Saturday 13th January 2018

CBN Boosts Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales with $262.5m Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has injected $262.5 million in its first retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) for the year under the interbank Foreign Exchange Market.

Data received from the

CBN yesterday revealed that the amount was in favour of the agricultural, airlines, petroleum products and raw materials and machinery sectors.

The Acting Director, Corporate

Communications at the Bank, Mr. Isaac Okorafor confirmed the figures, noting that the releases remained targeted at boosting production and trade in addition to sustaining liquidity

in the market.

According to him, the CBN would not relent in its resolve to make the inter-bank forex market liquid, stressing that the Bank was committed to driving economic growth

and guaranteeing stability in the market.

Okorafor also reiterated that the bank’s intervention had effectively checked the activities of speculators, assuring that the CBN

We Have Not Acquired 9mobile, Says Globacom… Page 14

would continue to monitor, thoroughly, the activities of authorised dealers in order to checkmate possible sharp practices.

Meanwhile, the Naira exchanged at N359 to a United States dollar on yesterday, maintaining its stability in the market.

Saturday 13 January, 2018 Vol 22. No 8304 Price: N250

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Appeal Court Upholds Interim Forfeiture of Patience Jonathan’s $5.8m, N2.5bn… Page 6

Buhari’s Son, Yusuf, Discharged from Hospital President thanks Nigerians Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari’s son, Yusuf, was yesterday discharged from Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, where he was admitted on December 26, after sustaining severe head injuries from a power-bike crash.

Buhari, his wife, Aisha, and his entire family, thanked “all men and women of goodwill within and outside the country, for their prayers and best wishes,” which they said aided the discharge of their son from the hospital.

Continued on page 6

2ND TERM ON THEIR MINDS… L-R: Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State; Nasir El – Rufai of Kaduna State; President Muhammadu Buhari; Yahaya Bello of Kogi State; Ibrahim Gaidem of Yobe State (behind) and Jibrilla Bindow Adamawa State, shortly after the governors met with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja… yesterday godwin omoigui

7 Northern APC Governors Endorse Buhari for 2nd Term We’ve no apologies for supporting his re-election

Yemi Adebowale President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday got a boost for his yet

to be declared bid for a second term in office, when seven northern governors elected on the platform of the ruling All

Progressives Congress (APC) endorsed him after meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Those involved in the

endorsement were Abubakar Bello (Niger); Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe); Yahaya Bello (Kogi); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano);

Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna); Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa) and Simon Lalong (Plateau).

The governors, who had

earlier prayed along with the President at the State House

Mosque before the meeting, Continued on page 6

Why We Are Building 5,500 Modular Refinery, New Seaport in Edo – Obaseki… Page 11

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A PARTNERSHIP WITH CHINA‌ L-R: Front row: Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Mr. Chao Xiaoliang; Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki; Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Usman Bakori; Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Roland Asoro; Managing Director, ICMG Securities Limited, Micheal Osime and other government oďŹƒcials, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a 5,500bpd modular reďŹ nery between Edo State Government and SINOPEC of China, at SINOPEC headquarters in Beijing, China

Appeal Court Upholds Interim Forfeiture of Patience Jonathan’s $5.8m, N2.5bn Davidson Iriekpen The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, yesterday upheld the order of interim forfeiture of the sum of $5, 842, 316.66 and N2, 421, 953, 522.78 traced to the accounts of Patience, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, to the federal government.

Justice C.M.A. Olatoregun of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, had, on April 26, 2017, granted

an order of interim forfeiture of the sum N5, 842, 316.66 traced to Jonathan’s account number 211001712 domiciled with Skye Bank Plc on the grounds that the money was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The judge had also granted an order of interim forfeiture of N2, 421, 953, 522.78 surreptitiously kept

by Jonathan in an account number 202200760 domiciled with Eco Bank Plc in the name of La Wari Furniture

and Baths Limited.

The order came following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. An operative of the Commission, Musbahu Abubakar, who deposed to the affidavit, had told the court that the former First Lady opened the Skye Bank account on February 7, 2013.

Abubakar had also told Justice Olatoregun that the former First

Lady made several United States Dollars cash deposits into the account through Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, a former aide to Goodluck Jonathan, and a State House steward, Festus Iyoha.

Moving the application for the temporary forfeiture of the money, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, had prayed the court to urgently freeze the account so as to prevent her from moving the funds.

In her ruling, Justice Olatoregun had granted the prayers of the EFCC counsel and directed Jonathan to show cause why the money should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.

However, in a bid to set aside the ruling of Justice Olatoregun, the former First Lady, through her team of lawyers led by both Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and I.A. Adedipe, approached the appellate court to set aside the order of the lower court.

Jonathan’s lawyers also urged the Court of Appeal to declare as unconstitutional, the provisions of Sections 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

However, the appellate court of appeal presided over by Justice Mojeed A. Owoade upheld both the constitutionality of Section 17 and the order of the interim forfeiture of the various sums of money belonging to Jonathan.

Stop Playing God with our Father’s Assets, Kudirat’s Son Tells Kola, Deji Only a select few are sitting on MKO’s properties Yemi Adebowale Crisis is brewing in the house of late Moshood Abiola, with one of his sons, Abdul Mumuni Abiola, calling on his brothers, Kola, Deji and Agboola to come clean on the properties of their late father and “stop playing god.�

Abiola, the man widely believed to have won the June 12, 1993 presidential election, died in the custody of the federal government during General Abdulsalami Abubakar regime in 1998.

His wife, Kudirat, considered a heroine of modern democracy, was allegedly killed by statesponsored assassins.

In a press statement released yesterday, supposedly on behalf of his 40 brothers and sisters, Abdul, who is the youngest child of the late Kudirat Abiola,

also alleged that his life was in danger because of his efforts to revive the abandoned projects, investments and properties of their late father. “I want my brothers, Kola, Deji, and Agboola to stop playing god with our father’s properties, abandoned projects and investments. I, my brothers and sisters totaling 40 children of Abiola are not fighting with them.

We don’t have a bone to pick with them. But we need to step out of the past and out of our father’s shadow. Kola, Deji and Agboola have been peddling lies in the media about my efforts to bring about changes to the dwindling fortunes of the Abiola family.

Abdul said: “I am ashamed, just like my other brothers and sister, to see that after MKO Abiola’s death, many of his legacies appear to be in shambles. No, it shouldn’t be

like that. That is not what MKO Abiola stood for while he was alive. I want the good people of Nigeria to prevail on Kola and his cohorts to stop using the police to harass me or those who are working with me to restore the lost glory of the Abiola family. “Let me cite an example: Recently, four men were allegedly arrested and arraigned before a magistrate’s court for breaking into MKO’s bookshop at Oshodi. They were accused of stealing equipment and other materials valued at N1 billion. That is a farce. Deliberately, Kola and Deji ensured that my name was not mentioned in the newspaper that carried the news report.�

He said that every effort he had been making to renovate late MKO’s properties was not self-driven.

Abdul said that it was for all

Abiola’s children must all sit down and discuss his siblings and for the name of MKO Abiola not to be dragged through the mud.

He said: “Why should some people be sending thugs and miscreants after me and those working with me to renovate MKO Abiola’s properties? Why should that be? Do we have to wash our dirty linen in the public?

Why should only a select few of Abiola’s children sit on our father’s properties? I am not even asking them to give me and my other siblings a share of the money-spinning companies of my father that they sit on. Our humble request is that they should allow me and my other siblings, who are interested in renovating Abiola’s derelict properties, (do so). They should allow us to revive MKO Abiola’s abandoned projects. “I have been painstakingly patient for 18 years. I have watched

with long-suffering and regret how few of my siblings have arrogated to themselves what belong to all of us. MKO Abiola’s properties don’t belong to Kola, Deji and (their) cohorts alone. They belong to all his children. We have been put through enough ignominy by Kola. Enough is enough.�

Abdul also alleged that his life and that of his siblings’ were in danger. “I am also informing the public that my life is in danger.

I don’t feel safe any longer. If anything untoward happens to me, Nigerians should know who to hold responsible. If anything should happen to me or my siblings, Kola and his cohorts should be held responsible. I love life but I will not sit down cowardly. It is time all of Abiola’s children sat down and discuss what exactly we want to do

with our father’s properties and investments. We really don’t want handouts from anybody. We’re MKO Abiola’s children. We must uphold the integrity, fame and humanity of Chief MKO Abiola.�

In a telephone interview with THISDAY yesterday night, Abdul further alleged that some of the assets of his late father were generating money, and expressed disappointment that aside Kola, Agboola and Deji, other members of the family were not benefiting from them.

He listed the Abiola International School and the leased hangers of the defunct Concord Airline as some of the assets generating money.

Efforts to speak to Kola on Abdul’s allegations proved abortive.

Calls to his phone line were not answered. He also did not respond to a text message sent to him.

that are retiring to go through the retirement training.

"Those that are interested in farming, we have the reserve land available, and for those that want to go into trade, we have micro credit to support them. If they are not suitable as teachers, they can do other things and the government will do other things to support them."

On the allegation that he asked the police to stop workers marching to Government House on Thursday to protest the sack of about 21,000

teachers in Kaduna State, he said the right to protest was guaranteed in the constitution and that he was not in the state that day.

The governor said: "I think the concern of the police was because of the precarious situation in the country and particularly in Kaduna.

This made it unsuitable to have such protest. And the last time they did such a thing, they attacked the State House of Assembly. So, this is the concern. The concern is about the break down of law and order and not protest or strike.

They are free to protest but it will not change our position."

Also speaking, Governor Ganduje said the coming together of the seven governors was a mere coincidence.

He said: "We are seven in number here but we came separately not for any purpose but after the Friday prayers, we decided to say hello to Mr. President. It’s just a coincidence that we met in the Mosque and some joined us later and we decided to go and greet him."

by a section of the media.

He also denied the admission of Mrs. Buhari in the hospital as reported in a section of the media, as he thanked all and sundry who prayed for Yusuf, which he said facilitated his recovery process.

"Mr. Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, son of His Excellency, President Buhari, was admitted

into Cedarcrest Hospitals Abuja in the late hours of the 26th of December 2017, following injuries sustained as a rider of a motorcycle.

"Following initial stabilisation, he was taken into intensive care. He underwent successful emergency surgical operations the following morning carried out by

our team of neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons. “Over the following week, his condition improved remarkably and he was transferred from intensive care to the ward.

"He has remained stable ever since and has continued to make remarkable progress, The CMD said in an earlier statement.

7 NORTHERN APC GOVERNORS ENDORSE BUHARI FOR 2ND TERM declared that they have no apologies for endorsing Buhari.

Governor El-Rufai who spoke to journalists as they emerged from the session with Buhari, said they remained committed to the President’s re-election bid. “We are politicians and those of us you see here want the President to contest the 2019 election. We have no apologies for that. “We believe in Mr. President, we want him to continue running the country in the right direction.

People can speculate about 2019, we have no apologies. Whether they are right or wrong is beside the point. “Everybody is entitled to his own opinion, but as governors, and most of us here with the exception of Yobe Governor, are first time governors. We are interested in continuity and stability and we want the President to continue with that.�

El-Rufai, also spoke on the crisis sparked in his state by his recent mass sack of teachers for

failing to measure up to standard.

He said there was no going back on the sack and that the severance packages of the affected teachers are ready for collection.

He said:"There is nothing to step back on. It’s a well thought out position we took one and half years before we made the decision and we will not change it.

"We have announced that in line with the public service rule, we will pay three-month severance pay and we have provided incentives for those

B U HARI'S S ON, YU SUF, DISCHAR GED F R OM H OSPI TAL In a statement, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the family appreciated the overwhelming show of love and solidarity over Yusuf's involvement in a motorcycle crash on December 26, 2017.

"We thank Nigerians from all walks of life, both within and

outside the country, leaders of many foreign countries, groups, organizations, individuals, and many others, who prayed, visited, sent messages, and generally stood by us at the trying time," the family was quoted as saying.

The Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Felix Ogedegbe, who gave account of how Yusuf

was treated by the army of high profile medical personnel, thanked Buhari and his wife, Aisha, for the confidence reposed in the hospital.

Boasting of world class treatment which he said the hospital offered Yusuf, Ogedengbe denied the involvement of Yusuf's friend in the accident as reported

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY JANUARY 13, 2018

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 13, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY

Veronique

VERONIQUE ADAA From France with Music The hitherto France-based Nigerian artiste, Veronique Adaa, believes it’s just a matter of time before her music gets in the minds of Nigerians, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

H

aving Veronique Adaa talk about her music career on a Sunday evening exposes the other side of her which is hidden from public glare. But it took a while to have a one-on-one chat with her, following weeks of exchange of messages that eventually culminated to the meeting on New Year’s Eve. Appearing effervescent with a fashion sense that exudes a cosmopolitan mien, Veronique once represents beauty and brain. A momentary stare at her will reveal the glaze in her dreamy eyes, leaving one to drool as she walks by. She is no stranger to public admiration - especially from men - both home and abroad.

But she’s married with a daughter.

This aspect of her she often doesn’t want to talk about.

Like some songstresses in the industry, at the back of her mind is a word that covers all what she has done – hustle.

“I have done a lot of things. I have modelled. . . I have been a hustler,” Veronique disclosed.

Months after meeting the former Miss Port Harcourt contestant at a gig, she had travelled back to her base in France on a casual visit. Today, she’s back home in Nigeria squarely for her music career - to find time to push her music into the consciousness of Nigeria’s music lovers.

But with no intent to put out an album yet.

“It can come anytime,” she stated confidently. “Only God knows. For

now I’m just trying to push my brand in the minds of music lovers in Nigeria.”

So far, she has churned out four singles and three videos amongst her many works. Veronique had stormed Nigerian music scene in 2015, with her first single, ‘Took My Heart Away’.

Then followed by, ‘Do Me Like This’, produced by Fliptyce. And then another one, ‘Itoro’, rendered in her dialect. Buzzing right now is her latest single, ‘Fimisile’, which video she just shot.

From Omoku in Rivers State, music, professionally, for Veronique, started three years ago. That was years after she dropped out of school studying Economics at University of Port Harcourt. Her inability to study music remains a sour point in her narrative - no thanks to the stiff opposition she got from home. But she would forge ahead to follow her calling, beating the odds along the way. Eventually, she got a degree in French.

Introducing herself as a singer, songwriter, and fashionista, Veronique said she believes in herself. And that her wish is to be where she always wants to be. That has seen her travel to France at a young age, where she lived, having entered for a talent show contest upon arriving France sometime in 2007.

Then when she got to France, Nigerian music was not that much popular in the country she recalled.

“But for now it has developed a lot.

There people are beginning to love Nigerian music they enjoy it. Like when I go to events or club there even

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NUARY 13, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY VERONIQUE ADAA: FROM FRANCE WITH MUSIC...

So far, she has churned out four singles and three videos amongst her many works. Veronique had stormed Nigerian music scene in 2015, with her first single, ‘Took My Heart Away’.

Then followed by, ‘Do Me Like This’, produced by Fliptyce.

And then another one, ‘Itoro’, rendered in her dialect. Buzzing right now is her latest single, ‘Fimisile’, which video she just shot

if they don’t understand it they just love and dance to it,” Veronique said.

Her musical odyssey in the European country, compared to her tales in Nigeria, has left her with novel experiences different from her unfortunate exposures in the hands of some supposed publicists whom she had related with.

“In France, I have given my songs to radio stations. You go there and you just drop your song. You don’t see the person. And if they love your song they will call you. That was exactly what happened: I went to four radio stations and three called me,” she narrated. “And those were the main people that inspired me.

“I started like three years ago. The first time I went to France I went for a competition called Nouvelle Star,” she says and to be sure, spelt it out in English as ‘New Star’, emphasising each of the words with her soft voice.

There in France, her little chance in the competition was met with communication barrier. “I went to that competition, then my daughter was few months old, with my husband to Paris,” she continued. “But then I wasn’t speaking the language (French) it was a little bit hard for me.” Nonetheless, she was left with an encouragement. “They told me, ‘you have a great voice, but you have to work on it’.”

The cultural nuances she had imbibed living in France. Like having to relate freely and easily, even without speaking the language, at the initial stage, with a potent mix of great musical influence of Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dione, Missy Elliot and Michael Jackson.

“I sang all their songs when I was a teenager,” Veronique said with her dreamy eyes brightening up.

Little wonder she has chosen the R and B/Afro-pop genre, infused with a little of Afro-beat.

Music to her is passion; a dream she nursed as a child in the church - and she once sang at inns.

“I have always loved music,” the delectable songstress said with nostalgia.

Veronique also enjoys listening to gospel songs, even more than secular music. This, she admitted, has helped to shape her lyrical prowess as a singer and songwriter.

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NEWS

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×

ENTRENCHING PROFESSIONALISM ...

L-R; Trustee, Compliance Institute, Nigeria(CIN), Mr. Abimbola Adeseyoju; President, Compliance Institute Nigeria, Mr. Pattison Boleigha; Guest Speaker, Mr. Abdullahi Shehu; and Registrar, Compliance Institute, Nigeria, Mr. Phillips Okoro at the 1st investiture and induction ceremony of CIN in Lagos, recntly‌.

UN Warns Farmers/Herders Clashes Could Engender Famine as Ikpeazu Rejects Cow Colony I 'm ashamed of killings in the North, Says Maku Alex Enumah in Abuja and Emmanuel Ukumba in Lafia The United Nations Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohammed Ibn Chambers and other eminent Nigerians have warned of the consequences of the lingering farmers/herders clashes in various parts of the country, noting that the development if not checked was capable of causing food crisis in the country.

In a related development, the

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has rejected plans by the federal government to establish "cattle colonies" for Fulani Herdsmen and their cows in Abia State. A release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Enyinnaya Appolos, the Governor stated that Abia state would not cede any part of her territory to Fulani herdsman as colony for cattle.

This is as the National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labaran Maku, yesterday said for being one of the leaders in the northern part of Nigeria, he was

ashamed of the ongoing killings in many northern states of the country, describing it as politically motivated.

Chambers who spoke alongside other Nigerians stated this at the presentation of three books by Nigeria's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations Security Council, Amb. Joy Ogwu in Abuja.

Chambers, who was represented at the occasion by former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Obadiah Mailafia observed that those behind the crisis were targeting the food system of the

nation by creating an agrarian crisis capable of destroying the survival of the nation.

Delivering a lecture on the theme “The Crisis of Leadership and World Order�, Mailafia however, tasked the leadership of the country on the need to ensure peace and harmony in order to accelerate the country's development.

He said, "Without peace and harmony, nothing good will come.

But without justice, there can be no peace to speak of. “We are encouraged by the

enormous efforts our military, through the leadership of the current administration to break the back of the Boko Haram insurgency. “However, there are still many more rivers to cross. We need to finish the job and build a framework for a just and lasting peace in the northeast and the rest of the country.�

He added that, if Nigeria must attain her potential as a great nation and leader of Africa and the black race, there was need for a coalition of Nigerians who believe in the nation's manifest destiny as the leader of

the continent. “We are meant to be a city set on a hill, a light unto nations. But we can only fulfill that destiny if we reinvent our nation as country anchored on positive science, peace, the rule of law, social justice and humane values. “In so doing, we must remain open to the world, to Europe, Asia and the Americas- building partnerships that promote trade, investments and a rules-based international system that guarantees the security of all nations", he said.

Kareowi, Dreaded N’Delta Militant, Electricity Generation Not Impaired

by ELPS’ Burst, Says NNPC Gang Members Killed by Soldiers Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

It was a tragic end for dreaded militant, suspected cultist and kidnapper, Peregbakumo Oyawerikumo, aka ‘General’ Karowei, and members of his gang , as the military announced yesterday that they had been shot dead by men of the Joint Task Force (JTF), operating in the Niger Delta.

Oyawerikumo was apprehended by some soldiers attached to the JTF on Thursday and had been in the custody of the special security outfit before his demise in yet suspicious circumstances.

Among other crimes, the notorious militant, 28, was accused of beheading an officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), closely followed by the

murder of four soldiers at Toru Ndoro community, Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, earlier this week.

He was also fingered in the murder of a British citizen and humanitarian, Ian Squire, in Enokorogha, Burutu, who was killed after he and his colleagues were abducted.

After decapitating the security operative last week, the suspect reportedly danced around several communities in the creeks with the head of his victims, causing anger among security forces in the region who moved into Toru Ndoro and environs last weekend.

But less than 24 hours after he was arrested by soldiers, the military in a statement yesterday, signed by the Coordinator Joint

Media Campaign Centre, Major Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the dreaded militants and some of his boys were killed when they opened fire on men of the JTF, after agreeing to take them to his camp in the creeks. “In line with the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) mandate to protect critical oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta region, a deliberate operation aimed at tackling the security challenges posed to safety of lives and critical oil and gas facilities in the region was conducted. “Consequently, a seven-day clearance operation was initiated by the Commander, JTF, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman to sanitise the region of militants, cultists, sea robbers, kidnappers and other criminals.

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

Electricity generated from gas power plants in the south of Nigeria for supply across the country would not be affected by a fresh burst on a section of the Escravos Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has assured.

The NNPC, on Friday explained that routine gas supply to power generation plants linked to the ELPS would not be affected by the fresh fire incident that engulfed the line, adding that its Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, had directed that an alternative pipeline be restreamed immediately to ensure gas supplies to the plants were

not disrupted. “Already, gas supply into the network via alternative sources has been ramped up ahead of ongoing repair works on the affected segment as directed by the GMD. The strategic Escravos to Lagos Pipeline System was affected by a fire at a segment along Egbokodo-Omadino, in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State in the early hours of Thursday�, said the NNPC in a statement from its Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in Abuja.

The NNPC stated that apart from being the main source of gas supply to some crucial power plants in the country, the ELPS feeds the West Africa Gas Pipeline System, and that it was initially

impacted by a fire incident in the early weeks of January.

Meanwhile, statistics from the power sector team in the Office of the Vice President, disclosed that power generation had begun to come back up again following the initial generation loss that was caused by the earlier disruption in gas supplies from the ELPS. According to the statistics, power generation on January 11, 2018, averaged 4,061 megawatts (MW), up by 43.46MW from the previous day.

It explained that 1004.4MW was however not generated due to unavailability of gas, while 738.4MW was not generated due to high frequency resulting from unavailability of distribution infrastructure.

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NEWS

In Brief S’East Governors Meet on Ekwueme's Burial

Governors of the South East geopolitical zone met yesterday at the Government House, Enugu, to deliberate on the preparations for the burial of the late elder statesman and formerVice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme on February 2, 2018. BrieďŹ ng journalists after the meeting, the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. David Umahistatedthatthe SouthEastGovernorswere"verycommitted"tothe programme, stressing that their presence at the gathering "underscores theseriousnessthegovernorshaveattachedtothisimportantburialofour late father". Umahi noted that the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who was represented by his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere, was "out of the South East" and couldn't attend the meeting in person.

Lagos Trust Fund Enrolls Candidates

Buildingonitsmissiontoimprovethelocaleconomybycreatingaskilledand experiencedworkforce,theLagosStateEmploymentTrustFund,(LSETF), throughitsEmployabilitySupportProject,hascommencedfreeskillstraining fortheďŹ rstbatchofbeneďŹ ciariesinthestate.Launchedinpartnershipwith the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, the employability support project provides six to eight weeks of vocational training to Lagos residentsbetweentheagesof18and35years.Theprojectaimstoempower its beneďŹ ciaries with industry relevant skills which would improve their chancesofgainingemployment.TheExecutiveSecretary,(LSETF),Akintunde Oyebode, explained the role of the project in addressing unemployment in the state, while also creating active youths that can contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities.

Ambode Swears in Perm Secs

HONOUR WELL DESERVED...

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode with AITEO-CAF Women Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala during her courtesy visit to the Governor at Lagos House, Ikeja - Lagos

Obaseki: Why we’re Building 5,500-bpd Modular ReďŹ nery, Seaport Job creation, economic diversification and the maximisation of natural resources have been listed as some of the reasons the Godwin Obaseki administration is opening the Edo economy to foreign investors.

Obaseki had promised the electorate 200,000 jobs during his electioneering campaign. In the last one year, he commenced the construction of the Benin City Industrial Park, signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese companies for the development of Gelegele Seaport and other infrastructure as well as a 5,500-barrel per day

modular refinery in the state which puts the 200,000 jobs in sight.

According to the Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, while the Gelegele Seaport would open up the State to the international market, the modular refinery would boost the local refining capacity and address fuel supply crisis resulting from inadequate local refining capacity.

The MoU signing ceremony in China on Monday, he continued, would see China Harbour Engineering Company, the biggest infrastructure company in China, lead the development of the Gelegele seaport that would

serve as the gateway for exporting manufactured goods from the Benin Industrial Park under construction and other manufacturing companies in the region.

The MoU signing is the result of series of engagements between Governor Obaseki and the Chairman of China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), Mr. Lin Yichong, which started last year.

China Harbour Engineering Company Limited is a global player in infrastructure development handling the construction-dredging/ excavation for waterfront development in Yanbu, southwest Saudi Arabia and on the northern shore

of the Red Sea as well as the Lagos moles repair project, being executed by the Nigeria Port Authority.

Others are the Offshore Approach Light Structure in New Doha International Airport, which includes three terminal bridges and three temporary steel bridges and the Ma’aden Infrastructure Project Port Design and Construction, owned by the Saudi Arabian Mining Company, amongst others.

The MoU for the Gelegele Seaport project was followed on Wednesday by the sealing of a deal with another Chinese Consortium for a 5,500 barrel per day modular refinery in Edo State.

Security Operatives Impound Trial of Alleged Ritual Killer, Davido’s Luggage at MMIA Ifeanyi Dike, Commences Chinedu Eze

About 17 check-in luggage of the popular Nigerian music artist, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, have been impounded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, by security operatives.

Informed source at the airport said the security operatives decided to impound the luggage following alleged attacks on Aviation Security (AVSEC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Checkport personnel by Davido’s aides when he arrived from a trip aboard Emirates Airlines on Thursday evening.

A source close to the terminal told newsmen that misunderstanding began when Checkport staff at the baggage reclaim area attempted to check the tags on the check-in luggage of Davido to confirm if it corresponded with the reclaimed luggage.

The enquiry did not go down well with one of the aides of Davido who refused to tender the tags and resorted to abusive words against the staff.

According to the source, after few minutes of exchange of words, the aide allegedly punched the Checkport staff in the face while another Customs personnel close to

the scene of the incident allegedly did not escape his vicious attacks.

The attacks on personnel led to the reinforcement of security personnel who bundled him to “Tango City� within the terminal.

Tango City is place where unruly passengers and touts within the airport are taken to by security agencies for scrutiny and possible arrest.

However, reports indicated that at the Tango City, rather than behave well, the aide continued his attack on two AVSEC personnel, one of them a lady who was writing the report and another Customs official whom the aide allegedly attacked and cut his wrist in the process.

It was at this point that the attention of Davido who was already outside the terminal awaiting the collection of his luggage from his aide was called to the incident.

It was gathered that when Daivo arrived the scene, he attempted to ensure the release of the aide, which was rebuffed by the security agencies who insisted on taking the detained aide to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the airport.

As at Friday, the 17 seized luggage of Davido were still at the airport while efforts were being made to transfer the unruly aide to the CID. The source said, “Davido had

ErnestChinwoinPortHarcourt

The trial of suspected ritualist, Ifeanyi Dike, commenced yesterday at the Rivers State High Court, where he was arraigned before Justice Adolphus Enebeli.

Ifeanyi Dike allegedly murdered Late eight-year-old girl, Chikamso Favour, in August 2017, after raping her. He was also accused of harvesting her genitals.

Also arraigned before Justice Adolphus Enebeli are: Ogochukwu Nnamiro (Second Accused Person) and Sergeant Johnbosco Okoroeze (Third Accused Person). They were arraigned as accessories after the fact.

A mild drama ensued in court as Ifeanyi Dike, gave a loud shout after his case was mentioned. Thereafter, he refused to take his plea.

His counsel, Lizinna Ameegua, urged the court to order that a mental examination be carried out on him to ascertain his mental status. Justice Enebeli declined the request.

Thereafter, Ifeanyi Dike collapsed in Court. The Court entered a plea of not guilty for him, while the second and third

accused persons pleaded not guilty.

The matter was adjourned to January 16, 26 and 29, 2018 for definite hearing. Justice Enebeli said the matter would be heard on a day-to-day basis.

Earlier in the court, Ameegua, raised objection to the trial on the ground that the information filed by the prosecution was incomplete. He urged the court to discharge the first accused person. The Court dismissed the objection.

Addressing journalists after the adjournment, Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) said he expected the case to be heard expeditiously.

He said that no party in the case was entitled to more than three adjournments in the course of the hearing.

He said one of the reasons for the adjournment was for Ifeanyi Dike to get medical attention.

Secretary of the International Federation of Female Lawyers, FIDA, Nnenna Igbokwe, expressed confidence that justice would be achieved now that trial had commenced.

LagosStateGovernor,Mr.AkinwunmiAmbodeonFridayswore-intwonew PermanentSecretaries,withachargeontheappointeestoaddvaluetothe StateCivilServiceandtocomeupwithfreshideasthatwouldfacilitatedelivery ofdividendsofgoodgovernancetothepeople.Speakingataceremonyheld at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, Governor Ambode said the position of PermanentSecretarywasverycrucialtothesmoothrunningofgovernment machinery, and as such the new appointees must justify the conďŹ dence reposed in them by making positive dierence especially in the manner throughwhichresponsibilitiesweredischarged. AccordingtotheGovernor, “IndischargingtheirresponsibilitiesastheaccountingoďŹƒcersofthevarious Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Permanent Secretaries are expected to provide leadership and ensure eective coordination of government business with one goal in mind which is eective and eďŹƒcient service delivery to the people.

Bayelsa Govt. House Clinic for Public Use

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday explained why he converted the State Government House Clinic from a centre that was exclusively treating himself, his Deputy and their families to one that could be accessed by members of the public. The Governor who spoke while addressing sundry issues in the state in a meeting with stakeholders in Yenagoa, noted that whatever is good for him should also be good for the people of Bayelsa that he is leading. He added that his government remained pro-poor and pro-masses, adding that it was part of the reasons he had some issues with the elite in the state.

Court DisqualiďŹ es Taraba APC Candidate

AFederalHighCourtsittinginJalingohasorderedtheAllProgressiveCongress (APC)toconductafreshprimaryelectiontoselectitscandidateforthebye electionforArdoKolaConstituencyintheTarabaStateHouseofAssembly.

DeliveringjudgementinasuitwithnumberFHC/JAL/CS/15/2017ďŹ ledbyJibril BelloBadawaire,theCourt,presidedoverbyJusticeS.D.Pamalsoordered that APC has no candidate in the election which is scheduled to hold today, 13thJanuary2018."The1stDefendantisherebyorderedtoconductafresh primary election with the plainti as a candidate. It is hereby declared that the 1st Defendant has no candidate for the election in to theTaraba State House of Assembly that will take place on the 13th day of January, 2018" JusticePamfurtherorderedthat Badawaire,whoistheplainti/Applicant in the case should be a candidate in the fresh primary.

Aregbesola Refunds Students Stolen Fees

TheGovernorofOsunState,OgbeniRaufAregbesolahasreleasedasumof N150,000toastudentofFederalUniversityofTechnology(FUTA),Mayowa Balogun who was robbed of his school fees by yet to be identiďŹ ed gunmen in Osogbo last week Friday. According to Balogun, some armed men in a supposed red security patrol vehicle accosted him on his way from a bank to deposit the sum into his account, forced him into the vehicle and drove him round the city of Osogbo for about four hours. Balogun said he was dropped after the armed men had collected the N120, 000 with which he was going to settle his school fees and other sundry payments from him.

Police Apprehend Robbery Suspects

Edo State Police Command has nabbed two robbery suspects for using supergluetosealthemouthofan89-yearwoman,ImasogbonreEnahoro,to preventherforshoutingforhelp.Alsogluedwasthemouthofherdaughter, MarylynAjibolabytherobbersbeforestealingvaluablesandaToyotaCamry car from the victim's' residence at Igueben village.The police gave names of the suspects as Kingsley Odion, Osaze Ehis, including a third suspect identiďŹ ed asTosin said to be at large.

Apostle Omiyale for Burial

The burial of Apostle Emmanuel Olabode Ademola Adisa Omiyale who died on December 18, 2017 has been ďŹ xed for January19, 2017. Born into the Omiyale family of Igbajo on March 18, 1933, he was devout Christian, astute and disciplined man. He received his primary education at Mapo Christ School Ibadan, attended Ibadan Grammar School for his secondary education and worked at the Audit OďŹƒce where he rose to the position of (HEO)HigherExecutiveOďŹƒcerthroughhardworkbeforeheproceededto UK for further studies in 1960. He read Marketing and returned to Nigeria in 1965. He worked at Supergas and joined African Petroleum, where he workedforseveralyearsandasaHumanResourceManageruntilheretired in March 1988.

12

ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

A PLEA FOR EXCITING CAMPAIGN The 2019 electioneering campaigns should be issues-oriented, writes Idang Alibi

W

hen my Fulani friend Alhaji Abdulsamad Mai Wada, popularly known among his friends and peers as Wada Wasco, successfully ran for the position of Food Prefect in the ABU students Union Government in 1980, his major campaign slogan was ‘Vote Wada Wasco for quantity, quality and variety’’.

To a shout of ‘’Wada for Wasco, W for Wack!’’, the response will be ‘’for polite, clean and efďŹ cient cooks and stewards’’. Another selling point of the Wada campaign was: ‘’For the re-introduction of the feeding credit system that used to be the history in ABU’. ’ So catchy and memorable was Wada Wasco’s campaign slogans that 37 years after his winning bid, a generation of students of ABU of Wada’s days still remember him today by those slogans.

A look at Wada Wasco’s campaign theme shows that it was tailored to address what Public Policy scholars now call the felt needs of the people. It was issues-based and carefully and intelligently formulated in answer to, or to address, the major concerns or issues of great importance to his constituency (the students’ body). In this case, he was promising to deal with issues relating to the gastronomic needs of ‘’the people’’, issues to do with the quantity, quality and variety of foods served to the students in the refectory by cooks and stewards of a certain pedigree. Even in those good old days of Nigeria when students were fed on a heavily subsidised fee of 50 kobo per meal for a plate of food that is worth about N1, 500 per meal in today’s times, some students with farmers’ children’s voracious appetites for food still complained that they were not given a hungry man’s portion, hence his promise that under his food prefectship, students would be guaranteed quantity. While farmers’ children generally considered the meals tastier than what they were used to at home before they were privileged to come to the Ivory Tower to taste ‘’continental dishes’’, a few, especially those from relatively comfortable background, complained incessantly about lack of quality. If a meal, or a part thereof, was boiled, they will complain that it should have been fried; if a chicken was fried they will gripe that it should have been grilled; if rice was cooked ‘naked,’ they will prefer that it should have been garnished with onions, cucumber and leeks; if goat meat was cooked in tomato source, they will say it was not cooked tender enough for their delicate middle-class teeth; hence, his promise of ensuring quality.

The bit about variety was of course in answer to the general complaint by almost all students everywhere in the world about the monotony of most diets in their menu. In my own secondary school days, our chorus of complaints about Madam Ikyatse ‘’the cooker’’ (as we used to call our cook) was that we were being served more beans than was necessary for our tender body constitution!

Even in those days when things were good and people took their jobs more seriously than today and people generally behaved themselves more than they do today, cooks and ‘’cookers’’, waiters and waitresses, stewards and stewardesses had some issues with their appearances and character that often led to problems with students, hence Mai Wada’s slogan to ensure that he gave the ABU students polite, efficient and ‘hygienic’ waiters and waitresses.

In my own university, we had a student union presidential aspirant whose slogan was that he will neither ‘’bend nor break’’. What the man (he is a top diplomat now) was saying here is that as is unfortunately true of some student leaders who compromise with the school authorities after some inducement, he will neither bend to the dictates

THE PRESENT STYLE WHERE THEY PROMISE A THOUSAND AND ONE THINGS NONE OF WHICH WE CAN EASILY REMEMBER MAKES IT EASY TO DENY THAT THEY EVER MADE SUCH PROMISES

of the school authorities nor yield to intimidation or blackmail. He will remain solidly loyal and faithful to the needs and interests of his constituency. The guy was elected and he lived up to his promise.

Why am I recalling some campaign slogans by candidates in elections to some Student Union Government posts of some three and a half decades ago Nigeria? It is meant to show to Nigerians that even among students of some three decades ago, politics was a game as well as a venture about serious issues. And the more interesting thing is that even the student politics of Wada’s times that was full of creativity, ingenuity and issues copied that style from the politicians of the Second Republic. Every politically conscious and active person of the Second Republic era recognised Awo for his four cardinal programmes and could easily sing-song his promised agenda for Nigeria. Same for Shehu Shagari, Uncle Waziri Ibrahim, Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe and later Dr. Tunji Braithwaite.

It is, however, very lamentable that in the issues-less type of politics that we have noticed especially in the last three presidential elections, the leading candidates don the dress styles of the major ethnic groups and pretend than they stand for national unity. Dress symbols are fraudulent. You do not need to dress like an Igbo man, an Hausa man or a Yoruba to like them. In fact you may even despise those people and feel very uncomfortable in those ethnic dresses.

I am raising this alarm early in the day because Governor Ayo Fayose who gave an early indication to Nigerians some months back about his intention to govern Nigeria come 2019, has started on this note of clothes symbolism by donning an Igbo dress, apparently to show the Igbo that he will be more favourably disposed to them than the present administration has been. Let Fayose and others that will come out after him, come out with a concrete agenda on what they will do in all sectors of the political economy that can be summarised in five or less catchy slogans. I am also against those politicians who will showcase the number of wives married from other tribes rather than their programmes. Awo had only one wife to show, a woman he once described as a jewel of inestimable value and she was not a campaign point at all. Yet we remember his failed campaigns for the presidency. It is totally appalling that these days, our politicians invoke ‘’in-lawism’’, tribalism, regionalism, religion and everything else that has nothing to do with what they hope to do for the people.

This piece is a plea to our politicians who have an eye for 2019 to make our politics interesting as well as issues-oriented. I will love to see and hear Atiku Abubakar, for instance, weave his campaign around the themes of restructuring which he has been championing lately. ‘’For merit, fairness, equity and true federalism, vote Atiku Abubakar’’ so that if he wins we can easily remember what he promised and hold him accountable. Someone else should talk about ‘’stable power, good roads, decent houses and socio-economic infrastructure’’; another should talk about ‘’total and inclusive anti-corruption war, honesty, integrity and national rebirth’’. Another can still campaign on the platform of ‘’peace, progress, growth and stability’’. We should demand from our politicians promises that are easily digestible and with which they cannot hoodwink us. The present style where they promise a thousand and one things none of which we can easily remember makes it easy to deny that they ever made such promises.

Alibi is an Abuja-based journalist and can be reached on idangalibi@yahoo.com

THE HERDSMEN CRISIS AND FOOD SECURITY Tayo Ogunbiyi argues that the authorities could do more to contain the problem

T

hese are strange times for our beloved nation. Harsh economic realities coupled with incessant fuel scarcity, unemployment, ination, hunger and poverty have continued to make life tough for the people. To complicate things, security has become a major source of anxiety.

Until recently, terrorism is alien to our culture.

But recent occurrences have since altered the equation, thanks to the dastardly acts of the Boko Haram sect. In the first half of 2014, Boko Haram killed more than 2000 innocent and hapless civilians in about 95 attacks. Sadly, as the war against Boko Haram makes appreciable progress, out of the blue came yet another menace of a different kind, but with an equally potent capability to waste human lives. Take the back seat Boko Haram; enter the vicious herdsmen!

From Agatu in Benue State, Akure in Ondo State, Bukuru in Plateau State, Oke Ogun in Oyo State, Gassaka and Bali local government areas in Taraba State to Nimbo in Enugu State, rampaging herdsmen seem to be on a mission to draw blood. And blood they are getting. Everywhere they go, sorrow, tears and blood trail them.

Curiously, they operate in such audacious fashion that makes mockery of our national security arrangement.

Sadly, as it was the case at the onset of Boko Haram insurgence, the dastardly acts of these reprehensible herdsmen have not really been accorded the requisite handling by the appropriate authorities. This brings us to the thorny issue of modus operandi of Fulani herdsmen. The odd thing is the kind of riffles being reportedly used

by the rampaging herdsmen across the country. It becomes curious as to what they could be doing with such combat- purposed assault rifles.

What could be the source of such dangerous ammunition? If there is, indeed, a source, then, like Boko Haram, there would definitely be sponsors. If there are sponsors, the next puzzle is: what could be their motive? Could it be that purported skirmishes by herdsmen across the country are just clever ploy by some ‘evil genius’ to further throw the country into prolonged chaos? Could it be that recent upsurge in herdsmen atrocities is being orchestrated by some ‘powerful’ people with sinister intent to derail the country?

The implication of the foregoing is that appropriate authorities need to methodically investigate recent increase in the reprehensible activities of herdsmen. It is vital to emphasise that military or police action alone might not suffice in thoroughly getting rid of the herdsmen’s challenge as it is with other such thorny security issues in the country. Sufficient intelligence must be gathered to really understand their motives, sponsors (if any) and grouses. It has been argued that the herdsmen’s ‘insurgence’ is being spearheaded by rascals from neighbouring countries. This claim must be properly verified and appropriate action taken if it is found to be real.

If not quickly tackled, the implication of herdsman ‘insurgence’ on food security in the country could be calamitous. Constant encroachment of farmlands by herds of cattle will no doubt affect the output of crops coming from the north; the region relied mainly upon for the provision of

foodstuffs and fruits in the country.

In Jigawa State alone, more than 70 cases of conflicts have been recorded since the beginning of the 2015 farming season. These cases bordered on encroachment into farms by cattle and farmers misuse of cattle routes. The situation is not different in Nasarawa and Benue States, the food baskets of the nation as herdsmen persistently engage farmers in feuds that often result in serious causalities on both sides. While farmers accuse the herdsmen of farm land encroachment, the latter blame the farmers and members of their communities for rustling of their cattle.

Unfortunately, the friction, if not properly checked could have adverse effects on food security in the country.

But as frightening as the issue appears, with the required political will, it could be logically addressed. To avert future bloody clashes between herdsmen and farmers, the federal government should creatively strategise with relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem.

One thing that can be done to reduce the tension is to establish grazing zones across the country for the herdsmen. Once this is done, government should ensure that the herdsmen strictly comply with the grazing zone arrangement. This would, no doubt, greatly reduce friction over land resources. Equally, concerted efforts should be made to address the armed cattle rustling rings reportedly wreaking havoc in the northern part of the country.

Considering the fact that this year will understandably witness an increase in political activities, we cannot afford to treat the herdsmen

crisis and, indeed, other such complex security issues in the country with a kid’s glove. Costly goofs such as the unfortunate comment of the Inspector General of Police in the wake of the recent bloody herdsmen’s attack in Benue State must be avoided. We already have enough troubles as a nation; compounding things won’t do anyone any good. Every logical step must be taken to ensure that this present crisis does not degenerate into a full blown ethnic affair. In view of our multi ethnic and cultural composition, we must clinically tackle every tendency that could further threaten our fragile unity.

Appropriate government channels must be used to disconnect the crisis from evolving into ethnic or religious interpretations. This is where effective public enlightenment strategies come in. Strategic dissemination of information is key because we live in a country where people thrive on taking rumour and half-truth as the truth. But wherever the people could not access official information, they make do with whatever information that is at their disposal. This, of course, is dangerous to the well-being of any nation.

On a final note, before the herdsmen crisis transform into another Boko Haram menace, thereby complicating our peculiar socio-economic and political situation, now is the time to decisively deal with it. If Boko Haram had been effectively addressed from the outset, perhaps, it wouldn’t have metamorphosed into the monster that it is right now.

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

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ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Will they get justice?

Restructuring Through Inclusive Development Policy

E

ven our founding fathers are currently put on disunity notice: that the foundational structure upon which the Nigerian state stands is falling - our sovereignty and coexistence is swiftly falling apart and the different components constituting our centre can no longer hold our ag of oneness.

Our un-abating platitudinised politics of ethno-religious sentiment constantly puts our humanity to test. Unmindful of the degenerative effect of our actions, we have repeatedly failed this test, not because our usual complaints of social marginalisation are unreal but because we often respond to the injustice of marginalisation with greater degree of revulsion and animosity. For more than four decades now, the national question has remained a fractious challenge for the continual existence of Nigeria: some Igbos feel secession is the benchmark for the Southeast development, the Hausas and Yoruba in their own rights also feel throbbed by the Nigerian marriage. The rhetoric and politics of disintegration has overwhelmed the work of development and progress.

A visit to all regions of Nigeria often readily reveals the intrinsic truth about marginalisation and a general lack of social security in Nigeria: the ordinary people and places in Northern Nigeria are as much victims of this as the ordinary people and places in the Southeast, South-south and South-west.

Unfortunately, the forgotten truth is that our leaders, not co-existence, has perpetuated us in this stagnating state of underdevelopment.

What should we proffer as the enduring solution to the national question? I would opt for “The Inclusive Nigeria Development Policy� through the restructuring of governmental structures for competitive federalism, and the resetting of our mindset.

Let the secessionist convince me that we are wiser than other developed climes that are cohabiting together, and making giant developmental strides. How come California State has not resorted to pulling out of the American Union? They are simply wise, not allowing themselves to be easily distracted into the emptiness of time; they are simply thinking about development rather than disintegration, focused on pursuing viable innovations that make a state’s economy great. This is the point where mental revolution and restructuring commences. The entire people of Nigeria have been marginalised by the injuries of failed and poor leadership, so let’s squelch the situation by facing the reality.

Take individual guilt and responsibility for where we are and begin to take bold steps on making our local development a reality.

The politics of “Abuja� has killed our innovativeness and confined us to the museum of primitive politics of underdevelopment. With the unholy belief that we are short-changed and marginalised anytime we do not have control over how things operate in Abuja, but the truth remains abundantly clear - Abuja is too tiny to develop the entire parts of Nigeria. But our local leaders, governors, senators and representatives can if we make them to.

To actualise a competitive federalism, the National Assembly must be bold enough for a comprehensive constitutional amendment that will guarantee the component units of our federalism an economic autonomy for local development. Such that the states can control, harness and utilise their natural resources for the development of the local areas according to their developmental need of the people.

It should also be on record that there is no state

in Nigeria that does not have at least five natural and agricultural resources to be economically viable in a restructured Nigeria. More importantly, global economy is now innovation-based, human capital is the new trend not natural resources alone. If you are in doubt, then consider why California is banking the world’s best tech-CEOs from Google to Facebook, to Apple and host of others. It has world class technology-based institutions like the California Institute of Technology, University of California and Stanford University. Tell me any state university in Nigeria that is generating ideas, research and solutions capable of revolutionising the world! Our governors would rather use the fund to build airports and other white elephant and begging-the-question projects often designed to loot the commonwealth of the people.

The prophesy of real development and change in a Biafra, Arewa, or Oduduwa Republic is unknown even to the deities. The proponents of secession have not bothered their intellect on the pragmatic promises of how their new economy will work, nor have they been clear on better governance system as an alternative to the current situation in Nigeria or most other African countries. As it is Africa’s usual case, we simply want the power to control our affairs without any distinguishing policy direction or articulated vision for the new state of Biafra. We must learn to ask questions.

Let competence, vivid vision, integrity and pan-Nigeria credentials be the only guiding sentiment for electing Nigeria’s Presidents, not ethnic background, not religion and not money. We must also bury the commercialisation of our electoral system.

If the Nigerian youths are ready for any social revolution, then let it begin with youth in leadership through defining roles in actualising the “Inclusive Nigeria Development Policy� revolution. For leadership is about the solution and impact we make in advancing our nation and societies.

Ekpa, Stanley Ekpa, Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja

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

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

Beauty Pageant is Good Business

I

n their ongoing bitter twitter exchanges, Gov. Nasir el-Rufa’i of Kaduna State seemed to sneer at Sen. Ben-Brue Murray’s business enterprise when be observed that while President Olusegun Obasanjo was in power, “Jonathan was a deputy governor and you (sic.: Mr. Murray) were organising beauty contests’’ or something to that effect. That line about managing a beauty pageant outďŹ t was deďŹ nitely meant to be a sucker-punch by Gov. El-Rufai, but should it be? Sen. Murray should be commended for not waiting for an undemanding, government salaried job before setting up his business enterprise that has grown to include chains of cinema houses across the country. Such entrepreneurship by people in their prime is what Nigeria needs now more than ever before. Gov. El-Rufa’i would do well to commission an informal study of the positive economic impact that Sen. Murray’s “beauty contestsâ€? enterprise has had on Nigerians who, not being from the North, had very dismal prospects of being absolved into the Federal Civil Service. We all expect Gov. Nasir el-Rufa’i as the sitting governor of Kaduna State to encourage private investments in the entertainment industry as a means to creating employment: cinemas, theatres, music, beauty pageants, wine bars, beer gardens, etc.

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

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

14

NEWS

EFCC Director, Olowonihi, Sues Magu, Commission over Suspension, Demotion A Director and Former Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy, Mr. Ayo Peter Olowonihi, has dragged the commission before the National Industrial Court in Abuja for wrongful suspension and demotion.

In the suit filed by Professor JO Amupitan, pursuant to Order 3 Rule 16 of the NIC Rules, 2016, Olowonihi wants the court to determine whether the commission’s staff regulation handbook titled: ‘EFCC Staff Regulation Handbook’ 2007 under which he was allegedly suspended and reinstated conditionally was valid same having not been approved by the commission as required by section 8(2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004?

In the affidavit in support of his origination summons, the plaintiff who had worked in various capacities and under all the chairmen of the commission without blemish narrated his ordeal in the hands of the incumbent Acting Chairman of Commission, Ibrahim Magu.

The plaintiff stated that as soon as Magu was appointed in November 2015 he was summoned and accused of being behind some online publications in respect of the activities of the commission and Magu.

He added that on the directive of Magu, he was taken to the Statement Room where he was made to write a 10-page statement under caution like a suspect and in the absence of his lawyer despite being a management staff on Grade Level 17 in the commission.

The plaintiff alleged that in the course of taking his statement, the lead investigator, Mr. Yahaya Bello, told him that he was being questioned because those online publications

were in furtherance of his ambition to be appointed as the chairman of the commission and that the publications were to run down the acting executive chairman.

He further averred that on the order of Magu, his official table top computer was taken away, his two phones MTN (08033485511) and GLO (08055066583) were seized and his office was thoroughly searched by a team of detectives and policemen and sealed up, adding that the search conducted showed that there was nothing linking him with the publications.

He added that his official car was also withdrawn on the directive of the acting chairman who also ordered a forensic investigation on all his electronic devises including his bank account and email addresses and nothing incriminating was found against him.

The plaintiff said while interrogation was going on, Magu demoted him as commandant and ordered for his redeployment from EFCC Academy to his office. “On November 20, 2015, I also received a letter dated November 20, 2015 from the defendant signed by one Aliyu Nadada intimating me of my redeployment as commandant of the defendant’s Training Institute to the office of the acting Executive Chairman with immediate effect with a directive that I should handover to the next most senior officer. “That although the letter of deployment was purported to have been issued by the management of the defendant, I am not aware of such management meeting as a management staff as the redeployment was based purely on the directive of the acting Executive Chairman. “On December 22, 2015, I also

FOR OUR FALLEN HEROES...

L-R Chief of Army Sta, Lt. Gen.Tukur Buratai; President,12-12 Polo and Turf Club,Nuhu Sani Zango; Speaker House of Representatives, Rt.Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Minister of Defence, Brig Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali ; and Hon. Ibrahim Ballah, at the Armed Forces International Polo Tournament in Honour of the Fallen Hero’s in Abuja, on Thursday received a query titled ‘Offence Against Discipline’ for contravening certain sections of the Defendant’s Staff Regulation Handbook. On December 23, 2015, I promptly responded to the query wherein I denied the allegations of any ‘Offence Against Discipline’ and even stated that when I saw some of the online publications, I reported it at one of the management meetings of the defendant and the matter was dismissed as inconsequential.

“On December 29, 2015 when my response was submitted, I got a letter of indefinite suspension from work without pay with immediate effect.

I was allegedly queried under the EFCC Staff Regulation Handbook, my suspension was made in furtherance of Article 030406 of the Public Service Rules. The suspension was made pending the outcome of the matter. “It is over two years now that I was suspended without salary and I have found it difficult to meet up my

responsibilities including payment of school fees of my children, my house mortgage and other responsibilities.

Since I was placed on suspension, I was not invited to appear before any panel nor was there any communication to me until November 16, 2017 when I was served with a Letter of Reinstatement dated November 15, 2017 demoting me and forfeiting my salaries and emoluments. “In the said Letter of Reinstatement, I was alleged to have been

found guilty of a case of “Breach of Confidence� by the Senior Staff, Promotions and Disciplinary Committee of the defendant on September 28, 2017. I was not at any time confronted by the defendant of any allegation of ‘Breach of Confidence’. I was not invited by the Senior Staff, Promotions and Disciplinary Committee of the defendant to defend myself against any allegation of ‘Breach of Confidence’ or of any other misconduct for that matter.

PDP, Jang Chide Lalong over Globacom Refutes Claim of Utterances Against Ortom Acquiring 9mobile Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and George Okoh in Makurdi

The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Senator representing Plateau North zone in the National Assembly, Jonah David Jang have chided Governor Simon Bako Lalong of the state over an interview in Abuja on Thursday, in which he claimed to have warned Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State against open grazing prohibition bill.

This is as Governor Samuel Ortom has said that attacks on farmers by herdsmen was a national challenge that required the cooperation of all Nigerians to surmount. He spoke in Makurdi at the weekend when he received a delegation from the Arewa Consultative Forum led by the Chairman, Senator John Shagaya at the Benue Peoples House.

They Plateau State chapter of the PDP urged Lalong to apologise to Ortom and Benue people over the verbal attack.

But in a swift reaction, Plateau Regeneration Group (PRG), led by Mr. Chol Badung Chuhwak said the reactions to Lalong’s comment was only a storm in a tea cup, adding the Governor was quoted out of context.

In two separate statements, PDP and Jang described Lalong’s

statement on a day that over 70 victims of herdsmen attacks were being buried as mindless and senseless.

In its statement signed by its publicity secretary, Mr. John Akans, the PDP said, “Rather than proceed to Benue State on his return from vacation abroad to commiserate with our brothers and sisters following the massacre of innocent lives and the rendering of thousands homeless, he chose to embark on a misadventure of trying to woo Mr. President to visit Plateau state to endorse his second term bid.

As if he has gone mad, he chose to berate Governor Samuel Ortom on a day when those killed by the Fulani herdsmen were being given a mass burial, bragging that he advised him not to implement the anti-open grazing law. “Secondly, to impress his ‘oga at the top’ and State House press, he said he restored peace in the state within three months of his coming to office, dismissing the recent killings that took place in the last three months in Barkin Ladi, Ryom and Bassa local government areas in which over 50 persons were killed.�

PDP also said Lalong lied by saying that the people Plateau had embraced the ranching policy of the federal government. “If indeed, the policy was embraced, Governor Lalong has failed to mention where

the ranches are located in the state.

He has also failed to mention which law put the ranching policy in the state in place. It is on record that when he toyed with the idea of ranching on the Plateau, all the critical stakeholders and segments of society roundly condemned same, insisting that land belong to individuals and traditional communities and could not be forcefully taken away from them. “The cheap outpouring at the presidential villa have clearly exposed Lalong as one who has no interest in delivering democracy dividend. Rather he is simply in pursuit of his selfish political interests. As a lawyer,we expect him to know that land is owned by families and traditional communities, and that there are intricate processes before acquisition, and so should have taken time to consult widely before rushing to chief ogbe' s office.�

Jang, in his press statement signed by his media consultant, Mr. Clinton Garuba, said, “At a time when the mood of the nation, nay, the states that have continued to suffer decapitation in the hands of marauding killer herdsmen should be sober. It is unfortunate that someone of Governor Lalong’s standing will utter words that will be an insult on the sensitivity of the people, especially of Benue State.

Emma Okonji

Globacom, yesterday debunked media reports purportedly claiming that it had acquired 9mobile in the ongoing bid process for the acquisition of the telecoms company that was being handled by Barclays Africa.

Globacom, which distanced itself from the media reports that it was the preferred bidder to acquire the telecommunications company said in a statement in Lagos yesterday, that the reports were false, as the winner had not been announced.

According to the statement, “Globacom has not acquired 9mobile as widely reported in the media.�

The statement further said: "We are bound by the terms of the acquisition process as stipulated by the authorities handling it and we will not in any way sway or deviate from the rules. “We repose confidence in Barclays Africa, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which are handling the process that will lead to the emergence of a new owner for the company.

"Globacom urges all

stakeholders and, indeed, the Nigerian public to disregard the report."

Following the inability of the former Etisalat Nigeria, which had since been rebranded as 9mobile, to repay the $1.2 million loan it took from 13 local banks in 2013 for network expansion, citing economic downturn of 20152016 and naira devaluation, which negatively impacted on the dollar-denominated component of the loan, the telecoms company decided shop for new investor that will provide the much needed funds to pay the loan and relaunch the telecoms company into profitability.

In order to achieve its desire to repay the loan, Barclays Africa was selected as the financial adviser to handle the sale of 9mobile.

Barclays had last year, shortlisted the final five investors who indicated interest to acquire 9mobile, out of the initial list of 16 investors that were later pruned the 10, before the final selection of five contenders, who had since submitted their expressions of interest (EoIs) to acquire the telecoms company.

The final five include

Teleology Holdings Limited, promoted by Adrian Wood, the pioneer CEO of MTN Nigeria; Smile Telecoms Holdings, with operations in Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Congo DR and South Africa; Helios Investment Partners; Bharti Airtel and Globacom, the telecoms company owned and operated by a Nigerian, Mike Adenuga Jnr. The process to announce the winner will begin from January 16, which is the deadline for the submission of the final bids from the shortlisted five contenders. Thereafter, Barclays will review the final bid submissions and make its recommendations to the interim board of 9mobile, who will then sit to review the recommendations of Barclays Africa, before the winner is unanimously selected by the interim board, based on the recommendations of Barclays Africa.

Globacom therefore called on Nigerians to disregard the media report claiming that it has acquired 9mobile, and urged them to patiently wait for the announcement of the winner that will be announced after the conclusion of the bid exercise that is still ongoing.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

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SunTrust Bank Appoints Jibril Aku, Chairman The Board of SunTrust Bank Nigeria Limited (SunTrust Bank) has appointed Mr. Jibril J. Aku as Board Chairman, succeeding Chief Charles Onyema Ugboko who retired upon attaining the retirement age.

According to Muhammad Jibrin, CEO of the bank, in a statement obtained yesterday by THISDAY, “The Board and Management of SunTrust Bank most sincerely thank Chief Charles Ugboko for his astute leadership and contributions to the Bank. “Under his guidance, the Bank defined its strategic direction and made significant strides in executing its Fintech vision. We wish Chief Ugboko well in all his future endeavours.�

Commenting on his successor, L-R front row: Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Mr. Chao Xiaoliang; Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki; the outgoing Chairman, Ugboko, Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Usman Bakori; Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Roland Asoro; Managing Director, expressed delight at the appointment ICMG Securities Limited, Micheal Osime and other government oďŹƒcials, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for of Aku as Chairman saying: ‘Jibril Aku is a seasoned banker who has a 5,500bpd modular reďŹ nery between Edo State Government and SINOPEC of China, at SINOPEC headquarters in Beijing, China also had significant Board experience in the banking and financial industry generally. “This combination will significantly benefit both management and the Board. I worked with him at Afribank and I have no doubt that as Chairman of the Board of SunTrust for the 2018-Armed Forces security threats posed by herds- tion, Navy, Captain Suleiman he will ensure that the Bank continues Paul Obi inAbuja Remembrance Day Celebration men killings, he said: “I can Dahun explained that those to execute and actualise the defined assure you that the Armed appointed include, "Rear strategic initiatives which we began.â€?

The federal government (AFRD).

Aku has over 34 years banking Dan-Ali said: “In the North Forces of Nigeria is ready to Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade yesterday said it had launched a new counter-insurgency of- East, I can say they have made defend our territorial integrity, for the Logistics Command, experience with 24 years spent in fensive, in partnership with great success, as I am talking despite all the internal security Oghara, Delta State; Rear Ad- senior management levels. miral Matthew Emuekpere for Prior to joining the board of SunCameroon, against Boko to you there is an operation challenges.�

Meanwhile, the Nigerian the Eastern Naval Command, Trust Bank, he served as Group Head, Haram terrorists in the Lake going on involving Nigeria and Cameroon. So, we are looking Navy, yesterday, announced Calabar, Cross River State; and Strategy at Ecobank Transnational Chad region.

Minister of Defence, Mansir at the armed forces of other the appointment of three new Rear Admiral Saleh Usman who Incorporated, in Lome, Togo and, Dan-Ali stated this, yesterday, at countries uniting with us to Flag Officers Commanding is taking over at the Central was also Managing Director/CEO Naval Command, Yenagoa, of Ecobank Nigeria Limited from (FOCs). the National Mosque in Abuja, forge ahead.�

2010-2015. He is on the board of Acting Director of Informa- Bayelsa State.

On the prevailing national shortly after the Jumat prayer FMDQ OTC PLC as Vice Chairman.

Prior to joining the Ecobank Group, he was the Executive Director Operations and Information Technology at Former Afribank Nigeria Plc. Before joining the former Afribank, he was at Citibank Nigeria where (2b) provides for representation he served in various capacities and AdemolaBabalolainIbadan from professional computer bodies The Yoruba Council of Youth as members of the board.

Omon-Julius OnabuinAsaba project.

"The board does not need a Worldwide (YCYW) Friday evening He said facilities in the rose in defense of newly appointed chairman with such background.

Delta State Governor, Dr. stadium were being given a Chairman of the National Informa- Chairman does not take decision Ifeanyi Okowa, has assured total overhaul to meet with tion Technology Development in isolation but collectively through that ongoing general renovation international sporting standards Agency (NITDA), Prof. Adeolu inputs from members. work on Stephen Keshi Stadium and expressed excitement at "It is noteworthy to raise that the Asaba would be completed in the opportunity of hosting the Akande as a thoroughbred professional, tested administrator, two names in the said news item readiness for the hosting of the respective African countries’ High Court of Justice in academic icon and trail blazer are Yorubas ( Mr. Rogba Adeoye 2018 edition of the African athletics ambassadors in Delta Kogi State on yesterday held a of Nigeria Computer Society, Senior Athletics Championship. State continent. in the field of journalism.

Special Court Session in honour The group in a press statement and Mr. Lanre Ajayi of Pinnet Okowa, who gave the asIn the words of the governor, of late Justice Arome Benson made available to THISDAY Information) which informed surance when he inspected "It is good that we are here Akogu who died on the 31st described Akande's appointment our concern about “Pull-down� the 22,000-capacity stadium today to see the level of work of December last year.

by President Muhammadu Buhari syndrome of some Yorubas on yesterday, expressed satisfaction done; you can see that the conThe Special Court Session to head the board of NITDA as a issues of National assignment with pace of work carried out tractor is working to deliver the was held at Idah High Court good omen for the Yoruba race whenever notable Yoruba sons in the facility after just two job to international standards. in Idah. and information technological and daughters are given federal months since the contractor What you are witnessing is the The Kogi State Governor, appointments, what we do is to commenced the renovation reconstruction of the stadium; it Alhaji Yahaya Bello in his tribadvancement of Nigeria.

A report purportedly from ICT pull them down and in most cases, project, saying the work would was redesigned to accommodate ute, commended the late Judge stakeholders had expressed their Yorubas end up being the loser be completed by May if the nine lanes, and I am satisfied for his knowledge for logic and displeasure over NITDA governing as such appointments usually go tempo was sustained. with the level of work done philosophy in Adjudications. board appointment which they to other regions who know how The governor who was The governor was accom- so far. described as faulty and lacking to protect their own. panied by senior officials of "We are ready to host Africa represented by the Kogi State "The man in question, Professor the state's Sports Commission, because the championship will Attorney-General and Comin professionalism.

But the youths in a signed Adeolu Akande cannot be regarded including the Chairman of the make people from different missioner for Justice, Ibrahim press statement by its country's or described as naive in the ICT Delta State Sports Commission, parts of Africa to gather in our Danni Mohammed (SAN) said Publicity Secretary, Asiwaju Samuel world going by his cumulative Chief Tonobok Okowa and state. It will be a thing of joy for his death elicited eulogies from Oloyede stated thus: "First, ICT experiences that span decades as former President of Athletics us to host Africa. The benefits the Kogites, especially for his has so much evolved that one do a technocrat, a former deputy / Federation of Nigeria and the of hosting the championship honesty, uncommon probity in not need to possess a degree in Acting Editor of Sunday Tribune , Chairman of the Local Organis- cannot be quantified, don't the discharged of his duties as a computer science or information special Assistant Communication ing Committee (LOC) for the forget sports is a unifying judiciary officer and both during technology to be a professional. If Strategies in the presidency, former Championship, Mr. Solomon factor all over the world and the days his private practice this was so, where were the ICT Chief of staff to Oyo state Governor, Ogba. that unity, peace and love for and in the Ministry of Justice as stakeholders when a lawyer was Print media sub-committee of the Governor Okowa noted that one another will be celebrated Director of Public prosecution. made Minister of Communica- Muhammadu Buhari Presidential the fact the project was being during the championship."

Governor Bello added that the tion; the supervising Ministry for Campaign Organisation and handled under a public private The Governor inspected great hardworking Judge had a professor of political science partnership arrangement (PPP) the various sections of the left suddenly as the people of NITDA? "Curiously to note, the NITDA could not have excelled that much meant that good quality job stadium, including the grassing the state were going to greatly Act, 2007: Part II: (2, a, b (i-v), without knowledge of ICT. He is would be delivered as the of the field, construction of the miss his invaluable contributions c , d, e, f), (3) , which stipulates eminently qualified. contractor could not afford nine-lane tartan tracks, the to the judiciary and development We enjoin our elders to always to do a shoddy job, being VIP lounges, training areas, of the legal profession. eligibility of the governing board members composition has not in be conscious of Yoruba interests responsible for sourcing the swimming pool and indoor He also commended the any way been breached. In fact, in what they do."

Kogi State Judiciary for it's funds for the execution of the sports hall.

PARTNERING FOR DEVELOPMENT...

Nigeria, Cameroon Launch New Offensive against Boko Haram

Yoruba Youth Group Rises for Akande as NITDA Chairman

Asaba Stadium Ready for August’s African Athletics Meet, Says Okowa

departments and attained the position of Vice President and Country/ Regional Treasurer.

Aku graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a Second class (Upper) bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and holds an MBA degree from the University of Benin.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and various professional bodies. He was awarded Doctor of Science in Business Administration (D.Sc.) Honoris Causa by Achievers University, Ondo State.

Group Hails Umahi’s Developmental Strides A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Centre for Reform Education Initiative (CREI) has applauded what it termed ‘excellent developmental strides� of Ebonyi State Governor, Mr. Dave Umahi since assumption of office, especially in critical sectors as education, health , massive road network construction and agriculture .

The group in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Hon. Chinwe Ugwu, and made available newsmen in Enugu noted that "Governor Umahi has within a short time turned Ebonyi State into a huge construction site, thereby placing the once ‘obscure state on the world map.�

Ugwu who expressed satisfaction with Umahi’s administration’s policy of achieving positive results where others fail to make impact added that the Governor’s trademark was setting targets and attaining within record time.

The statement read thus: "As a developmental organisation, we have been following developments in Ebonyi state since May 29, 2015 and I must say we are not disappointed because Governor Dave Umahi has proven that he is an embodiment of knowledge and paragon of excellence by the massive infrastructural development in the state.

Special Court Session Holds in Honour of Late Justice Aromeh Akogu in Idah very important roles in the administration of Justice, and the various sacrifices made in the discharge of judiciary functions.

He promised to continue to accord respect to the Judiciary and create conducive atmosphere for their judicial functions.

Earlier in his speech, the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Nasiru Ajanah said from his trajectory it was obvious that the late Justice Akogu by nature was a personality in a hurry to accomplish.

"All his endeavours in life were attained in record time.

This trail is not lost on me as evident from his work disposition in the stations he manned as a Judge of the High Court of Kogi State.

"When Justice Akogu was posted to High Court of Justice.

Isanlu, he ensured he heard and completed all the cases that were pending then in the Court before he got there," he noted.

Justice Ajanah pointed out that he had also dedicatedly dealt with the cases he met at the Court, and also he did not brook laziness because he was not in any way lazy.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER TEENS CONNECT FASHION FILE INTERVIEW

pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 38 pg. 43 pg. 48

Ann Adeniyi I Made the Movie, ‘Dark

Days’, to Campaign Against Violence in Nigeria

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 13, 2018

PLUS

I Cover My Beautiful Big Boobs to Avoid Sexual Harassment Young, ebullient and industrious; she is making a name for herself.

In a world of her own, she embodies elegance, determination, and creativity. Ann Adeniyi, a Nollywood actress, writer, and producer, was born in Kabba, Kogi State. At 25, she has come a long way in the film industry which she joined as a cinematographer and writer. Beginning her illustrious film career in 2010, Adeniyi can be best described as a goal-getter and eclectic entertainer. Some of her movie credits include Pendulum, Twist, and Dark Days with various nominations and awards to boot. The gregarious, beautiful actress, a graduate of Library and Information Science, known mainly for her roles in English-speaking films, at her creative best is set to premiere her latest movie, Dark Days. She speaks with Funke Olaode about her experience being an actress, parent’s reaction, sexual harassment and why her latest movie must be a watch for all and sundry

W

hat motivated you to study Library and Information Science?

I didn’t willingly decide to study Library and Information Science at the university. Initially, Mass Communication was what I put in for but was admitted to study Library Science. As one who has attended movie academies and decided to go to school to study a chosen course, I had my life planned out. At first, I decided I wasn’t going to accept the course I was offered on admission as I didn’t know the great benefits it has. But you know, no matter what you plan, you never know what life has planned for you. I felt God must have had a reason for me to be given Library Science instead of Mass Communication. I went for the course and I haven’t regretted doing so. I am a proud librarian.

Since when have you been acting?

I have been acting since my primary school days.

Acting, to me, is fun. It will amuse you to know that whenever we were preparing for a programme during my school days, and I was given a role to play, I always ensured every member of my family was part of my personal rehearsals. Even without being given any task at school, I would bring home play booklets from the Library and dramatised their contents before my siblings.

Has Library Science helped your acting career in any way?

It is a multidiscipline, drawing on many other fields. Library and Information Science offers many pathways to explore. Every trained librarian has the ability to create good relationships and work well with people. He or she has good written and verbal communication skills; intelligence and curiosity; research and computer skills; an eye for details,

love for learning; understanding trends in the media; computers/technology; the internet and publishing. All this has improved my social life – the thirst for knowledge and information across various fields helped me as a scriptwriter.

You were 18 when you first starred in a movie. Did you experience any panic?

People usually panic before the camera for the first time because the camera adds to the idea of being seen just like a stage does. The primary reason for such panic is the same reason that drives stage fright: the fear of being seen and judged by people. But in my case, I never had camera fright. Maybe because I was always with the camera as a cinematographer before I started acting. I always try to forget the equipment that is focused on me. The mind plays a key role in all of this. So, I learn to control my mind.

How did your parents react when they realised you were going into acting?

I am the type who learns a lot from people and I make decisions independently.

Acting with its moral baggage of being for flirts, indecency, and immorality, parents who care about their daughter must at first be worried about her being an actress. My parents care so much about my sensitive decisions. I came from a very dedicated Christian family. I’m the last daughter and I grew up having my dad as my closest friend. When I started, it wasn’t a friendly development with them. I’ve been acting in school and they didn’t see anything wrong with it. But they never knew I would want to make a career out of it. I enrolled in a film school after my secondary education instead of focusing more on getting admission into the university. My reason for going to the film school was because I lost the first admission into the University of Lagos. So I complained that I couldn’t remain idle until the following year, leading me to attend two film schools.

I reminded myself that this is my destiny and I chose to follow my dreams. I know that my parents were just worried out of the love they have for me. So I followed my dreams and today I have all their support.

Have you experienced sexual harassment in the film industry?

JANUARY 13, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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PLUS Funke Akindele, Kunle Afolayan Inspire Me in Nollywood The most effective weapon against sexual harassment is prevention. Harassment does not disappear on its own.

In fact, it is more likely that when the problem is not addressed, the harassment will worsen and become more difficult to remedy as time goes on. The burden of preventing sexual harassment rests on me, so I tap into my emotional intelligence and there are certain things I always avoid. As a movie producer, always on the go to get sponsors, I’ve had it really hard with men. Most of them ended up not offering assistance because they eventually tried to harass me and I refused to dance to their tunes.

I sponsored the films I produced not that I have so much money, but because potential sponsors failed to turn up and my work needed to get done. I’m used to men’s tactics. For instance, to avoid sexual harassment, I try not to make eye contact. Not even for a millisecond.

Because if I do, his brain will somehow register a ‘Yes, I don’t mind being harassed.’ Wearing a pair of glasses helps in that regard.

I have beautiful, big boobs; if I have to meet somebody who is likely to harass me, I cover them up properly – it doesn’t work sometimes though.

Sometimes, I also try not to wear my trendy red lipstick. Red lips are a biological sign of sexual arousal which is capable of awakening the baboon in men. I know when not to be funny, holding my humour and focusing on saying things of value and substance. It can be very annoying when even with all these measures some men still make a pass at me. My self-discipline keeps me going.

At this age, you seem unstoppable.

What keeps you going?

I’m a strong fighter who doesn’t need anyone’s conviction and encouragement to do what I’m convinced is good for me. I started fending for myself quite early in life. I’m a big dreamer. People find my dreams annoying because they believe my dreams can’t materialise. But right from the early stage of my life, I remind myself that if my dreams are not big enough to be laughed at, then they are not big enough. I spend some hours of my birthdays indoor, meditating on what I’ve done with my life so far. I feel that I’m growing older, therefore there’s the need for me to strive harder for stardom. As expected, when I’m married, I’ll have less time for running around to make things happen. The right time to fight hard is now. I feel a sense of responsibility for my family and generation. I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. Rather, I want to be a blessing to everyone.

Are you in a relationship and when do you plan to settle down?

Yes, I’m in a relationship; and about settling down. I wish to do so in 2019.

Though I can’t tell what God’s plan is for me. But I deeply wish it happens next year.

What challenges do you face an actress?

Being an actress gives me a sense of fulfilment and joy. But it has taken away a lot of my easy living and in some cases, my respect. The first challenge is the perception of people that actresses are wayward. You can imagine somebody who respects you so much giving a scowl on hearing or seeing that you have become an actress. They relate whatever role they see us play on the screen to our reality and that is really unfair. Another challenge in being an actress is that people find it difficult to believe one’s feelings in reality. They believe one is always acting things up just like one does on the screen. Even at my worst moments, when I’m uncontrollably pushed to the point of tears, I could hear ‘Don’t mind her, she’s acting.’ This really gets me devastated – not being able to separate my character on the screen from my realities is a big challenge for me.

Lastly, I find it challenging when people who are supposed to assist me financially feel that I must have made a lot of money being an actress and thus, refuse to help. Many also put their responsibilities on me. Acting can be money-spinning, but not for upcoming artistes in Nollywood, there are sacrifices one must make for now before being in the limelight. I get paid but what I earn from acting can’t pay half of my bills. People don’t understand this.

Tell us about your new movie, Dark Days.

Dark Days, directed by Deejay Sa’id, is a story that showcases religious crisis and its havoc on innocent citizens and the society at large. It treats the critical case of violence in the religious sphere of the nation. It’s meant to treat the perception of those who endorse war as a way of settlement on cases that can be handled in a more peaceful way which leads to total destruction of

everything good that the society ever possessed and leaves the surviving victims in a lifetime of misery, deprivation, and loss. What we don’t see unless we’re the victims ourselves is what life is afterward.

We rarely get the glimpse of survivors struggling to cope with grief and illness or disability. War, like a disease, can in time be eradicated; and that’s what I’m working to achieve. People ought to learn to overcome the belief that brutality is an acceptable way of dealing with disputes.

It’s a human weakness, not strength, to solve problems with cruelty, brutality, and murder. We should be mature enough to decide that wartime atrocities are crimes; people can be arrested for them and punished. This desired change starts from individual’s mindsets. That is why all Nigerians must watch Dark Days. So, in 2018, I’ll start my project, ‘A heart of love for an eye’, which means that forgiveness and reasonable settlements should be reached when one party has been hurt by the other, either intentionally, or unintentionally. This campaign will be carried out on each premiere of Dark Days across selected states. The project was established especially to control violence and make everyone understand

that when there’s a war, everyone is a loser.

The project is a huge one; I’ll need sponsors.

Financing it has been a major challenge for me.

But I hope that individuals and organisations will support the initiative.

Stage plays are gaining ground again in Nigeria; will you be interested in that genre?

In many ways, the presentation of drama in theatre, film, and television are much alike.

Historically, the stage play is the foundation of all dramas. The difference for me is that stage play is more stressful than acting on the screen – but it’s not a challenge. I never had any previous plan to join. But if approached by a director and it’s convenient for me, I’ll gladly accept it.

Nigeria’s film industry is growing by leaps and bounds; do you agree?

I agree that good things are happening in the industry. The industry is stepping up and adequately surmounting the initial challenge of creativity and role interpretations. It is growing fast. It’s an indication of a great development and I’m glad to be a part of it. But if you study the industry, you will find out that producers keep recycling actors and actresses.

We do not inject new faces into the industry which I consider a threat to the sustainability of the industry.

What do you intend to do differently as an actress and as a producer?

What I intend to do differently is to build a production platform where actors’ monopoly will be avoided. A platform where the greatness of my film will not be determined just by the superstars I feature. But the greatness and the star of any actor will be determined or rated by his appearance in my film. For this reason, Dark Days has been produced and the project ‘A heart of love for an eye’ was introduced to be implemented in 2018.

Which Nollywood actor inspires you most?

Funke Akindele and Kunle Afolayan.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 13, 2018 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Buratai

The Killing Fields of Nigeria What else can a writer do than to cry and lament on the pages of his script the seeming unending killing of our people? The sheer gruesome methods used bring to the fore the collapse of national cohesion. Only the very strong-hearted will see these pictures and would not break down tears. The killing is too much; blood is flowing from the lush plains of the Benue basins through the hills of Plateau and Taraba and all we see are lame attempts at controlling same.

The solution is not the grazing bill; it is definitely not the nomadic education.

It is a forceful corralling of the perpetrators and throwing them into the judicial system to serve as a deterrent to others. This has gone way too long to be allowed to continue. Why are we dialoguing with bare-faced killers?

Rotimi Amaechi: Is This True?

We are hearing news of your appointment as the DG of President Buhari’s re-election bid. In fact, the Rivers State APC has already congratulated you and sent a strong signal showing their confidence in your ability. Me too I don’t doubt you o as you have over the years shown that you are a consummate and strategic politician.

The only difference now is that unlike in the past, public opinion may not really be in your candidate’s favour. You are no longer the executive governor of Rivers State. Power is in comatose, your transportation sector has not been doing well and a rash of unresolved corruption cases would make your task this time a little bit more difficult. Anyway, I still think you can do it. It is not such an impossible task.

Just remain focused and build a strong team around you. I am sure you will smile at the end of the day. Meanwhile, I think you should think up a plan B just in case we do not achieve desired results. You can go into consultancy, open a barbershop, hair salon, fashion, etc. There is so much more a man of your talent can do if push comes to shove. Pele, e no go easy.

Amaechi

Mo Abudu

Obasanjo and Buhari’s Second Term My lord was recently asked what his position was regarding our President’s second term ambition and he was said to have responded that it was too early. Well, you see why I admire this Baba. Rather than jump into the fray prematurely, he would take his time to access the situation properly before taking his decision knowing full well that his weight would go a long way in determining the eventual outcome of the polls. So my daddy, while pondering, kindly look at the handling of the economy by the incumbent, the handling of all

the issues that affect us as Nigerians; issues I will spare us on this page and to also consult very widely amongst all concerned both within the Presidents’ group and without with a view to arrive at a position that would be best for all Nigerians.

Me sef, I am here waiting to be consulted, I tell you. Please Baba do not limit yourself and also consider other potential candidates even Atiku sef. The most important thing here is Nigeria. I am making this public appeal because once Baba has spoken, that is it o. He has never missed it o.

Gani Adams

Mo Abudu and the Wedding Party That it was a commercial success cannot be denied. I hear the movie has grossed over N500m so far in box office takings and I still dey here dey press laptop. Mo seems to have found the Midas touch. The first part of this movie also grossed over half a billion and this second one is cruising beyond that mark in its early weeks. What can I say but well done to Mo. People have been begging me to yab you, trying to pick holes in the creative output of the work. But my sister, what matters is the money, égo. With those kinds of figures you can put a mad man on the screen and I will pay to watch. Well done. Will there be a part three?

Are Ona Kakanfo: Who is He? You know I like looking for trouble.

Before you guys bring out your amulets to curse me, I know him o.

He is Gani Adams, the generalissimo of the Yoruba race. This is to send my congratulatory message to him as he goes into seclusion in preparation for his coronation as the definitive Are Ona kankanfo of Yoruba land. This is a landmark occasion for the Yoruba race as he has been in the forefront of the propagation of not only the Yoruba culture but its continued relevance in the scheme of things globally. I would be sending a delegation to the coronation as the Duke of Shomolu because by tradition, I cannot attend the coronation of a superior. Congrats egbon mi.

The Butcher Daughter has Cancer My friend and brother, Folarin brought him to me. He is a butcher, the ones we call eleran and his daughter has cancer. He did not have N56,000 for the next round of tests. I did not also have so what did we do? I sent out a WhatsApp message to my friends to assist with just N1,000 each and we were able to realise N588,000.00. I want to thank these my friends especially that one that wants to remain anonymous who sent in N200,000.00. I want to really thank you guys. We have only just begun.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀

SPY GLASS GBADAMOSI

OFFA MONARCH, OBA MUFUTAU GBADAMOSI’S HEADACHE

Call it a royal pain and you will not be wrong.

This may be apt to capture the trouble that the Olofa of Offa Kingdom, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, is currently going through.

Spy Glass gathered that the respected royal father is running from pillar to post to wriggle out of an alleged debt scandal.

The first-class monarch has been dragged before a Federal High Court in Lagos by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON ), in a bid to recover a debt of N11,280,998,959.78.

The loan was said to have been obtained by the flamboyant monarch through his two companies, Zarm Poultry and Feeds Mills Limited and Zarm Stores Limited.

In the suit filed by a Lagos lawyer, Osayaba Omorodion Giwa Osagie, it was alleged that pursuant to its enabling act, AMCON sometime in 2012, purchased certain Eligible Bank Assets of the former Oceanic bank in the sum of N1,859,654,737.00 and N4,586,369,001.47 respectively.

As of April, 2017, Zarm Poultry and Feeds Mills was indebted to AMCON to the tune of N3,027,486,610.59 being the unpaid principal and interest on a term loan facility of N2.3billion that was given to the company sometime in 2006 by the former Oceanic Bank to finance capital expenditure on its farm at Odonla, Ikorodu, Lagos.

The term loan was secured by the execution of a deed debenture over fixed and floating assets of the company, which included the execution of a deed legal mortgage over Plots 407 and 408, Odonla industrial Estate, Opposite LSDPC Housing Estate Odonla, Ikorodu Lagos.

As at 8 April, 2017, Zarm Store Limited was also alleged to be indebted to AMCON to the tune of N8,253,512,349.19 being the unpaid principal and interests on a restructured term loan facility of N3,055,764,554.71granted to Zarm Stores Limited sometime in 2009.

The loan was subsequently further restructured to N4,462,589,667.33 to accommodate the debts arising from unpaid facilities granted Zarm Stores Limited’s other affiliates besides the one of Zarm Poultry and Feeds Mills Limited.

The further restructured term loan was secured by a legal mortgage over a piece of land measuring 818.058 square meters, being Block 1B Osborne Phase 1, Lagos and the personal guaranteed of Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi who is the Chief Executive Officer and also the majority subscriber to the shares of the two companies.

It was further alleged that the defendants

with BAYO ADEOYE .... 08054680651 had not made any payments since the debts were assigned to AMCON, in spite of several discussions and negotiations between the parties.

The period stipulated for the repayment of the banking facilities has since elapsed.

It was also gathered that the AMCON is praying for a declaration that Zarm Poultry and Feeds Mills Limited “ is indebted to it in the sum of N3,027,486,610.59 with interest thereon at the rate of 21% per annum from April 9, 2017 until judgment and thereafter at the rate of 10% until total liquidation. “ In another prayer, AMCON is seeking a declaration that Zarm Stores Limited is indebted to it in the sum of N8,253,512,349.19 with interest thereon at the rate of 21% per annum from May 1, 2017 until judgment and thereafter at the rate of 10% until total liquidation. “ AMCON also wants an order foreclosing mortgages on Plot 407 and 408, Odonla industrial Estate, opposite LSDPC Housing estate Odonla, Ikorodu, Lagos mortgaged by the Zarm Poultry and Feeds Mills Limited and Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi to the former Oceanic Bank as collateral for the grant of the facilities to Zarm Poultry and Feeds Mills Limited and empowering AMCON to exercise its power of sale as an unpaid mortgagee.

Spy Glass also gathered that AMCON is seeking an order attaching the amount standing to the credits of the defendants in all financial institutions in Nigeria in satisfaction of the two companies’ debts.

OUI FOUNDER, RAMON ADEDOYIN, STIRS A HORNET’S NEST

The founder of the Oduduwa University, Ile Ife, Osun SĂ&#x;tate, Ramon Adedoyin, is by all standards a successful businessman and educationist of repute.

Two years ago, he was among several others who expressed interest in the Ooni of Ife stool, following the death of Oba Okunade Sijuade Olubuse 11.

The very influential educationist was among the over 60 candidates from different ruling houses, who desired the exalted title of the paramount ruler of Ile Ife, the cradle of Yorubaland.

It was gathered that the most ambitious among them was, and is still Adedoyin, even when it was obvious to all that he did not readily qualify to contest the Obaship of Ile Ife by virtue of his maternal genealogy.

But he would not be bothered at all, even in the face of mounting odds against him.

As fate would have it, the 16 official kingmakers pruned down the ruling houses to present the next Ooni-elect to the Giesi Family.

It was indeed a big blow to the highlyambitious man. His power and money couldn’t save him. No doubt, his ambition had been given a kiss of death.

Strangely, just when many thought it was all over, crisis is beginning to rear its ugly head in the ancient town again. Sadly, the top educationist is alleged to be sponsoring a campaign of calumny against Oba Ogunwusi.

A source confirmed to Spy Glass that since the royal father ascended the throne, he has refused to see him eye-to-eye, and efforts by top and influential personalities in the town have proved abortive. �Adedoyin believes he can turn back the hand of the clock! Since he was rejected

RAMON ADEDOYIN

by the kingmakers, he has refused to see the king one-on-one. But the Ooni is unperturbed. The whole kingmakers have warned him to desist from what could disturb the peace and unity of Ile Ife,� the source said.

AKEREDOLU WOWS AT SON’S WEDDING

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State is a man who likes to engage in the celebration of life.

Last Saturday, he showed the world again that he would go to any length to make his children happy in life with all that God has given him.

It was at the traditional wedding of his son, Babatola Ayotola, to his beautiful, Oghenetega.

For both families, it was indeed a remarkable moment, as top dignitaries from all walks of life stormed the upscale Landmark Events Centre, venue of the traditional wedding.

Many who attended the event confirmed that Akeredolu wowed with his commanding sense of hospitality, as the gaily dressed guests were treated to continental, Chinese and local delicacies and expensive wines that flew continually like a river.

In fact, the governor spared no money to give his son a wedding fĂŞte that will not be forgotten in a hurry.

Among the dignitaries present at the high-octane wedding were the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu; former interim national Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

Others are: Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdufatai Ahmed; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; former Ekiti State Governor and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Segun Oni; the Chairman of APC in Ondo State, Engr Ade Adetimehin; Candidate of the AD in the last election in Ondo State, Olusola Oke; National Vice Chairman Southwest, Pius Akinyelure and Ondo State Deputy Governor, Alfred Agboola Ajayi.

Many first-class traditional rulers including Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo, Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, Osemawe of Ondo, were also in attendance .

ORJI UZOR KALU’S NEW MOVES

He is powerful, rich and very influential.

Oriji Uzor Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, has achieved what many are dying to achieve in life.

However, he still craves more opportunities to serve not only his fatherland but also humanity in general.

Perhaps, this explains why the Forbeslisted billionaire has made his ambition known to represent his people at the Senate in 2019.

Not quite long ago, he was said to have secretly toured the nook and cranny of this country for his dream of contesting the number one job, where he spoke to eminent personalities in the country.

AYOTOLA AND OGHENETEGA

KALU This, we gathered, was done when President Muhammed Buhari had not expressed his intention for re-election. ‘“But for the President, who may be seeking re-election, OUK has the influence and clout to contest in 2019 presidential poll.

Don’t forget, he is a fan of the President, especially his war against corruption’’ the source hinted.

The world-class businessman and top politician’s career has soared higher recently, unlike many of his colleagues who have suffered a serious eclipse in their political life.

At the moment, both his Abuja home and his country home in Igbese in Abia State have reportedly become a Mecca to many of his loyalists as well as political associates.

Kalu, the man with the Midas touch, according to Forbes, holds the double honour as the fourth-richest man in Nigeria and the richest Igbo man the world over. He reportedly took delivery of his private jet, a brand new Gulfstream G650 model, worth N12 billion, recently.

Before proceeding to the Harvard University Graduate Business School (AMP 153) Boston, USA, where he was awarded the IEA Certificate by USAID, this graduate of Political Science from the University of Maiduguri and Abia State University, Uturu Orji, had been a trailblazer.

The ever-blunt philanthropist, who sits atop the SLOK conglomerates with interests in airline, shipping, oil and gas, amongst others, has his business tentacles spread all over the African continent, USA, Europe, UK and Asia

HAMMED OKE’S BEAUTIFUL IDEA

Hammed Oke, young and vivacious is at it again. This time, he is set to change the face of the entertainment industry, especially in Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State.

In fulfilment of this desire, he came about with Blackwood Grills and Bar, an outfit that many have described as a definitive statement in hospitality business.

Spyglass gathered that the exclusive dancing bar cum restaurant is currently making impacts in his new foray, while gradually becoming a force to be reckoned with in nightclubbing business in Lagos. The place reportedly becoming a haven for top celebrities, socialites and fun lovers who love the conducive and beautiful ambience for catching fun unhindered.

The building as revealed is an architectural delight, parading immaculate surroundings, which makes it an ideal place for pleasure and business. With a hallow of paradise, the watering hole, unique features, designed interiors, laced with contemporary furnishings, elegant styling with great attention to details.

HAMMED OKE

CORRIGENDUM Last week, we published in our Spyglass section, a story titled: ‘SENATOR MAMORA RESCUED AT LAST! We

did not mean to cast aspersion on the former Senator, who has held several positions and distinguished himself.

We regret any insinuation in the article that may have undermined his sterling reputation. – Editor

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

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Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‘

͸Ϳ͸͞ͺ΀͚͞Ϳ͝Ϳ Ă?Ě‹Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ë? ÞÙĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă?ÑÑ̜ÒÙÞ×ËÓÖ˛Ă?Ù×

BUSAYO SALAHDEEN

In Fashion and Showbiz, Image is Everything Ă&#x;Ă?Ă‹ĂŁĂ™ Ă‹Ă–Ă‹Ă’ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă“ĂŒĂ“ĂœĂ? Ă–Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁË› Ă’Ă? Ă?ĂŁĂ˜Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă?Ăœ ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă– åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă™ĂĄĂŒĂ“Ă¤ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁËœ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ Ă?Ă?ĂĄ Ă˜Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă? Ă?ÞãÖĂ?Ă?Ë› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Tosin Clegg, Ă?Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă–ĂŁËœ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‘Ă™Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ inspirational you become. Hence, the reason most of our clothes can be recreated and worn in different ways.

I didn’t know I would get here this early e envisaged in another two years or more, but here we are! Aside putting God first and entrusting him with everything, having the best family has also helped. I may have started Bibire Clothing Company alone, but right now, it’s unofficially a family one. Each member of my family believes in the brand, they believe in me and they all perform their role on a daily basis with the insights and advice they give me. From my husband, to my parents to my children, siblings, each one of them give unsolicited advice which I never throw away. That said, I have put to use good organisational structure. I made sure the time and money spent in Fate Foundation and Pan African University never went to waste. I incorporated all of the things I learned about running a business. For one, you and your business must be two separate entities. Your business must stand alone, irrespective of you being physically present or not. So, with all of the Bibire staff knowing their duties and adhering strictly to it, we have been able to grow Bibire both at home and abroad.

W

I have been in the US for about two years now Firstly, it was to get another degree.

Learning is one of my hobbies. I love to learn new things, explore. It keeps my brain very active. Being versatile is one of the characteristics that make me unique. I am one of the people who believe in investing in oneself. You cannot limit your brain to doing one thing only when you can do much more.

If people want to call you a jack of all trade for being diverse in your ways and venturing into new waters, please honour them.

Davinci did it, Picasso did it. Almost all the renowned successful artistes we know today never stopped learning.

They were engineers, painters, doctors, etc., they didn’t object to learning. In fact, the day you limit your brain and stop learning is the day you shoot yourself in the foot.

Secondly, it was time to look for prospects of setting up a Bibire store in the US and I knew I had to learn about the environment and about the people, so here I am.

We always take our designs up the notch by creating timeless pieces While we stay true to our aesthetics, which is giving our customers classic designs that last for years, we have infused a lot of African prints into our designs and given birth to Afropolitan designs which is a mix of cosmopolitan and African. One thing stays true: Every male, female desire to be unique in their different ways.

You want people to see you, know you, and realise you are unique. One of the ways to do this is to dress the way you want to be addressed. Remember Image is everything.

There are a whole lot of people I draw strength from We have CEO’s who started their company from scratch and grew it into a multibillion dollar one. Now, I am not talking in terms of money but in terms of lives that have been touched and people that have been taught to fish instead of giving fishes to them to eat. I always look outside the fashion Industry when I need to draw strength from anyone. This is because, I am not a fashion designer, I only happen to be a business woman who runs a clothing company alongside two other successful companies.

So, the business side of the company is what I focus on. My role models would be successful entrepreneurs, who have made their business go through different generations of life even when they are long gone.

The technology industry is one I ďŹ nd interesting That’s because they have been able to make the world a smaller place and made marketing for our businesses much easier than it used to be. Now, we have over 10 social media tools to use as marketing tools. That alone is intriguing. The ability to connect with people from different continents is enough to keep you intrigued and entertained.

S l hd Salahdeen

When you wear something different from the ordinary, you cause chaos when you arrive at an event. Because the truth is, you want to be remembered as that lady or that man that made everybody go wow! So that is one thing people have in common, either in Nigeria or in the US. But a major difference in the two countries is that due to being far away from home, Nigerians and people from other African countries in diaspora yearn for their African roots, that feeling of homesickness lies beneath the happy smile you see all around, this is why anything African becomes natural. In fact, this is what makes the Ankara print more appealing to them than other kind of fabrics.

The Bibire theme for 2018 is Customer Satisfaction and Convenience Customer satisfaction is very key to us, and we are even going to take it to the next level in 2018. It may sound clichĂŠ, but we really do believe customers are king.

If the customers are satisfied, they give

you good reviews and this helps your brand to go higher. Also, the convenience of shopping is another angle we are projecting for the New Year. So, watch out for the new Bibire website, where you can shop in the convenience of your home and get it delivered to you in a few days.

I get inspiration from everything around me I am very observant and I always look at things from different perspectives. If I was looking at a particular architecture, my geological background is looking at ways those structures were formed, while the creative side of me is looking at how that can be transformed and translated into wearable clothes.

Also, I love the versatility of life and I embrace change and blend into a new environment because I know I will definitely learn more than two things from there. I try to always keep open heart. Life is beautiful and I enjoy it, the lighter your heart, the more

Fashion and showbiz intertwined Even if you are not very fashionable and you are a show biz star, you definitely would need the services of a stylist to dress you up in the right manner. Remember, you are what you wear! You wouldn’t want to be known for that star that dresses shabbily, would you? The fashion and showbiz industries have a lot to do with perception and image. Image is everything. They go hand in hand. And I must commend Nigerian stylists for doing excellently well in portraying our show biz stars in an impeccably dressed manner always. And because we understand this at Bibire, this is why we name our clothes after famous song titles.

For example, when a customer calls to either place an order or go to our store, it is easier for them to link up the song with the clothe.

This way, we keep track of things. We have had people call in after two years to buy shoki dress, or the jasi skirt or the kedike set or the aboki tunic, you know, and it makes everything more fun, yet relevant.

By naming clothes after song titles is a way the song even gets to stay longer in the mind of people. Even after the song becomes old, whenever you wear that piece of clothing, the song comes back to mind and, remember, you can wear this clothe for years. You know, so collaboration between designers and musicians to create art in the true essence of it is one of the ways to go and grow. Think about the fusion of fashion and music.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

MY STORY BOLA UDOM, PSALMISTS RECORDS TOUCH LIVES Award-winning gospel artiste, Bola Udom, and her band, The Psalmist, have proved themselves worthy so far, with several awards to their credit. Her music is one of a kind, seasoned with grace, served with great lyrics and delivered to be a blessing to listeners.

Udom, an indigenous gospel artiste, has performed in programmes such as the national conference for people with disabilities, national indigenous gospel music concert and several other major platforms

where testimonies were recorded and people received an impact. Her music touches lives and is soul-lifting, as recorded at one of her events where a woman testified that she was blessed after listening to her.

She is widely loved because of her ability to reach the grassroot with her style of music, which is delicious and blissful. Bola is using her music to support/raise motherless babies and to build orphanages across the country and Africa.

MOORE DAGOGO-HART

I Began Producing Music at Age 11 Ă™Ă™ĂœĂ? ËÑÙÑÙ̋ Ă‹ĂœĂž Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ě‹Ă?ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă?ĂžĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă?Ă? Ă?Ù×Ă?ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă“Ă? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ?Ă–ĂŁ Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă‹Ă• ÞÙ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ë›

Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ăž åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă?Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ?

SMALL DOCTOR WRAPS UP 2017 WITH MAJOR SHOW IN AMERICA 2017 was undoubtedly a good year for the Penalty crooner, Small Doctor, as his hit single took him globally earning him an incredibly huge fanbase and sold-out for shows and lots more.

Small Doctor chooses his local dialect to perform. His delivery makes great impact on people who dance to the energy coined in his music, and that, undoubted, has set him apart.

The major highlight for Small Doctor was when his song, Penalty was played during a basketball match of the Dallas Mavericks Vs Toronto Raptors and this was given a major play by Dallas Mavericks Official Dj,

Poison Ivy. Small Doctor himself couldn’t hold himself, as he made an outburst of this on his social media platforms. This without hesitation is a great way to end 2017.

Awards, corporate shows, all year long major success for the single, Penalty and fan base spreading like wildfire is all that decorated Small Doctor as a sold-out act with a promising career, pregnant with more hits, awards, soldout concerts, collaborations and more.

With the growth of using local dialect to sing and perform one can recognise the vibe Small Doctor surely has to offer in his music.

LAWRENCE, DECOVENANT PLAN BIG FOR 2018 Nigerian gospel music singer, song writer and music director, Lawrence and his band, Decovenant are committed to releasing lovely songs that bless their listeners and impact lives with the gospel in the music.

Recently at a show, a woman and her family caught the attention of media men when she went into an outburst describing how impactful his music was to her and how lifted she felt. Undoubtedly, Lawrence’s music is one of a kind and a soul lifting one which equally sets him out from everyone else.

Last year was a major success for them with series of hit singles,

T

ell us about starting out?

I’ve been producing since I was 11 years. I started rapping at 10. So I’ve been doing this for a while now. I’m very versatile when it comes to genre, I can go from Afrobeat to rap to RnB. Right now, my main musical focus is Afro Swing, something I picked up from a few UK artistes and others like Maleek Berry, etc. I’m just trying to make good music.

Who are your musical inuences?

My main influence has always been Drake because of his versatility and consistency. Right now, I listen to a lot of A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Maleek Berry, J Hus and Not3s.

What’s your kind of music?

I feel like I have a unique voice that people wouldn’t get tired of hearing. I also try as much as possible to speak the truth and talk about things people can relate to. I rarely see artistes doing that in this generation. I have a new single titled ‘Hello’; believe me when I say it’s something you’ve never heard before.

topnotch shows, soul-winning performances at major heights both locally and internationally. Indeed, they had a great year and are filled with so many blessings to deliver

to the gospel community this New Year. Lawrence and Decovenant promise to deliver powerful songs, seasoned with good lyrics that you will enjoy.

Where do you see yourself in ďŹ ve years?

I don’t want to be that clichÊ artiste and talk about the material things I’d have. But in about five years, I know I’d still be making good music that people can relate to. I would also have gone considerably far in the industry.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž UARY 13, 2018

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

The Killer Squad Called Herdsmen

W

ithin the first 10 days of this New Year, about 80 persons have been killed in Benue State while Taraba State has also lost 55 lives.

It is a bloody way of starting the year when you add the twenty persons also killed by mindless cultists in Omoku, Rivers State on the eve of the New Year.

It is consoling that the killer dragons in Rivers have themselves been hacked down.

But the ravaging killer squad called Fulani Herdsmen are yet roaming menacingly from different zones of the country, unchecked.

The closest to a slap on the wrist was the recent arrest and arraignment of six soulless Fulani men. They have been detained in prison custody, to be fed with our collective resources till when next their case comes up next month.

Many even believe the so-called arrest and arraignment is just to fulfil all righteousness, as the case is not likely to go anywhere.

Those who believe this narrative cite the fact that in February 2016, despite the over 500 people killed by the same marauders in Agatu community, Benue State, not a single herdsman was arrested, let alone tried or convicted.

They also cite the recent arrest of nine Livestock Guards in Arufu, Benue community, near Takum, in Taraba State, by soldiers of the 93 Battalion, for bearing arms. The Livestock Guards are the taskforce members employed by the Benue State government to ensure the enforcement of the anti-open grazing law which came into effect last November 1.

The question is: why are the Nigerian soldiers so efficient in arresting arms-bearing Livestock Guards, whereas, the marauding roving killers armed with even more sophisticated weapons – the Fulani herdsmen, are never arrested or contained? Where were these soldiers when the herdsmen launched another attack on Benue State leading to the loss of eleven more lives after the first attack, and yet another attack and killing of 55 persons in Taraba State? It is remarkable that the second attack in Benue came a day after the police had staged an air patrol of the area, selling the impression that the situation was now under their control. But alas, the herdsmen came again and killed eleven persons.

Gov Sam Ortom had cried out that the federal government ignored their SOS calls.

Is what is good for the goose not good for the gander?

As if that was not bad enough, the Inspector General of Police visits the mourning communities and declares that the attack was a communal clash. Although he has apologized, that slip betrays how the security establishment perceives the pogrom.

Those who believe that the near indifference of the security apparatchik in the country to the herdsmen’s menace is because the entire security architecture of the country is right now, in the hands of the same Hausa/Fulani elite. They cite the DG of SSS as Fulani man; the Minister of Defence, as Fulani man; the Attorney General and Minister of Justice as a Fulani man, the National Security Adviser as a Fulani man; the IG of Police as Hausa/Fulani man; Chief of Army Staff is a Fulani man; same with Chief of Air Staff; and ditto Minister of Interior, along with the Comptroller General of Customs, and above all, the Commander-in-Chief himself is a core Fulani man. Yes, we are not unaware of this curious skew of the security architecture of the country.

But must it be so provocatively flaunted and robbed in?

Many have implied that the kids’ gloves with which the Fulani herdsmen have been treated all along is because of the fact that all they who should tame the menace are Fulani and may have inadvertently turned their eyes away as the herdsmen turn Nigeria into a vast killing field. I do not exactly believe this narrative, but the temptation is strong, I must confess.

In trying to counter the Fulani-sparing-Fulani argument, the spokesman of the President, Mr Femi Adesina reeled out some cold statistics seeking to prove that the menace of the Fulani herdsmen predates the Buhari administration.

In releasing the so-called “facts�, Adesina said between 2013 and 2015, a total of 756 people were killed by herdsmen, and without saying, it openly implies that less number of persons have been killed by the herdsmen under Buhari’s administration, and so Nigerians should lower their voice of protestation. The insensitivity of that callous comparison hits home knowing that it was the same day there was a solemn mass burial for the Benue 70-something victims. Looking at the scary line-up of coffins of victims, one’s heart almost drops, amidst tears.

What is more, need we remind Adesina that it is the failure of former President Goodluck Jonathan to rein in the many malaises of his administration (herdsmen killings inclusive), that cost him the presidential seat?

So if the jaded figures are computed properly, it will be clear that the Fulani herdsmen have been responsible for thousands of deaths in Nigeria, when it is not war! What has this government done to stem the tide of these wanton killings?

While I believe the C-in-C has not directly encouraged the

President Muhammadu Buhari discussing with Governor of Benue State Samuel Ortom on the killing of his townmen killings, his hitherto negligence of the menace may have emboldened the herdsmen, who may have reasoned that “if the president be for us, who can be against us�?

It is remarkable he is giving the matching orders to the IG, to crack down on the herdsmen now, albeit belatedly, after so many throats have been slashed.

What amount of military operation can recover the lives of the 135 persons killed so far this year? Isn’t there wisdom in the English proverb that says a stitch in time saves nine?

Last month, a very senior member of the Buhari kitchen cabinet, a Fulani, had hinted at a classified briefing that the anti-grazing law of Benue State will be reviewed so as to discourage other states from copying it. What is not clear is whether the pogrom visited on the Benue people is a warning sign that they should not dare copy the Benue example, or do so at their own risk.

But wait a minute! Is the Benue State House of Assembly not constitutionally empowered to make its own laws for the order and good governance of the state? Wasn’t that what they did with anti-open grazing law? What is their offence?

The land is theirs. The farms are theirs. They made a law to control those who have access to their heritage; and that becomes an offence for which the fine is hundreds of human lives? Gosh! What republic and age are we?

The minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh is from Benue State. Incidentally, he had been talking about this grazing stuff for some time. First they had talked about ranching, but now they are talking about Grazing Colonies; whatever that means.

It will boil down to occupying a vast piece of land for the purpose of breeding their cattle. Ranching is it! The Fulani herdsmen are doing business. They cannot force their business burden, practice and inconveniences on others with such venom. They are not the owners of the land where their cattle graze. They cannot force themselves on the people. If they need ranches, they have to peacefully and responsibly negotiate with the owners of the land. Nobody will give up his patrimony to some marauding Fulani herdsmen simply because they hide AK 47 rifles in their Danshiki. No way! The Benue farmers who grow yam the most in the country do not impose their yam farms on people.

Nigeria is not the only place where herdsmen breed cattle.

It is not a career of life and death elsewhere. Nigeria cannot be different.

The silly killers cannot read this, but at least their elite supporters will.

Many years ago, there was an education policy targeted at educating the roving herdsmen. They called it Nomadic Education Policy. After the programme guzzled huge resources, the herdsmen are yet as rustic and bestial as they are showing.

Now the rest of Nigerians are at their mercy.

They refused to advance themselves in education. But have evidently advanced themselves in weaponry. Gone are the days that herdsmen had only short sticks with which they controlled erring cows. At best, they had bows and arrows with which they chased and attacked wild animals threatening their cows. Not anymore. Today, they are as sophisticated as anti-Boko Haram soldiers. Now, they mount heavy and sophisticated weapons atop their cows while stringing some

around their bodies. They go about killing and raping women, the owners of the farms their cattle destroy. Yet they will not tolerate anyone complaining. What kind of oppression is that?

But is it not curious that Benue has specially been selected as a victim?

Didn’t Ekiti State under Governor Ayo Fayose pass a similar law two years ago? Did Fayose not warn herdsmen to steer clear of Ekiti State or they face the consequences?

Didn’t the herdsmen flee Ekiti with their tails between their legs? Why have they chosen to dare Benue State with such flagrant impunity?

Gov Ortom had seemed to have carried every stakeholder in the state along in enacting the anti-grazing law. Representatives of the Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association had participated in those pre-enactment meeting and assured they were in sync with the law. It has proven that it was all deceit.

The anti-grazing law had been thorough. The law defined what grazing as shepherding cows across grass, shrubs, herbage, farm crops, etc, in open fields without any form of restriction�.

The essence of the law is “to prevent the destruction of crop farms, community ponds, settlements and property by open rearing and grazing of livestock “Prevent clashes between nomadic livestock herders and crop farmers. Protect the environment from degradation and pollution caused by open rearing and over-grazing of livestock.

I had wondered how Gov Ortom planned to ensure that the law was strictly observed, until I read of Livestock Guards. My next worry was the force of arms available to the Livestock Guards. The task of ensuring that the law was obeyed by all and sundry was vested on Livestock Department of the Ministry of Agriculture. So, with what were they supposed to enforce the law?

Were the Livestock Guards going to confront the AK47-wielding herdsmen with bare hands or catapults?

So it is not surprising that some of them had arms (AK-45), the offence for which they were arrested by the soldiers.

But perhaps in order to play safe, the state government denied that it armed the Livestock Guards. The statement denying the story stated that, “the Livestock Guards are not armed personnel. Their job is to ensure compliance with the regulation of ranches establishment and prohibition of open grazing of animals in the state,� he said. “The Benue State government believes in the use of conventional security agencies to protect the people. Even in the face of renewed killing of innocent people by herdsmen in Logo and Guma local government areas, Governor Ortom did not let the people resort to self-help.�

That perhaps is the difference in strategy between Govs Ortom and Fayose. While the former is being gentle by forbidding “self-help�, the latter promptly assembled all the local hunters in Ekiti, each armed with their dame guns, charms and amulet and put them on red alert against the marauding herdsmen. And the two results are self-evident.

All said, President Buhari will need to do more to reassure the people of Benue and indeed other oppressed Nigerians that he truly belongs to them as well. He must flash the Red Card now!

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 13, 2018

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EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Fail Abysmally, not Woefully

EBERE WABARA

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ET us begin from Coscharis Street, Apapa, Lagos: “Antigraft war: We’ll recover all loots—Buhari” (DAILY Sun Front Page Headline, January 3, 2018) Voice of The Nation: ‘loot’ is uncountable. This is an audacious misrepresentation of our President!

Next is DAILY Sun Back Page of January 8: “Your government has failed woefully (abysmally) in this regard.”

My dear reader, belated Happy New Year and best wishes in the months ahead….I went to the village a fortnight ago to bury my father-in-law. There was no sign of Yuletidecum-New Year festivities—only gloomy faces and dismal environment! Were they recessionary fallout? The despondency was unprecedented.

“The regime of crime with many youths taking to kidnapping and all manners of vices….” (DAILY CHAMPION Opinion Page, December10) Right: all manner of vices.

“Menace of under-aged voters” (DAILY INDEPENDENT Headline, January 6) Get it right: underage voters. Never “overaged” players or “matured” politicians “NASS will re-open Bakassi issue” (THISDAY Headline, December 30) This way: reopen.

“Ugwueze goes to the alter” (SATURDAY Vanguard Headline, January 7) High-heeled: altar.

“Imo: Late arrival of materials mar election in Oguta LG” (SATURDAY Tribune Front Page Headline, 7 May) A recurring case of subject-verb disagreement: Late arrival of materials mars (not mar). It has nothing to do with “materials”, but “late arrival”.

“In the past, such leaders have (had) plundered the common wealth and infected the environment with the demon of greed and

BY

avarice.” (NIGERIAN Tribune, December 11) “The electorate streams (stream) out tomorrow at the beginning of a voting exercise that will ultimately ease out….” (THISDAY, May 11) “There are two types of Persil brands in the market, apparently imported by private individuals (are there public individuals?) who thought there are (were) openings in Nigeria’s detergent market.” (Vanguard, May 11) “Large turn-out signpost rescheduled Imo polls” (BUSINESSDAY, May 11) Get it right: turn-out signposts.

“No other country in (on) this continent throws up the kind of absurdities that we have in this land.” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, January 8) “Such persons should be declared persona non grate (sic).” (Source: as above) At the crossroads: personae non grata.

“If he were still in power, the former governor would have been immuned (immune) to….” (DAILY Sun, December 11) “Thirdly, corruption was not limited to the outgoing governor but involved his cohorts at the corridor of power.” (Nigerian Tribune, December 11) Africa’s executive robbers: in the corridors of power.

“Even though I wanted to see him, he advised against it on the ground that I could get into trouble….’’ (Sunday Champion, January 7) The verdict: on the grounds.

Still on the above edition: “The state Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has 36 chapels out of which seven chapel officers, all duely (duly) nominated and some of the.…” “…arrogating the powers of the National President and the Central Working Committee (CWC) on (to) himself and.…” (THE GUARDIAN, December 11) “…the reduction on the external debt and investment in social infrastructures and equipments.” (THE PUNCH, December 11)

The last word in the extract is uncountable, just like these: stationery, bedding, cutlery, jewelry, gossip (as an act)….

“Why is President Muhammadu Buhari dragging his foot (feet/heels) on probing treasury looters…?” (DAILY CHAMPION, May 11) “…abolish the federal agency and realign it into (with) mainstream government machinery.” (NIGERIAN Tribune, December 11) “Thugs in Imo State lay siege on electoral materials” (Sunday Champion, May 8) This way: lay siege to (not on).

“They had a second wind between 1964 to 1985, though they did not know it.” (Source: as above) A recurring error: between 1964 and 1985 or from 1964 to 1985—no mix-up.

“I must confess from the onset that I am not a protagonist of military rule.’’ ((DAILY CHAMPION, May 11) Get it right: from the outset (in this context).

“The boss and his secretary will continue to have intimate official connection, in spite of gossips.” (DAILY CHAMPION, December 11) ‘Gossip’, as an act, is uncountable. But, with reference to those who talk idly and backbite, inflection of the word is allowed.

“But ours is quite different, judging by the experience with regards to the activities of the elected….” Either of these: as regards or with regard to.

“The industrial sectors of the economy have to invest in information technology, the type of which would stimulate the necessary (could it have been unnecessary?) inputs to produce good results.’’ In British Standard English, which strictly applies here, ‘input’ is non-count, but countable in the usually informal American English, which, of course, is a corruption of the formal version.

“The elitist Ikoyi Club, established in 1938, sometime ago celebrated its Diamond Jubilee amid pomp and pageantry.” (DAILY CHAMPION, December 11) Standard expression:

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

pomp and ceremony (or circumstance) or just pomp. The expression, ‘pomp and pageantry’, is a perversion of the English language.

“Staff Reporter…takes a peep into the nation’s recent past and notes that it is a past whose scars will remain for sometime.” (THE GUARDIAN, November 11) Right focus: for some time.

“One of the suspects said his intention was to warm (worm) his way back to the country.…” “…gunshot wounds he received in the hands of armed bandits….” (DAILY CHAMPION, October 11) Reporters who don’t appreciate the magnitude of ‘banditry’ should play ball with ‘armed robbery’ ‘Banditry’ is simply criminal violence, involving sophisticated weaponry. So, in the interest of morphological sanity, delete ‘armed’.

The next catachresis is from the Sunday Vanguard of January 7: “The chairman of the occasion quickly acknowledged it was not easy to launch a book after Chidi has (had) launched it.”

“Two failed banks chiefs get bail” Towards a better use of language: bank chiefs. The plurality of ‘banks’ had been taken care of by ‘chiefs’, in line with syntactic sequence.

“Lagos NURTW swims in fresh crisis: “Olohunwa, Oluoma in free-for-all fight” (Encomium WEEKLY Front Page Headline, May 10) Yank off ‘fight’ to avert calamitous redundancy.

A critique of the critic: last week an error of the keyboard crept into this column. Instead of “dialectal”, we had “dialectical” in one of the passages! Thanks to the reader who pointed this out. This is an unreserved apology to my teeming readers. More reactions are welcome.

PEOPLE2PEOPLE...with Oke Epia

2019: Neither APC nor PDP but…

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adam Oby Ezekwesili, the irrepressible and unrelenting advocate for the public good who has imposed on herself the thankless job of being one of Nigeria’s public conscience, has kick-started a potentially disruptive campaign on social media.

The hash tag #RedCardMovement which is already gaining steam on Twitter promises to be politically penetrating as the 2019 elections approach. The stage is getting set for another round of social media politicking not unlike like the case with the last election circle where the virtual space proved to be the springboard that propelled slingshots of soft power that greatly aided the fall of an incumbent from power.

An integral component of the budding movement which will attract a series of pieces in this column relates to the suggestion that neither the All Progressives Congress (APC) nor the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is fit to be trusted with power in 2019.

Thus the associated hash tag, #RedCardToAPCAndPDP, is also in the mix of the campaign fast spreading online. The premise that the two most prominent political parties have bungled the goodwill and trust of Nigerians and so can no longer be trusted to benefit from further electoral mandates is quite understandable. This position is likely to gain popularity among millions of distraught and disenchanted Nigerians who gleefully voted out the PDP in 2015 without knowing that they were as much as installing another side of same coin in office. Events which have unfolded in the last two years confirm that voters only succeeded in propping up an equally clueless and rapacious wing of the political elite class, which once embedded in power, carried on with unrelenting torment of citizens and a brazen blaze of self-aggrandizement. Those who dreamt that taking out the PDP which ruled for an unbroken 16 years would open up the country to Eldorado where milk and honey would flow on the streets of Lagos and Daura; that one naira would exchange for one US dollar; that petrol would sell for forty naira per litre; and that millions of jobs would be created to banish unemployment into history, have been starkly disappointed.

And those who sold such fairytales as gospel truths to naïve and impressionable minds have been unraveled for who they truly are.

As has now become evident, it was a clearly misplaced fantasy to expect the likes of Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Samuel Ortom, Timipre Sylva, and Bukola Saraki, among a host of others, who were politically empowered in the last 16 years of PDP ‘misrule’ to suddenly behave differently simply because they exited the mutilated cover of the umbrella and embraced the smithereens of a tenuous change mantra. The gladiators needed an alternative platform to actualize a common aspiration to kick Goodluck Jonathan out of power and APC proved to be the veritable tool for that; nothing close to a binding ideology to deliver good governance and gains of democracy to the masses held them together.

So once they gained power, the spoils of office was the next bone of contention and once the sharing formula and pattern for this proved disadvantageous, a new scuffle was bound to ensue. And this would in turn, result in a natural implosion which is one way or the other now benefitting the PDP. This is why Atiku Abubakar

PEOPLE2PEOPLE WITH

OKE EPIA Telephone (sms only): 07059850016 Email: resourceman.oke@live.com.

Twitter: @resourceme

Ezekwesili

who anchored the ‘New PDP’ rebellion that crumbled the PDP is now back to the fold after having been served with the short end of the stick in the APC. But the former vice president retains some respect on account of his courageous and relentless battles against the onslaught of his boss at the time, President Olusegun Obasanjo, who sought to emasculate him after both men fell apart in the second term of that presidency. Atiku’s several judicial travails at the time contributed significantly in strengthening Nigeria’s political jurisprudence. While we are likely to see more defections back and forth; and in and out of the APC and PDP respectively, some of those who masqueraded as messianic redeemers of our collective destiny in the former are busy re-packaging a new set of lies, half-truths and propaganda to entice the gullible for votes in 2019.

Unfortunately, the disappointing outing of the APC in government over the last two years has condemned it to an early verdict

of failure. The ruling party is now head-to-head in comparison on Governance Deficiency Syndrome (GDS) with the party it displaced from federal power in the 2015 general elections. To compound its budding record of negative ratings, the APC has manifested a disturbing level of internal contradictions, political arrogance, insensitivity and other improprieties like the party it replaced in power. Or how do you explain its failure to hold regular National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings or convene a national convention as dictated by its own laws; or even put in place critical organs like a Board of Trustees (BOT)? Aparty that cannot as much as comply with its own rules can hardly be trusted to govern satisfactorily. That is why its national chairman will come out openly to deny the presidency it controls over the embarrassingly distasteful nomination of dead men into government boards and parastatals. Nobody expects the APC to be free from internal contradictions- after all the circumstance of its formation was enough pointer to this eventuality. But one would have expected it to learn from the mistakes of the PDP and not repeat or out-perform them. With no clearly defined ideology which it amply made up for with hifalutin campaign promises it knew it would not keep, the ruling party is bumping on the same failures it brandished to heckle the PDP from power. Now the chickens have come home to roost.

The scales have fallen from the eyes of Nigerians to reveal forlorn faces of agony and hardship. The hailstones of economic downturn are falling on both the poor and the rich; the privileged and under-privileged; and many cases of both reported and unreported suicides are becoming the order of the day. Champions and amplifiers of the packaged lies and propaganda have retreated into regret and shedding crocodile tears on Twitter and Facebook.

Hailers are fast transforming into wailers at the speed of light and unsolicited memos have started to fly and up and down on the pages of newspapers and popular blogs. In the light of this, should the PDP be the option in 2019? Although the opposition party is currently parading itself as the viable option it has also failed to properly reposition and take advantage of the failings of its successor. The party has failed to take the take the opportunity of its defeat in 2015 to rebrand and open up to new thinking; like the leopard that cannot change its skin, the PDP is still stuck in its old ways where internal democracy and a genuine opening of its space to fresh, young and vibrant minds that seek participation in the political process is a rhetoric rather than a reality.

But in pushing aside the twin evils of Nigeria’s election-winning machines, what viable options are available to citizens? What alternative is Madam Ezekwesili and her co-travellers offering?

Is the polity going to witness the emergence of a third force that will seize the space and confine the APC and PDP to the dressing room of political oblivion? This is why the #RedCardMovement should not be dismissed with a wave of the hand; careful attention should be paid to what the former minister and others of her ilk are contriving for 2019. But whatever is brewing is not certainly going to be a tea party.

––Epia, Publisher of OrderPaper NG, tweets @resourceme.

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

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

Defensive Driving – Observation

Restoration of original Land Rover Begins

Land Rover’s 70th Anniversary Begins With Restoration of ‘Missing’ Original 4x4 Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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andRoverwillmarkits70thanniversary with a series of events and celebrations this year, beginning with the restoration of the vehicle that started it all – one of the three pre-production Land Rovers shown at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show launch.

This gave the world its first glimpse of the shape that would become instantly recognisable as a Land Rover, the auto company said in a statement, recently. “For years the whereabouts of this launch Land Rover was a mystery. The demonstration vehicle from the Amsterdam show was last on the road in the 1960s, after which it spent 20 years in a Welsh field before being bought as a restoration project; it then lay languishing unfinished in a garden.

“Following its surprise discovery just a few miles outside of Solihull, UK – where the car was first built – the experts at Jaguar Land Rover Classic spent months researching in company archives to unravel its ownership history and confirm its provenance.�

The team behind the successful Land Rover SeriesIRebornprogramme,whichallowscustomers to own a slice of Land Rover history with meticulously restored Series Is, will now embark on their most challenging project yet: a year-long mission to preserve this historically significant prototype and enable it to be driven again.

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “This Land Rover is an irreplaceable piece of world automotive history and is as historically important as ‘Huey’, the first pre-production Land Rover. Beginning its sympathetic restoration here at Classic Works, where we can ensure it’s put back together precisely as it’s meant to be, is a fitting way to start Land Rover’s 70th

anniversary year. “There is something charming about the fact that exactly 70 years ago this vehicle would have been undergoing its final adjustments before being prepared for the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show launch – where the world first saw the shape that’s now immediately recognised as a Land Rover.�

The Jaguar Land Rover Classic team will follow a dedicated process to restore the launch vehicle, which has a lot of special features that are unique to the 48 pre-production Land Rovers that were produced prior to the mass production vehicles, such as thicker aluminium alloy body panels, a galvanised chassis and a removable rear tub. The patina of its components will be preserved, including the original Light Green paint applied in 1948.

Previous owners of this historic vehicle are being invited to Jaguar Land Rover’s Classic Works facility to share their experiences and to witness its loving restoration.

Mercedes-Benz Citan Debuts in Nigeria, Joins Weststar Product Portfolio

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eststar Nigeria has announced the arrival of the first addition to its Mercedes-Benz Vans product portfolio for the Nigerian Market in the year 2018 - The MercedesBenz Citan Tourer and Panel Van. This follows the ‘Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global’ business unit strategy which is in response to the needs of worldwide customers for maximum availability of Mercedes-Benz products in every market, said Weststar Associates Limited, Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria.

The Citan is an absolute all-rounder - powerful yet with compact dimensions making it especially suitable for city use – for the first time, the MercedesBenz portfolio of Vans features a dedicated delivery vehicle for the urban environment. With its impressive quality and driving dynamics, exemplary safety and economy, and high level of versatility and robustness, the new Mercedes-Benz Citan is truly a professional in its segment.

The Citan Tourer is designed for individuals that want to get more out of life, business, and leisure time. Due to its versatility and adaptability, the Mercedes-Benz Citan fulfils a broad range of commercial applications. Set to hit the Nigerian roads of the Citan variants is the Tourer 112; a fiveseater crew vehicle with folding rear seat bench and sliding doors on each side, with a long wheelbase.

Mercedes-Benz Citan Tourer and Panel Van As is the case with every Mercedes-Benz vehicle, safety plays a big role in the new Citan.

It comes with the Electronic Stability Program, ADAPTIVE ESPÂŽ as standard, which takes the vehicle load into consideration. This innovative dynamic handling control system in the new Citan

combines the functions of the anti-locking braking system ABSÂŽ, VDCÂŽ (Vehicle Dynamic Control) which counters over- and understeer, and TCSÂŽ (Traction Control System). It also includes ASRÂŽ (acceleration skid control) and drive and braking torque control.

Oneofthemostimportantaspectsofdrivingisyourobservation.

Ifyoudon’tseeahazardinfront,youmaynotbeabletorespond to it effectively and safely. When driving, and to assess the traffic situationcorrectly,youneedtoobserveeffectivelybylookingoutfor otherroadusersandassessingtheirspeed,behaviour,andpossible intentions. Weneedtobearinmindthatmostroadtrafficcrashes occurbecausethedriversinvolveddidnotseetheothervehiclein timetotakeappropriateaction.Therearefiverulesforusingyour eyesmoreeffectivelyandefficiently: 1. Aimhighwhilesteeringbylookingwellaheadwhendriving andlookinthedirectionyouwantthevehicletogo.

2. Use your eyes to build up a picture of what is happening all aroundyou,asfarasyoucansee,ineverydirection.Thebestway tobuildthispictureistouseyoureyesinascanningmotionwhich sweeps the whole environment: the distance, the mid-ground, the foreground, the sides and rear. By scanning the whole of the environmentyouwillknowwheretheareasofriskare.Checkand rechecktheseareasinyourvisualsweeps.Useallyourmirrors,and consider an over the shoulder checks on the occasions when it is notsafetorelyonyourmirrorsalone.

3. Leave yourself and ‘out’ or have a plan of ‘escape’ if the traffic conditionchangesquickly.

4. Make sure other drivers see you. This is done by getting eye contact with other drivers. Use your signals in plenty of time so they are clearly understood. Position your vehicle in such a way toclearlyshowyourintention(e.g.whenturningleft).Wherepossible do not travel in blind spot areas of other vehicles. The Rules ofObservationshouldbeusedinconjunctionwiththeSystemof CarControl(discussedinlastweek’sarticle).

Driversshouldalwaysbearinmindthatsafeandeffectivedrivingdependsonsystematicallyusingtheinformationgainedfrom observation to plan your driving actions. Drivers need to use the informationgainedbyobservationtoformadrivingplan,which involves 1. Anticipation of hazards: The more time you have to react to a hazard, the more likely that you are able to deal with it safely. To anticipatemeanstoextractthefullestmeaningfromyourobservations.

2. Orderinghazardsintoscaleofimportance:Amongthemany observedoranticipatedhazardsthatyouidentify,youmustdecide whicharesignificant,andwhichisthemostimportant.Thegreater theelementofdanger,thehighertheprioritythatyoushouldgivetoit.

3. Decidingonwhattodo:Whenyouhaveplacedtheobserved andanticipatedhazardsinorderofimportance,youareinaposition to decide on your course of action. The purpose of your plan is to ensure the safety of yourself and other road users at all times.

The weather affects how far you can see, and how your vehicle performs,soweatherconditioniscentraltoyourobservationand drivingplan.Whenweatherconditionsresultinreducedvisibility forexampleinfogandmist;heavyrain;brightsunshine;etc,you should reduce your speed. When there is reduced visibility, you mayuseyourheadlightsaccordingtothecircumstancesyoufind yourself.Forbestdrivingpractice,adheretothefollowing: - Switchonyourdippedheadlightswhenvisibilityispoorinday lightorfadinglight.

- Generally you should use your dipped headlights whenever yourwipersareinconstantuse.

-Whenthereisfog,foglightsoftengiveabetterviewthandipped headlights.

-Donotusemainheadlightbeamwhenyouarebehindanother vehicle in fog, as it may dazzle the driver, disrupting the driver’s view. Your understanding of road signs and markings is crucial when on the road. There are three steps in building road signs and markings in your driving plan. Road signs and markings provide warnings about approaching hazards, and instructions and information about road use. To make the best possible use ofroadsignsandmarkingsyoushouldfollowthestepsbelow: 1. Observe: Drivers should actively search for road signs and markings in your observation, and incorporate the information theygiveyouintoyourdrivingplan.

2. Understand:Driversshouldbeabletorecognisetheroadsigns andmarkingsimmediatelyyouseethem.

3. React: Drivers you should react to a road sign or marking by lookingaheadtowhatitreferstoandbuildingtheinformationinto yourdrivingplan.Wheretheroadsignormarkingreferstoanunseen hazard, anticipate the hazard and adapt your plan accordingly.

Insummary,adefensivedriverwouldalwayswatchoutforand interpretwhatishappeningaheadinthedistance,themid-ground, the foreground, the sides and rear; they drive at speeds they can safelystopwithinthedistancetheycanseetobeclear;andusetheir mirrorsfrequentlytobeawareofthesituationbehind.Likesystem ofcarcontrol,effectiveobservationwillallowdriverstonegotiate hazardsinawaywhichissimple,safeandleavesnothingtochance, therebyreducingroadtrafficcrashesonoureverbusyroads.

Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

DirectorGeneral,DeltaStateTrafficManagementAuthority (DESTMA) **DriverTrainer and Road Safety Consultant **Email: sdieseruvwe@gmail.com **Tel: +2348167814928

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

27

Changes in Volkswagen Brand Board of Management

T

L-R: Marketing Manager Cars45, Abiodun Onifade; Marketing Manager, Kia Motors Nigeria, Jimoh Olawale; CEO Cars45, Etop Ikpe; Vice President, Kia Motors Nigeria, Olu Tikolo; Director of Operations, Cars45, Chinedu Okwuosa; and Vice President Trading, Cars45, Mohammed Iyamu

Kia Partners Cars45 for CertiďŹ ed Used Car Sales, Trade-in Programme Stories by Bennett Oghifo

K

ia Motors Nigeria has teamed up with Cars45, a foremost online retail platform for used car sales, to provide a uniquely seamless pre-owned car sales and Tradein programme for all Kia cars.

The partnership is to continuously offer customers the best Kia ownership package, said officials of the company at the launch in signing of the deal in Lagos, recently.

As the popularity of Nigerian used car sales increases with consumers, Kia partners Cars45 to

offer a refined certified used car program to meet the demands of a competitive marketplace. The Certified Used-Car scheme offers a unique and comprehensive service where a car owner can tradein a car for an all-new Kia car or an outright sale of a used Kia car with an immediate payment. The scheme offers a fair valuation and a competitive deal on used cars. The process is seamless, accessible to all and very easy, above all, it provides a Certified Used-Car service that’s tailor-made and customisable to suit customers’ needs.

Over the past few decades, there had been a direct nexus between the buying power of the people

and the upsurge in the used car sales. However, this demand was exploited thereby making the country a dumping ground for all sorts of used cars across the globe and sadly affecting the growth of the country’s auto industry.

On the heels of this development, Kia and Cars45’s recognise this gap and hence the resolve to offer the best-in-class certified used car program has changed the landscape of the pre-owned car program and taken some strides ahead of the pack.

The partnership brings to the fore the first synergy between an online used car portal with a leading car brand in the country.

he Volkswagen brand is strengthening the area of e-mobility and creating a separate Board of Management division for e-mobility. With effect from February 1, 2018, responsibility for the division, which includes the e-mobility series and production of vehicles on the new MEB platform at the future e-mobility plants of the Volkswagen brand throughout the world, is to be assumed by Thomas Ulbrich, previously Board of Management Member of the Volkswagen brand responsible for Production and Logistics. Ulbrich is to be succeeded, also with effect from February 2018, as Board Member for Production by Dr. Andreas Tostmann, previously Executive Vice-President for Production of the SEAT brand.

Thomas Ulbrich (51) holds a degree in automotive engineering and has worked for the Volkswagen Group since 1989. In 1996, he became Head of Logistics at FAW-Volkswagen in China. Following further positions in Wolfsburg and Emden, he became Technical Managing Director and Speaker of the Management Board of Auto 5000 in Wolfsburg in 2001. In 2008, he was appointed Board of Management member responsible for Production at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and, in 2010, Technical Executive Vice President of Shanghai-Volkswagen in China. Since April 2014, he has been Board of Management Member of the Volkswagen brand responsible for Production and Logistics. In future, the newly created e-mobility division will be responsible for all Volkswagen electric vehicles and for the development of Europe’s largest competence center for electric vehicles in Zwickau.

Dr. Andreas Tostmann (55) holds a degree in industrial engineering and has worked for Volkswagen since 1990. Following various responsible functions, including positions in Mexico, he assumed responsibility for technical project planning and powertrain project management within the Group in 1995. He was appointed plant manager at Salzgitter in 2001. In 2004, he became Managing Director of Volkswagen South Africa; from 2007, he was Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen Slovakia, where he was also responsible for production. He has been Executive Vice-President for Production of SEAT since December 2011.

Hyundai, Cisco to Bring Vehicle with NextGeneration Network Technology in 2019

H

yundai Motor Company and Cisco has revealed a new technology roadmap that will enable next-generation in-vehicle networking with security. In addition, the companies shared their timeline for commercial deployment of ‘hyper-connected’ production vehicles, slated for 2019. Technology advancements from the collaboration will enable Hyundai and Cisco to disrupt auto industry at a faster pace.

This unique automotive and IT collaboration is focused on technology solutions for in-vehicle data demands, which will increase exponentially with autonomous driving and other connectivity needs. The focus for Hyundai and Cisco is moving away from restrictive CAN (Controller Area Network) systems, to Ethernet

communications, which boast processing speeds of up to 1Gbps. Ethernet-based software also supports integrated data control, which allows for flexible expansion of connections to handle large data sets coming from various components in the vehicle simultaneously.

Hyundai and Cisco have created a new platform that provides highly secure access to all the data in the vehicle. The platform utilizes the first generation of 1Gps architectures and Automotive Ethernet with QoS, which allows for maximized bandwidth, more capabilities. It’s highly configurable and secure – and offers the flexibility to design and build new services.

It will also accelerate innovation, provide ‘over the air updates’, and shorten the lifecycle in bringing new capabilities to market.

Hyundai NEXO

BAUCHI/ABUJA a Aww Uku,Ko Kafar Katako

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ast week, I got a very interesting feedback from a reader I am looking forward to meeting as soon as I assume duty in my new office. He is a civil servant based in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory and his name is Ibrahim Mairiga. I make bold to say that oga Maigari is now my second Hausa teacher although I deliberately hid the details of the first teacher last week. I am prompted today to continue with the second part of last week piece titled, Bauchi/Abuja ko lahira although I have chosen based on the advice of my new teacher to caption my piece for this week differently. Let me share with you the contributions of my teacher which I find quite useful, timely and vital for the Federal Road Safety Corps, policy makers and Government. ‘’Mr Agwu, thanks for your ‘BAUCHI/ ABUJA KO LAHIRA’ piece on Page 27 of Today’s ThisDay (The Saturday) Newspaper, which should actually and correctly be titled: ‘Bauchi/Abuja a Aww Uku, ko Kafar Katako’. Roughly translated from the Hausa, it means: To Bauchi or Abuja I arrive (with my passengers) in 3 Hours or I escape with a wooden Leg’, a pledge so passionately, but unfortunately, upheld by the Drivers of Vectra, unpainted taxis in the axis you supervised toward the end of 2017. I think, in your Column, you had already made the point of the avoidable loss of lives these drivers have

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

caused and the danger they still pose by ‘their irresponsible driving’ to both their passengers and other users of the Abuja – Akwanga – Jos – Bauchi – Gombe road (like me). A much more robust and concerted plan needs to be devised and achieved in a sustainable manner, to eradicate this ‘clear and present danger’. I hasten to proffer a small correction on your piece. If I am correct, the 1st accident you referred to actually happened, not in Gombe State, but Jigawa State (where Gumel is located).

You may wish to check it out again, please.

When I read the above response, my mind flashed back to the visit in December 2017, of the Corps Marshal of the Corps, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi to His Excellency, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong, the Governor of Plateau State where he brought to the Governors attention the activities of these operators and the need for their notoriety to be checkmated through appropriate and stringent laws. In the course of my

traverse in Kaduna Zone 1,comprising Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States in 2008, Zone 7 Abuja, comprising the Federal Capital Territory and Niger States between 2014 to 2016 among others, I have had to deal with these operators who are rarely registered or authorized to operate yet continually engage in their dangerous business .I remember way back in 1996 when acting head of operations in the Federal capital Territory, I accosted one of these operators whose vehicle I impounded along the Abuja Keffi route and was forced to push it from Berger roundabout when the driver cunningly abandoned the vehicle on the pretext that he was going to answer the call of nature. My team and I had to push the vehicle from there through to my office in Zone 2, Wuse, in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory.

One of the worst trademarks of these operators is the excessive speed at which they operate.

They also overload, are reckless and rarely stop when flagged by our operatives in keeping with the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations.

Like I wrote last week, speed is a driving risk resulting to loss of lives Research on speed states that when you drive at higher speed, you lose the ability to control you vehicle, thus increasing your risk and that of others.

Most of the fatal crashes recorded in December and the early part of 2018

involves drivers who were over speeding and driving dangerously. Driving excessively decreases the amount of time that a driver has to avoid a crash and often results in severe consequences. While we await concrete response from the various State Government, I do believe that we must take a second look at the penalty for excessive speeding which has caused the nation so much loss. In other developed climes, the debate is on increasing the fines for drivers who speed in addition to fully deploying the paraphernalia of the penalty point system which should spell out rules for disqualifications and in extreme cases prison sentence especially if the speeding causes a road traffic crash. .

The rules should be such that any driver caught speeding over the speed limit approved by the National Road Traffic Regulations must be served a penalty point, a fine and possibly a disqualification and a prison sentence as earlier stated.

As we begin this New Year conscious and concrete interventions should be urgently deployed to avert the predictions that more road traffic crashes, deaths and injuries will be recorded across the globe especially in developing climes such as ours.

This is not the time for debates that adds no value to the issue of road safety in the country. The debate should disabuse political differences or an individual difference that focuses only on our personal interest. Road traffic crash is a respecter of none. My last two write-ups x-rayed crashes that wiped out a whole family, claimed the life of a bride and women leading the bride to the alter .

28

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

FAMILY HEALTH with

Your Feet are Very Important

T

he importance of the feet, in human body, cannot be over emphasized. This is so because , of all the structures in your body, your feet are the most vital , in your being able to move around, and carries all your body weight.

They’re the workhorses of our bodies, but we give them so little respect. It’s easy to take our feet for granted. They’re just there, putting up with a host of challenges, from being jammed into high heels and elevated to unnatural heights to smothering inside sweaty socks or tight nylon pantyhose.

While suffering those indignities, our feet take hundreds of tons of force impact just during an average day of walking. That pounding explains why feet are the body part most likely to get injured.

You don’t need an expensive spa treatment to take care of your feet. Spending just a few minutes a day on foot care and choosing the right shoes can keep you free of problems that may lead to pain and even disability.

Healthy feet are important for feeling good and staying active. So if you neglect your feet, that can lead to unnecessary pain and other foot problems.

Fortunately, it’s easy to keep your feet healthy. Use these tips to keep yourself active and your feet pain-free. r ,FFQ ZPVS GFFU DMFBO BOE ESZ )FBMUIZ GFFU TUBSU XJUI good hygiene. Thoroughly clean and scrub your feet with soap and water when you bathe. Afterward, dry them well. Fungal organisms love moisture, so depriving them of any wetness will make it more difficult for them to thrive. Be sure to dry well between each individual toe, Any excess moisture between the toes can create a great environment for a fungal infection to begin. r &YBNJOF ZPVS GFFU GPS QSPCMFNT 1FSGPSN B GPPU self-exam once a week when you take a bath or shower, SFDPNNFOET ,VSU[ "T ZPV SF ESZJOH PGG ZPVS GFFU UBLF a good look on the soles for any scaling and between your toes for peeling areas. That could signal athlete’s foot. Also look for discoloration of the nails, which could indicate a nail fungus. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day since diabetes leads to higher risk of foot sores and infections. r $VU UPFOBJMT QSPQFSMZ $VU OBJMT TUSBJHIU BDSPTT and avoid trimming too close to the skin or drastically rounding the corners of the nails, which can cause painful, ingrown toenails. r %PO U IJEF iVHMZu UPFOBJMT XJUI QPMJTI " EJTDPMPSFE thick, cracked, or crumbling nail could signal a nail fungus. Applying nail polish to an infected nail could make the problem worse. r 1SPUFDU ZPVS GFFU JO QVCMJD BSFBT #F TVSF UP XFBS shower shoes at the gym, in locker rooms, and at public pools. These places tend to be breeding grounds for fungi that can lead to infections. r "WPJE TIBSJOH GPPUHFBS i:PV DBO HFU GVOHBM JOGFDtions by wearing other people’s shoes, as well as socks XPSO CZ BOPUIFS QFSTPO u TBZT ,VSU[ 5IJT JODMVEFT rentals. Always wear your own footgear to help keep your feet healthy. r )FBE PGG TXFBUZ GFFU :PVS GFFU IBWF TXFBU HMBOET HBMPSF ‡ JO FBDI GPPU 1FSTQJSBUJPO DSFBUFT UIF perfect environment for bacteria to set up shop. Wearing socks that keep feet dry will help your feet stay IFBMUIZ i4PDLT NBEF PG TZOUIFUJD à CFST UFOE UP XJDL BXBZ NPJTUVSF GBTUFS UIBO DPUUPO PS XPPM TPDLT u TBZT ,VSU[ "MTP BWPJE XFBSJOH FYDFTTJWFMZ UJHIU QBOUZIPTF which trap moisture. r $IPPTF CSFBUIBCMF GPPUXFBS 5P IFMQ LFFQ ZPVS feet dry and healthy, wear shoes made of leather to allow air to circulate. If you’re prone to excessively sweaty feet, look for shoes made of mesh fabrics for maximum breathability.

Wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes that are too UJHIU DBO DBVTF MPOH UFSN GPPU QSPCMFNT TBZT ,VSU[ Shop for shoes at the end of the day to compensate for foot swelling that occurs later in the day, and wear the same type of socks or hosiery you’ll be wearing with UIF TIPFT $IPPTF B CSPBE SPVOEFE TIPF XJUI QMFOUZ of room for your toes and a wide, stable heel. Avoid pointy shoes, which can cramp your toes and cause ingrown toenails and calluses. ,OPX XIFO UP TFF B EPDUPS %PO U BUUFNQU UP TFMG treat painful foot woes. I see many patients who have attempted what I call bathroom surgery, and they’ve made the problem worse, Any pain, redness, swelling, or discoloration that persists should be checked out by a podiatric physician. Usually the problem can be cleared up with prescription medicine or a minor in-office procedure. Allowing a doctor to take a look will help prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.

By following these 10 easy tips, you can help keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

These ideas can help your feet feel great r .BLF B QPJOU UP XBTI ZPVS GFFU BOE CFUXFFO ZPVS toes!) with a washcloth carefully and regularly. Yes, that means bending over in the shower to soap them up; if you can’t balance safely, use a long-handled shower brush or sit on a chair outside the tub as you wash your feet under the faucets. Be sure to dry feet completely, including between the toes. This wash-and-dry system lessens problems such as athlete’s foot, odor, bacteria

Your foot is an intricate network of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles.

Strong enough to bear your body weight, your foot can be prone to injury and pain.

Foot pain can affect any part of your foot, from your toes to your Achilles tendon at the back of your heel.

Although mild foot pain often responds well to home treatments, it can take time to resolve

and fungus. *G ZPV MJLF UP TPBL ZPVS GFFU GPSHFU UIF &QTPN TBMUT‡ they’re too drying and don’t offer any medical benefit. *OTUFBE KVTU VTF XBSN OFWFS IPU XBUFS BOE B MJUUMF liquid soap, such as dishwashing solution, containing skin softeners. r .PJTUVSJ[F ZPVS GFFU BGUFS XBTIJOH %VSJOH ESZ TLJO winter months, you may want to moisturize several times a day. Nothing fancy is needed: basic lotions and creams are fine. r "MUFSOBUF UIF TIPFT ZPV XFBS FBDI EBZ 5IBU NBZ mean having two pairs of your favorite everyday style, but shoes need time to air out to avoid triggering foot PEPS PS JOGFDUJPOT $IBOHF TPDLT PS TUPDLJOHT NPSF than once a day. If you have a problem with smelly feet, soak them in a mixture of vinegar and water. Your feet should not hurt—ever. Tight shoes can worsen bunions, distort toe shape and cause painful foot growths. If you wear high heels, choose heels that are wide, stable and no higher than two inches. Toe boxes should be wide; pointed toes shouldn’t begin their narrowing shape until well past the ball of the foot. To protect your Achilles tendon from shortening, alternate heel heights regularly.

Flip-flops and completely flat shoes don’t provide arch support. Neither does walking barefoot. Women are especially prone to developing flat feet, which can lead to other foot problems. To keep feet strong and healthy, minimize the amount of time you wear shoes that lack supportive arches. r 1SFHOBODZ BHJOH BOE EJBCFUFT BMM BGGFDU ZPVS GFFU 1SFHOBOU XPNFO OFFE TIPFT XJUI CSPBE IFFMT BSDI support and good shock absorbency. Added pregnancy weight may cause your shoe size to change, so get your feet measured. Older women lose some of the cushioning fat on the balls of their feet; choose shoes that provide NPSF TIPDL QSPUFDUJPO %JBCFUJDT DBO EFWFMPQ TFSJPVT DPOEJUJPOT SFMBUFE UP UIF GFFU BOE MPXFS MFHT $IFDL GFFU for any problems daily and see a podiatric physician at least annually.

Be cautious about having a pedicure in a salon, where cleanliness of tubs and instruments is vital. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor before having a pedicure.

The key points to note includes r $IFDL ZPVS GFFU FWFSZ EBZ r 8BTI ZPVS GFFU FWFSZ EBZ r ,FFQ UIF TLJO TPGU BOE TNPPUI r 4NPPUI DPSOT BOE DBMMVTFT HFOUMZ r *G ZPV DBO TFF SFBDI BOE GFFM ZPVS GFFU USJN ZPVS toenails regularly. ... r 8FBS TIPFT BOE TPDLT BU BMM UJNFT r 1SPUFDU ZPVS GFFU GSPN IPU BOE DPME r ,FFQ UIF CMPPE áPXJOH UP ZPVS GFFU Your foot is an intricate network of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Strong enough to bear your body weight, your foot can be prone to injury and pain. Foot pain can affect any part of your foot, from your toes to your Achilles tendon at the back of your heel. Although mild foot pain often responds well to home treatments, it can take time to resolve. Your doctor should evaluate severe foot pain, especially if it follows an injury.

Possible causes Injury, overuse or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the foot can cause foot pain. Arthritis is a common cause of foot pain. Injury to the nerves of the feet may result in intense burning pain, numbness or tingling .

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, ͸΀͸ͽͻͻͿͺͻͽ;

These may include, &NCFEEFE PCKFDUT 0FEFNB #SPLFO UPF CBEMZ Ã UUFE TIPFT )JHI )FFMT #VOJPOT %JBCFUFT /FVSPQBUIZ Gout, Osteoarthritis, in grown toe nails, tumour etc.

Sprains and strains r 4QSBJOT BOE TUSBJOT BSF WFSZ DPNNPO JOKVSJFT UIBU BGGFDU NVTDMFT BOE MJHBNFOUT TUSPOH CBOET PG UJTTVF around joints that connect one bone to another). They often occur if you change direction or speed suddenly, fall and land awkwardly, or collide with an object or person, such as when playing sports.

A sprain means one or more of your ligaments have stretched, twisted or torn. A strain means muscle fibres have stretched or torn. As well as pain, a sprain or strain can cause swelling, bruising and tenderness, and may result in you being unable to put weight on your foot. .PTU TQSBJOT BOE TUSBJOT DBO CF NBOBHFE BU IPNF VTJOH 13*$& UIFSBQZ QSPUFDUJPO SFTU JDF DPNQSFTTJPO and elevation) and painkillers. r (PVU Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric BDJE B XBTUF QSPEVDU JO ZPVS KPJOUT *U DBVTFT TVEEFO bouts of severe pain, redness, swelling and warmth in affected joints, even when you’re resting.

These attacks usually last a few days at a time and most often affect the big toe joint. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between gout and a severely inflamed bunion .

The pain caused by gout can usually be treated using ice packs and by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ESVH /4"*% QBJOLJMMFST :PV NBZ BMTP OFFE BEEJUJPOBM treatment to prevent further episodes. r#MJTUFST DPSOT BOE DBMMVTFT 1PPSMZ à UUJOH TIPFT UIBU SVC PO UIF GFFU DBO EBNBHF the skin and may cause: blisters – small pockets of fluid that form in the upper layers of the skin corns – small circles of thick skin calluses – hard, rough areas of skin that are often yellowish in colour These conditions can all result in pain and discomfort XIFO ZPV XBML .PTU CMJTUFST IFBM OBUVSBMMZ JO B GFX EBZT and don’t require medical attention. Wearing comfortable, XFMM à UUJOH TIPFT DBO IFMQ TUPQ UIFN SFUVSOJOH 3FBE more about treating blisters and preventing blisters. $PSOT BOE DBMMVTFT EPO U OFDFTTBSJMZ JNQSPWF PO their own and you may need to see a podiatrist or chiropodist, who can advise you about appropriate treatment.

Bunions A bunion is a bony swelling at the base of the big toe that can be painful when wearing shoes and make walking difficult. Bunions are a common foot problem, particularly in women. The big toe points towards the other toes and the big toe joint sticks out, forming a bony lump.

Bunions can get worse if they’re left untreated, so it’s CFTU UP TFF B (1 GPS BEWJDF /PO TVSHJDBM USFBUNFOUT BSF usually tried first, including wearing comfortable and XJEF TIPFT PSUIPUJDT JOTPMFT QBJOLJMMFST BOE CVOJPO QBET $PSSFDUJWF TVSHFSZ NBZ TPNFUJNFT CF OFDFTTBSZ Ingrowing toenails In growing toenails occur when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin.

The toenail pierces the skin, which can become red, swollen and tender. It can also be painful if pressure JT QMBDFE PO UIF UPF PS UIF UPF CFDPNFT JOGFDUFE $VUting your toenails straight across and gently pushing the skin away from the nail using a cotton bud may help improve an ingrowing toenail. In some cases, a procedure to remove part or all of the affected nail may be necessary.

Seek medical help urgently if: r )BWF TFWFSF QBJO PS TXFMMJOH r )BWF BO PQFO XPVOE PS B XPVOE UIBU JT PP[JOH QVT r )BWF TJHOT PG JOGFDUJPO TVDI BT SFEOFTT XBSNUI and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever PWFS ' $

r "SF VOBCMF UP XBML PS QVU XFJHIU PO ZPVS GPPU r )BWF EJBCFUFT BOE IBWF BOZ XPVOE UIBU JTO U healing or is deep, red, swollen or warm to the touch r )BWF QFSTJTUFOU TXFMMJOH UIBU EPFTO U JNQSPWF BU all after two to five days of home treatment r )BWF QFSTJTUFOU QBJO UIBU EPFTO U JNQSPWF BGUFS several weeks r )BWF CVSOJOH QBJO OVNCOFTT PS UJOHMJOH QBSUJDVlarly involving most or all of the bottom of your foot.

Self assist If your foot pain is due to an injury or overuse, it will often respond well to rest and cold therapy. Avoid activities that can worsen your foot pain, and put ice on your foot for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications will also help with pain and may help with healing. &WFO XJUI UIF CFTU PG DBSF ZPV NBZ IBWF TPNF GPPU stiffness or pain, particularly first thing in the morning or after you’ve been active, for several weeks. If you are unsure of the cause of your foot pain, or if it is widespread or involving both feet, and particularly if you have diabetes, see your doctor before trying home remedies.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 16, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Asisat Oshoala Still Flying Very High

13.01.2018

NO RED CARPET FOR CITY AT ANFIELD PAGE. 29

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀

Still Flying Very High

Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ͚ΠΠ͸Ă?Ëœ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ÚÖËãĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă–Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ăœ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ĂŒĂ“ĂœĂžĂ’ĂœĂ“Ă‘Ă’ĂžË› Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ ĂŽĂ™Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“ĂŽĂ“ Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ëœ Ă—Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă?Ă– Ă—Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă•Ă?Ëœ ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜Ă•ĂĄĂ™ Ă‹Ă˜Ă&#x; Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă•ĂšĂ?ĂŒĂ‹Ë› Ă’Ă‹Ăž Ă“Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂŁË› Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁËŞĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂŽĂ–ĂŁ ĂŽĂ™ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ÚÖËãĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă“Ăž ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ÚÙÎÓĂ&#x;Ă—Ëœ Ă‹Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ͺ͸͚͝ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ͺ͸͚͟ ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă“Ă•Ă?Ă– ĂŒĂ“ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă˜ĂŁĂ?Ă‹Ă—Ă‹ Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ?Ă?Ë› ÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ÞËÕĂ?Ă˜ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă‹Ăž Ă?ÒÙËÖË Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ åÙ×Ă?Ă˜ËŞĂ? Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂ’Ă“ĂœĂŽ ÞÓ×Ă? Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă’Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ăž Ă“Ă˜ ͺ͸͚͟ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ͺ͸͚͞˛ Kunle Adewale ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?

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Oshoala

gypt and Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah may have stolen the headlines at the Confederation of African Football awards in Ghana last Thursday but the triumph of the Nigerian forward, Asisat Oshoala, in winning the women’s equivalent was similarly special, most especially being the third time – having earlier won it in 2014 and 2016. Oshoala was teary as the road to her latest win has been anything but straightforward.

Having won the golden ball and the golden boot at the 2014 Under-20 Women’s World Cup as Nigeria finished runners-up – added to an African Cup of Nations winner’s medal the same year, the young striker started to turn heads internationally.

Oshoala has never compromised her passion for the round leather game right from the outset, as she abandoned her education for football against the wishes of her parents. “My passion for football made me drop out of school. This is one sport I won’t compromise.

Growing up, people see me as a tomboy as I always play alongside male footballers and still do at Arsenal and anytime I’m in Nigeria. Those that that chose to go to school do so because they want to make it life likewise those of us that opted to play football. Though, my opting to play football was against my parents’ wish, but now I have brought them joy. I’m still not ruling out returning to school,� Oshoala said.

When she was unveiled as Liverpool’s latest recruit in January 2015, and with the then manager, Matt Beard, labelling her “one of the best young players in the world,� the transfer was headline news across Africa.

Yet despite the evident talent, the Super Falcons star struggled to make her mark in England. After a year at Liverpool, blighted in the end by injury, and a switch to Arsenal, her two-year sojourn in Europe came to an end when she chose to join Dalian Quanjian in the Chinese Women’s Super League in February 2017.

That is what has made this CAF player of the year award mean so much. With many writing her off, she proved she still has an eye for goal. “I think it has to be the best moment of my career so far. This is my third one and the best because 2017 was a very difficult journey for me.

It was tough for myself, my family and everyone around me because I had to leave Arsenal. A lot of people said to me, ‘Oh she’s going to China. She can’t make anything out of that.'�

But Oshoala thrived in China. With 12 goals she was the Chinese Super League’s top scorer, helping Quanjian to league and cup titles before being named the league’s best player. “At the end of the day it has been a great move for me. I had to put in a lot of work. I worked harder because I had to prove people wrong,� she stated.

It may not have worked out in England but Oshoala is grateful for her time at two of the WSL’s top clubs. When she joined Liverpool the club had won back-to-back WSL 1 titles and Oshoala took the inaugural BBC’s women’s player of the year award in May 2015. “I think I had a good time at Liverpool and Arsenal. When I was at Liverpool I hit good form. I then got injured and was out for the season. That was tough to take. Before the new season Arsenal came in for me and I thought: ‘I haven’t played for the second half of the season and the top team wants me.’ I had to take a chance

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JANUARY 13, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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

How Can We Be So Myopic, Where are the Sponsors as the NPFL Resumes?

L-R: Sadio Mane, Asisat Oshoala, Mohammed Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang posing for photograph during the CAF Africa Footballer of the Year Award in Ghana

The Nigerian Professional Football League begins the 2018 season this weekend without any major sponsors.

Despite years of hard work to keep the league alive with lean resources, the expected sponsorship windfall has failed to materialize. It costs hundreds of millions, even billions, to run the league, so how do we expect success without quality sponsorship support? Nigerian brands like everyone else are struggling to meet their targets under the harsh economic realities we face, yet, rather than support the domestic league and create jobs and wealth locally they have continued to spend their dwindling resources on further entrenching the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League in Nigeria – feeding the already fat Europeans while deepening poverty in our country. What I find incredibly surprising is how these brands cannot understand that they kill their own businesses doing this.

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Asisat Oshoala and Dalian Quanjian FC teammates celebrating their victory

and go there.”

But the move south did not pan out: “It was good initially but I had a few issues and I had to choose whether to make the switch to the Chinese Super League.”

Football in China is a different kettle of fish from that in England.

However, it is also surprisingly competitive and growing. “We have more top players moving here from Europe. I get messages from different players around the world that want to know what the league is like. Of course the pay is better but it’s not just about the pay. Lots just want to experience something dramatically different.”

And while the overall level may be considered lower, it is a more level playing field across the league.

“When you go to England or France you see teams taking 7-0, 8-0 beatings but you don’t get that in China.

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

It’s much more even. Every team has players in the national team and players from abroad. That’s what you need.

“I think this is one of the best leagues I’ve played in because it’s rare you see games with large margins. It’s difficult and competitive.

If you don’t have a strong character and are coming from Europe for the first time, I think you would find it tough to adapt.”

While her club football is more settled, she plans on staying in China for at least another season, but the situation with the coachless Nigeria national women’s team is a struggle: “It has been difficult for the team so far. It has been hard for the girls fighting for wages.

The team held a sit-in protest over unpaid allowances following their 2016 ACN win. But I spoke with the federation President and they have a couple of friendly games lined up. One with France on April 4, has been announced already and I think 2018 will be better for us.”

Being reliant on hand outs from the men’s side is not the answer for Oshoala, though. “We don’t want to be sharing with the men’s team anymore and waiting for the funds to be able to do things. We need our own committees that can run things for the women. We also need top professional coaches. Football is getting harder. There are many teams out there that are getting better every year. We need to do everything within our reach to move forward, keep people in Africa and make us strong enough to compete on a world stage.”

igerians have probably blown over one trillion naira on the European game over the last 20 years, money that when it leaves our shores never comes back.

Even as broke as we are now, in 2018 we will blow at least a further N50b.

The sub-saharan broadcaster currently pays 84m pounds (N40.9b) annually for the EPL TV rights. Nigeria probably accounts for half its revenue projections, which would mean, plus profits, an amount in excess of N20b.

Add the vast sums we spend travelling to the UK to watch live games and buy merchandise. Captains of industry who should be concerned about the capital flight and top political leaders who should worry about creating value for the electorate, are the ones in the vanguard of this detrimental culture.

A few fly in their private jets to watch EPL games live, while some others join resources to charter planes. Some fly first class in commercial airlines, many fly business class and thousands fly economy to watch these games. If 25,000 trips are done yearly with an average of 2,000 pounds spent, that is a further 50m pounds (N24b) out of our economy to the UK. Then there are those who do not travel but order club items online or buy directly from retailers across Nigeria. That is probably another N3b-N5b industry. Then add the billions some of our brands spend to bring us the games. Some even sign direct sponsorship contracts with EPL and other European clubs. That is likely another N5b taken out of our economy. By the time you add the UEFA Champions League spend for rights, advertising and tourism, we would be way over N50b. This is a joke, and it is why we are seen as a basket case around the world. Chances are that of every N100 we make in Nigeria, N70 finds its way overseas under different guises, football being just one of them.

No nation can survive, let alone prosper, that way. How does it make sense that Arsenal FC of London has more fans in Lagos than in the entire UK?! How does it make sense that outside London, Third-World Lagos is the city where the most Arsenal jerseys are sold - not wealthy cities like Tokyo, Shanghai, New York, Berlin?! How does it make sense that fans die in Nigeria defending the honour of their foreign clubs?!

If we continue to invest in other people and economies and not our own, we will continue to be poor however much we pray and whoever the leaders we elect into public office. Just to underline the poverty in our minds, China currently pays just 13m pounds to watch the EPL. For some perspective, sub-saharan Africa is the poorest region in the world, while China is the second largest economy in the world. The Chinese also love football and have a larger population than the entire Africa, yet they pay six times less to watch the EPL than us in sub-saharan Africa.

Of all the sponsors perpetuating the European game in Nigeria, the ones I find

Dikko

most frustrating are the banks. Banks are supposed to understand the way money works, but sub-saharan banks appear a different breed. Around the world banks are leading sponsors of domestic sports, it makes easy sense. All the money generated from sports ends up in banks. When people travel around the country, when lawyers negotiate business deals for clubs and players, when architects and builders upgrade infrastructure or build new ones, when medical practitioners manage the health of stars, when hotels accommodate visitors from other cities in town to support their clubs or favourite stars, when farmers increase sales to food vendors as fans celebrate, when retailers sell club merchandise, when advertising agencies get briefs to build sports brands, the list goes on, all the money ends up in banks.

In South Africa, for instance, ABSA bank has sponsored the Premier Soccer League for ten years, and recently signed a five-year extension of the contract. In Nigeria, rather than build our local sports, our banks splash the scarce resources they (we) have on the European game, under the guise that they are reaching more eyeballs. As I have asked many times here, are they not aware that many of the eyeballs in Nigeria have lost their jobs, or had their salaries slashed, or have not been paid for months, meaning many cannot even take action if they find the advertisers’ proposition interesting?

One day we will wise up to how the world really works. Meanwhile high fives to the League Management Company for keeping the league running even in the face of scant sponsorship. They must however engage society more to succeed. They must also work more with key professional bodies to help sell the message that football is a multi-billion naira industry from which every professional benefits handsomely.

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Can Liverpool Halt City's Unbeaten Run? Ă’Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?Ă? ÞÒÓĂ? ĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă•Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ă‹ ÖÙÞ Ă™Ă? Ă—Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÒ̋åËÞĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ʨâÞĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ę°Ă?Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;Ăš ÞÙÙÕ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ? Ă?ÞËÑĂ? åÓÞÒ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂšĂœĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁ Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž ĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă• Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă‘Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒÓĂ? ĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă•Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ăž Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ÓÞã ÞÙ Ă˜Ę¨Ă?Ă–ĂŽ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜Ě‹Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ— Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂšĂ™Ă™Ă–Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă—Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă? ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂŽĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ ÞÙÚ̋Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ę¨Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂšĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄĂ–ĂŁ Ă?ĂœĂ™ĂĄĂ˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹ĂœËœ ÙÒË××Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă‹Ă’

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he Premier League returns this weekend after an FA Cup hiatus with a heavyweight clash between Liverpool and Manchester City while Arsenal cannot afford two be cut adrift in the race for Champions League places.

Chelsea take on Leicester in a clash of the past two winners of the Premier League, Spurs host Everton, secondplaced Manchester United play Stoke and Arsenal, in sixth spot, travel to Bournemouth.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool host Manchester City on Sunday in the first match since Philippe Coutinho's big-money transfer to Barcelona. The club's "Fab Four" of the Brazilian, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have terrorised opposition defences this season.

Liverpool have scored 50 goals in the Premier League, second only to Manchester City, and five more than secondplaced Manchester United.

And they have shored up their suspect defence by paying an eye-watering ÂŁ75 million to Southampton for defender Virgil Van Dijk. Klopp hailed Coutinho's "professionalism" as the Brazilian secured his dream move. On paper the team still have plenty of goals in them but have they lost the player who made them tick?

There are signs that Liverpool may be the first team to beat Manchester City in the Premier League this season when the two sides meet at Anfield on Sunday, according to Thierry Henry.

Pep Guardiola's men travel to Merseyside on Super Sunday with an imposing 15-point lead in the table having gone 22 matches unbeaten in the league so far this campaign.

One of those games saw City thrash Liverpool 5-0 in the reverse fixture at the Etihad back in September, although the final result was clouded by the first-half sending-off of forward Sadio Mane when the score was only 1-0.

However, Liverpool had already caused their opponents sufficient problems prior to Mane's dismissal for Henry to think Jurgen Klopp's team can be just as dangerous this weekend.

"We had flashes of that in the game at the Etihad. I would have liked to see that game without Mane getting sent off because Liverpool were well in the game before that and it would have been interesting. The teams that created the most trouble to Man City are the teams are the bottom of the league. At the beginning of the Carabao Cup they played Wolverhampton and they went to the penalty kicks against them," the former Arsenal and France forward told Sky Sports.

"We saw what happened with Bristol City, Bournemouth, Southampton, West Ham and Huddersfield - they struggled against these type of teams. I do not know why because you would like to think they struggle against teams like Chelsea and the like.

"We all know how they played against Chelsea, they just bossed the game. But Liverpool was the team that up until the sending-off you were like, 'there is something here.'"

City will face a Liverpool side, though, minus Philippe Coutinho, who recently joined Barcelona in a fee worth ÂŁ146m.

The absence of the Brazil playmaker at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, however, does not mean Liverpool cannot become the first team to beat City in the league this season, according to Henry.

Klopp will still employ a forward line of Mane and Mo Salah, either side of Roberto Firmino, a potent-looking front three with impressive support in midfield the envy of most clubs in the Premier League in Henry's view.

Liverpool striker, Sadio Mana was send o in the reverse ďŹ xture against Manchester City after judged to have fouled City's goalkeeper, Ederson

"You still have Firmino, Salah, Mane - I mean, this is not a bad front three," said the Sky Sports pundit. "You would obviously prefer to have that front with Coutinho as a No 10.

"Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is there, Adam Lallana is back, but obviously you are going to miss Coutinho. The amount of goals he has scored from outside the box is just ridiculous.

You have to move on though and Liverpool will always be Liverpool."

Of that eye-catching trio, it is Salah - who is expected to return to action against City after a recent groin injury - who has most impressed Arsenal's record goal scorer with his all-round play for Liverpool this campaign.

Salah, 25, has contributed an incredible 23 goals and eight assists in just 29 games in all competitions in his debut season with the Reds, form that in Henry's view makes the player a real threat to City's long unbeaten run.

"I said at the beginning of the season he can be the new Coutinho - obviously I did not know that Coutinho was going to leave," Henry said.

"What I like about him is that he is not bothered about coming to get the ball. He is constantly running behind you, and as right

Head to Head 17/09/09 17/19/03 16/31/12 16/02/03 15/21/11

Man City Man City Liverpool Liverpool Man City

5-0 1-1 1-0 3-0 1-4

Liverpool Liverpool Man City Man City Liverpool

15/01/03 14/25/10 14/13/04 13/26/12 13/03/02 12/26/08 12/03/01 11/27/11 11/11/04 10/23/08 10/21/02

Liverpool Man City Liverpool Man City Man City Liverpool Man City Liverpool Liverpool Man City Man City

2-1 3-1 3-2 2-1 2-2 2-2 3-0 1-1 3-0 3-0 0-0

Man City Liverpool Man City Liverpool Liverpool Man City Liverpool Man City Man City Liverpool Liverpool

back or a centre back, you do not want to run that way the whole game. And that is all he does.

"It is actually scary as look at the actual amount of goals he scores, but also look at the amount of goals he missed - one versus one, not easy goals at the end of the day, because they are not easy.

"But goals you would like to think that if he starts to work on his calmness, pose, do what you have to do, he is going to destroy teams even more so than what he is doing right now because I think he missed more goals than he scored.

"And the ones that he missed were easier than the ones he scored! I always have been a big fan, he is having an amazing season with Liverpool."

However, it is not just in attack where Liverpool are sure to cause City problems on Sunday, but crucially they will also be stronger at the back after the recent ÂŁ75m

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

22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22

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signing of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk. "People tend to concentrate on the amount of goals a team scores, but what makes the difference is the amount of goals you do not concede," said Henry.

"Yes I think he will bring something - not he will, he has to, he must bring something.

That is why they got him. They did not only get him because of what he can do as a footballer, but what he can bring as a leader.

Fixtures TODAY Chelsea Crystal Palace HuddersďŹ eld Newcastle Watford West Brom Tottenham SUNDAY Bournemouth Liverpool MONDAY Man Utd

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v

Stoke City

8 p.m

Hotshot Harry Kane

Tottenham

18

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

17

Raheem Sterling

Man City

14

Sergio Aguero

Man City

13

Alvaro Morata

Chelsea

10

Romelu Lukaku

Man Utd

10

Wayne Rooney

Everton

10

Roberto Fermino

Liverpool

9

Jamie Verdy

Leicester

9

Alex Lacazette

Arsenal

8

Gabriel Jesus

Man City

8

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ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

L-R- The Chairman of Emzor board, Mr Emeka Okoli ,Asisat Oshoala(CAF Women Footballer of The Year),the Group Managing Director of Emzor, Dr Stella Okoli (OON) and the Executive Director of the company, Mrs Uzoma Ezeoke at the presentation of the award in Lagos .... last Monday in Lagos.

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Edo Cricket Association Drills 200 Children Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Edo State Cricket Association yesterday in Benin City, organised a coaching clinic for 200 pupils of selected primary schools in Benin City as part of the commencement of the new cricket season in the state.

The Vice Chairman of the Edo Cricket Association, Abraham Oviawe, who spoke about the clinic, said the essence is to “catch them young.�

He said the children who have been through the theoretical aspect of cricketing, would also be made to practice what they have learnt in the classroom by playing the game in the Oval.

Oviawe said further that the coaching clinic would herald new cricket season that would commence today.

The Edo Cricket Association Chairman, who expressed happiness over the turn out of the pupils and their teachers, said the clinic is a deliberate effort aimed at pupolarising the sport in Edo. While noting that tremendous progress has been made to boost the game of cricket in the state within the last two years, Oviawe however, stressed that a lot of ground still needed to be covered.

According to him, “I must tell you that since the cricket re-launch in 2016 in the state, following decades

of neglect, the association has recorded a lot of progress, not only in the aspect of popularising the sport, but also in terms of sponsorship. “In the association, we have a chairman, Uyi Akpata, who has worked relentless to change the face of cricket in Edo and beyond. “Aside deploying his personal resources, the association, through him, now has two major sponsors for the state cricket.�

Speaking on the coaching clinic, the national team coach, Ogbimi, while commending the state association, said if sustained, the game of cricket would never be the same in the state.

Bundesliga Returns Live on StarTimes StarTimes subscribers this weekend will continue to enjoy live matches from the Bundesliga season as two giants of the Bundesliga, Bayern Leverkusen and Bayern Munich returned to action yesterday on StarTimes World football (channel 254 and 245).

Bayern Munich Coach, Heynckes - the brains behind Bayern's 2012/13 unprecedented Bundesliga, DFB Cup and UEFA Champions League haul - has worked wonders since returning to the hot seat

in place of Carlo Ancelotti on October 6, 2017.

Despite a run of sublime wins, the Bundesliga squad is littered with injuries and have started the New Year on the wrong foot. Manuel Neuer (metatarsal), Thiago Alcantara (muscle), Christian Fruchtl (ankle), Marco Friedl (wound), Mats Hummels (ill) and Robert Lewandowski are unlikely to be available for selection against Bayer Leverkusen this Friday.

According to the Brands and Marketing

Director at StarTimes, Qasim Elegbede, the pay TV Company is steadily fulfilling its commitment to delivering a fine mix of pulsating live sporting matches to its customers and football lover. “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.

Bayern Youth Cup Tournament Kicks off Today StarTimes Nigeria, official partner of the FC Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria Tournament has announced that the maiden edition of the competition will kick off today, in Abuja.

In December 2017, StarTimes announced it was in partnership with VOE Foundation to bring the FC Bayern Youth Cup to Nigeria. The competition is a U-16 tournament for boys born between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2003.

According to the Brand and Marketing Director at StarTimes, the National Qualifiers will take place in eight locations across Nigeria Kano, Jos, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland and the Federal Capital Territory-Abuja. “The national qualifiers will officially commence on the 13th of January, 2018 in Abuja, we are working with VOE Foundation, the national event host and

all is set for the competition to kick off today,� he added.

The FC Bayern Youth Cup is an international 7v7 tournament series for U-16 teams representing different countries and has been hosted annually since 2012. The competition has seen teams from Asia, Europe, North and South America. Nigeria will be the first African team to take part and host the competition.

Lebanese Emerges Winner of Panenka Spot-kick Challenge A Lebanese, Hassan Akar, has emerged winner of the maiden edition of Panenka Spot-Kick Challenge, pocketing a hundred thousand naira cash prize.

Panenka Spot-Kick Challenge is a knockout styled game show in which the last man standing wins a penalty contest between a designated number of contestants. The penalty kick challenge, held in Benin recently, was keenly contested by eleven players comprising eight males and three females. The competition had three knock-out stages. Each player

was allowed to take a shot on the goal while it was defended by a goalkeeper.

Five players were eliminated in the first round and four players in the second round, leaving Hassan Akar and Peter Arewan, to contest in the final round.

Peter, the last Nigerian standing and fan’s delight, couldn’t find the net as the goal keeper intercepted the shot. Though the goalkeeper followed Hassan’s shot to the right, the ball was too fast for him to interrupt its movement into the goal post.

While congratulating Hassan, the

promoter of the event, Osahon Aimiuwu, said that though penalty kicks seem very easy, but are not really easy to score as most people would think. “In Panenka Spot-Kick Challenge, contestants essentially gain physical and psychological exercise benefits in attempting to repeatedly successfully convert their penalty kicks while ultimately standing the chance of improving their welfare by winning the designated prize money and other significant gift items,�

He said.

Australian Open

Five Major Stars that can Win in Melbourne There may be no Andy Murray, but the men's tournament will have no shortage of returning stars who will all be aiming to start 2018 by claiming the Australian Open title.

Rafael Nadal The world No 1 came agonisingly close to winning a second title in Melbourne last year, losing in five thrilling sets to Roger Federer in the final. He stayed injury free until the final stages of his brilliant 2017 campaign, winning a 10th French Open title and then claiming the US Open, before familiar knee problems returned putting an end to his season at the ATP Finals in London.

The Spaniard will be determined to go one better in Australia this year, but there are more concerns over his fitness after he pulled out of his scheduled opening two tournaments of 2018 in Abu Dhabi and Brisbane, although he did take part in the Tie Break Tens event and then beat Dominic Thiem in a surprise exhibition match ahead of his first-round clash against 37-year-old Dominican Victor Estrella Burgos.

Roger Federer While his younger rivals battle their bodies, the 36-year-old is living the dream and looks a strong favourite to retain his title and become the first man to hit 20 Grand Slam singles titles. After last year's throwback season and 12 months on from his remarkable feat in Melbourne, there is nothing to suggest Federer will be in anything less than top shape at a tournament he has won five times.

The Swiss world No 2 has landed in a stacked half of the draw, with Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Tomas Berdych and Gael Monfils all potentially lying in wait. He will open the defence of his title against Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene.

Novak Djokovic Djokovic lost only once at the Australian Open between 2011 and last year, when he suffered a shock second-round defeat to Denis Istomin. It was the latest stumble for the former world No 1 but his 2017 took a more serious downward turn in the summer when, after pulling out during his Wimbledon quarter-final against Tomas Berdych, he announced he would be taking the rest of the season off to rehabilitate an ongoing elbow problem.

The signs were less than positive when he suffered more pain in the elbow and withdrew from his scheduled opening tournament of 2018 in Abu Dhabi. But there has been more optimism since and how Djokovic, now ranked 14th, performs in Melbourne will be one of the most fascinating aspects of the tournament. No man has won more singles titles here than the Serbian so it would be a fitting venue for a return to the winners' circle when he opens up against American Donald Young.

Grigor Dimitrov Last season gave renewed hope that Dimitrov might still blossom into the Grand Slam champion he seemed set to become as an extravagantly-talented junior.

The Bulgarian came agonisingly close to beating Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals in Melbourne when he went down in a five-set humdinger, but finished the season ranked third after winning the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals in London. He could meet Nick Kyrgios in a fourth-round blockbuster, which would be a rematch of their Brisbane semi-final last week, won by the gifted but combustible Aussie.

Juan Martin del Potro Del Potro has not played in Melbourne for four years because of his injury troubles but heads back with his status as a Grand Slam contender restored by his memorable run to the US Open semifinals. Battling illness, the Argentinian came back from the dead against Dominic Thiem before shocking Roger Federer and went on to finish the season very strongly.

The 29-year-old has continued 2018 where he left off with a 21st career title looming at this week's ASB Classic in Auckland and he will return to the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings for the first time since August 2014 when he gears himself up for a first-round test against the hugely-talented American Frances Tiafoe.

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀

When Sports Stars Make a Run at Politics

Sebastian Coe

GÂ

eorge Weah rose from humble beginnings in a slum to play for some of Europe's best teams, garnering an array of footballing accolades along the way. He then turned his sight on politics and, after a number of failed attempts, won elected office as senator in 2014. He is now gearing up to take over the top job.

Not many former sports stars have made it as far as Mr Weah, but it's not uncommon to see them joining the political fray - often assisted by an established public presence and, perhaps, by the ambition and drive that helped them succeed in the sporting arena.

Here is a handful of examples from around the world One of the first to spring to mind may be Imran Khan, who enjoyed an illustrious career playing for Pakistan's national cricket team between 1976 and 1992, and leading it to its only World Cup victory in 1992.

He then took to philanthropy and politics, launching his own political party in 1996. He first won a seat in the National Assembly in 2002 and his party was established as a serious political force in 2013 elections.

Wrestling in a new ring Among the best-known examples in the US is Jesse "The Body" Ventura, a Navy Seal and Vietnam veteran who shot to fame as a wrestler and commentator in the 1970s and 1980s.

He went on to become a city mayor in Minnesota before creating a political shockwave in 1998 when he unexpectedly defeated both Republican and Democratic candidates to become state governor.

Arnold Schwarzenegger experienced his first success as a bodybuilder in his native Austria, before he moved into roles in action films. He won Mr Universe at 20 and went on to win the Mr Olympia title seven times, and remains the best-known name in the industry. He served as Californian governor from 2003 to 2011.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

In American football, Jack Kemp was a 1960s star quarterback who went on to serve in Congress for 18 years as a Republican and became a conservative hero to the Reagan wing of the party. e made unsuccessful attempts to run for both the presidency and vice-presidency but did serve as housing secretary in the cabinet of George Bush Senior.

On the Democrats' side, the best-known example may be Bill Bradley, star basketball player with the New York Knicks who went on to become senator for New Jersey for 18 years.

Off the ball in Brazil Politicians have also emerged from Brazilian football.

RomĂĄrio was Fifa's World Player of the Year in 1994 but also earned an image as a bad boy. His reinvention as a politician came with the birth of his sixth child, who had Down's Syndrome - first as a disability campaigner, then as elected congressman.

He remains in ofďŹ ce today.

SĂłcrates played football for Brazilian clubs and its national side for more than a decade from 1974, earning 60 caps for Brazil and captaining the much-admired (though ultimately losing) national squad for the 1982 Fifa World Cup. Image copyright AFP Image caption Socrates' intellectualism and political activism earned him the nickname "The doctor of the ball" Unusually for a footballer, he also earned a degree in medicine and was known for his outspoken political views and intellectualism, earning him the sobriquet Doctor SĂłcrates.

SĂłcrates did not seek elected office but his influence extended far beyond the football pitch when he co-founded the Corinthians Democracy movement in opposition to the military government and publicly demanded direct presidential elections.

Athletes switching tracks Athletes are fairly well-represented in politics, including some of the few women to have made the switch.

In the UK, Sebastian (now Lord) Coe went from leading track-and-field athlete to Conservative politician and life peer in the

Romario

Manny Pacquiao

House of Lords, while former Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell was once known as "the fastest white man on the planet" and held the British 100m record.

Tanni Grey-Thompson won 16 medals as a Paralympian and her activism within sport also saw her appointed a life peer in 2010.

Mexican Ana Gabriela Guevara is a 400m runner-turned-senator, while Kenyan long-distance runner Wesley

Korir - winner of the 2012 Boston Marathon - is now a member of parliament.

Boxing clever Boxing has also packed a punch in the world of politics.

In the Philippines, legendary fighter Manny Pacquiao first won election to congress in 2010 and is a senator today, while in Ukraine three-time world heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko is mayor of Kiev.

35

ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Man City Prepared to Miss Out on Sanchez over Fee

M

anchester City are prepared to risk missing out on Alexis Sanchez - possibly to Manchester United - rather than pay Arsenal's ÂŁ35m asking price. It is also understood Sanchez's agent wants ÂŁ5m for his part in the deal, taking the overall tally to ÂŁ40m - double what City are willing to pay.

Sanchez, 29, will leave the Gunners in January if a suitable offer arrives and a replacement is secured.

United boss Jose Mourinho said Sanchez is a "phenomenal player" on Friday.

"Sanchez is an Arsenal player," Mourinho added. "I don't know but probably this weekend he is going to defend Arsenal colours, so I don't think it's correct to say things about Alexis Sanchez.

"Myself and the Manchester United board and owners, we don't believe a lot in the January market. We don't believe in signing a player just to sign a player.

"What we believe is there are some players in the football world, if you have the chance to sign them in January, March or July, you have to try. And that's it."

French side Paris St-Germain have also been linked with the Chile forward but Sanchez's preference is to join Manchester City.

However, given Gabriel Jesus' knee injury is now not as bad as initially feared - City boss Pep Guardiola said on Thursday the Brazil forward could be back in action "in two or three weeks" - the club do not view such a huge outlay on a player who would be available for nothing in the summer as being worthwhile.

City also feel the player is determined to leave Arsenal come what may this month, so their stance could lead to him joining a rival club.

Guardiola would not be drawn on his interest in Sanchez at Friday's news conference before their trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

He said: "I don't answer. I understand the question, you do your job, you know my answer. I'm focused on Liverpool."

It is understood the Gunners hierarchy have accepted that Sanchez is likely to depart after

three and a half years at Emirates Stadium.

However, Arsenal are reluctant to sell without replacing him and their first choice is Bordeaux's 20-year-old Brazilian forward Malcom.

"Normally he would stay until the end of the season - but we'll see," said Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, the Frenchman added: "Nothing is really concrete at the moment and nothing is decided one way or another. Of course I want a quick resolution." If a deal cannot be agreed with any club, Sanchez will be able to leave when his contract expires in the summer - a

situation Arsenal are keen to avoid as they would receive nothing.

Sanchez almost joined City for about ÂŁ60m on the final day of the summer window, only for the transfer to collapse when Arsenal failed to sign Monaco and France midfielder Thomas Lemar.

'It would be a coup for United over City' Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville said Sanchez would be an "absolutely unbelievable signing" for the Old Trafford club. "If you look back at Manchester United's big signings over the decades, Eric Cantona came out of the hat, Robin van Persie was a surprise - and they both helped

United win titles," Neville told Sky Sports.

"This could have a similar impact. He's got the character to play at Old Trafford. It would be a coup, particularly for United fans, to have a player like Sanchez come to them over City. It would be a strong statement."

Meanwhile, former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has told the BBC that Arsenal should have cut their losses on Sanchez sooner.

"It was an unbelievable offer from Manchester City," said Schwarzer.

"They should have got rid of him. He's not the same player and his mind hasn't been at Arsenal this season. The sooner they get rid of him, the better for Arsenal."

the quality of the chances are there. He has missed 13 out of the 17 clear-cut chances he has had, according to Opta.

But for some reason he is not firing in the league and, as we have seen, Real lack the alternatives to cope.

With their forwards not scoring as much as usual, that places increased important on Real's midfield to control matches, keep possession and frustrate opposition teams. They are not doing that as well as Zidane would like.

Even last season, Real averaged less than 55 per cent possession, as they

relied on their forwards to outscore their opponents.

But now that inability to keep possession and kill games off is proving costly - and that has been particularly evident away from home, where they have failed to win any of their last four.

That's their worst run in La Liga since December 2008.

We can also talk about a lack of a Plan B for Zidane - or his failure to implement it correctly - while the importance of the Champions League to the club has become a distraction domestically.

Real Madrid's Problems Exposed

W

hile Zinedine Zidane has enjoyed huge success at Real Madrid, the pressure is on.

We explain why the backto-back Champions League winners are struggling so badly in La Liga this season...

Zinedine Zidane is facing the biggest test of his time in charge of Real Madrid.

After winning eight out of 10 titles in 22 months, his team have already dropped 19 points this season. Their Clasico defeat to Barcelona before Christmas underlined their problems and means a defence of their La Liga title is out of the question.

That was compounded by their 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo last week. Afterwards Florentino Perez went into the changing room. While that isn't unheard of, he stayed longer than usual, which has raised questions about Zidane's future - despite the coach saying he has a contract until 2020.

So what has gone wrong?

Let's start at the back. Real Madrid's defence has conceded 16 goals from 17 games this season. While it's not a huge number - and only three teams have conceded fewer - it's twice as many as Atletico Madrid have let in and 10 more than Barcelona. And both of those sides have played a game more.

Worryingly for Zidane, his defence were unable to hold out against Celta Vigo after going 2-1 up last weekend. Valencia, Girona, Malaga and Barcelona have all scored more than once in matches against them, while lower league Fuenlabrada and Numancia did that against them in the Copa del Rey. Dani Carvajal and Marcelo remain firstchoice full-backs at Real but in an attacking sense they have not been as successful as they were last season.

The pair directly contributed to 16 goals between them last season but that impact from out wide just hasn't been there this time around.

Nineteen-year-old Achraf Hakimi has stepped in at right-back at times and looked promising, scoring his first goal for the club against Sevilla. But Real have not been as dangerous from those wide areas.

The most evident problem for Real Madrid is their lack of cutting edge up front. The numbers are remarkable.

Real Madrid hit the net 106 times last season. Cristiano Ronaldo was top scorer with 25 but Alvaro Morata, Karim Benzema and Isco all reached double figures.

However, this season their scoring rate has dropped from 2.8 goals per game to 1.9 and no player has scored more than four times in the first 17 games.

Zidane is not one to work hard at patterns of play, he trusts the quality of his players to make the difference. But his key performers are no longer delivering goals and he is struggling to find a solution.

Ronaldo, Isco, Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio each have just four goals, while struggling Benzema has scored only two.

There is no doubt Real have missed Bale, who has struggled with injuries. His two goals against Celta mean he has now been involved in 11 goals in his last 13 games with seven goals and four assists.

But his absence has highlighted a major concern for Real.

Even Cristiano Ronaldo has found it tough.

It has been a strange season so far for Ronaldo. He scored in the Spanish Super Cup first leg before being sent off, as Real beat Barcelona, and he hit the winner in their Club World Cup final victory over Gremio.

He also set a record by scoring in every Champions League group phase game, scoring nine times in those six matches.

Yet, in La Liga he has just four goals from 13 appearances and Real have badly missed his interventions.

His finishing has let him down because

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

FAIRGROUND

Hopeful Hearts Youth Workshop

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

T

he first edition of The Hopeful HeartsYouth Conference was held recently. It is a mentoring, counseling and prayer programme for the youth who need to be guided mentored and prayed through the turbulent period of teenage life and early adulthood, a necessary aid to set the foundation for a successful life and marriage.

According to Modupe Kazzen, who is the convener and visioner of the workshop, “Our vision is to try to curb/reduce the alarmingly increasing rate of moral decadence and marital failure among the youths in our society today through counseling, mentoring, prayers and regular workshops with men and women who through their own exemplary lifestyles, marriage and professional experience have a deep understanding of purpose in life, marriage and society.�

The essence of this programme is to engage the youths in a speak out session, encouraging them to speak out on issues pertinent to their wellbeing and future which they may have difficulty discussing with the adults around them.

The motive is to impact them with the correct balance of mindset and to encourage them to forge ahead regardless of whatever the world may be throwing at them presently.

With their questions answered and their hope restored, the organisers were able to set them on the right track to fulfilling their destinies. Cross section of Youths listening to Modupe kazeem Kazeem said that “The entire vision to see the lives of the youths turned around really can’t be achieved in one programme, but we have started the ball rolling with this first programme.�

The Hopeful Hearts Global Network is coordinated by Kazeem. It is a non-denominational, non-profit making organisation and two-fold Ministry; first to matured singles, widows, widowers, divorcees, single parents who have suffered marital delays or setbacks at some point or the other, and to the youths, aged 18 and above with powerful potentials who need to build their future.

They are a team of professional and accomplished men and women who have volunteered their time to serve as counselors and mentors to the youths as a way of contributing their own quota to the development of their children and the society in general by ensuring that their children and other youths are adequately prepared and guided to fulfill their purpose Mrs Abiola Orojo Mrs Adebola Awolowo Mrs Kemi Onalaja and Pastor Ilori and destiny regardless of the distractions confronting them on a daily basis.

Patron-Pastor Ituah Ighodalo- Senior Pastor Trinity House is one of the conveners and visioners.

Other counselors and Mentors Included Mr Ademola Akinrele- Senior Advocate Of Nigeria, Pastor Kola Olayebi Edward- District Pastor Sorting Out- An Arm Of Living Faith Foundation, Mrs AdebolaAwolowo-Assessor In Magistrate Court On Famly Affairs, Pastor Kemi Onalaja, Pastor-in-Charge Hour of Liberty Ministries, Mrs. Abiola Orojo- a Certified Coach, Trainer and Facilitator and a special guest speaker, a reputable female music maker in Africa, Waje.

Pastor Kola Olayebi- Edward

Tolu Akinrele , Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Modupe Kazeem Youths enjoying the interactive session

Waje and Modupe Kazeem

Youths enjoying the interactive session

Mr Ademola Akinrele addressing the Youths

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

FAIRGROUND

AMAA 2018: Organisers Call for Entries

T

he 14th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), the Premier Africa’s film awards countdown has begun and the Africa Film Academy cordially inviting filmmakers to submit their feature, short, animation and documentary works for consideration in nearly 30 categories of the awards. The deadline for all submissions is 30th of this month; a late entry deadline is February 14.

Submission is on Film Freeway and in any of the AMAA offices across the continent.

Nominations will be announced in April while the awards night will be held on June 2, 2018 and televised globally. Only films produced and released between June 2016 and January 2018 may be entered for this celebration of African cinema.

The Africa Movie Academy Awards was founded in 2005. Mostly held annually in Nigeria, the AMAAs is without doubt the most prestigious and glamorous African entertainment industry event of its kind on the continent. Evolving from a one day event -- televised live -- to an annually chronicled African event, the AMA Awards is now an established engagement platform for filmmakers, industry professionals and all creative industry stakeholders. The primary aim of the AMA Awards is to facilitate the development and the showcasing of the social relevance of African film and cinema.

The awards are presented to recognise and

honour excellence in professional filmmaking in the African film industry and the African Diaspora.

Over the years, the award presentation has been attended by numerous international media representatives, Hollywood celebrities, Nigerian politicians, other African politicians, journalists, film industry professionals, and actors and actresses from across Africa.

The 2017 African Movie Academy Awards took place on July 15th, 2017 at the Eko Hotels Convention Center in Lagos State, Nigeria.

The exciting and glitzy event was hosted by notable Nollywood actress Nse Ikpe Etim.

Awards were presented in about 30 categories including best animation, best Diaspora feature, Best Africa Film in the Diaspora and Best Diaspora Short Film Awards inclusive of Caribbean Shorts and Caribbean features, achievement in make-up, achievement in production design, and achievement in editing, achievement in screenplay, best actor and actress in a supporting role, and more.

The award for best African actor of the year went to Jahwar Soudani for his lead role in the Tunisian movie “Last of Us’’ while the Congolese born actress Vero Tshanda won the best actress for her lead role in the Senegalese movie FĂŠlicitĂŠ by Allan Gomis. “Feliciteâ€? emerged the biggest winner of the night and won the AMAA 2017 Best Film and lots more. Other winners include Akin Omotoso, who won the best director award,

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

Nkem Owoh who received the Lifetime Achievement Award and “76� which won the Lagos State Best Nigerian film award. The Best Diaspora Short was a joint award and the award was presented to the short films titled

’90 DAYS’ (USA) and ‘KBELA’ (BRAZIL).

Disney’s ‘Queen of Katwe’ won the award for Achievement in Costume Design and the Best Young/ Promising Actor award, which went to Medina Molanga.

‘Give Hope to The Slum Child Project Africa’ Goes to Makoko

L

ast December, the Give Hope to The Slum Child Project Africa team was live at the Makoko, a slum settlement in Lagos of about a hundred thousand people that live in shanties that are erected over muddy waters.

The give hope to the slum child programme Africa is a Nigerian youth based non-government organisation founded in 2011 by fie young men with value addition and hope conferring at the core of their persons and with a prime vision of putting smiles on African faces.

At the projects 8th edition, which held in December, over 100,000 lives were touched by both direct contact and ripple effect with quality smiles taking to the inhabitants of the great community of Makoko.

Loads of goodies were shared to individuals and families within the community with free school bags, math sets, stationeries and other essentials for quality schooling activities given to the kids .

A special intensive medical checkup, free medical consultations and free drug administration also held simultaneously. Children within the community were also offered free dental checkups, with the under 5 children given special attention via an extensive nutritional assessment package.

This great event was held in conjunction Itel mobile, one of the world’s largest mobile and tech brand. Members of staffs of the ite family were also on ground spreading joy and hope to adult and kids alike. History was made and it was Members of the Give Hope to the Slum Child project by a group of African youth.

Stephanie Linus Advocates Against Human TraďŹƒcking

I

n the wake of the increased rate of human trafficking being experienced

by Nigerians trying to migrate to Europe via Libya, Actress and Producer Stephanie Linus has recently arrived in Italy to give support to those rescued and raise her voice against such human rights violations.

This timely intervention is in partnership with the world-renowned international medical humanitarian organization “Doctors Without Borders� (MSF). Over the next few days, Mrs. Linus will visit the rescue ship “Aquarius� to witness their activities and operations. Later she will have meetings with some of these women; participate in rehabilitation exercises for the rescued women, media parleys and stakeholder meetings with the aim of alleviating their sufferings and preventing more girls and women from falling prey.

Stephanie Okereke-Linus and the doctors in italy

Doctors Without Borders is one of the most impactful humanitarian organization that rescues thousands of people who

faced hazardous conditions trying to enter Europe through the sea yearly. In 2017, the Aquarius (a rescue ship) has rescued

15,078 people.

Mrs Linus has been at the forefront of advocacy over sensitive issues that affect the rights of women and girls.

She has done this through several channels such as her advocacy movie – DRY, her role as UNFPA Ambassador; her charity organization Extended Hands Foundation and many more.

An increasing number of women, mainly from Nigeria, are being trafficked to Europe for sexual exploitation. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), there has been an almost 600% increase in the number of potential sex trafficking victims arriving in Italy by Sea since 2014. Many of these women were kidnapped against their will or lured with the promise of greener pastures.

Working together, we can get this percentage down drastically and hopefully soon with your help, eliminate this world issue.

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 13, 2018

TEENS

CONNECT From Me To You

– NKECHI IBENEME 08142358958 – (sms only)

I

Step up and take the torch!

f you are a wrestling enthusiast like me, and a fan of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), you must have watched the ‘torch taking’ match between 16-time world champion, John Cena and the big dog, Roman Reigns. Cena, who is a free agent, had gone to Raw to wrestle the big dog in a ‘passing of the torch’ match. As the match progressed, Cena realized that Reigns was indeed the big dog he had claimed to be and that he was ready to take over from him.

At the end of the match – which he painfully lost to Reigns, Cena said a most touching thing. He admitted that he couldn’t go on as he had done for many years. That he was going to slow things down

and glad that Reigns ‘took the torch’ from him. According to him, he didn’t pass the torch rather, Reigns took it from him. In other words, Reigns earned it.

Many adults are looking for worthy youths to hand over the reins of things to. So many others are unwilling to step aside because they haven’t seen that young person that is worthy to receive the torch and keep it burning. In this age and time, many youths beat about the bush.

They find it difficult to focus and painstakingly achieve a goal.

No! Everybody wants to take the short cut. The get rich quick syndrome has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society and dealt a devastating blow to our value system as a people. A young

man can now proudly tell you “I am a G”, “I do yahoo” and feel really cool with himself that he’s making money and would soon be competing with the Dangotes of this world. Really There’s this bizarre story of ‘Yahoo Plus boys’ which has gone viral on social media with photos of young boys about to enter into coffins naked – well, that’s a story for another day.

More and more girls are joining the ‘runs girls’ club. All what many of them care about are fashion, cars, phones, fancy trips and wild parties with different men. They devote little or no time to their studies with the hope of ‘setting’ the lecturers.

There’s this well composed piece making the rounds on WhattsApp,

I can’t readily remember the title now but it was directed at Nigerian youths telling them to step up and be counted. The write-up chronicled the past leaders of Nigeria and stated their age when they took over reins of office and power.

You find out that the oldest then was 33. The rest were in their 20s.

Fast forward to 2018, I believe we have even more talented youths than we had then. While many have derailed, many youths are standing, hoping and waiting.

Well, everybody cannot be at the centre, whatever little corner you find yourself, be sure to present a positive energy and impact. Step up and take the torch and ensure it doesn’t burn out on you.

Torch Bearers This year, we are going to feature a lot of torch bearers – men, women and youths who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers; be it in Politics, Business, Banking, Medicine, Civil Service, Sports, Entertainment, Fashion, Arts and Designs, Literally works and the Academia. Wherever the torch bearers are, we will find them and bring them to you.

Watch out!

College Blues There couldn’t be a better off and back to school advice than this one I found on scholarshipstudyadvisor. com; for students. It’s so apt, especially now that people are returning to school after the most indulging of all breaks – the Christmas holiday.

College can be the start of something wonderful: a chance for a fine education and a fulfilling career.

Unfortunately, bad student habits can contribute to poor student performance. If you are headed for college—or already attending— consider avoiding the following 10 anti-productive behaviors.

2. Skipping Early Mornay dodge ing Classes - You may entually you these for a bit, but eventually will be forced to take an earlymorning class. When you do, nd blowing turning off the alarm and peating the off class will lead to repeating emester. entire process the next semester.

Surpris3. Cell Phones in Classs - Surprisn entire ingly, you can survive an our cell class without checking your phone. Using one in class is annoying to lecturers and students, and you won’t learn a thing.

4. Snacking - Good nutrition often goes the way of sleep at college.

All the snacking on cheap junk 1. The All-Nighters – pulling all-nighters during the college years food leads to weight gain (the infamous Freshman 15) and to is a standard behaviour, but it is a poor health. poor way to master the material.

You simply cannot make up for 5. Wearing Dirty Clothes - This weeks of not studying by cramannoying student habit results ming overnight. Also, you will be from limited time, exhaustion, and tired and in terrible shape for the sheer laziness. Sure, doing laundry exams.

costs money, and sometimes you will be totally broke. But once you begin wearing your dirty underwear to philosophy class, l has pretty much broken civilization h down.

6. Plagiarism - plagiarism has always been dishonorable, but now it’s even easier to detect. Turning in someone else’s work as your own will get you a one-way ticket home to mom and dad.

7. Energy Drinks - Binging on these caffeine-laden sugary nightmares will give you energy in the short-term, but when you crash, you will be jittery, dehydrated, and generally a mess.

8. Dead Aunt Syndrome - You skipped class and need an a excuse so you can take a missed test. Even c the most clueless professors catch onto your game after the third funeral fu in one semester .

99.

Dropping Classes - Sometimes you will need to drop a class due to real conflicts with jobs and other classes. If you are dropping classes because they are “too hard,” you have a problem. You are there to be challenged. Work harder instead of bailing.

10. High School Hangover College is not high school. Your professors do not have to tolerate disrespect, poor attention or disruption. They can drop you from their rolls. So act like an adult.

I would add, drop the holiday hangover and sit up for real studies.

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JANUARY 13, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

What’s Your New Year Resolution?

It has become a tradition for people to make resolutions and set goals for themselves new year. TEENS CONNECT aksed some teenagers what the new year resolutions are for 2018. Read what they said.

More will be published next week Sesu Precious, 16

Sesu Favour, 15

Obi Chika, 15

Jimoh Aishat, 13

I want to publish my book – a collection of stories – this year.

I will work hard to develop my talent in singing and to go for as many competitions as possible.

I will work on my confidence. I want to improve on my self-esteem so that I can achieve great results and make my teachers and parents proud.

I want to be the best overall in my class.

I am in SS 1, Science, but I want to beat everyone in both Arts and Science. I have also resolved to get closer to God and be a better person. I want to win the COWBELLPEDIA competition and possibly an essay competition, become famous and travel around the world.

Ghetti Samuel, 18

Eze Emeka, 16

I am going to burn the midnight oil to pass JAMB very well and gain admission into the University of Ibadan.

My goal this year is to work hard academically and pass my WASCE in flying colours. Afterwards, learn a craft while waiting to gain admission into the university, so that when I am in the university, I would develop the craft and use it to support myself.

Emenike-Achi Chisom I want to be more serious with my studies. More obedient to my parents, and draw closer to God.

Benjamin Taiwo, 18

Adeniyi Tomiwa, 18

Adebayo Samuel, 14

I want to work hard and gain admission into the University of Lagos. I want to also pursue a career in modeling which I hope to continue even while in school.

My new year resolution is to get good grades in my exams this year and be a good boy at home. I want to use this opportunity to thank Governor Ambode of Lagos State for the roads he is constructing and appeal to him to keep building more roads this year.

My goal is to travel to New York City.

Adebayo Idris, 18 My plan is simply to work hard and gain admission into Babcock University.

Afolabi Dolapo, 19 My only goal this year is to work hard and gain admission into the university of my choice.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 13, 2018

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 13, 2018

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri Obstructing The Maina Probe Proves Buhari was Behind His Reinstatement

B

y now, my readers would be aware that the Buhari administration recently tried to get a Federal High Court to stop the Senate of the National Assembly’s probe into the reinstatement of Abdulrasheed Maina.

Malami’s argument to the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court was that the Senate lacked the powers to proceed with its investigation into Maina’s recall by the executive arm of government. Unfortunately, the court did not agree with him.

The judiciary must be commended for refusing to allow itself to be used by the government to protect one of the most hideous characters in the history of corruption in Nigeria.

But why on earth would President Muhammadu Buhari allow his Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, to undermine a probe into the truth of the Maina affair?

In the same way as he went to court to keep from showing his West African School Certificate, the Buhari administration has now gone to court to try to stop the probe into the Maina reinstatement.

Would a government without anything to hide do this? Remember, Maina said he would expose the Presidency cabal who brought him back if they do not protect him.

Is this action by the Attorney General of the Federation a measure in response to Maina’s threat?

The action runs counter to everything that President Muhammadu Buhari claims to stand for. It is an act of corruption from a supposedly anti-corruption administration.

Abdulrasheed Maina is allegedly one of the biggest thieves in Nigeria’s history. Not only did he steal, but he stole pension funds of our parents and grandparents, people who have served Nigeria well and meritoriously. This is the type of person that the Buhari administration is using state resources to try to protect?

And why should they even try to stop a probe when in fact the Senate gave them every opportunity to appear before the probe panel to state their own side of the story?

What does Maina have on the President? Did he sponsor the President’s election with his loot?

Or is he planning to sponsor the President’s re-election with his loot?

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, said, “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”

It is impossible that Maina reinstated himself.

A higher power had to have reinstated him. The Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita revealed that not only was the civil service that she heads opposed to Maina’s reinstatement, but that she warmed the President in person about the folly of the government’s planned action on

And why should they even try to stop a probe when in fact the Senate gave them every opportunity to appear before the probe panel to state their own side of the story? What does Maina have on the President? Did he sponsor the President’s election with his loot? Or is he planning to sponsor the President’s re-election with his loot?

Buhari

Maina BEFORE it was carried out.

In fact, in a leaked memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Oyo-Ita revealed as follows: “Please, note that the OHCSF was never in agreement with the reinstatement and consequently never conveyed the approval of the FCPC to Mr. A. A. Maina, nor approved his posting to the Ministry of Interior or any other MDA. Rather, 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 wide-ranging implications of the reinstatement of Mr. A. A. Maina, especially the damaging impact on the anti-corruption stance of this administration.”

When you factor in Sir. Conan Doyle’s maxim and the revelation by Mrs. Oyo-Ita above and add it to the latest attempts by the Attorney General of the Federation to stop the National Assembly’s probe into the Maina affair, there can only be one conclusion, and that is President Muhammadu Buhari is behind the Maina affair himself.

Let us shed any pretence. This President is as corrupt as they come. Obviously, he learnt under the best. He learnt his trade under General Sani Abacha, that notoriously kleptomaniac and bloodthirsty tyrant under whom Muhammadu Buhari served loyally as Executive Chairman of the notoriously corrupt Petroleum Trust Fund.

It has since come to light that Abdulrasheed Maina himself was an operative of the Abacha government, on whose behalf he allegedly undertook huge and bogus contracts as revealed by a Daily Trust investigative report on October 29, 2017.

Could this be the link? Could that be the connection between a much-beloved fugitive and the President who loves him?

But this latest attempt by the Buhari administration to cover up on the Maina issue is only the latest in a long line of cover-ups.

Ever a forgetful nation, we have so soon forgotten that the minister of state for petroleum resources, Ibe Kachikwu, revealed that $25 billion worth of contracts were awarded by the Group Managing (Damaging?) Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, without due process.

Till today, that allegation has not been probed or investigated. It had been swept under the carpet!

It has gone with the wind. The quantum of corruption under the Buhari administration is so high that the nation is no longer shocked when billions of dollars are allegedly usurped.

In which other nation could such an allegation be made and then be glossed over as has been done in Buhari’s Nigeria?

And then there is Babachir Lawal, Buhari’s infamous former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who was caught, red-handed, pilfering funds meant for Internally Displaced Persons.

Till today, he is a free man. He walks around freely. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that is so quick to pounce on opposition elements on mere suspicion seems to have lost its gumption when it comes to the former SGF. Then although I sympathize with the President over his son’s motorbike accident, there are still salient questions to be asked.

Yusuf Buhari has his power-bike accident on a BMW machine that allegedly costs in excess of $100,000. Where did the son of a man who had to take a bank loan from Union Bank to buy his Presidential nomination form get that type of money to buy a power bike?

I prayed for the young man. I wish him well.

But these are salient questions that have to be asked especially as his father has painted all other leaders as corrupt and himself the only clean man.

The only thing clean about Muhammadu Buhari in my opinion is that he is an expert in eat and clean your mouth.

The man has been a spectacular disappointment in every area of governance.

The one area where he was expected to do well is in the area of security being a former military general, but even there he had failed woefully!

According to esri.com, Boko Haram, a group that the Buhari administration claimed to have defeated, carried out more than 100 attacks in 2017 and killed 716 people - more people than AlQaeda killed worldwide. The Buhari government lives by pure propaganda. look at how they are trying to cover up Fulani herdsmen killings by claiming that herdsmen are ‘mere criminals’ forgetting that according to the Oxford English Dictionary, terrorism is “the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.”

Typically, the Buhari administration wants to cover up the fact that Fulani herdsmen are terrorists because they obviously use killings and maiming (their preferred mode of violence) to achieve their political aim of undermining the anti-grazing laws which they find distasteful to their marauding ways.

Again, taking into account the maxim by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the only reason one can reasonably give for the continued inaction by the Buhari government in the face of continuously horrific killings of Nigerian citizens by Fulani herdsmen is that the President, being of Fulani extraction, believes that where the interests of Nigeria collided with the interest of the Fulani, his loyalty should be to the Fulani.

But how long will this administration continue to cover up its corruption, tribalism and nepotism?

Only as long as we Nigerians allow them.

Thankfully, the Independent National Electoral Commission has just released the 2019 election time table in which the Presidential election is to hold in February of 2019.

My advice to one and all is to go and register to vote and then use your Permanent Voter Card to secure Nigeria’s independence by making February 2019 a month of FailBuhari.

Reno’s Nuggets Don’t buy expensive designer clothes if you have not built your house. First meet your needs before you meet you wants. A house is the most basic human need. One Gucci design can pay for part of the land. If you already have land, it can pay for blocks.

And even if you have a job, don’t put all your eggs in that basket. Get your side hustle. Never go home and watch TV. Instead go home and watch your side hustle grow. That’s how the people you watch on TV grew #RenosNuggets

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JANUARY 13, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

Meraki Collection by EsaLagos

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 13, 2018

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Meraki Collection

B

udding Nigerian fashion label EsaLagos finally unveiled it long-awaited prêt-a-porter collection called Meraki just in time for the holidays.

The debut collection represents a new phase for the EsaLagos woman, with classical silhouettes and elegant styles reflecting a relaxed yet glamorous approach to everyday wear.

The designer was drawn to the juxtaposition of femininity and strength enclosed

within today’s woman.

Fabrics used for this collection are soft, elegantly feminine. They include: chiffon, sheer, crepe, scuba, print and silk, playing host to a stunning display of fringe, layered sleeves, and lots more.

We sense you are imagining the dress on you already! What better way to look chic, trendy and classy all in one this holiday season.

Credits Designer: @esalagos Photography: @ayoalasi Models: @shadebonnie @folu.teres @ rhonkieponky Makeup:@mawriam

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fashogbon... ͸΀͸͝͝͞ͺ͚͸͸Î

L-R : Founder/Group Managing Director, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Dr Stella C. Okoli; Wife of the Vice President of the Federal republic of Nigeria, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo; Wife of the Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Mrs Bola Obasanjo at the annual Emzor Thanksgiving Dinner, held in Lagos recently.

L-R: Executive Secretary,Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria,ATCON , Ajibola Olude and Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu at the election and Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Internet Group in Lagos recently

Samsung, Uber Enter List of 2017 Worst Products A review of technology products globally by a U.S.-based financial news site, InvestorPlace.com, has listed Samsung and Uber as some of the worst products of 2017.

Recall that in 2016, Samsung was labelled to be among worst tech products of the year as a result of its faulty Galaxy Note 7 and Top Load Washing Machine which forced it to recall the products globally.

Currently leading the mobile market with its Android flagships, Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, Samsung new debut artificial intelligence system, Bixby, flopped its endeavours for the year 2017.

The system which is a major unique selling point of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ is designed to make device interaction easier and avoid the complexity of increasingly fully-featured devices.

It encompasses a range of different features

StarTimes still excite subscribers with 50% Subscription discount Promo Subscribers of leading digital Pay TV StarTimes are still benefiting from the 50 per cent subscription discount offer which kicked off since November 2017 as part of the Pay TV Christmas promotion for subscribers.

Speaking on the promo which is billed to last till January 31, 2018, the company said it’s Christmas promotion started quite early to give its esteemed subscribers the chance to enjoy their favourite channels for an extended period and also allow new subscribers get the best from its service offerings.

According to Brand and Marketing Director, StarTimes Nigeria, Qasim Elegbede “Subscribers who renew their subscription for at least one month within the offer period automatically got a 50% discount on their 2nd month subscription.

The offer he said “afforded some of our subscribers the opportunity to watch their favourite programmes lined up for the yuletide and New Year season without any form of interruption.�

StarTimes had upgraded its channel list on the Digital Terrestrial platform, allowing customers who use the antenna watch as much as 80 exciting channels cutting across Movies, News, Sports, Series, Kiddies, Animal Documentary, Religious Channels and lots more. “As at today, there are more than 80 fantastic channels where we show Bollywood movies, series and telenovelas 24hours a day. It gets better, we will be broadcasting the FIFA 2017 Club World Cup live on StarTimes. Subscribers should watch out for more offers to come during this period,� he added.

such as Bixby Voice, Bixby Vision, Bixby Home and Bixby Reminder and arranged to work across a range of the company’s products as well as wipe out a set of its previous technologies like S Voice.

The innovation came as an attempt to take on the likes of Siri, Google Assistant, Cortana and Alexa as experts said that it would have been an excellent score point for the ambitious company but turned out to be its falling agent of the year.

The firm ran into performance issue with the app when it could not include the English version on the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus at launch, despite a dedicated Bixby button. “Bixby voice support finally began rolling out to U.S. Galaxy S8 owners as a beta at the end of June. But the reception to Bixby has been less than stellar, to the point that Samsung released a software update that

lets Galaxy S8 users disable the Bixby button altogether. “Hopefully the functionality will improve with time, but for 2017, Bixby is pretty underwhelming in comparison to competing voice assistants, landing it on the list,� the reviewer stated further.

American transportation online Company, Uber, was also identified with displeasing products of the year past. The business which set out in 2009 with a mission to transform transportation in cities around the world had a lot of issues with regulators, consumers and workers in the year 2‘Tom’sguide’ considered the brand one of the failed products of 2017 as a result of numerous scandalous reports and ill consumers’ experience on the platform in the year.

In Nigeria for instance, the location-based app was one of the firms that set agenda

Lagos, Unilever Celebrates First Babies of the Year In the spirit of the season, Unilever Plc alongside the Lagos State Government have felicitated with the first babies of the New Year born in the state hospitals across Lagos.

The babies, numbering four were born at the Lagos Island Maternity, Gbagada General hospital and Ikorodu General Hospital and presented with Pears range of baby products in addition to a cash gift of N100,000.

The first two babies, a set of twins (girl and boy) were given birth to at Ikorodu General Hospital at 12.23am and weighed 2.9 kilogrammes and 3.2kg respectively.

In General Hospital, Gbagada, a baby boy, weighing 3.36kg was delivered at 12.05am while the first baby at the Lagos Island Maternity, was born at 12.05am and weighed 3.3kg.

Congratulating the families of the new babies, First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, expressed delight at the safe delivery of the babies and encouraged all mothers across the state not to deny their babies of routine immunisation that is needed for their healthy growth. “Just like the New Year, the

birth of a new baby brings joy to every home and family. As parents, we need to sustain this joy by giving the children adequate care especially in immunisation.

This is one of the ways we can help them to grow up and become healthy and happy children that we will all be proud of,� she said.

In her remark, Category Manager, Skincare, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Adetoun Adegbite commended the Lagos State Government for sustaining the ‘First baby of the year’ initiative.

She said, “Our partnership with the First Lady of Lagos State is in line with our commitment to achieve our vision of making sustainable living commonplace. Children are the future of any nation.

Supporting their families with our products to take care of them at this tender age, puts them on the right path of healthy growth and development.�

The joy of the visit was full of pleasant surprises with the presentation of pears products and cash gifts to the families of the newborn babies.

for media discourse on issues ranging from insensitivity to safety of passengers and drivers, sexual molestation, assault and murder of a driver on duty.

On the global scene, it was allegedly accused of fostering a culture of sexual harassment, stealing other companies’ intellectual property, destroying incriminating evidence, and paying off hackers that were said to have stolen personal data of both drivers and passengers and then covering up the hack for a year, amongst others.

All these and accompanying court cases, combined to put the company’s reputation at stake in the market. Others failed technologies of the year as compiled by ‘tomsguide’ included, Pebble 2 Smart Watch, Google Tango, LeEco, Pixel 2XL and Yahoo Mail.

Power Oil Kicks off Fitness Campaign Leading vegetable oil brand, Power Oil, has urged consumers to lead a healthy lifestyle in the New Year just as it kicked off its wellness campaiwwgn.

The activity, ‘Power Oil Pay with Calories’, is an annual exercise that usually engages consumers in a series of exercises on a treadmill and cyclers, after which they would be rewarded based on the amount of calories burnt within a specified time on the spot.

The overall essence of the arrangement is to encourage positive lifestyle that would lead to a healthy population.

Speaking at the 4th edition which held at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, Brand Manager of the firm, Amisha Chawla, stated that the activity was part of the company’s efforts in supporting the mission of the World Heart Federation to reduce premature cardiovascular disease deaths by 25% in 2025.

She added that the activity also enabled the brand to cater for its customers’ health in a fun, relaxing and rewarding manner.

Chawla said, “The activation is simply to promote healthy living by encouraging Nigerians to pay more attention to their body, especially the heart and be cautious of the quality of what they consume. We try to advise against the consumption of low-quality or substandard cooking oil, which in the long run puts consumers at risk of heart-related diseases and other health hazards.�

Public Relations Manager of Power Oil, Omotayo Azeez, lamented that a larger percentage of Nigerians create little or no time for fitness activity as a result of work and other responsibilities. “We saw this as an opportunity to fit in the pay with calories 4.0 activity into this period, so Nigerians will be encouraged to carry on with the healthy spirit into the New Year and beyond. We are happy that a lot of Nigerians took advantage of this and showed up en masse. This, we believe will help our consumers to understand the importance of leading healthy life and pass it on to others,� Azeez noted.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

TRIBUTE Tambuwal

Leader, Mentor, Visionary Clocks 52

Imam Imam

S

ix years ago, five young Nigerians graduated from Usmanu Danfodio University with a bachelor’s degree in Law and were on the verge of missing admission into the Nigerian Law School due to lack of finances.

Over dinner, it was mentioned to the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, of the dire situation the young ones were in and how their dreams of becoming lawyers was getting away by the hour. Without asking who they were, he directed us to contact them. Few days later, he not only paid for all they required, he ensured each of them got a laptop computer to aide their studies.

The interesting aspect of this story is that few days ago, I encountered one of them in Abuja and while thanking me for intervening at a very critical period in their lives, he expressed disappointment that none of them was able to meet with Tambuwal to thank him collectively and individually for his dream-saving gesture.

Why am I telling this story today? The lesson here is simple: some people are attracted to those who need help because it feels good to be of help at critical times.

Whenever someone is hurting or suffering in some ways, kind-hearted individuals deliberately come forward to help without even wanting to be praised. This is where Tambuwal comes in.

I am sure the lesson in this encounter is not lost on Tambuwal himself. This is because his life does not lend itself to embellishments – it is an inspirational and captivating study of the triumph of mind over matter. As we mark his birthday today, we will all meditate on this lesson, and draw the positives that will continue to illuminate paths in our relationship with others.

In the last 52 years, Tambuwal has left no one in doubt about his capacity for fair and equitable representation. Over the years, he has demonstrated ability to meet with the needs and demands of the people that he

Tambuwal

encountered. His profound achievements as Governor in the Seat of the Caliphate have drawn praises, honour and recognition from far and near.

In his role as the Number One citizen of Sokoto, Tambuwal has raised the ante of purposeful leadership and good governance. By a magic of work, ethics and sincerity of purpose, his administration has prioritized areas whose importance will continue to have enduring impact on the life of the citizenry. Such sectors include education, agriculture, health, women and youth empowerment, energy, poverty eradication and revamping of the entire governance structure.

His administration is making positive impact in public schools by building new classrooms, supplying of chairs, tables and

textbooks for students, delivering new buses to schools, and flagged off program to enroll 1.4 million new kids into schools in the next 12 months. All these led to a stamp of commendation by UNICEF after the number of out of school children dropped by half in the state in two years.

In agriculture, 140 women and pensioners were trained in fish farming and supported with grants and starter-packs of tanks and fish feeds to start businesses. The government gave out 981,000kg of improved rice seeds to farmers free of charge to support them, and after ir introduced wheat farming to the state for the first time, it gave 6000 bags of 100kg wheat seeds to farmers, free of charge.

To ensure sustainability, promote new technology and enhance private sector par-

ticipation in farming, the state government and Dangote Industries Ltd started a rice outgrower scheme at Goronyo and Middle Rima Valley. 1000 farmers were engaged for the pilot project in 2017 with 500 hectres of land committed. For the 2018 farming season, 2000 hectres will be used with the number of farmers also increasing.

All these efforts were complemented by distribution of fertilizer, water pumping machines and pesticides. The result is increase in yield and more wealth and prosperity for Sokoto farmers.

The same team work and strength of character led to these successes replicated in all the sectors of the economy of the state.

Tambuwal’s approach to leadership is defined by the vision to build people and enduring structures that can stand the test of time. While most are admired because they move others to follow their example, Tambuwal belongs to the category of a few who are special enough to encourage others to find their own unique path. Just by being who he is, he has sparked many to be who they want to be. Through thoughtful leadership, great vision and sincerity, all parts of Sokoto have felt the positive impact of his activities. And for that, if for nothing else, he deserves to called a leader who inspires.

In this season of politics, many, especially closer home, have deliberately chosen to misunderstand Tambuwal. But as Ralph Waldo Emerson said decades ago, “Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.�

With time, people will understand the fact that Tambuwal is indeed a role model for all those seeking to understand how to make impact with their lives. And on this momentous day of his 52nd birthday, I thank him for his service, and wish him a happy birthday. –Imam, the spokesman for Governor Tambuwal, wrote from Sokoto

Sunset At Noon Francis Ottah Agbo

ovember, 23, 2017 would ever remain the darkest day in my life. It was the day my mother passed to eternal glory. Yet, it was like a dream. Initially I didn’t believe it. But it dawned on me that all was not well when the Yuletide passed and we never had our customary telephone conversation. News of her death was allover. Well wishers and friends kept calling to condole me. It was shocking and unbelievable! But as a believer, I was still hopeful she would be a beneficiary of the miracle of resurrection. How wrong I was!

Mama, but when I visited the Mortuary, it finally dawned on me that you had transmogrified to the great beyond. It was your remains I saw, no longer the elegant, active, cheerful and welcoming mother that I knew. I greeted you severally without a response; without calling me those elegant pet names; without showering on me the usual accolades.Oh Mama You left your “dad� without Saying Goodbye!

I know the world is a stage and you came and played your part fantastically well. But like the good Ode’a Dancer that you were, you left the stage when the ovation was loudest for which we are devastated. That is the more reason why my siblings and I are in ever flowing tears, that is why your friends from North to South are grieving, that is the reason the entire Ado Local Government is shut down in your honour!

But while we grieve on this side of the divide, in heaven, you are a “newborn.�

The Angels are already rejoicing and are very happy to have you in the bossom of the Lord. Yet, I can hardly talk about you in the past, mama. Oh death where is thy

Enayi Ottah

sting?

My family and I are in consolable.

Mama, you were our comforter and the great counsellor. When I lost my triplets, you consoled me. You assured me that the God you served would restore them.

In deed, one year after, your prophesy came to pass. That was my quintessential mother whom I sparingly call Enayi Ottah. I can testify to your abiding faith in God. I once took ill shortly after my secondary education. The ailment defiled orthodox treatment at the time. The consensus was that only a herbalist, a juju

man known as Agbaji Enogwa could heal me. My grand mother pressurised you, mama to take me to him for healing but you refused, you stood your ground.

You responded by saying that you will never worship any other god except God Almighty! This you did until you ceased breathing.

Mama, you are simply the best mother anybody could have- loving, selfless, Godly, beautiful, disciplined, industrous and visionary. Though extremely caring but you never spared the rod to spoil us.

You sacrificed your all to train all your children. I am the greatest beneficiary of your love and labour. You singlehandedly saw me through school, taught me the principles of life and how to pass through the fire of life without being burnt!

It was for these reasons that we had planned to celebrate you as we Marked your 70th birthday in 2017 in grand style.

We had slated it for December, 2017 to create opportunity for friends and relatives to join us.

Now that you should be enjoying the fruit of your labour, death came knocking at your door! Why did you open the door without a fight, Mama? Why did you go the way of all mortals without giving me notice? Mama it was not your fault though, for I know you couldn’t have passed without putting up a fight; you only bowed to the supreme command of your maker!

But now that you are resting with your creator, who will take care of the orphans and widows under your care on earth?

Who will replace you at St.Paul’s Catholic Church, Utonkon which you worked tirelessly to build? Mama Choir as you were famously known, what happens to the choir you founded and rebranded at St. Paul’s?

You had two wishes: one to go to Jerusalem on Pilgrimage and secondly, to attend Catholic Mass in the Rome. In 2013/2014, you were in Jerusalem, your visit to Rome has now become a still born!

Oh merciless death, you sting very hard!

You inflict irredeemable injuries!

But our consolation is that you lived a great life of service to God and humanity, our consolation is that you have gone the way of all mortals, our consolation is that there is life after death, our consolation is that on planet Earth, you were a legend.

Legends don’t die; they simply transfigure to the great beyond to continue with their good work. Rendering selfless service to God and humanity is your calling and this you are doing already in heaven.

Mama, as we lower your remains to Mother Earth on Saturday, January 13, 2018 in Ijigban, your place of birth, I can not grieve in perpetuity for you thought me to always trust God and believe that He approves of all happenings in the affairs of man. But I will honour you in perpetuity, I will immortalize you in perpetuity! Mama, I will use the ENAYI OTTAH FOUNDATION which I established many years ago in your honour to continue to reach out to as many as possible people and advance the frontiers of those profound principles you stood for.

Mama, I promise to live your dreams and uphold those profound ideals that made you the essentially quintessential Christian and Matriarch! So help me God! Mama, greet my siblings: Rose, Peter and Edwin and dad. I love you all. May your souls rest in peace untill I join you to part no more! –Agbo, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, wrote in via francisagbo38@gmail.com

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The Beat Continues with Adeleke at 63 OlumideLawal

M

onday January 15, 2018, marks the post-humous 63rd birthday of a man who many people still want to believe is very much around, bubbling with life, making them happy as was characteristic of him during his lifetime. It is no other, than the amiable, irrepressible, dignified and humane personality that lived- the late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Alanni Adeleke. He was the first Executive Governor of Osun State (January 1992-November 1993), the first Asiwaju of Edeland, and the first Chancellor, Adeleke University. He was a man with many firsts; the most colourful and charistimatic politician and statesman and a towering individual that Osun State has so far produced. During his lifetime he gave all he had, without discrimination, to make his fellow human beings live worthy lives.

When on January 15, 2017 he decided, and unusually too, to mark his 62ndbirthday modestly at his Ikeja residence in Lagos state, little did we know that it would be the last of such celebration that we would share with him. The usual practice was for him to assemble his teeming well-wishers and associates at his Ede Country Home and fraternise heartily with all and sundry – low and mighty. Today, the story is entirely different. We are celebrating him, as we have promised to do, so as to sustain his sweet memory and memorable achievements, as he post-humously turned 63 at the other divide. It is the belief of all those lives he impacted positively to regard his sudden death, though very painful, as a celebration of a lifetime, so as to make his legacies endure.

We have accepted his glorious transition as the supreme will of the Almighty God, who we cannot query but thank, as the author and finisher of our fates, for his exemplary and fulfilled mission on earth, which he traversed like a colossus and political icon. Isiaka Adeleke was a phenomenon, a legend, a rare gem, amiable personality and the undisputable apostle of politics without bitterness. We shall continue to accord his memory the fullest honour and respect that it richly deserves. Your Excellency Sir, the whole world stood still at your transition to glory. The vacuum created by your death is too big to be readily filled. Tears continue to fill our eyes and flow freely. It is difficult to comprehend that you are no more with us. Who will

ever believe so?

Humanity, at your death, came to terms with the stark reality that your type comes into the universe once in hundreds of years. You were in the mould of the likes of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Basorun M.K.O. Abiola, Chief Gani Fewehinmi, Zik of Africa, Nelson Mandela and few others.

That certainly is the home truth. We are convinced that your creator took you away at the appointed time- a situation no human being can influence or alter.

My big boss-yesterday, today and forever, tears welled up in my eyes while writing this befitting tribute in your memory. I have no choice than to do so.

I, like numerous people, shared quality times with you for over 22 years. You shared all you had with us. You gave everybody, who came your way, the opportunity to enjoy life more abundant, within your limited resources, and while doing so, you sometimes got broke. But with you there was never a dull moment.

Your bedroom and Kitchen were opened to all. You never complained of intrusion into your privacy. You had a good and beautiful heart and a readily forgiving spirit. You did not harbour malice towards anybody throughout your lifetime. Your very few political foes even attested to this fact. It is an incontrovertible fact. You were a consummate politician and compassionate family man to the core. You lived a wonderfully beautiful life and served your God to the best of your ability.

You gave hope to the hopeless; voice to the voiceless and help to the helpless. That was you, big boss- Asiwaju Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. You were not materialistic. Rather you were urbane,

classy, trendy and elegant in your carriage, with your trademark customised glasses, which made you look so beautiful, not handsome.

A show-stopper that you were, your arrival at any political or social event, electrified the atmosphere. You instantly became the cynosure of all eyes and the usual shouts of DE GUV, DE GUV rend the air. You always, in return, gave your disarming and arresting gentle smile to the applause of all. You made life and living, liveable for thousands of people.

We are pained to our marrows that all these are gone, but we again glorify God Almighty, for your enviable lifestyle.

You lived a life of a Messiah and died as such. Death, where is thy sting!!!

It was encomium galore, glowing tributes and pure-from-the-heart commentaries that came your way at death.

Nobody spoke ill of you and they still do not. To Islamically immortalise you forever, an aesthetically finished, stateof-the-art-multi-million Naira Central Mosque, named after you, has been put in place by your loving family and is being commissioned today for worshippers. We believe that all invocations offered there will be accruable benefits for you and open wider, the doors to Aljanat Fridaus for you. Don’t worry my boss, a glimpse at your imposing grave assures me and others that your ever radiant face is glowing with smile. You lived a thoroughly peaceful life, devoid of acrimony, vendetta and unnecessary controversies. You will never hurt a fly.

As it was during your lifetime, your associates of various callings are holding your flag, flying high – Asiaa Isiaka Adeleke, Lele Lo Nfe, so shall it be forever. A Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Institute of Political Studies is also beind contemplated by some of your Think Tank committee of intellectuals, where as an advocate of politics without bitterness, bitterness among your other sterling qualities, politicians, and political science students, would be able to tap into your cerebral works, some of which this writer is compiling for your proposed library.

This will be in addition to an annual Isiaka Adeleke Distinguished Lecture, by God’s Grace. We shall not relent.

Your death has changed the political equation in Osun state in its entirety.

The centre can no longer hold. You remained the reference point and central issue in Osun politics. But to the Glory of God, your political legacy of service to mankind is being nurtured by all a those who believe in your cause. cause Dr. Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, your brother, through the grace of o God, fantastic display of o loyalty loyalt to

your memory by Osun West electorate, emerged as your successor in the red chamber, after a protracted play against concerted forces of fate. Your spirit also rose from the grave to fight the cause.

We wish Senator Ademola Adeleke a successful tenure of office. He is giving a good account of himself at committee works and plenary sessions. He is learning the political rope very fast and the sky is his limit.

The bill on whistle-blowing, which you presented and championed during your lifetime, promptly scaled through all readings in the Senate and became a law that has so far attracted billions of Naira of looted funds to the federal government, since its implementation started, kudos to your distinguished colleagues in The Senate, who ensured that the bill did not gather dust like the PIB. This, surely, is another landmark achievement by you, and for which generations yet unborn will appreciate.

Senator Isiaka Adeleke, you are a study in complete humility, perseverance and patience. Your philanthropic gestures- open and hidden- shone brightly at your death, through numerous testimonies of various people. The world marveled at your unparalleled kindness to the peasants, who cried themselves silly and uncontrollably that their benefactor was gone, as there could not be a ready replacement for you that will relate to them in the simple and unrestricted manner that you used to handle them.

But the Adeleke family, under the divine guidance and leadership of Dr. Deji Adeleke, ably assisted by the Amazon- Chief (Mrs) Dupe AdelekeSanni is not leaving any stone unturned in maintaining your philanthropic gestures across the thirty local government areas in Osun State. Hundreds of scholarships were awarded on October 8th, 2017, to deserving but indigent students from across Osun West District. Thousands of bags of rice are on monthly basis finding their ways to all the nooks and crannies of Osun State, without consideration for political affiliation, religion, tribe or creed. Your death set free, some awaiting-trail-inmates at Ilesa and Ife prisons, whose various option of fines were paid, at the instance of Springtime Development Foundation, where your twin- brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke is the Chairman. Not only were some of the prison inmates set free, those left behind were availed 700 mattresses, 700 pillows at each of the Ilesa and Ife prisons, in addition to skill acquisition equipment. That is you, Senator Isiaka Adeleke still impacting the lives of those who would have remained in the prison yards for, who knows how long.

You are just unforgettable. As a gallant political solder that you were, today is Armed Forces Remembrance Day; may your gentle soul, and those of several gallant solders, who died at war fronts at various times, rest in peace.

As you post-humously mark your 63rd birthday in Aljana Fridaus and we are also celebrating you at this divide, it is only pertinent, to wish the nuclear and extended families and indeed all of us you left behind, the grace of God to trudge on and the comfort from the Almighty to soothe the pains attendant on us from your death – a situation we cannot reverse. We submit to the will of the Almighty, who knows best.

This is saying happy 63rd birthday to the man of the people, a goal-getter, a friend of the masses that you Isiaka Adeleke were. You live forever in our hearts. The beat continues my great boss, friend and benefactor. –Lawal, who wrote from Ede, was Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke

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Buruji Kashamu

PDP Needs a Credible Candidate to Defeat Buhari in 2019 Buruji Kashamu, the senator representing Ogun East senatorial district in Ogun State, speaks with Bayo Akinloye about President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election plans, the PDP crisis, his relationship with the Fresh PDP, Fayose and the herdsmen crisis

I

t was reported that President Muhammadu Buhari is setting up his campaign team ahead of 2019 presidential poll. What do you think about that?

You said President Muhammadu Buhari is in the process of setting up his campaign organisation for the 2019 presidential election – that sounds like a confirmation that the President will seek a second term in office. And, if you ask me, I can tell you that President Buhari deserves a second term. It is imperative to state here that many Nigerians believe in reality while some dwell in delusion or they like to be deceived. Those who tend to delude themselves and deceive others usually do so for selfish interests, perhaps, in order to mislead others. Buhari is a good man and a good president. Without sounding patronising, I feel that Buhari came into power at a time Nigerians needed him most. If Nigerians had chosen another person who is not thorough, decent and who is without the fear of God, only God could tell in what situation our country would have been today. What we have now, honestly speaking, isn’t a perfect situation. But, I want you to consider this: where there is no adequate security how can the economy grow? Can we have peace of mind to pursue our legitimate daily activities? The answer is no. Rather than knocks, Buhari should be given kudos for the way he handled the Boko Haram insurgency immediately he assumed power.

But not everyone feels the President has been successful in his handling of the Islamist terrorist group and the rampaging herdsmen with their latest onslaught in Benue State.

In the last two and half years of his administration, the spread of Boko Haram to Kogi, Kwara and to some South-West states have been curtailed – and other parts of Nigeria. Until he assumed power, we are all eyewitnesses of how quickly the Islamist fundamentalists were spreading their tentacles, creating a strong presence in Abuja and Kogi; having cells in Kwara and making inroads in some parts of the South-West. Unless you don’t want to admit the truth, Boko Haram used to terrorise almost every state in the North. Today, how many states in the country do you find Boko Haram unleashing terror?

Concerning the rampaging herdsmen you mentioned. Let me give you an example: (Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele) Fayose isn’t my friend –we fight every day –but see how he has contained the excesses of herdsmen in his state. He’s a strong man. If herdsmen are disturbing other states, their governors should show capability to handle this kind of crisis.

It’s not rocket science. Why do they want Buhari to run their states for them? Why are they governors? Let’s be realistic about this. That is it.

Let’s be sincere. This has nothing to do with politics. Another reason I feel that President Buhari is doing a good job is in the area of preventing financial waste and brigandage, courtesy of the Single Treasury Account. If you are a businessman you’ll understand what I’m saying. The TSA has prevented to a large extent many government officials from indulging in stealing and inappropriate spending of public funds. The TSA is affecting many banks and other businesses; government’s patronage of private businesses has reduced. But the TSA serves the purpose of public good. The BVN policy is

another good thing to commend him for.

There are other seemingly little things he has done for the general good of Nigerians.

Do you think Nigerians should vote for Buhari and do you see him winning the 2019 presidential poll?

I am not in a position to tell Nigerians to vote for Buhari in 2019. We all have choices to make. Everyone is at liberty to vote for the candidate of his choice come 2019. But be that as it may, my thinking is that it will be difficult to defeat Buhari, if he seeks re-election next year, because he has shown his level of integrity, honesty and selflessness. If Nigerians – including opposition parties – want Buhari out in 2019, they must present another presidential candidate who is more honest, dedicated and untainted than the President. If we can find somebody that is cleaner and more transparent than Buhari then we can have a change of who holds the reins of power. But, I doubt that possibility. My take is that if there’s nobody better than him, why change him?

But it’s strange that as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party you’re saying this. Have you left PDP? I’ve not left PDP. Please, don’t get me wrong. I haven’t told you I’m leaving PDP. I haven’t told you I’m working for APC. Listen clearly: I’m not saying Nigeria is for only one person (to rule as the president). Nigeria isn’t for one person. Everybody has the right to contest the presidency. I haven’t said the PDP, my party, can’t get somebody who can challenge Buhari in 2019. But if PDP wants to win the election – or, any other party wants to win the election – they must look for someone who is clean; not corrupt, otherwise the country has no better choice. I’m not saying my opinion is superior. I’ve never got any contract from the APC government. I don’t hobnob with them. I’ve only met President Buhari once at a meeting, briefly. But I’m one of his fans. I believe he’s not corrupt.

Admittedly, there may be people under him who might be corrupt – he can’t know everything everybody does. It’s the same thing in every big system be it political, economic or academic.

Do you think there’s somebody in PDP who can wrest power from Buhari in 2019?

First of all, if the PDP wants to win the 2019 presidential election, we must put our house in order which we haven’t done. With a new sheriff in town, in the person of Uche Secondus, with his experience maybe we’ll be able to achieve that. I’m determined to work for the success of the party. I believe in the current leadership of PDP. I find it difficult to see anybody in the party clean enough to contend with Buhari.

What about the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar?

Atiku was formerly an APC member.

Atiku is a respectable person. I don’t know whether Atiku wants to contest the presidency or not. He hasn’t made his position known. To get somebody who can contest against Buhari in 2019 PDP must follow justice and transparency in screening its presidential aspirants, including conducting exhaustive background checks. We must present the right candidate at the right time.

As a member of the major opposition party in Nigeria, many would

Kashamu

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JANUARY 13, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERVIEW Makarfi Worse Than Sheriff, He Betrayed Northern Leaders expect that you should be antagonising the President especially in areas people feel he hasn’t done well. Don’t you agree?

As Nigerians, we must change our view of bringing down a government at all cost. If a government rises or falls, it will impact on all of us. We must eschew ethnicity, religion and any other affiliations when it comes to ensuring that the government of the day succeeds. Yes, we can offer constructive criticisms to make Nigeria better and greater. I won’t criticise any government unnecessarily for selfish reasons.

What’s your relationship with the Fresh PDP? If I’m in a position to do so, I’ll make that group (Fresh PDP) disappear in one second. I’m a principled man; I don’t believe in illegality. What the group did is totally wrong. It’s unconstitutional. If the group has a genuine cause to fight the party let them do so amicably. The new PDP leadership should act decisively against them. I’m not a member of the Fresh PDP. I have no link with them.

They just want to cause more problems for PDP. These are people who don’t want PDP to succeed.

Members of this government, including the current president, were accused of antagonising the Goodluck Jonathan government to the point of bringing it down.

Come on! We can’t live in the past.

What I’m saying has nothing to do with APC. It is about our orientation as a people; we must not allow politicians to use at the detriment of moving Nigeria forward. Do you understand? Any attempt to draw the government backward is an effort to prevent a better life for ourselves, our children and children’s children. That’s the way I see things. You don’t have to agree with me.

In the light of the current realities in the PDP, where do you stand?

I’m a PDP man; I love PDP to the core.

I’m a staunch loyalist of PDP. I stand for the truth at all times; granted not everyone may like my style of politics.

I’m in PDP and will continue to be in PDP. It, however, doesn’t mean that I’m a blind loyalist.

You’ve been on a one-month suspension for allegedly working against the party. How does that make you feel?

Nobody has suspended me from the party. The decision of the NWC to suspend me is illegal. They don’t have the power to suspend me. There’s no provision for a caretaker committee in the PDP’s constitution. So, that decision is null and void. I remain a bona fide member of the party. My body and spirit is in the PDP and my people are there.

The so-called suspension announced

by Ahmed Makarfi was just a charade.

Makarfi understood that I had an ideology that’s different from his. I’ve been fighting against illegality, manipulation and oppression within the party which didn’t sit down well with Makarfi – he found it difficult to change the way things were going on in the party. People like (Rivers State Governor, Nyesom) Wike knew what Makarfi was up to prior to the national convention. They had to join hands together to rescue the party. I can tell you that Makarfi is worse than (Ali Modu) Sheriff. Makarfi betrayed the northerners. He betrayed all the leaders in the North. He had a hand in the disaffection (among PDP members) in the South-West. The PDP national chairmanship slot was zoned to the South-West but that didn’t stop anybody from contesting.

People were free to support anybody to become the national chairman but that should be done discreetly so that nobody would accuse the leadership of the party of favouring one candidate or the other.

Well, we have a new person in charge of the party now. Look at the way the new national chairman, Secondus, the National Working Committee and (Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake) Dickson, has been going around trying to reconcile all the factions in the party. They’re more interested in having everybody remain together peacefully and moving the party forward. Secondus is an intelligent person, who has the experience to move the party forward. But there are people who don’t

Kashamu

want him to succeed.

Concerning the crisis that engulfed the party, you were accused of playing a central role.

That’s not true. Let people say whatever they want to say. The people who caused the problem from the beginning are the ones now complaining, claiming to be saints. I wasn’t there when they brought in Sheriff. I wasn’t there when they discussed with Sheriff. They made Sheriff to be the leader of the party and urged all of us to follow him. And me, when I believe in something or somebody, I’m straightforward in expressing loyalty towards that thing or person. I’m not hypocritical and I don’t stab people in the back. I just told you in unmistakable terms that Buhari is a respectable person even though he’s not a PDP member. But I believe in him. Anything that can derail his good plans for Nigeria, I’m ready to fight against it because I believe in his sincere desire to make Nigeria great. It is true people are complaining of lack stomach infrastructure (poverty); that will come later. Right now, we should focus on the other infrastructures President Buhari is building to keep the country afloat.

Back to the issue of Sheriff, nobody came back to tell me not to follow him again as our leader. Don’t forget that there are various groups in the party pledging allegiance to Wike, Fayose, Kashamu, etc. It just happened I fell in the group of Sheriff. Fayose and I fell into different groups and that’s why we have issues.

Soon, I believe, this entire crisis will be over and all of us will work together.

They brought in Sheriff and kicked him out when he wasn’t acting the way they wanted him to act. Similarly, I discovered later that Sheriff isn’t someone I could work with. It’s happening in Ogun State now; it doesn’t matter which camp we belong to as long we all remain in and work for the party. That’s what counts to me.

Has the new leadership of PDP reached out to you?

What is more important to me is the fact that I love PDP; I’m a core loyalist of the party. I’m not in the PDP to make money neither have I made money from being a member of the party. I’m for the development of my country and success of PDP. I know members of the new leadership and I’ve been communicating with some of them.

You have a running battle with

I haven’t said the PDP, my party, can’t get somebody who can challenge Buhari in 2019. But if PDP wants to win the election – or, any other party wants to win the election – they must look for someone who is clean; not corrupt, otherwise the country has no better choice. I’m not saying my opinion is superior. I’ve never got any contract from the APC government. I don’t hobnob with them.

I’ve only met President Buhari once at a meeting, briefly. But I’m one of his fans. I believe he’s not corrupt a former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, which some people have linked to your possible interest in being the governor of Ogun. Isn’t that correct?

I don’t have any problem with Gbenga Daniel. I’ve extended the hand of fellowship to Daniel several times.

My philosophy in life is to assist others.

I derive joy in helping others to achieve success in their various endeavours. I’m a free man who can work with anybody with a genuine purpose. So, Daniel has always been a leader; but he has some traits that might not suit my way of doing things. Though in politics, one has to know how to manage people. If you see me fight any cause it must be against injustice and dishonesty. About having an

ambition to be Ogun State’s governor, I’ve told you earlier that anybody can aspire to any political office in the country. I’m not telling you that I want to contest the state’s governorship election. But I do know that if I decide to contest the good people of Ogun State will follow me.

They’ll vote for me knowing that I have the capacity to move our state to a greater height. But I haven’t told you I have a plan to be the governor of Ogun State.

Is there any chance of PDP winning the state’s governorship poll in 2019?

If we can put our house in order before the election, we do have a chance to win.

But let me add that Governor (Ibikunle) Amosun has done very well to move the state forward. People may not be happy with him because he hasn’t focused on stomach infrastructure. He’s done well though. PDP must present somebody who will build on what Amosun has done and outperform him. There shouldn’t be any acrimony about that.

Your critics have also alleged that you have a hold on the judiciary; that you can get any kind of injunction or judgment that favours you. Is it true?

It’s a blatant blackmail. Let me tell you, if they say you have money, you go and kill somebody since you have all the judges in your pocket. Those making such an allegation don’t know what they’re talking about. The truth is that I’ve lost as many lawsuits that I’ve won. If I don’t feel that I have a strong case I don’t go to court. Why do I need to grease the palm of a judge to rule on a good case that I have? I’ve never done that before and I’ll never do that. But you know some politicians are very good at blackmailing people. I don’t condone corruption. I’ve had the cause to sack my SLA for illegally enriching himself in the course of carrying out constituency projects on my behalf.

I petitioned the ICPC to look into the matter. I detest injustice and corruption.

I don’t want my name to be rubbished.

That accusation is a game of politics.

As a senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, what have you done for your constituency?

I’m not the type that blows his trumpet.

The truth, however, is that I give my all to my constituents making sure they get all they deserve. On a personal level, I continue to assist people to realise their full potential. Achievements don’t lie; go to my constituency and see what I’ve been able to achieve on behalf of my people.

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PERSPECTIVE

Between Arewa Youth and President Buhari Francis Ulal Damina

couple of days back, a friend called my attention to a link carrying a news based on a press statement issued by a group known as the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF). The link, with a headline: “Nigerians will not support the re-election of president Muhammad Buhari - Arewa Youths�, reported among other things, that: “The Arewa Youth Forum,(AYF) has said Nigerians will not support the re-election of president Muhammad Buhari as his government has impoverished Nigerians.� The group also expressed concern on the “ escalation of communal attacks, killings and kidnappings that his administration has failed to tackle two years after steering the ship of state�.

Yes, there is nothing said by the group that is in anyway further from the truth.

As I write this piece, while Benue State government is preparing for the mass burial of about 60 Benuelites, my paramount ruler, HRH Yohanna Sidi Kukah, is still in the custody of some kidnappers alleged to be Fulanis who whisked him away from his palace for almost a week now. Kukah, the paramount ruler who hosts the highest number of Fulanis in Southern Kaduna, lives only a few kilometers away from Ladugga; the largest grazing reserve in West Africa.

And in spite of calls based on the glaring animosity between the Fulanis and most Southern Kaduna nationalities and groups that the monarch should get rid of them, His Royal Highness has remained tolerant and resilient. And this alone should make the national umbrella of the Fulanis to be practically at the forefront of the struggle to release the chief even if it is not true that he was kidnapped by Fulani gunmen. I am sure that how we deal with this issue will re-define our coexistence after his release.

The hospitality of the Ikulu man should not be taken for granted. I therefore salute the courage of the Arewa Youth Forum led by Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu for calling a spade by no other name. I have a feeling that how President Buhari handles the killings in the middle belt would constitute the new role of religion in the affairs of our

Buhari nation in 2019 and beyond. But we can’t fold our arms and continue to wait until then. We must collectively do something to stop the impunity that has brought us to this Hobbesian cul de sac where life as in a state of nature, is nasty, brutish and short.

The AYF’s press statement has reminded me of a previous one issued by a similar group asking the Igbos to vacate the North.

I was particularly pained because as an Arewa Youth, I was neither consulted nor did I agree with anybody that Ndigbo should be given a quit notice to leave the North. Why should a handful of sponsored charlatans then sit somewhere and issue a statement on our behalf? The scenario simply raises a lot of questions about the credibility of groups such as the AYF. For instance, who is Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim and where got him the mandatum to speak on our behalf? At worst, this is impersonation.

And at best, another form of survival

stategy. And this is what many in the North have been doing: using the name of Sardauna, Religion or the North as meal ticket.

There is probably no time that religious tensions have divided the North more than now. This is equally the best of times for conflict entrepreneurs: Pastors, Imams as well as Politicians who have continued to use the rot to raise capital for their transactions.

The religious suspicion, killings, arson, theft, lack of respect for human life, that we see today, are merely a cumulative of many years of the manipulation of religion by northern elite. Unfortunately, this has continued because of our inability to clarify the role of religion in society. As a litmus test to this, our debate on the secularity or otherwise of the Nigerian state is still unfinished.

And according to Adamu Adamu, “the disunity of the North was not simply the result of the exploits of parochial politicians, which from their personal, even if selfish, standpoint could well be justified. There are many uncomfortable reasons. Perhaps the first dagger thrown at Christian- Muslim relations in a way that would come to haunt the region was not the event at the College of Education in Kafanchan in 1987: it was the utterance of sheikh Abubakar Gumi following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed in 1976. At that time, the sheikh said that Murtala was killed because he was a Muslim�.

Since then, interreligious tensions and suspicion in the North swiftly metamorphosed into what has brought us to where we are today. No thanks to especially the political class that has continued to manipulate religion to satisfy its greed.

And while most people believe their is a plan to Islamize Nigeria which is itself not a crime provided the rights of others are not infringed, my take on the matter is that:�what has come to be referred to as�

Islamic Agenda “ today, is nothing but an attempt, while riding on the shoulders of president Buhari, to nationalize the remains of feudal practices and survival strategy deployed by northerners who have been manipulating religion for control, relevance

and personal survival “.

But as Adamu Adamu also said:�... we cannot afford to continue to live in fear of confronting our inequities. We will never be able to solve our problems if all we can do is pretend that they don’t exist, or that there is something that cannot be mentioned�.

Therefore, me must develop the arsenals to confront the situation without trepidation.

Today, apart from lack of trust and the strong religious tensions that are gradually eaten the North, the rest of the country look upon us as parasites. And there is equally no evidence to show that we are not the most educationally and economically impoverished. While others have continued to build their future on investment in education, the North is comfortable in remaining the Bakery with the monopoly of producing loaves of illiterates to feed the rest of the country with violence at any slightest provocation. We must reverse this ugly trend.

This is why I have a conviction that the future of the North should not be determined by the so-called Northern youth groups that are merely meal ticket seekers, and who in the circumstance, are only concerned about the next elections and not about our future. We must sit down to define how we intend to confront these challenges. This will include, first of all, breaking the eggs laid by the chickens of fanaticism, violence, bigotory, greed,etc, before they are hatched to destroy us Yes, true northern youths who are “imbued with the true consciousness of God, respect for our common humanity, compassion for the human person and total abhorrence to injustice must bravely rise up to the occasion and retrace those unfortunate steps that have landed the North in this present religious, tribal, political and social quagmire - and rebuild the North anew.� These are the challenges that genuine Arewa youth groups should be battling with rather than allowing self-serving groups such as the AYF that is only concerned about elections to lead us into Kigali. –Damina, a student of Religion and Society can be reached via francisdamina@gmail.com

Nigeria Ends 2017 on a Firm Footing Lukman Otunuga

I

t has certainly been a phenomenal and somewhat pivotal year for the Nigerian economy which managed to climb out of its first recession in 25 years, during the second quarter of 2017. The unsavory combination of heavily depressed oil prices, reduced foreign reserves, and a vulnerable Naira in 2016, initially fueled speculations of the nation’s macroeconomic conditions remaining depressed for a prolonged period. However, the status of Nigeria’s economy did a pleasant turn around this year as core macroeconomic indicators started to rebound.

The recession made it increasingly clear that the illness behind Nigeria’s economic woes was a heavy dependence on oil as a source of growth, but the cure could be found in diversification.

As Nigeria continues its quest to break away from the shackles of oil reliance by diversifying into other sustainable sources of growth in the longer term, recovering oil prices could still offer some benefits short term. With the government’s revenues still dependent on the oil sector, the performance of oil in 2018 will have an impact on the economy. Although supply-side disruptions and market optimism over OPEC’s production cuts balancing markets, have elevated WTI Crude to its highest level in over two years at $60, the question remains for how long?

With rising production from U.S. Shale

Kemi Adeosun seen as a threat to higher oil prices, the upside is likely to face some headwinds.

Depreciating oil prices amid renewed oversupply concerns could easily trickle down to negatively impact the Nigerian economy. Another risk to look for next year, is the possibility of OPEC formally requesting Nigeria to limit production by 1.8 million barrels a day- like the other oil producers. With the 2018 budget based on oil production of 2.3 million barrels per day, this presents some headwinds to the

successful implementation process of the budget, and could negatively impact the economy as a result.

Focusing on the macro fundamentals, the picture is encouraging, as inflationary pressures eased considerably from the peak of 18.72% to 15.90% in November 2017. Exports followed a positive trajectory in 2017 which was supportive of GDP potential, while imports cooled as the nation consumed local produce.

With Nigeria’s economic resilience stimulating investor risk appetite, the Nigerian Stock Exchange ventured higher; appreciating 41% year to date.

Due to improving business confidence in the country, the manufacturing PMI also rebounded significantly this year, indicating an expansion in the manufacturing sector. In the most recent publication of the World Bank’s report on the ease of doing business, Nigeria’s ranking was pushed up by 24 places, underscoring the more promising economic outlook.

The Central Bank of Nigeria may be commended for its efforts to help stabilize the chaotic forex market this year by introducing an importers and exporters foreign exchange window.

With the window increasing the ease for investors to trade the Dollar, the Naira which dropped to as low as N525 to the Dollar- staged a recovery, with prices trading around 365 as of writing. As we enter the New Year it is vital that Nigeria puts more effort into creating a stable and unified exchange rate across the

forex markets. It must be kept in mind that a liquid forex market combined with increased investment in other sources of growth such as agriculture, has the ability to tame inflationary pressures.

When inflation displays further signs of moderation, the Central Bank of Nigeria is likely to take action by cutting interest rates from 14% to 12% in an effort to support economic growth further.

While the Central Bank of Nigeria is expected to cut interest rates in 2018 as inflationary pressures ease and the economy stabilizes further, attention should be paid to external factors. For example, with the Federal Reserve raising U.S. interest rates in December and the Bank of England potentially hiking rates in the near term to cap inflation, there is a possibility the CBN remains on standby during Q1.

As we enter the New Year, I remain highly optimistic over Nigeria’s longterm economic outlook but much work needs to be done in the short to medium term. The nation remains in need of urgent macroeconomic and structural reforms, not only to support the current recovery but to place it on a path of sustainable growth. With the IMF forecasting real GDP growth of 2.1% and the Federal Government targeting 3.5% in the 2018 budget, it will be interesting to see if the nation under or over performs in 2018. –Otunuga ia s Research Analyst at FXTM. For more information, please visit: ForexTime

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JANUARY 13, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PERSPECTIVE

Between Decamping and Governance Azibola Omekwe

T

he other day Dele Agekameh continued the hype of Atiku’s decamping from the APC to the PDP. It is clear it has generated a spirit that has possessed Nigeria in recent times. The hullabaloo is buzzing, akin to Niºgeria having successfully won the World Cup, or the Nigerian economy having overtaken that of the USA and China.

More to that, it is being believed to be a criminal thing since words like “political prostitution” were used to describe this lawful and basic right of a public figure who has been a champion in the public service, business and politics. In a country where it is believed that most public office holders have skeletons in their cupboard, Atiku has thrown a challenge to the whole world for anyone who has evidence of any thievery by him to come forward with it.

The truth is that there are enemies of Nigerians who do not want him to be president come 2019. And they believe that the surest way to stop him is to tar him with corruption.

But none has come forward to the challenge.

This is the most delicate open declaration by someone who has been in a Nigerian cash agency like the Customs Service and has been a Vice President for eight years. The person he is likely to contest against, in an apparent challenge to Atiku, dared him to go to the United States as if that country is more concerned about corruption in Nigeria than he who claimed he was going to arrest corrupt people and jail them. But as at now, this purported austere president of ours who has led us in evidence against Atiku’s decamping is being linked to one of the best built residential estates in Nigeria. Surprisingly, the press missed that.

If I may ask, how can Atiku’s decamping raise dust more than an exuberant First Family?

The most shocking of all is how the media has decided to oblige the present APC-led regime by being diverted to talk about Atiku decamping. Why do we have to cast aspersion on what is lawful? We urge the media to rather look at Atiku’s character of sacrifice for democracy. What about his journey from grass to grace? Can the youth learn and hope in such a model? What is his position on restructuring and devolution of power? Why is he not intimidated by such a new national phase? We believe those are the things that should engage us. Why criminalise a lawful act?

Truth be told, this provides us with a choice come 2019. Should we undermine the opportunity of choice to talk about a lawful

Odigie Oyegun

Secondus

action which most politicians including the president are guilty of? If we enact a law that all Nigerian politicians who ever decamped be banned from politics, we might require a microscope to sift through those who never did.

Since the advent of democracy, the Nigeria media has shown itself to be the best guardian of Democracy. They had severally mobilized Nigerians to oppose obnoxious government actions. A classic example was the role they played on the occasion of bedridden late Yar’Adua. A major newspaper based in the north in collaboration with Obasanjo told Yar’Adua to give way for the necessary things to be done. Obasanjo said exactly what Nigerians wanted. That was the deadly blow that quashed the stalemate. Barrage of opinions ensued. And then death came calling and Nigeria moved forward. The rest is history.

In virtually every sector in the country, the Nigeria media has performed creditably. On Goodluck Jonathan, they preferred a Buhari replacement thereby throwing decorum overboard. Admittedly, while many worked behind the scenes for Buhari, a handful were objective, which automatically did not work in favour of Goodluck Jonathan. The ones who wanted GEJ out went on unsolicited whistle-blowing of everything he touched.

It was a hysterical blitzkrieg. Some papers

did what they did under the guise of for ‘God and Country’, and for ‘trust’ while a handful of them desperately wanted Jonathan. Buhari won. High Chief Raymond Dokpesi spoke about the written and unwritten reasons GEJ lost that election. They are obvious. Perhaps for national expediency and the tragedy that has continually haunted Nigeria, nobody would be bold enough to come out to put it in black and white. In fact, it was better we let it be and face the restructuring we want.

Coincidentally when Buhari came to power, executives of some popular media houses got appointed to ‘juicy’ positions. They are Nigerians. It is their right. They had been very critical of governance throughout the days of PDP. But we are lucky those that criticised the government came to power. Nigerians have never seen worse poverty like today. Bomb blasts have considerably been reduced with a great takeover by cattle herdsmen. There is increased insecurity on our roads. Nigerians are generally afraid to travel. Surprisingly, the media has gone to sleep on a general note.

They are silent over practically everything that has gone wrong: joblessness, runaway unemployment, inflation and insecurity. They probably have decided to ‘siddon and look’ before they react.

But how come they are now agitated about Atiku’s decamping when no doom statistics

roused them? When foreign debt has attained a frightening position? Are they sold by the ‘righteousness’ of Buhari? How does righteous and austere living substitute for good governance?

How can we trust austere character more than Nigeria’s future? Is it true that soon there will be an increase in pump price of petrol? Lest we forget, a section of the media, political parties and civil society had insisted there must not be increase in price of petrol during Goodluck Jonathan’s regime. But this administration doubled the price of petrol and wants to do so again. However, because ‘our mumu never do’, we saw nothing wrong with it. There is no need for a strike again because some people have crossed the bridge and are no longer sorrowful. They are however on guard against anyone who decamps and leaves their party for another to challenge them. They are sure of our gullibility to remind us of how staying in one party is morally right. But then they would have us forget that the political party they started with has gone into extinction.

The government of the day has performed so creditably that some columnists have decided to partner with it to make sure Nigerians remain in the government party - apologies to Dele Agekameh. In fact, those who provided a platform to tell late Yar’Adua to resign are now commissioning already-made railway and dry port with no tangible start-up facilities in the face of poverty. That Nigeria would soon produce the highest population of the poor in 2018; what percentage would the north take under Buhari? All eyes on Atiku’s decamping rather, says the media.

Recently, Rotimi Amaechi accused Goodluck Jonathan of squandering the Excess Crude Account. Everybody was stupefied for this crass falsehood. In fact, the fight to squander the ECA as propounded by Amaechi was his journey to stardom then in opposition circles.

We have not forgotten how Amaechi and his co-travellers rushed to court and defeated the government to bring the ECA for sharing. The future did not matter at all. But few weeks ago, he had the temerity to tell Nigerians that he fought to protect the ECA. Sadly, Atiku’s decamping noise completely dwarfs that part. The government machinery redirected our attention to a mere moral bias that is even lawful instead of reprimanding Amaechi for peddling falsehood. The media did not find it fit to rebuke the government for Rotimi Amaechi’s action. Our children, future leaders, have been taught one lesson: if you are feeding fat, nothing matters again.

–Hon. Omekwe is a former member of Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Politricks 101: The Making of ‘Stomach Infrastructure Fela Durotoye

T

he ideology of politricks is quite simple and straightforward : impoverish a blessed people and make them hungry and then give them a meal in exchange for their birthright to Prosper and Enjoy Good Success (PEGS).

Deal with them shrewdly, collect their land, and use the grains from their field to make one meal for their hungry (actually famished) soul so they can give you the land for free and offer to till the land for the next meal. What their poor hungry souls won’t realize is that they just traded their bakery for a slice of bread.

This is the mentality of the politricksters (aka Politricktians) and it far worse than the intent of the Colonial Masters and Slave Traders. This is so bad but guess what? Neither the Politricked nor the Politricksters are the worst players in this horrendous ‘Game of Thrones’.

The real villains are the educated yet unenlightened, the rich in pocket but poor in soul, many of whom make up our so-called ‘Middle Class’. Why? Because they are the privileged, the educated and exposed and hence they should know better than the poor and illiterate but say nothing to them but, worse still, do nothing more than tweet and post about just how bad the situation is.

We the professionals, the entrepreneurs and those in the diaspora , we are the real villains in this game of Politricks because we are observers in the stadium of destiny, watching and screaming from the sidelines, running the best ‘commentary’ as the poor trade our collective future on the field of the ballot box. We laugh and shake our heads at ‘their’

Durotoye ignorance while the Politricksters laugh at us The ‘Enlightened’ (The exposed immigrants who still consider a visa to a foreign land as a status symbol) . The Politricksters laugh at us as they pick up our medals from the hands of destiny.

In the end, EVERYONE loses; even the Politricksters as they now realise they have no safe place to hang their stolen medals.

No good roads to drive their flashy cars. No good schools to educate their children. They build walls so high, no one can see or admire their mansions and then use the law enforcement agencies to ‘protect’ themselves from

the very people they choose to rule over.

With no sense of true security, these rulers opt to stash their cash in foreign lands, send their kids to foreign schools and pray they don’t come back to the land of dashed dreams they rule over. They steal more money to try to make up for the failing exchange rates and still steal more to get less to spend in places where their game of Politricks is forbidden.

And so we all play, sorry I mean pray that one day, God will send us a Deliverer from the hands of these Pharaohs. What we didn’t realise that God already sent us the deliverers hiding right inside our mirrors. Go ahead.

Look inside your mirror and you will find one of our deliverers waiting to be activated

by ONE DECISION to DO something . Do What? Well only to step on the field alongside The Poor and change the rules of the game of Politricks into the game of democracy.

The modern-day deliverer does not need a rod to defeat these Pharaohs. She (He) only needs a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) that must be stretched over the Ballot Box (our modern-day Red Sea) to take us to our Promised Land; a New Nigeria. I mean a Nigeria where things work; where everyone is working to make things work and we ALL Prosper and Enjoy Good Success. A Nigeria we all will be proud to call Home and our children will be grateful to receive from our generation. So after all is said, now all just needs to be done to get your PVC and deliver us from the hands of these rulers: the Pharaohs and the Politricksters.

Through our history, we have seen the emergence of rulers in positions of authority instead of leaders in positions of service.

Rather than serve the people, rulers consider the people as their subjects who are meant to

serve them and their interest. Rulers use the power of their position to oppress and make things difficult for their subjects (the people).

Rather than royal fathers, the system produced traditional rulers and afterwards, colonial masters who never came to serve the people, and thereafter, military rulers who came as overlords to oppress the people.

And from military rule, we’ve experienced political rulers in a democratic framework.

True leaders make the lives of the people better; rulers make the lives of the people bitter. As long as we do not replace the system of rulers, we will continue to experience the so called failure of leadership. The system is the problem!

All across the world, Nigerians are doing great things and excelling in leadership positions. So the world cannot understand how a nation like Nigeria that is blessed with such brilliant, talented, hardworking and excellent people can have such quality of people in the positions of power. The world cannot understand why our brightest and best who have the privilege of education and exposure are not actively engaged in the service of their own people and most importantly, the world cannot understand how we have consistently filled our leadership positions with rulers.

But we can change this negative paradigm.

We can re-write our history. That is why God will bless you as you take action to buy back our priceless future and invaluable destiny with your free PVC. Cheers to our collective success.

–Durotoye, a leadership coach and panNigerianist, wrote in from Lagos.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͚͝, 2017

POLITY

Kwara South APC Leaders Re-Affirm Support for Senator Ibrahim Hammed Shittu Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă˜

L

eaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South Senatorial District of Kwara state, yesterday, re-affirmed their support of the return of Senator Rafiu Ibrahim to the senate for second term.

Speaking at a press conference in Ajase-Ipo in Irepodun Local Government Council, the senatorial chairman of APC, Alhaji Jimoh Balogun said that the support for Senator Ibrahim, the incumbent senator representing the senatorial, to

seek another term, come 2019, was based on his performance since he was elected into the upper house.

Alhaji Balogun, who was flanked by the chairmen of APC in the senatorial district also came down hard on the proponents of recall process of Senator Ibrahim from the National Assembly, acting under the aegis of Kwara South Youth Forum, describing them as “faceless group�.

He said that, “Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, both in public and private life have been adorned with accolades as expected of

Why NCS Exceeded 2017 RevenueTarget

a true democrat and representative of the people of Kwara South Senatorial District. “He (Senator Ibrahim) has developed the art of inclusive participation that every community and individual of Kwara South origin is tuned towards progressive development. His openness and accessibility are affirmed by everyone. “Apart from this, Senator Ibrahim has been consulting with the APC leaders in the senatorial from time to time, as a loyal member of the APC, and has committed to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the senatorial.�

Balogun added, “We, the leaders of the senatorial that cut across the seven local

government councils that make up the senatorial, viz Offa, Ireodun, Ifelodun, Oke-Ero, Ekiti, Oyun and Isin are today (Friday) in support of his return to the senate for a second term because of the superlative performances of Senator Ibrahim and we believe that our political leader and Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki would make a final approval of his endorsement.�

Balogun, therefore, described those seeking for the recall of the lawmaker from the senate as fraudulent elements, saying that “the proponents of the recall are merely dancing to the gallery and acting the script of their paymasters and would not see the light of the day.�

ing its 2017 revenue target to the blocking of revenue leakages in the system and the competition to deliver among the Customs Area Comptrollers (CACs).

According to the veteran licensed customs agent who is popularly called “Alaye� for his rich experience and vast knowledge of the freight forwarding business, the measures put in place by NCS management team has started yielding results. On assumption of office two years ago, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) put this revenue blocking mechanism in place but it is only now they have started manifesting the desired results.

He stated that the feat was no surprise to those who have 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.

L-R: New Chairman, Mr. Ojomu; new Vice Chairman, Mr. Afolabi; immediate past Chairman, Hon Fanikun, all of Gateway Zone Estate, Magodo – Isheri, at the thanksgiving get-together to usher in 2018 and the new executives of the estate, held at the new hall of the estate‌ recently

Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Senator Dr Lanre Tejuoso right, during a dinner meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ...recently

L-R; Head, Direct Banking, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd. Philip Sonibare; Head Consumer Marketing, Ikechukwu Kalu; Executive Director, Consumer Banking, Carol Oyedeji; and the Bank Managing Director, Charles Kie ,at the launch of Ecobank Express Account in Lagos ‌ recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Alhaja Aramide Uthman; Deputy Governor, Dr Oluranti Adebule; Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs Aramide Giwanson and Director, OfďŹ ce of Civic Engagement, Alhaja Rafat Sanusi, at a special Juma’at service to commemorate the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance day celebration, at the Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos....recently PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO

R-L; General Manager, Sodium Brand Solutions, Mrs. Titilayo Oremade; Winners of Lagos Grows Talent Opeyemi Ishola; ďŹ rst Runner, Onyekachi Alexander; and the Second Runner, Goualin Vidal, at the Presentation of Cheque to the Winners of Just Concluded Lagos Grows Talent in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Ikaki Igoni

s the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) gives itself a pat on the back for exceeding the revenue target for 2017, a Lagos base veteran licensed customs agent, Prince Olusegun Ologbese has given an insight into the factors responsible for the feat.

The NCS High Command had through its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Joseph Attah, recently announced that the service “recorded the highest revenue collection ever of N1, 012, 259, 006,779.74 with five more working days to the end of 2017�

In an exclusive chat with THISDAY at the weekend, Ologbese argued that a number of factors such as team work and change of strategy in operations combined to make the NCS to attain the feat.

While commending Ali and the NCS for the feat, Ologbese who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Ogbese Maritime Services Limited attributed NCS surpass-

53

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀

VINTAGE

When a MatriarchTurns 90 Adedayo Adejobi

T

The young and old gathered recently to celebrate the 90th birthday of the matriarch of the Adejobi royal dynasty, of the Oluawo Ruling House Oshogbo. The Holy Communion, thanksgiving service and reception were held at the Family Church, The Church of the Lord (Aladura), Anthony village, Lagos. Guests, dignitaries, friends, well-wishers and family alongside the celebrator went ahead to commission the New ultra-modern community events centre built in honour of the celebrator, Reverend Mother, Olive Sulola Adejobi.

Some of the guests who graced the occasion were Mr. Sam Amuka, Chairman/ Publisher Vanguard Media Limited, Former Editor, Daily Times Nigeria, Chief Areoye Oyebola, Chairman Kosofe, Local Government, Mr Shofola Afolabi, Mayen Adetiba, John Lanchana and Retired Minis-

ters Association. The late Primate Emmanuel Owoade Adeleke Adejobi, died 26 years ago, and wrote his name through visible footprints, pioneering churches across Nigeria, Africa, America and Europe.

Like the proverbial goldfish, that has no hiding place, Adejobi’s contribution to ecclesiastical and humanitarian advancements through the church and the Adeleke Adejobi Foundation in Lagos, Osogbo and other areas have dignified her as a trailblazer, mentor and achiever within the colony of genuine and patriotic clergywomen and African leaders.

The octogenarian, a woman of great influence, wisdom, oratorical prowess, and great leadership qualities, has through her Ministry, mentoring, faith- based teachings and social responsibility mentored many people who are now occupying prominent positions.

Her 90th birthday was celebrated amidst pomp and circumstance.

The Celebrant, Reverend Mother, Olive Sulola Adejobi The Celebrant and Reverend Shodipe

L-R: Dr. Mrs. Ibidola Adeniyi, Hon. Shofola

The Celebrant, Dr. Mrs. Ibidola Adeniyi, Mrs. Adedoja Ojelabi and Ms. Ibiwunmi Adejobi

Mr, and Mrs. Kunle Ojelabi

Mr. Biyi and Mr Olubi Adejobi

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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 ÍŻÍąËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

EVENTS

A

t the 39th Annual Conference/Dinner of the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria, which was held recently at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, Engineer Chrys Olayiwola Adegbola, a life member of the Nigerian Society of Engineer was bestowed with Life TimeAchievement award

by ACEN for his numerous achievement and contributions to the engineering development in Nigeria. Here are the faces of some of the personalities at the ceremony Photos:Abiodun Ajala

Engr. Olayiwola Adegbola and wife, Olatokun Obafemi-Adegbola

L-R: Minister of Water Resources and ACEN President Engr. Suleiman Adamu and Alhaji Remi Bello

L-R: Chief Tunde Lapite and wife, Tunde

R-L: Sir John Babajide Puddicombe and wife, Abimbola

L-R: Engr. Nkechi lsigwe and Dr. Victor Oyenuga

R-L: Mr. Kayode Komolafe and wife, Funmilayo

L-R: Dr. lbikunle Folayan and Mr. Boun Oke

L-R: Engr. Bade Oke and Engr. Tunde Ogunde

L-R: Chief Leo Anuforo and Chief Giandomenico Massari

Chief Olayiwola Adegbola and Prof Adesola Majekodunmi

L-R: Diran Soboyejo and Mr. Anthony Adegbite

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

55

Coast Clears for Today's Anambra Senate C'ttee on Defence Pledges Support for Armed Force Retirees Central Senatorial Rerun Chiemelie Ezeobi

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The coast was Friday cleared for the conduct of the Anambra Central Senatorial election following, the setting aside of a Federal High Court judgment that directed the inauguration of Dr. Obiora Okonkwo as the lawful candidate for the vacant Anambra Central Senatorial seat at the National Assembly.

Justice John Tsoho yesterday vacated his earlier judgment in a ruling he delivered on an application seeking the setting aside of his December 13, 2017 consent judgment on the grounds that the court was misled by the plaintiff in securing the consent judgment.

INEC had in an application asked the court to vary its judgment of December 13, to enable it conduct

the rerun election slated for today, in line with the judgment of the Court of Appeal judgment, which directed INEC to conduct a fresh election to fill the vacant position within 90 days.

The appellate court in its judgment of November 20, 2017 however excluded the PDP and its candidate from participating in the rerun.

Tsoho in the ruling held that Okonkwo suppressed fact when he said he was not a party in the Appeal Court judgment, whereas his party, the PDP was a party to all the judgment, adding that the PDP had already filed a notice of appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

The judge further stated that he was liable to set aside the earlier judgment because it was not based

on merit.

Tsoho added that the court took judicial notice of three earlier judgments from the Court of Appeal which ordered INEC to conduct a re-run election for the Senatorial District within 90 days.

The judge further held that in the doctrine of precedent, Court of Appeal's decision took precedent over and above that of any lower court. He held further that his court being a lower court, was bound by the decision of the Court of Appeal in the instant case.

"The consent judgment is hereby vacated and set aside", Tsoho held.

He consequently adjourned the case indefinitely pending the outcome of the appeal filed by PDP at the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo

has expressed disagreement with the ruling of Justice John Tsoho that vacated an earlier judgment which declared him as the lawful candidate for the Anambra Central Senatorial seat.

Okonkwo in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, argued that his suit was a pre-election matter and as such took preeminence over the post-election matter nullified by the Court of Appeal.

While disclosing that he has instructed his lawyers to immediately appeal against the judgment, he urged his supporters to remain calm and be law abiding, assuring that the rerun election scheduled for today would end up in nullity as he is fully prepared to challenge its outcome.

To ensure a smooth transition into civil life for the retirees of the Armed Forces, the Senate Committee on Defence, yesterday pledged more support for the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC).

The chairman of the committee, Mr. Abubakar Kyari, made this disclosure during an oversight visit to the centre in Oshodi, Lagos.

According to him, both the committee on defence and appropriation should be commended because prior to 2017, NAFRC was not getting this kind of support it has now.

He said, "Whatever they bring forward will be supported because we have seen what they have done.

The committee is impressed with the development seen in NAFRC in terms of physical structures.

"We are collaborators and supporters and whatever legislative backing that they require, they should approach the national assembly for support."

In his remarks, Kyari further noted that the committee regretted its inability to conduct on-the-spot assessment of the programmes and projects of NAFRC for about 10 years.

He said, "It is for this reason that this committee resolved to commence 2017 monitoring and evaluation exercise with this centre.

"I am satisfied that this centre has evolved from the role of rehabilitating

and demobilising soldiers of war to that of resettling able-bodied soldiers who are about to leave service."

Kyari who clarified that the oversight was neither a witch-hunt nor an attempt by parliament to intimidate ministries of government, added that they were not on a fault finding mission.

He said, "Instead, we are equally committed to the vision of developing a world class training institution capable of repositioning ex-service men to cope with the challenges of re-integrating into civilian life.

"As the elected representative of the people, it is our mandate to hold government to account by ensuring value for money in public expenditure as well as transparency and openness.

Our visit to NAFRC is aimed at advancing these principles."

He restated that the senate committee on defence, and by extension the National Assembly were partners and stakeholders with military establishment.

He added that the two could achieve more in terms of ensuring peace and safety for Nigerian citizens with greater cooperation and synergy.

The NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Austine Jekennu, during his welcome address, said NAFRC had been a major beneficiary of the 'Change Agenda' of the Federal Government.

Gov Emmanuel, Akpabio, Exchange Innuendos as Relationship Thaws Okon Bassey in Uyo

NATIONAL INTERCESSION..

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Alhaja Aramide Uthman; Deputy Governor, Dr Oluranti Adebule; Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs Aramide Giwanson and Director, OďŹƒce of Civic Engagement, Alhaja Rafat Sanusi, at a special Juma'at service to commemorate the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance day celebration, at the Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos......yesterday KOLA OLASUPO

Ozubulu Church Massacre: 'Bishop' Buries Dad amidst Tight Security David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Chief Cyprian Ikegwuonu, Father of the alleged target of August 6th attack on worshippers at St Philip's Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra, High Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu was yesterday buried at the parish's cemetery amidst tight security.

Pa Ikegwuonu was one of the 13 victims of the attack in the church, who were felled while worshipping at the church's morning mass.

Officiating priest at the Requiem Mass, Rev Father Don Chidolue, Episcopal Vicar of Ozubulu region

who delivered the sermon said that the church decided to bury the deceased in the church, along with other victims at the church's cemetery as martyrs.

Chidolue said Pa Ikegwuonu by virtue of the nature of his death, which occurred right inside the church was a martyr. He said 12 other who also died in the attack had also been proclaimed martyrs.

"We buried them together, so that the church will not easily forget them.

"Burying them together will serve as a memorial, and anytime someone looks in there, he would remember that such an incident had

happened, and some people paid the ultimate price."

Chidolue said out of the 13 people that were killed in the attack, nine were buried in the church's cemetery, while four deceased persons were taken away by their relatives who insisted that their remains be interred in their ancestral home.

The priest described Pa Ikegwuonu as a very charitable personality, who like his son, Aloysius impacted in the lives of people of the community.

He described giving as one of the ways people can also attract the mercy of God, but called on

all present to live a worthy lifestyle that would guarantee them eternity.

The burial was conducted amidst tight security as the police command in Awka had earlier hinted that it was deploying security to the area to forestall any attack, especially as those behind the attack had sent further threat to the community if their financial demands were not met.

Those buried alongside Pa Ikegwuonu at the cemetery are Mrs. Cecilia Ewim, Chief Hyacinth Oramadike, Mrs Geraldine Obunadike and her daughter; Miss Uchenna Obunadike.

Edo Tops on Libyan Returnees with 533 Victims Alex Enumah in Abuja A breakdown of Nigerians so far evacuated by the Federal government in the wake of alleged trading of African descent in Libya, on Thursday revealed that Edo State has the largest figure of 533, followed by Delta State with 128.

Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dame Julie Okah-Donli, who gave a breakdown of the figures yesterday during a media parley in Abuja, also revealed

that another batch of over 400 were billed to return to the country yesterday.

She however appealed to state governments to make Paramount, the rehabilitation and welfare of returnees so as to discourage them from going back.

"As you may be aware, out of the over 5000 Nigerians already located in different detention camps in Libya, 972 in two batches of 485 and 487 have already returned. Another batch is expected today and more will continue to come back until the

operations are completed. "Out of those that have returned so far, Edo State has 533 returnees, followed by Delta State with 128. Yobe State is next with 28, while Imo and Ogun States have 25 each. Ondo State has 17 and Oyo has 15.

"27 States have their indigenes so far returned, while 9 states and the Federal Capital Territory have not yet recorded any returnee", she said.

The DG, who appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for the effort, which according to her, was a demonstration of the

administration's commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerians wherever they reside, urged states to compliment the FG's efforts.

"I wish to appeal to states that are already mounting pressure on the operations in Port Harcourt to take away their indigenes to ensure that those they are taking away are properly rehabilitated, as releasing them into the streets without rehabilitation and other assistance may spell doom for the country and damage the image of the country", she said.

As the nation enters another year of political activities, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has warned political elders in the state against making provocative utterances capable of igniting the state.

The Governor who spoke at the Ibom International Airport with Journalists while returning from official engagement in Abuja cautioned that he would not compromise with anybody irrespective of status the peace and security currently enjoyed in the state.

The Governor’s comment appears to have been a reaction to a remark purportedly made by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio at a meeting hosted by the Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Moses Ekpo for the members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.

Akpabio at the meeting recently held at the Independent Hall, Abak local government area of the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District was quoted to have said that the district was marginalised with uncompleted projects initiated by the immediate past administration of Senator Akapbio abandoned by his successor.

According to the Governor, with 2019 general elections around the corner people were most likely bent on changing the narrative to score cheap political points and warned that his administration would not treat statements that were bound

to cause public disaffection lightly. “This year is going to be a little bit busier in terms of politics and once you enter into a political terrain of this nature so many things come up.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIBUOKE ROSEMARY AMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UZOHO ROSEMARY AMAKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MMADU FERDINAND, now wish to be known and addressed as NLEMCHUKWU FERDINAND CHIMEZIE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as HARUNA SALE JUBRIN, now wish to be known and addressed as HARUNA JUBRIN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AZEEZ ISMAILA .O., now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULAZEEZ ISMAILA OLASUNKANMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AKPOJEVUGHE TESSY, now wish to be known and addressed as AKPOJEVUGHE DORIS UYOYOU. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JOHNSON AKOR ONOJA , now wish to be known and addressed as ECHEBIOGO ALI OKPE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Saturday, January 13, 2018

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Price: N250

MISSILE ADP on Buhari “Believe me; President Buhari should be in his ranch drinking fura de nunu.

We are not saying he doesn’t have the right to contest. But morally, it is wrong. What impact has this administration made? We now have kidnappings and killings. Corruption is even more endemic. Fuel scarcity has come back.”

The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Yabaji Sani chastising those urging Buhari to run for a 2nd term.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

My Choice of Candidates in 2019 Presidential Election

F

ellow Nigerians, thanks for the deluge of messages and phone calls last week after reading my memo to our dear President. I doubt if any article of mine ever generated such amazing interest from the rich and poor, educated and not so educated, alike. The closest to it would be the letter I wrote to our wonderful First Lady of yore, Dame Patient Jonathan at the peak of PDP rascality.

For the sake of those still wondering why I wrote so passionately, and objectively, in my last column, let me say it loud and clear, that memo was an apologia to Nigerians. I had promised to write whenever I’m finally convinced that the APC government has irredeemably flopped like its predecessor PDP. I wish to emphasise that as much as I wish that a miracle can still happen in the next 12 months or so to come before the general election, I’m sorry to inform you that the signs are ominous. The lackadaisical attitude of APC, and in particular, President Buhari, has become unbearably palpable. They are looking like a Party and President on a suicide mission.

They keep making mistakes after mistakes, and blunders after blunders.

There was no better time to rescue itself from the kamikaze slide than during the mass funeral in Benue State two days ago. What should have been a special occasion for national rebirth and reformation was frittered away by the sheer arrogance of the ruling class. What should have been a day of national mourning was treated with such recalcitrance, and possible disdain. It is difficult not to see or feel that this government is a victim of some witchcraft and hypnotism. A government that rode into power on the supersonic jet of goodwill of the people is barely struggling to survive a swim in the gutter of ill-wind. It is more like it has embarked on a predictable slide down a giant abyss, as by its very demeanour and offhanded posture it insults and belittles those very same people that it relied upon for the much vaunted change it promised but has found difficult to deliver. In many, albeit different ways, we seem to have gone back to the arrant impunity of the Jonathan era. What exactly is wrong? Anyway.

Pardon my digression, but the recent devastating and sad events in Benue State in which some herdsmen went berserk and attacked innocent indigenes of that State deserves condemnation of these terrorists by every Nigerian. I join others in offering my condolences to the families of all those who died in the unfortunate incidents.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace. I commiserate with those injured and affected by the dastardly rampage. The time has come for President Buhari to act swiftly and decisively to curb this menace which has the potential to tear our country apart, despite the strenuous and vociferous protestations by the President about our unity being non-negotiable.

Now to the matter at hand. A few people suggested last week that I was working for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, probably because of our recent meeting and also partly because he is the main candidate who has declared his interest, and that is why I wrote that memo to President Muhammadu Buhari. Let me say with all the emphasis at my command that I’m not working for anybody. I’m too independent to be used by

President Muhammadu Buhari anybody. The time has not come for me to jump into the game. I have my eyes on a few bright guys of Nigeria but what if they don’t get the ticket? And what happens if we have Buhari and Atiku as frontrunners in the next election?

You may wish to know who between the two I will support. When I’m faced with such option, I will not shy away from declaring my position publicly. I’m not the kind that would hide my support. When Chief Olu Falae contested against Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, I supported Falae, as a matter of personal principle. He did not have cash to throw around and I even spent my meagre income to travel to Vienna to try and persuade that cerebral gentleman, of blessed memories, Dr Rilwan Lukman, who was the kingpin at OPEC headquarters in Austria, to run as Falae’s VicePresident. Though the arrangement fell through, I still returned home to support Falae. Only one person can win at a time.

I never supported any PDP candidate in their sixteen years in power though I admired a few of their action-packed Governors. The last election that catapulted them out of power finally convinced me that behaviourally and ideologically, the difference between APC and PDP was between six and half dozen. There was no way APC would have emerged triumphantly without the epic support of the PDP dissenters. Anyone can say whatever they like today, I was an eye-witness, and active participant, in the making of that spellbinding, suspense movie. Amaechi, Saraki, Kwankwaso, Atiku, Wamako, Tambuwal, and others from the PDP made so much difference when they added their weight to those of the godfathers from the other Parties that formed the APC conglomerate.

My decision to support APC, though never a member of the Party till this day, was primarily to get rid of the PDP fiefdom that was stylishly manifesting and bourgeoning into a veritable catastrophe for the country. Two, to stop the profligacy that had characterised the government of the day. I have met some key actors who said President Goodluck Jonathan was never a corrupt man personally but he lacked the strong will to challenge his thieving acolytes. That was the

major weakness that guillotined his regime. Most reluctantly for some of us, Buhari became an option and a stopgap. Anyone who followed my support for President Buhari would have seen how I regularly referred to him as the Mandela option. I didn’t expect him to become a permanent feature. I’ve always believed that anyone above the age of 65 is a high-risk option, and I said this about Buhari during our Presidential race in 2011.

However, since the last Presidential election was a straight fight between Jonathan and Buhari, the choice was totally limited. Many of those who supported Buhari also considered his anti-corruption credentials though, in retrospect, I believe we downplayed his anti-democratic records and proclivity. I still have no doubt that he’s one of the most honest Nigerians alive today, although like Jonathan he seems to be surrounded by people in respect of who that is difficult to say.

It is likely that age, as well as the reality and practicality of how he attained power, have jointly humbled and mellowed his almost sacramental vows against corruption. It would be tantamount to monumental hypocrisy and superlative ingratitude to bite the fingers that fed one in our hour of acute need. It has become critically obvious that what has confronted Buhari in power was never what he anticipated or bargained for.

This is why I advised him last week to bow out with whatever honour he has left, instead of squandering everything away. If he stubbornly contests the next election, he would be forced to compromise and capitulate on a number of things. He would have no choice than to play the erstwhile PDP card, by opening the vaults of the Central Bank of Nigeria to political vultures who are not known to be patient or merciful in respect of primordial interests. That was my honest and candid appeal to Baba out of genuine concern for his future and legacy. Let us, at least, continue to dream that we have one selfless and incorruptible leader in Nigeria.

The truth, is that my preference would be for younger candidates in both major Parties and my criteria would be as follows. The candidate must be well educated. Nigeria has produced more than enough graduates from every part of the country for us to be continuously and endlessly led by near-illiterates. The candidate should have managed people and resources, whether in a private or public capacity or both. The candidate is expected to be seriously exposed to modern trends. Ability to communicate well would be appreciated since he would have to interact with world leaders. I want a Nigerian candidate and not a sectional leader. Anyone who cannot feel at home in any part of Nigeria is not fit to lead our otherwise great nation. Anyone still relying on zoning, quota and Federal character to become anything in Nigeria is certainly an enemy of progress. We must consider the brightest people from every part. There are enough people in Nigeria who fit this bill. We can’t simply say that we cannot find one such person. Our search should in reality be moving on to finding the very best of the best. Once we find our Leader and his deputy then we should not care too much about engaging others, including foreigners, who are the best at infrastructure and facility building of the type we so desire and need. Dubai is not solely managed by Emirati citizens. The UK allows

foreigners to manage critical sectors, including the economy, a good example being the Bank of England (their Central Bank) headed by a Canadian, Mark Joseph Carney.

I will not totally disqualify exceptional elders who have distinguished themselves under most of my above criteria lest I fall victim of the same bigotry I’ve been preaching against. Some elders are more reasonable, less corrupt, more businesssavvy, more exposed to international standards, more efficient, less cantankerous, more focussed, and more visionary than our so-called youths.

We have since come full cycle by trying sinners and saints but we have not yet succeeded in having great and big thinkers. We cannot, and must not, continue to delude ourselves that we can find saints from anywhere to lead us. What we need, as a matter of urgency and desperation are competent performers from wherever we can seek and find them. By now, we should be tired of exchanging the baton of backwardness and mediocrity every four years. Like joke, like joke, nothing spectacular has happened to us for decades now while smaller countries across Africa are marching forward confidently and admirably.

Our own leaders seem to be very comfortable in our squalid, desolate and unsavoury conditions.

No qualms. No urgency. No new ideas to copy, borrow or buy. We are permanently stagnant and sanguine about our perpetual state of inertia.

The next election should be a turning point. We can no longer afford to play politics of ethnicity, money and religion. I reiterate that we must search frantically, extensively and productively for the best. The world would leave us very far behind at the rate we are going. We are already desperately behind and trying to play catch up. We do not need to lose more ground. I’m appealing to everyone who loves Nigeria to free Nigeria from the bondage of oppression, suppression, ethnic jingoism, religious fanaticism, terrorism, Satanism, and all forms of retrogression. 2019 cannot, and should not, be business as usual. It should be our year of true liberation and independence.

Yes. The time has come to assemble our proven performers in a government of national unity.

Nigeria cannot be handed over, or handled anymore by professional politicians who have no other business or job they do, and who merely see their stay in government as an opportunity for self-aggrandisement, and unashamed and unabashed looting of our collective wealth. Rather we want Nigerian leaders who are committed and passionate about their country.

Our chosen leaders must be willing to sacrifice their all to ensure and enhance the comfort of their fellow citizens by providing the simple basics of life. Nigerians have never been a demanding people. We merely want education for our children, decent wages for our hard labour, good health care, electricity, water, food, security and above all peace. For now, every single one of these matters evade and elude us notwithstanding our vote for change! The President and his Vice President must provide evidence of what they have done and accomplished in their lives.

Merit, productivity, passion and vison must be our watchword. Irrelevant considerations, like religion, ethnicity or even gender, have no place in this equation.

May Nigeria be victorious.

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