Saturday 20th January 2018

Reprieve for Olubadan as Court Nullifies Gov Ajimobi’s 21 New Kings Oyo government heads to Appeal Court Ademola Babalola in Ibadan The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, yesterday heaved a sigh of relieve for the first time in 5 months as an Oyo State High Court presided over by Justice Olajumoke Aiki, declared the review of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and

other Related Chieftaincies in Ibadan land carried out by the state government in August last year as "unconstitutional, illegal, null, void and of no effect."

Subsequently, all the new 21 Kings who derived their promotion and installation from

Verdict victory for Ibadanland, says Ladoja

the panel's report would now be ceased to be kings except the judgment is upturned by another court in future.

In a swiftly reaction, Governor Abiola Ajimobi declared that the state would appeal against the judgment.

The Osi Olubadan of Ibadan land, who was a former governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, has praised Justice Olajumoke Aiki’s verdict declaring the installation of 21 kings in Ibadan land by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the state, describing it as a victory

for Ibadan land.

The judge had on Friday nullified the elevation of high chiefs and some baales in Ibadan by the state Governor Ajimobi to the status of kings. Ladoja had gone to court challenging the constitution of the Justice

Court Okays Permanent Forfeiture of Ikoyi Flat to FG… Page

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A tkintunde Boade chieftaincy review commission, seeking also from the court to set aside the recommendations of the commission.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Lanre Latinwo, Ladoja said it was not a personal Continued on page 6

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$3.3bn Egina Oilfield Floating Production Storage to Arrive Nigeria Tuesday… Page 8

Buhari: I Still Marvel that Jonathan Conceded, He Could Have Destabilised the System Allegation of hate against Ndigbo hits me hard I got meagre 198,000 votes from the entire South-east in 2015 equal to the number of votes from one LG in the North APC leaders, governors endorse president for 2nd term Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Amby Uneze in Owerri President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday reiterated his surprise that former President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat in the 2015 Presidential despite being the incumbent President with all state powers.

Buhari made this remark late on Thursday night while hosting 18 supporters comprising members of the National

Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by its National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, party men and women and select senators of the APC in his residence in the Presidential Villa.

The President said he marveled that his predecessor cheaply conceded defeat “bearing in mind that having stayed for so long in the corridors of power, he could deploy all the arsenals Continued on page 6

TCN: We’ll Rely on the Court to Recover $75.5m Fibre Optic Debt Firms: We are not owing Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday said it was confident about the legal processes initiated to recover about $75.5 million owed it over a period of 11 years by two indigenous telecommunications firms - Alheri Engineering Company Limited, and Phase 3 Telecom Limited, for the use of its fibre optic network through a concession agreement which was entered into in 2006.

Though the telecommunications firms had denied owing the TCN

in this arrangement, a statement from the TCN in Abuja, however explained that the transmission company would rely on an existing court process to recover what is owed it by the firms.

According to a letter the Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, reportedly wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari, on the development, both concessionaires - Phase 3 Telecom and Alheri Engineering, used the fibre optic Continued on page 8

PRESIDENTIAL BRIEFING… President Muhammadu Buhari with the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman during a courtesy call on the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday

Lagos, Visionscape Intensify Waste Evacuation Across Metropolis… Page 14

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BUHARI DINES WITH APC CHIEFTAINS‌ L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari (midd;e) in a chat with APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun; former Governor Wamako; APC National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni; former Abia State Governor Chief Orji Uzor Kalu; SGF Mr Boss Mustapha and others after a dinner with APC chieftains at the Presidential Villa Abuja ...Thursday night

B U HARI: I STILL MARVEL T HAT JON AT HAN C ON C E D ED , H E C OU L D H AVE D E STAB I L I S E D TH E SYST EM within his reach to destabilise the system.�

Buhari said: "He (Jonathan) rang me and said, 'Your Excellency,' and l said, 'Your Excellency sir.' He said 'l ring to congratulate you.' I will not forget the time. He said 'l ring to congratulate you that l have conceded defeat, congratulations.'

He said 'did you hear me?' I said 'yes sir. Thank you very much for your statesmanship' because after being a deputy governor, governor, vice president and president for six years, for him to take that decision... because he could cause some problems having stayed long enough in his capacity.’ The President also said that the persistent allegations that he hates Ndigbo always hit him below the belt, describing the allegations as unjustifiable.

Buhari who went down memory lane to recall his political experiences since 2003 when he began to run for the presidency, said he was usually pained by the allegation, stating that he had favoured the South-east zone

which gave him meagre votes more than the North where he said got the bulk of votes at the 2015 presidential election in his cabinet.

Specifically, he said whereas the South-east gave him the total paltry 198,000 votes at the election, the president argued that such votes were only equal to the number of votes that he got in only one local government area of the North.

While attempting to assuage the minds of people of the notion of hate against Ndigbo, Buhari restated that in the North where he got the bulk of the votes which brought him to power as Nigeria's president, seven states from the three geo-political zones of the region got ministers of state while four of the five states of the South-east got four substantive ministerial offices.

He therefore dismissed the allegation, saying it was untrue and those making such allegation could not have meant it.

"But to cap it all, let me tell you what hits me very hard. In the

three geo-political zones of the North, seven of the states have junior ministers but in South-east where l got 198,000 votes which any local government in other geo-political zones gave me, l have four substantive ministers and l have junior ministers from seven states of the North.

"So, for the problem of this country, please look at the people more than yourself. Don't allow anybody to bring that allegation of ethnic bigotry. It is not true.

They don't mean it," he said.

Buhari, who narrated his ordeals from Appeal Court to the Supreme Court between 2003 and 2011, said he had chosen the group of 18, along with other notable party leaders, to help him brainstorm on how to solve Nigerian problems.

He appealed to them to help him reflect on all he went through before becoming president with a view to addressing the myriad of Nigeria's problems.

Recalling how he was reckless as a military head of state by pronouncing former governors and ministers guilty and throwing

them into Kirikiri Prisons in Lagos before giving them any right to fair hearing, Buhari pointed out that he eventually became the victim of the same punishment he meted to people as he was also arrested and held for three and half years.

The president also narrated how the introduction of permanent voter cards changed the equation in 2015 and ended his 12 years of struggle for the presidency, disclosing that the advent of PVC ensured that a voter could only vote where he registered.

He concluded that having gone through several ordeals before becoming president, he would never be hasty to take any decision but would rather act in clear conscience, assuring that he would never forget his guests particularly those who had supported his aspiration from 2003 till date.

"I will never forget the three times that l was in Supreme Court. l virtually refused to give up and l know what we all went through.

So, this last one, with technology

R E P R IEV E FO R OLU BADAN AS COURT N U L L I F I ES GOV AJ I M OB I ’S 21 N E W K I N GS victory for him because what triggered the suit he filed in court to challenge the government decsiion was the need to preserve the globally cherished custom and tradition of Olubadan succession system, which he described as smooth and rancor-free system.

The statement said that the 21 Obas should desist from wearing their beaded coronets or crowns in obedience to the judgment, saying that there were provisions that forbade anyone wearing a crown or coronet without being a king.

HE also said that the 21 kings should stop parading themselves as monarchs.

The statement said, “The judgment has vindicated us as purists who abhor any contamination of a rancor-free succession process that has become the envy of many cities all over the world. I do not in any way see it as a personal victory. The Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration was made in 1957 and registered with the then Western Region government.

It was made by a chieftaincy committee headed by the then Olubadan, Oba I.B Akinyele.

The only High Chief who turned down the crown, Senator Rashidi Ladoja were vindicated as the court granted the prayer of Ladoja over the constitution of Judicial Panel headed by a retired judge, Justice Akintunde Boade Like Ladoja, Olubadan had equally instituted another court case against the review.

It will be recalled that following what the State Government described as the growing

concern by Ibadan elites on why a cosmopolitan city as Ibadan would be under sole kingship and need for changes in tradition and agelong cultural belief in traditional system, set up the commission on May 19, 2017 to review the declaration of Ibadan Chieftaincy law.

Shortly afterwards, the report was submitted to Governor Abiola Ajimobi in August 2017.

It recommended creation of more monarchs in Ibadan land, leading to the installation of 21 kings by the governor on August 27, 2017 at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

Save for Ladoja, other High Chiefs in Olubadan-in-council agreed to be elevated as Crown wearing Obas.

Meanwhile, the State Government has kicked against the court's nullification of the exercise.

The governor bared his mind during the inauguration of a block of classrooms donated to the Community Secondary School, Ajara, in Lagelu Local Government Area of the state by a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi, SAN, in Ajara, yesterday.

Ajimobi used the opportunity to restate his earlier position that the review, which culminated in the August 27, 2017 installation of 21 new obas, among whom were some erstwhile high chiefs and baales, was an altruistic gesture that was for the overall good of Ibadanland.

Ajimobi said: "Today's judgment on the Olubadan

Chieftaincy review will be appealed against immediately.

Let me reiterate here that the review was an exercise that was well thought out. It is for the development and progress of Ibadanland and the people therein.

"We will not relent in our determination to make Ibadan great and the greatness shall come through various ways; one of which was the Olubadan chieftaincy review that was conducted by a judicial commission of inquiry. “The truth is that people are normally opposed to change and radical policies that will eventually be beneficial to them, but we shall get there. We will not be deterred or allow retrogressive tendencies to override the progress Oyo State is currently making."

The governor commended Olujinmi for giving back to his place of birth and called on others of means to emulate the gesture, which, he said, would go a long way to complement the efforts of the government in developing the education sector.

He also advised parents to play their parts in giving qualitative education to their children in order to safeguard their future.

According to him, the event was another testament to the success of the School Governing Board (SGB) policy of his administration, adding that many schools had been transformed following the intervention of the SGB members.

He said: "Today, we are celebrating another milestone in

the success of the SGB policy with the commissioning of this project.

Our foremost lawyer and son of the soil, Chief Akinlolu Olujimi, has bought into our policy direction aimed at restructuring our education system.

"I enjoin you all to let us continue to work hand-in-hand to further change the face of education in our state. I’m elated that we have been getting positive results from our various policies on education. I, therefore, call on other people of means to lend a hand."

In his address, the donor said that he was happy to have contributed to the growth of education, especially in his own community, stating that he had decided to build another block of four classrooms in the same school.

He advised the students to concentrate on their studies so as to become great in the future and for them to also be in a good position to pay back to their communities.

Olujinmi said: "The SGB policy of the Governor Ajimobi administration is laudable. It has paved the way for somebody like me to contribute to the development of education in my locality and by extension in Oyo State.

"It is left for you students to reciprocate this gesture by forging ahead to attain excellence in your academic pursuits. The government has done its bit. It is your responsibility as beneficiaries of this progressive policy to aim for greatness".

and determination of Nigerians, this PVC made sure that wherever you registered, you vote there and your vote will count there and the same time, you go for voter education.

"So, please, you are the side group of 60 persons that l felt l had to invite.

Let's reason together and sit down here for the group to solve the problems of this country and l will want us to reflect on the historical scenes before l arrived here. “When l was in uniform, l was reckless. I got all the ministers and governors. I put them in Kirikiri.

I said 'you are guilty and you can prove yourself innocent.' But l too was put away for three and half years.

"I decided to drop the uniform and come back here. So, really, l have gone through it over and over again. That is why I'm not in a hurry to do anything but will sit down and reflect and continue in clear conscience. Thank you for accepting my invitation. Please, if l don't ring you, if l don't call for a moment, l never forget how you supported me at one stage or the other from 2003 till now," Buhari said.

In his response, the party chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, who announced the endorsement of the party leaders for Buhari's re-election in 2019, persuaded the president to throw his hat into the ring for a re-election next year.

Odigie-Oyegun said they were solidly behind the president's return to power come 2019, revealing that some of them had already begun to work for him at the background.

According to him, if the president fails to run for a second term in office, all the ruling party had laboured for in four years would be in vain.

"I want to assure you that we are firmly behind you and that when you decide as l hope you will soon, you will find an Army behind you. Those that are interested are already working behind you. It is my hope that you will agree eventually that continuity is critical. Otherwise, all we have struggled for will come to nothing," Oyegun said.

The chairman who expressed hopes that the fruits of Buhari's labour since 2015 would begin to come into fruition this year, prayed that the president would leave a legacy as the builder of modern Nigeria.

"It has taken three years of foundation laying. Thank God the harvest will begin this year.

My hope is that it will come early enough for people to see so that you can be called the architect of modern Nigeria, architect of a modern country whose economy is domiciled in this country based on the sweat of Nigeria, the sweat of men in every endeavour. I hope you 'll be seen as the architect of modern Nigeria.

Present at the meeting besides Odigie-Oyegun were former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Senators Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aliyu Wamakko and Abdullahi Adamu, former Abia, Enugu, and Ekiti State governors, Orji Uzor Kalu, Sullivan Chime and Segun Oni. Others are Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the National Secretary of the APC, Mai Mala Buni.

Okorocha: APC Governors Want Buhari to Declare for 2nd Tenure In a related development, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum, Rochas Okorocha, has said that the governors elected on the platform of the APC have met and unanimously agreed that Buhari deserves second term and have therefore asked him to declare for second term immediately.

Okorocha gave the hint yesterday while speaking at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport on arrival from Abuja He claimed that the President had justified his first term mandate and should have his mandate renewed.

He also stated that the APC governors equally unanimously endorsed the re-appointment of the former governor of Rivers State and the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi as the DirectorGeneral of Buhari Campaign Organization, adding that he did well as the Director-General of the Campaign outfit in 2015 and should be allowed to repeat the good work. “We have been in Abuja for three days holding meetings of the Progressive Governors with the APC leadership. We deliberated on so many issues. First among the very important issues that we discussed, was the issue of Mr. President’s second term bid and it has the endorsement of all the governors of APC. There is need for him to complete his second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and he should go ahead to declare. “Four years is not enough to show what the President can offer.

We believe that another four years will bring out the best in him.

The first four years is a very difficult period, and we believe that as things are stabilizing, he will take Nigeria to the next level. The Governors have serious responsibilities. All the Governors were asked to put up a team as the campaign council. “We all agreed that we should move the same way in order to achieve better results. This time, we all agreed that we governors have serious responsibilities. In the meeting, we resolved that governors should head other zonal and State outfits of this campaign. All the governors were asked to put up a team, a credible team, as members of the Campaign Council.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY JANUARY 20, 2018

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

EKWUEME'S RITE OF PASSAGE...

L-R: Professor Laz Ekwueme; The Very Reverend Monsignor Chris Yobo; wife of Prof Laz Ekwueme, Mrs. Helen Ekwueme; former first Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola; Mrs. Beatrice Ekwueme; and Mrs. Ifeoma Ekwueme, widows at the evening of Tributes and Music for Late Dr Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President of Nigeria held at Muson Centre, Lagos on Frideay. at the event.

PHOTO....KOLA ALLI

Concerned Nigerians Drag Buhari to Court, Want NIA DG Sacked Controversies have continued to trail the appointment of Ahmed Rufai Abubakar as the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA as Deji Adeyanju, acting for Concerned Nigerians, has dragged President Muhammadu Buhari, Abubakar and Attorney General of the Federation to court seeking for an order among others to remove the NIA DG. In a suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/56/2018 dated January 19, 2018 through origi-

nating summons brought under Order 3 Rule 6 and 7 of the federal High Court Civil procedure rules seeks the defendants to appear in court to defend their actions.

The process raised two questions for determination which are: “Whether by the provisions of section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria (as amended) the !st Defendant (President Buhari) can appoint the 2nd Defendant who is from Katsina State as Director-General of the

National Intelligence Agency when the Director General, State Security Services, Lawal Musa Daura is also from Katsina State. “Whether by the provision of section 2(3) of the National Security Agencies Act, the second Defendant (Abubakar) is a fit and proper person to be appointed as Director General of the National Intelligence Agency�.

Adeyanju further prayed for two declarative reliefs and two orders from the court. He sought for “A declaration that by the

$3.3bn Egina OilďŹ eld FPSO Arrives Nigeria Tuesday Ejiofor Alike Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is set to record another milestone as the $3.3 billion Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessel for the 200,000 barrels per day capacity Egina Deepwater oilfield will arrive Nigeria from South Korea on Tuesday.

The FPSO, which was built by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), sailed away from the quay side at Samsung Yard in Geoje, South Korea, on October 31, 2017, on its long anticipated journey to Nigeria, which was initially estimated to last for 90 days.

THISDAY gathered that when it arrives at the Samsung Yard (SHI-MCI FZE quayside) in Lagos on Tuesday, the FPSO, which is currently offshore Angola, will be integrated locally before it sails away to the deep offshore oil field.

Located at the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 130 offshore, the Egina oilfield, which will add 200,000 barrels per day of crude oil to Nigeria’s daily production when it comes

on stream by the end of 2018, is being developed by Total Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNL) at the cost of $16 billion.

Out of the $16 billion capital expenditure (Capex) for the six packages in the oilfield development, $3.3 billion of this amount is earmarked for building the FPSO. Speaking to journalists yesterday at the Samsung’s fabrication and integration yard located at LADOL Free Zone in Lagos, the Chief Financial Officer of SHI-MCI, Mr. Jin Su Park stated that the FPSO will arrive Nigeria by 7a.m on January 23, 2017.

He noted that despite the numerous challenges that confronted SHI in the construction of the yard, the South Korean firm had successfully completed the yard, which is the first FPSO fabrication and integration yard in Africa.

According to him, Samsung Heavy Industries invested $300 million in the yard and achieved 777 days without Loss Time Injury (LTI) on January 19, being yesterday.

provisions of section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the 1st Defendant (Buhari) cannot appoint the second Defendant (Abubakar) who is from Katsina State, as Director General of the National Intelligence Agency when the Director General of the State Security Services, Lawal Musa Daura is also from Katsina State. “A declaration that by the provisions of section 2(3) of the National Security Agencies

Act, the 2nd Defendant is not a fit and proper person to be appointed as Director General of the National Intelligence agency�.

Adeyanju prayed for an order of court to remove Abubakar as the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency in addition to an order for a perpetual injuction restraining Buhari whether by himself, his office, agents, servants or privies or otherwise howsoever from further appointing Abubakar as the Director Geberal of the

NIA and further such orders as the court may deem fit in the circumstance.

There had been disenchantment over the appointment of Abubakar who some alleged did not pass some promotional examinations and therefore was not a proper and fit person to hold such an exalted office.

Others also kicked against the appointment, decrying it as clannishness pushed too far.

However, no date has been fixed for the hearing on the suit.

TCN to Alheri: We’ll Rely on the Court to Recover $75.5m Fibre Optic Debt Cont’d from Pg.1 which was entered into in 2006. Though the telecommunications firms had denied owing the TCN in this arrangement, a statement from the TCN in Abuja, however explained that the transmission company would rely on an existing court process to recover what is owed it by the firms.

According to a letter the Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, reportedly wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari, on the development, both concessionaires - Phase 3 Telecom and Alheri Engineering, used the fibre optic platforms and the facilities of the TCN during the period of the concession agreement to service their customers.

TCN said: “The attention of the management of the TCN has been drawn to the recent misrepresentation in recent media publications about the operation of its terminated fibre optic concession contract. It is imperative to state that the issue in question is before a competent court of law. TCN has confidence in our court system and is sure that justice will prevail based on the very clear facts of the case.�

In his letter, Fashola sought Buhari’s intervention to recover monies owed the TCN by

the concessionaires after they failed to pay a concession fee of $40 million each for the use of TCN’s assets to service their customers.

TCN’s transmission lines are reportedly built with fiber optic lines which can convey telecommunications signals nationwide, but the letter said since 2006, Phase 3 and Alheri paid only $2 million and $3.5 million concession fees, respectively, hence, TCN’s push for the recovery. The agreements also provided for shelter fees of 2.5 per cent royalty on gross revenue.

Meanwhile, the TCN has disclosed that it would in line with its Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP) which seeks to upgrade Nigeria’s transmission network, initiate a new procurement process to upgrade its burnt and abandoned 2x60MVA-132/33kV Ayangba transmission substation in Kogi State, to a 330/132kV transmission substation in readiness for evacuation of power that would come from the 3050 megawatts (MW) Mambilla hydro power station.

The General Manager, Public Affairs of the TCN, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, told journalists during a working visit to the uncompleted substation

which was reportedly abandoned in 2013 after some of its components were burnt by a bush fire and its contractor subsequently died, that the upgrade programme on the substation had been captured in the TREP. Mbah, explained that the substation was strategic in delivery of expected power from Mambilla, and as such had begun processes for its upgrade. She noted that the working visit was to intimate the host community on the plan and TCN’s request of their support and cooperation, adding that though the project had failed with the demise of the contractor, the TCN would still go ahead with its upgrade plan.

She also said the TCN had made plans to evacuate the transmission components that were not burnt by the bush fire in 2013, to its nearby Ajaokuta substation to protect them from weathering, theft, vandalism and any other possible incidence of bush fire.

Responding to her, the traditional ruler of Ayangba, His Royal Highness, Etila Ajeka, who was represented by Mr. Ibrahim Agbadi, during the visit, said the community would cooperate with the TCN in its plans but want further meetings on the issue.

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JANUARY 20, 2͸͹΀ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale A Frank Epistle to Governor Rochas Okorocha 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

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t is heart-warming seeing the founding fathers of Imo State standing up to cataclysmic governor Rochas Okorocha. Top businessmen, members of the academia, technocrats, retired senior military, as well as other professionals of Imo State origin recently joined the noble movement against Okorocha’s misrule, using the platform of Imo Economic Development Initiative. It is pleasing that this formidable opposition to Okorocha is coming about a year to the election of a new governor. This time around, Imo State has to put forward its best hand for governor to halt the anguish in the state. Aside from Maurice Iwu, who chairs the IEDI, the roll call of Imo’s best in the group include businessman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Paschal Dozie; CEO Zinox Technologies, Chief Leo-Stan Ekeh; Chairman of National Population Commission, Chief Eze Duruiheoma; former minister, Charles Ugwu; Senator Samuel Anyanwu; former Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof.

Jude Njoku and the former Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Placid Njoku.

The men listed above are indeed heavyweights and they showed it with the courage with which they went public with their pejorative submission on the Okorocha administration. This was after its Chairman, Iwu, met with Okorocha on January 1, 2018. The fact that IEDI members openly queried Okorocha few weeks back is an indication that this rampaging governor won’t find it easy imposing a stooge in 2019. The IEDI expressed concern over “the sad and troubling state of economic development of Imo State.” The group is particularly concerned about the declining state of the economy of the state and its rising debt profile. In the query, the founding fathers of Imo State drew attention to the fact that Imo, under Okorocha, as at December 31 2016, owed N93.27 billion, up from N26 billion in 2011. They backed it up with figures from the Debt Management

Okorocha

Office, Imo State.

IEDI stated that a review of the states’ sustainability index, a report which profiles the viability and sustainability of states showed that Imo State ranked number 22 in the whole country, a marked decline from the 17th position it occupied on the same index three years ago (2015).

It remarked: “We are concerned about the transportation challenges especially in Owerri municipality. These challenges have been heightened by stopping tricycles from plying the roads without the provision of an adequate alternative means of mass transit. The economic stagnation in the state is a big concern.

“We suggest that government should ensure that salaries are paid as and when due to minimise the hardship in the state.

In conclusion, we are of the view that if effort is made and measures introduced to improve our rankings in various crucial indices - pay workers, pensioners and contractors as and at when due, key into

external and alternative funding sources as well as find a lasting solution to urban mass transit issues - the economy of the state will improve considerably.”

Imo State is clearly in a chaotic state.

This group should go beyond just excoriating Okorocha and making suggestions on how to reverse the ugly trend in the state. IEDI must frustrate attempts

by Okorocha to plant his stooge in office in 2019, by scouting for a competent, forward-looking and pragmatic politician for governor in 2019. They must also back whoever they settle for, with all their resources. IEDI must not allow another tout to run the state in 2019.

The story of Imo State under Okorocha has been a pathetic one. The last six years and eight months have been traumatic for these luckless people. No one will forget in a hurry the ruthless demolition of the famed Eke-ukwu Owerri Market, in spite of a subsisting court order. Justice S.I. Okpara had restrained his government from demolishing the market, pending the determination of a suit filed by stall owners, but Okorocha ignored the court’s order. Hundreds of soldiers and policemen were deployed to pull down the market and pummel protesting traders. Okorocha demolished the honest means of livelihood of these people in the name of a dubious urban renewal project. A 10-year-old boy, Somtochukwu Igboanusi, died during this attack. It was certainly a crime against humanity. Imo people have been living under a fascist regime in the last six years. People in positions of authority must not display shameless impunity as Okorocha does. This governor is unaware that political power is ephemeral.

The spokesman of the Concerned Imo Indigenes in Abuja, Sam Obaji, puts it fittingly: “What we are witnessing in Imo today is a self-interested and uncoordinated urban renewal project that consists largely of the demolition of

Heaps of Refuse Take over Lagos There is hardly anywhere you turn to in Lagos today without being assaulted by unprecedented heaps of refuse. Residents, who can no longer bear living with refuse in their houses, simply push them onto the streets. Waste disposal in this state has evidently collapsed. Lagosians are seething because of looming epidemic. The PSP waste disposal operators were sacked by the state’s government without a pragmatic transition arrangement in place.

Now, there is a yearning gap yet to be filled by the much-talked about new expatriate waste managers. The new refuse managers are on the ground only in few places.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has clearly not done well in this regard. This waste disposal agenda is wobbling. I sincerely hope that it won’t turn into a mirage. My dear Ambode, you must move swiftly to tackle this quagmire before every street in Lagos becomes a huge dump site.

Ambode

private properties and transfer of recovered plots of land to cronies for private development. We believe that a responsive and responsible government would undertake a process that minimises hardship and disruption to the economic and social life of the citizens. We are very angry at this uncivilised, reckless, thoughtless and disrespectful model of governance. Henceforth, we will fight the governor to stop him from further destroying life and livelihood in Imo state.”

Imo, under Okorocha, has become a failed state, with its government unable to meet its basic responsibilities to the citizens. Facilities in the health, education and other sectors have collapsed. In Okorocha’s Imo, civil servants have been going without salaries for years. Retirees are also wallowing in poverty, due to enormous unpaid annuities. All these have resulted in so much poverty in this largely “civil servant” state.

The limited resources of this state are being squandered amid poverty. A good example is when this governor suddenly crops up with an aircraft, said to have been acquired with the funds of the suffering masses of the state. He then went about celebrating, with the impression that this was capable of turning around the fortunes of the state. The impact of Imo Air is yet to be felt. What about Okorocha’s ludicrous trip to Turkey, with about 100 of his cronies, supposedly to study that country’s industrial magic? How much has Imo gained from the lavish trip?

Okorocha has glaringly turned Imo State into a family business and personal property.

His family members are occupying virtually all the key positions and getting juicy contracts in the state. This governor has his son-in-law, Uchej Nwosu (married to his first daughter) as his Chief of Staff. The governor’s youngest sister, Ogechi Ololo, is his Deputy Chief of Staff/Special Adviser Domestic Affairs/Commissioner for Happiness. Okorocha’s wife, Nkechi, is in charge of “Amnesty” in Imo State with a huge war chest. His second daughter, Uju, is on the Governing Board of the Federal College of Education Omoku. Okorocha’s eldest sister, Mrs. Geraldine Obina, is the owner of the firm that collects all market fees and fines in Imo State. The governor’s eldest brother, Gerald, collects dues from all motor parks in the state.

His younger brother, Okey, is in charge at Imo Transport Company. His brother, Jude is in charge of revenue from sand dredging, and any laterite excavation pit in the state. When he was asked to nominate Imo’s representative in the federal cabinet, Okorocha picked his in-law, Professor Anthony Anwukah. This is nepotism of the highest order. The people of Imo State are in a “one-chance” bus. Things must change in 2019.

800 Fulani Herdsmen Killed in Mambilla?

Remarks by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, that he personally gave the federal government pictures of 800 Fulani herdsmen and their families allegedly killed in Taraba State last year are inciting. This kind of statement should not be coming from statesmen like Emir Sanusi, a man I have very high regard for. Tension in our dear nation is already very high over persistent clashes between herdsmen and farmers. Statesmen like Emir Sanusi must be working towards a resolution of the crisis and not fuelling it. In the Mambilla clash, both sides suffered casualties and the figure of deaths from both sides can’t be anywhere close to 800. Again, there are no statistics from security and emergency management agencies supporting Emir Sanusi’s claims.

The Emir said: “Some months ago in Mambilla, in one weekend, over 800 Fulani were murdered by Mambilla militias. In one case, a pregnant woman was killed, her stomach was ripped open and the baby was brought out and slaughtered. I personally handed over to the federal government a dossier with the names and pictures of the 800 or so people slaughtered as well as the

names and addresses of persons known to have participated in these acts of ethnic cleansing.” Haba, Emir Sanusi! This tensed country does not deserve this kind of provocative narrative at this point in time.

It will simply aggravate senseless killings across our nation. At this critical period, we need our statesmen to talk and act dispassionately. This Emir was simply justifying criminality by this contentious claim. Our highly distinguished Emir Sanusi must be seen working towards a peaceful resolution of this crisis. He must be seen supporting initiatives by Taraba State government aimed at promoting peace in the state.

Governor Darius Ishaka was apt when he said, “Sanusi wields a lot of influence and should be careful about things he says, so as not to send wrong signals out there. There is no single element of truth in his allegations.”

These are my conclusions: Human lives are sacred and obviously more important than that of cows. So, a special force must move in to disarm Fulani militia. We must all face the fact that nomadic rearing of cattle is an aberration in any modern society; Nigeria can’t be an exception. The only way

to end these horrific clashes between famers and herdsmen is to eliminate contacts between them. So, herdsmen must return to their homes, while affected state governments must swiftly provide land/technical support to enable them establish ranches. Huge agriculture value chain businesses will spring up around ranches, which will boost the economies of northern states.

We must also face the fact that killings and reprisals are the result of the failure of government and its security agencies to tackle crimes. Emir Sanusi agrees that “we are living in a country that has failed to protect the lives of people on all sides and bring culprits to book.” The monarch said as far as perpetrators continued to get away with the dastardly acts; they would remain emboldened to continue to kill. This is the truth that must be told.

So, we must also persistently interrogate this failed, sectional and inept Buhari administration. Security is in a shambles because 99% of those picked for the job

by Buhari are just from a section of this country. Take a look at the list and you will weep for our great country: Defence

Emir Sanusi

Minister, Mansur Dan Alli; Internal affairs Minister, Abdulrahaman Dambazzau; DG of DSS, Lawal Daura; Chief of Air Staff, Sadiqu Abubakar; Army Chief, Tukur Buratai; IGP Ibrahim Idris; Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno and DG, Nigeria Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Ababukar.

Our dear country has never been this divided. Nigerians must stand up against the emergence of an inept/sectional leader in 2019.

This is the only way forward for our country.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 20, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY Top 5 Celebrity Live Bands That

ROCKED 2017

There are many live bands in Nigeria that make social life tick. In this piece, Adedayo Adejobi examines the top five live bands that rocked Nigeria’s high society in 2017 and what the future holds for them

Shuga Band - Akin Tofowomo 1- The Shuga Band-Akin Tofowomo The name Akinloye Tofowomo is synonymous with Live Music in Nigeria.

The Smart, intelligent and business savvy Akinloye Tofowomo is fondly called Shuga. He, alongside his wife of inestimable value, Maria Tofowomo, own and run the Shuga Group- a fast emerging conglomerate with a spread in the live band, record label, Lights Sound, Logistics, training, and entertainment consultancy.

He equally runs a non-profit organisation, the Shuga Foundation which caters for physically challenged children battling polio. For anyone who has followed keenly and known in detail, the trajectory of Shuga, he didn’t just start, he’s paid his dues in the game. From the ranks of Jazzville to, Pintos, to the Thistle Bar, to The outside Inn on the long list, where he started and used to play with Ejiro of the famed Prudence Band, it’s no doubt been a long time coming on the music grind.

Akin’s career and life is a testament to success, dint of hard work and unwavering focus, in spite of seeming physical disability, as over 20 years ago, he came into the Live music business with no capital, nor connections. Today, a conservative Akinloye has risen head-high out of the crowd, built an enviable entertainment empire on the heels of his passion, talent, commitment to excellence, tenacity and highest standards of Professionalism. As Nigeria’s unarguably highest paid Live band service, all he needs to do is name the price and most times, set the date, the rich, influential, and royalty would plunk down their hard-earned cash without batting an eyelid, just to have him treat them to quality and timeless live music, and he constantly performs.

Married to Mariah Tofowomo, with two kids, his spiritual side unknown to many,

and God has been his secret weapon, asides his team - the technical, administrative and Shuga band members who work round the clock to ensure the fire burns.

For the second year running, son of a Late Judge Tofowomo, Akinloye Tofowomo’s Shuga Band, Nigeria’s most-indemand name in live music, clinches this year’s coveted Best Live Band of the year.

From playing gigs of an undeniably impressive catalogue of the Super rich- General TY Danjuma to the Abebe’s to Gbolly Balogun, Tofowomo’s career continually soars high.

A big contender for Nigeria’s number one band, Akin Tofowomo, and his team, have found a scientific formula for making guests party. Little wonder that he’s doing more cross-industry business than some of Nigeria’s biggest pop stars. Investing in equipment and research, the band has cornered the wedding industry, adding that to other lucrative areas like conferences, annual general meetings, and burials, in a country where parties start on Thursdays and end Sundays. No offseasons.

Revenue source: Performance fees; music label; music management; consultancy business, non-governmental organisation; spraying of money, equipment rental.

2- The Veentage Band Plenty of bands have pillaged the music scene to varying levels of success, yet this young and eclectic 12 piece band led byBabades Akpevwe Emokiniovo, trumps them all.

Their secret is that he doesn’t bother to waste any time trying to ape the sound of his influence (The Sharp Band). Instead, he’s grabbed the constituent parts—guitars strung with razor wire, vocalists venting their spleen with as much unhinged energy as their skinny bodies can

muster—and constructed a new beast of a noise with it. Nothing comes as expected when you listen to veentage band’s live performances every time. The Veentage band always surprise you, inspire you, and give your eardrums a well-deserved workout. No wonder Nigeria’s first ladyMrs Aisha Buhari, Folorunsho Alakija, the Okorocha’s in Imo State, Gen T.Y Danjuma amongst a retinue of royalty came calling on Veentage band countless times in 2017.

Babades Akpevwe Emokiniovo belongs

Veentage Boss and Wife

to another generation. His work ethic is commendable. Their music sounds like the stuff of a complete identity, fully formed from birth, confident and, though he has no reason to, devote time to proving that nothing that was seemingly given to him was anything he didn’t earn. Decidedly not in harmony with this generation of people raised on the notion that dreams are only a strong dose of self-esteem away and that privilege is a right, the youthful, playful Akpevwe and his

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NUARY 20, 2018

11

SUPERSATURDAY TOP 5 CELEBRITY LIVE BANDS THAT ROCKED 2017.... delectably mercurial wife-with inimitable powerful vocals ripping instrumentals and aggressive musicianship, co-run the band, sing like people shouldering the weight of long-gone lives they’ve never lived.

On the roll call, as the second position, the veentage band acts, are an allconsuming testament to talent far beyond its years.

Revenue source: Performance fees, cash spraying at gigs, equipment rental.

3- Eboni Band- Godbless Ubiebifayen To the Super- rich and party rockers, Eboni Band is a name they have on speed dial. To Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Total, Mobil, Africa’s richest black man Aliko Dangote, Ooni of Ife, Oba Elegushi amongst other notable names, Godbless Ubeibifayen’s Eboni band is technically their in-house band.

In his 40’s, the leader of the Eboni Band, one of the biggest and hottest live bands in the country right now. The band name stems from his black skin. The father of three from Delta State came to Lagos 28 years ago whilst awaiting admission to study music at the Prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University after clinching a grade 8 certification at the Victor Uwaifo School of Music in Warri. Since his foray into Lagos, he hasn’t looked back, and fortune seems to have smiled on him. His career kicked off in a Lagos studio as a backup singer and an engineer before he joined Onyeka Onwenu for two years. He then moved unto Sharp Band for 5 years and left to form the Eboni Band.

They may all play the same kind of music, but Godbless Ubeibifayen’s Eboni Band song presentation comes with the Eboni style-humour and laughter. He is set apart from his peers with his discipline, power dressing, humour and discretion on the quality and choice of to play at social functions. The successful music entrepreneur owes his career success story to his wife, wisdom.

Revenue Source: performance fees, record label, spraying of cash, equipment rental.

4- Sharp Band- Sharp Band, Anesi Ivharue You may not know their names and faces. But you’ve danced to Sharp Band’s livee music some point. Yes, s c at so o ep po es, y have. you Blessed with w ith longevity, the hardworking t h ha rdworking and a cconsistent onsistent band will w likely outlive most of today’s t pop musicians. Busy y weekdays w and weekends.

He’s H as old as Shuga and touted to t be raking in a

Ajekingbe

The Sharp Band mouth-watering figure in terms of billing and patronage.

The success of the band is not sudden, but gradual. When he started, it was as though there was no hope at the end of the tunnel. But with focus, patience, faith, hard work, perseverance, and tenacity, the Sharp band became the band of choice in the social circle.

Over the years, he’s become a rallying point for other Band owners. He organises the meeting tagged Monday Night Gig- a platform that brings them all together to meet and discuss the problems and issues arising from the business of band ownership.

The Band owner has had his own share of life’s cards, as he’s been through at least three shake-ups when his band members decided to walk out unannounced to form their own bands, thus putting in in dire straits with clients, but he’s come out stronger and risen above the odds.

Not bitter, he’s reached out to his band members who left, and continually wishes them well. Today, through dints of hard work inculcated in them, he’s proud to say that Sharp Band Nigeria has developed some other bands in the country today.

As a frontline player in the industry, Anesi Ivharue occasionally organises his long-time dream, a live music experience he’s called Sharp band vs Sharp band.

A two-in-one band style which sees his bands on one stage, with one sound, but two unique presentations and interpretations simultaneously. Anesi Ivharue, the ‘sharp’ man behind the ‘sharp’ sound, seems to be setting a tone for the future, and also in his modest way celebrating hit makers and legends through his music platform at Baylounge, on the waterfront of Lekki Lagos. Looking into the future, holding onto to its old and renewed glory, name and fame, the sharp band ranks fourth on the list.

Revenue Source: Performance fees, cash spraying at gigs, equipment rental.

5-Faith Band- Ayo Ajekigbe For those who usually frequent Lagos parties, they must have one way or the other, run into the dressed in white, prim and proper, well-organised, timeconscious, and clearly focused on his music career-Ayo Ajekigbe of the famed Faith Band.

Godbless At wedding receptions, birthdays, burial ceremonies and other social functions, the band has become the favourite of Lagos celebrities, who want an adaptive band that plays a potpourri of music from Gospel, Juju, and Highlife to Hip Hop. Following the high demand for Faith Band to perform at events, and its resolve not to turn down requests for its great services, it set up 3 units. With this disruptive innovation, the Faith Band performs simultaneously at 3 functions across Nigeria. Despite its replication, the band’s performances are always highly outstanding. To this end, the partygoers are not surprised when they see Faith band performing simultaneously at 3 big

events in Lagos on the same day. The Head-honcho, Ayo Ajekigbe has put in structures in place that make it possible.

Interestingly, Ayo Ajekigbe’s and its founders started from being members of the First Baptist Church Choir in Lagos.

Interestingly, years after, Ayo Ajekigbe still remains a valued member of the same church choir.

If you’d ask Ayo Ajekigbe who recently released a four-track album, a few years ago, how he saw the band and how successful it’s become, be sure to know he’ll tell you he didn’t Know Faith band will be this big.

Revenue Source: Performance fees, cash spraying at gigs, equipment rental.

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ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

NIGERIA: IS THIS ME? The future of Nigeria is in the hands of its youths, writes Abdullahi Yunusa

M

y birth was celebrated with pomp and pageantry.

The event was grand in every sense of the word.

My arrival was celebrated far and near, in a manner akin to a royal festival of some sort. At my christening, revered Kings, presidents, queens, respected regional, continental and world leaders converged on the beautiful city of Lagos, the land of aquatic splendor, to honour me.

I was told my visibly elated parents smiled from cheek to cheek as they moved round to welcome well-wishers from all walks of life who defied all odds just to be part of history. Gifts of different sizes, shapes and worth were delivered to my parents. Orators, clergies, celebrities, monarchs and men of means took turns to speak of my greatness and the role I’ve come to play to make the world a better place for humanity.

Growing up, I showed signs of greatness. Nations, both within and beyond Africa had enormous confidence in me and looked up to me as the long-awaited Messiah. Of course, I didn’t let them down. I provided my shoulders for my brothers, close neighbours and others alike to lean on. I deployed both human and material resources to assist countries in need. South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe and other nations in Africa couldn’t have survived both internal and external strife if I had looked the other way. I was called names like the African giant, Big brother, Head of the black race, Africa’s pride among other beautiful appellations. I did live up to expectations.

History books are replete with stories of my greatness. Giant strides by my children in fields such as medicine, law, journalism, engineering, sports, banking and arts are largely responsible for why the world respected me. My son and globally acclaimed literary giant, Professor Wole Soyinka made me and the entire Black race proud when he won the coveted Nobel Prize in Literature. Several of my children recorded great feats across disciplines.

Then came the era of doom, gloom and confusion! Gradually, things began to go awry when my children, spread across different parts of the country, engaged and promoted anti-development practices like ethnicity, religious bigotry, corruption, indiscipline, nepotism, tribalism

THIS IS ALMOST TWO DECADES SINCE MY RETURN TO DEMOCRACY; REGRETTABLY THE SITUATION HAS GONE FROM BAD TO WORSE. POVERTY AMIDST WEALTH, LEADERS WITHOUT VISION, LACK OF NATIONAL COHESION, ENDEMIC CORRUPTION, WEAK INSTITUTIONS, ETHNO-RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL CRISES AND VIOLENT COMMUNAL CLASHES HAVE PINNED ME TO THE GROUND

and dishonesty. Gradually, the falconer couldn’t hear the falconer. A few of them began to emphasize on the fault-lines inherent in me.

Service was no longer for the good of all but to self and self alone.

Regrettably, I watched rather helplessly, as my children killed, maimed and destroyed themselves through coups and counter-coups all in the struggle for power and dominance. The situation keeps deteriorating daily, even with civilians in charge of my affairs. After several failed attempts to enthrone democracy, I succeeded in 1999.

This is almost two decades since my return to democracy; regrettably the situation has gone from bad to worse. Poverty amidst wealth, leaders without vision, lack of national cohesion, endemic corruption, weak institutions, avoidable deaths, youth restiveness, ethno-religious and political crises and violent communal clashes have pinned me to the ground. Patriotism which used to be my national character has taken the back seat.

My children have reduced me to a sleeping giant. I now trail behind less endowed nations in terms of good governance and economic development. I have become the butt of silly jokes within and outside Africa. My children make haste to use derogatory words when talking about me. I have been reduced to a nonentity. Serious nations now deride and avoid me like a plague. Sometimes last year one of my aggrieved sons called me a zoo! A foreigner said I was fantastically corrupt! The latest bashing came only last week when a pig-like character called me a shithole!

I now bleed from injuries inflicted on me by my children. Killings have become so rampant across the land. People now spill blood, mutilate their brothers and kill each other without batting an eyelid.

Amidst all these troubles, my older children have become clueless on what to do.

My hope lies not in my older children. They have failed me. Where are my younger children? Where are the youths? You are my hope, strength and future. You must rise in my defence. Resist the temptation to take up arms against each other. Refuse to be used as thugs, assassins and social media attack dogs in the days and months ahead.

Take charge of my affairs. I shall rise again. I am Nigeria, neither a zoo nor shithole.

COMPLEXITY OF THE QUINTESSENTIAL ARTIST Abdulwarees Solanke lets in readers into the mind of an artist

T

he archetypal artist is often a completely complex personality, usually misunderstood, an unpredictable character given to impatience, mood swings and brain waves. Yet, he has an unusual inner beauty and absorptive capacity of all experiences. He appreciates the beauty of nature to fertilise his vivid imaginations; he has utopian dreams and aspirations that confound the average man. You may ďŹ nd him totally a recluse or an unapologetic introvert. He could be weird, and sometimes be called mad or unreasonable. He could be boring, colourless, or unattractive. He or she could look a small rat you will consider him inconsequential; you may see him a “stingoâ€?, thin as broomstick or anopheles. He could be physically challenged: blind, lame, deaf or dumb. Because we often cannot gauge his strength, values and virtues, we are likely to underrate him. Because he is sometimes short of words, we cannot ďŹ nd happiness in his company.

But the quintessential artist, if we know him well is an extremely pleasant and understanding personality, with free mind that entertains no bitterness. He is very flexible if you can operate on the same wavelength with him; he is not a fanatic or stubborn personality. He is always experimenting and adapting. The complex artist has no limit in his readiness for new knowledge, always willing to learn. But this seemingly colourless artist often dies before his time, or he dies unfulfilled. Yet his works endure as evergreen or masterpieces. The complex artist is always a futuristic person. His works make him a living soul even after his death.

Who are the artists? The artists are all persons involved in the creative enterprise or industry whether as painters, sculptors, musicians, writers, scientific inventors, dramatists and playmakers, film producers, broadcasters, actors and presenters; the real owners of intellectual properties. The true artists are original: not plagiaristic, not monotonous, not the one album musician; he is not given to repetitive themes, neither is he a copycat, zombie, or follow-follow. All true artists are vigorously creative and talented: Geniuses they are. Unfortunately most

artists are controversial. They may not have settled homes, stable friends or companies, neither happy marital mates nor fulfilling matrimony. They may die depressed, lonely, unaccomplished and ignoble. But despite their frailties and failures, you cannot deny their place in our lives or history.

Usually, artists are prodigies from childhood; they tend to be deviant, rebellious or anti-order. They are mostly self-opinionated and independent, always wanting to do things their own way at their own times. So they could suffer from what psychologists have identified as attention deficit disorder (ADD), and because they are also often very restless, this disorder assumes a hyperactive dimension, so it is termed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many artists also exhibit split personality syndrome. They can put up different faces at different times.

Their minds may also work at a thousand things at the same time, so your find them taking on multiple projects at the same time, but not able to complete all, because the load of ideas in their minds pushes them to jump from one project to another.

You may also find them as excellent examples of procrastinators because they always want perfection in their projects.

So, what they could have finished and let go immediately, they wait for inspiration, correcting, adjusting, dismantling or just waiting for the right time. Like religion, art is inspirational and meditational. Therefore, most artists naturally love serenity, even when what they produce borders on hilarity or laughter, music and theater. They take their inspiration from the beauty of nature, quietude of the night and the cemetery, solitude of the prison cell, loneliness and depression from disappointments, longing for their distant or lost soul mates and bereavement of their loved ones. In such situations, they often come up with their masterpieces.

If an artist is an atheist, never mind; it is because the faith you are inviting him seems lacking in the spiritual vitality that accentuates his creative impulses and energy.

His filial and social relationship may be poor; it is because those around him cannot

understand him. Have you ever wondered why the true love of many artists is not necessary their spouses, but concubines?

Should we not be concerned that they find comfort in the bossoms of “some strangers� when their legal partners are at home? Are we not surprised that the death beds of some artists are the laps of their mistresses when they could have breath their last in the hands of their family members?

In many instances, the real friends and soul mates of artists are actually in some strange lands, to whom they pour out their emotion and relieve their pains through long letters, e-mails and poems. In “Letter To A Poet�, L.S. Senghor reflects the emotion of an archetype artist as he captures his own personal mood in anticipation of a Latin American compatriot for Aime Cesaire. “To the Friend I love and the brother, my blunt fraternal greeting,� he opens that elegant poem, letter to A Friend. “The sea gulls, the far travelling canoes masters have brought me the taste of your news, mingled with spice and fragrance...

They have told me of your standing, the prominence of your forehead, the flower of your subtle lips.

Like Senghor, the quintessential artist expresses his love in poems, lyrics and ballads for his beloved; sculptures and paintings for his soul mates.

Every family has its own artistic prodigy, every epoch and clime have their geniuses and masters. But many have been wasted because their world and era did not recognise or appreciate their talents. Parents may be responsible for the rebellions of their children prodigies; the society may be blameworthy for the deviance of their gifted ones. Husbands and wives may be behind artists’ desperation and depression, eventual failure or suicide.

Let’s no longer destroy our creative giants and potential. Let’s show them love, understanding and respect; Let’s no longer be the reason for their disorientation. Let the art masters live and thrive, whether they belong to the science genre, technology, humanities, the graphics creative or fine art music, and

architecture. Let us not push them to ends like that of medieval Van Gogh or the erudite Ayodele Awojobi whose AUTONOV IV is wasting away at UNILAG. The real true worth and wealth of the artist is in the depth and richness of his creativity, which must no longer be squandered.

Having realised that the archetypal artist has complex personality, the conscious artist must learn to manage himself, while those around him, whether parents, siblings, friends and associates, peers and spouses, must fully understand him and assist him.

Therefore, to dwell in the artist’s heart, you must live in his world, share his sentiments and emotions, and understand his tastes values; and virtues.

First, we must be his chaperon, critic counsellor and mentor, able to rationalise his eccentricities, and excuse his frailties and failures, explain his motives and the motifs of his works, and appreciate them too. We should help organise his thoughts and put order in his “madness�. Do not discard or destroy his unfinished work and never be careless with his tools, but treasure them.

Know his silent moments and give him rest of mind and assurance of his mastery even if others find no meaning in his work. Manage his finances well, because most artists are frivolous in spending; finance or sacrifice for him, because it usually takes long for the true artist to get a breakthrough; build his faith and confidence in his ability, and market or make his work known. Be his therapist and comforter, and if you can, get him close to his mentors and masters. Pray with him and for him, but never imagine you will be the one to change his eccentricities. Only God can. Be patient and open with him in communication. And his soul mate you’ll become, sharing in his joy and grief; loving and trusting him. In return, he will practically turn himself to your baby, always waiting for your validation of his work. And he will always find in you the energy to unleash or the fertiliser to bloom.

Solanke is Assistant Director, Strategic Planning & Corporate Development Voice of Nigeria, Lagos

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ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Which way out?

Making Lagos Roads Whole Again

Where is Inalegwu Ode?

R

emember Inalegwu Ode, ace television broadcaster?

Well, he is is missing. On January 6, 2018, he left his Makurdi home early in the morning on a jogging exercise, a practice he started a few years ago. That was the last time any member of his family has seen him since then.

After waiting for him to return to the house for three days, his wife, Mrs. Omabonu Ode raised the alarm. After waiting for another two days without seeing him, his elder brother reported the matter to the police in Makurdi.

There were two false claims by people who said they saw him in one part of Makurdi. The two men claimed that they saw him picking papers from the ground, one at the North bank area, and the other at Wadata. But as investigators would say, he would have been found if he was in any part of Makurdi.

It sounds very strange that Inalegwu Ode has not been seen in any part of Makurdi since his disappearance because his is not a strange face, especially within the television community in Nigeria. He was a constant face on television as a producer of political programmes, especially during the Second Republic. Remember his encounter with Brigadier-General John Atom Kpera, erstwhile military governor of Benue State, when he asked about the condition of the treasury and military governor’s curt reply: “I left it as I met it?� Military intervention in the political terrain changed his focus. Group Captain Jonah Jang, as he then was, who was appointed military governor of Benue State whisked Inalegwu Ode from the newsroom and appointed him as his Chief Press Secretary. And he was a powerful chief press secretary in whose office Commissioners had to wait for clearance before seeing their principal.

At the end of that assignment, he returned to the Nigerian Television Authority briefly before stepping out into the world of business. He established a company, Midbelt Communications Limited in Makurdi with special interest in television production, editing and publishing magazines and books. He ventured into historical documentation with the publication of his slim volume on the election and installation of Dr. Edwin Ogbu, a former Ambassador as Och’Idoma III. He was also an active participant in the various campaigns for the creation of Apa State.

Was he kidnapped? If he was picked up by kidnappers, why haven’t they contacted the family, as is the practice, to ask for ransom? Or did he deliberately run away from home? He had no reason to do that because he was a responsible family man and community leader who has continued to be relevant in the political calculations in Benue State. Moreover, he is a mentallystable person who takes delight in mentoring younger ones, especially those who choose to embrace the world of journalism.

The security agencies must swing into action immediately to ensure that this icon of journalism

does not come to any harm. Procrastination on the part of the police in investigations relating to missing or kidnapped persons always leaves us with dire consequences. About two years ago, armed bandits waylaid Rev. Father John Adeyi of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo along Ugbokolo-Otukpa road and took him to an unknown destination. His family was forced to pay for his freedom but alas, the heartless fellows still murdered him. He could have been saved if the police acted fast because his corpse was discovered at a location that was not very far from where he was kidnapped, an indication that the kidnappers were within the same environment.

Security agencies in the country should step up their acts to stem the rising tide of missing persons in Nigeria. By August last year, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it received reports of 10, 480 missing persons that may never be found alive or dead. I am sure missing persons could be found very quickly if the police stop the habit of asking relatives to wait for 24 hours before making a formal report about missing persons. As the Idoma would say, you must follow the alligator into the river as soon as it dives into it if your intention is to kill it. The Nigeria Police in Makurdi must not allow Inalegwu Ode to become a permanent part of the statistics of missing persons in the country.

Nats Onoja Agbo, onojagbo@yahoo.com

I

t’s that time of the year when people take stock of what went right and what went wrong or was left undone. As a Lagosian and a commuter who has traversed the length and breadth of this boisterous city and clocked so many miles on the roads this year, I think that I am competent to speak on how our roads can become whole again with a view to making life fruitful for all Lagosians in 2018.

Every progressive society depends heavily on efficient roads. It is against this backdrop that the current efforts of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode must be commended. The pedestrian bridges, flyovers, slip roads and lay-bys, paved area beside main roads, where cars and buses stop temporarily to let others pass, which now dot numerous major roads in Lagos have been a huge blessing in that they have eased vehicular and pedestrian movements especially at peak periods.

In order to consolidate on these gains and make our roads whole again, these three things need to happen. Firstly, the state government needs to aggressively drive the water transportation system as a viable alternative means of conveyance via a public-private partnership model. How do we rationalise the fact that 30% of this state is covered by water and only 0.34% of over 22 million people living here utilise this mode of transport? So clearly, there is need to ramp up efforts in this area.

Secondly, Lagosians must commit to being disciplined and law abiding. This is because a lot of the traffic congestions which we experience daily and have resulted in unpredictable travel times, excessive loss of energy, and loss of precious man-hours can be tied down to one thing – indiscipline by road users. This is a non-negotiable deal breaker if we are going to reclaim sanity on Lagos roads.

Thirdly and very critically, because our roads do not pay for themselves, the government must find innovative approaches to financing the roads and other transport systems. For example, some have argued that the current motor vehicle licensing system is somewhat lopsided, disjointed and anachronistic.

In fact, other analysts have even argued further that the current rates for vehicle licenses are not commensurate with present economic realities and as such, there might be a need for increase or the government could simply introduce a T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R road usage tax as is obtainable in other climes.

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU Whichever way the pendulum swings, the DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE government has got to be creative and tackle this MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO in a way that is just and equitable.

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI It goes without saying that improvements EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN to transport systems can enhance economic growth via cost reduction and increasing the reliability of movement for goods and people, thereby increasing productivity. Better transport systems have also helped to expand access to T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D new markets for goods and services. Therefore, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA there is urgent need for the state government to GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, prioritise and reinvest in this critical driver of fuISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU ture economic growth and competitiveness while DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE citizens must play their roles in a law-abiding DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI manner to create a win-win for Lagos State and SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO allow the state remain the exemplar and shining CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI beacon that it is for years to come. Indeed and in DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO truth, our roads will be whole again.

TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com Folakunle Adeagbo, Lagos

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NEWS

In Brief NOUN Alumni Congratulates Obasanjo

TheNationalOpenUniversityofNigeriaAlumniAssociation(NOUNAA)has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he bagged PhD in ChristianTheologyatthe NationalOpenUniversity(NOUN). ThePresident oftheAlumni,Mr. FidelisAgunbiade,saidthattheachievementoftheformer president is worthy of emulation and an uncommon fit by an octogenarian.

HeaddedthatObasanjohadlaidasolidfoundationforthefuturegeneration, telling them that it was never too late to acquire knowledge. According to him, "we are using this opportunity to congratulate the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as he bags his PhD in Christian Theology from our great alma mater on 20th January, 2018. He is indeed a role model and ashiningexampleofwhatthe'animalcalledman'canachieveinlife."Healso congratulatedallthegraduandsespeciallythetwoinmateswhoperformed credibly despite their incarceration.

Police Arrest 56 Criminals in A’Ibom

AkwaIbomStatePoliceCommandhaswithinthepasttwoweeksarrested 56 suspected criminals for various offences.The State Commissioner for Police, Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi who paraded some of suspects at the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo said some of them had been charged to court and others under investigations. He listed some of their offences to include armed robbery, cultism and kidnapping. According to him,sevenlocallymadepistolsandtwocut-to-sizegunswithsixcartridges were recovered. Also two cut-to-size locally made pump action with four rounds of cartridges were recovered. The Commissioner said two locally madesinglebarrelandtwolocallydoublebarrelpistolswithelevencartridges werealsorecovered.Additionally,sixvehiclesincludingToyota4runnerjeep, ToyotaMatrix,threeToyotaCamry,Hyundai,Kia,Highlander(2003)model and assorted items used by cultists were recovered.

FOR CLEANER LAGOS ...

OďŹƒcials of the Cleaner Lagos initiative (CLI) evacuating illegal dumpsites across the State on Friday, January 19, 2018

Lagos, Visionscape Intensify Waste Evacuation Across Metropolis The Lagos State Government and the environmental utility group contracted to implement the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI), Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, have intensified evacuation of waste in black spots and illegal dump sites across the metropolis.

A tour of various parts of the State on Friday revealed that evacuation of filth had been carried out and still ongoing in major areas including Falomo Bridge, Obalende, Ikoyi, Mushin, Ikeja, Ipaja, Agege, Oshodi, among others.

The clean-up exercise, which was simultaneously going on across the State, is in line with

"Operation Deep Clean," a stop-gap measure designed to keep the city clean pending the full transition to the new waste management policy of the State Government encapsulated in the CLI. The CLI was established to address, enforce and regulate the challenges in the solid waste management systems within the State in line with global best practices.

Speaking after observing the evacuation of heaps of refuse in Ikeja Along Bus stop on LagosAbeokuta Expressway, a resident of the area, Mr. Babatunde Bamidele commended the State Government and Visionscape for the exercise,

saying it was obvious that a good job was done.

He said: "What they have done here is very good. Everywhere is clean now. I will only appeal to them to keep up the good work by coming regularly."

Another resident, Tanwa Babarinde, who operates a public toilet in Ikeja, urged the State Government to designate officials to monitor the area especially at night to prevent indiscriminately dumping of refuse.

She said: "I like what Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is doing to make the State clean. The Visionscape people have been here to clean up this area and they did a

very good job.

"My only appeal to the State Government is to designate their officials here especially at night to prevent indiscriminate dumping of waste because anytime they clean up the illegal dump site here, before the next day, you will see heaps of refuse again meaning that some people are coming here to dump waste at night," Babarinde said.

It would be recalled that the operators of Private Sector Participation (PSP) in waste management and the Lagos State Government had agreed to amicably settle a court case which delayed full implementation of CLI.

ActionAid Launches £60m Borno Reviews Curfew as Taraba Country Strategy to End Police Place N10m Bounty on Lawmaker’s Killers Poverty in 6years AdedayoAkinwaleinAbuja

As part of its response to the deepening inequality of power and wealth in the country, ActionAid Nigerian has launched a ÂŁ60 million Country Strategy Paper to end poverty within six years.

The strategy tagged Social Justice to End Poverty (SJEP) 2018-2023 is aimed at ensuring social justice for all, gender equality and poverty eradication in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launching of SJEP in Abuja, the Interim Country Director, ActionAid, Ms. Funmilayo Oyefusi said that during the strategy period, ActionAid would implement a theory of change premised on empowering citizens especially youth, women and girls, and building accountability mechanisms.

She lamented that the economic and political systems in Nigeria fostered capture of power and resources by the elite; a noninclusive growth that promotes social inequality and poverty triggering situations.

Oyefusi stated: "We feel that there is so much injustice in the country and that is what is leading to inadequate redistribution of wealth within the country. This strategy is

looking at how we ensure that the resources are distributed equally.

Then, equity between men and women and also ensure that the female headed households and those who are affected in conflicts and emergencies are able to have a voice and economic empowerment that will help them to live a dignify life "The strategy is looking at three strategic areas; we are looking at enhancing peoples' contribution in accountable governance; we are also looking at working to protecting women and girls from violence; we also want to see women leadership in humanitarian settings, the reason being that when there is conflicts and emergencies, women are the most affected. So, Action Aid is an organisation that is biased towards women, so, this strategy is actually looking at women "For the period of six years we intend to raise ÂŁ60 million from institutional donors, local fund raising and from high value net worth individuals that can give us money. The money is going to be used in specific areas where we work, we are working in 26 states and 222 communities," the Country Director noted.

Michael Olugbode, in Maiduguri andWole Ayodele in Jalingo The Borno State Government on Friday stopped the three weeks extended curfew on the state, which was emplaced to allow for massive clampdown on Boko Haram enclaves across the troubled state.

This is as the Taraba State Police Command has offered N10m reward for anyone with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the killers of member of Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Hosea Ibi. The State Commissioner of police, Mr. Dave Akinremi disclosed this at a Press briefing in Jalingo Friday.

With the latest decision, the curfew in Borno State returns to 10:30 pm to 6am daily, beginning from today.

The state had on the advice of the military on Friday January 5, this year extended the curfew time by two hours, from between 10pm -6pm to 8:pm- 6am, in order to give room for a special operation launched against Boko Haram.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, the Borno State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Dr. Mohammed Bulama, said, "The three weeks 8pm to 6am curfew imposed on Maiduguri and

Jere have been relaxed beginning from tomorrow (Saturday 20th January 2018).

He said: “Government after due consultation with the Theatre Commander 'Operation Lafiya Dole' Major General Nicholas Rogers and other relevant security agencies decided to review the curfew to 10:30pm to 6am.�

He said: “Government once again deeply regrets the understandably difficult situation the development inevitably created, as well as the great inconvenience the general public had suffered during the three weeks 8pm to 6am curfew,� adding that “the decision was taken to safeguard collective security and well-being of the citizenry.

"Government therefore urges all indigenes and residents of Borno State to cooperate with all security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram and be vigilante by reporting any suspicious movement in their community to security operatives tame the menace of insurgents and other criminal activities in the state.�

He assured that: “Government under the leadership of Governor Kashim Shettima will always sacrifice all to ensure peace, stability, development and progress of not only our dear State, but Nigeria as a whole.

Herdsmen Kill Farmer in Ogun

BarelyfewhoursthattheOgunStateGovernmenttookproactivemeasures topreventclashesbetweenherdsmenandfarmersandtoensuresafetyof livesandproperty,herdsmenwereontheprowlkilledafarmeronhisfarmland.

The incident occurred at Afon, in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of the state. It was gathered that trouble began when the farmer identified as Adetona Owolabi who was working on his farmland located few meters awaytothenewlyconstructedbridgeatAfon,alongOwode/Abeokutaroad which has cassava, yam and vegetables was attacked by the herdsmen for daringtoaccostthemforallowingtheircattletograzeonthefarmlandand destroyed all the farm produce. The victim, who was in his mid-60s, it was learnt, was inflicted with varying degrees of machete cuts all over his body until he gave up the ghost. Immediately the perpetrators carried out the dastardly act, they disappeared into thin air.

Lawmaker Empowers Widows, Orphans

MemberrepresentingOhaozara/Onicha/IvoFederalconstituencyinEbonyi State, Hon. Linus Okorie has empowered 500 widows and orphans drawn acrossthe34electoralwardsofhisconstituency.Thelawmakerdistributed 3000 bags of rice, cash gift and other valuable times to the beneficiaries.

AttheeventheldatOkorie'scountryhome,OnichaIgboezeinEbonyiState, the lawmaker noted that the gesture was anchored under his Caring Heart Foundation Programme. The chairman House Committee of Agricultural InstitutionsandCollegesalsodisclosedthattheempowermentprogramme wasoneoftheseriesofprogramsinitiatedtobringsuccortothevulnerable and less privilege ones in the constituency. He said: "today's event is very importanttomeandmywife.Wehavebeendoingthis.Todayiswithwidows and orphans. We imagined that these are series of people that are easily forgotten.

Farmers, Herdsmen Coexistence in Anambra

The Traditional Ruler of Omasi, in Anambra East local government area, Igwe Benjamin Okeji has said Governor Willie Obiano has taken proactive stepstostrengthenthestates’relationshipwithFulaniherdsmen.IgweOkeji said such steps were responsible for the peaceful coexistence between indigent farmers and cattle headers who settled in the area. The monarch whospokeinAwkaafterhisappointmentasamemberoftheAnambraState CattleMenaceCommitteebyGov.Obianosaidhewouldworktoensurethat suchpeacewassustained.Hesaidtheconstitutionofthecommitteebythe governor and its composition, which involves representatives of the host communities and the leadership of northern community in the state had been the magic. The royal father urged the herdsmen to tread cautiously in their cattle business, to avoid any form of clash with farmers in the state.

Air Force Inaugurates Bell Helicopter

TheNigerianAirForce(NAF)yesterdayinauguratedanewBell412helicopter toboostitsmilitaryoperationsintacklinginsecurityinthecountry.TheChief ofAirStaff,AirMarshalSadiqueAbubakar,whogracedtheinaugurationat 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (ACMD), Sam Ethnan Base, Ikeja, Lagos, said the helicopter was aimed to also improve professional performance.

Alsoinauguratedwasthereactivatedmachineworkshop,structuralrepairs workshop and intermediate machines tool course to enhance in-house maintenanceoftoolsandequipment.Onthereassemblingofthehelicopter, AbubakarstressedthattherewereNAFtechniciansthatweretrainedinthe U.S. who were part of the exercise, adding that they are working seriously on how they can build capacity locally to reduce cost.

Osinbajo Inaugurates National Sanctions

VicePresidentYemiOsinbajoyesterdayintheStateHouse,Abujainaugurated NationalSanctions'Committeewiththemandatetotraceandfreezefinancial flows of terrorist funds. Members of the committee are: the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, MinisterofForeignAffairs,GeofreyOnyemaand NationalSecurityAdviser, BabaganaMonguno.OthersareDirector-GeneralofDepartmentofState Services(DSS),LawalDaura,Inspector-GeneralofPolice,IbrahimIdris,Central BankofNigeria(CBN)Governor,GodwinEmefiele.Alsointhecommitteeare theChiefofArmyStaff,Lt.Gen.TukurBuratai, Director-GeneralofNational IntelligenceAgency(NIA)andtheDirector-GeneralofNigeriaFinancialIntelligence Unit (NFIU). While inaugurating the committee, the vice president reiteratedgovernment'scommitmenttoeliminateterrorisminthecountry.

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Buhari under Pressure to Declare State of Emergency in Rivers, Alleges Wike Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari was under intense pressure from leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Speaking when he granted audience to Anglican Bishops of Niger Delta Province yesterday, Wike said he learnt of the pressure on the President during his meeting with the Commander-in-Chief at the State House.

He said: "When I went to see the President, he told me that he was under pressure to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

"Those things they planned to use in declaring state of emergency in Rivers State fell on their own states and it became difficult to do so".

He said because of the mass insecurity across the country, the evil eyes of the plotters left Rivers State.

He said: "When you sit and plot evil against Rivers State, you will not know peace. If they don't apologise for plotting and executing evil against Rivers State, they will never know peace ".

The governor said Rivers State survived because of the prayers of clerics and the Church.

He urged the church to take interest in the leadership that would emerge in the country at all levels, warning that a bad political leadership would affect everyone.

"If you don't participate in what is happening through voting, the country will degenerate further. People should acquire their permanent voters’ cards to enthrone the leadership they desire", he said.

The governor said that in other climes if 10 persons were killed, the President visits to personally assess the situation. He pointed out that the country had become a security nightmare with 73 persons killed in Benue and mass burial organised for them, with the Presidency acting as if nothing happened.

"Human lives are not respected.

In fact, the lives of cows and chicken appear to be more important than human lives. This has nothing to do with politics. Let us not trivialise the catastrophe that has befallen Nigeria", he said.

Speaking further, Wike reiterated that his administration would set up a Christian Trust Fund to cater for indigent clerics. He said that funds had been proposed in 2018 Budget for that purpose.

Earlier, the Anglican Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Most Reverend Ignatius Kattey, said the Anglican Bishops were in the Government House to appreciate

PUTTING HEAD TOGETHER...

L-R: Commissioner of Police Anambra State, CP Garba Umar; Director, DSS Anambra State, Yusuf Isyaku and Anambra State NDLEA Director, Sule Momodu of during the Armed forces remembrance ceremony at Awka the Rivers State Governor for his roles in the success of the Anglican Synod. He lauded the governor

for his outstanding developmental strides and urged him to sustain the delivery of projects throughout

his administration.

The Anglican Bishops presented an award of eminent personality

to the Rivers State Governor. The Bishops were accompanied by their wives.

Trump Vulgar Remark: John Campbell, IPOB Rejects Judgment afďŹ rming Entwistle, 76 Ex-US Ambassadors Kick it as Terrorist Group Bayo Akinloye Former United States of America's ambassadors to Nigeria, John Campbell and James Entwistle, as well as 76 other ex-ambassadors to 48 African nations have flayed US President Donald Trump's referring to the continent as "shithole."

They also urged the US president to reassess his views concerning Africa and Africans.

In a letter, obtained by THISDAY, dated January 16, 2018 and addressed to Trump, Campbell, Entwistle, and others expressed their regrets over Trump's unprovoked vulgar statement directed at Africans.

The letter read in part, "Dear Mr. President, as former US Ambassadors to 48 African countries, we write to

express our deep concern regarding reports of your recent remarks about African countries and to attest to the importance of our partnerships with most of the 54 African nations.

"Africa is a continent of great human talent and rich diversity, as well as extraordinary beauty and almost unparalleled natural resources. It is also a continent with deep historical ties with the United States. As American ambassadors abroad we have seen Africa’s complex and rich cultures, awe-inspiring resilience, and breathtaking generosity and compassion."

The former envoys noted that even as some African nations had faced challenges, they parade dynamic entrepreneurs, gifted artists, committed activists, passionate conservationists,

Clamour for Ekwueme's

and brilliant educators.

Indicating that Trump was wrong in viewing Africa as a "shithole", they added, "We learned of novel solutions to complex problems, helped American companies find partners critical to their success, and counted on African military and intelligence officials who often assumed real risks to help achieve outcomes critical to our shared security.

"We know that respectful engagement with these countries is a vital part of protecting our own national interests. The United States of America is safer, healthier, more prosperous, and better equipped to solve problems that confront all of humanity when we work with, listen to, and learn from our African partners."

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB has condemned the judgment of the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday, by Acting Chief Judge, Justice, Abdul Kafarati which affirmed it as terrorist group.

Media and publicity secretary of IPOB, Mr. Emma Powerful in a press release issued yesterday, and made available to THISDAY in Awka described the judgment as “wicked and reckless.�

Powerful said IPOB was a peaceful legal organisation which was registered in over 88 countries of the world, and known not to have engaged in violence before, yet its activities was proscribed by a Nigerian court.

"The upholding of its obnoxious order proscribing the activities of IPOB, when everybody knows that the organisation is peaceful and have not killed an ant, talk less of taking a human life is nothing short of judicial impunity, recklessness and raw wickedness."

The group said it remained at a loss to understand how the court could have come to this conclusion in view of the fact there was no evidence whatsoever to indicate that it is an armed or violent group like the Fulani herdsmen.

It said, "Simply put, a judge cannot be ignorant of the law and at the same time lacking in conscience.

What Abdul-Kafarati has displayed, by upholding his originally flawed judgement is raw wickedness.

"He failed to address all the issues before him but rather chose to be selective.

The simple question which ordinary people have been asking all along is this; what activity or aspect of IPOB operations can be regarded as constituting a terrorist act?

"Can Abdul-Kafarati, the DSS or Attorney General's office name one verifiable incident of breach of peace, murder, arson or rape- usually associated with their fellow Fulani herdsmen- that IPOB has ever been associated with?"

IPOB chided the judge, saying that instead of addressing the simple questions above, spent all his time outlining why tagging IPOB a terrorist organisation inside his chambers is legal.

Immortalisation Heightens

Oshiomhole Canvasses Support for Buhari as Thousands Defect to APC

Salary Scam: Benue Uncover N3.5B Fraud

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

George Okoh in Makurdi

The call for the immortalisation of late former vice president of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme has heightened.

The latest call is from Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Ecology and Beautification, Dr. Romanus Ejikeme who says the late elder statesman deserves to be immortalised for his contributions in nation building.

The Senate, Ohaneze Ndigbo and some other groups had also called on the federal government to name a federal institution against his name.

Ekwueme's Oko kinsmen had also called for his immortalisation, seeking that the federal government upgrades the Federal Polytechnic,

Oko and the Federal College of Education Technical, Umunze, both in Anambra State to the status of Universities in his honour.

Both Federal institutions were attracted to the state by Dr. Ekwueme.

Commissioner Ejikeme who spoke to journalists in Awka on the life and times of the nation’s former Vice-President, said Nigerians had a lot to learn from him ranging from his love for Education, hard work and nation building.

The commissioner, who hails from Uga in Anambra South Senatorial zone, where Dr Ekwueme also hailed, said he was proud to be associated with elder statesman, having interacted with him closely and also learnt some of life's lesson from him.

Former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has canvassed support for President Muhammadu Buhari, saying people should be patient with the president because money meant to develop the country was cornered by the past administration.

This is coming as henchmen of the Ali-Modu Sheriff faction of the People's Democratic Party, PDP in Edo State yesterday dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying they left because the PDP was a party of impunity which did not have regard for the rule of law.

Oshiomhole who spoke at a rally to welcome PDP defectors

to APC at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, yesterday, said: "But for our president, Nigeria would have collapsed because money meant to secure the country, they used to secure their pockets".

Welcoming the new entrants, on behalf of Governor Godwin Obaseki, Oshiomhole called on members of the party to join in presenting the broom, a symbol of the party to them for total cleansing and sweeping away of all those who balkanised and privatised Nigeria for their private gains.

Oshiomhole reassured the people that APC was a party founded on the principles of social democracy to transfer power to the people like the party's first slogan "let the people lead".

Benue State Government has uncovered a N3.5 billion scam in the payment of salaries to workers in the state.

This was disclosed by the Tertsegha Ikyaabo-led salary Verification committee yesterday in Makurdi.

The Committee said it uncovered another N3,514,918,099. 61 billion fraud in the payment of salaries at the state level.

The amount was uncovered after a verification exercise carried out in seven Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs of government, with a staff population of 8,913.

The exercise was the second phase and covered June 2015 to

April 2017, after the first phase where N1.4b was discovered to have been wrongly paid to some workers when 10,300 staff were verified in 60 MDAs from June 2015 to October 2016.

Presenting the report to Governor Samuel Ortom and other executive members during the State Executive Council meeting, Chairman of the committee, a retired Permanent Secretary, Mr. Tertsegha Ikyaabo said the amount covered four categories of workers.

According to him, N301,666,380.36 million was wrongly paid to absentee workers who never showed up for verification exercise and in most cases, were not recognised by the management.

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Group Urges Buhari to Sign Federal Competition, Consumer Protection Bill Vincent Obia

IMMORTALISING AN ICON...

L-R: Former Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Abimbola Akintola; Chairman occasion and former president of the Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Maman Nasir; former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary and Scion of the Akintola family Chief Abayomi Akintola and representative of the Oyo State Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli at the unveiling of the burst of the late premier of Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola as part of the activities that commemorated the 52nd anniversary of the demise of the former premier at parliament building, Ibadan on

Court Okays Permanent Forfeiture of Ikoyi Flat to FG Davidson Iriekpen A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday permanently forfeited Flat 7B situated at No. 16, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, where the sum of $43,449,947, ÂŁ27,800 and N23,218,000, totaling N13 billion, was discovered on April 12, 2017 to the federal government.

The court, presided over by Justice Saliu Saidu, gave the order of final forfeiture of the flat after dismissing Union Bank Plc's application as the owner of the flat.

In dismissing the bank application, Justice Saidu described the bank as a busybody.

Union Bank had through its application on January 11, filed and argued by its lawyer, Mr. E. N. Ayuba,

urged the court not to forfeit the flat to the federal government.

It begged the court to discharge an earlier interim order made on the flat on November 9, 2017.

However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its team of lawyers led by Rotimi Oyedepo, had urged the court to discountenance bank’s claim.

The flat where the money was discovered was said to belong to Mrs. Folashade Oke, the wife of the sacked Director General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ayo Oke. In urging the court to finally forfeit the money, the EFCC argued that Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 empowers the court to order

the final forfeiture of the property.

He added that Section 44 (2) (k) of the Constitution also permits the take-over of a property in view of an enquiry.

The EFCC said the motion has its root in the constitution and urged the court to grant the order.

It also argued that in view of the fact that Chobe Ventures which allegedly used proceeds of unlawful activities to acquire the property in issue had not controverted its averments as to the source of the money.

Meanwhile, Union Bank which came to court as an interested party, had urged the court to discharge the interim order of forfeiture placed on the property.

The bank's lawyer, Ayuba, had told Justice Saidu that his client filed

the motion seeking the discharge of the interim order to protect its interest in the property.

The bank in an affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by one Alfred Olukayode Edun, argued that the forfeited flat was part of the property situated at 16, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, belonging to one, Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, by virtue of a certificate of occupancy dated September 27, 2009 and registered as 97/97/2009 in the Lands Registry Office, Alausa, Lagos.

The bank also said Muazu had already mortgaged the entire property to it by virtue of Tripartite Deed of Legal Mortgage dated November 1, 2011, in order to secure a loan granted to Tripple A. Properties & Investment Ltd.

Ugwuanyi to Boost Water Professor Johnbull RedeďŹ nes "Ghost Worker" Concept Supply in Enugu Rising from a nine-hour State Executive Council meeting, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday announced plans for adequate water supply in Enugu metropolis and Nsukka.

Addressing newsmen after the council’s meeting, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Charles Egumbge said that the state government was targeting 40,000 cubic meters of water supply by the end of the year to ensure that the people of the state enjoy adequate supply.

Dr. Egumgbe noted that the EXCO meeting was “specifically� devoted to issues of water, especially on how to make it available for the people of Enugu metropolis and Nsukka, adding that the council considered proposals from reputable companies both locally and internationally, which centered on water production, reticulation as well as power supply.

The Water Resources Commissioner stated that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration apart from the N100 million it injected at its inception to increase the output of water supply to Enugu metropolis, also awarded contract worth about N170million for the maintenance of water facilities at Ajali and Oji River Water Plants to further boost supply.

He disclosed that the state presently generated over 18,000 cubic meters of water, saying, “that is why

we now have water moving into every other parts of Enugu such as Ogui, New Layout, some parts of Independence Layout, New Haven, Abakpa, Achara Layout, Uwani, among others. “Our target is to ensure that we produce about 40,000 cubic meters of water so that substantially, most of Enugu will have water in the short term. But in the long term, the entire Enugu will have water, in keeping with our policy.� Dr. Egumgbe said.

He added that the state government was considering the possibility of engaging the services of independent energy supply companies as alternative to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), to avoid the ugly experience of unstable public power supply, which he said, hinders pumping of water to end users. “So these multiple matters were dealt at the EXCO meeting towards ensuring that both in the short term and long term we will have water within Enugu metropolis and Nsukka as well.

This council meeting was dedicated to seeing what we can do to solve perennial water challenges.

We are looking forward that before the end of this year, we will have a cause to smile in the area of water availability,� he said.

Professor Johnbull, the TV drama series powered by Globacom, in a new episode gives a new perspective to the phenomenon of "ghost workers" to include those who idle away at their jobs but still get paid.

In the episode entitled Ghost Worker, Professor Johnbull, played

by Nollywood veteran, Kanayo O. Kanayo (KOK), laments that in government ministries and agencies, millions of Naira that could have been spent on other sectors of the nation's economy were paid out to ghost workers, idle workers and those who refuse to do the jobs they are engaged to do.

His definition of the “ghost worker� phenomenon also covers those fake job agencies which advertise fake and non-existent job vacancies with the intention of duping genuine job seekers and applicants.

The episode airs on Tuesday on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV Channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8.30 p.m. with a repeat broadcast on Friday on the same channels and time. In the episode, Samson (Ogus Baba) who prides himself on having unrivalled ‘street sense’ and Elizabeth (Queen Nwokoye), the equally brilliant daughter of the academic, are scammed by a fake job agent who advertised fictional vacancies for an international job and

a high-paying domestic servant job.

While Elizabeth applies for the fake international job without the knowledge of her father, Samson, on his part, resigns from his store-keeping job and goes for the N80,000-a-month domestic servant job only for the duo to discover that they have been scammed by fraudsters.

Though Flash (Stephen Odimgbe) secures a holiday job through the help of Professor Johnbull, he does not last more than two days on the job as he plays the ghost worker card by chatting and sleeping on duty to the disgust of his boss who fires him after a second warning. This is just as Ufoma (Bimbo Akintola) who assists Mai Doya (Funky Mallam) in hawking tubers of yam, is also caught by her master playing the ‘ghost worker card’ by sleeping on the wheelbarrow of the tubers of yam. A simple reprimand from Mai Doya is what she needs to abandon the hawking business and she goes for the fake househelp job which promises her N100,000 a month.

Another interesting scene in Ghost Worker is the poetic lyrics of Abadnego (Martins Nebo), who, while consoling Elizabeth on the loss of her N10,000 which she paid as deposit to the fraudster, goes Shakespearean in an apparent confession of love and affection for Elizabeth.

A non-governmental organisation, Centre for Social Change and Citizenship Education, has urged President Muhammad Buhari to assent to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill. In a release this week, CENSOCHANGE said the bill, when signed into law, would boost human rights and the anti-corruption fight of the federal government, as well as help the economy.

The statement issued in Abuja

by CENSOCHANGE’s Campaign Director, Olatunji Kamar, regretted the weakness of existing competition regulations in the country. It said the situation had created monopolistic tendencies and encouraged abuse of consumer rights by manufacturers and service providers.

Kamar stated, “We will like to commend the National Assembly for the great work they did that led to the passage of the very important bill and are using this media to plead with President Buhari to assent to

that bill without further delay “When it becomes law, this legislation will end misleading, unfair and unconscionable marketing and trading practices. It will promote consumer interests.�

He added, “Nigeria has taken too long to get to this point and any further delay will be detrimental to the economy, healthy living of Nigerians, the economy and the total environment. We urge the president to do the needful and immediately assent to this draft law.�

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2017 was passed by the National Assembly last December and has since been sent to the president for assent. The bill, among other provisions, seeks to establish the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal. It seeks to eliminate monopolies at all levels of the Nigerian market, prohibit abuse of dominant market position, and penalise restrictive trade and business practices.

Chivita 100% Limited Edition Featuring Football Stars Excite Consumers The new Chivita 100% Limited Edition packs featuring leading football stars, have been generating buzz and a lot of excitement from soccer fans, fruit juice consumers and marketing communications observers’ across Nigeria.

The packs have drawn favourable reviews for their ability to build affinity by creating an opportunity for consumers to identify with renowned football stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, David De Gea and Anthony Martial who know the importance of a healthy and complete breakfast.

Introduced as part of the “Breakfast with the Stars� campaign, the Chivita 100% Limited Edition packs are a great way of encouraging a healthy lifestyle, while providing inspiration to achieve 100% success. The Chivita 100% Limited Edition packs seek to motivate, and drive aspirational connection between consumers and their favourite football stars, as well as promote an active lifestyle through a complete breakfast and celebration of 100% achievement.

Sola Bamgboye, a dietician, stressed that like many Nigerians, he is very passionate about football. He noted that by bringing renowned football icons to the breakfast table, the Chivita 100%

Limited Edition packs are a fascinating way of maintaining connection to the game whilst promoting complete breakfast habits for individuals and families. “I always look forward to having my glass of Chivita 100% every morning as part of my complete breakfast diet because of its immense nutritional benefits. Like the football icons on the Chivita 100% Limited Edition packs, we all strive for a healthy lifestyle driven by preference for a wholesome breakfast beverage choice. The Limited Edition packs are an interesting way of deepening that connection, so we can stay inspired to achieve success like these football stars,� he added.

For Chidi Nwani, a brand analyst with Adage Marketing Consult, brands more than ever before are making conscious efforts to align with the aspirations of consumers. “Consumers are attracted to brands that deliver quality, creativity and excitement. It fosters both physical and emotional connection for consumers when brands create unique and compelling brand experiences like Chivita 100% Fruit Juice has done by introducing the Limited Edition packs as part of its “Breakfast with the Stars� campaign.

Wike: Don't Use INEC, Security Agencies to Undermine Electoral System ErnestChinwoinPortHarcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that political leaders would be more accountable if security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) restrict themselves to their constitutional roles.

The governor said that the use of security agencies and INEC by some politicians to manipulate electoral system had encouraged them to deny their constituents development projects.

Speaking during a Courtesy Visit by the Commander of the 115 Special Operations Group of the Nigerian Air Force to the Government House Port Harcourt yesterday, Wike said the only way the nation could make progress was when things were done correctly.

He said: "The only way this country can grow is if things are

done right. One of the reasons Nigerian leaders refuse to perform is because some of them connive with INEC and security agencies to rig.

"Nobody cares. Because whether or not you perform, they will use security agencies and INEC to manipulate the electoral process ".

The governor noted that the Rivers State Government will continue to partner with the Nigerian Air Force for the promotion of security.

He said that the state government will support the Nigerian Air Force to fight crime and criminality in the state.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as NWAIGWE CHINWENDU Z/d D ZzÍł:KE ͘ now wish to be known and addressed as K / ,/Et E h Z/d D ZzÍł:KE ͘ All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER TEENS CONNECT FASHION FILE BUSINESS FOCUS

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

Imohimi Edgal My Father Used to Call Me Mobutu Sese Seko

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 20, 2018

PLUS

Nigerian Policemen Must Pray for God’s Protection over Their Families His appearance belies his doggedness and courage. With a lingering smile playing on his lips and a twinkle in his eyeballs, he will pass as an average Nigerian. He doesn’t have the highly defined muscles, a sizzling six-pack, and the mannerism of Hollywood-themed super-cop but the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, is reputed for his fast-paced, crime-bursting skills and feats. Loved by law-abiding citizens and hated by criminals that bedevil the state, Edgal has remained undaunted in his resolve to make the Nigeria Police Force the best ally residents can think of in fighting crime to the finish. Yet, the police commissioner is human. In this interview with Jonathan Eze, the unassuming and dedicated police officer talks about his personal, family safety in the line of duty, police’s face-off with the Badoo gang, why and how he became a policeman

C

an you tell us about your background?

I am from Eme-Ora, Edo State. My dad, late S.F Edgal, was an educationist. He was the principal of Government College Ughelli. Thereafter, he worked in the Ministry of Education in the old Bendel State. He retired as commissioner, special duties, Governor’s Office. I grew up in a good neighbourhood because the senior civil servants lived in the Government Reserved Areas (GRAs). I grew up at Boundary Road, Benin City, Edo State. My mother is still alive and strong. I attended Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School in GRA Benin.

When we were growing up, we were instructed on civic education. Thereafter, I proceeded to Federal Government College, Warri – it was one of the best schools in the country. The school fostered unity as the students were from various parts of the country – most those students are still my friend. I went to the University of Jos where I obtained a first degree in History.

Later, I got a master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos.

Can you tell us more about your family?

My father had a first wife – she’s deceased. So, I have an elder brother, an associate professor in the United States of America. I also have an elder sister, an accountant with one of the top private universities in the country. I have another sister, who is a pastor. Then, I have two younger ones. I have a lovely wife, her name is Mary. Together, we have three lovely kids.

How did you meet your wife?

We met as mutual friends. I had just joined the Nigeria Police Force and my wife’s family were staying somewhere in Lagos. My brother, who is a banker, happens to know certain friends who knew her. We met at an occasion we were both invited to attend. Immediately I saw her, it was if I had seen an angel. From that moment, I did the best I could to woo her until we got married.

What is your favourite food?

I like rice, plantain, and chicken. I eat once daily and eat late. It is not good for me. But I always take tea and water.

Do you cook?

No. I don’t know how to cook. But I think one of the things I used to win my wife over when I was wooing her was making curried chicken sauce.

How do you unwind?

I play golf. I belong to the Ikeja and Ikoyi golf clubs. Recently, my work has been demanding, therefore I have not played golf for a while. I also like dancing. When I was a younger officer I had the opportunity to attend parties and I danced a lot. But I can no longer do that now – not for any particular reason. But you know what people will say when they see the commissioner of police dancing.

Why did you join the Nigeria Police Force?

I had always wanted to join the Nigeria Police Force. In fact, when I was growing up, my dad used to call me ‘Mobutu’ – after the popular Mobutu Sese Seko because of my plumpness. I like discipline because I was brought up that way. I like authority because of my desire to use it to ensure greater good. I don’t like people trampling on others’ right. I don’t like crime.

Therefore, whatever I could do to fight crime when I was a civilian I did. My friends used to tell me then that I was risking my life passing information to the police.

When I completed my National Youth Service Corps in Cross River State – fortunately, during that period my mum was in the judiciary and she was going for prison visits alongside a lot of the commissioners of police in Edo State then.

My mother called the Commissioner of Police in Bendel State, Etim Inyang, who subsequently became the Inspector General of Police and told him that she had a son who was interested in the force. The commissioner was excited. A form was sent to me to fill. Soon, I was invited to the Police College for an interview. I joined the Nigeria Police in 1986, appointed as the cadet superintendent of police. Since then, there has not been any dull moments and regrets.

JANUARY 20, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS Why I Stopped Attending Parties and Dancing A Lot Nigerian policemen complain of little or no motivation. What do you think can be done to improve their welfare?

A lot can be done to improve the motivation of officers of the force. It is that agenda that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, is currently pursuing with the support of the government. This is why we accompanied him to the public hearing at the National Assembly for the passage of the Police Trust Fund bill. I was very happy that people are supporting that drive being championed by the IGP. Policing is an expensive business.

Statutory allocations cannot take care of it. You can see Lagos is a model (in that regard).

Lagos was having serious crime problems before some people decided that there was the need to set up the Lagos State Security Trust Fund to get additional funds for the police. You can see the result; the RSS and the regular police are being supported through that fund. We have had well over 1,000 patrol vehicles from that fund. We have had 200 armoured personnel carriers, helicopters, gun-

boats, and other security gadgets. All this has contributed to the general safety of Lagos as a megacity.

What specific areas do you think the Police Trust Fund will address?

Crime rate in Lagos has drastically reduced and this is being handled at the national level. If this bill on the floor of the Senate becomes a law, it will take care of the issue of motivation of the police. Apart from the statutory allocations, the inspector general of police has a body he can run to, to take care of logistics, welfare, and other things that were there before and are no longer there. For instance, look at the conditions in our police stations. The police stations require direct funding which the IG cannot provide. This is because he doesn’t have the wherewithal; when you talk about proper service delivery its goes with certain things. You have a problem and you go to a station; you expect that the police are able to provide logistics to ensure that the problem is addressed. With what the IG is pursuing, I am sure that the issue of motivation and welfare for policemen will be addressed.

Before you became the commissioner of police in the state, not a few Lagosians knew your exploits in tackling

Any man who cannot protect his wives and his children is not worth deserving that name ‘man’. In the larger context, any police who is in authority who cannot protect women and children is not deserving of that office he occupies. We must protect the vulnerable. Even in treaties and conventions, it is stated clearly that the women and children must be protected and given special treatment. This is what I’m doing in Lagos. I have told my area commanders and divisional police officers that every report concerning abuse or molestation either physical or sexual nature against a woman or child must be given priority over every other case

crimes. Don’t you get scared of dying?

One thing is certain: if you don’t have passion for the police job, then you are in the wrong profession. The day you decide to become a police officer there are certain things you have given up. First, you have given up your privacy and time. Second, you have placed your safety and security in the hands of God because there are instances during your career when you will be faced with either running away or being faced with the duty of protecting the people you are paid to protect. Policing is serious business.

Today, crimes are becoming more complex and sophisticated. Therefore, as a police officer, you have to be at the top of your game. I’m a very spiritual person.

I believe that if you have to make it as a policeman, you have to be very prayerful.

You are expected to pray for wisdom because you will make split-second decisions that affect lives and property – it takes the wisdom that only comes from God to make such decisions.

So, what specific spiritual steps do you take to be at the top of your game as a police officer?

You need prayers for your personal and family protection. There were certain times in my career I felt I was placing my family at risk because I was touching on very sensitive issues and bursting very sensitive crimes. You must pray for (God’s) protection over your family. Definitely, there are a lot of risk factors in being a policeman.

Some of these factors will be mitigated by adequate training. We are trained and know how to respond to some of the risks.

Even with all the training, a risk is a risk.

When you joined the police, did it cross your mind you would one day become a police commissioner?

I wished for it. But you don’t join the force expecting to get to any rank. There are many ranks you have to cross before becoming a police commissioner. It has taken me 31 years of hard work, prayers, and diligence to get to the position of commissioner of police. Every police officer wishes to climb to the apex of the force, which is becoming the inspector general of police.

Though not everybody will get there, whatever rank you get to or whatever responsibility you are given along your career progress, handle it with all professionalism. Every rank has its usefulness.

If you are a superintendent, a chief superintendent or divisional police officer, you have the responsibility to take care of the lives and property of those within the jurisdiction of your division. Your responsibility only increases when you become the a commissioner of police, and when the entire state becomes your platform. I always wish for the best and work for the best for myself.

Some believe you take the fight

against the Badoo cult personal. Is that correct?

I took it personal because of the inhuman, cruel and wicked nature of the crime (committed by the cult group). What will inform a group of people to go to a location and wipe out an entire family? It is a spiritual crime; many people ascribed so many things to it.

Some say it’s a ritual crime being used for pecuniary gains. People want to make money through ritual means. I don’t believe in that and I don’t see how you can make money without being hard-working or doing a business. But some people believe in that and that is why they commit such murderous crime.

Therefore, I took the issue of Badoo personal because I visited the scene of some of these crimes and I saw a husband, wife and child killed in cold blood. So, I want every Lagosian to take it personal too. I also saw that people were using it as a standard to measure how efficient the police and the commissioner of police are in Lagos. This is not how we should look at it.

We should look at it as a crime against humanity which every one of us should collectively play a role in curbing. We have done a lot. We have identified the cult group’s shrines. They have been destroyed by policemen. We have declared some of their kingpins wanted and finally arrested them. We have made a lot of arrests. It is not Uhuru yet because we know that some of these murderers are still out there. Therefore, I’m calling on Lagosians to come forward with information to assist the police so that wherever the cultists are or run to anywhere in the country, we can catch them. Yes, it is personal and it will continue to remain personal.

You seems to be focusing on tackling crimes against children, girls, and women.

Why do you focus on this group of people?

This group is most vulnerable in the society.

They are the group that requires protection.

Any man who cannot protect his wives and his children is not worth deserving that name ‘man’. In the larger context, any police who is in authority who cannot protect women and children is not deserving of that office he occupies. We must protect the vulnerable.

Even in treaties and conventions, it is stated clearly that the women and children must be protected and given special treatment. This is what I’m doing in Lagos. I have told my area commanders and divisional police officers that every report concerning abuse or molestation either physical or sexual nature against a woman or child must be given priority over every other case.

What new things have you introduced in Lagos State aimed at reducing crime rate?

First of all, I came in with a clear strategy of community policing, community safety, and partnership. I hit the ground running by starting with 11 town hall meetings where I explained to the people the idea of community policing and community safety partnership – which simply means more community involvement in policing. The people immediately understood and since then there have been partnership across the board in the state. Now, we have functional vigilante group in partnership with the police in fighting neighbourhood crimes, and residential robbery.

We have also intensified intelligence-led policing with the establishment of Intelligent Divisional Police Officer (DIOs).

We have also introduced the Vigilante Support Officers (VSO) – the liaison between the police and the vigilance groups. This is well documented. For the past three months I have been in Lagos, the crime rate has dropped drastically because of this strategy. I intend to deepen it. My legacy to Lagosians by the time I leave will be that I came and institutionalised the concept of community policing and community safety partnership as the official policing strategy in line with the instruction of the inspector general of police.

If you have not been a police officer, what would you have loved to be?

It is a difficult question. I have never thought of this question because I have always loved to be a police officer. Well, if not a police officer, maybe a civil servant.

What has made you cry or can make you cry?

Nothing so far and I hope it remains so.

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 20, 2018 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Fela Durotoye

Fela, Run! Fela, Run!!!!!!!!!!

I have seen pictures of this bobo in a beautiful T-shirt with some very sweet young girls making some sounds alluding to his intention of running for an office. I SUPPORT Fela Durotoye fully not because I think he will win his VGC community but because he represents a demographic and a population outlook that I strongly believe should be a little bit more interested in the political process. The youth, especially those who are digitally connected are so sophisticated that even without the government have built whole industries devoid of the usual malaise that characterised everything Nigerian. See the entertainment industry; see real estate, see fintech, see sports. So why not politics. And Fela more than anybody else personifies this fresh and youthful energy that is better prepared to lead us as we squarely face the challenges of modern-day Nigeria. We are really tired of this gerontocracy-led movement steeped in ethnic-based pillage of our land. Politicians of this generation, Soyinka has called wasted, have done their bit, it is time to leave the stage. But they will not leave the stage with just a few very beautiful girls wearing sexy T-shirts and wielding Brazilian hair and screaming in those man-numbing voices, Fela!!! Fela!!! Fela!!!!! We will need a much more serious initiative with better planning, better strategy, a nimble use of social media, and more important, programmes latched on the powerful penetrative potential of the digital space to wrest power from our Godzillas. So Fela, ask that light-skinned, chubby lady, the one that stood beside you in that picture recently released to give me a call, we can work something out that should see you in the Presidency in no time. Please send her my number – 0909……… Fela himself!, okunrin metta.

Goodswill Akpabio vs Emmanuel Udom Please don’t let me laugh o. I hear these two are at each other’s throat; what else is new? No be today na. I do not know why people despite various examples in the past will continue to be going into this godfather/godson business. It is really a bad business even the legendary Amala politician in Ibadan - the great Adedibu didn’t have it smooth so why for the life of me, will Akpabio have a smooth ride on this matter? I remember that night in his house and over a plate of hot fufu and afang, we discussed this matter.

I told him clearly not to get himself involved. That he had done very well in the state transforming it from the

Mo Abudu

Adibua

Pastor Tunde Bakare – Politics of ‘’Follow Follow’’ After a long bout of fasting and most likely suffering from delusion and fatigue, the mind can begin to play tricks on you. My people, hunger is a bad thing, as it can begin to make you delusional, make you see and hear things that are not real. If you think I am not saying the truth, you just try it.

When I fast for the small two hours that I fast, if I do not break it on time, I will just be hallucinating and everybody from Fela Kuti to Prophet Elijah will just be speaking to me asking me to go save the young virgins in Botswana. That is what I am thinking could have happened to this our highly respected man of God. When his colleagues are busy fighting Freeze, the radio personality that is taking them to the cleaners on this matter of tithing, he is busy hallucinating and trying to convince us that Jehovah God, came to him in a vision and has asked him to come and be our President with no vision, feasible programmes or goals. You see what hunger can do to even the most experienced ’fasters’? This politics

of ‘’follow follow’’ is so laughable that I almost reach to ignore it.

But since my Editor will be mad at me if my stories no reach six, I will just add this story to complete the page. My darling Pastor, no be God speak to you, na hallucination from too much fasting. Nigerians are now better prepared for such childish allusions to power. This is purely a case of ‘’na me, na me’’ as my dear mother will call it. Because you have seen those you feel you are better than emerging as president – you see what the man with no shoes and the man with the controversial certificate cause, you sef feel that you can enter the matter. A country of 180million gifted people and you are telling us this?

Sir, I respect you more than this na. Please come back with a better proposition. We may just listen, but this ‘’revelation’’ is childish and opportunistic. You are better than this and while you are at it, kindly suspend the fasting, it just might be causing more health challenges than you may care to notice.

backwaters of poverty into a global state with modern infrastructure and that his place in history was secure, that he should just go to the Senate and rest and allow us choose our own leader. My people, I thank God I had taken the last piece of goat meat in the soup before I attempted this my advice o. You should have seen his face. It first went into a

frown and with the last morsel of fufu in his hand, he jumped up and walked me out of the place. Well, I had said my own and had just finished eating the most delicious afang ever eaten in my life, so what will I lose? I Ieft o. Did he take my advice? No! He went and got a politically inexperienced Udom who as I hear, has found it extremely difficult to

Ezekhome

fit into Akpabio’s shoes in every facet of leadership. Today, his political inexperience is so glaring that he now chooses to go fight a very powerful godfather only 12 months to his re-election. A political suicide bid like this, I have yet to see.

Well for the sake of my friends in Zenith Bank where this our Governor came from - Chile and Tunde, I will not yab him well. I will just let him go, but if you ask me for advice, I will ask the management of Zenith to go back and clean his office and prepare it for his eventual return for I do not see him winning this one. You dey look for Akpabio trouble, the man of uncommon transformation.

Zenith abeg send for your employee o.

He will better serve Nigeria within your platform. Thank you Olisa Adibua and the Duke Of Shomolu One is a legendary showbiz impresario while the other is a legendary defender of the rights of the light-skinned chubby woman. One is a wizard on radio, the other is an aficionado of afang soup, understanding the intricacies and complexities that pervade this very delicious meal. One lives in upscale Ikoyi while the other is a lifelong resident of that bustling and impressive global enclave called Shomolu. But they seem to have found a congruence in putting together some of the most well-thought out projects. They have both collaborated in producing two of the most well-received theatre productions – Loud Whispers and Isale Eko with a combined budget in excess of N50m. They are once again coming together to work on a unique TV special that will premiere on four major TV stations and designed to attract over 50m eyeballs. The project is still shrouded in secrecy and Olisa must not see this write-up. Please nobody should show him o, otherwise everything don scatter o. Anyway, it promises to be a seminally important project so keep your eyes glued to your screens. Meanwhile, the Duke of Shomolu is officially announcing that he has refused Olisa’s request for a title in the Dukedom of Shomolu.

He had requested to be made the Are Ona Kankanfo of Shomolu land. When he does what he has to do, we will reconsider; till then go and read the news.

Mike Ozekhome – Sorry O Abi what else can I say na? I saw the video of his harassment by defenders of the universe and the only advice I can give at this point is to play Jesus Christ.

Father, forgive them for they know not what they did. That is all my brother.

Take care.

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

SPY GLASS KUNLE OGUNBA

with BAYO ADEOYE .... 08054680651 in or out of court; poor temperament or propensity to insult or assault people or cause bodily harm or put them in a state of fear of bodily harm (c) Evidence of moral depravity or other socially unacceptable behavior,� the Guidelines state.

MOHAMMED BABANGIDA’S NEWMOVE

KUNLE OGUNBA’S LAMENTATION

All his life, Kunle Ogunba has been practising a profession, which he knows best: law.

He is respected for his legal gymnastics in courts. Ogunba is also respected among his professional colleagues, especially for the kinds of briefs he gets.

In recognition of his brilliance, he was some years ago conferred with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) amidst wide jubilation.

Against this backdrop, one is shocked at the decision of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, LPPC, to strip the respected lawyer of this coveted honour.

Ever since, many are curious to know his “sins�.

Sadly, the development has further brought to the fore the hitherto unreported “dark� side of the legal giant. A number of people who have had encounters with him at different times alleged that his attitude sometimes falls below the expected standards of a learned fellow. It is said that his haughtiness is out of this world.

Ogunba was allegedly stripped of the title for his professional misconduct, following a petition filed by Honeywell Group.

The alleged misconduct bordered on the institution of multiple proceedings before different judges of the Federal High Court on a particular lawsuit.

The allegation was investigated by the Legal LPPC sub-committee, which found it meritorious.

Consequently, the LPPC, at its 129th Plenary Meeting, took the decision to withdraw the rank and privileges attached to it from the lawyer.

Ogunba was called to the Nigerian Bar on December 14, 1990. He bagged a master’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos in 2000.

GUIDELINE FOR DENYING SAN

“A candidate shall be considered ineligible if, in the opinion of the LPPC, the candidate is adjudged to be of the following disposition: a) Bad behavior, whether

Mohammed Babangida, the eldest son of Nigeria’s ex-military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, is a good strategist. Also, as a good and experienced “gambler�, he knows when to throw the dice and when to quit.

Spyglass gathered that the younger Babangida who many thought would contest for Niger State governorship election in 2015 has finally made up his mind to serve his people in another way.

This time, the polo-loving dude will want to represent his people at the Senate come 2019. In fact, a source hinted that he had received the blessings of his father, some elders as well as stakeholders across his constituency.

While many claimed that he wanted to ride on the crest of his father’s popularity, his loyal fans denied the allegation, claiming that his philanthropic gestures as well as his humility have endeared him to the hearts of many in the state.

In 2015 the handsome man consulted far and wide over his governorship ambition and sent an emissary to his father to support him. But according to a source, his father neither supported him nor kicked against the idea. This, therefore, made him jettison the idea, even when it was obvious that he had many supporters who were ready to do his bidding.

We gathered that Babangida is wellloved by many in the state, as they see him as a good material that will someday step into his father’s shoes.

OLU OKEOWO’S NEWYEAR FEAST

At the dawn of every new year, Sir Olu Okeowo always takes an introspective look at his life and then go on a spiritual journey to thank his creator for His mercies. Indeed, it is a ritual he performs without fail.

But beyond this, he also loves to fete family and friends at his palatial mansion in the spirit of the New Year celebrations.

Among the eminent personalities who honoured his invitation were billionaire businessman, Alhaji Razaq Okoya and wife; Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.); Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Erelu Dosunmu; Terry Wayas; Musa Danjuma; Chief Maiden Ibru; Oba Saheed Elegushi; Senator Daisy Danjuma; Oba Fatai Akamo; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idayat Adebule, and many more.

Chief Ebenezer Obey, Davido, Sir Shina Peters, Ayo Balogun, Tope Alabi, Atorishe and Faith Band serenaded the

guests and ushered them into the New Year.

If you think the man is all about merriment and ostentation, you better have a rethink. The silent philanthropist in his magnanimity also reached out to the less privileged, as he gave out thousands of Naira as well as food materials to them.

BIMBO JAWO

OWAJIRONICHE ANYANYA CELEBRATES PARENTS

One of the things that naturally gladden the hearts of parents is to see their children grow up. The joy even becomes boundless when the children are not only successful but also caring.

This was what played out recently when Major Owajironiche Lancelot Anyanya (rtd.) and his siblings celebrated their parents, Elder Lancelot Sobie Anyanya and Mrs. Lois Sobie Anyanya at a high-octane two-in-one party on Saturday, January 7, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The event was the 70th birthday of the matriarch of the family, as well as the 55th wedding anniversary of the couple.

Held at the prestigious Hub Event Centre, it had in attendance the top leadership of the Rivers and Bayelsa state governments, politicians, military top brass, traditional rulers, top members of the clergy and society bigwigs.

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, who chaired the event, extolled Mrs. Anyanya as “a godly, diligent and virtuous woman who, over the years, worked hard to ensure she gave her best service to God and the society through her work as a teacher and moulder of children for several decades.�

Speaking on the occasion, Major Anyanya told the gathering that he and his siblings decided to follow the biblical injunction “to honour our parents, especially now that they are with us.�

Some of the dignitaries who graced the event were: HRH,Benson Egwenre; King Oruks Xvii, the Okan-Ama of Ataba Kingdom; former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; Commissioner for Education, Bayelsa State, Hon. Obuebite Jonathan; Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bayelsa State, Hon. Daniel IworisoMarkson; Commissioner for Agriculture, Bayelsa State, Hon. Doodie Weeks; General Officer, Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Port Harcourt, Major- General Eneobong Udoh and Commodore Bolaji Orederu, among others

BIMBO JAWO’S RISING PROFILE

Bimbo Jawo, who is perhaps one of Nigeria’s prides in the United States of America, USA, is in a season of celebrations.

At a time when some of her compa-

triots are dragging the country’s reputation through mud across the globe, she is doing a lot of good to Nigeria’s reputation in the US, especially with her involvement in entertainment and events business.

From a humble beginning as a restaurateur, Bimbo, through her uncommon foresight and doggedness, has built a big brand for herself not only in New York, but also across major cities in America. For instance, her Club TG and Restaurant is undoubtedly one of the biggest pubs in New York.

Spyglass gathered that the pretty woman is living her dreams and has equally provided employment opportunities for hundreds of her compatriots in New York. Also, her success story has become a model for other aspiring entrepreneurs around her.

Today, her night club, which offers a gathering point for Africans based in New York, is planning an expansion with more innovations.

Club TG and Restaurant boasts stateof- the-art facilities and it is the preferred destination for Nigerians in New York

WILL JOHN DARLINGTON EVER SPEAK ON BOND BANK SAGA? So much have been said and written about the Bond Bank crisis since 2005.

But the man at the centre of the crisis, Mr. John Darlington has maintained some calm and uncommon silence.

However, Spyglass has authoritatively gathered that Mr. Darlington is ready to speak 13 years after the saga. It was gathered that Mr. Darlington will on Monday grant an exclusive interview bordering on the Bond Bank saga to a national daily. Feelers have it that Mr. Darlington visited one of the offices of Bond Bank, now Skye Bank, in Lagos to rousing welcome 13 years after he left the bank. The flower vase remained unchanged - so much about the quality of Mr. Darlington’s legacy at the Bond Bank.

OLU OKEOWO

MOHAMMED BABANGIDA

ONICHE ANYANYA

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸͚͜

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×

MY STORY DJ SPINALL STARTS 2018 ON THE COVER OF SIMPLE MAGAZINE Disc Jockey, DJ Spinall is the latest superstar to feature on Simple Magazine‘s first issue of 2018.

Speaking to the magazine, the star DJ opens up on his success in 2017, his journey getting here and his inability to even stop himself from doing big things.

Simple also featured UKbased Nigerian filmmaker, Niyi Towolawi, a software geek cum filmmaker, who has made relentless strides behind the scene to put Nigerian and, indeed, African film industry on the spotlight.

The magazine also caught up with urban visual artist and celebrity photographer, Amazing Klef, to discuss his well-documented visual wizardry.

CINDY INDY BLESSING

EFE PRIME OPENS YEAR WITH ‘BLESSED BE THE NAME’ Weeks after the release of his debut single, ‘Hallelujah’, gospel singer, Efe Atiyo, aka Efe Prime, has delighted his fans with a new year gift; a new track titled, ‘Blessed Be the Name’. The mid-tempo song, which was picked as a fan-favourite via an online poll he conducted, talks about the presence of God which is deserving of worship and total devotion, bringing about blessings, glory, power, miracles With over 15 years as a worship leader and choir coordinator in Christ Embassy in different countries, the singer says he is on a mission to raise music ministers. “As a first step along with my almost two decades of media experience, we are already working on other projects that will further

help promote and support the gospel music industry and artistes in Nigeria and across the world,� he said.

Commenting on his previous release, the founder of KwesĂŠ TV, Strive Masiyiwa described the South Africabased Efe Prime as a highly talented Nigerian singer, song writer and worship leader. “I share this today as a surprise present to him, and as a token of my own appreciation to all my ‘staff partners,’ as all KwesĂŠ employees are shareholders in their company through a staff share ownership scheme. Every single person at KwesĂŠ TV is an entrepreneur.

That is why they have built the fastest-growing and most exciting television network in Africa,� Masiyiwa wrote.

IN-SHORT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2017 The jury of 2017 In-Short International Film Festival, comprising, Isabella Akinseye, Ivan Gustanov, Yemi Oladeinde, Bose Oshin and Shaibu Husseini are thrilled to share in the joy of the event that celebrated the best of short films in Africa and around the world.

As jurors, they were entrusted with the task of determining the films and film-makers that best deserve the In-Short Film Festival awards. With 3,308 submissions from all around the world, comprising 2,379 Short Films, 488 Documentaries and 441 Animations, this was the highest season of submissions with the Festival becoming an accomplished global platform for short films.

Impressed by the strength of the short, documentary and animation categories, the jury decided this year to give three special jury prizes as against one. The first jury prize is for the short film category and was awarded to the directors of the anthology of three short films –

How I Perfected My Craft Ă’Ă“Ă•Ă?äÓĂ? Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă“Ă?ÎÙäÓĂ? Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă? âĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;ÞÓà Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ă? Ă‘Ă™Ă?ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ëš Ă‘Ă™Ă?ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ•Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?ÚÞ˛ Ă’Ă? ĂŽĂ“Ă Ă‹Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ–ĂŁ Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂŁ Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ ĂŒĂ?Ă‹Ă&#x;ÞÓĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă Ă?Ă? ÚÖĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ?ËŞ Ă?ËÞÓĂ?Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ăž åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂŁËœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜Ă? ÞÙ ÞËÕĂ? ÙÖÖãåÙÙÎ ĂŒĂŁ Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ—

H

ow long have you been a beautician?

It has always been in my blood to be a beautician right from secondary school days, but officially, I started four years ago.

As a young girl, we all liked looking good, especially when you live around big aunties with flawless skin, with beautiful faces, and I really wanted to have their kind of skin tone and look flawless and beautiful like them. One thing about me is that I ask questions a lot.

Can you share your success story?

My success story actually started through Instagram.

Anytime I post pictures, I get comments like ‘your skin is so flawless, you’re beautiful what cream are you using and all that. With all these questions all the time, people really want to know what cream I use. So, I decided to go into skin training to perfect my craft so as to reach out to people.

I’ve been making my own cream for about three to four years now. And to God be the glory, it’s been awesome.

Where do you see your brand in ďŹ ve years’ time?

We are expanding and, by His grace, we will be launching new products and getting our office ready. Egostherskincare/Egostherkoncept will be heard of all over the world. We will be a household name with multiple branches, by God’s grace.

Tell us about your childhood

I’m from Abia State. I’m the last of five children and also an orphan. I actually lost my dad at a very tender age and lost my mom in 2000. Growing up days has not been easy, but God has been merciful.

Visions who operate under the name Surereal 16. The award was given in recognition of their effort in creating a new kind of unconventional cinema.

The second jury prize for the evening was awarded to the Iranianborn animator, Saeed Amin Javaheri for his courage and for being so prolific in the production of a dif-

ficult film type like animation. Saeed entered more than 25 animations in this year’s edition.

The last jury prize for the evening was awarded to the documentary film The Unstoppable by Expand Vision. The festival ended on a notable plate, after a couple of days of intrigues, actions and messages from all who participated in it.

What were the challenges you faced as an orphan and how did you cope?

Being an orphan is nothing to be ashamed of. I only get sad when people and friends talk about their mom, especially Mother’s Day. Sometimes, I really wish my mom or dad is there for me to pour out my heart to. It hasn’t really been easy, going through some emotional stress all by yourself with no parents to run to.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸͚͜

23

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

TRAVEL&LEISURE

Is Sex An Allure for Sustainable Tourism?

A

city’s tourism attractiveness is often measured not just by the quality of its locations but also in terms of how much sex it really can offer. This is a much hushed-down tourism indicator but it is most certainly a cannot-be-ignored one. Major cities around the world are raking in millions of dollars from sex tourism to the extent that, while it is a frowned-upon aspect of global social life, it is worth discussing. Havoscope, a global black market research organization reports annual global revenue of $186 billion for sex tourism.

China tops sex tourism income with $73 billion while United States where sex tourism is legal in Nevada rakes in $14.6 billion yearly. Germany and the Netherlands where commercial sex is approved earn $18 billion and $800 million respectively. Italy where most Nigerians ply their trade makes $600 million annually. According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP), Nigerians play key roles in the sex trade in Europe.

With these massive reported figures on sex tourism, it throws up the question: Can sex tourism be ignored when the issue of sustainable tourism is discussed?

To be clear, according to the Oxford dictionary, sex tourism is the organization of holidays with the purpose of taking advantage of the lack of restrictions imposed on sexual activity and prostitution by some foreign countries.

With the advent of the call for sustainable tourism by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), it becomes pertinent very quickly to discuss different elements of tourism available to, perhaps, awaken our sensibilities towards the practice of domestic tourism among us.

Experts warn that using tourism, itself, as a development strategy could be risky because of the impact it may have on the country, good or bad.

UNWTO defines sustainable tourism as tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future. Rather than being a type of product, it is an ethos that underpins all tourism activities. As such, it is integral to all aspects of tourism development and management rather than being an add-on component.

The objective of sustainable tourism is to retain the economic and social advantages of tourism development while reducing or mitigating any undesirable impacts on the natural, historic, cultural or social environment. This is achieved by balancing the needs of tourists with those of the destination.

Keywords to ponder are “economic and social advantagesâ€?; “mitigating‌ undesirable impacts‌on natural, historic, cultural or social environment.â€?

In this context, therefore, we need to ask what economic or social advantages sex tourism would offer if ever it were considered in terms of a nation’s sustainable development. Add to this the level of undesirable impact on the socio-economic environment.

We have already established that sex tourism is lucrative and provides an allure for any country that would consider a quick-fix to arriving at its sustainable tourism goals. However, it carries with it a trail of social issues ranging from sex trafficking to child pornography.

Then, sex tourism cannot be dismissed

Redlight district

In many ramiďŹ cations, sex tourism can be viewed negatively by society. However, there is another side to it. Sex tourism can generate income, both for the country and for the individuals working in the ďŹ eld. Sex tourism is a very lucrative industry that spans the globe and it seems to be one of the segments of tourism industry that is growing. It is notching up number for many cities. Prostitution in tourism is big business that generates a great deal of income for far more than the sex-worker with a wave of the hand. There have been global pushes especially among women regarding gender equity. Arguments abound over the prevalence of male dominated trades under which women are easily sidelined. The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) argues that “Gender Equity is the process of allocating resources, programmes and decision-making fairly to both males and females. This requires ensuring that everyone has access to a full range of opportunities to achieve the social, psychological and physical benefits that come from participating and leading in sport and physical activity.

Gender equity requires that girls and women be provided with a full range of activity and programme choices that meet their needs, interests and experiences.� It is in this wise that some women push for the decriminalization of the sex trade.

Such women are in good company.

Many civil society groups and NGOs are in support of the legalization of prostitution. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Sex Workers Association has called on the Federal Government to decriminalize prostitution. One of the arguments in favour of decriminalisation includes

that under this regime, violence against prostituted women at the hands of police and clients will decrease. Another is that new cases of HIV will significantly reduce because clients will be required by law to use condoms. Decriminalising the prostituted is expected to protect women from police brutality and corruption, not legitimising the men who buy and sell them. In practice though, at legal brothels in Nevada, Germany, Holland, and Australia, it is virtually impossible to enforce a “condom rule�.

In Nevada for example, the women are required to undergo weekly blood tests in order to assure the customers that they are “disease free�, because many men want invasive sex without protection.

The argument for or against sex tourism can be seen this way: Government has both a direct and an indirect involvement in the tourism industry. The government often has no choice but to help finance many tourism supply components, such as roads, airports and utilities. However, apart from tourism, it is difficult to think of any other sector of a nation’s economy that is affected more by government and this from the lowest to the highest levels.

Even though tourism in itself brings foreign exchange to the country, tourism

is also costly. Infrastructure has to be provided and taken care of, and for this reason many countries in order to fund their tourism industry look abroad for investments. This often constitutes a problem for a country in development.

Using tourism as a mean of development might end up meaning that the country becomes dependent on more developed countries, both in the sense of foreign direct investment and in the form of the flow of tourists to the country of destination. The need of tourists and foreign exchange for its development process creates a dependent relationship on the supplying country.

Tourism, both international and domestic, fosters the interaction of people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, and promotes considerable reallocation of resources which has a significant impact on the economy of the destination area. Socio-economic benefits derived from tourism development, such as business and transport services enhance the competitiveness of traditional production sectors which can contribute to poverty reduction in host developing countries. Many developing countries consider tourism as an important and integral part of their economic development, and sometimes it is even perceived as a panacea for their fragile economies.

In many ramifications, sex tourism can be viewed negatively by society.

However, there is another side to it.

Sex tourism can generate income, both for the country and for the individuals working in the field. Sex tourism is a very lucrative industry that spans the globe and it seems to be one of the segments of tourism industry that is growing. It is notching up number for many cities.

Prostitution in tourism is big business that generates a great deal of income for far more than the sex-worker.

It is very tempting for any country in need of the much-sought-after foreign exchange. It is frowned upon by many but one can neither deny its existence nor its potential allure. It may be swamped by the challenge of societal norm and value but it never goes away. If rejected, it only sleeps only to wake up at the opportune time.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž UARY 20, 2018

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Would PDP Now Be a Coveted Bride?

H

aving ruled the country for 16 unbroken years, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was confidently sure that it had captured the soul of Nigeria. One of its former national chairmen, Mr Vincent Ogbulafor, had boasted that the party would rule Nigeria for another 50 years. It got stopped on May 2015, when another party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) displaced it. Until the shocking defeat of the PDP, the party had rather taken Nigerians for granted, believing that whatever they do, Nigerians will be on their side, answer their call, and like zombies, go whichever direction pointed to them. In 2015, Nigerians revolted at the polls. There was an alternative. A prospective alternative. A man whom Nigerians had rejected three previous times, appeared on the political plain.

He was rebranded a Change agent. Not a fanatic. Not a bigot.

Not a dictator. Not a corrupt leader. Not a raider, but a leader.

Not anything that has held Nigeria down. The echo of APC‌ Change(!) reverberated across the land. And the PDP knew its days were numbered.

And suddenly, then-Maj Gen Mohammadu Buhari (rtd) gained an unusual public appeal. His campaign managers dressed him up as the nation’s messiah: one who will right the wrongs of ages past. One who will restore the image and confidence of Nigeria within and outside the Nigerian shores.

Yes, Buhari resonated with wild acclamation of acceptance. Many were terribly tired of the filth and rot called the PDP. The few political overlords of the party (PDP) had turned to national mandarins whom nobody could question. They did as they wished, and the country was simply sinking. An experienced no-nonsense captain was needed to save the ship of state from a shattering shipwreck. Buhari was seen and accepted as the man with such scarce discipline and capacity. One who has no skeleton in his cupboard. One who was ascetic and peoplecentred. One who had no wealth to flaunt or with which to manipulate voters. One who beholds to no one. One who would call a spade a spade. One in whom there is no guile. Buhari, a tall and lanky Fulani man, even appeared taller and firmer with the noble virtues associated with him.

Despite the few campaigns of certain persons warning that Buhari was capable of Islamising Nigeria, and running the Christian communities aground, many Nigerians (Christians inclusive) turned out and voted freely and enthusiastically for Buhari and threw out the weakling called President Goodluck Jonathan and his boisterous crowd.

Enthused by his victory, the nation went wild with joy. Many of his avid supporters, the original Buharists, chose to celebrate his victory by punishing themselves with trekking unthinkable distances, like from Yola to Abuja, or from Lagos to Abuja, for days and weeks unend. They gladly bore the trouble of trekking to celebrate their hero, the expected deliverer of the famished folks.

Some others in their unbridled wild ululation of joy either clutched on feebly to fast-driving vehicles or motorcycles etc.

Many crashed and died. It was all taken as the blood sacrifices required for a national rebirth. A birth that will be transformational. The one that will turn our deserts to oases and our mountains to plateaus. It is an understatement to say the expectations were high. Very high. Between February 2015 when he won the election and May 29, when he was sworn in, Nigerians were literally and hastily counting down to days of a new dawn, to days of a near heavenly experience, days when they will bid eternal farewell to days of hades and hardship, what with the mouth-watering campaign promises that tantalized many Nigerian voters. The miasma of the PDP mess was monumental.

The lingo then was ABJ—Anyone But Jonathan!

And when the government eventually came in, more mess was discovered. Till today, the messy revelations have not ended.

But contrary to the great expectations from the APC-led government, Nigerians have been literally served dry corn with kernel shells as meals. It seems Nigerians practically jumped from frying pan to fire. Life became hard, short, nasty and brutish, so

Buhari much that many wished and yearned for the years of the PDP locust. Bring Back Corruption, many cried!

But those who led the vanguard for the change sustained the hope that in no time the lamentations will give way to jubilation.

While that hope lasted, Nigeria slipped into recession and the experience simply worsened. Thankfully, in about a year, we staggered out of it even as its knocking effect remained with us.

With the recession, the economy got on its knees: companies and businesses were shutting down, jobs were lost, inflation rose, purchasing power dropped. Even many state governments stopped paying their workers. And the groaning grew louder and louder, as some surrendered to suicide.

Yet on the political front, the APC was simply nibbling.

Corruption cases among the henchmen of the government were treated with levity or so it seemed. The scandals that eventually pulled down the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal and the one that caused Abdulrasheed Maina to scurry out of the country(?) are just a few examples of those unevenness of the anti-corruption fight. Why, for instance, are Babachir Lawal and the sacked DG of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr Ayo Oke not being prosecuted for the crimes they committed? The latter was merely quizzed four days after his sack and that was it. Nothing else has been heard. If they committed crime enough to be sacked, they ought to face prosecution. Why are they spared?

The fierceness of the anti-corruption battle is/was not even.

Worse still, the huge sums recovered from the rogues of yesteryear remain unknown. Not many will be surprised if the recovered loot has been pilfered or re-looted altogether. Nobody can be sure.

The other sore issue is in the appointments Mr President has made. Yes, Mr President is from the northern part of the country and could behold a little more to his region, yet he remains the father of the nation, but what we have seen is a heavier-thanusual skew of appointments in favour of the northern part of the country, thus making nonsense of not only a sense of fairness but even the demands of federal character. Perhaps where this is manifestly obvious is in the security apparatchik of the country.

How can it be explained that the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Director General of Department of State Security (DSS) Inspector General of Police, Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Minister of Defence, National Security Adviser, and now the Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are all from the same section of the country. And somebody mischievously asked the other day, “when these people go for the nation’s security council meeting, what language will they be speaking?�

Where is the demand of fair spread as recommended by federal character?

Mr President could not even pretend to be listening to the hue and cry in the polity by appointing a southerner as the DG of the NIA which was last occupied by a southerner. It still had to go to the north. Last year, the 15 Board appointments into the Board of the NNPC had 10 northerners (which has no oil), three South-south persons and two South-west persons. None to the South-east, none to the Middle Belt. In no little way, this manner of appointments belies his famous declaration at inauguration that he is for nobody and he is for everybody. He cannot continue to pay no attention to such sensitive national issues with all its complex plurality and expect a clap offering from Nigerians.

Perhaps, the last straw that seems to have broken the camel’s back is the vexatious issue of the Fulani herdsmen who have been on a killing spree across the Nigerian landscape. Yes, the recklessness of the herdsmen predates the Buhari administration, but they have waxed stronger and become lionized by the worrisome silence, if not acquiescence, of the presidency, over their bloody atrocities in every corner of the country.

Like the last days of former President Jonathan, the issue of national security has become very worrisome. The malaise of kidnapping, armed robbery, open banditry, cattle rustling, and herders’ attack on innocent farmers have simply got to an intolerable peak. It is a potent threat to agriculture, if farmers can no longer go to their farms for fear of being killed by the ravaging killer herdsmen.

Right now, everybody is screaming and pouring invectives on the presidency. But it looks like the Aso Villa is waxed round with 2018 version of the latest sound-proof tarpaulin. The recent killing of about 80 persons in Benue State had triggered a national outcry from all groups and associations—religious and otherwise, except from the Presidency itself and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, whose members are believed to be perpetrating the orgy of violence across the land. The wanton kidnappings and killings by these herders in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Adamawa, Enugu, Delta, Zamfara etc., are more than enough to not only warrant a national broadcast by Mr President, denouncing the dastardly acts, but also in declaring the Miyetti Allah group a terrorist group. Not many known terrorist organisations in the world have killed as many as these herdsmen have killed in Nigeria. It was bad enough that the presidency has been nearly indifferent to the spate of the killings or making rather tepid statements, yet it was awfully worse that when Mr President eventually decided to speak, it was to appeal to the grieving Gov Samuel Ortom and other Benue elders whom he invited to the State House, to accommodate their fellow Nigerians (herdsmen). Gosh, it was like dancing Azonto on the graves of the just-buried persons.

How can anyone ask for the accommodation of mindless killers few days after the mass burial of the latest victims?

In all things, Nigerians seem to be sighing and stretching their necks to see if Buhari is the man they have been waiting for or whether they should wait and hope for another. They have practically lifted the jerry can of palm oil and the jerry can of water. They can tell which is heavier.

My two kobo counsel to Mr President and his APC, as 2019 draws nearer, is that he should not make Nigerians infatuate after the erstwhile derided and despicable PDP, like a refurbished bride. Already, a Third Force is on the horizon. It is only wise to chip in the biblical counsel that “ Let he who thinketh he stands, take heed, lest he falls�.

Gosh, Lagos is Getting Dirtier

S

ome ironies are tolerable while some are not. In the last two weeks, I have heard about a Cleaner Lagos campaign, being run by the Lagos State government. But since the days of then-Col Olagusonye Oyinlola, as Military Administrator of Lagos State, I have not seen Lagos as dirty as it recently is. During the week, I practically drove round Lagos, in sheer coincidence of various appointments. One cannot but notice the heaps and heaps of uncleared

refuse many of which are stacked on the roadside, with some on the median of dual-carriage ways. The markets are simply an eyesore. It is as if the waste collectors are yet on Christmas holiday.

It is the height of irony that a city that claims to be the Centre of Excellence will be this decorated with putrescent garbage all around it. This is the same city that wants to be classed as a Megacity. This is the same city that wants to attract global tourists. How antithetical!

Lagos seemed to have enjoyed some lasting relief from mounds of filth from

the days of Mr Tunji Bello as then Commissioner for the Environment. Those days seem gone forever. Thankfully, Mr Bello is still in the present administration as Secretary to the State Government. He should please offer the new kids on the bloc the winning strategy to make Lagos truly cleaner. With the ban of kole-kole boys (even though they are still in active service), unless the refuse-clearing mechanism by LASEMA and LAWMA is well worked out and faithfully adhered to, Lagos will be risking the outbreak of an epidemic, if Ambode the present situation continues.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 20, 2018

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EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Public Communication

EBERE WABARA

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VERHEARD at the Customer Service Unit of Zenith Bank PLC, Aguda branch, Enitan Street, Surulere, Lagos: “Do not use that as a criteria (criterion)….” (Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 9.30 a.m.) Public communication demands proficiency, caution and carefulness. If in doubt, embrace taciturnity!

“Herdsmen: MASSOB puts southern states at (on) alert” “Why herdsmen (herdsmen’s) menace is political” According to the Book of Proverbs (12 v 1), whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. On this note, you are welcome to this week’s contribution. For me, I treasure other language columnists and cherish the candour of those who critique my own work. There is no perfection in the business of public communication, yet we have to keep striving after purism.

Our serial errors this week are from The Guardian of January 16: “Even when members of the Special Task Force (STF) came to restore order at the venue….” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: restore order to (not at) the venue….

“Ekiti CAN members protest over Benue killings” The Flagship (is it still?) of journalism in Nigeria should know that ‘protest’ takes ‘about’, ‘against’ or ‘at’; not ‘over’.

Even these are optional.

“In Nigeria, if you loose, you call a press conference telling the world the judge does not like your face or is biased and so on.”

Just lose.

“Nigeria’s first private refinery takes-off soon” Phrasal verbs abhor hyphenation.

“Every one of us has a part to play as

BY

electorates because this is the only country we have.” Democracy for Justice: ‘electorate’ is a collective that does not need any inflection. A rewrite: Every one of us has a part to play as a member of the electorate or as an elector (or still, all of us have a part to play as the electorate). Perhaps, with time, the usage would register.

The Guardian Opinion Pages of January 16 splashed five undemocratic lines: “… good governance in a continent where the use of impunity, unfortunately, has become an instrument of democratic governance.”

Tunisia’s changing times: on a continent.

“Like (As) I have always said….” “…calling to question the forced involvement of Nigeria in the second world war.”

At a time like this: World War II. “It was this situation that heightened the political condition in the country that culminated into….” ‘Culminate’ takes ‘in’.

“London was actually constantly under siege until he was eventually extradited back to Nigeria….” The Guardian is not on trial, but let us delete ‘back’ from the extract for all parties’ collective grammatical sanity.

From the preceding diseased headline to this juvenile slipshodness: “Doctors suspend stike in Kaduna, Ebonyi” Even the computer underscored this “strike” carelessness from the same page as above!

Do we still have editorial bastions (proofreaders) this time round? Remember: not ‘this time around’!

As an aside, I recollect my foundational entry into journalism on March 14, 1983, as a proof-reader in the heyday of Daily Times!

This cutting of teeth on reading and writing underpins whatever modest professional attainments I have reached today and the concomitant currency of my career profile.

The 1983 proofreading class of fond memories comprised Kenneth Chioma Ugbechie, Isaac Hope Anumihe, Tony Ikhuenitiju

(now Olumuyiwa) and Olaosun Okalanwon under the head readership of Mr. Abu Olarenwaju, a detribalized Nigerian and an urbane gentleman.

Lastly from THE PUNCH under ‘crossexamination’ after my historical intervention: “The facility will result in improved security profile of the Internet traffic and save the nation of the embarrassment of….”

Info-tech: save the nation the embarrassment of….

“The PDP last Thursday held its special national convention to elect the party’s presidential candidate in the general elections (election) next April.” Cover Story: April 2017 (last April); April 2018 (this April) and April 2019 (next April). Any appeal?

“Renowned filmmakers will converge in (on) Nigeria next week for….”

“Voice of the Electorate (V.O.T.E) congratulates PDP delegates nationwide for (on/upon) defining history….” (Sacredness of advertisement copies notwithstanding)!

THE PUNCH OPINION of January 10, 2018, circulated two goofs: “Politically, experts in IT advocated for the use of e-voting system….” Once again, ‘advocate’ when used as a verb does not admit ‘for’.

“There will be what I call enriched mobile communication experience come 2019 through mobile money….” ICT development: experience in 2019. “…today’s presidential primary may be riddled with so much (many) underhand deals and sharp practices.” (COMMENT) What is the difference between ‘underhand deals’ and ‘sharp practices’? The latter should subsume the former! An aside: ‘much’ instead of ‘many’?

“In doing so (a coma) some of the government’s supporters may certainly have overstepped the bound of propriety….”

From the other side: the bounds of propri-

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

ety.

“Reactions to this position have been pouring in, and it’s highly elating that most share same position.” This way: most share the same position.

“Majority of Nigerians are of the opinion that a country roundly blessed has no business tottering at the brink of disintegration and collapse.” A/the majority of Nigerians….

“A delegate of the PDP in Ogun State… slumped and died in the early hours of Thursday in an hotel in Abeokuta, the state capital.” This is certainly the old school genre. New class: a hotel.

“Police absolves security agencies of electoral fraud” It would be astounding for the Nigeria Police to indict fellow state gangsters! And, of course: police absolve (not absolves).

THE PUNCH OPINION pages of January 4 and 10 circulated some unpardonable mistakes: “…even if it means going extra miles….” I will go the extra mile (note the fixed expression) to ensure that this column appears unfailingly every week.

“And like (as) someone said recently….” “…in the evacuation of dead bodies to mortuary.” On a clinical note: corpses instead of ‘dead bodies’ and a mortuary or mortuaries, depending on the fact of the matter. “…as well as condoning the place and evacuating the dead and survivors to nearest health facilities.” Bomb blasts and conflicting figures: cordoning off (take note of the spelling and correct entry) the place. “…politicians are also culprits in overheating the system with provocative statements in blaming their opponents over (for) every misdeed.”

Of Shithole and Sinkhole of Shame

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he past week has been characterised by a widespread outrage against President Donald Trump’s alleged slur on Africa and Haiti. Envoys of the United States across the continent have been reportedly summoned by host nations to clarify the controversial remark. Nigeria has not been left out as the Foreign Ministry demanded and received a briefing from the US Embassy during the week. This kind of diplomatic engagement should help to soothe bruised national pride and thaw tempers. Beyond the bilateral interface however, the alleged vulgarity painfully nails some hard truths about life and leadership in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and home to the largest concentration of blacks in the world. In the eyes of ordinary Nigerians, this tragic paradox tends to extenuate the impolitic indiscretion of Mr. Trump on a matter that has now been obfuscated in denials and counter-denials in Washington and other capitals around the world. And in a manner of making light of serious issues, perplexed citizens have been lavish in exacting the pun and fun of the ‘shithole’ comment, especially on social media. But how else does one survive a country that seems irretrievably programmed to defeat even the most optimistic of minds if not through humour, albeit creative sarcasm?

So while the heat is on Trump, the joke is actually on Nigeria. A country so blessed with abundant human and material resources that are the envy of other countries is same nation accursed with the misfortune of a perpetually mismanaged heritage.

Or how does one explain a depressing disclosure by a Chatham House report released last year that up to $582billion has been stolen from the public coffers between 1960 and 2014? This easily explains why the country is in a sink-hole of excruciating mass poverty, economic depression and sociopolitical dislocation resulting in a disequilibrium that constantly threatens the tenuous fabric of our pretentious togetherness.

Life and living for many Nigerians is a hell-hole where basic necessities like food, shelter, health, childbirth and education constitute existential struggles of daily subsistence. There was a report the other day that Nigeria is the worst place to be born on earth! Except of course you belong to or are a collaborator in the thieving class of the corrupt; or you can demonstrate audacious gangsterism to disrupt and hold the rentier state to ransom sufficiently enough to secure amnesty and subsequently negotiate an economic empire for yourself; or in the uncommon event that the benevolent forces of fortune smiled on you.

PEOPLE2PEOPLE WITH

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

Twitter: @resourceme

Trump

A country that does not offer a guarantee to success through hard work, merit or being decent and law-abiding is a shithole state. We do not need a Trump to tell us that. Just like we did not need Mr. Tony Blair, ex-British Prime Minister, to tell us that our country is ‘fantastically corrupt.’

That corruption and leadership failure are cancers ailing Nigeria is a trite point. Several thesis and preachment against this twin evil only seems to exacerbate the phenomenon. This is why a space so divinely exempt from the vagaries of natural disasters plaguing some other parts of the world is so adept at contriving man-made tragedies unwit-

tingly concocted and supervised or excused by the state.

The new year day blood-chilling killings in Benue by marauding herdsmen is an eloquent evidence of state complicity in contrived disaster. The failure of the authorities to unhinge from this calamitous posture and reign in the perpetrators of the dastardly act further testifies to the perilous state of affairs where the safety of life and properties cannot be guaranteed by the state. Add that to the find that the country hosts two of the most dangerous terror groups in the world – boko haram and Fulani herdsmen- and then the grim reality of life being brutish, nasty and short stares you in the face.

If terrorism and insecurity do not kill you, then you are set face-to-face with the whims of state actors who bay for the blood of the innocent in some sense. Or is it not blood money when funds meant for the upkeep of hapless citizens displaced by boko haram terrorism are blatantly ferried into the pockets of government officials in poorly schemed grasscutting scams? So how do you legitimately query Trump if he calls Nigeria a shithole? The fact that America currently benefits from some of Nigeria’s best brains in the diaspora does not detract from the sordid categorization by the former’s president.

But why will Africa’s proverbial giant not empty its best abroad when home-based talent, innovation, industry, ingenuity and excellence are suffocated and suppressed by a corruptly skewed system?

Sadly, there has been a reported increase in brain drain in the medical profession recently. And why won’t this be the case when medical tourism by the privileged elite is championed by none other than the President of the Republic himself? To exit the shithole therefore has become a survival matter.

Unfortunately, in a desperate bid to escape the state-sponsored asphyxiation in the land, frustrated citizens stream through the fury funnels of the Sahara and ravenous rage of the Mediterranean.

The unlucky ones are brought back in body bags or unaccounted for in shallow dunes and inscrutable sea beds. Some are simply traded in shillings into modern slavery televised live to global audiences and thereafter made prisoners of unimaginable abuse in strange lands. The lucky ones who are salvaged by the bravery of humanitarian crusaders or stonewalled by the vigilance of Western border keepers are brought back home in swathes of shame and regrets. Saved from sure death, these are hurriedly hauled back into the cruel fate they sought escape from. It is far too hot in this sink-hole. When will liberation come?

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

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

Defensive Driving Driver’s Signals

Heavily updated 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

A More Refined New 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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heheavilyupdated2019Mercedes-Benz G-Class is making its public debut in Detroit, a city that knows a thing or two about trucks.

Tracing its lineage back four decades, this leather-lined off-roader has never strayed far from its roots. And the latest iteration sticks to the same winning formula, mostly.

Still built on a rugged ladder-style frame, the G-Class’ bones and body have nonetheless been strategically reinforced to deliver even better rock-climbing capability with greater on-road civility, according to Autoguide.

Thanks to high- and ultra-high-strength steel the new G-Class has lost about 375 pounds. Also helping cut unwanted fat, the fenders, hood, and doors are made of aluminum.

But perhaps the biggest change with this hardcore off-roader is a new independent front suspension, which should dramatically improve its overall comfort, ditto for the electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering. An under-hood strut-tower brace helps tie the vehicle’s front end

together more tightly, which should pay some important dynamic dividends. As for clearance, there’s 10.6 inches (27 cm) between the ground and the front axle gear, a massive amount.

If this all sounds a bit out of character, there’s really no need to worry; purists can breathe easy because the rear is still supported by a live axle, one rigidly contained by four trailing arms and a Panhard rod. The vehicle’s ground clearance to the aft differential housing measures 9.5 inches, an increase of around a quarter inch (0.6 cm).

The vehicle also sports three separate differentials. Each one can be 100 percent locked for tackling severe off-road conditions.

More familiar cues include the body’s overall design, which remains anachronistically boxy. The exterior door handles are pleasant throwbacks as well, ditto for the unmistakable door-closing sound.

Overall, the G-Class is about 2.1 inches (5.3 cm) longer than today’s model and 4.8 inches (12.2 cm) wider. This translates into dramatically more interior space.

Front and rear, leg, shoulder and elbow room has been increased. The biggest gains are certain to be noticed by passengers in the back, who will

have nearly 6 more inches (15.2 cm) of space for their lower extremities. Additionally, the rear backrest is split 60/40 and folds down to increase versatility.

Power is provided by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that’s rated at 416 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque.All that twist is routed to the pavement through a new nine-speed automatic transmission, which should noticeably improve performance and fuel efficiency.

Now, let’s talk about capability. The new G-Class remains an absolute beast when the pavement ends. It can safely tackle 100-percent grades (that’s a 45-degree angle, folks!) and ford through a hair less than 28 inches of water (an increase of nearly 4). Additionally, the vehicle’s traditionally impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles have been further improved.

The vehicle’s Dynamic Select system provides five different driving modes. These tweak how the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and assistancesystemsbehave.Ratherself-explanatory, there’s Comfort, Sport, Eco and Individual. But G-Mode is the most intriguing.

It engages whenever one or more of the differentials is locked or low-range is selected.

Jibowu Terminals: Transporters Sue Lagos, Seek N500m Compensation

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uxury bus owners and about 12 other operators, who said their businesses have been affected by the decision of the Lagos state government to seal commercial transport terminals in Jibowu, have filled a suit to stop the government.

In their suit number ID/4603GCMW/17, they are seeking an order of a Lagos high court to stop the state government from restricting their activities on the Ikorodu Road-Jibowu /Yaba axis.

They also demanded a compensation of N500 million, which they said was “the aggregate loss� they have suffered since their respective terminals were sealed off. They explained that they resorted to litigation since all entreaties to the state government to reverse the restriction or reach a compromise, has so far failed.

The Lagos state government had in September, 2017, given the transporters seven days to vacate the area and relocate to Ojota and Ojodu in compliance with a new transport policy which restricts all inter-state passenger and cargo operations to designated motor parks at various entry points to the mega city.

The state government is insisting that there is no place for inter-state operations on the Ikorodu Road/Jibowu corridor in the state’s transport master-plan.

The former Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi, last

When driving, the language we use takes the form of signalling with indicator lights, hazard warning lights, brake lights, flashing headlights, arm signals, the horn, reversing lights, fog lights, and headlights.

These signalling devices are used by a driver to communicate to other road users what they intend to do.

Indicators are used to show an intended change of direction, whether turning right, left or moving out into traffic. Use indicators in good time, giving other road users plenty of time to react and adapt to your signal. Once you have completed any manoeuvre, make sure the indicator has cancelled otherwise you may confuse other road users.Asignal to indicate that you are going to turn right and a signal to indicate that you intend to pull into the side of the road and stop can easily be confused by other road user. Be particularly careful if you intend to park just past a right-hand junction, especially if a vehicle is waiting to emerge.

Hazard warning lights are used when you need to warn other road users of a hazard, either your own car or an obstacle on the road. Use them when you have broken down or temporarily obstructing traffic. On dual carriageways and expressways, you can use hazard lights briefly to warn the vehicles behind that there is a hold-up or very slow moving traffic in front. Only use hazard lights to alert other drivers to your presence when you have stopped.

Brake lights are used to warn following drivers that you are slowing down every time you press the footbrake.

Flashing headlights and the vehicle horn are used to warn another road user, who has failed to see you, of your presence. Sound your horn when it could benefit pedestrians and other road users in situations where they may not have noticed you or cannot see you.

Arm signals can be used when mechanical signals, such as direction indicators or brake lights have failed in your vehicle. Although rarely used nowadays, arm signals can be useful to confirm a signal given by your indicators.

Signalling is one of the key ways in which we give information to other road users, and giving information is a key part of the information phase of the system of car control. The purpose of signals is to inform other road users of your presence or intentions. You should give a signal whenever it could benefit other road users, but do not signal indiscriminately.

These are the key points to remember: * consider the need to give a signal on the approach to every hazard, and before you change direction or speed * give a signal whenever it could benefit other road users * remember that signalling does not give you any special right to carry out the actions you indicate As well as taking care that your own signals are not misleading, you also need to be cautious about how you interpret the signals of other road users.

For example, does a vehicle flashing the right-hand indicator mean that the driver intends to: * park the vehicle, possibly immediately after a right hand junction? * turn into a right-hand junction? * carry straight on, having forgotten to cancel the last signal?

In practice you should use the position and speed of the vehicle to interpret what the driver intends to do.

The system of car control advises that you to give a signal only when pedestrians or other road users could benefit. This helps your driving because it encourages you to be attentive and aware of what is happening on the road around you, especially behind you.

Courtesy signals are important because they encourage cooperative use of the road space and promote road safety. Acknowledging courtesy of other road users encourages good driving and helps you to develop a positive attitude to driving.

Sealed bus terminals in Jibowu, Lagos Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

week reinforced the government’s stand, saying the operators’ activities also pose security challenges in the area.

Prince Elegushi, who spoke in his office inAlausa, argued that in addition to the operators occupying structures originally built for residential purposes

and disturbing the flow of vehicular traffic, their vehicles also damage the welded wire fences demarcating both sides of the busy road. “I hear they have gone to court‌maybe they think that is the best way to resolve the issue,â€? the S.A to the Governor on Transportation, said.

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

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸͚͜

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Toyota Unveils Concept Hybrid Sports Car

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MR. IBIGBEMI SEUN (middle), Mega Prize Winner of the 2017 Value Drive Promo that was held Nationwide, receiving his prize (INVERTER & BATTERY) from OďŹƒcials of InďŹ nity Tyres at their outlet in Port Harcourt, Rivers State... recently

Land Rover Launches V8 Edition of Defender to Celebrate 70th Anniversary Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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and Rover has launched a limited-edition of high-performance version of the iconic Defender,withupto150V8-poweredexamples re-engineered to celebrate the Land Rover marque’s 70th anniversary in 2018.

TheDefenderWorksV8payshomageto theearlyhigh-poweredenginesinboththeSeriesIIIStage 1 V8 from 1979 and subsequent Defenders including the50thAnniversaryEdition,whicharehighlysought after by enthusiasts and collectors today, according to a statement by the automaker.

DefenderWorksV8isthemostpowerfulandfastest version that Land Rover has ever created. The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 powertrain produced 405PS and 515 Nm of torque (the standard Defender delivered 90kW (122PS) and 360 Nm). The Defender Works V8 will accelerate from 0-100kph (0-60mph) in 5.6sec*,whiletopspeedisincreasedto170kph(106mph).

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “It’s fitting that we’ve been able to release the full potential of the iconic Defender, whose much-loved shaperemainssynonymouswithLandRover,70years since it was seen in public for the first time. “The idea of reintroducing a V8 Defender was

something we were discussing as far back as 2014, when we were still building the Defender in Solihull.

Weknewthedemandwasthereforapowerfulandfast Defender; the Land Rover authenticity is the ultimate finishingtouchfordiscerningclientspurchasingthese collector’s edition Defenders.�

The V8 powertrain will be fitted to 150 speciallyselected and re-engineered Defenders for the 70th Edition,complementedbyaneight-speedZFautomatic transmission with sport mode, uprated brakes and handling kit (springs, dampers and anti-roll bars), plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels and 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres.

oyota has unveiled its direction for nextgeneration sports cars with the global debut of the GR Super Sport Concept and test car at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Developed by Toyota GAZOO Racing, the GR Super Sport Concept incorporates hybrid technology developed for Toyota’s TS050 Hybrid race car that competes in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The newly revealed concept is composed of mostly the same main parts as the TS050 Hybrid, reflecting Toyota GAZOO Racing’s aim to ensure that technologies and know-how acquired in motorsport are fed back into new production vehicles.

Beneath the beautifully flowing and original form are a 735kW 2.4-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and a Toyota Hybrid System-Racing (THS-R) powertrain, which have been honed through competition racing.

With its high-efficiency electric-vehicle system and lean-burn engine, this next-generation super sports car is set to deliver both ultimate power and environmental performance.

GAZOO Racing Company president Shigeki Tomoyama said the concept is the starting point for Toyota’s plan to develop sports cars from active race cars. “Rather than developing production cars into sports cars, we aim to work out how to incorporate the know-how developed through races and rallies into production cars,� Mr Tomoyama said. “Although it will be some time before you all have the opportunity to get behind the wheel, I hope that the GR Super Sport Concept will give you a taste of what we aim to achieve with our next-generation sports cars.�

Toyota’s continued participation in the WEC is seen as a highly beneficial and necessary project in terms of developing cutting-edge hybrid systems and EV systems.

Fuel economy-enhancing technologies and other developments gained through such tough technological competitions are already being fed back into production vehicles.

Mr Tomoyama compared the GR Super Sport Concept with Toyota’s e-Palette Concept, a new shared mobility model for communities, unveiled at this month’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

JAC Pick up, Frison, Bags Auto Award

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AC Frison Pick up, also known as JAC T6, has bagged the Special recognition Award from the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards for its quality and ruggedness. The award was held December 12, 2017, at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

JAC Frison Pick up is one of the different models distributed in Nigeria by Elizade Auto land, a company known for its track record in automobile marketing and distribution in the country.

Managing Director of ElizadeAuto land, Mr. Demola Ade-Ojo who was on hand to receive the award alongside the Head of Branding, Ayoade Aderoju, and Head of Sales, Mr. Demola Adewunmi, stated that the demand for the T6 Pick has increased.

Dr. Pereira Shereola, the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Agriculture Development Authority, who uses the Frison Pick up, had said recently that he opted for

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the JAC Frison Pick up because of the price differences and the qualities it offers.

According to him, the vehicle offers satisfaction beyond his expectation due to its ruggedness, fuel efficiency, security features, reverse sensors and the driving capacity.

Speaking on the awards, Chairman of NAJA, Mr. Frank Kintum said the JAC T6 bagged the Special Recognition award because of its outstanding features and favourable reviews.

According to him, the entry of the JAC Pick up into the Nigeria market has further offered auto patrons who are looking for vehicles to conquer the different terrains in the country.

The JAC Frison Pick up has a sedan-like interior, and the driving system display the new driving standard of high class pick up, and comes with a winded 50mm compared with other Pick ups with 3.8mm cabin space. JAC Frison Pick Up

GUIDELINES ON TYRE USAGE

ast week I stumbled on a very interesting material which I believe I should share with my readers this week as we gradually settle down to the business of 2018. The post is from Michelin and it brings out regulations guiding the usage of tyres and the steps to be taken to ensure the longevity of the tyres and avoidance of accidents. Every detail as contained is not mine but as culled and will hopefully run for the next two weeks as approved by my editor who has the final say. Below are the detailed posts for your consumption; Check your tyre pressures monthly and before any long trip.

At the same time check the tyre tread depths, and look for any signs of sidewall damage, or irregular wear. If in doubt, seek the advice of a trained tyre expert who will be able to tell you if the tyre is suitable for further use.

Six reasons to change your tyres: Below, we list six major reasons when you should seriously consider changing your tyres. In certain situations, a tyre can be repaired. However, the repair of Michelin tyres must be preceded by a careful examination of all areas of the tyre, inside and out, by a trained specialist. The removal of the tyre from the wheel is essential because internal damage is not visible while the tyre is fitted.

IF YOU GET A PUNCTURE: Modern tyres are very sturdy and can cope with most things.

Punctures, though, can and do still happen. A tyre specialist should check your tyre after a puncture to decide whether it can be repaired.

Safety procedures when you have a puncture while on the move:Always consider your safety and that of your passengers, pull off the road in

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

a safe place. Put on the parking brake, switch off the engine and put the car in a low gear (or in Park on automatics), switch on your hazard warning lights, wear a yellow high-visibility vest, place a warning triangle at the side of the road 100m behind the car.Your safety comes first – always!

Helpful tips for changing a punctured wheel DO NOT attempt to change a wheel if it risks the safety of you or your passengers. Carry a pair of sturdy gloves, carry a bin bag in your boot, in case the tyre you’re removing is covered in mud!

Carry a sturdy board to place your jack on in case the ground is soft, to avoid the jack sinking in. Where necessary, use light machine oil on the wheel nut threads to help their removal. Check the inflation pressure of the spare tyre before fitting. If this is not possible, once fitted drive carefully at low speed until it can be checked.

Visit the nearest service station and inflate the tyre correctly. Badly tightened wheel nuts risk damage to the brake discs or wheel mounting system, use a torque wrench to make sure you tighten the nuts correctly with the correct torque.

If you don’t have a torque wrench get a tyre specialist to check them as soon as possible. This will ensure the correct torque has been applied.

Correctly tightened wheelnuts will also make it easy to remove them.

2. When your tyres are worn down to the legal limit of wear. It is a good idea to check your tyres regularly for tyre wear. But how? Here’s a simple way to tell if your tyres are worn out. AMichelin man figure on the shoulder of a Michelin tyre shows the location of the tread wear indicators situated in each of the main grooves of the tread.

These indicators are small raised areas at the bottom of the grooves of the tread pattern. If the surface of the tread rubber is level with these raised areas, the tyre tread depth is most likely very close to the legal limit of 1.6 mm. Beyond this limit, you are putting your safety at risk and you are breaking the law. Even if the remaining tread depth is greater than 1.6 mm, you should adapt your speed and driving style to the external conditions, particularly on wet roads. Winter tread wear indicators at 4 mm (only in some European countries) The intermediary tread wear indicator indicates a remaining tread depth of 4 mm. Thanks to MICHELIN 3D sipes on the full tread depth; the tyre maintains its winter performance below this indicator.

If your tyre shows signs of aging: Tyres have no predictable life. It doesn’t matter when the tyres were made. Tyres age even when not used, or if only used occasionally. There are many factors that will affect the life of the tyre such as temperature, maintenance, conditions of storage and use, load, speed, pressure as well as driving style. These will have a great impact on the

length of service life you can expect from your tyres. Pay regular attention to your tyres-For these reasons, Michelin recommends that all drivers pay regular attention to the external appearance of their tyres for clear signs of aging or fatigue. This can include cracking of the rubber or deformation, etc. Excessive aging of tyres may lead to loss of grip. Michelin also recommends all tyres, including the spare, are inspected regularly by a tyre specialist. They can tell you whether your tyres should continue in service.

How old is too old? The ďŹ ve year test After five years or more in service, your tyres should be thoroughly inspected at least once per year. If the need arises, follow the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer regarding replacing the original equipment tyres. As a precaution, if the tyres have not been replaced 10 years from their date of manufacture (see how to read a tyre sidewall), Michelin recommends replacing them with new tyres. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator.

IF YOUR TYRE IS DAMAGED: Your tyre can be seriously damaged if it impacts any solid object on the road, like a kerb, pothole, or sharp object. Any visible perforation, cut or deformation must be checked thoroughly by a tyre professional. Only they can tell you whether the tyre can be repaired or has to be changed.

Never use damaged tyres or tyres that have run flat or at very low pressures unless they have been thoroughly examined internally and externally by a tyre professional. Inspection by a professional is absolutely necessary because internal damage is not visible while the tyre is mounted; only then can a decision be made as to whether the tyre can be out back into service.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

FAMILY HEALTH with

Ear , Nose and Throat Issues

T

he ear, nose and throat organs are connected directly. There is a flow that carries through from the ear, nose and to the throat. This is why a problem with the throat would affect the ear and nose. The ear usually the worse hit.

These parts of the body are actually the upper end of the airways system and are prone to viral infections, particularly in the colder months.

Our ears, nose, and throat work together to keep us going. When one is out of commission, the other two suffer—and they aren’t quiet about it. Find out how to stop colds from becoming ear infections, soothe earaches, and keep mucus membranes happy, through the open connection that the three share. Your ears, nose and throat are not only in close proximity to each other. They are, in fact, intimately connected. When things are going well, this trio elicits no complaint.

But if an infection, inflammation or allergic response occurs, they are no slouches at expressing discomfort.

Sinus cavities in the skull are not only for filtering and warming air before that air reaches the lungs. They also lighten the skull and act as resonance chambers for sounds. These air pockets are connected with your throat and ears. When the passages become congested through inflammation or mucus accumulation, our ears hurt. The open connection between nose, ear and throat allows for the exchange of fluids, permitting the transformation of a cold into an excruciatingly painful ear infection.

There are many ENT disorders, and even more signs and symptoms associated with each one. The following is a list of symptoms of 4 of the most common ENT disorders. Not all people will experience the same set of symptoms, and you may have only some of the symptoms on the list.

Ear CAUSES : An ear infection is caused by a bacterium or virus in the middle ear. This infection often results from another illness — cold, flu or allergy — that causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat and eustachian tubes.

Symptoms of an Ear Infection Ear infections are one of the most prevalent ENT disorders. They occur when germs become trapped inside the inner ear.

The Eustachian tube, a tiny tube that originates in the ear and drains in to the back of the throat, usually keeps unwanted germs out. If this tube is too small or becomes clogged by fluid and mucus, bacteria or other microbes may be able to enter the ear and cause an infection. Signs & symptoms of an ear infection include: r SFDFOU IJTUPSZ PG BO VQQFS SFTQJSBUPSZ JOGFDUJPO r QBJO BOE QSFTTVSF r GFWFS r MPTT PG CBMBODF r EJGĂ DVMUZ IFBSJOH r OBVTFB BOE WPNJUJOH r ĂĄVJE EJTDIBSHF GSPN UIF FBS UIJT JOEJDBUFT QFSGPSBtion of the tympanic membrane) Ear infections are more common in children. In fact, it is the most common infection in infants and toddlers.

If your child has an ear infection, it may be difficult to detect. Here are some things you may notice about your child: r QVMMJOH PS UVHHJOH PO UIF FBST r JODSFBTFE GVTTJOFTT FTQFDJBMMZ BU CFEUJNF r GBJMT UP TUBSUMF BU MPVE OPJTFT PS EPFT OPU DPOTJTUFOUMZ respond to name r FBUJOH PS ESJOLJOH BCOPSNBMMZ Children Signs and symptoms common in children include: r &BS QBJO FTQFDJBMMZ XIFO MZJOH EPXO r 5VHHJOH PS QVMMJOH BU BO FBS r %JGà DVMUZ TMFFQJOH r $SZJOH NPSF UIBO VTVBM r "DUJOH NPSF JSSJUBCMF UIBO VTVBM r %JGà DVMUZ IFBSJOH PS SFTQPOEJOH UP TPVOET r -PTT PG CBMBODF r 'FWFS PG ' $ PS IJHIFS r %SBJOBHF PG åVJE GSPN UIF FBS r )FBEBDIF r -PTT PG BQQFUJUF Adults Common signs and symptoms in adults include: r &BS QBJO r %SBJOBHF PG åVJE GSPN UIF FBS r %JNJOJTIFE IFBSJOH When to see a doctor Signs and symptoms of an ear infection can indicate a number of conditions. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Call your child’s doctor if: r 4ZNQUPNT MBTU GPS NPSF UIBO B EBZ r 4ZNQUPNT BSF QSFTFOU JO B DIJME MFTT UIBO NPOUIT of age r &BS QBJO JT TFWFSF r :PVS JOGBOU PS UPEEMFS JT TMFFQMFTT PS JSSJUBCMF BGUFS

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

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

r #SFBTU GFFE ZPVS CBCZ *G QPTTJCMF CSFBTU GFFE ZPVS baby for at least six months. Breast milk contains antibodies that may offer protection from ear infections. r *G ZPV CPUUMF GFFE IPME ZPVS CBCZ JO BO VQSJHIU position. Avoid propping a bottle in your baby’s mouth XIJMF IF PS TIF JT MZJOH EPXO %PO U QVU CPUUMFT JO UIF crib with your baby. r 5BML UP ZPVS EPDUPS BCPVU WBDDJOBUJPOT "TL ZPVS doctor about what vaccinations are appropriate for your child. Seasonal flu shots, pneumococcal and other bacterial vaccines may help prevent ear infections.

Sinus cavities in the skull are not only for ďŹ ltering and warming air before that air reaches the lungs. They also lighten the skull and act as resonance chambers for sounds. These air pockets are connected with your throat and ears. When the passages become congested through inammation or mucus accumulation, our ears hurt.

The open connection between nose, ear and throat allows for the exchange of uids, permitting the transformation of a cold into an excruciatingly painful ear infection

a cold or other upper respiratory infection r :PV PCTFSWF B EJTDIBSHF PG ĂĄVJE QVT PS CMPPEZ discharge from the ear r "O BEVMU XJUI FBS QBJO PS EJTDIBSHF TIPVME TFF B doctor as soon as possible. r 0VUFS FBS JOGFDUJPOT DBO DBVTF JUDIJOH JO UIF FBS canal, pain and swelling of the ear canal, discharge from the ear, and crusting around the ear canal. Your physician will carefully clean and dry your ear. If your ear is very swollen, the physician may insert a wick soaked with an antibiotic into the ear to get the medicine into the infected area. You may need to put drops in your ear several times a day to keep the wick moist. Oral antibiotics may also be indicated if you have a severe infection, or your physician may suggest a cream or ointment medicine for some types of infection. r .JEEMF &BS *OGFDUJPOT A middle ear infection is an infection of the air-filled space in the ear behind the eardrum. Ear infections usually begin with a viral infection of the nose and throat.

Ear infections may also occur when you have allergies.

Symptoms of a middle ear infection include earache, hearing loss, feeling of blockage in the ear, fever, and dizziness. The physician will check for fluid behind the eardrum, and a hearing test may also be recommended if you are experiencing hearing loss. Antibiotic medicine is a common treatment for ear infections. However, recent studies have shown that the symptoms of ear infections often go away in a couple of days without antibiotics. :PVS QSPWJEFS NBZ SFDPNNFOE B EFDPOHFTUBOU UBCMFUT or a nasal spray) to help clear the eustachian tube. r &BSXBY Excessive amounts of earwax, or cerumen, can block the ear canal and cause temporary hearing impairment.

Earwax should be removed only by a professional. Qtips, ear candeling, or other methods of home earwax removal are not recommended. Please consult your physician if you suspect earwax impaction.

Risk factors Risk factors for ear infections include: r "HF $IJMESFO CFUXFFO UIF BHFT PG NPOUIT BOE 2 years are more susceptible to ear infections because of the size and shape of their eustachian tubes and because of their poorly developed immune systems. r (SPVQ DIJME DBSF $IJMESFO DBSFE GPS JO HSPVQ TFUUJOHT are more likely to get colds and ear infections than are children who stay home because they’re exposed to more infections, such as the common cold. r *OGBOU GFFEJOH #BCJFT XIP ESJOL GSPN B CPUUMF especially while lying down, tend to have more ear infections than do babies who are breast-fed. r 4FBTPOBM GBDUPST &BS JOGFDUJPOT BSF NPTU DPNNPO EVSing the fall and winter when colds and flu are prevalent.

People with seasonal allergies may have a greater risk of ear infections during seasonal high pollen counts. r 1PPS BJS RVBMJUZ &YQPTVSF UP UPCBDDP TNPLF PS high levels of air pollution can increase the risk of ear infection.

Prevention The following tips may reduce the risk of developing ear infections: r 1SFWFOU DPNNPO DPMET BOE PUIFS JMMOFTTFT 5FBDI ZPVS children to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly and to not share eating and drinking utensils. Teach your children to cough or sneeze into their arm crook.

If possible, limit the time your child spends in group child care. A child care setting with fewer children may help. Try to keep your child home from child care or school when ill. r "WPJE TFDPOEIBOE TNPLF .BLF TVSF UIBU OP POF smokes in your home. Away from home, stay in smokefree environments.

Throat Symptoms of Strep Throat Strep is an abbreviation for a family of bacteria called “streptococci.� Strep throat occurs when the throat and surrounding structures become infected with this germ.

While strep throat is a common infection, many other infections have the same symptoms. You must have an actual strep test at your doctor’s office to be certain that your symptoms are associated with a streptococcal infection versus a different bacterial or viral infection.

Symptoms are usually abrupt in onset including: r SFE TPSF UISPBU r EJGĂ DVMUZ TXBMMPXJOH r FOMBSHFE UPOTJMT r FOMBSHFE MZNQI OPEFT r XIJUF QBUDIFT PO UIF UPOTJMT PS JO UIF CBDL PG UIF throat r GFWFS r CPEZ BDIFT r GBUJHVF r TLJO SBTI SBSF

Notably absent in strep throat are a runny nose and cough. You may also suspect strep throat if you have been exposed to someone with a strep infection in the MBTU UXP XFFLT $IJMESFO CFUXFFO UIF BHFT PG BOE are most at risk. You are also more likely to get a strep infection during the winter months.

Nose /PTFCMFFE &QJTUBYJT

A nosebleed occurs when the membranes lining the inner nose are disturbed or irritated enough to cause abnormal bleeding. The medical term for nosebleed is epistaxis. The most common causes of nosebleeds are a breakdown in the lining of the nose, injury to the nose or face, high altitude, drug abuse involving the nose, high blood pressure, medicine that prevents blood clotting, and medical conditions that prevent your blood from clotting.

Symptoms of Sinusitis Sinusitis occurs when a germ finds its way in to the hollow recesses of the skull that surround your eyes and nose. The infection can then become trapped there, causing inflammation, pressure and pain. Acute sinusitis is often secondary to a common cold, so you are more likely to get sinusitis during the winter months. Chronic sinusitis is sometimes an inflammatory disorder caused by untreated allergies or conditions, such as bronchial asthma. Sinusitis can last from weeks to years if left untreated. r 4ZNQUPNT PG TJOVTJUJT BSF r IFBEBDIF r DPVHI r OBTBM EJTDIBSHF PG WBSJPVT DPMPST BOE DPOTJTUFODZ r DPOHFTUJPO r UPPUIBDIF r GFWFS r GBUJHVF Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Apnea is a medical term meaning to stop breathing.

Sleep apnea is a disorder causing one to stop breathing for brief periods of time while sleeping. Sleep apnea is a common disorder and can cause severe health problems if left untreated. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, see a doctor. Symptoms include: r XBLJOH VQ GSFRVFOUMZ JO UIF NJEEMF PG UIF OJHIU r GFFMJOH VOSFGSFTIFE VQPO BXBLFOJOH r EBZUJNF ESPXTJOFTT r NPPE TXJOHT r EFQSFTTJPO r XBLJOH VQ XJUI B ESZ TPSF UISPBU r NPSOJOH IFBEBDIFT In addition to these symptoms, many individuals with sleep apnea have often been told by a spouse or other family member that they snore, gasp or choke while sleeping. Family members may have observed an episode in which you stopped breathing while asleep. You are more likely to have sleep apnea if you are overweight, have enlarged tonsils, take sedatives at bedtime or have inherited a shorter airway than the general population. People who are obese and have uncontrolled hypertension are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.

The majority of people will experience one or more of these disorders in their lifetime. While visiting with your physician, discussion of your symptoms may help your doctor to come up with a diagnosis of an ENT disorder.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 16, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

EAGLES HUMBLE LIBYA IN CHAN NATIONS CUP

20.01.2018

Kelechi Iheanacho

Back from the Brinks

PAGE. 29

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

Back from the Brinks Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ÓÞã Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ÓÞã Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?ĂŒĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ÍžÍşÍ˝Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ ĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă•Ă–ĂŁ ÚËã Ă™Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ÍžÍšÍšÍ˝ËœÍ¸Í¸Í¸Ëœ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă“ Ă’Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă™ Ă“Ă? Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă‹ĂœĂŽĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă’Ă? ÙâĂ?Ă? Ă?ËÓÞÒĂ?Ă&#x;Ă– Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ ĂŒĂ“Ă‘ Ă?ÖÙÚ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă’Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂŽĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă”Ă“ ÕËäËÕÓ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂ?Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ?ĂœËœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŒËŞĂ? Ă?Ă‘Ă‘Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă™Ă‹ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă“Ă—Ëœ Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹Ăž Ă‹ Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă?Ë› ÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă™Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ĂžĂ?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă–

W

hen the club was beginning to accept they made an expensive mistake by snapping up the Nigerian ace and contemplated shipping him off to recoup part of their money, he struck a first and bounced back into relevance.

Prior to that situation, selling him was a problem which a well-placed source explained thus: "The problem is Kelechi is earning around £115,000-a-week on a five-year deal and no club will currently want to take him on those wages. So Leicester might have to let him go for a lot cheaper than they paid for him if they decide to sell now.�

The 21-year-old forward scored seven goals in nine starts for Manchester City last season and Pep Guardiola was reluctant to see the Nigerian leave last summer. But things have gone badly for Iheanacho, who has made just two Premier League starts, scoring just once in the EFL Cup. Speaking after the first leg 0-0 draw with Fleetwood – a game which Leicester failed to have a shot on target, Leicester Manager Claude Puel said: “I think Kelechi is a young player and he needs to improve aspects of his play. “Also it is difficult because he is a player behind Jamie Vardy and it means he doesn’t get many opportunities.�

Shinji Okazaki is also playing well, so it is difficult for him. “He works hard on the pitch and in the training sessions and he needs to continue. “I hope he can have some game time in the future.â€? Newcastle, Stoke, West Ham and Swansea were all chasing Iheanacho in the summer, but are unlikely to want to pay his wages. Manchester City also have a buyback clause in the deal, which allows them to get first refusal on the player for a fee of ÂŁ50million.

Iheanacho however made Video Assistant Referee -VAR history as Leicester City beat Fleetwood Town 2-0 to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup. Former Manchester City striker Iheanacho opened the scoring with an assured finish three minutes before half-time against Leicester's League One opponents and thought he had been denied by the offside flag inside the final quarter of an hour.

However, the video assistant referee system showed the 21-year-old was onside when played in by Riyad Mahrez, the goal stood and a trip to Peterborough United in the next round was secured.

The Football Association is putting the technology on trial during this season's competition and Iheanacho stands as its first ever goalscoring beneficiary in English football.

When Iheanacho ran onto a Mahrez pass to slot home in the 77th minute of the third round replay, his strike was initially ruled out for offside.

Kelechi Iheanacho

But after a short delay while the attack was being analysed by the VAR assistant Mike Jones, the decision was changed – replays showed Iheanacho was just onside and referee Jon Moss awarded a goal.

The VAR system was first used in England earlier this month for Brighton's FA Cup third round tie against Crystal Palace and the League Cup semifinal first leg between Chelsea and Arsenal.

However, this was the first time it had actually been needed to reverse a decision.

"I didn't know if I was onside or offside but I agree totally now that I was onside. I was concentrating on the goal, I didn't think if I was onside or offside but Riyad told me that I was onside. We just waited to see what the decision was," Iheanacho said.

Former Manchester City youngster had already put Leicester ahead in the 43rd minute at the King Power Stadium, running onto Islam Slimani's pass and firing home.

The VAR is however not without its controversies but English football's referees chief, Mike Riley, professed himself to be satisfied with the way the technology has performed in the two games it has been used in so far.

The VAR was deployed firstly at the FA Cup third round clash between Brighton and Crystal Palace and then in the League Cup semi-final first leg match between Chelsea and Arsenal.

It earned the stamp of approval from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, whose latest battle with officials has landed him a three match touchline ban.

On Wednesday, referee Martin Atkinson consulted with video ref Neil Swarbrick, who sat in the Premier League's control room in west London, on two penalty appeals, one for each team but no decisions were overturned.

Riley, who is general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB), said things had gone very smoothly so far.

"It has gone very well in the first few games. We've had

31

JANUARY 20, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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

Don’t Laugh at NTA, Support them to Grow Domestic Sports It appears the lot has again fallen on the governmentowned Nigeria Television Authority to revive the Nigerian sports industry. Following the decision of satellite broadcaster, Supersport to stop covering the Nigerian Professional Football League games last season, the League Management Company has turned to the NTA for answers. While the national broadcaster has the widest reach and decent equipment, our abandonment of our domestic sports has meant much of the equipment was left to rot, while there was hardly any effort to grow expertise in 21st century sports production. It was no surprise then that when the 2018 season of the NPFL started last weekend, the NTA coverage left much to be desired.

Kelechi outpaces Manchester City's duo of Walker and De Brune

the opportunity to use it, it has been used very effectively and we've come out with the right outcomes. The whole idea of the protocol is to have minimum interference on the game but get the right decisions to have the maximum impact," Riley told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Riley, a former top level referee who has been in his present role since June 2009, conceded that one of the decisions taken in Wednesday's game took far longer than had been the case in training.

"That (1minute 25seconds) is a little bit longer than we have done in training. It typically takes the VAR around 30 to 40 seconds to look at something. But we are at the start of the process and it will take time for the VARs to become accustomed to this.

The more we do of that, the faster we will be at it and the less impact we will have on the game," said Riley.

"It is really important for spectators in the stadium to understand when it is being used and when not. Currently, if you look at the referee, you will see him put his finger in his ear but I accept that in the stadium that can be quite difficult to see so the question now is how can we improve that experience for spectators," said the 53-year-old Englishman.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said he was "positive" of the new technology but was frustrated with the insufficient stoppage time at the end of the second half to accommodate for delays caused by VAR and injuries.

"For me, there's disappointment about (not enough) extra time," the Italian told Sky Sports. "In the second half, the doctor went onto the pitch twice and the referee stopped for VAR, so you have to give more minutes of extra time. In Italy, sometimes extra time can be seven, eight or nine minutes."

Wenger questioned the delay between the incident and the VAR review after the second penalty appeal, following Danny Welbeck's tackle on Cesc Fabregas in the box, was turned down by Atkinson but reviewed after several minutes.

"There were only two opportunities for

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

them to intervene, the first one was straight away because the ball went out," Wenger said after the match.

"But the second one for me it would look a bit strange... if the referee is uncertain maybe he should be able to block straight away. If there is no penalty, you give it to the defending team, because it looks a bit strange to go on for two minutes for example sometimes and then to come back... You cannot intervene straight away, it's frustrating."

Expectedly, Manager Claude Puel said he liked video assistant refereeing, after Leicester became the first club in English football to benefit from a VAR decision in their FA Cup win over Fleetwood.

"The time was not so long," Frenchman Puel told BBC Radio 5 live. But Fleetwood counterpart Uwe Rosler said: "I don't like it."

The German, whose homeland has introduced VAR into the top flight this season, said: "In general in Germany there are split opinions. Some situations you can't be 100% on VAR - is the decision right or wrong?

"My opinion is don't complicate the game - it's beautiful as it is. People try to make it different for some reason. I don't like it, it interrupts the flow. Today we were on the wrong side but in general I don't like it."

Reactions to VAR BBC Radio 5 live commentator Alan Green: "The referee pointed to his ear after Iheanacho's goal was called offside and Jon Moss waited and waited. We'll have to get used to this, but he gives the goal and it was the right decision.

"We're not going to get every decision right but the use of VAR will definitely help with a lot of them."

BBC Radio 5 live pundit Kevin Kilbane: "You do feel for the assistant but it's such a tight call, you know it's a tough one, but ultimately the final decision is now right.

"What I did like was that the decision was made upstairs - Jon Moss didn't have to go and view it, the decision was made for him.

"I also liked that Jon Moss waited, he took his time, he trusted what was being said to him, he made the call and that was it.

"I'm perfectly happy with that, I'm perfectly happy with it all."

According to Times chief football writer Henry Winter: "VAR worked perfectly there. Still issues to be ironed out, speeding up/informing fans better, but that historic Iheanacho goal will quell many of the doubts."

Goalscorer Iheanacho said: "I didn't know if I was onside or offside but I agree totally now that I was onside.

We just waited to see what the decision was."

Leicester team-mate Jamie Vardy: "This man got the goals and has shown that VAR does work."

M

ost analysts were unsurprisingly critical of the quality of the production, compared to what Supersport had offered before. In Nigeria, when we are not directly involved in something, we tend to gloss over the variables involved in achieving world class quality. To reach the quality levels of Supersport, let alone the standards of European packaging, will take massive financial investments and time. This can only be possible if there is considerable support from the local business community and government. The problem however is that our brands only want to sponsor the glitzier English Premier League and UEFA Champions League games, while government has failed to grasp how sports can engage and unify our exploding and increasingly polarized population.

In the more successful parts of the world, people understand how self-protection is critical to society’s success and global competition. The business community would have understood the need to back the NPFL for two reasons: First, this funds the league, Second, it creates jobs and wealth within society that translates to better patronage of their products or services. But this is Africa where we would rather look good and lose than to look bad and win. When our businesses sponsor the foreign leagues they essentially fund the leagues overseas and create almost zero value within our society. In the end we all lose, and we can see the results in our economy today.

Television is critical to the success of the sports industry. Ideally TV networks pay for content like the NPFL and recoup their investments through subscriptions and advertising. Supersport, to their credit, used to pay for the rights to the NPFL to encourage the development of the local game. For years this South African-owned company poured millions of dollars into the league and got almost no support as our own Nigerian brands were instead throwing their own millions of dollars to the European game.

Now the collateral damage from not developing our own has reached all corners.

Business is bad for everyone. Although Supersport blamed some contractual breach for pulling the plug on the NPFL deal, we all know business is not as rosy as it once was. It may be convenient for most of us to blame the government for our woes, but the fact is that if we continue to ship N70 of every N100 we earn in Nigeria overseas, we will be poorer every year regardless of how brilliant the government is.

NTA as a government-run organisation can hardly afford to pay for the NPFL rights. Beyond the rights the network also needs to commit hundreds of millions into filming the games. Were the NPFL a darling of Nigerian fans, then maybe the government would undertake the investment, but is this is hardly the case. However sports remain a critical tool to engage our exploding population and unify our increasingly polarized peoples, so it is imperative we

Dikko

find a way out.

The LMC is also critical to the solution and it appears they are moving in the right direction. Were they awash with cash, they would set up their own filming company to record the games and then simply sell the rights to TV networks around the world. However they lack the resources to do this and must now work with the NTA to arrive at their goal. This appears a partnership of strange bedfellows, but it is for now the sensible thing to do. Their success however is dependent on whether they find advertisers as, unlike Supersport, the NTA does not make any money from subscriptions.

The idea is not for us to ridicule NTA and the poor quality of their production, or to dismiss the NPFL, but for us to find a way to help out such that the league and sports industry survive to create the value we desperately need within our society. While the federal government may not directly commit funds to the NTA and league, there is no reason why rich government parastatals like the NNPC, CBN, Customs, NPA, etc cannot put some of their community development and marketing funds on sports. Each of these organisations can directly sponsor top sports events like our football league or competitions in other sports like athletics or tennis etc.

The behemoths have the budgets, but for now they use them for silly things like calendars and expensive gifts for already wealthy people. We cannot afford to waste more time and resources before we take sports seriously. For now it is imperative chime in our bit to help NTA and the LMC succeed, unless we feel that when the food finally disappears from our tables the EPL and UEFA can help.

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ÍşÍ¸ÍšÎ€Ëœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

City Hope to Bounce Back with Newcastle Visit after AnďŹ eld Slip Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ÓÞã ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ÖÙÙÕ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă• Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ę¨ĂœĂ?Ăž ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă‹Ă?ÞÖĂ? Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ÞÓÒËÎ ÞËÎÓĂ&#x;Ă— ÞÒÓĂ? Ă‹Ę°Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă™Ă™Ă˜Ë› ÓÞã̳Ă? Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŒĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă˜ ÎÙ×Ă?Ă?ÞÓĂ? ĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? ÞÙ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂšĂ™Ă™Ă– Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž ĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă•Ă?Ă˜ĂŽËœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ę¨ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ĂĄĂ“Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁĂ? Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž Ă‹ Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă‹Ă?ÞÖĂ? Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ? ÞÒËÞ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ăš Ă‹Ăž ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?ÞËÑĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă“Ă‘Ă˜

M

anchester City's unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end last weekend when they suffered a 4-3 loss at Liverpool. It had been questioned whether the Citizens could go through the entire campaign unbeaten, but they were undone by the Reds at Anfield.

It has been such an incredible season for Pep Guardiola's side, however, and as a result; they still have a 12-point advantage over second-placed Manchester United with just 15 games of the campaign left to play. They will be champions unless a serious collapse occurs over the next couple of months.

City have now dropped points in each of their last two away Premier League matches, but they have won 10 and drawn one of their 11 league fixtures on home soil. They recorded a 3-1 win over Watford in their last top-flight match at the Etihad Stadium, and will be eyeing another three points this weekend.

The majority of teams have sat back against City this season, but Liverpool managed to exploit the Citizens' defence at Anfield last weekend. Newcastle adopted a defensive style when they hosted Guardiola's side in the latter stages of 2017, and it will be very interesting to see which tactics are deployed here.

City will fancy their chances of winning their next two against Newcastle and Burnley, but they will then welcome an improving Leicester City on February 10, before visiting Arsenal and hosting Chelsea in their next two.

It is a big few weeks for the Citizens when considering that the Champions League also returns next month, and after the disappointment of losing at Anfield, Guardiola will be looking to return to winning ways as soon as possible.

The Newcastle supporters are still no closer to learning what is happening behind the scenes when it comes to the ownership of the club. The Magpies are yet to sign any fresh blood this month, but the players available to head Coach Rafael Benitez have started to perform in recent weeks.

Newcastle might be 15th in the table – just three points clear of the relegation zone but there have been more positive signs in recent weeks. Indeed, after a horror run of form in the latter stages of 2017, the former Championship club have now lost just one of their last five matches in the Premier League.

Newcastle will actually enter this match having won their last two away Premier

Raheem Sterling scores City's goal at St. James' Park

League matches, and they have some huge games coming up as they prepare to tackle the likes of Burnley and Crystal Palace over the next few weeks.

It is going to be tough for the Magpies to stop a City side that will be desperate to return to winning ways, but master tactician Benitez might well have something special up his sleeve at the Etihad Stadium.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Otamendi has given due notice to City's rivals that the leaders won't let their unexpected collapse at Liverpool derail their title charge.

The Argentina centre-back is confident City will put that behind them and get back on track when Newcastle visit Eastlands today.

"The season is going really well and we want to keep going in that way. We are very focused on every single game, and afterwards we try to recover in the best way we can and be focused for the next. I think that now I have an important role because the central defenders have to buildup with the ball and make the team work as best as we can. Pep has taught us how to do that," Otamendi said.

City are still firm favourites to lift the title,

Bayern Takes on Bremen Live on StarTimes Startimes Nigeria will this weekend thrill its subscribers to an awesome football experience with exciting matches from the Bundesliga league as Bayern Munich battles it out with Werder Bremen at the Allianz- Arena on Sunday, January 21 by 3:30 PM African Time on StarTimes (Channel 254 and 245).

Werder Bremen will attempt to snatch three points from Bayern Munich when they go head to head on Sunday. Current table topper, Bayern Munich with 44 points from 18 matches will battle it out with Werder Bremen who have gathered 16 points from 18 games.

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed Leon Goretzka, Schalke midfielder will undergo a medical at the club ahead of a free transfer in the summer. But no deal is agreed. The Schalke midfielder has been a target for Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona respectively.

Bayern Munich have yet to really field their best possible XI in any competition. Under

Carlo Ancelotti, the lineup was always a victim of questionable squad selection and poor player management, while under Jupp Heynckes, the Bavarians have been beset by injuries.

According to the Brands and Marketing Director, StarTimes, Mr. Qasim Elegbede, “The live telecast of these matches reflect the firm's commitment to provide the best sporting action to its subscribers at a very affordable cost.

Football lovers can enjoy the thrills and action of these games such as the Serie A, Bundesliga, French Ligue 1 and Chinese Super League. The matches can also be viewed on StarTimes Mobile App on all smart devises, he added.

StarTimes is a leading digital-TV operator in Africa, covering the entire continent's population with a massive distribution network of 200 branded halls, 3,000 convenience stores and 5,000 distributors.

but Jose Mourinho's team at least closed the gap by beating Stoke on Monday and United defender Phil Jones is adamant the race isn't over yet.

Jones remembers when United were in a position as comfortable as City's six years ago, only to eventually miss out on the silverware after a late-season collapse.

"Football's football, never say never," Jones said ahead of United's trip to Burnley today.

"I remember in my first season we were eight points clear, absolutely cruising, everyone thought there was no way we'd let the lead slip, and we lost it on the final day. People can say what they want but we'll continue to be positive and push forward. It happened in 2012 to us so why not?"

Third placed Liverpool showed against City they can cope without Philippe Coutinho following the Brazil forward's recent move to Barcelona.

But Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum admits they will not be title contenders until they learn how to kill off matches.

However, having been 4-1 up with seven minutes to go, Liverpool conceded twice and faced an unnecessarily nervous finish.

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

23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23

50 32 26 25 25 11 -1 2 -13 -9 -12 -12 -11 -20 -10 -12 -11 -27 -12 -21

62 50 47 47 44 39 34 31 27 26 25 25 24 24 23 23 21 20 19 17

"We gave them a chance to come back. That is the biggest thing we have to change if we want to compete for the title with teams like City ," Wijnaldum said.

Chelsea travel to Brighton without the suspended Pedro and Alvaro Morata as Antonio Conte's side look for a first league win in 2018.

Trailing eight points behind fourth placed Chelsea in the fight to qualify for the Champions League, Arsenal could be without Sanchez for the first time when they host Crystal Palace.

The Gunners have failed to win their last six matches including an FA Cup exit at second tier Nottingham Forest.

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TODAY Brighton Arsenal Burnley Everton Leicester Stoke City West Ham Man City

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Chelsea Crystal Palace Man Utd West Brom Watford HuddersďŹ eld Bournemouth Newcastle

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

SUNDAY Southampton

v

Tottenham

16:00

MONDAY Swansea City

v

Liverpool

20:00

ÙÞ�ÒÙÞ Harry Kane

Tottenham

20

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

18

Raheem Sterling

Man City

14

Sergio Aguero

Man City

13

Romelu Lukaku

Man Utd

11

Alvaro Morata

Chelsea

10

Wayne Rooney

Everton

10

Roberto Fermino

Liverpool

10

Jamie Verdy

Leicester

9

Alex Lacazette

Arsenal

8

Gabriel Jesus

Man City

8

Anthony Martial

Man Utd

8

Son Heung-min

Tottenham

8

33

ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

L-R: Amaju Pinnick, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF); Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth & Sports Development, representing Solomon Dalung, Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports Development; Bhupendra Suri, MD, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited; and Georgios Polymenakos, MD, Nigeria Bottling Company; at the Coca-Cola Nigeria/NFF Partnership Press Conference where Coca-Cola was unveiled as the OďŹƒcial Soft Drink of the Super Eagles and all other Nigeria National Football Teams, on Wednesday 17 January 2018 at Eko Hotel, Lagos

BallO organisers Okay OďŹ li (left) Folajimi Ayodeji (2nd from right) and Bidemi Bamgboye (right) presenting a dummy cheque of N50,000 for the support of cerebral palsy to the winning female team in the ďŹ nal of the event held in Lagos

Australian Open

CHAN 2018

Home-based Eagles Redeem Pride, Beat Libya 1-0 After failing to inspire in their first game of the on–going 5th African Nations Championship in Libya against Rwanda where they played a goalless draw, the home-based Eagles yesterday redeemed their pride as they beat boastful Libya 1-0 at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier.

With the victory, Nigeria threw one leg into the quarter –finals after Sunday Faleye’s 79th minute goal separated them from 2014 champions, Libya in Tangiers.

Both teams fought a fierce and tactical battle on the turf of the Stade Ibn Batouta, but Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2014 finals in South Africa, created more chances but just could not put them away, as happened against Rwanda in their opening match at the same venue on Monday.

There were very few notable moments in the first half, with both teams tackling each other hard at the vital areas, and

the Eagles, who needed a win more having drawn their opener against the Amavubi, showing greater zest.

In the 79th minute, Faleye slammed home from an Osas Okoro’s corner kick, taking the Super Eagles to four points and ahead of the Libyans.

The Eagles will now head to the city of Agadir, where they will play debutants Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday.

Nigeria Olympic Committee Backs Dolphins Swimming League As tournament kicks off today The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has thrown its weight behind the maiden Dolphin Swimming League as the inter-school tournament officially kicks off today at the Lagos Preparatory School, Ikoyi.

According to the Secretary General of NOC, Tunde Popoola, the staging of the league would surely help to grow swimming in the country and would help to unearth talents. “Let me congratulate you for this laudable project to develop swimming in Nigeria and the search for talents to represent this great country of ours in nearest future.

The NOC is usually in support of projects like this and will continue to support such. We hereby endorse the Dolphin Swimming League and will continue to give support to its development,� the NOC scribe said.

Among the schools and team already confirmed for the competitions are Children International School, Lekki British School, Lagos Preparatory School, St. Saviours School, Greenville School, and Lagos State team

LPS ready to host beďŹ tting tournament

Also, the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Kweku Tandoh lauded the organisers for the initiative while pledging the government support for the tournament.

Tandoh believes such programme would help to groom world beaters for Lagos and Nigeria as a nation.

For the initiator and CEO of Dynaspro, Oluseyi Oyebode, the ideal behind the tournament is to discover and develop young, talented swimmers to compete on the international stage for Nigeria while also developing youth swimming coaches across the country.

Among the objectives of the tournament is to grow the sport as well as unearth talents and improve the technical know-how of the coaches.

President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, has commended the organisers for initiating the tournament while assuring of the federation support. “We are so excited that the organisers of this tournament mooted this kind of idea to take the sport to grassroots level. All over the world, sports is a

private public partnership and that is why we have not been able to utilise the potential of sports in this country.

We are going to assure the organisers that we will keep tab of the talents that will emerge from this tournament. We are going to support them technically through the Lagos State Swimming Association and we are assuring them we will keep record of the talents so that we can consider them for major competitions,� Fatayi-Williams said.

According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advanta Interactive Global Limited – marketing firm of the tournament, Efe Ojigbede, more sponsors were expected to come on board to spice up the championship.

A Lagos assembled team as well as host – Lagos Preparatory School (LPS) are among the six teams that will kick-start the maiden Dolphin Swimming League.

Already, preparations have been concluded for the colourful opening ceremony as the management of the LPS is doing everything possible to ensure a hitch-free tournament.

Pacers, Nike Boys Win BallOff Football Tourney The 7th edition of BallOff came to a glorious end last weekend with Pacers FC emerged top as they defeated ABD FC in the tension soaked final by a lone goal in the senior category.

The event which held at the Syrian Club, Ikoyi, Lagos, had other teams like Midas FC, Cowbell Football Academy among others gathered at the venue to showcase their skills and compete for the BallOFF Trophy, prize money of N100, 000 and other giveaway packages from the sponsors.

In the junior cadre, Nike Boys displaced five other teams to win the competition.

The team’s spectacular performance earned them the BallOFF winner’s trophy

and a cheque of N100,000 courtesy of the tournament’s principal sponsors, MTN who also gave out prizes to individuals such as the best players and the loosing finalist.

In the female category, two teams competed for charity as a cheque of N50,000 was awarded to the winning team to support the Cerebral Palsay Center in Lagos.

The football tournament saw the discovery of young talents who took time to showcase their skills and football artistry which was highly commended by the tournament sponsors; MTN Nigeria, Legacy Sports, Afriglobal Integrated Services, Med Plus Pharmacy, La Casera

and Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS).

One of the pioneer Organisers, Folajimi Ayodeji stated that “the competition has met the aims and mantra of the BallOFF organisation, which is 'Everyone Can Ball' as the young competitors from different social classes displayed excellent football skills meeting the philosophy and standards of previous competitions", he remarked.

Another founding organiser of BallOFF football competition, Bidemi Bamgboye said that “the competition is also aimed at grooming and encouraging young girls to play football as well as give back to their community," he stated.

Nadal Coasts Past Dzumhur, Books Q’Final Place World number one Rafael Nadal continued his straightforward progress through the Australian Open with a 6-1 6-3 6-1 win over Bosnia's Damir Dzumhur.

The 31-year-old, who has won only one of his 16 Grand Slam titles in Australia, wrapped up his third-round victory in an hour and 50 minutes.

The Spaniard is yet to drop a set so far in the tournament and will face Argentine Diego Schwartzman next.

Nadal has won all three of his previous matches against the world number 26.

The Spaniard is seeded to meet Marin Cilic in the quarter-finals before a last-four meeting with Grigor Dimitrov and a final against Roger Federer.

Dzumhur never looked like derailing those plans, slipping 5-0 down in the opening set and offering up a total of 16 break points in the face of constant Nadal pressure.

Agassi Backs Djokovic to Go All the Way "Novak is physically extraordinary and he has a recovery ability that is unlike mine, probably just because the nature of how his body is made and how efficient he is" Andre Agassi says Novak Djokovic is "unique" and "physically extraordinary" as the Serb dreams of landing a seventh Australian Open title.

Djokovic arrived in Melbourne having not played a competitive match for six months and with question marks over his elbow injury.

He played two rounds in Melbourne with a re-modelled serving action to take the pressure off the joint, but the 30-year-old has still managed his way through wearing a compression sleeve on his serving arm.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion was put through his paces during a four-set win over Gael Monfils in brutal heat on Thursday and former world No 1 Agassi has become a firm believer that he can emulate Roger Federer by winning the Australian Open in his first tournament for six months.

Football Preliminaries of NOGIG 2018 Begins Preliminaries of the 2018 Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games begin in Lagos January 22 with teams from 11 companies participating.

According to a release by the Local Organising Committee, the teams are in three groups of A, B and C, with groups A and C having four teams each while Group B has only teams.

Group A comprises of NNPC, NAOC, Chevron and NCDMB, Group B has Shell, ExxonMobil and OVH while Group C is made up of NLNG, EROTON, Total and PTI. Matches will be played at the Legacy pitch, National Stadium, Lagos.

There will be matches across the groups on the opening day. According to the draw, NNPC will open their account in the campaign with a tie against NAOC in the Group A curtain raiser while Chevron and NCDMB will lock horns in the second group A match. In Group B, there will be only one match between two heavyweights as Shell engage Exxon Mobil in a tricky fixture, Group C will also see action with NLNG taking on EROTON just as Total play PTI in a battle of wits. There will also be matches on the 23rd, 24th, 25th and the semi finals on the 26th.

According to the rules of the competition, the groups will play a round robin league format. The three group winners will advance to the semi final and the best placed team between groups A and C runner up will also qualify for the semis.

34

ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

The God Father of Football Flair Bows Out

Ronaldinho takes a bow after an illustrious career

L

egendary Brazilian forward Ronaldinho has called time on his extraordinary 20-year career at the age of 37. The 97-cap Brazil superstar was twice voted World Player of the Year during his peak, and has won every trophy worth winning, including the World Cup, Champions League and numerous domestic titles.

More than any of his accolades, though, Ronaldinho’s career will be remembered for his exciting and inventive style of play, the stunning goals and outrageous pieces of skill, bringing joy to the masses and always playing with a smile on his face.

Football Whispers have looked back at the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward’s career to pick out Ronaldinho’s nine best moments.

Copa America 1999 Still playing in his homeland with Gremio, a crop-haired, teenage Ronaldinho introduced himself on the international stage with a stunning individual goal against Venezuela, skilfully beating two defenders before lashing the ball home from close range.

The Selecao would go on to become South American champions, Ronaldinho’s first international honour, followed up with the World Cup in Japan and South Korea three years later...

The famous free-kick against England Was it a cross or a shot?

Plenty still dispute whether he meant it, but Ronaldinho insists his 40-yard dead-ball lob of David Seaman in the 2002 World Cup quarter-final meeting between Brazil and England was planned.

The then-PSG star assisted for Rivaldo to bag Brazil’s second in a 2-1 win, only to later be sent off, causing him to miss the semi-final.

He returned for the final against Germany, though, helping Brazil to their fifth World Cup triumph.

Barcelona debut For most of the summer of 2003, it looked as though Ronaldinho would sign for Manchester United.

But new Barca president Joan Laporta trumped the Red Devils, swooping to sign the Brazilian from PSG in a ÂŁ30m deal.

His debut, under the floodlights at the Camp Nou, showed a glimpse of the greatness that lay in store.

Breaking from inside his own half, Ronaldinho slalomed away from all challengers before rifling a stunning strike into the top corner, in off the bar, from 30 yards.

Chelsea toe-poke It wasn’t enough to prevent Chelsea from progressing, but Ronaldinho’s jaw-dropping toe-poked goal

at Stamford Bridge in March 2005 is still remembered as a Champions League classic.

On the edge of the penalty area with seemingly nowhere to go, the Brazilian ingeniously sent the ball through the narrowest corridor and beyond Petr Cech in the most unorthodox fashion.

Bernabeu ovation Barcelona asserted their dominance over bitter rivals Real Madrid in November 2005 by thrashing Los Blancos 3-0 at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldinho was once again the star of the show, netting two spectacular individual goals, leading to sections of the home support standing to applaud the Barca star in recognition of his otherworldly talent.

Passing the torch to Messi With five Ballon d’Ors and more than 30 team honours under his belt, it’s hard to imagine there being a time when Lionel Messi was an unknown quantity.

But that was the case in March 2005, when the shaggy-haired 17-year-old came off the bench against Albacete at the Camp Nou in May 2005.

The little Argentine lobbed the goalkeeper to net the first of the 530 senior goals he has since scored for the club.

The man providing the assist?

Ronaldinho. From one legend to another.

Bicycle kick against Villarreal Collecting a cross from the right on his chest, Ronaldinho spun 180 degrees and connected with a spectacular bicycle kick to score from 15 yards.

The former Gremio attacker has scored some spectacular goals in his career and this acrobatic effort from 2006 is among his very best.

Flamengo swansong After departing Barcelona in 2008, Ronaldinho endured a difficult two and a half seasons with AC Milan, unable to replicate the form that made him the best player in the world while with Barcelona.

A return to his homeland proved to be the tonic for rediscovering his touch, though, scoring 21 goals in 52 games in his first season with Flamengo, having joined the Rio de Janeiro club in 2011.

Brazil recall Ronaldinho's excellent form with Flamengo led to a recall to the national team after missing out on the 2010 World Cup. He went on to accumulate another eight caps before omission from Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad for the 2014 World Cup on home soil effectively sent him into international retirement. –Culled from the Sun

35

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í°ÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

ËŞ

Wordsmiths Explain Why They Write

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

Some writers have shared with WRITERS DIGEST the motivations behind their wondrous words and reasons behind their love of writing. Below are the responses. The names associated with each response are usernames from the respective platforms on which they responded

A

rianna Rostron: I am my characters and my characters are me, but we are very different versions of each other. I am not so brave as my detectives and elvish warriors, nor am I as witty and sly and beautiful as my cheerleaders and renegades. I write to become those versions of myself. I write to sink into those souls and skins and be reborn under a different, unfortunately fictional, sun. A sun that promises brighter fates and futures. I write to be reborn into my fictitious realms and universes, which hold adventure and magic and everything else that I lack.

I am an angsty teen with extravagant ideas that I condense and place onto a page. I realize my poems are dark and painfully real. I realize my stories are wild and far-fetched and very unrealistic, but these are the things that develop my style. Reality is cold and unforgiving.

Writing, however, is anything you want it to be. Writing is freedom, love, bravery. Writing is death, pain and sorrow. Whatever direction you want your stories to go in. Writing is a way of forming thoughts into deep, magical words that pierce the human psyche.

I’ve always been obsessed with stories and how they are written and rewritten. I have considered myself a writer for a very long time.

In elementary school, I was told by multiple teachers that I “have a gift.� Many of them thought I had been helped by my parents when we would receive writing assignments.

I remember in third grade, we were writing short stories that were maybe a hundred words long. It was the first story I’d written.

Mine was about an undercover superhero named “Dead-man� and his dog, Mutton Chop. I was so proud when my teacher asked me to display it for all the parents to see at the open house. By the next year, I was writing up to four hundred words and by the time I was “graduating� from my elementary school in sixth grade, I was already planning to write a novel. That first attempt at a novel, obviously, fizzled out quickly and I began leaning more towards poetry. Towards the end of seventh grade I ended up with one of my poems published in a book.

Writing is a way of escape. To break away from the suffocating and dreary world around me, or sometimes, to forever encase my sorrows amongst many others in a notebook or journal or diary. Writing, for me, is like the emergency exit of living. I write because I know that even when nobody will listen to me and hear my voice, the paper will never reject my pen.

When I write, my words can’t get twisted into something they are not. My words belong to me and, of course, anyone who wishes to read them. But they are still my words. I am an artist. I am a storyteller. I am a poet. I am an author. I am a writer.

Cosi van Tutte: Why do I write? I write with the hope that my words and characters will make other people laugh and cry and cheer and hope and dream. I write because the “All I Ask Of You� reprise from the Phantom of the Opera musical made me think “I want to write something emotional like this.� And I am always striving towards that goal.

I write for the sheer joy and fun of it. It is my way to relax at the end of every day.

I write because if I don’t write, my stories will never be told. My characters’ voices will never be heard. And my worlds will remain unexplored.

Audratheauthor: I am a child of the 1970s who grew up in a blue-collar section of a New Jersey suburb. I clearly recall the first time I realized that the world saw me as different, as less than, because of the color of my skin.

I remember how that one comment snatched me viciously out of my childhood bubble. I remember questioning my worth, even though my parents told me over and over again that nothing anyone says changes my worth, unless I let it. I didn’t know how to process this. I had so many emotions. So I sat down and wrote as fast as my little 8-year-old hands would let me.

I remember how my rage poured out onto the page. I threw the paper aside and cried.

Then I went outside to play. A few days later I happened to read what I wrote and I couldn’t believe those words came from me. That’s when I realized that there is this well of love and wisdom and acceptance deep inside me that knows exactly what to say to me when I am hurting or sad or just can’t seem to make sense of what is going on, but I can only hear what it wants to tell me when I write.So, I write to share my well with the world.

Gamingtheblues: The heart and soul of a writer lives in the words on the page, regardless of subject, intent, style or theme.

This has been my mantra, my understanding, of reading and writing for many years now. I believe that writing will tell you more about the writer than any words that ever come out of their mouths, whether the author wills it or no.

Writing like all forms of art, is ultimately about expression. The expression of thoughts, ideas, and emotion. Through reading and writing, we as humans can connect on a deeper level than what can be accomplished through almost any other means. Regardless of time, space, circumstance or any other typical barrier to empathy and understanding, there is truth on the page. You can feel my heart, see inside and understand the essential “me.� And I you.

A.B. Funkhauser: I came to writing later in life and only after a big-ticket moment that knocked everything into place. Suddenly, I had a lot to say and couldn’t stop saying it. All

wonderful, because I’m a gonzo at heart, and gonzo characters can get away with so much more than I can in “real life.�

A.J. Kidding: I write, because I want to reach the end of my imagination and then break through it. Writing helps me lose or find myself, depending on what I need to feel, and when I need to feel it ‌ it gives me the chance to live thousands of lives in thousands of realities, exploring every possible scenario no matter how grandiose or minuscule it might be.

Through the order I put my words on paper, I can create everything and look from the eyes of it all.

To me, writing is a superpower like no other; it can be art, it can be a simple instruction or it can be a weapon. I write not because it gives me the power of a god, but because it makes me feel human. I write because I should, I write because I can, because I must. I have tried not writing on purpose, and I didn’t last long; writing is an itch that can be scratched only by itself. It’s a question and an answer at the same time. I write, because it helps me live, not simply exist. I love it. I hate it. I am disappointed in it, and I am also proud of it. Writing is a mental mirror, an extension of yourself that helps you communicate with the pure reflection of what your soul is.

I think, therefore I write.

Douglas E. Baker: I write because that is when I am most myself and least myself. I pick the subject from my mind and heart, I gather the words from my mind and ear, but I write from a stream that flows from beyond me or deep within me. I may hate to begin writing, I may love to have written, but I definitely live in the space between the two.

Kerry Charlton: A bitter January wind swept across a cemetery just East of Weatherford, Texas. My wife and four daughters walked a grassy knoll to Leslie‘s burial site. My fourth daughter’s casket lowered quietly to a freshly dug grave. Tears came of course along with Leslie’s message which pounded my mind, “Dad, write about your life, we know so little about you. Please do it for me. Don’t worry, I’ll be safe with Jesus.�

I had written reports, business letters and

memos for 40 years. I started, five days later, to write about my childhood summers at Avalon, on the Jersey coast. My writer’s voice, awkward and clumsy, described a young boy’s wonderment of a summer’s vacation.

Through my tears, I allowed a small smile as I felt the sea breeze brush across my face, the smell of the ocean and the touch of damp sand as it worked it’s way between my toes. 60 years of my life vanished as if it never existed. In the still of a morning bathed in first light, a vow I made.

Abufas: Why do I love writing?

In a way, that is a complicated question.

Why? Because I haven’t been writing all that much. Sure, I’ve written in one form or another over the years. There is the painfully boring technical writing that has been a part of my career. But I wouldn’t call that creative in any sense, and I certainly don’t love it.

And then of course there is the agonizing over an unsent email or text message to my ex. Did I word it adequately? Are there any unintentional triggers in there that will result in a couple hundred more dollars going my lawyer’s direction?

Lord knows that writing needs to be creative, but again I don’t love it.

So I guess that is why, here in the middle of my life, I am exploring new paths for my writing. But I am just getting started back up again, and have not done much at all. I have simply committed to do it, or at least committed to try.

Destinymoore: My entire life people have always asked my why I write. I never really know what reason to tell them, besides the fact I simply just enjoy it. When growing up you would always see me with a pen and paper, just jotting down little things. It was sixth grade when I had decided to take up writing. We had just found out that my grandfather had cancer and I didn’t take the news so well. My counselor suggested I start keeping a journal, so I could write how I felt at every giving moment. Since that moment writing just stuck with me. I took journalism in high school and I haven’t stopped writing since. It’s my way to escape to my own world.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸͚͜

FAIRGROUND

Seyi Shay, Friends Thrill Fans With YOLO Concert

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

N

igerian entertainer Seyi Shay and a host of other music stars gave the fans an evening to remember during Yuletide .

It was an evening of fun, live music and energetic performances from the likes of Sound Sultan, Niniola, Praiz, Boj and the headliner Seyi Shay among others.

The concert which took place at the Hard Rock Cafe, Lagos was well received by both fans and industry pundits and promises and even bigger edition come 2018.

The YOLO Concert was a huge success and on behalf of Seyi Shay and her team we want to say a big thank you to all our media partners, friends and corporate sponsors who helped make the event come alive.

Below are some pictures from the show:

Sound Sultan

Seyi Shay on stage performancing

Boj

Seyi Shay

Praiz

Marc Schreuder, General Manager at Natnudo Foods, Seyi Shay, Kamal Ajiboye and other guest at the event

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FAIRGROUND

New Movie, ‘Wetin Women Want,’ Stars Mercy Aigbe, Oge Okoye, Others

T

he New Year is set to witness great movies from Nollywood. Joining the league of great movies to be screened starting February 9 is Abiodun Jimoh’s ‘Wetin Women Want’. The movie, is an expose on what women wants in a relationship and the confusion that comes with understanding the needs of women.

Few Nollywood movies veer into relationships and marriages as much as they veer into sex and romance. ‘Wetin Women Want’ laces out what women want in a dramatic and romantic fashion.

The movie stars some of Nollywood’s best in creating a cinema magic that can get the audience glued to their screen until the final credits are rolled. Some of the notable actors in the movie are Daniel K Daniel, Katherine Obiang, Mercy Aigbe, Oge Okoye, Adaora Ukoh, Anthony Monjaro, and Jumoke Odetola.

The new movie enjoys the credibility of award-winning director, Jimoh, who has won two consecutive Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2016 with the movie, Bisola Ofege and

2017 with the movie, ‘Somewhere in the dark.’ Will ‘Wetin Women Want’ increase the award plaqus to three in 2018? Time will tell.

Speaking on the new movie, Jimoh expressed excitement and optimism on the opportunities the movie has at the cinema. “We have made a very good movie. We have put into consideration the fans who will part with their hard earned money to watch this movie and we believe that we have created magic that can keep them glued to their seats at the cinemas till the end credits roll in,� he said.

While speaking on the distinguishing factor of the movie from other competitors, he added. “Wetin Women Want is not a regular Nollywood movie of romance but a movie that delves into managing relationship and depicting what women want in various fashion.

It opens in the cinemas from February 9, 2018 and I am promising everyone who come out to see this movie will be blown away.�

The movie was produced by Seun Oloketuyi . It will finally open in major cinemas nationwide from February 9.

Mercy Aigbe

Oge Okoye

Glitz And Glamour at Welcome Party of Celebrity Housemates Reality TV Show

T

he excitement on the faces of the celebrities is palpable as they brace up for an exhilarating time at the maiden edition of the celebrity housemates reality TV show.

The welcome party for the housemates was held on the 12th of January, at the Palazzo Dumont Hotel, graced by top industry personalities such as popular comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, who hosted the welcome party and thrilled the guests, Fred Amata, amongst other invited guests.

Also in attendance where the 12 contestants, along with their loyal fans, friends and family, who came to show support and cheer their favourite celebrity on to victory. The event was an opportunity for to-be housemates to share their intentions for contesting and how they wish to fight the issue of corruption in the society, with their teeming fans.

This highly anticipated event is powered by Heartlink Ventures, and supported by LIRS, Amen Estate,Dope TV and Fly 4 value.

Kemi Otegbade

Yomi Fash Lanso

Ruggedman

Eniola Badmus

Alibaba and Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey

Doris Simeon

Ada Ameh

Muma Gee

Frederick Leonard

Jaywon

Funky Mallam

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 20, 2018

TEENS

CONNECT From Me To You

– NKECHI IBENEME 08142358958 – (sms only)

Do not let your mistakes define you!

A

s mortals, we are bound to make mistakes.

God is the only infallible being, and that’s because He is God. Mistake is part of human nature; therefore, we all make mistakes from time to time. No one can beat his chest that he has never made a mistake or that he will never make mistake.

Some people, including friends and family, may want to hold you down to your past mistakes never forgiving and never letting go.

They judge you based on those mistakes and refer to them at the slightest opportunity. Don’t hate them for that; they are only being human. It’s up to you to prove to them that you’ve realised your mistakes and that you are

ready to make amends and turn a new leaf. In proving this to them, you need more of action than words. Let them see the change and be the ones to speak about it - not you. However, there are some people who will insist on holding to your mistakes even when it’s glaring you are no longer that person, ignore them and if possible avoid them completely. It was to such people that Jesus said, “any one of you that is without sin, let him cast the first stone”.

A certain veteran musician in Nigeria once committed a grammatical blunder on stage during a concert which was also streamed live to millions of Nigerians. Trust Nigerians! that blunder resonated as they refused to forgive and let go. The musician who was a rave of the moment became the butt of wicked and

͹͸͹ a guide to your career choice….

COURSE REVIEW AND ANALYSIS A brief review of the course; Intelligence and Security Studies (I.T.S) Enforcement Agency (N.D.L.E.A), Federal Ministry of Interior, .e.t.c.

Admission requirements: five credits in not more than two sittings, including English, Mathematics, Government and any other two social science subjects.

UTME subjects: English and any other two social science subjects.

Direct entry: A/level Certificate or its equivalent in at least two subjects, which must include Government, History or Economics.

Duration of course: The programme runs over a minimum of eight semesters for students admitted into 100 level and six semesters for direct entry students.

“

“

light bulb failed over a thousand times before getting the invention right? And when asked by a reporter what it felt like to have failed that number of times, Edison replied thus: “I didn’t fail over a thousand times, I only learned over a thousand times how not to build a bulb”.

2017 is over; there must have been some mistakes you made then that haunt you now. Do yourself a favour, forgive yourself and move on. The new year represents a brand new beginning, an opportunity to start again and get things right. It is imperative that you rise above your mistakes.

Draw the lessons therein and move on. You are not human if you haven’t made mistakes, but you only get better and wiser in life if you learn valuable lessons from your mistakes.

Blow the whistle…

by Opeyemi Awoyemi

This course is relatively new in Nigerian universities and only a few institutions offer it currently. Information is what individuals know about a certain city, place, issue........ Intelligence is processed information used in solving cases. Career opportunities include working in organisations like: National Intelligence Agency (N.I.A ), Department of State Services (D.S.S), Defence Intelligence Agency (D.I.A), Force Intelligence Bureau of Nigerian Police, Office of National Security Adviser (N.S.A), Nigeria prison service (N.P.S), Nigerian Immigration Service (N.I.S), Nigeria security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Drug Law

very embarrassing jokes. Now, that would slow any person down and cause him to avoid public outings and performances, but, the musician in question boldly waxed a song with these lyrics: ‘grammar no bi success’… ‘grammar no bi my language’.

That song got people thinking and they came to realise that yes, the guy was actually far more successful than many of them who could speak impeccable English.

That put paid to the ridicule and everybody went dancing to his new song.

Did you have a re-sit last year or failed a major exam because you didn’t study well enough? Have you failed JAMB for the third time last year and you now feel you can never pass it this year? Did you know that Thomas Edison, the man famed for inventing the

Mistakes are painful when they happen, but years later a collection of mistakes is what is called experience – DENIS WAITLEY

Whenever cases of domestic violence, violence, sex sexual abuse or aabuse buse o of any kind happens tto you or anyone yyou know, please, d dial ial this number: * *6820# 68 to report it iimmediately mm

to to Judy Talk Hi guys! My name is Judy. I am here to share your problems with you. Trust me to proffer solutions to those mind boggling problems you wouldn’t dare share with friends, siblings, parents or anyone else.

A lot of people; teenagers alike, hurt secretly with problems they can’t discuss openly for fear of being judged. You may hide your identity if you wish, but do write in and let’s discuss that problem. It is not healthy to bottle up problems. Moreover, problems shared are problems half solved.

Or, you think no one cares? I do care!

I will be here every week to help you solve that problem. But, I can’t, if you don’t talk about it, so do write in. you never know, what you call a problem may just be a normal growing up experience. *****Send your mails to: teensconnectmag@gmail.com. Subject: Dear Judy.

You can also like our facebook page: www.facebook.com/teensconnectmag.

Or visit our website: www.teensconnectmag.com

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JANUARY 20, 2018 Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

What’s Your New Year Resolution? (II) Last week, we published the answers of some teenagers to the above question. Today, we bring you the responses of more teenagers Adeleke Samuel, 14

Adeyemi Ayomide, 15

Izunobi Somto, 13

I am in JSS 3, and will sit for the junior WAEC this year. My goal is to study hard and pass the exams in flying colours. I pray that God will help and protect me.

I am done with secondary school. This year, my goal is to gain admission into the university.

I want to work hard on my studies this year and be a better student.

Olayiwola Segun, 16 I am in SS 3 and will sit for the WAEC and JAMB this year. I want to achieve good results and gain admission into the university to make my parents happy.

Tajudeen Aisha, 14 The foremost thing for me this year is to work hard and pass all my exams; WAEC, JAMB and NECO. I have also resolved to keep true to myself and be a role model to my friends and other people and to enjoy life.

Olaoyenikan Oyeyemi, 18 I want to work on my weak points and try the things I have been shying away from. For instance, I run away from anything Mathematics and Accounting.

This year, I am going to face them head on.

Owolabi Esther, 18 I am done with secondary school and planning to go into business. Currently, I work with a company while pursuing my admission. I am really good at editing, proofreading and writing. I want to take that a notch higher this year and go into publishing.

Temiloluwa Babarinde, 14 I want to record better results in school than I did last year. I will specifically work harder on Further Maths.

Owolabi Temitayo, 16 I want to do something that will impact the society and become a role model to young people. I will also work hard to pass my WASCE and JAMB in flying colours.

Quadri Ghaniyah, 14 I am in SS 3 and I have a whole lot of exams to write this year; WASCE, JAMB and NECO. That means hard work for me, because I want to pass in flying colours and make my dad happy. I also want to get better at Islam and become an ambassador of the religion.

Wilson Prisca, 14 I will work harder for better results in my exams. I will also work hard on whatever task I am given at home. I just want to be a better person.

Sodiya Mathew, 19 I wish for and all I will work for is to gain admission into the university.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 20, 2018

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 20, 2018

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri The 19th-Century Philosophy That Drives President Buhari’s Cattle Colony Policy

O

n Wednesday the 17th of January, 2018, an Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Arabic at the North-west University, Kano, Umar Labdo Muhammad, claimed that Benue State belongs to the Fulani ethnic nationality by right of conquest.

According to his warped thinking, “Benue State belongs to the Fulani people by right of conquest. This is because half of the state is part of the Bauchi Emirate and the other half is part of the Adamawa Emirate.

Benue is therefore part and parcel of the Sokoto Caliphate. So no one has the right to expel the Fulani from Benue under any guise. Second to the Arabs, perhaps the Fulani are the most benevolent and merciful conquerors in history. If they had applied the Nazi final solution to the natives, or if they had treated them the same way the European settlers treated Red Indians in North America or the Aborigines in Australia, the story would have been different today.”

Just imagine this type of mentality!

But if you take a minute to reflect, Umar Labdo Muhammad’s comments begin to make sense. What do I mean?

Well, if you take into account the unprecedented and uncharacteristic refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to take any concrete action to stop killer Fulani herdsmen and his government’s reluctance to tag them as the terrorists they are, preferring instead to treat them with kid gloves and label them ‘mere criminals’ it will not be a stretch to make assumptions that President Buhari may agree with Professor Umar Labdo Muhammad’s theory of Fulani racial superiority.

Let us consider the facts.

Since the ethnic cleansing undertaken by Fulani herdsmen in Benue State, President Buhari has not visited the state to condole with the state government or the victims.

In fact, just days after the killings, the President played host to a group of seven leprous governors who asked him to run for a second term. Apparently, securing his second term is more important to President Buhari than securing his own citizens!

And instead of going to Benue State to visit the victims, the President summoned the Benue State governor and the elders of the state to Abuja. As an aside, let me just state that if I were the governor of Benue State, I would not have been foolish enough to accept such an invitation. We are in a democracy and the President cannot summon or punish a governor. But that is just me. How I wish Benue had a Fayose instead of an Ortom!

But the story does not end there. Instead of reassuring the governor and elders of Benue that he would apprehend the killer Fulani herdsmen who have, according to the Benue elders, killed thousands of Nigerians in Benue since Buhari came to power, the President turned himself to the advocate of the herdsmen and urged the government and people of Benue to show “restraint”.

The President’s exact words were as follows: “Your Excellency, the governor, and all the leaders here, I am appealing to you to try to restrain your people. I assure you that the Police, the Department of State Security and other security agencies had been directed to ensure that all those behind the mayhem get punished.”

How the President could ask the victims to show restraint without so much as a warning to the perpetrators stuns me.

Well, to show you how worthless the President’s reassurances are, Fulani herdsmen killed four more people in Benue less than 24 hours after President Buhari’s strong reassurances!

But why does President Buhari seem so incapacitated when it comes to Fulani herdsmen?

And coincidentally, around the time he received the Benue delegation, President Buhari was shown on the Nigerian Television Authority boasting about how he used force to chase Yahya Jammeh from power in Gambia.

If he could use force on Jammeh 2,000 miles away, what is stopping him from using that same force on killer herdsmen here in Nigeria?

Is this not the same President under whom 347 unarmed Shiite men, women, children and infants were killed for merely blocking the way of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Turkur Buratai?

Is this not the same President that militarized the entire Southern Nigeria with Operation Python Dance in the South-east, Operation Crocodile Smile in the South-south and Operation Crocodile Smile 2 in the South-west?

Why has the President, who is a lion in the face of Boko Haram, suddenly become a mouse in the face of Fulani herdsmen?

Buhari Charity begins at home not in The Gambia!

Is this not the same President under whom 347 unarmed Shiite men, women, children and infants were killed for merely blocking the way of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Turkur Buratai?

Is this not the same President that militarized the entire Southern Nigeria with Operation Python Dance in the South-east, Operation Crocodile Smile in the South-south and Operation Crocodile Smile 2 in the South-west?

Why has the President, who is a lion in the face of Boko Haram, suddenly become a mouse in the face of Fulani herdsmen?

Could it be because President Muhammadu Buhari shares Professor Umar Labdo Muhammad’s philosophy about Fulani racial superiority?

The President may not have acted when Fulani herdsmen killed Benue people, but he sure did act when Adamawa and Taraba people killed Fulani herdsmen and he acted decisively. Troops were sent to intervene in those theatres very quickly.

We also saw the President’s decisive action when Fulani cattle were allegedly rustled in Kaduna, Nasarawa and Zamfara states. In these cases, it took a combined team of the Nigerian Army and Air Force to go after the rustlers and either kill them or arrest and try them.

Curiously, in those occasions, President Buhari did not ask the Fulani to show ‘restraint’. Let us look at it historically. Professor Umar Labdo Muhammad does have a point, albeit a limited one.

He is right that the Fulani at one time did conquer large expanses of Northern Nigeria. During the Uthman Dan Fodio jihad of 1803 to 1815, the Fulani waged their jihad in today’s Northern Nigeria for the stated reason of proclaiming an Islamic state that would be governed

by Shari’a law.

The question for today is whether that philosophy has faded from the minds of the contemporary Fulbe people? Let us examine this question with the aid of my favourite helpers, those little things called facts. On Monday the 27th of August, 2001, Muhammadu Buhari said, and I quote (please note that this is a direct quote not a paraphrase): “I will continue to show openly and inside me the total commitment to the Sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria. God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of Sharia in the country.”

Notice that Buhari did not ask for the implementation of Shari’a in Northern Nigeria. He wanted “total implementation of Sharia in the country.” Now, what is the difference between President Muhammadu Buhari’s mindset of 2001 and the mindset of Shehu Uthman Dan Fodio in 1803? They want the same thing.

Shehu Uthman Dan Fodio was the leader of the Fulani invasion force during the 1804 Jihad and today, President Muhammadu Buhari is the immediate-past Grand Patron of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, the umbrella body of Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria. Where Professor Mohammad believes that Benue belongs to the Fulani by way of conquest, President Buhari wants Benue and

other states to establish cattle colonies.

Think about it for minute. What is a colony? Nigeria was once a British colony. What did we call the British when they had a colony in Nigeria? We called them Colonial Masters.

So if Benue and other states listen to President Buhari and allow the Fulani have cattle colonies in their states would that not make the Fulani colonial masters? Does that not fit right into Professor Mohammad’s theory of Benue (and of course other Middle Belt states) being the province of the Fulani by way of right of conquest?

In the first place, why should any government be involved in creating ‘cattle colonies’ for Fulani herdsmen? Why can’t Fulani herdsmen buy land and build their own cattle colonies?

We don’t have enough land for peace-loving Nigerians and we want to give land to a group notorious for killing Nigerians? Why should public money be spent on Fulani herdsmen?

If Nigeria is not a slave ‘colony’ of the Fulani, then let President Buhari give his own personal land in Daura to be used as a cattle colony by his Fulani brethren!

The very fact that the President wants to create cattle colonies with public money on public land for the Fulani who run a private cattle herding business should indicate the type of mindset driving him and his government.

With this historical background, my question still remains this: Is it a stretch to conclude that President Buhari’s mindset is the same as Professor Umar Labdo Muhammad?

Meanwhile, I am waiting to see if the Department of State Security, AKA DSS, that attempted to arrest Reverend Isa El-buba for condemning Fulani herdsmen killings will also attempt to arrest Prof. Umar Labdo Muhammad of North-west University, Kano, for saying that Benue State belongs to the Fulani by right of conquest.

This will show whether Nigeria is really one and whether we are really all equal because for every single day of 2018, there have been fatal attacks by Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria. Under President Buhari, Fulani herdsmen killings are more regular in Nigeria than public electricity supply or payment of salary to civil services by the federal government. It is the most consistent thing in the land!

And to Professor Umar Labdo Muhammad, I know the truth is usually the first casualty of war, but the good Professor should know that some of us are avid history aficionados and know for a fact that Tiv land was never conquered during the Fulani Jihad.

As I end this piece, please permit me to quote from the Mdzough U Tiv (MUT), the apex social-economic and political body of the Tiv Nation (their own version of Afenifere), which last year responded to a similar claim made by Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, who, like Professor Umar Labdo Muhammad, claimed that Fulani own Benue.

The Mdzough U Tiv (MUT), said: “What is a veritable and verifiable historical fact is that the forces of the 1804 Islamic Jihad led by the Fulani cleric, Usman Dan Fodio, were overwhelmingly defeated at the Ushongo Hills in Tivland. That explains why Islam could not be imposed on the Tiv people nor Emirs appointed to rule Tivland as was the case elsewhere in Nigeria.”

Now do not forget that President Muhammadu Buhari was once a Grand Patron of the Group that made and still believes this evil lie.

But even if it is true that the Fulani conquered Benue (it is not true) would that right of conquest still subsist till today?

After all, the British conquered the Sokoto Caliphate. Do the British still have a right over the Caliphate by right of conquest?

And by the way, the Fulani are not the only ones who conquered in what is now known as Nigeria. Long before Shehu Uthman Dan Fodio, the Bini empire (wrongly known as Benin), conquered territory from Dahomey in modern-day Benin Republic all the way to Igbo land (Onitsha was founded by people from modern-day Benin) and to Lagos (the old name for Lagos, Eko, is a Bini word).

But you do not see Benin people going to these places they once conquered to kill people and lay claim to their land and justify it as a ‘right of conquest’. So why should the case of the Fulani be different?

Let me remind people like Professor Umar Labdo Muhammad that former President Olusegun Obasanjo once dethroned the Fulani emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo and that General Sani Abacha did same to a former Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sultan Dasuki (a man I greatly admired and I only use this example for historical purpose and not to denigrate His Eminence in any way. Privately and publicly, I will always hold the late Sultan Dasuki in very high esteem for the fact that God used the Sokoto Caliphate to make my late father, Justice Jean Omokri, the success that he was).

They were able to do this because the Nigerian state is superior to the Fulani or any other ethnic nationality within Nigeria. So if the fact that the Fulani currently have one of their own as President is causing the likes of Professor Muhammad to get power drunk, they should remember that President’s come and go, but Nigeria has remained.

Reno’s Nuggets Do your best to make money because having money increases your ability to do good. You can have all the sympathy in the world for poor people, but if you have no money to assist them, you are as useless to them as a wicked man. And to make money, you may want to invest at least five minutes in praying every morning before facing the day. It WILL increase your chances of success for that day. It is not that prayer magically makes your problems smaller. It is that prayer divinely makes you strong enough to face them #RenosNuggets

JANUARY 20, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

The Capsule Collection by 2207 by Tbally

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FASHION FILE

The Capsule Collection

T

he collection “soul capsule “ expresses the process of rejuvenation that is potentially available to any woman that chooses the 2207 brand. Every piece in this collection has the ability to completely bring you “alive” . Each piece is a dose of intricately infused balance of Fierceness, Sexiness, fun and uniqueness. You are guaranteed to uniquely stand out.

The versatility of the “soul capsule” collection also ensures every kind of woman has a piece that completely suits their personal style. The brand owners care about diversity and that is apparent in approach.

Credits Model @LINDAOSIFO Photographer @boboiso Makeup @hannahfacialmakeover

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 20, 2018 Byy Azuka B Azzuka Ogu Ogujiuba g azuk azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com uka.ogujiuuba@t @thisdayliv

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fashogbon... ͸΀͸͝͝͞ͺ͚͸͸Î

L-R: Past District Governor and Multiple District 404 Nig Multiple Council Chairperson, Lion Pharmacist Gbolagade Adebisi; Past District Governor, and Convention Coordinator, Lion Nse Ekefere; District Governor 404 A1, Lion Ephraim Akwawo and the Local Organising Committee Chairman, Lion Charles Itu at the Calabar International Convention Centre during the inspection of facilities and venue for the 54th Annual Convention of Lions Multiple District 404 Nig in Calabar...recently

L-R: Managing Director, LG Electronics ,West Africa operations, Mr. Taeick Son; Mr. Emeka Ukachukwu of TIG Electronics and Mr. Hachem Fouani of Founai Group...during LG Electronics dearlers’s retreat in Movenpick, Lebanon recently

CES 2018: LG, Google, Others Stretch Consumers’ Imagination Innovators and marketers did not cut off enthusiasts’ expectations at the 2018 Consumers’ Electronics Show, CES, just concluded in Las Vegas, USA. The event which is acclaimed to be the world’s biggest gadget show saw budding and established technologists explain the near future in a series of presentations, demos and booth tour.

With a root in consumer gadgets, CES has expanded to capture other fields including artificial intelligence, automobiles, medicine, marketing and even agriculture all of which had new things to sell to the market.

This year’s outing saw over 4000 companies bring new ideas on board and offered a glimpse of a new life to enjoy in technology.

Marketplace presents some of the innovations that stole consumers’ attention and are expected to hit the public domain soon.

At CES 2018, LG broke record with 65-inch rollable OLED TV. The innovation boasts of a unique feature that sees its screen roll down when not in use, and rolls up when in use; a major presentation that stole the show.

It is still unclear when the product will be brought to the market. The firm also announced the integration of virtual assistants from Google and Amazon-Assistant and Alexa into television in addition to developing its own assistant, that would allow users to search and reproduce content on the television via voice.

Google gained more prominence having launched a plethora of new assistance-enabled devices from companies like LG, Lenovo, and Sony, featuring smart displays that assist with all kinds of information, ranging from domestic to commercial.

Samsung stole the show with its 146-inch TV called ‘The Wall’, which it positioned as the first ‘modular TV.’ According to the company which maintained that TV should not be limited to one size, the innovation, which uses microLED technology permit users to alter its size and shape so it can function as a multi-purpose display.

Although, there is no pricing for the product yet, there are indications that the product would ship this year.

Another invention that caught the audience’s attention was L’OrÊal’s UV Sense, a tiny sensor capable of detecting ultraviolet exposure and can be worn on the fingernail. The sensor itself is battery-free and includes an NFC antenna, a temperature sensor, and a UV sensor that can store up to

three months’ worth of data, passes information to an accompanying app whenever a wearer holds the device close to a smartphone. The app keeps track of exposure levels and provides tips for managing sun intake. According to the company, the product will be made available exclusively to dermatologists in 2018 while the global launch is planned for 2019.

Also Expected to hit the market is the Movi Phone, an android device with an integrated projector that can project 720p videos.

The Philip Smartsleep headset is another outstanding invention that consumers look forward to receive. According to the company, the headband

emits a tone that improves slow wave sleep, the stage in the sleep cycle at which brain waves and breathing slow to their lowest levels. “This type of sleep can help boost alertness and the ability to maintain focus. Two sensors on the headband detect when one falls asleep and can identify when one enters deep sleep. Then, an algorithm customises the volume and level of the tone being emitted in a way that will boost slow wave activity in the brain�

Also in the mobile phone category, Sony xperia X2 Ultra attracted spectators with its quirky characters. The device features a wide angle Camera that can shoot 120- degree photo at eight mega pixels as well as (16- mega

Cowbell Mathematics Initiative Levels up at 20th Anniversary Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell, has announced the take-off of the 2018 edition of Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz show with an improved reward.

The announcement was made at a press conference organised by the company in Lagos to usher in the 20th edition of the initiative.

The Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Anders Einarsson, explained that this year’s competition would take a new dimension, being its 20th anniversary, adding that registration for the exercise has begun and closes February 11, while the qualifying examination will hold on February 17.

As parts of activities lined up to make the occasion worthwhile, Einarsson said the company had resolved to double the prize attached to the competition as winners in both the Junior and Senior Secondary School categories will now receive N2 million and an all-expense paid educational excursion outside the country, while the first and second runners-up would receive N1.5 million and N1 million respectively.

The teachers of the top-prize winners will be awarded N500,000, while those of the first and second runners-up will receive N400,000 and N300,000 respectively.

He added that the 20th edition would also see the organisation launched the Cowbellpedia Academy - a workshop for students and teachers, in partnership with a top foreign university to further expose participants to new and up-to-date learning techniques required to achieve and improve academic excellence.

The event also saw the launch of the much-awaited Cowbellpedia Compendium, a collection of past

questions and answers from the previous editions of the competition.

Einarsson stated that the compendium was specially packaged to grace the 20th edition of the competition, with the belief that it would help to sustain growing interest in mathematics.

The compendium is in two volumes – for Junior and Senior categories and arranged according to the secondary school syllabus and subject areas. “The competition is divided into two sections, the Stage 1, which is a qualifying written examination and Stage 2 - TV Quiz Show and it is strictly institutional based. “For the Stage 1, we are continuing with the initiative that we started in 2016 for mixed secondary schools to nominate a minimum of two girls for each category to represent such school. This is our own little way of encouraging the girl child to take interest in education especially the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses, he added.

Also speaking at the event, Director of Quality Assurance, Dr. Ikechuckwu Anyanwu, representing the Registrar of National Examination Council (NECO), commended Promasidor for the initiative which he said had boosted students’ performance in mathematics over the years and encouraged more students to develop interest in the course.

The 2017 winners, Munachi Ernest-Eze and Jesse Uche-Nwichi also praised the company for the opportunity accorded them to hone their Mathematics skills as a result of the tough contest.

pixel standard -angle photos) and a finger print sensor behind. According to the company, the device would be available in the market later in January at an undisclosed price.

Acer was commended for its latest innovation, Swift 7 which got the award for the thinnest Laptop at 8.98 mm thick. The company confirmed that the product would be available for sale in April, this year.

HP also stepped up its offerings with Spectre x360, to hit marketplace in March. The device doubled as a tablet and a high-performance Laptop which features among others a quadcore eighth-gen Intel Core i-series processors.

Truecaller Expands Oerings, includes Contact Backup,Others Technology company, Truecaller, has announced its latest offering, ‘Truecaller Backup for Android’, an innovation that allows users to back up and restore phone contacts, call history, block list and settings to Google Drive.

The latest which is an advanced technology was concluded to improve consumers’ experience and address their yearnings.

In a statement issued by the Sweden-based company, Truecaller explained that the new feature would simplify user’s transition to a new phone or SIM card by securely backing up their contacts and settings that will get stored on Google Drive. “Everyday, hundreds of thousands of Truecaller users are switching to new phones, getting new SIM cards, resetting their devices or in general, having to start their Truecaller journey anew. This inevitably leads to lost contacts, blank call logs and data gone missing. “Hence, our latest initiative which has been one of the most highly requested features.

With this offering, users can search for contacts whose details they haven’t saved but have previously communicated with. The Truecaller Contacts view contains all the contacts a user has communicated with either on call or text and makes it easier for them to keep in touch with temporary contacts without saving them in their phonebook, keeping it clean and efficient. “Users also have the power to customise the frequency of backup which could be daily, weekly, monthly and on demand,� it said.

It revealed further that the backup file would be made available for Google Drive users, while plans are in the pipeline to expand the options to other backup storage in the nearest future.

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EVENTS

T

he family of Oyekanmi Onagbola celebrated the union of their son, Ezekiel Babawale Onagbola with his wife, former Miss Feyisetan Omokehinde Ogundipe at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa.

The reception held at Classique Events Place, Oregun, recently. Photographs below show friends and well-wishers that attended the events.

Photographs: Yomi Akinyele

L-R: Groom, Mr. Ezekiel Babawale Onagbola and his bride, former Miss Feyisetan Omokehinde Ogundipe

Groom’s parent, Mr. Oyekanmi Onagbola and his wife, Mrs. Omotayo Onagbola

Bride’s parent, Mr. Afolabi Ogundipe and his wife, Mrs Modupe Ogundipe

L-R: Mr. Shaukar Esanapothi, Mr. Tony Cherian and Mr. Eapen V Eapen

Mr. and Mrs. Femi Ekundayo

L-R: Mr. Ola Oyelola, Mr. Ishola Fasoyin and Alhaji Lukman Akanbi

L-R: Maye of Ife, Chief (Dr.) Atobatele Adedoyin and Oloyere of Oyere, Ife, Oba Adeoye Adefarakan

L-R: Mr. Kachi Onubogu, Mrs. Chinwe Onugbo, Mr. Abraham Varghese, Mr. Vitus Ezinwa and Mr. Rahul Savara

L-R: Kayode Afolabi, Mrs. Omolola Ojudu and Chief Ranti Adebisi

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L-R: Chief Egbewole Maate and Prince Christoper Latunde

L-R: Alhaja Adebisi Okunola and Helen Adeyemi

L-R: Mr. Funminiyi Afuye and Engr. Kehinde Akinola

L-R: Mojisola Moyebi and Abiola Akinyosade

Mr. Olufemi Oruku and his wife, Adenike

L-R: Mr. Ladi Owolabi and Mr. Dele Awolo

L-R: Mr. Toyin Akomolede and Engr. Femi Fayombo

Mr. and Mrs. Bunmi Talabi

L-R: Mr. Bamidele Faparusi and Mr. Olusegun Otetubi

L-R: Obadare Folakemi, Orimoloye Olayinka and Baiyewu Olufunke

L-R: Bunmi Ogundare, Dayo Agbemuko and Lola Ige

L-R: Mrs. Muinat Braimoh and Mrs. Lola Olarenrewaju

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BUSINESS FOCUS

L-R: (sitting) Representative of China SINOPEC Consortium, Mr Yang Hongtao; Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki; Managing Director, ICMG Securities Limited, Micheal Osime, 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 on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 L-R: (standing) Tian Tim of China SINOPEC Consortium; Commissioner for Finance, Edo State, Hon. Osagie Inegbedion; Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Mr. Chao Xiaoliang; Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Usman Bakori; Chairman, Edo State Strategic Planning Team, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Roland Asoro

Obaseki’s New Model for Economic Revolution Passes litmus test with Edo Azura Power Plant Gelegele Seaport, Benin Industrial Park, ReďŹ nery lead as legacy projects When Governor Godwin Obaseki said during his electioneering that his mission was to achieve prosperity for the people of Edo State, many who heard him might have thought it was one of the empty promises often made by politicians to garner support from the people and be voted into office, with little or no intention of fulfilling them.

However, for the governor, this was not an empty promise. He had every intention of fulfilling it. Building upon his campaign promises, Obaseki, during his inauguration on November, 12, 2016 identified agriculture and industrialisation as strong pillars on which the state’s economic revolution would stand.

These were the governor’s exact words: “Agriculture is a major focus in our socio-economic programme because of its strategic importance in many areas, from rural development, economic development and job creation to revenue generation. Many Edo people will generate wealth by keying into our value chain development for oil palm, cassava, cocoa, grains, rubber, fruits and vegetables. “We will create over 150,000 jobs within the next four years under a farm ownership and management model built around our out-growers’ scheme. We will support the growth of over 20,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the further creation of over 50,000 associated jobs in the next four years through access to low interest financing.�

In order to support agriculture in the wealth creation drive, Obaseki had promised to develop industries and create a value chain around agricultural activities.

He had said: “We will utilise the advantage which we have in generating electricity and our location as the heart-

beat of the nation to attract industries to Edo State. We will help local businesses particularly SMEs by creating the enabling environment for them to thrive; the Edo State Government will establish a one-stop-shop to provide incentives and support to make it easier for our people to produce goods and services; We will focus on improving the ease of doing business and provide credit enhancements for businesses operating within the state with special attention on the productive industries.�

The Azura Edo Litmus Test Much as the governor might have made promises to prosecute his ambition to govern Edo State, a fact that many may have overlooked is his acumen as a businessman.

As a point man in the immediate past administration, he midwifed one of the most ambitious business deals in this part of the world with the Azura Edo Independent Power Project (IPP).

The project has been hailed by many, including the World Bank as one of the most innovative development finance projects and one that might transform the face of investments in developing countries. It was a milestone arrangement that saw the state provide guarantees for investors and ensured that other necessary supports were provided to ensure there was no disruption.

Hence, all eyes were set on the project to see if it would live up to expectations or if it will go the way of many projects that dot Nigeria’s landscape. Most often, projects in the class of the Azura Edo IPP go under, either due to lack of will by the state to enforce contract agreements or as a result of sheer corruption by officials.

So, when in December 2017, the Azura Edo IPP came on stream and got con-

nected to the national grid seven months ahead of schedule, it was not only a testament to Obaseki’s knack for resultoriented initiatives, but a showcase of what is to come.

For many, the success of the Azura Edo IPP was the result of his government’s commitment to disentangle bottlenecks, institutional bureaucracy and other lapses and administrative barriers that have hindered publicprivate partnership (PPP) projects in the country. “There is no denying that the Edo State government has undertaken reforms to see that it attracts and keeps investors. A number of reforms have been undertaken and the Azura Edo Power Project, which is being financed by a number of development finance institutions shows that we mean business.

But what we must not lose sight of in this case is the pace of the construction, which has not suffered any setbacks since its commencement. In fact, the project is even being delivered ahead of schedule,� Mr Crusoe Osagie, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy said of the success of Azura Edo IPP. “In recent times, stakeholders have watched the impressive handling of the project with the support of the state government, we have held a number of meetings from interested investors from all over the world, who have all expressed their intentions to set up factories in Edo State,� he added.

A commitment to attracting private investors To demonstrate that he had every intention of fulfilling these promises, Obaseki upon assumption of office wasted no time to get to work and secured strategic partnerships with key players in the private sector.

He started discussions with investors across the world and at the end Mahindra Engineering, India, showed interest in investing in the Benin Industrial Park.

This partnership culminated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the N200 billion Benin Industrial Park at Iyanomo in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State on November 11, 2017 barely one year in office.

The foundation was laid by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Speaking at the event, Osinbajo said the industrial park would create 170, 000 direct and indirect jobs and would contribute significantly to the country’s manufacturing sector.

He commended the Edo governor, for the huge public-private investment initiative saying: “This is what the country has been waiting for to take us to the height that we desire. Several other countries have embarked on this line of industry and succeeded. If we put in the same effort as them, we will also excel.�

The industrial park strategy has been adopted in some Asian countries and they have achieved economic growth, diversified their economies and are now exporters of consumer goods.

The Benin Industrial Park at Iyanomo is the first in the series of parks that the Governor Obaseki’s administration intends to establish in the state to make Edo an Industrial hub to drive economic growth.

Industrial Parks: Edo’s magnet for investors All over the world, cluster or park development is now seen as the most effective industrial strategy to foster SME growth, regional/state development, employment and wealth creation.

The Benin Industrial Park is planned

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Obaseki’s New Model for Economic Revolution to expand the industrial base of the state to include agricultural processing, data services and manufacturing.

One key factor in favour of the project is that it would maximise the location of Benin City, from where all parts of the country can be accessed, coupled with the abundance of natural gas, the low cost of production, access to water and availability of affordable labour.

Edo State is endowed with abundant natural resources. The principal mineral resources include crude oil, natural gas, clay chalk, marbles and limestone, amongst others.

Agriculture is the predominant occupation of people in this state. The major cash crops produced are rubber, cocoa and palm produce. All of these natural resources in the state would be put to effective use with the industrial park thus translating them to economic benefits for the state and its people.

As Obaseki noted, Edo State has a master plan to utilise gas explored in the state to power the Benin Industrial Park.

The siting of the Industrial Park, which is few kilometres to the gas field was strategic. This is to enable the multipurpose Industrial Park utilise gas from the fields for its industrial activities.

Job Creation The industrial park is expected to create over 170,000 direct and indirect jobs and would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

To achieve this, the governor is setting up job incubation centres to be located within the industrial parks/estates in the state. “We want to create several job incubation centres/hubs, where job seekers will be trained and employed by the companies that will be located in the several industrial parks being established in the state. The groundbreaking of the first major industrial park in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area will be done on Saturday and on completion, will house over 200 companies on a 600-hectare land,� he governor

said. “We have also commenced the design of an industrial park and incubation centre on the premises of the Benin Technical College, which will house technology and data companies. The third industrial centre will be located at Ikpoba Hill area of the state and we have concluded plans to partner with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to build a 2MW hydro plant that will produce electricity from Ikpoba River dam to power the industrial estate to be located in the area,� he explained.

We want to create several job incubation centres/hubs, where job seekers will be trained and employed by the companies that will be located in the several industrial parks being established in the state. The groundbreaking of the ďŹ rst major industrial park in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area will be done on Saturday and on completion, will house over 200 companies on a 600-hectare land

Obaseki said that his administration would not relent in formulating the necessary policies and programmes that would empower youths to fit into the emerging economy that his administration is creating.

Gelegele Seaport: The Ambitious Gateway Project Governor Obaseki recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), for the development of the Gelegele Seaport and other transport infrastructure in the state The landmark event, which held in China, will see China Harbour Engineering Company, the biggest infrastructure company in China, with a robust portfolio covering the broad infrastructure spectrum, lead the development of the seaport that will serve as the gateway for exporting manufactured goods from the Benin Industrial Park under construction and other manufacturing companies in the region.

The initial technical report on the Gelegele Seaport project is being reviewed after a high-powered committee comprising of eminent lawyers and maritime experts conducted a feasibility study of the Seaport.

The MoU signing was 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.

Some of the projects the Chinese company is handling include 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.

The signing of the MoU signals a milestone in the construction of the seaport, as it is intended to be a part of a wholistic plan to not only industrialise Edo state, but also to make it a key trade

post in Nigeria.

Edo 5,500bpd modular reďŹ nery project Another outcome of Obaseki’s recent trip to China, is the signing of an MoU with a Chinese consortium for a 5,500 barrel-per-day modular refinery.

The modular refinery will be built by the Chinese consortium which is made up of Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company of China, PCC, a world leading modular refinery company; Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corporation, SIPS, which is a subsidiary of Sinopec, the top Chemical giant in the world and African Infrastructure Partners, AIP, a Nigerian Infrastructural company.

Completion of the first phase is expected within 12 months after all the necessary approvals are granted by the regulatory authorities.

SIPS Nigeria, a major local fabrication company, which is involved with the project already has a branch in Benin City.

The governor expressed delight at the local content component of the deal, as it will be instrumental in training Edo citizens in welding, refinery operation and fabrication work.

Obaseki assured that the refinery construction will provide jobs for several unemployed Edo youths, including the Libya returnees who are being evacuated from the crisis-ridden North African country.

The modular refinery, he believes, will solve the problem of inadequate petroleum products in the country and will turn the state to the preferred source of petroleum products considering the gateway status of Edo State to other parts of the country. “With the Federal Government of Nigeria’s commitment to support communities in the Niger Delta states to set up modular refineries, the SIPS fabrication yard in Benin City is expected to be busy handling the fabrication jobs of modular refineries in the Niger Delta region,� Obaseki said.

L-R: Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II; former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire at the ground-breaking ceremony of Benin Industrial Park (PIB) at Iyanomo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State

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Senator Basheer Lado and Return of “Talakawa� Politics Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Northern Nigeria’s most sophisticated political arena comes alive as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Basheer Garba Mohammed Lado declares for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside over 116,000 card-carrying loyalists. Louis Achi reports

igerian politics is fast losing touch with the people. Yet, democracy is all about the people and how best to take care of their welfare. For a breather, there is one politician who most uncommonly connects with the people, evocative of the way and manner Aminu Kano did in the first and second republics. He is Senator Basheer Garba Mohammed. Coincidentally, he too is also from Kano State. Kano has a way of producing these unique leaders as heroes for their generations.

There are many things Senator Basheer Garba Mohammed aka Lado holds in common with the late sage of Kano and Nigeria politics, Aminu Kano. Some of the characteristics they share are their uncommon compassion for the downtrodden and philosophical insights into the affairs of men.

While the late Aminu Kano chose to shun the conservative politics of the North to pursue a socialist bent under the Northern Elements Progressives Union (NEPU), which he cofounded, and later, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), which he formed, Senator Basheer Lado shuns the aristocratic ambience of his birth and pedigree to be at home with the masses (“talakawa� in local parlance).

Unlike Aminu Kano who believed all political parties are but the expression of class interests.

His philosophy of the “talakawa� (commoners) interest is diametrically opposed to the interest of all sections of the master class. As this seeks the emancipation of the “talakawas� which is naturally hostile to the party of the oppressors.

Senator Basheer Lado chose a slightly different path. Lado does not believe in the radical class struggle or revolution as some call it, in the classical sense but rather fights to empower the people directly.

To Lado, what the society needs is social justice and equity, where everybody is free to pursue his happiness in liberty while struggling to be free from want. He however, as a democrat, often says the way out for the emancipation of the “talakawa� from suffering is to reform the political institutions into democratic institutions.

By placing democratic control in the hands of the “talakawa� for whom alone they exist.

In other words, the people must be given the unfettered powers to choose their leaders and that way, put them in charge of their destinies.

The way and manner Basheer Lado carries

Senator Basheer Lado on has shown that a politician does not need to commit class suicide to connect with the people as may happen in socialist movements.

Like Aminu Kano, Senator Basheer Lado was also brought up in Islamic ideas of equity and justice. As many “talakawas� in Kano lined up behind the message of Aminu Kano, so have they lined behind Senator Basheer Lado for the genuineness of his philanthropy and humanitarian services. Both men have admirably sought to use politics to create an egalitarian Northern and Nigerian society.

While their ideals - education, poverty alleviation and empowerment are the same, their approaches are different. Aminu Kano was a radical to the core in the classical sense while Senator Basheer is more of a liberal progressive politician who has embedded himself in Kano and Nigerian politics. Using his position and influence to lift his people.

Like any servant leader who seeks political position in order to be in a position to serve and make life more abundant to a greater number,

Senator Lado’s desire for political position is essentially borne out of the need to use same and resources to reach out to many more.

Long before he came into politics, he had founded the Ladon Alheri Foudation, an NGO with which he organizes medical and welfare outreach programmes. Driven by compassion for the suffering people, he had earlier noted that the many cases of blindness in Kano were avoidable and treatable.

In the pursuit of this noble objective, Ladon Alheri as he is fondly called, has been organizing annually such medical missions, carrying out eye operations and giving out free eye glasses to his people in Kano. Through Senator Lado therefore many have miraculously recovered their vision.

He is a firm believer that the ultimate route to emancipation of the people is through education. This explains his sponsoring Special Education Tax bill against public officials sending their children abroad for schooling. Lado has over the years paid for WAEC and NECO examinations for hundreds of Kano indigent students as part of his larger scholarship scheme.

There are several unique programmes and projects which Senator Lado has embarked on in the last one to two decades; such as renovating cemeteries, building boreholes for mosques and giving out soup ingredients (kayan miya) to people. Most unusual you may say, Lado occasionally visits markets and pays up for a lot of food stuff and when the people come around for the items and attempting to pay, they would be told Senator Lado had paid. This earned him the appellations, Lado mai kayan miya, Lado mai Tomatiri and so on.

Perhaps touching the poor the most is his giving out capital (jari) to housewives to start petty businesses. A sum of N10,000 is giving out randomly every week to the most needy of his constituents mainly women/housewives.

This capital empowerment programme of Lado’s is monitored and aired on Freedom Radio (99.5FM), every Wednesday night.

Though he believes too that every politics is local, Senator Lado is a most detribalized Nigerian, who believes the nation must do away with ethnic politics to make progress. Why Senator Lado is a highly respected politician

in Kano and in Nigeria at large goes beyond his pursuit of equity and welfare for the weak and the downtrodden. His brand of politics is without bitterness and best wishes for all.

With malice to none, he deftly navigates the murky Kano and Nigerian politics, maintaining healthy relationships with members of the political class, regardless of their persuasions and leanings. Senator Basheer Lado symbolizes democracy, youth and women empowerment and freedom. He contends that the shocking state of social disorder existing in Nigeria is due to nothing but the present callous and uncaring leadership class, who he said have not done enough to help the President do as much as he desires.

Since the days of Aminu Kano, it is doubtful if another Kano politician has touched the people so dearly and won their hearts the way and manner Ladon Alheri has effortlessly done. This gave him the edge to defeat the former House of Representatives’ speaker Umar Ghali Na’Abba to become one of the youngest senators in the 7th Senate.

What is instructive is that most of the philanthropic and humanitarian activities of Lado under the aegis of Ladon Alheri and other platforms, long started before he decided to go into politics. In fact, he joined politics in order to have the power to do more and so did not launch himself into these activities for political gains as most politicians do.

An appreciative Kano people call the N2.5 bn Kundila Bridge Kano, Gadan Lado. He attracted this project as Senator representing Kano Central. Though the then President Goodluck Jonathan had named the bridge after former Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero while commissioning the project.

The same way a delegation from Katsina State visited Kano to show their own appreciation as well for the 171 km Kano-Katsina road dualization, which he attracted again in his capacity as senator and vice chairman senate committee on works. These are unprecedented constituency projects by any rookie senator.

Senator Basheer Garba Mohammed is without a shred of doubt leading a new pack of political leaders who are replacing the older generations with a refreshing approach to national politics and pan Nigerian leadership.

Jay Osi Samuels

The ‘Ibadan Boy and His Golden Age Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, a Harvard-trained health development expert, clocked 50 and disclosed that instead of rolling out the drums, he is re-dedicating himself to the promotion of good governance in the country. Samuel Ajayi writes

I

n an environment where life expectancy is less than 50 reaching the golden jubilee is no mean feat.

Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, Harvard-trained medical doctor and health development expert, had cause to thank God last week when he clocked 50. “I am not the type that will paint the town red,� Samuels told friends and associates in Abuja. “However, I am very grateful to my Creator who has made it possible for me to see today and good health and above all, giving me the opportunity to be able to contribute my own quota to the development of my country and my immediate environment,� he said.

Samuels’ passion for his fatherland is unparalleled. To him, there might not be much to celebrate if the whole country is in mourning because of avoidable crises here and there, especially, the killings in Benue and Kaduna States. Even while he is gradually moving towards the age of being called an elder, he believes present young Nigerians are simply not happy with their fatherland.

And this gets him worried and unhappy.

While addressing members of the National Association of Physiotherapy Students of the University of Ibadan recently, shortly before he marked his 50th birthday, the Edo State-born medic said older Nigerians need to interact and engage with younger ones so as to be re-assured that the future indeed belongs to them the younger ones. “Older Nigerians need to be engaged to interface with the youth and reassure them that the future of Nigeria is actually in their

Osi Samuels hands. In a non-violent way, the Nigerian youth has to be inspired to take the country away from those who benefitted massively from the country but have paid back by rapaciously raping her and her resources. We have to admit that these old people cannot be relied upon to take Nigeria out of the doldrums. They simply do not have the capacity since their mentality is skewed towards a rent

seeking system that benefits only a few.�

Even when he was supposed to be celebrating his golden age, Samuels was busy trying to see how Nigeria could be fixed. It was a journey he started about a year ago when he felt Nigeria needed to be rescued. And he started this by getting other like-minded Nigerians to form a group, the Alliance for New Nigeria, ANN, which last week, was officially presented with a certificate of registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which by law made it recognised as a political party.

On coming up with the group, Samuel told THISDAY in an earlier interview that he felt professionals and technocrats should stop the culture of staying away from the political process while at the same time complaining over the way the country is being run. To him, a young Nigeria who is a professional and has his or her own job has no moral justification to complain about the situation in the country if he or she feels politics is for politicians alone. “We professionals have ceded the leadership of this country to professional politicians for long. Even if we have felt the positive impact before, we are far behind when it comes to dividends of democracy. Even those of us who claim we are comfortable, that is relative.

Some of the things we could afford in the past, we cannot now. We are far behind now in that so-called comfortability.�

Samuels’ dream of building a new Nigeria is daily receiving boost with more younger Nigerian professionals and technocrats signing on to his vision. And Samuels said that was the biggest birthday present he could

ever have dreamt of. “The way Nigerians are coming on board inspires me daily. I just can’t believe it and it is the biggest birthday present I could have ever dreamed of. In fact, ANN being registered by INEC was another gift for me.

And I could not have been more grateful to God for His blessings.�

Samuels was born in Ibadan on January 3rd to Edo parents; a ‘feat’ that makes him believe his is more or less an ‘Ibadan boy’ as well as an Afemai son. He said though he father ensured he was taken back “home� to school there so he could understand the language, he still believes situations like his should make the nation drop the ‘State of Origin’ tag. To him, he is a Nigeria.

And when one looks at the impressive resume of Dr. Samuels, one cannot but be impressed. After his MBBS from the University of Ibadan in 1993, and working as senior doctor both in Lagos and Kaduna, he went for a Master degree in Epidemiology from the Harvard University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States. He also had another in Quantitative Methods from same university. In 2002, Samuels earned a Post-doctoral Fellowship in Department Immunology and Infectious Diseases from same Harvard School of Public Health in the USA. In 2015, he was at the Lagos Business School and his focal point was on Effective Project Management.

Before then, between 2005 and 2006, he was a Fogarty Fellow at the Department of Epidemiology of the Harvard School of Public Health.

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PERSPECTIVE

In Imo, Madumere Radiates Hope for APC Nneji Chinagorom

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he long search for the possible replacement of the incumbent governor, Rochas Okorocha in Imo State can best be rested as majority of Imo people through opinion sampling revealed that the only way out for the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the State to continue in power would be to present Prince Eze Madumere, the deputy to Okorocha to stand for governorship in 2019.

Imo people are very intellect and wise during elections; they can thwart the vision of those who want to override their intelligence, hence they have made up their mind to vote in Madumere if APC intends to retain power in the state.

A trip to Owerri, the Imo State capital, some weeks ago gave me the insight that all are not well with the ruling APC especially as the buck begins and stops with the governor. A peep into the desire of the people revealed a catalogue of regrets as it affects the future of the party in the state. An independent enquiry conducted unconsciously in joints, vendor corners and other public centres indicated that APC only exists in the governor’s kitchen cabinet as against the general wish of the members.

Going by the popular opinion of members of the party, they want to see a vibrant organ that could give them the liberty to belong and contribute to her wellbeing instead of relying solely on the dictates of the governor.

However, they are not overriding or going against the directives of the governor over the party since he is the leader of the party in the state, but they also want to have their voices heard as well as having their contributions or suggestions considered in the scheme of things. The implosion that would visit APC in the state in the coming months seems unimagined because of the simple reason of impunity. This is as a result of the fact that the governor, though yet to pronounce his intention on the issue, but his ‘body language’ tilts towards supporting his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, to take over from him. There are so many odds against the choice of Nwosu for the plum job, especially this period that the governor comes from Orlu zone, a zone that had already governed the state for 16 out of 20 years of the present democratic dispensation which began in 1999.

Uche Nwosu is also from Orlu zone, and therefore it would be greed on the part of Orlu people to still look forward to govern the state at the detriment of Owerri and Okigwe

Madumere zones. No matter the credentials any aspirant from Orlu zone may possess, it would mean a senseless and overzealous move to override the sensibilities of other zones in the state.

However, the governor being a very smart and intelligent administrator and politician may surprise his accusers when the time comes by looking towards the way of his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere, whom I understand he cherishes his humility, ability and capability to work with result. Some political watchers also told me that it has been the governor’s style to deceive his opponents by focusing attention towards a particular direction but does the needful when nobody would catch him napping. To me, that is a smart and intelligent way of dealing with opposition whose interest would be to disorganize ones plan to achieve desire result.

Here are some silent points to note about the Madumere. He is a prince of Achi Mbieri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Owerri zone in Imo state. His father, HRH Eze Henry Anorue Madumere, is the traditional ruler of the community. Despite being royalty, Madumere is not local. Born in Port Harcourt; had his primary school in Owerri and Lagos; secondary education in Imo State; university education in the USA, where he had Diploma in Management and B.sc in Business Ad-

ministration from San-Jacinto College and University of Houston Texas respectively.

Apart from that Madumere had his Master’s degree from the Imo State University, Owerri. He is in his early 50s and was born on July 4th, the same day as the American independence anniversary. He is a fellow of Nigeria Institute of Management, Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria among others. He worked with a Multinational Company, PepsiCo Incorporated heading their Channels Development Department where he travelled to over fifty countries of the world.

In the build-up to the 2011 governorship election, Madumere was once attacked with acid, for which he had to undergo a surgery but the scars are still visible on his face.

Account had it that as soon as it became clear that the ruling PDP failed to stop Okorocha on the eve of the election campaign at Rochas Foundation office off Government House Round about, which witnessed, like never before, a mammoth crowd of over twenty thousand Imolites. It was a humbling experience for PDP before it was finally subdued at the poll.

Just before dusk that day, heavily armed security men comprising the military and police stormed the Larmond Hotel where

Madumere and other supporters had retired to plan for the next move, and demanded to see Okorocha. The leader of the invading troops said he had orders from above to bring Okorocha to the federal capital, Abuja. It was gathered that almost all the supporters of the then Governorship Aspirant and the standard bearer of All People’s Grand Alliance Party (APGA) who couldn’t stand the sight of the heavily armed and stern-looking security men scurried away into safety.

Realising it was Okorocha they wanted, one man stood his ground and requested the security men to arrest him instead of picking the Standard Bearer. That man is Prince Eze Madumere, who is said to be a long-standing friend of Okorocha, as well as an astute manager of persons and materials.

And amidst the row between the security men and Madumere who under coercion to lead the scary looking security personnel to the big man, Madumere despite all the threats of death stubbornly resisted the idea. He urged them to arrest him instead, a sacrifice no one could have ever paid. Having missed the prime target for Madumere’s resistance, the security men brutally bundled Madumere into a waiting security van which drove him straight to a police station, where he was detained for over three weeks before he was dragged on trumped-up charges. The court later remanded him in prison custody. He spent 41 days at the Owerri prisons before he regained his freedom. No one can argue that Madumere has not paid his dues‌ at least to Okorocha.

From experience, it is very pertinent to state that Madumere is a fearless leader and one who stoutly believes in his ability to deliver the dividends of democracy when the need arises. It is on good record that his contributions to the stability of the state through his dispute and crisis resolution prowess goes along to prove him a dependable leader.

Owerri would have been fairly treated if one of their own becomes the next governor of Imo State come 2019. That is actually the demand of Imo people as well the Owerri zone people whose chances of becoming governor in the past had not materialized, largely due to greed.

Madumere’s weakness as perceived by onlookers include, attachment to Okorocha as one who would not muster the courage to investigate or probe him (Okorocha), may not be liquid enough to prosecute governorship election without support from his base due to an alleged starve of fund by his boss over towering rising profile.

Benue Killings: The Unhealthy Narrative Francis Ulal Damina

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he recent killings in Benue state, like those of southern Kaduna, Taraba, and Plateau states in the middle belt, have generated a plethora of reactions largely from the point of view of religion. The reactions which explicitly appear to send a signal that the lines for a religious war have just been drawn, reminds me of several attempts in the last few years by the indefatigable Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Catholic Diocese to sterilize the extremely corrosive views of some religious cum political leaders who have been preaching about a plan to Islamize Nigeria. In moments like this, rather than rallying around to find solution to our challenges by emphasizing on the things that unite us, all they do is feasting on the rot by creating and emphasizing on some false narratives against the backdrop of what Dan Agbese referred to as “...two of the nation’s fault lines - religion and ethnicity�, to lubricate their parochial interests as well as attract the attention of their foreign donors who are drunk with the zeal to increase the frontiers of God’s empire. According to Agbese, “these two faut lines have had the same disastrous pull on the society.�

Before Agbese, Bishop Kukah had opened my eyes in two submissions he made. The first was in a piece he did supposedly in defence of the then General Muhammadu Buhari when the General was accused of asking Muslims to vote for only Muslims in the then forthcoming 2005 elections. There was, in the words of the Bishop himself, name-calling, bashing, brickbat throwing, sabre rattling and so on, while politicians from

both sides anxious for capital and advantage were throwing there lot in any direction that favoured them.

And since truth comes before fellowship, the Bishop, at the onset of this piece, said: “I know that many readers who have rather made up their minds and would rather remain in their laagers, will accuse me of blindly supporting the General, pandering to the North, or even trivializing what they consider to be a serious issue. It might also be said that the General may have settled me, as is common with us whenever anyone dares to beat a track away from the popular and wide road tarred with prejudice. They would wonder why I have broken ranks with my own tribe when all Christians ought to have stood on one side.�

Yes, anyone who is familiar with His Lordship knows that he bows to facts and not to intimidation or to the recent best-selling conventional wisdom and groupthink deliberately anchored around the two fault lines. The beauty of the submission was at the climax where he noted: a) A nation with the attendant characteristics of poverty, squalor, illiteracy, hunger and want, sees its population weakened and reduced to servitude and indignity. The citizens gradually fall back on patrons who then use the condition of their so-called constituency to engineer discontent by raising the volume of the people’s condition. b) The patron (he is usually a male, a chief, a fake appellation of Dr. and a fake sir - all titles he garners to compensate for his semiliterate and modest credentials) is not so much concerned about the welfare of his people, for he requires that existing condition as a grazing field to satisfy his personal

ambition and hold unto power. c) The patron then invests an identity for his people and builds a brick wall to stop them from both realizing their conditions and negotiating with others in the larger society who may share their depressing conditions. d) Unknown to those these patrons claim to represent, they only have the interests of both themselves and their children in mind. The people fail to see that they have time now because all their children have been ferried to the best schools. Yet, there is the tendency of setting one group against the other when the conditions of poverty are explained away on the claims that our conditions are miserable because the North/Muslims have cornered power, the Yoruba’s have cornered the economy or the Ndigbo have cornered the bureaucracy.

The second submission was in a letter he dropped at the height of Boko Haram killings that was interpreted by some religious leaders to mean Jihad in 2012. In the letter entitled: “Be Still and Know That I Am God (PS 46:10), Kukah descended hard on his colleagues in the theocratic class. After citing examples of killings and burning of churches that were carried out by fellow Christians themselves disguising as either Muslims or Boko Haram, the Bishop said: “Rather than rallying our people, some of our religious leaders have resorted to divisive utterances, wild allegations and insinuations against fellow adherents of other religions.

In the last five or so days, text messages have been circulating across the country appealing to some of our worst demons. We must condemn this for what it is; a grand design by enemies within our folds who are determined to destroy our country. Whatever

they may call themselves, they are neither true Christians nor Muslims.�

As the debate on how to end the insecurity in country ensues, there is need for us to be cautious of some religious cum political leaders who are the real problem of this country.

They will, in moments like this, not hesitate to make capital by dragging our gullible citizens into believing that we are finally here because a particular religion intends to take over the architecture of this country. But this is not about how to obey God and go to heaven.

It is about the struggle to survive in a plural society that has no insurance for its citizens.

And while we advocate for genuine prayers and solidarity from all men and women of goodwill for our country, the president must be seen to be a Father to all. He must be able to now see the handwriting on the wall that there is so much hardship enthroned by the injustices facilitated not by him, but by the holy sinners around him who are his acolytes.

It was this same holy sinners that the Kaduna state Governor Malam Nasir Elrufai, in a leaked memo, told the president about last year.

As an admirer of the president who was invited to work for him at the Buhari Support Organizations then, I feel it is time for him to swing into action by getting rid of this cabal.

And this is not about the next elections. It is rather about where history will sooner than later categorize a former president Muhammad Buhari both in libraries and in the hearts and minds of generations to come. May the precious souls of those innocent citizens rest in peace. –Damina, a student of Religion and Society, wrote via francisdamina gmail.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͸, 2017

POLITY

FourDAssociates,NCC,SEMACollaborateonEmergencyResponses Stanley Nkwazema

all the agencies at Emergency Communications Centre. Graduates of the programme will be unveiled on Wednesday January 24 at the Centre and thereafter given the opportunity to respond to the 112 calls by people who need emergency attention.

The Director of Projects, NCC Alhaji Bashir Idris, The CEO Four D, Okey Ikpe and DG SEMA with senior officials or all the response agencies involved are expected to close the training programme which is being used as the pilot and will be replicated in all the states by the NCC for effective management.

The Four D boss explained that in a bid to maintain high standards integrity and transparency in all their operations, there is the need to identify the technology gaps in societies and helping underserved citizens and people obtain digital skills.

The centre has an open workspace for call centre agents with workstations that

include computer for each agent, a telephone set and headset connected to agent and supervisors workstations. The voice and pathways into the centre are linked through unified communications system.

All inbound calls are received, recorded and tracked by call agents who forward to designated dispatchers. These dispatchers then contact emergency response agencies for appropriate response and attention.

For the call handling process , the caller dials 112 when emergency happens and the emergency call agent answers or responds while giving directions to callers, the dispatchers communicate with call agents and field responders while the field response agencies, Police, Paramedics, fire-fighters, Road Safety and Civil Defence,.

There are over 10 call agents and five dispatchers who liaise with the various agencies involved in the Emergency process.

response to emergencies both within and outside the state. As a communication hub, the facility has a capacity to capture several simultaneous distress calls in different areas around the clock, thereby facilitating a coherent emergency response and cutting unnecessary and expensive duplication of efforts.

Working with the Kaduna State Government, the centre collects and analyses real – time information on emergencies, prepares plans for the deployment of responders and works with the state’s government to support emergency response efforts.

In conjunction with the emergency responding partners, the Kaduna state Emergency Management Agency, Nigerian Army 1 Division, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Emergency Management Agency, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC), Nigerian Air Force Training Command, Nigerian Police Force and the Fire Service, the ECC also supports a wide range of prevention and preparedness activities from awareness- raising to field exercise simulating emergency response.

The Chief Executive Officer of Four D Associates, the organisation running the centre, Okey Ikpe, while explaining how the centre runs said: “The Kaduna Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) is a central point from which all emergency “112� calls in Kaduna state are received.

It provides valuable information about distress calls in the state and is key part of emergency services in the state. The centre provides for centralised handling of distressed calls across the country�

Interestingly, in a bid to ensure that the emergency 112 calls are effectively handled and dispatched appropriately, Four D Associates, a fast growing information technology firm, which operates in two continents across multiple countries, is conducting a formal hands-on-training for

L-R: Chief Innovation OďŹƒcer Internet Solutions Limited Tosin Odunlami; Managing Director, Melvic Gold Communications Limited, Angela Ukara-Makinwa; Head of Marketing SPAR, John Goldsmith; IT Head SPAR, Hiren Dhakkan; and IT Manager, SPAR, Deenadayalan Sridharant at the oďŹƒcial launch of SPAR Free WIFI at SPAR store, Ilupeju, Lagos‌ recently

L-R: Nigerian Bottling Company, Benin Plant Manager, Irene Ugwoke; Chairman, NBC Board of Directors, Ambassador Segun Apata, presenting Coca-Cola Crystal glass bottle to Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki...recently

L-R: CEO, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Laoye Jaiyeola; Board Patron, NESG, Dick Kramer; Board Member; Onyeche Tifase; Chairman, Kyari Bukar; and Chairman, Board Committee on research, NESG, Doyin Salami, at the launch of NESG 2018 Macroeconomic Outlook Report in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

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n Nigeria, not so many people are aware of the fact that when there is an emergency, every minute counts for saving lives and properties while immediate, coordinated and pre-planned response are essential to avert the crisis associated with such situations.

While Nigerians are gearing up to the Emergency call code , the Emergency Communication Centre in Kaduna State provided by Nigerian Communications Centre, NCC, and managed/operated by Four D Associates are however going a step ahead towards providing emergency response in a timely and efficient manner that meets the actual needs in the person affected, whether in Kaduna or beyond.

Operating within Kaduna, the Emergency Communication Centre was set up to support a coordinated and quicker

Ikpe

L-R: Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong; All Progressive Party Chairman, Latep Dabang; Chief of Sta, Chief John Dafaan; Head of Service, Izang Azi; and Secretary to the state Government, Chief Rufus Bature, during the inspection of on-going road projects in Jos, Plateau State...recently

L-R: Former Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Abimbola Akintola; former President, Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Maman Nasir; former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Chief Abayomi Akintola; and representative of the Oyo State Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, at the unveiling of the burst of the late premier of Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, as part of the activities to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the demise of the former premier at the Parliament building, Ibadan, Oyo State...recently

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY JANUARY 20, 2018

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T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY JANUARY 20, 2018

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Saturday, January 20, 2018

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MISSILE Emir Sanusi on Killings “We are living in a country that has failed to protect the lives of people on all sides and bring culprits to book. As far as perpetrators continued to get away with the dastardly acts, they would remain emboldened to continue to kill.”

– The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, chastising the federal government over killings and reprisals by herdsmen and farmers.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Letter of Appreciation to Mrs Aisha Buhari

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our Excellency, let me start by telling you that this letter is not intended to flatter you but to show my profound appreciation, and that of so many like minds, for your uncommon sagacity at a time it seems wisdom has taken leave from most people in our dear beloved country and they are more engaged in flights of fancy. You are a classic example of that adage that says “behind every successful man is a woman.” Let me assure you that you are in a class of your own. And I thank God for blessing Nigeria with your kind.

I decided to write this letter only yesterday when I came across your tweets, or retweets, of the Oak Television videos that have since gone viral. I have never seen any wife of a Nigerian President who would openly criticise a government in which she is a major beneficiary. I’m even more surprised that you would voluntarily endorse and promote videos that criticised your government on social media. You may not know it but you’re setting new standards in our country.

You shall be called a quintessential pacesetter, when tomorrow comes. I have no doubt that no matter what, when all is said and done, and the present administration is long gone, you would have left behind a positive enduring legacy, an epitome of womanhood and wifely rectitude. My prayer continues to be that we will be able to say the same of your husband, our dear President Muhammadu Buhari, notwithstanding the fact that he now has little time to address and redress so many shortcomings.

I’m certain that if your husband had listened to your wise counsel much earlier he would have, probably, averted the mess in which he is currently enmeshed. Your husband rode to power with so much love and goodwill, the type we’ve not experienced since June 12, 1993, when Chief Moshood Abiola won the Presidential election, fair and square. The expectations were very high, in a similar fashion, in 2015, when majority of the voters, including former critics of your husband chose to support or vote for him. His was a miraculous resurrection. No one expected him to waste such humongous goodwill at all and, nevertheless, not so soon after his return to power. But before we blinked our eyes, things had started falling apart.

It took forever to assemble his team. And when he finally did, many wondered why they could not have been selected much earlier, given the nature and calibre of people selected. Indeed, it was as if Nigerians expected that your choices were going to descend from heaven and some angels were going to be appointed. The government started losing steam and stamina from that moment.

Not just that. Your husband’s ruling Party, APC, started a war of attrition in the National Assembly. Some of his biggest supporters were suddenly pounced upon and humiliated publicly while your husband kept a straight poker face, as if he knew nothing or it was not any of his business. This fierce battle inadvertently united and aligned some of his own party faithful with the opposition and they even succeeded in sharing very powerful positions with them. I’m sure your husband had been misled into thinking he still had the power of life and death like he did as a military Head of State after the overthrow of the Shagari regime in 1983. He also forgot an important characteristic of Nigerians, our ability to forgive and forget easily. The same Nigerians who would shout “crucify him” today are the

Aisha Buhari same people who would scream “don’t kill him” for various reasons, ranging from ethnicity to religion or even pecuniary gains. There is also the quotalisation of corruption, a situation where stealing enjoys Federal Character.

As if that was not bad enough, the Nigerian economy suffered its worst cataclysmic fall in decades, perhaps, because of the ill-informed decision of your husband’s government to ban people from depositing United States Dollars into their accounts. As interpreted by laymen like me, a country that desperately needed an injection of foreign exchange into its Central Bank was actually rejecting the medicine it badly needed.

Maybe this was the beginning of the end. All manner of freaky controls followed. Kids who were schooling abroad began to suffer untold hardships. Those with scholarships from home were being dishonoured. I remember writing a memo to the President begging him not to offend those kids. Education had always been a major investment in Nigerians and any attempt to deprive our youths the best education at home and abroad was an invitation to trouble. Before

the decision was properly sorted, many young people had given up on this government to protect their future. In a country that found easy money for pilgrimages, it was very unfortunate that education was never a priority.

You blew me apart when you found your voice and spoke up openly and candidly and lamented the way your husband’s government was shattering into smithereens. You were in a position to know, and very right to tell the whole world, that your husband was not in charge and that if the situation continued unabated, you were not likely to support his second term bid. Though you were told to mind your own business at the time, the point had been made so eloquently and poignantly. Today, and looking back, it seems, you’re indeed a prophet without honour at home.

Everything you said has become gospel truth.

One more example of your admonition to our President. Why would he abandon the key figures who made his winning the election possible? Those Party Chieftains who ensured his electoral victory were either studiously ignored or conveniently abandoned. It was as if the President had laboured alone on what had been a remarkable collaborative effort. As you rightly noted, Ma, the people you started seeing in the Presidential villa were strange faces that you didn’t see in the heat of the battle. I’m aware of the personal efforts you made reaching out to some of such people to appease them and assuage their sore feelings. That is what every good woman and supportive wife should do in the face of wanton disregard and disrespect of the gallant warriors who fought to demolish the PDP behemoth when it was least expected.

Today, the chickens have come home to roost.

It appears the President has suddenly woken up from his slumber or maybe the mask of the evildoers has suddenly been lifted and the President we all voted for has come back from the deep. Our President is now under pressure to reach out frantically, and desperately, to the same people who were used and dumped after that landmark election in 2015. The same people you pleaded for and urged should be absorbed and assimilated into an all-inclusive government of patriots who worked to enthrone democratic principles and the change philosophy you became

known as the apostle of.

Now, the President is working extra hard, using extra time and effort, to bring back some of those who have been ostracised for no justifiable reason. Suddenly, he is now making appointments which were pencilled in almost 3 years ago, leading to an understandably botched exercise. The flaws notwithstanding, key national institutions will be properly administered for the first time in your husband’s tenure. We hope that the necessary refinement of this list of appointees will not take forever again. Time is fast spent and your husband will do well to quickly confirm the authentic list and let those appointed get to work. Others may see iit as largesse to the Party Faithful but why not. However, as discerning administrators and observers will know, the essence of these appointments is not just in rewarding Party members but in your husband fulfilling his statutory and constitutional responsibilities and not being seen as running an autocratic, exclusive government. Every government that observes the rule of law and not merely pays lip service to it is on the path of righteousness.

More recently and commendably, Mr President is digging deep. He is now interacting with the people that he needs to move the country forward and ensure that he himself has a lasting legacy. It is gratifying to see the President having meetings and dinners with members of his Party, principal officers of the National Assembly and other key stakeholders. God is indeed wonderful.

Those who felt you were seeking relevance, and personal comfort, have now realised your level of patriotism and love for Nigeria, as those things that you yearned for and spoke out about at great peril to your personal comfort and safety are now beginning to happen. It is my prayer that you will yet have the last laugh over the ignominious cabal that seemed to have held your husband hostage and attempted to strangulate our nation in the process. You are a woman of virtue and honour and Nigerians can’t appreciate you enough. So this weekend, on behalf of my fellow citizens I say bravo and doff my heart to a gentle Amazon, beautiful soul, visionary woman and invite my fellow Nigerians to do the same!

May God continue to bless and protect you and your family.

Happy 70th Birthday to Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya On January 18, 2018, one of the greatest women in Nigerian contemporary politics, Princess Adenrele Oyebola Adeniran Ogunsanya, turned 70, very quietly and simply. This unassuming, humble, humane and largely unsung patriotic woman deliberately stayed away from Nigeria and the public glare in order to avoid the usual jamboree that attends such events given the state of affairs in the country.

However, despite her absence many members of her political group thronged her homes in Victoria Island and Ikorodu to celebrate and pay homage to her in absentia. They have promised that whenever she decides to return, she would be properly celebrated. Such is the aura of this personable woman of substance who comes from one of the biggest Nigerian political families, being the daughter of one of the formidable and renowned leaders of the erstwhile Zikist Movement, National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and the

Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya. Like her father was the doyen of politics in his time, Princess Adenrele Ogunsanya has ably demonstrated that, even as a woman, her father’s shoes have not been too large to fit for her, having distinguished herself not just as politician of note but as a diligent, professional and highly esteemed technocrat.

Princess Ogunsanya was the Secretary to the Lagos State Government from 2007 to 2011 under Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola. She was well respected and loved by civil servants and politicians alike hence the adulation and adoration she continues to enjoy from both sectors long after she left office.

Princess Adenrele has brought her highly cultured Mancunian background and royal upbringing to bear in everything that she does which has been even more refined by the rounded education she received in her youth.

The multilingual Princess has a Diploma in

Civilisation Francaise (French Civilisation) from the old, world acclaimed, temple of knowledge, the Sorbonne, University of Paris, and a Diploma in International Law, Industrial Law, Business Law form the University of Lagos. Before she ventured into politics, she worked with Shell Nigeria limited where she cut her teeth as a burgeoning technocrat.

Enhancing her impeccable royal and political pedigree, Princess Adenrele has carved a niche for herself in her own right and is well-respected for her vision, principle and character. She is a true woman of substance and value. As she continues to celebrate and mark her 70th birthday, I hasten to join her numerous well-wishers in felicitating with her on a landmark occasion and wishing her many more happy and prosperous years in good health, contentment and peace. A toast to the Princess of Ikorodu, the Omowonuade of Owu, and the beautiful half-caste from Ikorodu, Nigeria and Manchester, United Kingdom.

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