Saturday 4TH AUGUST 2018

Ekiti: Olusola Urges Tribunal to Annul Fayemi’s Victory Points to ‘overwhelming discrepancies in results declared by INEC’ Seeks to be declared governor elect Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) candidate in the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State, Prof Kolapo Olusola,

yesterday filed a petition at the governorship election tribunal against the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that he was the actual

winner of the election.

According to the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Kayode Fayemi polled a total of 197, 459 to defeat

Olusola, who garnered 178, 121 votes.

Consequently, Fayemi was declared winner and had since received his Certificate of Return from INEC.

Olusola, in company with his Deputy, Mr. Kazeem Ogunsakin, filed the petition against the results at the Election Petition Tribunal located within the premises

of the Ekiti State High Court at about 5.15pm yesterday.

Briefing journalists shortly after submitting the over 700 Continued on page 6

Nigeria Making Progress in Power Generation, Fashola Insists… Page 6 Saturday 4 August, 2018 Vol 23. No 8509

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FG Plotting to Use Court to Overthrow Saraki, PDP Alleges The plan is to get order declaring his seat vacant Lai Mohammed: PDP reckless, desperate; allegations lack proof Deji Elumoye and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the federal government and the All Progressives Congress (APC)

of shopping for a “fraudulent” interim court order to declare vacant the seat of the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, following his defection from the APC to the PDP. But in a swift reaction,

the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed described the allegations by the PDP as reckless and desperate, adding that they lack proof.

In a statement issued by its

National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said that credible information at its disposal showed that some cabals in the Presidency and APC had perfected the said plan, with the sole aim

of securing a fraudulent injunction to force him out of office pending the determination of a substantive suit.

The PDP said further intelligence available to it

shows that they intend to arraign and detain the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on trumped up charges and ensure he is not Continued on page 6

Support Buhari, Root Out Looters, Oshiomhole Tells APC Members Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has called on the youths and supporters of the party to support President Muhammad Buhari “to Root out thieves and treasury looters, who believe it is their birthright to continue to loot.”

Oshiomhole stated this yesterday in Benin City while addressing APC youths and supporters of the party who gathered at the Benin Airport to welcome him.

He promised to meet their expectations as far as the running of the party was concerned.

Oshiomhole also said the era of use and dump in politics was over, adding that every grievance they had with the government in Edo would be addressed.

His words: "We must support the President and the APC to remove all those thieves, all those looters who believe it is their birthright to continue to loot; those who say that their purpose in government is for juicy not for the welfare of the people.

"I am very, very grateful and humbled. I want to make a promise to you, that I will represent the feelings, the aspirations and I will meet your expectations as far as the running of the All Progressives Congress is concerned".

He continued: "At this point I am very clear. We will have to fight odds on the basis of our conviction and we will adjust our style; we will not borrow other people's style. I am very proud of my working class background and we will bring those values into the leadership and management Continued on page 6

The Ray Ekpu@70 Interview... Pages 18 & 19

CELEBRATING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS...

L-R: Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State; winner of the 2018 Young MSME of the Year Award, Christabel OtuEffiong; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Co-winner of the award, Blossom Out- Effiong and their mother, Mrs. Grace Out-Effiong at the award ceremony in Abuja…Thursday night

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Nigeria Making Progress in Power Generation, Fashola Insists Distribution has risen to 5,222MW, an all time national high Benneth Oghifo The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday insisted that the Buhari administration has been making steady progress in electricity generation and distribution, “with distribution rising to 5,222MW, an all time national high”.

The Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors, (ANED) has persistently queried the power generation and distribution figures rolled out by Fashola, saying the minister has been economical with the truth.

But Fashola, who spoke in Calabar, Cross River State at the ministry’s retreat for top directors, heads of units and

chief executives of agencies and parastatals, said although, there was still more to be done, the ministry had moved the power generation forward from where it was three years ago.

“Three years ago, the story was that power generation was the main problem of Nigeria. The story was that the distribution companies were complaining that they did not have enough energy to distribute to Nigerians.

“We were distributing averagely 2,690 megawatts of electricity to Nigerians, but today, that story has changed; distribution has risen to 5,222 megawatts, an all time national high.

“Transmission has reached 7,000 while generation has

reached 7000. The problem has not finished but all we can say is that we have made progress.”

Fashola also stated that the Buhari administration was constructing roads in virtually all the 36 states, “some of which are through collaborative efforts as well as direct interventions.”

According to him, the present administration has spent over N300billion on roads construction since coming to power three years ago.

On housing, he said: “Before this administration, there was no housing policy but now we have one.”

The minister recently brokered a N72 billion

investment to improve the distribution infrastructure in the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) in Nigeria.

The investment plan, according to the minister, would be part of the government’s 40 per cent shareholding in the Discos.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja, the Managing Director of TCN, Mr. Usman Mohammed, stated that company had been appointed to manage the N72 billion planned investments in the Discos.

Mohammed said the TCN got the approval because it already had a comprehensive systems study and plan on Nigeria’s electricity network, adding that the investment

would help stabilise the country’s electricity grid.

“Discos have low capacity; investments have not been done in the Discos, and you know it. We have commissioned so many substations; go and find out how many of these have been done by the Discos. That is why we are begging the government and anybody that is willing to listen to us that investments need to go to the Discos. We are actually working with the government to see that the last mile which is now the weakest link in the power value chain which is distribution, that investments are directed to that sector,” Mohammed said.

He further explained: “In

the past the government had not shown interest in putting money in the distribution, but recently the minister of power has approached the government and got it to approve N72 billion which will be invested in the Discos.

“This is one milestone that will help us to also stabilise the grid. It is in our interest that distribution is rehabilitated and I can tell you we lost two transformers in Abuja because of poor distribution.

If distribution is not fixed, it will affect us at the TCN. Government is investing in the Discos and it is TCN that is managing the investment.

We are managing it on behalf of the minister of power,” Mohammed said.

presented overwhelming discrepancies in the results declared by INEC to the tribunal to adjudicate upon and I am confident that the popular mandate of the people of Ekiti will not go unrestored.

I therefore want Ekiti people to keep hope alive, remain strong and resolute in their belief in God. “While we go through this judicial walk to exposing the electoral thievery of July 14, 2018, we urge the good people of Ekiti State, especially my teeming supporters to remain calm, peaceful and prayerful,

bearing in mind that those who stole their mandate will not enjoy the benefits for long.

“I also want to use this opportunity to condemn the indefinite closure of the state’s radio and television stations.

No doubt, the closure of the radio and television stations was part of the grand plan to sustain the inglorious use of naked force to rob Ekiti people of their democratic rights, but the people will triumph ultimately.”

A member of the legal team, Ola Olanipekun (SAN), said what the petitioner was asking

for is outright nullification of the election that produced Fayemi and to be declared the winner of the poll.

“By the time the hearing begins, we are going to prove cases of falsification of results, ballot snatching, ballot stuffing and use of powers to subvert the will of the people. By the time we do this, the whole world can judge who was the actual winner.

“We are confident that justice will be done in this case, we are sure that our client shall get justice”, he asserted.

will be used and dumped. If yesterday has come beautiful, tomorrow will be better, I am back home because as they say.

To those who defected to the opposing PDP, the APC national chairman said for a party that is committed to the people which he agreed to lead, the party will continue to engage them and pro-attack at the same time irrespective of people branding him an attack dog.

"Whether they call me

attack dog or not, I will rather be an attack dog than be a mushroom eater. I asked you to understand that what is at stake is beyond the APC and the PDP. Nigeria is much more than the sum total of all the political parties. When you see all the sponsor debate, I am at home.

"We will see who will be president next year February.

In Edo, they made this argument that politics is different than labour, we used labour tactics to humble them

and they became converted.

Exactly the same way we used it in Edo, we will use it either in Kwara, Benue or Sokoto or anywhere.

"Be fair in your reportage, this is not about me, it is not about them, it is about the Nigeria people. We cannot for those questioning my choice of style. I will not adopt the ruling class tactics to deal with a cankerworm of disease. I offer different style in order to get different outcome", Oshiomhole declared.

to the statement, was at the EFCC Abuja headquarters on Tuesday and Wednesday to honour the earlier invitation extended to him by the antigraft body last week.

It added that the Deputy Senate President who was not feeling well while at the EFCC headquarters on Wednesday will return to the EFCC office at a later date.

"Senator Ekweremadu reported at the EFCC on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 10am as scheduled, but informed them that he was not feeling well, a fact the EFCC doctor confirmed. He was then allowed to leave to see his doctor and it was agreed that a new date would be fixed for continuation of the interview", the statement noted.

The statement recalled that operatives of the EFCC and men of the Nigeria Police laid siege to Ekweremadu's residence at about 6am on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, requesting him to report at its headquarters at 10am the same Tuesday while no letter of invitation was delivered to him until around 9am of that day.

"Since the siege would not allow him to honour the belated invitation the same day, he, as a law-abiding citizen, wrote to the EFCC to

request for another date, hence the rescheduled appointment of Tuesday, July 31, 2018.

According to the statement, Ekweremadu honoured the 10am appointment on the fixed date and left in the evening of the same day when he was granted bail on self-recognizance with an understanding that he would report at the EFCC office at 10am the next day for a continuation of the interview.

"So, there was no interrogation whatsoever on Wednesday, let alone presentation of so-called additional “facts” that purportedly triggered his blood pressure. Likewise, there were no new “facts” presented to him the previous day, Tuesday, July 31, beside those concocted by the dismissed Chief Judge of Enugu State, Innocent Umezulike and his cohorts in their petition", the statement added.

In another statement yesterday by Ekweremadu’s media aide, he said reports that he developed blood pressure in the EFCC custody were false.

The statement by his media aide reads: “My attention has been drawn to false reports in some national dailies that the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike

Ekweremadu, developed High Blood Pressure in the custody of the EFCC upon alleged presentation to him of a fresh set of purported “hidden properties” supposedly acquired by him. There is no truth to this propaganda.

“He reported at the EFCC on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 10am as scheduled, but informed them that he was not feeling well, a fact the EFCC doctor confirmed.

He was then allowed to leave to see his doctor and it was agreed that a new date would be fixed for continuation of the interview.

“So, there was no interrogation whatsoever on Wednesday, let alone presentation of so-called additional “facts” that purportedly triggered his blood pressure. Likewise, there were no new “facts” presented to him the previous day, Tuesday, July 31, beside those concocted by the dismissed Chief Judge of Enugu State, Innocent Umezulike and his cohorts in their petition.

“The Office feels compelled by the mischief and orchestrated media trial to put the “facts” straight on this particular issue. We thank our supporters for their genuine concern and prayers. We equally urge them to remain calm.”

EKITI: OLUSOLA URGES TRIBUNAL TO ANNUL FAYEMI’S VICTORY page petition to the Tribunal Secretary, Olusola said a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mallam Yusuf Ali, would lead the legal team that would handle the matter.

He said: “I am challenging the election results not out of desperation to be governor, but for reasons of future and posterity, and largely on behalf of the people of Ekiti, who were taken aback by the outcome of the election.

“Without doubt, the will of the people was subverted by those who have chosen to take Nigeria back to the dark

days of ballot stuffing, ballot boxes snatching and outright falsification of election results and I believe they deserve to get justice.

“As law abiding citizens of our country, the only path of honour to take in a situation like this is the process that we have initiated today, to seek redress against the use of security forces and other instruments of the federal government to suppress the will of our people.

“Sadly, the desperation of the APC to take over all states in the country, especially

those under governors like Dr. Ayodele Fayose perceived as uncompromising, has destroyed all the gains made by the PDP government regarding free, fair and credible elections.

“The mood of Ekiti people when the beneficiary of the electoral robbery was declared winner and up till today is a pointer to the resolve of the people not to accept the subversion of their will and we have answered their calls to use the judiciary to get back their mandate.

“In doing this, we have

SUPPORT BUHARI, ROOT OUT LOOTERS, OSHIOMHOLE TELLS APC MEMBERS of the APC. "I will ensure working together with President Buhari that government focuses on the people; that government will not focus on the welfare of the few at the expense of the majority; that government must do everything possible to ensure that those who work have something to show for their labour".

Furthermore, he said: "To our people here, I want to assure you that I will work together with our governor

and ensure that any error, any concern that you have that they are addressed satisfactorily. And I want to assure you that the tradition of carry our people along will be sustained; you represent what I call our infantry division, you are the ones on election day who ensure that our voters come out, you are the ones who ensure that the PDP rigging machine was defeated. We must keep you as a standing force, together we will match on and will

ensure that everyone who works is looked after.

"I know there are people with all kinds of stories but let me assure you that after the storm the weather will settle.

Trust me, as you have not abandoned me, I will never abandon you and to our youths, I want to particularly appeal to you; don’t lose faith.

There will be work, there will be participation; there will be involvement, there will be crucifix we will not throw away anybody. Nobody

FG PLOTTING TO USE COURT TO OVERTHROW SARAKI, PDP ALLEGES granted bail so as to keep him out of circulation while their men would move in to effect an illegal leadership change in the Senate.

"While we trust that the Chief Justice of Nigeria will protect the sanctity of our judiciary especially at this trying time in our national history, we call on the institution of the judiciary at all levels to immune itself from being used by enemies of our democracy as no house falls leaving its roof standing.

"This desperation by despotic forces to forcefully and illegally take control of the Senate, the highest symbol of our Democratic Order, is nothing short of “civilianised coup” which must be resisted by all”, the statement added.

The PDP stated that the judiciary must ensure that it is not intimidated or ensnared to be party to a desperate bid to destabilise our nation.

"The PDP holds that this newest devilish plot to destabilise our democracy lays credence to our earlier stand that President Buhari’s supposed London vacation is a ploy to absolve himself of responsibility for the political terror they have plotted to unleash on the opposition, especially the National Assembly.

"Although they denied

it as usual, Nigerians can bear witness to the fact that there is nothing the APC government denied that it did not eventually execute.

"Indeed, there has never been any impunity they executed that they did not deny," the party said.

The PDP also described the recent rascally attempt to hold Saraki and Ekweremadu hostage in their homes on 24th July 2018 as well as the terrorisation of the Benue State House of Assembly after Governor Samuel Ortom’s defection as a sad testimony.

"We therefore call on Nigerians and the international community to be on the alert as the conspirators plan to commence the execution of this evil plot from Tuesday next week. " The PDP cautions the APC and others in this evil ring to note that they are now running on a collision course with Nigerians as the citizens will definitely not fold their hands and watch them destroy our hard earned democracy and foist a fascism on our dear nation," it stressed.

Reacting to the statement by the PDP, the Information Minister said the party was constantly making allegations without proof and urged Nigerians to disregard this current one too.

Mohammed said: “Few days back, the PDP claimed that there were plans to invade the Senate and sack Saraki. Today, they said we are planning to use the court to sack Saraki.

Nigerians are tired of all these false allegations. The PDP is reckless and desperate.

They are afraid of their own shadows.

“They are so troubled and have gone out of ideas and make allegations without proofs. Dragging the Judiciary into this is very unfortunate.

This is a government that believes in the rule of law.

These constant falsehoods are a threat to the peace and security of this country.”

Ekweremadu: I'll Return to EFCC for Further Interrogation Meanwhile, Ekweremadu yesterday stated that his interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was yet to be concluded.

The Deputy Senate President who made this known in a statement issued on his behalf in Abuja by his Media Aide, Uche Anichukwu, emphasised that he had honoured EFCC's invitation twice this week.

Ekweremadu, according

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY AUGUST 4, 2018

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L-R: General Manager, Mobile Financial Services, MTN Nigeria, Usoro Usoro; Deputy Managing Director/Chief Risk Officer, Diamond Bank, Caroline Anyanwu; Executive Director, Business Development, NIBSS, Niyi Ajao; and Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Dr. Demola Sogunle, at the Mcash Relaunch Event at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Shell Workers Protest Operational Base Relocation to Lagos Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) workers have kicked against the company’s plan to move its operational base from Onne in Port Harcourt, Rivers State to Lagos.

In a release obtained by THISDAY at the weekend, the workers described the planned relocation as “hurried and illadvised as against the interest

of the Niger Delta region.”

The statement signed by Edward Otaru on behalf of the affected SNEPCo workers read: “We, the affected operations staff and expatriates of SNEPCo wish to bring the attention of the federal government and well-meaning Nigerians of a plan by the management of our company to forcefully relocate our operations from Onne, Port

Harcourt to Lagos.

“The hushed, hurried but forceful relocation order emanated under a strange and suspicious condition, as it was neither discussed with the staff nor backed by any justifiable reasons.

“We decided to bring this hurried relocation order to the notice of the government and the general public because of

its implication on our families and friends who might suffer unnecessary dislocation and also its implication on the Niger Delta region.

“The ill-advised plan to move men and materials from the Niger Delta region to Lagos is also contrary to the directive of the federal government, which in 2017 asked oil companies to retain their headquarters in their

operational bases in the Niger Delta region.”

The workers urged the federal government to halt the planned movement in the interest of jobs and development of the Niger Delta region.

SNEPCo operates Nigeria's deep-water oil and gas production at the Bonga field.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, had on March 2, 2017, directed

international oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region to relocate their headquarters to their states of operation to mitigate tension in host communities.

Osinbajo, who was acting president then, had directed the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu to commence the process of engaging the IOCs on how to actualise the directive.

Eulogies as Retired S' Court Justice, Ambode Approves Recruitment of 2,200 Teachers Aderemi is Buried in Ibadan Lagos State Governor, Mr. Meeting at Ibeju Lekki that his teachers which the governor had according to her, has been attracting Akinwunmi Ambode has approved administration would employ approved for recruitment earlier. more enrollment in the last three Ademola Babalola inIbadan It was day of tributes as eminent Nigerians relived the life and times of one of the nation's finest jurists, retired Justice Pius Olayiwola Aderemi of the Supreme Court, who passed on at 78 on Monday, June 18, 2018, in Ibadan.

Justice Aderemi was variously described as a father at law and irreplaceable quintessential jurist whose contribution to legal theory, practice and principles shall find no match.

The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Munta Abimbola, who described the late Aderemi as his father, said Oyo State Judiciary had lost a compass, and a great motivator.

He said: To me, I have lost a mentor, a guardian, an adopted father-in-law and most of all, a great inspirer and my beacon of steps in life in the legal practice.”

He was a man of honour, dignified in expressing opinions; he refrained from drawing conclusions or comments that were adverse on counsel.

His language was sober and temper-

ate, not satirical. As Judges ought to be, he was witty, more reverent than plausible, more advised than confidant.

He was integrity personified. My Lord was a living oracle of law.

The event, which held at the Ring Road High Court, Ibadan, also had in attendance Jurists from High Court, Appeal Court and the Supreme Court, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Attorneys-General, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Chairmen, Registrars of the Supreme Court. The jurist’s seven children were led by Olakunle Aderemi.

The quintessential jurist, who started as a Judge of the Oyo State High Court later climbed to the Supreme Court where he retired in 2009 after 23 years of meritorious service.

Speaking on behalf of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Prince Lateef Fagbemi described the late jurist as pious who was in locus parentis to me. To Fagbemi, late Aderemi was an example of upright Judge who throughout his practice never compromised integrity and the ethics of the practice.

the recruitment of additional 1,200 teachers for the Junior and Senior Secondary schools in the state, bringing to 2,200, the number of teachers approved for recruitment into Primary Schools in the state.

The governor, had stated this at the last quarterly Town Hall

more teachers into public schools to meet up with the manpower required to cover all public schools in the state.

Confirming the development, Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs. Idiat Adebule said the 1,200 teachers was an addition to the 1,000

Adebule, who superintends over the Ministry of Education, said guidelines for application would be released soon in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.

The development, she added, would further aid teaching and learning in the public schools which

years as a result of the improved infrastructure and welfare of teaching and non-teaching staff.

She said the improved facilities and staff motivation was evident in the high performance rate of the students of the state in local and international competitions.

Melaye Sues Police over Non-release of Passport Deji Elumoye in Abuja A member of the National Assembly, Senator Dino Melaye, has dragged the Nigeria Police to court over its refusal to release his international passport to him as directed by a Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja. Chief Magistrate Mabel Bello sitting at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, had on July 25, ordered that Melaye's international passport in the custody of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Commissioner of Police be released forthwith to him.

Senator Melaye representing

Kogi West Senatorial District said in Abuja on Friday that more than a week after the order was made by the competent court of law, the police authorities were yet to return his international passport to him.

He said he has advised his lawyers to approach the court to file contempt charges against the Nigeria Police for flagrantly disobeying a Chief Magistrate Court order.

Melaye added that before deciding to sue the Police, his lawyers had in the last one week written to the Commissioners of Police (Legal) and FCT in Abuja applying for the

release of his passport.

He said: "I'm surprised that up till now my passport, which a law court directed police to release to me has not been given to me.

On the day the order was given on July 25 I wrote personally on that day to FCT Police Commissioner authorising my lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, to collect the passport on my behalf.

My lawyer also on the same date wrote the Commissioner of Police (Legal) for the release of my passport and up till now the court order had not been complied with

and I have no other choice but to approach court again and sue the Police for contempt.

The Senator said he had it on good authority that the non-release of his passport was based on directive from above.

He then wondered of a law enforcement agency which is the Police is the one now breaking the law, how then do you enforce law and order in the country.

Melaye added that his life was being threatened since the Police authorities withdrew his security details on April 22.

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Spirited Dispatch from Sambo Dasuki’s Family The Mess

T

he role of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in FG’s refusal to release the detained former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, despite numerous court bails, speaks volumes about the mentality and professionalism of our chief law officer. The decision of the family of the oppressed ex-NSA to petition the Nigerian Bar Association about Malami’s conduct in the Dasuki saga is thus apropos. This burdened family is asking the NBA to investigate and sanction the minister for his alleged unethical conducts and utter disregards for the rule of law. I fully concur.

The family in the petition accused Malami of conduct likely to cause anarchy in the country through his defence and promotion of disobedience of lawful orders of court by the federal government. The Dasuki family wrote in the petition dated July 23, 2008: “Malami has been making reckless and unprofessional statements to denigrate the court, violate the constitution and encourage the continued breach of the fundamental human rights of Sambo Dasuki who has been clamped into detention since December 2015.”

The family also wants the Minister to be investigated in the resolve of the federal government not to comply with any order of court admitting the former NSA to bail. The family insisted that Dasuki had been unjustly detained without a lawful order for almost three years. In the petition signed by his wife, Bintu Dasuki; his son, Abubakar Dasuki and his nephew, Umar Dahiru, the family also added that Sambo Dasuki, in his lifetime, had never been convicted of any crime till date. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, and Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, got copies of the petition.

Honestly, Malami has persistently made very unprofessional remarks in support of the illegal detention of Sambo Dasuki. He was quoted as saying that Dasuki’s personal right should be violated for the larger public good and that the ex-NSA was responsible for more than 100,000 deaths during his

Dasuki

tenure. Malami said: If the issue about an individual coincides with that which affects the people of a country…you are now saying the government did not obey a court order that infringes on a single person’s rights. Remember, we are talking about a person who was instrumental to the deaths of over 100,000 people. Are you saying that the rights of one person are more important than that of 100,000 who lost their lives?

“Reports have shown that there was a massive mismanagement of funds meant for military hardware, which the military could not access and that led to the death of many, and because of that, many people have lost their lives. Obeying the court is not the issue per say. Are we going to take the issue of an individual more important than that of the people?

The government’s main responsibility is for and about the people. The essence of governance is to better the lives of its people. So you have to weigh it based on that; the rights of an individual or the rights of the people.”

The offence for which this former NSA was arraigned is bailable under the Nigerian law. Our chief law officer must not be seen promoting impunity and disobeying court orders. He must not be seen assaulting the Rule of Law. Unfortunately, these are the things Malami has

been doing regarding the case of Sambo Dasuki. On December 29, 2015, when Dasuki’s bail conditions were perfected, and the warrant of release signed by the court, the operatives of SSS stormed Kuje Prison, immediately rearrested the ex-NSA and clamped him in their detention camp. It was so depressing, yet, Malami, our chief law officer defends this lawlessness.

The family also approached the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and in a landmark judgement, the detention of Dasuki was declared unlawful, null and void. The court subsequently ordered his immediate release in addition to imposing a fine of N15 million on the federal government as compensation for the breach of Dasuki’s fundamental rights.

The federal government refused to obey this order of the international court, yet, we have a chief law officer defending this anarchy.

Again, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court Abuja on July 2, 2018, admitted Dasuki to bail upon a discovery that his detention was a breach of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that of the fundamental right of the ex-NSA. Upon meeting the bail condition, the warrant of release of Dasuki on bail was signed by the court and served on the Director General of SSS and the Attorney General of the Federation for their compliance, but they arrogantly ignored it. In fact, Malami confidently declared that the order of the court would not be obeyed by the federal government. Is this a chief law officer?

The Dasuki family wondered: “Should a lawyer, let alone, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), engage in such an unprofessional conduct capable of causing anarchy in the nation? Malami’s statement is prejudiced, unwarranted and unbecoming of a legal practitioner.”

I sincerely hope that the NBA will invoke its laws on professional misdemeanor against Malami and impose deserved disciplinary sanctions against him for promoting impunity in this country. The NBA must speak out against impunity and lawlessness by our chief law officer and take actions that will compel the federal government to obey the orders of our courts.

Unending Tears of Osun State Retirees Hundreds of traumatised Osun State Government retirees spent most of last week on the streets of Osogbo, protesting non-payment of their gratuities and pensions (running into years) by the Aregbesola administration. Scenes of retirees with walking stick, begging for their rights were pathetic. Never in the history of this state has senior citizens been this humiliated.

Hundreds have died waiting for their pensions and gratuities. Those still living have become walking corpse. The degradation of retirees in Osun State pours. No wonder one of the retirees, a 78-year-old school teacher, Mr. Joseph Olaoye, slumped during the protest.

A retired judge of the Osun State High Court, Justice Folahanmi Oloyede, led the protesters. Recall that she had written a petition against Aregbesola in 2015, detailed the failure of the government in many areas, including non-payment of workers’ salaries and pensions. She was eventually recommended for a compulsory retirement by the National Judicial Council in dubious circumstances.

Oloyede remarked during the protests: “Do not be weary in the demand for your rights. You all will be alive to collect your entitlements. The primary duties of any responsible government are welfare of

Aregbesola

the citizens and their security. Any government that fails in the two areas has failed woefully in the discharge of its primary duties. Labourers deserve their wages and it is covetousness to spend what belongs to other people. It is a crime to spend pensions

and gratuities of the people and deny them their rights. We are not beggars, we worked for the entitlements and the government saved this money for us while we were serving the state. Is there any pensioner that is not being owed in this state? Some are being paid half pensions and others are being owed.

“The whole essence of government is for the welfare and security of the people.

Anybody who is satisfied with hardship can choose to ensure the government continues, but those who are not satisfied should vote for who they like with their PVCs.” The Secretary of the Forum of 2011/2012 Retirees, Mr Sola Olojede, added: “The state government paid N100,000 gratuities to some workers out of about N5 million each of them was entitled to. The governor owes us 17 months pension. This is half pension of 34 months. You all know that they have been paying us half of our pensions since September 2015. So it will be wicked of any of them to say we are not being owed.”

It was good seeing Osun State retirees brandishing their voter card during the protests. I believe they know what to do in few weeks’ time. They have to vote out the oppressive regime of Rauf Aregbesola and his cohorts.

Called NNPC

Who will put an end to the anguish the behemoth called the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been inflicting on this country? An end seems not to be in sight. A corporation set up to enhance the forex revenue of this country has simply been milking it. Malfeasance pours at NNPC. The most recent financial report is depressing. Between March 2017 and March 2018 (13 months), the firm incurred a loss of over N240 billion as under-recovered expenditures while importing petrol at the international market price and selling at the federal government’s regulated pump price of N145 per litre.

Under-recovery is a dubious term being used by this government to describe subsidy which arises as a result of the difference between the landing cost of refined products and the official prices.

The latest report also indicated that NNPC spent over N129 billion on pipeline repair and management within 13 months.

The corporation also reported that Nigerians consumed a scandalous 80.26 million litres per day of petrol in March, 2018. Our daily consumption of petrol has gone up from the contentious 65 million litres per day to a monstrous 80.26 million litres per day. This import is more than enough for the entire West Africa sub-region. This is why the corporation can no longer meet its obligations to the federation Account.

What a country!

Father Kukah on Wastage of Human Lives The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr Matthew Hassan Kukah, is never afraid about saying the truth no matter whose ox is gored. With more of people like him, this country will be in a good state. Speaking recently during a visit to bandit-ravaged Gandi town in Sokoto State, he decried how lives are been aimlessly and mindlessly wasted in Nigeria, saying: “Nigeria is heading towards agricultural disaster because the killers are gradually, but systemically, preventing locals from going to the farm and rearing livestock.”

The blazing Bishop challenged the federal government to work out a more formidable measure capable of halting the unending killings across the country. “The gale of unwarranted killings going on in Nigeria is a ploy to set the nation against itself… We will only continue to call on the federal government to do more and protect us. Our people are dying aimlessly and mindlessly. This is another farming season, but now, people cannot go back to their farms. There is evidence of another looming agricultural disaster.”

Regrettably, we don’t have a proactive government in place in our dear country.

This is why the killings have persisted. I believe majority of Nigerians know what to do in 2019.

Kukah

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 4, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY

CHIKA LANN

My Oyinbo Husband is An African Man with White Skin Chika Lann, an ex-international model and showbiz personality, courts controversy with her eccentric style. She became an internet sensation with her hairstyle. Lann recently caused a stir at Balogun Market in Lagos with her PVC campaign. In this interview with Chinedu Ibeabuchi, she speaks about the controversy trailing her personality, career, family life and upcoming reality TV show

Y

ou recently embarked on a social media campaign targeted at Nigerian youths.

What inspired the move?

Many things led to this, but, I think the pivotal point was after the recent tanker accident in Lagos and the several loss of lives.

You see, like everyone else, I complained bitterly on social media and then I realised that wouldn’t change anything. So, I decided to take it to the streets. I am simply awed by the level of creativity in the entries that I have received so far. So much that I wish I could reward every single entry. Nigeria is blessed with so many talents and I hope this challenge will not just end here but will be a catalyst that would trigger real change.

You featured in ‘Oyinbo Wives’ a Lagos TV series and Linda Ikeji shaded your performance. How did it make you feel?

I am indifferent because I have realised that I intimidate

many people and they always want to put me down. I don’t take them seriously. I appeared in a single scene in ‘Oyinbo Wives’. I went out with my friend – who is one of their characters – and when they saw me, the producer was wowed. She insisted I must join them. After the shoot, they really wanted me to be part of the show but I refused as I was working on my show then – The Expatriates Wives.

Tell us about the Expatriate Wives?

Like the name suggests, it’s a TV reality show about women married to expatriates. The show chronicles the lifestyles of six ladies married to expatriates in Lagos. Viewers need to expect drama and more drama. In the show, we get to understand what it means to be married to an expatriate.

You are married to an expatriate. How did you meet your husband and why the preference for a white man?

Oh la! You want to know everything. Well, my husband and I met at a wedding ceremony in France. We have been

married for 13 years now. Inter-racial marriage has its own challenges outside of the normal challenges of marriage. But we truly love each other so we have a way of working things out.

Some people have a certain misconception about a Nigerian married to an expatriate. How do you handle the snide remarks?

People are entitled to their opinions. I really don’t care about their remarks. If you wait long enough, people are going to talk bad about you no matter what you do or say.

Does your expatriate husband eat Nigerian food?

My husband is an African man with white skin. If you see the way he enjoys Nigerian food, you would be amazed.

His best Nigerian food is boiled yam with palm oil and fresh pepper sauce.

Tell us about your educational background?

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST4, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY I realised that I intimidate many people; they always want to put me down Oh la! You want to know everything. Well, my husband and I met at a wedding ceremony in France. We have been married for 13 years now.

Inter-racial marriage has its own challenges outside of the normal challenges of marriage.

But we truly love each other so we have a way of working things out...My husband is an African man with white skin. If you see the way he enjoys Nigerian food, you would be amazed. His best Nigerian food is boiled yam with palm oil and fresh pepper sauce

After my secondary school education in Nigeria, I left for France to further my education. I also did some courses at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, which is about one hour from Annecy, where I lived. I studied Image Consultancy at Sterling Style Academy.

How did you get into the modelling industry?

It was a case of sheer providence. I never struggled to be one. An agent approached me in the middle of a shopping mall in Paris. He asked me if I was a model and when I said no, he was surprised because he felt I have the face and carriage of a model. He signed me into his modelling agency and the rest, like the popular saying, is history. Since my modelling career started in Paris, I didn’t need their approval. But since I came from a very strict religious family, I am sure they wouldn’t have supported it.

What are some of the most notable jobs you’ve done as a model?

Being a model in a big city as Paris, I got a lot of notable jobs. Some of the ones I can remember was the Brazilian Night in Paris, and my deal with Bretz, a world-class luxury designer brand.

Modelling now appears to be an all-comers affair.

The modelling industry has its challenges but it’s a growing industry. People have started taking modelling as a serious career path. Going into modelling out of laziness is a fallacy because modelling is hard. It requires a tremendous amount of discipline. You have to be the right size. You have to watch what you eat. You have to work your butt off because there are so many people fighting for the same opportunity as yourself. It’s easier working in an office than being a model.

Some young models are being taken advantage of (sexually). Why is this so?

I have nothing to say to that. Desperation can lead people to many things and some people are going to take advantage of that desperation. This is not peculiar to the modelling industry because it happens in other industries.

Some people sleep their way to the top in an office setting.

So why have you stopped modelling ?

I got married and I started a family. Family and modelling go well together. And since I felt I’ve done well for myself career-wise, I chose to nurture my family for some time. After all, once a model, you will always be a model. I set my priorities right. It’s simple, actually. I understand my family comes first and my career takes second place. With that understanding in place, things are quite easy.

You have a unique fashion sense. What defines your style?

My style is defined by my personality. I believe one’s fashion sense is the first identity people see. I don’t like to

blend in with the crowd; rather, I like to stand out. You can see that in my fashion.

Why do you still maintain that your hair cost N40 million despite doubts around this?

It costs N40 million and I don’t know why people find it difficult to believe. It’s not a publicity stunt and I can invest in my hair and invest in the business at the same time. That is exactly what I have done. I believe it is my money and I will spend it how I wish. I would repeat it again that my hair is a work of art and it is worth N40 million.

How long have you had this hair?

A short period of time. I know many people are confused about many aspects of my hair, but I don’t care. I will like to keep it like that.

Why spend so much on hair when there are other

profitable ventures to invest in?

This question is assuming that I don’t have profitable ventures. I do actually. And if people don’t understand that spending money on your own image is also a profitable venture, then they don’t know much about business.

So what else do you do for a living?

I am a TV personality, producer and also an image consultant.

How have you coped with the backlashes that have followed?

I never allow what they think about me get to me. I try to live my life as normal as possible. But I must confess, it hasn’t been that easy. I am the kind of person that loves my freedom. Sometimes, I just want to go out and get stuff. But recently, that has almost been impossible because of people coming to take pictures with me.

Though, my Husband is French, his Best Food is BoiledYam with Palm Oil and Fresh Pepper Sauce

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AUGUST 4, 2018• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

THE CHICKENS HAVE COME HOME TO ROOST Chuks Iloegbunam argues that the Buhari administration has been awful

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knew that Muhammadu Buhari didn’t represent any sort of change with the tiniest chance of improving the lot of Nigerians. I knew also that people of my education and perspective knew that to have a man with scant redeeming qualities at the helm of Nigerian affairs would represent a tragic setback for the entity. It didn’t surprise me, though, that during 2015 a legion of informed Nigerians ate up incredible media space promoting as sterling what they knew or ought to have known was meretricious. It was all Buhari blah, blah, blah.

Well, the chickens since came home to roost. There had been an American flank to the nauseating valorisation of mediocrity. We all always knew that once a Nigerian got educated in the United States or claimed to have gotten educated in the United States, he or she automatically became all-knowing – against the backdrop of all the nonentities they left behind in Nigeria for the trans-Atlantic flight that invariably transformed every sojourner into a genius. On and on, week in and week out, these infallible characters kept churning out tonnes of anti-Jonathan diatribe and fabulous episodes on their messiah.

As things have turned out, their vaunted messiah has recklessly careened the ship of state to the edge of the precipice. One more gratuitous step and the plummet button would have been pressed for the unstoppable descent into utter chaos. But, guess what. The loud-speaking and intolerant Diaspora experts and their homegrown counterparts have all but fallen silent, their vocal cords lacerated and their tongues of chicanery incinerated. Shame, if they ever had that human emotion, never allowed them a moment to apologise for their contribution to the national swindle that showed up in the form of a middling ex-soldier from the North West geopolitical zone.

How come that folks dressed in military fatigues massacre over 300 human beings (Shiite only refers to the peculiarity of their Islam) without Nigerian voices rising as one to proclaim the inhumanity beyond toleration? That was enough impetus to lay into unarmed Biafran agitators and turn them into cannon fodder. And then the farce of their fight against corruption became acutely brazen. Those of them with forged credentials received the green light to keep flaunting them. Mountainous allegations of corruption against their party chairman, corroborated with affidavits, elicited less than the stir of the little finger. Judicial injunctions homed straight into trash cans.

So far – that is more than three years after he mounted the saddle of power – the man has held the monthly live TV Meet the Press programme only once. Thus, his questionable

THE LOUD-SPEAKING AND INTOLERANT DIASPORA EXPERTS AND THEIR HOME-GROWN COUNTERPARTS HAVE ALL BUT FALLEN SILENT, THEIR VOCAL CORDS LACERATED AND THEIR TONGUES OF CHICANERY INCINERATED

actions and ineluctable gaffes are never interrogated. The citizenry has never been let into the details of the mysterious health condition that detained him last year in the United Kingdom for more than 100 days. More, the country is considered unworthy of learning the number of billions from the national coffers that financed the hospitalisation in Europe of this man who, as presidential candidate, pronounced anathema on flying bigwigs abroad for medical attention.

He belongs to all. And he belongs to none. Sounds like dilettantish attempt at penning doggerel. Yet, he incessantly demonstrates a predilection of partiality to those that “elected” him. He has promoted nepotism way above the giddy sky-highness of impunity. He has created an atmosphere that enables the heaviness of coercive force on franchise and independence seekers. It’s almost as though it’s never occurred to their Let’s Pretend Circle that uniform, whether of the military or the Police, has its day, which must pass – just like the acrid stench of malodorous fart, and that even the trigger, despite the resounding report and attendant devastation that follows its pulling, belongs but to a date beyond which it is detached from reckoning. The man simply plods on, his puppeteers permanently in negation of the intruding thought that they could someday stand in line to memorably welcome the insistent visitor often baldly referred to as comeuppance.

Thus, for endless months running into endless years, heavily-armed Fulani herdsmen and their ilk roar from countryside to countryside, serving the innocent and the vulnerable a changeless diet of looting, burning, massacring and land annexation, while the C-in-C emits the absurdity that the only panacea to their encircling genocide is prayers!

When people condone this atrocity for whatever reason, do they remain people or do they become non-people? While an answer is thought up for this question, there are just two more thoughts: One, while Pinochet draped Chile in tyranny, a Spanish lawyer assiduously took notes in Madrid.

When, long after uniform and bullets, Pinochet strayed into London, the long arms of the law enveloped him in a legal embrace. Saddam Hussein fared far worse. Two, shortly after the IRA started its guerilla warfare of the Northern Ireland Troubles, other such forces sprouted that spelt pinewoodfor-pinewood (euphemism for coffins) through the next 25 years – until a Tony Blair, assisted by a Bill Clinton and a few others brokered a peace deal.

Iloegbunam sent this viewpoint through iloegbunam@ hotmail.com.

FOUR MOREYEARS

The records are in favour of Muhammadu Buhari, argues Gbenro Benjamin Ayantunji

T

his is in response to Uncle Dele Momodu’s article titled, “Do Buhari Handlers Understand That The Numbers Are Against Then In 2019 At All?” Let me start by congratulating Dele on the launching of his book and encomium showered on him by Pastor Tunde Bakare. You have paid your dues sir. I will however love to bring to your attention that you are gradually losing your gift of pen prophecy or clairvoyance as alluded to by the revered Pastor Bakare. I will endeavour to address the points you raised one after the other to show where you erred.

You might then probably have a rethink and correct yourself.

You stated that APC is in disarray. I am not APC’s spokesperson and I hope the party will find time to provide a more robust response to this. However, as an observer, APC at inception was a conglomerate of the progressives before the New PDP block joined and it became a collection of strange bed fellows. Nobody can discountenance the contribution of the New PDP block in the victory at the polls in 2015 but when other factors such as Buhari, Tinubu, PVCs and card readers are taken into cognizance, it pales into insignificance. The mistake APC made was probably taking the New PDP into its fold after they became political orphans.

Probably it would have been better for APC not to have them. The New PDP block became an impediment to APC government immediately after election. Even the fact that they got the Senate Presidency and Speaker, House of Representative, albeit against the party’s dictate did not satisfy their sense of entitlement. The former APC chairman also in my opinion failed to assert the party’s authority and bring everybody together. The new chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole is obviously trying to assuage frayed nerves.

Whether this will succeed or not is for the future to tell. However, if I can hazard

a guess, genuine APC members will be persuaded while fake members will go back to their natural habitat. I will suggest at this juncture that you advise your friends to expedite their movement back home. Any time wasted is tragic. Presidential election is just about seven months away.

Your analysis of the outcome of the recent gubernatorial election in Ekiti State is completely out of sync with the reality. We know what a display of Federal Might you alluded to in the article looks like July 2014 election in the same Ekiti and September 2014 election in Osun State is not such a long time that we won’t remember. We didn’t see your “friend”, Dr. Kayode Fayemi moving about in DSS bulletproof vest with hooded DSS officers as did Gov. Ayodele Fayose in 2014. No PDP leader was arrested by the 30,000 strong police contingent in 2018 unlike the 36,000 combined security men/women of 2014. The home of the campaign director of PDP was not invaded nor was his 84- yearold mother harassed in 2018, unlike what happened to Mr. Bimbo Daramola in 2014.

PDP leaders were not prevented from entering Ekiti in 2018, unlike 2014 when Amaechi, Oshiomole, etc., were prevented. There was no body to ferry billions in chattered aircraft into Ado Ekiti in 2018, unlike 2014. I heard a helicopter landed in government house, Ado Ekiti with tonnes of cash from somewhere in the Niger Delta. Rather than display of federal might, the governor used state might to place every possible impediment on the path of APC candidate, to the extent of trying to prevent the president from entering Ekiti State! We didn’t witness a 16-0 result where the incumbent and all his party leaders lost their wards. Uncle, let’s not turn history on its head for posterity’s sake. PDP lost because incumbent governor performed woefully, insulted elders and refused to pay civil servants their deserved salaries,

disgraced Ekiti people and APC and its candidate took advantage through a robust and well-coordinated campaign. There will be no need for 30,000 police in every state in 2019 Presidential election, but there will be need in some states with history of electoral violence. It’s a constitutional responsibility that the president must not shirk from irrespective of blackmail.

The most ridiculous of your assertions is trying to deny President Buhari’s domineering popularity in the north and that the north has always been PDP’s region. Let me help you with a little history in case you missed it or you deliberately turned it on its head to encourage your friends. In 1999, former President Obasanjo of PDP had 18,738,154 votes, while Chief Olu Falae of APP had 11,110,287 votes. The total votes cast was about 30 million. The bulk of PDP votes came from South East, South South and North Central while the bulk of APP votes came from North East, North West and South West. In 2003, PDP had 24,456,140 votes, Buhari of APP had 12,710,022 votes, Odimegwu Ojukwu of APGA, 1,297,445 votes and Jim Nwobodo of UNPP had 169,609 votes. The total votes increased to about 40 million from 1999. That’s about 25% increase, this can only happen if the votes were inflated. Buhari of APP got the bulk of his votes from North East and North West while PDP added South West to its votes.

By 2007, Yar’Adua of PDP got 24,638,063 votes, Buhari of ANPP got 6,605,299 votes, Atiku of AC got 2,637,848 votes and Orji Uzor Kalu of PPA got 608,803 votes. Total votes came to about 34 million. The curious thing about the results is that while PDP maintained almost the same number of votes as in 2003 despite losing South West to Atiku of AC, Buhari’s votes dropped by about six million votes despite retaining his traditional North East and North West. No wonder the

2007 election was adjudged the worst in our recent history. Even the winner agreed that the election was the worst. In 2011, Former President Goodluck Jonathan of PDP got about 22,495,187 votes, Buhari of CPC got 12,214,853 votes, Nuhu Ribadu of ACN got 2,079,151 votes and Shekarau of ANPP got 917,012 votes. The total vote was about 37 million, about 8% increase from 2007. This increase was basically due to increase in total votes from Southeast and South south which was obviously due to the inflation of results.

Buhari retained his Northeast and Northwest and 12 million votes. 2015 elections saw Buhari’s emergence as the winner with 15,424,921 votes and Jonathan of PDP got 12,853,162 votes. The total vote was about 28 million. Compared to the previous elections since 1999, that’s a minimum of about 20% drop. While this could be superficially attributed to voter apathy, the truth is that physical evidence during campaign and voting shows more turn out than previous elections. The introduction of PVC and card readers prevented inflation of votes! Despite the fact that Buhari marginally defeated PDP in the SW and NC for the first time, these technologies prevented vote inflation from SE and SS which could have made PDP a comfortable winner.

Sir, let’s always present facts for the sake of upcoming generation. Buhari’s dominance is not a myth; the North is not a traditional PDP enclave and you got the arithmetic wrong.

As long as Tinubu and Buhari remain in APC, you can advise your friends to move into any other party. Advise them to field the most formidable candidate among them and that they should all back him up. Let’s settle this issue of who owns Nigeria between the masses and your political elite friends once and for all in 2019.

Dr. Ayantunji wrote from Abuja

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AUGUST 4 , 2018 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

When will the agony end?

That Agency for Ethics and Values Compliance “In just about every area of society, there is nothing more important than ethics”- Henry Paulson.

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recall my surprise when I learned of a bill for the establishment of a National Agency for Ethics and Values Compliance. I must also add that I struggled to come to terms with what value such agency would bring to the polity in this critical period of our existence. Consequently, I researched and consulted some vital stakeholders all with the aim of getting a proper understanding of what an agency for ethics and values compliance meant. Mind you; this is not an entirely new introduction; as there is a committee in the Presidency that deals with matters of ethics and values.

As a first, I needed to understand what ethics and values were. Ethics are moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity. Ethics investigate the questions “what is the best way for people to live?”; and, what actions are right or wrong in particular circumstances?”

In my opinion, there is no better time than now to initiate and encourage the development of a new value system for the country; because the value is the foundation upon which other values and measures of integrity are based. Values reflect a person’s sense of right and wrong or what “ought” to be. Values affect character and behaviour as well as personality types.

Moral values based on the concept of right and wrong should supplant rivalries, envy and other detrimental competitions with an emphasis on the “permanent struggle between good and evil.” Hence, a well-designed doctrine of ethics and moral values for a new Nigeria; mainly the youths have become inevitable.

Having said this, I will begin with the current state of the Nigerian nation, and the pertinent question that comes to mind is whether or not, the contemporary Nigerian society is in need of an agency such as this. While I must admit that the passage of the bill by the National Assembly is a welcome development, a lot still has to be done. And the ball starts from the table of Mr. President. The legislative arm of government has seen the merit of the bill and consequently passed it unanimously and waiting for the president to give consent. While I do not doubt as regards the commitment of this present administration towards rebuilding Nigeria, it must be stated that if indeed charity begins from home, the president should and never be in doubt as to the necessity of an agency for ethics and values compliance in Nigeria.

Yes, there would be reservations from some quarters as regards the core mandate of the agency. Some will also argue that it would amount to a duplication of what the National Orientation Agency (NOA) presently does. But I disagree. The areas of responsibilities of both agencies are not the same. The Agency for Ethics and Values Compliance sought to provide legal framework for individuals and organisations to observe specific ethical standards, to develop and promote best practices in integrity, develop codes of ethics, receive complaints on breach of trust and code of ethics, conduct investigations on acts of breach or violation of public trust and recommend to the Director of Public Prosecutions appropriate action to be taken against

public and private officers alleged to have engaged in unethical behaviours, and to institute and conduct proceedings in court for the purposes of recovery or protection of public property.

This is not the mandate of the NOA which is the body tasked with communicating government policy, staying abreast of public opinion, and promoting patriotism, national unity, and development of Nigerian society. This much was corroborated by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, Senator Suleiman Adokwe. He said “With this bill, the breach of ethical standards will incur specific punitive measures, which is a significant departure from the mandate of the National Orientation Agency.”

There is a critical aspect of the agency that should give the majority of Nigerians a reason to celebrate. It is the fact that millions of jobs will be created as a result of this. I say this because as mentioned earlier, a part of the mandate of the bill is that of compliance. Compliance in the sense that both the public and private sectors must adhere to specific organisational ethics and for that to work, there ought to be a compliance officer in the organisation, who would be mandated to from time to time to ensure that his or her organisation is ethics and values compliant.

Such individuals must have been trained extensively to serve as the watchdog. Now, this is the catch, let us assume that Nigeria has 200,000 private organisations and each of these organisation employs ethics and values compliant officer. What that translates to are 200,000 new jobs. Mind you this is also outside the public sector.

Isn’t this an avenue for job creation? I stand to be corrected.

Yahaya Etila, Abuja

NLC’S Assault onTelecom Masts

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n this country, many things absurd take place these days in frenetic paces. From the unending assaults of Boko Haram to the unabating slaughter of Fulani herdsmen, from the reel of executive terrorism on the parliament and the Ekiti election mismanagement to the psychological terror of Lagos truck drivers who had decided to demobilise other road users, I have never in all my life seen a nation so besieged as Nigeria nor a people so sedate and pliant like Nigerians.

But to add to the list of these malfeasances the blockage or even a threat to voice and data transmission via telecom masts and base stations is to taunt tolerance too far. What are all these stupid actions of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) picketing of MTN offices about? Is it to press home the urgency of the demand of its aggrieved members who have labour issues with MTN, the South African-Nigerian business relation flagship, or to hurt the Nigerian economy? Or is it motivated by other objectives to punish some elements for any other reason other than just getting MTN management pay its aggrieved staff their claims?

There is an emerging trend in civil disobedience these days whereby some sponsored protesters now go beyond the rules of civil agitation as dictated by conventions in civic advocacy.

Granted, an aggrieved worker can be frustrated to the point of physical expression of disgust at the system. But when it overbounds to criminal actions and sabotage of pubic assets, then the agenda of the agitators becomes another thing rather than the quest for financial settlement by its acclaimed debtors.

The NLC under Comrade Wabba by allowing his men tamper with telecommunication infrastructure like towers other than the top management personnel of MTN Nigeria it should be dealing with directly, has clearly overstepped their bounds. They are now threatening ordinary citizens’ right—the over T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R 70 million subscribers of MTN’s voice and EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE data services from enjoying the MTN services DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO they prepaid for.

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE This is clear because MTN is not like any CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI other ordinary public utility, but a private EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN sector-funded multinational entity whose MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE relationship with the Nigerian authorities and ordinary citizens touches on diplomatic and security implications between Nigeria and its parent country, South Africa. The truth is that T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D here in Nigeria, we have what we call in local EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA parlance—follow-follow mentality. Translated, GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, it means our tendency to always want to walk ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE the beaten path where we can easily pick up DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI something without much heat. In other words, SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH the tendency is strong for a kid to run back ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO to the same spot where he had picked up a CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI meaty snail without much hassles.

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO Sam Nwokoro, Lagos TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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Plus

LOUD WHISPER GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND FASHION FILE SHOWBIZFLAIR

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

Lucky Igbokwe

My Mother’s Positive Energy Impacted on Me

pg. 20

Biodun Olatunji My Family is My Priority

Ray Ekpu

At 70, I’m Feeling Good; it is Something to Be Thankful For…

pg. 22

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 4, 2018

PLUS

If You Manage to Get to 70, You Have to Be Grateful to God Ray Ekpu is a name that rings a bell in the journalism profession for several reasons. He has had it all in his 45 years of practice. He takes Yemi Adebowale and Ahamefula Ogbu through the highs and lows as well as plans to celebrate his 70th birthday and 45 years of practice which he calls 70.45. ... Excerpts:

Y

ou will be 70 on August 6, how are you feeling?

I feel good. Of course when you get to this age a lot of things change in your body but you decide to take it in your stride; your footsteps are no longer long and your feet can no longer kill an ant. At 70, if you don’t have any serious health challenges, you will live and look reasonably well. So, it is something to be thankful for particularly if you live in a country like Nigeria where the life expectancy is put at 53 years. To live in a country like Nigeria where petrol tanker can just go crazy and if you are within that area, you are consumed by an inferno and many other things that can kill people at a younger age in Nigeria like malaria which other countries have eliminated. People go and import fake drugs from India and China to sell to their own citizens; people bring fake tyres from China to come and kill people in Nigeria and people buy those tyres without knowing that they are buying instruments of death. A soldier or a policeman will hold his gun carelessly and you get shot to death and they call it accidental discharge; so there are a million things that kill people very early in age here. Very bad hospitals, poor prescriptions, fake drugs, fake doctors and so on and so forth.

The regulatory mechanisms are not strong enough to help people to live long and the operating environment itself adds to people’s short longevity. So, if you manage to get to 70, you have to be grateful to God because when you have been able to jump over all of these hurdles, you cannot say it is because you are smart or clever. I think there is an element of an unseen hand in your life.

Are there things you are doing to stay healthy?

Well, yes, you do some exercises, you adjust your food as you go along; you cut out red meat from your food, cut out salt and sugar and heavy carbohydrate, garri, yam, pounded yam or boiled yam, you shift more to plantain, beans, vegetables and fruits, those will certainly help. Of course, at this level, you will no longer be smoking if you were smoking, if you were drinking you will reduce the quantity of alcohol that you take, a lot of those things can help. I have read a number of longevity literature

Ekpu

and they indicate that you can control 65 per cent of your longevity, the remaining 35 per cent come from your genes, so you don’t control your genes, you didn’t decide who your parents and grandparents would be, so that is an area you can do nothing about but the 65 per cent that is left, you can do your best to see how God helps you to live long.

Does longevity run in your family?

Yes and no. My father died at 50 so it is not long; my mother died at 76, so it is long, depending on what you mean by long.

Somebody can get an accident and die; does that determine longevity in one’s family?

No. Everybody does not die from natural causes, it is when people die from natural causes that you can actually determine longevity, people can get an accident, people can die from misdiagnoses and misapplication of drugs and so on, that was why I said yes and no.

You have a list of high points and low points 70 years down the line. Tell us some of the evergreen high points and indelible low points?

Let me start with low points. One of them is that I just got into the University of Lagos after the war to study Mass Communication and then one year into my course, my father died. I come from a low background in terms of money so I had to struggle to finish my course and I was the only person in the family who got into the university at that point but I was lucky, at least there were still scholarships given by government at that time. Because my first year result was good, I got South East State scholarship and federal government scholarship but because the value of federal government scholarship was higher, I took the federal government scholarship and dropped the South Eastern State scholarship. I got into a career called journalism and I didn’t understand the full implications until I started practicing and in 1976, I wrote an article I thought was innocuous and a patriotic duty to my country and I was picked and detained in jail. I have been in and out of those detention centers five times after that, making it half a dozen, and it is not a funny place to be. The Nigerian prison is probably one of the worst in the world; even for the fact that you are denied your freedom is stringent enough to meet extraordinarily horrible conditions add something to your

The assassination of my dear friend and colleague, Dele Giwa, through a parcel bomb, which was a novelty in this part of the world at that time. We were such close friends that I lost about 10 kilogrammes within one month without doing anything or diet. I lost my memory for about nine months; I couldn’t remember anything.

I will sit down with people to talk and talk sensibly for one hour and after that, everything goes away. I was moving around like a zombie at that time for about nine months after the guy’s death and then of course, the proscription of Newswatch after I took over

AUGUST 4, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS Journalism is the Most Interesting Business That I Know of misery, so those would be the low points.

Then of course, the assassination of my dear friend and colleague, Dele Giwa, through a parcel bomb, which was a novelty in this part of the world at that time. We were such close friends that I lost about 10 kilogrammes within one month without doing anything or diet. I lost my memory for about nine months; I couldn’t remember anything. I will sit down with people to talk and talk sensibly for one hour and after that, everything goes away. I was moving around like a zombie at that time for about nine months after the guy’s death and then of course, the proscription of Newswatch after I took over. Six months into it, the Babangida government proscribed this young company that was struggling to find its feet and some people said to me, well, this is a follow-up to what happened to Dele Giwa, why don’t you run?

The choices that I had were to fight, flee or fret. I chose none. I was not capable of fighting the behemoth called the federal government. I was not ready to flee because we had brought a lot of young people to the place and was not ready to fret but God gave me the composure to say ‘we can carry on’ despite the adversity and it was that resolve that made us overcome the adversity of that proscription. I described it in one interview as a partial eclipse and we were sure that the light will shine again. It was difficult getting through, having to preserve your staff from being poached. We had about N3 million in savings account at that time so we continued to pay our staff to retain them for the six month period and then we started a magazine called Quality, just human interest magazine under a different company.

Even then, the military junta said ‘you are smart, you want to be clever, you have been banned, what are you doing?’ We said ‘but this is a different company, was the idea to kill us after you killed the company?’ During that period that Awo died, we published a magazine simply called Awo which was just a simple magazine and they were complaining, so you can see how vicious that government had been. You proscribed a magazine established by young people in their 30s who didn’t do anything monumentally wrong that could kill the country and you wanted to kill their source of livelihood. Our account was frozen but a few days to the expiration of the proscription period, they invited us and reopened the place so those could be what I call the down sides.

The upside is that the magazine did well at the time I was editing it. We did up to 152,000 copies which was a novelty at the time, which was evidence of the strength of the magazine in the market place and our staff won many awards - DAME award, the MMA award and I was privileged to be given the international Editor of the year’s award in New York in 1987 and I was also named as one of the 10 outstanding persons of the world by Jerseys international at an event in Sydney, Australia in 1988. Several other awards came and those would represent the high points. I was also able to lead the Commonwealth Journalists Association as its President for two terms and no black person had ever risen to that position, so one is grateful for those mercies and we thank God. You are still writing after 45 years, what are the motivations?

The motivation is to continue to be healthy.

If you exercise yourself physically and mentally you get healthier. There is a friend of ours called Ime Ebong; he was the Managing Director of ICON Merchant Bank many years ago. He was someone who guided us by the hand when we were starting Newswatch in financial terms, telling us how to run our business and so on and four of us went to see him - Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed, Soji Akirinade and myself. He was 86 a couple of months ago. We said to him ‘what keeps you strong,’ he said ‘I am still writing, that is what I invest my energy in and that mental activity keeps me strong , that’s why I am 86 and I am still strong, walking about.’ So, I think writing helps you to be fit physically and mentally. It also improves your knowledge because before you write, you do research on whatever you are doing.

It brings you up to speed on a number of subjects and it is most interesting thing in the world for me. It is such an exciting thing to do. A lot of people who retire from services

Ekpu

and stay in their houses, because they have money, they sit down and eat, stay in front of television and grow fat; they die quicker than those who are still active after retirement.

So, that is something that I think about apart from the fact that I enjoy what I am doing, journalism is the most interesting business that I know of, maybe because I don’t know of any other business and I have not practiced any other one; I think that it pumps my adrenaline if you ask me.

At 70, do you feel fulfilled? Are there things you still desire?

I’m fulfilled. You see, many Nigerians think that fulfilment is how much money you have or how many cars and houses you have. Those are not indicators of fulfilment or happiness for me. I am fulfilled, I have a good family, a lovely wife, three lovely children who have done well in their professions and I have three grandchildren, one of them is in the house now; when she comes around, I put her on my knees and then she slaps me, I slap her playfully, we enjoy each other’s company. That for me is fulfilment, not how much money, how many cars or houses I have. Fulfilment comes from within; it is not a Nigerian philosophy. Nigerians like to throw their wealth around and show how much money they have. I don’t come into that category. What I have, I’m satisfied with it. If I have more, I will be satisfied with it too. I work hard for everything I have. When I get into the house and sleep, I am not afraid that EFCC will come after me because I know I have worked on this thread on a narrow path in a country like Nigeria.

Your name rings a bell and people wonder if Ray Ekpu is a wealthy man.

How would you describe your status?

If you know my background, if you know where I am coming from, I come from an unknown village. I don’t think it is on Google map, I doubt if you will find it on Google map, it is called Udo Osiong in Ukanafon Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State. There is no industry there, there is only a primary school, there is no secondary school or university, there is no factory, there is nothing, no tarred road. The pipe borne water I put it there in the school compound so people can go there and fetch water.

I brought my friends and we went there and raised money and put electricity in the village. So, that is the setting from which I have come. My father had five wives and we were 19 children and he died when none of us got into the university and then I come to a level where few people know my name and identify me by face. What more can you ask for? It has its blessings and of course, it has its burdens of being known, being popular has both its blessings and burdens but you must be able and ready to take them

I’m fulfilled. You see, many Nigerians think that fulfilment is how much money you have or how many cars and houses you have. Those are not indicators of fulfilment or happiness for me. I am fulfilled, I have a good family, a lovely wife, three lovely children who have done well in their professions and I have three grandchildren, one of them is in the house now; when she comes around, I put her on my knees and then she slaps me, I slap her playfully, we enjoy each other’s company.

That for me is fulfilment, not how much money, how many cars or houses I have. Fulfilment comes in your stride.

I didn’t ask to be known; this profession thrust me into it and the things that have happened in my life have maybe made me known. As a person, I am a self-effacing man and I don’t think that I deserve all the publicity I have gotten and I try to resist and shy away from unwanted, unmerited publicity. Over the years during my birthday, some newspapers will come and say we want to do a supplement on you and I said ‘what? You want to drive me out of business.’ It is not just because as a journalist I don’t feel that is necessary, even as a human being, I don’t think it is necessary. During my 50thbirthday, one of my relations wanted to put an advertisement congratulating me and luckily he told me before hand and I said no, ‘just let me be.’ So, I feel good, I feel okay the way I live my life.

So, would you say you are a wealthy man or a poor man or an average man?

How do we rate you?

Those things are relative. I can put three meals on the table for myself and my wife and my children but none of us actually eats three meals a day; there isn’t enough time to eat three meals. So the people who have time to eat three meals do not have the money to do it. That’s the reverse. When you have a little bit of money to be able to eat three meals, you don’t have enough time to eat three meals. Those who have the time to eat three meals don’t have enough money to buy three meals.

What are the activities lined up to mark your 70 years?

Not activities. I don’t want to consider activities. Some Newswatch people came and said ‘we want to plan a week-long activity,’ and I said ‘what? You think I am President Buhari or something.’ So, we just have a one day event which is organised by my wife, family and my children to mark the day which is August 6. I said to them I don’t want some loud party, owambe party or something. I will prefer we have a colloquium not on journalism subject but something close to my heart. The topic is ‘Nigeria, the Leadership Question’ and we have a guest lecturer, Dr. Chidi Amuta, a well-known public intellectual and an

economist. Then, we have a panel of five who would discuss the subject and that panel is going to be moderated by my brother and friend Mr. Dan Agbese, former Editor-inChief of Newswatch, a notable columnist.

So, that is what we have arranged for that day and then there will be a cocktail at the end of the event but I am told the Nigerian Press Organisation wants to host me to a dinner on that day. I am really deeply, deeply honoured by that decision because I don’t think they have done it for anyone before. So, I am extra lucky to be so celebrated by my colleagues and I want to thank Prince Nduka Obaigbena because that is his own initiative. I want to also thank the President of the Guild of Editors, Funke and also President of the NUJ, Odusile for that gesture.

What are your thoughts about the profession now, having seen all the stages?

There is a sea of change in journalism.

The gap between what we had when I started in the 70s and now is very wide. The instruments, equipment for practice have also changed. The recording device you have here is very different from the recording device in those days; we were not even using recorders. We were using pen and paper, reporters’ notebook; you write down everything and carry it in your head. There were hardly any telephones anywhere and no cell phones as we have now. We were using typewriter; today, you can travel with your laptop and file your story and photograph from anywhere you are in the world. So, the advances in technology have made the job easier and ultimately should make journalism more interesting and accurate. Of course, every bit of technology that comes has also its downside.

There has emerged what people call citizens journalism which is practiced by the social media. Everybody who is interested can set up his own platform and sending his own stories, fake or real from there and it goes to everybody in the world who is hooked on to it. That means that information is more easily available to a larger number of people but what kind of information are they sending out? There is a lot of falsehood, there is a lot of useful information and the problem is how to identify what is false and what is fake from what is real and what is true, that is one of the challenges that the traditional media, radio, television, newspapers, magazines face today and that is what Marshall McLuhan called the global village which has made things different. It depends on how we shape our future based on the reality on the ground. It is a major challenge; people call it citizens journalism but that is not journalism, it is social journalism. Journalism cannot be practiced by one person only. Journalism has rigour. A reporter goes to check a story or event, he brings it back to the supervisor who crosschecks the information, passes on to the next person to the next person and it gets to the editor. So, you have layers of checks to ensure that names are correct, the places are correct, the ages are correct, the totality of the information is correct, so when it is transmitted to the public they depend on it. Journalism has a set of professional canons; it says your story must be accurate, comprehensive, balanced and must be fair.

All of these contribute to making the story credible. So journalism is a quest for truth, for fact. Journalism also has a code of conduct that journalists must obey. They subscribe to it, it is coded and they must comply with it.

They have institutions that must stand guard over these codes of conduct and professional canons; so that is the rigour I am talking about to ensure that what you read, what you hear on radio and television you can take it to the bank and take a loan with it without collateral. That kind of situation is under serious pressure now and that is a challenge that we all have. We who were brought up the old fashioned way have to meet the challenge of the modern era. I think various mainstream media have risen to the occasion; some of these platforms report through their own social media platforms and they link them up to their own traditional media. So, anybody who is looking for quick information can go to their social media platform because it will consider that being a reputable organisation, being trained to manage the news in a professional and ethical way, the information they put in their social media platform would be accurate.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 4, 2018

PLUS

Lucky Igbokwe My Mother’s Positive Energy Impacted on Me Lucky Igbokwe is an entrepreneur, music promoter/manager and founder of Green Peace Nigeria. Call this philanthropist a child of circumstance and you wouldn’t be wrong. His parents loved music. So, while growing up, he stumbled on a music magazine, which changed his perspective on life and career. As a result, when he was given money to enroll for a pre-degree programme, he used his school fee to record and promote an artiste. Help eventually came Igbokwe’s way again and he went back to school. Seven years after graduation, he returned to his first love -music. Over the years, Igbokwe has managed two major artistes and delved into other similar areas of interest. Today, at 37, he wears many caps as a serial entrepreneur with interest in music, entertainment and property. He is also United Nations Peace Ambassador.

Igbokwe speaks to Adedayo Adejobi on his businesses, growing up, family life and Nigeria’s entertainment industry

Helping People Gives Me Joy. It’s Not Pretense. Helping People Comes Natural to Me I Believe in Nigeria. People Can Make It Work. We All Need to Sacrifice

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PLUS Impacting on lives with Green Peace Nigeria Makes Me Happy

Y

was very temperamental and my mum is outspoken.

ou have an interesting and remarkable story. What were you thinking when you ventured into entertainment business?

While growing up, I had a sailor uncle. In Junior Secondary School three, he brought home a catalogue which featured deaf Jamz and popular record labels in America. As a child, my parents love music, and that spurred my love for the music business which I started in 1999. When I was going to start the business, my parents had given me N123,000, being the total sum of my school fees for the pre-degree course at the University of Lagos. Instead of enrolling, I used the money to start the music business, expenses to record the artistes and promotion. At some point, I used to trek from Akowonjo to Rhythm 93.7 FM in Jakande in order to hook up with Alozie Ezeoku, who is a relative and the Head, Entertainment at Silverbird. At that time, there were no mobile phones, only pagers were the form of communication.

I could page him a million times a day.

The venture didn’t become so much of a success along the way because there was an issue. My parents got to know I wasn’t in school because I didn’t pay my school fees.

It almost caused a major division between my parents, as they borrowed almost 70per cent of the total sum from my uncle. I ran to my auntie, my mum’s sister. With family intervention it was resolved.

Some children come out traumatised after going through what you saw growing up as a child. How did you fight the inner battle and come out strong?

I have the heart of my mother. She forgives. My mum loved my dad so much that’s why he was able to get away with so many things he did.

What lessons did you grow up with from your parents’ marriage?

I’ve grown to handle my relationships differently, and sometimes it’s not love that drives a relationship. Commitment, values and understanding are the key.

What was the relationship with you and your dad growing up?

I was cool with my dad despite the fact that he was always spanking me and sometimes ill- treated my mum, my mum never let us to insult her husband.

She protected and guarded her husband jealously. Even when they had quarrels, she reported me to my dad.

Are your parents still alive?

My dad is late now.

You must miss a part of him. Don’t you?

I miss my dad. In his dying minute he changed and started appreciating and apologising for most of all he did wrong.

So, at what point did you return to entertainment business?

I however came back to the music business fully in 2006. Before then, I had started little gigs and shows. I used to go to Apple Cosmetics, My Uncle’s business with my Dad- Nature Perfect - for them to help sponsor some of the events. They were helpful and I was able to achieve much until I established the business fully in 2006.

I started with Morachi, Sheyman and also worked with a few other notable names in the entertainment industry. I’ve also organised shows. The Rush is my brand. I also initiated and organised the Abia Youths Empowerment Concert which featured P-Square and other artistes in 2003. I did documentaries for Abia State Government under Senator Theodore Orji’s administration. He gave me opportunity to showcase my talent, working for him in six years.

At what point would you say you hit it big?

My major breakthrough was when I was doing things for the state government. I was given the opportunity to do the Abia State documentaries, youth empowerment programmes, governor’s image and wardrobe.

What challenging moments shaped you and your global perspectives?

It was challenging in the early stage of doing business when I invested and it didn’t yield profits. It was indeed a labour loss. I however kept telling myself that it would pay off.

Was there a point in your life you

When you look back at your growing up, do you see yourself in your children?

Yes, they will be better than me. My son is independent and fearless.

What’s the relationship with you and your spouse?

Good. It’s fantastic and we don’t have a problem. The first time I met her; she laughed at me and went to report me to her big brothers. We became friends afterwards for 10 years and we go married afterwards. The marriage has been strong.

My wife is perfect to an extent. We are soul mates.

Igbokwe

thought of giving up?

In my life, I’m self-determined. I’ve never thought of giving up for once. I’m believer in perseverance, hard work and diligence.

You are a man of many parts. How do you juggle being that entire in one?

I founded Green Peace Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation focused on environmental issues, erosion control, air pollution control, and climate change. It has been in existence for over 10 years. However, it was officially launched on Wednesday, 27th of June 2018, in Ohuhu Umuahia North Local Government Area in Abia State. The aims of the foundation are providing access to quality education to children, shelter to the less privileged, widow empowerment, healthcare and reducing extreme poverty especially in Abia State and Nigeria at large. We decided to launch our version of the Poverty Alleviation Programme, to qualitatively transform the life and education of our children through our Back to School campaign and Scholarship Endowment Fund, Provision of Shelter to the less privileged, widow empowerment and a N40 million interest free revolving loan facility to artisans, traders among other indigent members of the community. I have travelled all over the world as a young man, but I’ve never stayed outside Nigeria for more than a month. Even with my son and spouse in the United States, the highest I’ll

stay outside the shore of this country is a month. I believe in Nigeria. People can make it work. We all need to sacrifice.

What drives you?

My mum is a very strong woman, and she’s had a considerably huge positive influence on me growing up. At a time, my mum was in a very abusive marriage, yet she never misbehaved. Instead, she showed express love and respect to my father. She did her business and supported her husband, even when my father’s business failed; she stood with him and never repaid his inactions. She has a positive energy and I learnt a lot from her.

When growing up, when I went asking my uncles for money, my mum was always mad at me. She always told me to be strong and that my future is great. She urged me to use the experiences to toughen up. It didn’t make so much sense to me then, but now I fully understand the import of her courage, advice and resilience.

Because of my mum’s experience, my life took a great leap. Giving birth to me at 17 years old was tough. She left the boarding school to take care of me. She continued school in my Dad’s house. My mum is upright, tough and firm. She believes in discipline. At some point, for her disciplinary measures, I thought she didn’t really love me and wasn’t my mother.

Growing up to see our father physically abuse your mum, how did you break out of such a deeply ingrained emotional and physical abuse? You must have thought that was how to be a man?

My parents were in love until it went waned. The issue was family; my dad was a sweet man from the onset. But my dad’s family was against my mum being from the same extraction. My mum’s family being exposed, they were always against my dad. They did a lot. Growing up, my father was very caring. I still have pictures and memories shared with my dad. There were good moments. My dad

Who offends the most?

I offend more. At these times, I wish my dad was alive because we men have issues. Sometimes, there are some habits my dad engages in and my mum wants him to stop. It stirs problems. I used to be annoyed at my dad. But, now I find myself in the same shoes.

How do you manage a marriage across the Ocean?

I’m in and out every two months. I travel four times a year to America.

What are your future plans?

To establish more and grow so I can help people.

When you say help people, how do you define helping people?

Helping people gives me joy. It’s not pretense. Helping people comes natural to me. As we’ve sat to talk in the last few minutes, I’ve received at least five account details requesting financial aid. I can give my last to help. My mother was selfless.

She must be old now?

She’s young and 53 turning 54.

What is your relationship with your mum?

I speak with her every day. The relationship is robust.

When you look back at your life, what kind of feeling does it evoke?

It makes me happy. I believe the paths I have had to cross have made me strong.

Deep down, do you feel a sense of fulfilment?

Not yet.

And why is that so?

I have to work to my last breathe.

Nothing is enough. The only fulfilment is my son and family.

What is your assessment of the music and entertainment industry?

There is huge potential. We are still assessing about 10 per cent of the huge potential. The business industry is not structured.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ, 2014

PLUS Biodun Olatunji

My Family is My Priority I am surrounded by a good team which makes my work easier Biodun Olatunji is regarded by many as a man of style, panache and taste. This lawyer, businessman, and founder of World Lilies Guest House, Ibadan, believes that tourism can be used to turn around Nigeria’s economy if properly managed. He speaks with Azuka Ogujiuba on the future of the Nigerian hospitality business and his vision for the industry

Y

ou are a lawyer, what informed your decision to go into the hospitality business?

The hospitality business for me has always been a thing of passion. That was why I established World Lilies Guest House. I felt really fulfilled when we started operation but I know we still have a lot of work to do and by God’s grace, we will sail through.

What informed the choice of Ibadan for this hotel?

Maybe you don’t know, I grew up in Ibadan. This place is like my second home.

I had my primary, secondary and tertiary education here in Ibadan. I have always wanted to have businesses around the globe not just Nigeria. So, when I conceived the idea of World Lilies Guest House, in fact the first place that came to my mind was Ibadan. Not Lagos. As a businessman, you need to have foresight and Ibadan is the third most populous place in Nigeria.

Experts have predicted that by 2036, the population will skyrocket to 11.3 million and you know what that means for the hospitality industry. So, I see a new Ibadan set to emerge.

The edifice is furnished to taste, how old is the place and was it designed by you?

Everything you see there is imported and yes it was designed by me even though I had one or two contribution from my Architect, Engineer and my wife, who is an interior designer. I can boldly tell you that I am a man of taste and anyone who has met me can testify to that.

For a quiet city like Ibadan, compared to Lagos, how would you describe the patronage?

Things are picking up fast. This is just our third month of operation so I don’t want to be too forward but we have great expectation and so far, it hasn’t been bad. The hotel as you can see is built to taste, so first, they enjoy the best infrastructure and I make sure they have great value for their money from the check in and check out. We also have an event centre, two buildings away and our customers enjoy major discount when they book it for their occasion.

Olatunji

With your state of art and tastefully furnished rooms, any plan to turn over the management of the hotel to professional hotel managers?

In the long run, yes! Even though the present team on ground is doing fantastically well. But you know as time goes on, we will have to expand and that means we will need more professional hands.

What other ventures are you into?

My training as a lawyer has given me the necessary background to do a whole lot of things without limitation. One thing I always tell people is that the legal profession is the best profession ever. I call it the ‘high leveler’. As a lawyer, with the kind of training you get, you can fit into any business you venture into; so let’s just say some other things. You will hear about them soon.

How do these numerous businesses of yours affect the time you spend with your family?

I am a family man and my family is my priority. I am surrounded by a good team which makes the work easier because I do a lot of delegations.

What do you do for leisure?

I relax, and watch football. By the way, I’m a Gunner (an Arsenal Football Club supporter). I also do enjoy travelling but I don’t have that luxury all the time.

Words around here say you’re a huge philanthropist. Is that your own way of giving back?

Well, I wouldn’t say it the way you put it, I would just say that I do it to the best of my abilities. God has been faithful to me, so I see it as a responsibility to God.

How would you compare the social life in Ibadan with Lagos?

Ibadan people are actually more social than we perceive them to be though we know Lagos is a buzzer!

At a time when many people are complaining about the hazards of the hospitality business, you’re investing in it. Do you have any word for people that might have given up on the business?

The hospitality industry is a huge industry all over the world. I understand that there are many challenges but it’s never a write off, not in this era of new technologies, tourism and development.

Hotels are always in demand as more and more people are travelling and in need of accommodation. That is why all our facilities are of international standard. What I would say is that the business is capital intensive, so you have to have patience and a lot of it, if you know what I mean.

Is there any plan to take World Lilies dream beyond Ibadan?

Of course! Even the name should tell you that. Like I said earlier, Ibadan is just a starting point by the grace of God.

How difficult or easy has it been having to shuttle between Lagos and Ibadan to monitor the business?

It is only God, and the passion for what I’m doing drives me.

The hospitality industry is a huge industry all over the world. I understand that there are many challenges but it’s never a write off, not in this era of new technologies, tourism and development. Hotels are always in demand as more and more people are travelling and in need of accommodation. That is why all our facilities are of international standard. What I would say is that the business is capital intensive, so you have to have patience and a lot of it, if you know what I mean

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ͼ˜ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS Buky Asehinde

Afrocentric Businesses in Nigeria will Soon Be Globally Accessible Buky Asehinde is the CEO of Bellafricana, an outfit that builds strategic collaborations for made in Nigeria products across the country. She talks to Omolola Itayemi about her passion, challenges and more

W

hat inspired you to go into this line of business?

I am a passionate Nigerian entrepreneur that has a dream that one day, Afrocentric businesses in Nigeria (Africa) will be globally accessible. This led to the birth of Bellafricana, a business focused in promoting quality Afrocentric creative (Made-in-Nigeria) business development through a platform that bridges the gap between producers of quality creative/indigenous products in Nigeria (Africa) and their consumers globally. I am highly motivated and self-driven in my effort to make an impact in job creation and building-up of local talents for economic drive and growth through the use of digital marketing to grow the community.

Interestingly, I started the business in the hope of creating more jobs and to help develop talents in the area of creative expertise. This is underscored by the fact that I observed a vast increase in the number of unique products made in Nigeria (Africa) but noticed a huge gap between local producers and consumers.

Hence, I created an online platform to bridge that gap.

What excites and motivates the things you do?

The motivation is seeing the verified Bellafricana members businesses grow and not just the business, but the business owners too. Helping them to understand the business of their creative talent and how to be sustainable, have access to market, get access to the right target audience, build the right partnerships whilst joining a network of other businesses willing to help each other.

Tell us about some memorable moments in your life and career?

I have so many memo-

rable moments in life and it will be hard to list them all. If I were to choose one, it will be when I got married to my best friend.

As for career, it varies from both in Bellafricana’s accomplishments and her members. My most recent memorable moment was when I got a mail from the founder of Leading Ladies Africa that I had been selected as one of the 100 most inspiring women in Nigeria based on the great strides and commendable impact of Bellafricana.

What are some of the challenges?

Challenges are endless if you choose to focus on it. You see, I am a very positive person, so this attitude keeps me going.

If I were to pick a few challenges, it will be self-doubt at the beginning, when you are not sure you can actualise what your mind conceives. I realised that for a tree to stand the test of a strong wind, it must be rooted and grounded. I love to use the tree so much as an illustration. If you focus on building your business and ensuring it is rooted with the right business process, team, growth strategy, etc., then, gradually, it can start having branches. The leaves and fruits eventually come out. But these processes take time to grow.

Another major challenge was pricing, understanding what made the business profitable.

How have you been coping with the challenges?

I will truly say I have coped by focusing on my vision, staying relentless, remaining consistent and persistent. I understand what it means to grow, starting from almost nothing, with what I have, who I know, building the right relationship, recruiting thought leaders as mentors, surrounding myself with forward-thinking-positive-wise people, staying focused, improving my knowledge. The list is endless.

Let’s compare when you started and now, what has changed?

When I re-started

Bellafricana, it was more of a vision for me, about telling a story of creative African businesses, and that’s how it really started.

The goal was to merge the two people; producers of niche products and consumers of same. A lot of the producers were out there, and ready, so I decided to create a platform that bridges that gap between quality producers and their consumers. I had to start by re-orientating the minds of the consumers and educating the producers on the importance of understanding the business of their creative talent.

I usually say that the ‘Made in Nigeria’ & ‘Buy Naija to Grow the Naira’ trend is the best thing that happened to Nigeria, because it brought and is bringing a positive psychological effect. However, it’s not just about “Made in Nigeria”; it’s about the quality of the products made in Nigeria, because now you can’t get away with fake or inferior goods any longer. People actually want original things and if you don’t yet know what sets you apart from the next person, you’ll just get consumed. Even Aba made is getting better because they now know that it’s not just about making a copy of Gucci, but being a proudly “made in Aba”. So the “made in Nigeria” stamp really helped give the people confidence.

So, a lot has changed and still changing, Bellafricana is playing a key role in this and enjoying the journey.

What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the sector?

I would like to see producers remaining true to their craft, continually creating and innovating products that can compete globally and restoring the wealth of the nation. Consumers understanding that for us to grow our economy, we must be patronising the local industry more, not only buy but make it a lifestyle. Seeing more of our quality local products being exported and sold by top International stores in each sectors is interesting. Also the fact that Nigeria is gaining most of her income from these creative locally produced products. I can assure you that Bellafricana is not going to rest until her members are not just selling

locally but are also selling internationally with a verified stamp.

What are some of the principles that you hold on to?

I believe it is important to focus on building knowledge. This means that learning must always be a constant thing; every successful entrepreneur never stops building knowledge. It is also good to surround yourself with wise and knowledgeable people: Be deliberate and work hard on getting wise and smart people on your side. You can’t know everything. But you can know enough smart people that together you know almost everything. For example, I have surrounded myself with amazing mentors, likes of Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, Mr. Lanre Adisa, Mr. Segun Awolowo, Mr. Tobi Asehinde (husband of life), Mrs. Joyce Akpata, Ms. Shade Bembatoum-Young, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, Mr. & Mrs. Funbi Taiwo and so much more.

Never compare your business to another.

Although it might seem like they are doing well on the outside but it might not be the case, some might look like they aren’t doing well but they are doing well. So the truth is, learn to focus on the growth of your business and ensure it is profitable. I also believe that you must act on your ideas: It’s easy to have an idea but it’s easier to sit on it and not do anything about it. Next you must be a thought leader: A great thought leader has a vision and courage to build an enterprise or product and brings together the right people and resources to make it a reality.

To succeed, it is also good to create a great customer experience: My past experience working as a crew member and becoming a manager in McDonalds, London taught me this. It’s very vital to develop a customer service strategy that is so effective that people buy from you and tell all their friends about you. This helps differentiate you from your competitors by taking better care of your customers than your competitor does.

Essence

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 4 2018

LOUD WHISPERS

Saraki

SARAKI: RETURN OF THE MACK The man has finally decamped. This was the worst secret ever kept. Me I had known right from the Dangote wedding that he would leave jo. From the way he was standing, he was standing like a defector. So, all the shakara, taking picture with Buhari and postulating was just pose. The man has defected siiiiiince. He is a baba nla defector. It is not today he has started defecting. What most of you do not know is that I had met him once in his office as part of a delegation. He is such a totally good looking man. Calm in disposition and infrequent talker. He listened carefully to what the leader of the team had to say and resumed appropriately with carefully chosen words. As he spoke, I knew he would defect. I kid you not, something in his eyes told me he would defect and I told my mother when I got home. I said this Saraki will defect o, she ignored me and went about her business and this was like January this year. So you see, I am not surprised and I expect close watchers of the country’s politics to also not be surprised. So the question now is who next. If you ask me, I am suspecting Oshiomhole!!!!!!!!

EMPEROR ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE I really don’t want to look for this Baba’s trouble o, so I will thread softy by way of brotherly advice. But anybody that wants to know my real mind on this matter should meet me at the Shrine in Bariga where I would be embarking on my annual spiritual retreat. I will talk inside the shrine and not anywhere outside of it. That said, if you ask me, I think oga thinks he is in a Military barracks and as such can be dishing out orders anyhow to the troops. Ortom go, Ngige sit.

Saraki Jump, Ekweremandu roll on the floor. Na wa. This cannot work o and it is definitely not working o daddy. This point, we need level head o. as Chairman, you must be slow to speak and be very convivial as things continue to evolve and should I dare say crumble around you. You must learn to beg, plead, cajole and sway people with superior argument as against this combative mode o. These are not small boys o, these are real politicians with considerable weight and when all these fails and they still decide to decamp or defect, let’s not call them names and abuse them for

Oshiomhole

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Utomi

President Buhari, Let’s Change Strategy My Lord, I like you o, if for nothing else because of madam. I really do like her and that is why you see that I am even bothering to discuss with you. The way things are going, if we do not change strategy, we just might find ourselves feeding the poor lonely Cows in Katsina. I tell you. Your people are going about the whole thing in such a childish manner that it is backfiring so much that today, you might not believe it, you may not win a fair and square election against Charly Boy. If you think I am lying, please follow me in disguise. I can send you the neck brace that Saraki used last week and a pair of dark glasses, the type Sir Shina Peters still wears and the faze cap with the inscription ‘MKO’ to put on and let us go to all the vendors stalls we can find in Abuja or better still here in Shomolu. That is where you will feel the real pulse of the people and not what your people are telling you. Sir, to say the honest truth, you are deeply unpopular o. Kai. People do not like you anymore, like they used to but don’t worry, it’s not too late to change their perspectives about you. Nothing is impossible, after all, Umaru Dikko, remember him, still came back to represent the people, so why not you that used to be our hero. For us not to lose this elections, there are some things, I would

advise. First rein in EFCC. They are only turning this people into martyrs. There is no way we can explain EFCC’s actions at this point as a sincere fight against corruption. No matter how we look at it, it would always come out as “persecution of perceived opponents.’’ We have to be like monkey to catch monkey. I know this would be difficult because the main source of our legitimacy is the fight against corruption; we still have to slow it down for now or mute it totally until after election.

People like Sagay, should be asked to shut up or better still sacked. They are working against you with their unguarded utterances. Let’s go into a major charm offensive, targeting the soft electorate – women and teenagers. Let’s bring out madam from the other room now. She and Madam Osinbajo should now take centre stage targeting this soft core with sentimental and emotional-laden messages. Let us see more pictures of you and the family, pictures of you at soft locations, restaurants, Quilox, Femi’s Shrine, those kind places, hugging and kissing babies. All these power man strategy will not work o. it will only make people bolder, the current strategy is so predictable and stale. Let’s be more creative. I have said my own. I have gone to eat Afang abi what else can I say. He who have ears let him listen.

Abati

we lose the opportunity to rise above.

So my brother, like I have advised the President, let us change tactics, bullying cannot work. Na monkey sense go work. For better advice, please send for my latest book – Loud whispers, read it you will understand what I am saying. Greet madam and God bless you.

PROF PAT UTOMI SPEAKS By the time you read this, the erudite Professor would have finished speaking to the brethren at the Jade Chinese Restaurant in Victoria Island.

I hear he is looking at being the next Governor of Delta State. How he plans to do this is something that confounds most watchers of politics in that state.

The incumbent is up for another term and he is also from his part of the state, the great Godfather of the state is back from Prison and is in control, the Prof is a Lagos Professor and not on ‘’ground’’ like they say and he is also financially challenged so how this race will pan out is something we are waiting to see. But then again, David Killed Jonathan or was it Goliath?

Don’t mind me and that is why you see me getting close to the man, so that when this unlikely occurrence happens I will be in the forefront to win the rights to the movie. I already have Ramsey Noah on standby to play the Prof and I will play myself jo, I too get charisma. We are watching.

DR. RUEBEN ABATI DEFECTS Nigerian people and gist. I am sure a lot of you have run to this portion to see where the erudite Scholar is defecting to. The man only defected to my book reading which happened last Sunday at the Zolene Restaurant owned by my friend Efe and wife Tina. The Doctor unexpectedly strolled in and added a lot of weight to the event. Also at the event were such giants like Bolanle Austen Peters who remains my mentor, Hon. Chike Ogeah my Chairman, Mr. Collins Chikeluba my Director, iconic Yinka Davies and legendary fashion designer MUDI who hosted the gathering. Portions of the book were read out by attendees and Chico who led the Classic FM crew which included Benjy gave us some very beautiful anecdotes. At the end of the day, everybody had a nice time, except me who didn’t sell one book. Kai, Nigeria.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY AUGUST 4, 2018

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 4, 2018

TEENS CONNECT

the magazine for teenagers

with NKECHI IBENEME (08142358958) teensconnectmag@gmail.com

Jextoban Celebrates 20th Graduation with Pomp

I

t was a day of praise worships, prayers, speeches, admonitions and awards as Jextoban Secondary School, Ketu, in Lagos State sends forth the graduating students of 2018 unto ‘greater heights’.

The event which held in two phases: valedictory service and the graduation proper lived up to its theme; ‘Greater Heights’. Every activity lined up for the day was a recap of all what the students have been taught for the six years they spent in the school which is anchored on Godly values.

The students were repeatedly reminded of what values to take along in their journey into life by the different speakers that mounted the podium.

The officiating Minister, Pastor Andrew Umoru commenced the programme with Bible reading from Proverbs 3:1-13 which he capped up with prayers and outpouring of blessings on the outgoing students.

The school choir was on hand to punctuate the event with impeccable renditions of spirit-lifting praise and worship songs that transported all present to heavenly realms.

For Jextoban, the graduation ceremony was a two-in-one event; the 20th edition for their Lagos Campus and the maiden edition for their Ogun State Campus. The Chairman,

Board of Governors of the school, Pastor E. A. Ojo, was to tell the cheering crowd a third reason why the event was a very special one for the school as according to him, the school had just been certified by British Council to present candidates for Cambridge examinations.

“It was reported in my speech last year that our Ibafo School had been approved to present candidates for the SSCE by all the relevant authorities – The Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, WAEC and NECO, hence, our graduating the first set of students from the Ibafo Campus.

“In addition, the British Council after a rigorous and comprehensive inspection exercise has approved that we can now present candidates for the: Secondary Check Point (Cambridge) JSS3, Cambridge IGCSE and, Cambridge A-Level Examinations,” he said.

The obviously excited Chairman expressed his appreciation to the academic and non–academic staff of the school, attributing the successes being celebrated by the school to their ‘collective and collaborative efforts’. He went on to specially thank the proprietress of the school, Mrs. A. A. Ojo, whose singular and untiring efforts according to him, had taken the school to the enviable height it now proudly occupies.

He extolled her indefatigable contributions to the development of the Ibafo Campus which ‘at

the risk of her health and safety, she is always on ground to supervise the construction work.’

The high point of the ceremony was the ‘parental blessings on the graduating students’.

At this point, the students were asked to locate their parents who prayed and poured special blessings on their children, blessings that would follow them through their journeys in life.

The two Principals of the school, Mr. E. A. Adegoke of Lagos Campus and Mr. Aigbefoh Victor Ozemoya of Ibafo Campus, anchored their admonitions on ‘Character’.

Both adopted different approaches and cited different examples, but the messages pointed to the values of good character which the school had inculcated in the outgoing students which they must not drop in their journey through life.

Mr. Adegoke, who titled his address ‘Character Counts’, took time off his long sermon on character to regale the excited gathering of parents, guardians and well-wishers with the achievements of the school and the students, “Our success stories are unlimited but it may interest you to know few of them: In the current and just released WAEC results, the number of subjects with 100% credit is 11 while 80% credit passed is 17 subjects out of 24 subjects we are offering, many of the students

had nine distinctions.”

“Confucious Institute has classified our school as the most-friendly school in Nigeria as a result of being the pioneer representative of Nigeria in the global Chinese competition.

Over 17 alumni of this school have bagged first class in various institutions of learning both in Nigeria and abroad,” the proud Principal reeled out.

The Chairman, Pastor Ojo, earlier in his remark, had called on the various examination bodies to tighten their security mechanism so as to completely eliminate examination malpractices which have become an albatross to academic excellence amongst Nigerian students. According to him, the integrity of these examinations should not be compromised while the future of the present generation of candidates should not be destroyed. “Hard work and diligence for which we are noted in this institution should be encouraged so that the future of our country will not be jeopardised ,” he concluded.

Delivering his speech, the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, who is the Chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers, towed the line of ‘character lessons’. He admonished the graduating students to imbibe and exhibit Godly values at all times and in all circumstances. He charged them to be good ambassadors of the school and to remain steadfast in the values the school had taught them all these years.

The Valedictorian, Miss Akhigbe Sharon, was full of appreciation for the school she proudly referred to as ‘a world-class institution of learning that had discovered the secret of academic success and moulding of excellent character’.

“On behalf of my fellow graduating students, I will like to express our sincere appreciation to Jextoban Secondary School for the boundless and unconditional love we received from our first day in school to the very last. For grooming us from our raw state to becoming priceless jewels, and also for inculcating in us Christian virtues and values, right now, opportunities of life are attracted to us because we have an edge over our counterparts elsewhere,” she enthused.

The seamless flow of activities came to a beautiful close with the vote of thanks by the Head Boy of the school, Afe Adebobola who doled out appreciations on the school authority, staff and his fellow students. He was full of encomiums for the parents and had a word of advice for his seniors, the graduating students, “I will like to also appreciate our esteemed parents here present particularly those of graduating students, may your labour over us not be in vain. To the graduating students, may this day mark the beginning of more successes for you in life,” he concluded.

Judging by the comportment of the students of Jextoban Secondary School, Ketu, there is no doubt that they have indeed been groomed for greater heights!

Graduating students with Principals of the two campuses, (middle) Valedictorian, Akhigbe Sharon

L-R: Mr. Emmanuel Adegoke,(Principal Lagos School); Mr. Femi Apata (Administrator); Pastor Andrew Umoru (Guest Speaker); Mr. Segun Adeniyi (Special Guest); Pastor Emmanuel Adedayo Ojo (Chairman Board of Governors); and Mrs. Adunola Ajibola Ojo (Proprietress) at the event

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 4, 2018

MILESTONE

The ‘New Task’ Before Tony Anenih at 85 Ariyo-Dare Atoye

A

t 85, the Iyasele (Prime Minister) of Esanland, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih has fulfilled the famous quote of Voltaire, to wit: “God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” Truly, Pa Anenih is an embodiment of the mercies of God and the gift of life. He has also been a beneficiary of good life, living well for himself and his community.

It is therefore appropriate for family members, friends and well wishers to expect the octogenarian to savour this graceful period and celebrate, having advanced well in age. But, he has decided to toe the path of asceticism and abnegation, principally because of the sad state of the nation that has witnessed so much losses, bloodshed and instability.

Having appreciated the effort being made by government and influential Nigerians in restoring peade and stabilizing nation, he had called on well meaning Nigerians to join in prayer for God’s intervention to restore peace in our nation.

This is commitment to nationhood even in his old age and out of politics. The fact that his life is an epitome of commitment to the political growth and stability in Nigeria is the reason he is inextricably concerned about the state of the nation. It understandably still weighs heavily on his mind.

Therefore, Irrespective of the feelings and concern that we may have for the old man, it is only fair and wise, to concede to him on his decision not to host a party to celebrate the attainment of a milestone of 85 years on earth on account of the sad state of the nation. Indeed, beyond political contemplations, he has acted in accordance with Biblical injunctions, in Titus chapter two verse two, which says: “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, selfcontrolled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.”

He is surely grateful to God; he has expressed his profound gratitude to God and the people of Nigeria in his statement to the nation. The myth in a man is dictated not necessarily by what he has done or achieved, but also by the tasks he has set for himself to achieve while still alive. As Nigeria sails into the tempest of another slippery election period, there appears to be a new task before Pa Anenih, which, coincidentally can better be discharged with old age: the personal burden of providing wise counsel on political engagements and good governance.

Pa Anenih’s political children and his friend in the task and commitment to building a better Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, are in for a tough time now, during and after the 2019 general election. They must up their antes on how to be proactive and utilitarian in dousing the fire that is gradually turning the political market square into an arena of anarchy and battle of survival of the fittest. Without a doubt, things are falling apart and the nation is drifting, as political rivalries are further compounding an already worsening situation.

Tension is building: the international community is concerned; the nation is agitated, and the people have started living in palpable fear, but it must not be heard at home and abroad that the head of a baby strapped behind the mother’s back became awkward, while the elders were in the market place. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine. It is time elders in the land stepped in before it is too late, and just only a

Anenih

few of them like Pa Anenih have taken a dispassionate and non-partisan approach in their intervention in the state of the nation.

He had since his 83rd birthday in 2016 dropped the partisan garb so that he could effectively and neutrally perform the much- desired role of an experienced political aficionado. Nigeria is not blessed with many of his kind. Indeed, the Anenih family must realise that their patriarch had since constructed a political stream in his backyard; and, so, the politicians can never stop coming to drink from his fountain of political wisdom.

Therefore, even out of politics, his house, like Mecca of sorts, should remain open to those who crave the wisdom of the political icon for as long as the Almighty God is willing to keep him. And interestingly, Nigerian politics is saturated by a-neverending-game of intrigues and palaver. He can always deploy the benefit of his experience to assist those who are buffeted.

The former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former minister of works had undoubtedly prepared himself for the onerous task of attending to political issues and proffering solutions in his life and times

when and where possible. As he continues to wear the badge or bear the sobriquet of Mr. Fix it for his pragmatic disposition to political problems, the fact remains that there is still much to be fixed in Nigeria with the wisdom of his old age and experience. Pa Anenih would always be remembered as a man who never ran away from “bumpy rides or paths strewn with political ridges and rough surfaces.”

And to those who have continued to wonder why the old man will never give up attending to some issues affecting the country, despite his encumbered health, he said copiously in page 191 of his book, My Life and Politics: “On the Nigerian political scene, I have only tried to play my part in the true Shakespearian sense – ‘All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exists and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.’” Indeed, no soothing immortal words can better capture his legendary commitment to Project Nigeria more than Shakespeare had done ahead of time.

Indeed, Pa Anenih has ostensibly elected to play the role of a statesman, having stepped out of active political stage. His trajectory is worthy of being trodden by those who cherish his politics. I will like to advise the current players to read his book. It should serve as a political compass for the current players and actors to learn from the mistakes of the past and how to navigate the tides. When nations and societies go through crises and challenges, they are able to weather the storm through sheer wisdom of the old and strength of the young.

Therefore, Pa Anenih may, as time goes on, consider convening, peridioc meetings of the young and emerging politicians to share with them some wise counsel.

Although, he is not celebrating his 85th anniversary with pomp and ceremony, may I, nevertheless, dedicate this song in quiet celebration and appreciation of the mercies of God for the life and times of the Iyasele of Esanland: “Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not, As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”

Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

I say 85 hearty cheers, Sir. Igba odun, odun kan ni. (two hundred years equal one year).

––Atoye, Editor of The Congresswatch magazine, writes via aristotle001us@yahoo.com

PERSPECTIVE

APC Defections: A Test For Democracy in Nigeria Ibidapo Balogun

W

ith the recent defections of political figures from the APC to the PDP, the fate of party politics stares Nigeria in the face. Despite its imperfections and uneven performance, the APC seemed to offer the most internal democracy of any political party. Its ability to hold open congresses and conventions, no matter how untidy, and shut aside the temptation to have all key decisions made in private by a few select powerbrokers, separates it from the pack. It stands to reason the party that operates with a greater spirit of internal democracy will likewise govern the nation with a greater spirit of democracy.

Meanwhile, the PDP seems not to have evolved in the slightest. It remains a closed shop where a very few decide all things and compel the rest of the party membership to join in false consensus. In the long term, the path of APC seems the better one. The problem of the APC is not the path that it travels but that it has not gone fast and far enough on it. While the problem of the PDP is that it has decided with firmest conviction on going the undemocratic way.

Thus, if you look at the roster of those defecting from the APC, it is perhaps more accurate to say that these people are not so much defecting from the APC as they are returning

to the PDP. They are leaving the way station the APC offered in order to retrace their steps back to their more natural home. To ask why these people are leaving the APC and why now, is to discover that nothing more than self-interest is afoot.

These people have held their positions with relative quietude. They offered no important legislation nor asked the presidency for the same. They complained not about the course of governance, for they cared not about it.

They became of fuss only when election season reappeared.

They wanted the party to give them an automatic pass to re-nomination. This was the battle behind the battle regarding the failed quest of former National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun to extend his tenure without recourse to the constitutionally-required convention. Had Oyegun gotten his extension, he would have given these men what they wanted. He would have trashed the party congresses to give automatic tickets to his friends and to whomever would pay the going rate for such a favour.

Not only were party congresses held in keeping with the democratic spirit and legal mandate of the party, there has been a push to even greater democracy in the APC. The progressive base of the party wanted to shun the delegate system of primaries by replacing it with direct primaries. Direct primaries would mean that the average party members would decide the party’s nominations for elective office. By further lessening the power

of the party elite, this move promises a historic step in the evolution of party democracy in Nigeria.

The APC governorship primary for Ekiti State should have been by direct primary. One of the last acts of former national chairman Oyegun was to scrap the direct primary for that state. However, with the advent of new chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, a direct primary was successfully held in Osun.

With the direct primary poised to be the new way of the APC, the PDP returnees felt even more uncomfortable in the APC. They wanted favour not democracy.

The trends in the APC gave them little succour. Thus, they would seek a way out of the APC but only if they could gain a way back into getting what they wanted from the PDP. Thus, when the PDP offered them automatic tickets, they easily left the APC because they had no true loyalty to it, its public policies or its quest for greater internal democracy.

That these people have left the APC is the stuff of sensational headlines and hot debate.

The defections are important but not in the ways now popularly discussed. It is vital to put their PDP return in proper context. Most talk centers on whether the APC or PDP has gained the upper hand in the National Assembly or any particular state. People seem to be keeping score as if this is a game. But a game it is not. It is life, the collective life of this nation and the individual lives of its many people.

What may be of greater consequence is whether the defections will strengthen the

APC by allowing the party to assume a firmer democratic direction. If this is true, then the defections were actually late in coming. With these people gone, the APC may be more able to find its ideological soul and identity. The public must come to know what the party stands for.

For that to happen, the party cannot be peopled by those who stand for nothing. The defectors never believed in the progressive vision of the APC. They joined the party to gain office not to bring progressive governance to all. While in office, they often tried to delay or dilute progressive legislation and policies meant for the public good.

They return to the PDP to do what they have always done. They do not return with the mind to reform the party. Their return is conditioned by one objective only: to be given automatic tickets in office.

They return to the PDP the same people as when they left and with the PDP being the same as when they left it. Uninterested in internal democracy. The party is incapable of doing anything differently. They will not hold direct primaries or allow their rank and file much say.

They will decide everything by false consensus and automatic tickets. Disdain for democratic practices and misgovernance are the nature of the PDP and even more so the people who return to it after having the chance to engage in something better and fairer. Let not the immediate past become our immediate future. We deserve better.

––Balogun is a public policy analyst and a member of the APC

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 4, 2018

FAMILY HEALTH

Are Investigations Really Necessary in Female FertilityTreatment ?

with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com 08053372356

courtesy Google

T

he human body is a very complex system and there is certainly no single and concrete way of finding out what could actually be wrong when there is a general feeling of ill health.

It is also more worrying, when a particular complaint, could be an indirect pointer to another ailment in an adjoining organ or part of the body.

At a point when a woman desires to get pregnant, all her senses are geared towards achieving this desire. I see a male as a gamete deliverer and a female as a receiver of such vital gamete, providing a conducive incubator, environment for a baby to be formed, nurtured and born. This is an enormous task.

So with these understanding, what should be your focus when you and your partner, go to see your doctor, when you have both tried several times, to get pregnant, and you are unable to do so?

How usual is it to have problems conceiving?

Eighty per cent of couples who have regular sexual intercourse (that is, every two to three days) and who do not use contraception will get pregnant within a year. The majority of the remaining 20 per cent achieve a pregnancy within two years of trying. An estimated one in seven couples has difficulty conceiving.

There are several possible reasons why it may not be happening naturally. In men, a fertility problem is usually because of low numbers or poor quality of sperm.

Women become less fertile as they get older.

For women aged 35, about 95 per cent who have regular unprotected sexual intercourse will get pregnant after three years of trying. For women aged 38 only 75 per cent will do so. The effect of age upon men’s fertility is less clear.

Your lifestyle can affect your chances of conceiving, particularly if you are a heavy smoker and are significantly over- or underweight.

Problems affecting women include damage to the fallopian tubes and endometriosis and erratic or absent ovulation.

Sometimes infertility problems can be due to a combination of factors. In a third of cases, a clear cause is never established.

The first step then is for you to book an appointment to see a doctor you can trust and confide in. A fertility doctor is your target.

This is important because if you do not trust or confide in your doctor you have actually created a gap in your treatment process.

At a time when you walk into the clinic, empty yourself of all predetermined thoughts

before treatment. Approach the doctor you have

At a time when chosen with confidence and a mind of no holding of vital information. Why is this necessary? you walk into back This is so vital because if you hold back vital the clinic, empty information about yourself you could actually be your doctor’s thought process down the yourself of all leading wrong path.

The clinic would collect vital information from predetermined you about yourself and your partner. thoughts before The female most of the time is the primary focus treatment. for investigation. Courtesy Google Approach the TYPICAL TREND OF INTERACTION doctor you have WOULD INCLUDE : Are you still ovulating? chosen with ·This is important to ascertain that you are still confidence and producing and releasing eggs at all.

It is therefore important that your ovulation a mind of no should be assessed by measuring your hormones are responsible for ovulation. holding back of that A blood test during your period to check for horvital information. mone imbalances - measurement of FSH (follicle hormone, LH (luteinising hormone) Why is this stimulating and oestradiol. This test can also identify possible necessary? This is early menopause as a cause of sub-fertility. so vital because · Are you still having your monthly periods? if you hold back This is important because you need to have a flow as an indication that your hormones vital information monthly and uterus are still in sync in the reproductive about yourself process. duration and frequency are important. you could actually The This would then necessitate measuring your horlevels. Your fertility Hormonal profile would be leading your monal be measured. These include FSH, Progesterone, doctor’s thought Luteinising Hormone, Prolactin, E1, E2, Oestradiol. process down the · Have you had any STDs? wrong path This is important. Current or recent Chlamydial infections can be the reason that you are unable to get pregnant. Chlamydial infections could be latent with or without symptoms. Therefore, you would be asked to do a Chlamydia test blood. · Ultrasound scans?

This would be done to see the state of your tubes and womb and the surroundings, cervix and vagina.

A 3D or 4D colour scan would give a very good clear picture of your anatomy.

This can also be carried further by doing a more directed minor diagnostic procedure. · Hysteroscopy: This is a very simple painless procedure whereby a fine microscope is passed into your body to have an internal assessment of your full reproductive organs. The procedure would give an in-depth

visual assessment. It is a modern and very effective method of fertility assessment. · Dye Test: This can be done along with the hysteroscopy to assess the state of your fallopian tubes. A harmless coloured dye is flushed through your fallopian tubes to check for a spill. A spill would indicate that your tubes are open and healthy.

While a reflux would indicate that your tube is blocked. · Anti Muellerian Hormone (AMH): The number of eggs you have in your ovaries would be measured. This is important because every woman from birth has a certain number of eggs that can be produced by your ovaries.

When this is measured in your blood it gives the pointer as to the possibility of you being able to produce eggs at all. This is so important especially with older women and repeated failed egg collection because it helps in a quick decision to be taken as to whether you can use your own eggs or use donor eggs. This helps to save time wasting.

I have seen patients arguing as to whether it is important or not because of the high cost of this test. With most of these basic tests done you must then bear these vital information behind your mind: When am I most fertile?

For a woman to get pregnant; · Intercourse must take place around the time when an egg is released from the ovary · The systems that produce eggs and sperm have to be working at optimum levels ·The fallopian tubes must be open and healthy. · Eggs live (and can be fertilised) for 12–24 hours after being released. · Sperm can stay alive and active in your body for 12–48 hours after ejaculation so you don’t have to have intercourse at the exact moment of ovulation to get pregnant. · It just takes one sperm to fertilise the egg for you to become pregnant. Although millions of sperm are released upon ejaculation, few survive the journey through the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes. · If fertilisation does not take place or if the fertilised egg does not attach itself to the endometrium lining of the uterus it breaks down, the endometrium is shed and you have a period.

The bottom line is that with a clearer explanation and understanding of what these basic tests can do assisting you and your fertility specialist in taking decisions very quickly with a view to getting the problem solved as quickly as possible.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

04.08.2018

Ahmed Musa Lured by Saudi Oil Dollar

Falconets Set to Soar?

PAGE. 35

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

Ahmed Musa Lured by Saudi Oil Dollar Ę°Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă&#x17E;ĂĄĂ&#x2122; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; ͺ͚ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă&#x152;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x17E; ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x;Ă&#x161; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;ĂĄĂ&#x2122; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă? Ă Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? ÍžĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă&#x152; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă&#x152; Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă? Kunle Adewale

M

ost European players see countries of Asia and America as a retirement ground after a lucrative career in major European leagues. Former Barcelona captain, Xavi Hernandez left for Qatar after a lucrative career with Barcelona. His compatriot, Andres Iniesta moved to Japan at the end of the season at 34 years after winning everything with Barca. Kaka, Steven Gerrard wound up in America after successful careers in Europe.

At the unveiling of Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, the Portuguese said while his age mates are now winding up in Asia, China and America, that at 34 he still chose to play at the top level, making one to wonder why Musa who is just at his prime - 25 years would be opting for Saudi Arabia.

However, former Nigerian international, Waidi Akani, does not see anything wrong with Musaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move to Al Nassr.

In a chat with THISDAY on the telephone, Akani said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think he was just trying to get a break from European football,â&#x20AC;? Akani said.

Against the backdrop that Asia is seen as football haven for footballers that have passed their prime, and that the former CSKA strikerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move to Saudi Arabia may mean an end to his national team career, the former Super Eagles midfielder thinks otherwise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Musa can still play at the big stage, a comeback to the national team in spite of moving to Asia. There are lots of examples of players that had moved to Asia to revive their careers and still get a national team call. A good example is Asamah Gyan, who moved to Asia and was still a dependable player for the Black Stars of Ghana. It all depends on the playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playing form, his current form and the number of minutes he gets to play. The level of football in Saudi Arabia is not as low as perceived, people

generally have the wrong perception on the level of football in Saudi,â&#x20AC;? the Bolton University, United States Engineering graduate noted.

Musa on Wednesday left Leicester Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp in Austria, to seal a big money move to Saudi Arabia side, Al Nassr.

According to his representative, the Premier League side has accepted a fee of ÂŁ14.8m with several add-ons, which will see the deal rise to as high as ÂŁ25m. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He will arrive, Saudi Arabia, tomorrow (Thursday) morning. A fee was agreed yesterday (Wednesday) but he had to tidy some of his belongings before heading out to Saudi Arabia. The deal is too good to turn down,â&#x20AC;? his representative told Owngoalnigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Al Nassr are getting him at his prime.

He has regained his confidence at the World Cup with Nigeria and towards the end of last season he was one of the key men for CSKA Moscow during his loan spell,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Musa was a subject of the bid from Nassr after an impressive 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign where he scored two goals for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The 25-year-old caught the eyes of scouts in Russia with his impressive brace in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2-0 win over Iceland in a Group D game.

Musa has already demanded the number 7 jersey at the club and the deal will reportedly make him the highestpaid Nigerian footballer when it is wrapped up.

The former Kano Pillars striker made history for himself with his two goals against Iceland by becoming the first Nigerian player to score at two different World Cups and making him the second African player to score two World Cup braces, after Roger Milla in 1990.

At the 2014 Mundial in Brazil, Musa was on the scoresheet, scoring twice in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2-3 loss to Argentina in an encounter Lionel Messi also scored twice.

His feat against Iceland also goes into the history books in England as Musa also became the first Leicester player to score in a World Cup. Musa moved to Leicester City in the summer of 2016 for a club record ÂŁ16m after the then Premier League champions initial January bid was turned down

by CSKA Moscow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leicester City is delighted to announce that they have reached an agreement for the transfer of striker Ahmed Musa from CSKA Moscow for an undisclosed fee, subject to Premier League and FA approval,â&#x20AC;? a statement on Leicesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website had read. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel very happy joining Leicester City, for me, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the best clubs and I feel very happy. I joined because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the best clubs in the Premier League and they are like a family. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I joined Leicester City and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very excited. I look forward to seeing the fans

Musa can still play at the big stage, a comeback to the national team in spite of moving to Asia. There are lots of examples of players that had moved to Asia to revive their careers and still get a national team call. A good example is Asamah Gyan, who moved to Asia and was still a dependable player for the Black Stars of Ghana

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GLOBAL SOCCER

in the new season and I will do my best to make them happy,” he had said on signing for Leicester.

However, it was not to be as Musa who was coming with a profile of 13 goals in 29 Russian Premier League matches in his last season at CSKA could only manage two goals in 21 appearances for Leicester and it came as a little surprise when he was shipped back on loan to Moscow.

Before his return to CSKA, Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, had hinted at an impending move for Musa, positing that the move to Russia will be beneficial for the player and the Super Eagles as a team.

“Musa is going back to Russia and it is very good news that he will be playing there. Musa playing in Russia is a positive development so that we will have the sympathy of Russian fans. We have seen that when Brian Idowu was intro-

duced in the game against Argentina.

The fans encouraged us and he scored, this can be a good reason to get support from Russian fans because of the people there like Musa. Also, Musa knows the people there because he is familiar with them, he knows the weather condition too,” Rohr had said.

Musa began his career in the GBS Football Academy and in 2008, he moved to JUTH FC where he played 18 games, scoring four goals in his first two professional seasons for the Healers.

He was subsequently loaned to Kano Pillars in the 2009-10 Season where he set the league record scoring multiple crucial goals as Pillars finished second.

Musa held the record for the highest goals ever scored in one season in the history of the Nigeria Premier League until November 2011, when Jude Aneke of Kaduna United set a new record of 20

goals.

He transferred to Dutch club VVVVenlo in summer 2010, but the move was held up because he was only 17 years of age and therefore not eligible for an ITC in accordance with the current FIFA rules. He was officially eligible to play for VVV-Venlo in October 2010 when he eventually turned 18 years of age.

In 2010, Coach Lars Lagerback invited Musa for camping prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa after helping Nigeria win in the 2010 WAFU Nations Cup. He was however forced out of the Super Eagles’ 30-man World Cup provisional team due to an ankle injury.

Musa, however, made his debut for the Nigeria senior team in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match against Madagascar and scored his first goal for the Super Eagles against Kenya in 2011, in a friendly game and he has continued to march on from then.

Al Nassr are getting him at his prime. He has regained his confidence at the World Cup with Nigeria and towards the end of last season he was one of the key men for CSKA Moscow during his loan spell

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

Leon Balogun Can He Take His Game to the Next Level? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC; ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă?ËŞ Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x17D; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x;Ă&#x161; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;ʨĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ë&#x203A; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁË&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ę°Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?âĂ&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă&#x152;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;äË&#x203A; Kunle Adewale Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ě&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă?âĂ&#x17E; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x2013;

L

eon Balogun g signed g for Brighton g and Hove Albion just j before the World Cup p on a free transfer and made his debut in their pre-season p friendly y against g Charlton Athletic last week.

In a chat with THISDAY from his base in the United States, former Nigerian g international, Paul Okoku said he was not happy when he signed the contract in May. y â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have watched Balogun g keenly y and believe in his ability y to become a worldclass defender. So, when he signed g for Brighton g and Hove Albion before the World Cup p I was not very y happy ppy because I was so much optimistic p that he would do well in Russia, which would have earned contract or even a better him an improved p club in England, g Okoku said.

Continuing, g the Nations Cup p silver intel-medalist said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;he is one of the most intel ligent g central defenders I have seen. His positioning p g and ability y to read and avert danger g are incredible. But how well he is English able to cope p with the pace p of the Engl glissh g Premiership would him Prem Pr emie iers rship p wo woul uld d ea earn rn nh im m a rregular egula eg ular ul ar sshirt hirrtt hi

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GLOBAL SOCCER

and stand him out in his new club.”

Okoku, who is a keen follower of English g football said he has watched many y good g defenders struggle gg in England g not because they y are not g good, but because they y couldn’t withstand the pace of English football.

“Due to the pacy p y nature of English g football, defenders don’t have all the time in the world to think and some of them don’t recover too quickly q y and this is what Balogun g would have to contend with in England, g unlike where he was coming g from in Germany y where their football is majorly j y based on tactics and less of speed,” Okoku noted.

Balogun g will have to compete p for a position in the central defence alongside p g Lewis Du Dunk and Shane Duffy y and the Super p Eagles g defender has stated he was not afraid of competition. p "It's always y good g competito have that competi p tion; it will improve p defend-all of us as defend ers and then we have to take it from there. I've seen the qualities of Lewis q and Shane in the past week or so since p 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," the 30-year-old told the club's website.

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."

Balogun is however delighted to feature in his second pre-season game for Brighton and Hove Albion when he replaced Lewis Dunk in the 74th minute in his side’s 1-1 draw with the home side, Birmingham City last Saturday.

He had earlier played his first game for Brighton in last Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic at the Valley.

“Nice to get some more minutes into

those legs against @BCFC #BHAFC #Seagulls,” Balogun wrote on his Twitter handle on Sunday.

It remains to be seen how much value Balogun’s move to England would add to his game.

“His transfer to England is a move in the right direction. It would definitely improve his game and importantly too, Nigeria football fans would get to watch him play more often than when he was playing in Germany, because of the kind of followership the Premier League commands back home,” Okoku said.

On why he chose Nigeria over Germany in spite of having played for the European country at age-grade competitions, Balogu said a telephone call he received from former Super Eagles boss was responsible for that.

“One night in March, my phone rang. It was a Nigerian number … it was Stephen Keshi, the then Nigerian National Team manager. I was sweating as soon as he introduced himself. I wanted him to say the words I had thought about for so long.

He spoke for a while about how he wasn’t totally familiar with me, but he liked how I played.

“Then he said it: ‘I would like to invite you to be a Super Eagle.’

“Those words … they meant so much to me. It meant validation for every step of my

footballing journey. It meant happiness for my family. Most of all, it meant an opportunity to go to Nigeria.

“And that … that was everything to me.

“I never supported the German national team, mostly because I thought they were arrogant and their football was boring to watch. Even in 2006, when Germany hosted and the whole country had World Cup mania — I secretly cheered for them to lose. Because I was a kid and I was rebellious. And because, even though I felt in my mind that I was just as German as all the other kids, a lot of people didn’t see me like that."

Born to a Nigerian father and a German mother, Balogun was born and brought up in Germany with little knowledge about Nigeria.

“My grandma died when I was 16 years.

Because I had never met her, my dad didn’t tell me right when it happened. He actually waited a few days — that’s how distant my relationship was from her. She only spoke Yoruba. So when we talked on the phone when I was little, my dad would try to translate for us. He had never taken me to Nigeria, for reasons he didn’t make clear to me, and I only ever saw photos of my grandma.”

The grief he felt over the death of his paternal grandmother led him to know more and reconnect with his Nigerian roots.

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

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

GOtv, Flykite Changing the Face of Boxing in Nigeria Kunle Adewale

I

n the 60s up to the mid 90s boxing was one of the most popular sports in Nigeria. Names like Dick Tiger, Hogan Kid Bassey, Davidson Andeh, Hogan Jimoh, Obisa Nnwakpa, Joe Lasisi, Jeremiah Okorodudu readily come to mind whenever boxing is mentioned in Nigeria.

Little wonder, the country’s first medal in the Olympics came from boxing- a bronze medal, courtesy of Nojim Maiyegun at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

By the turn of the century, however, boxing had become a shadow of what we use to know. It was no longer an attractive sport and new boxers were not emerging until Flykite and GOtv came to the rescue- a mission to revive boxing in Nigeria.

At the first edition of GOtv Boxing Night, the Managing Director of Flykite, organisers of the tournament was very optimistic that with what his organisation and sponsors, GOtv had mapped out, the face of boxing in Nigeria would change in a short while.

And true to type in four years, GOtv Boxing Night had witnessed its 15th edition, with some of the products winning the African Boxing Union title and fighting for the International Boxing Federation title.

The General Manager, Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, however, said, “Boxing is a very good sport and we are proud to be

part of the success story so far; however, were are not there yet, we have to keep going. We have to make necessary adjustments to push the boxers to be at their best and encourage upcoming ones to love the sport and be prepared to make their name in the industry.”

To ensure that there are no paucity of boxers, hence the idea of the GOtv NextGen was muted by Flykite.

“The NextGen programme was set to produce young boxers and no fewer than 100 amateur and semi-pro boxers turned up and use the Gotv platform to prove their worth and launch themselves to international recognition. Rilwan “Babyface’’ Babatunde, a prodigy of the NextGen programme has currently gone ahead to earn his bragging rights emerging the best boxer of the 11th Gotv Boxing Night,” Alumona said.

After the successes recorded in Lagos with the GOtv Boxing Night, the organisers felt the need for another state to have a feel of the competition, hence, in March last year, the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan (formerly Liberty Stadium) was the venue and Ibadan fans did not disappoint as they trooped in large numbers to fill the Indoor Sports Hall of the stadium.

Encouraged by the successes recorded during last year’s edition, last Sunday’s edition, which was the 15th in the series returned to Ibadan and the fans showed they were true boxing lovers as they defied the heavy downpour that rained for several hours in the ancient city of Ibadan to troop into the Obafemi Awolowo

Stadium.

“Ibadan people have demonstrated their love for boxing the last time GOtv Boxing Night was held there by defying the rain, but that does not say that we were not apprehensive that the heavy downpour that rained for hours could lead to a low turnout. But against all odds, the Indoor Sports Hall of the stadium was filled to capacity,” COO of Flykite, Bamidele Johnson told THISDAY. Asked if he ever believes that GOtv Boxing Night would have gotten to the level it has reached now when it started four years ago, he reacted thus: “If we are not optimistic that we could revive boxing we would not have ventured into it in the first place. We realised that Nigerians love boxing but poor organisation and funding had always been the bane, and these are some of the things Flykite and GOtv had come to correct.”

Johnson, however, admitted that the competition had grown faster than the organisers had imagined but said it is still not yet Eldorado.

“GOtv Boxing Night has grown faster than we imagined but we are not satisfied yet, though we have seen a lot of progress. GOtv boxers winning Africa and West African titles, and just last Sunday, one of the standout boxer of the tournament, Waidi ‘Skoro’ Usman, fought for an international boxing title in South Africa,” Jonhson said.

Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who was one of

Yoruba Tennis Club Holds Public Lecture

National Youth Games:

Team Lagos Ready for Zonal Elimination Contests Ahead of the 4th National Youth Games (AYG) which is slated for Ilorin, Kwara State in September, Lagos State teams are battle ready for the South-west zonal eliminations that hold in Ogun State from Tuesday, August 7 to 11th.

Team Lagos will compete in seven team sports: cricket (male), handball, football (male), basketball, hockey (male), volleyball (female) and beach volleyball (female).

No fewer than 95 athletes will represent the state in the zonal eliminations.

According to the Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Lagos State athletes are fully ready for the zonal eliminations, thanks to the support of the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

"We are quite certain that our team will do us proud especially as they have competed in various developmental programmes organised by the Lagos State Sports Commission and sponsored by the Lagos State Government as well as other national and international competitions,” Tandoh stated.

Semenya Smashes ͹΀̋ãÏËÜ̋ÙÖÎ ͼ͸͸× National Record

Team South Africa were off to the perfect start on day three of the 21st African Athletics Championships in Asaba yesterday with Caster Semenya winning gold in the 400m event.

Semenya stopped the clock in a national record of 49.96. The record, previously held

by Heide Seyerling, had stood for 18 years.

Semenya now holds national records in the 400m, 800m, 1000m and 1500m events.

She was followed home by Christine Botslegwe of Botswana in second while Nigeria's Yinka Ajayi took third.

Thapelo Phora also added to South Africa's medal tally by taking silver in the men's 400m race.

the dignitaries that graced the Sunday’s GOtv Boxing Night said it would “become a centrepiece in Nigeria.”

“No doubt, GOtv boxing is contributing to the development of boxing in Nigeria. I commend that and appeal to other organisations that promote boxing to adopt this initiative,” Adeyemi said.

On a night in which fans were treated to great boxing entertainment, Nigeria's Oto Joseph retained his African Boxing Union (ABU) Lightweight title by defeating Ghana's Nathaniel Nukpe, while Ridwan Oyekola, a product of GOtv Boxing NextGen Search, won N1million for emerging the best boxer of the night.

Oyekola defeated Prince Nwoye in a thrilling Lightweight challenge bout and was wildly cheered by the capacity crowd. Another GOtv NextGen Search graduate, Michael Godwin knocked out Idowu Okusote in a Cruiserweight contest.

Ibadan's cult boxing hero, Akeem "Dodo" Sadiku, knocked out Franc Houanevgbe of the Republic of Benin in a Middleweight duel, while Olaide Fijabi defeated Kazeem Ariyo in a national challenge contest.

Unlike before when boxers looked shabby and unkempt, Nigeria boxers now look well fed and dresses well courtesy of good payday from GOtv Boxing Night and some of them are now acclaimed millionaires, courtesy of the Mojisola Ogunsaya one million naira prize money for the best boxer of the night.

Action during the GOtv Boxing Night 15 at the Indoor Sports Hall, Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, last Sunday

StarTimes Charges Falconets to Go for Gold, Assures Live Telecast As the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup kicks off tomorrow, official broadcast partner of the completion- StarTimes have urged the Super Falconets to do the country proud by bringing the cup home.

The biannual tournament will last till August 24 as 16 teams battle for glory.

According to Startimes, all 32 matches will be brought to Nigerians live and in HD on StarTimes World Football and Sports Focus for the entertainment of its subscribers across Africa.

In a goodwill message to the Falconets, StarTimes urged the team to do Nigeria proud by bringing home the cup. The Falconets begin their campaign with a huge test against Germany at the Stade de Marville in Saint-Malo on Monday, August 6. Germany edged Nigeria to lift the trophy twice in 2010 in Germany and 2014 in Canada.

Non-subscribers are not left out as all the matches can be watched live and in HD on StarTimes mobile App, which can be downloaded from the Android and iOS app store with over two million downloads since it became available in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Group D opponents Haiti will be taking part in their first ever FIFA women’s tournament. The other African flag-bearers, Ghana were thrown into the same Group A as hosts France, New Zealand and The Netherlands.

Ghana will go up against hosts France in the tournaments opening match in Vannes on Sunday, August 5. Concarneau is the other city that host matches during the championship.

Group B is headed by Korea DPR and also has England, Mexico and Brazil, while USA , Japan, Paraguay and Spain will battle it out in Group C.

Yoruba Tennis Club, Lagos, will on August 9, hold its annual Public Lecture, designed to chart a compass for the intellectual direction and upliftment of the society.

The lecture titled, ‘Current Security Challenges in Nigeria- The Way Out’, which will hold at the Greetings Hall, Yoruba Tennis Club, Onikan Lagos, will be delivered by the former Director Military Intelligence and Fellow of the War College, Major General Adewunmi Ajibade (Rtd) .

In a statement signed by the club’s General Secretary, Mr.Tuned Osunsedo lauded the past contributions of the guest lecturer in military intelligence, training and security operations in the country.

He said the club has had the privilege of playing host to many prominent Nigerians and non-Nigerians over the years, who have made their mark both locally and internationally and their delivered lectures have always been a compass for progressive national development.

Discussants at the lecture include; Chairman/Founder SPACE FM and Convener Leadership and Peace Initiative, Chief Deji Osibogun; Head of News Television Continental (TVC), Mr. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, as well as former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Tunji Alapini (rtd).

The Chairman of the occasion is Chairman Board of Trustees and former Federal Commissioner of Works and Housing, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, while the Special Guest of Honour is His Royal Majesty , Olota of Ota-Awori Land, Oba Abdul Kabir Adeyemi Obalenlege The event will be hosted by the Chairman Yoruba Tennis Club, Professor Adetokunbo Fabamwo with the guests from the academia, royal fathers, civil society organisations, security organisations, students, members from sister clubs and heads of missions attending.

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Can the Falconets Soar Where Eagles Fail to Fly? Just last month, Nigeria’s male national team to the 2018 World Cup in Russia broke the heart of many soccer-loving Nigerians as they failed to pass the group stage. With the Falconets set to kick-start their campaign in the FIFA U-20 Championship in France on Monday, Kunle Adewale asks if the team can brush aside the opposition posed by female football powerhouse -Germany and China in Group D to book a place in the last 16 and even go all the way?

A

fter losing twice to Germany (2010 and 2014) in the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the Falconets of Nigeria on Thursday departed from their final training camp in Tirol, Austria for France with the ultimate aim of bettering its 2010 and 2014 feat. But the first hurdle is getting past the group stage where it would be contending in Group D with old foes - Germany, China and Haiti.

The FIFA 2018 U-20 Women’s World Cup will kick-off in France on August 5, but Nigeria would be starting its campaign on Monday with a big test against Germany in an encounter that would go a long way in determining if the team would book a ticket to the round of 16.

The Falconets remain Nigeria’s most successful team at the global level, winning silver at the FIFA World Cup twice in Germany 2010 and Canada 2014, bronze once in Japan in 2012, and reaching the quarter-finals in Thailand in 2004, Russia in 2006) and Chile in 2008.

To qualify for the 2018 U-20 Women’s World Cup finals, the Falconets walloped Tanzania’s U-20 girls 9-0 aggregate, brushed aside Morocco 6-2 on aggregate and pummeled their South African counterparts 8-0 over two legs in January.

The coach of the team has never hidden his resolve to go all the way in the competition. Speaking before the team’s departure from Abuja, he said they were well prepared for the tournament.

“We have a good chance of surpassing our best record at the tournament. The team is well prepared and I believe we won’t disappoint. We have studied our opponents and I believe we can deal with their strength,” Danjuma said.

Corroborating her coach’s confidence, Super Falconets’ Captain Kemi Abio-

SUPER FALCONET FULL SQUAD GOALKEEPERS Okeke Onyinyechukwu (Edo Queens) Nnadozie Chiamaka (Rivers Angels) Akarekor Rita (Sunshine Queens) DEFENDERS Ogbonna Glory (Ibom Angels) Famuditi Oluwakemi (Confluence Queens) Duru Joy (Nasarawa Amazons) Ologbosere Mary (Rivers Angels) Sunday Opeyemi (Sunshine Queens) Ezekiel Blessing (Rivers Angels).

MIDFIELDERS Saiki Mary (Rivers Angels) Ucheibe Christy (Nasarawa Amazons) Efih Peace (Edo Queens) Saheed Adebisi (Bayelsa Queens) Amoo Bashirat (Confluence Queens) Igboamalu Grace (Nasarawa Amozons) Odueke Taibat (Edo Queens)

Falconets captain, Rasheedat Ajibade

dun said they are not be going to France to see the beauty of Paris but to make a statement at the tournament, just as she said the players had all it takes to succeed at the finals.

“We are going to France to do our best; we do not want to come back to Nigeria empty-handed,” she said. Her colleague Mary Saiki also buttressed Abiodun’s statement saying they have prepared well for the championship.

“The team has played in the final of this championship before and we are going to make sure we keep to that record by going far and coming back with laurels,” she said.

As part of their resolve to do well in France, the Falconets hammered Austrian Women League top flight team, FC Wacker Innsbruck 4-0 in their final pre-tournament friendly in Tirol last Saturday, with a brace from top scorer Rasheedat Ajibade and one each from Adebisi Saheed and Chinyere

Igboamalu. The Nigerian girls had earlier spanked another Austrian top flight side, FC Bergheim 3-0.

Danjuma named a final list of 21 players last Friday during the team’s 12-day training exercise in Austria in preparation for the World Cup, consisting of three goalkeepers, six defenders, seven midfielders and five strikers.

It, however, remains to be seen if the Super Falconets can soar where the Super Eagles failed to fly as Nigeria soccer-loving fans are yet to overcome lacklustre performance of the male senior national team in Russia, where the team failed to go past the group stage.

Africa’s other flag-bearer, Ghana must negotiate a tough Group A against host France, New Zealand and The Netherlands. Group B has North Korea, England, Mexico and Brazil while USA, Japan, Paraguay and Spain fight things out in Group C.

FORWARDS Monday Gift (FC Robo) Ajibade Rasheedat (FC Robo) Imo Anam (Nasarawa Amazons) Okeke Chidinma (FC Robo) Bello Aishat (Nasarawa Amazons)

FIXTURES SUNDAY Mexico New Zealand Korea Republic France

v v v v

Brazil Netherlands England Ghana

12:30 15:30 15:30 18:30

MONDAY Nigeria Haiti Paragua USA

v v v v

Germany China Spain Japan

12:30 15:30 15:30 18:30

HOST CITIES Concarneau Dinan/Léhon Saint-Malo Vannes

GROUP D Haiti China Nigeria Germany

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

The Falconets

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

36

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

FAIRGROUND

Rémy Martin Fetes Nigerian Stakeholders

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

L

ast month, Rémy Martin invited stakeholders from Nigeria including Charles Okpaleke (Founder, Play Network), Bayo Oke-Lawal (Founder of Orange Culture & Rémy Martin Influencer), Wale Faniyi (Founder of Bite Billionaire) and Bidemi Zakariyau (Founder, LSF|PR) to its headquarters in Cognac, France.

The invited guests had an immersive three-day experience as Remy Martin hosted them at the Ritz, Paris and Café Chic before heading on to Cognac. On arrival in Cognac, they visited various cellars and also embarked on a tour of the headquarters. They were also treated to various tasting, including the “Opulence revealed” experience – a table spread filled with the finest tasting Vanillas from Madagascar, Raw honey, Aged cheese, amongst many others.

To end their tour on a grand scale, they were treated to an exclusive tasting of the most expensive cognac in the world – Louis XIII.

L-R: Charles Okpaleke, Maxime Pulci, Wale Faniyi, Bidemi Zakariyau, Bayo Oke Lawal,Alvin Saal and Xavier Carbonel

Bayo Oke Lawal and Bidemi Zakariyau

Maxime Pulci, Alvin Saal, Bayo Oke Lawal, Bidemi Zakariyau, Charles Okpaleke, Xavier Carbonel and Wale Faniyi

Wale Faniyi and Chales Okpaleke

Charles Okpaleke, Maxime Pulci and Xavier Carbonel

Woodin Launches New Ready to Wear Collection African Fashion brand, Woodin has announced the launch of “New Generation de Woodin”, its newest ready to wear collection.

The new collection is for a new generation of people who are bold, ready to take on new challenges and intentional in their fashion choices. It features stylish stripes and ethnic colors in trendy designs suited for casual and

smart casual occasions.

With the new collection, Woodin aims to continue interpreting Africa’s vibrant culture with its designs, with the ultimate goal of seeing fashionable men and women confidently dressed head to toe in Woodin designs.

The new collection is available in Woodin boutiques at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos and Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja.

Woodin

Maxime Pulci

Bayo Oke Lawal and Maxime Pulci

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 4, 2018

VINTAGE

Reverend Mother Ajayi Applauds 2018 ‘Celebrate the Comforter’ Conference Bennett Oghifo

T

he General Overseer of Love of Christ Generation Church, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi has described this year’s edition of ‘Celebrate the Comforter’ annual convention which was held at the United Palace, New York, United States of America as a success.

While briefing newsmen at a Press Conference which took place at the Sheraton Hotel and Suites, Ikeja, Rev. Mother Ajayi who is also the Founder, Esther Ajayi Foundation said the 2018 edition which was graced by former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi nd the Chairman of Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu recorded a massive turnout of faithful from both the Celestial Church of Christ and Cherubim and Seraphim.

According to her, ‘We prayed and fasted before the event and we knew it was going to be a success but I was overwhelmed with the turnout because the hall was filled and there was even an over flow of people.

‘Apart from members of both the Celestial Church of God and Cherubim Church , other Christians and non- Christians also came. What was one of my highest points of the event was that my beautician, Jenny , who is a North Korean received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and I told my husband that this was similar to events recorded in the Act of Apostle in the Bible.

“I was fulfilled if even if Jenny was the only one that received the Holy Spirit, the program was therefore a success, because Angels rejoice in Heaven whenever one soul is won to Christ. ‘’ She added, ‘‘I had never witnessed such, and her testimony was that she did not know what came upon her. I am now giving her all the encouragement. That was not all, many other people also gave their lives in the course of the programme.’’

Speaking on the third edition of the event which is slated to take place next year in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, Rev. Mother Ajayi added that she was happy that her efforts to unite the Celestial Church of Christ and Cherubim and Seraphim Church had started yielding fruits She said: “This is the first time the convention will be taking place in Nigeria and I can tell you that we will shake the country with the word of God and the country will never be the same again. Come and join us for an unforgettable day of life- changing prayer, preaching, praise and celebration in honour of God.’’

L-R: Member, Nigeria Super Eagles Supporters Club, Elder Aremo Micheal; Member of the club, Elder Olokuye Folorunsho; General Overseer, Love of Christ Generation Church, Rev.(Mrs.) Esther Abimbola Ajayi and the President of the Supporters Club, Vincent Okumagba; during the decoration of Rev. Mother Ajayi as the Grand Matron of the Club in Lagos...on Wednesday

Also speaking at the event , the shepherd in charge of Genesis Model International , CCC, Prophet Israel Ogundipe said the convention had proved that white garment churches were not fetish but believe in Jesus Christ.

He said, “The convention is an avenue to bridge the gap that exists in the body of Christ because other churches are always invited and carried along. Evangelist S.K. Abiara of Christ Apostolic Church, His Most Eminence Prophet (Dr.) Solomon Adegboyega Alao, Rev. Pastor Emmanuel Mobiyina Friday Oshoffa and some Bishops of other churches were present during the last edition. I must commend the efforts of Rev. Mother

Esther Ajayi and I can tell you that she is one in a million.”

The highlight of the gathering was the conferment of honours on Reverend Mother Ajayi as the Grand Matron of the Nigerian Super Eagles Supporters Club by the club members and officials. According to the President of Supporters Club, Vincent Okumagba, the Club bestowed the honour on Rev. Mother Ajayi because of her exploits in Christendom and other areas of life especially her penchant for philanthropy.

He said, ‘We have watched her closely and we are certain that her personality would also rub off on our Club positively and we are glad that she gladly accepted to be our Grand Matron.’

Udeme Ufot Receives Another Recognition for Brand Management Bennett Oghifo

W

ithin and beyond the marketing communications sector, little or no introduction is required about Udeme Ufot MFR, Group Managing Director of the SO&U Group whose reputation towers high amongst his colleagues. It therefore was no surprise when marketing edge honoured the great Ad man with a Lifetime Achievement award for his “patriotic contributions to the growth, development and continuing evolution of the Nigerian marketing and brand management business in the face of daunting challenges”.

Renowned for his dogged pursuit for excellence and consistent drive for breaking new frontiers in the attaining greater heights, Mr. Udeme Ufot in the course of his career has made great impact in the Nigerian marcoms sector inspite of the growing competition. His recognition, with a Lifetime Achievement Award

by Marketing Edge brand magazine, is the latest of many feathers in his glittering professional cap.

Indeed, those familiar with the Akwa Ibom-born advertising guru, knows it simply followed what has now become a routine.

A leader of a professional association. A leader of alumni. A national honouree. A leader of a professional body that sets and maintains standards. A member of the decision making body of Nigeria’s economic think tank. A contributor to the continued development of the country’s marketing and brand management sector. A jury member for a continental award.

It is an understatement to say that Udeme, as he prefers to be called, is a revered figure in Nigeria’s marketing communications industry. And if you go outside his professional constituency, you must also mention that he is a motivational speaker and mentor to young and budding entrepreneurs, and a giver of hope to the hopeless. You name it. They are many.

Udeme, who marked three score years on earth in March, 2018, has put in 36 years into a profession that has brought him fame (and, perhaps, fortune), and is still soldering on with no indication of when he will finally rest his fertile brain that has been the workshop for the manufacture of ideas and a depository of knowledge for his colleagues, protégé, mentees and others which has contributed in small measure to the development of the sector and effectively the economy.

An epitome of success, Udeme’s achievements in his chosen field can be measured from two broad perspectives – corporate and personal. From the corporate perspective, he is a leader, friend, not a boss. This has defined his leadership style which his

Ufot

colleagues have quite emulated.

In the 28 years he has been at the helm of affairs at the SO&U Group, Udeme has proven to be a team player, with the highest consideration for the contributions of others, no matter how seemingly inconsequential they may be. A stickler for excellence, he has the uncanny ability to recognize gold in its very raw state. This explains why he has been able, without difficulty, to bring out the best in the large pool of highly skilled and committed professionals which the Group has assembled over the years to churn out exciting and award winning campaigns for high profile local and international brands in Nigeria.

Today, what started as a single advertising company has four highly successful subsidiaries under its umbrella, each handling one of the specialized components that give the Group an edge in the entire gamut of marketing communications. They are, SO&U, Soulcomms, Maximedia Global Limited, Vyrus Digital Engagement and Lucid Audio Visuals.

It would not be hyperbolic to suggest that if a list of the nation’s six leading advertising groups were to be drawn up today, the SO&U Group would not be missing from that list. That is the height Udeme has driven the Group to attain today – from a

challenging beginning in 1990.

A visit to the boardroom at the Group’s corporate headquarters at Opebi, in Ikeja, attest to its winning streak and creative prowess under Udeme’s leadership reflecting the Group contributions to the different sectors of national life Without sounding immodest, the awards and recognitions are not limited to Nigeria. The Group’s successes have also assumed international dimensions as well. Just in March, this year, The SO&U Advertising won Gold at the annual African Cristal Festival Awards in far-away Marrakesh, Morocco for its mother’s day ad.

Udeme’s successes have also come at the personal, perhaps more than the corporate, although the former is a beneficiary of the latter.

He could not have achieved any personal success if he had not taken the SO&U Group to the enviable height it has attained today.

His rise to personal prominence in the industry began when he held the position of honorary secretary and chief executive officer at the secretariat of the Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria (AAPN) – as the Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria (AAAN) was then known. He was later returned unopposed, first as vice president of the association, then as its president, at the age of 41 – the youngest to hold the position.

The emergence of the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) occurred during Udeme’s tenure as president of AAPN. The crisis which trailed the development was such that threatened the continued existence of AAPN as a professional body. But Udeme nipped it in the bud, thanks to his dexterity in crisis management. Not only did he get the new association accepted by AAPN, he also got the two professional bodies to form a synergy and collaborate for the development and growth of the marketing communications industry. It is also to his credit that he put in place a framework to engender understanding and cordial relationship in the tripartite relationship involving advertisers, advertising companies and media owners.

In March, 2015, former president, Goodluck Jonathan, appointed Udeme chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria signaling a crescendo of his professional attainment in the country. His recognition also came from abroad, when he was named member of the jury of the African Cristal Festival Awards that held in May, 2017.

A holder of the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), Udeme, a volunteer and supporter of numerous causes, is the board chairman of LEAP Africa, and also sits on the boards of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and Special Olympics Nigeria (NESG). He is a former president of the Lagos Business School Alumni Association and a facilitator at FATE Foundation.

38

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

Kia Rio Stinger Named Winners in Power Performance

F

ollowing the launch of the 2018 Rio and highly anticipated 2018 Stinger, Kia MotorsAmerica (KMA) has earned two more J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) awards for its stylish subcompact and its powerful fastback sports sedan. The double win helped increase Kia’s overall score by eight points since last year, while also securing the brand’s spot among the top 10 non-premium nameplates. The announcement follows Kia Motors being named the highest ranked mass market brand in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for the fourth consecutive year[i], with the Rio also capturing a win in the small car segment.

“Whether it be a practical commuter car for people just looking to get from point A to B, or a sports sedan with up to 365-horsepower for enthusiasts, we design every Kia with the customer in mind,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “Earning a J.D. Power APEAL award for both the Rio and Stinger demonstrates the level of dedication we put on delivering a superior combination of the desirable features and attributes today’s savvy car buyers want from their vehicles.”

Completely redesigned for the 2018 model year, the Rio outshined the competition in the small car segment, being one of the only contenders to score the highest marks in overall performance and design, comfort, features, and style.

2019 BMW X7 Patent-Drawing

BMW X7 Design Revealed in New Patent Drawings Stories by Bennett Oghifo

D

esign drawings filed to the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property show what looks like a production BMW X7.

These filings are good news for lovers of the concept.

The design drawings show that the X7 will

retain its huge kidney grilles (albeit slightly more reasonably sized than the concept’s) as well as its overall profile and a few of its fancier design cues.

Though some of the more baroque flourishes have been eliminated (the vertical bits of aluminum on the rear quarter panel and the front bumper, for example) the overall impression is very similar to the concept.

With its sharp headlights, its 7 Series-esque hockey stick, and near identical glass, the X7

shouldn’t be a big surprise when it comes out.

At 200-inches long, you won’t miss this big boy on the road, either. Expected to weigh around 5,000 lbs, it will fit up to seven people.

We expect power to come from a 4.4-liter V8 funnelled to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic.

Coscharis Motors represents BMW in Nigeria.

(Source: autoguide)

Dunlop Launches SP FM800 into Nigeria Market

S

umitomoRubberSouthAfrica(PTY)LTD (SRSA),manufacturerofthepopularDunlop tyre brand, has launched the Dunlop HighPerformanceSportSPFM800tyreat itsdealermeetinginLagos,inpartnership with Tyre Express Nigeria Limited.

Some 50 dealers were hosted at the launch, which was attended by Guests of Honour including His Royal Highness Prince Olusegun Aderemi, as well as Chairman of Tyre Express Nigeria, Jaber Abbas, Director Mr. Govind Ram and Executive Director of Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), Mr Yutaka Kuroda.

SRSAChiefExecutiveOfficerRiazHaffejee,expressed excitement at the prospects for growth of its Dunlop and Sumitomo Tyre brands in Africa.

“Nigeria’smarketfortyresisapproximately4million a year and the country is a key market in terms of our Africa strategy, which sees us focusing on countries withgreatgrowthpotentialandexpandingmarkets,” said Haffejee.

The Dunlop brand and retail presence were relaunched in Nigeria two years ago. With the launch of the FM800 tyre coinciding with International Nelson Mandela Day, Haffejee reminded the audience of the impact Mandela had on the world. “For us as Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, the famous quote attributed to Mandela - “It always seems impossible until it’s done” - was so apt for our relaunch of Dunlop in Nigeria and we are very proud of the progress made since then,” he said.

“Wehaveconfidenceinourdistributors,TyreExpress Nigeria, a subsidiary of DWA, which operates in a number of countries in West Africa, to leverage these advantages. It is an ideal partnership, in that the company caters to all segments of this market, in particular Passenger Car Radial (PCR), 4x4 and Truck/Bus Radial (TBR),” added Haffejee.

Tyre Express Nigeria is the sole authorised distributor for Dunlop and Sumitomo tyres in Nigeria. It boasts a Dunlop Zone and four Dunlop Express stores in Nigeria, in addition to a well-established

L-R: Group CEO, DWA International, Mr. A. Govindram; CEO, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, Mr. Riaz Haffejee; Director Sales, Tyre Express Nigeria Limited, Mr. Sunday Musa; Senior Executive Officer/Member of the Board/General Manager of Europe and Africa Head Quarters - Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Mr. Yutaka Kuroda; Mr. Lubin Ozoux; Director International Business, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, Mr. Takesuke Ikeuchi; Director Corporate Planning, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa; Chairman - DWA International, Mr. Jabber Abbas; and Executive Director, Tyre Express Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gautam Singh Ghai, at the product launch in Lagos …recently dealer network.

He said SRSA, through Dunlop, offered training assistance and technical expertise to back up its superior quality products like the new Dunlop High Performance Sport SP FM800.

The SP FM800 tyre offers a new profile design that reduces deformation stress and improves energy consumption, rolling resistance, fuel efficiency and safety due to increased traction and braking response. Its next generation pattern with four wide, longitudinal grooves and deep lateral grooves

incorporates the latest design and technology.

This provides a tyre with all-round performance improvements including remarkable wet weather handling, braking and hydroplaning resistance, while a new compound with silica loading increases wet grip.

Mr Gautam Singh Ghai, Executive Director of Tyre Express Nigeria, said: “As sole distributors fortheDunlopandSumitomoRubbertyrebrandsin Nigeria, we are delighted to be able to offer products like the SP FM800.

Five Generations of Toyota Supra Together for the First Time

A

select group of classic Toyota Supra owners from the UK have become amongst the first car fans in the world to get up close and personal with the all-new version of the iconic sports car.

The behind-closed-doors event in Sussex saw all four famous generations of the sports car brought together with the new fifth-generation car for the first time anywhere in the world.

Toyota invited a group of Supra super-fans to an evening event with Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada, during which the chief engineer of the new A90 Supra gave owners of all four previous generations an exclusive introduction to the camouflaged prototype.

The top secret, invite-only event occurred during the long weekend of the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the keenly anticipated new fifth-generation Supra made its world debut.

Earlier in the day, Tada-san had given thousands of enthusiasts an early taste of the vehicle’s dynamic performance by driving up the famous festival hill course, after which the prototype was whisked away to another location in West Sussex for its exclusive static showing.

A total of 50 immaculately presented Supra models from all four generations had been invited to attend in anticipation of the new A90 Supra’s arrival.

The majority of the 84 owners and guests arrived in fourth-generation models, from highly sought-after UK-specification models with manual gearboxes, to examples that illustrated the enduring popularity and immense tuning potential of the iconic 2JZ straight-six engine.

Also in attendance were eight third-generation models in both original and facelifted guise, four angular second-generation models, and a single first-generation model – one of only two examples of the Celica Supra known to exist in the UK. Tada-san drove the new A90 Supra into the building to rapturous applause from the enthusiasts.

He positioned it on a rotating stand and then proudly introduced his “new baby” to the crowd as the culmination of six years of development.

It was a moment that marked the first time that all five generations of Toyota Supra had ever appeared together in public.

During the course of the evening, Tada-san was eager to mingle with the guests and chat openly about the A90 project. As an enthusiast himself, he was equally eager to hear from existing owners about what the Supra means to them and gain a greater understanding of their expectations for this next chapter in the model’s history.

Commenting on the weekend, Tada-san revealed: “I’m just so happy that we’ve made it to this point. I’ve finally been able to reveal the car to the UK; it’s the happiest day of my life. And to drive it up the hill at Goodwood was a really exciting experience.”

Toyota expects its new Supra to reach the market during the first half of 2019.

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

39

Coscharis to Launch Latest Jaguar Land Rover Variants at Tournament

T

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 model range a bestseller

Mercedes-Benz, SXSW Collaborate on 2nd Edition Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

he second edition of the me Convention – a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and South by Southwest® – will be held in Stockholm, Sweden between 4 to 6 September 2018. This year’s event once again promises to be an inspirational event and will feature 100 innovative speakers from over 20 countries worldwide.

The conference will take place on September 5 and 6 in Nacka Strandsmässan in the south of Stockholm, and attendees can expect a festival-like atmosphere: keynote presentations, solo talks, panel discussions, workshops and one-on-one

mentor sessions will happen throughout the day, on two Forum stages, the Insight stage, the Cinema stage, the Creators’ Spot and Makers’ Lab. Keeping in the festival spirit, the evening program boasts a SXSW-curated film program as well as concerts and parties in stunning venues such as Fotografiska Museet and Södra Teatern.

The conference program will again feature the successful ‘ Startup Cities’ track, where representatives from 20 cities will explain why their home town is a great place for startups and entrepreneurs. Speakers from Antwerp, São Paulo, Sofia, Aarhus, Monterrey, Vienna, Almaty, Eindhoven, Belfast, Dubai, Hamburg, Moscow, Porto, Cape Town, Trento and Montreal are already confirmed.

Cooperation with STHLM TECH FEST for Tech and Startup tour on September 4 In addition to the two conference days on September 5 and 6, the me Convention has joined forces with STHLM TECH FEST, Sweden’s largest annual startup festival, to host the “STHLM TECH x me Convention Tech Safari” during the Exploration Day on September 4. me Convention delegates will have the opportunity to discover Stockholm through guided tours, each covering a different aspect of the city.

The Safari will visit more than 30 selected startups and hot spots in Stockholm. Two further tours are dedicated to discovering Stockholm’s art and architecture, and the downtown cafés, bars and restaurants.

heCoscharisJaguarLandRoverdealership willbecontinuingitsproudassociationwith Coca Cola Nigeria, the official sponsor of the ‘Road to Mauritius Golf Tournament’ scheduled forAugust 4, 11 and September 15, 2018 across Ibadan, Abuja and Lagos respectively; as it plans to officially launch its latest luxuryautomobilevariants–theJaguarEPace,Range Rover Velar and the Discovery into the Nigerian market.

Coscharis Jaguar Land Rover began its support for the Coca Cola Road to Mauritius Golf event at the debut edition in 2017 as the official automobile partner and it is following up with the 2018 edition.

“The Coca Cola Road to Mauritius Golf tournament is the perfect fit for Coscharis Jaguar Land Rover, as the company targets high-profile and premium events that link directly to our premium product strengths,” says Cletus Aregbeshola, Jaguar Land Rover Brand Manager for Coscharis.

Following the successful partnership of the 2017 edition, we have decided to utilize the event to unveil our latest Jaguar Land Rover variants including the Range Rover Velar, Discovery and Jaguar E Pace at the IBB Golf and the Ikoyi Club Golf Qualifier Tournaments in August 11 and September 15, 2018 respectively.

The Range Rover Velar, which recently won the 2018 World Car Design of the Year, comes with varied premium packages and colour trim. It’s positioned in therapidlygrowingMediumSports/CrossoverSUV segment; Velar offers a striking breadth of capability as an all-terrain performer thanks to a host of chassis technologies. In the Discovery, form, function and exemplary levels of finesse are brought together to help create one of Land Rover’s most compelling vehicles to date. Its inherent strength and off-road capabilitiesarematchedonlybyitsboldcontemporary looks and alluring touches of luxury.

Globe Motors Plant Produces Hyundai, Higer Vehicles

A

n automobile marketing company in Nigeria, Globe Motors has started production of Hyundai and Higer brands of vehicles in its assembly plant in Lekki, Lagos.

LocatedalongEleko-Ibeju-Lekkiareaof Lagos, the plant for now, has an installed capacity of 6,000 vehicles annually which the company says can also be increased depending on market forces.

Globe Motors is among the 30 accredited local auto anufacturers in Nigeria by the National AutomotiveDesign and Development Council, NADDC under the NigeriaAutomotive Industry Development Plan, NAIDP).

The company had barely three years ago announced plans to set up a multi auto assembly plant at the cost of 200 million US dollars which many thought was an impossible task. But the plant has become a reality as brand new Hyundai and Higer Vehicles have started to roll out from the plant.

In a chat with newsmen at the plant recently, Managing Director of the company, Mr. Victor

Oguamalam explained how they worked tirelessly to make the dream a reality.

“Though we are not producing at installed capacity, we have started production at the plant since 2017.

We currently have an annual installed capacity of 6,000 vehicles at the plant, but daily production is subject to market and other forces,” he said.

According to the Managing Director, over 50 staff are working in plant including engineers, technicians and administrative staff.

For now, he said, the company is operating at Semi Knock Down (SKD) level and plans to move to Complete KnockDown (CKD) stage as soon as possible.

GlobeMotorsassemblyplantboastsofexperienced engineers who have worked in leading automobile companies and attended courses abroad.

Mr. Oguamalam noted that the company have qualified staff manning the plant, while Hyundai and Higer experts from Korea and China respectively are always on ground to give backup to the local staff.

Hyundai

Taming Haulage Killer Drivers

O

n Monday, July 9, 2018, the office of theSecretarytotheGovernmentofthe Federation convoked a stakeholders meeting to address increasing safety concerns affecting haulage business in the country especially against the backdropofthespateofroadtrafficcrashesinvolving articulated vehicles and the high casualty rate in both human and materials resources.

The forum provided a plank for stakeholders to brainstorm proffer effective interventions to checkmate the spate of crashes and the resultant deaths and material losses and thus bequeath a safer road environment in the country.

The timing of the forum was apt as it was coming barely a month after the road traffic crash which occurred on Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on 28th June, 2018, where a tanker crash resulted in an inferno that destroyed 54 vehicles and killed nine people with several others sustaining various degree of injuries. The forum was also coming almost three years after June, 2015 when the leadership of the Federal Road Safety Corps convened a similar National Summit on tankers and trailers haulage operations to deliberate with key stakeholders in the haulage business and proffer lasting solutions to curb the ugly trend. Before I run through some key actions, let me first refresh you with some of the burning issues that compelled FRSC to convene the meeting in 2015.

The preamble began in 2013 as enumerated by the FRSC Corps Marshal,Boboye Oyeyemi, who in his paper during the 2015 summit took stakeholder down memory lane on the havoc caused by tankers and tankers; in 2013,a total of

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

21199 vehicles were involved in crashes in which 1495 were tankers/trailers related representing 7.05percent.The following year in 2014,a total of 16779 vehicles were involved out of which 998 were tanker/trailers related, representing 5.94percent.At the beginning of 2015 to June of the same year when the forum was organized, a total of 1193 vehicles caused the road traffic crashes in which 49 were tankers/trailers related, representing 4.11percent.

Although 49 tankers/ were responsible for the 1193 vehicles that caused road traffic crashes nationwide between January to June 2015,16 of the incidents occurred in the first week of June 2015 alone.

Abreakdown of the crashes are thus; a crash which occurred Zuba the Federal Capital Territory on April 13, 2015, in which four were killed;Onitsha, Anambra State on 31st May 2015 where 46 people were killed;Benin bypass, in Edo state with road traffic crashes involving four tankers on June, 3,2015;Ogidi in Anambra on 3 March 2015 where five people were and there was the

Lagos-Abeaokuta expressway road traffic crash which occurred on 19th January 2015.The effect of these crashes he noted, were measured not only in loss of life and limb but in the fact that vehicles and infrastructure were destroyed, goods/ products lost to spillage and fire, all constituting huge economic losses.

These casualties and losses despite concerted effects resulted in action plans that focused on standards, enforcement, Institutional capacity and legal which were not fully complied with by operators as agreed thus paving the way for the tragedies on Otedola bridge in Lagos State.

Just before the 2018 forum, the Corps pre-event a media parley revealed the following as some of the safety menace of tankers/trailers that require immediate and drastic interventions; They range from non adherence to rules and regulations governing haulage of dangerous goods such as petroleum products; issues of resting periods for drivers who may be driving for 48hours without rest; the use of substandard spare parts (eg brake pads) for the repairs and maintenance of trucks. Others included systematic failure at the loading depots where there are sharp practices, the use of standard vehicles to load at the bay and trans-loaded to sub standard trucks outside the bay, non adherence to road safety standards by tanker drivers, lack of Pre-inspection and post inspection of vehicles before and after loading at the bay, lack of maintaining standards in the construction of tanks by construction workers as 3mm iron sheet are used instead of 5mm iron sheets for the construction of the tanks. There are also cases of importation of sub standard vehicles into the country for haulage business and the riskier habits of using a 15 ton vehicle head to pull or

carry a 60 ton worth of goods up or down a hill, which has often led to brake failure. Multiple registrations of tankers to sustain sharp practices, drug and alcohol abuse by tanker drivers.Most of the vehicles used for loading petroleum products are not road worthy, poor driving skills of drivers in spite of regular training as most of the drivers are not literate, poor vehicle maintenance culture by tanker owners as they restrict vehicle maintenance to only changing of oil while even the standards of training of the tanker drivers are questionable The media parley came up with series of suggestions which ranged from the need to decentralize the loading bay to other states like Port-Harcourt, Calabar where there are sea ports, the need to urgently develop the rail system for ease of transportation of petroleum products since law enforcement agencies cannot curb vandalization of pipelines, provision of resting terminals for tanker drivers, the banning of the importation of sub-standard vehicles into the country, equipping law enforcement agencies to check vandalization of pipelines which is the best option for moving petroleum products.

These were in addition to the suggestion for improved synergy between all stakeholders in the value chain of distribution.

Speaking at the recent stakeholders forum, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ,Boss Mohammed noted that despite several actions taken such as the FRSC Safe-To-Load Programme; building partnership with relevant stakeholders; and training and recertification of the drivers by the Petroleum Tankers Division of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (PTD-NUPENG) among others, the numbers of crashes involving articulated vehicles increased in number mainly due to the apathy of stakeholders in keeping to safety standards and flagrant abuse of traffic safety rules.

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Fail Abysmally, Not Woefully

EBERE WABARA

“N

EMA identifies Zik, Ekwueme, Obiano’s LGs as high risk (high-risk) areas” (DAILY Sun Front Page Rider, July 23) And this: Obiano LGs “Russia: FG to crackdown (crack down) on travel agents over stranded Nigerians” (Source: as above) “Expect mother of all wars, if…Iran (Iranian) leader warns Trump” Get it right: father of all wars “Government said the repatriated Abacha loot will (would) be shared using….” (DAILY Sun Editorial, July 23) “Government Girls (Girls’) Secondary School, Rumuokwuta” “President, Nigerian (Nigeria) Union of Journalists” (Statement by the NPO) “APC government has failed totally, woefully (abysmally)—Falae” (NATIONAL NEWS, July 23) ‘Totally’ and ‘abysmally’— which is the right word and not ‘woefully’ cannot co-function. “…was Governor and Chairman of the Board of Central Bank of Nigeria between September 24, 1975-June 28, 1977) (Full-page obituary signed by the Management of Central Bank of Nigeria) Between …and or from…to (--) DAILY Sun Editorial of July 30 circulated the following misapprehension: “The CBN boss also said that (what is this for?) the committee considered the tightening of interest with the belief that such measure (such a measure) would curtail the threat of a rise in inflation. “ “Mugabe breaks silence, lashes Mnangagwa on eve of presidential I received two meaningful calls and a mail with regard to last week’s entry which

BY

declared that there was no such word as “invitee”. Both callers—one of them an unnamed purist—insisted that the word existed.

Another contributor, who craved anonymity, said in his definitive mail (below) that the word is listed in an undated dictionary and thesaurus.

“I just read your column, where you said there was ‘no word known as invitees’. On the contrary, there is. A dictionary definition has ‘invitee’ as ‘a visitor to whom hospitality is extended.’ A thesaurus has ‘invitee’ as a synonym for guest.”

Let me reiterate that the focus of this column is formal (modern) British Standard English usage—not traditional or regionalized English, which is usually dialectical with a dose of applicative circumscription!

“Invitee” is a piece of Americanism that has invaded Nigeria by way of language imperialism. Persistent abuse of a word or phrase does not confer acceptability or correctness on it. Sticklers must cleanse themselves of the juvenile indoctrination that everything in the dictionary is correct. This columnist, without being immodest, has developed the capacity and competency to justifiably question literary status quo and conventions.

This columnist is not interested in colloquial and informal (non-standard) entries, which may exist in ‘Abrahamic’ (ancient) registers, dictionaries and thesauruses! Personally, language currency is the sustainable path to toe—not faddishness, lexical conservatism, conventional wisdom and normative reliance.

I have dictionaries, thesauri, English language textbooks and other general interest books which contain grammatical and factual blunders! For me, these publications are guides which are not inviolable. Even the Bible, thesaurus and Shakespearean materials, as authoritative as they are, still contain lexical, structural and informational contradictions, if not fallacies. The edition of references is

also critical because what is right today may be wrong tomorrow, depending on human strides, dynamism and universal language development.

Our familiarization with dated words or expressions in vogue in our locales should not mislead us into believing that they are sacrosanct and immutable. I welcome more constructive reactions to this and other issues raised here. My position on “invitee” still stands. According to D. W. Williams, past experience (sic) should be a guide post, not a hitching post.

Back to our usual business: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is currently in a dilemma over the inability of five of the eight banks that failed the stress test in the industry in 2009 to get suitable partners.” By every shred, “is” indicates currency. So, I do not understand this ubiquity in Nigerian newspapers: “is currently”. A rewrite: The CBN is in a dilemma….

“My most embarrasing day” (SUNDAY PUNCH Beauty Corner, July 29) Spell-check: embarrassing, but harassing “Exploitation of the underaged” (Sunday Tribune, July 29) Get it right: underage.

“First Bank Nigeria PLC’s result for the period is an attestation of the trend” (Source: as above) Money: attestation to (not of) the trend. “…there is no doubt that she will be able to steer the ship of the bank without any doubt, writes....” (THISDAY SUNDAY BUSINESS PEOPLE, July 29) Why the overkill of ‘doubt’?

“His Excellency...wishes to seize this opportunity….” Straight to the point: the governor uses or takes this opportunity. ‘Wishes’ and ‘seizes’ are pedestrian and obsolete in the circumstance. ‘Seize’ means, essentially, ‘to take by force’, et al (vide Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 9th Edition, and The New Lexicon Webster’s Dictionary of English Language). This could not have been the

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

Executive Governor’s contemplation.

“Let sleeping dog lie!” (Vanguard, April 29) Sweet and Sour: Let sleeping dogs lie.

“More grease to your elbow.” (DAILY SUN, April 29) This way: More power (not grease) to your elbow. What future for the English language?

“I believe that our politicians ought to have become more mature, and that the maturity would manifest in their conducts (conduct).”

“My mission was to present a review of the book at the occasion.” (THE GUARDIAN, May 4) Return to the source: on the occasion.

The next three blunders are from the Nigerian Tribune of May 4: “They are taken through a two-week orientation seminar on American culture and press at the onset (outset) of the fellowship programme in June.”

“It is sad, very sad that the Nigerian police has never been known to use rubber bullets.”

Checking the excesses of security operatives: Nigerian police have (not has).

“The assistance of government is urgently needed in this matter as lack of co-operation by many residents is hampering the activities of vigilante (vigilance) bodies.”

“Similarly, at the advent of any coup in Nigeria, we discover that power in all ramification (ramifications) is taken over by the military.”

“An average number of the Southerners are readily willing even at short notice (a comma) to stab their own brother on (in) the back, if only to have a piece of the national cake.”

“Furthermore, the South seem (seems) to have taken the north for granted for too long.”

THE GUARDIAN of May 3 powered two mistakes: “We must entrench into (in) the statute books provisions for the recovery of stolen loot from outgoing governors, ministers and their proximate beneficiaries….” Is there any loot that is not stolen?

PERSPECTIVE

Lola Shoneyin, Ade Bantu, Attend ‘Culture at Café One’ Benneth Oghifo

L

overs of fine art and African culture have been in for good times as the recently launched Café One, a fusion of gourmet coffee, workspace and events destination, announced a series of arts and lifestyle events tagged “Culture at Café One”.

The weekly event holds on Sundays at Café One located in Lennox mall, Lekki Phase One. The debut event was headlined by multi-talented alto vocalist, music producer and song writer, Joyce Olong followed by award winning journalist and performance poet, Wana Udobang popularly known as Wana Wana.

Wana Wana who is widely known for her work as an On-Air-Personality put together a riveting performance from her sophomore poetry album, In Memory of Forgetting, which included the thought provoking Catfish, Showgirl and This Is Not A Feminist Poem among many others.

22-year-old Joyce Olong who is also adept with the keyboard treated guests to a live performance of tracks from her debut EP, Merci Beauté including Stay another day, Sister and Shekels; which she admitted was inspired by the ongoing violence in her state of origin; Benue between the indigenous farmers and Fulani herdsmen. Upon request by guests she also sang covers by foreign artistes who have influenced her style of music including Bob Marley, John Legend, Asa, etc.

Other artistes who have showcased at the Culture at Café One Series include mixed media artist and winner of the 2016 Samsung Mobile #TechMeetsArt competition, Haneefah Adams, spoken word artist and award winning winning advertising exec, Ndukwe Onuoha and multi-disciplinary painter

Shoneyin

cum sculptor, Jekein Lato-Unah.

The events has been attended by both corporate and arts industry heavy weights such as US based Nigerian born visual artist, writer and photographer, Victor Ehikhamenor, critically acclaimed poet and author of ‘The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives”, Lola Shoneyin, Nigerian-German singer and social activist, Ade Bantu and Nigeria’s premier spoken word poet, Sage.

“The turnout from these Culture At Café One series confirm that contrary

Bantu

to popular belief, Nigerians are interested in African arts and culture. I have attended from the first event and have seen the weekly increase in attendance. As a bank, we will continue to support anything that adds value to people and I can confidently say that Culture at Café One is here to stay”, said Yemi Odubiyi, Executive Director Corporate and investment banking, Sterling Bank.

Café One is the first-of-its-kind, work, leisure and events destination designed to support the growing

freelance and remote working culture in a comfortable and inspiring environment. The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art mobile and digital devices, free Wi-Fi, work stations and an in-house coffee bar provided by leading gourmet coffee brand, My Coffee Lagos to enable guests eat, work and relax in the same space.

Additionally, guests can also access an array of savings products, credit facilities and investment solutions provided by Nigeria’s leading commercial bank, Sterling Bank Plc.

AUGUST 4, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

Womenswear Brand Ilàré Releases its Autumn Winter 18 Collection,

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 4, 2018

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Womenswear Brand Ilàré Releases its Autumn Winter

I

làré is a high end ready-towear womenswear brand that focuses on the African woman’s body and creates pieces that are both flattering and celebratory of her frame.

The brand has a creative approach Th of integrating bold designs with solid colors. so The Datubi Collection is inspired by the essence of a ins woman, on her journey of life. wo Capturing the stages in the Ca woman’s evolution. It showcases wo her growth in her self-discovery. he

The Datubi collection reflects the woman coming into her own, from a place of uncertainty to becoming bold in knowing who she is.

Their new store at Nakenohs Boulevard opens this weekend on July 29th!

CREDITS Brand: @ilare_official Makeup: @odiriditit Model:@bankesu Photographer:@tobi.olajolo Creative Direction: @thestyle. concierge

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... ͸΀͹ͽͽ͹ͻ͹΀Ϳͼ

Chairperson, Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative,LAEI, Prince Gbenga Oguntayo;Co-ordinator , Access to Basic Medical Care Foundation, Mrs. Dolapo Oyedipe; Founder, LAEI, Dr Ama Onyerinma; and member,Board of Trustee, LAEI, Peter Armand Boyo, during a symposium to mark the 2018 Human Trafficking Day in Ibadan ... recently

Chairman, Omoluabi Mortgage Bank, Adebayo Jimoh and Managing Director, Ayodele Olowookere (both in the middle) flanked by other members of the Board of Directors at the bank’s Annual General Meeting, AGM held in Osogbo,Osun State recently

Preparations for 2018 Cowbellpedia Contest inTop Gear The preparations for the 2018 Cowbellpedia Mathematics competition have reached an advanced stage five months after 41,735 secondary school students sat for the qualifying examination.

According to the sponsor of the competition, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, plans have been concluded to kick off the second stage of the competition, which will involve not less than 108 students, who scaled through the first stage of the contest.

Managing Director of the company, Mr. Anders Einarsson stated that the second stage would be in a quiz format and will take candidates through the preliminary, semi-final and final rounds.

“The show will be broadcast in 13 weekly episodes on major television stations across the country including DSTv. The 108 qualifiers are in two categories – 54 each for the junior and senior categories – from among whom the champions will eventually emerge”, he explained.

A breakdown of the qualifying examination results showed there were three perfect scores in the junior category from two schools.

They included: Favour Okarike and Benny Sampson, both of Graceland

International School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State as well as Chiedozie Okezie Uzochukwu of Nigerian Tulip International College in Abuja.

Einarsson explained further that the company had demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the project by doubling the prize money for the winning students and their teachers this year as part of the 20th anniversary, marking the mutually beneficial

ATCON Clocks 25, Honours ICT Icons Recognising the accomplishments in the Information Communication Technology sector and the brains behind them, the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria, (ATCON), the umbrella body of all telecommunication companies in Nigeria, has launched a book titled:’100 leading Personalities in Nigerian Telecom/ICT Sector’.

Featuring the who is who in the industry, the publication detailed the profile, achievements, skills as well as innovations of individuals and corporate organisations that have made the industry come this far including challenges and

Omoluabi Bank Grows Earnings by 70% in 2017 Omoluabi Mortgage Bank Plc has declared a profit after tax of N173,462,487 million for the 2017 financial year.

The bank also recorded an increase in its gross earnings by 70.39% from N304 million in 2016 to N518 million and grew its total assets from N3.3 billion in 2016 to N4.2 billion in 2017. Similarly, shareholders’ funds grew from N2.4 billion in 2016 to N2.6 billion in 2017.

The bank’s performance was announced at its annual general meeting (AGM), which held in Osogbo, Osun State, recently.

Chairman, Board of Directors of the bank, Alhaji Adebayo Jimoh hinged the bank’s brilliant performance on the hard work and commitment of the management team and employees, stating that the year posed a big challenge to the company as a result of the harsh economic and operating environment prevalent in the mortgage banking

relationship between Cowbell and Mathematics.

The ultimate winner in each of the categories will be rewarded with N2 million plus and an all-expense paid educational excursion outside the country, while the first and second runners-up will receive N1.5 million and N1 million respectively.

In each category, the teacher of the top prize winner will win N500,000,

industry.

He also attributed the impressive performance of the bank in the out gone year to some changes made to strengthen the company through a change in structure and improvement in capacity to reflect current best practices in the industry.

The Chairman pledged that the bank would continue to adapt to environmental changes with the unalloyed commitment, support and loyalty received from both internal and external stakeholders.

The 2018 AGM saw the approval of the appointment of Mrs. Olaitan Aworonke, who was the former Group Head, Operations and Business Development as a newly elected director. Also, the Board’s proposal for the distribution of profits through a dividend of one kobo per share was approved.

The shareholders also commended the bank’s outstanding performance in 2017.

recommendations to lift the industry.

Speaking at the launch of the book which also coincided with the association’s 25th anniversary, the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, praised ATCON on the initiative, which he said would further encourage innovations in the sector, which will in turn, attract more investments for economic expansion.

He said: “Already, the ICT sector has influenced over $32billion Foreign Direct Investments in the country in a decade; no industry has ever attained that threshold. With these positive trends, in no distant time, we would have forgotten about oil.

“As a ministry, we are ever determined to support the industry and always willing to listen to your complaints. If there are areas you see we are not doing well, do not hesitate to call our attention”.

President of the association, Mr. Olusola Teniola, added that there was no better way to mark the association silver jubilee than to specially celebrate the industry and its operators, hence the book initiative.

“The idea of publishing the book was solely conceived to celebrate individuals and corporate organisations that have contributed and still leading innovation and creativity in the industry through their personal and corporate efforts,” he reiterated.

Reviewing the 356 - page book, industry expert, Elvis Eromosele, stated that the book, which is a repository of knowledge is a solid reference point for generations to come.

He recommended the book to embassies, universities, federal and state government agencies, public and private libraries, telecoms and ICT international events such as ITU and Gitex, amongst others.

while those of the first and second runners-up will receive N400,000 and N300,000 respectively.

Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics TV Quiz show is endorsed by the National Examinations Council (NECO), which conducts both the Basic Education Certificate Examination and Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.

La Casera Fetes Family, Friends on Int’l Fruit Day La Casera Apple drink, the flagship brand of The La Casera Company (TLCC), has joined the rest of the world to celebrate the ‘International Fruit Day’ to strengthen bond between family and friends.

The international fruit day is a day dedicated for people to share the benefits of fruits to family, friends and the needy as a symbol of love and joy. It is a day set aside to promote positive living conditions amongst people of different creeds, beliefs and ways of life.

Recognising the need for empathy in the light of the daily challenges in our nation, the soft drink brand celebrates the internationally recognised day, seeing the celebration as needful in helping to spread love and good cheer.

Speaking on the day, Managing Director of the firm, Roland Ebelt, stated further that the idea of the day was to share a meal, in the way of fruits to family, friends and the needy.

“In Nigeria, La Casera is seen as the foremost apple soft drink, hence it is fitting that we use our brand to foster peace and offer comfort to many in our country today.

“Celebrating the international fruit day is also not a difficult move for a brand that is synonymous to Apple in Nigeria.

The company has set a record in the soft drink industry by being the first to launch an apple soft drink into the market in PET bottles.

Each bottle now contains 5 per cent real apple fruit juice, a proud feat achieved only by us in the soft drink market”, he said.

He added: “We are always looking at new ways to delight all our consumers and so we put a lot of creative consideration into our brand. We ensure that we go ahead of the curve, while still retaining the high quality we have always been known for. This is the reason we have the highest percentage of real apple juice in the market.

We want to be able to give someone a La Casera in place of a real apple, and there wouldn’t be too much of a difference.

That is the aim, to stay creative and innovative under the strictest of conditions. We recently unveil different sizes of the product to ensure that everyone can enjoy premium apple at affordable prices.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

46

Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2018;

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MONICA FRIDAY

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What I do â&#x20AC;&#x2122;m from Badagry in Lagos State Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an actress, comedian and dancer. I was born and bred in Ajegunle, one of the most popular hoods in Nigeria. Pidgin is the original deal in Ajegunle, so it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t difficult to flow, as a Warri girl on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do Good.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

I

I have always loved the arts I never planned to be an actress, but I was active in drama and dance from childhood. I started attending auditions after my secondary school. I waka tire and the fake filmmakers were more than the real ones. But one good thing about me was that I was never desperate. Few producers offered me roles for sex and I flew away like a golden bird.

So long as I am not stripping, every role is worth experimenting Every character is a unique being, but I love extremely tasking roles that will keep viewers glued to their screens.

The most challenging role was playing the role of a Warri girl, it took me time to come on board with the perfect mannerism of a typical Warri girl but it was amazing.

Works so far I have featured in countless movies as an extra: Hoodrush; A New Song; Timeless Passion; October 1st, to mention a few. However, through movie castings, production managers, production assistants and some filmmakers, I got other better offers and opportunities like, Dear Mother (series) Murder at Prime Suites (movie), First Lady (movie), Wives on Strike (movie) 2014, Abducted (short film), Savior (short film), Unspoken (movie) and more.

Do Good was my Break The platform was huge; it was showing on 53 African countries. I have always loved the Arts, though I never planned to be an actress. I was active in drama and dance from childhood. I started attending auditions after my SSCE, but never had a direction because I was into different things, one of them was football.

Acting became my foremost priority when I had a dream about a popular Nollywood legend. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something I hardly share, it is divine.

It was just a clear vision that I belong here The popular legend I dreamt about was actually Liz Benson.

How I got the role on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do Goodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; I went for an audition somewhere on the Island. When I was done with reading, a guy told me about another audition not too far from where I was.

I had to hurry there immediately. I got

there, read, and went through different rounds of rigorous castings! I got a call back, and signed the contract after days of fasting, waiting and praying.

It was God. People I look forward to working with Joke Sylva, Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke, Mercy Johnson and a lot of amazing talents. The actor I had a crush on was Tyler Perry.

The qualities of Nigerian movies in cinemas There are fantastic Nigerian movies showing in the cinemas. I think Nigerians need to grow with Nollywood. We are getting there.

Big Brother is a show that reveals life from a different perspective I am a fan of the show. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a personal thing. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their level of understanding, and value. Also, I see myself doing great in Hollywood soon.

I have fond memories of growing up The priceless moments we shared when we sleep outside the house, leaving the doors open without fear of anyone or anything. Life has changed, but fame hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deprived me of nothing really.

I hawked beans akaâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Ewa Agonyiâ&#x20AC;?, Abodo, aka â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donkunuâ&#x20AC;?

I hawked food on the streets while growing up. Looking back I have no regrets because they were phases that gave birth to today. Well, it could have been better but it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the worst.

What has those two kinds of life taught you?

These two things taught me to be super productive and wise.

At what stage do you see yourself getting married?

Marriage doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a particular stage, as long as a woman is not under 18. I see myself getting married even before you publish this interview.

Kind of man I want to settle down with The man God desires for me. His is definitely going to be perfect. I have no specifications at all, as the blessings of God do not add sorrow. I am getting a complete man. It will be a total package oh my dear.

My most valuable fashion accessory Bracelets. It has magical way of adding class to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look and most importantly the wrist. I prefer bracelets to wrist watches.

Friday

47

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2018;

͸Ϳ͸͞ͺÎ&#x20AC;͚͞Ϳ͝Ϳ Ă?Ě&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ë? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2018;ĚśĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ë&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;

MY STORY FRIENDS, FAMILY PLAN BIG FOR RAS KIMONOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FUNERAL Nigerian reggae artiste, Ras Kimonoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debut album, Under Pressure, followed by a single, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rum-Bar StylĂŠeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, pushed him to becoming a big hit in the Nigerian music scene in 1989.

Before he released his solo album, he was in a group called The Jastix along with Amos McRoy and Majek Fashek. He died in June in a private hospital and the announcement of his death was too heavy for a lot of people to bear. A burial committee has been constituted to give the late Ras Kimono a befitting burial by several bodies, both home and abroad, who have come together to plan a wide range of events.

The series of events would hold in Lagos between August 20 and 26, which includes a social wake keep at his residence followed by a Reggae Dancehall Party at his residence as well.

Premier Music tribute night to Ras Kimono at Freedom Park; Coson Tribute to Ras Kimono at Coson House; and a lot more before Ă final procession to his hometown, Olona in Delta State for his final burial.

EMMY BENISON I Joined Army without My Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Consent Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;ĂŁĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x152;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;ĂŁË&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Tosin Clegg, Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;ĂŁ

2018 PEACE ACHIEVERS AWARDS Leading Entrepreneur, Founder of Elisabeth Jack-Rich Foundation, Mrs. Elizabeth Jack Rich Tein Jr, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Nigeria hip-hop musician, Wizkid have been listed among other leading personalities for the 2018 edition of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Peace Achievers Awardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; slated for September 22 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The event would be used as a platform to honour distinguished personalities in the country who have contributed enormously to peace and unity through their selfless efforts. High-flying guests are expected at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic event.

Revealing this to newsmen, Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director of Peace Ambassador Agency, organisers of the annual awards, said that it was vital to honour men and women in the country who have written their names on the sands of time with humanitarian achievements in the society.

According to Amafibe, Jack Rich Tein Jr. is to be honoured with the award to recognise her continuous commitment and outstanding contribution to youths, widows and the lessprivileged in the society.

T

ell us how it all started?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Emmanuel Odaudu but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m well known as Emmy Benison, which is my stage name.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m from Benue State and I started doing music in 2008 while in school. I formed a rap group known as United Choc Boyz but in 2013 I left the group and joined the army in 2014.

What kind of music do you do?

BODE BLAQ RELEASES NEW PROJECTS Now, more than ever, there is an overwhelming influx of music.

There are more musicians than listeners, hence the need for artistes to reinvent and take more innovative and experimental approach towards music making. Rising rapper Bode Blaq is fully aware of this reality and is taking the right steps towards providing music that surpasses the fence of stereotypes.

His musical style, which he describes as alternative hip-hop, is a fusion of traditional hip-hop sounds with distinctive contemporary elements embellished gracefully with his local influences (the Nigerian pidgin and his local Yoruba dialect). With his masterful melodious low octave, the rapper touches on various social themes including; the yearn for money and suc-

cess, as well as street wisdom as seen in one of his recent releases â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baluâ&#x20AC;?, featuring rising indigenous rapper - Wale Turner.

Bode made his first offering in 2017 with a song titled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Worry Demâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Although it was released to a relatively mild reception, the rapper made a second impression with discoquete â&#x20AC;&#x153;Party Animalâ&#x20AC;? which grew to become a minor hit. 365 days after his debut, Bode has now built a discography of six songs with the most recent being â&#x20AC;&#x153;On Kpa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;, a socially charged record that touches on the theme of â&#x20AC;&#x153;fake livingâ&#x20AC;? - a lifestyle that has been fuelled by the show-off ideology accompanied by social media.

With one song at a time, the rapper is making an imprint and slowly taking a walk unto the path of national recognition.

I do hip-hop and afro-pop but initially I was into Gospel because of my mum who is a spiritual kind of person, but I switched from gospel to hip-hop in school. My parents never supported my kind of music when they found out Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m into hip-hop but lots of persuasion from my elder ones made my parents to somehow listen to my songs.

What have been the challenges so far?

There have been a lot because I have been in occasions where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m supposed to perform on stage but I will be on duty instead. It has been very challenging, but God has been good so far.

Who are your musical inďŹ&#x201A;uences?

They are Eminem, MI Abaga, Jesse Jags and, especially, Nasty C. I like Nasty C a lot because the guy is way too talented.

Where do you see yourself in a few years?

I see myself doing music big time as I have passion for music and I enjoy doing it. I joined the army because I saw my friends who joined the system and they were like somehow important in the society. I lied to my parents about travelling to the village and that was how I left home to join the job without the consent of my parents. So, in a couple of years to come I will be doing music as a profession.

48

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

MERCY AIGBE

Living Her Dreams. . . Ă?âã Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁĚ&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ë&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x152;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17D; ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ë&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă? Ferdinand Ekechukwu

I have never ever been treated as inferior to anybody in Yoruba or English genre

M

ercy Aigbe or Mercy Aigbe-Gentry (whatever the status now) is just in a world of her own. Just as her name has assumed household stead in the industry, so is her beauty evocative as one of the sexy Nollywood actresses, especially in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yorubaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; genre, that easily comes to mind and has seemingly held tight her game with movie roles back to back.

The list of entertaining movies featuring her is endless. Not surprising she has numerous accolades to show for it.

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also among the few indigenous actors, whom have been said, to have successfully broken into the mainstream Nollywood industry.

Pretty much earlier in her career the light skin actress was quick to declare that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not an actress in Yoruba Nollywood. That sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an actress in Nigeria, in Nollywood, in her words.

And that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the medium that is different. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because I act and speak in Yoruba language doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t act in English movies or that it makes me inferior to people that act in English movies. No. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see myself as inferior.

Number one, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a professional in my calling. I have a degree. And I have talent. I have everything it takes to be an actress. So, why should I see myself as inferior to anybody? I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. If the time comes for me to prove myself, I will. I just think everything is time. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a time for everybody and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never ever been treated as inferior to anybody in Yoruba or English genre.â&#x20AC;?

The 2001 University of Lagos Theatre Arts graduate professionally started acting in 2006. Currently she has progressed in her acting career, appearing more in not just Yoruba movies alone but English films as well, been where she started from featuring in soaps.

To her credit lies a list of awards and honours in recognition of her acting work. She won the Best Actress in Yoruba award at the City People Awards. Best Indigenous Language Movie (Yoruba) at the 2014 AMVCA awards. Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba) 2010.

Also the Best Actress in an Indigenous Movie Nomination (non-English speaking language) 2012 City People Entertainment Yoruba Movie Personality of the year 2015. Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year Awarded by Links and Glitz World Awards 2015. Mercy launched her clothing store, Mag Divas Boutique in November 2014. Its success earned her the Fashion Entrepreneur of The Year award by Links and Glitz World Awards.

Gaining prominence by hard work and much acclaim to her Yoruba language movie appearances, Mercyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admittance to fame with these causes reeks of sincerity on her part, even with her once given credit to the support she had received from her estranged husband.

Her memorable 2014 AMVCA award speech resonates. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oh my God! Oh My God!! I dedicate this award to my husband, Olarenwaju Gentry. Thank you for urging me to strive to be the best at what I do. I will love you till eternity.â&#x20AC;?

But as simple as sincere as that sounds, it appeared the star actress had lived in denial at some point in her life facing barrage of domestic abuses, professing love until she could not bear any more assault in her home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He beats me consistentlyâ&#x20AC;?, she was reported to have said during her trying period. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I stayed because I Aigbe

49

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

I stayed because I loved him and because every time he beats me, he begs and gets family and friends to beg me Among Mercyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s controversies was the red dress saga involving the actress, a designer Rikaotobyme whom she had met through her stylist, and a newly-wed bride which the last is yet to be heard as Mercy threatened

loved him and because every time he beats me, he begs and gets family and friends to beg me. He promised regularly to change but he never did. When my husband gets angry, he gets physical, not only to me but to anyone. He has done that with my house help who reported him to the Police years agoâ&#x20AC;?.

Shortly after the experience last year, Mercy moved out of her matrimonial home and disconnected with her hubby on social media. That would bring some respite to the Edo State born actress.

But then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been from one drama to the other for the Bini woman, with her activities, attractions and achievements keeping social media agog.

Mercyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dress to the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice Awards earned her great applause as she continued to trend on Twitter days after the award ceremony. Many commended the uniquely designed dress created by Nigerian designer, Ceoluminee. Mercy also says the dress earned her many more followers on social media. The stuff of stars as one may choose to say.

The mother of two recently left the country and shared some stunning photos of herself and her two lovely kids as they vacation in London while she attended to some personal needs and visited an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

In the post, she did reveal how she had to sell her valuables to send her daughter to school and feed themselves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Special shout out to all the single mumsâ&#x20AC;ŚI can relate, hmm I remember when I had to go sell my gold jewelry at â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yabaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; just to pay Michelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s school fees and for us to feed. I went through â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;HELLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?.

Being a single mother, she would then advised all mothers to stay focused and be prayerful: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please stay focused, be determined, be hardworking and prayerful, put all your trust in the Lord because we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus and trust me you will rise above those challenges. To all mothers, mothers to be, may the Lord continue to strengthen us and may we eat the fruit of our labour IJN. Responsible daddies you ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t left out. Thank you all once again.â&#x20AC;?

It appears things are getting rosy for the talented actress as she joins the league of celebrities who are dedicating or buying new houses. For her a dream come true having just acquired a building in a choice area with one yet uncompleted.

From the blogosphere, â&#x20AC;&#x153;this building stands tall amongst mansions weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen celebrities show off in recent times. â&#x20AC;?You know how celebrities say they buy a house because it captured their heart or probably because it matched their style, this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the case for Mercy as she

Aigbe

Mercy Aigbe and kids on vacation

actually bought a house which looked like a cake she got a few months ago.

According to the light-skinned actress, she never thought she would be able to acquire such an asset this year.

A caterer named Luminee prophesied into her life and it came to pass. She also hinted that she had been struggling to build her own house over time before this expensive acquisition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Throwback to my birthdayâ&#x20AC;Ś. my beautiful sis @ceolumineeofficial gave me this cake as a birthday gift and this

conversation ensued between usâ&#x20AC;Ś Luminee: before the year runs out you will buy your own houseâ&#x20AC;Ś Me: Luminee pls leave me oh! The one I have been building since I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t finished!

Luminee: Aunty mi, I am not talking about the one you are building, I am talking of the one you will buy in a beautiful choice area in Lagos!

Me: Ha! Where will I get plenty plenty millions of naira to buy that one!

Luminee- Aunty mi donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry God

will bless and empower you Me: Amen oh!!!!â&#x20AC;Ś. And I laughed!

Little did I know that the Lord uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise! â&#x20AC;Ś.and out of Lumineeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth, the Lord gave me a testimony.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful in my sight! Few months after that cake gift, I bought a beautiful home for myself and my kids in a choice area in Lagos!!!!!!!!

Say hello to the new LANDLADYâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;?

Gushing with joy she further wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I say Grace found me, I mean the amazing grace of the Lord found me.......This is just the beginning........

Latest LANDLADY in town, to God, be the glory!â&#x20AC;?

Like other celebrities, Mercy is not without any controversy or scandal as much as she has managed to stay off the cesspit. A number of times she has been called out by her controversially adept sister colleague and friend, Toyin Abraham.

Among Mercyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s controversies was the red dress saga involving the actress, a designer Rikaotobyme whom she had met through her stylist, and a newlywed bride which the last is yet to be heard as Mercy threatened to sue the fashion designer and the newly wedbride. A headline says it all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drama: Tailor gives out a brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding dress to Mercy Aigbe for her [40th] birthday photoshoot.â&#x20AC;?

While the matter went from bad to worse with different versions from the bride and the designers, the actress had held her peace and thus aggravated the anger of Nigerians who really needed her to either apologise to the bride or simply tell her side of the story. The multiple-ambassador for advocacy cum humanitarian projects and brands, as part of her humanitarian goals, was made an ambassador to an initiative called Dubai Afrika Sickle Cell Project, which caters for patients of Sickle Cell.

50

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 4, 2018

POLITY For APC, the Exodus Continues It was predicted and as time wore on, realised that all the maladies and more of the parties in power yesterday had been embraced and surpassed by the All Progressives Congress leading to mass defections. Had it not come from those who were insiders and now loath it, they could have been dismissed as the ranting of the opposition; however, reasons advanced by political peregrinates shuttling back and forth confirm known failures writes Ahamefula Ogbu

W

ith the events of last week which saw Governor Samuel Ortom and lawmakers at federal and state assemblies exiting the ruling All Progressives Congress in droves and the predicted increase in the number and quality of more to leave the party, one needed no crystal ball to predict who would be next as the intra-party cat and mouse relationship showed no sign of abetting.

That was inspite of some nocturnal horse-trading and consultations where the strong men spoke tersely by day and went begging at night. From all indications, two schools of thought appear to be possibilities. It is either those elected were not in control or that those calling the shots do so without consulting their principal.

The second is that the powers that be were selling dummies to those they appeared to be conciliating with while ambushing them as manifested in the rapprochement between President Muhammadu Buhari and some arrowheads of the defection.

However, before the kunu they drank during the meeting could have been absorbed, in a typical military tactics, they were ambushed though with little success and the coffin of defection was nailed and carried to a point of no return.

From the time the federal lawmakers installed their leadership without following the directives of the party stalwarts both the presidency and the legislature had been playing the hawk and the dove as it suited each of them, hence it was a matter of time before the predator attitude claimed its prizes.

It was said that the meeting between Buhari and Bukola Saraki was the last ditch effort at saving the APC the defections and actually was the reason Saraki himself did not announce his defection the day he was supposed to have been impeached. However, providence appear to have worked in his favour as by the time he dumped the ruling party and joined the Peoples Democratic Party, the then opposition party had attained the majority in the Senate, thereby putting him in a better stead to manage the affairs of the chambers till 2019 politicking attains full steam when less premium would be placed on its activities.

The list of the confirmed latest decampees from APC to PDP include Saraki, Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed and majority of the state lawmakers and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and majority of his state assembly members.

This is added to the latest information from Kano where former governors Musa Kwankwaso and Ibrahim Shekarau that had been working at cross purposes agreed to work together against APC. The import is that majority of the Kano State Assembly are already out of the ruling APC. Spokesman of APC, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi whose defection was still a matter of speculation earlier in the week has also joined the long list of those dropping the broom for the umbrella as he lamented that his position as spokesman of the party was continuously and blatantly usurped by some powerful elements in the party.

Also earlier in the week, a meeting of the APC to assess the current gale of defections and its possible effects on the fortunes of the party in 2019 was not attended by some of the members which fueled speculations that even some who were still in the fold may be contemplating defection.

Another sign that the defections may be hitting harder than it has been made to appear is that erstwhile vocal officials claiming that the development would not have any effect on the electoral fortunes of the party in 2019 like the Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole appear to have withdrawn into the cocoons of reality, thereby losing his voice and his signature boasts.

The numbing aspect of the defections is that places that had been considered the stronghold of President Buhari especially have been targets of the defection like a blow to the jugular.

However, the President’s handlers appear confident, maybe relying on variables that are not common knowledge.

All the decampees, apart from loyalties, have claimed the APC failed to deliver their expected results while their voices were not heard or that their suggestions to make for better deliveries pitched them against those that ran the party like tribal estates, mostly the same reasons they gave few years back while dumping the same PDP they are returning to, a pointer to the lack of ideology in the political space of the country.

Saraki stated while announcing his defection that, “I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This is not a decision that I have made lightly. If anything at all, I have tarried for so long and did all that was humanly possible, even in the face of great provocation, ridicule and flagrant

Tambuwal persecution, to give an opportunity for peace, reconciliation and harmonious existence.

“Perhaps, more significantly, I am mindful of the fact that I carry on my shoulder a great responsibility for thousands of my supporters, political associates and friends, who have trusted in my leadership and have attached their political fortunes to mine.

“However, it is after an extensive consultation with all the important stakeholders that we have come to this difficult but inevitable decision to pitch our political tent elsewhere; where we could enjoy a greater sense of belonging and where the interests of the greatest number of our Nigerians would be best served.

“While I take full responsibility for this decision, I will like to emphasise that it is a decision that has been inescapably imposed on me by certain elements and forces within the APC who have ensured that the minimum conditions for peace, cooperation, inclusion and a general sense of belonging did not exist.

“They have done everything to ensure that the basic rules of party administration, which should promote harmonious relations among the various elements within the party, were blatantly disregarded. All governance principles which were required for a healthy functioning of the party and the government were deliberately violated or undermined. And all entreaties for justice, equity and fairness as basic preconditions for peace and unity, not only within the party, but also the country at large, were simply ignored, or employed as an additional pretext for further exclusion.

“The experience of my people and associates in the past three years is that they have suffered alienation and have been treated as outsiders in their own party. Thus, many have become disaffected and disenchanted. At the same time, opportunities to seek redress and correct these anomalies were deliberately blocked as a government-within-a-government had formed an impregnable wall and left in the cold, everyone else who was not recognised as “one of us”. This is why my people, like all self-respecting people, would do, decided to seek accommodation elsewhere,” Saraki said.

He regretted that dissent which is an ingredient in democracy was seen as an affront to the presidency which the cabal would move to mete out punishment using anti-corruption mantra, “framing even principled objection as ‘corruption fighting back’.

The constitution, he continued was seen as a mere paper as could be gleaned from responses of those who called the shots.

He acknowledged efforts by some people to save the situation though they acted late, some still felt that dialogue was not the way to go, adding, “Perhaps, had these divisive forces not thrown the cogs in the wheel at the last minutes, and in a manner that made it impossible to sustain any trust in the process, the story today would have been different.

“For me, I leave all that behind me. Today, I start as I return to

the party where I began my political journey, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“When we left the PDP to join the then-nascent coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, we left in a quest for justice, equity and inclusion; the fundamental principles on which the PDP was originally built but which it had deviated from. We were attracted to the APC by its promise of change. We fought hard along with others and defeated the PDP. “In retrospect, it is now evident that the PDP has learnt more from its defeat than the APC has learnt from its victory. The PDP that we return to is now a party that has learnt its lessons the hard way and have realised that no member of the party should be taken for granted; a party that has realised that inclusion, justice and equity are basic preconditions for peace; a party that has realized that never again can the people of Nigeria be taken for granted.”

He pleaded the alienation of some parts of the country from the scheme of things in a way that injured their Nigerianess as an area that must be quickly addressed to salvage the country.

Tambuwal who acted a similar script with Saraki in 2014 said he was announcing his defection to PDP with a heavy heart over failure of expectations of what they set out to achieve in 2015 when they merged with others they believed were progressives under one united indivisible nation which he noted had met with failure.

“Now, almost four years into what ought to be a new order as desired and elected by Nigerians, the nation is unfortunately going through the most difficult and precarious times, since the Civil war; with ethno, religious and regional distrust at its highest ebb.

“This development had often been blamed on political opponents. Meanwhile, there are issues of brazen inequity and capacity and questionable distribution of appointments/projects. This is in addition to lack of statesmanship in responding to national issues, among other things that are for aggravating the anomaly.

“In line with the best traditions in any major political decision, especially by a serving elected Governor, I have painstakingly consulted far and wide, on whether the present political platform is a viable vehicle for achieving the aspiration of our people.

“It is because I am convinced that no nation can thrive while there is inequity and bad governance; because I am saddened by the fact that lethargy, incompetence and sustained denial of obvious leadership missteps have become the major raw materials with which the Nigerian State is being run today; because I am unwilling to be part of frightful conspiracy against the cohesion of the Nigerian State, Nigerian youths and peoples; because I am unable to feel at ease in the face of a progressively divided nation and, above all, because I am totally unable to reconcile myself to a national leadership that offers no redeeming moral beacons that I am here with you today; to announce withdrawal of my membership of the All Progressives Congress and return to the People’s Democratic Party.

“I speak to you today with a mixture of sadness and relief because I did not expect that the APC, which promised so much when the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stood under the sway of impunity, could not maintain or manage whatever good it inherited. It has also not broken new grounds in any positive sense but has instead reached historically unprecedented heights of impunity in all manner of vices far above and beyond the challenges which made some of us to leave the PDP about four years ago to join others to form the APC. The party has brazenly turned itself into a sanctuary for the corrupt and a machine for rigging and for the rape of democracy.

“Let me also put it on record that all attempts to discuss the electoral promises of the APC-led government, including the restructuring of the country as promised Nigerians and as contained in the APC manifesto, have proved abortive,” he lamented.

It appeared the Buhari administration provided the arsenal with which it was being attacked with the abandoning of campaign promises and manifesto of the APC as Tambuwal cited the killings that have pervaded the country, lack of federal projects in his state while good governance had deteriorated from where they took over form the PDP. “Good governance, viz-a-viz economic wellbeing of our people, remains the major reason for my action of today. Information from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that over nine million jobs have been lost in the last 3 years, since the APC Government came into office. While youth unemployment rate was 11.70 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2014, it rose to 33.10 per cent in third quarter of 2017 under the APC Government.

The economy is not showing any real signs of improvement. Our educational and health institutions are in retreat. Poverty is on rampage and still ravages the land. It is unacceptable that majority of those who voted for APC in 2015 should have nothing good to show for it,” he concluded.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 4, 2018

POLITY

Sterling Bank Adopts Efficient Data Destruction Method Benneth Oghifo

S

terling Bank Plc recently entered into partnership with Nigeria’s first electronic waste (e-waste) recycling firm, E-Terra Technologies for efficient and irreversible destruction of electronic waste in line with its sustainable banking initiatives.

E-Terra Technologies is an end-to-end e-waste collection and disposal company deploying environmentally friendly methods to dispose unwanted, end-oflife electrical and electronic equipment.

The process involves pre-evaluation, pick-up, dismantling, sorting and recycling of primarily waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) at the firm’s ultramodern Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Lagos, ensuring a convenient and effective means of disposing personal or business e-waste.

Commenting on the partnership,

Yinka Oni, Chief Information Officer at Sterling Bank said one of the benefits of the partnership is the irreversible destruction of sensitive information contained in decommissioned data storage media such as hard drives and tapes.

Oni listed other benefits to include avoidance of data breach and negative consequences, business security as well as access to international best practice in environmental sustainability and receipt of an eco-friendly certificate of data destruction and compliance.

He said since the partnership is a full-service package, all items marked for destruction would be evacuated from various branches of the bank to a central location.

Oni said the bank chose E-Terra Technologies because it is the only ISO 9001 and 14001 certified electronic waste management company in Nigeria with truly world-class and eco-friendly machinery, systems and processes.

On his part, Ifeanyi Ochonogor,

the Chief Executive Officer at E-Terra Technologies says the company is well positioned to deliver on Sterling Bank’s need for efficient e-waste and data destruction methods. “We have worked with clients in the Nigerian financial services sector and understand the importance of completely destroying sensitive data as experience has shown that mere deleting of the files is not enough to discard the data.”

“We are thrilled to be partners with Sterling Bank as the company is well positioned to become Nigeria’s most sustainability focused bank”, Mr. Ochonogor opined.

E-Terra recently won the 2018 Lagos State Ministry of the Environment Green Award in Environmental Inovation together with Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency’s (LASEPA) 2018 Sustainability Award (e-waste category).

Sterling Bank has also been recognised for its commitment to the sustainable implementation of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBPs) through its Sterling Environmental Makeover

(STEM) programme and recycling of waste at its head office in Lagos.

The bank was recently recognised for its positive contributions to environmental sustainability by Wecyclers Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s pioneering waste recycling firm.

The recognition was done at the commemoration of Wecyclers Nigeria’s one-year anniversary.

In addition, Sterling Bank launched ReCylArt competition for young artists at the end of which one artist from each of the four designated zones in the competition wins one million naira each at the grand finale in Lagos.

Consequently, the bank unveiled the winning ReCylArt sculpture from the Lagos Zone at the Muri Okunola Park in Lagos to advocate the cause of the environment by inspiring the masses to reuse and repurpose waste in order to reduce environmental challenges.

The sculpture is an undressed identity

by Dudu Emmanuel who emerged zonal finalist from Lagos Zone in the maiden edition of the competition.

Firm to Commence Plantain Flour Export to US Market Uchenna Kalu

J

ubockz Nigeria Limited, manufacturer of JKB Plantain Flour, has announced that it would soon commence the export of its brand to the US market.

Mr. Friday Ejam, Chief Executive Officer of the agribusiness firm told newsmen in Lagos that the company had received international recognition for its premium brand with a ten tons supply order from customers in the United States.

Ejam said: “The standards and specifications of exports into the US market are very high. The order we received is in recognition of the standards we set for ourselves from the beginning. We adhere to the highest standards

irrespective of the market we supply. Jubockz is able to do this because we pay keen attention to our processes from the plantain suckers to the farm and then to the factory; everything.”

According to Ejam, this development will make a positive impact on the Nigerian economy: “First, it will open opportunities to other Nigerian agricultural brands now that global consumers are beginning to recognize that Nigeria’s products meet international standards and specifications. Secondly, exporting to the US and other advanced markets will help reduce trade deficit with those countries, earn foreign exchange for Nigeria and consequently lift the Nigerian economy. Also, the opportunities presented by exporting JKB Plantain Flour and other agricultural products to the US will

translate to increased productivity back home thereby creating additional jobs in the Nigerian labor market.”

He pointed out that the company’s success resulted from careful monitoring of its entire production process from farm to table.

“The future of Nigerian economy is in agriculture and agro-based industries, there is no doubt whatsoever in my mind. We will get it right when the government begins to adopt the right policies to position the sector for growth. Investors, on the other hand, must begin to see how viable the sector is both in the short and long terms. By supporting the sector, banks and others in the financial services sector will not only reap very good returns on their investments but also contribute to the overall economic development of the country.”

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Google Product Marketing Manager, Simbo Olatoregun; General Manager, Marketing, Enterprise Business Unit, MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka; and Manager, Business Performance, MTN Nigeria, Bridget Onuoha, at the MTN Google training for SMEs held in Lagos...recently

L-R: Brand Manager, Baileys, Ufuoma Udjoh; First Runner-up, Baileys Bakefest 2, Barbara Uchenna Okereke; and ManagingDirector/CEO, Vava Furniture, Michael Tawadrus, during the prize presentation for the just concluded Baileys Bakefest 2, in Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLAOLASUPO

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Commission (NERC) Prof. James Momoh; Author, Engr. Solomon Uwaifo; Commissioner EPM, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission , Professor Frank Okafor; and the Chief Operating Officer, North South Power, Shiroro Hydro, Engr. Daudu Abdul-Aziz, at the public presentation of conversations in Electric Utility Engineering, held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos...recently PHOTO:DANUKANA

L-R: Unilever Global Foods President, Nitin Paranjpe; Founder and CEO, Foodcrowdy, Onyeka Akumah; Executive Vice President, Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, Yaw Nsarkoh; Foods Director, Unilever Nigeria and Ghana, Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe; and Category Cluster, VP Foods and Refreshments, Unilever Africa, Angela Klute, during Nitin’s meeting with Unilever local partners in Nigeria...recently

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

52

NEWS

In Brief Defections,SignofInfestation,SaysElishama

A female presidential aspirant on the platform of the Alliance for New Nigeria(ANN),Dr.ElishamaIdehhasdescribedtherecentgaleofdefections rockingthetwoprominentpoliticalparties--AllProgressives Congress(APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a sign of political infestation.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja onThursday, the presidential aspirant observed that the last few days have been full of drama. Politicians have been moving from one party to the other in a way that has never happened before in our great country. According to her; No doubt, these defections are a clear show of lack of vision on the part of all the defectors on both sides. Interestingly, this is the football transfer period and our politicians are busy seeking for one transfer to the other.

FG Blacklists Contractor over Poor Jobs

The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has blacklisted the contractor handling water projects, ANBEZ Innovations Limited over alleged shoddy handling ofjobsintheNigerDeltaregion.TheMinisterof NigerDeltaAffairs,Pastor UsaniUguruUsani,saidthecontractorwasawardedthecontractofproviding twominiwaterschemesineachoftheninestatesoftheNigerDeltaregionin December2017bytheministry.However,theministrynotedinastatement that the contractor failed to adhere to the technical specifications of the projects. The statement signed by the Director Press, Marshall Gundu, said Usani charged the contractor to go and rectify all the shoddy jobs his company carried out in the region in line with technical specifications for the benefit of the people and residents of the Niger Delta region.

REWARDING EXCELLENCE...

L–R: Brand and Marketing Communications Manager, Inlaks, Chineze Amanfo; MD/CEO, Medallion Communications Ltd, Ikechukwu Nnamani; Director, Value Added Services, Inlaks, Oladimeji Koyejo; and Executive Assistant, Inlaks, Olusegun Ajakaiye, when Inlaks was presented with ICT Conglomerate of the Year Award at the Nigerian ICT Impact CEO Forum and Africa Digital Award in Lagos... recently

The Apostolic Church Marks 100 Years

21 Drown, 12 Rescued in Sokoto Boat Mishap

Activities to mark the 100th year of the birth of The Apostolic Church in Nigeria will kick off today at the church’s headquarters, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos. Addressing a press conference to announce the activities heralding the anniversary, theVice President,The Apostolic Church Nigeria and LAWNATerritorial Chairman, Pastor (Dr.) Emmanuel Segun Awojide said the high point of the event, which holds from August 4th to 10th with the theme, “The Imminence of His Coming”, would be the ordination of over 180 Apostles. This, he revealed was the highest number of apostles to be ordained at a go in the history of the church. These apostles, Awojide stressed, would carry the flame of the revival of Pentecost in Nigeria.

Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto

Monarch Absolved of Murder

Government Area.

The Director General, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Sokoto, Ibrahim Dingyadi, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Sokoto, said the passengers were internally displaced persons (IDPs) and victims of bandits attacks in the area.

Dingyadi, who said the incident occurred as a result of overloading of the canoe, explained that as soon as officials of Rabah Local

Government Area informed the agency about the unfortunate incident, rescue arrangements were immediately made to save the victims.

The victims left the camp on their own without informing the officials of the local government council that they were going back home.

"In fact, the canoe capsized in the middle of the river while local divers swiftly intervened

to save the lives of the 12 other passengers," he said.

He further said the 21 deceased persons were mostly women and children, adding that they had been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

While warning residents against overloading of passengers on boats, Dingyadi urged the local government officials to sensitise the people on the importance of using safety jackets on boats.

NEMA Receives 166 More Nigerians from Libya

TheleadersandChiefsoftheoilrichOgulaghaCommunity,havedismissed allegations by some youths of the community against the paramount ruler of Ogulagha kingdom, HRM JosephTimiyan. It would be recalled that the youthsofthecommunityhadonWednesdayaccusedtheirtraditionalruler, KingTimiyan, of shortchanging the community, being responsible for the death of a member of the community and withdrew from his rulership.

But in a press release issued yesterday and signed by Chief Prefugha Karawei, Chief Peter Tuasinde, Chief Samuel Timiyan, Chief Anoruse F. Macdonald, Chief John Diegbegha, Chief William Borme and others, the leaders of the community dismissed the allegations and expressed displeasureoverthe“unguardedstatementsbyfewuninformedyouthsof Ogulaghacommunity.Westatethatthesaidstatementdidnotemanateat theinstanceofthegeneralityofthepeopleofOgulaghacommunity,rather it was an act by some subjects tending to be lawless with no knowledge of the native laws and customs as it relates to the traditional institution of the Ogulagha Kingdom.

Rebecca Ejifoma

'Ibeto’s Defection Won’t Affect 2019 Victory'

At least 21 persons lost their lives while 12 others were rescued by local divers, when a canoe carrying 33 people capsized in a river in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

THISDAY checks revealed that the incident occurred when 33 passengers boarded the canoe from Gandi settlement to Gidan Kare Village of Rabah Local

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Thursday night received another batch of 166 stranded Nigerians from Libya, making a total of 643 Nigerians brought back in the last five weeks.

The Director General of NEMA, Mr. Mustapha Maihajja, who received the Assisted Voluntary Returnees at the MMIA and NAHCO Terminal, advised parents and guardians to discourage their children and wards from such trips that would derail their promising future.

The DG, whom the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the Agency - Mr. Yakubu Suleman - represented, made the appeal after the confessions of the voluntary returnees and confirmations by most of the families that the victims came from.

He pointed out that the intended countries of destinations were no longer ready to accommodate migrants due to several socio-economic and security factors.

“Above this are the unconfirmed reports of emerging trends of alleged human organ harvesting from irregular

migrants who are alleged to be sold to harvesters. If these developments are real, then we must discourage irregular migrations in whatever forms,” he added.

Maihajja further emphasised that discouraging irregular migration and human smuggling could only be achieved by government and development partners with full cooperation of parents and guardians of youths through consistent sensitisation of dangers and evils of human trafficking.

The NEMA boss, also, said that federal government would not relent in its efforts at creat-

ing conducive environment for every Nigerian to maximise his or her potential in the progress and development of the nation.

The returnees were profiled.

They were 66 female adults (three pregnant women, five female children and one female infant), 83 male adults including six male children and five male infants. They returned at 10:50pm on Thursday through Libyan Airlines with registration number 5A-DMG. The European Union through IOM is currently assisting the returnees in reintegration activities of the Returnees in their respective areas of choice.

Three University Students Docked for Murder in Niger Laleye Dipo in Minna

Three university students, one from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and two others from the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai in Niger State have been arraigned before a Minna Senior Magistrate court for alleged murder.

Shehu Abdullahi of ABU Zaria, Jibrin Abdullahi and Idris Usman both of IBB University Lapai were arrested on July 23, 2018 for allegedly causing the death of another 300 level IBB University Lapai student, Sanusi Mubarak.

The trio were on Thursday arraigned before Senior Magistrate Fatai Auna on a two count charge of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide contrary to section 97, and 221 of the penal code law.

According to the prosecution, the deceased Sanusi Mubarak was alleged to have stolen an HTC android telephone handset that cost N32,000, belonging to one of the accused persons Idris Usman. The deceased was said to have denied being in possession of the phone.

The accused persons, according to the prosecution picked up the deceased from Etsu- iko

hostel and took him to Cheche village where he was illegally detained.

The prosecution further told the court that during the detention, the deceased was reportedly beaten to stupor before being put in a toilet where he lost consciousness.

The court was further told that the trio tried to take the unconscious Mubarak to the hospital but he died before getting medical attention.

The case according to the prosecution was reported at the Lapai Division of the Niger State police command by the Chief Security Officer of the IBBUL

Captain Aliyu Mohammed (rtd) leading to the arrest of the accused persons.

Senior Magistrate Fatai Auna expressed unhappiness with incident but said he had no jurisdiction to entertain the case and therefore advised the prosecution to duplicate the case file and forward one copy to the Ministry of mJustice for legal advice. Fatai Auna also directed the counsel to the accused persons to apply in writing for the bail of the suspects and directed that they should be remanded in prison custody till the 4th of September 2018.

TheNigerStateGovernmenthassaidthatthedefectionofNigeriaAmbassador to South Africa Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not negatively affect the chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 governorship and other elections in the state. Ibeto quit the APC last Tuesday and registered with the PDP at his Ibelu ward in the Magama local government area of the state.The state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Danjuma Salau said in Minna on Friday that the government and the APC were not jittery because of the defection of the former envoy. Ibetos defection will not affect the APC chances, it will not have negative impact on our victory in 2019; he said. Salau recalled that not long ago, over 2000 top members of the PDP including its state Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Yussuf defected to the APC, adding that they have been very active in the APC and will not return to the PDP.

Yoruba Tennis Club Public Lecture

YorubaTennis Club, Lagos, will on August 9, hold its annual Public Lecture, designed tochartacompassfortheintellectualdirectionandupliftmentof the society. The lecture titled, ‘Current Security Challenges in Nigeria-The Way Out’, which will hold at the Greetings Hall, YorubaTennis Club, Onikan Lagos, will be delivered by the former Director Military Intelligence and Fellow of the War College, Major General Adewunmi Ajibade (Rtd) . A statement signed by the club’s General Secretary, Mr. Tuned Osunsedo, lauded the past contributions of the guest lecturer in military intelligence, training and security operations in the country. He said the club has had the privilege of hosting many prominent Nigerians and non-Nigerians over the years, who had made their mark both locally and internationally and their lectureshadalwaysbeenacompassforprogressivenationaldevelopment.

Okowa Felicitates with Anenih @ 85

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, on Friday congratulated a former Chairman,BoardofTrusteesofthePeoplesDemocraticParty(PDP),Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih on his 85th birthday today, describing him as a team player and a God-fearing patriot. Similarly, Okowa felicitated with formerInformationMinisterandchieftainofthePDP,ProfSamOyovbaire aswellasaformerDeltaStategovernor,ChiefJamesIbori,whoturn77and 60, also today.The governor congratulatory messages were contained in separatestatementssignedbyhisChiefPressSecretary(CPS),Mr.Charles Aniagwu. Okowa underscored the astute leadership qualities vis- a-vis decades of outstanding contributions of Anenih to nation building and advancementofdemocracyinNigeria.HedescribedAnenih,whoholdsthe traditional title of Iyasele of Esan- land, a patriotic Nigerian and a gentleman par excellence, a team player and above all, a God-fearing Nigerian.

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NEWS

2019: NYSC, INEC Sign MoU on Corps Members Security Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

In a bid to forestall violent attacks on Corps members during the 2019 general elections, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee the safety of Corp members.

The Director General of NYSC, Brig. Gen. Suleiman

Kazaure, who stated this in Jalingo on Friday, during a working tour to the orientation camp in Taraba State, said NYSC would stop at nothing to ensure that the lives of Corp members that would work as ad-hoc staff were adequately protected.

According to him, Corp members would work as adhoc staff for the elections but we have signed a memorandum of understanding with INEC

which will guarantee the safety of the live of every Corp member.

Besides, the DG noted that NYSC was in constant touch with other security agencies as part of efforts to ensure that every Corp member is adequately secured.

Addressing the 2018 Batch B Corp members at the orienta-

tion camp, Kazaure charged behaviours for a better country. them to lead the campaign Similarly, General Kazaure against drug abuse in order enjoined the corps members to engender a better society. to be security conscious and In his words, As graduates, avoid moving alone in the you should avoid all social vices course of their service year especially drug abuse which as well as respect the culture is one of the leading causes of and tradition of their host problems in the society today. communities.

The DG equally revealed Lead other youth in shunning the menace and other anti-social that a committee had been

set up to review their monthly allowances just as he expressed optimism that the process would be concluded very soon.

Earlier in her welcome address, the NYSC Coordinator in Taraba State, Florence Yaakugh said a total of 1,807 corps members were registered for the 2018 Batch B orientation course.

PDP Elders Forum Vows to Aid Saraki Unseat Buhari Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

national life if this country must be salvaged.

He added that, the returnees The Elders Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara including Speaker and 22 state State, yesterday pledged their lawmakers and National Ascommitment and loyalty to the sembly members, as we all are Senate President, Dr. Bukola aware not as we are not new in Saraki, the state governor, Alhaji PDP, having served in various Abdulfatah Ahmed and others capacities on the platform of over their recent defection from the party and they parted their the All Progressives Congress ways when the party was facing (APC) to the PDP, even as they certain normal challenges of a vowed not to sell the state to mega party like ours.

“Today, I make bold o say outsiders.

Also, yesterday, a PDP caucus that PDP has learnt its lessons in the state under the aegis of and now reformed . The party PDP One Umbrella Project said has since imbibed the core values that Saraki would accommodate of internal democracy, entrenched all the members of the PDP either discipline and designed mechanew or old as he defected to nisms for resolving internal issues the party so as to dislodge and position itself for electoral President Muhammadu Buhari victory.

Sanni therefore declared: The government come 2019 general PDP in the state, is therefore elections.

The forum however pledged prepared to work with Dr. to work with Saraki, adding Saraki, Governor Ahmed and that, “Anyone who does not anyone who does not want to want to do so, does not have do so, does not have the interest the interest of Kwara at heart of Kwarans at heart and we will because we will never sell the not sell the future of Kwarans future of Kwara to the outsiders. to outsiders.

Also yesterday, a PDP cauAddressing a press conference at the state council of Nigeria cus in the state under the aegis Union of Journalists (NUJ), the of PDP One Umbrella Project, in spokesperson of the forum, who a separate press conference said is also a deputy chairman of PDP that, the Senate President, Dr. in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Saraki would accommodate all Sanni said that, the defection of the members of the PDP either new or old as he defected to the notable leaders from APC to PDP was a new dawn the party.

The coordinator of the group, in the political journey to make the state better for the present Comrade Ben Duntoye disclosed and the incoming generations. this in Ilorin on Friday at a According to him, “I want press conference.

According to him, Senator to say that, it is indeed a reunion of old and long-time Saraki is a seasoned leader, defriends and associates who have pendable and trustworthy and jointly contributed in no small will be fair to all so as to ensure measures to the development electoral victory of the party in of Nigeria and a day we in the next year general election.

Duntoye, who was a former the PDP have long anxiously Commissioner for Information waited for.”

Alhaji Sanni, who was under Saraki’s government, said flanked by the former deputy that, Saraki defection and others governor of the state, Chief Joel leaders of APC in Kwara to PDP will in no Ogundeji, former speaker of the state, of house of assembly, Hon. small measure assist the party to Babatunde Mohammed, the state dislodge the present government PDP Women Leader, Hajia at the center and we in Kwara Fatimoh Mogaji, Mr. Moses cannot isolate ourselves and we Ibiyemi among other PDP must join hands with him to leaders said that, when Senate lead the nation to promise land.

He therefore called on the President, Dr. Saraki, the state members of the party in all governor, Alhaji Ahmed, alongside other wards and local government notable Kwarans dumped the councils to remain steadfast, APC for our party, PDP, we unshaken and loyal to Saraki knew that it was the best thing and PDP in Kwara state so as to to do at this critical stage of our take the party to a greater height.

EMPOWERING THEM ...

Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi (right) , addressing beneficiaries of her pet-project, Ugo - Touch of Life Foundation, who were given hairdryers during her free medical treatment and empowerment programme in Enugu South Local Government Area of the state, yesterday

Human Trafficking Industry Generates $150bn Annually, Says ILO Inspite of the war against human trafficking, high patronage in the illegal industry is said to be valued at over $150 million annually according to International Labour Organisation, (ILO).

This was disclosed at a forum organised by the Oyo State government with Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative, a non-governmental organisation to work towards making Nigeria a trafficking-free nation.

Hosting market women, men, students, pupils, parents, government workers and others at the Civic Centre, Ibadan,Oyo State to mark the 2018 Human Trafficking Day, the Oyo State Government called on all stakeholders to support public efforts in making

Nigeria a human trafficking free state.

In her address, First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi noted that human trafficking business, which is valued at $150 billion annually according to ILO and confirmed to be the third most profitable illicit business globally, was prevalent in the country despite concerted effort to curb it.

According to her, human trafficking, which was equivalent to modern day slavery was a massive worldwide problem with very few countries immune to it. She noted that thousands of men, women and children end up in the hands of traffickers every year, often through being tricked and misled to believe that they were being

taken to work that will make their family better off, or through force, kidnap, or even through very poor families selling children in order to survive and in the process lose their rights and identity, used and abused.

It is in this light that we have decided to partner with Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative, an organisation that is dedicated to transforming lives of women and children through advocacy, education and social awareness to improve awareness on the issue by diverting people attention to its causes and huge consequences.

As far as the state is concerned, we are leaving no stone unturned to eradicate this menace. We are highly

dedicated to both tracking down the perpetrators of these crimes as well as sponsoring various advocacy programs at both the grassroots and the urban centres she said.

Founder of the NGO, Dr. Ama Onyerinma stressed that human trafficking remains a phenomenon that destroys the essence of humanity, adding that the law alone cannot cure the ills but through awareness, advocacy and education.

Likening human trafficking to a deep and painful cut, she stated that over 20.9 million people are living in such cut, which is a violation of human rights as it causes the victims to become vulnerable and also amounts to child labour.

NECAS/CBN Distribute Farm Inputs to 27,000 Farmers in North East Segun AwofadejiinGombe North East Commodity Association (NECAS) in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commenced the distribution of farming inputs for 2018 wet season to 27,000 farmers in the region.

The National president NECAS, Alhaji Sadiq Deware, who stated this in Gombe during the flagging off of the distribution of the inputs, said the programme was part of Anchor Borrowers Programme and the inputs were fertiliser, herbicides, and seeds among others.

Daware said the inputs would be given to them on loan basis and

they were expected to pay back in three phases, adding that after the first farming cycle, they will pay 40 per cent and the remaining two cycles 30 per cent making a total of 100 per cent.

According to him , beneficiaries were farmers who were mainly affected by the insurgency in the region, hence the need to assist them .

He said 10,000 out of the 27,000 farmers were from Gombe State, and attributed the development to their dedication and commitment in terms of farming activities.

In his goodwill message, Emir of Dukku , appreciated the efforts of NECAS considering the present administration of President Muham-

madu Buhari to boost Agriculture.

Alhaji Rasheed Haruna appealed to NECAS, to look for the companies that would take the produce at a good price not to leave the farmers stranded after harvest.

North East Zonal Manager Bauchi of the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Dr. Crowther Sanu called on the farmers to carry good Agricultural practice for better yield. He said in case of any natural disaster, farmers should report to them for assistance. Malam Umar Bello, Zonal Manager, Bank of Agriculture (BOA) Bauchi said about 60,000 farmers in the region benefitted from the various Anchor

Borrower programme.

He further called on the beneficiaries to utilise the items for the purpose meant for. Gombe CBN controller, Mallam Baba-Isah said the aim of the programme was to assist farmers improve production.

According to him, Gombe had the highest farmers who were beneficiaries of the anchor borrower programme, because they represent 51 per cent out of the 25,000 hectares of rice cultivated in the entire region.

Flagging off the programme, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo commended NECAS for partnering with CBN to provide inputs for farmers at affordable price.

54

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

Residents Laud Ugwuanyiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Free Medical Programme AdemolaBabalolainIbadan

Residents of Enugu State have applauded the Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi for her free medical outreach, her pet-project, Ugo- Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF).

According to beneficiaries, she had assisted many under-privileged women, children and youths in the rural areas, through free medical treatment, gift items and other donations aimed at giving them a sense of belonging and impacting positively on their lives.

The people, who made the assertion at Aninri Local Government Area, when Mrs. Ugwuanyi visited the council, in continuation of her free medical treatment programme across the state, added that the pet- project had helped them overcome their health and material challenges.

One of the beneficiaries of the medical outreach programme, Mrs. Uju Nwoye a primary school teacher,

PROVIDING CONVENIENCES ...

L-R: General Manager, RB West Africa, Mr Dayanand Sriram; Marketing Director, RB West Africa, Aliza Leferink; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State, Ministry of Evironment, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye; and Harpic Brand Ambassador, Helen Paul, during the Harpic/ Ministry of Evironment public toilets commissioning in Ojota, Lagos ... Yesterday PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Temporary Closure of Loading Stations Cause of Waste Backlog in Parts of Lagosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bennett Oghifo

The Chief Executive Officer of Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, John Irvine has said that the recent re-emergence of waste in parts of Lagos was caused by the temporary closure of two transfer loading stations in that axis for upgrades and refurbishment of the facilities.

According to a statement by

Irvine, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are aware of the recent complaints about the resurgence of waste across the Lagos West axis of the State.

Under the new arrangements for waste management reform by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, our mandate to accelerate waste infrastructure has made it necessary to temporarily close two transfer loading stations in that axis for

upgrades and refurbishment of the facilities. As a result, there is a backlog as Waste Collection Operators experience a higher turn-around time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This underscores the importance of infrastructure to the waste management system and our role as Visionscape Sanitation Solutions remains the provision of these facilities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Other environmental works

like drainage and waterways management are handled by the Ministry of the Environment and its relevant agencies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We remain committed to working with all stakeholders as we carry out our respective roles and responsibilities, and will continue to support the waste collection efforts through our Monitoring and Intervention team.â&#x20AC;?

Group Tasks Obiano on Osinbajo, Obasanjo, Others, Urge Women to Abandoned Airport Project If the state would have the David-Chyddy ElekeinAwka Participate in Politics airport, being one of the states David-ChyddyElekeinAwka

Wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo, former President Olusegun Obasanjoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife, Tola, and former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Aisha Alhassan have called on Nigerian women to rise up and participate in partisan politics as a way of choosing the best for their children.

The women who were inAnambra for the 2018 Anambra mothers summit said the time for women to take the lead in politics was now.

Mrs. Osinbajo who addressed Anambra women during the summit said women made lots of sacrifices to keep their homes, and if given the opportunity to lead, would exhibit the same passion in ensuring the welfare of all as she does in her family.

She said: We (women) sacrifice all for others, we eat last in the family, we sleep last, we sort out everyone before we think about ourselves.

Women think others first, if given opportunity to lead, she will do same.

We suffer for our family and we cannot let others control their lives.

Politicians are the ones who control our lives, so we must all get into politics so that we can choose our own people to control our lives The time has come for us to find our own, we must choose the right people to lead us, it must not be any woman but the very best of us.

We must choose the best woman

to entrust the lives of our people in their hands, she said.

Mrs. Tola Obasanjo while delivering her own address called on women to brace up and support each other for elective positions as they remain the pillars of politics in the country.

On her part, Alhassan expressed regret that anytime women came out for elective position, she was blackmailed with tags that were not befitting of the noble role she plays.

She said: It is only women that would wake up very early in the morning and start catering for the family and would also go to work and return again to take care of everyone.

We are the reason our families are working well, so why is it that when we come out for elective position so that we can make things work even better in the larger society, people begin to say that we are women and as such cannot do it. Go and look at all the countries of the world where women are the presidents and see how well things are working in those countries. We must unite and support ourselves now, she said.

Wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, wife of the governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Ugochi Ugwuanyi, commissioner for women affairs Anambra State, Mrs. Ndidi Mezue and other speakers also reinforced the same position.

The Association of Professional Bodies in Nigeria (APBN), Anambra State chapter has charged the Anambra State Governor to brace up and return to site to ensure timely completion of the Anambra Cargo Airport at Umuleri, Anambra East local government area.

The group expressed worry over the slow pace of work after the hope of the citizens of the state was raised by the governor during its flag off.

The chairman of the body, Dr. Akaolisa Ezeagu, who stated this Friday in Awka, expressed regret that the speed at which the project started had dropped significantly, asking the government not to play politics with the project.

He said the body did not believe the project was used to score political points, in view of its enormous economic significances to the state.

Yes, infrastructure has severally been used by politicians to bargain for power. But the concept of the international cargo airport and the way the state government went about it, initially indicated professionalism.

with the highest commercial activities, it going to boast trade in the state.

The concept of the project is where aircrafts are going to be refueled and others which would be the first in the subSaharan Africa. There will be enough dividends derivables from the project. So it not something government will play politics with at all, he insisted.â&#x20AC;?

Describing the airport as a key developmental project which would sustain the state economy for a long time, the chairman urged the government to see to its actualisation before its expiration.

He said: As professionals, we know the cost implications of the project.

It a huge capital intensive which will be impossible for the state to carry out single-handedly.

That why it should review the Public Private Partnership policy, because if it is monolistic PPP policy, the financial capability of the company may be dwindling for that moment. The project needs to be segmented with aggregated PPP in order to actualise the dream at a record time.

thanked the Enugu Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife for her selfless service to humanity, stressing that many of them would have died if not for her intervention across communities in the state.

She said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a boy, who is an Albino. When Madam (Mrs. Ugwuanyi) visited here last February for her free medical care, that boy was very sick to the extent that everybody was afraid, considering his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poor background. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This boy was taken to them and they diagnosed him and treated him freely. That boy is here today and very healthyâ&#x20AC;?. Wife of the council chairman, Mrs. Dorothy Chukwu, described the free medical treatment as a reliable antidote that has stemmed the tide of mortality in the state.

The Aninri Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife, therefore, urged the people of the state, especially the rural dwellers to avail themselves of â&#x20AC;&#x153;this unique opportunityâ&#x20AC;? bearing in mind the inherent benefits of the programme.

Yar'Adua Foundation Calls for Review of Stabilisation Fund Peace Obi With little or nothing to show for the five cycles of oil boom Nigeria has experienced since the discovery of oil in the country, the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation has called on the federal government to review the nationstabilisation fund mechanisms.

The Director of Public Policy Initiative, Mr. Amara Nwankpa who made this known in Ikeja at the Foundations roundtable meeting with theme â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A Savings Stabilisation Mechanism for Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, said that Nigeria needed to reform its public finance management for the country oil wealth to result into equitable economic benefits for the citizenry. He noted that the country despite earning more than one trillion dollars from oil since 1970, about 83.6 million Nigerians

were still living in extreme poverty.

According to Nwankpa, the Oil Revenue Tracking Initiative of the Yar'Adua Foundation convened the meeting of civil society organisations, community groups and media in South-West region to provide them information regarding the need for effective fiscal and oil governance frameworks and encourage them to demand accountability.

The Foundation in a communique issued at the end of the roundtable called for a collapse of the Excess Crude account and 0.5 per stabilisation account into the stabilisation of the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The civil society organisation called on government to place priority on investment over consumption, increase transparency regarding revenue inflow and outflow from the Federation.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OLUWATOYIN OMOWUNMI OGUNDELE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWATOYIN OMOWUNMI OPEAGBE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as GLORIA EGEDE, now wish to be known and addressed as GLORIA EGEDE NJOKU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MATANMI ZAINAB BOLARINWA, now wish to be known and addressed as AWE ZAINAB BOLARINWA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as THEOPHILUS ENYINNAYA NWAMMA, now wish to be known and addressed as THEOPHILUS ENYINNAYA UKWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as LATIFAH ADEBANKE ADEYEMO, now wish to be known and addressed as LATIFAH ADEBANKE BALOGUN. All former documents remain valid. and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS DIANE OGECHI OSADEBAY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DIANE OGECHI BENSON AYAH. All former documents remain valid. and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AISUEGBEHIEN OMONIGHO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EHIANE OMONIGHO. All former documents remain valid. and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as TEMILOLUWA ADEDOYIN ADEBAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as TEMILOLUWA ADEDOYIN OJUAWO. All former documents remain valid. and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEFUNKE TOLULOPE BELLO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEFUNKE TOLULOPE POPOOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as AHMED FATIMO, now wish to be known and addressed as AHMED FATIMO MUIBAT. All former documents remain valid. and general public should take note.

55

AUGUST 4, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPORTSXTRA

Iwobi

Okagbare

NBF Appoints Hughley New D’Tigress Coach Following the sack on Thursday of erstwhile senior women’s basketball team’s head coach, Sam Vincent, the Nigeria Basketball Federation has appointed Otis Hughley as an immediate replacement.

The appointment of the former NBA Coach was finalised after the NBBF leadership approved his programme for the D’Tigress’ participation at the World Cup in Spain.

NBBF President, Musa Kida, said the leadership of the federation settled for Hughley as it became ap-

parent that he is the “most immediate available option.”

Kida emphasised that since Vincent was not sacked because of poor results but that based on issues surrounding conflicting professional engagements, it was wise to replace him with a coach that will be readily available.

“We needed to take a proactive step in the interest of the team who are preparing for the World Cup. We needed to fill the vacuum immediately and continue our preparation for Spain.

“For many, parting ways

with Vincent at this time was not a good decision, but it was a difficult decision we had to take in the overall and long-term interest of the team.”

Otis who had previously led Mobile's LeFlore High School, Alabama, USA to six state tournaments and one state title before getting hired as an assistant coach by the Sacramento Kings in the NBAwill henceforth lead the D’Tigress team.

The federation is optimistic that Hughley will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the team as they

But, new head coach Unai Emery confirmed on the recent pre-season tour of Singapore that the forward was close to agreeing to fresh terms.

Now the deal has been announced, Iwobi wants to build on what he has already achieved at Arsenal, having made his debut in 2015.

“It’s always been my childhood dream to represent Arsenal,” he told Arsenal Player.

“To get an extended contract is an amazing feeling and I hope I’m doing the

Arsenal family proud, as well as my family.

“I always realise that I have to be representing the team and giving 100 per cent at all times. It’s not just myself or my family I’m representing, I also represent the people and the younger generation as well.

“There’s always going to be pressure in football and it’s always amazing for young kids, especially at Hale End (where his shirt adorns the wall), to look up to me. So I’ll try and continue making them proud.”

Trem Football Academy Soccer Clinic Kicks off August 8

Emery may not have been able to work up close with the forward since taking charge, but has seen enough to be happy with the new deal for Iwobi.

“I’m very pleased Alex has signed a new contract with us,” he said in the club’s announcement.

“He is a great example of a player who can succeed from the academy through hard work and I look forward to working with him and our other talented young players in the squad.”

West Brom Targets Ola Aina on a Loan Deal With few days to the close of the transfer window, Nigerian international, Ola Aina will be farmed out on loan by Chelsea, with manager Maurizio Sarri omitting the defender from the Blues last two games against Inter Milan and Arsenal.

West Brom are in the market for a right-back after

missing out on the signature of Yeovil’s Tom James and have switched their attention to Aina.

The Baggies are preparing to lodge a loan bid for the Chelsea fullback and they need to conclude negotiations before the next six days as the transfer window in England will close on August 9.

Aina impressed during his first loan spell away from Stamford Bridge, making 46 appearances in all competitions for Hull City, including 44 starts.

The 21-year-old was given false hope that he was in the plans of Sarri after hetravelled with the first-teamers to Australia

EFL Championship side Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Tayo Edun on a season-long loan from Premier League new boys Fulham.

The 20-year-old's paperwork has been completed and he is available for selection in The Blues Championship opener against Blackburn Rovers today.

Edun has made seven appearances for the first team of Cottagers since making his professional debut in a League Cup match against Leyton Orient.

He was a very key member of the England U-19 squad that won the 2017 UEFA European U-19 Championship and was included in the team of the tournament.

During his time at Portman Road, Edun will wear the number 25 jersey, made popular in Nigeria by Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu.

He joins defender Josh Emmanuel, midfielder Tom Adeyemi and young striker Ben Folami at Ipswich Town.

prepare for their World Cup campaign.

“We still have about 50 days to train and get ready for the competition and we are confident that the time frame will be enough for any good coach to train and shape a team into a strong contender.”

The American will be assisted by Peter Ahmedu and Shola Shomala.

Paired in Group B alongside Argentina and This year's edition of the Trem Football Academy free soccer clinic Turkey, the current African will hold betweenAugust 8-10 at the Aroromi Sports Development champions will start their Centre, Gbagada, Lagos.

The soccer clinic, which is the fifth edition, is expected to attract World Cup campaign against Australia on September 22. about 1000 participants drawn from schools and football academies

Iwobi Signs New Long-term Deal with Arsenal Alex Iwobi has signed a new deal at Arsenal as he continues his association with the Premier League club.

The 22-year-old Nigerian international came through the ranks with the Gunners and yesterday agreed on a fresh “long-term” contract at the Emirates Stadium.

Iwobi scored three goals in 26 league games under Arsene Wenger last season; although there was speculation he could be sold this summer following Wenger’s departure.

Edun Joins Ipswich on Loan

for a friendly against Perth Glory, but has been training with the 'loan group' since the squad returned to the United Kingdom.

Central defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Fikayo Tomori are the other players of Nigerian descent linked with a temporary departure from Chelsea this month.

in Lagos and its environs.

According to a statement made available to THISDAY and signed by the coordinator, Reverend Dennis Kenkwo, “the programme is part of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM, Corporate Social Responsibility to teeming youths in Gbagada, Lagosand Nigeria as a whole.”

Asaba 2018: Nigeria Wins Fifth Gold Medal Nigeria’s women 4x100m relay team on Friday won the country’s fifth gold medal at the ongoing 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships in Asaba.

The News Agency Nigeria reports that the team of Blessing Okagbare, Joy Udo-Gabriel, Tobi Amusan and Rosemary Chukwuma won the race in 43.77 seconds.

Cote d’Ivoire finished in second place after a time of 44.40 seconds, while Kenya settled for the bronze medal of the event.

Reacting to Nigeria’s victory, Okagbare said she felt so great to be part of the winning team for the country.

“Winning is always a great feeling, regardless of everything. It’s an amazing feeling and we have so much to be grateful to God for.

“Relay is a combined effort and it is a great thing that we finished well and won for the country,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Chukwu said it was a great moment for her to have run the last leg of the race, especially as she was a bit frightened running alongside the Ivorian team.

“I am very happy we won. I was a bit frightened initially, but I managed to pull myself together. It’s a great feeling for me that we got the gold,’’ the winner of both the 100m and 200m events at the 2018 African Youth Games (AYG) in Algeria said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian team in the male version of the 4x100m race won the silver medal after finishing second behind the South African team in a time of 38.74secs.

South Africa, led by Akani Simbine who ran the last leg, won in 38.25secs, while Kenya finished third in 38.92secs.

NAN reports that Nigeria’s Ese Brume had won the gold medal in the long jump event earlier in the day with a jump of 6.83m.

Also, Chioma Onyekwere won the gold medal in the women’s dicuss throw with a throw of 58.09m.

TR

Saturday, August 4, 2018

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MISSILE

AI on Zamfara Killings “This is Nigeria’s forgotten conflict. The authorities’ failure to act has left villagers in Zamfara at the mercy of armed bandits, who have killed hundreds of people over the course of two bloody years” – Amnesty International (AI) lamenting the escalation of insecurity in Zamfara State.

PENDULUM My Dear President, Let Your People Go DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Y

our Excellency, it is with every sense of love and patriotism that I have decided to write you again despite the frustration of knowing that you may not hearken to my sincere advice to you, as I have written to plead with you on several occasions, but my entreaties have been to no avail. I pray this letter meets you well in the beautiful city of London where I expect you to be resting and relaxing by now whilst waiting to undergo your mandatory physical check-up. Sir, though this piece amounts to unsolicited advice from a self-appointed Special Adviser, I wish to reassure you that you should stop banking on professional politicians who are merely using you to feather their own nests. I demand and require no gratification whatsoever other than to put it permanently and indelibly on record that someone told you the truth while the unrepentant liars took over your space and led you astray.

Before I go on, please, permit me, Sir, to take you down memory lane, from the First Republic to the present. Practically all our leaders failed, or fell, usually not because of only what they did wrong but ostensibly because of what they did not do right. Let me also establish one fact.

Most of our leaders have been catapulted to power, not by their superlative might, but by divine intervention. One day, I will chronicle how providence has been responsible for the exalted position all our leaders found themselves.

Sadly, practically almost all of them forgot how they reached their lofty heights and sought to personally perpetuate themselves in power, but the celestial manner of their enthronement also saw to their humiliating, sometimes tragic, downfall. Consequently, virtually all, except may be General Abdulsalami Abubakar, were disgraced, removed or retired ignominiously or controversially. President Obasanjo who was easily the most efficient, efficacious and effervescent leader, after the brilliant and youthful General Yakubu Gowon, ended his tenure in 2007 with the reverberating hoopla surrounding his third term bid. Whether he was interested in it, or his acolytes forced him into it, all his good works would always attract that cloudy addendum. It is noteworthy, for emphasis, that no leader in Nigerian history has ever succeeded in enslaving Nigerians. We can stretch this further, by stating categorically, that no leader in the world has ever achieved absolute authority permanently. Indeed, that is a preserve meant only for God. If only humans reminded themselves constantly of this fact and their mortality!

This is the reason I wish to appeal to you once again to resist the temptation of wanting to take Nigeria back to those days of oppression and suppression. In case you need to be reminded of how much God loves you, I shall gladly oblige. When your military regime was toppled in 1985, your enemies danced on the streets.

You were compared to the worst dictators on earth and many would have thought it was finished and over for you. But the ways of the Almighty are not the ways of man. 30 years later, the same Nigerians who rejoiced over the collapse of your military junta, in their collective wisdom or stupidity or amnesia, gave you a resounding victory at the polls against a powerful government and incumbent President. This was after you had tried for a record third time and had virtually given up any chance or hope of

President Muhammadu Buhari

winning a Presidential election again. You had actually wept for Nigeria and yourself on that third inauspicious occasion. This time around, in 2015, everything seemed stacked against you, including old age and diminishing health. Yet Nigerians at home and abroad placed their abundant faith in you. What you have done with their faith since then is debatable.

What more could anyone ever ask for again in this life? Credit for that victory must go to everyone, including saints and sinners, in case such nomenclatures exist on planet earth.

Please, let no one rewrite the history of that epic battle to dislodge the PDP behemoth. It was thus a gross miscalculation to get power by such default and try to change the narrative by saying you belonged to everyone and to no one, or whichever way it was crafted by your speechwriters. Truth is you belonged to the party that embraced you, warts and all, and all the foot-soldiers who made it possible for you to attain power once again. Not just that, you instantly became the father of the nation on that fateful May 29, 2015, and could no longer discriminate against anyone for that matter. If you wanted to govern in peace and make appreciable impact, you should have treaded softly and walked gingerly towards your ultimate destination. The war of attrition that broke out as soon as you took power was totally unnecessary and uncalled for. Except for your most loyal supporters, not many ever trusted the many fisticuffs were to the benefits of Nigeria, but only for the pecuniary gains of the privileged ones in power.

If you fight a war for over three years and you are unable to defeat your enemies, you should realise that it is either they are stronger than you or your strategy is abysmally faulty and failing. I love the Yoruba adage: “ta a ba leni, ta a ba bani, iwon la a bani sota mo…” (If we pursue an adversary and cannot catch up with him, it is better to retreat, than continue to make enemies of such a person). It is not an act of cowardice to retreat or even surrender.

The fight you are pursuing right now would eventually prove too costly for you and for Nigeria, even if you manage to win it, which I seriously doubt. By the time you reach the end of it, you will discover the meaning of anti-climax. The victory will be a pyrrhic one or if otherwise, a cataclysmic defeat. Therefore, I’m shocked that you’re allowing some reckless and vengeful politicians to goad you on and

mislead you into victimising those who have left your party and are now opposing you.

The same people you met and laughed with recently, before our very eyes, have suddenly become enemies who must be destroyed by all means. Sir, this act is totally unfortunate. Only God can give power and only HE can take it back. You did not use force to take power in 2015, why do you then think you need to retain that power by use of force and fire?

I’m not sure if you are familiar with world history, my dear President. You may need to ask your aides to print out some dark moments in human history for your perusal. What often happens is that you will, inadvertently, turn those you’re harassing now into superstars. What you are playing with is a game of David and Goliath. It is one of the most fascinating scenes in the Christian Bible. Goliath was so confident of his awesome strength and stamina and so looked down on pitiable and diminutive David.

The Holy Bible recalls their fight was a classic example of a mismatch. But Goliath suffered a crushing defeat in the hands of David. That battle is still celebrated worldwide till today, and it is a story almost every child knows and is taught to learn from. The didactic lesson from it is that not every battle should be fought and not every arsenal should be deployed. Better to keep some things till they are absolutely needed. This cat and mouse game of using State apparatus to witch-hunt deserters is becoming predictable, boring and nauseating.

Those who have decamped from APC have only exercised their fundamental rights. Whether they are morally right is neither here nor there and is ultimately a verdict for the electorate to ponder and unravel when elections, which loom large, finally arrive. Similarly, whether they are legally justified in their defection is a matter which your party may seek to take up in the courts, and I am certain that the Courts will do justice to the case as they have been doing despite terrorisation, bullying and coercion from some over-exuberant agencies of your government. I pause to observe that some of these guys were hailed by us when they joined our side the last time. At that time, we justified their defection to us as being part of the democratic process. If they have now decided to go because they believe they are not wanted by some influential gladiators in the ruling party, my dear President, please let them go. Your party’s point that they have done so for less than altruistic reasons will be considered and digested by our people who are quite politically savvy and discerning. They will make up their minds as to the rights and wrongs of it all.

Your Excellency, I want you to remember that you will not be in power forever. You have your family and friends to consider. Those who have been locked up in prison today and those being hounded could never have envisaged a day like this would ever come when there would be a reversal of power and fortune. It is too cheap for a Governor to decamp today, and then he and his operatives are being terrorised tomorrow. Power should never be abused in this manner. Who knows what would happen when tomorrow comes again?

One of the reasons former President Jonathan is respected today and enjoys some peace is because he gave you great respect though both of you fought tooth and nail over power. He

tolerated many of us who supported you and did not make the occupation of Aso Rock a matter of life and death. Sir, why can’t you reciprocate this wonderful gesture? It is to his eternal credit that, in the midst of our attacks on him, I got invited to the wedding of his daughter, and was treated with decorum. Politics should never be a matter of brutish animosity. That is why I always have tremendous regard for lawyers. They may fight like savage adversaries in Court but, whilst they are there, they still show themselves some honour and respect.

It is their attitude once they step outside the courtroom that is even more remarkable. Then they shed the toga of adversaries and become noble and learned friends. I wish all of us could imbibe this kind of camaraderie in the practice of our political beliefs.

Furthermore, I have copious examples that show that what you sow is what you reap.

I wish to plead with you to cool temper, Sir. I know how it feels to be abandoned in the lurch by your own friends and supporters. But that is life. Everything can’t be smooth all the time. When you go to the FIFA World Cup, you do so knowing only one team can grab the much-coveted trophy. You should try to play a good and clean game and leave the rest to Allah. You have played your part to the best of your abilities and should be happy once your conscience is clear that there was no better way to do things.

Even if you decide to keep all your opponents in the gulag, it still does not guarantee that you will win the next election in 2019. But if you do it in God’s way by embracing decency and fairness, your rating will go higher. You will attract natural admiration. The love of the people cannot be forced. You’ve been drawing sympathies to the decampees because of the high-handedness and intolerance of some of your agents. As I started this mail, what kept coming back to me was a very popular autobiography I read as a youth, LET MY PEOPLE GO, written by Albert John Luthuli, the very first Black African man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Luthuli led the African National Congress in South Africa in the apartheid years for 15 agonising years and coordinated mass resistance and non-violent crusade against the White supremacists. Though he did not live long enough to see the end of apartheid, others carried on the task and Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, came back alive to become the first President of an independent and free South Africa.

Mr President, there is a moralistic lesson to learn from the life and trajectory of the great Madiba Nelson Mandela. He became a world Statesman for his uncommon magnanimity and spirit of forgiveness. He had the power to exterminate his former tormentors and jailers but instead he decided to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Committee that tried to integrate the whites into a new black-dominated government. Nigeria needs urgent reconciliation, healing and unification, which has led to a strident clamouring for restructuring. We should be tired of fighting for power for personal aggrandisement after groping in darkness for 58 ugly years. There are no prizes for war but there are beautiful garlands for peace.

Sir, I’m begging you in the name of God, please, let your people go, in peace.

I remain yours most sincerely...

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