Saturday 28th April 2018

National Assembly Finally Passes PIGB, Transmits to President for Assent NNRC seeks speedy presidential assent Chineme Okafor in Abuja After almost 18 years of been in the woods without clear consideration by successive governments and the legislature, President Muhammadu Buhari, has finally received

the harmonised copy of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) from the National Assembly for assent into law, THISDAY learnt from the Nigerian Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) yesterday.

It was gathered that he PIGB

was sent to Buhari on Wednesday by the assembly. The NNRC thus called on the president to assent to the bill as soon as possible to enable reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector kick off immediately.

The assembly had in March 2018, harmonised the PIGB which

is expected to introduce new reforms in the governance of the oil industry. The PIGB would also bring up new regulatory agencies in the industry, as well as reform the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a commercially viable entity.

The omnibus Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) from which the PIGB was carved out had passed through many executive and legislative challenges without success. At a point the bill was close to been passed by the seventh National Assembly

after it was re-introduced by the government of former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, but could not go through before its tenure ended.

In March, NNRC disclosed Continued on page 6

2019: You are Day-Dreaming, PDP Tells President … Page 8 Saturday 28 April, 2018 Vol 23. No 8409

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Buhari Leaves for US Today Ahead of Monday Meeting with Trump

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari will today, in response to the invitation of the United States

President Donald Trump, leave Abuja for America on an official working visit to Washington DC. Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media

and Publicity, in a statement said Buhari during the visit, would hold bilateral talks with Trump and also have a working lunch on Monday, April 30, 2018.

According to Adesina, the meeting will discuss ways of enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries as well as advancing shared priorities,

such as: promoting economic growth, fighting terrorism and other threats to peace and security.

He also said the meeting would further deepen the US-Nigeria

relationship as the United States considers Nigeria’s economic growth, security and leadership Continued on page 6

Continuous Killings: NLC Seeks State of Emergency Declaration Catholic Church to worshippers: Defend yourselves against aggressors Senator Iroegbu and Paul Obi in Abuja, Bayo Akinloye in Lagos, Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja The Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), yesterday called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency over the incessant killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen across the country.

The NLC position is coming on the heels of the killing of two Catholic priests and 17 members of the church in Benue State on Tuesday by assailants believed to be Fulani herdsmen.

NLC’s call follows the declaration by the Director of Communication, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Reverend Father Chris Anyawu, that its congregations must defend themselves “considering the current dire situation, where herdsmen have continued to kill and ravage citizens.”

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Waba, called for the declaration of state of emergency

over the herdsmen killings while addressing newsmen during a public hearing on the national minimum wage for the North Central State which took place in Lokoja, Kogi State.

He said that the call became necessary in view of the obvious failure of the federal government to find a lasting solution to the spate of killings in parts of the country.

The NLC President said that the primary responsibility of any government as stipulated in the constitution was to preserve the of lives and property of its citizenry “and in a situation where government cannot do this as the case of the current herdsmen incessant killings, it is only natural that a state of emergency be declared where the issue would be given top priority attention.

"Honestly speaking, we are very concerned about the rate innocent people are being killed on daily basis and the obvious helplessness Continued on page 6

Court to Decide Fate of Bank Customers without BVN, June 11 ...Pg. 11

FOR A CLEANER OGONI LAND...

R-L: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chairman Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund, Mr. Olawale Edun; and HRH Godwin Bebe Okpabi, a representative of Ogoni on the board, at the signing of the Ogoni Trust Fund Escrow agreement at the Presidential Villa...yesterday

NYSC Mourns as Female Corps Member Dies During Exercise in Kwara … Page 10

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BuhariSaysNigeria'sUnityRemainsHisPriority Advises Benue citizens not to play into hands of agents of destruction Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said the unity of Nigeria remained his paramount objective and that of his government.

The President, according to a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, told a delegation of the Tijjaniya Movement led

by Sheikh Muhammadu Mahi Ibrahim Inyass at the Presidential Villa, that he would continue to do everything within his powers to unite Nigeria.

According to Adesina, Buhari

commended the religious group for the peaceful conduct of its annual convention and urged it to bring same to bear in promoting peace, unity and inter-religious harmony in Nigeria.

"President Buhari also lauded the group for complementing government efforts in bringing social, economic development, and stability in the country by encouraging discipline, unity and spirituality among its members.

"Reiterating his remarks on Thursday at the palace of Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, after he was

presented with the Holy Quran, the President said the gift of Holy Quran is the highest anyone can receive and a reminder to seek and uphold justice in the service of the nation," the statement added.

The statement quoted the leader of the group, Sheikh Muhammadu Mahi Ibrahim Inyass, as saying that the group would continue to support and appreciate his ‘‘noble agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians,’’ because they believe elected officials must be ‘‘accountable, incorruptible and God fearing.’’

In another statement, presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said Buhari observed that protracted mass killings and destruction in some parts of the country especially Benue State, point to the evil design of enemies of peace and unity whom he said had desperately been trying to bring the country to this sorry point where brother kills brother, neighbor kills neighbour and community attacking and killing members of another community.

Shehu said Buhari strongly warned citizens against playing

into the hands of agents of disunity, pointing out that those behind the church attack which left 18 people dead, including two priests, did not mean well for Nigeria and peaceful coexistence.

He also said revenge attacks that followed in which 11 members of the Hausa communities were killed were part of the agenda of bandits and their sponsors to turn Nigerians against one another, saying we must resist all temptation to fall into this laid out plan.

"The president is greatly pained by this persistent violence and

the total disregard for the sanctity of life by those he called 'these hideously evil people who have no iota of respect for humanity, decency and civilisation.'

"The president reiterates that the government will not rest on its oars in its determination to fish out these barbarous mass murderers and their clandestine sponsors. President Buhari equally assures Nigerians that measures being put in place by the government will, sooner than later, bring to an end, these extremely brutal and wanton killings," the statement added.

“That the two priests, Fr Joseph Gor and Fr Felix Tyolaha, along with their parishioners were waylaid in the course of the celebration of the holy Mass early in the morning, suggests very clearly that their murder was carefully planned. This wicked act cannot be said to be a revenge attack (as is often claimed), for whom have these priests attacked?

“Indeed, we have just discovered that on January 3 this year, Fr Gor tweeted: ‘We are living in fear. The Fulanis are still around here in Mbalom (where they were killed.) They refused to go. They still go grazing around.

No weapons to defend ourselves.’

Their desperate cries for security and help went unheeded by those who should have heard them,” the statement pointed out.

Fed up by the excuses of President Buhari, who had claimed, among other things, that the bloodthirsty marauders are on the loose because of the fall of the Muammar Gaddafi regime, the Catholic heads in Nigeria called on the Buhari administration to allow citizens in the country to take up arms and defend themselves.

DHQ: No Effective Security without Intelligence from Public The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said there could be no effective security without intelligence from the public.

The DHQ was responding to allegations by the Catholic Bishops that Buhari and the military were turning a blind eye while herdsmen brutally kill citizens across the country.

Speaking to THISDAY yesterday, Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. John Agim said: "From all indications the terrorists and criminals are wiser than all of us. While the continued to carry ghastly acts of killing innocent citizens, leaders continue to play a blame game and accusing ourselves especially the security agents.

"The military got their members killed while carrying out their assignments in these. So is it right to say the turned a blind eye to their death?

"The military can't be everywhere, but citizens can collaborate with the security agencies by giving information.

But what do we have? Each time we are deployed to secure the people, people play politics with people's lives.

"There is nowhere in the world that effective security is guaranteed without intelligence from the public.

"The military is doing its best to end this killings; the general public should have confidence in the military and give us timely information so that together we defeat evil that have divided us and is destroying us gradually."

CONTINUOUS KILLINGS: NLC SEEKS STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION of the federal government to address the issue," he said.

Earlier, the NLC President in a position paper on the proposed minimum wage said that governments at all levels did not have any choice than to accept the proposal, adding that there was no reason for not accepting to pay workers living wages to take them out of poverty.

Buhari, Military Colluding with Herdsmen to Kill Innocent Nigerians, Alleges CAN Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday accused President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Military and powerful figures in government of colluding with Islamic extremists, terrorists and Fulani herdsmen to massacre Nigerians, “mostly of Christian faith.”

The CAN General Secretary, Rev. Musa Asake, made the allegations at a press briefing in Abuja tagged: “Islamist Insurgents: Pushing Nigeria off the Edge of the Precipice.”

He said: “Under President Buhari, the murderous Fulani herdsmen enjoyed unprecedented protection and favoritism to the extent that the herdsmen treat Nigeria as a conquered territory. Rather than arrest and prosecute the Fulani herdsmen, security forces usually manned

by Muslims from the North offer them protection.”

The Christian body agreed with an earlier allegation by the former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) that the Nigerian military are aiding and abetting destruction of lives and properties by the killer herdsmen in various parts of the country.

CAN also accused Buhari of being “an ethnic and religious jingoist whose actions or inactions are propelling Fulani conquest as well as northern Muslim domination of the country.”

It said that despite being constitutionally mandated to protect the lives and properties

of Nigerians, Buhari had failed woefully in this responsibility by choosing to stay aloof to the alarming rate of bloodletting by killer herdsmen, Boko Haram terrorists and other criminal elements across the country.

CAN wondered what Buhari would gain as he watches the country descend into state of lawlessness, outright war and potential disintegration.

It alleged that the President's quest to seek reelection “is to sustain the bloodbath by terrorists and ethno-religious conquest by his Fulani stock.”

CAN said: "The sad angle to it is that the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari is not giving majority of Nigerians the impression of being deeply touched by the turn of events.

He has been acting complacent and indeed unmoved by the reign of terror that his administration has permitted since the past three years of being the President. Most painfully, the President seems to depend on his media aides to make responses, which often times had no bite on widespread bloodletting across the federation, most especially in the Middle Belt part of the country.

"War seems to be looming in Nigeria while the aggressors are no other than misguided individuals who had been armed to provoke different communities into needless battles. Yet, President Buhari, who was popularly elected in 2015, has not seen the need and urgency to issue a presidential order on need to halt the killings, with stern instruction to heads of security operatives to bring perpetrators to book. The Dark Age that has come with the administration of President Buhari in Nigeria is giving the Christians in this country a huge concern.

CAN stressed: “Within a few weeks of Buhari's election in 2015, he started creating the impression that he was in power to serve the interests of his Fulani ethnic group only. Discerning people

were quick to note that contrary to his electoral promises, he actually meant to pursue core Islamist agenda. Almost every vital appointment in Security and Education went to Muslims from the North. He did not hide his disdain for the indigenous ethnic nationalities and, at every opportunity, showed preferential treatment to the Muslim North.”

Catholic Church to Worshippers: Defend Yourselves Also yesterday, the Director of Communication, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Reverend Father Chris Anyawu, insisted that its congregations must defend themselves considering “the current dire situation, where herdsmen have continued to kill and ravage citizens.”

Father Anyawu, who spoke exclusively to THISDAY, said worshippers had been asked to be vigilant to “defend themselves from unjust aggressors since the government has failed in their responsibility to defend them."

The CSN spokesman also elucidated on the earlier call

by Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign, saying that the wanton killing of citizens in the Middle Belt and other parts of the country amid Buhari's inaction, warranted the Bishops' call.

Anyawu said: "The reason why CBCN is asking the President to resign is because the carnage has continued unabated and the perpetrators have not been made to face the law. Everything points to the fact that the President has lost ideas on how to handle the situation.

“If the President fails to resign, citizens are asked to make the right decision with their votes in 2019 election."

President, Security Agencies Acting a Script over Killings Earlier on Thursday, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) had in no unmistakable terms suggested

to President Buhari to resign over his inability to rein in the killer herders unleashing terror in various states across the country, especially in Benue.

The Catholic group made the call in a statement issued by its President, Augustine Akubeze and Secretary, Camillus Umoh.

The CBCN said it was left with no choice but to conclude that security agencies and Buhari are acting a script approved by the President.

The Catholic clerics said: “Since the President who appointed the heads of the nation’s security agencies has refused to call them to order, even in the face of the chaos and barbarity into which our country has been plunged, we are left with no choice but to conclude that they are acting a script that he approves. Repeated calls from us…on the President to take very drastic and urgent steps to reverse this ugly tragedy that threatens the foundation of our collective existence and unity as a nation, have fallen on deaf ears.

“We are sad. We are angry.

We feel totally exposed and most vulnerable. Faced with these dark clouds of fear and anxiety, our people are daily being told by some to defend themselves. But defend themselves with what?

The federal government, whose primary responsibility it is to protect lives, for its part alleges that those who ask the people to defend themselves are inciting them to take the laws into their own hands.

“It is clear to the nation that he (the president) has failed in his primary duty of protecting the lives of the Nigerian citizens.

Whether this failure is due to inability to perform or lack of political will, it is time for him to choose the part of honour and consider stepping aside to save the nation from total collapse,” the priests told Buhari According to the statement, one of the slain priests had raised the alarm about the possible attack

by Fulani herdsmen.

BUHARI LEAVES FOR US TODAY AHEAD OF MONDAY MEETING WITH TRUMP in Africa to be critical aspects of their strategic partnership.

Furthermore, Adesina said later on the same day, Buhari would meet with a group of business persons in agriculture and agro-processing, dairy and animal husbandry.

He said ahead of the visit, meetings had been scheduled to hold on April 26 and 27, 2018 between senior Nigerian government officials and executives of major US companies in the areas of agriculture, aviation and transportation

He added: "In the area of aviation, the Nigerian officials will be meeting with Boeing, the largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, on the national carrier project. On agriculture, they will meet with large equipment manufacturers with focus on harvesting and post harvesting equipment.

"In the area of transportation, the officials will meet with the GE-led consortium for the implementation of the interim phase of the narrow gauge rail concession. In the interim phase, a

substantive concession agreement will be negotiated and finalised to provide the consortium the opportunity to invest an estimated $2billion, to modernise the rail line from Lagos to Kano (Western line) and from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri (Eastern line).

"During the meeting, the concession framework and the interim phase framework agreements are expected to be signed. The Nigerian officials will also meet with US-EXIM Bank and the US Overseas Private Investment Corporation to

explore competitive financing arrangements.

"It is noteworthy that in 2017, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the United States Department of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote and encourage commercial and investment ties between Nigeria and the United States, with initial focus on infrastructure, agriculture, digital economy, investment and regulatory reforms," he said.

N\ASSEMBLY FINALLY PASSES PIGB, TRANSMITS TO PRESIDENT FOR ASSENT that Nigeria may have lost over $235 billion due to its inability to conclude work on the bill. It also said Nigeria was no longer as competitive globally or even within the continent of Africa, stressing that comparatively, over the last five years; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana have all passed their respective petroleum sector bills in 2012, 2016, 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Similarly, to make it easier to be passed, the 8th National Assembly decided to break the omnibus Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into three - the PIGB; Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill; and Petroleum Industry Host Communities Bill. The PIGB was then passed and the remaining two expected to be passed by the assembly next.

In response to the transmission of the bill to the President, the Programme Coordinator for NNRC, Tengi George-Ikoli, stated that the responsibility of getting the bill into a law now rests with Buhari.

“With the transmission of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill to the President, the onus

now rests on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to demonstrate his commitment to petroleum sector reforms for the benefit of the Nigerian people and assent to the bill with immediate effect.

“The requisite petroleum sector institutions must also prepare to support the seamless transition and implementation of the bill once passed,” said George-Ikoli.

Similarly, the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) last week called on Buhari to quickly assent to the bill before he starts off his campaign for re-election in 2019.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has denied having any entrenched interest in an Oil Mining License (OML) 11, as recently claimed by an organisation called the Ken Saro Wiwa Associates (KSWA).

Kachikwu, in a statement sent to THISDAY by the Director of Press in the ministry, Mr. Idang Alibi, said he had no conversation with oil firm, Chevron, on the oil block.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY APRIL 28, 2018

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ACROSS CULTURES ...

L-R: Mr Fola Adeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Kevin Krapf, Cultural Officer US Consulate General, Lagos, Mr Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Aramide Giwanson, Special Adviser, Arts and Culture and Mr Ibrahim Aliyu, Cultural Specialist, US Consulate Lagos

2019: You're Day-dreaming, Banking on Manipulation, PDP Tells Buhari Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari was suffering from self-deception to think he could win the 2019 Presidential election, in spite of his abysmal performance and widespread rejection by Nigerians.

The party said that it is indeed unfortunate and characteristic of failed leaders that President Buhari could not read the clear handwriting on the wall, even as demonstrated by the scanty attendance at his

Bauchi rally on Thursday, where he boasted about winning the 2019 elections.

In a statement issued by the it's National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said that by the president's actions and words, he had demonstrated an unimaginable disdain for Nigerians, showing that he cared less about the carnage in our nation.

"We know that the President and his handlers are banking on manipulating the electoral processes to foist themselves back to power by depending on their blood relation in

the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to assist in providing data of underage voters in Katsina, Kano states and some other porous areas of the nation," it said.

PDP said what President Buhari had failed to come to terms with was the uncompromising resolve of Nigerians across the country, particularly the youths, to resist any form of rigging in 2019.

"It is shocking that on the face of colossal failure of governance leading to hunger and starvation, ethnic division, bloodletting and killings

in our land; Mr. President is more concerned about a selfish agenda of foisting himself on a people who have become despondent of his leadership.

"By his remark in Bauchi on Thursday, when he boastfully claimed that he will take power again in 2019, Mr. President has demonstrated an unimaginable disdain for Nigerians, showing that he cares less about the carnage in our nation under his watch, and he is only concerned with winning election. That, to say the least, is not a mark of statesmanship.

"This is a leader who came into office on the plank of promises of fighting insurgency and corruption as well as guaranteeing economic prosperity. Shockingly, Mr. President has not only failed on all fronts, his body language is aiding and abetting corruption, harassment and intimidation of citizens as well as instilling of siege mentality in our land.

"We therefore advise Mr. President and his dysfunctional All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop misleading themselves about the possibility of staying a

day beyond May 29, 2019, as they can no longer deceive or coerce Nigerians to submission.

"On our own part, the repositioned PDP will continue to stand with the Nigerian people and remain sensitive to their plights, particularly, at this critical time. We will not relent on our pursuit for the fulfillment of their wishes and aspiration for a truly democratic, fair, just and equitable nation, where all are free and granted their required space to prosper in all fields of endeavor, in line with our ideology and manifesto," the party said.

Court Grants Embattled Delta Senator, Nwaboshi N100m Bail

Akwa Ibom Govt Orders Removal of all Insignia, Campaign Office of Buhari in Uyo

Davidson Iriekpen

Okon Bassey in Uyo

A Federal High Court yesterday in Lagos, granted the embattled senator representing Delta North senatorial district, Peter Nwaoboshi, bail.

Nwaoboshi is charged with an alleged N322 million fraud.

He was granted bail on selfrecognition.

Apart from that, the court presided over by Justice Mohammed Idris, also ordered the senator to provide two sureties, who must furnish the court with N50 million bond each; that the senator must deposit his international passport, and not travel out of the court's jurisdiction without notifying the court.

The senator was however given 72 hours to meet the bail terms.

Nwaoboshi, alongside his two companies, Golden Touch Construction Projects Limited and Summing Electricals Limited, were arraigned before the court last Wednesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two count-charge, bordering on fraud.

In the charge, the EFCC alleged that the senator popularly called Oshimele, had committed the offence between May and June 2014.

The EFCC had alleged that Nwaoboshi and his companies conspired and acquired a property described as 'Guinea House' on Marine Road in Apapa, Lagos for the sum of N806 million, which he reasonably ought to have known that the sum of N322 million, cut of the purchase price transferred to the vendors by order of Suiming

Electricals Limited formed part of the proceed of an unlawful act.

The senator's company, Suimming Electricals Limited, was also alleged to have on or about May 14, 2014, aided the senator and his company, Golden Touch Construction Project Limited, to commit money laundering offence.

The offences according to the prosecution led by Salisu Abubakar, are contrary to sections 15(2)(d) and 18 (a) the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, (as amended) and punishable under section punishable under section 15(3) and 15(2)(d) of the same Act. The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After granting the senator bail, his trial was adjourned till June 13 and 20.

Akwa Ibom State Government has ordered that President Muhammadu Buhari political campaign office inaugurated few days ago in Uyo, the state capital be removed.

The State Government in a four paragraph statement frowned that State campaign office of the President situated on 23 Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo constituted security breach in the area.

The statement signed by the Chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Enobong Uwah further ordered the removal of all insignia concerning the President campaign posted on the premises within seven days.

Part of the statement to the owner of the structure reads: “It has been brought to the notice of the government of Akwa Ibom State that you have converted a quiet Hotel/office building into a political campaign office after ignoring our several notices for formalisation and revalidation of the building.

“Please be informed that the said building located at No.23 Wellington Bassey Way , Uyo situates about 200 meters from the two-arm zone housing the governor's office, the Governor's Lodge , the Deputy Governor's office and Lodge and the Judiciary Headquarters including the office of the state Chief Judge of the Akwa Ibom state Government.

“You are hereby notified that this serene and reserved one-lane

access way into the seat of Government is ABSOLUTETLY NOT SUITABLE for a political campaign office as it poses major security threat to the seat of government particularly the Executive and Judiciary Arms.

“You are by this notice, Ordered to remove the said political campaign office and all insignia posted thereon from the premises of No. 23 Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo within seven(7), Days from the date of this notice being the 20th day of April 2018”.

The President campaign secretariat rented by the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups (NCBSG) was commissioned last Monday by the President represented by his Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate) Senator Ita Enang.

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Buhari’s Corruption War: Musings on US Damning Report

I

have spent quality time reading the Country Report on Human Rights released in Washington D.C last week, encompassing a damning assessment of Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. This 48-page report prepared and made public by the United States Department of State was unequivocal about persistent impunity at all levels of government in Nigeria, lack of transparency of the Buhari administration and massive corruption by government officials under Buhari’s watch. I was not shocked by the report. This handwriting has been on the Nigerian wall in the last 35 months.

In the 48-page report, the US was emphatic that the Buhari government is one big mess with corruption, lamenting thus: “Although the law provides criminal penalties for conviction of official corruption, the government did not implement the law effectively, and officials frequently engaged in corrupt practices with impunity. Massive, widespread and pervasive corruption affected all levels of government and the security services.

“EFCC’s arrests and indictments of politicians continued throughout the year, implicating a significant number of opposition political figures and leading to allegations of partisan motivations on the part of the EFCC… In its pursuit of corruption, the EFCC often did not observe all pertinent due process safeguards. In November, the Economic Community of West African States Court of Justice declared unlawful the arrest and detention in 2015 of former national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

“A court ordered him released on bail in a case brought by the EFCC for the alleged diversion of N13.6 billion ($$443.2 million) intended to purchase military material during the Jonathan administration. Despite the court order, he remained in detention.”

The report further noted that government did not often take steps to prosecute officials who perpetuated impunity, whether in the security forces or elsewhere in government: “Authorities generally did not hold police, military, or other security force personnel accountable for the use of excessive or deadly force or for the deaths of persons in custody.”

The report stated that respect for human rights generally remained appalling in Nigeria and identified the following as the most significant human rights abuses: extrajudicial and arbitrary killings; disappearances and arbitrary detentions; torture, particularly in detention facilities, including sexual exploitation and abuse; use of children by some security elements, looting, and destruction of property; civilian detentions in military facilities, often based on flimsy evidence; denial of fair public trial; executive influence on the judiciary; infringement on citizens’ privacy rights; restrictions on freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and movement etc.

I am particularly interested in the part of this report that x-rayed corruption in Nigeria.

I am particularly interested in the part of this report that x-rayed corruption in Nigeria. For me, the US Department of State did not say anything new. However, it reinforced the expose of genuine patriots about sleaze in this government.

Patriots have spent the last 35 months screaming to high heaven about the corruption and impunity of this government For me, the US Department of State did not say anything new. However, it reinforced the expose of genuine patriots about sleaze in this government. Patriots have spent the last 35 months screaming to high heaven about the corruption and impunity of this government. With the way the cabal has been running the show in the last 35 months, this administration may end up being the most corrupt in the history of this country.

Corruption stories like Mainagate, Barugate, NEMAgate, Babachirgate, NHISgate, Abachalootgate and the rest of them are ineffaceable.

Let’s talk about subsidy payment. Before Buhari assumed office, Nigerians were told that the payment of petrol subsidy by the Jonathan government was one big fraud.

Shockingly, this government has been spending more on petrol subsidy than its predecessor. Junior Minister for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, recently confirmed that petrol subsidy payment had risen to N1.4 trillion annually. The latest figure means that an average of N3.76 billion is paid daily to ghost petrol suppliers. This government has now given subsidy payment a fraudulent name i.e. “under-recovery” payment. Nigerians will love to know these suppliers and how much each gets as subsidy.

Spending a monstrous $5.8 billion on the importation of 9.8 million metric tons of petrol in four months - October 2017 to January 2018 - is outrageous. This means that this government spent about $17 billion on the importation of petrol last year. Which corruption is bigger than this? Selling petrol at N145 per litre after spending so much on subsidy is massive corruption. Nigerians outside Lagos and Abuja pay more? What about the sleaze

in the NNPC that saw contracts running into billions of USD allegedly awarded exclusively by its GMD, Maikanti Baru, without due process. Some of them include crude term contracts valued at over $10 billion; DSDP contracts valued at over $5 billion; the AKK pipeline contract valued at approximately $3 billion; various financing allocation-funding contracts with the NOCs valued at over $3 billion and various NPDC production service contracts valued at over $3 billion. Kachikwu further alleged that during the first year of Baru’s tenure, no contract was cleared by the NNPC board, despite legal and procedural requirements that all contracts above $20 million would need to be reviewed and approved by the board. The cabal in charge of this administration had to tighten the noose on Kachikwu, forcing him to recant.

Plunging Nigeria into unprecedented foreign debt within 35 months without tangible things to show for it is corruption.

But for persistent protest by Nigerians, Babachir Lawal, the legendary grass cutter, would have remained as the SGF after mismanaging about N2.5 billion in the account of the Presidential Initiative on the North East, PINE. Our dear Buhari gave him a soft landing instead of prosecuting him.

What about the sleaze allegations against the reinstated Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof. Usman Yusuf? A public servant under investigation by anti-graft agencies is reinstated with fiat.

At the National Emergency Management Agency, its Director-General, Mustapha Maihaja, is struggling to explain how he expended about N23 billion in one year on emergency activities. Federal lawmakers are still interrogating him. Maihaja is struggling to account for the N5.9 billion spent on food intervention in the North-east; another N3.1 billion for food intervention in the same North-east; N1.6 billion spent on Libya returnees; N1.6 billion spent on flood intervention for 16 states; the payment of about N800 million demurrage on the rice donated by the Chinese government and the N10 billion received from Ecological Funds.

What about the well-orchestrated plan to re-loot the recovered Abacha loot under Buhari’s watch? Despite outcry, attempts are still on to pay dubious fees amounting to $17 million to two lawyers for the recovery of $321 million, stolen by former military ruler, Sani Abacha. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, allegedly engaged the two Nigerian lawyers to secure the release of the loot, after the job had been completed by Enrico Monfrini, a Swiss lawyer hired by the Nigerian government to work on the recovery. It was no surprise when the 2017 Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International revealed that sleaze in Nigeria was more severe under the Buhari administration.

Nigeria was also downgraded by TI from 136 to 148 in the CPI. What a country!

Ganduje, Please, Pay Kano Pensioners

Ganduje

Retired Kano State civil servants are wallowing in pain and Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has to do something very fast.

According to the state’s chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), gratuities totaling about N13 billion are yet to be paid

by Ganduje. The Kano State NUP chairman, Salisu Ahmed-Gwale remarked: “The life of most of the retired civil servants in the state are at stake due to the accumulated gratuities.

The state’s Pension Board has not received a single Kobo since June 2017. We have civil servants who retired in November 2015,

in 2016 and 2017 but are yet to be paid their gratuities. This is most unfortunate.”

Dear Ganduje, these senior citizens are struggling to feed their families, pay house rent and the school fees of their children. Some are already dying. Just as Ahmed-Gwale noted, “Those in position of authority must fear Almighty Allah as everyone would have to account for his deeds whether good or bad before Allah.” Governor Ganduje, you must act very fast to ameliorate the suffering of these retirees. Kano senior citizens are in excruciating condition.

The Ukpor-Mbalom Church Massacre As I pen this piece, Gwer West, Gwer East, Logo and Guma local government areas of Benue State are still under siege. Fulani guerrillas protecting herdsmen roam freely unhindered by security agents. These parts of Benue State are now regarded as conquered territories by the militia. The guerrillas struck on Tuesday morning at St. Ignatius’ Catholic Church, Ukpor-Mbalom in Gwer East, killing two priests and 14 worshippers. The gruesome attack occurred while early morning mass was in progress.

The attackers also burnt nearly 50 houses and sacked the entire community. Residents of these local governments are running in droves to the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Makurdi. Over 200,000 IDPs now reside in the state’s capital.

The Benue State Police Command obstinately fails the people of this state. It is even more painful that the police authorities are aware of the invaders, yet, did nothing to curb their murderous activities. I was so depressed when the Benue State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, said “preliminary investigations revealed that the herdsmen had been in the area for some time before carrying out the attacks.”

The Benue State CP said: “The attack is unfortunate. We will fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.” Nigerians are tired of listening to statements like this one from the police. Our security agents have compromised. This is why they have not been proactive in Benue State and other trouble points in our dear country. It was no surprise that the militia went to some villages on the outskirts of Daudu (Guma LG), the day after the church attack, and killed more people.

Owoseni, his men and other security agencies, must be held accountable for this persistent bloodshed in Benue State.

The Ukpor-Mbalom Church attack occurred barely four days after the murder of 10 persons by herdsmen in Guma LG and the destruction of several houses by the militia in Naka, Gwer West LG. President Buhari has been reacting to these killings with his usual rhetoric. He condemns the attacks in Benue and everything ends there; all motion and no movement. How many killers has our President apprehended since this massacre began? Buhari must rise and perform his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property in Nigeria.

The unprecedented bloodshed across our country is terrifying.

N2.8bn Compensation Paid to Poultry Farmers?

Wonders will never end in Nigeria. The federal government, according to Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has paid about N2.8 billion as compensation to poultry farmers who lost their birds to the recent outbreak of avian influenza nationwide. Lokpobiri disclosed this on Tuesday after a tour of agricultural institutes under Ahmadu Bello University.

This minister clearly has a lot of questions to answer about his claim because thousands of farmers who lost their birds to avian influenza are suffering in silence. Lokpobiri will need to provide the identity and precise location/amount paid to each of the farmers he claimed benefitted from the N2.8 billion compensation.

My Take Away on the Dino Melaye Soap Opera Let me say it straight away: I am not a fan of Senator Dino Melaye; I hate his brand of politics. However, I abhor injustice and oppression in any form or colour. This is why I will take side with this Senator representing Kogi West in his current travails in the hands of the Nigerian police. Dino’s traducers are simply using state resources and institutions to demean him. Having surrendered himself to the police, to stand trial for crimes which include murder and armed robbery, he did not deserve to be forcibly taken to Lokoja. Re-

call that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court had approved the transfer of his trial to Abuja. The police ought to have challenged this transfer in court instead of engaging in gangsterism and the filing of fresh dubious charges. Melaye had expressed worry about his safety in Lokoja and the court concurred.

The fear about his safety is genuine, considering the animosity between him and Governor Yahaya Bello.

It was disgusting watching Dino being moved from Zankli Hospital in a police

ambulance accompanied by 45 police utility vehicles and well over 100 uniformed and plainclothes policemen. The infamous operation was led by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Sadiq Bello. So, Nigerian police has these massive security resources at its disposal, yet, it has failed to curb the raging insecurity in our dear nation? It is a shame.

Lovers of rule of law and human rights must rise and back Dino; not because Dino is a good man, but in the interest of our democracy, due process and the rule of law.

Ogbeh

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

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NEWS

In Brief Alleged Organiser of Benue Attacks Arrested

As part of efforts of the Nigerian Army to rid Benue State of criminal elements, a combined troops of 707 Special Forces Brigade, Nigeria Police and the Department of State Security Services in Makurdi have arrested a key Boko Haram suspect known as Aminu Yaminu nicknamed Tashaku whois believedtohavemastermindedmostoftherecentattacksinBenue State.Accordingtointelligencereport, Aminuhadconcludedplanswithhis cohortsinBauchi,Borno,YobeandNasarawastatestolaunchamajorattack on innocent citizens in Benue State. This was disclosed by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relation Major Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni in a press release.Accordingtotherelease,theNigerianArmywouldensure enemies of peace in the state were brought to justice.

APC, PDP Supporters Clash over Buhari

HOPING FOR PARTNERSHIP ...

L-R: Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, Katsina State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Mariyatu Bala Usman and Katsina State APC Chairman, Alhaji Shitu S. Shitu, when the business mogul visited the governor...recently

TheAllProgressivesCongress(APC)youthsand theirrivalfromthePeople's Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday engaged themselves in a free for all at the Benin Airport. The clash occurred when the senator representing Edo South in the Red Chamber, Mr. Mathew Urhoghide (PDP), was pelted with satchelwaterincludingabusivewordsrainedonhimshortlyafterhisarrival attheairportbysomeyouthsloyaltotheAPC.Theincidenthappenedwhile hewasgrantinginterviewtonewsmenattheAirport.Topreventbodilyharm onthesenator, hewaswhiskedawaybackintotheVIPloungeoftheairport by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Babatunde Kokomo. The youths who labeled the senator "Thief" demanded for his recall from the National Assembly for embarking on an errand he was not sent. Senator Urhoghide, who is the senate chairman on Public Account, had on Thursday, moved a motionfortheimpeachmentofPresidentMuhammaduBuharionThursday.

Bayelsa LGs Cut Wage Bill by N3.9bn

FG to Disburse $170m for Ogoni Clean-up $1bn to be disbursed over a 5-year period Omololu Ogunmade inAbuja The federal government yesterday in Abuja, said $170 million had been earmarked from the $1billion proposal for Ogoni clean-up.

Making this disclosure at a meeting of stakeholders with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in the State House, Chairman of Ogoni Trust Fund Governing Board, Mr. Wale Edun, said an initial $1 billion had been earmarked for the clean-up exercise over a period of five years.

“As of now, we have already disbursed $10million for the initial arrangements for the clean-up.

With this signing, we will now commence the draw down process for $170million.

"The $170million will be provided imminently from the first tranche of the $1 billion of the Ogoni clean-up

funding that was recommended by the UNEP, and was agreed by the authority. This is the first tranche and rest will come over the next few years," he said.

The clean-up arrangement which was flagged-off by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 2, 2016 was the implementation of the 2011 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoni land which was devastated by decades of oil spills.

A statement by Osinbajo's spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, said the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) under the Federal Ministry of Environment, had since put structures in place for the final take-off of clean-up and restoration of the region.

Akande quoted the vice president to have said: “I am very pleased

that we have got to this point in the process of the Ogoni clean-up exercise. On June 2, 2016, I had the privilege of flagging off the clean-up exercise in Ogoniland.

"At that time, I, of course, was representing the President. We made the promise that the clean-up exercise would start as soon as practicable, especially considering that we were expecting funds from the donors.”

Akande further said Osinbajo, noted that the federal government was concerned about issues in the Niger Delta, adding that the Buhari administration would ensure that it fulfiled its new vision for Niger Delta.

He further quoted him as saying, “I want to emphasise that the federal government is committed to ensuring that the new vision for the Niger Delta is faithfully executed, and the Ogoni clean-up is one of the critical

components of the engagement.

“This particular ceremonial signing of the escrow agreement is one that shows clearly that, not only are we committed to ensuring that the clean-up is done, but we are also committed that it is done transparently. We want to ensure that everyone is on board, and ensure that we achieve the results we want.

“We must also remind ourselves that it is an expensive process. We are told that the complete clean-up is one that may take a period of between 25 and 30 years. And this just shows the extent of the damage that has been done over decades in the homeland.

“We are certainly all looking forward to doing something quickly and to seeing that this exercise not only begin but is concluded expeditiously as possible.

LocalgovernmentsinBayelsahavegivenaccountsofthereformsinitiated bythestateGovernment,declaringthatthenewmeasuresputinplacehad prevented the payment of huge amounts to payroll fraudsters to the tune ofN3.912bn. SpeakingwithjournalistsinYenagoa, allthelocalgovernment chairmen in the state who took turns to respond to questions, said there had been a drastic reduction in the wage bills of the councils since the commencementoftheimplementationoftheongoingreformsinthestate. An analysis of the documents showed that Southern Ijaw had its wage bill of N201 million reduced to N131 million, Ogbia cut its own from N207 to N165, Nembe;N127milliontoN99millionandBrass from N119-N101million.Also, thatofEkeremorlocalgovernmentwascutfrom(N192milliontoN177million), Kolokuma/Opokuma(N109million-N77million),Sagbama(N171million-N130 million) and Yenagoa (N194million-N147 million).

‘Kogi Free from Yellow Fever for 40 Years’

The Executive Director of Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency ( KSPHCDA), Dr. AbubakarYakubu has said that the state was free fromYellowfeverforthenext40years.Hemadethisknownduringaworld press conference on Friday in Lokoja. According to him, the Agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation ( WHO),andotherdevelopmentpartnershadconductedyellowfeverreactive vaccination across the state with a view to preventing the spread of the outbreak of the dreaded disease. He stressed that this follows the priority attention given to the primary healthcare in Kogi State when the present administrationidentifiedhealthcaredeliveryasoneofthemajorthematic areaoffocusandthestepstakenbytheagencysofar.Dr.Yakubusaidincourse ofthecontinuousinvestigationonvaccinationandfeedbackonyellowfever outbreakinKogiState,theagencyalongwithotherdevelopmentpartners scaled up the vaccination to cover all the 21 local government in the state.

Ahmad Laments Oyo Speaker's Death

NYSC Mourns as Female Suspected Criminals on Member Dies During Wanted List Submit Selves Exercise in Kwara to Police, Renounce Crime Hammed Shittu inIlorin

Tragedy struck yesterday, throwing Kwara State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)into mourning as a female corps member, Miss Hilda Eva Amadi reportedly died from injury she sustained during a "Man o War" drilling exercise in the ongoing orientation camp at Yikpata camp in Edu local government council area of Kwara state.

The deceased, who studied Oil and Gas at University of Port Harcourt, according to THISDAY investigations was said to be hale and hearty before she was mobilised for her one year service in the state.

It was gathered that the deceased fell from the string while participating in the drilling exercise organised by the officials of the Man o War during the orientation camp.

Sources close to the camp told journalists in Ilorin that trouble started after she fell down and was hurriedly rushed to the NYSC clinic at the camp for medical attention.

Sources added that instead of being attended to by qualified medical personnel, the deceased was allegedly treated by corps members who are medical personnel

at the clinic.

After several efforts, the said corps member could not withstand painful situation and was rushed to General Hospital in Ilorin for further medical attention where she reportedly died.

However, some of the colleagues who spoke on condition of anonymity blamed the demise of the deceased on alleged negligence on the part of the management of the NYSC. They said that, the management of the NYSC failed to recruit qualified medical personnel to see to the medical attention of corps members in the camp.

Contacted, the state Public Relations Officer of the NYSC, Mr. Oladipo Morakinyo who confirmed the death of the girl said that, the autopsy and corollary reports were being awaited to know the real cause of her death.

Kwara State NYSC coordinator, Mr. Amaefule Remigius expressed his condolence over the death, adding, " This is not the time to hastily jump into conclusion about the root cause of her death. " He prayed that God should grant her immediate family and the NYSC, fortitude to bear the loss.

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Five persons described as very notorious criminals on the wanted list of Anambra State Police Command have submitted themselves to police authorities.

The suspected criminals were led to renounce their criminal ways by their leaders, Mr. Emmanuel Okafor and Mr. Nnadozie Nnenwa both aged 26, and popularly known in the area as Ten Kobo and Uta respectively.

The renunciation came during a two-day drug awareness campaign organised by the Enugwu Ukwu Community Development Union, headed the President General of the community, Hon Bonny Ozo Nkwuaku.

The kingpins, who residents of the community said had been torns in their flesh led their gang members out during the programme which featured lectures on the dangerous effects of illicit drug consumption, cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape and prostitution.

They begged the community for forgiveness, pledging not to return to their old ways, while soliciting help from well-meaning people in the community to help them start

something meaningful, saying that part of their problem was joblessness.

The President General while reporting to the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Ralph Ekpeh earlier during a courtesy call shortly before the commencement of the programme said his leadership believed that only negotiation, dialogue and sound advice, rather than arrest and imprisonment could keep youths of the community off drugs and other vices.

Nkwuaku said he and members of his executive thought out the programme and specifically sought out notorious criminals in the community whom they preached to on the importance of living drug and crime free life.

He said, "I am particularly happy that this is happening under my watch as president general. We walked around the community and sensitized the people of the need to shun cultism, robbery, drug, prostitution and others.

"These suspected armed robbers who have been on police wanted list will also receive amnesty today as they have vowed they will not engage in crime again and if they fail, we will now bring to bear the full weight of the law."

Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ali Ahmad has expressed shockoverthedeathofOyoStateHouseofAssemblySpeaker,Hon.Michael Adeyemo whodiedattheearlyhoursofFriday. Also,Dr.Ahmadcommiserated with the Sokoto State governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal over the sudden deathofhisSpecialAdviseronMediaandPublicAffairs,AlhajiImamImam.

The Speaker, in a condolence message issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Shuaib Abdulkadir described Adeyemo's death as a bitter pill that wasdifficulttoswallowandwouldbesorelymissed. AhmadsaidAdeyemo wasaprominentandactivememberoftheConferenceofSpeakers'Forum whoatalltimesbroughttobearbothhislegislativeandpoliticalexperience in the scheme of things in order to achieve results. He noted that the late speakeralwaysearnedhisrespectashefoundhimworthyasacolleaguein thelawmakingbusinessandimportantlyhavingservedtheforumtogether in various capacities.

Council Seals 8 Pharmacies, 352 Medicine Stores

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria(PCN), Friday said it had sealed eight unregisteredpharmaciesand 352patentmedicinestoresinSokotoState.

TheDirector,InspectionandMonitoringofthecouncil,Mrs. AnthoniaAruya, madethedisclosurewhileaddressingjournalistsinSokoto.Shesaidatotal of360premisesmadeupofeightunregisteredpharmaciesand352patent medicine stores were sealed for operating without registration with the Pharmacists Council and failure to renew premises licences. Others were dispensing ethical products without the supervision of a pharmacist and poorsanitaryconditions,amongothers.Shedisclosedthatonepersonwas arrested and was being prosecuted while investigations were ongoing for others.

Buhari Mourns Adedeji

PresidentMuhammaduBuhariyesterdayinAbujasaidhelearntwithgreat sadness of the passing of Prof. Adebayo Adedeji, whom he described as a patriotic Nigerian, economist, administrator, scholar and international statesman.InstatementbySpecialAdvisertothePresidentonMediaand Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, Buhari said Adedeji was best known and highly respectedacrossthecontinentfortheachievementsrecordedduringhistenure asUnitedNationsUnder-SecretaryGeneralandExecutiveSecretaryofthe EconomicCommissionforAfrica. Accordingtohim,heusedhisleadershipof thispan-AfricaninstitutiontopromoteAfricandevelopmentandwasinthe vanguardofintellectualeffortstofindsolutionstoAfrica’sdevelopmental challenges from within the continent.

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

NEWS

Court Orders Forfeiture of N1.4bn Paris Club Refund Loan to FG Davidson Iriekpen A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the permanent forfeiture of N1,442,384,857.84 found in the bank accounts of three firms, which allegedly impersonated the consultants engaged by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to analyse the Paris/London Club loan refunds due to the states.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained the forfeiture order, claiming that the defendants obtained N3.5 billion from the NGF by making false claims.

Listed as defendants in the final forfeiture application filed before the court were: Melrose General Services Limited, WASP Networks Limited and Thebe Wellness Services.

The respondents were accused of impersonating a consortium of consulting firms engaged by the NGF for the “verification, reconciliation and recovery of over-deductions on Paris and London Club loans on the accounts of states and local governments between 1995 and 2002.”

The EFCC said the original firms engaged by the governors’ forum were GSCL Consulting and Bizplus Consulting Services Limited.

But an investigator with the EFCC, Usman Zakari, said the alter ego of the first defendant, Melrose General Services Limited, Robert Mbonu, made a false representation to the NGF, causing the forum to pay

N3.5 billion to his company on December 14, 2016.

Zakari said the money was credited into the Access Bank account of Melrose General Services Limited, adding that the respondents dissipated and laundered about N2.3billion out of the money between December 15, 2016, and January 20, 2017, leaving a balance of N1.2 billion.

The investigator also stated that his agency had recovered N220nillion out of the laundered sum from the second and third respondents.

The EFCC had on October 13, 2017 obtained an interim order from Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, placing a "Post No Debit" order on the accounts containing the N1.2billion and N220million.

The judge had made the order following plea by counsel for the EFCC, Ekene Iheanacho, who said it would best serve the interest of justice for the respondents to be ordered to forfeit the N1.4billion temporarily to prevent them from dissipating same.

The judge, after granting the interim freezing order last year, directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national daily.

She gave anyone interested in the funds 14 days to appear before her to show cause why the funds should not be forfeited permanently.

Subsequently, one Prince Godwin Maduka and Linas International Limited showed up before the court,

NEW INNOVATIONS ...

L-R: Director, Africa Division (North East/West Africa), Panasonic, Mr. Tomoyuki Yamakawa; Promoter, Panaserv Nigeria Limited, Mr. Suraj Rupani; Head, Africa Division, Panasonic, Mr. Hiroyuki Shibutani; General Manager (Product Planning Group), Panasonic, Mr. Mochi Masaaki and Head, Nigeria Representative Office, Africa Division, Panasonic, Mr. Dipendu Goon during the Launch of the New Range of Panasonic Shower Cooling Air Condition in Lagos SUNDAYADIGUN praying separately that the funds should be forfeited to them.

Maduka claimed that his firm, Udemgaba Maduka & Associates, had been engaged in 2011 as a consultant by the Zamfara State Government to help the state

recover some hanging funds, with an agreement that it would be paid 20 per cent of the recovered funds.

He urged the court to forfeit the N1.4 billion to his company to cover Zamfara State's alleged indebtedness to him.

In opposition, the EFCC contended that the suit was not a debt recovery suit and that Zamfara State was not a party to the suit.

In a ruling yesterday, Justice Olatoregun upheld the EFCC's argument and dismissed Maduka's

claims. On its own part, Linas International Limited said it was entitled to the payment of $6million from the NGF. But Justice Olatoregun equally dismissed its claim, holding that the suit was not a debt recovery suit.

Police Smash WAEC Hacking UNITAR, Norwegian Embassy Plan Marine Safety, Fisheries Protection Conference Syndicate, Arrest Five Chiemelie Ezeobi The Lagos State Police command has smashed a syndicate which specialises in hacking past questions and answers of West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and selling them to secondary students.

The hacking syndicate Samuel Kayode (28), Adebayo Ifeoluwa (17) , Alayande Ahmed (16 ) and Elusode Festus (20) were arrested , while other suspects fled to Ghana.

Among the four-man hacking syndicate, was a Physics and Mathematics teacher in one of the private schools in Ondo State.

The syndicate which also has its members in Ghana, was discovered to have created different WhatsApp

groups where questions and answers of the ongoing WAEC were released to their agents who in turn sold them to WAEC candidates.

It was gathered that the questions and answers released via the WhatsApp groups were exactly the same as those written in the examination halls. Asides four suspected members of the syndicate, who were arrested, another proprietor was arrested for organising fake WAEC exams for unsuspecting students.

The proprietor, Adeniyi Joshua, was said to have opened a fake WAEC centre at El-Supreme Private School located at 3, Oseni Adekogbe street, in Igbogbo area of Ikorodu.

When he was raided, the police recovered WAEC question papers

and answer sheets suspected to have been forged.

He was said to have conducted the examination but ended up dumping the answers scripts in a school, instead of taking them to WAEC designated points.

Parading the suspects before journalists at the command headquarters yesterday, the state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, said the case of the syndicate who leaked questions and answers to WAEC candidates was a national embarrassment.

He said when intelligence report on activities of the syndicate was received, he deployed the Decoy team of the Rapid Response Squad , RRS to investigate and ensure the arrest of the saboteurs.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Norwegian embassy in Nigeria have slated the second edition of their collaborative training programme on marine safety and fisheries protection for the third quarter of the year.

The conference is a follow-up to the maiden edition organised in Lagos, Nigeria for professionals from multinational oil companies, governments, maritime regulatory agencies, oil spills prevention organisations, international bodies, and private sector, among other diverse constituencies, to highlight oil spills and environmental issues; facilitate deployment of mechanical tools rather than the use of chemi-

cal dispersants as a first response when oil spills occur and regional cooperation when huge accidents occur.

Head/Resident Representative, UNITAR Nigeria office, Dr. Larry Boms disclosed that the follow-up conference had become necessary due to critical factors, particularly the need to strengthen capacities and promote exchange of knowledge among stakeholders, as suggested by participants during the first edition of the training programme in 2017.

According to him, capacity development and exchange of knowledge on the theme was of paramount importance considering the huge economic benefits to the entire region and the positive

implication to the promotion of sustainable development.

Boms explained, the marine environment in the region had one of the richest biodiversities globally and offshore oil producing countries in the region, spreading across the Gulf of Guinea to the Cape in South Africa, had some of the world’s most important sea route, “accounting for more than 3000 ships passing annually with an estimated 140 million tons of oil”.

“Angola produces about 1.8 million barrels a day – all offshore and also deep sea, while Nigeria has eight deep sea production blocks producing almost 700.000 barrels a day, in addition to production in shallow waters.

Flooding: Lagos Warns Residents Court to Decide Fate of Bank Customers without BVN, June 11 Against Dumping Waste in Drains Alex Enumah in Abuja

A Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday reserved judgment for June 11, 2018, on a suit seeking the forfeiture of monies in accounts of bank customers without Bank Verification Number (BVN) to the Federal government.

Trial judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba fixed the date for judgment after counsel in the matter adopted and argued their written addresses.

Those sued as defendants are the 19 commercial banks in the country and the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN).

At the resumed hearing yesterday the Federal Government accused the commercial banks of protecting owners of accounts without BVN.

The FG, through its counsel queried why the banks would be defending owners of the accounts which they claimed they didn’t know in an to frustrate the intention of the policy which was to curb the flow of illicit funds and corruption.

Lawyer to the FG, Ade OkeayaInneh (SAN), in his submission urged the court not to listen to the banks as they had no legal right in the matter.

He said, "If the defendants say they did not know who own the money in the accounts without BVN, how can they then come to defend the case.

"What locus do they have if they did not disclose the owners of the money despite the order of the court to that effect? If they are to be heard, on whose behalf?

"They (the lawyers representing the respondents) are defending the suit on behalf of the bank, but the action and the order of the court is not against the banks per se, it is against the supposed owners of the funds.

"The court's order was for them to verify the owners of the accounts.

They have not done that and did not disclose any body as the owners of the accounts.

"So, we are arguing that they cannot act for unknown persons, whose identities they have not disclosed.

If they do not know who their customers are, then they cannot defend the suit".

Okeaya-Inneh then urged the court to reject all the processes filed by the defendants in the case.

Bennett Oghifo As the rainy season begins, the Lagos State government has warned residents against blocking drains and canals with solid waste to ensure free-flow of storm water.

According to the Special Adviser to Governor Akinwumi Ambode on the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI), Adebola Shabi, the government viewed the risk of flooding as a major concern, stating it would deploy the necessary tools to ensure a flood-free season.

Shabi, however, said residents also had a responsibility to protect their environment by desisting from throwing their waste on the road medians and in roadside drains.

“What we want from people

living in Lagos is to generate their waste, bag their waste and drop them in front of the houses, for effective cleaning and to prevent the blockage of our drainages and canals,” he said.

Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, he said, would continue the distribution of waste bags to Lagosians, but insisted that everyone must play their part.

In addition to the distribution of bags, he said Visionscape’s primary focus would be the remediation and construction of waste facilities, like the landfill and transfer loading stations (TLS) across the State.

However, it was clarified that Visionscape is not responsible for the maintenance of drainage systems across the state. The companies identified for drainage

management are Quality Sanctuary Nigeria Limited, Jane Rin Nigeria Limited, and Blue Bridge Nigeria Limited. They will be monitored by the Lagos State Public Works Corporation.

Other stakeholders under the CLI are: LAGESC to handle enforcement; the Waste Collection Operators to manage residential collection; and the Ministry of the Environment to manage the street sweepers.

Mechanised street sweeping, he said remains under the purview of Wastecare, Avatar, and Corporate Solutions.

He also advised residents against patronising cart pushers to dispose their waste, stating that they should use the Waste Collection Operators.

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

COMMENTARY

MALARIA ELIMINATION IN NIGERIA: REALITY OR MYTH? Ify Aniebo argues that the country must do more to eliminate the malaria scourge

R

ecently, I attended the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) conference in Dakar, Senegal, where researchers from across the African continent convened to share their contributions to the fight against malaria. As a scientist, it was inspiring to see how innovations such as insecticide treated nets and Artemisinin combination therapy (ACTs) are saving lives and protecting vulnerable populations from this devastating disease. Yet the overall picture of progress against malaria was sobering, particularly in my home country, Nigeria.

Nigeria has the highest proportion of malaria cases globally, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo and India. Though the country has made strides in protecting its citizens from this preventable and treatable disease, progress has come to a halt, and has even shown early signs of reversal. For example, Nigeria saw an increase of 1.1 million people affected by malaria from 2015 to 2017. Not only has the number of cases increased, but the country also accounts for the highest proportion of malaria deaths globally In 2016, Nigeria took a hard stand against the disease and decided to change its strategy from malaria control to elimination.

In order to do this, the country must hit a key target called “pre-elimination” by 2020, which means the number of malaria cases will need to be significantly reduced in the next two years. On World Malaria Day, it’s important to take stock of how far we’ve come, and identify the challenges that remain along Nigeria’s path to elimination.

Over the past decade, there have been a number of gains in controlling the spread of the disease in Nigeria, thanks to renewed political commitments, increased funding, private sector engagement, timely reporting of malaria control efforts and overall better coordination of innovative strategies. In the 2000’s, there was no private sector involvement and now there’s a comprehensive strategy for private sector engagement, improved partner coordination and unified annual planning among all stakeholders. The country has also seen an increase in the number of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) used by those at risk for malaria, one of the World Health Organisation’s core prevention tools.

Yet there are always two sides to every coin. While we’ve witnessed an increase in use and distribution of life-saving tools such as LLINs, coverage levels and access are still below the country’s targets. For example, 55% of the population have access to bed nets, a figure which is below the country’s target of 100%.

Another critical component to one day eliminating the disease is Nigeria’s ability to track malaria in the country and within its borders. Accurate surveillance systems allow stakeholders to effectively map out gaps in coverage, stop outbreaks, monitor for resistance and track progress. With this knowledge, governments

PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR THAT HAS DRIVEN MANY COUNTRIES TO ELIMINATE THE DISEASE IS THE DEDICATED SUPPORT AND FULL OWNERSHIP OF THEIR COUNTRY GOVERNMENTS. NIGERIA MUST FOLLOW SUIT AND CONTINUE TO TAKE ACTION AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BURDEN OF MALARIA ON ITS CITIZENS

are well placed to take appropriate action and protect their citizens.

Yet in Nigeria, surveillance systems detect less than 20% of all malaria cases, which is significantly lower than other malariaendemic countries.

As I discussed these sobering challenges with the world’s leading malaria experts last week in Dakar, I couldn’t help but ask: is malaria elimination a reality or a myth?

For Nigeria’s dream of elimination to become a reality, we must look to countries that have already successfully eliminated the disease, such as Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. These countries bolstered their domestic funding and intensified a range of strategies, including controlling the spread of mosquitoes within irrigation and agricultural projects, identifying new classes of insecticides for indoor spraying and spraying high-risk areas through entomological surveillance.

Another core intervention that led to these successes was their prioritisation of data at all levels. For example, the timely detection of active malaria cases has proven integral to track the disease’s spread. With better data on active cases, Nigeria can better protect those living in high-risk areas and in hard to reach populations that have poor access to diagnostics and treatment.

In broader terms, there is a real need to prioritise accurate data to support effective surveillance systems. A strong surveillance system requires high levels of access to care and complete reporting by all health sectors, whether public or private. Not only do these systems help the government make impactful and evidence-based decisions, they are one of our strongest tools we have to combat growing resistance to antimalarial drugs. Reports of drug resistance are already common place in South East Asia. Experts now fear that resistance could spread to the African continent, which could significantly set back gains made throughout the last decade.

Perhaps the most important factor that has driven many countries to eliminate the disease is the dedicated support and full ownership of their country governments. Nigeria must follow suit and continue to take action and responsibility for the burden of malaria on its citizens. This means that domestic financing for malaria programmes must increase, as its current levels are insufficient to eliminate the disease and cause the government to rely heavily on donor funding.

I call on Nigeria to follow the path of many countries’ who have eliminated the disease, so that we too can make eliminating malaria a reality, not a myth.

Dr. Aniebo is a molecular geneticist, focusing on malaria drug resistance. She holds a PhD in Clinical Medicine and Infectious Tropical Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

THE FATHER OF MODERN CROSS RIVER STATE Clement Ebri is the fit and proper man to be chairman for APC, argues Cletus Obun

J

une 13, 2006: In former Cross River State’s Governor Clement Ebri’s sitting room at the State Housing Estate Calabar, we were watching the live transmission of the final debate and vote on the Third Term scheming by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Ken Nnamani, then Senate President, was presiding. With animated interest, we saw the dazed Senator Ibrahim Mantu protesting to no one in particular and for no apparent reason.

Third Term had gone and millions of un-appropriated funds with it. A jubilant former governor Clement Ebri treated us to a hastily arranged lunch.

He proceeded to enlighten us on the preposterous implications of the aborted schemata and the interminable possibilities the victory has opened for our embattled fatherland. As then state chairman of the Action Congress party, I had gone with my deputy to persuade him to lead the opposition parties into a coalition to dethrone from office CRS Peoples Democratic Party in the run up to the 2007 governorship election.

But he pleaded with us to spare him the agony of having to be seen to be contending for space with his errant younger political friends rampaging the state with conscienceless power – the then Governor Donald Duke and his immediate successor, Liyel Imoke. Because as governor, Donald Duke was his Commissioner of Finance while Imoke, the then Senior Assistant to former President Obasanjo was sponsored by the same Ebri to the Senate - all of them in 1992.

Another of his then personal assistant drafted from a rural community secondary school on Grade Level eight was Usani Uguru Usani, the present Minister for Niger Delta Affairs! The horror of this tale is not only to show the kindness of the man Ebri, but his vision for his state and country.

The identification, confidence and investment in his fellow youths in their 20s are lessons in courageous leadership and generous spirit. At a youthful 39 years of age, Clement Ebri was elected governor. At 41, he was forced out of office.

Yet in 22 months, his visionary investment in human capital is what Bill Gates came to echo 26 years after to the Nigerian government some

weeks ago. This does not diminish his monumental infrastructural strides. Without contradiction, Clement David Ebri is the father of modern Cross River State. Not in the pedestrian and pervasive sense this has been reduced to in recent times.

How and Why? A cogent and verifiable profile of Ebri is self-evident. Primary and secondary sources for verification are provided in the panoramic intercourse in this piece. After the Second Republic misadventures that saw the ouster of squandermaniacs in Lagos and Calabar between 1979 and 1983, the military interregnum between 1984 –1992, produced flashes of Hope. Clement Ebri was and remains an amazing specimen of that Hope. Today’s Cross River is populated with products and by-products of Clement Ebri. The few exceptions are largely influenced by the Ebri Brigade. Every political actor on the Cross River political stage since and today is directly or indirectly related or influenced by the Ebri legacy.

Since he left office, his finance commissioner Donald Duke in 1992 teaming up with Senator Liyel Imoke, governed from 1999-2007 and handed over to Senator Liyel Imoke from 2007-2015.

The present governor, Senator Ben Ayade is an original copy of Governor Imoke who himself was a carbon copy of Governor Donald Duke.

Both Imoke and Duke have produced every state and National Assembly member from 2003 till date. Only in our strange land can we find that the grand-father of these children (Ebri) will not enjoy the earned respect he divinely deserves at least from his country men and women who cherish good conduct in public and private life.

Yet he has lived without any benefits, even the ones to which he is statutorily entitled from either his children or grand-children, former and serving, elected and appointed, political actors. He has neither complained nor confronted any regime on the denial of his rights, including the right to vote and the right to personal security following the invasion of his country home by armed security agents on the directives of a sitting governor.

In political terms, former Governor Ebri has demonstrated a high capacity for utilising

human capital to mobilise for development. At the national level, his contacts and exposure are unparalleled. He served as Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee under Obasanjo; was a member of the 1989 Constituent Assembly from where he returned to win the governorship election.

Given Ebri’s political and personal qualifications, his experience and exposure, one wishes to humbly suggest here that it will be politically expedient for the APC that the office of national chairman of the party be zoned not just to the South/South, but specifically to CRS. This will be to ensure that the low hanging fruit in CRS is plucked with ease to re-enforce Edo State, the only APC state in the South-South zone. It will amount to political Hara kiri to elect a stiff-necked chairman with documented record of intemperance and absence of team spirit in his disposition when a cool-headed, rational and intelligent man is available, ready and willing to lead the party. Nor will it be very wise to continue with an Edo chairmanship where APC is already having a government in power to hold the ground for the party. Moreover, of all the zones in southern Nigeria only the South /South is not likely to gun for the presidency in the near future.

Therefore, the choice of a mediator, conciliator, an exposed former governor, former national chairman of a political party (PPA) that produced two state governors, a constituent assembly member; Chairman, 1999 Constitution Review Committee, Editor of a significant regional newspaper (Nigerian Chronicle) and former director of two banks at different times and presently a chief executive officer of a private company and a widely travelled personality, Clement David Ebri, will be most appropriate.

Ebri is the fit and proper man to be chairman for APC at this turbulent moment. He is a former governor, so past and present governors and parliamentarians will respect him. His reach is rich enough to steer the ship of our party to the safe shores of Aso Rock and 90% of government houses across the country. Age and intellect are assets in abundance resident in him. Indeed, within

the southern part of southern Nigeria Clement Ebri is one of the few personages alive that has not just a firm handshake but a warm embrace both across the Niger and across the Benue. The national leadership has had first hand working relationship with him. Chief Odigie-Oyegun who is on the seat now was governor in Benin when Clement Ebri held sway in Calabar.

The ebullient national leader of the APC, the Jagaban Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was beside Chief M.K.O. Abiola when Ebri received Abiola at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar in 1992 during the electrifying HOPE ‘93 SDP campaigns. It is very instructive to note that just like President Buhari in 2015 made his first official visit to a PDP state, Cross River, a non-APC state , Clement Ebri was an NRC governor who stopped a state tour while in Ogoja, 315km away from Calabar, to receive MKO Abiola and our own Asiwaju the Jagaban Borgu.

More than this, most of his friends and political allies cut across age and tribe. A de-tribalised Nigerian, Clement Ebri as governor of CRS took over the burial of Col. Udoaka Jacob Esuene the first military governor of South Eastern State.

Ebri did not just do the state burial and declare a public holiday, but named the state’s stadium in Calabar, UJ Esuene stadium, in honour of the astute military governor. As Chief Oyegun yearns for much needed rest after successfully ousting a sitting government and earning a place in our national history, his greatest feat and parting gift to Nigerian progressives will be Clement Ebri, a man who has remained faithful to his pursuit of the common good with an uncommon ideological purity having rejected and resisted the membership and associated benefits of then ruling PDP. As we rest the ghost of impunity and illegality to resurrect the spirit of party supremacy and internal democracy typified by the First, Second and Third Republics, may the Almighty Creator give us a man with the wisdom and courage to meet the momentum of the moment.

Hon. Cletus is the State Vice-Chairman (Central) of the APC in Cross River State

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

INSIGHT

What next?

Revitalising the Primary Health Care System

P

rimary Health care as conceptualised by the Alma Ata Declaration of 1978 is a grass root approach towards universal and equitable health care for all. The model was to address the main health problems in communities all over the world in order to achieve universal health care by providing accessible, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services. It is the first level of contact of individuals, families and communities with the national health system.

Since Nigeria was among the 134 signatories to this historical proclamation, a strong health care development strategy was initiated with primary health system as the cornerstone.

Before then, the country has struggled to develop its health system, policies made to establish and expand health care infrastructure placed emphasis on curative medicine rather than preventive medicine. However, with Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti’s appointment as the Minister of Health in 1985, the Nigeria health structure was redesigned to accommodate the implementation of the policy. The adoption of the scheme that started with 50 local governments in 1985 was a significant milestone in the nation’s health sector.

The launch of the first comprehensive National Health Policy in 1988 further strengthened the collective will of government to provide accessible health-care facilities across the country and by 1990, the scheme has expanded to the grassroots across the country. The scheme-devolved responsibility of PHC to local government areas, which catered for the health needs of over 90 per cent Nigerians and achieved universal child immunisation of over 80 per cent.

In ensuring the sustenance of PHC agenda, the National Primary Heath Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) was established in 1992. The agency placed emphasis on preventive medicine and health care services at the grass root, ensured exclusive breast feeding practice, introduced free immunisation for children, encouraged the use of oral rehydration therapy by nursing mothers, made compulsory the recording maternal deaths, encourage continuous nationwide vaccination and pioneered effective HIV/AIDS campaign.

This laudable scheme became a model for other African countries to set the course for their future.

Some 40 years after and rather sadly, Nigeria is among third worst in the world based on certain health indicators. In his recent visit to Nigeria, Bill Gates reminded us that the best way to lay the foundation for sustained prosperity is to invest in human capital.

To him, deliberate investment in health, education and opportunities prepares the future of a country.

Bill Gates was critical about collapsed health system in the country as he frankly affirmed that Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to give birth with the forth worst maternal mortality rate in the world ahead of only Sierra Leone, Central African Republic and Chad. He said one in three children is chronically malnourished, deprived of a diverse diet and the services of a strong primary health care system.

A Country OnThe Edge

During his discussion, Gates highlighted six key features of functioning primary health system as adequate funding, good facilities located in the right places, skilled and dedicated health workers, ample stock of essential equipment and medicines, patients who know about the system and want to use it and a mechanism for collecting the data needed to improve quality.

Regrettably, government investment in the country’s health sector is a mirage; its financial commitment to the institution betrays the standard of a progressive society. Barely 3.9% of its budget is allocated to healthcare, while the country majorly depends on donors and NGOs to finance its health projects and response and management of diseases are left in the hands of foreign partners. Unfortunately, our dwindling national income is set to make us ineligible to access some of these development assistance and loans that the country has been depending on to fund the health system.

More so, the increasing brain drain and deficiency in the workforce is perhaps the biggest cause of the deplorable health indices in major parts of the country. While many have lost faith in the country’s health system by seeking solace with other facilities outside the shores of the nation, others engage the services of privately-owned health institute that harbours the best hands in the country.

Kehinde Akinfenwa, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

T

wo things are being forced down the throats of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora. These are the continued murder of villagers by criminal Fulani herdsmen and the inadequate response of government.

These two challenges have succeeded in forming a cloud of fear around the country and in the hearts of many Nigerians. The attack in Ayar Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government of Benue State in which about 20 people were killed including two catholic priests has ensured that this cloud of fear will only get thicker and darker.

One thing gets clearer with each innocent life ended by the herdsmen: it is now a crime to live in rural, riverine areas, in some states in North Central Nigeria, especially Benue State. The killings also expose the many shortcomings we have always suspected about our security system as a country. Nigerians have always felt that the poorly-trained, poorly- remunerated and poorlyequipped men and woman swelling the

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AIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

ranks of our security forces would offer only a fickle challenge to convoluted security issues. The spectral Fulani herdsmen are providing the security nightmare. It seems our security forces are surprised by their own inefficiency.

The unity of Nigeria is being broken into smithereens. With every bullet fired, with every knife plunged, with every house torched, Nigeria travels farther towards the precipice of disintegration.

Suddenly, a historic sense of community, one that has been a great source of pride to generations of Nigeria, especially those born after the Civil War is threatened by the enemies of Nigeria. Allegations of complicity and collusion keep patriotic Nigerians up at night wondering what happened and how we got here. The wanton killings, rape, arson and looting, attack the core of the Nigerian soul. In no small measure. They threaten our sense of community, they threaten our togetherness, they threaten our fragile religious tolerance. These attacks cut down woman and children. Their perpetrators threaten the future of Nigeria. They must be stopped. In stopping them, everything should be done.

It is why the seeming absence of the total will needed to confront the murderous rampage is painfully frustrating. It also frustrating because in the light of our elected leaders and security forces saying every effort is being channelled into the fight, it is looking like we are struggling to keep terrorists from overrunning us and commandeering ancestral lands.

Nigerians support every effort to end the killings and secure communities and families. Nigerians support all efforts to resettle displaced communities and find closure to the indignity of refugee camps. A lot of Nigerians recognise the valiant efforts of the men and women who defend them day and night. What Nigerians truly need and want to see is the day an end will come to these rampant killings and perpetrators brought to book. Posterity must someday see that everything was done to secure its future.

Kene Obiezu, Abuja

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 28, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY DEYEMI OKANLAWON

People Claimed I Was Too Expensive to Be Hired

Deyemi Okanlawon is one of the actors in hot demand in Nollywood at the moment. Adored by movie lovers, the graduate of the University of Lagos, who is best known for his role in the TV Series Gidi Up, has won himself several awards. Many see him as a sex symbol and one of the leading hunks in Nollywood but Deyemi would tell you he is just an actor who strives to interpret his roles as best as he could. In an interview with Timilehin Ajagunna, the talented actor talks on his career How did acting start for you?

M

y first memory of acting was from about the age of 5 in primary school after which I featured in every school play until I left. I remember vividly how being on stage made me the feel the happiest and alive. I went on to join and lead youth drama groups in my church.

You could have done something else why acting?

I was actually doing something else. At first, I thought I was going to be in the Oil and Gas industry (I have a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos) and then when my first job out of University was as a sales and promotions manager I went on to spend years in corporate as a Sales and Marketing Manager. So for a long time acting as a serious hobby, my ministry if you will, however, it would seem while I had other plans for my life acting as a career literally

came and chose me

Which movie would you say brought you fame?

While I was working in corporate I found time on the weekends, holidays and leave days to act in a few short films and web series as well as a few small roles in feature-length movies. The most viewed was GIDI UP and BLINK (both on my YouTube channel) and some other prominent ones were ZR7 and JOURNEY TO SELF.

When you started, what plans and goals did you set for yourself?

I had various goals - some involving the kind and level of impact I wanted to have, the quality of work I wanted to be associated with, excellent minded people I wanted to work with, and also as I was leaving a pretty well-paying job as the Head of Marketing for an international online company one of my topmost

priorities was to first match up with and then surpass my corporate income. Let’s just say, as always, God has been overwhelmingly faithful.

You’ve featured in so many movies. Which will you consider as the most challenging of all?

Getting into a new character is always going to be a challenge. However, one of my more mentally and physical challenges was the short film BLINK where I played a psychotic husband who was stuck in a torturous dream world. It took watching loads of videos to study mental health patients and understand the character’s situation as well as 4 weeks of deep sea diving breath exercises to be able to hold my breath long enough to shoot underwater scenes.

How do you intend to keep sustaining your relevance?

As a lifelong learner and an avid reader, I’m constantly consuming resources on acting and every part of the

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ RIL 28, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY PEOPLE CLAIMED I WAS TOO EXPENSIVE TO BE HIRED

I have heard rumours about some producers or production companies saying I’m too expensive to hire... don’t mind them o. I believe it’s only fair to demand a reward that’s commensurate with the value I consistently strive to add - before, during and after production

production process, to understanding the psychology of my craft and the business of part entertainment. My goal is to constantly be the very best I can be with respect to my work, industry and community. Hopefully, relevance to the audience I entertain, producers I work with and brands (such as Cars45 and Imagine Lenders) I identify with will be a byproduct of the work I put in.

What is the worst rumour you have heard about yourself?

I have heard rumours about some producers or production companies saying I’m too expensive to hire... don’t mind them o. I believe it’s only fair to demand a reward that’s commensurate with the value I consistently strive to add - before, during and after production.

What is the best way to manage scandals?

Don’t manage scandal; avoid them by staying in your house.

sharpen iron and two will chase 10,000.’

What is the best way to balance your marriage as a celebrity?

How well has your wife been coping with you as a celebrity?

By understanding that being a celebrity has no place in a marriage, park the accolades and adulation outside your door and give priority first to God; then to your immediate family relationships before anything else.

What is the best lesson that marriage has taught you?

That the Bible was 100 per cent correct when it said - I paraphrase - ‘When you are equally yoked, iron will

Please, when you see her ask her.

Who are the actors you draw inspiration from?

Denzel Washington and Richard Mofe-Damijo are two out of the tons of actors across Hollywood and Nollywood who inspire me not just with their craft but with what I have observed about their lives off the screen.

Richard Mofe-Damijo, Denzel Washington Inspire Me A Lot

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Plus

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND TEENS CONNECT FASHION FILE

pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 38 pg. 43

Oba Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi I Am a Reincarnated Spirit, Child of History and Mystery

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 28, 2018

PLUS

I Still Communicate with Oba Sijuade, other Dead Oonis Resplendent in white robe, suave in simple, flowing attire, he glides royally into the shimmering throne that smacks of ancestral aura. His visage is clean-shaven and his looks handsomely majestic; his words imperial, subtle and spiritual. His eyes glimmer as he speaks, intoning transcendental musing and understanding. Revered home and abroad, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Babatunde Akanke Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and the 51st Ooni of Ife, rocks royalty with modernity as he leads the Yoruba race from what is regarded as the Cradle of life. With an intriguing intellect and enduring sense of history, the Ooni in this interview with Adedayo Adejobi unearths an unusual past, explains the uncertain present and envisions a glorious future. He talks about divorce, the queen in his palace and the curse placed on a queen that leaves the Ooni. He also reveals how he beat the odds against his troubled childhood and what the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, missed in his understanding of the Ife race

A

s a child, did you ever think you would be the Ooni one day?

Kings are usually born and not made. You can aspire to be in that position. But if God doesn’t grant it as the owner of life and death, it remains an aspiration. Before and after my birth, there were predictions. But If I didn’t work towards it, it wouldn’t have become a reality. God made it happen despite the predictions. I give the glory to the king of kings. God brought me to this throne.

How will you describe your experience as the 51st Ooni so far?

If God didn’t prepare me for the throne, it would have been a big challenge and a big shoe with a lot of sacrifice. It’s about service to humanity and that has been my greatest soft spot since childhood. I like to attend to issues that border on mankind, welfare and betterment of the people. Over the years, God has been preparing me. The high points are attending to many people, going for state functions. I am passionate about youths, their emancipation and the black race. I go out because of them to explore opportunities and give them encouragement. I go to few social gatherings all because of youths. I don’t eat out. Things I used to do before, I can’t do them anymore. I love dancing. But I can’t dance anyhow in public as I have to carry myself with dignity. As the spiritual head of a race, a lot of spirituality is tied to the throne.

It’s not a joke. The laws are many. I have to uphold the culture and tradition always.

Everything I do is a mirror of my heritage, culture and tradition. For a middle-aged person ascending the throne, it is a challenge.

But God has helped me thus far. I don’t have much privacy again, especially with the social media and freedom of information. I’m very focused on my calling. I must uphold – very strongly – the heritage, culture and tradition of the Yoruba people. It’s the best in the world and as the custodian, I must really uphold it.

What do you really miss about life outside royalty?

There is a lot. I used to dance for my

secondary school. I love and miss dancing.

There is very restricted music I can dance to because of some level of spirituality involved and the sacredness of the throne. I love going horse-riding. Human contact is a bit reduced now. For the mere fact that I’m very visible, when I go to one event it’s like I’ve attended ten events. They think I’m always out. I am very free in terms of the way I relate with people. At times, I struggle to stop to mingle with common people on the road. I do it because it gives me joy and happiness being in their midst. I missed those times. I used to, once in a while, take public transport and experience the life of the common man. They are my joy and strength.

Talking about appearances, your critics say you are seen almost everywhere every time. They feel that being a first-class king, you should hardly be seen in public.

Do you agree with them?

If they follow me, they will know who I am. When I ascended the throne, I said I would blend tradition with modernity and that is my foundation. Most people that have issues with seeing me everywhere are mostly the elderly ones in their 50s and above.

The typical Ooni of Ife is like a deity they don’t see. Going by tradition, I’m supposed to stay in the palace. But with modernity I have to reach out. It’s left for me to continue in the knowledge of the elderly and speak for the youths. All my programmes are youth-focused. I have more youth following than the average leader in this country and it is because I champion their cause. I don’t have any regrets. If I have to go out because of them – blending tradition and modernity – there are things I have to jettison. If I go out once, people think I’ve gone out ten times.

But I have an objective for going out. I am preoccupied; I’m always busy. To the glory of God, I’m blending modernity and tradition with the latter intact. I’m achieving results.

What drives your passion for the youth?

My story has been very challenging and magical. I have seen the best and the worst of this world. I’ve been there as a frustrated youth before; so I can feel the pulse. I know how to appeal to them. To the glory of God,

To

APRIL 28, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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PLUS There’s Always a Queen in My Palace I’ve been a successful youth as well. I know and see what the typical youth goes through.

Before ascending the throne, I made up my mind that my calling would be towards the good of mankind. God has given me a good platform. They are around me and so I encourage them to imbibe, uphold our culture and heritage. Youths are my passion and calling. I went through a lot growing up.

So far, so good, I’m making progress with youths.

Everyone has a story. What is yours?

My story is mysterious and magical.

I’ve always been an underdog and God has always made me excel. If I want to do something, all I need to do is profess it and it’s done. To this end, I have a slogan: ‘it’s done’ – ‘oti see se’. I say that a lot and it has worked for me since my growing up years.

Did you go through some particular moments that shaped you into who you are now?

Absolutely. Very strange and magical things happened. At 19, a lady told me she was pregnant for me and then I was still with my parents struggling to work and take care of the child. It was an early stage going through that. Ideally, I was supposed to be fed and in higher institution at 19. People would scorn and laugh at you that you have a child at an early age. It comes with its stigma and a lot of girls are ostracised. With this in mind, it has given me a lot of passion to appeal to them; so they can feel what I felt as a young father. It has really helped. Starting a business at an early age, losing money, meeting highly placed people, dealing with an undulating self-esteem are some of the remarkable things my story encapsulates.

To what do you owe to your seeming spiritual inclination?

I think I am a reincarnated spirit. My name is Enitan with a spiritual meaning: child of history and mystery. I bear Babatunde and Yoruba believe in reincarnation.

In Ife now, I’ll tell them something was in existence here before and I’ll bring experts, anthropologists and archaeologists and we’ll continue to dig. So far, we have seen a lot of mysteries. We have a lot of scientists in Ife now researching and discovering mysteries.

At times, I sleep and remember things that have happened in another world to me and I bring them to reality when I wake up. I believe I had existed before. My spiritual intuition is very deep and getting deeper.

There is life beyond what we see. The third and unseen eye makes that possible to see things human beings don’t see.

How are you coping with the generational shift in kingship in Yorubaland?

It’s a good thing that young kings are ascending the throne so that things can be better. Monarchy in Yorubaland is very strong. It’s part of our heritage and culture.

You see Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers living together in harmony. You can’t see that anywhere in the world and it’s almost balanced. We are a mirror for the entire human race. Yet, we don’t fight. You wouldn’t see any communal or religious rancour. Mr. President said same in his speech by asking what are we doing in the South-West that we are getting it right. It’s because of our culture, tradition and heritage.

When elders see their king, they respect them and prostrate themselves. The Yoruba wouldn’t put religion first. There is a binding force in Yorubaland and that is why religion cannot be so strong such that we throw away our heritage. Religion is dogmatic, while heritage is about morals and values.

Although it is one God, there is something peculiar about the Yoruba race.

Do people consider you too young for the throne?

Because I’m blending tradition and modernity, some would say I’m young.

Others think I’m handling it well. You would have critics but time is changing. The youths should be appealed to. Seventy per cent of the population is made youths, and they follow me and my activities on a daily basis all over the world.

Would you also support generational shift in the leadership of the country?

Absolutely. That’s the way forward. The question is: are we ready? We have to be ready.

It is rumoured that you have remarried. Is that true?

What! Who told you I don’t have a queen in the palace? I cannot divorce. It’s just a rumour everywhere. I didn’t do that. Did

you hear anything from me about that? You can’t! Let people say whatever they want to say. My focus is my call to destiny. This is a spiritual throne. The very first point of call upon my ascension to the throne in the palace is the Number Queen in this palace.

She was handed over to me spiritually and that’s the number one wife of any Ooni of Ife. There are perpetual wife and king in this palace. Even any other queen must pay obeisance to her. It’s a very spiritual throne.

There is queen in my palace perpetually.

You might not see it. Kings don’t divorce.

My eyes are on the ball. You have no idea how many women they say I’ve married. Let them keep saying that. I am focused.

Are you saying you have a physical queen in the palace and is it a myth that any queen who leaves the palace is placed under a curse?

Can anything be greater than the almighty God? We don’t need to talk about curse. But our traditions must be properly upheld. In everything I do, I must follow my tradition and heritage. The curse is probably seen as a myth or reality. But that is not the issue. We must uphold the culture of the land. And that’s the reason you wouldn’t hear me talk about the queen.

Is that to say you don’t feel the need for one?

How do you mean that I don’t feel the need for one? Did I tell you that there is none in the palace? There’s never been a day that there’ll not be a queen in the palace of the Ooni of Ife; seen and unseen. It’s a very sacred and spiritual throne. There is a queen that lives in this palace permanently.

That’s my first inheritance on my arrival at the palace and her name is Yeyemoolu.

The Yoruba would say ‘Alade o kin k’omo tabi iyawo; meaning is that: a king does not turn down children or wife. So, you would never hear it from my mouth that I divorced.

I didn’t divorce anyone. I didn’t. I’m not saying it’s not important. But it’s by the way.

I have bigger responsibilities.

What is your relationship with the Oba of Lagos, following a recent mild drama which saw him refuse to shake hands with you at a public function last year?

I’ve known the Oba of Lagos before I ascended the throne. To the glory of God, he was a father to me when I was a prince and I’ve ascended the throne of my forefathers as the Ooni of Ife. To the glory of God, he’s accorded me great respect the same as I’ve accorded him. I don’t have any problems with him. People just try to make a mountain out of a molehill. He’s a very good person but with a different approach. We approach things differently. He expresses himself the way he feels and that doesn’t make him a bad person. I know him very well. We don’t have issues. I respect him and he respects me too.

The Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, was reported to have said he is the owner of Ile Ife and he can rule Ife from his palace if allowed.

Is this true?

The Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, doesn’t have a sense of history. With due respect to him – he is a king – but he doesn’t know history. If he does, he wouldn’t have said that because Ife belongs to every human race and that’s the source of mankind. As the king of Ife, I’m holding forth for everyone. Going down history, there have been three dynasties in Yorubaland and in the third dynasty, I am the 51st Ooni of Ife. We have had thousands of rulers who have come and gone. But the kingship system started in the third dynasty.

The first dynasty, Ife Oodaye; the second is Ife Ooyelagbo and the third is Ife Oduduwa.

There is a recycling in the spiritual realm. The first dynasties were mostly divinities. There is a transition between divinity and humanity.

The transition happened in the first dynasty and the second dynasty. We, the Yoruba, are not naturally Yoruba. It is our alias – ‘kaaro ojiire’. We are known as ‘Omo ti luabi’ – the descendants and survivors of the flood. It is the same story of Noah in the Bible and Quran. And that happened in the second dynasty in Yorubaland. Olugbo doesn’t understand the story well. He has only gone to the Iwerin quarters in Ife and that’s the third generation of Olugbo and they left Ife for the first time. The grandfather is called Ora Ife, also known as Sango. He only went to a section for him to have said he owns Ife. He can’t be the owner of Ife because Lua came the first time in spiritual form and again during the third dynasty. The world of the spiritual existed before humanity. Olugbo

didn’t get the trend of events very well. He visited a portion and jumped to the conclusion. People get it wrong that Oduduwa met people in Ife the third time. They left during the second dynasty to go and establish Mecca and came back when there was problem of rulership. Oduduwa came back to establish the kingship system so that there’d be orderliness.

I give him respect but he didn’t get the link and I wouldn’t blame him. If he wants to know about history, he doesn’t need to go to Obawirin people. They didn’t fall from heaven.

Some people gave birth to the Obawirin. The link is clear. If only he (Olugbo) were calm, he’d know we are all from the same root.

I don’t blame anybody. But it needs to be properly explained to him because he got it wrong.

If that’s the case, have you made efforts to put things in perspective?

Absolutely. I’m working on it. The first tree of the human race, Adam and Eve, and the way they’ve populated the world up to seven billion is long. So, we are backing everything up scientifically and the dynasties that have existed in the world before Adam and Eve. We are exploring humanity, divinity, race, kingdoms and kingship system. We have gone far in McDNA (Mitochondria and DNA), doing in-depth research with the Western world for us to fully establish the story out of Africa.

There is a trend and that is a log from our blood. Archaeological facts are not given full disclosure. It’s systematic and explainable. We are not working alone and we’re digging up loads of archaeological facts. Once it’s done, it would involve the entire human race and there would be contributions from all parties.

Since you became king, what has happened to your business?

I can’t do the two together. My business is ‘crying’; a lot of apology to clients. I haven’t even settled properly on the throne. It’s big and challenging. I felt I’ll be able to run the two together because I’m a hands-on person.

Unfortunately, the business was built around me. I let go and it affected the business. It’s a challenge.

The fact that you are so busy, when do you find time to introspect?

It’s the grace of God. I sleep very little; I manage my time very well. For the calling I’ve chosen, 24 hours are not enough for me. I know things would get better gradually.

What was your relationship with the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuade Okunade?

He was a good father to me and we were extremely close. Till he left this world, he prayed for me as a father and I enjoyed his company. Even in death, he is still alive to me – with me – because we all reside here in the palace and we have a way of communicating.

My ancestors are here with me and we all still communicate. That is one unique thing about Ife. You can’t see it anywhere.

You have a thing for cars.

I love the good things of this world. I like cars but at times I don’t place too much importance on them. I like very elegant things.

Does nature accept human blood in the process of appeasement?

No, that’s not good. It is ungodly. We don’t use human blood to appease nature or our ancestors. Whoever says so tells a lie. Everything started from Ife and you are in Ife now.

What can be as great as doing festivals every day? It’s a western way of making us believe our ways are worse while theirs are better.

That’s why we are backward and perpetually enslaved to date. We can’t survive without our heritage and culture. It’s not possible. There is no nation that has grown outside its culture and tradition. It’s time we appreciated our culture. We all call the same God, the Supreme Being. The lesser gods are deities. They bow to the main God Almighty, King of kings.

Seas roar, water, wind, trees, mountains and human beings bow down before God. No one can survive without water. God created good and bad. Jesus Christ was not a Christian. He didn’t preach Christianity, He preached holiness. Mohammed preached peace. Others have turned it to something else. We are working on the renaissance of our culture and people would see that we are not of evil.

What is the true story of the ‘Abobaku’?

They are called ‘Asiwaju Orun’ (forerunners to heaven). When the king was ‘leaving’, they were put in the grave alive. And they would ‘go’ with the king. The spirits of the Abobaku would go with the king. It was stopped in Ife during the time before my predecessor, Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, who ruled from 1930 to 1980.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 28, 2018

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Melaye

Dino, My Dino As a follow-up to my theme of the week, you see where arbitrariness is leading us in this country? Pictures of a sitting senator on the floor, on a stretcher continue to assail us and foolish Nigerians are jubilating and laughing at Melaye not knowing that they are witnessing the gradual erosion of our values and the inevitable descent into anarchy. So some hoodlums made statements purportedly implicating the senator and he was declared wanted. The senator sef, no try.

Instead of him to respect due process and authority, began to taunt the system, embarking on some goady and irritating behaviours and carried on like he was the Idi Amin of our time and above the law. To make more nonsense of the whole matter, he escorted the Senate President on a visit to the same Kogi where the police had declared him wanted. He was given a red carpet and we began to scratch our heads.

He came back to Abuja, released some more songs, taunting our system, our lawmaking a mockery of what and who we are as a people. Reminding us that we are all monkeys in a jungle filled with perfidy. And then he headed to the airport for a foreign trip sanctioned by the Senate and then got held up by immigration officials and from there the Nollywood thriller began. What had changed? That is the question clueless Nigerians should be asking. What changed oooooooo?

Why the sudden rush to arrest him after weeks, if not months, of walking around the place with neroistic buffoonery with the police giving him the leeway to parade himself? I am so ashamed of the legacy we are leaving for our children.

A platoon of policemen go in to arrest an unarmed senator, he gets refugees from the Internally Displaced Camps near his house to guard him and then a shameful standoff begins. Meanwhile, the one that stormed the Senate and carried away the mace is still running around with his baldhead free as a bird o. Then the senator like a glamorous Hollywood drug lord, announces that he would give himself up and then he is bundled into a truck headed for Lokoja. Suddenly, he tried to jump out of the window and escape. He is rearrested and then footage of him on the floor emerges. Please, what is going on? Is this a country? Dino should please spare us all these theatrics and go like a man and face his accusers and then the authorities whether it is police, judiciary or anybody should also live up to their responsibilities in upholding the rights of every citizen, Melaye or not. This is getting really tiring abeg.

Buhari – We Need to Talk Yes, my lord. We really need to talk. I need to eyeball you old man to small boy and tell you some home truths. You see, this is not what we agreed o . The system is drowning from arbitrariness and the people are the worse for it. Everything and anything are just happening and just when you think you have heard the last, another one happens. My lord, we are not happy I must tell you and if you agree to meet with me, this will not be a Dele Momodu type of talk. I will tell you the

Buhari

Anosike

The Curious Case of Mounir Gwarzo The thread of my yarn on this page today will be that of institutionalisation of our system. When we begin to have individuals, groups and interests wielding enormous influence and power over our destiny, then we will begin to witness the kinds of monkey things that we are seeing. I am looking very closely at the case of this gentleman who has for the last five years been under one form of suspension or the other over allegations that are yet to be substantiated or are still being investigated.

From what has been thrown to the public, it was very clear that the motive for this suspension is what in Shomolu we call K-leg and this continues to be substantiated with the ongoing drama where we are having musical chairs of journeymen as acting frontmen for our capital market regulator. You see, if we can build strong and virile institutions guided by the rule of law and due process, then we will

home truth – we are not happy. People are barging into the Senate and running away with the mace just like that. Senators are jumping out of moving trucks and there seems to be a general lethargy towards the rule of law and due process. This your own spending without appropriation is not helping matters. Please, sir, you come from a strict background, a disciplined lineage and you have been a true patriot after having served this country in different capacities, you cannot allow things to continue to be like this. You owe us to rise above all of this and show true statemanship restore order. If I am not

be able to cleanse the system and provide for the people better leadership. It gets much more curious when you consider the fact that others even in worse situations have been recalled; abi see the case of the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme and that of some Directors of the National Emergency Management Agency.

So what we are seeing now is the infusion of other colourations in decision taking which leads to this opaque-like consequences. Me, I do not like putting my mouth where it does not concern me, after all when the Mounir sef was DG, he did not take my calls one day, but the truth is that what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Why single him out for all this coldness? For me, let us follow due process. What does the civil service procedure in these matters say? Abeg, let someone answer me, I no know book o.

making common sense just ignore me.

But if I am making sense to you, then rise up this morning to your responsibilities and remember the oath you took – if you have forgotten, send someone to NTA and retrieve the footage and watch again. This country needs you at this time.. If I didn’t like you, I would not tell you o. I remain very steadfast in your support as I do not see any meaningful opposition to your leadership but if things continue like this, you may even lose my support. I know you can do this, please just try. Things are really falling apart under your watch.

History beckons and you must make the

Mohammed

right side of it. I have said my own o and I have kept quiet. Make I go chop abeg.

No worry, I no wan see you again, it is not a problem. I don talk. I’m too busy looking for school fees. Thank you.

Jude Idada’s Sankara Jude is my new friend, a Canada-based theatre director and writer. He had invited me to come see his latest work, Sankara.

This is a depiction of the last days of the lovable revolutionary Thomas Sankara captured the imagination of Africans with his passion, clarity and love for his people.

Jude outdid himself in this epic production; his casting was blameless and my brother, the lead actor, Patrick – forgotten his surname, was simply marvellous in character. The French accent was almost impeccable, his blocking, his posturing were all on point. The play which depicts the last 100 days of the great revolutionary remains a signpost for the emergence of the golden era of Nigerian theatre. Well done, my brother. Kai, I am still breathing heavy four days after. Let me seize this opportunity to even announce our collaboration. You know me, I have a big mouth and do not really know how to keep quiet.

Jude and I are working on a partnership that should see us deliver two productions a year for the foreseeable future. He will script and direct and I will look for the money. You see, with the kind of talent I have seen in this black boy, the arts in our country can only be blessed through our continuous support and encouragement.

Fidelis Anosike’s Heritage Book If you see the book, you will weep for Nigeria. Fidelis Anosike has spent the last five years in researching and producing a great coffee-table book that celebrates Nigeria’s heritage. I have seen the book which I must say takes a powerful gift to foreign dignitaries and tourists who need to be sucked into our very rich cultural and economic heritage. The production, the crispness and more important, the contents make for a very powerful addition to a collection. I hear it is limited edition making it all the more valuable as a collector’s item. Well done, bro.

Lai Mohammed – Please Release this List My Lord, I am compiling a list of all those who have refused to support my coming play – Isale Eko. As soon as I finish compiling the list I will be sending it to you for immediate release. I will appreciate it if you release it the same time you will release the third edition of your very popular list. It will be marvellous.

The list is comprehensive and unlike your own, is very encompassing as it has representations from all ethnic groups, religions – even Ogboni people dey there and all political divides. Both APC and PDP operatives are well represented. Even my landlord and the great Sowore made the list. I will really be appreciative if you quickly release the list by next week so that they can all scramble to get off the list by supporting Isale Eko which is one of the most important theatre productions that have come out of Shomolu in the last 10 years. Thank you, my honourable and may your data plan not finish.

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APRIL 28, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPY GLASS

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

AGBANI DAREGO’S UNBENT RESOLVE

OMISORE

OMISORE’S ENDLESS QUEST Senator Iyiola Omisore, a former Osun State Deputy Governor, understands politics like the back of his hand.

But his adventure in politics has not been particularly inspiring.

It will be recalled that while he was deputy governor of Osun, he reportedly fell out with his former boss, Chief Bisi Akande. Strangely, almost all his moves to rise in the ladder of politics have been frustrated to the chagrin of his fans.

In 2014, he contested under the then ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the governorship poll, but he lost to the Action Congress candidate, Rauf Aregbesola, even with the federal might.

His political career would later suffer a huge blow. But like a cat with nine lives, he came back stronger and better.

Shortly after completing his PhD in engineering that kept him away for a while, he bounced back to his position as a force to be reckoned with in the state’s politics, as his Ile-Ife country home again became a Mecca after, especially when PDP won Osun West Senatorial District with Ademola Adeleke. He was said to have contributed hugely to the emergence of Adeleke, who is now regarded as a dancing senator, when he brokered peace among aggrieved party members shortly before the July 8 senatorial election. Following that development, some of his disciples who had left him during the turbulent years reportedly returned.

Today, many, especially his loyalists, believe it is his time to realise his age-long ambition of ruling the state this year.

But Spyglass gathered that this might be yet another case of phantasmagoria, as the intrigues, horse-trading and power play in PDP is getting more difficult and beyond the Ile-Ife-born high chief.

The stakeholders in the party allegedly prefer a younger and fresh candidate who has no heavy ‘baggage’ with him.

Consequently, Omisore is said to be discussing with chieftains of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, which is relatively unknown in Osun State.

In the same vein, most of his loyalists and supporters have already joined the party in preparation for his coming.

However, a source, who is in the know, revealed that this might be a great mistake for the politician. “In fact, this may be the end of his political career, as he may be eclipsed politically,’’ the source stated.

AGBANI DAREGO

Ibiagbanidokibubo Asenite Darego, famously known as Agbani Darego, may be described as an incurable dreamer.

Luckily, most of her dreams have come true, as evidenced by what she is today.

She rose to prominence after being crowned Miss World in 2001, thereby putting her fatherland on the world map.

Her victory then on the world stage was celebrated by her compatriots, home and abroad.

Interestingly, many years after her big win, she has continued to stay relevant in the modelling, entertainment and fashion worlds.

However, the graduate of New York University has been unable to replicate this magic in the business frontier, as her Lekki, Lagos-based outfit, AD Collection, did not thrive well.

She remains undeterred. She is not one to give up easily. Perhaps, this explains why she went back to the drawing board and re-strategised to launch an online outfit. The full ready-to-wear women’s wears and easy-to-wear clothes outfit was launched in March this year.

Much as her latest effort is encouraging, tongues are wagging if the darkskinned ex-beauty queen will get it right this time.

FUN, GLITZ AS UBA REWARDS STAFF

In life, the joy that comes with one’s efforts or hard work being truly appreciated and rewarded goes beyond description.

While it confers on the person rewarded for hard work and diligence a sense of responsibility, the reward, financial or otherwise, is a potent morale booster on the recipient.

Perhaps, this was the motive last Saturday, when the management of the United Bank for Africa, UBA, decided to reward its outstanding staff at the 2018 edition of the UBA CEO Awards held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

No doubt, it was a night of fun, glamour and excitement as many from across Africa thronged the venue to witness the momentous occasion. The event trended all night, as the management, staff members and clients all got totally immersed in the celebrations of the special evening.

In an interview with newsmen on the red carpet before the event took off, the Chairman, UBA Plc, Tony Elumelu, in company with his delectable wife, Dr Awele, said that the bank chose the day to reward staff who had worked hard to ensure that the company remained a leading financial institution on the continent.

“It is a time to reward dignity, hard work, and excellence in execution and to show our multitude of staff globally that they are very much appreciated for their contributions,” he said.

Also speaking, the GMD/CEO, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, who congratulated the recipients of the various awards in different categories, urged them to

TONY ELUMELU

continue to work hard and imbibe the core values of UBA. He reiterated that customers were the employer and all staff must focus on ensuring that they are given excellent services always. He said, “Every year, it is our tradition to appreciate our people who have put in their best and gone far and beyond the call of duty to deliver excellent services to the bank and the customers by extension.

“As you may well know, UBA has promoted about 47 per cent of its staff within the last 12 months, and this is something that is very rare in our industry. It is a statement about our commitment to the employees.

“We know that when you have been rewarded, you will be motivated to do more, so I encourage you all to put in your best and remain focused on satisfying the customers, which is the reason why we are here.”

In attendance were captains of industries, media moguls, Nollywood stars, public servants and politicians, including President of Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chairman of Forte Oil, Femi Otedola; President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande; former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and wife, Angela; Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu; Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila ; CEO, Ebony LifeTV, Mo Abudu; actor Richard Mofe Damijo; actresses Omotola Jalade Ekehinde and Omoni Oboli.

Others were: Former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, Wale Edun; CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane; CEO, Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya.

Also in attendance were the bank’s Directors, including Ambassador Joe Keshi; Chief Kola Jamodu; Ambassador Adekunle Olumide; Mrs. Rose Okwechime, among others.

The evening of fun, which was anchored by the duo of IK Osakioduwa and Ayo, was further charged with musical and comic performances by some of Nigeria’s greats in the entertainment industry like Olamide, Flavor, Kiss Daniels, Styl Plus, Falz the bad guy and Basketmouth.

IMO MIKE’S LATEST MOVES

For over a decade now, Michael Imonikhe Edorhe, a.k.a. Imo Mike, has been identified as a very daring and ambitious businessman.

He takes risks and does not see any task as too difficult to accomplish.

Besides, he is known for being a problem solver.

Interestingly, Mike, who is said to be a big investor in the Instant Pick and Instant Apartment business run by Ubi Franklin, is reportedly making new moves that will, once again, prove why he towers above his competitors in the industry.

Recently, words came to town that Mike is planning to float a new TV channel, Sol TV, a 24-hour urban and lifestyle channel that will promote Nigerian and African cultures in music, drama, sports, fashion and tourism.

It was further learnt that he would also be unveiling Sunset Park, a recreation resort in Minna, Niger State,

IMO MIKE

ADEBIYI FALADE which is aimed at providing maximum satisfaction in leisure activity, sports, entertainment and lots of fun events for both adults and children.

Mike, also a philanthropist, finds fulfillment whenever he shows love and kindness to others who can’t pay him back.

INSURANCE GURU, ADEBIYI FALADE, CELEBRATES AT 50

Birthdays, it is believed, are supposed to be occasions for the celebration of life by the living. Birthdays are also a period when the celebrator takes stock of his or her life and feels like climbing the mountaintop to shout halleluiah.

Little wonder, Crusader Sterling Pensioner Managing Director, Adeniyi Falade, rolled out the drums to celebrate his 50th birthday last Sunday in Lagos.

Though he detests throwing lavish parties, the event of last Sunday was slightly different for the man whose sterling leadership qualities have distinguished him from many of his competitors in the industry.

The respected accountant threw open the doors of his expansive mansion located at the upscale Crown Estate, Ajah Lagos for family, friends and colleagues to join him in the celebration of life.

At the birthday soiree, the very amiable man, who was supported by his amiable wife, showcased his sense of hospitality as he gave the few invited guests a wow experience; they were all treated to local and intercontinental dishes and choice drinks.

Falade, an investment banker, had his professional accountancy training at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Lagos.

Before his appointment as the Managing Director, Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited, he had served as the Managing Director of Lead Capital and Head of Investment Banking Group of Ecobank Nigeria Plc and Lead Bank Plc. Also, he had, at various times, served as Head of Internal Control/ Chief Inspector and Head of Risk Management Department of Lead Bank Plc. He holds a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc), Chemistry from the University of Ibadan.

He was appointed to the board of Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited on February 7, 2007 as Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ ͺ͸͚͜

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

TAYO SOBOLA

Every Time I’m Thinking of How to Make Money ÙÚĂ&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁ Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă‹Ă? Ă™ĂžĂ‹ĂŁĂ™Ă‘Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ëœ Ă‹ĂŁĂ™ Ă™ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă‹ Ă“Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ÒÙÞ Ă™ĂœĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ‹Ě‹Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ ×Ùà ÓĂ?Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă‹Ëœ ×ÙÑĂ? Ă˜Ă“Ă”Ă™Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă˜Ëœ Ă™ĂœĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ëœ ĂŽĂ‹Ă•Ă?Ă”Ă“Ëœ Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă‘Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ ÞÙ Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă?Ă?ĂĄË› Ă™ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă‹ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ™Ă˜ Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ?Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?ĂĄ Ă™ĂœĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ‹ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă˜Ă™Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ?Ë› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?

The secret of my beauty t is God. It is just God that has kept me like this; his mercy and favour have made me beautiful.

And about me being the richest Yoruba actress, I honestly don’t know about that. I only know that I have been working so hard to meet my daily needs, and to help people around me. A wealthy person is someone who can reach out to people in need, and also take good care of one’s self, that’s all. If you claim you have money and you cannot help people who are in need, then you are not wealthy. So, in general, wealth is the ability to reach out to people and help them.

I

About Sotayo’s foundation For me, I don’t want to go about saying I have a foundation and then tomorrow everybody would turn my office into one meeting point. But the truth about it is that I know how I reach out to my people. I don’t believe I have to come out to say to everybody that this is how I help people. So, I don’t think I need to blow my trumpet about everything I do, but I have ways of helping and reaching out to people in need.

What success is to me If I want to talk about success or a successful person, I will say a successful person is one that puts so much effort into something and sees it grow.

That’s when you know you’re succeeding in whatever field you chose or whatever foundation you have laid. Putting ideas together, seeing it grow are result are what make a person successful.

I am a successful person I don’t think there is anything I have ever laid my hands on that has actually gone backward or retrogressed. I run a fashion outfit, Clean Stitches. I basically wear Clean Stitches. We make a whole lot of things in Clean Stitches. We make casual outfits, traditional attire and so on. I will do an official launch and proper unveiling in few months and everybody will get to see it.

What inuenced my fashion business The truth about it is that most times, I have known myself to be this kind of person that loves to design. I usually go about with pen and paper to draw sketches and even people that make my clothes can tell that most of the times, I sketch my designs and still end up paying them for it. So, I decided one day that I should try and make these things myself. I sew once in a while. But most times when I see them making it, I try to gather one or two ideas from them. So, it is not

like I learned it; so that is how it has been for me.

Sotee Entertainment Sotee Entertainment is into production of movies, artiste management and promotion, photography and make-up. We don’t have a record label, as expecte. But we promote and manage artistes.

How I juggle everything What do you expect from a brain that doesn’t sleep? Every time I am thinking of the next thing I want to do to make money.

Things people don’t know about me Well, I look like someone that just sits and eat and money comes to meet me.But that is not true. I am a very hard-working person even though I don’t look it. I know I look like someone who is so unserious but those who know me, know that 24/7 my brain is calculating. I am a very calculative person so many people don’t know I work hard. You don’t have to wait for millions to get into your account before you turn it into billions. You can start a small business and at the end of the day, you are making money.

Whatever thing you are doing, you can always spread your tentacles and put your best in it. That is why I am doing a whole lot of things. I am trying different things outside acting. I can account for everything I have because I have other resources outside acting.

Acting is just one of my several sources of income.

Sotayo and politics I read Political Science and I have a Bachelors of Science in Public Administration. I did Diploma in Law too.

So definitely I am going to make use of my certificate someday. Actually, I didn’t do Theatre Arts or Fashion Design in school or some other things I am doing now. But somehow, someday, I am going to use my certificate.

Love life I am happy now and I am not ready to disclose my love life. So, I focus on business and I am into a whole lot of things that would be unveiled in few months. I am doing a whole lot of movies, unveiling a whole lot of brands and businesses that would be made known soon.

Not a strict person Maybe I wear the looks of somebody who is not accessible or approachable.

But I am a cool-headed and easy going person. I am a principled person and I don’t like to be everywhere. I don’t like noisy places and I like the company of myself most times.

Sobola

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 28, 2018

23

FORTHERECORD

Why We Must Train the Trainers At the formal inauguration of Moje College of Education in Erin-Ile, Kwara State, on Thursday, guest speaker, Olusegun Adeniyi spoke on why the reform of education sector must start with the quality of teachers

S

ince we are in a school environment, let me begin with the story of a student who got 100 out of 100 in a crucial examination. On the school’s prize giving day, after the student had been presented a gift for what everyone assumed to be his brilliance, the chairman of the occasion said: “I hope you will keep it up so that you can win this award after the next examination.”

To this, the student replied: “Yes Sir, I intend to do that. But I also hope that when that time comes, my teacher will equally print the question paper from my uncle’s computer.”

Until I got the invitation to speak at this event, I wasn’t even aware that there is any private school in this country that is committed to the training of teachers. Upon enquiry, I discovered there are actually a couple of them, including one in Ilorin. But this College is different because it is a product of community efforts. I therefore commend the vision behind this noble idea while I congratulate the people of Erin-Ile for the decision to raise the standard of education in Nigeria through this unique intervention.

As an indigene of Kwara State, I can attest to the fact that our people have always come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems. Whether it is to build schools or hospitals or town halls etc. communities in Kwara State have always pulled resources together for the advancement of the common good through shared responsibility. But, this intervention is particularly special because it is geared towards the most critical yet neglected area of our national life: the education of teachers.

When they say three successive generations cannot be poor, as we often say in Yorubaland, we must qualify the saying.

Ten generations can be poor if nobody seeks knowledge. The only weapon to break such a generational curse is education.

And there can be no education without teachers. Therefore, the significance of this initiative is that it targets the root of the malaise in our educational system. If we are to address the current state of our education, with the aim of fixing it, we must start with the training of teachers.

Kabiyesi, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me pause here to pay tribute to a very special man in whose honour I am here today. I am talking of no other than Bishop David Abioye, one of the most respected men of God we have in the country today. I have known the Bishop for a decade now and I have within the period followed what God is using him to do. As a man whose ministry is about building the total man, I can understand why the Bishop is committed to this community project and his involvement also gives me the confidence that this will be a model college for the training of teachers in Nigeria.

The educational sector in Nigeria needs urgent reform and to do that successfully, we must focus on teachers and teaching as a profession and I have a few suggestions here. The respect that the profession deserves should be accorded it. The best of students should be encouraged and enticed to teach. Making teaching lucrative is also vital in reforming our educational system. A situation where teachers are owed salaries is inhuman and condemnable. The agencies tasked with the responsibility

We cannot continue to neglect public education if we are to develop as a nation. To the extent that the educational development of any country is measured by the state of its public schools, it goes without saying that we are already in trouble in Nigeria given what obtains today. I doubt if there is any Nigerian, including even those who are at the bottom of the pyramid, who wants to send his/her children to what we now call public schools except left with no other choice

Bishop Abioye

to regulate should also be empowered to do their job. This will inadvertently take care of mediocre teachers swarming the classrooms without the requisite qualifications to teach or model excellence to our children.

I will also implore teachers that are currently in service to seek self-improvement. In this age of the internet and mobile technology, there are many free online courses available to teachers.

Since self-development is an essential part in the human capital development agenda, teachers must engage on continuing professional development programmes. It is only in that way that they can improve themselves and the standard and quality of the knowledge they share. Any teacher who strives to push their boundaries and actively create challenges for themselves will always be ahead of others.

I have a few more suggestions. The authorities and critical stakeholders in the education sector must work towards redesigning the curricular in such a way that it suits the requirements of a developing society with specific goals and objectives.

The aim of the exercise would be to overhaul and reform the learning content in our schools to ensure that it is more robust and responsive to the socio-economic needs of our country.

These are workable interventions and there is no better time than now to take these things on track.

As things stand, the model we are operating is rather obsolete and cannot produce the required or expected outcomes across board. Yet, as we all agree, the quality of our education system will determine the quality of the society we will have. Along this direction, we need to ensure that there is room for continuous staff development workshops, provisions of well-equipped libraries at all levels and parental involvement in the entire process of educating our children where appropriate.

However, even if we do all the foregoing, we may still be scratching the surface. The biggest challenge we have in the country today is the quality of teachers. In several states across the country, from primary to secondary schools, majority of those who impart knowledge to our children are no better than functional illiterates. The question is: If those who are supposed to impart knowledge on primary school pupils cannot even pass some elementary test, what kind of knowledge will they transfer to the children?

The situation is akin to a blind leading a fellow blind and unless some drastic measures are taken to address the malaise it could lead to a permanent system collapse while the future of the younger generations of Nigerians is seriously compromised.

That is why initiatives like MOJE College of Education are very important. If we are to move our country along the path of peace and sustainable development, we must focus our attention on the training of teachers and I speak from experience here.

For two consecutive years, (2015 and 2016), I was on the panel of Judges for the Nigerian Breweries Plc to select the annual Maltina Teacher of the Year winner who usually go home with a cash prize of N5 million, overseas training and a block of classrooms for the school where he or she teaches. The process entails marking the entries of hundreds of teachers across the 36 states of the country and Abuja.

The maiden edition in 2015 was restricted to public schools in Nigeria but a year later, the competition was open to all

secondary schools, private or public. But it was a rather depressing experience because if majority of those who are to impart knowledge to our children at secondary school level are themselves barely literate, as I found out, then there is a problem.

It is heartwarming that those in authority understand that teachers are central to the production of high quality human capital. The challenge is that there is no concrete action to change the narrative. At a recent retreat for members of State Executive Council and the Federal Executive Council in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari said and I quote: “With an estimated 13.2 million children out of school, high illiteracy level, infrastructural deficit and decay, unqualified teachers, and inadequate instructional materials, to mention some of the challenges, we can clearly see the effect of decades of neglect that the education sector has suffered.”

The President clearly identified unqualified teachers as one of the problems confronting the educational system in Nigeria. The Minister for Education, who was also at the retreat, suggested that attention should be paid to teachers and to teaching as a profession. But the problem goes beyond empty rhetoric, seminars and conferences; it is about taking decisive action to redress the situation.

This may be the wrong forum to say it but while it is good that communities are coming together for projects like this, we cannot continue to neglect public education if we are to develop as a nation. To the extent that the educational development of any country is measured by the state of its public schools, it goes without saying that we are already in trouble in Nigeria given what obtains today. I doubt if there is any Nigerian, including even those who are at the bottom of the pyramid, who wants to send his/her children to what we now call public schools except left with no other choice.

The sad aspect is that most members of my generation and the generations before us were products of these same public schools we have now abandoned. The implications of such a state of affair are many and far reaching. For instance, whereas people like us from poor background were able to associate with children of the rich by virtue of the public schools we all attended together at the time, such does not happen in Nigeria today which means we are already creating different classes of citizens.

Since education remains the only pathway by which we can address that evolving social problem in our country, we must begin to pay attention to the quality and welfare of teachers. By looking down on the profession and telling teachers to wait for their reward in heaven, we are killing the future of our country.

That explains why a profession that should ordinarily attract the best and which indeed draws the best in many of the Western countries now attracts only those that have failed in other endeavors.

Therefore, as I conclude my presentation, I will passionately enjoin the management of Moje College of Education to raise the bar. You must make excellence your watchword. Only the best should be good enough for admission into this school. Those who do not have the calling and the interest to teach should not be found on this campus. Through this college, let Erin-Ile be the model for the nation. Include professional development courses in your curriculum for those already in the profession. Establish collaborations with universities and colleges abroad. Let Erin-Ile through this college become a hub of learning. Let the nation come here to recruit its teachers knowing this is where only the best can be found.

With people like Bishop Abioye whose life and ministry reflect nothing but excellence and other notable sons and daughters of Erin-Ile identified with this school, the message that Moje College of Education should send to the nation is simple: You have to be brilliant to teach. A situation where teachers fail the same examination they set for their students is unacceptable. It is a crying shame!

A teacher among other qualities should have knowledge of the subject matter, have clear objectives for learning, and possess an engaging personality. A teacher should be a good communicator with effective discipline skills and should not be ignorant of the curriculum and standards. Those are the teachers that this school must produce.

Moje College of Education has arrived on a rescue mission.

It is not going to be easy. The turf is going to be hard. You are going to face discouragement. There will be moments when you would feel like packing up and changing course. When you start to feel that way, always remember that this is more than a college; you are on a mission to battle mediocrity and restore order and standard to education in Nigeria. Although your beginning is small, please stay focused. Yours is a little light, please let it shine till the flame catches the entire educational sector and God is glorified.

As I take my seat, let me remind us again that community development projects are about building a society that works for its people and the process is as important as the results. That should serve those who are on the Governing Board as well as the management of Moje College of Education.

However, on a day such as this, we should also reflect on the abundance that God has bestowed upon us as a community.

So let’s celebrate the real essence of today which is about unity of purpose with gratitude and appreciation to our God and the enduring spirit of Olowe. That, I understand is the spirit that defines this community and is always cherished by sons and daughters of Erin-Ile, whether at home or abroad.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 28, 2018

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Benue Killings: Time to Rejig Canticles...

Impeachment of Buhari: How our Security Architecture

B

enue has, sadly, become a metaphor for wild and senseless killings. It is hard to understand what their offence is. More than any other state in the country, Benue has remained so vulnerable as the killer Fulani herdsmen have literally turned the state into a killing field, making me wonder where all the famous Tiv warriors suddenly went.

The killing spree scaled into another

Dan Alli-Defence Minister degree when the herdsmen laid in wait for Catholic faithful in a community in Gwer East Local Government Area of the state and slaughtered 19 worshipers including two Catholic priests last Monday.

It is so sad and disheartening that in all of these pogrom, the federal government, which controls our collective security, has not only been wringing its arms in helplessness, it has also been saying very wrong and provocative things.

I start with the silly comment of the Minister of Defence, Brig Gen Mansur Mohammed Dan Alli. I wonder how such a person actually became an army general in Nigeria.

After the several rounds of killings and mass burials in Benue State, the said Dan Alli, in his first-ever utterance, noted that the killings were the consequence of anti-grazing laws passed by the Benue State government. He noted that the blockage of pre-independence grazing routes is a precursor to the killings.

It was an annoying argument. He spoke as if Benue State lawmakers do not have the constitutional power to make laws for the governance of their state. The point must be made that the anti-grazing law came long after the series of killings in the state , stretching from Agatu killings et al, had remained unaddressed. Sadly too, not even the anti-grazing law has been able to protect the people from the attacks of the herdsmen. But this is because there is a near tacit support from the state to the herdsmen.

When the Agatu people were killed and their houses and farms burnt, was it because pre-independence grazing routes had been blocked? Did the minister of Defence say anything to console the Benue people or even condemn the killings? He was worrisomely quiet. The first time he spoke, it was to utter such an invidious infamy, seeming to mean that he gave permit to the attacks as a way of registering the illegal objection to the anti-grazing law. It is even sadder that in the face of all the security collapse in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has not sacked the Defence minister. And some of us wonder what he is actually defending if people are slaughtered everyday across the board without any hope of defence or protection by the organs of state.

The next provocative utterance came from Mr President himself. Not only did he not show any satisfying concern over the spate

of killings in Benue, when he chose to respond, albeit belatedly, he was to enjoin Gov Sam Ortom, whom he invited for a meeting, to allow his fellow countrymen (the herders) in Benue. There was no such hard condemnation of the killings, his greatest interest was to urge Ortom to accommodate the killer herdsmen in his state. This is very vexatious.

What is more, the President was to further compound the issues, when he recently declared in the UK, that the killer herdsmen were some of the militia trained by the late Muammar Ghaddafi in Libya. This has provoked many questions. Is it these Libyan renegades that President Buhari described as Ortom’s fellow kinsmen, whom he should accommodate? The President, with all due respect, misfired.

He was to visit Benue State last month, three clear months after the killings escalated, only to claim that he was not aware that the IGP did not carry out his (Mr President’s) instruction to relocate to Benue in the wake of the wild killings.

More than one month after that claim, nothing has changed. The killings are still on and even on more frequent scale. And the IGP is still very much in office, so are the ministers of Defence and the Interior affairs.

Rien change!, as the French will say. The Senate had earlier called for the sack of all the service chiefs following their failure to effectively secure Nigeria and Nigerians.

Last Tuesday, the killer herdsmen stormed St Ignatius Catholic Church, Ayar-Mbalom, in Gwer East Local, Government Area and by the time they fled, they had slain 19 persons, including two priests. Five days after, nobody has been arrested.

Government did the usual: issue statements condemning the “dastardly and heinous crime”, calling the criminals despicable names. That is where it ends, until the next attack takes place. It didn’t take 48 hours before another attack took place, this time in two communities in Guma Local Government Area, where about 39 persons were killed and 60 houses burnt, including the destruction of dozens of farmlands. And the lamentation continues, as Benue has become the Golgotha of Nigeria.

One wonders where the military or even the police are whilst all these killings take place.

Indeed, even armed security men have been victims of this terrorism. About 27 soldiers have thus far been killed in these attacks. But it did not provoke the military enough to wage a counter war against the herdsmen.

It was when one soulful soldier was allegedly killed by the people of Naka village that the military rose in full force in vengeance of their slain colleague. What did they do? They razed down many houses and burnt one person alive while injuring scores of people with a ruthless spirit. So if they have that volume of force and fire power, why have they been tepid with the herdsmen?

Indeed, why is there no repeat of the draconic Operation Python Dance that quelled the Biafran agitation in the South East or even the Operation Crocodile Smile that reined in the militants in the Niger Delta?

Why is the military nibbling when it comes to Benue?

And peeved by the seeming helplessness or near hopelessness of the situation, the House of Representatives has resolved to not only summon the president to answer the questions on the scary security situation in the country, they also resolved to suspend plenary for three days, to mourn those who have been slain by the herdsmen.

Suddenly, the issue of herdsmen has become such a serious national challenge that seems to be defying every logic of state warfare. Pray, does Buhari not know that when the time comes, his weak handling of the herdsmen will be used against him?

Far Can the Senators Go?

O

ur national lawmakers are at it again?

What did they do this time? Is it their refusal, sorry, failure to pass the 2018 budget?

Far from that. Nigerians are now used to their antics.

So what are you labeling them for this time around?

Didn’t you hear they have moved a motion for the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari? Are you not in this country?

Oh yes, I heard. And I think the lawmakers, for once, are living up to their billing as the watchdog of this democracy. Living up to their billings? What do you mean? You mean you cannot decode the strategy of these lawmakers?

What strategy are you talking about? Are you not buffeted with the poor governance of President Buhari? Or do you think the lawmakers are also not feeling it? Or did you not hear that he committed an impeachable offence by withdrawing the whopping sum of $496 million from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) without National Assembly approval? What offence can be more grievous?

Have you read the defence of Mr President? The purchase of those aircraft is quite important and even imperative if the war against terrorism is to be perfectly won so we can sleep with both eyes closed. And the payment for them was time bound.

Any delay in payment would make Nigeria lose the opportunity of acquiring the aircraft which is quite germane to the fight against Boko Haram.

Beside, did you not hear that the National Economic Council, approved the purchase of the specialised copters?

Don’t twist the law. The approval should come from the National Assembly, not the National Economic Council (NEC). Even at that, the said NEC gave the approval after the money had been withdrawn and not before. Don’t you know that by avoiding the National Assembly, the president has compromised the check-and-balance functions of the lawmakers?

Buhari Look, let me tell you.The lawmakers are using the $ 496m withdrawal as a ruse to extract some commitments and compromises from the executive arm of government. In case you do not know, the Senate is sorely angry over the recent developments like the arrest and harassment of the Man Friday of the senate president, Senator Dino Melaye.The senators are also angry that the Federal High court ruled that the National Assembly does not have the powers to order the sequence of the election.They are also angry that Senator Ovie Omo Agege accused of sponsoring the invasion of the Senate may have had the support of the presidency. So you can see the grounds of umbrage and infraction the Senate holds against Mr President. So the talk about impeachment is merely seen as a natural consequence of all that has happened against the Senate in recent times.

I think you miss the point. Yes, the Senate is showing solidarity with Senator Dino, but it is not that he should not face the law, if he has committed an infraction of the law.

Then you don’t understand them.They claim that Dino Melaye is being harassed because he is outspoken and perceived as an enemy of the President. And the police is dealing with Dino is thus meant to rein in the radicals in the upper chamber.

If it is not so, why are they not blaming Melaye for the undistinguished conduct of resisting police arrest and for jumping out of a moving police vehicle as if he is a motor park tout? Or was it the executive that induced the recall process of the Kogi west senator?

And don’t you know that the ruling of Justice Ahmed Mohammed against the National Assembly on the sequence of Elections also embarrassed the lawmaker and their body is literally peppering them? Has the ruling not vindicated the position and argument of the Parliamentary Support Group (PSG)? Was that not the real reason Senator Ovie OmoAgege was unlawfully suspended?

Look, the Senate is looking for some kind of settlement on these matters hence they are flying the impeachment kite as a means of extracting some settlement and compromise.

So are you implying that the impeachment move is all parliamentary drama?

Precisely! Or did you really and truly think that President Muhammadu Buhari will be impeached by these PAYG senators?

What’s PAYG senators?

Go and ask marketers. But be sure that it will all be motion and no movement. It is ordinary hot air, lacking even steam. Or did you forget that after all the Sulphur and fury over the CG of Customs (Col Hameed Alli rtd) not wearing Customs uniform, what happened? Is the old soldier not still wearing his Buba and Sokoto to work till tomorrow? Or after all the shakara of not approving Mr Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is the man not still in office today and even recently threw one senator, Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta north) into Ikoyi prison last Wednesday for an alleged fraud of N805 million?

So don’t fret.The impeachment phase shall come and pass. And we shall all return to status quo ante.

I do not think these lawmakers are as mercantile as you think, They are not Pay as You Go lawmakers. I think they mean business. And Buhari will be in trouble. (stretching out the little finger) Bet me, Nothing will happen, they surely will go no distance on this matter.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 28, 2018

25

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Phrasal Verbs

EBERE WABARA

“F

MBN to spend N1.3bn on home renovation (home-renovation) loans” (PAGE 2 BUSINESS, April 16) “Your exemplary life of leadership and selfless Service (needles capitalization) to humanity has made you a recipient for (of) this honour.”

“CPC to clampdown on illegal microfinance banks” (Daily Champion Front Page Headline, March 30) Phrasal verb: clamp down (two words)—no hyphenation in phrasal verbs “This time around” (THE NATION OPINION Page Headline, March 30) Not my opinion: this time round (British Standard English, while the extract is American). The choice is yours!

“An acknowledged scholar, a distinguished statesman and a team leader per excellence” (Full Page Congratulatory Advert, March 25) Get it right: leader par excellence.

“New trends in electioneering campaigns” (THISDAY Banner, March 25) Politics Today: just electioneering or political campaigns— ‘electioneering campaign’ is sheer verbiage!

‘Electioneering’ encompasses campaign and other related electoral issues.

“INEC asks SSS to crackdown on violent politicians” (Daily Champion Front Page Headline, March 25) Noun: crackdown; phrasal verb: crack down (which applies here).

The next publication under review is DAILY CHAMPION of March 30: “Some countries have taken tobacco manufacturers to court for the damages their products cause.” The will to die: ‘damage‘ is uncountable, except in reparative applications for indemnity.

“With the launching (launch) of the poverty alleviation (a hyphen) programme by the

BY

Federal Government, not a few Nigerians desire to see it effectively in place.” (THE GUARDIAN, March 30) “…what happened was that somebody filed a writ of summon.“ (DAILY CHAMPION, March 24) This way (singular): a writ of summons; plural: summonses.

“It is the Federal Board that is always guilty of that, because it is them who take riff-raffs as welfare officers.” (Nigerian Tribune, March 30) ‘Riff-raff’, just like ‘stuff’, is uncountable.

“Modern technology has reduced the world into (to) a hamlet where the inhabitants are their brothers’ keepers.” This way: brother’s keeper (fixed idiom), irrespective of the number of people involved.

“The coincidence in the timing of all those sleazy gossips in soft-sell magazines and the beginning of his fashion parade….” ‘Gossip’, in this context, is uncountable.

“More overaged players for youth soccer“(Sunday Tribune, April 22) Get it right: overage players.

“Residents of some of the troubled spots in Libya in disarray” (SATURDAY CHAMPION, April 21) Witness to lexical mayhem: trouble spots. “…rummaging all the bags and ransacking every nook and corner.” (Source: as above) Stock expression: nook and cranny.

“The police requires (require) a redeemer who can uplift the Force from the battering it (they) suffered during the long years of militarization.”

“I inquired from those that appear to know and they said that the president is (was) roaming the country in the name of campaigns.”

“There is (are) no electricity, no security, no water, no roads, and no health facilities in Nigeria.”

“Foreign companies will be falling over themselves (one another) to come and invest

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

here if we get the 2019 elections right.” “...given the lame-duck posture of the opposition parties, the APC simply held sway from the onset (outset).”

“Reactions on (to) the Pope’s visit, however successful, were mixed in Egypt, a country inhabited by a predominantly Muslim population.” “Prior to the Pope’s visit, Egyptian Catholics have (had) opted out of the….”

“The first part was published last week Friday.” (THE GUARDIAN, April 23) Monday politics: either last Friday or Friday, last week.

“Vigilante (vigilance) groups, committed to the enforcement of the by-law, are being set up.” (Source: as above) “Some of these areas include producing enough food to feed our teaming (teeming) population.”

“Rather, the money, including the N200 million per state released for special purposes, was diverted to other uses.” We certainly do not need the last three words in the extract, having been taken care of by ‘diversion’.

The next three blunders are from DAILY CHAMPION of March 30: “Unless the detonating mechanism of extremist religious chauvinism is diffused.” Get it right: defused (not diffused).

“They have decided to sheath their machetes and seek vengeance no more.” Noun: sheath; verb: sheathe.

THISDAY of March 30 requires reformation of four lines: “The sources of revenue in a city like Lagos is very important.” Still on errors of attraction (more below): sources…are. “…business downturn resulting to (in) drive-wandering.” “…the rapaciousness of project contractors increase (increases) the country’s debt burden.”

“Senior civil servants’ union berate junior counterparts” Inside business: union berates.

THE GUARDIAN of March 30 questioned

linguistic rules twice: “It’s the poet feared most, knowing fully (full) well that one of the….”

“The agitated crowd, who had been whipped to hysteria, demanded for his head.…” To avoid mayhem, delete ‘for’, from the extract. ”…and which provides a noble and humanistic framework for relations between the state and citizens in (on) our continent.”

“But in the welter of these realignment of forces….” Re-thinking development: this realignment of forces.

VANGUARD of March 30 circulated three goofs: “The fear along the room and corridor (corridors) of power of a sovereign national conference.…”

“It is not in doubt that most of the commuters in the luxurious (luxury) buses that ply.…” “…Aba traders constitute a large proportion of the passengers on commercial aircrafts (aircraft) that fly....”

“Major reorganization of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which may lead to mass retirement and sack of its men and officers, now looms.” Get it right: a major reorganization or major reorganizations, as context demands.

“One of the most outrageous abuses occured…” Spelling in the lurch: occur, occurrence, occurred.

“I do not buy the argument that the advent of electronic mails and network computers have rendered postal services absolute.” Not yet time for structural proximity: the advent of electronic mails and network computers has (not have).

“In doing this, however, he must be faithful to the mandate of the ECOWAS Heads of Government under whose platform he operates.” Agenda: on (not under) whose platform he operates.

Buhari’s Trump Card for Trump

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he recent release of human rights report in Nigeria by the United States may have already set the tone for next week’s meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and his counterpart, Donald Trump, in Washington DC next week. The uncomplimentary verdict of the report places a burden on Buhari to come up with a trump card for Trump that will mitigate the grim focus on human rights violations that have been raised.And for a President pervasively pilloried at home and increasingly demeaned by foreign media, this will certainly be a tall order.Alook at some of the highlights of the report offers a picture that raises red flag for foreign investors and global partners.

In the executive summary, the 48-page document captioned, ‘Nigeria 2017 Hunan Rights Report,’ made unpalatable conclusions around various strands of liberties including freedom of the press, freedom of speech, assembly, fair hearing, rule of law, and economic rights concerning corruption, among others. Giving a broad view of its content, it says: “The most significant human rights issues included extrajudicial and arbitrary killings; disappearances and arbitrary detentions; torture, particularly in detention facilities, including sexual exploitation and abuse; use of children by some security elements, looting, and destruction of property; civilian detentions in military facilities, often based on flimsy evidence; denial of fair public trial; executive influence on the judiciary; infringement on citizens’ privacy rights; restrictions on freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and movement; official corruption; lack of accountability in cases involving violence against women and children, including female genital mutilation/cutting and sexual exploitation of children; trafficking in persons; early and forced marriages; criminalization of status and same-sex sexual conduct based on sexual orientation and gender identity; and forced and bonded labor.” The question is, what will be President Buhari’s response to this sweeping opening statement contained on page one? Which of those submissions can Buhari convincingly repudiate? It is possible the US may have exaggerated the issues but is our President able to provide alternative facts contrary to what informed the State Department’s verdicts?

Maybe an examination of some details of the submissions may help understand the enormity of the grave verdict on Nigeria’s human rights (and governance) records under the Buhari administration.

Sadly, the report represents a roll back on some of the democratic gains made under previous administrations.

On crime, insecurity and terrorism, the report says: “In its response to Boko Haram and ISIS-WAattacks, and at times in response to crime and insecurity in general, security service personnel perpetrated extrajudicial killings and engaged in torture, sexual exploitation and abuse, arbitrary detention, mistreatment of detainees, use of children by some security elements, looting, and destruction of property. The country also suffered from ethnic, regional, and religious violence. There were several reports the government or its agents committed arbitrary and unlawful killings. The national police, army, and other security services used lethal and excessive force to disperse protesters and apprehend criminals and suspects and committed other extrajudicial killings.Authorities generally did not hold police, military, or other security force personnel accountable for the use of excessive or deadly force or for the deaths of persons in custody. State and federal panels of inquiry investigating

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buhari suspicious deaths generally did not make their findings public. In August the acting president convened a civilian-led presidential investigative panel to review compliance of the armed forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement.As of November the panel had not issued a report.” Which of these submissions are factually disputable? In the face of recent comments by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. TY Danjuma, that the military forces are in collusion with criminal gangs engaged in mindless killings across the country, what will Buhari tell Trump? In the light of the carnage inflicted on a Benue community by soldiers on reprisal mission recently, can Buhari safely say theAmericans are wrong?

While acknowledging that “the government took steps to investigate alleged abuses,” the report noted that “fewer steps” were taken “to prosecute officials who committed violations, whether in the security forces or elsewhere in the government. Impunity remained widespread at all levels of government. The government did not adequately investigate or prosecute most of the major outstanding allegations of human rights violations by the security forces or the majority of cases of police or military extortion or other abuse of power.” Perhaps, the report of the investigation by theArmy into

the gross allegations raised by Danjuma will recommend measures that will address the concerns raised by Washington. But can Buhari use a report that has not been made public talkless of being implemented to counter his antecedence of inaction regarding previous investigations? Incidentally, the US cites several examples of this unpleasant attitude of the Buhari administration in the past- on Shittes in Kaduna, on IPOB in the East, and even on Police brutality in general. It states for example: “In September the military reportedly clashed with supporters of the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement, a secessionist group, inAbia State during military exercises. These clashes allegedly resulted in injuries to some protestors and the death of at least one police officer. Human rights groups expressed concern regarding the response and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) urged the military to respect its rules of engagement and stated it would investigate allegations of human rights abuses.As of November the government had not adequately investigated or held police or military personnel accountable for extrajudicial killings of supporters of IPOB movement in 2016.Amnesty International (AI) reported that security forces killed at least 150 IPOB members or supporters and arbitrarily arrested hundreds fromAugust 2015 toAugust 2016. The NigerianArmy (NA) reportedly investigated the incidents as part of a broader Board of Inquiry (BOI), but its full report was not made public. There have been no reports of discipline or prosecution of police or military personnel.” While citing the case of the Kaduna mayhem involving the Shittes, the US report said “as of November there were no reports of the federal government further investigating or holding individuals accountable for the 2015 killing and subsequent mass burial of members of the Shia group Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and other civilians by NAforces in Zaria, Kaduna State.As of November, however, there was no indication that authorities had held any members of the NAaccountable for the events in Zaria. It also accepted the recommendation to hold IMN leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky responsible for all illegal acts committed by IMN members during the altercations and in the preceding 30 years. In December 2016 a federal court declared the continued detention without charge of Zakzaky and his wife illegal and unconstitutional. The court ordered their immediate and unconditional release but gave authorities 45 days to carry it out, reasoning that the government needed that time to provide the couple with a dwelling to replace the one destroyed following the 2015 Zaria incidents.As of November the federal government had not complied with this order and Zakzaky and his spouse remained in detention.As of November more than 200 imprisoned IMN members awaited trial on charges of conspiracy and culpable homicide.” Incidentally, the Police have recently been accused of breaching the rights to peaceful assembly in its use of excessive force against Shiites who were recently protesting the continued detention of Zakzaky inAbuja. Only this week, the Police also used excessive force, including teargasing members of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group advocating peacefully for the return of the Chibok girls. What about journalists that have been variously harassed and detained illegally in the recent past? The examples are copious. What will Buhari tell Trump in the face of all these? Luckily, the conversation could focus on investment opportunities in Nigeria. But unfortunately, the world has taken note of the fact that most Nigerian youths are lazy. Good luck to Buhari.

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

Nissan Ambitious Sales Best in Two Decades

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Jaguar XJ50

XJ50 Celebrates 50 Years of Jaguar’s Legendary Sedan Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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aguar is marking 50 years of its flagship XJ luxury sedan – the choice of business leaders, celebrities, politicians and royalty for five decades – with the launch of a new special edition model.

Revealed at the Beijing Motor Show, the Jaguar XJ50 celebrates half a century of trademark performance, technology and luxury.

Jaguar cars are available at Coscharis Motors, the auto company’s sole representative in Nigeria.

Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, said: “The XJ is the ultimate expression of saloon car luxury and refinement and has been for

half a century.

We couldn’t let such a landmark pass without recognising 50 years of Jaguar comfort and performance and the XJ50 is as desirable as it is understated. From its soft-grain leather upholstery to its distinctive alloy wheels, the enhancements are designed to showcase its traditional strengths – its unmistakable presence, trademark refinement and engaging driving dynamics.”

In sub-Sahara Africa the special edition will be available in both standard and long wheelbase with a 221kW 3.0-litre petrol diesel engine.

The exterior updates for the XJ50 include Autobiography-style front and rear bumpers.

These mark the anniversary edition out alongside purposeful new 20-inch Venom wheels, a black front grille and unique badging

to the rear and side vents, while the striking colour palette includes Fuji White, Santorini Black, Loire Blue and Rosello Red. Inside, the luxurious cabin features soft-grain diamond-quilted seats with an embossed leaper on the headrests and an XJ50 logo on the centre armrest. Unique intaglio branding and XJ50-badged illuminated treadplates also differentiate the anniversary edition, alongside anodised gearshift paddles and bright metal pedals.

The new XJ50 will be introduced to the subSahara Africa market along with the rest of the 2019 model year XJ range in September.

The special edition will be available alongside the high performance XJR575, XJ Luxury, Premium Luxury, Portfolio, R-Sport and top-of-the-range Autobiography models.

New Lexus ES: Performance, Sophistication, Hybrid

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exus will offer the next-generation luxury ES mid-size sedan as an exclusively hybrid range when it arrives in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year.

The hybrid-only strategy signals a new era for the ES that continues the expression of the Lexus brand’s design direction and commitment towards crafting vehicles with heightened excitement, emotion and passion.

The seventh-generation ES is equipped with an all-new platform that enables a more dynamic exterior design and sharpened driving performance.

It pushes the limits of design in the mid-size luxury sedan class with an extended wheelbase and proportions that are longer, lower and wider - resulting in an eye-catching appearance that reflects the car’s new-found performance capabilities.

The new ES builds on the model’s reputation for unparalleled comfort, refinement and luxury appointments by delivering more space, a quieter cabin, class-leading safety technologies and supreme craftsmanship.

A new, fourth-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive System is set to overturn the traditional image of hybrids with excellent performance, high-level fuel economy and the elimination of the “rubber band” feeling associated with previous hybrid systems.

LexusAustralia chief executive Scott Thompson said offering an advanced hybrid system as the sole powertrain aligned with the brand’s global direction of recasting the traditional image of the ES into one that is new and unexpected.

“In Australia, hybrid accounts for 30 per cent of Lexus sales, so offering the latest generation ES solely with an advanced self-charging hybrid system represents another significant milestone towards greater electrification of our line-up,”

issan announced its best sales year in nearly two decades, hiking 10 percent market share in fiscal year 2017, with passenger vehicles growing 44 percent against the previous year and bakkies (pick-ups) mustering a share of 19.5 percent up by nearly a fifth.

Datsun, the brand’s highest market share in South Africa since 1981 similarly rose to 1.3%, just as the Sub-Saharan Africa sales also grew, rising to 13.9%.

Nissan Sub-Sahara said the sales success came on the back of product launches including the Patrol, X-Trail and Micra Active.

Nissan had in the year under review, also focused on customer service, winning 8 awards.

“Nissan is now poised to build on our success with further growth in Africa,” said Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Nissan South Africa.

He said: “We have invested almost R1 billion rand to increase the efficiency of our plant at Rosslyn increasing automation without reducing jobs, and in training and skills development for our people.”

Nissan has developed its supplier base with initiatives to encourage young black entrepreneurs to become suppliers and the company continues to produce a high number of engineers at Rosslyn through its graduate development programme, whichhasbeensupportingSouthAfricaemployees to become master trainers by sending them to Nissan manufacturing plants across the world.

To drive future growth Nissan will focus on further developing its dealership network in South Africa with improved customer experience and enhanced facilities, while it continues to work to increase its share of the passenger vehicle market, and maintaining its strong position in bakkies.

Nissan was the first manufacturer to introduce electric vehicle to South Africa, with the Nissan LEAF launched locally in 2013. Globally, more than 300,000 units of the LEAF have been sold, more than any other electric vehicle.

“The global automotive industry is going through revolutionary technological change, with electric vehicles, autonomous driving and connectivity,” said Mike Whitfield. “SouthAfrica has the potential to lead Africa in embracing this change, and the automotive industry here and the economy stand to benefit.

To do that we need to ensure that the infrastructure and support is in place in South Africa to help build demand for these products.”

Rosslyn is Nissan’s manufacturing hub for the rest of the continent where demand is growing rapidly.And inApril 2014, Nissan became the first mover to assemble cars in Nigeria, and is now exploring new manufacturing opportunities in the continent.

SON Raids Market for Substandard Lubricants

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2018 new Lexus ES

Mr Thompson said.

The new dimension of ES design Built on the all-new Global Architecture - K (GA-K) platform, the new car is longer (+65mm), lower (-5mm) and wider (+45mm) with wheels that have been pushed closer to the corners thanks to a 50mm longer wheelbase and wider tracks front (+10mm) and rear (+37mm).

Project chief designer Yasuo Kajino described the look of the ES as “provocative elegance”. He said: “The ES has always been an elegant luxury sedan. For this generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge the traditional expectations of buyers.”

To create a dynamic yet fluid shape, Kajino’s

team used the low bonnet enabled by the new ES platform to produce a distinctive silhouette emphasised by an aggressive downward slant.

Up front, the face of the ES is dramatically different with the ES 300h using elegant vertical bars that radiate out from the centre.

In a break with ES models of the past, the seventh-generation design uses a fast roofline that emphasises its lower stance and slippery aerodynamics.

The rear end is clean and sharply chiselled.

LED tail lamps wrap around the quarter panels to provide a continuous styling line from any angle. There are two different wheel designs (17 and 18-inch).

heStandardsOrganisationofNigeriahas startedraidingmarketsandwarehouses across the nation in search of adulterated and uncertified lubricants.

SON is riding on the crest of “the SON Act 2015 to remove all non-complying products from the nation’s market,” said director, Inspectorate, and compliance, Bede Obayi, who represented the Director General, OsitaAboloma, at a raid across different markets and warehouses in Lagos, recently.

The special raid was targeted at markets and warehouses where suspected substandard products were stocked or sold, said Obayi.

“The special raid is in accordance with our mandate that all non-complying products must be removed from the market and this special raid is targeted at anywhere we suspect that there are substandard products and this is why we embarked on the raiding of warehouses and markets where suspected substandard lubricants are sold to unsuspecting consumers in this country. “We also seized cables and textile materials because we want to make this country a place where indigenous manufacturers can come and produce.

“We do not want these unscrupulous importers to flood this country with substandard products.

We want the capacity utilisation of Nigerian companies to improve so as to employ the teeming unemployed Nigerian youths and it can only be so when these substandard products are removed from the nation’s market. This is why we have stopped at nothing in getting everything that is suspected to be substandard out of the markets.”

The Organisation also recently met with manufacturers of cables where the agency promised to rid markets of substandard cables.

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

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Electric BMW iX3 to be Built in China, Sold in US

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Black Badge Rolls-Royce Wraith

Adamas Collection Takes Rolls-Royce Black Badge Further into The Darkness Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he Bespoke Collective of the House of Rolls-Royce has conceived a darker iteration of Black Badge Wraith and Dawn, presented in a limited Collection, named Adamas. Drawing inspiration from the name, meaning ‘untameable’, ‘invincible’ and also ‘diamond’, the Collective celebrate the darker side of con-

temporary craftsmanship, expertly weaving a dark aesthetic of unbreakable carbon structures into just 40 Black Badge Wraiths and 30 Black Badge Dawns. Technical fibres and molecular compounds are manipulated and recognised for their systematic, beguiling beauty.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce, commented, “Adamas is a Collection that fuses the extraordinary competence of our Bespoke craftspeople from the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, with the rebellious spirit of Black Badge.

The result is a motor car for those who seek

more than the definitive of engineered luxury conveyance. This is a motor car for the risk-taker who is not afraid to embrace a bold and progressive statement of true and modern luxury, in its darkest form.”

Adamas Collection On encountering Adamas, one is immediately drawn to the Spirit of Ecstasy, who finds herself taken from the edge of darkness, into the black. She is formed for the first time in history of machined carbon fibre, personifying the very essence of the Collection.

he BMW iX3 electric crossover, which was shown in concept form this week at the 2018 Beijing auto show, will be built in China for export to Europe and North America.

According to Automotive News, the production BMW iX3 will enter production in 2020 at a facility located just outside the city of Shenyang in China. It will be produced by BMW’s joint venture partner in China, Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. The concept version of the iX3 is believed to be largely representative of the production vehicle. The concept produces 270 hp from its electric drive system and features a 70 kWh battery pack, giving it a theoretical driving range of 249 miles.

BMW is among the first major automakers to produce a vehicle in China for export. Limited profit margins on electric vehicles have likely cornered BMW into finding ways to more cheaply produce the iX3. Producing the iX3 in China also puts it in one of the world’s largest EV market, with the country accounting for 49 percent of electric car sales in 2017, according to AN data.

The iX3 will arrive ahead of the electric sedan BMW previewed with the iVision Dynamics Concept. That vehicle is expected to be called the i4 and will likely share an electric powertrain and battery pack with the iX3.

BMW is also working on an electric city car in the way of upcoming Mini Electric, which will arrive sometime next year.

(Source: Automotive News)

Stakeholders Prepare for Lagos Motor Fair, Auto Parts Expo

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takeholders in the nation’s auto industry are gearing up for the 13th Lagos Motor Fair and 7th Autoparts Expo Africa that will begin from May 7, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Chairman organising committee and the MD, BKG Exhibitions, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu brought this to the fore while briefing journalist in Lagos, recently.

In what has become an Auto Mundial and show of strength among the indigenous and foreign firms in the automotive business, more firms are confirming their participation in the events.

Many indigenous firms have confirmed their participation while over 80 foreign firms from all parts of the world are storming the Federal Palace Hotel Victoria Island venue of the event with different world-class products and services from their stables.

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rank Uzor (not real name), his wife and their one year and six months old daughter were heading to church on a sunny Sunday morning in their black LexusJeep.Hestoppedbyabanktomake a withdrawal for offering .After parking his car at a spot he believed was safe enough, Frank crossed over to the other side of the road, made his withdrawal at the ATM before crossing back to his vehicle parked at the other side; he got into his car but before he could start his car and move, a Toyota hilux lost control and crashed onto their Jeep. Frank who was anxiously waiting to lavish his lavish on their third year marriage anniversary just few weeks ahead, died on the spot while his wife went into coma and was unconscious for two days before she eventually regained consciousness.

Miraculously, their daughter who was strapped to a car seat behind came out unhurt-she was found just the way she was- strapped.

Franks death was perhaps one of the pathetic true life stories I have heard about. The daughter in all her innocence lives today because the parents chose to do the right thing by ensuring that she was properly strapped. Contrast her case with the recent tragedy that befell one time Minister and a retired Army General who I hold in the highest esteem.Although I never met him in person, I still recall efforts made by some friends who tried to link me up with him when enlisting in the Military was my greatest desire. That desire never came to pass, neither the opportunity to meet him. I am talking about the road traffic crash which caused the death of our former Internal Affairs Minister, General John Shagaya (rtd), According to reports, the 75-year-old retired army general was on his way

Agwu revealed a large number of the major brands of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, banking, insurance, regulatory and policy-making agencies and bodies are taking part”; adding that “though the sector is passing through turbulent times in the country the persistence of major players in participating in this event can is attributable to the importance they attach to it as a key event for demonstrating and showcasing capabilities and potentials. We cannot but attribute their consistency to the strategic importance attached to it by all the stakeholders in the industry who have been hardworking and making sacrifices here and then.

It has been a collective effort and all hands have continually been on deck, starting from the private sector to the various agencies of government both at the state and federal levels.”All the major brands available in Nigeria and to some extent abroad will be showcased.

L-R: Editor, Transport Day newspaper, Mr. Frank Kintum; Lagos State Transport Commissioner, Mr. Ladi Lawanson; Senior Vice President of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Kamilu Omokide, who represented AMCON MD; and acting Head of Transport and Aviation of AMCON, Ayodele Williams, at the 6th Nigeria Transport Awards and Lecture held at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos…

Road Safety Trust Fund SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

to Jos from his village in Langtang, when the crash occurred at Amper in Kanke Local Government of the State. He was said to be travelling along with his driver and orderly when the accident occurred.

But while the two survived with serious injuries, the retired General died. The report says he was unbelted while his driver who survived were said to be on their seat belt.

I am sure you still remember my write up on the disaster in Canada and India which claimed the lives ofover30schoolchildreninbothcountries.Thefigure remindedmeofsimilardisastersthathaveoccurredin ourowncountryinvolvingschoolbusandresultingin the death of school children. Such crashes and others worldwide which is roughly estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) at 1.3million deaths yearly and up to 50million injuries accounted for the historic event of 12April 2018 held at the United Nations New York office. It was the launch of the United Nations Road Safety Trust Fund. It was a majorsteptoaddresssuchtragediesandspurconcrete

actions that could save lives and prevent injuries and associated trauma resulting from road accidents. The launchaccordingtoobserversprovidestheappropriate plank to save the lives of millions of people around the world, and to prevent injuries, suffering and the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents.

According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe,(UNECE) which is the secretariat forthetrustfund,‘’everyUSD1,500contributedtothe fund could save one life; prevent 10 serious injuries; andleverageUSD51,000towardsinvestmentsinroad safety’’. In the words of the head of UNUCE,Olga Algayerova,”The Road Safety Trust Fund will serve as a catalyst for much-needed progress towards the road safety targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. The fund deals specifically with the Sustainable Development Goals targets which aim to half the number of global deaths and injuries from road crashes. President of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile and UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, shares same optimism, “(The Trust Fund) has the potential to galvanize our global efforts to address the road safety situation, building on the progress made and experience gained over the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020,” he said.

There is no doubt that as echoed by observers and experts the Fund will provide the appropriate plank for efforts along the five pillars of the Global plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety, which includes strengthening road safety management capacities, improving safety of road infrastructure and broader transport networks, enhanced safety

of vehicles, improved behavior of road users and improved post crash care. Worthy of note is the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly sponsored by Russia which calls for a host of other measurestocutdowncrashes.Oneofsuchmeasures is the adoption of policies and measures to implement vehicle safety regulations to ensure that all new vehicles meet minimum regulations for the protection of vehicle occupants and other road uses with seal belt, airbags and other active safety systems fitted as standards.

I am no doubt excited about the event especially against the background of what the World Health Organizations (WHO) says about road fatalities in sub-Saharan Africa which it says is projected to increase by 112%, from approximately 243,000 in 2015 to 514,000 in 2030. This increase is said to be a far greater percentage increase than any other region of the world, and is in stark contrast to the projected reduction in fatalities in Europe, Central Asia , East Asia and the Pacific.

The Reports shows that road fatalities per capita are projected to increase by 51% over the period 2015-2030, at the same time fatalities per capita is projected to decline for both HIV/AIDS (-18%) and malaria (-24%). Road fatalities it further notes are projected to overtake the number of malaria fatalities in the Africa during this period. To cause a shift from this global tragedy, WHO recommends a system based intervention which gives priority to institutional management and capacity issues.

According to WHO, “a key factor in tackling the growing road traffic injury burden is the creation of institutional capacity across a range of interlinking sectors, backed by both strong political commitment and adequate and sustainable resources”.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

FAMILY HEALTH with

Genetic Disorders in Man

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Chromosomes Our 46 chromosomes come in 23 pairs. The chromosome pairs are numbered from the longest, number 1, to the shortest, number 22. The 23rd pair of chromosomes are our sex chromosomes, the X and Y chromosomes.

Women have two X chromosomes (XX) and men have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). All the other chromosomes are the same in males and females.

We inherit one chromosome in each pair from our mum and the other from our dad.

Genes The strand of DNA which makes up each of your chromosomes is arranged into sections called genes.

Each gene is a single instruction which tells the body how to do a particular job A genetic disorder is a genetic problem caused by one or more abnormalities in the genome, especially a condition that is present from birth (congenital). Most genetic disorders are quite rare and affect one person in every several thousands or millions.

Genetic disorders may be hereditary, passed down from the parents’ genes. In other genetic disorders, defects may be caused by new mutations or changes to the DNA. In such cases, the defect will only be passed down if it occurs in the germ line. The same disease, such as some forms of cancer, may be caused by an inherited genetic condition in some people, by new mutations in other people, and mainly by environmental causes in other people. Whether, when and to what extent a person with the genetic defect or abnormality will actually suffer from the disease is almost always affected by the environmental factors and events in the person’s development.

Some types of recessive gene disorders confer an advantage in certain environments when only one copy of the gene is present.

Causes Genetic disorders can either be inherited from both parents or from a single parent. Genetic disorders can be caused by a mutation in one gene (monogenic disorder), by mutations in multiple genes (multifactorial inheritance disorder), by a combination of gene mutations and environmental factors, or by damage to chromosomes.

Monogenetic disorders are caused by a mutation in a single gene. The mutation may be present on one or both chromosomes (one chromosome inherited from each parent). Examples of monogenic disorders are: sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease, and Tay-Sachs disease.

Genetic disorders can present as either Single gene or Multiple gene disorder.

Single gene disorders A single-gene disorder is the result of a single mutated gene. Over 4000 human diseases are caused by singlegene defects.[4] Single-gene disorders can be passed on to subsequent generations in several ways.

Autosomal dominantOnly one mutated copy of the gene will be necessary for a person to be affected by an autosomal dominant disorder. Each affected person usually has one affected parent. The chance a child will inherit the mutated gene is 50%. Autosomal dominant conditions sometimes have

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

sclerosis, cancers r $JMJPQBUIJFT DMFGU QBMBUF EJBCFUFT CMPPE QSFTTVSF r IFBSU EJTFBTF IZQFSUFOTJPO JOĂĄBNNBUPSZ CPXFM disease r JOUFMMFDUVBM EJTBCJMJUZ NPPE EJTPSEFS PCFTJUZ r SFGSBDUJWF FSSPS JOGFSUJMJUZ The most common genetic disorder in our own environment are sickle cell anemia, and Downs syndrome.

he human DNA is made up of 46 chromosomes, and each man has a definite sequence , and no two human being have the same gene makeup. This means that your genetic makeup is specific to you and this gives you your human capabilities, shape, intelligence, weaknesses and strengths, susceptibility to illnesses, and immunity , amongst other

things.

In the same way, any defect in your gene sequence, results in genetic disorders or illnesses. This would result in various manifestations of the abnormal gene formation in your DNA. We all began life as a single cell at conception when an egg from your mum and sperm from your dad came together. This single cell divided into two and then into four and so on until you developed into a complete human being made up of billions of cells. It was your genes that instructed your cells to divide in this way and that controlled how you developed. The role your genes play in shaping who you are doesn’t end at birth.

Your genes are constantly being used by your body throughout your life to keep it functioning. They interact with the environment around you and influence everything from your health to your appearance, your behaviour and your personality.

Inside almost every one of oure cells is a tiny structure called the nucleus which acts like the control centre of the cell. Inside the nucleus are 46 chromosomes. Each one is made up of a long strand of DNA. Along the length of the DNA strand are hundreds of genes (like beads on a piece of string – the string is the chromosome and the beads are the genes).

It is estimated that if a strand of DNA was stretched out, it would be around two meters long, even though the average cell is smaller than a pinhead.

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Downs syndrome Down’s syndrome, also known as Down syndrome or trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability and certain physical characteristics.

Characteristics of Down’s syndrome Most babies born with Down’s syndrome are diagnosed soon after birth and may have: r åPQQJOFTT IZQPUPOJB

r FZFT UIBU TMBOU VQXBSET BOE PVUXBSET r B TNBMM NPVUI XJUI B UPOHVF UIBU NBZ TUJDL PVU r B åBU CBDL PG UIF IFBE r CFMPX BWFSBHF XFJHIU BOE MFOHUI BU CJSUI r UIFJS QBMN NBZ IBWF POMZ POF DSFBTF BDSPTT JU Although children with Down’s syndrome share some common physical characteristics, they don’t all look the same. Achild with Down’s will look more like their family members than other children who have the syndrome.

People with Down’s syndrome will also have different personalities and abilities. Everyone born with Down’s syndrome will have some degree of learning disability, but this will be different for each person.

Genetic disorders can either be inherited from both parents or from a single parent.

Genetic disorders can be caused by a mutation in one gene (monogenic disorder), by mutations in multiple genes (multifactorial inheritance disorder), by a combination of gene mutations and environmental factors, or by damage to chromosomes.

Monogenetic disorders are caused by a mutation in a single gene. The mutation may be present on one or both chromosomes (one chromosome inherited from each parent).

Examples of monogenic disorders are: sickle cell disease, cystic ďŹ brosis, polycystic kidney disease, and Tay-Sachs disease.

Genetic disorders can present as either Single gene or Multiple gene disorder

reduced penetrance, which means although only one mutated copy is needed, not all individuals who inherit that mutation go on to develop the disease.

Autosomal recessiveTwo copies of the gene must be mutated for a person to be affected by an autosomal recessive disorder. An affected person usually has unaffected parents who each carry a single copy of the mutated gene (and are referred to as carriers). Two unaffected people who each carry one copy of the mutated gene have a 25% risk with each pregnancy of having a child affected by the disorder.

Examples of this type of disorder are Albinism, sickle cell disease.

X-linked dominant Main article: X-linked dominant X-linked dominant disorders are caused by mutations in genes on the X chromosome. Only a few disorders have this inheritance pattern, with a prime example being X-linked rickets. Males and females are both affected in these disorders, with males typically being more severely affected than females. Some X-linked dominant conditions, are usually fatal in males either in utero or shortly after birth, and are therefore predominantly seen in females X-linked recessiveX-linked recessive conditions are also caused by mutations in genes on the X chromosome. Males are more frequently affected than females, and the chance of passing on the disorder differs between men and women. The sons of a man with an X-linked recessive disorder will not be affected, and his daughters will carry one copy of the mutated gene. A woman who is a carrier of an X-linked recessive disorder (XRXr) has a 50% chance of having sons who are affected and a 50% chance of having daughters who carry one copy of the mutated gene and are therefore carriers.

Y-linkedY-linked disorders are caused by mutations on the Y chromosome. These conditions may only be transmitted from the heterogametic sex (e.g. male humans) to offspring of the same sex. More simply, this means that Y-linked disorders in humans can only be passed from men to their sons; females can never be affected.

Y-linked disorders are exceedingly rare but the most well-known examples typically cause infertility. Reproduction in such conditions is only possible through the circumvention of infertility by medical intervention.

MitochondrialThis type of inheritance, also known as maternal inheritance, applies to genes encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Because only egg cells contribute mitochondria to the developing embryo, only mothers can pass on mitochondrial DNA conditions to their children.

Multiple genes disorder Genetic disorders may also be complex, multifactorial, or polygenic, meaning they are likely associated with the effects of multiple genes in combination with lifestyles and environmental factors. Multifactorial disorders include heart disease and diabetes. Although complex disorders often cluster in families, they do not have a clear-cut pattern of inheritance. This makes it difficult to determine a person’s risk of inheriting or passing on these disorders. Complex disorders are also difficult to study and treat, because the specific factors that cause most of these disorders have not yet been identified.

There is also a strong environmental component to many of them , r "TUINB BVUPJNNVOF EJTFBTFT TVDI BT NVMUJQMF

Causes of Down’s syndrome Down’s syndrome is usually caused by an extra chromosome in a baby’s cells. In most cases, this isn’t inherited – it’s simply the result of a one-off genetic change in the sperm or egg. There’s a small chance of having a child with Down’s syndrome with any pregnancy, but the likelihood increases with the age of the mother.

For example, a woman who is 20 has about a 1 in 1,500 chance of having a baby with Down’s, while a woman who is 40 has a 1 in 100 chance. There’s no evidence that anything done before or during pregnancy increases or decreases the chance of having a child with Down’s syndrome.

Tests for downs syndrome r DIPSJPOJD WJMMVT TBNQMJOH $74 m B TNBMM TBNQMF of the placenta is tested, usually during weeks 11-14 of pregnancy r BNOJPDFOUFTJT m B TBNQMF PG BNOJPUJD åVJE JT UFTUFE usually during weeks 15-20 of pregnancy. If these tests show that your baby has Down’s syndrome, you and your baby’s other parent will be offered counselling so you can talk about the impact of the diagnosis.

Sickle cell anaemia Sickle cell disease is the name for a group of inherited conditions that affect the red blood cells. The most serious type is called sickle cell anaemia.

Sickle cell disease mainly affects people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Eastern Mediterranean and Asian origin. People with sickle cell disease produce unusually shaped red blood cells that can cause problems because they don’t live as long as healthy blood cells and they can become stuck in blood vessels. Sickle cell disease is a serious and lifelong condition, although long-term treatment can help manage many of the problems associated with it.

Symptoms of sickle cell disease People born with sickle cell disease sometimes experience problems from early childhood, although most children have few symptoms and lead normal lives most of the time. r QBJOGVM FQJTPEFT DBMMFE TJDLMF DFMM DSJTFT XIJDI DBO be very severe and can last up to a week r BO JODSFBTFE SJTL PG TFSJPVT JOGFDUJPOT r BOBFNJB XIFSF SFE CMPPE DFMMT DBO U DBSSZ FOPVHI oxygen around the body), which can cause tiredness and shortness of breath Some people also experience other problems such as delayed growth, strokes and lung problems.

Causes of sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease is caused by a faulty gene that affects how red blood cells develop.

If both parents have this faulty gene, there’s a 25% chance of each child they have being born with sickle cell disease. The child’s parents often won’t have the condition themselves because they’re only carriers of the sickle cell trait.

Tests for sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease is often detected during pregnancy or soon after birth.

Screening for sickle cell disease in pregnancy is offered to all pregnant women , to check if there’s a risk of a child being born with the condition, and all babies are offered screening as part of the newborn blood spot test (heel prick test).

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Wilfred Ndidi Better, Stronger at Leicester

28.04.2018

OLD FOES PLAY FOR PRIDE PAGE. 29

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Better, Stronger at Leicester

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Wilfred Ndidi

fter doing the unthinkable by emerging English Premier League champions, it has been a different story for Leicester City seasons after as the team is finding it difficult to keep most of their star players, chief among which was their midfield battler- N'Golo Kante. That was why Leicester made a move for Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi as a replacement for Kante. “I never had any doubt about his talent. He distinguishes himself anytime and he is focused. I always knew he would go places and I am not surprised at the height he is taking his football to,� the founder of Nath Boys, Yemi Idowu told THISDAY. The then 19-year-old was viewed as one of the brightest prospects in Belgian football and Genk knew it would be difficult to fence off ‘intruders’.

Ndidi, the Premier League’s most successful tackler by some distance this season, out of modesty doesn’t view himself as such. “I can’t explain how proud I am,� Ndidi says. “Every player wants to pull on the shirt for their country, so many people look for this opportunity the entire population in Nigeria would love to be able to do this. I can’t believe I will be at the World Cup for my nation. It’s amazing. I haven’t really had the chance to think about it much, I believe when we get to Russia is when it will really sink in. “And it’s not just about going to participate, it’s not about being happy just that we are part of the World Cup. I feel we can do more.�

Ndidi is not the type to entertain talks of how good he has been for Leicester - “I’ve always wanted to play so I ignore the hype and everything people say about me - that’s not important. Doing my job well is important.�

Leicester will count on their young 'destroyer', who returns from a two-game suspension against Southampton on Thursday, to pull off a victory. They lost to Newcastle at home and away to Burnley in his absence, underscoring Puel’s assertion that Ndidi is “valuable� because “he can recover a lot of balls. He is strong in the duels and he plays it simple with good quality.� “Serving the team is my priority, especially in my position. It’s following the tactical instructions, keeping things simple, keeping my team ticking over and stopping the opponents from doing that comfortably.

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GLOBAL SOCCER

NFF Leadership Tussle: Supreme Court Sends Giwa's Group Back to Federal High

Ndidi

Alex Enumah in Abuja

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If the team is doing good, it means I’m doing a good job,” Ndidi points out.

In a chat with THISDAY, former Nigerian international, Waidi Akani, said Ndidi’s move to the English Premier League was a good omen for him, the Super Eagles and the Nigeria football.

“Without trying to take anything away from the Belgian league, it was a stepping stone for any footballer that wants to go places. Belgium League should just be used as a ladder to join the big leagues in Europe and that is exactly what Ndidi has done. I watched him developing while he was with Nath Boys and there was never any doubt about his talent,” Akani said.

The former Super Eagles defensive midfielder said the national team had also benefited from Ndidi’s Premier League move. “His move to England had also benefited the national team's technical crew, in that playing alongside national teammates, like Ahmed Musa - (who has since returned to CSKA Moscow) and Kelechi Iheanacho - they had developed a good understanding, which would make the job of the Super Eagles coaches simpler.

“Moreover, his move to England has further exposed Ndidi, as he is watched week-in-week-out all over the world as against the Belgian league which is hardly seen on television.

“Nigerian football fans have been able to watch another of their players on a weekly basis. On the whole, the move was a welcome development and good enough that he settled fast to the English style of football,” the former NEPA of Lagos player said.

Alex McLeish, who bought the teenager when he was Genk Manager, said Ndidi was always the solution to the vacuum created in Leicester's midfield by Kante’s exit.

The former Birmingham and Aston Villa boss believes the Nigerian youngster is perfectly well-suited to the Premier League after snapping him up for Genk at £80,000.

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

McLeish acted after a recommendation from the then scout Roland Janssen, who spotted Ndidi in Lagos in an academy tournament and brought him to Genk for a trial.

In 2013, his team was one of around 40 competing at a local tournament, where Janssen was on the lookout for something special.

Despite an estimated 500 players featuring that day, there was only one that immediately monopolised his attention: a towering 16-year-old defender.

The 57-year-old Scot, who was in charge of the Belgians for the 2014-2015 Season, told MirrorSport then: “He is Kante-like.

He will cover the ground like Kante does.

In terms of technique, you wouldn’t say he is the best passer in the world but he keeps it simple. I saw him on tape and at the next recruitment meeting, we pushed the button. I immediately saw the speed of the boy.

“We had no money to spend on any bigger names to help the first team because those were the parameters under which I took the job. But I said, ‘Let’s get this guy’, I recommended we signed him for 100,000 Euros. I’ve taken a big interest in the kid since and they want a fortune for him now.”

Ndidi, expected to sweep up at the club’s end-of-season awards and unfortunate not to be among the PFA Young Player of the Year nominees, is the first to mention areas he can improve in - “distribution and in the final third” - but it surprises no-one, least of all Leicester, that Europe’s elite are swooning over the facets he has already shown.

“I was most happy playing and I didn’t want to lose that feeling. It was about experiencing things with my friends sometimes we’d win games, sometimes not, but you do it together and you learn and grow from it together.”

The composure Ndidi exudes on the field envelopes him off it too. “Nothing fazes him,” says a Leicester staffer. “He is so grounded and takes it all in his stride.”

Good thing too, because at his age with the combo of his powers and personality, the possibilities are endless for Ndidi.

Born on December 16, 1996, Ndidi has made appearances for the Nigerian U-20 team at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He is known for his versatility and can play as a central defender, defensive midfielder or full back.

Ndidi was part of the Nigerian youth setup during his time at Nathaniel Boys of Lagos. While playing the African U-17 Championship with Nigeria, he was excluded along with two other players from the competition as a precaution, following an MRI test that showed he was just slightly above the threshold.

Notwithstanding, he joined up with his teammates in the U-20 team the following year, forming the bedrock of the midfield.

He was called up to the senior national team on October 8, 2015., making his debut in the friendly game against DR Congo, and playing again a few days later in the 3-0 win against Cameroon, as a replacement for Mikel Obi.

he Supreme Court on Friday declined to hear the appeal filed by a factional group of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), seeking the removal from office, the Amaju Pinnick-led executive.

The group had approached the apex court to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which recognized the Pinnick-led executive as the authentic leadership of the NFF. But delivering judgment on the appeal yesterday, the Supreme Court declined to sack the Pinnick-led executive and instead ordered that the suit be returned to the Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, where the matter originally started.

The five man panel of the apex court in its judgment although, set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, it however declined to invoke section 22 of the Supreme Court Act, that empowers it to take over the case and decide it on merit.

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Samuel Onnoghen, in the lead judgment read

by Justice Ejembi Eko, held that a core condition among the four that needed to be present for it to take over such suit was absent in the appellants' case.

"The real issue raised up by the claim of the appellants at the lower court (the Court of Appeal) must be seen to be capable of being distilled from the grounds of appeal," the CJN held.

Consequently, the apex court then ordered that the suit "be remitted back to the trial court for expeditious hearing".

It however, made no pronouncement on the injunctive orders made against the Pinnick-led executive committee.

It would be recalled that the appellants, Yahaya Adama and Obinna Ogba had on behalf of themselves and other members of their factional executive in their appeal, prayed the apex court to uphold the decision of the Federal High Court which ordered the relisting of the case.

The appellants, who were plaintiffs in the main suit had asked the Federal High Court in Jos, to sack the Pinnick-led executive on grounds that their election was held in defiance to a court order. The court in its September 23, 2014 judgment

Pinnick sacked the Pinnick-led executive.

However following mediation by former President GoodLuck Jonathan, the plaintiffs applied to withdraw the suit.

Consequently, the suit was struck out and the previous injunctive orders made against the elections of Pinnick-led executive were also set aside.

However, following a breakdown of talks among the parties, the plaintiffs subsequently applied for the re-listing of the case, and were obliged by the court.

The court in granting the prayer also restored all the injunctive orders set aside while earlier striking out the suit.

Not satisfied with the ruling of the Federal High Court, the defendants which include, the then outgone executive committee of the NFF represented by its President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, and Musa Adamu, the Plateau State Football Association representing the football association in the 36 states of federation and the Federal Capital Territory, and the Minister of Sports, approached the appellate court to upturn the judgment of the lower court.

The Court of Appeal in its judgment of July 25, 2016, however allowed the appeal and nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court.

Ambode Approves Contract Coaches for Lagos

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he Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the appointment of 40 contract coaches for 33 sports in the state.

The coaches, who will be working under direct supervision of the Lagos State Sports Commission, will oversee the following sports; abula, athletics, ayo, badminton, baseball and softball, boxing, chess, cricket, cycling, dart, deaf athletics, deaf table tennis, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, karate, kick boxing, langa, para athletics, Para powerlifting, para soccer, para table tennis.

Others are; rowing and canoe, shooting, swimming, squash, taekwondo, table tennis, tennis, wrestling, wushu kungfu.

The appointment of the contract coaches take immediate effect.

The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Babatunde BankAnthony stated that the appointment

will assist the state in the preparation for national sporting events such as the National Youths Games slated for Ilorin, Kwara State in September, National Sports Festival in Abuja scheduled for November and others.

Also, the governor has approved and released training grants to all para sports athletes in the state.

While commending the governor for the gesture extended to physically challenged athletes, the Director General noted that Ambode’s action showed the all-inclusiveness of the present administration that all athletes are important.

He said that the governor has vowed not to relent at ensuring that Lagos becomes a sporting hub in Africa. He charged the athletes to reciprocate the governor's action to double up their effort in making the state proud in any competitions they compete in.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

United, Arsenal Play for Pride as Wenger Seeks First Away Point of the Year Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂŒĂ™Ă˘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă‹ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă?Ă‘ Ă?Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă’ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ™ĂšĂ™Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ‹Ă˜Ă™Ëœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ÚÓÞĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂšĂ–Ă‹ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ åÓÞÒ Ă‹ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă‘Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ?ÞÞĂ?Ăœ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă&#x;ĂœĂ™ĂšĂ‹ Ă?Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă’ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž ÞÖĂ?ÞÓĂ?Ă™Ëœ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂžĂ™Ă—Ă™ĂœĂœĂ™ĂĄ ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ËÞÞĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ?Ăž Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ ĂšĂ™Ă“Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂŁĂ?Ă‹Ăœ Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ăž ĂŒĂ“ĂžĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂœĂ“Ă Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ě‹ Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽË› Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’Ëœ ĂŒĂ™ĂžĂ’ ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ÖÓÞÞÖĂ? ÞÙ ÚÖËã Ă?Ă™ĂœĚ‹ Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă Ă“Ă–Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ—Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ÞÙÚ̋Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?ĂšĂ™ĂžËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;ĂœĂ™ĂšĂ? Ă?Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ù×ÚĂ?ĂžĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ ÒÙåĂ?Ă Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? ĂšĂ–Ă‹ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂšĂœĂ“ĂŽĂ?

M

anchester United welcome one of our fiercest rivals to Old Trafford this weekend, as Arsene Wenger prepares to lead out his Arsenal team at the Theatre of Dreams for the final time. Securing European football for next season is firmly on the mind of both teams – with the Reds able to confirm a place in the UEFA Champions League group phase for 2018/19 with a win, while the Gunners are battling to hold off Burnley in the fight for a UEFA Europa League place.

Arsenal have endured a tough season by their standards and currently sit sixth in the table – 11 points behind their North London rivals Tottenham. Only a win at Old Trafford, where they haven’t won in the league since 2006, would give the Gunners a mathematical chance of returning to the top-four this term with three subsequent games left to play.

Wenger’s team have uncharacteristically struggled on their travels this season and, remarkably, are the only club in the top four divisions of English football yet to take a league point away from home in 2018. Despite that, they have won four of their last five matches in the Premier League and have lost just once in their last nine games, after a run of four straight defeats between February and March.

But the Londoners may feel somewhat demoralised after conceding the initiative to Atletico in their Europa League semifinal by shipping a late goal to draw 1-1 in the first leg at the Emirates on Thursday night.

Wenger's clashes with Alex Ferguson defined an era within the Premier League era and his relationship with current Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has been laced with bitterness.

Ferguson said he felt "proud to have been a rival, colleague and friend" of Wenger after the 68-year-old announced he was stepping down at the end of the season.

"We are friends now, Alex Ferguson and myself," Wenger said this week, confirming the two had put their fierce rivalry behind them.

Mourinho also held out the hand of friendship.

"If he respects me even 50 per cent of

what I respect him we can even be friends in the future. I have lots of respect for him.

But the reality is that he was at Arsenal, he was the champion and I came to the country in 2004 and wanted to steal his title. That's football," he told Sky Sports News. " Meanwhile, deposed champions Chelsea have Tottenham Hotspur in their sights as they aim to end their season on a high while the Premier League's bottom three are eyeing a dramatic escape.

With the title done and dusted, champions Manchester City are now left chasing records but there are still plenty of issues left to be decided at both ends of the table.

Chelsea, full of confidence after reaching the FA Cup final, have not given up hope of catching Tottenham in fourth place in the Premier League as they prepare to travel to Swansea City.

Antonio Conte's side looked out of the

running for the Champions League places a few weeks ago but two wins combined with a defeat and draw for Spurs have left them just five points adrift of their London rivals with four games to go.

Mauricio Pochettino must find a way to lift his disappointed team after they squandered a lead against Manchester United in the FA Cup semifinal last week to extend their run of trophyless seasons to 10.

The Spurs boss started speculation over his future after Tottenham's eighth successive FA Cup semifinal defeat, saying the club "need more time, of course with me or another".

But he knows it is imperative they reach the Champions League for the third season running.

Southampton boss Mark Hughes knows he is running out of time if he wants to avoid the nightmare scenario of managing two relegated clubs in the same season.

Barca Set for 25th Title Party as Iniesta Bids Nou Camp Goodbye

B

arcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said in February he was "in a hurry" to wrap up the Liga title and his side will almost certainly get to celebrate a 25th league crown at last when they play at Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.

Barca need a draw against Clarence Seedorf's struggling side to clinch the title and the trophy could even be theirs before they kick off if Real Madrid fail to beat Leganes earlier today and Atletico Madrid are unable to win at Alaves four hours before Barca's game starts.

The Catalans have led from the front this season, topping the table in week two, and no-one can begrudge them a title which they have looked certain to win since they beat Real Madrid 3-0 on 23 December, marching 14 points clear of their arch- rivals and nine ahead of Atletico.

Barca's surprise draws against Getafe and Espanyol briefly offered Atletico hope of chasing down Valverde's side when they closed the gap to five points ahead of a topof-the-table clash in March, but a superb free kick from Lionel Messi gave Barca a 1-0 win to lift them eight points ahead.

They never looked back and are still unbeaten in the league, five games from becoming the first team since Real Madrid

in 1932 to finish a La Liga campaign undefeated and the only side to do so since the league was expanded to more than 10 teams.

The title win would also complete the club's seventh double after they hammered Sevilla 5-0 in the King's Cup final on Saturday, an utterly dominant victory which went some way towards healing the wounds from their shock Champions League elimination by AS Roma.

While Barca are preparing for a title party at Riazor, Deportivo might end up feeling like they are at a funeral as the Galicians will be relegated back to Spain's second tier for the first time since 2014 if they do not beat Barca and Levante win at Sevilla on Friday.

Andres Iniesta has announced he will be leaving Barcelona this summer after 22 years at the club.

The 33-year-old's announcement came during a press conference at Barcelona's training ground on Friday, bringing an end to a glittering career at the Nou Camp.

The midfielder was in tears during the announcement, which was attended by his Barcelona team-mates.

Iniesta, a World Cup winner with Spain, won eight La Liga titles, with a ninth set to be secured in the coming weeks, alongside four Champions League wins and six Copa del Rey crowns.

Iniesta is expected to move to Chinese Super

League club Chongqing Dangdai Lifan, with their president Gong Daxing recently admitting they are in negotiations with the Barcelona midfielder.

"This is my last season here," he said on Friday. "I have thought my decision through for a long time. For me, Barca is the best club in the world - this club has given me everything.

"I would like to thank my team-mates and everyone who accompanied me every day, they made me be better. It's been a dream come true, lots of titles, important moments throughout my career. I am very happy to have played for this club. I am proud."

Regarding his future, Iniesta said: "There are still things to work out, different things. I said I would never play against Barca, so it's not going to be in Europe. We will know at the end of the season.

"I'm almost 34, I've left everything out on the field, I've given everything to the club, and if I couldn't give everything up to now, I wouldn't be happy. I want to be happy, like I have been here."

Iniesta joined Barcelona's youth academy when he was 12. He went on to become one of the best players in its history, helping the team win 31 titles, a club record he shares with Lionel Messi.

Southampton, with four games remaining, host Bournemouth today after a draw with Leicester City halted a run of four consecutive defeats.

Hughes's former club Stoke City and even West Bromwich Albion have also stopped the rot in recent weeks but they have just three games left to save themselves, with Stoke travelling to Liverpool.

ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă“Ăš Team Man City Man Utd Liverpool Tottenham Chelsea Arsenal Burnley Everton Leicester City Newcastle Bournemouth Watford Brighton Crystal Palace West Ham HuddersďŹ eld Swansea Southampton Stoke West Brom

Pl 34 34 35 34 34 34 35 35 34 34 35 35 34 35 34 34 34 34 35 35

W 29 23 20 20 19 17 14 12 11 11 9 10 8 8 8 9 8 5 6 4

D 3 5 11 8 6 6 11 9 11 8 11 8 12 11 11 8 9 14 11 13

L 2 6 4 6 9 11 10 14 12 15 15 17 14 16 15 17 17 15 18 18

F 98 65 80 66 59 66 35 40 49 35 41 42 32 36 42 27 27 33 32 29

A 25 26 37 31 34 46 32 54 47 43 58 60 47 54 63 54 51 53 65 54

GD 73 39 43 35 25 20 3 -14 2 -8 -17 -18 -15 -18 -21 -27 -24 -20 -33 -25

Pts 90 74 71 68 63 57 53 45 44 41 38 38 36 35 35 35 33 29 29 25

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TODAY Liverpool Burnley Crystal Palace HuddersďŹ eld Newcastle Southampton Swansea City

v v v v v v v

Stoke City Brighton Leicester Everton West Brom Bournemouth Chelsea

12:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

SUNDAY West Ham

v

Man City

14:15

Man Utd

v

Arsenal

16:30

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

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Participants taking off at the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race in Auchi, Edo State

with KUNLE ADEWALE 08111813082

Anthony Joshua sends Klitschko to the canvass

Cheprot, Wanjiku, Eyeing Okpekpe Race History

Eletu Odibo, Okemagba Girls Win Lagos Secondary Schools Hockey Tourney

Simon Cheprot and Polline Njeru Wanjiku have set their sights on becoming the first man and woman to win the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race titles two times.

Both Kenyans were winners in 2016 to make it a Kenyan double for the third time in four editions of the race.

While Wanjiku was absent at the fifth edition last year, Cheprot failed to become the first man to successfully defend an Okpekpe race title, finishing seventh in the men's race won by Ethiopia's Leul Gebrselassie.

The duo have confirmed their participation for the sixth edition which holds next month in Okpekpe near Auchi in Edo State and Zack Amodu, the director of organisation for the race believes the Kenyans will have it tough

The second edition of Lagos State Secondary Schools Hockey Championship ended at the Campos mini stadium on Lagos Island with Eletu Odibo Senior High School, Bariga and Okemagba Senior High School, Epe winning the tournament.

The competition, organised by the Lagos State Sports Commission and the state's hockey association was planned for all secondary schools (public and private) in the state to discover potential hockey players in secondary schools across the state.

While Eletu Odibo won the boys' event after defeating Igbooye Community High School, Epe 3-1, Okemagba Senior High School hockey team were champions in the girls category after they beat Igbooye Community High School 1-0.

Okemagba and St Patrick’s Grammar School, Epe, won the third positions in the boys and girls categories respectively.

Awards were given to individual players who distinguished themselves in the competitions. In the boys' category, Igbooye Community High School's Rasaq Olaitan won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, Adamson Nosiru of Eletu Odibo won the highest goal scorer award, while the school also won the best goalkeeper award through Yusuf Ibrahim.

In the girls category, Okemagba High School's Paddy Mercy was declared the MVP. Highest goal scorer award went to Opuene Christiana of Igbooye Community High School, while the best goalkeeper was Nimota Yusuf of Surulere Girls High School.

Executive Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr Kweku Tandoh, described the tournament as a laudable developmental event.

"The buzz has created more awareness for the game of hockey new talents identified by the technical team of the state’s sports commission and more important, the competition was a good preparation for the forthcoming National Youth Games, NYG and other schools games. I must commend and thank His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his support and approval for such developmental games for school sports in Lagos, " Tandoh said.

completing a fourth double in six editions.

“We are delighted to have both Cheprot and Wanjiku back for this year's race which has taken a significant leap from an IAAF bronze label race last year to a first ever silver label road race for the first time on Nigerian nay West African soil,” said Amodu.

“Cheprot will be making his third consecutive trip to Okpekpe while Wanjiku is returning after missing out last year. Wanjiku has been very active in the circuit this year.

She won the Warszawa PZU Half Marathon in Poland late last month, some 21 days after finishing third at the Paris Half Marathon where she ran a new personal best of 1:08:20.

“Cheprot has also been active and was part of the Tokyo Marathon last February albeit he did not

finish. This goes to show that this year's race will be very explosive and we are expecting a new course record will be set.”

Amodu also revealed that both athletes ran their personal season's best at the Okpekpe race in 2017 and 2016 respectively.

“Cheprot's 30 minutes, 33 seconds run last year was his personal season's best for the year while Wanjiku's title-winning run (33:30) in 2016 was also her personal season's best. Cheprot holds a personal best of 27:41 while Wanjiku's all-time best is 32:10.”

The IAAF silver label Okpekpe International 10km Road Race is organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing in conjunction with the Edo State Athletics Association and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN

PwC Chess4Change Mentorship Ends It was glitz and glamour at the 2018 edition of the PwC Chess4Change mentorship programme for secondary schools in Lagos State.

The two-day programme featured 18 schools, it was hosted at Wahab Folawiyo High School, Ikoyi and Immaculate Heart Comprehensive Secondary School, Maryland, Lagos.

During the mentorship programme, representatives of PwC spoke to the students on several career topics that will equip them with the requisite knowledge and

skills to thrive in their academics and post-secondary school.

Speaking on the successes of this year's edition, the Chief Operating Officer, MediaVision Ltd, Mr. Jimmy Sogbesan stated that the mentorship programme would go a long way in developing the students intellectually while preparing them for the future.

“I would like to emphasise that this programme was designed to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills among secondary school students in Lagos

State using the game of chess."

Meanwhile, the 18 schools in the programme took part in a minichallenge where students’ abilities in the game was assessed as they prepare for the Grand Slam Tournament in May. Chess4Change is sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers(PwC); one of the world's leading audit and advisory firms and supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Lagos State Sports Commission and the Lagos State Chess Association.

Korblah, Eze Win Maiden Radix Pension Classics Ghanaian professional golfer, Emos Korblah stole the show over the weekend as he emerged winner of the maiden edition of Radix Pension Managers Golf Championship which held at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938, between April 18th and 21st.

Korblah, who participated at the last edition of the British Open Senior Tour competition, closed with a 68, for 2-under par-211, over 56-holes, to beat the second placed Sunday Olapade, from MicCom Golf Club Ada by three-shots.

Korblah began the game with an opening 70, recorded a second day score of 73 before the closing 68, to

push one of the tournament favorites, Olapade to the second position, while Christian Francis ducked in the third position.

Olapade opened his game with an opening 73, second day score of 69 and closed with 71 to lose the title.

Francis carded an opening 72, signed for second days 73 and closed with 1-under 70 this come third.

Ikoyi Club based Monday Eze; two-time Lagos amateur Open Champion, won in the CategoryOne amateur Cadre.

Satisfied with the turnout and spirit of sportsmanship displayed throughout the competition, the Managing Director of Radix Pension

Managers, Kunle Adeboye pledged the company’s continuous support for the sport saying, his company shared the values and qualities for which the sport was noted for.

While urging everyone present to buy into the outfits pension scheme, he said the desire of the agency was to ensure that even on retirement, golfers should still be able to maintain their lifestyle.

Head of the competition Organising Committee, Barin Epega, who thanked all for honouring the invitation to be part of the event, described the competition as a good start, adding that the next edition would be better.

Heineken Treats Fans to Exclusive Viewing of UCL Semis Official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, Heineken, treated football fans in Lagos and Abuja in its usual tradition to an exclusive viewing of the first leg, semi-final match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid at Ember Creek, Landmark, VI, Lagos and Tak Klub House, Tak Continental, Abuja last Wednesday.

The much anticipated clash between the most successful German club in football history, Bayern Munich and the Spanish side Real Madrid was watched by hundreds of excited football fans who were kept spell bound by the drama on screen.

Football fans had access to a variety of recreational games to keep busy as well as quizzes, contests and

giveaways during the halftime break.

A dramatic night of top class football ended on a high for fans, both in Lagos and Abuja, and sets up delightful expectations for the second semi-final leg of UEFA Champions League games to be broadcast live at Heineken’s exclusive viewing centres in Lagos and Port Harcourt on May 1 and 2nd.

StarTimes Assures Nigerians of Uninterrupted World Cup Moments Pay-TV company, StarTimes says all of the exciting moments of the 64 matches of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup will be delivered without signal interruption by rain, storm or any technical issue.

This, the company said was due to its huge investments in improving the technology behind signal strength and distribution across the county, in a bid to ensure that the most exciting moments are not missed by football-loving Nigerians.

Speaking further on this, Brand and Marketing Director at StarTimes, Qasim Elegbede said, “All is set to deliver quality signal for all 64 matches live and in HD to subscribers without interruptions, not even by rain or storm.”

StarTimes is the leading digital TV operator in Africa, serving nearly 10 million subscribers with a signal covering the whole continent and a distribution network of 200 brand halls, 3,000 convenience stores and 5,000 distributors.

The company also owns a featured content platform, with 480 authorised channels consisting of news, movies, series, sports, entertainment, children’s programs etc.

34

˜ ˞ APRIL 28, 2018

WRITERS’ WORLD

Challenges Writers Face (3): Money as Writer’s Block

BISI DANIELS bisi.daniels@thisdaylive.com Blog: www.bisidaniels.com, 08050220700

T

he neighbourhood is graveyard quiet, and so is his house.

Wife and two kids had long gone to bed. At a table in a corner of the living room, where he normally writes because there is no spare room for a study, he is happily pounding the keys on his laptop when it struck.

He buries his face in his palms and remains sitting, hoping that it would be momentary. He needed no interference, as psychologists call pollutants that block the remembering process.

For over two minutes, no luck. Sometimes staring at the white ceiling became the magic, but this time it refuses to provide a solution.

A little insect moved on it leisurely causing a distraction. He ignores it and walks to the window on his left for a puff of fresh air on his face. There is a massive inflow of cool fresh air that indicates the likelihood of rain. “Good stuff,� he says, and waits. Five long minutes! No luck. Samson is trying to remember a word to finish a beautiful sentence he had formed at dinner. Without that particular word, the sentence had no colour, no beauty.

As he walks back to his desk in frustration, he remembers a story he had read about OJ Simpson. “Oh goodness!� he muttered. “Do I now have CTE? A 39-year-old!�

Impulsively, he does a Google search for the story. Fighting panic, he reads it slowly. The ex-NFL star said: “I have days when I can’t... I lose words, and I can’t come up with a simple word. I can’t remember a phone number, so forget that. “I get concerned. I do recognise that it probably affects you in short-term memory more than long-term. I know with me, I have days I can’t find words. “I literally cannot find words or the name of somebody I know. That gets a little scary. Those days happen when I’m tired.�

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a type of dementia associated with repeated blows to the head and recurrent episodes of concussion. It is particularly common in people who have played contact sports, such as boxing or American football.

After reading it, he logs off sadly, switches off the light and heads for the bedroom. As he turns the knob quietly, so he doesn’t disturb her sleep, the word explodes in his brain. “Coquettish!� His wife had done it a lot when they were dating, and that was what he needed to write the following: “Dami walked slowly and reluctantly to her door, spun around and looked at him coquettishly. He froze, rooted to the spot, his heart beating widely...�

He shakes his head, refuses the temptation to return to the desk, and opens the door. As he does, Tola turns towards him and says with a smile, “Oh, you are back early; how sweet!�

He said nothing!

The futile search for a word or two or the right phrase is another of the challenges writers face. It is very common. It is Writer’s block, a condition primarily associated with writing, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work, or experiences a creative slowdown. The condition ranges in difficulty from coming up with original ideas to being unable to produce a work for years.

This one gets a lot of people stuck: they know exactly what they want to say, but can’t decide on how they want to say it. It looks like a simple problem, but it is capable of stopping the flow of ideas, causing temporary frustration for one to suspend writing. In some people, it causes headache and more frustration. The loss of time is also painful. You sit there eager to write but nothing is happening!

Yet time waits for no man, it ticks away.

Writers and psychologists have a simple but effective solution to this. Rather than brooding over the loss of memory and beating yourself up, get up; take a break and clear your mind. Sometimes difficulty in remember-

ing is caused be interference. For example, something you just experienced or feel strongly about may be thoughts that flow back, blocking away those things you make efforts to remember.

However, in newsroom situations or speechwriting with close deadlines, one may have to fill in the gap with similar words or phrases, highlight them for review later during editing and move on.

Clara Heart, writer and editor, describes a worse version of this is as a situation where the writer knows where he is going, knows exactly what he wants to happen in your story but can’t figure out how to get there. Maybe you even have your major points all outlined out for you. Yet, despite knowing exactly what you’re doing, somehow you find yourself stuck somewhere in the middle, and you can’t seem to force your way through it to get where you want to end up.

Financial pressures Many people like to write; and there is roomful of genres and types of writing for everybody, but not all of them are gifted to write.

Gifted writers need little or no motivation to write. They are fired to write from inside of them, and as one writer puts it, if they don’t write their blood will freeze. Success is more easily achieved in one’s gift zone, which is the only place one can also find true joy.

This category of writers may be challenged but they are unlikely to lose their motivation or be discouraged by rejection of their works, poor sales of earlier works or financial pressures on the family.

These are circumstantial issues: financial pressures and difficulties of paying bills; with life getting in the way, leaving one to struggle to get everything.

Situations like this, so prevalent in Africa, have caused people to abandon writing - some of them forever.

Uzor Maxim Uzoatu Maxim, a highly respected poet calls this the real writer’s block. He says, “Writer’s block is a disease of one-dimensional writers. If the poetry gets blocked somewhat, one can switch to fiction or the drama or even non-fiction. The real writer’s block for me is “lackoffunditis�, a bad disease coined from lack of funds with

which to feed the family. “I respect the fact that my wife and children did not ask me to become a poor poet. Going to get something for them to live by is the real writer’s block for me.�

Uzoatu is one of the people who are wired to write, so he has been steadfast over the years, explaining that,�Well, I’m not in any particular hurry. Whether the book gets published at age 18 or 90, what really matters is the decision of Father Time on the work. In the face of poor sales or the absence of publishers, the writer’s one duty is to write on.

It does not matter if the works are not published in one’s lifetime. After all, Kafka’s masterpieces were published posthumously.

These alibis are not enough reasons to plead guilty to the so-called writer’s block. In the end, every writer is known for one book, or at the most two, even after publishing many titles.

There are other forms of writer’s block as: the inability to come up with a solid idea; too many ideas; too much time spent away from writing; and burned out –stressed.

Stephen King: There may be a stretch of weeks or months when it doesn’t come at all; this is called writer’s block. Some writers in the throes of writer’s block think their muses have died, but I don’t think that happens often; I think what happens is that the writers themselves sow the edges of their clearing with poison bait to keep their muses away, often without knowing they are doing it.�

Okey Ndibe Professor Ndibe is a world-famous novelist based in the US: I’m somewhat fortunate not to be plagued too much by the monster called writer’s block. I’ve hardly had to face or fend off this terror, at least not in the sense many writers experience it--as the absence of the next novel, poem, play or essay to write, or a blocked pathway through a work-in-progress.

I find that, in my head, there’s always a surfeit of stories, novels especially, waiting to be written, to be given a shape fit for publication.

I’m also fortunate in having agents and publishers, in the US and Nigeria, who are quite interested in looking at and facilitating my work. So, my problem is a strategic one, instead of a “block.�

I tend to write in an over-deliberate, some would say awfully slow, mode. I tend to quarrel a lot with sentences. As a result, I

write and rewrite sentences--sometimes interminably. That means that I don’t ever have that sensation of swiftness in husbanding a creative work in development. At the rate I go, I suspect that, when I die, I’ll be buried with many stories--potential books--that haunted my imagination, but never got written.

Even so, I hold out hope of eventually coming to some rapprochement with language. I’d like to come to a place where language either yields its beauties more readily or I learn to forgive its slipperiness.

That sums up my brand of writer’s block.

Still, I know of writers who, between books, feel lost. Some have told me of wondering if the drought of ideas would prove crippling and permanent. They are seized by the dreadful prospect that the next book may never come.

I’m not exempt from a version of that anxiety. In the perilous world of publishing and readership, with their prodigal ways, their constantly changing fashions and tastes, a world in which today’s celebrated writer could well become tomorrow’s pariah, I’m aware-no serious writer isn’t--that rejection is always around the corner, an ever-present threat and reality. Yet, the most committed writers never permit themselves to be deterred or disillusioned by that prospect; they write, in spite of it. That’s why I’ll keep writing. For writing, to me, is the best antidote to memorylessness, the most efficacious stay against confusion and silence--to invoke and paraphrase the title of a book by Ron Hansen.

Maya Angelou: “What I try to do is write. I may write for two weeks ‘the cat sat on the mat, that is that, not a rat.’ And it might be just the most boring and awful stuff. But I try. When I’m writing, I write. And then it’s as if the muse is convinced that I’m serious and says, ‘Okay.

Okay. I’ll come.’�

Ernest Hemingway: “The best way is always to stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next. If you do that every day ‌ you will never be stuck.

Always stop while you are going good and don’t think about it or worry about it until you start to write the next day. That way your subconscious will work on it all the time. But if you think about it consciously or worry about it you will kill it and your brain will be tired before you start.�

35

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

VINTAGE

Reshaping Lagos Security Architecture with Community Policing It is no longer news that the modern crime-fighting equipment donated to the Lagos State Police Command by the state’s government to tackle the current sophistry in violent crimes have begun to yield maximum results. Residents can now sleep with their two eyes closed. Femi Ogbonnikan, in this piece, takes a close look at the paradigm shift as evidenced in the concept of community policing being propagated by the current Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal in his drives to tackle crimes headlong, with the aid of the new logistics and other gadgets

Arrested Badoo Kingpin

W

ith a population conservatively put at 21 million, Lagos State is the fifth largest economy in Africa, and with a projection to assume the third status of the largest economy by year 2023, going by the determination and commitment of the Ambode administration.

Reiterating the importance of security of the lives and property of the residents at a recent inaugural security summit, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said there was a need for a concept of collective vigilance to be put in place, “whereby, all stakeholders in security management would have properly defined roles and relationships to stay ahead of all form of violent crimes such as terrorism, cyber and transnational organized crimes, among others.”

He said the concept had become imperative in view of the vulnerability of the state to various security threats due to continuous influx of foreigners and people from other parts of the country into Lagos on a daily basis.

Ambode, who was represented by the Chairman of the State Security Trust Fund, Mr Oye Hassan-Odukale, said since assumption of office, his administration had been consistently implementing its cardinal programmes built on the tripod of security, infrastructural development and poverty alleviation through employment generation, adding that it was gratifying that the policy had been yielding positive fruits.

“Our human security focus has not only shaped our security architecture which is safety and civilian-driven, from the primary to tertiary levels, but also guided our choice of infrastructural development projects and directly improves the life of Lagosians.

“A further analysis of our efforts indicates that less time is now spent in traffic by motorists based on our transport sector reforms, better roads to increase the lifespan of vehicles, affordable housing programs, functional health care and education services, as well as employment generation value chain, have all enhanced the wellbeing of Lagosians. These efforts have indeed reduced all shades of criminalities in the State”.

In response to the immediate needs, the governor, on Friday, November 27, 2015, and in demonstration of his commitment to the security of lives and property, inaugurated and handed over security equipment valued at N4.765 billion to the Lagos State Police Command for effective policing of the state.

In a bid to motivate the personnel, aside the extra allowance security officials receive in the state, Ambode went a step further as he instituted a N10 million insurance scheme, the first of its kind in Nigeria for any

Edgal parading recovered arms

officer that dies in the line of duty.

“With a safer Lagos, we would continue to attract bigger commerce and more local and foreign investments. This would create more job opportunities for our people and generate more taxes for the government to improve on the infrastructure in various sectors.

Consequently, Lagos State Police Command has had its operations significantly driven by this right technology and equipment and it is able to match the emerging sophistication of crimes in the contemporary time.

As a step further, between October and November last year, while underscoring the importance of security for a peaceful coexistence among various ethnic nationalities and in promoting and attracting investors in a crime-free state, the governor donated additional new 30 power bikes to aid effective patrol of all nooks and crannies and as well as 110 generating sets to light up all police stations spread across the state.

Thus, in appreciation of the enormous resources, running into several billions of naira, that the State Government through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) had injected into the provision of logistics for adequate security, the Lagos police are living up to expectations in their statutory duties.

Unlike in the past when dare-devil armed robbers always exploited the hitherto, porous coastal waters and land borders to unleash mayhem on banks and Bureau De Change operators in Lagos, the acquisition of modern crime-fighting equipment has sent a warning signal to would-be criminal elements to have a rethink of their criminal proclivity.

Specifically, in the last six months, there has been a further decline in crime rates in the state, courtesy of proactive measures already being put in place by the present leadership of the police hierarchy.

Upon his assumption of office in September 2017, Edgal, who is familiar with the cosmopolitan terrain, having worked in various capacities in Lagos, has dealt with pockets of crimes headlong.

Greeted with the most disturbing, was the issue of a faceless criminal gang, “Badoo”, which had wreaked havocs in Ikorodu and its environs and claimed no fewer than 100 lives, an unsavoury situation, which his predecessor in office was unable to resolve before vacating the seat.

Ikorodu noted for its notoriety as havens for oil bunkerers, militants, ritualists, kidnappers and armed robbers, owing to its fast developing economic and commercial activities and proximity to the creeks and land borders with neighbouring Ogun State

towns and villages, Edgal’s first approach in office was on how to put a total halt to the wanton killings by the suspected “Badoo” kingpins.

The CP went back to the drawing board and engaged in community policing by enlisting the active support and collaboration of traditional institutions in the affected communities. Not left out, members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) led by Otunba Gani Adams, sister security agencies drawn from the Army, Navy, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and men of the local vigilante groups like “Onyabo” contributed immensely to bring an end to the gruesome murders.

Sparing no rod and poised to bring the masterminds and perpetrators behind the killings, the CP, on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, mobilised a combined team of armed policemen, ably led by the CP personally, invaded a shrine located in Imosan, a suburb of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State where the suspected killers often take oath before embarking on their prowl.

A suspected herbalist identified as Fatai Adebayo (aka Alese) was arrested and his shrine was demolished.

Alese, 34 years old, was allegedly fingered as the herbalist who usually administered oaths on members of the “Badoo” group before launching any attack.

In a further move, the police hierarchy declared wanted the suspected kingpin of the group, Alaka Kamal, a popular independent oil marketer. Following the arrest of Alese, the herbalist, sanity has returned to the affected communities and residents can now sleep with their two eyes closed.

With the arrest of the egg-head, many people believe respite seems to be on the way of the Ikorodu residents and its environs who have for long been adorned in the garb of the fear of the unknown.

While reminiscing at the security summit, Edgal said it was also gratifying to report that in view of the massive assistance extended to security forces by the State Government through consistent donation and funding of security equipment, crime rate has now been on the consistent decline in the State.

Edgal, who gave an overview of crime statistics in the State, said from 2014 till date, a total of 1,315 armed robbery attacks, 359 cult-related cases and 392 kidnapping cases were recorded, with several arrests made and prosecutions ongoing. Based on the community policing and security partnership he has put in place, upon assumption of office as CP, all militants groups hitherto operating in the state have been degraded and incapacitated from carrying out attacks.

“In comparison, when I became Commissioner of Police, Lagos State in September last year, I introduced my own policing plan powered by the strategy and philosophy of community policing and community safety partnership.

“Policing like we all know is more about strategy and technology, but there are other factors that come to play such as logistics and all that but when there is a clear-cut strategy backed with the right technology, then, the war against crime would be won.

“We have leveraged on the robust goodwill existing between the police and the government on one hand, and members of the public on the other hand, to record some modest achievements that have not only consolidated on the achievements of my predecessor and also ensured that the Command keep the flag flying,” the CP said.

Besides, Edgal called for a legislation to compel all businesses to install CCTV cameras within their premises and an advocacy for deepening intelligence-led policing, involvement of traditional leaders in security architecture and investment in training and retraining of security personnel to bring about efficiency.

Next, the unwholesome activities of cult groups in some communities have called for great concerns. With not less than 700 cultists who are either members of Eiye Confraternity, Black Axe (popularly called Aye), Buccaneer and several others drawn from Ikorodu, Badagry, Mushin and other parts of the state have publicly renounced their memberships.

During the public renunciation exercise witnessed by respective local government chairmen, traditional rulers, heads of security agencies and community leaders, different calibres of weapons of destruction ranging from AK-47 rifles, Pump Action Rifles (PARs), several locally made pistols, axes, jack knives cutlasses and assorted charms were surrendered by the cultists to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal.

No sooner had the public renunciation taken place than the fight was taken to the doorsteps of transport workers union with the recent arrest of a notorious hired assassin, Adeola Williams (aka Ade Lawyer) who pulled the trigger that snuffed life out of the Personal Assistant (PA), Ganiyu Ayinla (Pinero), to the Idumota unit, Lagos Island of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Azeez Adekunle, on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Ade Lawyer’s alleged sponsor, Akanni Olohunwa, was nabbed and was subsequently paraded before newsmen at the command headquarters by the CP himself.

36

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

FAIRGROUND with

UBA Holds 2018 CEO Awards

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

I

t was a night of glitz and excitement as Pan African financial services group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc held the 2018 edition of the UBA CEO Awards.

The event which was held in Eko Hotels and Suites was the talk of the evening and trended all night and remained so for the most part of the next few days as staff let go of the vagaries of their profession and got immersed in the excitement of the special evening.

Already, it is common knowledge that the UBA CEOAwards remains one of its kind in the banking industry that can match any international celebrity show and this year’s edition – the 10th since inception in 2008 - was no different as staff, customers and friends of Africa’s global bank walked onto a well-laid gold carpet, ushering them into what turned out to be an unforgettable and an exciting evening.

The theme of the night – Celebrating Africa - was aimed at celebrating UBA’s rich history as well as its core values: enterprise, excellence and execution, and to honour and reward staff who remain key to all that the bank has achieved as one of the biggest and dominant banks since its inception over 70 years ago.

Group Managing Director-CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, and wife Lotana Group Chairman, UBA Plc, Tony O. Elumelu, CON, and wife, Awele Anumber of staff were rewarded during the event in various categories for their exceptional activities aimed at improving the bank’s fortunes and creating great experiences for customers.

Amongst those awarded were Executive Director, Emeke Iweriebor, MD/CEO UBA Cote d’Ivoire, Sarata Kone, Head Corporate Bank, Muyiwa Akinyemi and Jerome Obada.

The Chairman, UBAPlc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, who was at the event with his lovely wife, said the bank chose this day to reward staff who had worked hard to ensure that the company remains a leading financial institution, as seen by the recently released full year results for the 2017 financial year.

The GMD/CEO, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, who congratulated the recipients of the various awards in different categories, charged them as well as the other staff to do more to justify the confidence that has been given to them.

He said, “It is a time to reward dignity, hard work, and excellence in execution, and to tell staff that we appreciate what they have been doing and how they have ensured that all the investments put into the bank over the past few years have paid off for us.”

Executive Director , UBA , Oliver Alawuba and wife, He also disclosed that apart from these awards the Group Deputy Managing Director UBA, Victor Osadolor Nkiru Executive Director, UBA Plc, Ike Uche and wife, Ngozi bank had been involved in various moves aimed at motivating staff having just concluded a promotion exercise a few weeks ago.

He stated, “Every year, it is our tradition to appreciate our people who have put in their very best and gone far and beyond the call of duty to deliver excellent services to the bank and the customers by extension.

“Asyoumaywellknow,UBAhaspromotedabout 47 per cent of its staff within the last 12 months, and this is something that is very rare in our industry.

It is a statement about our commitment to the employees. Continuing, Uzoka said, “We know that when you have been rewarded, you will be motivated to do more, so I encourage you all to put in your best and remained focus on satisfying the customers which is the reason why we are here.”

In attendance to add colour to the event were captains of industries, media moguls, Nollywood stars, Public servants and politicians including the President of Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Forte Oil, Femi Otedola, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce Former, Managing Director, Niger Delta Developand Industry, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, Former ment Corporation, Timi Alaibe and Chairman, NOVA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema and Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba NiyiAdebayo and Merchant Bank Limited, Mr. Phillips Oduoza IK wife, Alice wife, Angela, Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Mr. Dele Momodu, Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Nollywood stars, Richard Mofe Damijo, Omotola Jalade Ekehinde.

Also present to honour UBA at the event were former commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, Wale Edun, CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr, Bismarck Rewane, CEO,Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya, directors of UBAPlc,Ambassador Joe Keshi, Chief Kola Jamodu,AmbassadorAdekunle Olumide, Mrs Rose Okwechime, among many others.

GreatperformancesbyA-listartistssuchas‘science students’ crooner, Olamide, Flavor, Kiss Daniels, Styl Plus and Falz the bad guy as well rib-cracking comedy from Basketmouth ensured that staff and guests alike were kept off their seats as they each performedtothemassiveenjoymentofthosepresent.

Ace TV presenter, IK Osakioduwa and Ayo, compere of the event and led the guests through a night of fun and laughter and of course lots to Regional Chief Executive Officer, East and Southern Chairman, Forte Oil Plc, Femi Otedola_ Group Chairman, UBA Plc, eat and drink.

Africa, UBA Plc, Emeke Iweriebor and wife, Eleojo Tony O. Elumelu_ and President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote Olamide

37

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

FAIRGROUND

Echoes of Hope as Anamero Foundation Fetes Edo North PwDs

A

n good cause organisation, the Anamero Idofe Anamero Foundation, celebrated Easter with Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Afemai, Edo North senatorial district of Edo State, at an event meant to inspire, and empower them.

At the event, the foundation gave wheelchairs to deserving PwDs drawn from the six local government areas that form the district, a gesture it said would be sustained.

The items were presented in the presence of industrialists, members of the civil society, political office holders and religious leaders who urged PwDs to think beyond their challenges. They encouraged them to go for their dreams as they have the capacity to attain any heights.

Relating the success story of Nicholas Vujicic, who has impacted the world despite born without limbs, the founder of the foundation, Mr. Anamero Dekeri, told the beneficiaries that “it is only your thinking capacity that can limit your success in life.”

Speaking at an event held in Okpella, Etsako East Local GovernmentArea, Dekeri said, “There is nothing you cannot achieve if you are determined in life. Disability is

a thing of the mind. Physical disability cannot stop anybodywho has made up his or her mind to achieve greatness. The story of Vujicic has shown that there is no limit to what human beings can achieve no matter their physical state. It also proves that there is, indeed, ability in disability.”

Dekeri, a successful entrepreneur, who started business as a cocoa/kernel merchant at the age of 18 years, said the event was a way of demonstrating the life of Jesus Christ whose sacrificial death Easter represents.

He called for equal opportunities for all members of the society irrespective of their physical conditions.

“The foundation is committed to putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged in the society. It is our hope that the wheelchairs will make life easier for the beneficiaries and help them to compete for socio-economic opportunities,” he said.

Dekeri, at South Ibie Day, another event held in Etasko West during Easter, where he described himself as quality education ambassador, gave scholarship to 10 students.

Mr. Ifedayo Eshieshi, a chieftain of the Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, commended Dekeri for associating with PwDs, saying, “The world is taking note of your humanitarian services.

“The foundation has built town halls for several communities, rehabilitated roads, built several bridges, sunk dozens of boreholes, given scholarships to hundreds of students among several other projects since 2012 when it was founded.

But Dekeri himself has been involved in humanitarian services since early 1990s when he was young. He started annual distribution of 200,000 exercise books to public school in Edo North several years before the foundation was established. Edo is fortunate to have him as a son.”

The leader of PwDs in Okpella, Mr. Andrew Sylvester, who the foundation had earlier assisted to procure equipment for shoemaking, commended the organisation.

He said the wheelchairs would go a long way in improving their lives.

Christopher Asemah, a beneficiary from Akoko Edo, called on other successful individuals in the state to follow the example of the donor. He lamented the neglect suffered by his colleagues. He said, “Even some of our relations do not think that we are good for anything. We are not asking for too much; it may be unrealistic for all of us to acquire university education. But we can all learn a trade in order to contribute to the national economy like other people.” Peter Idogun, a beneficiary

A Movie Should Have Message, Entertainment, Says Mike Ezuruonye

A

fter venturing into movie production, the actor turned- producer and now director, Mike Ezuruonye, has stated that movie should have at least two elements: entertain and a message for the audience. He made this known when discussing his latest work, “Divorce Not Allowed”, which hit the cinemas from April 13.

The movie centres on issues young couples face in marriage and how their resolution sometimes threaten to shake the foundation of their love. The comedydrama takes its audience on a hilarious journey through the minds of three married men who sometimes wish life could go back to when they were single and free.

The hilarious movie parades an array of stars such as Bolanle Ninalowo, Iyabo Ojo, Angela Okorie, Eniola Badmus, Mike Ezuruonye, and others.

“There are quite a number of things that makes a movie sell; just a little more that makes a movie great. However, if you ask me based on my experience both as an actor, producer and now director, I would say that a movie must have two things - a message and entertainment value. Our audience are going to the

2kay to Host Port Harcourt

S

inger, Mr. 2Kay has announced he will host the city of Port Harcourt and its environs to a night of great music and fun at a concert tagged, ‘The Elevated Concert.’

The event, put together by Grafton Entertainment, will hold on June 17 at Aztech Arcum, in the heart of Port Harcourt. It will also feature other A-list artistes.

On April 2, 2Kay flagged off a singing/dancing competition and gave away $2,000 to two persons in Port Harcourt.

According to him, the initiative was a way of giving back to his foundation in the music industry. “Call it my little way of giving back to a place where I started my career. The support from the people in the South has been superb.

The winners of the competition will also have the opportunity to share the stage with me during the elevated concert,” he said.

To participate, interested fans were asked to post a minute video of themselves singing or dancing to their favourite song from 2Kay’s latest album – ELEVATED. The videos Mike Ezuruonye were posted using the hashtag #ElevatedConcertph18 and participants cinemas or watching a DVD because they must be following 2Kay on Twitter (@ want to unwind and be entertained. But mr_2kay), Instagram (@mr.2kay) and we must not fail in our responsibility Facebook (@iam2kay).

Media partners for this competition to stir society in the right direction by infusing messages in our entertainment,” were Rhythm 93.7FM PH and Beat99 FM PH. Mike said.

Just Before I Do Creates Masterpiece with Nollywood Veterans

D

ubbed a movie with a unique storyline different from the regular industry stories,

Just Before I Do

was released at the cinemas from April 13, starring notable veterans like Jide Kosoko, Hafeez Oyetoro, Moses Omilani Adubi and Shaffy Bello.

In an industry plagued with less than stellar acting and veterans are asked to take a back seat, Just Before I Do masterfully combined the brilliance of new, capable actors with that of solid industry veterans, who have

years of experience.

This combination became the masterstroke needed for the blockbuster, Just Before I Do. The movie takes an average story of a conniving mother-inlaw and an intending couple whose relationship became complicated, and turned it into a suspenseful and highly entertaining movie.

The ever funny veteran, ‘Saka’ (Hafeez Oyetoro) comes in regularly to deliver an act uniquely his. The chuckles and the laughter seem to drop effortlessly whenever he opens his mouth.

A “father” to many in the industry, Jide Kosoko, having starred in hundreds of movies, brings that brilliance to the set of Just Before I Do and gave a stellar performance.

Not many are aware that the man behind Just Before I Do is the son of a Nollywood veteran whom many know by face but not by the name Moses Omilani Adubi.

His act in the movie makes you reminisce the good, old days.

Other actors in Just Before I Do are Omowunmi Dada, Kalu Ikeagwu, Eddy Watson, and Omilani Oluyinka.

Shaffy

2kay

Mr. 2Kay released his sophomore album on February 11, this year and it climbed from number 3 to the first position on iTunes album chart.

The album was on number one for three weeks. Since the release of the album, he has performed at the ongoing Big Brother Naija eviction show and had a media tour in Kenya with several appearances.

2Kay has just concluded his media tour in Port Harcourt and will be heading to the UK another tour.

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž APRIL 28, 2018

TEENS CONNECT

the magazine for teenagers

Raising the Next Generation of God Fearing Leaders

From Me To You

– NKECHI IBENEME 08142358958 – (sms only)

Who says you can’t eat your cake and have it? people wait for school to be over before trying to ďŹ gure out what the next step would be for them. As you take a step, try to anticipate the next step, and the next, and the next – far into the foreseeable future. In other climes, students have the opportunity to work while studying. They are allowed manageable work-hours so they can earn some money to augment stipends received from their parents. Needless to say, that the hands-on experience also comes handy after graduation. What’s more? Students have access to student loans – a welfare provision by their government to help all those who want to go to school but could not aord it.

Unfortunately, the same opportunity does not exist in Nigeria. Here,

Blow the whistle‌ Whenever W henever cases case of domestic vviolence, iolence, sexual abuse, aand abuse of any kinds o hap happen to you or aanyone nyo you know, pleas please, dial this numb number: *6820# to report it i immediately.

TalktoJudy Hi guys! My name is Judy. I am here to share your problems with you. Trust me to proffer solutions to those mind-boggling problems you wouldn’t dare share with friends, siblings, parents or anyone else.

A lot of people, including teenagers, hurt secretly with problems they can’t discuss openly for fear of being judged. You may hide your identity if you wish. But do write in and let’s discuss that problem. It is not healthy to bottle up problems. Moreover,

problems shared are problems half-solved.

Or, you think no one cares? I do care!

I will be here every week to help you solve that problem. But, I can’t, if you don’t talk about it. So, do write in. You never know what you call a problem may just be part of growing up.

4FOE ZPVS NBJMT UP UFFOTDPOOFDUNBH!HNBJM DPN 4VCKFDU %FBS +VEZ

Are you a talented teenage writer?

Here’s an opportunity to showcase your work to the world. Do you have any of the following: short stories, poems, illustrations, riddles and jokes which

graduates ďŹ nd it extremely diďŹƒcult to secure good jobs, leaving thousands to roam the streets in search of nonexistent jobs. Unfortunately, they are wrongly referred to as “lazyâ€? by their country’s forebear). Seeing that those who are ahead of you are “miserably unemployedâ€? and that the same fate is likely to befall you, the wise thing is to take your destiny into your hand and work to create a desirable future for yourself. The best time to make hay is now that the sun of your life is shinning.

You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Deploy your spare time to build yourself; learn a skill, explore your talent or even learn a trade. Just do something other than academic activities. You never know where your

“

success lies.

Every great achievement or invention starts as a mere dream. If the dreamer acts promptly and hard enough on this dream, it soon becomes a reality.

Looking at the lives of great people who have distinguished themselves in the areas of science, politics, literature, entertainment, and all other ďŹ elds, one will discover that they have two outstanding things in common: vision and resilience. They have dreams which they pursued vigorously and relentlessly despite obstacles. Today, their dreams are impacting the world.

Now that you are young, dare to dream. Reach out and conquer the world. Once you can dream it, you can achieve it.

“

T

he old clichĂŠ, ‘You can’t eat your cake and have it’, is waning – especially in relation to school-work balance. You can actually be in school and pursue your passion at the same time. With a dint of hard work, you can excel in both. We live in a fast-paced world and waiting until you graduate from school before chasing your dream is ‘so yesterday’ and counterproductive. Instead of claiming ‘student’ and wasting time on the social media, watching television and visiting friends, you can actually make something out of life by productively applying your spare time in pursuit of your dreams and in building a career.

Gone are the days when (proactive)

“Most achievers I know are people who have made a strong and deep dedication to pursuing a particular goal. That dedication took a tremendous amount of eortâ€?

– DONALD JOHANSON

Teenagers and Drug Abuse Drug abuse can generally be defined as the wrong use of both legal and illegal drugs to the detriment of the user. From the above definition, one could see that even legal drugs (drugs that are socially and medically acceptable) can be harmful to the body when used inappropriately.

It is advised that only qualified medical practitioners should prescribe drugs.

Reasons teenagers abuse drugs: r 1FFS QSFTTVSF .PTU UFFOBHFST BSF susceptible to influence. The desire to belong and not be looked down upon by friends pushes them into doing things they ordinarily would not do. For instance, a teenager who neither smokes cigarette nor drinks alcohol is more likely to indulge in the habit if his friends smoke or drink. Sadly, such people often end up experimenting with hard drugs. r $VSJPTJUZ 5FFOBHFST BSF BEWFOUVSPVT CZ nature. As a result, they often experiment with the ‘untouchables’. A mere mention that when one takes marijuana one begins to feel high will make an average teenager want to try it to know how feeling high is and in the process might get hooked on the drugs.

r 4USFTT 4PNF UFFOBHFST XIFO GBDFE XJUI stress be it at home, at school or social you will like us to publish on this page? gathering, resort to drug abuse as a way Send them to: teensconnectmag@gmail. of escape. Abuse of drugs does not solve com with your passport photograph and problems rather it compounds them. Try please, state your age. to discuss your concerns with your school, church counsellors or any responsible

adult you can trust (you can also talk to Judy). r 4FMG NFEJDBUJPO .BOZ QFPQMF JODMVEJOH UFFOBHFST BSF HVJMUZ PG TFMG NFEJDBUJPO But it is wrong and strongly discouraged by medical experts. It is expected that people should consult qualified medical practitioners when ill rather than engaging JO TFMG NFEJDBUJPO XIJDI NBZ SFTVMU JO fatality (damage of vital organs or even death). t 5P CF DPOUJOVFE OFYU XFFL

39

APRIL 28, 2018 Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

CAREER TALK

STAR TEEN

If You Take...

Cowbellpedia Champion, Master Ayodele Akinkuowo wins more laurels

By Juliet Oji Osuji

If you take a school leaver with an O’ level and enrol him as an apprentice at a tailor’s shop, three years after, he will be able to sew any clothing styles.

If you take a school leaver and enrol him as an apprentice at a mechanic workshop, three years later, he will be able to fix vehicles, even the complex internal combustion engine and its systems.

If you take a school leaver and enrol him as an apprentice at a mobile phone repairer’s outlet, three years after, he should be able to repair your latest iPhone with precision.

If you take a school leaver and enrol her as an apprentice at a bakery, three years after she’ll be baking multilevel cakes in varieties for occasions.

If you take a school leaver and enrol him as an apprentice at a welder’s workshop, three years after he can fabricate gates and just anything made of iron.

If you take a school leaver and enrol him as an apprentice at an event planner’s place, three years after, she will handle your events with dexterity and style.

But, if you take a school leaver and put him in a university under the tutelage of professors, after four or five years plus strikes, he will not know beyond diagrams, formulae, definitions and theories. He will need extra training to work in his industry.

He will be seeking for whom to employ him.

Is anything wrong with the school leaver?

No. But something is wrong with the system that kept him for four or more years, made him obtuse and out of touch with reality.

That system needs to be over-hauled. But while you await it’s overhauling, o ye students of tertiary institutions develop thy

The 2015 senior category winner of the Cowbellpedia Mathematics TV Quiz Show for Secondary Schools, Master Ayodele Akinkuowo, has been awarded a scholarship by the University of Moscow, Russia, to study Aeronautic Engineering.

Before the scholarship, Master Akinkuowo was studying Civil Engineering at the University of Ibadan, but he describes the opportunity to study Aeronautics as a dream come true. According to him, it has been his childhood dreams to study Aeronautic or Space Engineering but had to take up Civil Engineering which was a second choice.

He revealed that the scholarship application process was quite tough and competitive as thousands of other eligible

candidates also applied for the spot.

He stated that though the process was rigorous, the confidence he gained from the Cowbellpedia competition helped him pull through.

In appreciation of this feat by an ambassador of the television quiz show, the sponsors, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk, donated a sum of USD $2, 500 to Master Akinkuowo in support of his trip to Russia to begin his studies. In his remark, the Managing Director of Promasidor, Mr. Anders Einarsson, noted that the company was very proud of the young man for this achievement and restated his company’s commitment to keep supporting the academic development of Nigerian children.

Osuji

self. Be skilled enough to be self-employed should there be no job after your graduation. The textbook-laden school system should be blamed. But we are also to blame.

Somebody said in a book I just read, “If you go to a bank for a loan, or visit an embassy for visa, they usually ask for your bank statements and not your school report cards/certificates.�

In other words, you are expected to succeed financially and not just intellectually.

And have you ever wondered why the rich always rule the intelligent? t +VMJFU 0KJ 0TVKJ JT B NPUJWBUJPOBM TQFBLFS BOE UIF BVUIPS PG UIF CPPL A%BSF UP 4UBOE 0VU o B CPPL GPS UFFOBHFST

Akinkuowo

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 28, 2018

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri After BBNaija, Nigeria Needs a New Head of Household Post 2019

D

uring the 2015 presidential election campaign, then-candidate Buhari said at various places that the Nigerian economy had been ruined by the alleged corruption of the Jonathan-led Peoples Democratic Party administration which had also made a mess of the nation’s security situation and promised that if Nigerians elected him, he would provide the leadership that would address these challenges and reverse the alleged damages that the Goodluck government inflicted on Nigeria.

Thank God President Buhari said these things on camera and cannot deny them, as he has denied quite a few of the promises he freely made during the campaigns even though those promises were the basis of his social contract with Nigeria.

But what has been the reality after three years of Buhari in power?

The U.S has just released a report saying human rights abuses have increased under Buhari. Transparency International said corruption has increased.

The Global Terrorism Index says insecurity has increased in Nigeria since 2015 and we are now the third most terrorized nation in the world. The World Economic Forum says Nigeria is the fifth most dangerous nation in the world. The International Monetary Fund says the Nigerian economy is worse now than in 2015 (as if we don’t already know).

So, what exactly has Buhari improved in three years besides his family and his cronies’ financial status? Has your life improved? Has he kept his campaign promises? Yet he has announced his re-election bid. He wants to come back. Come back to do what?

President Buhari cannot run on his record because his record is bad. He cannot run on his promises, because he has a history of denying his promises.

The only option before President Buhari is to run on sentiments.

And that is why President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress party machinery have put all their eggs in the blame it all on Jonathan and the PDP movement. That is why their strategy is to go after all dissent until no one is willing to oppose them for fear of arrest on trumped up charges.

That is why we are discussing about looters’ list while killers are on the rampage all over the country. That is why the President and the Vice President spend their time making allegations instead of giving a report of their stewardship.

A very good example of the over reliance on sentiments by this administration over actual governance is Benue State.

How could Governor Sam Ortom agree to be in a meeting where Buhari is endorsed for a second term a day after it was reported that herdsmen had killed two Catholic priests and fourteen of their parishioners in Benue?

In today’s Nigeria, insecurity is so rampant that if you sleep and wake up alive without Boko Haram killing you, without herdsmen slaughtering you, without bandits shooting you and without government destroying your business, then you must testify in church/mosque for the miracle in your life.

How could the APC machinery even go ahead with endorsing Buhari in Abuja while herdsmen are endorsing deaths in Benue?

It is because securing a second term for President Buhari is more important to the APC than securing the lives of Nigerians.

It is also the reason why their so-called looters’ list reads like a who is who of those they consider threats in the opposition.

These guys are not prepared to even campaign for 2019. Their strategy is to prosecute for 2019.

Take the case of Senator Dino Melaye. Whether or not you like Dino, you must at least see that there is a hidden hand behind his ordeal with the police.

For instance, I read the Nigerian Police Force’s statement on Dino Melaye’s escape saga and it was a detailed statement saying nothing. If only the Nigerian police can be as serious about going after enemies of Nigeria, like herdsmen, as they are with going after enemies of President Buhari, like Dasuki, Dino and Saraki. If only.

Even the thugs who stole the Senate’s mace were

President Buhari cannot run on his record because his record is bad.

He cannot run on his promises, because he has a history of denying his promises.

The only option before President Buhari is to run on sentiments.

And that is why President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress party machinery have put all their eggs in the blame it all on Jonathan and the PDP movement

Buhari not treated as brutally as Dino Melaye. Herdsmen who kill Nigerians are treated better than Dino was. Maina was brought back to Nigeria and given armed guards (according to Junaid Mohammed), Dino was stopped from leaving Nigeria and maltreated by armed guards!

People ask my thoughts on Dino’s arrest. This tale describes my thoughts. Three thieves went to rob. After robbing, they sent one to go and buy food. He bought food and poisoned it so he could keep the loot for himself. On his return, his colleagues killed him and ate the food.

Dino is one of the influencers that convinced Nigerians to reject then-President Jonathan and elect incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. He propagated the APC’s propaganda that demarketed Jonathan and projected Buhari as the Messiah.

Dino and his co travellers brought a tiger to fight their enemies. The tiger did its job but as is the case with all tigers, it continued to thirst for flesh.

Having killed all the enemies of its benefactors, the tiger is now turning on its own. Bola Tinubu should see what is being done to Saraki and Dino and be aware that a slave who sees his fellow slave buried in a shallow grave should not expect a befitting burial when his time comes.

I can vividly remember Dino wearing a T-Shirt mocking Jonathan while he was President. I recall interviews he gave condemning that administration.

Nothing happened to him. Why? Because Jonathan was a true democrat, a statesman who could be trusted to keep to his word.

While in office, President Jonathan had said, “I am the most abused and insulted president in the world but when I leave office, you will all remember me for the total ‘freedom’ you enjoyed under my government.”

With the benefit of hindsight, I am sure Dino now sees the truism of that statement.

In fact, under Buhari, ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members are released while unrepentant government critics are arrested. It is easier for you to

be free in today’s Nigeria if you say you are a reformed terrorist than if you are a confirmed government critic. What has happened to Nigeria?

To show you how justice works in Buhari’s Nigeria, consider that Senator Omo Agege, who is suspected of being behind the mace theft saga, is on APC’s National Convention Committee while Senator Shehu Sani has been invited by the police for questioning or that Senator Nwaoboshi is languishing in prison, while Babachir Lawal is luxuriating at home!

It is for this reason that I congratulate former unwanted factional chairman of PDP, Ali Modu Sheriff, on his return to his natural habitat, APC. Sheriff is wise. With allegations against him and a soon-to-be-released looters’ list round the corner, he has carried the broom so his problems will passover!

So, I say to Nigeria’s lazy youths, do not let down your guard now that #BBNaija is over. The most important eviction happens in February 2019.

The man at Aso Rock has lost the challenge of fighting corruption, insecurity and improving the economy. It is time Nigeria has a new Head of House who can accept responsibility and not dish out blame!

Reno’s Nuggets Popcorn is more valuable than corn, but before it pops, it must be heated. You are valuable. Don’t get upset when challenges heat you up. God intends to pop your corn and release your value. Don’t let the heat make you bitter. It was intended to make you better. And don’t despair even if you are over 40.

The rest of your life can be the best of your life. A fool at 40 isn’t a fool forever. The founder of KFC, Harland Sanders, was a failure who’d failed at almost everything in life until he used his talent for frying chicken to start up the business that became KFC. KFC was founded when he was 62! Keep on keeping on #RenosNuggets

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APRIL 28, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

EmmyKasbit

Autumn Winter 18 Collection

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 28, 2018

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

EmmyKasbit Autumn Winter 18 Collection

O

nce you get a touch of EmmyKasbit in your ur wardrobe, you stay connected! Because EmmyKasbit reflects your feelings, mood,, thoughts and that lasting impression you wish to create as far as fashion is concerned.

The brand’s Autumn Winter 18 Collection is definitely an evidence that fashion goes beyond looks and mere appearances, it’s an expression in ly itself. It says alot about your mood and especially your personality.

So , why don’t you let your outfits do the g introduction first? Check out the creativity being poured out on EmmyKasbit’s Autumn Winter 18 8 Collection:

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... ͸΀͹ͽͽ͹ͻ͹΀Ϳͼ

President ,Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria,ATCON, Mr. Olusola Teniola; 1st Vice President, ATCON, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani; and 2nd Vice President, ATCON, Mr. Muyiwa Ogungboye, during the association AGM/NEC Elections in Lagos recently

Ado Metropolitan Lions Club donating school uniforms to the students of the School of the Blind and Deaf, Ikere Ekiti, during the District Governor , Lion Asiwaju Ayobola Samuel’s visit to the club’s Region 10 in Ekiti recently

Nigerian Breweries Celebrates Trade Partners in Style Acknowledging the role of stakeholders as major growth drivers, Nigerian Breweries Plc honoured the distributors of its products and business partners across the country in an elaborate event.

The company which has a strong reputation for raising hopes through its several impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives is replicating same gestures with its business allies who have been supportive and remain committed to the brand’s objectives in 2017.

At an award ceremony held at the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites, the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel, thanked the partners for their long-standing support over the years, saying the company looks forward to a more rewarding relationship with them in

GTBank Extends Fair Duration to Boost Impact Guaranty Trust Bank has announced that it has extended the days of its annual food and drink fair to increase the exposure and overall effect of the initiative.

The fair which held for two days in its previous editions will this year hold for three days and promised to be more rewarding for all parties including investors and attendees.

With this year’s edition billed for April 29 to May 1, the fair was designed to celebrate Nigeria’s vibrant food culture while promoting enterprise in the small business sector of the food industry, bringing together SMEs operators, global-renowned chefs and food lovers from across the world.

Speaking on the new development, Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, stated that the thought to increase the duration of the programme arose from the need to increase opportunities for small businesses to connect more with consumers and businesses as well as the positive feedback that followed previous editions.

He said, “Alongside the unparalleled culinary experience, the Food and Drink Fair showcases the richness of Africa’s food culture and the vibrancy of the small businesses involved in the industry.

“Apart from the amazing experiences that we create for our tens of thousands of guests, it is the personal testimonials that we receive from participants that speak to the true value of the initiative. Behind these small businesses are hard-working fathers, enterprising mothers and incredibly passionate youths who when they share their remarkable stories of record sales at the fair, we see not just the impact of our efforts at promoting enterprise but the immense capacity of our organisation as a platform to enriching lives.”

Having hosted over 250,000 people and assisted hundreds of small businesses to achieve record sales, the fair since inception has become a major event in the social calendar of Nigerians and expartriates.

the years ahead.

He added that the company was strongly prepared for the inevitable challenges and therefore sought their continued cooperation which he said was key to sustainability.

“As partners for progress, we need you now more than ever before to win.

The environment is more intense and the competitive landscape continues to change. These are challenging times in the market. The strategy to forge ahead and win is to shift focus to ‘our boss’, which is the consumer. This is why we will continue to excite them and make them happy. Therefore, let us all work together to woo the consumers,” he admonished.

Speaking on the theme of the award programme, ‘Winning Together’, the

company’s Sales Director, Mr. Uche Unigwe, stated that the initiative was conceived to recognise and reward the excellent performance of distributors.

Awards presented during the event included, CFAO Award for non-alcohol Distributors; Growth Award and Isuzu Direct Depletion to Road Award. Others were Regional Key Transporters Award; Brand Champions; National Key Transporter; Regional Champions and National Champions.

In an exciting contest, the 2016 and 2017 winner, Ken Maduakor Group Limited from Nnewi in Onitsha marketing zone again beat two others to clinch the National Champions Award and the company’s best distributor for 2017. He was presented with an Isuzu truck, an

Konga Launches Offline Deals with Yudala Merger E-commerce firm, Konga has introduced a new business arm to its offerings arising from its merger with Yudala, which now makes it a composite retail outfit.

The merger deal which is a long expected development since the announcement of the acquisition of the firm by Zinox group would see both companies now operate under the Konga brand name from May 1.

Leveraging on the strength and offline structure of Yudala, Konga which used to operate as an online store only would now have physical retail outlets across the country where customers can physically view and make orders based on their preferences.

Speaking on the merger, Chairman of the firm, Olusiji Ijogun, noted that the new deal would further broaden the scope of organised retail and e-commerce in Nigeria as well as deliver more value to customers and merchants.

He said, “The business platform will now include two distinct but fully integrated aspects including the online e-commerce/marketplace platform and the retail section which is the offline arm of the business. Both will be supported

by Konga Pay, a CBN-licenced mobile money platform and Konga Express, a logistics company with advanced delivery capabilities for internal and external customers.

“Effective from May 1, the com-

pany will now be managed by dual CEOs in the persons of Nick Imudia, who will be in charge of online among others and Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, who will be responsible for offline. This merger will further strengthen our position in the Nigerian retail market as we creatively position the firm as the first profitable e-commerce company in Africa.”

Also speaking, Prince Ekeh, said, “One of the exciting benefits of this merger is the possibility it offers prospective shoppers to order online, pay and pick-up product(s) at the nearest offline store. There are also increasing business opportunities for merchants nationwide.

“Indeed, we are very excited about the operational merger. A merger of this magnitude has never been experienced in Africa.

In the near future, we plan to have a store in every local government area in Nigeria.

While this is ambitious, we believe that every Nigerian deserves the right to have access to full range of genuine products.”

Imudia added that the deal was expected to bring immense opportunities for consumers in the e-commerce space and urged shoppers, consumers, merchants and clients to stay connected with the firm as it unveiled its ambitious contents.

award trophy and 10 pallets.

Others were Ifeoma Chukwuka Nigeria Limited who came second and Nathan Ofoma and Sons Limited, Nkpor, Anambra State clinched the third position.

Also, Ancapas Global Investment Limited from Kaduna won the National Key Transporter Award and got a plaque, an award trophy and a Mitsubishi L200 double cabin 4x4 DC Van, while Priwan Ventures Limited which won the raffle draw got a Mitsubishi L200 van.

The night was lit up with mindblowing musical performance from multiple award-winning musician, Dbanj to the excitement of the elated crowd.

Onga Promotes Nigerian Heritage in New TV Show Promasidor Nigeria Limited, manufacturer of Onga seasoning, has unveiled a new family TV show, ONGAcious, with the aim of advancing Nigeria’s rich culture and tourism.

To be aired weekly, the programme seek to encourage healthy lifestyle.

Commenting on the project, Marketing Manager of PNL, Mr. Abiodun Ayodeji, stated that the programme which would be aired for six months comes with a lot of educational package in addition to the entertainment value it offers.

He added that the company thought of the idea (programme) being relevant to the brand essence which revolves on trust, family, and responsibility and caring. Continuing, Ayodeji said, “The show has a strong appeal to families and would offer them a rare opportunity to jointly watch an educative, informative and entertaining programme for six months. Moreover, it would expose audience to the country’s rich cultural diversity and tourist attractions.

“So many people do not appreciate our own heritage, hence, the show is saying, ‘let us talk about Nigeria; let us celebrate our culture; let us talk about our local delicacies and their health benefits’. This is the only way the younger generation can appreciate the country’s culture.

“Each episode exposes viewers to the unique history, traditions and culture of a specific city or town. Apart from the documentary, an individual who is grounded in the culture of a place takes the audience through its history in an engaging manner. The programme would also feature different kinds of local food recipes and their health benefits.”

He said that ONGAcious which was premiered on April 7, would air every weekend on select TV stations in Nigeria including TVC Lagos, African Magic Family (DSTv and Gotv), OSRC TV Akure, STV Jos, ABS Awka, NTA Kano, NTA Ilorin, NTA Kaduna, NTA Aba, NTA Port Harcourt, NTA Minna, Rima TV Sokoto and Nigbati TV(Startimes Channel 137) with more channels to be added to the list later.

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T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY APRIL 28, 2018

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͶ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY APRIL 28, 2018

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

TRIBUTE

Ikenga Nelson Igwe Uko: A Victorious Soul Returns to His Maker Okechukwu Oko

“W

hen beggars die there are no comets seen; the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes,” writes William Shakespeare. So, it was not surprising that the South-East literally stood still as Ikenga Nelson Igwe Uko was laid to rest at the weekend.

Professor Eugene Rustow once remarked that the greatest force in life is the image and example of a good man. This statement captures the life of Ikenga Uko, mentor, hero, and father figure who died peacefully at his home on January 28, 2018. Loaded with honor and enshrined in public esteem, this placid, imperturbable avatar of human decency does not need anyone to burnish his image in flowery words. The simple deeds of a lifetime speak far more eloquently than any words of ours about this remarkable man and the legacy g y of hope, p love and strength g he leaves behind. He lived a life that can be appropriately pp p y described as a template of human decency. y In looking g back over Ikenga’s g long g and immensely y fulfilled life, three passions p stand out: absolute faith in God, love for family, y g genuine concern for fellow human beings. g A serene, strong, g and secure soul, he exemplified p magnificently g y the virtues of honor, honesty and integrity, g y which he valued so highly g y and persistently p y sought g to transmit to his children and those around him. Ikenga’s g kindness, life’s work and noble spirit p will forever brighten g and elevate the lives of those p privileged g to know him. He leaves behind a legacy very few, if any can surpass – a name

unsoiled and unsullied, a wife and children who remain paradigms of decency and true epitomes of the virtues he espoused; friends and relatives ennobled by him, a community overwhelmed by gratitude for the contributions of their inimitable and matchless Ikenga.

Countless people who came to his home– friends, children’s friends, relatives, inlaws - were treated like his own children. I am blessed to be one of them. We were drawn to his charm, dignity, and electricity that powered our imaginations and pushed us to emulate his noble virtues. He was a solicitous mentor, pleasant surrogate father, a reliable guide, treasured friend, and most importantly, our conscience. Most of us were challenged and changed by his examples and words of wisdom.

Those of us, who followed his advice, will never forget him.

He was protective of his wife, Mrs. Ori Uko. An equable and graceful soul, a ge-

nial personality, who always sees the best in every soul, she immensely enriched Ikenga’s life, infusing it with beauty, meaning, and purpose. Mmo Ori’s love and affection illuminated Ikenga’s path to peace and enabled him to live a meaningful, fulfilled, and capacious life.

Watching Mmo Ori take care of Ikenga with tenderness and resolve, and his genuine trust in her care remains one of the most uplifting and profound lessons those of us close to the family have ever witnessed in our lives. Ikenga labored valiantly and successfully to give his children a loving and disciplined family life. He raised a family fortified by the belief that confidence and faith in God will overcome all adversities. He encouraged his children to put people before possessions, principle before prestige and love for God above all else.

Great as his achievements were, Ikenga will be remembered even more for himself. His dominant and endearing g traits were a luminous integrity, sinc sincerity, and unswerving commitment to tthe truth. He did things for others wit without expecting reward and without tho thought of self-glorification. A life gra g graced by length of years, tender and pur p pure heart, and burning desire to impro p prove the lives and living conditions of tthose around him made Ikenga an una unadulterated blessing and pure joy to tthose privileged to interact with him him. As long as “memory holds a seat in tthis distracted globe”, history will poi p point to Ikenga as one of the country’s nob noblest souls. He will always be held in eenduring esteem and affection.

A As age took its toll, dotage beckoned and death loomed, he gracefully accep p cepted the trappings and limits of age, sus sustained by a profound and unshakeable faith in God and irrepressible deli delight in his family. He remained ten tenaciously fastened onto Jesus Christ and in Him, found the comforts of fait faith, hope and peace – the latter in m measures that passeth all human und understanding. He refused to wallow in tthe futility of reviewing what he cou could and should have done different ently; rather he contemplated life’s eter eternal horizon and looked forward to spe p spending eternity with his maker. He look looked to the future, not with anxiety and concerns, but with confidence and sere serenity. He spoke glowingly about hi his wife, boldly declaring that “it w would have been impossible for m my life to turn out the way it did, if Ori had not been my wife.” He joyfully recounted the satisfaction of watching his children enter honorable adulthood. He believed that prayer should never degenerate into a litany of complaints, petitions and requests to God, but should be one of complete surrender to the will of God, the kind of prayer Jesus Christ offered on the cross at Calvary.

We were blessed with Ikenga’s presence, we will be blessed with his memory. The greatest tribute we can pay him is to honor him with our lives and our love.

Ikenga’s spirit still patrols the corridors of our lives. He stands witt his arms raised beckoning us to wi with the road that leads to a better live, shepherding us away from things that debase, distort and devalue the human soul. His memory will forever remain to uss, a siren, a lodestone, a signpost and u us, a way to decent living – the kind that assures us of a place in in

Great as his achievements were, Ikenga will be remembered even more for himself. His dominant and endearing traits were a luminous integrity, sincerity, and unswerving commitment to the truth.

He did things for others without expecting reward and without thought of self-glorification. A life graced by length of years, tender and pure heart, and burning desire to improve the lives and living conditions of those around him made Ikenga an unadulterated blessing and pure joy to those privileged to interact with him God’s Kingdom.

Mmo Ori, as Ikenga enters eternity and you approach it, we know that you gave Ikenga your all, cheerfully and dutifully honored your marital vow, blissfully refrigerated him from life’s stresses and worries, and eased his passing. Ikenga now rests in the bosom of the Lord where sickness, pain, and death are felt and feared no more. We join you in bidding Ikenga goodbye and praying for the repose of his soul. Just like you admonished, there will be no tears, no grief, no regrets--- just the celebration of life lived to its fullest, rich in service to humanity, and faithfulness to God. Ikenga loved and followed the Lord and faithfully served Him to the end.

And now blessedly, he returns to Him victorious, triumphant and without blemish. God has already raised up Ikenga, his good and faithful servant above the highest hills to a pinnacle of immortal glory. He ran well and finished his race with remarkable dignity, grace and faithfulness. May his example of wise, decent and compassionate living challenge and inspire us as we continue this race.

Shakespeare’s beautiful words on the death of Hamlet come to mind: “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Left to me, Ikenga’s tombstone should bear this simple message: Herein lies Ikenga Nelson Igwe UKO, the builder of souls, the truth-teller, and the conscience of the community.

We miss you dearly Ikenga and the world is less joyful without you. Rest in Peace Ikenga, my mentor, hero, friend and moral compass.

–Oko is a Professor of Law, Southern University Law Centre, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

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FOCUS

A Cabal May be Feeding Fat on Apapa Gridlock - LASTMA GM, Olawale Musa The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Mr. Olawale Musa, tells Bayo Akinloye how the agency is instilling discipline in traffic officers and how federal government bureaucracy is frustrating plans by the state government to deploy drones in the control of traffic:

T

he perennial Apapa gridlock has become an eyesore in Lagos. What are your agency and the government doing to address the situation?

First of all, let me state that the issue of Apapa gridlock is an aberration that should never have happened. Unfortunately, previous administrations had folded their arms and watch the situation deteriorate to the current state.

Presently, if you go through the Ikorodu end, the trailers have parked up to Fadeyi. Lagos State government doesn’t have control over what is happening in Apapa – the activities at the port. But it is more than that. You have the bad roads. The truth is that you have 1,000 vehicles going into Apapa, about 60 per cent of them are bringing empty containers to return to the port. Why? The law says there should be a holding bay where those containers will be dropped. The information I have – I cannot confirm its veracity – is that some people are feeding fat from what is happening at Apapa.

The claim is that there is a cabal that feeds fat on the situation in Apapa. If nothing is being done to effectively address the situation then it means some people are benefitting from it.

On our part, the Lagos State Government has set up a task force that works 24 hours in that axis. Apart from that, we have taken control of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Park that can accommodate 3,000 of those vehicles reducing the gridlock in the area. If you go to Apapa now, you will hardly find heavy-duty trucks inside Apapa. Gradually, the traffic crisis will subside.

It’s been a year and some months you assumed office as the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management. What have been the challenges and achievements?

First of all, I want to thank His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, for deeming it fit to appoint me to the position, believing that I can tackle the challenge that the office requires. The major traffic issue has to do with the public – people using the road. People are impatient. We don’t give consideration to others. People commit traffic offences with reckless abandon believing that they know some people in high places who can plead on their behalf. So, at the end of the day, you have to release their impounded vehicles. That’s a major challenge for me. Look at it this way: why do we have to spend a lot of money to provide traffic lights on roads – we have to power the traffic lights through alternative power source because of epileptic electricity supply – yet, we still have men at the traffic lights to ensure that people obey the light. It is like double expenditure.

That doesn’t happen in normal climes.

Similarly, you spend money to provide traffic signs like ‘No Parking’ and ‘One-Way’ but what do you usually see? People plying the one-way route and parking exactly where there’s ‘No Parking’ sign. How do you explain that? When you impound their vehicles, they then claim they didn’t know the road is one-way. They claim that LASTMA officers are ambushing them. If you do that in a developed country, a camera takes your picture and the next thing is you get fined.

Isn’t that ambushing? People break traffic laws here because they feel nobody is watching them. With various construction projects taking place in Lagos, there are gridlocks in parts of the state creating a domino effect in other areas. Another challenge is the issue of broken-down vehicles. Today, we have about 60 per cent increase in the number of brokendown vehicles on the road that sometimes we seem overwhelmed. The traffic that builds up following the breakdown of a vehicle is hard for you to clear even after we have removed the impediment on the road.

Isn’t it an indictment on LASTMA and the so-called people in high places that some people violate the law and they are let off the hook?

That is the reality; you’ve known me today.

Musa

If somebody close to you commits a traffic offence, the next thing is for you to call me to see how I can get your brother or friend off the hook. People will call the GM or other people who can plead on their behalf so as to get their impounded vehicle released. It’s a societal problem. Let me tell you when you refuse to yield to their plea, you’ll become their enemy.

The person that begged you – not the person that committed the offence –will see you as an enemy. That’s our society. Highly-placed people will plead on behalf of the offender and when you refuse they say you fail to do them a favour; you’re regarded as an enemy.

In this agency, we’ve remained steadfast. We have become the enemy of a lot of people.

Some people say it to my face: ‘Sebi you will leave that place!’ I’ve become the enemy of many people – nobody talks about the offender anymore. That’s what the society has turned into. People have no shame. We have lost our values.

There’s been an accusation by the public that LASTMA officers are more interested in extorting motorists, perhaps making revenue for the government, than controlling the traffic. Is LASTMA considering deploying technology to tackle traffic in the state?

We’ll definitely consider that whether we like it or not. The major point of conflict between LASTMA officers and the public is that when an offence is committed the former have to impound your vehicle. If that vehicle is your source of livelihood, you will resist them. This conflict exists because of our system. For example, I have a GSM line which was registered but I was asked to register again. Why? Our data are not integrated. So, when somebody registers a vehicle at the end of the day you cannot trace that person. You cannot trace that vehicle and you cannot link that person to his residence. People change their residences often in Lagos without effecting that change in the address they had earlier provided either to the GSM provider or to any other agency that requires such. We don’t have a system that when you change your place of residence you must inform the authorities who must verify. We don’t have that system yet. I have a driver’s ID, national ID, BVN, and voter card but these are not integrated. Although in Lagos we’ve started the automatic number plate recognition system in which we use your number to trace you when you commit a traffic offence. When you come to renew your vehicle papers you’ll be made to face the law. But what if you don’t show up to renew your papers or, you do so somewhere else?

This is the truth: the public employed us to serve them. So, if we’re serving them we

The deployment of drones to tackle traffic in Lagos is what the Lagos State government has planned to do and we still look forward to doing it. But the type of drones that will be used is different from the common type people carry around. The drone has to have certain details to be able to function effectively must serve them with civility and decorum and that’s what we’ve been trying to do. Yes, some people – your vehicle broke down on the road; my vehicle had broken down on the road before. Did I plan it? Why must the next thing to do be to move my vehicle forcibly by towing it away? I don’t think that’s the ideal thing to do. We should operate with a human face – that should be the ideology. Apart from the issue of extortion – extorting money from the public – it has reduced drastically, I can vouch for that. The reason is that the number of complaints we received from road users have reduced. I understand the reality that if one or two of our personnel get involved in extorting money from the road user, we’ll still get bad publicity.

As a responsible agency, we always urge members of the public to file their complaints and that’s why we have a complaint centre.

We also have surveillances to keep our personnel on their toes and make them public-friendly. We make our numbers available to the road users so that they can give us feedback. We’re ready to deal with any complaints or petitions promptly. If Nigerians have proper identification numbers, our officers will have no need to impound their vehicles. In Lagos, drivers often present fake identification and vehicle papers making it difficult to trace or fine them. If you present a genuine identification card to me, I will issue you a ticket to go and pay your fine.

Personally, I don’t like the idea of impounding somebody’s vehicle because of N10,000. But that’s the reality in our society. We’re going to correct the anomaly; we’re making effort to correct it. We need the public to support us.

Is your agency considering the use of drones in controlling traffic in Lagos?

The deployment of drones to tackle traffic in Lagos is what the Lagos State government has planned to do and we still look forward to doing it. But the type of drones that will be used is different from the common type people carry around. The drone has to have certain details to be able to function effectively. However, it’s been difficult getting a licence for that type of drones. There are issues the state government is having getting the drones. Without a licence the government cannot obtain and use the drones. I think that’s due to unnecessary bureaucracy of the federal government. But drones are something we’re looking forward to use in controlling traffic in Lagos.

Upon assumption of office, you pledged to deal with the issue of discipline in the agency.

It was a mandate given to me when I

assumed office as the GM of LASTMA by His Excellency, the governor. It was observed that some of the staff were recalcitrant, their attitude to work, their disposition to members of the public was inappropriate. It is a major focus.

Does your agency have figures to support the fact that infractions committed by your staff on the road have reduced?

How many officers have been dealt with in terms of disciplinary action in the last four years compared to the last one year you’ve been in office?

That’s very relative. Prior to my assumption of office, there was no avenue – no easy avenue for people to complain. So, because we now opened that channel, we’ll definitely see more. This is so because we’re constantly engaging the public through interactions on radio programmes to make their complaints known to us. Personally, I try to listen to what people say about LASTMA; I go out and speak to road users, getting feedback from them. We have received letters from the public commending LASTMA, pointing out that LASTMA is better now. There are also awards from the public – unsolicited – to show for our improved operations. Today, it is apparent that LASTMA has become much better and more humane. We now have a better channel to receive complaints.

Can you give us the number of vehicles LASTMA has impounded in the last four years and the number of traffic officers dismissed in the last one year?

I don’t have the figures off the top of my head right now. But let me tell you, the issue of dismissal is not a one-time action; it is a process. There may be some disciplinary steps that are held in abeyance. If I completed the process, it didn’t mean I started it. I do my best to initiate a disciplinary process and complete it. But there will be some disciplinary steps that I may take and it will be my successor that will finish the process.

Therefore, the process is a bit complex.

Since you assumed office, how many of your officers are undergoing disciplinary process?

Since I assumed office, we have at least 100 officers facing disciplinary process.

You should also understand that taking a disciplinary action doesn’t have to result in dismissal. It can be in the form of suspension; working without pay for a period, etc. As a responsible organisation that follows due process, we ensure that dismissal is a last resort. We care about our staff and we care about their families.

Recently, a video about a LASTMA officer threatening to kill a passenger surfaced on the Internet. What do you think about that?

Let me tell you something about video recordings: sometimes they don’t show you the origin of a situation. That video didn’t show the beginning of the situation. I am not here to hold a brief for that officer. He should never have said that. Yet, that video didn’t tell the beginning of the story and I am not sure it told the end of it. Perhaps, at the end of that incident, the two individuals became friends and exchanged numbers. Again, a LASTMA officer should never have made such a statement. A public servant shouldn’t say that to his employer – the taxpayer.

Is Lagos State still going ahead with its plan to provide uniforms and name tags to transport workers?

It’s ideal but it’s beyond that. We’re rolling out our new buses in Lagos State. Definitely, they will be in uniform and wear name tags.

The vehicles also will be tagged making it easy to identify offenders. Gradually, we’re going to remove all the yellow buses from the major roads and restrict them to the inner roads. Thus, we’ll reduce the problems they cause on major roads. Also, we can easily fine public vehicle owners through that provision.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ΀, 2018

POLITY

S’West APC Leaders Move to Ensure Credible Primaries in Ekiti Benneth Oghifo

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he leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-west yesterday met with the party’s governorship aspirants in Ekiti State to assure them of their commitment and readiness to collaborate with the party’s National Working Committee in organising a free, fair and transparent governorship primary election in the state.

To this end, they resolved to cooperate with the party’s National Working Committee and work as observers during the primaries.

The meeting was held at the old State House, Marina, Lagos. In attendance, among others, were APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; National Vice-Chairman, SouthWest, Chief Pius Akinyelure; former Ogun State governor, Chief Segun Osoba; his

former Ekiti State counterpart, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and Ekiti State Chairman of the party, Chief Jide Awe. Not less than 28 governorship aspirants attended the meeting.

The party leadership in the zone urged the NWC to send credible people from Abuja to conduct the primaries already fixed for May 5.

This followed the fear expressed by some of the aspirants over the need to have equally non-partisan team from Abuja to conduct the primary election. The aspirants had cited the case of the last governorship primaries of the party in Anambra State which was trailed by allegations of fraud and corruption. Members of the electoral panel were alleged to have engaged in sharp practices because they were not financially empowered for the exercise.

Speaking after the meeting, Asiwaju Tinubu said the South-West leadership of the party called the meeting to assure the

aspirants that the APC leadership in the geopolitical zone would be non-partisan and non-aligned with any of them in the forthcoming primary election.

Asiwaju Tinubu said: “What I admire about them is that we called them and they answered our call. They all asked for a free, fair and transparent process and that is what we are committed to doing. “The leadership is determined to respect that wish. There would be no interference, no collusion with any of them. But we told them they must all maintain the peace. And once we all recognise our roles and play the roles, we will all move forward.

Chief Akande said: “We are non-partisan; we are out to create a level-playing field.

Whoever emerges at the end of the day is our candidate�.

One of the governorship aspirants, Chief Dele Okeya, who was mandated to speak on behalf of the aspirants, described the meeting as fruitful, while thanking the leaders for their intervention.

Okeya said: “We all resolved that the primary election in Ekiti would be credible, fair and transparent. “We are happy our leaders gave the undertaking that the primaries would be transparent. The leaders pledged to come to Ekiti to ensure that the process is transparent and hitch-free. They also resolved to come after the primaries to ensure we remain cohesive and we have an all-inclusive APC going into the governorship election�.

Among the governorship aspirants at the meeting were Senator Babafemi Ojodu, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, Hon. Femi Bamisile, Mr. Bamidele Faparusi, Hon. Bayo Idowu, Chief Sesan Fatoba, Chief Bisi Aloba, Dr. Adebayo Orire, Dr. Femi Thomas and Dr. Wole Oluyede.

Chief Segun Oni and Senator Ayo Arise arrived shortly after the meeting had ended owing to flight delay from Abuja. They said they agreed with the resolutions reached at the meeting.

Union Leaders Laud Governor Ahmed over N4bn Loan to Offset Workers’ Salaries Hammed Shittu Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă˜

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eaders of the labour unions in Kwara State have commended the governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed for facilitating a N4 billion loan to settle all outstanding salaries of workers.

These leaders include the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Yekeen Agunbiade, the chairman Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Kola Olomu, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Musa Abubakar, and chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Yusuf Salihu.

The labour union leaders in a joint statement issued in Ilorin yesterday said that the development has doused tension among workers who were being owed salaries.

The labour union leaders said that the facility has showed that Governor Ahmed listens to his people.

They said that the workers would remain grateful to the governor for the kind gesture, urging the government to place high premium on welfare of the workers.

They also appealed to the state government to work harder on the promotion of workers in order to boost the productivity of teeming workers in the state.

The labour leaders, however, charged the council chairmen to improve on their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) so as to assist in the socio economic development of the grassroots.

Meanwhile, the governor has assured that the government would continue to find ways of helping the 16 local government councils to solve the salary and pension crisis currently facing them.

Ahmed said that the recent intervention with the N4 billion loan to offsets salaries of workers in the state was to assuage the pain being experienced by the workers and pensioners, due to the unfortunate crisis and the need to help the local government

councils access the facility.

Governor Ahmed, in a statement issued and signed by his Senior Special Assistant in Media and Communication, Dr. Muideen Akorede, expressed optimism that in the coming months, the government would be able to facilitate other interventions to help the councils clear a larger proportion of their existing arrears and eventually clear all the arrears.

Governor Ahmed said that with the local governments taking over their revenue collection, the councils would be able to generate the revenue needed to gradually offset part of their arrears and, more importantly, build some infrastructure.

L-R: Head, Consumer Market Intelligence, NB Plc., Adewole Adedeji; former BBNaija Housemate, Munirat Antoniette Lecky; Brand Support Manager, “33� Export and Stout Brands, NB Plc., Onyebuchi Nwangwu; former BBNaija Housemate, Omololu Shomuyiwa; and Portfolio Manager - Mainstream, Lager and Stout brands, NB Plc., Emmanuel Agu, during a visit to the Nigerian Breweries Headquarters, Courtesy of Legend Extra Stout... recently

L-R: General Manager, Admin/HR, Dangote Flour mills Plc., Datti Danjuma; presenting the 15 years long service award plaque to the Head of Sales Lagos and West, Dangote Sugar ReďŹ nery Plc., Mohammed Ahmad Tokunbo; while the General Manager, ReďŹ nery, Mr. Braimah Ogunwale, representing the Ag. GMD Dangote Sugar ReďŹ nery Plc., at the ďŹ rm’s 2017 long service award held in Apapa Lagos... recently

R-L: Group Managing Director/CEO Access Bank Plc., Herbert Wigwe; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Unit Head, Sustainability, Access Bank Plc.., Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan; and SeniorTechnical Assistant to the Minister of State, Health, Dr. Shuaibu Belgore,, at the Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa Private Sector Forum, in commemoration of the World Malaria Day held in Lagos... recently

The Bariga Youth League in Bariga LCDA, led by their Chairman, Mr. Olatunde Taiwo, held a press conference to declare their intention to endorse Senator Gbenga Asafa for 3rd term in office, held at Bariga LCDA , in Lagos, yesterday PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

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

Ideato Federal Constituency, Orlu Zone, to Discuss National Political Rebirth Bennett Oghifo g

he sons and daughters of Ideato Nation, particularly its political class will, on May 26, converge in Urualla, the Head Quarters of Ideato Nation for a day’s political retreat that will take a deep look at the political development in Nigeria and particularly Imo State.

According to a statement signed by the Coordinator, Deacon ideato C. ideato Okoli, the conference is to assess how the political development in the country and Imo State affects Ideato Federal Constituency and her people.

During the soul-searching meeting, all the political class in Ideato federal constituency otherwise known as Ideato Nation, irrespective of political parties affiliation will collectively X-ray the political history in the past Eight years with a view to ascertaining the activities of political office holders within the period under review and possibly request for an account of stewardship from all the past office holders to ascertain how their services have impacted on the people of Ideato Nation

Okoli and make certain recommendations to guide future political office holders that would guarantee good governance, accountability and good stewardship, going

forward. It should be recalled that history of Nigeria political evolution that led to the Nation’s Independence will never be complete without remembering the roles

played by the likes of Dr K.O. Mbadiwe, The very First Executive Governor of Imo State from Ideato Nation, Owelle Dr Rochas Anayo Okorocha, Prof.

Elechukwu Njaka, Mazi Mbonu Ojike and Dr. Collins Obi to mention but a few, therefore in recognition of the efforts of these men of honour, Ideato Nation’s Political Class must make conscious effort to ensure that ideals and vision of these Nationalists will not be in vain.

“Therefore, the one day political retreat will witness innovations that will set up certain political governance structure and framework that shall assist all future office holders within Ideato Nation so as to ensure that the good people of Ideato Nation benefit from democracy dividends as well as lay foundation for accountability to the people by those holding political offices and representations in and outside Ideato Nation.

Never again shall political office governance be business as usual in our Federal constituency. The political Sun has risen again in Ideato Nation and the people must benefit,” the statement said.

SON Visits Dana Steel, Certifies Operational Compliance Benneth Oghifo

he regional executives of SON were on an official visit to one of the foremost indigenous steel rolling companies in Nigeria, Dana Steel for a routine inspection of the industrial edifice. Led by the regional coordinator, Mr. Dauda Yakubu in the company of the Katsina state coordinator Mr. Adamu Muhammed and the other state coordinators, the SON team expressed their satisfaction on the process and the quality of the products from the company.

Hinged on its values proposition, Dana Steel promotes a corporate culture focused on the industrialization of Nigeria geared towards providing the best quality steel products and impeccable operational excellence. Its corporate social responsiveness is evident in its contribution to the industrialization of Nigerian economy with the acquisition of the steel formerly known as Katsina Steel. Reminiscent of the industrialization drive of Dana Group, the steel rolling company in Katsina has continued to roar loudly in productive noise again, injecting life into the region, particularly, Katsina State.

Yakubu, the SON regional coordinator, expressed his delight and satisfaction of the level of the company’s compliance in the production of quality steel, speaking during the official visit, he stated that “we are satisfied with the level of compliance of Dana Steel. We commend the company for her uncompromising commitment to upholding the production of quality steel for the Nigeria market and other sub-Saharan countries”. The primary focus of the company from inception is premised on steering Nigeria‘s industrial development, especially in the steel sector in such a way that the country would be able to put up a competitive stance against the invading onslaughts from European

SON, Dana officials during the visit to Katsina Steel… recently countries in the area of steel importation into African countries.

A testament to the operational excellence of Dana Steel, the satisfaction of the SON executives in the production process of the company is evident that the gritty and unwavering commitment in the production of quality steel in the country has continuously been at the fore of the company’s management. The trajectory growth of the locally produced steel and the current wave of the top-notch quality standard of the steel in the country championed by Dana Steel has galvanized the company to explore local content in its production process.

Often dubbed the bedrock of many a global economy’s industrialisation, the steel industry has over the years been starved of resourceful management, however, with the privatisation of the sector, the industry is once again on the

path of lofty heights and among this privately owned rolling steel companies, Dana Steel has been steadfast and dogged in its commitment to reviving the sector, making it the pride of the country and a major contributor to her GDP. It will be recalled that when Dana Group bought the Kastina Steel Rolling Mills in 2006, under the Federal Government privatisation programme, it was moribund, having been closed due basically to the paucity of funds and lack of good corporate governance. Dana Steel, since its business operation, has achieved enviable footprints to become a mainstream rolling steel company in the country. With its management experience on serial portfolio investments and operational efficiencies in the deployment of both human and capital resources, Dana Steel has continued to operate under a consolidated, regional structure with a strategy that is founded

on standardized practices.

In the same vein, a visit by the Senate couple of months back, Senator Ben Bruce and his committee commended the Management of Dana group for its massive contribution to the Nigerian economy and for transforming the old Katsina Steel Rolling Mill, despite the present economic challenges in the country.

Senator Ben Bruce said he was impressed with the level of transformation at the steel rolling mill, saying, “We are happy with the giant strides recorded

by Dana Group in turning around the old Katsina Steel Rolling mill. The plant is massive and the level of work done already despite the present economic challenges is highly commendable.”

As a vibrant sector of the economy, the Dana Steel also generates economic activities in downstream industries, creates job opportunities and acquisition of technical skills, and helps in the transfer of technology and provision of machine parts and tools. This particular project is being executed with 100 percent locally-sourced raw materials.

As a company that’s not only cocooned in its business operations, its corporate social responsiveness has been truly impactful and points to the fact that human capacity development and developmental projects are weaved into the company’s DNA. CSR has remained a salient part of her commitment to the Katsina communities.

Having pride itself as an enabler for future generations, it has continued to contribute to the community in a meaningful way by helping those who are in need thereby truly making a difference in the world. One of such programs is the free feeding program of the company. Dana Steel currently offers free food to 1,000 pupils in Katsina State to complement the Federal Government Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

Buhari’s Whistle Blowing Policy was Created out of Frustration, Says Falana Ugo Aliogo, Kehinde Lawal and Amaka Akpa

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uman Rights Activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has stated that the whistle blowing policy of President Muhammadu Buhari was created out of frustration and the need to curb the alarming rate of corruption in Nigeria.

He disclosed this yesterday in Lagos at a public lecture organised by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) with the theme: ‘Whistle-blowing Policy: Issues, Benefits, and Challenges to curtail financial crimes

and misappropriation of assets both in the private and public sectors of the nation.’

Falana said that the policy was an invitation to citizens to participate in the anticorruption policy of government and help the government achieve the sole purpose of curbing the high rate of corruption in the country. “The corruption rate in the country is high and if nothing is done to address it now, then it will consume the development and growth of the country. Buhari created the policy to curb the menace of high corruption cases in the country and

the citizens must work together with the government,” he said.

He maintained that the constitutional rights of a citizen is to impart information, knowledge and ideas as the constitution provides for the protection of the citizen’s right to freedom of expression.

Falana explained that any individual who blows the whistle is protected by the constitution, stating that section 39 of the constitution guarantees freedom of expression which he noted includes freedom to impact knowledge, information and ideas on people. “Section 24 of the constitution

stipulates that every citizen is legally bound to assist law enforcement agencies to expose crime in the society to promote law and order in the society.”

The Human Rights Activist further stated that some cases of whistle blowing had ended badly for the persons involved, noting that when the whistle of the murder of the former Attorney-General of Nigeria late Bola Ige was blown, both the blower, and the lawyer Festus Keyamo were arrested and charged to court, “as at the time of their release, the whistle-blower was heard singing a different tune.”

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

PERSPECTI V E

Who Sinned, God or Man? Nduka Nwosu

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he details may have been lost in time and space. However, the argument has raged since that infamous rebellion when Lucifer averred it is better to be king in Hell than servant in Heaven. Between man and the devil, the question keeps resonating: which is ideal, that man should sell his soul to Satan in order to be known or that he should sell his soul to the same devil in order to know all things?

As little kids we were warned those going to dinner with Lucifer should go with long spoons. Somewhere along the line, a certain breed of the homo sapiens became cleverer than Mephisto dictating to him what it wanted-long life, affluence, wealth, power et al. Before now Lucifer would prescribe two of those three-wealth, children or long life but man having become wiser than Lucifer in his craft wants everything.

Beyond Faustus who desired just one wife, man has everything going for him-fame, power, wine, women, money and good health, just name it. After that splatter of blood when a future queen of England spent her night in the street of Paris, Time essayist Lance Morrow wondered if man’s bargain with the devil was worth the trouble using fame and death as examples. Morrow and Goethe speaking through Faustus, averred that a bargain with the devil is Faustian. Take fame as an instance. Being famous is among the basic human ambitions, Morrow reminds us. Who-except for nuns and monks, say, who are content with God’s radiant attention, sets out in life to remain obscure? “Fame has style, glamour, money, attention; ignites the sudden light of recognition in the strangers’ eyes,” Morrow reflects.

Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ is all about a conspiracy to topple God and the acquisition of fame. Thereafter Goethe adopted Mephistopheles who like the Scarlet Pimpernel, has the magical powers of appearance and disappearance, as the chief negotiator of his kingdom. Here he made his deals with men and women represented by the ambitious and unfulfilled Dr. Faustus, not content to be ordinary and uneventful in man’s estate. Then came the redemption in ‘Paradise Regained.’

Man’s fall has been celebrated and dramatised by several religious systems just for him to know where he is coming from, where he is and where he is headed. . Albert Camus’ epic work ‘The Fall,’ set in dramatic monologues, is the confession of Judge Penitent represented

by Jean-Baptiste Clemence, who in spite of his high place in man’s estate, has fallen from grace.

According to Moses, or the writer of the ‘Book of Genesis,’ Adam and Eve disobeyed God preferring instead Lucifer. In Genesis, God contemplated the idea of making a new creature called man “in our image,” an experiment he found fulfilling and perfect.

Like the imperfect beings we are, he rested his weak body on the seventh day. He probably went to bed and fell into deep slumber after a sumptuous dinner. The perfect God wakes up only to discover his instruction has been ignored. He proceeds to pronounce a curse on something which some days ago had given him joy. Viewed from another perspective, you prayed for children and God responded.

You left them for work and advised them to drink only milk but a deceptive character convinces them to do otherwise. You proceed to pronounce a curse on seven day old twins who are still mastering the art of growing up.

How real?

We are meant to believe that having sinned, we must apologise to the scientist who went to the laboratory to invent a certain object he had conceived in his consciousness but rather ended up with a Frankenstein Monster while test-running the new product. For all his mistakes and errors in the creation story, God compels man to apologise to him for making him imperfect. Man, not God, sinned because God gave him the option of choice and will and having chosen to follow the Devil inherited death. Could the benevolent God have deliberately allowed this discordant note in creation including Lucifer’s rebellion?

Meaning Lucifer was ordained by Jehovah to play a character.

Do bad things come from Lucifer and good ones from Jehovah the Source? So the God of all creation, built hell as an afterthought, a last resort when it dawned on him man had become rebellious and put him into this mess;

Professor Iheanyi Nwosu

God who was happy at the beginning, became so sad that he regretted ever creating man and built Hell for him. Really? He did not see all this coming to avert the catastrophe; yet he is God? So God gets angry like man, is jealous like a man in love with a woman, he has a chosen people called the Israelites and annihilates anyone that challenges them. So racism was instituted on earth from day one? He probably eats rice and beans and goes to toilet every morning since man was created in his image.

For short, he has the attributes of man and sends earthquake or natural disaster when disgusted or made angry.

Then the most mystifying: God and Satanhis creation, go into battle almost always through good and bad people and the result could be predictable-Good represented by God always emerges victorious but only after Bad represented by Satan would have dazed him so badly with bruises, giving him a run for his money. Wahala. Where is this power of Satan coming from if not from God? Where is evil, Satan and his evil thoughts, including those of men and women coming from if not from the Omnipotent God? Is it possible the Almighty is carrying out an experiment he alone knows the end thereof, and death happens to be one such experiment?

The point being made is that the Omnipotent God cannot embark on a journey of regrets like man who is limited in his consciousness has made him to be. He does not belong to a section of humanity called the chosen ones because that amounts to racism.

He is the God of Palestinians, Egyptians and Iranians just as he is the Chineke- God of my village Umukabia, Israel, Nigeria, blacks and whites. Our perception of God, death, the forces of good and evil comes from one sourceGod, who is in a superior position to interpret these manifestations beyond what they appear to be in man’s consciousness. Evil will always be evil and good will always be good. Both proceed from God and are inter-dependent but as Joshua counselled, it will always be in the interest of man to choose good over evil.

More importantly, God has a set of laws, the laws of cause and effect, karma or retributive justice through which he governs the universe.

Thus as you sow, you reap.

Is Hell therefore a place of everlasting damnation where fire rages permanently over the sinner? It is doubtful because it negates the principle of God of second chance, the God of positive change. Besides, the only thing in nature that does not experience change is the unchangeable God. Satan became tired of Heaven and contemplated a kingdom. Some people who lived once in Ikoyi and are now unable to sustain the lifestyle have probably retired to Ajegunle whereas the ambitious young men and women from Ajegunle have long relocated to Ikoyi. Nothing is permanent except God. Christ abandoned heaven to help

man and even descended into hell to liberate the righteous trapped there. Hell with its raging fire and a cooling spot cannot be anything but a furnace of purification whether it takes a million light years or more to achieve.

Planets constantly burn out and new ones are formed. Fire and water have always been purifying elements. Have you ever been to a steel rolling mill or the shop of a black or goldsmith, to see how fire refines iron, upgrading base metals to noble ones? Can hell be a place where man clothed in an imperfect garment, the decaying flesh, every man in fact, is placed at a given category of refinement before the journey to heaven proceeds, what in Catholicism may be the equivalent of Purgatory? Can the experience of Hell be like a treatment from a cocktail of ingots, an admixture of God’s secret elements brewed in his spiritual laboratory, in an alchemical marriage with his end product-Man? Besides, the long queue to heaven is rendering Hell irrelevant especially when witches and wizards and all manner of criminals are getting the heavenly visa through grace and last minute prayers for remission of sins. See how the criminal on the cross like Faustus received a last minute grace and salvation from the Saviour Jesus. So what if those who had worked so hard to enter heaven lose their entry rights or had their visas stolen at the last minute? The benevolent God will roast them in the inferno forever?

The creation story is not exclusive to Christianity. Different religious movements that preceded Christianity believe man experienced a fall and needs a redemption through a learning and re-learning curve.

May be, just maybe, someday religion will agree with Mazzini’s observation: “Life is a mission; every other definition of life is false and leads all who accept it astray. Science, religion and philosophy, though still at variance upon many points, all agree on this, that every existence is an aim.” Thus before God we are all passing through different schools of life, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and at the end of the day, will take a qualifying examination, where the position of the feather on the scale of justice determines the purity or otherwise of the heart of man aspiring for a place in heaven or hell.

Fact is we see God from the prism of the blind men who visited the elephant and held different views of what it could have been.

The God Moses sold to the Israelites was the God that met their needs, something they could touch, call, smile or cry with. Is money not a god many including Christians worship? What would Pentecostalism look like without prosperity? The God we all connect with after all is one of a personal experience, the problem solving God, irrespective of whether or not he was procured in a shop in New Delhi India. If he must be sectional to fulfill our dreams, so be it. Yet, the universal

God cannot be any of these things.

Milton made Lucifer appear a more attractive personality than his creator. If he had presented God as the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valleys, the I am that I am, we would have been dancing in the air like Pastor Enoch Adeboye or the famous Archbishop Benson Idahosa. Anything to the contrary reduces God to a provincial being, a powerful potentate very likely superior in strength to such little gods as Molech, Beelzebub and Lucifer, who in any case, derive their powers from the universal God, all ministering to the provincial needs of their satellite kingdoms.

Who wants God anyway? He is uneventful, unattractive to our illegitimate needs and desires. Moses possibly wanted to give the people of Israel the type of God they desired and stay away from their Double Wahala.

Very few people have been as successful elevating their God concept from a tribal personality to the God of Israel say, one of global acclaim. Amadioha, Ogun, Ndem and Abasi Isong, have failed to fly to global relevance whereas Chineke, Olodumare and Abasi easily equate with Jehovah, the God of Israel.

Erhabor Emokpae’s concept of the ‘Last Supper’ (oil on board-1963) was an attempt to see Christ from a native idiom or African perspective. It backfired unlike Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ universally accepted

by Christians as a great work of art. Yet Emokpae’s ‘Last Supper’ like Da Vinci’s was equally world-class, a theme with universal acclaim as Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Irises,’ Salvador Dali’s ‘The Persistence of Memory’, and ‘The Great Masturbator’ as attested by art connoisseurs. Unlike da Vinci’s work hailed as a true representation of Christ’s ‘Last Supper,’ the other was to the Christian community a supper of witches and wizards, two sides of the same coin, a replication of Dr. Faustus.

Whereas Christopher Marlowe who first dramatised Faustus threw him into hell, Goethe redeemed his soul through grace and admitted him into heaven for his good works, belief in God and the quest for truth.

Beware of answered prayers in the quest for fame!

Indeed, we are all candidates of hell or heaven. John Donne said any man’s death diminishes us all because we are all involved in mankind, “and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

Associate Professor Iheanyi Nwosu’s funeral someday is the funeral of all those attending, a subtle reminder of the days of infamy. In the quest for fame however, the living very close to the deceased are glad that the funeral has been transformed to a carnival seeing the celebrities attending the occasion. They are assured that there is another day of joy in heaven where the dead will be resurrected sitting somewhere close to Jesus.

Thus as the translated proceeds on this journey, since death is actually a transformation to another life, I would have procured a few human heads to go with him and minister to his needs. Sadly he is a born again faithful of the Methodist Church, who has long accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour. I thought of offering him another gift- the ‘Egyptian Book of the Dead,’ where the passenger to the world beyond seeks a guide from a collection of spells or magic formulae which will enable the soul navigate the afterlife, protect and aid him in the hereafter.

I also thought of the book- ‘Presentation of Self in Everyday Living’ by Ervin Goffman, his beloved must read in his early days in the Sociology class.

Unfortunately none of these comes close to the Book of all books, The Bible, his guide in overwhelming the dark princes of the universe. He will, like the character called Christian in John Bunyan’s ‘Pilgrim’s Progress,’ tell his story better by and by.

My parting gift to him, a reminder to IJ and her children and all those mourning at this time, is Thomas ‘Moore’s ‘Farewell But Whenever’: “Let Fate do her worst, these are relics of joy, Bright dreams of the past, which she cannot destroy; Which come in the night time of sorrow and care, And bring back the features which joy used to wear. Long, long be my heart with such memories filled! Like the vases in which roses have once been distilledYou may break, you may shatter the vase, if you will, But the scent of roses will hang round it still.”

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New Investments in Sugar Sector Hit N157bn, Says Busari Jonathan Eze

ENRICHING KNOWLEDGE ...

L-R: CEO, Lady Bird, Mrs. Bunmi Oke; the Author, Mr. Raheem Akingbolu; Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Guest Speaker, Mr. Ruben Abati; and Moderator, Mr. Lolu Akinwumi at a book presentation and Roundtable Talk on Fake News and Future of the Media held in Lagos, yesterday SUNDAYADIGUN

Five years after the federal government, through the National Sugar Development Council, formally began the implementation the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan, the overall investments in the sugar sector of the national economy have risen to N157 billion.

This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Latif Busari, in his presentation during this year’s sugar sensitisation workshop held in Dutse, Jigawa State.

The workshop was aimed at stakeholders in the sugar sub-sector in the Northern region with theme ‘Revising the NSMP Implementation modalities for the achievement of national self-sufficiency in sugar’.

Busari said the essence of the gathering was to review impact of the policy on efforts to boost sugar production.

He disclosed that a 50,000 tonnes per annum sugar estate at Sunti, had

been established, and that over 7000 new jobs had been created by all the three local refineries in the country, namely Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC, BUASugar Refinery and Golden Sugar Company.

According to him, with new policy in place and projection, total sugar production was put at 777.150mt with anticipated jobs put at 50,000.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion and President, Jigawa State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Sanusi, said the Nigeria sugar industry had numerous benefits that should be harnessed for the country's overall development.

While calling on government to create the enabling environment that would attract investors to the sector, Alhaji Sanusi urged governments at various levels to increase budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector as a way of addressing rising unemployment especially among the youths.

Bishop Oyedepo: APC ‘Change’, SO Nigeria Marks World Malaria Day Strangest Ever seen by Nigerians Bayo Akinloye The Founder and Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church (aka Winners Chapel), Pastor David Oyedepo, has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and the All Progressives Congress for offering Nigerians misery instead of the promised 'change.

It also accused the federal government of allegedly aiding herdsmen and other bandits to maim and kill people in the country.

In a video posted on YouTube on Wednesday, the animated, fiery pastor during a sermon also mocked the ruling party, describing its ‘change’ mantra as a ruse.

Speaking to his excited congregants, Oyedepo said, “And what’s not in their agenda is what they’re running now – killing people. It’s not part of the promise – and defending the killers, covering them. Judgment will hit (them). Evil shall not prevail in Nigeria. Amen!�

According to him, instead of bringing relief to Nigerians the current administration had succeeded in adding to the misery of the citizens.

Urging his congregants to stop believing in the promised change of the Buhari government, the pastor declared, “Those who have made others childless so shall they become childless. Those who have made others husbandless so shall

they become husbandless. Those who have made others wifeless so shall they become. Amen! Now, I ask a question: Do you pray for armed robbers? (The congregants shouted ‘No!’) You pray for ritual killers? (Again, the congregants screamed, ‘No!’) You pray for kidnappers? (The congregants chorused the previous answer: ‘No!’) You (had) better know when it’s time to pray against evil.�

Mocking the APC government and the Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, he noted concerning the promises made by the ruling political party, “People keep waiting for ‘change’.

No. You work (for) the changes you desire out. You see where ‘Change

2015’ brought you (laughs). It’s the strangest change we’ve ever seen. No, lip-service change: one naira will be (exchanged for) $1. Sure? Petrol will sell at N45 per litre. Talk is cheap.

(Applause) It’s not working. ‘You’ll have power in three months’. “Well, it’s only three days already. ‘Any responsible government can bring power in three months’ – that’s how responsible they are because there’s power everywhere now. Can’t you see power in your body (touching a congregant)? Talk is cheap. Amen.

Theoretical change; change in the opposite. In your genuine and soul of soul, you (had) better wake up so you don’t suffer the kind of Nigerian ‘change’.

Traders Recount Loss as Lagos Enugu Govt. Approves N100m Demolishes N400bn Market Monthly Pensions, Gratuities Omolabake Fasogbon Popular Ile Epo market in Agbado Oke Odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State valued at over N400 billion was yesterday demolished by Council officials to the shock of traders and consumers.

The market served residents of Lagos and parts of Ogun State as well as means of livelihood for hundreds.

According to information sourced by our correspondent, the talk to demolish the market had been ongoing for close to a year shortly after the new Agbado Oke- Odo LCDA Chairman, Arogun Augustne Adeoye assumed office, but leaders of the market had been blocking the way knowing the ripple effect

it would have on them.

The move for the demolition was said to be in line with the Lagos Mega city plan as there was need to transform the nine year old market to an ultra-modern one.

Sources further claimed that the demolition was carried out by the Agbado Oke Odo LCDA in conjunction with a Developer, Total Value Integrated Limited.

Effort to get the market top executive to speak was not successful as it was been said that eight executives of the market were presently being incarcerated in Ikoyi Prison over murder charge.

Secretary of Igbo Traders in the market, Mr. Donaltus Okafor however provided more details on the development.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration in Enugu State has approved the setting aside of the sum of N100 million monthly for the gradual payment of gratuities to state’s retired civil servants, put at N1.2 billion a year.

The decision was part of the outcome of the meeting between the Enugu State Executive Council (EXCO) and the leadership of the Organised Labour in the state.

Briefing newsmen at the Government House, Enugu shortly after the meeting, the State Chairmen of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe and Comrade Virginus Nwobodo, respectively, also

stated that the council approved for them the payment of nonremitted National Housing Funds deductions made from workers’ salaries between year 2000 and 2004, which amounted to the sum of N82, 714, 506.00.

They added that it was agreed that the payment would be made in three equal installments within eight months, while the payment of gratuities takes effect from May, 2018.

According to them, “within 2000 and 2004 deductions were made from workers’ salaries as National Housing Funds but were not remitted to the Federal Mortgage Bank and now workers are retiring every day and they need their refund.

Glo’s TV Series Advocates Thrift Collection Before the advent of modern day banking, Africans had devised a method of saving money and pooling resources together to expand their businesses. The aged-long medium is called osusu in traditional setting or thrift collection in modern day terminology.

This week's edition of the TV drama series, Professor Johnbull, sponsored

by Globacom and showing every Sunday on the DSTV Africa Magic Family and GOTV Channel 2 at

6.00pm., with repeat broadcast on Thursday at 9.30 p.m. on the cable TV channels, focuses on the osusu practice and the threat fraudsters in the business pose to the credibility of the traditional saving medium.

The episode, which is entitled Osusu Contribution, will also be aired on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday, with Anambra Broadcasting Service showing it at 8.30 p.m. on

Wednesday and Saturday.

Woven round a fraudster, Mr. Rowland (Mounago Collins Nche), who prides himself as the "coordinator of Corporate Osusu Group", the new episode is an eye opener to petty traders and others who may wish to go into cooperative or thrift societies to be cautious in determining who they entrust with their hard-earned money so that they do not fall prey to scammers.

Kanayo O. Kanayo, who plays the

role of the lead character, Professor Johnbull, in the series, while empathising with his "proximate people" such as Etuk (Imeh Bishop); Olaniyi (Yomi Fash-Lanso); Mai Doya (Funky Mallam); Ufoma (Bimbo Akintola); Jumoke (Bidemi Kosoko); Flash (Stephen Odimgbe) Abadnego (Martins Nebo) and Samson(Ogus Baba), who are all victims of a fake osusu operator, urges them to carry out proper investigation on the personalities heading the thrift organisations.

Special Olympics Nigeria (SO Nigeria) through her ExxonMobil Foundation sponsored Skillz For Life initiative, will today host a day filled with activities and fun to commemorate the 2018 World Malaria Day themed “Ready To Beat Malaria�.

The event will hold at CMS Grammar School Bariga, Lagos.

Since 2015, SO Nigeria has commemorated World Malaria Day in a continuous effort to raise awareness on the need to combat malaria and reduce its prevalence among people with intellectual disability (PWID), and the community at large.

Attendees of this year’s event would be invited to participate in a family health forum (FHF) where health talks on malaria, HIV and their adverse effects on the community will be given as well as Voluntary Counseling and Testing on malaria and HIV. World Malaria Day was established in May 2007 by the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Observed every year on the 25th of April, it is a day earmarked to raise awareness on the need for continuous investment and support to various countries, in their efforts to combat malaria and its related problems, as well as provide information and support where necessary for communities prone to malaria.

People with intellectual disability fall into this category, as they are a highly marginalised group in our society.

This exclusion results in them having little or no access to vital health information and proper health care to deal with the prevention and treatment of malaria, HIV and other diseases. SO Nigeria has taken the lead in the campaign to eradicate malaria among PWIDs. In collaboration with Grassroots Soccer, the Skillz for Life initiative uses football as a learning tool to teach about the prevention and treatment of malaria. The programme also engages families and communities by driving vital conversations that challenge stereotypes and encourage acceptance and inclusion of PWIDs.

Ajimobi Declares 3-day Mourning, over Speaker’s Death The Oyo State Government has announced the passing away of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Adesina Olusegun Adeyemo. He died early Friday morning after a sudden illness. He was aged 47.

A three-day mourning period, starting from Monday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 2, 2018, has been declared by the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who also directed that flags be flown at half-mast during the period.

The governor, who was on official assignment outside the state had to rush down to Ibadan when the news was broken to him, and headed straight to the Anatomy Department of the University of Ibadan where the late Speaker’s remains were kept.

Ajimobi had a lengthy discussion with the pathologists to ascertain the likely cause of the death and whether it could have been prevented, after which he spoke with the family members and sympathisers.

Born into the Adeyemo family of Alaarun Compound in Lanlate, Ibarapa East Local Government

Area of the State, he was the first child of the family.

He attended the IMG (Ibadan Municipal Government), Oke Ado, Ibadan for his primary education and was at Celestial Church High School, also in Oke Ado, for his secondary education.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEWUNMI, OLUWAFUNMILOLA now wish to be FADEKEMI, known and addressed as FATOLA, OLUWAFUNMILOLA FADEKEMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEKACHI OLUCHUKWU OGO now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEKACHI OLUCHUKWU BISHOP OGO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKOTETE GRACE OFOELERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUBAJI GRACE OGHENEMINE. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank, Diamond Bank and other banks as well as the general public should please take note.

Saturday, April 28 2018

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Price: N250

MISSILE US to Nigerian Government “Although the law provides criminal penalties for conviction of official corruption, the government did not implement the law effectively, and officials frequently engaged in corrupt practices with impunity.”

– The United States Department of State chastising the anti-corruption war of the Buhari administration.

GUESTCOLUMNIST Okey Anueyiagu

Nigeria’s Economic Uncertainty in the Midst of Plenty

N

igeria, a country that is unsurpassingly enriched with abundant national resource wealth: both natural and human, has witnessed an unprecedented recession. Economic growth has stagnated so dangerously and remains below its historical average. Amongst the myriad of possible causes of this slow growth, are economic policy uncertainty and confusion. The case of monetary policy making and the lack of clarity and direction in its formulation, dissemination and implementation, no doubt has played a major role in impacting economic growth.

In recent times, most of the postulations and postures taken by local and international economists in examining the Nigerian economy, have pointed to the general economic uncertainty impacting negatively on investment, employment and capital expenditures, due to perennial economic policy uncertainties. In writing this short essay, I attempted to inquire from the offices of the National Bureau of Statistics if there were scientific data that will determine the impact of government policies on the growth or otherwise of the economy.

From my days as a student of Economics and Political Science, the importance of verifiable empirical evidence or data was paramount to any study, and also as a teacher, the use of these study methodologies was an essential tool of teaching and learning. However, my inquiries at the Statistics Bureau left me more bewildered and depressed, as the institution that should provide the entire country with irrefutable tools for exploring key determinant variables for research and study, was nothing but buildings housing piles of dusty old literature and disillusioned staff.

Lacking essential scientific data to make accurate points and assessment of the impact of economic policy making and the attendant uncertainty it creates on the economy, I turned to my instinct and other essential market indices.

I began to look at some indications that one of my Supply Side Economics professor in graduate school referred to as supply shocks and credit market index that determine general economic uncertainty. In so doing, the unemployment rate and industrial production decline index are used to measure economic conditions. According to these variables, the unemployment rate is presumed and expected to impact negatively on economic growth and compensation for the labour force, while industrial production is expected to impact positively on the economy.

Unfortunately, the scourge of unemployment and the declining industrial output in Nigeria, essentially paint gloomy pictures.

The inconsistencies in our economic policy formulation and implementation, as well as the persistence of the overbearing influence of its uncertainties over time, are measured in the extent of the regression this economy has suffered in recent times. This is largely responsible for the slow recovery movement from recession. This economic policy uncertainty

Buhari

may be seen in the ways government has tried to unsuccessfully fix the failing economy and the follow up consequences of government actions and sometimes, inactions. Economists and Government Policy makers often disagree on policies and ways and means by which a failing economy can be fixed and restored for sustained economic growth. These disagreements cannot fix or restore a damaged economy. Policy makers must formulate clear and unambiguous policies that are consistent with proven and tested economic theories and practices that are empirically researched and served by Economists and experts in that field. The lack of clarity and the uncertainty in the policymaking process will slow economic growth, cause unemployment and impoverish a country.

Then enters the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017-2020 (ERGP), designed by the Government with the principal aim and objective of restoring growth, investment in social infrastructure and building an economy that is globally competitive. The ERGP, though a laudable plan, is a borrowed one and a near repetition of earlier plans, like the Vision 2010 and Vision 2020.

The objectives of this plan are very similar to the earlier ones, all aiming to improve on social infrastructure, create more employment and achieve economic expansion and growth.

However, the ERGP, like its predecessors, may have the inevitable fate of monumental failure, principally because all the critical elements and economic parameters set out in these plans, are, more often than not, ignored, thereby depriving the economy the broad diversification needed for increased productivity, transparent market forces competitiveness and growth.

These failures can be largely attributed to the poor practices and the lack of the will, and maybe even the skills to mutate these plans from mere paper talk to practical practices and realities.

A clear point at hand is the fiscal policy plan that has failed to recognize the vitality

and importance of money supply economics.

Fiscal plans must be instituted within the framework of standard gauges that propel successful economies globally.

The essence of export competitiveness and increased productivity must be a complement to fiscal interventions in our annual budgets. Within this plan, the budgets are largely speculative, if one considers that the expenditure projections far outpace the revenue. For this, and for other cognitive reasons, one may draw an inevitable conclusion that these plans are not only retrogressive but are possibly contradictory.

Government alone cannot solve the problems of a dying economy, as the growth of most economies in the world is predicated on the private sector. Government’s desperate bid to generate revenue through mostly anti-people policies like double and excessive taxation of its citizens, and sometimes through obnoxious draconian policies of intimidation and forceful collection of revenue from private business enterprises, can never resolve the persistent fiscal shortages in our budget. The policies of the Nigerian Customs, for an example, to arbitrarily engage in pursuing mostly traders from the East by mounting hundreds of road blocks on the highways, nowhere near the borders, and forcefully confiscating their wares and vehicles and compelling them to pay “Customs duties” is a practice that will negatively impact on the economy. This has limited the amount of importation and the volume of movement of goods and services between state boundaries. Our ports are empty and our markets and roads are soon to be deserted.

Try as I may, to remain academic and scholarly in writing this essay, it behooves my political instincts to venture into a thought -process that may suggest other motives responsible for some of these policies. To question if they are made in the overall economic interest of the country, or under other political vindictive guises, may not be out of place; otherwise how do you justify these actions by the Customs against a particular segment of the people, even as it has not proven to increase revenue of the agency. A look at the IGR of the Customs now and its dwindling fortunes, as against the past prosperous periods, will point at the policy as punitively damaging and a failure.

The question on everyone’s lips now is: have the Federal Government policies failed to stimulate the economy? There are so many policies that may impede the growth of any economy. The real sector’s access to cheap loanable funds, and government’s applied instrumentalities in making this possible will create investment and growth. The CBN, through the banks, must create an availability of money that can be loaned to the private sector, which will then use the loans to create goods and services, as well as added employment.

If government policies are inconsistent with the above scenario, rapid industrial growth and employment opportunities will dwindle and the

economy will contract and collapse. Although recent trends in Nigeria are increasingly pointing to the fact that economic performances have been limited by objective factors and institutional regulation, some of these policies are responsible for the financial distortions with disastrous consequences. As there is mounting evidence that the CBN and other government agencies’ interventionist monetary policy is showing, unfortunately, little stimulative impact on the economy, the present theme points with vast presumption that the economy is constrained by insufficient demand that can only be remedied by monetary policy.

My opinion is that most government policies are basically structural and often times beyond the scope of its agencies to provide remedy and solutions through mere proclamations and policy statements. Part of the solution to this economic impasse, is to employ a more viable model that will ginger economic growth through the creation of employment. I propose an intensified skilled trade as a career option for underemployed young adults.

We must steer our young citizens into job-oriented vocational training. Whatever happened to our GTCs (Government Training Centers), where pupils were taught the skill required to gainfully find ready employment needed in the industrial sectors?

The key objective is to create skills needed in some blue-collar fields such as pipefitting, welding, construction and other lower value manufacturing sectors. These are areas where foreigners with better training and skills are dominating, encouraging capital flight and increasing unemployment and the misery index in Nigeria.

The paradoxical dilemma of pushing young adults into skill acquisition programmes as against seeking higher education, while pointing to its counter productivity, can be ameliorated with the consideration of the effect of the dangerously sagging skilled labour index. Policy makers must use their forecast and projection of the growth of the extractive industries, to hedge a strong bet with an active institutionalisation of the basic training schools to support the ever growing and increasingly dynamic and strategic knowledgedriven world economy.

This essay, while taking nothing away from the good intentions of our fiscal policy makers, and from their commitment to restore our battered economy, the progress forged in a year or so continues to face a more deeply-rooted set of economic challenges. Our country is on the verge of falling further behind more innovative and competitive jurisdictions if its mundane resource economy is not at par with the fast-moving pace of the twenty-first century. Many analysts are asking if the country’s political institutions and its actors have what it takes to produce rapid changes that will push all the other institutions by taking cues from them to excel and pull Nigeria out of the pits and abyss of Economic Uncertainty in The Midst of Plenty.

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