Saturday 28TH July 2018

At 3rd THISDAY Health Summit, World Bank Pledges $20m to Nigeria FG promises to build 6 trauma centres nationwide Osinbajo: Summit provides platform to hold states accountable for funding of primary healthcare

By Our Correspondents The World Bank yesterday at the Third Edition of THISDAY

Health Policy Dialogue in Abuja took a bold step to fast track the development of Nigeria's health sector with a

pledge to support the nation's Basic Healthcare Provisions Fund with $20 million.

Also, Vice President

Yemi Osinbajo commended THISDAY for the Health Policy Dialogue, held in collaboration with the World Bank, saying

it has provided the platform to hold states accountable for the funding of primary health care services in Nigeria.

The Practice Manager, World Bank Group, Washington, Mrs. Continued on page 6

In a Major Shakeup, Army Redeploys Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole… Page 8 Saturday 28 July, 2018 Vol 23. No 8500

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Three Days after Defection, Oshiomhole Accuses Ortom of Complicity in Benue Killings Says governor fraternising with criminals that murdered priests Ortom: Allegations laughable, callous Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Oko George in Makurdi The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress

(APC) Adams Oshiomhole, has accused Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State of fueling the killings in his state.

Addressing a press

conference yesterday evening at APC national secretariat in Abuja, Oshiomhole also alleged that the governor was found to be fraternising

with the arrested criminals that murdered two priests of the Roman Catholic Church.

But in a swift response, Ortom described the

allegations as laughable and callous.

The APC National Chairman’s allegations, yesterday, are coming barely

three days after Ortom announced his exit from the APC to return to the PDP on Continued on page 6

France Notes Positive Trends in Nigeria’s Economy, Says More French Firms Coming Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The French Government, yesterday, harped on the positive trends in Nigeria’s economy, disclosing that more French companies had indicated interest in doing business in the country.

Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the President, Malam Garba Shehu, said in a statement that the outgoing Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Denys Gauer, made the disclosure when he paid a farewell visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the state house in Abuja.

“The French Agency for Development (AFD) which opened an office in Nigeria 10 years ago, has provided a total of $2 billion facility for projects in the country,” the French Ambassador was quoted as saying.

The statement added: "On cultural ties, Gauer said France

has concluded arrangements to establish a cinema school in Lagos and some museums around the country in addition to formalising an agreement on film production.

"The Ambassador said he would always keep fond memories of Nigeria and wished the country successful elections in 2019."

Shehu said President Buhari commended France for its commitment to strong regional cooperation in the fight against cross-border crimes and terrorism in West and Central African countries.

Buhari, the statement further added, appreciated the roles and contributions of the French government to peace, security and stability in the region.

Shehu also said the President recalled that Nigeria placed the task of combating terrorism in the region on an international agenda Continued on page 6

Dino Melaye Reappears, Claims He Miraculously Escaped from Abductors... Page 15

HEALTHCARE ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Nduka Obaigbena; Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the third THISDAY Health Summit held at the Yar' Adua Centre, Abuja ...yesterday godwin omoigu

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Senate Leadership Under Saraki is Bad Experience, El-Rufai Alleges Governor’s position not supported with facts, says Senator Ibrahim John Shiklam ÓØ ËÎßØË Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has described the 8th National Assembly under the leadership of Bukola Saraki as the worst in Nigeria’s history.

He also blamed the three senators from the state for his administration’s inability to complete ongoing projects.

Speaking during a special interview with some local radio stations in Kaduna, El-Rufai urged the people of the state to hold Senators Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna North) and Danjuma Laah (Southern Kaduna) responsible for uncomplicated projects in the state.

Fielding questions on the programme which was conducted in Hausa, language, El-Rufai said the senators' rejection of the $350 million World Bank loan for the state was responsible for the noncompletion of the projects.

He said the state government had initiated many projects with the hope of funding them with the loan, but the senate refused to give its approval for the loan despite that the House of Representatives approved it.

Speaking on the defection of some members of the ruling APC, El-Rufai said: “This is not strange. We knew a long time ago that some people will defect. You know the APC was formed by coalition of some political parties. Some people joined because they knew we were going to win elections."

The governor said there were many politicians who are political prostitutes without any ideology.

According to him, anybody who joined politics to enrich himself or steal public funds will certainly not like President Muhammadu Buhari.

He added: “It is not surprising that some people felt they made a mistake by joining APC and they had to leave. For a long time, we have heard the stories of people saying that they suffered for the party to win elections but they are not benefiting anything. We know they will leave.

"There are also those who are afraid that if Buhari gets a second term, he will wear his military uniform and arrest all the thieves. So they are scared that if he is allowed a second term, he will not spare them.

“Many of them think that if

they say they are leaving the party, they would be called and pleaded with, and be allowed to continue with corruption, there is no how Buhari will tolerate this.

"Some people are concerned about their seats. Like us in Kaduna, since we started, Shehu Sani and Suleiman Hunkuyi have been eyeing the governorship seat. So they feel that if there is no way they can get the ticket, the only alternative is to defect."

Described the leadership of Senate as the worst Senate Nigeria has ever had, El-Rufai declared: "We have never had a bad senate leadership like this one by Bukola Saraki.

Some people whose names were mentioned among those who decamped said they never authorised it.

"I am convinced that the leadership of Adams Oshiomhole will address the problems. We know those who cannot win elections in their homes. Many of them found themselves in the National Assembly by riding on the back of Buhari.

"Some of them won elections because their elections were held on the same day with

the presidential election. If they think they will win elections on their own, good luck to them.

"Like I said, the leader of our party in Kaduna has set up a reconciliation committee.

Anybody that we have offended, we will apologise, but we will not tolerate those who betrayed the people."

Governor’s position not supported with facts, says Senator Rafiu Meanwhile, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Rafiu Ibrahim has described El-Rufai as a "loose cannon and a liar” and one of the people that got the APC “into the current mess it found itself.”

Reacting to the statement

by El-Rufai on the Hausa radio Programme, Senator Rafiu stated that the Kaduna Governor is known as a "flippant and loose talker" and that facts did not support his position.

He said: “May be we need to educate this aggrieved governor that this Senate in three years already has the

highest number of bills with relevance to improving the economy, eliminating insecurity and corruption since 1999, even though we still have 10 months to the end of our tenure. Similarly, we have treated more petitions than the number that all the past Senate combined had done.

Our interventions on key issues that affect the day to day living of Nigerians have remained unparalleled.

"El-Rufai is an aggrieved governor. He is pained by the rejection of his request for foreign loans by the Senate Committee on Foreign and Local Debt which is headed by a Senator from Kaduna State, Shehu Sanni. The Governor has been speaking from both sides of the mouth.

"He had sent several persons to the Senate President on this loan. I am aware that when he sent the current Minister of Finance to Dr. Saraki, the latter made it known that he too was helpless on the issue as there was no personal reason that will make him stand against such a request. The Senate President advised the governor to reach out to the three Senators from the State and get them to

support the decision as he, the Senate President, would find it difficult to overrule the senators, particularly since one of them is the chairman of the concerned committee. The three senators from Kaduna State insisted that an approval for the loan would sentence Kaduna State to many years of indebtedness.

"I am aware of the text message that this same El-Rufai sent to Saraki few weeks ago, thanking him for the useful and supportive discussion the Senate President had with the Minister of Finance on the Kaduna loan issue and commending this same Saraki for the leadership he has provided on a number of issues.

"For him to now be making this kind of nonsensical and reckless statements against the Senate President shows that he is a double-faced, reckless, immature and unstable liar.

People should ignore him.

He is one of the people who destroyed APC up to the point that it is. President Buhari had better realised that with a supporter like el-Rufai, he does not need an opponent again.

benefit from the counterpart funding by the World Bank.

"As we said, away from politics, it is time to support social infrastructure. It is time to begin to address the issue of poverty and to make sure we bring out a lot of Nigerians out of abject poverty." THISDAY is supporting the federal government and the Ministry of Health in this initiative and we are supporting the Save One Million Lives initiative.

"We like to congratulate federal government for budgeting for the Basic Health Provision Funds and we would like to know from Prof. Osinbajo when he will do the first release." The world Bank has promised that within days after release they will offer $20million”, he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of First Cardiology, Lagos, Yemi Johnson, who provided an overview of the challenges posed by the lack of coordinated approach to emergency health care administration, stressed the need for a decentralised air ambulance services in Nigeria.

She also said that with proper policy framework that helps to provide specialised healthcare centres in the country, Nigeria can become a

major hub for medical tourism in the continent.

Other panelists commended THISDAY for the laudable initiative. Professor of Neurosurgery and Vice Chancellor, Federal University Birni-Kebbi, Prof. Bb Shehu, however expressed regret at the poor level of funding of health centres handling surgery as well as shortcomings of the Air-ambulance services and suggested that ambulance services should be structured in such a way as to be able make use of local hospital facilities to attend to emergency patients.

Another panelist, the National Focal Person and Country Director of the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety and Traffic Injury Prevention, Sydney Ibeanusi said the UN’s emphasis is to reduce incidence of deaths and injury resulting from road crashes in the country by at least 50percent.

On her part, the President, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Mrs. Clara Omatseye, expressed optimism that the strategic partnership between the private sector, the federal and the state governments would change the narrative of healthcare services in the country.

AT 3RD THISDAY HEALTH SUMMIT, WORLD BANK PLEDGES $20M TO NIGERIA Tryna Hague, who announced the initial support of $20 million to Nigeria's Healthcare Fund, said the development partners believed the allocation of the BHCPF was a welcomed idea, hence their willingness to support the first stage of the basic healthcare funding.

"We will be approving initial financing of $20 million to support BHCPF in Nigeria" Hague said.

According to her, Nigerians deserve healthcare facilities equipped with necessary materials like drugs, vaccines and running water.

"If there are vaccines, drugs and other services, the number of Nigerians accessing healthcare services in PHCs will increase. And this can happen if healthcare funding is brought down to rural and low levels in the country”, she added.

Osinbajo said the THISDSAY health initiative had helped in honouring high performing states.

According to him, with the initiative, more people can now hold states accountable for the funds given to them for the provision of primary health care in their various states.

He urged the state governments to make good use of funds, warning that

states which fail to make judicious use of such funds will be denied access to further grants in future.

Arguing that the dialogue platform does not recognise performance on the basis of political affiliation but rather on merit, Osinbajo pointed out that the output of the initiative so far had shown that Nigeria's healthcare was not only functional but health workers were also trained and motivated.

He added that with the policy, Nigerian children would no longer suffer from preventable diseases adding that maternal mortality will be put under control while parents will be helped to engage in effective family planning.

According to the vice president, the initiative will also help Nigeria in achieving universal health coverage which he said included the agenda to save one million lives (SOML) annually, adding that the initiative would also help the country in driving institutional process on primary healthcare.

He added that the initiative had also provided the platform to reward improvement in primary healthcare provisions and as well served as a useful platform for decision makers

through the deployment of measurable indicators.

Osinbajo also noted that alignment with the private sector in the pursuit of the policy had made the policy worthwhile and result-oriented, further noting that it had been very helpful in evolving development plans to improve indices.

He disclosed that for the first time this year in Nigeria's history, one per cent of the budget had been earmarked for the implementation of healthcare policy, noting however, that the amount is far from being sufficient to fund the basic healthcare needs of the country.

The vice-president said it is against this background that the federal government took very seriously the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which he said some states had also joined with a view to providing the needed healthcare services.

He thanked the publisher of THISDAY, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, for providing the health policy dialogue platform for the delivery of healthcare goals of the federal government and advised other media organisations to emulate THISDAY.

On his part, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire disclosed that the federal government plans to construct six new Specialist Truama Centres, one in each of the geopolitical zones of the country to provide effective emergency healthcare services to Nigerians.

Ehanire, who disclosed this at a panel session on the state of emergency medicine in Nigeria at the Health Summit, said that the mapping of federal highways will assist in identifying and empowering emergency health service providers located across the country.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman/Editor-in -Chief of THISDAY/Arise Media Group, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, noted that it was time to move away from politics and support efforts that would bring about development of basic social infrastructure and poverty reduction in Nigeria.

While commending the federal government for providing the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in the 2018 budget, Obaigbena however charged government on the need for the speedy release of the funds to enable the country

THREE DAYS AFTER DEFECTION, OSHIOMHOLE ACCUSES ORTOM OF COMPLICITY IN BENUE KILLINGS Wednesday.

Oshiomhole claimed that investigations showed that criminals of the Christian faith killed the Catholic priests in Benue State and not the Fulani herdsmen as was alleged.

Oshiomhole also alleged that the leadership of the party in Benue State gave Ortom red card because the governor allegedly squandered over N20 billion without any development project to show for it.

"It is bad enough that any Nigeria was killed but it is worst when anyone tries to twist facts over the incident.

"Governor Ortom played up the ethnic dimension of criminality whereas in truth, some of those who have been killed were killed not by Muslims, they were killed

by Christians of Benue state origin, including those he has employed.

"So, his attempt to explain away criminality by playing up ethnic sentiments is not helpful to what he should do as governor to manage the situation better," he said.

The former Edo state governor also said that Ortom had reduced governance to Nollywood.

Speaking on his attempt to

resolve the dispute in Benue State APC, Oshiomhole, who described Ortom as a comedian, said the peace efforts flopped because of the governor's antics.

"So, I couldn't assure governor Ortom that we will overrule the position of our members and leaders in Benue State that come 2019 we will give him ticket. I wanted to simply cross check with him in the allegations made against him and he was to come by Wednesday that is why he organised that drama.

"And that tells you the quality of reasoning, with all due respect to Governor

Ortom, how can you reduce governance to Nollywood, saying he wanted to go to Abuja to meet with the National Working Committee but my people have blocked the road that I will not go.

In his response, Ortom through his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, said the statement by Adams Oshomole was not only laughable, but callous.

He added that the way Oshomole was speaking “shows clearly a man that is confused and on a hatchet mission not worthy of a National Chairman of a party.”

FRANCE NOTES POSITIVE TRENDS IN NIGERIA’S ECONOMY, SAYS MORE FRENCH FIRMS COMING and received support and solidarity from France in the area of training, information, intelligence sharing, technical and equipment support.

According to the statement, the President remarked that at the regional level where Nigeria was conducting joint patrols with neighbouring countries under the Multinational Joint Task Force, France had continued to encourage regional cooperation among Nigeria’s francophone neighbours with the aim of addressing security challenges and

humanitarian conditions in the area.

President Buhari, according to the statement, used the opportunity of the farewell visit to formally congratulate France for winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and recalled the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Nigeria, promising that Nigeria and France would continue to maintain cordial relations and improve economic, cultural and political relations for the mutual benefit of the citizens of both countries.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY JULY 28, 2018

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NEWS

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RESOURCE VISIT...

President Muhammadu Buhari in a handshake with Delta State APC chieftain, High Chief Fred Obe. Others are Ahmed Ekplomo, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during the President's audience with members of Isoko Traditional Rulers and Personalities at the Council Chambers State House, Abuja ... Yesterday PHOTO:STATEHOUSE

In Major Shakeup, Army Redeploys Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole 01-7) &RPPDQGHU DOVR D;HFWHG Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Nigeria Army yesterday announced major redeployment of senior officers in Command, Staff and other appointments.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen., Texas Chukwu said in a statement that the posting affected Principal Staff Officers both at the Defence and Army Headquarters as well as

General Officers Commanding (GOCs).

Chukuw disclosed that Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Rojas Nicholas and Force Commander MNJTF, Maj-Gen. Leo Irabor, were also affected by the postings and appointments which take effect from August 1, 2018.

He noted that the exercise, which also re-organised and expanded

the Operation Lafiya Dole was aimed at injecting new hands to further actualise the vision of the Chief of Army Staff COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

Those affected in the redeployment were: Maj-Gen Abba M Dikko who will take over as Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, while Brig-Gen AO Abdullahi would take over as Acting Commander Sector

2, Operation Lafiya Dole and Brig-Gen UU Bassey as Acting Commander Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole.

Also, Maj-Gen CO Ude has been posted as Force Commander MNJTF Ndjamena; Maj-Gen J Sarham as General Officer Commanding 6 Division; Maj-Gen EB Kabuk General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Maj-Gen MS Yusuf General Officer Commanding

81 Division and Maj-Gen BA Akinroluyo as General Officer Commanding 3 Division.

Maj-Gen Leo Irabor is now the Chief of Defence Training and Operations in the Defence Headquarters while Maj-Gen LO Adeosun takes over as Chief of Training and Operations at the Army Headquarters.

Others are: Maj-Gen HO Otiki, now Commander Infantry Corps

and Maj-Gen CU Agulanna, as Chief of Accounts and Budget Nigerian Army.

Also affected are: Maj-Gen JE Jakko, who was posted to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Finance and Budget, while MajGen AB Abubakar, Maj-Gen A Mohammed and Maj-Gen LKJ Ogunewe, among others will be proceeding to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre on Course.

Otedola Bridge Fire: Police Finally Arrest Truck Owner

Passengers Miss Flights over Stop Using Police to Terrorise Screening Machines at MMIA Opposition, Group Tells Buhari

Chiemelie Ezeobi

Chinedu Eze

Almost a month after the horrific explosion at Otedola Bridge in Lagos, Homicide detectives attached to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti Yaba, have arrested the owner of the ill-fated truck.

The detectives, who were assigned to investigate the fatal motor accident, finally tracked down the owner, who was identified as Hassan Yusuf Maiwake.

The truck with registration number NSR 888 YQ, driven by a yet-to-be arrested driver, which was laden with petroleum product, had lost control, spilling its content before exploding.

The accident, which happened on June 29, claimed 12 lives and razed 56 vehicles

and a tricycle.

Maiwake, a resident of Kano State, was arrested yesterday and he is said to be helping the police in its efforts to arrest the absconded truck driver.

Confirming the arrest, the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti, said the command was working assiduously to bring all found culpable to book.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal had assured that the command would do all it could to help families who lost their beloved ones in the accident by ensuring that anyone found culpable was brought to book.

"Also, DNA test to ascertain the true identities of the charred remains of the victims is ongoing. Further development will be communicated to Lagosians," Oti said.

Several passengers billed to travel out of the country in the early morning on Friday missed their flights at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, due to malfunctioning X-ray screening machines.

As part of safety and precautionary measures, passengers are subjected to thorough screening before they are allowed to board flights to prevent anyone getting into the aircraft with incendiary or other dangerous devices.

But on Friday morning, THISDAY learnt that four out of five X-ray screening machines located at the central search of D and E wings malfunctioned, leaving hundreds of passengers to be screened with only one machine.

This caused undue delays; even as some of the passengers were not screened as at the time their flights took off.

Most of the travellers affected, THISDAY gathered, were Virgin

Atlantic Airways passengers and others on West Coast destinations.

The General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, confirmed the incident but said that two more X-ray machines were deployed shortly after, while the malfunctioned ones were being repaired.

She denied that passengers missed their flights, saying as a last resort, the FAAN Aviation Security (AVSEC) had to adopt manual screening to ensure that the passengers boarded their flights.

She also noted that before the Friday incident, many of the X-ray machines rarely malfunction at the same time.

“Immediately the engineers resumed work this morning (Friday) they started working on the machines.

But in the interim, we deployed two more machines to the central search to make sure that passenger facilitation is not interrupted again," She said.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja A pro-Peoples Democratic Party group, PDP Good Governance Group has cautioned the federal government to desist from the use of security forces to brutalise and intimidate members of the opposition ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The group warned that the use of security agencies to harass and intimidate members of the opposition and to manipulate elections would “pose serious threat to our democracy.”

At a press conference by the PDP Good Governance Group on the state of the nation under the watch of APC-led federal government in preparation for 2019 general election, the National Coordinator, Henry Shield said the APC was on suicide journey to nose-dive the country into a state of anomie.

"As a foremost group under the PDP, we sincerely wish to state that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, be cautioned by the President

against his new found hobby of harassing perceived enemies and prospective opposition in solidarity with the ruling party (APC) – as it was seen on the 24th of July, 2018 when the entire leadership of the National Assembly was caged and their human rights violated in the full glare of the public. This action threw the whole legislature and by extension our country into a huge humiliation before the world. Our law-enforcement agencies must be neutral and independent.

He said that the constitutional duty of the Police was to protect lives and property and not to embolden any political party to harass innocent and law abiding citizens as we have all witnessed.

"We are also bringing to the notice of all, that the manipulations of the voting process of the July 14, 2018 Governorship Election in Ekiti State is unacceptable and must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations.

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JULY 28, 2͸͹΀ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale Electricity Distribution Companies Vs Fashola Marginalisation 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

I

have never been a fan of the electricity distribution companies that bought the assets of the defunct PHCN. I have persistently chided them for deliberately refusing to meter consumers contrary to the purchase agreement they signed with the federal government when they took over power distribution assets.

They have also glaringly and abysmally failed to enhance the distribution assets acquired. Their performances in the last four years have been below average. For me, they remain the weakest link in the electricity supply chain, with emphasis only on “eating” revenue accruing to them. I am also against their persistent demand for review of electricity charges and unreasonable opposition to the newly introduced eligible customer policy that will take industrial users away from their ineptitude.

However, in the last few days, these distribution companies have made a number of pertinent observations about the electricity challenge facing the country. They have also made terrifying allegations against the Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, on electricity generation figures being dished out. I am earnestly waiting for Fashola to specifically address the issues raised. For the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Fashola’s claims that power generation had peaked at 7,000MW since President Muhammadu Buhari came into office in May 2015 is false. ANED said further that as at January 2015, Nigeria was already doing something very close to that generation figure. It also described as false, the government’s repeated claims that an excess generation of 2,000MW was idle.

Speaking through its Executive Director, Sunday Oduntan, ANED said: “Generation capacity as at January 2015 was 6,421 megawatts (MW) and not 4,000MW as often claimed by the government. Government has largely created more confusion in the operations of the country’s electricity sector, than it had helped it. A

Fashola

review of NERC’s Daily Energy Watch for January 28, 2015 would indicate a generation availability of 6,421MW, divided into peak of 4,230MW and constrained energy of 2,191MW. In other words, it is misleading to state that available generation had grown from 4,000MW in 2015, as a measure of progress, given that a volume of generation slightly under 7,000MW already or previously existed, prior to the beginning of this administration.

“Furthermore, there is no stranded 2,000MW. While there is an available capacity of 7,000MW, the best that can be generated, at this time is 5,000MW. This is because there is insufficient gas to power the thermal plants due to gas line limitations. For instance, the non-completion of the Oben pipeline, and the absence of a commercial framework that would encourage gas exploration are hindering gas supply. This, therefore, shows that very little had actually changed contrary to constant pronouncements by government. It is with much

regret that we feel compelled to respond to the significantly distorted picture that has been painted by the Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola.”

Allegations that Fashola had been spending taxpayers’ money on “misguided projects” are also disturbing. “Nigerians are not getting value for taxpayers’ funds being channelled to misguided projects by the Rural Electrification Agency, Transmission Company of Nigeria and ‘friends’ under the watch of the minister.

It is astonishing and confusing to note that under the minster’s watch, an agency like REA is currently implementing a threemegawatt power project valued at N5.2bn or $5.6m per megawatt in Sokoto; and another two-megawatt plant in Anambra valued at N4.04bn or $2.02m per megawatt from taxpayers’ funds.

“Why is this remarkable? It is remarkable because the government had robustly challenged, as exorbitant, the proposed price of $1.5m/MW put forward by power developers from the private sector and sought a reduction of same. Should the unserved rural dwellers, who should be legitimate beneficiaries of REA’s funding and services, continue to live in darkness due to the ministry’s and REA’s misguided priorities?”

It is not enough to just dismiss ANED’s claims and term them as saboteurs. I will like to see our power minister responding to some specifics. For example, is the NERC Daily Energy Watch, quoted by ANED, which showed that Nigeria was close to 7000MW, as at January 28, 2015, fake? Is it true or false that the federal government is building a three-megawatt power project at $5.6m per megawatt in Sokoto; and another two-megawatt plant in Anambra at $2.02m per megawatt, after turning down a $1.5m per megawatt proposal? Just as I stated last week, Nigerians want stable electricity supply with pre-paid meters in our homes, offices and factories; not bogus stories about improved generation without any impact.

The Unending War against Bukola Saraki From the tone of the Presidency’s reaction to the persistent invitation of President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, by the Police over the Offa robbery incident, one can safely conclude that the police have not been acting independently. I am not sorry to say that the press statement by the Presidency simply mocked and celebrated Saraki’s persistent harassment by the police.

Just read this: “It is odd, strange and bizarre that while ordinary citizens can be called up to answer questions or be interrogated, the VIP cannot be questioned without the annoying insinuations of partisanship, persecution or outright politicisation. This country cannot achieve development in peace when important cases are viewed through political prisms and the law is considered as being applicable to some, and not applicable to others. The nation’s constitution had clearly directed law enforcement agencies to promptly report and investigate any

actual or potential infringement of the law and to also initiate proceedings against all those involved.”

It is preposterous seeing the Presidency defending the Police. We all can now see the hand writing on the wall. Is the Presidency unaware that the police did not go after Senator Ovie Omo-Agege after he invaded the Senate and allegedly made away with the mace? If we are talking about respect for the constitution, why are law enforcement agents still detaining Sambo Dasuki despite the bails granted him by several courts?

Why is El-Zakzaky still in detention despite bail granted him? Why did IGP Ibrahim Idris refuse to appear before the Senate to answer question on raging insecurity in the country? Why are killer herders still roaming unhindered? Why is it that bandits are still maiming and killing in the North-west?

I guess our security agencies are waiting for instruction from above.

The politicisation of police investigations and summons must end.

Saraki

of South-east in Appointments

It was heartwarming seeing South-east senators standing up to the senseless marginalisation of the region in federal appointments on the floors of the red chambers. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, deserves accolades for leading the battle against persistent lopsidedness in appointments into federal boards by President Buhari. His appointments since assumption of office do not reflect federal character and national unity.

The South-east has been worse off. Buhari is not even making any effort to win the confidence of the Igbo. Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution emphatically stated that the composition of the government of the federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect federal character and the need to promote national loyalty.

This constitutional provision is to ensure that there shall be no predominance of a few states or a few ethnic groups or other factional divisions in government or any of its agencies. Unfortunately, our President cares less about this crucial section of the constitution.

Ekweremadu was apt when he said: “I am concerned about how government has been directing its appointments. I don’t have any problem with any part of Nigeria but I have problem with the way the government is directing its appointment.

This is completely unfair; we can’t sit in this Senate and allow that to go; so, I believe we need to send it back to the federal government to ensure that every part of Nigeria is represented.”

It is a shame that the representatives of the South-east in Buhari’s cabinet are unperturbed by the marginalisation of the region. Ekweremadu and the rest must go beyond protesting. They must reach out to like-minded law makers in the Senate and ensure that subsequent lopsided appointments brought for approval are rejected.

Ganduje and Kano’s 3 million Out-ofschool Children I was unimpressed about Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s recent alarm about out-of-school children in Kano State. He told an audience at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, United Kingdom, that three million children are out-of-school in his state alone.

In Nigeria, over 10.5 million children are out-of-school, according to UNESCO, and this is the highest anywhere in the world.

Ganduje did not say anything new about Kano out-of-school children at the Chatham House. I thought part of his lecture would shed light on what he had been doing in over three years to change this narrative?

He did not do this. I suspect Ganduje has nothing to showcase in terms of reducing out-of-school children in his beloved state.

If there is anything to the contrary, let this governor tell Nigerians.

N149bn Extra-budgetary Expenditure in a Change Era I have been studying flakes of the annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation in which 308 federal Ministries, Department and Agencies were queried over N149.5bn extra-budgetary spending in 2016. This report, a symptom of poor budgeting and accounting, is incriminating and heart-wrenching. At a point, I thought agents of the government would come out to debunk it but this did not happen. So, it is real.

The Auditor-General of the Federation, Anthony Ayine displayed great courage in exposing these anomalies in an era of

“change”. The 2016 audit report, the latest to be prepared by the OAGF for all the MDAs, showed that it is still business as usual in the MDAs. Nothing has changed.

Well, nothing can change because even Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s office was queried for N78.9m extra-budgetary spending.

The AGF lamented that despite audit queries raised by the office asking for clarifications from the agencies, many of them never responded: “The MDAs and their accounting officers are reverting to the situation in the past where they did not

promptly respond to audit observations.

I am concerned about this development, which is a major setback to our accountability process. Where accounting officers fail to respond to audit queries, the implication is that they have no explanation to offer.”

Those parroting change and accountability should read this report and please keep quiet for once. I was told that the 2017 report is even more embarrassing, with frightening extra-budgetary spending. What a country! Let’s await official response.

Ganduje

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 28, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY

TOKE MAKINWA Yearning for a Superman Beneath the facade of a successful multi-media celebrity and fashion entrepreneur, Toke Makinwa lays the wish for a true man as she expressed recently, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu I’m Grounded in My Faith and Pray about Everything

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opular on-air personality and fashion entrepreneur, Toke Makinwa, needs little or no introduction. She is famous for so many things, aside from being known for her charm and magnetic disposition to the spotlight. Over time she has built for herself an image often associated with in the industry. Not a few observers in media and entertainment will agree with this, as she is always, interestingly, in the news, trending for whatever reason self-made or not whichever way one sees it; and automatically makes the gist on gossip blogs and on social media.

A whole lot of instances abound but just take a look at this. On Sunday, February 25, 2018, former First Lady of the United States of America, Michele Obama had announced on Twitter about the launch of her new book ‘Becoming’, which incidentally shares a similar title with Toke’s well-publicised book, ‘On Becoming’. Thrilled

with the news, it was reported that a seemingly excited Toke went on Twitter to praise the U.S. First Lady on her Instagram page for her book and the story she has to tell, not forgetting to mention that their books have similar titles.

For what the social media has come to be, one of her followers then felt Toke was taking advantage of the news to compare the books and make it all about herself and thus called out the media personality with a not so friendly message. “Girl this is not about you... Let’s make that clear... Lol.” Trust Toke would not let that pass-off as she reacted fiercely: “Oh shut up already! Her story is not mine but it’s one of her journeys. What have you done with your life? Whose life have you made better with your own story?”

The inspiration behind her first self-penned book was spurred by her messy marriage scandal. The

launch of the book then did stir up issues as she had revealed a lot in it. Once a young black girl with mighty dreams became a woman who knows what she wants, one of the issues in her true life story book was that it threw up a total surprise for Toke’s fans when after the book release, they got to know about Toke’s bleaching. But most shocking was the reason for her step. Toke’s bleaching was made to please and impress her ex-hubby, Maje Ayida.

Often seen by critics as using every opportunity to put the spotlight on herself, each chapter of her life like her book is different from the other.

She is not unaware of her doings and not one who shies away from addressing the issues around her personal life. She once admitted that she’s “not one to shy away from the camera or back down on a challenge and that’s why the Nigerian viewers love

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY28, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY I’m Not One to Shy Away or Back Down on a Challenge me.”

Out of these challenges, Toke has grown to become the woman she is today - a fearless woman who is ready to explore her dreams. Just weeks ago, the radio and television host had cried out that she wished she had a man to go home to. In a post on her Instagram, the style icon had written: “Times like this guys, I wish I had a man to get home to. A man to kick it with, just chat about work and other times I just grab the remote control and watch TV.” In another related post, she also wrote: “Mi o le wa ku men”, which literarily means ‘I can’t kill myself ’, supposedly for not having a man in her life. For out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks, it could be said that the multi-media celebrity expresses beyond mere wish but crave a true man in her life; a superman kind of, the type that will cuddle and say sweet nothings to her at nocturnal activities.

However, it is neither out of place that she had expressed how she would feel like having a man, nor is it out of place that she had earlier declared her wish in a live Instagram video, saying “whoever I marry, you gon be proud of this baby girl, you will bless God daily for the warrior he’s blessed you with. A cornerstone, her spirit is undefeated, her soul is gold. My kids will call me blessed.”

Recall that on 15 January 2014, Toke married Maje Ayida.

In 2015, she separated from her husband following a scandal revealing he had impregnated his exgirlfriend. Her marriage to Ayida, the body fitness expert was dissolved by an Igbosere High Court in Lagos on the grounds that Ayida committed adultery. Sooner the 34-year-old single woman would be seen in a relationship with socialite Seyi Kuye but things couldn’t work out between them. Seyi got married in May this year to Angel Adelaja. His marriage reportedly generated lots of talks, questioning why Toke didn’t keep him and adding that she would have been the one he married.

When on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, a popular online news portal NAIJ.com had on their Twitter page announced that Toke’s ex-boyfriend, Kuye has gotten married to his pregnant girlfriend. Toke, as usual, wasn’t having it as she took to the comment section to respond rather hilarious. “So what should I do now, ehn? Roll over and die??? Scream woe is me, the poor lonely girl???’’ At another time, she was allegedly accused of sleeping with a Nigerian billionaire, Festus Fadeyi and apparently ‘squandering’ with him the N169 billion loan for his company, Pan Ocean Corporation from Skye Bank Nigeria.

Then the gossips attributed her new bag line, a N50 million 2016 Range Rover and her growing collection of designer bags and accessories to the businessman. As reported in the story, “What is particularly disappointing about all the gossip milling around Toke Makinwa and Festus Fadeyi is not the fact that they are purportedly sleeping together, it is that Makinwa is being cast as some kind of Jezebel who has bewitched Fadeyi and is ‘using’ him for his money.”

Many people, allegedly, had come forward then to suggest that as Toke’s marriage ended because of infidelity, she should be the last person who would turn around and then perpetuate the cycle of infidelity in another person’s marriage. Eventually, when she reacted to dating the 70-year-old married man, her response was terse as she could not deny the allegations. “If I can take the good, I can’t complain of the bad,” she twitted.

Often celebrated and seen as contentious, understanding the many scandals and controversies in her life require a pool of human and social scientific theories. Controversies trail her. People abuse her even make her the butt of jokes as she admitted; they criticised her Vlog sessions which have notoriety for

Often celebrated and seen as contentious, understanding the many scandals and controversies in her life require a pool of human and social scientific theories. Controversies trail her. People abuse her even make her the butt of jokes as she admitted; they criticised her Vlog sessions which have notoriety for controversies because of her topics that many deem inappropriate. It just might be safe to conclude that the style icon attracts controversy and courts scandal or is she simply misunderstood?

controversies because of her topics that many deem inappropriate. It just might be safe to conclude that the style icon attracts controversy and courts scandal or is she simply misunderstood?

“Everyone at some point in their lives has been or will be misunderstood. I think it is what you do with that information or what you do with that being aware that people might misunderstand you. I find out I’m a person who likes to focus on her goals. I don’t dwell too much on the noise out there or the things that are being said.” That’s something she had expressed and thinks it’s a huge part of her story apart from the fact “that I’m grounded in my faith and pray about everything. I feel like I’m also focused on where I want to be and it’s important I share that with the world. I have no issues with people misunderstanding me because you can’t take the good alone.

It doesn’t put any pressure on me. I’m more pressured by own goals.”

With her inactions a subject matter always due to her status, it is not in doubt that she has assumed an enviable position on the social radar with sterling career achievements to her credit. Aside from the many descriptions to her name, her personal life and actions always subject to discourse. Widely known for her stylish outfits, the controversial media girl had claimed that she was once paid half a million naira to attend an event and now charges much more for social outings and engagements. She also had constantly shared with her followers how she has moved from “broken to glory” and from “grass to greener pasture”.

I Have No Issues with People Misunderstanding Me Because You Can’t Take the Good Alone

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

COMMENTARY

CELEBRATING A VISIONARY LEADER Tayo Ogunbiyi pays tribute to Lateef Jakande, former Lagos State Governor, at age 89

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he concept of leadership has always been of tremendous interest to classical thinkers as well as contemporary political and management scholars as our world continues on the path of progressive evolution. On the other hand, visionary leadership theory rose to prominence in 1980-90s, and can be traced back to the political sociology writings of Max Weber and James Macgregor Burns. Visionary leadership moulds have a twin focal point on who a leader is as well as what a leader does, merging both the trait and behavioral theories of leadership.

Visionary leaders are exceptional because they possess a deep sense of personal purpose coupled with an unshakable self-confidence in the ability to realise this purpose. They also have a willingness to take personal risks and make sacrifices in order to realise their vision. They anticipate change and are proactive, rather than reactive. They focus on opportunities, not on problems. They have a winning mentality and will never rationalise failure. A real visionary leader accomplishes great feats by drawing on innate inner strength and as such is not often moved by external obstacles.

In Nigeria, Lagos State is commonly regarded as the nation’s ‘Centre of Excellence’. In terms of its socio-economic uniqueness, Lagos remains a trendsetter in Nigeria. It accounts for over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s industrial and commercial activities; 70 per cent of national maritime cargo freight, over 80 per cent of international aviation traffic and over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s energy consumption. The two seaports in Lagos account for 70 per cent of the sea trade in the country.

However, in as much as Lagos’ socio-economic indices are plausibly mind-blowing, it is actually the quality of its political leadership that has really defined the ‘State of Aquatic Splendour’. Since its creation in 1967, Lagos State has been blessed with visionary leaders whose vision and thoughts have moulded the state to the path of sustained greatness. One of such leaders is Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, popularly referred to as LKJ, the state’s first democratically elected governor.

One of the golden eras in the socio-political evolution of Lagos State was, without a doubt, between October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1983 when LKJ held sway as governor. From the outset, he had clearly promised to give Lagos a purposeful leadership. Upon inauguration, LKJ pledged to model his government after that of the defunct Western Region of Nigeria, from 1952 to 1959, headed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He said: “That government was the most efficient, the most dynamic, and the most responsive of all the governments of the federation. That government was the country’s pacesetter- the first to do all good things that others later copied. There has never been a government like it in Africa before or since.”

True to his words, LKJ assiduously went to work to realise his vision. There is hardly any sector that the magical hands of this visionary leader did not transform. LKJ simply took governance to an un-imaginable height in Lagos State. Till date, many of his populist policies and programmes, especially in the housing, public transportation and education sectors, still endear him to all and sundry.

His passion for the development of Lagos State knows no bound.

The ambitious Lagos metro line project, which, if it had seen the light of the day, would have revolutionised public transportation in the state, was conceived by his administration. Till date, some of the housing estates he established across various locations such as Iba, Isolo, Iponri,

TILL DATE, MANY OF HIS POPULIST POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES, ESPECIALLY IN THE HOUSING, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND EDUCATION SECTORS, STILL ENDEAR HIM TO ALL AND SUNDRY

Ejigbo, etc, are still serving the housing needs of Lagosians.

It was under his administration that movement into state’s current Secretariat at Alausa, Ikeja, began. LKJ reportedly attached so much urgency to the construction of the present government secretariat that he was so bent on the relocation plan that he virtually caught everyone unawares when it finally happened. According to him, if it was not done when it took place, there would be no appropriate time to do so.

So, the state holds the present secretariat’s vision to him.

Being a consummate journalist, and following the trend of his political mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo who established the first television station in Africa, the defunct Western Nigeria Television Station (now Nigeria Television Authority), LKJ also established Lagos Television (LTV) which happens to be the first state- owned television in the country. Aside this, LKJ also established the Lagos State University in 1983 for the advancement of learning and establishment of academic excellence in Lagos State. His administration also constructed water works at Shasha, Agege, Somolu, Apapa, Badagry, Aguda, etc., to improve water supply and avoid outbreak of waterborne epidemics.

A workaholic and tireless leader, LKJ worked round the clock in his bid to fast track the development of Lagos State. Reports had it that on December 31, 1983 when the Shehu Shagari civilian administration was toppled, in a military coup d’état, soldiers who came to arrest LKJ met him at his office working deep in the night, on a New Year eve.

Such was his legendary dedication to duty and passion for hard work.

It is, therefore, not surprising that LKJ became a star among the 19 governors of the Second Republic. He soon became popular and given several appellations in the media such as ‘Baba Kekere’ (junior Awolowo), ‘Friend of the Masses’, ‘Action Governor’ etc. Out of the lot, the one that really became most prominent is ‘Action Governor’.

Sure, during the Second Republic, there was only one ‘Action Governor’ in Nigeria –LKJ. It was LKJ that begun the transformation of the state’s transport sector. On November 29, 1979, 59 new buses belonging to the Lagos State Transport Corporation were inaugurated with a view to enhancing public transportation in the state. On January 28, 1980, the parking meters began to function in some busy streets in central Lagos. It was the first of such to be introduced in Nigeria.

In the area of opening up public education to accommodate more pupils and students, the Jakande administration did a whole lot. After only one year in office, additional schools were constructed by the administration. For instance, the number of public primary schools in Ikeja Local Government alone increased from 54 to 86. This implies that 32 new primary schools were built. The number of public secondary schools in the area also increased from 13 to 42, which means 29 new secondary schools were built. All within just a year!

Throughout his public service career, LKJ was on the side of justice and fair play. In a society where leaders go to unbelievable length to acquire ill-gotten wealth, LKJ opted to be different. It is hoped that leaders in the current political dispensation would take a cue from this visionary patriot by being selfless and patriotic in all their ways. They also need to pay heed to former American President, Quincy Adams, who said that “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

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

READ, WRITE, DISBELIEVE Some of the rights’ advocacy groups have lost focus, argues Hamid Hendrix

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reedom without responsibility continues to pose a great challenge to the realisation of the full potential of our democratic dispensation. It is rather unfortunate that the foremost beneficiaries of such liberty are too often also the major culprits. Though measures have been taken to curb the excesses of abusers of civil liberties, it is obvious that more needs to be done to safeguard public interest.

One area where this menace continues to rear its ugly head is in the rowdy ranks of human rights advocacy groups which were once credited with facilitating the successful liberation of several African nations from the scourge of oppressive military regimes but are now becoming misfits in democratic settings due to loss of focus and desperation to remain relevant.

Rather than shifting their attention from the initial agenda of campaigning for democracy to the equally relevant aspects of ensuring free and fair elections and dividends of democracy, several of the advocacy groups have been overtaken by pecuniary impulses that turned them into rentable rabble-rousers, willingly lending themselves to the begrudged and disgruntled elements. Such groups end up mired in miscellaneous advocacy of discordant diatribes as they drift into charlatanism under the counterfeit canopy of human rights

advocacy.

A typical example of such mischievous misadventures masquerading as human rights advocates is the recent statement issued by Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) claiming that “under the President’s nose a minister allegedly mismanaged N2 billion from the National Broadcasting Commission for digitisation of broadcasting but till now both the Minister of Information and DG of NBC are walking the corridors of power free.”

This spurious allegation casting unsubstantiated aspersions on the reputation of the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Malam Ishaq Modibbo Kawu and attempting to discredit the highly–rated successful switch over to digital broadcasting (DS0) in Nigeria was purported to be an exercise in human rights advocacy! Incredulously, this fabrication was an isolated insertion lacking relevance or corroboration in a list of politically-motivated wild allegations against the person and administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

It is outlandish to portray the deliberate misrepresentation of the nationally acclaimed resuscitation and implementation of the previously paralysed DSO project and callous run down the character of the two government functionaries responsible for such an achieve-

ment as a human rights infringement, just as it is absurd to smear the hitch-free scheduled switch over to digital broadcasting across the country with the brush of “mismanagement” of a bogus N2 billion. These malicious distortions of verifiable facts amount to gross violations of the principle of public accountability, which is a fundamental right of citizens in a democracy.

To set the records straight, it is worth recalling that the DSO was formally launched in Jos, Plateau State, in April 2016, followed by the FCT, Ilorin, Kaduna, Enugu and Osogbo while the process of installation of equipment for the roll-out in Gombe and Delta States have reached advanced stages. The NBC expects to achieve DSO roll out in 12 states soon. This impressive performance was the outcome of zealous commitment of Lai Mohammed and Modibbo Kawu to break the four-year jinx that stalled the project prior to the debut of the Buhari administration’s change agenda.

For HURIWA to single out this glorious chapter in the remarkable record of progress in the nation’s broadcast industry for a vicious attack is unfortunate. In fact, a cursory review of its recent outings reveals a revolting surrender to the most ridiculous and irrational advocacies imaginable, such as campaigning against the ban on production of the muchabused codeine cough syrups because it has

“led to great financial misfortunes for over 30 legitimate pharmaceutical companies,” and urging the federal government “not to stop expectant women and nursing mothers from participating in National Youth Service Corps (NYSC);” appealing to “the government of the United States and the European Union to impose sanctions on Nigeria” and dismissing the terrorist classification of Nnamdi Kanu’s Indigenous People of Biafra “as a charade and a plot to initiate violent crackdown on the members of this substantially unarmed and peaceful group”.

Even the EFCC has dismissed the occasional anti-corruption posturing of HURIWA as “ethnic and political agenda by some mischief makers masquerading as human rights writers.” Indeed, Emmanuel Otairu of the Centre for International and Strategy Studies, Abuja whose article titled “HURIWA As IPOB’s NGO Arm” in The Nation of September 18, 2017 concluded that it was “an ethnic propaganda mouthpiece” among others things.

The steadily expanding coverage of the DSO in Nigeria under the diligent implementation of Information Minister Lai Mohammed and NBC’s director- general Ishaq Modibbo Kawu has surely switched off anomalous advocacy groups like HURIWA along with analogue noise.

Hendrix wrote from Abuja

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

INSIGHT

For the health of the nation...

Nigeria and Challenges of the Youths

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ouths are invaluable assets, the strength and change agents of any country. As the world changes with unprecedented speed, only a nation that addresses youth challenges with proactive policies and holistic approach experience sustainable and positive development.

In Nigeria, youths are young citizens in their active age between 18 and 45 years who are expected to take charge of their lives and make impact in their society.

Youths make up a larger portion of Nigeria’s population, hence, their prime position in the cycle of life attract special attention at all levels.

The situation in the country shows that youths have not taken their place in nation-building. Year in, year out, government and non-governmental organisations at local and international levels organise several empowerment programmes. Despite all these, the situation with youths in Nigeria still leaves much to be desired.

It is true that empowerment is necessary but not sufficient to bring out the best in the youths. It is quite unfortunate that various organisations end their efforts at empowerment stage in addressing youths’ challenges toward nation-building. This then turns our youths to a bunch of capacity without opportunity.

A nation progresses if it is able to engage the developed potential in her youths positively. Neglect of youths in nation-building may deny a nation fast growing economy and environment of her dream. Experiences shows that nothing threatens the development of a nation than the thought of another nation competing for the attention and affection of her youths. Verifiable facts as given by the U.S Bureau of Statistics and Census show that Nigerians are the most educated immigrants in other countries. This fact is sufficient to worry us as citizens because of its negative effect on economy such as brain drain, work force reduction, loss of resources and the likes.

A major course of crime among youths is lack of engagement. There is no gain saying the fact that an idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Lack of engagement has made youths willing tools in the hands of politicians and crime master minds. The situation in the country shows that most of the crimes committed were by youths.

Another challenge faced by Nigerian youths is an enabling environment to strive. Inadequate infrastructural facilities such as epileptic power supply, bad road network, uneasy access to materials, government policies or process in getting loans, to mention a few, frustrate some of the empowered youths in making ends-meet let alone contributing to the country’s economy.

Additionally, culture as old as time expects societal control on youths related issues. Today, a look beyond the surface proves that this is so untrue. Society, a

major stakeholder in moral values building seemed to have failed in its responsibility. It becomes worrisome as attention and honour are being given to the rich without or little reference to hardworking and intelligent youths.

The focus shifts from legacy building to quick money making, encourages the youths to take to crime and other immoral acts, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, money rituals, frauds, smuggling, prostitution and the likes.

According to Peter Strople, “legacy is not leaving something for people, it is leaving something in people”.

If truth must be told, good moral values have been jettisoned from society for criminal and immoral acts in order to acquire wealth. Surprisingly, the custodians of moral values in the society who are expected to help youths sustain the moral value inculcated in them by their parents have lost grip of the youths, to the extent that things which used to be classified as taboo in the past are now common and acceptable occurrences without societal control or opposition. Youths no longer care about negative effects of their future. Now, our societal values have gone down the drain. This is as a result of the neglect of societal control on issues related to youths.

Aderonke Dada, Ogun State

Politics of Governor Ortom’s Defection

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overnor Samuel Ortom’ defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a win-win and loss-loss to both Governor Ortom and the APC. Leaving the APC is Governor Ortom’s easiest and only political survival strategy to escape from his obvious underperformance as governor as well as clever escape from ‘some political moods in Benue: anti-APC and the anger from the ‘herdsmen killings’. On the other hand, the APC has gotten an opportunity to reduce the political baggage brought on its head

by Governor Ortoms – some of Ortom’s negative political values - workers salaries issues, weak governance, etc. Furthermore, the APC as a political party will have the opportunity to present a new face for governor and only battle with anti-Buhari and the politics of herdsmen crisis in Benue State in 2019 general elections.

As expected, the PDP has welcomed

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

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 BOLAJI ADEBIYI, 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: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Ortom back into its fold to help salvage the nation. The APC said it was surprised, but the signs were already there for quite sometimes. The APC shouldn’t be taken aback: On July 9, Ortom dissolved his cabinet; the ‘I have been given red card’ statement and the politics and intricacies that surrounded the herdsmen crisis in Benue including the stage-managed youth blockage of the governor’s convoy.

Governor Ortom joined the APC from the PDP ahead the 2015 elections. He served as Minister of State of Industry, Trade and Investment during the Jonathan administration. Ortom also served as the director of operations of the PDP gubernatorial campaign in Benue State in 2007, and later as director of administration and logistics of the Goodluck/Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation in 2011. Ortom was also a former national auditor of the PDP. Going to election without an incumbent governor is a minus for the APC but a plus to the PDP. Ortom on the other hand may have been offered an automatic ticket by the PDP, but he is coming to the PDP as an orphan. The deal has already been done - Ortom will have only the PDP governorship ticket but party structures from wards to national level are in some other peoples’ hands. And he will face the likes of David Mark, Barnabas Gemade and many PDP bigwigs. The PDP may have promised Governor Ortom as automatic ticket; but the party will also witness a backlash from other governorship hopefuls as well as carry Ortom’s political baggage.

But in politics it is normal, politicians and political parties will strive at all cost to survive a political storm- whoever finds himself in Ortom shoes, will do same.

He has grossly unperformed, then a rare opportunity to temporarily get political relief presented itself. Ortom smartly grabbed it.

The APC can smartly gain from Ortom’s exit, if the party plays its politics very well.

The governor on the hand can also utilise his exit from the APC for political gains.

This is politics – Nigerian standard.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, Jimeta, Adamawa State

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

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NEWS

In Brief Buhari Support Group Leader Resigns

The coordinator of the Kwara State chapter of Buhari Support Group, Hon Mashood Bakare has formally resigned his appointment. Bakare who is on a secondtermattheStateHouseofAssembly,announcedhisresignationinIlorin ontheflooroftheHouse.TheformerStateCoordinatorofBuhariSupportGroup, representing Omupo Constituency, said his decision was based on personal reasons, pointing out that, he had already tendered his resignation letter, to the group, informing it of his decision to relinquish his position. He disclosed that he assumed the position in 2014, stressing that he was no longer willing tobepartoftheorganisation.

Amnesty Head Warns against Impostors

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator, PresidentialAmnestyProgramme(PAP),Prof.Charles,DokuboQuakerhaswarned the unsuspecting public to be wary of a Facebook profile with a profile 'Hon Charles Dokubo Quaker.' The purported 'Hon Charles Dokubo Quaker', the PAP Coordinator said, had been promising scholarships, empowerment and traininginexchangeformoneytounsuspectingNigerDeltayouths.Astatement issuedbyhismediaaide,Mr.MurphyGanagana,said:"Fortheavoidanceofdoubt, wewishto statethat theSpecial Adviser to thePresident onNiger Deltaand Coordinator,PresidentialAmnestyProgramme,Prof.CharlesQuakerDokubo, hasnotoperatedanyFacebookprofilesincehisappointmentonMarch13,2018, byPresidentMuhammaduBuhari.

Policeman Mistakenly Kills Colleague

CRUSHED...

Offa Robbery: Court Summons IGP over Continued Detention of Ahmed's Chief of Staff

Anunidentifiedpolicemanhaskilledhiscolleague,anoperativeoftheSpecial Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area, AnambraState.THISDAYgatheredthatthepolicemanwhowasondutyasa guardinaprivateresidencenottoofarfromthehomeoftheMinisterofLabour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, opened fire on his colleague who had come to effect arrest of an indigene, after he was contacted. A source in the communitysaidtheSARSoperativewasinthecommunitytoarrestasuspect ataround4am,butjustashewaswhiskingthesuspectaway,thepoliceofficer whowasguardinganearbyresidencewascontactedwithfalsealarmbypeople intheneighbourhood,whotoldhimthatkidnappershadstruckandweretaking awayavictim.

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Globacom Fetes Dealers, Customers

20 feet container fell on two vehicles on Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos crushing them. However, occupants of both vehicles miraciously escaped unhurt.. yesterday KOLA ALLI

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin on Friday summoned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to appear before it on Wednesday next week to justify the continued detention of Lekan Alabi, Personal Assistant to the state Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed, arrested over the April 5, 2018 armed robbery incident in Offa.

Making the order at its sitting yesterday, Justice Adebayo Yusuf said there was nothing in the constitution that allowed the detention of a suspect without trial for a period beyond 24 hours where there is a court or 48 hours in environment where there is no court.

The summon is coming as the lead counsel to Alhaji Babatunde AbdulWahab, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Adelodun Ibrahim, (SAN) has condemned the action of the police authorities for non-release of his client who has been granted bail by another high court in the state over the same robbery incident.

In a short ruling following the application by Adelodun for an interim bail for the suspect pending the determination of the substantive application, the court aligned with the position of the SAN but decided to allow the police another opportunity to defend its position.

“The position of the law is as stated by the learned silk, however I’m inclined to hear from the respondent

(IGP) to come to court and show cause why the applicant should not be released from their custody, since they have been served the motion on notice”, the judge said, adding that it is clear that the police cannot change the constitution.

Adelodun had while moving the application pointed out that the detention of the applicant for 60 days without trial is a prima facie case of a breach of his rights to liberty as enshrined in section 35 (7) of the constitution and pointed out that Section 122 of the Evidence Act empowers the court to take judicial notice of the time involved in the exchange of written addresses and affidavit by parties which can compound the

suffering of the applicant.

“We are not asking the court to declare our client guilty or innocent at this stage but the police have no right to keep a suspect forever,” he said, citing the decision of the Appeal Court in EFCC vs Akingbola, (2015 NWLR p1470, and pg249, pp290) to buttress his submission.

Adelodun, leading four other lawyers, told newsmen after yesterday’s proceeding that the refusal of the police to obey the court order on AbdulWahab was worrisome as it portend grave danger to the deepening of democracy.

He said that such action might also lead to loss of confidence in the fairness of the police to handle such cases among the populace.

Gunmen Kill Another NEMA UrgesYouths to APC Chieftain in Imo Use Regular Travel Routes Amby Uneze in Owerri Barely a week after a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader was killed in Imo State, another tragedy occurred on Friday in Ideato North Local Government of Imo State as unknown gunmen shot and killed the new chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sunny Ejiagwu.

Worried by this ugly incident, Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has promised N20 million for information that would lead to the arrest of the culprits.

It was learnt that the late Ejiagwu, who was assassinated along Akokwa Road, Ideato North Local Government Area of the state, was one of the 27 chairmen, who were inaugurated on Monday after the emergence of the state chairman, Daniel Nwafor, at the fresh congresses held at the ward, local government and state levels.

Justice Lewis Allagua, a judge of Federal High Court, Owerri, nullified the earlier congresses and ordered a fresh one.

Sadly, Ejiagwu's killing was the third in less than a month. Two other politicians were killed in similar circumstance.

A chieftain of the APC, Amos Akano, who was returning from a meeting in Owerri, was abducted

on his way to his ancestral home in Nkwere, Imo State about a month ago. His body was later found days after along Orlu -Owerri Road, after alleged huge ransom was paid.

Another youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also from Nkwere, was killed last weekend by unknown assailants when he had gone to buy drugs at a pharmacy for his sick sister.

A source indicated that the deceased, widely known as Ohaneze, was full of life and least expected his untimely demise.

Governor Okorocha described the assassination of Ejeagwu as "purely a case of mindless assassination, looking at the circumstances of the killing".

Okorocha said: "Considering the fact that nothing was taken away from the man or removed from his car, it should not have been therefore a case of armed robbery, and looking too at the fact that there was no sign of resistance or struggling between the killers and the victim and the method of shooting, the issue of kidnapping should also be ruled out".

He said the man’s head and body were shattered with bullets following several gunshots just to make sure that he had no chance of survival, and that could only be done by wicked assassins.

Rebecca Ejifoma The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised youths planning to travel to use regular routes of migration to countries of their choice rather than endanger their lives.

The South West Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Yakubu Suleiman, made the appeal on Thursday evening while receiving another batch of 162 Nigerian youths stranded in Libya at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport.

He pointed out that migration had been part of human life from time of creation for different reasons, adding that it was not mandatory for intended host country to accept the migrants based on the country's national policies.

“Every economically viable country like Nigeria is having its shares of socio-economic and security challenges; respective nations are grappling with its own shares,” he stated.

According to Suleiman, the primary responsibility of every government was to cater and safeguard the national interests and welfare of her citizens first before considering others.

Thus, "Nigerian youths seeking greener pastures outside the shores

of this country should know that they would become second class citizens in their host countries except for those who entered such country through regular means that may possibly have limited rights".

Speaking, also, the Director General of the Agency, Mustapha Maihajja, implored the youths not to be fooled by traffickers who falsely promise greater fortune in foreign lands but ended up pun in the chessboard of the traffickers without opportunity to seek redress at the time.

He added: “Look inward and maximise your potentials in developing this country to the level of your expectations. The present administration is poised at ensuring that enabling environment that can enhance individual contributions to national development.”

Continuing, Maihaija observed that cases of outright smuggling human beings abound with youths paying agents/traffickers huge amounts of money to smuggle them into another country where they ended up being victims of the agents' greed and exploitation.

He lauded the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for continuous support to the migrants and the European Union for supporting the reintegration process.

Incontinuationofitsstrategicengagementswithstakeholders,Globacomwhich recentlyappreciateditsmembersofstaffatapartythemed“razzledazzle”held at the Balmoral Event Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos has celebrated its DealersandEnterprisecustomerspanNigeria.Theornateappreciationparty heldattheSheratonHotel,LagosforstakeholdersintheSouthWest,Sheraton Hotel,AbujaforNorthernregionstakeholders,SwissHotel,PortHarcourtfor stakeholdersintheSouthSouth,GoldenRoyalHotel,EnuguandEdoHeritage Hotel,BeninCity.Astatementbythetelecomscompanysaid thestakeholders weresurprisedatthearrayoftopnotchartistesthatGlobacomcontractedto givethemadelightfulexperience.

2018 African Entrepreneurs Merit Award

UnityBank,BloombergPropertiesandConstruction,WestfieldEnergyResources Limited,F.madikLinksLimited,FrieslandCampinaWAMCONigeriaPlc,NOVARE PropertyDevelopers,VIPExpressTourismLtd,IvySpecialistHospital,Letshego MicrofinanceBankareamongthecompaniesthatwillbehonouredatthe2018 AfricanEntrepreneursMeritAward.OthersareVIPExpressTourismLtd,Ivy SpecialistHospital,LetshegoMicrofinanceBank,theHouseofRepresentatives memberrepresentingIhialafederalconstituency,HonEmekaAnohu,whowill behonouredwiththeAwardforPeaceandCommunityBuilding. Astatement fromtheorganiserssaidNigerianCommunicationsCommission(NCC),Fidelity Bank,NedcomOaks,StanbicIBTC,EnergiaLTD,FortisMFBweresomeofthe companiesdecoratedatthe2017AfricanEntrepreneursMeritAward.

Pentagon Hotel Berth in Port Harcourt

As part of the efforts to provide a unique, serene and affordable hospitality for low, average and high income earners in Port Harcourt, Pentagon Hotel & SuiteswillbeinauguratedonJuly28,2018.AstatementfromtheHotelsaidthe multi-million-nairahospitalityislocatedatOwipaalongNTA-ChobaUniportRoad, ChobainPortHarcurt,RiversState.The18-roomfashionableandsophisticated hospitalityisindividuallydecorated,facilitiestastefullyfurnishedastoactualise the sole aim of providing comfort and relaxation to guests; which is the sole priorityofthemanagement.

‘Enforce Strict Rules onWaterways’

FormerClerkoftheLagosStateHouseofAssembly,OtunbaOlusegunAbiru hasurgedboththestateandfederalgovernmentstoenforcestrictadherence tosafetyrulesonwaterways,whilesympathisingwiththefamiliesofthevictims oftheboatmishapinIkoroduonWednesday.Theunfortunateincidentclaimed fivelivesattheEbuteTerminal.Inastatement,Abiruwhoisthechairman,IkoroduOgaDevelopment AssociationalsocalledontheLagosStateGovernmentto promptlyimproveonthetransportationservicesonthewaterways,torestore theconfidenceofLagoscommuters.

Patricia Launches e-commerce Service

Information and communications technology firm – Patricia.com.ng – has introducedanewe-commercesolutionintotheNigerianmarket.Theinnovative service allows individuals to swap gift cards for cash while also giving themtheopportunitytosendgiftitemstolovedonesintheUnitedKingdom, UnitedStatesofAmerica,CanadaandsomeselectedAfricanandEuropean countries.The ICTCompany, which recently opened an online luxury clothing storeRooom19,hasbeendescribedbyindustrywatchersasoneofthefastest growinge-commercefirmsinNigeriaandAfrica.

Dr. Gabi Williams Dies

FormerheadoftheMedicalandDentalCouncilofNigeria,Dr.GabiWilliamsis dead.Accordingtoastatementbythefamily,themulti-levelpublichealthpioneer whobrieflychairedtheMedicalandDentalCouncilofNigeria,transitionedto gloryyesterdayaround4.45pm. AnAlzheimer'ssuffereratanadvancedstage of the disease, he fell ill with a serious infection on 22nd July 2018 and took a turn for the worse in the afternoon of 27th July 2018, before passing away.

Heissurvivedbyhiswife,BisolaWilliams,fourchildrenandsixgrandchildren.

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

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NEWS

Dino Melaye Reappears, Claims He Miraculously Escaped from Abductors Bennett Oghifo

Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West at the National Assembly, has regained his freedom after being kidnapped, according to a tweet by him yesterday. “I thank God once again for escaping another dangerous attack. I also thank Nigerians for their prayers and show of love. I spent 11 hours in the wilderness traumatised but God preserved me.

God is the best and in whom only I trust. They will continue to try.

We shall overcome!!! —Senator Dino Melaye (@dino_melaye) July 27, 2018.

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce and former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, tweeted the purported kidnap on Thursday.

The senator had been scheduled to appear in a High Court Kogi State on Thursday to face a charge bordering on gun-running, but he was absent at the proceeding.

His counsel, Mr. Yemi Mohammed, who stood in for Mike Ozekhome (SAN) told the trial Magistrate, Suleyman Abdalah that he heard that Senator Melaye was

attacked in Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Wednesday on his way home from the court.

Regardless, the Nigeria Police Force said on Thursday that it had not received any complaint or report in any of its divisions or stations throughout the Federal Capital Territory or any other state command about the reported kidnap of Senator Melaye.

Police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, said in a statement in Abuja that they had not received any report about the kidnap but had commenced an investigation.

The statement said: “The attention of the Police was drawn to the report of the purported kidnap of Senator Dino Melaye in some sections of the media. However, the Force has commenced an investigation into the purported kidnap of Senator Dino Melaye. “We wish to implore any of his family members, relatives or friends who witnessed the kidnap or have information about the purported kidnap of the senator to report the incident at the nearest police station to assist the police in the investigation.�

GREAT ALM A MATER...

L-R: Mr. Adetona Dosunmu; Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti; Prof. Kayode Komolafe; President, Kings College Old Boys Association, Alhaji Kashim lmam; Mr. Olumide Akpata and Communications Consultant, Mr. Akin Rotimi, during the King’s College Old Boys Association ( 82-88 Set) 30th Anniversary Symposium, themed: ‘The King’s’ College Conundrum: Where Do We Go From Here’’ at the College Assembly Hall, Lagos‌recently     ˿

Ekweremadu: Don’t Push Igbo to the Wall, Warns Ohanaeze Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

The apex Igbo cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo has warned that Igbo should not be pushed to the wall by the federal government following the alleged holding down in house arrest of Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu by the police earlier in the week.

Speaking during a grand reception for Ekweremadu in Enugu, Enugu State, President of Ohaneze in Enugu State, Chief Alex Ogbonnia warned that the Deputy Senate President being the highest person the Igbos have

in government, they would not allow any harm to befall him. “Ndigbo are patient, dynamic, persevering and tolerant set of people, but they should not be pushed to the wall. If the situation continues, Ndigbo will no longer keep quiet and watch. “In the first place, he was dragged to the court on the false allegation of forgery of Senate Standing Rule. Later on, they sent policemen to ransack his residence in May last year. The other time, they attacked him on the highway, and there have been a lot of other persecutions. “We trooped out in our num-

bers to welcome him because we want the powers that be to know that Senator Ike Ekweremadu has a constituency. We want to let them know that when they make him unhappy, we are unhappy. We want to let them know that anything that happens to him, Igbos will not take it lightly. “So, what you have seen here today is just like a sign that if anything happens to Senator Ekweremadu it will not be easy. “To cordon his residence and restrict movement of any kind within his building is not the best.

It is Gestapo-like. So, we have

Lagos Mulls Water Transportation to Ease TrafďŹ c Congestion Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday expressed the commitment of his administration to provide critical infrastructure and enabling environment for investors to participate in water transportation, which he said was critical to solving the traffic congestion in the state.

Speaking at a Roundtable on Water Transportation organised by the state government, and held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, the governor said though the sector had been left unattended to over the years, that the state government was nonetheless now committed more than before to fully harness the potentials of the water transportation to the benefit of the people and economic prosperity of the state.

He said the chaotic traffic situation in some parts of the state in recent times and the pressure on the road with attendant danger to lives and property, made the need to forge ahead with the reforms in the water sector being championed by his administration even more compelling.

According to him, “The question to ask is what has brought us to this despicable situation so to speak where the only mode of transportation for over 22 million people is road and the road itself is chaotic. In the last three years, we have been fighting traffic and unfortunately in the last two weeks, we have seen what has happened in Apapa and what we have been trying to do. Just about three weeks ago, we saw what happened with regards to the Otedola Bridge disaster and then the carnage, as well as the inability of government to provide for the needs of the people. “So, among the over 22 million people, almost 8 million are walking on the streets every second and at the same time, 86 people enter into Lagos every one hour according to United Nations statistics for 2016 which is the largest in the world.

So, if other states are failing, more people are going to be coming to Lagos and that means maybe right now, there are 120 people entering Lagos not wanting to go back and the only mode of transportation

we have for them is just the road and that is why we are coming up with other modes. “1/5th of Lagos is water. We have the smallest geographical space in Nigeria of 3,577 square kilometres with 25 per cent of that being water. So, you are asking yourself that why in the history of Lagos and in the history of Nigeria, did we not just think of other modes of transportation and what really went wrong?�

While reeling out the benefits of water transportation especially to traffic management, the governor said it was instructive to note that being surrounded by water, many parts of the state could be connected within few minutes. “I was in Apapa yesterday and I look at the gridlock and it made sense to me that it is just five minutes ride between Apapa and Marina and so the question is, can’t we create barges that take our cars officially and then push them there in just five minutes and so in no time everybody is in their offices instead of going through the traffic?

gathered, one, to give solidarity to him to let him know that we are solidly behind him, to let him know that wherever he is going we are with him, to let him know that he should continue to work hard as he had been doing to protect democracy by the way he has been doing it. “He is already a strong voice not only in the National Assembly but he is the voice of Nigeria and we are in support of what he is doing in the National Assembly,� he said.

Ogbonnia told journalists at the solidarity rally that Ekweremadu being the highest person the Igbos have in government today had faced lots of persecution ever since he took up the office of the Deputy President of the Senate by election by his fellow senators.

Ekweremadu who returned to a heroic welcome in Enugu,

three days after he was held under house arrest at his Abuja residence by security operatives vowed to sustain the struggle, insisting that he would never be intimidated by those he described as anti-democratic forces with no democratic credentials in their blood stream.

Thousands of residents of the Coal City state had trouped out to receive the lawmaker as they formed lines from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport through major streets to his Independence Layout residence, chanting solidarity songs.

Addressing newsmen in his house, Ekweremadu vowed to continue the struggle to rescue the nation from its present state of anomie and urged the federal government to tackle the plethora of challenges facing the nation instead of engaging in mindless clamp down of perceived

political opponents.

He said despite the obvious desperation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remained determined to return to power by 2019 in order to save the nation from imminent collapse. “Well, what is special about it was that on Tuesday as you are aware there was a major assault on our democracy and this is the second time this happened around the National Assembly, especially the Senate. “Earlier in the year, you are aware of the removal of the Senate mace by some hoodlums. And so for my people this is the second time this sort of assault in democracy is happening. And so they believe that they need to wake up and say that enough is enough.

Kwankwaso, Others Defection Not Havoc to APC, Says Ganduje Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Friday, described the defection of the former governor of the state, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso alongside other legislators, to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as not being enough reason to ruin the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ganduje in an interview with reporters in Kano at the Government House, emphasised that, “We are not scared by their exit. Their defection doesn’t constitute any havoc to our great party, the APC, at all levels. People should keep eyes to what will happen during election. “Our dear President has been doing the needful in terms of developing the nation, coupled with his efforts in efficient service

delivery. Good governance at its peak. The war against corruption is successfully being waged. “I want you to go and study the situation on ground in Kano, his (Kwankwaso) defection does not change the political mood in the state. Nobody cares to be disturbed by their action.�

Ganduje said, when Kwankwaso was in the APC, “his intention was to vie for presidency, but when it appeared to him, in black and white, that there is no vacancy in the Villa, he now decided to leave on his own.�

While believing that, Kwankwaso is entitled to his own political choice, Ganduje stated: “When he could not secure a presidential ticket from the party he cross carpets, then he should wait and see how we can slug it out with him. He will fully understand how popular and loveable our President

Muhammadu Buhari is.�

He insisted that, the chances of the party in next year’s general election would not be affected because of Kwankwaso’s defection, noting that “all chances of President Buhari, the party and our chances in Kano will not be affected because they leave the party.� “Kano will give more votes to our President than what he got in 2015 election. From the 2015 election to date, those who could not vote because of age limit, are now grown up, meaning they will now be eligible to vote. Hence, Buhari stands the chance to get five million votes from Kano,� he further said.

Assuring that Nigerians were ready to vote for APC at all levels come 2019 general elections, he declared: “They believe in what we are doing as a progressive party.�

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NEWS

Police Stop Benue House of Assembly from Sitting George Okoh Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă•Ă&#x;ĂœĂŽĂ“

of high handedness and bringing the House to disrespute. They also called on the Commissioner of Police to immediately order his men to vacate the Assembly complex as there were no security threats to lives and property.

The police had blocked the main entrance of the state House of Assembly, preventing the 22 lawmakers who impeached Ikyange from gaining access to the building.

The lawmakers then attempted to enter the chamber through another gate behind the assembly complex, but met another police blockade there.

This led to a heated exchange with a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tajudeen Bakare, who led the operation.

Bakare told the lawmakers that the information available to him indicated that there would be a breakdown of law and order.

The 22 Assembly members later briefed journalists, insisting that the impeachment process met all the constitutional requirements.

L-R: Founder/CEO, Veina Group/Creator, Coworking Conference, Kola Oyeneyin; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and former Minister of Communication and Technology, Omobola Johnson, during the 2018 Coworking conference in Lagos... recently

The premises of the Benue State House of Assembly (BSHO) was on Friday sealed by heavily armed mobile policemen.

No reason was given for the action but members were prevented from going into the House.

A source at the Assembly disclosed that the decision by the police to prevent members from gaining access to the Assembly had to do with the conflict over the impeachment of the former speaker, Mr. Terkimbir Ikyange earlier in the week.

However, Ikyange had kicked against his impeachment, insisting that the process of his removal was illegal He was however suspended on Friday after a motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Mr. Avine Agbom, and backed by 18 other lawmakers who held plenary at the old banquet hall of the Benue State Government House Makurdi.

The lawmakers accused Ikyange

Buhari Promises to Revisit Constitutional Provision on 13% Derivation

AfCTA: FG Should Focus on Products, Services with Comparative Advantage

Omololu Ogunmade Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

Ugo Aliogo

ALL HANDS ON DECK...

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said his administration would look into 13 per cent derivation to Niger Delta as contained in the constitution with a view to ensuring even spread of developmental projects in the region.

The president who made the promise when he received Isoko traditional rulers led by His Majesty Ovrawah, Omogha 1, Odiologbo of Oleh, at the Presidential Villa, assured the royal fathers that the constitutional provisions for

Niger Delta development would be carefully studied for inclusiveness, especially over the prioritisation of federal government projects. “I have listened attentively to your address and I will still update myself with details of development in your area as it relates to oil and gas, and lack of infrastructure. I will look at the constitutional 13 per cent derivation and what previous governments have done, in order to know what we can do,’’ the president promised.

According to a statement by the president’s Senior Special Assistant

on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari noted that Isoko kingdom had very qualified citizens who had distinguished themselves in various professional and entrepreneurial skills in the country.

Expressing surprise that the domain was not adequately captured in federal government appointments, the president was quoted as saying: “I will revisit your address and ask for clarification. I will do my best on this issue.�

The statement added that the President General of Isoko Develop-

ment Union and spokesman of the traditional rulers, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, commended Buhari for “performing well’’ in leadership, urging him to consider some anomalies in the spread of development projects in the Niger Delta. “With eight oil fields of flow stations in Isoko land, we appeal to His Excellency to direct NNPC to establish a gas plant and a modular refinery in Isoko land. It will be beneficial to the nation and it will create employment and generate revenue,’’ he was quoted to have said.

Exxon Mobil Shares Again Crisis Rocks Obaro of Drop as Q2 Earnings Fall Kabba’s Appointment or Olu Adde from Egbeda-Egga. We Short of Expectations Yekini Jimoh Ă“Ă˜ ÙÕÙÔË reject the choice of the said Owoniyi Chika Amanze-Nwachuku åÓÞÒ Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂž

Oil and gas company, Exxon Mobil, a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector witnessed a three per cent drop in its share price after it missed analysts’ earnings estimate in the second quarter. The company reported earnings of $4 billion, or $0.92 a share, that missed analysts’ estimate of $1.24 a share. In three of the last four quarters, the company failed to beat the consensus earnings estimate.

While profits saw a miss, revenue beat market expectations.

Total revenue and other income during Q2 came in at $73.5 billion versus the estimated $72.58 billion. “Second quarter results were primarily impacted by significant scheduled maintenance undertaken to support operational integrity,� said CEO Darren Woods.

Exxon’s plan to spend more than $200 billion to 2025 on new projects “might be the right thing for the business but that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing for the stock for the next 12 months,� Bloomber quoted Jason Gammel, a London-based analyst at Jefferies LLC, to have said by phone. Investors want “stable earnings and cash flow

performance and returning cash to shareholders.�

Exxon, which has prioritised big project investment in Latin America and elsewhere, failed to live up to earnings, cash flow, debt and output expectations, reporting net income of $3.95 billion compared with expectations of $5.35 billion.

In explaining the lower production estimate, Senior Vice President Neil Chapman said the figure took into account earthquake damage in Papua New Guinea that interrupted natural gas output. “It’s not a big deal but it’s important to highlight what it is,�

Chapman was quoted by Bloomberg to have said during a conference call with analysts. “We’re not focused on volumes. We’re focused on value.�

Exxon failed to fully capitalise on a Brent crude price that was almost 50 percent higher than a year earlier.

Exxon produced the equivalent of 3.6 million barrels of oil in the second quarter, well short of the 3.83 million expected by analysts, the Irving Texas-based company said in a statement. Maintenance and repairs at undisclosed oil fields more than offset output gains from U.S. shale and offshore Canadian assets, the company said.

The appointment of Solomon Dele Owoniyi from Odolu family as the new Obaro of Kabba by the Kogi State Government has created tension in Kabba community as three ruling houses in Ilajo family rejected his appointment. The state government last week announced Owoniyi from as the new Obaro of Kabba following the demise of Oba Micheal Olabayo last year. This was contained in a press statement issue yesterday by three ruling houses jointly signed by Chief Mark Olowosayo of Ajinuhi Ruling House, Chief Stephen Ojo Bebeyi of Ajibohokun Ruling House and Chief Paul Toluhi of Mokelu Ruling House in Ilajo family a copy of which was made available to THISDAY. The statement said that the Ilajo royal descendants of Kabba made up of the three ruling houses vehemently denounce, condemn and reject the choice of the said Chief Solomon Dele Owoniyi. It added that the said Solomon was from the suburban village of Odolu which was a separate settlement outside Kabba with its own ruler, a Second Class Chief, as the Obaro and traditional ruler of Kabba. “It is like a ruler of Ageva from Obehira, Olu of Ogori from Magongo, Ooni of Ife from Modakeke

because it is not in consonance with the tradition and culture of Kabba/ Oweland and it is an aberration in the Kabba/Oweland traditional setup and administration and an offensive embarrassment to the entire Okun traditional setup by making a commoner in Odolu the Head of Okun Traditional Council,� the statement said.

It stressed further that when the late Chief Daniel Aka was wrongly and maliciously appointed as the Obaro of Kabba by the Northern Nigerian Chieftaincy Law 1960, the Ilajo Royal Family challenged the appointment and persisted until the title was restored to the Ilajo Royal Family by the Justice Sule Aremu Olagunju Tribunal of Inquiry which affirmed the findings of other previous tribunals on the Obaro of Kabba issue and appointed His Royal Majesty Oba Michael Olobayo, Obaro Ero II to the throne of his forefathers in 1985. “The wrong appointment of Chief Daniel Aka who hailed from the Idogba family of Kabba and which made for political gains was challenged and opposed, because it was made from outside the traditional home of the throne and stool of the Obaro of Kabba which is in the Ilajo Royal Family.

The former Director-General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. John Isemede, has called on the federal government to focus its attention on products and services, Nigeria has comparative advantage in when signing the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCTA).

He said other countries such as South Africa were putting forward areas where they had comparative advantage.

Isemede who disclosed this yesterday in Lagos at the policy roundtable organised by the Initiative for Public Policy Analysis (IPPA) with the theme; Business Environment and Illicit Trade: Linkage and Evidence’ said though the country had signed several bilateral trade agreements, but the economy was still weak.

He also stated that the organised private sector should be given its pride of place in the AfCTA agreement, adding that they should be at the forefront of the exercise because of their role in driving economic growth through their various businesses.

He called on government to identify the product they wanted to bring to the market, stating that the trade agreement was import and export based, therefore there was need for government to add value to the product or services we have in order to compete favourably. “Those who are shouting for the agreement to be signed the agreement, are concerned in becoming importer representatives, once the agreement is signed. Nigerian Ambassadors are not pushing to sell our products, unlike other countries. The Indians here are working for their countrymen back home. The Chinese Companies are working for their countrymen and in the process using Nigerians as labourers,� he noted.

Isemede explained that import in the country was on a single window, adding that if government wanted balance of trade and bal-

ance of payment, there should be a single window for importation and exportation.

The former NACCIMA DG stated that agreements had been signed in the past without backward integration and product development at home, adding that if Nigeria was committed in driving the economic progress of the country, there was need for backward integration and import substitution, “what gives premium to a product is not just the branding, the traceability of the product.�

Isemede added: “Import in Nigeria is on a single window.

We have import policy and import programme in the sense that there is a target for importation for customs that is why customs is happy with importers than exporters because there is no target. If we want balance of trade and balance of payment, there should be a single window for importation and exportation, then we will now get a balance. “Then if Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) is giving N1 trillion, out of that figure maybe N800 billion for one side and the other 200 billion for the other side because there is no way import can outweigh export in this country. We sign agreement without backward integration and product development at home.

What gives premium to a product is not just the branding, the traceability of the product. “There is a big gap; we lack the capacity to compete because the required managers to drive the initiative are not there. We don’t have an institution developing managers. We only develop managers for importation. Signing agreement has not helped. Trade in the America Continent is about 40 per cent, in Asia, it is about 30 per cent, in Europe it is about 70 per cent and in Africa, it is 12 and in West Africa it is five per cent because of the illicit trade and smuggling of commodities.

We sign all sort of agreements where value added Tax (VAT) is five per cent, Benin Republic is 20 per cent and Ghana is 74.5 per cent.�

Plus

LOUD WHISPER GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND FASHION FILE SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 24 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 43 pg. 46

Ufuoma Ilesanmi

I’m Never Afraid Working Hard, Driving Myself to Get What I Want

Jare Ijalana

pg. 20

5-year-old Jare is ‘Most Beautiful Girl’ in the World

Atilola Odudare

Marriage is One of the Best Things That Can Happen to Any Human Being

pg. 22

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 28, 2018

PLUS

Abiodun Shobanjo, Jimi Awosika Have Had Tremendous Impact on My Advertising Career Atilola Odudare Odudare, Managing Director of Gems Commun Communications is a strategic thinker, creative and passionate about advertising, con confident and conservative.

Since commenc commencement of operations over a decade aago, this communications firm has been at the fore of deploying new technologie technologies and ideas for business solutions. Odud Odudare tells Adedayo Adejobi why he left the bits and bytes profession for aadvertising, those who’ve had tremendous impact on his career, how GEMS Abuja Ro Rock-LED Billboards is redefining outdo outdoor advertising

A

tilola W Williams Oduda Odudare studied com computer science and worke worked in the Inform Information Techno Technology Depar Department of the Nigerian Air Fo Force before he moved to O Optimum Exposures, a subsidi subsidiary of the Troyka Group and Outdoor advertising arm of the parent compa company. He was the Systems an and Admin Manager. The Insig Insight group being a training gro ground, after a few years, O Odudare was moved across other departments, incl including Marketing. The tr training no doubt prepar prepared him for the challeng challenges of life.

He would hav have ideally gone back to C Computer Science Science, his first

but then, after thorough training, he has become a thoroughbred marketing person.

After six years at Optimum Exposures and armed with the requisite experience, he went ahead to form Gems Communications, a marketing communication and Outdoor Advertising company of his dream. With its corporate headquarters in Abuja and branches in Kenya, Ivory Coast, Ghana and still counting, Odudare has done quite a lot of laudable and innovative projects which have redefined his industry’s business values.

Fast forward to today, he’s been around for almost three decades now, and of many firsts, he brought in Light Emitting Diode (LED) and scroller boards amongst others.

It wasn’t as though there was no job in the labour market for him to have left his well-paying middle management job for another middle management job in a rather un-

After Aft Afte fte e six years at Optimum Exposures and armed with the requisite experience, he went ahead to form e Gems Ge e Communications, a marketing communication and Outdoor Advertising company of his dream.

A With its corporate headquarters in Abuja and branches in Kenya, Ivory Coast, Ghana and still counting Adams

JULY 28, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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PLUS Seeing Other People Happy on My Account is Relaxation for Me known territory, but passion for home and enterprise pushed him to pitch his tenth in Advertising. It was indeed a huge and herculean task catching up with new trends in the business, staying ahead of happenings, and the tricks of the trade, especially as it affects the out-of home industry.

Looking back, in the long run, it paid off.

Being in the trade of interpreting facts, figures, and data, it is worthy of note that, he is again the first to write software programme to manage outdoor advertising audience PanNigeria. ‘‘Being able to combine the experience from the computer world with advertising was an exciting, fantastic and seamless experience for me. It was an experience I enjoyed, though I had to work extra hard,’’ he enthused.

Spurred by new things, innovation, challenges, he’s team carry the same spirit, corporate culture and work ethics. At the touch of a few keys on the computer, he solved problems and managed clients’ many requests.

Experience Trumps Everything For every serious minded, committed and focused professional in the ilk of Atilola, it has not been a work in the park. He has been through tough times, daunting challenges and almost felt like giving in. ‘‘When the challenges came, I had to go back to the drawing board to see how to solve the puzzle. And then I moved on. In actual fact, I believe every challenge is an opportunity for a human being to step up the ladder. If there are no challenges, there won’t be new and successive growth. Man needs to be challenged to be successful. Like I said, the experience has been so interesting. I have met loads of people in this industry who have positively shaped my life, my professional career and living. I have met people that have challenged me, and appreciated me. It has modelled me into a better man today. I keep saying this, if I were still to be in the computer field, I would have been fed up because computing is simply about giving instruction and expecting a usual experience. But with human beings and marketing communications, it is about managing the human psychology. The experience has been so rich such that it has moulded me into a better human being.’’

In the cause of his career, Odudare is eternally grateful to Mr. Jimi Awosika, one he readily qualifies as a great manager of men. Another man he holds in high esteem and has played a pivotal role in his professional life is the Czar of advertising himself, Abiodun Shobanjo. If you gave Odudare an hour to talk on Shobanjo, be sure to expect a book filled with positive memories and glowing tributes on how much the duo have positively impacted his life.

Life in Marriage Life in marriage for the advertising man has no doubt been a wonderful one. ‘‘It has its own challenges anyway, but when I look back, I have cause to thank God. There are indeed challenges, expectations yet to be met, but I believe in God that all of those expectations will be met. Thank God

weigh him down, even in dire straits.

Odudare

I met her in a bus when she was closing from work. Her office was on Race Course, while I was in the Air Force then. I closed from work, the bus already picked her and I joined on the way.

We got talking and one thing led to the other.

Three years after, we became husband and wife. Interestingly, I was still in my uniform then.

When I look back, we’ve shared very happy and sad moments together for my marriage.’’ To his loin, with two children and counting, he has trained and mentored so many other children who have in turn become his source of joy and pride.

How I turn down the Heat He likes informed and intellectual conversations, relaxing with friends x-raying the dark days of this country.

At a point in the history of the nation when power brokers at the helm of affairs killed and maimed people, his house practically became a melting pot for friends to discuss the state of the nation. His past-time is to talk about current affairs and spiritual re-engineering which allows him commune with God. And that could probably put him in seclusion for a short period of time. Seeing other people happy on his account is relaxation for him. It makes him happy.

Meeting my Wife The chance meeting of his wife, read like the fairy tale. ‘‘I met her in a bus when she was closing from work.

Her office was on Race Course, while I was in the Air Force then. I closed from work, the bus already picked her and I joined on the way. We got talking and one thing led to the other. Three years after, we became husband and wife. Interestingly, I was still in my uniform then. When I look back, we’ve shared very happy and sad moments together. I see it as two souls who met for a purpose and that’s why despite whatever problem we might have had in the marital journey, I still can say without equivocation, that marriage is one of the best things that can happen to a human being in life. Marriage is good.

It is a joyous institution.’’

In his late fifties, the secret of his youthful looks is eating healthy, good sleep and not allowing problems to

How I’m Raising the Bar through Traffic Data Report The GEMs CEO is upbeat about the traffic data report his firm provides: “Traffic Data Report is in line with the company’s tradition of exploiting technology to introduce new value-adding offerings. We decided to ensure that the company provides the required Traffic Data Report to advertisers for its premium sites after the completion of its magnificent 300m2 LED screen (E-VISUAL) and Trivision posted 10m above the ground in the city of Lagos (along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway).

In addition, the company is working tirelessly, using the latest technology to deploy the tools, mechanism and software designed to capture, record and analyse these traffic data on all of its Out-of-Home structures panNigeria.

“It will certainly ensure that accurate information is provided to advertisers to aid ROI measurement on their spending and effective planning. A quick look at the Traffic Analysis Report below reveals that our magnificent 300m2 delivers maximum value for every kobo spent and it cuts across all Social Economic Classes (A – as they travel to city like Ibadan for social and religious events, Class B, C and D – as they travel from their owned and rented apartments to work and other areas of Lagos State).

“It is generating very positive reactions. Gone are the days when boards or hoardings are bought or selected without any data to support the location or the reach to target audience. Clients now demand data and strict brand specific parameters are followed for OOH media now.

So, this is quite a novelty idea for advertisers.

“We also have the remote viewing technology on the boards. With this, clients can view the boards remotely on their mobile phones and lap tops from anywhere. Gone are the days when clients just buy boards based on their media budgets. These days, a lot of justifications and parameters go into what board is bought and why. Our LED screens are with P-20 technology which uses advanced user-friendly billboard software for real time performance monitoring, brightness monitoring, remote LED calibration, rapid anomaly detection, data storage and reporting.

“To a large extent, Nigeria is moving at par with what is obtainable globally. We only need to step up our game in terms of technology and power. The advancement all over the world is backed up with the technology available and of course for technology to be useful, it needs electrical power.”

Why are Nigerian brands still not maximising the opportunities of Out-of-Home offers? The GEMs CEO remarks: “Well, a brand can only maximise what it has full control over. Unfortunately, brands and Brand Managers do not have control over the Industry. They only work with what they are offered or what is available. I will say they are, based on the level of service available to them.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 28, 2018

PLUS

Ufuoma Ilesanmi I’m Never Afraid Working Hard, Driving Myself to Get What I Want Ufuoma Ilesanmi’s voice exudes a confidence that is only found in battle-hardened boardroom executives with a running history of success. She speaks with a verve and vivacity that capture the attention of any listener, articulating every point with brilliance that leaves you not just impressed, but convinced as to why she is trusted with the responsibility of steering the wheels of the most innovative real estate company in Nigeria known as Haven Homes. Ilesanmi talks to Azuka Ogujiuba about her childhood, passion for real estate and her journey at Haven Homes

Those that work with me will tell you that I am demanding, I like to push people to make sure that they give their best

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

PLUS Knowing that I Helped Build People and Made them Better is What I Would Like to be Remembered For

S

he was born Ufuoma Ukueku, daughter to Chief Johnson Ukueku, the renowned pharmacist and owner of Johnson’s and Joe Chemist in Warri, Delta State. It is therefore no surprise that she cultivated a value system that embraces integrity, work, excellence and entrepreneurship. Ufuoma bagged a degree at the age of 19 in Human Resource and Industrial Relations at Covenant University. She obtained a Master’s degree in Marketing and Strategic Management at Salford University, Manchester, before going further to acquire professional skills in social media marketing, branding, project management and customer service.

The roll call of certificates and degrees should ordinarily attest to the brilliance of the steward, but this is where Ufuoma stands different as barely 10 minutes into our conversation, she pointedly states that she has always seen herself as an average g student growing g g up. p Maybe y this perspective p p was a child’s way y of validating g her father’s opinion of her, or it was her p own way y of self-motivation, as the thought g of being g average g and starting g some blocks off the top her to p inspired p mercilessly y drive herself in her pursuit p of excellence. She says: y “I was not one of the top p students in my y class, but I tried to make up p for it with work.” And this is the part p where the depth p of her maturity y and the quality q y of her brain shines brightest, having g g the ability y to be so self-aware as to realise that she had gaps g p and also being g willing g to put in the work to make up gaps. p for the g p Ufuoma describes her early y days y in Haven Homes with uncanny y clarity, from the very y first time when she meets the MD/CEO, Mr. Tayo y Sonuga, to when she joined the company j p y as the Corporate Manager, p g and growing g g through g the ranks of Assistant Generall Manager, g on to her latest promotion p in 2017 as the General Manager g and Chief Operating p g Officer at the very young y g age g of 28, she remembers every y point p in the journey, j y detailing g the sequence q of each milestone with a sharpness p of mind that can be directly correlated to the curve of growth of Haven Homes, Nigeria’s g most innovative real estate company.

The story y of Ufuoma would strike you y as one for the runway, y with a physical p y appearance pp and carriage g that is delicately y poised p as those of a model.

It is easy y to imagine g her strutting g on the biggest gg g stage, g and when she begins g to speak p of days y when she entertained ushering g gigs g g at events all in a bid to make ends meet, it becomes very easy to draw this correlation.

Marrying y g the fragility g y of a model to the toughness g it takes to walk in Ufuoma’s shoes is one of the many y beauties of the sensational life of this young y g lady y as her story y takes a curve when she speaks p about a change g in fortune in her home, due to her father’s ill health, causing g her to engage g g in activities that even though g seemed normal to a majority majorrit ity y of the he Nigerian popup p lace,

was new to someone coming from a privileged background. From jumping into buses to taking marketing jobs – she did it all, and with grace and excellence – using her human resource and personnel management skills along the way that have become very useful to her in subsequent assignments.

The story of a young beautiful female professional moving up the corporate ladder is not always monochrome and is many times colored and replete with tales of sexual harassment by senior male bosses who see these young female professionals as toppings and perks of their big office. With a charming smile, and curious eyes set in the estate of a beautiful face, Ufuoma was not spared some of these experiences on her journey to the top, but using her value system as a compass, she was able to navigate dangerous waters, abandoning promising opportunities with strings, until she found a home in Haven Homes, where her beauty is not being estimated by her physical appearance, but in the quality of her mind and value of her output.

It was always y going g g to be be quite a jjourney q y having g to traverse the fields fieeld ldss of ushering, human resource and

industrial relations, oil and gas and finally to real estate, but it was always going to be our touch down area seeing that this is an industry where she has blossomed and the beauty of her genius is finally gaining expression: “I am passionate about the industry and my boss will attest to that fact as will my results.”

Drive, results, performance, are words that you will find easy to come by when having a discussion with Ufuoma as she does not shy away from the fact that she is a go-getter. “Those that work with me will tell you that I am demanding, I like to push people to make sure that they give their best,” her voice is soaked with passion as she says this, and almost like in a bid to balance the narrative, she adds, “but I can tell you that my staff turnover is very low.”

Her result is best appreciated in the scale of growth seen in Haven Homes, the metric being the time she joined the company when it was a relatively fledging company and now that it has become the most innovative real estate company comp co m any in Nigeria, g and the preferred p choice of homes for celebri celebri-ch ties, t es ti es, as can be seen in their Richmond R chmond Gate Estate Ri offering. of g The designs g are unique u ique and the un structures s ructures are st of o the highest qualq alqu

ity – something she attributes to the excellence of the MD/CEO, whom she subtly points out, rates integrity very high on his values chain: “I can tell you that working in Haven Homes has been one of the experiences that has molded me… but I must also say that going to Covenant University and hearing Papa – (the endearing term for Bishop David Oyedepo, used by his followers) pump us with motivating words also played a key part in my development, because it re-engineered my mind, making me know that I can become anything I wanted to become and that I was more than just an average student and an average person in life. I took these words very seriously and I began to apply these words in my life. Character, competence, capacity, integrity; all these words now had a meaning to me, plus I was not afraid to work hard and drive myself to get what I want.”

As passionate as she is about the vision of her company, which is building homes where you can live your dreams, Ufuoma is just as passionate about buildj p ing g lives as can be seen in the way y she is involved in the affairs of her colleagues, g trying y g to get g them better than she met them. This also explains her plans to start p p and run an NGO where she can reach out and touch the less privileged. p g ‘It’s amazing g that my y dreams are finding in the activities of g expression p the company p y I work for, because as interested as I am in helping p g people p p and would like to one day y start something g personal in that regard, Haven Homes p g where I work through g the Global Haven helping p g Hands is already y making ga part p of that dream come true as we are doing g a make-over of an orphanage, p g while many projects would be y more p j unwrapped year g goes by.” pp as the y y Ufuoma is a force that cannot be fully unraveled in just a couple j p of meetings g and is definitely y someone for whom the future is made for as she is adequately q y prepared for that future as she can be p p seen from her response p to what she would want to bequeath as her legacy: q g y “Knowing g that I helped p build people p p and made them better is what I would like to be remembered for. I can never forget being g awed by y the number of people p p that shared accounts of how my y father helped p them become who they y are in life today y – hearing g those stories made me feel extremely yp proud of him and it is a feeling g that I would like to leave as an inheritance to my y children.”

It is only y a matter of time before the story y of Ufuoma would be told outside the boundaries of the real estate industry as her influence traverses other fields, and as she touches the lives of not just j her colleagues g but the world at large, until that time comes, when some might g want to sensationally y nickname her as the Oprah p of real estate, it will be worthy y to note that at 32, whatever she has achieved has not been handed down to her, but with grit, g work and a value system y of integrity, g y competence p and character, she has been able to an achieve a hieve what ac many m ny ma y only y dream d dr eam

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ΀ , 2014

PLUS

5-year-old Jare is ‘Most Beautiful Girl’ in the World Jare Ijalana, a 5-year old Nigerian, who has been dubbed on the internet as the most beautiful girl in the world from her portrait by wedding photographer, Mofe Bamiwa, is being managed by her father and aunt and could cut a modeling deal that will definitely place on the big stage someday.

BENNETT OGHIFO writes

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ͺ΀˜ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS Scouts Find Portrait of Jare Alluring, Irresistible

S

tardom comes in various forms and sometimes unexpectedly. This would likely be the story of 5-year old Jare, a primary school pupil in Lagos whose mother permitted her sister’s colleague, Mofe Bamuyiwa to photograph.

Mofe, known as Bisola Mofeoluwa Bamuyiwa, placed the bold and angelic portrait on her instagram, which immediately it went viral, attracting comments even Mofe admitted were pleasantly surprising.

Oh, about the modeling deal, she told THISDAY yesterday that she was not in any way trying to get modeling agency for kids, scouts found the portrait of Jare alluring and irresistible and are making a lot of offers. “There is a management taking care of Jare now, her father and aunt, who are educating her and she’s getting a lot of exposure. They want to be careful about the offers coming in. They want to be sure they take the first step and that it is deemed right. Her dad is also in charge, making sure that it’s actually done properly. They are taking their time and making sure that this post that has gone viral calms down and they will now know what the next step is. There is actually more to Jare than that photograph; she is

Jare

actually a very bright child.”

Also, her story is not grass to grace, according to Mofe. “A lot of people and critics out there think she is probably less privileged and I said no, she is well educated, a beautiful child also and from a bright home.”

The image that went viral was exactly the look Mofe said she wanted – an adult-child, sort of. It was an expression of what she wanted to create.

According to Mofe, “I met Jare through my colleague who has been photographing her and I thought she was a beautiful person but my own style was different from her’s. She does baby photography – takes pictures of kids- but I was coming in another life- mine is about the child art, the art of innocence.”

Mofe wanted Jare’s portrait to be like a series of art of innocence. “I felt like Jare has striking features because she is very smart and intelligent- when you converse with a child and hear some sounds a child should not say at her age, then you know the child is very smart.”

Jare’s smartness raised Mofe’s antenna and she call her colleague’s sister, who is Jare’s mother, to request permission “to express myself with Jare. The idea was just to show an intersection between her childhood and adulthood. So, I’m putting both in place- the two sides of Jare- you can see

through her eyes that she is also a child and you can still see, at the same time, what she is going to be, like a powerful woman.”

Remarks by thousands of people who commented on the portrait tend to confirm this view of her character seen through her big round eyes. “In future, she can look at that photograph and see how much people expect her to be, someone that can change the world, can inspire many people. That is just a little of how I see my art of Jare; a lot of people said so many things that I didn’t imagine they would have seen from her, but that was just a simple way I could have projected Jare.”

The child-angel Jare is the last of three sisters and she is in school, full time, she is well educated, according to Mofe, who confessed she was not her target initially. “I actually have a picture of the other sister, which I just posted; I love her, because she has a bit of what I wanted. I’ve not gotten that image, but when I saw that image, I knew I was still searching, trying to get that image, but I didn’t know that this (Jare’s) was going to be that image. I didn’t expect Jare at all, I was expecting Jomiloju and that is the one I just posted. It tells how things worked out.”

Jare has two sisters – Jomi, 7, and Joba, 10, who also pose on their own Instagram account - The J3 Sisters.

There is a management taking care of Jare now, her father and aunt, who are educating her and she’s getting a lot of exposure. They want to be careful about the offers coming in. They want to be sure they take the first step and that it is deemed right. Her dad is also in charge, making sure that it’s actually done properly. They are taking their time and making sure that this post that has gone viral calms down and they will now know what the next step is

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 28, 2018

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Anyaoku

TEA WITH CHIEF EMEKA ANYAOKU Over the last week, I was invited to tea by no other than the very distinguished former diplomat and personal friend to the Queen of England, Chief Emeka Anyaoku. My people, I no sleep o. I did not even know what to wear to the meeting. I started practicing how to drink the tea sef, you know this Oga is not a small one o. A man who defeated four foreign Heads of Government to emerge Secretary General of the Commonwealth, a man who replaced the Duke of Edinburgh as the President of the WWF and a man who was so close to Nelson Mandela. This no be where I will now carry my Shomolu manners to. So I immediately called a select committee of my people to discuss the invite with a view to reaching an acceptable position that would see me better represent the very good people of Shomolu. This to us was a meeting with Her Majesty the Queen of England who by the way is a distant cousin of the Duke of Shomolu through the duke’s maternal great Grandmother, who waved at the Queen when she came visiting as a young girl.

So, it was agreed that I would wear a suit and Bowtie, I will sit to his left hand side and cross my legs, keeping them crossed from the beginning to the end. I will not ask for more sugar in my tea and I will refuse an offer for lunch so that I don’t upset my tummy and then run to the loo.

I took all these resolutions to heart and met with Chief Anyaoku. He was very pleasant and looked strikingly handsome at 80. He received us with warmth and led us to his drawing room. That is what they call it o. They don’t draw there my people, they just sit there and have tea. The tea came and they asked if I wanted more sugar, I crossed my leg, looked straight into the butler’s eyes and said no! I tell you, I represented Shomolu people well. Discussions were exciting and deep, moving from his emergence as Commonwealth Head honcho through his meetings with Mandela, Abacha and the Eminent Peoples group which put pressure on Apartheid. At the end of the meeting, we exchanged books, that’s what diplomatic dignitaries do and we bade each other farewell to the tune of the Shomolu National Anthem. That was a visit. Thank you sir, worthwhile experience.

BUHARI: LET THEM GO!!!!!!!!!!!

One thing I have learnt from international diplomacy is the fact that you do not negotiate with terrorists. This is not calling the distinguished Senators terrorists o, I am just trying to draw up comparison to support my position and

Buhari

Mohammed

Saraki!!!! Saraki!!!!! Saraki!!!!!!

How many times have I called you? How many times o Buky?

You have mind o. when he called me that night to plan his move after getting information that he could be blocked from reaching the National Assembly, I thought he would not be able to carry out the plan. He said I should bring some Okrika clothes and a neck brace the type Fayose and Malaye have made popular. So I got him some second hand jeans, faded t-shirt and a pair of sneakers with a faze cap written, ‘bad guys’ on it. So the night before, we sent the official convoy back home, while we hopped on an Okada to the nearest fish joint in Wuse. As we sat amongst the revelers, we went through the plan once again. We will set forth at dawn and move incognito towards the Assembly, with phones switched off so that we cannot be tracked. Well, you know that Saraki is an ‘’Aje Butter’’ and as such found it very difficult to eat the Fufu and Afang I had bought for him. He started asking for pasta and macaroni - I laughed, this one never start, he had better start getting used to this kind of life because with the way things are going, anything can happen o. So we checked into the small hotel for the night. Today, I was king, he was not Senate President.

So I slept on the bed and he on the

floor on a mat. I just pity him and could have laughed if not that this was sacrifice for democracy. Come and see the way, he was turning and turning and at some point, he screamed toyinnnnnnnnn. He was missing his lovely bed and wife.

Shebi, you want do fugitive, do am na. Morning came and action began.

He put on his costume, neck brace and faze cap with dark goggles and the journey started. As we came out of the hotel, the prostitutes just coming back from outside work, screamed- Fayoseeeeeeeee!!!!! I smiled, meaning that the disguise was working. We jogged for some kilometres, jumped into a keke Marwa, jogged some more and at some point near the NICON Hotel, we saw a police convoy that looked like the IG of Police, we immediately jumped into the gutter and stayed put till they passed.

Buki and I not wanting to take chances, crawled in the gutter the way US Marines crawl under fire and finally, we scaled the fence of the Assembly, passing through the junior officers offices and with people hailing us – Fayose, Fayose we entered the his office. He had to quickly take his bath and get ready for plenary. This Saraki is a ‘’bahd guy’’. I am still waiting for my fees for this work o, help me tell him o or me I go defect o.

Oshiomhole

advice to daddy. My Lord, please do not lose sleep over all these defections, let them go, don’t be worried abeg, Allah will raise the stones to sing your praises.

Look, the way it’s going, even if you suffer 100% defection, you must stand, after all, you can be sure that Uncle Lai, Cousin Osinbajo and daddy Osho baba will never defect. We must stand by our policies and positions and not be taken in by all that is happening. What we are seeing are contractors trying to better position themselves before negotiations.

I hear you are feeling sad and have refused to eat. Baba nothing dey happen, you need to come Shomolu and let me take you dancing at Onipanu. You remain kampe after all Mummy has not defected and will never defect. So, there is no problem. Let them go jor, can they even win election in their wards? Have they ever visited Donald Trump? Who knows them? That is what we call “yeye dey smell”. Abeg carry go jor. Soldier go, soldier come.

OSHIO IN POWER Me I like this baba. Did you see the matching orders he just gave Uncle Ngige for not inaugurating the boards in his parastatal. Me, I am not a constitutional lawyer, nor a card carrying member of the APC and as such not competent to say if Oshiomole is within his right to issue a directive to a Minister of the Federal Republic as Party Chairman, but from the little I am seeing here, it is Daddy over-rating himself o. If I was Ngige, I will tell him one or two things that just might lead us to the open space at Oshodi garage to settle the thing once and for all. Daddy, your party is leaking almost on a daily basis with critical people defecting, na Board inauguration you dey look. Na wa. Please concentrate and face the task we recommended you for which is building a virile and powerful party in time for 2019 elections instead of all these funny distractions.

Daddy focus, focus, focus abeg.

SEUN FADIORA – GOING PLACES I really am not one for praise singing but this young entrepreneur has really touched my soft spot for his consistent foray in building a strong businness.

After starting out life as an Investment banker, he has gone ahead to build a veritable power solutions firm, creating employment and redefining the role of the youth in our immediate community.

I send out this shout out to seun not only to encourage him, but to also inspire other youths who have ideas and vision to go for it. It is not easy, but we cannot give up. Welldone my guy and God bless

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 28, 2018

VINTAGE Okwudili Ogbuenyi

How INTELS Empowerment Programme Rescued Me Ogbuenyi Evelyn Okwudili is a beneficiary of INTELS Nigeria Limited’s Women Empowerment Programme Synergy Scheme (WEPSS). She speaks on her struggles to acquire a vocational skill when her academic aspirations were cut short and how INTELS’ empowerment programme came to her rescue. Chika Amanze-Nwachuku presents the excerpts:

Y

ou emerged as the best graduating trainee at INTELS Women Empowerment Programme Scheme Synergy (WEPSS) training. Can you give an insight into your journey up to this point?

I have lived all my life in Rivers State and grew up with my family in Abuloma.

I am the second child of the family but the first of my mum; my father lost his first wife. My background is humble; my father works as a personal driver at a private establishment, while my mother is a cook. She formerly worked in that capacity at a secondary school, now she cooks on a contract basis for anyone who engages her services. I have an elder sister; she runs a restaurant in Calabar. My primary education was at Compassion Home Primary school; it is a school for the physically challenged at Trans-Amadi area, Port Harcourt. My higher school education was at Holy Rosary. Abuloma is a peaceful riverine community; the major occupation there is fishing and farming. I recall our former landlady used to say that her late husband was a fisherman. She gave my mother a piece of land in her compound to grow crops to supplement our family needs. After I completed my secondary education, it was clear my parents did not have the means to sponsor me any further, so I had to find something to occupy myself with. First, I got some computer training after which I worked in several cyber cafes. Then I also had the opportunity to work at the West African Container Terminal because of I was computer literate. This was sometime in 2010. It was a contract job that spanned three or four months. A neighbour told me that the company needed a few hands to input data into their system, so I went for it. I considered being an interior decorator but couldn’t afford the money for the training.

I ended up accompanying my mother and assisting her anytime she had a contract to cook. That was what I occupied myself with until a friend suggested in February 2018 that I apply for the WEPSS training. Prior to that, I didn’t know anything about WEPSS. Was it an opportunity you jumped at?

Initially, I wasn’t really interested but I discussed it with my mum; my father was not around at the time. He had travelled with his boss. Just like me, my mother was not aware such a programme existed but she was very much interested in it. She really wanted me to be a seamstress.

My mother viewed it as a profession that allowed you to benefit from your skill and showcase your talent. She was of the opinion that my family would not need to seek the services of a seamstress to sew their clothes, that kind of thing. But signing up for the programme meant that I would need help with my children. My mother made a lot of sacrifices in that regard. She had to cut back on some of her jobs and be at my home to care for my children. This was really important for me because I had to meet the bus assigned to take trainees to the centre at the designated spot by 7.05am. So I would wake up as early as 4.30am, bathe my children, dress them and then rush to prepare myself to meet the bus.

Like I said earlier, no one in my family knew about WEPSS or that it was being sponsored by INTELS Nigeria Limited. In fact, I did not know about INTELS until when my family relocated from Abuloma to Elelenwo.

One of my brother’s friends worked at INTELS. We noticed that the company had a staff bus that picked up their employees at a junction close to my house. Even at that, I still didn’t know much about the company until my application to WEPSS was accepted and we were all taken to the head office. INTELS is really doing a great job; the company is spending so much money when you consider the awards and gifts they give to the best performing trainees. You can also observe it from the manner the WEPSS centre is run, what they pay their workers; it is exceptional. I get to hear a lot of persons outside the WEPSS centre say that every trainee should be given a sewing machine to empower them. That it is pointless giving women a skill without the tool. I marvel at such comments; INTELS is doing a lot already.

Running the WEPSS centre involves enormous financial commitment. That for me is enough; they are really making great effort in terms of empowering communities.

How would you describe your experience at the WEPSS centre?

The experience was really mind blowing. I really didn’t think tailoring was this interesting. Initially when we started, it was a little bit boring because I was new to it. But as time went on, it was not only interesting but became intense. There was a time I felt like giving up.

This was when we had to go through some exercises with papers. It was really challenging. Our trainers would draw lines on papers and ask us to sew on those same lines. It was really tough; I didn’t want to continue

Eventually, the training became interesting after we finished the paper exercise and then got into the fabric exercise.That is when our trainers would give us little pieces of fabrics to put together. When we are given the pieces, we would imagine what the trainers were driving at. But after being instructed by the trainers, the fabric eventually comes out beautiful.That was when I started picking interest.

There were some other values our trainers tried to instil in us at WEPSS. We were taught the value of life and the importance of hygiene. We also learned not to discriminate between people and to shun gossip. driving at.

But after being instructed by the trainers, the fabric eventually comes out beautiful.That was when I started picking interest.

There were some other values our trainers tried to instil in us at WEPSS. We were taught the value of life and the importance of hygiene. We also learned not to discriminate between people and to shun gossip

would have recommended my younger sisters for this training but one of them is currently preparing for her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the other is in school.

They are both pressed for time, so they can’t apply.

Ogbuenyi

anymore. Each day we would start with tape reading and after that the paper exercise would follow. Reading the measuring tape is something I am sure many tailors in our society can’t do. I have never, while having my measurements taken by a tailor, observed them reading the tape the way I was taught at WEPSS. It took us almost a month to understand the lines on the measuring tape. Then I also had some difficulty blending with the other trainees. I am a reserved person and always careful not to keep the type of company that would get me into trouble. The moment I got into the WEPSS centre, I observed that they maintain a high level of discipline and some of my colleagues were noisy. So I had to be careful. Although I exchanged pleasantries with them, it wasn’t until my third month that I started really mingling with the other trainees. Sometimes on my way home, I would hitch a ride with the friend who introduced me to WEPSS and discuss my challenges with him. He would advise me to persevere to the end.

Eventually, the training became interesting after we finished the paper exercise and then got into the fabric exercise. That is when our trainers would give us little pieces of fabrics to put together. When we are given the pieces, we would imagine what the trainers were driving at. But after being instructed by the trainers, the fabric eventually comes out beautiful. That was when I started picking interest. There were some other values our trainers tried to instil in us at WEPSS. We were taught the value of life and the importance of hygiene. We also learned not to discriminate between people and to shun gossip. I feel sad that the programme has ended because I miss the experience and miss my trainers. I

Were you surprised when you emerged the best performing trainee?

I was. The process was competitive and tough. Even though I did well during the assessment but one can never tell how these things will play out in the end because five of us were vying for that spot. On the whole, I have achieved my goal; I came for the training with the aim of getting the skill.

I am grateful for the prize I was given; a starter pack that includes an industrial sewing machine, a steam iron, chair, a pair of scissors, seam ripper, chalk and a measuring tape. I am excited and grateful to INTELS and my trainers for this opportunity. I learned so many things at WEPSS that other tailors don’t know about. For instance, many tailors don’t know the importance of a great finishing. But at WEPSS, a lot of emphasis is placed on the finishing of the clothes you sew. If the finishing is not neat, then your clothes can’t turn out well. There was a jumpsuit I had a tailor make for me; that was what I had intended to wear to my graduation ceremony, but because the finishing was poor, I had to wear something else. If not for my exposure to WEPSS, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought; I would have worn the jumpsuit like that. It is the little details like that that make a lot of difference. My mother was really excited for me that I won a sewing machine and not just an ordinary sewing machine but an industrial one. She has been urging me not to waste time but to go somewhere where I can learn cutting. What we were taught at WEPSS was basic tailoring; even at that, what we have been given is enough. The average tailor outside wouldn’t know what I know. They can’t do tape reading and are not aware of the history of tailoring.

I plan to advance the learning and improve on some of the things I didn’t get here. I want to learn more in terms of the practical for cutting and then start out on my own on a small scale.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 28, 2018

PERSPECTIVE The Saraki, Ekweremadu Phenomenon Law Mefor

“It is courage, courage, courage, that raises the blood of life to crimson splendor. Live bravely and present a brave front to adversity.” – Horace

L

ike Nelson Mandela said out of his own abhorrent persecution, courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. In other words, the brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear by confronting it.

The fascist clampdown on the Senate President and the Deputy, Senators Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu by the APC-led Federal Government just assumed the most absurd dimensions- crude and cruel, and even rascally. This time around, the desperation is to physically remove the irrepressible duo from office, impose their replacements, and forestall the planned defection of about two dozen senators from the APC. As simpletons that the planners were, rather than strategists, the hurriedly coupled idea hashed out two invitations to the two presiding officers of the Senate. That of Saraki was a reopening of the Offa robbery case, which failed to fly when the Police first tried it. He was given the invitation by 8 pm on Monday night and asked to report to police in Abuja at 8am the following day (Tuesday, 24th July). Such marching order by the police to the head of an arm of government, who would preside over the senate plenary the same day smacked of everything - insensitivity, contempt, desperation and disdain for the legislature and its leadership.

The invitation to Senator Ike Ekweremadu was even more ridiculous, curious and reckless.

Quite early in the morning of the dark Tuesday, a platoon of the Nigeria Police, with a sprinkling of EFCC operatives, besieged his Apo Abuja residence, to block him from leaving and attending

Saraki and Ekweremadu to the day’s senate plenary. As an afterthought, an EFCC invitation letter dated 24th July 2018 and riddled with contradictions, was written and signed, demanding the Deputy Senate President to report at the EFCC office in Wuse II, Abuja at 10am of the same 24th July for questioning.

Although the Deputy President of the Senate was willing to honour the invitation even though there was no prior notice, the security men would not lift the siege. The street leading into his residence was cordoned off end-to-end by about 200 security operatives and he was prevented from leaving the house. How then was he to honour the invitation? The illogicality is as perplexing as it was nauseating...government by brigandage you dare say!

Bottom line, Senator Bukola Saraki managed to reach the National Assembly on foot and presided over the Senate plenary. Ekweremadu could not.

This defining moment has brought the two men more into view as faces of Nigerian democracy, as personifications of courage in

adversity and men truly adept and sagacious in the Nigerian politics. Their mettle in the face of debilitating danger has become a classic study in political courage at a time when most leaders in their ranks are cowering even from their own shadows.

Democracy and democratic governance in the country have never come under greater existential threats than in these appalling moments, where all democratic gains and even norms of civilised conducts are being reversed by government actions and inactions with unmatched impunity. One would often wonder what would have been the fate of the nation’s democracy and indeed that of the legislature if Senator Saraki and Senator Ekweremadu were less mortals and politically less audacious.

It is about getting at the two leaders of National Assembly at all costs. A drowning man may catch at anything; that is why they are revisiting of the Offa bank robbery against Saraki, after the Supreme Court of Nigeria had confirmed that indeed his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal

was a travesty of justice. And of course, discerning minds have always known that the political trial was never meant to serve justice.

The second case opened by the Attorney General added the Deputy Senate President, Sen Ike Ekweremadu, over allegation of forgery of senate rules to aide their emergence as presiding officers. The bogey forgery trial was based on a spurious police investigative report in which neither Senator Saraki nor Senator Ekweremadu was mentioned. They were charged nonetheless. Even without a shred of evidence or reasonable conjectures, the same reason the case was eventually withdrawn by the Federal Government. But not without embarrassing themselves in the bid to humiliate the Senate and the Legislature.

While both innocent men were forced into the dock for the trumped up charges, it was actually the nation’s democracy and legislature that was on trial. The promoters were only reminding the world that Nigeria is not yet qualified to practice democracy or to be counted among civilised countries.

The claim by the Presidency that it is a good omen for every citizen to go through the rigours of trial and establishment of innocence is dishonest since the charges were never meant to serve the interest of justice. It was only calculated to damage and condemn them in the court of public opinion and force them to vacate their seats as presiding officers.

This narrative gained much currency as curious strident calls for their resignation rent the air as soon as the orchestrated trials commenced. Those curious calls that rang out for the two to step down and face their trials were well calculated. On the face value, the calls appeared innocuous and even patriotic, and could have been even apropos if their cases were not trumped up as they have turned out.

––Dr. Law Mefor, a Forensic/Social Psychologist and Journalist, writes from Abuja. Email: lawmefor@gmail.com

Gale of Defections and the Buhari Factor Sufuyan Ojeifo

T

he coming together of political forces of the oppositional hue in the build-up to the 2015 general election portended a grave danger for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In any case, the behemoth, which the PDP typified at the time, had imprudently and lightly treated the ill-omened development and paid dearly for it.

The PDP was brought down in prostrate surrender to the supremacy of the rainbow coalition of opposition parties that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC) on which platform Muhammadu Buhari clinched his historic victory over Goodluck Jonathan. That defeat of an incumbent president was novel in the annals of the nation’s presidential elections.

Indisputably, the defection of five governors of Rivers (RotimiAmaechi), Kano (Rabiu Kwankwaso),Adamawa (Murtala Nyako), Kwara (AbdulfatahAhmed) and Sokoto (Magatakarda Wammako) as well as speaker of the House of Representatives,Aminu Tambuwal, was the crown capping of the intricate political dynamics, calculations, permutations and treacheries that conspired to expose the underbelly of Jonathan’s presidency.

Jonathan’s incumbency factor, his seeming sure-footed candidature, his custody and superintendence of the sixteen-year old power heritage of the PDP, the platform on which he contested, suffered collateral damage.

The tsunami, which the 2015 general election exemplified, swept off many PDP candidates for other elective offices. Even though he won his election, David Mark lost his senate presidency on account of PDP becoming the minority party in the senate.

The strategic natures of the public offices occupied by the five governors and the speaker had added gravitas to their decision to exit the

PDP. Jonathan was said to have committed, in the main, the original sins of scorning zoning arrangement and reneging on his purported unwritten promise not to seek re-election in 2015. There were ancillary foibles of the administration that foisted it on a petard, to wit: insecurity that was accentuated by the Boko Haram insurgency; and, corruption that was said to be writ large in the management of the nation’s public finance.

As a matter of fact, the overwhelming Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast zone rendered the Jonathan presidency helpless. In his entire term of office, his administration was portrayed as incapable of protecting the lives and property of the citizenry. For the citizenry who had been benumbed by the incessantly mindless and horrendous maiming and killings by the insurgents, nothing was more expedient than a change of leadership.

In a clear two-horse race between a northern Muslim and a southern Christian that the 2015 presidential election approximated, the choice of Buhari by a vast majority of the electorate was conversely the rejection of Jonathan. The outcome of the election was the product of the intercourse between essential popular support for Buhari and the factor of integrity that popularised his brand. Basically, the Buhari factor is, without a doubt, sui generis. The factor had, in the few weeks of his inauguration as president, produced a domino effect in apt summation of its wider chain reactions.

But then, it should be pointed out that the Buhari factor also enjoyed critical support for it to sustain its historic precociousness that has created and defined a certain “idyllic” northern electoral base from where he usually gets about ten million secured or guaranteed votes. The fact that the votes could not clinch for him the presidency in 2003, 2007 and 2011 underscores certain limitations. His outlook was provincial until 2015 when utilitarian political strategies were deployed to transform him into a

national, nay cosmopolitan brand via the public relational strategy funded by some southern APC leaders.Afurther limitation in 2019 may be the presentation of a northern Muslim presidential candidate by the opposition.

Reflectively, some other influential politicians who defected from the PDP to theAPC also, largely, added their essential bootstraps to the momentum that sustained the Buhari phenomenon in its vast flourish. Consider former vice presidentAtikuAbubakar, former governor of Kwara, Senator Bukola Saraki, who would later emerge as the senate president in 2015, former governor of Nasarawa state, SenatorAbdullahi Adamu and former national chairman of the PDP, Senator Barnabas Gemade.

Today, ahead of the crucial 2019 general election, the 2014 historical defections that somewhat culminated in the defeat of Jonathan are being witnessed.Atiku, Kwankwaso, Gemade, et al, are back in the PDP. More defections are expected to take place in the next few weeks.

Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, are primed to return to the PDP. So far, fifteen senators and thirty-seven members of the House of Representatives had last Tuesday defected from the APC at their respective plenary sessions.

Former President Olusegun ObasanjoinspiredAfrican Democratic Congress (ADC) received two senators and four representatives who defected from theAPC to raise the stakes and ignite high-wired politics that would define the shape, content and texture of the political alliances and the 2019 presidential race.

Last Wednesday, the governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, also defected from theAPC to the PDP with ten of the 18APC members in the State House ofAssembly, 13 of the 24 local government chairmen and 276 councilors. He now has 22 members of the 30-member house behind him. Governors Tambuwal of Sokoto state andAbdulahmed Fatah of Kwara state are strongly believed to be headed back to the PDP. The circumstances that informed their

respective decisions to egress theAPC could not be mitigated by the party through reconciliatory gestures. The defectors have their different issues, which theAPC under the leadership ofAdams Oshiomhole exerted itself to engage and deal with. While it succeeded in pacifying some; those that could not be pacified decided to jump ship. The gale of defections is what has energised the 2019 presidential race. It is more than a common occurrence on the eve of a general election as rationalised by President Buhari. Similar coalition that produced his presidency in 2015 was uncommon.

That theAPC is not hurt by the defections as being claimed by pro-Buhari elements cannot be true. The oppositions are building around the strategic hub of the PDP to couple a countrywide coalition force to dislodge APC and Buhari in 2019. There is a religious commitment to the 2019 anti-Buhari campaign.

The political mission is benefiting from the near apostolic zeal by Obasanjo who has successfully mobilised and has continued to follow-up on his consultations with the Yoruba leaders of the southwest zone on the need to effect a change of what he described as incompetent and nepotistic leadership. Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, had also forcefully weighed in with a proposal for young generation of leaders to step in the saddle of governance in Nigeria.

Former Chief ofArmy Staff and one-time minister of Defence, Lt. General T.Y. Danjuma had accused the military of colluding with armed herdsmen (bandits) to carry out ethnic cleansing in the middle belt and other states in the country; and, had called on Nigerians to defend themselves against the aggressors.

There are individual points of divergence and disagreement that are either in the selfish or national interests.

––––––Ojeifo, an Abuja-based journalist, writes viaojwonderngr@yahoo.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 28, 2018

27

PERSPECTIVE Kingsley Megwara

There’s Danger of Otedola Bridge Tragedy in Other States The potential danger facing road users on badly damaged federal expressways coupled with the indiscipline of trailer and tanker drivers, has caused thousands of untimely deaths. Kingsley Megwara who heads the Abia State Passengers IntegratedManifestScheme(ASPIMS)advocatestheneedfordedicatedlanesandanationalambulancecorpswiththe typeofservicesofferedbyAbiaandLagosstatesaswellasFCTinassistingaccidentvictims.HespeakstoNduka Nwosu

A

s someone with the mandate to regulate the activities of road users in Abia State, what’s your take on the recent tragedy at Otedola Bridge in Lagos?

The tragedy at Otedola Bridge could have been avoided if we all had done what was expected of us. We as a nation stand to be blamed. It is even more saddening when we realise that there is a potential for this to happen again because it has always been a recurring decimal this reckless loss of lives.

The regulatory agencies in doing their work must make sure the drivers of heavy duty vehicles must abide by road traffic laws and regulations. The vehicle in question was not road, was in a poor state of disrepair, being driven by a reckless driver, a combination of human error and dereliction of duty.

What is a more effective way of regulating the irascible behaviour of heavy duty vehicles on our roads?

Regulation of this set of drivers ought to begin with the issuance of a driver’s licence after strict monitoring, training and re-training.

In the US there are categories of licenses issued to road users. We need proper training for our trailer drivers. Trailer drivers and the regular drivers cannot receive the same training. I do commend the work of road safety officers yet they need training and re-organisation as well as an upgrade of the equipment needed for their work. Again in the US and UK any human error gets traced to the regulatory agencies to find out how much of an irregularity or dereliction of duty has helped to cause an accident of this nature. We should wake up as a nation to adapt to best practices from other countries.

Can a rail system help reduce the carnage on our roads?

Obviously, a rail system will go a long way to reduce the number of trailers on our roads and by extension accidents and accident victims.

The problem we have now is that there are more trailers on the roads the normal vehicles. In the US and the UK vehicles carrying combustibles cannot ply in certain areas and they are often restricted to night movements. You can only see

heavy vehicles carrying perishable goods, farmyard products heading for the groceries and which are not a source of danger to normal road users that can ply during the day.

Military vehicles carrying military hardware or conveying soldiers to some duty post are also restricted in movement so they don’t get unduly exposed to the larger populace.

Are you okay with the rules rolled out by the Lagos State Government, seeking to restrict the movement of these heavy duty vehicles in certain areas of the state?

The Lagos State Government should be commended for rolling out regulations that seek to restrain these vehicles from movement in some of the strategic roads open to regular users, yet I am extremely very sad that what we could have done more than two decades ago is what we are doing now after so much loss of lives. I hope these laws should be extended to other big metropolis in the country where these vehicles ply. The owners of these tankers and trailers must equally be held responsible irrespective of what they are in society. It is so sad watching a woman with two children roast in an inferno that was avoidable.

How is Abia State coping with situations of this kind through ASPIMS? The Abia State Passenger Manifest Scheme (ASPMS) as you know is an ambulance related service which conveys accident victims to hospitals in the quickest possible time, which brings me to the poor response time that attended to the victims of the Otedola Bridge accident. It is understandable the heavy traffic on the road must have impacted negatively on the movement of vehicles on a rescue mission to the bridge. Ideally there should have been a special lane dedicated for the movement of the ambulances rushing to convey the victims to the hospital. Given the indiscipline on the roads, this type of dedicated lane can also be abused by road users. All these call for re-educating everyone on the use of our roads and why such dedicated passages or emergency lanes (HOV lanes) are necessary and should remain so without abuse when they eventually are constructed.

In Abia we also go around to educate commercial vehicle drivers. The Lagos experience has further exposed us to the understanding that heavy duty drivers and in fact the larger population of road users must be educated and re-educated

Megwara on the right mental attitude when using the roads especially the expressways. We need to heavily double our efforts in our sensitisation efforts on how to use the roads in Abia and the stakeholders extend to commercial bus drivers, Okada and tricycle drivers. In the coming weeks we are expanding our sensitisation programme to accommodate all these categories of road users because what happened in Lagos can happen elsewhere.

How do your trauma centres play out in all this?

We are working hard in putting our trauma centres in top form and according to best practices. One of the top priorities of the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu administration is that he has invested heavily in the health sector.

Upon assumption of office as governor, Ikpeazu started to fortify all our general hospitals including the purchase of new and relevant equipment. Just recently two container loads of medical equipment were taken delivery of by the Ministry of Health and the idea is to ensure all our general hospitals located in the local governments answer that name in deed and practice.

Why Pay TV Prices Are Rising Globally Justus E. Fashedemi

W

ho do you think pays the eye-watering salaries earned by players in England’s Premier League, the Spanish LaLiga or Italian Serie A? It is not the clubs, but fans in those countries and around the world. Wondering how? Here is it.

The Premier League, the world’s favourite football league, for example, is broadcast in 212 countries to an estimated 4.7 billion people.

The 2016/17 season was the first in the current three-year broadcasting deal, which gives the Premier League £8.3 billion in television rights, with £5.41 billion of that coming from two UK broadcasters, Sky and BT. It means clubs have larger sums to spend on players, who are earning bigger wages, and are less dependent match day income. To cover the cost of the sum paid for the deal with the Premier League, Sky and BT jacked up prices by about 10% in 2016, meaning that the cost to the subscriber went up. The two broadcasters were simply responding to the 71% jump over what was paid for the previous television deal. So, whatever commercial progress the clubs are making is at a cost, which is eventually passed on to fans around the world by television companies broadcasting matches of the Premier League everywhere in the world.

Being a red-hot property, a jewel in the Pay TV crown, rights to air Premier League matches are unlikely to attract lower sums when next they are up for renewal. In fact, they will attract higher sums. Live sport, in general, is hot, hot property. The cut-throat competition for the acquisition of rights to broadcast or redistribute

live sport content is unsurprisingly accompanied by stratospheric hikes prices demanded by content owners. It is the same for content in other genres- movies, general entertainment, documentaries, kiddies’ content et al.

Being part of the global Pay TV landscape, operators in Nigeria are similarly victims of tough negotiations and astronomical content prices as operators in Europe, the US and Asia.

A big portion of the monthly subscription the consumer pays is comprises costs that Pay TV companies, which are essentially distributors or vendors, are required to pay to content creators or those that package Pay TV channels. It means that for every household receiving that package, whether or not anyone in the household watches the channel, Pay TV providers pay a fee. Content rebroadcast agreements usually contain clear and stringent rules on how content owners want their television shows and channels should be sold to viewers. Content owners determine, for example, what packages can contain their channels. With content costs almost always denominated in the US dollar, Euro and the British pound, it is not possible for Pay TV subscription in Nigeria to remain the same for long, especially with the volatility of the exchange rate of the Naira to the aforementioned international currencies. Even then, Pay TV prices in Nigeria are not anywhere near the steepest in the world as many often suggest. A look at the recent price adjustments made by MultiChoice on its DStv platform provides a confirmation. Under the company’s new price regime, the DStv Premium package, which currently costs N14, 700 will from 1 August rise to N15, 800.

Price of the DStv Compact Plus package has also been slightly bumped up from to N10, 650 from N9, 900. The Compact package, which

currently costs N6, 500, will rise to N6, 800.

Prices of the Family and Access packages will equally go up to N4, 000 and N2, 000 respectively from the N3, 800 and N1, 900 currently being paid. Compared to the company’s new rates in Ghana, MultiChoice subscribers in Nigeria can have few complaints. The West African country’s Premium subscribers will henceforth pay GH 365 (N27, 360.75), while those on Compact plus will pay GH 245 (N18, 365.44). Compact and Family subscribers in Ghana will pay GH 149 (N11, 169.18) and GH 85 (N6, 961.60) respectively.

South African subscribers of the company, erroneously viewed as sacred cows, will pay R809 (N21, 728.47) for Premium, R509 (N13, 670) for Compact Plus, R385 (N10, 340.49) for Compact, R249 (N6, 687.75) for Family and R99 (N2, 656.98) for Access respectively.

Similarly in Europe and the Americas, Pay TV subscribers pay more than Nigerians. In the US, Pay TV operator, Direct TV’s two biggest packages cost $110 (N38, 710) and $60 (N21, 660) respectively. For its third biggest package, Xtra, Direct TV charges $55 (N19, 855). Its other packages cost $40 (N14, 440), $45 (N16, 245) and $35 (N12, 635). United Kingdom’s premier operator, Sky TV, charges £79.95 (N38, 167.33) for its fullest package and £47.50 (N22, 572.97) for that next to it. The third package attracts £40 (N19, 008.82), while the three below it cost £30 (N14, 256.61), £25 (N11, 731.54) and £20 (N9, 504.41) respectively.

In Mexico, where the provider offers four packages, the costs are higher than what is paid by subscribers in Nigeria. In the Central American country, Sky TV’s topmost package costs MXN 1039 (N19, 798.52). The three others cost MXN 829 (N15, 796. 52), MXN 649 (N12, 366.93) and MXN 569 (N10, 842.50).

Contrary to the widespread belief that Pay

TV prices around the world are as stable as rock in a windstorm, the fact is they rise yearly.

Analysts reckon that programming costs have risen by eight to 10 percent in each of the past four years-driven by competition for content and other economic conditions, reducing Pay TV operators’ margins and compelling them to keep hike prices to remain afloat. Competition has been made fiercer by the rise of streaming services, which are also in the game for compelling programming, offering another outlet to content owners. When this is added to global economic conditions, prices are unlikely to stay the same.

A 2013 research by Robert Gessner of America’s Masillon Cable TV Inc., warned subscribers to expect large increases in prices.

“Wholesale costs for the lowest level of TV service will increase by 11.5% in 2014; expected to increase 400% by 2020. Wholesale costs for Basic TV will increase by 11.7% in 2014 and double by 2020. Anticipated 2020 out-of-pocket Basic Cable program cost will exceed $80/month, more than $100 retail with no equipment, premium services, Internet or phone service,” wrote Gessner.

US website, consumerreports.org, also reported that most US Pay TV operators hiked their prices in 2018, with some introducing hidden fees, with operators blaming the development on the rise in costs paid for programming.

Industry watchers also posit that addition of new features and functions to services, leading to improved subscriber experience, also contributes to the rise in Pay TV prices.

Except the astronomical programming costs miraculously slide-appreciably, too-there is no chance of Pay TV prices remaining the same for a long time.

––Fashedemi, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž JULY 28, 2018

FAMILY HEALTH

What Your Skin Says About Your Health Status

with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com 08053372356

T

he human skin is the outer covering of the body. It is the largest organ of the human body. The skin has multiple layers of external tissue and guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs. Human skin is similar to that of most other mammals. Though nearly all human skin is covered with hair follicles, it can appear hairless. There are two general types of skin, hairy and glabrous skin. Because the skin interfaces with the environment, skin plays: r "O JNQPSUBOU JNNVOJUZ SPMF JO QSPUFDUing the body against pathogens and excessive water loss r *UT PUIFS GVODUJPOT BSF JOTVMBUJPO r 5FNQFSBUVSF SFHVMBUJPO r 4FOTBUJPO r 4ZOUIFTJT PG 7JUBNJO % BOE UIF QSPUFDUJPO PG 7JUBNJO # GPMBUFT r 4FWFSFMZ EBNBHFE TLJO XJMM USZ UP IFBM by forming scar tissue. This is often discoloured and depigmented.

In humans, skin pigmentation varies among populations, and skin type can range GSPN ESZ UP PJMZ 4VDI TLJO WBSJFUZ QSPWJEFT a rich and diverse habitat for bacteria, and there are several bacterial present on the human skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet.

The skin protects us from microbes and the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and permits the sensations of touch, heat, and cold.

Good health often is reflected in an attracUJWF ZPVUIGVM BQQFBSBODF 4P ZPV NJHIU be tempted to blame aging and stress for facial lines, unsightly fingernails, or hair loss when, in fact, these flaws can signal underlying health issues. This starts by whispering, then it’ll start talking, and, if you don’t pay attention, it’ll start yelling and shouting, and then you’ve got an illness.

Skin has three layers: The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone. The skin’s colour is created by special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. Melanocytes are located in the epidermis.

The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.

There are various telltales physical signs that trouble may be lurking beneath the skin’s surface.

What to look out for.

Telltale Signs:

Lines around the mouth: " QSJNBSZ concern for many women is ageing lines around the mouth, which can be caused by smoking. The effects can be lessened by SFHVMBSMZ BQQMZJOH MJQ CBMN "OE RVJUUJOH smoking, of course.

Sores around the mouth: 4PSFT JO the corner of the mouth may indicate a deficiency of B vitamins. Try introducing more whole grains into your diet, along with green vegetables and meat – all are full PG 7JUBNJO # "MUFSOBUJWFMZ ZPV DPVME USZ UBLJOH B 7JUBNJO # TVQQMFNFOU Dry lips: %SZ MJQT TIPX QPTTJCMF JOUFSOBM EFIZESBUJPO 7JUBNJO # EFà DJFODZ PS ZPV could be low in iron intake. Hydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water.

Dry skin/inammation on the chin: These are sure signs there’s a problem with the digestive system and bowels. Gently massaging in circles and pinching and releasing the chin can help with constipation.

Forehead:

Horizontal lines on the forehead: This may indicate digestive issues. They can be combated by drinking warm water mixed with lemon juice first thing every morning. " QSPOPVODFE GSPXO MJOF " QSPOPVODFE line between the eyes shows the liver is under pressure. This could be for physical, environmental and emotional reasons, an allergy to foods/substances or loss and grief.

This leads to adrenal overload, known as burnout. Try gently massaging the area with

Your skin

Oily skin can be caused or worsened by your diet.

Pay attention to your diet.

As you get older, your skin produces less sebum.

Choose the right cleanser to keep it under control and use a face mask regularly...

The skin may be trying to protect itself from a beauty product that’s too strong for it. Drink lots of water to help drain the lymph system

circular moves.

Pimples on the forehead: This could indicate internal symptoms, such as problems with the liver and stomach congestion, Robinson TBZT %SJOL QMFOUZ PG XBUFS UP ĂĄVTI PVU BOZ toxins. You should also eat more liver-friendly foods, such as leafy green vegetables, and cut out processed foods, as well as caffeine.

Ears and jawline:

Itchy ears: Itchy ears are often the sign of an allergy or low tolerance. Psoriasis and eczema here are signs that the person is depleted in 7JUBNJO % m UIF TVOTIJOF WJUBNJO 4QFOEJOH

10 minutes with the arms and face exposed will give the body vital sunshine and plenty of 7JUBNJO % Acne on the jawline: "DOF IFSF NBZ SFTVMU from eating lots of dairy, sugar and refined foods, such as burgers, chips, crisps and fizzy drinks. Eat more fresh foods and replace fizzy drinks with water to flush out toxins. Ensure the affected areas are cleansed thoroughly.

Acne around the jawline: Oestrogen is a friend to our skin, suppressing sebaceous activity, but when levels reduce as women get older, skin lacks lustre and you may experience acne cysts deep in the dermis and commonly found on the jawline and hairline. Try eating apricots, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, BOE NBOHPT BT UIFZ BMM DPOUBJO 7JUBNJO " UP normalise the production and life cycle of skin cells.

Eyes:

Bags and dark circles under the eyes are typically a telltale sign of one too many late nights (and not enough sleeping in). But if you’re getting plenty of shut-eye and still can’t shake the basset-hound look, you might want to take a look at your diet.

Eye bags and puffiness are caused by fluid buildup in the thin, loose skin that sits below your bottom eyelid. Lots of things—from allergies to crying jags—can cause fluid to accumulate there, but one of the main culprits is eating too much salt. High-sodium foods promote water retention throughout the body, and the sensitive under-eye area is no exception.

Dark circles under the eyes: %BSL DJSDMFT that persist despite regular and restful sleep may be a result of food intolerances. Remove dairy and wheat from their diet and see if the circles MJHIUFO "OPUIFS DVMQSJU JT BMDPIPM m FWFO JO NPEerate amounts this can cause darkness around the eyes. Try to reduce alcohol consumption.

Dark circles on the eyes: This indicates a possible deficiency of iron in the blood. Try reducing the amount of stimulating drinks you have, including fizzy drinks, coffee and tea.

White spots on the eyes: " TFSJFT PG XIJUF spots near the outer rim can indicate a chronic congestion of the lymphatic system. You should avoid lactose and cow’s milk products.

Spots on the cheeks: “These can be caused

by not cleaning foundation away properly so the skin becomes congested. This might be from using a water-based cleanser that doesn’t remove make-up fully. Use an oil-based cleanser and take a break from wearing makeup to let the skin breathe.

Skin:

Dry skin Everyone experiences dry skin from time to time. Usually it’s a minor nuisance caused by cold air or overly hot showers, but in some cases parched, brittle skin is a sign of dehydration or serious health problems.

Hypothyroidism and diabetes can both leach moisture from the skin, for instance, as can nutrient deficiencies associated with a poor diet or eating disorders.

"UIFSPTDMFSPTJT UIF OBSSPXJOH PG BSUFSJFT that leads to heart disease, can affect skin as well—especially on the feet, legs, and shins. If the tiny arteries that carry blood to the extremities become blocked, they can deprive the skin of oxygen, producing dry, shiny patches.

Small bumps under the skin: You may be using too strong a product on the skin. Use the SJHIU DMFBOTFS " NJMEFS POF XPVME CF NPSF suitable if you suffer from this.

Dark patches: These can be caused by medication or illness so please see your doctor.

"HF TQPUT PO UIF PUIFS IBOE NBZ CF UIF body’s way of ridding itself of toxins. Eat more fresh foods, drink more water and massage a small amount of castor oil on to existing age spots.

Oily skin: Oily skin can be caused or worsened by your diet. Pay attention to your EJFU "T ZPV HFU PMEFS ZPVS TLJO QSPEVDFT MFTT sebum. Choose the right cleanser to keep it under control and use a face mask regularly.

Puffy skin: The skin may be trying to protect itself from a beauty product that’s too TUSPOH GPS JU %SJOL MPUT PG XBUFS UP IFMQ ESBJO the lymph system.

Wrinkles

"MUIPVHI XSJOLMFT BSF JOFWJUBCMF UIFZ also may be a sign of osteoporosis. Is your furrowed brow and grooved mouth ratting out your bones? Research reveals an association between wrinkles and bone health in early-menopausal women. The worse the wrinkling, the greater the risk of lower bone density. Most wrinkles are the result of aging, but excessive exposure to cigarette smoke or the sun can speed the process.

It is advised that you pay particular attention, to your body, even though your skin is a very good and reliable telltale and alarm, that there is something wrong with your health.

Indicators can be assured, if you do know that you are eating healthy food, do moderate good exercise, a living sensibly. %P OPU PWFSMPPL BOZ TJHOT BU BOZ UJNF BT JU JT easier to treat a disease or illness, if it is picked up early enough.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Simeon Nwankwo

28.07.2018

World Cup Changed His Price Tag

Salisu Yusuf: Caught in the Act PAGE. 31

30

Simeon Nwankwo World Cup Changed His Price Tag

Þ ÓÝ ØÙÞ ßØÍÙ××ÙØ ÞÒËÞ ËʰÏÜ ÏàÏÜã ÙÜÖÎ ßÚ˜ ÍÖßÌÝ áÙßÖÎ ÌÏ ÝÍÜË×ÌÖÓØÑ ÐÙÜ ÞÒÏ ÝÓÑØËÞßÜÏÝ ÙÐ ÚÖËãÏÜÝ ÞÒËÞ ÝÙËÜÏÎ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ßØÎÓËÖ ËØÎ ÞÒÏ ÜÏÍÏØÞÖã ÍÙØÍÖßÎÏÎ ÙØÏ ÓØ ßÝÝÓ˘ ÓÝ ØÙ ÏâÍÏÚÞÓÙØ ËÝ àËÜÓÙßÝ ßÜÙÚÏËØ ÍÖßÌÝ ÓØ ËØ ËʵÏ×ÚÞ ÞÙ ÝÙÖÓÎÓÐã ÞÒÏÓÜ ÞÏË×Ý ÒËàÏ ÌÏÏØ ÑÙÓØÑ ËʰÏÜ ÚÖËãÏÜÝ ÞÒËÞ ×ËÎÏ áËàÏÝ ÓØ ßÝÝÓ˲ ÓÑÏÜÓË ×Ëã ØÙÞ ÒËàÏ ×ËÎÏ ÓÞ ÚËÝÞ ÞÒÏ ÑÜÙßÚ ÝÞËÑϘ ãÏÞ ÝÙ×Ï ÍÖßÌÝ ÝÞÓÖÖ ÜÏÍÙÑØÓÝÏÎ ÙØÏ ÙÜ ÞáÙ ÞËÖÏØÞÝ ÞÒËÞ ÎÓÝÞÓØÑßÓÝÒÏÎ ÞÒÏ×ÝÏÖàÏÝ ËÞ ÞÒÏ ÍÙ×ÚÏÞÓÞÓÙØ˛ Þ˜ ÞÒÏÜÏÐÙÜϘ ÍË×Ï ËÝ Ë ÖÓʵÖÏ ÝßÜÚÜÓÝÏ ÞÒËÞ ÞËÖÓËØ ÝÓÎϘ ËäÓÙ ËÜÏ ÒÙÚÓØÑ ÞÙ ÝÓÑØ ÓÑÏÜÓËØ ÝÞÜÓÕÏܘ Ó×ÏÙØ áËØÕáÙ

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

31

JULY 28, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

F

ollowing seven goals in Serie A last season and two cameo appearances with Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the World Cup in Russia, the stock of Simeon Nwankwo seems to have escalated, such that Crotone is finding it difficult to keep hold of him into the coming campaign.

Their biggest tussle is now up against Lazio, who is said to have extended their dragnet to scoop Nwankwo, based on the long history they have with other talented Nigerian players.

One of the Rome-based club’s former players, Stephen Ayodele Makinwa is the one Lazio are now using to ensure they get their desired target of hooking Simy, a nickname for Simeon, for the new campaign in Italy.

Simy still has a year left on his contract at Crotone, who were relegated on the final day of this past season, but could be joining Eddy Ogenyi Onazi’s former club after the World Cup. His rush of late goals did not help save modest Crotone from dropping to the lower Serie B, but at least it has alerted top clubs to take notice of what he can do at the club.

“There are several top clubs in Serie A like Lazio who want to sign Simy, but we just have to wait and see what happens after the World Cup. But is almost certain that he will be staying put in Serie A,” a credible source disclosed.

Lazio is willing to pay as high as €10m to grab Simy, but Crotone is hanging on much longer to see if they will be reinstated in the Serie A before deciding on his potential sale.

Simy ended last season on a high, but it was still not enough to help Crotone remain in the Italian top-flight, but they could be reinstated with the positions of Parma and Chievo under threat due to ongoing investigations affecting them.

Parma is accused of attempted match-fixing for a game against La Spezia in Serie B last season, while Chievo faces punishment for falsely accounting the transfer details of 30 players with Cesena.

While the wait lingers, Lazio have already mandated Makinwa to push through the move for Simy, with high hopes that the former striker’s position as a players’ representative will help lure the Super Eagles rookie to Stadio Olimpico next season.

In a chat with THISDAY, former Nigerian international, Paul Okoku, said it was natural for players’ profile to rise after the World Cup. “It is just natural for clubs to go after players after starring for their countries in the World Cup. For a player to make the team for his country shows he is good. Forget the fact that the Super Eagles did not qualify from the group stage, the truth remains that they still put up a good show. After all, they only lost the second round ticket with only four minutes to full time against Argentina.

After losing their first game to Croatia due to a tactical error, the team bounced back against Iceland and in the last group game against Argentina, Nigeria was already coasting home before conceding a last minute goal. But when you also consider that defending champions and favourites , Germany came last in their group you would then realise that the Super Eagles are not that terrible but luck was just not on their side,” Okoku noted.

Speaking further, the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations silver medalist said there were still some players in the team that distinguished themselves in spite of not qualifying from the group

stage.

“Individually, we have some players that had outstanding tournament and clubs would naturally go after those ones to beef up their teams for the coming season,” he said.

For Friday Ekpo, he felt Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr did not really utilise the potential he had in Nwankwo, saying with his height and physical presence, the result might have been different against Argentina, rather than his late introduction in the encounter.

“It was just unfortunate that Nwankwo did not have enough playing time at the Mundial, the whole world would have seen his potentials and by now a lot of European clubs would have been seeking for his services. However, he is still very young and has years behind him to fulfill his ambition. With the Africa Cup of Nations still around the corner and another World Cup just four years from now, there is no way Coach Gernot Rohr could ignore his potentials and I’m optimistic he would surely explode,” Ekpo reasoned.

Speaking in the same vein, Ifeayi Udeze, who represented Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup in Japan-Korea, said respect automatically comes with appearing at the World Cup, and all that the player needed to do is to grab the opportunity that comes his way to earn the respect.

“On returning from the World Cup for Nigeria, Spanish side, Deportivo La Corona had promoted Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho to the first team and he had since started training with the first team. It is now left for him to cash-in on the opportunity. That is what going to the Mundial comes along with,” Udeze said.

It, however, remains to be seen if Lazio would be able to meet Crotone asking price for Nwankwo as the Italian club have upped their asking price for Nigerian striker to 15 million Euros.

Crotone, who will feature in Serie B in the coming season after they were relegated from the top flight this past campaign, were ready to let go their Nigerian goal-machine for a princely seven million Euros before the World Cup in Russia.

But after the big centre-forward made the final cut to Russia 2018 and even played a handful of minutes at the World Cup, Crotone have now doubled their valuation of the player.

“Lazio were ready to pay seven million Euros for Simy before the World Cup and it even looked like a deal would be sealed. However, since after the World Cup, Crotone are asking for 15 million Euros,” a top source told only SCORENigeria.

The 25-year-old scored seven goals in Serie A last season including a spectacular over-head effort against champions Juventus. He still has a year left on his contract with the modest Italian club.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

32

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

Dalung

Pinnick

Giwa

Pinnick Back in the Saddle

Ăž Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă‹ Ă˜Ă™ĂœĂ— ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ÞÓ×Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă&#x;ĂšËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂ™ĂŽĂŁ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă‘Ă™ Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă–ĂŁË› Ă’Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă‘Ă–Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ͺ͸͸͞ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă‹Ă– Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁËœ ÞÒĂ? ÞÒĂ?Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă’Ă“Ă— Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĂŽĂ“Ă—Ă‹ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă™Ă? ÙʊĂ?Ă?Ë› Ă‹Ă˜Ă“ Ă&#x;Ă–Ă&#x; Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă&#x; Ă‹Ă“Ă‘Ă‹ĂœĂ“ ĂŒĂ™ĂžĂ’ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă?Ă–Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– Ă‹ĘĽĂ‹Ă“ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă˜ ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? ͺ͸͚͸ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ͺ͸͚͟ Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ăš ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?ÞÓà Ă?Ă–ĂŁË› Ă&#x;Ăž Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă? Ă‹Ă? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă—Ă‹Ă”Ă&#x; Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă• Ă“Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?Ă?Ë› Kunle Adewale ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?

W

hile the 2018 World Cup was still ongoing and the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, was still in far away Russia attending to FIFA duties, his longtime adversary, Chris Giwa, struck.

Giwa arrived at the Secretariat of Nigeria Football Federation popularly known as ‘Glass House’ with some security agents to assume office as substantive president of the federation, saying his assumption was in line with the ruling of the Supreme Court on June 5.

He said that the court had nullified the parallel election held in Warri by Pinnick, and upheld him as the chairman. “I am here to claim my mandate as the substantive chairman elected on August 26, 2014. We waited for the other board to finish the preparations for World Cup so that we can assume office,� Giwa said.

Giwa had obtained a Jos court order to take over the running of affairs at the NFF in compliance with a Supreme Court order. The apex court had directed all parties involved in the matter to return to the lower courts for another look at the case against NFF’s September 30, 2014 elections in Warri.

He promised to embark on reconciliation of all aggrieved members for the success of the federation, just as he explained that Nigeria’s sovereignty could not be threatened by any foreign interest, saying NFF operated in tandem with the constitution.

Some board members who followed Giwa were: Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Obinna Ogba; board member representing Northwest, Shehu Adamu; Sanni Ferma for North-east; board member representing South-south, Johnson Effiong; Sunday Ajayi for South-west and Yaya Adams for North-central.

However, in a swift reaction, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said the world football ruling body recognised only Pinnick as NFF President, and

Those who are presently trying to instigate confusion, using the name of the President must be aware that the President cannot go against the rule of law. The order issued by the court has not been vacated and the President cannot vacate a court order because there are clear-cut processes of doing that would not accept any outside interference in NFF’s affairs.

Infantino, while responding to questions at a press conference in Moscow, said Pinnick was duly elected and in accordance with FIFA rules. “The situation is very clear. Pinnick was duly elected some years ago, and FIFA is aware of all this. It is also clear to all within the family that there can be no interference in the running of the national federations by any party, especially those outside the football family. So, Pinnick is the President of NFF for FIFA, because he is the one elected,’’ he said.

The FIFA president added that Nigeria as a member-association of FIFA, would then be at the risk of facing the world body’s sanctions if the situation continued as it is now.

Interestingly, on Monday, the Pinnick faction of NFF was restored to office, following a directive from the federal government.

The General Secretary of NFF, Muhammed Sanusi, said, “I am back to my office to assume my legal responsibilities with a clearance from the government. I can assure you that the president will also resume his duties soon.�

Pinnick has indeed expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for intervening to restore the leadership and bring sanity back to Nigeria football. The FIFA recognised

Pinnick-led board had been kept out of office but following the orders of the President, they were led back on Monday.

Speaking immediately after the Secretary-General, Sanusi, called to inform about the latest development, Pinnick, who just came back from Morocco, said he has always trusted in the understanding and commitment of the President to act in the best interest of the nation. “We must give all the credit to our President, Muhammadu Buhari, for acting to restore the leadership of the federation and saving the nation the embarrassment,� Pinnick said. “Even as the situation persisted, I was very positive about his patriotic commitment to the best interest of the nation and his clarity of judgment to bring order to bear. It is said that the sheep cannot be suffering the pangs of birth tied to the stake while elders are around. He has demonstrated this fatherliness in so many ways across various sectors and now football is the latest beneficiary. We thank God for his life and for giving him to us. “By his intervention, the nation has been saved the embarrassment, the world football community has been reassured of the high sense of responsibility of the government of Nigeria as a member of the international community and hope is brought back to thousands of Nigerian youths engaged in football as the various national teams can proceed on their various programmes without apprehension, the various leagues which were stopped under the circumstance can now get back to action while the confidence of the various sponsors, partners and investors in Nigeria football has been restored,� he noted.

Pinnick, however, insisted that there were no victors nor vanquished in the resolution of the crisis. “Football is about people, about unity.

The game belongs to the fans and the pride belongs to the nation. The people are deprived when football is inhibited but with the action of the President, Nigerians can now enjoy what they love most.�

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, however, maintained that President Buhari would not disregard court rulings as it concerns the NFF leadership tussle after the Department of State

Security (DSS) re-instated the Pinnick-led board back to the NFF office in Abuja on Monday.

Dalung described the action of the DSS as “an invasion� by security operatives of the Nigeria Football Federation offices.

In a statement signed by Dalung, he insisted that nothing has changed. “What happened in the NFF is security excesses, but it will be sorted out. As far as I am concerned, nothing has changed. There is no development after the Supreme Court ruling of April 27, 2018, and the Federal High Court Order of 5th June 2018 because the court has not vacated the order,�

Dalung said. “Those who are presently trying to instigate confusion, using the name of the President must be aware that the President cannot go against the rule of law. The order issued by the court has not been vacated and the President cannot vacate a court order because there are clear-cut processes of doing that. “We want to assure Nigerians that government is sorting out the grey areas but nobody should drag the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria into this. The President is an advocate of the rule of law and he cannot be associated with the security excesses of a breach of the rule of law. “The federal government is urging members of the public to remain calm as it is doing its best to resolve the crises in the Nigeria Football Federation. The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has already initiated a process of trying to bring the stakeholders together, to work out a roadmap out of this quagmire,� the minister said.

Dalung had earlier ordered that the NFF should comply with the Supreme Court judgment that overturned the September 30, 2014 election of Pinnick. The minister said the directive followed a written notification by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice requesting the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure compliance.

With what panned out in Abuja on Monday leading to Pinnick taking back his office, the former Delta State boss seems to have to have proven to be the proverbial cat with nine lives as his office now look safe, at least until the next election.

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

GLOBAL SOCCER

Salisu Yusuf

Caught in the Act There have been several allegations against Nigerian coaches collecting bribes but none had really been substantiated. However, when Super Eagles assistant coach, Salisu Yusuf, was caught on camera receiving a bribe, there was no hiding place for him

W

hen Salisu Yusuf was appointed on a temporary basis to coach the Super Eagles against Mali and Luxemburg, which he recorded victories in both games and the Nigeria Football Federation, President, Amaju Pinnick, expressed his satisfaction in both matches, Yusuf started nursing the idea of having the job on a permanent basis.

“I can take responsibility at this level. I have been working as a coach for the past 15 years. I will work a lot harder because the responsibility is higher. It will not change my philosophy as a coach. I will not be surprised if I’m given the job because I have assisted three coaches - Stephen Keshi, Sunday Oliseh and Samson Siasia. I know the job and I can do the job.

“I will use active players, playing for their clubs regularly, conditioning and match fitness will come from their club sides. We will only discussed tactics and strategy for the four days we are together before a game. The quality of the player cannot be compromised and if he is active, he can take responsibility. If you are playing for your club, it will be easier for you to play for the national team,” an ambitious Yusuf said.

However, it was not to be as a German-born coach, Gernot Rohr was appointed as the national team coach, while Yusuf served as an assistant and also in charge of the home-based Eagles, which he led to winning a silver medal at the 5th African Nations Championship in Morocco in Febru-

I can take responsibility at this level. I have been working as a coach for the past 15 years. I will work a lot harder because the responsibility is higher.

It will not change my philosophy as a coach. I will not be surprised if I’m given the job because I have assisted three coaches Stephen Keshi, Sunday Oliseh and Samson Siasia. I know the job and I can do the job ary.

At the recently concluded World Cup in Russia, Yusuf was a conspicuous figure on the bench of the Super Eagles in Nigeria’s three group matches.

But all the ambition and whatever he might have built might just go into the wind with the recent happening to the former Kano Pillars coach- he was caught on camera receiving a bribe.

In a sting operation masterminded

by Ghanaian investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, and aired on the BBC, Yusuf was caught on camera taking cash from men posing as football agents.

In that secretly filmed video, Yusuf was showed receiving money which the sting operators said was to ensure

two players are named in the squad for the 2018 African Nations Championship held in Morocco where Nigeria finished as runners-up.

The video showed Yusuf, who is paid N3 million monthly by the Nigeria Football Federation, taking $1,000 from the undercover reporters, who eluded to other financial incentives after the coach had taken the money.

“So if anything goes through and these players are able to get their contracts, you will get 15 per cent of that contract,” one of the undercover reporters told Yusuf and he replied; “they will be in CHAN.” According to the FIFA code of ethics, officials should not engage in any activity that gives rise to suspicion or collect any cash gifts.

The two players were eventually selected for the African Nations Championship but no further money was requested or given to Yusuf and there’s no further suggestion that the money he took influenced the selection of the players.

In the video, Yusuf said: “You know in football it is supposed to be by your consistency and form.”

But in a swift reaction to the video on Tuesday, Yusuf denied any wrongdoing and said, he neither promised nor committed to selecting players for games, adding that he never asked the undercover journalists for money but it was offered to him and the amount was $750, not the $1,000 Anas claims.

Yusuf also stated that he believes the money falls within the gifts the FIFA codes allow for, viewing it as of trivial and symbolic value and not as an inducement to select the two players represented by the two agents.

Meanwhile, the Disciplinary Committee of the NFF has given their recommendations on the fate of the coach Yusuf.

The NFF Disciplinary Committee has however asked the board to sack him.

A check at the secretariat of the football house in Abuja revealed that Yusuf will be relieved of his role as coach of the Super Eagles and U23s, but it won’t be immediate as he would be given the chance to defend himself by the board of the NFF. NFF President, Pinnick and his vice, Shehu Dikko were said to be highly disappointed and bitter over the conduct of the Kano-born coach, and that has led to suggestions that he won’t survive the axe from the board.

In his defense forwarded to the BBC, Yusuf confirmed meeting with two persons in September 2017 at the said Best Western Plus Atlantic Hotel, Ghana where he had lodged, who introduced themselves as football agents to two players whose names he said he could not remember.

“These individuals spoke to me, among other football-related matters, on the possibility of their principals playing in the African Nations Championship in Nigerian colours . I can remember giving them my honest answer to the end that if the said players were found suitable in the selection process, they would indeed be selected. My response was neither a promise nor a commitment, knowing that I was not the sole person saddled with selecting players for any particular game,” Yusuf said.

How well Yusuf survives this bribery scandal remains to be seen.

34

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

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Ibadan Agog for GOtv Boxing Night 15

B

oxing fans in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, have expressed excitement over GOtv Boxing Night 15 holding on Sunday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.

A fan, Olatunji Odewole, said he was delighted that the event has returned to Ibadan, where it held in March 2017. He also said he was excited at the chance to see Ibadan-based boxer, Akeem ‘Dodo’ Sadiku, feature at GOtv Boxing Night 15. “It is not only great that GOtv Boxing Night is coming to Ibadan but that ‘Dodo’ will be part of those who will fight. We have been hoping to see him

fight," he said.

Another fan, Taofeek Yusuf, said the event would finally afford him a chance to be at the ringside for the first time. “When I heard that GOtv Boxing Night 15 was coming to Ibadan, I was happy. I felt it would give me the chance of seeing boxing right from the ringside after missing the chance last year,� he remarked.

Tajudeen Adigun, who lives a spitting distance from the stadium, commended the sponsors for their support for the sport and the decision to have Ibadan host the event. “As a boxing fan, I am very happy that GOtv Boxing Night is returning to

Ibadan. It is important that big boxing contests like this are spread across the country so that Nigerians can catch a glimpse of its best boxers. I applaud GOtv for ensuring that the people of Ibadan would watch our boxers once again.�

GOtv Boxing Night 15 will feature seven fights on the bout card, the biggest one on the night being the African Boxing Union (ABU), lightweight title bout between Ghanaian challenger, Nathaniel Nukpe , and incumbent champion, Oto Joseph of Nigeria.

Other bouts include an international light middleweight challenge between Akeem Sadiku of Nigeria and Franc Houanvoegbe of Benin Republic; a

Star Support for Football in Nigeria Heap Rewards

Woman Wins Í˝Í¸Í¸ËœÍ¸Í¸Í¸ Ă“Ă˜ Betking’s World Cup Rae Draw A middle-aged woman has emerged winner of N500,000 in the recently concluded World Cup Predictor jackpot by fastest growing sports betting platform, BetKing.

The winner was selected randomly by an electronic draw on July 16.

Omolade Abimbola, who was all smiles, expressed admiration and gratitude to BetKing as she received her winning during an official presentation at BetKing office on July 20 in Lagos.

Love and passion for football brought Abimbola into sports betting; and even though her friends found it strange, she had maintained a strong belief that BetKing was where she would win more. The lady narrated the story; revealing she was in church when she received the news about her winning from a BetKing representative.

"At that point, I knew God had answered my prayer," she added gleefully, as she spoke to journalists. She said the winning would help her invest in some business ideas, noting her desire to keep staking on the Playground for Kings.

In her closing words, she advised punters to register on the BetKing platform to join several other winners like her, as the Premier League season draws near.

Also at the presentation was BetKing's Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, Ruby Chuku. She stated that the Playground for Kings empowers everyone, irrespective of gender. "The Playground for Kings is not designed for men only. If you are an adult man or woman who loves sports and is excited about predictions then BetKing is designed for you. We look forward to welcoming other punters out there who want to join the league of winners at BetKing."

national challenge bout between ABU welterweight champion, Olaide Fijabi and Kazeem Ariyo; as well as a national cruiserweight clash between Michael Godwin and Idowu Okusote, Prince Nwoye will square up against Ridwan Oyekola in a national lightweight duel; Vincent Essien and Segun Olalehin will trade punches in a national light welterweight contest; while Daniel Emeka and Sulaimon Adeosun will slug it out in a national light heavyweight clash.

The event, sponsored by GOtv and Bet King, will be beamed live on SuperSport in 47 African countries. The best boxer at the event will go home with a cash prize of N1 million alongside the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy.

Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (right); Managing Director, GTBank, Mr. Segun Agbaje (second right); Captain of Alamuwa Grammar School, Ado Odo/Ota football team, winner of the 6th edition of the GTBank-Ogun State Principals’ Cup, Deputy Governor, Mrs.Yetunde Onanuga (second left) and Speaker,Ogun State House of Assemby, Suraj Adekunbi, during the ďŹ nals of the tournament at MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta,Ogun State‌ recently

Winners Emerge in GTBank-Ogun State Principals Cup Alamuwa Grammar School, Ado Odo Ota and Muslim High School, Isolu, at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State, emerge champions of the 2018 GTBankOgun State Principals Cup in the male and female categories respectively.

To emerge champions, Alamuwa Grammar School, defeated the defending champions, Pakoto High School, Ifo, by 5-4 via penalty shootouts after both sides played 1-1 in regulation time in a scintillating encounter.

In the female category played earlier, Muslim High School walloped Ajogbo High

School, Ota, 4-0.

The winning schools in both male and female were presented with cheques of one million naira , while the first runners-up schools got N750,000 for their effort.

The second runner-up schools and fourth positioned schools got half a million and N250,000 respectively.

The final was graced by many dignitaries, among whom were Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosu, his deputy, Yetunde Ononuga and the Managing Director, GTBank, Segun Agbaje.

Star Lager Beer has been a strong supporter of football in the country and in 2016, it signed landmark deals with European football giants Chelsea, Barcelona, Arsenal, Juventus, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City. The brand also became the first official beer partner of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The brand signed a deal with the Nigeria Football Federation as the official beer of the Super Eagles to provide support to players and the coaching crew, as well as offering premium satisfaction to over 180 million passionate fans that will be cheering the Super Eagles in the ‘Nigeria United We Shine’ campaign.

In an effort to ensure the partnership between Star and the Super Eagles is a fruitful one, it carried out some activities that have engaged supporters.

The premium brand revved up its consumer engagement activities, sending five passionate fans with a trip to Russia to cheer the Super Eagles live.

Star also set up a state-of-the-art viewing centre called ‘Super Eagles Dome.’ This is a relaxing venue where fans watched the games.

Football legends such as Okechukwu Uche, Ben Iroha, Ike Shorunmu and Tijani Babangida have made appearances at the Super Eagles Dome while music artistes such as Ice Prince, DJ Neptune, Skales and Slimcase have lit up the iconic venue.

Star’s most recent effort has seen the premium brand launch its biggest ever giveaway - a staggering 400 million Naira worth of cash and prizes in the Star Larger Millionaires Promo.

Millions of football lovers across Nigeria stand a chance to win instant cash, free airtime, free drinks and awesome cash prizes of 1 million, 2 million, 5 million and ultimately 10 million Naira between June 15 and August 15, 2018.

Joshua Renews Contract with Sky Sports McGregor Avoids Jail with Guilty Plea World Heavyweight Champion, Anthony Joshua, will fight on Sky Sports Box Office for at least another three years after signing a new deal with promoter Matchroom.

The new deal will include a minimum of Joshua's next five fights, starting with his next bout against dangerous challenger Russian Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium on September 22.

The Sky Ambassador currently holds the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO world heavyweight titles with a perfect record of 21 wins from 21 fights. His last bout saw him defeat New Zealand's Joseph Parker in front of a sell-out crowd at The Principality Stadium in Cardiff on March 31.

Joshua is one of the sport's most feared fighters, with 20 of his 21 fights decided inside the distance. Sky Sports has shown all 21 of his bouts including his unforgettable knockout of Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium and his action-packed fight with fellow Londoner Dillian Whyte.

Unified world champion Joshua said: "When I decided to become a professional boxer I felt the boxing market was stagnating

and in need of new energy.

"Both Matchroom and Sky have backed me and have given me opportunity after opportunity and I will always deliver. They've worked very hard to give me a platform to showcase my skills and tell my story, so choosing to renew our deal was always a matter of when not if.

"We have created history together and we are dedicated to keeping the UK scene in high demand for all boxers and boxing fans, but for me personally, the journey is nowhere near finished yet."

Barney Francis, Sky Sports Managing Director, said: "It's great news for Sky Sports viewers that Anthony Joshua will continue his relationship with us into the next decade.

Since AJ turned professional with Matchroom on Sky five years ago, we have been there every step of the way. He is a real people's champion and a superb role model for the British and global sport.

"Last year, he took part in one of the greatest heavyweight fights of the modern era, and fans can now look to more drama and more huge nights on Sky Sports Box Office."

UFC fighter Conor McGregor has pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in a deal with prosecutors to avoid jail time.

McGregor had faced multiple criminal charges stemming from an altercation in April with other fighters.

As part of his deal he is required to undergo anger management treatment.

The plea will not affect his US work visa.

In a statement outside the New York City courthouse, the 30-year-old thanked the judge and prosecutors "for allowing me to move forward".

He will also be required to fulfil five days of community service and, in exchange, will be cleared of criminal charges.

McGregor had been facing 12 criminal charges related to the incident at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on 5 April.

Media captionWatch footage appearing to show McGregor attacking a bus in New York The charges against McGregor had

included menacing, assault resulting in injury, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.

The most serious charges carried a maximum sentence of seven years.

In a two-sentence statement outside the courthouse, he said: "I just want to say I'm thankful to the DA [District Attorney] and the judge for allowing me to move forward."

"I want to say to my friends, my family, my fans: thank you for the support."

His fans had gathered outside the court, with several holding signs expressing their support for the "champ".

In April McGregor was filmed throwing a metal dolly into a window of a bus parked at a Barclay's Center loading bay.

As a condition of the deal with the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, he was required to pay full restitution to the bus company, which he has already fulfilled.

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

35

GLOBAL SOCCER Moruf Yusuf

Eyes Naturalisation at Zamalek Egyptian club, Zamalek are said to be dangling naturalisation at Nigeria midfielder, Moruf Yusuf after four years of meritorious service at the club. Kunle Adewale asks if the carrot danggled at Yusuf is in good fate or threat

E

gyptian giants, Zamalek have always had a good relationship with Nigerian players from Aki Akishendi to Elvis Ruben to Andy Chiko. All of them had contributed their quota to making the Whites great.

However, none could match the achievement and popularity of Nigerian international, Emmanuel Amuneke’s contribution to Zamalek’s dominance of Egyptian football.

In spite of Amuneke’s loyalty to Zamalek and even leading them to defeat a Nigerian club side, Stationery Stores of Lagos in a continental showpiece, the club in their effort to pay back his loyalty never offered him Egyptian citizenship.

However, the Egyptian club is considering naturalising Nigerian midfielder, Moruf Yusuf in order to keep him at the club and out of the confines of Egyptian League naturalisation policy.

Reports in the North African nation claim that President Mortada Mansour is considering taking the move as the 25-year-old is reportedly close to leaving the club due to the foreign players’ quota.

The Whites currently have five foreign players in Tunisian duo Hamdi Nagguez and Ferjani Sassi, Morocco’s Hamid Ahaddad, Kabongo Kasongo of

Yusuf

DR Congo and Yusuf.

It is reported that Zamalek have started the proceedings of helping Yusuf to get Egyptian citizenship as the club want to honour the player in the light of his commitment and discipline over the past couple of years.

Ever since his move to Zamalek from Ittihad Al-Shorta in 2014, the central midfielder has been an integral part of the team’s setup despite the several managerial changes the team has

undergone.

Observers are however seeing the citizenship being dangled at Yusuf as more of a threat than an offer. As he was said to have been told to either take the offer or he leaves the club.

The Egyptian football governing body are against the country’s club having too many foreigners in their fold and granting Yusuf citizenship would mean he would no longer be regarded as a foreign player.

Although he was called up by the Nigerian national team last year, he didn’t play, meaning he could still represent the Pharoahs if he is granted the citizenship.

Yusuf joined the White Knights in the summer of 2014 and has played 133 matches for them, scoring seven and assisting 14 times.

He was part of the Zamalek team which achieved the domestic double in 2015, as well as winning the Egypt Cup twice.

Rumours that Zamalek star, Yusuf was being called up to the Super Eagles squad for their friendly against Corsica last year are wide of the mark.

The 25-year-old, however, stated that he was not contacted by Manager Gernot Rohr or his lieutenants over an invitation to the national team, but he's willing to represent the country if called upon. ''Nobody has contacted me regarding the friendly between Nigeria and Corsica,'' said Yusuf.

The friendly against Corsica would be played outside FIFA's international window, but the skillful midfielder hopes to make it to France by hook or by crook if he is considered by the coaching staff. ''Why not? I'll be able to make it to France if I am really invited. It is a very good opportunity for me,'' he said then.

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

FAIRGROUND

Dedicated to Digital Beauty’s Masterclass

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

T

he Dedicated to Digital Beauty Edition, a one- day masterclass on digital marketing took place on the 22nd of July at Eyowo in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. This informative masterclass broadened up its prospects and focussed on the digital beauty space. This edition was designed for SME’s, young graduates, owners of small and medium businesses, aspiring digital entrepreneurs and media managers within corporate bodies, who are interested in building a strong beauty brand in the digital space.

The event saw renowned digital beauty experts like Dimma Umeh and Kehinde Smith share their knowledge on how they have succeeded in various sectors using social media and a vast number of digital tools. It was a great opportunity for attendees to learn, discuss and also get clarity in areas where they wished to excel.

The beauty edition of Dedicated to Digital was hosted by Beauty Enthusiast Nowe Isibor, who facilitated and guided the event whilst keeping things very lively. A masterclass by Stephanie Obi was instrumental as she taught the audience how to “Find their Gold”, as well as discovering and maximising their potential.

During a short break, attendees mingled, networked and briefed what had been discussed so far, with drinks from Haute Couture Champagne and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

Games were held during the sessions which gave attendees the opportunity to win some goodies like B natural Spa discount card, Oriki skin care product, Hairfinity goody bag, The Mose Store goody bag and recently launched Knowledge is the New Gold by Stephanie Obi. The masterclass ended with a panel consisting of communications expert; Liz Osho, TV Personality; Idia Eisien, Beauty expert; Ezinne Alfa and Vlogger; Tuke Morgan, each discussing their personal digital journey and how it contributed to their strong brand growth.

Our media partners, Guardian Life, The Blogger Point, Aso-ebi Bella, Businessday, Style Me Africa, Genevieve and Schick magazine were huge supporters of this project.

More Dedicated to Digital sessions will be taking place across the continent and beyond in future years.

Dinma Umeh and Kehinde Smith

Yomi Owope and Nowe Isibor

Ezinne Alfa

Nowe Isibor

Stephanie Ani

Chloes Makeover

Idia Aisen

Dedun

Elegbede, Friends to Hold Special Relief Dinner for Survivors of Otedola Bridge Fire

C

hef Michael Elégbèdé in collaboration with 788 On the Sea has announced a special relief dinner for the victims of the Otedola Bridge Fire. The dinner is scheduled to hold on the today at 7pm at 788 on the Sea. On June 2018, a fuel tanker had exploded during rush hour on Otedola Bridge, Lagos Nigeria. The official death toll was put at 12 with scores of others injured in the engulfing fire that ensued. However, the adverse effects; be they physical, emotional and psychological continue to be felt, withmanyvictimsindireneedofsupport both medically and financially.

It is these present realities that precipitated Elégbèdé to act. Reaching

out across his extensive network of friends and colleagues within the food industry, he partnered the newly opened fine-dining restaurant 788 On The Sea, Lekki , whose management has generously provided their space as the location for the relief dinner.

Suppliers and producers across the food chain have also offered to lend a hand, providing the principal ingredients from which the chefs will create the menu.

The dinner is the first of its kind in Nigeria and Elégbèdé is using his convening power to assemble a team consisting of nine of Nigeria’s leading chefs to prepare a nine course tasting dinner with proceeds going to those gravely affected by the Otedola Fire. The assembled team cuts across cuisines, culture and specialism but

is united by a passion for using their respective skills in food as not only a gateway to gastronomic excellence but also as a means to create positive impact on a micro and macro level.

The chefs participating are: Chef Alex Oke of XO Bakery, Chef Benedict Okuzo, Chef Christian Duhalde of La Taverna, Chef Uzo Umeh of El Padrino, Chef Ozoz Sokoh of Kitchen Butterfly, Chef Imoteda Aladekomo of Heels in the Kitchen, Chef Eros of Cookie Jar, Chef Atim Ukoh of Afrolems and finally Chef Michael Elégbèdé himself.

“We are all committed to the culinary arts. We have a wealth of knowledge and talent. But most of all we have a love of Nigeria.

We feel what we are doing here, as members of the food industry,

in coming together and working collaboratively is something we can see in other industries too. By creating this dining experience, and raising money for those who need it most, we hope in a small way to show the change that we can all be part of when we come together.” said Chef Elégbèdé at a brunch held for the steering committee and the chef participants.

Coordinating the Operations and Communications for the event are media personality, fashion consortium founder and inclusivity campaigner Latasha Ngwube and noted editor and writer Mazzi Odu. Both women are longtime supporters of the food industry and are particularly moved and inspired by this philanthropic initiative.

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

FAIRGROUND

Ciuci Inaugurates New Office

O

ne ofAfrica’s leading consulting firms, Ciuci Consulting will on August 1, 2018 commence its operations in the South-South/ South-Eastern part of Nigeria as it opens its regional office in Asaba, Delta State. This milestone is yet another key achievement for the professional services firm – considered to be one of the most innovative brands in 2018 by Jobberman since the launch of the 2017 Nigeria Business Composite 10 (NiBC 10); an initiative where 10 successful Nigerian Enterprises were honored at the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Ciuci Consulting is a strategy and consumer intelligence company with strong technical expertise in strategy formulation, research, and human capital development. The company is founded on the principle that companies in Africa experience tough challenges that require practical and realistic solutions, not just reports.

For the last 11 years, the firm has provided strategic and operational support to the private and public sectors covering over 250 projects. Its clientele includes MTN, House of Tara, Bestman Games (producers of the City

of Lagos edition of Monopoly), Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Africa Capital Alliance Ltd and Fidelity Bank. Its advisory board is made up of individuals with impeccable track record– Bismarck Rewane, Nimi Akinkugbe and Muhammad Ali Pate.

Services frequently requested for by clients include consumer intelligence; strategy formulation and implementation support; training & coaching; interim management; business outsourcing; business turnaround and restructuring; industry analysis; due diligence; monitoring and evaluation.

According to Dr. Charles Dimnwaobi, the founder of Everyday Supermarket, a retail chain operating in the southern region, a NiBC10 beneficiary and client of Ciuci Consulting- “Ciuci Consulting’s move to cover the South-South & South-East regions is unprecedented and will afford business owners an opportunity to have more convenient access to top quality professional services. I know the positive impact the firm has had on my business and there are many more companies that can benefit from the services the firm renders, especially those requiring business transformation.”

Managing Partner and Founder of Ciuci Consulting, Chukwuka Monye commented: “This regional office shows the firm’s commitment to contributing to the economic development of the region.

We already have clients based here and we want to be more deliberate about deepening our relationships and efforts. We are keen to do two things – work with clients to develop and implement strategies to access more markets as well as hire and train local talent.”

The excitement about Ciuci Consulting in the South South & Eastern regions was also expressed by one of its consultants – Iheanyi Nwaiwu who said: “I relocated to Lagos from Imo State to join Ciuci Consulting and participate in its renowned Analyst Training Program which has sharpened my critical reasoning skills. Top talents from the region now have easier access to this same opportunity I have been exposed to.”

The firm has an exceptional talent pool of consultants who have academic backgrounds from great schools such as University of Ibadan, Harvard Business School, University of Nigeria, Covenant University and University of Oxford.

Chukwuka Monye

Meet the Women of ‘Seven and a Half Dates’

A

Iranse Aje won the best indigenous film of the year.

InApril 2014, she won theAfrica MovieAcademy Award, having emerged as ‘BestActress of the Year’.

Faithia Williams also won the Best Indigenous Language: Yoruba award for the work done in the film Iya Alalake at the 2015 Africa-Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards AMVCA. Faithia Williams will be taking us on a journey of skill and expertise in Seven and a Half Dates. She plays the role of Mrs. Cole.

s one of the most anticipated movies in 2018 is gearing up to hit cinemas nationwide, we cannot help but check out and applaud the lineup of beautiful and amazingly talented ladies in Seven and a Half Dates.

Seven and a Half Dates profiles many brilliantly talented and needless to say hilarious ladies, who are about to grace your screens comeAugust 3, 2018 with their stellar performances and aura.

It will be produced by Toyin Abraham, directed

by Biodun Stephen and written by Joy Isi Bewaji, and the Executive Producer will be Samuel Olatunji, celebrated media entrepreneur, through his Broadway TV Production.

Following the story of a young lady who was set up on several blind dates by her father in a bid to find true love, meet the women of Seven and a Half Dates: Toyin Abraham Beautiful, multitalented, funny and brilliant actress, Toyin Abraham is set to break box office for the second time this year with Seven and a Half Dates. The actress has proven many times that she’s definitely a force to be reckoned with in the movie industry, dishing out brilliant performances in movies she has starred in and this time, she would be bringing her skills and talent into movie.

ToyinAbraham who is tremendously funny will showcase her spontaneity and consistency which has earned her a spot as one of Nollywood’s most sought after actresses in this movie. ToyinAbraham’s many talents is evident in blockbuster movies such as Alakada Reloaded, The Ghost and The Tout, Okafor’s Law, Celebrity Marriage to name a few.

She features as an actress as well as a Producer of this romantic comedy and as you all know, she is as hilarious as ever. She plays the role of Biodun.

Mercy Johnson Mercy Johnson is one of the most skilled, talented and professional actress Nollywood has ever en-

Sola Sobowale

Faithia Williams

countered. Mercy’s spontaneity and interpretation of roles gives her edge ahead of some of her colleagues.

Not only did she breeze her way into the hearts of her viewers and fans but she has found a way to maintainthatpositionwithherconsistencyandtalent.

Bringing this same talent and heat to Seven and a Half Dates, Mercy Johnson is a delight to watch.

Having dazzled the audience with her delectable performancesinawardwinningmovieslikeDumebi the Dirty Girl, 30 days in Atlanta,10 Days in Sun City, War in the palace and more, Mercy’s acting prowess is about to take more flight with this movie.

Mercy plays the role of Bisola Gomez.

Sola Sobowale Veteran Nollywood actress, Sola Sobowale has been blessing our screens since we learnt how to pronounce Nollywood with her outstanding and formidable performances.

Loved by many, respected by all, Sola Sobowale is one everyone wants to act alongside. With her

stellar performance in the highest grossing movies ever, The Wedding Party and The Wedding Party 2, Sola stamped her presence even further making everyone know that she is here to stay. Having been acting all her life, Sola Sobowale brought her A-Game as always in Seven and a Half Date. Sola Sobowale is set to light up the cinemas once again come August 3. She has also featured in hit movies such as Dangerous Twins, Family on Fire and more.

Sobowale plays the role of Mrs. Gomez.

Faithia Williams Actress, Faithia Williams is not a stranger to the Nigerian television screen. Outstandingly talented, Faithia Williams brings the action to this movie.

Her exceptional performance sets the pace for the dramatic moment in this movie.

The actress has starred, produced and directed several Nigerian films over the years. In 2008, she won theAfrica MovieAcademyAward for the Most Outstanding Indigenous Actress and her movie

Bayray McNwinzu Beautiful actress, Bayray McNwinzu, came into limelight after winning the third Amstel Malta Box office (AMBO) reality show and since then, the actress has not relented in proving that she’s more than just a beautiful face but also a multitalented actress.

The actress has starred in movies such as Box Office Hit, The Visit, Tiwa’s Baggage, Tales of Eve, Lies Men Tell and more. Bayray brings her A-Game in Seven and a Half Dates as she tells Mabel’s story to a very convincing level.

These talented actresses are ready to leave fans yearning for more after watching the movie. Seven and a Half Dates will hit cinemas nationwide from August 3rd, 2018.

Biodun Stephen Biodun Stephen is an actress, producer, writer and a Director. The multitalented filmmaker brought her magical touch on Seven and a Half Dates as she sits behind the scene to make this movie a success.

BiodunStephenisthebrainbehindpopularmovies such as Ovi’s Voice, Tiwa’s Baggage, Glimpse, Box Office Hit ‘Picture Perfect’ and more. Her vision and professional touch can be seen all over this movie as the Director.

Joy Isi Bewaji Joy Isi Bewaji might be known for her Facebook Rant but something else the world needs to put a stamp on is the fact that she is a fantastic writer. Her writing expertise birthed the movie ‘Seven and a Half Dates’. Words no doubt come naturally to Joy Isi Bewaji and she is not afraid to tell a story with it.

Dubai-Africa Partnership for Better Health

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heDubai-AfricaPartnership for Better Health Roadshow is a platform that was successfully launched in March 2017 by Segma, an event organiser and management firm based in Dubai, UAE. The first leg of the road show successfully covered West Africa with visits to Lagos in Nigeria and Accra between the 15th – 22nd of March, 2017. The event is held under the patronage of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in association with Dubai Health Experience (DXH) and Emirates Airline being the official partner.

The event brings together health care providers and medical organisations from across Dubai, to visit destinations representing important and growing sources of health and medical tourism to the Emirate

from around the world. It is geared at showcasing Dubai-based diverse health care providers, sharing information that is crucial and beneficial to those seeking specialised health care outside Nigeria and supporting the emergence of Dubai as a destination for Medical Tourism.

This year, the second leg of the DubaiAfrica Health Partnership, is covering East Africa with events held in Nairobi, Kenya on the 17th of July and subsequently, Lagos, Nigeria on Thursday, the 19th of July, 2018.

The Lagos event was held at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and officially kicked-off with a welcome speech by Aysha Al Aleeli of Dubai Health Experience. With Rasha Kayyal, the Senior Events Manager of Segma, the organisers of the Dubai-Africa Partnership for Better Health Roadshow

in attendance. The medical exhibition, which featured 14 exhibitors (health care providers across a wide range of fields and areas of speciality), gave attendees the opportunity to meet and engage with the health care providers one-onone. The Health Bank, Dubai and The Neuro Spinal Hospital, Dubai were part of the exhibitors. Representatives from the Dubai Health Experience were also present. It was a great opportunity to find out what Dubai has to offer with regards to Medical Tourism.

Dubai is not only recognised as one of the best tourist destination in the world, it is fast becoming a recognised and preferred option for medical tourism due to accessibility, high quality standards and access to international specialists as well highly equipped, modern medical facilities.

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Lexus Unveils Striking LFA Art Car

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L-R: Deputy Director, Information, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mrs. Susan Bisong-Taiwo; Zonal Commanding Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), ACM John Meheux; Director, Special Duties, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. David Oyetunji; Tyre Specialist, Infinity Tyres Limited, Mr. Rajendra Vishwakarma; Spokesman, FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem; and Vice President, Dana Motors, Mr. Olu Tikolo at the 2018, NAJATraining workshop held at GoldenTulip Hotel in Lagos …recently

Aliyu: NAIDP Law Will Boost Investors’ Confidence Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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irector General of NADDC, JelaniAliyu has, again called for a law backing the NigerianAutomotive Industry DevelopmentPlan(NAIDP),becauseitwould boost the confidence of investors in the sector, leading to economic growth of

the nation.

Aliyu reiterated his call at the 2018 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Annual Training Workshop in Lagos, during the week. He said more effort should be made to make the law, considering the fact that it had passed known processes in at the nationalassemblyinthelastandcurrentgovernment.

Discussing“Achieving2013-2020NigerianAutomotiveIndustryDevelopmentPlan(NAIDP)UnderThe Current Regime: How Feasible?” Aliyu, who was represented by NADDC’s Director of Special Duties, David Oyetunji said the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) has admitted the automotive industry for consideration as one of its priority development sectors.

HesaidOriginalEquipmentManufacturers(OEMs) came from South Africa to meet with the National Assembly and Vice President and “implored Mr. Presidenttoputascentonthebillasitwasconsidereda keyfactorforthemtoestablishtheirplantsinNigeria.”

Apart from the legal aspect, other challenges the NAIDP is facing include difficult process of certification of bona fide motor vehicle assemblers/ manufacture;theprogramstoprecedetheimposition

of 35% levy on USED vehicle which can potentially undermineinvestmenthavenotbeenrealizedbecause of investors fear of policy reversal and delays in the integration with Nigeria Customs Service to obtain VIN records and the outstanding full Buy-in of the Nigeria Customs Service due to misunderstanding of policy intent and perceived conflict with revenue collection.

For NAIDP to make further progress, Aliyu said “Nigeria Customs Service should collaborate with NADDCfully.Misunderstandingofpolicyintentand perceived conflict with revenue collection, Nigeria Customs Service should collaborate with NADDC fully. The policy has not been signed into law by Mr. President whose approval is most deserved and the problem of smuggling of used vehicles from neighbouring countries has not been fully curtailed.”

According to him, the NAIDP has inbuilt support programs to realize set targets in output, standards and skills, some of which include collaboration of NADDC with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in establishment of world class automotive test laboratories for emission, components and materials.

Aliyu said on the directive of NADDC, the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), has planned to start implementing SONCAP on imported vehicles by requiring that all used vehicles imported into Nigeria have a road worthiness certificate from their country of origin.

To develop the automotive market further, Aliyu statedthatallassemblershavebeendirectedtoinclude alow-costvehicleinthemodelstheyrollouttoenhance ease of ownership by Nigerians, adding that so far,

Nissan, Hyundai, KIA, Volkswagen and others have all assembled brand new lower cost vehicles.

Speakingfurther,theNADDCbosssaidthat“NAIDP provides for a credit purchase scheme to ensure that funds are available cheaply, as loans to civil servants, haulage and passenger commercial companies and the public that patronise made in Nigeria Vehicles.

Council has accordingly applied to the CBN for the proposed entity operating licensee and concessions to attract additional funding from Development Finance Institutions.

“The 35% levy on used vehicles under NAIDP have been suspended until the successful launch of the low-cost Vehicle Credit Purchase Scheme and the establishment of safeguard against anticipated smuggling and diversion of goods to neighboring ports. Nigerians buy used vehicles largely because they are cheap but most no longer have engineering integrity and pose safety and environmental hazard.

Money used by Nigerians to buy used vehicles can be made as down payments for new cars assembled locally. The rest will be staggered over a comfortable period.”

He advised that government should form the habit of using vehicles made in Nigeria as that would show government’s commitment to job creation and industrialization besides setting example for others to follow.

He said, “The office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation had issued a circular to this effect and Bureau of Public Procurement has commenced implementation in conjunction with the NADDC.”

Rolls RoyceWraith Luminary Film Shines Light on Bespoke Craftsmanship

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rom shooting stars to illuminated wood, the Wraith Luminary Collection encapsulates the extraordinary talent of the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective. Just 55 motor cars exist, inspired by, and created for those who lead where others follow.

Rolls-Royce releases a short film exploring the finer details of the Collection. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke Designer, Matthew Danton, commented, “Wraith Luminary epitomises contemporary craftsmanship. It is innovation. It is design and technology combined.

Every aspect of the motor car has been taken to the next level and enhanced in some way; each feature has been magnified. Wraith Luminary is the Ultimate hand-crafted gran tourismo.”

Wraith Luminary Collection

exus will unveil a uniquely painted LFA this weekend to celebrate the debut of its RC F GT3 contender in the Total 24 Hours of Spa endurance race.

The reveal of the LFAArt Car also marks the 10th anniversary of the Lexus “F” performance brand and showcases the brand’s passion and dedication to creativity and design.

The bespoke livery of this one-off vehicle was designed by Portuguese artist Pedro Henriques who transformed the supercar’s exterior with a striking black-and-white theme.

His design unites the lines of the iconic Lexus LFA V10 supercar with a flowing, organic pattern that embodies the feeling of movement and constant evolution.

Henriques said his inspiration “was the idea of fluidity present in the contemporary life, where things are in constant movement and it’s hard to freeze anything.

“The lines in the drawings follow this feeling of going everywhere and never stopping; a progressive life. I hope to express a feeling where the car becomes a less defined shape, in constant mutation in its movement.”

The Emil Frey Lexus Racing team is competing with two Lexus RC F GT3 coupes in the 70th edition of the 24 Hours of Spa, the toughest race in the Blancpain GT Series championship.

The LFAArt Car will join the on-track parade tomorrow (Saturday) before the start of the main race.

Cycling Jacket Prompts Riders to Turn

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inding the way through busy streets on two wheels can be daunting and for cyclists who take their eyes off the road to glance at navigation apps, this can also increase risk – both for them and for other road-users and pedestrians.

Now, a group of cycle-enthusiast employees at Ford have come up with a unique wearable that enables riders to find their way around more easily, and to more clearly display their presence and intentions to others, while connected to an app.

“At Ford, we want to help people – and goods – move more safely, confidently and freely around our cities,” said Tom Thompson, project lead for the Ford Smart Mobility team. “The smart jacket concept helps us to better understand how the different players that are a part of the urban mobility ecosystem – cyclists, cars, and pedestrians – can better co-exist through the application of smart technologies and how we can apply those learnings to future ideas.”

The smart jacket concept has sleeves that light up to show when wearers plan to turn right or left. Wirelessly connected to a smartphone, the jacket’s bike-friendly navigation app vibrates the appropriate sleeve, so riders know which way to go, using routes that avoid busy roads and junctions.

And there is no need for cyclists to take their eyes off the road or their hands off the handlebars to consult a smartphone screen. Audible and haptic interfaces enable riders to take calls, receive messages and repeat navigation guidance. The jacket also integrates a flashing brake light.

“There is an immediate change in mindset once there is no longer any need to stop to consult navigation apps directly on your phone – or worry if you’re heading into a particularly busy or dangerous road junction,” said Thompson who helped to develop the jacket in his spare time.

The passionate team of cyclists who developed the jacket and have been trialling it on their daily cycle commute to the Ford Smart Mobility Innovation offices in London are charged with researching the “last-mile” challenge. This refers to the last-leg of a journey not only in the context of a personal commute but also around delivering goods and services in dense and congested urban environments. This leg is generally associated with higher cost and more complexity.

The smart jacket concept ties into Ford’s “Share The Road” campaign that aims to foster greater harmony and empathy between both drivers and cyclists. It also coincides in the UK with a week when cycling and technology take centre stage through Bike Week UK and London Tech Week 2018.

Bicycles are becoming ever more popular in urban environments for commuting, for recreation and for delivering goods and services.

Developed with urban cycling clothing specialists LUMO and mobility software experts Tome, the smart jacket concept underlines Ford’s collaborative approach to innovation. Further advanced features in the pipeline would enable commercial dispatch riders to access calls and messages using hand gestures and voice commands.

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World premiere: Porsche Presents new Macan

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Mercedes-Benz new G-Class

Smart Everyday Items for Unique MINI Moments Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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clear use of form, unmistakable design and high-quality materials are the standout features of the new MINI Lifestyle Collection 2018–2020.

The Collection includes more than 100 items, from clothing and bags to luggage, accessories, children’s gear and mobility items. The Collection is available from July at www.shop.mini.com and from MINI dealers.

A clear use of form, unmistakable design and high-quality materials are the standout features of the new MINI Lifestyle Collection 2018–2020.

The new Collection offers a wide range of products

designed to ease, enrich and beautify everyday life in all its variety and embodies the essence of the MINI brand in its cars and beyond. The Collection includes more than 100 items, from clothing and bags to luggage, accessories, children’s gear and mobility items. The Collection is available from July at www.shop.mini.com and from MINI dealers.

Aesthetically pleasing range of high-quality products.

A striking pair of new exterior colours (“Island” and “Coral”) are the most prominent visual features headlining the MINI Lifestyle Collection 2018–2020. “Island” – a very modern shade of blue – reflects the exterior colour “Island Blue” available for the current MINI Countryman. Radi-

ant “Coral” red is the perfect colour complement and adds a fresh accent. The base colours Black, White and Grey provide the perfect backdrop for the two accent colours.

The products in the Lifestyle Collection continue the new MINI Lifestyle aesthetic introduced in 2016 and impress with well thought-through details and a minimalist and expressive design very much in tune with the times.

Added to which, they all possess that special MINI twist – a particular spark to their design or functionality. Contrasts in form, colour and material play a key role here. High-quality and authentic materials demonstrating responsible use of resources help shape the character of the Collection.

orsche has unveiled the new version of its compact SUV. The Macan has been a great success since its launch in 2014, and has now been enhanced in terms of design, comfort, connectivity and driving dynamics, resulting in the model remaining as the sporty flagship in its segment. Staying true to the Porsche design DNA, the new Macan features a three-dimensional LED tail light strip and LED headlights as standard.

The most striking innovations inside the vehicle include the 11-inch touchscreen of the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM), re-designed and re-positioned air vents and the GT sports steering wheel familiar from the 911. The PCM also enables access to new digital functions, such as intelligent voice control. The vehicle’s range of comfort equipment has also been expanded to include an ioniser and windscreen heating.

LED headlights and new tail light strip as standard The new Macan now has an even sportier and modern appearance, thanks to a number of changes to the exterior. Numerous details reflect the DNA of the iconic 911 and the 918 Spyder sports cars, including headlights featuring LED technology as standard. The Macan’s high-quality lighting system which features modules with a three-dimensional design can be further optimised if desired with the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS) that adaptively controls light distribution. The front end of the Macan has also been meticulously re-worked, with it now appearing wider, while the comprehensive overhaul at the rear builds on the sleek design of the previous model. The three-part, three-dimensional LED light strip at the rear represents another typical Porsche design feature. The four-point design of the brake lights also reflects the brand’s identity.

New options: GT sports steering wheel and ioniser The new Macan’s link to the 911 is further emphasised in the interior of the model with the optional GT sports steering wheel.

Uber Driver-partner Wins Brand new Car with uberFREEKICK Campaign

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lucky driver-partner signed on to Uber, today drove home a brand new car courtesy of Uber’s uberFREEKICK campaign. The presentation of the car was done at the Uber Greenlight Hub - a dedicated support centre for driver-partners in Lagos.

Speaking at the presentation, Lola Kassim; General Manager West Africa, Uber said: “Our unique brand proposition at Uber is that we are committed to creating business and economic opportunities, especially for driver-partners.

We value our driver community and are always looking at ways in which we can make their experience more memorable on Uber. We’re excited to continue stimulating growth across a broad range of sectors within the Nigerian socio-economic space.”

The lucky driver-partner, Banjo Olayemi couldn’t hide his joy and surprise at being announced the winner of the brand new car. “I am very happy to be the winner of the brand new car; I almost didn’t believe it, but my name

was called repeatedly. My appreciation goes to the management of Uber for this great initiative and for truly supporting drivers in word and in deed. Owning a new car means I can be more efficient with my work, and offer my riders excellent service.”

According to Osi Oguah; Senior Driver Operations Manager for Nigeria, Uber “This competition was open to all driver-partners with active accounts in Lagos or Abuja.” Shedding more light on the metrics for selecting a winner, he said: “The winner of the uberFREEKICK competition needed to complete 40 trips per week in Lagos or Abuja during the competition period, in addition to meeting other criteria.”

In the coming week, the uberFREEKICK train moves to the capital city of Abuja, where another lucky driver-partner will go home with a brand new car.

Uber recently commemorated its Fourth year of operations in the city of Lagos. The global technology brand also unveiled its new advert campaign tagged “Moments that Matter.”

L-R: Osi Oguah; Senior Driver Operations Manager Nigeria, Uber, Banjo Olayemi; Driver-Partner, Lola Kassim; General Manager West Africa, Uber and O’Yoma Ukueku; Greenlight Operations Manager West Africa, Uber at the presentation of the brand new car to Olayemi to mark the culmination of the uberFREEKICK campaign… recently

Nobody Can Drive Safely Whilst Using A Mobile Phone

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s I round up my focus on the risky habit of phoning behind the wheels, please permit me to run a couple of other comments which reveals the mindset of a handful of drivers. While a good number of those I shared with you last week were mostly deviants who see nothing good in the effort to restrain their bad habits, the few I will share with you today are to me models who rather than join the bandwagon, are extremely opposed to the risky and extremely dangerous diehard habit.

I do not know whether you belong to the deviants or to these saintly motorists. While you are trying to fit into your group, enjoy the comments which thrill me. The first motorist recalled a book written

by John Miles, a former HendonAdvanced Wing Instructor in 1970 titled, and Expert Driving the Police Way, which he noted is probably, still the best book on police driving. The book he recalls believes that even having a conversation with a passenger could induce a loss of attention. This book was written, long before the advent of mobile phones.

Another expressed concern that some drivers think they can do certain frowned-upon and/or illegal things safely… until the day when it goes wrong warning that it is possible to drive and use a phone without incident… for a while, but essentially you are on borrowed time. Besides driving and using a phone, he identified excessive driving and tail -gazing as some other common habitssomeindulgeinwithoutrepentance.Driving, noted another is one of those everyday activities where you have to concentrate on getting it right all the time and not drop your guard. This motorist reminded drivers that it is dangerous and can be an offence to smoke or drink or eat or other matters

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

such as a free animal unrestrained in the vehicle, lamenting that a lack of knowledge, apathy and complacency abounds within the general driving population.

Havingrunyouthroughtheseinterestingcomments by some road users, let me inform you that these continued die- hard habits of deviant drivers has compelled the development of a new system which

by Norfork County Council in partnership with vehicle activated signs manufacturer, Westcotec as part of efforts to deter motorists from using mobile phones on the wheels. What the technology does is to identify what type of signal is being transmitted by the handset and whether it is being used via the vehicle’s Bluetooth system. When the relevant signal is detected – indicating that a mobile phone is being used within the vehicle – the road sign is activated as the vehicle passes, giving a flashing visual message intended to prompt the driver to stop using their phone. Although at present, there is no facility to record a vehicle’s number plate, this is likely to be a future development as the new technology enables

authorities to provide a reminder to drivers who may be using their handset whilst driving .It is also a step towards making using a mobile phone whilst driving as socially unacceptable as drink or drug-driving.

Yet while such a technology advancement is being awaited, new reviews on the dangers of talking and driving at the same time are being expected. The International “Telecommunication Union states that texting, making calls and other interaction with in-vehicle information and communication systems while driving is a serious source of driver distraction and increases the risk of traffic crashes.

The Virginia Transportation Institute found out that text massaging increases a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted. Even the use of hands free, according to the Transport Research Laboratory, makes drivers four times more likely to have an accident, concentration level reduced for 10 minutes after the call had ended. The report also showed that drivers making hand free calls had slower reaction times than those who were slightly over the drink limit.

In the United Kingdom, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident (ROSPA) believes that the 30 deaths a year linked to mobile phone use is “just the tip of the iceberg”, because so few drivers admit to using mobile phone when they cause crashes. crashes involving distracted driving injured more than half a million people in 2008 in the United State ofAmerican ,deadly driving habits kill nearly 6000 American a year, according NHTSH. Car crashes are the leading Killer of youths in American – they kill an average of 11 teens each day.As noted by experts talking on the phone while driving causes as much impairment as drunk driving; it is like driving after

you have taken four bottles of beer and if you are texting while driving, you are 23 times as likely to get into a crash. In the US, nearly a third of all crashes are either talking or texting. Studies have shown that drivers, who use their cell phone for talking or texting, have much slower response times than those who do not.

They also have slower reaction times than people with blood alcohol levels of 0.08. Studies have also shown that people who talk and drive at the same time are four times likely to crash. Those who text and drive are 20 times more likely to be involved in a road traffic crash. While the danger of phoning or texting behind the wheels is undisputed, laws that ban texting while driving have not reduced the number of crashes across four states in the US. According to a study, but a slight increase in road accident has been recorded.

The Highway Loss Data Institute compared the insurance claims in four states of California, Louisiana, Minnesota and Washington before and after the texting ban, with those in nearby states that don’t have these laws. After the bans, crash patterns varied from one percent more in Minnesota, and the largest crash increase of 12 per cent after the texting ban was among young drivers in California. The researches have calculated rate of collision claims for vehicles up to nine years old during the months before and after driver texting was banned.

The study shows crashes have increased in three states after the bans were enacted, which indicates that bans could increase the risk of crashing for drivers who continue to text despite the laws. The study notes non compliance as the key reason for the increase in crashes as young drivers among 18-24 years are most likely to text with 45 per cent sayingtheydosoinStatesthatbantexting.Itpointed out that the bans are ineffective as 48 per cent of driversadmittedtotextinginthestatewithoutbans.

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

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ΀˜ ͰͮͯͶ

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Language Reviews

EBERE WABARA

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EDIA Gaffes” is a compilation of language reviews of the Nigerian media (print and electronic). The simple—but not simplistic—characterization removes the boredom usually associated with most grammar textbooks and reference materials.

There is a slight repetitive input in this work. It is deliberate for purposes of emphasis. My experience has shown that most people get acquainted with literary issues only after several textual encounters.

In fact, the recurrent nature of communicative mistakes justifies the disposition. While craving the indulgence of those who will benefit from this imperfect design, I appeal to critics to empathize with me on the basis of my other avocations and taxing commitments. This, however, is not exonerative of any deficiencies.

According to J. E Metcalf, poor English is with us everywhere, on the radio and TV, in newspapers and books, in our speech and correspondence. Of course we cannot all have the same magnificent command of English as Shakespeare or Churchill, but we all need a thorough grounding in the basic elements of English.

Some of the problems examined in this column are: the omission of determiners before the singular forms of count nouns, circumlocution, the plurality of non-count nouns, recurrent use of reflexive pronouns in place of reciprocal pronouns and the use of transitive verbs without objects.

When a word is said to be count or non-count (or uncountable), it means that it is not capable of making a morphological distinction between singular and plural

BY

forms. The distinction between count and no – count words should not be interpreted literally. It is does not refer to the possibility of the object designated by the work being physically countable. Rather, it refers to the grammatical characteristics of the word. It is germane to ad that some words have a dual nature: they can be count or non – count, depending on context.

The pervasive American influence on every aspect of humanity is such that some people are beginning to say that by the turn of this century, American English world have replaced the Queen’s version.

Non – native users of the English language tend to make the language logical when it is not. This is responsible for absurdities like electorates, inputs, and folks (which do not, formally, require inflexions).

Of course, Americans and those who cling to dynamism (for the sake of it!) advance this linguistic monstrosity.

While the battle for language supremacy continues, individual differences and scholarship are what would determine preferences—not necessarily conventional acceptability—as long as there is no ambiguity in meaning.

Linguistic currency is such that changes take place at a rate that even those with a passion for a particular language are unlikely to catch up. So what loves of the English language do is to continually keep abreast of latest trends and strive after excellence. A lot of morphological changes occur, but the basic rules remain the same: antecedents and (verbal) complement must always agree, as an instance.

The fact that the English language is illogical does not mean that users should not exercise some form of logic in their applications. All one needs is a voracious literature culture. Most people’s reading habit is abysmally poor; a majority of those

who read at all prefer gossip materials to lucrative publications. And because such sensational rags are written in horrible English, the inclination to classic conformity becomes structurally obscure. These points cannot be ignored because they impair the effectiveness of communication. One does not need to be a pedant before appreciating the worth of words.

Concord refers to subject-verb agreement while discord of course implies disagreement between head-words and their predicated. The total stock of words in any language is known as the lexis. Linguistics deals with the scientific study of language in its widest sense and in every aspect. And the employment of words that indicate the same thing amounts to tautology. Other technical terms that follow are self – explanatory.

Conrad and Fishman (1977) claim that the English language “is the language of is diplomacy, the predominant language in which mail is written, the principal 300 million people and an additional language of perhaps that many more.” They assert: “All in all…English is clearly the major link language in the world today.” It is, therefore, the hope of the author that these informal chapters will contribute to our knowledge of this fascinating, universal medium of expression Possessive pronouns differ from possessive nouns in that they do not take the apostrophe (‘s). However, a recurrent usage problem among many users is the insertion of the apostrophe in absolute possessive pronouns (your’s, their’s, it’s and our’s), Sometimes, when pronouns with unspecified gender are used, these are often followed up with the forms he/she or him/ her. Examples: if anybody asks of me, tell him/her to wait. Every student should submit his/her assignment by Tuesday.

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

These forms are not inherently ungrammatical, but they render usage stylistically inelegant. This can be avoided by either substitution him/he in a generic sense or using the plural forms (them or their).

Example: Every student should submit his assignment by Tuesday. If anybody asks of me, tell them to wait. However, the form used in the second example should be restricted to informal usage.

In whatever form of communication we engage in, we need to avoid overused phrases (or words). They weaken the quality of our writing or speech. Some of these are: axe to grind: be that as it may: bear in mind: by and large: explore every avenue; fact of the matter; in the meantime; in the near future; in view of the fact; last but not least; leave no stone unturned; needless to say; on the contrary; the man in the street; to all intents and purposes; by the way…you can expand the trite list.

In concluding this random overview, it is instructive that we develop a critical attitude towards words, their forms and functions. That way, a good command of the English language is ensured as long as this approach is sustained.

There are so many points to underscore, but since this is no grammar title per se, we leave all that to the second volume which will be devoted to the theories and rudiments of the grammar of the English language. This does not reduce the utility of the present volume; it’s just that it can’t accommodate other basic aspects of the language.

Last line: dictionaries should be studied—not read like newspapers!—when we make references: first meanings of entries are usually not enough as they do not add much to knowledge.

PERSPECTIVE

Abubakar Malami: Balancing the Scale Wale Suleiman

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awyers know everything about the scale of justice.

When Judges weigh the evidence against the claims, they tilt the scale either in favour of justice or in support of the evidence. That is the culture of the court. But in governance and politics, the scale is different. Sentiments, perception and interests are the items on the scale. The politician finds a different hue of justice, not the justice the court espouses. In the political court, evidence is not as important as the perception of the evidence.

Facts are not as relevant as sentiments and interests.

This is what Abubakar Malami (SAN) Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, must have learnt about Nigeria’s politics since November 15 when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as the country’s Chief Law Officer.

On almost every important issue of law he has dealt with, the politicians have always reminded him that the values are different in politics. His official actions and pronouncements have stirred insinuations, sentiments and outright resentment from people hiding under institutions and patriotism.

A pragmatic lawyer working in an administration that craves results under difficult and even frustrating circumstances, he has had to find ingenious ways of getting around a system that frustrates go-getters. He has found himself thinking about the law and about politics simultaneously. Is this action the right step to take? If Yes, would the politicians see as right? What would be the insinuations, and what could be the fall out of such insinuations?

Sometimes the politicians have demanded actions that are clearly against the law. Such situations are

Malami, Attorney General of Federation

tempting especially when they could help to prove an important point. Like the time politicians demanded the government publish the list of looters.

A lawyer knows only the court has the constitutional duty to pronounce anyone guilty of a crime. Section 6 (1) of the constitution states as follows: “The judicial powers of the federation shall be vested in the courts to which this section relates, being courts established for the federation.”

Section 36 (5) of the constitution which guarantees fair hearing to all litigants’ states as follows: “Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed to be innocent until he is

proved guilty, provided that nothing in this section shall invalidate any law by reason only that the law imposes upon any such person the burden of proving particular facts.”

Yet, a refusal to bring out the list would have portrayed the government’s anti-corruption fight as mere noise and witch-hunt, and a capitulation would also send a wrong signal about the administration’s respect for the rule of law.

Thus, when the government eventually released a short list of alleged looters (those facing court actions), the same politicians carpeted the administration as violating the rights of those mentioned. Some even went as far as calling for the AGF’s sack.

When the issue of the recall and re-instatement of Abdulrashhed Maina, former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform broke, Malami also became the fall guy. An alleged meeting between the AGF and the fugitive in Dubai two years ago became the subject of focus. The House of Representatives engineered a public hearing on the issue and the AGF was invited to defend himself.

Again, the conflict between law and politics reared its ugly head. The AGF defended his alleged meeting as necessary to get to the bottom of the rot Maina had investigated. It was a pragmatic action which, even though not unlawful, was seen as morally wrong by the politicians. The House ad-hoc committee that did the hearing later turned in a highly discredited report indicting the AGF as complicit in Maina’s re-instatement.

Responding to his indictment by the House in an interview with a magazine, the AGF said: “If hundreds of Mainas believe that they have information to offer as far as the protection of the national interest is concerned, I will meet them and will do so again.”

Similarly, a recent constitutional action of issuing an Executive Order against

corruption by President Muhammadu Buhari was given a controversial spin by lawmakers who attacked the President for “usurping” their function.

The Senate, especially those in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) revolted strongly against the order. The Senate eventually passed a resolution summoning the AGF to appear before the legislators to defend the action. It was a resolution many saw as unnecessary and uncalled for since the President did not breach any constitutional provisions.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos on the issue, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who is also a lawyer, defended the constitutionality of the Executive Order, saying those opposed to it should go to court. He added: “The truth is that, having realized the potency of the Order in giving muscle to the fight against corruption – which by the way is one of the three cardinal programmes of our administration – the corrupt and their cohorts have become jittery.

They have every reason to be. Henceforth, it won’t be business as usual.”

And just last week, the politicians again planned to put the AGF on the spot over the loot recovered from Europe from the late General Sani Abacha family. An online paper had, curiously, published stories about some alleged wrongdoings of the AGF regarding the recovered loot. The AGF was accused of hiring new lawyers to wrap the deals when they had already been concluded by the previous administration. The paper claimed it was a way “finding jobs for the boys.” And that the FG should disclose how much it had collected so far.

No doubt the allegations were untrue and they had been debunked. But the House still went ahead to fix a hearing, which was later canceled at the last minute! So much for politics!

––Suleiman wrote in from Lagos

JULY 28, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

Bubble Collection by

Osuare

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž JULY 28, 2018

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Bubble Collection

by Osuare

B

ubble collection is a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

It is a tribute to my late grandmother who passed away at age 115.

115 She loved life, colours and celebrated her culture. This colleccele tion was inspired by most of the things thin she loved and was passionate about especially the coming of age festival which is a celebration of life l in Otuo Edo state.

During this festival, the masquerade is the centre of attracm ma tion tion and it is always beautifully coloured, and the embellishments colo on on tthe masquerade are all

handcrafted. In this collection,we used age long African handmade fabrics like asooke and adire to make contemporary designs. Each of the pieces are versatile and can be worn by every and any woman in the world.

Details on the collection includes hand embriodery and hand painting. The collection Shoot credits Photography by Orion Pixels (instagram @orionpixels) Styling by Rhoda Ebun (instagram @rhodaebun) Model Agency Catch 22 Modelss (instagram @catch22models)

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... ͸΀͹ͽͽ͹ͻ͹΀Ϳͼ

President, Mike Omotosho Foundation, Dr. Mike Omotosho; Women Deliver Young Leader, Barr. Cecillia Aransiola ; and National Coordinator of Vanguard Against Drug Abuse, Dr Hope Omeiza at a seminar titled ‘Drug Abuse and Our Future in Abuja recently

L-R: Director of Finance, Lagos State Department and Property company (LSDPC), Biodun Muritala; DGM,Corporate communications and Marketing, Olusola Martins and MD/CEO, LSDPC. Jide Sanwo-olu during the 13th Annual General meeting of Lagos Building Investment Company PLC in Lagos recently

For Konga, It’s a Fulfilled 6th Anniversary As foremost e-commerce firm, Konga concludes its sixth anniversary ‘Big 6’ promo tomorrow, the company has expressed satisfaction in the turnout and feedback it got from consumers which further portrayed it as a trusted brand.

The ‘Big 6’ promo is a major initiative of the company to appreciate its pillars, customers, who have ensured its sustainability in the past six years.

The responses from customers got the company more delighted in that it was able to bring smiles to faces of shoppers.

Beyond this, the promo was launched to commemorate the retailer’s outstanding strides and innovations in the Nigerian e-commerce eco-system.

The one week promotional sales which kicked off officially on Monday, July 23 ran on the firm’s online and offline stores with a huge number of customers rushing at both platforms to take advantage of the lowest price sales.

The sales saw millions of products from the store’s inventory went on sale at unbeatable prices on both the online and physical stores nationwide whereas the company added a new dimension with a bold declaration of best prices unmatched anywhere else in the market and ready to do a refund to customers who find a better price for a genuine product sourced from its manufacturers.

Among the wide array of products on offer were mobile phones, laptops, computing products and accessories, home and kitchen appliances, electronics, fashion items, consumer items,

among others.

Furthermore, the company thrilled customers with several incentives as well as add-ons including freebies, shopping vouchers, free delivery on specific items, flash sales and special giveaways to excite shoppers as well as deliver more value throughout the duration of the promotion.

Chief Executive Officer of Konga Online, Nick Imudia reiterated that that the 6th Anniversary promotion was thought of to appreciate customers for their loyalty to the brand.

He said: “As a result of this initiative, we are offering our customers a chance to shop genuine products from the biggest brands at rock-bottom prices that cannot be matched in the market. We are also offering speedy delivery and

forefront of driving higher standards and solutions to improve the customer experience.

“We are determined to continue leading from the front and this justifies the hard work we are putting in to come up with several innovations that will further elevate standards and widen the service offerings in the e-commerce space,” he stressed.

Head, Corporate Communications, Zinox Group, Gideon Ayogu, added: “Since the commencement of the sales, we have experienced a significant spike in traffic online and in the retail stores nationwide and this is largely due to the unbeatable deals and other mouthwatering offers we have put together for the promo. We are happy because our customers are happy.”

Nova Launches New Solution SPAR Gets Recognition for to Enhance Operations Outstanding Performance Nova Merchant Bank Limited has introduced a new banking solution, Intellect Digital Core (IDC) banking platform to enhance operations and delivery to customers.

According to the bank, the new initiative was informed by the focus of the bank to be the dominant leader in the merchant and investment banking sub-sector in the nearest future.

Chairman of the bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, explained that the adoption of the solution aligned with the bank’s goals of enhancing customer satisfaction, while scaling up its services to meet their personalised and

Glo Partners OEMs, Unveils Smartphone Festival Telecommunication company, Globacom has collaborated with some original equipment manufacturers, OEMs, including Samsung, Nokia, Huawei, Infinix and Techno, to bring smart phone festival on board.

According to the company, the new initiative was brought about in order to offer value to customers who desire to own various categories of smartphones.

With the Smartphone Festival, Glo customers will be able to get smartphones of their choice at the best price from any Gloworld shop across Nigeria. In addition, each smartphone purchase will come with six months of free data, extended warranty, screen guards, memory cards and phone covers, among many other freebies.

The company said in a statement that

free shipping on several items, thereby providing more value for money to our customers. In addition, there are loads of freebies and other special offers on each day of the promotion for shoppers.

It is our own little way of appreciating our customers for their patronage and for keeping faith with us as we redefine e-commerce in Nigeria and beyond.”

On his part, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Offline, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, affirmed that the firm has since inception, consistently raised the bar of excellent service delivery in the industry – a journey he claimed is just beginning in view of the many exciting innovations the company plans to unveil.

“Konga is not only one of the pioneers of the e-commerce revolution in Nigeria but has remained in the

the initiative was conceived of to deepen broadband penetration and also encourage customers to own smartphones of their choice as to be able to harness the immense benefits inherent in the communication tool.

It added that customers will also be entitled to free recharge card or voice bundle on every purchase just as they will enjoy personal attention and first-class customer care service.

“The offer is consistent with our commitment to meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations. The festival will hold every two months and will last for 15 days. Customers who wish to avail themselves of this offer are required to walk into any of our retail outlets nationwide to pick any smartphone of their choice.”

individual needs.

He said: “The new banking solution, IDC, helps banks accelerate their digital banking and channel transformation journey and comes with a digital 360 proposition with inbuilt design for both Digital Outside and Digital Inside.

While the Digital Outside ensures true Omni channel and consistency of customer experience at all touch points, the Digital Inside drives operational excellence.

“The selection of IDC was borne out of the bank’s philosophy of ‘New Thinking, New Opportunities’. We wanted a platform, which would empower our clients, offer a superior customer experience and lay a robust digital foundation for our bank. IDC is an open and flexible architecture, which allows us to seamlessly integrate with other systems to offer end-to-end solutions. “We believe this gives us a platform to build on the creativity of our employees to solve many of the problems facing our customers and serve as a genuine source of competitive advantage.”

He assured customers that armed with the new banking platform, the bank was on its way to generate the momentum necessary to achieve its goals for the coming months, adding.

Oduoza declared: “I have full confidence that if we all imbibe the virtues of the Nova spirit displayed in the implementation of our Core Banking Application, there is no limit to what we can achieve collectively as an institution.”

Retail operator, SPAR Nigeria has been appreciated for its excellence service delivery contributing to the growth of retail sector in the country.

At this year’s edition of Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards, the firm was adjudged the ‘2018 Outstanding Retail Brand of the Year’ by the organisers of the award.

The multinational retail chain which has presence in not less than 48 countries and stores located across the country was praised for its customer centric attitude and commitment to sector growth in the face of tight competition.

Receiving the award, Head of Marketing, SPAR Nigeria, John Goldsmith expressed gratitude to government and Nigerians for giving them a platform to prove their strengths in the country.

He said: “We are really delighted to be singled out for this recognition. Indeed, we are humbled by this award and see it as an incentive to serve our customers better. It means a lot, especially to the members of staff, who have built the brands.

It’s not a prize for one department, it is for the entire organisation .

He added: “Our brand philosophy of ‘My Nigeria , My SPAR’ is a reflection of our total belief in Nigeria and we would continually provide quality products and services that will enhance the quality of lives of our customers. We will never relent in making meaningful contributions to retail industry at large.”

In his words, Chief Executive Officer of Marketing Edge, John Ajayi noted that the award was the company’s own way of contributing to the growth of brands and marketing in Nigeria.

“It is another way of narrating the story of giant strides of accomplished career marketers, advertisers and agencies in Nigeria,” he said.

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Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‘

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

PAUL COLE

Working with Solidstar was a Great Experience Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă– ÙÖĂ?Ëœ ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă– Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă Ă‹Ă?Ëœ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁË› Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽ Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ?Ă– ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă‘Ă™ åÓÞÒ ÙÖÓÎĂ?ĂžĂ‹Ăœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂŽ Ă‹Ă?Þ˛ Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă’Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ?Ă–Ë› Ă?Ă?ĂŁ Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă‹ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă– Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĚ‹ĂžĂ“Ă—Ă? Ă–Ă‹Ă—Ă“ĂŽĂ? Ă“Ă Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĂž Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă?Ă˜ Ă’Ă“Ă— Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă•Ă™Ă˜ åÓÞÒ˛ Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ëœ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ?Ă–Ëœ ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă“Ăš åÓÞÒ ÙÖÓÎĂ?ĂžĂ‹ĂœËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ?

How I got my industry name ’m Paul Cole Chiori, better known as Ossy Achievas. I’m the President of Achievas Entertainment and the founder of The Richout Foundation. I am a proud son of Abia State and the Ossy was a pet name given to me by my father, and when I floated my entertainment company, the industry people were quick to call me Ossy Achievas and it stuck. I grew up partly in the North and partly in Lagos.

I

My dream I want to be remembered for my positive contributions during my lifetime.

That is one of the reasons I floated an entertainment company where I can further make an impact on the lives of people.

The inspiration behind Achievas Entertainment We floated Achievas Entertainment for the love of entertainment and to give back to the ghetto where we are from and to also assist great talents to achieve their goals in life. The outfit is majorly a 360-degree company with interest in music, football, movies and events, and we housed talented singer Solidstar for 10 years.

Our ďŹ rst project as a company When we registered as a company in 2006, we signed our first artiste Famous (F9), but we had a misunderstanding that couldn’t be resolved, so he left. Then in 2007, I saw Solidstar and brought him on board.

Challenges The major challenges we faced from onset were the unavailability of enabling environment and lack of government support. But gradually, things are coming into shape, as few corporate organisations have now shown keen interest in supporting the entertainment industry. Regardless, the full support of the government is still needed at the end of the day.

Working with Solidstar was a very great experience He is the bedrock of Achievas Entertainment, a stepping stone to other things we have achieved so far. Truth be told, Solidstar is an embodiment of talent and we had a seamless relationship throughout his stay on the label, and don’t forget, there is nothing we can say about Achievas Entertainment without mentioning his name, which is the foundation of the music side of the company.

What happened between Achievas and Solidstar There was no disagreement, he served

his contract and we both decided that it was time to move on and I am proud of his brand too.

Other acts under the label Currently, we have signed two new budding artistes namely: Attitude and Jephy Jay who have few materials making the rounds in the media at the moment. They are equally currently working on new materials as their respective sounds are unique.

Why I started my foundation The Richout Foundation was founded for the passion of putting smiles on the faces of less-privileged individuals and this cuts across the visually impaired, widows, motherless babies’ homes, amongst others. To help cater for their needs, as we have plans to touch lots of lives positively.

Already, we have kicked off with two kids Tchiko Blessing and Tchiko Ines whom we are giving scholarship up to the university level and, in between, they will learn any trade they love.

Role models and mentors My mentor is Abraham Lincoln, although he existed before I was born, his story is forever inspiring. He was a never say never a person. We are just starting and we have a Long way to go and many more to achieve in this industry.

How Olamide Live in Concert came about The idea of organising events was on even before we started signing artistes on our label. I met Solidstar at an event I was part of. I had a car, so I was always assisting in carrying equipment and stuff. We organised Igos and Lolo’s first concert on the Mainland, as well as Mainland MiniFest, and then in 2014, one of our directors suggested we do a Wizkid concert, which we saw as a viable idea, but the deal didn’t come through. Still, in 2014, we reached out to Olamide and after several meetings, Achievas with Toro Group reached an agreement with Olamide and we had the first three OLIC concerts. Moving on, we reached out to Davido again and that led us to organising his 30 Billion Gang concert in Lagos.

I deal with women the same way I deal with men Asides the fame and success on a regular day Ossy Achievas is just a fun loving Nigerian.

Our plans for the future Why not keep your fingers crossed and watch as we unfold other plans that we have. We at Achievas Entertainment don’t like to brag, our work speaks volumes for us.

Cole

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Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‘

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

MY STORY OLORISUPERGAL LAUNCHES ‘FROM SOCIAL MISFIT TO SOCIAL MEDIA HERO’

CHINYERE NWAIZUZU

Acting is My Passion, not Just a Career Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă“Ă˜ĂŁĂ?ĂœĂ? åËÓäĂ&#x;äĂ&#x; Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ăœ Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‘ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă‘ĂœĂ?ĂĄ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ“Ă‘ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ Ă?Ă’Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ă?ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă–ĂŁ ÞÙ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ Ă? Ă‹ ÚÖËĂ?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁË› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ăž åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžËœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ ÖÙÞ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ?

Media entrepreneur, Tosin Ajibade of Olorisupergal recently launched her first book ‘From Social Misfit to Social Media Hero’ at Glitz event centre. The launch attracted some of the biggest names in Nigeria’s media and entrepreneurial space. “This book has been three years in the making� the new author explained. “It’s a true labour of love for me as an online entrepreneur. A lot of young and aspiring media entrepreneurs always

ask me how I got to where I am; with this book, I hope to provide a deeper look at my story.�

The book launch, which held on the same day as the annual New Media Conference convened by Ms. Ajibade, had in attendance diverse guests who came to support the author on her new project. Guests included presidential aspirant Fela Durotoye and his wife, Tara, Noble Igwe, Afua Osei, Stephanie Obi, Sisi Yemmie, Cool FM’s Dotun,

Jane Michael Ekanem, Busola Dakolo, Toyosi Akerele and a host of others.

The highlight of the event was the book reading done by BBC’s Princess Abumere, Entrepreneur Shade Ladipo, Actor and Producer Lala Akindoju, SME expert John Obidi and sister Bimbo Ajibade.

From Social Misfit to Social Media Hero is available on www.tosinajibade. com, Amazon and Okada books. It is Tosin Ajibade’s first book.

WAPTV ANNOUNCES FRESH SPANISH, YORUBA, ENGLISH MOVIES Family entertainment channel, wapTV, has announced the acquisition of broadcast rights for over one thousand hours of Spanish, Yoruba and English TV programmes and movies, all in HD picture quality, which would commence airing on the channel next month.

The Managing Director of wapTV, Wole Adenuga, said: “We take pride in our meticulous selection process which guarantees that all our viewers get only the best content.

We equally recognise the various tastes of our different audience members and work towards their satisfaction regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic class and many others.

The wapTV programme schedule, with detailed showing times of each content, is available on www.waptvchannel.com and through this, our millions of viewers can stay informed and not miss one minute of our top-

quality family entertainment.�

The Spanish content comprises two highly-rated international telenovelas titled El Fantasma de Elena (Elena’s Ghost) and Donde esta Elisa (Missing) both fully subtitled in English; the Yoruba content would be aired during wapTV’s Awokogbon belt which shows classic and latest movies starring favourite Yoruba artistes like Odunlade Adekola, Fathia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Yomi Fash Lanso, Ireti Osayemi and more; while the English content would air during Reel Naija which shows a wide range of Nigerian English movies featuring the top stars including Patience Ozokwor, IK Ogbonna, Ini Edo, Nkem Owoh, Monalisa Chinda and many more.

The multiple-award-winning wapTV is available across Nigeria and several parts of Africa, via different TV platforms; with a 24-hour online stream on TV NOW app available worldwide.

LAOLU GBENJO TO HOST ‘TESTIFY CONCERT’, PLANS INTERNATIONAL TOUR Contemporary African Gospel musical genius, Laolu Gbenjo recently released a single titled ‘Alujo Meta’, which got a massive ovation and appraisals from gospel fans all across the country. Gbenjo style of performance and musical delivery are second to none and that’s what has made him a toast of many churches, gospel concerts and shows.

He is currently planning to do a remix of

his song, Alujo Meta with Gospel Music giants, Mike Abdul and Tosin Bee. With so much in place Gbenjo has it in his plans to go on an international tour to a few selected places across Europe and America. Before this tour, he is set to host his concert tagged, Testify which will be held later this year and it’s expected to bring together a large number of gospel music lovers and performers.

T

ell us about yourself

I’m Chinyere Nwaizuzu, a former presenter cum actress. I’ve been in the industry for over eight years, but I went into the movie industry about a year ago and since then it’s been an amazing journey. My dream has always been to be in front of the screens and now it’s all happening and I’m always so proud of myself.

How did it all begin?

As stated earlier, I started acting a year ago, but that wasn’t my first on screen, as I was a presenter of a kiddies programme Funbus, shown on the network service of the NTA for years.

What has the experience been like?

It’s been quite challenging getting roles as most producers don’t know of me. The best idea was to keep going for auditions, which to my surprise, I mostly get selected but the thing is, they end up not shooting. Which can be very annoying, but then again these are things you face that make one want to give up, but surely not me. Acting is my passion, my life, not just a career so I won’t be quitting anytime soon.

Who have you worked with so far?

I’ve worked with the likes of Chima Okoroji, J Leo Uche, Frederick Media, Lilian Akunne, Ifunnaya Oputa, Zik Zulu, Charles Uwagbai, etc. It’s been an amazing experience with every one of them. I’ve always been on set with the likes of Browny Igboegwu, Charles Inojie, Charles Okocha, Baray Mcwizu, Yakubu Mohammed, Sam Ajibola, Felix Omokhodion, Christian Paul, and other fantastic actors.

What are the challenging roles so far?

The most challenging role I’ve had so far was being in love with my father, oh yes! That was challenging because naturally, I do love my father but not in love with him. Mercy Johnson is my mentor in the industry till I’m 200. She kills the character in a positive way.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ ͺ͸͚͜

ETINOSA IDEMUDIA

Marriage Failure not Peculiar to Nollywood ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă™Ă?Ă‹ ĂŽĂ?Ă—Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă‹Ëœ Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹ ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă˜Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ăœ åÓÞÒ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă˜Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŽĂ?Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ùà Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ăž Ă˜Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă“ĂžĂŁËœ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ëœ ʨÖ× Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă“Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ăž Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ă˜Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ù×Ă?ĂŽĂŁ Ă?Ă•Ă“ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂžĂœĂ‹Ă?Ă• Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ×Ùà ÓĂ?Ëœ Ă’Ă? Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ë› Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ™ĂžĂ’ ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂ? ĂœĂ&#x;Ă—Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă‹ ĂœĂ“Ę° ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?Ă— Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁ ÞÒÓĂ? ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœË› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Chinedu IbeabuchiËœ Ă?Ă’Ă? Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă?Ăœ ÔÙĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ÙÖÖãåÙÙÎ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ĂœĂ™Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁË› Ă’Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă“Ăœ Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ“Ę° ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÚÙÚĂ&#x;Ă–Ă‹Ăœ Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă?ĂœËœ Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă“

Idemudia

What was growing up like?

I

grew up with strict parents who made us (my siblings and I) feel like Kings and Queens. We were also given the best standard of education and we never felt inferior among our peers.

Is acting all you had wanted to do or you just stumbled into it?

I always wanted to be an actress. A performer.

At what age did you start acting and what were your motivating factors?

As a hobby I’ve been acting since I could talk. I started in my mother’s garden, imagining that the plants were my co actors.

What are some of the movies you have featured in and which of them threw you into limelight?

A couple of movies and series, Ajuwaya, Stormy Hearts, Sunshine, Losing Control series, Love in the Wrong Places, Alter Ego, Corper Shun series, Chairman Sitcom (popularly known as Amanda in the sitcom)

You recently produced a movie, tell us about it.

The Washerman is a love story that features a girl who seems happy and popular on the outside but deep down she’s lonely and searching for self-worth, searching for true love and a sense of belonging as they say it is lonely at the top. It is a film that everyone can relate

with especially in this world of social media and fake love. When the chips are down who truly got your back? Many at times we focus on the wrong things so we fail to realise all we are searching for is already ours.

The Washerman also features funny moments which we all have experienced once in our life.

The movie was made for a global audience who would be able to see themselves in our well-developed characters, have a hearty laugh and pick a lesson or two.

You seem to be at loggerheads with Ric Hassani.

It was just a rumour. As a matter of fact, we are very good friends. The Washerman movie soundtrack was performed

by Ric Hassani, a top RnB singer. Ric was bigger than that and we got together to make magic.

Are you married?

No, I’m not married.

If no, do you cherish marriage or you see it as a distraction? Also, what’s your ideal man?

Marriage is a holy institution made

by God. It is never a distraction but a blessing if you marry the right person.

My ideal man is one who loves God with all his heart even more than he loves me haha!

Issue of marriage failure is rampant in Nollywood. Do we blame

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ€Ëœ ͺ͸͚͜

Let’s not make it a Nollywood thing Marriage is like a machine Marriage failure is everywhere.

Let’s not make it a Nollywood thing.

Marriage is like a machine. If you try to operate it without the user’s manual from the manufacturer, especially when you are not conversant with its operations, it will fail. You will spoil it.

The manufacturer here is God. And the manual is the bible and NOT your friends or your aunty or in-law that on the profession or individuals unable to withstand the challenges of marriage?

Marriage failure is everywhere. Let’s not make it a Nollywood thing. Marriage is like a machine. If you try to operate it without the user’s manual from the manufacturer, especially when you are not conversant with its operations, it will fail. You will spoil it. The manufacturer here is God. And the manual is the bible and NOT your friends or your aunty or in-law.

Idemudia

Who is your Nollywood crush and why?

Ik Ogbonna is definitely my crush now.

I have dumped Majid. After you see his performance in the Washerman movie even you will fall in love with him. He’s my man crush forever.

Have you been sexually harassed before given a role?

Hian! Sexual wetin? Them no born the producer well. How you carry yourself is how you will be handled. I have had advances made at me but never harassed.

Will you blame producers/directors or the actresses for sexual harassment?

I blame the actresses. Some of them don’t know their worth and place themselves in that position. Director/producer is a human being imperfect in all his ways. If you are receiving advances from a producer that you don’t want, walk away. If he says he won’t cast you, don’t worry yourself, don’t be desperate, there are 99 other producers including female producers looking for your talent, for your value, have some self-respect and damn the harasser. Don’t even put yourself in that position.

What are your most challenging moments in life?

Challenging moments would be the period of getting people to notice you, believe in you, to see your worth amongst thousands of other talented worthy actors, standing out.

Idemudia

Idemudia, Ik Ogbonna and a friend

Have you been nominated or won any notable award as an actress?

I was nominated for a MAYA award in 2017 (industry’s cynosure) And I won the award for best acting in the Lagos 48 Hours film project (a film making festival) in the same year.

What was your most embarrassing moment on set or in public?

I can’t think of any really. I double

as a comedian so I can always spin off potentially embarrassing scenarios.

Is the industry really lucrative?

Most actresses living a posh life have been accused of prostitution.

Do you share same view or you think otherwise?

I can only speak for myself. Acting for me has been lucrative. As an actress you have access to other lucrative opportunities by virtue of your fame and influence.

For example, I am a brand ambassador of the MUV.ng brand, I’m also a brand influencer for a couple other brands. So, yes, acting is lucrative indirectly and directly. Compared to Hollywood of course, it could be better. Thankfully the industry is growing

Aside acting, what else do you do?

Apart from acting, I am an events host, a brand influencer and a content producer (a contentprenuer)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 28, 2018

POLITY APC: Battling with Gale of Defections It was like an ugly tiding foretold but sycophantically ignored as the ruling All Progressives Congress is battling for breath over a tsunami of defections prior to 2019. Ahamefula Ogbu looks at the phenomenon that may permanently change political configurations and powerstructure in Nigeria’spolitical equation

T

he ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), appear to be on a macabre dance as fate is oscillating it between control and survival. For a party in strict control, though suffering from internal control malfunctions, to wake up and all the advantages were gone in a national assembly where it had good majority may not be an overnight event.

The disagreements had been simmering over time, either ignored or dismissed from the ears of those pulling party strings as of no consequence till it was too late. It has been all too obvious as it happened to the Peoples Democratic Party under former president Goodluck Jonathan. Perhaps because the dramatis personae are a constant, they are also re-enacting the game which so far has earned them winning streaks, though with changed positions.

The most interesting thing however is not the avalanche of defections so far but where it would end. The pertinent question would be if the ruling APC would become a shell of its old self or simply catapulted back to where it began as an opposition party.

Though officials of the party have been sounding confident, though hollow, that they were still in control and in the majority, the gainers of the defections are assuring that if what has happened so far was a gentle breeze, the main wind was still on its way.

A retrospective glance at when the cracks started appearing shows that it has come a long way right from when Odigie Oyegun emerged national Chairman of the party even though President Muhammadu Buhari had always, as with most not within his trusted allies, tagged him “corrupt”, but was prevailed to allow him lead the party or the problem would have long started. So when the tenure extension issue arose, the President prevaricated , supporting now and dumping later before former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole became the beautiful bride of the party, it was apparent that some interests were positioning for 2019.

Then came the emergence of Bukola Saraki as the Senate President which many viewed as an affront on the leaders of the party that had penciled down who should be what in their usual sharing formula from booties of power. The steps to beat him back to line led to spinning of different webs to do him in, in mini intra-party intrigues. Unfortunately, it appeared that while the party and the federal government used brawn to follow the matter, Saraki and his group used brain which ensured his survival.

When therefore some people in the party saw themselves as the only ones with electoral value and the amalgam big for anyone to leave, the stage became set for the expected fight within the party many people have come to describe as strange bed fellows fused by common bid for power, the scuffle boiled over, birthing division and balkanisation.

What was a dress rehearsal for the main scene happened when a Senator in broad day light led some miscreants to invade the Senate chambers where they shoved aside the sergeant-at arms and made away with the mace, the sole symbol of authority without being apprehended. The police said they ordered a lockdown of Abuja and yet the mace travelled to the overhead bridge near the city gate from where it was allegedly recovered and returned to the lawmakers. Till date, though a serving senator led the onslaught, nothing has happened even in the guise of being called to order talk less of being punished for violating the chambers. From then, many have seen some actions against the principal officers of the Legislature as orchestrated by the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob.

Prior to the D-day, series of boasts had it that the controlling organs of the ruling party would not lose sleep because of anybody leaving the party, deriding those who wanted to dump the party as people of no electoral value. Alhaji Buba Galadima had cried out that it would be difficult for them to continue with the ruling party since all their suggestions were derided and dumped while the government was failing at the center without listening to any of them, he was as always, dismissed.

Oshiomhole practically got very loud, often reenacting his hey labour days by dismissing views of party members as of no consequence. It became apparent that the party had cracked and that those whose breads were no longer buttered on the expected sides moved to dump the party. Buoyed by their number, they met and with the good knowledge that the only way the law would be

Oshiomhole on their side to defect without being asked to drop their seats was for a reasoned crises.

They floated the Reformed APC which effectively passed the party as suffering from crises. Thereafter, those who worked for the success of the party in their various states which the party machinery refused to recognise or allowed those at the state level to politically maltreat rose to find a new alliance.

When it became clear that the movement could jeopardise the 2019 chances of President Buhari, he resorted to calling meetings and behind closed doors, begging them to hold on. The effort was too little and too late. Saraki was invited to the presidential villa, likewise Kwakwanso and some others where they were told between subtle threats and pleas, to stay in the ruling party.

Even the boisterous Oshiomhole, basking in his position as Chairman of the ruling party that was badmouthing everyone started a Nicodemus movement of going by night to beg those he had dismissed as having no electoral value. Trust social media, their pictures were all over the place as having gone to beg.

After drinking villa kunu with the political arrowheads and pointers were that the movement had begun, government wielded its powers by mobilising the police whose statements have been fraught with so much truths that their believability was damaged to stop them from accessing their political positions. It was noised that the government mulled change in the leadership of the national assembly and with the police that had been framing and reframing those seen not to be towing the lines of the government, the stage became set.

Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu were blocked from leaving their houses. While the police resurrected the Offa bank robbery case that had been closed with a Director of Public Prosecutions recommending that there was no case for Saraki to answer; there being no nexus between Saraki and the alleged robbers and that there was no legal ingredient under which Saraki could be charged was dusted up again. He was to report to the police that morning but the police that invited him went early to blockade entrance and exit to his residence.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wrote to Ekweremadu to report for money laundering investigation the same day he was invited. Before he woke up, police and EFCC operatives aided by Department of Security Services blockaded his house in what appeared like a house arrest.

While Saraki got wind of the plot and sneaked out of his house to sleep elsewhere and slipped into the national assembly the morning he was supposed to be impeached and superintended the defection of his colleagues, Ekweremadu was pinned down at home. Police spokesman who appears to be applying truth sparingly sprang up to deny the involvement of the police in both operations and said they were investigating what happened. He blandly stated that the people who blocked Saraki were those deployed to secure him.

Clearly outsmarted, what the ruling party feared had started happening to it as 15 senators of the APC announced through a letter read by Saraki had dumped the party and defected to the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). The senators who have so far defected are: Rabui Musa Kwankwaso (Kano Central), Barnabas Gemade (Benue North-West), Dino Melaye (Kogi East), Isa Hamman Misau , Lanre Tejuoso, Shaaba Lafiagi, Mohammed Shittu and Ubali Shittu. Others senators are: Rafui Ibrahim, Suleiman Hunkuyi, Monsurat Sunmonu, Ibrahim Danbaba, Usman Nafada and Suleiman Nazif Before the shock from the Senate chambers had waned, Speaker Yakubu Dogara also read a letter announcing 36 Members of the House of Representatives had dumped the APC. While four of the lawmakers from Oyo State opted for Africa Democratic Congress, ADC, 32 others went to the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. While the APC spokesman, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi was reeling out statistics to show that the APC still had majority in the national Assembly, the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, who has had the most troubling tenure due to mass killings by herdsmen and under constant threat of more bloodletting by the Myetti Allah group organised what appeared like a choreographed orchestra in his journey to defection.

Unknown to many, he had been called behind closed doors and begged to stay on in the party, that all his grievances would be addressed. Apparently uncomfortable with the promises, he enacted a dramatic exit. In the morning of the day he was supposed to be attending a reconciliation meeting of APC stalwarts in the Presidential villa, Abuja, suddenly, youths with placards barricaded his exit, blocking his convoy with placards.

The youths told him not to attend or lose chances of contesting for a second term. In the full glare of the security personnel, the youths tore off the APC flag from his car and ordered him back to his office. He drove back and in a meeting with the Local Government Chairmen, announced he had defected to the PDP. Meanwhile a day before then, all principal officers of the State Assembly were impeached and replaced. Since then, news came, albeit denied that 25 members of the Kano State Assembly had defected from the ruling APC to PDP while the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal had defected to the ruling party with his entire cabinet and state Assembly members.

Desperate measures by those who sounded so sure and dismissive of others, even the President have been ongoing round the clock while the most torturous aspect of the whole saga is that what has happened is being claimed to be only a phase as more were to follow.

That notwithstanding, APC, said it respects the rights of anyone to change parties, a sentiment expressed by President Buhari and echoed by APC members Alhaji Abdullahi, said in a statement, “APC remains in firm control of 25 states of the 36 states of the federation and maintains a clear majority in the federal House of Representatives and state assemblies. It would appear however that the individuals involved have different considerations beyond the grievances that they were willing to discuss and which our leaders were willing to address.

“As a truly democratic party, we respect the right of every citizen to political association. Therefore, we urge our members to remain calm as we continue to work hard to position our party strongly for the next general elections.

“We assure members and supporters that our great party will continue to consolidate on our majority status in the lead up to the 2019 General Elections, even as our government continues to work hard to deliver on our promises to Nigerians.”

However, Senator Lanre Tejuoso returned to the ruling party within 48 hours of decamping. The question however is, will the APC recover or suffer more defections that would leave it a ghost unable to retain power in 2019?

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 28, 2018

POLITY

Family Set to Immortalise Late King Kosoko of Lagos Ferdinand Ekechukwu

K

osoko Descendants Youth Forum, the umbrella body of youths born into the royal family of the late Oba of Lagos, Oba Kosoko, is set to immortalize the late monarch, who reigned from 1845-1851, with an annual memorial lecture in Lagos. The event which will be in three sessions have a paper presentation, socio-cultural parade, and exhibition of King Kosoko’s relics at a temporary museum set up at the venue of the event.

Speaking at a media briefing to announce the inaugural edition of the memorial lecture in honour of Kosoko, the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee of the first King Kosoko Memorial Lecture, Prince Abiola Kosoko, stated that the lecture was designed to celebrate his legacy and contribution to Lagos.

The inaugural edition of the memorial lecture, themed ‘The Travail and Triumph of King Kosoko: Lesson for Today’s Leaders’, is scheduled to hold at the Glover Memorial

Hall, Marina Lagos on Sunday July 29, 2018.

The family had on Thursday, July 19, 2018, organised a rally in Lagos Island to herald the celebration of the life and times of King Kosoko, paying homage to virtually all the white-cap chiefs, palaces, houses of notable personalities and to embassies and some corporate organisations on Lagos Island.

“The memorial lecture was designed to be an annual event with basic theme that will describe and project the personality of Kosoko as a King, ‘Oloja’ and Prince, as well as in-depth analysis of his antecedents throughout his life time,” he stated.

“The King Kosoko memorial lecture will also provide the required ambience to exhibit some of these relics for public to appreciate.

The relics to be exhibited shall include slave chains. The idea behind this exhibition is to immortalize the historical remains of King Kosoko for tourism purpose.

“The Kosoko Youth Forum for over a decade has been gathering relics of this great man towards the establishment of King Kosoko Memorial Museum”, he revealed.

“Most of those things are things that will be exhibited for people to see. And that takes us

through descendants of King Kosoko because we have those things in our possessions. We shall also be exhibiting the 48 most important slave letters of King Kosoko that tells about how he was able to set people outside Lagos to educate them in West Indies. Also human skulls and other relics of King Kosoko’s shrines that made people to see King Kosoko as a thin king that was worshipped.”

According to Prince Kosoko, the paper presentation is the major activity of the memorial event. Scholars are expected to give in-depth papers on the person King Kosoko within and outside Lagos. “Because we know he went through a lot and those things that he went through are things we are looking forward to analyse. Other people to would come and help us to analyse despite that we will be doing that our own too”, he explains. “But the good thing is that other people will come and talk about it so it’s not going to be the Kosokos’s own idea or the Kosokos’ way of presenting matters. So it’s going to be a collective thing from Hausas, Yorubas, Ibos within Lagos and outside Lagos. It’s going to be a meeting of scholars, a meeting of traditional leaders who are going to talk about King Kosoko’s past.”

“The socio-cultural parade will provide a platform for indigenous cultural parade that emanated during the reign of King Kosoko and those that got prominence as a result of his person. On the proposed King Kosoko Memorial Museum, the LOC chairman stated that the monument would house and preserve the relics and historical materials of the late king. “In addition, we shall also be giving awards to individuals and corporate organizations that have continuously support and protect the fabric of indigenous Lagos heritage”.

The keynote speaker for the memorial lecture will be the former Registrar of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Princess Adetope Kosoko, while the former Lagos State Commissioner for Justice Mr Supo Sasore, will present the lead paper. Expected at the event are the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Osuolale Aremu Akiolu,Oba of Lagos. Other guests expected at the lecture are the Erelu of Lagos Chief Abiola Dosumu, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi and Alhaja Mutiat Alli-Balogun.

Operators, Financial Institutions, Others, to Chart new Course at Nigeria SME Summit Bennett Oghifo

S

takeholders in the nation’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector will congregate at the maiden edition of Nigeria SME Summit and Awards 2018 to chart a way forward.

According to a statement by the organisers, Lakewhyte Communications, the event, which would hold later in the year, has the backing of the body overseeing the sub-sector in the country, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

The statement said stakeholders in the economy, including captains of industry, seasoned academicians, regulatory bodies and government, are expected to brainstorm on the challenges faced in the sub-sector and proffer solution.

The organisers said in addition to brainstorming sessions, the event was also going to be used as a platform to recognise individuals, government agencies and corporate bodies that have been at the vanguard of efforts to promote SMEs in the country.

Also, pro-entrepreneurship governors would be recognised at this maiden edition of the Nigeria SME Summit and Awards.

“Whereas this is the first edition, the Nigeria SME Summit and Awards will subsequently be organised on annual basis,” the organisers said.

“Our SMEs have strived to be the best that they can, with the help of public-spirited institutions and individuals, to be the engine of economic growth. The least we can do is to recognise their efforts so that, collectively, we can move the economy of the nation forward.”

The organisers noted that developed nations across the world achieved their status because of the attention they gave to SMEs, saying no effort should be spared to get the nation’s SMEs to live up to expectation, as the engine of its economic growth.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Director, Enterprise Commercial, Microsoft Nigeria, Wale Olokodana; Country General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Akin Banuso; General Manager, Enterprise Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka; and Senior Manager, Partnerships, MTN Nigeria, Akinbulejo Onabolu, during the signing of an MoU at Microsoft’s office at Civic Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos ...recently

L-R: Osun State APGA Party Chairman, Mr Olatunji Popoola handing over the party’s Governorship flag to the Aspirant, Mr Adetokunbo Oluwatoki , at Oshogbo ...recently

L-R: Chairman APC Lagos State, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun; Senator representing Lagos East, Senator Gbenga Ashafa; and Deputy Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun at a Townhall meeting held by Gov Akinwunmi Ambode, at Iberekodo Primary School compound, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government ...recently

L-R: Chairman, Ikeja Branch, Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshoye; President, Dr. Frank Jacobs; and the Director General (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadri at a press conference held by MAN in Lagos, yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ ͓͙˜ ͓͙͑͒

EVENTS

I

t was a day of joy for the family of Navy Captain J.J. Owonubi (rtd) when their son, Dr. Olushesan John Owonubi recently took to the altar his heartthrob of many years, Dr. Vivian Aitalegbe Aghedo at Saints Michael, Raphael and Gabriel Catholic Church Satellite Town, Lagos. Guests were entertained at Nigerian Navy Sailing Club, Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos.

The couple, Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Owonubi

Groom’s parents , Rtd. Capt. and Mrs. J.J. Owonubi

Bride’s Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thames Aghedo

L-R: Esther Durowaiye; Fehinti Onamusi; and Commander O.I. Aduwo

L-R: Mr. Alex Aghedo; and Chief and Mrs. Mesaiyete

L-R: Itohan Popoola; Kes Nwabiani; Akhere Akran; Aki Obende; Odion Chigbufue; and Osa Aghedo

Couple and bride’s family

L-R: Mr. and Mrs. Atalor and Stephen Okoye

L-R: Taiye Owonubi; Akhere Akran; Odion Chigbufue; and Kehinde Owonubi

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY JULY 28, 2018

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

NEWSXTRA

Even if Tambulwa Defects, Buhari will Still Win Sokoto, Boasts Amaechi Kasim Sumaina ÓØ ÌßÔË

URBAN RENEWAL...

L-R; Dancehall music artiste, Daddy Showkey; Chairman/CEO, Lagos Ferry Services, Mr. Paul Kalejaiye; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; and Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya during the Governor’s inspection of the Maracana Stadium, Ajegunje, yesterday in Lagos…..Photo State House

Nigeria’s Economy to Grow More Slowly Before 2019 Elections CBN Pumps $340m, CNY69m into Forex Market Chika Amanze-Nwachuku ËØÎ Obinna Chima áÓÞÒ ËÑÏØÍã ÜÏÚÙÜÞ

Nigeria’s economy is expected to grow more slowly this year as investors are adopting a wait and see approach on Nigeria ahead of next year’s general elections, a Reuters poll showed on Friday.

The latest projection came as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday intervened in the foreign exchange (forex) market with the sum $340, 507, 376.51 through retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) in the interbank market.

Also, following last week’s takeoff of its intervention in the sale

of forex in Chinese Yuan (CNY), the banking sector regulator sold CNY 69,858,087.15 in the spot and short tenored forwards.

The figures made available by the central bank, showed that the US denominated interventions were only for concerns in the agricultural and raw materials sectors.

According to the acting Director, Corporate Communications at the CBN, Isaac Okorafor, the sales in the Chinese Yuan were through a combination of spot and 15-day tenors.

He said the exercise, in line with its guidelines, were for the payment of Renminbi denominated Letters of Credit for agriculture as well as raw materials and machinery.

Okorafor, also explained that the requests attended to were bids received from authorized dealers, adding that the availability of Renminbi was sure to ease pressure on the Nigerian foreign exchange market.

He attributed the relative stability in the foreign exchange market hugely to the continued intervention of the CBN as well as the sustained increase in crude oil prices in the international market.

The CBN spokesman further stated that the apex regulator would remain committed to ensuring that all the sectors continue to enjoy access to the foreign exchange required for the business concerns, whether in United States dollars

or Chinese yuan.

The CBN had last week announced the commencement of its intervention in the sale of foreign exchange in Chinese Yuan (CNY), marking the concrete commencement of the Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement (BCSA) signed with the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) on April 27, 2018.

Announcing the commencement of the sale of the Chinese currency, the CBN had explained that there would be no pre-determined spread on the sale of FX Forwards by authorised dealers to end-users under the Special SMIS-Retail, adding that authorised dealers would be allowed to earn 50 kobo on the customers’ bids.

Tribunal Declares Umeh Winner of 1Marketing to Create Anambra Central Senatoral Rerun 500,000 Jobs David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË

The Justice H. A. Olusiyi-led Anambra State Election Tribunal has upheld the victory of the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh in the January 13 Senatorial re-run election in the zone.

Olasuyi in his judgement affirmed Umeh’s victory and struck out the petition by the candidate of Mega Peoples Progressives Party (MPPP), Mr. Nkem Ekweozoh, challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the declaration of Umeh as the winner of the election.

The tribunal dismissed the five reliefs sought by the petitioner as lacking in merit just as it held that the petitioner was unable to prove his case beyond all reasonable doubt.

Umeh had on January 13, in the senatorial rerun, won in all the seven local governments that make up the Senatorial zone, but was dragged to court by Ekweozoh a lawyer on grounds of inproper nomination among others.

Ekweozoh had in his petition stated other grounds for dragging the senator to court as not duly elected by majority of valid votes cast at the election, urging the tribunal to declare the victory invalid as it was fraught with

corrupt practices and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act. He also claimed that Umeh was not qualified to contest the election as his nomination came at a time he was still the national chairman of his party (APGA) and that Umeh spent far above the maximum election expenses of N40 million as stipulated by law.

In the petition EPT/AN/ SEN/01/2018, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were joined in the petition as second and third respondents respectively.

But delivering a unanimous judgment, that lasted more than five hours, Justice Olusiyi who led the other two Judges, Justice A. O. Ayoola, and Justice A. U. Birnin Kudu, described the petitioner as a “meddlesome interloper” stating that he lacked the locus standi to contest the out-come of the election.

Ruling that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to look into the issue of Umeh’s nomination, sponsorship and candidature, the Judge also described Ekweozoh as`a “rabble rouser” for making heavy weather of the issues of Umeh’s sponsorship and nomination when he was not a member of APGA or an aggrieved aspirant.

To help in growing Nigerian economy and create jobs by closing the gap between manufacturers of Made-In-Nigeria products and Global buyers, 1Market. ng is shopping for one million manufacturers and distributors of made-in-Nigeria products across the country through its affiliate partners program.

1Market is a pioneering B2B, B2C online marketplace, specialising in bridging the gap between global buyers and Nigerian suppliers as well as creating an accessible ecosystem for showcasing, marketing and selling exclusively Made-in-Nigeria Products.

The scheme gives the participants the opportunity convenient to work from any location with Smart Phone, Tablet or computer system and earn a living.

The project manager of 1market. ng, Enyika Iheanyichukwu who spoke at the unveiling of the program in Lagos at the weekend told newsmen that it was a scheme that gives freedom of working at your pace and convenience while having guaranteed payment.

According to him, the affiliate program was a channel through which individual and companies could get paid by signing up vendors for 1market or selling 1market.ng products.

“The scheme has created the largest Made in Nigeria e-Commerce platform and is signing up over 1,000,000 manufacturers and distributors of exclusively Madein-Nigeria Products across the 36 states of Nigeria and Abuja”, he explained.

By registering a Made-in-Nigeria Manufacturer/Distributor, the scheme, according to him, gives many benefits which include getting paid for registering manufacturers, earning commission by selling 1Market’s products, support from professional team, product catalogue with more than 5,000,000 selling products, among other benefits.

He said that once a partner completed form for pre-selection, a date would be communicated accordingly for training via a registered email.

Noting that the program would create jobs for Nigerians, he said that, “Nigerian people spending Nigerian Naira on Nigerian products equals Nigerian jobs.

These jobs are the foundation of a thriving economy.

“If every Nigerian spent an extra N3.33 on Nigerian-made products, it would create almost 10,000 new jobs. And, if every builder used just five per cent more Nigerian-made products, it would create 220,000 jobs.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on Friday boasted of President Muhammadu Buhari’s chances of winning the 2019 elections in the opposition’s stronghold, saying that, even if the president was brought on a sick bed, he will win.

Amaechi, disclosed this on the sidelines of the inspection tour of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail line.

According to him, “No matter what you do, the governor of Sokoto will leave naturally as he has ambition to be president.

He said: “You take a chicken to him he will still go, right?

The same with Kwara, these are people you expect that they will leave; okay, they left with some members of House of Reps and Senate, where did they come from?

“They came from areas the president is comfortable. Do you honestly believe that the president will lose election in this country?

“Well nobody is God, but that is one of his comfort zones. The next person that left, left from Bauchi, if you bring president on a sick bed in Bauchi he will win. He has never lost election in Bauchi.”

The minister, while speaking on the president’s efforts to revived the railway system in the country, said: “If you see the files that the president has been pushing to complete every project that was started from Obasanjo, Yar’adua

to Goodluck and to us.

“Other governments won’t do that, they will start their own so that it will be remembered after them. This project we are completing has been there for 34 years, imagine those of you born 30 years ago.”

When asked the rush to complete the projects across the country, the Minister, said: “You can imagine the commercial activity, imagine how much food will go. The pressure on the road will be reduced.”

Speaking on his ministry’s efforts sell Buhari for 2019, he said, “I thought the first thing in the mind of any Nigerian is how to feed, right? It is only when a Nigerian feeds that, Buhari the president. He is not completing these projects because he wants them to re-elect him or not, but he is doing it to satisfy himself conscience that he has done his best for Nigerians.”

On the train, he said: “What we have borrowed is $1.6 billion for railways. It for Lagos-Ibadan. The ministry is funding this (ItakpeWarri) this contract is about a hundred and something million dollars to CCECC, what CCECC is doing is that they are handling the vandalised part from Itakpe to Ajaokuta.

“Haven’t built this for 30-something years some criminals just went and vandalised it. What we did was give them a contract not to only relay the tracks back to Ajaokuta but also do sidings.

Kaduna Dry Port Begins Container Clearance Kasim Sumaina ÓØ ÌßÔË

The federal government has disclosed that the Kaduna Inland Dry Port, an erstwhile inland container depot upgraded to the status of an Inland Dry Port (IDP), has started receiving containers for clearance. In effect, the Kaduna IDP is a port of origin for export.

The government, through the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, gave this hint, while delivering an address at the 2018 second quarter meeting of Public Private Partnership Unit Consultative Forum (3PUCF) in Abuja.

According to Bello, “I am really happy to inform this forum that the Kaduna IDP has started receiving containers for clearance. In effect, the Kaduna IDP is a port of origin for export cargo and final destination for import cargo.”

Bello disclosed that, the advantages of having the Kaduna IDP and other IDPs to be delivered very soon cannot be over emphasised.

He said: “One is bringing shipping closer to shippers in the hinterland. Since the creation of PPP Unit in the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in January, 2015, many projects have been initiated which are currently at various stages of delivery.

“An update on our projects, I believe will be presented in the course of your deliberations. You are no doubt aware that some of our PPP projects are already being delivered.

“This pilot facilities management PPP is especially significant for our national PPP agenda, because one; it gives us another opportunity to demonstrate that government’s PPP agenda is designed to accommodate

Nigerian businesses; and two; it opens another vista in the commitment of the Buhari administration to engender collaboration between the public and private sector and improve social and economic life in the country through functional and well managed infrastructure assets.”

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as AWE ZAINAB BOLARINWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MATANMI ZAINAB BOLARINWA. All former documents remain valid. and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IMAFIDOM FELICIA OMOWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OJELEYE FELICIA OMOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AGBOOLA KHADIJAT ABOLANLE, now wish to be known and addressed as FAARI SHITTU, KHADIJAT OMOBOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AREGBESOLA SEGUN, now wish to be known and addressed as AREGBESOLA SEGUN FOLORUNSO . All former documents remain valid. and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHISOM WINIFRED IFEJIOFO, now wish to be known and addressed as CHISOM WINIFRED OCHENI. All former documents remain valid. and general public should take note.

55

JULY 28, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPORTSXTRA

Ikeme

Musa and his wife, Juliet

Carl Ikeme Retires from Football after Battle with Leukaemia Former Super Eagles’ number one goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, has announced his retirement from the game.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers FC safe hands, diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017 but who entered into complete remission only last month, announced the decision on Friday afternoon.

Last month, on entering into complete remission,

Ikeme had announced on his twitter handle: “After a tough year and intense chemotherapy treatment, I would like to let everyone know I am in complete remission. I still have hurdles to get over to be cured but I can hopefully now move forward with some normality.

“I would like to thank my family/friends, to start with who have gone above and

beyond for me. The support I have received from Wolves/ Nigeria, the football world and from people from all over the world has been hard to put into words. I can’t thank everyone at the Christie and Heartlands Hospital enough for their care!!! What next who knows…I’m just taking it a day at a time.”

Ikeme was in goal for Nigeria’s first three matches

of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying series (home and away against Swaziland in the preliminary stage, and away to Zambia in the opener to the group phase campaign) before being diagnosed of acute leukaemia . His first cap was in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania in Dar es Salaam in September 2015.

Leon Balogun Relishes Premier League Challenge Nigerian defender, Leon Balogun, is relishing the competition he has to overcome to seal a regular starting berth at Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion this season.

Balogun, who signed on a free transfer in May, made his debut in their pre-season friendly against Charlton Athletic earlier this week, featuring alongside Lewis Dunk in central defence .

"It's always good to have that

competition; it will improve all of us as defenders and then we have to take it from there," the 30-year-old told the club's website.

"I've seen the qualities of Lewis and Shane (Duffy) in the past week or so since I've been here. Both are very strong physically and you can tell that they've played here for a long time already, but I have qualities myself and I'll put in my best and see what happens from

there."

Balogun played in all three of Nigeria's group stage matches at this year's World Cup but understands that his international achievements do not guarantee an automatic starting role at the club.

"The strikers in the Premier League will have a bit more quality than the World Cup, in my opinion, and I think the qualities of the offensive players in the division mean it will be

an exciting challenge for me," he added.

"I've come into a side where the two central defenders did very well last year - I just have to do my best, work hard and then you hope it's enough.

"I can't come in and say I've played in the World Cup and I should start - it has to be about me earning a place in the team."

Brighton continued their pre-season preparations against Birmingham City today.

Lagos to Begin Transformation of Maracana Stadium to Multi-purpose Centre Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that plans are on to transform the popular Maracana Football Stadium in Ajegunle to a world-class multi-purpose sports complex, that would help teeming youths harness their natural talents in a positive way.

The governor made the assurance after visiting the stadium on Thursday evening, said work would commence soon.

Ambode, who spoke to scores of residents, said though his administration had planned to embark on the transformation of the arena before now, the design was now ready while the contractor was set to move to the site.

“The last time I came here, I promised that I was going to

do something in this arena. I am not happy that after three years of my administration, the reconstruction of the Maracana Stadium is yet to commence.

“However, the design is ready, the contractor is here, and they will start the work and as you have also promised to cooperate. If you go to Onikan Stadium, you would see that we are rebuilding it to a worldclass standard, by January it would be completed. The same contractor working on Onikan Stadium is the same that would handle the Maracana Stadium,” he said.

The Governor, who was also received by the dancehall music artiste, Daddy Showkey, also promised that aside from the standard football pitch, the new complex would have a

volleyball court, tennis court, swimming pool, track and field area, events centre and facilities for other sports and recreational activities.

He said the contractor had also been given the mandate to address the challenge of flooding, which was posing a serious challenge for children going to school due to the waterlogged area.

“I have also told the contractor that because of the children in this area, there would be an event centre here so that social activities can also hold here.

All the schools around here, we know that there is a challenge of flood disturbing them and we are not happy about it, so, the same contractor would do the whole drainage in this area and because of the road, we

would do a jetty behind so that we can use the ferry to bring athletes and sports people to this place.

Ambode, however, appealed to residents to cooperate with the state government on the plans to transform the area, adding that when the facility is in place and handed over to them, they must go all out to protect it from vandalism.

Earlier, giving an insight to the plan of work for the Maracana football ground, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Adebowale Akinsanya, said the new multi-purpose sports complex would accommodate all kinds of sports, including an administrative building, and a bus terminal to bring athletes to and fro the complex.

Ahmed Musa Welcomes Baby Boy Super Eagles forward, Ahmed Musa, has welcomed a baby boy with his wife Juliet.

The 25-year-old announced the birth of his child with a post on his official Instagram account: “I would like to announce to you all that moments ago Allah blessed me with a beautiful baby boy! Words cannot describe this feeling!”

Musa and Juliet tied the nuptial knots around May last year and this is their first child since that union.

Musa did not reveal many details about his wife after pregnancy or the name of the child in his post.

The forward who is currently on the pre-season tour with Premier League outfit Leicester City posted a picture of the newly born baby’s hand.

Musa was Nigeria’s standout performer at the just concluded World Cup in Russia having notched two goals.

He will be hoping for a career revival this season at the King Power.

Ronaldo to Pay £17m to Avoid Jail over Spanish Tax Evasion Cristiano Ronaldo could pay almost £17m after settling a tax evasion case with Spanish tax authorities but he is unlikely to serve a prison sentence.

Ronaldo, who moved from Real Madrid to Juventus for a fee of around £105m in July, will be fined £2.8m and sentenced to 24 months in prison, the prosecutor said on Friday, although under Spanish law a sentence of under two years for a first offence can be served on probation.

The Portuguese international is accused of evading £5.1m in taxes. He has denied the allegations.

Ronaldo will be required to pay the £2.8m fine plus the £5.1m in back taxes, as well as around £890,000 in accrued interest and £220-per-day for the 48 months covering the prison sentence.

That figure is expected to rise yet further, however, to take the total figure closer to £17m.

NPFL Top Scorer, Lokosa Norway Move Butched Norwegian Eliteserien side, SK Brann have passed up the opportunity to sign Nigeria Professional Football League leading scorer, Junior Lokosa .

Lokosa's agent, Abiodun Tella, had earlier claimed that his client was travelling for a routine medical before signing a straight contract but in reality, SK Brann wanted to see how the striker fitted into the squad, in terms of his personality and abilities.

SK Brann manager, Lars Arne Nilsen, was not totally convinced after running the rule over the Super Eagles striker for four days, starting from Monday, July 23. ''Maybe the manager wants someone who can make an impact immediately, who is used to the playing system,'' Lokosa's intermediary, Tella, was quoted as saying by Aftenposten. ''The player likes the club, and it has been an interesting opportunity for him. ''He knows that the club appreciate him, but his style of playing doesn’t fit the system at the moment.''

Lokosa's proposed transfer to Bulgarian club PFC Ludogorets Razgrad fell apart in May. The Kano Pillars front-man was named in Nigeria's 30-man provisional World Cup roster.

TR

Saturday, July 28, 2018

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Oshiomhole to Ministers “You cannot purport to be an honourable minister and you act dishonourably. Nobody is greater than the party. If the President condones disrespect for his office, I will not condone disrespect for the party” – National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, rebuking ministers allegedly refusing to implement President Buhari’s instructions.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

The Crucifixion of Abubakar Bukola Saraki

F

ellow Nigerians, I thought the ancient tradition of nailing people considered enemies of persons or the State to the cross had long gone into antiquity and extinction, but I was wrong. The most famous crucifixion in human history was that of our Lord Jesus Christ, of course other lesser mortals have been crucified including the thieves who died on either side of Jesus Christ on the Appointed Day. I have decided to borrow this imagery and metaphor to describe what is currently happening to Nigeria’s Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS), at the moment. And it is so tragic. Before I go into the meat of my epistle, please, permit me to provide some background information on what I want to call the ABS saga.

My personal admiration for, and relative closeness to, ABS was largely influenced by two friends of mine. The first was the Publisher of Thisday newspapers, Nduka Obaigbena, while the second was the then Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (CRA). Several times in the years of ABS as Governor of Kwara State, I had the chance of speaking with ABS on the phone, because Nduka would always ask me to speak with ABS anytime they were together.

I loved his gentle mien and comportment.

We also met at functions several times and he carried himself with confidence, grace and poise. He always looked like someone so meek and mild and could easily be underrated. I actually think that is his greatest strength and weapon.

ABS was a very powerful and influential Governor. He was self-assured and assertive.

My good friend, Amaechi, or CRA for short, was very close to him and he actually took over from him as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Their love and synergy were very infectious. I remember one afternoon I visited CRA at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Lagos. After our meeting, I asked when he would be going back to Port Harcourt and CRA told me he would have to wait for ABS to come first. I was impressed because they had a relationship that made them look like lovebirds. I also appreciated how they combined powerfully in support of Major General Muhammadu Buhari. They gave their lives, energy and resources to the Buhari cause. Of course, one cannot ignore the epic support given by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and some stupendously wealthy businessmen who donated generously to give Buhari a lifeline at the fourth time of asking!

I witnessed Saraki’s total commitment to Buhari and the Change Project on several occasions in his Ikoyi home. He mobilised a lot of his extensive network, especially in the business world, and they met as regularly as possible. I saw Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, CRA, Wale Tinubu, Muyiwa Bakare, and others brainstorm on not only supporting Buhari, but also their desire for a prosperous and safe Nigeria. They all wished and hoped that Buhari would step in as a father-figure to all and play the Mandela option in Nigeria, come to heal the wounds, unite Nigeria, provide enabling environment for business, banish the security problems

Saraki

and grow the economy. It was expected that the war against corruption would be fought differently and more professionally with more action and less noise, by identifying the culprits and going after their loot wherever they are kept and bring this back into the coffers of Nigeria. The old system of using the so-called anti-corruption war to witchhunt perceived and imaginary enemies of government was supposed to be a thing of the past.

ABS provided a formidable base for Buhari during the APC Primaries in Lagos. He galvanised his entire staff of very young and brilliant guys to work sleeplessly and sort out Buhari’s logistical needs. I will never forget the dare-devilry of CRA and ABS. They played their last cards. I was an eye-witness.

After the primaries, CRA as Director General of the Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation, and his friend, ABS, worked as if they were on a suicide mission. Their personal sacrifices inspired someone like me to give my little support for Buhari. I was also encouraged by the choice of Professor Yemi Osinbajo as Vice Presidential candidate, a man I expected to give the intellectual backing that was lacking in the Presidential candidate. Everything went well until individual ambitions and rumour-mongering crept in. People told Amaechi that he was betrayed by his friend Saraki who, as it went, told Buhari not to pick Amaechi as Vice President because of his tempestuous character. Unknown to both friends, some fifth columnists were out to destroy their beautiful tag-team so as to weaken their influence and indirectly weaken the new Presidency. There was also the talk that ABS wanted to be the Senate President desperately.

Personally, I didn’t see what was wrong with anyone pursuing his dreams in life within the ambits of what is legal. After all, President Buhari himself did this and got lucky at the fourth attempt.

Let’s fast forward. Buhari won the election and we were all very elated. The next issue was how to select the principal officers of the National Assembly. Saraki obviously had eyed the Senate Presidency even before the elections were concluded.

Tinubu’s camp that already had the Vice Presidency in its kitty but also wanted the number four slot for Femi Gbajabiamila as

Speaker, Federal House of Representatives.

Tinubu, it was alleged, similary wanted the number three spot of Senate President for his candidate from the North East Region.

Members of the New PDP felt they were being left in the lurch. Interestingly, the President was playing elder Statesman by holding himself above the fray. He did not champion anybody from his CPC faction of APC for any of these Principal Offices.

Meanwhile, CRA and ABS were no longer as chummy as before. Their combination would have been lethal, but their enemies had succeeded in driving a wedge between them and this was tearing them apart. It thus became a case of “everyone for himself and God for us all.”

I was in Abuja the day ABS was elected Senate President. I called on CRA and asked if he had congratulated his friend ABS, his answer was negative. We agreed to have breakfast the following morning at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. I asked CRA again about ABS, he said he had called him.

I could see the reticence and reluctance in his attitude. For me, it was okay that he managed to fulfil all righteousness. I went in to see ABS at home to congratulate him on his victory. I was not happy that ABS and CRA were no longer close. This was their biggest undoing. Those who separated them knew what they were doing; the alliance had to be weakened, and they both became like orphans. Meanwhile, Tinubu’s gamble and opening gambit in the new administration had failed to win his faction of the APC the number three and four positions. Tinubu was livid and he felt ABS was treacherously elected and must be punished severely.

Unknown to Tinubu, the cabal didn’t want such avuncular power for him, that would presumably enable him to control the numbers two, three and four positions in the new government. As a matter of fact, the cabal were all out for him. Before one could say Jack Robinson, they created a gulf between the President and Tinubu. The interaction between the two kept dwindling.

Not content with that, they also launched a major offensive against the Senate President at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The aim was to weaken the other two strong factions of the APC so the President’s confederates could hold sway in all the necessary areas of the executive and the legislature. I wrote copiously and warned about the demonisation of Saraki. I also granted an interview in the Vanguard newspaper in which I admonished Tinubu not to join in the attempt to annihilate Saraki. From available evidence, I knew the case against Saraki was very weak and not sustainable in the court of Law. All that would happen would be to send some gullible people on a wild goose chase by portraying Saraki as the greatest enemy of Buhari and the nation. The strategy worked wonders, momentarily. Saraki knew no peace from then. His assailants wanted him to resign or be removed, by fire, by force. The few of us that openly declared that his travails were political also came under savage and rabid attacks from fiendish quarters. For three years running, Saraki has been on the cross.

He eventually won his case at the Supreme

Court of Nigeria. Just before then, as if suspecting he would win, his enemies had erected another cross ready for him to bear, when the Nigerian Police alleged that they had linked him to a most terrible, heinous and very bloody armed robbery case in Offa, Kwara State. The Police sounded like he was definitely responsible for the dastardly operation. The Police are best advised to rise above partisanship and conduct their investigations in a transparent manner.

That has not been the case so far and the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, should not see this as an opportunity to exact revenge and pursue a personal vendetta that he believes may exist between him and the leadership of the Nigerian Senate. The sad thing in our country is that no one protects your innocence. You are tried and convicted summarily on the pages of newspapers, electronic and social media. There are more than enough people, who are not very busy, ready to carry out their nefarious attacks on you, whether innocent or not.

Saraki has suffered indeed. I don’t mind if I’m the only one willing to ask that he be allowed to prove his innocence instead of the mob attack in the print electronic and social media. What happened to our Christian and Muslim souls? What about the entrenched constitutional provision that a man is innocent until proven guilty. This debilitating bitterness will ultimately cripple Nigeria, not because Saraki is infallible, but because this kind of attitude and approach cannot augur well for our nascent democracy.

This kill-and-go method to conflict resolution will hurt each and everyone of us at different stages. Buhari will leave power one day, if not next year, may be in 2023, which is just like the day after tomorrow in the eyes of God. Must we destroy everyone because of transient power. What shall it profit a man who wrecks an entire citizenry just to stay in power? Saraki’s latest headache seems easily traceable to his decision to join the Presidential race, which is not the birth-right of anybody. Whether he will actualise this decision by carrying on to the end is immaterial. The beauty of democracy is in allowing everyone to have a say and choice. When tomorrow comes, the seed of bitterness we sow today would be harvested by those close to us.

Before our very eyes, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Shehu Shagari, Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, late Sani Abacha, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo (again), Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and now Buhari (also again), all ruled or governed.

Minus Abacha and Yar’Adua, all these once powerful men are alive, but see how much almost all of them, bar Obasanjo, have diminished in status, stature and public reverence. No matter how long, all leaders, including Saraki, will leave the stage and end up the same way, unless they follow a path that will chart an enduring legacy.

So why all the gra gra of gods with feet of clay? If we all remember tomorrow, we’ll pause for a moment and work on developing our nation instead of entrenching ourselves in power, as if that is all there is to life.

I need not say more…

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