Saturday 17th March 2018

Amid Pomp, Dangote’s Daughter Weds Ex-IG Abubakar’s Son Buhari, Abdulsalam, Saraki, Dogara add glamour to ceremony Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Africa’s richest man and business mogul, Aliko Dangote, yesterday, gave out the hand of his daughter, Fatima in marriage to Jamil, son of former InspectorGeneral of police, Mohammed

Abubakar.

The wedding ceremony was conducted by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II and supported by the Chief Imam of Kano, Professor Sani Zaharaddeen.

President Buhari, in his

capacity as the bride’s father, received the sum of N500,000 dowry from the representative of the groom, at the occasion.

Presiding over the wedding fatiha, the Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II said that marriage was one of the cardinal

obligations of Islam, which must be accorded fullest respect by the couple.

The Emir advised them to be patient and respect each other’s views through mutual understanding and love.

The exchange of the dowry

was witnessed by the former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd); national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu

Dogara; and Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Business activities almost got grounded within and around Kano Central Mosque and Government House as Continued on page 6

President Directs Ministers to Resolve Budget Issues with N'Assembly in One Week … Page 8 Saturday 17 March, 2018 Vol 23. No 8367

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Okowa: Fulani Herdsmen Levy Farmers in Delta Communities to Enter Farms AIG Zone 5 mum about menace in Edo, Delta Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The worrisome issue of frequent attacks on farmers in numerous

communities in Delta State by Fulani herdsmen may have taken a new dimension as the herdsmen have reportedly taken over some

communities and are demanding toll from farmers wishing to enter their farms.

Delta State Governor, Dr.

Ifeanyi Okowa, raised the alarm and alerted the Nigeria Police authorities to the disturbing development in his state

yesterday, when the when the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone ‘5’, Mr. Rasheed Akintunde, called on him at the

Government House Asaba.

He said three communities out Continued on page 6

External Forces Undermining Our Security, Says Bolaji Akinyemi Nigeria experiencing worst level of insecurity We’re dealing with forces larger the country Bayo Akinloye A former Minister of Foreign Affairs and member of the

defunct Presidential Committee on Boko Haram during the Jonathan administration, Prof.

Bolaji Akinyemi, has said that

external forces were undermining the country’s security and that the forces were stronger than the country.

Akinyemi, in an exclusive interview with THISDAY in Lagos on Tuesday, added that Nigeria was experiencing the worst level

of insecurity under the current government since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

He also flayed the Nigerian

Army’s counter-terrorism approach to the Boko Haram Continued on page 6

WEDDING FATIHA...

L-R: Speaker House of Representatives, Hon.Yakubu Dogara; Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar; President Muhammadu Buhari; Emir of Kano, H.H. Muhammadu Sanusi II; Senate President Bukola Saraki; father of the bride, business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and father of the groom, former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar at the wedding ceremony of Fatima Aliko Dangote to Jamil Abubakar in Kano ... yesterday

Kogi West Senatorial Constituency: Dino Loses Appeal to Stop Recall ...Pg. 6

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Kogi West Senatorial Constituency: Dino Loses Appeal to Stop Recall Alex Enumah in Abuja Senator Dino Melaye yesterday lost his bid at the Court of Appeal to stop the process leading to his recall by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The court in a unanimous decision, whose lead judgment was delivered by Justice T.O. Awotoye, dismissed Dino's appeal for lacking in merit as it disclosed no cause of action.

Justice Awotoye resolved all the issues contained in favour of INEC and upheld the decision of the Federal High Court, which held that Melaye’s suit was “hasty, premature and presumptuous".

Melaye, not satisfied with the judgment delivered by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, approached the Court of Appeal to reverse the decision and stop INEC from going ahead

with the recall process.

Delivering judgment on the appeal yesterday, the appellate court agreed with the decision of the trial court and held that the court ought to have struck out the suit for not disclosing any cause of action.

The court also dismissed the appellant's claim that he was denied fair hearing by the electoral umpire before commencing the recall process, noting that INEC was neither a tribunal nor a court of law.

Justice Atowoye further held that there was no limitation to the counting of the 90 days for the recall process, as it can be extended, adding that INEC's powers was statutory and not even the court could take away its powers to conduct a referendum.

"The powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC) are statutory given by the constitution and not even the court can take away the powers of INEC to conduct a referendum.

"Such statutory bodies like the INEC should be allowed to exercise their statutory powers without interference by the court.

"The appellant cannot claim that his right to fair hearing was infringed upon. His right to fair hearing has not been violated since INEC as a statutory body is not a tribunal neither is it a court of law.

"The appellant has not disclosed any case of action and the suit ought to have been struck out by the trial court for not disclosing any cause of action.

"I agree with the decision of the trial court. Ordinarily, it ought to have struck out the suit for non-disclosure of cause of action.

This is because where there is no cause of action, the court has no

jurisdiction to hear the suit.

"Having resolved all the issues in the appeal against the appellant, I hereby strike out the suit and dismiss the appeal," Justice Awotoye held.

The electoral body had sent a letter notifying the lawmaker of a petition for his recall, in accordance with its guidelines for the recall of members of the National Assembly.

To carry out the verification of the petitioners, INEC said it would on July 3, 2017, issue a public notice stating the day(s), time, location and other details for the verification.

Melaye, however, approached the Federal High Court in Abuja asking it to declare the petition presented to INEC illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.

In the suit, he sought a declaration that the recall process “is tainted with bad faith, political

malice and personal vendetta�, alleging that the petition was signed by “fictitious and none existing persons� in his senatorial district.

He also asked the court to determine whether, by the provisions of Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he could be vividly recalled when the petition was allegedly signed by persons who did not come from his senatorial constituency.

Delivering judgment in the suit, Justice Dimgba dismissed the suit on the ground that it was "hasty, premature and presumptuous".

The judge said no injustice had been done to him by the refusal of INEC and those behind his recall to serve him copies of the petition against him and signatures of registered voters, who endorsed the petition.

Justice Dimgba said the

petitioners and INEC were not obligated under the constitution to oblige Melaye or any legislator to be recalled with copies of the documents against him.

The judge, however, added that, in the spirit of good administrative procedure, INEC should avail Melaye with a copy of the petition and other accompanying documents to enable him prepare for the stakeholders’ meeting for the commencement of the verification exercise within two weeks from the date of the judgment.

The judge said the counting of the 90 days for the recall process, halted by the July 6 order, now resumes from the day the judgment was given.

Meanwhile, Melaye, who spoke through his lawyer, Nkem Okoro has vowed to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court.

his angst over reported sabotage of military of a particular military operation in the North-East. “On CNN, about three weeks ago, there was a news item interviewing some of the soldiers involved. These soldiers were supposed to have been five miles from the headquarters Boko Haram and they were stopped.

They got orders from above to stop their operation; their movement and they stopped obeying the last order and then they were attacked massively. “CNN carried the story; showed the pictures. The army denied that any such order was given.

Of course, they would deny, wouldn’t they? But the soldiers who were on the frontline – of course, anonymously you would expect – said they did get an order to stop advancing making their position available for a counterattack by Boko Haram.

Tell me, what’s going on?�

Akinyemi also urged Nigerian politicians and the public to pay attention to what the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said concerning the possibility of the military taking over the reins of power against the backdrop of the ongoing socio-political upheaval rather than see him as an alarmist. “We don’t learn from history; not only politicians but even the public. That was really what Ekweremadu was saying: that the politicians –if the antelope decides to be so proud that it just marches with majesty and pomp and pride, it must remember that there are hungry lions around; that the field isn’t cleared. That’s all Ekweremadu was saying. Let those who have ears to hear, let them hear,� he said.

EXTERNAL FORCES UNDERMINING OUR SECURITY, SAYS BOLAJI AKINYEMI crisis.

The former minister said: “It’s always difficult to comment on matters dealing with security because there are always details that are only available to security operatives in the country and the President as the commanderin-chief. So in a way, one can only use common sense. And, when you feel that an issue that can be addressed by common sense wasn’t addressed then you wonder. There’re forces – very strong forces, external, and when I said ‘external’, I meant (forces) external to Nigeria – that the Nigerian government is incapable of controlling those who’re actually masterminding these operations.�

When asked if he agreed with the claim that security in the country is at its lowest ebb under the current regime, the elder statesman said: “Yes, I’ll agree with it and it is because there are forces at large internationally and those forces are looking for sanctuaries all over the world.

Nigeria has been identified as one of such sanctuaries that they can operate in. Also, there’s competition for dominance in Nigeria by these forces. “I’m worried. I am worried because it confirms my suspicion.

My suspicion that there are forces – very strong forces, external

to Nigeria – that the Nigerian government is incapable of controlling those who’re actually masterminding these operations.

That’s what I’m worried about.�

When asked to expatiate on the external forces he was referring to, Akinyemi said: “ISIS is one of such forces. Number two, I think that we didn’t pay enough attention – of course, I mean when the people you put in charge of institution are actually not deep in the issue they confront, you’re going to have things like this. I served on the Boko Haram committee that was set up by the Goodluck Jonathan administration and we came across facts that I found frightening. Fortunately, this is a strange thing to say – the committee itself wasn’t unanimous on its interpretation of the realities that we came across.�

Citing an example of how precarious the state of insecurity of the country is, Akinyemi stated: “You’d recall that during the Jonathan administration, a ship laden with weapons was captured in Apapa and it turned out that an Iranian diplomat and other Iranian personnel were involved in this.

It was of sufficient concerns to the Iranian government that they sent to Nigeria their foreign minister as the head of a delegation and they smuggled out of the

AMID POMP, DANGOTE’S DAUGHTER WEDS EX-IG ABUBAKAR’S SON fleets of posh cars of different shapes and sizes were on display, including thousands of residents, well-wishers and visitors who thronged the Kano Central Mosque to witness the epoch-making marriage.

There was, however, watertight security within Kano metropolis as both uniform and plain cloth security agents were on red alert in case of any eventuality.

The marriage was contracted at about 12 noon after which President Buhari’s entourage drove straight to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) from where they left for Abuja.

Others, who graced the wedding Fatiha, included governors of Kano, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Jigawa,

Mohammed Abubakar Badaru; Edo, Godwin Obaseki; Kwara, Abdulfatai Ahmed; Katsina, Aminu Bello Masari; Borno, Kassim Shetima; Ogun, Ibikunle Amosun; Oyo, Abiola Ajimobi; Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai; Kogi, Yahaya Bello; Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal; Gombe, Ibrahim Hassan Damkwambo; Niger, Abubakar Bello; Adamawa, Mohammad Bindow Jibrilla; Bauchi, Mohammad Abdullahi, among other distinguished personalities.

Amongst who were former governors, ministers, senators, House of Representative members, captains of industries, technocrats, bureaucrats, ambassadors, top-flight business men, Traditional Rulers, Islamic scholars, religious leaders and a host of others.

country the diplomat who was involved in the arms issue. The other personnel were charged to court and sentenced to jail for their role in it –and then quietly released and expelled them from the country. “But what’s happening in Syria if caution isn’t taken can be replicated in Nigeria. Let me give you another example: again, under Jonathan if you could recall, some weapons were found in a bunker in Kano. The DSS said they discovered those weapons.

I got to know that it was the Israelis who tipped off the DSS as to the existence of those weapons.

People were charged to court; what happened? I don’t know what happened to the people that were charged to court. But under the existing regulations, if weapons were found in a building, it is supposed to be demolished. And, I know that

the DSS applied to Jonathan for permission to demolish that building. Permission wasn’t granted.

"Definitely then, you know that Iran is involved in Nigerian spectacle. The Israelis are involved in Nigerian spectacle.

The Palestinians are involved in Nigerian spectacle; and the Saudis. There has been penetration of our security forces –our security agencies –by some of these elements. So, we’re dealing with forces that are larger than Nigeria. The forces involved in the Nigerian debacle are by far stronger than the Nigerian government. Even if you changed your president, his successor would have a major battle on his hand if he decided to confront these elements."

Alluding to some conspiratorial activities in the Nigerian government, Akinyemi expressed

Read full interview on pages 48-50

OKOWA: FULANI HERDSMEN LEVY FARMERS IN DELTA COMMUNITIES TO ENTER FARMS of the seven in a particular clan in the Urhobo speaking area of the state have been turned into an occupied territory of sorts by the herdsmen who would only allow people go to their farms after paying levies to the Fulani herdsmen.

An apparently upset Okowa urged the police authorities to take drastic and urgent steps to tackle the menace of the herdsmen in many parts of the state before the situation gets totally out of hand and anarchy sets in.

The governor, who disclosed that some communities in his state have been under siege from the nomadic Fulanis for years, warned that the situation could deteriorate into full-blown crisis if the security agencies failed to curb illegal activities of herdsmen in parts of the state.

Okowa told the AIG: “There is a particular community in Delta State, at a point in time we discussed it at Security Council meeting.

And, just yesterday (Thursday) while I was in Ughelli North for my regular Town Hall meeting, the people raised a very serious issue about the Uwheru community. It is a very pathetic situation, because the president-

general of the community spoke on the fact that out of their seven communities, three of them are actually occupied by the herdsmen and the farmers are told that they must pay the herdsmen before they can enter their farms. “That is very disturbing because it is strange for indigenes to pay money before they can enter their farms, and I believe something has to be done before it evolves into a crisis situation. “This has been going on for several years but it has gotten worse of recent. So, AIG, this situation has to be addressed immediately as security issue.�

The governor told the zonal police chief that his administration was concerned about the security of life and property of every person and their communities in Delta State, saying that the onus was on the police and other security agencies strive to protect the different communities in the state.

However, Okowa commended the working rapport between the different security agencies in the state, saying it has engendered a relatively peaceful atmosphere that has been attracting diverse investors to the state.

According to the governor,

“As a people, we know that the more peaceful we are the more investors will come into the state. And, in the course of this year, we will witness a lot of groundbreaking ceremony as investors are coming to the state in their large numbers. “We are doing a lot to provide infrastructure, we are doing a lot to engage our youths; the more youths we engage, the less idle minds we will have in the state. “Delta State is largely peaceful (because) we take matters of security seriously. There is a lot of collaboration between different security agencies in Delta State. We also have State Advisory and Peace Building Council which is made up of experienced men and women of impeccable character (who also) help to maintain peace in the state.�

Efforts by newsmen to get AIG Akintunde’s reaction to the pervasive and worsening problem of herdsmen in Delta Edo and Bayelsa states were unsuccessful as the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, shielded the AIG from newsmen who pressed forward to interview him.

The Zone '5' AIG also turned down request for interview by

state Government Press Crew and reporters, with the PPRO saying Mr. Akintunde would speak with newsmen at the police headquarters, a promise that was eventually not kept.

However, addressing officers and men at the Delta State Police Command Headquarters, Asaba the zonal police chief urged them to adhere to adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the profession, saying they could only achieve the desired success if they conduct themselves well, and officers worked in harmony with the rank and file.

Akintunde, who said they could not afford to run away from challenges “which are always everywhere�, also advised the officers and men to identify dependable allies in the various communities they are deployed in order to carry out an effective community policing.

The Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Muhammad Mustafa, had earlier identified dearth of manpower, shortage of adequate accommodation as well as poor logistics base, which includes arms and ammunition, as some of the challenges facing the command.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY MARCH 17, 2018

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SUPPORTING EDUCATION ...

L-R: Head Retail Banking Diamond Bank Plc. Mr. Rob Giles; Head corporate communication, Diamond Bank Plc. Chioma Afe; Chief Executive oďŹƒcer, Diamond Bank Plc. Mr. Uzoma Dozie; Manager, Strategic Advisory women's world Banking, Ryan Newton; and Director, Enterprise commercial, Microsoft Nigeria, Mr. Wale Olokodana during the launch of Diamond Bank DREAMVILLE(Educational and gamiďŹ cation platform held in Lagos, yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Herdsmen: President Buhari Inaugurates Food Security Council as Kogi Death Toll Rises Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja President Muhammadu Buhari will on Monday, inaugurate National Food Security Council with the aim of evolving sustainable solutions to protracted violence being unleashed on farmers by herders.

This is as the death toll in the attacks by herdsmen on Oganenigwu in Dekina local government area of Kogi State has increased to 50 people while many people were still missing.

The council, which will be chaired by the president, will have as members, the governors of Kebbi, Taraba, Plateau, Lagos, Ebonyi and Delta States.

Other members of the council will include Secretary to the Government

of the Federation; the Chief of Staff to the President; the National Security Adviser and seven ministers.

The seven cabinet members are Ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development; Finance; Interior; Industry, Trade and Investment; Water Resources; Environment; and Budget and National Planning.

According to Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement, the council will also have as members, the Chief of Defence Staff; the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria; the directors-general of the Department of State Services and National Intelligence Agency as well as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

The statement said the broad objectives of the council would

include: developing sustainable solutions to farmers–herdsmen clashes; climate change, desertification and their impact on farmland, grazing areas and lakes, rivers and other water bodies; oil spillage and its impact on Niger Delta fishing communities; piracy and banditry; agricultural research institutions and extension services and the problem of smuggling.

"The council will also take interest in regional and global policies and trends that bear implications for food security in Nigeria," the statement added.

THISDAY reliably gathered on Friday that the latest attack was toward Abejukolo and Agbenema communities as the people are presently relocating massively to the neighbouring areas such as

Anyigba, Egume and other areas for safety.

Sources said the death toll in Oganenigwu from the invasion by the herdsmen on Wednesday was heavy on both sides that the number quoted earlier was a child play.

According Oganenigwu Community Development Association, over 2000 people have been displaced.

The association added that over 50 houses were burnt down by the suspected Fulani herdsmen while people living in villages surrounding Oganenigwu had deserted the community as they moved in droves to places like Anyigba, Ologba, Etulutekpe and Iyale among others.

"As at present, nobody can say the exact number of dead people on both sides, because many families

are yet to locate their relatives," the source said.

The source also disclosed that the presence of the security agents drafted to the troubled areas was yet to checkmate the situation.

Another eye witnessed, Mr. Ojodale Philip who is the principal of Community secondary school Oganenigwu said "my school was under attack by Fulani terrorist at about 8:30 am but to God be the glory no life was lost in my School, but many people were massacred in the village.

"I personally was shot at several times but nothing happened to me.

In my hands are some of the bullets that where meant to kill me.�

However, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was expected to visit the troubled

communities on Friday could not make it due to circumstances beyond his control.

Meanwhile, Bello has expressed shock on the attack carried out on the people of Oganenigwu and nearby communities in the Eastern Senatorial Zone of the State.

This was contained in a press statement issued on Friday by the Director General Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo.

"The Kogi State Government ensured that the military, the police and other relevant security agencies, including members of the Kogi State Vigilante Services were immediately mobilised to the affected areas following the initial reports.

"The violence has since been contained and brought under control.

‌Orders Govt Agencies to Defend 2018 Budgets Kaduna Community Raises the Alarm Omololu Ogunmade and Damilola Oyedele in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday night in Abuja, ordered heads of parastatals who have failed to defend their 2018 budgets to immediately respond to calls by the National Assembly and do so.

The president gave the order during a meeting with principal officers of the National Assembly led by Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives' Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

The meeting which lasted for only 26 minutes at the First Lady Wing of the Presidential Villa, had earlier been cancelled three times before it eventually held last night.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Saraki said the meeting dwelt on delay in passage of 2018

budget, security issues and other matters.

He said the leadership of National Assembly freely expressed its opinion on such issues in the meeting.

Saraki expressed hope that following discussions at the meeting, agencies of government which had not been forthcoming would come up to defend their budgets. “We are hoping that with the speed up now, they will come and defend their budget,� Saraki said.

In his submission, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said the president briefed members of the National Assembly on updates on security, economy and job creation.

According to him, election was fast approaching and the country was faced with numerous security challenges which required money

to tackle.

Against this background, he said the president ordered parastatals to proceed to National Assembly to defend their budgets so that the Appropriation Bill could be passed. “The president gave them update on security, economy, job creation, processes in the National Assembly especially with regards to the budget and need to conclude on it and Mr. President has given instruction that all ministers and parastatals should ensure that they appear before the National Assembly to defend their submissions so that we can get this out of the way. “You know this is a very dynamic year and there are preparations for elections and we are having quite a lot of security challenges and so, if we don’t appropriate, where will the money come from?�

over Inux of Sophisticated Weapons John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Adara Development Association (ADA) an umbrella body for the Adara ethnic Nationality in Kaduna State have raise the alarm over alleged acquisition of dangerous weapons in Kasuwan Magani village, Kajuru local government area, where bloody violence broke out between Muslim and Christian youths on February 26.

Addressing a news conference on Friday in Kaduna, the National Assistant Secretary of the association, Luke Waziri alleged that some people were acquiring arms for a possible attack.

About 15 people were killed while property worth millions of naira was destroyed during

February 26 clashes between Christians and Muslims youths in the village, following allegations that Muslim boys were dating Christian girls and converting them for marriage without the consent of their parents.

Waziri called on the state government and relevant authorities to disarm those keeping sophisticated weapons in order to stop them from taking law into their hands.

He noted that the February mayhem would have been averted if those saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order had taken proactive measures.

The association also accused the police for selective justice, alleging that those arrested and charged

to court in connection with the violence were mainly Adara youths.

According to him, of about 70 people arrested by security agencies and charged to court and remanded in prison custody, only about three are Hausa Muslims.

"The arrests made were completely one sided, it cannot be a mistake that out of about 70 people arrested by security agents only about three are Hausa Muslims.

"The arrests are designed to give false impression that Muslims were the victims", stressing that nowhere in the world is genuine peace attained through injustice.

Waziri alleged further that there was a grand design to give the Adara people a bad name so as to hang them.

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Legislators Must Cut Their Running Expenses

T

he senator representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has always been a radical. This nonconformist threw numerous federal lawmakers into uneasiness with his disclosure that senators collect N13.5 million monthly as running costs. Sani said it was necessary to stop the payment to make the National Assembly attractive to only people with ideas: “I decided to burst it open. It was a moral issue. The National Assembly is one of the most non-transparent organs of government. It pricked my conscience and I decided to burst the bubble and open the National Assembly to public scrutiny. If the payment system is ended, then parliament would only be attractive to people who contribute ideas.”

The only atypical thing about this current battle by this senator is that he has also been drawing (maximally) from this contentious running cost, which he admits with regrets.

“We are all in this mess together,” Sani told me on Tuesday. Perhaps, henceforth, this senator won’t touch this kind of money.

Yes, the monthly N13.5 million for each senator was not disputed by the leadership of the Senate. Those in the House of Representatives can also draw up to N8 million monthly as running costs. This is also factual. Figures like these will always attract negative reactions from traumatised Nigerians because hunger and poverty in the land are becoming unbearable; the last 34 months have been horrendous, with millions of Nigerians losing jobs. A country where millions of people now wake up without breakfast and go to bed without dinner can’t afford these figures; a country where millions of civil servants have not been paid for months can’t afford a treat like this. There will always be a negative reaction to it in a country with a comatose economy, where millions of graduates roam the streets without jobs.

No doubt, our lawmakers need to cover running costs on things like travels, medicals, consultancy, maintenance of constituency offices, visits to constituency,

Saraki

office work and maintenance of facilities for operating offices in the National Assembly and constituencies. They also need good money to effectively carry out their oversight functions. However, this monthly N13.5 million figure can’t fly amid suffering in our land. At the current rate, the Senate and the House of Representatives will need about N50 billion annually to fund running costs. So, the National Assembly must cut down its expenditure in the interest of Nigerians. They must cut down their expenditure and free the funds for projects that will directly touch the lives of the masses of the people. Our dear legislators must subject themselves to greater austerity measures in an era of economic depression. I still clearly recollect that in 2012, the United Kingdom-based Economist magazine concluded that Nigerian lawmakers were the highest paid in the world. This must not continue. For me, running cost for federal lawmakers should not exceed N3 million.

These lawmakers must sacrifice their comfort in this era of despair. I believe that the bureaucracy of the National Assembly should be allowed to directly handle travels

and medicals of these lawmakers to end insinuations of abuse and corruption in this process. Yes, the bureaucracy would try to drag them back with bottlenecks, but with good leadership from the National Assembly, these bureaucrats will fall in line.

Costs cutting must also apply to our legislators at the state level. They must cut down their spending in the interest of their people. For example, monthly, each lawmaker in Lagos takes home N5 million as cash advance for overhead costs. In all, a total of N550 million is allocated monthly to the Lagos State House of Assembly for overhead expenses. This amounts to N6.6 billion per annum. This is happening in a state where so many inner roads, schools and hospitals are in shreds. It is a slap in the face of the suffering masses of Lagos State. In Osun, Oyo and many other states where civil servants die daily due to huge salary backlog, lawmakers still draw huge running costs.

Insinuations abound on the abuse of running costs and constituency projects.

I can clearly remember that Dr. Mohammed Tahir Bello, who worked as Senior Legislative Assistant to incumbent Senator Ibrahim Gobir representing Sokoto East sent a petition to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, alleging abuse of the cash advance for overhead costs by his principal. He told me then that I could quote him that senators in the 7th Senate were advanced about N200 million each annually for this purpose. Dr. Bello stated this with good authority because he handled some of the paper work for Senator Gobir. He alleged in the petition: “A cash advance of N51 million was quarterly released to every Senator which was retired fraudulently within three months to qualify for the next release. The release was directly associated with an imaginary travel tour, constituency visits, office work and maintenance of facilities for operations of the senator in the National Assembly and the Constituency.

The attached copies of the documents approved for retirements from the SokotoEast Senatorial District speak volumes and

Governor Ajimobi’s Absurd ‘Technical University’ All the higher institutions owned by Oyo State Government are in tatters. We are daily assaulted by tales of woes from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso; The Polytechnic, Ibadan; Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo; The Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa; The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki; Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igbo-Ora; The College of Education, Lanlate; School of Nursing and Midwifery Eleyele, Ibadan and the College of Hygiene and Health Technology, Eleyele Ibadan.

Teachers in these institutions are permanently on strike due to unpaid salaries and decaying infrastructure.

I thought Governor Abiola Ajimobi would use the state’s resources to improve facilities and pay backlog of salaries in these institutions, but the reverse was the case.

An apparently muddled Ajimobi recently

inaugurated a new university called The Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan, with fanfare. He said it was established to change the nation’s employment landscape through graduation of innovators and entrepreneurs. This is just a delusion. Just like existing ones, Tech-U will evidently grapple with the same underfunding and infrastructural challenges. Ajimobi has not done any good to the people of Oyo State with Tech-U. This state under this governor has been struggling for survival in the last seven years.

Health, education, road and other critical infrastructure in Oyo State are in a mess.

Just visit any state-owned public school and hospital, and you will understand what I am talking about. Civil servants are also owed salary backlog. So, why waste resources on a new venture instead of tackling existing enormous challenges in the existing ones?

This is food for thought for Ajimobi today.

Ajimobi

exposed the fraudulent nature of the fund release. The expenditure was not desirable and therefore must be curtailed.”

Dr. Bello further claimed that there was consistent corruption in the Constituency projects executed for the federal lawmakers. He used his own Sokoto-East constituency as an example. Bello alleged: “A Constituency Project of N190 million was also approved for Sokoto-East Senatorial District and a sample presentation attached for 2012, shows a trend which was open for abuse. The first item on the submission list was a provision of two hundred (200) units of EasyBiz scheme facility at N550, 000 per entrepreneur to the tune of N110 million.

“An Award Contract document attached shows the initial release of about N67 million. However, throughout the project period, only twenty (20) and not the two hundred (200) units approved were delivered and even these were not distributed as scheduled but kept within the constituency office in Sokoto. These same twenty (20) units initially presented, were being cleaned and presented annually to the supervising Ministry (NDE) officials in Sokoto for fresh payments. These processes were maintained severally throughout the tenure.

“The Constituency Project was not delivered but payments were made annually.

These projects and many others need to be examined critically to determine the best option to develop the constituencies. The project was for the provision of two town halls but that was converted to a construction and renovation of the residence of the traditional ruler which was uncompleted and abandoned, to date.

“The objective behind the MDG Project(s) was good but these were subjected to various abuses. Please find attached sampled copies of the cash retirement documents for your perusal and necessary action. As a strong member of the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) during the campaigns, I look forward to providing the necessary assistance to reduce to the barest minimum the highlighted fraudulent activities in the operations of the National Assembly.”

Senator Gobir did not respond to these allegations. Gobir, who is also in this 8th Senate, evidently has a lot of explanation to do on this.

While tackling our lawmakers, we should also interrogate the Executive and Judicial arms of governments at all levels regarding running costs. All holders of elective and appointive offices still access huge running cost in an era of change.

Many will be shocked if they know what ministers, heads of departments and agencies draw as running cost monthly.

It was also alleged that Maikanti, who heads the NNPC, collects perplexing figure monthly as running outlays. The lady at the NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman and my friend at NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside, are also said to be drawing frightening figures monthly as running costs. In the Presidency, aides of Mr. President pocket millions of Naira monthly as running expenses. These public servants should come out clean on what they collect as running costs. There should be transparency in an era of change.

Who Will Save Lagosians from Visionscape’s Shenanigans?

The main job given to Visionscape, the waste management firm engaged by Lagos State Government to keep Lagos spotless under its Cleaner Lagos initiative, is to collect waste from homes weekly and dispose.

We were also told that waste bins would be provided for households. I doubt if a mere 1% of Lagosians are enjoying this service, several months after they assumed duties.

This is why most homes in Lagos have been enveloped by waste. Some frustrated Lagosians simply heap their waste on the main roads. What Visionscape has been doing since assumption of duties is to place medium size waste bins on curbsides. Or-

dinarily, this should not be for households.

In sane societies, bins on curbsides are for passersby. Some frustrated household heap their waste into these curbside containers and they spill over within minutes. This is why you hardly see a curbside bin in Lagos not begging for attention. When will Visionscape start collecting waste from homes? This is its main duty. Majority of Lagos households are still waiting for answer.

Again, street sweeping and cleaning by Visionscape is done manually and messily.

Haba! How can this be happening in a modern era of motorised street sweeping?

This is not the global standard. Lagos State deserves the best.

Visionscape’s trucks transporting waste to the landfill site in Epe often litter their routes because they are always poorly covered. I unsuccessfully tried to stop one of such notorious trucks with registration No EKY 33XV on Thursday March 15, while scattering its content on the road on the way to Epe. Visionscape is evidently unprepared for this task after collecting billions of Naira of Lagos tax payers’ money. There is more to this contract than what Lagosians are seeing. Watch out for a big expose soon.

Ambode

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ͵˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY MARCH 17, 2018

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ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚΀˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

ORDERS ARE ORDERS Are presidential orders sometimes obeyed? asks Nnamdi Ebo

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Orders Are Ordersâ€? is a 1955 British ďŹ lm. A ďŹ lm production company, contrary to orders, decides to make a new ďŹ lm in an army barracks using the soldiers as extras. The commanding ofďŹ cer makes life difďŹ cult for the ďŹ lm crew.

Orders Are Orders are bywords or expression summarising the characteristics, principles, notoriety and outstanding example or the embodiment of an authoritative command, direction, or instruction – to be obeyed promptly, without question. That the ďŹ rst Military Governor of old Anambra State (1976-1978) detonated an ‘atom’ bomb in Benue is no more news. That his name is Brigadier-General John ‘Atom’ Kpera (rtd.), is news.

That belated visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Benue was enough for Atom to release an atom. “You swiftly directed the IGP to Benue. But the IGP did not do the work you sent him. He stayed for less than 24 hours in Benue and relocated to Nasarawa, and then said what he saw was a mere communal clash. Few days later, his men were killed too,� Atom Kpera told the president. “I know you have other sources of intelligence. Please, have a second thought on what the IGP told you. We were happy when you sent the military’s Exercise Ayem Akpatema. We thought their coming would relieve us of our pains and get our killers. But the killings have persisted,� Atom Kpera atomised further.

The president was in Benue as part of a string of visits to states affected by security crises, especially attacks on farmers by herdsmen. “The problem in Benue started worsening because the IGP refused to follow my instruction,� Buhari replied. The president said he is not aware that Ibrahim Idris, Inspector-General of Police, did not heed his order in Benue State. Shortly after 73 persons were killed in January following the New Year day massacre, Buhari ordered Idris to relocate to Benue. Two months after the president directed the IGP to relocate to Benue State and stop killings

by Fulani herdsmen, the president discovered, only last Monday, that his order was not carried out. “It is only now that I am hearing this. But I know that I sent him here,�

Buhari told his shocked audience at the Benue People’s House in Makurdi.

Buhari’s audience was not the only shocked people.

Millions of Nigerians are still shocked. It is trite knowledge that state police commissioners on orders from IGPs are wont to disregard orders from state governors, who are chief security officers of their states – a constitutional misnomer – but for the IGP to disobey the president, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a constitutional breach. This is a breach in all ramifications: a breach of orders are orders; failing to observe a law; agreement; code of conduct; confidence; recruitment contract; breach of peace; breach of promise, etc. Many Nigerians are calling on the president to step into the breach, which entails replacing someone who is suddenly unable to do a job or task.

This breach of orders are orders in Benue, has catapulted

IS THERE A BREAKDOWN IN COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PRESIDENCY AND THE POLICE HIGH COMMAND? ARE THERE BUREAUCRATIC BOTTLENECKS OBSTRUCTING CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION, SUCH THAT PRESIDENTIAL ORDERS CAN BE DISOBEYED?

little-discussed national issues and illuminated discussions on a wider spectrum bordering on the state of affairs in Nigeria. The president’s “revelation in Benue� rekindled discussions on the following: presidential power, the president’s men, the cabal, communication breakdown, bureaucratic inefficiency, weak governance and lack of cohesion or synergy between and among the various security agencies.

Is presidential power being effectively marshalled? Are the president’s men serving him well? Is the cabal blocking the decision-making process? Is it a cabal of dissidents or a secret political clique out to frustrate the president? Is there a breakdown in communication between the presidency and the police high command? Are there bureaucratic bottlenecks obstructing channels of communication, such that presidential orders can be disobeyed? Is the Buhari-led APC government incapable of delivering dividends of democracy which includes the protection of the citizenry? Is there a lack of synergy or the interaction or cooperation of two or more security agencies, to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects, or is Nigeria too big to be effectively governed by the APC? The answers to the above national questions appear to be in the affirmative. Another question that stands out on its own: is the disobedience of ‘orders are orders’ in Benue, a one-off, the norm, or part of a regular sequence of disobedience to orders are orders? Many pundits claim that the president is not in touch with the stark realities on ground. While that may be an overkill, how do you fathom the idea that innocent Nigerians were butchered and the president gave an order to relocate to the crime region, quell the disturbance, search for the perpetrators, investigate and prosecute the suspects, and the presidential order was either disobeyed, ignored, or simply misplaced?

If a presidential order can be disobeyed, then whose order was the IGP obeying when he spent barely 24 hours in a region to which he had been ordered to relocate? It will be recalled that on the day Buhari was sworn into office, he ordered the army chief to relocate to Borno State in the northeast, to better confront and defeat Boko Haram. That order was swiftly carried out. Many Nigerians conjecture that probably, the so-called cabal were still organising or bidding there time to strike. Did they strike in the case of “orders are orders in Benue?� Nobody knows, but my guess is that the said order was taken with a pinch of salt and nothing will come out of it. This is Nigeria were a nighttime distress call to the police to hurry to a house besieged by armed robbers is greeted with the trite response: “our motor no get fuel�! Maybe there was fuel scarcity in Benue at the time the presidential order was given. While the president’s revelation was not fake news, suffice it to say many Nigerians believe that, maybe, not all Buhari’s presidential orders are orders.

Ebo is a political scientist and lawyer

RAGE AGAINST THE DYING President Buhari’s tour of afflicted communities expectedly should shift the trend in the orgy of violence, writes Jerry Agada ‘Rage Against the Dying’ is taken from Dylan Thomas’s poem – ‘Do not go gentle into the goodnight!’

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week after I had read the poem, I was invited to a book presentation by an author and classmate, Elizabeth Sigmund. The title of her book was ‘Rage Against the Dying’. In my quest to know why the choice of that title I browsed through and noted that it was not just a bellicose rage against death or the dying but an avowed campaign against chemical and biological warfare because of its destructive nature. In her opening remarks the author took a swipe at scientists who invented chemicals and biological warfare.

She said that some of their activities included producing nerve gas, a human insecticide, growing plague bacillus to create epidemics.

She also cited riot control substances such as Cs gas and psychemicals which, according to her, could cause instant death. She spoke of the volume of sufferings victims endure and emphasised her determination to mount a national campaign against chemical and biological warfare because it was dangerous to human lives. I could

feel the rage boil in her as she spoke with her hairs raised like hackles. Suddenly overwhelmed by similar instinct I could sense a palpable rage surge through me. I felt like walking up to the podium if only to envenom her outrage all the more. I shouted and demonstrated my support for the cause for which she was fighting.

Bitterly sensitised in me was a rage not just against death through chemical and biological warfare but also at anything that constitutes danger to human lives. The common ground for this position of ours is that it is extremely outrageous to watch helplessly as a loved one trudges to death.

Outrageous because sooner or later the loved one would be gone, leaving behind a miasma of grief and pain. This event took place several years ago. Even though many loved ones had passed to the great beyond since then, I cannot recollect a rage so fierce like this against the gruesome massacre of 26 men, women and children by the Fulani militia in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State. The rage is not just against the dying but the motive behind it all.

What do the herders want to achieve? Is it a quest for conquest to take over the land? Is

it still about grazing, anti-open grazing law, cattle rustling, ranching, colony and all that?

Here is a group of poor settlers in a sleepy farming village of Omusu, waiting on the scanty news that Mr. President would be visiting their state. In their innocence they had thought that even though Mr. President would not come down to their village, his visit to the state would bring them succour out of the prevailing distress in the land. But that was not to be as the marauders had visited just after mid-day wielding weapons of mass destruction and massacring men young and old; women (some pregnant); and children sliced into pieces and setting their houses ablaze, leaving in their trail a destruction never known in history.

Even though Governor Ortom visited to commiserate with the people and assess extent of damage, what he saw was beyond mere calling for the arrest of the culprits or asking for a better performance more than the combined efforts of Operation ‘Cat Race’ and other security forces including (the Nigeria Police which operates using utterances by the Inspector –General Police as their operational base).

As the state government buries the victims, it is a rage against the dying of these innocent souls who are definitely not resting in peace but awaiting divine revenge. It is a rage against the dying spirit of patriotism and nationhood. It is a rage against the dying conscience of whoever is playing politics or sycophancy to enslave and suffer the souls of innocent citizens. As Mr. President visits Benue in continuation of his tour of troubled spots in states ravaged by herdsmen/farmers clashes and insurgency, the rage is not against a visit which citizens had long yearned for and had even forgotten. It is a rage against the dying today of the hapless victims of Omusu.

Unlike Elizabeth Sigmund whose rage galvanised into a national campaign against chemical and biological warfare, here is a campaign against the killings by killer herdsmen to enable peace prevail in the land. It is hoped that Mr. President’s visit will bring to an end the orgy of killings not just in Benue but also in all the states suffering from ‘rancolonitis’.

Professor Agada is a former Minister of State for Education

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ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

The power of democracy...

Lagos Land Use Charge and Democracy

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t a recent parley tagged “Lagos Means Business,� where he met with captains of industry and members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, promised that the state government would embrace dialogue in resolving contentious areas of the new Lagos Land Use Charge (LUC) Law. Just a few days back, at an event organised to campaign against domestic violence, the governor revealed that the state government was in discussions with different members of the society and that the whole issue would soon been amicably resolved.

Indeed, it did not really take long before the state government announced a review of the new law. According to the State’s Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinyemi Ashade, the present position is the result of dialogue with stakeholders such as the OPS, Nigerian Bar Association, Real Estate Investors and Developers, Landlord and Resident Associations, Community Development Associations, Civil Society Organisations, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI), Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and several other professional groups.

In a bid to create a framework to empower property owners with self-assessment, the executive would in due course forward a regulation to the State House of Assembly for review of applicable rates and regime of reliefs on categories of properties pursuant to LUC law. While stating that the review was an expression of government’s respect for the views and feelings of the people, Ashade disclosed that the decision to reduce the rates was taken at the weekly council meeting that was chaired by Governor Ambode.

With this new development, the rates payable on commercial properties have been reduced by 50 per cent. As part of the new deal, government has also reduced the charges for owner-occupier with third party including industries and manufacturing concerns by 25 per cent, while tax credits has been given for LUC charges already paid in addition to introduction of installment payment system.

For commercial property owners who were mostly affected by the amended law, a property valued at N20million for instance which was earlier billed N91,200 will now pay N45,600 per annum as a result of the 50 per cent discount, while property occupied by owner, third party and property used for industrial and manufacturing purposes will now pay N23,040 per annum on a property valued at N20 million as against the earlier N30,720 based on the 25 per cent discount. As for owner-occupied property, a property valued at N20million, only N7,752 will now be paid per annum as against N9,120 earlier demanded based on 15 per cent discount.

Under the amended law, there is provision for establishment of five tribunals out of which one has been created in Ikeja and now operational, while the remaining four would

be established in other administrative divisions of the state in Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu and Lagos Island. The law also makes provision for aggrieved tax payers to ventilate their grievances within 45 days through a mediation process, adding that so far over 80 cases have been resolved through mediation. Looking at the whole scenario, one cannot but assert that, for now, there is no alternative to democracy as a system of government. The concept of democracy has received varying definitions and interpretations from scholars and political observers depending on the ideological leaning or interest of the contending scholars. However, there are certain basic features of democracy that serve as consensus among the contending perspectives.

One of such is accountability. Every democratically elected government is accountable to the people, to whom it owes its existence. This is why it has become traditional for the Lagos State government to periodically render periodic account of its stewardship and interact with the people at town hall meetings and other such forums.

The Ambode administration has never derided itself of having the monopoly of knowledge with regard to finding the right solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the state. It has, therefore, consistently thrown its doors open to divergent opinions and views from various sources. Towards this end, the state government has been encouraging dialogue on critical sectors (Justice, Economy, Education, etc.) in the state through public hearings, town hall meetings, stakeholders’ summits, etc.

Tayo Ogunbiyi, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

Are These Police or Extortion Officers?

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t is really surprising that the more we see campaigns about the so- called crusade by Inspector- General Police about making the Nigeria Police Force a better institution his ofďŹ cers are continuously outing this orders of changing their dubious characters in line with the President’s change begins with me mantra.

I say this because Aniocha South Local Government Area is becoming a breeding ground where corrupt police officers are now relocating to on a daily basis because everywhere you visit in the entire Aniocha South Local Govt Area of Delta State you see policemen in uniform disgracing the Nigerian Police Force, extorting money from commercial buses, taxi, motorcycle and tankers’ drivers and okada riders who are running around making their daily source of income.

It has become so bad that these officers now mark okada riders ,buses, tankers and taxi drivers who pass their illegal road blocks throughout Aniocha South that

they have not made daily returns. We the concerned residents of Aniocha South Local Govt Area call on the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police to call their officers to order because they are stealing from the poor in our society and are beginning to look like armed robbers in uniform. The attitudes of these officers don’t make it look like the police are our friends in Aniocha South.

Eziokwubundu Atuegwu, Abuja

Avuncular Donald Trump

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

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

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ithout a doubt, the Nobel Prize people at Sweden should be preparing the Peace statuette for Donald John Trump if he gets young Kim Jong-Un to commit to de-nuking. There is something about President Trump that Mr. Kim did not see in Barack Obama (recall that Kim once called Obama unprintable names; Mr. Trumps comes across to Kim (and to every objective person) as a stern but passionate, oft-jocular, and sincere uncle ďŹ gure that most people yearn for and usually do not get. There is an aura of assurance about the things he says and promises. Mr. Trump is just like that white-haired village parson who lives in the parish manor. Kim Jong-Un, being so young and all, longs for a loving embrace after a stern “little rocket manâ€? rebuke and he knows that he would ďŹ nd assurances for his wellbeing and that of North Kimchee when he visits Mar-a-Lago and plays a round of golf with Uncle Donnie von Trumpf.

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 17, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY

Daramola

I Never Thought I would Give Marriage A Second Shot FOLUKE DARAMOLA-SALAKO

She’s brainy as she’s busty. Gregarious and gorgeous; courageous and classy, rotund Nollywood actress, Foluke DaramolaSalako has no doubt come a long way in the movie industry. She began her career as an actress in 1996. As a versatile and popular actress, she has courted both fame and crisis but none of that has prevented her to become one of the most sough-after crossover artiste in Nigeria – regularly featured in English- andYoruba-speaking movies. In an interview with Timilehin Ajagunna, the mother of two who recently turned 40, talks about her broken marriage, her hiatus in the movie industry, new movie, her pet project, new lease of life, and her quest to acquire more knowledge

H

ow does it feel turning 40?

I am happy. I am thankful to God even though I have had my sad moments – especially losing some of my friends last year. But I am so thankful to God (to be alive and adding another year to my life). He has been very good to me because at 40 I am still hale and hearty and I can look back and say God has been definitely faithful in my life.

easy.

What has life taught you as you clocked 40?

Life has taught me first and foremost to be content; because if you aren’t content, you will definitely run into trouble. Life has taught me to depend on God to move because if you want to move at your own pace, you will keep on struggling. And life has taught me that true wealth is not what you acquire but in what you have been able to impact onto others. Lastly, life has taught me to take everything

Has anything changed about you?

I guess I am learning to let some things change about me. I am someone who is very ‘hyper’ and now that I am getting older. I am learning to slow down. I am learning to take things easy. Bible says, ‘be slow to speak but be fast to hear.’ So, basically I am learning to take a chill pill and just generally take my time in doing things.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž RCH 17, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY OUR FAMILY IS OUR BACKSTAGE‌

It’s just about placing things in order of priority.

My family comes ďŹ rst. For instance, when we went on vacation the last time I had to leave a lot of jobs because I felt I needed to spend time with my family. A lot of times, some of us tend to leave our family because we are busy making money forgetting that our family is our backstage.You can’t always be the rave of the moment.There are times when things will slow down and all you will have to do is to go back to the backstage.

So if you don’t take care of that backstage which is your home, what will you fall back on?

What do you still looking forward to achieve?

I want to do have a PhD. I intend to be a lecturer much later and I still want to continue with my talk show. And I will probably take a course in a film school most likely in Vancouver, Canada.

How did your acting career get started?

It all started in secondary when I was about 14 years old. I started with a talk show. When African Independent Television (AIT) started, we were shooting ‘Our Time’. So during that period, I met my mentor, Tunji Bamishigbin, and he introduced me to ‘Palace’; that was around 1995/1996. My acting career began with ‘Palace’.

Can you tell us what’s your foundation, Passion Against Rape and Abuse in Africa, involved in?

At my foundation, Passion Against Rape and Abuse in Africa (PARA Africa), we are more passionate about abused and domestic violence victims.

What we are trying to do now is to have a home for abused women and rape victims. We found out that there are homes for orphanages, blind people, people with Down syndrome, etc. But we don’t have homes for rape victims and domestically violated women.

We thought that the victims of rape and broken marriage need a home where they can be helped to overcome their trauma by bringing in psychologist to talk to them. So we are working on having such a home. But in the meantime, we do a bit of empowerment through skill acquisitions.

What movie project are you working on at the moment?

I shot a film, ‘My Blood’ three years ago and it’s going to be released soon. I had already shot a movie before that one – ‘Cobweb’. But I needed to market ‘Cobweb’ better before I release ‘My Blood.’ So, it’s going to be out this year both in the cinemas and on DVD. Also, I am working on a biopic movie – it’s about me.

You metamorphosed into a ďŹ lm director a few years back. But you haven’t really done much as regards directing.

It’s because I was out of the country for about a year and half. I was in the U.S. studying. I was actually doing a course that’s not related to movie.

It was more of an administrative course. So that

kind of set me back a little bit. Prior to that period, I was shooting a series, ‘Tag Team’ with my husband and we are starting to take it up from where we stopped. The sitcom is about school. My husband is an educationist; he owns a school. I am going to be the sitcom’s director. I get offers to direct movies. It’s just that I am more interested in the ones that will add value to me.

You’ve been in the movie industry for years.

How have you been able to remain relevant for so long?

I started in 1996. The secret is just for you to be able to diversify. If you are doing something for 22 years and you have not been able to put a dynamic to it definitely people will get bored. I love to be different with what I do. If you are not professional enough, there’s the tendency that you will get bored and you’ll want to leave with the fact that you will be thinking that you are not going to make headway.

I see showbiz as what has divergent opportunities.

It’s just for you to look inward and say, ‘Okay, this is what I can do.’ I was running a talk show called, ‘The Morning After’ and I still intend to continue. I have a talk show and I direct too; so I can never be stuck with one thing.

Have you achieved what you set out to achieve?

For every individual, as long as you are living, you will aspire to attain more. So, I won’t say I have attained what I wish to attain. But relatively, for me to be in the industry for 22 years and I have been able to sustain my relevance with all modesty, I should be thankful to God.

How have you been combining marriage with acting?

It’s just about placing things in order of priority.

My family comes first. For instance, when we went on vacation the last time I had to leave a lot of jobs because I felt I needed to spend time with my family. A lot of times, some of us tend to leave our family because we are busy making money forgetting that our family is our backstage. You can’t always be the rave of the moment. There are times when things will slow down and all you will have to do is to go back to the backstage. So if you don’t take care of that backstage which is your home, what will you fall back on?

Your ďŹ rst marriage was said to have crashed on allegations of domestic violence. How easy was it for you to go into another marriage?

By the time I was going into my second marriage I knew I was ready for it because it was four years after I left my first marriage. I was prepared for it. I had enjoyed my singleness and I was convinced that I needed to go into another marriage.

Considering the fact that you have had two kids, one would have thought you would ďŹ nd it difďŹ cult to give marriage a second shot. Were you at any point fed up of marriage?

Definitely, I was. If they had told me that I would go into another marriage I would have said no because marriage was the last thing on my mind then. Because I already had two kids – a boy and a girl – so what was I looking for? I just got to have another expectation and plan for my life which I have to channel.

At 40, I’m Learning to Slow Down

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚͜

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NEWS

In Brief IPMAN Leader Slams N10.5m Suit on IGP

AformerBoardofTrusteesofIndependentPetroleumMarketersAssociation ofNigeria[IPMAN],AlhajiAbdulkareemAdekunleSannihasslammedN10.5m suitontheInspectorGeneralofPolice,AlhajiIbrahimIdrisoverforcefulsales of his over 1000 litres of PMS [Petrol] and illegal detention of his staff. The plaintiffs’counsel,Dr.DaudaAriyoOsutoldanIlorinFederalHighCourtthatthe IGP’smonitoringteamcametoRABSANVentureslimited,alongGaaAkanbi, IlorinonFebruary20,2018andthatdespiteexplanationsthatthe1000litres ofPMSwasreservedforfamilymembersandfriends,theofficersforcedthe stafftoselltheproduct,andwentontoarrestanddetainthestafffortwodays.

HealsotoldthecourtthathewascuriousabouttheattitudeoftheIGP’Smen whoinsistedthathisstaff,astrokepatient,musttakethemtohisresidence, and that becauseherefused their directive,they beat himmercilessly inthe presence of his wife before they took him away and detained him.

Obaseki Clears Accident Victims Bills

HONOURED FOR SERVICE...

The National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Hon. S.K.E Udeh-Okoye (left), presents democracy award to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu during a visit courtesy to the Senator by Youth Leaders of the PDP at the National Assembly, Abuja PHOTO: OFFICE OF THE DSP

INEC Denies Cover-up in Kano Underage Voting Probe Senator Iroegbu and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the committee set up to investigate the underage voting saga in Kano State had concluded its facts finding mission and was in the process of writing its report which should be submitted and considered by the Commission The Commission while reacting to a report alleging plot to cover up the Kano under age voting saga, said it had already begun the process of cleaning the voters register INEC Director of Voters Education and Publicity, Oluwole Osaze

in a statement issued on Saturday assured of the Commission's commitment to ensuring a clean and accurate voters’ register towards ensuring a free and fair 2019 elections said the report of the investigation would be ready soon.

According to him, "following some of the checks and internal measures put in place to sanitise and protect the integrity of the register; it recently uncovered the registration of some ineligible persons in Taraba State."

While also clearing the air on Kano under age voting saga, Osaze explained that, "some people erroneously linked the report to INEC, even when the election was conducted by an independent

Commission, the Kano SIEC." He said following the report and the various assertions, INEC set up a committee to investigate these to ascertain if indeed there was wide spread ineligible voters register in Kano and recommend actions that could be taken to purge the register of such persons and prevent its recurrence in future, not just in Kano but also nationwide Osaze stated: "the committee met stakeholders in Kano including officials of Kano SIEC, political parties, CSOs and ordinary residents, amongst others. It has concluded its facts finding mission and is in the process of writing its report which should be submitted and considered by the Commission

shortly. Presently, only members of the committee are privy to their findings. All members are persons of unquestionable integrity and competence. They were carefully chosen for their independence, professionalism and forthrightness.

He said that presently, only members of the committee are privy to their findings, while also emphasising that all members of the committee are persons of unquestionable integrity and competence.

Osaze revealed that queries had been issued to all staff associated with the registration as a prelude to a full investigation and the taking of appropriate disciplinary, punitive remedial action.

Airline MD Arraigned over Alleged N1.7bn Fraud

Victim: How I Escaped from Evans Kidnapping Den

Akinwale Akintunde

Akinwale Akintunde

The Managing Director of First Nation Airlines, Kayode Odukoya has been arraigned before an Ikeja Special Offences Court, over an alleged theft of N1.7 billion after he allegedly shunned his arraignment in court on three prior occasions.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Odukoya before Justice Mojisola Dada on a four-count charge of forgery, use of false documents, perjury and stealing preferred on him.

Odukoya however pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following his plea, the EFCC counsel, Mr. M.S. Usman prayed the trial judge to order him to be remanded in EFCC custody pending the hearing of his bail application, which has been adjourned till March 26, 2018. First Nation and Bellview Airlines are joined in the suit as 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.

Usman had asked the court to remand Odukoya. “My Lord, I urge the court to remand the defendant pending the trial date. On three occasions prior to today’s proceedings, the defendant had frustrated his

arraignment,� Usman said.

But Odukoya’s lawyer, John Odugbela, informed the court that he had filed an application for the bail of his client, which had been served on the prosecution.

According to the charge sheet, Odukoya committed the offences of forgery, use of false document and perjury on March 21, 2013.

The EFCC alleged that the airlines MD forged the Memorandum of Loss of Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy registered as No. 33 at page 33 volume 1011 at the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa, Lagos, in order that the document be acted upon as genuine.

The forged document was in respect of a property located at No. 29, Oduduwa St., Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Odukoya is alleged by the EFCC to have used the false document and also gave false information on oath concerning the loss of the certificate of occupancy at the Lagos State Land Registry.

The anti-graft commission also said that on October 7, 2016, Odukoya stole and dishonestly converted to his own use N1. 7 billion belonging to Skye Bank.

Chief Donatus Dunu, one of the victims of alleged billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudubem Onwuamadike, better known as Evans, has narrated before an Ikeja High Court how he escaped from the kidnappers' den.

Dunu, who is the Managing Director of Lagos-based Maydon Pharmaceutical Company, told Justice Hakeem Oshodi at the resumed trial of Evans and his co-defendants that he spent 88 days in the kidnappers den situated at somewhere in Ighando, Lagos.

Led in evidence by Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Titilayo Shitta-Bey, the witness related the story of his escape to that of Biblical Paul and Silas, who miraculously escaped detention after praying to their God. According to him, the shackles on his legs loosened up after payers, leading to his escape from captivity. “I overheard one of the kidnappers tell others that the best option was kill me since my brothers were not acting fast in paying the One million Euro ransom.

"But after I prayed in the midnight of Thursday, before the Friday they scheduled to kill me, I wrapped the bedspread in the room where they kept me, round the shackles on my legs, like the one used to chain mad people, the padlocks opened up; I found the kidnapper guarding me deep in sleep on a three-seater in the parlour.

"I walked to the kitchen; found the doors open, then to the protector, eased my way through loose locks; and surprisingly found a ladder in the compound that aided my escape into the next compound.

"I closed from work around 7:30p.m. when an SUV doublecrossed me and a man came down from the car and pointed the long gun at me.

He dragged me down and pushed me into the booth of their car and covered the car.

"I found myself in their den and during an interaction on phone with their chairman Evans, he threatened me that it was only God that could save me from their hands; no man will ever find me even if they kill me, he narrated.

EdoStateGovernor,Mr.GodwinObaseki,hasvisitedandoffsetmedicalbillsof personswhosufferedvariousdegreesofinjuries,inaroadaccidentinvolving abusattachedtotheGovernor’sPressUnitandtwovehicles,inUgbowoarea ofBeninCity.Someofthevictimsareadmittedandreceivingmedicalcareat the University of BeninTeaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City.The governor, during the visit, learnt that one of the victims, Freeman Okoro, a five-yearold, was a cancer patient and had come for chemotherapy session at UBTH before the unfortunate incident. On learning of his condition, the governor pledged to take responsibility of his cancer treatment and also offset the bill of Freeman’s cousin, who had been held in the hospital for his inability to payforhistreatment. GovernorObasekisaid,“Icametoseetheconditionof thevictimsoftheaccidentmyself.Justaswehavepromisedonthedayofthe accident when the victims were admitted.

Sokoto to Engage 1500 Youths in Agriculture

Sokoto State Government, yesterday said it had concluded arrangements to train 1500 youths in agriculture with a view to boosting food production in the state. The state Commissioner of Youths and Sports Development, AlhajiGarbaYakubuTsitse,madethisknownataone-daypolicydialogueon the legislation on rights to food in Nigeria organised by the Association of SmallScaleAgricProducersinNigeria(ASSAPIN)incollaborationwithFarm and Infrastructure Foundation in Sokoto. He said the 500 youths would be selectedfromeachofthethreesenatorialzonesofthestate.Tsitse,whowas represented by the Director ofYouths, state Ministry ofYouths and Sports Development, Muhammad Sagir, stated that the youths would be trained on poultry farming, animal husbandry, fisheries and cash crops production, among others. He described the gesture as the initiative of the Ministry of Youths,targetingunemployedandunderemployedyouthsacrossthestate.

TheCommissionersaidtheinitiativewasaimedatempoweringyouthsthrough agricultural production and reducing unemployment in the society.

Texaco, NNPC Donate Hybrid Library to WAPI

One of the major oil exploration in the country , Texaco Nigeria Outer Shelf Ltd(aChevroncompany),andtheNNPChavejointlydonatedahybridlibrary to 80 years oldWest African Peoples Institute (WAPI), Calabar, Cross River State.Addressingdignitaries,guestandstudentsthatgracedtheoccasion, DirectorStarDeepSeaWatersPetroleumLimited,Mr.RichardKennedy,who wasrepresentedbyManagerinchargeofGovernmentandPublicAffairsat Chevron,Mr.MikeKabi,saidthedonationofthelibrarywaspartoftheirsocial intervention programmes. “The hybrid library we are commissioning today hasbeenimplementedwiththesupportoftheCrossRivergovernment.Itis a partnership which is one of the core values in Chevron companies, and we arehappytohavepartneredwiththemanagementofthisschoolthroughthe state ministry of education to execute the project", Kabi said.

Suspected Robber Jumps to Death in Bayelsa

A suspected armed robber, Job Nathaniel, has jumped to his death in Opolo, Yenagoa,duringapoliceraidofhishideoutinBenvisHotel,inthestatecapital.

Officers from the state’s special security outfit, Operation Doo-Akpo, were said to have trailed the deceased and his gang to the hotel, having been top on the police wanted list for a long time. Nathaniel, 29, reportedly climbed therooftopatabout3pm,onsensingthatthebuildinghadbeensurrounded, jumpedanddiedthereafter. "On14March2018,atabout0300hours,operativesfromOperationDoo-Akpo,werealertedonthehideoutofcriminalswho were on the wanted list of Police for several heinous crimes. Consequently, theoperativesswungintoactionandraidedBenvisHotel,atOpolowherethe criminalswerehiding.Inabidtoescape,oneofthesuspects,JobNathaniel`m` 29 years jumped from the roof of the hotel, sustained a fatal injury and later diedinthehospital�,Spokesmanofthepolicecommand,AsinimButswatsaid.

‘Support Fight against Human Trafficking’

EdoStateGovernor,Mr.GodwinObaseki,hastaskedmembersofeliteclubs inthestatetosupportgovernmentsinadvancinglawsandsocialprojectsto endthescourgeofhumantraffickingandillegalmigration. Obasekimadethe callwhenhehostedexecutivemembersoftheBeninRecreationClub,atthe GovernmentHouseinBeninCity.Hesaidtheeliteculturehadlongdisappeared from society, noting, “without defined roles for the elite, the society suffers.

I am however optimistic that the Benin Recreation Club can help revive this culture.� He urged members of elite clubs to support government’s socioeconomic developmental efforts in the state, noting that the support of persons in privileged positions in society for laudable social projects would benefit humanity.

RCCG, Bridegroom Area Crusade

TheRedeemedChristianChurchofGod,BridegroomArea,Okunola-Egbeda, LagosProvince12,presents“Re-LightingEgbeda,�atwo-daycrusadewiththe theme, “Destroying Satanic Investment,� on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March24.ThevenueisAmulFilingStation,OppositeRaufAregbesolaFlagship PrimaryHealthCentre,OkunolaRoad,Egbeda,AlimoshoLocalGovernment Area. The programme starts 4pm each day, with free medical services on Saturday morning from 9am. The Pastor-in-Charge of the Area, Pastor Sanmi Oluwamuyiwa, and other anointed men of God will be ministering at thecrusade.Highlightsoftheprogrammeincludewordministration,praise/ worship,salvationofsouls,welfareservices,andfreedispensationofdrugs.

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER TEENS CONNECT FASHION FILE COVER

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

Taye Oladimeji Ige My Mother Sold Everything to Send Me to School at 27

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THISDAY, THIS ISDA DAY,, THE SAT SATURDAY A URDAY NEWSPA NEWSPAPER P PER MARCH 10, 2018

PLUS

At the Age My Mates Were Bringing Home Their Wives, I Only Had a JAMB Form to Present to My Mom For a man whose mother was the eight wife, the uniqueness of his situation against the background of many siblings in the house and a severely limited means of provision or care,this presupposed he would remain at the bottom of the ladder. However, Taye Oladimeji Ige, CEO of Hotsports Media Group was determined to climb each rung of the ladder, one at a time and no matter how long it took, his eyes were on the ball at the top of the ladder. Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Adedayo Adejobi report

T

ucked somewhere into the remote precincts of OregunLagos is an emerging gigantic edifice with a larger than life aspiration. Actually, you can say that more than 80 per cent of that ambition is a done deal. Thinking of the sheer desire that produced the building against daunting odds is a studious imitation of the life of the man behind the building, Taye Oladimeji Ige. Like Ige, not many could see the potential when it was just several jots of massive lines drawn on paper. Just the same way they could not see a hugely disadvantaged Ige, inching his way to become an icon. Where the building stands was once a swampy thicket. Ige was the first person to see its prospective glory and bought into it. Today, it is named after the enterprise that turned around his personal fortunes for good. As a pathfinder in that area, he could have called it Taye Ige Street and it would be an apt name, but he chose to immortalize ‘Hotsports’, the business name that is both a personal and corporate game changer in Nigerian media space, particularly sports broadcasting. So, the street is named Hotsports Drive as a summation of the testimonies that Ige embodies.

For a man whose mother was the eight wife, the abnormality of his situation against the background of many children in the house and therefore a severely limited means of taking care of them, presupposed he would remain at the bottom of the ladder. However, he was determined to take each rung of the ladder, one at a time and

no matter how it long it took, his eyes were on the ball at the top of the ladder. Weighed down by so many hurdles, he began a slow climb at the age of 27 when he benefited from a university education. His ambition was partly fired by a resolve to catch up with his buddies. “I have always believed that those, especially my primary and secondary school classmates, who made it to the university, were not better than me. One day, one of them visited me in my place of work. And when I asked him, he said he was at the University of Ilorin, studying what he called ‘mech engine’ – mechanical engineering. The manner he articulated this to me once again roused in me a hunger to do all I could to access university education. To date, I still tease him with how he pronounced mechanical engineering to me that day. I thought to myself: ‘So this guy, my primary school bosom friend will end up a mechanical engineer and I end up as what?’

I resolved there and then that the time had come to do the needful. So, I finally obtained a JAMB form to sit the exams.”

Ige became the butt of many jokes that year. On the day he went with his JAMB registration materials to his mother, his late brother’s friend was in her company. His heart still bleeds each time he recalls his caustic remark to the effect that, “my age mates were bringing home wives, I was bringing home a JAMB form. I really couldn’t answer him.

Neither could my mum. In fact, she didn’t utter a word. But she supported my desire. You could ask my mum anything and she would refuse you. If it was about education, consider it done! If she didn’t have what you asked for, as long as it had to do with your school, she

MARCH 10, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS My Views of the Contraption Called Church would go borrowing or even dispose of her possessions, if she had to. She wasn’t educated but knew the value of education.

Undoubtedly, my mum was the reason I could take the plunge to resign from my job to acquire university education on full-time basis. When push came to shove, she sold everything. When things looked bleak, all I needed to do was to go home.

I had a friend in Port Harcourt who also helped tremendously. He even put me on a monthly allowance.”

As God would have it, his first postNYSC job was at The Week magazine where he was on the sports desk. The late Godwin Agbroko who edited the magazine had a friend at NTA who visited frequently. This friend of Agbroko recommended him to present sports on NTA2 Channel 5’s Morning Ride, which was undoubtedly one of the most watched programmes on television nationwide. It was a lifeline he wouldn’t let go. “I saw the potential for personal advancement and professional fulfilment was higher than what I was doing at The Week.

As a journalist, you are as powerful as your medium. Morning Ride was the in-thing then in Lagos, as at least 60 per cent of television viewers were hooked on to NTA2 Channel 5. I was able to get sponsorship to France to report the World Cup draw in December 1997 and to cover the World Cup itself in 1998.

Something that really was difficult to get with the publication I worked for.

That’s an index of the kind of power that the platform gave me at that time. On coming back from the World Cup, I thought I could start my own programme and when I approached the programme controller then, Ola Fajemisin, he told me to think of something imaginative, something exciting and interesting to viewers. That was how HotSports was coined from ‘hot arguments on sports’ and came into being. And so by the first Saturday in the last quarter of 1998, we started HotSports as a 30-minute off fering on NTA2 Channel 5, Lagos.

The propro o-

gramme is still running although I’m no longer the host. Hot Sports, at a time, was the largest independent sports programme on Nigerian television, broadcasting on a network of 23 TV stations across Nigeria. I presented it for 15 years.”

Ige has a tepid response to advancements in sports presentation. “It has moved with the times,” he said. “Twenty years ago, it was not what it is today. At that time, there was no National Broadcasting Corporation that supervised activities in the sector. In those days, we could display Mr. Biggs Menu on the set and sometimes take a bite of their very delicious meat pie right on the set, live. Our set became sometimes a chef’s showroom. Within the 30-minute duration of the programme, we could run as many as 14 commercials, more than half of the time. Because there were not many stations then.”

One of the most daunting challenges he has taken on is undoubtedly, the building of the Hotsports television production studios.

When he conceived the idea of the facility, the first drawing was double the present size because he wanted an events centre atop the studios.

But he couldn’t run with that budget.

After giving it a long thought, he tweaked the idea to come up with the present design. It would retain elements of the original design, but in an enhanced capacity.

“Our biggest studio is earmarked as an events centre, but events that can happen here are only live coverage because we have a channel in the works solely for events.

Ideally, if one has come this far, the

environment should come to one’s aid. But our commercial banks are more interested in our deposits than critically appraising the project with a view to assisting with requisite funding. So, here we are: we have finished by the grace of God. The structures are standing; ready to receive lighting and equipment. We are immensely proud of what we have. Our funding initiatives for this final phase of the project are in place and we are hoping that before the beginning of next quarter – before the World Cup in June – we would be fully done and ready to accept clients’ briefs.”

The World Cup may be a big stimulant for his immediate dreams. However, he did not sleep and wake up the next morning to own this grandiose edifice. He is emphatic, even if modest on how he got to where he is. “This is a product of 20 years of our business life. I think that this modestly qualifies this as a high. Professional satisfaction and being on the verge of seeing a dream we set out to achieve finally coming to reality can be fulfilling. At several points along the line, I was forced to think I had actually made a grievous mistake going into all this. But today, I am happy and remain ever thankful to God Almighty; our help in ages past and our hope for years to come.”

Participating in many global sports championships meant that Ige was exposed to the best and latest broadcast gadgets and he dreamt of pushing the envelope in Nigeria.

The opportunity came with the mandatory digitization of broadcasting. Rather than just produce programmes or content, Ige upped his physical and corporate satisfaction (and in some way he deems it honour to Nigeria) by delivering television production studios of international standard. He said proudly, “Our facility, the largest in Nigeria and possibly sub-Saharan Africa, is our immediate response to digitisation of television in Nigeria. This is a complex of five television production studios, ranging from the largest, and 900sqm, to the lowest which is 50. Our plan for equipping them is equally ambitious. Research has proved that television succeeds where you can find yourself in it. So digitisation will free up the space, allow an upsurge in the number of television stations in the country. This will naturally lead to an upsurge in activities generally in the industry especially production. Don’t forget the NBC has this 60/40% in favour of local content. When digitisation comes and you have all those television stations, the in-thing will be content to run on them in such a way that they’ll attract viewership, thus attracting

advertising content.”

While talking with Ige, it seemed right to ask his opinion on Nigerian football and if government should play a role in sports. His answer was without ambiguity.

“Nothing is wrong with football in Nigeria.

There are unrealised potential in every aspect of our lives as a Third World country. So it is with football. First, our economy is not as strong as it should be and that’s a major issue.

So Nigerian football doesn’t have as much resources as it needs to make it be the best it can be. That is why a lot of our talents find it worth their while to export themselves out of the country where their economic well-being is more enhanced. Meanwhile, the world itself keeps shrinking by the day such that it has now become what can be described as a hamlet, and no longer a village. Good football matches come the way of Nigerians via clear TV signals and played on exceptionally good pitches and with superior facilities. All these have made everything tough for local football with the myriad of challenges it has to grapple with.”

He delivers with even more clarity of thought on why government should not take its hands off sports. “No government worth its salt would totally take its hands off sports, especially football in an environment like Nigeria. There is nowhere that is done, because government needs sports while sports government’ss money. And as long as it need government needs money to survive, there is nowhere the government would put money and not exercise control. Government also needs sports as a Public Relations tool. When Nigeria qualified for the Russia 2018 World Cup with one or two games ahead, it so calmed Nigerians severely frayed nerves .We momentarily forgot our economic and social hardships.”

Though Ige acknowledges God in all his ways, he recently became upset with the conventional religion and decided to serve God on his own terms. He doesn’t seem to have the stomach for all the absurd things going on in the religious environment.

“I’m not ‘churchy’ but focused on serving God through people. I used to be ‘churchy’ but not any longer. I’m proud of the little things God has used me to achieve in the church. I used to attend an orthodox church. I found out to my chagrin that things are not better even in orthodox churches. The volume of ungodly things that happen in those environments are sometimes befuddling. Therefore, I have decided to have a direct route to God Almighty and I find that more fulfilling. I have elected to serve God directly by ministering to the needs of fellow human beings when I can with the little means He has put at my disposal and not through some contraption called church. In my former church, I was the chairman of the Harvest committee for two years during which I mobilised friends, acquaintances and we were able to complete the sanctuary in the first year.

My church has the capacity to do so much, though doing so little to minister to the direct physical needs of its members. When members have needs, all you do is pray, pray and pray.

Certain things require physical intervention – especially medical.”

Ige added that he wishes to see true religion that ministers to the physical needs widows, orphans and other categories of disadvann taged persons.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 17, 2018

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Shehu Sani

Shehu Sani: The Folly of a Renegade Well, I am not joining the crowd to hail this person for his activism.

He has been on a roller-coaster ride seeking public adulation with all these funny proclamations and actions. The other day he took anti-venom to JAMB office on the back of the revelation that a snake had swallowed N36m. If that was not crass publicity-chasing move, I do not know what else is. You see, all this plastic attempt at social activism from within does not shake me as they say it in Shomolu. So today you have told us that senators are paid N13m monthly for whatever purpose and then you sit back to wallow in the ignorant public adulation that is coming your way. But you fail to realise that those of us who drink ogogoro can see through all these childish games. So where is your letter refusing to accept such ‘illegal’ payments? Do you have any evidence to show that you have refused to collect yours or can you even publish what you have been doing with yours before you got this your Saul of Tarsus moment?

Look, my brother, we are facing clear and real issues in this country and I would really expect that you stop trying to distract us with these childish attempts at social activism. It is not working. Please, go get a haircut and let us be.

Okorocha’s Son-In-Law – The Messiah to Be Look, when you come from such a prestigious family, you can only attract scorn from people who have lesser pedigree. You know our people do not understand the importance of a family dynasty in politics. You see the Okorocha Dynasty can be likened to the Bush and Kennedy dynasties in America. I tell you. They have played a very significant role in the socio-economic development of not only Imo State but the entire nation.

We are just an ungrateful lot. A family of sculptors, has given us a Commissioner for Happiness. A family that has given us His Royal Majesty and Lord of the flies himself, Rochas Okorocha, and we are not happy that they have even decided after a harrowing meeting at the Happy Palace to give us their son-in-law to rule us. Can’t we all see the role Trump’s son is playing in Amerca? Why are our people like this, I just tire. Kai, I have never seen people so stubborn as the Imo people. They are as headstrong and unappreciative like the Israelites who were berating Moses for taking them out of Egypt.

Please Rochas, ignore these people for they remain ignorant. Let our son take over. There should be no election sef; that one is a waste of time. just make the pronouncement, na you get Imo. Laugh wan kill me. Please my brother, where is my statue o. Or, why do you think I am writing all

Okorocha

Idris Ibrahim

Ambode: Let Me Handle This Lagos is on fire. The latest increment has really riled a lot of Lagosians and understandably so.

Even my friend Segun Banjoko who has not spoken to me in the last five years sent me a copy of his bill. Well if one takes the ongoing hardship faced by the people into consideration, one would want to really understand the public angst at this recent increment. But like everything in life there are two sides to the story. So the governor coasted to victory on the back of firm and realisable electoral promises.

Immediately he settled in, he jumped into work and began a major reconstruction of the landscape, determined to give Lagos the infrastructure that befits its status as a global megacity with a teeming population. But wait, he inherited the greatest debt profile ever in the history of the state. His federal allocation already consigned as far as possible into the future to creditors.

And although has one of the best IGR processes, still a far cry as to the expectations if he was going to dent the situation on the ground regarding the monumental infrastructural gap, the deploring health situation or the education sector that is gasping. So my question as I write is what other options would a right-thinking governor be opened to when his borrowing capacity has been maxed out by the previous regime

and in the process encumbered most state assets? So my people, medicine for Malaria is bitter. We cannot be crying on the one hand about how Lagos is not working and on the other hand be screaming blue murder at a concerted effort to address the issue. The truth is that even if the charge was N100, we will still scream and only a bold and courageous politician in Ambode’s mould will try this at this time seeing elections coming through. You see, we always miss the point, the pressure should be at the end of the application. Who is doing the collections and what programmes are we tying the funds to. Ensuring that there would be transparency in the process. Simple. People who are going around with foreign housemaids paid in hard currency are screaming at a levy that in some cases is not up to the Maid’s monthly salary. I just tire. Well Akin has said that he runs a responsive government and that they are opened to further discussions on the issue. I believe him, but if na me with some small tweaking of the policy I will go ahead because we did not vote him in to come and preside over the allocation of federal disbursement but to seek creative and visionary policies to deliver the so-called dividends of democracy.

I have said my own and I am sure they will kill me at this weekend Estate meeting, wetin I go do.

Victor Ogakwu

this. Please, I need a statue of myself in front of the female hostel at the Imo State University so that anytime I go there on a courtesy call as the Duke of Shomolu and Visitor to the school, the Vice Chancellor can receive me there.

We have suffered. …. At the meeting with the Inspector General of Police The President does not usually take breakfast because he has to maintain his slim frame and his six-pack, Aisha insists. But this morning he had to eat because he needed all the energy required for this particular meeting for he was still in shock after discovering that this Oga did not stay in Benue as instructed. Kai, this was really annoying. I had to be in the meeting to calm nerves and keep the meeting focused and to also ensure that there would be no plate throwing or anything like that. The IG walked in. He was in his crisp well-starched uniform and looking quite handsome. The president who did not remove his eyes from the plate of kunu, ignored his presence.

The IG looked towards me for assistance, I signalled him to calm down, that we will surpass this one. I knew just when to start; you cannot be the President’s best supplier of kolanut without knowing how to get him. The IG remained ignored and by this time, his confidence was ebbing and he started sweating small small. Looking at me, I beckoned him to remain calm and that he should just still stand at full attention and stare at the Nigerian coat of arms just above the President’s head. Finally, Oga finished the kunu and looked up. My God, the anger in his eyes ehnn, even me piss catch me and just as he was about to open his mouth, God appeared! The phone rang and it was Donald Trump informing him that he was about to sack Tillerson for going to where he did not send him. What was he doing in Abuja? The President immediately went into a heated discussion with Trump and beckoned us to leave the office immediately. Kai, see escape. I have advised the IG to keep praying and abstain from the other room until all these blows are over. Na wa.

Victor at the Yellow Chilli I have not seen or heard from this my friend in a long time, Chief Victor Ogwaku, the chairman of one of my favourite places, Yellow Chilli. Last I saw him was at the 25th wedding anniversary of the Chairman of Air Peace, Chief Onyeama. Well, that is the circle I play in these days. Do you blame me? Well, this is a shout out to my friend, the great Victor, who recently opened a franchise of his wonderful platform in Abuja. May you not be sent to where you do not belong o and may your loyalty not be tested my dear friend. Stay blessed.

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MARCH 17, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPY GLASS

GRACE BENT

GRACE BENT’S HOPE REKINDLED

When she was elected in 2007 to represent Adamawa South, the largest senatorial district in the state, Senator Grace Folasade Bent made history to the admiration of all.

Her victory in the 2007 election made her the first female senator in the North-East and also the first female senator in the apex lawmaking body based on marital affiliation in the whole of Northern Nigeria (her husband, Jackson Bent, is an indigene of Adamawa State).

However, after spending a term at the upper chamber, conspiracy set in, as the author of “Inter-ethnic Marriages in Nigeria: Beacon of National Unity” was not allowed to fly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in 2011.

Interestingly, her fans are now reportedly yearning for her return to politics, where she has impacted positively on their lives.

The foregoing may not be news to those who are familiar with her adventure in politics.

But information reaching Spy Glass revealed that the profile of the Ilesha, Osun State-born politician has begun to soar higher since she made her intention known to seek elective post again in 2019.

We gathered that her constituents who have missed her good representation made appeals to her and emissaries were sent out.

A source said, “It has dawned on her constituents that they need her. She is a good politician with human face and a good grassroots person. Since she has agreed to represent them, her residence has turned into a Mecca of sorts.”

Before her election into the Senate, Bent was a political adviser to the then PDP National Chairman, Audu Ogbe.”

Apart from being a strong advocate of inter-tribal marriage, the elegant lady, who is the author of Women in Inter-Ethnic Marriages in Nigeria, is at the forefront of women’s participation in governance.

FEMI OTEDOLA’S WONDROUS GIFT

Last Sunday, billionaire oil magnate, Femi Otedola, dazzled at the Augustine University’s Fundraising and Founders’ Day event held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The chairman of Forte Oil, who was the chief launcher on the occasion, reportedly wowed with his speech.

Otedola, who was represented by a director in Forte Oil, was said to have been given a standing ovation and deafening applause for what many described as a most inspiring speech. Besides, the shrewd businessman was said to have pledged to donate a wellequipped Faculty of Engineering building to the institution, which will be worth over N500m.

We gathered that many mouths were agape while other billionaires present at the

FEMI OTEDOLA

with BAYO ADEOYE .... 08054680651 email: bayoolunla@gmail.com event trembled over Otedola’s wondrous gift. The announcement, without a doubt, has further confirmed Otedola’s love for quality education. He believes in the South African late President, Nelson Mandela’s saying that education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world.

It will be recalled that his father, the late Michael Otedola, who was a former governor of Lagos State, had reportedly handed over the first parcel of land meant for the development of the institution to Archbishop Olubunmi Okogie some years ago.

“So, it was Otedola’s utmost joy to continue where his late father stopped,” a source said.

A deep pocket, he loves giving back to the society without blinking an eye.

Indeed, philanthropy comes naturally to him. This he does effortlessly. However, he loathes people singing his praise over such acts of humaneness. He is not your kind of billionaire that calls for publicity over donations. Over the years, Otedola has been responsible for the education of countless indigent students in Lagos State through the Michael Otedola University Scholarship Scheme, which was established in 1985. In 2004, his company Forte Oil, donated N200m to the scheme.

Also, since 1985, over 1, 200 students have benefited from the scheme.

He also donated N100m to the Otedola College of Primary Education in Noforija, Epe. In 2008, he donated N80m to the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

TOPE AGBEYO’S GLORIOUS MOMENT

How much of Dr. Babatope Agbeyo, Chairman, Cornfield Group, do you know?

To many, he is an entrepreneur and philanthropist par excellence. To others, he is simply a global citizen, with a cosmopolitan outlook. No doubt, he fits perfectly into these descriptions.

But beyond this, the world again celebrated him last Monday, when he shared the stage with notable world leaders and achievers at the 5th Commonwealth Africa Summit in London between March 12 and 14.

Agbeyo was invited by the organisers to speak on the topic: “Africa for Africans; A New Era of Africa Philanthropic Giving and Its Impact on the Continent.”

He delivered a keynote address during the opening ceremony alongside renowned global leaders like Lord Alan Watson of Richmond (Former Chair, Coca Cola Europe Advisory Board), John Dramani Mahama (Former President of Ghana), Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed (U.N. Deputy Secretary General), and Baroness Shreela Flather (Co-Chair Commonwealth Africa Initiative) , among others.

Other keynote speakers at the event included Senator Bukola Saraki (Senate President of Nigeria), Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija (Vice Chairman, Famfa Oil), Ashish Thakkar (Founder of Mara Group) respectively. The event started with an exclusive invites to wreath-laying ceremony and welcome reception at the House of Lords in honour of the UN Decade for People of African Descent on March 12.

Now in its fifth year, the summit is a high-level, multi-stakeholder event that annually brings together government and business leaders from across the Commonwealth, Africa and allied nations to facilitate dialogue and action on key and relevant issues ranging from trade and investment, entrepreneurship and job creation, economic development, security and counter-terrorism, energy and power,

TOPE AGBEYO

amongst other issues relevant to Africa.

The summit was attended by senior government and business leaders from across Africa and other parts of the Commonwealth, including CEOS, COOs, ministers, governors, civil society representatives, high commissioners, mayors and other stakeholders.

Agbeyo joined the league of renowned global leaders who have presented keynote address in the past. The list include Prince Andrew The Duke of York, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Rt Hon Baleka Mbete (Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Baroness Lynda Chalker of Wallasey; Lord Alan Watson of Richmond; Lord Ahmed of Rotherham; Baroness Uddin of Bethnal Green; Simon Walker, Director General of the British Institute of Directors (IOD); Clive Carpenter, Vice Chairman Business Council on Africa; Dr. Caroline Harper CBE – CEO Commonwealth Sightsavers; Mr Tonye Cole – CEO Sahara Energy; Ministers of Government, and many other global leaders.

In view of this, the media mogul , in conjunction with some other stakeholders, is said to be involved in creating awareness for eligible voters, as the 2019 general election approaches through the YES Nigeria Movement.

ISAAC FAYOSE COUNTS BLESSINGS

SEGUN AWOLOWO SHAMES CRITICS

Unlike his elder brother, Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, the name Isaac Fayose does not ring a bell to many.

However, amiable younger Fayose operates in the hospitality and security sectors, where he is today an inspiration to many.

His fun outlet, Alibi Lounge, located inside Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, is second home to the big boys and babes on the Lagos Island.Spyglass gathered that the man who was in charge of his brother’s alternative security during his first tenure has hit it big.

A source disclosed that shortly after building a multimillion-naira hotel in Ibadan, Point Resort and Hotel, he has expanded his business tentacles with his investment in the hospitality sector.

Spy Glass gathered that Fayose recently floated a branch of View Point Resort & Hotel at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

For him, this is a dream come true.

ALISTAIR SOYODE’S NEW MOVE

Many who know Alistair Soyode, CEO, BEN TV, very well would attest to the fact that he is a restless soul continuously on a mission to serve humanity.

Over the years, he has been serving his fatherland and impacting the lives of his compatriots in a number of ways, since he established his soar-away BEN TV. When he started the TV station years ago, not many gave him the chance to soar. Many doubted his ability to run a successful TV station in a foreign land. But today, the story is different.

BEN TV was set up to bridge the gap in the Black-oriented communities in the United Kingdom as well as to become a platform to promote Nigeria as a country with immense opportunities and natural resources. It was also set up to showcase Nigerians in a better way than it has ever been done by other outfits.

For the past decade, BEN TV has showcased Nigeria positively, opened opportunities to many to invest and provided the platform for reducing negative perceptions about Nigeria.

Today, the ex-footballer, who served as chairman of leading Nigeria Diaspora organisations such as NIDOE (Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe) amongst others , is showcasing his activism, while throwing tantrums at Nigerian leaders for the socio-economic problems plaguing the land.

ISAAC FAYOSE

SEGUN AWOLOWO

A few months ago, Segun Awolowo Jnr. was removed from his enviable position as Director General, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC. Immediately the news broke, his traducers went to town dancing and proclaiming that they had seen his end.

Even in the face of the trying time, he was said to have taken everything in good faith.

Rather than being crestfallen, he went down in prayer for God to do His will in his life.

As fate would have it, the grandson of the late political sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has shamed his critics, as he has been recalled to his former position.

Though many are reportedly attributing his re-appointment to his being a cousin to the wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo, those who know better say it was based on hard work and dedication during the era of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

HABIB ONIRU’S NEW DREAM

Prince Habib Oniru, one of the celebrated businessmen and socialites in Lagos, is known for springing up surprises. But he does not do so only for the fun of it. Rather, he has the capability to blow people’s minds whenever he does.

Therefore, having pleasantly wowed his fans and competitors in the past with this uncommon trait, many are waiting with bated breath to behold his new project: a hotel. The hotel, which is under completion, is an addition to a legion of others by this real estate and property merchant.

Already, the four-star hotel called The Art Hotel on Yesufu Abiodun Oniru Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, is generating interesting discourse among big boys in Lagos.

The Art Hotel, which is a 46-room luxury boutique hotel, will be an addition to Habib’s Dream Space Development’s portfolio of real estate projects in Lagos.

The principal funding partner for this $15m project is Purple Capital Partners, who is also involved in Maryland Mall, Ikeja and many other real estate projects in Lagos.

Spyglass gathered that the imposing architectural masterpiece that stands on seven floors will include five Duke standard rooms (45.5sqm), six Prince deluxe suites (64sqm) and five Emperor Suites (84sqm).

Other amenities will include a sky pool, sky cocktail bar/cafe, restaurant and lounge, urban spa and gym and a social and art lounge gallery.

ALISTAIR SOYODE

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚͜

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Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‘

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

PRECIOUS JEFFERSON

My Dream Was to Become Another Agbani Darego But‌ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă˘Ě‹ĂŒĂ?Ă‹Ă&#x;Þã Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă– ĂŒĂ?Ă‹Ă&#x;Þã ÚËÑĂ?Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ùà Ă?Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă?Ăœ ×ÙÎĂ?Ă– Ă™Ă? Ă?âĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂ“Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?ĂžËœ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;Þã Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă˜ Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ About me ’m Precious Jefferson from Cross River State and a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt where I studied Religious and Cultural studies. Also I’m the MD and CEO of Roses and Rubies Limited and the Executive Director of African Beauty Queen International.

I

My Miss World Dream This was after Agbani Darego won Miss World pageant. So, I pushed myself harder to achieve that dream which actually brought me into beauty pageantry. Starting out, one of the challenges I faced was the pressure from some of the directors, and the conditions that some of the pageantry came with.

In the sense that some organisers would ask you to seek sponsors to enable you participate in such pageants and it was actually so difficult to participate with such demands, which was the major challenge I had to face.

I overcame challenges because I knew what I wanted Also, I knew where I was headed because I didn’t let myself succumb to such pressures; I was able to overcome them. When I know some things were beyond my limits, I don’t push too hard.

As I always say, all my beauty pageants were actually my breakout point, as any pageant I won pushed me farther to compete for the next one. And I cherished a lot of them and I was happy to win a lot of them, which was my biggest dream.

Why I started my own pageantry I felt like I was being victimized, as we were asked as models to go and source for sponsors and a lot of contestants go through a lot of things. You see cases where most of the sponsors you get to meet, who are mostly men, would want to take advantage of you and you are pressurised to meet up to standard.

Sometimes, you would be asked to do certain things to get to a particular platform. Sometimes you are asked to go and sell tickets to get to a particular level in a pageant. So a lot of girls do crazy things, and most of them think by having an affair with the organiser, they will wear the crown but at the end of the day, the case is usually not so. I just felt like I have a story I needed to share and one or two girls will agree with me on this, and that’s how African Beauty Queen was started.

African Beauty Queen has already commenced The first edition will hold on the 30th of March at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, and I want the world to expect something different. That is why one of the criteria for the pageant is that there is no sort of ticket sales for the contestants and no camp fees. In some pageants, they ask you to go to certain

heights to pay some amounts for camp fees, for you to be in camp. I’m here thinking that if you did sit down to plan this and the welfare of the contestants have been considered why do you ask them to pay? Sometimes, you can pay a lot, which most of these girls don’t have, but they have the talent and are just looking for the platforms to showcase themselves and in the bid to meet up, they do a lot of things. For us, once you qualify, you come to camp and do the best you can do and I believe this is the first start and I want to create something different where anyone can perform, whether rich or poor.

I don’t believe in names but what the individuals have to offer My team members are people that are actually close to me and people that I have actually worked with over the years in pageantry and modeling. So, I felt they are people I have looked up to in one way or another, and have supported me.

When deciding to do this, I spoke to them about it and they encouraged me and decided to be a part of it. It’s been difficult really and hasn’t been easy because people have different thoughts and opinions. Some people won’t want to agree with you on certain things but the most important thing is team work.

The main show will be exquisite I can’t even wait as we are going to have a lot of musical performances, comedy and our hosts for the night will be Stephanie Coker and Ghana’s Mawulli Gavor. We will have performances by Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks and a host of others. Also, we’ll have comedy from the very best of Ushbebee, Shakara, Akpororo, Acapella and all, so it’s really going to be beautiful and I urge everyone to come out as it would be fun. It’s going to be about pageantry, music, comedy and dance such that at a particular point in time you won’t want to go home.

The prize is one of the beautiful things about the African Beauty Queen Pageantry The cash prize is $5,000 and an SUV for the winner, the second prize goes with $3,000 and the third prize goes with $2,000. But in camp, there will be a whole lot of activities for everyone to participate in and there are going to be winners.

We have competitions in entrepreneurship and Miss Photogenic, where the winners will be become ambassadors for some brands. So, even if you don’t emerge on the main night, you can also be a winner in camp.

We have partners and no sponsors African Beauty Queen International is solely sponsored by Roses and Rubies Limited. I believe my company is well enough to fund the pageant. There

Jeerson

would be tickets sales on tables and regulars.

It’s going to be a busy year We are also going to launch the very first edition of African Beauty Queen Nigeria, and we are doing this because we want to have a representative from Nigeria who would be representing the country on the international scene at the next year’s edition. That way, we won’t be hosting auditions round the country

anymore. Once we have a Queen, we will set out, and my foundation will also be coming up.

I admire Oprah Winfrey She is a strong black woman who has done so much and I also admire Agbani Darego on the field of modeling. And, even though I wasn’t able to win Miss World, I was able to go for an international pageant and affect the lives of people.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚͜

Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‘

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

MY STORY MOYO GATES WAPTV, PEFTI HOST COVENANT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS On Tuesday 21st February 2018, wapTV and PEFTI hosted over 70 students from the Mass Communication Department of the Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State for a comprehensive educational tour of their various facilities in Ajao Estate Lagos.

The tour took the students and their lecturers to wapTV where they were shown the station’s several multimillion Naira studios and hi-tech equipment, and they had several conversations with the presenters and two of the students were even interviewed on TV during a live programme. Then, they were taken around the expansive premises of the world-renowned PEFTI Film Institute and PEFTI Cinemas where they watched some of the institute’s award-winning short films and briefly partook in an audition for an upcoming stage play.

They also visited a location where the new season of Papa Ajasco Reloaded was being recorded and met the stars, spoke with the crew and a few of them even participated as actors in a few scenes.

I’m Very Much Drawn to Anything Artistic ÙãÙ Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ™Ăœ åÓÞÒ Ă‹ Ă?ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ• Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ë› Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă?ÞãÖĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœË› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ăž åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ

According to Wale Adenuga MFR, Chairman of the group of companies, “We have been entertaining and training for decades and during this time, a lot of cumulative experience has been gathered.

Passing part of this knowledge to the Mass Communication students

from Covenant University was a fun experience.

They had a lot of intelligent questions and this shows how much they know about our brands, as well as the great plans they individually have on how to make impact in the industry when they graduate.�

SHURE APPOINTS SHOWGEAR AS AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR IN NIGERIA

Shure has teamed up with Showgear to make authentic Shure products and authorised aftersales support available in the Nigerian market. A ceremony was recently held in Lagos to celebrate the partnership. The night was filled with glamour. Good music from Johnny Drille and some talented acts who

serenaded guests with sweet melodies, energetic vibes and bliss. Simi, Tosin Martins, Nosa and a couple of others were in attendance.

With the commencement of this ground-breaking partnership, Nigerians will now get easy access to authentic Shure products and world-class aftersales services at

competitive prices. The move is also expected to checkmate counterfeits and shore up the market leadership of Shure in Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria. “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 their beloved Shure microphones without the fear of possibly purchasing a fake product,� said Deola Akinyemi, COO of Showgear Limited. “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.�

Shure has a rich history of success, spanning almost 10 decades, during which it has built a global brand reputation defined by a continuous commitment to total quality, and to enabling sounds that engage, energize and inspire audiences - sounds that help shape the course of history.

This rich history also extends to Nigeria, where Shure has over the years become a staple for discerning sound producers and enthusiasts.

PRINCE LAWMAN COLLABORATES WITH BRACKET Anuforo Cyracus Chinonso, also known by his stage name, Prince Lawman, is a Germanybased Nigerian artiste. Born and brought up in owerri, Imo state, Nigeria before relocating to Germany. Prince lawman is a talented artiste who knows his onions at using his indigenous language and English to deliver a good melody to his fast rising fans.

His debut single, ‘Away Boiz’, enjoyed massive airplay in the eastern part of Nigeria. Prince Lawman is here to stay as he collaborates with the Bracket duo on his new single, Baby Girl that was released recently. He promises his fans good music, as he is ready to take over the industry.

He said: “My fans should expect greater tunes and should also expect more local and international collaborations.�

ho is Moyo Gates?

Moyo Gates is an art work. I’m very much drawn to anything artistic. Sometimes I wish I could paint because that seems to be my only artistic weakness.

Talk about the name Gates, apart from being an actor and a presenter, I am a professional brand manager and strategist. I do manage my brand properly thus Gates came about after a series of brain storming sessions with the brand management company I work for.

Tell us about starting out acting out I went into acting about a decade ago in a movie titled Married but Living Single, featuring Funke Akindele and directed by Tunde Olaoye. Back then, it didn’t seem like they were opportunities because you needed to be in an actual film to be seen, but now, thanks to digital media you can shoot a movie in 15 minutes, publish for free and even sell it to make money online.

Who are your role models?

I really like Blossom Chukwujeku, who is quite the method actor. He reminds me of Marlon Brando. I would say he is one person I look forward to working with in the industry.

I remember watching him and Nse Ikpe Etim in The Visit three years ago and I was blown away as he is a natural and I am a natural.

What’s exceptional about your acting?

Sinking into character is often a challenge to most actors but, as I said, I am a method actor, I take passion, emotion and attitude of a character and fall into it; sometimes it takes me days after a shoot to come out of that character.

Where do you see yourself and brand in ďŹ ve years?

In five years, I want to produce my first feature film. It seems like too far away to do that but like I tell people, I have no passion for producing my own films, all I love to do is act, like act act act and act. I have no passion for producing; hence I’m not looking at that now. I’m naturally an action figure, thus you’ll always find me acting most times.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž CH 17, 2018

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Fulani Herdsmen and the Endless Killings

D

espite the loud hue and cry across the land over the mindless killings orchestrated by the ravaging Fulani herdsmen, the killings and bloodlettings have continued unabated. Not even the presence of a president in a state could enforce the sheathing of the swords. And lives continue to be wasted by these herdsmen. From Benue, through Taraba, to Nasarawa, up to Adamawa, Plateau and down to Delta, Ebonyi, Kogi etc., these herdsmen are still shoving people into their early graves with a bestial spirit and brute savagery. The case of Kogi is particularly ironical. Here is a state where the governor, Yahaya Bello has hurriedly kowtowed to the oligarchy by offering to provide cattle colonies for the herdsmen. But here is, having now to bury over 30 persons murdered by the same people he has been struggling to appease. And the nation’s rivers, as Shakespeare would put it in Macbeth, have all turned crimson red by the blood of innocent Nigerians.. “The multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red� The supplications in worship houses have been for God to deliver us all from this evil thralldom called Fulani herdsmen. And this has been a running prayer point, amidst the litany of worries we daily load God with in a country so blessed with everything, save gospelled leaders, to make us great.

Or how shall we explain the fact that despite the (belated) intervention of Mr President, the killings are still going on? Even when President Muhammadu Buhari was yet in Plateau State, the herdsmen did not observe any holiday from the killing field, which they have reduced Nigeria to. They were killing in Plateau villages while PMB was addressing residents in Jos. Benue State has become the most vulnerable landscape with daily reports of gory killings and raw terrorism by the herdsmen.

Gov Samuel Ortom of Benue State has whined himself hoax over the killings. And nobody seems perturbed or so it seems.

Right now, the price of food stuff is on the rise because Benue farmers, the sustainers of the food basket of the nation, are not only chased out of their farms, even the harvested produce are now being crushed

Ibrahim Idris ---IG of Police

down by the cows of the herdsmen. What kind of oppression can be more than this?

A people can no longer go to their farms, nor live in their homes, all because of certain signature hounds called Fulani herdsmen.

I am at a loss as to why neither the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association members have not been proscribed and its members herded into prison for trial, nor have they joined in the search for the killer herdsmen, that is if anyone is really searching for them.

But for the sole arrest of some herdsmen with military arms recently, nobody has been tried and jailed for the thousands of killings.

Sunday Vanguard in its last edition reported that 1,351 people have been killed in various forms of violence in Nigeria in the last ten weeks, in a country not officially declared to be at war.

While Boko Haram insurgents are still kicking many into graves, Fulani herdsmen are shooting and slaughtering people in their homes and farms, all unprovoked. And they all seem to be enjoying annoying and inexplicable immunity.

Some victims of these attacks have often claimed that their traducers do so, sometimes with the prodding of security operatives; or that the security men merely look away when the attackers launch their bullets on them. In one instance in Kigam village, near Kogi town in Kaduna State, the story was told of how the security men, pretending to be shielding helpless victims of such attacks in an improvised IDP, locked the natives up in a classroom in a community primary school, only for them to direct the attackers to open fire at them in the classrooms. Gosh! What has become of us as a nation? Surely, if Chinua Achebe was yet alive, he would have written a revised edition of There was a Country.

If it is not a country where anything goes, apologies to Lt Gen Salihu Ibrahim (retd), former Chief of Army Staff, the untamed killing spree should have cost both the Inspector General of Police, and the Minister of Defence their jobs.

What are they securing or defending if in ten weeks, 1,351 persons have been killed in a country not in war with another country? And nobody is in jail or even cell! Cry Beloved Country!

Worse still, for defying the instruction of the C-in-C to relocate to Benue State in the wake of the killings, we thought by now Mr Ibrahim Idris should have the prefix, former Inspector General, affixed to his name.

But it may not happen because the lives of 1,351 persons, not chickens or cows, mean little or nothing to those in authority. Surely, if the son, daughter, or nephew or mother or cousin of one of the henchmen in Nigeria has been a victim of these herdsmen, the narrative would have changed.

That is why the wordings of one of the placards that greeted President Buhari in Benue makes a lot of summary sense. The placard said: “Every youth in Benue is a Yusuf�, a clear reference to the urgent and super care given to the son of the president who had a motorbike accident. He recently returned from a foreign treatment.

Who will rescue us, the sons and daughters of farmers and peasants?

Not the Zenith of EďŹƒciency

I

had struggled within the last one month to interpret the action of Zenith International Bank, a bank that has been minding my small-small savings since 1992. The temptation to describe it as fraud was strong. But on a second thought, I wondered why a mega Bank which recently declared a gross profit of N203 billion (before tax) for last year, would attempt to pinch the paltry sum of N126,000 from a long and forbearing customer. So is it inefficiency, bureaucracy or the other side of capitalism—which some have interpreted to mean taking the little you have to give to he/she who has so much? I still do not know how to place the action of the bank against me.

On 10th February, at about 10.57 am, I went to a plaza to buy a wedding gift item which price was N126,000. I paid with my Zenith Master card on a Zenith POS. Immediately I punched my PIN, I got

the debit alert. But the cashier soon said the transaction was declined. No argument was strong enough to convince her, not even when she saw that I had been debited. “Just go to your bank� was her polite, but firm, advice. It was a Saturday, so I left without the item I had meant to purchase and went to the wedding without the gift item.

I waited till Monday, February 12 when I visited a branch of the bank in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos. I was made to fill a form of failed POS transaction, and later told that rectifying it could take between 15 to 30 days. The burden of Cashless Lagos! I wondered why it should be that long, given that it was a Zenith Card used on a Zenith POS. But the Customer Service lady was not in the mood for plenty of questions, adding only that it could take less time to rectify than she had said. Grudgingly, I left, wondering if the money “seized� was all I had and if it was a health emergency.

Canticles...

Lawmakers: We Pray for them, They Prey on Us

I

thought by now that, that loquacious senator from the conuence state would have moved a motion for the suspension or even expulsion of Senator Shehu Sani. I am surprised they have been quiet. Perhaps they are still planning the pattern and mode of sanction Why will they suspend Shehu Sani?

Need you ask? Many people who have been suspended in the past did not bring as much embarrassment against the hallowed red chambers as Senator Sani has done.

I still don’t understand. What would be his offence?

For unveiling the tightly guided secret about the salaries and allowances of fellow senators.

But have many people including Professor Itse Sagay not shouted themselves hoax over the ungodly weight of the salaries of the lawmakers? But the lawmakers disputed his figures, called him names and tried to rattle the professor of Law? What do you mean by “ungodly weight� anyway?

What a question! How do you explain that a fellow who practically works four days in a week earns N13.5 million allowance and N700,000 , all in every 30 days, while some other lesser mandarins who work five days a week, sometimes with harder tasks, earn N18,000 as minimum wage per month; yes, N18,000.

Imagine the gap. How godly is that disparity? And have you noticed how empty those chambers can be most of the days they seat?

But all workers cannot earn equal pay anyway. This Saraki is not a socialist economy.

Yes, but the gaping disparity cannot be that wide. No wonder they have been keeping it as a secret. No wonder they take their election as a do-or-die duel. Can you imagine 90 people earning what the entire workforce in some six states would earn?

And these people still receive salaries of N700,000 and then preside over N200 million worth of “constituency projectsâ€? per annum. Haba! The so-called projects don’t have to be executed anyway. All it takes is an understanding with the MDA in charge of the “projectsâ€?. And when it ends up undone, it reappears in the following year’s budget, but the funds allocated to it, long gone. And the beat goes on. That’s how they roll: preying on us while we pray for them with our pious minds and spirits. Yet they say they are “Honourableâ€? and “Distinguishedâ€?; gosh‌. two most abused epithets in Nigeria.

You are making very sweeping comments. Look, Senator Sani made it clear that the said allowance is not just money for the boys. That the money has to be accounted for and retired accordingly. It is only the N700,000 that does not have to be accounted for.

If you believe that, then of all men, you are most naïve. What will they be buying every month to retire N13.5 million every month? Don’t you know that requirement has literally turned the Senate chamber into a factory of fraud as all kinds of forged and fake receipts will be produced from their computer systems to explain away their huge and phoney expenses? Does anybody verify those receipts?

You don’t understand the enormity of social burden the senators and the House of Representative members bear. Do you know how their constituents pressure them with all kinds of requests ranging from paying rents to burial of parents or loved ones; providing feeding allowances to many homes; marriages, paying school fees of supporters’ children; down to paying for huge medical bills of constituents? Look, many of the lawmakers have even sold their personal properties in order to cope servicing the endless requests of their constituents. So in lambasting the lawmakers and calling them names, be conscious of their humongous responsibilities.

I don’t care how much pressure they get from their constituents. I am sure it is because the said constituents know that they (lawmakers) receive unjustifiable loot from the nation’s treasury, hence they buffet them with an array of demands, just so they can partake from the feast of unleavened bread.

Do you know that many of these same lawmakers contrary to their public posture are actually saboteurs of the Nigerian state? Do you realise that the 2018 budget has not been passed, almost ďŹ ve months after, because of some petty personal issues? Do you realise also that the 2017 budget technically ends at the end of this month?

Do you see why Nigeria is not making progress? The budget may now be passed when the rains have come and construction cannot go on. Money would be gone, but the infrastructural gap in Nigeria remains and gets even wider.

Surely, the lawmakers have become a major prayer point for concerned Nigerians.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 17, 2018

25

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Defector, Not ‘Decampee’

EBERE WABARA

D

AILY Sun Editorial of March 5 welcomes us today with just two infractions: “As we have (had) cautioned earlier, it must be done in a manner that is devoid of deceit and undue

politicking.”

“Or is the intended law, as some cynics have argued, meant for the ordinary man on the street?”

No embellishment (ordinariness): the man in (not on) the street?

“Dirty Kubwa: ‘Scavengers’, residents trade blames (blame)” (Abuja Metro Headline, March 7) “Katsina State APC grand deception for decampees (defectors)” ‘Decampee’ is a Nigerian creation!

“Half (Halve) payment of illegal salaries, allowances to lawmakers, Falana urges Buhari” The next three headline solecisms are from South South News, March 12: “Wike is Rivers’ God-sent (Godsend) governor—PDP” “2019: Dickson tasks international community on Nigeria (Nigeria’s) election” “Obaseki celebrates mothers, assures of friendly policies” Who did the governor assure?

“The clarion call to action against illicit financial outflows and tax evasion/underpayment by multinational companies recently at (on) the platform for Collaboration on Tax (PCT) Conference held in New York, United States.”

(DAILY Sun EDITORIAL, March 2) “With heavy heart (hearts), we mourn our brother and friend, Late Francis (the late Francis)….”

“We pray that you rest peacefully in the blossom (bosom) of our Almighty God.” “All other arrangement (arrangements) as fixed by the family” “May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.” There is nothing like ‘perfect peace’—just ‘peace’ without any adorn-

BY

ment.

“Nigeria’s politics degenerates into warfare because of actions like this….”

(DAILY Sun EDITORIAL, February 28) Get it right: an action like this or actions like these….

“The 12th Committee, a Port Harcourt based (Port Harcourt-based) sociophilanthropic club mourns the painful death (is there painless death?) of one of its member (members)….”

Let us continue this edition with a headline solecism from DAILY SUN of November 11: “2019: Can the opposition seize the opportunity?” From the other side: you take (not seize) the opportunity. Americanism allows the extract.

DAILY SUN Headline of November 23 also goofed: “N23bn monthly allocation crash inter-bank rates” Business English: allocation crashes.

“2019: Anglican bishop wants vigilante groups to help policemen protect ballot boxes” (DAILY SUN Headline, November 24) In the interest of eschatology: vigilance group.

The next three puerile extracts are from DAILY CHAMPION Opinion of November 25: “Today, it is becoming increasing (increasingly) clearer that a free and fair election is possible in Nigeria….” “…this he applied in fighting the cause of oppressed (the oppressed). He was Igbo (an Igbo) leader.”

“Itse Sagay accuses Supreme Court justices of setting bad precedence in the country’s judicial history.” There is a morphological distinction between ‘precedence’ and ‘precedent’, which applies to the extract.

“Economics, as if the poor matters!”

(Source: as above) Voice of the nation: the poor matter!

The next lexical lawlessness is from Vanguard of November 11: “Before independence, you don’t lobby to (sic) made a judge.” Get it right: you didn’t lobby to be made a judge.

From this medium a fortnight ago comes the next farcical entry: “Are the leaders calling for prayers so that we

learn not to kill ourselves….” Get it right: we learn not to kill one another. “…it was common (a common) sight to see a classroom crowded with between 150-200 children….” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, November 11) Either: between 150 and 200 or from 150 to 200 (depending on context). No mix-up.

“The grassroot man of Oyo politics” (DAILY INDEPENDENT Headline, November 11) Basic knowledge: grassroots man.

“Omisore assures on credible poll in 2019” The way to go: Omisore assures Nigerians (or everyone) on credible polls in 2011 “We invested heavily on their training and welfare and so should be told what led to their death….” (THE NATION EDITORIAL, November 12) We invested heavily in their training….

From THE NATION OPINION of November 12 comes the next impropriety: “Festo, as I use (used) to call him….”

“The church…was filled to capacity last weekend as….” (THE NATION SOCIETY, November 12) We cannot mention ‘capacity’ when a hall is filled as that fact is implied. According to my copious dictionaries and reference books on the English language, fill means “to occupy the whole space of….” This also applies to “filled to the brim”, et al.

“What the church has joined together…” (Source: as above) Ancient English: joined together. Modern version: joined.

Still on THE NATION of November 12: “In the area of health, Aliyu has moved in to reduce maternal mortality through the introduction of anti-natal (what!) care for pregnant women….” ‘… ante-natal for pregnant women? Should it have been for which other women or, worse still, men?

“Petrol tanker crushes 1 to death” (DAILY SUN Headline, November 12) Even a learner’s dictionary will educate you on the fatalistic nature of “crushing”. So, the tanker crushes one. Some reference books approve the excerpt, but I disagree with such authors because of its inherence. And in headline casting,

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

numbers one to nine are written in words, while 10 and above are written in figures.

“The statistics are here, I can give it to you.” Back to school: I can give them to you, No discord, please.

The next two improprieties are from THISDAY Comment of November 13: “…multiple allocations which has (sic) lingered for over 10 years is (sic) finally put to rest.” No further comment.

“Of all the first generation (a hyphen, please) universities, OAU is arguably the one that was able to preserve its known ideology for the longest.” I do not agree with the usage of “arguably” by a majority of Nigerian writers.

The explanation I got from one of the country’s frontline editors recently was not convincing: when you have points to justify your claims, it becomes arguable and when there are no justifications, you employ “unarguably.” If you are sure of your statement, make it declarative by jettisoning “arguably.” And if you are unsure, do not make claims. If you do, be ready to argue it elsewhere when confronted (not in your contribution).

For the avoidance of doubt, “arguable” (adjective) and its adverb (arguably) mean: ”…for which good, if not necessarily convincing, reasons may be found/open to doubt/not certainly, but reasonably held to be.” (Source: THE NEW LEXICON WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, 2016) My grouse about this excerpt is the intrinsic element of doubt. “…Guinea finally elects a president in an election that witnessed series of crises and postponements. The long road to democracy: a series of crises and postponements.

THISDAY of November 19 contained a gaffe: “In one breathe, there are those who are still….” Take a fresh breath before we continue. “…it was a soothing balm.” (THE GUARDIAN, November 19) What else do balms do apart from soothing?

Senate as Sound-board for Gubernatorial Tussles

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oliticians in Nigeria care very little about anything else but their personal interests.

For them, even institutions of state which should be shielded from partisanship and separated from the crucibles of politics are not spared as far as their narrow prisms of privilege and advantage is concerned.

That seems to be the situation with the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the moment. Members of this hallowed body have taken to the habit of using the institution to perpetuate personal agendas of members to the detriment of certain doctrines of governance. Some important doctrines in ready reference include inter-governmental relations in a federal system of government, and separation of powers between the three arms of government.

The Senate under the extant leadership of Bukola Saraki as Senate President has found it fashionable to deploy the institution of the federal legislature to fight personal political battles of some members who are entangled with their state governors. The motions and ensuing debates are usually highly dramatized with contributors sparing no scruples in aiming at targets knowing that the immunity of legislative privilege protects the verbal aggression. The other day, Senator Shehu Sani took the liberty to describe Mallam Nasir el-rufai, governor of Kaduna State, as “Stalin, Hitler and Nebuchadnezzar.” Days earlier, he had labeled the governor a ‘cancer’ and betrayer’ to President Muhammadu Buhari. The governor has since slammed charges against the senator.

In a related development, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe described the governor of Kogi State as a ‘little Hitler’ in a dig meant to strengthen his colleague who is embroiled in a political battle of supremacy with him.

This is why Dino Melaye, the controversial senator from Kogi State and a key ally and lackey of Saraki, is easily the biggest beneficiary of this gradual erosion of institutional integrity of the extant Senate. A week hardly passes by without the red chamber adopting one motion or the other at the instance of Mr. Melaye targeted at his governor, Yahaya Bello. In making these resolutions, it does seem the Senate has not been well advised as to what powers it has to probe a governor or how such decisions can be enforced in a federal system of government where state executives are not answer-

PEOPLE2PEOPLE WITH

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

Twitter: @resourceme

Saraki

able to the federal legislature per se.

Take the example of the decision of the Senate to investigate the Kogi State government for allegedly establishing a police force through the ‘back door.’

Melaye drew the attention of his colleagues to the matter on Wednesday and spoke of a “plan by the Kogi

State Government to introduce State Police through the back door. This morning, I bring to the Senate a law passed by Kogi State Government and signed into law by the governor which is about the establishment of the vigilante service group. I have that law here which is already being enforced.

By the time I perused this law, it is in conflict with the constitution and alters the function of the Nigerian police as stipulated in section 214 in constitution as amended.” At this point, one would have thought the appropriate thing to do would be to approach the court and seek to quash the law, if indeed it conflicts with the constitution of the country. Interestingly, Melaye acknowledged that “states can only make laws through the House of Assembly as enshrined in section 4 of the constitution but it must not be in conflict with the constitution.” But in his usual drama, the senator proceeded to whip up sentiments about how the law is being implemented in a draconian manner by the state governor. Hear him: “The vigilante group will be involved in the detection and prevention of crimes, apprehension criminals, preservation of land and order, assists paramilitary agencies in the discharge of their duties and assist other security in maintain law and order.

There shall be a comptroller of vigilante services.

The most affront of the constitution is section 15 of that law; that the vigilante group shall carry dane guns and other light weapons.” At the end of the day, the Senate resolved to summon the National Security Adviser (NSA) in a further investigation ceded to its committees on intelligence and judiciary.

To be clear, I am not by any means suggesting that the Senate cannot discharge its functions as guaranteed under Section 4 of the Constitution with respect to making laws for the good governance of the federation. But it must be conscious of the powers it does not have over the governance of the sub-national units that make up the federation. In any case, it is the judiciary that is granted powers to resolve a conflict between a federal law and state legislation should the conflicting parties stay adamant on their positions. My position is that the Senate should concern itself with matters over which it has powers and resist the temptation of jumping into every item of disagreement between senators and their governors.

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚͜

Love Your New Car: The Nuts and Bolts of Car Maintenance

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Range Rover Sport SVR

Supercar Beater: Range Rover Sport SVR Sets Tianmen Road Record Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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n SUV is not meant to outperform a supercar, but that’s exactly what happened when the new Range Rover Sport SVR took on a fearsome mountain road in China.

Land Rover’s performance SUV, driven by Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver Ho-Pin Tung, has smashed the record for negotiating the 99 corners of the famous Tianmen Road.

The standard production Range Rover Sport SVR set a new unofficial record of 9 minutes 51 seconds for the 11.3km ascent at an average speed of 68.8km/h, beating the previous best of 10 minutes 31 seconds – set by a Ferrari 458 Italia supercar in 2016.

With 423kW available from its enhanced V8 supercharged engine, the new Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest ever Land Rover and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds,

while its top speed is 280km/h. The new performance flagship features bold design revisions and increased use of lightweight materials to enhance performance, handling and agility.

Coupled with changes to the chassis, the new SVR delivers more dynamic responses without compromising traditional Range Rover comfort.

The engineers at SVO focused on controlling pitch under heavy acceleration and braking, and changestothedampinghardwarehaveimproved turn-in, mid-corner grip and body control.

Ho-Pin Tung, Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver, said: “I am used to the high speeds of racing but these 99 turns were something unique. Maintaining concentration was the biggest challenge as the road twists and turns constantly, with huge drop-offs to the side. The consequences of getting it wrong would have been really serious so I focused on establishing a rhythm and the Range Rover Sport SVR made this easy – it may be an SUV but it has the performance and agility of a supercar and can take you to places a supercar

can only dream of.�

The optional exposed carbon fibre bonnet is one of the distinctive innovations introduced by the experts at Special Vehicle Operations and features a pair of large air vents to underline its performance potential. A revised front bumper providesenhancedbrakeandenginecoolingwhile the 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine produces 700Nm of torque.

Inside, new lightweight SVR Performance seats provide superior support and traditional Range Rover luxury with Windsor leather, an embossed SVR logo and a choice of four colour combinations.

The record-breaking ascent is the latest challenge completed by the Range Rover Sport after the PHEV model made the dizzying climb to the iconic Heaven’s Gate natural rock arch at the road’s summit last month. The PHEV made its debut in a race against two-time open-water swimming world champion Keri-anne Payne and endurance athlete Ross Edgley in Devon, UK.

Weststar Presents Atego 1725 FireďŹ ghting Truck

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he Commercial Vehicles department of Weststar Associates Limited – (Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Federal Republic of Nigeria), recently debuted its first unit of the new Atego 1725 firefighting truck for the year 2018 to support firefighting operations in Nigeria. This is in line with Weststar’s new strategic philosophy to support firefighting operations in Nigeria.

The Mercedes-BenzAtego Firefighting truck comes with a double cabin laid-out for 6 people - driver plus one person in front and four people behind.

It features Autonomous Respirators built into the seat backrests. The Pump compartment in this Atego Firefighting vehicle is mounted between the cabin and the water tank made of aluminum profiles and coated with smooth aluminum with its Pump access door on the right side and with roller blind-type door located on the left of the driver’s side.

The structure and firefighting equipment are in accordance with MBR 14096 – for firefighting vehicles, setting the minimum conditions required for the design, construction and performance of the vehicle. Two tanks are within the inner compartment, one for water and another for LGE, with capacity respectively of 5000 liters of water and 500 liters LGE, fitted with internal longitudinal and transverse deflectors according to standards boost flexibility when driving in rough terrain.

The Atego 1725 firefighting truck is the perfect match for organizations striving to achieve total quality in fire protection solutions as it is equipped with a strong and robust 6.4 liter inline, 6 cylinder Mercedes-Benz engine that produces 245hp ensuring excellent performance, complies with Euro 3 emission standards ensuring a low level emission of pollutants and low fuel consumption.

The dashboard of the vehicle supports economical driving by featuring a real time indicator for fuel consumption as well as an econometer, which indicates the most appropriate engine speed in

The new Atego 1725 firefighting truck every operating situation.

Extremely hazardous fires require top-level skills and innovative agents. Twin-Agent Fire Suppression Systems provide proven technology to fight large flammable liquid and gas fires. This main capability distinguishes theAtego 1725 firefighting truck from others in its category - combining dry chemical agents for rapid flame knock down and Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for securing the fire area. Available with Class BC dry chemicals (Purple K or sodium bicarbonate) and your choice

of 3% or 6% AFFF concentrate.

In the words of Mr. Mirko Plath, Managing/CEO, Weststar Associates Limited – the Mercedes-Benz’ fire-fighting truck is a genuine all-rounder with extensive equipment and technical payload to match specific needs and situations. It is most suitable and will demonstrate high quality and reliability as a fire truck in Nigeria. It is available for immediate delivery through Weststar with up-to-the-minute aftersales support synonymous worldwide with the Mercedes-Benz brand�.

o you bought a new car – complete with the new car smell, gadgets, the shimmering paint-job, the freedom only a new car can provide. However, your new pride and joy requires maintenance and care.

You don’t need to be a petrolhead or have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering to make sure your new ride is running smoothly for years to come, but you need to be familiar with your car’s maintenance requirements as well as some technical basics. Ford Motor Company, in collaboration with its official distributor Coscharis Motors, offers the following tips to keep your car in showroom condition: Get It Serviced The most important thing you can do for your car is to ensure it is regularly serviced by an authorised dealer as they will be familiar with your vehicle and have all the necessary equipment to work on it. Therefore, one does not need to worry about faulty car parts being used. Your dealer will have parts designed specifically for your car. For example, at each service, Ford certified technicians at Coscharis Motors will check that your car is running as it should be and ensure that Genuine Ford Parts are used.

Get Your hands Dirty Some things you need to do yourself. These helpful maintenance basics from Ford Motor Company will help you keep your car in tip-top condition: Engine: Water and oil are the lifeblood of your engine and Ford service agents recommend that you check your water and oil levels every time you fill up at the petrol station. It may sound excessive, but why not? Better safe than sorry and the petrol attendant will do it free while your fuel is topping up.

Tyres: The tyres are what connects your car to the road and you really want the peace of mind that your tyres are in good shape. Make sure to stick to the correct tyre pressure (check your owner’s manual) and check the tread on each tyre.

Lights:Ask a friend to stand outside your car and help you check your park lights, high and low beams, indicators, and brake lights. Unless you have mechanical knowledge do not risk replacing faulty globes and bulbs on your own – it is a tricky job and you do not want to damage the light fixture.

Windscreen and Wiper Blades: Clear visibility of the road is critical, so always get any chips or cracks on your windscreen fixed as soon as possible. Remember that small cracks will get bigger. Make sure your wiper blades are clean, and if they leave lines of water on your windshield in wet weather, they may be cracked, and it’s time to replace them. It is good practise to replace windshield wipers annually.

Brakes: If you feel that you might have a problem with your brakes, attend to them immediately.

Several things may indicate a problem with the brakes: Does the brake pedal feel soft or spongy when depressed? Does the car pull to one side under braking? Can you hear a grinding or squealing sound? If the answer is yes to any of these, have your technician address the issue right away.

Paint & Bodywork: Ford recommends you wash your car on a regular basis with mild detergent liquid soap and lukewarm water. Rinse the bodywork once a week if you are unable to wash. Then check the paintwork for chips and scratches, and attend to any damage immediately. Failure to do so could cause unwanted corrosion.

If you are ever in doubt, check your owner’s manual and warranty/service guide. These booklets contain all the information you need to know as a car owner – how your car works, what consumables to use, what falls under the warranty and service plan, and much more. “Through our various aftersales service centres and Ford-backed Quick Lane facilities, Nigerian drivers can be assured of expert auto maintenance,� says Abiona Babarinde, GM Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Motors.

Quick Lanes offer motorists the option of having professional maintenance performed for minor service items in the shortest amount of time possible and regardless of their vehicle’s brand. This includes oil and filter changes, fitment of new brake pads and drive belts, as well as electronic diagnostics. Quick Lane centres can also fit and rotate tyres, perform wheel alignment, and replace shock absorbers.

Ford Motor Company was recognised as the 2017 Auto Brand of theYear at the NigerianAutomotive Industry awards.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚͜

27

“70 Years of Porsche Sports Car� at Retro Classics Exhibition

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Silhouette of 2019 Toyota RAV4

All-New Toyota RAV4 to Make World Debut in New York Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he all-new fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4 will make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, March 28, at 9:10 a.m. (Thursday, March 29, at 12:10 a.m. AEDT).

Toyota will use this month’s 2018 New York International Auto Show to introduce its allnew, fifth-generation RAV4.

No information has been released apart

from a teaser showing the silhouette of the upcoming small SUV. The introduction of the new RAV4 follows last week’s reveal of the all-new, 12th-generation Corolla in hatchback guise at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. Toyota is yet to confirm the new Corolla hatch for the United States (the current model is sold here as a Corolla iM) but we’ll definitely be seeing a new Corolla sedan in the not too distant future.

Expect the new RAV4 to be mechanically similar to the new Corolla. This means TNGA

modular platform underpinnings and inline-4 engines, some coupled with electric motors in hybrid guise. An 8-speed transmission is also likely to replace the current model’s 6-speed, and improved fuel economy is also expected.

The RAV4 is Toyota’s best-selling nameplate right now, so the new model’s reveal is a huge deal for the Japanese automaker. The RAV4 was the fourth best-selling vehicle in the United States in 2017, with buyers snapping up 407,594 examples. Ahead of it were the Ram, Silverado and F-Series pickups.

he Porsche Museum is celebrating “70 years of the Porsche sports car� at this year’s Retro Classics exhibition. Every hour at the Porsche stand, visitors are invited to experience a 15-minute journey back in time through the history of the Porsche brand. A selection of special sports cars form the centrepiece of the guided tour, in which Porsche presents the Type 915 as the study for a Gran Turismo based on the 911. This unique vehicle was constructed in the autumn of 1969 under the 915 type designation. With its wheelbase extended by 350 millimetres, the 915 was designed to offer more legroom for the rear passengers. A 356 Speedster from 1955 also features in the tour. This lightweight and affordable sports car was developed especially for the US market in the 1950s.

Acore theme of the Porsche exhibition stand is the development of turbocharging. The brand’s pioneering work in this field is illustrated by four sports cars spanning several decades: The Porsche 961, a race track version of the 959 super sports car, demonstrated the reliability and performance of innovative technologies during the Le Mans long-distance race in 1986.

The year 1991 saw the launch of an exclusive 944 Turbo Cabriolet with an output of 250 hp; by the end of series production, only 528 of these sports cars had been built. In 1997, Porsche Exclusive offered a performanceenhanced variant of the last air-cooled 911 Turbo, featuring a 3.6-litre flat engine with an output increased from 408 hp to 430 hp.

The spectacular climax of turbo development is marked by the 911 GT2 RS, which holds the lap record for series-production vehicles on the NĂźrburgring Nordschleife at 6:47.3 minutes.

This high-performance sports car with rearwheel drive and an output of 515 kW (700 hp) is the fastest and most powerful 911 with road approval produced to date. Porsche Track Experience offers this vehicle as an option at its driving events and is presenting it at the Retro Classics exhibition.

Lexus Unveils its First Compact Crossover

L

Lexus has revealed the next stage of its development as a luxury lifestyle brand with the world premiere of its first compact urban crossover, the UX. Unveiled at the Geneva international motor show, the Lexus UX features a bold and stylish design, new platform, two new powertrains and an array of imaginative technologies.

The new model - due in Australia early next year - introduces a fourth-generation hybrid system, a new 2.0-litre petrol engine with high thermal efficiency and a new direct-shift continuously variable transmission.

The UX will be the fourth addition to the local Lexus range in just 18 months, joining the LC luxury coupe, the RX “L� seven-seat SUV and the upcoming LS flagship sedan. Lexus

B

Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the UX would be the most important new model for Lexus sales since the NX Line arrived in 2014. “The UX with its all-inclusive luxury will further broaden our range and enable Lexus sales to cross over the 10,000 sales barrier for the first time in our history,� Mr Thompson said. “For the first time, Lexus can compete in the luxury small-SUV segment, growing that category by attracting new, younger customers while offering an aspirational alternative to our long-standing customers,� he said.

The UX features powerful bodywork, aggressive rear shoulders and muscular wheel arches that contrast with a sleek, compact cabin profile and a high beltline.

Lexus UX

Averting The School Bus Tragedies

efore I deal with the concluding part of the piece on school bus which I began last week, please join me in celebrating my newly found mentor, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who was a year older last week. I join other Nigerians friends, associates and family to pray to theAlmighty God to keep and preserve him, endow him with plenty wisdom and enlarge his capacity to function in the exalted position destiny has bestowed on him .As we all concur with a loud Amen, I wish to refresh your memory with my conclusion last week when I informed you that the driver of the Kuje school bus in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory which occurred on February 1 ,2018 was said to be operating without a fire extinguisher as at the time of the road traffic crash which claimed the lives of three children from the same family..

The question to ask is why would some school proprietors whose business is not charity, who are alsoparents;operateschoolbuseswithouttheslightest care for the safety of the children committed to them for learning and for safety? What is the guarantee that these school bus drivers are property licensed to drive, were properly screened, tested to ascertainedtheircompetenceandemotionalmindset to operate a school bus. What also is the guarantee that these school buses are properly maintained?

The issue of the Kuje bus driver’s competence and the validity of his driver’s license is a matter for another day as stipulated in the National Road Traffic Regulations. But before I continue let me again pray that the Almighty God will find me worthy to be endowed with much more than He has endowed my mentor.

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

Now back to the business of the day. I will plead that you grab a copy of the opening part of this piece which I told you last week is meant to prick our conscience into taking quick and effective preventive measures to stop the deaths. If you read the first part, you will realize that between the Lekki crash, the Ikota, Ogolonto and Kuje crash ,several issues come to the fore; the issues are excessive speeding, vehicle maintenance, non use of seat belt ,driving without a fire extinguisher or appropriate fire extinguisher, driving with a valid driver’s license, disregard for the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations among others and lastly the foot-dragging by most school proprietors to comply with the approved School bus standard.

Before I deal with these issues, let me first focus our attention on the school bus standard approved by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The Revised Highway Code on page 130 spells out the specific features of a school bus. In its introduction it says,’’ the school bus is a vehicle type designed with specific safety features to convey school children to and fro school or other school related trips. Child

safety is a vital aspect of traffic safety. The Highway Code notes that School children are expected to be conveyed in comfortable, conducive and safe vehicles driven by competent drivers’’ .It then list the following as features; that the exterior of a school bus must have a yellow 90(hexadecimal color code: FFFFOO) background with two white stripes (3cm), spaced by 2cm running from the bonnet across the roof down the back-end.

Theexterioroftheschoolbusshouldhavetheinscription of the name of the school, the logo, serialized code on both sides and at the front view of the bus. It should be conspicuously marked ‘SCHOOL BUS’’ above the wind screen close to the bus roof. The school bus should have an emergency exit door, a stop signal Arm, hand rails and steps. The same Revised Highway Code lists the various types of school buses thus ; type ‘A’ 1 bus has the capacity to accommodate eighteen persons including the driver and the assistant, type ‘A’ 2 has an extended capacity to accommodate twenty two persons including the driver and the assistant, type ‘B’1 has the capacity to accommodate twenty-eight persons including the driver and the assistant, type ‘B’2 has an extended capacity for thirty five persons including the driver andtheassistantwhiletype‘C’whichisthelastisabus thathasthecapacityforseventytwopersonsincluding the driver and the assistant. The various types listed gives School proprietors the liberty to choose any type that suits their population and individual needs.

Meanwhile, there must be a provision for separate seats for the school bus driver and the bus driver assistant. There are other provisions which I hope to focus on in due time.

What I have tried to do is to inform my readers and

parents that there is indeed a school bus standard.

All school proprietors know this because they were all engaged in the processes that finally led to what we have today as a school bus standard .As parents and business men who must operate within the ambit of the law and with the fear of God, profit considerationmustneversweepasidesafetyconcerns and best practices. I must however concede that a handful of proprietors have shown compliance with these provisions while others in the typical Nigerian syndrome, would rather operate outside the ambit of the law forgetting that there is always a divine repercussion I call those who operate without consideration for safety quacks. As I reflect on this group, I recall my experience some time in 2011 while still in Lagos as Sector Commander. It was on a sunny Friday afternoon when as usual traffic in Lagos was at a standstill. My brother chris kehinde Nwandu and my humble self were driving in his jeep along the opebi ikeja when we spotted a school bus driven against traffic with some pupils whose ages should range between 2 and five years. Sitting besides the children was a female assistant whose presence added no value to the children safety. We drove close to the driver and I politely requested the driver to pull over and step aside. He did after few seconds’ hesitation. I was visibly shocked when I saw that he was physically challenged. Calmy I requested for his driver licence which he could not provide and thereafter I told him that I would impound the vehicle.

I was later prevailed upon to warn and release him because of the tender little children who at this time were already in tears. I however took the school name and made the engagement of an unlicensed physically challenged driver my discussion topic on my daily regular radio programe, OGADRIVER on Radio Continental where reactions from the public was as vicious as I anticipated.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚΀

FAMILY HEALTH with

Taking Care of Your Reproductive Health

BOBO Ě“

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, ͸΀͸ͽ͝͝Ϳͺ͝ͽ͞ ͸΀͸ͽ ͸΀ ͸ͽ͝͝ ͸ͽ ͝͝Ϳ ͝͝ Ϳͺ ͺ͝ͽ ͝ͽ͞ ͞

T

he reproductive health of any person is important not just for procreation, but for personal hygiene to prevent diseases that can lead to death.

Reproductive health is a condition in which the reproductive functions and processes are accomplished in a state of complete physical, mental and social

well-being.

The human body works in sync with the environment and the body clock, which is your natural rhythm that sets your normal body functions going with your life processes.

Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of reproductive disease or infirmity.

Reproductive health deals with the reproductive processes, functions and system at all stages of life.

Reproductive health is not just about sex. It is part of a holistic health programme starting from early age teaching values and understanding the anatomy and physiology of their bodies. This education continues when they are young adults to have safe and acceptable access to methods of fertility regulation of their choice and the right to have access to appropriate healthcare services that enables women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth as stated in the WHO definition.

Contrary to popular belief, being sexually healthy does not signify being free from sexually transmitted diseases or some other forms of infirmity or dysfunction. Rather, sexual health is an umbrella term encompassing many different facts related to one’s mental and social well-being too.

Simply, you need to have a healthy reproductive system in order to give birth to healthy children.

Keeping this in mind, read through the following lines and learn more about this incredibly important factor of human existence.

The present article is going to focus primarily on taking care of your reproductive organs, which are the primary organs that are in focus.

Reproductive health is not just about sex.

It is part of a holistic health programme starting from How to take care of your reproductive organs To be as healthy as you can be, you should: early age teachr &BU B CBMBODFE EJFU UIBU JT IJHI JO Ă CFS BOE MPX ing values and in fat. r %SJOL QMFOUZ PG XBUFS understanding r (FU SFHVMBS FYFSDJTF the anatomy r .BJOUBJO B IFBMUIZ XFJHIU r (FU FOPVHI TMFFQ and physiology r "WPJE VTJOH UPCBDDP BMDPIPM PS PUIFS ESVHT r .BOBHF TUSFTT JO IFBMUIZ XBZT of their bodies.

This education Symptoms of female reproductive health problems 1. Women continues when In women, there are numerous conditions that can affect the reproductive system, such as cancer, uterine they are young fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, infertility, and adults to have TFYVBMMZ USBOTNJUUFE EJTFBTFT 45%T BOE NPSF safe and acSymptoms of female reproductive and hormonal ceptable access health problems include r #MFFEJOH PS TQPUUJOH CFUXFFO QFSJPET to methods r *UDIJOH CVSOJOH PS JSSJUBUJPO JODMVEJOH CVNQT of fertility CMJTUFST PS TPSFT PG UIF WBHJOB PS HFOJUBM BSFB r 1BJO PS EJTDPNGPSU EVSJOH TFY regulation of r &YDFTTJWFMZ IFBWZ CMFFEJOH PS TFWFSF QBJO XJUI periods their choice r 4FWFSF QFMWJD BCEPNJOBM QBJO and the right r " DIBOHF JO WBHJOBM EJTDIBSHF BNPVOU DPMPS PS PEPS

to have access r 'FFMJOH PG GVMMOFTT JO UIF MPXFS BCEPNFO to appropriate r 'SFRVFOU VSJOBUJPO PS GFFMJOH PG VSHFODZ UP VSJOBUF r -PXFS CBDL QBJO healthcare r 1FMWJD 1BJO r ,OPXO SFQSPEVDUJWF QSPCMFNT TVDI BT JOGFSUJMJUZ services past miscarriages or early labor that enables r &YDFTTJWF IBJS HSPXUI PO UIF GBDF DIFTU TUPNBDI thumbs, or toes women to go r #BMEOFTT PS UIJOOJOH IBJS safely through r "DOF PJMZ TLJO PS EBOESVGG r 1BUDIFT PG UIJDLFOFE EBSL CSPXO PS CMBDL TLJO r *G ZPV FYQFSJFODF BOZ PG UIF BCPWF TZNQUPNT pregnancy and see your doctor to determine the cause. childbirth as stated in the 2. Male problems r *NQPUFODF &SFDUJMF %ZTGVODUJPO

WHO deďŹ niWhen a man can no longer achieve or maintain an tion. erection for intercourse or he experiences a decrease in sexual desire, he is likely experiencing impotence, PS FSFDUJMF EZTGVODUJPO &% *G UIJT PDDVST FWFSZ TP often, it may not be cause for concern or enough to seek a professional medical opinion. However, if

&% CFDPNFT BO POHPJOH JTTVF JU DBO BGGFDU B NBO T self-confidence and it can also negatively influence his relationship with his partner. &% JT PGUFO DBVTFE CZ BO FYJTUJOH QIZTJDBM QSPClem because sexual arousal involves that a person’s brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels are all working well both together and TFQBSBUFMZ 1PTTJCMF DBVTFT PG JNQPUFODF JODMVEF IFBSU disease, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and blood pressure, low testosterone, excessive use of alcohol, complications from surgery, cancer treatment, and more. It is important for men not to feel anxious or, even embarrassed while discussing this issue with their doctor if it becomes an ongoing problem, as this is a common issue and there are treatment options available. Ëž Ùå ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ— Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ăž When a man ejaculates semen that contains less sperm than normal, he is considered to have a low sperm count. This condition is also referred to as oligospermia, where as if an individual has zero TQFSN JU JT LOPXO BT B[PPTQFSNJB " MPX TQFSN count can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which are avoidable: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, direct heat to the groin, and excessive intercourse are all known contributing elements to a low sperm count diagnosis. Ëž Ùå Ă?Ă?ÞÙĂ?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă?

Testosterone is a hormone that has a great deal of influence over a man’s body. Testosterone affects a man’s sex drive, as well as his muscle and bone strength in adulthood. Symptoms of low testosterone include: low libido, poor erectile function (weaker and fewer FSFDUJPOT BDIJFWFE BOE BO PWFSBMM SFEVDUJPO PG TFYVBM activity. Similar to many other male reproductive issues, low testosterone is often linked to existing health issues, some of which include diabetes, obesity, infection, an additional hormone disorder, testicular DBODFS BOE FU DFUFSB -PX 5 BT JU JT DPNNPOMZ LOPXO can be diagnosed via a blood test by your doctor. Ëž Ă?ĂŁĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă“Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă?

When fibrous scar tissue forms inside the penis the DPOEJUJPO JT LOPXO BT 1FZSPOJF T EJTFBTF 5IF TDBS tissue that forms causes a man’s erection to curve – this is a painful condition marked in that the curve and pain are often significant. The disease can be caused by an injury to the penis in which blood cells are trapped at the injury site while the body attempts to heal naturally and this leads the buildup of scar tissue. )PXFWFS OPU BMM DBTFT PG 1FZSPOJF T EJTFBTF BSF EVF to an injury, the disease and its symptoms can come on gradually for some men. There are both medical and surgical options available to treat this condition. Ëž Ă?Ă?ÞÓĂ?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ăœ Testicular cancer is cancer that develops in a man’s testicles. Symptoms of testicular cancer include: a lump, PS TXFMMJOH JO B UFTUJDMF QBJO EJTDPNGPSU JO B UFTUJDMF

or even in the scrotum, enlargement of a testicle, an BDIJOH TFOTBUJPO JO UIF MPXFS BCEPNFO CBDL BOE PS BDIJOH TFOTBUJPO JO UIF MPXFS BCEPNFO CBDL BOE PS groin area, collecting groi gr oin n ar area ea,, as well wel welll as a fluid flui fluid d co coll llec ecti ting ng iin n the the scrotum. scro sc rotu tum. m. symptoms do nott IItt iis iimportant t t tto note t that th h t these th h t d necessarily mean that an individual has testicular cancer; they can also be symptomatic of another condition. Roughly 8,000 men a year are diagnosed with testicular cancer in the United States, and exact causes of this type of cancer are not yet known. Risk factors are noted, as can include: a family history of testicular cancer, a personal history of the cancer, and those with undescended testicles are said to be at risk.

How to aid your reproductive health Men r "EE 4PNF "OUJPYJEBOUT UP :PVS %JFU 0ZTUFST BSF fertility superfoods due to their high zinc content. ... r )BWF 'SFRVFOU 4FY 'SFRVFOU TFY JT JNQPSUBOU for semen health. ... r 8BUDI :PVS 4PZ *OUBLF r "WPJE 5PYJD $IFNJDBMT JO UIF 8PSLQMBDF r 2VJU 4NPLJOH r ,FFQ 5IJOHT $PPM r "JN GPS B )FBMUIZ 8FJHIU r (P &BTZ PO UIF "MDPIPM BOE "-&4 r $MFBOMJOFTT r "CTUJOFODF r 1SPNQU USFBUNFOU PG JOGFDUJPO r 4FMG FYBNT r 3FHVMBS NFEJDBM DIFDL VQT r .BOBHF TUSFTT JO IFBMUIZ XBZT r (FU FOPVHI TMFFQ Women r 5BLF IFSCT r 5SBDL ZPVS DZDMF r 4VQQPSU ZPVS FOEPDSJOF TZTUFN r "CEPNJOBM NBTTBHF r 0QUJNJ[F ZPVS MJWFS GVODUJPO r ,OPX ZPVS CSFBTU r "WPJE UPYJD NFOTUSVBM QSPEVDUT #BUIF PS TIPXFS EBJMZ UP LFFQ ZPVS FYUFSOBM PSHBOT clean. abstain from sxual activity before marriage; abstinence.

Caring for the male system %P B UFTUJDVMBS TFMG FYBNJOBUJPO FWFSZ NPOUI 2. Choose a time when the scrotum is relaxed, usually after a shower.

3. Roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers of both hands.

4. Check the testes monthly for lumps , swelling, or soreness. %PO U XFBS FYUSFNFMZ UJHIU DMPUIJOH JU DBO DBVTF pain.

6. Report and thing unusual to your doctor.

Care for females 1. Keep track of menstrual cycles.

2. Use pads and tampons during monthly cycles.

3. Take a warm bath or exercise moderately to avoid cramps. .BLF SFHVMBS CSFBTU FYBN UP DIFDL GPS JSSFHVMBSJties.

5. Take regular baths, especially during menstruation.

6. Regular check up with a gynecologist.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

17.03.2018

Serena Williams

Struggling to Get Back Her Forte

ATTENTION TURNS TO UCL PAGE. 29

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚΀

Serena

Struggling to Get Back Her Forte Ă’Ă? ĂŽĂ™Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂ?Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? Ă˜Ă?Ă Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă—Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă Ă“ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă‹Ă–Ă– ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă‹ Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă“Ă?Ëœ ÒÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă‘Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ě‹Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ— ÞÒËÞ Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă‹ ËŠĂŒĂ?Ă‹Ă?Þ˪ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂž Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂŒĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă™Ă? Ă‹ ĂŒĂ‹ĂŒĂŁ Ă‘Ă“ĂœĂ– Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă?ÚÞĂ?Ă—ĂŒĂ?ĂœË› Kunle Adewale ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?

Jo

W

hile recovering from birth can be relatively speedy, most experts recommend waiting until you have had your postnatal checkup (usually around six weeks) before embarking on vigorous exercise. A caesarean birth might require more time. But even if you are physically capable, exercising while you are bleary-eyed from the exhaustion of tending a newborn is a different matter. While exercise is clearly beneficial, and indeed can help fend off the symptoms of postnatal depression, finding the energy and motivation and childcare can be very hard.

That is why it is perhaps unsurprising that Serena Williams, who had her first child in September, withdrew from the Australian Open, saying her fitness wasn’t yet at the level she

wanted.

She lost in her return to tennis after giving birth in September, beaten by French Open champion, Jelena Ostapenko, in an exhibition and she said afterwards, “I don’t know if I am totally ready to come back on the tour yet. I know that when I come back, I definitely want to be competing for championships. I am definitely looking forward to getting back out there. “I don’t think I am going to rate my performance. I have plenty of comebacks, from injuries, from surgeries, but I’ve never had a comeback after actually giving birth to a human being. Knowing that I have won 23 Grand Slam titles and several other titles, I don’t think I have anything more left to prove. But I am not done yet."

Serena indeed made her comeback at the ongoing BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells. Walking on court for the first match of her latest comeback,

she allowed herself a rare smile. This time, tennis is different for the 23-time major winner.

She beat Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open last Thursday night after a 14-month layoff for the birth of her daughter. “I almost cried before the match,� Williams said. “ With new husband and Reddit co-found Alexis Ohanian looking on, Williams played from behind until breaking Diyas in the 11th game of the first set. Diyas netted a forehand and Williams yelled, “Come on!� as the crowd cheered. “Right now, for this particular tournament, I’m really just trying to take it easy and not put so much pressure or stress or expectation on myself. I feel like it’s one of the few times I’ve been able to do that.�

However, in round three at Indian Wells, Serena came up against her sister, Venus and the

31

MARCH 17, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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

Serena

For Araromi Community, a San Siro has Come Home Dreams do come true! Residents of Araromi Community will attest to this. For a very long time they wished for their San Siro and today it’s a reality, courtesy of CocaCola Nigeria

former world number one lost in two straight sets to her older sister and admitted she has "a long way to go. It wasn't easy, obviously," said Serena.

It was the 29th meeting between the Williams sisters - Serena now leads 17-12 - and it lasted 87 minutes in front of a main stadium crowd of more than 10,000 fans, including current world number one Simona Halep.

"It was good to play and try to get in the rhythm and get into the swing again," added Serena.

"I can't really replicate the situation no matter how much I do in practice. I make those shots 10 times out of 10 in practice.

"It's just the nerves, the anticipation you feel naturally. It's a little bit of everything that comes in a match that just doesn't normally happen.

"It's good that I don't have to say that this is the best tennis I have ever played and I lost. My room for improvement is incredible.

"So I have just got to keep saying at each tournament that my goal is just to be better than the last. I don't want to go backwards."

Serena was already pregnant with daughter Alexis Olympia, when she beat Venus 6-4 6-4 in Melbourne at

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

the start of 2017.

However, she revealed in February that she “almost died” after giving birth and was bedridden for six weeks.

Williams has been away since winning the 2017 Australian Open early in her pregnancy. She gave birth to Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. six months ago.

There are examples of other elite athletes returning to top form soon after giving birth. In 1991, Liz McColgan took gold at the 10,000m at the World Championships, seven months after her daughter Eilish was born.

Jo Pavey won the 10,000m at the 2014 European Championships aged 40, 10 months after the birth of her second child. However, the fact that both victories were greeted with astonishment shows that such speedy returns are relatively rare – and certainly shouldn’t be used as a stick to beat new mothers who are finding it hard enough to get to a weekly yoga class.

A little less than a month after giving birth in 2007, Lindsay Davenport was back on the court, winning two titles — Bali, Indonesia, and Quebec City in the second half of the year.

Besides that, she was named the 2007 Comeback Player of the Year.

She worked her way back up to the world’s top 25 before year’s end and went on to win the U.S. Open in 1998 and the Australian Open two years later.

Being a new parent is exhausting, but there are additional physical challenges for a post-partum mother – including recovery from childbirth, bleeding and dealing with breastfeeding.

And those challenges are only magnified when you are a top sports star hoping to return to elite level. Which is why it is perhaps unsurprising that Serena Williams, who had her first child in September, withdrew from the Australian Open, saying her fitness isn’t yet at the level she wanted.

F

or the many football enthusiasts across the world, the San Siro stadium in Milan; one of the legendary stadia in the football world, stands for quality football experience; having hosted some of the game’s greatest.

In the same vein, the Araromi Community Sports Centre, which is also nicknamed the San Siro, after the Milan stadium is known to offer the best of quality football viewing in the country; at least, so the locals believe.

Although, not as top notch in terms of aesthetic contemplation and land mass as the original San Siro, they both share something in common; a home of exciting football games.

“We nicknamed the pitch after the San Siro because of their slight similarity - quality football at its best. This explains the mammoth crowd that troop out to watch matches during many of the competitions hosted here. Just like the San Siro has hosted the greatest footballers of our time, the Araromi Community Sports Centre has seen amazing raw football talents grace its pitch. Now that Coca-Cola has stepped in to give it the extra pep of a worldclass football facility, we are super excited and confident that the intervention would further raise the profile of the pitch as well as stimulate the development of the game at grassroots,” Kenneth Okorie, President, Gbagada Grassroots Sports Association, remarked at the commissioning of the sports centre, now branded Araromi Community Sports Centre.

Boasting of a 1000 seating capacity pavilion, equipped with borehole, functional water sanitation and hygiene facilities for the public and physically challenged, changing rooms for players and referees, two units of VIP Lounge, an administrative office and an 11 aside football pitch(75x45) equipped with flood lights and two sets of dugout for reserved players with a 10-man seating capacity each, the newly refurbished Araromi Community Sports Centre is one of the several sports facilities in Lagos that has been upgraded by Coca-Cola to drive Nigeria’s grassroots sports.

According to the beverage giant, the renovation of the pitch is in line with its commitments to empower and inspire the game at the grassroots, particularly among young players who wish to go professional.

At the commissioning, the Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Bhupendra Suri

pointed out that “For more than 50 years now, Coca-Cola has had a strong association with sports and particularly football in Nigeria.

We however realized that to further drive Nigeria’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.”

He stressed that the refurbished pitch now offers aspiring football talents in the community access to world class training facilities in addition to being exposed and mentored by some of the ex-internationals who have volunteered to train young local players in the facility from time to time.

Commending Coca-Cola for its pivotal role in developing grassroots sports facilities, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, who represented the Lagos State Governor, H.E Akinwunmi Ambode remarked that beyond helping to fulfill the State's sports development objectives, the Araromi Community Sports Centre aligns with the vision of promoting sustainable communities through social enterprise development initiatives. Her words, “This is a welcome development for the people of Lagos State and in particular residents of Araromi community, Gbagada as it is sure to empower the youths within the community to earn a living and become relevant by contributing significantly to the economic growth of the nation.”

Reacting to the refurbishment of the Centre, ex-international star, Julius Aghaghowa stated that the intervention by Coca-Cola is timely and will certainly lead to the discovery of young football stars. “I remember back in the 90’s, 90 percent of the field had no grass on it. There was really nothing about the field to motivate us, the only motivation was our passion for the game. Today, it’s a different story, all thanks to Coca-Cola,” he quipped.

Reputed as one of the oldest sports facilities in Lagos state, the Centre has produced many notable football stars like Obafemi Martins, Segun Fetuga, Godwin Opara and a host of others.

It is hoped that with the renovation, a lot more budding stars will be discovered on the pitch even as the centre also serves as a platform to drive unity within the community.

Leaders of the Nigerian Tennis Federation and the Tennis Management Company Limited visited with the minister of the FCT recently to inform him about plans for the upcoming Abuja Open tennis tournament. From left, TMCL chairman Barrister Anire Kanyi, NTF President Dayo Akindoju, FCT minister Alhaji Mohammed Musa Bello, Secretary Social Development FCTA Alhaji Ladi Hassan, FCT Director of Sports Chief (Mrs.) Dili Onyedinma, and TMCL CEO Kenneth Ezaga

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚΀

UnitedTurn Attention to FA Cup after Champions League Exit

M

anchester United can put their Champions League exit behind them as they face Brighton for a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Sevilla surprisingly dumped United out of the Champions League on Tuesday after winning 2-1 at Old Trafford leading to criticism of Jose Mourinho's tactical approach over the two legs.

Mourinho was in bullish mood in his pre-match press conference on Friday and defended his record in an impassioned 12-minute rant to reporters.

"When I was 20, I was nobody in football, I was somebody's son, with a lot of pride," he said.

"Now with 55 I am what I am, I did what I did, because of work and because of talent and my mentality. So they can be together. "I understand that for many, many, many years was really, really hard for the people who don't like me - 'here he is again, here he wins again.' For 10 months I win nothing, the last title that I won was 10 months ago, I beat Liverpool, Chelsea, I lose against Sevilla and now is

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their moment to be happy."

Brighton manager Chris Hughton admits staying in the top flight is the Seagulls' main priority, but is excited about the chance to reach the last four of England's premier cup competition.

"We all know that the biggest priority for this football club is to make sure that we're playing Premier League football next season," he said.

"But the two are very separate. This is important for us, but we certainly see the two separate.

"You arrive at Old Trafford today and the only thing on your mind is about trying to get through, of course, to the next round."

Meanwhile, Dele Alli and Danny Rose will face late fitness tests ahead of Tottenham's FA Cup quarter-final at Swansea today.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has said he understands frustrations with the club's lack of silverware, which he thinks boil down to a feeling Spurs "deserve trophies we do not achieve".

Spurs are without a title of any kind since they won the League Cup in 2008, although Pochettino has taken them to a runners-up finish in the Premier League. But having reached the last four of the FA Cup last season, Spurs are now only three games from winning the trophy for the first time since 1991.

Pochettino said: "The people are saying that because they are frustrated because Tottenham in the last few years have shown unbelievable quality, play good football and everyone enjoys it every time they watch the team play.

"Sometimes they feel sad for us, not only our fans, but fans from other teams - not Arsenal fans. "People that understand football very well know that this project is a project that is very exciting because we are not a club that are going to buy trophies, we are a club that is going to

Bayelsa Wins Atlantic Conference of 20th Nestle Milo Championship Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Bayelsa State representative, Belary Schools on Thursday clinched the top prize in the male category of the zonal qualifier of the 20th Nestle Milo Basketball Championship for secondary schools at the Indoor Sports Hall of Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin City.

Balery School who had earlier trailed their opponent, St. Augustine’s Seminary, Ezzamgbo of Ebonyi State from the first to third quarter, eventually won the game with final scoring points of 45 against 43.

The very interesting encounter which saw both teams displayed wide range of techniques saw Bayelsa State contingent replying an 11 point deficit to clinch the all-important slot to get a cash prize of one hundred thousand naira as the Ebonyi state team emerged second and received seventy thousand naira respectively.

In the female category, St. Jude’s Girls

Secondary School, Amarata also from Bayelsa State emerged winner after dispatching Idia College Girls College of Edo State 27 points to 9 points.

The Bayelsa State Female team also received cash prize of one hundred thousand naira, with the Edo State representative receiving seventy thousand naira.

Presenting the first place trophies to the winning teams from Bayelsa state, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Philip Shaibu congratulated the winners describing their performances as very impressive.

Shaibu said the Edo State Government is determined to improve sports in the state, adding that sports can be used as a tool to improve the lives of young people.

Also, the Edo State Deputy Governor as part of efforts to encourage the performances of the athletes gave the sum of #50,000 each to the second place teams of both categories: St. Augustine’s Seminary, Ezzamgbo, Ebonyi State and Idia College, Benin City.

deserve trophies."

Swansea manager Carlos Carvalhal is hoping to cast aside old memories of playing Spurs when the two sides meet at the Liberty Stadium. The Swans are in the last eight of the competition in more than 50 years, and have been in superb form under Carvalhal since he took over from Paul Clement in December. That achievement will illicit some memories for the club's fans, but so will another old meeting with the north London

club for Carvalhal - back when he was 18, in a UEFA Cup tie in 1984.

He said: "Tottenham had beaten us 3-0 in Braga and at White Hart Lane my manager, Quinito, played me. Playing in that Spurs team was Glenn Hoddle and they had won the UEFA Cup the previous year.

"We lost 6-0 and after the game, the manager got on the bus and everybody was crouching down behind their seat and trying to hide."

Liverpool face Manchester City in Q'finals

M

anchester City will face Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinal. Liverpool inflicted City's only Premier League defeat of the season at Anfield on 14 January, after they were thumped 5-0 at Etihad Stadium in September.

The first leg is at Anfield on 4 April, with the return on 10 April.

After City's director of football Txiki Begiristain said: "It's going to be a great couple of games," Reds manager Jurgen Klopp added: "I saw his face. He didn't look like it was Christmas."

Holders Real Madrid will face Italian champions Juventus - a repeat of the 2017 final which Real won 4-1 in Cardiff.

La Liga leaders Barcelona, who are looking to win the Champions League for the first time since 2015, face Roma, while Sevilla, who beat Manchester United 2-1 on aggregate in the previous round, take on five-time European champions Bayern Munich.

Clash of the Premier League freescorers The tie between Liverpool and Manchester City will be the first meeting between Premier league sides in the Champions League quarter-finals since 2010-11 when Chelsea faced Manchester United.

On that occasion, United advanced 3-1 on aggregate on their way to the final which they lost 3-1 to Barcelona at Wembley.

Friday's draw means one Premier League club is guaranteed a place in the semi-finals.

City are 21 points clear of fourth-placed Liverpool in the table.

They are the top two scorers in the Premier League, with City finding the net 85 times in 30 games. Liverpool have scored 68 goals from the same number of matches.

"I really don't mind. I knew it would be difficult and that is difficult," said Klopp when asked about the drawon Friday.

"The good news is for Manchester City it will be difficult as well."

"We are for sure not the favourites in this round, but in the last eight there are not a lot of favourites - maybe two of them, Bayern and Barcelona."

'We know the power and strength of Liverpool' While Liverpool have been crowned champions of Europe five times in their history, City are chasing their first Champions League success.

"It's a very difficult one," added Begiristain.

"We like to travel and to go to another country in the Champions League but it is what it is.

"In the Champions League there is no time for mistakes, everything has to work, you have to be almost perfect in both games.

"We know the power and the strength of Liverpool."

'We have to go the hard way' Both City and Liverpool face big derby matches in the Premier League between the first and seconds legs.

While City host Manchester United on Saturday, 7 April at 17:30 BST, Klopp is upset that the Merseyside derby at Everton - originally due to take place on Sunday, 8 April at 14:15 - has been brought forward a day with a 12:30 kick-off.

"I know countries where they cancel whole match days so teams can be in the best shape," said the German, whose side is hoping to seal a top-four finish in the table.

"We play Wednesday night against Manchester City and then play Everton at 12.30 three days later.

"That's not too cool but obviously we have to go the hard way, I am used to that.

"We take it like it is.

"But if I cannot be angry about something like that anymore and have to be politically correct and say nothing then I am dead because that doesn't work."

City could be champions of the Premier League by the time they entertain Liverpool in the second leg.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚΀

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

L-R: Vice Principal Academics, Agidimgbi Junior Secondary School, Mrs. Williams Oluwatoyin Omowumi; the School Principal, Mrs. Fadeyibi Olayinka; Justin Zhang, CEO, StarTimes Nigeria; Klaus Augenthaler, 3 times world cup the Red House Prefect, Benjamin; Vice Principal Admin, Mrs. Akin Febisola; winner & Asst Manager at FC Bayern Munich and Victor Edeh, Country Director and Chief Segun Elewuro, during the Presentation of Trophy to the Red at VOE Foundation during a media chat to mark the end of the Fc Bayern Youth House, winner of Agidimgbi Junior Secondary School 2018 Inter house Sport Cup Tournament in Abuja ...recently held at the School Playing Grand, recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN Elvis Onyenze at the 2013 edition of Greensprings Kanu Football Camp

Cadbury Signs 3-Year Partnership with NFF ‌unveils TomTom as Super Eagles ofďŹ cial candy TomTom and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday signed a three-year contract that confers TomTom as the official candy of the Super Eagles. TomTom, a product from the stables of Cadbury Nigeria Plc has supported the Super Eagles for a decade.

At a joint media parley to announce the partnership and official signing of the contract, the Managing Director of Cadbury Nigeria Plc. Mr. Amir Shamsi said, “we are delighted to announce TomTom as the official candy of the Super Eagles.

This year makes it the 10th year since we first announced this valued partnership in 2008. We are proud to say our partnership with the NFF and by extension, the Super Eagles of Nigeria is not a coincidence. It remains

a deliberate effort by Cadbury and TomTom to connect with Nigerians and their passion for the beautiful game�.

Speaking further, Shamsi reiterated that “we promise to continuously support the Super Eagles and seize this opportunity to enjoin Nigerians to give their full support to the team. TomTom believes in the Super Eagles and Nigerians too should believe in the Super Eagles – they are poised to make us proud�

Shamsi said.

According to the Category Marketing Lead, West Africa, Mrs Uwadiae Chidinma, “TomTom is a candy with a purpose. It delivers soothing relief and mental invigoration. It has remained relevant over the decades despite other competitive offerings in the market. TomTom is undisput-

edly one of the most ubiquitous brands in the country�.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, lauded Cadbury Nigeria and revealed that the NFF will work in tandem with TomTom and leverage on the partnership to bring glory to the national teams at every tournament. Pinnick said, “we are grateful to TomTom for being a backbone of all our national teams. TomTom is a premium brand from Cadbury Nigeria Plc�.

On his part the Brand Manager, Candy West Africa, Mr Aruleba Olumide said “Cadbury Nigeria Plc, are happy to support the Super Eagles. We urge all Nigerians to go all out and support the Eagles cheering them to victory. TomTom loves the Super Eagles�.

NTF, TMCL Sign MOU on Nigerian Tennis Majors The Nigerian Tennis Federation, NTF, have signed a memorandum of understanding with Lagos-based Tennis Management Company Limited on the Nigerian Tennis Majors.

The event was conducted at the Abuja National Stadium Tennis Arena recently.

The first of the majors will be the Abuja Open in June, and that will be followed by the Lagos Open in November.

Signing on behalf of the NTF was its president Ifedayo Akindoju, while the chairman of TMCL Barrister Anire Kanyi signed on behalf of the organisers.

The Nigerian Tennis Federation president Ifedayo Akindoju, who signed on behalf of the federation, was happy about the

ambitious plans for the majors. “There is reason to be optimistic. The majors will offer players the biggest prize money in the history of Nigerian sports. We also expect increased popularity for the sport and hopefully this attracts lots of fans and sparks serious investments in the game.� Akindoju said.

On his part, TMCL Chairman Barrister Anire Kanyi promised Nigerian tennis fans a big treat with the majors: “We want to take tennis to the next level. We promise Nigerian fans years of epic triumphs and fight-backs.

The majors will revolutionise domestic sports in Nigeria and across Africa.�

Managing director of TMCL Kenneth Ezaga noted that Abuja

had no showpiece sports event and that their plans for the open is just what the nation’s capital needs.

He said: “Tennis is a popular sport followed by the wellheeled in society. The Abuja Open is planned to be that stage where the most powerful leaders in business and government in Nigeria, and even Africa, meet yearly to have a great time and either form new ties or strengthen old ones.�

After signing the MOU the leaders of both organisations visited with the minister of the FCT Alhaji Mohammed Musa Bello who promised his administration’s support for the Abuja Open.

Plans on the Abuja Open will soon be released to the media.

Ablaze Wins Bayern Youth Cup Tourney as Bundesliga Trophy Witnesses Large Turnouts Ablaze FC of Lagos have emerged winners of the FC Bayern Youth Cup Tournament after a 1 nil victory over Sporting Dreams of Abuja in a tightly contested final played in Abuja last weekend.

The game took place at Aduvie International School and witnessed a large turnout by participating teams and spectators alike who came out in their numbers to support the youngsters.

At the end of the competition, 10 players were selected from six teams to form the team that would represent Nigeria in the world finals in Munich, Germany in May.

Speaking on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of StarTimes Nigeria, Justin Zhang hailed the tenacity of the boys who defied the blazing heat of the day to battle for the top spot in the keenly contested competition. According to Zhang, “StarTimes is proud to be a part of the competition and it makes us pleased to be supporting the dreams and aspirations of these players to play international football�

Also speaking, the Country Director, VOE Foundation, Victor Edeh commended all contesting teams in the competition noting that it had been a rewarding experience for the teams and it

was now time to buckle up and prepare to face other winners from various parts of the world.

Similarly, as part of activities to mark the climax of the tournament, fans, supporters and followers of FC Bayern and lovers of German football came out to see the Bundesliga trophy which was on display at the venue of the competition for the first time in Nigeria.

The next phase of the competition will be hosted in Germany this May, where teams from seven countries drawn from Asia, Europe and America would all converge at Bayern Munich to battle it out for the world finals.

National U-15 Stars Hail Greensprings Kanu Football Camp for Life Changer They lived in the ever-bustling Lagos Island where they attended public schools but their talents in football earned them scholarships to study in one of Nigeria’s prime secondary schools – Greensprings School, Lagos.

Like every young aspiring Nigerian, the story of Musa Alli and Elvis Onyenze captured how being part of the annual Greensprings Kanu Football Camp changed their lives positively Musa Alli got into Greensprings School during the second edition of the annual Greensprings Kanu Football Camp; a platform for young talents to showcase their football skills, as well as receive professional training from experienced international coaches. This platform also provides an educational scholarship for the most promising player of the camp. “I was fortunate to be awarded a scholarship to study at Greensprings School at the end of the four-day camp. There are so many interesting things that I find different in Greensprings School compared to other schools, the sporting facilities, curriculum, teachers’ attention to details and professional services rendered by the support staff,� Alli said.

Asked how his friends see him after gaining scholarship to Greensprings School, the youngstar said, “They see me as a role model and someone that will eventually do something great in life with the help of God and hard work because success is inevitable with hard work.�

Alli indeed acknowledge the fact that the scholarship had helped take off a lot of burden from his parents. “I am the last child of the family and most of my siblings are done with schooling. Basically the scholarship helped take off my education cost burden from my dad. In fact it has brought my family a lot of benefits as they would not have been able to afford such a quality school for me. Life was not really hard but the scholarship made it was way easier. I used to be quite timid, but Greensprings helped me improve on my social skills,� he noted.

Alli, who is dreaming to becoming the first Nigerian player to win the Balon Dor stated, "In addition, I would love to give back to the society, improve Nigeria sporting facilities and become a motivational speaker to the less privilege. “To start with, Greensprings has helped me to advance my football skills. This has also improved my social skill greatly. As a result, I am more confident. I firmly believe that a successful sport man must be strong physically, mentally and socially."

For Elvis Onyenze, life before joining Greensprings School was just okay but after joining, life became even better. “Before joining Greensprings, I wasn’t the type that can stand in front of 100 people and talk but today I can talk in front of 10 million people without making a mistake.

"Talk about the quality education I got , the morals, our super teachers that are always there to help when you need it, talk about sports, Greensprings has really helped me to get better in football, with our quality coaches. I can say I’m very proud of being a part of Greensprings as it has impacted my life in numerous ways,� Onyenze said.

Onyenze emerged as one of the best two players in the 2013 Greensprings Kanu Football Camp and the reward was an admission into Greensprings.

On what is unique about Greensprings School, Onyenze said, “The educational system, our teachers, our support staffs, our coaches and let me just put it this way; everything Greensprings does is very unique. “Football is something I can’t live without, it’s in me and it’s my passion.

Greensprings provided a platform that is equivalent to international standards for me. I’ll use these six words to describe my experience: great, elegant, epiphany, ineffable, jubilant and serendipity,� he said.

Onyenze said he has had numerous memorable moments, but being the first African school to win the annual Keele Cup was unique to him. “The day I received my educational scholarship to study at Greensprings; lifting the GTBank Masters Cup and the day I gave a speech in front of the whole school. I had countless memorable moments at Greensprings.

Life has been easy for my parents because they didn’t have to worry about paying my school fees and for me life has been great,� he noted.

Asked what his dreams and aspirations in life are, he said, “I want to be the first Nigerian to win the world best player; I want to play for Manchester United Football Club which is my dream club; I want to make people who didn’t believe in me to be proud of me and also to be successful in life.�

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͚Ϳ ͺ͸͚΀

34

VINTAGE

Ogun State Investors’ Forum: Consolidating Gains, Accelerating Growth Femi Ogbonnikan

A

n impressive investment drive of the Governor Ibikunle Amosun-led administration in Ogun State, aided by the provision of an enabling business environment has, no doubt, given confidence to potential investors to site their industries

in the state.

Seven years ago when the present APC administration assumed office, little did anybody know that the Ogun, once reputed to be a partial civil-service state, could turnaround to become the industrial giant in Nigeria and in the West African sub-region.

From a N730 million monthly internally generated revenue (IGR) the present administration inherited on May 29, 2011, the present administration has grown the monthly revenue to N7 billion.

In 2011, Ogun state ranked 35th in terms of doing business, but the story later changed positively by February 2014 when it was rated number four in the country.

Subsequently, between 2014 and 2015, the state recorded a giant stride with 54.5 per cent direct investment that has made it the industrial hub of the country. There has been a total of 304 new industries in the state in the last seven years, while in the last two years, a total of 148 industries, with financial outlay of between $200 million and $2 billion, have opened shop in the state.

Speaking at the Ogun State investors’ forum 2018 press conference with the theme: “consolidating the grains, accelerating growth�, ahead of the two-day event scheduled to hold from Tuesday, March 20 to Wednesday, March 21, Amosun said that his administration had embarked on a giant stride in industrialising the state through the provision of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

According to him, his administration predicates its development on three key

L-R: Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Otunba Dayo Adeneye; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Modupe Mujota; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; and Governor Ibikunle Amosun

areas-agriculture, industry and technologyto consolidate its gains and accelerate growth.

Unlike in the past before he assumed office as the executive governor of the state, Amosun disclosed that the government he inherited on May 29, 2011 was partially civil service-driven, but that they were able to unleash the potentials of the state and transform it to an industrial giant. “In the manufacturing business in Nigeria, we have diversified the economy for us to grow in Ogun State. We have demonstrated this with the investors and entrepreneurs. We have created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. “So, about 148 companies have established shops and invested between 200 million dollars and 2 billion dollars in the last two years.

Every day, new investors come to us in a bid to establish their businesses here in Ogun State. But, we want to take development and growth in Ogun State beyond the industrial

hub of the country. “When we came onboard, we came with five cardinal programmes and, thank God, today Ogun State is out of the doldrums.

Things are now taking shape. In the comity of states, in terms of IGR, Ogun State is second in position. Initially, upon assumption of office in 2011, we were generating N730 million as IGR monthly but now, we are generating N7 billion monthly. We have the potentials.

We have large expanse of land. With agriculture, we want to leverage on value chains. “Our aim is to consolidate all gains and to accelerate growth. We want to concentrate on what we have achieved. We want to exploit specific growth. We will collaborate with investors and entrepreneurs. In totality, we are looking at human endeavours. Of all these giant strides, we are proud of these developments in Ogun State,� said Amosun.

However, the governor bemoaned the sharing formula arising from the 35 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), that accrues to the

state, despite being the industrial hub of the country with the largest number of manufacturing companies, spread across the state.

The state, he said is now placed in 26th position. “It means something is wrong.

And that is why we are working towards improving on that,� said the governor. The governor noted that his administration was poised to diversify into the agricultural sector to enhance growth and development of the state. “We want to exploit the potentials of specific growth. Clearly, we are growing from industry to agriculture. In totality, we are looking at human endeavours, consolidating the gains and accelerating growth. In the area of technology, we want to be part of those growths,� said Amosun.

Besides, in actualisation of the state government’s vision of agricultural production and industrialisation of the state, the government has put in place specific strategies to aid and enhance the development and growth of the sub-sector. And these include; access to land/security, land clearing and mechanisation, inputs availability and delivery, access to finance, infrastructure, among others.

Furthermore, offering, perhaps the best incentives any government at any level can ever offer the private sector operators, land in Ogun State for agricultural purposes is now to be developed 80 per cent off the market price. Also, the land to be developed for manufacturing, housing estate and schools, it was gathered, attracts discounts ranging from 40 per cent to 75 per cent from the Federal government.

As a result, these are the kind of incentives that will get investors and entrepreneurs up and running to serve as catalyst for economic growth and development of the state.

Therefore, the administration of Amosun is leaving no stone unturned by exploiting the comparative advantages Ogun State has in terms of agriculture and its proximity to Lagos State, in order to wet the investors’ appetite.

Cable: CAMAN Demands Protection for Local Market Bennett Oghifo

able Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CAMAN) has appealed to the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to protect the nation’s cable industry from importers of substandard and fake products.

CAMAN stated this, during the week, when it visited officials of SON in Lagos where it donated a Hilux double cabin van to SON, as part of their corporate social responsibility. The President of CAMAN, and Chief Executive Officer, Cutix Plc Nnewi, Mr. Ifeanyi Uzodike said their organisation is the umbrella body of all indigenous producers of wires and cables.

Uzodike said, “The association decided to use this occasion to present a brand-new Toyota Hilux Vehicle to SON as part of our effort to support them in carrying out the enormous duties of protecting our land borders, sea ports and markets. “This is to ensure that only goods which meet our national and internationally acceptable standards are brought in to Nigeria.�

The CAMAN President then listed some of the major challenges threating their association as: influx of substandard wires and cables. “Our major markets in this country are flooded with substandard wires and cables that do not meet both national and international standards. The presence of such wires and cables in our markets is growing at an alarming rate and there appears to be no visible attempt to curb this menace. “The federal government through the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment needs to support SON to eradicate the presence of substandard wires and cables in our markets through constant monitoring of the market, seizure and destruction of substandard cables.�

He said there was large scale adulteration and faking of cables. “Our markets are also

Uzodike

flooded with adulterated wires and cables brought in mainly from Asian countries.

Traders import fake and cloned cables of indigenous manufacturers in large quantity and brazenly display them in the markets.

Our industries are threatened by the high rate of adulteration which affects the sales of our genuine wires and cables.�

He also presented the issue of local content policy, saying “We need a viable Local Content Policy that affects all segments (Oil & Gas, Building & Construction, power, etc.)

It is disheartening that from time to time we hear that government has a Local Content policy. “It may surprise most of you that we have never been contacted as stakeholders to contribute to the formulation of the Local Content Policy which is meant to protect our industries. Our submission is that any local Content Policy which does not take into

consideration inputs from major stakeholders cannot be a good policy.�

Uzodike said there was lack of patronage by the government: “Indigenous Cable Manufactures have not been patronized by the Federal Government. A careful examination of beneficiaries of orders by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) or most of the Independent Power Plant projects will show that indigenous manufacturers in Nigeria did not benefit from these projects. “The policies in place are such that contractors handling such projects know that they are better off by importing cables which are most often substandard.�

He discussed the challenge of SONCAP PERMIT, stating that “SON introduced Standards Organization of Nigerian Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) permits to ensure they curb the influx of substandard products. “We expect SON to guide their permits jealously. The issuance of SONCAP permits to traders who wish to bring in low voltage wires and cables that are produced in Nigeria has contributed a great deal to creating the enabling environment for traders who are dubious and wish to bring in substandard products. “We wish to urge SON to review their policy on SONCAP permits with a view to making sure that it is not abused or misused.�

On Foreign Loans/Aids, he said “Another means by which some countries have undermined the growth of the industrial sector in Nigeria is by offering foreign loans/ aids to Nigeria. “Using our industry as a case study, foreign wires and cables are used in the execution of projects funded by foreign loans such as the Airport projects. “The foreign loans are designed in such a way by the countries providing the support that it allows them to bring in products made in their countries as opposed to cash. We

consider it unhealthy to allow this situation to continue to prevail.�

On the Introduction of Product Authenticity Mark (PAM), he said “The desire by SON to seek for ways to curb the influx of substandard products and adulteration is commendable. However, PAM will not solve the problem and may worsen the already bad situation. Individual companies should be encouraged to seek ways to protect the integrity of their products.�

On the introduction of special tax on imported finished wires and cables, he said “Most countries in the world use special levy and some form of additional import tax to protect goods that are made in their countries. “We wish to urge the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment to push for a 100% surcharge for individuals who want to import finished cables and a 75% surcharge for those importing already drawn wires of different sizes.�

Uzodike to SON “We want to commend the current management of SON and indicate our willingness as an association to offer necessary support to help them execute their job. We also want to observe that the continued influx of substandard wires and cables in our markets is an irony. “It is greatly acknowledged that our industry is one where cables made in Nigeria are rated better than foreign cables. Yet the menace of imported cables continues unabated. “We hope that this press release will help draw the attention of the government to our plight and lead to the formulation of policies that will contribute to the growth of our individual companies and Nigerian economy.�

Uzodike’s team, which was made up of other Chief Executives of companies that manufacture cables, was received by a senior official of SON, Engr. Bede Obayi, who assured them of the organisation’s cooperation at all time.

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TRIBUTE

A Tribute to Bishop Joseph Bagobiri Francis Ulal Damina

t the risk of repeating myself, I was at a very young age made to swallow an overdose narrative of the unhealthy relationship that existed between the predominantly Christianity-dominated Southern Kaduna and the Muslim North - particularly Zaria emirate.

Like other chaps of my generation, we believed what we were told namely that the Hausa-Fulani were responsible for plunging us into the impoverished state we have found ourselves. And as we were coming of age, the Zango Kataf crisis came to serve as an evidence of all that we had been told.

Since then, it became an issue of “we� versus “them�. And this was to linger in my mind until in 2015 when I met the current education minister Malam Adamu Adamu who explained to me that it is in the very nature of feudalism to do injustice. He also went ahead to tell me how ordinary Muslims also suffered under the Sarauta system but had to quietly endure because it was the product of their own system.

After my Form Six at Government Secondary school, Kamuru Ikulu, I got admission into Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria. But before then, my late Father may he rest n peace, peac eace ce, ce, Fatherin ou ut was to help me carry out the requirements of applying for admission which included getting an indigene form from my local government secretariat in Zonkwa. Also before then, there was a great debate that ensued between my father and uncles who insisted that I should rather seek admission en route a different local government since the name Zango Kataf local government alone could serve as a hindrance to my getting admission.

The reason was not farfetched: the Zango crises of 1992 that

many northern Muslims saw as an unforgivable genocide against the Hausa-Fulani. And till date, a large chunk of people from this local government who may only have heard about the crises, are now the beneficiaries of its side effects.

Everyday, I see, especially young people, either seeking for admission into schools or recruitment into the army, changing their nativity nest. I have had the opportunity to severally draw the attention of Gen. Zamani Lekwot, veteran educationist and former education commissioner, Mr Francis Mutuah, and the late Agwatyap, Dr. Harrison Bungon, to this. They all told me they are aware.

Earlier in my form four, I had been taught by my history teacher Mr. Irmiya Kantiok- may he rest in peace, how other nationalities and communities like the Opobo, Itsekiri, Igbo, etc., fought against injustice with names such as Nana, Jaja, Queen Amina, JS Tarka, among an endless litany of warriors, refusing to give my memory a divorce. But with the injustice meted on us that I grew up to see, I started researching to see if there has been any effort by our own elite to, like the Jajas and Nanas, say “No�?

Yes, I came across names of selfless individuals such as Rev. Frs. Joseph Bagobiri, Matthew M atthew Kukah, Philip Gaiya, G aiya, Francis Mutuah, Dr. D r. Chris Abashiya, Barnabas B arnabas Bala Bantext, etc. who made their marks. And while others fought by either using their pen or pulpit, Bantext deployed the privileges he then had as a Federal lawmaker to correct some abnormalities.

The most glaring of these abnormalities he corrected was that , Kaura, which used to be Kaura/Kauru Federal Constituency, became a federal constituency of its own thereby ending the initial merger.

And this is the point I have been making: that there are structural and institutional injustices in the architecture of our society that will make it difficult d di fficult ffor fo or us to rrise ri se to beb e-

ing on the same frequency with the other divide unless we develop the capacity to lobby through our representatives. Bishop Bagobiri was quite aware of this when he said:�Unjust delineation of electoral wards and constituencies has put the Southern part of Kaduna state in a politically disadvantaged position.

This policy that is often described as rigging election from the source has effectively made it impossible for anyone from Southern Kaduna to ever emerge as the governorship flag bearer of any major political party. Neither can Southern Kaduna ever decide any issue in the state House of Assembly because of the great preponderance of representation from the other divide�.

And only recently, a brother narrated how a high ranking INEC official of Southern Kaduna originality told them about the impossibility of any chap from Southern Kaduna making it as Governor via elections.

And that brings me to the fact that though the grievances by especially the youth aimed at saying enough of all these is understandable, we must first brainstorm to have a clear understanding of what we want and how to achieve it.

This is why the demise of Bishop Bagobiri at a time we needed him most as a symbol of our struggle for emancipation becomes more painful pai especially when one recalls that he was like a supplement to our first eleven ele to in the political arena that we appear app generahave lost with the g ge untion after them m to mentored the take over ship. mantle of leaderwise, why is it a Otherto pinpoint a puzzle from single politician ern Kaduna who Souththe has pacity cacontest to con for gubernatorial elections el in 2019? We have lost lo them all : Garba Madaki Mad Ali, Stephen Shekari, Shekari Isaih Balat, Mamman Dickson, Dick Patrick Yakowa, Joshua Joshu Madaki, to mention only onl a few.

May they rest in peace. Or, is it the intellectual class to help us with a map to the promised prom land ? Steve Nkom is dead. dead The unparalleled Andrew Nok, Sylva Ngu, etc, have all gone before befor us leaving only Bishop Bagobiri Bagobir back at home to wrestle with the issues at a time of great upheaval. Today His maker has called upon him to there return home. He will be angels in the colony of be no where there will pain. more sorrow or now What is clear persisis the tence of the question :Who will take his place among the many selfish people I see

He was also a man of peace. Shortly before his death, he reconciled me with a fellow very close to me who hacked into my email and had exchanges with certain personalities including a long conversation with a Governor who attended my Book presentation sometime last year which resulted in the fellow collecting His Excellency’s pledge on my behalf among many other atrocities that would have put me into trouble around?

Though the Bishop will be remembered as the greatest investor and employer of labour in Southern Kaduna more than anyone else owing to the more than one hundred schools littered in all nooks and crannies of Southern Kaduna built under his bishopry among many other things, I will particularly remember him for the education I received and for his generosity, humility, and kindness. Never did a week passed without him calling me for an assignment. I was equally humbled that he could ask for my opinion on certain things. This is unprecedented especially owing to his trajectory as an acclaimed intellectual of repute.

He was also a man of peace. Shortly before his death, he reconciled me with a fellow very close to me who hacked into my email and had exchanges with certain personalities including a long conversation with a Governor who attended my Book presentation sometime last year which resulted in the fellow collecting His Excellency’s pledge on my behalf among many other atrocities that would have put me into trouble. And when I saw a particular conversation with Bishop Kukah, I quickly called to ask which the Bishop distanced himself from saying his email had also been hacked. But Bishop Bagobiri, realising that i was full of angst, did not waste time in asking me to forgive the brother with a token of help he later sent to help me move on.

He was really an exceptional personality. His death has robbed us of one of our finest sons. Like Mark Antony, we are not ashamed to say that he was our friend, faithful and just to us. As we prepare to commit him to mother earth, i have no doubt that he will rise again.

Yes, he will rise again because the same God who has the power to pour death into life, also has the power to pour life into death. Rest well my Lord Bishop until we meet to part no more with you and the first eleven. And as you all join the angels and saints, may you continually pray for us as we daily battle to build a just and peaceful society. Rest in peace. –Francis Damina can be reached via francisdamina@gmail.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚͜

FAIRGROUND

Jude Idada’s Play ‘3SOME’

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

L

agos went agog recently, Freedom Park was locked down for five days with the daring and psychotic lines of Jude Idada’s creativity. The play was written and directed by Jude Idada Starring, Daniel Etim Effiong, Uzor Usimkpa, Kemi Bickersteth, and Marvelous Dominion.

A psycho-erotic drama about a mother who struggles to save the crumbling marriage of her daughter, in the course of which she stumbles on a deadly secret that threatens her relationship with her daughter, her son-in-law and her inner self. It is a drama about marriage, desire, and morality in the Internet age.

It ran from February 28 to March 4 at the Amphitheatre of Freedom Park, Lagos, to sold-out audiences as part of the Lagos Theatre Festival and was adjudged the number one show of the festival by audience, press and organisers.

Jude Idada - Bio Jude Idada is a winner of an AMAA best screenplay award, ANAA prize for Drama, a Goethe Institut Afrika Projekt finalist and the first-runner up of the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature, he has continually blazed a trail in the art scene. He was also a finalist in the New Directions Filmmakers of the future project

by MNET in addition to being selected as one of the playwrights for the British Council’s Lagos Theatre Festival. Amongst many, Jude was also selected as one of the screenwriters for the Toronto International Film Festival’s ‘ADAPT THIS!’ and the Afrinolly/Ford Foundation ‘Cinema4Change’ projects. Jude was also an inaugural participant in the Relativity Media/AFRIFF Filmmaking project.

As a filmmaker, he wrote and produced the critically acclaimed film, “The Tenant.� He has also directed the documentary “Blaze Up the Ghetto� and the feature film “Kofa�. As the Artistic director of theAfrican Theatre Ensemble in Toronto, Canada, Jude directed the stage plays “Flood,� “Brixton Stories,� “Lost� and “Coma�, the later which he adapted for screen has currently wrapped up production in South Africa. Alongside several optioned screenplays and commissioned stage plays, he has written and published a collection of short stories “ABox of Chocolates�, an anthology of poetry “Exotica Celestica�, a stage play “Oduduwa – King of the Edos,� the first book in a trilogy of novels “By My Own Hands� and a children’s book “Didi Kanu and the Singing Dwarfs of the North.� His new collection of short stories “I Hid My Past on Top of an Iroko Tree� comes out this fall by Bahati Books and his play “Sankara’ is being published this month by Parresia Publishers under their Origami imprint.

Bolanle Austen Peters

Toyosi EďŹƒong nee Phillips

Kunle Afolayan

Marvelous Dominion, Uzor Usimkpa, Jude Idada, Kemi Bickersteth and Daniel Etim-EďŹƒong

Steve Ayorinde

Jahman, Olu and Joke Jacobs

Kina Buti - Fashion Designer

Debola Williams

Yeni Kuti and Joke Silva

Dede Mabiaku

Yeni Kuti, Debola Williams, Uzor Usimkpa, Daniel Etim-EďŹƒong, Kemi Bickersteth, Mr. Lawson and Marvelous Dominion

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚͜

FAIRGROUND

Band Leader, Akin Shuga, Becomes Ambassador for Rotary Club

A

kin Shuga, the leader of the 14-piece live band, Shuga, was unveiled as the Rotary International District 9110 Polio Ambassador (covering Lagos and Ogun states) and in less than one month after that ambassadorial conferment, he was announced and decorated as the national ambassador of the body as well.

This makes the live band leader a polio national celebrity ambassador for the prestigious club.

After suffering polio at the age of five but rising above it to found Nigeria’s leading band, become a husband, father and polio ambassador, and many things to different people, Akin Shuga has become a source of inspiration to many both in Nigeria and the world at large. He embodies the saying ‘there is ability in every disability’. This ambassadorial conferment is a testament to that effect.

The responses to his social media posts where he urges people with polio issues to show full pictures of themselves without feeling any shame is another.

The event took place in Lagos and in attendance were former Governor of Ondo State, Chief Olusegun Mimiko, Senator Ganiyu Solomon and other dignitaries.

In his reaction to his appointment as a National Rotary Polio Ambassador, Shuga expressed his gratitude to God for the gift of life while also displaying his passion to see the end of polio in Nigeria and Africa in general. “This is a great honour for me. It was just about a month ago that I was made District 9110 Polio Ambassador and we

Dr. Ogunbadejo District Governor, Rotary International, Nigeria, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (Former Governor Ondo State and Mr. Akin Tofowomo Akin Shuga, during Akin Shuga’s decoration as the national ambassador for Polio by Rotary International Nigeria

were just starting work before this new national ambassadorial one.

This shows that there is a lot of work to be done. God has been faithful to me and I am grateful,� he said.

He also spoke on why he accepted the ambassadorial position. “I am deeply

passionate about seeing the end of polio in Nigeria and beyond. I suffered polio from the age of five and I know what I had to go through.

No one deserves to go through it when it is avoidable and this is why I have accepted this new roles as they will help me

further in my vision of seeing an Africa that is totally free from polio. I am grateful to the National Rotary Club for deeming me fit as an ambassador and I promise to represent the organization well as we work hand in hand to achieve a greater vision and purpose,� he added.

New Money: A Clash of Veterans, Newbies

I

nkblot Productions and Filmone Distribution have gathered the industry’s biggest and fastest rising actors in their new film.

Titled “New Money�, the starstudded movie was directed by one of Nigeria’s most celebrated directors, Tope Oshin, and boasts of a stellar cast ranging from Veterans Kate Henshaw, Femi Branch, Kalu Ikeagwu, and Dakore Akande to Nollywood newbies Jemima Osunde and Adeolu Adefarasin Set in Lagos, Nigeria, New Money was written by Chinaza Onuzo and follows the life of Toun Odumosu (played by Jemima Osunde), a young aspiring designer whose life changes following the death of an absentee tycoon father (Kalu Ikeagwu), who left her to fill his shoes.

The comedy drama follows her coming to terms with her newfound riches and takes the audience through her journey as she tries to successfully merge her newfound wealth with her old life.

Aside newbie, Jemima, the film also features musician Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana and break out Instagram comedian

Wofai Fada who play major roles as Quam (Toun’s Boyfriend) and Binta (Toun’s best friend) respectively. Wale Ojo, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Osas Ajibade, Daniel Etim Effiong and Bikiya Graham- Douglas also bring their A- game.

Akande and Henshaw’s characters are on different ends of the table as both of them try to get Odumosu to do what they think is best for her.

Branch on the other hand is an entrepreneur who sees an opportunity to make a quick buck from the lead’s newfound wealth. “It was a good journey, and I can say I have good memories from shooting New Money. We had a great time figuring out the different characters.

Working with professionals makes it easy, everyone on set blended well.

It is good to see it all come together,�

Tope Oshin said.

New Money opens in cinemas from March 23, 2018 and judging by the released teaser, the two-hour movie will be jam-packed with drama, comedy and suspense.

Jemima Osunde

Dancehall Singer, Danjay Seduction Returns with New Joint ‘Gogo’

F

ast-rising Nigerian music act, Danjay Seduction, has just released a banging new tune entitled ‘Gogo’. The new joint was produced by prolific hitmaker, Emperaw Beats and was mixed and mastered by Anddy Kin. Born and named as Danjuma Aigbogun in the late 1990s, Danjay Seduction is a talented Nigerian Afro dancehall singer and songwriter. His foray into music began years ago after he grew up listening to versatile Nigerian music

stars who have greatly influenced his music career.

His new song, ‘Gogo,’ was inspired by his love for enterprising women who have continued to show dedication to achieve excellence in all walks of life.

The banging new tune features an uptempo beat laced with heavy percussions and has Danjay delivering his lines in spectacular fashion.

Speaking on the new song, Danjay said, “The song is a must listen to. The song is dedicated to every girl out there who has continued to break barriers to

set new trends. The song will become a fans favourite in no time.�

On why he chose music, Danjay said: “I started singing as a child and with help of my dad; I started a career in music officially in 2014. I chose to do music because I grew up around music and was exposed to African and Nigerian sounds at an early stage.�

Danjay Seduction is currently signed to his very own record label Seduction Records.

The video for ‘Gogo’ is set for release in two weeks.

Danjay Seduction

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 17, 2018

TEENS CONNECT

the magazine for teenagers

The great debate: Should Teenagers Own Smart Phones?

The statement by our torchbearer last week that “teenagers shouldn’t own smartphones” set the mode for the great debate between teenagers and parents. Today, we present to you responses of some parents on one hand and teenagers on the other, on the issue:

Onyewuchi, J.I. (Mrs) Librariain/Information Scientists I’m totally against teenagers owning smartphones due to some ethical implications ranging from cyberbullying to negligence to their school work and extra curricula activities that lead to failure. The teenager plays games, chats and watches pornography. These things destroy social skills like faces-to-face communication that exposes a child. Owning smartphones limit conversation around the dinner table, instead of intelligent answers to questions, you get few grunts. Lastly, the child may end up being addicted to the social media platforms.

FELICIA OBILO Dr. Abiola Ayankunbi Gbenga Omolewa Retired broadcaster, Marketing Management Banker now Media Consultant A teenager can own a smartphone but with Consultant I have raised three well adjusted men and parental guidance and control. With exposure

They should not own smartphones because they are distractions (even, if some sites are coded or blocked) to their studies and encourage them to depend heavily on smart phones while doing their home works instead of engaging in deep thinking.

It changes everything, from the way the teens relate with others to the way they see themselves.

It can lead to the worst mental-health crisis in decades to come in view of depressive symptoms among today’s teens.

to social life and peer pressure, a teenager wants freedom but needs to be monitored.

Under control, knowledge abound on smartphones. If we can control what our teenagers watch on television, we can do same on smart phone.

I am so glad Smartphones did not exist when my boys were growing up because it would’ve been a very big issue with me. I am still old school like that! I believe smartphones put too much information at their disposal and opens them up to too many unnecessary things that militate against their process of growing up and just being TEENS. So my answer is NO! I don’t think teenagers should own smart phones.

Priscilla Chukwuegu Guidance Counselor It is not safe for teenagers to own smart phones; it is a big distraction to them. Some of them even smuggle the gadget to school and would be fiddling with it during classes, even when the school authority had banned the use of phones in the class. Sometimes, you see students pressing their phones while walking home from school at the risk of being knocked down by a vehicle or a bike.

Uzochuwkwu Douglas.I. Principal Smartphones have come to stay and therefore the question should rather be how should teens use this technology? We must teach our children how to choose the good and reject the evil. That’s discipline. Access to smartphones can both be beneficial and destructive.

Our basic challenge as parents, teachers and policymakers is how to find creative ways to adapt to the demands of our time. We need to weigh the options carefully before providing smartphones to teenagers.

Onuweri Raphael Advertising Consultant Juliet Anyanwu Teenagers should not be allowed to use smartphones. Aside from the distractions, Business woman smartphones expose people to sites and things that may not be necessary for them.

While adults can handle such, teenagers may not be able to. The good, the bad and the ugly come with smart phones. While some television programmes come with caveat, contents on smartphones are uncensored and bursts right in your face as you operate the gadget. Our teenagers need protection.

Yes they should, but under strong supervision.

In the world we live in now, if a phone isn’t smart, then it’s not a phone. But, before handing over such phones to them, there should be a contractual agreement on cut-off time. They shouldn’t use the gadget past 7pm. Even Bill Gates once stated that he regulates the use of smartphones by his children.

Rose Enyim Teacher Teenagers who are eighteen and above - the age when they are legally responsible for their actions; should be allowed the use of smart phones.

Others below eighteen years, who must use the internet for the purpose of research, should do so under close supervision of parents/guardians.

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MARCH 17, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

VOX POP Master Obakemi Great, Miss Imoluamen Mercy, 15 16

Miss Onuweri Oghenefejiro, 15

Miss Onyejekwe Ruth, 16

Teenagers should not own smartphones until they have been given proper tutelage on their dangers. Such dangers include: answering a call with the gas cooker on, charging a phone and placing it next to your head while sleeping, leaving earphones plugged with high volume while crossing the road, among others.

I strongly believe a teenager owning a smartphone is not bad because there are many benefits which includes communication in times of emergency. A teenager in the scene of an accident, robbery or other related emergencies can easily contact a rescue personnel, family member or relative to save the day. Also, many new subjects are added to school curriculum and teenagers (students) with smartphones would have unlimited access to the internet thereby making research on the new subjects easier.

Teenagers should not own smartphones because they tend to spend more time pinging and surfing the Internet than reading their books. These make them perform poorly in their studies. They are also exposed to cybercrimes and the desire to take up indecent careers like nude photo shoots in the guise of modeling as some ‘celebrities’ do.

Onodugo Gosife, 12 This depends on the financial capability of the guardians and parents. Research, assignments and projects all rely on technology now. Back then, information was slow and inefficient, presently, it is just finger tips away. So, there is no reason why teenagers shouldn’t be allowed to have smartphones.

Okeke Kachi, 13 Yes, they should; one main reason being the present economy, the highest money makers are those who take part in the ICT world, and they all started from an early age. Thus, people use their phones to practice (PC too) including teenagers.

They should own smart phones.

The society we live in has been literarily computerised. That is, technology has virtually taken over every single thing in the society. Therefore, teenagers should not be left out in this great and important phase.

Teenagers should own smartphones for safety, the need to be updated academically, socially and to be exposed to varieties of opportunities.

Chukwuneke Chiamaka, 12 Teenagers shouldn’t own smartphones. We are easily distracted and can lose focus of our studies, not to mention addiction when every football, or fashion update is available.

It has also been scientifically proved that the light which emits from a phone’s screen can affect the eyes and the brain. It is really alarming how parents readily arm their children with weapons that not only kill the children, but themselves too.

Denzel Muonagor, 14 Presently, notes are outdated, the trend is gadgets and tablets to enhance learning. Apps on phones help a lot academically because of some features, as opposed to laboring in the library, with a single click of button one can access all the knowledge he/she desires. Moreover, teenagers embrace socialisation and always love to keep in touch they should be allowed to own smartphone.

Udechukwu Kamsiyo Teenagers, they say, are leaders of tomorrow. So now should they be equipped with smartphones? Yes, so they can be better prepared for the future and gain early access to the world. Now would you be happy if your child at 18 can’t use a smartphones? Of course you wouldn’t.

Ijeoma Ikeobi, 15 I think teenagers should own smartphones.

The world today is a global village, for one to be up to date, he/she should own at least one electronic device. Though this might have its disadvantages, let’s look on the bright side. It can help us with homework and projects via the internet. Also, a smartphone can be a life saver. If one finds oneself in a dangerous situation, a call can save life.

For precaution, software can be installed to track the websites the teenager visits to ensure that it is used for required purposes.

Appreciation We are grateful to the Management of Graceland College, Enugu (in blue) and Hopeful Schools, Lagos (in pink) for the contributions made by their students and staff. And to all other respondents. The debate continues on: www. thisdaylive.com and www.teensconnectmag.com . What do you think, should teenagers own smart phones? Sign in and join the debate.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 17, 2018

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž MARCH 17, 2018

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri President Buhari’s Ghostly Welcome to Benue

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has a typical modus operandi whenever he visits Northern states governed by an All Progressives Congress Governor. He shows his insecurity by causing to be published in various media, pictures of what his media team have termed ‘mammoth crowds’ that turn out to receive him.

Never mind that a serious President will be more concerned as to why able-bodied youths who should either be at work or at school on a weekday are loitering about the streets to wave to him for the few Naira they are paid.

The presidency just loves to serenade both the social and traditional media with these choreographed pictures, oblivious of the fact that the pictures are proof of what the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics said - that 10 million Nigerians have lost their jobs under President Buhari.

But I was particularly struck as to why the President and his handlers did not behave true to type of the President’s visit to Benue on Monday the 12th of March, 2018.

What happened on that day that a usually boastful Nigerian President did not post photographs of the “mammoth crowd� that came to receive him in Benue as before?

Could it be that it was because instead of a mammoth crowd, the President was welcomed to the food basket of the nation with a mammoth silence?

I actually should send the Presidency a bill because I was responsible for sending pictures of the President’s convoy driving through ghostly empty Benue streets to the media.

But trust Lie Mohammed. He would soon say that nobody trooped out to welcome Buhari to Benue because the President has provided so many jobs for Benue people that they were all too busy working to come out and welcome him! If satan is the father of lies, then the APC is the mother.

The funniest thing is that President Buhari is the only VIP visitor to Benue State of recent who did not visit the mass graves of the 73 Nigerians killed by Fulani herdsmen or the Benue IDP camps.

Former President Obasanjo visited Benue and paid his respects to those victims of Fulani herdsmen mass murder, as did Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivets State and Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State.

So why did Buhari not visit that solemn venue? Does he feel guilty? Of course, the guilty are always afraid!

But that was not the worst part of the President’s visit to Benue. The President saved the worst for his town hall meeting with Benue elders and leaders of thought.

The President while responding to questions about his shoddy handling of the security situation in Benue said, “I Never Knew the Inspector General of Police Moved To Nasarawa After I Sent Him To Benue�.

Dear President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,

The two major areas President Buhari campaigned on were a promise to ďŹ ght corruption and a vow to crush Boko Haram and ďŹ ght insecurity. Boko Haram have abducted more people under Buhari than at any other time and corruption is worse. Not only has he failed big time in both areas, but 10 million Nigerians lost their jobs under Buhari. So please, if you are such a father, go home and apologise to your son before you can campaign for a failure

President Buhari visit to Benue State Governor Ortom

come and see the person who wants to teach you how to fight corruption in Ghana.

A man who is clueless about happenings in his own government wants to teach Ghana how to govern!

President Buhari is so embarrassing that no matter how tired a patriotic Nigerian is, he or she will always summon up the energy to get up and change the channel whenever this embarrassment of a President shows up on the television screen!

In fact, after the President’s disgraceful outing in Benue, I compiled a list of 20 things the President does not know.

20 Things President Buhari does not know: r 5IF XIFSFBCPVUT PG IJT *(1 r 5IF XIFSFBCPVUT PG IJT 8"&$ DFSUJĂ DBUF r 5IBU DSJUJDJ[JOH HPWFSONFOU JT /05 IBUF TQFFDI r 5IBU IF TIPVME OPU SFDPNNJTTJPO QSPKFDUT DPNNJTsioned by other Presidents r 5IBU (IBOB JT MFTT DPSSVQU UIBO /JHFSJB r 5IBU 8FTU (FSNBOZ OP MPOHFS FYJTUT r 5IBU IJT 71 T OBNF JT OPU A0TJOCBEF r 5IF QFSTPOT XIP QBEEFE IJT CVEHFUT r 5IPTF XIP SFJOTUBUFE BOE QSPNPUFE .BJOB r 5IBU XPNFO EPO U CFMPOH UP APUIFS SPPN r )PX NVDI IJT -POEPO USJQT DPTU /JHFSJB r 5IBU IJT PGĂ DF CFMPOHT UP IJN OPU SBUT r 5IBU B MFBEFS UBLFT SFTQPOTJCJMJUZ BOE EPFT OPU blame others. r 5IBU UIF $ JO "1$ TUBOET GPS $POHSFTT OPU A$POĂ dence’ r 5IBU UIF / JO */&$ TUBOET GPS /BUJPOBM OPU ‘Nigerian’. r 5IBU %FVUTDINBSLT OP MPOHFS FYJTU BOE IBWF CFFO replaced by Euros r 5IBU UIF OFX %( PG UIF /BUJPOBM *OUFMMJHFODF "HFODZ EJEO U QBTT QSPNPUJPO FYBNJOBUJPOT r 8IBU GVFM TVCTJEZ NFBOT UIPVHI IF QBZT JU

r 5IBU #PLP )BSBN IBWF /05 CFFO EFGFBUFE r 5IF QBSUZ IJT XJGF CFMPOHT UP But seriously though, if President Buhari does not know the whereabouts of his own school certificates, should we be surprised that he does not know the whereabouts of his own Inspector General of Police? A President without knowledge of his appointees is like a tree without roots! That is why Nigeria is drifting under Buhari. Like I have said before, President Buhari belongs in a retirement home, not at the Presidential villa.

And then on Wednesday the 14th of March, President Buhari visited Dapchi in Yobe State and I was embarrassed for Nigeria so much so that I put a picture of Jonathan when he visited Borno at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency with President Buhari’s picture

in Dapchi.

In picture 1, you could see then President Jonathan when he visited Borno at the height of the insurgency in his military fatigues devoid of frills. In picture 2, you saw President Buhari in Dapchi on Monday the 12th of March. What was more important for President Jonathan in Borno was the importance of his troops. What was more important to Buhari was his own self-importance which is why he chose to walk on red carpet at a place of mourning.

The red carpet did not honour you Mr. President. You were walking on the blood of Nigerians killed under your watch!

And the embarrassment continued as the President went to Damaturu and told Yobe State stakeholders that he had ordered the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to take direct charge of the local operations in Dapchi and brief him daily on efforts to rescue the #DapchiGirls.

My question for the President is this: is the President sure that his officials will obey him? Or will Nigeria hear in two months that the President never knew that his Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police never went to Yobe State?

At this stage, I cannot understand why any sane person would continue to support President Buhari in light of his obvious ineptitude and unfitness for the job he now holds.

It is like your child coming home from school with F9 in all subjects and you flog him. You tell him how disappointed you are. Then the child watches you campaign for Buhari’s second term and thinks in his mind what a hypocrite his father is for supporting a failed President and flogging a failing child!

The two major areas President Buhari campaigned on were a promise to fight corruption and a vow to crush Boko Haram and fight insecurity. Boko Haram have abducted more people under Buhari than at any other time and corruption is worse. Not only has he failed big time in both areas, but 10 million Nigerians lost their jobs under Buhari. So please, if you are such a father, go home and apologise to your son before you can campaign for a failure!

Reno’s Nuggets

Even if your father is a bricklayer, or your mother is a street sweeper, never be ashamed of your parents. Their jobs may have made their hands dirty, but remember that their dirty hands produced the clean money that made you who and what you are today. There is no charm, no talisman, no juju and no good luck fortune that can be as effective as a blessing from your father and mother. So honour and cherish them no matter their status in society #RenosNuggets

MARCH 17, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

43

FASHION FILE

“My Lagos” Collection by

Zarabella

44

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 17, 2018

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

“My Lagos”

L

agos is a city known for its busy and bustling environs.

It is also known for its fashion conscious inhabitants who make the city their runway.

No matter the part a Lagosian lives in, they’re always inspired to dress their best.

The Lagos Street Style is bright, edgy, modern and trend setting as seen in these fun and chic pieces created by the Brand Zarabellla. With the infusion of chiffon, organza, silk, cotton, crepe and ankara - the brand put into consideration the hot weather condition of Lagos.

Zarabella caters to the everyday

woman - from the working class woman to the fashionable lady who is classy and stylish irrespective of her social background This weekend the brand is collaborating with America-based Nigerian designer, F&W Style, for a pop in its Lekki Store!

Credits Brand - @zarabella_creations Photographer- @mide_wey Models - @bethmodelafrica, @ elizabethmayowa Makeup artist - @beautyby_nene Creative Direction - @thestyle. concierge

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚΀

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fashogbon... ͸΀͸͝͝͞ͺ͚͸͸Î

L-R: NDeputy Governor, Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga; Executive Vice-President, Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Vice President, Supply Chain, Unilever West Africa, Mr. Siddharth Ramaswamy; Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Business Director, Unilever Ghana & Nigeria, Mrs. Soromidayo George and HR Director, Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, Mrs. Eniola Onimole during a courtesy visit by Unilever Management Team to the Governor in Ogun State

Chairman, Troyka Holdings, Biodun Shobanjo (middle), receiving the Extraordinary Business Achievement Award, anked by Nigerian actor and former Mr. Nigeria, Brian Okpara (left), and 2017 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Ugochi Ihueze (right), during the 2017 edition of the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards held at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently

NGO Empowers Women, Children to Mark Women’s Day A non-government organisation, Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative has seized the occasion of the 2018 International Women’s Day to remind women and children of their rights and privileges.

At a symposium by the organisation to mark the day and fulfil its corporate objectives which amongst others include enhancing the lives of women and children through education, social awareness and advocacy, ending violence against women and children and aiding education for marginalised children, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who was special guest of honour at the event, lauded the organisation for complementing the effort of Lagos State at protecting women and children in the state.

According to her, the survival and development of this category of people,

HP Releases Germicide Resistant Computer American multi-national ICT company, Hewlett Packard (HP), has launched a new set of computers to attend to the safety and hygiene needs of health workers.

The latest which include EliteOne 800 Healthcare Edition All-in-One desktop, 27-inch Healthcare Edition Clinical Review Display, and the EliteBook 840 Healthcare Edition notebook are said to be resistant to intense cleaning materials like germicide.

Explaining the technology further, the company stated, “The laptop lets you disable the keyboard and touchscreen while cleaning, so that nothing is accidentally inputted. All the three products are built to withstand deterioration from being cleaned with germicidal wipes, which may help reduce the spread of healthcare-related infections. “We have also included a few other features specifically meant to help hospital workers. The Notebook’s touchpad recognises touch from people wearing surgical gloves. The notebook, desktop, and display also have RFID readers so that workers can sign in by tapping their work badges on the touchpad. The notebook also has a fingerprint reader. “In addition, the brand has security measures in place to address the risk of healthcare records being stolen. The HP EliteBook has a physically isolated security controller, which will supposedly make it more difficult for hackers to access. It also has a privacy screen so that onlookers can’t read the screen from the side.�

The Elitebook is expected to hit market in May while the display and desktop are scheduled for June.

aiding societal growth, could not be if their rights were not guaranteed.

Represented by the Director General, Office of Quality Assurance, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, Adebule noted that the present administration in the state recognised the role of women and children which explained the state’s proactive steps at ensuring their full rights including fairness and equality through deliberate policies and sustained efforts.

She maintained that government alone could not guarantee an individual’s right to live with dignity, hence rely on initiatives of this nature to up the ante and create a society where rights were upheld.

Explaining some of the steps taken by the state, she said, “The state recently commissioned two sexual offences courts to aid quick disposition of sexual-related

offences and to complement the operations of Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, (DSVRT).

She added that the state currently operated 18 skills acquisition centres to train and empower women, thus alleviating poverty among them. “Thousands of women including widows and the vulnerable have benefitted from the state’s Mega Empowerment Programmes where they were trained and supported with equipment and micro loans to make them self-reliant.

Speaking on the theme of the programme, ‘Human Rights - Personal Privileges’, Founder of the organisation, Dr. Ama Onyerinma stated that in line with the NGO’s objectives, it was using the occasion to raise awareness on the international and national policies that

World-largest Brewer to Begin Operations in Nigeria Competition in the Nigerian beverage industry may be getting stiffer as the acclaimed largest brewer in the world, Anheuser-Busch InBev, AB InBev, has indicated interest to invest in Nigeria.

The Belgium-based beverage firm which has its $250 million brewery built in Shagamu, Ogun State, may begin full operations in the middle of the year if the word of its Head of Africa Operations, Ricardo Tadeu, is anything to go by.

Reuters reported that the company was exploring the Nigerian market to satisfy the huge thirst for beer.

According to Tadeu, the company saw huge opportunities in the most populous black nation as Africa is projected to be an important growth driver for the global company in the next five to ten years.

“We have a clear strategy to keep a good level of growth in Africa based on developing our brands in different segments of the market. “Growth in African countries, excluding South Africa, was a “healthy growth rate in the midteens,� he said.

The company added that it expected to see its revenue and core profit (EBITDA) grow strong again this year, with revenue per hectolitre rising by more than inflation and costs by less.

It revealed further that it had achieved savings of $381 million from its near $100 billion purchase of rival SABMiller, which boosted its presence across Africa, including some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Founder, Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative, Dr Ama Onyerimma,anked by students during a sympodium on human right organised by the organisation in Unilag recently

have already been instituted like the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, Lagos State Child’s Right Law 2007 and others to create an unbiased, informed and progressive society for its target audience. “We are living in a society where human right is like a privilege but it is vital to the society and humanity. Human right is not just fundamental, but a right that if it is violated, it creates injustice, imbalance and all other social ills one can think of,� she said.

The programme which was well attended by students across secondary and primary schools, universities, women and men had experts from different government agencies and sectors enlightened the attendees on various aspects of their rights.

Xiaomi Strengthens Footprint in Nigeria Chinese phone maker, Xiaomi, has partnered Jumia Nigeria to bring its latest smart phone devices to the country.

The new phones, Redmi Note 5a, Redmi Note 5a Prime, Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 plus were launched on Jumia’s website and had rolled out in the market for sales.

Speaking on this partnership, Chief Executive Officer of the partnering firm, Juliet Anammah, expressed optimism in the deal adding that he was confident that the phone brand would replicate its success in Nigeria as it was in India and Indonesia going by its level of understanding of the market. “We are proud to bring these devices to the Nigerian market. One remarkable attribute of the phones is their picture quality. The Redmi 5a Prime boasts of a 16MP front camera, with f/2.0 aperture on the front as well as a flash light, while the primary camera for the phones on the rear packs a 13-megapixel camera. “All the devices feature a 5.5’HD screen with a resolution of 720 pixels by 1280 pixels and have a super slim 8.4mm thickness and an appealing unibody metal chassis that gives it a wonderful aesthetic look. They are powered by an Octa-core Qualcomm 435 and use a dual nano sim slot. “The most notorious feature is undoubtedly the device’s high-spec camera, which allows its users to capture precious moments and fleeting sceneries with ease. A growing trend in the world of tech and fashion that will definitely leave its mark and become a reference for future devices,�Anammah claimed.

Meanwhile, the phone maker has also indicated interest in the US smart phone market as it plans to establish its smartphone brand in the country in 2019.

Although security agencies in the country had warned US citizens to avoid products and services made by Chinese tech giants, Huawei and ZTE, observers said that Xiaomi which had just expanded to Western Europe may have to collaborate with US carriers to become relevant in the market.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚΀

EVENT

Oando Employees Donate Supplies to Gbagada Public Schools

recent philanthropic initiative embarked on by employees of Oando, is proof that when companies and employees are aligned great things can be achieved.

Oando employees recently visited Gbagada with donations of branded school supplies for the students of the three (3) schools that make up the Gbagada Schools Complex; an endeavour grounded on the Company’s ambition to play a role in enabling the country reach Sustainable Development Goal Four (Quality Education) by 2020 as well as furthering its Foundation’s Adopt-a-School initiative. The Company has actively reinforced to its employees the benefits of giving back not just as a good deed but to ultimately enrich the nation; hence this project initiated and implemented by the Company’s employees.

The month of February was tagged the ‘Month of Love’ and all Oando employees rallied together to raise funds to buy students of the Gbagada Schools Complex much needed school supplies such as educational books to encourage learning and reading, school bags, school furniture, raincoats in preparation for the rainy season, and other items to aid educational development; infrastructural renovation was also carried out.

The visit was led by both the Corporate Communications and Oando Foundation team, also in attendance were a selection of the Foundations volunteers, all Oando employees. In addition to donating school supplies, Oando employees visited all the classrooms and actively engaged the pupils via play and talks.

Speaking at the event, Alero Balogun, Head, Corporate Communications said: “I speak on behalf of all Oando employees when I say we have a common belief that education is an integral tool in building the right foundation for tomorrow’s innovators, business owners, community leaders, and nation builders. We understand and recognise that a lot of these students face a myriad of difficulties at home; despite these environmental and social challenges they make a concerted effort to attend school daily. This is borne out of an innate desire to learn so as create a better future for themselves and their loved ones – we must commend them for their efforts, zeal and positive outlook even in the most challenging of circumstances. It is against this backdrop that we embarked on this journey to raise funds, acquire and donate much needed school supplies. The greatest privilege has been in our giving and the most treasured outcome - the smiles on each child’s face.

Like Malala Yousafzai said, let us remember one book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world. With this, I say thank you to the teachers of the Gbagada Schools Complex for your invaluable role in building the leaders of tomorrow and thank you to every single Oando employee who has helped make this memorable event a reality.�

The Head Teacher of Idi Odo Primary School, Mrs Ayowole Ajibade said; “We truly appreciate Oando Foundation for adopting our school and financing many of our development projects. The Foundation has been our partner for many years; they have supported a number of infrastructural

projects including the building of classrooms and drainage systems to stop the flooding of the school, as well as awarding scholarships to our pupils. Today, we are excited to have Oando here and on behalf of all the children, we say thank you. Thank you Oando Foundation, thank you Oando and thank you Oando staff for remembering us and the pupils today.�

The Assistant Director of Education, SUBEB Lagos, Mrs Margaret Morenike Ismail, who represented the Executive Director of SUBEB Lagos, said “Oando Foundations Adopt-a-School initiative is quite laudable, they have adopted over 8 schools in 5 Local Government Areas (LGA) in Lagos State and awarded scholarships to over 250 pupils in these schools. As a result of their efforts we have seen a significant increase in enrolment in our schools. I would like to use this platform to encourage others in the private sector to partner with us like we’ve done with Oando to push education forward.�

It is no news that public private partnerships are crucial to the development of any economy, especially emerging economies like Nigeria where the need for infrastructure far outweighs available public funds. Oando recognizes that Nigeria’s population growth has put pressure on the country’s resources, public services and infrastructure. With children under 15 years of age accounting for 45 per cent of the 171 million population and Nigeria having the largest number of out of school children, the burden on education has become overwhelming. This realization led to the creation of Oando Foundation an independent charity with a mission to improve the learning environment in primary schools

by holistically creating world-class basic education systems to the community and supporting the Nigerian Government reach its education development goal.

Speaking on the role Oando Foundation plays in the education sector, Head Oando Foundation, Mrs. Adekanla Adegoke said: “Oando Foundation is delighted to partner with our parent body – Oando PLC on this project, and many others that have directly contributed to improved learning outcomes for children in our adopted schools.

We remain the only independent charity established by a Corporate offering a holistic model to improve the basic education sub-sector in Nigeria. Our longstanding partnership with various State Governments, including the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and Local Education Authorities continues to drive our achievements. We are committed to championing the cause of improved basic education in Nigeria; ensuring every child of primary school age has access to quality education.�

Oando, through the Foundation has successfully adopted over 88 public primary schools across 23 states in Nigeria, renovated over 40 of these schools; established 33 ICT centres and 3 Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE) centres.

In addition, the Foundation has donated over 5,000 books and learning materials across different communities. The Foundation has further successfully supported community involvement by strengthening the capacity of over 1,133 School Based Management Committee (SBMC) members, awarded scholarships to over 1,123 pupils and facilitated training of 2,169 teachers.

Group Hosts Selected Agents, Journalists in Private Viewing of its New Banana Island Project Ugo Aliogo

S

ujimoto Construction has organised a private briefing and viewing of its new project for selected agents and journalists. The project is known as the Giuliano and it is located in Banana Island, Ikoyi Lagos.

Speaking at the event yesterday in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Sujimoto Construction, Mr. Sijibomi Ogundele, said before introducing the project to the public they wanted to introduce the project to their agents and key players in the industry, adding that they wanted their agents to understand the in-depth strategy behind the project and “the reason why they went for the project and the luxury aspect of it especially the story

behind the project.�

He stated that the current project they are handling would finish on the October 30, noting that the project is only residential units and most the investors are those that have bought to lease out for investment purposes.

Ogundele explained that the property is an affordable luxury, stressing that it is cheaper than what has put out in public domain, “we have compared to what we have in the market and comparing with what is in the market especially in terms of features and facilities, we believe that it is cheaper than our competitors.�

He further stated that they have developed a strategy that would bring about the ease of payment, which he noted involved making a minimum deposit and

the remaining the payment is spread for a period of 10 month.

According to him, “The Giuliano as more than just a project; it is a game changer that will redefine the way people live. It is a convergence of 16th century architectural ingenuity, inspired by the great works of the great Medici family, with the functionality of 21st century lifestyle. It brings exclusivity, location and quality together in one space. “The almost sold-out project that has been kept a secret was finally revealed in a private viewing to these passionate agents whose enthusiasm and willingness to participate in the Sujimoto Project is because they know that we are one of the few real estate company that creates

quality products with features that allows investors get high returns on their investments. “In designing the Giuliano, we understood that to be needed, we needed to be loaded. We went around Ikoyi and banana island, we toured the best terraces and apartments, looking for standards to set and records to beat. “Aside from the exceptional quality of features and facilities, no drop of paint will be on the Giuliano. The whole exterior will be clad in a special Spanish stone - a new generation high quality façade to give it a luxury feel, the same façade that was used for Baba Ijebu’s house, which is regarded as the most expensive house in Nigeria.â€?

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž MARCH 17, 2018

47

EVENTS

T

he funeral service of Mrs. Felicia Olujoke Ope who died at age 88 took place at Christ Anglican Church, Odosenlu, Alaro, via Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Saturday, February 24, 2018. There had been a service of songs/wake on Friday, February 23, 2018 beforeintermentandentertainmentofguests on Saturday. Here are the faces of some of the personalities that attended the event.

L-R: Head, External Relations, UBA, Nasir Ramon; Editor, Saturday Tribune, Mr. Lasisi Olagunju; Editor, The Punch, Martin Ayankola; and Mrs. Modupe Olubanjo of Globacom

L-R: FormerDeputyChiefofStaff,EkitiState,MojeedJamiu;Mrs.YemisiDurojaiye;ChiefPressSecretarytoLagosState Governor,HabibAruna;andSpecialAdvisertoOgunStateGovernoronInformationandStrategy,Rotimi Durojaiye

L-R: Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Goals and Ideas, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde; Editor, Saturday Punch, Mrs.Olabisi Deji-Folutile; and Director, Sales and Marketing, The Beat 99.9 FM, Mrs. Amira Obi-Okoye

L-R: Deaconess Omorinmola Adeyinka; Mrs. Olabisi Deji-Folutile; Dr. Joseph Deji-Folutile; and Mrs. Owoyemi Ogunleye.

L-R: Barrister Kemi Ogunnoiki; Mrs. Nike Ladipo; Dr. and Mrs. Deji- Folutile; Mrs. Dayo Chilaka; Mrs. Stella Billy-Ashogbon; and husband, Billy Ashogbon

L-R: Manager, EditorialTraining and Language Control, Punch Newspapers, Mr. Seth Akintoye; Manager, Printing, Olumodeji Reuben; and Manager, Administration, Punch Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Folakemi Gbemuotor

L-R: FormerExecutiveSecretary,NationalUniversitiesCommission,Prof.PeterOkebukola,aguest;Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; and Film Producer, Kunle Afolayan

L-R: Mr. Tola Noibi; former Editor, Punch, Alhaji Nojeem Jimoh; and Provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Gbemiga Ogunleye

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, Fola Adeyemi; Head, Corporate Affairs, Fidelity Bank Plc, Charles Akhigbe; Business Editor, The Punch, Dada Akinpelu; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Akwa Ibom State, Charles Udoh; and Deputy Editor, Business, NewTelegraph Newspaper, Ayo Aminu.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚΀

COVER Bolaji Akinyemi

There Has Been Penetration of Our Security Forces – Our Security Agencies – by Some Foreign Elements Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Aairs, Professor . Bolaji Akinyemi who was a member of Bokom Haram committee set-up by the Goodluck Jonathan administration, believes that there are external forces worsening the country’s current violent sociopolitical upheavals. In this interview with Bayo Akinloye, Akinyemi also explains why politicians and the public should learn lessons from Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu’s comment on the possibility of the military truncating the nation’s nascent democracy

F

ormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the abduction of the Dapchi schoolgirls as carelessness on the part of the Federal Government. Do you subscribe to his assessment?

It’s always difficult to comment on matters dealing with security because there are always details that are only available to security operatives in the country and the President as the

Akinyemi

commander-in-chief. So in a way, one can only use common sense. And, when you feel that an issue that can be addressed by common sense wasn’t addressed then you wonder. We’ve focused so much on the Chibok girls to seem to have ignored the fact that more people have been kidnapped in that same corridor than the Chibok girls.

So this kidnapping has been going on; it never stopped. Again, you’d have expected that the security forces would have designed a strategy to provide

protection wherever there’s a gathering of – especially young – people like in schools; boarding schools. What I’d have thought, even if it means massive recruitment –we’re fighting a war against insurgents. We know the massive recruitment that took place during the civil war in the late 1960s. By now we could have trained new soldiers and equipped them and have a corridor of security. It doesn’t mean that every school will be protected by stationary security agents. But the government

could provide a corridor –after all, these people passed through a path to invade the school and abduct the pupils and also escaped through a path.

Therefore, I’d have expected a corridor that stretches across Adamawa, Borno and Yobe; those are the core areas that these massive kidnappings have been taking place. And, you want to tell me after how many years the military is incapable of designing a plan. Well, maybe they know something that I don’t know. If they know better than us

MARCH 17, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

49

COVER Nigerian Government Battling External Forces Stronger Than It Is then they haven’t used that knowledge as these things are still taking place.

How many years since Chibok? So (sighs...) I’m worried. I am worried because it confirms my suspicion.

What is that suspicion?

My suspicion that there’re forces – very strong forces, external, and when I said external, I meant (forces) external to Nigeria – that the Nigerian government is incapable of controlling those who’re actually masterminding these operations. That’s what I’m worried about.

By these external forces are you referring to ISIS, Boko Haram, or foreign governments?

ISIS is one of such forces. Number two, I think that we didn’t pay enough attention – of course, I mean when the people you put in charge of institution are actually not deep in the issue they confront, you’re going to have things like this. I served on the Boko Haram committee that was set up by the Goodluck Jonathan administration and we came across facts that I found frightening. Fortunately, – this is a strange thing to say – the committee itself wasn’t unanimous on its interpretation of the realities that we came across. You would recall that during the Jonathan administration a ship laden with weapons was captured in Apapa and it turned out that an Iranian diplomat and other Iranian personnel were involved in this. It was of sufficient concerns to the Iranian government that they sent to Nigeria their foreign minister as the head of a delegation and they smuggled out of the country the diplomat who was involved in the arms issue. The other personnel were charged to court and sentenced to jail for their role in it –and then quietly released and exp elled from the country. Where were those weapons going to? Of course, I know where those weapons were going to and so did the government. Why didn’t they tell Nigerians where those weapons were going to? Because it will then let you know that Nigeria actually has become a theatre of confrontation among forces that aren’t Nigerian.

What exactly do you mean by that?

Look at Syria; who are the forces involved in Syria? Iran versus Saudi Arabia; Turkey, ISIS, and of course, the United States and Russia – and don’t let us forget, Israel. Poor Syria! But what’s happening in Syria if caution isn’t taken can be replicated in Nigeria. Let me give you another example: again, under Jonathan if you could recall some weapons were found in a bunker in Kano. The DSS said they discovered those weapons. I got to know that it was the Israelis who tipped off the DSS as to the existence of those weapons. People were charged to court; what happened?

I don’t know what happened to the people that were charged to court.

But under the existing regulations if weapons were found in a building it is supposed to be demolished. And, I know that the DSS applied to Jonathan for permission to demolish that building. Permission wasn’t granted.

Definitely then, you know that Iran is involved in Nigerian spectacle.

The Israelis are involved in Nigerian spectacle. The Palestinians are involved in Nigerian spectacle; and the Saudis.

There has been penetration of our security forces –our security agencies –by some of these elements. So, we’re dealing with forces that are larger than Nigeria. The forces involved in the Nigerian debacle are by far stronger than the Nigerian government. Even if you changed your president, his successor would have a major battle on

Akinyemi

his hand if he decided to confront these elements.

But don’t you think that there basic things that the government and its security agencies aren’t doing to help the situation. Take for instance, the Nigerian Army withdrawing its troop in Yobe prior to the abduction of the Dapchi girls. It claimed it handed over security of that area to the Nigeria Police Force but the police refuted that.

Does that not bother you? Or, think about the case of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who was meant to spearhead the security in Benue but was said to be missing in action, cutting birthday cake in another state.

Is the Inspector General of Police a free agent? Let me divert your question. On CNN, so that they don’t think that I have secret information –l’m giving you my sources. On CNN, about three weeks ago, there was a news item interviewing some of the soldiers involved –these soldiers were supposed to have been five miles from the headquarters of Boko Haram and they were stopped. They got orders from above to stop their operation; their movement and they stopped, obeying the last order and then they were attacked massively. CNN carried the story; showed the pictures. The army denied that any such order was given.

Of course, they would deny, wouldn’t they? But the soldiers who were on the frontline –of course, anonymously you would expect –said they did get an order to stop advancing making their position available for counterattack by Boko Haram. Tell me what’s going on.

So, when I say that the penetration of our security agencies by instrumentalities outside the control of the Nigerian government itself is a question of one plus one equals two. You tell me why were the troops ordered to stop? Who exposed the troops to such massive attack by Boko Haram?

From what you said, it will appear President Muhammadu Buhari isn’t in control of what’s happening in the country?

I don’t want to put it that way.

Because when you put it that way the insinuation that if you changed the government another government would be in control. Remember Jonathan was there – he was in charge but was he in control? In fact, he said that Boko Haram had infiltrated his government.

So, any government that you put there, there will have to be ‘operation root out’ of subversive external forces. We’re not noted in this country for uprooting a misnomer; we only deal with the surface.

Many have said that since the advent of democracy in 1999, Nigeria is experiencing the worst state of insecurity under Buhari’s administration. What’s your assessment?

Yes, I’ll agree with it and it is because there are forces at large internationally and those forces are looking for sanctuaries all over the world. Nigeria has been identified as one of such sanctuaries that they can operate in. Also, there’s competition for dominance in Nigeria by these forces. In Afghanistan, ISIS and the Taliban are fighting for control; don’t you ever imagine that Boko Haram is a unified entity or that the people who carried out the Dapchi abduction are the same people who are operating in Maiduguri as Boko Haram. Don’t make that assumption.

What’s the implication of this situation ahead of the 2019 polls?

I haven’t seen anything to make me have faith or hope in 2019. I look at SDP and I noticed the movement of personnel from PDP to SDP. Also, there’s movement of personnel from APC SDP. Are these new people? Or, we’re just engaged in a rocking chair syndrome and we think we’re making progress.

Are we? There’s a philosopher whose definition of madness is doing the same things and expecting different results.

Same personnel: they move from PDP to APC and they’re moving now to SDP when they’ve lost out in the game – not ideologically; they’ve lost out in who controls what and you think SDP will

You would recall that during the Jonathan administration a ship laden with weapons was captured in Apapa and it turned out that an Iranian diplomat and other Iranian personnel were involved in this. It was of sufficient concerns to the Iranian government that they sent to Nigeria their foreign minister as the head of a delegation and they smuggled out of the country the diplomat who was involved in the arms issue. The other personnel were charged to court and sentenced to jail for their role in it –and then quietly released and exp elled from the country. Where were those weapons going to? Of course, I know where those weapons were going to and so did the government. Why didn’t they tell Nigerians where those weapons were going to? be the instrument of change?

The Buhari administration has been adjudged as one of the worst transparent nations in the world.

What do you think?

Apart from reading the Transparency International report –that’s the only thing I’m relying upon. The report is very damning. Again, I’m not defending President Buhari’s administration but the forces responsible for the failure of corruption battle are many. The judiciary is there; I mean you can’t blame Buhari for not arresting people. The EFCC arrests people. They put them on trial and then it’s out of their hands.

How has the judiciary performed?

But the President has been accused of failing to take definitive actions in the cases involving Abdulrasheed Maina and the former SGF, Babachir Lawal, for instance. He’s been accused of permissiveness of the infractions committed by people close to him.

You have a point there. I don’t absolve the President – the cases you referred to are beyond understanding. There is no explanation for them except to say that they’re beyond comprehension. So, obviously he takes part of the blame.

Do you think Mr. President has lived up to his billing in dealing

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 17, 2018

COVER Buhari Takes Part of Blame for Rot in the Country

Let me give you another example: again, under Jonathan if you could recall some weapons were found in a bunker in Kano. The DSS said they discovered those weapons. I got to know that it was the Israelis who tipped off the DSS as to the existence of those weapons. People were charged to court; what happened? I don’t know what happened to the people that were charged to court. But under the existing regulations if weapons were found in a building it is supposed to be demolished. And, I know that the DSS applied to Jonathan for permission to demolish that building. Permission wasn’t granted with corruption and insecurity?

I’m not going to answer your question because once this interview is over; it’s out of my hands. I’m old enough now to know how the press operates and I could see headlines that will just focus on the President and my reaction or my words about the president. So, I won’t answer that question. Fortunately, the answer is obvious: several people have given comments on that.

I’ll prefer to concentrate on the structural deficiencies on the security level.

Pastor (Tunde) Bakare had spoken on the wedding issue (Buhari attending a wedding as against commiserating with the bereaved whose loved ones were killed by herdsmen) and I agreed with him.

But what do you think of the herdsmen killings?

I’m surprised that this question is coming up. Will someone like me ever approve of that? I mean, of course, I condemn it. The government must do everything necessary to stop it.

What do you have to say about the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali’s statement that ‘since the nation’s independence, we know there used to be a route whereby the cattle rearers take because they are all over the nation. If you go to Bayelsa or Ogun, you will see them.

If those routes are blocked, what do you expect will happen?

Look, don’t stress me to respond to comments like that, that should never have been made by somebody at that level.

You talked about a committee on Boko Haram set up by former President Jonathan. As a member

Kachukwu

of that committee, can you tell if there was a report, what were the recommendations and were they implemented?

The report was submitted to Jonathan. And it was not implemented in totality. It was not implemented the way we proposed as regards setting up a special fund for the resuscitation of the North-East. What we had suggested was that, yes, there should be a special fund for the resuscitation of the NorthEast but it should be part of a master plan for the economic resuscitation of the whole country. Our own projection for the master plan for the whole country was not implemented. A special development or special rehabilitation of the North-East was the one that picked. I can’t go into discussing the recommendations for certain reasons that border on confidentiality and my inability to remember the details of the report.

What do you think about the media? Is the press doing enough in this entire crisis?

The Nigerian press reflects the priorities of its owner. I tend to read about eight newspapers daily and I can tell from the contents where the media platform is coming from. I think we’ll be deceiving ourselves to think that the media can be objective; absolutely not.

Are you saying that the media is not providing enough context to the ongoing crisis in Nigeria?

I’m not saying that. It’s not unique – the particularity of contents to a newspaper is not unique to Nigeria.

I mean, if I go to Britain and I get The Guardian and thinks it represents everything about the UK, I’ll be totally mistaken. The Telegraph will also give some different perspectives. I will have to read a couple of these newspapers and others to form a logical opinion

on certain matters. You cannot expect the Nigerian journalists to live above the press in Nigeria. I don’t expect the Nigerian journalists to be like the journalists of the New York Times or the Washington Post. If you take the Nigerian journalist to the US where he enjoys all the necessities of life; water running regularly and there 24/7 power supply, he’ll rise up to the level of the American journalist. Bring the American journalist to Nigeria; after six months, I think he’ll be at the level of a Nigerian journalist. So, environmental factors influence people’s behavioural tendencies.

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on the floor of the senate expressed the fear that there’s a possibility of the military staging a coup given the current socio-political upheavals in Nigeria.

Does that bother you too?

I’m glad he said it, not me. I ask myself, ‘Do we ever learn? Do we ever learn from history?’ Well, not only in this country but in the world: I was listening to a discussion on the TV about the swing to populist right-wing parties in Europe and there was one man who said, ‘I don’t understand; we’ve been here before’. It’s the rightwing populist party that brought Hitler, Mussolini, Salazar, and Franco. He said only about 60 years ago –in his lifetime and people are now cheering and thinking that’s the way to go. We don’t learn from history; not only politicians but even the public. That was really what Ekweremadu was saying: that the politicians –if the antelope decides to be so proud that it just marches with majesty and pomp and pride, it must remember that there are hungry lions around; that the field isn’t cleared.

That’s all Ekweremadu was saying. Let those who have ears to hear, let them hear.

I haven’t seen anything to make me have faith or hope in 2019. I look at SDP and I noticed the movement of personnel from PDP to SDP. Also, there’s movement of personnel from APC SDP. Are these new people?

Or, we’re just engaged in a rocking chair syndrome and we think we’re making progress. Are we? There’s a philosopher whose definition of madness is doing the same things and expecting different results. Same personnel: they move from PDP to APC and they’re moving now to SDP when they’ve lost out in the game – not ideologically; they’ve lost out in who controls what and you think SDP will be the instrument of change?

51

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͚Ϳ, 2018

POLITY

Shea Production: NSSSDP Canvasses Incentives for Women Femi Ogbonnikan

T

he Niger State Shea Sector Development Programme (NSSSDP) has pledged to provide incentives to women in the state to boost the production of the crop. It also pledged to the key elements of the expanded shea production.

Speaking at the Global Shea Alliance Conference in Abuja on Thursday, Prince Ajibola Oluyede, Chairman of the Niger State Shea Sector Development Programme (NSSSDP), explained that the primary producers are stuck in supply chains that keep them impoverished and unable to move along the value chain.

He declared that the women in the Shea belt production, who are the main custodians, caretakers and midwives of the Shea trees, ought to be trained to

do business within the Shea sector. “It is sad to note that from the Global Shea Alliance 2018 Annual report, there has been only a 30% increase in the earnings of these women in the last 11 years. This increase in earnings had been utilised by some of the women to migrate to cultivation of other crops, like cassava.�

Oluyede pointed out that, this scenario gave the impression that there was no room for the women to expand in the Shea value chain, “even with the increased earnings from the drudgery and tedium of dangerous and backbreaking work they had to do to collect the Shea fruits and nuts from parklands unprotected, at the risk of snake bites and upon return to their villages, proceed to manually process and extract Shea butter from a portion of the harvest.�

He added: “I wondered how a $7

certified High quality organic Shea products for the local and international market.

The NSSSDP chairman stated that women could possibly pay with the produce for the processing of their harvests and enjoy far higher revenues from the sale/export of the final products.

Oluyede congratulated the Global Shea Alliance for its good work in creating a structure that has helped the sector to gain some cohesion and needed exposure and he further seized the occasion to invite the members of the Global Shea Alliance and other Stakeholders to join hands with the NSSSDP in implementing the reforms, which the sector has unanimously agreed was needed, particularly in respect of empowerment of women in the Shea belt in Nigeria through climate smart Agric-business.

billion global Shea sector could deny these women the empowerment and mobility which proper training and support to do business in the Shea value chain would provide. Most of the interventions implemented, from the perspective of the women, were mere tokenism. I warn that the current situation is unsustainable. “How could the women, in an expanded value chain, which applies a Natural Forest plantation management (NFPM), benefit from the concession of 50,000 hectares to a technically and financially capable Plantation Manager?�

According to the presentation, he said 20 women cooperatives or other women groups would be vested, through 20 subleases, with 500 hectares of parkland each from which, with the technical assistance of the Concessionaire/sublessor and would produce

Get Involved in Country’s Development, Mimiko Urges Nigerians Judith Anyanwu

F

ormer Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has said that developing Nigeria was possible, urging Nigerians to get involved.

Mimiko, who was the guest speaker at the Rotary Foundation Dinner Dance at the Muson Centre, recently, stated that it was time for Nigerians to put the same energy they put into philanthropy to politics and identify people that can improve the quality of life of the masses.

He stressed that the root cause of poverty is ingrained in the world economic order. He noted that the reality is that inequality has deepened with strong disparity with eight individuals

having as much as 3.5 billion people in the World.

He said good governance is needed to address this imbalance especially if philanthropic gesture extended to government agencies and private ones are well monitored.

He noted that it was disheartening that as philanthropy grew, the donors discovered that people were getting poorer in Sub-Sahara Africa, which prompted them (the donors) to give directly to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOS) that led to the proliferation of NGOS without defined visions. Mimiko, who is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary international, lamented that the international financial arrangement does not favour Nigeria.

He said money is concentrated in few

hands, which has led to internal strife, cultism, poverty, low life expectancy, child mortality and many other problems in the country. He commended the Rotary Club, which he described has the largest charity organisation in the World, for helping in the eradication of polio and many other problems all over the world. “When you talk about philanthropy and good governance, the Rotary Club stands tall. The direct contribution from member hit $3b in 2004 when the club became 100 years old and with donations coming from other people, the Rotary Club has been able to give many lives a boost.�

He also pointed out that philanthropy has metamorphosed from giving directly to charity to a business module, where donors de-risk investment

Mimiko

NACJ Holds Annual Lecture on Integrity/Awards Bennett Oghifo

orruption is prevalent in Nigeria because very few of the nation’s leaders have a sense of integrity, the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ), has said.

The NACJ said this in a statement that outlines the procedure of its 2018 Annual Lecture on Integrity/Award, which was initiated in 2013. “The reason corruption is prevalent in our society today is simply because we have very few leaders with sense of integrity, but the tide has to take the positive turn if we must make progress as a people,� NACJ said in the statement signed by its Secretary General, Charles Okhai, The annual event, the group said was specifically designed to fight corruption, and that it “has no doubt grown to become a national phenomenon in circle of social events. The programme is in a class of its own in several ways.�

NACJ said for instance, “the selection of nominees is meticulously done with all honesty in order to achieve the objective of the award. The candidates for each of the categories of the award are first selected during the National Executive Members Nomination Exercise. “Then, after a thorough scrutiny of the candidates, the list is short listed to three on each award category. Finally, the list is further scrutinised to pick the most deserving candidate. “The need for this seemingly and tedious exercise hinges on our un-

Bruce flinching commitment to eradicating the societal monster called corruption.

We believe that corruption does not stem from financial malfeasance which is only one of its fruits. Rather, corruption is a function of the mind, therefore, to effectively fight the monster, the people’s mind must be the main target, hence, Integrity Award. “This further explains why our award recipients are simply tagged, Men of Integrity. This is intended to

appeal to their subconscious and thus imbibe the virtues of integrity.�

The group said: “To effectively do this, we make sure that the lectures given by reputable personalities at the event, centre on the virtues of integrity. This is done to further awaken the recipients to the main purpose of the award. “Consequently, a good number of our past recipients have overtimes testified to the fact that with the award they do self-evaluation every now and then to assure themselves that indeed they are living a life style that is consistent with the sanctity of the award. “This is highly so, because being mentally conscious and committed to the principles of integrity, automatically help us to avoid the practice of corruption. As a way of of keeping our recipients focus we get them involved in subsequent events as special guests.

This gives them yet another opportunity to reinforce the spirit of integrity already building up in them.�

According to them, “We do not claim that our recipients are perfect people, rather, the award is intended to encourage those who have shown a good measure of discipline in their leadership responsibilities to at least keep the spirit going and improve on themselves. “We’re proud to say categorically that our past recipients are our worthy Ambassadors and trophies.We are also proud to say that we are not in the business of Award Events for the giddy excitement of making money.

Ours is a crusade, we are making a strong Statement with the award, that

the Integrity is everything. It is our own way of contributing our quota to the developmental progress of our country, Nigeria. “We’re truly and passionately committed to this vision, to us, it’s a patriotic responsibility we have chosen to shoulder because we sincerely want to see the eventual emergence of a new nation of our dream.�

Some past recipients of the award include, Professor Pat Utomi, His Excellency Jimi Agbaje, Hon Abike Dabiri, immediate past Inspector General of Police, Solomon Erase, Mr. Femi Adesina, Assistant Controller General of Customs, Commandant Charles Eporwei Edike, Dr Sam Aman, Hon Justice Adefope-Okojie, and Dr Joe Odumakin.

They said the Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, who was one of the major recipients last year, is expected to grace this year event as Chairman. Also, distinguished Senator Murray Ben Bruce would deliver the keynote address, “Legislation with Integrity, The key Factor to Building a Virile Nation�. The political gladiator, former Governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, is expected to speak on the event Theme, Integrity is Everything.

NACJ said “This year nomination list is very tight with the nation’s top politicians, Business Movie, Nollywood Stars, and top entertainment personalities. This year event promises to be the media event of the decade. “We’re well aware that the value of an Award is not in the Plaque, but the idea behind the Award and the purpose for which it is given.�

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͚Ϳ, 2018

POLITY

RE: Obaseki and the Dialectics of Oppositional Politics Crusoe Osagie

O

rdinarily, this piece does not deserve any reply, and the reason is simple, reading through it, it is immediately obvious that the author has absolutely no clue to what is happening in Edo State.

However, I am compelled to respond because as a journalist with about two decades experience, the first thing I do before reading a piece is to check the name of the author and in this case, I am excited to find that the author is well known.

We worked together at THISDAY for several years. So for me, this reply is just an intellectual exchange with an opponent I know fairly well.

Firstly, Ojeifo, you may be from Edo State, but you and I know that apart from the jaundiced brief you received from Dan Orbih and other actors within the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), you have no clue to what is happening in Edo State. For the purpose of safeguarding the little professional regard I have for you, I will like to assume that you were conned by Orbih and his bedfellows to do this piece that has seriously belittled the supposedly high standing of journalism expertise which you acquired during your days as a crack reporter for THISDAY newspapers. But of course, a lot of water has gone under the bridge since you left and you probably are not quite the investigative and critical journalist you used to be. The first shock I received from reading your opinion piece was when you seemed to suggest that

such a shameful case for ‘job for the boys’?

On the preposterous allegation of the diversion of rice meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to a Senator in Ondo State and to a certain house after the by-pass in Benin City, for which Orbih literarily, thumped his chest and boasted on a popular pidgin English radio programme, Man Around Town, I wonder why Ojeifo cannot understand that if any one makes such a definite allegation that a crime has been committed and goes on to state that he has incontrovertible evidence, then naturally, the police and other security agencies have a job to do on that matter.

I am sure Orbih did not tell Ojeifo while he was priming him to write his piece that he has been sending emissaries to the government to plead that charges should not be pressed against him.

As for the petition allegedly sent by the PDP to the police claiming that myself and the Honourable Commissioner for Obaseki Communication and Orientation, Paul Obaseki needs to load his government with Ohonbamu Esq., may have incited the political jobbers, who you quite eloquently public against the Edo PDP because we have called them a party of bandits and described as “experienced grassroots rogues, I would like to remind Ojeifo, in politicians.� In your own words, “The case his journalist note pads have been dearth of experienced politicians in his misplaced in the pursuit of other interests, government is obvious in his political and strategic missteps�. My question to you is, that a court of competent jurisdiction, in December 2008, in Enugu, convicted do all these experienced politicians have a former governor of Edo State on the to be in Obaseki’s government as political platform of the PDP, for fraud and misapappointees? Like you seemed to suggest propriation of funds. before they can play their roles as political So, if we therefore say that such a leaders within the ruling party in the state. political party in the state that produced a Or has my comrade journalist become so governor who was convicted for fraud is degraded in his idealistic struggle for the good of the common man to begin to make a party of bandits and rogues, is there no

logical premise to draw such a conclusion?

Finally, for your information, assuming that a section of your journalism ethics which seeks truth and balance persists, I would like to remind you of the recent local government elections where the “Team PDP� who you have described as being on rampage in Edo State, seeking for goals, chickened out of the process and could not as much as feature even one candidate for the council polls. The 18 council chairmen from the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and all the councillors from the party have since been sworn into office and have commenced governing at the grassroots level.

If this zero sum political outcome is the result due to a political party “on rampage, seeking for goals�, then this sort of rampage may be the most desirable by any ruling party from the opposition.

Edo State is no longer a fiefdom ruled by a few lords. Hard as this might be for you to accept, considering your relationship with some of the unseen forces that held the state to ransom, and who were famously retired from politics by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, there is a new order in the state, in which governance is about the ordinary people of Edo State, as against the old order of a privileged few.

The new order is the new normal and will remain for a long time to come.

Governor Obaseki is committed to sustaining this new order by safeguarding the interests of the ordinary Edo people and residents in the state.

Osagie is the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy

L-R: Executive Director, Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF), Dr. Kingsley Akinroye; Marketing Manager, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc., Maureen Ifada; Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Ben Langat; past President, Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF), Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe; and Corporate Aairs Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Ore Famurewa, during the endorsement of Three Crowns Milk with NHFHeart Check Logo, in Lagos ...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Members of International Association of Lions Clubs, Multiple District 404, Nigeria, held integrated measles campaign rally to mark World Measles Day, in Agege, Lagos yesterday PHOTOS: DAN UKANA

L-R: Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos Central Senatorial District, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi; Senator Representing Lagos Central, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; APC Chairman, Lagos Chapter, Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale; and Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Esinlokun-Sanni, at the 25th edition of Lagos central senatorial district town hall meeting with Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Lagos....recently PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO

L-R: Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Ogechukwu Anozie; Category Manager, Oral Care, Unilever, Toluwaleke Salu; President, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Bode Ijarogbe; Unilever Marketing Director, Ghana Nigeria, Bunmi Adeniba; and General Secretary, Nigeria Dental Association, Dr. Kola Obagbemiro, during the Pepsodent Health Walk in celebration of the 2018 World Oral Health Day...recently

53

ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

BUSINESS INTERVIEW Nwoboshi

We’re RedeďŹ ning Women’s Attitude to Insurance Abisola Nwoboshi is Assistant General Manager and Head, Corporate Business Group, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc. A graduate of Chemical Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and holder of MBA (Business Administration).

Nwoboshi started her career in GTBank in 2005 as an executive trainee. She rose to the positions of Relationship Manager, Branch Manager, and Group Head, Commercial Banking Group Mainland 2. In November 2014, she worked briey in First City Monument Bank Plc. as Head, Commercial Desk Ikoyi, a desk she pioneered, before joining AXA Mansard Insurance. In this interview with Vincent Obia, Nwoboshi speaks on the role, achievements, and plight of women in Nigeria. She also talks about how AXA Mansard is to empowers women On her job and what she loves most about it asically, my role entails supervision of the activities of the relationship managers within the Group. I develop and implement strategies for business development for the group, grow and expand nationwide market share for the group, provide direction and leadership for the group, drive the implementation and achievement of the group’s budget. I monitor the company’s portfolio to ensure profitable portfolio of policies is maintained and, lastly, manage the relationships of key executives of large customers within the group.

What I love most about my job is the opportunity to provide coaching and mentoring to members of the group, most especially the young ladies, to always think into the cloud. Do everything to the best of your ability with the time allotted.

B

need to help one another to succeed. While it feels nice to have someone who cheers you on, the most effective mentors are brutally honest. They would tell you what you need to hear to reach your goal, would point out your blind spots and push you to understand where and why you are making a mistake. The best mentors also possess superb EQ (Emotional Intelligence, also called Emotional Quotient or Emotional Intelligence Quotient) and know how to deliver the message so that it has the highest probability of being accepted. A mentor also provides helpful suggestions about what the mentee can do differently. The most effective mentorship sessions lead to reflection and ultimately positive change.

Reciprocally, a good mentee is an openminded thinker who craves to know what he is missing or how he could improve.

Additionally, being a mentor has helped me identify talent and be able to build effective teams quickly when the need arises.

On the signiďŹ cance of the International Women’s Day It is an opportunity to reflect, rejoice and recharge ourselves together as one with women all across the globe. It’s also a day to connect with one another physically, virtually and spiritually – and to give thanks for the generations of amazing women who have come before us, and the generations of phenomenal women still to come! Women have not always shared the same rights, and still do not in many respects. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the women who have paved the way towards our progress. At the same time, it is a reminder of the inequality that plagues society. We must continue to support our leaders, innovators, and risk-takers for thinking forward and expanding the possibilities for women around the globe.

The global International Women’s Day or month allows us to celebrate women, their achievement, and measure the progress we are making when it comes to the topical issues that concern women. From gender parity, to inclusion in leadership and politics, spousal support and, generally, women empowerment – allowing women to be who they want to be or allowing them to pursue their dreams.

On her biggest model or icon.

Over the years I have learnt to find roles in different models. Maya Angelou is my hero because she is always positive. She is my role model because of what she had overcome and because of what she has accomplished. She took life head on and she never gave up. One of my favourite quotes from her is, “No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.� However, my greatest Icon remains the everyday Nigerian woman. To her, again, I quote Maya Angelou, “Stepping onto a brandnew path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.� Succeed in every aspect of life.

On the challenges faced by Nigerian women Personally, I think it is the veiled patriarchy. We rarely stop to think about the ways that patriarchy shapes our daily lives as an invisible organising principle. We’re largely unaware of the way the female perspective is quietly omitted in design, business, technology, clothing and even our cities.

On what AXA Mansard is doing to empower women in Nigeria AXA Mansard launched her SHEFORSHIELD initiative in 2016. Our objectives include partnering with women from all walks of life to become their preferred insurer. Being the Preferred Insurer for women goes above selling insurance products to women. It is about redefining the way women customers view and react to insurance while being innovative and impactful. We are designing relevant products to protect women – health covers for their families and themselves, education cover for their children and wards, protection for their businesses and assets, savings products for the rainy day. We also look to

Adisa

Our objectives include partnering with women from all walks of life to become their preferred insurer. Being the Preferred Insurer for women goes above selling insurance products to women. It is about redeďŹ ning the way women customers view and react to insurance while being innovative and impactful provide value adding services beyond our products to help women whether in building their businesses, or developing their careers or from falling back into poverty (for low income women).

On beneďŹ ts of the SHEFORSHIELD initiative a. Change women´s insurance attitudes and behaviours. Nigerian women want help and protection against daily risk — for themselves and their family. However, perceptions of insurance are low. They see insurance as a luxury good, with returns that are too small and too far removed from their daily realities. Many also feel that their faith serves as their insurance — regardless of denomination. b. Innovate and create long lasting solutions. Women’s priorities change at different life stages, although, their needs around financial success and stability, family and personal health remain, and financial management skills remain constant. Current insurance products alone do not address these needs — and limit opportunities to

increase women’s total insurance spending.

Therefore, we need to move from a product focus to a solution-based approach, which will better address women’s needs and increase cross-selling opportunities over time. c. Build brand recognition in women’s segment. AXA Mansard must position itself at the centre of women’s lives — remaining consistently present and visible — to gain an advantage over its competitors d.

Develop gender-sensitive distribution models. Our agent network is a critical asset. They will be trained and leveraged to serve as empathetic advisors for our customers. e.

Women’s employer of choice.

We will invest in women employees and advisors’ growth to ensure market growth. f.

Company social targets align with women’s core concerns. Actions show that AXA Mansard is active and engaged in the community, committed to topics, such as children’s development (e.g., a girl-child initiative), women’s welfare (fighting domestic violence and sexual harassment), women’s economic growth (national financial inclusion agenda), women’s health (maternal health and fertility, breast and cervical cancers).

On why women need to be empowered Women are systemic thinkers and consumers. Women control 85 per cent of consumer spending globally. Why? Because your average woman makes purchases for herself, her husband or partner, her children and also her elderly parents. Women make 70 per cent of major financial decisions for themselves and their families, everything from auto, insurance, home and investment.

On the responsibility to mentor younger, less experienced women.

As I have mentioned earlier, the need to empower women cannot be over emphasised, but I believe it has to start with you and I. I believe strongly in guiding and mentoring women in my sphere of influence, whether in the work place, in my family, in my religious circle. Women

On changes she hopes to see in girls in the next generation.

The new generation of women is increasingly stepping into entrepreneurship and innovation. Yet, as they do so, we are seeing a wave of businesses with women cantered innovation at the core—meaning, products and services that are designed to reflect women’s pain points and direct needs. This may seem like a minor point, but keep in mind that this simple assertion disrupts thousands of years of social conditioning to “code� for the masculine. So, for me, it is more about more women taking their destiny into their hands and test erstwhile uncharted territories. I want the next generation to be limitless and fearless, to see the world as an equal playing ground for all, and to reach far beyond the star.

On her message for men and women on the International Women’s Day. To women, it is only when you risk failure that you can discover new things. When you play it safe, you’re not expressing the utmost of your human experience. In life, we are either growing or dying. Life doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s try and keep life simple. Women take calculated risks.

We need three things in life: Something to do, everybody needs someone to love, we need something to hope for. There is never a right time to do the wrong thing and there’s never a wrong time to do the right thing. Let’s just be right on time. Always show people you care. Press for progress, do more, be more, do not limit yourself.

Challenge the status quo always!

54

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚͜

NEWS

Ajaokuta: House Tackles Fayemi over Transactional Adviser James Emejo in Abuja Five persons have reportedly die The House of Representatives has again taken a swipe at the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi over his recent denial that he had appointed to Greenwich Trust Limited or any one at all as Transactional Adviser for the concession of Ajaokuta Steel Company.

In an escalation of the feud between both parties, the lower House had alleged the minister had vested interest in the ongoing efforts by the federal government to concession the Steel complex.

Fayemi had shunned a sectoral debate organised by the House to find ways of resuscitating the moribund plant by having government commit resources towards its completion instead of looking for a concessionaire.

This is partly because two previous efforts to concession the company had failed to yield positive results.

But the minister appeared bent on going on with the planned programme on the plant, thereby drawing the wrath of the legislature.

The House on Thursday passed a motion to among other things delete Ajaokuta Steel Company from the schedule of the Privatisation Act. However, the lower chamber, in a statement by its spokesman, Hon. Abdulrasak Namdas, said its attention

has been drawn to a press statement issued by Fayemi where he denied that the Ministry of Mines and Steel have contracted any transactional adviser for the concession of Ajaokuta Steel Company or any one at all.

He said: "According to the statement, the process for the appointment of a transaction adviser is on, but cannot be completed until it gets the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and as such, no one has been hired.

"However, the House of Representatives stand by its position which was repeatedly acknowledged publicly in the past by Mr Fayemi that Greenwich Trust Limited had been acting in the capacity of transaction adviser for Ajaokuta Steel Company. “As representatives of the Nigerian people, the House of Representatives has set up an Ad Hoc Committee to unravel the issues surrounding the renewed bid to illegally concession Ajaokuta Steel through the back door,

by Mr Fayemi. “If Mr Fayemi claims that no one had been hired as transaction adviser, is he also repudiating his press conference of last week on the appointment of internationally discredited and compromised firm to undertake an audit of Ajaokuta Steel without due process?. On whose authority is Greenwich Trust Limited acting on Ajaokuta including coming up with a report on the possible

TRADING IDEAS ...

L-R: Former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor, Professor Kingsley Moghalu; and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka during discussions on Moghalu's new book "Build, Innovate and Grow (BIG): My Vision for Our Country in Lagos... recently options open to government to reactivate the steel complex?

"Nigerians will not be fooled, deceived or hoodwinked on this

matter because how do you explain that a company which has not yet been appointed started work and even submitted a report based on

which decisions relating to the future of Ajaokuta steel are being made?" “Is this not a clear case of abuse of office? For avoidance of doubt,

the House of Representatives will continue in its resolve to ensure that Ajaokuta Steel Company is completed in the national interest.

Princewill Knocks Wike, Rivers Youths MRA Calls for Speedy Presidential Assent over Misgovernance, Descent to Anarchy to Digital Rights and Freedom Bill Former gubernatorial aspirant and serial entrepreneur, Prince Tonye Princewill has taken Governor Nyesom Wike and the youths of the state to task for what he describes as ‘the gradual slip into oblivion and anarchy’ that the state was descending into.

Princewill spared no words for Governor Wike whom he described as an embarrassment for the multifarious inconsistencies that the state was bedeviled with, particularly the lack of a budget since Wike became governor.

In a sarcasm laden statement, he said, “No matter how tired I am, seeing my Governor on television always gives me the strength to stand up and switch off the television.�

Princewill who has lost his bid for the office of the governor of

Rivers State at different times, took a swipe at the youths of Rivers State, describing them as ‘a bit of a disgrace’.

Explaining his stance, he said, “They would rather follow than lead. They are waiting for politicians to feed them. They lack resources. They lack courage.� The politician who is now a frontrunner in the opposition APC in River State called on the youths to ask searching questions.

He said, “The ones with courage and a will to lead, should sit down and plan. You cannot get to where we need to be by making noise and tweeting. How can Rivers State not have a budget since 2015 and the youths are not asking questions?�

Lamenting what he described as a state of lawlessness in Rivers State, he said, “Our dear state has become a killing field, where criminals

have an unchallenged reign because some of these dastardly crimes are politically motivated.�

Speaking on party politics and his romance with different parties, he said that the experience gave him an insight into the soul of those parties and is the reason he knows that the third force being canvassed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo won’t work. He said emphatically, “PDP would not win Buhari and the fact that the PDP has addressed internal party democracy this late into the election cycle means nothing will change.�

On the state of the nation, he admitted that things were not what they should be but the pain that the populace were experiencing currently was inevitable if the country was to make progress.

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill into law as soon as he receives it from the National Assembly, saying it was the most practical way for his Administration to demonstrate its support for Internet freedom for Nigerians.

In a statement in Lagos, MRA applauded the leadership of National Assembly for the speedy passage of the Bill by both the House of Representatives and the Senate and urged them to ensure that a clean copy reached the President for signature in the shortest time possible in order to bring their efforts to fruition.

The Bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives on December 19, 2017, was similarly

passed by the Senate earlier this week, on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), described the proposed Law as “a strong piece of legislation that seeks to effectively protect the rights of Nigerians on the Internet and in the digital environment in accordance with the global norms and standards that Nigeria has helped to establish.�

Calling on President Buhari to assent to the Bill without delay and thereby demonstrate his willingness to protect the rights of all Nigerians online as they were protected offline, he said: “The Bill provides a comprehensive framework for the advancement, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet and in the digital environment, consistent with Nigeria’s regional

and international obligations under various international human rights instruments, some of which Nigeria has led in bringing into being by co-sponsoring�.

For instance, Mr. Ojo said, “Nigeria played a leading role on the global stage in 2012 when it led in co-sponsoring the landmark Resolution on the Promotion, Protection and Enjoyment of Human Rights on the Internet at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, alongside Sweden, the United States, Brazil, Turkey and Tunisia, wherein it was affirmed that “the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, in particular freedom of expression, which is applicable regardless of frontiers and through any media of one’s choice.�

N38m Fraud : Police Arrests Man Five Die in Kwara Auto Crash as Epileptic Driver Rams into Trailer Impersonating FCT Minister Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Police have arrested a suspect, Terhemba Tsuum, for impersonating the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and defrauding unsuspecting public of N38 million.

Parading the suspect, FCT Police Command PPRO, Anjuguri Manzah, said that upon report of the matter, an investigation was launched and with the deployment of modern technology, they traced the suspect to Benue State, where he was arrested and brought to the FCT to face the law.

Manzah assured the public that the FCT Police Command was alive to its responsibilities and would prosecute those carrying out nefarious activities.

In a chat with reporters, the

39 -year-old suspect confessed to committing the crime.

He confessed ignorance of the gravity of the offence, even as he also disclosed that he had since refunded almost all the proceeds to his victims, except about N5million, and N1.950 million, belonging to one Mimi, who reported him to the police for failure to return her money.

According to him, he returned the money because his conscience could not bear it.

Tsuum said he had been living in Abuja for about five years and went into the agent business because things were not going well.

He said he started impersonating the FCT Minister because he thought the public would believe him. “I started using the minister’s

name because I thought it is the person people would be convinced, not because I have any contact or any dealing with him. I don’t even know him, he doesn’t even know me.�

On how he was able to convince the people to part with their money, the fraudster, who has a Diploma in Theatre Arts, disclosed that as an agent, his job was to connect those who had land to sell with buyers and get five per cent.

He further stated: “I meet them and tell them that I have someone that will help them to get land, so those interested would give me their acknowledgement papers, while some will give me money to get them the acknowledgement papers from Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS).

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Five persons have reportedly died in an auto crash that occurred in Ilorin, Kwara State capital yesterday when an epileptic driver had a seizure while in motion and rammed into an oncoming articulated vehicle.

THISDAY checks revealed that the victims were four students of Mass Communication department of Kwara State Polytechnic who were returning home after their examinations .

The victims, it was gathered, boarded the ill-fated vehicle from the polytechnic gate to Oke-ose area on the outskirts of Ilorin where the students reside before the incident occurred.

The victims were said to have

prepared to travel to Lagos on that fateful day to meet their families having completed their examinations.

Eyewitness accounts had it that the driver having shortly taken off from the polytechnic gate was behaving strangely behind the wheel and had to force the cab to a stop, a development that prompted the students to disembark from the taxi, insisting that they were no longer proceeding on the trip with him again.

However following the interventions of passers-bye and other drivers who pleaded with the students to return to the taxi since the driver said he would go home and take care of himself immediately he dropped off the students, they agreed and proceeded with him.

However, few kilometers, the driver suffered another seizure while the cab had gathered speed, causing the vehicle to lose control, hit a vulcanizer machine by the roadside before it swerved to the other side of the road where it collided with an oncoming trailer that instantly crushed all the five occupants to death.

Wailing sympathisers used axe to cut through the squeezed taxi cab to remove the mangled remains of the students and the taxi driver.

The corpses were thereafter deposited at a University of Ilorin Teaching hospital.

Contacted, the Public Relations officer of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ustaz Yunus Abdulkadir confirmed the incident and described it as very unfortunate.

55

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚͜

Glo- African Voices Dedicates Edition to Photography

DEEPENING DEMOCRACY ...

L-R: Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, Interim National Chairman of the Alliance for New Nigeria, ANN, Dr. Dale Ogunbayo, Member Board of Trustees, BOT, and Barrister Ben Nwanokenye, National Legal Adviser of the party when the group paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, ANN

Hadiza Bala-Usman Decries Derth of Gender Equity, Inclusiveness Vanessa Obioha The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman advocated for gender equity and inclusiveness in Nigeria, regretting that the ratio of men to women in appointive and elective positions was still a far cry from the expected.

Delivering a paper on Equity and Inclusiveness, Bala-Usman decried the poor representation of women in politics which according to her did not go beyond the position of a national leader.

"It is said that the representation of women in Nigerian parliament is 5.11 while the National Bureau of

Statistics put the number of women in appointive and elective positions at 6.7% a far cry from the African average of 23.4% and the 35% affirmative action recommended by the Beijing Conference. Interventions to improve equity or the equality of gender as advised by the United Nations include increasing women’s leadership and participation, enhancing women’s economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls, engaging women in peace and security responses and making plans and budgets gender-responsive.

"When we look at these indices, it should be obvious to us that Nigeria is very far from equity. Apart from the fact that only one woman has

been governor, Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba was the Governor of Anambra State and Hon Patricia Etteh who was the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives for four months, no woman has been chair of a major political party in Nigeria, neither has any political party appointed a woman as national vice-chairman from any of the zones. As far as our political parties are concerned the most important role women should play in politics is that of National Woman Leader!"

While highlighting other areas where women had fewer representations, Bala-Usman argued that lack of access to education was not the only factor that deprived women

from occupying top echelons in the society but traditional and religious beliefs.

"We are essentially a patriarchal society in which different parts of the country have literarily instituted ways in which women are limited.

If it is not through lack of access to education, it is denial of ownership of land and assets or forced early marriage, discrimination in inheritance rights, human resources development and sustainable economic growth and what have you.

"My experience has taught me that preparation is the most important factor to actualisation. I say to women that we must not allow ourselves to be defined by their gender. "

Enugu Safe for Investment, Says Fr. Mbaka The Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN) and Chairman of Aqua Rapha investment Nigeria Limited, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has described Enugu State as peaceful and safe for investment with an outstanding feature as “the most hospitable state in the country�.

Fr. Mbaka spoke when the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Nigeria, Mrs. Inger Ultvedt paid a visit to the Government House, Enugu to explore business opportunities in the State.

The cleric noted that Enugu was peaceful, secure and conducive for

investment because of the leadership qualities of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi whom he described as “an innovative, kind-hearted and God fearing governor�.

He added that Ugwuanyi was reliable and committed to rapid development of the state, stressing that he has “zero tolerance for corruption� and always abides by terms of agreements.

Mbaka, therefore, encouraged the Swedish Ambassador and his team to invest in Enugu State especially in the area of renewable energy to guarantee steady power supply for

ease of doing business in the state, stressing that their visit was timely and imperative.

The cleric disclosed that his company was already partnering with a Swedish company on business service delivery.

In her remark, the Swedish Ambassador expressed delight at the hospitality accorded the delegation in Enugu, disclosing that the Government of Sweden had a promising market with a lot of investors willing to do business in the state in particular and Nigeria in general.

She harped on diversification of the

economy as key to economic growth, saying: “Today we have diversified.

Our university is focusing a lot on innovation and entrepreneurship. We have a very good co-operation with the University of Nigeria Nsukka.�

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo welcomed the Sweden Ambassador and her team to the state, adding that the visit “offers us an ample opportunity to explore bilateral relationship and exchange ideas on areas of mutual interest between your country and the Enugu State Government�.

Adeosun: FG Hasn't Cancelled UNILAG Engineering Alumni Power Purchase Agreements Holds Lecture Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun declared yesterday that the federal government had not cancelled the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) contrary to media reports.

Adeosun, in a statement issued by her media aide, Mr. Oluyinka Akintunde stated that her attention was drawn to "bogus and unverified media reports on the purported cancellation of the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed by the Federal Government with Project Developers in the power sector."

According to the statement, "the minister wishes to state

unambiguously that the federal government has not cancelled the PPAs as wrongly reported by the media.

"It must be emphasised that the role of negotiating with Project Developers and signing PPAs is domiciled with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc and not the Federal Ministry of Finance.

"However, as the primary obligor of all forms of guarantees issued by all governments of the federation and their agencies, the Federal Ministry of Finance through the Debt Management Office, must estimate the size of obligation that it is willing and able to accommodate in relation to the Power Sector."

The Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association, University of Lagos will hold their second Alumni Lecture at the Julius Berger Lecture Theatre of the Faculty, next Saturday.

The Lecture titled "Alumni Association, A Veritable Tool for Networking and Promotion of Professionalism" will be delivered

by Engr. Dideolu Falobi, Managing Director, Kresta Laurel Limited, Lagos.

According to a statement signed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Association, Dr. Oye Eribake, the event which starts at 11am would also feature the Inauguration of the Faculty of Engineering

'Industry Advisory Board' (FE-IAB) and the Annual General Meeting where new Executive members of the Alumni Association would be elected.

Expected at the Lecture are prominent Alumni of the Faculty including Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Engr. Funso Kupolokun, former GMD, NNPC, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Honorable Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Philip Oduoza, Chairman Nova Merchant Bank, and Engr. Kunle Mokuolu, President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, among others.

This week’s edition of African Voices on CNN International is all about photographers that are influencing the continent behind the scenes from the camera.

With the theme “Through the Lens�, the 30-minute magazine programme will feature Gerald Rambert of Mauritius, Omar Victor Diop of Senegal and Adnen Chaouchi of Tunisia.

Globacom in a press statement in Lagos urged viewers to watch African Voices on CNN at 7 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Saturday and at 12.30 a.m., 4.30 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday. Further repeats will also run at 5 a.m. on Monday and at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to the company, the CCN crew would take a dive with the Mauritian photographer, Rambert, as he introduces viewers to the world of deep sea photography. He discloses how his big passion for the fish and the sea led him to spending hours in the water and finally to underwater photography.

He is today the photographer for many magazines.

The Senegalese photogra-

CHANGE OF NAMES I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEKOYA ABOSEDE TITILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DICKSON ABOSEDE TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

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All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public should please take note.

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pher, Omar Diop, is a graduate of the Paris Business School who worked in several multinationals before abandoning his corporate job to devote himself to photography. Viewers will find out how he is blurring the lines between photography and painting.

The final guest on the programme is a journalist and radio host who CNN said is changing the way news is consumed through mobile journalism. He is expected to talk about how he combines his job as a journalist with television production.

In the last edition of African Voices was dedicated to women across Africa who are driving the styles found on runways around the world including Ethiopia’s Anna Getaneh, Nafisa Hafiz of Sudan and Anita Beryl of Uganda.

CHANGE OF NAMES

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I, formerly known as MONDIYAN PAM M. now wish to be known and addressed as PAM MUZONG MONDIYAN and my DOB was wrongly Ç ĆŒĹ?ƊĞŜ Ä‚Ć? ώϰ͏Ϗϰ͏ϭϾϾϳ Ĺ?ĹśĆ?ƚĞĂĚ ŽĨ ώϾ͏ϭώ͏ϭϾϾϯ ĹŻĹŻ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄžĆŒ ĚŽÄ?ƾžĞŜƚĆ? remain valid. The general public should please take note.

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MISSILE Soyinka on Ganguje/Ajimobi Wedding “There are so many formulas that could have been adopted to ensure that the couple still had their wedding without the accompanied exhibitionist lavishness so soon after a national calamity.”

– Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, chastising the recent flamboyant wedding in Kano attended by President Buhari while the nation is grieving over abducted Dapchi schoolgirls and countless killings.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Not Too Young to Rule, Not Too Young to do Business

F

ellow Nigerians, one of the hottest slogans in our country today is “not too young to rule.” I agree absolutely.

When I was approached recently by one of the exponents of this campaign, Mr Dayo Israel to be precise, I wasted no time in lending my voice, and my column to propagate what for me is the only way forward for the development of our dear nation. The reason for my excitement and willingness to contribute in my own little way towards proclaiming the message of the youths was simple. I was born in 1960, the year of our Independence. I grew up in an era when the destiny of Nigeria was controlled largely by people in their twenties and thirties.

Those forty years and over, tended to take a back seat, in an avuncular or patriarchal mode and allowed the young Turks to have the field.

This was because they believed that their time had passed and, that the younger generation that was to live the future, needed to be in control of that future. It was such a golden era that held out great promises to the future we all dreamt of and have been dreaming about ever since. But partly for the evil invasion of military coups, and the disastrous civil war that left our Eastern parts ravaged and devastated, I’m reasonably certain that Nigeria would have gone very far in the comity of nations by now. The same mindset that had led to those young “elders” to vacate the scene for vigorous, vibrant and vivacious young leaders would have continued to hold sway for the mutual benefit of our citizens and the country at large.

However, what has happened is that some of the young people who held sway at that time, are still very much around, ruling directly or by proxy. Their position is strengthened by the decimation of our erudite and visionary political elite by military miscreants who were only interested in feathering their nests and self-preservation. Therefore, we have a few inept and ineffectual leaders in power, who still want to govern Nigeria, when they are nearer 80 than 70. In a country of extremely gifted and undoubtedly brilliant young men and women, this should give us cause for grave concern. I’ve listened to arguments from rabid gerontocrats who tell us that the young of today have not justified their agitation for power to be handed over to them. They point fingers at some young Governors and Ministers who bungled their privileged assignments and looted the treasury dry. I agree that there are some notorious youthful leaders who have misbehaved badly! But there must be an opportunity for evolution and atonement and it is not all doom and gloom. This is particularly more so, because it is the mediocrity, buffoonery and lack of merit of these geriatric leaders that has brought those they now accuse to the fore.

We should therefore consider the pedigree of those youthful delinquents before we burden our youths with their shame. They emerged in the first instance due to our lackadaisical attitude to politics. I believe that the lackadaisical attitude was fostered by the debilitating years of military misrule and the penchant of the soldiers for undertaken failed democratic exercises just to assuage our hunger for civilian rule. Thereafter, once upon a time, and even at this moment,

Ambode many of us came to believe that politics is the exclusive preserve of nonentities and neverdo-wells. Since we cannot eat our cake and still have it, we should understand that the dregs of society we throw up would ultimately be the leaders we deserve, but the rulers we deride. I believe Nigeria deserves much better and we have many youthful and upwardly mobile people around today. This was the basis of my excitement when I first encountered Mr Akinwunmi Ambode over four years ago at a location on Glover Road Ikoyi.

Mr Ambode had shared his vision with me on that occasion in the presence of Mr Idowu Ajanaku, and the first thing that struck me about him was his humility and simple mien. He demonstrated beyond doubt that he knew his onions. He discussed ideas and a vision for a Lagos State that would be the pride of the nation in the development of infrastructure, social amenities and above all communal responsibility. He was of the view that if Government delivered on its pledges to the people by providing them with social amenities and welfarist programmes, the people would eventually rise up to the challenge, and perform their civic duties by paying taxes and treating amenities and infrastructure of the State as if it was their own to be cared for and nurtured. This was probably the accountant and financial adviser in him talking from an impressive background of practical experience.

Ambode’s intimidating resume was, therefore, another attraction for me. I love cosmopolitan leaders who have had the dual opportunity to school at home and abroad; well-travelled and very exposed to new ways and means of doing things. While such people need political platforms to realise their dreams and vision, politics, for them, can never be the only priority.

They just want to get the job done and move

on to the next project. In about three years of attaining power, even his most vociferous and acerbic critics admit, privately and, oftentimes, publicly, that Mr Ambode has shown enough verve, vigour and promise of a greater tomorrow for our country. He has made his generation proud. Since no human being is perfect, the Governor of Lagos has made his own mistakes and I’m elated that he has found the uncommon courage to retrace his steps. That is the hallmark of a true leader – the one who errs and swiftly admits the error and makes amends. There is no use stubbornly and irascibly clinging to a mistake that can easily be cured simply because you do not want people to believe that you are fallible, when fallibility is merely a human trait.

All manner of ideas and suggestions are available to a leader. More often than not, not all government advisers share the vision of their principal. As a matter of fact, different people go into politics with different motives and mind-sets. A good leader would have to sift the wheat from the chaff, and swim or perish.

Governor Ambode like a supersonic jet has entered his fair share of turbulence. The most raging, and mother of all, controversies, in Lagos right now, is the appointment of a company called Visionscape to take over a substantial chunk of waste management in Lagos State. Both Ambode and the waste managers have almost been wasted by those vehemently opposed to Visionscape and, possibly, Ambode himself. If anybody thought it was a joke that would soon blow over, they were wrong in underrating the determination, and total opposition, of those who felt short-changed by the new deal.

On a personal note, I experienced their fury after I posted an innocuous endorsement of Governor Ambode for a second term on my Instagram page. In this season of intolerance and cheap blackmail, the voltrons, as we call them, descended upon my page to throw darts , barbs and even missiles at Ambode and his supposed friend, Mr Adeniyi Makanjuola. I read that the whole of Lagos State has been taken over by garbage and filth. Some of the comments forced me to search other sites and I looked for any available information about this company they called unprintable names.

What I unearthed was quite depressing. In fact, it scared me about what the future holds for our dear beloved country. It seems we have lost our ability to dialogue and understand each other forever. The unsubstantiated and unjustified ferocious attack on Adeniyi and his company made me to shudder with trepidation. I will tell you why.

I had read that Visionscape was a cheap company that lacks the capacity to handle the magnitude of the filth that a megacity like Lagos would generally generate. I doubt if anyone cared to probe further because my findings reveal otherwise. Unfortunately, social media thrives largely on self-help publications, imaginary and sometimes illusionary artificial and virtual reality. You need no education, exposure, job experience, known address or any advanced publishing technology to disseminate your drivel, jibes and even falsehoods. Your smartphone and sufficient data would achieve what all newspapers would never be able to distribute

these days. And the more salacious the stories, the quicker they go viral.

Our youths who want to lead Nigeria should find pride, without prejudice, in Adeniyi Makanjuola of Visionscape. I have no doubt that whatever the challenges he may be facing today, he has a very bright future ahead. He comes from a background of serial investments, ranging from aviation to oil & gas, energy, finance and environmental utilities. Before returning to Nigeria at the age of 23, Adeniyi had completed his degree in Financial Economics from the University of Essex and obtained an M.Sc. in Urban Planning and Development from the University College London. On his return, he dabbled into aviation after discovering a lacuna in the onshore helicopter services business. What started like a hobby soon blossomed into a major player in the market place. Caverton Helicopters boasts of probably the single largest fleet of ultramodern helicopters in sub-Saharan Africa. Adeniyi has his fingers in many pies. His dream is to surpass the Dangotes, Adenugas and Elumelus of Africa. His foray into business has been passionate, rapid, remarkable and audacious.

Adeniyi and Harry Ackerman have worked closely in mining, oil & gas exploration in West Africa and the Middle East. The duo became partners as far back as 2009 after the latter suffered an excruciating injury in his fledgling rugby career. State-led strategies and privatisation of public utilities inspired Adeniyi to venture into familiar territories in Africa. Lagos being one of the 26 mega cities in the world is a natural place to be. The duo teamed up with local Emirati, Ali Ahli and led Visionscape Group, an environmental utility company, into the market to tackle the herculean task of cleaning up what was previously described as one of the dirtiest cities in the world. These ambitious entrepreneurs are poised to employ over 30,000 employees now, and much more later. It is not a joke. The anticipated turnover runs into billions, and naturally, there must be a lot of keen and vested interest as well as corporate disenchantment and envy. Indeed, it has been a battle of wits since they came into the high-wired deal that they agreed with the Lagos State Government.

Clearly those that have championed the campign of calumny against Visionscape and Ambode know what they are doing and what they seek to achieve. They have been able to find support in people of like minds who can see no good in whatever others do to develop their environment and space. However, what they fail to realise is that for those for whom progress is the watchword, the sky can only be the limit. The venom of detractors only serves as an impetus to propel them to greater heights. I am not an apologist for Ambode and Visionscape but it seems to me that where great vision and courage has been shown, our duty is to give those involved a chance rather than condemn them form the outset.

Ambode and Visionscape should be content in the knowledge that those that have had eureka moments have never really been recognised and honoured in their own time. As the saying goes, time will tell!

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