevity. “UNN students union honour vice chancellor” What is happening? Sub-editors of these days show traces of illiteracy! This way: UNN students’ union honours VC “The fact that some people eat food that does nothing for their physical well-being put them in the class of the poor.” The fact…puts. “The richer nations who (sic) have more than enough should in this moment of great need and expectation by the poor masses (the masses are basically poor) be their brothers’ keepers.” Standard sociolinguistics: ‘brother’s keeper’— whether one or more. “Any further discourse on it, some might say, amounts to nothing but over-flogging a dad horse.” You flog, not over-flog, a dead horse, talking idiomatically. “Like few (a few in this context) years ago, a life cow was allegedly buried….” ‘Life cow’ in place of ‘live cow’ portrays sub-literacy. “Opponents of private universities claim that

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

they will aggravate the unemployment problem in the country.” ‘Unemployment’ is certainly a problem—so why compound it by adding another ‘problem’? “Denmark has just played an historic role in….” ‘An historic role’ is the type of expression Ndaeyo Uko calls Elizabethan English! Current syntactic trend: ‘a historic…’ “One of the enduring concerns at the workshop concerned the role and orientation of the military with regards to our democratic aspirations.” Received English: ‘as regards’ or ‘with regard to’

FEEDBACK

MR. Wabara, I have always enjoyed your every Saturday tonic—Media Gaffes. Keep it up. I wish to draw your attention to our discussion on the word ‘about’in one of last month’s editions. You inadvertently repeated what was required to be corrected as the correction. Secondly, one of your contributors to that edition should have said, ‘about 1,720 or 1,700’… rounded to the nearest 10 or 100 (sic) would have read rounded up or down to the nearest 10 or 100. And this: 1,729 or 1,700 (to the nearest 10 and 100 respectively). For instance, 1,755 can be rounded up to 1,800 (not 100). Thank you. (Surveyor J. O. Amayo, Benin City, 08051646227) THE next two contributions by Mr. Kola Danisa (07068074257) are from THE NATION of August 24: “Over four months after their abduction, the girls are yet (have yet) to be located.” “Liberia is (has) yet to return to….” And this: “… untapped heroic potentials (potential)….” DR. Stanley Nduagu (08062925996) sent in the next faulty extract from Aba: “The Nigerian nurses as endangered specie (species)” (Nigerian nurses and midwives’advertorial) ‘Species’is both singular and plural. The word ‘specie’has no place in English language.

PERSPECTIVE

Governor Dickson Breaks A- 40-Year Jinx Francis Ottah Agbo

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or Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, his words are his bonds. He is not just a keeper of promise, his promise are bankable! But Promise keepers are hard to find on the country’s political landscape, especially when the promise to be kept has been made for 40 years on the trot. That length of time, naturally, makes the beneficiaries of the promise wonder if they are not jinxed. That was the story of the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial Zone who had waited in vain for the construction of the Sagbama/Ekeremor/ Agge Road before Governor Dickson came to their rescue, 40 years, after the road was officially conceptualized. The road was first listed in the budget of the old Rivers State in the second Republic under Governor Melford Okilo but didn’t see the light of the day. It was subsequently taken over by the Federal Government but remained a still born. But that is now history! On Saturday, October 14, Bayelsans witnessed what could be described as the triumphant entry of Governor Dickson to Ayamasa and Aleibri communities, two major oil-bearing communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area. What perhaps made his entry unique was that vehicles were going to Ayamasa, Aleibiri and the interlocking communities for the first time ever. He was accompanied by his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt Hon kombowe Benson, Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Foster Ogola, Member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi, top government functionaries and community leaders, who drove from Yenagoa, the state headquarters to Ayamasa and Aleibiri respectively for the first time. The people of Ayamasa and Aleibiri were understandably happy. Many of them were seeing vehicles in their communities for the first time, in their life time. Before now, they were accessing their communities only through the sea with the

Dickson

attendant risks of accidents and pirate attacks! So, it was understandable that the beneficiaries of the Dickson’s developmental strides, all thronged to Aleibiri town, defying a heavy downpour, to welcome their governor who they describe as “Talk Na Do Governor,’’ which could in this context, also mean a redeemer of promise. At his inaugural in 2012, Dickson promised to fix the road, and he immediately swung into action by starting the construction of the road up to his community, Toru-Orua. During his re-election in 2015, he reiterated his willingness to take the road to the terminal point, Agge. Today, he is delivering on his promise so much so that the road is over 60 percent completed. As the governor drove from Toru-Orua, his ancestral home through Angalabiri, Ofoni, Ayamasa to Aleibiri that fateful Saturday, he was simply reconnecting with his past too. The story of Governor Dickson is synonymous with the Ayamasa and Aleibiri, as he too never saw a vehicle until he joined a Canoe from Toru-Orua to

Patani, Delta State. This was after his secondary education at age 18. The only difference is that while Government under Dickson’s watch is constructing road to Ayamasa and Aliebiri which now enables the people to sight vehicles in their communities, Dickson’s Toru-Orua community neither had road nor saw vehicle until he became Governor in 2012! In deed the Governor only had the luxury of knowing how a vehicle looked at Patani. This ugly experience, coupled with his desire to rapidly develop the state, clearly fired him to take over what was originally a federal road in a national recession. Governor Dickson knew there was no better way to attract development to the rural areas than linking all the communities. It was, therefore, not a surprise that the people of Angalabiri, Ofoni, Ayamasa and Aleibiri in Sagbama and Ekeremor local government areas came out in huge numbers to welcome him and his entourage. The governor had stopped by in the four adjoining communities while on an inspection tour of the multi billion naira road. The project, which is expected to be fully completed in December 2018, was previously handled by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). But like what befell many other projects handled by the commission, no progress was made. This prompted the Governor to take over the project and awarded the contract at the cost of N30billion to Dantata & Sawoe and Setraco construction giants, a move that has understandably accelerated the construction of the road. The distance of the road from Toru-Orua where the Governor hails from to Aleibiri is over 90 kilometres. In each of the communities, the people rejoiced, danced and praised the governor for his effort to construct the road which they say will bring modernity to the communities, fast track development and increase economic activities in their area. They assured the Governor of their unalloyed support and expressed confidence that with what the governor is doing, their communities will not remain the same after his tenure. Chief Suru Oyarede, Spokesman of the

Aliebiri Traditional Council hailed the Governor for confronting the mangrove forest and constructing road out of the creeks, rivers and rivulets. The spokesman of theAleibiri Federated Communities, Mr. Egenikabowei Goldpen, said the road was conceptualized in 1979, during the tenure of Chief Melford Okilo, Second Republic governor of old Rivers State, but added that no administration mustered the political will to execute the project. “...It is in this context that, when in 2012 you came on board and announced the take-over of the project and your desire to go all out to construct the road, not many thought that it would ever see the light of the day. “ Your Excellency sir, today you have shamed the doubting Thomases, the cynics, the political jobbers and all those who have over the years played politics with this critical road. We lack words to appreciate you for what you have done for us as a people. You have wiped away our tears, you have made us feel that we are part of this country,” he said. An elated Governor Dickson thanked the people for the reception and show of love, saying what they were experiencing was the fulfilment of a promise made in 2012. The Governor said Sagbama/Ekeremor/Agge road is one of the three senatorial road projects he promised to deliver in order to open up the state from three flanks. While stressing that the recession has slowed down his infrastructural revolution, the Governor assured them that by December, all manner of vehicles will travel along the road and directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to make that a reality. He promised to be in Aleibiri during the Yuletide season to assess the level of compliance. The governor, who spoke mainly in Ijaw language, explained that the need to connect communities in the state to the capital, Yenagoa necessitated the vision to construct the road and the other two senatorial roads. ––Agbo, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State wrote in via francisagbo38@yahoo.com Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚;

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

Emergency Stop and Skidding

Ultramodern Hyundai Motors Nigeria Service Center Orile Lagos

Hyundai Motors Begins 30-Day Free Service Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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yundai Motors Nigeria Limited (HMNL) has announced a comprehensive 30-day discounted service campaign, beginning from 01 November 2017 for owners and fleet managers of Hyundai cars including Hyundai Commercial Vehicles. A statement by the company said the campaign, which is tagged ‘Before service clinic’, is absolutely an initiative of HMNL aimed at helping customers rediscover the value of their Hyundai vehicles and appreciate the commitment of the dealership to the brand. Announcing the scheme in Lagos, the Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited head of after sales - Srinivas Jayaram said up to 50% discount on body parts and 15% discount on body repair and mechanical labour charges

would be permitted on applicable services during the campaign. He explained that the 25–point-checkup initiative in designed to reassure customers and offer additional values such as free diagnosis and inspection; free labour charge on oil and filter replacements, free air-conditioning checks and free quotation with flexible option to repair or replace parts only valid till December 31st. Customers would in addition be granted special prices on upholstery cleaning, engine steam wash, wheel alignment and balancing as well as body wax, the HMNL head of after sales assured. Also adding that the dealership understands the evolving needs and preferences of Hyundai, Mr. Jayaram said: “We have retrained our service technicians in multiple auto repair disciplines and acquaint them extensively in Hyundai cutting-edge and ever changing technology and we are proud to say, we have

some of the best technicians that are trained to handle complex auto repair jobs.� The 30-day ‘before service clinic’ is also intended to help customers’ tune-up their vehicles to avoid undue cessations that could result in unplanned cost implications before the yuletide. Mr. Jayaram however said: “Our obligation at HMNL is to make ownership of Hyundai vehicles an enjoyable experience and we recognize the importance of excellence both in quality of our vehicles and in after sales service.� Meanwhile, the wholly subsidiary of Stallion Motors has said the service campaign, which is, entirely applicable to 2014 and earlier Hyundai models are to be fixed at designated Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited service centers at both Orile and Ijesha Lagos; Abuja and PortHarcourt, as well as Hyundai Commercial Vehicle garage Isolo Lagos.

Nigerian Breweries Holds 10th Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign

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he Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja recently hosted the 10th edition of the Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign in a mega-rally organised by Nigerian Breweries Plc in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The campaign is part of efforts of Nigerian Breweries to promote awareness of responsible alcohol consumption among road users, particularly commercial drivers and riders. It is also designed to reduce the impact of drink driving on road crashes. Corps Commander Bisi Kazeem, who represented the Corps Marshall, said that Nigerians must be aware that frequent cases of road crashes during the ‘ember’ months are unconnected to demonic activities but due to human factors. He noted the campaign is a timely reminder that drinking and driving do not only pose threat to the life of the drunk driver, but also to the lives and property of other road users. Corps Commander Wobin Ayuba Gora, FCT Sector Commander, reminded drivers of the big responsibility they shoulder by conveying a high number of commuters of all categories, whose lives they could endanger through drink driving. Mr. Vivian Ikem, Head, Government Relations, NB, who represented the MD/CEO of Nigerian Breweries, noted that since inception, the Don’t Drink and Drive campaign rallies

L-R: Bill Gray, Marketing Director, West African Business Unit; Yebeltal Getachew, Customer and Commercial Leadership Director, West African Business Unit, Owoseni Sanni, Legal Entitiy Controller, West African Business Unit, all of Coca Cola and Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group at the grand ďŹ nale of the 2017 Coca Cola Golf Tournament co-sponsored by Jaguar LandRover - Coscharis Motors Plc‌ recently

had been hosted in 39 cities and engaged over 16,000 drivers. He encouraged participants to continue to support improving road safety in Nigeria by drinking and acting responsibly. Participants at the mega-rally included members of different transport unions: National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), NationalAssociation of Road Transport Owners

(NARTO), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Luxury Bus Owners Association of Nigeria (LUBOAN), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Association of Commercial Motor Cycle Riders of Nigeria (ACCOMORON), Keke riders, NGOs and others. During the rally, drivers and riders were offered free eye tests and blood pressure checks.

Emergency Stop Good forward planning and anticipation can help in avoiding emergencies. Good drivers will rarely have to stop in an emergency as they are always on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations and will act accordingly. As a driver if you spot any possible danger early, the sooner you can act on it. When driving, taking early precautions, for exampleslowingdownearly,willmakeitlesslikely that you need to stop in an emergency. But even experienced and professional drivers sometimes find themselves having to stop quickly because something unexpected happens, for example a pedestrian running into the road and consequently the only course of action is to undertake an emergency stop. Quick reactions are important in an emergency In real emergency situations it is vital that you react quickly, and you may not have time to check the mirrors before braking.As you drive, make sure that you are using your mirrors often so that you are aware of what is happening behind. As soon as you see the danger you need to apply your footbrake quickly and firmly. Ensure that you depress the brake before the clutch. If you depress the clutch first the car may become unstable and difficult to control. When you leave the clutch pedal until the last moment, the engine will help the car to slow down and you will also reduce the chances of skidding, as the road wheels are less likely to lock. When braking, you need to follow the rule of progressive braking, but unlike the case in a normal stop, you will not need to ease off the footbrake as the vehicle stops. Whilst braking, keep both hands firmly on the steering until the car has stopped. When you brake hard the weight of the car is thrown forwards and this means that you need a firm grip on the steering wheel to maintain direction or correct skids. Just before the car comes to a stop depress the clutch fully to the floor.After coming to a complete stop, secure the vehicle by applying the parking brake or handbrake and select neutral. After stopping in an emergency, you need to remember that you were in your normal driving position on the road. Before moving away again, prepare the vehicle to move and take effective observations in all your mirrors and check the blind spots to both the left and the right, ensuring it is safe before moving. Skidding Skids happen when you try to change speed (accelerating or braking) or change direction so suddenly that the tyres lose their grip with the road. The causes of skids are excessive acceleration especially on a wet road (poor road surface); steering too harshly; and braking too harshly. These situations can lead to your vehicle’s wheels lock up, which may result in rear-wheel skid, in which the rear of the car may swing round. To recover from skid, remove the cause of the skid by releasing the footbrake to allow the wheels to turn again, and then reapply the brake if necessary, with less pressure. To correct a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer into the skid, that is, if your back end swings out on the right, then turn your steeringwheeltotherightwhichwillhelpstraighten up your vehicle Most modern cars have anti-lock braking systems (ABS), which have sensor controls to release the brake and immediately apply it again, therefore preventing the wheels from locking. In correcting a skid in vehicles without ABS, if your wheels lock up, you need to release the footbrake and re-apply the brake not so harshly. To avoid skidding when driving, always look out for hazardous road conditions and adjust your speed to suit the road conditions. Innextweek’sarticleweshallbediscussingdriving in poor/special conditions – night, rain, harmattan haze, misty/foggy weather, etc. For further explanations or clarification on the articles in the EssentialSkillsofDrivingcolumn,consulttheauthor. Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

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

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚;

27

Michelin to Feature in Lagos Fair

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L-R: Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mrs Viola Graham-Douglas; Corp Public Education OďŹƒcer, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Mr Bisi Kazeem; Managing Director/Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Peter Ndegwa; Corp Commander, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) Lagos State Command, Mr Hyginus Omeje; and Company Secretary and Legal Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Rotimi Odusola at the 2017 Guinness-FRSC ag-o ceremony in Lagos‌ recently

Guinness, FRSC Begins 2017 Ember Safety Campaign Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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uinnessNigeriaPlc,inpartnershipwith the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), ONWednesday,flaggedoffthe“Ember months�ResponsibleDrinkingAwareness Campaign, a special road safety programme to curb recklessness on the roads during the last quarter of the year through to the Christmas-New year festive season. Bothorganisationshaveconsolidatedthispartnership

over the years, culminating in the yearly “Ember Months� programme, during which motorists and thepublicareenlightenedaboutthedangersofdrinkdriving, especially during the last quarter of the year (Ember Months) when celebrations, festivities and human and vehicular traffic tend to be at their peak. The flag-off ceremony, which took place at the Guinness Ogba Brewery, Ikeja, Lagos, was attended by FRSC’s Lagos Sector Commander, Mr. Hyginus Omeje, Corp Public Education officer, Bisi Kazeem, who represented the Corp Marshall, some members of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the motoring

press. Activities for this year’s programme include road shows, radio talk shows and for the first time, a training program for different categories of drivers. In his address at the occasion, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, disclosed that this year’s campaign would, for the firsttime,featurestructuredtrainingsfornewdriver’s license applicants and fleet drivers across the country. He noted that Guinness Nigeria Plc’s commitment to responsible drinking and enlightening the public about the values of responsible alcohol consumption remains unwavering.

eeping to its tradition of maintaining a very close relationship with its customers, Michelin Tyre Services Nigeria will be show casing its range of quality tyres at the Lagos International Trade Fair holding November 3-12, 2017. Holding at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) on Lagos Island, the fair will also offer Michelin the opportunity to offer generous discounts to customers, free technical advice on tyre maintenance as well as gifts. DirectorofMarketingandSalesofMichelinNigeria, Mr. Kayode Sangotayo says the company will also display other brands, aside Michelin brand, marketed by the company-Komoran, Tigar and BF Goodrichbrands. These are coming in Passenger, Van and Truck tyre ranges. AccordingtoSangotayo,“Michelinisawell-known brand worldwide. We have been providing our customers with quality tyres, and we ensure that we do not compromise when it comes to quality and safety�. He advised motorists to take advantage of the fair and purchase quality tyres for their vehicles, especially as “we draw closer to the end of the year which is usually characterised by increased vehicular movements within the country�. He also said customers would be offered special prices during the trade fair. Michelin Tyre Services offers its numerous customers a range of tyres including passenger car tyres, Light Truck tyres, Truck tyres, Earth Mover tyres, Sports Utility Vehicles tyres among others. Beyond making available a wide range of quality tyres, the company equally offers quality after-sales services in its Tyre Service Centres plus the mobile Technical services vans across the country providing tyre fitment, balancing and alignment and other free technical services.

Uber Launches New Products

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ber has announced a powerful set of new features on the app that will make it even easier for driver-partners across Nigeria to choose when, where, and how they drive. This is contained in a statement by Francesca Uriri, Communications - West Africa, which also said, “Driver-partners in Nigeria choose to drive with Uber because they can use the app on their own terms. With these new features, Uber is doubling up on what’s made Uber the first choice for flexible opportunities and making it even better.� These new features follow the recent launch of Uber’s In-App Chat, a feature which allows driverpartners and riders to chat right in the Uber app without having to share their phone numbers with one another when they need to get in touch. Lola Kassim, General Manager for Uber WestAfrica explains, “Over the last few months, we’ve spent a

lot of time listening to and engaging with over 7000 driver-partners across Nigeria, hearing what they need from the Uber app so that we can improve and transform the driver experience. We are thrilled about the feedback we received as driver-partners have been very clear on what they need. Based on their responses, we will be rolling out products that can address three keys areas: more flexibility for drivers when it comes to when they want to use Uber, using Uber technology to create a stress-free experience, and building on safety.� Tostart,Uberwillbelaunchinganumberofproducts that drivers have asked for: Driver Share My Trip: Uber already offers a way for riders to share their trip status with their contacts, and so the Share My Trip feature now allows drivers to share the trip information with loved ones, without implicating the privacy of the rider or divulging personal information or specific drop off or pick up points.

L-R: Bill Gray, Marketing Director, West African Business Unit; Yebeltal Getachew, Customer and Commercial Leadership Director, West African Business Unit, Owoseni Sanni, Legal Entitiy Controller, West African Business Unit, all of Coca Cola and Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group at the grand ďŹ nale of the 2017 Coca Cola Golf Tournament co-sponsored by Jaguar LandRover - Coscharis Motors Plc‌ recently

ROAD SIGNS AND SAFE DRIVING

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sIdrawthecurtainonthepiece on road signs and safe driving, I must recognize government efforttoaddressthelacunawith respect to the nakedness of our roads. But while we wait to see the outcome of current governmentstrategytoimproveroadsinfrastructure including road furniture as a plank for redressing road traffic crashes, we must know that Countries categorize road signs in different ways. In Nigeria for instance, road signs are categorized under these broad categories namely: Regulatory signs, which are mostly circular in shape and are of two types. Those with red circles are prohibitive signs while those with blue circles but no red signs boarder mostlygivepositiveinstructionsandaremandatory signs, which are usually rectangular. They provide guidance information. In view of the high level of road traffic accident during this season, this piece cannot but be timely as it has been observed that most avoidable crashes are sometimes occasioned by not only lack of adequate knowledge of road signs, but failure of motorist to adhere strictly to the few existing road signs on our highways.Itsubiquityonourroadisdesirableatthis point in time when the Ember Months� are already here.Motoristandpedestriansalikeneedthesesignsto achievetheirultimateaimoftheirvariousdestinations safely.Arenewedconsciousnessoncompliancewith roadsignswilltoagreatextentreducecarnageonour

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

highways. Knowledge they say is power- It is these road signs that arm you with adequate knowledge of any road you are plying. When these roads signs are complied with, you can and will always reach your destinations safely. Our road signs must reflect as Retro-reflectivity increases road safety. If some minimum reflectivity is not maintained, the signs, delineators or makings willnotaccomplishthejobitwasintendedtoperform. Our signs are yet to meet international standard. We needtomaintainminimumlevelofretro-reflectivityof signs and markings on our highways. This is because a pavement marking not reflectorised or illuminated according to FERMA is like a cosmetic application of white powder on a lady’s face that wears off with little perspiration. But a pavement marking is meant for safety and not for aesthetics. It is not supposed to be like applied lipstick on a woman’s lips, which sticks to the driving cup after few sips. Pavement markings are meant to be high

luminous intensity and not to be picked (stick to) up by vehicle tyres after few passes (sips).It is expected thatifminimumretro-reflectivityismaintainedinour pavementmarkings,signsanddelineations,therewill be increase in nighttime and poor weather safety on our roads and ultimately fewer crashes, injuries and fatalities will be reported. Retro-reflectivity is a critical element that has helped U.S Department of transport achieve its safety goals of reducing fatalities by 20%. While it is true that Nigeria, unlike the U.K with more than 2,500,000 signs and signals, 850,000 road markings and 7,000,000 road signs within roads in England alone does not have adequate signs, we can still boast of some signs and markings.The question to ask is,what is your attitude to these signs? Let us startwithovertakingprohibitedsigns,supplemented with road markings including no change lane – you will be shocked to find that most road users care less about these road markings and signs that are put to ensuresmoothandsafetraffic.Thedoublesolidmarks for instance forbids you from overtaking. The broken lines on the other hand, are used in areas where there are no restrictions on overtaking. In areas where there are restrictions on overtaking, a solid line is painted alongside the broken line. The broken line therefore becomes your legal right to overtake only if the road is clear and safe for you to do so. Our major thrust in this weeks piece however, is Regulatorysignswhicharemostlycircularinshapeand are of two types. Those with red circles are prohibitive signswhilethosewithbluecirclesareprohibitivesigns

while those with blue circles but no red boarders mostly give positive instructions and are mandatory signs, which are usually rectangular. They provide guidance information. These includes Stop signs, No Parking Signs, the No ‘U’ Turn sign, No Right Turn, Police Check Lines, Change Lane Signs, Speed Limits which sometime may specify 50 – 80km as maximum speed limit, often times at built up areas or may be construction signs amongst other signs .While I agree that we need more signs to promote safety, it is regrettable to say that something is still fundamentally wrong with our attitude towards the use of these signs.For example, in States where ON street and OFF street parking signs exist, they have become merely new aesthetics, as you will still find people parking at junctions, at bends disregarding streetparkingsigns.Otherswoulddisregardthetraffic rules that say that anything that obstructs the free flow of traffic is an offence. What about the signs that mandates you in a place like the FCT to use under the bridge if going ahead? At the Bolingo and NNPC Mega Station junctions where such signs are prominent, accidents daily occur not due to the absence of the appropriate signs or the road condition but simply that of attitude. Today, these junctions have become black spots. Norwegian definition of accident black spot on a nationalhighwayisanyplacewithaminimumlength of 100 meters, where at least four injury accidents have been reported to the police during a four year period, we can therefore conveniently describe the Giri junction, Kwali –Yangoji, Abaji – Lokoja and majorjunctionsintheFCTandHawanKiboinPlateau State as black spots.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

FAMILY HEALTH with

The Female Seed - Egg

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

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

T

diet and poor lifestyle habits can worsen this process, or even cause poor egg and sperm quality in younger individuals. In the past, the marked reduction of fertility with age was attributed only to the female, but in large studies in which it has been possible to control for female age, and in studies of recipients of eggs from young egg donors, successful pregnancy was found to occur less often as the age of the male partner increases. Some exciting new findings outlined below indicate possible ways that judicious use of supplements may rejuvenate older sperm and eggs.

Ovulation Egg cells are found in a special place within the body called ovaries. A woman is born with all of the egg cells she will ever have, but they do not present themselves for fertilization until after puberty. This is when ovulation first occurs. During the menstrual cycle, eggs that are maturing and preparing for ovulation are encased in ovarian structures called follicles. As these particular eggs mature, the size of the follicles that contain them and the level of estrogen in the woman’s body increases. This hormonal change contributes to the bodily changes experienced by many women halfway through the menstrual cycle, such as increased libido and thinning of cervical mucous. Ovulation occurs when one follicle bursts open, releasing the egg inside of it to the folds of the woman’s fallopian tube.

Diet and supplements The testicles and ovaries need a good blood supply, which brings more nutrients, oxygen and hormones so that their functions can be optimized. For example, in the male, two agents known to increase nitric oxide, and therefore blood flow, increased the level of testosterone in the bloodstream and also significantly improved semen volume, sperm numbers, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Testosterone production within the testicles is an important stimulator of normal sperm production. In the female, blood flow to the ovary correlates with the number of eggs that develop when the ovary is stimulated as well as the quality of the egg. Thus the chance of it initiating a pregnancy has been correlated with the blood supply surrounding the structure containing the egg and its nourishing cells, the granulosa cells. A better diet with more antioxidants, fruits and vegetables and less meat, dairy and processed products has also been correlated with better semen quality. Both the sperm and the eggs require a very high level of energy production. For the sperm, energy is needed for motility. For the egg, energy is needed for the proper segregation of the chromosomes and to expel one of each pair so that they can match up with the 23 chromosomes of the sperm to yield the 46 chromosomes of the adult cell. Disruptions of that process result in a higher miscarriage rate and contribute to the lower success rate of older couples. A high level of energy is also required for cell division into an embryo and by the rapidly dividing embryo. The egg has very high levels of energy-producing mitochondria, and oocyte mitochondrial DNA increases enormously during follicular growth. Co-enzyme Q-10 is critical to the transport of electrons and protons involved in the chemical reactions that drive ATP and therefore energy production by the mitochondria.

he topic we will be looking at is the human egg, which is the female seed. It is a large cell that is produced within the female reproductive cells , to enable reproduction. Just as with the male, this is a divine provision and enablement for every female to be able to bear children, upon meeting with a male seed, the sperm. God has created all human beings and given the power to reproduce with the coming together of a male and female seed. The female reproductive system has two functions: The first is to r QSPEVDF FHH DFMMT BOE UIF TFDPOE JT UP r QSPUFDU BOE OPVSJTI UIF GFUVT VOUJM CJSUI Reproductive cells, or gametes, have half of the genetic information required to form a new individual; thus, the meeting of a sperm with an egg results in a full set of chromosomes. Mature mammalian egg cells are relatively large--0.0039 inches. in diameter--and contain many proteins and protein precursors. This is because when a sperm cell introduces its genetic information to that of the egg, the egg must respond quickly so that cell division may begin and a new organism may form. Egg cells also contain many mitochondria which supply the energy required for cell replication and division. Mitochondrial deterioration occurs with age and is thought to contribute to the difficulties experienced by many women trying to conceive children in their later years.

Time Frame Once inside of the fallopian tube, an egg cell has about 48 hours to live. If it is not fertilized by a sperm within this time, it will die. The follicle that released the egg is now called a corpus luteum, and it will secrete a hormone called progesterone for about two weeks after ovulation. If the egg remains unfertilized the corpus luteum will deteriorate and stop secreting hormones. This leads to the shedding of the uterine lining and the onset of menstruation. Fertilization: If the egg comes into contact with sperm while it descends the fallopian tubes on its way to the uterus, fertilization may occur. The egg is covered in a thick membrane which the sperm must penetrate. Once inside of the egg, a chemical reaction takes place to keep other sperm from gaining entry. Meanwhile, the successful sperm cell will lose its tail while its DNA packed head will fuse with the nucleus of the egg. The egg cell, or ovum, is the female reproductive cell (gamete) in females. The egg cell is typically not capable of active movement, and it is much larger (visible to the naked eye) than the motile sperm cells. The human ovum consists of protoplasm that contains some yolk, enclosed by a cell wall consisting of two layers, an outer one (zona pellucida) and an inner, thin one (vitelline membrane). There is a large nucleus (germinal vesicle) within which is a nucleolus (germinal spot). The female reproductive cell which, after fertilization, becomes a zygote that develops into a new member of the same species. The female sex cell. When fertilized by a sperm, a gamete or zygote is capable of developing into a new individual of the same species; during maturation, the oocyte, like the sperm, undergoes a halving of its chromosomal complement so that, at its union with the male gamete, the species number of chromosomes (46 in humans) is maintained; yolk contained in the oocyte varies greatly in amount and distribution, which influences the pattern of the cleavage divisions. Eggs are huge. The human egg is a giant compared to other cells in the body. It has a diameter of about 100 microns (millionths of a meter), or roughly the thickness of a strand of hair. No other cell in the body is anywhere near that big. The importance of the egg An oocyte is an immature egg that develops from within a follicle inside in the ovaries. Normally one follicle will become a mature egg with each menstrual cycle. At birth a woman has all the oocytes that she will have for life. This number drops with age and

As these particular eggs mature, the size of the follicles that contain them and the level of estrogen in the woman’s body increases. This hormonal change contributes to the bodily changes experienced by many women halfway through the menstrual cycle, such as increased libido and thinning of cervical mucous. Ovulation occurs when one follicle bursts open, releasing the egg inside of it to the folds of the woman’s fallopian tube

after each normal menstrual cycle. Maturation An oocyte will mature during the first week of the menstrual cycle. Up to two days before ovulation, the oocyte will be nourished by the surrounding cells. As this process happens, the surrounding cells start to proliferate and produce a high progesterone concentration. Then the follicle will release a fluid along with the oocyte to allow for a smooth flow of the mature egg to the fallopian tubes, where fertilization will take place. Follicle growth can be followed by conducting an ultrasound. Its function is the formation of a Zygote to merge your kernel with the male gamete (spermatozoon), phenomenon called fertilization. The woman is born with an already established endowment of oocytes that are progressively disappearing due to a phenomenon called atresia, so that upon reaching the age of puberty are approximately about 300,000 oocytes in the ovaries. In each menstrual cycle, an egg will run until ovulation and about 1,000 will be lost. In this way, at the age of 35 , about 10% of the oocytes are lost. It is common that in cases of age , because of the maternal advanced age , and the already is exhausted the ovarian reserve, it is more difficult to be able to give rise to a healthy child. The human egg During fetal life, there are about 6 million to 7 million eggs. From this time, no new eggs are produced. At birth, there are approximately 1 million eggs; and by the time of puberty, only about 300,000 remain. Of these, only 300 to 400 will be ovulated during a woman’s reproductive lifetime. The female reproductive system provides several functions. The ovaries produce the female egg cells, called the ova or oocytes. The oocytes are then transported to the fallopian tube where fertilization by a sperm may occur. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where the uterine lining has thickened in response to the normal hormones of the reproductive cycle. Once in the uterus the fertilized egg can implant into thickened uterine lining and continue to develop. If fertilization does not take place, the uterine lining is shed as menstrual flow. In addition, the female reproductive system produces female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle. During menopause the female reproductive system gradually stops making the female hormones necessary for the reproductive cycle to work. At this point, menstrual cycles can become irregular and eventually stop. One year after menstrual cycles stop, the woman is considered to be menopausal. How many eggs does a woman have? During fetal life, there are about 6 million to 7 million eggs. From this time, no new eggs are produced. At birth, there are approximately 1 million eggs; and by the time of puberty, only about 300,000 remain. Of these, only 300 to 400 will be ovulated during a woman’s reproductive lifetime. Fertility can drop as a woman ages due to decreasing number and quality of the remaining eggs. Factors that aect egg quality Age Unfortunately as men and women age, both the sperm and the eggs are less able to form an embryo that can implant and form a normal offspring. A poor

Smoking Smoking has major adverse effects on both sperm and egg quality. With female smoking, natural fertility is decreased and the chance of successful pregnancy with IVF is decreased by 50%. Although one would assume that the effects would be lesser in degree, second-hand smoke was found to have a similar effect on the outcome of VF compared with smoking. The effect is not only on egg quality. Recipients of egg donation who smoke also have a significantly lower pregnancy rate. Alcohol Alcohol also reduces fertility in both partners and alcohol intake by the male may increase miscarriage. In one study small amounts of caffeine and alcohol appeared to have additive or even synergistic effects in the female. As with most adverse life choices, the effects appear to be greater with the more advanced procedure of IVF. With the exception of couples just beginning to attempt conception, avoiding alcohol will give them the greatest chance of being successful. Caeine Caffeine intake does not appear to affect male fertility unless it is excessive (over 3 cups of caffeinated coffee per day). However, female fertility is influenced to a greater degree, with moderate amounts reducing fertility and any significant intake reducing the success with IVF. Caffeine should not be used by pregnant women as it has been associated with miscarriage. Stress and relaxation : Finally, any discussion of life choices and fertility would be incomplete without discussing the effects of anxiety, stress, and depression. Various studies have shown a reduced success rate in achieving pregnancy in women experiencing these symptoms, and an intensive stress reduction program (Mind/Body) has been shown in controlled studies to reduce the time to achieve a pregnancy in couples just beginning to attempt conception and to increase the pregnancy rate with IVF. How to improve egg qulity Avoid taking alcohol, caffeine and smoking. Take supplements. Live a healthy life style. Manage stress. Eat good food. Good energy. Good hormonal fuels. Protection from free radicals. Good blood flow.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 16, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

04.11.2017

Francis Uzoho A New Goalkeeper for Super Eagles?

NO LOVE LOST

PAGE. 29

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

A New Goalkeeper for Super Eagles?

Ă˜ Ă?ÚÓÞĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂŒĂ™Ă™Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ͺ͸͚΀ Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ăš ÞÓĂ?Ă•Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă‹ åÓÞÒ Ă‹ Ă—Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă’ ÞÙ Ă‘Ă™Ëœ Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă‹ ÞÒËÞ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă™Ăž Ă™Ă’Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?ÙËĂ?Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂĄ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?ÚÖĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă˜Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? ÑÙËÖÕĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŽĂ?ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ—Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽ Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ËŞĂ? Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž Ă–Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă“Ă‘Ă’ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ–ĂŁ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ Ă™Ă˜ Ùà Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ ͚͸ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ͚͟ ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?ÞÓà Ă?Ă–ĂŁËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜ ÞËĂ?ÞÓĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? ËÞÞĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ͚΀̋ãĂ?Ă‹ĂœĚ‹Ă™Ă–ĂŽ Ă?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ“Ă Ă™ Ă‹ Ă™ĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹ ÑÙËÖÕĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ?ĂœËœ ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă? Ă¤Ă™Ă’Ă™Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ?Ă? ËÚÚĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ Ă“Ă‘Ă‹ Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ë› Kunle Adewale ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?

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ith one match left, the Super Eagles have booked the ticket to Russia 2018 World Cup, yet, there are still worries about the quality of the team, especially in the goalkeeping area. During the qualifying matches, three goalkeepers were on parade- Carl Ikeme, who lost out to acute leukaemia, Daniel Akpeyi, who was shaky against Algeria in Uyo and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who Rohr has no total confidence in. Dele Ajiboye and Dele Alampasu are considered outsiders. Rohr has now beamed his searchlight on 18-yearold Deportivo La Coruna’s Francis Uzoho. Therefore, ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria and the international friendly game against Argentina, Uzoho has been handed his first Nigerian call-up after making his La Liga debut in La Coruna’s 0-0 draw with Eibar on October 16. Uzoho was extended an invite for the Super Eagles’ last Russia 2018 qualifying match against the Desert Foxes on November 10 and a friendly against Jorge Sampaoli’s star-studded Albiceleste four days later. According to a statement on the club's website, "Francis Uzoho, a goalkeeper who recently debuted in an official match with RC Deportivo, has been called up for the first time by Nigeria, for the last qualifying match for the 2018 World Cup and a friendly." In an interview with THISDAY, former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Christian Obi warned against selecting players on sentiment ahead of the World Cup, saying that in the area of goalkeeping, age and experience count a lot. “With the World Cup just around the corner, the

Super Eagles coaching crew should shun selecting players based on sentiment. The Mundial is the pinnacle of football; it is therefore not a tournament for an 18-year-old boy, most especially in the area of goalkeeping. It is a very crucial aspect of the team. He is the one that sees the whole field better than the other players and can chip in advice to his teammates when and where necessary. You need a very experienced person to do this kind of job and not a kid,� the 2005 FIFA U-20 Youth Championship bronze winner warned. Continuing, he said, “After our exploit in the U-20 World Cup in Russia, some of us were drafted into the senior national team, and as an 18-year old then, I was not given the opportunity to keep for the Super Eagles until after many years in camp. I was just there as an understudy to the older and more experienced goalkeepers, before I eventually got my chance after the coaching crew felt I had matured and amassed enough experience. So, the fact that Francis Uzoho has been in goal in three matches for Deportivo La Coruna, owing to injury to first choice goalkeeper is not enough to merit a national team call-up. “I think an invitation to the junior team would rather be more appropriate for Uzoho to show Nigerians the stuff he’s made of, from then he can graduate to the national team. I will advise the Super Eagles coaching crew to stick to Apeyi and Ezenwa, support them with the experience of Vincent Enyeama depending on his form, but not a goalkeeper who is just cutting his teeth in goalkeeping.� Uzoho, a former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper became the youngest foreign goalkeeper to ever play in La Liga in a memorable Deportivo La Coruna debut after keeping a clean sheet in his club’s 0-0 draw at Eibar. The 18-year-old, who arrived at the club from

Qatar’s Aspire Academy in January, produced four important saves to help Deportivo claim a point. “A day that will never disappear from my memory – my debut – thanks all for the support,â€? he said. At 18 years 11 months and 17 days, he becomes the second youngest player in La Liga this season, behind Real Madrid’s Moroccan defender, Achraf Hakimi – who made his debut at 18 years 10 months 27 days earlier this month. After regular first-choice goalkeeper, Ruben, suffered a finger injury, Deportivo boss Pepe Mel opted for the Nigerian ahead of the experienced Costel Pantilimon and was impressed by the youngster. “A coach has to act according to the things he sees in training. He is only 18 and he can barely speak Spanish but I know what he can offer this club,â€? Mel said. Uzoho was born on October 28, 1998. He joined Qatari Aspire Academy in 2013 when he was 14. Uzoho started his footballing career as an attacker but was converted to a goalkeeper after being deemed "too slow" at the age of 12. In 2016, after impressing on a tournament in Barcelona, he joined Deportivo de La Coruna's Juvenilsquad. Age rules meant that Uzoho could only become available to sign a contract with DĂŠpor in January 2017; shortly after signing his contract, he started to train with the first team and was promoted to the reserves ahead of the new season. He made his senior debut on September 10 in a 3–0 Segunda Division B home win against Real Madrid Castilla. Uzoho made his first team and La Liga debut on 15 October in a 0–0 away draw against Eibar. At the age of 18 years and 352 days, he became the youngest ever foreign goalkeeper to debut in La Liga, and the second-youngest player to appear in the league behind Real Madrid's Achraf Hakimi.

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NOVEMBER 4, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Promasidor: Nurturing Sports through Private Sector Participation

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hen a national team returns with a laurel, every Nigerian celebrates. And when success appears unattainable, most people turn spiritual, seeking divine help. But not many play an active role in the painstaking process of building a virile, competitive national side. Quite a number of sports lovers blame the government for poor funding of the sector. But government appears overwhelmed with other priorities such as infrastructure, health and education to give much attention to sports development. And when it does, its efforts rarely go beyond tactical intervention such as payment of athletes’ allowances and logistics bills. Building an enduring sports sector is not a quick-fix. It requires strategic and sustained investment. As demanding as this task is, the recreational appeal of its result presents a unique opportunity for corporate organisations and individuals to promote their brands – a reason sports sponsorship has emerged both as a specialised investment window and as a robust corporate social responsibility (CSR) platform. But sports investment might not be particularly an exciting subject in Nigeria, perhaps because the sector requires a long-term funding arrangement which is yet inaccessible. The loss to a cold investment market is seemingly compensated for by the fast-growing number of corporate organisations that are embracing the sector as a viable CSR vehicle. Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk, Top Tea, Loya Milk and other quality food products, is one among other companies that are making a vast socioeconomic impact through sports CSR. Apart from one-off activities, which are regular in its corporate kitty, Promasidor has been able to sustain its key initiatives, which are aimed at building future athletes. For instance, the company has consistently sponsored the Cowbell Football Academy (CFA), a programme it unveiled in 2012. For its steadfastness and robust youth summer programme, CFA has entrenched itself as a household name in the football community with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation and leading ex-internationals, including ex-Super Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami and former Barcelona FC’s defender, Gbenga Okunowo, describing the initiative as one of the most effective youth development CSR projects in the country. Sponsored by Cowbell Milk, the official milk of the Nigerian Olympics Team to the 2012 Olympic Games held in the United Kingdom, CFA is not only a training platform but also a mentorship forum. At its recent Summer Camp held in the National Stadium, Lagos, ex-Super Eagles stars, including Mutiu Adepoju, Franklin Howard, Odegbami and Okunowo, were on ground to motivate and share their experiences with the kids. The former Managing Director of the

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE 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

Kids training during the recent CFA Summer Camp, held at the National Stadium, Lagos

company, Chief Keith Richards, who unveiled the CFA initiative five years ago, did say that those who passed through the academy “will soon begin to shine.” Richards was not a prophet but a corporate leader. But in this particular case, he got his prophecy right. Two years after CFA kicked off, Toyeeb Gidado, who has been with CFA from the onset, hit the national limelight. Gidado captained the Under-15 Team Nigeria at the 2014 Youth Olympics held in Botswana, which won the soccer game gold medal. At the finale of 2017 CFA Summer Camp, Gidado said: “I am excited about the opportunity Cowbell has given me. I captained the Under-15 Team Nigeria at the 2014 Youth Olympics and we came back with the gold medal in the soccer game. The training I received at the academy makes me what I am; several clubs have shown interest in me. The training CFA gives us does not end on the pitch, it makes us better citizens.” Corroborating Gidado’s position, Howard, former captain of the defunct New Nigerian Bank Football Team, described Promasidor as a winner, saying CFA and other similar initiatives would help the country to hone the skills of young players and create a national pool of talents. “The contribution of Promasidor has been very supportive. Both managerial and tactical aspects of CFA have been fantastic. Promasidor is a winner because it associates with winners. The company has been very consistent with its CSR. The good news of CFA is that some of the boys will be part of the junior teams in the nearest future,” Howard predicted. Speaking through its NFF First Vice President, Seyi Akinwumi, at the 2016 edition of the camp, NFF noted that CFA would contribute greatly to football development in Nigeria. “Apart from catching the young school children and schooling them on football, the NFF has also realised that they are being taught discipline, interpersonal and communication skills, which help them to excel in any endeavour,” Akinwumi said. Of its objective, Promasidor Nigeria has maintained that CFA was aimed at building responsible citizens and a national football Nigerians would always love to celebrate. And nothing is more assuring about the future of the Academy than the assurances of the Managing Director of the company, Anders Einarsson. His positive disposition does not stop at mere promises. At the opening of the 2017 Summer Camp, the Promasidor Nigeria’s boss joined the kids in session and

exhibited his football artistry. An excited Einarsson also promised that the company would continue to sustain the tempo of interest that CFA had raised, while urging Nigerians to “make the best use of the opportunity.” Parents and other stakeholders, who are immersed into the transformative impact of the academy, could only wish that the company expands the content of the Academy to cover other sports. Promasidor Nigeria has programmes that have caught the attention of other sports lovers. One of such activities is Loya Swim Meet, a secondary school swimming competition. The maiden edition started last December in Lagos, featuring 10 students who participated in three categories – 25 metres freestyle, 50 metres freestyle and 100 metres freestyle. The competition, which was held at the Grange School, Lagos, had 10 secondary schools in attendance. The participating schools included Dowen College, Chrisland College, Greensprings School, Halifield Schools and ST&T Regency International School. Others were Supreme Education Foundation, Queensland Academy, Grace High School, Avi-cenna International and Honeyland College. Following the success of the first edition, the company followed up with another competition held in Port Harcourt, Rivers States, where different schools in the state showcased their amateur athletes. The competition is structured to hold in different states to reflect the national appeal of Loya Milk, the sponsoring brand. Speaking at the Lagos event, Marketing Manager, Promasidor Nigeria, Mr. Abiodun Ayodeji, said: “At the heart of Loya Milk is the need to improve the well-being of children, and this is achieved not only by providing the best nutrition but also by identifying with a sport that promotes this wellbeing. Swimming is a 360-degree sport that involves all parts of the body. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight, healthy heart, muscle control and it is a fun exercise for children.” Promasidor has also demonstrated its love for sports through the sponsorship of the Cowbell Chocolate/NYSC Female Volleyball Competition. For its consistency, the company has received commendations from the National Youth Service Corps who has urged other corporate entities to emulate its gesture. During a recent edition of the event held at the Lagos State NYSC Orientation Camp, the State Director of the Corps, Cyril

Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Anders Einarsson

Akhanemhe described Promasidor as a pacesetter. According to him, the company has consistently created an excitement for NYSC members and brought to limelight the sporting skills of the participants. A camp commandant, Major Shehu Bashir also added that the company has impacted the country’s sports development by encouraging youths to channel their “efforts towards their physical fitness.” Lesser known sports have also attracted the intervention of Promasidor. Two years ago, it donated 1,000 hockey sticks to the Lagos State Hockey Association as part of its contribution to the development of the game in Nigeria. That was at the Lagos State Secondary Schools Sports Festival tagged IBILE Games 2015. Presenting the equipment, the Head Legal and PR, Promasidor Nigeria, Andrew Enahoro said: “This is Promasidor’s way of giving back to the society and keeping the kids away from the streets. This is the first in the series of donations we are going to make.” Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Tunde Popoola described Promasidor’s gesture as the best way to support sports. “This is where hockey starts at the youth level… We have been given 1,000 hockey sticks, which have been distributed to 24 participating schools. These will go a long way in supporting the development of hockey. We are very grateful to Promasidor for doing this, especially when hockey is almost going into comatose,” Popoola said. Indeed, Promasidor has demonstrated that it is committed to building a sound mind in a healthy body.

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helsea and Manchester United go head to head this weekend in a match neither club dare lose as Manchester City entertain Arsenal eyeing a chance to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League. Pep Guardiola's unbeaten City are smashing records with impunity and are already five points clear of Jose Mourinho's United after nine wins in 10 games. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has however said his team will not adopt a defensive approach on Sunday. Arsenal's three league defeats this season have come on the road but Wenger is adamant his side will play to their strengths and not risk defending deep against a top attacking unit at the Etihad Stadium. "We'll of course try to play our game. We'll not hide. When we go there, we'll want to defend well. But we cannot go there and be focused on only defending. We want as well to play and have the ball and create dangerous situations. The best way to defend sometimes is to attack," Wenger told reporters City's fluid attacking style of play is already drawing comparisons to Wenger's 2003-04 'Invincibles' squad, who lifted the title without losing a single league game in the season. Wenger, however, reckons it is too early into the season to assess a team and pointed to Real Madrid's 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League this week as an example of a sudden shift in momentum. "It's only 10 games played, it's 28 to go. That's quite a long way. They (City) are going through a good patch. If you look at what has been said about Real Madrid three weeks ago, it shows you how fragile everything is in the game," he added. However, Sergio Aguero, who this week became Manchester City's all-time record goalscorer with 178 strikes, would be the stand-out star at many Premier League clubs. But it is a measure of the attacking riches at Guardiola's disposal that he has to share star billing with a host of other quicksilver forwards. Aguero is some way down the goalscoring charts, at 12th on the Premier League list, well behind Alan Shearer at the top on 260 goals. But it is his strike rate that catches the eye. The Argentine, who arrived at City from Atletico Madrid in 2011, averages 0.69 goals per match, well ahead of Shearer (0.59) and just ahead of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry (0.68). "What he has achieved has made him a legend. He's gone down in history, so I would tell him to enjoy," said Guardiola. Meanwhile, Chelsea would try to rediscover their hunger against United. Chelsea turned last season's Premier League race into a procession but it's been a different story this time around, with three defeats already – they only lost five matches in the whole of last season. Manager Antonio Conte criticised his side after they crashed 3-0 in Rome this week, saying they "lacked everything", though they are still likely to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages. Chelsea are already nine points behind leaders Manchester City and defeat against United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday would leave them with an impossiblelooking task. "We must find the hunger we showed all of last season, and sometimes this season. But this season has been up and down. We need to find consistency," said Conte. Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho was lambasted for his cautious tactics in a 0-0 bore draw at Anfield last month, with critics saying he had missed a trick by failing to test Liverpool's suspect defence.

Aguero scores against Arsenal last season Since then they have laboured to a couple of wins against Benfica in the Champions League and beaten Spurs 1-0 on home turf in the Premier League, as well as losing to Huddersfield. Ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho, who held a finger to his lips and told the doubters to calm down after his side beat Spurs last weekend, is unlikely to be persuaded to depart from his pragmatic game plan against Chelsea even though Conte's men are coming into the match on the back of a poor defensive display against Roma. Elsewhere, Tottenham will look to build on their impressive 3-1 win against European champions Real Madrid in midweek and Liverpool will attempt to stay on the coattails of the Premier

League pacesetters at West Ham. Managerless Everton, who host Watford at home on Sunday, are in free-fall and must find a way to arrest their slide. The Merseyside club, who boast a proud record of being ever-present in the English top-flight since 1954, find themselves in the relegation zone with only two Premier League wins. Caretaker boss, David Unsworth, in charge since Ronald Koeman was sacked, has pleaded for the new manager to be given time to turn things around. "Whoever gets the honour of being Everton boss, including me, needs time with this set of players," he said.

Dortmund, Bayern Battles Live On StarTimes

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tarTimes subscribers will continue to enjoy live matches from the Bundesliga season as Borussia Dortmund slugs it out with Bayern Munich this weekend on StarTimes World football (channel 254 and 245). Bayern Munich is presently leading the table with 23 points, three points ahead of second placed Dortmund heading into the clash. Bayern striker Lewandoski will be fit to return for clash, as league leaders. FC Augsburg will also host Bayer Leverkusen at the WWK Arena same day, Gladbach will welcome Mainz 05, while RB Leipzig will play Hannover 96 to the Red Bull Arena, the action spills into Sunday with Cologne versus Hoffenhaim match at 2:30pm and Hertha berlin will go up against Wolfsburg. Brands and Marketing Director at StarTimes, Qasim Elegbede, said the company is steadily fulfilling its commitment to deliver a fine mix of sporting cocktail live to its customers and football lovers. “We have shown and we will continue to demonstrate that our focus is on satisfying our subscribers by bringing to their living rooms

live matches from the biggest players and clubs in top European leagues. This upcoming cracker is another opportunity to excite our subscribers,� he said. StarTimes will also thrill subscribers with scintillating live matches of Ligue 1 league this weekend. League leaders Paris Saint German with 29 points from 11 games will be traveling down to Bouin to play Angers who are have gathered 13points from 11games, while second place, Monaco will confront Guingamp at the Stade Lous II. Other matches slated for the same day include Montpellier, Amiens and Nantes; Toulouse and Strasbourg. The Stade SaintSymphorien will see Lille squaring up with last place Metz also today. Sunday will see Nice face Dijon while Lyon will encounter St Ethiene. StarTimes is the leading digital-TV operator in Africa, covering the entire continent's population with a massive distribution network of 200 branded halls, 3,000 convenience stores and 5,000 distributors.

Fixtures TODAY Stoke City v HuddersďŹ eld v Newcastle v Southampton v Swansea v West Ham v

Leicester West Brom Bournemouth Burnley Brighton Liverpool

12:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

SUNDAY Tottenham Man City Chelsea Everton

Crystal Palace Arsenal Man Utd Watford

12:00 14:15 16:30 16:30

v v v v

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

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

29 19 12 8 6 1 0 -3 1 -1 0 -1 -6 -9 -4 -9 -5 -13 -8 -17

28 23 20 19 19 16 16 15 14 13 12 12 12 11 10 9 8 8 7 4

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L-R: Product Manager, DuďŹ l Prima Foods Plc, Onome Asagbra, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, ex-International, Augustine Okocha and General Manager, Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria Martin Mabutho, during the MultiChoice Premier League Trophy Tour held at the Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos recently

Award Winner at the 23rd Benin Ladies Open Gulf Tournament held at the Benin Golf Club Course...recently

Fury Wants Joshua in Wembley Showdown Tyson Fury has welcomed the prospect of facing Anthony Joshua in one of the "biggest fights in British boxing history" - and hopes it can be staged at Wembley next summer. The former heavyweight world champion stoked up his rivalry with Joshua this week by suggesting on social media that he will make a comeback like ring great Muhammad Ali for a showdown with 'AJ'. Fury is waiting for a final ruling from UK-Anti-Doping on a suspended drugs ban and the British Boxing Board of Control are yet to be notified by his legal team about a new date for the hearing. But the 29-year-old is confident he will be cleared to end his long absence with a warm-up bout early next year, then take a

massive fight with Joshua at the national stadium. "I've had two years out of the ring. Fat as a pig, hairy as an animal, but still as hungry as a lion," Fury exclusively told Sky Sports. "You have two years out of the ring and it gives you that va-va-voom to get back in there and bust a few heads. "Do I need that many warm-ups? I don't think so. Am I a 40-year-old? No, I'm 29. Still got a long time in boxing. I'm just so happy and excited to potentially be a part of one of the biggest fights in British boxing history. "People say, why do you think it's that? I'm saying it because two unbeaten heavyweights, one unified champion, one

lineal champion, both over six foot six tall, both over 18 stone. One nice guy, one bad man - it is what it is. I think the public are going to relish the thoughts of making this fight happen. "I think next summer is ideal and realistic. I'm not going to do it in February or March, because obviously I'm not in shape. But I'll be back in shape by the time March, April comes around. Back ripped, looking sexy as ever. A couple of sun beds, a haircut and a shave, I'll be back to my old self." Fury was on the receiving end of disciplinary action from boxing's governing bodies after making a string of controversial statements following his world title triumph against Wladimir Klitschko in November

MultiChoice Thrills Subscribers with Live Premier League Trophy Display Following a series of events which included the Premier League trophy visiting media houses, MultiChoice offices, and also being hosted by the Nigerian Minister of Sports, the much acclaimed Trophy Tour came full circle last Saturday, at the Teslim Balogun stadium as lucky DStv and GOtv subscribers gathered to see the famed trophy whilst also watching live screenings of Premier League matches. The day's events began in the morning at the National Stadium, Surulere, with the MultiChoice Premier League Trophy Tour legend, erstwhile Bolton FC and Super Eagles Captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha

partaking in football matches as part of the MultiChoice 'Let's Play' initiative to promote healthy living amongst children. The proceedings shifted to the Teslim Balogun Stadium, where under the watchful eyes of the Premier League officials, the trophy was mounted for visitors to take pictures with. A live screening of selected football matches including Manchester United versus Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal versus Swansea followed, with Jay Jay Okocha providing guest commentary alongside the SuperSport hosts. Speaking at the event, the General Manager, Marketing, for MultiChoice

Nigeria, Mr. Martin Mabutho, said: "We continue to take pride in providing the very best and exclusive sporting content and experiences to our viewers. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people to see the Premier League trophy and take pictures up close and personal. Every year we see various clubs fighting to lift this trophy and not many people, even Premier League players, ever get the opportunity to come this close. We are delighted to have brought the trophy to Nigeria and are thrilled to also have none other than Jay Jay Okocha accompanying it on its tour."

Oyo Boxing Association Lauds GOtv NextGen Search Chairman of the Oyo State Boxing Association, Mr. Lateef Opaleye Akintunde, has commended the decision of GOtv, sponsors of the GOtv Boxing NextGen Search, to stage the third edition in Ibadan. Speaking in Ibadan yesterday, Akintunde said GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 3, a talent hunt for young boxers seeking to turn professional, is a platform for boxers in Oyo State and others from across the country quick access into the professional cadre. He explained that the lack of opportunity has hampered the development of many talented boxers in the country. “Young and talented boxers around

here and I’m sure in other parts of the country have had their development stymied by the lack of easy access into the professional ranks. With the GOtv Boxing NextGen Search coming to Ibadan, a big chance awaits boxers to find their way into the paid category. “We have many talented boxers in Oyo State and they have been itching for an opportunity such as this. It is why GOtv and Flykite Promotions, the sponsors and organisers respectively, deserve enormous praise for the decision to stage the talent hunt in Ibadan,� he said. Akintunde called on young boxers to pick up registration forms for the

talent hunt at the Lekan Salami Stadium and Walan Hotel, Ring Road Ibadan and the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control Secretariat, National Stadium, Lagos. Intending participants can also register through phone calls to designated numbers. GOtv Boxing NextGen Search, which debuted in February 2016, will hold between 16 and 18 November at Walan Hotel (formerly D’Rovans Hotel), Ibadan. Participating boxers will take part in sparring sessions under the watchful eyes of top-tier boxing coaches such as Joe Mensah and Obisia Nwakpa, who will select the best among them.

Crunchy Semifinal Fixtures in Nigeria Bankers' Games The stage is now set for the semifinals of the football event in the on-going Nigeria Bankers' Games at the Yabatech Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos on Sunday. United Bank of Africa (UBA) will slug it out with their First Bank counterparts at 12:45pm, while Fidelity Bank will keep a date with First City Monumental Bank at 2:10pm. Fidelity Bank qualified after overcoming a dominant Union Bank side, just as

First Bank held Sterling Bank to a one all draw to pick the semifinals ticket. In tennis event played at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, First Bank defeated Sterling Bank to claim gold in the men singles, while Union Bank stopped Sterling Bank to win the doubles gold. In the women category, Fidelity Bank claimed gold in both the singles and doubles event.

The Games has so far witnessed a large turnout of contingents from all participating banks, just as the athletics event will flag off this weekend in Yaba. The Nigeria Bankers Games which is in its 17th season is unarguably the biggest corporate sporting event in the Banking industry. It is designed to bring staffs, family and friends of the Banking Industry together in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Independence Rugby 7s

4 Inches Heel Race Competition Debuts in Lagos An integrated marketing communications outfit, DAK Marketing Services Limited , is set to bring a first of its kind event that has been designed to thrill and entertain participants and guests with debut of 4 inches heel race on November 18. According to the organisers, the event is a sport and entertainment programme aimed at providing a platform for young Nigerian women to showcase their skills and God-given talents. The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of DMS, Elder Dede Kalu who spoke on the upcoming event, said participants would be expected to wear four-inch high heeled shoes and compete in a 100-meter race. Describing the event as a glorious initiative, Elder Kalu said the company is passionate about young Nigerians and would continue to advance contemporary ways to recognise, empower and celebrate the youths who have outstanding talents to showcase. “This event is aimed at empowering and enlightening young ladies on how to be smart and confident on high heels. This rationale behind this event is that we are concerned about the numerous injuries ladies encounter almost on a daily basis when walking on the streets or crossing the roads wearing high heeled shoes because they lack the confidence to walk smartly in them. This has given us great concern to create this platform to address this issue effectively. This event will be a great opportunity to celebrate and close the year in grand style. DMS Limited is calling on all Lagosians and Nigerians to be part of this great event." "

Ghana Sets for Lagos Teakwondo Classics Ghana has indicated its willingness to attend the forthcoming 2017 edition of the Lagos International Taekwondo classics holding from November 23 -25, at the Sir Molade Okoya Thomas multipurpose hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Other countries whose entries have also been received include Senegal, Mali and Seychelles among others. This is the fourth edition of the programme. Chairman of the main organising committee, Jimmy Ogunowo disclosed to media men yesterday that the level of preparations made so far will ensure more participation from other countries for the annual event. Ogonowo who is also the chairman of the Lagos State Taekwondo Association said preparations towards hosting a successful championship. "We have made all the necessary contacts including equipments and man power from the Korean embassy will be available for the programme," he remarked. He said that the Teakwondo classic is being sponsored by the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Sports Commission in line with the State Government policy on Sports development, Tourism and Entertainment. Adding that the State association which is the pioneer taekwondo body in Nigeria, will continue to encourage and organise such championship in its bid to boost grassroots development of the sport not only in Lagos but Nigeria in general.

Samurai Dominates Lagos Rugby 7s Title

The 8th edition of the Lagos Independence Rugby 7s came to an exciting end last week at the Lagos Polo club with Samurai Barracudas edged out Cowrie Rfc of Lagos 26-0 to win the coveted title for the second consecutive time. The two day event which featured 12 teams drawn from different parts of Nigeria, as well as South Africa and United Kingdom, expectedly attracted a large crowd of rugby enthusiasts, who were thoroughly thrilled. In some of the classification matches played earlier, Sabongari Rfc beat Warri Wolves 14-0, to win the Bowl final and the cash prize of one hundred thousand naira; Delta Force Rfc defeated Nasarawa Rfc 15-12 to win the Plate, as well as, a cash prize of N150, 000. In the exhibition games, Edo Women defeated Lagos 10-5; and Barewa Academy defeated Edo Boys 15-12. The impressive crowd was treated to the biggest game of the event, as the veterans of the game from Nigeria thumped their South African counterparts. In the championship match, Cowrie Rfc of Lagos started like a house on fire. Taking the game to their more illustrious opponents.

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T H I S D AY SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2017

T H I S D AY SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2017

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Dare2Dream 2017 Grand Finale Night Was LEGIT!!

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

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are2Dream grand finale, featuring young talents in the fashion and entertainment industries, was held at Federal Palace Hotel in VI, Lagos. Sponsored by FCMB and Imperial Leather, this season of Dare2Dream expanded beyond the multi-talented female models by adding a new category of performing artists, giving the opportunity to both male and female talents to rise. The judges panel was legit! Dakore EgbusonAkande, Denrele Edun, Ikechukwu, Ono Bello, Maje Ayida and Bolajo Fawehinmi, representing talent and high-performance in fashion and entertainement, were asked to elect one winner per category. The three finalists in the multi-talented models category were Naya from University of Calabar, Agatha from University of Lagos and Ini from University of Calabar. The seven finalists from the performing artists category were Mayowa from Port-Harcourt competing as presenter and the grand finale night’s co-host, Amal, a Ugandan-born Lagos-based singer and sound producer, John-David, the leader of the dance crew X3mflux from Calabar, Promise, the beatboxer from Calabar, Samuel aka SamStrek, the contemporary dancer from Calabar, Tega the designer of his own TS Finery Fashion House with DaViva fabrics from Benin scouted in UniLag and AK, the designer of his own afro-urban fashion label, Raycan Elvis from Port-Harcourt. So much talent under one roof! What made this season really special was the heavy involvement of the youth not just in the competition but also backstage working on producing the show and platform. For example, the final event was co-hosted by Cool TV’s Ayo Thompson and a youth influencer from UniLag, TeeJay, the VeeJay, who did his thing like if it was not his first time on such a big stage. Also, the youth media influencers Steevane and 9jacampusstyle were involved in the bootcamp’s training on digital content creation and new media marketing. The audience was also legit! So many distinguished celebrities came to support. Stephanie Linus, Adam Nuru, MD of FCMB, Bolanle Austin-Peters, Uti, Seun Kuti, Mai Atafo, Bolinto, Tonye Cole, Betti Irabor, Lanre Da Silva, Alex Khotor of Le Connaisseur , just to name a few, enjoyed the show with a glass of Penfolds wine. Alright, Alright, Alright, enough suspense! After a series of spectacular performances from 10 really gifted young stars, the winner of this season finally emerged. For the multi-talented model category, Ini Iniama, 19 years-old, student of Theatre and Media Studies at University of Calabar wowed the audience with her allure on the runway and a poignant gymnastic dance performance. In the performing artist category, the beatboxer Promise captivated the grand audience like if he had an orchestra in his mouth. The tagline of Dare2Dream is,“we are all winners� which means that what matters the most is determination and positive vibes always. In this spirit, Josephine Eno, finalist from Season 1 scouted in Uni-Lag, was surprised with a special winner prize for her consistent dedication and hard work as the most active on social media, best presence onstage and attitude backstage. The 3 winners Ini, Promise and Josephine, are invited to fly to Milan, courtesy of KLM. The multi-talented model winner becomes the new face of FCMB and Imperial Leather and win a cash prize of 500,000 Naira. The performing artist winner and the 2 other multi-talented models finalists win a cash prize of 100.000 Naira each. Major sponsors: FCMB and Imperial Leather Other sponsors : Le Connaisseur and DaViva Official partners: Zaron, KLM and Dana Air Media Partners: Bella Naija, Wazobia TV Wazobia MAX, The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper & Digital, Onobello, Glamasquad, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, 9ja campus style, Fab.ng Executive Producer: Kinabuti Co-Producer: Pulse.ng.

The wnnner with participants at the event

Judges (Bola Fawehinmi, Denrele, Dakore akande, Ikechukwu, Ono Bello, Maye Ayida) Kinabuti Fashionshow

Audience Tonye Cole, Tatiana Moussali (WAZOBIA TV), Shahin Nouri, Kelechi Amadi Obi, Celine Loader, Bola Austen-Peters

Performance Ini (Unical)

Audience Stephanie Linus and Husband with Tatiana Moussalli Nouri and Shahin Nouri (Wazobia TV)

Judge Derenle

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚;

FAIRGROUND

ELOY Awards Announces 2017 Influencers

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loy Awards presents it’s 2017 Influencers. The ladies have been selected because of their achievements so far in their different fields. They are women who inspire, motivate and empower as best as they can. The influencers were chosen as part of our message that all women are worth celebrating. Meet the ELOY Awards 2017 Influencers Tewa Onasanya, Founder of the ELOYAwards Joke Silva, Actress, Director and Bussiness Woman Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, award-winning international fashion designer. Peace Hyde, Head of Digital Media and Partnership as well as the West African Correspondent at Forbes Africa. Joke Silva (born 29 September 1961) is a Nigerian actress, director, and businesswoman. Agraduate of the University of Lagos and Webber DouglasAcademy of DramaticArt in London, she began a career in film in the early 1990s. In 1998 she had a major role starred opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian film The Secret Laughter of Women. In 2006 she won “Best Actress in a Leading Role� at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in Women’s Cot, and “Best Actress in a Supporting Role� at the 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008 for her performance as a grandmother in White Waters. Silva is married to actor Olu Jacobs. The couple founded and operate the Lufodo Group covering film production and distribution assets and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, where she is Director of Studies. She is also the pioneering managing director of Malete Film Village, in association with Kwara State University. On 29 September 2014, Silva received recognition as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of Nigeria’s National Honours Awards, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. In 2006, She was awarded the “Best Actress in a Leading Role� at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards for her role in Women’s Cot. Later that year, Silva starred opposite Genevieve Nnaji in Mildred Okwo’s action thriller 30 Days, which received 10 nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008. She also narrated for Jeta Amata’s Anglo-Nigerian production The Amazing Grace,[which was shot in Calabar. The film was lauded by the critics and was nominated

for 11African MovieAcademyAwards.The News noted Silva’s “song-like voice, [which] provides insight into the actions�. In 2007, she starred opposite Kate HenshawNuttal, Michael Okon and Fred Essien in Ndubuisi Okoh’s To Love and to Hold. Silva won Best Supporting Actress in 2008 for her “methodical portrayal of a grandmother� in White Waters (2007), though she was not at the ceremony to receive her award in person. In a November 2008 interview, Silva professed that “whenever she had to play an evil character in a film, she would pray and use Jesus as her ‘hedge’. She is also the recipient of an EMOTAN Award from African Independent Television (AIT) and the SOLIDRA Award for Visual Art. In 2011, she starred alongside Nse Ikpe Etim, Wale Ojo and Lydia Forson in Kunle Afolayan’s romantic comedy Phone Swap. Lauded by the critics, and one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year, it received four nominations at the 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards, including a nomination for Best Nigerian Film. It also won the award forAchievement in Production Design. In 2013, Silva took to the stage to appear in the Thespian Family Theatre and Productions staging of the “Mad King of Ijudiya� at the Agip Hall of Muson Centre of Lagos at Christmas. Silva is Director of Studies at the Lufodo Academy of PerformingArts, while her husband chairs it. The academy is one of several assets the couple own as part of the Lufodo Group, including Lufodo Productions, Lufodo Consult, and Lufodo Distribution. Silva has curated for the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Theatre, Film, Documentary and Poetry and the 2012 London Olympics and is also the pioneer managing director of Malete Film Village, in association with Kwara State University. In addition to her work as an actress, Silva is a philanthropist and a strong supporter of women’s emancipation and empowerment, contributing to their education, training and progress. On 29 September 2014, Silva was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of Nigeria’s national awards, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.In September 2016 she was unveiled as the brand ambassador for AIICO Pension Managers Limited (APML). Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (LDA) is an Awardwinning International designer and the founder

Palmira, Brings New Fusion to Christian Music

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almira is one-of-a-kind gospel artiste that has proven, over time, an usual capacity to deliver a rare blend of Ballards, soft rock and jazz in her songs. This has grown to be her strength, aside being able to compile great music in any other genre. With interest in the music of Celine Dion, Mary-Mary, Yolanda Adams, Nat King Cole and more, she grew her music interest into what it is today, becoming a master at her craft and proving again that Gospel music is delicious to the ears and beautiful to listen to. Her music is always composed of originality, uniqueness and the good message that she transmits to everyone who listens and enjoy the quality of her songs. Palmira

Tewa Onasanya, Joke Silva, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi and Peace Hyde

of eponymous design label. In nine years her passion for fashion has gotten stronger making the label a fashion favourite among the media, celebrities and fashion lovers. LDA the brand first arrived in the fashion scene in 2005 with iconic 1940’s couture signature designs - a result of what has evolved into a much more modern and cutting-edge brand and a full-blown fashion house. Lanre states “Couture, colour and boldness with an edgy twist is the signature of my designs. Regardless of the label’s strong historical design roots, LDA’s creatively combines pattern, print, exquisite and even traditional fabrics to produce day wear, evening wear, gowns and cocktail dresses that bridge time and make the label successful within and outside Nigeria. Lanre holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Coventry University and

a Masters degree in Finance from The University of Leicester. For her contributions to the Nigerian and African fashion industry, LDA has received numerous accolades and awards for excellence. She is married with two children. Peace Hyde is the Head of Digital Media and Partnership as well as the West African Correspondent at Forbes Africa. In her current role, she is responsible for working across the company’s digital platform on revenue and audience growth initiatives as well as the editorial head for the West African region. Prior to Joining Forbes Africa, she was an education senior management executive in the United Kingdom where she also practised as a science teacher for 7 years. She is also the founder of leading education non-profit Aim Higher Africa, which has a focus on empowering unemployed youths in Africa to transform their passion intobusiness. She is also an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in Black Enterprise, Huffington Post, Ebony and Fox News. She was named to the United Nations Most Influential People of African Decent list for 2017. She also sits on the judging panel for The Chivas Venture Fund as well as being the host of two leading flagship talk shows, Forbes Africa’s. My Worst Day with Peace Hyde and Forbes Woman Africa’s Against The Odds on CNBC Africa. Tewa Onasanya a Mindset Coach holds a BSc in Pharmacology from the University of Portsmouth, UK and is the Founder / CEO of Exquisite Magazine Services Ltd, the publishers of Exquisite Magazine a Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Magazine for women. Exquisite magazine organises the exquisite magazine cancer walk, an event aimed at increasing the awareness for cervical and breast cancer and free screening for people. In 2009, the exquisite magazine started an only female awards ceremony called the exquisite lady of the year (ELOY) awards, The ELOY awards is aimed at celebrating women of excellence in different fields, empowering, motivating and inspiring others and it holds every November. “I love to inspire and motivate people to be the best they can be and best version of themselves. With my wealth of experience over the years, I want to share my knowledge to empower other people�.

A Hotel Called Memory to Premiere in Lagos

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fter winning the audience award for best experimental film at the Black Star Film Festival in Philadelphia, A Hotel Called Memory is set to premiere in Lagos, Nigeria on 19th of November 2017. Directed by Akin Omotoso, Produced by Ego Boyo and written by Branwen Okpako, AHotel Called Memory is a fresh take onAfrican cinema, steadily blazing the trail to redefining film making in the industry. The film features Nigerian and SouthAfrican favorities Nse Ikpe-Etim, Kemi ‘Lala’Akindoju, Mmabatho Montsho, Nomzamo Mbatha and Abdi Hussein. Set and shot on location in threeAfrican cities, Cape Town, Lagos and Zanzibar, the film follows Lola – played by Nse Ikpe-Etim - who is recently separated from her husband in Lagos and decides to go on a journey of self- rediscovery in Zanzibar and Cape Town, hoping to forget the past and move on with her life. Speaking during a courtesy call, Omotoso, a Nigerian actor, writer and director, best known for his films Man on ground, Tell me sweet something and his award winning film, Vaya, said “we sought to do something that had not been done before and we hope people can see and appreciate that when they see this film.� Boyo, an actor and film producer of Violated, Keeping Faith, To Live Again, 30 Days and best known for her role in Checkmate is excited to share this experimental project with everyone.

Nse Ikpe-Etim

“Working on non-conventional and challenging projects always produces amazing results. The combination of the director, the actors and the production of this film has created cinema magic and we cannot wait for everyone to experience this.� Apart from redefining the film industry in Nigeria, the film seeks to challenge acting styles and pushed its stars to new depths. Nse Ikpe-Etim said, ‘This truly was unlike anything I have worked on before, and brought out skills I didn’t know I had. It was an educative and rewarding experience.�

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž NOVEMBER 4, 2017

TEENS

CONNECT

– NKECHI IBENEME 08142358958 – (sms only)

very great achievement or invention starts as a mere dream. If the ‘dreamer’ acts promptly and hard enough on this dream, it will soon become a reality. Looking at the lives of great men and women who have distinguished

themselves in the areas of science, politics, literature, entertainment and other ďŹ elds, one would discover that they have two outstanding things in common; VISION and RESILIENCE. They all had dreams which they pursued vigorously, never giving up despite obstacles, until they achieved

them. Today, their dreams are impacting the world. Now that you are young, dare to dream. Reach out and conquer the world. Once you can dream it, you can achieve it. Our mantra here is, “Yes, We Can!�

That trip to Apapa ‌

had read and heard about it, but, nothing prepared me for the actual experience of a trip to Apapa, Lagos. Since the onslaught of the infamous gridlock in Apapa started, I had carefully avoided anything that could take me there. So, when the opportunity to write Teens Connect in ThisDay presented itself, it came with a bag of mixed

emotions; I was super-excited about the opportunity to work on my dream of connecting with teenagers, but at the same time, worried about the now inevitable trip to Apapa‌.. I discovered during the trip that I had underestimated the situation. My gosh!... it wasn’t a here thing.

ISSUES Teenagers And Drug Abuse- (II) Last week, we discussed some reasons why teenagers get engage in drug abuse. Today, we will look at the effects illicit on them. The effects of drug abuse on an individual and the society are legion; some effects are highlighted below: r "NPOHTU UFFOBHFST abuse of drugs cause serious behaviour disorders and can lead to anti-social activities like; truancy, examination malpractices, indecent sexual practices, dirtiness, lack of respect for elders including parents, pilfering, involvement in cultism and violent clashes among other vices. r "EEJDUJPO DBO PDDVS BT B SFTVMU PG DPOTUBOU ESVH VTF PS BCVTF "TJEF CFJOH a very expensive habit, drug addiction is a serious problem because the individual finds it difficult to function properly without the drug. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the individual tries to stay off the drug, this brings unbearable discomfort which forces the teen back to UBLJOH UIF ESVHT "U UIJT QPJOU TUPQQJOH the habit becomes really difficult and almost impossible if the abuser does not seek help in a rehabilitation centre. r 5IF TQSFBE PG UIF ESFBEFE )*7 WJSVT BOE PUIFS JOGFDUJPVT EJTFBTFT MJLF )FQBtitis B is escalated through the practice PG *OKFDUJOH %SVH 6TF *%6 #Z JOKFDUJOH drugs, abusers exchange unsterilised syringes, thereby exposing themselves to infection. r %BNBHF UP PSHBOT m ESVH BCVTF can also lead to damage of vital human organs like; the brain, liver, kidney, heart, eyes and even reproductive organs.

To be continued next week

“

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time� – Thomas A. Edison

A

*U DBO BMTP MFBE UP DBODFS PG EJGGFSFOU types). r )BMMVDJOBUJPO .BEOFTT m FYDFTTJWF drug use can make a person to begin to hallucinate (see and hear things that PUIFST BSPVOE IJN IFS DBOOPU TFF PS IFBS *O PUIFS XPSET UIF QFSTPO CFHJOT to see and hear non-existent images and sounds. While this is not considered madness, full blown madness may set in with continued use of the offensive drugs. r %FBUI m NBOZ ZPVOH QFPQMF IBWF lost their lives needlessly as a result of VOHVBSEFE VTF PG ESVHT .BOZ IBWF died in avoidable accidents while driving or operating heavy machineries under the influence of alcohol. Some others have also died simply by taking drug overdose. *U JT PCWJPVT UIBU BCVTF PG ESVHT whichever way one may look at it, is an ill-wind that blows no good and efforts should be made to stop it. The basic effort should come from you! Say NO! UP ESVH VTF BCVTF BOE LFFQ BXBZ GSPN friends who refuse to say no.

“

E I

!

Dare To Dream

Money! Money!! Money!!!

DFSUBJO NBO XBT SFUVSOJOH GSPN B QBSUZ WFSZ MBUF BU OJHIU )F UPPL B bike, but suddenly discovered he had spent all his money at the party and as a result, had no money to pay the bike man. "T UIFZ DSVJTFE BMPOH IF UIPVHIU PG IPX CFTU UP EJTDIBSHF UIF CJLF man without creating a scene. When they got to a cemetery very close UP XIFSF IF MJWFE IF DPNNBOEFE UIF CJLF NBO UP TUPQ )F RVJDLMZ came down and started walking towards the cemetery. i)FZ 8IFSF JT NZ NPOFZ u EFNBOEFE UIF CJLF NBO The man stopped and with his back still turned to the bike rider said, “human beings BOE NPOFZ 8IFO * XBT BMJWF JU XBT NPOFZ NPOFZ NPOFZ /PX * BN EFBE JU JT TUJMM NPOFZ NPOFZ NPOFZ 0LBZ XBJU GPS NF UP HP BOE HFU UIF NPOFZ GPS ZPVu )F DPOUJOVFE walking towards the cemetery. Before he could take two steps more, the bike man zoomed off.

39

NOVEMBER 4, 2017SS Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Contd from last week

It is often said that a person’s talents will make a way for him. That has been the lot of Nollywood’s teen star actress and producer, Regina Daniels. Born on October 10, 2000, Regina started acting as a little child. Now at just 17, she has joined the big league in Nollywood with an average earning of N500,000, per appearance. With the number of movies to her credit; some of which she produced herself, one is right to say that Regina Daniels who recently gained admission into a university, is indeed the hottest Nollywood teen actress. Teens Connect celebrates this Teen Star of Nigerian origin.

͚͸͚ a guide to your career choice‌.

by Opeyemi Awoyemi

What I wish every secondary school student knew and practised (II)‌. Hello, Do you remember this Chinese proverb; “20 years ago was the best time to plant a tree, the next best time is nowâ€? ‌ I want you to constantly have that in mind. Last week, I told you four things you should know or do before you turn 20. Today, I bring you ďŹ ve more that will help you become a smarter person and have a greater chance of being hugely successful in life: 1. Learn how to write –short stories, poems, formal communication, proposals - just keep writing. This will be a skill you will need for the rest of your life. 2. Present in your local church or mosque. This is the right time to learn to communicate well. Every great leader is a good communicator. 3. Teach smaller kids. There is no better way to learn, than by teaching others. 4. Finish reading a 300 page novel, then

another, and another. It expands your brain. 5. Develop a sense of curiosity- to understand the things, customs and environment around you. Explore and learn everything you can, while you can. 6. Start expressing your creativity by writing your ideas down in your diary. Later in life you’ll look back at the ideas that you wrote back then and will ďŹ nd them hilarious/ terrible/insightful/exciting/motivating/worthless/ priceless‌and you might even pursue one or two of them. Five more nuggets next week t 0QFZFNJ "XPZFNJ JT BO VOEFS 5FDIOPMPHZ FOUSFQSFOFVS )F JT UIF GPVOEFS PG OVNCFS KPC TJUF JO "GSJDB +PCCFSNBO BOE BMTP UIF GPVOEFS PG 8IP (P )PTU BO VQXBSEMZ NPCJMF XFC IPTUJOH DPNQBOZ (PPHMF IJT OBNF UP LOPX NPSF

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 4, 2017

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

41

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˜ ˞ NOVEMBER 4, 2017

WRITERS’ WORLD

The President Must Not Die!

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

For refusing to do a third term after the expiration of 2 terms, an international cabal made up of close aides and relations of the President of Mubonde, an African country, as well as foreigners masquerading as lobbyists and other people of vested interest are about to poison him in New York for their man to take over. But Peter Abel, wanted by the FBI, will not allow them in this nail-biting scene in the last excerpt from the novel “The False Truth.�

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osing as Mubondian businessman Johnson and a foreign business partner, heavily disguised Abel and his associate, Lulow, were received by the economic attachĂŠ. Abel spoke with a heavy African-American accent. “You see, the whole idea is for Mubondians to invest in their country, as a mark of confidence in their own economy,â€? Solubu, the attachĂŠ argued. “Foreign investors are emboldened by that to invest in Mubonde.â€? “Yea, I gat your point,â€? Abel said, “I really desire to return home to enjoy the new prosperous Mubonde of President Suweri.â€? “Mubonde of all Mubondians and the friends of Mubonde, like our friend here,â€? Solubu looked up at Lulow. “Minerals are your big attraction, but we are going into tourism big time,â€? Lulow said. Solubu had been so impressed by his visitors that he invited them to the reception in honour of Suweri. As they returned to the car, Lulow asked anxiously, “what time does the reception begin?â€? “Seven-thirty,â€? Abel replied, “but I plan to arrive fashionably late.â€? Lulow didn’t appear comfortable with that plan—or the extended lack thereof. “I understand your concern for the president, Peter, but you will be taking a big risk. The split second they see through your disguise, they will happily hand you over to the FBI before Suweri even realizes you are wearing a false moustache. In case you’ve forgotten, you are still wanted for murder in America.â€? Abel gave Lulow a deliberate nod. “I haven’t forgotten anything, and trust me when I say it hasn’t been for a lack of trying.

TheReception The reception for President Robert Suweri was held at the Metropolitan Hall, in the three-storey marble building shaped like a diamond. Dignitaries from the US Diplomatic Corps, Heads of State from 15 African countries, and key United Nations officials had gathered on the day Suweri addressed the General Assembly, the leading light of African democracy. Indeed, the party was held at the request of the African Union. “Are you sure you don’t want to come inside?� Abel teased. “I don’t have a tux,� Lulow replied. “I’m sure there’s a dress code that says no blue jeans or sneakers.� Abel managed to walk into the reception area with no questions from the security personnel. So much for threat assessment, he remarked. He was sure that in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks on American soil, everyone would have to show identification and be subjected to a full body frisking. As it turned out, the only security measure that Abel encountered was the metal detector he passed through at the main entrance, upon showing his ID as a Mubondian businessman and the IV he had received at the Embassy. The party was in full swing with cocktails served at the pre-function area in the hall. The women’s dresses were elegant and ornate, reminiscent of a social register cotillion. Most of the men wore black tuxedos with bow ties and cummerbunds. Some of the younger attendees wore upscale attire with a slightly edgier tone.

Notroublefittingin Abel had no trouble fitting in. He just wished he had an escort. There were very few singles in the room. Most of the guests were accompanied by spouses or significant others. Abel noticed quite a few older gentlemen who appeared to have brazenly brought their mistresses. Still, he looked the part, and his short career as a member of the

Suweri administration had taught him how to move about in powerful political circles. Abel approached the bar and ordered a club soda. He certainly would have preferred something stronger, but he needed to remain extremely alert. His life and the life of his country’s president hung in the balance. It was necessary for him to prove his case against the cabal to survive. He scanned the crowd in search of familiar faces. He found President Suweri at the centre of the festivities, happily holding court with the many admiring guests. The First Lady proudly took her place at his side. Abel grimaced at the sight of her phoney smile. She held her husband’s arm and accepted the showering of compliments and praise the guests were so generously offering. With his drink in hand, Abel circled the outer edges of the crowd. He didn’t want to be in the middle, nor did he want to be on the outside. Both circumstances would call attention to him, and he had to remain undetected. He heard the buzz of forced laughter and a few loud jubilant voices, and then turned to see Tommy Salmon entertaining a group of his own. The man was so narcissistic that he couldn’t refrain from stealing the spotlight away from the president. Then, on the outside of Salmon’s circle, Abel noticed Songa. He was dressed as the honoured guest he presumed himself to be. He watched as Songa exchanged glances with Salmon and left to join the president and his wife. Abel was relieved. Having Songa mix with the crowd was dangerous; Songa was a smart man. He would definitely see through Abel’s disguise upon close examination. Abel was also mindful of the Secret Service agents. His breathing quickened as he looked around. It was not obvious who would be delivering the deathblow to the president, or whether it was planned for another function. It was important to know who was likely to open the door—either literally or figuratively—for the assassin. Nearly twenty minutes later, the door was finally opened—in a figurative sense. Maintaining a low profile, Abel noticed Songa leave the president’s side and walk across the room. A moment later, Salmon excused himself from his conversation and nonchalantly approached him, working hard to make it appear coincidental. When he reached Songa, he acted like he was delighted to see him—as if he hadn’t spoken to him in ages. Songa returned the happy greeting and extended his hand. Abel couldn’t hear their conversation over

the din of all the revellers. However, he watched with fascination as Songa and Salmon tried a little too hard to convince onlookers how happy they were to be together that evening. Abel would not know how he smiled at that crucial moment, but he did. He noticed that their handshake lasted a little too long, and soon his gazed was focused on their palms grasping each other. When they finally released, it was clear that Songa was hiding something in his small hand.

Thepoison This must be it, Abel thought. His eyes followed Songa as he made his way across the room to the president’s side. Moments later, as President Suweri was finishing his drink, Songa headed to the bar. Instinctively, Abel moved closer to the men. He was careful not to get close enough to call attention to himself or cause anyone alarm. The bartender gladly mixed up two cocktails for Songa. He systematically pushed one glass a few inches to the side, and then placed an extra swizzle stick in the other. Abel took another step closer—close enough to see Songa drop something into the glass with the two swizzle sticks. Songa picked up both glasses and walked back toward the president. The muscles in Abel’s hand twitched. He swallowed hard, licked his lips and hastily followed; the time for inconspicuousness was long gone. Songa carefully handed Suweri the glass with the two swizzle sticks. The president nodded his appreciation, but before he could take a sip, Peter Abel made his move. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.� He stepped into the president’s circle and removed his wig, beard and moustache. “It’s so nice to see all of you here to honour our beloved President Suweri.� The president’s mouth dropped open, but no words came out. The First Lady appeared equally shocked, but she remained speechless. Songa looked transfixed. He grunted noisily. “My name is Peter Abel,� he continued. “I know many of you have heard some stories about me lately, but I can assure you that none of them is true—especially the one that claims I am dead. Robert Suweri is a brave, honest and brilliant man, and I was honoured to have had the opportunity to serve in his administration.�

ThePresidentstopped Abel reached over and gently took the glass from the president’s hand. He then reached over and took Songa’s glass as well. Songa was

trembling uncontrollably at this point. Abel proudly raised both glasses. “Since President Suweri’s illustrious term in office is quickly nearing its end, I would like to propose another toast to his decency, determination and steadfast service to the people of Mubonde. This is one president that has made Africa proud!� The president still didn’t know how to respond. He glanced blindly across the room. The rest of the crowd, most of whom were unfamiliar with the Peter Abel saga, happily raised their glasses in tribute. Abel, in turn, handed the glass with the single swizzle stick to the president and the one containing two sticks to Songa. Songa looked horrified as he held the glass in his trembling hand. Although still nervous and confused, the president took a sip from his glass and smiled for the crowd. The First Lady followed her husband’s lead clumsily, spilling the drink over her expensive, white gown.

ThePresidentsaved “Is there a problem, Security Officer Songa?â€? Abel inquired. “Ah‌no,â€? he stammered. “Then please have a drink to toast our dear president.â€? Songa stood frozen. “Unless, of course, you’re afraid it might kill you,â€? Abel shouted. Some of the revellers assumed the comment was a joke and laughed. However, the expression on Songa’s face made most of the guests uncomfortable. “What did you put in that drink, Songa?â€? Abel shouted. “Thallium? Polonium? So you are also involved in the theft of substances from Soviet nuclear facilities. Will you tell us, or should we just have the American laboratories study it?â€? Abel quickly took the glass from the Songa and walked over to one of the Secret Service agents. “Sir, I believe this beverage is tainted. Please have it analysed—and whatever you do, don’t drink any of it. If it’s polonium, we’re all at risk.â€? In one swift movement, the Secret Service agents threw a cordoned off the spot Suweri and his wife stood and spirited them away through a blind exit Abel had not noticed. In the same brisk manner Songa was whisked away by another group of agents. Relieved, Abel was hurrying away, when he felt a tap on his shoulder. “Sorry, Mr. Abel, you have to come with us to our office.â€? He said nothing as two hunky men led him away.

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NOVEMBER 4, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE AboutThatCurvyLife Collective at the Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week2017

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2017

FASHION FILE

By Azuka k Ogujiuba g j aazuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com az zuk zukka.og ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

AboutThatCurvyLife Collective

T

hey Came to SLAY! About That Curvy Life Collective Defies Fashion Norms AGAIN at Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2017 For the second time in a row at Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week, Latasha Ngwube’s About that Curvy Life Collective has pushed Fashion industry boundaries in Africa – defying the stereotypical belief that plus-size, curvy individuals can’t be fashionable. Already garnering accolades from international platforms like CNN Africa and Essence this year, the ATCL Collective Showcase is a major hot topic, and for good reason. Presenting a properly thoughtout collection was of upmost importance to the creator of #AboutthatcurvylifeCollective, Latasha Ngwube. There is no doubt that Ngwube executed this objective seamlessly. ATCL brought a brand new vibe to the LFDW runway, by featuring

two new designers in it’s lineup, up, p Osuare and Nori Clothing, who ho wowed the audience with their ir avant-garde designs and eclectic ctic outfits, beautifully modeled by y plus-sized women who rocked d the runway confidently. In addition, ion, contemporary menswear brand, nd, Assian, which also showcased d last year, did not disappoint, with bold, statement ensembles especially ly y made for men of all sizes who aren’t afraid to take chances with their eir style. Featuring influential style icons cons including South African plus-size -siz ize model and body positivity activist tiiv viist Lala Tshabalala (Miss Curvy La Lala), ala), ), the ATCL showcase comprised d many memorable moments. Speaking on the success of the he he ATCL Showcase, Ngwube notes tees that she is thankful to Intel forr returning yet again this year to o support ATCL at what is undoubtoub ub btedly one of the foremost Fashion ion on n Week events in Africa. She also o thanks Heineken LFDW for the he opportunity to include diversity ity y in this year’s showcase once again. ain.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍżËœ

MARKET PLACE åÓÞÒ Ă—Ă™Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹Ă•Ă? Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă˜Ë›Ë›Ë› ͸΀͸͝͝͞ͺ͚͸͸Î

A cross section of LG Electronics oďŹƒcials and Management of Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital Port Harcourt, Rivers State during LG CSR donation to the hospital recently

CEO, Corporate Shepherds Limited and Keynote Speaker, Idorenyen Enang; Guest Speakers, Emeka Azinge of Emedith Consulting and Omobola Atobatele of Nextzone Business Services; CEO of USP Brand Management, Muyiwa Kayode, and Brand Manager at Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Gbenga Obaparusi, at the USP Brand2Wealth Seminar for SMES, held in Lagos recently.

High Expectations as Nigeria Participates in Global Beauty Fair The Nigerian beauty market is in for a financial turnaround as it prepares for the 22nd edition of Beautyworld Middle East, holding in Dubai. The programme, said to be the largest international trade fair for beauty products, hair, fragrances and wellbeing in the Middle East as well as one of the top three exhibitions in the globe, provides a platform for Nigeria to tap into the prospect of the thriving $445 billion Beauty Sector. As part of preparations for the May

2018 programme, the promoter of the fair in the country who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Exhibition and Trade Fair Limited, Omonigho Itoya, stated that plans had been concluded to host a road show in order to raise the awareness level of a programme that promised to be rewarding. Continuing, Itoya said that the roadshow which had been planned for November 23rd in Lagos would have top executives from Dubai, UAE and Nigeria in attendance and would also avail

operators with useful information about the activity. She further stressed the need for government to look in the direction of the sector to grow the economy. “Nigeria and the rest of Africa have huge potential to harness in the beauty industry and Beautyworld Middle East is one of the best platforms we can use to grow our local industry. So I expect that stakeholders in the sector will do everything possible to explore the opportunities offered by the event,� Itoya said.

Fero Mobile Woos Consumers with Royale X2

Philip Morris Shines as Nigeria’s Top Employer

Mobile phone manufacturer, Fero Mobile, has boosted its business in the Nigerian market with latest Royale X2 Smart phone which it has just launched. The new device, targeted at the top end of the market, runs on the Android Nougat 7.0 operating system and comes with a high definition 5.2 inch display screen which has a multi-touch feature, plus a 2.5D Front Dragon Trail Glass that strengthens it ruggedness and durability. It contains a 3GB Random Access memory, RAM and 32GB internal memory powered by a 1.25 GHz 64 bits Quad-Core processor. The device further boasts of a fingerprint scanner for enhanced security, while different fingers can be linked to open different apps quickly – literally at the touch of a button. More advanced properties that feature on the device include a 4,000 mAh Li-Polymer, 13 Megapixel back camera and 8 Mega pixel front camera that can shoot wide angle selfies even with a sharp performance at night. The back camera also features LED flash and auto focus, amongst others. A dual SIM device coming in at a competitive price, Royale X2 supports 2G, 3G and 4G connectivity and a microSD that can increase storage capacity up to 128GB. Speaking at the launch, Managing Director, Nigeria and Emerging Markets at Fero Mobile, Mr. Phiroze Seth, said: “Our latest device is designed to excite smart phone enthusiasts and to meet the unique needs of Nigeria. A lot of research has gone into understanding the market and we are proud to say that this device will surpass the expectations of Nigerians in terms of design and performance. “We all know that smart phones are more than just tools for communication. They express our personalities, support our businesses and help maintain relationships. The Royale X2 is sleek with cool features that support the smart and active lifestyle. We always strive to give more value to our customers at every price point.� he added. Just over a year, the Fero brand has made great inroads into the Nigerian market. The brand’s visibility has greatly helped its popularity amongst consumers. The Fero range of smartphones also include the A series, the Pace series and many more options for their consumer base.

Philip Morris Limited, an international tobacco manufacturing company, has been certified top employer of the year in Nigeria following its commitment to excellent working conditions and best-in-class career experiences to its employees. The company was among other eight in the country to be recognised for demonstrating excellence in it human resources practices and employment offerings that sees its employees develope personally and professionally through its selected programmes. Top Employers Award is a result of a robust assessment process and meetings requiring standards to achieve the certification status. Areas of assessment in the certification process include Talent Strategy, Performance Management, Learning and Development, Succession Management and Organisational Culture. The company which clinched the award for the second consecutive year was confirmed certified having met all the specified conditions. The assessment was further validated by a renowned auditing firm, Grand Thornton Philip Morris,

The company’s affiliates in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa were also certified Top Employers in their respective countries. At the award ceremony which took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, Managing Director, Philip Morris Limited, Coskun Kagan Dicle, noted that the company remained committed and loyal to the country. “We are extremely proud that this recognition is coming just within two years of our establishment in the country. This shows our commitment to become an integral part of Nigeria, contributing to the growth of her economy through tax revenues, as well as contributing to the social network through continuous creation of employment opportunities and investments. “Our diverse team is reflective of a work culture that appreciates differences. Our business is conducted in an ethical and sustainable manner consistent with international business standards. The Top Employer certification validates that our company is a great place to work for people who do great things,� he said.

According to her, more than 41,000 visitors, and 1,568 exhibitors from across 56 countries would be present at the fair that would deliver attractive opportunities, incredible insights, and a fascinating glimpse into the future of the beauty and wellness industry. The show’s influence has spread not only across the Middle East and Africa and the Indian subcontinent, but has gone well beyond, offering thousands of influential trade buyers latest beauty trends and exciting new opportunities.

LG Extends CSR to Rivers Community Multinational technology firm, LG Electronics has taken its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, project to Rivers State where it donated some products to the state-owned Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital in Port Harcourt. The gesture is a continuation of the company’s CSR activities to improve quality of lives in its efforts to enhance health care delivery in the state. Items donated to the centre included some units of All New Gencool Inverter Air Conditioners, Jet Cool Air Conditioners as well as over 350 treated Mosquito nets. At the presentation ceremony, Head of Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics, West Africa Operations, Mr. Hari Elluru, stated that the company’s investment in the Nigerian communities was rubbing off positively on it which had continued to gain more visibility in the market. “We have remained competitive, yet, improving sustainability; we have enabled investment and innovation required to deploy new technologies and to safely and responsibly develop progressive products. We strongly believe that our donation here today will aid service delivery in the hospital and provide the required enabling environment for medical personnel,� he added. In his remark, Regional Manager, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mr. Moustapha Khrais, added that the gesture gave the company a sense of fulfilment having impacted lives and therefore promised to always come to the rescue of the centre when the need arises. Receiving the items, Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Paul Ledee Kua, commended the donor for the goodwill adding that such was timely considering the renovation exercise that was ongoing in the clinic. He said, “We are proud to be considered for this act. We really appreciate the company’s generosity and goodwill towards our community and we pray it soars in all its endeavours.� Kua enjoined other corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals to emulate LG in responding to the needs of health institutions; adding that so many hospitals across the country were in dire need of support.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2017

ENCOUNTER

I Assist Nigerians Get Canadian Visa, Scholarships Taiwo Roluga is a seasoned immigration consultant with years of experiencein immigration into Canada. In this interview with Tosin Clegg, he talks about immigration and how Nigerians are excelling in the American country I always like to help people s an immigrant in Canada, a lot of people ask me, how they can I relocate or work in Canada. I have been through the system and I understand the process and I am a licensed immigration consultant by the Government of Canada to help anyone who wants to study, visit and reside permanently in Canada. So, that’s what prompted my interest because a lot of people are asking questions so I felt this is what I can do to help people get original information.

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I have been doing this for four years I set up an office in Nigeria last year. I was doing it in Canada but middle of last year I opted to start it in Nigeria fully. The Nigerian and Canadian economy are different. Nigeria is a developing country and regardless of where you live you are still a Nigerian. So I see myself as a Nigerian and even though I’m permanently based in Canada with my family, I still see myself as a Nigerian as I was born and raised here. I was going out with my daughter couple of years ago and we met a white lady and she saw that my daughter was friendly and she said she liked us and asked where we are from and my daughter said, ‘Well I’m Canadian and my dad is Nigerian.’ I can’t hide the fact that I’m a Nigerian. About Tar Global Placement ICCRC is a regulatory body in Canada. There are rules and one is that you can’t guarantee success. That is because you don’t control the outcome and we are not allowed to play God, so what we do is that we cover all the angles as we are versed in Canadian immigration law; we know what the consular wants to see and this is what we gear ourselves towards. Also the experience of living in North America, I understand the way the average Canadian thinks and hence I know what they want to see. So, it makes us different from others out there who promise you heaven and earth then fail to deliver. For us, it’s based on experience and being vast in Canadian immigration laws. So if you come to me with an application that I think won’t work I would advise you. That’s how we are. There weren’t a lot of Nigerians in Canada Everyone wanted to go to London and US, No one wanted to come to Canada because there is this perception that one, it’s too far, two it’s too cold. The US and the UK immigration laws became tougher especially when you go to study in the UK and you are done, you are sent back to your country as there is no permis-

Roluga

sion to work. But Canada gives you that opportunity to stay behind, work for three years apply for work permit and ultimately apply for permanent residence and apply for Canadian passport and that’s the beauty of Canada. It’s one of the most beautiful and safest places in the world. I have lived there and a lot of Nigerians are moving to Canada applying for different programmes.

morning. For someone like myself, we know football but they know nothing about this people. So you have to balance the two but in terms of entertainment; over there, it’s vibrant and we have a lot of popular Canadian artistes such as Celine Dion, Drake, Justin Bieber and much more. So, the industry is good and also proximity to the US. So with that, we get a lot of entertainment that sips in from the US. Nigerian entertainers are coming to A great example is the government Canada of Ontario who brought in King I remember I went for a Wizkid Sunny Ade a couple of years ago and concert and I noticed the crowd I was able to see him at 70 performas I couldn’t go in as there were ing so well. The crowd was crazy too many people. I stood next to a and I saw a lot of Canadians wearing white police officer who asked if he danshiki and dancing to Nigerian was American and I replied he is music. He really represented Nigeria Nigerian but further asked if he was well and a year after they brought in a Nigerian that grew up in the US. Femi Kuti and he represented NigeI told him he is a Nigerian that was ria very well too. The government born and grew in Nigeria and that he of Canada brings a lot of established even became a star in Nigeria before Nigerian acts to come over and coming over and he was surprised perform. because the turnout of people of different races and nationalities was Fake documentations is very comhuge. They were about 80 policemon men at the event. Initially it was 10 This is why most embassies have because they thought it was going to issues with Nigerian applicants. So be a small event. The artistes follow what I do is advise my clients from the money and come to Canada to the beginning to avoid that issue. perform. There are several artistes So if you are presenting a document that have made Canada home and I can’t verify I would give you a they are the popular ones and I have document to sign so if the document met a few of them. you are giving is fake especially a bank statement, you will be done Entertainment is different for misrepresentation and that’s An example is, in Canada the one of the most powerful words in National sport is hockey and they Canadian lexical. If you get done for play it a lot, talk about it day and this you would be banned for five night especially if you work in a years and you cannot do anything corporate environment be prepared for the next five years and once you to talk about hockey on a Monday get done, it’s there on your record.

I remember I went for a Wizkid concert and I noticed the crowd as I couldn’t go in as there were too many people. I stood next to a white police officer who asked if he was American and I replied he is Nigerian but further asked if he was a Nigerian that grew up in the US. I told him he is a Nigerian that was born and grew in Nigeria and that he even became a star in Nigeria before coming over and he was surprised because the turnout of people of different races and nationalities was huge. They were about 80 policemen at the event. Initially it was 10 because they thought it was going to be a small event. The artistes follow the money and come to Canada to perform. There are several artistes that have made Canada home and they are the popular ones and I have met a few of them

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž VEMBER 4, 2017

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri On Daddy Freeze and The Hoopla About Tithing

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he recent to-do on the issue of tithing which was sparked up by popular On-Air Personality, Daddy Freeze, is actually a sad reflection of the state of Christianity in Nigeria specifically and the Black world in general. Why? Because it proves that it is still true that if you want to hide anything from a Black man all you need to do is to put it in a book! If all those who have opined about this matter had cared to read about what The Holy Bible says about this issue, I am convinced that it would not have led to as big a controversy as it is today. So many people have spoken for and against tithing and the thing that bothers me most about their interventions is that it references their pastor, a certain sermon, their opinion or something they have heard. As a matter of fact, somebody commented that if only I read a certain book by David Yongi Cho, I would know that he (the commenter) was right in his opinion on tithing. On the issue of tithing as well as on any other ecclesiastical issue, there is only one reference point and that is The Bible. 2nd Timothy 3:16 says: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is proďŹ table for DOCTRINE, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (KJV) This pretty much covers it. Any controversy about tithing must be settled by The Bible. The truth is that tithing as presently practice by many churches, especially the so-called Pentecostal or Evangelical churches, is unscriptural. Take away tithing and the attraction and motivation to be the founder and president of an ‘international ministry’ would disappear. The Bible actually warned us of such times as this in 1 Timothy 6:5-6. Constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. (NIV) The truth is that tithing is an age-old AGRICULTURAL practice that predated even Abraham and Moses. Ancient communities, including African communities, set aside a certain potion of their harvest (usually a tenth) and sacrificed it to their gods through his priests. Now the tithing that Moses taught about was instituted by the living God because the Levitical priests were not given a portion of the land of Canaan as an inheritance and as a result, they were to be supported by their fellow brethren. Numbers 18:20-21 says: The Lord said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites. “ I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting. (NIV) From the above it is clear that the tithes were specifically gifted by God to the Levites. You will never find anywhere in Scripture were God, His Son Jesus or the early apostles and disciples asked the New Testament church to pay tithes to pastors.

But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the Lord your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the Lord will choose to put his Name is so far away), then exchange your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the Lord your God will choose. Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish.Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice. And do not neglect the Levites living in your towns, for they have no allotment or inheritance of their own

Daddy Freeze Pastors do not replace Levites. In the New Testament, pastors worked and earned a living. They were not dependent on the church and the following verse proves it. I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.�-Acts 20:33-35. (NIV). The above was a farewell message from Paul who had pastored a church in Ephesus. I have been to Ephesus. I have been to the market where Paul had his tent making business. Neither Jesus, nor Paul nor any of the fathers of the early church collected any tithes from their congregation because they were not Levites who were prevented from doing any type of work other than temple service. Rather than tithing, the book of Acts teaches us in Acts 2:44-45 that the early Christians lived a communal life and shared EVERYTHING they had. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Too often, pastors try to manipulate their congregation by quoting Malachi 3:8-10 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole NATION—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,� says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV) I want my readers to note the words ‘NATION’ in the Scripture above. Scripture must be used to unlock Scripture. The above Scripture was directed to the NATION of Israel. This is clear from Malachi 3:6 “I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed� (NIV) The reason God said the Israelites were robbing Him is because, as I have proved above with Scripture, on their way to the Promised Land, God made a deal with them that He would not give the Levites a share of the land of Canaan so that they could focus on Him and the work of the Temple. In return the rest of the Israelites were to give God the tithes of their agricultural produce from the land He gave them and God in turn gave His tithes to the Levitical priesthood. It is funny that pastors who insist that Malachi’s verses on tithing must apply to them do not insist that other Old Testament provisions should also apply to them. Deuteronomy 21:18-21 commanded the ancient Israelites to stone their stubborn children to death. Are tithe-receiving pastors then prepared to stone their own stubborn children to death because of that Biblical verse?

Quoting an Old Testament verse to justify a New Testament life may appear hypocritical especially as Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith and His early disciples did not preach about tithing. Jesus talked about tithing only in passing while condemning the Pharisees. Pay your tithe if your conscience allows it, but don’t use Malachi to justify it. In the final analysis, I am not saying pay or don’t pay tithes. I am just presenting the facts as an ordained pastor. In fact, when the Pharisees insisted that the first Gentile converts to Christianity must be circumcised and keep the Mosaic Law, including tithing, the Council in Jerusalem overruled them and in Acts 15:19-20 gave only four commandments to the new Gentile believers and tithing was NOT one of those commandments. Jesus mentioned tithe once (in passing when admonishing the Pharisees) but He preached salvation over 100 times. Let our message in the church focus on Salvation not tithe! Abraham tithed. But He did not tithe to be blessed or that the devourer would be rebuked. In fact, the tithing that Abraham tithed was completely different from the tithing God commanded the Israelites to do. Abraham tithed from the goods he reclaimed from the kings he fought against. He did not tithe agricultural goods. Are those pastors who insist on collecting monetary tithes aware that money existed during the times of the ancient Israelites, yet God never told them to pay monetary tithes? He only requested for AGRICULTURAL tithes so the Levites who had no farms could eat. As a matter of fact, God told those Israelites who lived far away from the Temple not to even bother paying their agricultural tithes but to convert it to money and spend it on themselves. We see this in Deuteronomy 14:24-27: But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the Lord your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the Lord will choose to put his Name is so far away), then exchange your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the Lord your God will choose. Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice. And do not neglect the Levites living in your towns, for they have no allotment or inheritance of their own. Yes, Abraham tithed from his military victory but it does not mean that you must also tithe. Abraham had concubines. By the same logic, you should also have concubines. The point I am trying to make is that the faith of Abraham culminates in Christ and under Christ, there is no compulsion to tithe. God has given each of us a conscience and His Spirit. If you are led to tithe, then tithe. If you are not, then don’t. But let him that tithe not look down on him that does not tithe and let him who does not tithe not hold those who do in contempt. Your salvation is dependent on your faith in Christ Jesus and not whether or not you tithe. You can make heaven if you believe but don’t tithe, but not if you tithe and don’t believe. As a New Testament believer, what is required of you is a willing offering not a compulsory tithe. This is why 2 Corinthians 9:7 says: Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. We ought to understand that the biblical practice of tithing had two origins. The first was from Abraham, the prophet and patriarch and the other is the Mosaic Law. In Christ, both the tithing by the prophet and the law has been fulfilled, hence in Matthew 5:17 Jesus said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.� So because of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, we do not need the Levitical priesthood as go-betweens us and God since Jesus is “The Way, The Truth, and The Life.� (John 14:6) In the same way, we do not need Abraham’s blessings since God has blessed us “with every spiritual blessing in Christ..� (Ephesians 1:3). As a matter of fact, Colossians 2:10 teaches us that ‘we are complete in Christ’. So, don’t let any pastor psyche you into believing that your worship of God is not complete until you have paid your tithe.

#Reno’s Nuggets Many people stay friends with you as long as your success doesn’t surpass theirs. Once it does, you become their enemy. And do note that not everyone who loses an argument does so because they can’t argue well. Sometimes it’s because they just want to keep a friend. Finally, those who have a Friend in Jesus have the Only Friend in high places they need. You can’t get higher than Son of the Most High #RenosNuggets.

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T H I S D AY SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2017

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

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Gilbert Otoyibo: Educationist and a Father FortuneUnuafeEzewuandFaithEfephiaEzewu

orn in 1914 in Ohrerhe Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State to the Otoyibo Ezewu family, Gilbert Akpowene became a pathfinder and mentor to everyone who crossed his path. My father’s early education played significant role in his success as an astute educationist, who was given the responsibility to establish some schools in Urhobo and Isoko axis of the then Midwest State. As a young boy, having successfully completed his primary school education at the Native Authority (NA) School, Agbarho, my father left the pristine riverside hometown of both his father, Chief Otoyibo of the Ezewu Ofurhie family and mother, Madam Ijenisa of the Ukperie family to school in Warri at the then famous Provisional Government Teachers’ Training College (PTTC), where he obtained, in 1932, the Teachers’ Grade III Certificate. After the two-year mandatory teaching practice period, he was re-admitted into the same College, where he obtained the Teachers’ Grade II Certificate, with Distinction in 1936. These attainments made him to be among the first qualified teachers in all of Urhobo/Isoko Land. He was at various times a foundation teacher/headmaster/ head teacher of several Native Authority (NA) Schools, including those at Ughelli, Agbarho, Orogun, Uzere, Ellu, Otu-Jeremi and Isiokoro (now known as Otorho Agbon). Some of his contemporaries include Chief Jabin Awhinawhi (1st elected Chairman of Ughelli Local Government Area), Chief Bulles of the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) schools and Chief Dickson Akiti Ojigho. His younger teacher colleagues included Dr. Mudiaga Odje, SAN (who later became President of the Nigeria Bar Association), Mrs. Victoria Eyakware Okor, Mrs. Elizabeth Idudu, Mrs. Ayi Akpokiniovo, Mrs. Sada Tefue and Dr. Awoture Eleyae, retired pioneer Director, National Institute for Sports, to name a few. Two significant ideas, imbibed while in College, dominated his active adult life. The first was the critical importance of education, including the need to give the

Chief Akpowene Otoyibo girl-child equal opportunity in education as the boy-child. Thus, in every station where he served, he was known to actively encourage parents to pay equal attention to the education of both sexes of children and generally avoid gender-based discrimination. His efforts in this regard were also particularly evident in the success of his female siblings in the then Standard Six Primary School final examinations in the 1940’s. He was a seasoned education administrator, a recognition of which led to his being co-opted by the then colonial Native Authority (NA) into the team which appraised the suitability or otherwise of communities seeking primary schools in their locales. The Anglican Church (otherwise known as Church Missionary Society, C.M.S) similarly invited him, along with others, to plan and establish the first all-female Secondary School in Urhobo/ Isoko Land – The Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS), Ughelli and served as a pioneer member of the Governing Board of the School. The second important life-long value acquired while in college was love for

agriculture. He was an avid agriculturalist, engaging in crop production including the cultivation of rubber, oil palm and raffia palm trees. For instance, in Ohrerhe and Orho Agbarho, as well as Ughelli where he had access to family land, he was involved in perennial cash crop farming on a major scale. The stretch of raffia palms along the local riverside in Agbarho which today is referred to as “Egoro Akpowene�, as well as a number of rubber plantations, attest eloquently to his valiant efforts in this regard. At the various other duty posts where there were no family lands, he got himself involved in subsistence farming – planting crops such as cassava, yams, among others. Gilbert Akpowene was, at various times, married to three wives, namely, Madam Alice (nee Ikurusu of Okan, Agbarho), Madam Ihonda (nee Amuejutowa of the Itsekiri settlers of Oghara, Agbarho) and Madam Mary (nee Ovome) of Ellu, Isoko North L.G.A. They were blessed with the following thirteen children: Faith, Irese (Mrs. Okpighe), Fortune, Orhuerakpo, Osusu (Mrs Onovirakpo), Omamoromo, Lovee (Mrs. Osadjere), Akpotowhoase (Mrs. Iremeti), Kemukemu (Mrs Ikogho), Onogharigho, Okpokor, Otobrise (Mrs Enarhevwa) and Erume Joy. These in turn, have sired several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gilbert Akpowene was a titled Chief, the Ovwata of Agbarho and for several years, served as Secretary, Central Urhobo Council of Chiefs. He was also for several years, the official Divisional translator/ interpreter, a role that required him to translate and relay in Urhobo language to the assembled audience, the Goodwill Message of the Queen and Premier during Empire/Independence day celebrations. He played a similar role during official visits/public engagements of top government functionaries, including parliamentarians of the pre-independence and immediate post-independence period. His involvement in socio-cultural matters extended to work on the formal documentation of the Urhobo Language, a task he initiated in conjunction with some selected well-grounded-in-English Urhobo sons and daughters. He also for a period, served as a National Assistant Secretary of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU).

Religion was a dominant feature of his life. He embraced Christianity early in life and all through, was an ardent man of faith serving God with passion and zest. He was a strict disciplinarian and inculcated Christian values in his children and all whom he fostered in life. He was a devout member of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) now Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and served in several prominent laity leadership positions especially at the All Saints Church in Ughelli. In the last few years of his life, he became a foundation member of the Church of God Mission under Archbishop Benson Idahosa with his residence serving as the first location of the church in Ughelli. He retired from teaching service in 1970 and became a General Contractor, rendering support services to the local Shell Company Oil installations. He also, at this period, gave greater expression for his love for sports, actively promoting and supporting the development of various sporting activities, including lawn tennis and soccer. He was, for several years, a prominent fan and patron of the local soccer club, the Ughelli Township 1st XI. Gilbert Akpowene, the youngest of the mother’s three children, had two siblings, the eldest being a brother, Pa Ogbeta (father of Phillip B. Ezewu & siblings), followed by a sister, Ma Enakeme. His step-brothers were Pa Erekata, Pa Robert (father of Omonigho Clive Ezewu & siblings), Pa Obatavwe and Pastor Sunday (who for many years was the Pastor of the Tabernacle Church, Agbarho). His step-sisters, on the other hand, were Ma Ugogorowho, Ma Ovwiomodiowho and Ma Iyeminokpe (a.k.a. Sweet, the mother of Chief Godwin E. Agofure & siblings). It is pertinent to note that Gilbert Akpowene’s grandfather was His Royal Highness, Ajuwe Ezewu Ofurhie, the Osivie (Paramount Ruler) of Agbarho Kingdom from 1893 - 1923. His grandmother, Her Royal Highness Adehor Ezewu Ofurhie, was the daughter of Chief Uwejeyan Esejuvwevwo of Afisere, Ughelli, a one- time Iyasere of Ughelli Kingdom. He died on 12th March, 1977 at the age of 63 years, following challenges with failing health, and was buried on 27th March, 1977.

A Memorable Class Reunion

T

he Old Girls Queens College, Yaba, Lagos Class of ’77 certainly pulled out all the stops to celebrate their 40th year anniversary since leaving the school. Bayo Adeoye reports There are two things nobody can take away from you. Your education and your memories. OGQC Class of ’77 celebrated both in style while creating new memories during two days of fanfare, which were full of unforgettably heartwarming and emotional moments. It all started off at the Class President’s residence on Friday, 13th October, 2017. The Class President, Mrs. Mosunmola Olulade hosted her former classmates to an evening of fun and laughter. Before a sumptuous dinner, cries of excitement rose to a crescendo as the ladies took lessons in the current and trendy dance steps. This was followed by presentations made by experts to address available business opportunities. The following day, Saturday, 14th, October, 2017 started with a visit to their old school. It was a time for reminiscing, while the current state of the school was assessed. However, the truly emotional high point was the visit to their 93 year old former Principal, Mrs. Efunjoke Coker. All the ladies had the treasured opportunity to warmly hug her after a brief conversation. Group photographs

were taken amidst tears and laughter. It was only a Grand reunion dinner at the Oriental Hotel that could have concluded these memorable moments. It was an atmosphere of great sisterly warmth, camaraderie, and conviviality. It was obvious that the members of the Planning Committee comprising The President – Mrs. Mosunmola Olulade, The VP – Mrs. Alero Barlow, Arc Fifi Ejindu, Dr. Peju Adenusi, Mrs Remi Odunlami and Mrs. Fatima Hassan

Betara had paid great attention to detail. The Special Guest Speaker was Mrs Miriam Uwais, Senior Special Adviser to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for Social Protection, who is also an Old Girl of Queen’s College. The second Speaker was Ms. Michale Matthew. It was extremely touching to see the ladies present awards to some of their former teachers. Such as Mrs. Dorcas Olapegba, Mrs. Obajimi, Mrs. Oguntimehin, Mrs. Adunbiifa among

others, what a great expression of gratitude! The surprise was an Efik dance troupe that awed the guests with their scintillating dance steps. However, the icing on the cake was when the ladies got down on the dance floor. It was difficult to believe that they left Secondary School forty years ago. It was, without a doubt, a memorable and grand reunion. The counting continues till the Golden

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

EVENTS

E

ngineer Chief Chrysanthus Layi Adegbola clocked 70 years on earth last week Wednesday 25th October, 2017. The birthday ceremony was celebrated with church service at Saint Augustine Catholic Church, Maryhill, Agric, Ikorodu, and the reception was held at Carristal Event Centre, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos. Here are some the personalities that attended the ceremony. Photo: Kolawole Alli

Celebrant, Engr. Chrysanthus Layi Adegbola and his wife, Mrs. Olatokunbo Obafemi Adegbola

L-R: Sir David Soremekun; Dame Prof Sola Majekodunmi and Col. Dr Sunday Majekodunmi (rtd.)

L-R: Mr. Olatunji Odusanya and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. S.A. Sanni

L-R: Alhaja Rihanat Wola and Olori (Dr) Muyibat Olayinka Oyefusi

L-R: Olori Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi; Olori Adenike Ogunsanya and Alhaja Dupe Ogunsanya

L-R: Chairperson, Women Accountant of Nigeria (SWAM), Mrs. Folake Onabolu; Mrs. I.M. Osiyemi; Mrs. Justina Babatope; and Mrs. Kate Nnaji

L-R: Other members of Society of Women Accountant of Nigeria (SWAN),Mrs. Mosunmola ShittaBey; Mrs. Elizabeth Adegbite and Mrs. Dupe Oyeduntan

L-R: Dame (Mrs.) Olabisi Ademola Benson and Mrs. Olabisi O. Fidipote

L-R: Otunba Moses Oluwole Paul and Otunba Ademola Oshilesi

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EVENTS

L-R: Engr. Mrs. Kuti and Prof. (Mrs.) Lanre Omobuwajo

L-R: Engr Chief Oriyomi Benson; Engr. Ronald Aborowa and Chief Engineer Bayo Olagoke

L-R: Chairman, Exclusives Club, Chief Bolaji H. Adeniji; and the members, Dr Oshikoya Alaba and Dr. Oshinowo Laolu

L-R: Amuludun of Ikorodu Kingdom, Chief S.B. Bakare and Aremo L. Ola Ogunleye

L-R: Arc. O.P.A. Ladega and Arc. Taiwo Kara

L-R: Mr. Kazeem Kayode Shipe; his wife, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Shipe and Mrs. Funmi Komolafe

Omoba Ademola Gamu and his wife, Mrs.Iyabode Gamu

L-R: Mrs. Mary Shenjobi and Alhaja Ayoka Abiodun

L-R: Mr. Kayode Aribaba; Rev. Dr. Olufisayo Aribaba and Dr. Olayinka Shoneye-Vaughan

L-R: Mr. Bolaji Oshinowo and Mr. Tunde Aina

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Íź, 2017

POLITY

Taraba, Gombe Govs Rally Support for Adeniran Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

G

overnors Darius Ishaku and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Taraba and Gombe States have rallied support for a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairmanship aspirant, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, saying with his track record, he was the most suitable for the job. Welcoming Adeniran’s campaign team to the Government House in Jalingo, Ishaku extolled the aspirant’s virtues, calling him a man of high integrity, with huge track record of loyalty and commitment to the ideals of the party. According to a statement the Director of Media and Publicity of the Tunde Adeniran Campaign Organisation, Mr. Taiwo Akeju, on Friday, the governor said: “We must avoid giving this very important opportunity to anyone but to somebody like Professor Adeniran. I know the pains of been a leader, and that is why we must push for the best candidate, somebody that will bring the desired hope for Nigerians,� he said

Saying he was optimistic about the PDP returning to power in 2019 given the right leadership, the governor stated: “What PDP needs now is a man with character, a man of courage, a man with the capacity to galvanize all and sundry.� Darius said the only party that was well developed in Nigeria was the PDP as it brought everyone together, adding: “That is what Nigerians are itching for today because you can’t sweep away everything you used your hand and time to create. Therefore, the broom is never an option.� Earlier in Gombe, the team was received at the Government House by Dankwambo who said the PDP was lucky to have the array of candidates coming out to contest for its national chairmanship, but he was quick to add that the leadership of the party must ensure the emergence of a credible and loyal person as the next chairman of the party. Dankwambo, who is one of the two PDP governors in the North, said: “I am proud of this team. It is a team of men of timber and calibre; a team that parades our

fathers and mothers in politics. I have no doubt in my mind that the aspirant you are rooting for is a man of high integrity and absolute loyalty to our great party, the PDP. I know Prof. Adeniran very well, so am comfortable with people like him.� Responding on behalf of the delegation, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, thanked the governors for according the team warm receptions in their states. In the team were former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu; the campaign’s Director-General, Alhaji Shehu Gabam; Ambassador Yemi Farounbi; former Foreign Minister, Ambassador Aminu Wali; and former Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri; among others. “For democracy to earn the respect of any leadership, we need a man of courage, integrity and capacity, and all this is found

in Adeniran,� Gana said of Adeniran, adding: “We are entering the phase where ideas will rule all we do. That is why some of us who are privileged to be part of this generation want a leader who has ideologies in politics.� The former minister of information explained that it was impossible to win an election without a sound strategy, saying that was why the party must be positioned in such a way that winning the 2019 elections would become clear. Gana said that the battle ground in 2019 would be the South-west, stating that it was the reason the chairmanship of the PDP should go to the geopolitical zone. “The generals in the field of battle and people with ideas are not zeroing on anybody, but by what he has to offer, we are going with Tunde Adeniran,� he told the governors during the team’s visits to them in Jalingo and Gombe.

Cable Vandal Bags 5 Year Jail Term Bennett Oghifo

fforts by the Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) to tackle electricity equipment vandalism has again yielded results, as a cable vandal has been sentenced to Five years imprisonment with hard labour without option of fine by the Magistrates Court, Iguobazuwa in Edo State. The person Abdullai Usman, male, aged 27 years was caught on the 28th of September 2017, at Iguobazuwa while trying to cart away vandalized conductor cables from Iguobazuwa/Okada 33KV

Line, an act punishable under the Miscellaneous Offences Act M17 Vol 9 laws of the country. He was dragged before the Presiding Magistrate Joyce .O. Ejale (Mrs) where he pleaded guilty to a three count charge of conspiracy, stealing and Malicious damage even though their terms will run concurrently. “This conviction further strengthens BEDC’s commitments towards the fight against vandalism, energy theft and meter bypass, even as the electricity supply industry grapples with a lot of challenges,� said a statement from the company.

L-R: Regional Head, West Africa, Redington (Apple’s Value Added Distributor), Mr. Sivadoss Vijayakumar; Product Specialist, Africa, Redington, Mr. Oloyede Odeyale; and Country Manager, Redington, Nigeria, Mr. Sujeendra Prasad, during the launch of iPhone8 in Lagos... recently

L-R: Former Managing Director Diamond Bank Plc, Emeka Onwuka; former Group Managing Director, UBA Plc, Phillip Oduoza; and President, Steel Dealers Association Abuja, Maxwell Igbokwe, during business luncheon organised by the African Industries Group, in Lagos... recently

L-R: Past President, Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN), Olor’ogun Dr. Sonny Folorunsho Kuku; Vice President, Mrs. Funmi Oyetunji; President, Prof. Chris Ogbechie; immediate Past President, Sir Steve Omojafor; and immediate Past Vice President, Mr. Sam Cookey Jnr, during a business lunch in honour of past Excos of the association in Lekki Lagos‌recently PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO

L-R: Brand Ambassador, Eye Bank for Restoring Sight, Mrs. Dakore Egbuson Akande; Chairman, Board of Governors, Eye Bankfor Restoring Sight, Dr. Bade Ogundipe; Medical Director, Eye Bank for Sight, Nigeria, Dr. Mosunmade Faderin; and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Eye Bank for Restoring Sight, Dr. Seinde Akinsete, during the unveiling of the “Now l See� Poster Campaign at the Eye Bank for Restoring Sight Nigeria Launch in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

L-R: National Financial Secretary, The African Church of Christ, Elder Solomon Osunba; National General Secretary, Elder Olusegun Enigbokan; Deputy Lay Secretary, Chief Oladipo Oladosu; Primate and Archbishop of the Arch Cathedral, Dr. Emmanuel Josiah UdoďŹ a; Lay President, Evangelist Ebenezer Okunowo; Provincial Vice, Lagos Province, Elder Babatunde Odufuwa; and Church Warden of the Arch Cathedral, Col. Akinola Aboyade-Cole (rtd.), during the 116th Founders Day anniversary of the Church, in Lagos... recently PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

INTERVIEW TAOFEEK AYINDE

Political Godfatherism Jeopardises Ambitions

Taofeek Olayinka Ayinde, an engineer, is one of the aspirants in the 2018 Osun State gubernatorial election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. In this interview with Femi Ogbonnikan, Ayinde talks about his ambition, and other political issues I am a product of the grass roots. I am always with my people. I am always with the youths. I have organised many empowerment programmes that have cut across many segments within my community and its environs. I have been contributing to the development of youths in my community. Right from the time I was growing up, I have links and connections with people within the community. There is no political front in my community that can claim they don’t know me worked for AD. In Delta State where I reside, I had been the Publicity Secretary of the AD in Uvwie Local Government Area. I was a delegate from Delta State to elect Abdulkadir as the National chairman. It was the death of Chief Bola Ige that actually made me lie low, because I was an ardent follower of the Cicero of Esa-Oke. When he died, the thing really affected my political interest. And so, I had to lie low and restricted my participation in local politics only to my ward level. As far as party structure is concerned, in Osun State, APC still stands a better chance because the party is still very much on ground. No factions and no divisions. If there is any division at all, it will only be based on individual aspiration, and the governorship election that is coming up very soon. And by the special grace of God, and if we are able to resolve that, the party will still be stronger. The fear of what happened during the last Osun West Senatorial District election was as a result of some kind of selfish forces which worked against the party within the state. It was what caused the problem. It doesn’t mean that APC is weak and can’t win any future election. And apart from that, my community is the stronghold of APC and I can’t leave my people. I still have to remain in APC and make my people comfortable.

TAOFEEK AYINDE You are among the aspirants interested in the 2018 Osun State Governorship race. What are you bringing to the table? hat I am bringing to the table is hope to the people, responsibility and power to the people. Apart from that, I have programmes that I have tagged four-cardinal points, which are totally different and unique. A situation whereby workers would work and they are not being paid as and when due would be a thing of the past if I become governor. A situation whereby our teeming young graduates are unemployed would be over in Osun State. And these are the things that I am bringing to the table, a unique and a totally different kind of governance that has never been experienced before in our state.

Do you have the ďŹ nancial resources to contest in the race? The governorship election is a collective decision, which a single individual can’t finance or do alone. So, it is a collective responsibility of everybody that has interest in my aspiration. I know that, if I have people, I have the resources. In Osun State, human resource is our major advantage, and I am counting on that. If my people support me, the financial resource will not be a problem. It

is something that I will be able to raise and it is something that can be made possible. If the governorship is to be rotated on a senatorial district basis, is it the turn of Osun West where you come from? Yes! It is the turn of Osun West to produce the next governor, because Osun Central has had its fair share of the seat and Osun East is currently enjoying the seat. And within Osun West, it is even my community, Iwo that has a stronger claim to the seat because right from the inception of the progressive days of old, Iwo has been marginalised. I am from Iwo and I just have to let you know that Iwo has suffered, being the home of progressive elements. We have practically worshipped and practically followed all other aspirants elsewhere, and until today, we have never produced somebody or a person either as an administrator or as a governor of any state. There is no community that is as big as my community that has never had that kind of opportunity. So, as it is now, Osun West, under which Iwo falls, has a stronger claim to the next governor of Osun State. Why are you contesting on the platform of APC and not a party like PDP? I have been in the struggle for years, beginning from the birth of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). I have been there. I

How close are you to the grassroots in order to win their support? I am a product of the grass roots. I am always with my people. I am always with the youths. I have organised many empowerment programmes that have cut across many segments within my community and its environs. I have been contributing to the development of youths in my community. Right from the time I was growing up, I have links and connections with people within the community. There is no political front in my community that can claim they don’t know me. There is no particular unit within the community that would say there is no area I have never touched, in a way, in my life. There is no area within Iwo community that they would mention my name and somebody would get up and say, he does not know me or that, I haven’t identified with the community. No! And right from the time I have been eligible and attained the voting age of 18, I have always been voting in my polling unit. I used to mobilise my people, for my party and for our interest at all times. How do you intend to harness tourism to improve Osun State’s revenue, instead of waiting for federal allocation? If a country like Togo or Republic of Benin can exist as a country with the little resources that they have, I do not see why a state as responsible and responsive as Osun State would not be able to survive. Osun State has, apart from those tourist potentials, abundant human resources. We have historical resources. We have religious resources. In Osun State, you can’t travel for five kilometres without getting to one community or the other that are not connected. Thus, the communities are densely populated. Based on that, we have resources that can sustain the economy of the state. There is tourism, as you have just identified, and what about mineral resources? We have them. What of human capital development? We have them. And go to the city of

Port Harcourt, go to Abuja or Kano, Sokoto or even Cote-D’voire, Lagos, Osun has substantial population of its citizens living in these cities. So, if the state has a responsible and responsive governor and programmes to turn around the economy of the state, Osun State’s economy will be better-off because we have all the resources that can make Osun a better state in Nigeria. Do you have a political godfather that is backing you in this race? You know, it has always been like that. But for now, I have no political godfather. And even the so-called political godfathers are not willing to physically identify with any aspirant because they know that their identification with any aspirant may jeopardise the ambition of such person. So, no political godfather is even directly or indirectly willing to identify with any aspirant. Just like you have said, I would rather tag them as stakeholders because the use of the ‘godfather’ is a coinage in the political circle, and the stakeholders will naturally evolve. When the chips are down, they will be able to manage the situation in order to move the state forward. Osun State politics presents a comical context where voting seems to go along with personality. How acceptable is your aspiration and pedigree in the race? Just as I have said earlier, I still remain a neutral personality in such a way that, if I want to describe it now, I would say, I have all it takes to be the governor of the state. I have worked for it. I have contributed my own quota to the development of the youths. I have paid my dues, even when I was growing up. I have made it a kind of personal responsibility, my personal liberty, to make sure that people whoever is close to me or know me, will grow together with me. It has always been like that within my community. If anybody can follow or understand my line of development, he or she would actually know that, and say that, this person is qualified to govern them, because I have all it takes to become the governor. I am the general coordinator, Centre for Productive Leadership, and with that NGO, I have used it to add value to the national dialogue. Communities that are not mine, for example, Abuja, Kogi and across all other states, I have taken youth empowerment programme to better the lot of these communities. Even some communities have been calling me to come and organise such programmes which my community, Iwo, has also benefitted from. It’s not only that, there are other measures, and contributions that I have done, closely with traditional rulers within my community and with youth organisations too. We have community-based organisations. We have religious-based organisations which have added value to the inhabitants of these communities. If coming to office as governor is by sacrifice that one has made to the people, I think I am qualified and I have what can be called pedigree to become the servant of the people that is ready to sacrifice his privacy for the benefit of the people. I would be happy if people can look into that and consider me worthy for the job, as the Governor of Osun State.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

PERSPECTIVE

Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim Does Not Own Newswatch Ray Ekpu

n Tuesday October 31, 2017, our attention was drawn to a story planted by Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim in several newspapers about a court decision that took place seven months ago, precisely on March 27, 2017. The judgement of the Court of Appeal on the ownership of Newswach Communications Limited was delivered by Justice Tijani Abubakar and supported by Justice Garba Abubakar and Justice Abimbola Obaseki. The judgement which was given, based on the fact that the judges misdirected themselves on the facts of the matter, has since been contested by two of the shareholders of the company. The shareholders, Mr. Nuhu Wada Aruwa and Professor Jibril Aminu, have asked the Supreme Court to rectify the error of the court below. Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim has done everything imaginable since 2011 to claim falsely 51% shares of Newswatch Communications Limited which he never paid for. Here are the facts of the matter: On May 5, 2011, the directors of Newswatch Communications Limited signed a Share Purchase Agreement with Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim and his Global Media Mirror Limited for the sale of 51% shares of Newswatch Communications Limited to him and his company. The share purchase price was N510 million which he was to pay not later than May 5, 2011, the date of the Completion Board Meeting. Mr. Ibrahim never paid the said N510 million before that day; he never paid it on that day and he never paid it after that day. Up till today he has not paid for the said shares. But he has tried by hook and crook to own the shares of a company he never paid for. He took four of us, Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed and Soji Akinrinade, to the Federal High Court, Lagos claiming that we had retired from the company on May 5, 2011 and we were no longer directors of the company. The truth of the matter is that we retired from the company and were reappointed as non-executive directors at the very meeting in which he was chosen as chairman of the board of the company. He came with us to the Newswatch newsroom on that day and told our staff that we had been reappointed as directors of the company. The news was published in several newspapers including his National Mirror the next day May 6, 2011. Yet Mr. Ibrahim denied it. For the 15 months that the magazine was published with him as chairman our names were listed every week as directors of the company. We submitted certified true copies of the magazines to Justice Okon Abang who handled the case. Curiously, Justice Abang accepted Mr. Ibrahim as chairman but refused to accept us as directors, even though we were all listed as such in the same document. In fact, throughout the case, the judge showed open hostility in court to our lawyer, Mr. Kunle Oyesanya, SAN. We kept wondering what happened. When he gave his controversial judgement against the weight of evidence we went on appeal. The more intriguing part of his judgement was his claim that if Mr. Ibrahim had not paid for the shares we would not have made him chairman of the company. But the suit before him which was initiated by Mr. Ibrahim was only about our directorship of the company and NOT about share purchase. He only dragged the issue of share purchase into his judgement when he realized that two of Newswatch directors had gone to court asking for an abrogation of the share purchase agreement because of Mr. Ibrahim’s failure to comply with the terms. We contested that controversial judgement given by Justice Abang at the Court of Appeal. While this was going on, Mr. Ibrahim secretly registered a company called Newswatch Newspapers Limited and

Ray Ekpu

He claims falsely that there was an Annual General Meeting of Newswatch Communications Limited on Monday January 25, 2011 at which a resolution was purportedly approved and that Yakubu Mohammed, Dan Agbese and Soji Akinrinade would retire on May 5,2011. This is the most asinine piece of forgery for four reasons: One, there was no such meeting; Two, Mr. Ibrahim had not been a board member of Newswatch by January 25, 2011

gave his company Global Media Mirror Limited 900,000 shares and Newswatch Communications Limited only 100,000 shares. It was when the newspaper hit the newsstands that we knew that Mr. Ibrahim was cooking a sinister plot. Two of our directors, Mr. Nuhu Wada Aruwa and Professor Jibril Aminu, filed a suit asking for an injunction to stop the publication of the Newswatch newspaper. The Judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos said he would rather hear all the parties and resolve the case within one month. By a series of time wasting tactics, Mr. Ibrahim dragged the case for two years. However, on October 20, 2014, Justice Buba gave judgement on the matter. In that judgement, the Judge said that: (a) The respondent (Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim and Global Media Mirror Limited) were “fraudulent� in the formation and constitution of the Newswatch Newspapers Limited for not seeking or obtaining the consent of the other shareholders on the shareholding. (b) The Judge set aside the contract entered into based on the Share Purchase Agreement between Newswatch Communications Limited and Global Media

Mirror Limited. (c) He awarded special damages against Mr. Ibrahim and his company to Newswatch Communications Limited for loss of business profit since August 2012. (d) He gave an order of perpetual injunction restraining Mr. Ibrahim and his company from further interfering in or assuming management and control of Newswatch. (4) Immediately after the judgement by Justice Buba, Mr. Ibrahim registered a new company called Newswatch Times Limited to circumvent the judgement of the court all in the attempt to publish a newspaper with the name Newswatch which the court had asked him to stop publishing. He changed the name from Daily Newswatch to Newswatch Times. Our lawyer, Mr. Kunle Oyesanya, SAN, wrote a letter dated November 12, 2014 to Mr. Ibrahim’s lawyer Mr. B. Ayorinde, SAN, complaining of this act of lawlessness. (5) The next thing Mr. Ibrahim and his company did was to remove Newswatch delivery vans and other assets and take them away from our No. 3 Billingsway, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos premises. (6) Even though Justice Buba’s judgement had returned Newswatch to its original owners, Mr. Ibrahim employed the service of an Estate Surveyor and Valuers, Messrs Goke Owamoboye & Co of 82, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja to try to trespass into the property. The valuer placed a notice board on the wall of Newswatch premises seeking to let out the property. Our lawyer had to write a letter to the Estate Surveyor to warn him of the criminality of his action. (7) From our investigations, we discovered that Mr. Ibrahim was more interested in the choice property at No. 3, Billingsway than in an enduring publishing enterprise. We then published a Caveat Emptor in the Vanguard newspaper on February 16 and 19, 2015 stating that the place (No. 3, Billingsway, Oregun, Ikeja) is not for let, lease or sale. (8) All these efforts did not stop Mr. Ibrahim on his desperate, maniacal mission to acquire by all means property that he is not legally or legitimately entitled to. He changed tactics. He tried to use some policemen at Alausa Police Station, Ikeja to commit trespass on the premises of Newswatch. We wrote a petition dated February 17, 2015 to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command complaining about him. We were expected to meet with the Police on the matter. He refused to turn up but we made our case to the Police. He brags openly about the fact that he has the Police in his pocket. This is of no interest to us but as law-abiding citizens we will use all lawful means to keep our property from being stolen by anyone no matter how rich. (9) The publication earlier referred to contained a number of inaccuracies and discrepancies: (a) The statement that “Ibrahim won the ownership case at a Federal High Court and the matter was relitigated by the defendants before another Federal High Court presided over by Justice Buba who ruled in favour of Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed and others� is false. Justice Buba ruled in favour of Aminu and Aruwa. Mr. Ibrahim never won the ownership case which was at Justice Ibrahim Buba’s court. What he won (which we are contesting) was the directorship case which he initiated at Justice Okon Abang’s court. Mr. Ibrahim could never have gone to court on ownership since he knows that he did not pay for the shares. (b) Justice Okon Abang did not state as erroneously published that “payment was made by Jimoh Ibrahim to the former owners of Newswatch.� What he said was merely speculative namely that if he did not pay we would not have made him the chairman. But the truth is that he did not pay. He has no evidence of payment. The Share Purchase Agreement

between Newswatch Communications Limited (Sellers) and Global Media Mirror Limited (Buyers) signed on May 5, 2011 states in section 4.2 “On receipt of the purchase price the seller shall deliver to the buyer or its nominee the share certificates representing the shares as well as an official receipt acknowledging payment of the purchase price.� As representatives of the sellers, Newswatch Communications Limited, we state on our honour for the umpteenth time that Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim never paid the share purchase price of N510 million. If he paid he would have presented the receipt and the share certificate in court. He never presented any of the two items because he never had them. The reason he never had them was because he never paid the money. To whom did he pay? When did he pay? By what means did he pay? Those are the relevant questions that he has failed or refused to answer. (10) During our negotiations before the share purchase agreement was signed Mr. Ibrahim mentioned the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo several times as his mentor. Since we are also friendly with the former President we decided to report Mr. Ibrahim to him. Chief Obasanjo asked us (Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed and Soji Akinrinade) what we wanted. We said we wanted him to invite Mr. Ibrahim for a meeting so he can state before him whether he paid us the money or not. Chief Obasanjo told us later that he had invited him a couple of times but he never turned up for the meeting with us. (11) Mr. Ibrahim has a multi-pronged strategy including desperate moves, lawlessness, impunity, corrupt gestures which are cynically called Nigerian syndrome and boastful intimidation tactics. His overall target is to collect our property by hook or crook, by crafty, doggy, serpentine means. But we will not let him. He does not seem to worry about the reputation deficit that comes with his 419 tactics. (12) Before he shut down the company he told our former staff that he has set aside one billion naira for judges and journalists. He also told them that since we are all old men he will drag the court case for many years until we are all dead. That shows the morbidity of his mind but what is important is that whether we die or not his attempt to collect our company by false pretenses will continue to be challenged. (13) It is also important to note we petitioned EFCC on December 12, 2012 drawing its attention to Mr. Ibrahim’s forgeries aimed at circumventing the law. We drew the commission’s attention to the following: He claims falsely that there was an Annual General Meeting of Newswatch Communications Limited on Monday January 25, 2011 at which a resolution was purportedly approved and that Yakubu Mohammed, Dan Agbese and Soji Akinrinade would retire on May 5, 2011. This is the most asinine piece of forgery for four reasons: One, there was no such meeting; Two, Mr. Ibrahim had not been a board member of Newswatch by January 25, 2011. He only came on board on May 5, 2011; Three, the signatories of the persons on the document are not known as directors of the company; Four, the Newswatch headed paper used was forged and is very different from the authentic one used by the company. No AGM of Newswatch was held on August 20, 2012 and the Form CAC 7 filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission as well as Form CAC 2 and CACA 2.1 are forged or contrived as there was no AGM to that effect whatsoever. If there is a judicial system in the world that gives someone’s property to another without documented proof of ownership then that system would have turned justice on its head. We believe that despite the rot in the Nigeria system there are still judges with conscience who will not sell their conscience for a mess of pottage.

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NOVEMBER 4, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SAT A URDAY NEWSPA P PER

PERSPECTIVE

Single Term: Weighing Ekweremadu’s Prescription Law Mefor

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ove him or hate him, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has a knack for hitting g at issues where they y dwell and daring where angels g would not. His desire for a stable and equitable q Nigeria g has always y been obvious in his decisive p political interventions, even though g some of his masterstrokes get g attenuated by y divergent g and p parochial interests of co-actors in the polity. y In one of such audacious moves, this time in far away y New York, USA, where he delivered the 10th anniversary y lecture of the Centre for Media and Peace Initiative, USA, entitled, “Constitutionalism and g of Leadership p in Africa: the Challenges An Evaluation of Tested Models”, Senator Ekweremadu has again g called for a single g term of five or six years y for the President and Governors. Ekweremadu first pushed p for a single g term in Nigeria g during g the constitution amendment exercise of 2014. Ekwerenadu, in p prescribing g a single g term of five or six years y for Nigeria g and Africa, noted that despite p y years of democracy, y Africa continues to witness the resurgence g of conditions, circumstances, habits and attitudes that in the p past led to disaster. He shares the view of many y Africans who identify y the constitution as the origin g of the problems that undermine national unity, p y development, p and social equilibrium. q To Ekweremadu, clinging g g on to the status q quo is unwarranted and unwise and, for remedy, calls for new constitutions that address Africa’s unique q challenges g by y accommodating g some p provisions such as single g and rotational presidency, p y hybrid y of presidential p and republicanism in a truly restructured polity. y Ekweremadu believes that redesigning g g of term limits for p political chief executives will reduce the acrimonious conflict, divisiveness, and instability y arising g from p partisan or factional competition for executive

Ekweremadu offi f ces in the federation. Truly, y it would reduce the distractions, manipulations p and divisiveness of re-election campaigns, p g while facilitating g a more rapid p circulation or rotation of power p among g the various groups. g p He p pointed to the examples p of the Latin American democracies that adopted p the single g term presidency p y until such a time their respective p democracies matured and stabilized. For the avoidance of doubt, Mexico still practices p a single term of six years known as sexinio. Because the g government is the major j player p y in the economy y across Africa and access to p power or otherwise affects peoples p attitude to government, g Ekweremadu added that rotation of the single g term even for a defined period, will prove reassuring

to ethnic groups g p and promote p loyalty y y to the nation because every y constituent part p will be reassured that power p will come their way at a given g interval. Come to think of it, does Nigeria g need a single g term? The answer is y yes. Apart p from many y countries that had similar experiences p like Nigeria, g such as Mexico adopting p g it, going g g by y what elections have done to the Nigerian g economy y and the p polity, y the nation actually y needs it even if no other country y is p practicing g it. Elections in Nigeria g have become a major j drain on financial and emotional health of the nation. Elections, especially p y national elections, have been so rancorous and mostly fan the embers of disunity. y What is more, Nigeria’s g presidential p and governorship g p elections hold every y four years with the following y g result: after election, it takes the new government g months to settle down after making g new appointments pp that could take also. Before actual gover g nance commences, the new government g is well into the second year y and would take at least another year y to implement p its policies to deliver on campaign p p g promises. p Before it even fully y rolls into the third year, y it is another election season and the mode shifts again g to election and the struggle gg is do or die, as a former President Olusegun Obasanjo j once declared. Even as I write, attention has, once more, shifted from g governance to p politicking g to pick party p p y tickets. You can then ask: for how long g has the new All Progressives g Congress g (APC) g government g governed to be able to deliver democracy y dividend and change g they y promised, p which ought g to form the basis for their assessment by y the voters in deciding g whether to renew or withdraw their mandate? What is more, the billions of naira sunk g campaigns p g every y four into electioneering years have contributed to the underdevely opment p of the country y through g diversion of resources. The nation’s economy y is suffering much recession due to elections. The

Nigerian g constitution prescribes p two terms and this means eight g y years in offfice and two elections that come with humongous g sums. A single g term of six y years comes with only y a single election, a win-win situation in our circumstance. The argument g that a good g President and a good Governor will be missed if he or she is g not allowed a second is already y accommodated in the length g of tenure – six y years. Six years is long y g enough g for any y serious minded leader to make his tenure and governance g sublime enough g so that before departure, p he or she must have left footprints on the sands of time. Many y also say y that working g for second term always y makes the incumbent to work harder. What this argument g equally q y admits by y default (assuming g it is the case) is that the Governor or President will not do much in his second term. It makes it even worse to dwell on such premise p and makes a single g term of six y years more desirable if not inevitable. I am also not aware of any y governor or President that has done any g ything g meaningful g in his second term. They y see it as jara, j rake in whatever they y can, and even amend p pension laws to guarantee life of eternal opulence. p In a single g term, though g the Governor or President is aware that he/she is not returning, g none would want his or her party p out of p power. They y will therefore work – or their parties p would insist they y leave enough legacies g – to make the return of the party possible and desirable. Like Ekweremadu said, although g the attempt p to institute a single g term failed in 2014 on the alters of ethno-regional g and political p considerations, the National Assembly y should take a serious look at it again g because a single, g rotational term, holds the g greater promises for welding p g the nation into the hoped p indivisible and indissoluble entity. y It will only y take political p will, forward thinking and p patriotism to achieve. – Mefor f is an Abuja based Forensic and Social Psychologist

Brrea Breast Bre eas ast st Cancer: Ca anc nce ce er: A Bank’s Ba ank’ k’s ’s Contribution ’s Co Contributi ontr nttri rib ibu but ution tio io on tto o Fight Fig Fi igh ght ht a Deadly Dea De ead adl dly ly Sc Sco Scourge cou our urg rge ge ge The month of October is observed as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Labake Fashogbonlooks n at the deadly scourge that has claimed the lives v of many women and how Skye Bank is joining in the fight to end its spread

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hinyere y (not real names) thought g the small lump p she felt jjust under her right g breast was just j a small issue. But the p pain would not g go away y but was rather becoming g severe. Several months after and series of cosmetic treatments, Chinyere y and her husband decided to see a specialist p and their worst fears were confirmed: Chinyere y had breast cancer. And that confirmation, a three-year y battle began; g a battle she never won as she succumbed to the cold hands of death almost four years after she first felt that lump. p There are many y Chinyeres y out there, some are dying y g and some are at the early y stages g of cancer. For them, life is at a standstill. They y are in pains, p both mentally y and p physically. y y But to show that the world has not forgotten g about them, October has been set aside as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it is marked globally g y to draw attention and support pp for awareness, early detection and treatment of the disease. The disease is the second most common kind of cancer in women and strangely, g y it accounts for about half a million deaths each year y which is due largely g y to inadequate q medical care and lack of awareness about the disease. According g to the World Health Organisation g (WHO), about 70 p per cent of all cancer deaths occur in low- and middleincome countries. Consequently, q y deaths from cancer worldwide are projected p j to continue to rise to over 13.1 million in 2030. These alarming g figures g call for a concerted effort by yg government, research institutes and the private p sector to fight g the scourge g of cancer in our society in order to reduce the mortality

rate among g the womenfolk. According g to insights g from research con nducted by y US-based medical experts: p Laurie Glimcher, the Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College; g Wendy y Chen, an assistant professor p at Harvard Medical School and Patricia Steeg, g a doctoral degree g holder, deputy p y chief of the Women’s Malignancies g Branch at the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research, there are indications that the three most recent big g breakthroughs g in the Fight g Against g Breast Cancer -Taming g Rogue g Cells; Treating g From the Medicine Cabinet and Catching g Cancer Before It Spreads, p may y be able to stem mortality in women as a result of breast cancer. While banks have been accused of only y focusing g on increasing g the p profit margin g and hardly y contribute to social and humanitarian causes, Skye y Bank seems ready y to be different with its commitment to joining j g the fight g against g the scourge g of breast cancer in the country. y Tokunbo Abiru, the bank’s managing g g director, said through g their non-governmental g organisation g partner, p Care Organisation g and Public Enlightenment, g COPE, would ensure that the pain p breast cancer causes the nation’s women is brought g to an end. “We are committed to the fight g against g the high g incidence of cancer; especially p y breast can ncer in the country y and with our NGO partner, p Care, Organisation g and Public Enlightenment g (COPE) Foundation, no stone is g going g to be left unturned until the disease is brought g to a halt.” Speaking p g further, Abiru said: “Our concern and desire as a fi financial institution and a corporate p citizen, is to stem the growing trend of the disease.” The Skye Bank boss pledged that the

financial institution would continue to sup fi pport worthy p y social causes in the health sector to improve p the wellbeing g and healthcare of Nigerians, g saying y g a healthy y nation is a wealthy y nation. He explained p that in the past, p the fi financial service giants g had sponsored p a 10-kilometre walk in two different locations within the Lagos g metropolis p with over 2,500 participants p p to draw the attention of the public to the deadly y cancer scourge. g In her remarks, the Managing g g Partner of COPE Foundation, Mrs. Ebun Anozie, called for the establishment of cancer care centres in the country y where specialists p would be available to provide p care and treatment to patients and survivors. She commended p Skye y Bank for sponsoring p g over 30 indigent g cancer p patients for treatment in addition to providing p g free screening g programmes p g for over 12,000 women within and outside Lagos. g “Unfortunately, y we have noticed the prevalence of breast cancer in y p younger g women and late p presentation is still on the increase. Women should p please avail themselves of the opportunity pp y to free screening g because early y detection and treatment is safer and cheaper,” p she said. A consultant Oncologist g who also serves an adviser to the Foundation, Dr. Anthonia Showunmi, advised members of the p public to live a healthy y life style, y avoid risky y behaviours and to g go for g general medical checkup once in a y year. In order to p put its desires into action, the bank, in collaboration with COPE Foundation, is p providing g free breast cancer screening g opportunity pp y for hundreds of women as its continuing g support pp for the fight against cancer in October and beyond.

The bank, in the last twelve years, y has made huge g commitment to the fig ght against cancer and other Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) as p part of its contribution to society y through g its flagship g p Corporate p Social Responsibility p y (CSR) footprints. p Abiru further explained p that some of the bank’s footprints p over the years y include: SEEK-A-CARE p project, j a long g term relevant home care delivery y service offered to breast cancer patients; p the establishment of a Breast Cancer Information Service Center to serve as a databank where relevant and up p to date information on breast cancer is made available; donation of state-of-the-art cancer screening g machines, LogiQ g C2 and Mind Ray y Ultra-Sound System, y to enhance quality q y diagnosis and clinical practices at the COPE Centre. provision of the equipq p Others included p ment has increased the chances of early y detection of breast cancer which has significantly g y raised the survival chances of cancer patients p and also g given opportunity pp y to more women to be able to determine their status. He explained p that over 30 indigent g cancer patients were supported p pp by y the bank for treattment in addition to p providing g free scanning g programs p g for over 12,000 women within and outside Lagos. g He also disclosed that the bank helped p to beef up p the capacity p y and skill set of offi f cers from COPE Foundation by y sponsor p ring g them to UICC World Cancer Training and Conference in Australia. So much from a fi financial institution that wants to give g back to a society y where it operp r ates. And with gestures g like these, perhaps p p many y Chinyeres y out there would be saved from untimely deaths.

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THISDAY, THE SAT A URDAY NEWSPA P PER Ëž Íź, 2017

Borrowing B Bor Bo orr rro row owi win iing ng Pl Plan Pla lan an offNi Nigeria... Nig Ni ige ger eri ria iia. a.. ... .. Ti Time Tim ime me tto Pl Plant Pla lan antt ant Godwin Ewulu

igerians need to rethink their reaction to debt and borrowing Plans. In the past two years, there has been much talk on the country’s debt profile which has risen to trillions locally and billion Dollars internationally. Many Nigerians complain that the government is borrowing too much. We are worried that the future of our children is at stake here. We do not wish to see the other side of the borrowing plan which puts the country in a better position for decades to come. A critical look at the current debt structure and the attributes of the new borrowing plan will paint a vivid picture on why the Muhammadu Buhari-led government must be encouraged to see its borrowing plan through. It was Warren Buffet, the Oracle of Omaha, perceived as the world’s best investor, who said “beware the investment activity that produces applause; the great moves are usually greeted by yawns.� The new borrowing plan may not be applauded by a larger population of Nigerians, and may be greeted by gross criticisms, but the driving idea may be worth it in the long run. Why exactly are we borrowing so much? We must borrow “to make Nigeria better for our children�. The more granular answer will be “to fund infrastructure, to grow gross domestic product, and to redirect our debt patterns towards sustainability�. A totally grass roots answer is that we must borrow to

Kemi Adeosun

put more Jollof rice on the table more often and at a cheaper cost. A quick analysis of yesteryears show that between June 2013 to June 2015, the country’s debt profile rose by N4.2 trillion from N7.9 trillion to N12.1 trillion. This was at a time when oil prices were relatively high, and the economy was nowhere near a recession. As was asserted, the country was simply borrowing to pay salaries. Today, over 50 percent of government’s non-oil revenue is used in servicing those debts. Over 40 percent of our total income is used to maintain debts. So the government of the day is

once again in the throes of borrowing, and as usual, Nigerians are up in arms against what is of immense benefit to them. This borrowing is to w refinance previous debts, in a bid to reduce the cost of borrowing and debt servicing. If we had to pay 16 percent interest on local debts annually, when we can pay 6-7 percent on the same debts, what should we rather choose? According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), there is a 10 percentage-point spread between domestic and foreign borrowing cost. This is based on the fact that the restructuring debt plan will help save the government hundreds of million dollars in financing costs. One of the major attributes of this borrowing plan is to refinance some local debts to reduce the amount being used to service the debts. This is a sustainable pattern. In addition to this, the whole refinancing narrative also allows more room for the private sector to get access to funds in the local market, and contribute their quota to economic growth and national development. On the other hand, the government is also taking loans to fund enormous infrastructural development, which would positively affect the country’s Present while guaranteeing a better future for generations to come. This should impress us all as human beings. We need the assurance that generations not yet seen are being provided for. The latest N100 billion Sukuk will be funneled into the construction and repair of 25 roads across six geopolitical zones in the nation. This will generate immediate jobs, make business

networking across states easier, and drive social benefits. Previous capital expenditure in the ministry of Power, Works and Housing in 2016, is estimated to have created 193,469 jobs. The present government is spending more on capital expenditure than any previous government in the history of this nation has ever done. Heavy investments from borrowing plans have also gone into the FGN/ CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme, which has employed over 300,000 farmers in rice farming, yam farming and other sorts of local farming. All of these culminated in an increase in national GDP, especially at such challenging times in the history of our nation, where increase in GDP will translate into better life for the masses. The international response to Nigeria’s borrowing plans also shows that the country is on the right path to economic stability and sustainability. Every time the country has tapped the Eurobond since the new borrowing plan was put to work, the bonds have been oversubscribed. This shows the growing confidence the international community has in Nigeria’s overall economic plan. In the end, someone has to do the hard and dirty job of fixing Nigeria’s structural problems with Nigeria’s fiscal system, and if a short term increase in debt will solve a long term problem, then, so be it. Like popularly said, “someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.� It is time to plant the trees of our economic renaissance via this sustainable Borrowing Plan. –Godwinewulu@gmail.com

Are A re Mo Most ost of Us Tr Treasury Tre rea eas assury ry y Lo Looters Looters? oot ote te ers rs? s? s? Eddie Mbadiwe

hough, out of character, but let me start with a confession. I have literally had to drag myself to my offi f ce on a sunny Sunday afternoon to do what I consider an important duty to Nigeria. The matters are so weighty that a lot more people should devote a little more time to what touches us all. The unfortunate fact is most of us keep silent and so it continues to be business as usual. When future generations accuse our generation of complicity by not doing anything when Nigeria veered off tangent and descended to unfathomable levels of depravity and corruption, how shall we like to be judged? Mainais the symptom, the disease is cancerous corruption. The revelations he has made are mind-boggling as they are revolting. These taken in conjunction with the other EFCC, ICPC recoveries will convince any skeptics that the devil is indeed at work but a superior God has prevented the total collapse of Nigeria. A Nigerian proverb says that anyone selling eggs must not start a fight in the market place. A fight has been started in the Nigerian market place and the destruction has to be volcanic and catastrophic. This nation continues to be raped daily as I had earlier highlighted in an earlier contribution. Anyone who bothers to flick unto any of our local TV channels or indeed radio stations will see all manner of

EFCC Chairman, Magu self-righteous apostles pouring invectives on those they describe as treasury looters. Treasury looting has become a phrase of infamy in the Nigerian lexicon. Whenever I see these ministrations and holier- than- thou abuses, I always pull back a little and ask myself who are these people with boldness to cast the first stone? As a person who has devoted the greater part of my life to the pursuit of truth through scientific research in some of the best institutions in the world working with some of the best people in my field of biochemistry, silence in the midst of disorder is not an option. I wish a lot more people will

speak up in defence of truth. However, I am very cautious and circumspect before condemning anyone. The war on corruption was derailed and truncated long ago when it became selective in its execution. It is common knowledge that the antidote to a visit by EFCC or DSS is an APC party card. A number of those named to have benefitted from Colonel Dasuki’s largesse conveniently and quickly bought this pill. How sad. Pursuit of truth tells us that corruption is neither APC nor PDP therefore the executioners must wear a blind fold. We are not addressing small petty thieves. For us to seriously reduce corruption because no nation has yet eliminated it, we must all return to the path of rectitude on an individual level. It has to be a MORAL REBIRTH and it has to be committed and total. What do I mean? For us to be serious about corruption and return to the path of rectitude it is important that all of us who have served in any of following make individual and personal due diligence analysis of the various stages of our lives. The areas that need participate are politics, military, police, civil service, judiciary, all sectors of public service including customs, immigration, civil defence, clergy, academia, press. Nigerians must with a fine comb go through the various stages of their lives and at the end return those ‘’unexplained wealth’’ to the common till. Those who fail to do this will be subjected to further investigation by the anti-graft

agencies. Fellow Nigerians is not beyond belief that people who retired on grade level 16 or even permanent secretaries have housing estates and hotels worth billions of naira. Governors and legislators flaunt and wallow in obscene wealth in a country where the daily wage is less than one U.S. dollar. This is because Nigerians are docile up to the point of stupor. It is public knowledge that some former Governors own hotels whose value can only be calculated in billions of U.S dollars. How many of us will plead not guilty to sexually harassing or even assaulting women employed in our departments? For those of us who are privileged to be University Lecturers can we all beat our chest truthfully and say we never traded grades for casual sleazy comforts? The list goes on and on and it is only after we have truthfully undertaken this purge of purification and done adequate mea-culpa that anyone dare call the other treasury looter for most of us are guilty. Name calling alone will not move this nation forward. Mr. President this nation voted you because the majority believed that you as a person are incorruptible. I am beginning to say the same for the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. To pretend to be ignorant of the stench enveloping your administration is amnesia. You still have time with truth as your compass to steer the course and emblazon your name in immortality. –Dr. Mbadiwe writes from Abuja

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ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY

POLITY

Always Ahead: The Reward for Dedicated Service to the People

Simeon Nwakaudu

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ivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is certainly a clinical politician, administrator and dispenser of developmental projects. But personally, I don’t think these are the features that have kept him victorious. The governor operates in a vicious political terrain, replete with sadistic opposition politicians who are ever ready to destroy the fortunes of the state just to gain political mileage. It is obvious that Governor Wike is always ahead because of God’s favour on him. The blessing of God on his administration is the reward for his dedicated service to the good people of Rivers State. His daily toil to change the fortunes of the state for the better is known to the people. Whenever discerning credible organisations resolve to honour Governor Wike, those defeated by the people gnash their teeth in extreme agony. They weep on the rooftop as if their political future has been terminated. They go to ridiculous lengths in their attempt to disparage whatever honour is bestowed on the people’s governor. It was the same when he bagged the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year 2016, the Authority Newspaper Man of the Year, 2016 and the Independent Newspapers Man of the Year, 2016. These opposition elements took up paid advertorials in national dailies in their attempt to demean these awards. The more they wept, the more prominent the recognition. Like it is stated in Exodus 13:21: “By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.� This is the situation with Governor Wike’s administration. The protection and guidance are beyond the reach of the opposition. It is no longer news that Governor Wike was the only African honoured at the 12th Global Forum on Human Settlements & Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards Ceremony (GFHS XII) at the United Nations Plaza in New York City on Monday night. Governor Wike was honoured with the Global Human Settlements Outstanding Contribution Award. The global award was in recognition of the governor’s outstanding achievements in the area of urban renewal, sustainable cities and provision of basic amenities to the residential areas of low-income earners. The 12th Global Forum on Human Settlements & Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards Ceremony (GFHS XII) was jointly organised by the Permanent Mission of the Gambia to the UN, the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the UN (AU), the Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS), the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment), the University Peace Federation (UPF), the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO) and the better City Institute (BCI). All the organisers participated in the award ceremony which was beamed

live to the world on different platforms. Speaking at the award ceremony in New York on Monday night, a Representative of the United Nations Environment, Mara Murillo said that the organisation salutes Global Forum on Human Settlements & Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements for having developed the awards and the constituency for which it has been organised. Ms. Mara AngĂŠlica Murillo-Correa, Senior Programme Officer of Intergovernmental Affairs, United Nations Environment Programme, New York Office congratulated the 23 awardees who were selected for their positive achievements and leadership. The Representative stated: “The awards recognise their feats which inspire and encourage others to innovate and replicate similar feats.â€? The Vice Chairman of Global Forum on Human Settlements & Sustainable Cities, Dr Taj Hamad said all the awardees have made great achievements that merit the awards. Permanent Representative of the Gambia to the United Nations, Mamadou Tangara urged all awardees to continue to work for sustainable cities across the world. The award was presented to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike by the Vice President of Global Forum on Human Settlements & Sustainable Cities, Dr Taj Hamad. In an acceptance speech after receiving the award, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike pledged before the global audience that he will continue his landmark projects to improve the living condition of the Rivers people. He said: “Let me on behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State sincerely thank the organisers of this award for the recognition. “To also commit ourselves that we will progressively provide infrastructure and social services that will enhance the living standards of all Rivers people on a sustainable basis.â€? As the entire country erupted in wild celebration over the recognition extended to the Rivers State Governor, leaders of the Rivers State APC quickly called an emergency factional caucus meeting. Of course, the only agenda of that meeting was to find ways to mislead the public on the award. A statement was immediately issued and commercial placements paid for. The Rivers APC claimed that UN Habitat replied a mail claiming that no award was given to the Rivers State Governor. Since it was a paid commercial placement, those who published never cared to do due diligence. As produced in the body of this write-up, UN Habitat was not amongst the organisers of the award. All the organisers and their supporting agencies were clearly listed. But the antecedents of the APC are known. Lying is an integral part of their operations. Deception is second nature to them. Alabo George Kelly in a Facebook post captured the fraudulent outcry of the Rivers APC thus: “Someone gets a first class from UNIBEN. Rather than get yours, you are writing to UNIPORT to find out if they awarded the degree. Na wa!â€? The Rivers APC chooses to judge everyone

by their very low standards. Because they governed by deception, they believe that others will act in that wise. The invisible Karibi White Hospital still haunts the Rivers APC. The N3trillion squandered by the Rivers APC in eight years still represents Rivers worst story of public theft. The facts of the award to Governor Wike are public knowledge, but the APC needed to issue a statement, no matter how ridiculous. Opposition politics must be done within the confines of reason. Opposition politics should not be targeted at pulling down the state the way the Rivers APC has done at all times. An administration blessed by God cannot be cursed by demonic forces. The award ceremonies were aired live. The reports were were in several national television stations, while major national newspapers published the outcome. The Global Forum on Human Settlements & Sustainable Cities issued their official press release on the award ceremony backed by relevant pictures. The Global Forum on Human Settlements & Sustainable Cities website outlined all those who won awards. The website stated: “In the total 23 awards and 6 major categories of “SCAHSA�: Mannheim, Germany, Surabaya, Indonesia, Wuyi County, Zhejiang Province, China are the receivers of Global Green City award; “Smart Retro in Lahti, Finland� won the Global Model of Urban Renewal award; “Massive Bicycle Parking Facilities in Mexico City� won the Global Model of Green Mobility award; the Zipline Adventure Tours in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, U.S. , and China Zhejiang Changshan Sanqu Stone Forest Scenic Area won the Global Low-Carbon &DPMPHJDBM 4DFOJD 4QPUT BXBSE $4$&$ r .FJYJ -BLF $FOUFS 4/50 r .VEBO(F (F[IPVCB Nanjing Jianye District Land 8-6 plots and Metropolis Mansion together obtained the Global Human Settlements Model of Community award; Haikou Mission Hills Centreville won the Global Model of Green Cultural Commercial Complex; CGPV Industrial Building System Industrial Park in Malaysia won Global Model of Green Building Industrialization award; India Mumbai Reimagining Public Spaces, Sustainable Improvement of Romani Settlements in Bulgaria, as well as $IJOB 7BOLFr 8POEFSMBOE 1SJNF 0SJFOUJOH Harbin International Agricultural Exhibition Center respectively won the Global Human Settlements Award on Planning and Design; Serge Salat, President of Urban Morphology and Complex Systems Institute, Paris, Trust for Social Achievement, Bulgaria and Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, the Governor of the Rivers State of Nigeria, won the Global Human Settlements Outstanding Contribution Award; Filler master batch with high content of calcium carbonate of China won the Global Human Settlements Model of Green Technology award; the United States Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce gained the Global Model of Green Business award for its outstanding contribution to green business model.� Majority of the awardees are distinguished organisations and cities from across the globe.

The awards are contested for, based on established criteria and it has been held for 12 times. From the awards website came the Background Information of the “Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards.� According to the information posted on the (SCAHSA) website: “The “Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Award� (SCAHSA) (originally named “Global Human Settlements Award�) is an annual worldwide prize awarded by Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS) and supported United Nations Environment Programme and other UN agencies. It is focused on promoting the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals and the mission of the GFHS by encouraging Awardees and recommending their prominent progress and valuable experience over the course of a greener and more sustainable goal.� Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as Acting President visited Rivers State, saw the marvellous works of Governor Wike and nicknamed him, “Mr Project�. When next he visited, the Rivers APC issued a diabolical press statement warning him against making statements on projects on ground. They claimed in their Press Statement that they are yet to recover from the ‘Mr Project’ classification. The transformation and general development taking place in Rivers State is real. Any man of conscience who visits the state appreciates the efforts of the Wike administration. As a result of his accomplishments, Governor Wike is ever ready to account for his steadwardship. The Global Human Settlements Outstanding Contribution Award conferred on Governor Wike is an international recognition of the accolades that Governor Wike receives on the streets of Rivers State. Governor Wike was recognised for constructing the Iriebe Medium Housing Estate, Rivers Quarters at the NNS Pathfinder, Quarters for Junior Staff of the DSS and facilitating the improved investment in housing by private investors. The Rivers State Governor further received commendations for investing in land reclamation/sand filling in Asari-Toru, Degema, Akuku-Toru and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas. The massive infrastructural development in the urban local government areas and the provision of educational and health facilities across the state counted in favour of the governor as they improved the living conditions of the people. Governor Wike has shown utmost commitment to the rapid development of Rivers State. He has judiciously invested the scarce resources of the state to the satisfaction of the people and he has remained on the side of the people. It is for this reason that the people of Rivers State are totally with Governor Wike. That is why Governor Wike is far ahead of his political opponents despite their evil machinations and propaganda.

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HEALTH/TRIBUTE

Mental Health and Me Omoruyi Giwa-Osagie

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have spent p a lot of time thinking g and trying y to decide how to contribute to advancing g mental health awareness in Nigeria. g I have decided that the best way y to start is to talk about my y experience p with mental health. To put p my y story y out, and talk about my y experiences, p in the hopes p that it will shine a bit of light g on mental health issues, and hopefully p y inspire p people p p who are facing g similar problems p to reach out and seek help. p Mental illnesses such as depression p and anxiety y are routinely y dismissed as being g a figment g of the imagina g ation and often people p p say y “things g could be worse� or “pray p y it away�. y In Nigeria, g they y are often seen as “a white person’s p illness�, or associated with demons. A worrying y g reaction to medically y recognized g conditions. These conditions can affect anyone y at anytime, and it is important p to realise this. Deciding g to seek help p was one of the toughest g things g I have ever had to do. Firstly, it involves admitting g to yourself y that there is something g wrong. g I have always y been an outgoing, g g friendly y and generally g y extroverted person. I am the kind of p p person who normally appears pp to have things g under control, a very y social p person usually y with a smile on my y face. Therefore, this made it harder for me to accept p that something g was wrong, and subsequently reach out for help. p Additionally, y I come from a society y with very y traditional views of masculinity. y The kind sometimes referred to, not inaccurately, as ‘toxic masculinity’. y Where I am from, you are expected y p to show strength g and never any y weaknesses; much less talk about those weaknesses. It is almost as though g not acknowledging g g these weaknesses will make them disappear. pp I remember once seeing g “drink about it, smoke about it, but don’t talk about it�, and I feel that this is an accurate representation p of the society y I come from and the kind of masculinity y expected p from men. My y upbringing p g g in this society y made it incredibly y hard and challenging g g to accept p that I had an issue. About two y years ago, g I had begun g to feel less like myself. y I began g to feel down, had a lack of interest in doing g most things, g and failed to see the point p in a lot of things g I was doing g and had previously p y enjjoyed y doing. g This led to me spending p g most of those days y in bed and sleeping p g through g them; I had lost motivation to do things g and would often only y leave my y house in the evening g to buy y food, if at all. This went on for a few weeks, until my y close friend’s 21st birthday. y This brought g a lot of my y other friends, from far and wide, back together g and coincided with an upturn p in my y mood. However, once my y friends left, my y sullen mood returned again. g I have had p periods where I wasn’t as happy, ppy but these tended to be short moods rather than p prolonged g p periods as this one proved to be. This led me to the conclusion p that I was homesick, and the feeling g of having my y friends around me helped alleviate the problem.

Adewole Making g matters worse was the fact that I had never been much of a talker about my y deeper p feelings. g I was used to bottling g things g up, p and hardly y ever speaking p g to p people p about what was truly yg going g on deep p down and how I was really y feeling. g I would occasionally y have conversations of emotional depth p with two or three friends; however these were often after we had all had a few drinks. Effectively y meaning g I was unable to fully yp process and speak p on more than surface level emotions consciously. The bottling up eventually caught up with me. I have an affi ffinity y for reading, g and at this time had been reading g articles online, especially p y long g reads. This led to me reading an article on GQ [I am unable to fi find the link to the article] detailing g how one of their contributors had g greatly y benefitted from therapy, py and just j g generally y speaking p g to someone. He spoke p about how comforting g it was to speak p to someone who was completely p neutral. Someone trained to probe p into and identify yp problem areas, and how this led to an improvement p in his g general mood. He spoke p of the fact that even after he felt he had ‘recovered’, he still felt it was healthiest for him to attend. This article, along g with gentle g encouragement g from my y best friend, helped me decide to g give therapy py a try. y After researching g clinics and the benefits of seeking g therapy, py I decided to see a p psycholo y gist rather than a p g psychiatrist; y ap psychologist y g tends to treat using g different forms of therapy, whilst a p psychiatrist y generally g yp prescribes medicines along g with therapy. py Thus, I felt ap psychologist y g would be most beneficial to me. Telling my parents I wanted to see a

py psychologist g was no easy y task. No p parent ever wants to hear there is something g wrong g with their child, and most especially p y something as misunderstood as a mental illness. I eventually y garnered g some courage g to do so, and p painted it as I was g going g to speak p to someone; I had a lot on my y mind and felt like speaking p g to someone would be the best thing g for me. They y were understandably y worried, but patient and understanding enough to encourage g me. My y first few therapy py sessions were strange. g Having g usually y been someone who bottled things g up, p this opportunity pp y to safely y let things out felt unusual to me at first. Bottling g up p things g didn’t deal with them, and I would sometimes overreact to situations, often more as a result of p pent up p emotions, than an appropriate pp p reaction to the situation. Luckily, the therapist p was skilled enough g to make sure I was comfortable, and I didn’t have to explore p too much too q quickly. y I was eased in with fairly y simple, p albeit p probing, gq questions, which were designed g to encourage g me to open p up. p I had told him that I wasn’t sure exactly y what was wrong, g but that I wasn’t feeling g completely p y myself. y This afforded him the opportunity pp y to take a detailed dive into deeper p aspects p of my y life. We started at the beginning, g g going g g as far back as I can remember and then advancing g through g the years. y Going g through g this step p by step, p and being g encouraged g to think deeply py about things g I had failed to p process before, afforded me the opportunity pp y to p process things g I had not before. Things g I had bottled up, p and was now fi finally y releasing, g was hugely g y beneficial. It felt like a weight g had been lifted off me. By y advancing g chronologically, g y I came across memories and emotions I had experienced p which I had suppressed pp and tried to forget g about, emotions I had run from and not faced head on. I was now able to confront them and deal with them in order to better understand them, and myself. y I was introduced to new techniques q of ensuring g I dealt with the full range g of my emotions when things g happened. pp I was encouraged g to talk about things g as they y happened, pp and not bottle them up. p I was encouraged g to pay more attention to my mental health. My y sessions eventually y came to an end and I left having g felt my y mood vastly y improve p over time. I decided to have a few more sessions about 6 months ago, g before my y final fi exams. I realized that I am someone who constantly y puts p pressure p on myself, y and this pressure can sometimes lead to anxiety. p yI spoke p to someone different this time as I had an idea of what was wrong, and what kind of help p I was seeking. g I had four sessions of therapy, py and these involved learning g new techniques q to cope p with anxiety y and times when I was feeling g under more pressure p than usual. I was introduced to mindfulness, and the amazing g app pp Headspace. I was also introduced to breathing

techniques q and ways y to better deal with my anxieties. The last session remains the best session I have had to date. We reviewed the progress p g and self-growth g that had occurred throughout g my y journey. j y Realizing g this, I left my y session that day y feeling g overjoyed. j y In the desire to g get ahead right g now, I had failed to stop p and look back and appreciate pp how far I have come, and seeing g and feeling g the positive effects of this progress p g felt amazing. g Deciding g to g get therapy py was diffficult. It was not easy y to admit to myself y that something g was wrong. g It was not easy y to admit to my y friends that I felt like something g was wrong. g I had to overcome obstacles to getting g g help, p such as a friend trying y g to convince me that I was fi fine and I had no idea what a ‘real’ mental illness felt like. A common misunderr standing g as p problems has different effects on different p people. p I also had p people p who said I should talk to them, whilst I understand that they y did have my y best interests at heart, they y however approached pp p the issue in the wrong way. y It wasn’t so much as I did not want to talk to them but more, I did not know how to do so p properly. p y I had to learn that asking g for help p is okay. yI had to learn that knowing g I have weaknesses, and seeking g help p for those weaknesses does not make me weak. I had to learn that talking g about, and embracing, g emotions and feelings does not make me weak. I had to learn that mental health is just j as, if not more, important than physical p y health. Mental health in general g is not given g the prominence and importance p p it demands. Mental health can affect anyone, y and it is estimated that approximately pp y 48 million people p in Nigeria g suffer from depression, p with a large g percentage p g of this going g g undiagnosed. g This has also led to an increasing g suicide rate, especially p y amongst g y young gp people. p Thus, it is important p to catch these things g signs g early y and seek the help p we all need sometimes. It can be as easy y as talking g to someone about why y they y seem different and have had a downturn in their mood. It can be as simple p as reminding gy your friends that y you are there for them should they need you (and actually being g there). I chose the title ‘Mental Health and Me’, because of the role mental health has played p y in my y life, and p plays y in other p people’s, p even if it is often ignored. g I was lucky y enough g to catch it early, y and decide to seek help p before I went down the rabbit hole. Catching g it early y allowed me to deal with it easier than I would have, had it gotten g worse. I implore p you y to recognise g the importance p of mental health in your y life too, and should you y need, seek help. p Talk to someone if you y have a persistent p mood change. g Accepting p g that you y have a mental illness does not make you y weak, or less of a man or woman; conversely it may save your life, like it did mine. –Omoruyi y Giwa-Osagie g is a student at the Nigerian g Law School, Bwari, Abuja. j He can be reached at omoruyigiwaosagie@hotmail.co.uk

Tribute to General Victor Malu: Nigeria’s ECOMOG Hero P Ejime Paul

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ven before the United States assembled the 30-nation “Allied Forces� against g Iraq q during g the first Gulf War in 1991, with all the atttendant controversies and uncertain nties, the Economic Community y of West African States (ECOWAS) had demonstrated an international best practice in regional g peace p keeping p g operation p in Liberia through its Military Monitoring Group, ECOMOG. Nigeria g p provided the bulk of troops p for the ECOMOG maiden mission with 10 jjournalists including g this writer embedded in the regional g force which landed with the Nigerian g Naval War Ship p (NNS AMBE) in Monrovia’s Freeport p on 24th August g 1990, to help p end the civil war waged g against g then President Samuel Doe by Charles Taylor, y ex-warlord now war crime convict serving g time in Scotland. That mission was under the command of Ghanaian General Arnold Quainoo, whose tenure was later marred by y the controversy y that surrounded Doe’s capture p and eventual death at the hands of former rebel leader Prince Yormie Johnson, now a Liberian senator. The rest, they say is now history, but a host

g g generals were later to succeed of Nigerian Quainoo and the 8th ECOMOG Commander (1996-98), was General Samuel Victor Malu, who sadly yp passed away y on 9th October at a Cairo, Egypt g hospital after a prolonged illness, aged g 70. The chronicle of international peace-keeping p operation p may y not be complete p without a mention of General Malu, who at a time when the armed forces in Africa were rather reputed p for their penchant p to interfere in politics, p distinguished g himself as an icon among the endangered g uniformed species. p In an interview he granted g this writer in Monrovia in July y 1997, shortly y after Liberia’s elections won by y Taylor, y the stoutly-built y infantry yg general was q quick to p point out that as a professional soldier; he p p probably y did not require q diplomatese p or the suavity y of the p politician to be an effective commander of the 10,500-strong g regional g troops p with diverse backgrounds g then under his command as ECOMOG Commander. But Malu may y have unwittingly g y combined those attributes and even more, especially p ya depth p of talent, courage g and p professionalism in making g the Liberian operation p an acclaimed success it turned out to be. Ever exuding g the tough g aura of a general, g Malu was however, always modest in conceding that the campaign

represented p more than a personal p success. “It is a collective achievement,� said the man, who was nicknamed a “Frank General.� He said he owed “whatever achievement in Liberia during g my y tenure to the loyalty, y y commitment and dedication of the troops p from diverse cultural backgrounds, g the ECOWAS leaders, who sent ECOMOG to Liberia in 1990, and the international community for their support.� pp On behalf of the Government and p people p of Liberia, Ambassador Al-Hassan Contey, y has in Abuja, j p paid a g glowing g tribute to the Nigerian g general, whose “pivotal g p efforts� he said, led to the resolution of the Liberian con nflict. “Gen. Malu led the (ECOMOG) Command at the critical juncture j of the confl n ict in Liberia,� and “we express p our deepest p condolences to the Government and people p p of Nigeria g and his family y for this g great loss,� the envoy y said. Similarly, y Sierra Leone’s Acting g High g Commissioner to Nigeria, g Maj.-Gen. j Alfred Williams, who as commander of his country’s y contingent g to ECOMOG in Liberia from 1992 worked closely y with Gen. Malu, described the late ECOMOG Commander as a “soldier’s soldier,� who was resolute, demonstrated “courage g and leadership,� p and “ensured fairness and equity for all.�

Like any y mortal, Malu had his faults. Indeed, some rights g groups g p probably p y might g not have forgiven g him for the military y operation p carried out in November 1999 at Ogoniland’s g Odi town in Bayelsa y State, during g his tenure as Nigeria’s g Chief of Army y Staff (1999-2001) under the administration of President Olusegun g Obasanjo, j with whom Malu later fell out of favour resulting his being eased out of military in April p 2001. Some might g even consider Malu a lucky y offi f cer in the right g place p at the right g time. But to Liberians and Liberia, which bestowed a National Honour on him for liberating g the country y from a bloody y rebellion, Malu was God sent. “Thank God for ECOMOG, thank God for Malu,� is a common refrain in Monrovia, the Liberian capital, p even as Africa’s oldest Repubp lic struggles gg to consolidate democracy y through recent presidential p and legislative g elections, which have now gone g into a second round because none of the 20 candidates was able to gain the required g q 50% plus p one vote in the first round of balloting g on October 10. Malu had earlier served as ECOMOG Chief of Staff and Director of Operations p in 1992/93, for what represented p his military y baptism p of fire before he became the Commander in August 1996.

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Atiku Disowns Video Clip of Declaration for Presidency Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has distanced himself from a fake video purported to be a formal declaration of his intent to contest the 2019 presidential election. Reacting to the fake video now in circulation, the former Vice President said the video was a bad job of bad people with bad intentions. In a statement issued on Friday by his media office in Abuja, Atiku said some mischief makers were

using a video clip extracted from his 2011 presidential declaration to create a false impression that he formally declared for the 2019 presidential election. He said such propaganda was being deliberately promoted by political opponents in order to create acrimony. Atiku advised those involved in such "laughable and unintelligent propaganda of lies and intentional mischief to find something useful to do with their time instead of using

his name to achieve their malicious political objectives." Describing those behind the fake video clip "as a group of incompetent and bumbling political novices who cannot see the loopholes in their own stories", the former Vice President advised members of the Nigerian press to be wary of uncritically lapping up fake news materials from groups that don't care about their own credibility. The statement reads:, "While

fake news merchants don't bother about ethics and their reputation, members of the press have more to lose if they take stories from such disreputable groups without verification.� The Waziri Adamawa added that spreading false stories about any individual politician was not within the protected boundaries of free speech, and that the traditional media should take the first step by not helping fake news merchants to promote their agenda.

34 Universities to BeneďŹ t from NiMet First Phase Meteorological Infrastructure

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Sani Abubakar Mashi has disclosed that thirty-four (34) universities across the country were to benefit from its first phase meteorological infrastructure. He noted that it was in furtherance of its target to increase the network of meteorological stations across the country and boost its data collection. This was contained in a statement by the General Manager/ Public Relations Unit, NiMet, Muntari Ibrahim yesterday in Abuja. Prof. Mashi who paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, in

Abuja, hinted that the agency had embarked on an aggressive programme to massively expand the network of meteorological stations in the country to about 1000 by December 2017. According to him, "one of the strategies NiMet would employ to achieve this is to partner with Nigerian universities and part of the things we said we would do is to see how we can extend our services to the Nigerian universities." He revealed that NiMet carried out an independent assessment of the universities and looked at the existing meteorological stations the universities maintained. Adding that one of the things that is missing is the linkage between the universities and the agency. "NiMet has the expertise and knows what should be in place, while the universities have the

capacity to teach, but may not have the technical competence to know the best equipment for the best results. “We feel that what we need to do, we need to come up with a way to help the universities get their infrastructure upgraded,� he said. Prof. Mashi, who described the partnership with the universities as a win-win situation, explained that once the meteorological stations are upgraded, they would start generating data, thus expanding the agency’s network of stations, because the universities’ infrastructure has been upgraded. In his response, the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed congratulated the Director-General and assured him that the commission would fully support this initiative and talk to the Vice Chancellors

about it. According to him, “It is a very important thing you are doing and I want to assure you of our full support and full cooperation, and I hope by next year you would cover the entire universities in the country and then polytechnics and colleges of education"

Jubilation as Ugwuanyi Inaugurates Multiple Road Projects There was jubilation in Abakpa Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State over the flag-off of four major roads’ rehabilitations in the area, which were among the five road contracts awarded by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration, a few days ago. This is as the local government elections holds across the state today after some years as the third tier had been administered by caretaker committees. However, controversies has kept trailing the exercise over several allegations and threat of bycot by the opposition. Ugwuanyi had during his recent visits to Abakpa Nike Market road, Ugboghe and Ogwuagor communities in the Abakpa-Nike, Enugu, in company of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, promised the people of the areas that his administration would take urgent action towards rehabilitating their roads in the dry season. The governor, who visited the area, recently reassured the people that “massive works will commence on these roads immediately�.

Keeping faith with the promise, the State Executive Council on Wednesday, approved the award of contracts for the construction of five urban and rural roads, mainly in Abakpa Nike, Enugu East L.G.A. Flagging off the projects, Ugwuanyi who was represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Greg Nnaji, said that the projects, which had three-month duration for completion, were targeted at ameliorating the hardship being encountered by the people of the areas as a result of the deplorable condition of the roads. The Works Commissioner noted the importance of the road to the communities, saying that the governor was passionate about improving the living standard of the people of the state, describing him as “one who is committed to fulfilling every promise he made at all time�. He disclosed that the approval for the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of the roads were obtained “48 hours ago to be precise�, adding that the immediate flag off was proof of the desire of the governor to fulfill his promise.

Redington Launches iPhone 8 in Nigeria Bennett Oghifo

Redington Nigeria Limited, Apple’s value-added distributor, hosted the official Nigeria launch of Apple iPhone 8 with a promise to continue to provide excellent support structure to its partners and as an extension to the growing community of loyal Apple customers in the country.

The Regional Head (West Africa) for Redington’s Telco-Africa business, Mr. Sivadoss Vijayakumar reiterated the company’s resolve at the launch, which took place at The Renaissance Lagos Ikeja Hotel, recently. The event attracted all the distinguished personalities in the smartphone industry, corporate bodies, Telco’s, financial services

providers, authorised partners and Apple enthusiasts nationwide. The phone’s fine points were presented by the company’s Product Specialist for Africa region Mr. Oloyede Odeyale. According to him, the phone is dubbed “a new generation of iPhone�, iPhone 8 comes in an all - new, glass design with an embedded wireless charging system.

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MISSILE Winifred Oyo-Ita on Maina “I sought audience with His Excellency, Mr. President on Wednesday, 11th October, 2017 after the FEC meeting where I briefed His Excellency verbally on the wideranging implications of the reinstatement of Mr. A. A. Maina, especially the damaging impact on the anti-corruption stance of this administration.” – The Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, in her memo revealing that President Buhari was aware of the reinstatement of a former Chairman of the Pension Reforms Commission, Abdulrasheed Maina.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Who Says President Buhari isn’t a Politician

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ellow Nigerians, I had another privilege of meeting President Muhammadu Buhari two nights ago in Abuja. I had accompanied the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, one of the most expansive and incredibly fortified State Houses on planet Earth. I had not seen the President one on one since I was invited to meet him about two years ago, after I sent him a desperate memo informing him about how his government was losing steam and velocity so early, in its infancy. We had very high hopes, and expectations, in his ability to bring about quick-fire changes in our dear beloved country. Notwithstanding the fact that change has been sporadic, if not epileptic, I still have no doubt that he was the only option available to us then, if we were to be rid of the rot that had become a malignant cancer in our system. Of course, he will always remain one of the most decent leaders Nigeria has ever had. Our interaction at that 2015 meeting was convivial and I left reasonably assured that everything was going to be alright. Unfortunately, the government started on a combative note, perhaps, because of its avowed promise to tackle, fight and exterminate corruption in our nation. The in-fighting within the ruling party was also a matter for serious concern. It appeared the giddiness of defeating an incumbent President in Africa affected the way the All Progressives Congress (APC) managed, or mismanaged its landmark victory. That was how the Party started frittering away its massive goodwill and monumental equity. What was worse, the devil is a liar, the President suddenly became afflicted and badly affected by ill-health whilst he had not even spent two years in office. Those he left behind during his long medical sojourns abroad were too careful not to be labelled disloyal and thus could not operate full throttle. It was a period of confusion and commotion. We tried to warn against starting on such note, but the falcon refused to hear the falconer. Eventually, things appear to have returned to normal. Reality has set in as the President has returned back home and settled into government despite the wishes of his vilifiers. The President has survived remarkably well, and we are extremely glad he is back to his home and office. However, even though his desk must be overloaded with files seeking urgent attention, some of his staff are still busy bickering and tearing at each other’s throats. Similarly, his Party, APC, appears to be falling apart and things seem no longer at ease. Yet, his kitchen cabinet would want him to seek a second term. To do this and hope to succeed, he needs the services of some of the experienced politicians who brought him to power in 2015. Many of them seem to be rebelling. You can’t totally blame them. They think and feel they’ve been used, abused, dumped and left in the proverbial lurch. From the swift moves made in the Presidential villa this week, it is obvious that the President has bought into the idea of running for a second term. It is his legitimate right if he so wishes. I advised against such move weeks back for several reasons. I believe at 76, by 2019, and 80, by 2023, when and if he completes his

Buhari

second term, age would no longer be on his side. He would have become a Robert Mugabe and Nigeria is too complex and complicated to be governed by a leader without maximum alertness and stamina. Two, I feel the President should kindly attend more to his health from now onwards. There’s much he can still achieve in the next 18 months or so. In seeking a second term, he would have to compromise on a lot of things. He can never win the election without the services of the ubiquitous “bad boys” of Nigerian politics. The furious and spirited political activities this week suggest that the race for 2019 has begun in earnest and that President Buhari is a prime candidate, as he seeks a second term. He called and chaired a meeting of his Party caucus, apparently, the first of its kind since attaining power at the centre. Baba’s voice was sonorous and his choice of words soothing. The glow and glint he radiated on his face and eyes reflected his innermost joy and pleasure. He mingled freely. He was full of grace and gratitude to Party members. The effusive praise for the National Assembly was extraordinary. This was a radical departure from the brickbats thrown at them from time past. This was certainly a new budding romance and honeymoon. To cement what appears to be the President turning a new leaf, dinner was even hosted in their honour. Baba seems to have learnt his ropes and is now a quintessential politician. The APC, itself, suddenly appears to have woken up from its deep slumber. A Party meeting was called and held which was well attended. To God be the glory. No one was fooled about its intents and purposes. Elections are fast approaching. The rains are coming. Judgment day is near. New promises must be made. Frayed nerves must be soothed, massaged or even cajoled. Among the promises, there would soon be a

bazaar of appointments. Even some Ministers may be fired to give way and room to bring in some new ones for deft political purposes and moves. I pray, that in any reshuffle, the good ones would not be fired while the bad ones would be retained due to interventions from the godfathers. We are expecting a deluge of appointments into parastatals. The President in the spirit of jollification says since the economy has improved, he’s ready to declare some surplus. So, we are likely to be back to the good days of merriment. Why not? Politics is a game of interests and whosoever supplies the whiff of cash is likely to laugh last and longest. At the very best, this would guarantee another four-year term, but it would not last an eternity. A demystification may occur inadvertently or inevitably, if care is not taken and Baba loses the election. Electoral victories are never cast in stone. No one can predict the outcome of the 2019 elections no matter the enormous powers the President wields, ask President Goodluck Jonathan. Is it really worth the risk, wasting time, energy and resources on mere vain-glorification? If I were the President, I would spend a fruitful single term, like Nelson Mandela, quit when the ovation is loudest, and work hard to leave an enduring legacy. I know how tough it is to quit power, especially in a country like Nigeria where the President wields such humongous power of life and death. But the greatest achievement is never in doing and repeating what others have done before but in treading the roads less travelled by most people. It was, for me, a sort of poignant reminder, of what can happen, that I had gone to see Baba with a younger, hardworking charismatic leader, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, who had sought a second term in his country, but who had lost gallantly. The days are gone when the power of incumbency ensured that a sitting President won elections, almost effortlessly. Elections are also more difficult to manipulate these days. And an anti-corruption government, such as ours, should not even contemplate such fraudulent act. For me, and despite my love for and enchantment with President Buhari, I believe that the way forward is for him to step aside after having ensured that he leaves the country in the hands of an astute, much younger leaders who will protect his anti-corruption, economic and security legacies. There are more than enough young, cosmopolitan, visionary, well-educated and very vibrant people who can still be groomed even now to take over power in whatever combination. Only a strong man like President Buhari can have the courage to change how we’ve been doing things repeatedly in the past. Fortunately, he has now had the time and opportunity to study most of his lieutenants. He is in a good position to provide full support to those he knows will valiantly carry the flag and assume the mantle that he will be relinquishing. If the President fails, whether in his second term ambition or in leaving us with a worthwhile, creditable and veritable leadership, all hope would have evaporated. Baba can help us kill zoning and cronyism permanently by assembling a star-studded team of leaders. The world would applaud. Nigeria is so richly endowed with

human and material resources. We are not able to harness this gift of God because Nigerian politics hardly throws up the best. More often than not, it throws up the worst. This must stop in order for Nigeria to make any meaningful progress. We all know what is wrong with us and also know the solution, but lack the willpower and pre-requisite sacrifices needed to turn our situation around. Seeing the President two nights ago, I was extremely proud for the miracle God has performed in his life. He looked as handsome as ever. His handshake was firm. His sense of humour was on point. “Dele, have you added weight?” he thundered at me. We all bursted out laughing. There is always this childlike innocence about him that mesmerises and hypnotises those who come in contact with him. He is of course not the demon his detractors had tried to paint him to be. Former President Mahama never stopped admiring and appreciating him. There was a warmth they shared which I had noticed since the President visited Aburi, Ghana, in September 2015. Theirs is a relationship infused with great respect, a truly mutual admiration between the two! President Buhari is that likeable and admired. However, his taciturnity may be his biggest undoing. A man of few words is often misunderstood or misinterpreted. The Buhari you meet is clearly different from the one you see from afar, read about or watch on television. Such is the irony of life. I’m not sure President Buhari needs to worry too much about how long he stays in power. He should worry more about what he will bequeath to humanity. I’m genuinely troubled about APC wasting this golden opportunity. I can see the way PDP is repackaging itself slowly but surely. Let no one underrate or write them off. If they decide to learn and borrow lessons from the misadventure and misfortune of their recent past, history may actually repeat itself. All they have to do is build a broad coalition like APC did and attract the most electable candidates from everywhere. APC must not make the mistake PDP made when it allowed some of its greatest assets to saunter away to another party. This may happen again from the look of things. The President has so much to do if he truly wants to run again, despite the advice of wellmeaning Nigerians, like me. We sincerely mean well and want him to succeed where others have failed. His biggest burden would be how to keep his Party intact and together. It would surely take more than a few meetings with Party members to smoothen and straighten things out. He would have to use all the persuasive powers in the world, and may even have to mortgage Nigeria in advance, so as to reassure some foxy and ruthless politicians that he would not run them out of town after winning the next election. Sometimes being mortally scared makes strange bedfellows. We have seen this in the recent past. Whichever way the President chooses to turn, he has a herculean task ahead of him. It is a huge mission that must be achieved. Leaving Nigeria with a heritage of integrity, incorruptibility, good security and remarkable economy is not Mission Impossible! That should be President Buhari’s ultimate aim and agenda.

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