Saturday 24th February 2018

Presidency Disputes Transparency International’s Corruption Ranking Anybody who knows where Nigeria was coming from would not believe that corruption is worse under this administration Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja reacted to the latest ranking of Nigeria as one of the worst corrupt nations

by Transparency International (TI), saying he regretted TI's

perceived failure to recognise his administration's anti-graft drive.

In a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the government was still wondering the criteria used by the anti-corruption watchdog

to arrive at the judgment.

The statement which added that while the government welcomes constructive criticisms from the anti-corruption watchdog, TI yet has a responsibility to reflect on the larger picture of concrete and verifiable achievements of the

administration since it came into office in May 2015.

It also said TI's report that corruption is worse under Buhari's administration would be incredible to anyone who knew where Nigeria was coming from.

It described the report as very

misleading and unfair conclusions in its assessment of the federal government's efforts in anticorruption crusade.

Describing political will as the first major component of fighting corruption in any country, the statement said Buhari had made a

huge difference by demonstrating not only such political will but also what it described as the extraordinary courage to go after high profile looters, including former military service chiefs Continued on page 6

Alleged Sabotage: Buhari Summons Odigie-Oyegun … Page 6 Saturday 24 February, 2018 Vol 23. No 8346

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Emefiele: CBN Has Disbursed N55bn to 250,000 Farmers Under Anchor Borrowers' Programme Intervenes in Forex Market with Fresh $321.4m Obinna Chima The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, yesterday put the total amount of money disbursed under the Anchor Borrower's Programme

(ABP) in partnership with the state government and private sector group since the commencement of the programme, at N55.526 billion to over 250,000 farmers.

This is coming on the heels of report that the CBN has again

intervened in the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) to the tune of $321.4 million.

Emefiele stated this in his speech titled: "Engendering the Growth of Nigeria's Poultry Industry," which he delivered during the

ground-breaking ceremony of Greenfield Integrated Poultry and Powderised Egg Facility at Emure-ile, Ondo State.

These set of farmers, according to the CBN Governor, have cultivated almost 300,000 hectares of farmland

for rice, wheat, maize, cotton, soybeans, cassava, etc.

He said: "As you may all know, the ABP is designed to support small holder farmers by providing them with the requisite training, tools and funds at single digit

interest rates, which will enable improved cultivation of key agricultural items such as maize, soybeans, rice, cotton and wheat.

The programme also provides a Cosntinued on page 6

Buhari Apologises to Dapchi Parents, Promises to Rescue Abducted Girls U.S. expresses concern, British military monitoring situation Campbell: Nigeria not transparent about B' Haram

Omololu Ogunmade and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Bayo Akinloye in Lagos President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday apologised to the families of the school girls abducted on Monday by Boko Haram at Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, assuring them that that the matter was receiving deserved attention at the highest level.

Also yesterday, the United States of America said it was concerned about the missing Dapchi schoolgirls, while the British military said it was monitoring the event closely.

A statement yesterday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu quoted the President Buhari as saying: “The entire country stands as one with the girls’ families, the government and the people of Yobe State. This is a national disaster. We are sorry that this could have happened and Cosntinued on page 6

ROYAL VISIT TO THE VILLA...

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief Erewa, Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, during the monarch's visit to the President at the State House, Abuja, accompanied by some of his chiefs ... yesterday

AI Report, a Calculated Attempt to Weaken the Military, Says DHQ …Page 8

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Alleged Sabotage: Buhari Summons Odigie-Oyegun I wish you well, APC Chairman replies Tinubu Iyobosa Uwugiaren and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Twenty-four hours after a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accused the National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, of sabotaging the reconciliation process he's leading, Oyegun met with President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed-doors in the Presidential Villa, yesterday.

The APC Chairman, who arrived the Presidential Villa at 3pm, left around 3.50 pm, avoiding journalists who were eager to ask him questions.

It also emerged yesterday that Oyegun has acknowledged Tinubu’s letter and wished him well in his presidential assignment.

There was no information on the nature of the discussion Buhari had with Oyegun but it

is believed that the president might have cautioned him on the implication of frustrating the crucial reconciliation process in the party less than a year before the general election.

Tinubu's letter alleging sabotage of the reconciliation process he was assigned to lead by Buhari shocked many to the marrows as Oyegun as the national chairman of the party was expected to be at the forefront of the reconciliation process.

But the alleged hostility towards Tinubu by Oyegun in the course of discharging his presidential assignment was not surprising to some others as there has been no love lost between both men since the latter allegedly conspired to frustrate the choice of the former's governorship choice in Ondo State in 2016.

In expression of his frustration

over the process which had schemed out his candidate at the primary, Tinubu called for Oyegun's resignation at the time.

Ironically, Tinubu it was who staked his neck for Oyegun's emergence as the party's national chairman before the 2015 election, a move which pitted him against Chief Tom Ikimi and led to lkimi's exit from APC. I Wish You Well, Odigie-Oyegun Replies Tinubu Meanwhile, apparently accepting Buhari’s plea not to engage the former governor of Lagos State, Tinubu, over a letter he addressed to him, accusing him of undermining his efforts at reconciling aggrieved members of the party, Odigie-Oyegun, yesterday merely acknowledged Tinubu’s letter and wished him well in his presidential assignment.

In his letter dated February 23,

2018, titled “Action and Conduct Weakening the Party from Within’’, which he personally assigned, the APC National Chairman wrote: “I thank you for your letter dated February 21, 2018, for your prayer and good wishes for my health. I wish you the same and pray that our good God keeps you strong and grant you His peace.

“Let me once again formally congratulate you on the peace making assignment Mr. President has entrusted you with.

“It is most challenging but I believe you will ultimately justify the confidence reposed in you by Mr. President. In this, you have my fullest support. Be assure, dear Asiwaju, of my highest regards now and always.’’

Tinubu, in his eight-page letter dated February 21, which was copied to the President, Vice-President, Senate President

and Speaker of the House of Representatives, accused OdigieOyegun of taking actions aimed at sabotaging his presidential assignment.

Specifically, he accused the national chairman of not cooperating with him, saying some of his unilateral actions were capable of worsening the situation in some of the crisis-ridden states.

Saying he approached his assignment with an open mind, Tinubu expressed worry that Odigie-Oyegun’s response was cynical and unhelpful.

“Upon my appointment, I gave the president my word that I would work diligently and objectively to achieve the goal set before me.

In this vein, my first port of call after receiving my assignment was our party’s national secretariat to present myself before the NWC with you as one of its members

by virtue as the chairman of the party’’, Tinubu had stated in his letter.

He also outlined his position on the state of the party and the way forward, saying the solution laid in a balanced appreciation of its daunting challenges.

He said: “My position was and is that we can only restore the party by resolving its current deficiencies in an unbiased, neutral manner that allows us to strengthen our internal democracy by annealing those internal institutions and processes vital to such internal fairness. I stated this position then and I still hold to it with all sincerity.”

Tinubu had suggested that Odigie-Oyegun was not similarly persuaded, contending that the national chairman was apparently incapable of measuring up to his leadership responsibility.

BUHARI APOLOGISES TO DAPCHI PARENTS, PROMISES TO RESCUE ABDUCTED GIRLS share your pain. We pray that our gallant armed forces will locate and safely return your missing family members.”

The President said when he received the devastating news of the attack on the school, and the fact that the local authorities could not account for all the students, he immediately dispatched a highlevel delegation on a fact-finding visit to the town.

Buhari continued: “I also instructed the security agencies to deploy in full and not spare any effort to ensure that all the girls are returned safely, and the attackers arrested and made to face justice. Our government is sending more troops and surveillance aircraft to keep an eye on all movements in the entire

territory on a 24-hour basis, in the hope that all the missing girls will be found.”

U.S. expresses concern, British military monitoring situation Also yesterday, the United States of America said it was concerned about the missing Dapchi schoolgirls.

While addressing journalists at the White House, the Spokesperson of the US Department of State, Ms Heather Nauert, said: "I’d like to bring your attention to Africa and something that took place in Nigeria. We’re still trying to get all the details about that, but I wanted to mention that we condemn in the strongest possible terms the terror attack on a school earlier

PRESIDENCY DISPUTES TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL’S CORRUPTION RANKING and judges.

The statement then proceeded to highlight the anti-corruption output of the government: "It was once unthinkable to touch or prosecute the ‘big men’ for corruption in Nigeria but President Buhari has ended impunity for corruption.

"Today, the Buhari administration has made accountability the bedrock of governance and corruption is no longer fashionable because it attracts consequences.

"Blocking leakages for corruption through the rigid enforcement of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) had made life tougher for corrupt officials. He (Buhari) regretted that these efforts were not acknowledged by the corruption watchdog.

"Figures published by the EFCC, the anti-corruption agency, reveal that N738.9 billion was recovered in just two years of the Buhari administration and this impressive and unprecedented record is worthy of mention and acknowledgement by anybody genuinely looking at the larger picture of the country's progress in the war against corruption.

"During the seventh session of the Conference of State Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption in Vienna, Austria, the Chairman of the Agency Ibrahim Magu noted that the figure represents $2.9 billion dollars.

"Besides these impressive recoveries of looted funds, the EFCC has recorded more than

140 successful prosecutions.

"The federal government has also signed international agreements to recover the proceeds of corruption and to block the laundering of stolen assets abroad by public officials.

"Anybody who knows where Nigeria was coming from would not believe that corruption is worse under the Buhari administration.

"We wonder where they got their facts from. At a time, they are alleging increase in the incidence of corruption under this government, the whole of Africa is applauding by choosing President Buhari as the continental Champion to lead the fight against it. Nothing can be more eloquent than this.

"In the end, this whole episode may turn out to be just a political distraction, given the strong views some of TI’s patrons have expressed against the Buhari administration.

"This notwithstanding, facts are facts, and those facts won't cease to be facts even if you don't care to pay attention to them," the statement said.

Transparency International reported on Wednesday that corruption was getting worse in Nigeria under Buhari’s watch.

While Nigeria scored 27/100 and was ranked 136th in 2016, the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by TI, scored Nigeria 28/100, and ranked the country 148 out of 180 countries surveyed. This is 12 places below 136 which Nigeria was ranked in 2016W

this week in northeastern Nigeria.

The choice of targets, including schools, markets, and places of worship, reflect the brutality of terror organisations.

"The victims in the attack were girls who were simply seeking an education. We want to extend our condolences to the students and to their families affected by these terrorist attacks and are concerned that some of the students are still not accounted for. We continue to support Nigerian efforts to counter the terror groups. We also support Nigerian efforts to enable more than two million displaced in the Lake Chad region to return home safely."

We Are Monitoring the Event Closely, Says British Military The British military has also said that it was monitoring the Dapchi abduction saga closely.

The General Advisor, British Advisory and Training Team (Bmatt), Maj. Ian Robertson disclosed this in Abuja at event organised by Partners West Africa Nigeria, with the Theme, “Prioritising the Voices of Women in Security Organisations Using the Second Generation National Action Plan (2017-2020)”.

According to him, “having heard about this particular issue

recently and I’m still trying to get more information about what is going on, but it is clearly very disappointing that something like this has happened; that the girls have been taken. Let me reassure you from the British military perspective, we are monitoring the event quite closely and we are cooperating with the armed forces of Nigeria to see how we can assist.”

Asked if the federal government had made enough commitment towards rescuing the girls, he said: “That is very difficult or me to comment on. I don’t really monitor what your government does here; I’m working at a very basic level, trying to ensure that the training that we provide to your soldiers, the armed forces of Nigeria have a gender perspective.

I understand the question but I’m not sure I will be able to answer it for you.”

Earlier, the Executive Director, Partners West Africa, Ms. Kemi Okenyodo, said the workshop aimed at facilitating a holistic planning of security sector reform processes in North-east Nigeria, with a view to identifying good practices that could be replicated in other parts of the country by ensuring that citizens get an

opportunity for engaging with policy reform processes that would affect them directly or indirectly.

Nigeria not transparent about Boko Haram, ex-US Ambassador, Campbell A former United States of America's Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, has criticised Nigerian government officials for not being transparent about the activities of Boko Haram.

The ex-envoy, who was accused of predicting that Nigeria would cease to be a nation in 2015, suggested that the terrorist group still had the capacity to operate freely in the country.

Writing on the platform of the Council on Foreign Relations, a US think tank organisation, Campbell said: "The latest Boko Haram kidnapping of female students sheds some light on the terrorist group’s current operational capacity and highlights President Buhari’s direct involvement in the matter.

"While Boko Haram’s kidnapping operation is similar to its infamous kidnapping in 2014 of female students from Chibok, the government's response has so far been quite different.

What this episode also highlights, however, is the ongoing lack of

transparency with respect to Boko Haram activities on the part of Nigerian officials."

Speaking further on the latest kidnapping of schoolgirls, the American diplomat said: "There continues to be too little transparency about the incident.

Some police spokesmen and the school’s principal said no girls were kidnapped at all, and the principal said that Boko Haram only stole food until they were chased away by the police. On the other hand, a school roll call accounted for only 815 of 926 students. (The roll call seems to have occurred before the army’s rescue operation.) Several witnesses indicated to media representatives that Nigerian security personnel told them not to talk about the episode.

"More disturbing is Boko Haram’s use of armored vehicles, its access to uniforms, and its ability to carry out mass kidnappings. The operation appears more sophisticated than the suicide bombings that continue to be a feature of the group.

Dapchi is yet another sign that Boko Haram is far from defeated.

As for the three hundred Chibok schoolgirls, about one hundred still remain in captivity."

EMEFIELE: CBN HAS DISBURSED N55BN TO 250,000 FARMERS ready market for farmers by linking them with credible off-takers and processors of their produce.

"Two years into the implementation, the programme has contributed to the creation of an estimated 890,000 direct and 2.6 million indirect jobs," he explained.”

Emefiele pointed out that the Integrated Poultry Facility by Greenfield comprises a pasteurised liquid and powder egg processing facility, 200,000 commercial rearing capacity, 600,000 commercial layers, egg grading and packing centre, a state of the art Feed Mill, and modern Broiler Processing Operation.

He disclosed that Ondo State was working closely with the CBN through the ABP to support an outgrowers’ programme.

Emefiele added: "Let me note at this juncture that this attention to agriculture is by no means a bad strategy. In fact, agriculture can still be used as a key catalyst for creating jobs, reducing unemployment and driving growth in Nigeria.

"For example, many of you would recall that in 2003,

importation of chickens was banned Nigeria, with the exception of day old chickens. Yet, this seemingly innocuous policy served as a major fillip for the poultry industry.

"Today, some analysts have put the Nigerian poultry industry to be worth about N1.2 trillion, comprising about 165 million birds, which produces over 650,000 Metric Tonnes of eggs and 290,000 Metric Tonnes of poultry, making Nigeria the largest producer of eggs in Africa.

"Despite this huge success in the sub-sector, statistics from Eurostat however highlight that between 2009 and 2011, over three million metric tonnes of poultry products were imported into the Republic of Benin, and eventually smuggled into Nigeria.

"This means that despite the huge domestic production, we are still far behind meeting our local consumption needs for poultry products."

He said the central bank remains committed to working with state governments in supporting small holder farmers and processors across other items, just as he assured Ondo State Government of

the continued support of the Bank.

Continuing, Emefiele disclosed that when the issue of the herdsmen attacks in some parts of the country in recent time was raised at the National Economic Council meeting held recently, Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu had highlighted the need to turn the adversity into opportunity.

"I latched on that. There are so many jobless people they will create jobs for them. Ondo State has thousands of hectares of lands where Chief Obafemu Awolowo had a ranch in those days.

"I understand the facilities are still there. So, what does it take?

It is just to contain the cattle in a particular spot, provide them with water, provide green grass, fatten the cows, take the milk from them and we will now use the opportunities to force those who believe we should continue to import milk into this county to know that we can also produce milk in our country.

"We will need to do this with the support of state governments that we have ranches. Ondo State is one of them, Kano, Kaduna,

Niger and Kogi states have indicated interest that those herders can come to their locations and that we can turn the hardship into opportunities and I keep saying that this country has opportunities, in this country we don’t have extreme weather.

"We at the CBN have said that we will give support to anybody that wants to tap the potential that God has given our country by providing access to finance and creating job opportunities for the youths."

In his speech, Akeredolu estimated value of this project by Greenfield Investment, which is expected to be completed in one year, at about N42 billion.

CBN Intervenes in Forex Market with Fresh $321.4m In the meantime, the CBN has again intervened in the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) to the tune of $321.4 million.

Figures obtained from the bank yesterday indicated that the amount released was for requests in the agricultural, airlines, petroleum products and raw materials and machinery sectors.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2018

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COOLING OFF...

L-R: Corporate Strategy Specialist, Mariya Aliko-Dangote; President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Winner of overall top performing distributor of Dangote Foods, Ali Balarabe; Executive Director, Sales & Marketing, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Halima Aliko-Dangote; and Executive Director, Commercial, NASCON Allied Industries Plc Fatima Aliko-Dangote at the 2018 Dangote Foods (Flour, NASCON and Sugar) Gala Nite, held at Eko Hotel in Lagos SUNDAY ADIGUN

Amnesty International's Report Calculated to Weaken the Military Says DHQ Paul Obi in Abuja The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said the recent report released by Amnesty International (AI) on human rights abuse committed by the Nigerian military was a calculated attempt to weaken the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen John Agim explained that the report was peddled with falsehood and intention to cause disaffection.

Agim said: "The recent report released by Amnesty International (AI) on 22 February 2018 alleging human rights violations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), is a gross disservice to the nation’s high security command.

"The action of AI seems to be geared towards weakening the efforts of the AFN at ensuring peace and security in the country.

"It has been observed that AI has made it a routine duty to continue generating tension among the citizens by releasing unconfirmed reports,

unsubstantiated claims and figures relating to military counter-insurgency operations and wanton killings by unknown groups or persons.

"It is pertinent to re-iterate that the AFN as a responsible institution, financed by taxpayers, is bound to respond to these allegations in order to put the records in proper perspective.

"The AI allegations of human rights violations and extra judicial killing of civilians by the AFN have followed a specific trend for some time now. It could be noted that the organisation’s allegations made against the AFN since 2011 to date are largely unsubstantiated.

"The figures released by the organisation showed that 4,900 Boko Haram detainees were held in Giwa Barracks in an overcrowded facility where 340 detainees had already died of diseases and dehydration.

"They further stated that 164 civilians were killed by the Nigerian Air Force when an IDP camp was hit at Rann by a Nigerian Air Force fighter Jet and also that 12 IPOB

members were kill in Umuahia by the AFN. "Unfortunately, AI has failed to acknowledge the on-going fair trial and conviction of culpable members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect and the release of those not found guilty.

"The number of persons released and re-integrated with the larger community is over 500. Both the convicted and freed suspects were earlier arrested from different locations across the country and taken to Kainji, a place that is relatively safer with enough space to accommodate them while providing the detainees with three square meals daily.

"The suspects were also given proper medical attention by military medical team attached to the detention facility.

It is notable that the arrested Boko Haram members from the ongoing Operation Lafiya Dole were being tried by the Federal High Court at Wawa Cantonment Kainji since Friday 16 February 2018 convicting 205 detainees to various jail terms while 526 suspects have been freed

for want of evidence.

"Other sins of the Nigerian Government as captured by the AI in its report include infringing the rights of lesbians, gays, bi-sexuals and transgender as well as intersex persons.

Agim maintained that "these AI championed rights have been strictly outlawed by Laws of the Federation of Nigeria subsuming the Nigerian constitution as well as the cultural practices of our people.

"This position of AI, clearly show slack of respect for the constitution of Nigeria which these laws have become part.

"Let it be known that the Nigerian Government and its people are not ready and would never be, even in future, to please AI or anyone with the introduction of such things.

"However, if AI feels strongly against the position of the Nigerian people on this issue and wants to assist the ‘victims’, they could issue these class of people with green cards to enable them re-locate to other places across the world that

accept such practices as it may not be necessary for them to remain Nigerians.

"Generally, the authenticity and sources of figures generated by AI are worrisome. Regrettably, the military high commands were never contacted for clarification or guidance.

"The Defence Headquarters on its own made concerted efforts to meet with the country management of AI to discuss related issues without success, as they had consistently failed to show up.

"This reaction of AI connotes that the body in Nigeria could had been sponsored to frustrate conflict resolution efforts towards peace and positive development of the nation.

"The deliberate falsehood peddled

by AI could cast the nation and its security apparatus in bad light.

Meanwhile, AI does not seem to see anything wrong about the insurgents’ activities and known criminals until security agencies rise to the occasion of effectively containing their actions.

"It could be noted that anytime the AFN has reasonable assurances

of getting military hardware and or expendables to further its operations or are recording remarkable successes, the AI as an organisation would come forward with falsehood to weep up anti-Nigerian sentiments within the international community.

These are evident in the AI reports from 2011 to date.

"Such reports had made in roads to the US congress a couple of years back leading to the invocation of Leahy Law against Nigeria at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency.

The current report could have been ill-conceived to frustrate the on-going US-Nigerian anti-terrorism cooperation.

Agim added that "it could then be posited that the aim of AI in Nigeria is to cripple the country’s security apparatus through cheap blackmail in order to hold back necessary collaboration.

"The AFN has both constitutional and moral responsibility to protect Nigerian Citizens and cannot suddenly engage in mass murder as portrayed by AI.

Defamation: El-Rufai Slams N2bn Suit Afreximbank Appoints Nigerian Head against Senator Sani of Global Communication John Shiklam in Kaduna

The crisis in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has taken a new dimension as Governor Nasir El-Rufai has slammed a N2 billion suit against Senator Shehu Sani for alleged defamation of character.

El-Rufai filed the suit at the Kaduna State High court on Friday, seeking reliefs for injuries allegedly suffered as results of "malicious statements" in the media by Senator Sani, representing Kaduna central senatorial zone.

El-Rufai said Sani made the malicious statements through the mass media to humiliate him and defame his integrity by calling him a "drunk, loose cannon and an embarrassment to President Muhammadu Buhari."

Among reliefs sought by the governor, is a declaration that the derogatory remarks made against him by Sani are totally false and injurious to his person in the eyes of the public.

Speaking to reporters at the court premises after filing the suit, counsel to El-Rufai, Abdulhakeem Mustapha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria

(SAN), dismissed insinuations that the governor, by virtue of his position did not have the constitutional right to sue any citizen.

Sani who belongs to a faction of the APC in Kaduna known as "APC Akida" (true APC) has been having a political running battle with the governor since 2015.

Just recently, a group alleged to have been sponsored by the faction of the APC loyal to El-Rufai had threatened to initiate the recall of Sani from the senate for always criticising President Muhammadu Buhari and El-Rufai.

Bayo Akinloye The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the appointment of two staff members to directorship positions to head its Communications and Events Management Department and Treasury and Markets Department respectively.

Obi Emekekwue, a Nigerian, was named Director and Global Head of the Communications and Events Management Department while Chandi Mwenebungu becomes Director of the Treasury and Markets Department.

According to a statement by the bank, prior to the appointments, Emekekwue and Mwenebungu were respectively heads of the Com-

munications and Treasury functions at Afreximbank at the level of senior managers.

The bank’s communications and treasury functions, which had operated as units, were upgraded to full departments in 2017 as part of a general reorganisation of the bank.

Emekekwue joined Afreximbank in 2012. But before joining the development bank, he had worked for the United Nations from 1994, serving last in the Press Office of the Department of Public Information at the New York Headquarters.

His United Nations career included serving variously as public information officer, media specialist and programme specialist in several agencies, including the United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and as communications specialist at the United Nations Country Team in Papua New Guinea from 2006 to 2007.

The Nigerian began his professional career at the Nigerian Television Authority, Ibadan, followed by a short stint at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, before joining the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) where he served as the United Nations/ North America bureau chief from 1989 to 1994.

He holds a Master of Arts in international relations and a postgraduate certificate in international law and diplomacy from St. John’s University, New York, and a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from

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07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

Musings on Imbalance in Key Security Appointments

O

n February 8, precisely 16 days ago, the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria visited President Muhammadu Buhari and bluntly told him that his enormous goodwill was being depleted by some glaring failures of his government.

They declared: “Many saw you as a person of integrity who would be able to bring sanity into a system that was nearly crippled by endemic corruption. Nearly three years later, however, one has the feeling that this goodwill is being fast depleted by some glaring failures of government which we have the moral responsibility to bring to your notice, else we would be failing in our duty as spiritual fathers and leaders.”

One major area I have been having a running battle with the Buhari government is the lopsidedness of his appointments. This was also properly addressed by the catholic bishops, who demanded that Buhari should address the inequity in his appointments and distribution of amenities by respecting the federal character principle as enshrined in the constitution. The bishops said the situation had created a loss of a sense of belonging in many parts of the country, hence the constant cries of marginalisation, agitation for secession and calls for restructuring. Unfortunately, our President was very economical with the truth, when he responded that no ethnic group or political zone had been deliberately marginalised in the appointments made so far by him.

However, I am happy that Buhari added that he would take a second look at areas in which issues had been raised, when a compendium of all government appointments is submitted to him.

For me, it is either our dear President still does not understand the importance of Chapter 2, Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), or he has chosen to persistently mock this section of our constitution. As a reminder, this section

For me, it is either our dear President still does not understand the importance of Chapter 2, Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), or he has chosen to persistently mock this section of our constitution states that “the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few State or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.”

Unfortunately, Buhari has been stoking our fault lines in the last 33 months with his skewed appointments. The crooked appointments of heads of military and para-military sectors of his government have been most infuriating. First, I will like our dear President to retire into his study and spend quality time reading a list I have compiled for him.

Mr. President, here we go: DirectorGeneral, Department of State Security Services, Lawal Daura; National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Burutai; Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar; Comptroller-General of

the Nigerian Customs Service, Retired Colonel Hameed Ali; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mustapha Abdallah; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mohammed Babandede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, AVM Mohammed Usman; Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abdullahi Muhammadu; Inspector General of Police, Idris Abubakar; Director General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; Minister of Defence, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali, Minister for Interior , Abdulrahman Dambazau and Controller General of the Nigeria Prison Service, Ja’afaru Ahmed.

Mr. President, how does this list smell?

Does it smell pan-Nigeria? It is bad enough that they are all from the north. It is even worse that they are all Muslims.

In a country where religion remains an issue, concentrating the security apparatus in the hands of one tribe and one religious group is a betrayal of trust of those Christians and southerners who voted for you and an affront on our constitution. My dear President, those around you won’t tell you this. They are largely bread and butter politicians. Just as you promised the catholic bishops, take a second look at these security appointments and make amends. These skewed security appointments are largely responsible for the raging insecurity in Nigeria.

On the flip side, our dear President needs to read more of what his opponents are saying than that of his supporters and cronies. Buhari, your worst enemy could be your best friend, and your best friend your worst enemy. A former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi-Okogie, is one of such “worst enemies” whose literatures I believe Buhari should persistently read. My take away from the recent epistle of this former Lagos Archbishop of the Catholic Church to Buhari are:

“The truth is that Nigerians are not happy; Nigerians are hungry and angry. They are not happy because their lives and their belongings are not safe. They work so hard while the value of the money they earn cannot make them enjoy basic things of life. Nigerians are unhappy because the economy has been so mismanaged that some cannot pay the school fees of their children. Nigerians are unhappy because they have not got jobs. Nigerians are unhappy because, instead of hope, they are offered propaganda and insults by the President’s men. Nigerians are angry because their loved ones are butchered by herdsmen while the response of government is woeful.

“The issue at hand is more serious than getting re-elected. It cannot be resolved by way of a facile intra-party reconciliation. Before it can succeed, this government must admit it has failed. Before it can retrace its steps, this government must admit that it has strayed from the path of keeping the promises it made, promises that made Nigerians to vote as they did in 2015.

“Apart from seeking intra-party reconciliation, this government must first reconcile with Nigerians by treating them with respect. There is anger in the land. Many voices are echoing it. These voices of anger are so deafening that it can no longer be denied. The level of discontent in Nigeria at this point in time is like the proverbial boa sighted by even more than two persons. It would be unwise to mistake it for a piece of diamond. Those who are shielding Buhari from the truth, while insulting those who tell him the truth, are his real enemies. By insulting well-meaning Nigerians who happen to disagree with policies of government, they are not winning friends for the President. They are in fact helping to grow the rank and file of the angry. Whoever loves this President would want him to succeed. Whoever wants him to succeed must tell him the truth. For if he fails, Nigeria fails.”

I very much doubt if those around Buhari will allow him read this epistle, but I take solace in the fact that history is always a good judge.

terrorists still had time to ransack Dapchi for hours unchallenged. A resident, simply identified as Ibrahim, said the attackers stormed the town, shooting sporadically. “They forced some shops open and stole food items. We are yet to know if there are casualties because everyone in the town scampered for safety. Some fled to bush, others into their homes. They also attacked the military location at the town’s entrance bridge.”

The hapless residents of Konduga in Borno State are also counting their losses following the multiple suicide bomb attacks by Boko Haram at Kasuwar Kifi on the outskirts of the town last week. The bombers shattered social activities in this spot, killing 18 persons, aside from the three bombers. Several others were also injured; most of them are still receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Commissioner

of Police, Borno State Command, Damian Chukwu, confirmed the casualty figures. As usual, so many families in Konduga are directly or indirectly affected by this latest attack. Some of the injured in the hospital are battling for survival. So sad; they may also not return home alive.

Kodunga has been repeated bombed in the last nine years by Boko Haram. There is hardly any family in this town without a grisly story to tell. Just like many towns and villages in Borno State, the residents of Kodunga are perpetually living in fear. In this part of the world, human blood is so cheap. The next attack could just be in a matter of hours. For how long must this continue? For how long shall this country allow the shedding of innocent blood? Terrorists are evidently very much on ground in many towns and villages in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Things have just got to change about this sagging war. The leadership of the military must make way for result-oriented people.

Anguish in Dapchi, Konduga Distressed parents in Dapchi, Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State, are still weeping. Boko Haram attacked the town on Monday, spent hours looting the place and eventually entered the premises of Dapchi Government Girls Secondary School where scores of schoolgirls were abducted.

A teacher who escaped said: “They shot sporadically and forced the school’s food store open. We and the students ran into the bush for safety.” As at press time, a hunt was on to rescue the abducted girls. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Abdulmaliki Sumonu, said security operatives had been reinforced in the area to ensure total security. Only God knows what this policeman is talking about.

What are they securing after the damage had been done? The point here is that the terrorists spent hours unchallenged in this town, yet, our security operatives say that they are on top of this Boko Haran crisis.

Dapchi is just about 100 kilometres from Damaturu, the state’s capital. The military

Buratai

claimed the attackers were “fleeing Boko Haram” members. These so-called “fleeing”

Corruption War: So Much Noise, So Little Result For almost three years, we were regaled with stories of how some Nigerians stole so much in what has become the $1.1bn Malabu oil scandal. Names of several Nigerians were dragged in the mud in this orchestrated media trial. Some were even arraigned in court. Our Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has now realised that the alleged $1.1bn fraud was a ruse. He has even written a letter to President Buhari, asking for the termination of the charges instituted against the immediate-past AGF, Mohammed Adoke, and others, in respect of alleged scam.

The EFCC had filed three sets of charges of fraud and money laundering against Adoke, a former Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete, and others between December 2016 and March 2017. The anti-corruption agency had

alleged that the Nigerian government was defrauded in the alleged shady transactions in the chain of transfers that later gave away the ownership of the OPL 245 to oil giants Shell and Agip. Malami says it is a cock and bull story because he has evaluated the case and realised that the investigation which led to the filing of the charges against Adoke and others was weak and could not earn any conviction. “The letter was written within the context of the available investigation report on the basis of which the charges were filed which I find inadequate to earn a conviction.”

In an earlier letter to the EFCC, Malami said the agency lacked sufficient evidence to prove the allegations of fraud and money laundering against all the accused. “There is also nothing in the proof of evidence to support the charge of money laundering,”

he said. So, they knew there was no case, yet, made so much noise with their usual media trial and dragged the names of so many in the mud, just to show that there is a war against corruption. What a country.

What a skewed war against corruption.

This is a government that condones corruption by its top level officials. I was not surprised when Transparency International reported on Wednesday that corruption was getting worse in Nigeria under Buhari’s watch. While Nigeria scored 27/100 and was ranked 136th in 2016, the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by TI, scored Nigeria 28/100, and ranked the country 148 out of 180 countries surveyed. This is 12 places below 136 which Nigeria was ranked in 2016. Indeed, the war against corruption is on.

Malami

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

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NEWS

In Brief Murder: Court Grants Ekiti Monarch Bail

Afterspending58daysintheprisoncustody, EkitiStateHighCourtonFriday grantedbailtotheOlukereofIkere-Ekiti,ObaGaniyuObasoyin,whowasanswering chargesof murderinacasepreferredagainsthimbythestategovernment.The trialJudge,JusticeAbiodunAdesodun, inhisrulinginOlukere’sbailapplication, admittedthemonarchtobailinthesumofN5millionandtwosuretiesinlikesum.

StandingtrialwiththeOlukereareAjewoleSunday,AdetowojuBode,Kayode Michael,OlowolafeTolaandAlukoTaiwo.TheOlukerehasbeenhavingarunning battlewithGovernorAyoFayoseover inabilitytogranthimduerecognitionas amonarchbythestategovernment.JusticeAdesodunalsoruledthatthetwo suretiesmustsweartoaffidavitsandproducetaxclearancecertificateshowing evidence of tax payment for three years. The jurist ruled that if released to credible surety, the applicant would not jump bail considering his position as anOba.Thejudgesaidhehadstudiedtheaffidavitfiledbythedefenceandthe counter-affidavit filed bytheprosecutionand noted that thegrant or refusal ofbailwaspredicatedonsomefactors.

UNICEF Nutrition Ambassador

IN ACCORDANCE TO RULES ...

L-R: Managing Director; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Wolfgang Goetsch; Director, Mrs. Bella Disu; and Director, Mrs. Gladys Talabi, at the Corporate Governance Rating Systems (CGRS), certification ceremony for companies and directors, held at the Civic Centre, Lagos

Donors Raised $940m in 2017 to Tackle Boko Haram Humanitarian Crisis, Says UN Chineme Okafor in Abuja In response to cases of humanitarian crisis in Nigeria's North Eastern region which had been ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency, international donors mobilised about $940 million in 2017, the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) disclosed yesterday.

OCHA stated that the fund which was raised at a conference in Oslo, Norway, was a little below the target of $1.05 billion expected and that it was actually meant to address the humanitarian needs in the North-east for 2017.

Speaking at an event organised by the Civil Society Network for Lake Chad Region in Abuja, the Humanitarian Financing Advisor, UN

OCHA, Alta Bell, stated that the international organisation was also intervening in other countries, but emphasised that in Nigeria the office conducted a needs assessment for states in the North-East and figured out that $1.05 billion was needed for humanitarian response in the region.

“With respect to Nigeria in the year 2017, there was a humanitarian response plan that was developed and it was done in partnership with all partners.

We looked at the needs, we did the needs overview of the different states in the North-East and we came up with a plan to respond to the very significant needs which actually amounted to $1.05bn. This is extremely large requirement.

“However, as a result of conferences like Oslo and

awareness campaigns, funds were raised. Through Oslo, the actual response in terms of contributions was extremely generous. With more than $740m raised and mobilised to respond to needs, and even outside of that another $200m which was also for humanitarian needs. That is unprecedented," Bell said.

She commend the network of CSOs at the event, saying, “So thanks to all of your voices, the influence that you’ve had with the government, with the donors and at this Oslo conference that really kick-started the response and led to a massive scale-up in response.”

According to her, the UN OCHA was able to in 2017 reach out to 5.1 million people in the affected region, adding that more humanitarian workers will be employed, going forward.

She stated: “In 2017, we were looking at a target of 6.9 million people and we were able to assist 5.1 million people, together with all of our partners. And this is also an impressive achievement which could not have been done without the support of local partners.

“Certainly, we are now looking at something like 3,000 humanitarian workers, most of whom are local, whether local NGOs or staff working with the international NGOs in the UN because they are the frontline responders.”

She said an additional $1.05 billion will be needed for humanitarian needs in 2018, adding that her office had started working with international financial institutions in order to meet the needs of more people in the North-East.

The campaign to tackle the challenge of malnutrition in Delta State has intensified with the launch on Friday (yesterday) of Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movementinAsaba,thestatecapital.Thelaunching,whichwasorganisedby DeltaStateGovernmentincollaborationwithUNICEF-Nigeria,alsowitnessed the investiture of the wife of the Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, as Nutrition Champion for Delta State. The investiture which makes Dame Okowa a UNICEF Nutrition Ambassador, is in recognition of the Delta State First Lady's outstanding contribution to the welfare and development of womenandchildrenthroughhervariousprogrammeslikeherpetproject,the "05Initiative". SpeakingduringtheinvestitureceremonyattheGovernment House Asaba, Dame Okowa stressed the need for all hands to be on deck in theeffortstotacklemalnutritionthroughtheSUNcampaign,sayingthatthe contributionsofindividualsstartingfromthefamilylevelwouldgoalongway incomplementingtheeffortofgovernment. Shenotedthatignorancewasa majorbaneofmalnutritionproblemotherthanlackofmoneyforproperfeeding habit, stressing that the breastfeeding is invaluable to infant and young child nutritionbutisoftenneglectedforbreastmilksubstitutes.

Court Sentences Gang-Leader to Death

Kogi High Court sitting in Lokoja has sentenced the leader of a six-man gang, Mohammed Sani Audu to death by hanging for stabbing one Hussein Isa to death over land dispute. The trial judge and Chief Judge of the state, Justice NasirAjanahhandeddownthesentenceonFridayinLokojaonconvictionofthe accusedinacaseofculpablehomicidepreferredagainsthim.AuduofKaduna Junction in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi was charged with Culpable HomicidepunishablewithdeathcontrarytoSection221(a)ofthePenalCode Law.Theconvict,accordingtotheprosecution,hadledasix-mangangtoaland whichwasindisputebetweenthefamiliesofthedeceasedandoneofhisgang members,Momoh-JimohAbaniki.Thedeceasedwassaidtohavechallengedthe presenceoftheaccusedandhisgangonthelandandobjectedtoitsdemarcation forthepurposeofsellingit.

Police Arrest 2 withTricycle, Gun

OperativesoftheNigeriaPoliceattachedtoB'Division,Warri,DeltaState,have arrestedtworobberysuspectswithatricycle,agunandanarmypoloshirt.The suspects,whowereallegedlyspecialisedinsnatchingtricyclesatgunpointafter displayinganarmyuniformbeforetheirvictims,wereidentifiedasOgagaEbulechifromUwuamughe,AgbarhoandSunnyAjayi.Sourcesdisclosedthatthe suspectsboardedatricyclelastWednesdayfromUwuamughe,headquarters of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and led the rider to a quiet street inside Warri where they snatched the tricycle from its owner after pointing a gun at him and showing him army polo. Ogaga, who's a professional driver and Ajayi allegedly took the tricycle to Uwuamughe and from there to Ughelli before headingbacktoUwuamughe. Unknowntothem,thetricyclehadananti-theft tracker. A source disclosed that police operatives from B'Division got a wind ofthestolentricyclefromthemanagerofWetlandMicroFinancewhichgave outloanforthepurchaseofthetricycle.

Dana Crash-land Survivor Collapses

Navy Special Forces Trains Herdsmen Jailed for Operatives on Counter Flouting Benue Anti-open Terrorism, Air Assaults Grazing Law Chiemelie Ezeobi

To ensure fit personnel ready for deployment to dangerous operations, especially in areas ridden with insecurity, the Special Boat Service (SBS) of the Nigerian Navy (NN) has trained 41 officers and soldiers in counter terrorism, air assault and tactical warfare.

The 41 officers and soldiers, attached to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), were yesterday certified ready for deployment following an 11-week intensive training on watermanship, air assault, counter terrorism, tactical combats, among others, at the SBS camp in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos.

Commending the personnel for withstanding the rigours of the training, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile said he was confident they would succeed

in whatever mission the DHQ assigned them to.

Ofodile said: "These graduands have been equipped with the ability to infiltrate hostile terrain from sea and air whenever the need arise.

"They have acquired requisite skills to enhance their performance in different theatres of operations and I have no doubt they would deliver positively whenever duty calls.

"We do not know where they would be deployed to but we do know that the country is faced with many security challenges and so, the DHQ would deploy the personnel as deemed fit.

"Ours was to train them because we have the expertise, which we have done. There is no doubt that they will perform and help in no small measure, in tackling security challenges including terrorism of all kinds.

George Okoh in Makurdi A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court has sentenced three person, Iliya Garba, Hassan Abdullahi, and Lanshak Lonfalk, to one year imprison each, for violating the Benue Anti Open Grazing and Ranching law enacted by the Benue State Government The convicts were charged with criminal conspiracy and open nomadic livestock rearing and grazing.

The offences are punishable under Sections 97 of the Penal Code and 19 (2) of the Open Grazing Prohibition Ranches Establishment Law of Benue, 2017.

The prosecutor, Insp. Michael Iorundu, told the court that the joint patrol team of `Operation Zenda,’ led by Sgt. Edward Shinyi, arrested the herders on Feb. 18.

He said that they were brought to the State Criminal and Investigation Department, Makurdi.

“The team reported that the three

herders, and others now at large, were openly grazing their cattle along Yeluwata Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue.

“When the case came up for mention, the herders pleaded guilty to the charge against them, saying that they were not aware that open grazing had been prohibited in Benue,’’ he said.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Lillian Tsumba said that the herders were first offenders who were also illiterates and not even aware that open grazing has been prohibited in Benue.

Tsumba said that a law such as open grazing prohibition required massive exposure and education of persons at the grassroots.

She, however, said law was law and must be obeyed in spite ignorance.

The magistrate sentenced the herders to a year in prison each, with N500,000 option of fine each.

ChiefFamousDaunemugha,oneofthepassengersintheDanaAirline,which overshottherunwayatanairportinPortHarcourt,RiversState,hascollapsed whilereceivingsympathisersinhishouseinBayelsa.Thepoliticianwassaidtohave beenshakenbythenearcrashofthecommercialairplaneandcurrentlyreceiving treatmentinahospitalinYenagoa.Daunemougha,aNigerDeltaActivist,former governorshipaspirantofthedefunctCongressforprogressivechange(CPC)in 2011andchieftainoftheAllprogressivescongress(APC) inBayelsa,collapsed afterarrivinghomeatabout7,30pm,awitnesssaidyesterday.Aclosefamily source,EbioweiDaunemugha,whoconfirmedtheincidenttojournalists,saidhis brother collapsedwhilereceivingvisitorswhocametofelicitatewithhimover thenearincident.AttheBaybridgehomeofthepoliticianlastnight,crowdsof familymembersandloyalistsoftheAPCchieftainwereseenofferingprayers for his quick recovery. A friend of Daunemigha ,who claimed to have missed the Dana flight in Abuja, said that most of the traumatised passengers, who attemptedtodemandforexplanationsfromtheairliner,werenotattendedto.

Three Dead, 2 Injured in Ogun Auto Crash

Atleast,threepersonsdiedwhiletwootherssustainedinjuriesinafatalroad accidentinvolvingatruckandamotorcycleatOru,inIjebuNorthLocalGovernmentAreaofOgunState. Itwaslearntthattroublebeganintheearlyhoursof FridaywhenaChigwellAX100motorcyclewithregistrationnumberOG7613 BArammedintoaShacmantruckmarkedNAontopofOrubridgeduringwhich threepersons ontheOkadadiedinstantly,whiletwoothersreceivedinjuriesas aresultoftheimpactofthecrash.AccordingtotheRouteCommander,Public EducationOfficer,OgunStateSectorCommandfortheSectorCommander, FederalRoadsSafetyCorps(FRSC),Mrs.FlorenceOkpewhoconfirmedthe crash, excessive speeding and dangerous driving of both parties caused the accident. She disclosed that the FRSC official rescue team from Ago-Iwoye hadremovedthetwosurvivingvictimswhosustainedinjuriesandrushedthem toBlessedHospital,Omu-Ijebufortreatment.Besides,Okpestatedthat,followingtheincident,aniratemob,madeupofyouthsandstudentsoftheOlabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye went on rampage and smashed the windscreenofthetruck.

11

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

NEWS

Preferred Bidder of 9mobile Must be Financially Stable, Says NCC Emma Okonji Less than 48 hours after Barclays Africa, the financial adviser handling the sale of 9mobile, transmitted an official document that formally announced Teleology Holdings Limited as the preferred bidder for the sale of 9mobile, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator, has said that the preferred bidder must be financially capable to settle the huge debt that the telecoms company owes.

Although NCC seems not to be against Teleology Holdings as the preferred bidder, but the telecoms regulator has expressed concern that the preferred bidder must also have sufficient funds to manage 9mobile operations in a market that was fraught with competition.

NCC's worries, according to THISDAY investigation, is sequel to the financial due diligence it recently carried out on all the telecoms operators, which showed that all the telecoms operators, except MTN, were heavily indebted to their contractors and suppliers and that they were just managing to serve their customers.

NCC, in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, assured industry stakeholders and the public that it would do everything possible to ensure that all relevant statutory and regulatory

processes were duly complied with in the process leading up to the emergence of new owners of 9mobile. He affirmed NCC's determination to avoid the recurrence of any missteps that may have led to the current situation.

Part of the letter released by NCC reads: "The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reassured stakeholders of its commitment to ensure that the nation’s fourth largest Mobile Network Operator, EMTS/9Mobile, is duly taken over by investors with the requisite technical capability and pedigree to manage the organisation. Rising from its Board meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, February 22, 2018, the Board affirmed its determination to avoid the recurrence of any missteps that may have led to the current situation.

The Board also made it clear that pursuant to the powers conferred on the Commission by the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and other instruments in that regard, the Commission will ensure that all relevant statutory and regulatory processes were duly complied with in the process leading up to the emergence of new owners for the company."

The statement further said: The Board therefore assured all Stakeholders that the Commission will apply all necessary diligence to see the ongoing sale process through to its logical

YOU' RE WELCOME ...

L-R: MD Editor- In-Chief of the National Pilot newspaper, Alhaji Billy Adedamola and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State during a courtesy visit to the government house in Ilorin yesterday conclusion in a manner that protects the overall national interest and the seamless operation of the national telecommunications network.

Barclays Africa had on Wednesday,

February 21st, transmitted an official letter to Teleology Holdings Limited, confirming it as the preferred bidder in the sale of 9mobile.

The letter also directed Teleology

Holdings to make a non-refundable cash deposit of $50 million within 21 days from the date of the letter, dated February 21, 2018, or stand the chance of losing the bid to the reserve bidder,

which is Smile Holdings Limited.

A source at Barclays Africa, who confided in THISDAY, said the letter served as the official document for the conclusion of the sale of 9mobile.

Edo Advocates Task Force, Monitoring Units on South African Court Awards Minerals Right Herdsmen, Illegal Migration, Human Trafficking to Saharawi Government Adibe Emenyonu inBenin City To effectively tackle the problems of herdsmen, illegal migration, human trafficking, kidnapping and other criminal activities in Edo State a security was yesterday held at the instance of the Oba of Benin in his palace.

At the end of the meeting, stakeholders called for the formation of task force at the three senatorial districts, the formation of committees and monitoring units at local and state levels to check all criminal activities in the state.

Besides, a committee headed by the commissioner of police, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo was set up to help develop a template that would be used by the State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in achieving the desired peace and tranquility in the state.

Meanwhile, the various security chiefs who also attended the meeting, agreed to implement the decisions reached so far as it would bring peace and tranquility to the state.

They however requested for adequate logistics to enable them effectively tackle the security challenges in the state, just as they called for the provision of enough vehicles and communication equipment to enable them respond to emergency or distress calls.

They also called on Enigie, Edionwere and Village Heads to provide security agents with useful information that would enable them track down criminal elements in the society.

Earlier, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, said the purpose of the meeting was to hear from the security agencies the state of affairs with regard to security issues in the state, with

a view of rubbing minds on the way out of the problem.

The Oba who expressed worries over the activities of herdsmen, illegal migration and human trafficking, said since 2015, he had started putting plans together to tackle the problems.

He told the security chiefs that security challenges were disturbing the peace, tranquility and development of the state, hence the urgent need to find lasting solution to the problem.

The Benin Monarch assured them that he would continue to do more to ensure that the people enjoyed relative peace and sleep with their two eyes closed, assuring the security chiefs that whatever logistic requests they made that would ensure the effective security of the state, would be communicated to the State Government for immediate action.

Buhari Assures of Speedy Development of Niger Delta Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja assured the people of Niger Delta that his administration would continue to support rapid development of the region.

The President's Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, who said the president made the promise while receiving a delegation led by the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, added that he pledged to achieve the plan by consolidating on all ongoing projects in the region and initiating new ones to create more economic opportunities and jobs for the people.

He also said Buhari reiterated the federal government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security

in the Niger Delta for economic and social activities to thrive.

According to him, the president told the delegation that developing the region remained a priority of his administration, adding that under his watch, every region in the country would witness increased investments in critical infrastructure.

He also said the president appealed to the people of Niger Delta to complement ongoing efforts by the federal government to bring more development in the region by maintaining peace, security and harmony.

Adesina also said the president promised to look into some of the concerns raised by the delegation including the dredging of Escravos bar for Warri and Koko ports, the gas revolution industrial park and

EPZ project in Ogidigben, the ecological challenges in Ode-Itsekiri, Ugborodo, Orere/Yanagho and Ogheye-Eghoroke, among others.

He said the president used the occasion of the visit by the royal majesty to commend Itsekiri people for producing men of strong convictions like Prof Itse Sagay, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anticorruption (PACAC). ‘‘Thanks for producing a man like Prof. Itse Sagay, who is defending us robustly and stepping on many toes in the process. If he’s not a man of conviction, he couldn’t have done that. ‘‘What he is doing is exceptional.

Despite coming from a minority area, he’s showing overwhelming influence at the centre.

A High Court of South Africa yesterday confirmed that the owner of the cargo of phosphate rock aboard the detained vessel, NM Cherry Blossom, was the Saharawi Government, and not Morocco's state-owned phosphate company.

By the ruling, Morocco’s atateowned phosphate company has been ruled out of being entitled to sell the commodity.

According to online reports, on May 1, 2017, the bulk carrier NM Cherry Blossom was detained at Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Aboard the vessel was 55,000 tonnes of phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara, sold by the Moroccan state-owned phosphate company OCP (and subsidiary Phosboucraa) to a New Zealand based farmers' cooperative; Ballance Agri-Nutrients. The exiled Government of the Saharawi Republic in combination with the Saharawi

people's organisation Polisario had obtained the court order for the detention of the cargo.

After several steps in the legal process, the South African High Court 23 February 2018 declared that: “The Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic is the owner of the whole cargo of phosphate presently laden on the motor vessel "NM Cherry Blossom"; and Ownership in the phosphate has never lawfully vested in OCP SA or Phosphates de Boucraa SA, and they were, and are, not entitled to sell the phosphate to Ballance Agri-Nutrients Limited.

"This is very good news for the people of Western Sahara.

The judgment is perfectly in line with the Court of Justice of the EU and the legal opinion of the African Union", Mhamed Khadad, Polisario coordinator to the UN operation MINURSO told Western Sahara

Resource Watch.

"We hope that all those companies who participate in the plunder of the resources of Western Sahara will understand the legal risk. Polisario will use all legal tools to put an end to the plunder of the Saharawi people's resources. In the meantime, we are very open to build good relations with all those who are interested in our resources. The exploitation of Western Sahara's resources require consent of the representatives of the people of the territory," Khadad stated.

The news was also welcomed by EU representatives, who highlight the significance of the South African ruling on the eve of yet another Western Sahara judgment by the EU Court of Justice, expected next Tuesday. "I welcome this new legal victory for the people of Western Sahara, this time thanks to the High Court in South Africa.

Ugwuanyi Awards N1.04bn Road Contracts The Enugu State Executive Council (EXCO) has awarded contracts for the construction of urban and rural roads worth over N1billion.

Addressing newsmen on the outcome of the council’s meeting, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Greg Nnaji disclosed that the roads awarded for construction were the Ugwuaji road junction-Nwobodo NnamUmunnaji-Onukwue streets, Maryland, Enugu; the Ugwuaku internal roads, Abakpa; the Abagana/Orofia street roads, Independence Layout, Enugu and the Okpu Orba-Agu Orba road extension.

The government last week awarded contracts for the construction of six major roads across the state for N2.4 billion, covering the Eha-AmufuNkalagu federal road at Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, which has been

in a deplorable condition.

Other road contracts awarded last week include the extension of the Agbani-Afor Amurri road; the extension of Ituku road; the construction of Ogonogoeji Ndi Agu Akpugo road (Atavu Bailey Bridge –Afor Onovo); the construction of 42 meter span Bailey bridge and road works across Nyama River to Amechi-Linking Umuogo and Umuagba Amechi Uno/ Obeagu community, mostly located in Nkanu West L.G.A. At the press briefing, yesterday, Nnaji stated that the council’s decision was sequel to the recommendations of the Enugu State Urban Renewal Committee that was responsible for the upgrade, restoration and development of Enugu urban, saying: “If you are very conversant with Kenyatta market, Timber market, Awkunanaw street, you will notice that we have taken

the road from Awkunanaw street to Loma-Linda junction and have equally awarded the road contract from Loma-Linda junction to Ugwuaji flyover to ensure free access mobility into Enugu”.

He added: “This time around, you can come into Enugu city from Ugwuaji, do your business and exit without any hitch. The newly awarded Ugwuaji road junction-Nwobodo Nnam- Umunnaji-Onukwue streets in Maryland, Enugu, are the road connecting Maryland and Achara Layout, Enugu, across Ndemde River”.

The works commissioner further explained that the Agbagana/Orofia roads off Nza Street was an interconnecting road that would enable motorists access the New Artisan from Independence layout, stressing that due diligence was taken to ensure that quality work was delivered.

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

COMMENTARY

ALLEVIATING POVERTY THROUGH OIL PALM Sina Ogunbambo pays tribute to Ajibola Adebutu, farmer and administrator, at age 50

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jibola Bankole Adebutu, the Managing Director of JB Farms Limited and Tosett Agro Industries Limited is the second son and third child of Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu (Baba Ijebu) and Lady Caroline Oladunni Adebutu (Yeyeoba of Odogbolu). But that is no big deal.

The delight of this wonderful parent and indeed, most Nigerians will be that this young man who will attain the age of 50 tomorrow, February 25, 2018 , has taken off, over 3,000 able-bodied Nigerians off the unemployment market, through his romance with oil - palm plantation and processing, tackling one of the major problems in Nigeria.

Perhaps the icing on the cake is the fact that Ajibola Adebutu has contributed to the growth and development of rural areas in Ogun and Cross Rivers States, with this “hobby” that has metamorphosed into an accomplished mission. He has helped tremendously in decongesting urban populace and alleviated poverty.

Born as a silver spoon with every luxury at his disposal, Ajibola rather than take to the life of partying and painting the town red, chose the life of hard work. His farms became his club, taking delight and pride in being addressed as a farmer. JB, as he is fondly called by his family, friends and workers, ventured into oil palm production not because it is lucrative, but for his passion to help the ordinary people have a means of livelihood, provide food for the nation and bring back into reckoning, one of the cash crops that earned defunct Western Region of Nigeria a lot of revenue during the era of the legend, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as Premier of Western Region.

A product of Adrao International School, Victoria Island, Lagos, St Saviours School, Ebute - Metta, Lagos, Kings College Lagos , St Columba’s College, Dublin, Ireland and Trinity College , Dublin, this civil engineer ventured into the business in 1988 with a staff of 10, working on a plantation of eight hectares. The focus was on development of oil - palm plantation and processing of the fruits to palm - oil, palm kernel and palm kernel cake.

As at today, he has on his payroll over 3,000 Nigerians at JB Farms Limited, Odogbolu, Ogun State and JB Farms Limited,

THE FOCUS WAS ON DEVELOPMENT OF OIL - PALM PLANTATION AND PROCESSING OF THE FRUITS TO PALM - OIL, PALM KERNEL AND PALM KERNEL CAKE

Oban, Cross River State, working on over 7,000 hectares of land.

In the last quarter of 2017, his new venture, Tosset Agro Industries Limited, Odogbolu, rolled on with a staff strength of 70. Tosset Agro Industries Limited is into vegetable oil refinery.

What really endeared this writer to this bundle of energy and highly cerebral man is his philanthropic gesture, apart from providing employment to mass of the writer’s community men and women.

In form of corporate social responsibility, in Odogbolu Local Government, he provided two solar powered boreholes, renovated a comprehensive health centre built by the federal government and employed a doctor, nurses and other ancillary staff to complement the staff on the payroll of the government.

He has ventured into renovating a block of classrooms, provision of desks and benches for students in one secondary school and he is planning to do such in another school.

Ajibola Adebutu also heed the call of many community development projects brought to his attention apart from support for charities and non - profit organisations which provide free education for indigent students, as well as the less privileged in the society.

The remarkable difference in this son of a multi-billionaire, who himself is not faring badly, is his humility, kindness, respect for elders and preference for peace.

He has been combining his farming job with that of his father’s business since 1988 (from the Face to Face Million Dollar Pools days to Premier Lotto) where he is the Executive Director, Finance.

In December 2017, he had the honour of taking a big farmer, former President Olusegun Obasanjo round his oil - palm plantation in Odogbolu local government and the experienced farmer gave kudos to him for the giant stride he has made in oil- plantation in Nigeria.

Married to Kehinde Mopelola Adebutu and father of four lovely children, Ajibola Adebutu is a deacon and also serves as usher at his local parish of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Happy birthday and welcome to the golden age.

Ogunbambo is a journalist and public affairs analyst

STRINGS OF THE HEART Atiku Abubakar helped a stranger some 26 years ago. Zik Zulu Okafor remembers

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didn’t know him. He didn’t know who I was. But he saw clearly that I was in desperate need of help. A life was at stake.

This rare soul, an uncommon fetching symbol of hope intervened and saved a life at the gate of death. It took 26 years for me to unravel this mystery messiah. Come with me on this journey of history.

I still remember that Tuesday morning.

It was on October 2, 1990. A day to begin my career in Journalism. It was at TSM, the Sunday Magazine. Founded by a former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)’s imperial reporter and presenter, later Senator, Chris Anyanwu, TSM was edited by a man with all the manifest traits of a genius, Ely Obasi. Ely would later pass on far away in America.

It was in one of my assignments in this awesome magazine that I encountered a US trained business magnate, Peter Eloka Okocha. He did business in maritime- shipping, clearing and forwarding, plus oil and gas.

I was soon to find out that this big man as I referred to him then, was actually from my home town, Ibusa, in Delta State. Having observed him a little closely, I decided to write a special letter to this man. What inspired the decision to write him, I still can’t tell but I obeyed that instinct.

In the said letter dated July 4, 1991, I told him that “something within me tells me loud and clear that having been so successful in business, he might in the future go into politics”. There was therefore the need for him to open his doors a bit wider for our people as he may need them. Note that this was a military era.

The man read my letter and had a good laugh. Two weeks later, precisely on Thursday, July 18, 1991, the business mogul invited me to his Suru-Lere, Lagos office.

Inside the restaurant in his office, he told me in terse, crystal language, “I have no

business with politics and will never do”.

On a second thought, he added, “but permit me to withdraw the word ‘never’, but I am almost certain I will not go near politics”.

About 16 years later, it came to pass that you really don’t say ‘never’ as Okocha made a bold attempt at becoming governor of Delta State under the PDP umbrella.

About this time of my epistle to Okocha, my brother, seven years younger than I am, had come visiting. We were quite close, so close he could almost lay down his life for me. Even now that he is a royalty, I dare say he could sacrifice everything for my cause.

On the night of his fifth day with me, he complained casually that he was having a tooth ache. He is a toughie. His pain threshold is unbelievable.

But by the next morning when he woke up, what I saw was the eerie picture of death. His face was badly swollen, almost disfigured, one side of his cheeks bloated, eyes sank in the skull. I broke down in tears; more from helplessness. My salary was just N900.00; yes N900.00. The only addition was the N50.00 the office gave us weekly for transportation to our various assignments. I had less than N220.00 in my entire life. How was I to take my little brother to a dentist?

How could I send a message to our parents for rescue? No phone. No internet banking.

Delivery by bus would take two to three days.

Even though I was not that Christian devout at the time, I didn’t know when I crashed on my knees with hands spread in supplication to my father in heaven for help.

This was just six days after my last visit to Okocha where I had enjoyed a sumptuous meal. Then this silent voice as I was praying asked me persuasively to take my brother to him, that the man would be glad to help.

Going back to the man after just six days?

He would probably think I so enjoyed the meal I had during the first meeting that

I now returned for a possible repeat, a distracting voice cautioned.

I finally obeyed the voice that kept urging me to go, that my plight had no colour of shame.

I was seated with my brother waiting to see Okocha, not quite five minutes after our arrival when a man dressed in white native attire and a white cap entered. He looked every inch accomplished and distinguished.

As we greeted him, he turned with a broad hope- inspiring smile.

But before he could answer our greeting, he froze and stared at my brother, dumbfounded for a second. “My God”, he said, his face, a picture extreme shock. “Wetin happen, what’s wrong with this boy”? he asked in quick succession. “Tooth ache”, I replied. “Ah ah, why did you allow it to get to this point now? Look, this thing can kill”, he warned.

In fleeting seconds, he took a paper from the receptionist, scribbled a little note and having sealed it in an envelope he handed it to me. It was to a dentistry at Ogunlana Drive in Suru-Lere, Lagos. But just as I got to the door, he called me back and asked if I had a phone number. I gave him my office number and he asked about the time he could get me to which I replied, “anytime from 4pm”.

The man did not ask my name or who I had come to see. He didn’t ask of my state of origin or religion’. He didn’t introduce himself either. He just wanted to help a fellow human being in desperate need.

My younger brother was treated and his ailment cured. It took only three days before my benefactor called. When I picked the intercom on my desk, the receptionist said the caller just said he was my friend. The young lady only knew it was me because the man described my punk hair which then looked like something carved by a sculptor.

“Eh he-e my friend. How is your brother”,

his voice rang from the other end. I told him he had been treated and his face had come down, just a mild pain left. He was almost okay. I remember well; he said something like ‘thank God’ in Hausa language. I could feel the relief in his voice. “What kind of man is this, oh my God”, I soliloquised as I reflected on this rare demonstration of altruism.

When I returned to Okocha to narrate God’s intervention in the life of my brother right in his office, he simply said it was fine describing the man as a good friend.

Twenty-six years after, my younger is now His Eminence, The Ikwele of Ibusa, a respected royalty. Now, Okocha had donated an electric transformer to give light to my brother’s own community in Ibusa.

And having heard of this kindness to my brother, I went to thank him at his Ikoyi office. And there I saw his portrait and that of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar up his wall. It was in the course of our discussion that he told me that the man whose portrait was hanging on the wall, the man I knew for long as Atiku Abubakar, this man he said, was the same man that gave me a note to a dentistry over my brother’s life-threatening tooth ache. It took 26 whopping years for me to come to this soulful realisation. My world stood still.

Tears never dropped from my eyes when I lost my amazing mum and my dearest friend, my father. But here, on this Tuesday, December 10, 2017, I found tears rolling down my cheeks.

I have chosen to write this piece for the simple reason that if it were today, many would say it was politics, or it was done for political effect.

But for me, that experience spells the heart of Atiku Abubakar- a compassionate Nigerian.

Okafor, a Nigeria Media Merit Award winner, wrote from Lagos

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

INSIGHT

Another Chibok in the making?

Lagos’ Special Corruption and Sexual Offences Courts

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cross the globe, especially in the developed world, the idea of specialised courts has proven to enhance the performances of their judicial processes and this has made these countries reference points for quick dispensation of justice, fairness and functional legal systems. Indonesia and Malaysia provide interesting case study on this; they established constitutional courts, administrative courts, commercial courts, land courts, fisheries courts and tax courts.

The recent disclosure by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke that over 50 per cent of cases in Nigeria courts today majorly borders on corrupt practices and sexual abuses is not only shocking but calls for a more strategic approach to reverse the status quo. While the volumes of court cases continue to increase on a daily basis, the numbers of available judges to preside over these litigations remain grossly inadequate; in fact the few judges are sometimes confronted with the challenge of administering cases that do not fall within their core scope of jurisdiction in the absence of a specialist jurist. The challenges posed by these developments are multifaceted, ranging from skyrocketing court cases, non-appearances by litigants, unavailability of witnesses, inadequate judges, ceaseless adjournments and many more.

Unlike other legal issues, the incidences of sexual abuses are such that require speedy judgment considering their vicious effect and irreparable emotional damage on survivors and the possibility of grooming more potential abusers if stringent punishment are not meted out to the perpetrators to serve as deterrent to others in a swift and appropriate manner.

In the same vein, the issue of corruption is also another monster that has left the country in a state of perpetual underdevelopment up till now. One cannot dispute the fact that if the war against corruption is won, so many other things will start falling in their rightful places for all Nigerians.

Demonstrating its resolve to signal a tougher warning to individuals and master minds of sexual abuses and corrupt practices, Lagos State Government recently inaugurated a Special/Sexual Offences Court to solely administer corrupt cases and sexual related issues. In addition to this, core professional lawyers on issues relating to sexual abuses and corrupt practices have been designated to preside over cases in these courts.

According to statistics, there are over 500 cases of financial crime pending before the High Court, the bulk of which have now been assigned to the Special Offences Courts. The initiative of the special courts will make it possible for other regular courts in the state to concentrate on other legal issues and will also aid quick dispensation of justice in these courts.

In an article titled ‘A Five -Year Analysis of Police Records on Sexual Related Offences in Lagos State,” the study documented the sexual offences reported at the Metropolitan Lagos State Police Commands from 1999 to 2004. It was stated that a total of 691 sexual offences were reported during the period.

Although there are legislative instruments to combat

The Yobe Schoolgirls’ Abduction

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arma is “a spiritual principle of cause and effect where the intent and actions of an individual influence the future of that individual”. In Buddhism, it refers to “actions driven by intention, a deed done deliberately through body, speech or mind, which leads to future consequences”.

I am not a religious person, but I believe in the universal law of sowing and reaping.

In the summer of 2014, months after the abduction of 276 girls from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) launched a propaganda blitzkrieg against the government of former President GoodluckJonathan owing largely to its pusillanimous handling of the crisis.

Former President Jonathan’s dalliance exacerbated the Chibok abduction snag no doubt, but the APC and its propaganda armada made an inferno out of the problem – through distortion and contortion of facts, spread of falsehood and hateful speech, and by forensic manipulation and deception – which consumed the former government. I remember on May 10, 2014, the APC leadership paid Kashim Shettima, Borno State governor, a visit. At the meeting, Tijanni Musa Tumsa, the interim national secretary of the party, said the abduction was as a result of Jonathan’s incompetence. Here him: “Let me make very bold to say here that the Boko Haram insurgency was a product of federal government’s incompetent fight against insurgency in the north for over three years.”

Would I be guilty of hate speech, if I say the reported abduction of 94 schoolgirls from a secondary school in Dapchi, Yobe State, is as a result of President Buhari’s incompetence?

The APC savaged the Chibok abduction crisis; it made bountiful political capital out of it. And all this happened in the year before the 2015 general election just as the Dapchi schoolgirls’ abduction is happening in the year before the 2019 general election. Is karma a bitch?

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R However, I must commend President EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU Muhammadu Buhari for his prompt response DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE to the sad incident. He did not wait for two MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO weeks to respond to the misadventure like DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI former President Jonathan, who dilly-dallied EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN on the Chibok abduction, after binging on conspiracy theories from the sycophants in his courts.

I believe this should be a teaching moment for the APC and other political parties. BuildT H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D ing a political campaign on the rostrum of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA malice and divisiveness is counterproductive.

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, However, this is not a time to gloat. The ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI lives of young Nigerians who have done no DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE wrong, but seek to get an education is in peril.

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI We must show the true Nigerian spirit by SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO standing in solidarity with their parents, the CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI people of Yobe State and the government.

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO Fredrick Nwabufo, fredricknwabufo@ TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com yahoo.com

the menace of domestic/sexual violence, they have become almost ineffective in curbing the rising tide of sexual assault. In Lagos alone, the number of reported cases of sexual offences has increased significantly, at present, there are about 600 pending sexual offences cases in the high courts and this do not include those filed in the magistrates courts. Several amendments have been made under the existing Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 which was borne out of the understanding of the lawmakers that sexual attack in recent time is becoming rampant and more perverse. One of such amendments is the provision of life imprisonment for sexual abuse or defilement of a child and the removal of the clause that a person could not be convicted for the offence of sexual abuse or its attempt upon uncorroborated testimony of one witness.

Another boost for the war against sexual abuses and corrupt practices in Lagos State is the already existing DNA Forensic Lab whereas issues of denial or lack of scientific evidences which had in past paralysed the efforts of the law to determine who a real sexual offender is and subsequently bring the person to book would no longer impede effective delivery of justice.

In addition to this, the Lagos State Government also operates a mobile court where some minor cases are tried swiftly. Lagos has a special task force for land matters, the Citizens Mediation Centre, and the Public Advice Centre, among several others.

Adekunbi Bakare, Public Affairs Officer, Lagos State Judiciary, Ikeja, Lagos

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 24, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY CHADWICK BOSEMAN BlackPanther:TellingAfricanStoryinHollywood

Boseman

Adedayo Adejobi writes about the new Marvel box-office movie, ‘’Black Panther’’, which has grossed over $491m since its release last week in Los Angeles, exploring its cultural significance and professional implications for black artistes in Hollywood

Marvel film with African-American lead rakes in $235m

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fter the events of Captain America: Civil War, King T’Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader. However, T’Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne from factions within his own country. When two foes conspire to destroy Wakanda, the hero known as ‘Black Panther’ must team up with a CIA agent, Everett K. Ross, and members of the Dora Milaje, Wakandan Special Forces, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.

Centuries ago, five African tribes war over a meteorite containing vibranium.

One warrior ingests a “heart-shaped herb” affected by the metal and gains superhuman abilities, becoming the first ‘Black Panther’. He unites all but the Jabari Tribe to form the nation of Wakanda. The Wakandans use the vibranium to develop advanced technology and isolate themselves from the world by posing as a Third World

country.

After a folktale-like prologue that recounts the history of the fictional African nation of Wakanda, Black Panther opens with a flashback to 1992, when a younger T’Chaka (Atandwa Kani) makes a surprise visit to Oakland, California, to confront a rogue Wakandan spy.

Back to the present, T’Challa – Chadwick Boseman – is preparing for his coronation day, which includes a potential challenge – through ritual combat – from any of Wakanda’s five tribes, as well as a sacred ceremony in which he officially becomes the nation’s Black Panther. After T’Challa takes the throne, intelligence surfaces that notorious arms dealer, Ulysses Klaue, has stolen a vibranium artifact from the British Museum. T’Challa takes his top warrior – head of the royal guard – General Okoye and his former love, Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), a Wakandan spy, to attempt to capture Klaue one of the few outsiders who knows the truth about how much vibranium – the most valuable metal

on earth – is available in Wakanda. But the CIA operative Ross and Klaue’s mysterious young ally complicate the mission. It turns out that the mystery man is a former SEAL who has a very personal score to settle with T’Challa and the Wakandans.

A firefight erupts and Klaue attempts to flee but is caught by T’Challa, who reluctantly releases him into Ross’ custody. Klaue tells Ross that Wakanda’s international image is a front for a technologically advanced civilization.

Erik attacks and extracts Klaue as Ross is severely injured protecting Nakia.

Rather than pursue Klaue, T’Challa takes Ross to Wakanda where their technology can save him.

While Shuri heals Ross, T’Challa confronts Zuri about N’Jobu. Zuri explains that N’Jobu planned to share Wakanda’s technology with people of African descent around the world to help them conquer their oppressors.

As T’Chaka arrested N’Jobu, N’Jobu attacked Zuri, forcing T’Chaka to kill him. T’Chaka ordered Zuri to lie that N’Jobu had disappeared and left

behind N’Jobu’s American son, Erik, in order to maintain the lie. Erik became a U.S. black ops soldier, adopting the name, “Killmonger”. Meanwhile, Killmonger kills Klaue and takes his body to Wakanda. He is brought before the tribal elders, revealing his identity and claim to the throne.

Killmonger challenges T’Challa to ritual combat; after killing Zuri, he defeats T’Challa and hurls him over a waterfall. After ingesting the heartshaped herb, Killmonger orders the rest incinerated, but Nakia extracts one first. Killmonger, supported by W’Kabi and his army, prepares to distribute shipments of Wakandan weapons to operatives around the world.

Nakia, Shuri, Ramonda and Ross flee to the Jabari Tribe for aid. They find a comatose T’Challa, rescued by the Jabari in repayment for sparing M’Baku’s life. Healed by Nakia’s herb, T’Challa returns to fight Killmonger, who dons his own Black Panther suit and commands W’Kabi and his army to attack T’Challa. Shuri, Nakia, and the Dora Milaje join T’Challa, while Ross remotely pilots a jet and shoots down the planes carrying the vibranium weapons. M’Baku and the Jabari arrive to reinforce T’Challa.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ BRUARY 24, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY BLACK PANTHER: A GAME-CHANGER IN HOLLYWOOD…

Critics considered it as one of the best films set in the MCU and noted its cultural significance. It has grossed over $491m worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2018. Its fourday opening weekend gross of $242.1m in the United States was the second-highest of all time and its three-day gross of $202 million was the fifth highest of all time which also set the record for biggest debut by an AfricanAmerican director Some of the Actors featured in ‘Black Panther’

Confronted by Okoye, W’Kabi and his army stand down. Fighting in Wakanda’s vibranium mine, T’Challa disrupts Killmonger’s suit and stabs him. Killmonger refuses to be healed, choosing to die a free man rather than be incarcerated.

T’Challa establishes an outreach centre at the building where N’Jobu died to be run by Nakia and Shuri. In a mid-credits scene, T’Challa appears before the United Nations to reveal Wakanda’s true nature to the world. In a post-credits scene, Shuri helps Bucky Barnes with his recuperation.

It is worthy of note that Black Panther is a 2018 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Produced

by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the eighteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film is directed by Ryan Coogler, who cowrote the screenplay with Joe Robert Cole, and stars Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa / Black Panther, alongside Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.

In Black Panther, T’Challa returns home as king of Wakanda but finds his sovereignty challenged by a long-time adversary, in a conflict with global consequences.

Wesley Snipes expressed interest in working on a Black Panther film in 1992, but the project did not come to fruition. In September 2005, Marvel Studios announced a Black Panther film as one of ten based on Marvel

A scene from Black Panther film

characters and distributed by Paramount Pictures. Mark Bailey was hired to write a script in January 2011. Black Panther was announced in October 2014, and Boseman made his first appearance as the character in Captain America: Civil War (2016). By the end of 2015, Cole and Coogler had joined; additional cast joined in May 2016, making Black Panther the first Marvel film with a predominantly black cast.

Principal photography took place from January to April 2017, at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in the Atlanta metropolitan area, and Busan, South Korea.

Black Panther premiered in Los Angeles on January 29, 2018, and

was released theatrically in the United States on February 16, 2018, in 2D, 3D, IMAX and other premium large formats. It received critical acclaim, with praise directed toward its visuals, screenplay, characters, direction, costume design, action sequences, soundtrack, and performances.

Critics considered it as one of the best films set in the MCU and noted its cultural significance. It has grossed over $491m worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2018. Its four-day opening weekend gross of $242.1m in the United States was the second-highest of all time and its three-day gross of $202 million was

the fifth highest of all time which also set the record for biggest debut by an African-American director.

Typically, superheroes-movie whether Men of Steel, Gods of Thunder, or Dark Knights, are dominated by white casts. So, “Black Panther” has appeal to comic book fans as well as a more general black audience. And when those audiences intersect, there’s super excitement.

Success breeds success in Hollywood and the money “Black Panther” rakes in will almost certainly open the door to more action films with black casts and filmmakers. While Disney hasn’t announced a sequel, one seems likely.

Movie’s Success May Mean More Opportunities for Black Actors, Directors

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͲ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER TEENS CONNECT FASHION FILE FEATURES

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

Senator Babafemi Ojudu How Family, Friends Deserted Me When I was in Trouble

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 24, 2018

PLUS

My Wife was Warned by Her Ex that She’d Serve Me Food in Prison World-famous, his looks belie his doggedness and astuteness. As a celebrated journalist and battle-ready politician, he is up to another mission. He excelled in adversity during the dark days of the ‘Goggled One’, Gen. Sani Abacha, and today, he shines as a democrat in Nigeria’s nascent democracy. He is the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu. In this interview with Adedayo Adejobi, Ojudu talks about his mission to rescue Ekiti State from the grip of Governor Ayodele Fayose and his cohorts in the state’s next governorship poll. He also talks about how he intends to develop the state moving it away from the poverty mentality – stomach infrastructure – being promoted by the incumbent administration. But before he can do all that he has to contend with a big opposition, Segun Oni, within his political party, the All Progressives Congress, to achieve his ambition of directing the affairs of Ekiti State

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hat was your experience during Nigeria’s military dictatorship under Gen. Sani Abacha?

Between 1993 and 1998, I was arrested and locked up 15 times – sometimes for two days; one week; the longest was nine months. I had no access to books, radio or any form of communication. At a time about 13 of my colleagues in The News were in detention. I was released a month after (Gen. Sani) Abacha died.

The caftan I wore for nine months that time is on display in the Newseum at the epicentre of Washington D.C. Newseum is a museum of news. I lost Bagauda Kalto, one of my staff who was tortured to death, and many went into exile.

It was a nasty experience, but I have no regret. I’m happy and fulfilled today. For me, democracy has been good. We have to continue to work hard. We must not despair; we must not succumb to cynicism.

We should continue to search for the best to run our affairs and one day we will get it right.

During that period how did your family cope?

They got used to the choice I made.

Although it was hard for them, they were supportive – particularly my wife and parents. I remember when I met my wife-to-be then: she was dating someone else. When she informed her ex that she was opting for me, the man warned her that marrying a journalist would mean taking meals to the prison to feed her husband. Not up to three months after we got married, that prophesy came to reality. But during the courtship, I educated her about what I was doing and she became very courageous. She managed the home front very well.

What did your experience in detention teach you about life?

Many will not associate with you. Some friends and family members deserted me.

It was as if the world – my world – was collapsing. There was uncertainty. There were months we could not pay salaries.

Hard times don’t last forever.

Why do you want to be the governor of Ekiti State?

It is because there are problems to solve in Ekiti State. Anywhere there is problem to be solved I like to go there. As a young man, I saw that the military was running the country aground. I took it up, collaborated with my colleagues, fought the military and I suffered for it. Ekiti is where I was born and raised. I have the capacity to solve problems especially when my people are suffering under a clueless, ignorant, greedy and egoistic government.

Ojudu

I believe that I should go and help solve their problems – and I am going to so do.

What are you bringing to the table?

In the last few years, the government has given us a very bad image. We (Ekiti people) are seen through the prism of the incumbent governor. Ekiti people are decent and honest. They have integrity. We want to call the attention of the rest of the country to the fact that we are not what our governor (Ayodele Fayose) portrays us to be. There are social and economic problems in the state. Majority of the young people in Ekiti are unemployed, so we want to see how we can get them employed. There is no single industry in Ekiti. Aside from the civil servants and teachers, there is nothing happening in Ekiti State. It should not be so. We are not poor. I just got back from America – visited many states meeting with Ekiti people who are hard-working, contributing to the development of America. If they have the opportunity to come back home to develop Ekiti, they are ready to do so now. We are saying enough of the rots and shenanigans going on in the state. We want to bring our intelligence to bear to create a state all of us can be proud of.

The economy is key; our people are hungry, going to bed without food in their stomach. Many can’t send their children to school. People are dying of curable diseases.

Many do not have hope for tomorrow.

Teachers and civil savants have not been paid for eight months. Many can’t pay their rents, hospital bills, and school fees. We have a governor who is fooling the people. Go to Ekiti State, you will find out he is not as popular as he used to be. The people have seen light.

If you were elected as governor of the state what would you address first?

My priority will be agriculture. Within three months, the work would have started.

Ekiti (soil) is fertile. A belt in Ekiti is known for cocoa production. We will revive old farms and cultivate new ones. We will produce ethanol from cassava and corn. We will bring about mechanised agriculture.

We are going to mobilise investors to come in and establish processing factories which will keep our youths engaged. Because of its strategic location between Lagos and other parts of the country, we will also add value to whatever product is coming from the North before it gets to the final consumer. So there is so much we can do to create wealth and bring about development. We have done our homework and have crafted our manifesto.

We are making contacts with players in the private sector – those in agro-allied industries both locally and internationally. They are responding to us.

With a strong contender in Segun Oni – both of you are members of the All

FEBRUARY 24, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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PLUS The Caftan I Wore for Nine Months in Abacha’s Gulag Now in U.S. Newseum Progressives Congress – how do you intend to win the party’s ticket?

I know Segun Oni very well. I know everyone involved. I am not new in Ekiti politics. I have my strategy in place. I understand the place perfectly well. I have done unimaginable things in the state, so that should not be a problem.

Moreover, our agenda is collective. It is not a personal thing.

Some people have said that the relationship between President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is no more robust. What do you think?

That is beer-parlour talk. There is no problem that I am aware of between the President and Tinubu. It is the elements who do not know how to crawl but want to sprint that are peddling that. Tinubu’s public utterances have shown that he is in full support of the President ahead of the 2019 elections.

Do you think Buhari should go after Governor Ayodele Fayose when he has left office?

I don’t know what is going to happen to Fayose when he’s more a governor.

Have you ever heard any word spoken to or about Fayose by President Buhari in spite of the abuses and curses Fayose rains on him every day? President Buhari has never attended to that and will not.

With seven APC governors endorsing the president for re-election, do you think 2019 presidential election will be free and fair?

With Buhari that I know, it is going to be free and fair. He has called on INEC to do their job in a lawful and just manner.

As the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, do you have access to Buhari and does he listen to you?

There is access as much as I want in terms of my job. Whenever I want to get across to the President, I have opportunity to do so and he listens to advice. He’s a very soft-hearted man, who believes in the idea of a united Nigeria. He is free of corruption and very touchy when it comes to matters of corruption. He believes Nigeria could be better if we all make up our minds not to steal. He wants to sanitise the environment for the betterment of the people. But he is being sabotaged and everybody wants to continue to behave the way it used to be.

Nigeria is not good for us because people are not doing the right thing. I wished he is 20 years younger. One thing you can’t take away from him is that he has succeeded in making anti-corruption an agenda in Nigeria.

Why should the Buhari administration take credit for what former President Goodluck Jonathan did like the railway project?

A different government can decide to start a new project and abandon an old one. But this government won’t do such.

Why does this government overlook politically exposed persons and their charges of corruption, when they defected to APC? Take for instance, the case of Jim Nwobodo and Timipre Sylva.

The fact that you defected to another political party does not mean that your corruption case has been overruled. Orji Uzor Kalu defected to APC but he still has a case. So are cases of other people who defected. Have you considered the details of Timipre Sylva’s case before you judged him? Was it that Buhari called the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the judge and requested him to return his property? Some of these things have nothing to do with the President at all. Buhari will not dictate to any judge, or prosecutor how to handle a particular case. He certainly won’t.

Are you saying the return of the 47 luxury houses is not an issue to be considered at all?

No, I am not saying that. For all you care, Buhari may be as embarrassed as you are on hearing about that. When he felt things were not going right he went and arrested judges, and you all cried foul so what then do you want this man

to do? If we are going to clean this society, then all of us must be ready because we are all one way or the other beneficiaries of corruption. That is why some people want corruption back. They prefer the last government because they got the money they didn’t work for. Whatever position you occupy now and you come to Aso Rock, what Mr President will give you is a handshake and a photo op.

The man is insisting that whatever resource we have must be used for the development of this country’s infrastructure.

Many who have lived on corruption are not happy with the turn of events – they’re livid. They are the ones sponsoring all kinds of fake news. They’re trying to knock heads, one against the other, and bring not just the regime down but also the country.

In three years of this government, Nigerians seem to have a different story.

Apart from propaganda, what has this government achieved?

Anti-corruption – although corruption has not been completely wiped out, the abhorrence of it and the will to fight it are what matter. Why it appears that he is not succeeding is because every agency and department of government is still populated with humans who believe in corruption. On productivity in the economy, it’s been established that close to three million Nigerians have gone back to the farm. We are producing rice and wheat. Cocoa (production) is on the rise again. Agro-allied companies are processing rice in Kebbi, Jigawa, and Sokoto states.

A N35b-poultry business has taken off in Kaduna. Ebonyi and Anambra are making giant strides in agriculture. In the next one year or so we would be self-sufficient in production of rice.

Look at the social welfare programme under the Vice President’s office; graduates can now get jobs without knowing anybody by visiting the portal of Npower and get something to sustain them until they are able to find their feet. There is a conditional cash transfer for the very poor.

These are very poor women in rural areas who are given money on a monthly basis.

The home-grown free meals programme for schoolchildren has taken off in 22 states.

Millions of pupils are fed, thousands of caterers employed and local framers are provided markets for their products, while school enrolment has increased.

Is it the same school feeding programme that’s seeing children being fed miserly bread and stew? Didn’t you see the viral video? How do we ascertain government’s claims?

That was a fake video. There is a mechanism in place to make sure that the programme is not compromised. What you saw is a fake video made by elements who do not wish the government well. It was established to be a fake video. The Federal Government is making billions of naira available through the Central Bank of Nigeria for small-holding farmers. The government registers local farmers, small-holding farmers, and give them inputs that enable them clear their lands, provide seeds and fertilizers and the rest. It is a big revolution going on in the agriculture sector.

All of these are not evident in the economy. How do you explain that?

It takes time. For now, we no longer go out to buy rice. We are focusing on infrastructure; encouraging productivity in Nigeria. As time goes by, people will get jobs. People are looking for a quick fix; the problem we met on the ground cannot be solved overnight.

How come the President and seven APC governors approved $1b without due process?

No, there is no way it wouldn’t have gone through the approval process. People were just too hasty to condemn.

The government said Boko Haram has been technically defeated but it requested $1b from the ecological fund to fight terrorism. Isn’t that a subtle way to raise funds for 2019 election campaign?

People have the right to their opinion; what nobody can accuse Buhari of is to say that he is a thief. The president is making arrangements all over the world

to equip our military. Over the years our military has been neglected and starved of equipment. He is trying to build a new army that is well equipped and primed to confront any security challenges.

Nothing indicts the government more than its failure in securing lives and property as revealed in killings carried out by herdsmen in places like Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Enugu, Edo and Ogun. Buhari has been silent.

Is he silent? There are decisions that have been taken that may not be known to the public because they are security matters. I will, however, like to reiterate that life is sacred and anyone who has been found to take the life of others should adequately be punished.

The economy is key; our people are hungry, going to bed without food in their stomach.

Many can’t send their children to school. People are dying of curable diseases. Many do not have hope for tomorrow. Teachers and civil savants have not been paid for eight months. Many can’t pay their rents, hospital bills, and school fees. We have a governor who is fooling the people.

Go to Ekiti State, you will find out he is not as popular as he used to be. The people have seen light

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 24, 2018

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Remi Tinubu

Remi Tinubu – A Beautiful Matriarch For me this is my mummy and anytime she speaks I listen. She is tall and elegant and the other day, when MC Malaye looked for her trouble I supported her. She remains an enigma in my eyes and the main barometer for Asiwaju’s thinking. The things that Asiwaju will not say you can gauge it from mummy. So in a recent interview she told us of how Asiwaju was sidelined immediately after the election that ushered in Buhari. I tell you, it must have been a very low time for Asiwaju where even ‘’small’’ boys like Kachikwu tried him. Saraki also dealt a blow by snatching the Senate Presidency and refused to relinquish despite all efforts to get him to step down. Activities stopped in the other room at Bourdilon and mummy had to suffer for Nigeria.

She now concentrated on calming his nerves, putting his head on her chest and begging him to calm down. I can just imagine how she will be saying in that her lovely voice, ‘’ma pa re o fun awon oloshi o’’ for those of us who do not understand Yoruba it means Nigerians love you, don’t worry. And Asiwaju will just be rolling up and down in bed and will be screaming intermittently – aghhh Saraki !!!!!, aghhhhh Oyegun !!!!!! aghhhh Fashola !!!!!!!. Emi, Ekun, emi Jagaban. And then mummy will just be begging. You know how they do it in those Yoruba movies. ‘’Oko mi, jo wa jeun’’. She would have put amala and ewedu on the table and he would walk past it stomping around the room. We thank God that we have passed that phase and we have been given an appointment to reconcile everybody including the very important task of demobilising the bulldozers. So mummy now came out to tell us how he was disparaged those times and how she herself did not want to offend her God ‘’for this man’’. Well, the best thing that can happen to any man even the Jagaban is a good woman. Mummy is a good woman. God bless you ma.

Wole Soyinka – Psychiatrist Calling!!!!!

The highly respected Nobel Laurette has been quoted to have said that he would need a psychiatric evaluation if he attempts to join any group set up by my paddy, OBJ. Well since he did not tell me I will not really react but then again if it is true that he said it because I have read it on many places, then I think just maybe we should take him up on his offer. You will say why am I saying this?

I do not really know what exactly has caused the rift between these two very prominent Egba sons because if you want to hear the English you have not heard in your life, mention OBJ in front of Prof ohh; my God, you will begin to hear Engish that will make even the Queen of England run for Panadol. No matter the issue, no matter the logic whether the man is making sense or not. Once it is OBJ the Prof will fly into a frenzy and if he continues like this, he may give himself high blood pressure and that is why I am thinking that this

Shoyinka

Oyedepo

Nasir el-Rufai – But why?

Before I dared to take the laptop to write this piece, I had checked carefully if I own any house in Kaduna or anywhere for that matter. A cursory audit has shown that I am a tenant and in fact, the house where I am writing this piece in Shomolu is rented and my official residence as the Duke of Shomolu is not ready and even that one will belong to the good people of Shomolu and as such the fear of the bulldozer is not on my mind. I really would not mind sha if they come and bulldoze this one sef by May, when my rent is due. Well that said, the news of the destruction of the house of the faction that suspended you from your party has hit us here in Shomolu with dismay. The reasons for the act as reported and alleged to be given by the parastatal for the action fall flat. My Lord, I truly do respect you and have been pushing in my WhatsApp group - Dukes Platform, for a possible shot for the presidency as this third leg so you can un-

psychiatric thing is not such a bad idea o. You see OBJ is not even disturbing himself flying around the world, enjoying his retirement and writing letters all over the place looking for trouble and laughing at our discomfort while Prof is busy giving himself headache. Me, I know one good psychiatrist at Yaba. I swear he is very good with these things.

Should I send his number ? … laugh want kill me

derstand my position on this new situation which does not augur well for our democracy. The timing of this action is just so wrong that I am almost crying for you because people are laughing at me in the group. Continued dialogue, negotiations, and peaceful approach to issues no matter how vexatious remain the backbone of democracy and you should know this na. Now, what kind of reconciliation would Tinubu come and do when a whole house has been brought down? If the man has not been paying land use or what did they even call it, is it today that the house must go down? Please, it’s not good o. Let’s calm down, politics should not be played like this. Let’s always seek for consensus because that is the only way we can build a truly virile democracy for ourselves and our children. Please sir, can I send my address, we need to shake this my landlord small just before we start negotiating next year rent?

Kai, Nigeria we hail thee.

Bishop Oyedepo – No, it is Not an Insult I just finished watching a video where this highly respected man of God was prancing on stage claiming that he was said to be worth a measly $150m and that it was an insult to him. Hmmmmmmm, if I talk now they will say I will not enter heaven. But you see why Freeze is really taking this campaign against tithing to them. The only visible source of income I am seeing here is tithe o and to be worth N150m is an insult? I just

Patience Jonathan

dey cry because I have tried to open this church at Fola Agoro in Shomolu and the more I try only six people attend and even these ones are looking for job and as such na me dey even pay them tithe.

Let me just keep quiet and allow God to fight his battle.

Most Influential Columnists – What of Me? I am compiling a list of most influential Nigerian columnists in the last 20 years for a book project. So I sent out a survey to about 50 people and I got an exciting list. Legendary names like Ray Ekpu, Chidi Amuta and Dare Babarinsa made the list. My favourites like Chichy Emuchae, Ndaeyo Uko, who taught me satire and Sonala Olumhese were also on the list and then perennial favourites like Segun Adeniyi who still writes some of the most wonderful prose I have come across and Simon Kolawole who is looking like the local champion made the list. My Egbon Reuben Abati who called in and we had some of the most productive discussions on the project-I thank you sir, was very prominent on my list and then my other Egbon Dele Momodu was also permanently etched on almost every list. My powerful Editor Shaka Momodu was also coming in and out of the list. They say, although he does not write regularly but when he writes na bomb. Well, looks like I will cancel the project because of the 50 people I surveyed only one person called my name. Tosin Runsewe the head honcho at AXA Mansard. You see when you are spiritually gifted God reveals things to you. My Lord Tosin it is not ordinary eye that revealed this to you but the holy spirit. God bless you and as Fashola once said at his Senate hearing, may your loyalty not be tested. Well, watch out for this project because it will shake this country.

Patience Jonathan: EFCC, We Have Begged We have asked for an out-of-court settlement and you guys are still firing from all cylinders. It is not good na. We are on the floor and are saying please let us talk outside the court and you are still doing shakara. There is god o. No need for all these fight na. Two wrongs cannot make a right. We must learn to be our brothers keepers, after all, this money we are talking sef, is government money. So why can’t we discuss this matter like brothers. You see, before we reached this conclusion we had gone on a series of fasting and supplication to our Lord who immediately sent a message that we should push for this position. My lord Magu, there is nothing bigger than God so let us discuss this matter amicably after all you too have wife na. why will the former mother of the nation be begging you like this o.

God will bless you as you consider this plea. I will sing for you after all these and cook real fresh fish for you when next you are in Yenogoa.

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FEBRUARY 24, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPY GLASS

TONY E ELUMELU TONY ELUMELU’S EXASPERATION The Chairman of United Bank of Africa Plc (UBA), Mr.Tony Oyemaechi Elumelu, is definitely a man with a heart of gold, reason he is a role model to many across the African continent and beyond. But beyond his smiling face is a highly disciplined man that wouldn’t tolerate any iota of indiscipline especially when it has to do with his reputation.

Spyglass gathered that the Delta State-born billionaire and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation has dragged a publisher, Mr. Uju Onyechere before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly passing off a book entitled, TONY ELUMELU STRAIGHT FROM THE GUTS Joined as co-defendants in the ensuing legal warfare are, a Lagos businessman Mr. Fabian Chima Eni and Divine Care Pharmaceutical Company Limited.

In an affidavit sworn to by a legal practitioner, Mr.Osinowo Kolawole, and filed before the court by the law firm of Tokunbo Orimobi the deponent claimed that, over the years Elumelu through doggedness and hard work had acquired substantial reputation with the name “TONY ELUMELU” in connection with his person and brand as the name has become well known in local and global banking and finance industry.

However sometime in October, 2017, it came to the plaintiff ‘s attention that Divine Care Pharmaceutical Limited was displaying and offering for sale to the general public a book entitled, “TONY ELUMELU STRAIGHT FROM THE GUTS” with international standard book number 978 978 917 108-8 at its office number 32,Enitan Street, Aguda Surulere Lagos State.

Mr. Kolawole claimed further that Mr. Tony Elunelu is not the Author, Publisher or a distributor of the said offending book and neither is anyone, including any of the defendants herein or any other person, natural or incorporated entity, authorised, permitted or licensed to author, publish, sell or offer for sale any such book.

Being seriously perturbed and concerned about the existence of the said offending book, as same constitutes an infringement of the Plaintiff ‘s brand, trade Mark, name and goodwill, he detailed some people to investigate same at Fabian Chima Eni ‘s place of business. However, by the time the Plaintiff ‘s representatives arrived at his premises, most copies of the book had been sold off, but a copy of the book being offered for sale was purchased from the office of Divine Care Pharmaceutical limited.

It was also discovered that Fabian Chima was also partaking in the passing off against the plaintiff, consequently on October 17, 2017, the plaintiff ‘s representative traced him to his bookshop at number 81 Imomo Nla Road, AP Bus Stop Off Ijede Road Ikorodu Lagos State

with BAYO ADEOYE .... 08054680651 email: bayoolunla@gmail.com

where upon a covert enquiry, Fabian Chima confirmed to the Plaintiff ‘s representative that he has a large stockpile of the book for sale.

The defendants were alleged to have deliberately published and continued retailing the book and have been benefiting undeservedly from passing off the name, goodwill and reputation of the plaintiff which have been built over the past 20 years from his personal and professional sojourn.

By the reason of the action of the defendants without the consent of the plaintiff, there has been great confusion on the general public as to the authorship of the book.

The presiding judge, Babs Kiewumi, adjourned the case until 13th of March 2018 for the hearing of the suit.

OBA TEJUOSO CELEBRATES AT 80 Without a doubt, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke Ona, Abeokuta, Ogun State, is one of the foremost traditional rulers in the country.

As proof of his pre-eminence, encomiums were poured on him from several quarters when he clocked 80 last Monday.

In particular, President Muhammadu Buhari; Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and many eminent Nigerians all extolled the virtues of the born-again Christian traditional ruler at a reception held for him under the expansive marquee at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex, Abeokuta.

He was hailed by PMB for his contributions through his interventions during the constitutional conference 1994.

Also, one of his children, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, said his father had been a good example to the children.

Ayo Olusanya, spokesperson for the Osile, was on hand to ensure that everything went well for guests during the celebrations.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, who represented Gov. Ibikunle Amosun; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Publisher, Ovation Magazine, Bashorun Dele Momodu; Senators Dino Melaye, Demola Seriki, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Iyalode Alaba Lawson, among others.

EMERALD HOME BOSS, OLUDOTUN OSENI, DELIGHTS Oludotun Oseni, CEO, Emerald Homes, is young and vivacious. Wherever you find him, he exudes warmth and an infectious humanness.

Very brilliant, he comes across as a restless spirit. He likes to set a target for himself always. And once he sets his mind on a project, he pursues it with all his God-given talent. These are some of the compliments that people who have encountered him are wont to say about him.

Over the years, the property developer and brain behind Merit Abode has been able to make a lasting statement with his ingenuity in the industry. His sole objective is to redefine the housing and real estate industry in Nigeria and he is gradually achieving his dreams.

In a chat with Spy Glass, he said: “My drive is to provide shelter to as many people as possible. I also believe that confidence and integrity are key to patronage from existing and prospective buyers who will always want a value for their money.”

When he started the business six years ago, many did not give him

any chance of survival. He started on a shoestring budget, but he never entombed his dream. With the support of his lovely wife, they staked their life-savings to start the business.

In the past years, he has successfully handled and delivered several housing estates across the landscape; hence, he has his imprint on such estates as...

Interestingly, Oseni, at the weekend, organised a Love and Investment Valentine’s Dinner Party at the popular Excel Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, where the audience was taken on the benefits of investing in real estate by notable personalities, including Dr. Ambrose Somide, Managing Director, DAAR Communication.

In attendance at the event were three of Merit Abode’s ambassadors, actors Yemi Solade, Prince JIde Kosoko, and ace broadcaster, Taiwo Akinsola One of the highlights of the event was a performance by ace gospel singer, Tope Alabi.

KENNY ADEBAYO’S RISE While some Nigerians abroad are reportedly engaging in illicit businesses, Kenny Adebayo, CEO, Global Ultra Logistics, LCC, is busy making his fatherland proud as a businessman.

When he ventured into business some years back, the New Jerseybased businessman had a clear vision of what he wanted to do: to own a leading logistics company. At that time, he was driven by passion, a situation that made him resign his paid job to start life as an employer of Labour.

In the beginning, he teamed up with his twin brother to establish T&K Freight in London. But he later followed his instincts by relocating to the US, where Global Logistics was launched.

From his two-bedroom apartment, he moved to his current location on a major business district in Newark, New Jersey, after three years of operations.

In his account, he said: “The beginning wasn’t that easy. But as a young man driven by hunger for success, I resolved to pursue my dream without looking back or being weighed down by the teething challenges.

Today, he is reaping bountifully from his sweats, having sowed in pains.

SEYI MAKINDE SHUNS CRITICS Have you perchance passed by MAKON Group, an engineering services company located on Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos, recently? If you are a careful observer, you would have noticed that it is losing its appeal.

Already, those who know the profile of this company are beginning to wonder why Seyi Makinde, the owner of the outfit, seems to have been looking the other way.

But a source revealed that MAKON might not be a priority to him, as he is neck-deep in his political ambition.

“Since Makinde joined politics, he has not been able to oversee his numerous businesses, especially MAKON, which is his cash cow. The engineering company lost some major contracts, thereby forcing them to lay off some top staff. The company located on Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos is just like a ghost town,” a source revealed.

In 2015, Makinde caused a stir of sorts when he contested for Governor in Oyo State. When he entered the race, many thought he would spring

OBA TEJUOSO a surprise, especially because the odds seemed to be in his favour: he is young and wealthy. But the pendulum of political power did not swing to his side, even as he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to Social Democratic Party, SDP, in a bid to realise his ambition.

It was gathered that the Omi Tuntun Campaign Group, as his campaign was then tagged, lacked political heavyweights, who could have aided his victory to the Agodi Government House.

His defeat, it was also learnt, was due to the fact that most of the people who flocked around him were hangers-on, who were only out to make money during the electioneering activities.

However, if you thought he had learnt any lesson, you are wrong, as the businessman has, again, thrown his hat in the ring for the 2019 governorship election in the state, after his return to PDP. Following his new move, his various businesses, especially MAKON, are reportedly going through hard time.

BETWEEN OMISORE AND ADELEKE “No permanent friend or enemy in politics, but permanent interest’’ goes a popular axiom. Interestingly, this is what is currently playing out in Osun State, if the information reaching Spy Glass is anything to go by.

Those in the know revealed that politics is tearing apart the friendship between Senator Iyiola Omisore and Senator Ademola Adeleke over their individual governorship ambition.

It was also gathered that both are now engaging in mudslinging to win the soul of their party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the governorship election scheduled to hold on September 22 draws near.

Last week, it was rumoured that Adeleke had been picked as the party’s preferred candidate and that Omisore had stepped down “in principle” based on “negotiation”.

But before the rumour could spread further, the Ile-Ife, Osun State-born billionaire refuted it, claiming that his gubernatorial ambition remains intact.

He added that it was a ploy to undermine his “political integrity.”

In a swift reaction, a source said: “Nobody would have expected things to fall apart so soon between the two PDP stalwarts based on Omisore’s participation in his victory just a year ago. I think it is too early for Senator Adeleke to betray the former deputy considering his role in his journey to the Senate.”

In a chat with Spy Glass, another source expressed a contrary opinion, saying, “Omisore has no business to vie for the number one job of Osun State.

He should throw his weight behind anybody that the party picks. Omisore has assumed the position of a godfather and he should see himself as such.’’

OMISORE

SEYI MAKINDE

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T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2018

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 24, 2018

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EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Editorial Bastions

EBERE WABARA

A

CCORDING to the Book of Proverbs (12 v 1), whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. On this note, you are welcome to this week’s contribution. For me, I treasure other language columnists and cherish the candour of those who critique my own work. There is no perfection in the business of public communication, yet we have to keep striving after purism.

Our kick-off errors this week are from The Guardian of January 18: “Even when members of the Special Task Force (STF) came to restore order at the venue….” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: restore order to (not at) the venue….

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

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

“Every one of us has a part to play as electorates because this is the only country we have.”

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

The Guardian Opinion Pages of January 18 splashed five undemocratic lines: “…good governance in a continent where the use of impunity, unfortunately, has become an instrument of democratic governance.” Tunisia’s changing times: on a continent.

“Like (As) I have always said….” “…calling to question the forced involvement of Nigeria in the second world war.” At a time like this: World War II. “It was this situation that heightened the political condition in the country that culminated into….” ‘Culminate’ takes ‘in’.

“London was actually constantly under

BY

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

From the preceding diseased headline to this juvenile slipshodness: “Doctors suspend stike in Kaduna, Ebonyi” Even the computer underscored this strike carelessness from the same page as above! Do we still have editorial bastions (proofreaders) this time round? Remember: not ‘this time around’!

As an aside, I recollect my foundational entry into journalism on March 14, 1983, as a proofreader in the heyday of Daily Times! This cutting of teeth on reading and writing underpins whatever modest professional attainments I have reached today and the concomitant currency of my career profile. The 1983 proofreading class of fond memories comprised Kenneth Chioma Ugbechie, Isaac Hope Anumihe, Tony Ikhuenitiju (now Olumuyiwa) and Olaosun Okalanwon under the head readership of Mr. Abu Olarenwaju, a detribalized Nigerian and an urbane gentleman.

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

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

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

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

THE PUNCH OPINION of January 10, 2011, circulated two goofs: “Politically, experts in IT advocated for the use of e-voting system….”

Once again, ‘advocate’ when used as a verb does not admit ‘for’.

“There will be what I call enriched mobile communication experience come 2011 through mobile money….” ICT development: experience in 2011.

DAILY Sun COMMENT, Front and OP-ED Pages of January 13 darkened the English language copiously: “PDP in make or mar primary” (Special Report Bold Front Page and Cover Headline) Acclaimed Voice of The Nation: make-or-mar primary. The hyphenation confers class. No standard publication dispenses with it. The same tragedy trailed the accompanying rider, too: “State by state analysis (sic) of how delegates may vote” As above: State-bystate analyses…. “…today’s presidential primary may be riddled with so much (many) underhand deals and sharp practices.” (COMMENT) What is the difference between ‘underhand deals’ and ‘sharp practices’? The latter should subsume the former! An aside: ‘much’ instead of ‘many’?

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

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

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

Let us conclude this review with my usual style of ending charity at home (excuse the poetic coinage) by featuring last week’s edition of THE NATION ON SUNDAY now: “A court ruled affirming zoning but paradoxically dismissing Atiku’s suite.” ONE WEEK of big men and small men: simply Atiku’s suit.

Let us continue with a visit to Champion House, Ilasamaja, Mushin, Lagos: “Soldiers take over troubled spots” (Daily Champion Head-

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

line, 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).

Monkey Tales and the Blood of Baboons

T

he propensity for drama in the animal farm of hyenas, jackals, and the lion king can be both exhausting and inexhaustible. Like George Orwell’s tellingly instructive allegory, the elite class of cabals in present-day Nigeria hums a tune that has proven to be without rhyme and reason. How they get the suffering and smiling masses to keep gyrating will perhaps require a study in citizens’ docility to unravel. While it is only fair to admit that there have been occasional flashes of wits and brains; it is sad to note that such brief spells are swiftly drowned in dins of brawns and brawls typical of the animal kingdom. The plot is strung in such way that the unending drama results in several tragic-comedic sub-plots that leave the audience (read citizens) flattered, flattened and flustered in a frustrating flip-flop of hailers versus wailers. That is the Nigerian story.Atale as Shakespeare put it, told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing.

The other day, Nigeria’s Senate abruptly adjourned plenary over a fire scare that sent shivers down the spine of Distinguished Senators.

Even though the lawmakers have since resumed legislative duties, the chamber appears to be heated up still, albeit in a figurative sense.

Asub-plot of the elite game is ensuring that.And this time, monkeys and snakes have been introduced as dramatis personae to spice up the show. The story in town for the past two weeks or so is that some mysterious snake swallowed thirty six million naira in cash in a government office in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. While a shellshocked nation is yet to come to terms with such bizarre narration, the hallowed chamber of Nigeria’s law-making institution unveiled a specie of monkeys that could only have come from the demented imagination of a sunken elite. In the middle of an unfolding political cross-fire that is already claiming casualties, we are suddenly told of how some brave monkeys made away with seventy million naira from a farm connected to a senator. The point being made in a silly show of shame appears to be that if slimy crawling creatures could swallow swathes of cash stashed in a supposedly safe house, then of course a smarter mammal should be able to do much better.

However, it is not impossible that these animalistic heists may have been inspired by the daring raids of rodents in the office of the Commander-in-Chief some time ago. Recall that the rats were reported to have done extensive damage to the office of the President whilst he was away on medical tourism abroad. On return to the country, President Muhammadu Buhari had to work from home for months while repair works were being carried out by German multi-national, Julius Berger, which apparently stood by while the rats had a field day. The case about the rodents seems to be a closed one and perhaps should only be mentioned as one of the comic relief incidences in the odyssey of the lion king who returned from a journey to meet vital parts of his kingdom seized by rampaging hyenas and jackals. But just like the snake story which is being investigated by the authorities, we should expect that the monkey tale will be unraveled so that Nigerians can have a chance to fathom these new mysteries of the times.

That is perhaps the point Senator Shehu Sani who blew the whistle on Monkey-gate inadvertently made when he said, in reference to his colleague, that “it is very important that Distinguished

PEOPLE2PEOPLE WITH

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

Twitter: @resourceme

Senator Abdullahi Adamu

SenatorAbdullahiAdamu is allowed to protect and defend his integrity.” Sen.Adamu, a staunch supporter of President Buhari, had just been removed from his position as chairman of the Northern Senators Forum on grounds of corruption.Aterse announcement

by Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary on Wednesday, saidAdamu was removed based on a letter signed by Dino Melaye, the dramatic senator from Kogi and a dyed-in-the-wool foot soldier of the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki.According to the letter,Adamu needed to go for engaging in financial mismanagement. “This is to inform the Senate that the majority signatories of members of the Northern Senators Forum have removed Sen.AbdullahiAdamu as chairman as chairman of the Northern Senators Forum for financial mismanagement and misadministration. We announce his replacement with Senator Aliyu Wamakko immediately. Find the attached names and signatories of members,” the letter read.

The letter however failed to echo what close watchers of events in the red chamber already knew: thatAdamu, a former governor of

Nassarawa State and three-time member of the Senate, had engaged in political mismanagement. He had crossed the red line and needed to be tackled headlong.And it seemed the lot fell on Sani to amplify the allegation against him and further distract attention from the political imperative that had just been recorded against the camp of President Buhari. Hear him: “There are things my colleagues will not say but I am not used to holding back. When we assumed office as Senators, SenatorAhmed Lawan tendered the sum of N70 million to the 8th Senate Northern Senators Forum as money gathered by Northern Senators of the 7th Senate. The rumours going round which I don’t know if it is true but I believe most senators know and are aware of allegations that some monkeys raided the farm house of some of the executives of the Northern Senators Forum and carted away some of this money.” For full effect, the senator, who is embroiled in a battle of wits with the governor of his home state in Kaduna, said: “I think this country is becoming a huge joke. First of all, it was the rodents that drove away the President then we had snakes consuming about N36 million and now we have monkeys.

They don’t want this to be said but I believe we should be very clear.”

Sen.Adamu came to this pass for daring the gods of the Senate which appear to have drawn the battle line with the presidential wing of the cabal. The battle over the re-ordering of election sequence by the NationalAssembly which places the legislators at advantage over the President in 2019 is already drawing blood. But for a quick retreat and plea for mercy that he made, it would have also sucked in another casualty in the person of Ovie Omo-Agege, the senator representing Delta Central. The representative of the Urhobo nation in the Senate had jumped on the Buhari train led byAdamu to openly condemn and castigate the Senate for passing the amendment to the electoral act which effected the reordering of the elections. Little did he know that he was playing with fire and could be severely burnt if he did not beat a quick retreat. On Tuesday, the Senate resolved to investigate him for claiming that the Senate erred procedurally in passing the amendment which the Buhari camp stressed was aimed at derailing the yet-to-be-declared 2019 re-election bid of the President.Again, it was dramatic Dino Melaye who moved a motion that the Delta senator be hurled before the Ethics and Privileges Committee to substantiate his claim that 59 senators voted against the amendment. By Wednesday, Omo-Agege tucked his tail between his legs and pleaded for forgiveness from his colleagues at plenary. Hear him: “In the course of that debate, I did address the press at the press centre. Certain remarks I made in the course of that press interview, has been drawn to my attention to be offensive not just to Senator Dino Melaye but to the entire Senate. I rise today to apologize to the leadership and the entire Senate, I take it back.”

One thing is clear from events that played out in the Senate on Wednesday.And that is the fact that the Buhari camp in the Senate has been bloodied in the early build-up to 2019. It is only expected that there will be consequences and counter-consequences in a scheme of plots and counter-plots that will eventually define the outcomes of the impending general elections. No one knows how it will end for now but what is sure is that the political scene will witness some more casualties. In the combat of baboons, there are sure to be deep cuts and some of the combatants usually do not survive it.

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

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

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

Causes and How to Handle Tyre Burst

L - R: Leader of Nissan delegation, Peyman Kargar; DG/CEO, NADDC, Jelani Aliyu; VON Automobile Managing Director, Tokunbo Aromolaran; and Stallion NMN Managing Director, Parvir Singh, during the tour of the Stallion NMN facility in Lagos… recently

Nissan Delegation Discusses Vibrant Auto Market, Affordable Vehicles Stories by Bennett Oghifo

O

fficials of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., from its headquarters in Japan, recently visited Nigeria to discuss strategies with the NationalAutomotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) on how to expand the capacity of the Nissan manufacturing facility to produce and supply affordably priced vehicles; create opportunity for workers, as well as ancillary firms and the communities.

The visit, according to a statement by VON Nigeria, was part of on-going appraisal of Nissan’s vehicle assembly project in the country.

Leader of the Nissan delegation, Senior Vice President Middle-East, Africa and India (AMI) Peyman Kargar said: “Our visit to the Nissan facility in Nigeria is aimed at helping the plant to sustain its status as a reassuring brand with proclivity for improved performance, sales and

after sales.”

Also adding that the time is right for Nigeria to sustainably and inclusively explore the gains of automotive policy to produce vehicles with unprecedented value, yet affordably priced, Mr. Kargar said: “Nigeria is one of Nissan’s most outstanding markets inAfrica growth strategy and we are ready to partner with the federal government to develop the market and explore the country’s strategic regional partners in the West Coast, to make Nigeria the automobile hub for evolving West African markets.”

He said Nissan remains committed to the Nigerian economy, which has a strong potential of becoming Africa’s wealthiest country.

Kargar referred to Nigeria’s auto policy as exceptionally inclusive and thorough, one of the traits that inform Nissan’s eagerness to make a greater contribution in the Nigerian market.

“We are happy to continue our collaboration with the government to transform Nigeria into

a notable manufacturing and distribution hub,” he said.

The six-man delegation was received by the NADDC Director General/CEO Jelani Aliyu before proceeding on to inspect the Stallion NMN facility at VON Automobile Nigeria.

Other delegates include Nissan South Africa Managing Director/CEO Mike Whitfield, Managing Director Sales and Marketing Xavier Gobille, Director Sales and Operations Jim Dando as well as Africa, Middle East and India Managing Director Frederic Posez and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Programme, Product, Marketing Intelligence General manager Vincent Valdmann.

Local Nissan custodian - Stallion NMN, member of the Stallion Group became the first indigenous stakeholder in 2014 to roll-out locally assembled Nissan vehicles consequent upon the ratification of the National Automotive Policy, assembling four Nissan models including Patrol SUV, NP300, NV350 and Almera.

Phone as Tough as a Land Rover Discovery

T

he new Land Rover Explore mobile phone is tough and capable – like the Discovery SUV that inspired it.

Powerful enough for two full days of typical use and durable enough to keep you connected when the going gets tough, it is developed by Land Rover and Bullitt Group and will be revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, according to a statement by the automaker.

Designed with cues from the unbeatably capable and desirable Land Rover Discovery, the Explore smartphone is at home in the office and on an outdoor adventure, navigating as you go further and stay out for longer.

A powerful 4,000mAh battery gives a full days hiking, biking or skiing with screen on constantly and GPS navigation mapping activated on the five-inch HD display. Battery life can be doubled by using an Adventure Pack that also boosts the reliability and accuracy of the GPS signal and improves the mapping.

The Land Rover Explore is as adventurous as you are. Drop-tested to 1.8 metres with a factory-fitted screen protector, it can survive underwater – including salt water – and can cope with extreme temperatures, humidity, thermal shock and vibration exposure. This level of protection ensures the device can survive heavy downpours or muddy trails and will continue to work, keeping you connected.

The Android-powered phone’s home screen has a customisable outdoor dashboard for instant access to weather information and data from the device’s sensors. The full HD screen works in bright sunlight and can be controlled with gloves or wet fingers. It is also fully compatible with all Land Rover in-car apps.

Joe Sinclair, Director of Branded Goods and Licensing, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “This the smartphone we’d all like to own – a perfect combination of design and functionality that embodies the Land Rover DNAand enables customers to be outdoors for longer, with the confidence to go further.”

Land Rover Discovery Other hardware packs are available for the Land Rover Explore, including a large 4,370mAh additional battery and a universal bike mount.

The Land Rover Explore launches with the Adventure Pack, bringing GPS handheld capabilities to the smartphone straight out of the box. The Land Rover Explore phone will be available for pre-order in select sub-Sahara Africa markets from April 2018.

Land Rover Explore outdoor phone specifications

Huge battery (4,000mAh) battery pack IP68 splash, water and dust resistance Drop-proof to 1.8 metres with factory-fitted screen protector Customisable outdoor dashboard to access to the most important weather information, sensor data, and on-device tools for your activity: eg weather, wind, tides, compass, SOS light Android Nougat (7.0) OS, with scheduled upgrade to Oreo (8.0).

Many things happen unexpectedly on the road, and one of the most frightening is to have a tyre burst while you are travelling at speed. A sudden loss of pressure on one or more of your vehicle’s four tyres can be terrifying but as always, there are ways of dealing with such situation, and also ways of avoiding such an event.

We should start by first differentiating between a tyre burst and a punctured tyre. Punctured tyre is where a tyre slowly loses pressure and the tyre eventually become flat, whilst a tyre burst is a sudden loss of pressure where the tyre is quickly destroyed, making it difficult to drive.

There are numerous causes of tyre burst of blowout, but the common ones are: 1.Under-inflation of tyres - an under-inflated tyre will bulge out under your car’s weight, causing a high level of friction, resulting in heat that will weaken the tyre and eventually leads to a burst.

Make sure you check your tyre pressures regularly to dramatically reduce the chance of tyre burst; equally ensure tyres aren’t over-inflated.

2. Overloaded Vehicle - overloaded vehicle can also lead to a burst tyre due to the tyre being put under more pressure than it is built to endure.

Couple this with an under-inflated tyre and there is a high chance of a tyre burst. Make sure you are aware of your vehicle’s maximum load weight and don’t go over it to reduce the risk of a burst.

3. Potholes - potholes are a general menace to motorists; they can also be quite dangerous to our vehicles. Driving over a deep pothole at speed, can cause an immediate tyre burst due to the impact alone.

If you are driving and a tyre bursts, here’s what to do: 1.Stay calm - this might be a ridiculous thing to say given the situation, but in order to make the event of a tyre burst as safe as possible, you need to keep your wits.

2. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel - the car will want to pull in the direction of the burst tyre, so it is important you hold the wheel firmly with both hands to keep the car as straight as possible.

3. Do not turn onto the shoulder of the road until you have your vehicle under control - if the burst causes your vehicle to swerve onto the shoulder, do not try to get back onto the carriageway. Let the vehicle coast to a stop.

4. No heavy braking - pretty much any driver encountering a tyre burst for the first time, will want to instinctively put their foot hard on the brakes. This is one of the worst things you can do as hard braking can exaggerate the way the car wants to pull as a result of the blowout, potentially leading to an accident.

5. Try your level best to keep the vehicle pointed straight - cornering or turning with a blown tyre will greatly upset the car’s composure. If your car is pulling to one side, you might need to pull the steering in the opposite direction to keep it going straight. This is critical, else you risk drifting into the road divider or worse still, the opposite lane.

6. Do not attempt to overcorrect - sharp movement of the steering wheel can result in a rollover. Even when you have gained control and are slowly moving to a safe parking spot, do so with the mildest steering inputs possible.

7. Allow the vehicle to gradually coast to a stop use engine braking if necessary and lightly engage the brakes only when your car has decelerated to a slow speed. Use the turn indicators and pull over safely off the road.

8. Pull over safely - as soon as safely possible, pull your car over to the side of the road and put your hazards on. Ensure that other motorists are aware that you have stopped by deploying reflective safety triangles behind your car if you have them and wear reflective clothing if possible.

Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

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

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

27

New Hilux Models Designed, Engineered

T

L-R: National President, Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria and Chairman, King David Security, Mr Davidson Akhimien; General Manager, Autofit Maintenance Center, Gbenga Emmanuel; Managing Director, Autofit Dunlop Express, Ayo Oludemi; Executive Director Tyre Express Nigeria Limited, Gautam Ghai; and General Manager Operations, Tyre Express Nigeria Limited, Jair Uto-Dieu, at the inauguration of Autofit Dunlop Express in Lagos… recently

Autofit Dunlop Express Launches in Lagos Stories by Bennett Oghifo

I

t was topflight affair at the unveiling, in Lagos, ofAutofit Dunlop Express, an exquisite one-stop shop for auto maintenance and repairs.

Autofit Dunlop Express, which is located off the pedestrian bridge at Alapere bus stopLagos bound side- on the Lagos-Ibadan road, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for tending vehicles and their patrons.

According to the Managing Director, Autofit Dunlop Express, Ayo Oludemi, “Reaching this height had been a challenge but we kept going because we believe our customers deserve the best.”

Oludemi praised God for making the launch a reality, saying “I must say Autofit started operation four years ago and we have rapidly grown to become a force to be reckoned with in the auto body industry because of our service delivery.

“For those that know where we started from, you will agree with me that this is indeed a milestone from our humble beginning. Today, you are witnessing a change in direction, all along we had always thought of having a one-stop facility where our customers will have all their auto repair needs met in a world class facility that is conducive and comfortable.

“I am proud that we have aligned ourselves with a worldrenownedbrand,SumitomoRubberIndustry, South Africa, owners of the Dunlop brand and

promoted in Nigeria by Tyre Express Limited to change the experience of buying tyres.”

He said in the coming weeks, they would complete “our children’s play area, which will have swing, slidesandtrampolinewherechildrenaccompanying their parents can also enjoy themselves.

“Furthermore, we also intend to have a skills acquisition centre for our youths, where they will equip themselves with various technical skills such as panel beating, spray painting, tyre and mechanical repair knowledge.

“Our vision is to try and get the youths and eliminate the thoughts of going to countries like Libya in search of greener pastures. We want to make them believe there is hope in Nigeria and make them responsible citizens.

oyota’s three new “halo” HiLux variants due in April this year have a strong Aussie accent due to an extensive development program carried out by the company’s Melbourne-based designers and engineers.

Aimed at off-road enthusiasts, the comprehensive upgrades that result in the new HiLux Rugged and Rugged X variants were designed, engineered and validated in Australia with support from the parent company in Japan and Toyota in Thailand.

The development program involved computer simulations, prototype manufacture, bench testing and real-world evaluation to confirm strength and durability of the vehicle and individual components.

Heading the new models, HiLux Rugged X lives up to its name by incorporating a high-tensile alloy bash plate, winch-compatible steel front bar, LED driving lights, recovery points, rock rails, load-carrying sports bar and other heavy-duty components.

It is joined by HiLux Rugged, which is focused on toughness and off-road performance. It provides enthusiasts with an ideal vehicle for getting off the beaten track that its aggressive front-end design, including a steel bull bar.

A third new model, the premium and sporty HiLux Rogue was styled by the Australian design team and developed in close collaboration with Toyota engineers in Thailand.

The dynamic and recreational styling of the Rogue is tailored to many markets around the world - another example of the strong capability that exists within Toyota’s local operation.

Toyota Australia’s product planning and development general manager Rod Ferguson said the HiLux project highlighted the local team’s capability to develop engaging models that address the specific requirements of Australian buyers.

“Our team understands local customer usage and tastes, the extremes of our local environment as well as requirements for off-road use, unsealed roads and the challenges of dust and water crossings,” Mr. Ferguson said.

“They have developed these high-strength components and integrated them fully to build on the strength and durability of HiLux while maintaining the performance of key safety systems,” he said.

Weststar Enters Light-duty Truck Segment with Mercedes-Benz Accelo

F

ollowing its successful launch in 2017, the Mercedes-Benz Accelo has carved its niche in the light-duty commercial vehicle truck segment in Nigeria.

WeststarAssociates Limited -Authorised General Distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria said it “is proud to announce that customers can now order the Accelo truck in various applications depending on specific needs. This is in line with the ever increasing pressure on businesses to increase efficiency, reduce operating costs and grow revenues.

“Mercedes-Benz introduced the ‘light-duty truck’ range to deliver unmatched versatility, reliability and efficiency for business owners and fleet managers in

a variety of industries. Based on a solid design, the Mercedes-BenzAccelo allows the fitment of several superstructures made to act on the large array of urban transport applications, such as: aluminum standard box body, water tanker, tippers, refrigerated truck body, dry cargo, rescue truck and more,” said Mr. Umoh Ekanem (Sales Manager, Commercial Vehicles, Weststar Associates Limited).

Designed to deliver maximum productivity, exceptional driving comfort and the highest standards of safety, the Accelo offers exceptional power and agility. Providing the proven and unmatched Mercedes-Benz quality standards, the robust truck is the perfect partner for transportation needs of all businesses.

The Mercedes-Benz Accelo

Do You Know The Age of Your Tyres

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n a beautiful Monday afternoon, Deji Nnamani (not real name) was cruising down the road returning home after a long day at work when suddenly the back right tire of his vehicle exploded.

Luckily, he maintained control over the vehicle without panicking and safely maneuvered to the side of the road. The tires according to Deji were newly purchased a few months ago from a local tire shop in the city of Abuja. How could this happen to a new tire was his question to me when we met? Unlike Deji, Charles Okokon(not real name)case was not as pleasant as the case of Deji . In the crash which ultimately cost him his life, Charles, according to the narrative of a close friend was purely a case of ‘’something must kill a man-whether it is death by a car crash or natural death.

Charles, fondly called Charlie by close friend’s tragedy, was the ultimate result of his carefree attitude to driving; he was a speed freak who believed strongly that the manufacturers were not stupid to make ample provisions for cars to run beyond the restrictions of the law. Yet despite this, he rarely paid attention to specific standard as he would always use substandard tyres on his car. On this faithful day, he was cruising on his way home after a bottle too many from a friend’s house warming party when the two front tyres exploded. In his tipsy state he could not maneuver the vehicle as he crashed into a parked trailer and died instantly.

Although the two cases cited were caused by tyre blowout, the truth is that the fate of

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

Deji and Charles was directly related to their attitude to vehicle maintenance especially tyre care and another traffic infraction-drink driving which we will discuss some other day.. The fact is that all like medication, all tires have dates of manufacture and also all have expiration dates. Surprisingly, many consumers of tyres and dealers of tires do not know about tire expiration dates while a handful like Charles care less about this vital information. An uninformed consumer thinks he purchased brand new tires when in reality those tires may have been sitting on the shelf for years. Even though the tires were never used on a vehicle, they are still several years old. Every tire, I must repeat like a preacher on a pulpit has a birth date—the day it was manufactured—and an expiration date. In some climes this date may be six years or four years like the case in Nigeria depending on the approved standard for the country in question.-that is from the manufactured date.

Most automobile manufacturers warn drivers in such climes to replace vehicle tires after six or

less years as the case may be. To drive the car with such tyres any longer than that, is a gamble with the integrity of the tyre and is risky for drivers.

It was this knowledge of the integrity of tyres and my own attempt to avert falling into Deji trap that, I took my car for a routine check a fortnight ago to ascertain the state of my tyres. After the usual routine was concluded, I was told I needed to replace my tyres which I gladly agreed to, knowing the dangers in indulging in the typical management syndrome of recycling old and substandard tyres that has become our style. I was however stunned when I was presented with a tyre that was manufactured early 2017-meaning the tyre was over fifteen months old on the shelf since the date of manufacture. I insisted I needed tyres that were manufactured early 2018 or alternatively December 2017 which I luckily got although my dealer as a good businessman tried all his marketing skills to dump a nearly one year and half tyres on me.

My experience with my supposed experienced but shrewd tyre dealer jolted me to a promise I made to a senior who sometime last week forwarded a material on tyre and requested for my response. That promise is what I am trying to fulfill today but as I told him, I will merely provide materials available and allow readers to be their own judge. Since I know how good a politician I am, I have chosen not to indulge in debates on the lifespan of tyres but provide vital information and allow readers to do God’s bidding in Deuteronomy 30:19 where in His Holy scripture, He said, ’’I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set

before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that thou and thy seed may live life and death I place before you, choose life.

I could not lay my hands on the Holy Koran to give you what it says about this but promise to do so next week. But if you doubt my political prowess please ask my classmates who will testify how Olabisi Shobanjo and CharlesAkpan tricked me to contest in a departmental election on the promise that as my political advisers and grassroots mobilizers, they will ensure the whole class roots for the man with the Midas touch. I foolishly listened to my friends instead of facing my acting business with Theatre 15, at the University of Lagos. To summarize the long story, I contested and lost woefully as even my so called friends dumped me to face my waterloo, choosing instead to vote for my opponent just to show me that book head and politics don’t jell.

Back to my focus for this week; do you know how old your tyres are? Do you know the age of your tyres? Are your tyres expired? Are they standard tyres? Do you know how to determine the age of your tyres and lastly do you know how to find the DOT on your tyres? These questions form the core of a material my friend and colleague who works with a construction company sent to me with a requests for my reaction. I acknowledged his chats with a promise to get back to him on the subject. As we reflect on post Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) after the 30th anniversary programme since our 1988 journey, I have chosen today to share materials that I again stumbled on for the interest of those who drive and even aspiring drivers.

Again, my question which demands that you take interest in the state of your tyres is not meant as an academic exercise but for the sake of your safety.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍźËœ ͺ͸͚΀

FAMILY HEALTH with

Mental Illness and You

M

ost people are quite comfortable going about their everyday lives , peacefully, either trust into a routine , or completely destabilized for various reasons. The danger of being destabilized cannot be overemphasized.

The resulting effect of this situation, comes on very slowly, and usually undetected by the sufferer, and those around that person.

This condition can go on to a very critical state that could spur the person into external aggression and dangers to other people, as seen in recent times. This condition whereby a person behaves out of the norm, is called mental illness.

A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines.

Mental health problems may be related to excessive stress due to a particular situation or series of events. As with cancer, diabetes and heart disease, mental illnesses are often physical as well as emotional and psychological. Mental illnesses may be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, or a combination of these. With proper care and treatment many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental illness or emotional disorder.

Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.

Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function. A mental illness can make you miserable and can cause problems in your daily life, such as at school or work or in relationships. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy).

Warning Signs: r *U JT FTQFDJBMMZ JNQPSUBOU UP QBZ BUUFOUJPO UP TVEEFO changes in thoughts and behaviors. Also keep in mind that the onset of several of the symptoms below, and not just any one change, indicates a problem that should be assessed. The symptoms below should not be due to recent substance use or another medical condition.

In Adults, Young Adults and Adolscents: r $POGVTFE UIJOLJOH r 1SPMPOHFE EFQSFTTJPO TBEOFTT PS JSSJUBCJMJUZ

r 'FFMJOHT PG FYUSFNF IJHIT BOE MPXT r &YDFTTJWF GFBST XPSSJFT BOE BOYJFUJFT r 4PDJBM XJUIESBXBM r %SBNBUJD DIBOHFT JO FBUJOH PS TMFFQJOH IBCJUT r 4USPOH GFFMJOHT PG BOHFS r 4USBOHF UIPVHIUT EFMVTJPOT

r 4FFJOH PS IFBSJOH UIJOHT UIBU BSFO U UIFSF IBMlucinations) r (SPXJOH JOBCJMJUZ UP DPQF XJUI EBJMZ QSPCMFNT and activities r 4VJDJEBM UIPVHIUT r /VNFSPVT VOFYQMBJOFE QIZTJDBM BJMNFOUT r 4VCTUBODF VTF In Older Children and Pre-Adolescents r 4VCTUBODF VTF r *OBCJMJUZ UP DPQF XJUI QSPCMFNT BOE EBJMZ BDUJWJUJFT r $IBOHFT JO TMFFQJOH BOE PS FBUJOH IBCJUT r &YDFTTJWF DPNQMBJOUT PG QIZTJDBM BJMNFOUT r $IBOHFT JO BCJMJUZ UP NBOBHF SFTQPOTJCJMJUJFT BU home and/or at school r %FĂ BODF PG BVUIPSJUZ USVBODZ UIFGU BOE PS vandalism r *OUFOTF GFBS r 1SPMPOHFE OFHBUJWF NPPE PGUFO BDDPNQBOJFE CZ poor appetite or thoughts of death r 'SFRVFOU PVUCVSTUT PG BOHFS In Younger Children r $IBOHFT JO TDIPPM QFSGPSNBODF r 1PPS HSBEFT EFTQJUF TUSPOH FGGPSUT r $IBOHFT JO TMFFQJOH BOE PS FBUJOH IBCJUT r &YDFTTJWF XPSSZ PS BOYJFUZ J F SFGVTJOH UP HP UP bed or school) r )ZQFSBDUJWJUZ r 1FSTJTUFOU OJHIUNBSFT r 1FSTJTUFOU EJTPCFEJFODF PS BHHSFTTJPO r 'SFRVFOU UFNQFS UBOUSVNT What are the symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors.

Examples of signs and symptoms include: r 'FFMJOH TBE PS EPXO r $POGVTFE UIJOLJOH PS SFEVDFE BCJMJUZ UP DPODFOUSBUF r &YDFTTJWF GFBST PS XPSSJFT PS FYUSFNF GFFMJOHT of guilt r &YUSFNF NPPE DIBOHFT PG IJHIT BOE MPXT r 8JUIESBXBM GSPN GSJFOET BOE BDUJWJUJFT

Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function. A mental illness can make you miserable and can cause problems in your daily life, such as at school or work or in relationships.

In most cases, symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy)

r 4JHOJĂ DBOU UJSFEOFTT MPX FOFSHZ PS QSPCMFNT TMFFQJOH r %FUBDINFOU GSPN SFBMJUZ EFMVTJPOT QBSBOPJB PS hallucinations r *OBCJMJUZ UP DPQF XJUI EBJMZ QSPCMFNT PS TUSFTT r 5SPVCMF VOEFSTUBOEJOH BOE SFMBUJOH UP TJUVBUJPOT and to people r "MDPIPM PS ESVH BCVTF r .BKPS DIBOHFT JO FBUJOH IBCJUT r 4FY ESJWF DIBOHFT r &YDFTTJWF BOHFS IPTUJMJUZ PS WJPMFODF r 4VJDJEBM UIJOLJOH r 4PNFUJNFT TZNQUPNT PG B NFOUBM IFBMUI EJTPSEFS appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headache, or other unexplained aches and pains.

Possible causes 1. Mental illnesses, in general, are thought to be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors: 2. Inherited traits. Mental illness is more common in people whose blood relatives also have a mental illness. $FSUBJO HFOFT NBZ JODSFBTF ZPVS SJTL PG EFWFMPQJOH B mental illness, and your life situation may trigger it.

3. Environmental exposures before birth. Exposure to environmental stressors, inflammatory conditions, toxins, alcohol or drugs while in the womb can sometimes be linked to mental illness. #SBJO DIFNJTUSZ /FVSPUSBOTNJUUFST BSF OBUVSBMMZ occurring brain chemicals that carry signals to other parts of your brain and body. When the neural networks involving these chemicals are impaired, the function of nerve receptors and nerve systems change, leading to depression.

Improving mental health 1. Value yourself: Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite QSPKFDUT PS CSPBEFO ZPVS IPSJ[POT %P B EBJMZ DSPTTXPSE puzzle, plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language.

2. Take care of your body: Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to: Eat nutritious meals Avoid cigarettes - %SJOL QMFOUZ PG XBUFS Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods (FU FOPVHI TMFFQ 3FTFBSDIFST CFMJFWF UIBU MBDL PG sleep contributes to a high rate of depression in college students.

3. Surround yourself with good people: 1FPQMF XJUI TUSPOH GBNJMZ PS TPDJBM DPOOFDUJPOT BSF generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group.

(JWF ZPVSTFMG Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You’ll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need — and it’s a great way to meet new people 5. Learn how to deal with stress: -JLF JU PS OPU TUSFTT JT B QBSU PG MJGF 1SBDUJDF HPPE coping skills: Try One-Minute Stress Strategies, do Tai $IJ FYFSDJTF UBLF B OBUVSF XBML QMBZ XJUI ZPVS QFU PS try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember UP TNJMF BOE TFF UIF IVNPS JO MJGF 3FTFBSDI TIPXT UIBU laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.

6. Quiet your mind: 5SZ NFEJUBUJOH .JOEGVMOFTT BOE PS QSBZFS 3FMBYation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

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

effects of therapy.

7. Set realistic goals: %FDJEF XIBU ZPV XBOU UP BDIJFWF BDBEFNJDBMMZ professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don’t over-schedule. You’ll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth BT ZPV QSPHSFTT UPXBSE ZPVS HPBM 8FMMOFTT $PBDIJOH free to U-M students, can help you develop goals and stay on track.

8. Break up the monotony: "MUIPVHI PVS SPVUJOFT NBLF VT NPSF FGĂ DJFOU BOE enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant.

9. Avoid alcohol and other drugs: Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to “self-medicate� but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems (FU IFMQ XIFO ZPV OFFE JU Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness.

And it is important to remember that treatment is effecUJWF 1FPQMF XIP HFU BQQSPQSJBUF DBSF DBO SFDPWFS GSPN mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives.

Risk factors $FSUBJO GBDUPST NBZ JODSFBTF ZPVS SJTL PG EFWFMPQJOH mental health problems, including: )BWJOH B CMPPE SFMBUJWF TVDI BT B QBSFOU PS TJCMJOH with a mental illness 4USFTTGVM MJGF TJUVBUJPOT TVDI BT à OBODJBM QSPCMFNT a loved one’s death or a divorce An ongoing (chronic) medical condition, such as diabetes Brain damage as a result of a serious injury (traumatic brain injury), such as a violent blow to the head Traumatic experiences, such as military combat or being assaulted Use of alcohol or recreational drugs Being abused or neglected as a child )BWJOH GFX GSJFOET PS GFX IFBMUIZ SFMBUJPOTIJQT A previous mental illness Mental illness is common. About 1 in 5 adults has a mental illness in any given year. Mental illness can begin at any age, from childhood through later adult years, but most begin earlier in life.

The effects of mental illness can be temporary or long lasting. You also can have more than one mental IFBMUI EJTPSEFS BU UIF TBNF UJNF 'PS FYBNQMF ZPV may have depression and a substance use disorder.

Complications r .FOUBM JMMOFTT JT B MFBEJOH DBVTF PG EJTBCJMJUZ Untreated mental illness can cause severe emotional, CFIBWJPSBM BOE QIZTJDBM IFBMUI QSPCMFNT $PNQMJDBUJPOT sometimes linked to mental illness include: r 6OIBQQJOFTT BOE EFDSFBTFE FOKPZNFOU PG MJGF r 'BNJMZ DPOåJDUT r 3FMBUJPOTIJQ EJGà DVMUJFT r 4PDJBM JTPMBUJPO r 1SPCMFNT XJUI UPCBDDP BMDPIPM BOE PUIFS ESVHT r .JTTFE XPSL PS TDIPPM PS PUIFS QSPCMFNT SFMBUFE to work or school r -FHBM BOE à OBODJBM QSPCMFNT r 1PWFSUZ BOE IPNFMFTTOFTT r 4FMG IBSN BOE IBSN UP PUIFST JODMVEJOH TVJDJEF or homicide r 8FBLFOFE JNNVOF TZTUFN TP ZPVS CPEZ IBT B hard time resisting infections r )FBSU EJTFBTF BOE PUIFS NFEJDBM DPOEJUJPOT Prevention There’s no sure way to prevent mental illness. )PXFWFS JG ZPV IBWF B NFOUBM JMMOFTT UBLJOH TUFQT to control stress, to increase your resilience and to boost low self-esteem may help keep your symptoms under control. r 1BZ BUUFOUJPO UP XBSOJOH TJHOT 8PSL XJUI ZPVS doctor or therapist to learn what might trigger your symptoms. Make a plan so that you know what to do JG TZNQUPNT SFUVSO $POUBDU ZPVS EPDUPS PS UIFSBQJTU if you notice any changes in symptoms or how you GFFM $POTJEFS JOWPMWJOH GBNJMZ NFNCFST PS GSJFOET to watch for warning signs. r (FU SPVUJOF NFEJDBM DBSF %PO U OFHMFDU DIFDLVQT or skip visits to your health care provider, especially if you aren’t feeling well. You may have a new health problem that needs to be treated, or you may be experiencing side effects of medication. r (FU IFMQ XIFO ZPV OFFE JU .FOUBM IFBMUI DPOEJtions can be harder to treat if you wait until symptoms get bad. Long-term maintenance treatment also may help prevent a relapse of symptoms.

5BLF HPPE DBSF PG ZPVSTFMG 4VGĂ DJFOU TMFFQ IFBMUIZ eating and regular physical activity are important. Try to maintain a regular schedule. Talk to your health care provider if you have trouble sleeping or if you have questions about diet and physical activity.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 16, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Roger Federer Defying Age and Logic

24.02.2018

NO LOST LOVE PAGE. 29

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

Federer

Defying Age and Logic Þ ͻ;˜ ÙÑÏÜ ÏÎÏÜÏÜ ÍÙØÞÓØßÏÝ ÞÙ ÎÏÐã ËÑÏ ËØÎ ÖÙÑÓÍ ËÐÞÏÜ ÒÓÝ ÖËÞÏÝÞ ÜËØÎ ÖË× áÓؘ ÌÏÍÙ×ÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÙÖÎÏÝÞ ÚÖËãÏÜ ÓØ ÞÏØØÓÝ ÒÓÝÞÙÜã ÞÙ ÌÏ ÜËØÕÏÎ áÙÜÖÎ Øß×ÌÏÜ ÙØϘ ×ÙÜÏ ÞÒËØ ͹ͼ ãÏËÜÝ ËÐÞÏÜ ÐÓÜÝÞ ËÍÒÓÏàÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÐÏËÞ˛ ÒÓݘ ÒÙáÏàÏܘ ÜËÓÝÏÝ ÞÒÏ ÛßÏÝÞÓÙØ áÒÏÞÒÏÜ ÞÒÏÜÏ ÓÝ ÚËßÍÓÞã ÙÐ ÞËÖÏØÞÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÑË×Ï ÙÜ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÏ áÓÝÝ âÚÜÏÝÝ ÓÝ ÔßÝÞ ÝÚÏÍÓËÖ

R

oger Federer celebrated his return to the top of the world rankings by winning the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam on Sunday, and declared it "very special". The 36-year-old needed just 55 minutes to see off ailing Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in a one-sided encounter.

Federer told the official ATP World Tour website: "It's definitely one of those weeks I will never forget in my life. It's unbelievable to get my 97th title and get back to world No 1. It's very special.

"I was expecting it to be tough today.

Grigor is a great player and a great athlete and he's been playing super well in recent months.I thought that this wasn't going to be the result, but he looked to be struggling a bit and I never looked back. I was able to

execute my tennis the way I wanted to.

I'm very happy."

Federer, who had previously won in the Dutch city in 2005 and 2012, has played two tournaments this year and won both - the other being January's Australian Open which he won for the sixth time.

"I saved the best for last," added Federer. "I had a great first match and a great last match. In between, it was a battle, it was nerve-wracking getting back to No 1. But I was able to manage my nerves and the expectations. I was able to handle that pressure, today I played great from the beginning."

However, Rafael Nadal, whom the Swiss dethroned from the top spot, seems to have taken news of Federer’s rise back to the summit in good faith.

He says he is not fussed about dethroning his rival anytime soon.

“He didn't need to return to No 1 to show who he is in tennis. What he's

achieved is very difficult and you can only congratulate him. Rankings don't lie; he did a little bit better than me in the last 12 months. I’ve been in the top two for many years. Being No 1, No 3, No 5 doesn't make much difference.

“What makes me happy is feeling competitive and able to win tournaments. I won't fight to be back at No 1.

I'll fight to have my best possible season. If that means later in the season I have a chance to be back at it, OK.I only fight to be happy and competitive in every tournament I play. That's my goal. We'll see where I'm at the end of season,” Nadal said.

Meanwhile, former No 1, Marat Safin has charged the new wave of men's tennis talent to challenge the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Marat Safin has questioned the younger tennis generation after Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s renais-

sance in form.

The last five Grand Slam titles were shared by the illustrious duo and they won a combined 13 titles last season.

Safin described Nadal and Federer as "superstars" and admitted he was "impressed" with their achievements on their return from injury but wants to see more from the new guard.

When asked what he made of Nadal and Federer's campaigns, Safin said: "What impressed me was when you consider the rest of the players. They are still winning and crushing everybody.

"I think, well, they -Nadal and Federer are superstars. What is wrong with the juniors? They need to start to make the next step."

Alexander Zverev enjoyed a breakthrough season, winning five titles in 2017, to finish the year as the world No 4 as a 20-year-old and Safin has backed the German to continue his progres-

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FEBRUARY 24, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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

Why I’m Not Excited by Nigeria at Winter Olympics They say logic in Nigeria works in reverse to what happens in the progressive world and for me, nothing explains this better than countries like Nigeria and Togo participating in this year’s winter Olympics in PyeongChang. As far as Nigerian sports go, the euphoria that has surrounded the four ladies representing Nigeria can only have been matched by the popularity of the Super Eagles in a World Cup tournament where they have progressed beyond the group stage and there is a real chance of them reaching the quarter-finals. Just six months ago, no one in Nigeria knew about the existence of this quartet. Today, they are a fairytale for all: fans and sponsors alike. I can accept this as a brilliant self-promotional gimmick by the ladies. But to pass it off as a patriotic adventure just does not cut ice with a bad belle guy like me

Federer

sion at the top echelons of the sport.

"For me, Zverev, I think," Safin said: "Plus he has a good coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. He was a good player and has done good work with him.

"He is number four in the world, so he can manage, so let's see. The rest of the young stars, we'll wait."

Ten years ago, during his run of 237 straight weeks at No. 1, Federer outlined his intention to “play through the generations like Andre Agassi and Jimmy Connors.” A commendable goal, but in reality, when Federer underwent knee surgery in February 2016, few could have predicted that arguably the sport’s greatest stylist would today have broken myriad of ATP Rankings records and once again re-write the history books.

His return to the summit of men’s professional tennis for the first time since November 4 2012, a record gap of five years and 106 days, began at No 17 in the ATP Rankings just 13 months ago under the guidance of Severti Luthi, his coach since 2008. Federer acknowledged a few years ago that to continue to play the sport deep into his 30s, he needed to be smarter with his playing schedule and further develop his incredible work ethic. His team helped to maintain his mental focus in order to prolong his career, and his confidence has soared.

Today, in his 21st season as a professional, with 97 tour-level trophies, Federer has eclipsed Agassi – aged 33 in September 2003, to become the oldest player to ascend to top spot. In

doing so, he has provided inspiration to all those, regardless of their age, who strive to attain a goal. Since he first rose to No. 1 a record 14 years and17 days ago, he has redefined what it means to be a great sportsman, let alone a top-level tennis player.

After capturing his 20th Grand Slam championship last month at the Australian Open, Federer provided a glimpse of why he keeps playing tennis: “At the end, it's seeing that my parents- Robert and Lynette - are incredibly proud and happy that I'm still doing it. They enjoy coming to tournaments. That makes me happy and play better.

“Then, of course, my wife, Mirka, who makes it all possible. Without her support, I wouldn't be playing tennis any more - for many years. We had a very open conversation years ago, if she was happy to do this or not. I'm happy that she's super supportive, and she's willing to take on a massive workload with the kids… This life wouldn't work if she said, ‘No’.”

Federer has risen again, and only the small-minded and cynical could not be moved by the impossibility of it all.

So what next? With nine titles from his past 10 finals, Federer has won 97 trophies overall and 1,144 matches. Is Connors’ ATP World Tour-era leading tallies of 1,256 match wins and 109 titles under threat? Having already made an indelible mark on the sport, free of back and knee pain, Federer may soon consider that those longstanding records are worth chasing.

StarTimes Bayern Youth Cup Tourney Holds in Lagos Today The final zonal tournament of the on-going FC Bayern Youth cup is scheduled to hold in Lagos this weekend at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.

According to StarTimes Nigeria, the official sponsor of the tournament, eight teams will compete for the Lagos namely Bethel FC, Mission Soccer Academy, Ablaze Academy, Lekki Junior Striker, The Future Academy, Esperanza FC, Leo Football Academy and Young Stars all battling for the top spot.

The StarTimes FC Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria 2018, a tournament for the U16 boys commenced in January with games played in all six geo-political zones of the country.

This is the first edition of the tournament in Africa which will have the best 10 players being selected to play at the world finals in Germany.

Commenting on this development, Qasim Elegbede, the Brand and Marketing Director at StarTimes said that “This marks the completion of the zonal tournament and winners here will proceed to Abuja to battle it out for in the National Finals on March 10th where a winner will emerge” He added that “The winner from the Finals in Abuja will proceed to Germany to represent Nigeria in the world champions competition.”

So far, over 50 games and 150+ goals have been recorded with 320 players from across 6 states taking part in the competition.

L

et me illustrate what this piece is about with two analogies. Firstly, I swim for exercise and have done so at the same sports club for about 15 years. Recently I arrived at the pool and saw that someone had erected two water polo goalposts. I asked what that was about and was told they wanted to introduce water polo to the club. I was amused. We wanted to practise water polo when we did not even have a swimming team, let alone one that could compete.

My second is about when the legendary Singaporean leader, Lee Kuan Yew, visited Ghana in January 1966.

At a dinner where he was a guest of the famous Kwame Nkrumah, the former Ghanaian president gushed about the prospects of post-colonial Ghana and the brilliance of a 30-yearold compatriot, also a guest, who had achieved a first in Classics from Oxford University and was the vice chancellor of the University of Ghana.

Indeed Yew said he found the young man to be bright, but wondered why a country that was overwhelmingly dependent on agriculture would send its brightest minds to study Classics!

Let me start by addressing the patriotism issue. Maybe these ladies are born-again, but the fact as we know it from the admission of at least two of them, is that these are athletes who not too long ago were competing for places in the national teams of the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Had they succeeded, there would be no Nigerian team at the winter games today.

As for being models for achieving the impossible, how about we aim to win gold in the 100m of the summer games first? Does that not look like an impossibility for us at this time? How about we aim to be a leading nation in the sports for which we at least have a chance - like the sprints, wrestling, boxing, long and triple jumps etc.

How about the patriotic sponsors of this marketing spectacle put some money behind real Nigerian sports so we can actually become competitive in a way that our country can be respected.

I can actually see non-Africans being amused by this, but I can’t see them respecting us for it. The famed Jamaican bobsled have already secured the patent for the novelty.

The world knows it does not snow in Africa; the world knows that as long as Africans romanticise about events

like this they would always dream of a life away from Africa; the world knows this that the fallout of this can only be the deepening of immigration concerns in the west.

Like my water polo aficionados, the novelty of this adventure will pass in Nigeria and the winter games will become what it should be for us – a non-event. Even if some copycat patriots rise up in the future, they cannot be world class. It takes much more to be at the top tier of any sport in today’s world, and even if you find a Nigerian crazy enough to commit their lives from a very early age to winter sports, chances are that the flag they will hoist at the games would be more blue and red than green white green.

We must not confuse the quest to do the impossible with the quest for the unreasonable. However I’d be surprised if these ladies do not become celebrities with fat contracts and contacts in Nigeria. They deserve that for their marketing savvy and industry. But that is where it ends for me. The reality is that we have real athletes in our country who have devoted their lives to the Nigerian dream. Support them, celebrate them, don’t rubbish them as this unwittingly does.

I imagine this would be an unpopular piece, but I really do not mind being on the less favored side of this debate. They say the only race that understands how we approach things is the black race. How we can make a great show or this and make it a model for our children and still expect to succeed at anything locally, beats the hell “outta” me.

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍźËœ ͺ͸͚΀

United, Chelsea Continue Top-Four Push Ę°Ă?Ăœ Ă‹ Ă˜Ă?Ă‹ĂœĚ‹ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ăž ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‹ Ă‹Ăž ÞË×Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽ ĂœĂ“ĂŽĂ‘Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁËœ Ă’Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă‹ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă™Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ ĂŒĂ? Ă’Ă™ĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ĂšĂ&#x;Ăž Ă&#x;Ăš Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ÒÙå Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ăž Ă–ĂŽ ĂœĂ‹ĘĽĂ™ĂœĂŽ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽË› ÙÞÒ Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă? ÒÙÚĂ? ÞÙ Ă?Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ÞÙÚ̋Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ ÚÙĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă™ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽ Ă?ÚÓĂ?Ă? ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÚÓĂ? ĂŒĂ‹ĘľĂ–Ă? Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă—Ă™Ă?ÓÞã ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ÞåÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ?Ě‹ Ă™Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă’Ă™ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜ĂžĂ™Ă˜Ă“Ă™ Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ™ĂžĂ’ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?âÚĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă˜Ă™ĂŒĂŒĂ“Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂĄĂŽĂ™ĂĄĂ˜

Kante scores against Man U

C

helsea are focused on extending their recent positive run when they travel to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, the London outfit's defender Cesar Azpilicueta has

said.

After consecutive league defeats by Watford and Bournemouth, Chelsea have bounced back with a win over West Bromwich Albion, an FA Cup victory against Hull City and a 1-1 draw with Barcelona in first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Chelsea are fourth in the standings, three points behind second-placed United, as the race to secure a top-four finish heats up with 11 games left in the campaign.

"After two tough defeats a few weeks ago the team responded with two wins. Against Barcelona it was also a great performance from the team, nearly perfect. Now we have a tough game on Sunday and we have to turn our heads to the next target, the Premier League, and try to get as high as possible. At the moment, we are getting closer and closer to the end of the season, so we have to get the points," Azpilicueta told the club's website.

Conte and Mourinho have traded poisonous barbs this season, culminating in the pair saying they felt "contempt" for each other.

The feud started when the United boss said he did not need to "act like a clown" on the touchline, a comment perceived to be aimed at the animated Conte, who responded by claiming Mourinho must have "demenza senile" – senile dementia.

When Mourinho then appeared to allude to a suspension Conte served in relation to match-fixing, the Italian, who was later cleared of any wrongdoing on that issue, responded by accusing his rival of being "fake" and "a little man".

United recently appeared secure in second

place in the Premier League, albeit a distant second to Manchester City, but two defeats in three games leave Mourinho's side looking vulnerable with matches against four of the top six sides still to come, including Chelsea in fourth spot.

After Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Sevilla in Wednesday night’s Champions League Round of 16 first leg, attention is now shifted to Old Trafford as they host Chelsea in the Premier League.

Mourinho’s side begin the weekend in 2nd place, 16 points behind rivals- Manchester City.

Still, United boast the 2nd best record at home this season, and have conceded by far the fewest number of goals at home.

Chelsea drew 1-1 with Barcelona in their midweek Champions league clash. Willian opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge before Lionel Messi equalised. The Blues are 4th in the table but have Tottenham hot on their heels.

Liverpool and Man City are the only sides to take more points away from home than Chelsea this season. Antonio Conte’s side also hold the second best defensive away record.

A win for Chelsea would see them move level on points with Man United, although it is likely that the Red Devils would still have a superior goal difference.

Alvaro Morata scored the only goal of the game when the sides met at Stamford Bridge in November.

However, Chelsea midfielder, Willian is good friends with former manager Mourinho but will be focused solely on winning when he faces the Portuguese boss' Manchester United team in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Brazil international joined Chelsea in 2013 under Mourinho, who was sacked two years later before taking over at United in 2016.

The 29-year-old Willian has scored four goals and provided seven assists in 26 league appearances for Chelsea this campaign and Antonio Conte's team sit three points behind second-placed Manchester

United in fourth position.

"He (Mourinho) is my friend. I had a great time with him, but I am at Chelsea and he is now at Manchester United," Willian told British media.

"They are difficult games. It is totally different to play in the Premier League to the Champions League. I think we can stay at this level and we can go to Old Trafford on Sunday and play another great game."

Willian believes his teammates must emulate their performance against Barcelona if they are to beat United and leaders Manchester City.

"We have to play in a similar way. Against Manchester United, I think we can do a great job," Willian added.

"Against Manchester City, it will be like the game against Barcelona - they like to have the ball. We have to stay compact and use the same plan as we used against Barcelona."

With City holding a seemingly insurmountable 16-point lead atop the standings, United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are battling to secure a top-four finish with 11 games remaining.

Hotshot Harry Kane

Tottenham

23

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

22

Sergio Aguero

Man City

21

Raheem Sterling

Man City

15

Jamie Verdy

Leicester

13

Romelu Lukaku

Man Utd

12

Eden Hazard

Chelsea

12

Roberto Fermino

Liverpool

11

Alvaro Morata

Chelsea

10

Wayne Rooney

Everton

10

Alex Lacazette

Arsenal

9

Anthony Martial

Man Utd

9

ÓâÞĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?

TODAY Leicester Bournemouth Brighton Burnley Liverpool West Brom Watford

v v v v v v v

Stoke City 12:30 Newcastle 15:00 Swansea 15:00 Southampton 15:00 West Ham 15:00 HuddersďŹ eld 15:00 Everton 17:30

SUNDAY Crystal Palace Man Utd

v v

Tottenham Chelsea

12:00 14:05

Premiership Man City Man Utd Liverpool Chelsea Tottenham Arsenal Burnley Leicester Everton Bournemouth Watford West Ham Newcastle Brighton Crystal Palace Swansea HuddersďŹ eld Southampton Stoke West Brom

27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27

59 32 30 26 28 15 -3 -1 -14 -10 -10 -12 -11 -14 -17 -17 -24 -12 -26 -19

72 56 54 53 52 45 36 35 34 31 30 30 28 28 27 27 27 26 25 20

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

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

L-R, Head of Marketing / Customer Support, Ruby Chuku,; Co-founder, Betking, Adekunle Adeniji; Brand Ambassador, BetKing, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha; CEO, Betking, Byron Petzer; and Chief Opportunity Officer, Neil Bothma, at the launch of Betking - a sports betting platform for Kings, held at Ikeja City Mall in Lagos

L-R: Member, Advisory Board, Supreme Education Foundation Schools, (SEF), Dr. Tunji Abimbola; Chief Executive Officer, SEF, Mrs. Olubukola Adewuyi;Founder, SEF, Mrs. Adenike Adamolekun;Chairman, Advisory Board, SEF, Mr. Peter Bamkole; and Parent/Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Nosa Ebomoyi, at the SEF 16th annual inter house sports in Magodo, Lagos recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Woods Positive after First-round 70 at Honda Classic Tiger Woods believes he is continuing to see improvements in his game after making an encouraging start to the Honda Classic.

The former world No 1 mixed three birdies with a bogey and one double-bogey in breezy conditions in Florida to post a level-par 70, keeping him within four strokes of morning pacesetter Alex Noren.

Making back-to-back starts on the PGA Tour for the first time since August 2015, Woods only hit half of the 14 fairways but scrambled well to equal his best opening round at PGA National.

"I felt comfortable out there today," Woods said. "I had to

hit a lot of knock-down shots, I had to work the golf ball both ways and occasionally downwind, straight up in the air. I was able to do all that today, so that was very pleasing.

"I feel like I'm really not that far away. I'm starting to really get a feel for scoring again and scoring in tournaments, and today was a day that I'm very proud of because I missed the ball in the correct spots."

Beginning on the back nine, Woods recovered from missing the opening fairway to post a two-putt par before draining a 20-footer at the par-four next.

Woods ended up behind a pretzel stand off the 12th tee but was able to get back into play and save par, with a

six-foot gain at the 13th briefly moving him tied for the lead.

The 14-time major champion rolled a five-footer home to avoid dropping a shot at the 14th, only to bogey the 16th after failing to get up-anddown from a greenside bunker.

Woods found the bunker with his approach into the par-five third and undercooked a chip out of the rough, before requiring two putts from inside five feet on his way to carding a double-bogey seven.

The 42-year-old bounced back immediately with a seven-foot gain at the fourth to get back to level par, with Woods delivering a string of pars to stay in touch with the early leaders.

Okocha Crowned ‘King of the Game’ Nigerian football legend, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, was officially crowned “king of the game” at the launch of BetKing, a premium sports betting platform, in Lagos, on Thursday.

Regarded as the greatest player of his generation and one of Africa’s best ever, the former Super Eagles captain was the star of the show as the much-anticipated BetKing platform made its entry into the Nigerian sports betting market.

“I’ve trained my whole life to be a winner and if I know two things it’s that to be the best takes passion and persistence.

Similarly, BetKing’s philosophy really speaks to me in that it believes that everyone, whatever their position, has a chance to become King of their own destiny,” said Jay-Jay who

himself has come a long way since he began playing football on the streets of Enugu with a makeshift ball.

BetKing has used their team’s combined experience of over 80 years in the Industry to develop and customise a state-of-the-art platform, offering world class odds and bonuses, almost instant payouts, and attractive agent commissions.

“We are committed to changing the face of the sports betting industry in Nigeria and will be continuously customising and developing new products with attractive innovative features, whilst maintaining our philosophy of putting our agents and online customers first,” said BetKing CEO Byron Petzer.

In celebrating their customers as Kings, BetKing plans also

include special promotions and “royal spotlights” on winners and top performing agents.

“BetKing will also focus on contributing to Nigerian society.

By creating over 4000 jobs in 12 months through its agency network across the country, BetKing will be offering all Nigerians the opportunities to become kingmakers!” added BetKing co-founder Adekunle Adeniji,” he said.

BetKing is currently licensed in Lagos and Anambra, Oyo and Osun states and will be commence a national expansion expand across Nigeria in coming months.

The sports betting platform will also offer customers the opportunity to bet on all major sporting events, including football, tennis, basketball, boxing, volleyball and more.

28 Players for 2019 Africa Lady Captain’s Inaugural U20 Nations Cup Qualifier Golf Tournament tee-off Head Coach of the U20 Boys’ National Team, Paul Aigbogun has called to camp 28 players as the seven –time African champions begin preparations for the qualifying series for 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Enyimba FC’s Ikouwem Udoh, who won the Young Player of the Year award at this week’s AITEO-NFF Football Awards, has been called alongside Super Eagles B team –mates Peter Eneji and Nur Muhammed, as well as Nasarawa United’s Douglas Achiv, Akwa United’s Adesina Gata and Kano Pillars’ fleet –footed midfielder

Alhassan Ibrahim.

Kano Pillars’ Nazifi Yahaya and MFM FC’s goalkeeper Ospino Egbe are also invited.

All invited players are to arrive at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja between February 25 and 26th with their international passports, birth certificates and training kits.

The 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations will be staged in Niger Republic.

Nigeria swept the African U20 titles in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015, and won silver medals at the FIFA U20 World Cup in 1989 and 2005, after finishing third in the old USSR in 1985.

The ancient city of Benin will be agog for another week of golfing action as the Benin Club Golf Section 2018 Lady Captain’s Inaugural Golf Tournament tee-off on Sunday.

The event is organised by the club in collaboration with the captain of the lady division is anticipated to attract about 100 men and ladies golfers to the famous Benin club golf course, Benin City.

Speaking on the tournament, the lady captain, Juliet Ugiagbe optimistic of large turnout of golfers from Ibori Country and Golf Club, Asaba, Sapele Club, University of Benin Teaching Hospital golf

club, Shell golf club, Ogunnu and many others noted that the tournament would leave up to the golfers expectation.

Also, the lady captain, wife of the former president of Benin Club stated that invitations have been sent across to various golf clubs in the South-South and beyond to turn out in large numbers. The course is in order and we are waiting for the ladies to come and prove themselves despite that it would be holding on Sunday.

She said “It will be quite reasonable and exciting since golfers from Benin and others are coming from neighbouring states."

Captain Okunbo Pro-Am Invitation Golf Tournament Ends It was celebration galore at the Benin Club Golf Course, Benin City, Edo State as the Captain Hosa Okunbo at 60 Pro-Am Invitation Golf Tournament came to an exciting end with encomiums showered on the celebrants at the party that lasted till early morning of Sunday.

The presentation ceremony of the week-long golf tournament that attracted about 300 professional and amateur golfers across the country was adjudged the best in the history of the club however amazed the celebrant, Captain Okunbo who witnessed large turnout of guests at the party arena put together by Kingsley Ehi Okunbo and other organising committee members.

Among the guests at the prize presentation ceremony were Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, members of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners and other cabinet members.

At the presentation ceremony, Obaseki, handicap 18 exhibited his golfing skill in spite of his tight schedule of governance emerged champion in the special guests category with a net score of 73 while Dan Mayuku and Sylva Umole placed second and third respectively just as the deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu settled for a distant fourth place behind his boss.

Similarly, Aghedo who emerged the overall winner of the event with a net score for 73 in the amateur category was applauded for his performance while Benin-based Chukwudi Okoro won the professional cadre ahead of the duo of Sunday Oladipo and Ramsy Izuku who placed second and third respectively just as N5 million cheque was presented to the Professional Golfers Association which was to be shared among the over 90 professional golfers that took part at the event as their prize money.

Also, in the Benin Club Golf Section men handicap 0-17 men’s category, Osaze Iyare with handicap six played 76 net to win the event ahead of Benedict Oghuma and Dr Ighodaro Emmanuel placed first and second runner-up respectively while Professor Waziri Erameh won the best gross award.

Curtain Falls on NOGIG 2018 All roads lead to the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos for the finals of the 17th Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games coming up today.

The games which began with the preliminaries of the football event in February will be declared closed by the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Maikanti Baru while the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Akinbode will be special guest of honour at the ceremony.

The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung is also expected. Top executives of the participating companies, top government officials and dignitaries from the sports fraternity will also grace the event, touted as one of the most competitive in recent times.

Tournament's favourite Vincent Kiehi of Total proved book makers right when he had an easy victory over Obinna Iiloeje of NNPC in the finals of the men' s singles tennis event at the 2018 Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games decided yesterday at the tennis court of Ikoyi Club 1938.

The champion who has been consistent since the commencement of the tournament was too experienced for his opponent as he used a combination of good serves and powerful rebounds which forced him to make some loose shots and couple of errors that led to his retirement on account of injury after the first set had ended 5-2.

In the women single' s event,Anusionwu Ogechi of NNPC defeated Chizoba Onuoha of Shell 6-4, 6-4 to be crowned champion just as she combined with her colleague, Okwukogu Mercedes to defeat Areje Adegoke and Chizoba Onuoha of Shell 4-0, 2-4, 10/8 in the women doubles.

The duo of Nelson Adoki and John John of Chevron won the men's doubles by beating Obinna Iloeje and William Ibiba 4/1,4/2 Meanwhile in the table tennis men's singles final, 2014 winner Joseph Adebsyor of NCDMB overpowered Surajudeen Keye of NNPC 11-8, 11-7, 10-12, 11-7 to emerge champion.

Adebayor who also doubles as chairman of the publicity committee of the games, told our correspondent that it was wonderful wining the title and announced that he was dedicating it to his executive secretary.

The women's single title was won by Blessing Brown of Exxon Mobil who recorded a 3-0 victory over Boma Epelle of NAOC.

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

CUTLERY AND ROSES with Vanessa Obioha vaysylver@gmail.com

New Chef, New Flavour for Love Birds

S

ince Chef Emmanuel Ezeonye joined the Xovar Lounge family, he’s been up to his neck with work in the kitchen, thinking of new flavours that will suit the palates of the lounge’s diverse customers.

Culinary business is not entirely a new field to him. He’s been in it for 12 years, serving in different capacities in most prominent hotels in Lagos such as the Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi. But it was in Bellissimo Hotel, Lekki that he honed his skills. Over there, he discovered his ability to create unique meals that satisfy the peculiar demand of his guests. This was one of the reasons Dayo

Spices LegendExtraStoutTakes TheRealDealToBigBrother NaijaHouse

Saturday night parties at the ongoing Big Brother Naija will never be the same as Legend Extra Stout will bring the real deal to the 20 housemates. The brand is the sole sponsor of the Saturday night parties, a segment which remains wildly popular with both viewers and housemates, and features some of the best DJs in Africa. With the brand’s continued involvement with BBNaija, Legend further strengthens its connection with loyal customers, while winning the hearts of the urban youth population in Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking on the sponsorship deal, Brand Manager, Stout, Nigeria Breweries Plc., Oluseun Lawal said: “For the Legend Extra Stout brand, last year’s Big Brother Naija “See Gobbe” was quite rewarding. It was a delightful experience for both viewers at home and all the housemates. This year 2018, we are eagerly looking forward to an even more exciting season for our customers with our sponsorship of the ‘Double Wahala’ edition.

“Our goal is to always outdo past performances, and this is guaranteed in the new season of BBNaija. We will be giving out surprise gift packages to viewers who follow the show. There is also the Saturday night entertainment that doesn’t just serve contestants, but also millions of fans watching from their homes. We also plan to host evicted housemates at our Lagos headquarters upon their arrival, and treat them to a proper Legend reception.”

Sanni, the General Manager of Xovar picked him for the job. Both had a working past at Wheatbaker Hotel. Sanni recalled how guests demand that Chef Ezeonye prepare specific meals.

“He is one of the chefs that stood out. He is not rigid, very flexible.”

At Xovar, both men are dedicated to transforming the cuisine.

“The whole idea is to make our menu as flexible as possible at the same time give our customers authentic meals. We don’t want to have a standard menu because the customer’s satisfaction is paramount to us. If a customer doesn’t want a particular ingredient in his or her meal, we will do as he or she pleases. We want to give them exactly what they want. At Xovar, once you are not happy with the food, you don’t pay for it,” said Sanni.

Opened in 2012, Xovar Lounge is known for its spacious ground which makes it a prime venue for weddings and other social events. Located at Sabitex Road, Lekki, opposite House on the Rock Church, the lounge has a decked seating area and an outdoor bar.

The indoor bar has a well-stocked bar which parades different brands of drinks. From Vodka to cocktail, there is always something to sip at the bar.

It is also home to most celebrity events.

For instance in 2014, the lounge was the preferred choice of a wedding reception for celebrity jazz musician Yomi Sax. Its colours black and red give the place a very classy and intimate atmosphere. Adding to its colourful mood are waitresses who are called bunnies.

Dressed in plaid shirts and leggings/trousers that expose their midriff, they dutifully and cheerfully attend to customers. Weekends are usually busy periods at Xovar. With live band and comedy performances mostly on Fridays, the lounge is the ideal place for weekend hangouts in Lekki environs.

Beyond the ambiance, Xovar is famous for its cuisine. It is known for its fusion of meals which consists of African and continental meals. However, Chef Ezeonye had something better in mind.

“Xovar is a place where people will want to visit after work to unwind and share a drink.

With the array of alcoholic drinks we have on display, most of our customers want spicy meals, which is why I came up with this new menu.”

The menu boasts of more than five different meals, each prepared with clinical precision.

For example, the spicy gizzard served with spicy tomato sauce builds up a good amount

of heat. The fusion of white, red, black and green pepper mixed in oyster sauce gives this meal a depth of savoury flavours. To quench the fiery flavours, a good white beer like Heineken will be the ideal drink. Chef Ezeonye added a touch of creativity to this course with green pea puree beautifully drawn on the side.

For those with less tolerance for spicy food, the chicken wings sauce is the best option. It is piquant. The chicken is well grilled and not too greasy. However, you may want to ask the chef to add more flavour to your chicken as the insides is a little bit bland.

Besides creating spicy meals, Chef Ezeonye also brought back the classic dishes. You may want to try the Greek salad, which is almost 100 per cent traditional. Sparkling with slices of onions, cucumber, olives, the little diference between the chef’s creation and the original recipe is the addition of lettuce and the feta cheese is cut into cubes. Greeks do not add lettuce to this salad and the feta cheese is sliced. However, different cuisines gave room for variations. America and some parts of Europe add lettuce and cut the feta cheese in small cubes.

You may also want to try the club sandwich

which comes with fries and slices of cucumber. Sanni is particularly proud of this sandwich.

“It is the best you can find anywhere. If you eat our sandwich, you can be assured that it is international standard.”

The club sandwich comes in a skewer and is stuffed with ham, egg, cheese, bacon and vegetables. Other new and interesting meals include peppered fish with yam fries and chicken drummies with yam fries.

My best however is the crumbed chicken served with Thousand Island dressing.

Made with bread crumbs, the chicken wing is very crusty outside but inside is an explosion of different flavours. The taste is more heavenly when dipped into the sweet Thousand Island dressing.

Appetiser Location: Ikate-Elegushi Estate, 19B Sabitex Hotel Road, Lekki Penninsula II, Lekki.

Ambiance: Lively and classy Menu: African and continental dishes Owner: Olumide Mabawonku

35

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 24, 2018

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

State Police: The Relief, the Fears

F

inally, it appears we are nearer the port of state police. Former Lagos State governor, and now chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was one of the earliest proponents of state police. But neither then President Olusegun Obasanjo, nor many state governors or even National Assembly members would hear of it. Hard as he pushed, the idea of state police kept hitting the brick wall.

Many had argued that we are not matured enough as a people for state police. Others had argued that it would, if approved, become a battle axe in the hands of state governors, with which they will hack down their political opponents. I had almost fallen for this argument myself.

But last week, the highest endorsement for state police came from the number two citizen of the country, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. This is hardly surprising. He had prepared the framework of the advocacy for Tinubu in his governorship days.

So endorsing and mounting a campaign for state police now looks like a relaunch of what began since Year 2000.

The penultimate Thursday, Professor Osinbajo reinforced the argument for state police during Bishop Matthew Kukah’s inaugural lecture in Abuja where he made a case for stronger institutions to aid security and justice.

His arguments are quite quaint, I must admit.

How can a state governor, supposedly referred to as the Chief Security Officer of a state, not be in control of any lever of security apparatchik? With what and how can he effectively serve as the Chief Security Officer in practical terms?

What probably accentuated the call for the state police is the helplessness of Gov Samuel Ortom of Benue State who could only whine and weep over the killing of his people in his state

by Fulani Herdsmen. He had nothing to counter the attack of the Fulani herdsmen, given that the federal police and federal security bodies practically abandoned him to his fate.

It is also instructive that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has also endorsed the call for state police. Many of the state

Osinbajo governors have been at the mercy of the ineffective federal police to sufficiently protect their people and their properties.

The next hurdle to cross in the pursuit of State police will be the national assembly, many of whose members are also inclined to the idea of state police.

I believe that many of the security challenges faced across the country will be contained with the coming of state police.

Yes, some queer governors could abuse the privilege of the state police to muscle out their opponents. Those who believe

the policy is prone to abuse easily point to what happens during Local Government elections usually organized by the state electoral commission, wherein the party of the sitting governor usually clears all the seats.

A foretaste of what the state police could be used to do is demonstrated early this week when Gov Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State rolled out the bulldozers to pull down the house of a sitting senator, an opponent (within the same party), claiming that the owner of the house has failed to pay ground rent since 2010, as if pulling down a defaulting house is the punishment recommended by law.

That makes it imperative that the legislations that should back state police must contain enough checks to forestall its abuse. But that will not be the only worry. The issue of finance is key. Yes, the state police structure will suck off quite a number from the labour market, but the corollary of that breather, will be how to sustain it. How will the states access arms?

How will they be able to fund the security architecture in their states? These are the same governments who are gasping over the payment of regular civil servants. So, to be further cumbered by paying state police will be like stretching the expectations too far.

Will the paucity of funds not worsen the corruption associated with the police institution? Surely the choke will be strangulating. What about the issues of managing the plethora of arms that will flood the country?

With the avalanche of small arms literally floating on the Nigerian space, threatening lives and properties, what arms Armageddon will come with all 36 states running their own police structures? This is an issue!

Worse still, will be the operational synergy between the federal and state police. No doubt, there will be major constitutional rework to accommodate the idea of state police. But its effectiveness and essence will largely depend on the discipline and ethos that will be attached to it.

All things considered, it will be a step towards strengthening our claim to being a federation.

N36million: Snake Tales from JAMB Office

N

Ishaq Oloyede (JAMB Registrar)

ot until Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB) appeared on NTA news hour the penultimate Tuesday, did I take the story of snake swallowing N36 million seriously. Until then, I had dismissed the story as bizarre and a silly creation of the notorious social media jingoists.

But the professor confirmed that the story is true, although added that it was an event that took place sometime in 2015 or so, before he resumed as the registrar.

He was rather angry that Nigerians were making a joke of the mystery, seeming to say that the issue is much more serious than the one that elicits all the jokes he has seen on the social media. I suspect that the Professor’s anger is misdirected. He should be a lot angrier with a staff of the Board, one Ms Philomena Chieshe, a sales clerk, who claimed that a certain spiritual(?) snake swallowed N36 million from the JAMB office, being

money realized from the sales of scratch cards at the Makurdi centre of the Board. Pray, what kind of cock-and-bull story is that? Such a lousy lie!

Gosh! What won’t we hear in this country!

To know that all these happened under the philistinic years of former President Goodluck Jonathan! How can nake swallow money? Is cash one of the likely preys of snakes? Where did that snake come from? How big is the snake that can swallow bundles and bundles of bound cash? How and where was the cash kept? Little wonder the TSA became imperative under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration!

It is even more bizarre that all these happened more than two years ago, and Nigerians did not hear of it. How can such a person yet be in office? Hey, what does the lady mean by “spiritual snake”? What Bunkum it that? Spiritual snake from where? Why was the spiritual or physical snake not caught and disbowelled so as to retrieve our commonwealth?

It’s such a silly crap!

The female clerk is, for all intents and purposes, using snake as a metaphor for fraud.

How many people are rotting away in jail for

stealing goats and chickens or telephone handsets worth N5,000? But here we are seemingly pampering a fellow who did not know the boundary between her private purse and government vault, and decides to bamboozle the entire nation with laughable tales that only make us a laughing stock in the eyes of the civilized world. Snake my foot!

But if we thought it was a malaise of the past, the developments early this week in the Senate showed that it is an affliction that seems to have come to stay. Or how can we explain Senator Shehu Sanni’s allegation that a certain monkey carted away N70 million from a senator’s farmhouse, leading to the removal of Senator Abdullahi Adamu as the chairman of northern Senators’ caucus. The money was said to have belonged to the caucus. How and why a farmhouse became the secured vault to keep such an amount is as befuddling as the attraction N70 million would have for a monkey, especially as the bag containing the money was not laced with banana. With these and many more bizarre tales, I think Transparency International (TI) is yet so kind in its rating of our corruption credentials.

Gov Yahaya Bello and the Missed Lessons

I

have watched and listened to the acts and utterances of Mr Yahaya Bello, the executive governor of Kogi State since he was sworn in about two years ago as the fourth governor of the state. No doubt, at 42, he is among the youngest of the sitting governors. But at 42 plus, Yahaya Bello cannot be taken as a high-school delinquent anymore, especially as the responsibility of his office reposes greater sense of self-worth on him.

Unfortunately, that is not what we have seen with this 4th governor of the Confluence State.

He obviously missed some lessons on public propriety. It appears that he has a special skill in speaking before thinking and not the other way round.

He has been misfiring. And one is tempted to think that he does not have the requisite maturity to manage the office which fate has thrust on his laps. Yahaya Bello must not forget what

late Chinua Achebe wrote in his book, Things Fall Apart that, “those whose palm kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble”. Bello need not be reminded that he became a fortuitous governor by reason of allocation of votes earlier garnered by the late Abubakar Audu. He cannot and should not forget this But beside that, a younger governor (Saminu Turaki of Jigawa at 38) had carried himself with greater dignity and executive reticence. Yahaya Bello’s candour and carriage can therefore not weaken the campaign for a younger generation taking charge of our governance across the various strata of governance.

Perhaps, Gov Bello is too enthusiastic in wanting to please President Muhammadu Buhari. So he says and does any and everything that will make Aso Rock to smile at him, even if it irks his people sore.

It is not surprising that Gov Bello was among the seven governors who openly endorsed Buhari for second term a day after 73 persons were buried in his neighbouring state of Benue.

He had earlier boasted that the votes for Buhari in Kogi State will be far more than the votes for Buhari in his native Katsina State.

While Kogi State has 61,075 registered voters, Katsina has 118,525 registered voters, according to INEC records. So, how will Bello garner more votes from Kogi for Buhari than Buhari’s own native state of Katsina?

In pursuit of being the good boy of the oligarchy, Gov Bello was among the first state governors to accept the controversial cattle colonies being proposed by the federal government. And this is without consultation with his people. It was simply an act of impulse, with one intent: please the ruling class.

And it doesn’t matter how bitter his people are with him.

Gov Yahaya Bello

36

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

FAIRGROUND

Timini, Craig, Smith Celebrate International FroYo Day at Sweet Kiwi

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

N

ational Froyo Day was celebrated recently at all Sweet Kiwi locations.

Ehime Eigbe Akindele, the founder of Sweet Kiwi Yoghurt used the day as an opportunity to celebrate seven years of her entrepreneurial journey and nurturing her brilliant idea of

a healthy treat.

The day started off on a very cheerful note with Starfield Montessori school, influencers and regular customers experiencing a whole new world at Sweet Kiwi as they tried new and superb flavours of FroYos for free. It was even a bigger and better experience for the guests, as they g were served by their celebrity crushes.

Taje Prest, Akin from Arcadia and Toyosi Ettim Effiong The influencers and celebrities themselves enjoyed creating their own mix and recipes, which will be available at all Sweet Kiwi locations for a month.

Timini named his own mix “Taste Timini”, Idia named hers Naughty.

Sweet Kiwi did not leave out the topnotch media houses and influencers that couldn’t make it down to any of the stores in Lagos, as special deliveries were made all around Lagos to platforms such as Belle Naija, Pulse Nigeria, Genevieve Magazine, Kamdora, Media Room Hub, Fomo Lagos, Diydose, Akin Faminu, Sisi Yemmie, and many more.

Guests in attendance included: Toyosi Etim Effiong, Stephanie Coker, Kehinde Smith, Taje Prest, Toju Foyeh, Nnenna Okoye, Timini Egbuson, Tiffany and Stephany (TWINS), Abimbola Craig, Afua Osei, Idia Aisien, Tosin Etim Effiong and so many others. Timini and Ehime

Abimbola Craig and Nowe Isibor

Shopper’s Paradise: S’ Africa’s Top Shopping Experiences

S

outh Africa has become one of the mostvisiteddestinationsinAfricawith millions of visitors annually. There is simply no way to tour South Africa and not be awestruck by its scenic beauty, epic history and culinary variety.

The country is filled with endless possibilities, exotic sites and wondrous establishments; both natural and man-made. There are numerous fun activities – beaches, theme parks, museums and, of course, they have some of the best malls.

Malls in South Africa are usually extremely large, they contain a variety of stores, restaurants and other business establishments, which provide the best shopping experience, perfect environment for social gatherings, great performances and promotions.

From city to city, you will not be disappointed as there are awesome places in the malls to chill, relax and hang out with your spouse, eat, shop: the sky is the limit. It’s a whole new world of shopping!

Surround yourself with an atmosphere of beauty and wonder as you explore the best malls in South Africa with us.

Take a Diamond walk - Sandton City Mall Johannesburg.

Would you like to take a walk on the most treasured paths in one of Africa’s most cherished and most renowned strip malls; Sandton City? A sparkly walk would not hurt, be the “well-heeled” couple parading the newly tiled corridor of Sandton City as you get to see some of the world’s most exclusive fashion brands.

Sandton City is situated in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. It invites more than 400 global and neighborhood design brands. The atmosphere at Sandton City is cosmopolitan and sophisticated.

You will locate the absolute best of South Africa as it brings to the table - its extensive variety of shops and showrooms, exemplary, contemporary things running from engineering and eating to retail outlets and originators.

This mall is home to many restaurants, including some of the top dining establishments in the city. Do not miss the latest and hottest dining and drinking spotsinJohannesburgontheSandtonSun’ssixthfloor, which includes a cheese room, interactive kitchen, wine bar and drinking deck with a view over the city. Access is through the hotel or shopping centre.

Just a stone’s throw away from the mall there is also the Liberty Life Theatre on Nelson Mandela Square, which is is a 200-seater theatre that produces and shows an array of outstanding productions, library, restaurants, bars and cinemas. Without a shadow of a doubt, couples would prefer not to pass up a major opportunity as this.

Trading hours at usually from Mondays to Saturdays (Time: 09:00 – 20:00) and Sundays & Public Holidays (Time: 09h00 – 18h00).

See Madiba - Nelson Mandela Square Sandton, Johannesburg

Nigerian celebrities (R-L) Chioma, Emmanuel Ikubese, Arese Ugwu, Bolanle Olukanni, Jackie Appiah, Kelechi Amadi-obi at the Gateway Mall- Durban, South Africa Create beautiful memories at elegant picture zones and have fun while you shop at Nelson Mandela Square, named after one of the world’s most famous legend’s Nelson Mandela. This spot is a popular tourist destination as well as a shopping haven. The Square has stood out as truly newsworthy, and it is great for photos. It has walkway bistros, fine feasting and over 93 selective shops.

Another stunning element to keep an eye out for is the tremendous bronze statue of Nelson Mandela. It isbelievedthatthisstaturewatchesoverall,especially couples in love. The six-meter bronze statue was etched by Kobus Hattingh and Jacob Maponyane and weighs more than 2.5 tons measuring 2.3 meters from elbow to elbow. The shoulders of the statue are 1.7 meters in width and the shoes are 1-meter long.

For a shopping delight, add some fine dining to your experience with any of the world class eateries or you can make the day out interactive by adding, an excursion to Nelson Mandela Square where you will learn more about the legend, this is a flat out must. This is “home-from-home” environment for the couples, business travelers or for families.

Trading hours at Nelson Mandela Square are usually from Mondays to Saturdays (Time: 09:00 – 20:00) and Sundays & Public Holidays (Time: 09h00 – 18h00).

Explore a naturistic stylish theme - The Mall of Africa - Gauteng Johannesburg As you take an observant walk through the Mall ofAfrica, you get to feel the natural rays of light and watch the beautiful sky right there in the mall as you shop indoors. This mall is tailored to fit your convenience with a stylistic theme that enhances the shopping experience.

The Mall of Africa, located in Gauteng, Johannesburg, is an ideal shopping center for love birds.

The mall design was inspired byAfrica’s geological features, as evident by its courts. The Crystal Court is located in the Northern Section of the mall, represent-

ing Southern Africa’s mineral wealth with sharp geometric patterns. The Great Lakes Court is located the Eastern Section of the mall, representing the Great Lakes mostly of EastAfrica and has calm and gentle materials. The Desert Court is located in the Southern Section of the mall, representing the Sahara Desert of North Africa and has calm motifs used in traditionalBerbercarpets.TheOleumCourtislocated in the Western Section of the mall, representing West Africa’s Oil wealth. The Forest Walk Court is in the center of the shopping mall, representing Central Africa and its rain forests. There is something to suit every taste even architecture wise. It is situated in

Waterfall City, Midrand, Gauteng. The aggregate retail region is 131 000 square meters, and a gross range of 550 000 square meters. This vast space can accommodate 65,000 cars specifically designed to accommodate, provide space, freedom as well as wonderful scenery for couples.

Themallhasover300stores,awhopping40elevators and its stylistic theme takes its motivation from the backwoods,extraordinarylakes,andtheoil,exchange, sand and mineral riches.

Variety is the spice of life - Menyln park – Pretoria The second largest mall in Africa, located in Tshwane Capital of SA (formerly known as Pretoria).

The special thing about Menlyn is that it caters to newlyweds beautifully.

ThereisanabundantofweddingvenuesinMenlyn, andofcoursewhatgoeswellwithromance,weddings and all that great stuff? Shopping!!

The amusement does not stop there, you also get to be involved in the history of South Africa by visiting its first event boutique called, Gift Shack and finally for the love of chocolate, don’t forget to stop by the Lindt Chocolate Boutique before heading home! If you’re feeling generous enough, bring treats back home for loved ones.

TradinghoursatusuallyfromMondaystoSaturdays (Time: 09:00 – 20:00) and Sundays & Public Holidays (Time: 09h00 – 18h00).

Pocket friendly market - Gateway Mall - Durban Gateway also known as the Theater of Shopping is viewedasthebiggestmallintheSouthernHemisphere located on Umhlanga Ridge in Umhlanga, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

WAPTV Announces Audition For TV Presenters

C

reative young people, both experienced and novice, across Nigeria have a chance to pursue a fulfilling career and nationwide fame as WapTV has announced an opportunity for them to join the popular Family Entertainment TV Channel as Presenters.

According to the Managing Director of wapTV, WoleAdenuga, “wapTV has won several awards as a top entertainment satellite TV channel in Nigeria and as we expand, we need more TV Presenters to join the team. We are looking for males and females between the ages of 21 and 30 who are lively, fluent in Pidgin English and creative. We equally need to emphasise that the audition is completely free so aspirants don’t get scammed by fraudulent individuals.”

The audition takes place on Saturday, 24th February 2018 by 10am, at PEFTI Film Institute located at 5 Joy Avenue, off Osolo Way, Ajao Estate, off Airport Road, Isolo Lagos.

Wale Adenuga Jnr, Managing Director

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍźËœ ͺ͸͚͜

37

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

TRAVEL&LEISURE

Virtual Reality in Nigerian Tourism ÓÞÒ Ă“ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă– Ă?ËÖÓÞã Ě™ ĚšËœ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹ĂžĂžĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ–ĂŽË› Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă˜Ă?Ă‹ĂœĚ‹ Ă—Ă‹Ă‘Ă“Ă?Ë› Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂšĂ&#x;Ăž ÞÒĂ?Ă— Ă™Ă˜ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? ÑÙÑÑÖĂ?Ă?Ëž ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?âÞ ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă? ÞÒËÞ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x; ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂŒĂ?Ă‹Ă&#x;ÞÓĂ?Ă&#x;Ă– Ă‹ĂžĂžĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë› Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă? åÒËÞˣ Þ˪Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Íť Ë Omolola Itayemi ĂĄĂœĂ“ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă“ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă– Ă?ËÖÓÞã Ě™ Ěš Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ÞÙĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă—

W

hile virtual tourism won’t fully replace inperson visits any time soon, it sure will add value to destinations especially when security and infrastructure can be a snag. Little wonder, stakeholders of the tourism industry and tourism enthusiasts could not hide their excitement at the recent launch of virtual tourism in Lagos, Nigeria.

No more dreams of what destinations in Nigeria look like, we all know there’s a limit to what those glossy pictures and videos can give us but if the experience of being there is part of an attraction, VR is best at conveying that, much better than still photos or promotional videos. And the experience can be enhanced even further by adding voiceovers, soundtracks, motion transitions and other rich media features.

Ironically, even when VR is so good and we fear viewers may no longer feel the need to visit in person, it has been ascertained that it only serves to whet the appetite more, attracting more customers.

On 15th of February, 2018, Virtual Tourism was launched in Lagos by Steve Ayorinde, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture. Other dignitaries include Annette Ibe, Regional director, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) representing DG, NTDC; Ogun State Commissioner of Culture & Tourism, Muyiwa Oladapo; Prince Yemisi Shyllon, special adviser to Lagos state Governor; Otunba Ayo Olumoko, Vice President, South West, FTAN; Ngozi Ngoka, Vice President, south East, FTAN. They were not only present at this epic but they all pledged to support this movement to the best of their ability.

Ibe, one of the first speakers harped on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, thereby paying homage to TIDA’s innovative idea of virtual tourism. She explained how Tour Nigeria, an NTDC initiative that promotes domestic tourism in Nigeria, was paving the way for developing the tourism industry.

Events like this are usually the springboard of what to come in the industry, so it came as little or no surprise when Ayorinde mentioned that Lagos State would inaugurate its first Tourism calendar: “This is the first of its kind; the calendar will show plans, venues and dates of festivals, carnivals and conferences. It will also provide guides on how tourists, visitors and the public can enjoy such events.�

The commissioner said the idea behind the calendar was borne out of the need to encourage the development of tourism potential of the nation.

Oladipo, emphasised the need for the government to embrace tourism. If the tourism potentials were adequately harnessed, the revenue generation of the country would be drastically improved on, saying, the introduction of tourist visas to visitors, as done in countries like Kenya, Spain and India, would go a long way at creating employment opportunities, thereby improving the economy of the country. “Tourism will be the next best thing in Nigeria in 10 years to come and I am happy the organisers of TIDA have keyed into it. We have seen this and keyed into it with the ongoing revamp of key sites and also constantly improving on one of our key products; African Drum Festival holding in April in Abeokuta, Ogun. The drum is very essential in every stage of our lives, and at every occasion or festival the sound of the drum is heard and to celebrate this heritage, we came up with the Annual African Drum Festival in Ogun. I am using this opportunity to invite you all.�

Prince Yemisi Shyllon, an art curator and tourism expert said the need for tolerance and acceptance of our different cultures would further enhance tourism.

Dignataries at the event

The convener of the TIDA Conference and CEO of Skyview Communications, Femi Lawson, believes that Nigeria’s tourist sites have been under-served for decades and that the time is ripe for the country to take its rightful place in the committee of tourism-heavy nations. “TIDA intends to bring stakeholders, young entrepreneurs and representatives of government together to discuss the opportunities that exist in the Nigerian tourism industry and how we can take advantage of it to transform the economy of the country and its negative image. Virtual Tourism is a product, a recording of all Nigerian tourist destinations in a video on VR. It means that when we attend exhibitions outside the country, if a prospective tourist can share where s/he wishes to go in Nigeria, I can give him/her a VR to watch and experience Nigeria. What that will do is to pique people’s interest so much that they want to come to Nigeria.�

So much was on the plate at the launch from introduction of tourism entrepreneur development academy (TEDC) to Tourism and Insurance to Tourist Loan Faculty with speakers giving robust points to boot.

Omooba Adekunle Adeyemo the Executive Assistant to the founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort presented the paper on behalf of Mr. Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, the Chairman of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, who said: “Nigeria is the greatest country in the world in terms of tourism with different types of tourism. We have religious tourism, cultural tourism, educational tourism, sport tourism, music tourism, agricultural tourism, and heritage tourism amongst others. The Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti is the only warm spring in the world. All the others are Geysers.

I am really excited about the launch of Virtual Tourism and a Tourism Academy in Nigeria.TIDA was organized by Skyview Communications in partnership with Fidol Trips & Travel Services, Travel Next Door, Avantgarde Tours and KALO Africa.

This shows how collaboration is one of the keys to helping the tourism industry in Nigeria grow. Research has shown that 20 percent of Nigerians have time and money to go on holidays/tours, 30 percent do not have time, but they have the funds, 50 percent have no funds and have no time. Now you see why Virtual Tourism couldn’t have come at a better time.

Using VR to watch and experience Nigerian tourism

Otunba Ayo Olumoko, Pioneer Marketer Culture Tourism and CEO Infogem Limited

Femi Lawson, Convener of the TIDA Conference

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž FEBRUARY 24, 2018

TEENS

CONNECT

Echoes of the Florida School Shooting By: Nkechi Ibeneme As the world celebrated and shared love gifts on February 14, being Valentine’s Day, a troubled teenager chose to ‘gift’ bullets to his former schoolmates. Armed with an AR -15 rifle, Nikolas Cruz, 19, stormed Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and opened fire on the students like a hunter on a mindless games hunt, killing 17 people – 14 teenagers and three adults, and injuring 15 others in the process.

Nikolas, a former student of the school expelled for some disciplinary reasons, arrived Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shortly before dismissal in an Uber taxi, and had told a freshman student who encountered him at the hallway while loading his assault rifle; “You’d better get out of here, things are gonna start getting messy.� And, things did ‘get messy’, as Nikolas thereafter launched one of the deadliest mass shooting on a school in U.S history. Bringing to 18, the number of school shootings in the U.S, this year alone! - according to ‘Everytown for Gun Safety’, a gun control pressure group.

Australia applied a stricter gun policy in 1996 and it paid off, after a 28-year-old man named Martin Bryant, armed with a semi-automatic

US school shooter, Nikolas Cruz, 19

rifle walked into a cafĂŠ in Port Arthur and opened fire, killing 35 people BOE XPVOEJOH PUIFST 5IF 1SJNF Minister at that time, John Howard,

knew he had to do something urgently to forestall a reoccurrence and ensure a safer Australia – for Australians and UPVSJTUT 5IBU EFDJTJPO XPVME MFBE UP

the drafting of the ‘National Firearms Agreements’ one month later, which banned ownership of automatic, semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, drastically; restricted legal ownership of firearms and instituted a compulsory buyback of all banned guns already in people’s possession, among other measures. In that single buyback exercise, Australia was able to mop up about 650, 000 guns nationwide thus, solving a major problem that almost engulfed them.

Should America toe the same path as Australia? Only time will tell.

One thing is sure; the recent killing at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has heightened the public outcry and demand for stricter gun control, even leading to street protests and re-election threats. Hopefully, this would end the long U.S. debate on gun rights which was re-sparked in December 2012, after a gunman opened fire on Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Newtown, Connecticut, killing 20 children, all under the age of TFWFO BMPOH XJUI TJY FNQMPZFFT 5IF liberal gun policy, which is backed by the second amendment of the American constitution, has put America in KFPQBSEZ GPS NBOZ ZFBST OPX 5IF Valentine’s Day massacre appears a turning point for stricter gun policies, safer schools and a safer U.S.

Timeline of Some of the School Attacks in Nigeria In 1999, a major cult-orchestrated school attack was carried out at Obafemi Awolowo University, in Ile Ife, Osun State which left five students dead and 11 others wounded.

In 2013, on September 29, gunmen believed to be Islamic extremists, got into the male dormitory of the College of Agriculture in Gujba, Yobe State, Nigeria around 1.am, while the boys were asleep and opened fire on them killing 44 students and teachers in that single attack.

What ranks as the deadliest

attack on a school in Nigeria’s history, happened on February 25, 2014, when Islamic terrorists stormed the Federal Government College in Bundi Yadi, Yobe State at midnight while the TUVEFOUT XFSF BTMFFQ 5IFZ UISFX explosives into the dormitories and as the students climbed out of the windows looking to escape, they were gunned down by the terrorists positioned outside, while some of the students had their throats slit and some others burnt to death. At the end of the attack, 59 boys were reportedly

killed and all 24 buildings within the school premises were burnt to the ground.

5IF JODFTTBOU BOE EFBEMZ OBUVSF of these attacks, forced schools in that QBSU PG UIF /PSUI UP TIVU EPXO 5IJT threw thousands of students out of school with little hope of returning.

Some of the schools.

A new twist was recorded in the series of school attacks in Nigeria when Boko Haram went to the Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, on the night of

April 14, 2014 and kidnapped 276 female students of the school, some of whom are yet to be seen.

5IF $IJCPL HJSMT LJEOBQ CFDBNF an object of international concern and elicited condemnation worldwide.

However, it seemed to have opened a new chapter as kidnapping has become a threat to many schools in the country.

5IF RVFTUJPO OPX JT JG "NFSJDB is looking to curb gun violence by restricting gun ownership, how do we intend to deal with our own albatross?

Ă“ĂšĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă?ÒÙÙÖ Ă˜Ă Ă“ĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžË?

Safety is the responsibility of everyone within the school environment. School administrators and students have roles to play in securing their safety. The National Association of School Psychologists spell out these roles in a hand book, “Responding to school violence: Tips r &OTVSF UIFSF JT MJNJUFE BDDFTT UP TDIPPM building, including a designated entrance with all other access points locked from the exterior. r $BNQVT NPOJUPST TIPVME QBUSPM UIF school parking lot noting people entering and leaving the campus.

in, and wear badges; and staff members are instructed to report unfamiliar people to school office. r 5IFTF TUSBUFHJFT BSF UP CF BVHNFOUFE CZ security systems (metal detectors, video monitoring, and exit door alarm systems).

r 4DIPPM SFTPVSDF PGĂ DFST PS TFDVrity guards should constantly patrol the campus.

Participation by students r 8F FODPVSBHF TUVEFOUT UP UBLF SFTQPOsibility for their part in maintaining safe school environments, including student QBSUJDJQBUJPO JO TBGFUZ QMBOOJOH 5IFZ better than adults, know the hidden or less trafficked areas of the school that are more likely to be dangerous.

r (VFTUT NVTU SFQPSU UP NBJO PGĂ DF TJHO

r )BWF JO QMBDF BOPOZNPVT SFQPSUJOH

r 4UBGG NFNCFST TIPVME DPOTUBOUMZ NPOJtor and supervise areas such as hallways, cafeterias, and playgrounds.

systems (student hot lines, “suggestion� boxes, “tell an adult� campaigns).

Safety tips on how to survive school shooting by Wiki How Wiki How offers the following tips in case your school (or church) is invaded: 1. Escape safely: *Run away whenever possible. Before running, ensure you are not running in the direction of the attacker. *Master the escape routes and determine the safest. *React immediately, don’t waste time. *Ignore your personal belongings – your life is more important. *Bring people with you – that way you save others and play the numbers game

against the shooter(s).

2. Hide and barricade yourself: If you sense that running is not safe, hide behind stacks of papers, desks or other stuffs that can prevent a bullet from getting through to you. But before hiding, lock and barricade the door, turn off the lights and arm yourself with any object or acidic liquid that can be used as a weapon should the attacker(s) enter the room where you are hiding.

Visit: www. wikihow.com/survive-aschool-or-workplace-shooting, to read more.

Every school and student should be safety conscious and try to device local measures that best suit their environment.

39

FEBRUARY 24, 2018 Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

We Mourn Them That unfortunate Florida incident sent shock waves throughout the whole world but for us in Nigeria, it was much more than that; it bore grim echoes of our own experiences

Salute to Peter Wang, 15

Alaina Petty, 14

Alyssa Alhade, 14

Carmen Schentrup, 16

Helena Ramsey, 17

Alex Schachter -14

This teen died for other teens. He was shot while holding the door for his classmates to escape. Had he fled immediately he got to the door, he probably- almost certainly, would be alive today.

He died, because he thought of others and cared for their safety- an attribute that featured resoundingly in the tributes by his friends and close relatives.

TEENS CONNECT salutes the sense of love and bravery exhibited by this young man even in the face of death. Thank you Peter Wang! May your soul and the souls of all the other victims, rest in perfect peace.

Cara Loughran, 14

Luke Hoyer, 15

Gina Montalto, 14

Aaron Feis, 37

Jaime Guttenberg, 14

Meadow Pollack, 18

Peter Wang, 15

Christopher Hixon, 49

Joaquin Oliver, 17

Martin Duque Anguiano, 14

Nicholas Dworet, 17

Scott Beigel - 35

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 17, 2018

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 24, 2018

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri #DapchiGirls: A Sense of Déjà vu

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hen the Chibok Girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014, the then opposition All Progressives Congress condemned the Jonathan administration most stridently for not swinging to action immediately and for keeping the public uninformed

about the saga.

Most vociferous and cantankerous was a man eponymously named Lai Mohammed, who was then the National Publicity Secretary of the APC. So you can imagine my surprise that a bunch of people who were so critical of others during their time of testing, have now shown the same traits they once criticized in others.

For instance, two full days after Boko Haram abducted almost a hundred girls from Government Girls Science and Technical School, Dapchi, Yobe State, on Monday the 19th of February, 2018, there was no word or communication from any level of the Nigerian government informing the public that such a thing had occurred or what was being done to rescue the girls.

It was only on Wednesday that Nigerians heard from President Muhammadu Buhari via Twitter. But of course, all he did was give his usual platitudes.

But even sadder still is the fact that this incident happened in Dapchi, in Yobe State on Monday, and the very next day, the President was on his merry way to Adamawa for a so-called anti-corruption summit!

Never mind that Transparency International just released its 2017 Corruption Perception Index and unsurprisingly revealed that Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari has fallen from the 136th position that former President Jonathan improved us to, to 148. We have gone 12 steps backwards, so what was the President going to celebrate in Adamawa? Failure?

But that is not even the worst. Even though the government had not even commented on the kidnap of the girls, the President’s spokesmen were on social media bragging about the ‘mammoth crowd’ that their boss pulled in Adamawa! Can you imagine?

What an insensitive Presidency! They see nothing wrong in celebrating an alleged ‘mammoth crowd’ that received Buhari in Adamawa a day after Boko Haram sacked the town of Dapchi and the whereabouts of its school girls are still uncertain!

Celebrating while Dapchi is mourning!

And to think that these are the people that hounded former President Jonathan over his handling of the Chibok Girls saga!

So many questions remain unanswered concerning this incident. After what had happened in Chibok, why were girls left unsecured at a boarding school in a state like Yobe that is vulnerable to Boko Haram?

The administration said Boko Haram had been defeated, so how does a defeated foe move from

It is all bringing back a sense of déjà vu. This was so preventable.

Under former President Jonathan, the Federal Government had advised the Governors of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states not to keep children in schools like Government Girls Science and Technical School, but to bus them to the state capitals where security forces were better able to protect them. It happened with the Chibok girls, it did not have to happen again!

Buhari

Buratai, Chief Army Staff

one state to another state to carry out such a daring raid?

And for good measure, what is the state of security in the North-east? Witnesses to the event said Boko Haram stormed Dapchi in nine vehicles loaded with terrorists in military uniforms. They described some of the vehicles as being fitted with Machine guns.

I have been to Yobe and criss-crossed the state.

It is not possible to get from Sambisa to Dapchi without going through the Maiduguri-Bauchi road.

So how did the security forces miss these miscreants?

It is all bringing back a sense of déjà vu. This was so preventable. Under former President Jonathan, the Federal Government had advised the Governors of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states not to keep children in schools like Government Girls Science and Technical School, but to bus them to the state capitals where security forces were better able to protect them.

It happened with the Chibok girls, it did not have to happen again!

And President Buhari ought to be more sensitive in his utterances and behaviour when incidences like these occur. Why should he be traveling all around the country for the benefit of his second term when the nation is falling apart around him?

Herdsmen killed 73 people in Benue and President Buhari travelled to Kaduna and Nasarawa instead.

Bandits killed 41 souls in Zamfara and Buhari travelled to Katsina the next day to pose for pictures with APC Governors.

Boko Haram attacked Dapchi in Yobe and abducted almost a hundred girls and Buhari travelled to Adamawa the next day where the Presidency was boasting about ‘mammoth crowds’!

Isn’t this proof Nigeria is on autopilot?

And the insecurity is spreading! The Emir of Zurmi in Zamfara said 600 terrorists came in 200 bicycles to invade Zurmi. That only 41 people died was due to their vigilante, not the security services.

How can 600 men move like that without government knowing? A mini army. Yet Buhari says he is strong on security? Strong my foot!

How can a state be under attack and the men who should lead Nigeria were in Katsina taking photos?

As they posed, Nigerians in Zamfara were mourning their husbands, wives, parents and children after armed men stormed Zurmi and killed 36 people.

They are taking pictures while Nigeria burns!

So bad was the situation in Zamfara that Abdulaziz Yari, previously a Buhari loyalist, was forced to lament as follows: “I feel let down facing the people of this state whenever I remember the promise I made to them

that when they elect President Muhammadu Buhari into power, these killings will end. But unfortunately, things are now getting worse.”

This is beyond being a PDP or APC loyalist.

Death is no respecter of party affiliation.

President Buhari must secure Nigeria as he promised or give way to someone who can.

But beyond that, the President must face the reality that Boko Haram have not been defeated. He is still living in denial and his denial is costing lives.

The Boko Haram that both President Buhari and Buratai claim have been ‘defeated’ have carried out two of their most daring raids ever this week. As I have said before, when Nigeria has truly defeated Boko Haram we will know. These announcements of their ‘defeat’ only ridicule Buhari!

Under President Buhari, Nigeria has defeated Boko Haram many times. In fact we keep defeating them so much that the President requested for an additional $1 billion from the National Assembly to defeat them some more. Iraq that defeated ISIS only once should come learn from us.

And as it stands, I think the President should stop the military from releasing so-called ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members. How can we be releasing these terrorists when their colleagues are still abducting schoolgirls? It beggars belief! How do we know that some of the hundreds of previously released terrorists were not part of the Dapchi schoolgirls’ abduction?

Another batch of 475 Boko Haram members are to be released this week according to reports from the military. In fact, the Federal Government will even spend scarce taxpayer’s funds to ‘rehabilitate’ them!

These are hardened killers being released while petty thieves and other non-violent offenders are left in prison! How many repentant IPOB members have been released?

And let me end by saying that it is unbelievable that President Buhari has not sacked the Minister of Defence who publicly justified killings by Fulani Herdsmen! In fact, it makes one begin to wonder if there is collusion. A serous government ought to have sacked Mansur-Ali! He is too biased for that job!

Reno’s Nuggets: Dear men, stop dreaming about your dream woman and start planning for your dream business.

Once the business brings you success, it is women that will be dreaming of you not you of them. And note that putting some distance between yourself and slay queens has a healthy effect on your account balance. Slay queens live by the creed of no romance without finance. You need a lady whose love is not commercialized #RenosNuggets

FEBRUARY 24, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

Shaviy New Collection

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž FEBRUARY 24, 2018

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba aazuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com zukaa.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Shaviy new Collection

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h haviy is a new activewear urban African cculture brand made for men and nd women who want to look and feelAfrican, w can, eeven when in athleisure gear. The he brand has an ultimate focus of b pushing Africa - with African p an prints in the de p detailing of each design - from the he sweat shirts, to the detailing on the sweat pants. nts.

These camp campaign p images showcase the look and the feel of the brand in the hope that they hey y willl connect with Africans at home and abroad.

Cred Credits Brand : @shaviyclothing Bra Models : Mo Make Up : @francesigweonu , @ife_akin of @bethMa modelafrica m Photographer : @mr_laah Creative Direct Direction tion : @thestyle.concierge @theestyle.concierge

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

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

L-R: Shell’s Vice President, Nigeria and Gabon, Peter Costello and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Osagie Okunbor, both receiving the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, at Shell exhibition stand during the opening session of the 2018 Nigeria International Petroleum Summit in Abuja...recently

Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Union Bank, Adekunle Sonola; Executive Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu; Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank, Emeka Emuwa and Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi during the Bank’s courtesy visit to the Ondo State Government recently

Why BlackBerry Phone is Losing out in Nigeria, Africa Some years back, Canadian multinational company, BlackBerry Limited, held sway in Nigeria and Africa with its range of mobile devices.

The phone brand used to be a status symbol, often used as the unofficial benchmark for standard of living in Nigeria.

The BlackBerry Messenger, BBM feature in particular drove sales for the brand which in no time became a household brand and improved from time to time with new and advanced features.

However, for sometime now, not much has been said or heard of the brand most especially in Nigeria, apart from the fact that it no longer moves the market.

Rosemary’s Hosts Partners, Holds Fusion Showcase As a way of strengthening relationship with consumers and partners, award-winning interior design company, Rosemary’s, is hosting its customers and partners in a fusion showcase in Abuja.

The event which started yesterday and is expected to wrap up today also saw the firm unveil new interior designs to the public and as well, celebrate the colour of the year which is ultra violet.

Speaking about the programme, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem, reiterated that the initiative was part of the company’s strategy to bond with its customers most especially those resident in Abuja.

Ezinne clarified that the Ultra violet colour was a dramatically provocative and thoughtful shade of purple which inspires creativity and invites operators to think outside the box.

“The characteristics of Ultra Violet, the colour of the year, further reinforce the five elements of our core values at Rosemary’s: creativity, accountability, newness, drive and openness.

They communicate originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us towards the future, which gives an assurance of hope. All of these and more will be on display through our items and hospitality,” she said.

Also speaking, Operations Manager of the company in Abuja, Doosuur Okorie, said: “We are happy to host the first-ever Fusion Showcase in the Abuja outlet. Being the latest Rosemary’s community, it is a privilege for us and we look forward to receiving our clientele with the true essence of Rosemary’s and the values of Ultra Violet as the event continues today. Yesterday was awesome, today promises to be more flexible to accommodate the busy and diverse schedules of our customers, from corporates, hotels to individuals and families.”

A passion-driven lifestyle company specialising in soft furnishing and interior design for homes, hotels and offices from African perspective, the firm was established in 2003 and presently runs three showrooms in Nigeria.

Confirming this position, Wikipedia submitted that “BlackBerry was considered one of the most prominent smartphone vendors in the world, specialising in secure communications and mobile productivity.

At its peak in September 2013, there were 85 million BlackBerry subscribers worldwide.

“However, BlackBerry has since lost its dominant position in the market due to the success of the Android and iOS platforms; the same numbers had fallen to 23 million in March 2016”.

Another report from ‘The Telegraph’ argued that Blackberry which was once the world’s leading smartphone company now

accounts for just three per cent of mobile phone sales worldwide while a combination of technical issues, trademark disputes and management blunders have left the Canadian group reeling. Recall that in 2016, the company announced a formal end to its hardware business, which it said would be outsourced to partners; and thus focused on software development and services.

This decision saw the company exit the phone-making business after wooing consumers for 14 years and brought the new handler, TCL into the picture, who now carries the global right to BlackBerry’s phone brand.

Most people however, hinged the firm’s

present unattractive position on this decision, but reports confirmed that the company had been failing prior to this announcement, the more reason it decided to exit the line of hardware manufacturing.

For instance, in the second quarter of 2016, the firm is reported to have incurred a loss of $372m (£286m) compared to a profit of $51m in the same period in 2015.

Its sales declined further to $734m down from $1.1bn in the first six months of 2015.

A resource person very close to the company told Marketplace that BlackBerry as a software developing company was on the winning path as it continues to rise, beating analyst predictions.

Hope for Investors as DEAL Expo Takes Centre Stage

Lagos, GTbank Partner on E-Tax Payment

Operators in the Nigerian amusement and entertainment sector are in for a great time as the 2018 edition of the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure DEAL promises to be highly rewarding for all stakeholders.

The 23rd Edition of the event will hold at the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre between April 9 and 11 and would witness key players and visitors in the industry from the Middle East, African, Mediterranean, and Asian countries.

Speaking on the expo, organisers of the show, International Expo Consults, IEC, explained that the show aim to provide effective platform for stakeholders within the African region especially as recent developments within the continent have created the necessary demand for operators.

Chief Executive Officer of IEC, Mr. Sharif Rahman said: “Stakeholders in the industry including mall owners, retail operators, consultants and developers in Africa will sure reap immensely from the show. Each year, we see a large representation of African trade visitors who visit the show to understand the on-the-ground industry developments and also strike deals with operators from across the globe. DEAL has been shaping the industry for close to two and a half decades and has made significant inroads while also shaping several markets globally.

“Africa’s population is set to grow to 2.3 billion by 2050. In contrast to the rest of the world, however, its

The Lagos State Government has partnered Guaranty Trust Bank, GTB on electronic tax payment system to make tax remittance easier for people.

The campaign was kicked off by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at the Opebi branch of GTB in Lagos.

Speaking on the initiative, Ambode noted that the arrangement would ensure that residents and citizens of the state pay their taxes directly to the coffers of the State Government.

He said: “The process in the payment of taxes has been simplified for the residents and citizens of Lagos State who are the direct beneficiaries of the productive utilisation of taxes in the state. All the projects that have either been completed since the commencement of my administration or those that are underway have been done through taxes.

Lagosians would henceforth be able to pay their taxes through GTBank branches; the mobile payment and internet banking platforms.”

In his remark, Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje said that the latest development further boosted the cashless initiative.

“The e-tax payment campaign has shown the premium placed on electronic payment by the Lagos State Government and this would equally aid the financial inclusion programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Agbaje said.

He noted that the elimination of middlemen in the tax payment structure would reduce fraud in the system while government would be able to get immediate value for all tax remittance.

“We are willing to support the government in the collection of all the different taxes payable to the Lagos State,” he said.

The various forms of taxes and revenues that can be paid in the bank’s branches across the state include Pay as You Earn; Withholding Tax; Land use Charges; Direct Assessment; Development Levy & Business Premise.

Others are tax audit; stamp duties; land charges; consent fees; capital gains tax; survey fees; registration and conveyancing fees.

booming population is getting younger. African millennials are changing their consumer spending patterns, from markets to malls, where they can eat, socialise and get entertained at Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) apart from shopping. Also, there have been key amusement parks in Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia and South Africa which have attracted people around the African region and the concept is fast catching up within the other countries.”

He added: “The future looks promising for the African amusement and leisure sector which has reported a steady growth on the revenue front.

Africa has been growing in terms of tourism and infrastructure as well. Africa will see newer malls in the next couple of years and will be home to several global brands.

The retail industry is taking shape on one hand, and so is the family entertainment industry and they are complementing each other.”

DEAL has led the entertainment space during this period and the testimony to this is the fact that exhibitors present at the 2017 show were able to sign multi-million dollar contracts in three days. Since inception, the show has developed into an unparalleled platform that gathers exhibitors, buyers, and professionals from the international amusement and

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

Alex Ekeoma

Making Super Eagles Feel Home Support in Russia Duro Ikhazuagbe

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ithout any doubt, the biggest sporting event happening in the summer this year is the FIFA World Cup 2018.

It is also without doubt that Russia will be the busiest destination between June and July when global focus will be on the 11 Russian cities that will play host to 32 national football teams, including Nigeria that qualified for her sixth appearance at the big stage. The World Cup is the biggest football showpiece on earth.

Since Russia got the right to host the mundial, its government has adopted measures to attract tourists and fans with useful information about the host country and the World Cup. It therefore is no surprise that several businesses are taking advantage of this to roll out plans on how to get fans and tourists to Russia. GEO Travel and Tours is one of such.

To give muscle to its claim of truly understanding the terrain, it went the extra mile recently to secure the partnership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as its travel and tour partner on Russia 2018.

At the unveiling of the partnership with the NFF in Lagos during the week, GEO Travel and Tours showed the media why it is the preferred tour operator of choice that should be number one on the preference list of Russia-bound fans and tourists.

Mr. Alex Ekeoma, a director in the company, told SATURDAY THISDAY, “We believe that it is the job of a travel agency to not only offer its customers the most enjoyable trips possible. But to also give them a travel experience where their personal comfort is enhanced and their travel needs are met in a manner that is convenient to them, speedy and cost-efficient.”

Armed with a first degree in Accounting and Finance from BPP, a private university in the United Kingdom and a master’s degree in International Business from Hult International Business School in Dubai, Ekeoma is one of the brains driving GEO Travel and Tours.

Although he never played the game up to professional level, Ekeoma is passionate about football. He believes the World Cup in Russia presents a perfect opportunity for his company to have a good share of the tourism market. This, perhaps, explains why GEO Travel and Tours did the needful by first partnering football authorities in Nigeria to have the seal of approval. It then created packages to fit the pockets of the various segments of the potential fan base

who will be heading to Russia for the World Cup. The least of these packages starts from as low as N500, 000. He also explained that Geo Travel and Tours would also adopt a flexible payment plan for Nigerians hoping to book now and pay at a later date.

“Nigerians will also have the option of choosing from a number of customized packages that gives them the flexibility of choosing to see the first, second or third game only or a combination of the first and second games, second and third or all the games of the Super Eagles,” Ekeoma noted.

Interestingly, instead of looking at the profit margin, Geo Travel and Tours is looking first at the social responsibility angle as a Nigeria company that is determined to give maximum support to everyone going to Russia to support the senior national soccer team.

“It is important to make the Super Eagles feel the presence of the home support by turning up a massive crowd in Russia. Geo Travel and Tours will collaborate with the local football loving community to give Ekeoma our full support to the Nigerian football national team by flying proud supporters “Crenov8 incorporates management to Russia to cheer on and support the Super consulting, digital marketing, branding, Eagles. Football brings Nigerians together. design, technology research and analysis to It doesn’t matter whether you are a Muslim solve business problems. It is complimentor Christian, southerner or northerner. ing GEO Travel and Tours in the area of Football unites us when Eagles are playmarketing consultancy and advisory roles,” ing,” he added.

Ekeoma said.

He went down memory lane to explain Perhaps informed by the sad experience how GEO Travel and Tours came into of some tour operators at the last World existence: “The company was born because Cup in Brazil who failed to deliver on their of the increased foreign trips by the manpromise, the GEO boss disclosed that he agement of our parent company- the Neal was working with agents in Russia and Group. It eventually started dealing with Europe as partners. the travel plans of various corporates. And “We have consultants, people with after six years of being in business it was de- massive experience in handling the World cided that the company needed fresh ideas Cup hospitality business. We have it all and a catalyst. A new team was formed and covered and there will be none of the sad in just two years, GEO Travel and Tours experience some tour operators made triples its revenue. Part of our success has Nigerians go through during the last World to do with the fact that we believe in being Cup in Brazil. With our link with the NFF, unconventional in our business methods our clients are sure of Fan IDs and tickets to and approaches. matches and hospitality zones. We have it “We know the kind of work that is all secured already. needed in being unconventional and “We are not going to take anybody out of therefore go the extra mile to be successful. the country without the assurance of good Because we have our minds focused on the accommodation and match tickets. We have big picture, we have being working assiduour reputation and name to maintain. We ously towards giving our clients the best want to leave lasting memories for anyone service through an emotionally engaging who is on our package to Russia. We want atmosphere. Our cutting-edge technology to demystify Russia and make it as enjoyand personnel put us in the lead. This is able as possible for Nigerians.” what we are planning to show again with Apart from the World Cup, the tour comthe World Cup package to Russia.” pany is also involved in collaboration with He listed the support base of the comCrenov8 to host two major events this year. pany to include, Crenov8, a consulting They are the Geo Celebrity Crush Easter and digital company with presence in the Dubai Tour as well as the Meet the Farmer Middle East, Dubai and Africa.

Conference also coming up in Dubai.

“Instead of going to Europe, with our experience we realise that it is much more rewarding to hold such events in Dubai.

They have the experience and the facilities and above all it is a lot cheaper.

“The celebrity tour is promoting Africa’s pop culture in Dubai for the fans as well as the general public while the ‘Meet the Farmer Conference’ in the final quarter of the year is an annual conference focused on agriculture. It is aimed at connecting large scale agro-commodity producers to buyers alike,” Ekeoma stated.

The World Cup 2018 will begin on June 14 with the final match listed for July 15.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles picked Africa’s first qualification ticket to Russia 2018 with a match to spare. Nigeria’s Franco-German Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, is hoping to surpass Eagles’ best-ever performance of second round finish. But first, the team has to overcome the Group D hurdles with the likes of Argentina, Iceland and Croatia as opponents.

In Russia, the Super Eagles’ first match is against Croatia at the 35,000-capacity Kaliningrad Stadium on June 16 at 9 pm (Kaliningrad time). Their second match will fly to Volgograd, where they take on Iceland at the 45,000-capacity Volgograd Arena on June 22 at 6 pm.

Nigeria’s final group game is against Argentina on June 26 and the venue is the 68,000-capacity Saint Petersburg Stadium; the second biggest venue at the finals. Time is 9 pm; same time that Croatia and Iceland will battle at the Rostov Arena.

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

FEATURES

Endless Awards for a Passionate Leader Solomon Elusoji profiles Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who for the second time in roll, will today receive the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year, 2017

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oday, Governor Nyesom Wike will make history when he again receives the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year, 2017.

Recall that the governor won the award last year, making him the first governor in Nigeria to win the award back-to-back.

The latest award is coming a day after he received the Silverbird Man of the Year, 2017.

Before this, the governor had carted home the New Telegraph Man of the Year, 2017, Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year 2017 and Independent Newspaper Political Icon of the Year, 2017 awards respectively.

No doubt in the last two years Wike has made his people proud. This is why many high profile people and institutions across the country and abroad have been recognising and pouring encomiums on him for his leadership style especially in poverty alleviation and provision of infrastructure that are helping to reducing the suffering of the people of the state. Not only has he linked up towns and villages in the state with good roads, something that has been a challenge to the rural dwellers in the state, he has equally provided hospitals, schools and security to them.

To know that Wike is doing this at a time when few governors can claim to be popular; most are unable to meet their constitutional and statutory obligations like paying workers’ salaries and contractors’ debts; indeed at a time when recession has taken a huge bite off the fabled national cake, and has become a ready excuse for explaining these failures, let alone have extra resources for infrastructure and other capital development projects, is simply awesome to many people.

His colleague governors, both those in the opposition parties, and members of political party, the PDP are impressed with what he is doing in his state.

Even the Nigerian Guild of Editors, a body of top media chieftains, have highlighted Wike’s accomplishments in the areas of not just economic development but most importantly security, without which any form of development in any society would be almost impossible. Indeed, kidnapping and armed robbery were rampant fare in pre-Wike Rivers State, such that Ms. Donu Kogbara, arguably the most famous journalist from the state, was kidnapped and held hostage for one week by an armed gang which also terrorised her 79-year-old mother.

In a communique issued by the guild at the end of their consecutive executive committee meetings in Port Harcourt the state capital, the NGE commended Wike for the steps he has taken to improve the state of security in Rivers. With the improved state of affairs, Port Harcourt has once again become a conference and retreat destination for various organisations like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Rotary International.

Surveyors, architects and other professional bodies are not left out.

With his passion to see that his state is developed during his tenure, two national newspapers with disparate ideologies and editorial outlook unanimously but independently last year first elected to honour Wike for his achievements.

First, The Sun Media Group chose Wike as their Sun Man of the Year 2016. Then The Independent newspaper chose Wike as The Best Nigerian Governor in 2016, for defying the recession and breaking new grounds in infrastructure and human resources development in Rivers State. From the USA, Asia and other parts of the world, a coalition of Rivers State indigenes weighed in and joined the chorus of applause for Wike for fulfilling the legitimate expectations of his people, citing road and agricultural projects that have had direct impact on the populace.

The probing, begging question here is: what factors account for Wike’s success in an economic environment of reduced revenue intake and depressed national economic outlook? What accounts for the success of Rivers State when many other states in the federation are barely managing to keep body and soul together, to keep their heads above water even after federal bailout?

To be absolutely fair, it is important to note and to keep matters in perspective that

Wike

Unlike many leaders in Nigeria over the years who found themselves in positions of power by some fluke of fate, or had power thrust upon them, Wike is no accidental public servant. The man is a living example of the value of apprenticeship in politics, something not quite common in Nigeria where hardly any Nigerian governor has allowed his deputy, a person who had under-studied him for eight years, to succeed him. Wike went about his political career via the grassroots of local government administration Rivers State, as one of the half a dozen or so states that comprise the oil-rich Niger Delta region that accounts for 80 per cent of the Nigerian treasury. Thus Rivers, like other states in the region, receives a commensurate percentage of federal oil revenue following the principle of derivation. One can rightly also argue that even in a situation of falling oil prices and disruption of local production caused by militancy in the Niger Delta

region, and consequently diminished federal oil revenue and allocation to the states, River State’s share is still much higher than those of the non-oil producing states.

But that is only half the story. Wike has proved that his state cannot live by revenue from crude oil alone. He has proved that there can conceivably be life after crude oil.

Wike did what many Nigerian leaders rarely pay attention to – income tax collection and other forms of internal revenue generation.

In less than two years in office he more than doubled the internally generated revenue of the state from N4 billion to N9 billion.

Of course one can have all the money in the world and still miss the boat. We know of some governors in the same Niger Delta who got massive oil revenue and ploughed it into their personal treasuries and invested it in choice properties abroad and personal luxuries. Still money alone cannot achieve development. The decisive factor in statecraft is the human element, in this case leadership. I believe this is where Wike has considerable advantage.

Unlike many leaders in Nigeria over the years who found themselves in positions of power by some fluke of fate, or had power thrust upon them, Wike is no accidental public servant. The man is a living example of the value of apprenticeship in politics, something not quite common in Nigeria where hardly any Nigerian governor has allowed his deputy, a person who had under-studied him for eight years, to succeed him. Wike went about his political career via the grassroots of local government administration.

Yes, Wike is a lawyer which is more than enough qualification to propel him from his law chambers to bid for governorship of his state. But he chose the route of local government administration and eventually became chairman of his local government council in Obio Akpor for eight years, and rose to become President of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).

It was from here that his then political godfather, Rotimi Amaechi poached Wike, first as his chief of staff, and subsequently to mastermind his gubernatorial campaign in 2011. His successes in these endeavours catapulted him to the federal level, where he was a minister for four years.

Wike’s successes in these various positions afforded him priceless experience and valuable insights into the challenges of governance at the local, state and federal levels, and provided him the tools he brought with him to tackle similar challenges in Rivers State. By the time he made a bid for the governorship of the state in 2015, Wike was well equipped, ready, willing and able. Wike left us another lesson here, namely that in politics things do not just happen; people in power make them happen.

The final point to consider here in understanding the nationwide applause being accorded Wike is the political and legal hurdles that he has had to surmount even as he was tackling the challenges of statecraft in Rivers State. As often happens in Nigerian politics, the relationship between the two erstwhile political allies, Amaechi and Wike, deteriorated quite dramatically as they found themselves in two opposing political camps, the All Peoples Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), respectively.

In more tolerant political climes, the two erstwhile buddies could have separated their personal comradeship from heir political differences. But in the do-or-die political atmosphere of Nigeria, it was all out war and no holds were barred when Wike contested the governorship on the platform of the PDP which had ruled the state since 1999 even under Amaechi. Wike had faced a herculean task because Amaechi, now a chieftain of the APC, was under pressure to deliver his state to his new party. Wike’s eventual victory was challenged by the APC in court where his victory was reaffirmed. But the tension and the rancour did not disappear immediately. Irrespective, Wike has soldiered on to achieve the remarkable success for which he is being applauded and honoured by his peers as well as his subjects, and honoured by two media houses.

Late U.S. President John F Kennedy once defined courage as “grace under pressure”.

Wike’s achievements in less than two years in the teeth of rival opposition, pressure and prejudice, seemed like mission impossible.

But time has proved his record as a testament to remarkable personal ability and political courage. As Nigerians will say, his is an honour well deserved.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͲ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2018

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ RUARY 24, 2018

PERSPECTIVE/VINTAGE A New Change: The Call for Generational Shift Augustus Ikhine

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ouths involvements in politics of Nigeria should be at the pivot of our democracy.

The youth of this nation should know that they have no other country but Nigeria and therefore must participate actively in building and entrenching democracy as the presentfuture leaders. In other clime for instance, France’s Macron just turned 40 – same for Sweden whose President is 31 years old. This new-age demographics are pointers that today’s Nigerian youth can actually change the political narrative for good if they take an activate part in politics and governance.

The days of youths being used for electoral malfeasance and violence to help the older-generation powerful politicians to secure victory should be over. It is important that Nigerian youths move away from just talking and writing to leading the way.

Nigerian youths must use their inventive and innovative minds to ensure power changes hands for the benefit of the people. Young Nigerians must participate in all electoral process to ensure that their destiny isn’t left in the hands of a few political moneybags.

Public enlightenment is key in this direction especially by the non-profit and non-governmental agencies as the politicians or government won’t do this. With social media it’s easier to mobilize minds of Nigerian youths. Such political enlightenment must be designed and focused on youth involvement in politics. It must show practical ways they can start by going back to their electoral wards to register as member of any of the registered political parties of their choice because, that’s where the political journey really and truly begins from.

Bill Clinton wrote in his book on leadership that every politics is local... so the Nigerian youth with an interest in making an impact and difference in politics must registered in his local ward in his village or town as a card carrying party man or women. This is the first step and the right step to take. NGO’s contribution to public enlightenment itself isn’t sufficient. The Age bracket and limitation places by the constitution for aspiring into political office needs to be adjusted to accommodate youth participation in politics. Young people are often excluded or overlooked as political candidates.

Politics is typically regarded as a space for politically experienced men, and while women are often disadvantaged in accumulating experience to run for office. Young people are systematically marginalized because of their young age, limited opportunities, and projected lack of experience.

Insightfully, the recent youth campaigns “not too young to govern” heralded a new legislation which has been passed by the House of Representatives which awaits passage by the Senate is a pointer to the present re-awakening of inevitability of youth’s involvement in Nigerian politics.

A nation without a pragmatic vision that is centred on its youths is a failed nation. There has to be generational change; a deliberate

Ikhine change in leadership baton from one generation to the other.

Where ethical imperative is lacking the safety verges of statehood is dead on arrival.

The above may seem mere palliative because, we all know that power isn’t given on a platter but taken. The youth of this country must begin to strategize and be alive to their responsibilities of taking over the reins of leadership.

This can be done by taking deliberate steps to actualize a collective vision centred around changing the nation’s leadership narrative by mobilizing themselves through a collective bind to radically effect a generational change in leadership and governance at all levels of government; placing embargoes on the older generation albeit the Babangida-style if need be.

Take for instance, with the power of the social media Nigerian youths under different but a united social umbrella can bind themselves and say any politician or person in politics and business who has attained a certain age bracket is un-electable and should not be voted for into Houses of Assembly and the House of Representatives.

Nigerian youths on their own without waiting for any constitutional or electoral law amendments decide the age of the governor and president they want. Yes, they can. It is time the old order yield way willingly or unwillingly to the youth.

This would represent a bold and audacious statement to the older generation whose political parties will be compelled to present younger candidates for elective offices.

The increased political participation of Nigerian youths benefits society as a whole. The presence of young people in decisionmaking positions benefits all citizens, not just youths.

In 2010, the Inter Parliamentarian Union adopted the resolution, “Youth participation in the democratic process,” at its 122nd Assembly and in 2013, established the Forum of Young Parliamentarians to ensure young people are fully engaged in politics.

The IPU also recommends the need to align the minimum age for parliamentary candidacy with the minimum voting age and to establish youth quotas (e.g. reserved seats, legislated quotas, party quotas) as a means of increasing the number of young parliamentarians (MPs).

In recognizing the potential of the youth, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) developed its first-ever Youth Strategy (2014--2017) called, “Empowered Youth, Sustainable Future.” This is in line with the UN’s “System-Wide Action Plan on Youth” (2013) which calls on the young generation to become more involved and more committed in development processes.

The year 2013 also saw the publication of “Enhancing Youth Political Participation throughout the Electoral Cycle: A Good Practical Guide”, UNDP’s first review of programming strategies for youth political participation beyond the ballot box.

To further boost the implementation of the UNDP’s Youth Strategy, the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on youth, peace and security, UNDP launched a Youth Global Programme for Sustainable Development and Peace – Youth-GPS (2016--2020) The Youth-GPS focuses on civic engagement and political participation, among other areas, and responds to the concerns young people have expressed in global, regional and national forums and the growing demand at all levels for cutting-edge and strategic support in youth programming in all development contexts.

Also in 2016, “Not too Young To Run” global campaign was launched to elevate the promotion of young people’s right to run for public office and address the wide-spread issue of age discrimination and the IPU membership too endorsed the document, “Rejuvenating democracy, giving voice to youth”, based on the principles promoted by the young parliamentarians of the IPU: “No decisions about us without us,” that outlines how parliaments and parliamentarians could help rejuvenate democracy and give the world’s young people a voice in political decision-making.

Back home, the Nigerian youths whom we all know are very creative, industrious, self sustaining and hard working can’t be left behind.

The time to participate in our electoral process, the time to vote and ask to be voted for more than ever before, is now.

–––Augustus IKHINE wrote in from Lagos. He wants to contest for a seat in the 2019 elections to the Edo State House of Assembly.

Friends Honour Alex Otti

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ntimate friends of Dr. Alex Otti’s, last Sunday, came together to celebrate and rejoice with him, as he marked his birthday. The event, which was well attended, was hosted and sponsored by one of Otti’s friends, Uzoh Kalu at his Ikoyi residence.

Otti,whohasalwaysgivenaccountofhimself inanyfield,beitacademics,entrepreneurship, leadershipandthelike,isformerManagingDirector of DiamondBankPlc.Therefore,itwasnotasurprisetosee politicians,captainsofindustryandoilmagnates,come together to shower praises on him. The occasion was indeed a gathering of the Who’s Who in the business world in Nigeria and politics, including members of theAllProgressiveGrandAlliance(APGA).Theevent wasattendedbyGovernorWillieObianoofAnambra Statewithhisdeputy,NkemOkeke;formerGovernor ofRiversState,RotimiAmeachi;SenatorVictorUmeh; Africa’srichestman,AlikoDangote;telecommunications magnate,Dr.DavidOgbaOnuohaBourdex,MDFidelity BankPlc.,NnamdiOkonkwo,andotherdistinguished dignitaries.

Intheirspeeches,theyallshoweredencomiumson theformerManagingDirectorofDiamondBankPlc., andformergovernorshipcandidateofAPGAinAbia State. TheyallagreedthatOttihascapacity to do great things or excel anywhere he finds himself.

Inhisspeechatthebirthday,Obianodeclaredthathe hadalotincommonwithOtti,whomhehasknownfor decadeshavingbothworkedinthebanks.Heextolled thevirtuesofOttiandsaidhewashappythatOttiwas towingthesamepaththathehadtrodden,leavingthe luxuryofthebanktoservehispeople.Hewishedhim well in his endeavours.

In his own speech, Senator Victor Umeh informed the guests that he and his team persuaded Otti to join APGAduringthelastelectionbecauseofhisconviction thathewouldimpactwellonthestate.Hestatedfurther

that in truth Otti won the last election but that losing it maymeanthatitwasnotGod’stime.Inhisownwords, “that time is next year.”

Umehsaid:“Isingle-handedlybroughtAlextoAPGA. IdidthisbecauseIsawinhimamancapableofrighting the wrongs of the past. Alex is mentally equipped to liberateAbians from mis-governance.”

Otherspeakersthatgavegoodwillmessagesincluded ChiefDavidOnuoha(Bourdex),ChiefChrisNkwonta, ChidiAjaegbu,Hon.RotimiAmaechi,whotracedhis relationshipwithOttibacktotheStudents’Uniondays at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

Amaechisaid:“Ibelieveinhim.WewereinUNIPORT together.Hisacademicbrilliancespeaksforitself.Alex is one man who is known for excellence. I will call on Abians to work with him.”

Anambra State Deputy Governor, Okeke said: “I haveseenmen,butAlexhascapacitytotakehispeople to the promise land.”

Inhisgoodwillmessage,AlikoDangotesaid,“Ottiis notonlyagoodmaterialtogovernAbiabutalsogood enoughtobeatthehelmofaffairsatthenationallevel.”

Dangotesaid:“Iamabusinessman.Ihaveworked with Alex for years now. He is straight forward and dependable. He is my ally. I can vouch for him.”

Virtually all speakers took their turn to eulogise the mantheyhaveworkedverycloselywith.Accordingto them, “He is dependable and a pillar of trust.”

Others who took time to eulogise Otti were: MD of FidelityBank,formerMDofShell,MDofShell,ChairmanofFidelityBankandformerDeputyGovernorof Central Bank, MD of Providence Bank, former ICAN President, and many others.

In his response, Otti, who was visibly humbled by all the praises on him, pledged to do his best to meet theirexpectations.Onwhetherhewillpresenthimself for election come 2019, the dogged man told all and sundry that he would run.

Alex Otti with governor Obiano and Senator Victor Umeh at the cutting of his cake

Alex Otti (3rd left) with wife, Aliko Dangote flanked with friends

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ RUARY 24, 2018

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PERSPECTIVE/POLITY

Ortom and the Economics of Survival Francis Ulal Damina

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ost often, I am surprised by how our world is replete with well-ordered contradictions. But are they really contradictions or God’s creative ways of making the world perfect? This really calls for humility on our part as puny creatures with limited wisdom tied to our nature. But all the same, one has to concur that God’s ways are not ours. How for instance does one fully comprehend the complicated perennial problem of evil versus the goodness of God? If He is alive and good, and looking at how religious we are that at times, we are even ready to fight His battles, why should He not be with us now that there is so much hunger, killings of innocent people and the lingering fuel scarcity just to mention a few out of a long queue of avoidable human predicaments we are now facing? Others may specifically want to ask where He was when over a thousand got killed in Southern Kaduna and the 73 recently sent to their early graves in Benue.

While I am not unaware of the attempts to answer these very nagging questions of the relationship between good and evil by great philosophers at the turn of every generation, I am fully aware that attempts by the likes of St. Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Plato, Aristotle, etc, to answer the seemingly enigmatic puzzle ended up with more questions than answers.

Only recently, my reflection seems to corroborate the saying that God has a reason for everything. As a student of Philosophy and Theology, I have prodded so much on the economics of evil and have discovered that sometimes, what appears to be bad or evil to us may at the end be part of God’s creative plan for the ordering of the universe. There is a motley of examples to show. For instance, even sinners have a place and are important in the economy of salvation. Without them, pastors and priests will have to join the unemployment market where the unemployment rate is worrisome. This is why I am of the opinion that pastors and priests should treat sinners with respect especially when preaching knowing that their employment insurance depends on them. I am afraid that the day everyone becomes ‘born again’, that is the day priests will

Governor Ortom

all lose their jobs in a nation where the religious industry employs more than government. Or, are churches not proliferating everyday with untrained pastors, apostles, prophets, healers, etc, emerging from the blues?

Have you also observed that our bad roads have created a lot of opportunities for hawkers/vendors who make their kills when vehicles slow down at pot holes? Or Is it the conflict-situation that has created the opportunity for some of us to emerge as human rights activists simply because of the unfiltered noise we make? Is it equally not true that a lot of people are busy making their kills by pretending to be liaison persons between the internally displaced persons and willing benefactors?

Yes i know I digressed. But it was to create a background to the fact that there are people who benefit when evil thrives. And this is what I see going on in our dear country and particularly in Benue.

Before now, it was probably an open secret that Governors Samuel Ortom and Yahaya

Bello of Benue and Kogi States respectively are the worst performing Governors in Nigeria.

And it will require a FIFA referee to determine who, between the duo, is the better-worse.

But fortunately or unfortunately, and unlike Bello, Ortom is now utilizing the conflictsituation in his state to: one, divert attention from his nonperformance, and to, two, buy legitimacy by regaining the confidence of Benuelites. Like other conflict entrepreneurs, the Governor who tactically defied party allegiance has suddenly transmuted into a sort of defensor populi by creating a narrative that casts him as an ethno-religious knight in defense of his people against a Buhari-led Federal government that appears tolerant and even supportive of the killer-herdsmen with whom the president shares a tribe and a religion. Ortom, I am sure, is not unaware of how religion and ethnicity have been used in purchase of legitimacy in other states by his fellow politicians over the years. He may have seen how former Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima used what Obasanjo referred to as ‘political Sharia’ to source for legitimacy in Zamfara State. My friend Sam Omatseye put it well when he said:”Ortom is wagging the dog’s tail. He has been an abysmal failure as governor, owing about a year in salaries and presiding over Makurdi that still looks only a little better than a village in the 1980’s . The herdsmen crisis is an opportunity to ride to a second term . It is a boon for him from the enemy”. Speaking on this style of politicking then, Bishop Kukah said:”The reaction to Buhari saga shows in many respects the fact that we are still not out of the woods. Indeed, those who have argued with no supporting evidence that June 12 showed that we have overcome the politics of ethnic differences and regionalism have overstated their case. We still have a long way to go.” Yes, governor Ortom knows very well that with so much killings by the so much criminalized Fulanis in the middle belt presented as being in a mission of Islamization with a stamp of approval from the president himself, it will pay to ply through a road tarred with both religious and ethnic sentiments to cover up for his sins and then regain the confidence and trust of Benuelites in view of 2019. And this is exactly what politicians especially from the north have been doing thereby producing the bricks

that laid the foundation of a region built on religious and ethnic distrust. This is why the north is more of a religion than a region.

In his commentary on the manipulation of religion and ethnicity by politicians, the late Prof. Steve Nkom of Ahmadu Bello University’s sociology department said:”It has been the familiar trick of all selfish ruling classes to re-direct the accusations or venom targeted at them to those expedient or even ‘manufactured’ areas that affect or vex the interests and sentiments of the general public.They seek to gain legitimacy and political relevance by shifting the goal -post. They pretend that the attack is targeted at ‘discrediting their religion or ethnic group’, whereas it is their credibility that is in question “. He therefore warned:” Those engaged in defending any class and or group that still practices this outmoded game of manipulating religious, ethnic and sectional sentiments in order to gain or retain power are doing a disservice to all. It severely compromises their legitimacy by bringing it on the soft tissue of manipulated sentiments and prejudices”. He then called on those defending this type of politics to count its huge cost for society which includes “the perpetuation of ignorance and other ills, needless division and acrimony among the masses, avoidable religious tension including violent fundamentalist aberrations such as Boko Haram, poverty and retrogression for the generality of the people, complete vulnerability to the machinations and dictates of a selfish minority, and so on”. Corroborating on what the revered Professor said, Kukah added:” The ‘patron’ is not so much concerned about the welfare of his people, for he requires that existing condition as a grazing field to satisfy his personal ambition and hold onto power. The people are told that they are Hausas, Northerners, Muslims, Tivs, Yorubas, Igbos, Urhobos, or whatever. There imagined ancestry, with no historical or anthropological basis, becomes the fig leaf for covering the nakedness of the patron’s greed”.

And this is why the North has remained backward in education as the politicians who engage in this dangerous politicking will have to deliberately keep society unaccessible to quality education.

– Damina, a student of Religion and Society; can be reached on francisdamina@gmail.com

‘There is No Opposition Party in Kwara State’ Abdullahi Oganija is the Director, Media and Publicity, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Mandate Constituency/ Campaign Office, Ilorin, Kwara State. He discusses a wide range of issues with select journalists.

Hammed Shittu was there What are the achievements of the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki in Kwara State after almost three years? ost of his programmes are done to cushion the suffering of the people of the Emirate and Kwara at large. Let me start from the education sector. In 2016 alone, over 47 classrooms were constructed in both Kwara Central and parts of the Emirate. A lot of teaching aids had been supplied to where they were needed. Apart from this, we discovered that most of our students, especially those in public schools lacked computer facilities.

Then, how do you think they can compete with others, now that most of the qualifying examinations like JAMB are taken by means of computer. As it is, if you are not computer literate, you cannot even sit for UTME. So, the Senate President felt it was important and donated computers to many Secondary Schools in his Senatorial District. Apart from this, he provided some instructional materials that are very useful for the students. He also paid the school fees of some indigent students, whose parents could not pay. Recently, we assembled over 400 students here, who could not pay their school fees and he helped them. This amounts to more than N10 million; this is in the area of education.

There are many more things he had done.

He also awarded scholarship to First Class students. He had done others in the past, sending students abroad to study.

He had done a lot of things in the area of education. Let’s take a look at the area of water. Anybody that brings water is like that person is bringing life. There is virtually

Alhaji Abdullahi Oganija- Director, Media and Publcity, ABS Constituency/Campaign Office, Ilorin

Senator Saraki has been able to assist in that area, the project is ongoing. This one will be able to serve not only Kwara Central but also some parts of Moro Local Government Area in Kwara North, upon completion. Meanwhile, before that is completed, he has sunk about 139 boreholes in various places within Kwara Central. But out of that 139, 117 have been completed. I want to say that there is a lot of problem in the town when you talk about water because most of the wells have dried up due to the dry season. We have to resort to alternative measure by buying water from water works and paying to transport it so that it can be delivered at every door within the Emirate.

Those are the areas he has been assisting on the issue of water shortage. I think in a few years to come, the problem of water will be a thing of the past with the help of the Federal, State and those who feel concerned about Kwara water project.

nothing anybody does without water and, as you would agree with me, the problem of water in Nigeria is not peculiar to Kwara State or his Senatorial District. The National Assembly, which he chairs, has been finding ways to address the problem of water shortage in Nigeria. The major one is that they have legislated that all the local government areas should at least reticulate water through a minimum of three kilometres, and when you come back to Kwara State, some of our dams have a lot of water but there is problem of reticulation. So, in this area, he has been able to assist, especially when you look at the expansion of some dams, like Sobi Dam.

But some people are skeptical that the intervention was just a ploy to hoodwink them to continue what they normally do during the voting time. Do you subscribe to such assumption?

Why would I subscribe to such? Naturally, the only time you experience shortage of water is during dry season. If you see anybody bringing water during rainy season, he is not helping the matter. What the Senate President is trying to do is to assist the people. It is only during dry season that you can cushion the effect of water crisis. And when you don’t have problem, how can you solve it? So, there is nothing like water scarcity during the rainy season.

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It is only when you are in dry season that you can come up with something to assist your people in the area of water crisis.

When you have a well and the rain is falling, why would you need to bring water tanker around? So, we are doing it for politics.

He is doing it because he believes people need it. This is politics and you cannot have everybody on the table.

How far has the ABS Mandate Office been able to bring on board those perceived as opposition in the Emirate?

The question is who are the opposition?

The so called opposition people were once our friends. We had eaten in the same pot. In case you don’t know, 90 per cent of politicians in Kwara State are Sarakite. But when some cannot achieve their aim within the group, they fall out. Others who have been serving for years, and were asked to step down for two or three months, felt they have to continue in the same manner. So, in that regard, there is nothing we can do to them; and we don’t see them as opposition, we can call them “aggrieved politicians or party members.” Even today, you see them in the composition of PDP (in the state).

Don’t be surprised by tomorrow, they will come back to their house. So, this opposition in Kwara, I don’t see it as a big deal. Maybe they are angry about certain things, we will continue to approach them and bring them back to the house. It is their house, because they are our brothers. What we do in this house is to bring everybody on board. I want to say that by next election, you would see the changes. That is all about opposition, there is no opposition in Kwara.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 24, 2018

POLITY

Progressive Ultimate Caucus Club Celebrates at 5

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rogressive Ultimate Caucus Club (PUCC) of Nigeria celebrates her 5th anniversary with three events in a day, which included an inspiring lecture, a gift to the people from Festus Fajemilo Foundation, a home with people suffering from Spina Bifida, coupled with inspirational talks from the young Shomolu Boys of yesterday, who are now above 50 and are all out to make societal changes.

Progressive Ultimate Caucus Club of Nigeria (PUCC) recently celebrated its 5th anniversary in Lagos. The highlight of the event was presentation of gift to Festus Fajemilo Foundation, a home catering to sufferers of Spina Bifida, a birth defect called neural tube defect which has no cure. The club donated an undisclosed amount to support the noble cause of the foundation. The founder, Mr. Festus fajemilo thanked the club for its kind gesture.

Presenting some members of the home, who grace the event, he explained that the sufferers have

challenges varying from mobility, passing out of feaces and urine. “The Foundation, he said has been creating awareness against stigmatisation of these people and working with various NGOs, government agencies and corporate bodies for support.”

Painting a grim picture of those living with the condition, he said all of them have to undergo surgery “and we have to take care of the postsurgery.

We have kits for those with feaces and urine challenges so they can be accepted in school while apparatus are provided for those with mobility challenge.

People suffering from Spina Bifida are burdens to their parents and guardians hence the Foundation comes to their aid.” President of the Club, Commandant Ebenezer Adebisi, the Zonal Commanding Officer, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) in Ogun and Lagos state,

in his goodwill message, pledged that the club would do more in future to advance the work of the Foundation.

The club, Adebisi said was formed by people of like minds, who grew up together at Pedro in Shomolu, Lagos.

Being mainly children of the less privileged in the society, they dreamt of making it to the top and thus named the Club, Progressive Ultimate Caucus Club to give fillip to their dream.

“Right now, the club is made up of people who have made their mark in both the public and private sectors of the economy,” explained the President in elation.

Their projection is to bring up the upcoming ones, to impart their lives positively by empowering and assisting them with their education and taking care of the physical challenged.

According to Barrister Olufemi Dafosta Osinowo, the Public Relations officer of the

club, they follow up some of the donations to make sure they are judiciously used as they have extended their frontiers and relationships to different groups. He admonished the youths to believe in what they are doing and set their eyes on the ball.

Professor Abiola Sanni, who delivered the anniversary lecture, spoke on the relevance of social clubs in developing good human relations.

He said social clubs should get more involved in the welfare and general wellbeing of people within their communities and advance the cause of the less privileged in the society.

“Members should see themselves as people who have come together for philanthropist purposes,” he advised. Stating some of the benefits of social clubs, Sanni said man being a social animal needs to relax and socialise and that, as members, come together to encourage and draw inspiration from one another.

Stakeholders Settle Differences over Lagos’ NewWaste Management Policy Vincent Obia

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ormalcy is gradually returning to Lagos streets following an agreement on Thursday by refuse collection agencies in the state to work together to tackle the waste problem. The resolution was reached at a meeting by officials of the Lagos State Government, Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, and Waste Collection Operators (WCOs), also known as Private Sector Participant (PSP) Operators.

Lagos residents had witnessed a rising tide of rotting refuse in their neighbourhoods in the wake of misunderstandings over the implementation of the state’s new waste management policy, called the Cleaner Lagos Initiative. But

the situation began to ease since Thursday, when the stakeholders shelved their differences to unite around a common objective of ridding the state of waste. It was agreed at the meeting that a cohesive process should be put in place on how Visionscape and the PSPs will partner on the door-to-door collection of waste from March 1.

The meeting also agreed to set up a committee, comprising all the stakeholders, to ensure seamless operation of the waste management project.

Community leaders and market leaders had also embraced the Cleaner Lagos Initiative at a meeting on Wednesday with the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, at City Hall, Lagos Island.

Speaking at Thursday’s meeting, the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Babatunde

Durosinmi-Etti, said, “Government, more than ever, believes in this partnership and that is why it has not only provided a facility of up to N2.5 billion with state government guarantee, which PSP operators could access to upscale their operations, but has also opened another channel through the Employment Trust Fund for loan facilities at reasonable interest of not more than 12 per cent per annum.”

In his own remarks, Visionscape’s Chief Executive Officer, John Irvine, applauded the understanding between his company and the WCOs. Irvine stated that the challenges being experienced in domestic waste management in Lagos State were part of the teething problems associated with the first cycle of the company’s operation.

He said, “It is not unusual to face this kind of problems especially in the first cycle of operations.

It takes some time to build the superstructures and to ameliorate the present hiccups; we are buying locally and taking steps to have waste container bins manufactured locally.”

Speaking on behalf of the WCOs, Kasumu Olasehinde restated their commitment to the success of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative and pledged to roll out more trucks in the effort to rid Lagos of wastes.

Olasehinde said, “To show our total commitment to a cleaner, healthier and safer Lagos, we have not only resolved to work with the government of Lagos State and the domestic waste operators as partners, we have also resolved to commence free operations every Thursdays to mop up black spots in our respective areas.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 24, 2018

POLITY

Ndionyemma Tells of Neglect, 16 Years After Ikeja Cantonment Explosions Bennett Oghifo

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he was barely four years old when, for still undetermined reason, bombs in the arsenal of the Military Cantonment at Ikeja, Lagos exploded, causing panic, disorientation and death within and outside the

barracks.

It was a sunny Sunday on that January 27, 2002 and everyone in Lagos went about their business, particularly their social affairs as scheduled or impromptu.

All that peace was shattered within a split second when the first blast of the exploding bombs rent the air throwing up silver flashes. Flying shrapnel killed some people and the loud sound ripped the internal organs of others, causing them agonising deaths.

A more painful mass death occurred down the road away from the barracks, of men women and children, who were disoriented and fled in all directions from the wrath, but most of them thronged towards the north side of Lagos where their path was checked by a canal with putrid water covered by water hyacinth.

Ifeoma Evelyn Ndionyemma, 4 years old, saw the huge crowd racing towards their home close to the canal but did not know what to make of it. She only realised that there was some form of urgency when her terrified mother pushed her towards the canal. Already on her mother’s arms was her 13 month’s old brother and they surged with the crowd to the canal and commenced the journey across the narrow stretch, but none of them could swim.

Up till this day, neither Ifeoma nor her

Ifeoma

mother could figure out how she crossed that canal and survived, but her brother unfortunately did not make it across.

Their mother hit the water and sank and when she came up for air, the baby was no longer in her arms. Her mother-instinct took over and she lunged down trashing wildly in the black water until she realised that death was close and then she crossed.

Sympathizers took over the search for the boy and for other drowning people but the child was not among the bodies they

brought from the bottom of the canal.

Ifeoma wailed beside her mother inconsolably for the number of days the search for bodies lasted and that was when the family attracted the attention of Alhaji Atiku Abubarker, who was Vice President then and who visited to see the canal where the avoidable tragedy occurred.

Fill with compassion, Vice President Atiku Abubarkar carried the 4-year old Ifeoma in his arms and consoled her family.

Sixteen years after, on January 27, this year, Ifeoma took to social media to tell her story and she immediately caught the attention of former Vice President Atiku Abubarkar, who promised to visit the family and make a difference in their lives.

Last week, Ifeoma and her parents relieved their experience and the bomb blast that brought them desolation. “I looked through my dad’s bag and found the newspaper which had a picture of me in the arms of Vice President Atiku Abubarkar. Since most people now say their story online, I decided to say mine too. I did a short video of me with the newspaper so that I’ll have evidence to show so that it does not look like a fake story. I posted it on Istagram and after that day, I received a call, I don’t know how, from Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar. I spoke to him and he spoke with my dad.”

Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar, who was Vice President when the tragedy occurred, visited on behalf of the President Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration and he read out a long list of what the government would do to heal their lives, but none came.

Regrettably, 16 years after, the

government has not kept its promise to compensate all the victims of that dreaded bomb blast, according to Ifeoma’s father, Emmanuel Ndionyemma.

Ifeoma’s father, a commercial motocylist, was one of the several people displaced by the tragedy, which threw his family into sudden destitution.

Last week when THISDAY visited his abode, Ndionyemma described a very pathetic livelihood the family has had to endure all these years, after they were dislodged from a home he build by the canal, which he moved his family into a couple of days before the bombs went off.

So, 16 years after, Ifeoma is still struggling to make meaning of her life.

She could have had a better life, she said. Certainly, not as she does with her four siblings and parents at her home in an informal settlement at the edge of the canal on the fringes of Mafoluku, a community off the Murtala International Airport.

She told of her pain and distress all these years, particularly the bitterness that came when she was old enough to realise that she could have had a better life if those bombs did not go off on that fateful Sunday afternoon.

Ifeoma said, “The international community gave Nigeria a lot of money to assist the victims. The government said it was going to compensate us but we haven’t heard from them.”

They hate living in squalor, said Ifeoma’s father. “There are a lot of pythons in this place; two were killed here last week and our house gets flooded whenever it rains and we stay out until the water ebbs.

“We need assistance to live in a better place,” said the father of four girls and a boy.

Experts Brainstorm on Importance of Chemical Safety

I

n an effort to educate, sensitise and enhance awareness on regulations and the role of chemical industrials, which include producers, users and handlers, on the implementation of the chemical weapons conventions, the National Authority on Chemical and Biological Weapons Convention (NAC and BWC) organised a Seminar/National Discourse on Chemical Safety, Security and Declaration in Lagos, recently.

The Permanent Secretary Political and Economic Affairs Office and National Authority on Chemical and Biological Weapon Convention, Mr. Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, who gave an oversight of the seminar said during his opening remarks that the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was created and opened for signature on 13th January, 1997 in Paris and that Nigeria signed the Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC) on the 13th January, 1993 and ratified same on the 1st of March, 1999, thus becoming a State Party to CWC and a member by the OPCW. He said The OPCW is an independent autonomous international organisation and works under the United Nations. Its aim is to eliminate an entire category of weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), provides for the destruction of Chemical weapon (CW) stockpiles and CW production capacity (disarmament), promote free trade in chemicals, as well as international cooperation and also exchange of scientific and technical information in peaceful use of chemistry.

He explained that the bill seeks to establish a body that will serve as the national focal point for the effective implementation and liaison with the OPCW and other state parties to the convention, and also to fulfill Nigeria’s obligation under the Convention. The bill has passed 1st and 2nd Reading and Public Hearing was held at the NASS. He furthered explained that the Bill, which is divided into six parts, provides for the establishment, structure, composition of council, functions and funding of the National Authority on chemical Weapons Convention ( CWC). The bill also stipulates various offences and penalties for violation.

Mr. Aduda stated that since the federal government approved the establishment of the council on the National Authority on the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) by the circular No 59752/51/ 3 of 18th March 1999, Nigeria has been in full compliance with its annual declaration to the OPCW mostly on imported scheduled chemicals. He added that the 2018 assessment is currently ongoing.

He said Nigeria hosted a national workshop on Assistance and Protection against chemical weapon which was held between 31st October and the 4th of November, 2016 in Abuja.

As fallout from that workshop, a draft National Action Plan on Nigeria’s Emergency Response to Chemical Weapons incidents and accident is being developed.

The Chairman of the Senate committee on Science and Technology, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, who was represented by the

Aduda Director of Research, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Dr. Uzo Boyce Agunwa, in his goodwill message, stated that the security situation in some parts of the country has exposed how hazardous or even simple chemicals can be employed for the harmful and destructive purpose. “It is obligatory for our country to ensure the peaceful and productive use of chemical as dictated by the CWC,” he said.

The Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Yakubu Suleiman, during his goodwill message revealed that NEMA have developed plans, strategies and procedures to comprehensively manage disaster that will promote public health safety in the country.

In the same vein, Director Biotechnology Advanced Research Central Sheda Science and Technology Complex Abuja, Professor Paul Onyenekwe in his presentation on The Dual Nature of Chemicals highlighted that the Dual use chemical are substances that can be used for the beneficial and harmful purposes.

He said a number of dual use chemicals are regulated as chemical weapons because they have a history of being used as such. Chemical safety, security and environmental protection are interlinked with internal and external security, public health protection, economic and trade cooperation as well as develop-

ment and humanitarian policies.

In addition, Professor Onyenekwe stated that strengthening safety and security program in chemical activities is an important task in preventing the wrongly deploy of chemical which is an important requirement of the UNSC Resolution 1540 and the provision of the Chemical Weapon Convention.

To reduce risk of criminal and terrorist threats, effective security measures should be put in place to mitigate potential risks that chemical could be to people and environment.

In his contribution, he said for university, the curriculum should be review to encourage the research on green chemistry also known as alternative chemistry to reduce the risk chemical substance pose in our science laboratory and also for the advancement of the science world.

The Director General, National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control Professor Moji Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director Chemical Evaluation and Research NAFDAC, Pharmacist Ngozi Onuorah during her paper presentation on effective oversight of scheduled chemical in Nigeria ; the role of NAFDAC as an regulatory body said the agency has the mandated to control and regulate the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sales and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemical, detergents and packaged water.

Mrs. Onuorah stated the NAFDAC through the two chemical regulatory directorates ensures that chemical industries adhere to the stipulated guidelines for the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisements and use of chemicals on the market.

For effective service delivery the agency have embark on the following stride which include the electronic processing of chemical import permits, development of Biometrics database for importers of chemical for security and also listing of manufacture, she said.

She added that adequate regulations and sound management of chemical towards developmental purpose is key to Nation’s sustainability and economic development.

Certified Inspector of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical weapon Mr. Ukaegbu Samuel Enyinnaya during his presentation on Identification, Inspection and Declaration of Scheduled Chemical discussed the provision of the convention in relation to declaration requirements for declaration under the article VI of the Bills.

Mr Aduda said executive orders are not just set up to easy business with government organisation but to make the / end users hold government agencies accountable for every service which they are supposed to deliver and also make government more effective.

He therefore advised that end user should study every procedures and order of application, adding that every government agency should include on their website time frames for every application for effective service delivery and smooth governance.

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Killer of Late Prof. Festus Iyayi Bags 7 Years Jail Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

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I'm Yet to Decide on Presidential Contest, Says Kwakwanso Onyebuchi Ezeigbo The former Governor of Kano State and now a Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, Rabiu Kwakwanso has said he had no made up his mind about contesting the presidential election in 2019.

He said that 2018 was crucial for the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress if it must redeem the promises and be able to earn support of the Nigerians in the next general election.

Speaking on a television programme aired on the African Independent Television (AIT) on Friday morning, Kwakwanso said that as a politician, one of the major motivating factors was being able to contest in an election.

"As a Senator I am a very happy and contented politician. We are in a political party and I am sure that decisions will be made whether I want to contest or to remain as a senator,

I think that decision will be made at the appropriate time," he said.

Kwakwanso who said that he had contested elections 16 times since 1991 , wining in 14 of them and losing two told Osasu Igbenedion who anchors the programme that he is not thinking of decamping from the APC. When asked to give his honest assessment of the performance of APC and the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, Senator Kwakwanso said both of them are doing their best but that they can do better.

"I can say so far so good, the administration of course is doing its best but I hope that the government and our party should do much more than what we are seeing in the last three years so that come 2019, the good people of their country can come out and vote for our candidates from the councillorship up to the position of president under our party.

So that is my own assessment for now. "For me what I can say is that the government can do much better than we are seeing today and that is why I am saying that this last one year is very crucial for the party and for the government," he said.

Kwakwanso who is one off APC chieftains seen to have been on wrong side with the party and the President Muhammadu-led administration since losing out at the presidential primaries of the party in 2014, believes there was still time to reconcile issues.

He said the party should find a way to appease party men and to do more to win the confidence of Nigerians.

"On the issue of marginalisation and performance, I can tell you once again that the party and the FG still has time to improve" indeed I believe there is time for our government and the party to do more not only for me or members of the Kwankwasiya movement across the country but

House Commends AMCON over Effective Management of Arik Chinedu Eze The House of Representatives has commended the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) over the handling of Arik Air since it took over the running of the airline a year ago.

The House however, charged the new management to stabilise the airline within the next one year, saying that this would further bring confidence of the flying public not just to the airline, but to the aviation industry as a whole.

However, when AMCON took over the airline it was given one year by the federal government to manage it and that one year elapsed this February.

Speaking during the tour of the facilities of the airline at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, Hon. Jones Onyereri, Chairman of Committee on Banking and Currency said that AMCON had been able to bring out the airline from the woods.

He said that despite the crisis of the airline, Arik Air remained one of the safest airlines in the industry and had been able to maintain a good safety records, which he said was important for the confidence of all

air travelers.

Onyereri said the airline had enough spares in its stores and duly maintains its aircraft and that the House was highly impressed by the airline’s effort to maintain stability since it was taken over by AMCON. He declared that the committee would ensure the airline retained its safety level and return to the era of profit making.

Onyereri, however said that the National Assembly was worried about the debt profile of the airline and in order to address this, it had met with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), AMCON and the new management of the airline.

He explained that through this, the status of the airline would be known and the committee would recommend the way forward for the carrier. “We have said it earlier on that we are worried about its debt profile, we are eager to get out of that quagmire.

We are here to encourage them and if you look at the amendment in the AMCON Act, we have dealt with the issue. First, it is under a receiver manager and secondly, for the receiver manager to bring out a well-thought

out plan on how to rehabilitate Arik at least within three months. “That’s the plan and within one year, they can get them out of the woods. If they can’t get out of the woods within the one year, you need to stabilise them in a way that you are sure that going forward, Arik would be profitable.

I, formerly known and addressed as ODUNOLA OLAYIWOLA now wish to be known and addressed as ODUNOLA RUKAYAT OGUNKUNLEWAHAB. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EGBUNE JERRY IKECHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as EGBUNE JEREMIAH IKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

of course to all those who came together to form the APC and the entire people of this country.

"The issue of decamping or leaving the APC is not on the table now and we are looking how the various stakeholders of the party will look at the situation not only in Kano but there are various other places that needed attention.

A driver in the convoy of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, Mallam Danladi Baba has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment for reckless driving and causing the death of Professor Festus Iyayi in a car crash sometime in November, 2013.

Mallam Danladi Baba was the back-up pilot driver in the convoy of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada.

The late Iyayi was killed in road accident along Lokoja-Abuja highway when the back-up pilot vehicle in the convoy of the former governor rammed into the Toyota Hiace belonging to UNIBEN local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) traveling to Kano.

Alhassan Husaini of Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court II on Friday in his judgement on the case of one-count charge of Causing Death

by Dagerous and Reckless Driving preferred against the driver found him guilty of the offence and thereby convicted him.

Husaini said that the penal clause under section 5 of the Federal Highway Act CAP F. 13 of 2004 being mandatory position coupled with the severity of the offence tied the hands of the court.

"I have no option than to sentence you, Danladi Baba, to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine", the Chief Magistrate ruled.

Husaini used the occasion to cau-

tion VIP drivers on their recklessness especially while on convoys saying, "What is regrettable in this case is the serious abuse of privilege of late, by VIP convoys.

"These siren-blaring convoys force on-coming and other categories of vehicles off the roads in a manner that exposes law-abiding road users to hazards."

The convict, Baba who burst out crying uncontrollably upon pronouncement of his sentence was said to have committed the offence at about 11:30am on November 12th, 2013 on the Federal Highway in Banda area of Lokoja.

According to the prosecution, Baba, while driving a Toyota Hilux pick-up belonging to Kogi State Government on the convoy of the then governor of Kogi, Capt.

Idris Wada drove dangerously and recklessly without regard for other road users.

The action, according to the prosecution made him to have a near head-on collision with the Toyota Hiace belonging to UNIBEN local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) traveling to Kano.

The bus, in an attempt to swerve and avoid the collision, skidded and rolled over several times leading to the death of Prof. Iyayi and as well injured Mrs. Ngozi Iloh and Dr. Enchanted Anthony.

According to the prosecution, Iyayi who was held down by the seat belt holding some papers lost his life as all attempts to revive him failed .

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2018

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MISSILE Okogie to Buhari

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“Nigerians are unhappy because the economy has been so mismanaged that some cannot pay the school fees of their children. Nigerians are unhappy because they have not got jobs. Nigerians are unhappy because, instead of hope, they are offered propaganda and insults by the President’s men. Nigerians are angry because their loved ones are butchered by herdsmen while the response of government is woeful.”

– Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi-Okogie, former Lagos Archbishop of the Catholic Church, chastising the Buhari administration.

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Why We Are Not Winning the War against Corruption “Power is like fire; it can keep you warm and it can burn you. It can cook you a meal or raze your house. It can purify gold or calcify a human being. Ensconced deep within its core are elements of good and evil. It all depends on the choices you make when you handle it.” - NEWTON C. JIBUNOH

F

ellow Nigerians, I have some serious posers to raise today and I promise to answer them myself. One, how come every Nigerian is a saint, who pontificates about leadership, until he gets power and misbehaves worse than those he used to criticise? Two, why is corruption so endemic in Nigeria? Three, are we one of the most corrupt people on earth, and if so, why?

Four, why is it impossible or difficult to fight and defeat or reduce corruption in Nigeria? Five and finally, what is the way forward?

Every Nigerian I know attacks and abuses every one of our leaders as corrupt, greedy, reckless and irresponsible. But is it not strange that our leaders did not just drop from the skies? They were born Buhari as normal human beings, went to similar schools like the rest of us, were raised by their parents, your hands in the Treasury. Government and went into politics purportedly to serve and help other public officials began to openly flaunt their people, many of them as paupers who had their ill-gotten wealth, the perennial season of no jobs and could barely feed themselves and anomy (apologies to Professor Wole Soyinka) their families. But as soon as they get elected from which we have never recovered had or selected, levels change immediately. Instead begun. What happened? It is not that people of being servants of the people, what we see is became poorer at the outset of this era, although a complete transformation and transfiguration. eventually this also happened, but in reality it They become, and behave like, overlords and, was our leadership at the time that brazenly in some cases, even warlords! The people serve took corruption to another level and the mass of them and not vice versa. The same man who, the people who were already impoverished and once upon a time, criticised leaders and even looking for a way out suddenly followed suit.

From then on, the available jobs became heaped curses on them is now a parasite feeding fat on his people. And acting in a worse manner, jobs that can hardly keep our bodies and souls together. Month in, month out, most of us are with no qualms or shame whatsoever.

Why is corruption so endemic in Nigeria? We already in deficit before the middle of the month. all miss the answer by jumping to the conclusion In Nigeria of today, many are easily and readily that it is because we are selfish and greedy. Every turned into beggars who have to seek extras from human being has some measure or dosage of anywhere and wherever to make ends meet. Thus, selfishness and greed in his blood, the quantity when opportunities surface in form of political is what differs. I’m yet to see any of the critics appointments, it is difficult to resist the temptations who got to power and did not partake in the of stealing some, if not all of the divine favour, sharing of public resources or rejected his own as many see such bazaar. Essentially, every adult share of the incredible remunerations and perks operates his own government in the jungle that that our leaders attract and enjoy. It is usually a our city life has become. The amount of pressure revalidation of the thesis of the Brazilian author, this puts on an average individual is best left Paulo Freire in his seminal book, Pedagogy of to the imagination.

Mass unemployment has made lives even the Oppressed, that the oppressed man loves and respects only one man, his oppressor, and he has tougher. Those who went to school with the hope only one dream in life, which is to join the class of finding jobs to do afterwards would soon of oppressors, in order to fulfil his own fantasies. wake up to reality. There is nothing for them.

The reason corruption has become endemic is Those with brilliant ideas cannot activate and simple and straight-forward. It begins from severe actualise their dreams. There is no credit system need and chronic want. Most of us were born to assist in fertilising their brains. Most civilised poor, abysmally poor, struggled to go to school, societies thrive on credits and overdraft. Ours is graduated into unemployment, and joined the totally dependent on cash and carry system that rat race. Even when we eventually get the jobs, takes no prisoners. I doubt if 80 percent of those it is not usually what we craved and desired. who live abroad would ever be able to buy their Although, I must immediately stress that, this homes without mortgages or buy cars without was not the case many years ago particularly loans. Meanwhile, their Nigerian counterparts up to about 1984. At that time, it was a shame see how their old schoolmates and friends who to be labelled as corrupt, a stigma that nobody went into politics suddenly acquired amazing wanted to attract to himself. People even took wealth without much ado or stress. These are their lives if they were found wanting in this some of the reasons corruption is very attractive regard. It was more honourable to starve than and extremely endemic in our clime. It has also to be a thief or worse still to be caught stealing become a crime not to have money in Nigeria.

Are we the most corrupt people on earth? from the public purse.

However, things changed from the mid-1980’s. The answer is a big NO. Nigerians are among A new mindset began to prevail. It suddenly did the most hardworking people on earth. Most not matter too much if you were caught dipping of us work 24/7 but without commensurate

results or rewards. Some combine several jobs and juggle this and that to survive in the forest of a thousand demons. Those who let others give us the tag of the most corrupt people on earth are, in reality few and far between. They are people who stole in arrears and in advance.

They stole more than they or their families, and even generations unborn, would ever ordinarily need. Speak to any politician about what it takes to attain power, you would be shocked to hear how much he spent and what he sold, including family properties to gamble on politics. It does not end there. Even if he is lucky to win his election, he is permanently under pressure to service his constituency. It is impossible today for the ruling government to probe and prosecute most of its members without hitting a brick-wall or running into big trouble. Apart from the fact that there is the conundrum that these crooks funded the elections that brought the Government into power, there is the irony that it was done on the basis that there would be a quid pro quo, some payback! Indeed, the fight against corruption was therefore compromised from the outset. Once those in opposition realised that this sword of Damocles was actually hanging over the government’s head, it became a way out for those who feared for their proprietary interests. Now, all known criminals, including all those under EFCC trial, have hastily absconded from their former political Parties to join APC, in order for their sins to be glossed over or even buried permanently. I can imagine the frustrations experienced by the EFCC and ICPC bosses who are usually handicapped and constrained from bringing many cases to their logical climax because of the mixed signals being sent by government.

All told, corruption is such a complex web, at least in Nigeria.

It is noteworthy, that the corrupt always started as petty thieves in need of succour. Perhaps, if their needs had been nipped in the bud, those needs would not have graduated into pure unadulterated, unrelenting and all-pervading greed. There are several simple and legitimate ways of doing this without giving in to the cankerworm of corruption or creating a beggarly nation.

I love the American system of offering tips for services. It helps to cushion the shortfalls in inadequate incomes. It also ensures excellent service delivery because the nicer you are, the higher your tips. No American leader would ever condemn Americans as a nation of killers just because more homicidal lunatics have killed more human beings than in any other countries in the world. Let Nigeria kill corruption from the bottom and see if it would not reduce at the top. It is natural for people to seek and fight desperately for what they lack but want passionately. Every Nigerian loves the good life which he can hardly afford. It is obvious that waiting for peanuts at the end of every month would never guarantee that good life. Even those who have jobs don’t get paid regularly. He would have to slug it out anyway necessary or possible. As one erudite Judge says, a government cannot demand loyalty, trust and integrity from its work force if that government itself displays no loyalty, trust or integrity towards them by paying them, even the meagre salaries owed to them, when such salaries are due. Integrity, loyalty and trust are, in essence, an issue of mutuality and reciprocity for both the government or employer and its workers. Failing this, corruption becomes one

of the easier options, willy-nilly.

Similarly, there is the proven and tested method of giving bonuses and performance related pay.

It is frustrating when one knows how much you have contributed to the growth of your organisation, be it the public or private sector, but only the bosses get to receive the benefits of your hard work. The likelihood that you will want to take your own bonus, regardless, is very real and does happen Unfortunately, we all focus our total attention on 36 Governors, 60 Ministers, less than 50,000 political appointees, while studiously ignoring the millions in the private sectors who wreak havoc slowly but surely and steadily. We simply accept as normal the policeman who collects bribes. A journalist who blackmails, torments and terrorises people would still write articles on behalf of the masses who regard him as their friend and defender. A journalist who is notorious for collecting “brown envelopes” would still misbehave like a pot calling kettle black.”

Is it impossible to kill or reduce corruption in Nigeria? It is not an impossibility. As rampant and pervasive as it is, Nigerians are still largely and mostly honest people. We need to work on those things enumerated above that have made corruption very attractive. There must be a multi-prong approach to killing it. We do not have to reinvent the wheel as different countries are known to have worked assiduously and truly succeeded in curbing the menace. We need to borrow some useful ideas from them. We should never feel too cocky to learn from others.

The way forward is to combine forces and efforts. The executive must be willing and ready. The economy must improve drastically.

We can preach from now till kingdom come, but an empty stomach would always rumble and grumble. Mass poverty is the greatest tester and tempter of faith. The Executive and the Legislature must work harder together to create an enabling environment and justice for all. In this regard, the notion that these politicians are legitimately stealing the country blind, by voting humongous salaries for themselves, must be erased and eradicated. The Judiciary must be encouraged, at all times, to do justice without fear or favour. We have witnessed too much intimidation of the Judiciary in recent time and this does not augur well for the fight against corruption. The trial and conviction of alleged offenders on the pages of newspapers and on social media is also very wrong and terrible. No Nigerian should be pronounced guilty summarily without being tried and found guilty in a proper court of Justice.

Above all else, what is greatly needed is for the creation of strong institutions rather than strong personalities. The idea that corruption can only be fought buy one corruption Czar or one person as President must stop. Indeed, that in itself could breed corruption for nothing corrupts more than power. As the saying goes, absolute power corrupts absolutely. With strong institutions, all the safeguards and checks already put in place by our Constitution and other enabling laws can thrive. Things will work, seamlessly, regardless of whoever it is we have at the helm of affairs.

We can rid our country of this cancer. It is benign and not malignant! The way forward is by dedication to those principles of honesty, integrity and, in particular, shame, which served our forefathers well in the past.

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