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Nigeria, UK, Others Share Data on Offshore Bank Accounts, Assets of Nigerians Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Nigeria has entered into Automatic Exchange of Tax Information (AETI) with some foreign countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), particularly on overseas assets owned by Nigerians.

The federal government has

therefore advised Nigerian users of offshore structures to take advantage of the tax amnesty programme - Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) - to regularise their taxes before the expiration of the scheme on March 31, 2018.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who spoke

yesterday in Abuja during the presentation of Progress Report on Tax Laws Reform by the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, expressed satisfaction with the data being supplied to Nigeria by foreign countries under the AETI, to which the country became a party in January 2018.

She said: “The data received in Nigeria with regard to overseas assets held by Nigerians has been impressive and will underpin a long term improvement in the nation’s tax to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ration, in turn, will improve life for the masses.

“The data on bank accounts, property and trusts, which has

come automatically from a number of countries is being used to support the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) by allowing the tax authorities to check the accuracy of declarations received.

“The federal government is also using the data to generate ‘nudge’ letters which are being

sent to those identified as being potential tax defaulters.”

She disclosed that Nigeria had written to a number of nations to request specific information about offshore trusts and bank accounts held by its citizens.

The minister advised users Continued on page 6

EFCC Files Fraud Charges against CCT Chairman, Danladi Umar ... Pg. 16 Saturday 3 February, 2018 Vol 22. No 8325 Price: N250

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Tinubu, Oshiomhole Tackle Obasanjo over Letter to Buhari Former president playing politics with letter, says Tinubu Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja, Amby Uneze in Owerri and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday in Abuja stopped short of asking former President

Olusegun Obasanjo to mind his own business, saying he had not at any time been named as an adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Oshiomhole, who was at the Presidential Villa made this remark, while reacting to

a 13-page statement issued by the former president on January 23, in which he told Buhari to forget a re-election bid in 2019 as a result of his alleged failure in many areas.

On the same day, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives

You’re not Buhari’s special adviser, Oshiomhole tells Obasanjo Congress (APC), and former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, also came down on Obasanjo, saying he was playing politics with the letter he wrote to Buhari.

The former president had accused the incumbent of

running a government of nepotism and literarily running the economy aground while showing indifference to mindless killings by Fulani herdsmen in various parts of the country.

But Oshiomhole, who said he was in the Presidential

Villa yesterday to reassure the president of his perpetual loyalty and support not only to his government but also for his re-election come 2019, recalled that having warned his Continued on page 6

Ekwueme Buried as Buhari Renames Varsity after Him Anglican Primate: Nigeria needs integrity, honesty to make progress Christopher Isiguzo in Enu gu It was indeed a happy end to an eventful life as the remains of late Second Republic Vice President of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme were laid to rest in his compound in Oko, Orumba North Local Government area of Anambra state at exactly 2:30pm yesterday, in a blaze of Glory.

The internment took place shortly after a funeral service at the St. John the Divine Church of the Anglican Church where President Muhammadu Buhari formally named the Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ikwo, in Ebonyi State after the departed leader.

Ekwueme was the nation's

first elected Vice President from 1979 - 1983. He was born on October 21st, 1932 and died on November 19, 2017.

His funeral service witnessed the presence of notable Nigerians from virtually all the geopolitical zones including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who represented the president; former President Goodluck Jonathan and wife Patience; former Vice Presidents Namadi Sambo and Chief Ebitu Ukiwe; Governors of Gombe, Ibrahim Damkwambo, Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode, Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu, Imo, Rochas Okorocha, Ebonyi, Dave Umahi and Anambra, Willie Obiano.

Continued on page 6

EKWUEME GOES HOME… Late Dr. Alex Ekwueme

Benue Killings: IGP Blames Anti-Grazing Law … Page

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Benue Killings: IGP Blames Anti-Grazing Law Display of corpses, inciting statements, causing further tension Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has blamed the antiopen grazing law implemented by the Benue State Government as the genesis of the crises which claimed at least 73 lives in Logo and Guma local government areas of the state early in the New Year.

He also noted that the open display of the casualties of the attacks, inciting statements by the Governor Samuel Ortom, and the arming of militia groups in

the state, were causing renewed tension.

Idris said these yesterday when he met with the Senate Committee on Police Affairs to brief them on his level of compliance with the Senate directive to apprehend the perpetrators of the Benue attacks and hand them over to the state Attorney General for prosecution.

The meeting which lasted for two hours was held behind closed doors.

Idris was accompanied to the meeting by some officers including

the Force Public Relations Officer, Moshood Jimoh.

A member of the committee, who spoke off record with THISDAY, provided some details of the IGP's submission before the Senator Abu Ibrahim-led committee Idris, the senator said, chronicled events from the beginning of the attacks and noted that almost 150 persons had so far been arrested with most of the suspects already charged to court.

Investigation to determine the level of culpability of those that

have not been charged to court, was ongoing, Idris said.

The source further disclosed that Idris recommended that the state should suspend its anti-open grazing law, pending when it would provide ranches for the herdsmen, and then gradually reintroduce the implementation of the law.

“He also advocated that cattle routes be re-opened, in addition to disarming armed militia groups and dialogue among all stakeholders," the source said.

The IGP, according to the senator, presented several pictures to the committee, including those of some bodies and of suspects that had been arrested with arms and ammunition.

The senator was however unable to ascertain whether the Senate at plenary would be satisfied with the presentation of the IGP and the committee's report, or would summon him to appear at plenary.

“Remember that the resolution said he would be summoned to brief the Senate at plenary next

Tuesday if our committee's report is not satisfactory. I cannot say for now if it is satisfactory or not.

"He just briefed us on what they have done and are doing to restore normalcy. We would meet further to consider his submission and write our report," the senator said.

On January 14, 2018, the Senate had issued a two week ultimatum to Idris to apprehend the attackers. He was summoned at the expiration of the ultimatum to brief on his level of compliance with the resolution.

here to see a very good friend of mine, the governor, Owelle Okorocha and then pay respect to the gentleman, nationalist, great leader of our generation, late Alex Ekwueme”.

Falana Picks Holes in Obasanjo's Letter Also yesterday, Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, called on Obasanjo to “desist from insulting the collective intelligent and memories of Nigerians having instituted the culture of impunity under the democratic

dispensation in Nigeria while serving as the president of the country.

Falana also picked holes in the recent judicial pronouncements on Magu, the EFCC acting chairman, saying there was nothing to celebrate “because it is still the prerogative of the president to make such appointment so long as the man does not act beyond the statutory period.”

TI N U BU, OSH IOMHOLE TACKLE OBASA N J O OVE R L E T T ER TO B U H AR I erstwhile advisers that he was not bound to heed their advice, Obasanjo also lacked any right to offer Buhari any advice.

"I’m not sure when I see the list of the advisers, that Obasanjo is one of the advisers. But I also recall with respect that the day Obasanjo was swearing in some of his advisers, he did say that anybody who is his adviser can advise him, he will make his own decisions. And I think that principle still stands," he stated.

Affirming the necessity of his visit to Buhari this precarious moment in the nation's history, Oshiomhole stated that it was important for the president to know that he still has men and women who believe in his leadership.

According to him, the president has had to contend with acute challenges which he said heralded his advent to the seat of power as he blamed the prevalent case of stagnation, underdevelopment and abject poverty in Nigeria on corruption which he claimed the president had had to contend with in the past two years.

He also argued that the president's decision to identify the pitfalls of corruption threatening peace and progress in the country and battling it, underscores that he was focused as he proceeded to blame the previous administrations for the acute challenges confronting the nation today.

Claiming further that the president had done well, Oshiomhole reasoned that his administration's policy of giving a stipend of N5,000 to poor and aged persons in the society was second to none and hence, described it as an important decision in the annals of the country's corporate existence.

"Let’s trace the route of poverty. It is not something that developed over the past few weeks or few years. If you review all your newspaper editorials from my days as president of the NLC, the challenge has been how do we ensure that the Nigerian economy work for the betterment of the majority of the people particularly the forgotten rural majority?

“I think people have to realise the amount of damage done by the previous governments.

You know when people say no blame game, maybe yes, maybe no. But where I am come from, people say that it is only a fool who will be working on the road, get into a pot hole and fall and then get up and continue the journey, go to the hospital and treat himself.

"But a wise man must interrogate how and why did I fall? And maybe in the course of doing that, find that there is a pothole. The first and simple thing to do is to fill that pot

hole before you continue your journey and then go ahead and treat yourself.

"Nigeria was below ground level and from what you guys reported that I read, we have always had challenges but never, in terms of scale, magnitude, what President Buhari inherited is difficult to describe. So, I have said so before that when you meet such a situation, your first task is to halt the drift. When you halt the drift, then you stabilise before you begin to go. There is no miracle about it.

“So, yes there are challenges.

There are things we need to begin to do and reinforce but there is no question that a lot has begun and a lot is being done. There is no miracle in the life of a nation. So, the fact that the president has lean resources and huge debts that he inherited, and despite the cost of servicing those debts, the president insists that the poorest amongst us who are victims of these several years of misrule, that they must have something to give them a sense of belonging under the social programme which seeks to transfer cash of N5,000 and several other instruments that have been put in place, that is to recognise that they are really people who are so poor that N5,000 can make a difference. That recognition for me is important in a country where nobody has discussed this category of people before.

“However, the challenge of getting that done is huge given the paucity of data. All the investments we have made in national identity card, you guys know how much previous governments have spent, trying to organise a national data without which really, you can’t deliver a couple of things because you need a data base that is reliable to be able to identify who is poor, where is he located and how do we deliver something to him?

"But for me, there is a commitment. I can see a heart that cares for the poor. But that doesn’t mean caring for the poor will make the poverty disappear overnight. But that is a starting point because if you don’t recognise that we have these people amongst us and they are in millions, then you are not even likely to reflect on how to deal with their problems.

For me, in terms of values, I can see a lot," Oshimhole said.

Tinubu: Obasanjo’s Playing Politics with his Letter to Buhari In a related development, former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, yesterday alleged that Obasanjo was playing politics with the open letter he wrote to Buhari.

Tinubu said that if the former president meant well, he would have met with Buhari to talk

about the issues he raised in the letter since he was senior to Buhari both in the army, as head of State and as President.

Tinubu, who spoke after visiting Governor Rochas Okorocha in the company of the pioneer National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande at the Government House Owerri, noted that Obasanjo could have, in several ways, met with Buhari to discuss the issues raised.

He said: “They both had the same background. So, I believe that would have been

the conversation of retired Military Heads of State. They have unfettered access to each other either through the Council of States or any other means; he could see the current President privately. He, Obasanjo was also his senior in the army; I think Obasanjo was playing politics with the public letter. That is all I see. They also met at the African Union meeting too. He has a way of discussing with the President any time he wants”.

On what brought him to Owerri, Tinubu said: “I am

Continued on page 10

NIGERIA, UK, OTHERS SHARE DATA ON OFFSHORE BANK ACCOUNTS, ASSETS OF NIGERIANS of offshore structures to take advantage of VAIDS to regularise their taxes before the expiration of the amnesty programme.

According to Adeosun, “The offshore tax shelter system is basically over. Those who have hidden money overseas are being exposed and while Nigerians can legally keep their money anywhere in the world, they must first pay any taxes due to the Nigerian government so that we can fund the needs of the masses and create jobs and wealth for our people."

She noted that the moral argument against illicit financial flows and tax evasion and the strong international cooperation were such that every Nigerian tax payer should do the right thing.

"The needs of our people for development override any other

argument against payment of tax,” she explained, stressing the need for sustainable revenue that could deliver infrastructural development for Nigeria and improve the tax to GDP ratio of the country.

The minister assured that the federal government would build a robust tax system and implement the recommendations by the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC), on tax laws reform.

In his address, the NTPIC Vice Chairman, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who presented the report, said the committee considered three major policy documents namely; the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), the National Tax Policy and Ease of Doing Business Plan.

He disclosed that the committee agreed that tax

reforms should align with overall Government objectives as articulated in these documents, such that every action or recommendations would promote and catalyse the realisation of overall objectives.

According to him, the committee identified the seven major tax areas that would have the highest impact.

These include: Company Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs & Excise Tariff (CET), Personal Income Tax (PIT), Pension Contributions, Industrial Development Income Tax Relief (IDITR); and Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

The proposed changes to the tax laws, he stated, would achieve specific objectives, including increasing and diversifying government revenue, simplify paying taxes and doing business,

promote micro, small and medium enterprises, protect most vulnerable persons in the society, and remove obsolete, ambiguous and contradictory provisions in the law.

Oyedele added that the committee’s work resulted in two executive orders and five amendment bills.

The executive orders include Value Added Tax Act (Modification) Order and Review of Goods Liable to Excise Duties and Applicable Rate Order.

The proposed Amendment Bills are: Companies Income Tax Act (Amendment) Bill, Value Added Tax Act (Amendment) Bill, Customs, Exercise, Tariff (Consolidation) Act (Amendment) Bill, Personal Income Tax Act (Amendment) Bill and Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Act (Amendment) Bill.

EKWUEME BURIED AS BUHARI RENAMES VARSITY AFTER HIM In his message at the burial, President Buhari, said the former Vice President was being celebrated because he practiced a kind of principle that sets him apart from his peers, "whether they are rich, poor, unknown or known – the principles of personal sacrifice to others, service to those who cannot offer one, the courage of one’s conviction, bravery in the face of terror.

"As Vice President, he set an example of loyalty and dedication with the love of the nation in service. After the coup that ousted the government which he served, while his finances were thoroughly combed for evidences and he was imprisoned unjustly, he went on to demonstrate the power of principle which only one man can have.

“While many hid their ideas and thoughts even in the darkest days following the dictatorship in our country, he came out and offered himself as the face and voice of the people and by so doing showed that the beauty of democracy was more than the platitude of wealth, he showed that nations are built on ideals and trusts.

“It is in death that we are confronted with the futility of

affluence, wealth and power no matter how it is confronted. It is also in death that we are left with the immortal legacies of those who by their selfless deeds, courage and service to those who are not prepared are immortal; immortal because from the heart of men and God. “Ekwueme lived in the hearts of those who are not prepared and those who cannot speak for themselves in tangible ways.

"No amount of commendation can be enough from a nation which is greater for the services of one of her own. We therefore offer only a token. And so it is my pleasure to announce that in commemoration of the life and contribution to the nation by Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme GCON, the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has approved and directed that the federal University Ndifu, Alike Ebonyi State be now renamed and become known as Alex Ekwueme Federal University.

"To the illustrious Ekwueme family and people of Oko, we thank you for sharing this moment with us, we pray that you and your siblings will enjoy and that many among you will be greater than he was in the

service of the federal republic of Nigeria," the President who spoke through Osinbajo, noted.

Earlier in a homily, the Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh lamented that integrity and honesty which were the most cherished virtues of Ekwueme had taken flight in Nigeria insisting that for the nation to make progress, it must enthrone integrity in its system.

Okoh who spoke on the theme “Get into the Ark” and drawing his lesson from Genesis chapters 6 and 7 said: "if you are in politics and you engage people that lack integrity, you will not make any progress. Integrity is the key and it has taken flight in Nigeria".

He urged the new generation of Nigerian politicians to imbibe Ekwueme's virtues especially his humility and constant contact with his community in their dealings.

The Primate also decried the alarming rate at which Nigerians patronise foreign hospitals each time they were sick, and therefore appealed to the nation's leaders to help the country by addressing the failing healthcare delivery system.

"We spend so much in America, Dubai, Britain, India and other parts of Europe and

we can reduce this by 70 per cent if our leaders do the needful.

Our leaders must deliver us from health tourism. Our independence is only on paper, it’s not deep, we must deliver ourselves from over-dependence on other nations for our healthcare," he said.

In his tribute, former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku said Ekwueme left remarkable legacy in politics, national and international service as well as private life.

Anyaoku who recalled how Ekwueme led a group of 34 Nigerians to challenge the military and later played a central role to the formation of the PDP, said the departed leader was a true patriot and champion of democracy in Nigeria.

"He conceived and introduced the idea of six geopolitical zones during the 1995 Constitutional conference. He played a principled politics without bitterness when he was denied the Presidential ticket of the PDP in 1998, he accepted the outcome and still went round to campaign with Obasanjo," he recalled.

The entire Oko town was shut down as all the shops were under lock and key in deference to Ekwueme.

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IN HONOUR OF EKWUEME ...

L-R: Senate's Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio; former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Phillip Shaibu and former Governor of Imo State, Mr. Achike Udenwa during the Funeral Service of Late Dr. Alex Ekwueme at St. John The Divine Church, Anglican Communion, Oko, Anambra ...yesterday

Zinox Acquires Konga in Landmark Industry Deal Obinna Chima The Zinox Group, an integrated Information Communication Technology (ICT) solutions conglomerate and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), has concluded the acquisition of e-commerce giant, Konga in a move that is expected to raise the profile of e-commerce in the country, THISDAY learnt yesterday.

An industry source who revealed this, also said the transaction had been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The acquisition has been viewed by industry watchers as a major development that could see ecommerce in Nigeria finally unlock the massive revenue potential in the global multi-billion-dollar industry.

In addition, the move is expected

to see Zinox make a bold return to an industry it pioneered in Nigeria with the launch of BuyRight Africa. com which was challenged by the absence of credit card and e-payment infrastructure when it was launched over 12 years ago.

Efforts to reach the Chairman, Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh were unsuccessful as his mobile phones were switched off.

However, the Head of Corporate Communications, Zinox Group, Mr. Gideon Ayogu confirmed the development.

According to details of the deal, Zinox Group, one of Africa’s biggest technology group would assume ownership of the e-commerce platform, Konga.com which remains as one of the biggest players in the sector; KOSExpress, the world class logistics

arm of the business and KongaPay, the company’s integrated mobile money payment channel with over 100,000 subscribers.

This development, coming at a time when global e-commerce spending is expected to top previously unheralded levels, is widely expected to reposition Konga for a greater share of the e-commerce purse in Nigeria and beyond.

Also some industry analysts estimated that the acquisition could lead to the integration of Konga and Yudala, which is owned by Ekeh's son, to wade off competition and make it one of biggest e-Commerce companies in Africa.

In 2017, retail e-commerce sales worldwide amounted to 2.829 trillion US dollars while e-retail revenues are projected to grow

to 4.48 trillion US dollars in 2021.

Furthermore, the source explained that the acquisition was expected to create employment opportunities for over 750 Nigerians, both at home and in the Diaspora, saying that many erstwhile employees of the company laid off in the restructuring process may be recalled.

Commenting on the transaction, Ayogu said: “We have always had an interest in Konga and another big one you know very well but our priority was Konga first because of her integrated nature of four quality companies in one.

“Konga is a world-class, professionally-run company whose landmark strides in the sector has gone a long way in ushering millions of Nigerians into the ease and convenience

of online shopping and boosting the conduct of e-commerce in the country.”

He added: “Today, many Nigerians can attribute their first experience of e-commerce to Konga. com and we are excited to be a part of this remarkable story.

“Many shoppers can also attest to the speed and efficiency in delivery that characterizes Kos-Express, the company’s logistics arm, which is arguably the best in the sector at the moment.

“Our ambition is to up the tempo by revolutionising e-commerce on the African continent, with Konga at the fore-front of this initiative. In addition to positioning the business on a path of profitability in the short term, our long term plans are focused around seeing Konga well established in other African

capitals.

“Furthermore, we will be unveiling a lot of new initiatives soon and we advise shoppers and merchants alike to look out for these innovations which will radically reshape the average customer experience of e-commerce in Nigeria and on the continent.”

Konga recently announced a shift to a prepay-only model, essentially putting a stop to Pay on Delivery (PoD) - a significant decision which formed part of an internal restructuring aimed at putting the business on a sound footing in the market.

This move, coupled with the new investment, were expected to spark an up-turn in the company’s fortunes which will see Konga assume a more significant share of the e-commerce market.

Clark, Adebanjo, Nwodo, Jang Others Set Bafarawa: 2019 Elections May not Hold If Peace Doesn’t Return to Benue, Other States For Mega Rally On Restructuring SylvesterIdowuin Warri

Barring last minute changes, all is set for a mega rally by the leadership of the South South as part of the renewed struggle for the restructuring of the country.

The rally is being planned by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to liberate the Niger Delta people from exploitation, oppression and neglect.

A communique signed by leaders of PANDEF drawn from all the South-South states of the region and made available to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, said that there would be delegation from the South West, South East and Middle Belt for the mega rally.

The rally christened, the “firstever South-South Mega Rally On Restructuring” to be led by elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, will

hold at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State as agreed by monarchs, past and present political office holders, community leaders, academics, opinion moulders, leaders of thought, women and youth groups in the region.

According to the communique, the essence of the Mega Rally was to “mobilise and raise the consciousness of the people of the South-South region and to articulate a common, unified agenda on the subject matter of restructuring.”

Delegation expected from the South West, according to the release, would be led by Afenifere chieftains, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Olu Falae and a delegation from the South East would be led by the President-General of Ohanaeze, Chief Nnia Nwodo and former governor, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

Others expected include statesmen from the Middle Belt led by the President of Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Bala Takaya and Jonah Jang, former Governor of Plateau State.

Speakers and participants, the communique further stated, shall be drawn from across political, economic and social spectra; government and non-governmental organisations from the whole country.

The press release however reiterated that there was the need to “reemphasise and redefine the essence and significance of the PANDEF’s 16-point demands to serve as the basis of constructive engagement with the Federal Government and other geopolitical zones in the United Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the platform of equity, fairness and justice.”

GeorgeOkohin Makurdi Former governor of Sokoto State and likely presidential aspirant, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa has warned on the consequences of the Federal government and other security agencies not putting a stop to the headers, farmers clashes in Benue and other states, saying it may stall 2019 elections.

He stated this when he paid a condolence visit to governor Samuel Ortom in Makurdi to commiserate with him and people of the state over the killings of people by herdsmen in the state He stated that Benue people produced great sons who had foresight that had played active roles to unite the northerners when the entire entire north was faced with so much squabbles.

''Why would there be election in 2019 where there is no peace. The most important thing you can bring to society is peace. When you bring peace to them, then you have brought life and you can talk of election,'' Attahiru said He said that there could be no north without Benue being part and parcel of the north, pointing out that Benue laid the foundation for the building of northern region and their contributions were still speaking volumes. ''Chief Audu Ogbe and Senator Barnabas Gemade got the positions of national chairman of the former ruling People Democratic Party(PDP),because they are from the north and the slot was meant for the northern part of Nigeria. I am not here for political purposes but to console my brother, however

I must put the record straight,'' he stated.

The former governor noted that the killings in Benue State was politically motivated which needed political approach to solve not by using traditional solutions.

According to him, the issue of herdsmen and farmers clashes across Nigeria was a national problem, stressing that it had gone beyond where people would continue to be throwing blames on either governors or the president.

He said that while it was the duty of Federal government to put serious efforts to restore peace to Benue and parts of the country, president Buhari must involve other stakeholders no matter the political affiliation. He donated N10 million to the victims of the herdsmen attacks in the state.

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In Brief Suspected Kidnapper Killed in Crossfire

emesishascaughtupwithasuspectedmemberofaneight-mankidnapsyndicate ashewasshotdeadduringcrossexchangeoffirewiththeoperativesattached to the Ogun State Police Command. It was gathered that trouble began on Thursdaywhenamankidnappedbythesyndicatebrokeloosefromtherope hewastiedwithforsevendaysinsideathickforestinIlaro,YewaSouthLocal GovernmentAreaofOgunStateandescaped.Mr.AbimbolaOyeyemi,Ogun StatePoliceCommandPublicRelationsOfficerwhoconfirmedtheincident, saidthevictimidentifiedasSanniDanNasarawa,escapedwhentheropehe was being tied with to the tree broke loose. He said his captors had tied the victim to the tree with ropes for seven days and were expecting the family members to come and pay ransom before he broke loose.

Kogi Senator Train, Empower Women

MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS...

L-R: Chief Sule Odu; Donor of Empowerment Centre, Mrs. Abosede Sule Odu, an Alumna1990 set of FGGC, Sagamu, Ogun state; Director/ Principal, Federal Government Girls' College Sagamu, Mrs. Agnes Abiodun Awolabi; and acting Principal, FGGC, Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti State, Mr. Adeyemi Samuel Adisa, standing in front of an empowerment centre donated by Mrs. Abosede Sule-Odu to mark the 40th anniversary of FGGC Sagamu in Ogun State…recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

NNPC: Oil Workers Strike Threat May Worsen Hiccups in Petrol Distribution Chineme Okafor inAbuja

Threats by oil workers union under the aegis of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to shut down the sector may affect the already troubled supply and distribution of petrol across cities in the country, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) warned on Friday.

The NNPC therefore begged the leadership of the union to reconsider the 15-day industrial action ultimatum it reportedly issued the federal government

over what it described as lingering labour related issues in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, made this appeal to the union in Abuja, where vehicular queues for petrol have resurfaced at service stations across the city.

A statement from the Group General Manager, Public Affairs of the corporation, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, quoted Baru, to have expressed concern over the possible effects of the ultimatum on petroleum products supply and distribution chain in the country.

Baru stated that the NUPENG’s threat could compound the current hiccups over which he said concerted efforts were being taken to bring under control.

He appealed to the union leadership to exercise patience to enable government address the issues they raised.

NUPENG had in a January 31, statement given a 15-day ultimatum to government over six labour issues between some of its members and their respective companies.

Baru however counseled that NUPENG should strive to maintain the harmonious industrial relations

he said had brought about stability in the industry, reminding its leadership of how critical the petroleum sector was to the nation’s economy.

Similarly, the NNPC statement stated that the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of NUPENG had assured the corporation of its neutrality in the planned strike action.

NNPC said that PTD Chairman, Otunba Oladiti Salman, spoke with Ughamadu, and assured him that the purported ultimatum to government by NUPENG over the state of some roads in the country was a ruse.

NDDC Spends N172.74bn on Projects in Akwa Ibom OkonBasseyinUyo

Akwa Ibom State being the highest oil-producing state in the Niger Delta region has benefited from the Niger Delta Commission (NDDC) with 1063 documented projects with additional 298 new projects approved; the Managing Director of the Commission, Mr. Nsima Ekere has insisted.

Ekere who said Akwa Ibom had benefited substantially from the commission since 2002 disclosed

of plan to set up a permanent office of the NDDC in the State; and also hinted that the total cost of projects in the state was in the region of N172.74 billion He spoke in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital shortly after flagging off the distribution of school desks and chairs donated by the commission to schools in the nine states of the Niger Delta region as well as inspection of the permanent site of the NDDC office in Uyo.

The Akwa Ibom State permanent office of the NDDC, he said was to be built within the tenure of the present board of the commission.

According to Ekere, of the 1063 projects, 455 projects costing N67.7 billion had been completed while 318 were ongoing at the cost of N34 billion, consisting of buildings, dredging, canalisation, electrical, education equipment, road and water projects.

Besides that, the Managing

Director of the NDDC hinted that, 298 projects costing N71.04 billion had been approved by the board for execution in the State.

He hinted that of the 72,000 school desks and 72,000 chairs meant for distribution in the region, Akwa Ibom State will receive 9,600 each of the said items.

The NDDC boss stressed that the items would be distributed to the schools most in need in consultation and collaboration with the State Government.

Tinubu, Oshiomhole Tackle Obasanjo over Letter to Buhari Cont’d from Pg.1 Falana, who spoke in Benin City, while reacting to questions bordering on the state of the nation, said Obasanjo had the opportunity to make the country great “by providing good leadership and getting rid of corruption, but he failed to do that as a president.”

He said: "If Obasanjo who ruled this country for eleven and half years had institutionalised democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights, we will not be in this mess.

"So, please, let Obasanjo and others be honest to admit that they brought us to this shameful episode.

So, nobody should grandstand when it comes to the misgovernance of Nigerian.

"Nobody has apologized. The fact is that between 1999 and 2007, this country made close to $500 billion from the sale of oil. What is there to show for it? Permanent darkness?

"The more they spend on energy,

the more darkness we get. What is there to celebrate? Mass unemployment, sale of the assets of the country to a few boys who were closed to the presidency and rigging of elections.

"Obasanjo is entitled to form his own political party or his own movement but he should please desist from insulting the collective intelligent and the collective memories of Nigerians.

"With great respect to former Obasanjo, apart from the allegations of nepotism and clannishness against Buhari, which cannot be disputed, every other allegation made is nothing to write home about. In other words, all the other allegations took place under Obasanjo and in fact, he institutionalised the culture of impunity under a democratic dispensation in Nigeria.

"Many of us have forgotten about the abduction of the then governor Chris Ngige. Many of us have

forgotten the fact that the National Assembly displayed bales of Naira with which the presidency allegedly wanted to use to bribe the legislators.

"Many of us have forgotten about the third term agenda or the fact that many people close to the seat of power then were treated like sacred cows even in the fight against corruption. I do not want to join issues with Obasanjo for now on his letter so that one would not be seen as endorsing impunity in our country. Other than the allegations of nepotism and clannishness which the presidency is notoriously noted for, I think, they are birds of same feathers."

On the judicial pronouncements on Ibrahim Magu, Falana said the court never made any pronouncement on the appointment of Ibrahim Magu as the acting chairman of the EFCC, and as such, there was nothing to celebrate.

"It is not a judgement to celebrate with great respect. I have read the judgement of the case filed by a private lawyer based in Abuja, Mr. Tolu Ajaomo, against the Attorney General of the Federation and the Senate. Mind you, EFCC is not a party.

Magu was not a party, so no court in Nigeria can make order against a person who was not joined in any suit.

"But having read the ruling, with great respect, the case was struck out.

If a case was struck out, you cannot rely on it.

The court held that the lawyer has no locus standi to have filed the action and therefore struck it out.

"However, in an academic exercise, the court said, having regard to section 2, 3 of the EFCC Act, the Senate has the power to confirm or reject the nomination of the president. The court never ever made any pronouncement on the appointment of Magu as the acting chairman of the EFCC.

The Senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district of Kogi State at theNationalAssembly,SenatorAhmedOgembe,hastrainedandempowers 1000womenwithN20millioninfivelocalgovernmentcouncilsofthestate.

ThelocalgovernmentcouncilsthatbenefitedfromtheschemeincludeOkene, Okehi,Ajaokuta,Ogori/MagongoandAdavilocalgovernmentcouncils. Healso advocated massive youth and women empowerment as a way of reducing unemployment and poverty in the area.The Senator who made this known yesterdayinOkeneduringthetrainingandempowermentofover1000women fromthecentralsenatorialdistrict,heldatAfimsHotel,notedthatallhands must be on deck to create the needed environment that would bring about peaceandsecurityintheareathroughmassivejobcreationandempowerment.

Senate not for the Young, Says Jang

TheSenatorrepresentingPlateauNorthsenatorialzone,SenatorJonahDavid Jang yesterday ruled out the chance of handing over to a younger person in 2019 saying the Senate was not for young people. Jang, who spoke during a live radio programme on Friday, monitored by THISDAY said the House of Representatives was the one good enough for the young. He said, "The Senate is not good for young people, only the House of Representatives is good enough."Political observers inthestatesaid thestatement is seenas directed at his political proteges who were warming up to contest for the Senate seat in the next general elections in the hope that Jang who is over 70 might not recontest. There are also indications that some of them are readytoslugitoutwiththeSenatorintheeventthathedoesnotretirefrom politics as they believe his political weight had diminished since he left the PlateauGovernmentHouseasgovernorandthathecanbedefeatedgiving the new realignments in the state.

APC Guber Aspirant Escapes Assassination

AgovernorshipaspirantoftheAllProgressivesCongress(APC)inCrossRiver State, Mr. Venatius Ikem, narrowly escaped what looked like an assassinationattemptonFridayinObudutown,NorthernCrossRiverState,whenhe movedtodeclarehisintentiontorunfortheofficeofgovernorin2019.Ikem was attacked by suspected political thugs after he arrived the venue of the event,APCSecretariatinObuduLocalGovernment,wherehissupportersand members of the party were waiting for his arrival and the start of the event.

FemaleStudentWinsIkomiEssayCompetition

A Senior Secondary Two (SS2) female student of Kpakiama Secondary SchoolinBomadiLocalGovernmentAreaofDeltaState,MissDidikemien, has emerged as the overall winner in the Senior Category of the 2017 Chris Ikomi Memorial Annual Essay Competition initiated 17 years ago by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture. The young girl distinguished herself as the mostoustandinginthecompetitionbybeatingthousandsofotherstudents whoparticipatedinthe17theditionofthecompetitionandwasamongthesix award winners, three each in the junior and senior categories, at an impressive ceremony held yesterday at the conference hall of the Olorodun Ibru Secretariat Complex, Asaba.

Guide to Doing Business in Nigeria

TheFederalgovernment’s drivetoimprovetheeasefordoingbusiness has received a boost as investors and would-be-business owners now have a handbookonhowtoobtainlicensesandpermitswhendoingbusinessinselected sectorsinthecountry.Publishersofthehandbook,A&ELawPartnershipin a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said it was part of their contribution to improving the environment for doing business in Nigeria. The foreword to the handbook written by Peter Ntephe said the Guide was “a one-stopshop handbook on the rules for entry into various sectors of the Nigerian economy.Keyprocessesandproceduresareoutlinedinasmuchasuccinct wayaspossible,alongwiththefeesforobtaininglicencesandregistrations.

HR EXPO AFRICA Berths in Lagos

ThebiggestHReventinAfricafor2018,HRExpoAfricaissetforasummitin Aprilwiththetheme“LeadingandManagingCulturalChangeinOrganisations’.’

The two-day event is scheduled to kickoff at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, come April 5. HR EXPO AFRICA has been a platform for attracting a variety of human resources practitioners and professionals across theprivateand public sectors.Typically,theexpo features powerful speakers,masterclassesandpanelistssessionstodeliberateonissuesthat aretargetedathumancapitaldevelopment.Theobjectiveofthesummitisto generatethebestideasforsustainedproductivity.The2017editionamplified importantconversationsaroundthedemandsofachangingeconomy.This edition will feature a special masterclass on Business Leadership.

Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Experts have suggested business reinvention as the key to sustainable entrepreneurship in the country. The experts proffered this solution at the presentationofabook,titled:‘OnyourMarks:Abusiness Start-upHandbook’, inLagos,duringtheweek.Worriedbythehighrateofbusinesscollapseinthe country,thespecialguestofhonour,Director-GeneralandFounderof Institute forNationalTransformation(INT),Prof.VincentAnigbogu,maintained that both spiritual and political leaders had a role to play in lifting the economy andindeedthecountryfromastateofdecay.Inhisaddresstitled:'SoulWinning&NationBuilding:TheNexus',Anigbogustatedthatsoulwinningwasan essentialingredientsofnationbuildingthatwouldtranslateintoeconomic benefits and more.

11

FEBRUARY 3, 2͸͹΀ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Memo to Governor Kashim Shettima

D

ear Governor Kashim Shettima, the focus of this epistle will benefit all members of the Northern Governors’ Forum which you chair. As the Chairman, I sincerely hope that you will honestly digest the content and also bring this epistle to the attention of your colleagues. It has always been my dream to see a quick end to the persistent clashes involving nomadic herdsmen and farmers in different communities across our country. These clashes have assumed a frightening dimension under the Buhari administration, resulting in hundreds of deaths on both sides in the last 32 months. I often soak my pillows with tears each time lives are lost during these clashes. Human lives are sacred as ordained by Allah. I am sure that you and your colleagues in the NGF are on the same page with me on this. So, we all should work very hard to preserve these sacred human lives.

Governor Shettima, the truth that must be told is that open grazing and nomadic cattle rearing are aberrations in modern societies. Our great country should not be an exception. It is heart-warming that you are widely travelled. I am sure that you have never come across cattle on the streets of any Western European country or in the United States. Even in some African countries like South Africa, nomadic cattle rearing have long become history. Kenya has also done a lot of work to limit open grazing. Governor Shettima, you surely know this. You and your colleagues assuredly know that nobody should be roaming with cattle in the 21st century. The only way to stop these deadly clashes between farmers and herdsmen is to eliminate direct contact with the farmers. Nomadic cattle rearing will make it impossible for this country to preserve sacred human

Shettima

lives. The only way forward is ranching.

This simply means farms for cattle and not death sentence for the cows.

For years, herdsmen in Nigeria have resisted change. They are opposed to any attempt to modernise their mode of operation. These herdsmen are ignorantly opposed to ranching. They have to return to their homes and accept change. Things have just got to change. We need a carrot and stick approach here. If they remain recalcitrant, herdsmen must be compelled to return home and accept change. Just few days back, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the North-East, Alhaji Mafindi Danburam, was quoted as saying, “open grazing is our culture and you cannot wake up one day and stop me from practising my culture.

Cattle colony is not our culture. We have

our culture and tradition and we want to maintain it.” Governor Shettima, you and your colleagues must believe in this change and compel herders to accept cattle ranching; members of the NGF must create an enabling environment for this to happen. You have travelled widely and seen modern cattle ranches in developed countries. You and your colleagues can create the same here, with artificial lakes established in such ranches. Industrial boreholes, powered by solar energy, pump uninterrupted water to sustain artificial lakes all year round. This can be done in cattleproducing states.

Herdsmen running down to Southern Nigeria in search of pastures during the dry season are outdated and absolutely unnecessary. Governor Shettima, I know that you are one of the few governors that read books profusely. You must have read about how the late Libyan leader, Muammar Mohammed, turned thousands of miles of desert into arable land. During his time, irrigation systems were established along the Libyan northern coastline and around various inland oases. Also, you must have read about Gaddafi’s “Great Man-Made River.” With this, the former Libyan leader funneled water from underground aquifers, by installing a large number of bore wells throughout the Libyan land.

Through this process, big farms were created in hitherto deserts in Libya. The first phase was officially launched at the end of 1991, supplying more than a million cubic meters of fresh water every day from a pipeline that stretches more than 1000 km, from Sirte to Benghazi.

The second phase was supplying one million cubic meters of underground water each day to the coastal belt of the country, as well as supplying water to

Visionscape Not Prepared for Cleaner Lagos Task I spent quality time reading the interview granted to THISDAY by the Chief Executive Officer of Visionscape, John Irvine, on the unprecedented heaps of waste on the streets of Lagos State. I am now convinced more than ever before that this firm is unprepared for the task of keeping Lagos clean. Irvine clearly failed to properly address how it would save Lagosians from impending epidemic, by promptly clearing the waste. He gladly told Lagosians that the streets of London were worse when the British Government privatised public services in the 1980s.

I was further shocked when he said that it would take his firm 18 months to clear the refuse on the streets of the state, explaining that the period would enable it to mobilise, stabilise and augment its operations across Lagos State. Haba! 18 months to mobilise and stabilise? Is Irvine unaware that when

the Fashola administration privatised waste collection, the PSP operators effectively and instantly delivered the services? Visionscape does not even have enough trucks and manpower to cover 5% of Lagos State. How come this firm was saddled with the responsibility of clearing residential waste in 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs? The Fashola PSP operators ought to have been disengaged in phases. Virtually everywhere in Lagos is in a mess with waste. Lagosians can’t afford to wait for 18 months for result from Visionscape. Ii is shocking that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is yet to practically intervene. The Fashola PSP operators must be allowed to return to collect residential waste, at least for now, in the outskirts of Lagos. This current situation is embarrassing. For now, frustrated Lagosians are still heaping waste on the streets in tons.

Ambode

Tripoli. And finally, the third phase offered the organised development of the first phase set-up, and provided Tobruk and other cities close to the coastline with a new underground water supply. The network of concrete pipes (each having a diameter of 4 meters) stretched more than 3500 kilometers. These pipes were hidden beneath the wilderness of the desert to stop vaporization of the water. There were more than 1000 wells, countless sections of concrete pipes, and 250 million cubic meters of excavation. Everything for the project was made in Libya. Nigerian borehole engineers can also install multiple industrial boreholes in the artificial lakes I talked about.

Unfortunately, while working to kill Gaddafi, NATO not only bombed the Great Man-Made River water system and pipelines near Brega, but also eradicated the plant that created the concrete pipes that were used as replacements during repairs. Governor Shettima, you should also read about the Egyptian desert farming programme that aims at drilling 1,300 wells in the desert.

The point I am making with the Libyan and Egyptian examples is that the core northern states can, through a deliberate policy, also turn their dry lands into green lands all year round, which will encourage herdsmen to stay and embrace ranching. If we replicate the Libyan miracle in the Northern states for our herdsmen, there will be hays and water for their cows all year round. Farmers will have water to plant hays all year round and huge agriculture value chain businesses will develop around the ranches. The herdsmen will purchase hays to feed the cows from the farmers, thereby establishing and sustaining a peaceful affinity with farmers. Milk, leather, meat processing and corned beef industries will also spring up around the cattle ranches.

Governor Shettima, ranching is the magic wand that will turn around the economy of Northern Nigeria. This is the truth. Education in this region will also benefit as schools can easily be provided for children of the nomads around the cattle ranches instead of the bogus nomadic education programme being implemented by the federal government. This talk about local cattle not being fit for ranching is false and one of the attempts by herdsmen to frustrate the transformation of their activities.

In my native Ikorodu, we have successful ranches with local cows alone. Former governor Gabriel Suswam also has a ranch in Kansio area of Makurdi with predominantly local cows. Governor Shettima, you need to visit this Suswam ranch to convince Fulani herdsmen that local cows can be ranched.

Remarks that the killer herdsmen across our country are mainly from other West African countries are preposterous and should not stop the match towards cattle ranching. Once we put our house in order, these West African herdsmen will be forced to abide by our laws. Governor Borno, may Allah give you and your colleagues the courage to implement policies that will put an end to unnecessary destruction of human lives in our dear country.

Feeding Fat on Refineries Under the Obasanjo administration, 1999-2003, the four refineries owned by the government in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna never worked optimally. Key actors in government used them as cash cows, while conducting numerous and dubious Turnaround Maintenance (TAM). The oil cabal in the government also made good money importing refined products. The story was the same under the late Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan. Maintaining the refineries became a good opportunity to milk this country of billions of Greenbacks, yet, they never worked. Under the change administration of Buhari, the exploitation has continued undiminished. In September 2017, the refineries achieved a combined capacity utilisation rate of a mere 6.1 per cent.

According to the latest data from NNPC, the four refineries made a total loss of N84 billion from January to November last year, as they

continued to operate far below their installed capacity.

The story in town is that billions of Naira has again been budgeted for TAM of the refineries in 2018. This is after the corporation’s GMD, Maikanti Baru, said he was looking for external financiers to fund the repairs. Baru is the only one that knows where he would get foreign investors that would come and put money in decrepit refineries. Also, oil giant, Eni, recently presented a technical proposal to the NNPC for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery. We were not told who would fund this rehabilitation. The truth that must be told is that the cabals in this administration are only scheming to again milk the refineries in 2018 under the guise of rehabilitation.

Perhaps, Buhari will stop this vicious sect, if he is able to read a recent informed analysis on the refineries by FBN Quest Capital Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc.

Experts at FBN Quest expressed doubts about the latest attempts by the NNPC to undertake a fresh TAM on these refineries.

The analysts stated in a periodic report, Good Morning Nigeria, that the NNPC should consider allowing its refineries to “wither away” because new refineries like the 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity Dangote refinery and others scheduled to come on stream soon would be the game changers. They also pointed out that the NNPC refineries were old and that past TAMs on them had not been successful to suggest that the latest effort would be.

“The FGN’s response to the periodic shortages is to commit public monies to another programme of TAM for the corporation’s refineries at US$1.1bn and said to be achievable over 18 months. An earlier investment in TAM in 2013 made little, if any impact. We cannot say for sure that the latest programme of TAM will not

Baru

be a success. However, the age of the refineries suggests not: Port Harcourt (commissioned in 1965), Warri (1978) and Kaduna (1980).”

This is a well-versed analysis on these refineries. My conviction is that those around Buhari would not allow him to read it.

12

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

COMMENTARY

LAGOS AND IMPERATIVE FOR A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT Citizens should take responsibility over their environment, writes Rasak Musbau

D

efinitions of cleanliness may, of course, differ across the world.

Nonetheless, the strategic importance of cleaner environment as bedrock upon which development and economic prosperity rest is not in doubt. As such, cleaner environment is among the yardsticks for ranking of the cities and for attracting foreign investment.

Famous world cities like London, Washington, Oslo, Dublin, Paris, etc., are splendid because of the beauty of their sparkling clean environment. Nigeria is obviously lagging behind among nations with cleaner environment. The attitude of Nigerians towards environmental sanitation is not positive as many have refused to make cleanliness a prime issue in spite of long established environmental sanitation laws, formal governmental structures to address cleaner environment issues and numerous campaigns on same. The difficulty of Nigerians in allowing modernity and education to change their attitude toward orderliness has sadly made unclean environment a normal syndrome in our national life. Lagos State is not an exception.

As was in 1999 prior to the then Governor Bola Tinubu initiative of private sector participation in waste management, recently, there was much hysteria about refuse taking over Lagos. Not a few people have seen on the social media sharing pictures of mounting refuse in parts of the metropolis. Surely, those mountains are now disappearing and would soon become history but it helps to briefly talk about how other cities outside Nigeria are maintaining their cleanliness.

The city-state of Singapore maintains its cleanliness by paying attention to little details. Stickers in bathrooms remind citizens to always flush the toilet. Littering fines are high and well communicated.

Chewing gum sales are forbidden to avoid gum stuck to public subway stations or benches. While we probably won’t be outlawing chewing gum anytime soon, Singapore has established a high level of cleanliness with consistency in minor actions. Lagos State government will continue through every available communication media that every scrap of litter adds up. Small actions, like reminding the public to avoid dropping a straw wrapper on the sidewalk or tracking mud onto public transportation, can lead to big results.

By emphasising recycling, Adelaide in Australia drastically reduced their dependence on landfills, leading to a much cleaner living environment. The city encourages citizens to consider giving quality, unwanted items to charity and to urge each other to rely on the city’s recycling services.

Minnesotan are especially proud to see Minneapolis on so many “cleanest cities” lists, as Block by Block works hard every day to keep the city clean. Minneapolis’ stance on vandalism and graffiti is to remove it within 24 hours. This reduces new graffiti and keeps areas looking welcoming. On their part, Zurich citizens often choose to travel via public transportation. They have many options available including tram, bus, boat and train. Public transportation reduces carbon emissions by decreasing the number of individual cars in transit every day. The city keeps their systems well kept and reliable.

WITH THE NEEDED DISCIPLINE AND CONSCIOUS DETERMINATION, WE COULD ALSO TURN MOST OF OUR CITIES INTO AMAZING HAVEN OF CLEANLINESS. THIS COULD BEGIN WITH A SIMPLE HABIT OF NOT THROWING DIRT IN UNAUTHORISED PLACES

Now to the big question, “Can cleaner environment be achieved in Lagos?” The answer, of course, is yes. In fact, it can be achieved in the whole country if only we all play our part in the efforts toward achieving it.

In 2016, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration took a second look at Lagos and was convinced that Lagosians could live in a cleaner and healthier environment and came up with Cleaner Lagos Initiative. The CLI, which is a new waste management policy of the state government, was established to address, enforce and regulate the challenges in the solid waste management systems within the state in line with global best practices.

The vision of a better landscape gave birth to Visionscape. Everybody agrees that Lagos State can be cleaner and healthier. Like a child in the womb, rarely do the pregnant mother knows which part of the body will show first, the head, the shoulder or the legs. And so it is with this progressive dream. The challenges of the logistics affected the perfect sequence choreographed by its designers. The compactors came in later than expected but the good story is that they are here now. The greater story is that 27,500 street sweepers are now hitting the streets while compactors are now at work all over the city, evacuating refuse both day and night.

Considering that refuse is generated every minute by 22 million people, it is going to be a Herculean task getting Lagos cleaner. But trust with time and the cooperation of all stakeholders, speedily and steadily, the battle to rid our Lagos of filth will be executed with tenacity.

However, understanding and cooperation of the citizenry is germane to achieving the vision. Just as we lament over bad leadership and assert failure of our leaders to practice at home ideals they are exposed to when they travel abroad, we need to understand that developed nations did not get to the enviable position of having the cleanest cities in the world by leaving the business of environmental rehabilitation to the government alone. No! It really began when their citizens began to take responsibility over their environment.

Like famous world cities such as London, Washington, Oslo, Dublin, Paris, etc., with the needed discipline and conscious determination, we could also turn most of our cities into amazing haven of cleanliness.

This could begin with a simple habit of not throwing dirt in unauthorised places. It could be as simple as not urinating in public places.

Make it your goal to erase graffiti within 24 hours just as in Minneapolis. Lagos also has the advantage of achieving cleaner environment with what the Ambode government is doing through implementation of the phase two of the Lagos Urban Transport Programme (LUTP).

The strides in the public transportation sector will encourage the use of public transportation thereby causing decrease in carbon emissions when the cars on the road are reduced.

Musbau is of the Features Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

WARS AND UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES Rauf Aregbesola writes that peace is vital to productivity and prosperity

T

he history of soldering, for us, started long before colonialism. Much more in our consciousness was the Yoruba civil war that broke in 1877 and lasted for 16 years before coming to an end on September 23, 1893 when the warring parties signed an armistice.

It was a war fought to preserve Yoruba federalism and independence of all the sub nations of Yorubaland. It was in the words of Aare Latosa ‘A war to end all wars’. For a nation just coming out of the throes of 300 years of forced Euro-American enslavement, the war weakened the Yoruba nation, decimated the few remaining population and destroyed the advanced technology and productive basis of the society, from which we are yet to recover 125 years after.

Then entered colonialism and the European wars.

As a colony of Britain, Nigerians fought on the side of Britain during the First and Second World Wars during which not less than 50,000 Nigerians, mostly from the West, were killed on the side of Britain.

To be able to appreciate this figure, when Queen Elizabeth II came to Nigeria in 1956, the population of Lagos was 150,000. It would be like killing a third of the population of Lagos then.

These two wars were precipitated by deranged despots with oversized imperial ambition, thus plunging the world and their nations in particular into a catastrophe with their reckless actions.

However, the wars were driven largely by hatred, hate mongering, racial superiority, incitement to anger and violence and thoughtlessness on the consequences of one’s actions.

World War I claimed 27 million lives, including soldiers and civilians. The World War II claimed between 60 and 80 million lives, which was about three per cent of global population at 1940.

Since independence in 1960, we have fought and continue to fight our own wars. We fought a deadly and destructive 30-month civil war in which

none of the issues have been resolved till today, making us to wonder if the war effort was not in vain. More than 100,000 soldiers and two million civilians were estimated to have been killed in that war. This was at a time Nigeria’s population was 55 million by the most generous estimate.

After World War II, Europe was devastated and in ruins, requiring a Marshal Plan and trillions of dollars in rebuilding efforts that took a whole generation.

We have fought and continue to fight other minor and low intensity wars against militancy in the Niger Delta and insurgency in the North East, intra and inter communal clashes in practically all the zones of the country and the menace of herdsmen, which continue to claim the precious lives of our gallant soldiers and civilians alike.

Nigeria has also contributed to peace keeping missions of the United Nations and the African Union, particularly in West Africa, in which precious lives have been sacrificed for the peace and tranquillity of our sub-region.

The long and short of all these is that war is a very bad business. It is costly, deadly and ruinous, even for a supposedly winner. It is worse for the loser. Indeed, all are loser in a war. The resources, human and material, used to prosecute wars could have been used for the development of the people. The lesson of history is that nations and people emerged from wars weakened, devastated, impoverished and vulnerable.

The worst part is that though nations may decide to go to war or otherwise easily, before the outbreak of hostilities, it is far more difficult and sometimes impossible to decide to stop, thus we have prolonged and sometimes indeterminate war.

This is the hard part.

We see the devastations of war in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon (and closer home) in Liberia and Sierra Leone. While some like

Liberia and Sierra Leone are fortunate to put the war behind them, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and Iraq have found it difficult to stop their own wars.

Lebanon lost its Paradise and Pearl of the Middle East status to United Arab Emirates. The mutual antagonism and distrust that the Nigerian Civil War bred are still with us.

This is why it has become imperative for us to work assiduously for the peace of the nation by avoiding anything that could lead to war. We were fortunate that the civil war ended after 30 months, the first time; we may not be that lucky again, if war should break out in Nigeria this time.

Through carelessness, thoughtlessness, selfishness, wickedness and hate mongering, we may unwittingly be pushing our nation towards another war. God forbid! Acts of genocide, mindless exploitation of other people’s resources, reckless pursuit of one’s interest, not minding the consequences on others, unmitigated greed of the elite through rent seeking and primitive accumulation outside of work and productivity, we might be provoking rage, anger, resentment, destroying intra and inter communal peace and inciting rebellion from below.

We see also the false messianic impulse of military adventurers who wrongly believe that the barrel of the gun is the solution to complex problems that require tact, consultation, wisdom and nation building. Those who aborted civil democratic rule and plunge the nation to chaos, have only found out, to their chagrin, that they themselves were not better than the civilians they overthrew in addressing the issues and grappling with governance. As I said last week at the emblem launch, decapitation can never be the cure to headache.

We must all recognise that the mark of civilisation is the matured engagement of the contentious issues, tensions, conflicts and challenges of nationhood that we have been tackling since

independence, and not through armed conflict.

In the interest of the black race, Nigeria must not just exist, but it must be strong to be able to lead the continent to achieve its manifest destiny.

The greatest riches of the continent are domiciled in the Great Lakes Region comprising Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Nigeria should be strong and provide leadership with South Africa and the leaders of the region to be able to develop these riches for the development of the people of the continent and for Africa to be able to take her place in the world.

Essential to achieving this is peace. If there is no peace, we cannot make any progress. If we should slide into war, we can only regress while the rest of the world will not only leave us behind, the gap between us will become widened and unbridgeable.

We should therefore use the opportunity of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day to call for peace and avoidance of any act or utterance that might create tension and lead to conflict. The best way to honour the memory of the dead is to prevent wars, in order that their sacrifice will not be in vain.

Peace is the foundation for productivity. All able bodied persons in the country must be mobilised for work. We should discourage idleness and the quest for free money, which is no longer available.

Each person must generate surplus value from work over his or her own needs, in order for our nation to be prosperous. Peace should therefore lead to productivity which should give us prosperity.

Lastly, let us remember the families and dependants of our fallen soldiers; the surviving veterans and the wounded and infirm. We owe them a duty to support them and not make them to regret their sacrifice to fatherland.

Excerpts from Ogbeni Aregbesola’s speech at 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Osogbo

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

INSIGHT

Farewell...

Liberalising Air Transport Market in Africa

T

ravelling by air from one African country to another, as those familiar with the routes and processes would testify, is often strenuous, expensive and time-wasting due to poor air connections borne out of ill-advised protectionist policies. As Umaru Fofana, a BBC journalist, detailed in his experience in 2017 flying between the West African capitals of Freetown (Sierra Leone) and Banjul (The Gambia), a journey of 700km (400 miles) which should take about an hour could take 24 hours or 72 hours due to the non-availability of direct flights. Travellers from Freetown sometimes fly via Abidjan (Cote D’Ivoire) then Dakar (Senegal) before arriving in Banjul.

A quicker but far more expensive option would be to fly to Brussels (Belgium) and then connect to Banjul.

This obviously complicated and problematic arrangement has left African countries incapacitated from exploring the full economic potential of the budding aviation market on the continent. As a result, non-African airlines currently control about 80 per cent of the air transport traffic to and from Africa, fly about 80% of intercontinental traffic to and from Africa.

The decision therefore of the African Union to launch the Single African Air Transport Market last week during the 30th AU Summit in Addis Ababa is a timely development. The Single African Air Transport Market is a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, an initiative of the African Union to create a single unified air transport market in Africa, the liberalisation of civil aviation in Africa and as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda. SAATM will also enhance the realisation of the African Passport and free movement of people and goods, as well as the creation of the continental free trade Area (CFTA).

Implementing the SAATM, which is similar to the EU’s single aviation market, would go a long way towards making African air travel more competitive by reducing protectionist policies. Liberalisation of air transport within Africa to facilitate better connections within the continent would result in substantial benefits for passengers, airlines, and the economies of the respective African countries.

The 23 countries currently signed to the single air market are: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Togo and Zimbabwe. The 23 countries have a combined population of roughly 670 million, more than half the population of the continent. In addition, these 23 countries have a combined GDP of $1500 billion and their average per capita income of $2,119.5 is higher than the continent’s average of $1888. These countries also account for more than 80 per cent of intra-African traffic and also accounted for over 54 per cent of the 63.5 million international tourists recorded by Africa in 2015.

The aviation sector in Africa currently supports over $72 billion in GDP, creating 6.8 million jobs. Clearly,

there is a lot of potential for growth there. According to the International Air Transport Association, addressing market barriers in air transport between just 12 African countries could lead to 4.9 million additional passengers journeys, unlocking $1.3 billion additional economic activity and 155,000 new jobs.

The demand potential for intra-African air travel remains large and the economic benefits of policy reforms on the issue of intra-Africa connectivity could be significant. Demand for air travel to, from and within Africa is forecast to more than treble over the next 20 years - growing from 75 million passengers in 2016 to more than 240 million passengers per annum by 2035.

Under a single market, airlines from the region would be allowed to connect any two African cities, without having to go through their home hub first. South African Airways could, for example, fly Johannesburg-Nairobi-Cairo on the same trip and Ethiopian Airlines could go to Nairobi and Johannesburg in a single trip.

South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya are expected to be the biggest markets for air travel within Africa while Ethiopia will maintain its position as the key driver for air travel between Africa and the rest of the world. Currently, intra-Africa traffic accounts for at least half of the total air transport market in most African countries, with Cape Verde and Egypt being the only exceptions to this trend.

Bukola Ogunyemi, Lagos

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s Exemplary Leadership

I

have over the years been a keen observer of government programmes, policies and administrative styles of governors with particular reference to Enugu State, since 1999 to present. In fact, in 1999, it was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government of Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani that was in charge. As characteristic of his administration, the eminent physician, who succeeded the last military administrator of the state, Navy Captain Adewumi Agbaje, strove to redeem the image of the state. In manifestation of his ambition of raising the status of the state to a higher level, Nnamani featured prominently in wealth creation, socio-politico awareness, youth empowerment, job creation and fight against godfatherism but had no sufficient time to address the challenges of the state’s civil servants. In 2007, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime, still of the PDP, succeeded Nnamani in office. He played pivotal role in economic and infrastructural development. Scores of roads, bridges and markets were constructed to boost the state’s economic potential.

In these two governments, the Enugu State civil servants were great partners to the successes recorded not withstanding their myriad of problems ranging from fitful payment of salaries, allowances, pension and gratuities, to low wages.

With the emergence of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as executive governor in 2015, the rhythm of the music changed in favour of the harangued civil servants. Bearing in mind that civil servants are key players in any successful government, Ugwuanyi, immediately after his swearing in, pledged to pay these outstanding debts and having promptly repaid them, began henceforth to pay them all other entitlements as at when due.

He has also provided them with a good and friendly working environment to enhance their productivity. It is no longer news that Governor Ugwuanyi had in several fora, expressed his desire to put smiles on the faces of Enugu State civil servants.

It is on record that sometime in June 2015, Ugwuanyi, while receiving members of the government and management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe, did say that government is a continuum and that his government is poised to fulfil all promises made by the past administration as soon as it was able to tame the economic crisis.

Since coming into office, Ugwuanyi has made giant strides and achievements in security and security management in the state, healthcare T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R delivery, commerce, poverty eradication and EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU robust infrastructural development. He has never DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE failed in his promise to the Enugu State civil MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO servants especially with regard to their salaries DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI and entitlements. He ensures that by 25th of EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN every month, Enugu State civil servants receive their pay. This is a welcome development as the positive implication of prompt payment of workers’ salaries and entitlements cannot be overemphasised since a healthy mind in a T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D healthy body makes for a healthy productivity.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA At the December, 2017 teachers’ rally at Okpara GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, Square, Governor Ugwuanyi promised teachers ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI of the state the resuscitation of the revamped DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE promotion and other allowance schemes made DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI redundant by the past administrations in the state SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO as well as 13th month salary. All these promises CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI have since been fulfilled to the joy and admiraDIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO tion of the workers.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com Boniface Ugwu, Enugu

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 3, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY His Political Ambition and Dream of A Nollywood City

JOHN ‘MR. IBU’ OKAFOR

The name ‘Mr. Ibu’, is synonymous with comedy and drama. But not many people know that the award-winning actor has been ‘Ibu’ since childhood. With well over 300 movies to his name, it appears the Enugu-state born superstar has more talents than just acting. Ferdinand Ekechukwu writes

A

Okafor

lthough it wasn’t the first time, the news about armed robbers invading his Lagos home recently and carting away valuables worth millions of naira was rife. Most especially so was the cash amount alleged to have been stolen by the robbers which was put at 14 million naira.

Though the Nollywood ‘buffoon’ John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, has since come out to clear the air and put in context the exact loss at the time of the attack, events following the incident appear in good course as arrests have been made as the case is being investigated.

The jolly good actor, on the set of a movie sometime in November, just weeks before the robbery attack, had celebrated his birthday organised by his protégés, with the cast and crew at a location.

His bulky frame looms larger than ordinary, on this very day he was cast for the role to man the gate, not of his slightest imagination that men of the underworld would ironically come lurking at his own home weeks later.

However, it is not the first time the comic maestro will be cast as a gateman. “But you know this stereotype thing in the industry”, he noted. “I’m a versatile actor. But this man (a producer) puts you in the cast as a gateman and then it worked for him, another man will still cast you at the gate. I’m a comedian actually, but I can play any role.”

Playing comic roles most often times have affected his personality that people often think or described him derogatorily. In the real sense how would he describe himself? “Highly tactical person”, he responded, placing his harmonica on his right thigh. He would explain what he meant by ‘highly tactical’. But first had beckoned on a crew member for some form of assistance.

He had also called on the production manager to help him - while he undresses – pull off his security boots as it was a wrap for that day. “I see myself as a disciplinarian, I attach so many affairs of humanity to my community”, he continues. “I settle so many cases from people near my town, near my community, people around my village come to me for settlement of conflict.”

Really?! But all that does not portray him as such, not even when with “his humorous acting is often characterized by stupidity, hilarious imbecility, and a sharp disconnection from reality”. The unimportant image his make belief characters have cast on him beggars belief.

Especially that in addition he claims to have lost count of the list of his movie appearances after it got to three hundred some years ago.

With his status now that gives him a feeling of weariness and disgust that had made him turn down movie roles “so many times for same reason of no suspense in the stories”, believes he has grown in the industry and needs to correct some impressions. “Slapstick is not my idea I have grown and like a raw material which people use in the industry to achieve their production, therefore I should be essential enough in the area of correction.”

Like some of his other colleagues who have ventured into politics, he’s not ruling out the chance if the opportunity comes but had promised never to go into politics. But leaves it open for his state governor should he find him

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ BRUARY 3, 2018

15

SUPERSATURDAY HIS FLICK ON XENOPHOBIA IN THE OFFING ....

On his timeline is a movie on xenophobia.

The production lately has seen him go to countries like Ethiopia, Botswana (Gaborone), Zimbabwe, Liberia, and Ivory Coast. “All I want to find out is the truth behind xenophobia which I have gotten”, he claimed. “And they have given me support because I attended the meeting of African Diaspora Forum (ADF) in South Africa

worthy as a chairman of any committee at the local government level, that he will definitely show the difference.

A lover of music, it appears the interest of his state, Enugu, lies much at his heart that he had conceived a project and through which to contribute his quota in entertainment, had written to the government for permit to build a Nollywood City in this state with the highest percentage (86%) in movie making locations amongst all the states of the federation, according to him.

As he speaks, the serious disposition of him evinces, the type not regularly seen of him in movies. He wore this unfunny look and eases of sign of displeasure. “Enugu state obliged.

And then a whole lot of preparation was done.

Somewhere along the line, ‘we’ heard that some group of people assembled themselves to meet the government to tell them to stop me from doing it alone that group like them should be involved.”

Meanwhile the opposing group he alleged were major Nollywood practitioners were at the same time soliciting for land from the government for a project to be called ‘Actors’ Village’, which he believe is far below what he’s looking at. “What I was trying to do is for everybody and not for one person alone. Its going to be a town. . . a city on its own.

And then government of Enugu state will benefit from it massively, even the federal government will benefit from it too because of tourism. we going to develop a school there.

“I created the opportunity, I registered the name of ‘Nollywood City’, then I paid lawyer, then I invited developers from South Africa and investors from few other countries that are ready to invest. The architect finished drawing which were given to the government and then they gave it a nod that it should be built. I then chose some areas which doesn’t go down with the government.

“I then said ‘okay fine if it doesn’t go down well with you guys you people can now give me a place of your choice. Its been since last year (2016) and I have waited I don’t know what have been delaying them. So we are waiting for the government to just a finger point ‘look at the place’, and then we start immediately. I have waited for so long and I

Okafor with Monalisa Chinda at an award ceremony... don’t know . . . its all about government thing so it has taken time.”

On his timeline is a movie on xenophobia.

The production lately has seen him go to countries like Ethiopia, Botswana (Gaborone), Zimbabwe, Liberia, and Ivory Coast. “All I want to find out is the truth behind xenophobia which I have gotten”, he claimed. “And they have given me support because I attended the meeting of African Diaspora Forum (ADF) in South Africa.”

At the meeting there was a great number of

African countries together and high commissioners who attended. “They hosted me and asked me how do I feel about today’s meeting.

I told them its something that’s happening in Africa that’s not suppose to happen. There and then they asked me what are those things that this is African Diaspora Forum that anything can be repaired.

“I said that I’m pleading that since you people have given me right to shoot xenophobia, through a peaceful introduction of that quarrel, I’m going to mediate the fight because

I’m not going to bring out the real cause of that problem. But I’m going to act from the settlement level so that I broker between each countries and South African who are the bone of contention.

The movie is being scripted right now. “So I employed a writer who is now writing and within a space of six months it should be done because the writer is also travelling around those countries gathering his own findings.”

Expectedly by May, 2018, “he will be ready with the script.”

I’m a Versatile Actor

16

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

NEWS

EFCC Files Fraud Charges against CCT Chairman, Danladi Umar Davidson Iriekpen The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed fraud charges against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Yakubu Umar.

According to the charge sheet filed on behalf of the anti-corruption agency by Festus Keyamo at the High Court of FCT in Abuja, Umar was accused of demanding N10million from one Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo in order to be shown favour in relation to a pending charge at CCT. In the two-count charge preferred against the accused person, he was also accused of receiving N1,800,000 from the said Taiwo, through his Personal Assistant, Alhaji Gambo Abdullahi.

The offences are contrary to Section 12(1)(a) and (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003.

The first charge read: “That you, Danladi Yakubu Umar, being the Chairman of the CCT and presiding over a case with Charge No. CCT/ ABJ/03/12, involving one Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo, sometime in 2012, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did ask for the sum of N10,000,000 from the said Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo, for a favour to be afterwards shown to him in relation to the pending Charge (No. CCT/ABJ/03/12) in discharge of your official duties and thereby committed

an offence contrary to Section 12(1) (a) & (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003.

The second charge against the CCT boss read: “That you, Danladi Yakubu Umar, being the Chairman of the CCT and presiding over a case with Charge No. CCT/ABJ/03/12, involving one Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo, sometime in 2012, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did receive the sum of N1,800,000 from the said Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo, through your Personal Assistant by name Alhaji Gambo Abdullahi, for a favour to be afterwards shown to him in relation to the pending charge (No. CCT/ABJ/03/12) in discharge of your official duties and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 12(1)(a) & (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003.

According to Keyamo, the list of documents to be relied upon for the prosecution of the case include petition dated June 20, 2013, by Taiwo; statement of the defendant; Zenith Bank statement of Taiwo; Zenith Bank statement of Ali Gambo Abdullahi; copy of Zenith Bank cheque of Taiwo; copy of Zenith Bank cheque of Ali Gambo Abdullahi; All processes and documents in charge No. CCT/ ABJ/03/12; statements of witnesses; other relevant documents and proof of evidence The anti-corruption agency had

Buhari: Nigeria Has No Regret Fighting Appartheid Omololu OgunmadeinAbuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja, said Nigeria had no cause to regret its fight against the scourge of apartheid in South Africa before the advent of full democratic system in the country.

In a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said Buhari made the remark while receiving the outgoing South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Lulu Louis Mnguni, in the State House.

According to the statement, Buhari said Nigeria made lots of sacrifices during the years of apartheid to ensure that full rights were restored to all citizens, irrespective of the colour of their skin, promising that Nigeria would continue

to strengthen its historic and fraternal relationship with South Africa.

It added that the president who congratulated Mnguni on the successful completion of his duty tour, also noted that bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa would be improved upon, especially in the area of trade where he said both countries had areas of competitive advantage.

The statement further stated that the outgoing envoy, in his remark, expressed gratitude to the federal government for all the support he received during the course of his assignment, pointing out that the relationship between both countries had a long history of brotherliness and partnership in promoting the African course and disclosed that he would return to South Africa with fond memories of Nigeria.

ALL FOR AN ICON ...

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (right) and his Ebonyi State counterpart, Engr. David Umahi (left) with the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (middle) during his arrival at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu en route to Oko, Anambra State for the burial ceremony of Dr. Alex I. Ekwueme, yesterday. over two years ago commenced the probe of the CCT chairman and submitted a preliminary report to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

It was learnt that copies of the petitions that were submitted to the National Assembly in 2015 by anti-corruption groups, were also sent to the EFCC for investigations.

The Senate had in November 2015 directed its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to conduct a comprehensive investigations into the allegations of

corruption levelled against Umar.

The directive followed a petition submitted by a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator, Obinna Obah, from Ebonyi State.

Bayelsa IGR Grows to N12.14bn Emmanuel Addeh inYenagoa The Bayelsa State Government said yesterday that it had succeeded in growing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from a paltry N4.7 billion annually to about N12.14 billion at the end of 2017.

Special Adviser to Governor Seriake Dickson on Revenue, Treasury and Accounts, Timipre Seipulou, while giving the scorecard of the Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Commissioner, said the feat was made possible by the ingenuity of the current team.

He disclosed that six years ago, when the incumbent took over, the IGR was negligible, adding that as at the end of last year, the growth had risen to an average of one billion naira per month.

According to Seipulou, the state government had also managed to fish out several ghost workers in the civil service, thereby saving the state huge funds.

He added: “When this administration came on board in 2012, secondary school teachers’ wage bill was N866 million . But as at November 2017 it was reduced to N600 million. “ For primary schools, which had staff strength of 11,355, the wage bill was N757 million as at February 2012, but through our verification exercises we were able to reduce its 9000 staff with a wage bill of N569 million.”

Seipulou enumerated other achievements to include instituting the monthly transparency briefing, anti-salary fraud law, income and expenditure law, and successful

restructuring of the bond obligation inherited by the present administration.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Education, Jonathan Obuebite, said that over N3 billion had been spent by Bayelsa State as counterpart funding in the Education sector in the last six years.

He stated that the declaration of a state of emergency and the huge investment in the educational sector since 2012 had continued to yield positive results in contrast to the deplorable condition of schools inherited by the present administration.

The Commissioner said the infrastructure were in a state of decay while the performance of the students at externally conducted examination (SSSCE and NECO) were abysmal.

He cited the construction of headmasters’ quarters, teachers’ quarters, classroom blocks in more than 500 Primary Schools, renovation of over 160 Secondary Schools across the state, introduction of boarding schools and free school feeding programme as some of the achievements.

Others listed include the accreditation of the courses at the state-owned Niger Delta University, establishment of the University of Africa, Toru Orua and Bayelsa State Polytechnic at Aleibiri, and funding of scholarship programmes within and outside the country among others.

Obuebite assured that the state government was working towards ensuring the successful commencement of the Maritime Academy in Okpoama.

Obieri Asks Court to Stop Trustbond Fashola Confirms Growth of Economy Mortgage Bank from Harassing Him Under Jonathan, Says Omokri Davidson Iriekpen Former Chairman of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc and Summit Capital and Asset Management Limited, Dr. Raymond Obieri, has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to restrain Trustbond Mortgage Bank, formerly Intercontinental Homes Savings and Loans Limited, and its officers from harassing, threatening, intimidating and extorting him.

He also asked the court to restrain the mortgage bank from making any demand from him for any sum as purported outstanding indebtedness.

Obieri in his statement of claim, said because of the position he held in Intercontinental Bank and Intercontinental Homes Savings and Loans Limited, there was a high level

of camaraderie between the institutions as Summit Capital and Asset Management Limited was considered as part of the group of companies.

In the suit filed by his lawyer, Dr. Oladapo Olanipekun (SAN), he added that Intercontinental Homes Savings and Loans Limited (Trustbond Mortgage Bank), made investments in Summit Capital and Asset Management Limited by way of placement in the sum of N752.5million plus interest of N845.6million.

He said Summit Capital and Asset Management Limited subsequently advanced loan facilities to various members of staff of Intercontinental Bank Plc which were utilised to acquire shares in various companies.

The plaintiff averred that the loans, which were never repaid, made

Intercontinental Bank to exceed the sum of N845.6million advanced to Summit Capital and Asset Management by way of placement.

He stated that he was aware that the debt owed by Summit Capital and Asset Management to Intercontinental Homes Savings and Loans, and consequently the debt owned by staff of Intercontinental Bank to Summit Capital and Asset Management Limited were also considered as group debt

by Intercontinental Homes.

He added that upon the acquisition of Intercontinental Bank by Access Bank, the issue of the group debts were fully discussed and accepted and upon the request of Access Bank, a schedule of the loans granted and all necessary documentations were forwarded to Access Bank.

A speech credited to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola that the economy grew, regardless of epileptic supply of electricity during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan vindicates the former president.

A statement, yesterday, by Mr. Reno Omokri, an aide of former president Goodluck Jonathan, said, “Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, has exposed both his boss, President Buhari, and his colleague, Lai Mohammed, as liars who will say anything, no matter how untrue, to cling to power and demonise former President Jonathan and the PDP. Omokri said, “Speaking on February 1, 2018 at a civil society engagement workshop on the

Power Sector Recovery Programme in Abuja, Fashola in trying to defend himself from allegations of ineptitude as regards the epileptic power supply in the country, ended up vindicating both Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP, albeit unintentionally.

“At that event, Mr. Fashola said: ‘We hear all our so-called experts who say (non-availability of) power is why the economy of Nigeria is not growing. That is not factual and it is not correct. At the time when we had less power in 2013 and 2014, the economy of this country was growing at seven per cent per annum. We had less power then, than we have now, but the economy was growing.’

Omokri said, “Nigerians can now see that Mr. Fashola, in a

Freudian slip, was made by God, to expose the truth that his boss, his party and his colleagues have been trying to suppress for the past three years, namely that former President Jonathan developed and grew Nigeria’s economy at an unprecedented and consistent growth rate of over 6% per annum, and handed over a thriving economy that was projected by CNNMoney to be the third fastest growing economy in the world when Dr. Jonathan handed over power to President Buhari.

“Unfortunately, due to the ineptitude of the Buhari administration, a booming economy became an economy in recession in just one year under the All Progressive Congress.

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER TEENS CONNECT FASHION FILE INTERVIEW

pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 38 pg. 43 pg. 46

Kemi OmololuOlunloyo

14 Policemen Armed with AK47 Tied Me Up, Drove Me to Port Harcourt from Ibadan

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 3, 2018

PLUS

My Wish is to Get Married This Year to an Ikwerre or Owerri Man Six-foot tall, she towers above many of her peers. Looking plain but exquisite, the infectious cackle in her voice betrays her gregarious nature. Despite spending several weeks in prison, the glint in her eyes has not lost its lustre. Portrayed as a larger-than-life character on and off the Internet, she has a past that haunts her and a future she dreams to live . Meet the international journalist and founder of HNNAfrica, Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo, who got into trouble over a report she posted online. In this interview with Bayo Akinloye, Omololu-Olunloyo talks about her past, present, and future, underlining her relationship with Salvation Ministries’ Founder, David Ibiyeomie, her father, and love for an Owerri man

W

hat happened that a Port Harcourt Pastor got you arrested?

Somebody sent me an eight-page letter – you know I’m ‘notorious’ for investigative journalism and I’ve been doing this since I was in America – and through that letter somebody took advantage of me. Like I said in the testimony, the Devil –he – used me. The people that took advantage of me were the Devil. They used me; they tried to genuinely destroy a man of God – an anointed man of God. I don’t have to talk much about that. You saw it in the testimony video posted online. Didn’t you? But here’s the gist: somebody sent a message to my inbox; I always get a lot of messages in my inbox and I’ve done a lot of expose based on those tips sent to my inbox. My job as an investigative journalist is to investigate the tips sent to me by people. About the eight-page letter; when I received it I took the first page and posted it on the Internet, starting that I received a message from a member of Salvage Ministry alleging corruption in the church. There was nothing about adultery mentioned in the post I made.

The member alleged that there was a car missing which was to the church and that the car was in Iyabo’s garage; and that Iyabo had given the car to her personal aide. My job was to investigate the missing car. I didn’t care about the alleged adultery. As a matter of fact, I’ve told Wikipedia that I would sue them if they didn’t take down the post claiming that I talked about adultery.

(Chris) Oyakhilome broke up with his wife, I didn’t write about it.

Five times I reached out to Iyabo on Instagram, Iyabo didn’t respond to my calls. I sent messages to her inbox, I didn’t get any response. Some people don’t read the messages in their inbox because they’re celebrities – so, they don’t have time to read any messages. But me, I read all messages in my inbox. Last night I read 4,000 messages in my inbox. I also contacted Ibiyeomie – the Salvation Ministries called me back but I didn’t know who was talking to me on the phone though the person claimed to be Ibiyeomie but I knew that wasn’t the pastor’s voice.

Anyway, the person said, ‘Leave the man of God alone.’ I told the person that I was just doing my job; investigating a claim. The person said, ‘If you‘re not careful, the wrath of God will come upon you. Dangote trailer will crush you.’ The person went on cursing me.

I just realised that a whole church was praying against me – a lot of bad things

could have happened to me. I could have been killed. What did I do wrong?

I didn’t see anything. But everybody was saying, ‘Kemi published this...’ ‘Kemi posted that...’ Defamation isn’t a criminal offence in other climes. But it is criminal in Nigeria. I only posted a news tip; I didn’t write any story that Iyabo was a prostitute.

Did the letter talk about adultery?

Yes; I posted the eight-page letter talking about corruption and how the pastor and a Nollywood actress were doing this and doing that in a house in Port Harcourt – adultery this, adultery that.

So, I sought some witnesses; I couldn’t get anything. I couldn’t get confirmation or denial from Ibiyeomie. I couldn’t get confirmation or denial from Iyabo. But I learnt the church denied the allegations – not to me but to other people. I ended up in a trial that was very, very deep.

So, you were sued by the Founder and Senior Pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie?

Did you know I had already won this case? Federal court I had hearing, December 11 and 12; and the magistrate’s court.

They wanted to crucify; they charged me to two courts. They were taking me back and forth to the courts. At a point I started feeling weak; the whole situation was aching. I was spending N200,000 each time I came to the court – ticket, N60,000; drop from Ibadan to and fro Murtala Muhammed, N30,000; drop from airport to hotel in Port Harcourt, food, drinks – everything added up was costing me a lot of money. I didn’t have money any more. I just got tired. Before then, I had called the bluff of the person who called me; I told the person to go ahead and sue me. I had thought it was a civil case until 14 police officers showed up in my house. They almost pulled the gate down. They surrounded my house, armed with AK-47s to arrest who?

Evans? Don Wanney? Who else? EFCC’s fraudster? No, a journalist; the daughter of a former governor.

To cut the long story short, I was taken to Port Harcourt (Rivers State), tied up at the back of a Hilux and driven across eight states – my human rights were violated. The police lied to me: they said they wanted to talk to me about a non-criminal matter. They said they were taking me to Oyo State CID to question me on a non-criminal matter. That was how they got me out of the house. They told my mom it was a non-criminal matter that someone complained about me. They told my mom to meet us at Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

But the next thing I noticed was that they veered into the highway and the next thing I saw was ‘Welcome to Ijebu Ode.’

Omololu-Olunloyo

FEBRUARY 3, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS I Was Abused Physically, Emotionally in Relationships with Two Men That Produced Three Children I thought they were going to kill me.

I asked them where they were taking me but they didn’t say. I know in Nigeria people can just abduct you and kill you. I was terrified. I had to struggle with their AK-47 at one point.

(That journey) was the longest eight hours of my life.

The lawsuit against you was withdrawn. How do you feel about the pastor?

Pastor David Ibiyeomie is my spiritual father now. Today, I call him ‘Papa’. My so-called fans became irate when they saw my testimony video that went viral – the so-called fans using paracetamol for my headache.

They made terrible comments online about me. I wonder: did anyone of them visit me in the prison? Did anyone one of them give me money to feed when I was in prison custody?

I don’t care a hoot about them. When I went to the church I gave Ibiyeomie a hi-five and I said, ‘Papa!’ He has pirit. taught me about the Holy Spirit. d you’ve y Some people are worried been brainwashed or that the time you spent in prison has had adverse effect on you.

I am a member of the Salvavation Ministries now; nobody y has brainwashed me. I simply gave ave my y life to Christ. I’ve done everything ything in my world. Single mother with ith three children and successful; I’ve lived in America and Canada. I havee enjoyed j y the world. My life is now about bout God. I can’t do anything but servee God. Why do you think people le misunderstand you and conclude lude that you’re a controversial character? racter?

Most of them misunderstand and me because they are illiterates – write it like that. Some Nigerians don’t on’t know anything about the world; I’m m a global citizen. Some people sit in Nigeria – they’ve never been to America ica – they have little or no knowledge how certain things are done or said aid over there. They are illiterate Nigerians erians – I’m not going to call them ‘educated educated illiterates’. They’re either illiterates terates or they’re not. There misunderstanding standing g stems from ignorance. Pleasee quote me: 60 per cent on Nigerianss on social media are just silly, stupid illiterates. literates.

They don’t want to learn; maybe y a number of them want to learn. arn. On the social media they go about insulting me; they say I’m controversial. ial.

Your critics accused you u off once making a controversial ial post p concerning the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s General Overseer, Enoch Adeboye. Is that correct? orrect?

I attacked Adeboye in 2013, 3, saying y that Adeboye’s wards (students ents of Redeemer’s University) weree drug addicts – that they were all taking g cocaine. I found that out; I did my investigations and I wrote the he story. y Guess what: few years later, Adeboye launched a rehab centre. Did d he not? Some rich kids at Redeemer’s emer’s University use cocaine. One of them, who killed his father, was reported eported in the papers sometime ago. I never had any personal issue with Adeboye. eboye. y I only reported a story. I don’tt fabricate falsehoods. There are many other Adeboye stories I put out there here and the truth is obvious. Anybody dy can sue me if they want to.

It was reported your father, ther, Omololu Olunloyo, at a time ime had to apologise to Adeboye because ecause of your claim?

That is not true. My fatherr never went to apologise to Adeboye. I can only

remember my dad going to that church in Ibadan to worship like any other politician – and he prayed for me. The story that my dad went to Adeboye to beg on my behalf was made up.

man are you looking at?

I will settle for an Owerri man from Imo State. I love Owerri. I like everything about Owerri that I have heard.

The man should not be aggressive.

But you had to apologise to Ibiyeomie. Why? I apologised to Ibiyeomie on behalf of somebody that tried to use me to do the devil’s work – that does not mean that I have been posting lies online about people – let that be clear.

In Adeboye’s church, my brother is a pastor there. Ayobami Olunloyo is a senior pastor at RCCG in London.

If you got married what would you do differently in relation to your previous relationships?

I am a God-fearing woman now. I am about to become a female pastor.

I have three children for two men. I was abused emotionally and physically.

If I got married now, the man must be tender, loving, and caring. He must not abuse me either physically or emotionally. I have given my life to Jesus. I will now submit – if I got married now I’d be submissive to my husband. I must be submissive – that doesn’t make me a slave. I once said I wanted a man who would take orders from me. Right now, I’ll be submissive but will not be a slave. I want a loving man as a husband. On my wish list for 2018 is marriage: I want to marry a rich Ikwerre man or Owerri man.

With your newfound faith, do you intend to be a pastor?

I have plans to attend the Salvation Ministry’s pastoral classes to become a pastor. I want to become a lady pastor – aka Woman of God – so that I can anoint people. I want to continue belonging to Jesus.

You said the Nigeria Police lied to you about the Ibiyeomie case; tied you up and drove you down to Port Harcourt. Won’t you seek redress for the breach of your rights?

I have told the prosecutors that the current Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, would have to give me some money. I’m not going to sue the Nigeria Police. Idris will have to bring me some money; he will deposit it in my account. Yes; he will have to invite me to Abuja. I want to meet him. I need to let him know that criminal defamation does not belong to democracy; it belongs to military dictatorship.

Let me also tell you that I’m interested in being an ambassador of the Nigeria Police Force. After all, the first deputy IG in Nigeria was my grandfather – Chief Samuel Akinyemi; my mother’s father. I got my investigative skills from my grandfather. I would say he was the best in the CID until he retired and went to the House of Assembly in the old western region. I was a police volunteer in Canada. The Nigeria Police need the support of the people. I am willing to support them.

How did your children feel about your ordeal, spending months in prison?

My youngest son was very disturbed; he had to stop school at one point. He stopped school because I couldn’t pay his tuition while in detention. It was God who brought me out of prison.

Do you have any plans to settle down?

Yes oh! I want to marry this year.

Pastor (Ibiyeomie) said I would marry this year. Apostle Chinyere Chibuzor (of Omega Power Ministries) has prayed for me. He has put a ring on my finger.

Chibuzor said I would get married in 2018.

What kind of

What about reconciling with your father with whom you’ve had a frosty relationship?

I haven’t seen my dad for three years even though we both live in Ibadan. In giving my life to Jesus, certain things must change.

To cut the long story short, I was taken to Port Harcourt (Rivers State), tied up at the back of a Hilux and driven across eight states – my human rights were violated.

The police lied to me: they said they wanted to talk to me about a noncriminal matter. They said they were taking me to Oyo State CID to question me on a non-criminal matter

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 3, 2018

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Adeosun Munir Gwarzo vs Kemi Adeosun – Round One I will not miss this match for anything. I reclined on the red couch in my office seeping a very cold bottle of Coca-cola waiting for the extravaganza to unfold. I watched very closely. As a capital market operator myself, I am interested in this battle of wits. Let me put it out there very quickly that Munir is a contemporary. We started our careers almost at the same time with the old Habib bank. He moved to become the DG of SEC while I moved to become the Duke of Shomolu. Before una laugh, take note that nobody can suspend me o. Well, today is for this match. Munir in white attire was first off the corner, shooting and jabbing at Kemi. He spoke stridently on all allegations made against him. On the appointments, he claimed to have gone through the Federal Character Commission. He also denied having anything to do with any firm that was contracted to do supplies at the SEC. He was very confident and spoke like a man who had a point to prove. When it was kemi’s turn, she first waited to make sure her make-up was well in place. The woman fine sha.

Didn’t know o. Did you see her eyes, quite luminous and her lips kai, she fine. She immediately handed over the platform to her Director of Legal. That one with his 14th-century suit went ahead with the legal processes that led to Munir’s suspension and he did an excellent job. I agreed with him that due procedure was taken. When the spotlight came back to the minister, kai she finished my man o. She first claimed victory with the fact that the market was the best performing in the world. She spoke of how she had ignored media reports but could no longer do that when she was confronted with hard facts including invoices and all. As she spoke, I just began to pity Munir. You cannot win a cat fight against a woman o. Mrs Adeosun was clinical in her deposition and speaking with authority marshalled her points to a devastating effect. Kai, the woman brilliant, even though the British accent was coming and going, I could not laugh; this na serious national matter.

The downside was some of the House committee members. Some of them were out of their depth asking strange questions which distracted us and almost turned the whole thing to a Nollywood film. But Munir and Kemi being very sharp gladiators kept on the excitement. I think Munir won this round though because at some point some committee members were not convinced as to the impartiality of the whole thing especially its timing with the Oando audit.

The second round is coming and if I know the minister very well, she will come out in a feisty manner determined to pin Munir down in a TKO. Kai, I pity my brother o. There is nothing God

Gwarzo

Soyinka

Is Donald Duke Serious?

I came across his campaign posters recently and for some time now his name has been coming and going in various discussions.

My question this morning is the seriousness or otherwise of this candidate. It is not to rub powder and be taking pictures like someone entering the Big Brother Africa House, it’s to come out with a certainty as to what direction one is going. This would give followers and analysts like myself the sense of purpose to take a position. Donald Duke’s name has been floating around ever since he finished his second term in Calabar and for as long as I can remember all we have been getting is a not-so-sure positioning from him. We recently formed a ‘’whatsapp’’ group of young professional minds who align with the middle-road philosophy. The Group is called, ‘’Duke’s platform’’, not his own Duke o, but the Duke of Shomolu. He was a part of the group at the initial stage and it was meant to be like a sounding board for him as he tried to

penetrate a majority of the over 60 million Nigerians who throng the Internet daily. It was meant to be a focus group for him. As we speak, we have four Senators in the Group, many State Commissioners both serving and retired, a gubernatorial candidate, even his brother Pat Utomi is on the group and you can imagine the level of conversation in the group that also has retired Bank Directors and other such prominent Nigerians exchanging positions with youths eager to contribute. Our man never said a word and eventually left the group quietly. While I am not holding it against him as he retains the right of choosing those he would like to associate with, he should just come out and let us know what we are doing. Are we seeking a role in a new Nollywood block buster with all these fine boy posters or are we about to launch a clear and decisive push for the Presidency? Let me know on time o, so I know what to do.

Meanwhile, I am hungry o, let me go chop some Afang and Fufu.

cannot do. I think Munir should immediately put together a cross-religious committee with membership from all known and unknown religions with Apostle Sulaiman if he can only just stop getting distracted with that sweet, young thing, to commence serious prayers on his behalf. Otherwise, we may not see Munir’s bones to pick in the next round. I have my popcorn and fizzy drink ready.

Wole Soyinka at the Ripples I have just been informed that the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, will be speaking at the Ripples colloquium in March. Ripples is an online news platform that is gradually growing in stature and influence. The great professor will be in the company of other prominent Nigerians as they look at the political terrain. I hope Obasanjo will not be anywhere near there because we all know how the

Pat Utomi

professor will just be throwing big, big grammar anytime you mention that name. Me, I have booked my ticket and will be there. Thank you.

Clara Macaulay – A Damsel at 60 This elegant and beautiful sister-inlaw will celebrate her 60th this Sunday.

I have many wºonderful things to say about this sweet angel but I will keep them and say it on the day. You know I am the MC. But let me just say this, her kind heart and cool mien keep the family going even during tough times like the last passing of our daddy, Chief Patrick Mowete. I am using this opportunity to wish Mrs. Clara Macaulay a happy birthday and more beautiful years ahead. Uncle Jimmy, what is the plan o? Let me know on time so that we can prepare well. Congratulations ma and God bless you.

Command Elections – I Stand Down A time comes when a man has to stand up for his principles, putting his personal interests aside for the longterm interest of on association. We had thrown our hat into the ring, seeking the mandate of the over 11,000 members of our great alumni association in our bid to use it as a pilot platform to deliver some socio-economic initiatives that would further cascade throughout the nation. The plan was to leverage on the ‘huge’’ population to deliver on an investment holding group, to raise capital, selling share units to our members. We would have raised N1b with which we would go into impact investing, creating jobs, redistributing wealth and ceding a portion of the profits to the alumni. We believed very strongly that the association could be transformed into a strong vehicle of national economic rebirth. The figures are staggering. If a 40-year-old school like Command with 11,000 members could build a road map to N1b, then you can now imagine what schools with a 100-year history could deliver.

We had even gone ahead to work with a software development firm in building an App that would ease collections and monitoring. Sadly we would have to temporarily shelve this dream as circumstances I would not want to mention at this point have forced us to stand down for the sake of peace and continuous unity of the association. We would not be contesting the February 11 election; a decision taken at the highest levels of our campaign organisation.

As soon as the dust settles, I will release my campaign memoirs complete with the role each actor played in the whole episode for Nigerians to see and experience how the issues that bedevil our national politics continually follow us into sociocultural groupings. But till then, I wish my opponents well even as they commence the arduous task of rebuilding our great association. Long live Command, Long live Nigeria!

21

FEBRUARY 3, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPY GLASS

with BAYO ADEOYE .... 08054680651 remained what it was, a rumour.

However, while many are wondering what could have happened to the technocrat, Spyglass gathered that he might have got back his groove as 2019 approaches. A source revealed that he is putting finishing touches to his ambition for an elective position.

FESTUS ODIMEGWU FESTUS ODIMEGWU GOT BACK HIS GROOVE? The story of Festus Odimegwu, a former Managing Director of Nigeria Breweries Plc and past chairman of the National Population Commission, NPC, would made a good movie if well scripted.

The billionaire has a unique way of‘reinventing’ himself.

Many were shocked during the buildup to the 2015 presidential elections when he came out ‘smoking hot’ with some controversial articles and even utterances endorsing the then APC presidential candidate, Muhammed Buhari.

The open display of love for Buhari had been received with mixed feelings. But the reason is not far-fetched.

Before going into politics, he was a boardroom guru. In his heyday as the boss, Nigerian Breweries, he had the ears of former President Olusegun Obasanjo so much that he allegedly lent his weight, in his own capacity, to his third-term agenda.

But as soon as Obasanjo’s third-term agenda hit a brick wall, he was reportedly technically pushed down from his exalted seat, as his employers felt he was no longer representing its corporate image well. That was when he was sent to Harvard for a course.

Upon his exit, he was temporarily in limbo of sorts, and many of his friends and associates were said to have left him in the lurch. But determined to remain relevant, he went into politics in 2007 when he declared his intention to contest the governorship of Imo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. But sadly, he got his hands burnt.

For him, it was not a total loss, as he was later made the Chairman of National Population Commission, NPC, by former President Goodluck Jonathan. At that point, many had thought his trials were over, but they were shocked when he was unceremoniously sacked after he made comments considered critical of a section of the country.

But like a cat with nine lives, he staged a comeback, following his support of Buhari. This, we gathered, was made possible by Obasanjo. In no time, the technocrat became one of Buhari’s close confidants; and it was being rumoured that he might be compensated in some way. The rumour spread far and wide that his name was included in the ministerial list. But, three years later it

TEARS, TRIBUTES AS DEJI TINUBU GOES HOME Even if you had literally feasted on the head of a tortoise, as the Yoruba would say, you would have cried out your heart, on January 30, when the remains of the late Deji Tinubu, a former Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Commerce and Industry, were committed to mother earth at the Vault and Garden, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Amidst the funeral ambience, tributes poured in torrents from family members, friends, government officials and sports enthusiasts, who had come to pay their last respects to Tinubu, who passed on January 25, during a novelty football match in Epe, at a retreat of the Lagos State Executive Council.

In reference to the biblical saying that “the memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot”, the former Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission was celebrated even in death with sweet and kind words during the burial. In fact, “If the dead could look back, the former Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission would be grinning in his grave now,’’ a source said.

In his tribute, his brother, Wale Tinubu, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc, described him as “one deserving of prize for decency, courtesy, fairness and exceptional kindness.”

Also, his wife, Oluwayemisi, said she couldn’t have asked for a better husband, as “he was a bold and courageous man, who was willing to yield himself to the Lord, to be used as a perfect example of what a Godly marriage should be.”

Before the final journey, many personalities across the country, including the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, business moguls, Femi Otedola, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, had paid condolence visits to his family.

In attendance at the reception held in honour of the late Tinubu at the Havillah Event Centre, Oniru Estate, Lagos were wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osibajo; Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode; his Ogun State counterpart, Ibikunle Amosun; Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Dayo Adeneye; Lagos State Commissioner of Art, Culture and Tourism, Steve Ayorinde, Ogun State Commissioner of Commerce, Bimbo Ashiru, former Lagos State First Lady, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, and Ovation publisher, Dele Momodu, among several others.

TOKUNBO MODUPE KEEPS MUM ON AMBITION Is Tokunbo Modupe, the head honcho

TOKUNBO MODUPE

DEJI TINUBU

at TPT, planning to dump his first love, marketing communications, for politics? Or is Modupe ready to join the crop of politicians who are known for demagoguery and not living by their words?

These are some of the thoughts in the minds of his far-flung fans since the news broke that the handsome dude is reportedly being tipped to contest a senatorial seat to represent Ondo North senatorial district at the upper chamber on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. A source told Spy Glass that though he had not made his intention known, he might throw his hat into the ring come 2019 for the Senate, as “many are urging him to consider the elective post for good representation.”

The source added: “Remember he was the director-general of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Committee in the build-up to the last presidential election. Consequently, he has been able to position himself as someone who can be trusted.”

His rise to fame in the marketing communications sector has been laced with thorns and roses. At a time when most of his mates were traversing the length and breadth of the country for seemingly non-existent jobs, Tokunbo Modupe was only interested in selling ideas. In the eyes of many, he was simply a loafer! Many condemned him with their actions and inaction. But he was unperturbed because he had a clear vision of what he wanted to do in life.

With zest and determination, fortune smiled on him after a few years, as he was able to turn his beautiful ideas into money.

Over the years, he has single-handedly added glamour to the business that was once seen as conservative. Though it has been a roller-coaster of sorts on the marketing communications plane in the country, his ingenuity, and scientific mind have helped a great deal, to carve a niche for himself.

With TPT, he has been able to turn public relations around in the country, as he is known to follow uncharted course.

A visionary par excellence, he has also added another money spinner, 001 Event, a leading consultancy firm in Nigeria, to his kitty.

If indeed he goes public with his political ambition, he may not be crucified, as he is known to have always nursed beautiful dreams.

NWANKWO KANU’S FAMILY AT WAR Until recently, all was thought to be well within the family of a former Super Eagles’ captain, Nwankwo Kanu.

But the news emanating from the family is such that may inspire a Nollywood movie producer, as some of the family members are reportedly at each other’s jugular.

The war, it was gathered, is between the former Arsenal striker’s wife, Amara, and his younger brother, Ogbonna Kanu, a former defender

NWANKWO KANU with Sparta Rotterdam and Owerri Stampede.

Things got to a head recently when both took to the social media to express their grievances over what our source described as a “compounding vexation.”

The mother of three and her brotherin-law have not been on talking terms for many years, and all entreaties to resolve the issue have failed.

Amara is said to be angry with Ogbonna’s attitude of meddling in her domestic affairs.

It was also gathered that Ogbonna’s wife, Laura Ikeji, is also not on talking terms with Amara.

One can only hope that the warring family members will sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign, especially as it was gathered that Kanu (Amara’s husband) is most worried about the unfortunate development.

BETWEEN OLU OKEOWO AND NIYI ADEBAYO Can you hazard a guess about the depth of the friendship between Nigeria’s businessman, Olu Okeowo and a former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo?

This seems to be the puzzle that the boss of Gibraltar solved, last Sunday, when he played host to Adebayo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at his Okeowo de Palacious, Parkview, Ikoyi, Lagos home. It was in celebration of the former Ekiti State governor who turned 60 in a blaze of glory recently.

The property merchant told his guests at the dinner that their friendship dates back to over 30 years, adding that it had stood the test of time.

The billionaire, it was also gathered, serenaded the guests with the tale of his long-standing relationship with Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was full of smiles and appreciation for the gesture.

The dinner was attended by dignitaries, top government functionaries, business tycoons and socialites, including a former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba; Herbert Wigwe, Managing Director, Access Bank Plc.; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, a former Managing Director, Access Bank Plc; Alhaji Razak Okoya and his wife, Sade and Chief Samuel Adedoyin, among others.

WIGWE, NIYI, OKEOWO AND AIG-IMOUKHUEDE

STAN EKEH

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

22

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×

ARINOLA ODIMAYO

Women Break Friendship over Little Things Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă™Ă–Ă‹ ĂŽĂ“Ă—Ă‹ĂŁĂ™ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă–Ă‹ĂĄĂŁĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ʨÖ× ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂœË›

Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂžĂ’Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ×Ùà ÓĂ? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ ÖÙÞ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ?

I just produced my first movie just produced my first movie and I’m still pretty new in the industry. I haven’t deviated into movie production, as I am still a Lawyer but I just don’t do litigation. I do writing, drafting and proof reading, except going to court.

was looking for people that would like to come on board to finish up with me. So, I was introduced to another lady who was interested in working and she said she would like the film to have a different name.

During one of our meetings, we thought of names and that was how Memoirs of 4 came about.

Being a lawyer There is a property side of it, family, and drafting. So, it’s got different phases and you just pick whatever niche that works for you.

Even when I was in the Law School, I just never liked Litigation. Litigation is a more radical part of law which some people enjoy but I focus more on other aspects that other lawyers come to seek me for.

How I started out the casting My younger brother’s friend came around one time and asked about my writing, and he then advised that I should not play with the ideas I was having. He told me we could have it going.

He mentioned he had featured in Tinsel and convinced me that he had a couple of people we could bring together. Later, I met with Tana Adelana and she introduced me to someone who was like a brother to her and at this point I didn’t know which of the scripts I wanted to shoot. She gave me Frederick’s number and I went back to Afeez my brother’s friend and we went through some of the scripts. Then we made a choice of the one we shot after we looked into every other script. He cost it and then we started.

I

My journey into movies That was when I got interested in writing scripts, and you know already, I do agreements and all of that. From there, I learnt a lot in my spare time and just think out loud on various things. And I think four years ago, I sat down to write a script which I didn’t write like a story, but like screen writing, and that’s how I started writing the first script. I sent the write-up to my cousin who lives in London and asked her opinion and she would ask what I was trying to do and go through it, add her thoughts and then send it back. We went back and forth, and over the years I wrote about seven scripts.

Memoirs of 4 is the title of my movie Actually when I finished writing the scripts, it was titled 30s; that was its initially title, but while I was going into the production I had some financial hiccups so I had to pause for a while to put myself together and go back to it. Between the time that I paused and went back to it, ‘Fifties’ came and it had four women as well, but then I thought about it and didn’t want to release it so that it wouldn’t be thought that I want to ride on the vibe of that movie. So I changed it from 30s to Fluke and by the time I had finished the first set I

I hope my choice of cast will help push the movie I know Adesuwa Etomi is big now, and I also have some veterans on board too, such as Aunty Tina Mba, Aunty Remi Surutu, Joseph Benjamin and a host of others. And

by God’s Grace it would be a major success.

I had a hitch earlier when I started shooting I had to pause because of funds, but I won’t really want to go into details. 80 per cent of the movie was shot in 2015 and the reason I went back to shoot some more scenes was because I was the writer and noticed some things were missing, which I needed to see there. For me, it made some sense if they saw some of these things rather than just hear it.

The people I worked with tried to convince me to go ahead, but I was bent on getting it perfectly

Odima o Odimayo

done, and even when they told me it would cost so much money to have to reshoot, I didn’t mind. So, I had to start gathering them again.

It also buttress the power in togetherness and how as one we can solve a problem together. And we tend to find help when we open up to people and get assistance.

The baseline of the movie is friendship We women usually like to break friendship on very little things, and in the movie, I tried to show our folks that we can’t all be the same, and in that adversity, we should be able to tell ourselves we messed up but that it’s okay. So, I tried to emphasise that with the efficacy of prayers. I tried to put together someone who believes in prayer and someone who doesn’t but prays and it works.

Every cast member did well on set Everyone did fantastically well, and I also took a role in the movie.

I didn’t plan to but I had to come in for a friend of mine that was supposed to play a particular role, and we just had to improvise at that point.

I didn’t take many roles; I got there and couldn’t just remember the lines. It took me time and I took a lot of cuts.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťËœ 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 INKBLOT AND FILMONE TEAM UP AGAIN FOR ‘NEW MONEY’ Known for their crowd-pleasing blockbuster collaborations - The Wedding Party Series and My Wife and I - Inkblot Productions and FilmOne Production and Distribution have teamed up yet again for the movie, New Money.

It tells a story of a struggling young designer, Toun Odumosu (Jemima Osunde) whose life changes, following the death of an absentee tycoon father (Kalu Ikeagwu), who left her to fill his shoes.

The film is a comedy drama about a young girl coming to terms with newfound riches and follows her journey as she tries to successfully merge her newfound wealth with her old life.

Directed by Tope Oshin (Shuga, Tinsel and Journey to Self) and written by Chinaza Onuzo

(The Arbitration, My Wife and I, The Wedding Party 2), New Money boasts of a stellar cast, led by Jemima Osunde, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Kate Henshaw, Dakore Egbuson, Wale Ojo and Folarin “Falz� Falana.

The star studded film also features Femi Branch, Osas Ighodaro, Wofaifada, Daniel Etim Effiong, Adeolu Adefarasin, Kalu Ikeagwu and Bikiya Graham-Douglas.

New Money will mark the forth collaboration between these two industry powerhouses and will be released in cinemas across Nigeria on March 23, 2018.

Their previous collaborations, The Wedding Party Series (December 2016 and December 2017) and My Wife and I (August 2017) were top Nollywood earners at the box office.

JAYWIZE

I Just Flow with Whatever Comes Out of My Mind Ă&#x;ĂŽĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂœĂ‹ĂšĂšĂ?ĂœËœ ËãåÓäĂ?Ëœ Ă“Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂž Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë› Ă? ĂœĂ‹ĂšĂ?Ëœ Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ëœ ĂšĂ&#x;ĂžĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă“Ă— Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă?Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă™ĂĄĂ˜Ë› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ăž åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ

TOSIN AJIBADE HOSTS SUCCESSFUL INFLUENCER MARKETING TRAINING

Popular blogger and social media influencer, Tosin Ajibade, also known as Olorisupergal, recently held an influencer marketing training for entrepreneurs and digital media enthusiasts recently at ILX Centre Lekki, Lagos.

The event had four influential speakers who analysed and explained influencer marketing to the trainees, and they include, Olorisupergal, Sisi Yemmie, Femi Bakre of KraksTV, and RonkeFella.

Olorisupergal began the seminar by talking about who an influencer is, and in her words, “An influencer is a person, connecting to different people or an organisation through social media, using their opinion to influence people and their choices�. According to her, a lot of brands are in search of such people.

She described, elaborately, the various types of influencers and their relevance to the society.

Femi Bakre of Kraks TV, who was also one of the speakers, talked on how to get started and the tools that can help the work easily.

He went on to describe how hestartedandtheimportanceof research at the beginning. Femi gave out some social media tools that can help make the workload easy for an influencer. He introduced attendees to tools like Buffer, wunderlist, yandex.com and more.

Sisi Yemmie shared with the participants, a story of how she became a YouTuber and the challenges she encountered. Sisi Yemmie went on to encourage the student to always carefully grow and engage their audience. She said, “be strategic, and it’s important to know your brand and be consistent.�

H

ow did you come about the name Jaywize?

James is my confirmation name, as a Catholic, and I love wisdom, so I formed the name Jaywize. And everybody loves the name; people even add their own style to the name.

What’s your style of music?

STUNNING PHOTOS OF CAROLINE DANJUMA ON TV SERIES ROYAL CASTLE Nollywood actress, Caroline Danjuma is back on set, acting. This time, she features on the TV series, Royal Castle directed by award-winning Nollywood film maker/actor, Elvis Chucks. In the series, Caroline is tied to the family of a corrupt police officer, DSP Johnson Gomez, played by Alex Usifo and his illegitimate son, Soji, played by Baaj Adebule.

They plot to take over the Castle with their power prowess and good looks. The Quest for power and

fame with fortune becomes obvious by the vicious Gomez Family, who will stop at nothing to put the Adesanya’s Down.

However, little did they know that Sawyer, played by Enyinna Nwigwe has it all figured out.

The cast of ‘Royal Castle’ produced by Diamond Groove Pictures, includes Alex Usifo, Caroline Danjuma, Enyinna Nwigwe, Rekiya Atta, Laz Ekwueme, Deyemi Okolawon, Helen Paul, Sika Osei, Mawuli Gavor, and others.

I just flow with whatever comes out of my mind and it always sounds great, and many things inspire my sound. So, you must learn 1 or 2s. It’s a gift, so whether I like it or not it will always come out great.

What’s your plan for 2018?

Yeah it’s a new year, and the country is going through a lot of challenges, so I will voice in different platforms. I’m ready for the year and I’m sure my listeners are waiting, as there is a lot on the table for them.

Who are your role models and mentors?

Akon, Tu face, and every one of us are my role models, and so long as you make great music and I see prospect in you, I will love to work with you. I just love it simple.

Besides music, what do you do?

Outside music I’m a Career Diplomat and I’m always at conferences, discussing African issues.

Everything I do is what I love and that keeps me going.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ RUARY 3, 2018

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

New NIA DG and Matters Arising

I

had thought the only angst against the appointment of Ahmed Rufai Abubakar as the new Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is the fact that he is from the northern part of the country, the same region that has been begrudged for grabbing all the juicy posts, especially in the security architecture of the country.

I had expected that President Buhari , in exercise of his discretion, would, out of public expediency, appoint somebody from the southern part, especially South East, if nothing else, to assuage the complaints of marginalisation.

But it is intriguing to hear of all the campaigns that have been stacked against Mr Abubakar.

First it was said he is a Chadian, not a Nigerian. Then, they say he is not qualified having failed to be a Director in the agency.

But this 65-year old man has been working in various agencies in and outside Nigeria, all his life. How come his nationality question had never arisen?

He had worked in Katsina State government, worked in United Nations office for West Africa, Dakar, worked in African Union United Nations Hybrid operations in Dafur; worked as political adviser to the Multi National Joint Taskforce which had its headquarters in Ndjamena, Chad Republic, and until his recent appointment was serving as Senior Special assistant to Mr President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

So while he was in all these other services, it did not matter whether he was a Nigerian or Chadian? Does his brief stint in Chad while working with MNJTF or having schooled in Chad make him a Chadian? How many people school in foreign countries and yet

Canticles...

Obasanjo: Patriot or Parrot?

I

hear the old man is making effort to re-launch himself in the political arena.

Which old man?

Who else? Can’t you fill the gap? I am talking of Chief Olusegun Aremu Matthew Okikiola Obasanjo Oh, the latest Ph.D holder in town?

That reminds me, did that old man really read for Ph.D at 80 plus?

Are you doubting the degree? It is not honorary. The old man can be focused, you know. He studied for it and got it. If you have read any of his books, you will know he is a doctoral material.

A R Abubakar retain their native nationalities?

Last Thursday, some petitioners claiming to be Directors in the NIA wrote to the House of Representatives, using pseudonyms (which vitiate the veracity of the petition), rehashing some of the rumours and ill campaigns against Abubakar, threatening to leak vital national intelligence to hostile countries if the appointment of Abubakar was not reversed.

Talk of treachery and seditious blackmail!

They however did not say the President lacks the power and discretion to appoint whom he wants, a man who has acquired cognate experience in the service, armed with a Master’s Degree etc. The petitioners seem to be afraid of their shadows and thus their arguments lack critical logic. But one thing good is that they have drawn public attention to the agency and Nigerians will be watching to see what A.R Abubakar will do with his new-found powers. We hope he proves his critics wrong on all counts.

So, as I was saying, you know Baba is an exceptional extrovert: restless and vocal. A man who has been a friend of fate. A man on whom God has been so kind. A man whose life has been intertwined with the Nigerian story...

A man who…. (cuts in) Enough of this citation.What exactly are you driving at? Just shoot straight.

Ok. You have followed this his letter to President Buhari?

Yes, what about it? Did he not speak the truth? Anyone who disagrees with the content of that letter is not a friend of Nigeria. Look, that letter spoke the minds of many Nigerians. It echoes the grumblings and noises among the hapless, and many are they.

So you are admitting that former president Obasanjo was merely playing to the gallery? He was speaking so he can appear to be on the side of the people? Have you asked yourself why he is speaking only now? Did he not admit in the letter that he was one of the promoters of the Buhari presidency? Why is he regretting now?

And pray, why is he often getting it wrong?

He chose and foisted PresidentYar’adua on Nigerians. He could barely do two years before he joined his ancestors and then ex-President Jonathan became a Philistinic consequence.

Here again, he chose and propped up President Buhari… now he is regretting and trying to form a political party, even though he claims it is a mere movement. But have you not seen from the launch of the Coalition for National Movement last Wednesday in Abuja, that it has all the trappings of a political party? How can a man gather confirmed politicians like Olgunsoye body on board. I recall how he would fractionalize Oyinlola, Donald Duke etc., on the eve of a national election and claim that it is a mere the contract of a single drainage among several movement? Can’t you see through the gimmick? party men, each taking some meters or so.

Before you do a critique of the intent, let’s look at Obasanjo Even then, he embarked on some great projects the content. You will admit that everything Obasanjo like rebuilding the then Owena Hotels, building what Rueben Abati, then called Bulletproof Legisla- said about the Buhari government is verily true: the great expectations of Nigerians have been reduced to monumental disappointment on all fronts. And that is why there is a huge disenchantment among tors’ Quarters, along with several road projects. the populace.

While Adebayo governed Ekiti State, the

Gentleman, Niyi Adebayo is 60

I

t was sometime in 1997, Idowu Ajanaku, now an aide of Gov Akinwunmi Ambode and I, had booked an interview with thendashing young man who was stepping out of his paternal luxury into the notorious murky waters of politics. We were both of The Guardian Newspapers at the time.

The young Richard Adeniyi Adebayo had aligned, then with the defunct United Nigerian Congress Party (UNCP), being coordinated by Dr Bode Olajumoke, at the time. Mr Niyi Adebayo wanted to be governor of his home state, Ekiti.

But he was a typical Lagos Boy, who looked too burnished for the rough tackles of politics. But that afternoon, after the interview, he not only impressed us, he convinced us that he understood what he was going into.

I recall that the headline of our interview was, “I will Never Steal a Kobo from Ekiti Government Coffers”. Two years later, under a new political dispensation, (after the collapse of the political machination of the five leprous fingers of the late Gen Sani Abacha), Niyi Adebayo was elected as the first executive governor of Ekiti State. He was the third-youngest governor at the time. Saminu Turaki (Jigawa) and Donald Duke (Cross River) were the first and second youngest respectively.

At the time, Ekiti and Kogi States were almost always at the lowest rung of the FAAC allocation table. Very little was their federal allocation. But Niyi Adebayo, a lawyer, was determined to grow the pristine state from its rustic status. And because he wanted to carry his party men along, he was almost always at his wit’s end trying to get every-

Niyi Adebayo

incidents of crime and violence were rarely heard.

The state was remarkably peaceful, until the political Buccaneers took over and we started hearing of assassinations and all sorts of violence and social disquiet.

And while he was yet planning to consolidate and raise the bar of governance in the state, the old fox called President Olusegun Obasanjo tricked them out of office. And the rest, they say, is history.

But ever since he left office in 2003, Niyi Adebayo has remained one of the very few former governors (in the class of 1999) that has held his head verily high, and has continued to earn public respect, as he kept to his vow of not stealing a kobo from the Ekiti purse. He has one of the cleanest records of public service in Nigeria. It was not so much because there wasn’t quite enough to steal, because many of his successors have been enmeshed in the deep dye of corruption allegations, but because he is a perfect gentleman that went, saw and conquered the allure and fad to be roguish.

Humble, amiable and unassuming, Otunba Adebayo, a consummate politician and loyal chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to operate like a silent colossus both in the business and political terrains. Sitting cool on the board of many companies, he has managed to sustain his political career by keeping in touch with his allies and friends, one of whom I am.

Few years ago, when I turned 50, I had invited Otunba and his elegant stallion of a wife, Erelu Angela Adebayo to the thanksgiving service in my church. He refused to confirm if he would attend. I was impressively surprised to find that he arrived the church premises with his wife, even before me, waiting for the service to commence.

Ever since then, he has remained a great boss, friend and confidant.

By next Thursday, the young man will hit the Diamond age even as he still looks 40ish. I join his many followers and friends to wish him a Happy Birthday and many greater feats in the years ahead.

That is not exactly true. In fact, there is a great appreciation among the larger majority that Buhari has re-ordered the national value in many areas. He is still very popular among the discerning members of the public.Those who see beyond the kleighlight of political showmanship. Imagine Nigeria Customs raking in over one trillion Naira last year. Never before have we had this. Imagine NIMASA and JAMB paying huge sums into the Nigerian purse. Something that was an anathema even under the Obasanjo presidency. Look, it depends on how you see the feats. If you look at it from the eye of a partisan critic, you will not see any good thing he has done. But if you look at it with the eye of a constructive critic, you will discover that a lot has been done to strengthen the Nigerian federation on all fronts.

Imagine the steady growth of the foreign reserves and all that. (raising the index finger) Don’t go there! Of what use is a swelling foreign reserve when hunger is driving many to commit suicide back at home? Please don’t go there at all.

But do you realize that this same Obasanjo ‘s failure to lay a solid foundation in the eight years of his presidency is what is still plaguing us today? All the battles with electricity, public infrastructure, health and education amongst other is all because his administration failed to set the right model on which those sectors can run. Even as a farmer, do you know that the Obasanjo administration was very huge on the importation of food items including even beans from Niger and Mali? Can’t you see that he’s been more of a parrot than a patriot?

Look, you are missing the point. This conversation is not about Obasanjo and what he did or what he failed to do. Don’t focus on the messenger to the detriment of the message.

And let me note that irrespective of what you think, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is one of Africa’s most respected Statesmen. He is a global icon who is quite informed and respected across the board. If you disparage him, it will simply confirm that a prophet has no regard in his home.

I am not disparaging Baba. I am only saying that he is such an acidic critic who is almost always playing to the gallery. He courts public applause and attention. He says he has both age and authority. But you wont forget he had craved and worked for a third term in office before the plan failed, even though he denies it today.That project was what sank Senator Ibrahim Mantu’s political career. Now Baba says Buhari should not run for a second term.

He has only one vote just like you and I. Let Nigerians decide. Nobody knows who his new organization (CNM) will throw up.There is no guarantee that he won’t get it wrong again.

So….

(Cuts in) … So, let’s see new faces. We are tired of the old foxes who play the rest of Nigerians like pawns on the chess board. Or didn’t you see how Obasanjo and Buhari were laughing so heartily during the week in Addis Ababa, while we are at each other’s throat here in defence of either Obasanjo or Buhari? ? Let’s have something fresh. Away from the toxic crowd of the past. That is what I believe.

Nigeria is blessed. We cannot be told that out of the 180 million people, it is these tired actors on the stage are the only ones who can ride the Nigerian horse, according to Baba Obj. Hmmmm. It is easier said than done. Nigeria is complex and deep.The raw emotions of the social media are not what drive the dynamics of Nigerian politics. But I agree with you that we need someone fresh and young, something like our own George Weah.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 3, 2018

25

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Ekweremadu Goofs

EBERE WABARA

“G

ROUPS sensitise (sensitize, preferably) students on (to) human trafficking” “…return back to….” Delete ‘back’ on grounds of redundancy.

The next two blunders are from a full-page advertorial signed by Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, PhD, OON, Taliban Gombe: “Once again, we congratulate you for (on/upon) being a source of pride and encouragement to Nigerians.” “…I wish you more fruitful years ahead as you continue to make your mark and tireless (tirelessly) contribute to sustaining the unity and peace of Nigeria.”

An aside from the above advertorial headlined “Congratulations to the Father of Modern Nigeria” Your Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is not the father of modern Nigeria. Please do not rewrite contemporary history!

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Enugu West Senatorial District, I congratulate the Board, Management and Staff of The Sun Publishing Limited for (on/upon) attaining the age of 15.”

(Full-page advertorial by His Excellency, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, PhD, CFR, Deputy President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, DAILY SUN, January 24) “The rush by politicians to found political parties rather than align with the ones with which they share similar ideologies have (has) persisted till now….”

“We note with happiness that during these fifteen years, through the four titles in (on) its stable namely….”

“You have performed your social responsibility of informing, educating, enlightening and entertaining creditably well and….” Get it right: just creditably—‘well’ is otiose.

“Afemale Hausa drummer (middle) and his (how?) assistants performing in Lagos in the 1950s” (DAILY SUN MEMORIES Page, January 22) “…it was a gimmick to get people to subscribe

BY

on (to) their platform. “ (THE BUSINESS REPORT, January 22) “The government has put in place long term strategy (a long-term strategy) and this will help the economy.”

“Consumers commend Ogun govt over (for) Mitros rice” “2019: USAID, NGO raise alarm (the alarm) over insecurity” “Ugwuanyi commissions (inaugurates) stateconstructed 103 Battalion Army Barracks Road” Wrong: Interest free loan; Right: Interest-free loan “Fuel queues return to Lagos amid supply shortage (shortages)” (DAILY SUN BUSINESS Headline, January 22) “Ekpu…will bring to our teeming readers, in his inimitable style, rigorous and profound thoughts on wide (a wide) range of contemporary issues on Nigeria, Africa and the world.”

“I wish you God’s continous (continuous) blessings and good health.” (Full-page advertorial

by Prince Uche Secondus, National Chairman of PDP, DAILY SUN, January 29) It is an auspicious ocassion (occasion) considering the enormous….” (Full-page advertorial signed by Chief Pat Chidolue, Chairman, Chelsea Hotels Ltd., DAILY SUN, January 29) “At this 11th hour of your epicopacy (episcopacy) as the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja….”

“The Traditional Rulers, President Generals of Town Unions and the entire people of Igalaspeaking communities in Anambra West LGA of Anambra State wish to congratulate….”

(Full-page advertorial by Anambra West Igala Stakeholders’ Forum, DAILY SUN, January 29) My own message: Presidents-General “House of Representatives National Assembly Committee on Banking and Currency call for memoranda/invitation to a two day (two-day) public hearing on….”

“Lagos women launch farmers (farmers’) multipurpose cooperative” “Soldiers take over troubled spots” (Daily Champion Headline, December 20) Let peace reign: trouble spots.

“Post election violence spreads” (Vanguard

Headline, December 19) Towards a better life for the people: Post-election violence….

Yet another headline solecism from Vanguard of the next day: “Post poll violence continues” Solution as above. Somebody should inform editors at Kirikiri Canal of this recurring lapse.

“Man killed in car accident” (Vanguard Headline, December 19) Why not ’’Man dies in car accident?’’ He was not killed!

“Nigerian loses his life in a ghastly auto crash in Greece.” (DAILY CHAMPION, December 19) It was a fatal (not ghastly) accident.

“President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, expressed sadness over the sporadic violent protest (protests)….” (Vanguard, December 19) The next headline blunder is from last week’s edition of this medium: “Police arrest four over Maiduguri explosion” Do we arrest the entire editorial team for (not over) lexical recklessness?

“Bribery enthrones mediocrity and crucify merit.” (Source: as above) The Tabernacle of bribery crucifies merit.

“Gang up against Buhari will fail” (NIGERIAN Tribune Headline, 15 December) Phrasal verb: gang up; noun: gang-up (which applies here).

“We were treated to another similar incidence.…” All newspapers should know the difference between ‘incidence’ and ‘incident’ (which is the correct etymology here).

“Although the governor’s last minute romance with the main opposition party is held against him.…” Saturday People: last-minute (take note of the hyphen) romance….

“Thus, a core investor…with regards to optimal use of the machinery.…” (THE GUARDIAN, December 12) Either: as regards or with regard to….

“In the heydays of the goggled General when fuel was often unavailable…” (THE GUARDIAN, December 20) Stranglehold of oil workers: heyday (uncountable).

“Last year, many houses of the Igbo in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos, were razed down.…” (THISDAY, December 20) No word abuse: simply razed (not razed down). Discard the contrary views by some registers!

Yet another headline gaffe: “Restrictions on

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

inter-bank foreign exchange trading is (are) killing the market.”

“Armed robbers now have good company— street thugs and unofficial vigilante groups.” (THE GUARDIAN, December 20) Democracy as a disincentive: vigilance groups.

“2015: Jonathan points accusing fingers at INEC….” (DAILY TRUST, December 20) People in the news: Jonathan points the finger. No obtuse addition.

“Nigeria is at a crossroad” (VANGUARD, December 25) Fixed expression: at a/ the crossroads.

“Stationeries badly needed by.…” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, December 20) ‘Stationery’ is non-count.

“But what appears criminal is the desire of these off-springs of.…” (DAILY CHAMPION, December 20) ‘Offspring’ does not take any inflection.

The next three goofs are from VANGUARD of December 20: ”…the process of economic integration from which will emerge an economic block (bloc).…”

“There is a tussle going on between these two (would it have been three?) arms of government.”

“Nigerian leaders and politicians have continued to adopt and acquiesce to (in).…”

“Globacom sets (set) to rule domestic market” (Nigerian Tribune, December 20) “I have been briefed that the wrangling among the leaders of PDP are (is) over.” (SUNDAY VANGUARD, December 24) BusinessDay of December 20 disseminated an embarrassing impropriety: “Now that the Police has (have) taken over the supervision of the….” “…and ensure it does not reoccur again.” (THE GUARDIAN, December 20) ‘Reoccur again’?

Run for cover, my dear reader! Just recur. Recur, recurrence, recurrent. Occur, occurred, occurrence.

“Lack of incentives anger (angers) local manufacturers” (THE GUARDIAN, December 20) “They provide temporary relief.” (Source: as above) ‘Temporary relief? I strongly object to that clumsy expression because there is no permanence in ‘relief’.

Nigeria’s Real Estate Owners and the Third Force Maneuver

N

igeria has entered full-swing political mood. The scheming, schism and scouting for stakes and suffrage advantage ahead of 2019 is all too evident that even the blind can see and the deaf can hear it. Since the release of the schedule of elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), public discourse has been anything else but politics. The ‘special press statement’ released last week by former President Olusegun Obasanjo drastically revved the temple and in fact, successfully seized the narrative on political succession. Obasanjo’s intervention was in summary, an unequivocal verdict of failure on the incumbent Muhammadu Buhari administration and a clarion call for its replacement with a stridently canvassed ‘third force.’ My position on both the message and the messenger of that famous or infamous (depending on where you stand) missive was expressed on this column last week. But while opinions have continued to be divided on the fitness or otherwise of the former president to pen such highly provocative treatise, little attention has been paid to the very high probability that the controversial Ebora Ewu may have played the voice of Jacob whilst the hand of Esau stealthily pulls the puppet. So while the dance is to the drumbeat of a new coalition that will supposedly take Nigeria to political and economic Eldorado, the drummers are deviously negotiating a self-preservation plot post-2019. To much of his credit however, Obasanjo is in this scenario, both the drummer boy and one of the beat producers stringing the sounds together.

He belongs to the privileged class of power mongers, brokers and rulers who, in and out of office, hold on firmly to the levers of the country’s political architecture. These are the real owners of the estate christened Nigeria by Flora Shaw in that fleeting tinge of filial interference in colonial statecraft. It is clear that since the Brits exited the expansive estate in 1960, the succeeding power elite has continually replicated itself like the amoeba which morphs in forms dictated by instincts of selfpreservation. The call and mobilization for a supposed new order that would come and wave the magic wand like the disastrous incumbent All Progressive Congress (APC) administration did promise during the campaigns should be seen what it is - another dubious scheme by the real estate owners to perpetuate themselves in power at the expense of the general public. These feudal oligarchs are not unknown. They have run the show directly in the past and are still running the show indirectly till tomorrow, except of course, some deliberate disruption occurs. Whether in khaki or agbada, this cluster of puppet-stringers sit over coffee or a game of draughts to draw the lines of our collective existence in dexterous agility and a mastery of military precision. When it became antiquated to directly take the reins as rulers in uniform, these men changed clothes to conform to the norms of modern civility.And they have in so doing, maintained their hold on power. They have also mastered the craft of manipulation with which the masses are held perennially under bond. Thus, they can install and uninstall presidents, governors and council chairmen; they can make or mar governments behind the scenes; and like the extant scenario seems to be playing out, they can enable the crowning of hitherto despised members of their class while also retaining the clout to demand a “dismount from the horse.”

Will they succeed with President Muhammadu Buhari? Since the

PEOPLE2PEOPLE WITH

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

Twitter: @resourceme

Obasanjo extant Fourth Republic in 1999, they have applied a somewhat similar strategy with differing approaches. The plan is simple: jump on the populist train, seize the narrative and direct the drive to pre-determined destinations where choice allocations have already been made and the lucrative blocks dripping with fatness shared out to selves and willing collaborators in the elite class. When it was clear that the military had overstayed its welcome and would no longer be tolerated on the political scene, they rallied among themselves and presented a common front in the person of Gen. Obasanjo on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was not the most preferred option for many Nigerians but it somewhat synced with the popular mood to kick the military out from government before anything else. The power cabal broke ranks with Obasanjo during his ill-fated third term agenda which was met with a resounding opposition from the masses and a broad section of the political elite. The Ota farmer had no choice but to watch his infamous plot crumble before his very eyes. The story of how the late Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan became presidents consecutively is already well-known. The latter fell out of favour with the cabal and was

shown the way out. Now Buhari who the same vicious gang picked up from the dungeon of disfavor, packaged and promoted as the best thing that could ever happen to Nigeria, has derailed from the line and is being asked to exit. Unlike the case with Jonathan when public sentiment against him was largely procured and contrived in a grand study of collective conspiracy against an incumbent, the mood about Buhari is truly and deeply fouled so much so that his undeclared second term ambition is already considered an affront to the sensibilities of millions of Nigerians suffering untold hardship under his government.

It has thus become very convenient for Obasanjo and his co-puppeteers to point the way forward without as much as taking responsibility and apologizing to Nigerians for afflicting the country with an unprepared and incompetent administration. The ‘Coalition for Nigeria’ which he vigorously prescribes as antidote to the Buhari fiasco may be interpreted as an unspoken recompense for leading the country to the current bind. But let us even give him the benefit of the doubt and say that is the case; a couple of questions would arise. What is the coalition about? Who are the persons in it and how are they different from the lot that has held the country hostage all these years? Why shouldn’t we be looking at strengthening existing political parties – 68 of them at the last count – instead of further littering the space with platforms for seeking offices? How is this so-called third force different from what theAPC promised when it stormed the polity in 2014 and tore the already shrunk umbrella of the PDP into shreds? In any case, why can we not push to have independent candidates who would stand on the honour of their names and proven integrity instead of lumping together with strange bird fellows?Already, there is so much noise about the ‘third force’ such that it is sounding more cacophonous and confusing unlike the clarity and freshness that should be expected from a supposedly new breed political movement. This demands an appropriate call to action, which would be for a thorough interrogation of the individual faces and names being clustered together in this ‘third force’ contraption.

We must avert a situation whereby at the end of the day, Nigerians would have been put through a blind dance orchestra with little or nothing to show for the excitement and energies generated and dissipated.

Like we have seen with the current dramatis personae, the new kids on the block (as they then were) initially spoke the right language and struck the right chords to endow a sense of gratification in the masses which were romanticized in orgasmic campaigns of disguised lies and false promises.As weeks turned to months and the years rolled by, the lies have been exposed and gaping inadequacies unveiled; promises which have been not only out rightly cancelled, but have been moderated mid-way in rather unscrupulous fashion. The brutal conclusion is that citizens have once again been taken for a ride, mesmerized and dumped in the lurch by a cold-conscience political class united in their self-aggrandizing mission. They have come again seeking to ingratiate themselves to the masses and masquerade about as the messiah that would clean theAegean’s stable and make the land green again.

Nigerians are tired of repeating the same circle of deceit, frustration and ingratiation that has left the country eons behind among its peers in the international community. The third force thing is a nebulous subterfuge being promoted by the real estate owners of Nigeria.

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

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

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

Defensive Driving Overtaking

Jaguar’s all-electric I-PACE

Fast-ChargingThe Ice-Cool I-PACE

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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aguar’s all-electric I-PACE will promise both rapid charging and rapid performance when it goes on sale internationally from March 1.

“Capable of charging in less than 45 minutes* and with sports car performance and SUV practicality, the I-PACE will be the perfect every day car – whether on the school run, daily commute or even coping with subzero temperatures,” said a statement by the auto company.

Rigorously tested across extremes of terrain and temperature, the I-PACE has tamed the Arctic at Jaguar Land Rover’s cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden, at temperatures as low as -40°C, said the automaker’s statement.

Tony Westerlund, a potential customer from Sweden, had some interesting questions on living with the I-PACE in Arctic conditions, particularly regarding stability and traction on the ice and snow. To answer his questions, Jaguar engineers invited him to Arjeplog to drive the car for the first time and see how it’s been tested to ensure performance in extreme conditions: https://youtu.be/ttAWYSxsO7o Ian Hoban, Jaguar Vehicle Line Director, said: “Not only will the I-PACE charge quickly enough for our customers to carry out their everyday

lives, it will offer powerful and precise performance in a variety of conditions and climactic extremes. Allied with the versatile credentials of our celebrated PACE family, this will be an electric performance SUV like no other.”

Customers will be able to use mains power to prepare the car’s battery and cabin temperature ahead of a journey. Pre-conditioning the car ensures maximum range, performance and comfort whether temperatures are freezing cold or extremely hot.

Setting up preferred charging times and pre-conditioning schedules can be done from either the on-board InControl system, or the Remote smartphone app, and is as easy as setting an alarm.

The Jaguar I-PACE will be revealed in a live global broadcast on 20h00 SAST on 1 March 2018, and will go on to make its public premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 6 March 2018.

Meanwhile, Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer, was recently named Designer of the Year at the Festival Automobile International. The Grand Prix du Design prize recognises McGovern’s Land Rover designs and their influence across the car industry.

The awards are decided by a 15-strong jury from the automotive industry, sport, architecture, fashion, design, culture and the media. Jury members at the Hotel National des Invalides,

in Paris, France, included architect Jean Michel Wilmotte, stylist Chantal Thomas, designer Anne Asensio and Etienne Gernelle, President and CEO of Le Point magazine.

Rémi Depoix, President of the Festival Automobile International, said: “Gerry McGovern has been recognised by the jury of the 33rd Festival Automobile International of Paris for his astonishing masterpiece, the Range Rover Velar,and for his whole career. One of his remarkable achievements is to adapt Land Rover’s DNA, a transformation that began with the Range Rover Evoque. The British automotive industry has been reinvented in Gerry’s vision and Land Rover is an incredible success story.

Congratulations to him and his team.”

Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover, said: “It’s an incredibly rewarding time to be a designer in the automotive industry and to be recognised by a jury from a wide variety of design disciplines shows the importance of design in all our lives. My team has worked tirelessly to create the most desirable vehicles that our customers will love for life – vehicles that resonate with our customers on an emotional level.”

The all-new Velar, the fourth member of the Range Rover family, fills the space between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport.

Bayero Urges Monitoring of NAIDP, Patronage of Vehicles Assembled in Nigeria

T

he Managing Director of National Trucks Manufacturers(NTM),Kano,Mr.Ibrahim Bayeroo has said that for Nigeria to have a vibrant auto industry, there must be full implementation and monitoring of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), increased patronage of locally assembled vehicles.

Bayero, who reviewed NAIDP, also known as the automotive industry, which took effect in 2014, said the federal government should begin the National Vehicle Identification System (NVIS).

NTM was established in 1976 as a joint venture company between Nigeria and Fiat of Italy. Following its privatisation in 2014, the plant located in Kano, went into the full assembly of a variety of heavy-duty trucks, tippers and light-duty trucks of Sinotruk Howo brand. It also assembles agricultural tractors, pick-ups and as motorcycles.

Bayero explained that full implementation of the contents of the policy, backed with biannual reporting on the progress made, would return the auto manufacturing sector to the part of sustained growth and development.

He urged the various tiers of government to ensure that all official vehicular procurements, including those by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as contractors handling government projects, benefit the auto plants in Nigeria.

He said contractors undertaking road construction and other projects, should not be encouraged to import vehicles that can be produced locally.

“Companies with Federal, State or local government contracts should be directed to patronise locally assembled vehicles and not given waivers

Sinotruk Howo assembly for import of vehicles. For instance, road construction companies can source majority of their vehicle requirements locally, Bayero stressed.”

TheNTMCEOalsorecommendedconcessionary access to foreign exchange by stakeholders with secured contracts for government level supplies that will be strictly monitored to ensure compliance.

According to him, the National Vehicle Identification System, which has been in the works for some time now, would create a database for the registration and monitoring of all vehicles in the country, and eliminate not only junk second-hand {tokunbo} vehicles, but also the possibility of under-payment or total evasion of duties on imported vehicles.

Overtaking is hazardous because it may bring you into the path of other vehicles. It is a complex manoeuvre because you need to consider a number of subsidiary hazards as well as the primary hazard presented by the vehicle(s) to be overtaken.

When considering whether to overtake, according to Roadcraft: Police and Advanced Driver Training Handbook, UK, always follow these seven safety advice: - Do not overtake where you cannot see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe.

- Avoid causing other vehicles (overtaken, following or approaching) to alter course or speed.

- Always be able to move back to the right-hand lane in plenty of time.

- Always be ready to abandon overtaking if a new hazard comes into view.

- Do not overtake in situations where you might come into conflict with other road users.

- Avoid making a third line of moving vehicles wherever possible.

- Never overtake on the nearside on dual carriageways except in slow-moving queues of traffic when left-hand lane queues are moving more slowly. In order to overtake safely, drivers need to adopt a three-stage approach: Firstly, the following position - your main task in the following position is to observe and assess the road and traffic conditions for an opportunity to overtake safely. Observe what is happening in the far distance, the middle ground, the immediate foreground and behind.

Secondly, the overtaking position - the overtaking position is closer than the following position and minimises the distance you have to travel to overtake.

It can also indicate to the driver in front that you wish to overtake.

And lastly, overtaking, using your system of car control of information, position, speed, gear and acceleration. When planning to overtake, consider the layout of the road ahead carefully. Look for nearside obstructions or junctions out of which vehicles or other hazards could emerge and cause the vehicle(s) you intend to overtake suddenly to veer to the offside. Using the offside (left-hand lane), look carefully for junctions, especially where they could conceal emerging vehicles or other hazards.

Bends, brow of hills, and any other aspect of road layout which could obscure your view must be taken into account before attempting to overtake. When considering overtaking in a stream of vehicles, it may be an advantage to position your vehicle on the offside section of the road (near the centre line of the road), but be aware of the dangers of this position.

An offside position can improve your viewpoint because it is not obstructed by the vehicle in front, but this depends on the road layout.

Driving defensively also entails assisting others to overtake, which eases tensions and improves the quality of driving for everyone on the road. If other drivers wish to overtake you, assist them, which means you should be alert to the intentions of drivers behind you, using your mirrors and assessing whether they wish to overtake or not; and allow enough distance between you and the vehicle in front for the overtaking vehicle to enter the safe gap in front of you.

In conclusion, before deciding to overtake, ask yourself if the benefit is worth the risk. Many people have been killed or injured because of their poor decision to overtake, so always ask yourself if it safe, lawful or necessary to carry out the manoeuvre. You should make sure the road is sufficiently clear ahead; the vehicle behind is not beginning to overtake you; and there is a suitable gap in front of the vehicle you plan to overtake. If you are in doubt whether it is safe or not, don’t overtake. Do not overtake where your view is restricted at bends, or when you are approaching junctions, as vehicles might be emerging. Where there is a dip in a road that could hide an oncoming vehicle, you need to take special care.

Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

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

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

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Firm Unveils flyamco.com to Bridge Gap inTravel

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CEO, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN), Mr. lbrahim Boyi presenting the new Peugeot 3008 SUV, at its launch in Lagos… recently

Abiodun Ajala

PAN Launches Peugeot 3008 SUV into Nigeria’s Auto Market Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

here was palpable feeling of excitement as Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) launched the Peugeot 3008 into the nation’s auto market.

The well-attended launch, which took place at an event centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, was witnessed by, among other dignitaries, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Femi Pedro, the Chairman of the Board of PAN, Alhaji Munir J’aafar, who said the new SUV was being launched to meet the desire of car

enthusiasts. Also at the event were, CEO, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Abdulrazak Balogun; Retail Affiliations Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, ltoro Ema, whose company was announced as the first corporate body to buy the vehicle.

Presenting the new Peugeot 3008, the Chief Executive Officer of PAN, Ibrahim Boyi said it has won 35 global awards so far. For instance, it was named 2017 Car of the Year, and, according to the auto company, “the Peugeot 3008 SUV unveils its strength and character. Featuring a sleek design, this distinct SUV combines robustness with elegance.”

Since its launch, the Peugeot 3008 SUV has won

more than 30 international awards, including the prestigious European Car of the Year Award 2017.

In the UK alone, it has won an impressive array of automotive accolades, including those for Auto Express magazine and, most recently, Best SUV 2018 in the Carbuyer Car of the Year awards. The 3008 SUV has impressed many awards panels around the world thanks to its dynamic qualities, stylish exterior, equipment, interior design and its innovative PEUGEOT i-Cockpit.

To allow buyers to express themselves, they could choose from one of two distinctive front end designs: A radiator grille with chrome facets, surrounded by sharp and bright halogen headlights .

new platform, flyamco.com, launched by Amco Travel and Tours Limited is set to improvecustomerexperienceandaddress challengesinthetravelandhotelindustries in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of the platform in Abuja,ChiefExecutiveOfficerofthecompany,Ahmed MohammedSanisaidtheplatformbecomesnecessary to offer Nigerians a technology based solutions to the challenges in the aviation and hotel industry.

With the platform, individuals can make booking for flights and hotels at discounted prices and still enjoy quality services. Sani decried the poor services customers get in the country, especially in the aviation and hotel sector, adding that the new platform would provide customers with oriented and top quality travel and tour services in compliance with thehighestinternationalstandards. Hesaid:“Flyamco. comwas carefully designed to provide travel related information and cost effective customer care and is amongst the highest of our priorities and we are on our toes to accomplish this task at any hour.”

Determinedtofasttrackthegrowthofthesectorsand enable them contribute more to the country’s GDP, Sanistated that customers would beprovided a 24 hours service for greater convenience of e-travellers and tourists as way of boosting local tourism.

“We have been in the sector for about a decade. We havebeenattheforefrontpromotingtravelandtourism in Nigeria. We have prioritized comfort and quality services and have been built trust in the market. We have been operating charter flights for holy pilgrims, especially Umrah and Hajj. We explore new frontiers daily and our next option for Nigeria is to leverage technology to address challenges in the sector and offeraseamlessexperiencethatwillboostouraviation and tourism sector,” he said.

According to him, the group do not only arrange for air fares and worldwide air tickets but also provide hotelaccommodation,travelinsurance,visaprocurement, organise incentive groups, providing car rental services,airporthoteltransfersandcruisesaroundthe world,organiselocal and international conferences, facilitate student visas across the world, especially in USA,Ukraine,CyprusandDubaiaswellasworkout tailor-made packages for customers.

Lexus LS PushesThe Boundaries of Interior Craftsmanship

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exus has harnessed the elaborate craftsmanship of Japanese artisans and pushed the boundaries of industrial technology to incorporate stunning moulded glass panels inside the new flagship LS sedan.

In a world first for a production vehicle, the new Lexus LS uses these exquisitely detailed works of art to create distinctive and beautiful ornamentation on the doors. Inspired by fine Japanese kiriko glass, the panels strike a rich visual and tactile contrast with the stitched leather upholstery, cool metal door handles and hand-pleated silk surfacing. kiriko is a Japanese tradition of hand-cutting delicate patterns into glass, producing stunning reflections of light. It is often seen in vases, sake glasses and traditional ornaments.

The introduction of glass panels in the new LS - which is due in Australia in April - is a perfect example of how

Lexus is using Japanese craftsmanship to create innovative elegance. Beautiful and delicate, the glasswork is also remarkably strong, thanks to advanced heat-treating that makes it tough enough for the challenging environment of an automotive interior.

The finished design gives the LS a distinctive, artistic quality that exemplifies the attention to detail for which Lexus is renowned.

LS chief designer Koichi Suga said the look and feel of the glass changes according to the angle of viewing and the time of day.

“This special ornamentation represents the best of both worlds - it is an industrial product that is also a work of art,” he said.

In 2014, Lexus and Asahi Glass Company (AGC) began to explore how to use glass in vehicle interiors to enhance the distinctly progressive perspective on Lexus LS with distinctive and beautiful ornamentation on the doors luxury from Lexus.

ROAD SAFETY, JAGUAR AND MERCEDE SECURITYIMPERATIVE OFVEHICLE REGISTRATION S

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f you own a car or you are planning to buy one, I will advice that you spare time to read through this piece .Even if the car has been registered and have the new number plate, you are still advised to kindly read through this piece and learn one or two things. If you are one of those who think that the new number plate was introduced to fleece you, I will again appeal to you to please read through this piece which focuses on the value of appropriate registration of vehicles in the face of increasing insecurity. Even if you do not fit into either of the cited cases, I will again still appeal that you browse through the piece in case of tomorrow or the your love ones.

The stories or experiences of friends will be our guide. The first story is that of an old classmate who called me on Friday the 26th day of January, 2018, when his newly bought Toyota highlander,2016 model car was stolen.According to Jide Clark(not real name), the Toyota Highlander 2006 model was bought on midday on the same Friday. In excitement, he drove the unregistered car to a friend’s place to announce his arrival as a car owner after which he proceeded to a near-by ATM machine to withdraw some cash to pay for the vehicle registration .It was while he was waiting for his turn to cash the money that a food vendor who saw him while parking, drew his attention to his unregistered vehicle being driven out of the place by someone else.

The incident, he told me froze him as he could not even find the voice to scream for help. However, when he came out of the shock, he walked into a nearby Police station to lay a complain about his stolen Toyota Highlander but confessed that he

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

was ridiculed by the Police who asked him if he thinks police business is magic. The Police officer who attended to him, was startled that he came to make a complain of a stolen vehicle which had no vehicle details necessary in aiding the security operatives track the vehicle on the road or even at the point of registration. It was at that point that, he remembered me and called hoping that I could use my contact to fast track the recovery of his vehicle through the vehicle registration platform will provide a leeway for recover his stole vehicle.

He was in his words, shocked that even me, could not be of any help to him.

In summary, my friend’s excitement was cut shock because like some typical motorists, he toyed with the value of complying with the traffic rule which mandates you to ensure that all vehicles are appropriately registered. My friend did not know that if only he had the VIN –Vehicle identification number or what is commonly known by the average road user as chassis number which is 17 characters and alpha numeric,it would have been easier for security operatives to assist him. The

chassis number as we know it like i said earlier is 17 characters and alpha numeric; but there is no letter, i, o and q in the chassis number.

Randy story is one of the numerous calls and request we receive from motorists either seeking clarification on the status of their vehicle number plates after or before purchase or pouring our Vernon on either our patrol teams, or on operatives of other agencies for arresting them ‘’unjustly’’ for number plate infractions. His story reminds me of a request i received from one of my spiritual fathers who for fear of being harassed while driving long distance sought my opinion on the possible risk he will encounter should he decide to drive long distance.

It was after my series of explanation that he agreed to verify if whether his vehicle was truly captured .On enquiry I was shocked to discover that the two vehicles he owns still carries the old number plate. By implication, if either of the two vehicles were to be stolen or snatched on gun point as has been the case with a handful of vehicles, it will be a piece of cake for the vehicle to be disposed of since the absence of the new number plate means it has not been captured in the national database, and therefore is as good as a new vehicle at a dealer stand which can easily be registered using its unique VIN. Incomplete registration, stolen/snatched vehicles are not the only classes of complains that I receive.

There are also calls that border on arrest by FRSC for number plate violation. One good one which I vividly recall was the confusion by a female motorists who could not understand why the arrest of her car when all the necessary papers such as police extract and court affidavit required after the loss of one of the number plate was tendered to the patrol team. In the words of her supervisor, ‘‘we

have the covering note (police report and court affidavit) for the missing rear plastic number plate of the truck. These two are not the only complain over the issue of number plate or even the drivers licence. There are those who will cry foul when arrested for either driving with no number plate, or for driving with a plastic or defaced number plate among others. I am, however, constrained to relay just the two for a start and to try to provide answers on these issues hoping that we can learn from this and guard ourselves against future arrest or like my friends would capture it,’’ embarrassment’’ from FRSC personnel or any other enforcement agency.

Since I am not a lawyer, I will be guided by the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations to bore you a bit as i do not intend to paraphrase the Regulations but to produce it as it is contained therein to avoid the hammer of any learned fellow .But before I attempt the issues raised here or any other, let me first shed light on what the National Road Traffic Regulations in Part VI titled, VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER requires from motorists. Section 36 states that All private and commercial vehicles shall as from the commencement of these Regulations have on them Vehicle Identification Number Plates which shall -Be carried by the motor vehicle on two plates which shall conform to the requirements of these regulations; and the number plate shall be fixed-in such a manner that each is not easily detachable; and in an upright position or within 15 degrees of such position.

The Regulations states in Section 37- (1) that The Identification Number Plates carried by a motor vehicle or articulated vehicle shall be displayed on two plates for a motor vehicle and three plates for an articulated vehicle and shall conform as to lettering, numbering and otherwise with the provision set out in figures 1-11 of schedule 5 to these regulations.

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FAMILY HEALTH

Are Antioxidants Really Important To Humans?

with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

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

T

he human body is a very delicate machine and various substances, natural or man made are useful and beneficial to its ability to perform optimally.

Amongst those substances are antioxidants.

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to chain reactions that may damage cells.

You might already know about foods you should be eating for your heart or your gut—but what about the foods that protect your cells? Those would be the ones packed with antioxidants, a buzzy term you’ve probably heard before.

What Are Antioxidants?

All living organisms utilize oxygen to metabolize and use the dietary nutrients in order to produce energy for survival. Oxygen thus is a vital component for living.

Oxygen meditates chemical reactions that metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to produce energy. %BSL TJEF PG PYZHFO r While oxygen is one of the most essential components for living, it is also a double edged sword. Oxygen is a highly reactive atom that is capable of becoming part of potentially damaging molecules commonly called “free radicals.� r 'SFF SBEJDBMT These free radicals are capable of attacking the healthy cells of the body. This may lead to damage, disease and severe disorders. Cell damage caused by free radicals appears to be a major contributor to aging and diseases like: 1. cancer 2. heart disease 3. decline in brain function 4. decline in immune system etc.

Overall, free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of at least 50 diseases.

Since free radicals contain an unpaired electron they are unstable and reach out and capture electrons from other substances in order to neutralize themselves.

This initially stabilizes the free radical but generates another in the process. Soon a chain reaction begins and thousands of free radical reactions can occur within a few seconds on the primary reaction.

Antioxidants occur naturally in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, wine, and chocolate.

While there are thousands of antioxidant compounds out there, you’ve probably heard of flavanols (found in chocolate), resveratrol (found in wine), and lycopene (found in tomatoes). Other popular antioxidants include vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, E, and catechins.

Antioxidants help prevent or stop cell damage caused by oxidants. Oxidants are free radicals that you find in the environment, but they’re also produced naturally in your body, r 0YJEBUJWF TUSFTT Oxidative stress means an unbalance between prooxidants and antioxidant mechanisms. This results in excessive oxidative metabolism. This stress can be due to several environmental factors such as exposure to pollutants, alcohol, medications, infections, poor EJFU UPYJOT SBEJBUJPO FUD 0YJEBUJWF EBNBHF UP %/" proteins, and other macromolecules may lead to a wide range of human diseases most notably heart disease and cancer. r $POUSPM PG GSFF SBEJDBMT /PSNBMMZ GSFF SBEJDBM GPSNBUJPO JT DPOUSPMMFE OBUVSBMMZ by various beneficial compounds known as antioxidants. When there is deficiency of these antioxidants damage due to free radicals can become cumulative and debilitating.

Antioxidants are capable of stabilizing, or deactivating, free radicals before they attack cells. Antioxidants are capable of stabilizing, or deactivating, free radicals before they attack cells. r "OUJPYJEBOUT GSPN GPPE There are several nutrients in food that contain antioxidants. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene are among the most commonly studied dietary antioxidants.

Vitamin C is the most important water-soluble antioxidant in extracellular fluids. Vitamin C helps to neutralize ROS in the water or aqueous phase before it can attack the lipids.

Vitamin E is the most important lipid soluble antioxidant. It is important as the chain-breaking antioxidant within the cell membrane. It can protect the membrane fatty acids from lipid peroxidation. Vitamin C in addition is capable of regenerating vitamin E. Beta carotene and other carotenoids also have antioxidant properties. Carotenoids work in synergy with vitamin E. r "OUJPYJEBOU EFĂ DJFODJFT A diet low in fats may impair absorption of beta carotene and vitamin E and other fat-soluble nutrients.

'SVJUT BOE WFHFUBCMFT BSF JNQPSUBOU TPVSDFT PG WJUBNJO C and carotenoids. Whole grains and high quality vegetable oils are major sources of vitamin E. Many plant-derived substances are known as “phytonutrients,� or “phytochemicals�. These also possess antioxidant properties. Phenolic compounds such as flavonoids are such chemicals. These are found in several fruits, vegetables, green tea extracts etc.

The human body naturally produces free radicals and the antioxidants to counteract their damaging effects. However, in most cases, free radicals far outnumber the naturally occurring antioxidants. In order to maintain the balance, a continual supply of external sources of antioxidants is necessary in order to obtain the maximum beneďŹ ts of antioxidants.

Antioxidants beneďŹ t the body by neutralizing and removing the free radicals from the bloodstream

r "OUJPYJEBOUT XJUIJO UIF IVNBO CPEZ Apart from diet, the body also has several antioxidant mechanisms that can protect itself from ROS mediated damage. The antioxidant enzymes – glutathione QFSPYJEBTF DBUBMBTF BOE TVQFSPYJEF EJTNVUBTF 40%

are such enzymes. They require micronutrient cofactors such as selenium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese for their activity. It has been suggested that an inadequate dietary intake of these trace minerals may also lead to low antioxidant activity.

Benefits : Antioxidants come up frequently in discussions about good health and preventing diseases. These powerful substances, which mostly come from the fresh fruits and vegetables we eat, prohibit (and in some cases even prevent), the oxidation of other molecules in the body.

"OUJPYJEBOUT BOE 'SFF 3BEJDBMT The human body naturally produces free radicals and the antioxidants to counteract their damaging effects.

However, in most cases, free radicals far outnumber the naturally occurring antioxidants. In order to maintain the balance, a continual supply of external sources of antioxidants is necessary in order to obtain the maximum benefits of antioxidants. Antioxidants benefit the body by neutralizing and removing the free radicals from the bloodstream. %JGGFSFOU "OUJPYJEBOUT #FOFĂ U %JGGFSFOU 1BSUT PG the Body There are a wide range of antioxidants found in nature, and because they are so varied, different antioxidants QSPWJEF CFOFĂ UT UP EJGGFSFOU QBSUT PG UIF CPEZ 'PS FYample, beta-carotene (and other carotenoids) is very beneficial to eye health; lycopene is beneficial for helping maintain prostate health; flavonoids are especially beneficial for heart health; and proanthocyanidins are beneficial for urinary tract health.

3. Your skin is your largest organ, so it is important to take care of it. Antioxidants protect skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells. Antioxidants in skin care products can do a lot for the health and appearance of your skin, including reducing the signs of aging.Antioxidants and Skin Health Benefits When skin is exposed to high levels of ultraviolet light, photo-oxidative damage is induced by the formation of different types of reactive species of oxygen, including singlet oxygen, superoxide radicals, and peroxide radicals.

These forms of reactive oxygen damage cellular lipids, QSPUFJOT BOE %/" BOE UIFZ BSF DPOTJEFSFE UP CF UIF primary contributors to erythema (sunburn), premature aging of the skin, photodermatoses, and skin cancers.

Astaxanthin, followed by beta-carotene combined with vitamin E has been shown to be one of the most powerful antioxidant combinations for helping protect the skin from reactive species of oxygen.

4. Antioxidants and Immune System Support Singlet oxygen can compromise the immune system, because it has the ability to catalyze production of free radicals. Astaxanthin and Spirulina have been shown to enhance both the non-specific and specific immune system, and to protect cell membranes and cellular %/" GSPN NVUBUJPO "TUBYBOUIJO JT UIF TJOHMF NPTU powerful quencher of singlet oxygen, and is up to ten times stronger than other carotenoids (including beta-carotene), and up to 500 times stronger than alpha

tocopherol (Vitamin E), while Spirulina has a variety of antioxidants and other substances that are beneficial in boosting immunity.

5. More benefits: While there are many ways to describe what antioxidants do inside the body, one definition of antioxidants is any substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products or removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.

Antioxidants include dozens of food-based substances you may have heard of before, such as carotenoids like beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamin C. These are several examples of antioxidants that inhibit oxidation, or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides and/or free radicals. (1) Research suggests that when it comes to longevity and overall health, some of the benefits of consuming antioxidant foods, herbs, teas and supplements include: r 4MPXFS TJHOT PG BHJOH JODMVEJOH PG UIF TLJO FZFT tissue, joints, heart and brain r )FBMUIJFS NPSF ZPVUIGVM HMPXJOH TLJO r 3FEVDFE DBODFS SJTL r %FUPYJà DBUJPO TVQQPSU r -POHFS MJGF TQBO r 1SPUFDUJPO BHBJOTU IFBSU EJTFBTF BOE TUSPLF r -FTT SJTL GPS DPHOJUJWF QSPCMFNT TVDI BT EFNFOUJB r 3FEVDFE SJTL GPS WJTJPO MPTT PS EJTPSEFST MJLF NBDVMBS degeneration and cataracts Antioxidants are also added to food or household products to prevent oxidation and spoilage Increasing one’s antioxidant intake is essential for optimum health, especially in today’s polluted world. Because the body just can’t keep up with antioxidant production, a good amount of these vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and enzymes must come from one’s daily diet. Boosting your antioxidant intake can help provide added protection for the body against: r )FBSU QSPCMFNT r &ZF QSPCMFNT r .FNPSZ QSPCMFNT r .PPE EJTPSEFST r *NNVOF TZTUFN QSPCMFNT 'PPE TPVSDFT (PKJ CFSSJFT 8JME CMVFCFSSJFT %BSL chocolate ,Pecans, Artichoke (boiled) ,Elderberries ,Kidney beans ,Cranberries ,Blackberries., Cilantro Herbal souces: Clove ,Cinnamon: ,Oregano ,Turmeric $PDPB $VNJO 1BSTMFZ ESJFE> #BTJM (JOHFS 5IZNF Other antioxidant-rich herbs include garlic, cayenne pepper and green tea. Aim to consume two to three servings of these herbs or herbal teas daily.

Supplement sources: (MVUBUIJPOF (MVUBUIJPOF JT DPOTJEFSFE UIF CPEZ T most important antioxidant because it’s found within the cells and helps boost activities of other antioxidants PS WJUBNJOT (MVUBUIJPOF JT B QFQUJEF DPOTJTUJOH PG UISFF key amino acids that plays several vital roles in the body, including helping with protein use, creation of enzymes, detoxification, digestion of fats and destruction of cancer cells.

Vitamin C : Known for improving immunity, vitamin C helps protect against colds, the flu, and potentially cancer, skin and eye problems.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 16, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

03.02.2018

Marta Kostyuk Kid with Lion’s Heart

BATTLE FOR TOP-FOUR PAGE. 29

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Kostyuk

Kid with Lion’s Heart Ăž Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă‘Ă? ÍšÍ˝Ëœ Ă•ĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ‹ Ă™Ă?ÞãĂ&#x;Ă• ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ă?Ăž ÚÖËãĂ?Ăœ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă–Ă“Ă‹Ă˜ ĂšĂ?Ă˜ĚłĂ? ĂžĂ’Ă“ĂœĂŽ ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ ÞåÙ ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă–Ă“Ă Ă“Ă‹ ÙÑÙåĂ?Ă•Ă‹Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂŒĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ËŞĂ? Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?ĂŒĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂžĂ?Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă? Ă•Ă“ĂŽËœ Ă‹ĂœĂŁĂ–Ă™Ă Ă? ĂŽĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă‹Ă—Ë› Kunle Adewale ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?

M

arta Kostyuk was such a perfectionist when she started playing tennis as a child, she'd blow up in anger if she missed even a single ball. It made tennis completely unenjoyable. ''I always wanted to win, no matter what. If I was losing, it was a tragedy.

It was, like, ‘I don't want to play anymore", the Ukrainian teenager said.

After beating Olivia Rogowska 6-3, 7-5 to become the youngest player to reach the Australian Open third round in two decades, Kostyuk is finding peace with the ups and downs of the sport. All at the wise old age of 15. ''Now, I start to enjoy it", she said.

Kostyuk's performance in Melbourne was remarkable considering just how far she's come in such a short time. The Australian Open is not only her first Grand Slam, but her first main draw at any WTA-level tournament.

Yet, the bubbly Kostyuk's game looks

more than ready for this moment.

Granted a wild card to the qualifying draw after capturing the Australian Open junior title last year, Kostyuk won three matches to earn a spot in the main draw, then upset the No. 25-seeded Chinese veteran Peng Shuai in the first round.

Perhaps an even tougher challenge, she followed that up with a convincing win over Australian wild-card entry Rogowska in front of a partisan crowd at Margaret Court Arena, the No. 2 show court at Melbourne Park.

The stats weren't pretty - 45 unforced errors to just 22 winners but Kostyuk handled the pressure well. A power player who hits big off both sides, she kept going for her shots even when she misfired.

And misfire she did aplenty. While serving for the match, she clubbed a ball off the frame of her racket that nearly hit a spectator in the crowd.

Kostyuk blamed serving into the sun: ''You throw the ball and you hit the sun, actually.''

Kostyuk was an acrobat growing up and was so talented, she placed fourth in the Ukrainian national championships - as a child. But she wanted to spend more time with her mother, a former professional tennis player and now coach, so she gave up acrobatics to focus on tennis at age 11.

Since winning the Australian Open girls title last year, she's made the jump to the pro level and is represented by a high-profile manager, former world No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic, who currently coaches Roger Federer. The impact on her game has been immediate. ''Ivan is always helping me when he sees me,'' she said. ''And Roger, we speak twice. You know, really, like speak. Not like, `Hey, how are you.'

That was nice.''

With her run in Melbourne, Kostyuk has now become the youngest player to reach the third round since Martina Hingis made the quarterfinals at age 15 in 1996.

This has already brought her a great deal of attention-the kind that has

proved so difficult for other young players in the past. Part of the reason breakthroughs like Hingis' are so rare these days is that the WTA Tour has sought to protect teenagers by limiting the number of tournaments they can play. Kostyuk is only eligible to 10 tournaments as a 15 year old.

Even so, young players are still ''hyped a lot,'' said one-time Swiss prodigy Belinda Bencic, who was a U.S. Open quarterfinalist at 17. ''When you win one, two matches, everybody focuses on you,'' said Bencic, who has since struggled with injuries and lost her second-round match at the Australian Open only two days after an upset win over Venus Williams. ''Suddenly, you're the one who has to win, which actually shouldn't be like that.''

Bencic hopes Kostyuk ''keeps enjoying all of this and remembers the feeling how it is when you're excited first time, first Grand Slam, and to keep it this way.''

Kostyuk was however handed a

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FEBRUARY 3, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER CHAN Final

Nigeria Seek First CHAN Glory against Morocco Pinnick charges Eagles to win trophy for President

W

Marylove… When will she grace the Grand Slam

tennis lesson by Elina Svitolina, who is seeded fourth in the third round.

This raises to the questio: when will a Nigerian grace the Grand Slam?

Nigeria has recorded little success when it comes to tennis. In the country, tennis is still regarded as an elitist sport and no doubt, capital intensive.

Little wonder, Nduka Odizor’s fourth round feat at the 1983 Wimbledon is still a reference point, 35 years after the achievement.

However, 13-year old Marylove Edwards looks good to turn things around for Nigeria. With 17 titles in the kitty, both locally and internationally, and headed for the famous America tennis camp (IMG) in Florida, that produced such stars as Andre Agasi, the Williams sisters (Venus and Serena) Marylove sees herself playing her first Tennis Grand Slam in the next three years. Her father, Eddy, projects that the next eight years would see the first African winning a Grand slam title with her daughter.

For Marylove, her father has been the brains behind her success. “My father has been very supportive; he has invested so much in developing me. He hired the services of a coach in the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

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

to train me, while at home; he spends time to train me daily after school. He has been very encouraging, ensuring that I attain the height I want to as a player. The training kits such as shoes, soft balls, rackets, and sportswear are provided by him. The tennis circuits I have attended have been sponsored by him. My father has been everything to me.”

According to her coach, Kayode Savage, it was as if her development was fast-tracked.

“The level at which she is developing is tremendous and unbelievable. She won her first tournament at eight and we felt that by the time she’s 12 or 14 maybe she will be playing U-12 but she’s already rated eight in Africa; already in the Under- 14. She has great determination and her never say die attitude is one of her greatest strength. Even when she’s down, she keeps fighting on and this is very good considering her age. She trains four to five hours daily,” Salvage said.

With 17 titles in the kitty at a very young age, it is not surprising therefore that Marylove is already targeting playing in a Grand Slam in the next five years.

“Growing up, I always watch the Williams sisters, Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic and hoping that one day, I’ll be like one of them and even better their records. So, in the next five years, I hope to have a shot at the Grand Slam,” she said.

Marylove’s dream of becoming a tennis superstar may come to fruition, thanks to the involvement of Temple Management Company, TMC which was magnetised by her ingenuity recently.

“With the partnership with TMC, who are now driving her higher, they have made the project easier. She now participates in tournaments and circuits outside Nigeria. She trains with ease and travelling to tournaments is done on time. In the next five to six years, I do see her participating in World Tennis Association tournaments.

We are aiming at the top in the nearest future,” Eddy said.

ith a bronze medal in 2014 being Nigeria’s best performance in African Nations Championship, the home-based Super Eagles would be hoping to emerge winner in competition for the first time as they play host, Morocco in the final tomorrow.

Both teams came through tough semifinals on Wednesday evening, with Morocco needed extra time to overcome a resilient Libya 3-1 in their North African derby in Casablanca, while Nigeria edged Sudan 1-0 in a hard-fought clash in Marrakech.

The Atlas Lions and the Super Eagles are bidding to become the fourth different winners of the Chan, joining the honours board of DR Congo (champions in 2009 and 2016), Tunisia (2014) and Libya (2014).

Morocco coach Jamal Sellami paid tribute to his team after their victory, which was inspired by a brace from striker Ayoub El Kaabi. He has now netted eight times in this Chan tournament.

"I congratulate my players, who made a great match despite the difficulties they faced," said Sellami after the clash with Libya. We were opposed to an organised selection that caused us a lot of problems.

The fatigue of the Libyan players has done us a great service," he admitted. "No matter who our opponent is in the final, what matters is the state of my players."

As for Nigeria, they have come good on their coach Salisu Yusuf’s promise that they would reach the final of the competition, with Gabriel Okechukwu’s goal securing victory over Sudan.

“Our target is the trophy, no less,” said the Nigeria coach, who added: “Reaching the final alone will mean history for this team. The final of the African Nations Championship beckons and we will go out there with all that we have got.”

In head-to-head statistics, Morocco and Nigeria have met in 12 official matches according to Fifa’s database. Each side has claimed five wins, while two games have been drawn.

The teams’ most recent meeting was in the 2014 edition of the CHAN, with the Super Eagles claiming a thrilling 4-3 victory after extra time in the teams’ quarterfinal clash in Cape Town. The West African came from 0-3 down to win the match.

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick has charged the home-based Eagles to win the trophy for President Muhammadu Buhari.

Pinnick met with the players and commended them after the win over Sudan in Marrakech on Wednesday. But the big message was that they could not afford

to go this far only to go down to the host country.

“On behalf of the NFF Executive Committee and the entire Nigerian Football family, I praise you for your tremendous efforts in getting this far in the face of numerous challenges. You are great ambassadors of our dear nation.

“However, the truth is that you have raised the expectations of the government and people of Nigeria back home, and now you just have to do all that it will take to win the Cup. President Muhammadu Buhari) has been following with keen interest your campaign here, and the only way to compensate him for his support and encouragement is to go back home with the CHAN trophy.”

Nigeria drew with Rwanda in their opening match in Tangier, but has since achieved victories over 2014 champions Libya, Equatorial Guinea, Angola and Sudan to qualify for the final.

Yet, they would start as underdogs against the Atlas Lions, who apart from playing on the too –familiar turf of their main temple, have logged an impressive 12 goals so far and are egged by the whole of Morocco.

Nigeria’s Head Coach, Salisu Yusuf, reacts to that: “Every team is beatable.

If we do the right things, we will beat Morocco.”

Yusuf has coped commendably with set –backs in this tournament, having to think up the right formula to come back from deficit levels against Equatorial Guinea and Angola, and to re-jig his squad after several first team players were knocked out by injury before the semi-final against Sudan. Even therein, he had to strategize for resistance against Sudan after they had to play half an hour with 10 men against 11.

Going into Sunday’s Final, former Nigeria international Yusuf was tested further with injury to goalkeeper and captain Ikechukwu Ezenwa in the semi final ruling him out of the big clash, and 45,000 home fans cheering on the Atlas Lions.

“In football, you have to be prepared for anything. We have managed a few situations through the campaign and still have to manage some going into the final match.

I believe we will cope well and overcome.”

While the Super Eagles must beware of ambitious Atlas Lions in the shape of eight –goal Ayoub El Kaabi, Walid El Karti, Zakaria Hadraf, Salaheddine Saidi, Ismail El Haddad and Abdeljalil Jbria that Coach Jamal Sellami will send out, the Lions themselves have to worry about in –form Nigerian striker Gabriel Okechukwu, as well as Anthony Okpotu, Dayo Ojo, Rabiu Ali, Osas Okoro and Augustine Oladapo.

Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, will lead the Nigerian support at the Stade Mohamed.

Gabriel Okechukwu score the Nigeria's winning goal against Angola

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Liverpool, Spurs in Battle for Last Four Spot ÓÞÒ Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ÓÞã Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă‹ ÍšÍ˝Ě‹ĂšĂ™Ă“Ă˜Ăž Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽËœ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ÓÞÓäĂ?Ă˜Ă? ÞÙ Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă—Ă? ĂŒĂ‹ĂžĂžĂ–Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?ÚÙÞ˞ Ă‹ ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÓâÞĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂšĂ™Ă™Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÞÞĂ?Ă˜Ă’Ă‹Ă— ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă’Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă?Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă–ĂŽ ĂžĂ™Ă—Ă™ĂœĂœĂ™ĂĄ

T

he intensifying battle for Champions League places takes centre stage in the Premier League this weekend as Liverpool host Tottenham, while Manchester United and Chelsea seek to recover from damaging defeats.

Just five points now separate United in second from Spurs in fifth, with the riches and prestige of a place in the Champions League for next season fuelling a record ÂŁ430 million ($611 million, 492 million euros) splurge in the January transfer window.

Arsenal sit a distant sixth, six points behind their north London rivals, provoking an uncharacteristically busy window of comings and goings at the Emirates.

Meanwhile, striker Harry Kane has charged his Tottenham Hotspur teammates to replicate the form they displayed to outclass Manchester United in midweek if they are to get past an in-form Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Tottenham produced a dominant display to beat United 2-0 at Wembley on Wednesday, scoring through midfielder Christian Eriksen on 11 seconds before United defender Phil Jones turned Kieran Trippier's cross into his own net on the hour mark.

Spurs' victory over United saw them maintain their top-four push, and they are just two points behind both Liverpool and Chelsea ahead of the weekend's action.

Kane said the fifth-placed London club cannot let their guard down against Liverpool, after suffering a 2-0 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season.

"We have got to put in the same performance as we did against United," Tottenham's top scorer Kane said.

"Liverpool are a strong team, especially at home when they are on the attack.

They have some fast players and last season we didn't cope with that very well. We were poor throughout the whole team, but we can take confidence from the United game. This is the kind of performance we need to produce against the big teams both at home and away."

Tottenham beat Jurgen Klopp's side 4-1 when the two teams met earlier this season but third-placed Liverpool are a tougher prospect at home, where they are unbeaten in 14 league matches.

Liverpool were unbeaten since that defeat until losing back-to-back games to Swansea and West Brom in late January.

But they responded with a 3-0 midweek win over Huddersfield, and manager Jurgen Klopp said: "Spurs are in a good moment, but our moment is not too bad as well. It'll be interesting."

"We played well against Liverpool at Wembley so we have to go to Anfield full of confidence," Kane added.

Midfielder Lucas Moura, Tottenham's new signing from French club Paris St Germain, watched on as the London club beat United and Kane said he was looking forward to seeing what the Brazilian brings to the table.

"Hopefully he can fit right in and when he gets an opportunity, he takes it," Kane said. "There is no rush and it will keep everyone on their toes.

He's done some amazing stuff for PSG so we are excited to see what can happen."

Meanwhile, Manchester United Manager, Jose Mourinho effectively conceded the Premier League title to Manchester City on Friday, admitting that his side is competing to be "first of the last" in the table.

United lost in midweek at Tottenham, allowing their local rivals to open up a commanding 15-point lead, with just 13 games remaining.

But Mourinho insisted that there is still plenty for his team to play for in the league this season, with second place and qualification for the Champions League his primary focus.

"It makes me feel that they are doing so, so

well that they are not letting the others come close to that, as simple as that," said Mourinho when asked how City's dominance made him feel.

"With the number of points and improvement we have in relation to last season, in normal conditions the distance would be a distance that leaves the fight open.

"And, at the moment, the fight is open for second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth but it is practically closed for the first."

However, the Portuguese insisted that falling short to Pep Guardiola's rampant City, who have dropped just seven points all season, shouldn't be classified as a failure.

"If you tell me all six want to be champion and only one will be champion and the other five fail, I think is too pragmatic a way to look at it because you can do positive work and not win the title," added Mourinho.

"I cannot say that we are doing bad or Tottenham is doing bad or Chelsea is doing bad because the number of points we have are a very reasonable number of points."

Hotshot Harry Kane

Tottenham

21

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

19

Sergio Aguero

Man City

17

Raheem Sterling

Man City

14

Romelu Lukaku

Man Utd

11

Roberto Fermino

Liverpool

11

Jamie Verdy

Leicester

11

Alvaro Morata

Chelsea

10

Wayne Rooney

Everton

10

Alex Lacazette

Arsenal

9

ÓâÞĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?

TODAY Burnley Bournemouth Brighton Leicester Man Utd West Brom Arsenal

v v v v v v v

Man City Stoke West Ham Swansea HuddersďŹ eld Southampton Everton

SUNDAY Crystal Palace Liverpool

v v

Newcastle Tottenham

14:15 16:30

MONDAY Watford

v

Chelsea

20:00

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

Premiership Man City Man Utd Liverpool Chelsea Tottenham Arsenal Burnley Leicester Everton Bournemouth Watford West Ham Crystal Palace Newcastle Brighton Stoke HuddersďŹ eld Southampton Swansea West Brom

25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

55 31 28 26 27 12 -2 3 -12 -8 -11 -12 -15 -12 -16 -25 -25 -11 -18 -15

68 53 50 50 48 42 35 34 31 28 27 27 26 24 24 24 24 23 23 20

33

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

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Reverend Sister Stella Maris Idibe delivering her speech during the career day ceremony of St. Martin's Catholic Nursery and Primary School, Surulere, Lagos

Tourism Expert Sees Potentials in Lagos Water Sports Top tourism expert, Ms. Ivie Aruviereh has urged Lagos to fully maximise its potentials by making its environment as a dominant player in water sport like water polo, kayak and canoeing.

Speaking in an interview with reporters, Ms. Aruviereh said her optimism was predicated on the coastal nature of the state, noting that the government could nurture water sports athletes, who with time, would compete favorably with their counterparts at international competitions like the Olympic Games.

She also noted that the government can make a lot of money if the tourism potentials in the water in the state were properly harnessed, through the introduction and cultivation of a proper and effective water tourism board that will draw out a roadmap for the development

of the waterways into a moneyspinning venture.

According to Ms. Aruviereh, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Ruvieh Travel and Holidays, an internationallyacclaimed tourism firm, with an unbeatable record in providing top-notch travel packages for its clients, ''I am surprised that the Lagos State government has not seen the massive income that they can make from the water that surrounds the state. Lagos is an aquatic state and in other climes, they would have made a lot of income by doing simple things like turning the waterways into tourist attractions. ''As an expert in the industry, I am advocating for an integrated plan to turn our waterways into tourism attractions by introducing cruise lines like they have in Egypt, where you have this unbelievable and paradisal

trip in cruise liners, with all the attendant fun, and along the way, you also provide a fertile ground for the introduction of water sports, which will engage our youths and a night-life fun-trip. ''Our government has not invested in sports and tourism.

Nothing is stopping Lagos State from having cruises on the seas.

It is unbelievable that these seas are wasting away, ditto for our tourism and sports . If Governor Akinwunmi Ambode can come up with two cruise liners, the face of tourism and water sports will change. We will do it and cater for different strands of the public. ''We can even have boat kayak, regatta and a whole lot of other attractive side attractions that will jerk up the financial position of Lagos State'', added Ms. Aruviereh

Mainz 05 Set for Bayern Clash on StarTimes In its usual manner of treating subscribers to an awesome football experience, StarTimes subscribers will this weekend continue to enjoy live matches from the Bundesliga season as Mainz 05 slugs it out with Bayern Munich at the Coface-Arena today by 2:30pm African Time on StarTimes (Channel 254 and 245).

Bayern Munich is presently dominating the league table with 50 points from 20 matches and they have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table to 53 points when they visit Mainz05 that is just three points clear of the relegation play-off position on the back

of a 2-0 loss at Bayern Leverkusen The Head coach of Mainz 05 Sandro Schwarz has no new injury concerns from the side that played in Leverkusen and may opt for the same starting XI against the champions. The 05ers have a decent record against the record champions of late, but not at home where they are without a win in five.

Mainz 05 winter signing Anthony Ujah may be given the nod from the start alongside Yoshinori Muto, though, with Robin Quaison dropping to the bench.

As for Bayern, they were boosted this week by the return to training

of midfielder Thiago following the Spaniard’s torn thigh muscle against Anderlecht in November. He will, however, not be available for this weekend’s tie while Mats Hummels has also continued to train after injury and illness have prevented him from featuring yet in 2018.

Brands and Marketing Director at StarTimes, Qasim Elegbede expressed his delight saying "We are pleased to bring the Match day 21 experience to our subscriber as Bayern Munich trashes it down with Mainz 05 to retain its place as the number one on the Bundesliga table this weekend on StarTimes”, he said.

St. Martin’s School Kick-starts 50th Anniversary with Fitness Walk Today As part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of St. Martin’s Nursery and Primary School, Surulere, Lagos, teachers, parents and pupils of the school will, today, embark on fitness walk on major streets of Surulere.

Parents and pupils of the school have been looking forward, with enthusiasm, to the fitness walk, which will start at 6.30am. They promised to turn out it large

numbers.

To ensure a hitch free event, special scarf was provided for participants and adequate security has been provided. The school management has made provision for medical aids and ambulance to take care of unforeseen circumstances.

“With the way we have mapped out the activities for the event, we do not foresee any ugly incident happening. All the same, we have

taken every necessary precaution against any unforeseen circumstance,” supervisor of the school, Reverend Sister Stella Maris Idibie said.

Other activities for the 50th anniversary of the school include charity visit and spelling bee, old school carnival, excursion, seminar and exhibition, gala/award night, with the grand finale slated for February 9.

South Korea Consul General Presenting the Winter Games Torch to former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

S/Korea Consul General Visits Tinubu, Presents Winter Games Torch The Consul General of the South Korea Embassy in Nigeria, Younghaon Lee visited the Bourdillion residence of the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to present the model Torch of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The Olympics tagged PyeongChang 2018 Games will be held from 9 - 25 February.

Lee said he visited the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) because his country saw in Tinubu a leader of repute who commands the respect of his people.

Presenting this Torch was to extend the friendship between my country and the government and people of Nigeria. More importantly, the Torch represents the symbol of the Olympics which will be held in PyeongChang County in February, the Consul General said. Lee said South Korea is ready to host the world during both the Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics.

Tinubu said he was elated with the kind gesture from the South Korean government. He said out of many important personalities in Nigeria, he could be singled out for the honour with the presentation of the Olympics Torch.

This Torch is symbiotic and significant to promote friendship between us and South Korea.

We should not forget that sports is an economic contributor to our nation. I'm so happy with the qualifications of our athletes for the Winter Olympics despite the fact we don't have winter here.

We are so proud of the our athletes in diaspora for doing us proud.

The Winter Olympics this year is also significant with the participation of North Korea as this will promote peace in the Peninsula and the whole world in general.

CHAN Final to be Broadcast Live on DStv, GOtv The final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), holding in Morocco, will be broadcast live on DStv and GOtv from 8pm on Sunday. The match will see the home-based Super Eagles play hosts, Morocco, at the Stade Mohammed V. Nigeria face the Atlas Lions, who breezed their way through the group stages, thrashing Mauritania by four goals in the tournament’s opening fixture, beating Guinea 3-1 and ending the group stages with a goalless draw against Sudan.

They then beat Namibia 2-0 in the quarterfinals and edged past Libya 3-1 in the semi-finals. They will have the benefit of vociferous home support.

The home-based Super Eagles have not been as imperious. They drew with Rwanda before beating Libya and Equatorial Guinea in the group stages. They required extra-time to get past Angola 2-1 in the quarter-finals and scraped past Sudan 1-0 in the semis in a match they played with numerical disadvantage for over 30 minutes, following the dismissal Ifaenyi Ifaenyi for a second caution in the 58th minute.

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FAIRGROUND

Jahman Anikulapo Visits Celebrity Housemates

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

V

eteran Journalist and celebrated Arts critic, Mr. Jahman Anikulapo paid a surprise-visit to the celebrity housemates at reality TV show house in Ibeju Lekki Lagos, recently.

It was a fabulous and exciting experience, as the housemates waited in anticipation to learn from his pool of knowledge in the arts and entertainment industry.

One of the high points of the visit was when he laid emphasis on Fela Anikulapo’s artistic advocacy, urging the contestants to start advocating for “Artistic politics, because artistic politics can aid and help out in what an artist truly represents.”

The guest was in the House to remind the housemates on how to remain celebrities in their various arts.

Keeping their promise of having other celebrities interact with contestants of the show, the producers of Celebrity Housemates had earlier brought Ace comedian, Ali Baba and Dele Momodu, the CEO of Ovation Magazine, Ovation TV and online newspaper The Boss to grace the mansion with their presence.

Momodu visited the mansion as a guest speaker and mentor to the housemates.

Anikulapo’s visit was a very different one as the veteran Arts journalist shared his experience and knowledge, coupled with his bunch of immeasurable ideas with the housemates as they watched and took notes.

In his address he advised the housemates to concentrate on their arts and to always believe in professionalism, which will aid Jahman Anikulapo them to get to greater height in their various profession.

“As an actor and Musician, you should use your role as an eye for the public to advocate for cultural artistic policy, because Arts is a unifying tool.”

Adding that, after the Nigerian war, arts was used to bring people back together as a unity force, heal wounds, and put smile on peoples face. Arts, according to Jahman Anikulapo, is all about participation.

He also implored them never to allow fame supersede their craftsmanship as this may not take them far, laying some significant emphasis on past famous actors and artiste who all started well and after a while they got carried away with fame which later contributed to their downfall and made their name irrelevant in the industry and beyond.

Housemates later engaged in outdoor game, sack race. Rugged man won the group round but the single round was won by speedster Junior Pope. Eniola Badmus on her part had Jahman Anikulapo addressing the housemates a bit of rough start in the group race but managed well in the singles.

The first major task of the day was the poetic madness. Contestants were given poems to render in exact words, accompanied by dramatisation. Each contestant picked a spot in the house from where they delivered their lines.

Chelsea Eze performed two poems; “Poverty is a gift by Mark Heathcote” and “the curse of poverty by Ramesh Rai”. In the first, she expressed the characters of a father and son in a discussion on poverty. In the second, she took on the character of an elderly man speaking to the nations.

Doris Simeon rendered two poems on “corruption” the first by Pug Rollins and the other by Eniola Otoki. Her rendition of the first poem was of a female corrupt politician. The second poem was about the corrupt nature of both leaders and the common man.

Ruggedman on his part had two poems Eniola Badmus with deferring themes. He performed a piece on poverty titled “sonnet: the magic Pope, who utilised the spirit and symbol of of poverty - By Dr. A. Celestine”. It talks legendary African advocate, Fela Anikulapo about the uses to which one could channel Kuti to pass his message across.

Pieces on human trafficking, such as poverty. The second poem he dramatised was “Innocence lost – By Eniola Otoki” where “Humans for sale - By Princess Ninann” he interpreted the inherent theme of child and “Slavery on freedom day – By Margo molestation in the piece, dressed as a woman May” express the issue of child trafficking and slavery even in the modern society. Rather who happens to be the poet persona.

“Motherland – By Eniola Otoki” and “Born than dramatise, Yomi Fash Lanso delivered in Africa – By St. Antoine de la Vuadi” are a very strong poetic recital of both pieces.

The poet persona interpreted by Fredrick poems that appreciate our origin as Africans, Leonard was that of a man who had been Nigerians. They were interpreted by Junior

Yomi Fash Lanso

Doris Simeon

Saheed Osupa

suppressed for years and had fought it, finally prevailing in his decision to overcome self-oppression. The piece “Revolution” was written by Philips Adewale Samuel.

Eniola Badmus rendered two poems on child molestation; “Sticks and stones - By Jfarrell” and “I lend my voice – By Eniola Otoki”. While the first poem expressed the pain and suffering of the victim years after the molestation had ended, the second had the persona, fighting and encouraging others who had suffered molestation.

Chelsea Eze

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FAIRGROUND

Jude Idada’s 3some to Debut at Lagos Theatre Festival

O

ne of Nigeria’s bubbliest cities, Lagos, will play host to the unveiling of Jude Idada’s 3Some, one of the fringe plays, at the 2018 edition of the Lagos Theatre Festival.

We live in an Internet age, one in which the three-prong fork of marriage, desire and morality is in a constant flux.

People become who they think people want them to be, act as though they are what they think they are, but are not. This is the age of smoke and mirrors, pretense and lies.

3Some mirrors this through the story it tells - of a mother struggling to save the crumbling marriage of her daughter in the course of which she stumbles on a dark secret. It is grave enough to threaten the relationship between herself, her

daughter, her son-in-law and what she knows of herself.

Written and produced

by Jude Idada, the finesse leaves us in no doubt as to why he is an AMAA award winning screenwriter, ANA awardwinning playwright and two-time NLNG Nigeria Prize for literature finalist.

It is directed by the superbly creative Yemi Akintokun and starring the uber talented trio of Daniel Effiong, Uzor Osimkpa and Kemi Bickersteth.

The drama is billed to attract government officials, students, celebrities, politicians, art connoisseurs and some special guests. The play opens on February 28 through to the 4th of March at the Amphitheatre, Freedom Park, 1 Hospital road, Marina Lagos. There would be one show per day at 7 PM.

Jude Idada and Daniel Etime Effiong

EbonyLife Premieres Royal Hibiscus HotelTomorrow to Celebrate Season

E

bonyLife Films has announced the Lagos premiere of its new movie, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel tomorrow, Sunday, February 4, 2018 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Billed as a ‘Festival of Music, Food and Love’, the screening will be preceded by a concert, featuring the talented Johnny Drille, Reekado Banks and Tiwa Savage from Mavin Records, and other brilliant artistes, such as Tolani, Veentage Band, Kaline, Falana and Cobhams Asuquo, who created the film’s score.

Guests will be able to browse through the food hall, sampling a range of culinary delights, from Nigeria, across Africa and beyond. Some of Nigeria’s top chefs will be creating their signature dishes in a series of demonstrations, sure to excite foodies; while many of the world’s finest wines, spirits and liqueurs, such as Johnnie Walker and Baileys, will be available for tasting and pairing with interesting new flavours. Here’s a glimpse of the tantalising lineup: AJ’s Gourmet, Food Fashion Fusion, Chef Fregz, Chef Eros, Saheeto, KOTS, Indomie, Chef Imoteda, Hans & Rene, Salt Lagos and Loshes Chocolates.

The sights, sounds and taste of love will

Captionsss

surround the event; from the sound of love songs, to a range of flirtatious activities for couples. And, of course, the climax of the whole evening will be an intimate screening of The Royal Hibiscus Hotel,

undoubtedly one of the most romantic films ever made in Nollywood. Viewers will be entranced by its depiction of love for couples of every generation.

As always, there will be one of Ebony-

Life’s famous after-parties, refreshed by Cîroc vodka, for those who want to keep going until the early hours. The dress code is a simple one – a dash of Valentine red, with a lot of passion!

Nigeria Police Benefit from Helping Hands Skills Acquisition

L

iving true to its name, Helping Hands International Concept, recently, trained 100 men and women of the Nigeria Police in acquisition of various skills extended its hands of help to members of the Nigeria Police in form of training for its men and women.

According to a director of the organisation, Ambassador Emmanuel Obitex, they were trained, for a week, to make soap, paint production, leather works (shoes and bags) and disinfectant making.

Obitex said, “It was excitement galore as the police men and women painted their station with paints produced from the skill acquisition programme.

Obitex said Helping Hands International Concept was prepared to key into the nation building programme of the federal government, led

by President Muhammadu Buhari, by taking the skills acquisition programme to other states of the federation in the nearest future.

He also promised that the organisation would venture into wealth creation through its empowerment programme for youths.

Police officer from hellping hands skills programme

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž FEBRUARY 3, 2018

TEENS

CONNECT

Have You Met UK’s Teen Millionaire, Akshay Ruparelia Yet? If you haven’t met him, we have the honour of bringing to you u one of UK’s youngest millionaires, Akshay Ruparelia. The 19-year-old r-old d Indian millionaire’s story is worth telling . Nkechi Ibeneme presents sentts the compelling story of this teen wonder

B

Childhood orn to a middle class Indian parents who are both deaf, the first language Akshay grew up with was the sign language. His unique upbringing put young Akshay in a position that he had to take responsibility early in life for the everyday running of his family’s finances and other businesses. One would be right to add that it made him grow up faster than his peers. Such that while his peers were busy enjoying play times and Social Media catch ups, Akshay was busy with his phone and spare time negotiating businesses.

Inspiration Aside the unique birth situation of Akshay, the teen told Daily Mirror in an interview that he got hit with inspiration when he read the biography of Ryanair Chief Executive, Michael O’Leary, while studying for his A Levels Financial Studies exams. According to him; “Mr O’Leary began by selling flights for just ÂŁ4.99. His point was that if you can offer customers something at a price they can’t believe and you deliver what you say you will, you hook people in and your business will workâ€?. “So I took that same logic and applied it to estate agency.

Research showed some online estate agencies were still charging homeowners between ÂŁ800 and ÂŁ1,000. I knew I could do it for a fraction of that.

Why estate agency?

In his words; “As a child, age 10 precisely, in our first house move as a family, I discovered the jobs of Estate Agents and the absolutely insane commission they charge and thought that could be done better�.

Setting up the agency At 17, after he read the biography of Mr O’Leary and getting fired up, Akshay borrowed £7, 000 from relatives to design a website for his online estate agency; www.doorsteps.co.uk, while also studying for his A levels at Queen Elizabeth High School in Barnet, London.

Speaking of his breakthrough deal, Akshay has this to say: “I got the web-

site up and running and after a couple of weeks a man in Sussex asked me to sell his home and a separate chunk of land he owned beside it. “I had to pay my sister’s boyfriend ÂŁ40 to drive me to East Sussex to take photographs of the house. I hadn’t passed my driving test and didn’t have a car. “It was a five bed place with a swimming pool. I put the house on at ÂŁ485,000 and the land for ÂŁ185,000 on top, I’d sold it within three weeks. “I was standing in the school playground and got an e-mail on my mobile from the vendor to say he’d accepted the combined ÂŁ670,000 offer and that I was a ‘legend’. “That was a sensational moment, I was thrilledâ€?.

Discipline However, the teen genius could not celebrate this breakthrough because he had to go home and revise for his A Levels exams. Instead, he got a Domino’s pizza in as a treat. Through a dint of hard work and discipline, Akshay Ruparelia, juggled homework, negotiating property deals and caring for his deaf parents but still managed to get three A*s and two A grades in mathematics, economics, politics, history and financial studies.

His work style While his mates at school rushed out to play soccer during lunch breaks, Akshay went to a corner of the hall to take calls and negotiate businesses online. And while other teens chatted endlessly on different social media platforms and watched television all day after school, he went home to care for his parents, and was on his cell phone transacting business.

Being a school student who couldn’t attend to his calls the entire day, Akshay, hired a call centre to take calls from clients on his behalf during school hours, and would return the calls and negotiate deals soon after classes.

Net worth Akshay’s agency, www.doorsteps. co.uk, is valued at £12 million and

rated as the 18th biggest estate agency in the UK, reported to have sold properties worth 100 million pounds; just 16 months after his website went live. Doorsteps agency currently employs 12 people; mostly mothers who work from home. On his reason for engaging mainly mothers, Akshay told the Daily Mirror: “Quite rightly people trust mums. Every mum who works for me will be honest and tell the truth. It is important. For the majority of people selling their home is the biggest financial transaction of their lives�.

Lifestyle At just 19, Akshay exhibits the financial wisdom superior to that of some adults; a trait that could be attributed to his peculiar childhood or his Financial Studies at school.

But, despite turning in so much, he still manages to keep his head down.

He is frugal with money and has placed himself on a monthly salary.

Initially, he paid himself ÂŁ500 but now that business is booming, has increased that to ÂŁ1, 000, every month.

It’s amazing but, Akshay doesn’t even own a car yet! The first thing an average teen was likely to invest on .He says the insurance is too exorbitant and though he has passed his driving tests; hopes to buy a car once the insurance goes down.

Care for parents Due to the speech and hearing impairments of his parents, Akshay started caring for them early in his life. His dad Kaushik, 57, is a care worker and does shifts in a Royal Mail sorting office and his mum Renuka, 51, is a teaching assistant for deaf children and a support worker for deaf children with Camden Council.

With his business now doing great, Akshay is able to support his parents and has

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FEBRUARY 3, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

even bought them a new car – despite not owning one himself.

Advice to peers And for his peers, Akshay handed down the following pieces of advice: r 5BLF FWFSZ FYQFSJFODF ZPV IBWF and use it to your own advantage. r &OKPZ XIBU ZPV EP BOE EP OPU spend the whole day watching television. r *G ZPVS NVN HJWFT ZPV B CJU PG advice, take it. Mums know more than ZPV MM FWFS SFBMJTF 5IBU T XIZ * N employing an army of them across the country to work for www.doorsteps. co.uk r 3FBE CPPLT MPUT PG CPPLT 5IF CJPHSBQIZ PG 3ZBOBJS $IJFG &YFDVUJWF .JDIBFM 0 -FBSZ * SFBE IBT DIBOHFE my life. r *G ZPVS HVU JOTUJODU BCPVU TFUUJOH VQ B CVTJOFTT GFFMT SJHIU KVTU HP XJUI it. You’ll never make a million if you

don’t take risks. r %PO U XBTUF UJNF XBUDIJOH TIPXT MJLF -PWF *TMBOE PO 57 XPSL IBSE make money and maybe you’ll be able to buy your own island and invite XIPFWFS ZPV XBOU UP KPJO ZPV PO JU And for those who may think that the self made teen millionaire is all about book and business deals, he has this final advice: r %PO U XPSL BMM UIF UJNF XF BMM OFFE UP SFMBY B CJU UP SFDIBSHF PVS CSBJOT * EP UIBU CZ QMBZJOH UFOOJT Future plans Akshay has been offered admisTJPO CZ 0YGPSE 6OJWFSTJUZ UP TUVEZ economics and mathematics but he put it on hold to grow his business which has already started attracting investors and now has over £500, 000 in equity.

He plans to raise £5 million with a share issue and to make doorsteps the best rated in service and Britain’s number one property agent.

Good luck kid! r4PVSDF Daily Mirror

“

“

People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things – EDMUND HILLARY

Blow the whistle… W he Whenever cases of case dome domestic violence violence, sexual abuse abuse or ab of any kind happens to you or anyone you know, please, dial this number: *6820# to report it immediately 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

Akshay

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THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri Was The Ex NIA DG Set Up to Pave The Way for Buhari’s Northernisation Agenda?

T

here are three intelligence agencies in Nigeria, namely DSS, NIA and DIA. Each of them is headed by Northern Muslims. Two out of the three are from the same Katsina State as President Buhari. One out of the three comes from the President’s hometown, Daura.

Is there a balance in our intelligence agencies? With no Christian or Southerner in the top intelligence strata, how can intelligence on issues like killer Fulani herdsmen and other national security challenges not be biased in favour of those who share religious and ethnic affinity with these intelligence chiefs?

But an even more important question is this: Was Ayo Oke, the sacked DG of the NIA, set up to make way for a core Northern Muslim Director General?

This is a valid question when you consider that two people were sacked at the same time, namely, Babachir Lawal, the thieving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Ambassador Ayo Oke. But while Babachir Lawal, was replaced by someone from his own state of Adamawa (actually his own cousin from the same village as him), Ambassador Ayo Oke, who is from Oyo State, was replaced by Mr. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, who is allegedly from the same Katsina state as the President but suspected to be from Chad.

But why the anomaly? Why the difference in sourcing Babachir Lawal’s successor and Ambassador Oke’s?

But it gets curiouser and curiouser. Obviously, Babachir Lawal is a pilferer. He was caught red-handed and was rightly sacked, but what was Ambassador Ayo Oke’s crime?

The flat in which US$43.4 million, £27,800 and N23million Naira ($75,000) were found was identified to be a safe house. Such practices are not strange all over the world. The money did not belong to Ambassador Ayo Oke. It was money meant for covet operations.

It was not found in his account. To paraphrase the late Sabo Bakin Zuwo, it was a case of ‘government money in government house’.

Till today, many Nigerians cannot fathom why ambassador Oke was sacked.

The Buhari administration inaugurated a committee to probe the incidences surrounding the notorious Ikoyigate scandal and now four months after the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo committee submitted its report, the public still does not know the outcome of its investigation.

I understand that there may be some national security implications, but the whole story seems fishy and looks to me and many others like a set up to remove the only Southerner heading one of the nation’s three intelligence agencies and replace him with a core Northern Muslim Northerner.

At a time when Nigeria is facing an unusual upsurge in killings

by Muslim Fulani herdsmen, it is suspicious, to say the very least, that the only non-Northerner is removed under a cloud and as now have a troika of core Northern Muslims manning our intelligence agencies.

As at today, these are President Muhammadu Buhari’s men that are expected to save Nigerians from killer Fulani herdsmen: -Minister of Defense, Muslim Northerner -Minister of Interior, Muslim Northerner -NSA, Muslim Northerner -Chief of Army staff, Muslim Northerner -IG of Police, Muslim Northerner -Chief of Air staff, Muslim Northerner -DG NIA, Muslim Northerner -DG DIA, Muslim Northerner -DG DSS, Muslim Northerner -CG, Prison, Muslim Northerner -CG Customs,Muslim Northerner -CG Immigration, Muslim Northerner (Full disclosure, the chief of Naval staff is from the South, but the Navy has little or no role in the anti-terror war)

Buhari

Please make of this list what you will Never in the history of Nigeria have we had our military and security architecture so firmly concentrated in the hands of core Northern Muslims as we have today. This is nepotism on steroids.

The heads of the Army, the Air Force, the Police and ALL the three intelligence agencies are securely in the hands of core Northern Muslims. Is there not even one competent Southerner that President Buhari could find to head just one of these agencies?

And Nasir El-Rufai warned us but we did not heed his warning.

On October 4, 2010, El-Rufai said as follows: “Mallam El-Rufai wishes to remind General Buhari that he has remained perpetually unelectable because his record as military head of state, and afterwards, is a warning that many Nigerians have wisely heeded. His insensitivity to Nigeria’s diversity and his parochial focus are already well-known.”

And what El-Rufai said in 2010 is eerily similar to what General Babangida said in August of 1985 after he overthrew Buhari. He said inter alia: “Regrettably, it turned out that Major-General Muhammadu Buhari was too rigid and uncompromising in his attitudes to issues of national significance. Efforts to make him understand that a diverse polity like Nigeria required recognition and appreciation of differences in both cultural and individual perceptions, only served to aggravate these attitudes.

With the way President Buhari has been so one-sided and sectional in his appointments, if he had the power, would he not have appointed a core Northern Muslim as the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria!

What sin did we commit as a nation to deserve such a lopsided government? A government that overwhelmingly handed almost the entire Nigerian security architecture to core Northern Muslims in a country almost evenly populated by Christians and Muslims.

This is a man who believes in one law and set of standards for himself and his favoured section of the country and another law and set of standards for others.

Five months ago, President Buhari summoned Igbo elders and berated them for not calling Igbo youths to order and blamed them for the rise of Nnamdi Kanu and his Indigenous People of Biafra.

Well, let us consider the President’s logic.

President Buhari is a Fulani elder. Using his logic, should we

blame him for not calling Fulani herdsmen to order? At least IPOB didn’t kill. Herdsmen kill with abandon! The President applies rules on others that he is not prepared to apply to himself or his kinsmen.

For instance, how can the Buhari government say Fulani herdsmen have the right to move around Nigeria at will and then turn around to advise Rabiu Kwankwaso that he should not come to Kano?

Does it mean that killer Fulani herdsmen have more freedom of movement than a bonafide Nigerian citizen?

And why must we surrender our lands for cattle colonies as the Buhari administration would want? Is that the hidden agenda behind the blatant Northernization policy of the Buhari regime?

Let me sound a strong warning to any state that allows cattle colonies. They will take the land you give them. They will increase in population. They will appoint a king. They will ask for more land.

You will say no. It is at that point that such a state will know the real meaning of the word colony. If in doubt, go and read about the history of Ilorin. History is about to repeat itself, but on a wider scale.

If a Nigerian goes to America to kill Americans, President Donald Trump will rightly ensure he is executed. If foreign Fulani herdsmen come to Nigeria to kill Nigerians, President Buhari will ensure they are given free land for cattle colony. Yet Nigerians criticize Trump!

America’s greatest national security threat is a missile from North Korea. Europe’s greatest national security threat is a missile from Russia. But Nigeria’s greatest national security threat in the 21st century are Fulani cattle rearers with AK-47! Is Nigeria still in the Stone Age? And now that they have the total security and intelligence infrastructure firmly in their grasp, what does the Buhari administration want to do?

The unintelligent so-called minister of defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, blamed Nigerians and the anti-grazing law for Fulani herdsmen killings and amazingly declared that henceforth the Buhari administration will now monitor social media to help secure the nation.

What is the correlation?

Buhari should invest the time and money he wants to use in monitoring social media and arresting hate speech makers to monitoring farmlands and arresting killer Fulani herdsmen.

Misplaced priority.

He rode on free speech to power and wants to remove the ladder that got him there. He is desperate for a second term, yet he is not performing. So what will now happen when he gets the second term and does not need our votes again? If Buhari is doing little to nothing to stop Fulani herdsmen now, imagine how much worse they will be if he gets a second term!

Let me conclude by saying that I just read how 430 Nigerian prisoners are pursuing degrees at NOUN. Buhari was overthrown in 1985 and returned to power 30 years later. In those 30 years, did he improve himself like these prisoners? He did not further his education. No degree, no books written. Even his WAEC certificate is suspect.

Electing those prisoners is better than re-electing Buhari. So today, I remind you that prayer points and social media have limited power to kick killer Fulani herdsmen and their cattle colony political sponsors out of power. But PVCs have unlimited power to kick them out of power FOREVER. So do not go for guns. Go for your PVC and change the useless change that Buhari and APC brought in 2019

Reno’s Nuggets Marrying a woman who has not faced tough times with you is risky. Good times do not bring out a woman’s true colours. It is easy to love a man who pays all the bills. But will she still love you if you can’t pick her bills? That is what tough times will reveal. And don’t marry a woman that needs a man. Marry one that needs you.

There’s a difference. A woman who needs you won’t want sex or money from you, but she‘ll want time with you. She values your company more than your property. When you see such women, marry them #RenosNuggets

Fashola Confirms Growth of Economy Under Jonathan, Says Omokri

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speech credited to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola that the economy grew, regardless of epileptic supply of electricity during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan vindicates the former president.

A statement, yesterday, by Mr. Reno Omokri, an aide of former president Goodluck Jonathan, said, “Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, has exposed both his boss, President Buhari, and his colleague, Lai Mohammed, as liars who will say anything, no matter how untrue, to cling to power and demonise former President Jonathan and the PDP.

Omokri said, “Speaking on February 1, 2018 at a civil society engagement workshop on the Power Sector Recovery Programme in Abuja, Fashola in trying to defend himself from allegations of ineptitude as regards the epileptic power supply in the country, ended up vindicating both Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP, albeit unintentionally.

“At that event, Mr. Fashola said: “We hear all our so-called experts who say (non-availability of) power is why the economy of Nigeria is not growing. That is not factual and it is not correct. At the time when we had less power in 2013 and 2014, the economy of this country was growing at seven per cent per annum. We had less power then, than we have now, but the economy was growing.”

Omokri said, “Nigerians can now see that

Mr. Fashola, in a Freudian slip, was made

by God, to expose the truth that his boss, his party and his colleagues have been trying to suppress for the past three years, namely that former President Jonathan developed and grew Nigeria’s economy at an unprecedented and consistent growth rate of over 6% per annum, and handed over a thriving economy that was projected by CNNMoney to be the third fastest growing economy in the world when Dr. Jonathan handed over power to President Buhari.

“Unfortunately, due to the ineptitude of the Buhari administration, a booming economy became an economy in recession in just one year under the All Progressive Congress.

“And this is not the only recent example of the vindication of former President Jonathan

by the Buhari administration.

“Only recently, Lai Mohammed responded to the letter by former President Olusegun Obasanjo by claiming that the Buhari administration had increased the nation’s foreign reserve from the $24 billion it met to $40 billion. “The question for Lai Mohammed is this: From whom did Buhari inherit the $24 billion? From ghosts? From Killer Fulani herdsmen?” He said, “In light of the vindicating statements by Raji Fashola, I hereby call on both President Muhammadu Buhari and Lai Mohammed to tender an unreserved apology to former President Jonathan and the PDP, and to henceforth commit to returning Nigeria’s economy at least to the state that they met it when Dr. Jonathan handed over power to them on May 28, 2015.”

FEBRUARY 3, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

43

FASHION FILE

“Alabotubo” Son Of A High Chief SS18 collection by Day Creations

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 3, 2018

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

“Alabotubo”

D

ay Creations presents its latest menswear collection Alabotubo - Son Of A High Priest, from a post modernized view (The artistic style and approach used in the production and making of each look. The way each image was constructed, the silhoutte created and the status it gives the wearer or user) through the mind of the creative director Ayanate Daniel Kariboye from his experiences over the years with his father Late High Chief A.A Kariboye - Igboh and uncle Late High Chief S.O Princewill of the great Kalabari Kingdom as inspirations. A mix of modern day suave and classic colonial aesthetics.

Alabotubo is - Confident - Honourable - Respected - Mannered - Proud and Humble

45

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

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

L-R: Managing Director/CEO,UBA Pensions Fund Custodian, Mr. Bayo Yusuf;Group Head, Microenterprise Directorate, Bank of Industry, Mrs. Uloma Ike;President, Lagos chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Babatunde Ruwase;Head, Product Management, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlememt System Plc (NIBSS), Sarah Chidebelu - Eze; Managing Partner, Alan &Grant, Mr. Gbenga Totoyi and Managing Director/CEO, Equity Assurance Ltd, Mr. Moruf Apampa, at the LCCI in collaboration with NIBSS SME workshop on financial perspective in Lagos recently

L-R: National Director of welfare, Change Initiative Network, Otunba Olufemi Sosanya; Member , BoT, Folashade Adekanbi; National Treasurer, Surv. Ajiborode Saka Kazeem; National Coordinator, Sola Adekanmbi and Secretary, Planning Committee, Ololade Salvador during a meeting to Unveil the True Change in Lagos recently

How Roadside Trading is Boosting Brands’ Visibility Though many companies would want to openly boast of the contributions of roadside trading to their bottom line, perhaps because of its illegality in some areas like Lagos following the implementation of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition law, the benefits of the activity and strategy to manufacturers cannot be swept aside.

Roadside trading which is an aspect of small-scale retail trading involves selling of goods or services on a road or footpath or from a place adjacent to the road. The traders usually place along the road, a vehicle, a stall or a vending machine or any structure used for trading purposes. They may also be walking along the road selling or offering to sell goods and services to various consumers.

With a population of not less than 167million people, 67.1 per cent of the country’s population are living below the poverty line according to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS. Research has it that the major customers of the roadside retailers are people at the bottom of the pyramid, representing the 67.1 % of the population, though some percentage of the affluent and critical audience also take pleasure in patronising hawkers on the road.

For most brands coming into the market either as new entrants or existing ones, the goal is to establish an identity in the market, get recognition and brand awareness, engage the consumers, enjoy consumers’ loyalty, brand advocate and of course, a larger market share, amongst others.

While there are different techniques including below and above the line advertisements that companies employ in achieving these key objectives, the roadside trading is another subtle and cheap enhancer that has given edges to brands.

Ranging from ICT, banking, fast moving consumer goods, farm products, fashion and kitchen items all have their market at the roadsides either being hefted on the head, shoulder, wheel barrow or shaded in a temporary stand in the driveways and alongside busy roads which can be easily accessed by passersby and even motorists.

According to marketing communications experts, there is no more fundamental way to increase the awareness of a brand than to place it in potential customers’ line of sight and at locations where people congregate, which mostly is the traditional open air market.

Managing Director of Seiko Energy

Venture, Sikiru Aminu pointed out that roadside activity was another strategic and effective tool for brands.

“Some companies used hawkers to launch their products especially at major traffic points. You see hawkers selling these products to consumers who are trapped in their vehicles, especially consumable goods like drinks and biscuits.

More often than not, when a product enters the market, apart from the usual advertisement, the exposure given it by roadside traders keep the product resonating in consumers’ consciousness and in most cases, these traders offer price rebates often more than what you get at the modern supermarket because they want to

quickly sell off their wares, make their little profit to cater for immediate needs or plough it back into trading.

In his view, a marketing communications expert, Mr. Isreal Bolaji, “such is an informal marketing technique that takes the brand to the people which is particularly very apt and effective especially for mass market brand.

“In terms of sales volume, such a retailing model contributes about 15 per cent of overall sales. It also offers a direct marketing opportunity to explain the benefits of products to end users directly. It also offers direct sales and merchandising,” he said.

Also, another communications expert, Julie Rains, stated that

roadside enterprises may not become business empires that will one day be purchased by Google for billions of dollars, but they do provide insights into important marketing and operational truths.

Harping on convenience and accessibility as some of the score points of roadside sales, she said: “The inherent nature of the roadside stand is that customers drive or walk by on a regular basis. It’s much simpler to stop by a stand while commuting to work or running errands than to plan a trip to the grocery store or supermarket.

“Being so accessible and top-ofmind, without being intrusive, is a marketer’s dream.”

Power Firm Moves to Make Nigeria OLX Raises Consumers’ Hopes in 2018 Business-Friendly Cummins Power Generation Nigeria Limited has vowed to strengthen its impact in the country so as to be able to sustain and attract new investments.

The company which maintained that many businesses run at a loss while some investors shy away from the country majorly due to power challenges stated that it would continue to keep operations going at the 16 gas-fired power plants (100MW capacity) across Nigeria as part of its commitment to enhance the economy of the nation.

General Manager of the company, Graham Christie, recalled that the recent national grid fall has made obvious the fallout of the quality of power generation and distribution in the country with an estimated electricity generation capacity of 8,644MW and distribution capacity of approximately 3,718MW to cater for the electricity needs of over 160 million Nigerians.

He said, “Research has revealed that the constant power shortage and inefficiency is as a result of the enormous gap between the high demand for electricity and low capacity and supply of electricity to meet it. This has led to self-generation of power by both industrial and residential consumers even though the power sector has been de-regularised.

This, according to him stirred the company into full operations, maintenance and after-market support for all its Gas Plants in

Nigeria.

“With over 200 engineers in Nigeria, our service allowed for 24/7 operations to our customers and we are committed to creating similar opportunities to clusters of the society where groups from various backgrounds can come together and address power issues for immediate executable solutions as the epileptic power supply problems in the country still remain resolute.

“At Cummins, innovation is ingrained in our culture, mission, vision and values. Our innovations have enabled us to provide customers with products and services that would enhance their endeavours and guarantee uninterrupted power supply 24/7.

We take the time to understand our customers, and then exceed their expectations by always being the first to market the best products”, he said.

General Manager of the company, Daniele Sechi added: “The overall aim was to replace diesel generators with gas generator sets in both residential and factory premises because it is a cheaper and environmentally-friendly option for power generation especially, in Nigeria where generator usage is on the increase.

The primary focus is to deliver continuous power. Yet, we can offer the Gas Generator sets under IPP, rental and/or lease, depending on the customer’s preference.”

With the aim of raising consumers’ financial status especially with the huge spending of the yuletide season that got many cash-strapped, leading Online Classifieds Site, OLX, is helping consumers to sell off their unused and excess items on its platform.

According to the company, it deemed it economic for consumers to convert unused and unneeded items at home for cash rather than allow them to clutter the house or waste away, thus harming the environment further.

In the words of the company’s public relations and communications Lead, Uche Nwagboso, as the year is still fresh, there is the tendency that most people are in possession of what they do not need, most of which came in either as gift or as purchased during the yuletide season.

“As we look towards a clean start in 2018, this is an excellent time to declutter your home of unused items. We all have a tendency to always want more, and to hold on to things we deem sentimental but how many things do we really need, especially with the acquisition of gifts during the Yuletide season.

“Most people are usually financially strapped after the festivities and the average household is sitting on thousands of naira in unused items like smartphones, electronics and furniture.”

“With the OLX platform, users can post their items across several categories on the site which gives them access to a lot of buyers to make win-win exchanges. Users are implored to meet in a public place to ensure a smooth and safe transaction”, she said.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 3, 2018

INTERVIEW Tonye Solomon

How Entrepreneurs Can Re-invent Their Businesses Using Digital Marketing With the economic downturn is exacting its adverse effects on small and medium enterprises, businesses in the country have become financially stretched and are looking for creative ways to save money, time and other resources. Few of them are finding the ingenious way to keep their ventures not only afloat but to also make profits. In this interview, a successful and creative entrepreneur, Tonye Solomon talks about what it takes for businesses to be successful and open more shops in Nigeria. To her, technology is not just a buzzword; it can be the lifeline SMEs will need in this age and time. She spoke in this interview to Bayo Akinloye

T

ell us about your concept of digital marketing management.

We live in a digital age: a time when little kids who are unable to speak or manage their bodily functions handle digital devices with ease. Everywhere you look, ingenious businesses and profitable careers are sprouting up online that weren’t in existence five to 10 years ago. As a real estate consultant, I consider the Internet as a virtual real estate and anyone who is interested can get a slice of that pie for free. Actually, anyone running or who owns a business should as a matter of necessity, have a strong and easily recognizable presence online.

I cannot explain enough the importance of digital marketing as it easily swamps other forms of traditional marketing which are even more expensive. Today, we have more people who possess phones that have access to the Internet irrespective of their economic status. In a country where electricity is erratic and almost nonexistent, you find that people’s major source of entertainment comes through their phones and other mobile devices.

This is unfettered access to millions of potential clients for any business that knows how to use digital marketing to their advantage

Why did you venture into digital marketing?

My foray into digital marketing was borne out of sheer necessity. As I mentioned earlier, we live in a digital age and as a result the world has truly become a global village of sorts. Being the owner of a number of small and medium enterprises, one of which manages and markets other SMEs, I was frustrated by my inability to translate my business ideas digitally.

This frustration was compounded by the numerous delays and disappointments suffered in the hands of roguish graphic designers as well as the increasing cost of basic designs to my fledgling business budget. This led me to get educated about digital marketing and it has been a fantastic investment so far.

What has the experience been like for you personally?

As a small and medium enterprise owner, being a digital marketing manager has improved my business output tremendously. The advent of the social media as a tool for business means that content creation is a key factor needed to engage your audience and potential clients. Digital marketing specialists, social media managers and graphics designers are in hot demand and quite pricey for a small business owner. By training to become one I cut out the middle man, saved money and time for my business as I now create my own content for GidiRealtor and Tonye Signature Events. Inadvertently, now I have an extra source of income creating digital designs like logos, flyers and other contents for other clients.

How important is digital marketing management today?

Solomon

I cannot explain enough the importance of digital marketing as it easily swamps other forms of traditional marketing which are even more expensive. Today, we have more people who possess phones that have access to the Internet irrespective of their economic status. In a country where electricity is erratic and almost non-existent, you find that people’s major source of entertainment comes through their phones and other mobile devices. This is unfettered access to millions of potential clients for any business that knows how to use digital marketing to their advantage.

People are looking for how to grow their businesses in the midst of economic downturn, how can

this help?

I’m glad you asked this question.

I’ve walked in those shoes before and I know how it feels trying to get your goods and services noticed by new clients on a shoe-string – and sometimes non-existent – advertising budget. This is why I want to share my wealth of knowledge and practical experience with SMEs interested in taking creative control of their businesses to achieve profit.

What exactly is involved in the concept you’re advocating?

When I invested in learning about digital marketing, I just wanted to be free from having to depend on another person’s creativity or lack thereof as well as save my business from heavy

advertising and design expenses. Not only did I achieve my aim, I also was able to make money by providing the same service to others. Now I have created a CANVA workshop for SMEs to come and learn how to make their own logo and flyer designs amongst other things.

To be part of the workshop, no experience is needed. All that wouldbe participants need to do is come with their laptops and an open mind to create. We provide everything else.

The workshop will hold between February 21 and 23 in Lekki, Lagos State. The workshop will give the participants the opportunity to learn in real time as well as create their own business logos, flyers and social media contents. At the workshop there will be free Wi-Fi for the duration of the course as well as a 10-day support after the training programme.

Is the workshop free?

It’s very affordable considering the value of what will be offered. There are group discounts for companies looking to train staff in digital marketing as well.

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FEBRUARY 3, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERVIEW ENCOUNTER

Mohammed

Nizamiye Hospital Can Compete with Any Hospital in Europe and America, Says Management In an exclusive interview with Davidson Iriekpen, the Public Relations Officer of the Turkish Nizamiye Hospital, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, shed light on the activities of the hospital since inception three years ago. Excerpts:

G

iving a voice on the need to adThe Turkish Nizamiye Hospital was established in 2014.

Please, can you share your experience?

Yes, you are indeed correct; the hospital was inaugurated on February 20, 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Since then, we have strived not just to be in operation, but also to ensure that our services compare to what is obtainable in Europe and America. The journey has been incredible as well as challenging.

As you may be aware, the Nizamiye hospital is not a magnificent building; we have very experienced doctors and nurses that have continued to give in their best in the discharge of their duties. So, in a nutshell, I would say that Nizamiye hospital has not only distinguished itself as a reliable medical facility in Nigeria, it has also given Nigerians a reason not to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Talking about your services, don’t you think it might be out of reach for most Nigerians?

The hospital renders specialised services like Open Heart Surgery, Angiography, CT Scan, MRI, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Algology, to mention but a few. These are highly skilled services that are on their own quite expensive even in western countries. That does not mean that we are ignorant of the implication of getting care for such services, but you can be assured that our prices are less than what you get when you travel to Europe and America. Again, we are all aware that it is estimated that Nigeria spends about $1 billion on medical tourism annually. The question thus is what the illnesses that take Nigerians abroad? Take the example of open heart surgery. You will agree with me that open heart surgery entails more than just the procedure itself. There is also the

periodic check. Now, say an individual travels all the way to India for open heart surgery; the risk is much higher because such an individual would be dealing with a long flight and the cabin pressure which might not be suitable for his condition. Okay, say the operation was successful, such individual would also need to travel back to India for a follow-up check with the doctors, and that would even cost money. So which is the best option? So I still maintain my position that our services might not be out of the reach of Nigerians because of the added benefits.

But here at Nizamiye hospital, we have our doctors’ residence within the hospital premises, and we operate on a 24-hour-7-day-a-week basis for all cases including open heart surgery. So tell me which is cost effective?

You mentioned that the hospital has an open heart surgery clinic; can you shed more light on it?

Yes, we have an open heart surgery clinic headed by a renowned cardiovascular surgeon with over 30 years’ experience and with over 15,000 open heart surgeries in Turkey. And since we opened the clinic in 2016; we have performed 18 successful open heart surgeries, two valve replacements, and 16 coronary bypasses. Our open heart surgery team is also resident in the hospital premises, and what this means is that they operate 24 hours, seven days a week. I dare say we are about the only hospital in Abuja that has this kind of setting.

Given the fact that the hospital is well equipped, there have been some issues with the high number of deaths in the hospital. What do you have to say?

Thank you for this question. There is an expectation that regardless of the medical condition of any patient, doctors at the Nizamiye hospital should be able to perform a miracle of some sort. While this is understandable given our level of

expertise, however, in medical science, when a case is severe, it is terrible and there is little or nothing some doctors can do. As regards your question, the Nizamiye hospital as a policy does not turn down patients. We accept and give an objective assessment to relatives and give them all the options. In terrible cases that such patients have a couple of days to live we advise and in most instances the relatives insist that we take in the patient so he or she can die in peace.

What am I saying in essence? Nizamiye hospital seems to be the last resort.

And that is a massive challenge for us because we see cases which we would have handled comfortably if the patient had turned in early. So this saddens us, and is a burden we have to carry.

Please tell us about the quality of staff at the hospital as well as the employment criteria?

The Nizamiye hospital boasts of a remarkably brilliant workforce. From our consultants to doctors, nurses, laboratory attendants, everyone has distinguished himself or herself. We took time to source for the best hands from Turkey and Nigeria because we pride ourselves as a world-class medical facility.

It was stated by some people that the hospital was built at the cost of $20 million. If true, why such investment in Nigeria?

You are correct, but as we speak, expansion works are ongoing at the hospital. So in a way, the $20 million mark has been extended to something around $30 million. Let me also inform you that the Nile University, which is a sister organisation intends to use the hospital as its teaching hospital because it now has a fully accredited medical school. So why the massive investment?

Nigeria is worth the investment. Let me start by giving a background on the promoters of the Nizamiye hospital.

The hospital is promoted by First Surat

Group of Companies with interest in the educational and health sectors.

I am sure you are aware of the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) and the Nile University. These are organisations under the First Surat Group of Companies umbrella. The organisation is owned by a group of Turkish and Nigerian investors, and they have been in operation since 1998. As regards the hospital, the massive amount of monies spent on medical tourism was a factor. We as an organization sat and said, can’t we bring what is obtainable in Europe and America to Nigeria? And the answer we got was yes. And we set out to work; we travelled to most worldclass hospitals in Europe and America and understudied them. This was what gave birth to the Nizamiye hospital essentially.

You recently celebrated 18 successful open heart surgeries. It appears that is one area the hospital has capacity?

Like I mentioned earlier, the hospital has various clinics that operate a 24-hour-seven-day service. That is not all; our doctors are resident in Nigeria and the hospital premises. So in a couple of minutes, you have a doctor with you regardless of the medical care. Secondly, open heart surgery is not the only area we have the capacity. The open heart surgery clinic is just one. We are also specialised in Algology, which is the treatment of extreme pains. This is also not common in Nigeria. But we have a specialist with over 20 years’ experience.

I think we are among the few hospitals with neonates ICU with ventilators in Abuja. And we have about 6 of such.

There is also neurosurgery, orthopaedics, general surgery, ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Anaesthesiology & Reanimation, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dermatology and many more. I think the Nizamiye hospital can compete with any hospital in Europe and America.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 3, 2018

ENCOUNTER

Abia Among Top Six States That Don’t Owe Salaries Aba is the heartbeat of Abia State; so that what affects impacts on all parts of the state. From infrastructure deficit to decline in production capacity. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has had a lot to do restoring the lost glory of God’s own state. Chronicling the efforts, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. John Okiyi Kalu, speaks with Charles Ajunwa and Solomon Elusoji, about the drive to improve local production, why the state government sent 30 shoemakers to China to learn automated shoemaking processes, the state’s education policy, the Paris Club refund, among other issues

W

hy did Abia State Government send 30 shoemakers to China?

It’s all part of the government’s social investment initiative. It is also connected to our promotion of Made-in-Aba which, as you know, is one of the flagship programmes of this government. The idea behind it was to look inward, see how we could support smallscale enterprises in Aba. It’s a way of spreading prosperity, a way of curtailing joblessness and associated insecurity. Most importantly, it was designed to contribute to the industrialisation agenda of the Ikpeazu administration. The Governor anchored his development paradigm on five pillars: education, agriculture, industrialisation, commerce, oil, and gas.

Aba people, historically, are makers. What happened in the past was that they made and credited others. That’s why you see products from Aba being credited to China, Italy, and Sweden. So what the government has done is to identify with them, their craftsmanship, give them the courage to own up to their production, support them to improve what they are producing and also help them to have access to markets locally and globally.

Those 30 are the first set to go to China; we expect about 100 of them to go. They will learn about automated shoemaking. Nobody has any doubt that our people are the best in shoemaking in Nigeria, but we need to move it from the craft level to the industrial production level.

To do that, because there is an existing gap in the demand and supply of shoes, we need to automate their processes. So we thought that the best way to do it was to send out young people among the shoemakers and let them learn from the Chinese, who already have global shoe brands. So the trip will enable them to be able to operate equipment that allows for the mass production of shoes. They will then serve as trainers for others when they come back and, ultimately, we will support them to acquire the necessary machines and equipment.

Previously, we’ve done something similar with tailors in Aba. We took them to Turkey to spend some time to learn new techniques for cutting, sewing and a lot of them have acquired machines and are doing well. We also have a big fabrication hub in Aba, along Port Harcourt Road. What we will also do to support them is to modernise their processes and systems and make sure that they stand strong as Nigeria’s number one fabrication hub.

And part of that support is the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, which was abandoned by the federal government for more than 20 years. Before now, people knew that if you

wanted to fabricate any machine, build a fuel tank or a trailer carrying a tank, you would go to Port Harcourt Road and get it done. But because there is no road, how do you get it from there? So, today, the government of Dr. Ikpeazu is constructing a six-lane road, complete with BRT lanes on both sides, so that those fabricators can work and be evacuated easily.

The thinking of the government is very simple. If you are going to construct a road, make sure it is an economic one; not a road that leads to the house of your political friends. An economic road is one that leads to markets, places of business and farms.

This is all part of our integrated economic plan for Abia and we are unfolding them at a fast pace.

Can you put a figure on the demand for shoes across the world?

The demand is about two billion pairs a day. The Chinese themselves know that they have not been able to satisfy 20 per cent of the market requirement.

What sort of infrastructure are you putting in place in Aba? The government of Ikpeazu partnered Rural Electrification Agency of the federal government and today we are providing uninterrupted power to 10,000 shops at Ariaria International Market, including the area where you have the shoemaking cluster.

Beyond that, we have done a lot to support Geometric Power System to come on stream so that they can supply power to the manufacturing hub in Aba. Because of what we are doing, other power providers, including those involved in bio-power generation are coming to Aba now to try to support what is anticipated as the biggest industrial explosion in Africa being pioneered by this government.

Secondly, before now, Faulks Road that leads to Ariaria is unpassable. You might have heard about Ukwu Mango area too; not many realise that since 1982, we have had a challenge around that Ukwu Mango that defied all attempts to reconstruct Faulks Road in a sustainable manner. At a certain stage, our people started talking about Mammy Water living around there. All previous governments tried to construct the road, but within six months it would collapse because they did not solve the problem from the roots.

Governor Ikpeazu had to hire consultants from Netherlands – they are the best when it comes to water management – to look at that area. Beyond just constructing Faulks

The government of Ikpeazu partnered Rural Electrification Agency of the federal government and today we are providing uninterrupted power to 10,000 shops at Ariaria International Market, including the area where you have the shoemaking cluster. Beyond that, we have done a lot to support Geometric Power System to come on stream so that they can supply power to the manufacturing hub in Aba. Because of what we are doing, other power providers, including those involved in bio-power generation are coming to Aba now to try to support what is anticipated as the biggest industrial explosion in Africa being pioneered by this government

Kalu

49

FEBRUARY 3, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

ENCOUNTER How Governor Ikpeazu Is Revolutionising Abia State Road, what we are also doing is to construct the internal roads and other roads that lead to the market.

Today, there are three grade-A contractors working concurrently on Abia roads; since the days of Sam Mbakwe, it has never happened.

Last Christmas, traders at Ariaria reported that they had more sales than they have had in the past three to four years. The reason is that there is access to the market, security is good and people know that, beyond the propaganda, Abia is still among the top three safest states in Nigeria.

Tell us more about the ingenuity of the Abia State Government.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Abia State is the second safest in Nigeria as of 2016, based on the number of reported crimes. So, because we are doing some of these little things that we don’t talk about in the media, our people have regained their confidence, our small-scale entrepreneurs are now raring to go. We have given them the tools to compete globally.

The materials we used to conduct local government elections in Abia State were all Made-in-Aba, including the ballot boxes. We have 50,000 boots which we have manufactured for the military. The government does not have a shoe or leatherwork factory. When we receive such order, we pass them on to our people. We have orders for about 40,000 pair of shoes for the IDP camps. We are supplying various institutions of government.

And, because of what Governor Ikpeazu is doing, recently, the President signed an Executive Order directing that before any agency of government procures anything, that agency must go to Aba to check if there is an alternative available. So, since these orders are coming in droves, it is one of the reasons we decided to send some of our people abroad to learn automation.

Critics of Governor Ikpeazu argued that the road is taking too long to complete.

What is the real situation?

We have listened to some of the governor’s critics say it is taking him long to fix an eight-kilometre road, Aba Road, in Umuahia.

But Aba Road has been failing perennially because no one cared to fix the problem from the root. But Governor Ikpeazu asked the Dutch consultants to look at it and they discovered that there is a water route below the soil. So what we did was to create tunnels below the ground to take that water away, elevate the road at one end and lowered it at another end so that the water can have a route.

That is another application of knowledge in road construction. Also, because of the nature of the soil at Aba, Governor Ikpeazu introduced rigid pavement technology. What you popularly called cement technology in road construction. These roads – like Owerri Road off Okigwe and others – will last a minimum of 30 years even with maximum use and impact because they are built to be stronger than airport tarmacs. We are doing this because we realise that it is important to do projects that will survive this administration, so that the next one can focus on other things.

How popular is the governor in the state considering his administration’s efforts to change the narrative of governance in Abia?

About a week ago, the governor paid a visit to Ariaria and the people came out to hail him. If you understand the history of Aba, it is difficult for them to accept any governor. But the Governor Ikpeazu can enter Aba freely because they are seeing what he is doing and they love it. They are only asking for more and the governor is prepared to do much more, although you know that the limitation is funding. Despite the economic situation that triggered the decline of revenue inflow into the state, Ikpeazu has been able to manage what we have. For example, he has delivered more than 38 roads. This means that since he was sworn in, he has delivered at least one road every month. And the governor is on 94 other projects in Abia State.

It is not just happening in Aba. We are at World Bank, we are constructing rural roads.

We arrested a gully erosion that threatened to carry the house of the husband of the former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; today, you will wonder at what we have done there.

For the first time in history, we are at Nkpa Road. We are the first government to intervene in that road. Today, Arochukwu people can now travel home in one and half

Kalu

hours There is an old saying in Igboland that there is no road that leads to Arochukwu that is short, but Governor Ikpeazu is working on the road. Aba/Ikot-Ekpene Road is a very important road to our people; it leads to Akwa Ibom, Cross River and businessmen coming from Cameroon. That road has been bad for so many years. The immediate past administration of Ochendo cried and appealed to the federal government to construct that road. About a year ago, the federal government said they had commissioned a contractor; we went there, saw what the contractor was doing and realised that literally, nothing was happening there.

Is the Ikpeazu administration taking over the construction of the road?

Upon seeing the work of the contractor, Governor Ikpeazu immediately decided to construct two roads literally cutting through the forest to bypass the Ikot-Ekpene Road that the federal government is not doing enough on.

Today, Nkporo people, in Ohafia Local Government are seeing what they have never seen before in terms of road construction.

There is a project that the governor has embarked on - every local government is getting 10km of a road, in addition to ongoing projects.

For instance, the government is constructing a ring-road at Abiriba linking the three wards there. The phase one of that project is completed. We are also at Ohafia, which is the third unofficial urban city in Abia. We are doing a ring-road to help movements within the town. This year, at least 80 rural access roads will be delivered through an arrangement we have with New Map and the World Bank. We are tackling erosion.

Abia is a massive construction site and that is why people call the governor, the Caterpillar Revolutionary.

What is the administration doing in the education sector?

Abia State Government launched the Education for Employment scheme immediately Ikpeazu came on board. What that scheme is doing is give appropriate skills that can help people function in the industrial world, whether you are a graduate or not. For instance, you need IT skills. So what we did

with the scheme is mapping out the number of people in the state that are unemployed and will require some form of skills to make them employable. We graduated the first set of over 500 of them, and they received the National Board of Technical Education certificate in a very colourful ceremony at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

We are also involved in ICT. Abia State E-library is engaged in free training. Today, the governor directed that every primary school child, by age six, must be able to use a computer. If you go round, you will see that IT skills are not lacking in Abia State. For three consecutive years, Abia has come first in WAEC. We are doing well in JAMB and international examinations. Three of the students that studied in our school system – two of them in our public schools – went to the United States and graduated as valedictorians; they were fitted by Michelle Obama herself; that means something is working within our school system. This is because the educational gains of the Ochendo administration are now being improved on.

Today, we are constructing four model schools. Our idea of a model school is one that has nursery, primary and secondary education in one location, has residential quarters for teachers, sporting facilities, ICT lab, standard library and accommodation for students. We think that students should live in school and within a fenced environment.

Then, we want to use these schools as models for private schools. If you want to own a private school in Abia, this is what it should look like. And we are reconstructing about 132 schools currently in Abia. If you go around our state, you will see that there is work going on in most of our primary and secondary schools. So we are touching education because it is not just a pillar for this administration. It is also an enabler.

Educated people will be able to compete and we believe that because Abia is the number one education state. We must make sure that our people look beyond the Nigerian environment and be of the standard that can compete globally.

The state government received a lot of bashing recently over the use of the Paris Club refunds …(cuts in) It appears to me that in Abia we have an opposition that is malicious; that is not

The materials we used to conduct local government elections in Abia State were all Made-in-Aba, including the ballot boxes. We have 50,000 boots which we have manufactured for the military. The government does not have a shoe or leatherwork factory.

When we receive such order, we pass them on to our people. We have orders for about 40,000 pair of shoes for the IDP camps. We are supplying various institutions of government. And, because of what Governor Ikpeazu is doing, recently, the President signed an Executive Order directing that before any agency of government procures anything, that agency must go to Aba to check if there is an alternative available. So, since these orders are coming in droves, it is one of the reasons we decided to send some of our people abroad to learn automation concerned with the development of Abia but with their coming back to power, with the acquisition of power for personal aggrandisement. Otherwise, everybody knows that no other state government has managed its Paris Club refunds the way Governor Ikpeazu has done both in terms of transparency and application of the funds.

When we received the first refund, the governor assembled a labour and trade union-dominated community and said, ‘This is how much we have: take 70 per cent of it and pay outstanding salaries.’ The remaining 30 per cent was devoted to infrastructural projects, including the construction of the first-ever flyover in Abia State. When we received the second tranche of N5.7 billion, the government handed the money to labour unions and told them to pay outstanding salaries. I make bold to say that no other state government in Nigeria handed over 100 per cent to labour. We did not touch one kobo; we even added about N50 million.

Now, we have received the third tranche, another N5.7 billion, and the governor said ‘take 60 per cent of it and still use it for outstanding salaries and allow me to invest the remaining 40 per cent in infrastructural development.’ Labour agreed.

We are transparent about the disbursement.

Transparency in a democracy is not an option; it is a necessity. That is why, while politicians are making a noise, you won’t see labour unions in Abia going on strike. The workers know what we are getting and how we are distributing the money. All the MDAs have been paid. We do not owing any MDAs. In this country called Nigeria, Abia is among the top six states that do not owe salaries.

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˜ ˞ FEBRUARY 3, 2018

TRIBUTE/VINTAGE

Tribute to Dr. Alex Ekwueme Bola Tinubu

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r. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme was a man of destiny who exemplified the best of Nigeria. A child of humble beginnings in Oko, Anambra State, through the dint of hard work, love of country and his innate sense of dignity and decorum, Alex Ekwueme became a consummate statesman and visionary. Dr. Ekwueme was blessed by God with a superb and versatile intellect. He earned degrees in such varied disciplines as Architecture, Sociology, Philosophy, History and Law. That he learned and knew so much made him a most rare and skilled individual. That he would devote this wealth of knowledge and learning to the betterment of the people of this nation made him great. He was as outstanding a patriot as any man could be.

His sense of humanity was palpable. There was no mean bone is his body. There was no malice in his speech. There was no evil in his deeds. He acted in the best of our traditions but also with a unifying and positive vision for the future.

Despite his exemplary skills, Alex Ekwueme moved about with great humility of spirit and singular modesty. He never sang his own praise. But his record of act spoke louder than words. Accompanying his soft-spoken demeanor was a drive to achieve and a belief in personal and national excellence. Thus, this renaissance man broke ground by becoming the first architect in the country and by establishing the first indigenous architectural firm in Nigeria. His skill can still be witnessed in much of the architectural landscapes of this country.

Dr. Ekwueme had made his mark in the social and educational development in this nation long before he became the Vice President of Nigeria in 1979. He started an Educational Trust Fund responsible for sponsoring the education of many youths to universities in Nigeria and abroad. At the national level, Dr. Ekwueme was a member of the housing sub-committee of the Adebo Salaries and Wages Review Commission.

Yet it was on the national stage that he made his greatest contribution and the example he set would have a profoundly salutary effect on many aspiring public servants including me. Because of his outstanding personality traits and his broad expertise, he was nominated as the running mate for Alhaji Shehu Shagari in the 1979 presidential election.

As vice president, he showed himself to be an invaluable asset in governance of the nation. He was loyal to his boss and most importantly was ever faithful to the nation.

He was genuinely concerned about bring-

Ekwueme ing about a better Nigeria. His time and energy were geared towards nationalistic issues. He was always at the forefront of efforts to resolve problems. His deep intellectual interventions often helped the country navigate through critical periods and troubled times.

Those of us who cherish democracy and those of us who celebrate the end of military rule in Nigeria must never forget that it was this soft-spoken man who mobilised the group of 34 eminent Nigerians that would put at risk their very lives and livelihoods to confront the oppressive

Abacha dictatorship.

The G.34 would later form the basis of the Peoples Democratic Party and Dr. Ekwueme was the founding Chairman of that party. I do not intend to delve into partisanship on this occasion but suffice it to say that had Dr. Ekwueme been allowed to play his proper and rightful role in the party he helped create, Nigeria would be a better place.

I have always admired Dr. Ekwueme even though our political paths diverged.

I became close to him when I was Lagos State governor. In 2002, I helped put

together a 70th birthday celebration for him. Chief Ekwueme was a son of Lagos in many ways. He attended Kings College, Lagos. He lived in Lagos. Also, his architectural business flourished more in Lagos. As he was the pride of the people of Anambra, he was also our pride. He helped make Lagos a better place and his success in Lagos helped demonstrate that Lagos was a welcoming home to all Nigerians who wanted to achieve and contribute to our collective progress and purpose.

One of the most memorable honours ever given me occurred in 2006 when I was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Eze Obalu-Dike Egwu, meaning the king who terrified the giant. This was done by his younger brother, Igwe (Prof.) Laz Ekwueme, the traditional ruler of Oko, and I believe it was done due to my close relationship with Dr. Ekwueme. Here I must say I learned so much from Dr. Ekwueme. He was a fount of wisdom and I am still learning.

At 85, the late Chief Ekwueme lived well. He was the finest of gentlemen and a loving family man. He served Nigeria so much better than it served him yet he never grumbled or complained. He was always willing to set at risk life and limb for a greater cause and a higher purpose.

In a telling interview he granted to a leading Hausa newspaper, Rariya, he said: “My vision for Nigeria is that Nigeria should become a nation rather than a country.

Ghana is a nation. The type of massacre of people from certain groups that takes place from time to time in Nigeria won’t happen in Ghana. You will not see people from Ashanti descending on the Fantis and theGa and others and killing them as if they are not citizens of the same country.

And when you talk to a Ghanaian, without being told you will see that he is talking as a Ghanaian but when you talk to a Nigerian, by and large it will not show that they are Nigerians first and foremost�.

Dr. Ekwueme is no longer here to make his dream become our reality. We believe God has taken His son to a better home for a life well lived and a job well done. But the example and wisdom of Dr. Ekwueme belongs to all of us. We serve his memory well and serve our nation even better if we follow his example and make use of his wisdom.

Dr. Ekwueme was a man for Nigeria and all Nigerians. He was what we all should strive to be. This man personified a better nation. May his good soul find eternal peace and rest well in the bosom of the Lord. I pray that God grant his family strength and grace at this time and that He grant our nation too good sense to never forget this man and what he represented. ––Asiwaju Bola Tinubu writes from Lagos.

African Arts and Culture Festival Holds in Las Vegas Kunle Adewale

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Solanke

he first African Arts and Culture Festival being organised by AFRIKFEST Las Vegas INC will take place at the Craig Ranch Regional Park in Las Vegas Nevada, USA from 13-14th April 2018. The two-day event will feature exhibition of African culture, dances by different African cultural groups, exhibition of African wears and herbal products among others. The event will also honour African leaders who have distinguished themselves in tourism and in the promotion of African arts and culture.

AFRIKFEST is a community socio-cultural organisation working for cohesion of cultural heritage among African communities in USA, Africa and around the world. Membership is drawn from African communities resident in Las Vegas such as Nigerians, Ghanaians, Ethiopians, and Kenyans.

AFRIKFEST is led by Nigerian duo of Christopher Usigbe and Chikelu Favour.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the coordinator of AFRIKFEST Las Vegas INC, Deacon Darlington Okpebhobo Ray stated that the event was designed

to change the narrative of negative perception about Africa and Africans by the western media.

The need to tell the true story of Africa by Africans using different cultural mechanisms to drive home the message informed the decision to stage the event.

Also, it is equally aimed to inculcate the African cultural values in the minds of the new generations residing outside the continent of Africa.

He added that the platform would bridge the gap for African Americans who desire to have a realistic link to their roots. “There will be diverse cultural display and exhibition from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda and other parts of Africa,�

Okpebhobo said.

The cultural festival will be a daylong event with activities like multicultural folk music, cultural dances and folktales where the likes of renowned Nigeria actor, JImi Solanke, will be performing. The event will afford participants opportunity to share business ideas with global cultural stakeholders. “This very important festival will be celebrated with so much fun and high expectation by different cultural and religious background for others nation’s awareness, said Okpebhobo.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 3, 2018

PERSPECTIVE/VINTAGE Governor Ugwuanyi’s Giant Strides Dr. Enyi Idike

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he success and failure of a people largely depend on the quality and philosophy of their leadership. Little wonder why the Bible says in Proverbs 29.2 that when good people are in power, the people rejoice but when the wicked are in power, the people groan. In Enugu State today, a good man is in power. Governor IfeanyiUgwuanyi’sfirst tenure as the Governor of Enugu State has been very beneficial to the good people of Enugu State and marked by extraordinary feats in the midst of the prevailing harsh economic conditions bedevilling the country.

It takes extraordinary intellect, keen vision, passion, hardwork and great leadership to engender such good governance.

Looking at the prevailing state of governance in Enugu State today, one can safely say that the people are blessed.

When the immediate past Governor of the state, Mr. Sullivan Chime, anointed Governor Ugwuanyi as his successor, majority of the people of Enugu State hailed Governor Chime’s decision not because they were convinced of the leadership qualities of Governor Ugwuanyi at the state governance level but largely due to his achievements while in the National Assembly and for the fact that Governor Ugwuanyi was perceived as a man of the people. It was apparently due to the latter that he was politically christened “Gburugburu” which epitomizes a person who is great and whose kindness radiates “everywhere” and on “everyone”. In this regard, former Governor Chime deserves commendation for his imaginative presentation of Governor Ugwuanyi. In fact, Governor Sullivan Chime was also a great success in Enugu State and was a dark horse when he was presented as governor by his predecessor.

The performance of Governor Ugwuanyi is quite interesting and peculiar because he was the first from Enugu North (Nsukka senatorial zone) under the current rotational arrangement in Enugu State, to take up the mantle of leadership in recent times. The question has been whether an Nsukka man can perform but this question has been put to rest with the incredible performance and disciplined governance style of Governor Ugwuanyi. He has made Nsukka people proud and created an indelible record for himself in the sands of time.

I have visited Enugu regularly since Governor Ugwuanyi became the Governor of Enugu State and had waited to be sure that the Governor had a sustainable economic plan and strategies to generate the desired developmental changes in Enugu State before I can express my thoughts about his government.

Governor Ugwuanyi has delivered a great performance on poverty alleviation generally in Enugu State but the most

Ugwuanyi remarkable is the regular payment of workers’ salaries and clearance of pension arrears. My investigations show that workers in Enugu State receive their salaries on the 23rd day of each month. In the current dispensation in Nigeria, several states are owing several months in workers’ salaries. It is interesting that while Enugu State is amongst the states with low federal allocations, Governor Ugwuanyi has managed the resources very well and maintained a regular payment of workers’ salaries. This is a clear demonstration of exceptional leadership, discipline, efficiency and humanity to the suffering masses. In an unprecedented fashion, Governor also approved the payment of the prestigious but rare 13th month to workers in Enugu State in order to further alleviate human suffering.

In the area of development of critical infrastructure, Governor

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi equally posted an outstanding performance across the state. In Nsukka, his construction of the OpiNsukkaroad is legendary and shows his large heart. Governor Ugwuanyi clearly demonstrated with the Opi-Nsukka road that charity begins at home. Enugu State government has now deepened its existence and impact on Nsukka people. If their son did not remember them, who would? Governor Ugwuanyi has demonstrated that rotational governance is good in Enugu State as it ensures widespread development and, arguably, key to Nigeria’s even development. Previously, the Opi-Nsukka road was not given great attention despite its sensitive position as harbouring the prestigious University of Nigeria and the residence of NnamdiAzikiwe, Nigeria’s first president. This has now been addressed by Governor Ugwuanyi for posterity in the form of a dual carriageway that starts from Opi and terminates at the entrance of the University of Nigeria Nsukka.Critics might argue that he is giving Nsukka more attention but Nsukka has suffered neglect over the years in the area of infrastructural development.The reality is that Governor Ugwuanyi has replicated such efforts in other parts of Enugu State.

Governor Ugwuanyi developed an admirable economic blueprint in Enugu State, a strategy that is targeted at making Enugu State an investment hub in Nigeria. The hosting of “Oganiru Enugu” was quite remarkable and commendable and became the first Enugu State investment summit ever.Governor Ugwuanyi’s investment drives have yielded good dividends in the number of foreign direct investments he has attracted to Enugu State. The Governor has maintained a good security network that provides a buffer for investments and business activities.

Governor Ugwuanyi enthroned an unprecedented traffic management system in Enugu State by instituting a traffic control in Enugu. While I drove around in Enugu recently, I decided to test the character of the traffic wardens by driving on a side lane to beat the traffic. The traffic wardens accosted me and I stopped. They gentlydirected me to join the lane. Ordinarily, I had expected them to arrest me and tow away my vehicle.

I was surprised that none of such things happened. That was a culture of service engineered by quality leadership.

For his great performance in Enugu State, the governor mainly attributes his successes to God. He declares all the timethat Enugu State is in the hands of God. I agree! Enugu is actually in the hands of God and God has used Governor Ugwuanyi, a great leader, to bless the people of Enugu State. I urge the governor to remain focused especially in his upcoming second term which the majority agrees he has worked very hard to merit.

––Dr. Idike is a Lagos-based lawyer

Warif Set to Tackle Gender-Based Violence Through Arts Bennett Oghifo

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he Warif Advocacy Through Arts (WTA) is a new initiative by WARIF Foundation which seeks to create awareness; change behavioural patterns; discourage gender-based violence (GBV) in tertiary institutions.

“With the widespread issue of Gender-based Violence across university campuses today, there is a need to engage young women and men in these institutions,” said a statement by WTA. This preventive programme in tertiary Institutions will use the arts as a tool for change theatre and role-playing as the medium. Short skits presented by trained actors will be introduced highlighting the prevalence of sexual violence and the issues that surround Gender-based Violence. The extent of

the problem and the impact of the initiative will be obtained from information measured from pre and post surveys.

Bolanle Austen-Peters; Director & Producer; Founder TERRA KULTURE and BAP PRODUCTIONS commenting on this new initiative and her organisation’s recent partnership with WARIF stated, “Gender-based violence and violence, in general, is unacceptable and therefore condemnable. Arts and theatre are used to create awareness and address issues in a creative way. Art is our weapon. Art is our voice. We celebrate our partnership with WARIF to create a brighter future and a better society.”

Dr. Kemi DaSilva –Ibru, also commenting on the new initiative noted, “We recognize the urgent need to engage the young women and men in our tertiary institutions; where a significant number are affected by this problem and create an awareness and a change in the mindset already laid down by our existing socio-cultural norms and the gender disparity

that exists between the sexes. What better way of doing this than through the arts, which captures the mind and speaks to the heart of all those present and serves as a perfect vehicle to effect social change.”

WARIF Through The ARTS will make its stage debut on the 6th of February 2018 at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba, Lagos with a second presentation on the 7th of February 2018 in University of Lagos at the Law Students of Nigeria Convention.

Women At Risk International Foundation –WARIF is a Non-Governmental Organisation that was incorporated in 2016 by Dr. Kemi Da-Silva Ibru MD; MPH in response to the high incidence of sexual assault, rape and human trafficking occurring among young girls and women across Nigeria.

This is achieved through the implementation of immediate and preventive target – oriented interventions, that all have the hallmark of the foundation initiatives of being impactful, measurable and sustainable.

Saraki Offsets WAEC Fees of 432 Students Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

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he President of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has paid the 2018 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) examination fees of a total of 432 indigent students in Kwara Central Senatorial District.

The beneficiaries were selected through the intervention of the Kwara State chapter of theAll Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS).

Also, the senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District in the Upper House, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim distributed free examination forms of JointAdmissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to the 656 students of the district for the forthcoming 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

While speaking at the presentation of cash for the payment of examination fees in Ilorin, recently, Saraki said the rationale behind the gesture was to show that every child counts.

Represented by the Director General,ABS Constituency Office, Alhaji MusaAbdullahi, the Senate President noted that he was

aware of the adverse effects of the current economic situation in the country, adding that he designed the programme to alleviate the suffering of the people.

He stated that the selection of the candidates for the intervention was devoid of tribal, religious or political sentiments.

Saraki enjoined the beneficiaries to make good use of the financial assistance and study well for the forthcoming examination.

“The spirit behind today’s occasion is to once again demonstrate that every child counts to our Leader. The President of the Senate, being aware of the present economic situation, now came up with “ABS Free WAEC Registration.

“To achieve excellent result devoid of politics, religion or tribe, ANCOPSS in the Emirate was given the responsibility to identify the indigent students from their various schools, who could not pay their WAEC fees for 2018. From their report, they identified a total of 420 indigent students. “It is my pleasure to inform you of the Senate President’s immediate approval of the full payment of the WAEC registration fees of 420 candidates for the year 2018. It is my hope that all the benefiting students will make the best use of this gesture by ensuring that they study hard for their examinations,” the Director

General ofABS Constituency office said.

Speaking on behalf ofAll Nigerian Conference of Secondary Schools (ANCOPS), Mr. OlohuntoyinAbdullahi applauded Saraki for the gesture and urged other wealthy people in the society to follow suit. During the distribution of free JAMB forms to 656 students at his Omupo constituency office in Ifelodun local government council of the state, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim said that the beneficiaries of the forms were picked from 164 Secondary Schools across seven local government areas of the senatorial district.

Represented at the event by the Director General of Rafiu Ibrahim Bilal Foundation, which spearheaded the distribution of the free forms, DrAbdulAzeez Lawal, the lawmaker said that it was in line with his routine assistance to the less privileged.

He stated that most parents could not afford to procure the forms for their children and wards, hence the decision of the Senator to intervene.

The lawmaker said that the beneficiaries were chosen through their Principals and admonished them to make the benefactor proud. He, therefore, assured that he would soon roll out more programmes for the benefit of his constituents.

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Íť, 2018

POLITY

Enugu Group Raises the Alarm over Smear Campaign Bennett Oghifo

n advocacy group for the promotion of good governance in Enugu State, Youth Coalition for Good Governance, has raised the alarm that some politicians are trying to lure its members to deploy their platform to fabricate and dish out lies with the aim of misinforming members of the public and changing their positive opinion about the “visionary and people-oriented� administration in Enugu and the State House of Assembly.

The group in a statement by its coordinator and secretary, Hon. Ikechukwu Ibeh and Engr. Jude Onyema, stated that the alarm became necessary in view of the pressure being mounted on them by the desperate individuals to accede to their selfish request.

The body added that its leaders rejected the offer presented to them because of their conviction that the plot was immoral, mischievous and baseless.

The group disclosed that the ulterior motive of the sponsors of the planned smear campaign, in their usual tradition, revolves around their selfish political interest in 2019 general elections, adding that they had displayed similar crass desperation in the build-up to the 2015 elections, but failed woefully.

It further pointed out that the sponsors are envious of the good works of the present administration in the state in spite of the nation’s economic challenges and the goodwill, solidarity and support the government enjoys from the people as well as the undisputed status of Enugu as a peaceful and secure state.

The group stated that they also rejected the offer in appreciation of the harmonious and peaceful relationship between the state government and the House of Assembly, stressing that such devious plot should not be encouraged.

The body recalled that it is on record that the present administration had received several commendations from reputable institutions for prudent and judicious management of the finances of the state such as the federal government bailout funds to states, Paris Club refunds and monthly federal allocation, etc, to address the needs of the people, wondering why anyone would attempt to undermine these laudable feats.

It added that, “it is noteworthy that at a time most states are unable to pay workers’ salaries, the Government of Enugu State is up-to-date in payment of salaries; has

recorded tremendous achievements in massive infrastructural development and even went further to pay the 13th month salary to civil servants of the state as Christmas bonus, among others, in keeping with its commitment to the wellbeing of the people�.

The group noted that those behind the plot are also uncomfortable with the harmonious working relationship between the executive and the legislative arm, which it said, was responsible for the many remarkable achievements in the state attained through due process and strict adherence to budget implementation.

While alerting the public of such mischief, the group advised that “those behind the plot should have a rethink and channel their energy and resources to useful engagements that would add value to the development of Enugu State�.

‘Greenhouse Technology will Boost Nigeria’s Agric Production’ Bennett Oghifo

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reenhouse technology has potential to rapidly expand the country’s agricultural production including a very attractive opportunity to generate huge ROI for investors within a short time.

The Chief Executive Officer, Dizengoff Nigeria, Antti Ritvonen, made the assertion in Lagos recently, during a media parley on agric investment in the country, also submitted that the technology equally holds huge opportunity as an investment option with juicy returns on investment for investors within a short time.

The technology is acclaimed as a very innovative solution that enables all year round farming. It delivers a technique for achieving high quality increased agric produce, thereby helping to expand production. “Greenhouse technology is a huge break-

through agricultural production, either way you look at it. And I believe its adoption holds the future for the country’s agriculture both in terms of production as well as investment. “It is a technology that delivers a unique farming technique that enables increased high quality production all year round. For the investor, what I see is that with proper management what you have within a short time is very attractive returns on investment that is perhaps difficult to get elsewhere.�

Giving details, about the innovative greenhouse technology developed by the company known as “Dizengoff Farmer’s Kit (DFK), Antti said “it is a managed all year round farming technique that is very suitable for investors and professionals who are not necessarily farmers.

He disclosed that the technology “breaks away from the traditional open farming technique�. It adopts greenhouse technology “developed with the aim of helping farmers

with an all year round technique to produce increased yields of greenhouse crops�. “Dizengoff Farmer’s Kit is essentially an innovative technology a greenhouse production package consisting of a greenhouse, drip irrigation system and high yielding highbred seeds. The package also includes assorted fertilizers, agrochemicals, nursery sets, farmer’s sprayers, and personal protective clothing.

It also include planting bags and sheets, all complimented with farmer’s training and agro support services.�

Ritvonen also disclosed that the package which comes in different units could also have a paid agronomist, who is an agro support adviser to work with the investor for ten months. This he said the company does to ensure proper management as well as for technical operations.

According to him, Dizengoff is pioneering the technology in Nigeria because of its firm belief that it has the capacity to rapidly expand

the country’s agricultural production within a short time. All that is needed is interest and involvement in adopting the technique. “With increased interest in agriculture across all strata of the economy and the adoption of this technology, we will be able to get more people involved to rapidly expand production within a short time.�

Equally speaking during the parley, Dizengoff Marketing Communications Manager, Humphrey Otalor, disclosed that the company had recently embarked on a promotional scheme, geared at making the Dizengoff Farmer’s Kit very affordable for interested investors. “We are passionate about helping the country become not only self-sufficient but also become an exporter of agric produce within a short time. And we believe that do this by getting more people involved in production through the greenhouse technology being pioneered by Dizengoff,� he also said.

L-R: Portfolio Manager, National Premium, Nigeria Breweries Plc., Olayinka Bakare; members of the Nigerian Olympic Bobsled Team, Ngozi Onwumere; Akuoma Omeoga; Assistant Brand Manager, Star Lager Beer, Kolawole Akintimehin; Nigerian Olympic racer, Simidele Adeagbo; Driver of the Nigerian Olympic Bobsled Team, Seun Adigun; and Senior Brand Manager, Star Lager Beer, Abayomi Abidaku at the hosting of Nigeria’s historic Bobsled Team in Lagos... recently

L-R: Musical Director and MTNF-MUSON alumnus, Ayo Ajayi; Commercial & Consumer Banking, Lagos & South-West, Fidelity Bank Plc., Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Saxophonist/Singer and concert organiser, Perpetual Atife; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma; and Senior Pastor, The Breath of Life Ministry, Bishop Samson Jedafe, at the MTNF-powered Studio Concert with Perpie which held at the Steinway and Sons Store in Lagos... recently

L-R: CEO, Tenderex BDC Limited, Mr Edward Amugwon; CEO, DataPro, Mr Abimbola Adeseyou; President, ABCON, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe; Chairman, South-west zone, Mr Taiwo Ebenezer; and Chairman ABCON. North Central Zone, Alhaji Shehu Mahmud, at the Anti- Money Laundering Training for BDC Executives in Lagos... recently

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions, Nigeria, Mr. Israel Opayemi; Special Advisor to the President on Social Investments, Mrs. Maryam Uwais; Communications Manager, National Social Investments OďŹƒce, Abuja, Tahirah Ikharo; and the Associate Consultant, Chain Reactions, Nigeria, Mrs. Stacy Famojuro, during a media session with Mrs. Uwais in Lagos... recently KOLA OLASUPO

53

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

POLITY Dipo Odujinrin

We Deserve Commendation for Ijebu Agenda In the quest for Ogun East district to produce the next governorship candidate in 2019, Senator Dipo Odujinrin, a member of the Ijebu Agenda, in this interview with Femi Ogbonnikan, sheds light on the emergence of Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, as the consensus candidate and the ensuing controversies

T

he Ijebu-Remo Agenda has endorsed Bimbo Ashiru as the Ogun East consensus governorship candidate. Is that the end of the group’s assignment?

The Ijebu Agenda is a plan of the whole Ijebu Province, comprising Ijebu and Remo divisions. So, the Ijebu Agenda should also include Ijebu and Remo Agenda. The body was set up to encourage the APC in Ogun State to look in the direction of Ogun East in getting the candidate for the party in 2019.

You may recall that earlier, governor Ibikunle Amosun said that he would support only Ogun West candidate. But by the efforts of this body, the Ijebu Agenda, we have succeeded in changing his position and allowing aspirants from Ogun East to come out and show their ambitions to become the governor of Ogun State. It is only that part that has been concluded. The body has come out with a candidate and the body is supporting that candidate. We have presented him officially to the senatorial district of the party in Ogun East. We have also presented him officially to the state party executives at Abeokuta. I am glad to say that, at both fora, we were well received.

What other steps have you taken to sell your candidate to the people of Ogun State?

The first step is to ensure that our candidate wins the nomination of the party during the governorship primary. And we have said that, fair is fair, and the candidate should come from Ijebu Province this time.

So, the Egba Province has held the position twice already, and Ijebu Province has also held the position twice already. As you know, Ogun State is a bi-polar state, two Provinces making one state. So, when one Province produces a governor, it goes to another Province. Chief Olabisi Onabanjo was the first governor from Ijebu Province, precisely Ijebu division and it moved to Egba

the party. I mean, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru.

Odujinrin Province with Chief Olusegun Osoba, being the governor, precisely from Egba division.

Thereafter, it came back to Ijebu Province under Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Ijebu Province but Remo division. Thereafter, it moved back to Egba Province, at which stage, instead of Yewa division, it went to Egba division. So, having the governor finishing his term in 2019, the position should now come back to Ijebu Province, and it should go to Ijebu division, because Remo has had it before, under Chief Gbenga Daniel. So, we have that publication and we are selling our candidate at the same time. This is the candidate of the Province and this is the candidate the whole leaders are supporting to carry the mantle of

The endorsement exercise has come under attacks. It has been alleged that money changed hands during the exercise.

It is a misconception to say that money changed hands with members of the group.

There was an issue that created that confusion. Even when an aspirant goes to the executives and make his aspiration known and when he is leaving he will give something to the party executives. We are not the party executives. Unfortunately, both the party executives and Ijebu Agenda committee members were meeting in the same house, on different occasions but not at the same meeting. So, when we discovered that rumour going around that money was being given to the Ijebu Agenda committee, we said, “aah, this is a misunderstanding. Let the party executives move away from where we were meeting”. So, the party moved away and we met the aspirants in another location, continuing with our own project of ensuring that the next governor comes from Ogun East senatorial district. It was just a misconception. It was just a pity, which we have already dealt with even before now. At the end of it all, I believe that we would be commended, and not condemned because that is what we deserve. We deserve commendation and not condemnation because, by this effort we have made, we have succeeded in getting the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to allow our aspirants to come out. Before it was, “don’t listen to them”. And we have also succeeded in getting the approved candidate to meet with the state executives, which wasn’t possible in the past. So, all these efforts, I believe are paying off, and at the end, they would see us to the promise land, by God’s grace.

Why are there dissenting voices over the endorsement?

It happens in any competitive situation,

especially for top positions like the position of the governor, the position of an Oba, because these are high-priced positions.

Besides, there were nine people who sought our support. And after the exercise, only one person emerged. And we had earlier got the consent of all the aspirants that whoever was selected would be supported by the remaining eight persons. We got that pledge from all the aspirants, and before we announced the result, all the nine aspirants met us, and each of them spoke to say that they were happy with the way the screening committee carried out its exercise. They said they would abide by the decision of the committee, and they pledged to support whoever was chosen. In fact, one of the aspirants pledged that all his structures in the whole of Ogun State would be transferred to whoever was chosen. So, one was not surprised that in this kind of context, there would be one or two that would renege. But I want to assure you that, at the end of the day, they would all come around to abide by the decision of the leaders of the party in the Ogun East senatorial district.

What will happen to the aggrieved ones among the aspirants that are against the decision of the group?

They are our sons, and we will not overtly sanction them, but we pray that, at the end of the day, they would not go contrary to what the elders have said. I believe that, they know there are still opportunities in the future for their various aspirations and they will not want to spoil their chances in the future; because whatever one does now will affect ones chances in the future.

I believe they would come around. But I must commend one of them in particular, who has submitted all his materials to the person chosen and he has been working with the candidate chosen. He is already working with him and he has given him all his structures.

Jamiu Omoniyi

I’ll Make a Difference in Representation JamiuAkandeOmoniyi,aFellowCharteredAccountant(FCA),isaspiringtorepresentYewaNorth/Imeko-AfonFederalConstituency, OgunState,ontheplatformoftheAllProgressivesCongress(APC).InthisinterviewwithFemi Ogbonnikan,theJagunmoluofIjogaOrile,inYewaNorthLocalGovernmentArea,bareshismindonhispoliticalaspirations,in2019 facilitation of developmental projects and effective feedback. We have demonstrated our core potentials and abilities through the operation of our non-governmental organisation, the Fausat Asakun Memorial (FAM) Foundation. Just recently, Ogun State Ambassadorial Awards (UK) recognised our giant strides in all areas of human development and philanthropic gestures, with an Excellence Award as an Outstanding NGO. However, we are poised to do more to serve humanity.

Why are you in interested in politics? ithout sounding immodest, and by the special grace of Almighty Allah, I am doing very well in my chosen career.

To me, politics isn’t dirty as often referred to by people. An American Political Scientist, Harold Lasswell defines Politics as “who gets what, when and how.” Should there be a problem if we respect democratic norms and play politics without bitterness? Politics isn’t dirty, but it is the operators that have made it to look dirty. The reason people identified with us is simply to make a difference. In our aspiration, we are already showing the difference with robust consultations and mobilisation. So, I am poised to make a difference in representation. I can tell you emphatically that people have seen our new approach and they are happy to see us engaging effectively in our local politics, otherwise known as grassroot politics.

W

Where did you draw the inspiration to contest?

When I look around, I see a lot of things left undone. Our educational facilities are dilapidated, our roads are impassable, and our hospitals are not up to a dispensary of those days; not to compare them with those of developed countries. So, many things are wrong. The poverty level is increasing by the day and so on and so forth. These aren’t new to all of us and we

Omoniyi

complain of these anomalies on a daily basis. For how long shall we continue to lament? I want to say that I am inspired by the strong desire to right the wrongs, and ensure that we give our people the best representation. They must get dividends of democracy through active participation,

Why is your preference for the Yewa North/Imeko-Afon federal constituency, and not the local government chairmanship seat?

Yewa North-Imeko/Afon is our Federal Constituency, and thank God you didn’t say that only Yewa North deserves a better representation. You will recall that the constituency was formerly one local government. Imeko/Afon local was carved out of the old Egbado North Local Government. It is good, it had been separated but it is bad to leave the representation in the hands of those that do not fit into it. If I run for the Chairmanship seat, I may only be able to run for the present Yewa North local government. But what then becomes of our people in the other local government? They are yearning for better representation too. Generally speaking, our people deserve more than what they have gotten now at all levels. My aspiration is to

reposition the Federal Constituency as a whole, and as one of the legal gateways to Nigeria’s economy, by taking advantage of our proximity with the Republic of Benin.

Seeking elective office in Nigeria is very expensive. Are you prepared?

We know we have God and the people.

That’s our strength and we are very proud of it.

What are your selling points?

We know, we represent a fresh breath in the political landscape of Yewa NorthImeko/Afon Federal Constituency on one hand and Ogun State in general. We have been going about our consultations peacefully, and in a very unique way. We have presented ourselves to the people; we have let them seen the difference in our selling point in comparison with other aspirants across the divide.

Have you got the blessing of the elders and leaders of your party in federal constituency?

We are aware that we can’t do it all alone. We need the blessings and endorsement of the elders and leaders and the good people of the Federal Constituency.

We are not relenting. Our elders, traditional leaders, political and community leaders are responding positively. They won’t regret their support for us, Insha Allah!

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

Berom Demands Reclamation Unconventional Fashion Features of Land from Fulani on African Voices Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Berom ethnic nationality in Plateau state has announced that it was not only rejecting the cattle colonies being proposed by the Federal Government, but that it was also calling on government to “demonstrate justice by helping it to reclaim its large portion of lands that has been forcefully taken away from us and occupied by some of the killer herdsmen.�

Addressing the press in Jos yesterday, Berom Youth-moulders Association (BYM) noted that, “Our zone is chocked up by urbanisation and developments, while Tin min-

ing has already devastated large portions of the land. We wish to state in unequivocal terms that we do not have land for cattle colonies.�

President of the association, Rwas Choji Dalyop Chuwang said the call had become necessary because they were also worried that the current herdsmen currently occupying their lands were not the ones that had lived among them previously, lamenting that several of them had been traumatised, humiliated and killed by the herders who have also destroyed their property and chased them from their ancestral homes.

The group noted that, “The

insecurity and further threats to the fragile security, exhibited through the numerous unprovoked attacks on innocent defenseless citizens by the herdsmen has become a real matter for concern not only to us as law abiding citizens but to all lovers of peace the world over and also the United Nations. “The declaration by the President Buhari led government to establish cattle colonies in all the 36 states of the federation is viewed with a lot of skepticism and suspicion. This is due to the wicked activities of the herdsmen in every state they desire to establish their rule.�

Chuwang said they were worried

that the government whose main duty was to provide security to its citizens and provide good governance is the same that, knowing the very horrendous and dastardly activities of these herdsmen, is trying to settle them among hitherto peaceful communities.

The group observed that rearing of cattle was a private and personal business which should be left in the hands of relevant stakeholders. And that it believed that the land which Governor Simon Lalong claimed he had to offer for colonies in Plateau was the one that was already over-stretched in the Northern zone of the state.

Lekki Toll Review gets High Compliance Record Bennett Oghifo Following the February 1, 2018 implementation of the toll review by Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC) at the Admiralty Circle Plaza and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Plaza, the management of LCC has expressed satisfaction at the massive compliance by motorists.

During a media parley to update the public on developments around the toll review held on Thursday, February 1, the Managing Director of LCC, Mr. Mohammed Mubashiru Hassan informed journalists that the toll review was a socio-economic decision made at the right time to avoid yearly increments. Mr. Hassan

said the toll review was mooted a few years ago but had to go through the due process of consultations.

"The compliance level is satisfactory. If there is no compliance, by now, you would have noticed dissenting activities. We are, however, in a democratic government; there is right of choice for those who are willing to pay and those who don't want to pay. In November 2017, we made an attempt to carry out the review but the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode directed LCC to carry out further consultations with stakeholders in the Eti-Osa/ Lekki-Epe corridor which we have since done. We cannot but attribute this high level of compliance and

understanding by motorists to the advice and support we received from the media, Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe Indigenes and Residents, National Union of Road and Transport Workers (NURTW), Traditional Rulers and Youth Organisations as well community development Associations and civil society groups�. Mr. Hassan revealed.

While engaging the media on alternative routes for motorists who are not willing to pay the new tariff, Hassan encouraged motorists to sign up for the electronic tags (e-Tag), which provides quick access through both toll plazas. He also said e-Tag users were entitled to 10% discount, which could increase to as much

as 50% discount depending on the frequency of passage.

He corrected the misconception that the e-Tags were designed for the elites of the society, pointing out that a lot of commercial buses (popularly called 'Danfo'), corporate and private vehicles use the e-tag for easy passage through the toll plazas.

Furthermore, owners of several vehicles can secure a single e-Tag account for their vehicles so as to fund it centrally and monitor the movement of their vehicles through the toll plazas. Occasional road users can also register for the e-Tag as the funds paid into the account does not expire at any time until used.

The Glo-sponsored African Voices on Cable News Network (CNN) will this week explore Africa’s unconventional fashion, with a focus on three of the continent’s bourgeoning fashionistas.

The 30 minutes programme which started airing yesterday will be repeated today at 7 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and at 12.30 a.m., 4.30 a.m. and 8 p.m. tomorrow. The show will also be aired at 5 a.m. on Monday and at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday.

In a press statement in Lagos, Globacom said viewers would have a good time as they learn more about the continent's unconventional fashion, particularly the exploits of the guests.

The programme will feature Tobe Aka Benjamin Arthur, a stylist from Ghana; television personality and Kenya-based stylist and brand manager, Annabele Onyango, and her husband, Marek Fuchs, as well as Ivory Coast’s Creative Consultant, Jenke Ahmed Tailly.

Arthur is a style influencer who remains a role model to youths in Ghana and across the continent. He is known for exclusive designs and has styled top models including

Moesha Boduong, while top models including Sonia Ibrahim, Ama K Aberese and Caroline Sampson have showcased his designs.

Annabel Onyango, on the other hand, is a Kenyan fashion stylist and blogger under the brand Dressupnation. Annabel’s unexpected career in fashion began as a Fashion Editor for True Love and Drum East Africa, and she currently styles the presenters of entertainment variety show “Mashariki Mix� on AfricaMagic (MNet).

With fastidious attention to the whims of international fashion, Annabel’s personal style interprets trends and makes them all her own. She is married to Marek Fuchs, the high flying entertainment Managing Director of Kenyan music group, Sautisol.

The last guest on the programme, Jenke Ahmed Tailly, is one of the most influential stylists working today. His name may not ring a bell. But this, as it turns out, is precisely how he likes it.

"I like to do my work quietly," says Tailly, a fashion editor, stylist, and consultant who works with Kanye West, BeyoncĂŠ, and most recently, Kim Kardashian.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜

55

CHI Limited Wins MAN Award for Best Kept Industrial Premises Ugo Aliogu

PARTNERING FOR DEVELOPMENT...

L-R; Hon. Chike Okafor; Director, Patient safety Africa, Dr. Asekhame Sonny Isemede ; Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; and Hon. David Ombugaduduring a courtesy visit to the Speaker at the National Assembly... recently

Ambode Commends Ugwuanyi's Development Strides The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has commended his Enugu State counterpart, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his development strides in Enugu in spite of the nation's economic challenges and the meager resources of the state.

Ambode also applauded Ugwuanyi for the peace in Enugu State, saying "where other states seem to be having problem, there is dignified peace and stability in Enugu".

The Lagos State Governor spoke when Gov. Ugwuanyi hosted him and his entourage at the Government House, Enugu alongside other dignitaries, who were in Enugu ahead of the burial of the elder statesman and former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme in Oko, Anambra State

on Friday.

Ambode said that irrespective of party leanings, he was moved by the development strides of Ugwuanyi he noticed since he arrived Enugu to commend his good works in the state.

He said: "Irrespective of party affiliation, development is development and progress is progress and the whole thing is more about being people-oriented and we give God all the glory that there are still people who can prove that there is good governance in Nigeria.�

While disclosing the friendship he shared with Ugwuanyi, the Lagos State Governor reiterated his support for a united and indivisible Nigeria.

Ambode who was also in the south east geopolitical zone for the late Dr. Ekwueme's burial in his capacity as

the Chairman of Southern Governors Forum, said he sees himself as part of the Igbo people, who make up a good percentage of Lagos and drive the state's economy.

According to him, “I am more Igbo than any other person because Lagos is a cosmopolitan State and I am not too sure whether I can cross any street in Lagos without having an Igbo brother or sister and if you want to govern Lagos properly, you have to abide by the rules and conditions of business men and women and which the majority happens to be our brothers. “In the last 32 months that I have been Governor, I have tried as much as possible to keep peace and keep harmony because that is the only way my economy can grow and

that is the only way Nigeria also can grow. That is why we are for a united Nigeria. “It is also why I am so happy that the last time that the Southern Governors Forum meeting attended by all the Governors was held in Lagos and being the Chairman of the Forum, I took it upon myself that I have to be here for the burial of the late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme�.

Other dignitaries at the event include the State’s Deputy Governor, Hon Cecilia Ezeilo; former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; Senate’s Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio; members of the Enugu State House of Assembly and Executive Council, among others.

Newaves Hosts 9th Niger Delta Achievers Merit Awards May The management of Newaves Innovations yesterday disclosed that the call for nominations for the 9th Niger Delta Achievers Merit Awards which started in December 2017 has ended.

The event is scheduled to hold on 23rd May 2018 at Sheraton Hotels, Abuja.

The statement made available by the Chief Press Secretary of Newaves Innovations, Mr Joshua Uwabor, noted that the call for nominations flagged off in December 2017 was to avail the general public the opportunity to nominate individuals, private organizations, corporations, multinationals and government institutions, that have shown exemplary and noteworthy commitment to improving the Niger

Delta economy by adding value and improving service delivery across all sectors of the region for the 9th Niger Delta Achievers Merit Awards.

The event which is scheduled to hold on May 23, 2018 at Sheraton Hotels, Abuja, he further stated that the theme for the 9th edition of the awards which is “Promoting Enterprise, Development and Regional Economic Growth: A Private Sector Aproach" was carefully selected to reflect the need for enhanced private sector participation in promoting the region’s economy.

Acording to Uwabor, nominations received for the 9th edition of the award cuts across agriculture, banking, construction, education, energy, environment and waste,

healthcare, ICT- information and communication technology, manufacturing, media, oil and gas, public sector entity, telecommunications, tourism, transportation and youth capacity building/empowerment.

Also speaking, the secretary of the award screening committee Barrister Voke Adjarho noted that the screening process had begun in earnest and all nominations will be reviewed by the award screening committee to select nominations that meets the eligibility criteria.

He said that the screening committee after proper assessment of the public nominations received, will recommend a comprehensive list of successful nominations to the award committee which is made up of professionals from

NGOs, CSOs, community groups and an independent fact finding organization for approval as final recipients of the award. "Successful nominees will be notified in writing on their nomination into the 9th edition of the awards" Voke stated that recipients of the awards ceremony will be provided with the unique opportunity to benchmark themselves with top performers globally. " The recipients will be acknowledged for their achievements and recognized as the elite of their industry earning a place amongst a distinguished group by having their products, projects, initiatives, contributions and achievements recognized on a prominent and far-reaching scale.

Solution to Fuel Crisis beyond FG , Says Ahman-Pategi Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Aliyu Ahman-Pategi, has hinted that, the protracted crisis in the downstream sub-sector of the nation’s oil economy which led to the current fuel scarcity in the country would not abate for now as it was beyond the federal government power to resolve.

He however said that, if there

was any solution in sight at all, it would not be effective in the life of the present administration.

Ahman-Pategi, who represent Edu/ Paitgi/Moro federal constituency of Kwara State at the national assembly dropped the hint in Ilorin yesterday while speaking with journalists on the state of the nation declared that, Nigeria was at the crossroad of fuel crisis.

He, however, identified total deregulation of downstream of oil

industry as one prong solution to end the perennial short supply of fuel in the country.

The lawmaker said the rise in the crude oil price in the international market was a curse for local consumption of refined product, maintaining that as price increases globally so also its manifestation at the local level.

Speaking on the landing cost of imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the lawmaker explained that evidence showed that the government

has been subsidising the cost fuel for consumers without due legislative approval.

He warned the executive against spending without the consent of the National Assembly under the guise of fulfilling electioneering promises to the people, saying such move could incur the wrath of the lawmaking arm.

Ahman-Pategi urged the government to approach the legislative body with supplementary budget to correct the lapses made previously.

Chi Limited, Nigeria’s leading fruit juice, dairy and snack manufacturer, has been announced as the first place winner for adopting best workplace production practices and processes among competing multinational companies in Nigeria.

The company received the award from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s (MAN) at its 50th Annual General Meeting and Awards, held in Lagos, recently.

The award was a deserved reward for the company’s continued passion for excellence and commitment to sustainable development exemplified by the company’s significant investment in manufacturing and other related infrastructural projects. Chi Limited’s investment in modern production infrastructure has been a critical enabler for competitiveness, research & development and productivity growth.

An ISO 22000 certified company, Chi Limited’s world class and state of the art manufacturing facility deploys the most advanced processing and packaging technology available anywhere in the world. Its strict adherence to world class manufacturing standards and consistent efforts to ensure the most efficient process possible has been key to the company’s success and recognition.

'Ekpoma Market Road Ongoing, Status of Iyamho Varsity VeriďŹ able' The Edo State Government has described as barefaced lie, the claim by the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that work on Ekpoma Market Road in Edo Central Senatorial District has been put on hold.

Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said: “The Ekpoma Market Road project is ongoing. The Edo PDP’s circus in parts of the state is trying hard to force lies down the throats of Edo people and their heaps of lies are crashing as they depart one venue for another. “Edo PDP members are hunted by their own shadows. They are experts in abandoning and commissioning uncompleted and white elephant projects. So they also think that other administrations would be as irresponsible like them. “Edo people know who Governor Godwin Obaseki is and know he is too serious to play the brand of dubious politics the Edo PDP is notorious for. “The new residence of the Chief Judge of Edo State stands tall in Benin as evidence of Obaseki’s style of leadership. The state secretariat is undergoing massive renovation while work is ongoing at several other project sites and no noise is made about them.�

On the status of the Edo State University Iyamho, Osagie said: “I used to think that members of Edo PDP were educated enough to know where to get information about the status of a university. I must have over-rated them.

A MAN multi-panel selection committee comprising of regulatory bodies, both at state and federal levels, noted that Chi Limited took the first-place prize because of its world class manufacturing facilities and processes.

These facilities and processes have helped Chi Limited create a more environmental-friendly workplace by preventing cross contamination, reduction in waste trips, sorting and recycling. The availability of a gas plant is also strategic for the prevention of pollutant and usage of the exhaust to power the boiler, while the company’s greener environment policy and fire equipment are modern and up to date.

For Chi Limited’s Managing Director, Mr Deepanjan Roy, the MAN Award is a confirmation of the steps taken by Chi Limited to ensure that the company’s work place is in line with global standards for manufacturing. “We are happy that our efforts so far have paid off with significant output and recognition.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Award inspires us to continually demonstrate excellence in manufacturing and constantly strive for improvement, best practices, creativity and innovation,� he stated.

This award joins a growing list of recognition awards for Chi Limited which includes most recently, The Guardian Manufacturing Excellence Award 2017 for Beverage Manufacturing Company of the Year, Chivita Active Vegetable Fruit Nectar and Hollandia Choco Malt Drink category wins at the 2017 Marketing World Awards, “Most Innovative FMCG Company� at the Top 50 Brands Nigeria Award, as well as the Businessday Top 25 Most Innovative Companies and Institutions in Nigeria Awards 2017.

CHANGE OF NAME /Í• Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄžĆŒĹŻÇ‡ ĹŹĹśĹ˝Ç Ĺś ĂŜĚ Ä‚ÄšÄšĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?ĞĚ Ä‚Ć? SAMUEL CHIDI, ĹśĹ˝Ç Ç Ĺ?Ć?Ĺš ƚŽ Ä?Äž ĹŹĹśĹ˝Ç Ĺś ĂŜĚ Ä‚ÄšÄšĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?ĞĚ Ä‚Ć? EKEZIE SAMUEL CHIDI. All Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄžĆŒ ĚŽÄ?ƾžĞŜƚĆ? ĆŒÄžĹľÄ‚Ĺ?Ĺś ǀĂůĹ?Ě͘ dŚĞ Ĺ?ÄžĹśÄžĆŒÄ‚ĹŻ ƉƾÄ?ĹŻĹ?Ä? Ć?ŚŽƾůĚ ƉůĞĂĆ?Äž ƚĂŏĞ ĹśĹ˝ĆšÄžÍ˜ /Í• Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄžĆŒĹŻÇ‡ ĹŹĹśĹ˝Ç Ĺś ĂŜĚ Ä‚ÄšÄšĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?ĞĚ Ä‚Ć? MR. IBRAHIM AKINWUNMI ORIYOMI. ĹśĹ˝Ç Ç Ĺ?Ć?Ĺš ƚŽ Ä?Äž ĹŹĹśĹ˝Ç Ĺś ĂŜĚ Ä‚ÄšÄšĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?ĞĚ Ä‚Ć? AS MR. IBRAHIM AKINWUNMI GAFARI. ĹŻĹŻ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄžĆŒ ĚŽÄ?ƾžĞŜƚĆ? ĆŒÄžĹľÄ‚Ĺ?Ĺś ǀĂůĹ?Ě͘ dŚĞ Ĺ?ÄžĹśÄžĆŒÄ‚ĹŻ ƉƾÄ?ĹŻĹ?Ä? Ć?ŚŽƾůĚ ƉůĞĂĆ?Äž ƚĂŏĞ ĹśĹ˝ĆšÄžÍ˜ /Í• Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄžĆŒĹŻÇ‡ ĹŹĹśĹ˝Ç Ĺś ĂŜĚ Ä‚ÄšÄšĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?ĞĚ Ä‚Ć? OTHETHASO OGHENEKARO JUSTINA. ĹśĹ˝Ç Ç Ĺ?Ć?Ĺš ƚŽ Ä?Äž ĹŹĹśĹ˝Ç Ĺś ĂŜĚ Ä‚ÄšÄšĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?ĞĚ Ä‚Ć? OTHETHASO JUSTINA. ĹŻĹŻ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄžĆŒ ĚŽÄ?ƾžĞŜƚĆ? ĆŒÄžĹľÄ‚Ĺ?Ĺś ǀĂůĹ?Ě͘ dŚĞ Ĺ?ÄžĹśÄžĆŒÄ‚ĹŻ ƉƾÄ?ĹŻĹ?Ä? Ć?ŚŽƾůĚ ƉůĞĂĆ?Äž ƚĂŏĞ ĹśĹ˝ĆšÄžÍ˜ CONFIRMATION OF NAME

/Í• IDONGESIT VICTOR GABRIEL ĂŜĚ IDONGESIT GABRIEL UDO ĆŒÄžÄ¨ÄžĆŒĆ? ƚŽ ŽŜĞ ĂŜĚ ƚŚĞ Ć?ĂžĞ Ć‰ÄžĆŒĆ?Ĺ˝ĹśÍ˜ / ĹśĹ˝Ç Ç Ĺ?Ć?Ĺš ƚŽ Ä?Äž ĹŹĹśĹ˝Ç Ĺś ĂŜĚ Ä‚ÄšÄšĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?ĞĚ Ä‚Ć? IDONGESIT VICTOR GABRIEL͘ ĹŻĹŻ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄžĆŒ ĚŽÄ?ƾžĞŜƚĆ? ĆŒÄžĹľÄ‚Ĺ?Ĺś ǀĂůĹ?Ě͘ dŚĞ Ĺ?ÄžĹśÄžĆŒÄ‚ĹŻ ƉƾÄ?ĹŻĹ?Ä? Ć?ŚŽƾůĚ ƉůĞĂĆ?Äž ƚĂŏĞ ĹśĹ˝ĆšÄžÍ˜ dĹšĹ?Ć? Ĺ?Ć? ƚŽ Ä?ÄžĆŒĆ&#x;ĨLJ ƚŚĂƚ IMOH BENSON CHIGBO, IMOH BENSON AND IMOH BENSON CHIGBOGU ĆŒÄžÄ¨ÄžĆŒ ƚŽ ŽŜĞ ĂŜĚ ƚŚĞ Ć?ĂžĞ Ć‰ÄžĆŒĆ?ŽŜ͕ ĂŜĚ ĹśĹ˝Ç Ç Ĺ?Ć?Ĺš ƚŽ Ä?Äž ĹŹĹśĹ˝Ç Ĺś Ä‚Ć?

IMOH BENSON CHIGBO. All Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄžĆŒ ĚŽÄ?ƾžĞŜƚĆ? ĆŒÄžĹľÄ‚Ĺ?Ĺś ǀĂůĹ?Ě͘ dŚĞ Ĺ?ÄžĹśÄžĆŒÄ‚ĹŻ ƉƾÄ?ĹŻĹ?Ä? Ć?ŚŽƾůĚ ƉůĞĂĆ?Äž ƚĂŏĞ ĹśĹ˝ĆšÄžÍ˜

Saturday, February 3, 2018

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MISSILE Afenifere to Buhari “Nigeria today has become a primitive and barbaric enclave as the state is either complicit or unwilling to stop these dastardly acts. The removal of the Minister of Defence is the only way to show that the lives of Nigerians still count.”

– The Pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, urging President Buhari to immediately reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to reflect its diversity.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

My Kobo Advice To The “Coalition For Nigeria”

F

ellow Nigerians, please permit me to continue with my Presidential race series today. It has become obvious that nothing else, but the lack of competent, visionary, detribalised, selfless, accomplished, exposed, urbane, capable, cerebral, determined and ambitious leadership, has been the root cause of our intractable problems and incredible backwardness especially where national development is concerned. Even the things we used to excel at, like quality education, agriculture and exportable cash crops and more importantly, morality, decency and humaneness have long since eluded us and taken wings into far flung places. Our type of politics, of snatch, grab and grab, can never lead to any substantial progress and development unless we change how we’ve been doing things. All men and women of good conscience in Nigeria are in agreement that our country is in a big mess and that changing the baton of foolishness, recklessness and incompetence every four years, in a relay race of raw cash, brigandage, ethnicity and religion does not augur well for our dear nation. This cannot continue unchecked.

This is not about liking or disliking one President. It is about loving our dear beloved country, Nigeria, more. Our nation has become not only a serious embarrassment to itself but a source of considerable disquiet and discomfort to the African continent. True, however, that this calamity did not befall us under this government. It Obasanjo started when the first military putsch terminated the First Republic. Thereafter, we witnessed successive Presidential since 1993 when he was eventually coup d’etats. Each coup maker advertised himself out-manoeuvred by the enigmatic and redoubtable as coming to salvage and change Nigeria for the Baba Gana Kingibe. The relationship between the better but things got worse in many instances. Obasanjo and Atiku was that of cat and mouse The Civilian population also played an infamous because the Vice President subsequently wanted role in this area by dancing for joy whenever the to contest himself in 2003.

Around that same 2003, another retired soon to become familiar refrain of the National Anthem followed by the haunting words “Fellow military ruler, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians” were announced on the airwaves.. We decided it was his own turn to collect the baton expected our military rulers to perform many and return to power as civilian President. He had miracles since they wielded the power of life and been the Head of State from 1984 to 1985 when death but we were not so lucky. The Republic of he was unceremoniously sacked by Major General Ghana was perhaps luckier, by having a no-nonsense Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. His fall attracted leader Flight Lt. Jerry John Rawlings (aka Junior unprecedented relief and wild jubilations because Jesus or Judas, depending on which side you of his draconian style and what many saw as belonged). He came, cleaned the Augean stable, the hypocritical and nepotistic disposition of his erected a superstructure, improved the infrastructure, government. His 2003 attempt was like testing the instilled discipline, reduced a culture of waste waters. He was popular in the North but not in and inculcated a new ethos of doing things with the South and the Northern Regions alone could less greed and avarice. Many Ghanaians disagree never make him President without substantial with this effusive description of Ghana under votes and electoral spread from some parts of Rawlings but to onlookers, Ghana came out of that the Southern Regions. He contested and lost to revolution better and stronger than most African President Olusegun Obasanjo. In 2007, Buhari States. I know many Nigerians who wistfully contested against his kinsman from Katsina State, longed for some version of JJ Rawlings here but Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and lost again to him. He complained bitterly that the race was ours were too selfish, egocentric and clannish.

Nigeria has tried many leaders, from sinners skewed against him and litigation followed to saints, but there is no doubt that none of them in a jiffy but hit the rocks, ultimately. In 2011, has taking us to Eldorado. It has been a tale of Buhari became a serial contestant, throwing his “all sound and fury…” but no performance. Two hat into the ring for a third time. However, it of our former military rulers came back from was not third time lucky as the results claimed retirement to become civilian Presidents. General he lost ignominiously to Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

Olusegun Obasanjo, who served from 1976 and He was so disappointed, frustrated and bitter, retired as Head of State in 1979, bounced back that he vowed never to contest again. But man 20 years after, in 1999, and served a total of eight proposes and God disposes, the ruling PDP was years as civilian President, making him the longest on a reckless binge of surfeit and megalomania reigning leader in Nigeria’s chequered history, and had to be stopped by all means. Buhari was with a combined total of eleven years. I will approached to become the rallying force, in 2015, not bore you with the melodrama of that era. for all those who wanted PDP out, by fire and His Vice President from 1999 to 2007 was Alhaji by force. Miraculously, he won as the whirlwind Atiku Abubakar, who started nursing his own of “Change” swept away the rampaging PDP.

The expectations of the people in respect of the Buhari Presidency were thus extremely high. The rest is now history.

Nearly three years have passed since Buhari’s triumphant comeback and the next election is already knocking. The general consensus is that the Buhari government has underperformed, even if his hard-core loyalists disagree very vehemently.

They point to several salutary achievements in the area of security (particularly with regard to the Boko Haram menace), increased reserves, improved Foreign Direct Investment and an ongoing relatively successful fight against corruption. The Opposition and the generality of the people want more. They say that things have simply not changed. Instead they have become worse because, there is great fear and tension in the land. The disunity is there for all to see and corruption and nepotism seems to be the order of the day within government circles. The seething anger is palpable and it is like the country is a tinderbox, a nation sitting on a primed keg of gunpowder waiting for the fireworks of social disorder and violence to erupt. We continue to pray against such folly, but the government is simply not helping by the macabre dance, with ethnicity and religious jingoism, it seems to be engaged in.

By 2019, Buhari would be 76 years old. He has suffered health challenges. His style of governance has also been rated as too crude and sluggish.

Some say he is not a President for 21st Century Nigeria because he lacks the physical and mental resources needed to crossover from the analog era of the 20th century into the digital age of the 21st century. Many of those who wished to support him to the end have become irritated and impatient. They simply cannot understand how the “People’s Messiah” frittered away such humongous goodwill and lost the chance to leave a glittering legacy for our people. His avuncular supporter, former President Obasanjo, has since jumped ship after releasing a most blistering attack in a very scathing open letter made public globally.

I have gone through this long preamble to remind us of why it has become imperative for Nigerians to pay more attention to who leads us henceforth. On my part, I have decided to speak to as many potential Presidents, Vice Presidents, Governors, Senators, House members, State Assembly members, etc, as possible. Four years is a long time to waste on frivolities, in the life of a nation. Never again must we elect people based on primordial sentiments. If President Buhari presents himself again, as it is his Constitutional right to do, he must be subjected to the most rigorous of tests. We must find out why he failed to become the change agent that we desperately wished for.

He must know, that it is not sufficient to blame the unbridled corruption that characterised the previous government. That was enough to deal with lack of progress for one year, possibly even eighteen months, but for two years and counting, Haba! Regardless however, he still has a bit of time to demonstrate what a second term under him will look like, but if truth be told, he is fast running out of that time. His challengers must even face tougher tests. For them we look for physical fitness and mental alertness, freshness, transparency, accountability but above all, vision, innovation, technological savviness and adeptness, leadership and progressive action. We should never base our choice and decision on empty

promises but practical roadmaps and blueprints.

There is no doubt that Nigeria is long overdue for a major overhaul, but it is not going to happen overnight. It may not happen in the next four-year sequence, but we must begin the journey in 2019.

While the experiment being attempted by the COALITION FOR NIGERIA is desirable, every care must be taken to ensure that this does not make our situation worse. I wish to warn again, and do so repeatedly, that there are presently no saints to form a new Party or, indeed, force. APC would not have materialised if those PDP Governors and big moneybags did not throw their weight behind Buhari. It is gratifying to note that for now, the Coalition is making the right noises and saying that it is a pressure group. Given the fact that the period between now and the next elections is short and is almost upon us. What it seems would be most desirable to see, is members of the Coalition going back to the two main parties and taking over from them. Surely, the generality of the Nigerian public would back such a move by those seen to be a bit more principled than the rogues gallery that has held sway over our political lives for more than 40 years. However, this may not be feasible for now, since money continues to play a big part in politics and the ignorance and impoverishment of our people continues to be an impediment for such a civilian coup at the present moment.

Therefore, the best way to go, for now, is to have a coalition of forces and make them form a government of national unity that would draw its personnel and operatives from the different political Parties, including some of the fringe Parties. Indeed, it was my sincere hope that the configuration of the APC following the merger of the opposition Parties before the 2015 elections would have led to such government. It is sad that from the very beginning the Party embarked on fratricidal, internecine and suicidal warfare from which it has not since emerged.

In reality, I predict two options. The PDP may implode and dissolve into the old PDP and a new Party, or the coalition may form a third party and draw extensively from APC and PDP. The problem is that not much would have changed. Only the name, and nomenclature, perhaps, would have changed. The same characters would migrate into this potential third Party from both Parties and no one would reject them. It may be, that this is one of the failings of democracy as all views should be accommodated within the respective Parties. The inherent danger is it may help APC remain infallible, despite the fact that it would have been greatly weakened by the exodus of a few good men. The truth is that both principal Parties need to be shaken up. The Coalition for Nigeria may well offer an avenue for this to happen but we must be vigilant. We must not enter “One Chance” again! The Coalition must not become like the Trojan Horse, primed to lull us into a false sense of security, when the real motive is to spew its rotten guts into our polity and thus damage us even further. My concern stems largely from those who appear to be the conveners. I am not overly confident of their credentials to do the task that Nigerians expect of them. We pray and wait with trepidation.

Meanwhile, I plead with the conveners of the Coalition, again, to think through this risky adventure and not set us back several decades.

God bless Nigeria!

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