Saturday 3rd March 2018

EU, Germany Support Nigeria’s Power Sector Growth with ₏33m Government to concession three solar power projects, says Kaduna IPP 70 per cent ready Chineme Okafor in Abuja The European Union and Germany yesterday announced a fresh financial package worth ₏33 million to support further developments in Nigeria’s power sector especially renewable energy.

This new package is coming on the heels of the World Bank's approval of $486 million credit facility for the country's electricity grid improvements a forthnight ago.

The new financial package was announced as part of the

rollover of the Nigerian Energy Support Programmme (NESP) which is managed by the German cooperation agency - the Deutsche Gesellschaft fĂźr Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) at an event in Abuja where the GIZ presented a compendium of

its achievements in the first phase of the NESP. Speaking at the event, the Programme Head of NESP, Iner Hommers, explained the new financial package would be used in the second phase of the NESP which would last from

December 2017 to November 2020, to support Nigeria’s provision of stable data for electrification planning, sustainable on-grid and off-grid electricity, as well as creating an enabling environment for renewable energy and energy efficiency investments.

Hommers stated that the European Union would provide â‚Ź20 million in the programme while the German government through its ministry of economic cooperation and development would give â‚Ź13 Continued on page 6

FG Redeems $413m Treasury Bills from Eurobond Proceeds ‌ Page 6 Saturday 3 March, 2018 Vol 23. No 8353

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US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, to Meet Buhari in Abuja Next Week Dapchi abduction, terrorism on the agenda hunt extends to neighbouring countries

Olawale Ajimotokan and Paul Obi in Abuja, Bayo Akinloye in Lagosw As the search for the 110 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram at Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, intensifies, the United States Government yesterday announced that its Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, would visit Nigeria and some other African countries next week over terrorism challenges in the continent.

It also emerged yesterday

that the search for the missing schoolgirls had been extended to the neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon, while the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin and his service chiefs have all now joined the search team.

Speaking on Tillerson's visit, the spokesperson for the State Department, Heather Nauert, said in a statement: "On his first official trip to Africa, Secretary Rex Tillerson will travel to N’Djamena, Chad; Djibouti, Djibouti; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Nairobi, Kenya;

and Abuja, Nigeria, March 6-13, 2018. “Secretary Tillerson will meet with leadership in each country,

CDS, service chiefs, join search as

as well as the leadership of the African Union Commission based in Addis Ababa, to further our partnerships with the governments

and people of Africa.

"In particular, he plans to discuss ways we can work with our partners to counter terrorism,

advance peace and security, promote good governance, and Cosntinued on page 6

Key Speakers at THISDAY Healthcare Financing Summit Taking Place in Abuja on Tuesday ... See Pg 8

Buhari, Saraki, UN, EU Condemn Killing of 3 Aid Workers in Borno State Omololu Ogunmade, Alex Enuma and Paul Obi in Abuja, Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described the attack and killing of humanitarian workers in Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State on Thursday night by Boko Haram as Godless, brutish,

an act that would only hasten the group's destructive end.

The President of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the United Nations and the European Union have also condemned the Rann attack.

A statement by Buhari’s Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the

Bukola Saraki

Isaac Adewole

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Olusoji Adeyi

Seth Berkley

Osagie Okunbor

Cosntinued on page 6

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FG Redeems $413m Treasury Bills from Eurobond Proceeds The federal government has paid off about N130 billion worth of treasury bills maturing this week instead of rolling over the debt as it has done in the past, traders said.

The Director General, Debt Management Office, Patience

Oniha, who confirmed the payment to Reuters, said a treasury auction calendar for March would be released next week.

Nigeria issued a $2.5 billion Eurobond last month to help redeem portions of its treasury bill portfolio to lower costs.

It has been working to lower its costs, particularly as inflation fell for the 12th time in a row in January.

Treasury yields have been falling on expectations that the government will sell less debt at its second quarter auction after it sold the Eurobond.

Traders expect rates to fall further after the pay off.

The DMO sold N129.99 billion worth of treasury bills at an auction on Wednesday, around half the amount it advertised in its calendar at the lower-range of the yield curve.

Investors demanded as high as 20 percent for the one-year bill which fetched 13.5 percent at the auction. The DMO sold the three-month bill at the lower-end of the curve at 11.85 percent.

Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun had last month said

the country would redeem N762.5 billion worth of treasury bills.

Nigeria has a treasury bill portfolio of N2.7 trillion. It paid off N198 billion worth of bills in December, leading to rates dropping by around 300 basis points.

House C'ttee Accuses RMAFC of Operating Illegal Revenue Formula James Emejo in Abuja The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating data collection processes, maintenance and usage by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has declared the existing template for revenue sharing among the tiers of government as illegal.

Chairman of the committee, Mark Terseer Gbillah (APC, Benue) described the existing sharing formula as unconstitutional during an

interactive session with the management of the commission led by its acting chairman, Mr. Shettima Umar Abba Gana.

He added that parliament will resist such development.

According to him, the existing revenue allocation formula in the country is illegal and unconstitutional as it has not been laid before the National Assembly for approval.

Abba Gana had told the lawmakers that the review of the sharing formula among all tiers of government was often

effected periodically.

According to him, the sharing proposals are usually drawn and sent to the presidency, which will in turn forward same to the National Assembly for approval.

But, the committee demand to know if the presidency had transmitted the template to the National Assembly for vetting.

The acting chairman said though the agency had sent proposals to the presidency, he could not ascertain if same had been sent to the lawmakers for approval.

The committee said the formula couldn't have been sent to parliament without their knowledge and therefore, declared its operation as illegal.

Gbillah said: "What this means is that the current revenue allocation formula is illegal and unconstitutional because it is not backed by law.

"If it is true that you got it across to the president, then it should have been here by now.

"You should confirm to us who submitted the allocation formula proposal to the National

Assembly, at what stage and time."

The committee further noted that the existing method of data collection for revenue sharing formula was archaic and outdated, assuring that it would do everything within its powers to make the commission's operations ICT-compliant.

Gbillah expressed concern that the RMAFC had no means of conducting independent research on each state of the federation with a viewing to arriving at an accurate template for revenue

formula.

He told THISDAY that instead, the agency had all along relied on whatever information was provided by respective states.

He said the faulty template could have short-changed many states because the formula is not evidence-based.

He noted that Abba Gana couldn't defend the allegations, leading credence to the Committee's concerns.

A public hearing is expected to take place on the issue, according to the lawmaker.

US SECRETARY OF STATE, REX TILLERSON, TO MEET BUHARI IN ABUJA NEXT WEEK spur mutually beneficial trade and investment."

The United States Government also said it believes the attack on Dapchi might have been carried out by ISIS West Africa, and not Boko Haram as widely believed.

The US State Department's Counterterrorism Coordinator, Ambassador Nathan Sales, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Sales is the one mobilising law enforcement efforts to defeat ISIS. "Let me just say the United States condemns in the strongest

possible terms the recent kidnappings. We understand there are reports that this operation may have been carried out by ISIS West Africa. As you know, previous kidnappings in the region have been carried out by Boko Haram, and so it looks like this is a technique that ISIS West Africa is copying," he said.

Sales said the US would continue to support Nigeria by training the Nigerian military and police.

"One of the things that we can do is to stand up law enforcement capabilities. We have robust

EU, GERMANY SUPPORT NIGERIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S POWER SECTOR GROWTH WITH â&#x201A;Ź33M million in support.

According to her, the programme would ensure as part of its schedule that up to 500 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity would be procured and generated to serve about 100,000 people, while supports to renewable energy operators to scale up their electricity provision would be provided.

She stated that the first phase of the NESP was successful and contributed in providing electricity to about 10,000 people in Sokoto, Niger, Ogun, Cross River and Plateau.

Similarly, the Head of Delegation of the European Union, Mr. Karlsen Ketil, stated in his remarks at the event that studies had shown that Nigeria could generate up to 53,950MW of electricity from solar and hydro sources, and as such supports to ensure that right investments are made in this regards were appropriate.

Ketil explained that the success of the first phase of the NESP inspired the European Union to continue with its support for the second phase, and called for a replication of the same expertise that was used in implementing the first phase in the second.

Meanwhile, the federal government has indicated it would concession three solar power projects located in Pakau and 40 kilowatt Gnami areas of Kaduna, as well as the 1.2MW Lower Usman Dam solar plant, to private operators or investors to run them successfully.

The Assistant Chief Electrical Engineer in the Ministry of Power,

Works and Housing, Mr. Temitope Dina, told reporters during a tour of the projects at the weekend that the concession exercise could happen before the end of the first quarter of 2018.

Dina, while conducting reporters round the 1.2MW solar plant in Lower Usman Dam, explained that the on-grid power generation project has since it began operation in 2016, supplied free electricity to the network of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, while the Abuja Water Board which it was originally built for still pays the Disco for power used by it.

He noted that the absence of a net metering regulation by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had prevented the water board from reconciling whatever volume of electricity its solar plant supplied to the grid with the volume of electricity it uses from the grid.

He stated that the government would when it concessions the plant, expect its new concessionaire to install a net metering facility and subsequently sell generated electricity to the grid instead of freely sending it.

Similarly, at the tour of the 215MW Kaduna Independent Power Plant, engineers working at the site told reporters that the project was 70 per cent complete and that two of its turbines would soon be synchronised to the national grid and be able to supply power.

They also noted that tankfarms to collect and hold diesel as alternative fuel for the plant were almost completed.

assistance programming for a number of countries in Africa that we use to increase the ability of local cops to address all forms of crime, including terrorismrelated crimes, including crimes committed by transnational criminal organisations.

"And our hope is that that kind of assistance will pay dividends and that local authorities will be better-equipped with the tools they need to investigate these kinds of atrocities, but more importantly, to prevent them from happening again in the future," the American envoy said.

According to him, the US is concerned about â&#x20AC;&#x153;growing terrorist threats in that part (Nigeria) of Africa, in the Maghreb, in the Sahel, and elsewhere in Africa.â&#x20AC;?

He said: "This is a part of the world where there are overlapping terrorist groups. Not just al-Qaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ida elements, but also ISIS-affiliated networks and others. Because of that group of threats, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for us in the United States and for our partners in Europe and elsewhere in the world to remain engaged.

"Our goal here is to continually

improve our local partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; capabilities: help them secure their borders, help them investigate terrorist-related crimes, help them prevent terrorist-related attacks from happening, help them respond to attacks when they do take place, in real time. And ultimately, the interest of the United States is ensuring that our partners have those skills themselves and need not turn to outsiders to provide security for them."

Meanwhile, the ongoing search for the abducted 110 Dapchi girls has been extended to the neighbouring countries, the Federal Government has announced.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also added that top military and security officials on Thursday travelled to the North-east to add more urgency to the search.

The officials include the nation's top military officer and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; Chief of Army Staff; Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and the Director-General of

the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura.

They joined the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who had earlier relocated to the North-east.

The Federal Government had earlier released the names and other details of the 110 girls who have yet to be accounted for, following the attack on the GGSTC, Dapchi, Yobe State, on 19 Feb. 2018.

The panel set up by the federal government to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the girls was inaugurated on Thursday by the NSA. CDS, DG DSS Review North East Operation In a related development, Olonisakin and the service chiefs are reviewing the ongoing operations in the North East, particularly, the operation to get back the Dapchi girls.

According to the Director of Defence Information, Defence Headquarters, Brig Gen John Agim, "the pattern of information management in all the military operations was reviewed.

"It was sadly observed that, the military operation strategies have always been in the media space thereby giving the insurgents and terrorists opportunity to re-strategise.

"It was recommended that hence forth, the military information arms will be communicating the successes rather than strategies."

Agim stated: "It is very important to be mindful of speculations that could jeopardise the ongoing efforts as well as put the lives of the girls or any other persons involve in the efforts at risk.

"For instance, the speculation that is awash in the media that fishermen and farmers have been employed by the military to search for the abducted girls is misleading as this could endanger the lives of the girls in question and the fishermen and farmers.

"Even though the military is soliciting for useful information to facilitate its operations, the fishermen and farmers have not been singled out for this assistance, rather all well-meaning members of the public are urged to provide useful information."

BUHARI, SARAKI, UN, EU CONDEMN KILLING OF 3 AID WORKERS IN BORNO President symphatised with the United Nations (UN) and other humanitarian agencies working at Rann, and in the country generally.

Buhari said the wickedness only showed that the terrorist group should be despised, adding that no true religion could seek to harm the innocent.

According to him, going from attacking the innocent to further attacking those offering humanitarian services was the height of bestiality which he said was offensive to both God and man.

"As I have always maintained, no true religion advocates hurting the innocent. To now further attack and kill those offering humanitarian aid is the height of bestiality. It is odious before both God and man," the president said.

He insisted that the attack was a cowardly act that would energise his administration to overrun Boko Haram and wipe it out within a short while.

"President Buhari affirms that such cowardly attacks can only bolster the determination of government to bring the Boko

Haram insurgency to a decisive end, in the shortest possible time," the statement added.

The President of the Senate in a tweet on his handle described the Rann attack as cowardly, while also calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, condemned the killing of the three aid workers during the attack by those he described as non-state armed group on the military facilities next to the town.

Kallon disclosed that three aid workers were also injured in the attack while a female nurse was said to be missing or probably abducted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aid workers put their lives on the line every single day to provide emergency assistance to vulnerable women, children and men. Our deepest condolences go to the families of the victims and our brave colleagues and we call on authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and account,â&#x20AC;? said Kallon.

The statement disclosed that

two deceased aid workers were contractors with the International Organisation for Migration, working as coordinators in the camp for 55,000 Internally Displaced Persons who have fled their homes as a result of the ongoing conflict. The other deceased aid worker was a medical doctor employed as a third party consultant with UNICEF. The United Nations in the statement also expressed great concern about other civilians who may have been injured or killed in the attack.

On his part, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, described the attack as senseless and a grave violation of all humanitarian principles.

"Right now, our thoughts are with families, friends and organisations of all those affected and the most vulnerable people aid workers strive to help in Nigeria. Humanitarian workers are not a target. Saving lives should not cost lives.

"At this difficult time, the

European Union stands by the Nigerian authorities and people.

These attacks will never deter our commitment to support those most in need in Nigeria", he said.

The humanitarian crisis in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s north-east, that has spilled over into the Lake Chad region, is one of the most severe in the world today, with 7.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2018 in the worstaffected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, and 6.1 million targeted for humanitarian assistance.

Now in its ninth year, the crisis shows no sign of abating.

Close to 80,000 people, including 55,000 internally displaced persons, currently reside in Rann and are supported with humanitarian assistance.

The United Nations and non-governmental humanitarian organisations are working across the north-east of Nigeria to provide aid, including food, safe water and medicine, to some 6.1 million people in need in the northeast.

Some 3,000 aid workers are present in the north-east, the majority of who are Nigerian nationals.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY MARCH 3, 2018

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NEWS

News Editor Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x; ͸Î&#x20AC;͚͚͞ͿͽΠÎ&#x20AC;͚͸ Ě&#x2122;sms only) Email Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ë&#x203A;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;ĚśĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;ĂŁĂ&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ë&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;

TOWARDS SHELTER FOR ALL ...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Works & Housing and Board Member FHA , Mr Mohammed Bukar:; Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Barnabas Gemade; Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola,SAN ; Minister of State, Surv. Suleiman Zarma Hassan and Chairman,Board of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria(FMBN) Mr Adewale Adeeyo in a group photograph shortly after the Inauguration of the Governing Boards of the Federal Housing Authority(FHA) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria(FMBN) at the Ministry of Power,Works & Housing Headquarters,Mabushi,Abuja on Thursday, 1st March 2018

Wâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bank Chiefs, Saraki, Adewole, to Headline THISDAY Healthcare Financing Summit Martins Ifijeh

High powered members of the World Bank Group, Senate President Bukola Saraki, and the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, are among stakeholders expected to grace the first edition of THISDAY Summit on Healthcare Financing billed to hold at the Musa Yarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Adua Centre in Abuja Tuesday starting 10.am The Summit, which will be a policy dialogue between key healthcare stakeholders and the political elites in the country, will focus on providing a more improved healthcare financ-

ing model for a sustained investment in the provision of quality healthccare to the over 180 million Nigerians, especially in the area of highly cost effetive interventions.

Among the World Bank chiefs expected at the summit are the Director, Health Nutrition Population of the World Bank Group, Washington, and Olusoji Adeyi; the Country Director, World Bank Nigeria, Rachid Benmassoud, Chair of Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI) and Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, and CEO GAVI, Seth Berkley.

Others expected at the summit are the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Lanre Tejuosho, Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Osagie Okunbor, President, Global Development Programme, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Chris Elias, among others.

The summit, themed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moving Nigeria towards Universal Health Coverage through Appropriate Financingâ&#x20AC;? aims to galvanise discussions on why the country should prioritise financing of the health sector as a bastion of human capital development critical for the

achievement of the Economic and Growth Recovery Plan.

According to THISDAY Newspaper Board of Directors, the Summit is significant because Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health sector allocation in the national budget has continued to decline over the years despite the increase in disease burden and mortality rates in the country.

It says the Nigerian government spends less on health than any other government of the world, with most health expenditures being out-of-pocket. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In April 2001, Abuja hosted

the Heads of State of member countries of the African Union, where they declared to allocate 15 per cent of their annual budgets to improving their countriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health sectors. But over the years, Nigeria has failed to meet its part of the declaration, resulting in the poor health indices currently experienced. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The highest health allocation for Nigeria since the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Declarationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was in 2012 where 5.95 per cent was allotted. In 2014 it allocated N216.40 billion to healthcare, representing 4.4 per cent. In 2015 it was N237 billion, which represents 5.5

per cent of the entire budget.

Same with 2016 (4.23 per cent) and 2017 (4.16 per cent).â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Already the trend has continued in the proposed 2018 annual budget of N8.6 trillion, with only N340.45 billion allocated to healthcare, representing 3.9 per cent,â&#x20AC;? the Board says.

It says it is in the light of this that THISDAY believes this Summit will chart a way forward in arresting the myriads of healthcare challenges and high mortality rates in the country by prioritisation of the health of the citizens through increased funding.

Supreme Court Dismisses NHIS: Documents Absolve Dasuki's Bail Appeal ES from Transfer of N10bn Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Supreme Court, Abuja on Friday dismissed the appeal filed by former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) challenging his continued detention by the Federal government.

The apex court in a unanimous decision dismissed the appeal on the grounds that he (Dasuki) was not being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that is prosecuting him on alleged corruption and abuse of office.

According to the apex court, the bails granted Dasuki in respect of criminal charges brought against him by EFCC had been obeyed having been implemented by the Controller of Prison, Kuje on December 29, 2015.

Delivering judgement in the appeal filed by Dasuki to challenge his continued detention and praying for suspension of his trial pending the time the bail orders were obeyed

by government, Justice Ejembi Eko, held that the EFCC could not be held responsible for the continued detention of Dasuki, since his detention was by the Department of State Service (DSS).

Justice Eko, while delivering the unanimous judgement of the panel stated further that, since the bail order was implemented by the Prison Controller, it had been obeyed as far as the charges against Dasuki at the FCT High Court was concerned.

According to the Supreme Court, going by the claims and counterclaims of Dasuki and EFCC, it was clear that the appellant was rearrested at the premises of the Kuje Prison on December 29, 2015 by DSS. The Supreme Court therefore affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal and the FCT High Court which had in their separate decisions held that EFCC cannot be held responsible for the detention of Dasuki by DSS. Justice Eko said the appeal brought by Dasuki lacked merit and

constituted abuse of court process and consequently dismissed it.

The Court ordered Dasuki and EFCC to go back to the FCT High Court to continue with the trial in the charges brought against him by the anti-graft agency.

It will be recalled that the Federal High Court under Justice Adeniyi Ademola, FCT High Court under Justice Peter Affem and another FCT High Court under Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf had at different time granted bail to the ex-NSA in the three charges filed against him by EFCC. Dasuki met the conditions attached to his bail and was released from Kuje Prison on December 29, 2015, however, operatives of DSS swooped on him immediately at the premises of the Prisons and rearrested him.

He has since remained in the custody of the DSS, who are yet to file any fresh charge against him or explain the rationale behind his continued detention.

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja Contrary to reports that the authorisation for a controversial withdrawal of N10 billion from NHIS funds was granted by the Executive Secretary, ES of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Yusuf Usman, documents obtained by THISDAY show that he did not authorise the action.

The documents reveal further that Yusuf, before his suspension, and eventual reinstatement as ES, had made efforts to retrieve the first tranche of N5 billion transferred out of the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s account at the Central bank, on December 28, 2016, to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in line with the Treasury Single Account Policy.

A second tranche was transferred out of the account with number 00201063661013 on January 11, 2018.

The scheme is however exempted from the TSA, since it is not considered a revenue generating

agency.

Already, the House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, and the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), over the transfer of the N10billion to the TSA, in disregard of the appropriation law of the NHIS. A recent report in a newspaper, (not THISDAY) had claimed that the second withdrawal was ordered effected on the orders of some presidential aides, led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Abba Kyari, and that Usman was reinstated so as to cover up the withdrawals.

The documents however show that the transfers, in both instances were authorised by the AGF, into the TSA, as part of operating surplus.

Usman had been suspended by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole for financial recklessness and misconduct in July 2017, but was reinstated by President

Muhammadu Buhari, in February 2018. Three separate letters obtained

by THISDAY show that the ES had sought the return of the initial N5 billion.

Two of the letters dated February 14, 2017 with Reference number NHIS/ES/264/1/4, and July 4, 2017 with Reference number NHIS/ DCM/192/1/54 addressed to the AGF, had requested for the refund of the deducted money.

The letters also sought the refund of N11.56 billion erroneously transferred to the CRF by Guarantee Trust Bank, in September 2015, when the TSA was fully implemented.

In another letter dated April 18, 2017 with reference number NHIS/ES/163/1, to the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Adeosun, Usman sought audience with the minister to discuss the refunds and also discuss partial remittances of NHIS contributions by the AGF, in addition to transfer of operating surplus to the CRF.

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

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07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

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Boko Haram: The Truth That Must Be Told

T

he abduction of 110 girls at Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, by Boko Haram on February 19, again brings to the fore, the hypocrisy, ineptitude and corruption dominating the war against the terrorists in the last 33 months of the Buhari administration. The peak of this recklessness was the wild celebration of a fantasy victory over the terrorists in December 2016. A former US Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, was right when he said that the Nigerian government had not been transparent about Boko Haram war and that the terror 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, Campbell said: “The latest Boko Haram kidnapping of female students sheds some light on the terrorist group’s current operational capacity… More disturbing is Boko Haram’s use of armored vehicles, its access to uniforms, and its ability to carry out mass kidnappings…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.”

Evidently, this government is stupidly running away from the fact that this sagging war has claimed thousands of innocent lives in the last 33 months and that the terrorists are still roaming unhindered in many communities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. The fact is that Boko Haram still holds territories and control at least three local governments in Borno State, from where they launch attacks on soft and hard targets. The attack in Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State on Thursday night, during which several persons were feared killed, including three aid workers of local and international organisations, is also a pointer to this fact. Our gallant soldiers are willing to fight, but they are ill-equipped and ill-motivated. Last year, Army Chief, Tukur Buratai, confirmed that troops on the war front had not been paid operational allowances for three months. So, where is the inspiration to fight Boko Haram? Where is the high-tech equipment to tame the terrorists? This is why Boko Haram strolls into military formations and kill soldiers with ease.

Another drawback to this war is that this government has been carelessly providing ammunition to the terrorists in form of ransom for the release of captives. The story in town is that it paid millions of USD for the release of Chibok girls and the oil workers abducted in Magumeri Frustration is visibly escalating among our gallant soldiers.

The Buhari administration must show sincerity in this war against Boko Haram by first sacking Buratai and other service chiefs. He must retire those in the top hierarchy of this war and appoint fresh hands, so that we can have fresh ideas. The managers of this war have failed these soldiers. Our war commanders have become businessmen. This is why this country has been losing grounds to Boko Haram.

I was shocked by Buhari’s approval of a provocative tenure extension (unusual 3rdterm) for the service chiefs. These same service chiefs that have failed our gallant soldiers were rewarded for failure. This is preposterous. No wonder our President is persistently shifting Boko Haram blame and responsibility from his government.

Another drawback to this war is that this government has been carelessly providing ammunition to the terrorists in form of ransom for the release of captives. The story in town is that it paid millions of USD for the release of Chibok girls and the oil workers abducted in Magumeri. No agent of this administration has punctured holes in this accusation. Terror groups all over the world need cash to sustain their reign of horror. Responsible governments strive to cut supply of cash to terror groups but the reverse is the case in Nigeria.

Additional challenge Nigeria is facing in this war against Boko Haram is that most of those managing the war don’t want it to end. These heartless people are profiting immensely from the blood of our gallant

soldiers and that of innocent Nigerians.

This is why soldiers on the war front are cruelly denied operation allowances, illequipped and ill-motivated. As long as the war is on, there will be more money for these coldblooded war managers.

This is the truth that must be told about this war.

Tales from the war front in the last 33 months are still not palatable. The terrorists are everywhere and moving around freely in the North-east.

Nigerians won’t forget the attack on a military post in Sasawa (Yobe State), during which 18 soldiers were killed.

What about the attack in Magumeri town, Borno State, during which the military outpost in the town was sacked? The terrorists overpowered the soldiers, with most of them fleeing.

What about the killing of 69 oil explorers and soldiers in Borno State? What about the terrorists boldly showing the video of the 14 women abducted in Dalwa? What about the persistent humiliation of our soldiers in Gashigha, Abadam, Mainok and Malam Fatori?

What about the persistent killings in Konduga and Dalori IDP camp? The University of Maiduguri has been repeatedly attacked, resulting in the death of innocent people, including a professor of veterinary medicine, Aliyu Usman Mani. Never in the history of this institution has this much pain been inflicted on its staff and students. This horrific list is endless.

I have persistently clamoured for the return of mercenaries. We all saw their impact when they were briefly used by the Jonathan administration. Buhari came and unwisely sacked them. This country must employ the best fighters from anywhere in the world to end this trauma called Boko Haram. The ultimate aim is to genuinely decapitate Boko Haram. Buhari should use his $1 billion war chest to hire the best mercenaries from Israel, South Africa and Russia. These mercenaries are ready to storm the North-east with highly sophisticated war manpower and war machines. Any leader that is genuinely interested in ending the Boko Haram madness must look in this direction. If our President is patriotic enough to take this decision, within few months, Boko Haram will become history.

Nigerians, Please, Let’s Stop Celebrating Mediocrity In the last few weeks, our politicians have been trooping to Lagos for one award or another, celebrating humdrum achievements. All manner of awards have been designed for them -Governor of the Year, Man of the Year, Politician of the Year, Senator of the Year, Legislator of the Year, Local Government of the Year and the rest of them. Many Nigerians are also celebrating them. I am still struggling to understand the basis of these accolades and celebration. All these festivity is happening in a country subjugated by hunger, poverty, disease, malnutrition, infant and maternal mortality, decaying infrastructure, insecurity, extra-judicial killings, epileptic electricity supply, unemployment and all the other negatives you can think of. A supposedly educated woman told me this week that her governor (from one of the South-west states) is constructing three overhead bridges across the state, and so, deserves the award. What a country.

We must learn to assess, judge and interrogate our leaders based on globally accepted standards; else, this country will remain tattered. The Human Development Index (HDI) of the UNDP is the

pragmatic global standard for assessment. HDI is a comparative measure of life expectancy, literacy, education, per capita income and standards of living for countries worldwide. It is a standard means of measuring well-being. HDI is used to distinguish whether a country is a developed, a developing or an underdeveloped country, and also to measure the impact of economic policies on quality of life. It evaluates development not only by economic advances but also improvements in human well-being. This should also be used to evaluate our states.

Now, let’s evaluate the states of all these governors and other politicians that many have been celebrating and you will find out that they rank very low on the HDI index.

Most of the households in all our 36 states have no access to ordinary running water.

Just look around and you will find public hospitals, schools and roads in tatters in these states. Even in my beloved Lagos, conservatively, 95 per cent of homes have no access to public water supply, while inner roads are begging for attention. Worse still, Lagos homes are now enveloped by waste due to the ineptitude of the waste

manager called Visionscape.

Quality life remains a mirage in our dear nation. Nigeria will soon surpass India as the country with the largest number of people living in life-threatening poverty despite the fact that India’s population is almost four times that of Nigeria’s, yet, we are celebrating our leaders. Living in extreme poverty, going by the parameters set by the World Bank, means living on less than $1.90 per day, an amount that cannot guarantee even the token needs for existence.

This is another insignia of disgrace that should task genuine patriots. So, what kind of dubious awards are these politicians celebrating? Singapore was like us years back but Lee Kuan Yew took her from the third world to the first in a generation. This country is in a desperate need of a Lee Kuan Yew. On the flip side, I hope the charlatans conferring the awards and the jesters receiving them will spend quality time reading the current International Monetary Fund’s assessment of this country which clearly stated that, “Nigerians are getting poorer” and that economic reforms are urgently needed.

$5.8bn for Petrol in 4 Months A monstrous $5.8 billion. Yes, that’s what the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation spent on the importation of 9.8 million metric tons of petrol in the last four months – October 2017 to January 2018. This is a huge sum, even in the United States, the home of USD. An obviously confused Mainkati Baru, NNPC’s Group Managing Director, said the corporation had to carry out the massive importation after private fuel marketing companies abandoned the trade because of the high landing cost of the fuel. He also admitted that cost recovery and profitability were difficult to actualise owing to the regulated price regime.

Is this in agreement with present day realities and basic economic principles? For how long must this country continue to squander its resources due to inept leadership? What has changed in almost three years of this “change” administration regarding payment of petrol subsidy? These are pertinent questions begging for answers from the naïve managers of Nigeria’s economy.

Kachikwu

Soothing News from Kwara State The news from Kwara State on the payment of pension to former governors and their deputies is inspiring. The House of Assembly has passed an amendment bill halting payment of pension to former governors, deputy governors and other officers holding new political offices after their tenure. This means that these super pensioners, who have gone on to become senators and ministers, will no longer collect annuity from the state until they leave their new jobs. It is unfortunate that we have so many former governors collecting double salaries amidst hunger in our land. Even states that owe civil servants salaries running into several months still pay the gargantuan pension of these super retiree ex-governors. I sincerely hope that this development in Kwara State would be replicated in other states.

Lawal

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚͜

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NEWS

In Brief Police Nab Bank Staff over Fake National ID Cards

Sokoto State Police Command, has arrested five suspects including two staff of a new generation bank in Sokoto who specialised in the issuance of fake national identity cards to customers of the bank in the state.The Police Public Relations Officer and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Cordelia Nwiwe,madethedisclosureduringapressbriefingatthepoliceheadquarters inSokotoonFriday.Shesaidthetwoaccountingofficersofthebank,Mudassiru TaofeeqandPerezPercyusuallyassistintendingcustomerswhowanttoopen anaccountinsecuringafakenationalidentitycardaftercollectingN4000.The PPROexplainedthatoneNasiruBellofromBodingalocalgovernmentareahad twoweeksagovisitedSokototoopenabankaccount butwastoldtoprovide anationalIdentitycardbythebankofficers.

Fire Wreaks Havoc in Niger

Tearsflowedfreelyfrommanytradersastheywatchedtheirvaluableproperty burntattheBidacentralmarketinNigerstateonThursdaynight.Manyofthe tradersrolledonthefloor,whilesympathisershadproblemrestrainingsome others from jumping into the raging inferno. Even in the peak of the disaster, hoodlums still managed to loot whatever they could from the shops despite theintensityofthefire.Themenofthestatefireservicewerehelplessbecause thefirewassointensethatitwasnotpossibleforthemtogonear.Theyhowever battledtillabout8amonFridaytobringthefireundercontrol.Thefirereportedly startedfromthemiddleofthemarketafterthecloseofbusiness,butnoone could say the cause because as at the time there was no supply of electricity tothemarket.

BREAKING THE JINX...

L-R; His Royal Majesty,(Barr.) Odelekpe, Owhorhu I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi; Chief Executive OďŹ&#x192;cer Premium Steel and Mines Limited, Mr. Prasnata Mishra; and Hon. Solomon Ahwinahwi, during the OďŹ&#x192;cial Commissioning (Flag-OďŹ&#x20AC;) of the Rolling Mill of Premium Steel and Mines Limited Plant, at Ovwian -Aladja, Delta State

Buhari: Nigeria's Drive for Self-sufďŹ ciency, Food Security Non-negotiable Alleges disappearance of fertilizer trucks during PDP government Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said Nigeria's journey towards self-sufficiency and food security was nonnegotiable.

The president who stated this while meeting with members of Presidential Fertilizer Initiative in the Presidential Villa, directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.) and other security agencies to provide protection for movement of agricultural products.

Bearing in mind that rainy season was approaching and farmers in the Southern region were warming up for planting, Buhari directed the Ministry of

With exactly 350 days ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has embarked on clean-up of the voter register and has so far delisted 299 aliens.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja during first quarterly consultative meeting with security agencies for 2018 under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

Yakubu said that clean-up would focus against underage voters, aliens, and persons registered in abstentia amongst others.

He said: "Before we finalise the voter register for the 2019 general elections, the Commission will undertake a thorough Clean-up of the existing register.

"Under Section 12 (1) of the

TheBayelsaStateGovernor,Mr.SeriakeDickson,yesterdayinauguratedthree newcommissionersandaSpecialAdviser,bringingthetotalnumberofcabinet levelaidesfromOgbia,ex-PresidentGoodluckJonathan'stowntofive.Dickson, whochargedthenewcommissionerstoshunallformsofpracticescapableof stuntingdevelopmentinthestate,assignedMrs.FunkaziKoroye-Crookstothe MinistryofTrade,IndustryandInvestmentwhichwashithertooccupiedbythe currentSecretarytotheStateGovernment,Mr.KemelaOkara.TheGovernor alsoannouncedthattheMinistryofWomenandSocialDevelopment,hadbeen splitintotheMinistryofWomenDevelopmentandtheMinistryofEmpowerment and Social Welfare, adding that the newly sworn in Mrs. Faith Opuene, fromOgbia,willbeinchargeofeitherofthetwoministries. AsideOpuene,the latestappointmentfromthetown,otherservingCommissionersare:Mr.Daniel Iworiso-MarksonthestateCommissionerforInformationandOrientation,Mr. PartnerJim-Ogbolo(Power),FredObuah(SpecialProjects)andSaviourIbegi (ChieftaincyAffairsandCommunityDevelopment).

Africa-Israel Initiative Gets Rivers Chapter Finance and National Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to immediately engage the Nigeria Governors' Forum to conclude orders for fertilizer.

Buhari also used the moment to attack the previous Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governments, alleging that a number of trucks conveying fertilizer disappeared during the period, a trend he said his government had stopped.

He tasked the Ministry of Agriculture, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and governors to sustain the synergy among them and ensure that Nigeria was self-sustained.

"Unlike in previous Governments where trucks conveying fertiliser would miraculously

disappear in transit, in 2017, none of the 3,333 trucks that participated in this program went missing. I want to assure all participants of the PFI that, we will continue to provide adequate security so that this program, and its positive impact on Nigeria, is sustained.

"We are all aware of the great partnership between the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and State Governors to ensure Nigeria feeds itself. I want to encourage you to continue on this track.

"Specifically, you must all support programs like the PFI and work together to ensure we never return to the dark days of import dependence. I am pleased to hear

that already, the CBN is working with the commercial banks on programs that will further expand and enhance the PFI," he said.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Jigawa State governor, Abubakar Badaru, said Nigeria was pursuing an expansion in fertilizer initiative with a view to securing one million tonnes this year in addition to 500,000 tonnes of last year.

He said the move had become important because "quality fertilizer is one of the key ingredients that improve yield and improving yields per hectare which means increased productivity which is one of the key to our competitiveness," adding that the price of fertilizer will remain stable.

2019: INEC IntensiďŹ es Criminal Gangs Plotting to Clean-up of Voters Register, Attack Bureaux De Change in Delists 299 Aliens Abuja Hotels, UK Warns Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

Dickson Swears in New Aides

Electoral Act, those who are below the statutory age of 18 years, aliens, persons registered in absentia, those barred by statue or regulations from registering as voters and persons who do not ordinarily reside, work or originate from the area covered by the registration are ineligible. We will thoroughly scrutinise all prospective registrants in the ongoing exercise in order to ensure that only eligible registrants are registered."

"I am happy to report that the Commission has been able to remove from the voter register the names of 299 aliens who registered on the false pretence that they were Nigerians. This was done on the basis of Information received from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)."

To this end, the INEC Chairman said the Commission had agreed with NIS to deploy their personnel to registration centres nationwide to ensure that only Nigerians register to vote in the election.

Bayo Akinloye There are indications that criminal gangs in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are planning to launch whole-scale attacks on international hotels targeting foreign exchange bureaus on their premises.

This is according to an updated travel advisory by the United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

In an travel warning emailed to THISDAY, the British government said, "There have been reports that criminal gangs are intending to target foreign exchange bureau attached to international hotels in and around Abuja's central business district; you should be extra vigilant in these areas, satisfy yourself that your hotel's visible security measures are robust and minimise your movements in and around foreign exchange

bureau in these areas."

However, on Friday, the UK government revised its warning saying, ""Revised information and advice about criminal intent to target areas around international hotels in Abuja; removal of reference to foreign exchange bureau as a specific target; it is likely that potential attacks would be carried out by armed gangs.

It added, "At this time of heightened threat, avoid loitering outside hotel security cordons and be extra vigilant when travelling in their vicinity."

In March last year, a building, located in Burma Road, Apapa, Lagos State, was reportedly attacked by hoodlums carting away $45,000 and N9.5 million.

Similarly, last July, some armed robbers had attacked a bureau de change on Akerele road in Surelere, Lagos.

Rivers State chapter of Africa-Israel Initiative has been inaugurated in Port Harcourt, with an eight-member executive committee to run its affairs. The committee has Bishop Joseph Daka as chairman, Evangelist Richard J. O. as vice chairman, and Rev. (Dr.) Ezare Anani as secretary. Other members of the committee are Apostle Favour Ete Ebebe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; treasurer, Reverend Clifford Abraham,aretiredbrigadier-generalâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;publicrelationsofficer,ReverendNgozi Ofoâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;welfareofficer,Mrs.LaemiIyallaâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;financialsecretary,andApostleKingN. TamunoTonyeâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;assistantsecretary. Inauguratingthecommittee,chairmanof theBoardofTrusteesofAfrica-IsraelInitiativeandSpecialAdviseronReligious MatterstoGovernorNyesomWikeofRiversState,BishopWinstonIwo,commendedthecommitteemembersforbeingfoundworthytosteertheaffairs ofthepioneerchapterofthebodyinthecountry.

Five Die in Benue IDP Camps

Five persons including three children have lost their lives at the internally displacedpeople'scampsinGumalocalgovernmentareaofBenuestate.This wasdisclosedbytheBenuestateGovernorSamuelOrton.whenhereceived theRepresentativeoftheNationalCommissionerofNationalCommissionfor Refugee Migrant and Internal Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) Charles Anealo in Makurdi yesterday According to the governor, three of the victims were crushed by a car while crossing the road at the vicinity of the camp while the othertwodiedfromI'llhealth.HestressedthattheconditionoftheIDPswould havebeenworseifnotforproactivemeasurestakingbythestategovernment inproviding health facilitiesinthecamp.ThegovernorchidedtheNCFRMIfor it's slow response to the plight of the displaced people even as he called on themtobeproactive intheiractivities.

LASPOTECH Graduates 6355

Atotalof6355studentsaresettograduatefromtheLagosStatePolytechnic (LASPOTECH)atits26thConvocationceremonyscheduledtoholdonMarch 8.attheinstitution'spremises.TheRector,Mr.SamuelOluyinkaSogunrowho briefedJournalistsyesterday,saidfromthetotalnumberofgraduands,211earned distinction,1,368inuppercredit,3,505inlowercreditsclasswhile1,271obtained passclassification.HenotedthatsincethelastconvocationinMarchlastyear, the polytechnic has achieved significant milestones such as the completion oftheLASPOTECHFM101.9,electricitysupplyforschooladministration,reaccreditation to operate JAMB CBT centre, large scale farming of Cassava, TETfundinstitution-basedresearch,TETfundfabricationofequipment,sports, awardsandlaurels,amongothers.Henotedthatthepolytechnicwouldbehosting the7theditionofInternationalConferenceonInfrastructureandDevelopment in Africa (ICIDA) in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg, South Africa,KwameNkrumahUniversityofScienceandTechnology,Kumasi,Ghana andBellsUniversityofTechnology,Ota,OgunState,fromMarch28to30.

Imo CP Parades Fake Lawyer, Pastor

Imo State Police Command has paraded 61 suspects arrested in different partsofthestateforvariouscriminaloffencesrangingfromkidnapping,armed robbery, cultism, child stealing/trafficking, etc. Parading the suspects at the state Command Headquarters, Owerri, Thursday, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Ezike saluted the officers and men of the command for their hard work, dedication and commitment to duty, paying special tribute to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the Anti-kidnapping unit and the TacticalTeamsfortheirexcellentperformance.TheCPalsoparadeda35-year oldfemalefakelawyer,BeatriceObiageliNnamuohfromItiawuVillageOnitsha, AnambrastatefordefraudinghersuspectsofN342,000withthepretenceof sellingauctionvehicles.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY MARCH 3, 2018

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ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

DISTURBING POLITICAL DRAMA IN NORTH-WEST Our democracy is heading in a dangerous direction because of the thuggish attitude of some politicians, writes Abdulrahman S. Alabidun

A

s the 2019 election approaches, the height of desperation to hold on to power or to unseat the incumbents by some politicians has increased. Almost everywhere there is political display of intolerance and dissenting views by political leaders. They unleash their viciousness against political opponents without mercy. Invariably, their untoward behaviours affect the innocent citizens negatively.

Going by whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently going on in some states of the federation, one could see the justifiable reasons against state police force. As 2019 election is just a year away, what we are witnessing in some states at present is simply invitation to anarchy, where some governors are turning themselves to political demi-gods.

Current developments, notably in the North-Western states of Kano and Kaduna, are disturbing signals that are quite worrisome which must be addressed as soon as possible.

For instance, followers of the incumbent Governor of Kano State, Dr. Umar Ganduje are loudly beating the drums of battle against the former Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The supporters might have forgotten that Ganduje had extolled and glorified Kwankwaso as the great moulder of his life in several recorded events wherein he admittedly called him his benefactor. He even credited most of his achievements to the senator. The only thing he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say or attribute to him was to call him god. As I write, the relationship has gone terribly sour.

For whatever motives, recently, Senator Kwankwaso who was once Defence Minister was barred from travelling to Kano, the state he had served for good eight years. He was invariably denied his right to relate and feel the pulse of his constituency.

Surprisingly, days afterwards, well-armed political bandits and supporters of Governor Ganduje were out publicly brandishing their weapons at a political rally organised by the government. Guess what? Women and youths were involved in the embarrassing and disgraceful outing by wielding all sorts of destructive weapons like cutlass, cudgels and swords.

Away from Kano, the theatre of power is also unfolding in Kaduna among the sitting Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and the two senators, Suleiman Hunkuyi and Shehu Sani representing Kaduna North and Central. The political drama mirrors a dangerous escalation of violence in the state. The governor seems to suggest and indeed believes that his authority cannot be questioned by anyone, not even the

THE SCENARIOS IN KANO AND KADUNA ARE CLEAR EXAMPLES OF VIOLENCE-INCLINED HIRELINGS DEPLOYED TO WREAK HAVOC ON POLITICAL ENEMIES. THESE PRACTICES MUST BE CURTAILED NOW BEFORE THE 2019 ELECTION

federal legislators.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indeed a war of political superiority among the trio. A recent case is the suspension of El-Rufai from All Progressives Congress by Hunkuyi-led faction and in a show of force and vengeance, El-Rufai ordered the secretariat of the faction to be bulldozed. The building is owned and maintained by Hunkuyi for more than two decades. On a flimsy excuse of default in payment of ground rent for seven years, the governor demolished the structure. We should nevertheless also remember how the governor authorised the demolition of Shiite properties in Zaria in 2015 after a clash with the military.

These two scenarios in Kano and Kaduna are clear examples of violence-inclined hirelings deployed to wreak havoc on political enemies. These practices must be curtailed now before the 2019 election. From history, it is â&#x20AC;&#x153;yan akusaâ&#x20AC;? that has now transfigured to what we now call â&#x20AC;&#x153;yan dabaâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;bangaâ&#x20AC;? in Kano. In the First Republic, they were used by the Northern Peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Congress (NPC) to check the winning streak of Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU). And today, it has spread to other states, the same reason that saw the beginning of yan akusa in Kano could be said to be the reason why the sara-suka groups were formed for instance in Bauchi, or Kalare in Gombe.

Though, unlike yan akusa, sara suka in Bauchi were formed by the supporters of Isa Yuguda to counter Governor Muazuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of government machinery to stop Yuguda from contesting.

The story is the same in Borno State. ECOMOG groups in Borno were formed by the supporters of Ali Modu Sherrif to counter the incumbent governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opposition to Sherrifâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bid for the governorship of the state. The activities of the Kalare groups in Gombe became manifest when opposition PDP wanted to wrest power from the incumbent ANPP in 2003. In fact, it was a tug of war between the two groups in 2003/07.

To secure or protect their political and economic interests, they engage in recruiting, training and empowering thugs to harass, intimidate, assassinate, murder, and victimise their political opponents or any other person who go against their opinion. And of course, the youths are the ones easily deployed to carry out these â&#x20AC;&#x153;assignmentsâ&#x20AC;?. These developments are threats, and my fear is that a problem somewhere can become a problem anywhere or everywhere.

Alabidun, a youth Corps member with PRNigeria, wrote from Abuja

GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT Idang Alibi argues that good leadership goes beyond age and computer competence

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iven the less- than- pleasant experience which two states of this federation have had in the hands of two self-confessed â&#x20AC;&#x153;digitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; governors, I consider the recent advocacy by the former military President Ibrahim Babangida that President Muhammadu Buhari should voluntarily and patriotically allow a digital person, possibly of a much younger generation, to succeed him in 2019, a very frightening, if not out rightly, a dangerous proposition for the nation. IBB considers PMB too analogue to provide leadership for a complex country like Nigeria at this time. Who am I to have an opinion to volunteer when one general expresses an opinion on another fellow general and comrade- in â&#x20AC;&#x201C;arms?

My own simple and patriotic task here is to draw attention to the performance of two digital governors and to warn that if their imprint on governance is what digitalisation means, we should better stick to analogue leaders. Let us take a look at the two digital governors; one, a Muslim from the Northern state of Jigawa and the other, a Christian, drawn from the southern state of Cross River.

One provided a non-too distant experience that cannot be easily forgotten; the other is still on the throne, providing an awful experience that many perceptive citizens want banished like yesterday.

Governor Saminu Turaki was in-charge of Jigawa from 1999-2007. One notable legacy of governance we remember him for is that, armed with a computer and a mobile phone, this man was always on the move: Dubai today, Hong Kong tomorrow and the UK the next day in perennial and, ultimately, futile search for the elusive â&#x20AC;&#x153;foreign investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

When some citizens complained that he was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;mobileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; governor and that he should learn to stay more at home to provide leadership to the young and grossly underdeveloped state, he answered that with his two vital digital objects, he could govern Jigawa from any part of the world! Wherever a governor is, that

place becomes Government House and with his two governing device, time and space shrank for him to accomplish his goals.

It was said at the time that Turaki used to carry about three to four flight tickets on his person at any point in time. He could arrive the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos or the Nnamdi Azikiwe in Abuja and remember that he needed to have travelled to Australia next before arriving Nigeria and right at the airport the man will not touch base with home; he will take off on any available flight to Australia. He was always landing from and taking off to, some far flung corners of the earth.

When his digital era was coming to an end in Jigawa, he remembered to build an ICT school somewhere in his state which awards a diploma as a fitting legacy to his reign. I cannot now remember whether he named this school after himself as was, and still is, the fashion among some of our leaders. Please note that this digital governor ascended the throne in his late 30s or early 40s and not in his years of dotage.

We now come to another governor, a 40-something year old young youth who is currently on the seat and spares no opportunity to advertise himself as the original digital governor, the real deal. He calls himself a labour-friendly governor and as a man is bound to treat his friends more favourably, this guy, with borrowed and not earned money, pays the state public service workers sometimes on the first day of the month even before they have had a chance to offer any service to the people of the state! Meet Professor, Senator, Governor Benedict Ayade, the one and only digital governor south of the Niger and Benue and current helmsman of Cross River State. Ayade is the true archetype of a digital governor indeed.

Like his mentor in digitalisation governance, Ayade is always on the move to foreign countries in search of foreign investors. At one

point in his governorship the man was abroad for over a month, prompting calls that he had gone AWOL and should be impeached! Ayade is slightly better than Turaki in that while he is away, his senior brother governs in his stead. At one point when Ayade travelled to (was it Mexico, Venezuela or Nicaragua?), he was in the full elements of his digitalisation.

He was furiously snapping away pictures of large hecterages of pineapple farms he visited and posting them on facebook, Instagram, Youtube and other social media platforms. I felt very sorry for him for his failure to realise that pineapple has been grown, and is still being grown, by his citizens in almost every part of his state!

When some disgusted citizens and human rights people where counting days and saying audibly that he had overstayed his foreign sojourn taking pictures of what others conceived and implemented, and so needed to be impeached, he realised the folly of his meaningless adventure and rushed back and took back the reins of government from his beloved brother.

The icing on Ayadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great digitalisation governance cake was witnessed last year when he announced with media fanfare a N1. 3 trillion budget for CRS, a state whose budget for the year should realistically be in the neighbourhood of about N100b at the most, and christened it a budget of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;kinetic crystallisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. If my retained knowledge of physics and chemistry serves me right, this Ayade mega budget, intended essentially to impress poor and hungry folks, will neither move the state nor crystallise into anything, whether it be a sugar solution or a salt solution or any alkaline alchemy! It will be what it was intended to be- a buzz word meant to dazzle and bamboozle simple folks.

Who can honestly blame Babangida for his proposition? He has always been in love with political experimentation. It is this same man who once decreed a two-party system for the

country. More notably, he decreed that a new breed of leadership should happen on the country. No one, therefore, can rightly accuse him of malice against Buhari. He told the new breed leaders we had in his time not to be passionately ideological but that they should tilt a little to the right and a little to the left.

But those guys did not heed his counsel. They did not tilt anywhere to the left or right.

Rather, they overwhelming tilted too much to the wrong. Many new breed local government chairmen of the time will take the entire monthly allocation of their councils in the boot of their official cars, escape with a few key officials of their local government and an impressive-looking comfort lady for the chairman to cool off with, to a neighboring state, share whatever they got among themselves and then everybody goes home; to re- surface at the council the next month for a new allocation.

Everyone seems to agree that the problem with Nigeria lies squarely in her lack of competent leadership. IBB and some other commentators think it lies on the age and technological skills set of its leaders. I am saying here that IBB and others of like-mind are wrong. My own thinking, based partly on the examples of only two digital and young governors we have been given above, is that what matters is, first of all, the ability and then, the character or Godly disposition of whoever we want to recruit for leadership.

Age and computer competence are not as important as physical and mental strength, a good character and the courage to do the right thing. Computer literacy is a skill that can aid good governance. If you lack the ability to use your mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes to see a vision and have a plan, no amount of digital competence can result to good governance. Is it not even said of the computer that â&#x20AC;&#x153;garbage in, garbage outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;?

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

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ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC; Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way out?

Lagos State and Employment Trust Fund

I

n 2016, Lagos State government walked the talk regarding the promise of making youths and unemployed have access to adequate ďŹ nance for entrepreneurial ventures by establishing Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (â&#x20AC;&#x153;LSETFâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Fundâ&#x20AC;?). The fund was institutionalised to provide ďŹ nancial support to residents of Lagos State, for wealth creation and to tackle unemployment.

As a state destined and ready to shape Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future, Lagos came up with the idea of the audacious 25billion fund to halt the dangerous trend of unemployment which appears to be shooting up the sky in Nigeria as a whole and which may persist as many Nigerian youths now graduate from schools without skills and competencies that would enable them function in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emerging society. Unemployment crisis surfaced in the country since the oil boom era of 1970s, when Nigeria abandoned skills acquisition and utilisation through diversified entrepreneurship practices that have the capacity to boost both individuals and the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic ego. Also, the time we had so many skilled technicians such as carpenters, painters, auto-mechanics, fashion designers, hair dressers, among others is now in the history. Emphasis completely shifted from entrepreneurial practices to paper qualification and quest for white collar job. Industrialisation plan and good governance were also replaced with corruption and nepotism. For decades, government failed to provide stable power supply and security that are central to employment generation and general development of the country.

In Lagos State, the LSTEF is now using various interventions to address the monster allowed by the country to fester during past decades of decadence. In line with the mandate of the fund, it is now being used to help Lagos residents grow and scale up their micro small and medium enterprises (â&#x20AC;&#x153;MSMEsâ&#x20AC;?) or acquire skills to get better jobs.

The current administration considered Lagos population a valuable asset which can be harnessed for growth rather than being a burden. This explains why the huge chunk of its available resources is being used as instrument to inspire the creative and innovative energies of all Lagos residents and reduce unemployment across the state. The unfortunate history of short lived and failed programme of similar intent in the past especially at the federal level might have evoked cynicism from the public. However, LSETF is a well-conceived project unlike the National Directorate of Employment that was rendered impotent through bureaucratic bottle neck, low funds and tribalism.

The doggedness and passion of Akinwunmi Ambode for advancing the progress of Lagos has spurred his administration to allocate relevant human and monetary resources to tackle such problems ab initio.

As a broad-based employment strategy, the LSETF launched three key programmes to achieve its mandate: the loan scheme, employability programme and Lagos innovate. The loan scheme provides access to quick and affordable loans for MSMEs to startup, build, expand, and create wealth and employment for Lagos residents.

Nigerians Are Capable of Unity

I

woke up cogitating about what to write. Honestly, nothing came to me instantly. I am sure my readers are getting tired of me kvetching about the government all the time. I am getting tired of myself too.

However, in that cumulus of confusion, I had a light-bulb moment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why not write about unity? We should talk more about what unites us than what divides us,â&#x20AC;? the muse said.

To strike the nail of the subject, â&#x20AC;&#x153;unityâ&#x20AC;?, I had to rummage in the crevice of my personal experience. I cannot write about unity if I have not had an experience of it in my own relationships and interactions with Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

First, I have known Bamikole Omishore (Banks) for some time now.

He is from Osun State, but I am from Anambra State. He is a member of the APC, but I am non-aligned. I mean, I am â&#x20AC;&#x153;party-lessâ&#x20AC;?. We argue, we disagree, but we never go off the deep end or veer off into ethnic and political caterwauling. And we are agreed that Nigeria must always come first; every other thing is a distraction.

I asked him sometime, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why did you return to Nigeria â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where some young citizens are running away from?â&#x20AC;? He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no place like home. You will always be a second-class citizen abroad, but a first-class citizen in your country.â&#x20AC;? My relationship with him is not without jerks, but it has trumped every ethnic and political irritation.

Banks would rather recommend a competent Igbo for an assignment than an incompetent Yoruba. Let me stop here so as to not walk the hagiography carpet. Recently, I bought a house from an estate developer - a Muslim. This man is a dyed-in-the-wool Muslim. If you have any form of discomfort dealing with Muslims you may not want to transact business with him. He is a thorough Muslim! But there is something different about him. He is honest, open-minded, transparent and peaceful. I got to know him better. He takes no bogus profit, and if there is even a faint scar on his piece of property he points it out to a buyer first before any contractual agreement. I also got to understand his politics and was simply taken T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R in. He never succumbed to the stereotyping that EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU because I am Igbo, I may want to cheat him or DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE play a fast one on him.

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO There are millions of Nigerians like Bamikole DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI and the estate developer. And I believe we are EDITOR NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN capable of unity! But why do we soak in the mercaptans of hate and enmity sprayed by some skunks on social media? Why do we make ourselves pliable tools of division and destruction? I am tired of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;academicâ&#x20AC;? reasons why T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D Nigerians are not united or cannot be united. I EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA believe the ordinary Nigerian in the street loves GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, his neighbour and bears no ill-will towards him.

ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI We must accent the voice of the little things DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE that bring us together â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in our neighbourhoods, DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI communities, offices and religious houses.

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO We are in an election year when the tequila of CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI ethnicity and religion will be given charitably by DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO politicians. We must resist the urge to binge on TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com this corrosive substance. We are capable of unity.

Fredrick Nwabufo,fredricknwabufo@yahoo.com

So far, the LSETF, under its MSME loan programme has approved N4.9 billion for disbursement to 6,548 small business owners and has successfully disbursed N4.1 billion loans to over 4,762 beneficiaries (43% recipients are women). Everyone may not yet know that the loan application process was much smoother, but that is the fact. In fact, a lot less was required than a bank would ask people to provide.

The second scheme is the employability programme. In addition to the loan scheme, LSETFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employability programme is currently equipping thousands of unemployed youths with the skills that would make them globally competitive and employable. LSETFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s target is to train 10,000 unemployed youths in the next 18 months through vocational trainings that would prepare them for employments in the construction, manufacturing, healthcare, entertainment, hospitality and tourism industries. The fund will, thereafter, help the trainees to secure job placements opportunities within the identified industries.

The United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) has thrown its weight behind this programme through the Lagos State Employability Support Project, which plans to increase the pool of skilled manpower to alleviate the acute shortages of employable labour in Lagos State.

The third scheme is the Lagos Innovate - a series of programmes designed for the benefit of technology- and innovation-driven startups in Lagos State.

Rasak Musbau, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 3, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY SAMUEL ANIMASHAUN

My Dream is to Go on A Date with Uche Jombo

Animashaun

Samuel Animashaun, aka Sammy Perry, is a new comic sensation on the social media trending as ‘Broda Shaggi.’The character is a neighbourhood street urchin popularly called agbero who comments on every issue in the country or his immediate environment. His skits are unique, hilarious and magnetic. Sammy, an actor and event host, is a graduate of the department of Creative Arts at the University of Lagos, in this interview with Azuka Ogujiuba, he talks about his passion for acting and how the Broda Shaggi character was created

Y

our character, Broda Shaggi, is sensational.

How did you come about the character?

Broda Shaggi, the area boy character, started out as an acting role. I studied Creative Arts at the University of Lagos and I have always created different character roles on my Instagram page. So, Broda Shaggi is a character from the (neighbour) hood in Mushin who speaks his mind. He’s a street urchin who tries to make sense out of nonsense.

I have always wanted to be different.

I have always wanted to put a smile on people’s face: my parents, friends, classmates, and the community at large.

In trying to be different on social media, I looked at every comedian and their styles. So, I decided to bring something new to the game. I have different characters in me: like the policeman, Inspector Perry and the agbero, Broda Shaggi. The agbero character came out during Uche Jombo’s production, the series, ‘Boys are not smiling.’ That wasn’t the character I played but it happened behind the scene. I discussed it with my friend who

is also my manager and he told me to go ahead with it. I started Broda Shaggi using Yoruba language but I saw that it wasn’t generally accepted and I wanted to reach everybody. I decided to try it in pidgin which I did and it worked for me and I knew this is what I had been waiting for.

There is a skit you did on Big Brother Naija. What is your take on the new Big Brother’s voice?

Wow! Like I said in the skit, big brother’s voice is not what we expected it to be. In fact, I should have gone for audition for the Big Brother’s voice because I do not know who is speaking and it’s so surprising, when I heard the voice and I was shocked.

If you had the chance to govern Nigeria, what would be the first thing you would change in the country?

I would empower the youth. There is so much talent in Nigerian youths which can help the country.

Do you think you’ve ‘arrived’ now?

I’m not there yet. One thing is certain:

I would not have been known if there was no support from Tunde Ednut. I will keep saying it because I was going through my direct messages and I realised that I have messaged so many people out there to help push my work.

But there were no replies. Since last week though I have been getting traffic and replies on my page from so many people; people I couldn’t believe would message me. Broda Shaggi has brought me what I have always wanted. I’m going to help the youth so that everybody can be recognized. I know we cannot help everybody at once. But there are some people out there who need to be heard on social media. Everything is now on social media, including politics. I think I would like youth empowerment.

If you had the opportunity to go on a date with a female celebrity in Nigeria who would that be?

It would definitely be Uche Jombo.

She is a very nice person and down to earth. She has helped a lot in Broda Shaggi’s character. She advised me on many things to work on. Yes, it would definitely be Uche Jombo.

How do you come up with your skits?

The inspiration comes to me whenever. Sometimes, I just sit and type out the question which the interviewer will ask and build up on that later. I start to get my punch-lines; make plots. I don’t like going direct when I’m passing a message because I want you to think, laugh and still get the message out of it.

The inspiration comes anywhere either in the toilet or bed.

Who has inspired you in the comedy industry?

I watch every comedian out there and I have not seen anyone do what I do. So, I don’t think I’m looking up to anybody because I have always wanted to be different. However, I have a lot of respect for Lasisi Elenu, Ogbeni Adun, Arole, and Tywese –they are creative.

What is the story behind the name, Broda Shaggi?

Broda Shaggi came about last December when I was at a mechanic’s workshop to fix my car. The mechanic, whose name is Sule, was talking to a friend of his and said, ‘Olorun ti jesu

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž RCH 3, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY I WANT TO USE BRODA SHAGGI TO EMPOWER NIGERIAN YOUTHSâ&#x20AC;Ś

ba lo wa si Mushin la san, ah emi ma gbowo o. Ma ro pe mo je Muslim o â&#x20AC;&#x201C; maa gbowo o.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I was just laughing because it was a funny situation and also the truth. In Nigeria, because of religion we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love one another and that was when I decided to do the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jesus in Mushinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skit. I got a lot of backlash on the video. I was called to take down the video on the day I posted it by a popular Nollywood actress but I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it when I realised that the video had gone viral with over 400 downloads. The video was how I got the Shaggi name and it stuck.

Have you ever been heart-broken and how were you able to cope with the situation?

Yes; I was heart-broken while at the University of Lagos. The relationship ended when my girlfriend found pictures of a production we did at UNILAG for a stage play in which I was acting the role of a husband to a friend and she saw picture of both of us kissing and concluded I was in a relationship with the other lady. I decided I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going into any relationship anytime soon and the heartbreak helped me push forward as I decided to channel my effort into my art.

Is comedy all you do?

I majored in painting and drawing at the University of Lagos and aside from that, I sing. I did theatre too and I had a group called, Stage Addicts, which was what I lived on while in school because when we had shows and performances for very important people like ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

How much does it cost you to produce a skit and how do you make money?

To produce a skit cost me a lot because one of the things I try to portray is the lifestyle of the people I try to imitate and there is no better way than being around them. It is different for me shooting against a blank space because it looks like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m cracking a dry joke and knowing that I cannot leave without saying

thank you for making my skit, I have to pay them a little amount which might be N30,000 or N40,000 especially now that they can see itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a success on Instagram.

Broda Shaggiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character is very energetic.

Where does this come from?

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drink or smoke. But when I started Broda Shaggi, I would smoke but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take it in. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just me portraying the character because if I was told to do that on set I would. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t helping me so I dropped it. The energy is from within. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually from the passion of the work because if there was no energy in what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing, there would be no energy for you to laugh.

How do you feel when people see your work and laugh?

I feel happy and fulfilled. I feel like this is it because when I go through all my direct messages on Instagram, I feel happy reading them. I sleep with a smile on my face; that is why I post at night so that whoever is watching at that time, whatever he or she has gone through, that person can laugh and sleep well. I got to know I have many fans from UK. and Italy and it makes me happy when they tell me thank you for making them smile.

What other career would you have ventured into if not comedy?

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know because comedy is life; comedy is a part of me. I would have been a politician because I believe someone can make a change. I know money is power and without it there would be no change.

But when you have it at the back of your mind that I know where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m coming from and I really want to change some things, I think it would help.

I feel fe happy and fulďŹ lled. I feel like this is it because when I go through all my direct messages on Instagram, I feel m happy reading them. I sleep with w a smile on my face; that iis why I post at night so that whoever is watching at that ttime, whatever he or she has gone go through, that person can laugh and sleep well. I got to l know I have many fans from UK. and Italy and it makes me happy when they tell me thank you for making them smile

How old are you?

I am 26 years old while the Broda Shaggi character is three months old.

Do you have plans to further your education?

I have plans to further my education, to do a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree.

Who is your ideal woman?

A calm woman is my type of woman. I know ladies want to talk and share their views. I love a woman who listens and would support and share my views.

What do you think of men who abuse women?

That is one thing I would never do, when you beat a woman you beat your mother. People should understand that women are very emotional. It is not all men out there that are sane. Some just want sex.

But I think there should be an understanding. We should all be very careful.

Does Broda Shaggi have plans to be on screen anytime soon?

Yes. We will be on screen very soon. Broda Shaggi, the movie and series.

My Girlfriend Jilted Me Because I Kissed A Lady on Stage

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚͜

NEWS

IBB, T Y Danjuma meet in Minna Behind Closed Doors Laleye Dipo in Minna Former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and one time Chief of Army Staff General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma met behind closed doors in Minna the Niger state capital on Thursday evening.

The meeting which was held at the uphill residence of General Babangida reportedly lasted close to three hours.

A source close to the residence told THISDAY that General Danjuma was flown into Minna via a private jet which landed at the Minna airport.

From the airport one of the vehicles of General Babangida drove General Danjuma to the hilltop.

"After the normal exchange of pleasantries, they went in to have lunch " the source said before

adding that all the domestic staff of the former military president were then asked to excuse the duo who immediately went into the meeting.

"Nobody can tell you what they discussed at the meeting, it was IBB and TY Danjuma" the source said.

After the meeting, the former Chief of Army staff was driven to the Minna airport from where he was flown out of the state.

The visit of General Danjuma came almost a month after General Babangida wrote an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on the state of the nation.

It also came 11 days after insurgents abducted 110 school girls at Dapchi in Bauchi state.

It was believed that the meeting between the duo would have centred on the two issues and the prevailing situation in the country.

Northern Leaders to Solve Herdsmen, Benue Crises, Assures Nasir George Okoh inMakurdi The Chairman, Advisory Council of the Ahmadu Bello Foundation, retired Justice Mamman Nasjr has assured that northern leaders will find a solution that will solve the perennial clashes between herdsmen and communities in Benue.

He said the insecurity in Benue was created by some unknown forces who were not from the North even as he assured that they would do their best to restore peace and unity in the State and the North He stated this yesterday at Government House, Makurdi when he came. with the delegation of the foundation to pay a condolence visit on Governor Samuel Ortom on the death of over 73 persons murdered by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

He said what happened in Benue was very sad and should concern people of the north but added that the solution to the problem still lie with northern elders.

Also speaking Former Governor of Niger State and Chairman, Board of Trustee of the Foundation Aliyu Babangida stressed the need for honesty and objectivity in recognizing the pains and suffering the Benue people are going through I , adding that the perpetrators must be arrested.

He also, emphasised the need to imbibe the principle and sense of Justice that once kept the North as one region.

"There is need for unity not only in the country but in the North.

Whatever will affect the unity of North should be nipped in the bud.

Intelligence gathering should lie with the common people. Traditional rulers should be empowered to do more intelligence job to help the governors", Babangida said.

He said state governors lack control over security apparatus in their domain and were answerable to Federal authorities.

According to him, as governor, he established cordial relationship with the security agencies in payment of their allowances as well as purchase of vehicles.

On the security situation in the State, Aliyu stressed the need for honesty and objectivity in recognising the pains and suffering the Benue people were going through, adding that the perpetrators must be arrested.

Also, Former. Governor of Benue State Gabriel Suswam who doubles as vice chairman of the Foundation lamented that what was happening to Benue people totally negates the principle and spirit of togetherness of the North.

BETTER ENERGY MANAGEMENT ...

L-R: Commercial Director, Cool World, Kolawole Olugbenga; State Coordinator, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Ugbaja; Marketing Director, TEC (Thermocool Engineering Company) West Africa, Bukola Bandele; Chairman, PZ Group, Chief Kola Jamodu and Managing Director, TEC Africa, Dimitris Kostianis at the unveiling of HPZ energy saving home appliances in Lagos on Wednesday Abiodun Ajala

Rwanda, Mali Lead Africa in Fight Against Hunger Omolabake Fasogbon

Nigeria's effort in tackling hunger and poverty have been rated far below average because the country has not effectively implemented the various Agricultural policies and conventions it entered into.

A 2017 report from Malabo Biennial review cited Rwanda and Mali among others as leading in the fight against hunger in the African continent having scored 6.1and 5.6 respectively out of the required minimum threshold of 3.9 per cent of the maximum 10 per cent benchmark commitment to the implementation of the Malabo Declaration on Agriculture while Nigeria maintained a score of 3.4 per cent.

The Malabo Declaration as adopted by African Union Heads of state targets majorly

an accelerated agriculture growth and transformation for shared prosperity and improved livelihood while setting seven goals towards the realisation of the mission Regrettably, Nigeria has only been able to fulfil two of the seven goals which include commitment to CAADP principles as well as boosted intra-regional agricultural trade, which was why 20 per cents members of her population still suffer from hunger.

Addressing participants during a capacity building workshop on agricultural policy instruments organised

by National Association of Nigerian Traders, NANT, President of the association, Ken Ukoha maintained that the agricultural sector provided a strong platform for job creation, economic diversification and poverty reduction, yet, various

policies guiding the sector have not been given required attention.

Ukoha who identified some of the policies as the Agriculture Promotion Policy, Comprehensive African Agriculture Programme, ECOWAS Agriculture Policy and the National Agriculture Investment Plan noted that they were all tailored towards the realisation of the commitment of African Union Malabo Declaration on Agriculture.

More importantly, he noted that the policies which specifically seek to realise food security, sustainable development and poverty reduction in Africa suffered in this part of the world basically because most stakeholders including the media were not aware of the existence, contents, processes, implementation strategies and approaches,

policy implications, challenges and the overall future and or benefits of these instruments.

"Perhaps, only a few people are aware of the commitments made by their governments in the agriculture policy instruments, and therefore little wonder nobody appears to be putting governments in check or holding them accountable.

The result of these is continuous underdevelopment and aggravation of poverty."

As a way forward, one of the speakers, an Economist with the ECOWAS, Dr. Manson Nwafor sought for effective implementation of policies, review and dialogue process in the Agric sector.

He urged Federal Government to consider allocation of 10 per cent budget to the Agricultural sector as agreed upon in the Malabo declaration.

'We're not Sabotaging Lagos Waste Management' NBA Tasks FG on Nation's Security Bennett Oghifo The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, (AWMN), Lagos Chapter, has denied allegations of blackmail and sabotage leveled against it by the Lagos state government.

Chairman of AWMN, Lagos Chapter, Oladipo Egbeyemi made the clarification during a press briefing, during the week.

He appealed to Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode to create a framework that would enable the Private Sector Participants (PSP) collaborate with the Visionscape Company work together to clean up Lagos.

He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will also like to state categorically that we have not and will not condone any form of sabotage or blackmail of the Government of Mr. Akinwumni Ambode. We remain committed to

an amicable legal resolution with government and collaborate with all stakeholders to not only restore Lagos to her once glorious clean state of old, but to also actualise the Cleaner Lagos that all Lagosians will be proud of."

He explained that the distribution of waste bins on the streets and highways of Lagos without adequate strategies for evacuation was responsible for overflow of trash in the state.

He noted that â&#x20AC;&#x153;various interventions carried out to date had not stopped the increase in the volume of waste on the highways and medians.â&#x20AC;?

The government, according to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;confirmed that the PSP has almost 1,000 trucks following a verification exercise carried out by its consultant with over 400 licensed operators. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A two-day waste backlog has

closed the Olusosun dump site and made it inaccessible thereby adversely affecting the turnaround.â&#x20AC;?

The association stated that the waste problem ought to be tackled at the point of generation by enforcing the government policy of door to door collection, acknowledged to be the international best practice.

He said, "There is need to ensure that all existing dump sites are made accessible at all times; delivering massive advocacy programmes to enlightening Lagosians.â&#x20AC;?

He said there should be â&#x20AC;&#x153;enforcement of sanitation practice of bagging and containerisation of wastes and providing sustainable enforcement for non-compliance to house to house disposal and non- payment. It demands that all stakeholders should remain committed to the Rule of Law and avoid any measure that will create divisions and anarchy.

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin National President, Nigerian Bar Association[NBA] Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud(SAN) has tasked the federal government to work harder towards halting the ongoing trend of insecurity in the country especially the kidnap of 110 schoolgirls of Dapchi Government Secondary school in Yobe state so as to save Nigeria from anarchy.

He noted that, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;We must not allow the country to creep into anarchy which will be the consequence of massive loss of confidence in the ability of the State to protect its citizens. These killings are unacceptable and must be brought to an end.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mahmoud disclosed this in Ilorin, Kwara state capital in the speech he delivered at the National Executive Committee

of the meeting of the association.

Meanwhile, ,chairman, Local organising Committee, Professor Wahab Egbewole said that the NBA NEC conference became necessary so as to allow the stakeholders review its activities that would enhance the performance of the legal practice in the country.

Egbewole said that the NBA has been working hard to ensure that the attempts by few members to bring the image of the noble profession to disrepute was being corrected According to the NBA President, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; In the areas of human security, we seem to have regrettably slide significantly backwards. In the last few months we have witnessed the terrible events in Taraba, Benue and several states that have witnessed loss of hundreds of human lives and property arising from heightened

conflict between herders and farmers that has assumed a new dangerous dimension threatening national security. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The NBA therefore tasked the federal government to do all that is humanly possible, including urgently seeking international assistance for the quick release of all the Nigerian school girls in the terrorists captivity.

The association also called for the immediate suspension of boarding schools in the affected northern parts of the country until a time safety of the school girls can be guaranteed.

The NBA President said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; We urge the Government to do whatever is necessary including seeking appropriate international assistance to secure the release of these girls and reunite them with their families. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER TEENS CONNECT FASHION FILE MEMOIRS

pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 38 pg. 43 pg. 54

Bekeme Olowola

When People Say Something Cannot be Done, I Want to Do It

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 3, 2018

PLUS

There is So Much We Want to Do If Only We Had Enough Resources Eight years afte after the first encounter, Nseobong Okon-Ekong g re returns to assess the advancements

by Bekeme Olow Olowola, a pathfinder in the corporate social responsib responsibility space

N

icely framed award plaques cover conspicuous consp places on the walls of her office. More certificates of recognition are neatly arranged arran on a shelf in another corner. c Hugging its pride of p place also is the mounted pa page of THISDAY published published in 2010. The story pu stor chronicled the beginning b eginning of Bekeme Olow Olowola’s move into advocacy advocacy in the corporate environment For her enduring CSR activities, Olowola has received vario various recognitions for her work. She is the th brain behind CSR-in-Action – registe registered as Corporate Social Responsibility Aw Awareness and Advancement Initiative – established to b independen ethical action bee the foremost independent n etwork and consultancy for collective social network rresponsibility re esponsibility and corporate governance in West W est Africa. The flagship non-profit non organisation, CSR-in-Action Advocacy Advocac has grown to include CSR-in-Action Consu Consulting and the C ollege of Sustainable Citizenship.

Citizen College Bekeme Olowola wasn’t in the least astonished at her relative success. suc She is, however, humbled that she is i enjoying an overwhelming standing ovation. ovat She attriopenness and willingness butes her success to opennes to learn and grow by attending attendi workshops Emerging and trainings including the E Harvard, a German Leadership course at Harvar meeting government funded networking network to Germany expositing on the th principals of green energy transitioning, Energiewende, E organisaand events by leading multinational multin tions like FOSTER and Ford Foundation, learning activities. amongst several other learnin Besides attending trainings and a workshop to increase capacity, Bekeme attributes her anything, she thinks success to hardwork. If anyth she and her team have put in a lot more. In with the the last few years, she has reconciled re fact that CSR Advocacy is a thankless job. She should thinks it is something that everyone ev have been left to be involved in, but which ha just a few persons like her. In that sense, she concluded there ought to be more awards. for “So truly, if we are getting recognition, re everything that we did, there shouldn’t be any space on the surface of tthis office, but we have been working very hard.” hard wanted to know if She made no fuss. I wante from an what she is doing is any different diff increasingly popular concept called the Office of the Citizen.

“So, it’s not different. It’s encompassing e individuals, businesses of that, as we cover individu and government institutions. The corporate she says in our name refers to collective,” collecti gives it some more unassumingly, pauses and gi thought before proceeding with w her response.

“You know that advocacy is not something person or a group tthat th at is done by just one pe of people. The same way you cannot hold for every the president alone accountable accou challenge you have in the t country. pushing for There are a lot of people peo ways. S similar things in different diff ourselves Corporate We call ourselve Responsibility Awareness Social Responsib and Advancement Advancem Initiative. By corporate we mean collective difference is that and the diffe we pursue not only from individual perspective the individ which is tthe Office of Citizen but we also the Citize both corporate and push bo government establishgovern ments to do the things they need to do that th directly.” She gestured direct me to be sure I at m understood what und she was talking

about. She was even more expressive now, “We tend to pursue a higher-level approach to it. We work with people who work at the citizenry level. That was until we started our Good Citizen initiative.” The Good Citizenship initiative is a flagship initiative designed by CSR-in-Action Advocacy with the goal of promoting positive values and good neighbourliness amongst Nigerians through various education interventions and awareness creation. “We have currently entered a partnership with Inspiration FM for a radio show on citizenship simply known as the ‘Good Citizen Radio Show’. The Radio show would provide opportunity to engage in social discourse that would engender values re-orientation. I remember the last time, and you asked what I do myself since I was talking about people in CSR. Well, now we can proudly say that apart from the work that we do with governments and businesses, we actually now reach out directly to the individual through our Good Citizen Initiative (GCI), through which we are trying to build a new generation of citizens. In addition to the Radio Show, we started the Good Citizen Reading Club. We have booklets that explore such topics as Honesty, Equity and Integrity, Patriotism and Responsibility. It might interest you to know that we have distributed copies of these booklets free of charge to students of secondary schools around Lagos. Through this, we are trying to revive whatever sense of nationalism we have ever had to drive the nation forward.”

The Good Citizen Initiative sounded like it would lead to commendations and awards.

Bekeme agrees but quickly added that it was not their focus at CSR-in-Action. According to her, the commendation and awards should go to outstanding ‘Good Citizens’ in the country.

She says, “In the near future, we are looking at organizing the Good Citizen awards which would be an annual event to recognise and reward Nigerian citizens who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to inspire nationhood, ethics and unity. For now, our objective is to achieve a mass outreach. “We recognise that it’s hard to change everything by ourselves. Besides, it wouldn’t work. If you were to make me President (of Nigeria) today, if I didn’t have the right set of people around me or the right kind of citizens who are aware of their responsibilities, it will be a difficult task. The Good Citizen Initiative might lead to accolades which are not even the focus, but before it gets to that point, there is a lot of work to be done. When you talk to the average Nigerian, they really don’t understand where their responsibilities lie.

You meet people who don’t even realise that before you vote for a particular person, the process of choosing a political candidate is wrong. We end up choosing the lesser of two devils often times, it’s really a case of engaging people to use their senses more and not just to choose whoever but to take up the leadership role and to equip ourselves.”

She went on to explain in her quiet way, that CSR should be localised. “There is work to be done by the head offices and also work to be done by the branches and it has improved the world all over. Many international companies have now adopted that approach of local impact. It is wise of any establishment to ensure that their local subsidiaries have local treatment, otherwise you suffer. Take, for instance, in the oil and gas space, what the government is proposing is that businesses actually employ indigenes from specific areas to guard their pipelines. It doesn’t make sense to bring an external person even if they claim to have great might. A smart oil and gas company will use indigenes to protect their own assets. The same way, a smart oil and gas company will use local contractors. If

MARCH 3, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS Making CSR the Religion of the Corporates you are doing these things at the national level, some people will be happy and those people at the local level will obviously not be pleased.”

The familiarity we shared from having met on a similar turf was a great help to the interaction. I sensed that she was relaxed and willing to talk.

The CSR mix accommodates diverse interests including shareholders, the firm and employees. Bekeme thinks it is very hard to say whose interest is paramount.

Her dissection helps a better understanding of the issue. “First of all, a group of people come together to start a business, so they have to protect that interest. Whilst protecting that interest, they have to identify the crucial stakeholders that impact on their business and their business impact on. It will be different for different businesses. In my business, for instance, even if I work with communities, the community is hardly my most important stakeholder because I’m in Lagos. But if I’m an oil and gas company with an asset, then the community is my critical stakeholder. So it depends on the business, but the essence is that a forward-looking business, which has sustainability in its DNA, will develop a strategy that doesn’t just address the issue of profit but also how it can minimize any negative impact on its nearest stakeholder and maximize any potential. In that case, a shareholder for a business that has a shareholder is very important. They did entrust their money to you so you have to look after their interest. Whilst looking after their interest you have employees who have to make this work, so it is your responsibility to adhere to regulations and go beyond these regulations because we know some of these regulations are not up to date and that there are international best practices you can emulate. We look at the work-life balance, especially when it is a small business it is important to look at individual circumstance. You address those things and it can differ beyond the shareholders and the employees.”

“Have you met your goals and were you surprised by some of the issues you were confronted with since you started this journey?” I asked her.

“I wasn’t prepared for a lot of things.

I will say, I was a bit starry-eyed when I started. I was a lot younger, I had worked in offices but perhaps I was more hopeful than many and I have met some cynical people along the way and I feel that is what keeps me going. When people say something cannot be done, I want to do it. I have also been surprised in a good way too. Where I have expected certain things to happen in a certain way, they didn’t happen and vice versa. For instance, in 2012, we were approached by the then Deputy High Commissioner for the Canadian High Commission in Lagos and that’s what led to the birth of SITEI, an annual conference on Sustainability in the Extractive Industries. So we were launching our first Collective Social Investment Report titled Corporate Sustainable Investor Report but we were launching it at the 17th Nigeria Economic Summit and he approached me that he liked the work I was doing and will like to partner me to run a seminar for the oil and gas sector to bring these people together. So we ran with it, now it is in the seventh year. After that, we decided that oil and gas was accountable for over 70 per cent of our national revenue. This is a fantastic idea towards reforming the sector and getting the sector to talk about sustainability. Previously, when we write to government to partner us and we didn’t get any response it felt like we were talking to air. Last year, all of a sudden, the response was overwhelming. I thought we will discuss with the oil and gas majors the issue that they were having with communities and the government. You would think that people will jump at the idea, but they didn’t. They would rather go for oil and gas conferences that didn’t address the issue. They would rather talk about how to make more money. I was rather disappointed, but in honesty, with this present government, we have had great traction. Last year, we had representations from many relevant government bodies in the oil and gas and mining sector. We did it for two days and we had more people than we ever expected to come for each day than we would get normally in one day. We had the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, whose team at

the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has been outstandingly supportive, was equally there. It was overwhelming. We had all the funding that we needed to run it, thanks to unprecedented sponsorship from organisations like Aiteo, NNPC, NCDMB and Ford Foundation. Presently, the SITEI Conference is organised in partnership with key stakeholders some of which include, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (FMPR), Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (FMMSD), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society (NMGS), Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN). All of a sudden, it seems like people are starting to listen. Since then, we have had engagements with different ministries. For instance, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in conjunction with us are actually in talks to design a holistic community engagement strategy for the oil and gas sector. So when you look at those things you are like, ‘wow!’, even though you put in a lot of work and one could see that it will work, it’s still encouraging when it does work. Who would have thought the little girl with big dreams eams would be playing ball in a manly turf and kicking hard, too.

“However, on the other hand, you have things like the report I mentioned, which ich we are using to review the ethos of businesses esses on CSR and sustainability and you have ve a push-back. Rather than businesses seeing ng it as an opportunity for learning, they fight you in a dirty way. You have some me relationship with managers in-charge having worked in the space for a while now and you think it would make your work easier. asier.

Many of them say it is not part of theirr KPI so why should they respond to us. And nd then you do a report that clearly indicates ates how you sourced your content, the online line references and some people are just pushing ushing back at you and maligning you; like they hey don’t see the vision that you see. We have a reputation for being ethical. Because there are a few disgruntled elements, they just ust go around and try to spoil everything thatt you have done.”

“If a company makes donations whether ether in kind or cash, does that fulfil its CSR R obligations?”

“CSR is beyond giving back. It is actually a business model. The world is moving beyond CSR, it’s more of corporate orate sustainability. It describes what you do o as a business to be around for a long time. CSR, as I like to say, is the religion of the corporporate. Religion is so popular because it keeps you on the straight and narrow. A good d business must have a good sustainability ity strategy that it follows. The challenge iss that many businesses, especially multinationals nals develop all these fantastic strategies that at they may use at their head office but do not use here. They may have it on paper but the implementation is not there. To them em it is taxation. They already have taxes they ey are paying for many things which is why it’s a overnn business strategy. It’s just like saying governke ment should state how much they make ave as a profit. There are businesses that have ain taken the approach of adopting a certain percentage for their CSR to show that you are thinking about the community thatt you ends are making such fortune from. What tends to happen is that they spend a lot of money mpaon donations. I’m sure you’ve seen companies donating notebooks. How much are notebooks? The media coverage of it iss far more than the value of the notebooks they are giving. That’s the challenge. It’s nott that it is bad to give. It is very good to give. e. It is how you give and the other aspect of your d in.” business that you may not be interested In the beginning, there was Bekemee and a Youth Corper, eight years down the line, ness Corporate Social Responsibility Awareness and Advancement Initiative or CSR-in-Action has grown. It now operates outt of Lagos and Abuja with the complementt of 13 full time staff. Although, she did not ot want to talk about it, at first, getting the he right kind of staff is a challenge she is still grappling with. She admits working in n the CSR space is becoming a specialty. “It is not a very exciting job in the sense that hat it is more intellectually driven. A person on who works here has to be socially inclined ined and have the intellect to pursue things in a structured manner. What tends to happen pen is that we train people here. Most peoplee who start here don’t have the experience. They hey have to be guided; which is why interest est is very crucial. Some of the challenges that

we have had is that we have trained people who have been poached by the bigger firms to look after the CSR objectives of their companies. I take that as one of my biggest testimonials.”

It is uncommon for a pathfinder like Bekeme to have a mentor. Nevertheless, we wanted to know who trained her. “The places I worked in previously were not core CSR, but the deliverables were CSR focused.

My Masters is in International Human Resources Management and Employment Relations. And as such it wasn’t administrative, it was more organisational theory and therapy. It set the tone for my work.”

What has made Bekeme endure the highpoints and the low tides these past eight years are the recognition from the people she’s fighting for who call to inform her about the wrongdoing of corporate entities. “That gives us the opportunity to find out from the other entity whether they are saying the truth or not. Because we have people reporting that oil and gas companies did this or that, and you reach out to the company and they tell you that the people reporting only have a sense of entitlement.

We wanted to pay money for a community clean up and they said they want the money, not the clean-up. For me, the biggest reward is recognii tion beyond any pecuniary gain; recognition from the constituencies that we are fighting for.”

To achieve some of her goals, Bekeme is happy to collaborate with other CSOs. The organisation has trained over 250 NGOs in the past 18 months through a partnership with Access Bank.

More CSO partnerships happen especially in the extractive sector.

CSR-in-Action came up with the framework called Sustainable Extractives and Energy Principles (SEEP) which will go out to communities.

This will necessitate working with other CSOs in Nigeria that have direct contact with communities, day in, day out.

One question she was very happy to address was what puts bread on her table.

“We started off as an advocacy organisation. Over time, we now have a consulting firm, CSR-in-Action Consulting.

Businesses reach out to us and say we need to help them.

During our 2010 chat, I

told you that one of our major deliverables was to make businesses more transparent through reporting. Businesses do not like to produce reports. I can say that over 90 per cent of businesses that report using standard frameworks, especially the world-acclaimed Global Reporting Initiative framework have been helped by us. So we have either trained or written a report or provided assurance of their report. That’s where we make money from.”

It’s true that she is from Edo State in the Niger Delta but her advocacy is not fired up by any personal experience. “I went to secondary school in Delta State briefly but none of those things affected me personally. I was in boarding school. But as it came to my realisation that the oil and gas sector is the bedrock of our national economy, it clearly was something that needed to be addressed and I started with that. Which is why you don’t forget the extractive sector, as said at our last SITEI conference: embedding sustainability in the extractive sector is tantamount to embedding sustainability in our national DNA. When asked the biggest challenge for her and her business, she stops, smiles and says “The biggest challenge that we have is that there is so much to do and we want to do everything and wish we had enough resources.”

As we descended the staircase in the course of a polite gesture to see me off, she hinted on the fact that she had wanted to be a journalist. In some way, that desire has been fulfilled with detailed reporting on the extractive industries, her radio show and a thriving CSR newsletter which she promised to put me on the mailing list.

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 3, 2018

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Buhari

DAPCHI – Tragedy of a Nation You know, if I come down harsh on Buhari, what will it achieve? Nothing.

If I jump on him, tear his clothes and scratch his face, I will just join the statistics in one of our prisons thereby not achieving anything. So I will just do the next best thing which is to take his picture and be saying what is really on my mind. So over 100 of our girls are missing once again and we are doing APC NEC meeting amongst other mundane government activities? You know when you are so hurting, you just sink into what I want to call heretic laughter. You will just be laughing at the wall while tearing up inside. What kind of country is this na? Once you think you have seen the worse something else happens. How can these people anytime they just feel like or need ‘wives’ will just enter any school and pick our young children and go. We are supposed to have the largest and most powerful Army in black Africa o, we have been spending real money in acquiring weapons and Jets o and our soldiers are walking around with well starched uniforms, feeling proud of themselves and be doing power man for bus top and yet we cannot protect the vulnerable in the society. Kai, how can this keep happening and the regularity and ease is really heart rendering. Police will now be stopping me at Ojuelegba and be asking me for ‘particular’ when they cannot stop this. For me, the army and police from the highest to the lowest should stop wearing their Caps until every one of those girls are returned safely home. Me, I will no longer greet, pay for food, smile or even talk to any soldier till these girls are returned. As I no fit shout na, that na my own silent protest. Abeg, enough is enough. We are not interested in press statements or buck-passing, just go get the girls; period. Buratai, this is to you. Thank you Sir. Ashafa for Governor This baba used to be my friend o. I once was in his office at Magodo, Lagos trying to ‘market’ him for business as a stockbroker when I casually flipped the newspaper in front of him as he took a phone call. What I saw in the paper ran a cold chill down my spine. That time as a young man still playing the field, one of my ‘people’ had gone to the paper to proclaim her love for ‘popular investment banker – Joseph Edgar’.

My people I just died in front of the distinguished Senator o. These girls can kill person o. The thing we are talking in the dark, come and see my picture with this person o . Full colour in City people.

As the oga finished his call, my madam started calling, I knew if I picked the call, I will die. I tell you, you should never try an Egba woman in anger. The phone was just ringing and the nice Senator not knowing what was going on, gently asked me to go ahead and pick the call, thinking it was out of courtesy I was not picking, if only he knew. I was sweating and shaking as I told him I will handle it. The text messages started

Buratai

Ashafa

Folurunsho Alakija: …And I Smile Let me write openly to this very lovely mummy. You see, recently, we have been seeing news reports online saying that you have been giving the full glory to God for your fantastic good fortune in life. I even saw another one that quoted you as saying that you became a billionaire without going to University. You see, your case is like that of taunting a man after losing his wife to his Gardner. Mummy, please just allow us be, let us remain in our corner to lick our wounds for being born in such a society where arbitrariness happens to be the rule of the day. Or how can we explain how by your own admission ‘God gave you an oil block. Oil block ooooo!!!!! Not bowl of rice. A real oil block. Only in a country like ours can God come down and choose just one person out of the

coming. My people, I no fit tell una wetin I see for my phone that day, let us just say that I was more or less a corpse by the time I finished the meeting. The fact that I got the business did not do anything to help my situation. Kai, which kind person I be? See as I expose myself instead of talking the Senator matter. I am sorry my readers but you people too like gist but nevertheless, my egbon has just denied wanting to be

teeming millions for an oil bock.

I really thank him for his favour towards you and your family and that is why I am saying let us be o. We are very fine and we do not need to know how you ‘made’ it without going to University.

This one is not good as it would mislead our youths who will be expecting this kind of miracles which only happens to favoured seamstresses and not everyday people and when they don’t get this oil block they will now start doing drugs and the rest. So madam, we remain very happy for you, but yours is not a motivational story, it is a fairy tale that I do not think can ever happen again in this world. So we thank you for your concern, kindly allow us o. We are very fine. Thank you, enough of the stories, God bless you.

Governor, na lie o. that is what they do to test the water after this Ambode’s last term. Egbon is getting ready for a push after Ambode, no problem as long as he does not attempt to rock this Ambode Boat. He should allow the incumbent finish our discussions on my Isale Eko show before attempting this his project, otherwise, I will go to igbo igunnu for him o. Na joke jo. Ashafa remains a true son of Lagos and is well positioned

Segun Oloketuyi, MD, Wema Bank

for the highest seat in Lagos and I am happy that he would bid his time and allow common sense to prevail. Ambode is doing well and I remain with him; no shame in that. Ambode is my man.

Remember we both lived in Shomolu so that is it. Thank you and God bless.

Make I go chop abeg. I am hungry.

The New Wind at Wema Bank Please permit me to plug this bank on this page today. When people or organisations are doing well, we must encourage them, it is the best thing to do. I have been watching the transformation of this bank from the travails it had gone through in recent times to a serious player for some time now.

You see the transformation even goes beyond just the branding but also in service delivery. As a retired banker, I should know what I am talking about.

The way they have coralled a particular demographic and designed products for that sector pushing it with vigour and passion remains a very excellent story to be told and me I am a weakling for good things. I met one of the people leading this transformation; Funmilayo, a very lovey lady the other day and her insights on the new found purpose of the institution blew me away. You see the fact that this is the very first truly indigenous banking system not derived from any colonial structure that has lasted this long should be given not only our praises but support. Well-done Funmi and team, you guys just like our Female Bobsled team Rock. By the way, are they married? No be me dey ask o na Mudi say I should ask.

Barrister Jideofor Ezeofor – A Lawyer?

I know many lawyers o. my best friend Ishmael is a lawyer . They are always wearing black suit and black shoe and be arguing up and down the place. Quoting one thing or the other and when police catch you, they will be running to open book, instead of quickly negotiating, shouting Human right. Well, this my friend is a barrister with a difference. He is a highly talented fashion designer. If you see what this Lawyer does with fabric you will be amazed. No wonder most Governors in the South East adorn his creations with relish, infact on any given day, at least one Excellency is wearing one of his stuff. I was at his Ikoyi show room and I was amazed at the creations. In the midst of his Law books, this father of seven, yes o seven from his lovely wife-I saw her picture. These were some of the most exquisite designs this my eyes have ever seen, his works are usually complemented with his crocodile skin shoes which he makes out of his Enugu factory. That I really admire this young man and his Partner James who happened to be my course mate at the University of Ibadan cannot be contested. We still have hope for this country I tell you. Welldone my brother, keep up the good work.

21

MARCH 3, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPY GLASS

with BAYO ADEOYE .... 08054680651 email: bayoolunla@gmail.com this recently at a party he organised to celebrate his brother, Ajibola.

Adebutu, who will be honoured with a chieftaincy title in Shagamu on April 2, is still very much interested in becoming the next governor of Ogun State. Among other considerations, he has made good all his promises to his constituents and still doing more by way of empowerment for the youth, the aged and several members of the constituency he represents in Abuja.

AIR PEACE BOSS, ALLEN ONYEMA’S ROMANTIC SIDE

AKEREDOLU

AKEREDOLU’S VENOM

If you are one of those who believe that the crisis between the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and the All Progressives Congress chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has ended, you better have a rethink!

It appears the lawyer-turned politician has not forgiven Tinubu for his alleged role to make his dream of becoming the number one citizen in the state an impossible task.

Though both men have met and discussed at different fora after the election, sources revealed that Akeredolu has not forgotten the ugly development.

It was gathered that since the election, Akeredolu has been tactically distancing himself from Asiwaju, particularly when the matter concerns Ondo State politics.

While reacting to president Muhammadu Buhari’s assignment given to Tinubu to re-unite dissenting voices in the ruling APC, Akeredolu was quoted as saying that, “APC is solid here. We do not need a peacemaker here because we are at peace. We don’t want external influence that can lead to any problem. We need a peacemaker in places where there are palpable crises. We are at peace here.

Ondo is a peaceful state.”

This, a source informed Spy glass, was a veiled attack on Tinubu or a hard knock on him and his peace-making efforts.

“Asiwaju never likes to be termed a failure. But the way and manner the task is being treated among his party men, he is afraid he is going to fail,’’ a source confirmed.

Tinubu is tasked with reconciling all warring parties within the ruling party nationwide. The development has pitched him against the party Chairman, John Odigie Oyegun, whom Tinubu accused of sabotaging his efforts.

LADI ADEBUTU’S HOPE

For some time, there have been rumours that Hon. Ladi Adebutu, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, is planning to defect to another party in order to realise his governorship ambition.

However, the respected lawmaker has debunked the rumours, saying he was still in the party on whose platform he became a member of the lower chamber of the National Assembly, PDP. He stated

As a businessman, Allen Onyema, CEO, Air Peace, has proved that he is blessed with the proverbial magic wand. Indeed, doing business is his forte.

A cursory look at his profile, especially since he founded his airline in 2013, attests to his wizardry as a businessman.

At the outset, many had written him off, but the Anambra State-born lawyer, was unfazed over the criticisms. All he set out to achieve was to create an agency that will not only make a big difference but also be among the best.

Interestingly, today, he is being rated as one of leaders in the industry while his aspiration to turn Air Peace into a five-star value carrier is being met.

In five years, he has acquired eight aircraft, the latest was delivered last week.

Of course, the roads have not been totally paved with either gold or roses, as he has encountered a lot of challenges, including conspiracy from competitors and insufficient freedom to operate commercially.

But beyond his meteoric rise in the aviation business, Onyema is also a compelling romantic, one who knows the ABC of love. All he needed to show the world this hitherto unreported side of him was the occasion of his 25th wedding anniversary last week.

It was gathered that his doors were thrown open while his family, friends and business associates from different walks of life came to celebrate with them.

With a deep sense of appreciation and love, Onyema was quoted to have described his wife as the solid rock behind his success story.

As a testimony of his affection and love for his family, he named all his aircraft after his wife, children and even parents.

ABAYOMI BELLO’S PASSION In what may be likened to the cliché, “The sky is wide enough for birds to fly”, the nation’s political firmament seems to be attracting a new crop of men and women who want to vie for various political posts in the land.

In Kogi State, for instance, the CEO of Sologic Group of companies, Abayomi Bello, may be vying for a senatorial seat to represent Kogi West.

In realisation of his political dream, he is said to have been investing heavily in the state by creating economic opportunities for his people. His campaign rests on the tripod of wealth creation,

empowerment and real development.

Prior to his new-found love, Bello is described as a successful businessman, who has carved a niche for himself in the global business community.

Bello, who has also demonstrated good and impressive leadership in his private business, said a lot of attention would be on job creation and placement with emphasis on craft learning, mentoring and empowerment.

Also, political analysts are of the opinion that given a bigger political platform, he will influence major infrastructural developments in his district.

ADRON BOSS, ADETOLA KING’S WINNING STREAK

Dr. Adetola Emmanuel King, CEO, Adron Homes and Properties, is recognised as one of the few who have continued to redefine the industry.

He commands a lot of respect among his competitors for his feats, since he established his business some years back. When he sets out to do any project, he pleasantly shocks his competitors, while also satisfying the needs of his customers.

This we gathered has been his winning streak.

In the past years, he has always consciously delighted his customers in many ways. Last December, he hosted them to a groundbreaking Lemon Friday party that became a talk of town. As if that was not enough, he again treated them to one of the greatest Valentine shows on February 14, at The Grandeur Events Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

Stand-up comedians, Seyi Law and Helen Paul held the audience spell bound with their rib-cracking jokes. It, however, climaxed with performances from the duo of Wande Coal and Tiwa Savage.

FUNMI AJILA-LADIPO, HUBBY’S UNENDING ROMANCE

Today, Funmi Ajila-Ladipo stands tall among fashion designers in Nigeria. By all standards, she is a designer par excellence.

The fair-complexioned woman, who hails from Ekiti State, is one of the few who have done the nation’s fashion industry proud.

Since she launched her outfit, Regalia Couture, some decades ago, she has trained and continued to inspire younger ones who love fashion designing.

At 30, she won the Fashion Designer of the Year diadem, amidst a blaze of glory. By that feat, her clientele grew astronomically because it further exposes her inventiveness and ingenuity.

At different times, she had represented Nigeria in a couple of fashion shows abroad.

Well, this may not be news any longer. But what may interest anyone is the fact she and her husband, Rufai

ABAYOMI BELLO Ladipo, an advertising guru, have remained an item of sorts. They have never tired of showing the world how much they love each, their 14 years of marriage is waxing stronger and it is becoming a good example of a good marriage.

At a recent event in Lagos, they were said to be over each other, cuddling, laughing like first-time lovers. The source even confirmed that they left the party holding each other.

WHEN LUCKY OMOLUWA GOT EMOTIONAL

Sir Lucky Omoluwa, a businessman has gone through a lot in his life, and in all these he has never given up. But many were surprised penultimate week when the Edo State-born billionaire wept uncontrollably.

Spyglass gathered that tears flowed freely as the remains of the late Col. John Yahaya Madaki were laid to rest in Gawu-Babangida, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Virtually everybody spoke glowingly about the deceased but two A-class dignitaries, chairman of Pinnacle Communications Limited, Omoluwa and former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar attracted attention as they broke down in tears while extolling the virtues of the late Madaki.

First to weep was Modibbo. Hardly had he mounted the rostrum to pay tribute to his erstwhile role model than he began to weep.

Others took turns to eulogise the late Colonel until the Pinnacle boss was invited to the rostrum. Omoluwa never showed any sign that he would betray any emotions as he walked majestically towards the podium. But suddenly his confidence evaporated, he slowed down his pace impulsively; put himself together and showered encomiums on the deceased for a life well-spent but as he went down memory lane, he broke down.

Omoluwa has an inextinguishable love for the Madakis. In spite of his busy schedule, he volunteered as the vice chairman of the burial organising committee to ensure that the late Col Madaki got a befitting burial.

FUNMI AJILA

LADI ADEBUTU

ALLEN ONYEMA

LUCKY OMOLUWA

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚͜

22

Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2018;

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MIMI ORJIEKWE

Why Folorunsho Alakija Inspires Me

Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;ĂŁĂ&#x2039; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2022;ĂĄĂ?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ë&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x17E;ĂĄĂ&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? ͺ͸͸͸Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153; ͚͸ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă?ĂĄ ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Tosin Clegg Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a Nollywood actress and an entrepreneur

R

ight now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a business woman set to launch my own new line of cosmetics business. Nollywood started from the scratch for me, as I started out as a Beauty Queen which I won in 2009. After I emerged as the Queen, one of the judges, who was a Director, offered me a hand into Nollywood. We met later on and talked further about it then I was featured in a movie with Jim Iyke and other casts.

2013 was my break-out point I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stay long in Nollywood at the beginning, as I had to go back for my youth service, and when I came back in 2013, I landed a new role. This was when I started building the buzz again.

Nollywood, a way of life Just like when you are working and you get to do your job thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how I see acting. And you have to face the good and bad, which is going to happen. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my job, and not about it being fun or challenging, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about combining both and making it fun for yourself.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an actress and producer I have produced about three to four movies. And I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t produced in a while because I have been busy but, as you know, you have to keep learning every day. The first film I did was easy, and I spoke to Iroko TV and other platforms about having it and it was successful. Second production was tough because I took it to cinema standard and we shot some scenes across water, which was challenging. You plan a particular budget but things tend to go up. I learnt at the end of the day that you have to be ready.

Being an enrepreneur from in infant As a Corp member, I was already looking for contracts in Abuja. I still do stuffs for NAFDAC, where I served and WRPC in Port Harcourt and they pay me.

Being an actor and also doing business has always been a part of my life, so I combine both. Not because acting isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t paying well, but I love money and I want to make more of it.

Lauching Flawless Beauty by Mimi Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a makeup line but a cosmetics brand because I intend to produce other things and grow bigger. But first, I started with makeup for women with things like lashes, eye liners, eyebrows and more that every woman uses.

As women, we all use makeup every day, so we started with that and we hope

that with time we will grow and expand.

Doing Things Differently And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing I learnt growing up. When I started this, I knew I had to make my products different from othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and I put into consideration women of different races, because everyone needs a shade that fits them. In the production of my lashes, I looked at what people use every day and I noticed that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more of the upper lashes. Then I thought of how we can make it look sexier. Now, I have lashes with upper and lower lids.

My lashes make you look sexy and my lipsticks are very good, well-pigmented and of good standard.

Working with good team The team was majorly to work with me to put everything right. We are opening our retail store in Lekki, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m working on putting it together and getting people to work with me. Aside that, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave your business to people, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to watch it and manage it with other things Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing. Many people manage several businesses together, as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about doing things as they are supposed to be done. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m hoping itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to work, as I have a good team.

Folourunsho Alakija is my role model She is a rich woman who is happy with what she is doing. I have read her interviews and she said the only time she rests is when she is flying, but that when she is out of the plane, her phone starts ringing.

She has to attend to one meeting or another and, I was like, women can be this busy? I think she inspires me a lot, as from nowhere you become somebody, and she grew very big too. She is someone I look up to and want to be like. Starting this business is the smallest thing, because I will grow bigger.

Meeting Folorunsho Alakija would be a blessing She is going to teach me a lot of things.

But right now, we are expanding in what we do and we hope that by December this year we will open our foundation.

My team and I have a whole lot of things to work with as time goes by.

Right now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m focusing on my business I really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time for locations yet. But aside all that, I do, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just a simple girl that fears God, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talk too much as I watch you do your thing.

Sometimes I crack jokes and people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect it to come from me.

I play and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just a normal person.

As a child, I wanted to be a Lawyer but I thank God I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find myself in that circle as I enjoy what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing now.

Orjiek e Orjiekwe

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚͜

Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2018;

͸Ϳ͸͞ͺÎ&#x20AC;͚͞Ϳ͝Ϳ Ă?Ě&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ë? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2018;ĚśĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ë&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;

MY STORY US CONSULATE PRIEMERES MARVELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BLACK PANTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; AT IMAX CINEMAS Last week, celebrities and movie lovers joined the US Consulate for an exclusive experience at the FilmHouse Cinemas, Lekki.

The private screening saw musicians, actors, film directors, entertainment industry and fashion moguls bond over one of the biggest films in black history- Black Panther. Guests who were treated to a meet and greet experience, started the Imax 3D experience with a special message from Marvel to the representatives of Filmhouse and US Consulate General.

Celebrities present at the event were 2face Idibia,

TITILOLA OYEKAN How Photography Brought Me Close to Famous People Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039; ĂŁĂ?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Tosin CleggË&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2022;

RMD, Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Korede Bello, Shaffy Bello,

Kaffy, Kemi Lala Akindoju and director Tope Oshin.

WAPTV IS NOW AVAILABLE ON PLAYTV TV viewers nationwide have been having additional reasons to celebrate since February 14, as wapTV commenced transmission on PlayTV as special Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day surprise to subscribers of the platform.

PlayTV is a popular Satellite TV Provider with coverage across Nigeria and several parts of Africa.

The company, which recently signed music superstar Olamide as a Brand Ambassador, is well-received due to its wide range of over 40 premium local and international channels all available at a monthly subscription fee of N1,000 only.

According to the Managing Director of wapTV, Wole Adenuga, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have already started receiving positive response from PlayTV subscribers who have been commending our channelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertaining content and HD clarity.

Since wapTV launched in 2012, we have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of our programmes, as well as expand our coverage.

This partnership with PlayTV is one of the many surprises we have this year.â&#x20AC;?

FOREMOST AWARD-WINNING VOCALIST, DJINEE, IS BACK Djinee, who serenaded our ears with wonderful hit singles, such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ego, I no dey shameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Overkillingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ladeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Shout out to My Loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, debuts his brand new single today titled, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Find Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Nwanyi Oma). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Find Youâ&#x20AC;? is a loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s melody, which emphasises the power of unconditional love to a partner at a time when lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worst storms arrive at our front door and there seems to be absolutely nothing left to hold onto, but a commitment once made- the promise of love.

The soft, melodic tune will definitely tug at every loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heartstrings, as it is the perfect track to reassure and comfort a loved one of an uncertain tomorrow. It will suit any romantic occasion perfectly.

For this single, Djinee teamed up with ace music producer â&#x20AC;&#x153;ExO Magegeâ&#x20AC;?, who has worked the likes of Wizkid, Asa, Mocheddar, Timi Dakolo, Waje, Sound Sultan, Yemi Alade and a host of others.

The song was also mixed and mastered

by ExO Magege.

ow did your career in photography begin?

I started my photography business by attending a three-month photography school, and threemonth internship at the same school. The school I attended also does photography as business.

So after the training, I was retained as a staff and I worked with the company for six months.

Why photography as a career?

I decided to go into photography because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a lady that likes to do unique things. Yes, unique because photography is mainly known as menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business, and only few ladies are in the field- I mean as professionals though. I can do virtually all kinds of photography. But then, I have more passion for events, particularly wedding photography. As an extrovert that I am, I tend to have fun in between.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been your challenge so far?

My mom never wanted me to do photography. It was a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;big warâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trying to convince her, as she felt I would do better in tailoring business. But then, I explained to my dad that he should please support me morally and with cash, and he reasoned along with me to follow my passion. Another challenge is getting clients.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your success story?

My successes so far are the calibre of people photography business has made me to meet and network with. It has also built my confidence level, trust me; I can stand up to anyone. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had opportunities to take pictures at gatherings that had governors, senators, Atiku, Alibaba, Folorunsho Alakija, Sen Ben Bruce and not only did I snap them. I met them and networked with them.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special about your work?

Everything is special. I see myself being a very successful business woman both in photography and in other businesses. Just like the boss Lady, virtually everyone calls me already; I know I carry that grace already. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to be an intentional wedding photographer that gets traffic for bookings without negotiations.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž CH 3, 2018

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Canticles...

ElectionSequence: INEC vs NASS

I

hear there is a brewing fight between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly.

Fight? Over what? What is at stake?

Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem?

What do you mean?

Are you not aware that National lawmakers are gearing up for a political duel meant to test their strength vis-Ă -vis that of the Electoral commission?

How and for what reason?

IG of Police, Ibrahim Idris

Herdsmen and Innocent Blood:IGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AttackonReason

sidehisnearhandsome look, the present Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has hardly impressed me as a serious cop on whom I can put my trust.

Too many times, his utterances have appeared like an affront to reason and common sense. He misfires too frequently, reminding me of the late Wada Nas, a man notorious for speaking before thinking and not the other way round, all in defence of equally the late Gen Sani Abacha.

The most recent vexatious declaration of the Chief Cop of the land, is that states wishing to pass anti-grazing law should first set up ranches before enacting such laws.

I hardly see the wisdom in such a directive.

I have asked before, and it bears repetition here: why are all the people in government so keen about protecting the private interest and business of the herdsmen? Or is the business of cattle rearing not a private endeavour? Do these Fulani herdsmen even pay tax? Why is government overarched in projecting their interest and making it look like it is the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s live wire? Not even the crude oil in the Niger Delta enjoys that level of projection and protection by the federal government.

All these skewed attention is to the detriment of the comfort and even lives of others? Why is the IG not interested in the business pursuit of poultry farmers or those into piggery?

Why all the attention on cattle rearers?

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, how can an IG dictate to states what laws they should pass or dictate what conditions they must fulfil, before passing certain laws? How can he approximate the duties and rights of the state Houses of Assembly?

This was the same IG who when Benue people were mourning the loss of almost 80 persons to the callous herdsmen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; declared that the crisis was an ethnic clash between the Benue people and the herders.

Although he had apologized for the reckless statement, his conduct and utterances ever since then have gone further to reinforce the mindset that he meant what he said earlier.

The herders have even killed some policemen but the IG cares little about that or so it seems.

Mr, IG, whose land will be used to establish the ranches and at whose cost? Is he saying that Cross River people, for instance, would surrender their land to establish ranches for

some roaming Fulani men to dwell and gradually take over the surrounding lands and communities? And the resources of the people of Cross River would be deployed for the building of these ranches? Really? What kind of rubbish talk is that?

It is as annoying as the utterance of the colourless Minister of Defence, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali, who had blamed the killings in Benue on the passage of the anti-open grazing Law arguing that there have always been pre-independence grazing routes across the country. He spoke heartlessly. And carelessly. He spoke as if even if it is true that grazing routes were blocked, the punishment should be pogrom on the owners of the land.

Dan Ali did not see the heinous crime in the killing of innocent people; all he saw is the assertion of the right of the people over their land, which to him, is a crime punishable by crude death from his kinsmen. As minister of Defence, Dan Ali was not worried about how pre-independence herdsmen who used to go about with shepherd Boy stick, now have sophisticated firearms, albeit illegally.

The IG and the Minister of Defence, and indeed almost all the top security chiefs in the country, who are all Fulani have handled the herdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; headache with unsatisfactory sincerity and devotion.

Under the duo of Idris and Dan Ali, life has become so cheap across the land. Many highways have become no-go areas as kidnappers could brazenly block the Benin-Ore highway or Kaduna-Abuja highway, for instance, in the blaring eyes of daylight, and harvest passengers into the bush as kidnap victims. And they fiddle away in inanities.

Nigerians are being killed like chickens across the land, be it by herdsmen, or by kidnappers, or by Boko Haram terrorists, or armed robbers, etc, and our defence chiefs are merely moping and uttering vexatious verbiages.

Surely and steadily, they de-market the Buhari brand or whatever is left of it.

Aside Tafa Balogun, no other Inspector General of Police, in recent times, had been bathed with so much allegations of corruption and unprofessional acts. Yet this was the same Idris that tried to hound his predecessor, Solomon Arase over vehicles at the latterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retirement. As Chinua Achebe would write, â&#x20AC;&#x153;those whose kernels were cracked for them by benevolent spirit should not forget to be humbleâ&#x20AC;?.

Meanwhile, 110 girls are missing in Dapchir, Yobe State and our dear minister of Defence is neither heard nor seen. Only his men are trading blames. Dia ris God!

The National lawmakers have altered the sequence of the election having amended relevant sections of the Electoral Act. But INEC is saying its independence grants it the sole right to determine the dates and order and sequence of the election, just as the National lawmakers are insisting that it is within their legislative right to amend every and any law in Nigeria, and that if they have chosen to amend sections of the Electoral law that deals with the sequence of the election, so be it.

Are you aware that the Electoral commission has already fixed the dates of the election for the next 36 years?

is why the game is who will strike first, with the deepest cut, and who will remain standing after the 2019 wind has blown. That is the raison dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;etre of the new Electoral Law amendment.

But you know that the President will never sign such an amendment that will imperil his own political career.

That is why the National Assembly members have a vetoing power.

That is also why the option of challenging the action in court will be explored.

So where does all these leave the rest of us, Nigerians?

We will be tottering along,â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shuffering and shmilingâ&#x20AC;?, arguing on social media, running beer parlour commentary and doing news-stand analyses as the nation slides down.

So what are we supposed to do right now?

The dates are not what is in contention, it is the sequence. It is the order of the elections.

What is even the big deal about the sequence of the election?

You mean you cannot tell the intent of the lawmakers in wanting to alter the order of the election? Do you think it is for nothing that the executive arm of government is planning to go to court over the matter?

So long as the lawmakers do not have the right to disqualify anybody who wants to contest, I do not see the heavy weather you guys are making out of this election sequence issue.

That smacks of political naivety. Look, I can tell you that Mr President is the target of this action.

The plot is that if the state and national lawmakers have been elected, the state governors have been elected, then the election of Mr President can go according to the wind.

What does that mean?

The wind can blow to any direction. Nobody can determine that.You can thus figure out what I am saying.

For crying out loud, the National Assembly is populated and dominated by members of the ruling party. So why all these intrigues and political treachery?

You mean you do not know that both the executive and the legislature have been running on parallel lines?You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see it? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you know that the insect that destroys the vegetable dwells within the vegetable itself?

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you see all the travails the Senate President has been going through since he got into office? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you know some people do not want him remain in that office by tomorrow morning? Do you think it is for nothing this government is not making much impact?

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you know the National Assembly through its leadership is holding the executive to ransom because of these personal issues between and among them? Do you think it is for nothing that the National budget for 2018 has not been passed in the month of March? Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you smell sabotage in the whole political template of this administration? Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you see and understand that they have all been struggling to suppress their grudges? Have you not heard of the great reconciliatory assignment given Asiwaju Bola Tinubu within the APC? Look, that is why some of the lawmakers will not mind if Number One does not return, just the same way Number One does not want some of those fellows in the National Assembly return.

That explains why the Senate apparatchik was so crossed with a senator that dared to accuse the red chamber of mischief and a deliberate attempt to hack down Mr. President in the so-called election sequence amendment. Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you notice the torrent of umbrage poured on the senator, forcing him to recant and apologise? And by that, all the Buharists in the upper chamber have been helmed in, if you know what I mean. Bros, the battle is real!

And I ponder deeply and worrisomely on how this house that is so divided against itself will stand. So that

Saraki Hold on to our representatives at every level and demand that they be accountable to us. We did not send them to the National Assembly to become Aluta champions, seeing that it is leading us nowhere. We are the ones suffering the pinch of bad governance.They have more than enough cushioning mechanisms to live above the sharp spikes of the economy.

You are still far from the reality? Where do we see these lawmakers?

Are they really answerable to us? Not even at this eleventh hour. Do we still see them.The hustle for 2019 is real.

So what shall we expect from INEC? Will it be armtwisted or will the National Assembly have its way?

I think INEC will try to assert its independence, especially as 86 political parties have sided with it, to conduct the election in the order it (INEC) has proposed. If democracy is about number, then INEC along with the political parties will have their way.

You and I know that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work like that all the time. I can assure you that this issue will take a toll on the electoral exercise and its outcome. There will be no easy day for any of the sides.

Look, both the lawmakers and the members of the executive must be told to become conscious of the fact that the nation and its interest is far bigger than the narrow and selfish interest of its leaders. The Nigerian people cannot be taken for another roller-coaster ride in the 20th year of our unbroken democratic experience.

Nigeria cannot be sacrificed on the altar of narrow and selfish interest of our political mandarins. Those who have cases should go answer their cases. Our lives and those of our children cannot be used as bargaining chips or as ransoms. They are not more Nigerian than the rest of us. This crab syndrome must stop!

What is crab syndrome?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tug fight, wherein the crab hooks on to another crab and none can move forward or even escape even in the face of danger. They remain stuck together.

God forbid. Nigeria must move forward. Every hindrance will be blown away by the God of Nigeria.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 3, 2018

25

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Power, Not Grease, to Elbow

EBERE WABARA

D

AILY SUN of February 26 welcomes us today with this faulty electioneering advertorial: “God bless Your Excellency for proving that there is (are) extra-ordinary (extraordinary) possibilities in ordinary people through your exemplary leadership of the State (needless capitalization).”

“NDDC awards scholarship to slain policeman (policeman’s) kids” “More grease (power) to your elbow.”

“Low port performance: NPA, terminal operators trade blames for failure”, ‘Blame’ is uncountable.

“Senate probes Buhari (Buhari’s) loyalists” “Dana Air crash-lands in Port Harcourt, overshoots runway” It is not the airline that crash-landed and overshot the runway, but one of its aircraft!

“Herdsmen/farmers clashes (Herdsmen, farmers’ clashes): Reps back ranching” “…he didn’t have knowledge of all the contracts awarded between 1999 to (and) 2007 by the state government” “…while former governor Kalu was at the helm of affairs” National News: just at the helm “Osun Assembly backs ‘Not Too Young To Run Bill” Get it right: Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill “We congratulate South Africans for (on/ upon) finally getting President Jacob Zuma to resign from office.”

“The turn-out of Ojotorians in their multitudes for the two-prolonged (two-pronged) ceremony both at the Government House and Igwe’s palace in Ojoto on the fateful day, 19th February, is a classical testament of (to) the integrity of your decision to uphold our tradition.”

“Ashanty house in Gabon settlement” (Oriental News Caption, February 28) There is nothing like “a shanty house”! Ashanty is a hut.

BY

“…by the Federal Government owned (Federal Government-owned) establishment as an epitome of integrity.” “…the yardstick for special recognitions (a special recognition) like this.” ‘Recognition’ is non-count.

“May God Almighty bless, protect and grant your heart (heart’s) desires….”

It is not everything that is in the dictionary that is correct at all times because of language dynamism. It is for this reason that the dictionary and other reference books are continually revised.

So, don’t go about dogmatically chest-thumping that you have an infallible authority when reacting to etymological issues published in this column. You need to do a lot of research-based rationalization informed by voracious reading if you crave purity in communication. That is the only way to go for sticklers.

“They, in turn, could be able to carry out their legitimate duties to their customers.” Either: could or would be able. ‘Could be able’ is offensive.

“Some people who have axe (an axe) to grind against (with) NIJ and its management.”

“That is one thing that is not so easy to come by at the Ogba campus of the NIJ” Get it right: on the Ogba campus.

“The effort of such illustrious alumni are needed to lift it up from the present morass.”

Why the subject-verb discord? Effort is (not are) needed.

“To those close to the corridor (corridors) of power.…”

“Let him breath the air of freedom.” (Vanguard, January 2) Noun: breath; verb: breathe.

“With a stroke of fate, Muhammadu Buhari had been thrust on (in) the leadership saddle of the nation.”

“Rather, we prefer to import the latest from foreign countries, without trying to see whether we can produce better varieties”. Delete ‘from foreign countries’.

“Though successful (successive) governments had at different times urged Nigerians

to….” “…the armed robbers have already gone with their loots”. ‘Loot’ is non-count.

“Nigerians need other people friendly (sic) foundations to join the bandwagon”. Either climb or jump on/aboard the bandwagon.

“Regard the face of our Head of State at formal and informal occasions.” (THE GUARDIAN, January 2) To laugh is human: on (not at) all occasions.

“That shoot-at-sight order in Libya” Get it right: shoot-on-sight order. “…a constitution designed to ensure peace and stability is this nation’s only antidote against (to) national disintegration.”

“When our prisons are bursting at their seems (seams) with political detainees.…”

“The aversion of Nigerians for (to) military rule is clear and unmistakable.” “…alleging intimidation and harassments which made fair conduct of elections unattainable.“ ‘Harassment’ is non-count.

“But I believe in a Nigeria in which what is good for the goose is good for the gander” (Thisday, January 2) What is sauce for the goose.… ”…Nigeria which should be flying with the eagles is roaming about with the chicken” (Source: as above) Always at the brink: delete ‘about’.

“While those with matured (mature) minds were able to control their emotions.…”

“Musicians pay last respect to departed….”

Fixed: last respects “The armed bandits struck at Hawan-Kibo, about 60 kilometres from Jos.” Are there unarmed bandits?

“Members of ANCLAare now working on plans to see that this menace is reduced or wiped out completely.” Yank off ‘completely’ to foreclose lexical insanity.

“The development is sad, pathetic and constitutes a terrible setback on the objective of the party reform.” Get it right: a setback to (not on) the objective.

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“Hopefully, we will end up with a human specie (species) that is half-man and half-dog.”

“We must congratulate him for (on) these, but....”

“Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela expressed confident (confidence) that the Nigerian leader will enthrone an enduring democracy in the country.”

“At the end of the day, their children still have to interact with the offsprings of the marginalized masses.” ‘Offspring’ is uncountable.

“And Nigerians, as well as the international community, have evidently warmed to this new hopeful visage.” Get it right: wormed.

“As we observed last week Tuesday in regard to.…” Either: last Tuesday or Tuesday, last week “Do we have any right to demand for grain supplements from these countries?” (THE GUARDIAN ON SATURDAY, January 6) Readers have the right to demand (not demand for) formal use of the English language by Nigerian newspapers. “…the oba suffered the indignity in London of having some of his luggages (luggage) identified….”

“Atimes (At times) the person falls asleep easily.…”

“Right from the time she served on the guild’s standing committees, she put in her very best.”

The face of grammar: ‘best’ cannot be amplified (very best!) because of its superlative form which abhors inflection.

“Firm plans MKO pavillion at poly” Spellcheck: pavilion.

“Hence the reluctance of some private sector employers to participate in the new welfare scheme is borne out of the precedence being set by the public sector.” Get it right: precedent.

“Are you hearing me?” This is wrong.

‘Hearing’ cannot function as a verb because of its structural characterization. The correct expression goes thus: ‘Can you hear me?’

Will the President’s Men also be isH Nemesis? (1)

S

ycophancy is a thriving industry in politics. It is even more intense as it relates to incumbents eligible for reelection in Nigeria. As the electioneering season picks steam there is a fierce competition for prominence which usually escalates to cut-throat posturing to be the anchorage of the anticipated campaign. It does not matter that the principal is yet to declare his intentions. In fact, it seems part of the calculation is for the surrogates to engage so intensely in the shadows such that can conjure up an eventual declaration based on the ‘loud calls by Nigerians from all walks of life to continue the good work of the first tenure.’

The case is no different with President Muhammadu Buhari whose body language has suggested that he is not uninterested in seeking reelection in 2019.

Aides, associates, friends, and family of the President have launched out various kinds of campaigns for a yet-to-be-declared ambition. The other day, some misguided youths threatened court action against the President should he decide not to contest for second term. While all of these time-worn shenanigans are going on, those in political opposition or perceived to be non-supportive of the supposed reelection quest are targeted in reprisals that are hardly justifiable to the politically uninitiated.

This explains why the All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently embroiled in an internecine tussle of gladiators that may lead to an implosion in no distant time. On one hand, party apparatchiks are divided along linear lines of loyalty; and on the other hand, its standard bearers in public office are in a struggle for placement in what is thought to be the President’s re-election campaign structure. Even those considered indifferent to a return of Buhari are graduated along a diagonal suspicion slope drawn up and closely monitored by the closest cabals in Aso Rock.

The battle for supremacy between the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the reconciler-in-chief of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is aptly constructed on this template. So also is the silent in-fighting among governors of the APC and federal cabinet members over whom should be headliners of the campaign. All of these may snowball into unpleasant consequences for Buhari should he eventually declare to run in 2019. But this is not really the worry, as politicians have a way of pulling back from class destruction when occasion demands.

It is pertinent to observe that some far-reaching damage is being done to the Buhari brand ahead of his moment of decision. The President’s coterie of handpicked sycophants is already nibbling at the fabric of whatever substance or propaganda his reelection bid could be anchored upon. The comments, conducts and

PEOPLE2PEOPLE WITH

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

Twitter: @resourceme

Buhari

comportment of these Buharideens are fast becoming a nuisance to decency, civility and public engagement.

These closet vipers with their poisonous pricks may do the greatest damage to the perceived integrity, image or touted credentials of the President when the curtain is eventually drawn. It is a case of show me your friends and I will tell what kind of person you are. Even though impressions are already largely formed about the person and competence of Buhari for 2019, the antics of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Mr. Yahaya Bello who are governors of Kaduna and Kogi States respectively epitomize the unwitting friendly fire the President has

exposed himself to from his political kitchen cabinet.

El-Rufai has in the last two months shown uncommon enthusiasm in projecting the Buhari bid for 2019.

Being the vantage accidental Buharist that he is, the governor is trying very hard to be the avante garde of the ‘Buhari is perpetually electable’ riposte. Given the dubious character of the typical Nigerian politician, that would be less worry to close watchers of politics in this clime. But the governor’s series of missteps and ill-mannerisms recently are the real sources of worry.

First, it was el-Rufai who led a gang of governors to the presidential villa to publicly announce a call for Buhari to run on a day scores of Nigerians were being buried in mass graves after they had been murdered by mindless herdsmen allegedly of his Fulani ethnic stock. Callously unmindful of the mournful mood of a traumatized nation, the governor told journalists exultantly at the State House: “We are politicians and those of us you see here want the President to contest the 2019 election; we have no apologies for that.

We believe in Mr. President we want him to continue running the country in the right direction. People can speculate about 2019 we have no apologies. We are interested in the continuity and stability and we want the president to continue with that.” The Kaduna governor got a befitting response from an APC chieftain, albeit a disgruntled one who had fallen out of favour with the establishment. Hear Mr. Timi Frank, a member of the National Working Committee of the party: “They chose to visit the Aso Rock Villa and make such demand for their selfish reason. Instead of these governors to advise Mr. President on how to put an end to wanton killings going on across the country, fuel queues, economic hardship and the rest, they chose to be selfish. Is Benue governor not an APC member?

Is Benue State where 72 people were killed not part of Nigeria? Our politicians should learn to be sensitive to the plights of citizens when needed and not only when their votes are needed.” Need I say more?

But el-Rufai, admittedly a sturdy study in governance but an unraveling political fiasco, would not be ruffled. He is taking on his political foes with iron-fist and brandishing the toga of being the President’s man as a tower of protection. That is why he may very well get away with the crushing blow he is dealing members of the APC faction opposed to him as well as other ordinary critiques of his style of politics and governance. Pulling down houses, swooping on bloggers and journalists in controversial circumstances, as well as kicking teachers in the groins are some of his headstrong actions that will certainly impact his political fate. And by extension of course, these are baggage brought forward to buffet Buhari in 2019.

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

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚͜

New Jaguar I-PACE Charges Ahead In EV Race

J

Caption: All-New 2018 Honda CR-V

Honda Unveils All-New 2018 Honda CR-V as Outright Benchmark Compact SUV Stories by Bennett Oghifo

H

ondahaspulledthewrapsoffanall-new, fifth-generation CR-V for journalists to see, during the week. The completely redesigned and reengineered 2018 CRV, going on sale this March, boasts of bold new styling, a more premium interior, a host of new features and technologies aimed at maintaining CR-Vâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s status as the outright benchmark in the highly popular compact SUV segment.

Bold and Sophisticated New Designâ&#x20AC;Ś The new CR-V styling heads in a fresh new direction with an aggressive attitude, thanks to crisp and sharp front-end design elements, aggressive stylized headlights surrounded by a wing-shaped LED DRL array on all trims, and wide, muscular fenders. The long hood, longer wheelbase and short rear overhang gives the new CR-V a more sophisticated and athletic presence. The CR-Vâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new

windswept front end appearance includes signature Honda LED headlights (EX trim), a Honda-first Active Shutter Grille that lowers aerodynamic drag, uprated aluminium alloy wheels (18 inches in EX trim) and narrowerA-pillars for improved visibility.

Powertrain and Chassis Technologyâ&#x20AC;Ś The All New 2018 CR-V is powered by a 2.4-litre DOHC, direct-injected i-VTECâ&#x201E;˘ engine, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mated to a smooth shifting and sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Shift control logic. The all-new body and chassis design in the 2018 CR-V provides more agile and confident handling, greater refinement, additional ground clearance and superior overall versatility.

Its front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension utilize specially tuned low-friction dampers, including tubular front and solid rear stabilizer bars that promote quick turn-in and flatter cornering. Dual-pinion, variable ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS) also contributes to the CR-Vâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direct and satisfying steering feel.

More Premium, Spacious andTechnologically Advanced Interiorâ&#x20AC;Ś The 2018 CR-V also raises the bar for interior refinement, utility and premium features in the compact SUV class.

The more spacious cabin, with top-in-class interior space and the best rear seat legroom in its class, features upgraded materials throughout, including a new soft-touch instrument panel and more intricately stitched seats. A high definition (HD) colour driver information interface (DII) centre meter display adds to the handsome new design aesthetic.

The CR-V offers the latest in-vehicle connectivity and audio performance with a new generation of advanced technologies.

The CR-Vâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio system is compatible with the Apple CarPlay and AndroidAutoâ&#x201E;˘ platforms, giving customers seamless integration of key smartphone features and functions, including smartphone-powered GPS navigation and voice-controlled search capabilities.

Sparrows Dynamic Launches Decarbonising Service for Motorists

V

ehicle owners in Nigeria now have an opportunity to rid them of carbon with the launch of carbon cleaning machine in the country.

The Carbon Cleaning machine, which was introduced into the automobile industry by an automobile service company, Sparrows Dynamic, is manufactured and assembled in France with CE and FCC certification. It is a unique hydrogen-powered decarbonising machine with advanced technology developed over several years and has remarkable cleaning capacity to flush out up to 75% of the carbon deposits that prevents automobile engines from running smoothly.

Speaking at the launch of the service at the RT Briscoe station in Lagos, the Country Director, Carbon Cleaning Nigeria, Sope Babaniji said the innovation would help Nigerians get value for money on their cars and help them curb excessive and incessant spend on cars due to bad fuel and other issues that arise from carbon build up in engines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This service is an innovative idea that has been tried, trusted and tested across Europe and America and we are happy to bring it to Nigerians. We want to help them get the best value for their automobiles and prevent incessant spend due to accumulation of carbon in the engine which could arise from bad fuel or other technical issues.â&#x20AC;?

Babaniji also stressed the need for motorists to have their cars regularly decarbonised. According to him, the carbon cleaning machine removes carbon deposits from all engine types, restores engine performance and fuel consumption back to normal, prevents wear of expensive engine parts (EGR valve, DPF, spark plug, valves, injectors, etc.) and reduces exhaust fumes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important that motorists regularly decarbonize their engines to help extend its lifespan without the need to replace expensive parts. Everyday use of your vehicle leads to the

L-R Service Engineer, R.T. Briscoe, Yinka Adebayo; Country Director, Carbon Cleaning, Sope Babaniji; Toyota Workshop Manager, R.T. Briscoe, Rauf Iyiola; Ford Workshop Manager, R.T. Briscoe, Kayode Afolabi during the demo launch of Carbon Clearing in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Ś recently Abiodun Ajala gradual increase of carbon deposits throughout the engine and exhaust system which is a threat to vehicle performance.

Our carbon cleaning service takes care of this and in just 30 minutes, your engine will run like new,â&#x20AC;? he remarked.

While noting the importance of the service to car owners, Babaniji revealed that motorists can drive into any partner service station where the device is used to have their cars checked.

He also stated that the carbon cleaning machine itself is available for purchase by automobile technicians, fleet managers and motor parts dealers seeking to improve their expertise.

Sparrows Dynamic, he said is an automobile service company that provides innovative services to vehicle owners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As part of its services, the company also specialises in mechanised car wash services and installations of wash tunnels with wash volumes of over 100 cars per hour.â&#x20AC;?

aguarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first all-electric production vehicle, the I-PACE, has been unveiled to the world in a live broadcast.

British comedian and actor, Jack Whitehall, self-proclaimed EV enthusiast and TV presenter Jonny Smith, and American tech guru iJustine hosted a special live show as the first I-PACE rolled off the production line in Plant Graz, Austria, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most advanced EV production facilities, where the car will be built.

When it came to explaining the technology behind I-PACE, host comedian Jack Whitehall enlisted the help of Jaguarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest vehicle experts, nine year olds Lola and Hudson.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/6xoMWa3BWY Ahead of this weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FIA Formula E race at the AutĂłdromo Hermanos RodrĂ­guez E-Prix circuit in Mexico City, the Jaguar I-PACE was pitted against both the Tesla Model X 75D and 100D in a 0-100km/h-0 head-to-head challenge. Panasonic Jaguar Racingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mitch Evans got behind the wheel to showcase the acceleration and braking power of Jaguarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first EV against the Tesla models, driven by former IndyCar Series champion Tony Kanaan: Watch here: https://youtu. be/fHvJKRimbPc The I-PACE has a state-of-the-art 90kWh Lithium-ion battery and offers sports car performance of 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds alongside the practicality of a 480km range (WLTP cycle) and 0-80 per cent charging times of as little as 45 minutes (using a 100kW fastcharger). Allied with its concept car looks and next-generation artificial intelligence, it is set to be the perfect everyday EV consumers have been waiting for. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Fully Chargedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the documentary aired at the end of the broadcast, giving a behind-thescenes insight into the creators and makers of I-PACE. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/ q9y07MIygsk Designed and engineered in the UK, the I-PACE will be built in Plant Graz, Austria, as part of Jaguar Land Roverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manufacturing partnership with Magna Steyr. It joins Jaguarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing family of SUVs, alongside the all-new E-PACE and multiple awardwinning F-PACE. I-PACE receives its public debut at Geneva Motor Show on 6 March.

Electric Explorer African Challenge: First EV Expedition Ever Across Africa Contemporary electric vehicles boast a driving range of about 250 kilometers. This is enough to use a car in urban traffic for up to a week or to travel from Cape Town to Swellendam free from range anxiety. In the advanced version, vehicles such as Nissan LEAF make it possible to cover the distance between the UK and Mongolia. In the highly advanced version, an attempt can be made to cross Africa, as planned by Polish travellers Arkady Fiedler and Albert WĂłjtowicz.

The Electric ExplorerAfrican Challenge 2018, the first electric vehicle expedition ever across Africa, commenced at the end of last week. . The famous Polish traveler Arkady PaweĹ&#x201A; Fiedler has taken the wheel, accompanied by Albert WĂłjtowicz, a photographer and cameraman. The main hero of their unique expedition is the Nissan LEAF. The vehicle is not modified in any way; it will is exactly the same as the car you can buy from a showroom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Travelling across Africa is probably the hardest test for any vehicle, not only an EV. Poor roads, limited charging infrastructure and dramatically diverse weather conditions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from equatorial storms to the scorching heat of the Sahara â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these are just a few challenges that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to face during the expedition. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re optimistic anyway.

As part of the tests, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already travelled over 4,000 kilometres in Poland in a Nissan LEAF, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m positively surprised by the driving range offered,â&#x20AC;? said Arkady PaweĹ&#x201A; Fiedler.

The expedition started in Cape Town last week and will lead to Europe, along Western Africa, via South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Mauritania and Morocco, and finally across western Europe to Poland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nissan LEAF is the most popular electric vehicle in the world. The first generation of the model was launched on the market as early as 8 years ago, and Nissan EV drivers have already done more than 3 billion zero-emission kilometres in total.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚͜

27

Life-Size LegoÂŽ Camry Defies Expectations

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Rolls Royce Ghost interior

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Announces The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Silver Ghost Collectionâ&#x20AC;?

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

O

ne motor car changed the course of automotive history. Today, the legend is re-told as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly announces the creation of a collection of 35 model year 2018 Rolls-Royce Ghosts, created in homage to the original Silver Ghostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievement.

In 1904, a pioneering motorist, a brilliant entrepreneur and an intrepid engineer were united by a desire to succeed. Three years later, this success was recognised by the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media.

An unfathomable challenge unprecedented of its

time and legendary to this day, was completed by The Hon. Charles Rolls and Claude Johnson in Sir Henry Royceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Silver Ghostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The car achieved a non-stop long distance endurance record of 14,371 miles. This challenge was to shape automotive and luxury history, creating a world-renowned benchmark for excellence in the process.

It was the twelfth 40/50hp chassis, completed with a Barker & Co 4/5 seater touring body, commissioned by Claude Johnson, then Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Limited that was quickly recognised for its ability to demonstrate the marqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prowess. The ethereally quiet running of this extraordinary automobile and the silver paint with silver fittings, led Johnson to select this very car for high-profile competitive

trials, bestowing the name, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Silver Ghostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; upon it.

In celebration of this extraordinary feat of engineering excellence, a special collection of model year 2018 Bespoke Ghosts will be created at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex. Thirty-five patrons of the marque will delight in a contemporary masterpiece of automotive history, as the Bespoke Collective of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars envisions the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Silver Ghost Collectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Speaking from the Home of Rolls-Royce, Torsten MĂźller-Ă&#x2013;tvĂśs, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The extraordinary accomplishments of our marqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founding fathers are honoured by the creation of this elegant â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Silver Ghost Collectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

ar lovers of all ages are in for a treat next month when a full-size Toyota Camry made entirely from LEGOÂŽ bricks goes on display at the Brickman Awesome exhibition in Melbourne.

The special project, which will require at least half a million bricks, is in the capable hands of Ryan McNaught, the only LEGOÂŽ certified professional in the southern hemisphere and one of only 14 in the world.

McNaught, aka the Brickman, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Melburnians are in for an absolute treat at my new exhibition, Brickman Awesome. They will be the first in the world to see my brand new LEGOÂŽ creation - a life-sized Toyota Camry made entirely from LEGOÂŽ bricks! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a bit of a car fanatic myself so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m delighted that we have partnered with Toyota to build a LEGOÂŽ version of their latest model. The build process is in full swing at the moment - the model is so big that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had to make sure we actually have enough LEGOÂŽ bricks!â&#x20AC;?

Toyota Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design chief Nicolas Hogios said the project will provide a fun and interactive way for families to experience the all-new Camry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been fascinating to observe how Ryan has approached the build,â&#x20AC;? Mr Hogios said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While condensed into a much shorter time, many of his processes align with our own design approach - moving from an idea sketch, to modelling, to final assembly.â&#x20AC;?

The LEGOÂŽ Camry on display at Brickman Awesome will inevitably lead to further comparisons between the popular sedan produced by Toyota and the model being built by McNaught and the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Brickmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team.

As youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect, both versions are highquality cars that exude fun - and, of course, they have the same basic dimensions and share the stylish Camry design that Toyota has recently introduced to the Australian market.

Toyota, LEGOÂŽ and Brickman are also equally focused on the quality, durability and reliability of their respective products.

But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about where the similarities end.

New Kia Stinger Claims more Prestigious Industry Awards

T

he Kia Stinger has been honored with a series of prestigious awards by European and North American media.

The growing number of accolades for the new fastback sports sedan make the Stinger one of the most celebrated new Kia vehicles ever â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just a few months after going on sale.

Since the start of the year, the Stinger has been awarded the Roadshow by CNET 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Shift Award Vehicle of the Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best of the Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the MotorWeek 2018 Driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice awards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the top honor in the 14-category awards program. The car has also been shortlisted in both the North American and European Car of

the Year award programs, with the winner of the latter crowned at the forthcoming Geneva International Motor Show in March. The Stinger is one of seven candidates being considered by the 60 European automotive journalists on the jury.

Bryan Cho, Chief Marketing Officer of Kia Motors Corporation, commented: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are proud of what we have achieved with the Stinger, and multiple accolades highlight how this pioneering vehicle has true global appeal.

It provides something different and exciting to customers, in terms of its design, character and performance, and it is gratifying to see the efforts of our engineers and designers recognised by media across the world.â&#x20AC;?

The Mercedes-Benz Accelo

New Jaguar I-PACE Charges Ahead In EV Race

O

n Saturday the 24th of February, 2018, I received a very exciting text message that made me grow taller than my Julius Agwu look alike height. The text was so encouraging that my head swelled and has remained swollen since .The sender who lives in Aba, the industrial hub of Abia State is someone I am looking forward to meeting someday. I must confess that I am humbled by Dr Nduagu encouraging words despite the numerous and unforgiving errors which he kindly pointed out in his reactions and for which I sincerely apologize to my readers. Dr Nduagu is the third reader after Sir Victor Anoliefo of the Abuja Literary Society and Ibrahim Mairiga, a civil servant in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory whose observations I cherish.

I also cherish others readers whose comments through texts or emails I must have missed or forgotten for reasons beyond by my control.

As I conclude sharing this piece which i sourced, I must first fulfill the promise I made to my Muslim readers last week when after quoting from Deuteronomy 30:19 from the Holy Bible, I promised to seek the help of my Muslim colleagues on what the Holy Koran says about life and death. Although what I got does not truly reflect what I want but since I made a promise, I have chosen to use this for now and it reads thus;Quran 10 verse 56: He give life and causes Death, and to him you will be returned (Surah Yunus)Quran 45 verse 24-25: They say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;There is nothing

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education OďŹ&#x192;cer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491

but our present life; we die, and we live, and nothing but time destroys us.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Of that they have no knowledge; they merely conjecture. And when Our revelations are recited to them, their only argument is that they say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bring us our father, if you speak truly.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? ( Sural Al-jathiyah 45:24-25) Back to the business of the day; do you know how old your tyres are? Do you know the age of your tyres? Are your tyres expired? Now if you think these questions are not important, kindly reflect on the number of lives lost as a result of road traffic crashes caused by tyre burst and remember the circumstance and events that led to the death of a serving Minister. Remember also the cases I cited last week and please make the choice to take special care of your tyres. Available research findings suggest that only a handful of drivers can assess the age of their tyre and know the right time to change.

Most drivers do not think it is important but the performance of tyres actually deteriorates as they age. The clear evidence is that tyres

have an expiration date and that older tyres are more likely to fail than newer ones. This is because tyres are made mostly of rubber which degrades with age. Sunlight, heat, ice, and general wear and tear can accelerate the breakdown of a tyre. Once a tyre begins to break down, it becomes more likely to fail in the form of a tread separationâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;often at highway speeds, when the failure is most likely to cause fatal crash resulting in deaths.

For most tyres, the expiration date should be from the date of manufacture. Tyres I must repeat again, age dangerously because of a chemical process commonly referred to as oxidation, which simply means that as the tyre components are exposed to oxygen, the oxygen particles causes the flexible components of the tyre to harden and become brittle. Over time, the tyre will fall apart under normal stress, just like an old rubber band.

Since this process occurs naturally, it does not matter if a tyre is being used, stored as a spare, or simply waiting on a store shelf for an unsuspecting consumer. Available studies conclude that tyres begin to weaken and fall apart as they age. The tyre aging process happens regardless of whether the tyre is on a vehicle or in a temperature-controlled room. It also states that most tyres begin to significantly degrade around five years from the date of manufacture and like I said earlier, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tyres contain anti-oxidising chemicals to slow the rate of ageing, but they need to be in use for these to be effective.

Infrequent use or poor storage of even a new

and standard tyre can accelerate the ageing process and make tyres un-roadworthy. Low mileage and older cars tend to be most at risk from premature ageing.â&#x20AC;?So it is important to ensure that you do not toy with your life and that of your loved ones by the choices you make.

As a driver, you should know the date your tyres were manufactured usually displayed on the sidewall in the form of four numbers usually preceded by the letters.

The manufactured date is a Department of Transportation (DOT) code of 10 or 11 characters embossed on the inside of the tire These numbers represent the week number and year; so 3410 will be week 34,in the year 2010. Use that information to make sure you are buying tyres with the longest shelf life possible. This simple information was my guide when I went for new tyres but was offered tyres which had already spent a year and some months on the shelf.

So, as a driver, you must always protect yourself when buying new tyres by asking for the newest tires available just like I did when I entered into a healthy debate with my dealer whose interest like most businesses is profit while my concern and yours should always be safety. You should always look at the tyreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manufacture date; for new tyres, the code is always 11 characters.

However, tyres manufactured before the year 2000 have a 10-character code.

This code is the most important piece of information about a tyre. The last four digits of the DOT code represent the manufactured date of the tyre; the last two digits like I said earlier refer to the year the tyre was manufactured while the first two digits identify the week number within that year. Avoid the gamble of keeping and using outdated tyres in the name of saving money and ultimately losing your life

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

FAMILY HEALTH with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

Night Blindness

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, ͸Î&#x20AC;͸ͽ͝͝Ϳͺ͝ͽ͞

T

he importance of the eyes cannot be over emphasized. As I mentioned in the previous article on your eye, the are the light in your body. The eyes that are defect causes concern on the sufferer. This could be partial or total blindness. Also along with this, is the inability to see clearly at night. It is a type of condition that affects your vision at night. This is night blindness.

Night blindness, also known as nyctalopia, is the inability to see clearly at night or in dim light (such as raining or dark room). It is the inability to see well at night or in poor light. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying problem, usually a retina problem. It is common for patients who are myopic to have some difficulties with night vision, but this is not due to retinal disease, but rather to optical issues.

For many people, especially older people, the beauty of nighttime is getting obscured by night blindness. Not only can these people not appreciate the beauty of night, they cannot easily do their regular day-to-day activities like reading, knitting, driving, or even walking at night.

When you go for a regular eye test, your eyesight is checked in good light. In most cases (if not all), the optometrist does not test for night blindness. This is not ideal practice, considering night blindness can lead to many other health complications. The most common complication is injuries sustained because you could not see obstacles clearly while driving or walking. These injuries can be minor, or they could be serious enough to land you in a nursing home. Another problem with night blindness is that people lose their confidence, they stay at home as they are afraid to go out, and this could lead to mood problems, joint problems, even digestive problems.

Possible causes It occurs as a result of various diseases that cause degeneration of the rods of the retina (the sensory cells responsible for vision in dim light). Now there are different reasons for night blindness. It could be congenital, it could be because of conditions like macular degeneration or cataracts, or it could be a symptom of another illness or trauma.

But in most cases it is because of dietary deficiencies.

This type of night blindness can easily be avoided with a few tricks and tips, and a little bit of dietary planning.

Night blindness has many causes, including: r .ZPQJB r (MBVDPNB NFEJDBUJPOT UIBU XPSL CZ DPOTUSJDUJOH the pupil r $BUBSBDUT r 3FUJOJUJT QJHNFOUPTB r 7JUBNJO " EFĂ DJFODZ $BUBSBDUT As we age, our natural eye lens start to become unclear and cloudy. The clouding blocks and distorts MJHIU FOUFSJOH PVS FZFT $PNNPO TJHOT PG DBUBSBDUT BSF blurriness, night blindness and halos.

2. Diabetes Diabetes is a known cause for reduced night vision.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels that supply the retina.

This causes leakage and may damage the retina (retinopathy).

Two early signs of retinopathy from diabetes are poor night vision and taking a long time to see normally after coming indoors from bright light outside.

3. Dry Eyes Dry eye syndrome reduces the quality and quantity of your tear film. This can affect the condition of the cornea thus affecting the quality of vision, especially night vision.

-"4*, $PNQMJDBUJPOT $PNQMJDBUJPOT PG -"4*, BSF GBJSMZ DPNNPO 0OF common complaint of patient is distorted night vision in form of glare and halos around objects.

3FUJOJUJT 1JHNFOUPTB One of the most serious causes of night blindness CVU GPSUVOBUFMZ JU JT QSFUUZ SBSF 3FUJOJUJT QJHNFOUPTB is an uncommon genetic disorder that is frequently diagnosed in early childhood.

It causes the cones and rods in the retina to deteriorate and eventual permanent vision loss. Worsening night vision is often the earliest symptom.

6. Uncorrected Nearsightedness.

Another general cause is uncorrected nearsightedness (myopia). Even with vision correction, nearsighted people may find their nearsightedness worsen when their pupils dilate at night (start improving your nearsightedness with eye exercises).

7JUBNJO " %FĂ DJFODZ A common cause of night blindness in developing DPVOUSJFT 7JUBNJO " JT B DSVDJBM JOHSFEJFOU JO LFFQJOH your retina healthy. The lack of it causes your retina not being able to function properly and results in reduced night vision.

both eyes (like a deer in headlights). Another trick while driving at night is to take your eyes off the oncoming high beams and look at the white line on your side of the road to maintain a safe course.

3. Let your eyes adjust to the darkness naturally The best way to see in the dark is to let your eyes slowly acclimatize to low light. You can do this by sitting in perfect darkness 20 to 30 minutes before going out into the night. Or you can wear a sleep mask or just cover your eyes. This simple trick helps your eyes easily adjust to the night.

Special Forces use the technique of squeezing their eyes shut tightly for 10 seconds once they are in the dark.

4. Keep your eyes moving Try not to stare at one object as it will cause your eyes to adapt to whatever light source that is available at the point of your focus. Dance your eyes around, scan the area, and you would be able to see better in dark.

Keep blinking, too, to avoid your rods (cells in your eyes responsible for night vision) from desensitizing.

If you are looking at a map with a ďŹ&#x201A;ashlight, cover the ďŹ&#x201A;ashlight with a red glazed paper.

The red light will make the map appear sharper.

And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying a new car, look for a dashboard with red illuminated buttons, rather than blue, green, or white

8.

Zinc Deficiency

Zinc works in the eye as a partner to vitamin A. Without zinc, the vitamin A thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s present may not be as effective, and nyctalopia could result.

To determine what is causing night blindness, an eye doctor will perform a thorough eye exam and may order any of a number of specialized exams.

Treatment The treatment will depend on its causes. r /VUSJFOUT EFĂ DJFODZ 7JUBNJO " BOE ;JOD JT UIF easiest to treat.

Treating night blindness with nutrients Just incorporate more carrots, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables for vitamin A, and beans, nuts and poultry for Zinc.

If you want better protection and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to eat so much food to maintain sufficient nutrients for your FZF DPOTJEFS UBLJOH 0DV 1MVT WJUBNJOT 0DV 1MVT WJUBNJOT BMTP DPOUBJOT CJMCFSSZ FYUSBDUT which was commonly taken by pilots during WWII to improve night vision. r *G UIF DBVTF JT DBUBSBDUT ZPV DBO HP GPS DBUBSBDUT surgery to remove the clouded lens and replace it with BSUJĂ DJBM JOUSBPDVMBS MFOT 7JTJPO JT VTVBMMZ ESBNBUJDBMMZ improved after surgery. r 'PS ESZ FZF TZOESPNF MVCSJDBUF ZPVS FZFT XJUI artificial tear drops can provide instant relief. Just make sure that they are without preservatives.home remediespermanent relief. r %JBCFUJD SFUJOPQBUIZ DBO CF QSFWFOUFE XJUI UJHIU control of blood sugar, active lifestyle and good dietary habits. If you already have diabetic retinopathy, there are laser and vitrectomy surgery available. r "T GPS SFUJOJUJT QJHNFOUPTB VOGPSUVOBUFMZ UIFSF BSF no treatments available.

Thankfully, new research is showing that vitamin A might have a slowing effect on the progression of this eye disease.

But make sure that this is done under close supervision of a doctor as overdose of vitamin A can be harmful.

Treatment may be as simple as getting a new eyeglass prescription or switching glaucoma medications, or it may require surgery if the night blindness is caused by cataracts. r *G B SFUJOBM EJTFBTF JT EJTDPWFSFE UIF USFBUNFOU XJMM depend on the type of the disease and will require additional investigation by a retina specialist.

Improving night vision If you are just developing night blindness, the tricks below will help you, and the dietary changes will ensure that the condition does not get worse. But if your night blindness is severe, some of the tricks may not work. But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry! Once you incorporate the natural supplements for night vision in your diet, it will dramatically help see you see better at night.

3FE UJOUFE HMBTTFT IFMQ JNQSPWF OJHIU WJTJPO This is a common trick that aviators use when they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to sit in perfect darkness and adjust before night flying. Wearing red-tinted glasses before you go out into low light will help train your eye to focus better.

If you are looking at a map with a flashlight, cover the flashlight with a red glazed paper. The red light will make the map appear sharper. And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying a new car, look for a dashboard with red illuminated buttons, rather than blue, green, or white.

2. Avoid looking directly at any light sources When you look directly at a light source, your pupils are forced to contract. This increases the amount of time it takes for your vision to acclimatize to the low light.

If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t avoid looking at a light source, cover or close one eye until it passes. Looking directly at light sources is a common concern while driving at night. If you are faced with oncoming high-beams, protecting one eye will prevent you from getting flash blindness in

5. A gentle eye massage helps improve night vision Just close your eyes tightly and apply slight pressure on both your eyes with your palms (use the fleshy part of your palm below your thumb) After about five or 10 seconds, instead of seeing black, your vision will turn white momentarily. When the white goes away and the black comes back, open your eyes, and your vision will be significantly better in the dark.

While the above tricks can help improve night vision, they will work even better if you supplement your diet with vision-boosting nutrients.

Natural supplements for night vision 7JUBNJO " 7JUBNJO " JT DSJUJDBM GPS WJTJPO BT JU JT BO FTTFOUJBM component of rhodopsin, a protein that absorbs light in UIF SFUJOB 7JUBNJO " BMTP TVQQPSUT UIF OPSNBM EJGGFSFOUJBtion and functioning of the conjunctival membranes and cornea. One of the primary symptoms of vitamin A deficiency is poor night vision.

5IFSF BSF UXP GPSNT PG EJFUBSZ WJUBNJO " 1SFGPSNFE vitamin A and provitamin A. The top food sources of vitamin A in the American diet include dairy products, liver, fish, and fortified cereals. The top sources of provitamin Ainclude carrots, broccoli, cantaloupe, and squash.

2. Fish and shellfish Fish is a highly nutritious source of omega-3 fatty acids, and as such it is a must for good vision and also for night vision. Eat wild-caught salmon, sardines, and herring, which are cold-water fish that are an excellent source of DHA. DHA is the fatty acid that makes up as much as 50 percent of the photoreceptors in the retina.

Oysters and shellfish are high in zinc, which works in concert with vitamin A to keep the inner eye healthy and to prevent poor night vision. Fish and shellfish also contain retinol, a form of vitamin A, which boosts night vision.

3. Blueberries The health benefits of blueberries are seemingly endless, and among these are improved eyesight, particularly at OJHIU .VMUJQMF TUVEJFT PVU PG &VSPQF BOE *TSBFM DPOĂ SN that eating blueberries regularly may help improve night vision.

Blueberries are a very rich source of antioxidants. The 03"$ 0YZHFO 3BEJDBM "CTPSCBODF $BQBDJUZ UFTU m POF of the most accurate tools available for measuring the BOUJPYJEBOU MFWFM PG GSFTI GSVJUT BOE WFHFUBCMFT m TIPXT that a serving of blueberries introduces more antioxidants into the body than most other fruits and vegetables.

4. Bilberries These European relatives of blueberries are even more beneficial in fighting against night blindness. Bilberries are rich in anthocyanosides, a form of flavonoid which helps to regenerate the purple pigments in the eye that are used to see in the dark.

-FHFOE IBT JU UIBU #SJUJTI 3PZBM "JS 'PSDF QJMPUT BGUFS eating bilberry jam for tea, bombed the enemy during the Second World War with devastating accuracy. Their night vision seemed to be heightened by the powers of the inky blue fruit. If you cannot get hold of bilberry jam, buy dried or fresh bilberries and add 1/4 cup to warm or cold cereals and smoothies.

5. Fresh vegetables The trick here is to consume what I call the rainbow EJFU XJUI QMFOUZ PG PSHBOJD QSPEVDF $PMPSGVM GSVJUT BOE vegetables contain lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that destroy free radicals and can compromise night vision.

Eat a leafy green salad each day. And yes, have a lot of carrots and tomatoes. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like eating vegetables, make smoothies and drink in all those nutrients.

6. Eye Excercises And, finally, do as many eye exercises as possible. There is one simple yoga technique called Drishti Sanchalan that I particularly like. A literal translation of Drishti Sanchalan is marching of the eyes. It involves a left, right, left, right movement of the eye followed by an up, down, up, down movement.

A daily routine of eye exercises can dramatically JNQSPWF CPUI ZPVS OJHIU BOE EBZ WJTJPO 3FNFNCFS seeing clearly is one of the most important gifts of life.

And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in your hands to enjoy this gift to its fullest.

Day or night.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Eniola Aluko

03.03.2018

Recall to Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Squad Beckons

ALL EYES ON THE TITLE PAGE. 29

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

Recall to Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Squad Beckons Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?ËŞ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2014; Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ě&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122;Ë&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĂ?Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ë&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄ Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2014;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x152;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x153; Kunle Adewale ĂĄĂ&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă?

T

Eniola Aluko

hough Nigeria-born England international, Eniola Aluko, was not included in the Three Lioness new coach Phil Nevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 23-women team released recently for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SheBelieves Cup, the former Manchester united ace emphasised that the door was not closed to other players as he was using the invitational tournament to discover new players. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been really impressed by what I have seen in the past few weeks. Some exciting young players have caught my eye, and not just those that have been picked for this squad. They will get an opportunity in the coming months to challenge the established players who, of course, deserve big respect for what they have done to take this team to third in the world. I also hope this squad shows that the door is not closed to anyone and that those in form will always have a strong chance of being picked,â&#x20AC;? said Neville, who took charge of England Lionesses last month.

Neville has said Chelsea striker Eni Aluko, who has not played for the England womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national team since she accused former manager Mark Samson of racial abuse, could earn a recall to the side.

Neville told The Telegraph he was beginning his time in charge with â&#x20AC;&#x153;a clean slateâ&#x20AC;? and would not rule out any player.

The coach said he had spoken to Aluko, who is not currently featuring regularly for her club. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I met her at a game. In terms of being selected for the squad, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not played for Chelsea regularly.

If she starts scoring goals and is playing well, then she is no different to anyone else. Ultimately for me, if she is playing well and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scoring goals, she will be considered. It is as simple as that,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Neville however named Alukoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ghanian-born Chelsea teammate, Anita Asante, for the SheBelieves Cup after being shut out of the England Women squad since

2015.The Ghanaian born defender line up with fellow Chelsea defender Hannah Blundell and Evertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gabby George who could win their first caps in next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SheBelieves Cup in the USA. Neville said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;She wants to be playing, and I spoke to other players in the team and she is a very popular figure. I told her, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Anita, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m picking you on your ability to play footballâ&#x20AC;Ś your performances have warranted this call-upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;?Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a clean slate and everyone is delighted.â&#x20AC;?

Aluko was at the centre enquiry which involved the Football Association and the former national coach of bullying and claims of racism leading to eventual sacking of the coach after which the FA offered Aluko a formal apology after evidence proved that former Lionesses coach Mark Sampson made remarks that were â&#x20AC;&#x153;discriminatory on the grounds of raceâ&#x20AC;?, Aluko having registered a complaint about comments allegedly made to team-mates.

Sampson was sacked during the probe into his behaviour as England coach over â&#x20AC;&#x153;inappropriate and unacceptableâ&#x20AC;? relationships with players in a previous role.

However, former goalkeeper David James criticised Aluko for making allegations of racism and bullying against Sampson after he was sacked as England Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manager by the Football Association.

Sampson was dismissed following a tip-off regarding allegations made against him during his previous role with Bristol Academy, where he worked as first team coach and was also responsible for the 16 to 19 year-olds programme.

The FA confirmed that Sampson was sacked for an â&#x20AC;&#x153;unprofessionalâ&#x20AC;? relationship with his players, although the governing body was informed of the allegations in 2014, with FA chief executive officer Martin Glenn, only viewing the details of the case last week before making the decision with Chairman Greg Clarke and the FA board to dismiss Sampson.

The scandal has opened up

31

MARCH 3, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Griezmann Hope to Extend Barca Dip

A

Aluko both Sampson and the FA to intense criticism, particularly as Sampson was allowed to continue in the role following allegations of racism and bullying made by Aluko last year. The FA investigated the matter and paid the 102-cap international £80,000 as “hush money”, with the governing body insisting that Sampson’s departure was in no relation to those allegations.

Sampson has struggled to rebuild his reputation following the shameful exit, but former England goalkeeper James leapt to his defence on Wednesday night and suggested that Aluko fabricated the allegations because she wasn’t good enough to be in his squad.

“Mark Sampson sacked as @England women's manager?! Seems some wasted talent can't deal with the fact they aren't good enough! #enialuko,” James wrote on Twitter.

FA CEO Glenn made the decision after reading a 2015 safeguarding report into Sampson concerning his relationships with his players while at Bristol. The FA safeguarding panel decided in March that year that Sampson could continue to work in football, but when Glenn reviewed the report in detail he decided, along with the FA board, that Sampson had “overstepped the professional boundaries between player and coach”.

It, however, remains to be seen if the 102-cap Aluko, who has only played 90 minutes once for Chelsea in the WSL this season, with four goals in the kitty in seven appearances would meet Neville’s condition for her return to the Three Lioness.

Aluko has previously been described as “the Wayne Rooney of women’s football”, but while the comparison may be fair on the sporting front, it is some way off the mark in other respects.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1987, she moved to Britain in her infancy and grew up in Birmingham, where she started playing football in local parks during childhood so she could continue hanging out with the boys she was friendly with.

“It was an easy way to be accepted in the group,” she has said. They called her “Eddie” rather than “Eni”, so she could fit in. Her Nigerian relatives may have frowned on it, encouraging her to play tennis instead because football was not ladylike, but her mother’s

good sense prevailed and she paid them no heed.

“I just wanted to be one of the boys and then, I realised I was better than most of them,” Aluko said.

Aged 11, she was approached to play for Leafield Athletic Ladies, a local side that offered her the ability to hone her skills, but not a career. For that, she turned to law. Having always had a strong sense of justice and a love of politics, law films - and the Harper Lee novel that gave her hero - it seemed like a natural choice. And so it was that in 2008 she graduated from Brunel University London with a first class honours degree in the subject.

But she had not abandoned the beautiful game, choosing instead to juggle her twin passions, just as her sporting hero, Eric Cantona - the thinking man’s footballer - remained a poet as he played.

Having played for England in her teens, she made her senior England debut aged only 17 and found herself competing at Euro 2005 while taking her A-levels. By 2007, she was signed to Chelsea, following stints at Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic. She subsequently left the west London club to play in the United States, but returned to it in 2012.

Meanwhile, during her time with “two very understanding law firms”, she worked on commercial deals for David Beckham and divorce cases.

She’s helped recording artistes such as One Direction and others from The X Factor negotiate with their record labels, and worked with Olympic athletes like Victoria Pendleton.

Having become a sports and entertainment lawyer in 2014, her plan is to work in sports law when her career on the pitch comes to an end.

With such a variety of strings to her bow, it’s only fitting she should also have become the first female pundit in men’s football. In 2014, she made history by becoming the first female pundit to feature on Match of the Day, continuing her sideline in punditry during the television coverage of Euro 2016.

“Sport,” she once said, “gives you... real-life lessons that make you bulletproof.” As the FA grapples with the fall-out of her accusations, Aluko will be well-placed to ride out of the storm.

tletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann goes up against Barcelona on Sunday, looking to derail the title charge of a club he may yet join in the summer. Barca were forced last month to deny claims they had agreed a deal to sign the Frenchman, whose relentless run of form since the turn of the year now stands as the principal threat to them toasting a 25th La Liga triumph.

In January, Barcelona and Atletico were separated by 11 points at the top of the table but win this weekend, and Diego Simeone's side could cut that gap to two.

Barca's slip at Las Palmas on Thursday, a day after Atletico claimed their eighth consecutive victory over Leganes, means the balance has tipped back towards the capital. But, just as Griezmann has been the driving force behind their resurgence, with an outstanding 12 goals in nine games, the 26-year-old will be key again if Atletico are to inflict Barca's first defeat this season.

He has never scored at the Camp Nou, a drought that extends to nine outings, but back-to-back hat-tricks, the second a quadruple, against Sevilla and Leganes this week will certainly have pricked the Catalans' attention.

"He has played at this level in other seasons," Simeone said after Wednesday´s win. "He is an extraordinary player -- he already showed this in the past."

It is no coincidence Griezmann's surge has quickened since the arrival of Diego Costa, whose willingness to engage defenders in the grittier side of the game has allowed his partner the freedom to flourish.

But while Costa appears the perfect foil, Griezmann might glance across at his opponents on Sunday and wonder where and how he would fit in.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez admit-

tedly have 61 years of age between them but also 59 goals this term.

Neither look ready to make way for a younger model.

The 160 million-euro Philippe Coutinho, meanwhile, scored his first in the league against Girona last weekend while even the disorientated Ousmane Dembele is showing signs he is beginning to settle.

Given a draw would surely be enough to satisfy Barcelona, it would be a brave move from their coach Ernesto Valverde to field the full "Fabulous Four" this weekend.

They also have one less day than their opponents to recover.

"The match against Atletico comes fast and will be important for both teams," Valverde said after the 1-1 draw against Las Palmas.

"But we are the leaders and we are looking forward to continuing being first."

Real Madrid´s own title aspirations are long gone, with their focus firmly shifted to the Champions League and next week´s second-leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Domestic fixtures have become something similar to European trials, with the likes of Gareth Bale, Marcos Asensio and Isco all missing the chance to push their case in Tuesday´s surprise defeat at Espanyol.

Zinedine Zidane's treatment of Bale in particular, left out earlier this month against Leganes and then deployed as a centre forward in midweek, hardly seems to have smoothed the way for a return to form.

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to be restored to the starting line-up at home to Getafe on today. Marcelo is back in training but Luka Modric (thigh) and Toni Kroos (knee) are further away.

Real sit one point ahead of fourthplaced Valencia, who host Real Betis on Sunday.

LBS Hosts Dolphin Swimming League Today

A

Lagos assembled team as well as host – Lekki British School (LBS) are among the six teams that will compete at the week two of the maiden Dolphin Swimming League, on today.

Already, preparations have been concluded for the colourful ceremony as the management of the LBS is doing everything possible to ensure a hitchfree tournament.

With the presence of the President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Babatunde Fatayi-Williams as well as officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) led by its chairman, Kweku Tandoh, the inter-school tournament will take off at the Lekki British School in Lekki.

The Lagos and LBS teams will compete against Lagos Preparatory School, Children International School, St. Saviors School and Ikeja-based Greenville School in the tournament.

According to the headmaster of LBS, Gill, the school is ready to host and identify with the tournament which they believe would help unearth talents for Nigeria.

“LBS is pleased to be hosting the second phase of the Dolphin Swimming League meet and we see this initiative as paving the way to improving swimming standards in Nigeria and giving the opportunity to those children who show some promise in the discipline.

Over the next few months, six schools will be competing in a series of galas

around Lagos and the hope is that if this series is successful, there will be many more schools clamoring to participate next year, with the competition going nationwide,” he said.

Aside the competition, the organizers intend to use the tournament to grow the sport by improving the technical know-how of coaches.

For the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advanta Interactive Global Limited – marketing firm of the tournament, Efe Ojigbede, the ceremony promises to be exciting as lot of fun activities have been lined up for the participants.

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

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

Can Chelsea Surmount In-form City at Etihad? Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ě&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x152;ĂŁ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; ĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2039; ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ě&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D; ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;ĂĄĂ&#x2039;ĂŁ Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x203A;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă?

De Bruyne scores Manchester City's lone goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

M

anchester City are continuing to tighten their grip on the Premier League title after each week, having won four of their last five fixtures at a canter. The Premier League leaders currently hold a 16 point advantage over second-placed Manchester United, leaving City within just five wins of clinching the title.

Following defeat at Old Trafford last week, Chelsea dropped out of the top four as they were finally punished for their poor run of form.

Chelsea have lost three of their last four Premier League fixtures, with worrying defeats against the likes of Bournemouth, Watford and Man United putting manager Antonio Conte under immense pressure.

With the top four having slipped through their hands last week, the Italian has a job on his hands keeping Chelsea in touch with their rivals.

As the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham are both beginning to hit top form, the Blues are doing the opposite. A gap is growing between Chelsea and Jurgen Kloppâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side, while worry at Stamford Bridge is starting to creep in.

Just 12 months earlier, Conte had his side cruising towards the Premier League title. This season itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a different story, but also an all too similar one at Chelsea.

Yet another successful manager is seemingly beginning to lose the dressingroom and the backing of the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hierarchy, with Roman Abramovich yet again struggling to find stability at the Bridge.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made it very clear he thinks his side need to focus on each game coming up, and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look too much about being Champions come the end of the season, or they will take their foot off the pedal and could well end up slipping up.

Ahead of the Chelsea game this week-

end and their Carabao Cup win, he noted that the club want to be the best in England, and while theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tired, having played last Sunday and again on Thursday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beating Arsenal both times, they will have enough in the tank to beat the Blues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Still five games wins needed, 10 games left.

But we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think too much because the last champions, Chelsea are coming. We have not recovery but hopefully the desire to be the best team in England. We must forget our tiredness and hopefully weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll win the game,â&#x20AC;? Guardiola told Standard Sport.

Manchester City might be chasing their title win that looks all but certain at this point, but Chelsea have a different kettle of fish altogether.

The Blues know another season out of the Champions League simply isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t good enough, and it would mean that was two out of the last three seasons theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve finished outside the top four â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and despite winning the league before each occasion and slip up, it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t please the board or owner.

Failing to finish in a Champions League spot could well cost Antonio Conte his job â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yet it is still tight, and while Chelsea have tough games left, so do the other sides fighting for the places around them, and that will at least offer some hope going forward even if they do lose to City.

With just 10 games remaining in the season, the former Juventus manager must identify a plan of how he will guide his side back into a Champions League qualifying spot starting in Manchester on Sunday.

When the sides met at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, Man City won 1-0. The match was settled by a brilliant solo effort from former Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

Meanwhile, Kyle Walker is a doubt for Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clash having picked up a knock in Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3-0 win at the Emirates on Thursday, Raheem Sterling looks set to return back into contention having overcome a hamstring problem.

Fabian Delph remains suspended as he serves the third and final game of his threematch ban, while Fernandinho and Benjamin

Mendy remain sidelined through injury.

On Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part, Ross Barkley and David Luiz are both set to miss the trip for Chelsea as they recover from injury and Tiemoue Bakayoko is also a doubt having picked up a knock.

Meanwhile, Liverpool can go second, at least temporarily, if they beat Newcastle United at Anfield in the Premier League today. The Reds are in a fine run of form and can leapfrog rivals Manchester United, who aren't in action until Monday.

By contrast, the Magpies need the points to fuel a survival bid that has been stuttering recently. Newcastle are 15th, just two points above the drop zone.

Unfortunately for manager Rafael Benitez, who won the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup during his time at Liverpool, the visitors won't arrive on Merseyside brimming with confidence. The former Real Madrid boss saw his side blow a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Bournemouth last time out.

There is a bonus for Liverpool's defence since Newcastle strikers Islam Slimani and Dwight Gayle are both expected to miss out because of leg injuries, per Tom Cavilla of

Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E; Harry Kane

Tottenham

24

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

23

Sergio Aguero

Man City

21

Raheem Sterling

Man City

15

Jamie Verdy

Leicester

13

Roberto Fermino

Liverpool

13

Romelu Lukaku

Man Utd

13

Eden Hazard

Chelsea

11

Alvaro Morata

Chelsea

10

Wayne Rooney

Everton

10

Alex Lacazette

Arsenal

9

Anthony Martial

Man Utd

9

the Liverpool Echo.

Naturally, though, most of the focus will be on the Reds' thrilling front three.

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were all on the scoresheet in last week's 4-1 demolition of West Ham United on home soil.

Ă&#x201C;âĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?

TODAY Burnley Leicester Southampton Swansea Tottenham Watford Liverpool

v v v v v v v

SUNDAY Brighton Man City

v v

Everton Bournemouth Stoke West Ham HuddersďŹ eld West Brom Newcastle

Arsenal Chelsea

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

13:30 16:00

Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x161; Man City Man Utd Liverpool Tottenham Chelsea Arsenal Burnley Leicester Everton Watford Bournemouth Brighton West Ham HuddersďŹ eld Newcastle Southampton Crystal Palace Swansea Stoke West Brom

28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28

62 33 33 29 25 12 -3 -1 -15 -9 -10 -11 -15 -23 -11 -12 -18 -20 -26 -20

75 59 57 55 53 45 37 36 34 33 32 31 30 30 29 27 27 27 26 20

33

ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC; Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Ex-International Football Star, Victor Ikpeba; Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Bhupendra Suri; ExInternational Football Star, Emmanuel Babayaro; Manager, Public AďŹ&#x20AC;airs and Communications, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe; and Ex-International Football Star, Peter Rufai at the commissioning of the Araromi Community Sports Centre, Gbagada, Lagos refurbished by Coca-Cola Nigeria ...recently

L-R: CEO, GWG Sports Centre Limited and Technical Consultant, Higher Institutions Sports League (HiSL), Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe; Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Mr. Sola Fijabi; Director, Student Support Services, National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Maryam Sali and President, Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto, during an MoU signing and international press launch of the higher institution football league (HiFL), in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Śrecently PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO

Bundesliga Trophy Arrives Nigeria on March 8 StarTimes Nigeria has announced that current Bundesliga title holders, FC Bayern Munich is bringing the league trophy to Nigeria on March 8, in a move to thrill the growing number of Bundesliga and Bayern fans in Nigeria.

The trophy would on March 8 arrive in Abuja, as part of activities to mark the climax of the ongoing FC Bayern Youth Cup competition but will be made available for public viewing on March 10 at Aduvie International School, Jahi District in Abuja.

The FC Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria tournament Director, Victor Obinna Edeh noted that â&#x20AC;&#x153;The dream of 10 players at the national finals are about to become a reality and having the Bundesliga trophy on

ground will definitely inspire the boys to bring out their best. The VOE Foundation will continue working with these selected kids to secure sports scholarships after the world finals in Germany this Mayâ&#x20AC;?

Also Speaking, Brand and Marketing Manager, StarTimes Nigeria, Qasim Elegbede, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no better way to appreciate our subscribers than to give them an opportunity to get up close with the coveted trophy. This shows yet again that StarTimes remain the number one destination for world class football content available week in week out to millions of fans showing on StarTimesâ&#x20AC;?.

Elegbede explained that â&#x20AC;&#x153;The arrival of the trophy will add to the excitement and thrill already being

experienced by fans of the current football season. Fans and followers of the Bundesliga League will have the opportunity of living the dream of their football heroes when the trophy arrives Nigeria next week.

This presents a once in a lifetime experience for StarTimes subscribers who will not only get a chance to take pictures with the Trophy but will also get gift items like Bayern Munich jerseys, footballs and more and have an opportunity to interact with some Bayern Munich legendsâ&#x20AC;? he concluded.

StarTimes is the exclusive broadcaster of the Bundesliga in Africa.

The company also broadcasts French Lique 1 and Italian Serie A to over 10 million African viewers across Africa.

Ambode Commissions Coca-Colaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UltraModern Sports Centre In a display of the value of public private partnership, Lagos State Government and Coca-Cola Nigeria on Tuesday jointly hosted a ceremony to handover an upgraded sports facility to the Araromi Community in the Gbagada area of the state.

The chief guest of the occasion was Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

The scope of work realised under the project covers; 1000 seating capacity pavilion, equipped with bore hole, water sanitation and hygiene facilities for the public and physically challenged, changing rooms for players and referees, two units of VIP lounge and administrative office; and constructed an 11-aside football pitch (75x45) equipped with flood lights including two sets of dugout for

reserved players with 10 man seating capacity each.

Refurbished 150-person seating capacity multipurpose hall, refurbished the generator house and perimeter fence, constructed a parking lot to accommodate 20 cars, gate house and kiosk. The Araromi Community Sports Centre, Gbagada is among the several sports facilities in Lagos that have recently been upgraded by Coca-Cola. At the unveiling of the facility, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Bhupendra Suri disclosed that the renovation of the pitch was part of Coca-Colaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision of promoting sustainable communities through social enterprise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For more than 50 years now, Coca-Cola has had a strong as-

sociation with sports and particularly football in Nigeria. We however realised that to further drive Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grassroots football and talent development, we needed to partner with the authorities to upgrade selected sports facilities across the country to give our young players access to world class sports facilities in their local communities.â&#x20AC;? he declared.

While commending Coca-Cola for its pivotal role in developing grassroots sports facilities, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who represented the governor, remarked that the centre would help to engage the youth in the community meaningfully, as well as empower them to make success of their passion.

Exxon Mobil Wins 2018 NOGIG Games Football Event The 17th edition of the Nigeria Oil & Gas Games ended last Saturday with Exxon Mobil beating Chevron 1-0 to win the football gold.

Played at the mainbowl of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Team Exxon Mobil left no one in doubt about their readiness to cart away the giant trophy as they tormented the goal area of their opponents from the blast of the whistle.

It took the team only eight minutes to score the only goal of the match when their captain, Imo Edohor collected a loose ball and dribbled past the defend-

ers of Chevron to record the only goal of the match. All efforts by Chevron to cancel the goal proved abortive as the first half ended 1-0.

On resumption for the second half, Chevron handled by ex- international, Yisa Sofoluwe put everything in their arsenal into the game and though they dominated the second stanza but their efforts were thwarted by the agile goalkeeper of their opponents Mfon Akpan who made some good saves to the delight of the fans.

Even the introduction of Godstime

Emiko, Johnson Uchechukwu and Martin Isojeh by Chevron in the second half could not help them cancel the goal.

The game continued as a ding dong affair with Chevron players making some incursions into their opponentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; goal area but were unlucky not to find the back of the net until the final whistle.

In the third place match, Shell won the bronze medal as they defeated PTI 4-2 on penalties after results at full time stood at 3-3.

Osazuwa, Mahmud Win Maiden Lady Captain Golf Tournament Former, lady captain, Suwadetu Mahmud emerged the overall winner at the Benin Club Golf Section 2018 Lady Captain Inaugural Golf Tournament held last Sunday at the Benin Club Golf course, GRA, Benin-City, Edo State just as Jimmy Osazuwa won the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s category.

Both winners hereby won their first major tournament of

the year in the ladies and menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event respectively at the one day golf tournament bankrolled by the lady captain, Juliet Ugiagbe in collaboration with the lady division, and the club. It had in attendance over 100 golfers across the South-South states and other parts of the country.

Other winners are: Debbie Otabor won the ladies best

gross award with 90 gross while Osaze Iyare won the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best gross award with 82 gross. Ivie Iyoha won the ladies veteran trophy, Wilco Otaabor won the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veteran; S. Imasuen won the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s super-veteran.

The guest men and ladies category were won by J. Igbinadolor and S. Emina respectively.

How Maintaining Sport Facilities Can Place Lagos on Global Map Mountain of Fire and Miracle, MFM, FC may be bad travellers, but have turned the Agege Stadium to a fortress and the Olukoya Babes did not disappoint in their CAF Champions League encounter against Real Bamako of Mali with a one nil victory to qualify on a 2-1 goals aggregate after a 1-1 draw in Mali.

The Lagos State Government lived up to its promise at ensuring that the upgrading of the Agege Township Stadium was almost completed for CAF Champions League in February.

Bolaji Yusuf, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Facility and Infrastructure, had given the assurance at an interactive session with newsmen during facility tour of the stadium, which is the home ground of the Nigeria Professional Football League Club, MFM, would be ready for their Champions League campaign. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The major upgrading work is completed; more than 60 per cent of structural work is done already,â&#x20AC;? he had said.

In as much as the readiness of the stadium was cheerry news what is most important is the maintenance of the stadium as most Lagos State sports facilities is in comatose state and must not allow Agege to go same way.

It is pertinent for the Senior Special Assistant on Sports Facilities to the and Chairman, adhoc committee for the Agege Stadium facelift to directly supervise the maintenance of the stadium going forward and all other Lagos State sporting infrastructures.

Recently, former Nigeria international, Dosu Joseph, decried the decision of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) to close the Iseri Mini Stadium, constructed by the Lagos State government because the facility needed to be watered.

Joseph said the decision was an attempt to truncate the sporting career of youths in the area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To close a stadium for three weeks just because they want to wet its grass is very funny and ridiculous. This is very bad precedence that is being set and which could affect other community sports centre all around Lagos Stateâ&#x20AC;?, he said.

If only the governor can put the round peg in a round hole such ridiculous and shameful show as the closure of a mini stadium for three weeks because it needed to be watered would not be coming up.

The new terms of relationship issued to the FC Bescola Soccer School operating at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, demanding N2.4m and N3m annually, for their use of office space and the main bowl of the facility, respectively should also be looked into by the governor. A similar sum of N3m has also been charged on Joseph as annual fee for use of the RVTC sports ground at Isheri, Ojodu-Berger.

These charges have thrown fear into the community of academy and grassroots sports development operators as to how to sustain talent hunting and nurturing in a city that is in serious deficit of community and schools sports centres.

An academy operator who pleaded anonymity said that â&#x20AC;&#x153;this development officially brings denial effect on the sports development of kids. Academies and grassroots sports promoters will now have to pay more to train children and hold competitions on government grounds. N3m per annum is about N250,000 a month. How will this money come? Even if we charge parents higher to train the kids, its only the super-rich that can afford that kind of charge. That invariably means sports is being removed from the poor and inner city kids.â&#x20AC;?

The Teslim Balogun Stadium swimming pool is now regularly used for picnics and partying rather than for hosting regular competitions and training and development of future swimmers that would represent the state and indeed the country at local and international competitions.

Lagos State is very lucky to have the kind of governor they have but it's very important for the governor to put a round peg in round hole in terms of maintenance of sporting infrastructures as the state has facilities to host any international sporting events at a very short notice.

However, the inability to maintain these sporting facilities is as good as not having them, hence, reason for Governor Ambode to look deep.

34

T HISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark@10: Extending the Frontiers of Creativity and Ideas Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark, arguably the current number one advertising agency in the country in terms of creativity and clientele, marked ten years of existence earlier in the month. To keep pushing the boundaries of creativity in an industry which has seen the births of so many specialised areas, Lanre Adisa and his team have every reason to roll out the drums. Samuel Ajayi writes

K

ehinde Adeosun. Femi Williams. Olu Falomo.

Steve Omojafor. Akin Odunsi. Tunde Adelaja.

Tola Olujobi. Biodun Sobanjo. Udeme Ufot.

Lolu Akinwunmi. These are names that have made impressions in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rather treacherous advertising terrain.

But most of them, especially the first five belong to a generation of practitioners who earned for the business the respect it rightfully deserved. But like every epoch that comes and goes, they belong to galaxy that is receding.

And some of them have actually receded.

As one generation hands over the other one, these pathfinders have handed over the baton. And among those who have received it from them and racing impressionably towards the tape is Lanre Adisa and his Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark Communications Limited.

Big ideas usually come like a fleeting brain wave. At times, the owner of such ideas might dismiss them and hence miss the opportunity to change his or her society and by extension, the world. But Adisa chose, not only follow his heart but also pursue his dream. And that dream was Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark. And ten years after he gave physical push to it, the story has been that of success. Therefore, going by what the agency has been able to pack into just a hundred and twenty months of existence, perhaps, the company and its management have every reason to roll out the drums and pop the symbolic champagne. It is arguably worth it.

The ever evasive and humble Adisa is careful enough to give credit to where it is due: Providence. To him, it has never been their making but that unseen hand that confers success upon human endeavours. He is also quick to give credit to clients who believed in them even when they had no pedigree like the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;big boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the industry.

Adisa describes the achievement as a product of grace and immense support received from clients who have remained a strong foundation for the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sterling performance in the last ten years. He also does not mince words in reminding whoever cares to listen that hard-work, diligence and commitment to duty of the entire team and the management have also been pivotal to reaching where they are today.

His words: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The journey has not been easy, I must confess. But within the last ten years, we have grown to stand out in the Nigerian advertising industry through most of our creative works for the clients. Just last year, one of creative works for our client won Epica Gold in a global creative awards ceremony which took place in Germany. We have also won several

Adisa

awards both locally and international in those intervening years. This is as a result of the dedication and passion of the staff and management of our company. It is not a solo effort. Rather, we did it collectively. I owe it all to members of the team who spends most of their time trying to deliver value and creative ingenuity to our esteemed clients. We will continue to push the boundary to ensure that all our clients get the best.â&#x20AC;?

Adisa is not alone in reminiscing on the last ten years in the life of the agency. Its Group Executive Director, Abolaji Alausa, describes the last ten years as highly eventful and rewarding for the company. According to him, within the short time, the agency has succeeded in establishing a strong footprint in the creative terrain through the supremacy of its ideas and quality of works delivered to clients. He says clients hold the key to the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success having created the enabling environment for creative ideas to thrive.

He, therefore, thanks members of his team for their diligence in delivering creative ideas which have culminated into a series of awards and recognition accorded the agency.

It is epochal. And it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go unmarked. That is why the agency has rolled out series of activities marking the celebration of the milestone. They may not be good traders in the round leather game, but Adisa and his team will trade tackles in a novelty match with the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, AAAN, the professional body for Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advertising industry, at National Stadium Astroturf in Surulere, Lagos.

This will be followed by a workshop organised for the entire group of Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark, clients as well as industry practitioners.

The workshop will later be followed by a lecture to be delivered by a renowned advertising practitioner, Thomas Kolster, who is expected to speak on the topic titledâ&#x20AC;? Goodvertisingâ&#x20AC;?. A roundtable discussion featuring industry experts and thought leaders comes after the keynote lecture. Dates for these events will be communicated in due course but sources close to the agency Kolster who is an author and a thought leader in the global marketing communication field will be on ground to share his thoughts with students, industry leaders as well as clients. Other

Big ideas usually come like a ďŹ&#x201A;eeting brain wave.

At times, the owner of such ideas might dismiss them and hence miss the opportunity to change his or her society and by extension, the world.

But Adisa chose, not only follow his heart but also pursue his dream. And that dream was Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark. And ten years after he gave physical push to it, the story has been that of success. Therefore, going by what the agency has been able to pack into just a hundred and twenty months of existence, perhaps, the company and its management have every reason to roll out the drums and pop the symbolic champagne. It is arguably worth it activities lined up for the celebration include Jumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;at service and interdenominational church service. According to Adisa, some of the events lined up for the celebration have been carefully selected to tell the story and the journey of the company and share insights on development in the marketing communication industry.

Since it berthed, the agency has been involved in ground breaking campaigns many of which have earned it acclaim both locally and internationally. The agency had since given birth to two other subsidiaries such as Indigo PR, a public relations outfit, and Underdog Productions, which fully dedicated to TV commercials, and both have become household names in both public relations and digital production respectively. Its major clients include telecoms giants, Airtel, Indomie Noddles and Peak milk among others.

Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark is unarguably the first creative agency in Nigeria to win a grand prix at global award and to have won gold back-to-back at LAIF award having won in the 2016 and 2017 edition.

35

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍąË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

ËŞ

Tomi Adeyemi, US-based Author, Making Waves

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

Tomi is a Nigerian-American writer and creative writing coach, known for her book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Children of Blood and Bone,â&#x20AC;? the first in a trilogy. She graduated from Harvard with an honors degree in English Literature then studied West African mythology and culture in Salvador, Brazil. Fox 2000 has purchased the film adaptation rights to the book. In this interview with Writers Digest, she speaks about the book and her writing

W

writer to the book youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re holding. With the internet, there are so many ways to connect with other writers who will be some of your best friends and best sources of support for your entire life. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and go meet them!

hat was the time frame for writing the book?

A: This bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s process has gone so fast I still feel like I have revision whiplash. I had my â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to be a full-time writerâ&#x20AC;? revelation in April 2016, but quickly after that came the realization that I was going to have to pursue this dream with a brand new book (or several new books).

I also knew I wanted to enter Pitch Warsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a writing competition with a great track record for getting writers agents and sometimes even book dealsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that August, so the countdown clock to write and revise CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE began ticking very quickly.

I switched to a part-time job in May and began outlining CBB. In June I knocked out the first draft (83,000 words) and in July I knocked out a heavily revised second draft (95,000 words). I submitted that to Pitch Wars and got in, and then revised like crazy again for two months (up to 105,000 words) before signing with my agents. After that (you guessed it)â&#x20AC;&#x201C;revision, revision, revision, revision, revision, and the more revision.

How did you ďŹ nd your agent?

My agents are the incredible Hillary Jacobson and Alexandra Machinist of ICM Partners and I found them through Pitch Wars (the contest I mentioned above!) Since I think this contest could be really helpful to all the writers reading this, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll talk more about it now.

Pitch Wars was started by the unbelievably generous and talented Brenda Drake.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an annual online competition where agented/published writers mentor unagented writers for two months. With a mentorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help, Pitch Wars participants revise their book intensely and at the end of the two months, all participants get to be in

an â&#x20AC;&#x153;agent roundâ&#x20AC;? where agents read pitches and excerpts from their manuscripts and make requests from there.

Hillary Jacobson was one of the 30+ agents who requested my manuscript from the agent round and when I got on the phone with her and Alexandra Machinist, I knew that these were the fierce women I wanted to work with. They have been nothing short of incredible â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in helping me revise my book for submission, navigating the submission process, and in being my champions now that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m working with my wonderful publisher. I love working with them and

they are open to queries! Query them!

What were your 1-2 biggest learning experience(s) or surprise(s) throughout the publishing process?

Nothing is wasted. You can make something out of every unfinished story and every rejection if you work at it. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never wasting your time as long as you learn from every single thing you do, whether you feel like those attempts are successful or not.

You need a community to succeed. In the back of every book is an acknowledgments page full of all the people it took to get that

Excerpt from Children of Blood and Bone ZĂŠlie and her brother Tzain, compete in a blood-soaked sea battle staged for the entertainment of the wealthy. Outnumbered and inexperienced, ZĂŠlie must draw on her newfound Reaper magic to win the competition and save their lives. The excerpt is from the perspective of ZĂŠlie as she sails into the ocean arena.

The horn sounds and I jump overboard, crashing into the warm sea with rushing speed. As I hit, our ship shakes.

The first cannons fire.

Vibrations shudder through the water, rippling through my core. Spirits of the dead chill the space around me; fresh kills from todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s games.

All right, I think to myself, remembering Minoliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s animation. Goose bumps prick my skin as the spirits near, my tongue curls at the taste of blood though I keep my mouth closed.

The souls are desperate for my touch, for a way to return to life. This is it.

If Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m truly a Reaper, I have to show it now. â&#x20AC;&#x153;EmĂ­ Ă won tĂ­ Ăł ti sĂšn, mo kĂŠ pè yin nĂ­ ònĂ­â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;?

I wait for the animations to swirl out of the water before me, but only a few bubbles escape my hands. I try again, drawing from the energy of the dead, but no matter how hard I

concentrate, no animations come forth.

Dammit. The air in my throat thins, going faster as my pulse quickens. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do this. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t save usâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; A blast thunders from above.

I spin as the ship beside ours sinks. Corpses and shattered wood rain down. The water around me reddens. A bloodied body plunges past me to the arena ground.

My gods . . .

Terror grips my chest.

One cannonball to the right and that couldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been Tzain.

Come on, I coach myself as the air in my lungs shrivels further. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no time to fail. I need my magic now.

Oya, please. The prayer feels strange, like a language half-learned and entirely forgotten.

But after my awakening, our connection should be stronger than ever. If I call, she has to answer.

Help me. Guide me. Lend me your strength. Let me protect my brother and free the spirits trapped in this place.

I close my eyes, gathering the electric energy of the dead into my bones. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve studied the scroll. I can do this.

I can be a Reaper now. â&#x20AC;&#x153;EmĂ­ Ă won tĂ­ Ăł ti sĂšnâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;?

A lavender light glows in my hands. Sharp heat courses through my veins. The incantation pushes my spiritual pathways open, allowing ashĂŞ to flow through. The first spirit surges through my body, ready for my command.

Unlike Minoli, my only knowledge of this animation is his death; my stomach aches from the cannonball that ripped through his gut.

When I finish the incantation, the first animation floats before me, a swirl of vengeance and bubbles and blood. The animation takes the shape of a human, forming its body out of the water around us. Though its expression is clouded by the bubbles, I sense the militant resolve of its spirit. My own soldier. The first in an army of the dead.

For the briefest moment, triumph overpowers the exhaustion running through my muscles. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a Reaper. A true sister of Oya. A pang of sadness flashes through me. If only Mama could see me now.

But I can still honor her spirit.

I will make every fallen Reaper proud. â&#x20AC;&#x153;EmĂ­ Ă won tĂ­ Ăł ti sĂšnâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;?

With the dwindling ashĂŠ in me, I chant, casting one more animation to life. I point to a ship, then give my command.

Looking back, what did you do right that helped you break in?

I think the most important thing I did right was move from my first book to my second book when I did. I talked about my fast timeline above, but I had about 75 days to outline, write, and revise a 95,000 word fantasy so that I could enter Pitch Wars, which then changed my life and writing career forever.

I queried about 60 agents over 4 months with my first book, and got 15 full requests.

Everyone rejected the book, but 10-ish of those full requests gave me great feedback along the lines of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a good writer, you have something special, but I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sell this book in the current marketplace.â&#x20AC;?

By the time I heard that from enough agents that I respected, I knew my first book wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to do it for me, so I pivoted to my second and started making plans.

Had I queried 300+ agents just waiting for one person to say yes and take a chance on me, I never wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been able to write and revise my breakout book in time. I also wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have found the agents who were right for me.

On that note, what would you have done differently if you could do it again?

I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do anything differently, I would just change my mindset. If I could go back, I wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve told myself that I will be published one day and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a marathon, not a sprint. (Of course, one of my very wonderful writing friends Romina Russell â&#x20AC;&#x201D;author of the ZODIAC sagaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;did tell me this, but I was too dumb to listen to her when she didâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;lolâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;so be smarter than me and take her wonderful advice now).

Did you have a platform in place? On this topic, what are you doing the build a platform and gain readership?

I did! I started a blog on writingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;tomiadeyemi.comâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in May, 2015 and one of my proudest moments was when I wrote a column for Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Digest titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;3 Reasons Every Writer Should Go To A Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conference.â&#x20AC;?

By the time I was soliciting agents with CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, my blog had around 3,500 subscribers.

Ultimately it was my book and not my platform/readership that got me to where I am, but it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help to already have 3,500 people who might want to buy your book since youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been helping them for free for so many years.

Also, to all the writers reading this now, [the blog] is full of free resources and communities to help you reach your writing dreams so check it.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next? (Upcoming projects?

Future plans?)

The sequel to CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE! And after that, the final book in the trilogy!

But I do have a few secret projects in a few different storytelling mediums that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to scribble away at as well!

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚͜

FAIRGROUND

The Private Screening EbonyLifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Royal Hibiscus

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

T

he iyalode of Nollywood, Mo Abudu keeps soaring in the movie industry, doing what she knows best, as her new movie, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (RHH), takes another step with an exclusive screening at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner, recently.

The RHH was done by EbonyLife Films, producers of Fifty, The Wedding Party and The Wedding Party 2. The private showing was a well-attended, lovely and intimate occasion.

Laure Beaufils, Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said she had a wonderful time and was pleased with the event. She described the movie as â&#x20AC;&#x153;beautiful and a delight to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed the film; it was funny, sweet and very well made. Also, it was a pleasant surprise to see Opeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story begin and end in London,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Guests at the screening included Mo Abudu, CEO, EbonyLife Films; Uzoma Onwuchekwa, Executive Director, EbonyLife Films; Wale Adebajo, Head of Communications, British High Commission; Nnamdi Okonkwo, MD, Fidelity Bank; Ayo Subair, Chairman, Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS); Jamie Christoff, Deputy High Commissioner at Deputy High Commission of Canada; Mr. and Mrs. Asue Ighodalo; Mr. and Mrs. Peterside and German Consul General in Lagos, Ingo Herbert. Also present were members of the cast â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Zainab Balogun, Rachel Oniga, Deyemi Okanlawon and Kemi â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lalaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Akindoju â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and crew, including First Assistant Director Heidi Uys and producer Temidayo Abudu. The music, delicious finger-foods and sumptuous dessert added to the charming ambience of the event and thoroughly delighted attendees.

Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo commented briefly on the partnership with EbonyLife Films. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fidelity Bank is proud to be associated with such a quality production from a company that is committed to reshaping the African narrative. RHH is a beautiful example of that commitment and we are honoured to have been part of it,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Films, was pleased with the turnout and expressed her appreciation to guests. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you all so much for showing up, it has been a delightful evening. A special thanks to Laure for opening up her home to us again; we are honoured. It was thrilling to witness your reactions throughout the movie. Please encourage your loved ones to go and see it in cinemas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy it as much as you did,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel tells the story of Ope, a struggling Nigerian chef in London who moves back to Lagos and gets surprised, in more ways than one.

The romantic comedy has something for everyone to enjoy and, based on the reactions of guests at the British High Commission screening, moviegoers yet to see it in cinemas are in for a treat.

Chief Strategy OďŹ&#x192;cer, EbonyLife TV, Eunice Omole and Head of Programmes, EbonyLife TV, Heidi Uys

Heidi Uys, Mo Abudu, Laure BeauďŹ ls, Okonkwo Nnamdi, Uche Okonkwo, Rachel Oniga, Zainab Balogun, Uzo Onwuchekwa, Deyemi

Zainab Balogun

Deyemi Okanlawon and Rachel Oniga

CEO, EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu and Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Laure BeauďŹ ls

MD, Fidelity Bank, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo giving a speech

Temidayo Abudu, Mo Abudu, Laure BeauďŹ ls, Zainab Balogun and Rachel Oniga

Lead Actress, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Zainab Balogun and Commercial Director, EbonyLife TV, Uzo

Cast member, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Lala Akindoju, Ruth Osime and a guest

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚͜

FAIRGROUND

Remy Martin Celebrates Past, Current Influencers

R

emy Martin celebrated five of its past and current influencers for their global campaign - â&#x20AC;&#x2122;One Life/Live Themâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The event, themed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Opulence Revealedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was held at the RĂŠmy Martin XO Centaur Club in Lekki. Hosted by Mimi Onalaja, the intimate event celebrated five phenomenal trailblazers - Kemi Adetiba, Bayo Oke-Lawal, Zainab Balogun, Onyinye Maduka, and Kobi Mbagwu.

Kemi Adetiba has been able to transition successfully across various fields; from being a lawyer to broadcasting, and on to filmmaking. Fashion designer, Bayo OkeLawal who established one of the biggest menswear brands in Africa, Orange Culture whilst being a creative writer for local and global fashion and lifestyle publications.

He also co-hosted Shade Corner, a web series on Accelerate TV. Zainab Balogun is a TV host/Producer/ actress who recently featured in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Royal Hibiscusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as the leading actress. Kobi O. Mbagwu and Onyinye Ilobi Maduka, who were selected as winners of the Slash Generation competition intended to inspire consumers.

Kobi is a graduate of electronic engineering who acquired a diploma in fashion and luxury management; Onyinye co-founded a ready to wear line â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;iWearAsikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with her

sister after she worked as an Environmental Biologist.

It was a unique evening which featured experiential tastings and an array of creative food presentations by two culinary experts; Chef Fregz and Afrolems who infused RĂŠmy Martin cognac into their menu. Guests were treated to an amazing time with a full grand display of various culinary arts paired with RĂŠmy Martin XO and 1738 cocktails as well as soft jazz music to keep them entertained throughout the evening.

RĂŠmy Martin Cognac announced the launch of the global campaign that recognizes and celebrates individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multitalents in October 2015. Since then, the brand has selected and celebrated different individuals that embody the brand DNA. The campaign tagline, One Life/Live ThemÂŽ, which assumes its grammatical error, identifies that todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consumers are not defined by one talent or skill, but are multi-faceted and should be applauded for their many passions. RĂŠmy Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s One Life/Live Them campaign encourages consumers to explore and celebrate all their talents. It is a call to live richer, larger lives, to expand the horizon and seize all the wonderful opportunities that life can offer, beyond the one-dimensional paths that former generations could have embraced.

Bayo Oke-Lawal receiving his award from Xavier Carbonel (Country Manager, Remy Cointreau)

Uche Jombo, Kalu Ikeagwu, Yemi Blaq Set for Dr Mekam

D

r. Mekam tells the story of a Nigerian American trained doctor Mitchell Mekam who decided to return home to his fatherland to lead a new political movement. This is one movie every politician, political parties, political stakeholders and indeed the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) needs to see as it attempts to define a new paradigm in politics in Nigeria as we prepare for the 2019 elections.

The movie boasts of some Nollywood actors, such as Kalu Ikeagwu, Uche Jumbo, Yemi Blaq, Gloria Young, Seun Akindele, Emeka Okoye, Oby Olebara Uzoukwu, Chika Chukwu, Eric Obinna, Eva Appiah and others.

The Obylicious Empire productionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new movie, â&#x20AC;&#x153;DR. MEKAMâ&#x20AC;? is directed by one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most talented and prolific film directors, Ike Nnaebue, who is set to revolutionise the movie cum cinema landscape in Nigeria.

DR. MEKAM has one guarantee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; solid technical quality that will deliver the numbers from a discerning population to discerning brands. More so, it will surely deliver excitement, verve and vitality. It will also arouse curiosity and invariably impact teeming viewers in terms of total recall.

DR MEKAM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the movie will premiere in cinemas nationwide from this month and a lot has been planned for the big event.

R-L: Yemi Blaq, Seun Akindele, Uche Jombo, Kalu Ikeagwu and others at the event... recently

We Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Join Issues with Impostors, Says PMAN President

P

resident of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Gbenga Falope Jnr has given a marching order to his media team not to engage in any form of media war with someone who has been parading himself as factional president of the artistesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; body.

In a statement personally signed by the new president on Wednesday in Lagos, Falope Jnr was quoted as saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is this popular saying; â&#x20AC;&#x153;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever wrestle with a pig, you will both get dirty, but the pig will enjoy itâ&#x20AC;?. Against this background, I am asking all PMAN members, including my media team, not to engage in any form of media war with a character called (name withheld) because he wants to derail the good work we have started at PMAN. He is toy soldier, a self-acclaimed commander without an army, so let him continue to delude himself.

When we are ready, we will take him on, but at the moment, we are focused on rebuilding a PMAN he and his likes destroyed over the

years.â&#x20AC;?

On how he plans to reconcile aggrieved PMAN members, Falope Jnr has this to say: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am a peace-loving person and as such, I will do my best to bring everybody together, most especially those that are genuinely aggrieved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I say genuinely aggrieved because some others are pointlessly running from pillar to post for their selfish interests and because they are not given an opportunity to operate and run the union illegally. We are governed by the laws of our land and these laws must be obeyed to the fullest. These people will be given the chance to come on board and play their role as members in the lifting of our great union, if they really have the interest of the union at heart.

We have a judgment from the Industrial Court reaffirming our legitimacy and we cannot derail from the order for any reason. The judgment of the Industrial Court is public document, so let those fooling themselves continue to do so.â&#x20AC;?

The new PMAN president said he and his team remain focused in the face of saboteurs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We

are focused to revive PMAN and shall not join issues or play to the gallery with anyone. Our constitution is sacrosanct and the law knows what to do in times like this for the judiciary has spoken and it is taking its due course.

We are not unaware of saboteurs who have fed large on PMAN crisis and thus want the crisis to continue so they can eat but we are determined in our pursuit of a focused, one united crisis free PMAN. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All law abiding Nigerians and Nigerian musicians know their authentic PMAN is not a bunch of criminals parading in Lagos without knowing anyone in the state chapters or respecting our elders and stakeholders.

We shall return the glory of PMAN. With your support and the mandate given to us by all Nigerian musicians irrespective of your location, be you a past, present or future superstar or just a star in your little community, we shall deliver. PMAN is a national body and we are your national servants, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus on the big picture.â&#x20AC;?

Falope Jnr

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 3, 2018

TEENS

CONNECT From Me To You

– NKECHI IBENEME 08142358958 – (sms only)

ust as we were grappling with the terrible realities of the Florida school shooting and reflecting on our own tales of similar woes which we had erroneously thought were in the past; tragedy struck yet again, throwing up a feeling of déjà vu from the 2014 kidnap of 276 girls from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State. On Monday, the 19th of February, the news of an attack on Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, broke in the media but with sketchy details. By the next day, it became clearer that some girls (students of the school) may have been kidnapped.

Afterwards, unconfirmed figures were bandied around because there was no official statement from the government quarters to confirm the incident and declare the exact number of victims. The uncertainty continued until Wednesday, when the first official statement emerged via twitter from the presidency.

Then, days after, (on Sunday) the number of missing girls was officially announced to be one hundred and ten. One begins to wonder, if it took the government one whole week to determine the number of the abducted girls, hope it would take less rigmarole to track and rescue the girls, or, are we in for a replay of the Chibok saga? -Just wondering.

The insecurity in our schools in recent times has become a thing of serious concern. Its prevalence in the North East is quite disturbing but, it has also happened in the South West albeit, on a smaller scale. The case of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School at Ikorodu area of Lagos where three girls were kidnapped in 2016 is still fresh in our minds. It happened again in 2017, when gunmen kidnapped six pupils from the Igbonla Model College, Epe area of

“

Lagos. If it could happen in small scales in these places, it could as well happen at a larger scale and even spread to other parts of the country if nothing is done to contain this ugly trend.

The fear of the continued kidnap of teenagers from schools is palpable but even more terrifying is the fear they could get killed. Former US President, Barack Obama once said; “If the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists - to protect them and to promote their common welfare - all else is lost”. The government needs to be proactive to forestall a repeat of the tales of the past. The unpalatable

“

J

Dapchi 110: Time For Real Action!

Power is no blessing in itself, except when it is used to protect the innocent

–-

JONATHAN SWIFT

TalktoJudy

Hi guys! My name is Judy. I am here to share your problems with you. Trust me to proffer solutions to those mind boggling problems you wouldn’t dare share with friends, siblings, parents or anyone else.

A lot of people; teenagers alike, hurt secretly with problems they can’t discuss openly for fear of being judged. You may hide your identity if you wish, but do write in and let’s discuss that problem. It is not healthy to bottle up problems. Moreover, problems shared are problems half solved. Or, you think no one cares? I do care!

I will be here every week to help you solve that problem. But, I can’t, if you don’t talk about it, so do write in. you never know, what you call a problem may just be a normal growing up experience. *****Send your mails to: teensconnectmag@gmail.com. Subject: Dear Judy.

You can also like our facebook page: www.facebook.com/teensconnectmag.

Or visit our website: www.teensconnectmag.com

tales of teenage boys being killed in their sleep, in schools, is an everlasting nightmare of every parent and should be that of the government as well. How can we forget in a hurry how 59 teenage boys were brutally murdered in their sleep at the Government College in Bundi Yadi, Yobe State, and all such similar reports of the cold blooded murder of innocent teenagers, their only offence being the quest for formal education? The North East which has become a hot bed and a ‘harvest ground’ for Boko Haram, should receive the biggest attention while schools in other parts off the th he country should receive

attention as well. No stone should be left unturned in fighting this battle before things get out of hand.

It becomes a ‘jamboree’ each time it occurs; with lots of tall talks, blame games and media frenzy, but the agonies of the victims and their immediate families, is something better imagined than experienced. And the effect of these incessant attacks on schools, especially up north, where there is a lot of government inducement for people to go to school, cannot be overemphasized.

The earlier the government arrests the situation, the better for all of us. No more grandstanding and bulk passing! grandsta

Blow the whistle…

Whenever W he cases of dome domestic violence, sexual aabuse or abuse of any kind happens to you or anyone you know, please, dial this number: *6820# to report it immediately.

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MARCH 3, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

VOX POP Nigerian Teenagers react to the Dapchi incident Adebayo Samuel, 14

Adeleke Samuel, 14

Adeyemi Ayomide, 15 God’sfavour Ezevilo, 16

The situation is getting out of hand. The government really needs to do something quickly to rescue the girls and stop a future occurrence.

I am really worried that things might get out of hand. What if the girls are not quickly found, like we have seen before? And what if they are not found eventually? The government should just do something fast.

Hmmmm…, I just pray things don’t get out of control. Something has to be done to stop a repeat of this. If not, people in remote places may be scared of going to school, and that won’t be good because education is supposed to help them get out of poverty and ignorance. The government just needs to do something.

Jimoh Aishat, 13 I just can’t imagine myself in the shoes of those girls. It is really terrifying.

The government should please, try everything possible to rescue them immediately. It is really scary and not good for our educational system.

Onuweri Oghenefejiro, 15 It’s beginning to appear like it’s a crime to go to school these days. While in school, you are afraid you could be abducted or killed. If you succeed in passing out of school, then you begin the grueling search for a job. Honestly, all these things happening are casting a cloud on schooling and it is really sad.

It’s as if one is watching the same movie all over again. First, it was the Chibok girls, now these ones. It’s beginning to get scary because one doesn’t know what’s coming next. I appeal to the government to do everything possible to rescue those girls. I really can’t imagine being in their shoes. The thought of it alone could drive me insane.

Obi Chika, 15 It is quite scary thinking of the condition of those girls. I can’t imagine being in their shoes. I pray they are found soon unlike the case of the Chibok girls.

Honestly, it is really scary; the government needs to do something to stop this from happening again.

Quadri Ghaniyah, 14 I am beginning to get scared by all these abductions and killings in schools. Honestly, I can’t imagine myself in the place of those girls. The thought of it alone sends cold shivers down my spine. The government should please do everything within its powers to quickly rescue those girls and to make our schools safer.

Kosi Ayah, 14 Only God knows what those girls must be going through now. It is difficult to imagine and I pray it doesn’t happen again. The government should please, do something to end terrorists attacks.

Olayiwola Segun, 16 I can’t imagine what the girls and their families are going through now. It must be very hard on them. The government should please, try and find them quickly.

And I pray it doesn’t happen again.

Honestly, something just has to be done.

Sesu Favour, 15 It’s really beginning to scare me to think that school is no longer as safe as it used to be. How can one explain it that people get abducted and killed just because they are in school? The government should do something urgent to arrest the situation before it turns really bad.

Tajudeen Aisha, 14 I pray the girls are rescued as soon as possible. It must feel terrible to be in their shoes and one can’t begin to imagine how their families are feeling right now.

It is sad that these things keep happening. The government should please do something to make our schools safer.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 3, 2018

Í»Ë&#x153; ͺ͸͹Î&#x20AC; ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 3, 2018

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri

Some of the #BBNaija television reality show

Of #BBNaija and Magical Kenya!

B

elieve it or not, before 1987, Nigeria had a higher per capita income than China and India, but today, those same nations have left us behind.

How did they do it? You see, those nations realized something: if you cannot beat them, join them.

They realized that they could not beat the West in the field of science and technology and so they decided to join them by imitating them.

Their imitation game had them sending their citizens to study in the best schools in Europe and America and the vast majority returned home to transfer the knowledge they acquired.

This technological transfer led them to reverseengineer products from the West and before long, there was either a Chinese or Indian imitation copy of anything in the West.

They copied cars, phones, planes, batteries, clothes and even music. And they perfected the art of copying that Western manufacturers now prefer to design their products in the West and make them in either China or India or the Southeast Asian tiger nations.

China and India have made such a huge success of technology transfer that their economies are now growing faster than any nation in the West and China in particular adds an economy the size of Greece to its Gross Domestic Product every three months.

Whereas they were at par with Nigeria per capita income-wise in the ‘80s, China’s per capita income is

The thing is that instead of the Buhari government to monitor and clamp down on the public indecency that is going on in #BBNaija, they are monitoring social media to intimidate those speaking out against their misrule. Immorality should not be passed off as entertainment in a decent society! Nigeria has lost her innocence and #BBNaija is proof positive of the collapse of the moral fabric of our society. Our millennials must realize that they have much more to offer to the world than sex

now over three times that of Nigeria’s.

However, rather than copying the West and Asia in science and technology, Nigerians prefer to copy and overtake the West in public indecency like #BBNaija where we celebrate youths publicly having intercourse in a toilet.

When I was a child, only animals had intercourse in the open for all to see. Now I am an adult, Nigerians call people who publicly have intercourse in a toilet, stars! If they are stars, it must be very dark over Nigeria! We have a culture. Not everything from the West is good!

Because of a chance to win a N45 million prize, our youths dehumanize themselves. What shall it profit a person to win N45 million and lose their soul? What can we give in exchange for our soul? It is barbaric. It is un-African. Animals not humans should behave that way!

And it is not as if the Buhari administration is unconcerned about immorality. President Buhari cares about immorality. Do not forget that his government cancelled a film village project in Kano because they considered it indecent. The only reason they allow the highly indecent #BBNaija to continue to air, in my opinion, is because it prevents Southern youths from registering with INEC and picking up their PVCs and Buhari has all but lost the little appeal he had in the South due to his inept and nepotistic handling of Nigeria’s affairs.

The thing is that instead of the Buhari government to monitor and clamp down on the public indecency that is going on in #BBNaija, they are monitoring social media to intimidate those speaking out against their misrule. Immorality should not be passed off as entertainment in a decent society!

Nigeria has lost her innocence and #BBNaija is proof positive of the collapse of the moral fabric of our society.

Our millennials must realize that they have much more to offer to the world than sex.

As I write this, I am in Nairobi, Kenya. I have just come from Mombasa, also in Kenya. Before then I was in Dar es Salaam and before then I was in Zanzibar. I love to travel.

One thing I noticed in each of these places is their love for the Nigerian culture.

In the hotels I stayed at in Mombasa, Nairobi, Dar (as the locals call Dar es Salaam) and Zanzibar, they played Nigerian music. I entered taxis in all these places and the taxi men play Nigerian music. At Mombasa airport, travellers are regaled with Naija music. Our millennials underestimate themselves when they behave like the BBNaija housemates who want to turn Nigeria into Sodom and Gomorrah. We have the ability to conquer Africa and the world with our culture, not with our bodies!

In Kenya and Tanzania (not so much in Zanzibar) Nollywood is more popular than Hollywood and I am

not exaggerating.

Kenyans in particular know so many Nigerian words.

As soon as I identify myself as a Nigerian, they start calling me ‘oga’. Even the soldiers securing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport called me oga.

I heard with my two ears a Kenyan shout ‘chineke’.

I asked him what it meant and he did not know. As far as he is concerned, when he is shocked he shouts chineke!

Such is the power of Nollywood.

So when we have these means of positively projecting Nigeria, why will our millennials prefer to entertain a nation with dirty pornography in a toilet of all places!

I am ashamed of the housemates of BBNaija. They are not good ambassadors of the Nigerian youth. May we never have a generation who behave like them.

What is it Igbo people say when they are disgusted?

Tufiakwa!

What is entertaining about a BBNaija housemate boasting that she started having abortions at 16? No shame, no embarrassment, no decorum. Is that who our girls should look up to? Abortion at 16? What is the value in that? By the way, doesn’t Section 229 of the Criminal Code criminalize abortion? That girl should be answering questions when she returns home.

I mean, did the organizers deliberately search for the most morally bankrupt youths to spotlight? Is depravity now a virtue? If it is a virtue in the part of the world where the originators of BBNaija come from, we have a duty to ensure that it does not become a virtue in Nigeria.

And the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission does nothing as this show of shame continues to corrupt the minds of our youths!

If we don’t stop this perversion now showing on our screens and masquerading as entertainment, a time will come when our children go to parties to have intercourse in toilets and other unseemly places and then gleefully post such on social media in a bid to become instant celebrities.

Let me end by saying that the housemates of BBNaija are no stars. They are darkness. They are a blight on the nation, foaming in the mouth their indecency and Nigeria must not celebrate them at all. Not at all. Not at all.

Reno’s Nuggets You may be broke, but that does not mean you are poor. Being broke is a physical phase. Phases never last. Being poor is a state of mind. State of minds lasts.

Money will fix being broke, but it can’t fix being poor.

A poor man will spend money instead of investing it.

The only way to become rich in life is to develop your mind. Because the more you learn, the more you earn.

Stop spending hours watching TV. Grab a book and grow your mind. The real meaning of GROWTH is: Get Rid of Worthless Television Habits #RenosNuggets.

FEBRUARY 24, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

Igie’ de Collection by

JULYET PETERS

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 3, 2018

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Julyet Peters Collection

I

g gie’de is a Bini word w which translates to ‘looking g forward to a new daw dawn ‘.

It represents p somethin something CHANGED, somethi something NEW, and something even BETTER. The collection is an esc escape ffor fo orr every y JULYET PETER PETERS w oman who has surv woman survived all odds, remindin reminding her that while keepi p keeping faith, hope p and strength g alive, she must be adve adventurous, bold, and a sexy y in h he her sstyle. st The ccollecti ion tion eexudes ex xudes p ow wer, power, p asssiion, passion, d esiirees and desires stren ng gth g strength of wo om manwomanhood. Igie’de’ I ie’de’ Igi reinvent ts reinvents JULYET PE JU ET TERS PETERS rich d esign g histor ry y rich design history aan nd creativity. y It explores explor p ress an and unusual combination of o p pastel unusual colours that ignit ignites g ites ess rrom om om man an nce colours romance agains ag n t bold col lou ours tthat hat ar aaree against colours

ready to take on the streets.

Every piece is created with love with special attention to cuts, clean lines, bodyfit, proportions, and perfect finish.

The collection is a perfect combination of silhouettes and designs that helps the JPwoman transit from day to night, from formal to informal and from chic to diva.

Juliet Omoruyi is the Creative Director/CEO of House of Julyet Peters. She hails from Benin-City. She started her primary education at Federal Staff School Benin-City and continued to her secondary education at Federal Government Girls’ College Benin-City from which she p proceeded to study y at The University y of Benin, Benin-City. y She holds a diploma p in Accounting g and a Bachelors of Art in English g and Literature.

She later completed p an MBA at Lincoln University y Califonia, USA with a major j in international business management. g She worked in the corpo p corporate sector for about seven years y gaining g g work experience from frro om m

the construction on n aand n telec nd telecoms com oms vent ve ntur u ing g to o industry beforee venturing rson rs on naall b busin neesss start off her personal business et Peters.

Peete P ters. The ter The House of Julyet ro odu ducts rang ngin ging g brand offers products ranging o ffabrics ab bri rics c and nd from clothing to weelll as as services ser erv viccess accessories as well des essiig gn training. traiini tr ning ng g. in fashion and design nisex x cl clothin ng Catering for unisex clothing em malee an and eeven veen n from Male to female ree focus foccus us are are children, its core ces, ready-toread ady y-to tobespoke services, nd d uniforms. unifo u orm rms. s. wear, bridal and eter et erss brand bran br and iss The Julyet Peters ati ting ng g con onte temknown for creating contemusi u ssiing ng both bot oth h porary designss using errn((Engl Eng glis ish) h) local and western(English) iec eces es are a fabrics. Our pieces eciaal fo focu cus cu u made with special focus fits ts and nd d on cuts, bodyfits in ng. g detailed finishing.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fashogbon... ͸Î&#x20AC;͸͝͝͞ͺ͚͸͸Î

L:R: District Governor 404B2 Nig, Lion Asiwaju Ayobola Samuel;1st VIce District Governor, 404B2 Nig, Lion Dupe Dada; Multiple District Council Chairperson, 404 Nig ,Lion Pharm Gbolagade Adebisi and District Governor, 404B1 Nig, Lion Engr Oyewole Oyewunmi at the just concluded 2nd Joint Districts Convention, in Ado-Ekiti,Ekiti State recently...

Deputy President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs. Toki Mabogunje; President, LCCI, Mr. Babatunde Paul Ruwase; Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); Vice President, LCCI, Asiwaju Michael Olawale-Cole; and Mrs. Agnes Shobajo during a Courtesy Visit to the Vice President in Abuja...recently

SCSP Promises Improved Services, Marks 10 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Anniversary Operational risk management firm, Safety Consultant and Solutions Provider, SCSP, has promised to uphold standards in the safety industry as it marked 10 years of business expansion and continuity.

Addressing the media, Technical Director of the company, Anthonia Beri, noted that nonconformity to safety rules and standards had ripped off heavy investment, thus hindering economic growth in the country.

Beri pointed out that the company saw it necessary to memorialise its special day having gone this far in the face of tough challenges which it had been able to surmount with the cooperation of clients and other stakeholders.

She noted that the business environment had been mostly affected by

financial constraints and consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; apathy to safety procedures.

Ben said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Access to credit and fund to execute projects has been a major challenge in this environment. Banks rate are seemingly not profitable for most of our projects while getting trade credit is not as easy as ordinarily expected.

The reputation of the country with respect to doing business is another contender especially that a significant portion of our business requires overseas procurement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, we have managed to overcome most of these challenges by adapting to our immediate business environment, getting funds from interested investors and credit organisations and also ensuring that we have

the right capacity to deliver on projects.

This has earned us client trust and provided better opportunities for us.â&#x20AC;?

She added that competition in the industry had assisted the company in waxing stronger, leveraging professionalism and competency. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our competences have ensured efficient market positioning for servicing of fortune 500 Companies and other global multinationals. Yet, our biggest achievement is in the awareness created by our services, especially to households and individuals who are now better informed on fire and safety risk management,â&#x20AC;? Ben stated.

Also speaking, the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Administration and Human Resource Lead, Mrs. Uche Dike stated that government could help safety business to thrive

Firm Strengthens Samsung Partners Sephora to Footprint in Nigeria, Boost Galaxy S9 ProďŹ le Appoints Local Partner Samsung Electronics has stereo speakers, an improved World leader in microphones, Shure Incorporated has announced a partnership with Showgear Limited, a retail player in audio-visual products in Nigeria, to strengthen its footprint in the country.

This development would enable consumers get easy access to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original products and aftersales services .

According to the company, the move was expected to checkmate counterfeits and shore up its market leadership in Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest economy.

Speaking further on the deal, CEO of Showgear Limited, Deola Akinyemi expressed delight at the collaboration which he said would be beneficial to both companies and consumers alike. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are delighted to partner with Shure Incorporated, a leading and respected global audio brand. This partnership is dear to our vision as it makes it possible for Nigerians to have access to our partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products without the fear of possibly purchasing a fake product. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our sales associates are trained engineers, so buyers can be rest assured of informed advice when making a purchase decision and premium after-sales support.â&#x20AC;?

Shure has a rich history of success spanning almost ten decades, during which it has built a global brand reputation defined by a continuous commitment to Total Quality, and to enabling sounds that engage, energise and inspire audiences.

The rich history also extends to Nigeria, where the brand has over the years become a staple for discerning sound producers and enthusiasts.

partnered a global beauty brand, Sephora to make its just released flagship devices, Galaxy S9 and S9 plus more appealing to female consumers.

Expected to hit the market by March, the latest device which was launched at the mobile gadget fair in Barcelona boast of several exciting features including an app that allows users to virtually wear make-up such as lipstick, blush eyelashes, etc. via augmented reality and its front camera which can then be ordered for based on consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; preference.

This function which was brought on board in an agreement with Sephora saves make-up enthusiasts the stress of physically applying and removing make-up upon trial as it has been taken care of by mobile augmented reality apps.

The new devices also boast of improved camera tech which to observers is the biggest advancement in the S series and thus described as one of the best smartphones camera.

Both the S9 and S9 plus parade a camera that work outstandingly in a low light with a faster processor and slimmer bezels.

The new models run on Snapdragon 845 chip from mobile chip maker, Qualcomm, for seamless performance and also feature lower key such as the addition of

noise reduction in the camera and support for bigger 400GB microSD Cards.

More attractive features on the phone include the super slow -mo video that qualifies the device to shoot slowmotion video at 960 frames per second.

In the word of an analyst from CCS Insight, Ben Wood , the S9 and larger screened S9 Plus were all about incremental gains over the S8. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The S9 underlines the dilemma all leading smartphone makers are facing. Innovation in smartphones has plateaued and now it is all about marginal gains be that screen technology, camera features and processing power. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is potentially a tough sell for Samsung but the real goal of the S9 is making an already good product even better as Samsung takes the fight to Apple,â&#x20AC;? he said.

With the antecedents of sales in the phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s previous models, there are high expectations that the latest would drive sales in magnitude in Nigeria going by the lifestyle of consumers, especially the elite class who are always eager to explore new technology and innovations.

in the country and also secure the economy through proper policy formulation. She lamented that most buildings in the country lacked adequate or standard fire safety infrastructure where the chance of fire incidents was above 50% with at least 60% possibility of loss of lives and properties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With proper policy, government can empower businesses like ours to provide mandatory safety services to ensure effective prevention and mitigation of fire-related accidents, Dike said.

According to Uche, the anniversary fanfare is expected to culminate tomorrow with a thanksgiving services at Our Lady Mother of Perpetual help Catholic Church in Ajah, Lagos and therefore sought the presence of clients, friends and families.

Shoprite Opens in Kenya Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest food retailer, Shoprite Holdings has sought for more opportunities in East Africa as it plans establishing in Kenya before the year runs out.

The Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Pieter Engelbrecht made this disclosure at the presentation of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s half-year results.

Engelbrecht pointed out that the company decided to explore the Kenyan retail sector having figured a weakened competitor, hence he is optimistic of gaining a larger market share. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Five years ago, Kenya wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t considered by us because they had three very big retailers there; starting last year, the retailers in Kenya were in total disarray and we were able to secure seven sites and leases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have not changed our focus to say weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not looking at the continent anymore. We have grabbed that opportunity, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to Kenya,â&#x20AC;?Engelbrecht affirmed.

Reuters reported that South African retailers had struggled to lift earnings at home as high household debts squeeze consumer income, although Shoprite has fared better than others with its focus on budget-conscious consumers, including more than 1w0 million South Africans on welfare grants.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 3, 2018

IMAGES

F

L-R: Major Genreral Funso Owonibi(rtd), and his wife, Funmilayo

unso Owonibi, retired major general, last Sunday had a 60th birthday thanksgiving at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Tabernacle of David, Ajah Lagos.

Friends, top military officers, associates andfamilymemberslaterattendedasoirée organized by his wife, Funmilayo, to give Gen. Owonibi a memorable birthday.

Photos: Yomi Akinyele.

R-L: Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, Barrister (Mrs) Sophia Awala, Mrs. Bolanle Olonisakin

Pastor Kayode Pitan and his wife, Femi

Olugbon of Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao and wife, Olori Olusola

R-L: Ayo Owonibi, Fiyin Owonibi and Tinuke

L-R: George Onwuchekma with Col. Ademola Onalaja (rtd), and wife Roselyn

Former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Erelu Olusola Obada and her husband, Dr. Felix

L-R: Major General Joseph Shoboiki (rtd) and his wife, Jayne

L-R: Salman Idris with wife Nancy

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 3, 2018

IMAGES

L-R: Richard Femi Bello and MD, THISDAY Newspaper, Eniola Bello

L-R: Brigadier -General Abiodun Ayo (rtd) and Agada Anthony

Major General Fatai Oladipo Alli and his wife, Olajumoke

L-R: Major General Biodun Owolabi and Major General Dayo Olukoju

L-R: Chris Erewele and Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade

L-R: Major-General Cecil Esekhigbe, Major-General Bitrus Kwaji and Col. KIT Kareem

Col. Abayomi Dabiri and his wife, Nike

Mr. Tunji Oyelola and his wife, Bidemi

L-R:Sooko Laekun Adegboya Ogunwusi and Mr. Fisayo Orafiyida

L-R: Mr. Henry Adenigba and Mr. Funso Fayomi

Major General Adekunle Shodunke and his wife, Yinka

Capt. and Mrs. Alhasan Peter Amedu

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

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PERSPECTI V E

Ugwuanyi Takes Rural Development Quest Beyond Rhetoric Ikechukwu Odu

O

uanyiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration in Enugu State apart from employment generation, social security, enhanced social services and good governance, is rural development. This agenda is aimed at creating more urban centres in order to decongest the already over-populated Enugu metropolis through putting up of the basic infrastructures such as good roads, electricity, pipe borne water etc that would make life worthwhile for the locals, boost their economy and curb the rural-urban drifts.

To ensure that the rural development plan becomes a reality, Governor Ugwuanyi initiated the Every-Community-One-Project programme; where the stakeholders of all the autonomous communities in the state identify development projects of their choice that would be funded by the state government.

The state government had in that regard earmarked ten million naira for the autonomous communities, urging those who have yet to resolve matters relating to chieftaincy to do so in order to benefit from the programme. The first tranche of the fund which is in the tune of five million Naira, having been approved by the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Council, was on Thursday disbursed to 118 autonomous communities with the traditional rulers of the benefitting communities and town union presidents collecting cheques for the said sum. The remaining communities, of the 450 autonomous communities that met the requisite benchmark, will receive their cheques in the second phase.

This programme is yet another milestone recorded by the present administration in the state. It gives the direct beneficiaries of the projects ample opportunity to decide for themselves projects that would serve the best interest of their people while also giving them the sense of belonging of overseeing the execution and maintenance of them.

It is no surprise then that the initiative has earned the Gov. Ugwuanyi administration massive goodwill and praises from stakeholders and diverse groups.

The stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chairman of the Traditional Rulersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Council, Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, said â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is a special thing that has never

Gov Ugwuanyi

happened in this state before. The community leaders would decide what is of utmost importance to them and use the money that would be given to them to execute it.â&#x20AC;?

The president-general of the Town Unions, Chief Paulinus Eze, articulated his excitement thus: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is really a pleasant surprise.

The governor has as usual done it again. He has taken a bold step to wipe out tears in many communities. As the VEC secretary had noted, there are some communities that have not seen anything called government project, be it state or federal, but this time around, they will witness government presence in terms of project execution.â&#x20AC;?

For the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head of the Visit Every Community initiative, Dr. Eric Oluedo, this programme is a marriage of campaign promises with action. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a wonderful thing in Nigeria and we have to thank Governor Ugwuanyi for fulfilling his campaign promises he made at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, on the 29th May, 2017 during the Democracy Day celebration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole thing passed through all the processes and the money was approved and has been released to the Community Project Management Committee (CPMC) of every community,â&#x20AC;? he assured.

It would be recalled that Governor Ugwuanyi flagged-off 35 development projects simultaneously on October, 2016, most of which have been completed and inaugurated. A good number of them are sited in the rural areas to actualize his rural development vision.

The Inyaba Bridge in Nkanu East Local Government Area now completed is one of the projects. The bridge has provided a link road to the people of Amagunze, Amechi Idodo and others who now enjoy the luxury of engaging their kins at the other parts of the local government in trades and other social and economic engagements without the irksome task of constructing make-shift bamboo gangway that collapsed frequently.

There is also the Ndemnde Bridge at the popular Timber Market in Maryland, Enugu South Local Government Area, which links the people of the area with Achara Layout and other parts of Kenyata Market. This bridge has made accessibility of timber market very possible; boosting the economic potentials of the people in the process.

There are glut of such projects in all the 17 local government councils of the state such as the rural electrification and water projects in Olido, Umuida, and Umuopu in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of the state.

The Ogbaku Road in Awgu Local Government Area; the Agbani-Afor-Amuri Road in Nkanu West Local Government Area; the Iheaka-Ibagwa-Itchi-Unadu-Ovoko road in Igbo-Eze South Council Area; the EkochinEkeani-Miliken Hill-New Market road in Enugu North Council Area are some of the projects undertaken by this administration which are enhancing the lives of the locals and making life easy and interesting in the rural areas.

Aside the initiative to cite development projects in every community, the state government is assiduously working to put smile on the faces of the locals. Recently, Governor Ugwuanyi also flagged-off the construction of four rural roads which include Obollo Eke Junction-AgalaOkpaligbo Junction, Ohom Orba-AmajiokaUmuikeoha-Agu Orba, and Okpu Agu Orba Road both in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

Others include Ogurute-MkpamuteIgogoro-Ikpamodo-Okpo-Amaja Road (phase 1), Ogurute-Umuogbo Ulo-IsiugwuUmuopu-Ette Road (phase 1), in Igbo-Eze

North Local Government Area of the state.

The state Executive Council also approved the release of fund for the construction of five fire stations in five of the 17 local council areas of the state. This initiative is to check incidences of fire outbreaks and guarantee the protection of lives and properties in the state. The benefiting local government councils are Udi, Udenu, Nkanu West, Oji River and Igbo-Eze North.

Enugu State Executive Council has equally approved the sum of N1,532,148,154.76 for the construction of 14 critical roads in both the Enugu metropolis and some rural communities.

Some of the roads include reconstruction/rehabilitation of Ngenevu road and Brodrick Street, Coal Camp, in Enugu North council area at the cost of N116,567,814.54.

The rehabilitation of Njamanze Entrance/ Ogui Road; rehabilitation of Bonny Lane/ Ogui Road; rehabilitation of Asata Chemist Lane/Ogui Road; reconstruction of New Market Roundabout-Civil Defence Headquarters-Works Road, in Enugu North Local Government Area.

Other roads are the rehabilitations of Edward Nnaji street â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Ogwuagor road; Amaetiti street-Ugboye Abakpa-Nike road; Abakpa-Nike market road in Enugu East LGA; construction of Ituku road, Awgu LGA; and reconstruction of Ugbodogwu/ Sani Abacha street, Phase VI, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu.

With the aggressive rural development programmes in Enugu, the state is bound to harvest bountiful economic gains. It would guarantee easy movement of agricultural items to available markets in the metropolis and equally stimulate the small scale industries to flourish.

The artisans will equally benefit from the rural electrification programmes to grow their businesses.

The good thing about the development projects for every community programme is that the people themselves choose them, the government funds, while the people execute and ensure that their uses are not thwarted.

It is a practical demonstration of participatory democracy brought to the doorsteps of the governed through transparency and collective sense of involvement. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Odu resides and works in Enugu and could be reached via christianodu@gmail.com

Atunwa: Re -ordering of Election Sequence by NASS Constitutional Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

T

he Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Justice, Hon Razak Atunwa, yesterday defended the National Assemblyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to re-order the sequence of 2019 general elections.

Atunwa said that there was nothing unconstitutional about the decision of the National Assembly on the issue, but clarified that the re-ordering of election sequence was not targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari or any personality for that matter.

He said the idea was to separate the mandate of the people from that of the executive, State Assemblies and National Assembly.

Atunwa, who represents Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, bore his mind on the contentious issue while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara state shortly after the disbursement

Atunwa

of N60 million worth of empowerment materials to his constituents.

He argued that there was nothing sinister

about the amendment to the election timetable as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) still has about one year to conduct the 2019 general elections.

Atunwa, a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, posited that the amendment was not new in the electoral process and that it was within the powers of the National Assembly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is nothing unconstitutional about amending Electoral Act; the Electoral Act itself was a creation of the National Assembly. The Electoral Act talks about more than seven orders within which to carry out certain activities for INEC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, having an order for the general election is not unconstitutional; it is nothing new.

It is well within the powers and the purview of the National Assembly, and we have done that. That is what we have. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see why anyone should be crying foul over it. There is nothing unconstitutional about it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you practice democracy, you learn

from it. What we have learnt is that we need to separate the mandate of the people, so lumping together mandate of the people, as we have seen, hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t generated much accountability as possible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, let the National Assembly have its mandate, let the State Assembly and the Governors have their mandate, let the President have his mandate. So, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s know what the colour of the House of Representatives will be, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see what the colour of the Senate will be, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see what the colour of the Presidency, the governorship and the State House of Assembly will be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we have effectively done is to separate the mandate so that we will know this is the colour of the Parliament and the colour of the executive. In America for example, we have the President being mayor of the party, then the majority either in the Senate or the Representatives, may be another party. It is good for our democracy.â&#x20AC;? Atunwa said.

Foundation Gives Free Eye Treatment to 220 in Ogun Femi Ogbonnikan Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;

N

o fewer than 220 patients in Ogun State have benefitted from a free-eye treatment, being offered by a foundation.

The patients who were brought from 14 cities, in Osun West senatorial district, Osun State to the Eye Foundation Community Hospital, Ijebu Mushin, in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of Ogun State, received free treatment for their various eye-related

problems yesterday. The eye ailments treated, courtesy of Favour Kindness and Grace Foundation, are cataract and glaucoma.

According to the initiator/facilitator of the foundation, Omo Oba Dotun Babayemi, out of 7,000 eye patients, from 10 local governments and 14 cities in Osun West senatorial district that were diagnosed of their eye status, only 220 patients that were brought to the Eye Foundation Community Hospital, IjebuMushin, for various forms of eye problems were certified to have glaucoma, cataract and

others.

He said the patients were brought to Ijebu-Mushin, on account of the availability of facilities that are obtainable at the premier hospital.

He said the hospital can compare and compete favourably with those in the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK) and other developed countries.

Besides, Babayemi stated that his foundation has so far distributed well over 14,200 pairs of eye glasses to the beneficiaries in the last five

years to aid the poor people of Osun West district that are suffering from various forms of eye problems. He, however, underscored the importance of eyes as the light of the body; a development which he said, spurred him on to initiate the foundation.

Babayemi added that his foundation would, in July, organise a mega medicare fare in 15 locations in Osun State that would last for a period of 30 days for the treatment of other various general health challenges of the indigenes of Osun West district.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚͜

Glo Participates in Kaduna Trade Fair

FOR BRASS LNG ...

L-R: Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, and Chairman, Brass LNG Ltd., Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, at the venue of the Nigerian International Petroleum Summit in Abuja...recently

Kogi State APC Chairman Expelled from Party Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja The Kogi State Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Alhaji Haddy Ametuo has been expelled from the party by the factional party executive following his inability to appeal the allegation of anti-party activities and corrupt practices leveled against him by members of APC in Kogi State.

The factional APC Executive also pass vote of confidence on the national chairman of the party for his commitment to the party.

The Acting Chairman of the party, Hon. Ahovi Salami Ibrahim disclosed this yesterday during the swearing-in of the new Executives members of

APC in Lokoja.

According to him, the ousted Chairman having been investigated by disciplinary committee of the party set up by the North Central Executive Committee of APC found him guilty of the allegations leveled against him.

His words, "All Progressive Congress as a party has high regards for the party's constitutional provisions and within the part's legal frameworks there are processes that will lead to a removal of a party chairman and other erring exco members which stop at the North Central Executive Committee of the party in this particular case.

"It is within the ambit of the party's constitutional provisions to come to terms to expel an erring member

such as in the case of Alhaji Haddy Ametuo and his cohorts especially when the fact finding or disciplinary committee of the party appointed recently to examine the allegations of anti-party activities and corruption practices leveled against the former chairman.

"It is pertinent to note that Ametuo was given seven days of grace to appeal the decision of his expulsion, but chose to remain silent which of course translated to consent of all the charges against him.â&#x20AC;?

Ibrahim warned Haddy Ametuo to desist from parading himself as the state chairman of the party, advising him to pitch tent with other parties he (Ametuo) has been hobnobbing with.

While reiterating the need for Kogi people to support President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Yahaya Bello for second term, the Acting Chairman said such feat would enable them to complete and consolidate the good works they had been doing across the state and the country.

He commended the National Executive Committee of APC for approving additional one year extension of the tenure all its Excos at all levels.

Meanwhile, in a swift reaction, the embattled Ametu said as far he was concerned, it was only the national executive of the party that could expelled him from the party.

'More than 100 Companies Bid for Ibom Deep Sea Port Project' Okon Bassey in Uyo Following the level of Federal Government interest, more than 100 companies across the globe have reportedly indicated interest for the development of the Ibom Deep Sea port in Ibaka, Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking during an interview in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr. Akan Okon stressed that despite the interest so far shown in the project the bidding was still open till March 16, 2018.

He attributed the level of success recorded in the project to the commitment of the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel whom he said

brought to bear his experience in private sector in project execution of that magnitude.

Soon on coming on board, he said the Governor set up a committee made up of experience and seasoned people in the maritime industry to pilot the realisation of the Ibom Deep Sea port.

According to him, for the first time since the conception of the project about five years ago the committee had been able to push to a critical level seen as a major milestone to achieve the project.

Already, Mr. Okon said the Ministerial Steering Committee met in Abuja and approved procedures for procurement which led to publication of qualification for interested port

builder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am happy to tell you that the bidding is still open and the response is encouraging. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have over 100 companies all over the world showing interest and it is expected more are coming. The closure is extended to March 16, 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After that the evaluation committee is going to meet to evaluate and come up with a preferred institution that will build the portâ&#x20AC;?, he stated.

The Commissioner whose Ministry oversee the project linked the high interest being shown on the project to the location and draft of the port. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without dredging, the port is about 17-18 metres deep, so it can take any large ship than cannot go near any other port in the country.

The width is about 600 metres which is the size of six football fields. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is why you see in some of the ports in the country when vessels come they cannot berth rather use other smaller vessels to go and remove goods. It will not be so at the Ibom deep Sea Port. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The issue of congestion is not there because the length is about 600,000 metres. It is a modern port and a port for the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am certain that by the time the evaluation is completed and the preferred developer chosen, the actual construction work will commence. 75 percent of the paper work prior to commencement of construction has been completedâ&#x20AC;?, the Commissioner stressed.

DPR Seals 20 Stations over Hoarding in Imo Amby Uneze in Owerri The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed over 20 filling stations in parts of Imo State over irregularities ranging from hoarding of premium motor spirit (PMS), selling above government approved pump price of Some of the areas visited by the DPR motoring team included Amaraku, Anara, Umualumaku, all in Isiala Mbano and Ehime Mbano Local Government Areas. Others were Ahiazu Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise and Aboh Mbaise LGAs.

During the motoring, several filling stationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Attendants were found to have abandoned their duty posts and absconded their stations on sighting DPR officials.

At Home and Overseas Oil Company Limited, Amaraku, the manager of the station was arrested by men of the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corp (NCDSC) attached to the DPR motoring team for proving stubborn and refusing to change to the government approved pump price of N145 per litre from the N185 per litre being sold to motorists.

Most of the sealed stations were as

a result of the abscondment by the mangers and attendants as obtained in Fred Iyke and Sons Industries Limited, Bonimas Petroleum, Demmax Oil and Gas Limited, Durumugo Resources Limited, FNOAP Petroleum Oil Limited, Ugo-Rambo Resources Limited, Boek Nigeria Limited, Selins Oil, Chiolee Nigeria Limited, Starchem Nigeria Limited, Ben and Ben Petroleum Nigeria Limited, Benuaks Oil Services, Stevejet Petroleum, among others.

Leader of the DPR team and Zonal Operations Controller, Mr. Peter Ijih represented by Mr. Femi

Imiegha, who is the Head, Finance and Accounts Division and Mr. Ernest Chukwu, Head of Downstream condemned the attitude of some marketers who abandoned their stations on sighting DPR motoring team.

He said â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is better to meet them open their station selling at above pump price than absconding which earns them the highest sanction from the departmentâ&#x20AC;?.

According to him, we are not taking this lightly. We are taking it as total hoarding of the products and this attracts stiff penalty.

Globacom has pledged its support for the ongoing Kaduna Trade Fair as part of its support for small and medium scale industries in the state and Nigeria at large.

A statement from the company said the fair equally provided opportunity for the company to engage in SIM Sales, registration and re-registration, product offerings, customer query resolutions via access to a dedicated Globacom pavilion where the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff are available to attend to customers within Kaduna and its environs.

In a press statement issued in Lagos, Globacom said that the fair would provide a very good platform to engage with its numerous customers. The company added that it was willing to lend its support to the realisation of their social and business aspirations, using its rich bouquet of products and services.

The company, which expressed readiness to continue to partner with KADCCIMA in order to enhance the growth of small and medium scale industries in the state, said they were the bastion of economic advancement of nations and reiterated its readiness to continue to improve the quality of service in

Kaduna State and environs.

The trade fair with the theme, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Promoting Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for International Competitivenessâ&#x20AC;? was conceptualised by the Kaduna State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) to accommodate various participants from within the state and across the country on a viable platform to exhibit their products, meet potential buyers and increase the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic growth.

Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, President, KADCCIMA explained that this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair holding at the Kaduna International Trade and investment Centre, Rigachikun, Kaduna was unique because more than 10 countries were participating. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only be trading but will also be bringing in their expatriate knowledge so that Nigerians can partner and learn from them. We have participating industries from countries like the US, Egypt, Iran, India, China, Mali, Tunisia, Indonesia, Senegal, Niger, Pakistan, among others. We hope that at the end of the fair, we will have at least 20 to 30 new industries springing up in Kadunaâ&#x20AC;?, she said.

Peace Mass Owner Hands Over N400m 1.6Km Road to Ugwuanyi Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu The Chairman of Peace Mass Transit (PMT), and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Mr. Maduka Onyishi has handed over a newly constructed N400 million 1.6Km road to the state government.

The road, Amaukwa in Nsukka was constructed by the Peace Mass owner, who also hails from the area.

Speaking at the flag-off of the road, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi described the gesture as a welcome compliment to his administration's commitment to improve on road infrastructure in the state.

He said it was his governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agenda to ensure that every village in the state had access roads allyear-round. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am happy with Onyishi for keying into my administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiative to ensure that every community in the state has access roads both during rainy and dry

seasons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This 1.6-kms road that started in Amaukwa and terminated at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Odim gate, will strengthen the cordial relationship between Amaukwa and the university community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My administration will continue to put premium on the development of the state as well as ensure adequate security of lives and property in the state.

Earlier in his remarks, Onyishi said he constructed the road to ensure that the people of the area as well as the university staff and students, had access road to his village as well as a smooth road into the university from Odim gate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love my people and I will continue to do anything within my capacity to make them happy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am also happy with the administration of Gov. Ugwuanyi for his commitment in moving the state to the next level,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he said.

Sokoto Customs Seizes 460 Bags of Foreign Rice Hidden in Fuel Tanker Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto The Nigeria Customs Service, Sokoto Command comprising Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states, has intercepted a truck loaded with 460 bags of foreign rice with a duty paid value of N7.8 million.

Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Friday, the Customs Area Controller, Mr. Nasir Ahmed, said the illicit goods were intercepted in Sokoto on its way to Suleija in Niger State.

He noted with dismay that the 460 bags of rice were hidden in a tanker that was being used to carry LPFO (black oil).

Ahmad posited that consumption of such rice posed serious health risk to Nigerians.

"As you are aware, this is an oil tanker belonging to one of the major oil distributors that is used in carrying black oil. This is another

means smugglers devise in order to evade customs officials.

"This poses serious health risk and hazard to those who consumed the rice because it has been contaminated.

Thus, toxins will get into the body system if consumed and eating this rice will land the person in hospital.

"The plan of the smugglers is to re-bag the rice and sell it to innocent Nigerians as soon as they reach their destination in Niger state. We will not allow such unscrupulous persons to put the lives of the citizens at risk," he said.

Ahmad stated that the Command had already arrested one person in connection with the contraband.

He advised smugglers to go back to the farm and engage in rice production rather than indulge in activities that would sabotage the nation's economy.

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INEC Exonerates Kano on Underage Voters as Ohaneze Youths Want Commission Chairman Sacked Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano and Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

Chairman of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) facts finding committee, Abubakar Nahuce, on Friday, exonerated the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) from the allegation of underage voting during the last local government elections.

This is as the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council worldwide on Friday demanded for the immediate removal of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Alhaji Mahmood Yakubu over the handling of the issue of under-aged voters in Kano

state.

The fact finding team said it had not discovered any evidence of underage voting.

Nahuce said in Friday that from their interaction with civil society Organisations and media, none presented evidence of underage voting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From all what we have seen and discussed with you media men, none of you has seen any underage voter in the line or voting,â&#x20AC;? he submitted.

Nahuce, the leader of the team who is also the INEC National Commissioner for Kano, Jigawa and Yobe states said they had not discovered any anomaly in terms of underage as INEC was not investigating any other

thing outside the turnout and the conduct of the election. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All we have seen is that of the social media which is allegation of pictures and videos that are not verifiable, some of them are not even in Nigeria, some are from Kenya elections which people are attributing to Nigeria,â&#x20AC;? Nahuce claimed.

He assured that the team would write its report and submit to INEC headquarters for further action.

It could be recalled that INEC set up the committee following public outcry that greeted videos and photos of underage voting believed to be during the Kano election...

The Ohaneze Youths alleged

that the INEC chairman had already by his conducts, shown his bias and incompetence in conducting credible elections by 2019.

In a statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, National President Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council worldwide, the body also rejected the report of the committee set up by the INEC chairman, led by one Abubakar Nahuce in which it was noted that there was no evidence of under aged voters in Kano.

They insisted that the report was false and misleading, stressing that it did not reflect the real situation on ground. The body threatened to initiate legal

action against INEC. The release further revealed that the Council had directed its legal Adviser to immediately institute a legal process against INEC to "tender overwhelming evidence to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that we have enough evidence of under aged voters in Kano council elections.

"We'll also prove that the leadership of INEC is biased and incompetent to organise a free and fair election in 2019.

This report of INEC denying that there's no evidence of under aged voters in Kano is a confirmation that there's no hope of conducting a free and fair election in 2019.

"Since INEC sees â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;No

evil, Hears no evilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Kano, Ohanaeze Youths promise them, there will be under aged voting in South east in 2019... where the problem of 2019 will start will be if INEC refuses to register our under aged voters in the south east and South/South, or allow them to vote in 2019".

The Council therefore called on the United Nation, Africa Union, ECOWAS and National Assembly to prevail on the federal government to overhaul INEC by removing the Chairman because "he is compromised, and not credible to conduct 2019 or any attempt to resist under aged voting in the south east and south/South will mar 2019 election".

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve No Regret over my Policies, Says El- Rufai Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

STRENGTHENING AFRICAN ECONOMY...

L-R: Director Legal, Ministry of Finance, Ghana,Mrs. Mangowa Ghanney; Deputy Minister of Finance, Ghana,Mr Charles Adu Boahen;Executive Director / General Counsel, Africa Finance Corporation(AFC), Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade; and Director External Resource Mobilisation, Ministry of Finance, Ghana. Michael Ayesu, at the event to mark Ghana sovereign shareholders in AFC held in Ghana recently

WAIFEM Organises 640 Courses, Attracts 17, 276 Participants No fewer than 640 courses and workshops have been organised by the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), its Director General, Professor Akpan H. Ekpo has said.

He also disclosed that that the number of officials drawn from the central banks, ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in the West African Sub-region and beyond that have benefited from these courses and workshops were not less than 17, 276.

Ekpo disclosed this yesterday at the opening ceremony of a two weeks regional course on the introduction

to econometric software for policy analysis.

The regional course which attracts participants from top government officials from member states is taking place at WAIFEM Headquarter, Lagos.

He stated that the institute had established collaborative arrangements with a number of reputable institutions to ensure what he called â&#x20AC;&#x153;high and international standardsâ&#x20AC;? in its programmes.

These include the International Monetary Funds (IMF), the World Bank, Commonwealth Secretariat, Debt Relief International, and the United Nations Institute for Training

and Research (UNITAR), African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Giving an insight into the two weeks regional course, Ekpo stated that it had become necessary for policy makers and analysts to understand some econometric software and their applications in analysis and decision making.

According to him, these had the potentials to aid the participants in the understanding and management of our economies. At the regulatory and practitioner levels, the use of

econometric techniques allow for the understanding and forecasting of the behaviour of economics and other systems.

He maintained that econometric methods constitute an integral part of the decision making process, pointing out that they aid policy and decision makers in the identification of optimal policies in predicting the evolution of economic systems given changes in current policies.

He explained that the course had been designed to cover some key areas in econometric software and their application which are relevant in economic analysis.

Manage Resources Prudently, FG Advises ECOWAS Commission Alex Enumah in Abuja The Federal government has advised the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) Commission, to be prudent in the management of resources in the pursuit of development and full integration of the sub-region.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Khadija Ibrahim, who gave the advice at the handing over ceremony of the President of ECOWAS Commission, Marcel

De Souza to Jean-Claude Brou, in Abuja, particularly harped on the need for the new leadership to focus more on budget improvement and institutional reforms, if it must meet the needs and aspirations of the ECOWAS citizens.

"We must focus on budget that impacts positively on the citizens as emphasised in the institution's report, which stated that 60 per cent of the budget must be devoted to such programmes," she said.

Mrs. Ibrahim, while admitting

that ECOWAS had achieved a lot in the last four decades of its existence, however said much still needed to be done.

"In the course of this journey, the organisation has recorded some achievements which have made its membership and programmes to be desirable to all and sundry," she said.

"ECOWAS, just like any other regional organisation, has also had its fair share of challenges, some of which are still evident till date.

Some of these include human

trafficking in the Sahel Region especially Libya, transhumance and the negative activities of cattle herders, poverty, among others.

"It therefore lies within you to mobilise your team to proffer solutions to these and other challenges.

You are also to encourage, and where necessary, to work with national institutions on regional programmes and projects that can fast-track the process of integration and improve the living standard of the people of the region", she added.

Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has said he had regret over all the policies that had been undertaken since he assumed the leadership of the state.

He said that, "Since the policies put in place have been touching the lives of the masses hence I am not bothering on the hues and cries from the elites in the state."

El- Rufai made this declaration in Ilorin, Kwara State capital in his speech delivered at the maiden public lecture of the Al-Hikma University, Ilorin.

The title of the public lecture is "Governing Justly: Perceptive from Near and Far with Lessons for Nigeria' He said that his administration had put in place legacy programmes that would be very difficult for any government that takes over power after him to rubbish.

El-Rufai stated that, "Look, when my government came into office in 2015, the primary school enrollment was 1.2m but as of today, the enrolment has increased

to over 2m because of the pragmatic approach towards the provision of free compulsory primary education for the masses of the state.

"The free education policy has brought many unschooled children to come out and registered and this has brought a great joy to me because these children are the future leaders and they must be given quality education so as to enable them compete with the children of elites.

"Also, we have been able to provide good academic environment for these school children through the provision of good academic classrooms while teachers who were not qualified to teach these children were sacked.

"I want to inform you that, we have recruited over 21,000 new teachers that would be replacing the sacked ones so as to provide qualitative education to these young school children in the state."

He added that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;all the opposition to our policies were from the elites that didn't want the children of the less privilege people in Kaduna to grow, more so, some of these elites do send their own children to private schools in the state.

Multi-Billion Dollars Steel Plant Inaugurated in Delta SylvesterIdowuinWarri After several years of attempt, Nigeria joined the global steel production again yesterday with the inauguration of the resuscitated Premium Steel and Mines Limited (PSML) formerly Delta Steel Company (DSC) at Ovwian-Aladja in Udu Local Government area of Delta State.

The plant is Nigeria's most versatile and only integrated steel plant and is projected to produce about 1.2 million tons of various steel products per annum at full capacity.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa performed the flag-off of the steel plant to commence full operations after years of inactivity. He observed that functionality of the steel company was very vital to the technological development of the nation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the right step if we must develop in Nigeria, as a nation, we must encourage development of infrastructure,â&#x20AC;? Governor Okowa said, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is sad that this place was abandoned for years because, there is no doubt that if we must grow technologically, we must produce our own steel.â&#x20AC;?

He noted that the reopening of the steel plant had brought excitement to Delta State government and the people of Udu in particular adding "we are very hopeful that their production output will surpass their previous output.â&#x20AC;?

The Governor disclosed that the management of Premium Rolling Mill would harness the huge oil and gas deposit in the area to also, establish a petrochemical company in the area.

He commended the Federal Government, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON( and other stakeholders for the different roles they played for the company to be back on stream asserting, â&#x20AC;&#x153;obviously, there is a lot to be gained as a people and government, we will remain peaceful and the company should take note of local content in their activities.â&#x20AC;?

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EUNICE GAYUS LONGI. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EUNICE YUSU HABU. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Íť, 2018

POLITY

Chiedu Nweke: How I was Kidnapped, Robbed in Enugu Joseph Ushigiale

Lagos-based lawyer and real estate developer, Mr. Chiedu Nweke has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col Muhammad Abdallah (rtd) urging them to immediately arrest a criminal gang allegedly operating under the cover of the NDLEA which recently kidnapped and robbed him at gunpoint in Enugu before it wastes more innocent lives.

Painting a dramatically gripping picture of how he narrowly escaped being killed by the criminal gang in Enugu, Nweke said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint by a vicious and savage gang of bandits who claimed to be operatives from NDLEA, Independence Layout, Enugu.â&#x20AC;?

Narrating how he fell into the trap of the criminal gang, Nweke said he flew from Lagos to Owerri en route Enugu and checked into Royale Garden Hotel the same evening, the following day, he said â&#x20AC;&#x153;I requested the hotel for a taxi and a cream coloured Hyundai Elantra driven by one Prince with telephone number 08052138932 was sent to drive me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He took me to have lunch at Dolphin Restaurant and dropped me at the hotel.

Before dropping me off, I booked the taxi for another trip to buy â&#x20AC;&#x153;isi ewuâ&#x20AC;? later in the day. At about 7.30pm, I phoned the taxi to pick me at the hotel to buy the take away â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;isi ewuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The driver arrived the hotel thirty minutes later, at about 8 pm.â&#x20AC;?

He said the driver drove him to Lagos Street and at the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;isi ewuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; joint at Lagos Street, he reminded the taxi driver that he was buying takeaway and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be long. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But fifteen minutes later when I came with

the takeaway, he had zoomed off. I stood in front of the joint, nervous, anxious and stranded. I called the driver but he said he had gone to buy petrol.â&#x20AC;?

At this point, in a state of apprehension and sensing danger, Nweke said he started trekking towards the petrol station at the junction of Lagos Street and Ogui Road to find another transport back to the hotel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then, suddenly, a white Toyota Hilux made a U-turn on Ogui Road and stopped in front of the petrol station. Four heavily armed men jumped out of the vehicle in military fashion pointing guns at me.â&#x20AC;?

Although there were other people there, Nweke said he was singled out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their leader, a dark huge man ordered that I should be handcuffed. I was handcuffed.

They never asked my identity or where I was going. Their leader took my wallet from my pocket and my telephone. He said I was a drug baron. I replied that I am a senior lawyer. He said I had only eighteen thousand naira in my wallet and that the money was too small. He had taken my ATM cards from my wallet. He asked how much I could raise from the ATM cards, and I replied as much as the ATM machine could dispense.â&#x20AC;?

According to him, the armed robbers drove him to Zenith Bank at Ogui Road near New Haven junction and stopped. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At gunpoint with their leader on my side and one member of the gang on the other side I used my Diamond Bank ATM card to withdraw the sum of N160,000 (One hundred and sixty thousand Naira) in tranches of twenty thousand until all my ATM cards stopped dispensing. The time was about 9 pm. I believe the bank ATM cameras would record me with my armed kidnappers beside me.â&#x20AC;?

He narrated how after leaving the ATM,

the leader of the gang ordered him back into the Toyota Hilux stressing that â&#x20AC;&#x153;This time I resisted and raised an alarm, screaming and calling for help from passersby. A big struggle ensued between me and the gang.

I was stripped naked to my undies in their vicious attempt to force me into their kidnap Hilux. The noise attracted some mobile policemen. I was relieved seeing the police officers. I held on to one of the policemen and asked him to save my life. He promised to accompany me to wherever they were taking me to. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The policeman directed the driver to go to Fire Service Station Ogui. We got to the Fire Service Station and there was a police patrol vehicle with about five policemen. A senior police officer looked into the Hilux and asked my kidnappers who they were and their leader nervously jumped down from the Hilux and produced an identity the content of which I do not know but which seemed to satisfy the police officer.

The police officer then asked what I did but instead of answering, he took the officer aside and whispered to him and exchanged something with their hands. The police officer then directed his men to accompany us to the station.â&#x20AC;?

Nweke said his ordeal continued in the hands of his captors as he was driven in the company of the policemen across town to independence layout police station and into the office of â&#x20AC;&#x153;NDLEAâ&#x20AC;? opposite the police station. He said on getting there, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the leader of the gang called the two mobile policemen that accompanied me and gave them something and they all left. At this point, I knew my fate was sealed and that I was in deep trouble. I was taken to a dark point smelling of human faeces. I was terrified and peeping and stooling in my underwear crying to the gang to save my life.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The leader of the gang was busy answering my phone calls and telling my callers to negotiate my release. He warned me not to reveal that I was robbed of any money but to say that I was a drug baron who was arrested. He asked for my wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s telephone number so that he would contact her. He asked where I hailed from in Anambra and I said Awkuzu and he said he is my brother because he is from Oyi local government area of Anambra like me.

At this point, my phone rang and he picked and I overheard him telling the caller whom he called Amaechi to raise money to negotiate for my freedom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He told the Amaechi that if he could bring the sum of N50,000 to Fortuna Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu that I would be released to him. Desperate to get the N50,000, he even used his own phone to call Amaechi to hurriedly bring the money.

At this point, taxi driver Prince who drove me to buy the takeaway called and I was given the phone to answer. I requested him to come to Fortuna Hotel to pick me up. I was driven in tricycle â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kekeâ&#x20AC;? to the Fortuna Hotel and dumped near the gate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not long, taxi driver Prince arrived the scene. The gang leader told him that I claimed to be a guest at Golden Royale Hotel but he said nothing.

Moments later, taxi driver, Amaechi arrived and exchanged something with the leader of the gang.

The gang leader said he would release me to Amaechi and not to taxi driver Prince. This I believe was a mere pretext to deceive me. I was driven by taxi driver Amaechi back to the hotel to end my ugly ordeal in the hands of the killer gang. All these I believe are a grand set up by an organised gang of bandits operating in Enugu.â&#x20AC;?

L-R: Former Secretary to Lagos State Government, Princess Adenrele Ogunsanya; former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bola Ikuforiji; Senator, Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Ashafa; APC Chieftain, Chief Lanre Rasak; and APC leader from Kosofe, Hon. Busayo Adebayo, during the public declaration for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for 2nd term in oďŹ&#x192;ce, organised by Senator Ashafa in Epeâ&#x20AC;Śrecently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Chief Executive OďŹ&#x192;cer, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise, Mr. Navin Nahata; Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives, Mr. Olalekan Akodu, during the stakeholders engagement meeting held at Lagos state secretariat, Alausa ...recently

L-R: Mandy Uzonitsha; Princess Damilola Adekoya; Chioma Chigurl Omeruah; Omotunde Adebowale-David â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lolo 1â&#x20AC;?, all Comedians; and Managing Partner, Q21 Solutions/Organiser of Ladies of Laughter, Eunice Showunmi-Adeyemi, at a press conference to announce the maiden edition of Ladies of Laughter comedy show in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Ś recently

L-R: Manager, Events and Corporate Social Investment, Ame Okwudi; Digital Marketing Manager, Demola Adesina; Innovation Manager, Ibifuro ApiaďŹ ; and Investment Researcher, Eloho Onwah; all of Stanbic IBTC, at the 2018 Social Media Week in Lagos...recently

53

ÍťË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC; ËžTHISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLITY

Chibok and Dapchi Girls: The Whoredom of Karma Sufuyan Ojeifo â&#x20AC;&#x153;History repeats itself, first as tragedy, and second, as farce.â&#x20AC;? -Karl Marx n Monday, February 19, 2018, Boko Haram insurgents invaded Government Girls Science Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe state, abducting 110 of the 906 student population. It was yet another tragic day for a nation that is yet to get over a similar incident that took place on April 14, 2014 in Chibok, Borno state, when the insurgents invaded Government Secondary School, carting away as â&#x20AC;&#x153;ready luggageâ&#x20AC;? 276 schoolgirls.

Sadly, both incidents happened in similar historical circumstances, which accentuated lax security that made the wholesale abductions of the schoolgirls possible without the slightest resistance. The girls were left to save themselves. That is what makes the first incident, in Chibok, tragic and the second one, in Dapchi, farcical. The nation apparently failed to protect the schoolgirl when it mattered most. It also failed to harness the lessons from the mismanagement of her security architecture and intelligence in Chibok to avert a recurrence in Dapchi.

The Chibok schoolgirlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; abduction was so heartbreaking that it elicited an emotional reaction from a bewildered Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of the then president, whose husband was pondering over the 2015 presidential election. Her â&#x20AC;&#x153;there is God oâ&#x20AC;? riposte to the inability of officials, who should have known what happened, to give credible explanations about the seamless invasion and movement of the schoolgirls under their watch, was to subsequently turn her into a butt of hilarious national joke in the social media. Dame Jonathan was derided for showing empathy to the victims and their parents.

Understandably, the government did not initially believe the report, given the number of the schoolgirls involved. It concluded that the movement of the children was a result of some collaborative enterprise to blackmail it ahead of the 2015 presidential election. The All Progressive Congress (APC) government in Borno state acted in curious ways that portrayed it as a collaborator in the grand design to embarrass and promote a campaign of calumny that fitted perfectly into the agenda to de-market the PDP-led federal government.

O

Buratai

The sustained narrative that the administration was clueless and unable to provide national security was part of the overall agenda to demonize it. Dame Jonathan saw through the mischief and, apparently helpless, became lachrymose. The decision by an opposition state government to encourage the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to disobey a security directive not to use Chibok as examination centre rendered the state government complicit. But because national security matter is within the purview of the federal government, it did not matter that the girls were taken from Chibok village; what mattered was that the nation under the Jonathan administration was unsafe and the president was vicariously liable.

The APCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s propaganda machinery went haywire with the mantra that the administration was incapable of protecting the lives and property of citizens. Muhammadu Buhari was, in approbation, positioned as a capable alternative to Jonathan. Coupled with the theme of corruption to drive its campaign, the opposition succeeded in preparing the grounds

for Jonathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rejection at the 2015 polls. That precipitated frenzy in the presidency. Similar frenzy has also drenched Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presidency.

But apparently missing in action is the mother of the nation, Aisha Buhari, who is yet to publicly express her pains over the tragedy that has befallen the schoolgirls.

She must have been too preoccupied with attending to the health of her only son, Yusuf, who just returned from a foreign hospital where he had received treatment for injuries sustained in a recent motorbike crash in Abuja.

That is, understandably, more than a world of commitment to her. Aisha is a good woman and has the capacity to publicly relate and connect with the pains of mothers whose daughters are in the custody of the insurgents.

That she has not done so does not mean she is insensitive. I believe her heart goes to the victims and their mothers in their moments of grief. A terse press statement from her will, nevertheless, suffice.

But at the level of official interactions, the abduction of the Dapchi 110 has not elicited much of expressive humanity from President Muhammadu Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presidency. It is obvious that its reaction has been tepid and the actions taken are aligned with political correctness of sorts. The nation is confronted with the usual perceptible cold disposition from the president and those in his court. There has been a mĂŠlange of incredulity and confusion in their camp. Living with the truth of the harsh reality is a burden they must bear.

It is sardonic for the government, which rode to power on the crest of its assurance that it possesses the capacity to deal with Boko Haram insurgency and other security issues in a matter of few months in power, to continue to unconscionably fumble and unravel as grimly incapable, after all, to deal with insecurity three years in the saddle. This parodies a failed promise and gives the citizens a solid ground to judge the administration about a year to the presidential election in 2019, coincidentally, as it happened to Jonathan in 2014, moving towards 2015.

The Buhari administration has treated the nation to salacious tales about how the shame of Dapchi happened. The army and the police have been locked in blame game, with the army claiming they secured Dapchi after which they withdrew and handed over the town to the police a week before the abduction,

while the police rejected the claim. Amid the blame game, the administration is trying to create the impression that it is on top of the situation, despite the fact that the incident did not get reported by the media until Wednesday, February 21, 2018. Was it that they planned to obfuscate the details of the incident or what?

I think it must have been a failure of intelligence. An expeditious response to intelligence report could have helped to mitigate the spatial distance between the soldiers on rescue mission and the insurgents.

The administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acceptance that 110 and not 105 schoolgirls were missing, the further steps to publish the victimsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names and set up a 12-man committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction were inevitable actions to prove it is dealing with the situation.

But, I do not think the administration had expected that it would suffer this sort of embarrassment from the hands of a technically defeated and degraded Boko Harm terroristsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; group. If, indeed, the administration is not trying to pull a stunt with the Dapchi schoolgirlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; abduction (I will attempt to explicate this in a subsequent piece), it then becomes very remarkable how â&#x20AC;&#x153;what goes round comes round.â&#x20AC;? I call it the whoredom of karma. Gruesome fates have continued to play out in Boko Haramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s episodic abductions of schoolgirls in the northeast zone.

When it happened the first time, Jonathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s re-election gambit was shattered. Now that it has happened the second time, Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second term aspiration now hangs in the balance.

Jonathan lived with the tragic reality of Chibok girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; abduction; it is the turn of Buhari to live with that of Dapchi girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Buhari is, without a doubt, more embarrassed. With his highlyrated military background and capacity to deal with security much better than Jonathan, the Dapchi farce should not have happened.

That it happened is a lesson for those who aspire for the highest office in the land to learn to moderate electioneering assurances and promises as well as downplay emphasis on so-called innate or acquired capacities to deal with certain elements over which guaranteed control is only through divine interventions and not administrative precision. Truth! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ojeifo contributed this piece from Abuja via ojwonderngr@yahoo.com

ASSENE-LABOREX Supports Healthcare, Education, Rugby in Kano Bennett Oghifo

A

ssene-Laborex Limited, a pharmaceutical business division of CFAO Nigeria plc, a subsidiary of Eurapharma, and part of the CFAO- Toyota Tsusho Corporation have supported Kano State youths in the areas of healthcare, education and rugby sport.

The Managing Director, Assene-Laborex Limited, Paul Hogan disclosed this during the 3rd annual iTry Schools Rugby Tournament at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. Scholarship sponsorship through CFAO Solidarite and administered by the British Council, was donated to support members of the winning teams in their education, whilst offering free genotype screening to many adults at the event, using the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new product called BioMedomics Sickle Scanâ&#x201E;˘.

BioMedomics Sickle Scanâ&#x201E;˘ rapidly and accurately determines haemoglobin variants (genotypes) in less than five minutes. This novel product can also be used for new born screening i.e. at birth, which is currently unavailable in sub-Saharan Africa. Toyota Tsusho South Africa represented by Mr. Marc Thomson & Mr. Ian Govender were also major sponsors of the event. NIPENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BiC, a subsidiary of CFAO Nigeria was also an active

L-R: Mrs. Olu Ajileye, Human Resources Manager, Assene-Laborex Limited; Pharm. (Mrs) Chinenye Esoro, Head, Pharma & Marketing, Assene-Laborex Limited; Mr. Paul Hogan, Managing Director, Assene-Laborex Limited; Acting Governor of Kano State, Prof. AďŹ z Abubakar and Mr. Martin Crawford, Founder & Promoter of youth rugby in Nigeria and others during the courtesy visit to the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OďŹ&#x192;ce as a build up to the 2018 Kano (ITry) youth championship where Assene-Laborex Limited, the pharmaceutical division of CFAO Nigeria plc, and subsidiary of Eurapharma, part of the CFAO- Toyota Tsusho Corporation was a major sponsor

sponsor of the event. Ade Adebisi, a former England International rugby player who is living with Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCD) was also there as brand ambassador to coach and motivate the youthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that they can achieve their dreams even with SCD. During the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s courtesy calls on the Emir of Kano, His Highness, Alhaji Muham-

mad Sanusi and the Acting Governor of Kano State, Prof. Afiz Abubakar, Mr. Hogan reiterated the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s determination to continue supporting youth awareness in the State regarding sickle cell anaemia and knowing their genotype early in order to live active, healthy and successful lives.

Speaking at this exciting event, the Acting

Governor, Prof. Afiz Abubakar thanked AsseneLaborex for supporting the event and called on other organizations, institutions and individuals to emulate the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment.

The Grand Patron of Kano State Youth Rugby Championship, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, in his remarks, thanked AsseneLaborex f§/.;;/;/â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ?|?â&#x20AC;?|â&#x20AC;??;â&#x20AC;?\or their support.

He described sports as one of the critical developmental activities that engender peace and unity amongst the citizens and stated that couples considering marriage should be very aware of their genotype beforehand, and more stem cell transplant should be supported. His Highness, the Emir of Kano and His Excellency, the Acting Governor of Kano State received traditional South African mementoes from Mr. Marc Thomson.

Thirty-six teams, 800 boys and girls aged 12-18 from schools, communities and clubs participated with Barewa Rugby Club, Kano, emerging overall winner. Mr. Martin Knox Crawford, a passionate rugby lover, initiated youth Rugby Championship in Nigeria as a resident of Kano for many years who coaching youths daily at the racecourse in Kano.

For more information on Sickle Scanâ&#x201E;˘ follow these links: sicklescan.ng@assene-laborex.com and Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin @ sicklescan.ng

Eliezer Promises Timely Delivery of Ogba Shopping Complex

F

ollowing the flag off of the new Ogba Multipurpose Shopping Complex, initiated by the present Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, Honourable Olumuyiwa Julius Oloro, property developer, Kehinde Fajana, the CEO of Eliezer Investments Limited has promised that the complex will be delivered on time.

Financed by Jubilee Life Mortgage Bank, Fajana said that Eliezer Company intends

to project the construction of the New Ogba Shopping Complex as a conventional market.

Promising to deliver the project within 18 months, he said that the project suffered a mild setback with some residents of the vicinity but all that has been settled.

He further stated that the foundation was carefully done to guarantee the durability of the building being constructed. He also stressed on the fact that the architectural

plan for the building will definitely attract people to buy and sell in the New Ogba Multipurpose Shopping Complex soon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The price for each shop is very affordable and the mode of payment is convenient and at ease for interested business men and women.

Presently, over 50% of people have already subscribed to the shops under construction. Majority of people at the relocated site are waiting to get the shop.

They all monitor and check progress at the site in anticipation. In Eliezer Company we are poised to change the face of the market development in Lagos State to encourage the confidence of the existing or displaced market men and women who are competent,â&#x20AC;? Fajana added.

Eliezer Company and Ojodu Local Government, he said, are all working hand in hand as all hands are on desk to deliver the project in a grand style.

54

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 3, 2018

MEMOIRS Prof. Rahman Bello

As a Commissioner I Learnt How to Serve Others Prof. Rahman Adisa Bello, a renowned chemical engineer and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, is one of the best brains Nigeria has ever produced. With a calm disposition he endears himself to people from all walks of life. From a humble beginning, his academic accomplishments are testament to how far passion, hard work, focus, and ingenuity can take humans in life. Born on October 6, 1948 in Iboro Town, Yewa North Local Government in Ogun State, Bello’s academic dexterity manifested early, topping his class from elementary school up to university, where he came out with a first class in Chemical Engineering. A global citizen with administrative and project management acumen, he once served as a commissioner and later worked with the United Nations overseeing a project under UNDP/ILO in 16 states. His tenure as Unilag’s VC expired last November and has since returned to the classroom doing what he knows how to do best – teaching. In this interview with Funke Olaode, the humble, erudite professor talks about his journey in life I Didn’t Aspire to Be UnilagVice Chancellor Professors Used to Earn Same Salary as Prime Ministers Navigating through life

L

ooking at my life trajectory I can thank God for being benevolent to me over the past 69 years, for taking me through courses that have been quite useful and which have taken this far. I have found my way through all kinds of situations and I have been opportune to serve humanity in various circumstances. I was born on October 6, 1948 at a little town called Iboro in Yewa North Local Government of Ogun State. By the time I was born, my father was a public servant and a bit of farming. He worked for the colonial masters operating their Rice Mill under the Ministry of Agriculture in that community.

My mother was a petty trader. Going back memory lanes, it was exciting growing up in that local setting because we don’t have to worry about anything. There was contentment. I started primary school in 1954 before the introduction of free education by the Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Bello Goes to School

There was no electricity and no pipe-borne water in my locality. Going to the stream to fetch water was an exciting experience because we had two streams: one was like a confluence where you found warm and the other had cold water. When we wanted to have our bath we would go to the warm water. So it was a pattern. We had to go and fetch water for our parents and when you want to wash your clothes you go to the same stream. So, we got used to the environment. Life was comfortable but not as rosy compared with today’s standards.

I was about five years when I started school at Iju United Primary School, Iboro.

My parents were not formally educated but they cherished education and as the first boy they were excited . My senior sister was also in the same school. The excitement of being walked to school every morning was there. I finished from this Primary school and moved to Egbado College where I finished in 1966. After that I attended Ibadan Polytechnic where I did Mechanical Engineering. It wasn’t my desire to go there because it was during the common Entrance for Higher School Certificate in the Western Region. My school had HSC and I was in the science class so only those who were in Arts class were allowed to go for the common entrance interview to other schools while those of us who were in science class were denied this opportunity.

Any invitation coming from other schools such as Government College Ibadan, Loyola College and Olivet Baptist College, Oyo would be kept by the principal. So we didn’t get those invitations. I went home after my education hoping to go back to my alma mater for Higher School Certificate (HSC) but I got a telegram from the then Technical College Ibadan (The Polytechnic ) inviting me to come over as a student. We just finished Christmas and lectures had started.

I went to Ibadan to have a discussion with the principal who encouraged me to come because government was going to give scholarship that year. I got the scholarship which helped my parents anyway.

Effects of parental influence

From Polytechnic to University

An exciting childhood

Bello....recently Bello recently

ready to understand situation before making any move.

What I learnt from my parents guided me throughout my life. I was born into a Muslim home and the power of prayers and dedication to God is the first basic thing you pick up in the family. The guidance of both parents in terms of how you mold yourself in life was not lacking. I recall as the first son I grew up with my senior sister and three junior sisters. I grew up among four girls and I could remember vividly the way my mother treated all of us. The kind of security she provided in that local setting. We went out to play but mustn’t exceed the stipulated time. My father was loving but you must obey the rules and regulations. We weren’t pampered or lived a life of affluence but they showered us with love and this remain with me till today. It is a major factor that shaped my life. I wasn’t radical as a child. I was quiet. I have always been a calm person

Having missed the opportunity of going for HSC, I embraced polytechnic education wholeheartedly and immersed myself to what the school could offer. I spent two years and obtained OND in Mechanical Engineering. As I was finishing the programme, I got an offer with the Nigerian Tobacco Company behind Iyaganku in Ibadan as mechanical engineering technician.

In what I could term as a destiny, the then University of Ife started Chemical Technology, the first in the Black Africa in 1969. The Head of Department then Prof. Sanni came to see my HOD in Polytechnic and found that our programmes in the department were quite detailed. He requested for the top five students that they would be able to fit into the programme (Chemical Technology) being set up at Ife. I was top in my class and three of us went for that interview

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 3, 2018

MEMOIRS AS A COMMISSIONER I LEARNT HOW TO SERVE OTHERS Lecturers were well-paid in those days. A professor earned the same salary as the Prime Minister at the time – £3,000 a year. That was why it was easy for a lecturer to be recruited from Britain and they were coming because the salary was the same. By the virtue of your performance as a student you were encouraged to go into research. Having had a first class in Chemical Engineering and a potential for research, I wanted to go for Master and PhD. I did my Masters and PhD in Canada in University of Waterloo. It was from abroad that I got recruited into the University of Lagos in 1977. Along the line I was asked to come and represent my people between 1994/1996. I served as a commissioner in Ogun State.

It was a good experience for me because it taught me how to serve people

Bello with wife and son as a doctoral student in Canada in the 70s

Bello as a young lecturer

and were recommended by the HOD. But the faculty said we didn’t have Chemistry and they couldn’t admit us to 200 level. They suggested that the best they could do for us is to go to Foundation class (prelim). I accepted to go because I knew about Chemical Engineering and I am passionate about it. That was how I got to Ife. I also got the Federal Government scholarship throughout my stay. God assisted me and I still topped my class graduating with a First Class in 1974.

Embracing the Larger Society

After my fulfilling foray at Ife, I went for the youth service in 1974/1975. I served in Maiduguri the then headquarters of Northern States. I was allowed to practice my profession so I was kept in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry supporting the industrial establishment. It was a dream come through because right from my childhood I had always wanted to be an engineer and what type of engineering wasn’t clear. It wasn’t that I had any role model considering the rural setting where I grew up. But In those days, we had consulted books widely in the school’s library and we used to have group discussions. Again, Engineering was higher than Medicine in those days. The leading courses were Engineering, Medicine and Law. Teaching was taken seriously because teachers were getting money. Those who read Mathematics were offered automatic employment with accommodation and a brand new car. It was tempting and the lure was there but I knew what I wanted.

Embracing Teaching

Developing passion for teaching, research and administrative services, and then aspiration to be a professor came as I progressed in my career. Again, lecturers were well-paid in those days. A professor earned the same salary as the Prime Minister at the time – £3,000 a year. That was why it was easy for a lecturer to be recruited from Britain and they were coming because the salary was the same. By the virtue of your performance as a student you were encouraged to go into research. Having had a first class in Chemical Engineering and a potential for research, I wanted to go for Master and PhD. I did my Masters and PhD in Canada in University of Waterloo. It was from abroad that I got recruited into the University of Lagos in 1977. Along the line I was asked to come and represent my people between 1994/1996. I served as a commissioner in Ogun State. It was a good experience for me because it taught me how to serve people.

I Became a Professor of Chemical Engineering in 1998

Each lecturer’s ambition is to get to the top of his/her profession. Anybody who is in this job would aspire to become a professor and your research capability is key. I was doing my work and had applied to be an associate professor before I went to Ogun State to serve in 1994. I was appointed associate professor when I was in Ogun State and as soon as I came back there was an opportunity for me to put on for professorship. I did. I became a professor in 1998.

Bello surrounded by his parents and family members on his graduation day at Ife in 1974

Experience in Unilag

Taking lecturing as a profession gives you a lot of opportunities: to practice your discipline and to also develop others to take over from you. Most of us in engineering service the society and my brand of engineering supposed to look at turning raw materials to useful product. And without us no industries in any nations can move on. And that is why you need a lot of engineers to be able to make our products more serviceable for us by creating employment. So the passion to do it, create yourself and recreate other people and that is what pushes one. Part of our duties here is service. I served my community, serve my nation and can serve the world if invited. I have served as a project manager for UNDP/ ILO before covering a project that was in 16 states in Nigeria.

I did it for a whole year and the experience I got there I brought it to the academic community. If I were not here I wouldn’t be able to hold that position. When I found myself at the helm of affairs of Unilag, all the experiences garnered both in public service helped.

I Never Aspired to Become VC

Looking back, were there things I would have done differently? Well, yes. Sometimes I went round things as you know that life is not a straight line, you have to manoeuvre.

But each of the experience I got along the way had helped in my career life. For instance, I didn’t go straight to HSC as others did. I didn’t go straight to secondary school after primary education. I lost a year and had to spend two terms in a Secondary Modern School. I didn’t have the guidance so I was the one moving. Since one is good enough my parents were ready to push but didn’t have the capacity where next to go. I just manoeuvre myself into the system.

I never aspired to become Unilag’s vice chancellor. I was contented in my profession and of course, I have had administration experience having served in Ogun State. As at that time I wanted to serve the system and even served in one committee or the other and enjoying my practice. I served as DVC and others followed. It was destiny.

Acquiring PhD was My Best Moment

Talking about my best moment; I think it was the day I completed my PhD in University of Waterloo in Canada. I

was married before I went for my graduate work so I had a family. I went with my wife and had our first two babies in Canada. We had opportunity to stay back in Canada but we were eager to come back because Nigeria was doing well. Nigerian naira was stronger than US and Canadian dollars. I left Nigeria in December 1975. Staying back wasn’t an option. The Ph.D was an area that was unique and was working with two supervisors.

The senior one was in charge but never on ground as he was always moving round looking for grants locally and internationally. But the younger supervisor who was always around understood what I was doing. By the time I presented my work at a seminar when the senior one was around he would condemn everything I did. It was frustrating and if I wasn’t determined I would have been frustrated.

But I later wrote my reports and this man to my amazement commended me and said, ‘Did you do all this?’ That became a turning point in my life.

I met my wife in secondary school

I got married in 1975 – to Momudat Adedoja, a native of Abeokuta. Both of us were in secondary school though I was her senior. She trained initially as a nurse at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in those days. When we went to Canada she studied Sociology, came back and joined the public service. She retired as a director in the Lagos State Ministry of Education. The union is blessed with four children: three boys and a girl. I thank God that they responded to training. The first one read Chemical Engineering and has a PhD in Petroleum Engineering. I never pushed any of my children to embrace any career. The second one studied architectural design, the third studied electrical engineering and the fourth read Microbiology and later did an MBA.

How I Will Like to Be Remembered

So I would like to be remembered as one who has been able to come through life, influenced as many people I could positively and touched life in a way that when people remember me they think positively about me.

My philosophy of life is that always position yourself and there is nothing wrong being ambitious but do it within the limit and not by pushing things away because you want to get there.

Saturday, March 3, 2018

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MISSILE PDP to APC “Nigerians watched with rude shock as President Buhari, the African Union anti-corruption champion, directly superintended over the worst kind of corruption in a political party by overthrowing its constitution and democratic processes, all in the bid to shut out other contenders in the presidential race, a development which further confirms that the president has lost popularity even in his own party.”

– The opposition Peoples Democratic Party mocking tenure extension for the executives of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Before The Rest of Africa Leaves us Behind “So in the Libyan fable it is told That once an eagle, stricken with a dart, Said, when he saw the fashion of the shaft, With our own feathers, not by others’ hands.

Are we now smitten.”

-Aeschylus

F

ellow Nigerians, I’ve been on tour of Africa, as I mentioned recently on this page, and I’ve covered parts of East and West Africa in the past two weeks. My conclusion and verdict is that things are happening out there while we are free to delude ourselves that we are the giant of Africa. The things that make us the giant, exceptionally brilliant citizens, humongous population, energetic manpower, fertile land, beautiful weather, we’ve refused to turn into useful assets but rather into liabilities. I won’t bore you with too much details of the countries visited but will summarise the things we lack and why we are lagging behind and what we need to do speedily to catch up and ultimately overtake the comity of other nations in their Buhari march towards genuine progress, development wearing the powerful signature of Swissport and advancement.

Nigeria parades some of the worst airports as its operators. The Immigration section at in Africa today. Let no one preach to me that the Kotoka International Airport is one of it is because the PDP government stole the the most advanced in Africa complete with money meant for the airports. As a matter of cameras for iris and fingerprinting machines fact the Goodluck Jonathan administration for data capturing. We have neither despite made some remarkable effort compared to our our being prone to terrorism. I could not own government of change which in nearly believe my eyes when I landed in Dakar, three years has revamped only the runway Senegal, last week at its brand new airport in Abuja. The most disgraceful airport for a opened by the obviously visionary President seat of government is the Nnamdi Azikiwe Macky Sall, only last December. It is such a International Airport. I plead with President beauty to behold. Even the Jomo Kenyatta Muhammadu Buhari or Vice President Yemi International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, Osinbajo to pay unscheduled visits to that which was destroyed by a towering inferno disgraceful airport, I’m sure they will shed years back, has since been restored to its old tears. Next they should please come to Lagos glory and expanded to cater for millions of and ignore the Presidential wing and head passengers. The international Airport in Kigali to the odoriferous sections ordinary mortals is very small but running efficiently. My like us use regularly and I’m certain they favourite part is the Immigration area where would be warmly received by some putrid you pay $30 for visa on arrival without stress and thereafter pass your bags through x-ray spirits.

It is unexplainable how we can continue machines instead of a multitude of officers to disgrace our dear beloved country without rummaging through your luggage. I hope a care in the world. There is no other country Rwanda would drastically reduce the time you have to give your passport first to secret passengers have to spend clearing security service agents before you queue up again on departure and also improve on the quality in front of Immigration officials. There is of food and services in the Business Class no airport you get accosted by countless lounge. Rwanda has become a country of uniformed officers at the entrance of departure choice for me as an example of a serious and at the exit of arrival. There is no airport country that wants to engage the world in where on arrival, all passengers must exit serious business.

No nation can be considered civilised the airport in one direction only and no taxis within range. This is the situation in without putting certain things in place. One Lagos. Let me not talk about the rickety of such is infrastructure. Electricity is on elevators and escalators. We are indeed a top of the priority. Many African countries most difficult race. The only reasonable and have improved their power generation, professional airport is the MM2 in Lagos transmission and distribution processes.

Too much politicisation and bureaucracy has which is privately owned.

I saw better airports in much smaller turned Nigeria into a jinxed nation despite country. By the time Ghana opens its Terminal the billions of dollars spent and obviously 3 very soon to the public, it would be about the wasted by successive governments. As a best in West Africa. This was a project that was matter of fact, one of the most ambitious substantially worked on under the Government power projects in our country has already of President John Dramani Mahama. The gone to international arbitration because cargo section which is already in operation is of the excessive power show in Abuja.

Every effort to upgrade our power sector has met with foolish resistance. Whereas, Ghana again, under the former President John Dramani Mahama, was able to fix the erratic power outages, nicknamed Dumso Dumso, within two years. And the Ghana Electricity Company was very creative by rationing and rotating power supplies to different zones interchangeably.

I can list a myriad of problems facing us but the biggest is the failure of leadership.

Our leaders have blatantly refused to do the needful. The biggest of all the afflictions is ethnicity which turns otherwise intelligent human beings into morons. Most of our problems would evaporate and disappear the day we are ready to exorcise the demon of ethnicity. I saw the evidence of this thesis in Rwanda where everyone must regard each other as Rwandese rather as Tutsis or Hutus. It has become a crime to so describe any citizen of Rwanda.

On the contrary, Nigerian leaders prefer to be identified as local champions instead of being global personalities. Our clannishness has stultified us beyond reason. I used to be an incurable optimist but recent events have turned me into a paranoid pessimist and unless we urgently rescue our country back from those who are too short-sighted to see the power and strength in the indivisibility of Nigeria, this union may collapse like a pack of cards. No Nigerian should be treated like a second class citizen in his own country.

No ethnic group should feel superior to another. Every Nigerian should treat the other as equal partners. The next set of Nigerian leaders must be scrutinised and confirmed to be those who are detribalised and religious-tolerant. Nigeria has suffered too much as a result of unbridled parochialism.

As we approach our next general elections, we must prepare to find, select and elect leaders who would detach us from the superstitions that have held us

down for far too long than normal at this time and age. We must seek leaders with an acceptable modicum of education. This is not an attempt to deride those who have no formal education. My mum who brought me up had none but she knew the value of education and invested her modest resources in us. Nigeria is too blessed with geniuses to keep settling for leaders without substantial education. Education and exposure to modernity should help reduce our proclivity for backward behaviours.

We must make up our minds about what we want as a people. Do we want to remain forever backward in the name of ethnicity, religion and incredible propensity for material acquisition? Everyone in the world is trying to break free from a useless past, why can’t we emulate them? Our universe today is knowledge driven, why do we continue to wallow in ignorance? Until we fix our education which has collapsed, almost irreparably, our country is doomed. I was regaled with stories of how the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, is turning his country into a technology hub in Africa.

I have no doubt that even our ruling government in Nigeria has some of the brightest guys who would readily match their counterparts anywhere in the world, but we won’t give them the chance to function optimally. We all remember how Professor Yemi Osinbajo was able to unite Nigerians last year in the middle of the threat of secession from Nnamdi Kanu and his Biafran agitators. If APC had continued along the new path created by the Vice President, things would have been much better for the government and our country by now. We saw an Acting President who was visiting everywhere and interacting with politicians across divides without discriminating against anyone. The erudite scholar gave us all a sense of pride and place. But soon after the President returned from his medical sojourn in the United Kingdom, things fell apart.

We returned conveniently to our perfidious ways. Some people even accused the Vice President of working to outshine his boss despite is avowed loyalty to his principal.

Why would anyone change a winning strategy that everyone was already applauding? If the President had maintained that tempo and pace of activities, perhaps the APC would have saved itself from the present calamity. If the APC fails in next year’s general election, it would only have been a severe punishment for its recalcitrance and myopic nature. Things should always be done according to merits.

The youths who wish to take over power from the elders should also be fully prepared to work very hard and not sit down, arms akimbo, expecting a miracle from heaven.

Their only qualification should never be that they are young and youthful. They must be accomplished in their own rights and market their credentials energetically.

There is no point taking over power only to continue the monumental mess of the past.

Is shall be well with Nigeria…

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