Presidency: New Forex Window Records $25bn Inflows in One Year Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Presidency yesterday released the record of its economic performance since 2015, stating that the new forex (FX) window introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in April, 2017, yielded an average of $1 billion turnover every week and $25
billion inflows in one year. According to a release by Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, the fact-sheet contained in a 41-page document showed that FX Window inflows culminated in a total turnover of $47.14 billion, which it said signalled a rising investors' confidence in Nigeria.
The release which said the 41-page document highlighted successes of the administration on economy, security and the fight against corruption, disclosed that $10 million was spent by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) in March 2018 for the establishment of a world-class Cancer Treatment
Centre at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). It also said another $5 million each was invested in the Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, to establish modern diagnostic centres. Disclosing that the diagnostic centres would be completed before
the end of the year, the release further said Nigeria’s economy was back on the path of growth after the recession of 2016-17 with 1.95 percent growth in the first quarter of 2018. It also said inflation had fallen from 18.7 percent in January 2017 to 12.5 percent in April 2018 while external reserve had doubled its
former size as of October, 2016 and capital importation standing at $6.3 billion. The release also said tax revenue rose to N1.17 trillion, representing 51 percent increase from the generation in the first quarter of 2017 while N2.7 trillion was spent Continued on page 6
APC Chairmanship: Oyegun Withdraws, Claims Tenure Elongation Would Have Served Better
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Buhari: Our Power of Incumbency Can't Match Opposition's Mischief Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja cried out against alleged forces being
mustered by the opposition, saying the power of incumbency at his disposal could not match the volume of alleged mischief from the opposition.
Buhari who made this remark while addressing members of the Buhari Media Organisation in the State House, said members of the opposition were firing from
different angles and the volume of resources at their disposal made him afraid. According to him, the consistency of the group had
been helpful in defending his government from the barrage of such mischief from the opposition, pointing out that such a degree of consistency and steadfastness from
the group gave him confidence. Buhari who again restated how those he jailed as the military head Continued on page 6
US to Designate Nigeria ‘Country of Particular Concern’ over Killings Accuses FG of failing to hold perpetrators accountable
Bayo Akinloye Against the backdrop of incessant killings in Nigeria, particularly the predominantly Muslim herdsmen slaying Christian farmers, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended to the US government that Nigeria should be designated as a “Country of Particular Concern�, CPC. This recommendation is contained in the latest report of the USCIRF titled, “2018 Annual Report–Key Findings and Recommendations,� obtained yesterday by THISDAY on the website of the US Department of State. While on Thursday, at a telephonic press conference on the latest report on religious freedom with Samuel Brownback, US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, in Washington, D.C., it was disclosed that plans were underway for the American envoy to visit Nigeria and later for religious leaders in the country and other African countries to be invited to the US
to discuss the issue of religious violence and freedom with the Donald Trump administration. Touching on prevailing violent conflicts having religious connotations in Nigeria, the report said: “Religious freedom conditions in Nigeria remained poor during the reporting period. The Nigerian government at the federal and state levels continued to repress the Shi’a Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), including holding IMN leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, without charge, imposing state-level bans on the group’s activities, and failing to hold accountable Nigerian Army officers who used excessive force against IMN members in December 2015. “Sectarian violence between predominately Muslim herders and predominately Christian farmers increased, and the Nigerian federal government failed to implement effective strategies to prevent or stop such violence or to hold perpetrators accountable. Finally, other religious freedom Continued on page 6
GIFT TO THE VP ... CBN Pumps Additional $331.41m MARITIME Chief of Naval Sta, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas presenting a gift to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the 2018 International into Forex Market ‌ Page 54 Maritime Conference on Enhancing an Intergrated Maritime Strategy for the Gulf of Guinea in Lagos ...yesterday Appeal Court Frees former NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi
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L-R: Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Angela Nwaka; Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori; Delta State Governor, Senator IfeanyiOkowa; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro ; and Senator James Manager during the inauguration of Nsukwa/Ndemili Road, Delta State
AMCON Recovers N740bn from Debtors, Trims Losses to N16bn Obinna Chima
He put the value of AMCON’s intervention in the agriculture sector at about N1.7 trillion. “The structure of AMCON at conception was that, there was the assumption that those loans that were purchased would be restructured and liquidity provided so that new life would be given to some of those businesses. “Unfortunately, a substantial part of businesses that were restructured and funds injected in the past, the performance level is less than 10 per cent. “Like I said
earlier, there was the assumption that if you transfer the loans from the banks to an asset management corporation, you will be able to restructure. “But again, we forgot that some of those facilities were bad in the books of some of those financial institutions,� he explained. AMCON’s financial statement also showed that its gross earnings grew by 22.6 per cent, to N342 billion in the year under review, from N279 billion, just as its total assets reduced to N822 billion in
2017, from N1.131 trillion. The far, we have recovered an average corporation’s interest revenue of about 37 per cent of what we increased by 21 per cent to N42.56 were supposed to recover.� The Asset Management CorporaFurthermore, he argued that billion, while its net trading gain tion of Nigeria (AMCON) has in other countries where asset surged to N22.86 billion. put the total amount of recovered The results showed that inflow management corporation are debt as of the end of 2017 at N740 from the banking sector resolution also operational, the highest such billion. This is just as the corporacost trust fund dominated the gross institutions have done in terms tion’s 2017 results showed that its revenue at 62 per cent, while the of recovery is usually about 50 loss position reduced significantly corporation’s revenue from the per cent. by 90 per cent to N16.41 billion in “So, if you gauge what we have aviation sector declined by 51 2017, compared with the N164.94 per cent due to a slowdown in done against what is obtainable billion recorded the previous year. internationally, you will see we activities in the sector in 2017. The Chief Executive Officer Commenting on the results, are doing better. For AMCON to of AMCON, Mr. Ahmed Kuru the AMCON boss said: “As we be performing, the economy must disclosed this during an interactive all know, AMCON was not set also be growing. “If the economy is doing very up to make profit. We are not a US TO DESIGNATE NIGERIA ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ OVER KILLINGS profit-making organisation. Basi- well, some of those businesses abuses continue at the state incidents of sectarian violence and recently in the United States tion on how to reduce violent cally, we are a resolution agency. that are defaulting will also be “The corporation has done doing very well. If the economy level. Based on these concerns, terrorism and suspected and/or meeting with President Trump, conflicts in the country. Brownback added: “There very well in terms of what its is not doing very well, then those and one of the discussion items in 2017 USCIRF again finds that accused perpetrators. Similarly, it advised the Trump was the reduction and the need were a number of Christians mandate was, which is to bring underlying businesses would also Nigeria merits designation as a not be doing very well,� Kuru country of particular concern administration to support the to reduce violence, particularly that had recently been killed, that financial stability. “We have started seeing a explained. (CPC) under the International Nigerian government in the that spawned and done to reli- the President (Trump) cited to. Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), development of counter and gious organizations and around And there’s violence in Muslim situation where our excess loss deradicalisation programmes, churches and mosques, so these portions of the country as well. position is gradually reducing. So as it has found since 2009.� Cosntinued on page 8 In the 2018 Annual Report of ensuring that all military and topics will come up, they’ll be It will be a follow on to that. It was a trip being planned earlier, the commission, documenting police training educates officers addressed. PRESIDENCY: NEW FOREX WINDOW “We hope to have follow-on but Nigeria’s such a big country religious freedom violations and on international human rights dialogues and meetings in the – biggest population in Africa – a RECORDS $25BN INFLOWS IN ONE YEAR progress in 28 countries during standards. When asked about his planned African continent and in African key country, and there just has on infrastructure in 2016 and 2017 diversify Government revenues. calendar year 2017, the following recommendations were made to visit to Nigeria and the proposed countries about religious freedom, been a lot of violence directed at fiscal years and administration's Tax Revenue increased to N1.17 President Trump: “Designate Ni- meeting with Africa’s religious because we don’t want this to be people of faith in that country that priority sectors of agriculture Trillion in Q1 2018, a 51% increase geria as a CPC under IRFA; Seek leaders, Brownback said: “We will a single event, what we really I want to come and try to work and solid minerals maintained on the Q1 2017 figure. "N2.7 Trillion spent on Infrato enter into a binding agreement certainly invite foreign ministers want to do is to press forward with the government on ways consistent growth throughout structure in 2016 and 2017 fiscal with the Nigerian government, from Africa. We’ll invite NGOs and to drive this in individual possible to reduce that level of the recession. as defined in section 405(c) of and religious leaders from Africa countries that maybe aren’t as violence towards people of faith. The release said: "Inflation years, an unprecedented allocation In its 2018 report, the USCIRF has fallen for the fifteenth (15th) in Nigeria’s recent history. Fourteen IRFA and to train specialised as well. And there will be issues religiously free as they aspire police and joint security units of concern that exist in Africa to be, or to get them to aspire recommended 16 countries for consecutive month, from 18.7 (14) moribund Blending Plants to respond to sectarian violence that we’ll be discussing. I’m to be more religiously free, and CPC designation. They are Burma, percent in January 2017 to 12.5 revitalized so far under the China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, percent as of April 2018. External Presidential Fertilizer Initiative planning soon a trip to Nigeria, embracing this.� and acts of terrorism. According to the American Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tajikistan, Reserves of US$47.5 billion are (PFI); with a total capacity of The report also recommended where there’s been a great deal that the federal government of conflict between Christians envoy, his trip to Nigeria will Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Central the highest in 5 years and double 2.3 million MT of NPK fertilizer "In May 2018, the Federal Govshould conduct thorough inves- and Muslims in that country. be to engage with the President African Republic, Nigeria, Paki- the size as of October 2016. Total tigations and prosecute future The president of Nigeria was Muhammadu Buhari administra- stan, Russia, Syria, and Vietnam. exports in 2017 were 59.47% higher ernment launched the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund than for 2016 "The first quarter of 2018 saw (PIDF), under the management of BUHARI: OUR POWER OF INCUMBENCY CAN'T MATCH OPPOSITION'S MISCHIEF the fourth consecutive quarterly the Nigerian Sovereign Investment of state on account of corruption appropriately respond to the for that. Most of the people I of materialism even losing friends increase in capital importation Authority. The PIDF is kicking in the 80s had their loot returned "mischief" from the opposition. jailed have been given back all to continue to support me. I have since Q2 2017. The total value off with seed funding of US$1.3 "I don't think I can thank you what they have taken before I been here for three years. You of capital imported in the quarter billion. to them when he himself was "Nigeria Sovereign Investment jailed for 18 months, recalled how enough for your steadfastness was jailed. Most of those people have proven to people that you stood at US$6.3 billion, which is a he was only released upon his under very difficult circumstances. that were being judged by various are not here for material things. year-on-year increase of 594.03%, Authority (NSIA) in March 2018 mother's death so that he could It is not easy to defend this tribunals have been given back Your opinion is out of sacrifice and a 17.11% growth over the invested US$10m to establish a and the strength of the moral figure reported in the previous world-class Cancer Treatment administration and more in what they have taken. bury her. Centre at the Lagos University "I spent 18 months in detention courage you have is the strength quarter. He thanked members of the particular, to defend me. But your "The new FX Window in- Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and group whom he said had made consistency has given me a lot of and luckily, they did not find of the physical. It is the strength huge sacrifices in support of him, confidence. And I know you are anything against me and I was of losing the friends you have. troduced by the CBN in April US$5m each in the Aminu Kano "I am sure you are being asked 2017, now sees an average of University Teaching Hospital saying having been in power for doing it as a sacrifice - physical, released. But my problem was that there was a journalist from this support you are busy giving US$1 billion in weekly turnover, and the Federal Medical Centre, three years, they had proven that mental and material. "As I keep on saying, the Edo State. He wrote an article Buhari what the hell do you and has attracted about US$25 Umuahia, to establish modern they were not following him in opposition now is sitting on against me. He wrote that my get out of it? And that is why billion in inflows in its first year Diagnostic Centres. These Centres search of material things. He also commended them for incredible resources which I am mother had to die to save me I commend your steadfastness (and a total turnover of $47.14 should be completed before the their courage to remain firm in afraid we might not match it at because I was only released when and I am very grateful for it. And billion) – signalling rising investor end of 2018. "The Buhari Administration their belief in him, arguing that all. For that reason, the opposi- my mother died to go and bury in this country, whether people confidence in Nigeria. "Nigeria’s Stock Market ended issued a N100 billion Sukuk Bond irrespective of their feelings, citi- tion is sponsoring mischief from her. Of course, you know as a like it or not, they will remain zens of the country would remain different angles which in spite of Muslim tradition, you are buried grateful for your courage because 2017 as one of the best-performing in 2017, Nigeria’s first sovereign you have the courage to do the in the world, with returns in excess Sukuk Bond. Proceeds from that grateful to them for the degree the incumbency of government, where you die. "So, I can remember what research, take your time to reply of 40 percent. Five (5) million new Bond are funding 25 major road of courage they had deployed we cannot absolutely stop. "It is you that are fighting it most of you here sitting, the mischievous representation and taxpayers added to the Tax Base projects across the six geopolitical in carrying out research which since 2016, as part of efforts to zones of Nigeria." he said had equipped them to and I cannot thank you enough sacrifices you have made in terms we are very grateful," he said. session with journalists in Lagos yesterday. Kuru pointed out that the corporation currently was currently in possession of a lot real estate and some other forms of assets. He said: “We have disposed some financial assets, which also included three banks. We are in the process of divesting our interest in Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN). “This is in addition to quite a number of small businesses that we had intervened and disposed.�
T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY JUNE 2, 2018
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FOR MARITME SAFETY ... Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (middle) with participants from across the globe during the 2018 International Maritime Conference held in Lagos.. recently
Protesting N/Delta Youths Demand Removal JTF Commander Military commander blames Businessman Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Chineme Okafor in Abuja and Obinna Chima in Lagos Hundreds of youths from the Niger Delta region yesterday stormed Abuja to protest alleged wrong doings of Commander of the military task force, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman in the area. While Apochi denied the allegations and rather accused Chief Executive of Aiteo, an oil company, Mr. Benedict Peters of masterminding the protest, an insider of the Aiteo claimed and backed up with documents that they had paid the military over N1 billion in three years to guard their facilities without any effect. The protesters, who accused Suleiman of being neck-deep in illegal activities especially in the oil sector, demanded an immediate removal of the naval Officer as the Commander of the Special Task Force (STF) in the Niger Delta. Led by a coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society activists and the Niger Delta environmental protection group, the protesters alleged that military chief was aiding and abating oil bunkering, vandalism of oil facilities as well as stealing in the area. They carried placards bearing different inscriptions such as: "Please Save Nigerian Economy from the hands of Apochi and his oil bunkerer friends; EFCC please save Niger Delta and arrest Chief Bunkerer of Nigeria Apochi Suleiman and his bribe collector, Dagogo Gilbert; Apochi sabotaging the Chief of Defence Staff Anti-vandalism and Bunkering Programme in the Niger Delta among others. Addressing a press conference, the Joint Co-ordinator of the group, Tochukwu Ohazuruike, said their
action was informed by the worsening case of economic sabotage, oil bunkering, vandalism of oil facilities as well as stealing in the region. "Today, under the very watchful eyes of Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, more illegal refineries and bunkering hubs have sprang up and continued to be operated by oil criminals in Bonny, Nembe, Kula and Bille communities in Bayelsa and Rivers states who have continued to unleash economic sabotage and environmental problems in the Niger Delta. ''Today, things have worsened in the region and as we address you now, the Igbomorotu corridor in the Southern Ijaw as well as the Akasa flank on the Atlantic fringe of Brass have continued to be a major hub of the illicit operation and is now virtually taken over by crude oil criminals," he said Ohazurike, claimed that about 300,000 barrels of crude oil was stolen every day from facilities in the region by the oil thieves. He explained that Apochi had turned a blind eye on this because he was benefitting from it. “Today, things have worsened in the region and as we address you now, the Igbomorotu corridor in southern Ijaw as well as the Akasa flank on the Atlantic fringe of Brass have continued to be a mjor hub of the illicit operation and is now virtually taken over by crude oil criminals. “Hundreds of millions of dollars are now in the hands of criminal non-state actors who are currently amassing arms and ammunition with the potential threat to our national security,� said Ohazurike. Reacting to the development, Suleiman, accused an oil magnate, Benedict Peters of being behind the protest to get him out of his job. Suleiman said Peters, who is the
Aiteo: We have paid JTF N1.192 bn in 3 years for pipeline protection
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aiteo Energy, was uncomfortable with him because he found him uncompromising in his job. While refuting the allegations levelled against him in a telephone interview, the naval officer challenged those accusing him of wrongdoings to show proof. According to him, he had already put his response in detail and was forwarding it to the appropriate authorities, saying he had no skeleton in his cupboard. Hear him: I'm not bothered about the allegations they have raised because I know the source. It is Aiteo, Benedict Peters. "It's you people that have been covering that man, Peters Benedict who is in Ghana. He's a fugitive. He said the STF should guard his line, OML 29. He's the man who’s sponsoring every illegal activity in Nigeria on behalf of some groups of people, he's the one sponsoring any illegal gathering in Nigeria. "He's a fugitive. Recently, he wrote me a letter that he wanted men of the Nigerian Armed Forces to come and guide his line and I told him that 'why do you want Armed Forces when we have task force on ground?' I told him 'you are covering up something and I'm going to expose what you are doing and he told me that I don't know him, so if I like I should go.' "That he's telling me he needed Armed Forces to protect him and I'm telling him another thing.� But contrary to the allegation by Suleiman, a source at Aiteo, provided evidence of payment to THISDAY showing that the company has paid the JTF a total of N1.192 billion for the protection of its oil pipelines over a period of three years. A breakdown of the payment schedule showed that for 2015 alone, the company paid a total of N19.696
million to the JTF. Out of this amount, N5.146 million was meant for the 130 Battalion operations, while the Forward Operating Base Formoso was to have got N14.823 million in 2015 alone. Also, in 2016, the Aiteo, according to the document, paid the JTF a total of N462.033 million. Of this sum, the JTF collected N45.824 million for the 130 Battalion Operations in that year; N46.462 million for the 146 Battalion got; N24.596 million for the 343 Artillery Regiment; N194.751 million for the Forward Operating Base Formoso; and N150.400 million for what was termed the Gunboat
Coy RVS Sector 3 and HQ Sector 2. Equally, in 2017, Aiteo raised its payment to the JTF to a total of N449.419 million. Also, a breakdown of this showed that the JTF received N79.512 million for its 130 Battalion Operations in 2017; N59.406 million for its 146 Battalion; N48.400 million for its 343 Artillery Regiment; N152.908 million for its Forward Operating Base Formoso; and N109.193 million for its Gunboat Coy RVS Sector 3 and HQ Sector 2. The payment continued into 2018, where so far, the JTF has received a total of N260.663 million from Aiteo this year. Similarly, a breakdown
of the sum showed that this year alone, the company has committed N50.880 million for surveillance of pipeline, as payment to the 130 Battalion Operations; N31.143 to the 146 Battalion; N32.640 million to the 343 Artillery Regiment; N92.600 million to the Forward Operating Base Formoso; and N53.400 million to the Gunboat Coy RVS Sector 3 and HQ Sector 2. “So, how can Commander Apochi now claim that they were trying to make the Armed Forces to protect their assets? In any case this is a national asset jointly owned by Aiteo and NNPC.� the source stated.
Court Commences Hearing of Suit to Declare Fulani Herdsmen Terrorists Alex Enumah in Abuja A Federal High Court, Abuja will on June 12, 2018, commence hearing in a suit seeking for the declaration of Fulani herdsmen as terrorists. The date was fixed by the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole. In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/499/18, the plaintiff, is also seeking the prohibition of all activities of Fulani herdsmen in Benue State that has resulted in the deliberate and intentional killings, massacre, wanton destruction of both private and public properties including residential and commercial houses, schools, hospitals/ clinic, markets, water boreholes/reservoirs, invasion of ancestral lands of the inhabitants as acts of terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended. The suit which was filed by a Makurdi- based legal practitioner, Matthew Nyiutsa, is specifically seeking the leave of court to compel President Muhammadu Buhari and Attorney General of the Federation to
move a court of competent jurisdiction to proscribe Fulani herdsmen operating in Benue State and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as terrorists and terrorist organisations respectively. Nyiutsa, who resides in Guma Local government Area of Benue State, claimed he was one of the numerous victims of continuing Fulani herdsmen attacks on communities in the state. The plaintiff in the suit wants a declaration that the series of armed attacks particularly from January 1, 2018 to May, 2018 on inhabitants of communities in Guma, Logo, Makurdi, Gwer-East, Buruku, Tarka, Katsina-Ala and Ukum local government areas of Benue State by Fulani herdsmen, amounted to acts of terrorism as defined under section 1(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended. In addition, he prayed the court to declare that the Attorney General of the Federation and President Buhari (1st and 2nd respondents respectively) have mandatory statutory duties and obligations under section 2 of the Ter-
rorism (Prevention) Act, to act in the circumstances of the prevailing acts of terrorism perpetuated by the Fulani herdsmen by causing an application to lie before a court of competent jurisdiction for, inter alia, an order proscribing the Fulani herdsmen and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, having been reasonably suspected of carrying out the said criminal activities and acts of terrorism as terrorists and terrorists group respectively. He further prayed the court for a declaration that the alleged threat issued by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, through Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo and Engr. Saleh Al- Hassan as National President and Secretary respectively, during a press conference in Kaduna sometime in June, 2017, amounted to support for act of terrorism under section 5 of the Terrorism (prevention) Act, 2011 as amended and therefore renders the said organisation liable to being held as a terrorist organisation. The sum of N50 million is being demanded as exemplary damages against the respondents.
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JUNE 2, 2 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
RingTrue
Yemi
Adebowale Buhari’s Three Years of Blood and Blubbering 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com
I
n this part of the world, our leaders are persistently economical with the truth. They do this with so much impunity. Being economical with the truth has also become a way of life for majority of the people. This is why we have remained a struggling third world country. This country will probably never get out of this mess if things continue this way. To get out of this untidiness, we must strive to get leadership and followership right. One of such debilitating mess rolled out this week by the leadership of this country was the effrontery of the Buhari government to celebrate its third year amid so much pain in mother Nigeria. It was deeply painful. The three years of the Buhari administration has brought untold hardship on Nigerians, whether the masses or middle class. This is the truth that must be told. We have had enough of propaganda. Can our President honestly say that he has delivered on his promises to Nigerians, with just 12 months left of his tenure? Can he honestly say that Nigerians are better under his government than that of his predecessor? Can our President say that he has positively impacted on the lives of the masses of this country in the last 36 months? The frank answers would be on the negative. I heard the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, saying that the federal government had spent N2.7 trillion on infrastructural projects across the country in just two years “to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the citizenry.” Which infrastructure? This country witnessed unprecedented infrastructure decay in the last three years. Just check out decaying federal health institutions, roads and schools across the country. Those who use roads like the Lagos-Ibadan, Enugu-Port Harcourt, Aba-Ikot Ekpene, Enugu-Onitsha, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari, Kaduna-Kano, Manchok-Vom, Ilorin-Jebba, understand what I mean. As for health, even the President and his family members are regularly flown abroad to enjoy foreign medicals. The last 36 months have indeed been horrendous for most Nigerians with unprecedented economic hardship, unemployment, inflation and mass killings. Let’s move to specifics. The Buhari administration assumed office with an avowal to stamp out corruption, improve the economy and end insecurity. Unfortunately, this government hardly engages the statistics that are constantly rolled out about its failure. It is unfeeling about the tales of woes in this country. This was why it rolled out the drums to celebrate its dubious three-year success. Let’s take the issue of security. Under Buhari’s watch, killer herders have slaughtered thousands of Nigerians, unhindered. Our President simply unleashed his kinsmen on the rest of the country. From Kaduna, to Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Zamfara and Enugu, it has been tales of massacre by killer herdsmen. Nigerians won’t forget the massacre in Ukpor-Mbalom, Gwaska, Ankar and many others. In fact, in Benue State, the killer herdsmen control some local governments like Gwer West, Gwer East, Logo and Guma. Guerrillas protecting herdsmen roam freely unhindered by security agents. The militias regard these parts of Benue State as conquered territories. As at press time, over 200,000 displaced Benue State indigenes wallow in eight IDP camps. Buhari and his security chiefs obstinately fail these people. Under Buhari’s watch, Boko Haram became the deadliest terror group in the world, with thousands of Nigerians killed in the last 36 months. Even in IDP camps, displaced people are persistently attacked and killed by Boko Haram, as seen in Rann, Muna Garage, Dalore and a number of others. Many won’t forget how the terrorists invaded the camp in Rann, killing four international aid workers and an undisclosed number of IDPs. The quotes of the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Yassine Gaba resounds: “Innocent civilians continue to suffer daily from direct and indiscriminate attacks in the North-east of Nigeria. Endless numbers of explosions, brutal killings, abductions and lootings
Buhari
The effective management of the economy is key to the success of any country. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s economy has suffered greatly in the last 36 months. Thousands of businesses are gasping for breath. Many have closed shop, while millions of Nigerians have lost jobs. At a point, inflation was almost at an unparalleled 18.72%. Prior to the new government, the rate was between 7.7 per cent and 8.7 per cent continue to uproot the lives of women, children and men daily. Women, children and men face daily grave human rights violations and sexual and gender-based violence.” In Borno State, the terrorists still control territories. This is why over two million IDPs can’t return home. I recently published a comprehensive document detailing the number of IDPs in formal camps in Borno State, the trauma in the camps and other documented terrifying statistics (see RingTrue May 5). There are almost 600,000 Nigerians living in squalid conditions in these camps, while struggling for a meal a day. Daily, they dream of going home, but they can’t because their towns and villages are still dominated by Boko Haram. The few that returned home had to scamper back. These facts and figures punch holes in the lies that the Buhari administration is making progress in the war against Boko Haram. It is depressing for a government to persistently make claims of degrading Boko Haram, yet, IDPs can’t return to their homes. The big question is: Why would a man, his wives and children remain in a squalid IDP camp if his village has been recovered from Boko Haram? There is also the unprecedented killing of our officers and men by Boko Haram in the last three years. Many will not forget in a hurry the massacre of soldiers in places like Sasawa, Magumeri, Malam Fatori, Gashigha, Rann, Kanama, Gamboru-Ngala, Mafa, Kunduga and the rest. Just on Thursday, five soldiers lost their lives in an ambush by Boko
Haram at Pridang– Bitta in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. What about the unprecedented killing of officers by the terrorists under Buhari? How can we forget the butchery of Lt. Colonel O. Umusu, Lt. Colonel K Yusuf, Lt. Colonel Abu Ali, Lt. Colonel B. U. Umar, Captain Victor Ulasi and Group Lt. Col. A E Mamudu? So, what are we talking about? Buhari’s success story on Boko Haram is a sham. The effective management of the economy is key to the success of any country. Unfortunately, this country’s economy has suffered greatly in the last 36 months. Thousands of businesses are gasping for breath. Many have closed shop, while millions of Nigerians have lost jobs. At a point, inflation was almost at an unparalleled 18.72%. Prior to the new government, the rate was between 7.7 per cent and 8.7 per cent. The truth be told without sentiment; the economy handed over to the Buhari administration was a fairly good one with consistent growth in GDP and industrial capacity utilisation. Under Obasanjo, late Yar’Adua and Jonathan, industrialists and SMEs were running their businesses with little encumbrances. The Naira was stable. The forex policy was also friendly to industrialists. That was why industrial capacity went up then. The Naira, our symbol of nationhood is now in shreds. At a point, it was trading for a record N520/$. This is the same Naira Buhari inherited at about N220/$. The employment rate is a vital measurement of any economy’s health. Nigeria’s unemployment rate of 14.2 per cent in Q4 of 2016 jumped to 16.2 per cent in Q2 of 2017 and 18.8 per cent in Q3 of 2017. A good government will engage this negative statistics because no country can make progress with these negative figures. Contrariwise, the unemployment rate in Germany is currently 3.6 per cent while United Kingdom is 4.2 per cent. Unemployment and underemployment (combined) under Buhari rose to 40 per cent from 37.2 per cent in Q2 of 2017. These are vital official statistics. The NBS states: “Those in full-time employment (at least 40 hours a week) declined from 52.7 million in Q2 2017 to 51.1 million in Q3.” These statistics, heightened by five successive quarters of depression, is ugly. We all now have an army of unemployed youths in our homes. Regrettably, this government lacks job creation strategy. Our dear President is still jumbling in his management of the economy. Buhari’s much talked about war against corruption remains a mirage. This government has been regaling us with stories of corruption under Jonathan, while the country wallows in darkness, poverty, disease, hunger, unemployment and malnutrition. What has been happening in the last three years is a war against opposition figures. Because of this skewed war, rent seekers in the oil industry are still collecting the proceeds of crude oil sales under Buhari’s watch. This is why the NNPC spent a
monstrous $5.8 billion on the importation of 9.8 million metric tons of petrol in four months - October 2017 to January 2018. This is why refineries are still not working; yet, this administration has spent billions of Naira on turnaround maintenance. Billions of Naira is still going down the drains in the name of payment of dubious subsidies on imported petrol. Last year, over N1.7 trillion went to the payment of petrol subsidy because daily consumption suspiciously jumped from about 35 million litres to almost 60 million litres. Which corruption is bigger than this? Which corruption is bigger than buying petrol at N145 per litre? Nigerians outside Lagos and Abuja pay more. Which corruption is bigger than plunging Nigeria into unprecedented foreign debt within 34 months? According to the latest data from the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s external debt rose to $18.91 billion (N5.787 trillion) as at the end of December 2017, while domestic debt rose to N15.937 trillion, bringing the total debt stock of the country to N21.725 trillion ($70.92 billion). The federal government is responsible for the bulk of the debt. What do we have to show for all these borrowings in the last 36 months? I was not surprised when the 2017 Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International revealed that sleaze in Nigeria was more severe under the Buhari administration. Nigeria was also downgraded by TI from 136 to 148 in the CPI. I have a long list of corruption reminders for Buhari. The memo written by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu on sleaze in the NNPC remains fresh in our memory. Contracts running into billions of USD were allegedly awarded exclusively by Maikanti Baru without due process. Kachikwu further alleged that during the first one year of Baru’s tenure, no contract was cleared by the NNPC board, despite legal and procedural requirements that all contracts above $20 million would need to be reviewed and approved by the board. The cabal in charge of this administration had to tighten the noose on Kachikwu, forcing him to recant. Even Osinbajo made conflicting statements about Barugate. But for persistent protest by Nigerians, Babachir Lawal, the legendary grass cutter, would have remained as the SGF after mismanaging about N2.5 billion in the account of the Presidential Initiative on the North East, PINE. The transgression of Babachir and the soft landing he got is a confirmation of Buhari’s skewed war against corruption. What about the sleaze allegations against the reinstated Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof. Usman Yusuf? A public servant under investigation by anti-graft agencies is reinstated with fiat. The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, had earlier set up a panel to probe Yusuf’s transgressions and the panel found him culpable. What about the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mustapha Maihaja, who is struggling to explain how he spent billions of Naira allocated to his agency? What about the pension thief, Abdulrasheed Maina, who was effectively protected by this government? Babachirgate, Yusufgate, Barugate, Maihajagate, Mainagate and the rest. What a country! What a war against corruption! Aside from its three years of ineptitude, for me, the biggest sin the Buhari administration has committed against this beautiful country is its blossoming seed of division. This country has never been this divided, with brothers killing brothers. Our President’s clannishness is frightening. Buhari has spent three years stoking our fault lines with no regard for Federal Character in his appointments. The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties was appropriate when it said: “Mr. President has performed so woefully in security, nation building, provision of infrastructure, employment generation, name it, to seek re-election. His government has failed all-round. Nigerians have experimented enough in the last three years. The hungry and jobless citizens can no longer endure, and cannot afford to see another four years of this failed administration after 2019.”
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚͜
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NEWS
In Brief SPDC Spends N22bn in Bayelsa
TheShellPetroleumDevelopmentCompanyofNigeria(SPDC)operatedjoint venturespentaboutN22billionfrom2006to2017inBayelsacommunities, the highest such investment so far by SPDC and her partners in the Niger Delta, the company said yesterday. SPDC said the payments represented the total funds disbursed to the 14 Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) clusters in the state since the inception of the mode of community developmentin2006.Thecompany’sGeneralManager,ExternalRelations, IgoWeli,whilepresentingthe2018ShellNigeriaBriefingNotestojournalists in Yenagoa, said the sum was roughly half the funds spent on GMoUs in the entire region. “If you subtract this amount from the N41.10 billion invested in the 37 active GMoU clusters in the Niger Delta, it shows that the Bayelsa StateremittancesrepresentmorethanhalfofthetotalsumspentonGMoUs in the region.
Cultists Kill 6 in Kogi Community
NofewerthansixpersonshavebeenkilledbysuspectedcultistsonThursday nightinDekinalocalgovernmentcouncilofthestate.THISDAYreliablygathered yesterday that the attack occurred at about 10pm at Anyingba on as some cultistinvadedsomeresidentialplacesshootingsporadically. Accordingto sources, six persons were killed during the clash between cult members. It was gathered that the victims were gunned down at various places in the community. According to the source, One person was reportedly killed at Ofejikpi, one at Kaduna Efekpe, two at Anwa Muslumi, one at Ijebu-ode and oneatOfekoAnyigba.ThesourcefurtherdisclosedthatsomecultistsatKogi StateUniversityAnyigbainvitedsomeoftheircolleaguesfromanotherschool to come to their rescue.The attack was said to be more of revenge mission L-R: Fund Raising Committee Chair of the Nigerian Bar Association- Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), Chinyere Okorocha; Vice Chair- followinganattackonsomemembersofaparticularcultgroupsometimeago. man, NBA-SBL, Seni Adio; Chairman, NBA-SBL, Olumide Akpata; and Chairman, 2018 conference planning committee, Okey Egbuchu, at the press conference to announce the 12th annual business law conference in Lagos, today BSN Awards Business Executives Scholarships As part of activities for its 30th Anniversary, Business School Netherlands, a leading business school and the Pioneer of Action Learning MBA has announcedplanstoempowerNigerianswithscholarships.TheDirectorofthe SchoolinNigeria,Mr.LereBaale,saidtheirthemewas:“Celebrating30yearsof Resilience.�Healsothataline-upofactivitieswouldbetakingplaceallthrough theyear,callingonstudents,alumniandthepublictojointhecelebration. The Director in a statement made available to THISDAY said the school would be holding an Essay Competition on the topic: “The Application of Action Camp Chairman in charge of Bama IDPs to come into the camp to cause Learning to Business Growth.� in which Nigerian working class professioncamp in Borno State. Senator Iroegbu in Abuja and The body also alleged other and Konduga councils IDPs, said, havoc or trouble again.� als stood to win scholarships for her Executive Masterclass programmes. Michael Olugbode, in Maiduguri He asked journalists to go Interestedparticipantscanenterforthecompetitionthroughwww.bsnmba. infractions committed by the soldiers “We have about 7000 IDPs now in Officials and internally displaced against the society, in the report that camp from both Bama and Konduga “round and ask the women and org/scholarship.Thestatementadded:“WeobservethatwhenNigeriansare persons at camps in Maiduguri, drew the ire of military authorities LGAs and have never heard or girls themselves to ascertain if what exposedtointernationaleducation,theyexcel.Everyyear,Nigeriansemerge receive any rape case involving I am saying as their leader that if among our best students. the Borno State capital on Friday in the country. any of the women or girl has ever A visit to two camps, Dalori I and any military man". defended the Nigerian military "All we know about the military reported to us any rape case involving Delta Plans Palm Oil Export over the allegation of rape and Bakassi, in Maiduguri by a team sexual assault raised by Amnesty of media correspondents in the at the camp is security and nothing a military man since our stay here Governor Infeanyi Okowa of Delta State has reiterated the determination town, showed that the soldiers were more. This is even my first time of at the camp except for other cases ofhisadministrationtoestablishasolidfoundationfordiversificationofthe International. This is as the military in a separate restricted to their sentry, mounted hearing this allegation; this is nothing which involved cases of stealing, economyofDeltaStatethroughtheextensivedevelopmentoftheagricultural but a lie just to smear the integrity of fight, disputes and conflicts among sectorwiththe"flag-off2018smallholderoilpalmscheme".Hesaidthescheme forum, again denied that its personnel outside the fence of the camps. Some of the women and officials the military that are busy providing IDPs.� He also said the military had wouldaimatproductionofpalmoilforlocalconsumptionandexport.Okowa neither molested, sexually assaulted nor raped any Internally Displaced interviewed, said they had never us with security day and night along never been involved in the day to kickedoffthedistributionof220,000palmseedlings,whichwouldbeplanted Persons (IDP) as alleged by Amnesty witnessed any case of sexual harass- with other security agents in camp. day administration of the camp. in1, 517 hectares of land, during a ceremony at Ejeme-Unor, Aniocha South “It may be that the Amnesty ment especially from the military International recent report. Also at Dalori I IDPs, the Health Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday. The seedlings project Amnesty International in its most deployed to guard the camp against International wants to instigate or Coordinator at the camp, Mrs. Ndas wasapprovedbythestategovernmentin2016,andthedistributionceremony provoke the military to withdraw Zamdai said in all her years at the wasattendedbyfarmersandstakeholdersfromdifferentpartsofthestate. recent report had alleged that teenage invasion. One of the officials at Dalori I their services at the camp in order camp, no case of rape had been girls were randomly raped by soldiers guarding internally displaced persons IDPs camp, Alhaji Bukar Lambari, the for the enemies of government and reported against the military. Prospective Recruit Slumps, Dies The Nigeria Police Force has expressed regret over the death of one of its prospective recruits in the latest recruitment exercise.This was contained in a statement yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), ACP MoshoodJimoh,whoinformedthefamilyofoneDanjumaChristianaofher sudden death. Jimoh said the deceased was a female PC recruit candidate Narrating the ordeal, the Sochima and Chideraa Aguluka withnumberPSCRKD094fromKadunaStateundergoingMedicalscreening Our correspondent who was at David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka the family house of the deceased, mother of the deceased Mrs. told THISDAY that they sensed for 2018 Police recruitment. He said the late Danjuma Christiana slumped A 60-year-old man, Mr. Cletus learnt that trouble started when Georgina Aguluka said it all trouble that night and decided whilefillingMedicalTestForm;shewasresuscitatedandrushedtoNational Aguluka of Ndiagu Igboezue in Cletus came home the previous started when her husband took to run out of the house because HospitalAbujawhereshewasconfirmeddeadatabout1100hrs.Hesaidthat their father always looked for her corpse earlier deposited at the National Hospital Mortuary Abuja had Osikwu village, Awgbu, Orumba night drunk and asked after his to drinking. "Since he started drinking, excuses to molest them. been released to her family. " North council area Thursday torchlight.
HUNTING FOR CASH...
Borno IDPs, OfďŹ cials, Military Deny Amnesty International Rape Allegation
Man, 60, Kills Daughter over Missing Torchlight
morning stabbed his daughter, Miss Onyinye Aguluka to death, while she was asleep. THISDAY gathered that the incident has thrown members of the community into mourning. The unfortunate incidence happened around 1am after Cletus woke up from sleep and could not find his torchlight, and instantly suspected that his daughter may have taken it.
His children were said to have told him that they didn't know where it was, but he pretended that all was well, and went to bed. A member of the family who refused to disclose his name said "We thought he had forgotten only for him to wake up around 1am in the morning, went inside his room and brought out a machet and stabbed his daughter.
he has become unnecessarily troublesome, always taking offence about everything." Confirming the incident, the immediate younger brother of the suspect, Mr. Sabastian Aguluka said that his brother had been acting like that especially with members of his family including himself. The brothers of the deceased young lady who are twins
The suspect it was learnt fled the house upon committing the crime, while the deceased is said to have been buried immediately after autopsy was conducted on her. Attempt to confirm the tragic incident with the police public relations officer of Anambra State police command, Mr. Haruna Mohammed failed as he did not pick his calls.
IGP: Community Policing Will End Proliferation of Firearms Weapons Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Community Policing will help to mop up unlicensed firearms in civilian possession, remove suspicion and foster cordial relationship between the Police and the public, says the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris. The IGP stated this yesterday during the Graduation Ceremony of The Tactical Leadership and Command
Course, held at the Police Staff College in Jos, Plateau State. Represented by the Commandant of the college, AIG Dorothy Gimba, Idris said, “The story of policing the Nigeria state cannot be complete without reference to Community Policing which creates platforms for the Police to interface with their host communities and relevant stakeholders to seek collective solutions to security challenges.
“It gives ownership to the citizens and solves a host of problems which include reconciliation of communities and groups with their difference and also identify criminal elements. “It builds trust and guarantee free flow of information which assists the Police to have seamless operations, availing the Police the opportunity to educate and sensitise the public on the need to promptly report suspicious movements, strange
persons around their localities and respect existing laws.� Earlier, Gimba had lauded the IGP for availing the college the adequate support it required to thrive. She said, “Interestingly, the Police Staff College with the support of the Force management team under the leadership of the IGP Ibrahim Idris has witnessed significant transformations in the area of academic and infrastructure.�
Eects of Climate Change on GDP
TheInstituteforPublicPolicyAnalysisandManagement(IPPAM)haswarned thatifanaggressiveclimatechangepolicywasnotputinplacetosustainthe socio-economic development, the country would lose 11 per cent of Gross DomesticProduct(GDP)toclimatechangeby2020.Thiswasthehighlights of the IPPAM one-day public policy roundtable series onThursday in Abuja withthetheme:“ClimateChange,LivelihoodsandPublicPolicyResponsesin Nigeria."ThestakeholdersalsolamentedthatNigeriadidnothaveanycoherent policydocumentdevelopedontheissueofclimatechange.Accordingtothe keynotespeakerandViceChancellor,AlexEkwuemeUniversity,Ebonyi, Prof. ChinedumNwajiuba,thecountry’sEconomicRecoveryGrowthPlan(ERGP) insomeinstanceswasinconsistentwithNationallyDeterminedContribution (NDC),whichshouldbethepillarofsustainabledevelopmentinthecountry.
Lagos Safety Summit
Foritsinauguralsummit,SafetySummitLagoswillbeaddressingstandard safetypractises,particularlyinanerawheretheeconomyisfacedwithgrappling securityissues. Securityregulators,industryprofessionals,safetyadvocates andbusinessleadersareexpectedatthetwoday-conferenceonJune7and 8,atCivicCentreVictoriaIsland,Lagos.Someofthebilledspeakersinclude Director-General,LagosStateSafetyCommission,HakeemDickson;Senator,Kano-centralR.NKwankwaso,andGroupHeadFlourMills,HealthSafety Environmental Sustainability, R. Georgios. The governor of Lagos State, AkinwumiAmbodeandhisdeputy,OlurantiAdebulewillalsogracethesummit. Accordingtotheorganisers,thesummitisdedicatedtoenlighteningcorporate bodiesandindividualsontheneedtoembracewholesomesafetypractices, inaccordancewiththerightstandardsofguidingpolicies. Buttressingonthe importoftheconference,HakeemDicksonstated:"Inasocietyburgeoning with human demands and industrial needs, the time has come to shore up longevityandproductivity,bytakingoccupationalsafetyandhealthseriously."
T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY JUNE 2, 2018
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ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
COMMENTARY
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT Ephraim Adiele argues that the APC has failed to fulfil its electoral promises
Dear Sir,
I
have not been a fan of you as Nigeria’s president since you emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 because I have done proper ground research. My first draft of this open letter was quite lengthy. After writing for a while (about 1200 words) I stopped and realised I was ranting, then I realised I did not really need to analyse how bad your administration has been because Nigerians are feeling it and do not need an article reminding them of their very sorry condition. Then I remembered that fateful day – December 24, 2014 - when I was invited to Oriental Hotel, Lagos as part of a number of young leaders of thought to come and have audience with your then-Vice-Presidential aspirant, Yemi Osinbajo. On that day, we were given the APC manifesto which I went through and laughed heartily because I realised that you and your party members really take Nigerians for fools (well, aren’t we?) by making promises that can never be fulfilled even in the next 20 years except a miraculous revolution occurs. After I was handed the manifesto, I went through it and underlined several of those phantom promises which I knew will never be fulfilled. I will just list them here and probably just make a few additions later. THE APC promises the following: “Within the first year of your administration, employ 740,000 (20,000 per state + FCT) young graduates in immediate employment and empowerment scheme.â€? This promise was never fulfilled and this is already the third year and no signs of this ever happening. - “After NYSC, we will pay graduates stipends for one year under a vocational scheme where they build entrepreneurial and work-readiness capacity.â€? – NYSC alumni‌ how market? - “Create an additional middle class of at least four million new homeownersâ€? – Please when and where is the next landlord meeting holding? I have to attend. - “Provide free meals in school to drastically reduce the number of out of school children. Osun State provides free lunches and got its enrolment to 80%â€? – This was APC using Governor Rauf Aregbesola as an example! I’m stunned!
‘GENERATE, TRANSMIT AND DISTRIBUTE ELECTRICITY ON A 24 HOUR BASIS ‌ BY 2019’ – I WILL BORROW THE WORDS OF MR PRESIDENT HIMSELF WHEN HE WAS TALKING ABOUT HIS FRIEND, OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, ‘WHERE IS THE POWER?’
- “Targeting up to 20% of our annual budget for education.â€? – By my last check, only 7% of the 2018 budget was allocated for education. - “Ban medical trips for government officialsâ€? - Yes, you read right! Buhari promised to ban medical trips to abroad for government officials. - “Tuition reimbursement for health workers willing to relocate to rural areasâ€? – I know many of my friends in the medical field who would dive at this offer if ever it is made, but what do I know? “Buhari has fulfilled his campaign promisesâ€? - “In different phases over four years, APC will make monthly direct cash transfer of N5,000 to the 25 million poorest citizens, if they immunise their children and enrol them in schoolâ€? – Dear Mr President, I strongly believe I am among the 25 million poorest Nigerians and my children are immunised and in school, where can I join the queue to collect my N5k? - “Generate, transmit and distribute electricity on a 24 hour basis ‌ by 2019â€? – I will borrow the words of Mr President himself when he was talking about his friend, Olusegun Obasanjo, “Where is the power?â€? - “Will guarantee the independence of EFCC and ICPCâ€? – The same EFCC whose chairman was spotted wearing a Buhari re-election badge during a recent interview with Channels TV? Issokay!!! In summary, a good look at the APC manifesto shows that the Presidency has failed woefully as regards fulfilment of its promises to Nigerians. Aside the aforementioned, it is pertinent to note the following anomalies which have assumed order of the day since the President took oath of office. - Incessant killing of innocent villagers by herdsmen (Fulani or not), people are being killed and nothing is being done about it! Benue, Taraba, Plateau‌ name it! Just before the election, I used to have discussions with my friends and they were all of the opinion that you were the saviour Nigeria badly needed. I used to laugh and tell them you will do exactly what you have been doing and are still doing. I would like to go on, but the point is clear, you proved no point to me, except that which I already knew before you won the 2015 election: You have no business being the President of Nigeria. I like you, but I don’t like you as the president of this country. Adiele is a Media and Digital Marketing Specialist
OMEN OF IMPENDING CALAMITY The APC congresses presage danger ahead, contends Godwin Etakibuebu
A
t the last count, eight states of the federation have drawn up parallel executives to counter what some people called “authentic executives� of the ruling All Progressive Congress [APC] during the recently concluded congresses. One of the most unbelievable states where this happened is Lagos. That some people, albeit members of the APC in Lagos State could challenge the supremacy of the de-facto “Jagaban� of the South-West politics would remain one of the wonders of modern Nigeria’s political history. Emergence of the parallel executives in the eight states came with re-introduction of politics of blood-spinning into the Nigerian polity and this is the most unfortunate dimension of the APC debacle. These eight states of Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Zamfara, Enugu, Ebonyi, Kwara and Delta, where parallel executives emerged saw violence. A few people died in some of these states while in others, it was a day of blood-bath - like the case in Ondo State, where notable citizens were grossly humiliated as most of them were stripped naked. This is without mentioning Imo State where Rochas Okorocha, the APC governor, was demystified and dethroned by machinery of the APC itself. The irony of this sordid shameful show of power is the fact that the perpetrators; both victims and victors, are all members
of the APC. They are all members of the same APC family, speaking the same APC language, eating from the same APC table, wearing the same APC “Aso Ebi� with the same APC political bloodgenotype and indeed the children of the same APC mother, a mother like Jezebel. This is where it takes a more deadly and dreadful manifestation for the larger society in fear of things to come. If in the process of a “family� congresses like the one under discussion, lives could easily be terminated without qualms, what happens when this deadly “family� of APC shall meet with other dramatis personae of other political parties in a general election, like the one we are awaiting in 2019? This is not to say that APC is the only political party in Nigeria with monopoly of violence. It would be absurd to say so because a political observation over the years identified the People Democratic Party [PDP] as a showroom of violence under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Through his two-time tenure of eight years, mostly the last four years, violent death was a free gift for members of the Nigerian political class, most especially within the PDP. Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change [a political party the former Military Head of
State formed in April 2009] was another political party that introduced violence, albeit deadly one for that matter, into the Nigerian polity, only at post-election level. The party which participated in the 2011 general election but could not deliver its presidential candidate to the Villa in Abuja for reason of abysmal performance, succeeded in delivering souls of many Nigerians, mostly those youths that went on service for their fatherland [members of the NYSC deployed to serve in some Northern States], to the greatbeyond. Of course, the First and Second Republics had its own version of violence and brutality displayed but more in the First than the Second Republic. The First Republic witnessed uncontrollable destruction of lives and property all over Nigeria. Such madness was however moderated in the Second Republic through the human-face and person of Shehu Shagari; executive president of that Republic. The years between the First and the Second Republics were the years the “Military Boys�, with their style of “decorated violence�, made incursion into the Nigerian political scene and took away serenity, in addition to respect for lives and property, from Nigeria. They came to loot. They came to destroy. They came
to kill. And they, all of them, achieved hundred per cent maximal performances on these records! Theirs was an era better forgotten for the sake of not offending the sensibility of our collective memories, but suffice to say that many of them; dramatis personae of that era, who unleashed terrorism on us while they wore the military uniform are back with us again as political actors in civilian dresses [Babaringa or Agbada]. This is an observation we must hold dearly to our hearts if we know the difficulty of a Leopard changing its colour. What did the events of the APC nationwide congresses, recently concluded, with its frightful political results, portray for Nigeria’s emerging polity, particularly in 2019 general elections? If the truth must be told, there is likely going to be danger ahead in the Nigerian political horizon if APC, given what it has manifested at the congresses, and being Nigerian ruling political party, leads our country into the next general election in 2019. There is an urgent necessity of escalating the evaluation of this matter as such exercise will help our preparation for what to be expected and also, doing the needful as a people, in order to avoid the impending evil day. Etakibuebu, a veteran Journalist, wrote from Lagos
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ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
INSIGHT
Something to celebrate...
Rename Abuja Stadium after Emmanuel Ifeajuna
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our Excellency, I recalled you hosted the Nigerian men’s national soccer team dubbed the Super Eagles by the erstwhile Chief of General Staff, the late Admiral Augustus Aikhomu at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday 30th May, 2018. However, as the nation still nurses the ambition of hosting the Commonwealth family in the near future, it behoves one to ponder on the fate of the nation’s ďŹ rst commonwealth champion, the late super athlete, Major Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna, who brought the country’s ďŹ rst major honour in a major international sporting competition way back at the Vancouver 54 Commonwealth Games. But Ifeajuna unlike the biblical Mordecai, who was honoured by King Ahasuerus after the King discovered to his utter disbelief that no honour has been bestowed on a man worthy of honour, it is mind boggling that this record setting sporting hero in spite of his illustrious 2.03m golden leap that pushed Uganda’s Patrick Etolu and Nigeria’s compatriot Osagie Nafsio to the second and third spot with a 1.99m jump has been consistently denied national honours beďŹ tting his sporting prowess by successive administrations even when lesser mortals have been adequately rewarded. (The late trail-blazing champion was scandalously excluded from the list of 50 distinguished Nigerians even when those with lesser pedigree in the sporting circuit had their names inscribed in Gold!) . It is on record that the victorious 1980 Green Eagles squad all had houses, cars and national honours;1985 Golden Eaglets had street named after them with scholarship attached; 2007 Eaglets had houses, Saudi 89 Silver winning squad were rewarded with N75,000 and stocks, 3SC 1992 CAF supremo had houses, ditto for Tunisia 1994 Eagles,1996 Dream Team and the super cop Chioma Ajunwa received National honours and N1million each for their efforts; the 2003 CAF Champions league numero uno Enyimba FC are today proud KIA automobile owners, the victorious Delta contingent to the Abuja 2004 national sports festival had N100,000 for gold medalists and a swimming pool to be constructed and named after the pool queen –Blessing Forcados, and those who fulďŹ lled Frenchman Baron Pierre de Coubertin philosophy of participation all got N10,000 each, to cite but few cases. If the sole reason for ignoring the monumental achievement of this conqueror of the British Empire (at least in High Jump) as being insinuated in certain quarters is his prime role in the January 1966 maiden coup de tat, implying that a coupist cannot be
honoured or decorated with national award, then the hogwash proposition is not only laughable but smack of sheer double standard, and the hallmark of travesty and miscarriage of justice. It is an open secret that seasoned coupists and allied conspirators have been duly or unduly honoured with state and national awards while having national and state monuments dotting the entire landscape of the nation named and renamed after them, and have contested (and still contesting) elections at every sphere of national polity (I beg to be corrected)! What is sauce for the goose should equally be sauce for the gander. Even if the triple Rreconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation deliberately excluded Ifeajuna and co, the Obasanjo administration has been magnanimous enough to restore the ranks of officers and men involved in the heady civil war. Thus it is pertinent to ask why the lack of courage in giving honour unto whom honour is due? Or is it a case of a prophet is without honour save his land? Opeyemi Ajala FCA, former sports presenter Eagles Sports Hour on Eagle Cable Television, Ikeja, Lagos
Calista Ume-Ezeoke: Another Award-Winning Teacher
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an anybody controvert the fact that Anambra State is the home of achievers, who have gained global recognition for their outstanding and sterling performances in their chosen careers and endeavours? Have we forgotten that the late Nnamdi Azikiwe, a freedom fighter, and nationalist par excellence hailed from Anambra State? And, Anambra State is the home-state of Rev. Father Cyprian Iwene Tansi, who has been canonised for sainthood; Chinua Achebe, the iconic , peerless, and inimitable novelist, whose novel ‘Things Fall Apart’ has sold millions of copies; Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the former Commonwealth Secretary General, and many others I will leave out here for the reason of space. Anambra people who are fiercely patriotic and sedulous, are excelling in many different spheres of human endeavours like sports, trading, music, politics, teaching, and others In fact, for the past three successive years, teachers who are natives of Anambra State had brought laurels, glories and honour to themselves and their home-state through their uncommon and laudable pedagogic feats. At a time the quality of education obtainable in the country has nose-dived, and teachers in the country are treated cavalierly, they
T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com
have been working assiduously and relentlessly to mould the personalities of students and impart knowledge to them, effectively. Thankfully, their hard work and teaching expertise did not go unnoticed, as they received awards and prizes instituted by the government and corporate organisations to reward brilliant, knowledgeable, and sedulous teachers as well as boost their morale and enthusiasm for teaching or pedagogy. In 2015, the fair-skinned , unobtrusive, and prepossessing Rose Nkem Obi, who hails from Agulu, Anambra State, won the maiden edition of the Nigerian Maltina Teacher Of the Year Competition, which was sponsored by the Nigerian Breweries plc. She received a handsome cash prize for her victory. And in 2017, Clement Okodo,a teacher at Abagana Central School, and a native of Abatete in Anambra State, won the best teacher award for primary school teachers in the country. Both Rose Nkem Obi (nee Akpulu) and Mr. Clement Okodo are champions of learning and education. And they are very zealous and passionate about imparting knowledge to school children, not minding that teachers in Nigeria are oftentimes neglected and treated with utter disdain. And, despite, the fact that we live in a milieu of Philistinism, and that teachers are not accorded respect in the country, the duo evolved a hands-on and participatory pedagogic methodology of teaching, which earned them prizes and national recognition, and endeared them to their students and pupils. However, it’s not only Rose Nkem Obi and Clement Okodo, who are the Anambra awardwinning teachers. There is Mrs. Calista Chika Ume-Ezeoke, a native of Umuoji, Anambra State, who has come into her own regarding teaching. Mrs Ume-ezeoke , who is married to a man from Amichi, Anambra State, has earned acclaim, respect of her contemporaries, through her teaching prowess. Today, she has entered the pantheon of Anambra awardwinning teachers. She was the Lagos State champion of the Nigerian Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition for 2016 and 2017, respectively. And, she was the first runner-up in the 2017 edition of the Nigerian Maltina Teacher Of The Year Competition at the national level. Those who know her well are not surprised at her winning those priceless teaching diadems, laurels, and prizes. Chiedu Uche OKoye, Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 2, 2018
SUPER SATURDAY
WILLIAMS POPOOLA
How I Discovered the Future of Marketing Is Digital Williams Popoola can be described as an enigma in the advertising world –simple, suave and spectacular. The experienced digital marketing expert is the managing director of Wow Effects. As a digital artisan and marketing strategist, Popoola is a pioneer of digital marketing in Nigeria. Prior to starting Wow Effect, he was head of marketing for the Nigerian arm of Naspers (Africa’s Biggest Company). He consults on digital strategies with companies on three continents including brands ranging from NIIT, Vitafoam, FPT Corporation, Nordica Fertility, Autoport, and LCCI to a list of promising start-ups and small businesses. He speaks with Adedayo Adejobi on how his success, setbacks and inspiration My Recipe for Successful Digital Marketing Campaigns Using Digital Marketing to Create Public Awareness about Endometriosis in Nigeria My Greatest Success
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ow did your career begin? I have an interesting career trajectory. I worked throughout my undergraduate days at the University of Lagos first as a book distributor to churches across Nigeria and later as an operations official in the geophysical department of my uncle’s engineering firm. My first post job was with Lagos Judicial Service Commission. I was a sheriff –that was late 2005. I resigned from this job immediately I finished my master’s degree in 2009. Anybody that does anything with the judiciary knows that the sheriff job was a ‘juicy’ one. But I knew I had to leave if I was to make anything of my life. I was lucky at this time to have met Tim Akimbo. My master’s degree was in advertising and PR but nobody was employing me. Tim asked me a pointed question on what differentiated me from the thousands of master’s degree holders in the job market and truthfully, I had no unique value proposition. So, I did a bit of analysis and identified that the future of marketing was digital. With this realisation, I started learning everything I could on digital marketing on the Internet. I started a blog and offered internet marketing service to small companies (mostly for free). Not long after this, I got a job with a Boston-based company with some e-commerce businesses in Nigeria. I was made the head of marketing. From there, I moved to Naspers as head of business development in their Nigeria unit. I worked with two other companies before I decided to start my own digital agency in Nigeria in partnership with a Vietnamese colleague. If you had to define yourself vocationally in one sentence what would it be? I would describe myself as a very determined and principled professional. What have been your key or keys to success? Well, success is relative. So, I am not very sure if I am a success by the goals I have set for myself. However, in terms of the little that I have been able to achieve, I guess the most important contributory factor will be my love for learning. I read for at least three hours a day. Another thing will be patience. In the early days of my company, I was probably more focused on trying to achieve results all at once, but experience has taught me that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. What was your greatest success and biggest setback? That is a tough one. I could say pitching and winning internationally competitive accounts in Europe and Asia. But that will just be looking at it from the narrow prism of image and financial reward. Personally, I will choose my little contribution to creating public awareness about endometriosis in Nigeria as my greatest success. As for setback, I really can’t say precisely. Who were the biggest inspirations for your career? Without doubt, Will Reynolds of Seer Interactive and Michael King of iPull Rank. These are two black men that are doing great in the white dominated space of digital marketing in the USA. These guys have substance and their career and successes have inspired me greatly. What are some common myths about digital marketing agency executives? All they do is post things on social media! That actually stems from the poor understanding of what digital marketing entails. A lot of people believe that by engaging on social media they are doing digital marketing but this is not 100 per cent true. In reality, the social media is just one of the available channels of digital marketing. In most industry verticals, social media is actually one of the least effective digital channels in terms of return on investment.
Popoola
Describe your typical day at work. My day starts by 4am. I read for like one hour, mostly blogs, industry news and educational videos. Then I do some work for another one hour. After which I start to prepare for work. I get to office around eight in the morning. Have quick stand up meeting with the team leads so we can discuss projects. This usually lasts for 15 minutes. After this, I attend to my mails and do some management stuff till 11 am when I go for my breakfast. From 11:30 to 1:30pm I roll my sleeves and get some work done reviewing and optimising clients’ campaigns. After this, I move to the play area where I play video games alone or with some of the guys in the office. After this, I work for some two hours after which I leave for home. Later at night, I do like two more hours of work. Of course, for days when I have meetings outside of office, it doesn’t follow that routine.
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 2, 2018
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SUPERSATURDAY I BELIEVE BEING SUCCESSFUL IS MORE OF MARATHON THAN SPRINT Wow Effect Communications is a full service digital marketing agency with expertise in digital marketing strategy, website design and development, social media marketing, viral and search marketing. We develop interactive strategies and experiences, implementing projects that provide extraordinary value for brands through innovative design. Our design arm, Acumen, is arguably the leading UI/UX agencies in West Africa. For now, most of our clients are actually foreign companies
ventional marketing over digital marketing? Do you think that digital marketing is a threat to the future of conventional marketing? I think digital and traditional marketing are complementary. So, I won’t say one is better than the others. Though, they have their respective advantages. Also, it is difficult to form a definitive conclusion about the death of traditional marketing. What I know, however, is that traditional ad spending and effectiveness are on a downward trajectory. So, I think digital will force traditional marketing to evolve into some new hybrid, or new context, rather than disappearing overnight. What are the common mistakes committed by organisations in leveraging on digital marketing? I think the biggest mistake is not having a strategy. I have had tens of meetings with prospective clients and one of the first questions I ask at the discovery stage is: ‘what internet marketing strategy do you have in place?’ The commonest answers are ‘we advertise on Facebook’, ‘we have employed somebody to manage our Twitter and Facebook account’; ‘we have banner ads on XYZ sites’. Little wonder virtually all of these companies are reporting little or no return on investment from their online marketing activities. The fact is that without a clear strategy, your online marketing effort is doomed to failure.
How does the Internet search marketing and search engine optimisation play into your business? I will say search marketing, both organic (SEO) and paid (mostly AdWords) is central to everything we do. The reason for this is not farfetched, effective SEO gives a company long-term competitive advantage while paid search helps us to generate immediate results for clients from day one of the campaign.
Which are your three favourite digital marketing tools? For SEO, I love Semrush. For social media, my favourite tool will be Hootsuite. And yes, I love Google Analytics.
Is it important to collaborate with colleagues in the field? Absolutely! Digital marketing is broad and it is almost impossible for one agency to have all the required expertise in house. For instance, we used to outsource most of our UI/UX projects to dedicated design agency abroad until late last year when we executed a merger with a South Africanbased UI/UX agency, Acumen. Who are three of the most renowned digital marketing agency executives in the world right now? How and why did they get to the top? What are people at the top of this profession paid? I will rephrase that question to mention three of the most renowned digital marketing thought leaders in the world right now. I will say Dave Chaffey of Smart Insight, Larry Kim of Wordstream and Avinash Kaushik. The success or otherwise of a company’s digital engagement depends largely on their strategy. No one understands and has contributed more to the development of digital marketing strategy frameworks than Dave Chaffey. Data analytics: the practice of transforming raw data into meaningful insights that can be used to drive business decisions is, without doubt, one of the most important aspects of most digital marketing programmes. Avinash Kaushik has probably contributed more to this field than any other person. He has done so much in simplifying perceived complexity in the field of data analytics. Larry Kim is a one of the most brilliant and versatile digital marketers. He knows everything about everything and he is ever willing to share his knowledge with others. On the industry pay structure, I think it varies on lot of factors. A very good UI/UX designer will earn minimum of N500,000 a month while a social media executive can earn as little as N60,000 a month. So, it depends on the degree of expertise and experience. What are the hottest digital marketing specialties for the new decade?
A small business owner or one-man marketing team can very easily get overwhelmed by all their social media accounts. What advice do you have to help keep them on track and be involved? It’s simple: you don’t need to engage on all the available channels. And don’t get swayed by the new shining object. Identify the most appropriate channels for your business and focus on those. What are the top skills you look for when hiring a candidate for digital marketing profile? Writing skills and technical skills; but most important, teachability.
Photos: Ph t Odukoya Od k Ad Aderemii
Data and analytics, design and content creation.
know if you have the aptitude for digital marketing or not.
Describe your ideal job candidate and your nightmare job candidate. My ideal job candidate is someone that is teachable. Nightmare job candidates, and there are so many of them. But I will give the trophy to one guy that could not answer even one question correctly only for him to prostrate himself at the end of the interview that we had to give him the job because he needed the money desperately. When we asked him to go he refused. He just kept begging.
What advice can you give to prospective students thinking about an education and career in the business side of digital marketing? Get ready to work hard. Digital marketing is a very dynamic field. The search engines and social media platforms keep tinkering with their algorithms and you as a digital marketing professional need to keep abreast of these changes and adapt to them to give your clients the desired results.
How should prospective digital marketing students assess their skill and aptitude for this field? How good a writer are you? How good are you with numbers? Do you have any programming skills? Do you love reading? Questions like these will help you
The growth of the Internet affected nearly every industry in profound ways. What do you believe will be the next big trend in advertising? Artificial intelligence. What are the advantages of con-
How do you stay updated on the latest trends in digital marketing? I read a lot. I follow lots of digital marketing thought leaders on social media and subscribe to many industry newsletters. Which are the digital marketing resources (i.e. blogs/websites/apps) you visit regularly? Chief Martech, MOZ, Smart Insight, Occams’s Razor and a lot of relevant places on medium. Would you like to share few words about the work you are doing at Wow Effect? Wow Effect Communications is a full service digital marketing agency with expertise in digital marketing strategy, website design and development, social media marketing, viral and search marketing. We develop interactive strategies and experiences, implementing projects that provide extraordinary value for brands through innovative design. Our design arm, Acumen, is arguably the leading UI/UX agencies in West Africa. For now, most of our clients are actually foreign companies.
Biggest Mistake Organisations Make in Digital Marketing Is Having No Strategy
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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
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LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND FASHION FILE ENCOUNTER
pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 43 pg. 46
Elishama Ideh I Want to Be President of Nigeria in 2019
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 2, 2018
PLUS
How I Intend to Use Social Entrepreneurship to Bring Prosperity to Nigeria As a change agent with passion for humanity, a social entrepreneur out to mend broken lives, her ambitions are more than dreams. Her forays into real estate, oil and gas, faith-based organisations, and other endeavours always have the touch of pulling people and businesses from the brink. She believes she has what it takes to save Nigeria from the brink of a looming peril. Her audacity in the face of odds, her passion for people and her love for her country, have made Dr. Elishama Ideh to offer herself as a redeemer that will get Nigeria out of the doldrums to a state of prosperity. Azubike Ogbonnaya captures Ideh’s passionate desire for a united and prosperous Nigeria, what makes her tick and her 2019 presidential ambition
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r. Elishama Eli Ideh is a social entrepreneur – a socia path she has traversed for decades. d She believes that looking belie out for f one another as Nigerians is the right Nige attitude to make impact attitu and promote selfless service among the leaders. This has refl reflected in her social Today, her sense of entrepreneurship. T social entrepreneur entrepreneurship has led her into politics. Ideh is a strong aand purposeful voice across the sev several meaningful endeavours her life and time have touched. She has g gained the attention of both the local an and international media and has been called upon to speak on a plethora of issues ranging from work, career, bu business and human development to the ssocio-spiritual. She believes that th the place of women in the history of gove governance of nations is quite strategic as soci societies in the throes of misgovernance and ccrumbling leadership have, in many instan instances, landed the fortune of strong wo women who bring sanity and order to the n national quagmire. “Our national lore is replete with the exploits of these icon iconic women- which includes; Queen Idia of the Benin Kingdom; Queen Amina of Zaria; Princess Inikpi of Igala land; Q Queen Omu Okwei of Onitsha; Moremi o of Ile-Ife; Margaret Ekpo; Funmilayo Ran Ransome-Kuti, etc. And in contemporary history, women like Madame Ellen Jo Johnson-Sirleaf, the former President of L Liberia; Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May of the United kingdom; and Chanc Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, just to m mention a few. It is becoming increasingl increasingly known, backed by the authority of emp empiricism, that women are best suited to serv serve a nation in need
of a rebirth,” she said. Ideh is aware of this burden for national rebirth. She has carried it for many years. At this point in Nigeria’s history, she has decided to take responsibility for the birth of a new Nigeria under a unified vision, mission and mandate to make this nation an enviable patch of paradise in the global space. This is the summary of her leadership leanings – orchestrating an unmissable change. Her core advocacy is a new Nigeria unequivocally founded on patriotism and justice. These are prerequisites for building a sustainable and united Nigeria. In recent years, she has repeatedly championed the dignity of the National flag and the need for it to be the rallying point for Nigerians as well as the symbol of unity. She has spent millions of naira partnering individuals and organisations across the different religious groups and tribes in a bid to find a common ground for a prosperous Nigeria – a Nigeria where peace and justice reign, as expressed in the national anthem. The enormity of national rebirth is never lost on a woman of Ideh’s stature. The sophistication of her mind’s infrastructure – the sheer audacity of a fiery and humane reformer unites behind her noble ambition to usher Nigeria into a new day making her to say: “Nigeria will cease to be a potential. It will become one of the most pleasurable experiences on earth”. These words have propelled her towards 2019 where, with every Nigerian citizen, the work for a truly great Nigeria begins. Ideh sees a Nigeria whose colourful and dynamic cultural diversity is a potent source of strength and a catalyst for greatness. She envisions a strong sociopolitical entity built on strong institutions in which the citizens invest
Her core advoc advocacy is a new Nigeria unequivocally founded on patriotism an and justice. These are prerequisites for building a sustainab sustainable and united Nigeria. In recent years, she has repeatedly championed the dignity of the National repea flag and the need for it to be the rallying point for Nig Nigerians as well as the symbol of unity. She has spent millions of naira partnering individuals an and organisations across the different religious groups and tribes in a bid to find a common ground for a prosperous Nigeria – a Nigeria where peace and justice reign, as expressed in the national anthem Ali
JUNE 2, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
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PLUS I Want to Move Nigeria From a Potential ential State to a Glorious Level Ideh’s vision and passion have been to give new life and confidence to the oppressed and destitute –the dregs of the society – restore hope to them by sharing God’s love in word and deed. As the only girl in her family, she was the centre of attraction and affection of her parents and siblings. Her primary education at the high-profile Mayflower Primary School, Ikenne, Ogun State, and secondary school education at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Onitsha, before proceeding to study Mass Communication at Bowie State College, Maryland, USA, equipped her to face the challenges she carved out for herself their confidence which engender in the people a strong sense of patriotism, in their journey towards Nigeria’s evolution into a united, just, and prosperous nation. She has further seen her public stewardship as a natural extension of her spiritual service to her creator. Her work is a vital aspect of her worship, and her service to humans is an extension of her service to God. She seeks to spread hope among Nigerians based on her belief in the Nigerian enterprise and in the capacity of the Nigerian youth to achieve great things, given the right environment and the right opportunities for self-actualisation and national greatness. With her experience in real estate, oil and gas, Ideh didn’t take long to discover her passion for social entrepreneurship starting with propping up the downtrodden and other socially vulnerable persons in Lagos and other parts of the country. Ideh’s vision and passion have been to give new life and confidence to the oppressed and destitute –the dregs of the society – restore hope to them by sharing God’s love in word and deed. As the only girl in her family, she was the centre of attraction and affection of her parents and siblings. Her primary education at the high-profile Mayflower Primary School, Ikenne, Ogun State, and secondary school education at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Onitsha, before proceeding to study Mass Communication at Bowie State College, Maryland, USA, equipped her to face the challenges she carved out for herself. On her return from the US, she went into business and was very successful. Consequently when the nudge began to go into social work, she hesitated. But even in the midst of this highflying business profile, Ideh had by this time, come to realise that her true calling was more in the socio-spiritual sphere – an area she could more fully invest in people and help them actualise their potential, restore their humanity, dignity and set them on the path to their God-ordained destinies. It was then that she resolved to become a change agent and take her social roles a notch higher in the society to impact lives and transform her community. In her quest to actualise her burden for social mobilisation and empowerment, Ideh founded Christ the Ever-Present Ministry (CTEM) and the Elishama Ideh Ministries. Both are faith-based humanitarian organisations formed to support, strengthen and rehabilitate lives, especially among vulnerable groups such as widows, orphans and the destitute. “It must be emphasised strongly that coming from this background of my
work in the socio-spiritual piritual sphere, I was able to witness the stark reality of the decay and poverty level of our people and how special social cial security schemes or infrastructure aree not in place to curb the debilitating situation uation which is why my heart and my passion has been stirred up to rise first rst as a citizen of this great country and become a change agent that the nation on desperately needs,” Ideh noted. Her activities through ough these organisations have been instrumental trumental to the creation of numerous us opportunities in the areas of education, ion, skills acquisition and vocational training and entrepreneurship for or vulnerable groups, especially in n disadvantaged neighbourhoods rhoods in Lagos and other comm munities across the country. Her organisations have also provided mentoring, toring, counselling, shelter and or countless business support for individuals and families milies in these areas. She added: “We have watched eople transthe lives of these people form dramatically in a very short space of time. Mostt of them have conomically been empowered economically .” and are doing well.” reneurial Her social entrepreneurial work no doubt has brought h her face to face with the stark reality of poverty. “In Nigeria right now, poverty is on the increase, e, and this is because we’ve failed to understand derstand that poverty arises as a result of the mismanagement ment and failure to properly harness our God-given natural ural resources and the insensitivity of pastt and present government nt to the welfare of itss people,” she noted. It is against this backdrop that Ideh is offering to contest and serve Nigeria in 2019 19 as the president. She envisions a strong sociopolitiopolitical entity built on strong institutions in which h the citizenry invest their confidence, strong rong institutions, which ople engender in the people a strong sense of patriotism, atriotism, in the journey towards ards Nigeria’s evolution into a united, ited, just, and prosperous nation.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 2, 2018
with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)
LOUD WHISPERS
Gbajamialla
Femi Gbajamialla : Femo ! My paddy, was that you in that clownish Gucci suit in the video presenting the latest G-Wagon said to be worth N100m to your obviously elated wife on her 50th birthday bash and was that her looking like an overripe tangerine in that outfit? I am still in relative shock and in a stupor from what I saw. I have been in debates on so many social media platforms for defending you that, that cannot be my own Gbaja. In fact, I have been saying it is Spike Lee, the famed American movie director who shares an uncanny resemblance to you. My egbon, they have been yabbing you o and I have had a herculean task defending you. There is nothing legally wrong with gifting your wife that kind of expensive gift if you can afford it from proceeds of legal engagement. The only problem there is that my own wife recently turned 50 and I got her perfumes and a collection of my essays. I explained to her that what matters is the fact that God has kept us alive and that we still have a powerful sex life after all these years that we should thank God o. After all, some of our age mates can’t even get it up again. But this your video and gift have scattered my family o. If it is true that you are the one in that video and that you dropped N100m for a car, then you have killed me, Gbaja. Please, be sure that you have lost the support of the Duke of Shomolu and I will be officially joining forces with the people who are saying that you have represented Surulere for too long. Please, no be only you dey for Surulere. I can count over 600 people who are eminently qualified to do the job, if not better. Please, Surulere people let’s rise up against the tyranny of the Gucci-wearing oligarch. It haff do. Can you imagine now I have to go look for tokunbo car to buy to get peace? Abeg, we need new representation in Surulere. It haff do. Falz – This Is Our Nigeria Last time I wrote on this page that you were becoming more relevant than your erudite father, the legendary Femi Falana, I was made to apologise on the same page. You know big coward that I was, I wrote a longer piece begging daddy so he would not take me to court. Who needs court matter when I have not paid school fees? So as I watched this video, I was screaming, I was shouting, I was crying and I stripped naked and ran around the house. This was a masterpiece, touching sacred topics we are all afraid to touch. Falz killed it. Falz killed the churches, screaming about how they took our tithes to build schools we cannot afford to take our kids to. He railed against official corruption, the Dapchi and Chibok girls made appearances in the video dancing their sorrows in our faces. Falz was culture. Falz was massive and Falz has taken it. It is no wonder the video has hit over a million views, leading to the iconic American pop figure-P Diddy to comment on Twitter. Falz, you are a true soldier and well done. Jega: Long Time I stumbled on this obviously patriotic Nigerian on TV giving a speech where he lampooned the National Assembly for being corrupt. I watched him talk about his interaction with a few heads of
Falz
Jega
Prof Yemi Osinbajo : Let’s Go Home I saw the footage, the one of the visiting women who came to ask for better representation in 2019. The president in response was said to have jokingly sent a message to my amiable Prof that his job was being threatened. You see, in Nigeria nothing at that level is a joke, the vice president’s job is really at stake except Buhari continues with his political naiveté and keeps him with no political equity or capital to trade with. You see, Osinbajo has put himself in this situation with his very unique style of doing ‘’I no dey among’’. The VP has perfected this political technique which is quite novel and would soon be studied at the Kennedy School of Government in Havard. I am pushing the study. Let me tell you guys about it. It is the impossibility of walking through a pigsty in white clothes and expect to come out without blemish. A case of “I am with you but I am not with you”. So the VP was attorney general in a Lagos State administration which garnered so much public reactions over its handling of some of the most tricky transactions; an administration that although performed creditably well but still came out with an image that wasn’t that clean. My layman sense tells me that he would have been involved in constructing the legal framework for some of these transactions that have left some sour taste in the mouth of the people. But he still positioned himself as being
government and parastatals who have serially complained about the need to grease palms at the National Assembly before getting their budgets passed. This is no news o my daddy. What is news is if we can actually change the paradigm. For me, my lord, I think we should
detached with a very strong image as a man of character which he is no doubt, and on the back of that got NOMINATED as our vice president. Well, the tactic have served him so well in government until now. You see without jumping into the trench and positioning yourself as an aloof intellectual, you have not built any political capital and as such in the negotiations leading up to 2019, you remain a sitting duck. With a weakened political godfather, a poor record in governance by the administration, I fear you will not be standing on very strong grounds. If I were in Buhari’s shoes, I will throw you overboard while seeking for the emotional votes of the women who make up the majority of our population. These ones are not interested in logic, political affiliation, issues or any of that kind thing once a woman is on the ticket. Even if it’s Linda Ikeji, you will begin to see women solidarity. They will just flock in and vote for their sister no matter where she comes from and what religion she professes. They will even vote for Bobrisky as long as IT wears lipstick. My brother I have been trying Buhari’s number for the last one week, the network is bad, I have a 49-page document I solely wrote immediately you gave your daughter out to that Kogi boy without considering my interest. Please do not take this personal; it’s for the unity of the nation, you will just have to make the sacrifice.
institutionalise corruption. Let’s legalise it so that we charge a fee or commission as Nigerians from these proceeds. Let me give an example as I have already said it at this point. Government should provide an environment where corruption thrives, regulate it, cap it and then tax it. My barber
Ikeji
is doing it and is succeeding with his barbers who have been stealing him dry. They now pay him a fee and he is making his money since he cut off salaries. So everybody knows that bail is free but I have yet to see any Nigerian dead or alive who got bail free. So my thinking is that we stop paying policemen salaries. They should fix a price on bail and other services, government would regulate the price, making sure it is pegged, just as they do with fuel and even have an equalisation fund if the services are to be rendered in faraway Jigawa and then the policemen will now make returns to government in the form of fees and commission. Government will now use the funds to take care of the police station and other things. Should I mention immigration? At the gate, you will see the official price. I challenge any Nigerian even the head of state to come out and tell me if he has ever procured a passport at the legal price. We should regulate and institutionalise this thing abeg and I want to nominate you to head the panel that would look into the introduction. So please my daddy leave our senators alone. We should stop paying them all these allowances. They should work for their funds and remit to us. Simple! If you are ready to take up this assignment, let me know so that I can quickly organise a crash course for you on legalising corruption. Thank you. Linda Ikeji – I Am the Father Ever since she came out with those lovely pictures, all sorts of names have been mentioned as the probable father of the belle. This to my mind is preposterous and since nobody has come out officially to claim responsibility, I have stepped in. I am the father of the pregnancy and in my capacity, I will like to meet with Linda to discuss terms of my engagement which would include and not be limited to paternity allowances amongst others. Seriously, if not that Linda herself had begun to position herself as a ‘role model’ to our teenage girls, this would have not been a problem. So getting pregnant outside wedlock presupposes pre-marital sex except in the case of a holy conception which is very far from the situation here. So all the millions of young girls who have been looking up to her as a result of her rags-to-riches story and her hard work laced with determination to succeed will be sorely disappointed with the controversy surrounding her perfectly legitimate nocturnal activities. This is why we should all learn to be respecting ourselves and know our boundaries. When I was recommended for appointment in my church men’s group, I promptly rejected the appointment even though I was perfectly qualified. The reason was simple: I am a womaniser. I have a soft spot for yellow and full-bodied women and I know them as my weakness. Even my mama know. So if I accept the appointment, it is the same people who recommended me that will be screaming scandal. I just look them waka pass. So my dear Linda, there is no problem, I have offered to step in even if it is for a temporary period to give you the legitimacy you so require and to ward off Kemi Olunloyo – that one sef. But let’s discuss terms abeg.
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JUNE 2, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
SPY GLASS
with BAYO ADEOYE .... 08054680651 email: bayoolunla@gmail.com KAYODE AJULO
AKINOLU OSINBAJO
OSINBAJO’S MOMENT OF JOY
When Akinolu Osinbajo, SAN, younger brother of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, lost his wife, Oluwatoyin, to the cold hands of death a few years ago, he cried his heart out. He was inconsolable because of the love he had for her. Though the renowned lawyer can’t forget the beautiful memories of his late wife, he could not shut his heart against love for too long. He must have been literally hit with the cupid arrow when he met beautiful Moriyike, while she was on the National Youth Service, at the Ministry of Justice, Ogun State. Mercifully, Osinbajo, a former Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and his new wife, Moriyike, were recently blessed with a baby boy named Ayokunmi. Though the naming ceremony, which held at their Ogba, Lagos residence last Sunday, was said to be low-key, it had in attendance wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, who represented her husband, as well as several eminent legal practitioners, among others. A highly experienced litigator and commercial law practitioner, chartered arbitrator and notary public of Nigeria, he was conferred with the highest title in the Nigerian legal profession last year.
OBA SAHEED ELEGUSHI, OLORI SEKINAT’S UNDYING LOVE
For Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, the Elegushi of Ikateland, and his beautiful wife, Olori Sekinat Aramide (nee Ipaye), the marital journey began 15 years ago. Since they professed their undying love for each other 15 years ago, they have kept faith with the vow to the admiration of all. No wonder, on May 24, the couple delighted their guests a great deal during their 15th wedding anniversary. In celebration of the anniversary, they organised a special prayer, which was strictly attended by family members and later treated friends to a dinner in their home. Oba Elegushi and Olori met during their undergraduate days in Lagos and they were really an item. Everyone who knew about their love life agreed that they would end up as husband and wife. Fifteen years down the line, the bond keeps waxing stronger and the couple seem determined to maintain that tempo of love. The union is blessed with three
children.
KAYODE AJULO’S BRILLANCE, MAGNANIMITY
Dr. Kayode Ajulo, a legal practitioner of repute, knows the spirit and letters of the law. Since he started his law practice, he has not shied away from the fact that he derives pleasure in using law as a tool for the liberation of the oppressed. Ajulo, also a politician, is genuinely passionate about fighting for the oppressed. Indeed, his interest in activism began so early in his career and he has remained committed to his passion. Apart from offering legal representation for his wealthy clients, he also offers financial aid to the poor, a reason he is described as someone who manages the rich and defends the poor. As proof of his brilliance, frontline Niger Delta elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, at different times, had spoken glowingly about him. It is also on record that the spokesperson for a former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, Kazeem Afegbua, once eulogised Ajulo for rendering free services to him during his infamous trial with the police. Not quite long, controversial personality, Kemi Olunloyo, in her tweet, disclosed that Ajulo gave her N1m when she was remanded in custody over her alleged libelous comments against a Port Harcourt, River State- based man of God, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries. Spy Glass also gathered that Ajulo, founder of a non-governmental organisation, Egalitarian Mission of Africa is planning to host an investment submit that is expected to revolutionise investment in Africa.
AISHAT OGIERIAHKI’S PASSION
Aishat Dania Ogieriahki, founder of Blue Baby Foundation and CEO of Imperial Emporium Fashion & Accessories, is a humanitarian and an administrator. Her penchant for putting smile on the faces of the poor has earned her numerous local and international recognitions. Under the auspices of her blue baby foundation, the fashion icon, who is also a board member of Laurel Resources LLC, Atlanta, GA, USA, recently donated food items and other relief materials to widows as part of efforts to mark the ongoing Ramadan fast. Speaking on the initiative, she said, “This is simply a calling for me. It is
OBASANJO
just part of me, and we will continue to Contribute our quota to eradicate poverty among our people.” The Blue Baby Foundation is literarilly powered by Senator Soji Akanbi as Patron; Mrs. Iyabo Ninolowo, CEO, culture speaks (Matron) and Mrs. Dupe Bashorun of Necessities Limited as Project Consultant. Ogieriahki, who is a trustee member, Black Diamonds Foundation, is also a fellow member (FIIM), Institute Of Information Management - IIM-Africa, UK Coordinator - IIM-Africa And Partner/ UK Correspondent - PR Times Africa.
OBASANJO’S WONDER
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo means many things to many people. While some see him as a restless soul, others see the 81-year-old simply as humorous and witty. Indeed, many are wont to say that he likes to spring surprises, especially as his actions and inactions often become major news items in the media. Obasanjo, once again, may have given Nigerians reason to make him the subject of discussion, if the news reaching Spy Glass is anything to go by. How? Spy Glass gathered that he has turned his billion naira Abeokuta presidential Hilltop residence into a hotel. It was further hinted that his personal bedroom goes for N100, 000. Since this decision was reportedly taken a few weeks ago, not a few “big boys” have besieged the place now renamed Green Legacy to have a taste of it. Many have gone to the place to take pictures, telling the world how they spent the night at Obasanjo’s bedroom. Our source also revealed that the ex-military head of state has relocated to a penthouse built for him years back at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, which is a few minutes’ drive from the former house. The library, which was built in 2005, was fashioned after the United States’ Presidential Library system and culture. As the first in Africa, the Library is expected to promote Nigeria on the world stage and inspire other African nations in the advancement of democracy and preservation of the past for the future. The complex also houses The Green Legacy Resort, which is said to have over 100 rooms with facilities such as elevated swimming pools (main and children pool), a tennis court, a modern well-designed gym, amusement park and sauna, among other facilities.
HAJIA MARYAM AMINU WAZIRI’S MILK OF KINDNESS
When she celebrated her 41st birthday last Sunday, many who know Hajia Maryam Aminu Waziri Tambuwal knew that day would be dedicated to her initiative, Maryam Mustapha Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (MMAWT) which she launched in 2016 to empower the less privileged and give governance in the state a human face and she didn’t disappoint her fans. She further elevated the hope of the less privileged. This she has been doing since her husband took over the leadership of the state. The current harsh economic situation in the country has compelled state governments to devise viable strategies at managing dwindling revenue to tackle ever-rising responsibilities, not only in oiling the wheels of governance but also maintaining social and economic cohesiveness. Inevitably, some of the strategies adopted are not going down well with those who feel the bite hardest: the less privileged. Known as the Maryam Mustapha Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (MMAWT) Legacy, the foundation’s primary aim is to give governance a human face in the state. This it intends achieving by mobilising the youth, caring for the elderly and vulnerable, and encouraging women from all strata of the society. Focusing on driving and achieving the developmental agenda of the present administration in areas of going green, water and sanitation, employment, empowerment, talent identification and management, MMAWT aims at creating more awareness on, among others, environmental sustainability – with issues like desertification and flooding in mind – and access to quality health care. In short, it is designed to uplift general societal well-being. With components of education, enlightenment, mobilisation and participation under a carefully designed peopleoriented and participatory initiative, MMAWT also intends to set up business ventures and skilled activities emanating from the rural poor, grassroots and other less-empowered members of the society. Expressing its commitment to supporting various education intervention efforts, including providing scholarships, refurbishing and building more classrooms in remote areas and villages, as well as improving access to girl-child education and adult literacy, the foundation equally maintains its resolve to help improve health conditions in the rural areas.
MARYAM AMINU WAZIRI
OBA SAHEED ELEGUSHI AND OLORI SEKINAT
AISHAT OGIERIAHKI
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SHOWBIZFLAIR
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×
AFRICAN CHINA
I Sold Sachet Water in LagosTraffic Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ËŞĂ? ĂŒĂ“Ă‘Ă‘Ă?Ă?Ăž ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ëœ Ă“Ă? ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă• åÓÞÒ Ă‹ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?ĂžËœ Ă?ĘľĂ?Ăœ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Tosin Clegg, Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?à ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂŒĂ?Ă’Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ Ă?ĘľĂ?Ăœ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁË› What inspired my new project he rumours I read about myself on the social media are that I have collected money from the government and that I don’t speak the truth anymore and I don’t speak for the people. So, I wanted to prove a point. Also, many people would feel that since I have not released a new song, I am out of the business. I’m giving a positive vibe, as I am not out of business.
T
I will be releasing an EP soon I would do a three-track EP and I have a feature with Oriste Femi. The idea behind the song is that it’s a letter from celebrities, from their fans to the President, asking questions. If you look at it well, Davido, Wizkid, 2face have more than two million fans and most of them are Nigerians and right now the state of the country is in a mess. Everyone wants to know why things are this bad and why so much poverty in the land. So, I did this song because a lot of people have been asking me to do a remix of Mr. President, which to me is a classic and I have told them several times that I will not do it because it doesn’t need any remix. I have been working on businesses I don’t want to be a problem to anybody, because I want to be that person that can cater for himself and family. I don’t want to be that person that would be calling for people’s assistance and all that, after making a lot of hits. Though, there wasn’t much then, but the little we had was used. So, I started by investing in one or two things just like Jay Z and a lot of the big names did. I invested in real estate, sound, events and also I’m the CEO of China Town Unisex Saloon. Threats were coming at some point If the person threatening can’t show his or her face, but hides behind the camera, then I have no fear, because if you are not bold enough to come forth then I have nothing to fear. But it has been God all these while, as I have been working and travelling, doing tours and shows despite the state of things. How I respond to negative comments That’s the whole idea of this project. These are the people I want to talk to in a bigger form, to let them know I am not on your level. Most of these people are expecting me to come to their doorstep to tell them that I am still doing this music, but the only way to take this to them is through this medium. If they don’t get it, then they don’t belong to my class.
I can’t do shaku-shaku kind of music My ideology doesn’t take me to that area. I can still do love music and other genres and pass messages. I do not see myself doing some kind of Shaku Shaku music, and we are two different types of people here. Where they get the shaku-shaku from I don’t know and, I must know what I am saying. I’m on the side of moral music; these are songs my kids would grow up listening to. I’m very spiritual Very deep that I really don’t know how I can explain it. I’m a Christian and my elder brother is a pastor, if you want to know. Today’s music is having a negative impact on our youths In the last few years, we have had the police telling us some people died of intoxication and alcohol abuse, which wasn’t happening so much back then, as it was hidden. But these days, it’s like they are campaigning for it just like we campaign for elections; they say go and do it, because it’s good. So, that moral part is being chased out of our lives and kids. It is as if you go to a restaurant to eat the same type of soup, but they won’t taste the same. Production of music is better now as more sophisticated softwares are now in place, but lyrically I would prefer my time. What triggered my hit sony, Mr. President Growing up in the ghetto was really tough for me, as I would trek to school and trek back home. It wasn’t something that seemed cool as at then. Also, I grew up with a single parent, just a father, who had to work to cater for everyone and at the end of the day, we had to struggle to survive. I sold pure water, ice water, which we started with. Traffic was my house, because immediately I returned from school, I would go and resume at my office inside the ‘go slow’. At some point, you see other people’s kids happy and then you ask yourself what’s happening? Then one day I sat on the pavement and the lyrics started coming up. I started writing them down and I focused on the things I saw around me. Then, it was really dance hall business and it was a big deal and I took the music as my life and as what I needed to console myself. Upcoming artistes need to be focused Don’t let the things around you make you lose your focus in anyway, rather take humility as key to everything you are doing. It’s like when you are in the ocean, it’s either float or drown, but if you lose faith, you get to drown.
Africa China
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚͜
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͸Ϳ͸͞ͺ΀͚͞Ϳ͝Ϳ Ă?Ě‹Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ë? ÞÙĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă?ÑÑ̜ÒÙÞ×ËÓÖ˛Ă?Ù×
SHOWBIZFLAIR
MY STORY FRANK EDWARDS, SINACH, EBEN, MAKE OYAKHILOME’S ALBUM
JADESOLA OLANREWAJU
I Have Strong Passion for Makeup
A 25-track album of gospel singers, The Best Songs of the Year, has been unveiled to the public. The album comprises songs from top gospel artistes like, Frank Ewards, Sinach, Eben, Jerry K, Peeyu, Wisdom, Farlon Lyte, Ur Flames, Rapnation, Jeannie Wojacek, Evangelist Kathy Woghiren, Testimony Jaga, Isreal Strong and Martin Phike. Frank Edwards revealed that ‘The Best Songs of the Year’ is a project initiated by the founder of Believers Loveworld Nation, Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, to reach the world with the gospel message through music and creative arts ministrations. He added, “It is a compilation of the best music from the finest music ministers from Believers Loveworld Nation. This album is usually available every year after the LIMA Awards. The 2017 edition, which is the third edition since inception in 2015, will be distributed globally to make availability and access easier.� Speaking also, Sinach stated that Best Songs of the Year 2017 contained timeless truth and messages that have the ability to transform and change the world. She said, “As a result, we resolved to consciously circulate the album all around the world. This will be the first time we are making this material available to the public on a large scale since inception.� She insisted that the aim was to spread the gospel and message through music globally, changing the lives of men and women, boys and girls all over the world. Sinach added, “We also want to provide Christians with an option from all the music, noise and pollution out there. We are ready to share this gift that we have in our music ministry to the music ministers all over the world.� The church has also made plans to extend the album to the troubled parts of Nigeria as they feel it will create a major impact there.
Ă‹ĂŽĂ?Ă?ÙÖË Ă–Ă‹Ă˜ĂœĂ?ĂĄĂ‹Ă”Ă&#x; Ă“Ă? Ă‹ ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂŽĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă?Ă&#x;Ăš Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă?ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁËœ Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ‹Ëœ ĂŽĂ™Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă—Ă‹Ă”Ă™Ăœ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă?Ă&#x;Ăš Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁËœ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă—Ă?ÞÓĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ ĂŒĂ?Ă‹Ă&#x;Þã ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ăž åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă‹Ăž Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă?Ăœ ÞÓĂ?Ă•
CON’ASTONE RELEASES NEW MUSIC, MAFUSCALEY Sixteen mountain frontline artiste, Babalola Oriyomi, aka Con’Astone is not stopping his game. After the successful hit “Ise Ko Lowo�, featuring 9ice, Con’Astone is back with another single, titled “Mafuscaley� produced by J Meed, mixed and mastered by Indomix. Con’Astone, whose music career started in 2013, has so far pushed his craft forward with his Ibile Rap, a genre of hip-hop with the use of Yoruba in his verses. He is an artiste with a vision to do good music and make himself a source of musical filler for his listeners. He has other major plans for his musical career this year that would expand it beyond its current limits.
NNENNA’S CHILDREN’S DAY SHOW The 2018 Nnenna & Friends Live Show was the culmination of a series of activities put together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the brand whose priority is to provide positive child development through Edutainment. Indeed, for the past 10 years, the Nnenna & Friends brand has been touching the lives of children, teens and young adults with some of the best children programmes in Nigeria including the Brainpower Game, the TV Live Show, the magazine and of course the Live Show. This special edition of the live show featured artistes and comedians like Small Doctor, N-Stars, the unique PEFTI Band, the
hilarious MC Prince, the comic Jimboi, the talented Desmond Osorebe and of course Papa Ajasco & Company, Nigeria’s number comedy Troupe. Every member of the family went home with unforgettable memories as well as attractive prizes and gifts courtesy of the sponsors including MTN, Indomie, NASCO Conflakes, Checkers, Custard, Cowbell Chocolate, Viju Drink, Rite Foods & Deli Biscuits and others who partnered with Nnenna and friends to make the show a delightful experience. The media partners were Bella Naija, Goldmyne TV, Kemifilani Blog, Tomi’s Colour Pavillion, Factbeckie and wapTV.
H
ow did you begin your makeup business? I’ve always had a strong passion for makeup and I believe it is ‘self-confidence applied to the face’. I went into makeup artistry to be a master of the game. Besides doing this, I love reading, meeting new people and seeing new places. I find great joy in helping various people regain their lost confidence. House of Deida is not just a makeup brand as it encompasses all things beauty and cosmetics, and the ‘house’ gives me room to expand in the near future. What is exceptional about your works? I work mainly with young ladies who are beautiful in their own rights, but whom society hasn’t given enough room to express themselves. Most of these ladies develop low self-esteem and need something to build them back up. So, my work is to assist in this process and I give the best quality at an affordable price. Who are your role models? My role models are Tonia, Layefa Beauty, Peace Ibadin and, of course, my boss, Signature Touch Beauty, who has instilled in me discipline, importance of hardwork and creativity. Their works inspire me to do and be better in my craft and that there is always room for improvement. In five years, I see myself as a successful business woman with a family I love and adore.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ 2018
POLSCOPE
with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356
Ekiti: Fayemi’s 2nd Missionary Journey
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hree days ago, Dr Kayode Fayemi resigned from President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet as the Minister of Solid Minerals. It is so he can devote time to his bid to return to the Government House , Ado Ekiti, which he vacated in 2014. The election holds July 14, 2018. Although the contest is largely a 2-horse-race between the standard-bearers of the All Progressives Congress (APC), —J. K Fayemi and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),--Professor Kolapo Olusola, 74, there are still a plethora of also-ran candidates numbering up to 30. In a way, Kayode will yet be in arms against his traducer in 2014, Ayodele Fayose, the outgoing governor. The latter has nominated his deputy, considered in some quarters as a lackey, to succeed him. The choice of Olusola has caused huge disaffection within the PDP, as many members (like Dayo Adeyeye and his supporters) decamped to the rival APC, in protest. Fayose, although not on the ballot, yet, he is the spirit and engine behind the Olusola candidacy, making all the political ruckus noise. He is actually the candidate by proxy. I have not heard the voice of the old man called Olusola himself. With Olusola in office, critics say, it will be like the voice of Jacob and the hand of Esau, as the candidate is a political puppet of his master, the raison d’etreof his choice. So the question is, are Ekiti voters ready to accept Fayemi now? Have they been weaned from the Fayose abracadabra? Will they yet be persuaded and swept off their feet by the tokenism of baglets of rice, otherwise called stomach infrastructure? Fayose, for all its comic effect, is eyeing the presidency, having declared for the position of the number one citizen, in his PDP since last year. He has been taunting President Buhari as an old man who is not fit to be in office anymore. Yet, he is foisting an equally old man, about the same age with Buhari, on his Ekiti Fayemi people. It is double face on parade, also called hypocrisy! The Ekiti people have literally carried palm oil and water, and they now know which one is heavier. Fayemi was obviously misunderstood in his first term. His supporters believe, he has learnt his lessons and has forged stronger ties with the Ekiti electorate. It is remarkable that while he served as minister, in the last three years, Fayemi continued to connect with his people in Ekiti. He did not abandon them. What’s more, riding on the crest of his senior ally, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the first executive governor of Ekiti State, he is bound to be on a stronger pedestal on this second missionary journey. However, he must be working towards rebuilding all burnt or damaged bridges, on which he rode to higher and farther distances in his political journey. Fayemi should understand what I am saying. The Asiwaju Bola Tinubu bridge is one of such. He cannot but ensure that he rallies all “ralliable� stakeholders so he can get a rousing support for the contest. Surely, Ekiti does not deserve to be in opposition. Many, including this reporter, believe that Ekiti people will be better for it by aligning with the government at the centre. If all the noise of Fayose is discounted, and we come down to brass tacks, what would we say Ekiti has experienced and achieved under Fayose? It is an agrarian state, with a good percentage of civil servants. These same civil servants are owed months and months of unpaid salaries, thus impoverishing the economy of the state. It is remarkable that there is no outstanding government-supported small, medium or large-scale business outfit, in the last four years of Fayose that should either impact positively on the economy of the people, or be a source of employment in the state. So what is the reading of the balance sheet? Surely, the thought of leaving something substantial that can be pointed to, may have led to the building of the flyover bridge in Ado Ekiti. But the project has been condemned and poo-poohed by the members of the Nigerian Infrastructure Monitoring Group (NIMG) who went to inspect it. Not only did the team fault the design of the bridge as being too long and narrow (which could cause more problems than it is meant to solve), they noted that the idea of the bridge, was altogether unnecessary, since there is no traffic congestion where it was cited in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. The team stopped short of describing the project as a waste of public resources and a puerile attempt to tag an administration with a project, whether it is useful or not. For Fayemi, it will be his last chance to prove his worth and mettle to the Ekiti people, who are yearning for good and progressive government that will raise their living standard, far and above the low-line economy it has been subjected to, for years. I wish him good luck at the polls.
Canticles... Buhari: Three Years After, Are you Better or Bitter?
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ere you at the stadium last Tuesday? Stadium? Which teams were playing football?
Is it only football match that takes people to the stadium? I am talking about the celebration of the Democracy Day of last Tuesday (long hiss) Is it that one? Why should I waste my time to go to any stadium?Am I a primary school boy? Did I not listen to the plenty sweet nothings of Mr President on his broadcast? What is there to be excited about? But the President made a lot of sense in his speech, promising to reinforce the essence of a government So what does that mean in itself? It is such complex and meaningless declarations that have put us in the trouble we are in this country. Did you not hear him talk about signing the Not–too-Young-to-Run Bill? Did you not hear of his many achievements: how people use less of generators now for electricity supply . Did you not hear (cuts in) Hear what? I did not hear anything! Did you believe all those things Mr President was saying? Is it true that people use less of generators now? Do you know how much I spend on diesel and petrol to power my generators everyday? Do you know how much Nigerians are spending on vehicle maintenance because of the badness of the roads? He says he will sign the Not-too-Youngto-Run Bill, and asked the youths not to run against him. So what is the essence of the Bill? Put everything together, do you truly feel happier or heavier that Buhari is our president? Indeed, three years after that historic election, do you feel better or bitter? My friend, the achievements of President Buhari are in the public domain.All discerning people know. Yes, the economy has been rough and tough. But it is showing a lot of prospect and recovery. You must have noticed how he grew our foreign reserves to an all-time high, how he introduced the Economic and Recovery Growth Plan, to stabilise Nigeria after the recession; how rails lines are being constructed in every nook and cranny across the land; how inflation rate is coming down steadily; how importation of food items has dropped drastically especially rice; how the nation’s infrastructure are dutifully being revived. Can’t you see that there is more money to do more things now because of the advantages of using theTSA, unlike before when all the money would have been stolen? Do you know how much has been recovered from past looters? Look, Nigeria is better and I feel better. If you feel bitter, perhaps you have taken too much ofAlomo Bitters. That is one side of the story.You conveniently avoided the issues of pervading insecurity in
Buhari the land. How thousands of people have been killed in various herdsmen/gunmen attacks across the land.You conveniently ignored all the trouble about kidnapping and terrorist attacks in the North-east.You clearly forgot that four years after, some of the Chibok girls are still in captivity, not forgetting Leah Sharibu from the Dapchi School attack, who is still held by her captors because of her Christian faith. You conveniently forgot about the resurgence of violent robberies across the land, especially the recent bank robberies in Ofa, Kwara State. You conveniently forgot the hardship people are going through everyday, how people can’t pay their rents and other bills anymore, because even state governments cannot pay workers’ salaries; how decrepit our hospitals have remained‌ JOHESU just called off their 45day strike action lastThursday. Do you know how many people died without having access to medical attention? Do you know over ten million people have lost their jobs in three years, whereas the government had promised to create three million jobs every year? Are those the things that make you feel better? If yes, then you have taken too much of sugary substances, or perhaps tramadol You must realize that it is easier to destroy than to build. Buhari is trying to rebuild a destroyed nation. Nigerians must be patient. PDP destroyed every aspect of the nation for 16 years. Don’t expect that in three years, the damage of 16 years will be completely corrected. The good news now is that we are headed in the right direction. It is no more a government of anything-can-go. Not anymore! So, this is a reconstructive government.And people must be patient. The darkest hour of the night is closest dawn. We are tired of the gospel of patience.We are tired of this sermon on patience.Three years is enough to make meaningful impact.That is how all previous governments have been deceiving us with glib sermons about patience.We pray for them, they prey on us.We are tired.We are bitter. Another life is possible. Enough is enough! Do you have your Permanent Voter Card (PVC)? Not yet.
Help, Festac is Falling
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he reason most people are doubtful of politicians and their ways is that they are good at diagnosis but awfully terrible in applying cure. At the point of canvassing the people’s votes, like prophets, they tell you all the problems besetting you, and promise to solve them all. Then they get the power and they begin to load you with excuses and lousy stories. The above is perhaps what the residents of Festac Town, Lagos are facing right now. Festac Town, is not only the headquarters of the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, it is indeed the face of the council. But the town is on a steady and gradual fall with every facility nearly
on the collapse mode. But there is a Local Government Chairman, a certain Mr Valentine Braimoh, a protĂŠgĂŠ of his predecessor, Comrade Ayo Adewale. Top on his campaign promise was to “transformâ€? the local government in areas of health, education, infrastructure, security, quality water supply etc. etc. But nearly one year after, the council, rather than being transformed, is experiencing faithful deformation. The road network around the town is hardly ever passable with many portions completely broken down. It is amazing how a council, alive to its responsibilities, can live and tolerate such degree of decay. Many parts of the roads, like 7thAvenue (by Deeper Life
Church), 4thAvenue (by Access Bank), 512 junction, 511 road, First avenue (by Fidelity Bank) etc., have caved in and posing huge danger to residents, especially the 7thAvenue spot. But nobody cares. But none of these compares with the grinding traffic residents go through everyday exiting and returning to the town, as a result of the traffic snarl caused by the fire that destroyed the link bridge since December 13, last year. Till date, the reconstruction work of a very small portion of the bridge has been as epileptic as Nigeria’s electricity. This is not to complain of the filth and blocked drains in the surroundings, let alone asking for the promised quality water supply. It is even now worse than when Obasanjo seized Lagos council funds under
Governor Bola Tinubu. Or has Buhari seized Lagos Council funds too? What are they doing with the council funds plus the Internally Generated Revenue?? Yet, the council officials are always combing every nook and cranny to collect taxes and rates from residents. How negligent can a government be! It is said that the sitting chairman is embroiled in a “fight� with his predecessor and that is why the business of governance is suffering. Too often, such fights are not unconnected with finance and power control. So, Mr Braimoh, could you sit up, take another look at your campaign promises and work on them, or pack your bag and go to your house. Enough of this mediocrity!
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 2, 2018
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EXPRESSION
MEDIAGAFFES
English Without Tears
EBERE WABARA
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ET us begin with a visit to Champion House, Ilasamaja, Mushin, Lagos: “Soldiers take over troubled spots” Let peace reign: trouble spots. “Post election violence spreads” Towards a better life for the people: Post-election violence…. “Man killed in car accident” Why not ’’Man dies in car accident?’’ He was not killed! “President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, expressed sadness over the sporadic violent protest (protests)….” The next headline blunder is from last week’s edition of this medium: “Police arrest four over Maiduguri explosion” Do we arrest the entire editorial team for (not over) lexical recklessness? “Bribery enthrones mediocrity and crucify merit.” The Tabernacle of bribery crucifies merit. “Gang up against Buhari will fail” Phrasal verb: gang up; noun: gang-up (which applies here). “We were treated to another similar incidence.…” All newspapers should know the difference between ‘incidence’ and ‘incident’ (which applies here). “Although the governor’s last minute romance with the main opposition party is held against him.…” Saturday People: last-minute (take note of the hyphen) romance “Thus, a core investor…with regards to optimal use of the machinery.…” Either: as regards or with regard to…. “In the heydays of the goggled General when fuel was often unavailable….” Stranglehold of oil workers: heyday (uncountable). “Last year, many houses of the Igbo in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos, were razed down.…” No word abuse: simply razed
BY
(not razed down). Discard the contrary views by some registers! Yet another headline gaffe: “Restrictions on inter-bank foreign exchange trading is (are) killing the market.” “Armed robbers now have good company–street thugs and unofficial vigilante groups.” (THE GUARDIAN, April 20 ) Democracy as a disincentive: vigilance group. “Buhari points accusing fingers at INEC….” (DAILY SUN, April 20) People in the news: Buhari points the finger. No obtuse addition. “Nigeria is at a crossroad” (VANGUARD, April 20) Fixed expression: at a/ the crossroads. “Stationeries badly needed by.…” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, April 20) ‘Stationery’ is non-count. “But what appears criminal is the desire of these off-springs of.…” (DAILY CHAMPION, April 20) ‘Offspring’ does not take any inflection. The next three goofs are from VANGUARD of April 20: ”…the process of economic integration from which will emerge an economic block (bloc).…” “There is a tussle going on between these two (would it have been three?) arms of government.” “Nigerian leaders and politicians have continued to adopt and acquiesce to (in).…” “Globacom sets (set) to rule domestic market” (Nigerian Tribune, April 20) “I have been briefed that the wrangling among the leaders of PDP are (is) over.” (SUNDAY VANGUARD, April 17) BusinessDay of April 20 disseminated an embarrassing impropriety: “Now that the Police has (have) taken over the supervision of the….” “…and ensure it does not reoccur again.” (THE GUARDIAN, April 20) ‘Reoccur again’? Run for cover, my dear reader! Just recur. Recur, recurrence,
recurrent. Occur, occurred, occurrence. “Lack of incentives anger (angers) local manufacturers” (THE GUARDIAN, April 20) “They provide temporary relief.” (Source: as above) ‘Temporary relief? I strongly object to that clumsy expression because there is no permanence in ‘relief’. THE PUNCH of April 20 circulated three solecisms: “The patients pay for each act of ‘healing’ through their noses.” Get it right: they pay through the nose. “At the launching programme (launch) in Abuja.…” “A cursory look at the figures show (shows) that.…” Daily Sun of April 19 circulated copious shibboleths: “The end point is that people wait for between three to five hours to pay in their drafts.” English without tears: between three and five. “With the attainment of the highest office at any strata of government….” Singular: stratum; plural: strata. “It may be difficult for Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu to resurrect again politically after his disastrous outing in the just-concluded presidential elections.” Please, yank off ‘again’ in the interest of lexical sanity and our democracy. “They better not rely on INEC.” This way: They had better not rely on INEC. “Like (As) we had said at various forums. …” (Nigerian Tribune, April 18) “So, the government cannot ask the Supreme Court to interprete the law.” Spell-check: interpret. (Source: as above) “…the reduction in the number of road accidents and causalities.” (Leadership, April 20) This way: casualties. “...to that extent, we shall congratulate its authors for (on) hearing the deafening cry of Nigerians for an effective legislature.” (Nigerian Tribune, April 20) “…were simultaneously a continuation
ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948
of the power-bloc struggle in Nigeria and unanticipated fallouts from that struggle.” (DAILY CHAMPION, April 20) ‘Fallout’ is uncountable. “…appeal to the discredited tactics of past times also wreak havoc on the procedural sanctity of the democratic path.” (Vanguard, April 20) Notes of disquiet: pastime. “Out-of-control trailer crushes 15 persons to death” When people are crushed by a trailer, they cannot be alive except there is divine intervention. So, ‘crushed to death’ smacks of lexical insensitivity. (Daily Trust, April 20) “My dear distinguish Senator Mark... Indeed, we are celebrating a statesman whose dedication and service to his fatherland is (are) worthy of emulation.” On the plateau: My (Our) dear distinguished Senator.... “Your unassailable wisdom and sterling qualities have made you stand out as trustworthy and reliable leader.” Happy Birthday: a (note the article) trustworthy and reliable leader. “Your ability to work out (answer/ do) knotty political puzzles...makes you worth (worthy) of emulation.” “Indeed, its (it’s) really a pleasure working with you....” (From The Senators of the 7th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) “...so he could not have seen fire and tell (told) me to put my hand.” Alternatively, he cannot see fire and tell me to put my hand. “...the APGA governorship candidate in Abia State at (in) the April 2011 elections....” “Why change your wardrobe every five minutes while all it takes is a different accessories.” All it takes are different accessories.
The Misadventure of Buhari’s Water Bill
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he late Afrobeat legend and socio-political rights crusader, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, in one of his evergreen renditions of Nigeria’s realities sang that water no get enemy. It was an anecdotal expression of the neutrality of water as substance that can be used by anyone at any time and for any purpose so desired. In a sense, the song spoke to the loyalty of water not to anyone but to everyone. What water does to one it does to all, whether giving life or enervating same. And this could be extrapolated to mean that water cannot be said to be exclusively owned or controlled by anyone to the detriment of another. In other words, Fela’s musical narrative of everyday life experiences did not contemplate the colourless substance as a tangible resource that could be held or controlled to the exclusion of others and by which loyalty could be commanded and/or rewards and sanctions dispensed. But that is what a bill in the National Assembly is seeking to do: imbue the ownership of water which is a God-given and free-flowing resource on the federal government of Nigeria to the exclusion of the constituent parts. From what has been said about the bill, the federal government of Nigeria is seeking to transmute the utility of water wherever found as a gift from God to all of humanity into the realm of resource ownership by the state at the centre. It is an anti-climax of some sort that the said bill is coming at a time when the clamour for devolution of powers to the sub-national units is gaining ground and the argument for centralization of resource control is fast ebbing. It is allergic to social consciousness that this contentious bill is introduced at a time when the federal government has refused or neglected or is slow to address the lingering killings and violence inflicted on farming communities by rampaging herdsmen supposedly in search of greener pasture for their cattle. It is also ironic that the bill is sponsored by a government that came into power on the back of promises made on resource control and devolution of powers. It is furthermore cynical that the bill has been introduced at a time the Muhammadu Buhari administration has chosen to keep mute on the report of a committee on restructuring which recommended that some of the heavy weight of the centre be shed to the states. That the water bill is a seeming contradiction of the APC committee report is a suggestion of either confusion or cluelessness on the part of the government in Abuja. But whatever the case is, the rash backlash that has attended the bill across different sections of society
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Buhari is a salient conveyance of its unpopularity and unacceptability. This is a message that cannot be lost in the run-up to a general election wherein the incumbent President is seeking mandate renewal for another four years. Opposition to the bill began right in the Senate chamber once it was presented for debate. In fact, the Senate was divided along regional and ethnic lines, forcing the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to step it down for further consultations. The most contentious
aspect of the bill during the debate was the provision on ownership of water that passes through more than one state which is placed under “the use, management and control of the federal government.” The bill also grants the “Federal Government, acting through the Minister power to protect, use, developed, conserve, manage and control water resources in a sustainable and equitable manner for the benefit of all persons.” Expectedly, senators whose states have water as their natural resource, spoke stridently against the proposal. Sen. Gbenga Ashafa from Lagos took the opportunity to narrate the legal battle his state is facing with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) over control of water ways. According to him, “NIWA has extended its federal might in so many ways in controlling the navigation and all other things you need to get before you can do anything in all those areas. There would be need for us to identify those rivers that belong to the Federal government as well as the state if we want to avoid any problem.” For the Minority Leader of the Senate and a former governor, Godswill Akpabio, it is almost an impossible task to give a clearly defined boundary of water, noting that government was yet to even resolve existing contentions over land boundaries. However, some senators especially from the northern part of the country had opposing views. Senator, Binta Masi from Adamawa deployed the logic of federal roads in her argument and wondered why there would be an “issue about a small river in a state that has to pass through another river in another state.” Senator Danjuma Goje from Gombe State who is a former governor argued that “the whole idea is that the federal government is the custodian of all the water resources in the country.” Away from the Senate, it is very instructive that governors of the littoral South-south states have opposed Buhari’s water bill. According to a statement by the state chief executives, “we are of the view that the provisions of the bill are offensive and obnoxious, we disagree with the centralized control of water resources as we are already dealing with the problem associated with over centralization of our country and we have agreed that the bill should be immediately withdrawn by the federal government and further consultations be made on that.” Given this strident opposition to the bill, it will be in the interest of the polity that is already heating up and getting divided by the day for the proposed legislation to be allowed to die a natural death.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚͜
Toyota Inspires Children With Fun of Driving
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Jaguar Land Rover is developing autonomous cars capable of all-terrain, o-road
Jaguar Land Rover is Developing Off-road Self-driving SUVs in Project CORTEX Stories by Bennett Oghifo
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aguar Land Rover is developing autonomous cars capable of all-terrain, off-road driving in any weather condition. The world-first ‘CORTEX’ project will take self-driving cars off-road, ensuring they are fully capable in any weather condition: dirt, rain, ice, snow or fog. As part of the project, a ‘5D’ technique combining acoustic, video, radar, light detection and distance sensing (LiDAR) data live in real-time is being engineered. Access to this combined data improves the awareness of the environment the car is in. Machine-learning enables the self-driving car to behave in an increasingly sophisticated way, allowing it to handle any weather condition on any terrain. Chris Holmes, Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Research Manager at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “It’s important that we develop our selfdriving vehicles with the same capability and performance customers expect from all Jaguars
and Land Rovers. Self-driving is an inevitability for the automotive industry and ensuring that our autonomous offering is the most enjoyable, capable and safe is what drives us to explore the boundaries of innovation. CORTEX gives us the opportunity to work with some fantastic partners whose expertise will help us realise this vision in the near future.� Jaguar Land Rover is developing fully- and semi-automated vehicle technologies, offering customers a choice of the level of automation, while maintaining an enjoyable and safe driving experience. This project forms part of the company’s vision to make the self-driving car viable in the widest range of real-life, on- and off-road driving environments and weather. CORTEX will develop the technology through algorithm development, sensor optimisation and physical testing on off-road tracks in the UK. The University of Birmingham, with its world leading research in radar and sensing for autonomous platforms and Myrtle AI, machine learning experts, join the project. CORTEX was
announced as part of Innovate UK’s third round of Connected andAutonomous Vehicle Funding in March 2018. Meanwhile, Land Rover has enhanced its record-breaking Discovery Sport range with a new special edition. The new Landmark Edition salutes Discovery Sport’s success as the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time – coinciding with the brand’s year-long 70th anniversary celebrations. The Landmark comes in a unique colour and trim combination, and is available with the Td4 132kW diesel 2.0-litre Ingenium engine. Finbar McFall, Global Product Marketing Director, said: “The Discovery Sport is loved by customers because it demonstrates the breadth of Land Rover’s ability, offering unrivalled all-terrain capability with the versatility for up to seven people and a premium interior. We have sold more than 350,000 Discovery Sports globally since its introduction in 2014, with 126,078 models sold in 2017 – the best single-model annual sales in Land Rover’s 70-year history.�
Maserati Alfieri: 0-60 MPH in 2s, Active Aero, Full Torque Vectoring
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he Maserati Alfieri has been an onagain-off-again halo product that the somewhat troubled brand has struggled to bring to market, but it now seems as though the sports coupe is finally on the way. Fiat Chrysler presented its five-year product strategy during a special presentation in Italy today, which included a concrete plan to release the Alfieri. The production Alfieri will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive and a lightweight aluminum spaceframe. This recipe will enable the coupe to accelerate from 0-60 mph in around two seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 186 mph, or 300 km/h. It will also feature full torque vectoring and active aerodynamics. The Alfieri will also be offered in coupe and cabriolet form, however it’s not yet clear if these two models will be launched alongside one another, or if the cabriolet will be launched sometime after the coupe. Maserati first showed the Alfieri in concept form at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show with the intent of putting it into production in 2016. It has kept on pushing the Alfieri’s release back as more important products like the Levante took priority, but it now seems as though the sports coupe is on track for a release in 2020 or 2021. It’s named after Alfieri Maserati, one of the five Maserati brothers, and was originally intended to mark the 100th anniversary of the
Maserati Alfieri
brand back in 2014. Maserati also plans on launching a new Ghibli, a new Levante and a new Quattroporte between now and 2022. The automaker will also launch a second crossover that will slot beneath the Levante in its lineup. All future
Maserati vehicles will feature some sort of electrification, likely either 48V or plug-in, and Level 3 autonomous driving capability. The GranTurismo and GranTurismo Cabriolet will eventually be killed off to make way for the Alfieri.
oyota aims to encourage a love of cars and the fun of driving among children and their parents through a travel-oriented display at the upcoming Tokyo Toy Show. The Toyota Camatte Journey exhibit enables children to drive a three-seat concept car through images of scenery, such as cherry-blossom lined roads, projected onto a surrounding screen. The latest vehicle - adapted from the Camatte Petta shown at last year’s Toy Show - is powered by electric motors with a top speed limited to 5 km/h. It has one front seat for the children drivers and two rear seats - one for a family member and one for a staff member to ensure safety. Cushions also line the straight-running course. The vehicle has stickers from various travel destinations attached to the outer panels and is equipped with a travel bag on the back of the car. Through this hands-on experience, children can learn the positions of the accelerator and brake pedals. They drive 7 metres into the exhibit and then reverse to the start. Toyota has exhibited a series of Camatte concepts at the Toy Show each year since 2012 with the aim of inspiring the next-generation of motorists. The name Camatte, based on the Japanese word for caring, signifies “caring for others� and “caring for cars�. Petta is taken from a Japanese onomatopoeic phrase meaning “to stick�), reflecting the travel items stuck to the vehicle. “The main concept behind ‘Camatte’ is to convey the joy and dreams of motor vehicles to the next generation,� a Toyota spokesperson said. “We hope to expand the base of car fans by exhibiting various types of Camatte vehicles every year and creating an opportunity for parents and children to enjoy being in contact with and talking about cars together. “We also believe that we will be able to incorporate the feedback received from visitors of the exhibit, as well as the level of interest shown by children, into future vehicle concepts.� The Tokyo Toy Show is open to the public on the weekend of June 9-10.
Mid-Engine Alfa Romeo 8C Supercar, Giulia GTV Coupe Confirmed
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iat Chrysler presented its highly anticipated future product strategy today and the Italian-American automaker didn’t disappoint. Part of its five-year plan will include a wide expansion of its Alfa Romeo premium brand. The most exciting products in Alfa’s future strategy will be the 600+ hp Giuliabased GTV Coupe and a 700+ HP 8C supercar with a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged engine. The GTV Coupe will likely tap the Giorgio rearwheel drive platform that currently serves in the sedan, along with the twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine. But with an electric drive system applied to the front axle, the two-door will make over 600 hp and will feature all-wheel drive. It will also have 50:50 weight distribution and seating for four. The8C,meanwhile,willbeamid-enginesupercar with a carbon fiber monocoque much like the 4C’s. It will also feature a mid-mounted twinturbocharged engine, likely the 2.9-liter V6, along with an electrified front axle. FCA claims it will make over 700 hp and will be able to hustle from 0-60 mph in under three seconds. Alfa’s five-year plan also includes the introduction of a new Giulietta hatchback, a new compact utility vehicle, next-generation versions of the Giulia and Stelvio and a BMW X5-sized utility vehicle. It also appears as though the company wants to offer the Giulia and Stelvio in long wheelbase form, potentially in an attempt to woo American and Chinese buyers with a penchant for larger vehicles. The Alfa lineup will also be 100% electrified going forward. Either FCA’s 48V system or a full hybrid system will appear in all of its future vehicles. The company wants all of its future cars to have SAE Level 3 or Level 4 autonomy as well. It says two of the products will be focused to regional areas to meet specific needs. If we had to wager, we’d say the compact utility vehicle and next-generation Giulietta will be European products only. All of these products are set to come to market by 2022.
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚͜
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10 Vehicle Safety Features for Children
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afety features usually rank very high on a parent’s list of priorities when looking to buy a new family car. But with so many advances in technology and engineering in the auto industry over recent years, it can be a bit overwhelming for buyers to make sense of all the terminology, and know exactly which features to look for during the decision-making process.
Hyundai-branded vehicles will be used by World Cup players, match oďŹƒcials and VIPs
Hyundai Handover 530 Hyundai Vehicles for FIFA World CUP Russia Stories by Bennett Oghifo
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he four-yearly vehicle handover ahead of the World Cup finals is thus a familiar event; with two weeks before the first game, the ceremony for 2018 has just taken place. This year, a total of 530 Hyundaibranded vehicles will be used by World Cup players, match officials and VIPs. The bulk of them will be Santa Fes and Tucsons, while
the H1 Starex minibus will also shuttle people between locations. There’s also a fleet of national team buses, each fully wrapped in bespoke slogans – selected via an international competition that saw 160,000 submissions from global footie fans. 3.45 million fans then voted to pick the 32 winning slogan liveries – and the designer of each is now looking forward to watching their national team’s match live, and actually ride on the team bus they helped design during
the match day convoy. “Transport is an important logistical element at an event of this scale� said Hyundai Motor’s marketing vice president Minsoo Kim. “As the FIFA World Cup’s official automotive partner sponsor, we are committed to assisting the event organisers with running a streamlined event, just as we are committed to caring for our customers by ensuring special and rewarding Hyundai ownership experiences the world over.�
Coscharis Motors dealership represents Ford Motors in Nigeria. The Ranger, which was Ford’s top-selling vehicle in Nigeria in 2017, is a great all-rounder, combining the perfect blend of on-road comfort and stability with off-road capability. It boasts all the toughness and rugged capabilities of a pick-up truck, but also features smart technology, outstanding safety, superior fuel economy, and high standards of quality and comfort normally associated with passenger cars. The top of the range Ranger Wildtrak is from a design standpoint, very modern, refined and stylish. “Ford has a longstanding commitment to developing and implementing innovations that make their vehicles safer for our customers and their families,� says Abiona Babarinde, GM of Marketing and Communications at Coscharis Motors, the exclusive distributor of Ford vehicles in Nigeria. “Coscharis Motors would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Children’s Day, and will continue to take the necessary steps to stimulate safety and security for our customers.� To indicate just how seriously Ford Motor Company is committed to the cause, the automaker’s Ranger engineers used sophisticated computer modelling and assessed more than 9 000 virtual crash tests, before any of the 110 actual vehicle crash tests or 410 system sled tests were undertaken. These virtual simulations allowed the engineers to optimise the vehicle structure and safety systems to provide the maximum levels of protection possible, in a wide-range of real-world collision scenarios. All this was achieved before any real prototype vehicle was built and subjected to crash testing.
Uber Plans 50,000 Direct Economic Opportunities in Nigeria
U
ber has said it plans to create 50,000 direct economic opportunities in Nigeria by 2020, as well as bring additional socio-economic value to the country. A team of Uber officials stated this during a courtesy visit of Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo to the Uber Greenlighht Hub in Abuja, recently. The vice president was received by Lola Kassim; General Manager Uber, West Africa, O’Yoma Ukueku; Greenlight Operations Manager, Nigeria, Uber and other members of the Uber team in Abuja, according to a statement by Uber, during the week. The statement said the vice president also took a tour of the Uber Greenlight Hub in Abuja where he was shown a live demonstration of
L
ast week I ended up by advising you not to play down the place of visibility which is why it is safe to drive with your light on when it is raining and at night. Anytime visibility is poor, endeavor to have your head lights on While we advise that we enhance our visibility, special care must be taken to avoid the typical Lagos ‘kiss me, I kiss’ you driving or hanging on to someone’s rear light which has the potential of leading you off course; therefore you must defensively keep a safe distance. It is also advisable that you use clean cloth soaked in soap to clean the particles that may have accumulated over time on your wiper to make it more effective. You must also learn to control your speed. You are advised to adopt the common sense speed limit by adjusting your speed to suit the weather, your vehicle, your capability and competence and your age which we have said affects your sight or the amount of light required. Common sense therefore dictates that speed should be lower when weather is bad or roads defective. eg-on wet or slippery roads or when the view is unclear from smoky exhausts of other vehicles, harmattan dust or in foggy weather. Critical to driving at any time is speed. It is identified as a critical factor and that is why good driving demands that we obey speed limits at all times especially during bad weather such as the raining season. When the road is wet, the chances of your vehicle gliding are very slim. Also vehicles in front of you, especially large or speeding vehicles may raise a film of dirty water to further reduce visibility. Your wipers must always work. When it is raining or the road is
how prospective driver-partners are onboarded unto the Uber app. “Overall, it was a positive and enlightening visit and a great pointer to how Uber remains committed to engaging with various policy and regulatory arms of the government,� said officials of the company. Uber’s mission is to help people get a ride at the push of a button - everywhere and for everyone. We started in 2009 to solve a simple problem - how do you get a ride at the touch of a button? Eight years and over two billion trips later, we’ve started tackling an even greater challenge: reducing congestion and pollution in our cities by getting more people into fewer cars. The Uber network is now available in over 600 cities in over 75 countries spanning six continents.
L-R: O’Yoma Ukueku; Greenlight Operations Manager Nigeria, Uber, His Excellency; Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and Lola Kassim; General Manager West Africa, Uber at the oďŹƒcial visit of the Vice President to the Uber Greenlight Hub in Abuja‌ recently
Driving in the Rain Tips SAFE DRIVING with
JONAS AGWU
amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education OďŹƒcer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491
wet, leave at least double the normal stopping distance. if you are following a vehicle at a safe distance and another vehicle pulls into the gap you have left, drop back to regain a safe distance. If you are driving in a very wet weather, you may find that your vehicle begins to aquaplane; ie, slide. This is because water builds up between the tyres and the road and makes the steering feel light Now let’s talk about steering handling at all times, including during the rains. The vogue on our major roads including the cities is to find a good number of drivers who hold the steering with one hand, eat, or phone, with the other. Some others would choose to rest their right arm on the front passengers head rest even under the rain. The correct posture is to hold your steering wheel with both hands except when shifting gear lever or giving signals. The recommended way is to hold the steering on nearly opposite sides in a position termed “tento-two� derived from the clock hand positions at ten minutes to two o’clock, that is, 01.50 or
13.50 hours. The recommended position now is to place your hands in the nine and three position at all times while driving. Never drive with only one hand, your fingertips, or, even worse, with your knees. It is a traffic offence to drive with one hand only Driving we have noted is all about visibility. You must be particularly careful at dusk and in misty or dusty environment when it is more difficult to judge speed and distance. To overtake, never do so if you are in doubt. Overtaking is a dangerous manoeuvre. Ask yourself if you really need to overtake. Learn to signal in good time; ensure it is clear and safe and that it is legal for you to overtake. Avoid overtaking at the crest of a hill, slope, built up arrears, corner, bend, narrow bridge or a bus stop. Do not overtake where the road narrows, or where your action would force another vehicle to swerve or brake suddenly, or if you would have to cross double solid white lines, or if the solid line of the centre lines is nearer you. Lastly, remember that your tyre connects the vehicle with the road; they are the part of the vehicle that has direct contact with the road. It is therefore important that you use good tyres and run a check on your tyre pressures with a quality tyre pressure gauge (not the abused/ overused roadside vulcanizer’s gauge). Such a check may reveal that at least one of your tyres is incorrectly inflated. Very few vehicles, if any, will pass this test. Incorrect tyre pressure is the major cause of tyre blowouts, sudden tyre failures and premature tyre wear. Incorrect tyre pressure is an invitation
to disaster even if the tyres are brand new! It is a time bomb waiting for the right time to explode. The implication is that each time such a vehicle is driven, the occupants are facing grave danger without being aware of it. There are two types of incorrect tyre pressure. These are over-inflation and under-inflation. Let’s take a look at how they can affect your tyres and cause disaster and what could be done to maintain a proper pressure for your tyres and so prevent or drastically minimize blowouts and other forms of tyre failures. Under-inflation is the major cause of tyre blowouts. When a tyre is under-inflated, it increases what is known as the ROLLING RESISTANCE (RR) as the vehicle moves. RR generates a tremendous amount of heat that could make your tyre explode like a bomb. Such an explosion (blowout) would destabilize the vehicle’s balance leading to a crash and disaster. When over-inflated, a tyre becomes stiff. This can make it to puncture easily. The internal materials used in making the tyre are also subjected to undue strains. This would make them snap, leading to bulges or swells. As the tyre hits a pot hole or a bump, it can easily cut and have a sudden deflation that could a crash. Over-inflation also leads to partial contact of the tyres with the road surface. This reduces traction and can easily lead to loss of control when one is on high speed, wet surface, cornering or braking. Each of these conditions can easily lead to a crash and disaster. You can prevent this by owing a quality tyre gauge or installing a high profile automatic tyre monitor.
28
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀
FAMILY HEALTH
Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
with
BOBO BODE -KAYODE
lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com ͸΀͸ͽ͝͝Ϳͺ͝ͽ͞
T
he air we breathe in is made up of a mixture of gases that are beneficial to man. We breathe in these gases to be able to attain the conditions required for our respiratory and blood circulations system to be optimised. These essential gases include oxygen and hydrogen in appropriate volumes. In this same manner, there are some gases that we breathe in, that are harmful to us, in that when they are taken in large amount, would cause blood poisoning and eventually death. Amongst these gases is carbon monoxide (CO) . Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. ... CO is a common industrial hazard resulting from the incomplete burning of natural gas and any other material containing carbon such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, or wood. r $BSCPO NPOPYJEF TPNFUJNFT SFGFSSFE UP BT CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain damage and death. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it; but carbon monoxide can kill you. r #FDBVTF DBSCPO NPOPYJEF JT BO PEPSMFTT UBTUFMFTT and colorless gas, it is known as the “silent killer.â€? r $BSCPO NPOPYJEF JT QSPEVDFE CZ DPNNPO household appliances. When not properly ventilated, carbon monoxide emitted by these appliances can build up. Where is CO found? CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel. Sources of carbon monoxide: r (BT XBUFS IFBUFST r ,FSPTFOF TQBDF IFBUFST r HSJMMT r 1SPQBOF IFBUFST BOE TUPWFT r (BTPMJOF BOE EJFTFM QPXFSFE HFOFSBUPST r TNPLF r 1SPQBOF GVFMFE GPSLMJGUT r (BTPMJOF QPXFSFE DPODSFUF TBXT r *OEPPS USBDUPS QVMMT r #PBUT FOHJOFT r 4QSBZ QBJOU TPMWFOUT EFHSFBTFST BOE QBJOU removers r 4NPLF JOIBMBUJPO GSPN B XJMEĂ SF r DBST PS r USVDLT r TNBMM FOHJOFT r TUPWFT r MBOUFSOT r HSJMMT r Ă SFQMBDFT r HBT SBOHFT PS GVSOBDFT r 1FUSPM (FOFSBUPST CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. Symptoms: r 5IF NPTU DPNNPO TZNQUPNT PG $0 QPJTPOJOH are r IFBEBDIF r EJ[[JOFTT r XFBLOFTT r VQTFU TUPNBDI r WPNJUJOH r DIFTU QBJO BOE r DPOGVTJPO CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.â€? If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out PS LJMM ZPV 1FPQMF XIP BSF TMFFQJOH PS ESVOL DBO die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms. Those at risk: Risks for exposure to carbon monoxide include r $IJMESFO SJEJOH JO UIF CBDL PG FODMPTFE QJDLVQ trucks (particularly high risk) r *OEVTUSJBM XPSLFST BU QVMQ NJMMT TUFFM GPVOESJFT and plants producing formaldehyde or coke (a hard grey fuel) r 1FSTPOOFM BU Ă SF TDFOFT r 6TJOH IFBUJOH TPVSDFT PS FMFDUSJD HFOFSBUPST during power outages r 5IPTF XPSLJOH JOEPPST XJUI DPNCVTUJPO FOHJOFT or combustible gases r 4XJNNJOH OFBS PS VOEFS UIF TUFSO PS TXJN TUFQ of a boat with the boat engine on . Complications of carbon monoxide poisoning 1SPMPOHFE TJHOJĂ DBOU FYQPTVSF UP DBSCPO NPOPYJEF can cause serious complications, including brain damage and heart problems. In very severe cases,
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) oods the body with pure oxygen, helping it overcome the oxygen shortage caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. There’s currently insuďŹƒcient evidence regarding the long-term eectiveness of HBOT for treating severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, standard oxygen therapy is usually the recommended treatment option. HBOT may be recommended in certain situations – for example, if there’s been extensive exposure to carbon monoxide and nerve damage is suspected. The use of HBOT will be decided on a case-by-case basis
it can result in death. Effects of severe carbon monoxide poisoning include: r CSFBUIMFTTOFTT r DIFTU QBJOT r TFJ[VSFT Ă UT
r MPTT PG DPOTDJPVTOFTT Around 10-15% of people who have severe carbon monoxide poisoning develop long-term complications. #SBJO EBNBHF 1SPMPOHFE FYQPTVSF UP DBSCPO NPOPYJEF DBO DBVTF memory problems and difficulty concentrating. It can also cause vision loss and hearing loss In rare cases, severe carbon monoxide poisoning DBO DBVTF 1BSLJOTPOJTN XIJDI JT DIBSBDUFSJTFE CZ tremors , stiffness and slow movement. 1BSLJOTPOJTN JTO U UIF TBNF BT 1BSLJOTPO T EJTFBTF which is a degenerative neurological condition linked to ageing. 1. Heart disease : is another serious condition that can develop as a result of long-term carbon monoxide exposure. Coronary heart disease is where the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances (atheroma) in the coronary arteries. If the blood supply is restricted, it can cause chest pains . If the coronary arteries become completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack . 3. Harm to unborn babies Long-term exposure to carbon monoxide gas can BMTP EBNBHF BO VOCPSO CBCZ #BCJFT FYQPTFE UP DBSCPO monoxide during pregnancy are at risk of: r MPX CJSUI XFJHIU r QFSJOBUBM EFBUI TUJMMCJSUI BOE EFBUI UIBU PDDVST within the first four weeks of birth) r CFIBWJPVSBM QSPCMFNT Treatment Seek medical advice from your doctor if you think you’ve been exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide. Act very quickly if you think you’ve been exposed to high levels. Your symptoms will often indicate whether you have carbon monoxide poisoning, but a blood test will confirm the amount of carboxyhaemoglobin in your blood. A level of 30% indicates severe exposure. 1FPQMF XIP TNPLF DBO PGUFO IBWF IJHIFS UIBO normal levels of carboxyhaemoglobin in their blood, which can sometimes make it difficult to interpret the results. Mild carbon monoxide poisoning doesn’t usually need hospital treatment, but it’s still important that you seek medical advice. Your house will also need to be checked for safety before anyone returns.
1. Standard oxygen therapy Standard oxygen therapy in hospital will be needed if you’ve been exposed to a high level of carbon monoxide, or you have symptoms that suggest exposure. You’ll be given 100% oxygen through a tight-fitting mask (normal air contains around 21% oxygen). #SFBUIJOH JO DPODFOUSBUFE PYZHFO FOBCMFT ZPVS CPEZ to quickly replace carboxyhaemoglobin. Therapy will continue until your carboxyhaemoglobin levels decrease to less than 10%. 1. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy )ZQFSCBSJD PYZHFO UIFSBQZ )#05 åPPET UIF CPEZ with pure oxygen, helping it overcome the oxygen shortage caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. There’s currently insufficient evidence regarding UIF MPOH UFSN FGGFDUJWFOFTT PG )#05 GPS USFBUJOH severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, standard oxygen therapy is usually the recommended treatment option. )#05 NBZ CF SFDPNNFOEFE JO DFSUBJO TJUVBUJPOT – for example, if there’s been extensive exposure to carbon monoxide and nerve damage is suspected. The VTF PG )#05 XJMM CF EFDJEFE PO B DBTF CZ DBTF CBTJT Recovery This would vary from man to man . The length of time it takes to recover from carbon monoxide poisoning will depend on how much carbon monoxide you’ve been exposed to and how long you’ve been exposed to it. 1SFWFOUJOH DBSCPO NPOPYJEF QPJTPOJOH It’s important to be aware of the dangers and identify any appliances in your house that could potentially leak carbon monoxide. r .BJOUBJOJOH BOE TFSWJDJOH BQQMJBODFT #PJMFST DPPLFST IFBUJOH TZTUFNT BOE BQQMJBODFT should be installed and regularly serviced by a reputable, registered engineer. Don’t attempt to install or service appliances yourself. r &OHJOF FYIBVTU GVNFT To protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by exhaust fumes: r EPO U MFBWF QFUSPM GVFMMFE MBXONPXFST PS DBST running in the garage r NBLF TVSF ZPVS DBS T FYIBVTU JT DIFDLFE FWFSZ year for leaks r NBLF TVSF ZPVS FYIBVTU JTO U CMPDLFE CFGPSF turning the engine on . r $BSCPO NPOPYJEF BMBSNT Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home to alert you if there’s a carbon monoxide leak. However, an alarm isn’t a substitute for maintaining and regularly servicing household appliances. The bottom line is that you should be vigilant , maintain all appliances using fuel and keep such appliances in well ventilated spaces .
GLOBAL SOCCER A
WEEKLY PULL-OUT
WEMBLEY SHOWDOWN PAGE. 29
02.06.2018
Moses Simon
World Cup Dream Shattered?
30
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀
World Cup Dream Shattered? Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă&#x;ĂšËœ Ă“Ă˜Ă”Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă”Ă™Ăœ ÚÖËãĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?Ù×Ă?ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă˜Ă?Ă Ă?Ăœ ĂŒĂ? ĂĄĂ“Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă‹Ă– Ă“Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă‹ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?âĂ?Ă?ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂœĂ‹Ă¤Ă“Ă–Ă“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă–Ě‹ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜Ă“ Ă–Ă Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă?ĂœĂ‘Ă“Ă™ Ù×Ă?ĂœĂ™ Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‹Ëœ ÞÙ Ă‘ĂŁĂšĂžĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ÞËÖÓĂ?Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ ÙÒË×Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă‹Ă’Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă”Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă–Ăž ÞÒĂ?Ă— Ă‹ ĂŒĂ“Ă‘ ĂŒĂ–Ă™ĂĄĂ?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă?Ëœ ÒÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă˜Ă™Ăž ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ËŞĂ? Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă‘Ă“Ă&#x;Ă— ÚÖËãĂ?Ăœ ĚłĂ? ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă— Ă™Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂž Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă‘Ă–Ă?Ă?Ěł ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂŁ ÞÙ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă‹ ËÚÚĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?ÒËÞÞĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă”Ă&#x;ĂœĂŁË› Kunle Adewale ĂĄĂœĂ“ĂžĂ?Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ă‹ ÚÙĂ?ÓÞÓà Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ™Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ? Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ăš ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă—
W
Moses Simon
hen Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr rolled out his 30-man provisional list for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with Moses Simon included, this player believed he was just inches away from achieving his longtime dream of playing in the World Cup. But it was not to be as injury has ruined his dream. Rohr on Sunday confirmed that the FC Gent of Belgium player will be out of action for between three and four weeks, meaning Simon can’t be part of his team. Nigeria will be short of one player all through the Group stage matches of the tournament should Rohr decide to retain Simon in the final 23-man list to Russia. Simon sustained a thigh injury in his second training session with the Super Eagles in Uyo last week according the report of the scan he had. As it stands, he will join the likes of Dani Alves of Brazil, Sergio Romero of Argentina and most recently, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah as list of players who may miss the World Cup finals due to injury. “It is unfortunate Moses Simon will not be travelling with the team on Tuesday (to London) because he is down with an injury. The nature of his injury is such that he won’t be recovering quickly enough to make the World Cup. We are looking at three to four weeks and thereafter, rehabilitation training will start before getting to match fitness level. You can see that the situation is not good for him and for the team as well. “In a few days, we will have 25 and from there we will have the final 23 players for the World Cup. We still have players who can work in his role and I hope his injury will be the last to any player,� the German tactician said. However, there is a sliver of hope
for the player as he undergoes a final scan in London on Saturday. In an interview with THISDAY, Nduka Ugbade who led Nigeria to win the maiden edition of the U-16 World Youth Championship in China admitted that missing out of the World Cup with few weeks to the kickoff could be very devastating and an unforgettable trauma. “For a playing player to be ruled out of a major competition like the World Cup when he is already dreaming it could be very devastating and the memory is not always a good one. It’s something I don’t always like to talk about because it was a painful experience. I was really looking forward to the 1994 World Cup, but, unfortunately, some people actually gathered against me to ensure that it never happened. In fact, I never knew that there would be many more World Cups for me to be involved in because I was so pained that I left football for almost three years. “I looked at some other things I could do but I couldn’t do any other thing. It affected me greatly but I have forgiven Coach Westerhof as well as those who were part of the decision to leave me out. I think four years later, Westerhof admitted in an interview that I deserved to have gone to USA’94 World Cup. But I have forgiven him and we have met on two or three occasions, and we have made up. “I feel very sorry for Simon. I hope he would shake it off with time. But the truth is that it’s not a palatable experience. It was one I went through and till today, it still pains,� Ugbade said. Former Nigeria international, Waidi Akani said he felt pained that Moses Simon sustained the injury at such a crucial time in his career. “Playing in the World Cup is the dream of any player because it remains the pinnacle of football. It is where great players like Pele, Diego Maradona, Bobby Moore and many others made their mark. No other football competition had been able to match it, not even the
31
JUNE 2, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
GLOBAL SOCCER FRENCH OPEN
Djokovic Battles through to Last 16
N
ovak Djokovic came through a gruelling four-hour match against Spanish 13th seed Roberto Bautista Agut to reach the last 16 at the French Open. The 12-time Grand Slam champion was given his toughest test this year but won 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 after three hours and 48 minutes. The Serb, 31, is seeded 20th as he searches for his best form following his return from an elbow injury. He will play Spain's 30th seed Fernando Verdasco in the fourth round. Verdasco, 34, earned a shock 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 6-4 win over Grigor Dimitrov - the Bulgarian fourth seed and reigning ATP World Tour Finals champion. After a quarter-final defeat by Dominic Thiem last year, Djokovic returned to Roland Garros not expected to challenge for the title following a year disrupted by an injury which needed surgery after the Australian Open in January. A lack of action since has seen him drop to 20th in the world rankings - below Bautista Agut. But his greater pedigree eventually shone through in a physical encounter on Court Suzanne Lenglen. The former world number has now made the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the 43rd time, tying with Jimmy Connors on the all-time list.
Simon
Breaks racquet before recovering Djokovic's history with the French Open has been a varied one, having suffered three final defeats in 2012, 2014 and 2015 before eventually landing the prize in 2016 - finally sealing his career Grand Slam with victory over Andy Murray. And he again experienced a range of emotions - delight, disappointment, anger - at Roland Garros in an epic match which ended with two weary players smiling as they hugged at the net. Djokovic controlled the opening exchanges without earning a break point and, after a slight wobble midway through a tight set where the pair traded baseline blows, converted his first opportunity to clinch the set. Momentum continued to flow with
Djokovic at the start of the second, breaking at the first chance, only to allow Bautista Agut back into the set when the Spaniard claimed his first break point of the match for 4-3. Bautista Agut saved a set point on his serve at 5-4 down, fighting off two more at 6-5 to force the tie-break, then taking his third set point in the decider to level. That came immediately after a furious Djokovic lost his temper when he missed a simple forehand, breaking his racquet by hammering it three times into the ground, drawing whistles from the crowd as he went to grab a new one. Djokovic still had a moody expression when he returned to court for the third set but that release of anger eventually seemed to work in his favour. There were six breaks of serve in an erratic set before Djokovic clinched the tie-break shortly after the match clock passed the three-hour mark. That gave him the impetus in the fourth set, going two breaks up before taking his second match point with a thumping overhead that Bautista Agut could not reach. Grieving Agut impresses Bautista Agut is one of the most consistent players on the tour having climbed into the world's top 20 for the first time in July 2014 and not dropping out of the top 30 since. However, he has never been able to break into the top 10 and has struggled to beat higher-ranked opponents on a regular basis. It was anticipated the Spaniard would provide a sterner challenge to Djokovic than any of the Serb's previous opponents and his fighting spirit - not to mention his all-round game - troubled his decorated rival. But it was remarkable Bautista Agut was even playing at Roland Garros following the death of his mother Esther on 21 May, days before the tournament began. The 30-year-old said he wanted to play to take his mind off his loss. The world number 13 put the difficult circumstances to one side as he focused on beating Djokovic for only the second time in their eight meetings. However, he eventually ran out of energy physically and mentally - as he was unable to reach the last 16 for the third straight year.
Zverev Survives as Dimitrov Crashes Out
A
Simon UEFA Champions League in spite of all the packaging given to it. Therefore, it could be very cruel for a player to miss out with just few days to the competition due to injury,” Akani, who also missed out of the USA ’94 Mundial said. Continuing, he said, “When Mohamed Salah was injured in the finals of the UEFA Champions League, he was crying because of the possibility of missing out of the World Cup and not
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
for anything else, because his mind was already set for Russia.” Akani added, “For Simon, he had worked hard to deserve a place in Russia but the injury has been most unkind to him. I just hope he would not allow it to affect his career. I felt for him really.” Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, said Simon would be a big miss for the Super Eagles in Russia. “Let’s wait for the final list first before arguing this. But if he is left out, he will be a big miss for the team. He brings a different attacking quality to the team,” Siasia told CSN. Simon scored one goal and provided two assists for Nigeria as they qualified for their sixth FIFA World Cup from a group that had Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia. Born in Jos, Simon is a product of the famed GBS Academy, the same football academy in Nigeria that produced the likes of Ahmed Musa. In 2013, he signed a pre-contractual agreement with Dutch club, AFC Ajax, in pre-season training. He made his first appearance for Ajax on 13 July 2013 in pre-season friendly match, coming on as a substitute. He received his first call-up by Coach Daniel Amokachi in 2015 and made his debut in an international friendly against Uganda.
lexander Zverev survived another five-set battle to reach the French Open fourth round at the expense of Damir Dzumhur. The second seed fought back to beat Dusan Lajovic on Wednesday, and Zverev broke Dzumhur when the 26th seed was serving for the match in the fourth set, before going on to win 6-2 3-6 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 after almost four hours on court. Up next for Zverev, who has never progressed beyond the fourth round of a Grand Slam, is the victor of Lucas Pouille's match with Karen Khachanov. Zverev breezed through the opening set in 25 minutes, breaking the Bosnian twice without offering his opponent a sniff on serve. The German even moved a break up in the
second, but Dzumhur stunned to win five games in a row to level up the match. The pair then traded breaks in the third set, and after Dzumhur stole ahead, he served out the set - but only after he saved two more break points in the 10th game. A tense fourth set followed, but Dzumhur crumbled when serving for the match as Zverev broke to love to force the tie-break, which he then dominated to take it to a decider. As the clock ticked towards the fourth hour, both players struggled on serve, but after two breaks apiece, Zverev dug deep to save match point and level the fifth set at 5-5. The 21-year-old broke Dzumhur in the 11th game and then served out the match to secure his first Grand Slam win against a top-50 opponent at the eighth time of trying.
Djokovic is seeded 20th this year - his lowest ranking at a Grand Slam since the 2006 US Open
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2018 World Cup Countdown‌ 2018 World Cup Countdown‌ 2018 World Cup Countdown‌ 2018 World Cup Countdown‌ 2018 World Cup Countdown‌
Wembley Showdown
Super Eagles in Real Test against Three Lions Kunle Adewale
S
uper Eagles of Nigeria will today face their first major test since booking a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia when they come against the fire power of the Three Lions of England at the Wembley Stadium, as part of their final preparations towards having a good showing at the Mundial. Nigeria’s German-born Coach, Gernot Rohr, who is yet to prune down the team to 23 players from the 25 that hit London is expected to roll out his first team and give the country’s teeming fans a feel of what to expect in Russia. It remains to be seen if Manager Gareth Southgate will take the opportunity to experiment against Nigeria, though it is more likely that he will begin to lay the groundwork for his starting XI in Russia, but he is likely to play a strong team, as he bids to prepare his side for their opening games next month. Phil Jones, a defender Southgate is understood to rate highly, could be given the day off as his partner is due to give birth, while Nick Pope has expressed hope that he would be given a chance to shine. Southgate has gradually imposed his own ideas and tactics on England since taking charge of the national team in November last year, such as a threeman defence and wingbacks with free reign to press further up the pitch, though it is unclear whether he plans to deploy other approaches against Nigeria. Goals have been an issue for England of late, with the Three Lions having found the net six times in their last seven fixtures, but defensively, they have been solid and this has continued into Southgate's tenure. England have shipped just two goals in these games, dating back to their 2-1 victory over Slovakia in qualifying, a run which includes impressive shutouts against World Cup favourites Brazil and Germany. Despite being unbeaten in eight games, the Three Lions remain a work in progress under the former centreback, and as such, expectations are somewhat lower ahead of Russia than they were for previous tournaments. Southgate has shown faith in youth and ushered out some of England's old guard - including goalkeeper Joe Hart and defender Chris Smalling, but it remains to be seen whether he will field his strongest XI today or give prospects such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek a runout. Following their 1-1 draw against Italy last time out, England find themselves placed 13th in the FIFA World Rankings, and that result marked a third stalemate in four matches against teams ranked above them. This hints at subtle progress under Southgate, since the Three Lions have often struggled against higher-ranked sides, although that is a moot point where Nigeria are concerned since the Super Eagles are placed in 47th. Nigeria are sure to provide a stern test for Southgate's men when they travel to the English capital this weekend. The Super Eagles were stellar during World Cup qualifying, becoming the first African nation to book a place in the tournament in early October 2017 when a strike from Arsenal's Alex Iwobi secured a 1-0 victory over Zambia. That result gave Nigeria an unassailable 13-point lead at the top of Group B, dubbed Africa's 'group of death' due to the inclusion of Algeria and continental champions Cameroon. Like England, Gernot Rohr's team
Super Eagles players celebrating their goal against Congo in Port Harcourt are a young side full of energetic and talented prospects, although their form since World Cup qualification has dipped during a run of two wins in the last five internationals. However, the Super Eagles' away performances have been impressive during the last six months, as Rohr's charges have won five of their last six on the road, a run which includes a 4-2 victory against Argentina in Russia. Moses Simon, who travelled with the squad has undergone a late fitness test after sustaining a thigh injury, while a number of familiar faces will play at Wembley; John Obi Mikel is a former Chelsea player, Ahmed Musa, a former Leicester City player while Victor Moses currently represents the Blues, Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi both ply their trade in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Changchun Yatai striker, Odion Ighalo, is optimistic that Nigeria can beat the host, having recently recorded wins over heavyweights Argentina and Poland in pre-World Cup friendlies. “England have a good team. All the players they have in the squad for the World Cup are playing for top teams in the Premier League. It is going to be a difficult game, a tough one. Being a friendly game, we will try to do well and correct some mistakes. ‘’It is going to be a tough one, but it is also possible for us to win, but the most important thing about the World Cup is not the money. But I must admit that the fact that the money is there and we know is there gives us extra energy, extra motivation in the preparations,� Kelechi Iheanacho told thenff.com. “England’s players know us and we know them. It will be a good match,� he added. Skipper Mikel John Obi told thenff. com: “We are in England, a terrain most of us know too well. I was here and won several trophies with Chelsea, including the Champions League. It will be an interesting encounter on Saturday (today).� Meanwhile, Chelsea star, Victor Moses, has joined the team in London and took part in his first training session with the Super Eagles Wednesday afternoon. England qualified for the World Cup with ease - sailing through a group also featuring Scotland, Slovakia and Slovenia unbeaten, while Nigeria topped their group, besting Zambia, Cameroon and Algeria, who drew with England at the 2010 tournament, to punch their ticket to Russia and, as such, this encounter with Nigeria is an intriguing
Southgate
Rohr
one. Momentum, of course, is key, and the Three Lions would do well to be wary, as Nigeria will also be looking to kick off their preparations with a bang. The Three Lions will face Panama,
Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂŽ ÙËÖÕĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ? Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi , Francis Uzoho,
Tunisia and Belgium in their World Cup group in Russia, while the Super Eagles face Argentina, Iceland and Croatia. Gareth Southgate's side will also face Costa Rica before jetting off to the tournament, while Nigeria take on the Czech Republic.
Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă‹Ă— ÙËÖÕĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ? Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?
Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ? William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ola Aina, Kenneth Omeruo, Bryan Idowu, Chidozie Awaziem, Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile, Tyronne Ebuehi
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gary Cahill, Phil Jones, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ashley Young
ÓÎʨĂ?Ă–ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?
ÓÎʨĂ?Ă–ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă•Ă˜Ă™Ă?Ă•Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ
John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Joel Obi, Mikel Agu,
Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson, Fabian Delph, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Ă™ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ?
Ă™ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ?
Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses (Chelsea, England), Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Simeon Nwankwo
ÓâÞĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ë? Ă“Ă—Ă?Ë?
Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck, Jamie Vardy
England v Nigeria 5: 15pm
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GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS
with KUNLE ADEWALE 08111813082
L-R: Nigerian Sport Award Panel Member, Mr. Michel Obi; Chairman, Mr. Kayode Noami Oke (left) receiving her award from Alhaji Tijani AbduIdowu; and Member, Dr. Kweku Tandor, at the 2018 Nigerian Sport Award, held at Secondary School Students participate in the Draws for the Group stages of Sea- lazeez Adebayo, a member of the Governing Board of Lagos Sheraton in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN son 9 of the GTBank – Lagos State Principal’s Cup State Sports Commission
Lagos Partners Balmoral to Build World Cup Village at Eko Atlantic As part of Lagos State Government's efforts in line with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s focus at making Lagos a sports and tourism hub, the state has partnered with Balmoral Group, the largest 360 events solutions company in West Africa to build the biggest football viewing village in Nigeria and albeit West Africa. The football village is a state of the art viewing center that will run throughout the entire duration of the World Cup. The scope of the village goes beyond just football and extends to all aspects of life to bring together all lovers and fans of football. The viewing village has a
state of the art screen that will project all 64 matches live every day of the tournament. There will be foods of all categories, music, drinks and entertainment; all aspects that bring football lovers and fans together. Industry sources say that Balmoral Group was chosen by the Lagos State government to partner with because of their track record in executing major events like COPA Lagos, International Drinks Festival and many more major projects. The Balmoral Group specialises in hospitality, exhibitions venue management and live events like this viewing center for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
Another reason why Balmoral is the preferred partner is because they have secured the license to officially run a World Cup viewing center from FIFA. Also championing this partnership is the Lagos State Sports Commission who is focused on ensuring that Lagosians and other nationals represented in Nigeria have the best of time during the 2018 World Cup. The Viewing Village has been tagged “Russia in Lagos� and will be hosting the best of everything Lagosians love about football in festival style. Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be flying the National colours as one of the competing teams.
Crespo, Siasia Thrilled Fans at Heineken's UCL Final Following successful live viewings of UEFA Champions League matches by fans in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, international premium lager beer, Heineken last Saturday, welcomed football fans into the Ocean View Ground, of Eko Hotel and Suites, in Lagos, for the historic final match between Real Madrid and Liverpool. This grand finale of the premium football viewing events was indeed a special one with the presence of Argentine football legend, Hernan Crespo, who joined hundreds of Nigerian fans to witness a truly memorable night of drama and action.
Crespo had spent time soaking in the city of Lagos by visiting leading art, culture, lifestyle, and educational centre, Terra Kulture, to view stunning artworks on display. He had also paid surprise visits to four lucky football fans in their offices in various parts of Lagos, delivering to the delighted fans exclusive front row invites to the UCL Final live match viewing experience put together by Heineken. The 2017/2018 UCL final was all set to be a momentous occasion, with the Zinedine Zidane led Real Madrid team vying for an unprecedented 13th overall and third consecutive title
win, while the Jorgen Klopp coached Liverpool side was hoping to win a sixth title on the night in Kiev, in their first final since 2007. The trio of sports broadcaster, Moses Praiz, Hernan Crespo and exSuper Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, provided expert analysis and made predictions during half time. While guests enjoyed playing various fun activities like table soccer, video games and so on, additional entertainment was provided by DJ Neptune, with hype man, Shody, further galvanizing the excited crowd during the post-match after-party to create a carnival-like atmosphere.
Ajewole, Diles Emerge Fab- 5- Challenge Rising Stars Anuoluwapo Alimosho Primary School, has emerged champions of the 2018 Fab-5 – Challenge, after defeating Saint Paul Anglican Primary School, Mainland, by a lone goal in the final played last Saturday at the Campos Mini Stadium, Ajele, Lagos Island. Pelumi Ajewole scored the only goal of the match to pave the way for Anuoluwapo Alimosho Primary School, to win this year's edition of the Fab- 5 Football Challenge. While presenting the awards, Temitope of Indomie Noodles, commended the organisers of the
competition for being consistent, stating that, the brand would continue to support the initiative since it was aimed at building children into the next generation of footballers that could represent the country in the future. Also speaking after the competition, FC Barcelona, Lagos, Technical Director, Bernat Villa, revealed that, his academy had picked a lot of talented young players in Lagos, adding that the players had improved as a result of learning the academy’s methodology and football philosophy. Villa said: “Since I arrived Nigeria,
I have seen a lot of players and there are lot of talents because of their physical condition and technical ability. The talents we’ve picked in our academy have improved a lot,� he said. In her remarks, Marketing Consultant, Rite Foods Limited, Yetunde Jack, said her company decided to partner with organisers of FAB 5-Aside Football Initiative because it was not just a competition but a good course that was impacting children positively. The event, was also supported by Zenith Bank Plc, Blaugrana Sport.
GTBank-Lagos Principals Cup Season 9 Begins June 6 The preliminaries of the 2018 GTBank-Lagos Principals Cup Season 9 competition will kick off on June 6 in four different venues- Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Agege, King’s College, Lagos Island, St Finbarr’s College, Akoka and Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Isolo. The winners and runners up from each group will progress to the quarter final stage of the competition. This much was revealed at the draws held at the corporate head office of Guaranty Trust Bank on Thursday. According to the draws, last year’s winner, Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Grammar School, Ijaiye, was drawn
in Group B alongside Egan Senior Grammar School, Alimosho, Estate Senior Grammar School, Mushin and Ilado Community High School, Ikoyi. The season began on April 17, with zonal preliminaries which featured 594 teams from 335 schools in the male and female categories. The competition is open to schools from the six educational districts in Lagos State. A total of 586 matches were played during the zonal preliminaries with 1,448 goals scored. Thirty Two of these teams – 16 each from the two categories qualified to take part in Thursday’s draws.
Over the years, the GTBank-Lagos State Principals Cup has propelled the professional careers of several talented and now renowned players like Stephen Odey – who recently won the Swiss Cup with FC Zurich. Odey captained his alma mata Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Agege to victory in the 2012 edition of the competition, Esther Adeboye, one of the Most Valuable Players in the 2014 competition from State High School, Alimosho was part of the National Female U-17 Team, The Flamingoes which represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
13 Year-Old Dazzles at Lagos Schools Swimming Tourney Thirteen-year-old Naomi Oke was cynosure of all eyes at the final day of Lagos State Government's Open Swimming Championship for secondary schools at the swimming pool of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Sunday. Oke, a SSS 1 student of Avital College, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, carted home nine gold medals in the three-day event facilitated by the Lagos State Sports Commission and organised by the Lagos State Swimming Association. Oke said her ambition was to do Lagos proud in national championships and represent Nigeria in the Olympic Games someday. Her golden performance was recorded in events such as freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, 50m, 100m and 200m events. It was no surprise, however, as Oke was adjudged the best swimmer in the senior secondary school (Girls) category by a panel of technical officers of the competition. "I'm so glad competing in this championship because it afforded me to test strength among other swimmers and more importantly, I made new friends, " Oke said Other winners included Simeone Ore of Ipakodo Grammar School, Ikorodu, who won the junior secondary school girls category. With five gold, three silver and one bronze medal; Mogbojuri Adedoyin of Ajegunle Senior High School, Ajegunle, Ikorodu, won the senior secondary school boys category, while Chibubem Obata of St. Judes Private School, FESTAC, Lagos won the junior secondary school boys category. Meanwhile, a member of the governing board of Lagos State Sports Commission, Alhaji Tijani Abdulazeez Adebayo, commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his support and promised to continue supporting yearly organisation of the championship. He said Lagos' investment in the grassroots and school sports events had been paying off with the discovery of the likes of Oke. A board member of the commission, Mr. Babatunde FatayiWilliams, who is also the technical director of the commission noted that Nigeria as a country had lost its glory when it neglected school sports. He however, commended the visionary steps being taken by the Lagos State Government to put its resources in developing sports through schools. "You can see several competitions across sports focusing on schools in Lagos. This is a conscious effort of our amiable Governor to give sports a new direction and Performance driven in the state. We are taking school sports in the front burner in Lagos and the results are these young athletes we are discovering, " Fatayi-Williams said. No fewer than 152 athletes from 32 schools in public and private secondary schools took part in the championship. Prizes were given to all first, second and third place winners and certificates of participation to all swimmers.
Star Thrills Football Fans in Support of Super Eagles After successful Star Fan Park activations in Calabar, Jos and Uyo, official beer of the Nigerian Super Eagles, Star Lager beer on Monday extended the deluxe live football and music experience to Port Harcourt as the Super Eagles clashed with the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo in an international friendly match. Football fans in Port-Harcourt were treated to premium entertainment experience in the hours leading up to the match with in-bar activations by Star Lager beer in the Rivers State capital, where fans were given exclusive invites to the special screening of the match. Turntable specialist and artiste DJ Neptune, had hundreds of music and football fans singing along to songs off his latest album ‘The Greatness’ as they cheered on the Super Eagles on the night. Star Lager’s upscale viewing centres equipped with impressive giant screens also provided fans with ice cold Star Lager beer and delicious canapes. In addition to the refreshments, football fans also had access to a variety of Star themed games as well as raffle draws and giveaways to end the night. Highlighting the brand’s commitment to Nigerian football fans and the Super Eagles, Senior Brand Manager, Star Lager Beer, Abayomi Abidakun stated that, “Star Lager beer is committed to providing the best football and entertainment offering to the fans, as we continue our united support for the Super Eagles. Our goal since we started the Star Fan Parks is to continually upgrade the execution from city to city, and we can promise fans in Nigerian a much bigger and better experience when the games eventually begin in Russia in June.�
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Ibeto Cement
The Making of a Nigerian Company into a Global Firm In less than two decades, Ibeto Cement Company Limited has become a household name in Nigeria’s construction industry. Its recent strides in the industry, especially on the global scene is an indication of its passion for excellence and global best practices, writes, Bayo Akinloye
T
he cement giant, Ibeto Cement Company, is a forward-looking business concern that is committed to global best practices. It is a dominant player in Nigeria’s cement manufacturing sector with a major control of the South-East market and nationwide acceptance as a leading manufacturing company. Some have claimed –apparently more out of personal opinions rather than facts –that Dangote Cement controls 65 per cent of the market share of cement in Nigeria. Even though Dangote ranks as the biggest player in the industry, the claim that it controls 65 per cent of the cement market cannot be true as there are no authentic statistics to back that up. While, admittedly, Dangote Cement is a popular brand of cement, Ibeto and other cement manufacturers (like Lafarge) also have considerable share of the market. The dominance of Ibeto Cement, in the South-East of Nigeria as a whole, is lent credence with the recent stride made by the company that has its eyes on the international markets beyond the shores of Nigeria. It is one of the players in the fast-growing cement industry in Nigeria and, by extension, Africa. To increase its production and packaging capacity, the company is currently developing two cement plants in Nigeria: one in Ebonyi State and one in Cross River State/ Abia State. Each plant is a state-of-the-art 6,000 tonne per day plant sitting on abundant deposits of quality limestone at both ends. Recently, the leading Nigerian cement company executed a binding MESA (Milost Equity Subscription Agreement) with Milost Global Inc. for a $850 million financing, of which $500 million is in equity and $350 million debt. It is a landmark that the Company has also started the process of going public in a reverse merger in the United States of America as efforts to become a publicly traded company. On May 25, this year, the Nigerian billionaire and Chairman of Ibeto Group of Companies, Chief Cletus Ibeto, consummated the acquisition of the publicly traded company he will use to reverse the assets of his cement business in America – the final acquisition and definitive agreements have already been executed. The transaction was solely advised by Palewater Advisory Group Inc., and the going public transaction will allow Ibeto Cement to raise enough capital in the US public markets outside the Milost financing as well and put the company in the forefront of the cement industry in Africa. As it stands, Chief Ibeto plans to grow the company beyond West Africa through the acquisition of other profitable cement businesses outside Nigeria within the next 12 months with a construction of two new plants to follow. Concerning the new deal, Ibeto said: “Our key strategic objective in the vast and extensive development of the cement business in Nigeria and the West African sub-region is to make cement affordable to all Nigerians and tiers of government in such a way that they should be able to develop modest homes for themselves and their families inclusive of road infrastructure. As far as I am concerned and with the knowledge I have and what I know in this business, the cement business is an investors’ haven especially in Nigeria and a much more profitable business than even crude oil where a lot of people think is the best place to invest. This probably explains why the few people in the business have deliberately created very strong barriers to entry into the industry for prospective investors. “It is therefore my honest belief that this reverse merger will enable us to accomplish this objective. In the end and, in line with our strategic intent and objective, we are geared to be a world-class cement company in terms of quality, affordability, innovation, service, environment, safety, and corporate governance and also to be a part of building the country’s needed infrastructure all of which certainly guarantees good returns on investment for the stakeholders.� Current prices of cement in Nigeria are the highest at $180/ton in comparison to the
Ibeto
listed international countries. Due to the high prices, the Nigerian cement market is a very attractive market for investors. It is also well known that only Nigeria and Senegal have Limestone deposits in commercial quantities in the whole of West African sub region (ECOWAS) — a fact which clearly reflects huge potential for export market for clinker cement produced in Nigeria. It is imperative to state that some alleged reports from parts of Europe and the World Bank alluding to a saturation of the cement market in Nigeria stand against current facts. First, the reports were sponsored campaigns by competitors (monopolists) who are working day and night to preclude other prospective investors from establishing more cement plants in Nigeria. Second, the campaigns are designed to mislead and discourage financial institutions and investors from funding such projects thereby stifling competition in any form. It could be explained that the competitors and monopolists who sponsored these negative campaigns are busy not only upgrading and expanding their existing plants but also trying to establish new cement plants in Nigeria. It is also compelling to note that while the Ibeto bagging plant was in production even in the presence of the local manufacturers, the company has been unable to meet up to 50 per cent of the demand for her product in her catchment zone in spite of the high cost of the product – the supply/ demand gap in the per capita consumption of cement in the South-East and parts of the South-South (a total of nine states) which represents the catchment market for the Ibeto Cement Company Limited. The estimated demand for cement in that market is 4,749,730.80, which is more than twice the proposed installed production capacity of 6,000 TPD (2,200,000) of Ibeto Cement. Moreover, proximity to the company’s target market will also remain a key competitive advantage. The maximum travel time between the proposed plant site and the farthest unit within the target market is approximately 2.5 hours compared to about 8 hours from the closest competitor. The Ibeto Cement is a renowned brand in the building and construction industry and had a strong market share within her customer base of the South-East/Southsouth and seeks to hold on to that. There is presently no cement manufacturing plant in the heart of its customer base (South-East) but more important in the heart of cement consumption in Nigeria being the South-East and South-South regions. The company seeks to tap from the huge export potential within the ECOWAS sub-region by taking advantage of her export terminal located at the Ibeto Jetty in Bundu
The dominance of Ibeto Cement, in the SouthEast of Nigeria as a whole, is lent credence with the recent stride made by the company that has its eyes on the international markets beyond the shores of Nigeria. It is one of the players in the fast-growing cement industry in Nigeria and, by extension, Africa. To increase its production and packaging capacity, the company is currently developing two cement plants in Nigeria: one in Ebonyi State and one in Cross River State/ Abia State. Each plant is a state-of-the-art 6,000 tonne per day plant sitting on abundant deposits of quality limestone at both ends Ama, Port Harcourt. Market can be expanded to include neighbouring West and Central African countries with Senegal and Nigeria being the only countries in the regions with limestone deposit in commercial quantities. This has the potential for export of clinker from Nigeria to other neighbouring African countries. The Ibeto Cement is known countrywide and within the building and construction sector for its high quality. This factor accounts for the key reason why almost all the credible construction companies in Nigeria tend to patronise the product more than they do for other cement products. On the plans of the company, Ibeto pointed out: “It has been a long journey since I have been in business and none of my companies or businesses has gone public so far. I had to come up with a strategy while I build a formidable structure for companies that will outlive me. Moving on, everybody knows that I have billions of dollar investments in Nigeria for myself, my family and the communities in which my businesses operate. But then the time has come for me to replicate the successes I have enjoyed in Africa on a global scale. My plan is to share my wealth of experience that have made me the doyen in business that I am today so as to ensure that which God has put in me as a gift to benefit people beyond Africa. “For me, this is a legacy I am building for generations to come. Century Petroleum Corp is the vehicle I plan to use as a catalyst of empowerment for all Nigerian people all over the world as the shares of the company will be traded internationally. I am extremely excited to have acquired Century Petroleum Corp and, having mostly taken over the rein as the chairman of the board of directors of the company, will enable me to put together teams that will help grow the company and propel it and also members of the board that will help me breathe life into what Century Petroleum will ultimately become.� No doubt, Ibeto’s years of experience in business as well as his success record,
have proved that he has the ability to build organisations organically as he had done with the businesses he started from ground up and inorganically through businesses that he acquired as a means to grow swiftly in his “vertical integration strategy�. Ibeto Cement Company Limited, located in Bundu Ama, Port Harcourt in Rivers State of Nigeria began cement bagging operations at its bagging terminal in Port Harcourt in 2005. It is an ultra-modern bagging plant with a flat-storage capacity of 50,000 metric tons and a production capacity of one metric ton per annum, which translates to a production capacity of over 4,000 metric tons per day. It has two production lines, each with a capacity of 2,700 of 50kg bags per hour or designed total production capacity of 5,400 of 50kg bags per hour. It also has a third production line – popularly known as the “big/jumbo bag plant� – for big bags of 1,500 kilograms, and also fourth production line for bulk cement powder which is loaded on special cement trucks fitted with tanks and discharge pumps. An integral part of the plant facility is a modern purpose-built jetty (Ibeto Jetty) that can take in ships of 190+ meters long with sophisticated and state-of-the-art shipunloaders and mounted at the waterfront on the Jetty to facilitate discharge of bulk cement from offshore and foreign mother vessels. In line with the Nigerian Backward Integration Policy (BIP) on cement and in response to the Federal Government’s call to increase local production of cement, Ibeto Cement Company Limited acquired the premier Nigeria Cement Company Limited (Nigercem) which has a plant located in Nkalagu, Ebonyi State. The strategic acquisition of Nigercem is aimed at expediting Ibeto Cement’s local production of cement by resuscitating the Nigercem plant and developing the project, as a brand new dry process plant. Also, the Ibeto Cement Company Limited is also developing another 6,000 Metric Tons Per Day (TPD) Cement plant at Cross River State/Abia State of Nigeria. Only a visionary and open-minded businessman like Ibeto can walk that path. As a world-class business leader and entrepreneur who has built successful companies and industries in Nigeria and beyond, Ibeto has impacted the cement market in Nigeria. It is no doubt that the latest deal with the American firm will enable Ibeto Cement Company Limited to raise sufficient capital to dominate the industry in Nigeria and the West African sub-region as a whole and cement its place among the leading cement companies in the world. Ibeto, as a pragmatic and dynamic business mogul, is not only interested in establishing money-spinning enterprises. He has a passion for patriotism and the desire to make cement affordable and reliable, little he worked decisively to break the monopoly yoke illegitimately imposed on the Nigerian construction industry. Inventive and hard-working, the billionaire in 2008 was awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) from the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his outstanding contributions to the country through his manufacturing enterprise. In 2012, he was yet again awarded the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for his continued outstanding service to the nation. To illustrate: Ibeto started out as a spare parts import dealer, after spending some time as an apprentice in the motor parts business. In March 1988, he stopped direct importation of lead acid automotive battery and plastic motor accessories after completing his factory in Nnewi. By 1995, the Ibeto Group had become one of the largest auto spare parts manufacturing firms in Nigeria. By 1996, he had established Ibeto Petrochemical Industries Ltd., which is engaged in the blending of oil lubricants as well as the production of various types of petroleum products for local and international markets. The company owns the largest liquid storage facilities for petroleum products in Nigeria with a capacity of over 60,000 metric tonnes located at Apapa Wharf and Ibru Jetty Complex, Lagos.
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T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY JUNE 2, 2018
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚͜
FAIRGROUND
AmbodeCelebratesChildreninGrandStyle
with
AZUKA OGUJIUBA
azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com
I
t was an evening of excitement at the Lagos House,Alausa, Ikeja, recently, as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was treated to the best of contemporary arts performances by various children’s art groups. Speaking during the occasion, tagged ‘A Special Evening of the Arts’ to celebrate the Y2018 Children’s day, Governor Ambode eulogised the creative ingenuity of the children who performed at the event saying, “every work of art has an innate expression that tells the story of .the past, the present and the future.� The governor in his words captured the threein-one celeberation thus: “As we celebrate the 51st anniversary of the state, we are also giving gratitude to God for the third anniversary of this administration and more important we are celebrating our most cherished asset, the children.� The governor, who was full of admiration for the spectacular show displayed by the arts groups, especially the Footprint of David, said the state would nurture the budding talents to an enviable height, where they would become the pride of the nation. He said, “I am inspired by the deep and descriptive message conveyed in their performance, particularly when they said, Lagos! We are the future and the future is now, which according to their rendition there is hope for Nigeria and only unity will lead us to the future.� The parents of the Footprints of David group were specially invited and appreciated by the governor for the support and efforts they invested in the children. “Lagos honours and celebrates you and the children, as no nation can achieve its full potentials without investing in human capital which the children and youth represents,� said Ambode. He added that, Lagos excels because of the exceptional talent of its vibrant and creative youths, because the state has the largest concentration of talented youths in education, innovation, arts, literature and sport anywhere in the black world, and this is why the state chose to celebrate them with one of the gifts we are renowned for in the world, the performing arts. “This is in line with our promise to make tourism, hospitality, entertainment and sport a central piece of our developmental agenda for the youth in our state,� the governor noted. He pledged the commitment of the state government to provide new opportunities for the coming generations and to uplift the culture and heritage of the state through performing arts. The governor further affirmed that in the three years of renewed vigour and commitment to the things of life like arts and culture, the state is pleased that critical stakeholders in the arts and entertainment sector appreciate the state’s modest intervention, and encouraging them to do more. Presenting an award to the four performing arts groups - The Dream Catcher, Dance Na the Main Thing, The Q Dance Group and The Footprint of David- the governor appreciated them for uplifting the standard of performing arts in the state. Speaking at the gathering, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Steve Ayorinde appreciated the consistence of the governor in providing strategy and direction for enriching arts experiences in the state. Ayorinde said the entire people of Lagos give gratitude to the governor for opening possibilities in the world of arts and entertainment to enrich people’s life. “The entire world of arts and entertainment are grateful for the exceptional confidence, vision and commitment you have bestowed on the creative industry,� he said. The evening event, which was full of glamour and enthusiasm, was witnessed by distinguished personalities, including the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Idiat Adebule; the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Ambode; The first governor of the state, Rtd. Brigadier Gen. Mobolaji Johnson; Chief Kesington Adebutu; Senator Solomon Olamilekan; members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, and party leaders across the State.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Singer Benita Okojie, First Lady, Mrs Bolanle Ambode and Hon. Minister for Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed
Ambode with Anjola Bank-Olemoh
Wife of former governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Jakande and First governor of Lagos State Sir Mobolaji Johnson with Ambode
Gbenga Adeyinka Dream Catchers dancce group
Steve Ayorinde; SA Arts and Culture Mrs. Aramide Giwanson and Commssioner for Commcerce, Mrs. Saidat Oladunjoye
MultiChoice Announces Major Pan-African Initiative for Film, Television Industry MultiChoice Africa, the continent’s leading video entertainment services provider, recently, announced a bold new Pan-African social investment initiative - the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) - aimed at igniting and growing Africa’s creative industries into vibrant, economic centres. “The African development story has long been defined by investment in the vast mineral wealth on the continent, leaving our creative industries to fend for themselves on the fringes of economic development for far too long. As a result, the film and television industries have not developed at the same rate as other industries on the continent, and not for a lack of talent, passion or imagination,� said the Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe. “We are abundantly blessed in these areas, however, the space given for this
expression has at best been limited and at worst, been relegated to the fringes of the mainstream economy, leaving in its wake, unfulfilled dreams, unexplored talent and unwritten stories. As an African business, MultiChoice, together with our valued partners and stakeholders across the continent, has collaborated to make a positive socio-economic impact in the communities in which we live and work through the MultiChoice Talent Factory initiative.� He further stated, “There is no better time than now; this being MultiChoice’s 25th year of operations in Nigeria, for a project of this scope to concretise what we stand for as an organisation, as it lays a foundation that will foster economic growth for tomorrow’s leaders, and by extension our continent.
“For over two decades, MultiChoice has been committed to investing in the development of original African programming and showcasing it on the DStv and GOtv platforms across 49 subSaharanAfricancountries.ThelaunchofMTFforms part of the company’s new strategy of furthering this investment through *creating shared value by using its core business resources, people, skills and networks to affect a positive change in society that yields benefits for the business and society. “TheMTFinitiativewilldeliverthreetouchpoints thatlaunchthroughouttheyear,theMTFacademies, MasterclassesandtheMTFPortal.Thefirsttolaunch is the MTF Academy, a 12-month educational programme aimed at furnishing 60 deserving, young, talented people who want to work and innovate in film and television production.�
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚͜
FAIRGROUND
Dbanj’s ‘CREAM Platform’ Partners Access Bank
N
igeria’s creative platform, ‘CREAM�, pioneered by music superstar, Dbanj signed another partnership deal with one of the country’s leading financial institutions, Access Bank. The CREAM Platform, which launched in August 2016, already has over three million subscribers and has in the last two years discovered, nurtured and promoted countless talents in music, entertainment and the creative industry. The CEO of DKM Digital, Damian Ifeanyi Okoroafor said, “Our new deal with Access Bank is designed to reach out to more talents and to expand the categories from just music related to agriculture, education entrepreneurship and sport categories and so much more.� Speaking about the journey so far, the founder of DKM Media, Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as Dbanj said, “The journey of CREAM platform has been an amazing one and I can only thank God and my dedicated
team for the success thus far! From the moment the idea came to me many years ago through the times we had countless meetings through all the meetings with our partners till we were finally able to launch it about 18months ago... it’s been a journey of painstaking planning, calculations, funding, research based on data and futuristic thinking.â€? He added, “Today we are proud to announce yet another landmark in this journey, as we partner with Access Bank to make the CREAM platform more accessible to wider range of people and creatives... in the coming weeks we’ll activate more partnerships and with over three million subscribers and counting, we are only going to be better with time. “With Access Bank coming on board, there’ll be a lot of added value and advantage to our subscribers which doesn’t affect our usual monthly draws and winners. Access bank will be giving lucking winners N1 million weekly for 10 weeks, also 10 entrepreneurs will be trained within the 10-week Damian Ifeanyi Okoroafor, Dbanj, Amaechi Okobi and an Access Bank Sta period, all courtesy of Access bank.â€?
AB Rollings to Headline Third Open Mall Fashion Show 2018
A
AB Rollings Clothiers, owned by Fashion entrepreneur, Abiodun Adenegan Odukoya, is set to thrill its clients with an out-of-the-world outing of new collections at the upcoming Open Mall Fashion Show. The event, which is billed to hold today, at the Lagos City Mall, Onikan Lagos, will showcase some of the best fashion designers. AB Rollings Clothiers is deft at both formal and informal couture designs and caters to all stylish individuals irrespective of class or social status, because for them it is about the style and the finishing. It is also about elegance and not extravagance. They promised to debut their best ceremonial and wedding outfits and costumes that are new in trend and styles and hope to quicken a lot of fiancĂŠs proposing to their fiancĂŠes because of the fascinating and titillating aura of these new collections. Also to be debuted are formal wears made of either 100% cotton or pure
wool or a combination of both, and evening suits and jackets made of fabrics conducive to our kind of weather and environment. The Open Mall Fashion Show 2018 is the 3rd Edition to the most iconic fashion show happening in Lagos. This year, the #OMF3 will feature 15 Iconic Fashion Designers with thrilling performances from 10 sensational Nigerian music performing artistes. Entry is free to the public. This event will feature exhibition area where people can buy fashion items at discounted prices, and AB Rollings promises to make the event an unforgettable one. According A.B.Rollings, this year’s event is going to be a very impressive one, and this was what prompted their involvement. “We are proud to be part of this year’s exhibition, hence our involvement, as we hope to receive our inestimable clients and prospective patrons to come out and support their brand, AB ROLLINGS, as they have always done,� it said.
Abiodun Adenegan Odukoya
Ruggedman Receives African Integrity Award
W
While some Nigerian entertainers were receiving and celebrating their Headies awards, Ruggedman was honoured with a very special award. The entertainer, who just got back from Cross River State, where he kicked off the first edition of his 9-City PlayStation 4 virtual soccer competition “Rugged Premier League�, received The African Integrity Prize for Integrity in Art. African Integrity prize honours Africa’s best, noble men and women, companies and institutions with exceptional integrity. Ruggedman, who sometime ago
was made a United Nations Peace Ambassador, has added this new feather to his cap, courtesy of the African Child Foundation. It is obvious there is more to Michael Ugochukwu Stephen’s than just entertainment. He is one of the very few Nigerian entertainers, who go above and beyond being a celebrity to being a voice for the voiceless and is always giving back to the community. Apart from revolutionising the Nigerian music industry, despite all the controversies, he is a humanitarian. He has a big heart and he is special. Congratulations Ruggedman. Keep making a difference. We need more role models like you.
Reggedman
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Íş, 2018
TEENS CONNECT
the magazine for teenagers
teensconnectmag@gmail.com
I’ll Be Honoured to Perform at ‘The Experience’ – Teen Gospel Singer, Iseoluwa She has been on our radar since her maiden concert, ‘Iseoluwa Live in Concert’ which she headlined, performing alongside star gospel artistes in December 2017, just a day before she turned 13. Iseoluwa Abidemi is not your regular kid next door. She is a girl with a vision who is on a mission. From the release of her ďŹ rst single, there has been no stopping the talented singer as she hopes to spread the message of salvation and hope. With four singles to her kitty and a ďŹ fth in the making, Iseoluwa is blowing the mind of every gospel music lover. For children’s day edition, Iseoluwa talks about her craft and other issues in an interview with Nkechi Ibeneme
H
ow did you feel on becoming a teenager? I became a teenager a day after my concert so it went from exciting to awesome because by the morning, my mom woke me up with a ‘happy birthday’ song. I felt big and felt that my mom was going to reduce the way she says ‘go and do this, go and do that’! Although that hasn’t stopped, my mom takes me more seriously now than before.
What course would you want to study and why? I would love to study Law. It all started in my JS1 when we were to do a debate and there was this person I thought would do better than me but at the debate, I proved to that person that I could do it. Since then, law and justice have been in my head because we hear stories of how lawyers are being corrupted with money to pervert justice and that to me is not right. Not only that, I feel I’m good at speaking out. How did your interest in music begin? The interest in music started as early as age five and it came from different angles. It started from listening to Asa, who is my role model and I try to sing along with her. There is also my mum; hearing her in the choir, I just wanted to be her. Then again, my school choir; the music teacher
‌ with gospel superstar, Eben
took me seriously and allowed me lead different songs. Do you see yourself making a career out of music? Yes. Music is my passion. What about your interest in studying Law? I will still practise law to be able to speak out for the poor masses. But I will combine this with music. I will find a balance between the two just as my parents found a balance now between my music and my studies. What message do you preach with your songs? I preach the message of salvation and hope. Many artistes started in the church choir doing gospel but ended up in secular music. Do you think this will be the case with you? Well, for now, I am focusing on gospel and preaching the message of hope. So that people, after listening to my songs would be blessed and be inspired. Apart from your own concert, have you performed in other concerts? Yes, I have been in quite a few –the most recent being the Tim Godfrey’s concert.
Iseoluwa
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JUNE 2, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
I will still practise law to be able to speak out for the poor masses. But I will combine this with music. I will find a balance between the two just as my parents found a balance now between my music and my studies
Which dream concert would you love to perform in? That would be ‘The Experience’. It’s the biggest and the dream is really getting bigger. If I am opportune to perform in ‘The Experience’, and I hope to, by the grace of God, that would be the biggest crowd I would ever sing to but that wouldn’t be a problem because I’m bold. How else do you keep busy off school season when you are not doing music? I draw. I watch television and I also teach my sisters how to sing. My hobbies are centred on the arts. Sometimes, I Google gospel songs and listen to them.
isn’t working, find another way and don’t look back. I believe my law profession will sustain me and I am open to other ventures as well. What advice do you have for your peers about life generally? Life is full of choices, make the right choice. Don’t depart from what your parents have taught you.
Who are your role models? Asa, Nathaniel Bassey and Tope Alabi.
Do you have any advice on the negative use of the social media? How about you stop? Think of the consequences and your future. Listen to your mum because that’s the person that absolutely knows and cares for you. As for mothers, they should regularly check their children’s phones for the history of sites visited.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now? I see myself being heard, being talked about that ‘this girl is really blessed and this girl has motivated me.’ I am in gospel to motivate and inspire people.
If you came face to face with President Muhammadu Buhari, what would you say to him? I would tell him that I know he’s trying his best but he should listen to the citizens and be open to their suggestions.
How do you intend to make ends meet if you are not banking on gospel music for a livelihood? When I grow, I will continue to be wiser and smarter to have other sources. I have learned this from my parents. If something
What’s your take on charity? I am open to charity. This I do on a low scale for now but which I hope to take higher. Currently, I donate my cloths which I have outgrown and food stuff to the less privileged.
Teens Connect wishes all young adults a happy Children’s Day celebration!
D’Natives Afrocentric: Promoting African Culture Among Youths In this era of globalisation and westernisation when hip hop, R‘n’B and rap are the craze for youths all over the world. With more demand for bootyshaking songs, the African traditional music is in less demand and therefore holds little attraction for the young generation of African music and dance artistes. It is, therefore, very refreshing to see a group of young people who dare to be different in their choice of music. D’Natives Afrocentric Cultural Group is a group to watch out for. They are not only walking a path less trodden by their peers, they are also bringing a breath of fresh air into the African traditional dance genre and hopes to
return its vanishing glory. D’Natives Afrocentric came into existence in 2010 through the love and passion for the arts of two special individuals, Mr Quincy Chukwuebuka Opara, a graduate of the University of Ilorin, who majored in linguistics and Mr Rowland Levert Minimah, a seasoned journalist, whose passion for cultural dance gave birth to the group. The duo met in Ilorin and decided to come together to form the group. Over the years, the group has grown in leaps and bounds. D’Native Afrocentric cultural group looks to encourage the young generation to appreciate and enjoy the rich African cultural heritage through dance.
Riddles
Crack Your Brains a Little with these Riddles: 1. You throw away the outside, eat the inside. Then throw away the inside. What is it? 2. What can you keep after giving it to someone? 3. What gets broken if it’s not kept? 4. It’s so fragile even just saying its name can break it. What is it? 5. Jimmy’s mother had three children. The first was called April, the second was called May. What was the name of the third? 6. It’s been around for millions of years, but it’s never more than a month old. What is it? 7. Three doctors said that Bill was their brother. Bill said he had no brothers. Who was lying? 8. Two fathers and two sons are in a car, yet there are only three people in the car. How is this possible? 9. I have seas with no waters, coasts with no sand, towns without people and mountains with no land. What am I? 10. It belongs to you, but other people use it more than you do. What is it?
Answers to riddles: 1. Corn on the cob 3. A promise 5. Jimmy 7. No one. The doctors were Bill’s sisters. 8. There were, grandfather, father and son. 9. A map.
2. Your word 4. Silence 6. The Moon.
10. Your name. *Source: LaffGaff
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜ ͺ͸͹΀
ͺ˜ ͺ͸͹΀ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 2, 2018
THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri 20 Lies in The Democracy Day Speech: A New Guinness World Record
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f you have not read my exposé on the lies in President Buhari’s Democracy Day Speech, do yourself a favour and Google it. The only achievement of that speech is that President Buhari quite possibly has created a Guinness World Record of most lies in a speech. Not surprisingly, some of the President’s paid vuvuzelas are upset that my exposé trended on Twitter more than their idol’s speech itself. I am sorry if that fest upset them, but how could I have been expected to keep quiet when the President’s lies were so effulgent? Does the President lie willfully or is it that he is too incompetent and clueless about things going on around him that he cannot detect that his aides padded his speech with lies? I rather suspect the latter is the case because of the case where the President signed a document with his own name wrongly spelled. If the President can’t spot a misspelling of his name, is it a lie in his speech he can spot? President Buhari has more media aides than any President before him including: SA MEDIA SSA MEDIA SA DIGITAL MEDIA PA BROADCAST MEDIA PE NEW MEDIA PA SOCIAL MEDIA SA and CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER SA and STATE PHOTOGRAPHER Yet none of these aides could fact check his Democracy Day Speech and still not one of them has been bold enough to take the #BuhariChallenge and name even one project initiated, started and completed in three years by Buhari. Do they need a microscope to find the projects? The fact is that you can say many things about Buhari. You can say he has 150 homosexual cows that have refused to increase in number since 2011. You can say that he is arguably 75 (at least by football age). You can say that he is a father. But you can’t say that he has integrity. I proved that already. And there were other lies in his speech besides the 20 I spotted. For instance, the President said as follows; “For the first time, 30% of the budget was earmarked for capital expenditure.”
In former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s first budget in 2008, capital expenditure was 37%. Capital expenditure was also above 30% in 2010 and 2013 under former President Jonathan.That the Buhari regime does not know this is indicative of the endemic cluelessness that plagues this backward administration from top to bottom. But lies were not the only thing that caused disappointment in the President’s speech. As a matter of fact, the speech, at least to my mind, was more disappointing for what it omitted than for what it included. I had expected the President to say something about Leah Sheribu. In all my years on earth, very few things have been as inspiring as the case of Leah Sheribu, and I am nonplussed by the President’s failure to call attention to this story of real and rare Nigerian heroism
Buhari But that is a blatant lie! The truth is that 2018 is not the first or the second or indeed the first time that capital expenditure was 30% or above of the budget. In former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s first budget in 2008, capital expenditure was 37%. Capital expenditure was also above 30% in 2010 and 2013 under former President Jonathan. That the Buhari regime does not know this is indicative of the endemic cluelessness that plagues this backward administration from top to bottom. But lies were not the only thing that caused disappointment in the President’s speech. As a matter of fact, the speech, at least to my mind, was more disappointing for what it omitted than for what it included. I had expected the President to say something about Leah Sheribu. In all my years on earth, very few things have been as inspiring as the case of Leah Sheribu, and I am nonplussed by the President’s failure to call attention to this story of real and rare Nigerian heroism. Leah Sheribu should not be forgotten. Though she is a child at just 15, Buhari did not mention her on Children’s Day, neither did he do so on Democracy Day. What she is going through is similar to what Malala Yousafzai went through. Even if Buhari has forgotten her, Nigerians should not forget. Just so we have not forgotten, Leah Sheribu is the girl who refused to give up her faith in Christ even at pain of death. So when you are promoting a Nigerian politician who is prepared to abandon party allegiance, remember that Nigeria has people like Leah, a conscience-driven individual who has the courage of her convictions. The failure to recognize Leah is symptomatic of the inability of the President to empathize with those he leads. This failure was made glaring after the New Year’s Day massacre of Benue people after which the President showed an apathy that was not just disdainful but could be said to have amounted to an absconding of his duties as the nation’s head of state. It therefore surprised me when the Federal Government threatened health workers with the sack. The health minister is threatening JOHESU members to resume work or the Federal Government will declare them as having absconded from duty. What hypocrisy! Did Nigerians declare Buhari as having absconded from duty when he spent 108 days in London at a stretch last year? This administration should remove the log in their eye so they can see more clearly to remove the speck in JOHESU’s eye. The problem with the Buhari administration is that they lead by ordering and not by example. A case of do as I say not as I do. If the millions of dollars spent by Buhari in London was instead spent on public healthcare, JOHESU will not be on strike. The President has the best healthcare system for himself in London and gives the worst public healthcare system to his citizens at home.
How does President Buhari expect the members of JOHESU to feel given the ostentatious lifestyles of members of his administration? Never mind that the Buhari administration has borrowed N11 trillion in three years, which is more money than the Peoples Democratic Party borrowed in 16 years, you still see cronies of the President and his party leaders living large and thumping their noses at the masses. How will JOHESU members accept the administration’s official lines that Nigeria does not have enough money to meet their demands when they see an All Progressives Congress Member of the House of Representatives gifting his wife with a N75 million car while wearing a N1.5 million Gucci suit. The President’s son rides a multi-million Naira BMW power bike and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission leaves them and instead arrests Lagos youths! The EFCC should show seriousness by starting their arrests at Aso Rock and the National Assembly! In fact, my first reaction after listening to Buhari’s Democracy Day Speech, was to publicly advise the EFCC to apologize to all the yahoo boys they have arrested and released them because the lies in Buhari’s speech beat any scam those fraudsters could ever come up with. The EFCC itself recently announced that they had seized expensive cars from some youths suspected to be yahoo boys (fraudsters). I am not impressed. If the EFCC wants to show they are working, they should seize Yusuf Buhari’s multimillion Naira BMW Power Bike. Does he have a job or business? How could he have afforded it? The EFCC must realize and accept that they were not created to go after the real and imagined enemies of the sitting President. For three years President Buhari has been in power and it is only after former President Obasanjo rejected his re-election agenda that the EFCC, whose chairman publicly wears a Buhari re-election lapel pin, decided to probe Obasanjo. If you still believe that there is an anti-corruption war, you need spiritual deliverance! What moral authority does a man who idolizes Abacha, a thief who has been convicted in 4 different countries, have to probe Obasanjo, a man who paid off Nigeria’s entire foreign debt? Simply because Obasanjo spoke against his re-election, the EFCC suddenly remembers to probe a man Buhari praised last year! Let me rest my pen here because I have said enough to ruffle Buhari’s feathers, however, I would not want to end this piece without a warning to the government and the public. Nigerians may remember that as soon as Ebola erupted, the Jonathan administration introduced Ebola screening machines in the nation’s airports. Now, consider that more than a month after Ebola re-erupted in DRC Congo, the Buhari government has not thought it wise to do the same. May God save Nigeria from this clueless regime!
One Other Thing:
On the same day that the allegedly 75-year-old Buhari signed the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill, it was announced that his party, the APC, picked a 74 year old to be its deputy Governor candidate for the July 14 Ekiti guber election. Youths of Nigeria, can’t you see they are just using you? What is there to celebrate in an allegedly 75-year-old man (football age?) who does not have a single youth in his cabinet, signing the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill? If he believes in it, then he should have at least one youth in his cabinet. He just wants to reap where he has not sown.
Reno’s Nuggets
If you bless your pastor because he prays for you and ministers to you, what about your mother who began praying for you even before you were born? No pastor on earth has ministered to you like your mother. Remember your mother today. Give her a call. Give her a gift. Every gift to your girlfriend does not give you any spiritual or physical blessing. A gift to your pastor may give you limited spiritual blessing. But a gift to your mother and father not only honours them, it also gives you bountiful spiritual and material blessings and helps to elongate your life #RenosNuggetsReno’s Nuggets
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JUNE 2, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
FASHION FILE
‘The Jollof Collection’
by Gbenga Artsmith
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 2, 2018
FASHION FILE
By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com
‘The Jollof Collection’
I
n April, Gbenga Artsmith released his fourth bridal llookbook, “THE JOLLOF COLLECTION.” “The Jollof Collection” imitates the irresistible desire and anticipation C tthat usually greets the staple on many (if not all) Nigerian wedding menu- JOLLOF rice! The jewelry sets in the w ccollection are indeed delicious to look at; with their vibrant ccolors co lo and statement, trailblazing designs. The jewelry pieces were modelled by Nigerian Makeup pi p pioneer on Banke Meshida-Lawal, CNN-acclaimed Ace wedding plan pl p planner Funke Bucknor-obruthe, Fabric queen, Temilade Ade Ad Adeoye (Temilady of Kwamuhle) and the brain/face behind tthee G th Gbenga Artsmith brand, Gbenga Ayo-Dada. A About bou Artsmith A Ar Artsmith ts Collections was founded in 2008 by Nigeria’s foremos most male accessory designer, Mr. Gbenga Ayo-Dada, who is fond fondly referred to as the King of the Nigerian jewelry industry. The Artsmith Collections’ pieces of Jewelry are all handcrafted and made with precious/semi-precious stones from Nigeria, Hon Hong Kong, Italy and China. Artsmith is a cosmopolitan jewelry brand headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria and they pride themselves as the connoisseur of meticulously crafted and ingenious jewelry designs. In the last couple of years, his collections have won several awards including the Glam and Essence Award for “Jewelry designer of the year”, Tush Awards for “Youth Entrepreneur of the year”, “Trailblazer of the year”, among many others. He is a graduate of Philosophy from Ekiti State University, a certified goldsmith from Lagos Jewelry School and other jewelry schools where he obtained certificates in different aspects of jewelry design. He is a member of Gemologists and Jewellers Association of Nigeria (GJDAN) and Fashion Designer’s association of Nigeria (FADAN). In 2016, Artsmith Collections was selected by Nigeria’s highest grossing movie, “The Wedding Party 1 and 2” as the official Jewelry designer. They also provided Jewelry pieces for the highly acclaimed “Tinsel”, “Isoken” and “Royal Hibiscus hotel.” They also provided jewelry for Kemi Adetiba’s upcoming movie, “King of Boys” and Ebonylife Film’s “Chief Daddy.” Over the years, his brand’s collections have been worn by high networth individuals and A-list celebrities such as Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye-Davies, Hon. Abike Dabiri, Chief Justice of Lagos state (Hon. Funmilayo Atilade), Waje, Omawumi, Mercy Johnson, Kate Henshaw, Adesua Etomi, Kehinde Bankole, Joke Silva, Funke Akindele-Bello to name a few. Recently he also launched a green-themed collection/video documentary in commemoration if Cerebral Palsy awareness month, “NECKTAR” and a leather accessory collection “ZARIA” to critical acclaim. Photo credit Jewelry: @gbengaartsmith Makeup: @banksbmpro and @kelynstouch Gele tying: @taiwos_touch Yellow dress and green dress: @teethreads White dress and peach Igbo blouse: @the_maam Magenta dress: @abikeclothings Magenta and green fabrics: @temiladyofkwamuhle Navy blue asooke ensemble: @twentyeight02asooke Sequined Ankara kaftan: @patrickayanski Olive green blouse and wrapper: @nhn_couture George wrapper: @george_by_ruverodesigns All asooke gele: @ceomaniaalasooke Photography: @olatunde_ajasa Styling: @gbengaayodada Muses: @banksbmpro @funkebucknor @temiladyofk @temiladyofkw amuhle hl wamuhle
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀
MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... ͸΀͚ͽͽ͚͚͝΀Ϳ͟
Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Chief Mrs.Yetunde Onanuga and Founder,Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative,Dr Ama Onyerinma at a symposium organised by the initiative to mark 2018 Children’s Day in Ijebu Ife,Ogun State recently
L-R: Head, Services and Technology, Union Bank, Nath Ude; Chief Risk OďŹƒcer ,Union Bank, Kandolo Kasongo; Chief Marketing OďŹƒcer, Digital Jewels Limited (aďŹƒliate of British Standards Institution), Adenike Akinlade and Director, Enterprise Commercial Business, Microsoft, Wale Olokodana at the oďŹƒcial presentation of ISO 22301:2012 certiďŹ cate in Lagos...recently
NGO Marks Children’s Day in Ogun, Harps on Child Rights Children’s Day this year was never the same for the children of Ijebu Ife Local Government in Ogun State as a non-government organisation, Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative connected with the children in a most exciting way to make the day a memorable one for the youngsters. The celebrations which held at the Ajalorun Palace in Ijebu Ife saw the Deputy Governor of the state, government agencies, captains of industry, traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, teachers and residents of the community all gathered to felicitate with the children drawn from both private and public primary and secondary schools within the local government. The August occasion featured several interesting packages ranging from drama presentation, ventriloquy performance, spoken words, health talks, amongst others, making the event scenic for the kids. In her key note address, the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, commended the organisation for complementing government’s efforts at developing children. Stressing the link between the agenda of the NGO and the priority of the state which is quality education, Onanuga stated that education was the first of the state’s five cardinal projects hence, the state had remained committed to formulating policies that would uphold education for all. She added: “As much as I know that children are important to the society, we will not cease to play our role in lifting them but I will urge them to remain focused and diligent especially in their studies. As we all know that we are in an era of technology, I would implore you all to be wary of the dark sides of technology; rather, employ the platform to add value and improve yourselves.� Also speaking, the Ajalorun of Ijebu Ife, HRH Oba A.A Oguntayo expressed gratitude to the organisation for bringing such initiative to the community, affirming that such was happening for the first time and therefore urged well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to see to the development of rural areas through similar initiatives. In her speech titled, ‘Stew of Life’, the founder of the organisation, Dr.Ama Onyerinma, pointed out that the stew of life required rich ingredients like the edible stew.
Identifying some of the ingredients of stew as tomatoes, pepper, salt, onions, oil, chicken, meat and fish, spices, fire and pot, she said that all the ingredients must be applied moderately to get a sumptuous and nutritional meal. “The same thing applies to life. To enjoy the flavour of life, we must all strive to live a balanced life such that we can be physically, emotionally, mentally and socially balanced,� she
said. Onyerinma added that children must not be denied the flavour of life, hence all hands must be on deck to ensure that their rights were guaranteed. Every child has the right to be protected, educated, access good health care, shelter and nutrition. She further stated that it was important for children to be well informed most especially on their rights which
Total Strengthens Bond with Customers through Top Service Total Nigeria Plc. has reiterated its commitment to customers during its Top Service Week as customers in turn commended the company for its exceptional service delivery. The Top Service initiative was put forward by the company as a means of getting closer to the customers in order to serve them better. According to the company, the initiative sought to amongst others, demonstrate practical top service exercise in Total stations; identify customers’ challenges as well as the way out and to create awareness among members of staff on costumers’ service excellence. While attending to customers along with some top executives of the company at the Lekki Phase 2 filling station in Lagos, Managing Director of the firm, Phillipe Torres, stated that part of the week’s activities was for the executives of the firm to visit selected stations across the country, render service to customers and relate with them one-on-one. He added that as much as the company observed the service twice in a year, it also embarks on such service any other time though unofficially just to ensure that it constantly keeps in touch with customers.
“This is important to us as our customers remain our priority; they are the reason why we are still in business. Business to us means service, to listen to our customers and connect with them more often. “It is part of our culture at official dates and once in a while that we visit the field, do the service ourselves, know our customers, engage them, know their challenges and solutions, get general feedback and guide them on pump island, fuel and wind screen service, under bonnet and active sales. “This is really an important part of our job and mission. At Total, service is a part of our DNA and that is why this initiative will be sustained and we will ensure that our stations remain clean, our staff are well trained with our pumps and equipment in perfect working conditions to make our customers have best service and experience with us.� Torres added that the initiative had also assisted in putting the company on the growth path as it keeps investing and striving to expand its network of service stations.
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo; Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Chairman, Board of Directors, Atlantic Shrimpers Limited (ASL), Mr Stewart Harper andManaging Director ASL, Kamlesh Kabra at the official commissioning of newly acquired fishing trawlers by ASL in Lagos recently
was part of what the organisation sought to achieve by organising the programme. The founder, who was elated by the turn out and feedback from the children, also enjoined them to learn beyond the classroom and apply whatever they were learning to their daily life. She also encouraged them to stand up for their rights in any situation they find themselves.
Promasidor Rejoices with Muslims at Ramadan
Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell and Loya Milk, has restated its commitment to quality and standard as it felicitated with Muslims across the country on the Ramadan fast. The company which noted that it was obligatory for Muslims to fast during the holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar (Hijrah), being the fourth pillar of Islam pointed out that Ramadan was not merely meant to stay without food or drinks but provided an opportunity to strive for inner purification and inculcate righteousness and discipline. While acknowledging that Ramadan was a period when Muslims abstain from food and drinks from dawn to dusk, a staff of the Corporate Communications Department of the company, Isiaka Lawal, prayed for Allah’s bountiful blessings and rewards on the lives of the Muslim faithful for the sacred obligation. He affirmed that the company was particularly delighted that many of the faithful believed in the company’s dairy product as their main source of nutrition and refreshment in this period of penitence and self-denial. This, according to him, has validated the organisation’s commitment to quality and standard in its service to Nigerians. “Cowbell Milk dissolves easily in either hot or cold water and can complement your beverages and cereals. It is fortified with Vitarich and Vitamin B9, our proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals for strong body and sharp brain while Loya Milk is a premium fullcream powder product. In addition to other vitamins and minerals, it contains 50 per cent more calcium, which is good for strong bones, tougher teeth and healthy heart,� he explained. In 25 years of operation in Nigeria, Promasidor’s products have grown to include several nutritional food and beverage brands. The company manufactures, markets and sells unique brands which offer practicality and pleasure to millions of consumers.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀
Adeolu Adefarasin
Shop Talk Aims to Diagnose, ďŹ nd Solutions to National Problems His visit to the production of Les Miserables with his sister changed his career path as he later pursued a degree in Performing Arts at the University Bournemouth and later moved on to the New York Film Academy where he honed his skill. He has featured in major productions from The Wedding Party 1&2 to My Wife and I. He had a major role in Season 3 of NdaniTV’s Skinny Girl In Transit before taking on major roles in Inkblot and FilmOne’s New Money along side Jemima Osunde, Dakore, Wale Ojo and Osas Ajibade and to his ďŹ rst lead role in The Eve alongside Beverly Naya. He will on June 15 unveil and host the hit online men’s talk show, Shop Talk on YouTube page, ShopTalkNG. It is an innovative talk show where men open up about a range of real life issues. Adeolu Adefarasin speaks with Funke Olaode
W
hat was your childhood like? I was born into a family of strong Christians, a family of pastors, so faith has always been a strong part of my upbringing and the lens through which I’ve seen the world. I am also the youngest of three children, which of course has its pros and cons. I credit my being the youngest as a vital reason why I have ended up in creative industry. I think as the youngest I probably, intentionally or not, got a longer leash to explore the more playful parts of my character. Though my older siblings both definitely have a creative streak in them they are rooted firmly in the business world. What are your experiences in terms of success, failure f and lessons? One thing g the entertainment industry y y very y quickly q y is there is no one teaches you route to success. Yes, it is important p to be inspired p by y others and to learn lessons from what you y see around you, y but you y will find yourself y burned if you y spend p time trying y g to imitate the success of another man. I have also learnt the importance p of knowing g who you y are and being g grounded g in that. Rejection j happens pp often in the y as there entertainment industry are a hundred times more actors than there are roles; so the likelihood is you’ll y fail more than you y succeed and if you y aren’t sure of yourself, y it g to you y quickly. q y Your worth can get y what y should never be defined by you do or have, because even those with plenty p y will find a reason to believe it isn’t enough g and they y therefore are not g I have found that the more I enough. y specific p have focused, not on any work or personal p gain g but on the impact p I have on others, the better other aspects p of my y life has gone. g Work seems to have been p y enough g for more fluid and provision always whatever season I am in, more so than that, the rejection j just j doesn’t hurt as much or last as long g because my y focus is not on that. I have been very y fortunate and blessed with pp p p the opportunities I’ve had and the people g I have gotten to work with and learn from since I started working g in the film industry here, to have been a part p of films as instrumental as The Wedding Party to films as refreshing as The Eve. Did anything y gp prepare p y ffor what you are you doing g now? I would consider
what I do now as so much more than just acting, and in light of that, I would say I was being prepared and am still being prepared, but for something I never knew I was preparing for. In the last few years my life has taken unexpected turns into things I never thought I would be doing, or frankly wanted to do. I always wanted to be an actor and a producer, but I never saw myself as a host or a presenter, and I certainly never saw myself in ministry but you find purpose in unexpected places. When things like that happen seemingly out of nowhere, you never feel prepared or ready, but I have learnt to trust the purpose giver more than myself or my abilities. The first season of Shop Talk as an idea seemed to come out of nothing, things happened so fast and took shape in ways I didn’t expect when it started, but I am incredibly proud of what was created and the potential for impact and growth it could have on a generation g of men throughout Nigeria. g g Thee success of the show and the quality q y of the content only y comes from God, so prepared or o not, we move. What inu enced your to go
into acting? I remember when I first moved to school in the UK, I went to see a production of Les Miserables with my sister expecting to be bored, but being blown away. It made me decide to study performing arts at school and I fell in love with it. The opportunity to tell stories and see life from different perspectives. Acting helped me find my confidence, interact with people and learn so much outside the confines of a textbook. What were your parents’ initial reactions when you decided to toe the path? I’m lucky; my parents have always been supportive of my passion and desire for the entertainment industry. More than being supportive just in words they made sacrifices for me to be able to pursue the career path, so I am eternally grateful. Having g acted with the high g and mighty, g y what usually struck you about those people? p p One thing g I learnt when I was in a drama school, that I have carried with me is to never jjudge g your y character. So where p people p see, high g and mighty, g y or intolerant people, p p I always y see out of their perspective. p p Even the “worse� of p people p have some sort of moral guidance and have a form of jjustification for g all their choices that make sense to them. At what exact p point did y you ffeel y you g course ffrom being an have to change actor to becoming g a host? I wouldn’t call it a change g but more an expansion. p It wasn’t a decision I made, when I had the idea for Shop p Talk it was birthed out of a desire to create a setting g for men to speak p p y and honestly y about a openly range g of issues that could result in growth g and p positive impact. p So, hosting g was birthed out of a passion p for the content as opposed pp to the content being birthed out of a passion to host. What is this ‘Shop p Talk’ all about? p Talk takes on This season of Shop a new format. With the
same goals of getting men to open up about a range of serious issues, this seasonShop Talk 3G is a series of roundtable discussions with a guest list spanning across generations, so as to create an honest and open dialogue between men across ages, hoping to have genuine impact and understanding of one another’s views and dispositions. With the first season there was a lot of focus on relationships, but with this season we cast the net wider, talking about issues ranging from age discrimination to mental and emotional health. Can you throw more light on how it will run online? Shop Talk will be released every Friday at 12pm, starting on June 15 on its YouTube page, ShopTalkNG, with media partners such as BellaNaija putting it out on their platform as well. What do you to achieve? y plan p The goal g of Shop p Talk and my y long g term goal personally in g p y are to influence growth g the country positive impact y and have p p on the t trajectory j y of our nation. I believe this comes com by y empowering p g our communities and the people p p within them, but most importantly, importantly p y instilling g the right g values and morals in our ou people, p p which comes from open, p honest dialogue g and providing p g the right g education educatio for everyone. I believe men have a strong y g role to play p y in that and must be equipped q pp with morals and values that we have lacked lack in recent generations. I wouldn’t say g y I am well versed in all areas of this but I have the th desire to learn from the people p p around me and p pass on what I have and I’m learning. learning g I am grateful for the platform my g p y career is giving g g me and using g what God has birthed birthe in me for g good and believe as opposed to pp p speaking p g of all that is wrong g we begin to find solutions and act on them. Any TV y plan p to air the programme on T or radio? It would be nice for the show to grow from g fr being online to television and hopefully g just j hopefu p that is something soon. g that could happen pp soon More so than that, I believe that Shop p Talk is more than just a show. I desire to see it do j d more than talk about issues and p potenpoten tial solutions, to coming with g together g other like-minded Nigerians actively g to active work on fixing g issues and building a better Nigeria.
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ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
ENCOUNTER
Can Akin Aiyegbusi Spring Another Surprise in Ekiti? On leave-of-absence from one of the commercial banks, Mr. Akin Aiyegbusi was relatively unknown in Ekiti State until he defeated other contestants to emerge the governorship agbearer of the Social Democratic Party, SDP. Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes about the dark horse in the race for the July 14 election
H
e was among his colleagues in the banking industryworking at the treasory. As he temporarily quitted the job, his colleagues from various banks gathered at the exclusive restaurant on the Penthouse of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos to honour him. Anyone outside this circle of friends and colleagues may have been intimidated to hear the Master-of-Ceremony announce the presence of Ecobank’s N61 billion Gang-an elite group of bankers who raised that huge sum. Mr. Akin Aiyegbusi, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), governorship candidate for Ekiti State belongs in that class. Aiyegbusi is on leave-of-absence from the bank to pursue the urgent goal of ruling his home state, if given the mandate in the impending Ekiti State governorship election on July 14. A fresh face on the political scene, he was not known until the day he went to SDP secretariat to purchase the form, signaling his interest to take a shot at the top office. Not a few were surprised. Where did he come from? What are his antecedents in politics? These questions were decisively answered when Aiyegbusi posted a shocking defeat on three opponents including a former Nigerian ambassador to Canada and a former member of the House of Representatives at the Ekiti gubernatorial primaries of the SDP. Suddenly, his name is on many lips. Everyone was aghast at how he accomplished such a huge achievement. The big day is yet ahead, however, the early victory has boosted his confidence, even in the manner he answered questions. “We came with so much energy and determination. We did not need to give anything. We were never given a chance to make any head way in politics. I have been in the treasury of Ecobank in the past seven years. Because I did not have history of serial contesting, nobody gave me a chance. We entered the primaries and we emerged victorious against all odds. The same determination with which we faced the primaries is how we will face the general election to make sure that we defeat the two strong parties.� For all his obvious intelligence, he is yet to show that he is able to do any other thing apart from banking. This leaves a curious question mark about what other things define him. One thing is clear, however, Aiyegbusi is not handicapped by shortcomings that have stymied many promising careers in banking; otherwise he would have been head-hunted at different junctures until he landed at Ecobank. If Aiyegbusi is a genius, it will be clear to everyone who is watching in the next few weeks. If he becomes Governor of Ekiti State, the world would be waiting to see how his ideas are applied to transform Ekiti from the valley as one of the lowest earning states to the pinnacle of glory. If he loses the election, Aiyegbusi would be expected to take his insatiable curiosity and professionalism to new chapter. At 44 years, he is one of the youngest contenders for the office of governor of Ekiti state, which many political pundits have narrowed down to a two-horse race between the candidates of the major parties, the APC and the PDP. His powerful mixture of charm, surprise and chutzpah presents him like an unfolding spectacle which many are watching with their mouths open in amazement. The legitimacy of his appearance on the scene is the much-needed option that the populace who are tired of recycled politicians yearned for. He is convinced that the multiplying cases of irreconcilable differences among politicians in the two strong parties will work in favour, eventually. “One of the things that we did is that we got our support across party lines, both APC, PDP to ensure our victory. Before and after the primaries of the two main parties, we have been talking to the main stakeholders in Ekiti politics, that whatever happens, come and support us and somehow, we have been getting a lot of support from them. We have been having a lot of meeting with main power brokers within
Aiyegbusi
At 44 years, he is one of the youngest contenders for the oďŹƒce of governor of Ekiti state, which many political pundits have narrowed down to a two-horse race between the candidates of the major parties, the APC and the PDP. His powerful mixture of charm, surprise and chutzpah presents him like an unfolding spectacle which many are watching with their mouths open in amazement. The legitimacy of his appearance on the scene is the much-needed option that the populace who are tired of recycled politicians yearned for. He is convinced that the multiplying cases of irreconcilable dierences among politicians in the two strong parties will work in favour, eventually. those parties. Some of them will say we are coming to work with you. Others say we will not leave our party, but we will support you, even financially. Some of them have given us campaign vans. There are many of them like that. A lot of meetings are being held in our favour. To show that our mandate is generally acceptable, we were with the Ooni of Ife
who eventually gave his endorsement. We were with Baba Fasoranti, that is the head of Afenifere. Somehow we have been getting royal fathers to give their blessing here and there.� His colleagues at the dinner had a glimpse at the oratory of the man who may become His Excellency, Governor of Ekiti state. Smiling, but a little demure as he got up to speak at the dinner, he started slowly, revving up the engine to speak louder as he progressed. It looked like the speech was a bit long, but it did not matter, he was applauded in the end. Some of the things he said would form the basis of my interrogation later. “I took leave of absence to enter politics. When I set my mind on something, I don’t see challenges, I see me getting there. I always want to know the end of something from the beginning. This election is actually between me and those two big parties. Those two big parties have election between themselves. But between me and them, people will vote for me. They will speak with one voice, against those two big parties.� When we got back to his room in the hotel, I tried to make him comfortable before probing further into his governorship ambition. Aiyegbusi admitted that there was pressure for him to throw his hat in the ring, but he would not say who dragged him into politics. “Ordinarily, I will talk about them. They are politicians. Some of them were my customers in the bank. They kept telling come and do this thing, especially for this party. We don’t want people who had been in politics before. We want fresh faces, fresh thinking and fresh ideas. They specifically wanted me to come.� A common question that he has tackled since he entered the race is the clamour to zone the governorship to Ekiti south senatorial district, an argument that he punctures. Lie the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Aiyegbusi is from Ekiti north senatorial district. “Two of the contestants that contested against me in the primaries were from the south and at some point, we had pressures that I should step down and we said the two people should allow one of them in the race. But they did not. If a region does not win because they are not always able to put their house in order, whose fault is it? From that particular senatorial district, we have more than five candidates from different parties contesting, from my own north senatorial district, there is just the APC candidate, Fayemi and myself of the SDP. In
Ekiti, Ikere has the largest voting population, the you have Ado; the next place is Ikole, that is my town. Ikere is divided among four people already, even if they are not going to vote for me, you are sure that the vote there is going to be divided among those four people. You have Ado, that is a battle for everybody to contest and I am sure, conservatively, I should get between 50 and 60 per cent of Ado, then you have Ikole, I am going to have the bulk vote from there.� As a banker, Aiyegbusi miffed at the bad economic reputation of Ekiti. He thinks the place to start in order to put the state back on the path to recovery is to take some radical steps in agriculture. “A state cannot feed itself is not fit to exist. Ekiti collects N2 billion on average on monthly basis from the federation account. If you get that kind of money, you don’t need to spend it immediately, there should be some kind of investment. With the revenue coming from the federation account alone, I can increase IGR. Everywhere in Ekiti, there are money making opportunities. To activate the economy of the state, we need to get investors that will bring in money to stimulate the economy. The farmers will tell you that it is not all about going to farm, if they go to the farm and there is nobody to buy, the perishable goods would have been destroyed before they get a buyer. That is why they will not want to go the farm. They will rather ride commercial motorcycles. If you give them good seeds and good produce, and there is a ready market for it, people will come out to farm and the economy will start booming and when the economy starts booming, we will start generating more IGR in addition to the less than N400 million that we currently generate monthly.� Born in Ekiti, Aiyegbusi schooled in Kaduna-from primary to the university at ABU. His father served his mandatory one year national service in Kaduna, got a job and decided to remain there. Though, he is widely travelled, Ekiti is always on his mind. “We are blessed with one of the most beautiful topographies. Ekiti means hills. Ekiti people live among hills. We have a cave in Ekiti that 4000 people can conveniently go inside and come out. It is one of the wonders of the world. We have waterfalls. We have Ikogosi. It is a place that is so serene. It is a fantastic location for cinema, if well developed. Ekiti is the ideal destination for a holiday.� All the while, Mr. Yemi Akinbode, director general of Aiyegbusi’s campaign kept a close watch as the interview progressed, but said nothing. He spoke with his eyes; passing some unspoken messages that were understood by the governorship aspirant. The Aiyegbusi campaign is hinged belief that he is ‘most credible alternative’. He is also identifying himself with the Omoluabi philosophy, a Yoruba school of thought which among other things promotes the virtues of gentlemanly agreement and selflessness. “The worst thing that can happen to anybody is to beg, when you beg, you lose your self-esteem. It makes it attractive for people like that who have the wherewithal to come and force their way into peoples’ mind by giving them water because there is no water, giving them rice because there is no rice, giving them kerosene because there is no kerosene. They use this populism concept to buy peoples heart. That is what we are telling that you can do better. What you have in Ekiti now is degree holders operating commercial motorcycles. That is what they want you to do so that they will always come to use you every four years.� One thing that is not fabricated is Aiyegbusi’s readiness to demystify all the Goliaths of Ekiti politics. He feels all the more fired up after he became the SDP’s flagbearer. I do not have a godfather. Nobody can tell me to take an oath. I am independent and free minded. I will do what I think is best for the people of Ekiti. My coming is about the people. It is not about myself. It is not about a godfather. It is not about somebody that I have signed a pact with that if I win this election, 70 per cent comes to you and private pockets. I have not gotten a dime from any one.�
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RIGHT OF REPLY/POLITY
The Real Story of Gidado’s Resignation Kabiru Mohammed Sani
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he erstwhile deputy governor of Bauchi State, Engr Nuhu Gidado’s resignation is no longer news given the fact that it was a personal decision he made without anyone prodding him one way or another. The Governor of the state, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, in accepting his resignation thanked him for his meritorious service while in office. The governor assured him that he would remain vital to the administration and the party. Abubakar also added he could count on his support in his future endeavours even as he expressed optimism that the former deputy governor would be ready to avail the state of his services when called upon to do so in the future. Despite this parting on a cordial note by political collaborators, mischief makers are beginning to impute motives into a normal administrative procedure in a manner that suggests that the former number two man’s resignation is a setback to the governor’s bid for a second term. For those who are familiar with the politics of Bauchi State, it is difficult, if not impossible to see how the fortune of Gidado, considered a political light weight in the hot politics of the state, can ever have a negative impact on the aspirations of governor Abubakar to succeed, a second time, in the gubernatorial polls come 2019. It may be interesting to note that Gidado nursed an ambition to be the governor of the State, contested at the primaries for the ticket and lost. That was in 2015. The incumbent Governor was magnanimous enough to compensate and rehabilitate him by choosing him as his running mate, a position that made him even more relevant in the political scheme of things in Bauchi and offered him a priceless opportunity to relaunch himself politically. It is important to observe that this was not the first time he had threatened to resign. It is not unlikely that he was having a hangover of his defeat at the primaries or, for that matter, hallucinations of what would have been believing, in his bloated ego, that he ought to have been the governor. In some states, deputy governors are reportedly reduced to the level of errand boys by the governor. But in the case of Gidado, the governor made him very
Gidado
relevant by assigning to him the position of Commissioner of the highly strategic Ministry of Education. It is understood that the ministry is not the kind a governor or even the President, at the federal level, assigns to just anybody. It is regarded as a job for those who are politically connected. It is usually seen as a measure of the status of a political operator for him or her to be given the onerous duty of piloting the affairs in a ministry that paves the way for the youth to aspire to achieve. In addition, it is also a measure of the cordiality that exists between the governor and his deputy for him to be given the free hand to act when the boss is away on other state duties outside the country. Gidado, in his time as deputy governor, enjoyed this privilege twice. It may be argued that it is his constitutional right to oversee the affairs of the state when the Governor is out of town. That may be true. But it must also be remembered that in some states, the governors by pass their deputies when
are very few and competitive and stretches the governor’s wits in an attempt to fair and judicious. The truth about politics, at any level, is that there are as many stakeholders as there are active participants who create the usually misplaced impression that they played a major role in the victory that ushered the party and its candidates to office. But the reality is that the people who played the greatest role in the victory crusade are the electorate who stood in the scorching sun to register and endured the inclement weather to cast their votes for their preferred candidate. If anyone or group should complain, that group is the men and women, the electorate whose vote, in practical actual sense delivered the candidate. Gidado is believed to live a life of modesty and low profile. That, indeed, is an attribute that can endear him to the common man who may begin to see him as one of them. But in the frenetic nature of politics in which things, including intrigues and mischief, move at a dizzying pace, a low profile and modest man like Gidado is most likely going to be left behind. That may explain why he is considered to have the proclivity to be missing in action. In that disposition, he worsened matters when he is not available when needed and often cannot be reached on phone preferring to remain in communicado. For a man occupying such a strategic position indulgsuch occasions arise. ing in that attitude, the wrong impression I have gone this far to prove that the most certainly will be created that may former deputy governor was given his due give rise to doubtful loyalty. That is one sin rights and responsibilities while in office. that is unforgiveable in politics. Even in It is also from this standpoint that political business, no matter how low profile one’s stakeholders viewed his comment in his life is, associates often do insist on reaching letter of resignation that he took that line of one at any point in time. Such expectations action to free his conscience or to assuage are higher in politics. Or else that politically his waning enthusiasm for the job, as exposed person will bring to himself the unfortunate and smacks of ingratitude to a image of an arrogant and inaccessible political friend who came to his rescue in his person. It is another sin that is not forgiven hour of need. in politics. For those familiar with political goingsInstead of accusing Governor Abubakar on, especially in Government Houses, they of being impervious to counsel, Nuhu will realise that it is not always that one Gidado should search the same conscience gets what one desires. And that includes he claims he wants to free and tell himself the Governor himself as powerful as he is the truth. If he is honest to himself, and perceived to be in the activities of the state. I suppose he ought to be, he will realise For politicians who lack the staying power, that in politics power is not served while frustration is likely to step in especially you wait. In most cases, it is survival of the when a particular political operator expects fittest. too much from a system that is decidedly .tt saturated with fortune-seekers in a situation –Kabiru Mohammed Sani, A lawyer is that the available opportunities to recoup former member, the State House of Assembly.
Ogunsakin: Integrity, Critical to Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Devt Bennett Oghifo
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ntegrity is critical to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development, Tunde Ogunsakin, Assistant Inspector General of Police (Rtd) has said. Ogunsakin, who was the Chief Host/Chairman at the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) awards night, held at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, recently, said “If things are done in the right way, the propensity to advance socially and economically will be enhanced and incidences of fraud will be minimal. “We should demand from our leaders, high standard of propriety and services, good conscience, which are common enemies of want, disease, and poverty, which are the enemies of the common man.� He said the Nigerian people expect more dedication and transparency from their leaders to fight the scourge of want and divisiveness, saying that the incidence of mass poverty permeated the Nigerian society. Ogunsakin advised everybody who intends to pursue integrity to “strive to be the same person in front of the crowd as you are behind the scene. As the pressure is on, what is inside always comes out. It is at the point of crises that the true self comes out.� According to Ogunsakin, “You can get to the top without integrity, in fact you can get there faster, but you can’t stay at the top long without integrity.�
Ogunsakin
AIG Ogunsakin, who was the Integrity Man of the Year 2013/2014, stated that NACJ award was a platform through which personalities who have distinguished themselves by showing high level of integrity are celebrated. He said it was heartwarming that the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari was being honoured with “Integrity Woman of the Year 2018�, adding “wherever you find a great man you will find a great woman standing behind him. “It is, therefore, not surprising that our mother, Mrs. Aisha Buhari is stand-
ing behind His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, a man who both nationally and internationally is recognised as a man of integrity in all areas.� He said the NACJ also found other Nigerians worthy of receiving the award, listing some of them: Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari; and Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere. Other recipients included: Senator Ben Murray-Bruce; Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State; Mrs. Usiholo, Esele Judith of NNPC-NAPIMS; Mrs.
Christianah Abosede Akindolie, Founder of Chritianah Fate Foundation; Felix Chidi Idiga, MD/CEO JAFAC Group; Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah; Mr. Babatunde Wilkey, CEO, Meat Embassy; Comptroller Nike Oladuni of Nigerian Customs Service, among others. Welcoming awardees and guests to the well-attended event, the Secretary General of NACJ, Mr. Charles Okhai said, “The association is not a Christian body for Christians. We are Christians who are journalists that are pledging to promote the nation called Nigeria. So, we don’t have religious divides.� He said the association does not give awards as core responsibility but that theirs was a crusade of sorts. “We are making a statement that somebody is watching you somewhere. We specifically give this award to leaders who have been able to demonstrate that spirit of integrity. We don’t claim that our recipients are perfect people- far from it- in fact there is no perfect man on this earth; no man is infallible.� He said, “We give the award to people who have been able to show that sense of integrity, give them the award to further encourage them.� According to him, it would be difficult to curb corruption through arrests because “we believe that corruption stems from human character and mindset. So, what we are trying to do is touch our mindset, so that when you are conscious of it, then it will just be your way of life.�
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀
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Ëš
Spartan Life of a Super Cop Godwin IďŹ jeh
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r. Young Emmanuel John Arebamen lived life to the full. He reached the zenith of his career and retired but unfortunately departed this sinful world on March 14, 2018, barely two days after his 72nd birthday and just when he began to plan his return home to settle down in his quiet Ujabhole, Irrua palatial home to have the rest of his life to himself in old age. It is difficult putting a finger on the most magnifying moment of his career. Is it as Force Police Public Relations Officer (FPRO), a task he handled for many years with so much finesse that he not only brought the Force and its activities to the consciousness of all but became its voice, face and image or as Commissioner of Police (CP), Lagos State Command when he brought crime and criminality on its knees in the State and demonstrated that corruption within and outside the Force is an evil that needed strident attack and total annihilation? Arebamen became CP, Lagos State Police Command at a time the State was under siege. Armed robbers were on the loose, night life was comatose, banks came under daily attacks from marauders and bankers work with their hearts in their mouths. Homes and business premises were attacked by daredevil bandits in day light operations with family members and workers mauled down in chilling cold blood, it was an era Lagosians hate to remember but the magnificent super cop came, rejuvenated his men and officers and gave it a fight of his life. He identified the most notorious crime-prone areas and black spots and not only upgraded many of the police posts that existed then to divisional police headquarters but set up more in strategic locations across the State. The Commissioner never left the ‘battlefield’ to the men and officers alone, he was always at the forefront. He led patrol teams nightly with crime reporters occasionally on board with him across the Lagos metropolis to the wee hours of the day to ensure that men and officers were in locations at all times. Lagos was liberated from the grip of armed bandits. As he was taken away into redundancy in a tiny room at Force Headquarters, Abuja, after the 2003 elections by the powers that be, who felt he did not play to their expectations, Lagos had become a no go area for armed brigands. Though Arebamen’s persecutors had ensured that
Arebamen he remained in that lonely room at Force Headquarters for the rest of his time in the Force before he attained the mandatory 35-year service in 2004, his anti-corruption war in the Lagos Police Command was legendary. Apart from causing the arrest and dismissal of many policemen for acts of corruption, Lagosians will not forget how he caused the arrest of a serving magistrate and had her in handcuffs for allegedly receiving marked currency notes as bribe to pervert the course of justice. As FPRO, his name became a sing-song in the mouth of Nigerians, he carried on with such charisma and dexterity that years after he stepped down for higher responsibilities, he remained in the eyes and consciousness of many as the Force’s image czar and mouth piece. In every part of the country he served in the course of his career- Enugu, Nsukka, and Ogidi in the then East Central State, where he was variously Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at different times, Force CID, Ikoyi, Lagos, Area Commander, Delta State Central Zone, Ughelli, State Criminal Ivestigation Department, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Area Commander, Area ‘F,’ Ikeja, Lagos, FPRO,
Force Headquarters, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), State Criminal Investigation Department(SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos, CP, Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Adeniji-Adele, Lagos, CP, Zamfara State Police Command, CP, Lagos State Police Command and even as Chairman/CEO, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority(LASTMA)- it was same. He was committed and unwavering, giving the police and the nation his all. He was kind, loving and humble not only to his friends and colleagues but to the civil society as a whole. It was not surprising, therefore, that the winding terrible and appalling Ujabhole, Irrua home village road of the charismatic CP did not deter the people of Esanland, his friends from all works of life and professional colleagues from pouring in to see him to his last resting place to pay him their last respect and bid him farewell. The friends and colleagues were determined to make it to the village in his honour. Cars crawled, taking hours to wade through the deep gullies all over with subsisting patches of tar obviously left of the only work that has ever been done on the road by the Obafemi Awolowo and Anthony Enahoro’s old Western Region administration of the First Republic. Like he was to friends across the country and all around him, Arebamen was extremely good to his people and loved. Visiting friends, who had come to pay their last respect to him, contested for space in the late ex-police chief’s expansive premises with his compatriots, who had thronged the place. Testimonies of what he represented to all and sundry were awash. A fellow indigene of Ujabhole, Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State and Director of St. Joseph Retreat Centre, Uromi, Fr. Philemon Oboh, who along with Fr. Omojola, Chief Celebrant, the Seminary, Ekpomo and Fr. Joseph Okosun, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ujabhole, Irrua officiated the burial mass for Arebamen at the Church, captured him thus in his sermon: “As a man is born, he is ready to die, in the eye of the foolish, he seems to have died; but he is at peace, Arebamen’s death is not a disaster, it can never be a disaster “It is not how long you live, but the impact you make in life, Young Arebamen lived and preached a gospel- the gospel of love and unity. The gospel Arebamen wrote, the gospel of love, unity, togetherness, let it not
die with you his wife and children, you have the dignity to protect your unity and togetherness, stay together, live together in unity, Arebamen was great, kind, outreaching and was the door opener of Esanland.� The Ujabhole, Irrua traditional Chief may not have been a man, who frequented home but he meant everything to his people and was ever ready to sacrifice anything for them. Such was the story of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, which hosted his burial mass last week Friday. The Church had collapsed when it was being built, the late CP made the sacrifice of discontinuing with the construction of his own house to rebuild the church 90 percent before additional help came from other sources. He was not only to his people a foremost police officer, who never watched and see any of them, being oppressed or suffer undue injustice, he was benevolent and most understanding of them. A very dear community to his heart, Arebamen had his mind cast on returning there finally to spend his last days on earth with the people but that never materialised for him as the cold hands of death caught up with him untimely last March 14. He had prepared a benefitting home of magnificence to retire into but it turned out he never kept a night in it as he died just when he was on the verge of its completion. As friends, colleagues, relations and town’s men and women gathered in the pemises on Thursday, May 24, through May 26, 2018, to pay him their last respects and witness his interment, the knowledge of him never spending a day in life in the magnifying lush building more presented to all how unkind and cruel death could be. And as if death had not done its worse to him, the tradition of his people also deterred him even in death from lying-in-state overnight in the building as the corpse of aged men and chiefs of the town are forbidden from sleeping in their premises. He, however, had the privilege of not being buried immediately he died as tradition equally demanded and kept in the morgue because he died outside the community, just as tradition seemed to have also compensated him for not ever having the opportunity to live a single day in the house by decreeing that he is buried in one of the living rooms as his eternal abode. In Arebamen’s case, a room he had designated for his study was chosen for his interment and final resting place as all bade him farewell to eternal glory.
LG 2.5HP All New Gencool Ac Berths In Nigeria Market BennettOghifo
G Electronics has officially launched its 2.5HP capacity All New Gencool Air conditioning unit specifically designed for Nigeria market. The AC, launched at the Eko Hotel yesterday, is geared towards meeting demands of customers who desire to use air conditioners with small capacity generators. It comes with great benefits which includes; affordability, durability, energy efficiency and of course saves up to 70% running cost through the LG advanced inverter V technology. The introduction of this new innovation clearly shows LG Electronics understands the desires of its esteemed consumers hence its determination to offer Nigerians cutting edge technologies especially consumers seeking Energy efficient products. Unlike the conventional air conditioner that cannot operate at lower speed due to its constant rotation, the 2.5HP All New Gencool AC is designed to save energy by 70% by constantly adjusting the compressor speed to maintain desired temperature level thereby reducing energy costs. The AC comes with a dual Rotor inverter compressor, making it more stable hereby increasing durability. Dual Inverter technology, this is in its determination to offer Nigerians a cutting edge technology especially consumers seeking Energy efficient products. The air conditioner is renowned for its ability to save as much as 70% on electricity con-
L-R: Technical Manager, Air Solutions, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Vijay Bakshi; Marketing Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria Ltd., Mr Paul Mba; General Manager, Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Cholyong Park; Sales Manager, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Saheed Adeyemi; and Assistant Product Manager, Mr. Jinki Hong, during the launch of LG Electronics 2.5HP All New Gencool Air Conditioning unit in Lagos
sumption with 40% faster cooling, thereby reducing bills. The ALL NEW GENCOOL Air Conditioner features a DUAL inverter compressor with 10 Year Warranty that helps users enjoy benefits of LG air conditioner for a longer period of time. Speaking at the event, Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Taeick Son said: “over the years we have consistently introduced Residential Air Conditioners that addresses the peculiar needs of people in sub-Saharan Africa. Going by the fact that our energy-efficient offerings have local relevance, recent introductions have been hugely successful
in this clime. The GEN COOL Inverter V AC, which allows 2.5HP AC to run on small capacity generators of 1.3 KVA with Gen Mode, is now operable with Inverter and Solar.� However, it is important to note that the GEN Mode features allow it to minimise start-up electric requirements to power it. There is no doubt the beauty and functionality of the AC would go a long way to encourage more and more stronger ties among family members who wish to spend quality time with their family members in a relaxed and cool atmosphere, all thanks to LG All New Gencool AC with a guaranteed
clean, fresh air which is essential for good health. With this innovation consumers’ in Nigeria are sure of enjoying a durable, efficient, cost saving and reliable cooling system. General Manager Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. C.Y Park said: “Clean, fresh air is essential for good health; on account of the ground-breaking GEN Mode, LG’s All New GEN COOL AC works efficiently when being powered by a small capacity generator or inverter. This revolutionary product offers consumers in Nigeria durability, efficiency and cost saving; it ensures strong and reliable cooling even in the face of extreme heat and power grid failure.â€? The Air conditioner comes with a feature that ensures a 40% torque vibration reduction resulting in the quietest operation of outdoor unit. The 15 degrees tilted skew fan minimizes the surface friction of the blade when in contact with the air. The ALL NEW GENCOOL Inverter Compressor constantly adjusts a compressor’s speed to maintain desired temperature levels. Moreover, Dual Inverter Compressor™ with power saving operation range frequency saves more energy than conventional compressor. LG Electronics is poised to serve Nigerian consumers better with its innovative products designed specifically to meet the desires and aspirations of it esteemed consumers. With LG life can only get better for lovers of innovations which LG is ever ready to churn out.
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PERSPECTIV E
VAIDS: The Changing Dynamics of a Tax Amnesty Sani Tureta
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he introduction of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) appears to be a potent attempt to raise Nigeria’s tax revenue-to-GDP ratio, with the additional five million taxpayers in the tax net. Ndubuisi Francis reports. For far too long, the Nigerian economy depended almost entirely on oil revenue for sustenance. While oil rent had provided the needed revenue to drive the economy over the years, the volatility in the market climaxing with the precitious fall in oil prices from mid-2014 made the drive for alternative sources of revenue more compelling. Realising the desirability of shifting some attention away from oil and boosting other revenue sources, the present administration moved towards changing the nation’s rather uninspiring tax profile. Out of 70 million taxable adults in the country, only 40 million of them are active taxpayers. Also, on the African continent, with the exception of Angola (5.7 per cent), Chad (4.2 per cent), Equatorial Guinea (1.7 per cent), Congo Democratic Republic (5.9 per cent) and Libya (2.7 per cent), Nigeria has the least tax revenue-to-GDP ratio of 6 per cent. This is abysmally low for a country the size of Nigeria and the largest economy in Africa. Tiny Swaziland in the Southern Africa region with a population of about 1.3 million inhabitants has a tax revenue-to-GDP of 39.8 per cent. On the other hand, Vanuatu, a small Oceania country with a population of about 270,000 inhabitants has a tax revenue-to-GDP of 17.8 per cent. Overall, on the global scale, Nigeria’s 6 per cent tax revenue-to-GDP is slightly better than 13 other countries out of 183 sampled. Tiny East Timor with a population of 1.3 million people has a tax revenue-to-GDP of 61.5 per cent. Why Increased Tax Revenue is Desirable A Tax revenue is defined broadly as revenue collected from taxes on income and profits, social security contributions, taxes levied on goods and services, payroll taxes, taxes on the ownership and transfer of property, and other taxes. Total tax revenue as a percentage of GDP indicates the share of a country’s output that is collected by the
Kemi Adeosun
government through taxes. Therefore, there is a strong relationship between GDP and tax revenue. GDP is an indicator of a nation’s economic health, and economic growth is a major driver of the level of tax revenues. When tax revenues are up, they point to an economy that is in a better health. This was given practical expression in the United States of America between 2007 and 2009 with the global financial meltdown. The US revenue dropped from 26.9 per cent of GDP to 23.3 per cent of GDP. Using VAIDS as Tax Driver When in 2013, the Canada Revenue Agency introducwd something similar to VAIDS, 15,133 cases were processed and the sum of $1.2 billion was recovered. Swveral countries (both developed and developing), including many states in the USA, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, and Spain, among others have had their tax amnesty programmes and they had all been successful. With the implementation of VAIDS on July
1, 2017, the centre appears to be holding for the government, (the executor) on one hand, and the economy (the beneficiary) on the other, with the reported addition of five million in the tax net. The robust implementation of VAIDS has seen an increase in the number of tax payers from 13 million before the assumption of office by the incumbent administration to 14 million in 2016 and 19.3 million in 2018. At the formal launch of VAIDS on June 29, 2017 as a revolutionary and bold reform initiative through which citizens (taxpayers) are offered a window of opportunity to regularise their tax status relating to previous tax periods, without incurring penalties, the federal government recruited 7,500 community tax officers to educate people about tax issues in communities. VAIDS was initially designed to last for nine months between July 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018. Before the deadline, the clamour for an extension by various stakeholders was vociferous, prompting President Muhamnadu Buhari to grant another three months extension, which ends on June 30, 2018. As at early December 2017, about five months after take off, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Tunde Fowler declared that VAIDS was yielding the desired result as some companies had voluntarily paid N17 billion. Some other firms, he added, were expected to pay an additional N6 billion before the end of December 2017. The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun also posited that the robust implementation of VAIDS had seen an increase in the number of tax payers from 13 million before the assumption of office by the present administration to 14 million in 2016 and 19.3 million in 2018. “It is instructive to note that some local and foreign companies are now disposed to the VAIDS initiative, and have started to regularise their tax status,� Adeosun stressed. It does seem that its implementation of has given further impetus to government to tackle unwholesome practices and abuses surrounding profit shifting. Adeosun had noted that government was monitoring companies that generate profits in Nigeria but shift taxes to countries of jurisdiction where little or no tax is payable. According to her, the practice was bad and unacceptable, stressing that the government would resist it.
“These practices harm Nigeria; these practices harm Nigerians and these practices must stop,â€? she declared. The Larger BeneďŹ ts On the eve of the March deadline before President Buhari’s directive for an extension, the predilection by Nigerians to wait for the last minute was brought to the fore. In granting the extension, he stated that doing so was based on the conviction of the Ministry of Finance that the overall objective to increase compliance would be attained, and that additional revenue would accrue. In conveying Buhari’s extension of the tac amnesty, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the three months extension followed appeals by professional bodies and individual taxpayers. This is an indication that the willingness to embrace the tax scheme has risen. To lend further credence to the success, Adeosun stated that all states of the federation now get more taxpayers in their tax net. “Every state is now getting more people into their tax net. We realised that taxes are sustainable source of revenue for government and government as you know cannot fully depend on oil. “We cannot be going to FAAC (Federation Account Allocation Committee) always asking how much can we share this month,â€? she said. According to her, the focus had shifted from sharing to internally generated evenue. Under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), the government madec The made a key development objective raising of raising tax revenue from 6 per cent to 20 per cent by 2020 Both the ERGP published in March 2017, which seeks to keep the fiscal deficit within the boundary established by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, and the draft 2018 Budget emphasise this revenue target. To realise this will involve measures such as increasing non-oil tax revenue through a series of tax administration initiatives (improving tax compliance, broadening the tax net, employing appropriate technology) combined with tax policy reforms (strengthening tax legislation, introduction of tax on luxury items, and other indirect taxes to capture a greater share of the informal economy. It seems, from available indicators that VAIDS is making a towering impact.
AGF Abubakar Malami and the Wailers Ismaila Suleiman
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t’s probably unlikely that Nigeria has had an Attorney General and Minister of Justice who has done so much within so short a time and remains as self-effacing as Abubakar Malami. Public officials like Malami are more comfortable operating under the radar than hugging the limelight of media visibility. They just like to work, work and work. And this is what has got him into trouble with the Nigerian public who, especially the elite who demand more and more accountability from public officials. Malami reminds me of late Umar Yar’Adua when he was governor of Katsina State. I had gone on a visit to the state and saw the transformation that had taken place under his watch. But critics of his administration were unrelenting and made damning allegations which suggested the administration was squandering state resources. After traveling through the state and talking with people, I went to see the commissioner of information. I asked why the administration kept quiet in the face of such allegations. The commissioner looked at me, shook his head and said the governor did not believe in replying critics. He recalled that one day he went to the governor with a photocopy of a negative news and advised that he be allowed to do a rejoinder. “The governor read the news, squeezed the paper and told me not to bother about a rejoinder. He said: There’s no need to reply them because they are false allegations; the people we’re working for know the truth.� ‘Yar’Adua’s response may not entirely right, or even politically correct. But no one can deny the sense of mission contained in his
Malami
response to the criticism of his administration. For his performance in office, Yar’Adua was later handed the presidential ticket of his party and won the 2007 Presidential election. I recalled this to illustrate an uncommon sense of service which can make a public official impervious to reckless and destructive criticism that is so commonplace among politicians and political jobbers in this clime. Malami is undoubtedly one of the targets of this category of critics in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. There are others, including Buhari himself, who have become unfair targets for critics who live on
the proceed of corruption, but whose livelihood has come under severe threat since the inauguration of the current administration. One of the issues for which Malami have been attacked in the media is the repatriation of looted funds stashed abroad by the late head of state, General Sani Abacha and his family. Malami has been accused of hiring private lawyers for the repatriation of the funds from Europe and the United States of America. The allegation has been that the legal processes had been completed before the Buhari administration came on board, and that Malami simply wanted a cut in the loot by hiring lawyers ostensibly to conclude the process. But details of the deals later released by the Ministry of Justice showed the allegations to be false and malicious, and only meant to tarnish the reputation of the AG.The truth, as it turned out, is that Malami advised the presidency to engage Nigerian lawyers with international experience to drastically cut down legal cost. While foreign lawyers initially handling the process were demanding 20 percent of the loot as fee, Malami got very competent Nigerian lawyers willing to take just five percent! In some other countries where such prudence and patriotism is appreciated, Malami would have become celebrity. The media would have focused on the quality of the advice government gets from him and what his patriotism has saved for the country. But instead, a section of the press chose to ignore the facts, contrary to true journalistic tradition, and hype the fallacy. Recently too, during Buhari’s official visit to the US, the critics went to town with another false news claiming that the
American Government rejected Malami’s lawyers and said it would not deal with any third party on the issue of the repatriation of $480million Abacha loot the United States courts forfeited to the United States Department of Justice. Again this story was refuted with evidence, which showed that the Nigerian lawyers hired were actually part of the negotiation meetings in Washington and were instrumental to fast-tracking the repatriation. During the meeting, Nigeria and United States agreed that although there may still be third party claim to these funds, it is in the best interest of both parties to commence the negotiation of a memorandum of understanding for the funds to be applied to a specific development project, unless the third party files a claim within 90 days or by September 2018 when the appeal period will lapse. This was a strategy to fast-track the repatriation process so that the funds could leave the vaults in the US for use here in Nigeria. Only officials who put the country first make these kinds of negotiations. Convinced of the determination of the Nigerian delegation, the US requested that Nigeria indicate the project it would like to apply the funds to. But the Attorney General’s response was that such decisions required consultations with the President and other cabinet Ministers. The delegation then requested for two weeks to enable the Minister review the 2018 budget and determine which of the President’s development priorities already set out in the 2018 budget would be approved. –Suleiman wrote in from Abuja
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 2, 2018
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POLITY
Another Opportunity Beckons for PDP Nengi Nwuche
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t will be pretense at its scornful worst to hallucinate that politics and governance in the country today is near desirable. The red flags are swaying viciously at all watch posts and it takes only an ostrich whose eyes, science has proven are larger than its brain, yet it chooses to bury its head, eyes in tow, in sand in times of trouble, not to see or feel the decadence in our polity today. We as a nation have never been this battered before and we as a nation should not, like the ostrich also strain our necks in search of what hit us dizzyingly so bad. We are the architects of our doom and the earlier we accept this fact the better for us as a nation. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led this country for 16 years. And in these 16 years, there was, if truth must be told, a gradual progress in institutionalizing democracy in the country after a long yawn of military interregnum beginning from 1983 to 1999. When the Shagari led democratic government was scuttled by General Muhammadu Buhari-led military government through the barrels of guns and armoured tanks and subsequent counter coups that ushered in General Ibrahim Babangida and later, Gen Sani Abacha, democratic gains made then was washed down the drain by the military. So it was a relief when in 1999, the mantle of leadership slipped back to civilians for yet another attempt at democracy. No one expected an easy transition from a highly militarized culture and psyche to a calmer civil political space more so when the president then was also an ex-military Head of state and a retired Army General. It was at this point that the PDP was handed the uphill task of entrenching democracy in the country. It took 16 years of persuasion and demilitarising the psyche of Nigerians to forge a democratic path for the country. This heightened during the government of the late Umaru Yar’ Adua which was completed by former President Goodluck Jonathan. By 2014, the country was headed in the right direction diplomatically and economically until a band of power seekers decided to scuttle it all. Nigerians were fed with doses of lies and propaganda by the All Progressive Congress (APC)-a party hurriedly put together by strewn megalomaniacal parties through a controversial merger process. APC played on the psyche of gullible Nigerians and applied mass hypnosis to deceive them into believing that the country was headed to the precipice which needed to be saved. In doing so, they cut the image of the defender of the nation. Mass hypnosis is a mind bending technic used to create a utopian world for victims. Experts in this field in their website Natural Hypnosis, aptly explained what APC likely did to Nigerians. “Politicians who are said to have charisma are the ones who draw you into their world, paint word pictures for you and transport you to a place of their choosing which really exists in your imagination. Their goal is
Secondus, PDP Chairman to persuade you that if you follow them, you will be presented with a whole array of glittering prizes even though when you are back in your conscious state, you know that most of them have been insincere”. To achieve this heinous goal, they nibbled at demiliterisation goals achieved so far by the PDP and today, we are back to pre-1999 era. All democratic institutions are being tramped upon through invasion especially the legislative arm and recently the judiciary as witnessed by what happened in Rivers state recently. There are uncountable killings all over the country especially in the northeast and middle belt region of Benue, Taraba, Kogi and Nassarawa states by armed guerilla terrorists operating under the guise of herdsmen, cost of living has skyrocketed, uncertainty has enveloped the nation and ostensible hierarchy of command both in the military and civil institutions have been compromised and broken down. Every gain that was being built block by block has been brought down by sheer poor workmanship that has become the trademark of the APC. Like the proverbial poor workman, there are avalanches of blame. Past administrations are perpetually being accused of corruption but Transparency International (TI) in its latest report has published a mind blowing corruption index for the country since 2015 showing that corruption in this government is unprecedented in spite of the halo the painted above their heads. Nigerians as it seems, have been had so bad by this APC government.
As it were, Nigerians were sold a Trojan Horse as is evidenced today by lack lustre governance and macabre policies of arguably the most incompetent government in the history of the country. Corruption is at its highest level and impunity is the order of the land with election promises broken with impunity. The president is still flying all the aircraft in the presidential fleet. He promised to sell them off and travel by commercial airlines. He spends most of his time abroad for his medicals against his promise of curbing foreign medical trips and using Nigerian hospitals. The president shows off wads of dollars in the country as evidenced in the opening of EFCC’s headquarters which in other climes should have earned him an impeachment because it shows that he has no respect for Nigerian currency which he, through acts of omission or commission, crashed. Stretched further, it also implies that he has no faith in Nigerian economy which he supervises and consequently does not believe in the Nigerian state he struggled for several years to lead, maybe to abyss. There is no hope in all propaganda gimmicks repeatedly being employed to further hoodwink Nigerians. However, every falsehood has an expiry date. The good news today is that the wool has fallen off the eyes of most Nigerians. What they saw as hope in 2014 has turned out to be a mirage and in a fit of anger of being had so bad, they have resolved to take back their pride and mind in the coming election
in 2019. This anger is expressed in two major ways. Firstly, in the new drive to get voting rights through PVC for 2019 elections and the results of the recent disaster called APC congresses throughout the country. The recent meetings of PDP elements who hadrevolted in 2014 under the aegis of New PDP to confessions and apologies from strong APC leaders are pointers to the fact that Nigerians made a colossal mistake in 2015 but are willing to right the wrongs. APC, has shot itself on both legs and are now sitting ducks by their own machinations. All it takes now is only a lame punch to snuffle life out of it. And that is where PDP matters today. No doubt, PDP may have mismanaged its luck in past years. After all, some PDP elements boasted that the party would rule for 60 uninterrupted years. Maybe, it would have but that projection has been punctuated by APC for four agonizing years demystifying the boastful projection. But APC also has bungled its goodwill too so it is now propitious for PDP to get its groove back by keying on the reversed loyalty of APC to take back governance, surreptitiously stolen from it through propaganda and falsehood. But are key players ready for the take over? Herein lies the import of this discourse. The PDP as a global political brand should put its best foot forward this time. There are numerous candidates who have shown interest in the race. They are all great candidates but a tyrannical APC will use all in its arsenal to disunite any strong opposition against it. One infamous method it deploys, is to use security agencies to take out people who they feel are threats to their political journey. There will be allegations of corruption, terrorism and misdemeanor against opposition candidates and this may be used to scuttled or disorient PDP plan to take back governance therefore, whoever the party will choose as their front runner for 2019, must be a man or woman with impeccable records who has no corruption baggage trailing him or her. So far, some faces are peering from the PDP house for presidential candidate for 2019 take back power elections. Prominent among them are Taminu Turaki, a former minister, Abubarka Atiku former Vice President, Sule Lamido former governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Shekarau, former governor of Kano and a host of others. The only way to ensure that PDP beat APC in their own political punting game is to be a step ahead of them by fielding a candidate who has less or no notoriety baggage and who has a clean slate that would be difficult for the government to label corrupt or a terrorist financier. These so far are the two smear tools being used to take out political opponents by the APC. So far, everything tilts in favour of PDP today. How they harness this second chance is up to them. If they pick the right candidate, the 2019 election is theirs to lose but if not, well what would follow is better imagined. –Nengi Nwuche, a political strategist and capacity builder is based in Abuja
ADVAN to Host Chief Marketing and Communications Officers Bennett Oghifo
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he Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has announced that it will be hosting its unique leadership forum for Heads of Marketing and Communications in Nigeria. The forum which has a theme ‘’The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer as the CEO’’ comes up on the 7th of June at the Eko Signature, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The forum will afford the opportunity for Heads of Marketing and Communications of various organisations to listen, discuss and chat a new way for the marketing and communications business and its players in Nigeria under a relaxed atmosphere. The Guest Speaker for the day is a seasoned Human Resource Consultant in person of Mr Victor Adenrele, the Chief President of ADVAN, Folake Ani-Mumuney Executive Officer of Omari Consulting Services Limited. that the ADVAN Chief Marketing and ComAnnouncing this forum in Lagos, Folake munications Officers’ Forum is an exclusive Ani-Mumuney, President of ADVAN stated event meant only for Heads of Marketing
and Communications of each organization. These include Marketing Communications Directors, Marketing Directors, General Managers - Marketing and Communications, General Managers - Marketing as it relates to each organization. In her words, ‘’the forum was birthed out of a need to provide the nation’s marketing and communications leaders with a platform to better navigate the fast-changing marketing communications landscape as well as provide insights on the changes local and multinational marketing and communications leaders need to make in order to effectively deliver profitable brand growth as they equally grow in their chosen career’’. In this same vein, Abiona Babarinde, the Chairperson of the organising committee stated that this year’s edition focuses more on the career path of these professionals as it relates to getting to the pinnacle of their careers in the various organisations where they work. According to Abiona, ‘’ the organising committee carefully selected this topic to
address certain career – oriented issues as it relates to the marketing and communications players equipping ourselves for the peak of our career and ultimately create and deliver the expected value for our organisations’’. Aside from the Guest Speaker who is going to deliver a paper on the chosen topic, the committee has equally successfully identified few industry players with pedigree as panel of discussants to deliberate on the topic by sharing their individual experiences with the expected audience for the day. ADVAN, the Advertisers’ Association of Nigeria. It was founded over twenty five years ago, to advocate the interest of the marketing industry in Nigeria by spearheading and ensuring global best practices as well as facilitating collaborative partnerships with relevant stakeholders. The Association is a member of the World Federation of Advertisers (WfA), a body of marketing associations in over 55 countries of the world and it is also represented on the Executive Council of WFA.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Íş, 2018
POLITY
Issele-Uku Monarch, US Diplomats Discuss Community Devt Benneth Oghifo
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he Traditional Ruler of Issele-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Obi Agbogidi Nduka MNSE, recently paid a royal visit to the United State of America Consulate General in Nigeria, Mr. John Bray. He was received at the official residence of the Consulate General in Ikoyi, Lagos. Obi Nduka was accompanied by HRM Obi Agbogidi Alfred Achabe, Obi of Onitsha. The Consulate General and the Political/Economic Officer in
the Consulate, Mr. Benjamin Williams received Obi Nduka. Also with Obi Agbogidi Nduka on the visit was a chieftain of the Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief David Kanebi Siunoje (aka Mama) who is the Olikaeze of the Kingdom. According to a press release signed by Chas Uju Nwam, Obi Nduka commended the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the United State of America, stressing that the US Educational, Cultural and Community Development Policies had greatly benefitted Nigerians, including the people of his kingdom. He reiterated his resolve to be steadfast
Experts Commend Female Participation in Audio-visual Production Ugo Aliogo
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here has been an increase in female participation in audio-vision and content production that has caught the admiration of financiers in the film industry. Of late, there has been an increase in the female participation in the Audio-visual and content production sector. Nigerian women continue to strongly demonstrate that indeed “a woman can do better at whatever a man does�. Abiola Williams, the COO of Lucid Audio Visuals Limited has demonstrated that same strength and in fact in a seemingly effortless manner. The soft spoken and quiet BBC trained producer is known for her unapologetic quest for the best in content production and indeed in everything she sets to doing. At an early stage, she set her eyes on
becoming an expert in audiovisual production of global edge hence her seeking training from the world recognised and reputable British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Training School amongst other training exposures. Presently, her knowledge and experience in production, as well as post-production is brought to bear on the team she leads at Lucid Audio Visual, the production subsidiary of the SO&U Group. In the industry, Abiola is a highly sought after Director and Producer with an enviable discipline for attention to detail as she brings her expertise to bear on every production she leads. According to her colleagues, her most exciting moments are when she is producing mind-blowing videos and radios contents. She is also said to derive satisfaction from the rave reviews her works receive when they go public.
in maintaining and sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the people of IsseleUku, adding that his major focus since ascending the throne of his forefathers had been in the overall development of his Issele-Uku kingdom. He said that the royal visit was to strengthen the good relationship between Nigeria and the US with particular emphasis on cultural and community development of Issele-Uku Kingdom, even as he attested to the excellent performance of his subjects resident in the United State of America, which he noted has continued to be of great benefit to the people of America Obi Nduka at the meeting revealed the cultural and traditional relationship between the people of Onitsha in Anambra State and Issele-Uku in Delta
State and said that the relationship dated back to so many centuries ago. Responding, the US Consulate General in Nigeria expressed delight having the royal presence of the highly regarded traditional rulers in Nigeria in his official resident and said that America Government would continue to show respect and regard to the traditional Institution in the country. He described Nigeria as a great country with wonderful and blessed traditional institution and said that the US Consulate, in line with their mandate, will continue to relate with them towards community development and sustenance of the rich cultural heritage of the people, while promising to visit Issele-Uku Kingdom soon.
L-R: The US Political and Economic officer in the Consulate, Mr. Benjamin Williams, The Obi of Issele uku, HRM Agbogidi Nduka, the obi of Onitsha HRM Obi Agbogidi Alfred Achebe and US Consulate General, Mr. John Bray
L-R: Vice President, Partnerships, Facebook, Ime Archibong;; CEO CcHub, Bosun Tijani; Head, Public Policy Africa, Facebook, Ebele Okobi, and Head of Developer Programmes, Emeka Afigbo at the launch of the NG_Hub in Lagos...recently
L-R: Marketing Director, PZ Wilmar, Kalyan Bandyopadhyay; Managing Director, PZ Wilmar, Santosh Pillai; category Marketing Manager, PZ Wilmar, Chioma Mbanugo; 1st Draw Star Prize winner, Mamador Kitchen Makeover, Monsurat Hammed; Regulatory Head, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Lagos State, Susie Onwuka; Assistant Brand Manager, PZ Wilmar, Omobolanle Akin-Fatodu at the oďŹƒcial prize presentation at PZ oďŹƒce in Lagos...Recently
L-R: President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Dr. Bartholomew Bari; Corporate Affairs Director, Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc., Mrs. Ore Famurewa; Commissioner of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Lagos State, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye; Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dr. Samuel Adejare, at the FrieslandCampina’s 2018 edition of World Milk Day, held in Lagos, yesterday
L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Lagos State Government Water Corporation, Deji Johnson; Project Director, Arctic Infrastructure, Lookman Oshodi; Faculty, Strategy and Sustainability, Lagos Business School, Dr. Ijeoma Nwagwu; Director, Public Affairs and Communications, West, Central Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, The Coca Cola Company, Clem Ugorji; and Lecturer, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Lagos, Professor Taibat Lawanson, during the Sustainability Development symposium, held at the Lagos Business School in Lekki, Lagos...recently
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚͜
NEWSXTRA
APC Chairmanship: Oyegun Finally Withdraws, Claims Tenure Elongation Would’ve Served Better Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun has said that his decision not to recontest for the office was not out of fear or any intimidation. He also spoke about the raging crisis arising from the just concluded nationwide congresses saying that the party would have avoided the situation if the option of extending tenure of party executives was taken. Speaking at the late evening interactive session with journalists yesterday at his residence in Abuja, Oyegun said if the proposal to have the current executives remain in acting position at the expiration of their tenure was upheld, the party would have avoided the crisis. When asked if his decision to throw in the towel was precipitated by the President’s preference for Oshiomhole and the governors sudden shift of their support, Oyegun said: No I wasn't intimidated. I rather felt proud that I enjoyed support of majority of party stakeholders before the situation changed. I think it is normal in politics, " he said. He said instead he felt proud that he had support of majority of
APC stakeholders before President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his preference for an elective convention and to back former Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole as his successor. Oyegun said he has accepted the Situation in good faith, adding he would spend out his remaining days till June 25 when the new executives would be sworn in. "I have taken this decision without prejudice to my commitment to the party in helping to solve some of the subsisting and emerging difficult issues and my ability to continue to provide necessary leadership. However, I believe that the party faces difficult days ahead, and all critical stakeholders in its leadership would be required to bind together for a common purpose. "Therefore, the less contentious our national convention is, the better for the party. I have always sought to be part of solving the problem of the APC; I do not intend to be part of the problem for APC to solve. It is for this reason that I hereby declare that I will not be seeking reelection as the national chairman of the APC," he said. However, Oyegun said that with the benefit of hindsight, that option would have only postponed
LEAVING LEGACIES... L-R; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Deputy President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. SherrifOborevwori and Hon. Angela Nwaka, during the Commissioning of Nsukwa/Ndemili Road, Delta State
the evil days as it were. "If this decision was sustained, we probably would have achieved our objective. But we would only
Sovereign Wealth Fund: Stop Lying Against Me, Jonathan Tells Buhari Bayo Akinloye Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on his successor, the incumbent Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to not only abstain from food during the Ramadan fast but also to eschew lies as Jonathan refuted a claim by the Presidency that his administration failed to save money in the Sovereign Wealth Fund. In a statement titled, ‘More Lies from The Presidency at Ramadan,’ by the Goodluck Jonathan Media Office on Friday, the statesman slammed the President Buhari for lying against his person and administration. He said, “To my dismay, I woke up on Friday the 1st of June, 2018 to find out that President Buhari, who is meant to be on a Ramadan fast, had released a statement, through the Presidency’s Twitter handle, alleging that the Jonathan government, which created the Sovereign Wealth Fund in 2012, had failed to save money in
the fund after the initial $1 billion deposit it made into it. Such a lie, coming at a time when the President is meant to be fasting is shocking. “It therefore amounts to historical revision for the Presidency to make these spurious allegations against the Jonathan administration, President Muhammadu Buhari should be aware that just like I told him, after the many lies from his Democracy Day speech, Ramadan fast does not just mean abstaining from food, it also means abstaining from lies.� The statement recalled that after starting up the Sovereign Wealth Fund with an initial deposit of $1 billion in 2011, the Nigerian Governors Forum, led by Rotimi Amaechi and supported by other governors, who later joined the All Progressives Congress, took the Jonathan administration to court to declare the Sovereign Wealth Fund illegal, asserting that the Jonathan-led Federal Government could not force them to save.
Speaking further, the ex-president noted: “In fact, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi released a statement justifying his opposition to the Sovereign Wealth Fund on August 31, 2011 and said: ‘The SWF is an attempt to desecrate section 162 of Nigeria’s Constitution. Section 162(1), (2) and (10) of the 1999 Constitution prescribed the mode of sharing the revenue of the Federation. It states that “the Federation shall maintain a special account to be called the Federation Account into which shall be paid all revenues collected by the Government of the Federation, except the proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry or department of government charged with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The law says that anything that is outside the constitution is wrong and section 162 of the constitution also says so.’�
have succeeded also in postponing the evil days as it were. In retrospect, I am inclined to agree with the viewpoint that even a young political party as ours need to be subjected to the crucible of these contestations, which in any case is the hallmark of progressive politics,' he said. He pointed out that the experience the party would draw from
managing the contending interests, could only help to make the party stronger and more resilient. Speaking on way forward, Oyegun said: " We have conducted the Congresses in all states of the federation and the FCT; and we have set a date for the national convention. Now that the convention committee has invited interested aspirants to
obtain forms to contest into the various national positions in our party, it has become necessary for me to state my position. I have consulted widely with my families, friends and associates. Even though, I had the desire to recontest as the national chairman of the party, I have decided that it is ultimately in the interest of the party for me to withdraw from the race".
Appeal Court Frees Former NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, yesterday discharged and acquitted the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, who was charged with an alleged fraud of N2.6 billion. In a lead judgment read by Justice Yargatta Nimpar, a three-man appellate court panel, unanimously upheld the no-case submission filed by Akpolokemi in response to the criminal charges. The Appeal Court overruled the decision of Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos, who, on October 16, 2017, dismissed Akpobolokemi's no-case submission. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on December 4, 2015 arraigned Akpobolokemi alongside five others for allegedly
diverting N2.6 billion from the coffers of NIMASA between December 2013 and May 2014. The funds, the anti-graft agency claimed, were approved by exPresident Goodluck Jonathan for the implementation of a security project tagged, "International Ship and Ports Security Code in Nigerian Ports." Those charged with Akpolokemi were Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Blockz and Stonz Limited and Al-Kenzo Logistics Limited. The six defendants had all pleaded not guilty to the 22 charges pressed against them, following which the EFCC opened its case, calling 12 witnesses and tendering 77 exhibits in a bid to prove the allegation. Upon the closure of the EFCC's case in 2017, all the defendants had filed no-case submissions, contending
that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them. But Justice Buba, in an October 16, 2017 ruling, dismissed their no-case submissions, holding that they had a case to answer. Justice Buba had held that, "From the evidence of the first prosecution witness, it is well established that all the defendants have case to answer; the exhibits tendered and the testimonies of other witnesses have established that there is a prima facie case against the defendants." Displeased, however, they all went on appeal and in the judgment yesterday, the Court of Appeal discharged an acquitted Akpobolokemi of the entire 22 counts. However, the five other defendants were not discharged as the appellate court upheld Justice Buba's verdict that they had a case to answer.
He pointed out that the corporation was still holding a substantial amount of real estate assets due to the economic situation and low level of activity in the real estate market. “If we sell them today, we are going to record a lot of losses. So, we are holding them expecting that when the economy picks up, the real estate market would also start booming and then we would be able to quickly sell. “If we dispose them now, we might not be able to recover the value,� he said. According to him, AMCON is currently working with the Judiciary and the legislature to see areas of
the AMCON Act that can be amended. “The National Assembly has been very supportive. So, we are trying to see how we can have a Special Tribunal where we can have some specific High Courts and Judges that are known with high integrity, so that our cases would be on the fast track. “We have now decided to change our strategy from restructuring and resolution to recovery. Now, when we confiscate the asset, we look for buyers. “That is because we are almost approaching our sun set period, which is 2023. If at this stage we still have a lot of properties that
we have foreclosed on, when is it that we are going to do that. Some of them don’t have ability to repay, while some have moved to other businesses. So, the only thing left for us now is to change our strategy in terms of recovery. “That is why we are putting a lot of efforts on our Asset Management Partners. We have less than 350 obligors that account for more than 80 per cent of our outstanding liabilities. “So, if we can focus on the 350 and we can achieve 40 per cent recovery, that would take us above the global standard for asset management corporation,� he added.
2019 Elections: Be Ready to Monitor, Expose Riggers, S'South Bishops Tell Church AMCON Recovers N740bn from Debtors, Trims Losses to N16bn Cont’d from Pg.6 crooks and expects positive developelections and exposed riggers. Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) yesterday tasked the church to prepare to monitor and expose riggers during next year's general elections. National Vice President, South South, Bishop Simeon Okah said in a statement at the end of a one-day Holy Ghost revival service held by Flock of Christ Mission at Akpajo in Rivers State the church must henceforth be active in politics. "Get your PVC and any communication gadgets, e.g your cell phone. Be ready to vote and monitor election from wherever you are and post on the internet. The Church should be prepared to monitor
"That is the way forward. Otherwise, we will continue to remain complainants in our own country", he added. Bishop Okah noted that the church should no longer leave politics and governance in the hands of " crooks" and expect positive development. "I want to say here that the major problem that has hindered our democracy is the kind of characters that have governed us in the past 19 years. That is why I am calling on Christians, all over the country, to be more active in politics and show more commitment to governance. "The Church cannot leave politics and governance in the hands of
ment. If we are serious about making progress as a nation, I call on all Christians now to begin preparation for the 2019 general elections", he added. Bishop Okah, who is the presiding Bishop of Flock of Christ Mission with headquarters in Warri, Delta State therefore urged Christians to vote, monitor their votes and ensure they were not tampered with. He attributed the problem confronting democracy in Nigeria to politicians that have governed the country in the past 19 years. The PFN Boss therefore urged Christians to be more active in politics and show more commitment to governance.
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Shooting at APC Rally, Assassination Professor Johnbull Flays Arranged Marriages Attempt on Fayemi, Party Alleges A new episode of popular TV drama series, Professor Johnbull, sponsored by Globacom this week focuses on the issue of matchmaking in Africa’s traditional marriage and its usefulness in contemporary society. The episode dissects the age-long tradition whereby parents or relations arrange partners for their children or relations considered to be of marriage age but have refused to take partners to raise families of their own. In the episode entitled Arranged Marriage, three "proximate people" of Professor Johnbull (Kanayo O. Kanayo), Mai Doya (Funky Mallam), Etuk (Imeh Bishop) and Olaniyi (Yomi Fash-Lanso), worried by the single status of the scholar, arranged to have the retired don marry Etuk's sister, who resides in Abuja. It will be recalled that Professor Johnbull lost his wife years ago. As that plot is being scripted, the mother of Abadnego (Martins Nebo), convinced that "a man who could grow beards was old enough to marry", arranges a village girl for him and pays the bride price before bringing her to Enugu for Abadnego. Arranged Marriage becomes
Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC), has alleged that the shooting of the former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele and others at a rally on Friday was an alleged plan to assassinate the party’s candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. More facts have emerged that no fewer than six persons were shot contrary to the news that only two were shot at the rally. Bamidele and five other victims were shot in front of the party’s secretariat in Ado Ekiti by a policeman, who had been arrested when he had a brawl with some party roughnecks. The party in a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun alleged that bloody politicking had returned to Ekiti State with this signal, saying Fayemi narrowly escaped being killed during the shooting. Olatunbosun gave the names of other victims in the hospital included Olabode Joshua, Olanrewaju Gbenga, Adebayo Ogunjemilehin, Ogunmodede Oluwole and Alex Adeleye. “It was a smooth ride from Akure Airport to Ikere-Ekiti where thousands of supporters came out to give him a rousing welcome. Ikere-Ekiti journey to Ado-Ekiti, a distance of about nine kilometres, lasted two hours in a heavy traffic that was punctuated by four gunmen suspected to be agents of the state government who strategically positioned themselves at the party's secretariat in Ado-Ekiti for the attack. “One of the assailants dressed in mobile police uniform was apprehended and he is now helping the police in their investigation. They fired gunshots aimed at Fayemi but hit a former lawmaker,
CBN Pumps Additional $331.41m into Forex Market PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE ...
Obinna Chima
Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State cuts the tape to inaugurate the new Jumaat Mosque at the Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina on Friday, June 1, 2018
In continuation of its drive to guarantee foreign exchange (forex) liquidity in the system, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday sold $331.41 million to players in different sectors in the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS). Confirming the releases, the Bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor said companies in the agricultural, airlines, petroleum products and raw materials and machinery sectors were the beneficiaries of the intervention. Okorafor explained that the CBN continued to make interventions in the forex market in order to guard against illiquidity and checkmate actions of speculators that could mount pressure on the country’s reserves. Reiterating the assurances of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, he said the Bank was buoyant enough to meet the foreign exchange requests of various customers cut across the different segments of the market. He therefore charged every customer requiring foreign exchange to approach their respective banks
Opeyemi Bamidele, after the former minister had taken a few steps forward before the bullets hit the target. “Bamidele and other victims were immediately rushed to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, where doctors said they were responding to his treatment.
“Bamidele was seriously wounded in the attack while others also sustained various degrees of injuries�. Meanwhile, a source disclosed to newsmen that the errant mobile police officer was not a fake as it is being speculated by some APC members, saying "he is attached to MOPOL 20
in Lagos. According to the source, "he had come to Ado Ekiti on illegal duty, he came with a politician to the rally." The source added that the policeman, who was injured following severe beatings he received, is receiving treatment at a secure hospital.
Ortom Chides Islamic World Bank OfďŹ cials Group Over Comments Meet Obaseki George Okoh in Makurdi
Benue State Government yesterday took a swipe at the Jamat'atu Nasir Islam(JNI)/over its recent comment that the Benue State governor was attributing the spate of herdsmen killing to the late Usman Danfodio's Jihad. In the press statement issued by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, it stated that instead of the JNI accusing him, it should rather blame the leadership of Miyeiti Ala Kauta Hore. While describing the statement by JNI Secretary General, Dr. Abubakar Khalid Aliyu as inappropriate and attempt to instigate religious hatred against him, the governor said that he was only reacting to the specific questions and that he quoted the threats by leaders of Fulani Nationality Movement, FUNAM, Miyeiti Ala Kautal Hore and Miyeiti Ala Cattle Herders Association who had claimed that the attacks on Benue was a Jihad and struggle for control of natural resources in the state. Ortom said that the impression being created by the organisation that he (Ortom) attacked the
intriguing when Etuk's sister arrives Enugu to discover that Professor Johnbull has no such proposal and Abadnego rejects the village girl brought to her by his mother. How does Professor Johnbull receive Etuk's sister? Who arranges the exchange of gifts between Professor Johnbull and his arranged wife? Is Abednego's mother's assertion that "love comes to marriage when children begin to come in� valid? Can two complete strangers make good marriage partners? Is matchmaking old fashioned or still relevant in contemporary time? Is Professor Johnbull truly lonely and sad? What is the place of compatibility in matchmaking? Viewers are encouraged to find answers to these posers and many more by booking a date with Arranged Marriage as it shows at 6.00 p.m. on Sunday on DSTV Africa Magic Family and GOTV Channel 2, with repeat broadcast on Thursday at 9.30 p.m. and on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. It is also aired on Anambra Broadcasting Service at 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.
leadership of Nigerian Muslims in his comments was misleading and a deliberate attempt to cast the him in bad light before Muslims in the country. Governor Ortom cited.various statements and video clips to buttress that such statements were made by leadership of the various association and reiterated his call for the arrest of the leadership of the groups to prevent further killings in the state. The governor said he has enormous respect for the leadership of Jama'atul Nasir Islam and all other Nigerian Muslims and would not have launched an attack on the religion. "We reject and condemn this negative branding of the Governor by JNI." He explained that his administration embraced and encouraged all religious groups in the state especially the Muslim community as evident in the cordial relationship between his administration and leadership of the Islamic faith. "It is therefore strange that the headquarters of Jama'atul Nasir Islam has chosen to assault the Governor's reputation on a matter which has verifiable evidence unconnected with him."
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The World Bank-support projects in Edo State led by its Senior Director, Governance Global Practice, of the bank, Debbie Wentzel, arrived Benin City, the state capital yesterday, to consolidate the existing development-focused relationship between the bank and the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration. Speaking shorty after their arrival, Wentzel said: "We are hoping to work with all the states in the country to support them improve their governance structures. We want to see how the states are working and how the World Bank can support them get better results�. Wentzel added: "We will be looking at building states' transparency, economic recovery; revenue collection and creating an enabling environment where private sector can thrive better". Other members of the delegation were; Practice Manager, Hisham Waly; Lead Project Specialist, Chief Bayo Awosemusi; Senior Public Sector Specialist, Ikechukwu Nweje; Senior Operations Officer, John Paul Ngebeh; and Procurement Specialist, Sunday Osoba. The meeting also featured ses-
sions on the implementation of the State Employment and Expenditure For Results (SEEFOR) project which falls under Wentzel’s portfolio. Welcoming his guests, Obaseki expressed pleasure with the series of visits by senior officials of the World Bank to Benin City and their desire to be part of the ongoing transformation of the state. The governor said: “We have gone through a learning curve with the World Bank, a journey which started over nine years ago and we want to drive this down to the local government councils so that every individual in the state will feel the impact of our government at all levels." He explained that at the state level, several reforms of key institutions have changed work culture for better outcomes, and added: “Our institutions are working at the state level and we want to work at strengthening the local councils.� The governor said that his administration also plans to work with the World Bank in strengthening governance-support structures for optimal performance and deepen the deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the state.
with relevant documents to make formal requests, stressing that the authorized dealers had enough supply to meet every legitimate request. Emefiele had last Monday paid unscheduled visits to some banks in Abuja, to monitor the extent of compliance with the CBN directive to deposit money banks (DMBs) in the country to buy and sell foreign exchange over-the-counter to traveling customers and non-customers of banks provided they present relevant and valid travel documents. The CBN in that directive also mandated all Bureau de Change (BDCs) to henceforth access forex from the CBN, at least thrice weekly, failing which the CBN could review their licenses. It will be recalled that the Bank, on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 offered the sum of $100 million to authorised dealers in the wholesale segment of the market, just as the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment and the invisibles window each received $55 million. Meanwhile, the naira traded at an average of N362 to the dollar on the BDC segment of the market across major cities in the country.
Tambuwal Calls for Fervent Prayers for Lasting Peace in Zamfara, Northeast Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, has called on Islamic scholars and citizens of the state to observe special prayers for a lasting peace in Zamfara State, North-East and Nigeria. Tambuwal made the remark when he hosted the 23 local government council chairmen to Ramadan breakfast in Sokoto. He said the call became necessary in view of the security challenges bedeviling Zamfara State and other parts of the country. The Governor stressed the need for Muslims to take advantage
of the month of Ramadan and continue to pray for the country to surmount its current security challenges. According to him, there was the need for leaders at all levels to show compassion to their followers and associates during the Ramadan. "Allah is merciful to us and as such we should be merciful to those under us especially during the Ramadan fast," he said. He however, expressed gratitude to the Sultan of Sokoto and other traditional leaders in the north for praying fervently for continuous peace and stability in Sokoto state and the country as a whole.
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NEWSXTRA Ekweremadu: Why We Retained Senate Age in Not Too Young to Run Bill Deji Elumoye Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË
AFTER PARLEY...
L-R:: Special Adviser to the President on Diaspora, Abike Adabiri-Erewa; Leader Jigawa State All Progressive Congress, Alhaji Farouk Adamu and Jigawa State Governor, Badaru Abubakar after their meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa Abuja yesterday.
Former President Jonathan Condoles with Aboderin Family Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the Aboderin family and Punch newspapers over the death of Mr. Gbadebowale Aboderin, who until his death last Wednesday, was the Chairman of Punch Media Limited, describing him as a crusader for public good. In a condolence letter to the Aboderin family as well as management and members of staff of Punch newspapers, the former President stressed that
the late Aboderin would be sorely missed because of his deep commitment to national development. A statement issued by Dr. Jonathan’s media adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, said the ex-President also noted that Mr. Aboderin left a legacy of hard work and passion for a just society. The statement said: “Late Aboderin will be sorely missed because of his deep commitment to national progress and the ease with which he reached out and made friends across
regional lines and religious ties. “He was a man who invested hugely in the cause of the ordinary people and worked altruistically for public good. The high value he placed on social capital was evident in the height to which he took Punch; expeditiously repositioning the newspaper as a credible voice for equity, national unity, good governance and democracy. “As a sports enthusiast, he willingly channeled his
energy and resources in the pursuit of his interest, a passion that positively reflected in his substantial contributions to sports development, especially the game of basketball which he greatly lifted. “He will be remembered for his impressive legacy of hard work, philanthropy and passion for a just and equitable society.� The ex-President further prayed for God to comfort late Aboderin’s loved ones and grant his soul eternal rest.
.....Ambode Grieves with Punch Newspapers Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday expressed sadness over the demise of the Chairman of Punch Newspapers, Mr. Wale Aboderin. Aboderin died on Thursday at a private hospital in Lagos at the age of 60. In a condolence letter he personally signed and addressed to the Punch Managing Director, Mr. Demola Osinubi, the Governor described Mr.
Aboderin’s death as a sad development coming at a time when the media institution can benefit more from his leadership and direction. “With deep sympathy, the Lagos State Government wishes to condole with the management of the Punch Nigeria Limited and the entire Family of the Founder, Chief James Olu Aboderin on the sudden death of the Chairman, Mr. Wale Aboderin on Thursday,
May 31, 2018. “The Punch has earned its place as a great medium for the expression of views and dissemination of news and intelligence on account of the high standards of ethics and the vision of its founding partners. “The death of Mr. Wale Aboderin is a sad development at a time this media institution can benefit more from his leadership and direction. It is
a big loss to the sports sector in which he played major roles as investor and philanthropist. Because of these impeccable records, he lives in our hearts. His indelible footprints tell us that he will always be part of our journey as citizens of Nigeria and the world at large. “Kindly convey my sincere condolence to the entire family at this moment of grief. May his soul rest in perfect peace,� the Governor said.
....Ajimobi Commiserates over Demise Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has expressed shock at the news of the untimely death of the Chairman of the Punch newspaper, Mr. Wale Aboderin, whom he described as an illustrious son of the state, and a lovable brother and consummate gentleman. A statement by the Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy to the governor, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, lamented that death had again snatched one of the great sons of the land, who spread his signature effervescence and love everywhere he went. The governor expressed
sadness that death cut short the dream of the foremost entrepreneur and affable administrator, whose magic wand, he said, had further entrenched the Punch as a dominant force in the newspaper industry. Ajimobi said, “That the Punch newspaper now prints simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt is directly attributable to the business acumen, dexterity and go-getting efforts of my late brother, who toiled day and night to sustain the family’s business legacy. “The enigma called death has again cut short the life of one
of our shining and unassuming stars. Wale was a great citizen of our dear state and son of the soil in whom we were well pleased. The news of his sudden death saddens me. “His simplicity and modest lifestyle despite sitting atop a multi-billion naira enterprise are exemplary and noteworthy. I was told that no employee enters his office with a frown without leaving with a smile. “I can boldly say that death is not the end of my adorable brother’s life, since only his body departed us. His spirit can never die; it continues to live
with us. His legacies of humility, selflessness, integrity, diligence and Godliness shall continue to live with us. “I know that no soothing words can help ease the pain and loss that my sister, his dear wife and lovable children are feeling at this moment, but they will forever be in my prayers and thoughts.� The governor prayed that God should give the entire Aboderin family, management and staff of the Punch newspapers, the sports community, as well as his friends and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has explained why the 35 years age qualification for anyone aspiring to be a Senator was retained in the Not Too Young To Run Bill signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday He said this was to correct the initial disparity in the 1999 Constitution between the age qualification for the Senate and that of the President, which used to be 40 years, but now reduced to 35 years. Ekweremadu, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday said the National Assembly reasoned that going by the provisions of Section 146 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the President of the Senate could hold the office of the President for a period not exceeding three months should the offices of the President and Vice President be vacant at the same time for any reason. According to him, “Section 146 (1) provides that the Vice-President shall hold the office of President if the office of President becomes vacant by reason of death or resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or the removal of the President
from office for any other reason in accordance with section 143 of the Constitution. “However, Section 146 (2) further provides that where any vacancy occurs in the circumstances mentioned in Sub-section 1 during a period when the office of Vice-President is also vacant, the President of the Senate shall hold the office of President for a period of not more than three months, during which there shall be an election of a new President, who shall hold office for the unexpired term of office of the last holder of the office’. “So, since the President of the Senate, a Senator, could become an Acting President by happenstance, it is only right that the qualification for both offices are the same�. On the non-reduction of the age qualification for the office of the Governor, Ekweremadu explained that the majority opinion was that 35 years should be ideal for now to enable the would-be governors acquire the requisite experience to pilot the affairs of a State. “However, the Not-Too-YoungTo-Run amendment is just one giant step forward. It is not the end of the road, but just the beginning of the road. It is not an end in itself, but a means to an end.
Meseko Joins Race for APC National Publicity Secretary Ugo Aliogo
Former member, House of Representatives, Hon Durosinmi Meseko yesterday joined the race for the position of National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the June 23 National Convention of the party. Speaking after the Secretary of the Convention Committee, Sen Ben Uwajumobu presented him the nomination form, Meseko said his interest in the office was motivated by his desire to portray the party in the best possible light. "In arriving at, and clarifying this aspiration, I first introspectively considered my ability, passion, energy, drive and desire to portray our party in the best possible light and make the real image of principles and fidelity to the people that we truly stand for". According to him, he had taken
time to consult widely before taking a final decision. "Realising that our greatest asset has been our beginning history of consensus and continuing ability to build, and sometimes forge this consensus, i consulted widely with critical stakeholders at every level to ensure that we could build a consensus in the best spirit and character of our Party. It is the combination of these that has brought me before you to offer myself to serve and for service", he declared. In his words, " there is no gainsaying the fact that as a ruling party with a strong opposition breathing down its neck, we can least afford the luxury of not putting a round peg in a round hole in our publicity unit, especially during this critical moment that the nation is transiting into election season proper. The implications are better imagined".
Obasanjo:Nigeria,S'Africa'sParticipation Needed for AfCTA's Success Ndubuisi Francis Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that the participation of Nigeria and South Africa in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement would contribute to its success. Obasanjo, who spoke weekend in Cairo, Egypt at a conference to announce arrangements for the inaugural Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2018) slated for the Egyptian capital between December 11 and 17, 2018, noted that Nigeria and South Africa's participation in the AfCFTA, would contribute to the success of the agreement. The former president, who is the Chairman of the IATF2018 Advisory Council, however, regretted that “the train has left the station�, adding that those countries that were yet to sign the agreement would have to catch up. Obasanjo's comment was an
obvious reference to the two African economic giants, Nigeria and South Africa, which failed to sign the AfCTA agreement in March. Nigeria had explained that it did not sign because it was consulting to ensure that endorsing AfCTA would not expose the country to a dumping ground. On its part, South Africa said it will become a signatory to the agreement once the legality of the agreement has been processed and ratified by the South African parliament, cabinet and the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) The former Nigerian leader, noted that the the participation of Nigeria and South Africa would lead to its success. The agreement to create AfCFTA was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states and expected to come into force within six months.
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MISSILE HURIWA to Buhari “We are simply deceiving ourselves by celebrating democracy day when Nigerians in their thousands have been gruesomely dispatched to the great world beyond by armed Fulani herdsmen who are being protected by the powers that be currently in Nigeria.� – Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), condemning the celebration of Democracy Day by the Buhari administration.
PENDULUM DELE MOMODU
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dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com
How We Missed The Boat Since 2015
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ellow Nigerians, as we count down to the next general elections in 2019, we should begin to take stock of what has gone wrong with the current government in the past three years. We must do this in the hope that a few issues can still be addressed, and that the lessons learnt can be put to good use after 2019, regardless of who wins the next Presidential election. It is certainly my prayer that a repeat of this monumental mess in which we have found ourselves would be avoided come the next government, whether it be President Buhari, or someone else, at the helm of affairs. There is no doubt, and certainly without any fear of contradiction, that the ‘Change’ government Nigerians brought to power in 2015 has not lived up to its much advertised billing, or come anywhere near the expectations and hopes pinned on it. Even the most fanatical supporters of the Buhari administration are struggling to defend its performance by merely explaining, and regurgitating, the same tales by the moonlight that we’ve been forced to hear endlessly, to the point of boredom. We have been constantly regaled with stories of how past governments, especially that of Dr Goodluck Jonathan messed things up, and how Nigeria would have collapsed, but for the merciful intervention of God and the benevolence of President Muhammadu Buhari. All well and good. This is not the time to argue with anyone over these lame and worn-out excuses. What is important is to note that the government could have done better, say so in plain language and urge them to move on in peace and in prosperity. I was inspired to write this epistle today after watching a very re-assuring video a good friend sent to me yesterday. All the vengeful bloodsuckers in Nigeria should try and find it, as I hope it may help redirect us to the right course. The video was recorded in Nairobi, Kenya, during a very powerful and massive national prayer session which was hosted and led by President Uhuru Kenyatta. I could not believe what I saw in that video. Before I say a bit about its content, let me give a brief background to my little knowledge of Kenya. My fascination for Kenya started over 40 years ago through my addiction to reading English Literature in school and, in particular, my incurable interest in the African Writers Series. Some of my favourite writers were of East African origin, such as Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Meja Mwamgi, Jomo Kenyatta, Oginga Odinga, Okot p’Bitek, David Rubadiri, and others. Rubadiri, a Malawian and Okot p’Bitek both lived in Nigeria for a while and taught me Literature-in-English at the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Their influence and that of our Nigerian lecturers, such as Wole Soyinka, Oyin Ogunba, Kole Omotoso, Biodun Jeyifo, Ropo Sekoni, Adebayo Williams, Chidi Amuta, Funso Aiyejina, Wole Ogundele, Yemi Ogunbiyi, Wande Abimbola, Olasope Oyelaran, Akinwunmi Isola, Bade Ajuwon, and others aroused my absolute passion in both English and Yoruba Literature. I read any work of Literature voraciously and Ngugi was one of my all-time favourite writers. His novel, Weep Not Child, I read repeatedly, to the extent that I knew many lines and could recite them from memory. Kenya became a country I craved to visit. I loved the story of the Mau Mau struggle, and the epic battle the founding fathers of Kenya had to fight. Two people stood out prominently, Jomo Kenyatta and Oginga Odinga. Incidentally, their offspring are in the vanguard
Dele Momodu with President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 during an invitation to Aso Rock Presidential Villa of the creation of a new Kenya today. I fell in love with Kenyan teas, just by reading books. I discovered the importance Kenyans attached to cattle-rearing. Wealth was calculated by how many cows you owned. I read about the game reserves and every imaginable wildlife in Kenya. The climate was said to be extraordinary; Kenya has a climate similar to that of Europe. My best friend, Prince Adedamola Aderemi, spent his honeymoon in December 1986, after his wedding to Kemi Oyediran, in Nairobi, and he titillated us with the adventures they both enjoyed and savoured. I looked forward to visiting someday. I have been to Kenya many times since then and, actually, fell in love with the place, more and more. The two things that worried me in recent times were terrorism and the volatility of their political contests. Nigeria seems to share the same proclivities with Kenya in this regard. However, Kenya has managed its terrorist challenges much better than Nigeria and now it has also succeeded in calming frayed nerves after pushing itself to the brink during the last Presidential election. Things were so tense and terrible that the opposition leader, Raila Odinga, swore himself in as a parallel leader. This is where I’m going. All President Kenyatta needed to do to set Kenya on fire was to arrest Raila and his bitter supporters, but Uhuru chose the path of peace and reconciliation and it has paid off so beautifully and handsomely. It has led to both men, particularly Uhuru, achieving the status of esteemed world statesmen. They held private meetings, signed an MOU and agreed to a ceasefire. The icing on the cake was the National Prayer Breakfast with a mammoth congregation in attendance. What a great man Uhuru Kenyatta is! He invited his Vice President William Samoei arap Ruto to the stage. He then called on his arch-rival, Raila Odinga and another opposition figure, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (former Vice President of Kenya) to join them. The President then did the unexpected. He publicly apologised to Raila admitting that they had traded unnecessary insults against each other. Vice President, Ruto, soon followed with his own apology. Raila then gave a speech explaining how peace was attained, promising that never again should a Kenyan die because of elections and never a again should a Kenyan be denied electoral victory because
of where he comes from. He also offered his apology to roaring applause and acclamation‌ There was something else Raila said that caught my attention, fancy and approval: “we shall fight corruption together‌â€? He sincerely meant this and further demonstrated the spirit of national unity and togetherness that is lacking between government and opposition in most African countries. Nothing could be more sensible and practical. My mind went straight to Buhari’s Nigeria, where three years after the last election, and less than one year to the next, we are yet to have a reprieve and settle down in peace and tranquillity. Political prisoners are still chained down and held incommunicado without trial. Tension has refused to go away because we have refused to seek love, cordiality and togetherness. We prefer the military bragadoccio of trying to bully everyone into submission. Our country is the biggest sufferer for it. Let’s break it down properly. The Buhari government would have secured and stabilised the economy if it had not come with his usual and customary jackboots approach. He would still have been able to tackle corruption through the carrot and stick approach. The ill-conceived and self-immolating rush to expose alleged criminals and retrieve looted funds only crippled the nation, because it was not based on principles of fair-play and justice but more of ego-trip and vengefulness. A bit of patience and careful understanding of the situation would have been more rewarding. Fear-mongering may arguably have worked under the military, but it is very complicated and doomed in a democratic setting. Every anti-corruption crusade since President Obasanjo has only produced one very strong man or woman, but no strong institution, the reason it has not gone very far. We forget that individuals live or die, but institutions are permanent! By personalising the anti-corruption crusade in the name of one person and suggesting that that person is the only saint alive, it is only a matter of time before we return to square one, whenever that person quits the stage. In any case, once the war is patently and brazenly selective and oppressive, it will fail ultimately. No one in good conscience would say that only PDP stole money to fund elections of former President Jonathan. How did APC fund its own elections in which billions went on polling agents, campaign jamborees nationwide, private jets, adverts, billboards, media, and so on. Surely the funds did not come only from the private sector, but also from top government functionaries who opened their vaults to match PDP Naira for Naira for Naira and Dollar for Dollar. In such a situation, detaining one group and ignoring the other is tantamount not only to oppression, but also abuse of office. What should have been done was to trace as much of the loot as possible way back to previous generations of government, and recover as much as possible by moral suasion, hard negotiations, forceful compulsion and, criminalisation, if all else failed. This was the impression and re-assurance given by the APC during the course of its 2015 campaigns, namely that no one would be hounded or victimised, unless they chose that path. Out of 16 years of PDP misrule, attention was focused rigidly on the Jonathan era which spent five years before things fell apart. Before our very eyes, the same guys who remained in PDP throughout the 2015 elections sauntered across, in droves, to APC after the elections, and their sins were promptly forgiven
without any redress or recompense being sought. This is rather unfair and grossly unfortunate. As I read somewhere, anger often beclouds reasoning. This is our case. The government chose to pander to populism instead of reality and practicality. Despite the grandstanding, corruption is not about to abate or disappear from our climes unless one is living in fool’s paradise, or suffering from complete gullibilty. Every new government only recycles the same template and attacks its enemies ferociously, with the next government coming on a revenge mission and retaliating blatantly. We should be tired of this crude methodology by now. Efforts should be made to strengthen our institutions first. Nigerians would cooperate with government on all fronts when they are reassured that “all animals are equal, and some are not more equal than others.� There is also inherent danger in pitching the poor against the rich. What we are playing with is mayhem, anarchy and systemic failure. The bottled up anger and bitterness may explode into a snowball that will engulf the nation and no government may be able to contain it. Each time the government tries to blame others for it’s sluggishness in making appreciable progress, it can only heighten the combustive tension. A senior member of this government once told us, gleefully, in conversation that the reason Nigerians are crying is because Buhari has killed corruption and many rich people are now very poor and miserable. However, even if true, the job of government is to increase prosperity and not to kill it or make anyone miserable, whether friend or foe. What shall it profit a country that claims to fight corruption but kills businesses, with the same poor people it seeks to defend losing jobs and dying in different stages of dillapidation? For every rich man or big company that collapses, so many poor people will go down with them. Many, if not all, of the so-called advanced nations we all run to today were built with proceeds of fraud, corruption, illegality, and even the sweat of slavery, before they started building stronger institutions and changing negative mind-sets to positive ones. They understood that everything starts from need before it escalates to greed. But here we want to kill everything without replacing it with something tangible or commensurate. It can only increase the angst and anguish. This was how we missed the boat when we wasted precious time assembling a government team only to start fighting on all fronts from the very first day. South Africa would have collapsed on the head and shoulders of Nelson Mandela if he had chosen the path of all-out war and confrontation against supporters of apartheid, looters and murderers and too many dangerous enemies of State. His greatness derived from resisting that temptation of wanting to exhibit his macho and mojo as a King Kong. By going for reconciliation, he saved his country and people from a cataclysmic fall and avoidable elongation of the trauma of violent segregation. I know most people in Nigeria are in the mood to draw blood because of our crazy corrupt past, but at what cost. Is it not insane to continue repeating the same system and expecting different results, when it is obvious we are in perpetual crisis because no civilian government can oppress and suppress without being confronted eventually? Healing does not come by amputation, nay death, but by salves and balms. The choice is ours. May God help us know when to cool temper, lay down our arms, and live to fight another day.
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