Saturday 19th May 2018

You Must Face Trial, S’Court Tells Erastus Akingbola AMCON takes over Oduah’s assets CBN intervenes in forex market with fresh $293m Obinna Chima in Lagos and Alex Enumah in Abuja The Supreme Court yesterday ordered the former Managing

Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr. Erastus Akingbola, to return to the Federal High Court, Lagos, to face his trial on alleged N5

billion fraud charges.

The Apex Court gave the order after it dismissed Akingbola's appeal challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal for lacking

merit.

Also yesterday, Justice M.S. Hassan of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, granted an injunction against Sea Petroleum

Oil & Gas Limited, whose chief promoter is former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella OduahOgiemwonyi on the application of Asset Management Corporation

of Nigeria (AMCON).

Akingbola’s trial was prematurely terminated in April Continued on page 6

Defence Headquarters Begins Full Scale Operation to Flush Out Killer Groups in Benue

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Warm US-Nigeria Relations Excites Buhari, As Pompeo Calls Human rights records still a condition for military assistance

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Bayo Akinloye in Lagos

President Muhammadu Buhari says he is satisfied with the current state of relationship between Nigeria and the United States.

The President, according to

Malam Garba Shehu, his media aide, expressed this satisfaction while receiving a telephone call from the US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo on Thursday.

He said the president also used the opportunity to congratulate the new Secretary of State on his

appointment.

"President Buhari recalled his past meeting with Mr Pompeo, then as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and thanked him for the enormous support the U.S. has extended to the Nigerian security and

intelligence services.

"The President requested the Secretary of State to extend his appreciation to President Donald Trump for the warm reception he was given in the course of his recent visit to the White House," the statement said.

According to Shehu, Pompeo assured Buhari that with him in the Department of State, relations between both countries would get even better.

He said Pompeo also reiterated the desire of the US to continue to pursue, side by side with Nigeria,

matters of common interest on the African continent, including the fight against terrorism and corruption, trade and development.

Fighting corruption, terrorism, Continued on page 6

No Army Collusion with Bandits in Taraba Killings, Says Buratai Claims Danjuma’s allegation unfounded

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The investigative panel set up by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on the alleged partisanship of the military while conducting operations to tackle security challenges across the country, following the outcry by the former Minister of Defence, Lt-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, has submitted its report with a verdict that the claims of the former COAS were untrue.

Buratai, at a briefing in Abuja yesterday, said the panel report showed that concerns raised by some government officials and very senior citizens on the approach of the Nigerian Army in the process of conducting the operations, especially in Taraba State, were looked into by the panel with "no guilty verdict".

The Army Chief recalled that he set up a 10-man panel comprising senior Army officers (both serving and retired) and members from the National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association and other Civil Society

Organizations, to investigate the veracity of the allegations made against the Nigerian Army.

He said the panel, which was inaugurated on April9, 2018, visited government officials, security agencies and other stakeholders covering the three senatorial zones of Taraba State, including Governor of Taraba State, Mr. Dairus Ishaku.

After their findings, Buratai said: "There was no collusion on the part of the Nigerian Army and units operating in Taraba State with any bandit(s) as stated by Lieutenant General TY Danjuma."

"It is apparent that the clashes in Taraba State are a result of clan and communal crisis that predates this present government. Most of the crises in Taraba State are politically motivated and some persons are deliberately escalating the situation in Taraba State for selfish gains.

With respect to the statement by Lt Gen TY Danjuma (retired), it is clear that the allegations were not true, hence there is a need to urge for caution on the part of Continued on page 6

CHRISTOPHER ABEBE LAID TO REST...

Dr. John Abebe, his wife and family members at the funeral mass of their father, late Pa Christopher Abebe, in Iruekpen, Edo State ...yesterday

Over 100 Killed as Passenger Plane Crashes in Cuba

...Page 11

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Christopher Abebe Buried Amid Encomiums Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The remains of the first Nigerian Chairman/Managing Director of the United African Company Nigeria Limited, Dr. Christopher Abebe, were yesterday laid to rest in Iruekpen, Edo State.

The burial was preceded by a funeral mass at the Stella Maris Catholic Church, Iruekpen, Esan West Local Government Area of the state.

In his homily, Bishop of Uromi Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, extolled the quality

and exemplary life of late Abebe, calling on the congregation and Nigerians to emulate him “as he lived for God.�

Ogun described the late first Nigerian Chairman/Managing Director of the United African Company as a true soldier of

He also thanked the former President of Nigeria and an in-law to the family, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for standing with the family at their time of grief.

The late Abebe who died at the age of 99 also served at various times as the pro-chancellor

of the University of Benin, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the University of Calabar.

Other dignitaries at the event included former governor of Edo State, Prof. Osarheimen Osunbor, Senator Daisy Danjuma, among others.

of the Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel IB Gambari for his refusal to be dragged into the state politics".

It stressed that Taraba State is highly heterogeneous and divided along ethno-religious lines; noting that the Chairman of Takum LGA, Hon Shiban Tikari made several attempts to undermine the authority of the Commanding Officer 93 Battalion through some officers of the unit; and that the troops have a good understanding of the Code of Conduct/Rule of Engagement.

It agreed that there was verifiable evidence that two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopters with registration

numbers NAF 574 and NAF 575 landed in Gembu on March 15, 2018 and April 11, 2018 respectively without the knowledge of the local authority.

According to the Panel, the NAF helicopters and personnel that landed in Gembu area were for the proposed establishment of Nigerian Air Force Base at Gembu.

Against this backdrop, the panel recommended that the Army Headquarters should device a means of independent operation across Nigeria so as to insulate soldiers from the overbearing influence of politicians in government.

In response, Buratai said the Nigerian Army was also

of the view that the situation in Taraba State had steadily deteriorated largely due to distrust, intolerance, lack of inclusion and accommodation of different ethnic groups in the state.

"This situation has made it very difficult for the Nigerian Army to carry out its responsibilities in the state without being tainted.

Consequently, all sides in Taraba State need to be cautioned against making inflammatory statements that are detrimental to peace and security."

Buratai further assured of the Nigerian Army's loyalty and subordination to civil authority in carrying out its constitutional roles and responsibilities.

Nigeria (AMCON).

A statement from AMCON explained that the Senator had been having a running battle with corporation over her inability to settle her debt of nearly N20 billion.

It explained that AMCON had purchased the Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs) of Sea Petroleum & Gas Limited from Union Bank Plc sometime in 2012.

"But despite the overtures and genuine efforts made by AMCON to reach an amicable settlement, the Senator and her co-promoters have remained recalcitrant.

"Having exhausted all avenues

of peaceful resolution of the humongous debt, AMCON had no other choice than to refer the matter to court.

"The order also affects Princess Stella Oduah’s other business interests for which AMCON has since appointed Moyosore Jubril Onigbanjo, as Receiver over the assets of Princess Stella OduahOgiemwonyi; Sea Petroleum Oil & Gas Limited; Sea Petroleum and Gas FZE as well as Star Tourism and Hotels Limited," it stated.

According to the statement, the court also ordered the freezing of the funds of Sea Petroleum & Gas Limited and its affiliated companies and principal promoters held anywhere by any entity or persons in Nigeria and authorised AMCON and its Receiver, Moyosore Jubril Onigbanjo to take over all assets pledged as collateral for the facility by Sea Petroleum Oil & Gas Limited.

It explained that Justice Hassan specifically ordered Sea Petroleum Oil & Gas Limited and its affiliated companies to hand over the company’s business, which sits on over 9000 square metres of land in Lagos State along the Lekki-Epe Express Way; two Tank Farms of 500 metric tonnes capacity; a property at Maiyegun Tourism Zone, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 11, Lagos Island and a filling station complex at kilometre 14, Lekki Epe Expressway, Ikota, Lagos State.

The court order also listed a host of other assets across the country including Plot 2, block 12C, Babafemi Osapa Crescent Lekki, Lagos State; Block 5, house 4A Mobolaji Johnson Estate, Lekki, Lagos State; Office/filling station at Jakande, Lekki, Lagos State; Office complex 1,2 and 3 km 14, Lekki-epe Expressway, Ikota, Lagos State; Filing station Complex at km 14, Lekki Epe Expressway, Ikota Lagos State; Staff residential quarters, Ikota Lagos State; E25-E36, Gat Oboh Drive, Millennium Estate, Oniru, Lagos State and F3-F5, SPG Road, Millennium Estate, Oniru, Lagos State. The rest include, SPG Agungi 2, Lekki Lagos State; Office/filling station complex at Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, FCT, Abuja; Gas plant at Karu, FCT, Abuja; Filing station Complex,

Lugbe, FCT Abuja and Agriculture Farm at Kuje, FCT Abuja.

In compliance with the order of the court, AMCON through its Receiver, Moyosore Jubril Onigbanjo, SAN, at about 11:00am on Friday May 18, 2018, simultaneously took possession of the assets of Sea Petroleum & Gas Limited and its affiliated companies.

"The Court in granting the injunction ordered the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspectors General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police in charge of Lagos State, their deputies and all other police officers under them to assist Moyosore Jubril Onigbanjo, SAN, the Receiver and the Bailiffs of the Federal High Court in the enforcement of the orders," it added.

The statement pointed out that AMCON under Ahmed Kuru, its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer has maintained that there will be no sacred cows in its bid to recover the huge debts in the hands of a few Nigerians.

CBN Intervenes in Forex Market with Fresh $293m The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday supplied the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) of the inter-bank Foreign Exchange Market the sum of $293 million.

A statement from the Bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, confirming the figures, indicated that the sum, as in previous interventions, were in favour of interests in the agricultural, airlines, petroleum products, raw materials and machinery sectors.

Okorafor reiterated that the objective of the CBN intervention in the foreign exchange market remained to ensure liquidity in the foreign exchange market and enhance production activities.

He explained that the CBN would continue to ensure liquidity in the interbank sector of the market as well as sustain its interventions in order to drive economic growth and guarantee market stability.

Meanwhile, the naira remained stable and exchanged for N361/$1 in the BDC segment of the market yesterday.

Christ, “whose life has positively influenced the society.�

First son of the deceased, Mr. John Abebe, thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki for his support, especially in the area of logistics, which accounted for the success of the burial.

DANJUMA’S ALLEGATION ON TARABA KILLINGS NOT TRUE, SAYS BURATAI the elder statesman, in view of the security implications of such comments."

The COAS listed other major findings of the Investigation Panel as follows: "There were few instances where locals drag soldiers outside strict military duties to intervene in civil disputes. There was good collaborations, synergy and cooperation between the Nigeria Army and other security agencies operating in Taraba State; and there is sustained media campaign to belittle the military operations in Taraba State."

The panel also noted that most of the crises over the years in Taraba State were particularly in Takum, Wukari, Ussa, Donga and

Sardauna local government areas; there was absence of Nigerian Army deployments in some crises prone areas in the hinterland in Taraba State; and that the NigeriaCameroon common borders in Taraba State were porous.

The panel further revealed: "There was a massive proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Taraba State, some of which had been recovered from warring parties, criminal and unauthorised persons. Troops deployed in Taraba State for Operation MESA were not paid RCA by the state government since February 2018; and there was inadequate communication equipment in the units which impedes Nigerian

Army operations. “Some of the localities in the hinterland in Taraba State were not accessible by road; and the Commanding Officer 93 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel IB Gambari commands his unit effectively and professionally and was only being vilified by some people/ government of Taraba State for his refusal to act outside his professional duties or do the biddings of some government officials.�

The panel also claimed that "Lieutenant General TY Danjuma (Retired) could not be accessed by it and "the Governor of Taraba State made several attempts to ensure the removal

YOU MUST FACE TRIAL, S’COURT TELLS ERASTUS AKINGBOLA 2012 by Justice Charles Archibong, whose decision in the case later earned him a compulsory retirement from the bench.

Delivering judgment on the appeal, the five-man panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Tanko Muhammad unanimously affirmed the February 20, 2015, judgment of the Court of Appeal in Lagos which had overturned the Federal High Court’s decision striking out the charges.

The court accordingly ordered that the case be remitted to the Federal High Court and handled by another judge in the Lagos Division.

Justice Sidi Bage, who read the lead judgment of the apex court also ordered that the case be given accelerated hearing.

Recall that Justice Archibong (now retired) had in a judgment delivered on April 2, 2012 struck out the 26 counts contained in a charge numbered FHC/L/443C/2013 filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against Akingbola.

Justice Archibong in striking out the suit held that the prosecution was not diligent in the handling of the case.

He had described the EFCC prosecution team as a drain in

the public purse and directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to disband the team.

Based on the manner he handled the matter, he was compulsory retired by the National Judicial Council.

AMCON takes over Oduah’s assets Meanwhile, Justice M.S. Hassan of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, has granted an injunction against Sea Petroleum Oil & Gas Limited, whose chief promoter is former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi on the application of Asset Management Corporation of

WARM US-NIGERIA RELATIONS EXCITES BUHARI, AS POMPEO CALLS creating economic opportunities, and advancing democracy and stability in Nigeria dominated Pompeo’s discussion with Buhari.

A statement made available to THISDAY yesterday by the US Department of State's spokesperson, Heather Nauert, said Pompeo noted the longstanding relationship between the Nigerian and American people and underscored the themes of the April 30 official working visit of President Buhari to the White

House.

Nauert said: "He (Pompeo) recognised Nigerian leadership across the African continent on priorities we share - countering terrorism and other threats to peace and security, creating economic opportunity, fighting corruption, and advancing democracy and stability. The Secretary welcomed continued cooperation in advancing our nations’ mutual prosperity."

Meanwhile, the United States

has insisted that it would continue to examine Nigerian security agencies’ human rights records before providing military assistance, citing the Leahy law.

This emerged during a telephonic press briefing on the United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners on Wednesday.

Those at the briefing were Michael Smith, Director, Office of Global Programmes and Initiatives, Bureau of Political

WARRI ECONOMIC SUMMIT...

R-L: Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; Olu of Warri , Ogiame Ikenwole, and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, during the 1st Warri Economic Summit, held at Cedar Events CenterWW, Warri, Delta State.... yesterday

Military Affairs; Colonel Brian R. Foster, Peace Operations Division Chief, US Army War College’s Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute; and Michael Bittrick, Acting Director, Office of Security Affairs, Bureau of African Affairs.

When THISDAY asked if the US was still worried about the poor human rights records of Nigerian troops, both at peacekeeping and domestic levels, Bittrick said: "Thank you for this very good question. This is what we call the Leahy law. This law requires that no security assistance from the US government be provided to units that have committed gross violations of human rights.

"On many occasions over the past several years, we have halted training or prevented training to these kinds of units, when we obtain information about bad behavior and alleged gross violations of human rights....The human rights record of Nigerian forces is also examined before we provide any support, whether that be for counter-terrorism or peacekeeping training.

"The security engagement by the US government, both political and technical, is meant to ensure better responsiveness from Nigerian troops and police in regard to engagement with local civilian communities and ensure that they have the best training, tactics, techniques, and procedures, so that the possibilities of abuse are mitigated and/or minimised."

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY MAY 19, 2018

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REWARDING EXCELLENCE ...

L – R: Head of Deutsche Bank Representative OďŹƒce Nigeria, Mr. Andreas Voss; Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Akin Dada;Global Head of Financial Services, Deutsche Bank, Mr. UlfPeter Noetzel and Deputy Head of Deutsche Bank Representative OďŹƒce Nigeria, Mrs. Adeola Azeez at the Deutsche Bank 2017 Awards for Excellence in Cash Management and Trade Finance in Nigeria,held in Lagos... recently

Defence Headquarters Launches Operation Whirls Stroke to Flush out Killer Groups in Benue George Okoh in Makurdi The Nigeria Defence Headquarters has launched a new offensive known as operation whirls stroke to flush out criminal gangs responsible for the killings in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara states In a press briefing at the Tactical Air Command, Nigeria Air Force, Makurdi on Friday, the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General John Agim said the operation Whirls Stroke was established to take care of security challenges in Benue, Taraba. Nasarawa and Zamfara states following spates of reported killings and clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin in consultation with service chiefs and commanders of other security agencies re-strategised

and constituted the operation to ensure peace and security of lives and properties in the affected states returned back to normal.

"On the 8 of May 2018 the Operation started in earnest and deployed in all the flash points in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.

It will subsequently be deployed in Zamfara state; however, aerial reconnaissance is being carried out on daily basis in Zamfara state as well as other states under this operation. Operation Whirl Stroke is a full-scale military operation in collaboration with other security agencies to completely restore law, order, peace and stability in the affected communities. In addition, Operation Whirls Stroke will ensure that all the people in the affected areas go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation from any quarters," he stated.

He said the operation had so far

recorded some successes.

According to him, in "Benue State, the following achievements have been recorded within the period of the operation. The troops raided a local militia camp at Tse Utime Unudu in Mbawa Council Ward of Guma LGA of Benue State.

During the raid, one armed militia was killed 6 others were arrested while 2 AK 47 rifles, 14 rounds of 62 MM (special) ammunition and 34 rounds of 762MM (NATO) were recovered from the assailants" He said the suspects and items were in the custody of the military for further investigation.

He further explained that Ada Kajo James and Tikaa Omen Desmond both close associates of Monday Terwase popularly known as 'Gana, the most dreaded militia in Benue State were arrested.

Both suspects, he continued, were arrested in connection with their

involvement in the financing and provision of information to Gana and his syndicate, "The suspects are in the custody of the State Security Services for further investigation."

Ajim also disclosed that On 10 May, at about 9pm, troops from Operation Whirl Stroke engaged herdsmen who attacked its troops as they were about crossing River Benue at Azege village in Logo LGA of Benue State heading towards Mbajimba village in Guma LGA. He added that the same herdsmen were believed to have carried out the attack in Takum LGA Taraba Stale before they moved to this location.

He said troops were deployed to the affected villages in Ayilamo and Uzer villages in Logo LGA of Benue State and there is a gradual return of villagers to their villages due to presence of security agencies within the LGA.

The defence spokesman stated that information indicated that about 400 residents of Ayilamo village and about 200 residents of Uzer village had returned; out of about 1,500 and 1,000 residents, respectively who fled the villages in January, 2018, due to increased level of attacks by the suspected herdsmen. "ln Ugya village of Toto LGA of Nasarawa State, troops engaged the militias and carried out a pursuit, and discovered their camp and destroyed it. Three militias were killed. Items recovered include 1 Mark4 rifle, five dane guns, 1 locally made pistol, two Mark 4 rifle magazines, two AK47 magazines 530 5.56 NATO rounds of ammunition, 127 rounds of 7 62mm special ammunition, 20 Mark 4 ammunition, six rounds of 9mm ammunition, five machetes, one axe, 41 catridges, one locally made

revolver mechanism, one mobile phone, charms, herbal medicines," he narrated.

He said over 140 herdsmen had so far been arrested and were being prosecuted since the crises started.

In his remark, the Whirl stroke Operational Force Commander, Major General Adeyemi Yekini stated that the operation was the first of its kind in the country even as he vowed to successfully clear all the affected areas of criminal elements.

He said the operation was in collaboration with special forces of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS and the Civil Defence.

He solicited for the cooperation of opinion leaders and everybody within the affected states and communities to give workable intelligence in order to permanently crush evil people from among Nigerians.

Anglican Church Urges Buhari to Resign, Payroll Fraud: No Going Back Tasks FG on Kanu’s whereabouts on Reforms, Says Bayelsa Govt Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe After reviewing the alleged gross incompetence being displayed by the Presidency in providing security for the citizenry, the Umuahia Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign from office and forget about vying for re-election.

This is as Gombe Diocese of the church called on politicians across the country to desist from politics of violence, killings and thuggery as political activities pick up towards the 2019 general elections.

The Church also tasked the federal government “to clearly explain� to the world what happened to the traditional ruler of Isiama Afaraukwu, Eze Israel Kanu, his wife Ugoeze

Sally and their son, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after soldiers stormed the palace on September 14, 2017.

These demands were contained in a communiquĂŠ issued at the end of the ninth synod of the Umuahia diocese held at St. Luke’s Church Amakama Olokoro in Umuahia South local government of Abia State. The synod had “frowned at the present crisis-ridden situation in the nation. “The decision of the President to run for a second tenure should be reconsidered, and the synod called on him to resign honourably,â€? they said in the communiquĂŠ drafted by a 10-member committee headed by Venerable Alex Ihemekwala and Rev Nathaniel Ezemandu as secretary.

The synod further condemned the “disturbing activities of the

rampaging Fulani herdsmen and the inability of the government to rein in the militants, adding that “this has led to pillage and destruction of villages and communities as well as dastardly massacre of innocent residents by the marauding Fulani herdsmen�.

It therefore regretted that the federal government had continued to foot-drag in taking decisive action against the rampaging herdsmen despite “national outcry against the Fulani herdsmen and calls for the federal government to declare them as terrorists�.

However it was not all condemnation as the synod appreciated the efforts made by the government to negotiate the release of some of the Chibok and Dapchi school girls abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists.

Emmanuel AddehinYenagoa The Bayelsa State Government said on Friday that there was no going back on the current reforms to rid the state of suspected payroll fraudsters in the civil service in the state.

Also, yesterday officials of the state government led by Governor Seriake Dickson's Chief of Staff, Mr. Talford Ongolo and the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, had a heated meeting with protesting leaders of Amassoma, Southern Ijaw, where the Niger Delta University is located.

Those affected by the removal of their names from the payroll, mostly aged women, had in the last few days embarked on a sit-out in the university town, blocking the access roads to the institution.

But a statement signed by the

Commissioner for Education, after the meeting noted that the reforms had come to stay despite unfounded rumours that the government was carrying out the exercise with the intention to witch-hunt some persons.

Obuebite insisted that those whose names were removed from the payroll were persons who did not have the required qualification and those who have passed their retirement age.

According to him, the government had supported those affected by the cleansing by approving three months salary in lieu of notice and had set up a judicial panel for those with genuine cases.

While commending the steps taken so far by the governing council and management of the NDU, the government said the new measures would prevent fraud and wastage in the civil service.

“Now the state government can channel funds to provide infrastructure in all the institutions rather than spend it on salaries alone. Those who are due for retirement would be taken off the system so that the younger generation can fill up the space, which is the most appropriate thing to do�, Obuebite said.

He announced that the government would after the exercise, set up a committee that would collate the names of all those affected from the various institutions and do a review for those persons with genuine claims and are still active to be engaged in other government sectors. “This is a proof that the government empathises with them but stands with what is right. Nay-Sayers should desist from cheap and negative talk and rather support the government to make Bayelsa a better State,� he added.

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The Superfluous Trial of El-Zakzaky The federal government and the Kaduna State Government are clearly not being advised appropriately on the Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky case. I am still struggling to recover from the shock of the decision to drag the Shitte cleric/leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, and his wife to a court in Kaduna this week on charges bordering on culpable homicide and unlawful assembly. Of course, the federal government is a party to this dangerous game.

El-Zakzaky was to be formally charged on Tuesday but because other defendants were not present, the case was adjourned to June 21. The pro-Iranian cleric has been in the custody of the DSS since 2015 after clashes between soldiers and his followers, left 347 of his followers dead.

The court appearance on Tuesday was ElZakzaky’s second public appearance since he was taken into custody despite multiple court rulings approving his freedom. On December 6, 2016, a Federal High Court presided over by Justice G. O. Kolawole ordered the release of El-zakzaky and his wife and awarded them N50 million damages. The Nigerian Army and the Kaduna State Government had demolished and set their residence on fire on 15 December 2015.

As a result, the Federal High Court also ordered the federal government to provide them with a suitable accommodation. These orders have been ignored by the Buhari administration.

For me, this government should be thinking more about a political solution to this El-Zakzaky quagmire instead of charging him to court. His supporters have been causing chaos on the streets of Abuja in the last six months. It could explode into something more dangerous if El-Zakzaky

El-Zakzaky

is convicted. This is because he could face the death penalty. I share the sentiments of the former Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, John Campbell, who few weeks back cautioned the federal government to thread carefully in the way it was handling the case of El-Zakzaky, warning that his ongoing trial could worsen the nation’s security.

In his piece posted on the website of the American think-tank, the Council on Foreign Relations, Campbell said: “El-Zakzaky has claimed to have followers ranging from a few hundred thousand to three million. Whatever

IMN’s numbers, it has demonstrated the ability to shut down Abuja, if only for a few days at a time. Were El-Zakzaky to be tried, convicted, and executed-the worst-case scenario - Abuja could very well face the ‘black swan’ of an insurrection.” The former envoy also pointed out alleged similarities between the way the founder of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf, was treated and the manner el-Zakzaky’s case was being handled, cautioning that Nigeria could have something similar to Boko Haram insurrection.

El-Zakzaky’s health should be of concern to genuine patriots. He is in his mid-sixties and has lost one eye, following the 2015 clash. If he dies in detention, the consequences will be horrendous for this country.

“His health has been fading and if you had an opportunity to see him today, it is obvious and clear. He needed a stick to get around.

El-Zakzaky’s eyesight is poor. His wife walks with a stick; she was shot severely on her leg,” his lawyer, Maxwell Kyon, remarked on Tuesday after his appearance in court.

Kyon said that this was the first time he had been able to talk to El-Zakzaky after the court ordered that the cleric should have access to his legal team: “We were only able to speak with him and his wife for a period of five to ten minutes.”

Clearly, President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Nasir el-Rufai must have been listening to the counsel of the forces of darkness on this El-Zakzaki case. These evil forces care less if the country is plunged into another insurgency. This country can’t afford another insurrection. It is not too late for Buhari and el-rufai to retrace their steps and embrace a political solution to this issue.

Herdsmen Killings: Enough of Condolence Visits One of the few things public officers in this part of the world are very good at doing is acting; even when human lives are involved.

This is precisely what we have been getting, following the persistent killings by Fulani militias across the country. Each time the killers strike, President Muhammadu Buhari, the affected governor and security agents issue statement or visit the scene, vowing to bring the killers to book. More often than not, nothing happens thereafter. This is the raw deal traumatised residents of Gwaska village in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been getting, following the May 7 Fulani militias attack that left over 70 people dead in the community.

Governor Nasir el-rufai rushed to Gwaska the following day, chanting the same ugly rhetoric: “I came here to share the pains and anguish of our people, the predicament of innocent citizens whose lives were cut short due to terrorism of bandits and criminals who have been tormenting us. I want to say again, that we are not sleeping and by the grace of God, we will overcome this evil act and terrorism being unleashed on our people.” It is almost two weeks, yet, not a single culprit has been apprehended.

Nigerians want to see culprits of the Gwaska massacre arrested and put on trial.

Once government fails to arrest and prosecute criminals, crime will persist in that society. That was why few days later, the Fulani militias attacked two communities in Kogi State, killing 10 persons. Two Tiv settlements, one in Ilai, on the outskirts of Mopamuro, and the other in Ido-Gbede of Ijumu Local Government Area of the state were brutalised by AK 47-wielding militia.

They also attacked Ukemberagya, near Anyiin, in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday, killing five farmers. For almost three hours, they moved from one village to another, shooting sporadically and razing houses.

Our security chiefs also go about giving deadlines to their field officers to end killings without consequences for failure to meet such deadlines. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, is notorious for this. On Tuesday, he charged troops to end the wanton killings and destruction of property in Gwaska and other communities in Birnin Gwari within three weeks. Speaking while flagging-off the 2 Battalion Forward Operation Base (FOB) for Operation ‘Idon

Osinbajo

Raini’ at the proposed site in Kanfanin Doka village of Birnin-Gwari, Buratai showboated: “The criminals are not coming from the moon or coming from outer space; they are within this territory. I don’t know why you cannot go to where they are and get them fished out. The killings must stop, the wanton destruction of property must stop, not only within Kaduna State but in the north-west, the north-central and across our country. We must respond decisively and commanders will be personally held responsible for any lapses. You must decide and take appropriate action, anything outside that, you will also be held responsible.

We are no longer going to adopt the defensive approach, it must be offensive. Since the battle has been brought to you, you must take it back and crush them wherever they are.”

I am not sorry to say that Buratai’s Birnin Gwari deadline will end without any result.

In fact, on the same day he gave the deadline, Fulani militias returned to four communities in Birnin Gwari, killing ten people. This is the Buratai that gave his commanders deadline to end Boko Haram and arrest Abubakar Shekau without result. Yet, heads did not roll. I guess Buratai has forgotten about the Boko Haram deadline.

President Buhari has failed to show good leadership in curtailing these killings. This is why Boko Haram and Fulani militias continue to ravage our country. His service chiefs have repeatedly failed to deliver, yet, he’s keeping them.

This week, frustrated stakeholders in Birnin Gwari under the aegis of Birnin-Gwari Vanguards for Security and Good Governance took their case to Amnesty International (AI), with the hope of drawing global attention to the obstinate carnage in this community. In its petition to AI, the stakeholders regretted that Kaduna state government had abandoned them to their fate hence the recent killings and kidnappings and called on the International human rights body to wade into the crisis before the community is decimated.

I agree with the position of The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, that killer herdsmen are being handled with kid’s glove

by Buhari. Rising from its 2018 synod at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Amawbia, Anambra State, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Dr. Alex Ibezim urged Buhari to stop treating the killers with levity. The synod noted that a group that had killed thousands of Nigerians should not be treated as kinsmen.

The church said: “The group (Fulani militias) has done enough havoc to be acknowledged by the global community as the fourth deadliest terror group in the world. Between 2014 and 2018, herdsmen had killed over 1,229 people across the country with Benue, Taraba, Nassarawa, Plateau, Kaduna and Katsina as the worst.

“Most worrisome is the brutality and impunity with which the assailants operate without regard for the law and the sanctity of human life. The Nigerian police and even the military seem powerless to defend the victims from being mercilessly slaughtered in their homes. It is unfortunate that this level of criminal impunity is happening in a sovereign nation with a constitution which declares that the security and welfare of the citizens shall be a major responsibility of the state.

“Perhaps, we need to ask why the police and the military are incapable of protecting the farmers from violent attacks by Fulani herdsmen. Is it true that the Fulani militias are better armed and sometimes outnumber the police?

Why is it difficult for the federal government to contain the terror of the Fulani militia?

Who are those arming the Fulani herdsmen to unleash mayhem on innocent and defenceless Nigerians?”

Failure to protect lives and property is failure of government. This is the truth that must be told. This administration must face this reality and act decisively against Boko Haram and Fulani militia.

Shettima

Elegy to Slain Civilian JTF Members Members of the Civilian Joint Task Force have been defending Borno State against Boko Haram for years. But for them, Maiduguri might have been choked by these terrorists. Hundreds of these brave young men have paid for this service with their lives. They still do, virtually on a daily basis. Just on Tuesday, five members of this militia force were killed when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a checkpoint manned by them on the outskirts of Konduga, Borno State. “We lost five comrades in a suicide attack. Five others are in hospital receiving treatment,” declared Ibrahim Liman, a CJTF leader in Konduga. This is a special appeal to Governor Kashim Shettima to do the needful for the families of these departed supermen. I will like to see Shettima visiting families of these heroes. Relations of these fallen heroes must be properly compensated. These young men laid down their lives for others to live.

Contentious Petrol Subsidy Payments Our grumpy governors are finally speaking out against the sustenance of the dubious petrol subsidy regime by the Buhari administration. Over N1 trillion was paid as petrol subsidy last year, with daily consumption suspiciously jumping from about 35 million litres during the Jonathan era to over 60 million litres today.

The governors are demanding a probe of NNPC and oil subsidy payments from 2015 to date. A delegation led by Abdulaziz Yari, chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and governor of Zamfara State, who met with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday declared: “Many of our international partners are saying that even if we are feeding Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and Niger, we cannot consume more than 35 million litres per day.” All these are happening in an era of “change”. Patriots must rise and challenge this questionable subsidy regime.

Yari

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚͜

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NEWS

In Brief ‘Ekiti Election Will be Transparent’

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that it would ensure that July 14 governorship election is conducted in a most transparentandcrediblemanner.Aspartofmeasurestodiscouragerigging andensurecredibilityoftheelection,thecommissionsaiditwasplanningto extenditspilotprogrammeoftransmittingelectionresultsfrompollingunits totheINECcollationcentresduringtheEkitipolls.Againstthebackground ofanalarmraisedbythenationalchairmanofthePeoplesDemocraticParty (PDP),PrinceUcheSecondus,allegingaplotbytheAllProgessivesCongress to rig the Ekiti governorship election, the INEC Director in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Osaze Uzzi said so far, everything was going as plannedintermstrainingofadhocstaffandsensitisationofthestakeholders inEkiti.UzziwhospoketoTHISDAYontelephoneonFriday,saidtherewasno basisforanyonetoinsinuatethattheelectionwouldnotbefreeandfair.He disclosedthatINECwouldusetheEkitigovernorshipelectiontoshowcase improvements it had made on the use of the card reader. The INEC scribe also explained that the commission would track results of the election at polling units.

AIG Orders Arrests of 3 Policemen

LAST RESPECTS...

L-R: Mr. Mutiu Bello; LASAA MD/CEO, Mr. Bolaji Sanusi; his wife and daughter of the deceased, Oluwatosin; Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello and Chief Patrick Okoye, during the burial of Snr. Apostle Johnson Ayanmuyiwa, Ayanbeku, father in-law of LASAA MD/CEO, at OAUTH, Ile-Ife ... recently

Nigerian, Cameroonian Troops Overrun Boko Haram in Borno Senator Iroegbu in Abuja Nigerian troops in a joint Counter Insurgency Operation with Cameroonian Defence Forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force in Borno State on Thursday overran a Boko Haram hide out in Bukar Maryam and Abaganaram villages of Borno State.

This is as troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, currently involved in Operation Idon Raini on Thursday, killed three bandits at Danmaijiya village in Maru Local Government Council of Zamfara State.

The Deputy Director Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a

statement yesterday said the troops overpowered the insurgents, killing two of them and capturing 11 men after a fierce fire fight, during an operation to clear the surrounding villages of fleeing Boko Haram terrorists.

Nwachukwu said the troops recovered two Multi-Purpose Rocket Grenade Launcher (Police Tear Gas Gun), one rocket propelled gun charger, two AK 47 Rifle magazines with 20 Rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and one magazine vest.

Other logistics, including three motorcycles, one power generating set, a tool box, a pair of Camouflage, one military-type belt and one Boko Haram flag were also captured from the routed insurgents by the troops.

In another development, he said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team (EOD) of Operation Lafiya Dole on Thursday successfully uncovered three Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) planted

by Boko Haram terrorists in Doro Naira village.

According to him, vigilant troops made the discovery during a Counter IED operation sweeping the general area of IEDs. He said the IEDs had been safely detonated by the EOD team.

In a related development, Nwachukwu said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Component of Operation Lafiya Dole had concluded training for the first set of 22 personnel in an Explosive

detection and disposal training program organised by the British Liaison and Support Team in Maiduguri.

He said the capacity development program came on the heels of Boko Haram terrorists resort to attacking soft and vulnerable targets in North Eastern Nigeria.

"In response to the terrorists IED attacks, the British Liaison and Support Team in partnership with the Theatre Command organised instructional and practical training packages to shore up troops' Counter IED capacity in theatre of operation. The British team also made a donation of Explosive Ordnance Disposal kits to each of the trainees.

Teacher, 9 Students Killed in Rainstorm Kills Six, Injures Five, Destroys Over 583 Houses in Katsina Texas High School Shooting Francis Sardauna in Katsina

A heavy downpour in Katsina State has claimed no fewer than six lives, injured five and destroyed over 583 houses, schools and administrative structures in eight communities within Katsina metropolis on Thursday night.

The downpour which started at about 5:30 pm on Friday lasted for about one and half hours, rendered thousands of residents homeless.

The affected communities are Kukar-Gesa, Shinkafi ward A and B in Modoji village, Ambassadors’ Quarters, Makera, Company, and Kambarawa.

Meanwhile as at press time, victims of the windstorm were squatting with their friends and relatives in some communities, as government was yet to provide relief materials or temporary camps for them.

The Executive Secretary of Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Aminu Waziri, told jour-

nalists in Katsina on Friday that the heavy downpour was accompanied by a windstorm that blew off the roofs of many houses in the affected villages. “In Kukar-Gesa 100 houses were affected, Shinkafi Ward A and B 150 houses were destroyed, Ambassadors' Quarters 70 houses were also affected, while at Makera village 40 houses, Company 30 houses and Kambarawa Quarters 100 houses were completely destroyed by the rainstorm. “Other places affected by the heavy downpour are army barracks and the Nigerian Air Force base, where a total number of 53 houses including the administrative block of the Nigerian Air Force nursery and primary schools were damaged,� Wazir said.

The Katsina SEMA secretary assured that necessary measures would be taken by the state government in no distant time to alleviate the suffering of victims in the affected villages.

Bennett Oghifo with agency report Nine students and a teacher were confirmed dead in yesterday’s shooting at Santa Fe High School, near Houston, Texas, United States of America.

According to CNN, Police responded to reports of shots fired at the school and confirmed 10 people were dead, and eight students were treated for gunshot wounds.

A 17-year old-male student, “Dimitrios Pagourtzis is suspected of conducting the shooting yesterday at a Texas high school, Federal law enforcement officials told CNN and confirmed to the Houston Chronicle by the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.�

Authorities are talking to the shooting suspect, who was also injured, according to a law enforcement official. Investigators have not found the suspect in a system that tracks hand guns purchases.

The suspect from the Santa Fe High School shooting has been booked into the Galveston County Jail. Dimitrios Pagourtzis, 17, is being held on capital murder without bond and additional charges may follow, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office says.

The Texas shooting suspect was wearing a long coat and hiding a shotgun underneath when he walked on to Santa Fe High School and opened fire, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said at news conference.

He noted the temperature outside was approximately 90 degrees.

The police chief was on his way to the school when the first shots were reported, he said. The chief then managed to pull an injured officer to safety and return fire.

Patrick said two officers and a roving officer were assigned to the high school.

Retired Houston Police officer John Barnes was one of the people shot at Santa Fe High School, according to Raul Reyes, University of Texas Medical Board director of media relations. Barnes is still in the operating room being treated for a gunshot wound to the arm.

Barnes was in critical condition earlier but his condition is not clear at this time, Reyes said.

A second person is in custody and believed to be a possible accomplice to the suspected gunman in the Texas school shooting, according to a law enforcement official. “This person, who is 18 years old, is not the shooter,� the law enforcement official said.

The Assistant Inspector - General of Police, Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin city,AIGRashedOlatundeAkintundehasorderedthearrestofallpolicemen allegedlyinvolvedinthemurderofoneSamsonOmonuwa.ThelateOmonuwa wasallegedtohavebeenbeatentodeathbythepolicemenattachedtoEnerhen,WarriDivision,DeltaState.Inastatementsignedbythezone5Public RelationsOfficer,DSPEmekaIheanacho,andmadeavailabletojournalists inBeninCity,thearrestorderwassequeltoapetitiondated14thMay,2018 by family of the deceased through their Counsel, D'angelo Zebra Consult, firm of legal practitioner to the AIG. The statement added that from the complaint, father of the deceased, Mr. Anthony Omonuwa alleged that his deceasedsonandhisfriendhadanaltercationwhichledtoafightatkolokolo layout,Enerhen,Warri,thenhisfriendlaidacomplaintattheEnerhenPolice station.Accordingtohim,"Consequently,threePolicemenweredetailedfor the arrest of the suspect. Right there and then, the policemen clubbed the deceased to a state of stupor.

Anxiety over Ilorin False Bank Robbery

Anxiety yesterday gripped the residents of Ilorin, Kwara State capital over therobberyscareatoneofthenewgenerationbanksinthetown.Asearlyas 9.00a.m.,residentsofthetownespeciallythosepassingthroughtheUnity road,wereapprehensiveoverthepurportedattackonthebankthatislocated attheUnityroad,thestatecapital. ThedevelopmentaccordingtoTHISDAY checks,ledtomanyresidentspassingthroughtheareaespeciallyworkers, turnbackwhilethoseintaxicabshadtocomedownandrunfortheirdearlives.

It was at this stage that the state police command moved a detachment of anti-riot policemen to Unity road and other strategic locations in the state soastoforestallanyattackasrumoured.ThestatepolicecommandPublic Relations Officer, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi in a statement denied any attack on any bank.

FearasKidnappersLaySiegeonDandume,Sabuwa

ResidentsofDandumeandSabuwaLocalGovernmentCouncilsofKatsinaState onFridaycriedoutoverwhattheydescribedas‘incessantrateofkidnapping' of its people in the areas. This is even as they appealed the Katsina State governmentandsecurityagenciesinthestatetoimmediatelycometotheir rescue.AresidentofDandume,MallamMohammadDandume,whospoke inanexclusiveinterviewwithTHISDAYsaid,peacehadeludedthetwolocal governments since the kidnappers laid siege to the areas, terrorising and abducting innocent citizens. He said over the last few weeks no fewer than fivepersonshadbeenbrazenlyabductedbythekidnapsyndicatewithseveral millionsofnairademandedfortheirrelease."Thisdevelopmenthascreated morbid fears to residents in the areas while citizens and visitors wishing to come home are scared to do so in the fear that they may be abducted by these heartless gangsters. Most of the victims kidnapped were abducted in the broad day light while the police and other security agency in the area appearhelplessasnoneoftheperpetratorshasbeenbroughttobook,�hesaid.

ReddingtonTreatsGunshotswithoutPoliceReport

The Reddington Hospital Group, Lagos does not demand police report or any other report before attending to gunshot victims in any of its hospitals capableofhandlingsuchcasesthehealthfacilityhassaid.Inapressstatement releasedinLagos,TheGroupMedicalDirectorofthehospital,Dr.Olatunde Lalude said the Reddington Hospital was established primarily to save life and provide health to those in need and it would be against the objectives of the founders to reject any patient except where the hospital feels that suchacasewouldbebetterhandledelsewhereandwouldbeappropriately referred. Dr. Lalude said this press statement became necessary because of the news reports in The Punch that a gunshot victim was rejected at its Ikejabranch.Whilecommiseratingwithfamilyofthedeceased,Laludesaid investigation carried out by the hospital showed that the victim could not be attended to because the branch did not have the capacity in terms of personnel and equipment to attend to such a case.

Kwara APC Congress Committee

Thechairman,stateelectioncommitteeofAllProgressivesCongress(APC) Abuja, Senator Saliu Hussain yesterday warned against any alleged plan to hold parallel state congress of the party slated for today in Ilorin, Kwara state capital. Speaking at a press conference in Ilorin, on the sideline of the preparations for today's state congress of APC, Senator Hussain said that, his committee was not aware of any planned parallel state congress from national secretariat of the party in Abuja. According to him, "it is very importantforanyaggrievedpartymemberstocomeforwardandmaketheir grievancesknowntothepartyleadership.AsfarasAPCisconcerned,weare oneandunitedandthereisnowaywecanbefightingourselvesinapartythat isdoingwellinbothatthefederalandstatelevels". SenatorHussainadded that, “I want every member of the party to work as a team and ensure the progress of the party in the country." On the preparations for the congress, thecommitteehasputallhandsondecksoastomakethestatecongressa hitchfreeone.Hesaidthat,securityarrangementshadbeenongroundasa way to make the election a peaceful exercise in the state.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚͜

NEWS

Over 100 Killed as Passenger Plane Crashes in Cuba More than 100 people were killed in a fatal crash of a Boeing 737 passenger plane in Cuba yesterday, Cuban broadcaster CubaTV reported.

According to Reuters, which monitored CubaTV, there were three seriously injured survivors among the 114 passengers and crew, Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel said.

The aircraft, on a domestic flight to Holguin in eastern Cuba, crashed shortly after taking off from Havana, Cuban state-run media reported.

There were 105 passengers, including five children, and nine crew members.

The fire from the crash had been put out and authorities were identifying bodies, President Diaz-Canel said, adding that authorities were investigating the cause of the crash.

Wreckage was strewn over the area 20 km (12 miles) south of Havana, a Reuters witness said, and blackened parts of the fuselage were visible. “We heard an explosion and then saw a big cloud of smoke go up,� said Gilberto Menendez, who runs a restaurant near the crash site in the agricultural area of Boyeros.

Carlos Alberto Martinez, the director of Havana’s Calixto Garcia hospital, told Reuters that four victims of the accident had been brought there. One had died and three others, all women, were in a serious condition, he said. “She is alive but very burnt and

swollen,� said a distressed relative of one of the survivors at the hospital.

The flight was leased by airline Cubana from a small Mexican airline called Damojh or Global, Cuban state media said. Holguin has some of the island’s most pristine beaches, and attracts tourists.

Cubana declined to comment. A Damojh representative in Mexico said, “We are gathering what we can to give correct information.�

The nationality of those on board was not immediately clear. State media said that the crew were foreign, but provided no further details.

Flight tracking websites indicated the flight was CU972, departing Havana at 11 a.m. (1500 GMT).

The Mexican government said on its website that the plane was a Boeing 737-201 built in 1979, making it around 39 years old.

Boeing Co said in a Twitter post: “We are aware of news reports out of Cuba and are closely monitoring the situation.�

Boeing 737 aircraft use engines made by CFM International, the supplier of the world’s most-used engines, built by a joint venture of GE and France’s Safran.

On Thursday, Cuba’s First Vice President Salvador ValdÊs Mesa had met with Cubana bosses to discuss public complaints about its service, according to state-run media.

OPERATING DIGITALLY ...

L-R; Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, CBO Capital, Mr. Chuka Mordi; CEO, Diamond Bank Plc. Mr. Uzoma Dozie; Co- founder Flutterwave, Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; and Director, Enterprise Commercial , Microsoft Nigeria, during the TechFest Event , held at Land Mark, in Lagos , yesterday‌.

SUNDAY ADIGUN Problems included the cancellation of numerous domestic flights this year, and long delays which the company said were caused by

technical problems with its aircraft.

Earlier this month, the company was ordered to suspend flights by its six Russian built AN-158 aircraft, of

which most had reportedly already been grounded.

The last fatal crash in Cuba was in 2017, the Aviation Safety Network

said. It was a military flight that killed all eight personnel aboard. In 2010, a commercial Aero Caribbean plane crashed in central Cuba. All 68 people

Police Parade 13 Principal Suspects of Pipeline Vandalism

FG Secures Order Directing Health Workers to Resume Work

Senator Iroegbu inAbuja

Paul Obi in Abuja

The Nigerian Police has paraded 13 principal suspects it arrested for constant vandalism of Pipelines, destruction of oil and gas facilities and illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region of the country.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, while parading the suspects in Abuja yesterday, said the serious criminal acts were worrisome because of the consequences of economic hardship, damage to public infrastructures, and loss of Government, Private and Public huge investments in the oil sector.

Idris said that it was in order to halt the trend of wanton destruction of lives and properties in a critical sector of the economy that he reorganised and empowered the Task Force on illegal petroleum

bunkering to decisively tackle these criminals, their collaborators and sponsors.

He said the first case was the arrest of suspected crude oil pipeline vandals in Kaduna State. He listed Isa Ibrahim, Sani Usman, Hosea Danjuma, Aminu Salisu as those arrested after an intense trail by the operatives of the Special Task Force on Petroleum Illegal Bunkering (STFPIB) on May p1, 2018 in their hideout in Kaduna State.

According to the IGP, the suspects confessed to have vandalised crude oil pipeline near Kakau Village in Kaduna State on 26/04/2018 and in the process siphoned 11, 400 Litres of crude oil which they in turn sold at N580,000.00 to their sponsors.

"They have made useful statements and admitted to the crime.

Effort is being intensified to arrest other suspects at large who are involved in the crime. Suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigations," he added.

The Police boss also paraded the arrested suspects of crude oil pipeline vandals in Niger State. He said that on April 27, 2018 at about 02. 30pm, "the Special Task Force on Petroleum Illegal Bunkering (STFPIB) surveillance patrol team acting on a tip-off intercepted and arrested Umar Abubakar, Aminu muhammed, Ismaila Jimoh (driver), Oni Ajibade, Musa Mohammed, Abubakar Usman while in the process of breaking the NNPC pipeline around Bonu village in Guarara LGA of Niger State. The vandalised NNPC pipeline runs through Izon NNPC pump station to Minna NNPC Depot.

The federal government yesterday secured an interim injunction compelling health workers under the auspices of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) to end their indefinite strike and immediately resume work.

According to the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Boade Akinola, the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja gave the order restraining health workers from going on with the nationwide strike.

Akinola explained that the court gave the "order of interim Injunction compelling the striking members of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) to immediately resume duty at the various health institutions across Nigeria and the

federal government to put in place a reconciliatory process towards ending the strike.

"Reacting to the judgement, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole said that government had already put in place a reconciliatory process towards amicable settlement of the trade dispute between the FG and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

He said the FG’s side waited for six hours yesterday May 17th, 2018 for JOHESU’s representatives to continue with the jointly agreed meeting which JOHESU boycotted.

Akinola further stated that "shortly after the adjournment of the boycotted meeting, an official communication titled: collapse of negotiation between the federal government and joint health sector unions was issued by JOHESU

informing that negotiation with Federal government has broken down.

"The Minister however maintained that the FG had not reneged on its commitment to promote peace and harmony in the health sector but will engage in continuous dialogue on how to improve the sector.

"Adewole who said the FG is open to negotiations on the demands of the Union asked that members of the Union should consider the plight of innocent Nigerians in need of health care and return to work while negotiation continues."

The minister also "directed the CMDs and MD’s of tertiary hospitals to commence the process of documenting staff as they return to work and update the Ministry according."

Otedola: I've No Interest in Lagos Guber Race

Voter Registration: Delta Gets 30 New Data Machines

Gboyega Akinsanmi

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Chairman of Forte Oil Plc, Mr. Femi Otedola yesterday dissociated himself from some reports circulating on the social media that he had joined the 2019 race for Lagos House.

He also at a different forum, announced creation of a twitter handle thereby joining the league of very-high-net-worth personalities on the social media platform, Twitter.

His Twitter handle is @realfemiotedola.

Otedola, son of a former governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Otedola, commended Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for aggressive infrastructure projects his administration had been executing.

He debunked the reports in a tweet on his official handle, @ realFemiOtedola yesterday, claiming that he had no plan of joining the

governorship race.

There had been speculations that Otedola would contest for public office with some analysts specifically claiming that he would run for Lagos governorship seat in the next election.

The report flooded the social media after a video showing the oil magnate in a popular Lagos commercial shuttle, Molue, surfaced online.

The report became rife after a tweet from a fake Twitter account that Otedola would challenge the incumbent governor in the next election.

The speculation contravened an earlier report in which Otedola endorsed Ambode for re-election, saying his great good works “have kept Lagos as the benchmark for other states to aspire to.�

According to him, “my attention has been drawn to a news piece

where false information from a parody account was posted,� the tweet read.

He said: “I am a man of the people and I will always be on the side of the masses but I am stating clearly via this medium

that I am not running for office. “The Governor of Lagos State is doing a commendable job and Lagosians should be proud of him�.

In a statement on March 5, the oil magnate commended Ambode for his stewardship in the state despite the numerous challenges, the rest of the country, and the recent recession.

According to his March 5 statement, as a Lagosian and omo Ibile (child of original regions that make up Lagos), I wish to expressly commend and appreciate the great good works our amiable Governor Ambode is doing in our dear Lagos – Nigeria’s No. 1 state.

As the countdown to the 2019 general election in Nigeria begins, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta State has received 30 new Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines to enhance the process of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in the state.

The Delta State INEC Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, stated this yesterday in Asaba while briefing newsmen on the progress of CVR in the state vis-à -vis the seeming apathy among numerous registered voters yet to collect their individual Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) since 2015.

Mrs. Oriaran-Anthony, who admitted that that deployment of apparently obsolete DDC machines greatly slowed down the CVR exercise in the 25 local government areas of the state since 2017, expressed confidence that the

addition of the 30 DDC machines would go a long way in speeding up the process in the 47 CVR centres in Delta State.

The new DDC machines would complement the old ones, whose lifespan ought to be about four years but had been in use since the 2007-2010 voter registration exercise in the country. “The Commission has fixed Monday the 21st of May, 2018 as the commencement date for the collection of PVCs for those who registered in the CVR exercise in 2017�, the state INEC executive administrative secretary said.

She disclosed that a total of 168,402 PVCs had been received by the Commission in the state INEC from the 2017 VCR, adding that the figure “includes those who applied for transfer, both interstate (that is, those from other states) as well as intrastate (that is from one part of the state to another).

Giving a breakdown of the figures from exercise, the Delta State INEC Administrative Secretary said, “Before the commencement of the CVR, we had 2,275,264 registered voters in Delta State�, adding, “For the CVR in 2017, the state registered 176,113 post AFIS (Automatic Finger Identification System) and BR.�

She further said that “at the commencement of the CVR, we had a total number of 153,690 in 2017, 6,347 PVCs were collected for the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2018 (while) 5,104 PVCs have been collected, leaving a balance of 152,239 uncollected PVCs in the state.�

She made a passionate appeal for all citizens and particularly stakeholders to take greater interest in the country’s democratic process by eschewing all forms of violence before and during the 2019 election, and to desist from unlawful electoral activities during the period leading to the election.

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͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

LEADERS AND COMMUNICATION THEORY

Sola Oni urges leaders to deploy every speaking opportunity to create harmonious relationship between the government and the people

T

he former President of United States, Ronald Reagan stirred the hornet’s nest on August 11, 1984 while preparing for his weekly radio address. Reagan was to make a broadcast that he had signed a legislation that gives freedom for student religious groups to meet in public high schools during non-school hours, just as other students groups are allowed to do. It was a new legislation that would boost morale of the students.

He needed to test the microphone. He seized the opportunity to crack a joke by using parody of his planned announcement and he said, “My fellow Americans, I’m pleased to tell you today that I’ve signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever, we begin bombing in five minutes.�

The parody of his proposed broadcast was not a life broadcast but it was leaked to the public. Ordinarily, the statement was a joke. But coming from the president of a country, it became a diplomatic issue.

Immediately the defunct USSR heard the rumour, its battle-ready Soviet Far East Army was placed on alert for 30 minutes.

When it became clear that it was a joke, the Soviet Official News Agency (TASS) condemned it as unprecedented and hostile attack by the US President by saying “This kind of behaviour is incompatible with the great responsibility borne by the heads of nuclear states for the destinies of their own people and mankind.�

Last month, President Mohammad Buhari during a panel appearance with world leaders at the Commonwealth Business Forum in London inadvertently opened a can of worms when he said “More than 60 per cent of the population (Nigeria’s) is below 30, a lot of them haven’t been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria is an oil producing country, therefore, they should sit and do nothing, and get housing, healthcare, education free.�

Ordinarily, anyone could have said this without incurring the wrath of the youths. But coming from the Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, Buhari has automatically incurred the wrath of Nigerian youths and those who have been conducting research “on how to put him on the spot for political reasons.�

The acerbic criticisms that greeted the comment coupled with Buhari’s topmost political stature put the duo of Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Femi Adesina, Minister of Information and Culture and Senior Special Adviser on Media to the President respectively, to quickly embark on physical and spiritual defence of the president through re-explanation of the comment in order to douse the “tension� raised by what can easily pass for normal comment.

In a quick succession, the former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad Sanusi, had in Washington at the Investment Summit criticised the Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, CBN’s Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, other ministers and heads of parastatal for being conspicuously absent at the summit.

Knowing the political and professional cost of Sanusi’s allegation, Adeosun and Emefiele prompty addressed a press conference in Washington, D. C. to put on record that the investment summit was not part of their schedule. “We’re only informed about the summit when they arrived the US.� The kernel of Emefiele’s and Adeosun’s explanation was that they were not consulted by the organisers of the summit.

According to her, they went to the United States primarily for the meetings of IMF and World Bank. Also, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Ms Yewande Sadiku whose name was included as a speaker at that summit was reportedly not informed by the organisers. After her participation in

PUBLIC UTTERANCES OF OUR LEADERS OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY MUST BE FOCUSED ON DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES AND ASSURANCES THAT OUR COUNTRY IS AN ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS. THEY MUST DEFEND NIGERIAN BRAND

London Forum, Sadiku reportedly came back to Nigeria unknown that she was to speak at the US investment summit.

Emefiele made a polemic summary of the position of the top government officials thus: “There was no way the Finance Minister and myself could have been there. But I think it is important to say it is unfair for people to begin to cast aspersions without understanding our schedules.� There are matters arising .Sanusi’s outburst was borne out of patriotic zeal that the summit would have provided a robust platform for the participants to interact with Nigerian’s top government officials to enable them have firsthand information on investment opportunities in Nigeria. It would have created a platform where the officials can explain the position of Nigeria as an investment destination and address any concerns raised by the participants. Components of enabling environment created to attract foreign investors in would be explained by the government officials.

Sanusi was obviously not privy to whether the organisers were properly invited to the summit. Before one calls for Sanusi’s head, why should the organisers fail to have proper consultation with the government officials before the event? Was it an honest error or a deliberate attempt to expose these government officials to public odium? Are the organisers Nigerians who probably assume that the officials can be ambushed just because it is a foreign country? On the other hand, why should Sanusi escalate his complaint in another country to the extent of allowing the bad news to hit headlines?

Communication theory focuses on the principles and processes by which information is conveyed. There is a concept of theory of narrative paradigm. The theory explains that in every level of communication, the speaker’s position and influence, the audience, setting and speech effectiveness ought to be analysed. Narrative paradigm theory posits that each person can interpret a message differently and the interpretation shall be influenced by age, gender, race, religion, ability, culture, life experience, value, belief and attitude. The strength and narrative paradigm lies in the assertion that individuals interpret messages in their own way and draws personal conclusion.

From the perspective of public communication, President Buhari and Alhaji Sanusi erred. They have watched the dirty linen of Nigeria in another country. Leaders carry a lot of responsibilities by virtue of their positions. What an ordinary Nigerian can say or do with impunity cannot be said by a prominent person, especially, a public office holder.

Our leaders at every level require some insight into the fundamentals of public communication. They should be guided by the burning desire to deploy every speaking opportunity to create harmonious relationship between the government and the people. They need some tutorial classes in public communication. Public utterances of our leaders outside the country must be focused on developmental issues and assurances that our country is an attractive destination for business. They must defend Nigerian brand.

President Donald Trump of America has become a case study in making comments that can easily draw the ire of another country against America. Leaders at every level must be able to draw the line between leadership roles and public utterances.

Ironically, the Nigeria’s financial market is craving for comments of our top government officials as there have always been a gulf between policy pronouncements and implementation. Absence of top government officials at capital market functions has been a recurring decimal over the years. Stockbrokers are financial engineers who cannot be ignored in any economic model.

Oni, Financial Journalist and Chartered Stockbroker, is the CEO, Sofunix Investment and Communications

DR CONGO AND FRESH EBOLA SCARE The continent could do more to ensure the virus is contained, writes Tayo Ogunbiyi

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bola is a dreadful disease that once ravaged the West Africa coast, leaving in its trail sorrow, tears and blood. According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) data, at its peak, Ebola had over 10,000 victims in West Africa. The WHO records further reveal that 9,936 people in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone contracted the disease.

Nigeria also had her own share of the Ebola brouhaha, no thanks to the escapade of late American-Liberian, Patrick Sawyer.

After weeks of scary Ebola episode, Nigerians were understandably over joyous to hear the news that the country was certified Ebola free. While the Ebola trauma lasted, 19 cases were recorded out of which eight died. Aside the number of lives it claimed and attendant psychological trauma, the Ebola ordeal came with lots of economic losses.

However, years after the nation has happily put the Ebola ghost behind her, scary news about the resurgence of the dreadful disease from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) surely calls for serious concern. According to WHO, DRC had over 39 suspected, probable or confirmed cases of Ebola between April 4 and May 13. Also, 393 people that were identified as contacts of Ebola patients are currently being followed up. Alarmed at the latest development, WHO has already moved in to liaise with authorities in DRC to contain the spread. WHO says it is preparing for the “worst case scenario� as it responds to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The DRC has had more Ebola virus outbreaks than any other country in the world. Over the past

10 years, there have been five cases: 2007, from 2008 to 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2017. Indeed, the Ebola virus was first identified in the country in 1976 and gets its name from the Ebola River, which is situated near the village where it was discovered. Scientists believe it was initially present in wild animals living in tropical rainforests in equatorial Africa. Fruit bats have also been identified as one of the main hosts as they can transmit the disease while remaining unaffected by it. The disease spread to humans when they come into contact with blood or other body fluids from infected animals, usually through hunting.

Obviously, if the Ebola trend in DRC is unchecked, Nigeria and other African countries might be at some risk. Cheerfully, from her past experience with the disease, Nigerian authorities are conscious of the fact that if the country is not going to be caught napping in another Ebola drama, preparation is quite vital. It is, therefore, pleasing to note that the country’s Centre for Disease Control has taken additional preventive measures such as placing its emergency operations centre on alert and issuing a public health advisory. Also, the National Port Health Services have heightened screening at points of entry. There are also protocols in place to ensure that if a case is suspected, it’s detected early and response activities are initiated immediately.

But then, it should not just be about what individual countries are doing alone. There should be more of collaborative efforts, especially among neighbouring African countries to ensure that the disease do not have a foothold in the continent

again. In 2014, the eventual defeat of Ebola was partly possible because the African Union put up a common front against it. So, the African Union must approach the DRC Ebola renaissance with the same speed and methodology it successfully deployed in 2014.

Meanwhile, as for our country, concerned authorities must ensure that our borders are well protected.

Health workers at the various local and international airports must ensure that those coming into the country are properly screened to determine their Ebola status. Equally, all hospitals in the country need to train more of their medical personnel on how to handle Ebola-related cases.

The Federal Ministry of Health must also step up its public enlightenment campaigns to further create awareness on how to prevent infection from the deadly virus, and in case of infection, how to identify the early symptoms which is characterised by sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, sore throat and death. There is need for aggressive production and distribution of Information, education and communication materials on prevention and management of Ebola virus. Slots for jingles on radio must be increased and made to have widest coverage.

Similarly, schools must not compromise current hygiene trend. To do that would be suicidal.

Officials must continue to insist on proper hygiene among teachers and students while screening of visitors, staff and students must be a continuous process. Appropriate government officials and other key stakeholders in the health and education sectors

must continue to pay routine visits to schools in order to ensure compliance with stipulated Ebola preventive measures.

Perhaps more importantly, everybody must be watchful of their health situation and swiftly report any odd health situation to the nearest medical facility. Failure to do this at the right moment may possibly jeopardise numerous lives. This is not exactly the moment in time to play with health related issues. Every household must continue to preach and imbibe positive hygiene measures to guide against harmful tendencies that could jeopardise family health.

In a country where management of emergencies and disasters is lethargic, a nation where healthcare facilities and personnel are grossly inadequate and Doctors’ strike incessant, the possibility of coping with another outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus disease will, no doubt, be very difficult. This is why the authorities must act fast to secure the nation’s borders and prevent entry of the deadly virus.

We must be proactive in our attitude towards the prevention of diseases outbreaks; our responses to catastrophes in this clime are usually reactive. In this instance, our fire-brigade approach of rushing out to quench fire all the time, rather than figure out how to put in place measures to prevent fire outbreaks must be jettisoned. Our nationalistic tendencies for lack of prescience must not prevail in protecting ourselves against the deadly Ebola virus. A stitch in time saves nine.

Ogunbiyi is of the Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

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͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Suering and smiling...

Electronic Voting in Kaduna

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ocal government elections in Nigeria are perceived as selection of preferential candidates by the state governors. They are described as the process of selecting cronies of governors who will rig election for them during any gubernatorial elections.

Many people believed that local government elections in Nigeria would never be transparent, free and fair as long as State Independent Electoral Commissions would be conducting them because of the huge influence of state governors who normally rig the elections because of their selfish political interests.

Nigerians have already lost confidence in local government elections; that is why there is always low turnout of voters whenever there are such elections. The local government election that was conducted on May 12, 2018, in Kaduna State, has revived the confidence of many Nigerians that if state governors will act democratically, local government elections could be credible and transparent.

The Kaduna election was the freest election when we look at how local government elections are conducted today in Nigeria where ruling parties win all the local council elections. But the Kaduna State local government election was totally different where the leading opposition party (PDP) won three local government areas of Zangon Kataf, Kauru, and Kachia in addition to other councillorships.

The electronic voting saved some N1.7 billion that could have been spent for the printing of ballot papers.

What makes this election a very good and unique one was the introduction of electronic voting machines. It was very simple and fast. In fact, it will not take you more than three minutes for you to cast your votes. This was achieved because of the firm belief of our governor that we are in 21st century. Therefore, we must embrace technology.

The State Independent Electoral Commission also deserves commendation because of the sleepless nights it had for this great achievement to be possible. Both Nasir el-Rufai and SIECOM have entered the book of records in Nigeria with this electronic voting.

The indigenes of Kaduna State also deserve to be applauded for the decent manner during the election because there was absence of violence except in the two local governments of Kaura and Jaba where the election was postponed.

For this exercise to be secure and transparent in the forthcoming elections, card reader should be used to verify and authenticate the voters so that nobody can use someone else’s voter card.

This is because there were several reports that you can easily use someone’s card to cast your votes and if you wish, you can vote for a countless time.

INEC should also use these machines but with card readers so as to stop any form of manipulation.

Hashim Ahmad, hashimbahmad@gmail.com

Halitosis: A Discomforting Oral Condition

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e should have a way of telling people they have bad breath without hurting their feelings. Well, I’m bored. Let’s go brush our teeth. Or, I’ve got to make a phone call. Hold this gum in your mouth. - Brad Stine There are different kinds of ailments in existence which can cause gross embarrassment especially in public places. Some people just stifle laughter in order to cover the horrifying foul smell that emits from their breath while others try to smell their own breath. This condition known as halitosis is a common menace in our modern society. It is also known as ‘bad breath’ or in our local way as ‘mouth odour’.

According to Bad Breathe Institute (2012), “between 35 and 45 % of the world population have some level of halitosis or bad breath.�

However, everyone suffers from bad breath at some point in their life and at some time of the day. Researchers estimate that over 80 million Americans suffer from chronic halitosis. Each year, Americans spend over $10 billion on oral hygiene products (i.e. mints, gums, mouthwashes, toothpastes, etc.) to combat chronic bad breath.

These products only mask and cover up the problem. Little is known about the actual prevalence of halitosis in Nigeria, but a hospital based study by Arowojulo and Dosumu in 2004 indicated that 14.5% of patients presented in the clinic had bad breath. A survey of 5,000 singles conducted by Match.com, 43% indicated that fresh breath mattered the most before a date, while some dating studies show that bad breath is among the three most unattractive traits in dating prospects. 70% of teens say bad breath is an instant turnoff; 85% believes it’s the most important thing to avoid when meeting

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

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AIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

someone for the first time. People that have bad breath are 60% more likely to suffer from stress than people who do not have it. 57% of bad breath sufferers report feelings of depression because of their problem.

It’s more prevalent in males than in females but the good thing is that 90% of bad breath is curable.

There are over 600 types of bacteria found in the mouth. Many of these can produce high level of foul odours when incubated in the laboratory. Tongue bacteria produce malodorous compounds and fatty acids, and accounts for 80 to 90% of all cases of mouth-related bad breath. Since the mouth is exposed to less oxygen and is inactive during the night, the odour is usually worse in the morning (“morning breath�). Other than poor oral hygiene leading to accumulation of bacteria, eating certain foods like garlic, onion, meat, fish, cheese or smoking and alcohol consumption can also cause bad breath. When the mouth is dry excessively (Xerostomia) due to medication or continuous mouth breathing, bad breath is highly observed. It can also be associated with certain conditions like post nasal drips, diabetes, gastrointestinal tract disorders and liver or kidney disorders.

Even though there are analysis that can be done to ascertain bad breath by expects such as Halimeters, Gas Chromatography, BANA test, etc. One can also discover presence of bad breath by licking the back of the wrist, smell the result after two minutes. But this test results is often inflated, because some people have what is known as halito-phobia, (highly exaggerated concern of having bad breath).

Scientists have long thought that smelling one’s own breath odour is often difficult due to acclimatisation, although many people with bad breath are able to detect it in others. One can ask a trusted close friend (“confidant�) for breath test. If the confidant confirms that there is a breath problem he or she can help determine whether it is coming from the mouth or the nose, and a medical help is advised.

Gently cleaning the tongue surface twice daily is the most effective way to keep bad breath in control; that can be achieved using a tooth brush, tongue cleaner or tongue brush/scraper (inverted teaspoon) to wipe off the bacterial Biofilm, debris, and mucus.

Flossing is particularly important in removing rotten food debris and bacterial plaque from between the teeth, especially at the gum line. Eating a healthy breakfast is another way to keep halitosis in check.

Chewing sugarless gum can help with the production of saliva, prevent dry mouth and thereby help to reduce bad breath and ultimately increase expressive confidence. More importantly, drinking water at least eight glasses daily will help to reduce dry mouth and wash off accumulated dirt lurking under the tongue, thereby curbing bad breath and its social effects.

However, the role of a dentist is very important in the treatment of bad breath. After making changes on dental hygiene routine, there is need to visit the dentist if bad breath persists as there may be a medical cause which possibly needs further investigation to ascertain the actual cause. A twice yearly dental check is a practice every Nigerian must imbibe.

Obi Lois Amarachukwu, tasielois360@gmail.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 19, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY

ROYAL WEDDING

Prince Harry Marries Meghan Markle The stage is set. Perhaps, by the time you are reading this they are already married. Theirs is the most talked about love story in the last couple of years. It began like a rumour. It is ending happily ever after as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry weds today at the grand St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle – same place where Harry was christened when he was three months old, writes Bayo Akinloye

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his is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story,” the American actress and sweetheart of Prince Harry summed up a fairytale love affair that has ended in a royal wedding.

St. George’s Chapel in the UK – the final resting place of kings and queens – has witnessed multiple royal weddings and state occasions. But today’s ceremony involving Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be different –theirs is a love story told all over the world.

In a grand style, Prince Harry will wed Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Seven years ago – on April 29, 2011 – Harry was best man to his brother, Prince William, at a wedding ceremony that took place at Westminster Abbey. Royal officials said Harry had asked William to be best man at his own wedding too. Prince George will be page boy and Princess Charlotte will be bridesmaid at the royal wedding.

All three of Princess Diana’s siblings will be in attendance but Meghan’s father –due to ill health will miss out. The bride will not have a maid of honour.

Though the venue can only hold 800 people, around 600 have been invited to the service. The couple have invited 2,640 members of the public including 1,200 people who have demonstrated strong leadership in their communities How the couple met The couple first met each other on a blind date sometime in July, 2016.

“We were introduced actually by a mutual friend,” Harry explained during the couple’s first sit-down interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation following their engagement announcement.

And Markle added: “Because I’m from the States, you don’t grow up with the same understanding of the royal family... I didn’t know much about him, so the only thing that I had asked (our mutual friend) when she said that she wanted to set us up, was, ‘Well, is he nice?’ Cause if he wasn’t kind, it just didn’t seem like it would make sense.”

At a photo call in the Kensington Palace gardens following their engagement announcement, the British prince was asked when he knew the American actress was “the one”.

His response was simple and elegant: “The very first time we met.”

From that very first time, things moved very quickly for the two – like a love story from a fairytale book.

Soon Harry invited Markle to go on a trip with him to Botswana. “I managed to persuade her to come and join me in Botswana and we camped out with each other under the stars. Then, we were really by ourselves, which was crucial to me to make sure that we had a chance to get to know each other,” he said.

It was an opportunity that led Harry to confirm his relationship with Markle in a formal statement on November 8, 2016.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Markle sparkles, Harry stars in royal romance In December 2016, Markle was photographed in Canada wearing a gold necklace that had the letters “M” and “H.” Later that month, she and Harry are spotted together picking out a six-foot Christmas tree, and in London’s West End holding hands on their way to see the Tony award-winning show, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.

After months of speculation, Prince Harry and Markle finally announced their engagement on November 27, 2017. The two said they were “thrilled and happy” to be engaged, and marked the news with a celebratory photoshoot and a formal interview.

Thus, the lovebirds spoke openly about their sensational relationship. Talking about their relationship in the October 2017 issue of Vanity Fair, Markle said: “We’re a couple. We’re in love. I’m sure there will be a

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Y 19, 2018

15

SUPERSATURDAY ROYAL WEDDING: PRINCE HARRY MARRIES MEGHAN MARKLE

We were introduced actually by a mutual friend,â€? Harry explained during the couple’s ďŹ rst sitdown interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation following their engagement announcement.

And Markle added: “Because I’m from the States, you don’t grow up with the same understanding of the royal family... I didn’t know much about him, so the only thing that I had asked (our mutual friend) when she said that she wanted to set us up, was, ‘Well, is he nice?’ Cause if he wasn’t kind, it just didn’t seem like it would make sense

time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time.�

As a sign of what would become of their romance, Markle accompanied Prince Harry to an official royal appearance for the first time at the Invictus Games opening ceremony. Over the course of the games, cameras caught the couple holding hands at the Wheelchair Tennis semi-final and spending time with Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland. The couple even shared a sweet smooch at the closing ceremony.

The American actress is expected to be given a royal title by the Queen of England –Prince Harry’s grandmother. But according to Royal expert Imogen Lloyd Webber, she will not immediately become Princess Meghan because “you can’t become royal through marriage�. As Harry’s title is His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, her official tag will likely be Her Royal Highness Princess Henry of Wales.

Harry will be bestowed a Dukedom such as the Duke of Sussex after tying the knot, much as William became the Duke of Cambridge.

The love story at a glance: Markle sparkles as Harry marries *In late October 2016, it was reported that glamorous actress Meghan, who played Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits, was dating Prince Harry. *On November 8, 2016, that Kensington Palace confirmed the pairing with a statement, saying the Prince was worried for her safety. *On February 2, 2017, the first pictures of Harry and Meghan - who is four years his senior - were spotted hand-in-hand for the first time, while out on a date in London. At the time, pals said actress Meghan had “virtually moved in� to Harry’s cottage at Kensington Palace with the couple having been “inseparable� for weeks. *On May 6, 2017, Meghan made her first public appearance as royal girlfriend when she proudly watched Prince Harry playing polo in Berkshire. *On September 25 the pair were pictured together in Toronto as they attended the Invictus Games, Prince Harry’s sporting competition for wounded service personnel. *On October 1, 2017, during the games closing ceremony, the pair were spotted in an embrace and at one point the pair shared a kiss. It came as they sat in the stadium beside Meghan’s mum Doria. *On October 19, 2017, it was reported Harry had taken Meghan to Buckingham Palace for a meal with his grandmother – Her Majesty the Queen. *On November 14, 2017, speculation grew about Meghan’s exit from Suits when a source told US Weekly her departure would be easier as co-star

Prince P rince i H Harry arry and dM Meghan eghan h M Markle arkl kle att 2017 201 017 7 Christmas Chriistmas t service serviice

Prince P rince i H Harry arry and dM Meghan eghan h M Markle arkl kle att public publi blic outi outing ting Patrick Adams had also decided it was time to leave.

The source stated that Patrick’s exit storyline “will make it an easy break for Meghan to leave as well�.

*On November 26, 2017, it was reported Palace officials briefed PM Theresa May on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s “imminent� engagement. *On November 27, 2017, it was announced that the couple were engaged to be married in the spring of 2018. After a photocall at Kensington Palace, they gave their first joint interview to the BBC. *On December 15, 2017, Kensington Palace confirmed the ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 19 2018. *On March 22, 2018, Meghan and Harry sent out their royal wedding invitations. *On May 19, 2018, Meghan and Harry became a married couple.

Once Upon a Royal Romance: The Meghan-Prince Harry Love Story

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚͜

Governor Ugwuanyi Backs Enugu Solar City

FOR VIRILE TRANSPORT SECTOR ...

L-R; Co- Chair Steering Committee Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Kunle Elebute; former Director, Commercial Shipping Services, Nigerian Shipping Council, Mrs. Dabney Shallholma; Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG),Mr. Bukar Kyari; Pioneer Director General, National Pension Commission and Chairman Technical Committee of National Council of Privatisation, Mr. M K Ahmad; and representative of the Secretary to the federation, Mr. Gabriel Aduda, at the NESG Roundtable on Nigeria’s Transport Industry Theme; Regulating Nigeria’s Transport Industry, held in Lagos‌ SUNDAYADIGUN

Anambra Street Traders, Hawkers Risk Two Weeks Jail David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Anambra State government has warned that those who contravene the ban on hawking and street trading in the state would get two weeks jail term and N10,000 fine if caught.

Mr. Mike Okonkwo, the state commissioner for Environment, beautification and ecology told THISDAY, yesterday, during an interview session in his office.

The commissioner said his ministry had already sent a proposal to the office of the governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano, marshalling out modalities for the full implementation of the Anambra State street trading restriction law 2004.

He said, "Following the on-going operation, no street trading in Anambra, with a view to providing a sustainable solution to the problem and to ensure clean and healthy Anambra, the ministry has already proposed measures for review and approval to the governor.

"The ministry shall work in

synergy with local government, trade unions and security services and shall appoint reputable persons into its task force, which would be authorised with the duty of preventing the circumvention of the law which prohibits display of goods for sale, or trading on roadsides and in unauthorised structures, except in markets and designated places.

"We shall apprehend, arrest defaulters, and they shall be subjected to fine of N10,000 and two weeks imprisonment per offense," the commissioner said.

Speaking on the recent demolition of structures termed 'illegal' by the ministry and its task force in major towns in the state, Okonkwo said the aim was to stop those who erect shanties by the roadside, thereby defacing the outlook of the state.

He insisted that the traders were adequately notified before the demolition exercise, adding that it was untrue that traders who left their wares in their shops had them looted by members of his team.

Professor Johnbull Highlights Proliferation of NGOs Television drama series, Professor Johnbull, sponsored by Globacom, will, in a new episode showing this week, beam its searchlight on the fraudulent practice of establishing fake Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as profit ventures.

The new episode is entitled N.G.O. and will air on Sunday on DSTV Africa Magic Family and GOTV Channel 2 at 6.00 p.m., with repeat broadcasts on Thursday at 9.30 p.m. on the cable TV channels and on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.

Anambra Broadcasting Service shows the programme at 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.

N.G.O., according to a statement issued by the Executive Producers of the series in Lagos on Friday, "is an exposition of the fraud which goes on in society as some dishonest members of the public, taking advantage of the humanitarian successes recorded by some genuine NGOs, establish fake ones with the sole aim of ripping people off".

While urging viewers of the sitcom to keep a date with the new episode, Globacom assured that "the delivery by the cast and crew of the series gives the episode a new touch of reality as viewers will find N.G.O. full of suspense".

Kanayo O. Kanayo who plays the lead character, Professor Johnbull, is joined by Olaniyi (Yomi Fash-Lanso), Mai Doya (Funky Mallam), Ufoma, (Bimbo Akintola), Nje (Angela Okorie), Jeroboam (Osita Iheme), Flash (Stephen Odimgbe), Abadnego (Martins Nebo) and Samson (Ogus Baba) to define what real NGOs are.

Why does Samson, aka Original, think that NGO is Nnaa Give Original? How does the collaborative effort of Flash and Jeroboam to establish an NGO pan out? Who gives Mai Doya a brand new wheelbarrow for his hawking business? Is Professor Johnbull's submission that the existence of fake NGOs is tantamount to using reggae to spoil blues apt in the episode? Viewers will find out as they savour the melodramatic antics of N.G.O.

The commissioner called on roadside traders to take their wares to designated places of trading like

markets and shopping malls, as trading in places not authorized for such would attract serious consequences.

The Governor of Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has pledged to support the construction of the first solar powered estate being built

by CBN Cooperative in partnership with Geometrix Homes and Estates Ltd., in Enugu.

The Governor made the pledge when the National Executive Committee of the CBN Cooperative led by its president, Mr. Isa Aminu Buhari and the Management of Geometrix Homes and Estates Ltd paid a courtesy call on him at the Government House. Mr. Isa Aminu Buhari while briefing the Governor said the project which was one of the first set to be built across the states with their partner Geometrix Homes and Estates Ltd was intended to be environmentally friendly and would solve the perennial energy problem which afflicts most homes in Nigeria as a result of fossil fuel powered energy.

The solar city project is located at the reserved section of the Emene Industrial Layout. It is the second of a series of solar powered estates to be developed across the country by the CBN Cooperative in partnership with Geometrix Homes and Estates

Limited.

The proposed estate covers over 170 plots sitting on a land area of over 14 hectares. It will be a fenced and gated neighborhood with Asphalted Streets, good drainage and well landscaped lawns. Other facilities such as internet backbone, security and cleaning services would be provided. All the houses within the estate would be powered by solar energy along with street lights.

Mr. Aminu Buhari, while still highlighting the details of the estate said the project plan included the construction of an 18km State government road from Innoson Junction along Abakiliki Road to the estate site that would equally be provided with solar street lights.

He thanked the governor for his laudable developmental projects especially in the area of infrastructural development and housing which had enabled the state to be an investment destination in the South East. He enjoined the Governor to use his good offices to provide an enabling environment for the smooth take off of the project especially in the area of statutory approvals, security and inter- agency corporation.

Oke-Nze Nwosu Transits at 94 The Nwosuala Uwalaka family of Ofeama Ife, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo state, has announced the peaceful transition of its patriarch, Oke-Nze D.N.A Nwosu at the graceful age of 94.

Born in December 1923, David Nwanosike Anyanwu Nwosu who held the traditional title of Ome-Udo 1 of Ife started his career as a teacher in the old East Central State. In his biography, he wrote: “I took to teaching immediately I finished school.

This profession greatly enhanced my knowledge and understanding�.

Nze Nwosu who was also the Chairman Eze-in-Council of Ife Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo state, later relocated to Lagos after eight years of teaching ‘in search of greener pastures’. The outbreak of the civil war in 1967 saw Nze Nwosu heading back home and later to Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital-where he was hired to help reactivate a company owned by his friend and fellow kinsman.

After about four years, he left ‘to build up a joint venture with two others as the managing director’.

During and after the war, Oke Nze Nwosu played an active role in the humanitarian efforts-working with Save the Children’s Fund(SCF)-an arm of the UN, as Assistant administrator and secretary among others. During the war, he also served as the Secretary of Ife town council Nze Nwosu also served as the president-general of Mbaise Social Welfare club of Nigeria for 8 years as well as Ugo social club of Nigeria. He remained the chief patron of Mbaise Social Welfare club until his death.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as GODWIN SOLOMON IMIE, now wish to be called and addressed as GODWIN KAMACHO IMIE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as HELEN NGOZI UKWU, now wish to be called and addressed as HELEN NGOZI VAL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND TEENS CONNECT FASHION FILE

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

Femi Olayebi I Am a Child of Serendipity

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 19, 2018

PLUS

How I Dreamt Up, Captured the Leather Market in Nigeria Femi Olayebi is the Chief Creative Director at My World of Bags, a handbag design and manufacturing company producing 147eponymous leather handbags and accessories line, FemiHandbags, a line that caters to corporate organisations. In 2008, she became one of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Scholars, and was twice nominated to attend programmes in the United States where she jobshadowed some of the world’s most famous handbag designers and experienced corporate business ethics first-hand. In January 2017, she was selected by WeConnect International in Washington as the 2017 Women’s Business Enterprise Winner in the Best Mentor and Role Model category for the mentoring role she plays in the lives of younger up-and-coming designers. Her handbags are currently being sold in Lagos, Paris and New York. Olayebi is a Nigerian leather designer that has been on top of her game for over 25 years. She speaks with Azuka Ogujiuba on her journey to becoming one of Nigeria’s foremost leather designers

W

ho is Femi Olayebi?

I run a handbag design and manufacturing outfit called ‘My World of Bags’. But I think I’m currently better known as the Chief Creative Director of FemiHandbags, a line of affordable luxury leather handbags and accessories I thoroughly enjoy creating. I have a bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Ibadan and then followed my dream of becoming a translator and headed to the Institut de Traducteurs et d’Interpretes in Strasbourg, France, under the sponsorship of the French government to catch that dream. On my return to Nigeria, I worked as a freelance translator for several international organisations, including ECOWAS. In 1992, the tides turned: I tried my hands at making a baby bag for my first baby and became an accidental entrepreneur. I’m based in Ibadan.

I am married to an amazing man and I am mum to three amazing daughters.

Considering your educational background, what inspired you to venture into making handbags?

I call myself a child of serendipity.

Designing and manufacturing handbags pretty much happened by accident after I went baby shopping for my first baby and couldn’t find a diaper bag I liked. Frankly, nothing in my background had prepared me for the world of entrepreneurship and I was nowhere near being business savvy.

I am the daughter of teachers – my mum was a teacher and my dad was a professor of Classical Philology. So, I grew up within the corridors of academia. At the time it so happened that I had only just learnt how to use a sewing machine. The creative streak in me pushed me to believe that I could try my hands at making my own bag. I headed to the market, bought some pretty fabric and proceeded to cut and sew. It seemed pretty logical at the time but looking back, it was a very casual act. It has turned out to be one of the pieces in the puzzle of my life that God was slowly putting together. Little did I know that I was sowing the seed that would become the company that I run today.

Why leather as a preferred material for production?

When I started out, I used a great variety of materials ranging from chinos to denim to anything I could lay my hands upon. But as I experimented with different materials and as my business grew I came to the realisation that the material of choice would have to be genuine leather if I wanted to create the high quality and sophisticated pieces I dreamt up and capture what I felt was my target market. Great quality leather is such a beautiful material and coupled with good quality hardware and great stitching, it’s something that people are prepared to pay a premium for.

With over 25 years of experience what would you say are the significant changes in the industry, between when you started and now?

When we eventually ventured into the world of leather I discovered that all that was available to leather designers was imported leather in spite of the fact that Nigeria is one of the largest producers of livestock in Africa and was reputed to produce some of the world’s best sheep and goat skins. Leather production used to be big business – there used to be over 30 tanneries in the country. But they all started to decline with the advent of oil, just as other local industries were collapsing due to infrastructural challenges and inadequate technical capacity. As the problems became aggravated, focus shifted from the local consumer, the smaller tanneries closed down and the few existing ones that had the financial clout began to cater exclusively to European markets. That is still the case today and most of the few functional tanneries export all of their finished products to the global fashion brands. Also, the majority of Nigerian hides were used to produce ‘ponmo’ and that has remained a recurrent problem even as moves are being made to reduce its consumption.

So, the challenges persist and the leather industry has remained unable to attain its full potential. But steps are definitely being taken to move the industry forward.

I was nowhere near being business savvy. I am the daughter of teachers – my mum was a teacher and my dad was a professor of Classical Philology. So, I grew up within the corridors of academia. At the time it so happened that I had only just learnt how to use a sewing machine. The creative streak in me pushed me to believe that I could try my hands at making my own bag. I headed to the market, bought some pretty fabric and proceeded to cut and sew Olayebi

MAY 19, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS

I Am a French Translator Who Now Make Handbags What challenges did you face when you started out and how did you tackle them? Are those challenges still present today?

The challenges I faced when I started out were enormous. Firstly, I had no role models or mentors to look up to and pretty much had to figure everything out myself. Then there was, and still is the persistent problem of getting artisans with specific skill-sets required to manufacture our products to my very high demanding standards. I, therefore, had a very high turnover of employees. But as time went on, we found the right balance and they came to understand that I was not going to settle for anything less than the best. I also did not have much technical knowledge myself – I countered this by reading a ton of books on bag-making and experimenting a great deal. I did not have the appropriate tools, equipment and machinery to work with and only started acquiring them slowly as the years went by. And as we are all aware the power problem that every Nigerian business faces still stares us in the face.

What is the most satisfying thing about being a Nigerian leather designer?

Personally, the most satisfying thing about being a Nigerian designer is being recognised for the work that I do and appreciating very much the fact that people are ready to pay top dollar for my pieces. It is extremely humbling and rewarding and only propels me to raise the bar higher and higher at every turn. It’s also gratifying to hear people remark that our products are too well-made to have been manufactured in Ibadan. Which is a shame really as the general perception is that not a lot of good can come from a Nigerian handmade product. But that always brings a smile to my face.

Last year, you organised the Lagos Leather Fair. What was the inspiration behind it and how was it received?

The rash of challenges I faced along with other leather designers was the true inspiration. Being one of the pioneers in the business, I felt that it was time to stop complaining, and the time had come to seek answers and start acting. I felt a strong urge to do something impactful, and believed strongly that I could be part of the solution. Another factor that pushed me to act was reading the findings of a World Bank report that concluded that leather and allied leather products could easily constitute the second largest earner of foreign exchange after oil and gas. I decided that instead of sitting around waiting for the government to fix our problems, one of the ways in which we could bring the challenges to their notice would be to create a platform which would bring together under one roof, the major players along the leather value chain. And so I proceeded to take the boldest step I had ever taken. My hope was that the event would bring to light the sheer numbers of leather designers working away quietly at their craft, start

a necessary conversation and attempt to To change the narrative within the industry. It would be the first of its kind in the country and I must admit that it was one of those big risks you take when your gut tells you it’s fine even when you’re not quite sure how it would turn out. We brought together leather designers, manufacturers, suppliers of machinery, trainers, retailers, and marketing professionals so that we could begin to connect the dots and find workable and sustainable solutions. We also invited representatives of the Aba Cluster – a very important factor in the ecosystem. The fair also featured master-classes and creative workshops which were hosted by local and international industry experts. It was extremely well received and we immediately had both the private and public sectors key into the vision. We had dared to make the move and we were stunned by the unexpected and extraordinary success of the event.

Since the last fair, what will you say is the current narrative of the Nigerian leather industry and what impact do you think the fair had on it?

The fair had a few major objectives which were: to promote the made-in-Nigeria initiative by showcasing Nigerian talent, highlight the importance of value-addition within the industry; create a business networking platform for stakeholders in this sector; facilitate collaborations; provide incentives for all concerned; and ensure that the national drive for promoting the agro

sector is all inclusive. The awareness created by the fair at the state and federal levels have led to several pending agreements being signed, and one major consequence was forming a partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to start a quarterly series of handbag trainings for budding handbag designers. A lot of the designers who participated were also able to scale their businesses from the exposure provided by the fair. The hope is that all these will lead to more private public partnerships which will be followed by the right interventions to move the industry forward. A leather policy has also been revisited and drafted by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and is awaiting validation.

Where do you see the industry in the next couple of years?

In 2009, the Nigerian leather industry had an estimated GDP of N85 billion. In Aba alone, there is a thriving shoe and bag industry and hundreds of thousands of artisans are engaged in the finished madein-Aba leather goods sector at various levels of processing, production, trading, etc. The global leather trade is huge. Unfortunately, the right facilities, machinery and equipment are not in place to ensure that the products are well finished, and most of the products are then shipped off to other neighbouring countries. If the sector can be developed, if we can improve the quality of our production, if we can fix our capacity building problems in terms of access to the necessary raw materials and machinery, and if we

can begin to train and build a phenomenal workforce of skilled workmen and women, we will become more competitive and begin to operate on an entirely different scale. We can also then begin to think of formalizing the export of leather goods to first-world countries. The truth is Nigeria’s leather goods industry holds an amazing potential to succeed once the challenges of the sector are tackled and if support initiatives are put in place to facilitate its growth. Nigeria can then make its mark on the world stage.

Would you say FemiHandbags has reached its potential?

We are still working very hard to achieve more. So, the answer is no – we have not.

We have succeeded in creating a strong brand that has become locally recognisable through our small capsule collections of beautifully crafted handbags and we are grateful for the recognition. Along the way we have also been able to create employment, transform lives, provide training and work experience for young up-and-coming creative talent. We take our mentoring role very seriously and through personal interventions, have been able to help guide younger creatives to accomplish their business growth goals. At Femi Handbags, we are now solidly focused on developing our capacity and building a viable production chain so that we can further extend our reach beyond the frontiers of our immediate locality to a potentially global audience and compete with the biggest names in the industry.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 19, 2018

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Fayemi

Kayode Fayemi – A Pyrrhic Victory That is what some people have labelled your victory at the APC primary that recently took place. You see, I want to agree with them simply because I had put in a bet that you would not emerge the governorship candidate of APC. I had put in my weekly ‘chop money’ and lost the sum. So you will begin to understand why I may not really support your candidacy. For me and a lot of us, we really do not understand why the need for you to go back to Ekiti Government House is paramount and the only reason I can see from where I am seated is the possibility of nothing else to do. You see, that is the folly of a career politician. Nothing to fall back on and as such we must continue to carry the burden of this ambition whether we like it or not. I have tried to look at the record of your previous stint at Ekiti and I don’t really see any major landmark achievement. I am sorry to be this harsh but even my harshest critic will understand where I am coming from - na the money wey I lost. So the feeling of nostalgia that should lead the people to pave the way for you back to power is what I am not seeing o. Then your stint at the Ministry of Solid Minerals was at best tepid. Why am I being this wicked?

Doctor, don’t mind me jare. I am just being cheeky. Please continue with the good work. Let us let the good people of Ekiti decide who leads them after all, what do I know? Am I not the Duke of Shomolu? Mbok, let me go have a bath abeg. Don’t mind me, I can be crazy like that.

The Duke of Shomolu Gets Federal Appointment The notification came on my phone with a wicked thud. I was expecting an alert from my good friend, amiable lawyer Big John Iwelumo who had promised to buy bulk tickets to my upcoming theatre play – Isale Eko. I kept looking out for the alert and Big J kept assuring me that the money would come and that I should not worry. So when the notification came, I thought it was Big J finally redeeming his pledge but to my amazement, it was a text from the Presidency informing me that I was being considered for an appointment and that I should contact one Hajiya Maryam Alkali for more information. Ohhh my God! I knelt down and in full supplication, I began to worship the Most High, making a mental note to pay my backlog of tithes which if not careful, can be

Oyegun

Amaechi

IG – A Small Advice Good morning sir and how have you been? I can imagine the immense pressure you are under with the various theatres of war that our country has become. If not that you are a strongman with big chest, all this wahala from everywhere is enough to make you pull your uniform and run away.

By the way, should the thought ever cross your mind, let me advise that you try Abidjan, the women there are something else o. But that would be gist for another day. My lord, you see why I am writing you this morning against all advice, is to discuss in a brotherly manner the issue you are having with the Senate. Please calm down, don’t start to vex just yet, I am on your side in this matter, after all what do they really do apart from wear starched clothes and go and be speaking English that is sometimes quite funny and be receiving humongous pay cheques as confirmed by their own member, that one that will never cut his hair and will be fighting his governor. Until they bring down his house, he will not keep quiet now. Sir, you see when the Senate summons, you kindly forget that you have power o, show small humility and just go, after all, what can they do to you? They cannot arrest you na, they don’t have the power abi or can they

force you to Lokoja at all? The idea is just to humour us and for all its worth, just wear your best uniform and go and smile at the camera and any question they ask, just stand straight, smile and say, ‘ I will get back to you’. Walahi nothing will happen. Just trust me. So when you refuse to go, it is not really good.

The point here is not whether they have the power or not or whether they are jumping in and out of buses, they kind of represent the 180million of us and as such they should deserve small respect. We voted for them o, you na appointment at the pleasure of the person we voted for and wey dey beg us to vote for am again. Please don’t vex, help me just write a small letter of apology and offer to go back. It is the best thing to do. Thank you my lord and by the way, how have you been? Pele it cannot be easy. Once in a while just zone out, switch off your phones and just sleep, being Inspector General of police at this time with all this wahala in the land cannot be a walk in the park, I really pity you. Please do you have any light-complexion female unmarried police officer to send? I have some fresh palm wine for you. Just let me know. Take care my brother and don’t forget to send that letter of apology to the Senate. Pele dear.

traced back to over five years. I immediately called my staff plus my partner to inform them of my good fortune.

Lami was so envious he could not hide it. But I told him to calm down that I would make him a special adviser or something. I even gave him Abike Dabiri’s number to call for immediate tutelage on being a good adviser.

We now settled to start to analyse and suggest which of the ministries I would be given. Prince, the short Bayelsa person suggested Ministry of Women Affairs. I almost slapped him.

Bisola, the pretty dark damsel who will never come to work early thought otherwise. She felt I would do well in information since I was a taker with

Dokubo

no respect for accuracy. I walked her out of the office immediately. Tayo, the silent one, suggested Ministry of Justice since I had some EFCC friends.

By this time Lami’s bad belle was so much, he opined that it could be an ambassadorial posting to Libya or Syria. Kai, see this Ogbomosho boy o. In all this, nobody thought of the Ministry of Petroleum, Defence or the Vice Presidency. These people do not understand Nigerian politics and the role I am playing in it as the Duke of Shomolu and friends to very key people both in and out of government.

After all, I have sent text messages to Tinubu, Amaechi and Asari Dokubo; that they did not reply to them; does not matter? At this point, Manny, the Ibibio honcho suggested that before we start tweeking my CV and removing the places where I was sacked and reducing my age, that we should call the number. My people, truecaller is a wicked thing o. It was one Amechi Okunobi that sent the text o, no be Buhari o! See my life? My people are still laughing at me o.

Let’s Outsource Nigeria A young friend called me the other day and talked passionately about the need for us to outsource our country from the Presidency down to the post master general if that kain position still dey sef. His position was clear that since we will never be able to make credible appointments outside of the shallow prisms of ethnicity, tribalism, nepotism and also the fact that candidates emerging from these would always be held to ransom by the powers that put them thereby short-changing Nigerians that we should outsource these positions and get international experts to man them.

This, according to him is the sure panacea to corruption and the rest.

He believed very stringently that this would solve the issues of ineffective policy formulation and execution. He went ahead to cite the cases of the UK where the chancellor of the exchequer equivalent of our CBN governor is a Canadian and also the UAE, where a lot of strategic positions tied to the economy are held by foreign experts.

He closed by giving the example of our Super Eagles who do well under foreign technical coaches. EFCC, the Ministry of Finance, CBN, Customs, SEC, the Economic management team should all be held by foreign experts.

Well, his name is Damilola and if you need his number, call me, I will give you. I am not the one o.

21

MAY 19, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPY GLASS

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

PETER OBAFEMI

FEMI ALIGHTING FROM MOLUE

FIFI EJINDU IN CELEBRATION MOOD

Come Monday, May 21, Princess Fifi Ejindu, a successful architect and businesswoman, would turn 56.

Though sources disclosed that she is not planning any elaborate party, she will organise a special prayer in appreciation of God’s mercies in her life and also visit an orphanage to extend her hands of fellow feelings to the inmates.

It will be recalled that since she held her 50th birthday bash six years ago at the Burj Al Arab Hotel in 2012, the fashion icon and great granddaughter of the late King James Ekpo Bassey of Cobham Town in Calabar, Cross River State has not thrown any lavish birthday party. Blessed with an uncommon gene, beautiful soul and legendary milk of kindness, this famed philanthropist has been doing everything to maintain her beauty to the admiration of all.

Given her outlook as well as carriage, coupled with the fact that she is a royalty, she can’t help causing a stir at social events.

She has contributed immensely to the development of her home state in her own capacity.

TITI ATIKU WOWS AT AKINSANYA’S BIRTHDAY BASH

A few days ago, the popular Grand Ovation Hall in Lagos came alive, when Alhaja Wasilat Ayinke Akinsanya turned 80, amidst a blaze of glory.

Indeed, the octogenarian could not have been happier, especially as family members, friends, children, grand and great grandchildren converged on the beautifully decorated hall to celebrate with her.

The noteworthy event, Spyglass gathered was particularly important because the figure is beyond the normal life expectancy, the elegant stallion celebrated her birthday, the reasons nothing was spared for the classy celebration that saw the highflying guests treated to sumptuous meal and assortment of quality liquor.

In particular, her husband, who also clocked 80 last year, ensured that nothing was left to chance to make the occasion most memorable. In attendance at the event were eminent personalities, including Hajia Titi Atiku, wife of former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Olota of Ota, Alayeluwa Oba (Professor) Adeyemi Abdulkadir Obalanlege, among others.

VIDEO OF BILLIONAIRE FEMI OTEDOLA RIDING ON MOLUE GOES VIRAL

A video showing oil mogul and Chairman of Forte Oil, Femi Otedola, riding on a molue (big yellow bus) has gone viral.

The 55-seconds video revealed Otedola wearing a black shirt with double breast pockets and a pair of jeans. He was seated in one of the front-seats and had one hand on the edge of the seat in front of him as

AKINSANYA

the rickety bus rocked Otedola and other passengers hither-thither albeit gently.

The billionaire said he boarded the bus from Sango Ota to Agege in Lagos.

“Recently took a ride on the Molue from Sango to Agege,” he announced on his Instagram page where he shared the video. The video, which no audio, also had a female passenger beside Otedola.

Dressed in ankara, she was seen standing with a product in her hand.

She was apparently a ‘mobile’ trader known to any regular molue passengers.

She was displaying a brand of ‘opa eyin’ to the passengers.

‘Opa eyin’ is a local aphrodisiac that Nigerians especially artisans, claim works like magic.

The less-than-a-minute video ended with Otedola getting down from the bus.

In April, the billionaire shared a similar video on Instagram showing him on a bus in London, UK.

ODUDUWA VARSITY FOUNDER, ADEDOYIN’S TALL DREAM

Prince Ramon Adedoyin, the founder of the Oduduwa University, Ile Ife, Osun State, is an educationist of repute.

If he is not talking about his various institutions of learning, which include a polytechnic, he is making profound contributions to the development of the education sector in the country.

In doing this, many have come to see him as someone who loves to hug the limelight and remain in the news always.

For some inexplicable reason, people are quick to mention that since the multimillionaire businessman lost out in his bid to become the Ooni of Ife, he seems not to have accepted his fate in good faith.

His critics often acuse him for most of the negative reports about the Ooni in the media. However, he seems unfazed, as Spy Glass gathered that he is deploying his energy to another cause now: he wants to be Nigeria’s president in 2019.

A source revealed that the businessman is currently hobnobbing with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and promoter of the Africa Democratic Congress, ADC, to become the standard-bearer of the party. It was also gathered that he has been having meetings with a former military ruler and other notable personalities in the party over his ambition.

“Adedoyin’s ambition could be termed as building a castle in the air. What is his political antecedent? He has none,” the source said.

AYO KARIM DENIES RIFT WITH BROTHER OVER OYO GOVERNORSHIP RACE Contrary to reports, Ayo Karim, the billionaire CEO of Costain West Africa Plc, has denied having any rift with his

ADEDOYIN

brother over his governorship ambition.

For some time now, he has understandably become the target of sustained campaigns of calumny even from within his political family, the All Progressives Congress, APC. Curiously, he has been accused of betraying his elder brother, Kola, the wealthy Group Managing Director/CEO Shoreline Energy International, in the quest to govern Oyo State.

Speaking on the rumoured rift, a source close to the influential Karim family, however, said: “Nothing can be further from the truth. Of course, we also have heard and read several of such puerile reports on the alleged rift between Ayo and Kola.

It is laughable to us and to the brothers too. Those who know them know that from their childhood days, they have always been close and Ayo would never do anything without Kola and vice-versa.

Ayo didn’t wake up to say he just wanted to rule Oyo State.”

The source further disclosed that Kola, an international businessman rated by the influential financial magazine, Forbes, in 2014, as one of the 10 most powerful men in Africa, did not at any point discuss a political move with the family. “Kola is an intensely private man who would rather be behind the scenes, helping his brother achieve his promises to the people than put himself out there.

There is no iota of truth to the rumours because both of them know that they are the pivot on which the entire family rests and that the success of one is the success of the other,” the source concluded.

Also, one of Kola’s associates said he would be taking a big risk to abandon his flourishing chains of businesses to take a dive into the murky water of politics, adding that “Kola would not take such a risk because his temperament and style do not suit the Nigerian political system.

So, knowing Kola, and from our past discussions, his vote and money are on Ayo. There is no issue of double-crossing between them. The brothers are at peace and jointly working towards taking Oyo State to a level that would make even Governor Ajimobi proud of his choice as a successor.”

Already, the race for the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State is beginning to hot up. But among the contestants, Ayo Karim is said to be the beautiful bride with his Ayo Ni O slogan, with which he has been preaching a message of quality representation and a brighter future for all and sundry; and the heat of his message is catching on like wildfire.

From all indications, he possesses all the attributes highlighted by the incumbent Governor Abiola Ajimobi, as prerequisites for his prospective successor.

FAYEMI’S BRILLIANT OUTING

The outcome of last Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC)

AYO KARIM

governorship primary in Ekiti State has proven that Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Solid Minerals, is one politician who understands the game of politics like the back of his hands.

He shone like a glittering star at the election, in spite of the controversies and bickering that earlier played up.

Since Fayemi clinched the ticket, he has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he is indeed a good sportsman, as he visited the other contestants offering the proverbial olive branch.

He has been able to muster all the political might and muscle in his arsenal to garner a sizeable followership for himself and the party on the road to his second coming as the governor of Ekiti State.

Even the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state and, perhaps the foremost archrivals in the July 14 governorship election, are already getting jittery on the growing popularity of Fayemi. Bespectacled Fayemi has deployed his wisdom to ensure victory in the coming election. At the national, state, local government and ward levels, Fayemi has entrenched himself positively.

PETER OBAFEMI RETURNS WITH NEW BUSINESS PLAN

For some time now, many have been expressing concerns about Peter Obafemi, a businessman.

While many claimed that he might have finally relocated to the United States of America, some others said he had been keeping a low profile because he is broke.

Well, you don’t need to speculate anymore; the businessman, who is known for breaking new frontiers, is at it again.

Spyglass gathered that Obafemi is coming with a new idea that will redefine the business climate in Nigeria. According a source, the planned business, in partnership with reputable companies overseas, is expected to employ well over 2,000 Nigerians.

Although our source refused to divulge full details of the business, it was gathered that Obafemi had returned from the US, where he had gone to finalise the last phase of the business with his foreign partners.

“Remember Dr. Obafemi doesn’t do his own things in half measure; he is trying to ensure that nothing goes awry,” the source added.

A cursory look at his journey in life revealed that he started his first business in 1985 named Budget TV and Appliances Rental Service Store on Central Avenue in East Orange, New Jersey and was a consultant in the opening of Heritage Spas on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, which became the place of choice for discerning customers.

It is also on record that between 1985 and 1988, he owned one of the largest Western Union franchises in the state of New Jersey.

The Ekiti State-born businessman made the impossible possible when he opened the route, Lagos- Atlanta direct flight possible with his Ritetime/World Airways.

FAYEMI

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚͜

22

Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‘

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

RAMSEY NOUAH

People Don’t Understand What I Go Through as a Celebrity ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁ ͚ΠΠ͸Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?ĂŁ Ă™Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă’ Ă“Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ËŞĂ? Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ? åÓÞÒ Ă‹ Ă?Ă‹ĂŒ ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă•Ă?Ă?ĂšĂ? Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ë› Ă? Ă Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă— Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă“Ă˜ ͚ΠΠ͚˛

Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÖÖãåÙÙÎ Acting was about passion and love cting was for the passion and the love of it. Nowadays, I just see a lot of people that want to jump in for the fame, and the social media platforms provide an opportunity for everyone to be famous. So, more people are doing it for the fame rather than for the act. When we started, it was passion and doing it for the joy of it and not the money.

A

Our stories are not as deep as it used to be Then it was with serious passion but now everyone wants to be an uptown boy, uptown girl and that’s just the sad part of it all. I got into the industry at 20 and that time, we were just doing soaps on TV such as Fortunes, Check Mates and a few more.

I got involved since 1990 and in 1991 when we did the pilot shoot for Fortunes which came out in 1993 and lasted one season until 1994. Then came home videos and since then it’s been a roller coaster.

On impersonation going on social media If you check it, social media is a virtual reality platform where you can put on the face of Ramsey Nouah and just exploit some fans. It has happened to me severally and I have had some clients come up to me that I took some money off them and I would be surprised and say ‘no how will I take some money off you? I have never gone around to say ‘I am doing anything for charity,’ so I don’t know where they got that from. A lot of people do that and they use it to capture and discredit all that you have built up. I don’t understand how my colleagues and others did not find this out and they continued to work with this fraud. Concerted efforts are underway to apprehend whoever the impostor is and bring him to feel the full weight of the law.

Everybody has a double There is a lot of light-skinned guys, mixed blood coming into acting and all of that.

But what I’m saying is that everybody has a second, you have a second look alike, a close one for that matter. Maybe God wanted it to be like that.

I haven’t had to make refunds on any allegation of swindling Sometimes, they get all nasty on me and say that I took their money and all that is to make me feel bad. But I tell them ‘ I didn’t and don’t blame me, blame social media as that isn’t even my problem.’ We tell the fans now that before you do anything completely, do your findings because as of today, everybody knows that ignorance is not an excuse.

Piracy has affected us seriously For instance, the DVD market is totally dead and that’s why we are looking for alternative markets. And the alternative

markets are looking for other means to sell our products and one of the major ones is the cinemas. Right now, that is helping to prevent much damage for content providers, producers and actors in the industry.

With that said, piracy has done a lot of damage to us.

Taming piracy is difďŹ cult Hollywood is having the same pressure, how much more our own film market. So, what we are hoping for right now is to have more cinemas so our contents can sell, as we have very little cinemas. And these days, you can make a movie and you won’t find a space in the cinema until after a year and that’s to let you know the cinemas are fully booked.

I have a big movie coming up with a friend And we will do the press release soon. He is actually a business partner of mine and his name is Charles Opaleke and he is the owner of Play Network. We got together to get the license to remake Living in Bondage. And I am not necessarily playing the lead role, but I am part of the movie. We also have Steve Dukas coming in as the producer and director and we are looking at it becoming a big block buster.

Kunle Afolayan as the forerunner He was one of those few people who started making films and giving them the proper quality. Kunle gave birth to the details of cinematography. He is my dude and when we worked on our very first film together, which was Figurine, we talked about it and he said I shouldn’t worry that Figurine was going to be over the top.

Celebrities deserve a Life They have fans who love them but they can’t be at their beck and call. You will wear out if you do. They do deserve a life and for instance they have other people like their mum, their dad, kids, family, who need their attention. How much attention can you give everybody? It’s almost impossible and there are moments they have a lot of setbacks, and it does not mean that because they are celebrities their children or they themselves can’t take ill.

A lot of people don’t understand what these people go through and they just judge them by that first reaction without knowing if there were quite a number of things going on. I remember there was a time I went to the hospital, when my son had a major attack and I was going out to get something when I met a woman with kids who wanted to take pictures, and I was like ‘oh sorry I can’t do that right now.’ She didn’t know what I was going through, as she didn’t know I had come in with my son earlier, and on her way out I heard her talking to another lady about how I treated her at the car park, saying that I was arrogant. So, basically, that’s what we suffer and that’s why we should be a little more considerate.

Nouah

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚͜

Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‘

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

MY STORY MERCY JOHNSON PARTNERS ODUNLADE ADEKOLA, SAM DEDE Mercy Johnson was recently on set with Sam Dede and Odunlade Adekola for “Inikpi.� Inikpi, which means The Lamb, is a movie about the history of the Igala tribe in Kogi State. It has deep cultural roots, history and enlightenment for the general public.

The movie features fresh talents, who were discovered during the GYB Talent Hunt, organised by the actress in Kogi State in August last year.

While on set, the Chief of Staff to Kogi state government, Edward Onoja, paid

CHIOMA ENYI

I Aim to Impact Lives

a courtesy visit to the actors, and commended the Senior Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor on Entertainment, Arts and Culture, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, for her strides in driving the entertainment industry in the state to global recognition. He said “Inikpi� was a veritable platform to put the talents discovered into practical and positive use, and encouraged the cast to put in their best.

The movie tells the story of Inikpi, the legendary Igala Princess warrior.

ĂœĂ?ÞÞã Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ ÒÓÙ×Ë Ă˜ĂŁĂ“ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?âĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?ĂšĂ“ĂœĂ“Ăž Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ?

AFRICAN CHINA TO RELEASE NEW EP, LETTER TO MR. PRESIDENT One of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports, African China is set to release a new EP, he titles Letter to Mr. President. The new piece of work promises to be of the very best quality, undoubtedly consistent with the artiste. He would feature Oritse Femi on this track, as well as lead the way for other acts to do something similar and pass

the message bugging the hearts of people to the government. African China has been involved with several investments and this had attracted a lot of speculations about the true state of things with him. But with this new track, he is set to give a clear understanding on what is really happening and what he has been up to.

DAVID JHAY PLANS NEW MUSIC, SHOWS Redrun Entertainment lead act, David Jhay is currently working nonstop in the studio for a forthcoming body of work this summer.

The prolific act promises nothing but good music, beautiful melodies and delightful rhythms.

After the success of his recently released single, Far From Here, the act has gotten major grounds on the music scene and broken into the

hearts of his budding fans.

Aside the new music coming out, he is also working with his management to put up shows from summer into the Christmas season. A lot of surprises are in stock for the Jhay Nation fans this summer.

Safe to say David Jhay is more than just a performer he is also spectacular in making beats, mix and mastering which makes him an all-round musical body.

H

ow did you start your NGO?

I have an NGO to support and help my immediate neighbours and this has always been something I have been driven to do, although I just started professionally. I have been doing charity works for a few years. In secondary school, I remember, I used to save up money and buy pack of pens and other writing materials to share in public schools during exam periods.

What have been the challenges and successes?

WAPTV DEBUTS NEW PRESENTER, FYNE GEH After several months of a nationwide search, wapTV, a favourite family entertainment channel, has finally unveiled a new presenter – the afrocentric, hilarious and gorgeous lady, aptly named “Fyne Geh�. Since she debuted on the channel on April 16, Fyne Geh has already formed a strong connection with wapTV viewers across the country.

According to the Managing Director of wapTV, Wale Adenuga, “We are delighted that Fyne Geh has joined the wapTV team alongside Veronica, Chief Olododo, Slimmy Tee, Eric and Mama Kwube.

While viewers are already watching her Vox Pop segment and Street Challenge Games daily, audiences to

meet and interact with her in real time as she would start appearing live on Kookoorookoo Morning Show �.

Portraying the colourful “Fyne Geh� character is Divine Somefun – a 22-year-

old graduate of Education, Guidance and Counselling/Communication and Language Art, University of Ibadan.

Divine is also receiving additional professional training in acting and presentation at the renowned PEFTI Film Institute, to further enhance her multiple talents as a TV presenter, model, actress, MC and dancer.

Since wapTV was launched in 2012, the channel has won several awards from reputable bodies worldwide and entertained millions of families across Nigeria who watch the channel daily through its extensive Network of Satellite TV Providers: DStv Channel 262, StarTimes Channel 116, GOtv Channel 102, StarSat Channel 189, PlayTV Channel 275 and MyTV.

Well, it’s new and this is my first outreach, so I won’t be able to accurately say. But so far, I have been having troubles getting volunteers and financial sponsors. I noticed most people are not very kin on investing where there are no profits.

Who are your role models and mentors?

I have a couple of people that I admire, but my mum is my everything. I look up to her. She’s spiritual, she knows how to have intellectual conversations; and her dress sense. I also admire Catherine, the duchess of Cambridge, her love for children and her desire to share happiness.

What are your plans for the year?

We have a project coming up on the second of June 2018, our first major one actually, and we plan to do it big. We want to be able to feed about 400 people and have medical treatment and tests for a 100.

Where do you see yourself in ďŹ ve years?

In another five years, by the grace of God, I see Enhancing Lives Charity Foundation, bigger, better and more established.

My goals are to be able to impact lives in the long term, helping families and individuals get on their feet, and taking people off the streets for good.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀

BOOK REVIEW/POLITY

When Corruption Fights You Back‌ Title: Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines Author: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Publisher: The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts Pages: 173 ISBN 9780262038010 (hardcover) Reviewer: Vincent Obia

T

hat Nigeria is endowed with enormous potential for greatness is a fact no one can dispute. From rich, vast land and water resources, to a perfect climate, everyone seems to agree that Mother Nature was in a good mood when she created Nigeria.

What has, however, remained an object of global bewilderment and the subject of sad discourse is why the most populous black nation on earth has not fulfilled its promise. Corruption is always as the usual culprit. But rarely has anyone, especially those who have engaged corruption at close quarters, elucidated its deleterious consequences like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines.

Drawing from her experience as Nigeria’s finance minister, Okonjo-Iweala delivers in her book a revealing first-hand account and perspective on the efforts to fight corruption under the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. Laced with anecdotes about attacks on her person and family during and since leaving government in May 2015 and collections of significant events in the anticorruption fight, the book describes how corruption endangers society. Sleaze strips society of badly needed resources for development, deprives the vast majority, rewards the idle rich, and creates a tribe of unfeeling, treacherous monsters, the author believes.

Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines is a robust portrayal of the dangers, drawbacks, and successes of the Jonathan administration’s anticorruption fight by one of the principal leaders of the fight. The sum of the argument in the book is that leading the fight against corruption in a clime like Nigeria with widespread poverty, pervasive ignorance, and strong ethno-religious cleavages is too much of a risk, but a risk worth taking for one’s country.

Okonjo-Iweala was, arguably, the one who thought up the idea of corruption fighting back when it is fought, a concept widely used in the present political and economic lexicon. Using the notorious oil subsidy scam – “one of the biggest corruption scandals in Nigeria’s history� – as a peg, she tells in her latest book the story of how a powerful cartel behind the scam she had set out to stamp out fought back with the violent cruelty, the most gruesome of which was the kidnap of her 85-year-old mother in 2012 and attempts on her life.

The fuel subsidy payments had become a huge drag on the economy, taking a staggering N1.73 trillion (33 per cent) of total net federal revenues of N5.2 trillion in 2011.

That was from about N261 billion in 2006.

Okonjo-Iweala says her attempt to authenticate the subsidy claims, eliminate fraud and waste, and eventually phase out oil subsidy was what provoked the ire of the oil subsidy scammers and others that fed fat on the debilitating subsidy regime.

The former minister narrates how Jonathan himself complicated the subsidy quagmire by hurrying to remove it without adequate public enlightenment. By that very misadventure, Jonathan energised the propaganda machine of the opposition and others that disliked the idea of subsidy removal, and demonised his government in the public mind. The popular protests that followed the ugly New Year’s Day gift of fuel price hike naturally killed off the idea of oil subsidy removal.

The book also details how Okonjo-Iweala provoked the anger of state governors by insisting on transparency in revenue allocation. She says her problem began in 2004, when she commenced a revenue transparency drive – with then President Olusegun Obasanjo’s approval – to publish in newspapers the monthly allocations to the federal government, and each state and local government. The practice, which gained much popularity among the masses, was, however, disliked and disparaged by those who profiteered from the hitherto opaque revenue allocation regime. The monthly revenue allocation publication was eventually stopped in 2006, when she resigned as finance minister. That was during her first term as finance minister (2003-2006).

Okonjo-Iweala continued to be at odds with the governors in her second term as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy from August 2011 to May 2015. The problem this time, she says, was her attempt to build the Excess Crude Account, which was perceived as an affront by the governors. This was despite the fact that about N22 billion saved through the ECA between 2004 and 2006 helped Nigeria to ward off recession during the global financial and economic crisis of 2008/2009.

Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines classifies the forms of corruption Okonjo-Iweala confronted during her six-year tenure as finance minister into three, borrowing from William Dorintinsky and Shilpa Pradhan.

They are grand corruption, which is the large-scale diversion of public resources to private use, like in the case of the subsidy scandal; political corruption, which is influence peddling on resource allocation to projects, directing resources to special projects that pander to the politician’s narrow interest at society’s expense, as happened in the cases of budget manipulation; and administrative corruption, which involves the misappropriation and misuse of public funds.

She says her decision to serve in the Jonathan government and, indeed, lead efforts to fight corruption at the time were anchored on one fundamental belief: “If Nigeria was to fight corruption successfully, it needed not just to arrest and prosecute people – which was vital – but also to build the institutions, processes, and systems that enhance transparency and make corrupt practices more difficult in the first place.�

Looking back on her tenure, OkonjoIweala writes in her book, “Many of my detractors and attackers were corrupt politicians and civil servants and other vested interests comfortable with the oldfashioned, opaque ways of doing business in Nigeria.�

She believes the media’s attacks on her lately are only an extension of those she faced while in government and the handiwork of different faces of the same people – enemies of transparency and good

governance.

However, despite Okonjo-Iweala’s account of a worthy anti-corruption fight and the attempts by the corrupt elements to fight back, her whole attitude to the plots and attacks on her, as presented in the book, even when criminal intents are clearly imputed, has been less than serious.

She refers to an instance when a group of oil dealers met and decided to maim her but fails to state efforts by the government to investigate the issue and prosecute those involved. “The meeting was held by a group of oil importers and marketers to whom the federal government ‘owed’ money,� she states. “It was held in the house of the chair and owner of one of the oil marketing companies.�

The woman in question is known, yet Okonjo-Iweala feels content with simply calling up the lead plotter and telling her they had been busted. That reaction seems

too perfunctory for such a grievous plot, which is a crime under Nigerian laws. She could have taken the matter to the fullest extent of the law and avoided the impression that corruption in the administration under which she served was a mere “family affair�. Following through with the lead at her disposal could also have helped in efforts to curb the impunity of the corrupt and unscrupulous elite.

Besides, the book could have been made grander if the chapters had pictures from the era being written about.

Those are, however, minor distractions to the grand accounts and ideas for bettering the Nigerian society contained in Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines.

The book is an excellent resource for both government and citizens, especially those keen on playing their parts in the collective task of making Nigeria a better place.

Garbai: Ban of Codeine Not Enough to End Cases of Drug Abuse Michael Olugbode Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“

N

igerian government needs to move beyond the ban of codeine to solve the abuse of drugs among the youths of the country, the senator representing Borno Central at the National Assembly, Baba Kaka Garbai said.

Speaking on the harms of drug abuse on the nation, Garbai said many youths who are enmeshed in drug abuse have a disoriented today and fragmented tomor-

row.

He said the ban of codeine was commendable but the federal government needs to know there are many other drugs out there that are still abused and are equally dangerous as codeine.

Garbai, who was involved in the move that culminated in the ban of codeine as he had moved a motion for the ban of codeine and other prescription drugs abuse by youth on the floor of the Senate, said the government should not stop at codeine ban but equally outlaw other prescription drugs still abused.

He lamented that drug abuse especially cannabis and cocaine had for long been a problem among northern male youth, but codeine cough syrup and other drugs along the line became “the new cancer ravaging the women and girls in the North�.

Garbai who took journalists round some of his interventions in his constituency which include boreholes, classroom blocks and skill acquisition centre, said the ban of codeine without the other drugs may end up becoming an effort in futility.

He said: “If such drugs like tramadol

and other prescription drugs could be brought in the open, you are only telling the abusers of codeine to seek alternative. “For the action of government to yield the desire result, then all the drugs need to be listed and banned.�

He lamented that the increasing abuse of cough syrups and other prescribed drugs among the youth and women across the 19 northern states in the country has resulted in “meaningless deaths, rendered them largely unproductive and has devastated many upper and middle class families in Northern Nigeria.�

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 19, 2018

25

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Contextualization

EBERE WABARA

O

VERHEARD: “How many is inside”? Most people commit this egregious blunder! For those who do not already know: How many are inside?

DAILY SUN Politics & Power Opening Page of May 16 formally welcomes us this week with these juvenile solecisms: “As a law abiding (law-abiding) governor and someone who believes in the rule of law…they may suspect him to be involved in security breach or perpetuating insecurity.” Get it right: a security breach or security breaches—depending on context.

“There is need to reconnect Nigerians back with the country called Nigeria and I think that national reconciliation and integration is the answer.” Yank off ‘back’ and this: reconciliation and integration are (not is) the answers because of their distinction.

“APC aspirants trade blames over botched primary” (DAILY SUN Banner, May 7) ‘Blame’ is uncountable.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Bayelsa State, I heartily felicitate with you, my good friend (good friend of mine), the Deputy Senate President, Prof.

Ike Ekweremadu (a coma) on your (his) 56th birthday anniversary.” (Full-page advertorial, DAILY SUN, May 14) Delete ‘anniversary’ because it is otiose.

“FG has no grouse with Ondo electorate —Saraki” (THE PUNCH Headline, May 18) FG has no grouse about (not with)….

“Buhari issues marching order to cement producers” (THISDAY Headline, May 17) Truth & reason: marching orders.

“LASAA’s double standards” (DAILY INDEPENDENT Headline, May 16) Fixed expression: double standard.

BY

“This is crucial because our steps have been faulty from the onset (outset).” (DAILY CHAMPION Back Page, May 12) The next four blunders are from SATURDAY TRIBUNE of 12 May: “…the noise pollution that accompany (accompanies) the use and subsequent rise in the level of stress.”

“I am usually on (in) my farm and I don’t think you….”

“He spoke on Supersports about his achievements and experiences on the saddle of CAF Champions League second round….” SATURDAY Sports: in the saddle. “…Idoko has commended the board of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) over (for) the successful organization of the first round of….”

“Bill Gates: The billionaire with unparallel love for the less privileged” Exceptional philanthropy: unparalleled love “UNIBEN alumni commends INEC” (THE GUARDIAN Headline, May 12) UNIBEN alumni commend, but UNIBEN alumni association commends. No muddle.

“Sometimes (Sometime) ago, twenty-three wise men met at….”

“As police beams (beam) searchlight on some formal groups, associations and organizations.”

“In his sermon at the occasion.…” Get it right: on the occasion.

“In 1996, ASUU, apart from demanding for the review…” Military and varsity education: delete ‘for’ in the interest of grammatical sanity.

“The Yorubas like I said on this platform last Friday.…” This way: The Yoruba, as (not like) I said, on this platform last Friday…. “…the good foundation laid for take-off and hopefully with what we have read and saw (seen) in the media….”

“He sacked the Shonekan administration and assumed the reign of power as Head of

State.” Get it right: reins of government.

“They like parading themselves in stateof-the-art cars, leaving (living) in mansions and dictating the economy (how?) of the country with their loots (loot).” Do we resort to vernacular, in the light of the foregoing morphological tragedies?

“Thrown into panic, the driver of my vehicle managed to find a save (safe) haven from the portion of the road lawfully meant for Abuja-bound motorist (motorists).” “… talkless of (let alone) those actually chased into them by the escorts of the ‘big’ (sic) men.”

The next outrageous error is from Vanguard of May 15: “We urge that investigations be launched into the circumstances that led to the embarrassment and ask that those involved be brought to book to forestall a re-occurrence.” Let us foreclose a recurrence of ‘Eze-Goes-to-School’ blunders.

“The last but not the least is….” An extra: the last but not least. That is the correct expression.

“She is an alumnus of the popular….”

Standard style: an alumna.

The next six blunders are from the sports pages of the Saturday Newspaper: “Flying Eagles (Eagles’) sloppy play bothered (bordered) on the fact that.…”

“I seized the opportunity (sic) to congratulate him for (on/upon) the very great successes at the recent polls.…” Standard English: I used the opportunity…. “…the smallish player was the life wire (sic) of the Flying Eagles….” Russia 2018: livewire.

“The screening of the prospective footballers continued with the captain playing the role of the ball boy, perhaps with the believe that.…” Change ‘believe’ to ‘belief’.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the bandwagon of progress.” Progres-

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

sive English: climb or jump (not join) on/ aboard the bandwagon.

The next two blunders are from the DAILY TRUST of May 15: “Today, the Whiteman’s problem has been fully entrenched in the dark continent, especially south of the Sahara.” Standard expression: on the Dark Continent “Abia police warns (warn) on tinted windscreen” “3 state-own industries to begin production soon” This way: state-owned industries.

“Drivers of luxurious (luxury) buses are not so often stopped or extorted.”

“Such accusation levelled on (against/at) the FRSC is, however, an exception rather than the rule.” “...the commission was poised to enforce all road violations.” This is sheer linguistic monstrosity! Perhaps, it is only in Nigeria—where everything is plausible and possible—that violations (instead of laws and regulations) can be enforced.

“The reporter had been involved in a ghastly motor accident that claimed the lives of over five people almost immediately along (on) the popular Ibadan-Lagos expressway.” When lives are lost in any vehicular mishap, it is a fatal (not ghastly) accident.

“Some few years later after I had almost forgotten about the Navy….” ‘Some‘ and ‘few’ cannot co-function.

“So when this new uniform group was set up in 1988 by the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida administration, I have (had) no doubt in my mind (where else?) that this would certainly work because of the calibre of people behind it.”

“People in power in this country atimes (at times) amuse me by their….”

In Battle with Police, Senate has Its Back against The Wall

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ot a few Nigerians are watching with keen interest the battle of wits and grits playing out between the Nigeria Police Force and the country’s highest law-making institution, the Senate. For purposes of framing, it is agreeable that the contention is not between both institutions of state but between the Police and some senators who have allegedly offended the law and need to be treated according to the statutes. What is however wrong with this narrative is that most institutions of state in Nigeria are built around personalities. So depending on the person at the helms of affairs at a time, an institution could be perceived as national or parochial; strong or weak; popular or unpopular; achieving or under-achieving; and so on and so forth. While both the Police and the Senate (read National Assembly) can be fitted into any of these elastic non-exhaustive poles, the latter bears the unfortunate burden of a perennial unpopularity among the citizens of Nigeria. So even though the brawling between both may be explained within the context of the personalities of Bukola Saraki and Ibrahim Idris as President of the Senate and Inspector General of Police respectively, the legislature unfortunately holds on to the short end of the stick. And this is not entirely because of the coercive powers of state wielded by the law enforcement agency but also about the lack of public trust and confidence in a body of persons citizens ceded their sovereignty to through the ballot.

This heavy paradox is a key enabler of what some observers regard as the impunity of the Nigeria Police against the highest law-making body of the land. A parliament that has attracted consistent cynicism and derision from citizens is bound to suffer vulnerability in situations as the Senate has found itself with the Police. Citizens that are perpetually agnostic about the altruistic professions of legislators cannot be expected to side with them in their time of trouble. The Police knows this and is using it to full advantage. It did in its drilling of Dino Melaye, who by the way, draws some public sympathy not because of his status as a senator but because of the narrative of persecution (including from political foes in Kogi home state) that has been woven into his ordeal.

With the Kogi senator semmingly humbled and substantially still within entrapment of the police, the dragnet seems to be moving to Saraki as the President of the Senate himself alerted during the week. The Kwara political overlord told his colleagues while presiding at plenary on Wednesday that the Police was moving to incriminate him by association with a gang of arrested cultists and killers being investigated. He said going by information available to him, “they would find how to alter their statement already made in Ilorin and try and implicate the state government and particularly myself. As we speak now, these suspects are already here in Abuja.” The savvy politician did not stop at that as he went on to weave the usual narrative of persecution into the alleged plot. For emphasis, he described it as “desperation, intimidation or actions to undermine our democracy, a recipe for anarchy,” adding that the Senate is only doing its “work by asking officials to obey the law, due process and subject themselves to constituted authority.

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Saraki

Idris

I think it is important, I think this dangerous development, to your attention, country and the international authority of the impunity we are undergoing in this country and the danger to our democracy.” And to further underscore the intensity of the ‘threat to democracy’ the announced plot represents, the senate in a show of fraternal solidarity decided to dramatize what is in the realm of speculation. Pronto, the Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, rose and moved a motion for Saraki to step down for Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, to preside and decide on the matter of ‘urgent national importance’ that had been raised. The ensuing debate offered opportunity for more alarm bells to be raised about the police hammer dangling over senators. Sen. Sam Anyanwu, a PDP senator from Imo State and one of Saraki’s henchmen took the floor and railed: “If this matter has to do with the President of the Senate, then all of us are in trouble. As it stands, I can assure you, some of us

have been earmarked just because we speak out but, as far as I’m concerned, it’s only one bullet and one life.” Another PDP senator from Taraba State, Emmanuel Bwacha, followed suit and recounted how his entourage of security officials were withdrawn in the middle of a dangerous journey. He blamed the IGP squarely saying “when I heard from the President of the Senate on this dangerous plot, I was humbled. Virtually every one of us stands [to be in] danger of this [kind]. What we should do is to also behave as if we are in the understanding that the President doesn’t know. Let us also go to him [and say] that our democracy is collapsing under [his] watch. On Thursday, I was travelling from Abuja to Jos with Policemen I requested legitimately through a route that is notorious for kidnapping and killings. While getting to Jos, the Commander of the mobile Policemen called them and said, ‘Withdraw from him and go to the nearest Police station. Leave him alone.’ I stopped and asked, ‘What is the matter?’ My simple crime is that I told the media that it is wrong for the IG to not appear before us. They told me that they need to withdraw, that they have the instruction to leave me alone. I stopped there because I was afraid, I decided that let them leave so that they won’t know where I would lodge. So, I left them. They went to the nearest Police station [and] abandoned me there. The next day, I managed to drive back to Abuja in fear.” Having set the narrative that a carefully orchestrated clampdown was being prosecuted against them, the senators resolved to send a 10-member delegation to meet with and plead their cause with President Muhammadu Buhari.

But while the Senate was getting on overdrive with the allegation against the Police, the law enforcement agency responded in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Jimoh Moshood, accusing Saraki of raising a false alarm and attempting to obstruct the cause of police lawful duties of investigation. “The Nigeria Police Force is shocked at the unbelievable claims, unverifiable allegations and unfounded accusations being peddled against the IGP by the Senate President, accusing the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, of plot and strategies against him to settle scores,” the statement read, adding as a matter of caution that “the statement credited to Mr. Saraki was capable of underscoring, dissuading and could discourage living victims/ deceased families of those who must have been killed by this vicious hired assassin gang from coming forward to give evidence against them.” In deciding to visit Buhari on the ‘impending persecution’ of Saraki, the Senate did not seem mindful of the fact that nothing came off a previous meeting presiding officers of the National Assembly had with the President over the refusal of the IG of Police to respect two consecutive senate summons on Mr. Idris. Indeed, it was shortly after the meeting with the President where the National Assembly leaders reported the conduct of the police boss that the IG ignored the Senate for the third time in a roll. Crest-fallen and humiliated the Senate could only but make an inconsequential declaration that the IGP is “an enemy of democracy” and “unfit to hold public office in Nigeria and abroad.” While some conduct of the Police have fallen short of democratic standards set by the grundnum of the land, the Senate has its back against the wall and unfortunately, lacks popular support of the citizens it represents.

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Lexus Lc Coupe Wins 2018 Good Design Award

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Torsten MĂźller-Ă–tvĂśs, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Next To Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Rolls-Royce of SUVs

Effortless Everywhere: The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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hen Rolls-Royce announced three years ago that it would launch Cullinan, it did so in the knowledge that its customers around the world had asked it to build “The Rolls-Royce ofSUVs�,withluxury,performance and usability not seen before in the SUV market.

Many of these customers were younger, very successful high-net-worth individuals who are heavily engaged in the experience economy, and wanted a Rolls-Royce that would take them to the ends of the Earth in ultimate luxury. Coscharis Motors represents Rolls-Royce in Nigeria.

What is Cullinan?

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is Rolls-Royce as it is never seen before. When Sir Henry Royce said, “Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design itâ€?, he could have had Cullinan in mind. “We knew we had to offer our clients what they couldn’t find in the SUV market,â€? said Torsten MĂźller-Ă–tvĂśs, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “They do not accept limitations or

compromises in their lives. They are the new pioneers, and for them it’s about their sense of adventure and daring in how they live their experiences. This approach to life demands a motor car that can go-anywhere in ultimate luxury and style – Rolls-Royce style. Hence Cullinan.�

It was clear that these new, younger and more adventurous customers wanted a Rolls-Royce that would take them completely off the beaten track and reward them with life’s most enriching experiences. What they didn’t want was a vehicle as ubiquitous as an SUV with compromises such as increased cabin noise due to the “two-boxâ€? formula; shared platforms that affect performance and comfort; the choice of being good either onroad or off-road; or a lower, more featureless SUV that blends in and becomes just another car. “Cullinan is luxury in its purest form blended with perfect practicality and off-road capability,â€? comments MĂźller-Ă–tvĂśs. “Effortless, Everywhere is not just the promise behind Cullinan. It’s the fact.â€?

MakingluxuryEffortless,Everywhereengendered an evolution in Rolls-Royce’s approach to creating an authentic Rolls-Royce SUV. The most obvious sign of this was the radical rear of Cullinan.

For the first time a Rolls-Royce has an opening tailgate, called ‘The Clasp’. In a nod to the era when luggage was mounted on the exterior of

the motor-car, so the occupants did not travel with their belongings, the rear profile of Cullinan is a two-part, ‘D-Back’ format, with the bustle denoting the place of the luggage. ‘The Clasp’ opens and closes in its two sections automatically at the touch of the key fob button.

The rear passenger compartment of Cullinan has been designed to offer the best seat in the house for the owner’s particular needs. Two rear configurations are offered – Lounge Seats or Individual Seats.

The Lounge Seat configuration is the more functional of the two options. With space for three passengers in the rear, it will likely be more attractive to families. The rear seats also fold down – a first for Rolls-Royce.

The seats fold electronically in a number of configurations by pressing the appropriate button in the boot or rear door pocket. One press sees each backrest effortlessly fold down, whilst at the same time moving the headrests upwards to avoid making an imprint on the seat cushion.

Both seat backs can be folded completely, creating a flat load area or in a 2/3 and 1/3 split, increasing practicality even further. Rear passengers can still travel with a long load, or use the carpeted seat back as an occasional table on which to rest their precious personal items.

New Audi A6: Car of Many Talents in Business Class

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ully connected, comfortable and sporty at the same time, the new Audi A6 is more versatile than ever before, according to the automaker.

Operation with the all-digital MMI touch response system is pioneering; the connectivity and assistance systems also provide a great deal of comfort on long journeys. Its suspension combines supreme ride comfort with enhanced agility. All engines are fitted standard with a mild hybrid system.

Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.1 – 5.5; CombinedCO2emissionsing/km:161–142;Figures on the fuel consumption and the CO2-emissions vary in case of given ranges depending on the used combination of wheels/tires.

Operating system New MMI touch response operating and display concept: two touchscreens with tactile and acoustic feedback and intelligent text input Natural language voice control with onboard and online search OptionalAudi virtual cockpit with Full HD resolution (1,920 x 720 pixels) and operation on the steering wheel; the head-up display is available as an option Personalization of around 400 functions for seven different profiles Infotainment and Audi connect MMI navigation standard, optionally available top-of-the-line version MMI navigation plus with 10.1-inch display Navigation with self-learning function on the basis of driver preferences; online route planning from

The new Audi A6 HERE, free updates Audi connect key allows the driver to lock or unlock the vehicle and start the engine using a smartphone New Audi connect services Car-to-Xfunctions: “Traffic sign information� and “Hazard information�

New myAudi appto seamlessly connect smart-

phone and car Optional Bang & OlufsenAdvanced Sound System with 3D sound also for the rear Other options available such as Audi phone box to make and receive calls conveniently Driver assistance systems Up to 39 driver assistance systems in three packages, including new systems such as crossing assist, efficiency assist and adaptive cruise assist.

he Lexus LC flagship coupe has been recognised for its outstanding design and innovation with the conferring of two prestigious Australian Good Design AwardsÂŽ.

Described by judges as “a stunning vehicle in every regard�, the luxury Lexus coupe won the inaugural Best Exterior Design Award in the Automotive and Transport category and was named a Gold Winner in the Product Design category.

The awards jury said the new exterior award recognised that the Lexus LC exhibited design language that sets it apart from any other luxury coupe on the market. “The exterior design can be summed up in one simple word - beautiful,� the Good Design Award jury’s citation said. “The LC is design craftsmanship at its very best. This car has presence on the road like no other; it is one of the finest creations so far

by Lexus and a window into what’s to come from this design-driven brand.�

LexusAustralia chief executive Scott Thompson said Lexus believes passionately in the power of good design to change the world. “The Good Design Award recognises that every LC feature is the result of an integrated approach to design and engineering,� Mr Thompson said. “Lexus combined the talents of these two teams to ensure the LC coupe delivers optimum performance and impressive packaging while displaying dramatic styling and a stunning road presence,� he said.

The Good Design Awards, now in their 60th year, represent the highest honour for design innovation in Australia. Organised annually

by Good Design Australia, they are one of the longest running and most prestigious design awards in the world.

The Lexus LC coupe has received other major design honours, including Production Car Design of the Year (2016) and two EyesOn Design awards at the 2016 North American International Auto Show - Best Production Car and Best Designed Interior.

Mr Thompson said Lexus maintained a strong and long-term focus on design of all types and fostered future design talent both overseas and here in Australia “The annual Lexus Design Award is a distinguished international competition that nurtures and celebrates the next generation of designers from around the world,� he said. “Established in 2013, it brings to life the belief espoused by Lexus that great design can make the world a better place.�

Winners of theAustralian Good DesignAwards will be showcased during Vivid Sydney - the world’s biggest festival of light, music and ideas - from May 25-27 at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay.

Hyundai Motor Reports Strong April 2018 Global Sales

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yundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker and No.1 Selling Korean Automaker in the World, has announced its global sales results for April 2018, posting a total of 391,197 units sold, up 11.1 percent from a year earlier. The highest growth since December 2014 was led by strong sales of new SUV models the all-new Santa Fe and Kona – while a recent sales rebound in the Chinese market also largely contributed to the growth.

Sales in overseas markets totaled 327,409 units, representing an increase of 12.2 percent year-overyear. Sales increased significantly as the company’s popular subcompact SUV Kona expanded to key markets and demand remained strong in emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia and India.

Sales in the Korean market increased by 5.7 percent compared to the same period of the previous year, recording 63,788 units sold. The all-new Santa Fe became the best-selling model in Korea for the second consecutive month, posting 11,837 units sold.

Hyundai Motor plans to maximize profitability by continuing its SUV sales momentum globally. *Monthly sales figures provided in this press release are unaudited and on a preliminary basis.

1. Hyundai Motor currently has overseas plants in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, India, Russia, Turkey and the U.S. 2. Sales in Korea is based on retail sales while Overseas Sales (Global Sales excluding Korea) is based on wholesales.

3. Sales result includes entire sedan, SUV and CV models produced by Hyundai Motor.

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27

All-new 2019 Acura RDX Makes Road Debut

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One of the exhibition stands for spare parts

New Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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n time for the spring, Mercedes-AMG is extending its sports car portfolio with the new AMG GT S Roadster (combined fuel consumption: 11.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 262 g/km)1 as an attractive open-air model. With this latest addition the AMG GT family now has a dozen members: four two-door CoupĂŠs, three Roadsters, two customer sports racing cars and three four-door CoupĂŠs. The basis for the high

DrivingPerformanceofthenewAMGGTSRoadster is the combination of a lightweight aluminium spaceframe, a V8 biturbo engine, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, a rear axle locking differential and a sport suspension with aluminium double wishbone axles. “With the AMG GT S Roadster, our AMG GT family has gained another exceptionally sporty member that combines high driving dynamics with an emotional open-air experience,� says Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “The new model represents the perfect alternative for the performance-oriented AMG GT Roadster

customer.�

Compared to the AMG GT Roadster, the AMG GT S Roadster is rendered even more dynamic by numerous modifications to the engine, suspension, brakes, design and interior. This positions it between theAMG GT Roadster and the even more powerful AMG GT C Roadster, now providing a choice of three open-top two-seaters.

Muscular power unit for a top speed of over 300 km/h.

The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo in the AMG GT S Roadster delivers an output of 384 kW (522 hp) and maximum torque of 670 Nm.

he all-new 2019Acura RDX will make its public debut as the official team vehicle and lead support vehicle of Rally Cycling, America’s 2017 top-ranked continental men’s and women’s cycling program, throughout the 2018 season, starting with the Amgen Tour of California, which ends today (May 13-19).

Now in its 7th year as a Rally Cycling sponsor, Acura also will be providing a 2018 NSX supercar as a second support vehicle to accompany the racers through each leg of the Amgen Tour of California.

Both the RDX and NSX are skinned in the Rally Cycling team colors (orange and black) and logo as they accompany Rally Cycling during the Amgen Tour of California, and as the RDX continues on tour throughout the 2018 racing season. “We’re excited to continue our longstanding partnership with Rally Cycling and showcase the all-new RDX on public roads,� said Jon Ikeda, vice president & general manager of Acura. “The 2019 RDX is the quickest, best-handling yet, making it the perfect vehicle to support the Rally Cycling team throughout the rigorous race season.�

As the first in a new generation of Acura products, the re-engineered 2019 RDX delivers top-of-class performance, a more spacious and luxurious cabin, and a host of premium technology and features.

Designed,developedandmanufacturedinAmerica1, the new turbocharged RDX will begin arriving at Acura dealers this summer as the quickest, best handling and most luxurious RDX yet.

The 2018 Rally Cycling men’s team consists of 16 riders, and is directed by Jonas Carney, Patrick McCarty, Eric Wohlberg, and Andy Bajadali. The team was founded in 2007, and spent 11 seasons in the Continental ranks. In 2018, the team upgraded to Pro Continental and has a long-term plan for growth. In its early years, the team dominated the criterium circuit, becoming the first freshman team to win the U.S criterium title. The team has grown into a full fledged, intercontinental stage racing team that can claim podiums at the world’s biggest races.

First Glimpse of BMW iNEXT, Vision Vehicle in 2018

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t BMW’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday this week, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Harald Krßger, unveiled an initial design concept for the BMW iNEXT. The pure-electric BMW iNEXT will be built at Plant Dingolfing from 2021. The company’s new technology flagship incorporates all major strategic areas of innovation in a road-ready vehicle.

Harald KrĂźger, Chairman of the Board of Management of

BMW AG, said: “The iNEXT project is our building kit for the future.

It will benefit the entire company and all our brands.

For the first time, we are combining all key technologies for future mobility in one vehicle.

The iNEXT is fully electric, fully connected and also offers highly automated driving. Today, we gave our shareholders a very first glimpse of the design of the BMW iNEXT. Later this year, we will be presenting the BMW iNEXT as a Vision Vehicle.�

A very ďŹ rst glimpse of the design of the BMW iNEXT

West African Road Safety Organisation @ 10

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s I round up the focus on ten years of regional road safety experiment, under the auspices of the West African Road Safety Organization, the question to ask is how have we fared as a region?

Like I said in the first part of this piece last week, I am relying solely on the address of the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps Dr Boboye Oyeyemi during the event marking the ten years anniversary last week in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. In x-raying the impact thus created in ten years, the Corps Marshal took cognizance of what my Pastor once told me some years ago when he said that nobody enlarges his worst pictures.According to Pastor Sam Otenaike, everyone only desires to enlarge the picture that shows him at your best. It was therefore not out of place to note the leadership role our nation has played since the inauguration. ‘’Nigeria role in the activities is not questionable. It is gratifying to note the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR to the ideals of WARSO since the inception of the current administration. This commitment was underscored by the prompt release of the sum of One Hundred Thousand US dollars (100,000.00)

by Mr President as counterpart funding for the implementation of Regional Vehicle Administration and Information System (RVAIS) adopted

by ECOWAS and WARSO in 2009. This singular action qualified Nigeria to benefit from theAfrican Development Bank support to member states for the implementation of the RVAIS’’, he noted.

WARSO has also addressed one of the most critical components needed in addressing road traffic crash trend in Africa and the developing clime

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

by serving as a platform to address the political will needed in addressing the challenges of road safety by not only building roads, but making safety components of roads integral part of the road contract which must be delivered to make them forgiving and avert the hazards associated with road transportation in the West African sub-region.

The establishment of WARSO Secretariat was made possible through the Corps donation of a Secretariat inAbuja instead of the ECOWAS Secretariat in Lagos originally given for this purpose. FRSC in addition, seconded bilingual personnel to the Secretariat for administrative purpose since 2012.Another crucial area is capacity building as WARSO has succeeded in creating exchange of ideas and human capacity building among member states exemplified by the technical assistance and training of personnel of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority by FRSC, Nigeria. Increasing road safety awareness in schools adopted by WARSO has since achieved some commendablelevelofprogressinGhanaandNigeria where the respective governments have embraced the catch them young spirit. The organization also

advocated the inclusion of questions on road safety in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) in accordance with the decisions taken at Annual General Meeting in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in October 2013.

WARSOcommitmenetontheuseofRetro-reflective tape by vehicles in West Africa is also worth noting: In 2012, the Organization considered the visibility of road users and vehicles at night, thus initiated mandatory use of retro-reflective tapes for vehicles in the sub-region since. This initiative has taken off in some member countries, including Nigeria and Ghana. Decision on the use of Speed Limiting Device by WARSO is an adaptation of FRSC policy by other members of the organization in 2015. It was aimed at enhanced road user visibility thus aiding reduction in road collision and attendant negative consequences.

The organization designed Accident Report Template for the sub-region in 2012 and advised member states to key into it to enable uniformity in crash investigation and reporting system. WARSO through its advocacy campaigns have revived some previously inactive countries such as Cote d’ Ivoire, Togo, Niger and Senegal. Efforts are in top gear to ensure full participation of the Lucophone countries: Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde. Global recognition of WARSO: WARSO is recognized by African Union, UNECA, SSATP, UNECE, World Bank, and United Nations and it is the only subregional road safety body in Africa as at today.

AU and UNECAare working towards replicating WARSO in other regions in the continent. CommunityBasedRoadSafetyRespondentsprogramme policy was adopted by WARSO in 2013 to train

First Aiders to assisting Road Traffic Crash victims before being taken to medical facilities, particularly in remote areas. This was also a Nigerian initiative which was adopted at the general meeting of the body and being aggressively pursued by member states. Since its inauguration, WARSO has successfully held Executive, Technical and Annual General Meetings in various countries of the sub-region for upward of eleven (11) times. The idea of rotational hosting of meetings in member states was to promote friendliness, cordiality and consolidate the spirit of African brotherhood as well as give credence to the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of people and goods. the theme for the celebration, “WARSO in the Last Decade: The Journey So Far,� was chosen to enable member states create public awareness on the activities of the organization in the last ten years and project future accomplishment targets.

The anniversary events which has ended served the following: Public enlightenment programmes: These include Motor Park Rallies, Road walk and distribution of flyers have been lined up in member states to further cement the achievements and call out for more ownership of road safety for improved accomplishment, Member states recommitment and rededication to road safety ideals: The anniversary celebration equally served as an avenue for member states to recommit and rededicate to the vision and fundamental ideals of the organization to realizing its goal and objectives and ultimately align to achieving a West Africa sub-region where road traffic crashes will cease to destroy precious lives and destabilize the individual state and collective economies.

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FAMILY HEALTH with

What Are Food Allergies?

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Symptoms Of Anaphylaxis 5IF TZNQUPNT PG B TFWFSF BMMFSHJD SFBDUJPO BOBQIZMBYJT DBO CF TVEEFO BOE HFU XPSTF WFSZ RVJDLMZ Initial symptoms of anaphylaxis are often the same as those listed above and can lead to: JODSFBTFE CSFBUIJOH EJGĂ DVMUJFT m TVDI BT r XIFF[JOH BOE B DPVHI r B TVEEFO BOE JOUFOTF GFFMJOH PG BOYJFUZ BOE GFBS r B SBQJE IFBSUCFBU UBDIZDBSEJB

r B TIBSQ BOE TVEEFO ESPQ JO ZPVS CMPPE QSFTTVSF which can make you feel lightheaded and confused r VODPOTDJPVTOFTT "OBQIZMBYJT JT B NFEJDBM FNFSHFODZ 8JUIPVU RVJDL treatment, it can be life threatening. If you think you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, HP UP UIF IPTQJUBM WFSZ RVJDLMZ 4&& " %0$503 See a doctor or allergist if you have food allergy symptoms shortly after eating. If possible, see your doctor when the allergic reaction is occurring. This will help your doctor make a diagnosis.

Seek emergency treatment if you develop any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as: $POTUSJDUJPO PG BJSXBZT UIBU NBLFT JU EJGà DVMU UP breathe 2. Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure 3BQJE QVMTF %J[[JOFTT PS MJHIUIFBEFEOFTT Causes Of Food Allergies 'PPE BMMFSHJFT IBQQFO XIFO UIF JNNVOF TZTUFN m UIF CPEZ T EFGFODF BHBJOTU JOGFDUJPO m NJTUBLFOMZ USFBUT proteins found in food as a threat. As a result, a number of chemicals are released. It’s these chemicals that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Almost any food can cause an allergic reaction, but there are certain foods that are responsible for most food allergies.

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some food allergens, such as peanuts and milk, but this is not an established treatment.

ll human beings are programmed to have an innate desire to eat. We cannot do without food for prolonged time because our body needs food to supply nutrients and all we need to build up and maintain our normal body functions.

In achieving this, there are certain people , whose body would produce certain chemicals that would interact with components of the food you eat, and cause a reaction. This is food allergy. It can manifest in various forms depending on your body make up, and the food ingested.

A food allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts unusually to specific foods. Although allergic reactions are often mild, they can be very serious.

Although allergic reactions are often mild, they can be very serious. Symptoms of a food allergy can affect different areas of the body at the same time. Some common symptoms include: an itchy sensation inside the mouth, throat or ears It is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergycausing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Food allergy affects an estimated 6 to 8 percent of children under age 3 and up to 3 percent of adults.

While there’s no cure, some children outgrow their food allergy as they get older.

It’s easy to confuse a food allergy with a much more common reaction known as food intolerance. While bothersome, food intolerance is a less serious condition that does not involve the immune system.

Symptoms In some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food may be uncomfortable but not severe. For other people, an allergic food reaction can be frightening and even life-threatening. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food.

The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include: r 5JOHMJOH PS JUDIJOH JO UIF NPVUI r )JWFT JUDIJOH PS FD[FNB r 4XFMMJOH PG UIF MJQT GBDF UPOHVF BOE UISPBU PS other parts of the body r 8IFF[JOH OBTBM DPOHFTUJPO PS USPVCMF CSFBUIJOH r "CEPNJOBM QBJO EJBSSIFB OBVTFB PS WPNJUJOH r %J[[JOFTT MJHIUIFBEFEOFTT PS GBJOUJOH r UJOHMJOH PS JUDIJOH JO UIF NPVUI r B SBJTFE JUDIZ SFE SBTI VSUJDBSJBM m JO TPNF DBTFT the skin can turn red and itchy, but without a raised rash r TXFMMJOH PG UIF GBDF NPVUI BOHJPFEFNB UISPBU or other areas of the body r EJGĂ DVMUZ TXBMMPXJOH r TIPSUOFTT PG CSFBUI r IBZ GFWFS MJLF TZNQUPNT TVDI BT TOFF[JOH PS JUDIZ FZFT BMMFSHJD DPOKVODUJWJUJT

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

1. Avoid making any radical changes, such as cutting out dairy products, to your or your child’s diet without first talking to your GP. For some foods, such as milk, you may need to speak to a dietitian before making any changes.

2. A type of medication called an antihistamine can help relieve the symptoms of a mild or moderate allergic reaction. A higher dose of antihistamine is often needed to control acute allergic symptoms.

3.

Adrenaline is an effective treatment for more severe allergic symptoms, such as anaphylaxis. People with a food allergy are often given a device known as an BVUP JOKFDUPS QFO XIJDI DPOUBJOT EPTFT PG BESFOBMJOF that can be used in emergencies.

acts unusually to speciďŹ c foods.

Although allergic reactions are often mild, they can be very serious.

Although allergic reactions are often mild, they can be very serious. Symptoms of a food allergy can aect dierent areas of the body at the same time. Some common symptoms include: an itchy sensation inside the mouth, throat or ears It is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergycausing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways.

In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis

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A food intolerance isn’t the same as a food allergy.

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1. Food poisoning. Sometimes food poisoning can mimic an allergic reaction. Bacteria in spoiled tuna and other fish also can make a toxin that triggers harmful reactions.

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5. This chronic digestive condition is triggered by eating gluten, a protein found in bread, pasta, cookies, and many other foods containing wheat, barley or rye.

6. If you have celiac disease and eat foods containing gluten, an immune reaction occurs that causes damage to the surface of your small intestine, leading to an inability to absorb certain nutrients.

RISK FACTORS Food allergy risk factors include: r 'BNJMZ IJTUPSZ :PV SF BU JODSFBTFE SJTL PG GPPE BMMFSHJFT JG BTUINB FD[FNB IJWFT PS BMMFSHJFT TVDI BT hay fever are common in your family.

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Factors that may increase your risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction include: r )BWJOH B IJTUPSZ PG BTUINB r #FJOH B UFFOBHFS PS ZPVOHFS r %FMBZJOH VTF PG FQJOFQISJOF UP USFBU ZPVS GPPE allergy symptoms

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

FEUD IS IN THE PAST PAGE. 29

19.05.2018

Junior Lokosa

Super Eagles’ New Boy

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀

Super Eagles’ New Boy

Ă&#x;ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă‘Ă–Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?ĂœËœ Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă™Ăž Ă™Ă’Ăœ Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă–Ă“Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă? ͝͸ ÚÖËãĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ–ĂŁ Ă—Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă’Ă?Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ăš Ă“Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ëœ ĂŒĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂŁ ͺ΀ Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ăœ åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ă™ Ă?Ă—Ă™Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă? Ă?ĂšĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? åÓÞÒ ÞåÙ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂšĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă˜Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ě‹ Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ?ËŞ Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ăœ ÙÕÙĂ?Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂžĂ‹Ă–Ă“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă? ĚłĂ? ĂœĂ™ĂžĂ™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽËœ Ă“Ă—Ă?Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜Ă•ĂĄĂ™Ë› Ă‹Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă™ ĂŒĂ?Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ÙÎÎĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ę¨Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ÍşÍťĚ‹Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ăž ÞÙ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă‹ËŁ Kunle Adewale ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?

J

Junior Lokosa

unior Lokosa has been taking the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) by storm scoring 18 goals in 20 matches, the latest being a brace in Sunday’s 3-1 victory against Katsina United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

In a telephone chat with THISDAY, a former Nigerian international, Friday Ekpo said it would have been an injustice against the local league and indeed homebased players in the Kano Pillars striker’s name was not included in the provisional list. “It would have amounted to gross injustice if Lokosa’s name was absent from the list.

The Nigerian League is still the strongest in Africa and if a player could score 18 goals with the league still a long way to go, no national team coach could ignore such a player. What he had achieved so far is not a small feat.

He should indeed be celebrated,�

Ekpo said.

Asked if he thinks the Nigerian League top scorer could make the final 23-man list, the former Shell of Gabon midfielder reacted thus: “Why not? Every of the 30 players in the provisional list have a chance, a lot would depend on how much they are able to take their chances in the remaining friendly matches and how well they comport themselves in camp.�

Ekpo, however, cautioned that the striker should not be overwhelmed by the presence of foreign professionals. “He is as good as any Nigerian striker playing abroad. The only difference is that he is playing in the home front and this is what he should have at the back of his mind and therefore gather the necessary confidence and concentrate on doing what he knows how to do best-scoring goals,�

Ekpo added.

Also speaking, Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold medalist, Emmanuel Babayaro, noted that the names were purely based on merit, adding that Lokosa’s call up was the biggest surprise in the list. “I think the list is okay. I am looking forward to seeing if we can finally break that last 16

hurdle and get to the quarters for the very first time. I think this is overdue and hopefully, Russia is where history will be made. I am delighted that three home-based players - Dele Ajiboye, Junior Lokosa and Ikechukwu Ezenwa made the provisional list and my guts tell me Lokosa will make the 23-man final list. He is the surprise package for me,� Babayaro said.

Born August 23, 1993, in Badagry, Lagos state, Lokosa fell in love with football at a young age which angered his parents. “It wasn’t easy because all parents want their children to go to school,� he said in an interview in March. “However, when they realised football was in my blood and they couldn’t pull it out, they had to accept it. I think today, everybody in the Lokosa family is happy.�

Knowing what he wanted, he stuck to his dream of playing football. He began on the streets of Ajegunle, a Lagos community known for high poverty and crime.

Football began to grow from being just a hobby to a career for Lokosa when his brother took him to a field where he began to play structured football. Soon, things started taking shape, as he got signed to play for an amateur side before catching the eye of First Bank football club.

The 24-year-old centre-forward was still with Lagos-based First Bank Football club in 2017 and was “praying to God� for a better team when, “like a miracle�, he was offered the chance to join Kano Pillars. “I didn’t plan to join Kano Pillars. However, one day, I returned from training and I got a call from someone who asked if I wanted to play for Kano Pillars and I said yes. “Of course, I was praying to God for a better team to play.

So it was like a miracle to me.

The following day, I travelled to Kano and everything went on smoothly. I have to thank God because joining Pillars is a big lift in my career,� he recalls�.

Lokosa had a debut to remember for Pillars, scoring in the match against Niger Tornadoes.

His goal for Kano pillars came as

31

MAY 19, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Omeruo Set to 'Taste the Goal' Ahead of the World Cup 2018 With the 30-man provisional list of Coach Gerth Rohr of Super Eagles players for the World Cup already in the public domain, pundits have been reacting to the list with mixed feelings either of addition or subtraction in all departments. However in the defence line, Kenneth Omeruo looks set to play at the World Cup finals again after making his debut at the last edition in Brazil four years ago. In this report, Femi Solaja takes a look at what the Super Eagles' strongman does off the field of play especially as he prepares to champion a World Cup Season campaign tagged 'TASTE THE GOAL' sponsored

by Domino's Pizza with the hashtag #tastethegoal.

Junior Lokosa

He is as good as any Nigerian striker playing abroad. The only difference is that he is playing in the home front and this is what he should have at the back of his mind and therefore gather the necessary confidence and concentrate on doing what he knows how to do best-scoring goals no surprise to his First Bank teammate Abou, who would later tell goal.com: "I am very happy for my pal, Lokosa. I believe in his abilities and I am not surprised he scored on his debut at Kano Pillars.

“Lokosa is a lethal striker who makes goal-scoring look very simple. He plays with so much calm, yet he punishes goalkeepers.

I wish him all the best and to Kano Pillars, they are lucky to have a lethal striker who will score so many goals that will make them achieve their set goals.''

When Lokosa scored his 11th goal of the season, he was asked how happy he was: “I wasn’t really happy because my goal did not give the three points to my team,” he responded. It was not our intention to draw again at home but there was nothing we could do to save the situation. We still feel bad with the result but we just have to move on.

That match has come and gone.”

He responded in typically calm

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

fashion when asked to respond to clamour for his invitation to the Super Eagles.

“I don’t know much about that but every player wants to play for his country so my case is not different.

By the grace of God, when I am invited I will do my best. However, if God says it is not yet time, there is nothing I can do about it. At the moment, I have a job in hand so I have to focus on it," he said.

Meanwhile, Kano Pillars Chairman, Tukur Babangida has confirmed that the NPFL's leading marksman, will be off to Bulgaria to have his medical and fitness tests with Ludogorets.

The administrator said he decided to set the record straight due to insinuations in the media that the player was embarking on a trial abroad.

“Kano Pillars are only allowing him to go for medical and fitness tests. He is not going to have a trial.

“You should know the mentality of Nigerian players once they are contacted by any European club.

They and their agents will put pressure on you to allow them to go and if you say no, they will be thinking otherwise. Transfers open in July in Europe and if he cannot go in June, then he has to wait until January. He has his options but he has no guarantees that he can get a club in January depending on his performance,” he said.

Another player that would also be hoping to make the cut to Russia is Crotone of Italy striker, Simeon Nwankwo.

The striker scored eight goals this season.

It remains to be seen how much impression the duo of Lokosa and Nwankwo would make on Rohr as the battle for Russia heats up.

Taste of Goal Project rom tomorrow, 20th May 2018, the Kasimpasa FC of Turkey defender would be involved in the campaign which comprises of a series of activities that includes special appearance at a grass root football match at Yaba College of Technology between Turf Season FC sponsored by Domino's Pizza and Current FC. Aside the football match, the newly wedded Super Eagles defender would be involved in 'Meet and Greet' session. The FC Chelsea Loanee would be meeting with fans at select viewing centers where he would be giving free pizza and engaging with fans.

The session will enable hundreds of youths to tap into his own life story; that is from humble beginning, to global limelight.

F

From a Humble Beginning Kenneth is a family man to the core.

Whenever he is not at work in company of his team mates, the AFCON 2013 winner with Super Eagles is very much a family person. He loves being around his immediate family. He likes the chilled lifestyle, if not with family, then he is with very close friends playing video games.

With little or no passion for outings, young Omeruo as a professional footballer is disciplined and love to adhere strictly to normal physical condition especially when it comes to diet routines.

Most often during off season, he tries as much as possible to maintain his normal physical condition. A close associate said "he doesn't joke with his body which he sees as temple and off season, he loves to go with the same tempo in preparation for the season ahead because a little gap can make the difference," remarked one of his associates

last week.

Being lucky to have come from a footballing family makes rise to the top much easier for the lad who was born in Abia State. When he decided to embrace the round leather game was without hitch or drama from his family members. Kenneth’s older brother played football actively and when he decided to toe the same line, he promptly got their blessing.

The World Cup bound defender from his youthful days love watching a lot of football and just always dreaming of becoming a professional and being fortunate to have three brothers already in the profession made things very easy for him to reach the top.

Life and Style Omeruo, nicknamed K.O with over 40 caps for Super Eagles, is a very conservative fellow when it comes to fashion. He doesn’t have too much of a style. Most often according to an associate "likes to be smart casual at the best of times and ensuring comfort is at the top of his look. "It is very rare to see him in his native Igbo outfit despite the fact that he is a grassroot fellow. All he cares for is just to look good and not necessary gorgeous most of the time," the associate remarked.

The Sports Personality of the Year 2016 by Screams All Youth Awards, has passion to keep dogs and values his childhood friends just like his immediate family. He is down to earth fellow and always looks out for others in need.

Aside having passion to help people around him, Omeruo has a long term vision, which is to establish a charity organisation that he hopes would transform people's life.

He loves to hang out and socialise with friends when he is in a relaxed mood.

Kenneth Omeruo ready to taste the goal with Nigerian youths

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀

United, Chelsea Go Head-to-Head for FA Cup Glory Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă‹ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ÞÙÎËã ĂœĂ?Ă•Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ–Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ĂœĂ“Ă Ă‹Ă–ĂœĂŁ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ–ĂŁ ÞËÎÓĂ&#x;Ă—Ë› Ă‹Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÚÖËĂ?Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ÓâÞÒ ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?ÞÓà Ă?Ă–ĂŁ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? ÖÙÑ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ™ĂžĂ’ ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă—Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ–Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;Ăš ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă Ă?ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ?Ă—Ë› Ă™ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽ Ă?ÚÓĂ?Ă? ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ“Ă Ă‹Ă–ĂœĂŁ ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ÞåÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ?Ě‹ Ă™Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă’Ă™ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜ĂžĂ™Ă˜Ă“Ă™ Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ?

C

helsea and Manchester United have a chance to salvage their respective seasons this evening when facing off at Wembley Stadium in the 137th FA Cup final. In a repeat of the 2007 showpiece - the first to be held at this ground - both sides know the importance of victory at the end of a disappointing campaign.

While United can argue that finishing second in the Premier League marks a vast improvement on the previous four years since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, Antonio Conte has far less ammunition to use when holding talks over his future next week.

Conte's second season in West London has not gone quite to plan, finding himself under pressure ever since the first game when Burnley picked up a shock 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge, setting the tone for what was to come for both sides.

Throwing away top spot in the Champions League and subsequently being knocked out by Barcelona in the first knockout round was difficult to take, particularly on the back of failing to turn up across two legs against Arsenal in the EFL Cup semis.

Yet in finishing fifth in the Premier League, collecting 23 points fewer than in 2016-17, Conte will surely have little to complain about if ruthless owner Roman Abramovich swings the axe as expected in the coming weeks.

Even if Chelsea were to win an eighth FA Cup, it remains to be seen whether the former Juventus boss would want to stay on. Conte has constantly provided subtle and not-so-subtle hints that he will be on his way this summer regardless of events at Wembley.

What better way to bow out than by lifting a second major honour in English football, then, a year on from a hugely disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the final - a rare low point in the Italian's maiden campaign on these shores.

Four of Chelsea's seven previous triumphs in this competition have come in the last 11 years, beginning with an extra-time win against United in the first final to be held at the revamped national stadium, but they have not walked up the famous steps since 2012.

The way the Blues ended their league campaign suggests that their wait may go on, following up a four-match winning run with a draw to Huddersfield Town and 3-0 loss to Newcastle United on the final day, seeing them finish five points adrift of a Champions League spot.

Chelsea have not always been at their best in the FA Cup, either, most notably struggling to shake off Norwich City at the second attempt in round three, but victory in their final match of the season will ensure that a poor campaign suddenly looks slightly better.

Among the numerous sub-plots ahead of today's game, the most intriguing is surely Jose Mourinho's latest battle with Conte on the touchline - possibly the final chapter in a long-running saga.

Mourinho has the upper hand on Conte by virtue of finishing as runner-up in the top flight, adding to the EFL Cup and Europa League crown gained last season, and he will take great delight in being the one to strike the killer blow in Conte's Chelsea reign.

Ending 19 points adrift of Manchester City is hardly cause for celebration, though, and Mourinho therefore needs the FA Cup to ensure that he has United supporters firmly behind him ahead of a big summer of transfer activity.

The Red Devils' most recent success in this competition, when edging out Crystal Palace 2-1 two years ago, famously brought down the curtain on Louis van

Gaal's underwhelming tenure. A similar outcome this weekend is unlikely, with Mourinho still very much the best available option for United.

A campaign that began nine months ago with defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, taking in 55 games since then, finally concludes this weekend and it remains difficult to ascertain whether the season as a whole can be considered a success.

Defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion - making it three losses to promoted clubs this term - and a goalless draw with West Ham United sapped any sort of positivity out of United's supporters, making the 1-0 win against Watford on the final day, as uninspiring as it was, all the more important to build some momentum.

A second FA Cup final triumph in three seasons, and a joint-record 13 overall - matching Arsenal's tally would be the ideal way for Mourinho to prove that he remains a serial winner, even if his style of play has been questioned repeatedly throughout the campaign.

Their path to this stage has been straightforward enough, brushing aside Derby County, Yeovil Town, Huddersfield Town and Brighton without conceding a goal, before earning a 2-1 comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur here last month.

United have already beaten each of their top-six rivals since the turn of the year, including Chelsea in the most recent league meeting, suggesting that Mourinho does still have the knack of picking up results exactly when it matters.

Meanwhile, Conte has sid his fractious relationship with Jose Mourinho is in the past and will shake hands with him before the final.

The pair were engaged in a lengthy feud since the Italian's arrival at Stamford Bridge, which ignited as the FA Cup began in January with insults growing in their intensity.

However, the Italian played down any conflict in Friday's press conference, saying: "This is not important, what happened in the past.

"There is a relationship between me and him.

Tomorrow (today) I will shake his hand and both of us will think of the game."

Conte confirmed left-back Emerson is Chelsea's only absentee for the Wembley showpiece, while United striker Romelu Lukaku faces a late

fitness test on an ankle injury.

Conte is not paying too much attention to whether the former Chelsea man features or not.

He said: "We're talking about an important player but Manchester United have the possibility to pick many important players.

"I don't know what is the decision. But for sure if Lukaku doesn't play there are great players to play for him.

"You don't change your plan or prepare your plan only for one player. If Lukaku is not playing it means they have another important striker. Marcus Rashford, for example, could play."

Speculation is rife that today's match will be Conte's last after two years as head coach but the 48-year-old was giving little away.

"I can say for sure this will be my last match this season," he said. "For me and my players it will be the last game, for us.

"Then, as you know very well, I have a contract and I'm committed to the club."

Asked if he expected it to be a summer of change, Conte added: "I don't know.

"For sure I think we must be focused on today's game. For us this game is very

important because we have, in a difficult season, to finish the season with a trophy.

It's always important for the players, for the coach, for the manager, for our fans, for the club, to finish the season with a trophy. We're focused on this target. We have to try to do everything to win the game on Saturday."

Facts r 5IJT JT UIF FJHIUI UJNF UIBU 6OJUFE IBWF faced off against Chelsea at Wembley, meaning that they have played the Blues more often here than any other side. r *U JT UIF Ă STU UJNF UIBU UIFZ IBWF NFU BU UIF national stadium since the 2010 Community Shield, which the West Londoners lost 3-1. r 5IF MBTU '" $VQ UJF CFUXFFO UIF TJEFT Ă Oished in a 1-0 win for Chelsea in last season's quarter-final at Stamford Bridge, with N'Golo Kante netting a rare and decisive goal.

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33

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Cole Chiori getting the better of Tuominen

with KUNLE ADEWALE 08111813082

L-R: Mr. Gbolaga Oshiga, Enugu State Coordinator, FIRS; Kelvin Itoya of Rangers International, VAT Wonder Goal of the week winner; and Davidson Owumi, CEO of Rangers International, during the presentation of the award in Enugu

Joshua vs Takam

Clock Ticking on Joshua-Wilder Unification Bout Negotiations for Anthony Joshua's huge unification fight with Deontay Wilder are progressing, but must be "accelerated", says Matchroom chairman Barry Hearn.

Talks are ongoing for Joshua to face Wilder next, with all of the world heavyweight belts at stake, although the British star has also been ordered by the WBA to make a mandatory title defence against Alexander Povetkin.

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn held a meeting with Povetkin's backer this week and his father Barry admits discussions for the Wilder fight need to proceed at a quicker pace as they seek to solve other issues, including a possible venue for the bumper bout.

"Joshua really is up for being the unified champion of the world, but inevitably the devil is in the detail," Hearn told Sky Sports. "There are questions that we are in the process of answering. We've asked some and

to be fair to the other side, they've come back with answers.

"We are still talking and we're about to answer some more detailed questions, and who knows? I never in boxing believe any deal is done until the contract is actually signed.

"We are making progress, Joshua is - as always - an integral part of the decision making process, because he's the one that does the fighting, but it's a fight he likes and it's a fight we like.

"We're still a long way to go in terms of detail, but that long way has to be accelerated to get an answer in the next few days or a week's time, simply because we are going to be put under pressure by the WBA: 'Are you fighting Povetkin for the mandatory?'

"We're being put under pressure because we have a couple of stadium venues saying: 'Do you really want us? Here's a contract to sign'."

An initial offer of $50m by Wilder

was not accepted by Joshua as his team have sought more details about the deal, and Hearn insists he is capable of delivering a big purse himself for the American champion.

"We need to have a certain amount of control," said Hearn. "We need assurances on certain things, and we need contracts in place, and we need the money up front, guaranteed.

"I've heard a lot of people talk about money in boxing. When we talk about money, we back it up.

"If Wilder wants to come to the UK, I'll deposit his entire purse in advance to any bank he wants, and it takes me about five minutes. I expect the same honesty on the other side, and maybe, hopefully, that is available.

"But there are lots of small details, which at the last minute, each one of them could be a deal breaker. We're not going to tell you we're close, I'm saying we're on the way, but the clock is ticking and we have to move.

Cole Chiori Wins Global Boxing Federation Title Stops Finland’s Tuominen in third round World Boxing Federation Junior Middleweight champion, Nigeria’s Gifted Cole Chiori, last Saturday in Atlanta Georgia added the Global Boxing Federation title to his haul after stopping Finland’s Teemu Hannes Tuominen in the third round of the scheduled 10-round bout.

In a chat with THISDAY after his victory, Chiori said his plan was to stop his opponent in the sixth round but his punches were too heavy for him and hence he kissed the canvass in the third round.

“My plan was to stop him in the sixth round but I guess my punches were too heavy for him, which was why he went down in the third round and could not get up. He first kissed the canvass in the second round but managed to get up but could not get up in the third,� Chiori said.

The Ajegunle-born boxer who is expected to have another fight in August this year said he was grateful to the Africans and particularly Nigerians who trooped out in their

large numbers to support him.

Chiori’s whose record now stands at 14-0 however said Touminen was a tested boxer and a worthy opponent.

The fight which was promoted

by E Butt Promotions and Bishop Entertainment was powered by Achievas Entertainment.

Chiori defeated German opponent, Tom Reiche, to retain his WBF Junior Middleweight title after he stopped him in the fourth round.

Super Eagles Confront Atletico’s Might in GOtv MAX Cup The attention of football fans around the country will on Tuesday May 22, shift to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, where the Super Eagles will test their strength against LaLiga giants, Atletico Madrid, in the inaugural edition of the GOtv MAX Cup. Expectedly the announcement of Atletico Madrid's visit, which is happening on the invitation of MultiChoice, sparked huge excitement among football fans across the country, especially in Uyo, the host city.

Atletico Madrid are one of the biggest three teams in the LaLiga, where they have had an impressive season by qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League and defeating French side Marseille in Wednesday's Europa League final, making them three time Europa champions. In European football, La Rojiblancos, are in the top tier and have played in two of the last four UEFA Champions League finals.

In Spain, they are the only team to have broken the Barcelona-Real Madrid grip on LaLiga since 2004, winning the title in 2014.

Ex-Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, who played for Racing Satander and Real Sociedad in LaLiga, is delighted that a team of Atletico’s calibre is coming to Nigeria.

For this, he said MultiChoice, SuperSport and GOtv should be commended, as the visit is an evidence of their commitment to Nigerian football and sports in general. He equally stated that the match will serve as part of the Super Eagles preparations for the World Cup, where they will face Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in Group D. Atletico Madrid are a supremely organized outfit, who play with aggression and intensity, attributes the Super Eagles will undoubtedly face during the World Cup campaign.

The LaLiga giants’ visit to Nigeria, their first ever, has been described

as historic. Javier Tebas, LaLiga President, said: “This is a historic announcement (of the visit) and we are excited to share this news with our Nigerian fans: Atletico de Madrid, one of LaLiga’s greatest clubs will come to Nigeria and give our fans the chance to enjoy watching their stars up close. Africa and Nigeria, in particular, are very important for us as there is a lot of love for Spanish football, something we are proud of.�

Echoing similar sentiments, Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria said: “We are delighted to bring one of the three biggest clubs from LaLiga to Nigeria in what we believe will be a historic visit. Atletico Madrid are one of the top clubs in LaLiga and GOtv customers and indeed all football fans in Nigeria, will have the rare opportunity of watching the stars play the Super Eagles right here on Nigerian soil".

Nadal Inches Closer Eighth Rome Masters Title Rafael Nadal continued his surge towards an eighth Rome Masters title as he battled back to silence Fabio Fognini and the partisan home crowd to reach the semi-finals.

Nadal dropped the opening set before recovering to canter to a 4-6 6-1 6-2 victory and move through to the final four in the Italian capital for the 10th time and his first since 2014.

"He played well. I made a couple of mistakes in the first set, but he played so quick and was going for the shots without missing much. He put me under pressure and I made some mistakes," Nadal told Sky Sports.

"I should not lose two serves in a row but it happened. The only thing I can do when this happens is accept it and keep working for the next set. "It was great. A full crowd, a great atmosphere. I enjoyed [it]. It was a great day to play tennis and a good match."

Nadal is 35-3 in final-set deciders in Masters 1000 matches.

The top-seeded Spaniard appeared to take a firm stranglehold on the opening set as the Italian's drop-shot tactics failed to trouble his opponent early on.

Nadal opened up a 4-1 lead before Fognini was spurred on by the home crowd to make a breakthrough of his own in the seventh game to bring it back on serve before winning a fifth game in a row to win the set and send the crowd into raptures.

Nadal has already won his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona during the current clay-court season, but has lost in the quarter-finals in each of the last three years in Italy.

The 31-year-old Nadal came out the aggressor in the second set and in a replica of the first set he once again opened up a 4-1 lead, which he was determined not to relinquish this time. A further break in the sixth game before a successful quick-fire service game enabled him to restore parity in 33 minutes.

Nadal, who is looking to retake the world No 1 ranking from Roger Federer by winning an eighth Rome title this week, took advantage of a fatigued Fognini to rally with 12-straight points to lead 3-1.

Fognini, the world No 21, was doing everything he could to keep the final set competitive. He kept the scoreboard to one break before calling for his trainer to get his knee strapped up.

The Italian hit one too many unforced errors thereafter as Nadal motored into a 5-2 lead before successfully serving out the contest in two hours and 14 minutes.

Lucozade Excites Consumers with N200m Airtime In line with its commitment to reward and appreciate loyal consumers, Suntory Beverage and Food Nigeria Limited (SBFN), makers of Lucozade, has set aside N200million worth of Instant airtime to reward consumers in the third edition of its “Lucozade Under-the-Cap Airtime National Promotion�.

At the media launch of the promo in Lagos, the Managing Director, SBFN, Mr. Chinedum Okereke, announced the kick-off of the 2018 Lucozade Airtime promotion during his opening address. “We are proud to announce the return of the successful Lucozade Airtime Promotion for the third time since its launch in 2016. The promotion is an avenue for us to attain nationwide reach as far as rewarding our consumers is concerned, and the modality of the promotion gives us a great opportunity to target millions of consumers," Okereke said.

At the event, the Marketing Director, Mrs. Rosemary Akpo, said “The airtime promotion is very important to us at SBFN as it gives us an avenue to connect with our target audience on a large scale.

The uniqueness of this promotion lies in the fact that every participant who sends in a valid code, stands a chance to win instant airtime, regardless of geographical location or mobile network�.

Specifically designed to reward new and existing consumers who purchase Lucozade Boost or Lucozade Sport Orange PET with a yellow cover, consumers are required to look under the cover and text the code to 20966 for free.

Explaining the objective of the promotion, the Head of Lucozade Brands and Innovation, Mrs. Chika Adibo said, “The Lucozade airtime promo is our way of rewarding our esteemed consumers for their loyalty and patronage over the years, and also restate our commitment to helping people feel energised and be the best version of themselves all day. We also encourage new consumers to come on board via this platform.�

The Lucozade Airtime Promotion 3.0, which launched in May 2018, is open to users on all mobile networks and provides an opportunity for consumers to instantly recharge their energy and their phones.

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀

ENCOUNTER Kehinde Olusegun Odeneye

I’m into Politics to Empower, Make People Happy For a member of the House of Representatives, Kehinde Olusegun Odeneye, lawmaking is more than making laws. It is about lifting people out of the doldrums of poverty and infrastructural deďŹ cits. A chartered accountant with many years’ experience garnered from both private and public sectors, Odeneye has proved to be a grassroots politician connecting with his constituents through various empowerment programmes. The federal lawmaker tells Raheem Akingbolu what makes him tick, his future political dreams, the chances of APC in 2019 elections, and why his constituency wants him to represent them again

D

o you think the National Assembly is relevant to our democratic process as critics say federal lawmakers have become a ďŹ nancial burden to Nigeria?

The relevance of the National Assembly cannot be over-emphasised. It is not uncommon for the House (of Representatives) to sit on Sundays if the need arises to find solutions to urgent national issues. Our mandate as lawmakers is to put the interest of the people first at all times. Apart from performing the constitutional role as a check on the Executive so that the interests of Nigerians are protected at all times. Lawmakers are the ambassadors of the people in Abuja. How many villages does President Muhammadu Buhari know?

How many villages has the Minister for Works visited? How does he know that my community requires water, housing or road network? With the assistance and collaboration of the National Assembly members, we’ve been able to facilitate projects that ordinarily would not have seen the light of day. We have also fought for the cause of our constituents by presenting their petitions on the floor of the House. All the lawmakers are also involved in various forms of empowerment programmes in their constituencies which play complementary roles to Federal Government’s initiatives.

Since 1999 your constituency –the Ijebu federal constituency –had not re-elected a representative except you. What did you do to break that jinx?

Politics is about the people. It’s rooted in relationships. Therefore, your success depends largely on how well you connect with your people. Before coming into politics, I lived in my constituency among my people with my late paternal grandmother, from whom I acquired native wisdom that cannot be taught at any university in the world.

This helped my politics a great deal. Besides, having stayed among my people for that long, I knew the needs of my constituents while seeking their mandate to represent them at the Federal House of Representatives.

I knew what they yearn for. I understood their plights, and I saw their aspirations. It wasn’t difficult when I eventually got in to do what they require of me.

When I was campaigning, I made two things clear: one was to concentrate on human capital development through empowerment. The second was to use my position to facilitate community infrastructural development for my constituency. Upon my victory at the polls, I made it clear to everybody that I’m not just an APC party representative. I am representing every citizen of Ijebu Central Federal Constituency regardless of political affiliations and religious backgrounds. This is why my empowerment programmes cuts across any affiliations. All the people of Ijebu Central Federal Constituency are included, whether PDP, Labour Party, SDP, APC and even those who do not belong to any political party. As a result of this, I was re-elected into the Federal House. I have always believed that you can’t make laws for people that are hungry and angry. Yes, it is good to build schools, hospitals, and roads in your constituency. But in addition to these, the people needed to be empowered. There must be food on their table. There must be employment. When all these are achieved, one can now say as a politician that one is making a difference. I believe strongly that if you want to govern, you must have a balance of the two so the people are happy. When the people are empowered and happy, whatever infrastructural development that is provided will be appreciated and the people will have a sense of ownership and a duty to maintain it.

Odeneye

What are the speciďŹ c empowerment projects you’ve executed?

My interventions are in many phases. But let me start with the phase that deals with economic empowerment of my people. As I speak, I have about 8,000 registered artisans with different skill sets enrolled under what I call ‘OK SAP’ –Skills Acquisition Programme.

I’ve been doing skills empowerment programme since 2011. I have empowered over 3,000 people within Ijebu Central Federal Constituency in various fields of endeavour.

It is for this and many other reasons that my people want me to seek a third term in the federal legislature. Perhaps, another thing working in my favour is that I run an inclusive programme –carrying everybody along. I have been able to facilitate a number of projects and influence government’s decisions at various levels for the benefit of my people. I’m not just talking about employment or empowerment but infrastructural projects that have been achieved through lobbying and consultation. I have facilitated construction of school buildings at Idomila/ Idomowo Primary School, Molipa High School, Parako Community School, Igbile, a school in Idode community, Ogbogbo Baptist Grammar School (ongoing) and a school in Odogbolu town (ongoing). Some of the ongoing school buildings renovations are at Ijebu Ode Grammar school, Iloti Community School, schools in Okun Owa, Aiyepe, Ibefun and Isiwo all in my constituency.

I have water projects at Ogbogbo, Oke Eri, Oke Aje Market, Akio, Odomolasa (Ilese), and Obanta Market in Ijebu Ode. I also facilitated the building of a vocational centre at Itanrin, a 600-seater hall at Tai Solarin University of Education with 600 chairs and 110 computer systems. My projects cut across all levels of education in my constituency. At the Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu Ode, I facilitated the construction of a lecture theatre with 600 chairs provided and gave 110 computers with Internet facilities. The lecture theatre is used as a JAMB CBT centre which is generating income for the school. Students in my constituency do not have to travel as far as Abeokuta to write JAMB. I have distributed writing materials to all public primary schools in Ijebu Central Federal Constituency. This is to support the Free Education programme of Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

I have also facilitated several projects in primary and post primary education which I

When I was campaigning, I made two things clear: one was to concentrate on human capital development through empowerment.

The second was to use my position to facilitate community infrastructural development for my constituency. Upon my victory at the polls, I made it clear to everybody that I’m not just an APC party representative. I am representing every citizen of Ijebu Central Federal Constituency regardless of political aďŹƒliations and religious backgrounds. This is why my empowerment programmes cuts across any aďŹƒliations mentioned above.

There are also food processing and maternity health centres in Ogbogbo. It is also to my credit that construction of Odo Aye/ Isaki road and solar street lights projects were facilitated at Ogbogbo/Erigo, Iworo, Abeokuta Road (Ijebu Ode), Atan, Odogbolu town, Army Barracks Ilese, Oke Aje Market, and Odosiwonade all in Ijebu Central Federal Constituency. I have also organised football competitions to discover talents from the constituency. Some of them have got into the Nigerian football league, earning a living and following their dreams. I thank God for my constituents’ understanding and support.

What informed your annual Praise Concert?

Ijebu Praise Concert was designed and organised to bring together all the people of Ijebu regardless of religious beliefs –Muslims, Christians, African traditional worshippers, non-believers, and everybody in a convivial and peaceful atmosphere. The concert preaches peaceful co-existence among my people. If you look around, it is not a usual occurrence anywhere to see Muslims, Christians, and people of different beliefs coming together to sing, dance and give praises to God. It has never happened in Ogun State and in many places across Nigeria. On that particular day December 1, 2017, we had Muslim artistes, Ahmad Alawiye, Iya N’Saudi, Alhaji Mutiu Akaso, and Christian artistes, Lanre Teriba, Bukola Sewele Jesu, Esther Igbekele, and so many others coming together to perform and lead the people in praise. At the first edition, we had approximately 6,000 people in attendance at Ijebu Ode Township Stadium.

The people are already looking forward to the next edition later this year. Of course, we intend to make it a yearly homecoming event for the people of Ijebu. Beyond the social networking platform it provides, I also intend to incorporate an Ijebu Praise Concert Foundation where young and upcoming gospel artistes can come and showcase their talents and get support to move their crafts to

the next level.

Why will you seek re-election into the House of Representatives? Why not the Senate?

Two things are important; one is my people. If they say I should represent them again, of course, I will. The second thing is that I believe I have not done enough.

Some are saying with my achievements so far, I should go to the Senate. No, I am not interested in senatorial ticket. I still intend to remain a congressman. My constituency is my strength. My people are what keep me going. I’m close to the grass roots as a member of the Federal House of Representatives. If you look at Ogun State, after Hon. Dimeji Bankole’s stint as Speaker of the House of Representatives, there has not been anybody from Ogun State in the leadership position of the National Assembly. Why? It’s because of inconsistency. We change our representatives always. There is the need for consistency of purpose and mandate. This is how to grow in politics. Above all, like I have stated earlier, I have not done enough. I believe I can still do more for my constituents as a member of the Federal House of Representatives.

Do you think the APC will be successful in 2019 elections?

A lot of people have been saying all sorts.

But if you come to Ogun State you will see that the infrastructural development in the state is second to none. Governor Ibikunle Amosun has taken infrastructural development of Ogun State to a greater height.

Ogun State under his leadership has become the industrial hub of the South-West. The number of industries in Ogun State has increased exponentially and this has brought economic development to the state. With all these laudable achievements by the APC-led government of Ibikunle Amosun coupled with various empowerment programmes and support from other elected members at the national and state assemblies, I can tell you confidently that APC will remain in power beyond 2019 in the state.

Why did you go into politics?

I went into politics because I believe we cannot all continue to be armchair critics but must be ready to get our hands dirty (after all politics they say is a dirty game) and play the game. A lot of us, even when we have potentials, just sit down and criticise. We call politicians armed robbers and rogues. But these people are the ones deciding our fate and those of our unborn children. So, if we continue to leave our activities it in the hands of those we call rogues, who administer and govern based on the level of their understanding what do we expect? All of us who feel we are not concerned and are looking the other way will be affected at the end of the day.

Now everybody is complaining of recession in Nigeria. Is it affecting politicians alone? No, we are all in it together.

I was once a lecturer. I taught ICAN students for 10 years as a chartered accountant.

I’ve always wanted to be a chartered accountant because of my uncles, Chief Olaitan Oshinuga and Chief Olusegun Osinuga. The two of them through their lives of service and care for people inspired me a great deal. As a young man, I saw them as people with large hearts, who constantly give of their time and resources regardless of whom you are and where you come from. When I was thinking of a career path, I reckon if this is the way accountants are, then, I want to be a chartered accountant like my uncles. They are my role models and mentors.

Will you support any of your children to go into politics?

I would even push some of them to go into politics. It is a call to serve; a duty and responsibility.

35

͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

ENCOUNTER

Special Breast Reconstruction, Vagina-Tightening Procedures Now in Nigeria He had his medical degree at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, did his postgraduate at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, where he trained for six years, qualifying as a plastic surgeon in 2002. Dr. Josiah Gana is a consultant plastic surgeon in Abuja. He tells Stanley Nkwazema the reasons women must go for breast cancer treatment and how cosmetic surgery rejuvanate women Experience over the years ince I came back, I have worked in both the public and private sectors but I must confess that it has been very challenging because the technology required and the level of practice I want to undertake is not possible within the public sector. This is why I am developing a facility within the private sector, where we have the technology, the environment that will provide people with the sort of care that will approximate what we have in the Western World.

We are trying to provide for Nigerians care that matches what they get internationally so that people don’t have to travel. I practiced mostly plastic surgery which is my area of specialty and we have technology to do a lot of cosmetic surgery; like liposuction, fat transfer from one part of the body to another part, where it is needed. Liposuction is good for example for somebody who has lost weight but there are some areas of the body that are resistant to exercise and diet; liposuction can take care of such diet resistant fat. The fat can be transferred to another part of the body if the person wants; meaning we can redistribute fat in the body. We have the best in class machine for liposuction, from Moller Medicals, Germany. It is a tower with three machines.

We can also do breast surgery; breast reduction, enlargement and lift. There are some people whose breasts are very small, we can make it bigger. Some people have very large breast, causing back pain, shoulder pain and when you do the reduction the symptoms all disappear. Or may be some young girls growing up, can have differentials on the size of the breast; one breast bigger than the other. We can equate it and also reshape the breast. In some people, the size could be adequate but the shape is not, especially after child birth and breast feeding it could look saggy; breast lift is beneficial in this instance, making it look more youthful.

We can even contour the whole body and improve the shape. Generally, there is something we call Mommy Makeover.

A number of women after having all the children they want are not happy with their body; through a combination of procedures we can restore the youthfulness of her body.

Some of these procedures include tummy tuck to make the tummy flat and reshape the contour of the waist. Vagina tightening improves marriages. Some husbands are not happy because there is too much room there, we can actually make it tighter and more appropriate. So there is a sense, my work improves and save marriages and help people rediscover themselves again.

We also undertake other kinds of surgery on the face. We can improve the face and make it look younger. On the face, we have something we call fillers which we can use to treat wrinkles on the face to make it look younger. We can augment different parts of the face such as the chin, cheeks etc. Yes we can do facelift without formal surgery.

There is a special product called Silhouette Soft. Without actually cutting we can use this product to lift the whole face or part of the face; the procedures takes about 40minutes.

Some men have what we call Gynaecomastia (men who have prominent breast). We can treat it through a pinhole procedure.

S

Licensed to do plastic surgery I have been licensed; we can offer a lot of services that people don’t need to travel.

Cancer cell

Everything is done here in Abuja and you don’t need to go to London, United States, Spain etc. You can have the procedure and be happy about it. We can make you look very good here. When you travel to have a procedure, how do you do follow up? But if you have your procedure at home, follow up is easy; you are saved the distress and anxiety of travel for follow up.

On both the surgery and anesthesia aspects, we have some of the best personnel in the country, personnel with exposure to technology and current practice standards.

There are challenges in the public sector relating to work environment and technology. But in the private sector we have created the right environment and have state of the art technology.

Before the surgery or makeover We don’t just enrol people for a procedure; first of all, we ask them to come for consultation and complete evaluation to ensure the person is the right candidate and is medically fit. If the person is not then we advise accordingly. We check to see if the person has any strain like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, asthma kidney disease. Mostly, the clients we get are people who are in a very good state of health; but we do blood test, cardiograms, x-rays, to check the person is fully fit for anesthesia and surgery. After some of the procedures, you can go home same day or after one night stay in hospital.

Reconstructive surgery I also perform reconstructive surgery.

Reconstructive surgery is the surgery of repair or restoration of a body part. If any part of the body is not the way it ought to be, we can repair it and make it look better.

For example if somebody is born with some birth defect, like the face is not what the normal face should look like, some kind of deformity in the face, we can repair it.

A good example is cleft lips and palate. I have repaired hundreds of clefts. We can do other malformations of the face. We can do congenital abnormally of the hand and foot; such as when two fingers are joined together; also extra fingers or toes. We can also handle any machine injury to the hand or loss of body part in accident.

Cost of the procedure I must tell you that our costs are very moderate. It is a lot cheaper than traveling.

It is cheaper than Dubai, Europe, US and others. You are not talking of your flight tickets, hotel and other costs. Our fees are way cheaper or about 50 per cent cheaper.

Complications as part of surgery Complications are part and parcel of the work we do in hospital; even paracetamol has side effects. However, our procedures are safer than a caesarean section. Complications are few and mostly wound related complications. We keep complications within accepted spectrum and have the requisite expertise to treat complications should any occur. We only do procedures for which we can manage the complications.

Breast Cancer The issue of breast cancer is one very important item I want to mention here. We can reconstruct and make new breast after the breast has been removed for breast cancer.

This is something we can do very safely. We are offering very special discount to women who had their breast removed and wants to have a new breast after breast surgery.

We are offering them at least 70 per cent discount. We want to encourage women who had breast cancer to take advantage of breast reconstruction, as it improves the quality of life; it reduces the depression associated with breast cancer. A new breast that can equate with the other side can be made. Breast cancers doesn’t have to be a death sentence; there are people

A number of women after having all the children they want are not happy with their body; through a combination of procedures we can restore the youthfulness of her body.

Some of these procedures include tummy tuck to make the tummy at and reshape the contour of the waist. Vagina tightening improves marriages.

Some husbands are not happy because there is too much room there, we can actually make it tighter and more appropriate.

So there is a sense, my work improves and save marriages and help people rediscover themselves again who now live 20 – 30 years after breast cancer surgery. The issue is early detection and early treatment. I want to encourage women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to take early treatment. When you take early treatment, you increase your survival and quality of life. There are very effective treatments available for breast cancer. I am very passionate about the issue of breast cancer because, I think that we lose too many women in Nigeria to breast cancer and which ought not to be so. We want to see our mothers live long, to see their children and grandchildren.

Motivation for returning to Nigeria First and foremost, I want to make a difference. I would have lived overseas and not come home. I believe I can contribute.

I want to make medical care available and reduce medical tourism. In fact, we can make money out of medical tourism in this country. I have had patients from Ghana and Europe. I just returned from South Africa where I did a presentation on breast reconstruction in Nigeria; I was one of the speakers at the conference. This conference is breast Oncoplastic conference which holds annually in Johannesburg.

I presented a well-received paper on the Nigerian perspective on breast reconstruction post mastectomy for breast cancer. I think people don’t appreciate the fact that doctors in Nigeria have the experiences to share on complex diseases and surgery.

Recently the President’s son had an accident and was treated in a hospital in Abuja and that shows what the private sector can contribute to propelling our health care forward and this is the kind of thing I am trying to do here in plastic surgery; to offer care comparable to what you find in Europe and North America. It is the task I have set

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚͜

FAIRGROUND

Vlisco Luxury Lace Launch

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

V

lisco has launched its latest design treasure, Vlisco Lace. Vlisco Lace is a very limited and exclusive assortment of lace items. The four products are, Guipure Allover Lace, Broderie Anglaise, Guipure Lace Edgings and Guipure Lace Motifs. Allover Lace fabric comes in one design. The two Lace Edges and four motifs are available in different colourways.

All items are customised designs which match specific designs and colours of Vlisco’s latest Wax and Super-Wax. The fine-quality items are soft to the hand and comfortable to wear. They are easy to work with for designers and tailors.

The Lace products are refined embellishments that can be used to enrich outfits, finishes and details. Vlisco Lace enables you to create a unique and individual look.

Tobi Olanihun, Yvonne Chhioke (Vlisco Business Partner), Junior Ahodegnon (Vlisco NIgeria Country Director), Blessing Oiseomaye (Vlisco Marketing Executive) Joan Ibuzo and Blessing Oiseomaye

Senator Joy Emordi

Junior and Ibum

Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Tobi Olanihum and Godrey Ogbechie

Stephanie and a guest

L-R: Hajiya Jumoke Oyelola CEO of Yum Yuam investment in Kaduna and Hajiya Bola Kuru, Director of Legal services Bureau for Public Entreprise BPE

Betty, Yvonne and Kaylah

Models in Vlisco lace and print by house of kaya

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚͜

FAIRGROUND

New Nollywood Movie to Address Child Labour

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new movie which aims to address the ills of child labour and promote education among children through the use of indigenous languages is set to hit the big screens in Nigeria.

Titled, ‘Street Kid’ from the stable of Aulmedia, the star-studded child advocacy movie produced by Wale Muraina and directed by Tony Dudu, Chronicles the story of how a backstreet kid, who was forced into hawking for subsistence by his step mother, helped a rich kid to win a national schools spelling competition using Nigerian languages.

According to the director of Street Kid, “knowledge provides the bridge upon which providence acts. In the movie, Afolabi found himself on the street due to no fault of his. He was denied access to school yet he helped Adewemimo, a rich and brilliant kid to win a national spelling competition in Nigerian indigenous languages.�

Ahead of its premier, the movie has already received the endorsement of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II. The movie boasts of big Nollywood names like Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Kalu Ikeagwu, Toyin Abraham Aimakhu, Jibola Dabo, Racheal Oniga, Patrick Doyle, Femi Durojaiye, introducing Joshua Ani as the street kid and Kenneth Enweremadu as the rich kid.

Set for private screenings in the coming months, the producers of Street Kid are confident that it would expose the potential inherent in every child in the country. They are also hopeful that it would become the official motion picture for anyone

fighting for the Nigerian child. “There is the need to bring the plight of the poor kids on the street in Nigeria to the notice of every well-meaning Nigerian, setting a stage for all kinds of interventions,� Wale Muraina, the producer stated.

Meanwhile, the makers of the movie have hailed the efforts of the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari towards restoring hope for Nigerian children through her Assured Programme which has earned her a United Nations Ambassadorial status. “We are confident that this movie will bring the kids on the lowly side of the ladder to the fore for them to be helped. The Wife of The President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has done well in this regard with her Future Assured Programme. But we need to sensitise and mobilise others to follow in that line. This much we hope to achieve with Street Kid,� Muraina said.

Renowned Nollywood film maker, Mr. Dozie Eboh, who is also an Associate Producer of Street kid said the movie is a game-changer for Nollywood. “I have done and supported the production of many movies in the past, but Street Kid comes with a different feel that will definitely change the approach to how issues relating to child labour and literacy in Nigeria are put into motion picture stories,� Eboh said.

The producers said they are looking forward to private screenings with notable organisations like UNICEF and UNESCO in a bid to take the message of hope for poor kids on Nigerian streets above board for appropriate interventions.

African SportsTourism Summit Holds on African Day

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heAfrican sports tourism summit will hold onAfrican day. TheAfrican Sports Tourism Week is a 4-day, 5-activity gathering of eggheads in the sports and tourism industry, where they cross-fertilise ideas between the sports and tourism industries, towards socialeconomic growth for Africa and her nations.

The summit is organised in media partnership with Supersports, TheAfritraveller and in technical partnership withAfrican League of Sports Tourism Stakeholders and managed by Heventin Corporate Event Managers.

The summit takes advantage of opportunities provided by sporting events, monuments and collections through active sports tourism, event sports tourism and nostalgia sports tourism. It takes advantage of events like the Nation’s Cup, which is hosted by different African nations - year after year.

Speaking on the rationale behind the event, Deji Ajomale-McWord,TheCEO,AfricanSportsTourism Week said, “Nigeria ’99 was the biggest sporting event Nigeria ever had opportunity to host and it was next to a wasted chance, because the organising committee saw only sporting activity and not a prime slot to lure the world into wanderlusting after a Nigeria they could experience from every side, including her people and natural gems.�

Responding to questions on The African Sports Tourism Summit, Deji revealed that the organisers were never deliberate about having the summit on the 25th of May, which is the day set aside to celebrate everything and everyoneAfrican, globally. “We had chosen the date before we realised it is the African Day. I guess that’s the spirit leading the

way. And we are glad to have BBC Africa joining SuperSports and other media from both sports and tourism landscapes, in covering the event,� he said.

For FIFAWorld Cup, The Masters, Rugby World 7Series, The Olympics, Super Bowl or Roland Garos to hold; there must be a convergence of the sporting talents, their managers, coaches, doctors, therapists, officials and ultimately their fans. For convergence to happen, travel and services/products in its value chain must be part of the equation. This is proof that tourism is sport. Sport is tourism. But how well have these industries been working together, especially in Africa? This is why we have decided to initiate a platform for the fellowship of the two industries, in Africa.

The host city for the 2018 edition is Lagos. The date is the 23rd-26th of May, 2018. The event will be covered by SuperSports.

Activities of the week include: 1. African Sports Tourism Summit – venue is Golfview Hotel & Suites – 25th of May 2. Sports Travel Week Cup – a football competition between tour operators/travel agents and travel media – Venue is Meadow Hall, Lekki – now 27th of May 3.The Big 5 Tee, a golf kitty (tournament) – moved to Ikeja Golf Club - 24th of May 4. Sports Photography & Art Exhibition 5. Fam Trip – post-event The event will also showcase more than a century old relics on sports in Nigeria.

The panel of discussants at the summit will be doing an evaluation, in retrospect, of the biggest international sporting events that have held on the continent – including Nigeria ’99 and South Africa 2010 – for future betterment.

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Seyi Shay on a Roll

eautiful singer, Seyi Shay gathered her friends, colleagues, family and the media to a listening session for of forthcoming project, ‘Electric Package’, held at Zen Bar in Victoria Island, Lagos. It was arranged to give a selected few a first listen to sample opinions, get reviews and share her inspiration behind the EP. Guests were treated to an interactive session, hosted by the singer alongside renowned producer, TY Mix, where she introduced each song, talked about the recording process and more.

She had a different blend to the features on the song as she had a Dj and an artiste featured on each of the six tracks.

The singer acknowledged that her gaffe in the video interview which went viral last year inspired the title as she and her team decided to throw the joke back to the fans.

From the first song, ‘One love ft Dj Spinall’ to the last song on the EP, ‘D Vibe’ featuring rave of the moment, Slimcase and a South-African deejay, Seyi Shay manages to come across as an artiste who has identified her strengths without being afraid to experiment outside the box. The project gets support from artists within otherAfrican countries like King Promise from Ghana who features on the song, ‘All I Ever Wanted’, a song that borrows lines from Onyeka Onwenu’s classic record, ‘You And I’, which Seyi Shay confirms that she got clearance

from the legend and Tanzanian singer Vanessa Mdee alongside Nigeria’s DJ Cuppy on ‘Love You Scatter’. Other features include the high-life king, Flavour and Dj Consequence on the lead single, ‘Alele’ which is set to hit the airwaves this weekend and Kiss Daniel and Dj Neptune on ‘Surrender’.

In attendance were industry bigwigs like Beat Fm CEO, Chris Ubosi, OAPs Oreka Godis, Gbemi and Soundcity presenter Sdot, artiste manager Bankuli, Dj Neptune, singer Chidinma, Seyi Shodimu and actor Adeolu Adefarasin, among others.

Finance Mobile and Entertainment Summit Holds in Lagos

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he report by the intelligence unit of TECH TV headed by ace broadcast journalist, Don Pedro Aganbi indicates that Fidelity Bank, undoubtedly, is rapidly emerging a leader in the online and electronic banking space. The bank continues to make significant investment in digital technology and infrastructure which is a clear demonstration of its understanding of how the emerging digital technology operatesc and is indeed improving the ease and efficiency of providing banking services to meet the needs of its esteemed customers.

Fidelity Bank is equally in the vanguard of educating customers and empowering them to take advantage of the easy to use electronic banking products and services Fidelity Bank. The recent ‘Go Digital’ campaign aptly demonstrates

this commitment.

The prestigious Most Innovative EBanking Platform of the Year Award was presented to Fidelity Bank by Assistant Director, LIRS Igho Orienru and was received by Patrick Ikpelue, Head Cards Fidelity Bank PLC and Jane Dulen – Ekeke, Head E-Product Sales Fidelity Bank Plc The Tech TV Finance Mobile Entertainment Summit and Awards is designed to celebrate and honour individuals and Organisations who are at the forefront of promoting Financial Inclusion, Mobile/Technology adoption and usage in Nigeria.

The 2018 Finance Mobile Entertainment Summit examined avenues for collaborations, partnerships and integration within the Nigerian mobile/Online market particularly in consulting, technology, talent L-R: Assistant Director, LIRS Igho Orienru presenting the MOST INNOVATIVE E-BANKING PLATFORM OF THE YEAR management, mobile/online payments AWARD to Patrick Ikpelue, Head Cards Fidelity Bank PLC and Jane Dulen – Ekeke, Head E-Product Sales Fidelity Bank Plc at the 2018 Finance Mobile Entertainment Summit and Awards in Lagos recently. solutions and funding.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͚Π, 2018

TEENS CONNECT

the magazine for teenagers

The hosts

The Genesis Fashion Show: Grooming Teenagers for Fashion Revolution Story by: Nkechi Ibeneme Fashion is an ever-changing phenomenon which trend is usually determined by runways and the red carpet. As models sashay through runways and celebrities step on red carpets, fashion trends are born. Nude fashion is one of such trends. It has suddenly become fashionable to step out half naked- to flaunt what one has got. The advent of the social media has not helped matters. With a myriad of uncensored nude images available by the click of a button, dress and grooming have never remained the same again.

However hopeless the situation may seem, a campaign is ongoing to reverse indecent fashion trends. At the vanguard of this campaign is the NEXTGEN; the Teen Church of RCCG, City of David, that organises an annual fashion show to teach teenagers that they can slay in decency and at the same time bring out the creativity in them. In his remark,

Judges

the head teacher of the church, Gbenga Olaniyan said, “It has been said over and over again that teenagers and indeed every decent God fearing person, should dress properly. This does not mean dressing like a nun or being excessively prudish but means just being decent. Our annual slogan, ‘beauty in decency’ is a no brainer.�

The Genesis Fashion Show, in its fourth year, has consistently provided a platform for the reorientation of teenagers on the need to dress decently. It has also been a harvest ground for teenage talents in fashion designing, modeling, singing, event planning and hosting, photography and a host of other creative abilities. Through this platform, teenage entrepreneurs have emerged and many teenagers have discovered hidden talents.

The 2017 edition of the Genesis Fashion Show lived up to its billing and even surpassed all expectations. Here are photos from the event:

R: Pastor in charge of RCCG City of David, Pastor ID Iluyomade with the Head teacher NEXTGEN, Gbenga Olaniyan

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MAY 19, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Didah

Johnny Couture

Lion

Fiyin by Fiyin

Le Couture Peony

Pastel

Prince Apparel

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อนฮ ห อบอธอนฮ หพ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 19, 2018

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri Policemen Behaving Badly: The Cases of IGP Idris and Chairman Magu

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y now you must have watched the embarrassing video of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, giving a speech somewhere in Kano. If you have not watched it, then do yourself a favour and please watch it. You can thank me later. Or not. The video is beyond embarrassing. I am not even sure that the word to describe that video has been coined by linguists. I am still searching. I may be wrong.

But truly, you need to watch the video to understand the ineptitude of the Buhari administration which has led to the unprecedented nationwide insecurity in Nigeria.

How can a man who cannot express himself be expected to expressly implement Nigeria’s policing plan?

How did IGP Idris rise to his exalted position? Were his promotion examinations administered in his native language? Too many questions are begging for answers.

Too many.

Now, we know the real reason why the Inspector General of Police failed to honour the Nigerian Senate’s summons. The poor man did not want to expose his inability to read and understand the English language.

We have a President who preferred to hire 13 SANs rather than just provide his WAEC Certificate, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman who wears a Muhammadu Buhari re-election lapel pin, a minister of finance who cannot perform elementary mathematics and now an IGP who cannot read a speech in simple English. How did we get here? This government looks more like Humpty Dumpty and the King’s clowns!

First, R.Kelly released the hit single IGNITION. Not to be outdone, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, who is also a budding rapper, Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, released his own rap single titled TRANSMISSION. The song is so hot that iTunes and other streaming music platforms crashed the moment it was released.

I also received word that the Transmission Company of Nigeria has appointed IGP Ibrahim Kpotum Idris as its Brand Ambassador. Congratulations sir!

How many times do you have to say the word transmission? $1 million to the first person who can tell us how many times Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotum Idris used the word ‘TRANSMISSION’ while rapping (or reading) his now infamous Kano speech. Nigeria urgently needs to solve this national dilemma!

Someone should remind Ibrahim Magu that it was the PDP that created the EFCC and not Muhammadu Buhari.

And in the 16 years that the PDP governed Nigeria, not one of the chairmen of the EFCC appointed by PDP ever wore a lapel pin promoting the reelection of the PDP President who appointed him. If they had done so, would the EFCC have survived long enough for Magu to perpetrate his shameful aberration? Just a little food for thought for Magu and his god, Buhari

Idris

Magu

But on a serious note, the case of IGP Ibrahim Kpotum Idris is a good lesson on why a State Commissioner of Police should not be promoted over his more capable seniors and made Inspector General of Police.

The man is obviously not qualified for the job. Every sensitive security position does not have to be held by a Northern Muslim. It is this type of nepotism that has brought Nigeria to this sorry level under Buhari!

And it was rather comical for the Presidency, through Abike Dabiri, to say that IGP Ibrahim Kpotum Idris’ ‘TRANSMISSION’ rap video was doctored. Well again, it is not impossible. Since that is what the Buhari administration is claiming, can they please produce the original video before it was ‘doctored’? Or have rats eaten the original tape?

I think that rather than being embarrassed by the IGP’s video, the Buhari government should be proud of producing such a talented appointee. People keep saying Buhari’s cabinet lacks talent. Well, they can point to Idris as a talented rapper and shut the critics up!

The Idris video should be a wake-up call for President Muhammadu Buhari. After the Inspector General disobeyed (allegedly) the President’s orders to relocate to Benue State to personally take responsibility of bringing the state of insecurity there to an end, one would have expected the President to at least sanction the police boss for his gross insubordination and incompetence.

If the incompetence of the IGP was not clear to President Buhari then, it must at least be glaring now.

It is sad to see the level of decay and morass that the Nigerian Police Force has fallen under because of the President’s penchant for nepotistic appointments.

As it stands, there is no salvific value in the top leadership of the Force and it is not just the IGP. On the morning of Tuesday May 15, 2018, Nigerians woke up to the strange sight of the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, giving an interview on ‘Sunrise Daily’, a breakfast TV show on Channels Television, wearing a lapel pin promoting the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Not since the dark days of General Sani Abacha have Nigerians seen this type of disturbing behaviour.

Nigerian Civil servants are mandated by law to be politically neutral in order that all civil servants can render unbiased and loyal service to any government that comes to power legitimately, irrespective of the political party that produced such a government.

Furthermore, in a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly regarding the International Code of Conduct for Public Officials, for which Nigeria is a signatory and bound by, the UN stated in the 11th principle that: “the political or other activity of public officials outside the scope of their office shall, in accordance with laws and administrative policies, not be such as to impair public confidence in the impartial

performance of their functions and duties”.

That being the case, how can President Muhammadu Buhari, who swore on the Quran to abide by the Constitution of Nigeria which produced our civil service, stand idly by while his political appointee brazenly and with impunity goes against domestic and international law as well as the principles of natural justice?

Someone should remind Ibrahim Magu that it was the PDP that created the EFCC and not Muhammadu Buhari. And in the 16 years that the PDP governed Nigeria, not one of the chairmen of the EFCC appointed

by PDP ever wore a lapel pin promoting the re-election of the PDP President who appointed him. If they had done so, would the EFCC have survived long enough for Magu to perpetrate his shameful aberration? Just a little food for thought for Magu and his god, Buhari.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, is meant to be a neutral enforcer of Nigeria’s laws on economic and Financial Crimes, but when the head of the body brazenly shows his partiality, how can those laws be applied impartially? How can an open sympathizer of the All Progressives Congress be expected to conduct a fair and balance war on corruption?

Perhaps now, Nigerians and the international community will believe me when I say that the EFCC under Buhari is nothing more than the armed wing of the APC. The agency has in effect been ‘transmission’ (apologies to the IGP) to the Gestapo of the Presidency.

And the sad thing is that with the evidence of decay so glaring all around him, President Buhari insists on insulting the intelligence of Nigerians by claiming that he has performed better than the Jonathan administration.

Nigeria was the world’s third fastest-growing economy under Jonathan. We are not even in the top 100 today. Nigeria was 136 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index under Jonathan.

We are 148 today. Yet Buhari has the guts to say he performed better than Jonathan? Perhaps it is not only his IGP that has Transmission issues! Obviously, the President has a Transmission problem. He is unable to see reality and transmit it to his mind for appropriate interpretation.

Reno’s Nuggets Your co-workers are your colleagues, not your friends. They are not at the office because they are looking for friends. They are there because, like you, they are looking for money. If you confide things to them, they are likely to betray you if it means they benefit financially. So don’t be deceived by appearances.

Note that cakes arrive in a square box. When you open the box, the cake inside is round. When it is served, the piece of cake is a triangle. That‘s how people are. They present themselves to you in a well-packaged box, but when you open and deal with them, you see triangles #RenosNuggets.

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MAY 19, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

Still Broke

Releases New Collection of Designer Underwear

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FASHION FILE

Still Broke Release

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till Broke, an authentic line of designer underwear which strongly preaches the message of steadfastness even whilst recording a great level of success, has released its first collection.

This collection which is owned by Michael Uyi Agho fondly called Godson, promotes positivity; evoking appreciation for one’s means of living, emphasising the need to keep working hard.

The brand’s active wear ranges from tracksuit bottoms to sports bras, briefs, among others. The quality of the underwear rivals some of the world’s best underwear brands as the fabric is comfortable.

The metaphorical brand name ‘Still Broke’ simply implies one should always hustle or work hard like you are still broke.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 19, 2018

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... ͸΀͚ͽͽ͚͚͝΀Ϳ͟

L-R: Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; General Manager, Reckitt Benckiser (RB), West Africa, Dayanand Sriram and Marketing Manager, Home & Hygiene, RB West Africa, Mrs. Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi at the Ministerial Press Briefing in Commemoration of the 2018 World Malaria Day in Abuja.

L-R: GM Sales & Marketing , VDT Communications Limited, Mrs. Bimbo Ikumariegbe ; MD/CEO of VDT Communication Ltd, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi and MD/CEO,Bitux Communications Limited, Mr. Lekan Balogun when the company received the awards of the ‘ Broadband Services Provider of the Year ‘ and ‘Corporate Internet Company of the Year ‘ at the 2018 Beacon of ICT Awards held recently in Lagos

Why Malls, Retail Centres Should Extend Weekend Shopping Hours For an economy like Nigeria’s where workers hustle from Monday to Friday and return home late at night with little or no time for shopping and leisure, it will not be a bad idea to have a 24-hour retail store during weekends, or at least extended shopping hours on weekends to balance shopping experience for all categories of shoppers.

This is however, a hard-to-come-by reality in Nigeria. Save for a few unpopular brands, the majority of the retail stores and shopping malls in Nigeria, most especially the popular ones like Justrite, Shoprite and SPAR, close between 5 and 10 p.m on weekdays while on weekends close as early as 7p.m and in rare cases, 9p.m depending on the location.

This operational model does not seem to favour the reality in the country where an average consumer has more time for shopping at weekends.

Findings from Gallup Daily tracking data on a research conducted between January 2 and October 21, 2009 show that weekend spendings from Fridays through Sundays on an average daily basis far exceeded weekday spendings.

Weekday demands leave little time for shopping or entertainment outside the home.

In the United States of America, for instance, most retail giants like Walmart, Kroger and HEB operate round the clock while smaller outlets which do not operate the 24-hour model pay special attention to customers’ peak shopping days which usually are Fridays and Saturdays.

All work and no play, they say, make a Jack a dull boy. Usually, beyond the normal buying, retail shopping centres especially malls serve as relief and entertainment centres for many. Other than going in to buy groceries, clothes, shoes, reading materials etc. which are all available on the spot, they are equally a great meeting place for friends, lovers and families.

Nigerians have time for this recreation and outing only on weekends, the more reason retail centres should make their shopping hours during this period flexible and friendly. The fact that major stores in Nigeria have shorter operating hours at weekends has left many customers disappointed and deprived of personal desires.

This was the situation recently at Just Rite

Firm Revs up Investment in Fisheries As part of expansion plans,West African leading fishing firm,Atlantic Shrimpers Limited , ASL, has unveiled two state of- the -arts fishing trawlers to further boost its leadership position in the seafood sector in sub-Saharan Africa.

The two vessels, ‘Stars I’ and ‘Seven Stars II’ were unveiled by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Phase I, Apapa, Lagos and formed part of what has been the largest investment in the West African fishing industry in the last 28 years,demonstrating the company and its shareholders’ recognition that material investment is essential in complex and vertically integrated industry.

Commissioning the vessels, Lokpobiri commended the firm on the feat which he said would not only generate employment, , replace aging vessels and processing technology but also usher in new opportunities. “Our ultimate goal is to attain self-sufficiency in fish and aquaculture production and the ministry is striving to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and fill in the missing gap as the ministry has placed fisheries and aquaculture top among its value chains development programme.� “It’s a great privilege that I’m doing this today . ASL has consistently displayed an unwavering commitment to delivering the absolute best to the Nigerian market and beyond, while being environmentally responsible in the process.�

According to the Managing Director of the firm, Kamlesh Kabra, the latest is a proof of company’s continued dedication to invest in Nigeria. “We are proud of the fact that we are developing products in which Nigeria has a competitive edge, all of which are locally produced and where Nigerians add value within Nigeria. Our continued investment in the sector will definitely contribute to Nigeria’s food security as well as improve its trade balance in the international markets�.

ASL notable for the production and exportation of frozen shrimp, fish and value added products ,through its retail outlets, ‘The Fish Shop’ has been active in shrimp trawling since the 1990s when it commenced with just 15 trawlers.

in Abule Egba area of Lagos where shoppers who got to the centre at five minutes past 7p.m were left to their fate one Sunday. The gate was already locked by 7p.m where ignorant and expectant shoppers who got to the store a minute past 7p.m were denied entry.

Shoppers drove and walked away in anger while the desperate ones made move to bribe the security guard to either grant them access or assist them to buy some stuff, which the guard declined. This eventually ended in a commotion as more and more shoppers strolled to the venue insisting on entering the store. When asked why consumers were denied access to the store, the security guard who would not want his name in print said the management was very strict with operating hours, adding that consumers were always left helpless almost every weekend. “Once it is Sunday, we close by 7p.m and nothing can change it. The staff also need to rest, we can’t overwork ourselves,� he said.

Reacting, President of Bervidson Retail Group, Mr Joseph Ebata, who agreed that shopping was usually heavy during weekends and

Zinox in Expansion Move, Acquires New Warehouse Zinox Technologies Ltd has scaled up its expansion plan with the acquisition of a 129,166.925 square feet warehouse to spread its hardware assembly and production capacity.

The company is also considering the deployment of robotics in handling certification processes in the new assembly plant which will be located in Ogba-Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the company, the development will see to assembling products of other multinational Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) which it had partnered in a bid to domesticate technology and generate employment opportunities for unemployed but skilled Nigerians.

Speaking further on the achievement, the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Gideon Ayogu, noted that the move was in line with the company’s vision targeted at anticipating the future of technology and creating products for the savvy consumers in areas

such as Internet of Things (IOTs), robotics, Artificial Intelligence, etc. “As Nigeria’s IT identity, we have not lost focus of the fact that no country can claim to be independent until it achieves technology independence. We have gained trust with global tech giants such as Microsoft Corp, Intel Inc. and many others. All we need is the support of the government and people of Nigeria. “Our latest move is a critical step in the right direction as it will go a long way to boost our internal capacity and effortless delivery of large-scale rollout projects, all of which require meeting very tight deadlines. We have worked with several big institutions in the recent past such as Shell, Chevron, NCC, INEC etc. for whom we have implemented the rollout of major computer hardware and accessories.

From left: Social Media Manager, Fero Mobile, Dandy Ikharia; Director of Fero Mobile Nigeria and Emerging Market,Phiroze Seth; Learning & Development Manager,Deji Ogunmola and Head of Operations and Customers Service,Victor Odoginyon at the launch of Pace 2 smartphone in Lagos...recently

light on weekdays most especially Mondays, stated that retail players should ordinarily be prepared for weekend traffic and live up to expectations. “Workers should be encouraged to act in full capacity this period. However, we must equally not forget that our environment is constrained by security challenge which is why most operators choose to close at their convenient time,� he said.

Away from consumers’ benefit, a retail expert, Eudora Kelley said that extending shopping hours at peak periods would help boost the competitive edge of a brand and stimulate economic growth. “This was one of the strategies that lifted the economy of United Arab Emirates - extending shopping hours in its mega malls and providing a wide array of leisure activities, fashion, jewellery, health, beauty and electronics, thus making Dubai a renowned terrorist haven.

Investors should consider shift work for their employees while legislators should establish a legal framework to enable shops to open at night,� she said.

Fero Mobile Woos Consumers with Pace 2 Smartphone Fast-growing mobile phone brand in the country, Fero Mobile, has raised its investment in the information communications technology space with the launch of a new smartphone, Pace 2. Labelled as ’Selfie Boss’, the device boasts a 13mega pixel selfie camera and a 13MegaPixel rear camera that delivers a wow picture effect.

According to the phone maker, the phone was designed to offer quality experience as customers engage in their daily activities such as chatting, gaming and streaming videos.

At the colourful launch of the device in Lagos, Director of Fero Mobile Nigeria and Emerging Market, Phiroze Seth, said that the new device was an amazing companion for work and fun that would deliver effectively for whichever purpose it was applied. “It lets us connect with our world in ways that can only be imagined or experienced via the Pace 2. All applications are easy and smooth to use here. The device also combines a stylish design and powerful hardware to deliver a unique experience to consumers. We strive to deliver quality products that meet the needs of a wide range of users and this new device is a proof that quality, style and performance can be rolled into one affordable device,� Seth stated.

A mid-range smartphone with excellent features that work seamlessly, Pace 2 is powered by a 4.000 MAH battery and runs on the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system with a quad-core processor that supports multitasking at super-processing speed and ensures easy completion data-intensive processes.

The device sports a 5.5-inch HD display screen with 720 x 1280 pixels resolution that guarantees great colour performance and 75% less light reflection for excellent readability under sunlight.

It is packed with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal memory with storage capacity expandable to 32GB. For those who consider beauty factor in a phone, the device will suffice as it was stylishly designed to make a fashion statement.

Available in black and gold colours, with a fingerprint scanner, the device is presently selling in leading online and retail outlets across the country with a one year warranty and a broken screen replacement coverage.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 19, 2018

46

PERSPECTIVE

One Appointment Too Many for Our Festus Keyamo Chief Ojike John Akiri

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here is this unassailable truism that the dancer can ordinarily not see his back and therefore may never be the right judge for the displayed choreography, no matter the level of self-confidence he or she may exude. That assignment belongs to the spectators in the performance arena. They are the ones to announce with approximate precision, the dexterous prowess or otherwise of the dancer on stage.

So it is , that by his posturing and utterances on burning national issues these past years, Festus Keyamo has forged for himself the enthralling image of the voice of the voiceless and the defender of the oppressed in the nostalgic mold of our much-loved Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory. Briefly put, the masses have in the inner recesses of their subconscious, begun seeing Keyamo as their new Gani Fawehinmi. You would recall that Gani was awarded the honorary, though legally non-existent SAM (Senior Advocate of the Masses), by the people themselves, following what they perceived as the inherent injustice in the snailish pace of the Legal Privileges Council in actualizing his SAN conferment. However, contrary to the fate of the late iconic human rights activist, the teeming masses have been quite delighted at the meteoric rise of Festus Keyamo, who is already adorned in the silky apurtenances of the honoured and privileged cast of Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

But I am not quite sure that Keyamo realizes the moral burden he shoulders in the minds of a sizeable majority of the Nigerian populace and particularly the downtrodden. It is so, because nobody would go to the radio or newspapers to announce such feelings. But make no mistake about it, Keyamo is generally perceived, whether rightly or wrongly as the undeclared successor of the late human rights activist Fawehinmi, the altruistic advocate and lawyer of the oppressed. Deduced from this standpoint, nobody would expect the people’s own Keyamo to compromise, in any manner whatsoever, on issues that hinge on untainted truth and natural justice.

Then came this appointment for Festus Keyamo, from Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the apparently “irreplaceable” and constant choice of President Buhari for the “sensitive” position of Director General of his 2019 presidential campaigns organisation, that he has been chosen as the official spokesman for the organisation. I am even thinking that the DG himself should have rather incorporated that function into his own schedule, to avoid any cacophonous babel on issues of policy enunciation. Keyamo’s teeming admirers wondered what the reaction of their new “Gani” would be on this rather conflictual responsibility that has all the trappings of a poisoned chalice. The Holy writ cautions that no man should entertain the illusion of wanting to simultaneously worship the living God

Keyamo and mammon. In other words, can any man be spokesman for Buhari’s re-election machinery and still remain spokesman for the trampled and nameless masses of this country?

Coincidentally, the masses are at this moment eagerly awaiting answers to a barrage of questions agitating their minds. Can Keyamo still speak for them?

Let’s quickly take a sampler of the flurry of such worrisome issues: There was the much-trumpeted and eagerly awaited list of treasury looters. The former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Bafarawa, and a member of the APC inner caucus at early inception, had revealed that all the former PDP governors that crossed over to APC before the 2015 general elections, were expected to pay N100m each, in order to inherit the coalesced structures of the “coat of many colours” that was the nascent APC. If this was not treasury looting, could someone volunteer a more acceptable definition? You can now understand better why our amiable National Chairman of the golden era PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, declared in a recent publication, that Buhari was undoubtedly elected with looted funds- QED. As we all know, there is now a new secretary to the Government of Federation, because the former occupant of that position had preferred to grow fat on the misery and untold hardship of his kith and kin chased away from their homes by the sadistic and mindless Boko Haram. The IDPs now constitute their make-shift homes and temporary solace. But the dismissed SGF conveniently jettisoned the well-scripted procedures for general procurement, and awarded the juicy contracts to his companies, before a patriotic whistle-blower alerted the nation. Now, not only that the

name of the indicted SGF was omitted in the famous list, but LAI Mohammed is yet to tell us in unequivocal terms, how much he had fraudulently siphoned. He too is a deservedly mentionable treasury looter. Not so?

We also recall that it was widely reported that the boss of the DSS, his wife and “devoted security man” were watching over warehoused billions of Naira in assorted currencies somewhere in Lagos. Have they now found the AIE in usual audit parlance that validates such unorthodox practice? Please remind me if I am wrong, because I did not see this man’s name in the list of special treasury looters.

Furthermore, there was this case of criminal effrontery whereby some politicians were aided by highly placed insiders to break into the sacred vaults of the Enugu High Court’s Probate registry to remove a fellow citizen’s ultra-confidential and sacred will, which they replaced with a photocopy. The will was “mangled” and distorted with further injection of imaginary properties, for maximum damaging effect. This fake document now formed the basis of disparaging petitions forwarded to the EFCC and the Sahara Reporters, the media outfit of our newest “Presidential aspirant” Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore and his men, perhaps for quick and cheap popularity, have carved for themselves the irresponsible niche of reporting unverified innuendoes against innocent citizens. I am aware that there are lawyers sufficiently imbued with an acute sense of self-worth and fear of God that would not accept just every brief for filthy lucre. They first ask probing questions to isolate genuine petitions and grouses, from sheer baseless and diabolical plots that brim with crass vengeance. Again the EFCC as a clearing house should be thorough enough to differentiate between genuine petitions on perpetrated corruption, and the machinations of dubious politicians with dare-devil plots to destroy their real or imaginary enemies.

In my class of elementary biology decades of years ago, I learnt of three modes of feeding in the animal kingdom: there are the herbivores, the omnivores and the carnivores. Where have we read that even the omnivorous snakes may feed exclusively on only Naira notes Otherwise, some suffering Nigerians might as well voluntarily prefer to metamorphose into snakes. Nigerians have the right to know who those human snakes are, in this current regime. They too are treasury looters or are they not?

And who says that corruption must only be perceived in the context of misappropriation of Naira and Kobo. All the members of what the political scientists may wish to qualify as constituting the kitchen cabinet of the Federal Government are either from Daura or neighbouring northern states: the Attorney General, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Interior, the Security Adviser, the CSO, the Director SSS and even the current replacement for the removed SFG, are all from the north.

Our President is the substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources, while a Daura neighbour reports directly to him as the MD of the NNPC. Our Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, holder of a first class degree in Law, is a mere equational appendage on petroleum matters.

Let me disclose to my readers the real source of my inspiration in doing this article. Barrister Festus Keyamo had gone to Awka to represent one of his clients in the much publicized case of killings that erupted not too long ago at St Philip’s Catholic Church Awka. And as usual, it was time for him to address a Press Conference on the matter, after the court session. But unknown to him, there was right there seated among the attendees at the Conference a terribly disappointed former admirer of Keyamo as the perceived “people’s lawyer.” This man by name Bobby Uzochukwu, suddenly stood up unusually in course of the Conference and loudly remonstrated on the failed expectations of Keyamo’s “Ganistic” credentials. Why must he now choose to abandon the masses in preference for Buhari’s naira-spinning campaign spokesmanship? He hurled at him unprintable abuses and was menacingly moving closer to Keyamo when he quickly scampered into a waiting vehicle and sped off.

The masses have been badly let down! This is a clear demonstration that there is still some glimmer of hope for this country. Imagine what this country would become in future, if we could count just ten Uzochukwus in every State capital of the Federation. There are innumerable Bobby Uzochukwus lamenting and wailing their abandonment by Keyamo, for the speculatively more lucrative Spokesmanship for Buhari’s second term bid.

Without sounding unnecessarily alarmist, should Buhari not gracefully bow out to devote more time to his failing health, instead of listening to ABN –like cabals who see him first from the selfish periscope of a MILK COW. Must we be seen to be re-enacting the embarrassing scenario of a sick President Abdulaziz Bouteflika of Algeria receiving his foreign counterparts confined to wheel chair owing to deteriorating health condition, or yet the classical case of a Robert Mugabe who at approximately 90 years had resolutely determined with all intents and purposes to die in office, before the army stepped in to rescue hapless Zimbabweans.

In conclusion, I would strongly advise Barrister Keyamo SAN, that trying to retain his new post as Spokesman for Buhari’s comeback machinery, and still attempting to satisfy the down-trodden in their yearnings to hear him speak out for them, would tantamount to what a favourite Columnist of mine, would describe as the “fantasy of idealistic perversion”.

–Chief OJ AKIRI is a one-time Lecturer in Scientific French at the Rivers State University and a former Director-General in the R/S Ministry of Information and Culture.

Gwamna: In Pursuit of a Desire to Improve Gombe People’s Welfare Chinemelum Igbokwe

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here is an old cliché in Nigeria that politics is too important to be left to politicians alone. That thinking is the driving ambition behind the governorship bid of Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna ahead of the 2019 general election in Gombe State.

With less than one year to the poll, the governorship race has begun in earnest.

Many contenders are declaring their interest in the seat currently occupied by Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo. Aspirants, especially those from the two major parties in the state, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), are not leaving anything to chance.

Some of the aspirants claim to have the ears of some political bigwigs in the state, particularly the incumbent governor and his predecessor, Senator Danjuma Goje. The political bigwigs on their own part want to assert their strength and supremacy by ensuring that they install the next governor or that whoever that emerges, is their own making.

Gwamna Among the big names that have already made their ambition known is Gwamna, an aspirant on the platform of PDP

described by many as a silent servant of the people, who has impacted heavily on the development of his state. Gwamna has also been described as a source of inspiration to many, especially, people of his age and the younger generation.

His humanitarian services have touched many indigent students who benefit from his scholarship scheme at the secondary and tertiary levels.

Enumerating some of the humanitarian works of the aspirant, an indigene of Gombe State, who preferred anonymity and said he was a beneficiary of Gwamna’s philanthropy, said, “Over 20 students are on scholarship at the Kebbi State Yamasa Science and Technical School in Zaur town and many more students are also in the university on his scholarship scheme. Also his contributions to the sustenance of his party, PDP, cannot be quantified.

“Alhaji is a detribalised Nigerian in all its ramifications. He employs his staff based on qualification and merit, not on religion or tribe. He has given employment to over 2, 000 graduates from all over the country in his capacity as a loyal

servant of this country.”

Recently, he distributed six vehicles to different religious groups in Gombe State.

Gwamna is currently the managing director and chief executive officer of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO). He has promised Gombe people a new lease of life. Although he commends the efforts of the past and present administrations in the state, he believes that Gombe is a work in progress.

On his Facebook wall, the businessmanturned politician, notes, “Success comes to those who are too busy to look for it.”

Gwamna believes his aspiration to become the governor of the state cannot come on a platter of gold, despite his past achievements, but through conscious effort to tell people what he has in stock for them. He has also urged Gombe indigenes to get involved in the politics of the state in order to bring the desired development.

“Politics is too important to be left to politicians alone, get involved,” he says.

Gwamna holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and the traditional title of

Cont’d on 47

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀

PERSPECTI V E

Stanbic IBTC Educational Trust and Lasting Legacy for Children Binta Max-Gbinije

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he desire of all parents is to give their children the best in life: the best upbringing, education, exposure, life experiences, and so on. Of these, however, perhaps the greatest legacy a parent can bequeath to a child is sound and qualitative education. Education gives a child a sound footing in life, which explains why as parents we continue to seek out the best education opportunities for our children worldwide. From neighbouring Benin Republic, South Africa to far away Japan, Australia, and even Iceland, Nigerians pay billions of dollars to ensure their children are properly educated.

Qualitative education, unfortunately, does not come cheap. The average tuition in Nigeria, excluding feeding, boarding, books, and others, to train a child through 12 years of schooling (primary and secondary schooling) in an average private school is about N12 million and about N5 million through university. These figures, it must be said, are conservative and they continue to rise to reflect inflation. Financing foreign education is far pricier. The total yearly average cost of studying in a UK university, for instance, is roughly N8 million. This comes to N24 million for the three years it takes to earn a degree in that country.

For parents who cannot afford foreign education for their children, the situation in local schools is not much different as school and other sundry fees continue to rise faster than family income, in line with inflation and other macroeconomic factors. Due to regular disruptions in academic calendar of public schools in the country from strikes and protests, and the perception of low quality, private schools are preferred by parents.

Quality education for children, even for the wealthy or comfortable, could sometimes be daunting. And the reality for many other parents is that their desire for the best education for their children is often unmatched by their financial power.

This mismatch is often a painful challenge.

However, with proper planning and smart investments in educational trusts, training our children in the best schools anywhere in the world, even for the average-income family, can be achieved. Unfortunately, many of us still do not appreciate the astonishing power a Trust has to help smoothen the rough financial edges and make the attainment of family goals and aspirations, including qualitative education for our children, almost painless and seamless.

To give a proper perspective, let us examine Trust. Trust is an arrangement between two persons/entities whereby one entity agrees to hold assets for the benefit of other person(s) who may include the person with which the arrangement was entered into. The initiator of the Trust is called the ‘Settlor’ or ‘Grantor’, the entity agreeing to hold the assets for the benefit of another is called the ‘Trustee’ and the person for whose benefit the asset is being held is called the ‘Beneficiary’. Put differently, a Trust is an arrangement whereby assets are transferred by an individual or a corporate, known as the ‘settlor’, to a trustee, to be held by the trustee for the benefit of certain beneficiaries. A Trust is an estate planning tool which helps an individual plan his estate in such a way as to protect his or her

Binta Max-Gbinije

wealth and eventually pass it on in a smooth inter-generational transfer.

A parent may have the wherewithal to adequately provide quality education for the child but the unfortunate incident of death with no planning in place may sometimes scuttle even the best of intentions. An Educational Trust comes in handy in such situations. A typical example of an education trust is the Stanbic IBTC Educational Trust called SET, which is specifically designed to address such and many other needs. For instance, SET translates intentions to concrete actions by ensuring continuity of the educational trust objectives, which include uninterrupted schooling and qualitative education for the beneficiary through an education protection plan. Such a plan includes ensuring the Trust is well funded by the settlor and making direct payments to the beneficiary’s school by Stanbic IBTC Trustees to negate diversion of funds in any form.

If you ever wondered how some families remain perpetually wealthy generations after the original creator of the wealth – unfortunately, it is hard to find many examples in Nigeria – look no further than Trust. The Rockefeller family in the US is a famous example of how Trust can help create, preserve and protect wealth. The Rockefeller progenitor, John D. Rockefeller, became the first American billionaire in 1914. Several generations later and over 104 years after the first billion, the Rockefeller family is still in the billionaire bracket today, according to Forbes’ American Wealthiest families, thanks to a number of Trust Funds John D. Rockefeller Jr. established for his children in 1934.

The late pop-star, Michael Jackson, was reported to have left almost half of his assets in a Trust for his three children. Jackson’s assets, estimated to be worth billions of dollars, are held in a Trust. His reported $400 million debt at death could not be deducted from the assets in his Trust. That is

one of the beauties of a Trust; it can only be used for the purpose it was meant for. So, an Educational Trust for a child can only be used by the trustees for the child’s education and nothing else.

An Educational Trust like SET is also a particularly useful estate planning tool every parent needs to sign up for. While we all hope to live to be very old and in good health, sometimes people inexplicably suffer ill health or death suddenly strikes.

When such happens, the Educational Trust immediately kicks in to ensure that the child does not miss a day of schooling in the event the parent is incapacitated or gone. Trust kicks in immediately because unlike Wills Trust assets do not go through the probate process/courts, which could be cumbersome and time consuming.

And what is the role of a trustee in the process and beyond? A trustee has the competence to assess individual situations and then determine how best to structure an Educational Trust or a General Trust in a way to benefit the settlor and his loved ones, particularly the children, while the settlor is alive as well as when he is gone.

To establish a General Trust or an Educational Trust for a child, a parent/ guardian needs to take stock of his or her assets and then determine which asset(s) will be put in the Trust. One can then approach a trustee, a corporate organization. Interestingly, Trust is not new in the country; informally, trusteeship is an old practice among various ethnic groups in Nigeria.

For instance, it is common practice for a man with young children to put his property in the care of a trusted friend or family member for onward transfer to his children, in the event he dies before the children come of age. This is Trusteeship.

However, while a corporate trustee basically performs a similar role, trusteeship services provided by legal entities such as Stanbic IBTC Trustees adhere to strict

corporate governance rules and practices.

It is usually advised that a corporate entity like Stanbic IBTC Trustees be engaged to establish the Trust because it has competent professionals who are experienced and knowledgeable in these matters, and they are regulated by a government agency, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and a self-regulating organization, the Association of Corporate Trustees, to ensure ethical practices. Another unique benefit of SET is that it is covered by insurance via an education protection plan, to cover death or incapacitation of the settler.

Estate planning is a very important matter and one which people are highly encouraged to attend to. Awareness is gradually catching on, particularly with global and national events such as air crashes and the like. These events bring the issue of our mortality to mind as people are reminded that death is inevitable and no respecter of persons. Though slow going, people are realizing the benefits and importance of trusteeship services; with more people buying into the idea and consequently doing the right thing.

An important aspect of Trust, however, is funding and or the asset transfer. The Trust is expected to own something so having done the necessary background work, documentations and having obtained all the proper sign-offs, it is very important that the settlor transfers assets to the Trust because if a Trust is unfunded or does not hold any assets, it is not an executable legal entity. It is like opening a bank account to save money and yet the account remains empty as funds are not being deposited.

Too many people struggle to do the hard work but end up not activating the Trust by transferring assets to it. A settlor must determine how the Trust will be funded and then it is imperative that he transfers the most significant assets into the Trust as soon as he can.

If we truly desire that our children should have the best education, preferably from Ivy League schools, to give them the best chance at succeeding in life, then what we do now will determine that. It is a simple process of determining the cost of such education now, factoring in inflation for when the children will be ready for university education and putting the funding or asset equivalent in a Trust if you have such available, and if not readily available, the settlor can consistently fund the Trust as the years go by. A SET calculator will be useful in helping you know how much will be needed to train the child through school.

Not many approved the lifestyle of Michael Jackson but it is hard to fault his love and dedication to his children when we consider that he was smart enough to think beyond the immediate by establishing a Trust that will help guarantee a level of comfort and financial stability for his children. Many of us tend to be too focused on the here and now that we sometimes inadvertently jeopardize the future of the very children we claim to love. You certainly don’t want to jeopardise the future of your children by leaving it to chance. Now is the time to do the smart and responsible thing by initiating the Educational Trust process. –Binta Max-Gbinije is the Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited, a member of the Stanbic IBTC Group.

Gwamna: In Pursuit of a Desire to Improve Gombe People’s Welfare – Cont’d from 46 Sardaunan Gombe. After his graduation from the Ahmadu Bello University he started his working career with the Nigerian Bank of Commerce and Industry in Abeokuta. He later switched from finance to industry, when he joined Kaduna Aluminum Limited from where he moved to Kaduna Machine Works as Group Chief Accountant. While he was preparing for an executive position, he was initially promoted to the post of Marketing Manager before being ap-

pointed the general manager of Kaduna Machine Works.

In 1990, having gained ample experience as a result of his commercial and managerial exposure at the executive and board levels in the utility, heavy equipment distribution and manufacturing businesses, Gwamna left to manage his own business, the Amstrade Ventures Limited, a company which imports and sells heavy duty, earth-moving equipment.

Gwaman was also Managing Director

and co-founder of Jamen Consultancy.

In 2000, he started work in the utility sector when he accepted the position of first Executive Chairman of Gombe State Water Corporation. He had also served as Managing Director of Sahelian Energy and Integrated Service Limited before taking up the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of KEDCO. KEDCO is one of the 11 distribution companies that emerged from the privatisation exercise in the Goodluck

Jonathan administration as part of the electricity power sector reform programme implementation. It is located in the North Western geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The company has the licence to distribute and market electricity in the three states of Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina. The geographical coverage of the company is 67,128 km2.

The KEDCO boss obtained his doctorate degree from the London Metropolitan University in 2008.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀

Presidency 2019: The Dankwambo Scenario Although close associates of President Muhammadu Buhari were already drumming support for his second term before he voiced it, signiďŹ cant fault lines within the ranks of the northern political intelligentsia indicate that the region may already be looking beyond the Dauraborn centurion. Louis Achi looks at the Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo scenario as regional and national permutations unfold

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ccording to Nigeria’s former ambassador to the United States, Israel, Cyprus and a frontline academic, Prof. George Obiozor, “Nigeria has made progress by staying together as the last federation created by the British in Africa. Other federations created by the British in Africa have disintegrated except Nigeria. Examples are Sudan, Angola, Egypt, Rhodesia‌where are they? All those federations have become independent countries. Check it. All the federations created by the British in Africa have all disintegrated to separate countries, except Nigeria. To that extent, it is an achievement.â€?

But the emerging consensus in Nigeria currently - and significantly even within the conservative ranks of the astute northern political elite - is that Muhammadu Buhari’s three-year presidency has severely stretched the fabric of the nation’s fragile sociopolitical unity and cohesion. Many actually believe that outside the genocidal civil war period presided over by Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Buhari’s democratic tenure represents the bloodiest.

This perhaps explains why the kind of excitement his recent announcement that he would seek a second presidential term in office was expected to spark fell short of the high-octane political event it was billed. Rightly or wrongly, a strong perception is gaining grounds that this ‘king’ has lost his glory.

Currently, unimpressed by his declaration to seek a second presidential term, top politicians and powerful political blocs from the northern part of the country have withdrawn their support and are shopping for a viable replacement.

According to the spokesman for the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), Prof.

Ango Abdullahi, the forum only supported the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 election because it fielded Buhari as its presidential candidate, “who happens to be a northerner.�

THISDAY gathered that different groups from the North have sent emissaries to possible candidates such as Governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo of Gombe State, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sule Lamido, Ibrahim Shekarau, Aminu Tambuwal, among others on the need to replace the president in the 2019 election.

Interestingly, the common complaint of many in the region is the mass hunger and poverty that have defined the Buhari presidency. “More than in 2015, we are receiving requests from different interest groups who are telling us that they want to work with us. I can tell you that most of the groups are from the North. Their complaints are the same –

the economy,� a source told THISDAY. Buhari now lacks the popularity he enjoyed in 2015. The mood generally in the North and nationally is despondent.

A senior northern politician told THISDAY that “We are consulting now and trying to fix the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). If we get that right, then, we are ready to sack Buhari. At least, it is clear to Nigerians now that the man has failed. He is unelectable.�

According to Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former governor of Kaduna State, “The North is in a kind of dilemma because, whereas Buhari has failed as president, it has no alternative to him in 2019 because of the dominance of money in politics and the fact that those who want to replace him are not credible.�

On his part, a member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic and a social critic, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, described Buhari as a monumental failure. His said: “All northern leaders, from Tarka to Aminu Kano and Sardauna, are not nepotistic, but the Buhari administration is the most nepotistic that has ever been since independence. So, the North is justified culturally, politically and morally to replace Buhari in 2019 if it chooses to do so.�

It is noteworthy that even as political leadership options before the troubled region enter the fray, there is a mounting gravitation towards young Turks who are seen to have the critical mental and physical capacities to provide real leadership both for region and country.

The search is focusing on younger leaders who have demonstrably lighted a candle in the gloom of North’s sociopolitical and economic darkness. Out of the several contenders stands tall.

The Dankwambo Scenario‌ His soft-spoken mien and humility hide inner steel that has enabled him navigate a challenging, successful trajectory in public service and politics and rise to the apex He could easily pass for a political dark horse until he articulates his compelling political philosophy.

On 12 critical governance fronts, Dankwambo has indeed redefined what leadership ought to mean in a human development-hungry milieu, in a third world country. Some of the sectors under reference include: agriculture, citizen engagement, economy, education, environmental protection, healthcare, housing development, road/transportation infrastructure, power, security, water and waste management.

Specific development data often glossed over by many of his peers affirm the passion, sincerity, focus and discipline of the man, especially coming on board at a critical period in the history of the state and major changes on the

Dankwambo

It is noteworthy that even as political leadership options before the troubled region enter the fray, there is a mounting gravitation towards young Turks who are seen to have the critical mental and physical capacities to provide real leadership both for region and country. The search is focusing on younger leaders who have demonstrably lighted a candle in the gloom of North’s socio-political and economic darkness. Out of the several contenders stands tal political chess board of the nation. A particularly novel approach to governance is his inclusiveness and citizen engagement strategy which ensures that government’s decisions are guided by knowledge, experience, views and values of the citizens. Despite presiding over a state in the security-challenged North-East zone, Boko Haram has not penetrated Gombe State and the state is peaceful.

It was during his tenure as accountant-general of the federation that he introduced the integrated payroll personnel information system (IPPIS), central payment of salaries of staff in all the ministries, departments and agencies using an automated system to checkmate fraud. He was also part of the revolution in the public sector that brought E-payment system which abolished the use of cheques in govern-

ment’s businesses at the federal level, because of this idea, staff, contractors and service providers now set up their accounts credited automatically through the E-payment.

Governor Dankwambo was born on the April 4, 1962 and graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University in 1985 with a degree in Accounting. He obtained a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos in 1992 and a PhD in Accounting from Igbinedion University.

He began his career with Coopers Lybrand in 1985, and worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria from 1988 to 1999.

He was then appointed accountant general of Gombe State, holding this position until 2005. He was appointed Accountant- General of the Federation on April 20, 2005. He held this office until he resigned to start his campaign for election as governor of Gombe in January 2011.

In that election, Dankwambo won 596,481 votes, ahead of Abubakar Aliyu of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) with 91,781 votes and Senator Sa’idu Umar Kumo of the All Nigeria People’s Party with 84,959 votes.

He is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA); Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI); Fellow, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB) and Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Marketers (FNIM).

In what could pass for a veiled endorsement of Dankwambo, a former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, recently declared, “I want to see a young man who through reading and study, has the vision of a man called Awolowo.

I want to see a young man who the charisma of a man has called Sardauna of Sokoto Ahmadu Bello. I want to see a young man who has the eloquence and education of Nnamdi Azikwe. I want to see a young man who has the convictions of General Olusegun Obasanjo.�

As secret and open endorsements mount from the North and South for Dankwambo to go full throttle, many believe that as the Peoples Democratic Party strategizes ahead of 2019 polls, its choice of a presidential flag-bearer would determine its fate.

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͚Π˜ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

EVENT Yusuf Ali

The Night California Stood Still for Yusuf Ali Call it honour across the sea you will not be mistaken as the legal icon, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN, bagged the 2018 Peace Humanitarian Award in United States of America.

Funke Olaode who was at the event reports that the need for all humans to embrace peace was the crux of discourse at the august gathering

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aturday, April 28 was a memorable day as many distinguished Africans were honoured in Sacramento, the capital city of California, United States of America.

There was excitement and a sense of togetherness as African drumbeats rent the air. Of course, traditional attire depicting different heritage of the African continent were on display. It was a gathering that reminded everyone of their root.

The music of the defunct PSquare resonated from a corner of the hall as people mingled, giggled and danced their heart out.

Indeed, that night will remain memorable in the hearts of the people of Sacramento as the city played host to who’s who in Africa, including the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo.

The event was the peace awards organised annually by the board of Centre for African Peace and Conflict Resolution (CAPCR) of the California State University in honour of Africans who have rendered selfless service for humanity.

CAPCR is an institute that provides conflict resolution, peace education services and research in and about Africa and the Diaspora.

The board is a highly trained interdisciplinary team of faculty, staff, and conflict resolution experts committed to the centre’s mission, among many other partners. To date, CAPCR has provided over 500 workshops on conflict resolution and peace-building techniques to more than 5,000 Africans, with activities held in Africa and the US, including Nigeria.

Past recipients of the award include the first female and former Chief Justice of Ghana, Georgina Theodora Wood; Dr. Joseph Marshall of the Omega Boys Club and Street Soldiers (2012); Ambassador Jeanette Ndhlovu of South Africa; Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Dr. David Covin; Professor Emeritus (Sac State), Isaac Albert of the University of Ibadan; Daniel Yamshon; Judge Barry Loncke (Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento); Kevin Johnson, former Mayor of Sacramento, and Hon. Barbara Lee, US congresswoman, among others in the past 27 years.

This year, legal icon, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN, was among the recipients as he was conferred with the 2018 Peace Humanitarian Award for his outstanding contributions of his talent, time and treasure in promoting peaceable communities, institutions, and organisations as well as numerous charitable work in various parts of Nigeria.

The award was presented to him at the end of the institute’s 27th Annual Africa and Diaspora conference on the theme of “African Peace and Security Architecture.�

The main event was held at the ballroom of the University Union on the campus. To ensure that it was an unforgettable night, African cuisines representing different countries of Africa were on display, cultural performances as well as keynote lecture delivered by President Akufo-Addo.

Some of the dignitaries that accompanied the renowned lawyer were Managing Diretor, Istabaraqim, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, Executive Chairman, Kwara State Internal Revenue Services; Dr. Muritala Awodun, Director for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan; Prof. Olawale Albert, Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University; Prof. Labode Popoola, Communication Consultant; Y.K.O. Abdulkareem, Texas based Peace and Conflict Management practitioner and Hon. Akin Akinteye, among others.

An elated President of California State University, Dr. Robert Nelsen, enthused as he told the guests that it was a historic day for them, adding, “This campus is dedicated to create a haven where everybody belongs. It doesn’t matter who you are or your nationals because we are family. America needs Africa in terms of partnership. CAPCR as an institute has done tremendous things since inception.

What we need now are African students in our

campus, an opportunity to learn. It is an honour to have the President of Ghana this evening.

Welcome here, let’s celebrate. Let’s bring peace to United States, Africa and the troubled world because we are all brothers.�

In his opening remarks, the Ghanaian said, “I am grateful to all of you for participating. Africa as a continent is moving forward. Though we have challenges, the most important thing is how to educate our youths with skills that will equip them to face the 21st century. The work of governance is to cater to the welfare of the citizens, provide education and jobs for our people. Coming here is how to see how this great university can collaborate. We have extremely good relationship with America since independence over six decades ago. Today, Ghana is thriving in democracy, transferring power and being hailed as a symbol of democracy on the continent of Africa. So, coming here to participate in this event symbolises friendship.�

He continued: “The issue of Africa is not going to be solved if disparities in access to qualitative education and good life still widen.

It is important looking at it from humanity that both developed and the Third World countries are in the same boat because education and access to quality life is not a continental dilemma.

It is global and that is the only thing that can help us survive as human race. Everyone has a role to play but what we pray for is sense of commonality and I hope we will all build a society that all of us will be able to live together.�

In his remarks, the Director of Centre for African Peace and Conflict Resolution of the university, Prof. Ernest Uwazie, noted that the journey of the institute began 27 years ago – precisely in 1990 – when the department was formed with origin in Africa. The decision, he disclosed, was borne out of the need to institutionalise and Africanise Africans in Sacramento. He assured that over the years, the conveners has stayed through to the commitment as people were brought together to celebrate inter-cultural heritage which they have done close to three decades. He stated that over the years, they have grown bigger and better by support they received. “Peace is about making everywhere safe.

Although Africa remains a focal point, we are also working to make our society safe. For the past 27 years, we have made this event our ‘Nobel Peace Prize’ award where we celebrate unsung heroes and individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity. We are blessed to have the Ghanaian president, a champion of human rights, a model for good governance not only in Ghana but in Africa in our midst,� Uwazie said.

Walking majestically to receive his 2018 Humanitarian Peace Award from the Associate Dean, College of Health and Human Services of the university, Dr. Robin Carter, one could feel that sense of fulfilment and accomplishment for Ali’s laudable recognition in far-away Sacramento. A man of few words, the Nigerian lawyer expressed his gratitude to the institute for finding him worthy of the honour. “I am honoured to be here this evening. This has equally challenged me to do more. The subject ‘Peace’ is significant to us in our various societies because it brings development. So, it is important to buy into peace-making and peace-building. I thank everyone present,� Ali remarked.

Shortly before he stepped out of the podium, a plaque with the bold inscription ‘California Legislative Assembly Resolution’ signed by Chris Holden, the Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, was presented to Ali for serving humanity selflessly.

Award ceremony over, everyone let their hair down as they took to the dance floor and wriggle to sweet African music. The takeaway is not the glitz and glamour. It is the need for human beings to be their brother’s keeper. It is about the significance of being a constant help to humanity.

Dr. Robin Carter presenting 2018 Peace Humanitarian Award to Mallam Yusuf Ali SAN while Prof. Ernest Uwazie watches in admiration

L-R: Dr. Robert Nelsen, Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo and Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN

L-R: Prof. Labode Popoola, Y.K.O. Abdulkareem, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN and Alhaji RaďŹ u Ebiti

L-R: Prof. Olawale Albert, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN and Dr. Muritala Awodun

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T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY MAY 19, 2018

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͚Π, 2018

POLITY

UACN Celebrates Larry Ettah, Dada Kunle Adewale

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he Group Managing Director/CEO of UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mr Abdul Bello led the way as encomiums poured in on a night of glitz organised by the company to bid farewell to Mr. Larry Ettah, who Bello recently replaced.

Bello described Ettah, who was GMD/ CEO for 11 years, as foresighted and commended him for his doggedness at transforming the company, pledging to build on the foundation that already existed in the company.

Bello, who served the UACN Plc in several capacities in his 29 years career and was recently Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, assured that he would be focused on upholding the company’s values which have sustained it in its 139 years of contributions to the Nigerian economy.

He asked for the cooperation of all employees and stakeholders to take the company to greater heights despite the challenging economy.

Receiving the baton later from Ettah, Bello said: “To whom much is given much is also expected. It’s a big task and I’ve received from you today with great passion and I confirm that I will carry on the journey to continue and increase the good pace that you’ve given this organisation; setting us far ahead of others.�

In his own emotional tribute to Ettah and Joseph Dada, who also recently retired as Executive Director, Corporate Services, the Chairman of UACN Plc, Mr. Dan Agbor recalled that the duo shared the same office in the early days of their ascension through the company’s management cadre, declaring that they were clear examples of what the company represents.

From left: Chairman UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Dan Agbor; former Executive Director Corporate Services, Mr. Joe Dada; former Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr Larry Ettah; Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr Abdul Bello; Executive Director Corporate Services, Mrs. Omolara Elemide; and former Chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma at the send-off for Ettah and Dada organised by UACN Plc in Lagos

Agbor further said: “I was appointed Chairman of the UAC board in November 2015. The profound impression I took home from my relationship with these departing duo was their encyclopaedic knowledge of the company and its various businesses everywhere I turned. “Larry joined the company as a trainee in 1988 and rose through the ranks, while Dada, who would later become UAC of Nigeria Plc’s first Executive Director, Corporate Services, did not only once share an office at UAC Foods with Larry, they demonstrated a versatility in knowledge and management of the company which is

now a worthy legacy to draw inspiration from.�

Agbor continued: “I must say that the company has been blessed by such talented men who everyday of their more than three decades’ stay in the company epitomised UAC true core values in customer focus, respect for the individual, integrity, team spirits, humanitarian openness and communication.�

He said that Ettah and Dada have now joined UAC Group’s Hall of Fame, which parades distinguished Nigerians, including former Head of Interim Government in Nigeria, Chief Ernest Shonekan; Dr. Chris-

topher Abebe, Mr.Bassey Udo Ndiokho, Mr. Ayo Ajayi, all former helmsmen at UACN Plc; as well as Mrs. Moji Onasanya and Mr. Sola Erunle, both past Executive Directors. “I can only wish them more success in their future endeavours as we work to sustain the professional levels of high standard of integrity and honesty,� the UACN Chairman further said.

Responding, Ettah expressed gratitude to colleagues, dignitaries from the corporate, diplomatic and government circles, including the Minister of Budget and National Planning and former Chairman of UACN Plc, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who attended the grand event.

Looking back at his sojourn in UACN Plc, Ettah reminisced that he joined the company “as an imperfect young man, but I am leaving as an imperfect but better older man.�

He explained that all his actions were guided by the principle of leaving the company better than he met it. “In the journey of progress, which we made together, we made choices and changes; some tough, hard, painful but all necessary and in good faith. I give thanks to you for the times I succeeded and my apologies for the times I fell short;� he reflected, while soliciting support to his successor.

Ettah said that the Chairman, Board members and management of UACN Plc showed his family and himself great courtesy by putting together the event. “It is indeed wonderful to see men and women I have worked with in the decades gone by here tonight, some who have mentored me and those of us we mentored; the wonderful colleagues whose support meant so much to me, even those that provided the adult supervision I often needed.�

L-R: Managing Director, Collingwood Learning, United Kingdom, Mr. Chris Simes; Sustainable Development and Alcohol in Society Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Mrs Titilola Alabi; Managing Director/Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Peter Ndegwa; Assistant Director, Non Communicable Diseases, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Mrs Amadi Dorothy; Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mrs Viola Graham-Douglas, and Founder and Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Rue 14 Studios, Lagos, at the oďŹƒcial launch of the Smashed Project, held in Terra Culture, Lagos... recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

L-R: Programme Coordinator, Concerned Parents and Educators Network, Mrs. Ifeoma Efenitoba-Johnson; Group Head, Edumark Consult, Mrs. Fisayo Balogun; Managing Director/CEO, Edumark Consult, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde; and Managing Director, International Data Management, Mr. Atul Kshetry, at the 2018 Total School Support for Education (TOSSE) Press Conference, held in Lagos... recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Deputy Governor, Benue State, Benson Abonu; Governor, Ondo State, Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; President, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Adekunle Mokuolu; his Wife, Deaconess Oluwayemisi Mokuolu; and Deputy President, NSE, Babagana Mohammed, at the 7th Fellowship Conferment Lecture and Ceremony in Abuja‌ recently PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

L-R: Managing Director, Katunga Media, Mannie Udoh; Director, Katunga Media, Joseph Edgar; Divisional Head, Corporate Communication, Fidelity Bank Plc., Charles Aigbe and Assistant Secretary, Brand Journalist association of Nigeria [BJAN], Richard Edoki, at a courtesy visit of Katung Media/BJAN to Fidelity Bank Plc head office in Lagos... recently

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 19, 2018

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POLITY Temitope Kuyebi

I Perfectly Fit into the ‘Wizkid’ Description of Governor Amosun Temitope Kuyebi, a native of Imasai, in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, is one of the governorship aspirants in the race for the number one seat of the state. In this interview with Femi Ogbonnikan, the 43-year-old aspirant bares his mind on his ambition, and why he is best for the “wizkid” Governor Ibikunle Amosun, is scouting for, as successor come May 29, 2019. Excerpts

I am from the grassroots and I understand the pains, the struggles, and the yearnings of the common Ogun state citizen across different areas and walks of life. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. I worked hard and I am passionate about everything I do. Just like me, there are several smart and hardworking Ogun State indigenes, both young and old, who never had that opportunity to break forth like I experienced

What informed your interest in the Ogun State Governorship contest? s a young boy, I grew up in my home town of Imasai, in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, from a very humble background. I am from the grassroots and I understand the pains, the struggles, and the yearnings of the common Ogun state citizen across different areas and walks of life. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. I worked hard and I am passionate about everything I do. Just like me, there are several smart and hardworking Ogun State indigenes, both young and old, who never had that opportunity to break forth like I experienced.

Ogun State inhabitants deserve a better standard of living, better life opportunities, standard social amenities and infrastructures and policies that wouldn’t just give them a better life but also create life-changing opportunities for them.

My desire to run for the Ogun State gubernatorial election is borne out of the yearnings and aspirations of the people and my desire to contribute my own quota and dedicate my experience, youthfulness and passion for excellence to the upliftment of this great state to the true Gateway State of the Nation.

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What are those things you want to bring to the table if God tarries in your bid?

It is often said that ‘the Voice of the People is the Voice of God’. However, I believe that if it is the will of God that I emerge the next Governor of Ogun State, my key priority will be to improve the economic viability and rating of the state and the standard of living of the citizens across all facets of life.

We will achieve this by supporting and improving agricultural capability of the state to make it more profitable and less cumbersome for farmers; by exploring and optimising the oil production potentials of Ogun State in order to ensure that the state is listed amongst the oil producing states in the country; by creating an enabling business environment and policies that will give room for existing and young entrepreneurs to sprout, grow and compete favourably within the state and beyond; by opening up the state for international investment opportunities with clear regulations that will allow for the growth and development of the state and mitigate against exploitation of the people and our resources. Also, massive youth empowerment programmes and supports; improved health care delivery system; provision of affordable housing schemes; rural and Urban infrastructural development; workers welfare review and improved standard of educational opportunities, among others will be paramount during my administration.

Do you have the financial muscles to prosecute this ambition?

It is indeed a known fact that, seeking any political position in Nigeria could cost a fortune. It is also interesting to note that, in recent times, ‘politics as usual,’ is no more the order of the day. Gone were those days when money bags dangle carrots before the electorates to buy their conscience, only to end up mortgaging their future. Electorates are wiser and smatter now. If you look at the current trend of elections held in the past, electorates now vote for candidates they believe will serve them in whatever capacity and then ensure that their votes count.

With the very heavy grassroots support that we are enjoying and with God on our side, we do not need to break into bank’s vaults to achieve our goals like some others.

Kuyebi Whatever resources we deploy in, will be more than sufficient.

The number of contestants from Ogun West, a district that has never had a shot at the number one seat of the state since its creation in February 1976 is on the rise. Don’t you think that the growing number of the aspirants from Yewa/Awori axis may not jeopardise the chances of the district from producing the next governor?

The Ogun State governorship race is always competitive as many aspirants will surely indicate interest in the position. I believe that the more, the merrier, and it will only give room for the people to have a well-rounded pool of aspirants to pick from.

I also do not see Yewa/ Awori people jeopardising their chances of producing the next governor, rather I see Yewa/Awori people making the best decision with regards to picking a candidate that is not a political prostitute nor a candidate who has already dented his political image as this could be the major limiting factors.

Let me add, my political career began during the active days of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). From AD to the Action Congress (AC) then, soon the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and subsequently to the current All Progressives Congress (APC), the party I have remained relevant with, moving with the progressive elements and also loyal to the party leadership in the state, especially the incumbent Governor.

I believe that this is now the time for me to pilot the affairs of state and I will consolidate on the achievements of Governor Amosun in ensuring that Ogun State remains at the top among the comity of states in the country.

Again, I believe in loyalty and especially in the leadership style of the sitting governor and now that he has come out to say it is time for a younger person from Ogun West and it is a whizkid then, I am certain that I perfectly

fit the description. I believe that it is God that chose me. Whizkid is someone who is highly intelligent, someone with a clear vision, someone with a clear goal and when I was telling you about myself, I told you that in my career, I started with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and till this moment, I have been in Oil and Gas sector.

I want you to know that when talking about Oil and Gas, I am in the mainstream, where I have been privileged to have both local and the international training and it’s my prayers that God would grant me favour in this struggles.

Looking at where we are coming from, I am perfectly the right person, and I believe this is my time, looking at my persistence and sincerity to the leaders of the party, because it was not easy to contest in 2011 and they said ‘go and sit down’. Again, I contested in 2015 they said ‘go and sit down’, yet you still believe your time will come. So, these are great attitudes of a good compatriot and I know my time has come.

Like I have said earlier, I am just 43 years old and I have learnt a lot in politics. I have toured all the 20 local government in the state; I respect all party leaders, by giving honour to whom honour is due within the party hierarchy, irrespective of the zones.

Sincerely, it has not been easy, but I know that I was learning through the whole period and I am fully ready for the task ahead.

Why did it take you long before you could publicly declare your ambition?

I believe that my declaration to run for Ogun state Governorship in 2019 is timely.

As a gubernatorial aspirant, the interest of the people surpasses any individual’s political aspirations. Before my declaration, I ensured that I intimated my family of my ambition which they gave their blessings and approval. Several consultations and

deliberations took place with my people at the grassroots (communities), which cut across different strata of key political stake holders and above all my God. A resounding approval from all was also received before my declaration and this alone gives me more confidence and credence that all will be well.

Amosun continues to reiterate his commitment at various public fora to hand over the baton of the state governance to a wizkid of Ogun West extraction. Do you think you fall in this category of wizkid the governor is insisting on picking as his successor?

Governor Amosun is a visionary leader and his words are as credible as his integrity.

I am confident that I am the wizkid the governor has continued to reiterate that he would hand over the baton to, after his tenure in office in 2019. His description of the personality of the Wizkid is a perfect fit of my attributes. I was just 35 years old when I met for the governor in 2011 for the first time, and at that time, I was also vying for the same position. I was obviously the youngest on the race at that time. Despite all odds, I was the first consensus candidate that was presented to contest for the position by the entire people of Ogun State West.

However, the party leaders prevailed on me to step down due to my age and experience in politics, and that Amosun was the best for the governorship race and a ripe candidate for the position at that time. They also made it clear that the vision of Amosun and mine aligned as he is a man of great virtue.

Since then, I have diligently and patiently waited, learnt the rope the more, grown politically, and my continuous loyalty and respect for the leadership style of Governor Amosun and other party leaders across the 20 local governments I toured before makes me the perfect option.

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My Wife’s Love for Me Has Doubled Since I Won CocaCola ‘Score a Trip to Russia’ Promo Fasola Moruf Adeyinka, a football enthusiast and father of three is one of the lucky winners in the just ended Coca Cola ‘Score a Trip to Russia’ promo. He shares with Omolabake Fasogbon how luck smiled on him after a one time try and how the nonalcoholic beverage brand has been able to fulďŹ ll his long-time dream through the initiative, among others him a lot.

How did you get to know about the ‘Score a Trip to Russia ‘promo? got to know about the promo on social media platforms and I was optimistic that I will win. Personally, I love coke, it’s my favourite. Anytime I’m stressed or feel weak, I don’t hesitate to reach out for a bottle of the cold drink. It’s my personal stress reliever. On this particular day, I was on my way home from work, being thirsty, I requested for a bottle of chilled coca-cola and didn’t forget to keep the crown. I later sent the code under the crown to 5453. The rest of the story is my testimony today.

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Did you ever imagine that you will visit Russia to watch the World Cup Live?

As a soccer fan, I have always longed for an opportunity to watch the World Cup live even though I am not buoyant enough to sponsor it. But this year, I was determined to go to Russia to watch the tournament either through sponsorship or with my money. So, when the opportunity came with Coca- Cola, I did not waste time to take advantage of it, as I strongly believed I will have my way. My instinct did not fail me after all. I am so happy.

For how many times did you attempt the promo before this win?

It may surprise you to know that I won at my first try, but that is the simple truth. The decision to take a bottle of Coke while returning from work on that fateful day has brought to fulfillment my longtime dream to watch live World

What has changed about you since you were declared a winner in the promo?

A lot, I must confess. Immediately I was declared winner, everything about me changed naturally. I earn more respect from family and friends. In fact, as soon as I received the call, my level changed; even my children are yet to digest it. The three of them kept asking me why I am dancing. Despite how I tried to explain to them, they find it difficult to understand.

Till today, my wife still expresses doubt if I actually won. However, her love for me has doubled as a result of the development.

What are your expectations when you get to Russia?

My desire is to meet the Super Eagles team. As a proud citizen of Nigeria, I promise to represent Nigeria well. Nigeria is usually associated with the negative, as I relate with other race, I will strive to change this impression about our country and be a positive model.

Adeyinka Cup games. When the company broke the news to me, my joy knew no bounds.

I was so excited because I am a strong fan of Super Eagles. I don’t miss any of their matches. This will be an opportunity to cheer them up live in Russia. Their performance in the friendlies has been wonderful and they have continued to play like a winning team.

Which of the Super Eagles players would you love to hang out with when you arrive in Russia?

Mikel Obi! He is a player I love so much and I’ve been longing to see him in person. In Russia, I would not only want to see him but also spend time with him. I have been following him since he was playing under 17 football. I admire

What word do you have for CocaCola?

All I just want to say is thank you, as I am short of words. I will not forget in a hurry this opportunity given me on a platter of gold. It remains a memorable one in my life. This alone, has brought smile on my face and joy to my family. I will also urge Nigerians to keep believing in the brand. It is a trusted brand that keeps its words.

Propertypro Releases 2018 First Quarter Real Estate Report Bennett Oghifo

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gun has shed the toga of a Civil Service State and is now robed as an “Industrial Hub�.

The unenviable appellation has now been supplanted with “Investors’ destination

of Choice.�

Nigeria’s online real estate sector PropertyPro.ng (formerly ToLet.com.ng) has released a report of the Nigerian real estate sector for the first quarter of the year 2018.

The report focused on the trends of the Nigerian real estate market in the year 2017 and the first quarter of 2018.

The study analysed how impactful the economic recession was in the real estate market. It also looked at trends and going prices for properties within the residential and commercial umbrellas of the real estate market.

According to the CEO, Fikayo Ogundipe, “A lot is happening in the real estate sector, especially in Nigeria, and we feel it is something worth talking about.

With this report, everyone interested in the real estate sector in Nigeria will be able to understand the current trends of the Nigerian real estate sector.�

The report has been influenced by the rate at which properties are searched for online by Nigerians and this explains the interest of house hunters in 2017 and the first quarter of the year 2018. “We monitored the most searched types of properties by Nigerians along with the price range that fell with the interest of online real estate end users,� said Ayeni, the Chief Technical Officer.

As noted by the Chief Operating

L–R: Chief Technology OďŹƒcer CTO, Seyi Ayeni; Chief Business OďŹƒcer CBO, Sulaiman Balogun; Chief Executive OďŹƒcer CEO, Fikayo Ogundipe; and Chief Operating OďŹƒcer COO, Oladapo Eludire, at the name change event from ToLet.com.ng to PropertyPro.ng‌ recently Officer and co-founder, Oladapo Eludire, “Real estate investment always require lots of funding and when dealing in such high-risk investment, gut-feeling isn’t enough in making the best decisions.

Such decision needs to be backed up by data. PropertyPro.ng being the most used online real estate platform with the largest listing database across the country has given us insight into the Nigerian real estate market on a micro and macro level.�

Sulaiman Balogun, Chief Business Officer and co-founder, stated that the statistical verbal of the report makes it evident that the real estate sector is experiencing a significant growth to retain its position as the 5th biggest contributor to the GDP of Africa’s largest economy.

This report by PropertyPro.ng has detailed study of the real estate economy in the economic overview column while the property trend explains the current

trend of the Nigerian real estate market in terms of residential and commercial properties, and the current trend in the prices of properties (for sale and for rent) in various locations across the country. Contained in this report is the Land Use Act thoroughly explained. This real estate report by PropertyPro.ng also featured studies of emerging real estate market in Nigeria as a whole, highlighting activity and performance.

For more information about the real estate quarterly report by PropertyPro. ng, Kindly visit https://www.propertypro.ng/report.

ABOUT PROPERTYPRO.NG: PropertyPro.ng (formerly ToLet.com.ng) is one of Nigeria’s prominent online real estate company with parlaying success of providing solutions to bridge the gap between real estate professionals, investors and house hunters. PropertyPro. ng is a member of the ToLet Property Group (along with other members; Prestige magazine, PropertyPro Magazine and Moveme.com.ng) founded by the brainchild of four visionary young men; Fikayo Ogundipe, Oladapo Eludire, Sulaiman Balogun and Oluwaseyi Ayeni.

With the acquisition of Jumia House (Lamudi), PropertyPro.ng has pivoted to become a property classified platform with over 10,000 agents and over 60,000 listings. ]Experts have projected the Nigerian real estate sector will grow at the average of 10% in the next few years. The real estate sector has been valued by National Bureau of Statistics to worth at an average N8.06 trillion which is over 8% of Nigeria’s GDP. With the recession that hit the country a few years ago, the real estate market in Nigeria still remains vibrant.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY MAY 19, 2018

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Saturday, May 19, 2018

UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE Anglican Communion to Buhari “It is unfortunate that this level of criminal impunity is happening in a sovereign nation with a constitution which declares that the security and welfare of the citizens shall be a major responsibility of the state.”

– The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, condemning persistent killings across the country by Fulani militia during its 2018 synod.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

30 Years of Living and Working in Lagos (Part 3)

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ellow Nigerians, thanks for travelling with me these past couple of weeks on my trajectory. The whole essence of my biographical essays is to remind our youths of today that there can be no greatness without pain. As Dr Tai Solarin, the famous social critic and educator once wrote, “may your road be rough…” Mine has been a rollercoaster, full of bumps and turns. No Formula 1, or better still Le Mans, driver could have envisaged, navigated and manoeuvred my life’s journey properly and easily. I shall endeavour to demonstrate the immutable laws and power of time today. Your life can come tumbling down within a twinkle of an eye.

Yes, in a matter of seconds, your life can freeze.

That was my case on July 22, 1995.

I had spent the previous night in Abeokuta, the city of rocks, where I had gone to visit the former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, to discuss the June 12 imbroglio. My adopted father, Chief Moshood Abiola, had been in detention for about one agonising year and it appeared we were all helpless to get him freed from General Sani Abacha’s gulag.

I liked to sit and draw from Chief Osoba’s fountain of knowledge. Almost from the moment I landed in Lagos, from the ancient town of Ile-Ife, in 1988, I had identified and chosen him as my role model and ultimate inspiration in journalism business. It is difficult to find any star reporter greater than Osoba. I followed his every move with keen interest and read his story with admiration and addiction. Let me take you on a voyage on how I got hooked on my Osoba drug.

I was squatting with friends for a while in Lagos because I just couldn’t afford to pay rent.

I had rotated from Bimbo Ajiboye to Segun Adegbesan and Biodun Obisakin. It was while in Segun Adegbesan’s house that I discovered a song sang in praise of Osoba by the Juju Music maestro, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. My God, I woke up every morning to play this song and fantasised endlessly about wanting God to structure and bless my life like that of Akinrogun Osoba. I’m sure I played the tape for what seemed an eternity. Osoba has remained my point of prayer contact ever since. You can then imagine how elated I would have been getting to meet and bond with this hero, my idol and my all-time journalism icon.

In case you are wondering what the love was all about, it was simply because Osoba was able to kill the myth that journalists should be the dregs of society and lambs of God who took away the sins of the earth. Why should journalists risk so much and yet remain poorer than church rats, I used to wonder.

The case of Osoba and I was that of love at first sight. I had heard of his supposed arrogance and short temper, but my experience was totally different. He found a worthy protégé in me and never stopped admiring and acknowledging my strides. He was permanently proud of my excursions and audacity in the media world. He read me religiously and we spoke as frequently as time permitted both of us. His bosom friend, Mr Obafunke Otudeko, also turned out to be a great fan of my work. Just imagine such grace from God. This was the background to my going to spend time with Osoba in Abeokuta on July 21, from whence

Ambode

I departed the following morning, ostensibly to Lagos, not realising I would be embarking on a longer, more dangerous journey.

I was driving home to the remote village of Adigboluja on the fringes of the Lagos and Ogun States border when I saw my wife’s car, so I stopped. I was tired and looking forward to a great sleep on getting home, after chatting late into the night with the big boss in Abeokuta. “Ajani, I’m happy you passed this route because I was just wondering how to get you to break some bad news…” my wife said with a calmness that actually pumped up my adrenalin. “I hope no one died,” I exclaimed! “No dear. It is about your political activities and the role you are playing in Chief Abiola’s saga…” My wife was yet to drop the bombshell. I could no longer bear this suspense, so I thundered, “darling, please, tell me what the matter is. You know when it comes to Abiola, he is my Daddy, and I must continue to support him in whatever little way I can…”

My mind did some supersonic journey on a stream of consciousness and I flashed back to my last encounter with Chief Abiola. After his Epetedo declaration where he proclaimed himself as the President of Nigeria in 1994 and his journey to South Africa for the Inauguration ceremony of the great Madiba, Dr Nelson Mandela, where he grabbed the seat reserved for the Nigerian leader! So much water had passed under the bridge. Abiola had to go into hiding for about 13 days, and a few of us, including his personal assistant Fred Enoh, and politician, Ademola Adeniji Adele, a Lagos Prince (God bless his departed soul), and others worked feverishly for his re-entry into the community of humans. We had gone to get him out of Chief Wahab Dosunmu’s house in some long-winding street in Surulere, Lagos, for a short rally, I think on a field in Shitta, before proceeding to his house in Ikeja.

A detachment of fully armed police officers was waiting patiently, like vultures, along Toyin Street, as Abiola’s convoy drove through. Chief

was riding in Adeniji Adele’s open roof jeep and was standing tall for all to see him as we meandered into Moshood Abiola Crescent.

One spiritualist who was recruited by a family member (supposedly to protect Chief from any harm and release honey bees into the atmosphere to sting the police if they tried to arrest Chief) was hanging to the right of the jeep while I was hanging to the left. I don’t know what would have happened if some snipers had chosen to be trigger-happy.

The spiritualist was the first to panic while Chief remained brave to the end. That’s a story for another day. We drove into Chief’s house without any incidence. Chief thereafter told me to go home because I had not refreshed in the last 48 hours. I told him I would be back in a few hours. By the time I got back, the massive security operatives had taken possession of his expansive home and no one was allowed in or out.

I rushed quickly to a business centre on Allen Avenue to place a call to Chief Abiola.

Mobile phones were not yet common in 1994 (see how much life has changed) and I called the operator who passed me on to him. When he came on the line, I instantly knew there was big trouble. Chief tried to sound tough as always. “Dele 1, please go home to your wife because these security guys won’t let you in… I’ve been reliably informed that they are coming to arrest me in the night when the crowd around here would have left but I don’t think Sani can try it o!” Those were Abiola’s last words to me on earth, as the phone went dead. Of course, Chief was arrested, and the rest is history!

Those last moments raced through my mind like a blockbuster movie as I stood, transfixed, before my wife. Her next words were going to shock me to my bone marrow: “Four men came looking for you this morning. At first, I was reluctant to open the door but one of them called Abdul Oroh said he is your good friend and brother so I let them in. They told me to inform you to disappear immediately because there was a security report that you are to be picked up for being one of the brains behind the pirate radio, known then as Radio Freedom (later Radio Kudirat)”. As she spoke, my heart was pumping and thumping. Wow, I soliloquised! I already had a premonition I was going to be targeted. Truth was I knew nothing about the operations of the radio which was being managed by Kayode Fayemi, with the active knowledge and interventions of Wole Soyinka, Bola Tinubu and others.

My wife and I took an instant and reasonable decision. I should go underground immediately and that was it. I never saw that home again.

I called Tokunbo Afikuyomi in London and he advised me to get out of Abacha’s clutches and the impending peril as soon as possible.

He gave me an elaborate roadmap of what was known as the NADECO routes, what to do, how to prepare, what to expect and, basically, how to disappear through the forests of a thousand daemons.

First I went into a bunker, like Saddam Hussein, away from prying and probing eyes, somewhere in Kaffi, Alausa, near the Lagos State Secretariat, thanks to my dear friends, the Orolugbagbes, who kept me safe and sound,

from July 22 to the early hours of July 25, when I started my journey of fate and faith.

My wife had moved to her sister’s place in Ikeja GRA with our first son, Olupekan, who was barely ten months old. I was accompanied by three wonderful people, Captain Rotimi Seriki (my brother-in-law, a pilot at Nigeria Airways, now deceased, one of the kindest souls God ever created), my very close friends, Olakunle Sikiru Bakare (a Director at Fame magazine and now Publisher of Encomium magazine) and Bola Orolugbagbe (a successful businessman who dealt in automobiles in Victoria Island). We set out by road towards Badagry and found our way to some place close to Seme Border. Captain was at the wheels driving with uncommon gusto. Every now and then we stopped at those grisly and gory checkpoints with palpable trepidation on my part, as the fugitive. But we went through without any problem.

Fortunately, I had a two-year multiple visa to the United Kingdom. I had obtained an ECOWAS passport for the purpose of this dangerous voyage. We parked our car somewhere along the route and Captain Seriki showed me the narrow path to take into Benin Republic, alone. They would drive and meet me on the other side. That must have been one of my lowest and scariest minutes on earth. I was dressed and trudged like a farmer going to his farm. I had been told to walk as confidently as possible and keep a straight poker face, avoiding direct eye-contact with anyone. It was a lonely distressing and depressing, seemingly never-ending trek. My main passport was with my co-conspirators.

One of them carried my bag. I strolled across easily, even if my heart was in my throat, and waited for my people to arrive. I looked back towards my beloved country Nigeria, and wept bitterly.

I never planned to live outside my country.

I loved to travel but never stayed more than three weeks. This journey was going to be tough. I wondered where, when and how it would end. After what seemed an eternity, my people arrived. I wished they could penetrate my mind to see how truly grateful I was. We took a vehicle to Cotonou from the Bening Republic side of the Seme Border. Captain had arranged with a friend of his to host us briefly.

My own Guru and Spirit had provided some logistical support as always. After having a quick bath and changing into better clothing, I was set for an epic journey. Since I was not ready to stay anywhere near Nigeria, my people drove me to a motor-park where I boarded a jalopy of a vehicle to Lome in Togo and from Aflao Border to Accra, Ghana. The moment my people dropped me and went back to Nigeria must have been one of my loneliest. I arrived Ghana for the first time ever that evening, and checked in at a small but cute hotel called Noga Hill Hotel. It was more than a poor relative of our fabulous Nicon Noga Hilton (now Transcorp Hilton), but for me it was like the best sanctuary one could hope for.

That was how my journey into a three-year exile began without knowing what exciting and better plans God had kept secretly from me and was soon to reveal…

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