Saturday 25TH August 2018

Okunbor: Shell’s Future Investment to Be Determined By PIB’s Outcome We're closely monitoring legislative proceedings on the four bills

Chineme Okafor in Abuja Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and Country Chair of

Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor has said that the company’s future investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector would be determined by the final outcomes on the

Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

Okunbor, who stated this in an interview THISDAY in Abuja monitored from the July 2018 edition of the KPMG Nigeria CEO Outlook, noted that right

fiscal frameworks were essential to attract huge investments in the oil industry, and warned that Nigeria was at risk of losing investment capital to other competing jurisdictions

if it failed to get it right with the PIBs. The Shell Country Chair said the passage of the PIBs would provide a good incentive for investments to flow into

Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, adding that Shell is closely monitoring ongoing legislative proceedings on the four bills Continued on page 6

Akpabio Lied on Projects He Claimed to Have Executed, Alleges Udom ... Page 6 Saturday 25 August, 2018 Vol 23. No 8529

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N250

N

Buhari: I Didn’t Trek 800m to Prove Physical Fitness Nigerians appreciate my programmes Recent APC victories are proofs we'll win in 2019 Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Daura, Katsina State, explained the reason he

trekked 800 metres in Daura after Eid prayers on Tuesday, saying he didn't do so to prove his fitness.

In a related development,

President Buhari has said that more Nigerians were appreciative of the implementation of his policies and projects and that recent

electoral victory by his party is a pointer to ultimate victory for the APC in 2019 eections.

A statement by Malam Garba Shehu, his Senior

Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, said Buhari made the clarification on his 800-metre walk during a meeting with representatives of the five local

governments in Daura Emirate, explaining that the walk was not meant to score any cheap Continued on page 6

APC Fixes Presidential Primary for September 19, Governorship September 24 NEC holds next Wednesday to ratify timetable Protests alleged leakage of memo on schedule of congresses Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled its Presidential Primary for September 19, while that for governorship positions would be on September 24.

However, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) would meet next Wednesday to approve the timetable and modalities for congresses and primary elections.

The move to convene its NEC meeting came just as the ruling party yesterday vehemently protested the leakage of its notice of schedule for congresses and primary elections sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the leaked notice, signed by the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, the party proposes to hold nationwide

congresses on September 8.

The notice to INEC, dated August 17, also proposed that the presidential primary would take place on September 19. Other proposals include, House of Representatives primary - September 19, Senatorial primary - September 20, Governorship primary -September 24 and House of Assembly primary September 29.

However, the scheduling of presidential and House of Representatives primaries on the same day, September 19, raises doubts about the authenticity of this version of the APC's notice.

Embarrassed by the leakage of its letter to the INEC, the APC national leadership issued a statement yesterday, expressing disgust at the development.

In a statement issued by Continued on page 6

Ortom: Herdsmen Planning to Kidnap, Kill Me... Pages 54

EYE ON 2ND TERM...

L-R: Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State; Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, during Udom’s formal declaration to run again for governorship in 2019 in Uyo…yesterday

2

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͳ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY AUGUST 6, 2018

3

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͳ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

4

)25 025( ,1)250$7,21

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY AUGUST 25, 2018

5

6

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ ˜ ͺͽ˜ ͺ͸͹΀

PAGE SIX

AkpabioLiedonProjectsHeClaimedtoHaveExecuted,AllegesUdom Declares for second term Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, yesterday carpeted Senator Godswill Akpabio, his predecessor in office, for alleged false claim about projects he executed while in office.

Emmanuel, who said he was not disposed to criticising Akpabio, however pointed out that he had to make few references to show the people that what the Senator, who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, claimed he did in the state was false.

He made the clarification at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo, when he declared to contest for a second term in office, next year.

Udom listed the Ibom Power, the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene federal road and the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, inherited from the immediate past administration of Senator Akpabio, as projects that the former governor claimed his

administration completed but that nothing was done on them.

“Today people ask me how many federal roads have we done. Let me say something today, when we took over governance, the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road was awarded as a contract on December 19, 2011; how many kilometres were done.

“Today we have done up to 23 kilometres of that road. Don’t allow anybody to deceive you.

It is this administration that has taken care of that road up to 23 kilometres. We have done 1,700 kilometres of road across the state in less than three years,” he clarified.

On the Four Points By Sheraton Hotel, the Governor said “it was just now that the state government incorporated a company to negotiate with Starwood Group for the name ‘Four Points By Sheraton Hotel.

“We watch people who do not know something about Akwa Ibom State talking about Four Points By Sheraton Hotel. Today I don’t want to answer them.

Let me state the fact and the

fact must turn to be truth “It is just now I paid $7.2 million to Starwood Group so that we can retain the name that was surreptitiously put on the building called ‘Four Points By Sheraton Hotel’, who is telling lies?. Can they say there was electricity in that building?

“If anybody had ever done that, let him show the agreement he had signed. It is now we are doing electrical work in order to turn it into hotel. Can a building be a hotel? I don’t want to join issues, but the truth must be told.

“When we came into power, the Ibom Power was not producing. Today the Minister of Power has declared Akwa Ibom as power state of this country. The best digital power sub-station in Nigeria is in Akwa Ibom, built by me, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration.

“Somebody landed in the Uyo airport, he said are you sure that I am landing in Uyo airport. This is not how it used to look like. It had weeds/bush everywhere. Today when you

are landing at the Uyo airport you will be wondering where you are landing. Very soon we are going to invite the federal government to commission the second runway that will carry a Boeing 747 and cargo plane.”

The declaration at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium attracted mammoth crowd with Paramount Rulers across the 31 local government areas of the state, former military governors of the state, former deputy governors of the state, religious bodies in attendance.

Also present were chairmen of Local government councils in the state, members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, Muslim, Igbo and Hausa communities and more than 200 uniformed groups, among others. These formed the crowd that filled the 30,000 capacity stadium.

In his declaration, Udom listed his achievements, within three years in office, in the areas of education, agriculture, healthcare

delivery, road construction, youth and sports development, and industrialization, among others.

He reassured the people that their interest was the cardinal objective and centre of his administration, saying he had delivered on the five-point agenda he promised immediately coming on board in 2015.

The governor warned that any state or country that did not build the economy could not build politics because politics must be anchored on the economics of the country.

Udom, who submitted himself for second term, stressed “I am here to say that we are going for our second term to surpass superior performance of our first term.

“I submit myself for consideration by the youth, women, elders, Christian, Muslim community because power belongs to God. No man is God and one man in Akwa Ibom State cannot determine who governs and who does not govern the state.

“I submit myself for

consideration to continue the good work your servant here has been able to achieve as your servant leader. I stand here to ask you to support my candidature on the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP).

“Let us play politics not of hatred, let us play politics not of betrayal. Let us play politics and have the interest of our people at heart. Let us know that the unity of Akwa Ibom cannot be sacrificed on any flimsy political gain of a single individual. I heard that Akwa Ibom politics will be like war, the invasion of Poland by Hitler. Is that what you people want? How many people did Hitler kill, is that politics of development or injustice; is that what they are supposed to do. Whoever says Akwa Ibom will be like invasion of Hitler we say Holy Ghost fire.

“They want to come and kill our children and send their children abroad. Nowadays politics is about development, security of lives and property, not to come and kill our people but to develop our people.”

to explore avenues to shorten the length and examine contract thresholds, which is a significant part of the JVs and contracting cycles.”

He noted his optimism with developments in the industry, stating: “Historically, we struggled with all the parties, particularly the NNPC, meeting cash flow obligations. With the very far-reaching steps that were taken last year to reach an arrangement to manage the whole JV funding structure, we have seen far more stability in NNPC meeting its obligations.

“We still have a few areas to

cover, in particular 2016 arrears, but even that is good progress.

This has been running for a year, so we can say there is some stability and we can seriously consider investments. Following a meeting we held recently with Mr. President in London, our global CEO said that if we get all the conditions right, together with our partners, we will be able to make significant investments in the sector. That is a major indicator of what we are able to do, but it is underpinned by a lot more confidence in the ability of the country to meet its obligations.”

the flag bearer of APC for the 2019 presidential election.

Another critical issue to be considered during the Wednesday's NEC meeting is the modalities for the party's primaries.

The party leaders would decide whether to adopt direct or indirect-delegate method for electing their candidates for the 2019 elections.

THISDAY gathered that the National Working Committee of the APC and other stakeholders

are divided on which method to adopt.

However, a reliable source, who confided in THISDAY yesterday, said the national chairman has been engaging in high-level and wide ranging consultations with a view to arriving at a common ground.

It was further gathered that the matter would be tabled at a meeting of the nation leadership caucus, which comes up on Tuesday before the NEC meeting.

While confirming the date for the NEC meeting, Nabene, insisted that the party had not approved any date for the primaries, adding that it was at the NEC meeting that final decision would be taken on the issues.

Nabene, who spoke with THISDAY on telephone yesterday, also stated that the authentic timetable and modalities for the party's primaries would be made public after the NEC meeting.

Ahmed Nuhu Sani, Chairman of Kanti Kwari Traders Association, pledging that his administration will not relent in doing the needful to create jobs, expand trade and encourage greater productivity.

Garba Shehu, said the president told members of the business community that under the Government Enterprises and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP), more traders and farmers had expanded their trade and increased food production.

elections.

He made the remarks while receiving representatives of the 34 chairmen of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Katsina State.

He was quoted as saying, “Coming against the backdrop of the victory in Ekiti governorship election, the string of victory by our party, the APC, is a clear indication of the way things will go in 2019. ‘‘For those who are discerning; those who have ears and eyes, they will see, hear and understand. Those who don’t understand are entitled to their mistaken assumptions.”

The president, the statement added, emphasised that the victories in the recent polls are indeed “the sign of things to come.”

Garba’s statement also said at another meeting with the leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Katsina State chapter, Buhari expressed his

continued determination to respect the diversity of the country, saying he will run a government that is fair and just to all Nigerians.

Shehu said the president thanked the CAN leadership in the state for living in peace and harmony with other religious groups, and for supporting his administration in its policies and programmes.

According to him, the State Chairman of CAN, Rev. Nelson Onyeakachukwu, and Coordinator of the Christian Pilgrimage in the State, Haruna Danjuma, expressed happiness over the president’s performance, describing him as the state’s good ambassador who had made everyone proud.

“Christians in Katsina are happy with both Governor Masari in the State and yourself at the center. We will continue to support both of you,” he

OKUNBOR: SHELL’S FUTURE INVESTMENT TO BE DETERMINED BY PIB’S OUTCOME created from the separation of the omnibus PIB, and would make big oil and gas investment bets based on their final outcomes.

The PIBs comprise the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) – already legislated on by the National Assembly and currently on the table of President Muhammadu Buhari for assent; Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill (PIFB); Petroleum Industry Administration Bill (PIAB); and Petroleum Industry Host Community Bill (PIHCB).

Okunbor noted: “I am pretty confident that if we can sustain this momentum, we will see

investments flow into this sector.

The multiplier effect when this happens will be tremendous.

As you may have heard the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources often say, ‘we need to diversify our economy’, but we need oil to get out of oil.

“So, investments in this sector will be very important. A number of critical enablers are required and will need to be addressed to sustain the forward momentum in the sector. I will say, first and foremost, we require the right fiscal environment. The ongoing discussions in the National

Assembly on the four bills that make up what used to be the PIB, including the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill which has been harmonised and passed, is a step in the right direction.”

He further added: “We are paying very close attention to the eventual outcomes of these bills because ultimately, we need the right legal and fiscal frameworks to enable companies like us to make some big bets. If we don’t get this right, the country is at risk of losing investment capital to other competing jurisdictions.

“We need to just ensure that the security situation, especially

in the Niger Delta, is effectively managed. A resurgence of violence in the region in 2016 severely impacted oil production negatively. It is therefore very important for the industry to work with the government to provide the safe environment for oil and gas assets and for production.

“The contracting cycle is the third major enabler that needs to be addressed. OPTS (Oil Producers Trading Section) has looked at contracting cycles across jurisdictions and Nigeria is an outlier because of our lengthy contract cycle. We need

APC FIXES PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY FOR SEPTEMBER 19, GOVERNORSHIP SEPTEMBER 24 its acting National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabene, APC said: "Our attention has been drawn to a leaked letter the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole wrote to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu informing the Commission of the schedule of the congresses and primaries to elect party candidates for the 2019 general elections.

"The leak of our sensitive and confidential correspondence to INEC is becoming commonplace and totally unacceptable. We strongly request that INEC looks into its internal handling of official correspondence and put a stop to these leakages."

APC said notwithstanding the leaked letter, the general public should await the final decision to be made at its NEC meeting on Wednesday.

The statement said: "While the leaked formal notification

to INEC was done pursuant to the provisions of Section 85 of the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended), we advise the general public, particularly the media, to wait for an official announcement from the party as the leaked dates are subject to changes, if necessary."

THISDAY gathered that the NEC meeting would consider proposals for the conduct of nationwide congresses to elect delegates to the national convention which would produce

BUHARI: I DIDN'T TREK 800M TO PROVE PHYSICAL FITNESS political goal. ‘‘This is my constituency, the people came out in their large numbers to see me and the car in which I was being driven had tinted windows. ‘‘They were not seeing me.

So, I came down so they could see me. I didn’t need to convince anyone about my health and the decision to contest for a second term - a decision that I made public in April this year,’’ he was quoted as saying.

The statement also said the president used the opportunity of the meeting with his kinsmen to inform them that he had directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to review the processes of the issuance of loans to smallholder farmers. ‘‘We want to make it easier for them to assess the loans, particularly the underprivileged people in the society. It has become necessary for the government to do this because banks will insist

on collaterals which majority of farmers do not have. ‘‘For our agriculture policy to succeed, we must be able to reach small farm holders with loans without collaterals.

Collaterals are always a problem with smallholder farmers,’’ he reportedly said.

According to the statement, the president highlighted the achievements of his administration on local rice productions which he said had expectedly led to the reduction of imports by over 90 percent.

It also said the president expressed delight that young people were returning to the farms, reaffirming federal government’s commitment to implement policies to promote agriculture.

Furthermore, the statement said the group's spokesman, Yusuf Bello Maiadua, while speaking on behalf of the civil society groups in Daura Emirate, applauded the president on his

numerous achievements.

It quoted him as saying, ‘‘You have made us proud, the economy is back on the path of growth and you have laid a solid foundation for the development of the country." lt also said Maiadua who told the president about the plans of the Daura Emirate to organise a massive rally for his 2019 campaign as soon as the ban on political campaign is lifted, invited him to make out time to attend.

Buhari: Nigerians Appreciate Our Programmes, Also yesterday, President Buhari in Daura, said more Nigerians were appreciative of the implementation of policies and projects of the federal government aimed at improving the standard of living in the country.

He made the remarks while receiving the leadership of Kano Traders Association led by Alhaji

Buhari: Recent APC Victories Are Proofs We'll Win 2019 Polls In a related development, President Buhari yesterday in his Daura country home, said the string of victories recorded by the APC in recent elections in Ekiti, Bauchi, Katsina and Kogi States is a sufficient proof that the party would win the 2019

said the CAN leaders told the president.

7

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY AUGUST 25, 2018

* %+ , ) -

) %- ( ' ,% /0# .) % %

% 1 2 3 4 1

% . 1 /"5 1 ) $0

1 ) %+ - 2 -

! " ###! $

%

& %' (

)

8

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁĚš Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

IN HIS VINEYARD L-R: The Secretary of Methodist Conference in Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Michael Olusegun Adewale; the Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche; Anglican Bishop of Lagos Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Humphrey B. Olumakaiye and his wife Prof. M.F. Olumakaiye...recently

NCDMB Begins Disbursement of $200m Intervention Fund to Local Firms Set to maximise participation of Nigerians in oil and gas activities Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă‹

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has commenced the disbursement of its $200 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) at eight per cent interest rate to local oil and gas firms.

Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote disclosed this during a capacity building workshop for Energy and Business Correspondents, entitled, ‘NCDMB and the Nigerian

Content Intervention Fund’.

Wabote, who was represented at the event by the Director, Finance and Personnel Management, Mr. Isaac Iyalah, said that already, 45 firms had applied to access the fund.

The statutory mandates of the Board include to foster institutional collaboration, maximise participation of Nigerians in oil and gas activities, link the oil and gas sector to other sectors of the economy as well as attract investments to the Nigeria oil and gas sector.

Wabote explained that the

about N72 billion intervention fund was to support the growth and development of the local companies in the oil and gas sector, noting that repayment would span five years.

According to him, 11 applications had been approved, while $11 million has been released for the qualified beneficiaries. He warned the beneficiaries not to treat the loans as their share of the national cake.

The fund, he further stated, would empower the community contractors, who hitherto, were constrained by staggering

amounts required to compete favourably, win and execute profitable contracts on offer by different oil companies as they will now become agents of wealth creation.

He added: “One per cent of all contacts awarded in oil and gas sector is deducted by NCIF which is being managed by the board to see how the intervention fund can be used to support local companies to enhance their growth and development. “The $200 million NCIF is a pivotal plank of NCDMB that is set up with the responsibil-

Bayelsa Renews Curfew on Brass,Vows to Punish Culprits OverViolence Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă‹

The Bayelsa State Government yesterday renewed the dusk to dawn curfew it imposed on Twon-Bras following the outbreak of violence which claimed several lives and promised to fish out those involved in the prolonged violence.

The curfew would run from 9p.m. to 6a.m.

At least three persons were killed on Monday when suspected thugs allegedly loyal to an All Progressives Congress (APC) politician in the area clashed with some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyalists in Brass Local Government where several persons were also injured.

Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd.), who spoke to journalists on Friday at the Government House, Yenagoa, said that the mayhem was sponsored by some highly-placed individuals for political reasons.

He added that government had already directed the law enforcement agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the activities of the suspects and ensure the prosecution of all persons found culpable. “It has come to the knowledge of the state government that on Wednesday,

August 15, 2018, some hoodlums at Ada-Ama, Twon-Brass in Brass LGA of the state attacked peace loving members of Twon-Brass community with knives, guns and other dangerous weapons and injuring several persons and destroying property valued several millions of naira. “The said persons kept the entire TwonBrass community under siege for several days and perpetrated mindless violence in the community,� the government said.

According to the Deputy Governor, the violence lasted several days and was only brought under control on Wednesday.

He added: “security personnel eventually arrested some of the hoodlums with guns and other dangerous weapons along with very substantial sums of money. “Men of the Nigeria Police only succeeded in bringing the situation under control on Wednesday, August 22, 2018. “The state government is greatly dismayed that Twon-Brass, which is a major oil exporting terminal in the country is recently being used by non-state actors as a hub of criminal activities with its attendant adverse effect on the economy of not only the state, but of the entire country.

“The state government has consequently imposed curfew in Twon-Brass from 9p.m. to 6a.m. All residents of the area are expected to comply with the curfew, which will be lifted as soon as normalcy is restored.�

The Caretaker Chairman, Brass Local Government Area, Victor Isaiah, and a member representing Brass Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly, Israel Sunny-Goli, had been on each other’s throat over the control of the area, which also harbours some oil workers.

On Thursday, Isaiah said that the thugs were sponsored by Sunny-Goli, alleging that the youths made attempt on his life by attacking his personal lodge with guns and other dangerous weapons.

He said attempts by the alleged APC thugs to gain entry into his official lodge was met with resistance from the LGA security volunteers group, saying that the PDP had nothing to do with the violence.

Sunny-Goli on his part, accused the PDP of desperation to take over the area in 2019, alleging that the party was working in consonance with some individuals, hired mercenaries and security agencies to unleash mayhem on opposition members across the state.

ity to implement and enforce the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010. “It is the practical expression of NCDMB’s efforts to institutionalise financial support for indigenous services companies operating in the oil and gas industry.�

The Executive Secretary noted that proper operations and utilisation of the fund would help to reverse the unhealthy foreign dominance in the sector by empowering local businesses to thrive.

Other objectives of the fund, according to him, would be to deal with contract financing for Nigerian oil services providers, contract financing for oil and gas community contractors and contract and loan refinancing for services companies that already have facilities with Nigerian banks.

While calling on Nigerians to take advantage of the fund, Wabote said that “it would boost local manufacturing, create jobs to enhance local technical capacity, as well as ignite economic growth in the local communities.�

Allegation of Corruption: DPO Recalled, CP Orders Probe Rebecca Ejifoma

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Imohimi Edgal, has withdrawn the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Pen Cenima, Superintendent of Police H. E. Nwabuisi and directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, DCP Yetunde Longe, to investigate the officer and other ranks against whom the allegation of unlawful arrest and extortion were made.

The withdrawal was sequel to newspaper reports alleging raids on innocent people from whom the DPO and his officers allegedly collected various sums of money from as bail with a threat to charge them to court if they refused to accede to their requests.

The complainants had alleged that the officer with his men moved about arresting people and throwing them into Black Maria and taking them to their station where they allegedly demanded sums ranging from N10,000 to N15,000.

Some said they were standing

in front of their residence at about 8.30p.m. when the police team came and rounded them up, raided other joints and clubs in the area and held them till the early hours of the morning before listing them and calling them out one by one and asked them to pay various sums for their bail.

Responding to our inquiries, Police Spokesman, CSP Chike Oti said Edgal directed the DCP in charge of Administration, Elkanah Ayuba, to recall the DPO to the Command Headquarters to allow unbiased investigation into the matter. “Therefore, the Command is appealing to Mr. Sheriff Anjure, said to be vital and indeed other witnesses in the matter, to make themselves available to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCIID, Panti Yaba, to assist police investigation,� he said.

While recognising the fact that raiding was a major crime fighting strategy of the police, given that it enable proactive intervention into a budding problem, the CP said that it must be purposeful, corruption-free and Intelligencedriven.

9

AUGUST 25, 2͸͹΀ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

The Tyranny of Governor Abiola Ajimobi

I

am still struggling to understand why Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State went to the extreme last Sunday in order to punish his perceived opponent.

This governor was ruthless with his unlawful demolition of Fresh FM’s building owned by popular musician, Yinka Ayefele. Government bulldozers, working on the instruction of Ajimobi, pulled down the building located at Challenge area of Ibadan, despite a restraining order from a court. It was stomach-turning watching this governor on television celebrating the impunity.

Ayefele had sued the Oyo State government, and the court ruled that there are serious issues to be determined, and subsequently adjourned the case. The court also issued a warning order against the Oyo State Government and its agents. Ajimobi, who had persistently vowed to demolish the building because of the radio station’s perceived hostility to his government, refused to abide by the court’s decision. He swiftly ordered the demolition of the building. This is the height of impunity; all forces of good must rise against this evil action.

For me, this is a clear case of executive rascality and a weighty violation of Ayefele’s fundamental human rights. This coldblooded Ajimobi arbitrarily destroyed a building valued at over N800 million, which Ayefele spent almost his entire life constructing. I watched the musician weeping during a press conference after the demolition and I also broke down in tears; tears for a country where many get away with impunity.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, was apt when it remarked that Ajimobi’s action seriously undermined the integrity and authority of our courts. It added: “This is a gross abuse of powers by the Oyo State Government and governor Ajimobi, against a radio station simply doing its job. The action is politically motivated, patently arbitrary and entirely inconsistent with international human rights standards and national laws.

This kind of action has no place in a democratic society that is based on the rule of law.

“The destruction of a radio station on the grounds that the Oyo State Government dislikes its work is a textbook case of repression of media freedom and violation of the right to adequate housing. The authorities must immediately stop the demolition,

Ajimobi

ensure appropriate repairs of the building, provide adequate compensation and provide guarantee of non-repetition.”

It is pertinent to note that the DirectorGeneral of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Ishaq Midibbo-Kawu, had intervened before Ajimobi’s hammer fell on the radio station but the governor frustrated his efforts. No wonder the NBC DG immediately condemned the illegal demolition, describing it as a worrisome development that does not speak well of the state government.

Midibbo-Kawu added: “The development is worrisome because for all it is worth, the broadcast outfits are playing a big role in reducing unemployment, especially in this situation where many young Nigerians are idle. They also play social, informational, educational and entertaining roles in the society. Such development does not speak well of the government and has a negative effect on the nation.”

Ajimobi evidently enjoys inflicting pain on his people. This is precisely what he has been doing to the hapless people of Oyo State for over seven years. This state has been struggling for survival under this governor.

Health, education, road and other critical infrastructure in Oyo State are in a mess. Just visit any of the hospitals and public schools owned by the state government and you will

be shocked at the state of these facilities.

I thought Governor Ajimobi would spend his remaining nine months working to pull the people of Oyo State out of the poverty his administration plunged them.

The reverse has been the case, with this governor dipping into one charade or another.

Many will not forget in a hurry how he spent over N100 million enthroning several comical first-class traditional rulers (Obas) in Ibadanland. This action, obviously aimed at humiliating the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba, Saliu Adetunji, brought so much opprobrium on Ajimobi. The governor’s decision to snub the court case challenging the enthronement was sickening. It was nice seeing 12 of the Ibadan high Chiefs turning down the dubious gift.

Oyo State is also in a mess over irregular salaries to civil servants, who have been turned into beggars. Ajimobi is accused of squandering the bailout funds meant to clear the outstanding salaries. The state’s NLC Chairman, Waheed Olojede said unpaid salaries had pauperised the workers, adding that their productivity, diligence and absolute commitment had also been affected.

Teachers in the state are also at war with Ajimobi over alleged plans to sell some public schools to his cronies. Union leaders opposed to his plans have been dubiously dragged to court by this maximum ruler.

While Oyo State bleeds, Ajimobi and his cronies are living big. Many will not forget in a hurry the lavish wedding party this governor organised for his daughter in Dubai while the state bleeds. Hundreds of his friends and cronies were flown to Dubai for the gig.

Oyo State has no business being in a mess if well managed. But this has not been the case. Ajimobi is only interested in frivolities.

This state has never had it so bad. Virtually all the gains of the state since creation have been wiped out by Ajimobi. This once peaceful and lovely state has degenerated significantly, with decaying infrastructure.

The founding fathers of Oyo State must rise up against this maximum ruler called Ajimobi and ensure that his crony does not emerge as governor in 2019.

My dear Ajimobi, my plea to you is to learn to rise above pettiness, stop destroying lives and property and focus on improving a state whose progress you singly retarded for over seven years.

The Boko Haram Massacre in Malari Boko Haram fighters struck again last Sunday, this time in Malari, near Monguno, Borno State, killing scores of people. A survivor, Abatcha Umar, said they operated for hours unhindered, firing guns and rocket-propelled grenades. After they left, Umar counted 19 bodies, including that of his younger brother. However, an aid worker at a camp that received the survivors put the death toll at 63. Umar added that the militants were spotted around the village three days before the attack and that residents informed soldiers stationed in the nearby town of Gudumbali, but lamented that no action was taken. Hundreds of

people in Malari subsequently fled to the IDP camp in Monguno. Malari is now a ghost town.

Just as I indicated last week, Boko Haram fighters are still rampaging across Borno State unhindered, with capacity to wreak havoc anywhere and anytime they so desire.

The Malari attack is a further confirmation of this assertion. The embarrassing invasion of a military base in Garunda, Mobar Local Government Area of Borno State, by the terrorists last month remains fresh in our memory. They looted weapons and vehicles from the Garunda military base, killing 17 soldiers while unspecified number of soldiers

is yet to be accounted for.

Early last month, Boko Haram ambushed a military convoy in Bama, Borno State. In the ensuing fight, scores of soldiers from the 21 Brigade and some Civilian JTF members were feared killed. Also, on July 14, the terrorists attacked a military base in Jilli village, Geidam, Yobe State, killing dozens of soldiers, with many others injured. Boko Haram simply overwhelmed men of the 81 Division Forward Brigade located in the village. All the lies about having degraded Boko Haram have collapsed like a pack of cards. The Buhari government must face this reality and take proactive steps to end Boko Haram attacks.

Akpabio’s ‘Hitler’ Plan for Akwa Ibom Former governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, who recently defected to the APC, is getting extremely high on something. I doubt if he truly knows the implications of some of the things he has been saying of late. Only last Sunday, Senator Akpabio openly boasted that the takeover of Akwa Ibom State in 2019 would be as total as the 1940 invasion of Poland by the late German mass killer, Adolf Hitler. Akpabio, who spoke in Aguobu-Owa, Ezeagu Local Government area of Enugu State, added that the 2019 general election in Akwa Ibom State would be a full scale war.

He said: “When they asked Hitler’s minister for information how was the war in Poland? He said Warsaw saw war and war saw Warsaw... We can’t talk politics in

the church but in 2019, Warsaw shall see war and war shall see Warsaw. The return will be victory.”

Remember that the sadist called Hitler killed millions in Poland while capturing and asserting his control over the country. So, this is Akpabio’s plan for his people in 2019? So, he is planning to kill millions of his people in the war he has proclaimed against Akwa Ibom State just because he wants power. Well, let Akpabio go ahead with his evil plans. I hope he also knows what eventually happened to his hero, Hitler, who killed millions of people in Poland in order to take over the country? He died a brutal death. What will be Akpabio’s reward if he eventually succeeds in taking over Akwa Ibom brutally in 2019? Your guess is as good as mine.

Akpabio

Sirika

Hadi Sirika’s Air Nigeria Debacle All the noise by the junior minister in charge of aviation, Hadi Sirika, about the coming of an imaginary national airline to be called Air Nigeria is becoming embarrassing. After wasting huge public fund during an air show in London in June, to announce the dubious birth of Air Nigeria, we are daily assaulted with all sorts of preposterous funding plans.

We were first told that the airline will be private sector-led. Later, Sirika said public funds would be used to start it, and later bring in investors to buy into the company.

The junior minister said the federal government would commit $308.8 million to the project, and it is expected that when the airline is established, its shares would be sold to investors. Where will the $308.8 million come from, with the federal government borrowing so much to fund its budget? Where will the investors come from after the failed Virgin Nigeria experience?

I urge this minister to spend quality time reading the opinion of a former minister/former Vice President of World Bank, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, on the fruitlessness of this funding plan for the fantasy national carrier.

Ezekwesili, who recently spoke on a television programme, said Sirika’s plan would amount to wasting government resources amidst dwindling revenue.

She said plans to start with public fund and later, bringing in investors, amounted to “putting the cart before the horse.”

“If the government sincerely wanted to have a private sector-driven national carrier, it would have designed it differently. The design of the project would have been made in a way that investors would have provided start-up fund for the airline. Money spent on the national airline in terms of opportunity cost would deny government the funds for other priority programmes in education, healthcare and other essential sectors of the economy.”

The birth of Air Nigeria was just on paper. It was a hype to score cheap political point. The truth that must be told is that no single foreign investor made any concrete commitment to Air Nigeria during the London show of shame by Sirika. No foreign investor participated at the fraudulent launch in London. This airline exists only in Sirika’s imagination.

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾

AUGUST 25, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY

Juliet Ibrahim’s Sex Strike Beautiful movie star, Juliet Ibrahim never ceases to excite her fans with shocking and thoughtprovoking revelations. She caused another stir recently with her ‘sex strike’ move, writes Omolabake Fasogbon For Juliet, who has suddenly turned a relationship expert, going by her posts on social media platforms lately, various reports point to direct and indirect fact that she has not been too fortunate with the opposite sex in the area of settling down

C

alling the shots in Nollywood and Gallywood, Juliet Ibrahim mere shadow would distract attention, not to talk of her real presence. Since she hit stardom, Juliet has always caught the attention of the media for one reason or the other.

One of her most recent posts has left many questions unanswered. It reads: “Abstaining from sex, gotta zen my body. I ain’t giving you, so don’t ask, I don’t lend my body. Gotta be king status to give man my body. Hell yeah, cus a queen is what I embody.”

By this, the 32-year-old entrepreneur meant that she had closed her mind and body on sex until she finds someone who is faithful and worth it by all standards.

Could this be taken as a dose of her relationship advice urging ladies to give their body to one who indeed deserves it, or is it that she suspects a hit and run move by a prospective lover? Could it be that she has truly chosen to discipline herself until her rightful king come asking for her hand in marriage? Only time will tell.

The beautiful light skinned actress started off her journey to eminence as an editorial and runway model in Ghana where she represented several fashion brands and also appeared in a number of television commercials.

She took a shot at acting in 2005, featuring in a movie titled ‘Crime to Christ’, thereafter launched into the acting space fully. Coming to Nigeria, the single mother of eight-year-old Jayden Safo, has represented herself well, playing a number of convincing roles that made her the toast of movie makers. In addition to her intelligence, is her striking figure supported by the ‘half-caste’ mien that gives a special spice to any film she appears, hence, film lovers salivate for more of her.

She once attested to this depiction when she said that she receives more favour because of her fair complexion and that being a ‘half-caste’ is a blessing to her.

Being a public figure, Ibrahim is well respected for her openness, such that gives many a cue of what and what not she is. One of such expressions that justifies this was the confession on herself to have once had sex in an open beach even in the presence of beach-goers.

For Juliet, who has suddenly turned a relationship expert, going by her posts on social media platforms lately, various reports point to direct and indirect fact that she has not been too fortunate with the opposite sex in the area of settling down. It could be recalled that the shinning actress who is also of Lebanese descent used to be married to a prominent Ghanaian businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Kantanka Group, Ghana first car- making company .

The marriage which produced Juliet’s first and only son lasted only four years as it crashed in 2004. Not too long ago, she found love in a Nigerian actor cum model but lost it again so soon.

Juliet’s romance with Nigerian singer, Iceberg Slim raised the hope of so many people who wrongfully believed that she has attained her fair haven as far as marriage is concerned.

Not too long ago, the 32-year-old aspiring musician drew attention with her posts on Instagram suggesting a sour relationship with Iceberg.

Although, she tried to deny this in another reaction as truth they say, cannot be buried for too long.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 25, 2018

11

SUPERSATURDAY

Topless Toyin Lawani Entrepreneur extraordinaire and fashion goddess, Toyin Lawani, absorbs the eyes in a recent half-nude picture of herself she posted on Instagram to advertise one of her beauty products. Omolabake Fasogbon writes that the CEO of Tiannah’s Glow is pulling all stops to get her brand to bestride the beauty world

B

old and daring Toyin Lawani is one that can be comfortably described as a jack of all trades, but a master in all. The University of Lagos English graduate is an emperor, controlling not less than 20 businesses in her palace. The single mother of two, now three, following recent adoption of her staff ’s son, has always been on the lookout list of the soft media. She recently occupies the mind with a mind-blowing revealing picture that has since been generating mixed reactions.

In her post on Instragam , the 37year- old beautician dared the local norms as she went completely topless to reveal the upper half of her body.

In the picture, the ex-Police Commissioner ’s daughter who soaked herself in the bathtub with her breast exposed, using her hands to shade her nipple, tried to direct attention to a beauty product that she flaunts lightly between her boobs.

Perhaps, nudity, which seems to be the trending marketing strategy, is attracting favourable feedbacks for enterprises, hence, the entrepreneur ’s vision, who for her business zeal, may also want to give the strategy a try, especially as her greatest challenge remains her competitors as she once disclosed.

One of her followers dropped a comment on the post that her breasts were saggy. The comment did not go down well with the fashion icon who in return shared series of video showing off her figure in a seductive manner, further insisting that her breasts were firmer than that of Cardi B, the popular American rapper with large breasts.

The follow-up video yet ignited another heat that filled the airways but she was quick to reply that she posted it to smite a follower who said her breast was saggy.

“Due to the comments @chinnysblogng made on my previous post, went on her page only to read some funny comments about their mother ’s breast falling due to the fact that I compressed my breast in the picture for the @tiannahsGlowProducts promo shoot, Cardi Breast Sef no stand reach my own,” Toyin wrote A woman like a man, Toyin who indeed knows her onions, has been a blessing to many souls by virtue of her hard work and commitment to her calling.

Born into the family of Lawani of Ekiti State, Toyin says entrepreneurship runs in her blood as her mother and grandmother were also business gurus who ruled during their time.

She is at present calling the shots in her respective domains which are not limited to fashion, beauty modelling, film, photography, food, tourism and interior decoration. The list goes endlessly as she is the type that sees business in every opportunity that comes her way.

12

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

COMMENTARY

IS DALUNG BEYOND REPROACH? On balance the answer is no, writes Fred Edoreh

W

hile Nigerians are celebrating that the federal government averted FIFA s suspension of the Nigeria Football Federation, the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, is seemingly upstaging the Presidency on its intervention, insisting that the crisis can only be resolved through the regular courts of Nigeria and his Elders Stakeholders Reconciliation committee.

To stave off the ousting of our national teams, club sides and players from all engagements and transactions in international football, the Presidency communicated with FIFA to affirm its recognition of the Amaju Pinnick Executive Committee, assuring the protection of its access and control of the secretariat in observation of the treaty which Nigeria signed to become a member, while it monitors the cases in court.

However, Solomon Dalung has, in a public statement, described the action of the Vice- President who led the negotiations with FIFA, in his capacity as Acting President, as merely an “opinion of men” and impudently against the rule of law, with suggestions that he lacks the knowledge, experience and competence to so intervene.

“The intervention of the Vice-President should not be viewed as different from an attempt to abate an escalating situation. As a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, who took oath of office to protect and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will prefer to stand with the Rule of Law instead of the opinion of men. This administration was elected on the change mantra meaning that impunity has no accommodation anywhere,” Dalung charged in the statement.

While the Presidency wrote at about last Friday through the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff to inform FIFA of its intervention to meet the August 20 ultimatum, the minister apparently countered it with another letter to FIFA, insisting on effecting a non-existent supreme court judgment and asking for 21 days extension for the Elders Committee to complete its work.

His reminder of being a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court tends to contest the competence of not only Vice-President Osinbajo who was Attorney General of Lagos State but also Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation, on matters of law.

When the life span of the exparte order obtained by the Chris Giwa group to take over the NFF Secretariat elapsed by virtue of the provisions of the Civil Procedures Act, the attorney general wrote him to convey the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari on the need to respect FIFA statutes on the issue and restrain from effecting one-sided orders of court, but Dalung publicly questioned the directive, describing it as name dropping and the action of the Directorate of State Services in escorting the Pinnick board back to office in line with the directive as “excessive impunity.”

When the DSS temporarily withdrew from the NFF

IT IS CURIOUS WHY DALUNG HAS REMAINED INDIGNANT TO THE FACT THAT THE GOVERNANCE OF THE NFF AND PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL CANNOT BE BY THE EXCLUSIVITY OF NIGERIAN LAWS AND REGULAR COURTS BUT WITH CONVERGENCE WITH THE STATUTES AND CODE OF ETHICS OF THE WORLD FOOTBALL GOVERNING BODY

Secretariat on Wednesday, August 8, the Giwa group got police escort to chase out the Pinnick board and took over.

They were however dislodged the very next day as the DSS returned to restore the Pinnick board.

Seeing that the congress of the Nigeria Football Federation, CAF, FIFA, the Court of Arbitration for Sports as well as the Nigeria Presidency are opposed to the Giwa claim, Dalung has continued to champion the opposite direction. While he continues to trump his so-called Supreme Court judgment, the fact is that there is no such thing. The court only ordered the re-listing and expeditious hearing of the matter at the lower court. If there is, there obviously would not be any need to seek an exparte order.

It is curious why Dalung has remained indignant to the fact that the governance of the NFF and participation in international football cannot be by the exclusivity of Nigerian laws and regular courts but with convergence with the statutes and code of ethics of the world football governing body which is observed by other nations.

The back and forth and continued disregard for the position and directives of the president, the open challenge of both the action of the vice -president and the advice of the attorney general, including also seemingly pitching the police with the DSS in the process, suggests disorder in the executive arm of government, with impressions that the Presidency is unable to control its ministers or that Minister Dalung is beyond reproach.

It is suspected that Dalung s belligerent insistence on only his terms for the resolution of the crisis, is to the extent that it allows him unfettered arbitrariness in the affairs of the NFF, the leverage by which he instituted a fund raising for the Super Eagles to the World Cup without the involvement of the NFF and, so far, there has not been a full public disclosure of how much was raised and how it was applied.

The prevailing reign of conflicts under Dalung is not limited to the NFF as the Nigeria Basketball Federation and a number of other sports have also been brought into leadership disputes and strained relations with their international bodies, while he acts at whim.

The International Association of Athletics Federations, for instance, has found it strange that an overpayment of $150,000, instead of $15,000, made to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria as grant for 2017 was said to have disappeared from its Central Bank account as at when the board was not in place. Ostensibly to solve the riddle, Dalung set up a committee to investigate how the money got missing but, with no report made public, he has reportedly conferred with the IAAF that the ministry will pay back in instalments.

With so much damage being done to the sanctity and effective running of our sports federations and the image of our country and government in the comity of nations, the question for most Nigerians is: for how long shall be continue this way?

TAMBUWAL’S BIG GAMBLE Jasper Uche argues that Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State governor, is a credible candidate for the Presidency

T

he meteoric rise of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in the nation’s political firmament defies logical precision.

Although it appeared unthinkable a few years back, yet the upward mobility did not come on a platter of providence. It has been propelled by courageous steps suffused with national interest. As such, the projection of his strategic alternatives remained the guiding lamp of his coalitions and alliance-building.

Thus, his quiet diplomacy and tactical finesse naturally entrust him with a competitive edge.

A lawyer by training and politician by vocation, Tambuwal has stealthily grabbed the bull’s eyes, sometimes walking on a tight rope. At the dawn of the fourth republic, he transited from a senior legislative aide to a federal parliamentarian, which was capped with the position of Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015.

Tambuwal is not an establishment man.

He believes in the dynamism of timing and making the best of opportunities. Of course, his ideological suasion had brought him on a collision course with the powers-that-be. When the PDP godfathers wanted to enthrone a pre-determined candidate to head the Nigeria’s lower parliament in 2011, he joined forces with other progressive elements to put spanner in the works. Despite the booby traps to truncate his quest to lead the legislature, he, along with other soldiers of conscience, were ahead of the ‘enemy’s’ timetable.

He later emerged victorious in the hot and tensionsoaked contest. And throughout his tenure, the

independence of the legislature as a critical livewire for democratic consolidation was not compromised.

Tambuwal epitomizes the struggle for a new Nigeria extricated from the hamstring of pocket dictators. His obsession in public service is to always align with the informed popular sentiments.

To his credit, the lower chamber of the National Assembly, for the first time, organized public hearings in all the 360 federal constituencies to get inputs from all shades of opinions for amendment of Nigeria’s constitution. His broad-mindedness and administrative acumen endeared him to virtually all his colleagues in the federal legislature. Tambuwal parades amiable and alluring personality. His interventions in national issues are driven by patriotism and social justice.

He does not prattle or vent opinions for recognition, rather he speaks his mind, no matter whose ox is gored. His legendary coup de grace has been the habit of not joining issues with an uncritical retort. Tambuwal is cool, calculative and matured. His depth of conviction on the tenets of democracy rallies people around him. He is neither given to psychological surrender to the pomp of power nor genuflects to the plundering power of incumbency. Against all odds, Tambuwal stood behind former Governor Wamakko when he was villified by Bamaga Tukur-led PDP in 2014. So, the recent counter-rally against Tambuwal’s defection to PDP is not unexpected. Godfathers do not give up easily when they are threatened by the ambitions of their godsons.

Otherwise, they would lose political relevance with a speed of light. For sure, it is not Wamakko’s

rented crowd that will truncate Tambuwal’s ambition. Most times, mischief and jealousy from the home front strive to pluck out a rising star from its horizon. It is also natural for household enemies to do their odd jobs but thankfully, they cannot be God. After all, Obasanjo did not win in his home state in 1999, yet he became the president.

In the case of Goodluck Jonathan, his home state- Bayelsa has only eight LGAs, yet he received a pan-Nigerian mandate in 2011.

Now that Tambuwal has returned to PDP, and is interested in the presidential race, what chances does he have? Indeed, the stakes are very high. The implications of losing out the PDP ticket are better imagined. So, even if a section of Sokoto indigenes fail to vote for Tambuwal, his footprints in Nigeria’s democratic landscape will mobilize support from other parts of the country. But coming from the seat of the Caliphate and Sultan’s alleged dissatisfaction with the performance of the incumbent, Tambuwal stands a good chance. To dislodge the incumbent, PDP needs to field a candidate from the same North West senatorial zone.

The job is cut out for Tambuwal, not necessarily by ethnic balancing, cry of marginalization or ‘shoeless’ background, but by a trajectory of defending democracy and providing leadership when it matters most. Tambuwal is not only young, urbane, intelligent, and experienced, but also public-spirited, cosmopolitan in thinking and independentlyminded. He would scarcely be ‘captured’ by a cabal or ‘government-within-government’ that usually walls off successive leaders from the realities of governance. Tambuwal’s candidature does not have

a baggage of scandals. This gives him an edge over other presidential aspirants. A president that must command the respect of the international community and domestic solidarity should not be trailed by a litany of corruption cases. It is not yet proven or even alleged that Tambuwal corruptly enriched himself from the privileges he had in the corridors of power. Tambuwal is a consummate bridgebuilder. A nation that is currently under-bellied by daggers of ethnic and religious centrifugal pull needs a tested consensus facilitator. President Buhari may not have looted the public treasury but his culpable indiscretions and obvious lack of understanding of intricacies of governing a complex state like Nigeria are big minuses. Today, Tambuwal is an endangered specie because he cross-carpeted from a party he contributed to its victory less than four years ago.

Be that as it may, Nigerians are more interested in impeccable records of personalities than ideologically-bereft political parties. Why would anybody not jump ship when internal democracy is stymied by anti-democrats in a party that purports ‘change’? Why would anybody not defect when killings are going unabated and turning Nigeria to a failed state? Why would a full-bloodied Nigerian not join the trenches to leapfrog the country from unbearable levels of poverty? Why would a sane citizen fold his arms and watch the elevation of denials and blame game as state craft? My take is that PDP should present Tambuwal to Nigerians as a credible alternative. He has the guts to clean the Augean stables.

Dr. Uche wrote from Enugu

13

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

INSIGHT

Some level of honesty...

Improving Operational Efficiency of Health Insurance

T

he National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was designed to ensure that healthcare services are available to Nigerians whenever such services are needed. It is an attempt to make healthcare available whenever needed irrespective of how much money the individual has in his pocket. The individual (enrollee) who has subscribed to the scheme and the hospitals/clinics (healthcare providers) rendering the services are stakeholders. The Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) that serve as the link between the NHIS, healthcare providers and enrollees are also key stakeholders. While the idea of a National Health Insurance Scheme is a noble one, it is characterised by some operational challenges.

A major operational challenge of the scheme is the fact that some HMOs go as far as inflating the number of registered enrollees under their care and at the end of the day, make false claims for capitation from the NHIS. The NHIS has not hidden the fact that it has removed thousands of ghost enrollees from the scheme. Clearly, the nation has lost billions of naira through this manipulative inflation of the number of enrollees. The scarce resources spent on the ghost enrollees would have actually been used to improve the quality of healthcare given to the real enrollees. The persons who enrolled these ghosts into the scheme should be decisively dealt with as a deterrent to others who are planning such destructive act. Criminal prosecution and stronger penalties in the NHIS Act will serve as good deterrents. It is recommended that registration with the NHIS or private health insurance should be linked with the Bank Verification Number (BVN) system and National Identity Management System.

Another operational challenge of the health insurance scheme is the fact that some HMOs withhold funds due to healthcare providers. Previously, the scheme pays HMOs three months capitation upfront and the HMOs are expected to ensure timely payment to the healthcare provider in order to facilitate timely and qualitative delivery of healthcare service to the enrollee. However, sometimes, the healthcare providers are unable to receive their pay from the HMOs in a timely manner despite the fact that they have already rendered healthcare services to the enrollees. Currently, the prepayment period has been reduced to one month. It is recommended that reports of logistic challenges from healthcare providers and the HMOs should be taken seriously by the regulator and any party that is guilty of one infraction or the other should be thoroughly sanctioned.

Also, some HMOs shortchange their enrollees and offer them health benefit packages that differ from what is approved by the regulator. Enrollees have been denied basic healthcare services by healthcare providers because the contract binding the HMO and the healthcare provider does not make provision for such basic services, despite the fact that NHIS had empowered the HMOs to provide such services. When these enrollees complain that they are denied basic healthcare services that should be in their health benefit packages, the healthcare providers defend themselves by stating that such services were not covered in the existing contracts

with the HMOs. This is actually against one of the cardinal parameters of the right to life which is availability of services to attend to those who need such services. In order to checkmate this sharp practice, it is recommended that enrollees receive aggressive sensitisation on their rights and entitlements under the scheme as stated in the enrollee bill of rights. The aggressive sensitisation and information should be done by the NHIS, the HMOs, the healthcare providers, professional associations in the health sector and civil society organisations working in the health sector.

Another operational challenge of the scheme is the issue of poor quality assurance by the HMOs to the enrollees. The HMOs are expected to provide oversight functions to ensure that qualitative services are offered to the enrollees by the healthcare providers. The HMOs are expected to investigate cases of medical malpractices and resolve queries promptly.

However, due to inefficient management practices, some HMOs are unable to carry out this very important oversight function. This has made many enrollees to lose confidence in the scheme and hence prefer to pay out-of-pocket for qualitative healthcare service despite being an enrollee of the scheme. Also, because treatment of patients under the scheme has being prepaid, some healthcare providers prefer to concentrate their services on private patients who are not enrolled in the scheme and will pay out-of-pocket. In order to address this discrimination against enrollees by healthcare providers, the HMOs are encouraged to up their game of oversight function and quality assurance.

Martins Eke, Programme Officer, Centre for Social Justice, Abuja

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

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

ASUU Not Fair to Jonathan

I

n the year 2013, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the federal government reached a workable milestone on funding for revitilisation of universities in spurts every other two years for a five-tranche duration at N200 billion per tranche. Credit to the President Goodluck administration that this commitment was met in 2013 for the initial tranche and N200 billion was duly released. My school here at Minna got N2.5 billion to fix its vexing students’ hostels and water-supply problems. In addition to this huge chunk of initial fund injection, about N23 billion was released to settle backlog of academic earned allowances. It was that good and we all looked forward to 2015 with that expectation that university education in Nigeria was being put on a sound footing.

Alas, the first sign of trouble for Jonathan and ultimately ASUU was ASUU itself because in 2014 the national leadership of this union led by Dr. Sule Kano riled against the person of Goodluck Jonathan and advised every academic to get their voters’ cards and “vote for change.”

Foolishly, everyone voted for this change and what was the first anti-university action taken by the fresh Muhammadu Buhari administration? This was the rapid-fire implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) scheme with the consequence that the N2.5 billion that my school had domiciled to commence projects was mopped-up in double-quick time.

Since then ASUU had been on a strike to grumble about non-implementation of the understanding reached with the Jonathan administration, and now into the twilight of the first term of this Buhari administration with no news about the mopped-up N200 billion that Jonathan released and with no indication that this government would release a further kobo, ASUU’s silence is deafening indeed.

Has ASUU also taken the APC’s position that the worst of Buhari is preferable to the best of Jonathan? Has ASUU really been fair to Jonathan, endorsing and tolerating Buhari and all?

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology,

14

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

NEWS

In Brief Buhari Congratulates Keita, Mnangagwa

President MuhammaduBuhari yesterdayinDauracongratulated President IbrahimBoubacar Keitaof Mali onhisre-electionvictory.Buhari also congratulated President EmmersonMnangagwaof Zimbabweonhis declarationbythecountry’sConstitutional Court asthelawful winner of the Julypresidential poll.Thepresident also said hefelicitated withmajorityof Maliansfor givingtheincumbent Keitaanother opportunityto servethem followinghisvictoryat theAugust 12,2018 presidential run-off.Astatement byMalamGarbaShehu,Senior Special Assistant to thePresident on Mediaand Publicity,said Buhari who isalso theECOWAS Chairman,urged themainchallenger,SoumailaCisseand hissupportersto abidebythe verdict of thepeopleasconfirmed bytherulingof theConstitutional Court, and cooperatewithKeitaintheinterest of thecountryinparticular and peaceand stabilityofWest Africa.Thestatement added that Buhari firmly believed that thesuccessful outcomeof theelectioninMali had further strengthened Africa’sdemocraticcredentialsbecausepeoplenow freely choosetheir leaderswithout let or hindrance.

TREM Trains 650 in Skills Acquisition

RECOGNISED FOR EXCELLENCE...

R-L: Chief Operating Officer, African Circle Pollution Management Limited, Mr. Ahmadu Fidi Ahmadu and the former President of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar shortly after the formal investiture of Ahmadu as a Fellow of NIM Chartered in Lagos...recently

I Killed My Oba to Reclaim the Throne, Says Murder Suspect Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ

A murder suspect, who was accused of killing a traditional ruler in Ekiti State, Mr. Omoniyi Ademola, yesterday disclosed that he decided to murder his king for him to reclaim the throne.

The Onise of Odo Oro, Oba Gbadebo Ogunsakin, who was enthroned in 1986, was stabbed to death in his palace on Wednesday after superintending over a council meeting in the community.

Ademola, who is in his 40s allegedly fled the town after committing the murder before being arrested in Ado Ekiti the subsequent day.

While being paraded in Ado Ekiti police headquarters on Friday, Ademola said his family had duly nominated him to take over from the late king but said the dead Oba was serving as a hindrance despite that the town had declared the vacancy .

The suspect, who was alleged to be a lunatic spoke eloquently and showed no penitence for the offence he allegedly committed.

Recounting how the incident happened, Ademola said: “The crown didn’t belong to Oba Ogunsakin because the town last year declared vacancy because of the death of our Oba. “They said our Oba was dead

and my family nominated me to take over only for him to resurface again and said he remained the Oba. “Last year December, my family nominated me and since then I have been trying to take over. That day when I got to the palace, it was the late Oba that first attacked me and I attacked him back which led to his death,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bello Ahmed dispelled the insinuation that Ademola was a lunatic, saying: “I am not a medical expert to know who is mentally unstable or not.

“But the fact remains that, how could a lunatic commit murder

and ran over 100 kilometres from the scene of the incident? So, commonsense dictates that he must have known what he was doing to have run from that town to Ado Ekiti,” he declared.

The Command also paraded 25 other suspects, who were arrested for cultism and other murder cases, including a man, Mr. Toyin Ajakaye, who allegedly hanged an Okada rider in his farm in Agbado Ekiti on Wednesday.

Speaking earlier, the CP, said his men were closing in on the killers of Mr. Bunmi Ojo , former Personal Assistant to ex-Governor Segun Oni, who was killed by unknown gunmen on August 10.

Court Frees 114 Women Asking Police Arrest Lady over for Nnamdi Kanu Attempt to Ferry Girls to An Owerri High Court in Owerri again on Thursday when counsel Ghana for Prostitution yesterday evening unconditionally to the accused women, Ejiofor Uche released the 114 women arrested while protesting and demanding the whereabouts of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

The women were arrested by the police who chzarged them before a Magistrate Court that declined jurisdiction but ordered them to be remanded in prison till legal advice was got on the matter.

The women were arraigned on Monday and brought to court

moved the motion for their bail which was not opposed as there was no police representation in court.

The bail application filed by the lead counsel to the women was not opposed, as the Police had no representation in court.

The court had after hearing the application, granted the bail application, and freed the women unconditionally and was greeted with wild jubilation

Aveon Offshore, National OilwellVarco, Partner to Deliver Egina Olt-Buoy Ugo Aliogo

AVEON Offshore has partnered with APL/NOV launch an Egina Olt- Buoy.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of Aveon Offshore, Tein George stated that executing the project required a lot of time and manpower, but the brand was proud to have completed the project at the scheduled time.

“We at Aveon Offshore continually strive for excellence by delivering top-notch services within defined project timelines.

We are a proudly safety conscious company and our amazing safety

record which remains uncompromised regardless of the nature of the project we take on and our works are fully compliant with local content requirements and the recently concluded construction of this Egina OLT- BUOY is not an exception,” Tein George stated.

The project which is a joint effort of National Oilwell Varco and Aveon offshore has proved to be safe for use after several validating test-runs.

Also speaking at the event, John Borres Sannaes expressed NOV’s utmost satisfaction working with Aveon Offshore, through the course of the project.

David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË

The police in Anambra State have arrested a lady, Amaka Adiri of No. 24 Vbioke Street, Benin City, Edo State over attempt to traffic two ladies; Gold Ebube Nwogazi and Chidera Paul to Ghana for prostitution.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Haruna Mohammed disclosed this in a press statement made available to THISDAY in Awka, yesterday.

Mohammed said, “Following intelligence report, Police Detectives attached to Oyi Division arrested one Amaka Adiri.

Suspect allegedly threatened one Gold Ebube Nwogazi, aged 21 years of Ugwunabo LGA of Abia State and seized her Bag at Awkuzu in Anambra State for refusing to follow her to Ghana for Prostitution.

“Another victim, one Chidera Paul of Umuoba Village Isiala Ngwa, Abia State was also liberated from the suspect who she equally lured for the same purpose.”

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were to pay the sum of N600,000 each to the suspect in

three months while in Ghana to regain their freedom.

Meanwhile, investigation by THISDAY reveals that the trio of Adiri, Nwogazi and Paul are prostitutes who ply their trade at Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area, but planned to relocate to Ghana after a friend told them of a booming sex trade in the country.

A source who preferred to speak under anonymity said the girls had misunderstanding, leading Adiri to seize Nwogazi’s bag.

Nwogazi the source said, however, used his connection with a SARS official at Nteje to frame up Adiri for arrest, insisting her bag was seized because she refused to join Adiri to Ghana for prostitution.

The source said, “Adiri is not a human trafficker. The girls are prostitutes, and the policemen in that area know them very well. They planned to travel to Ghana to work, but latter had misunderstanding.

“One of the girls is now using some police friends to now intimidate the other. One of the policemen who is a patron of the girls do not also want Adiri to take the girls to Ghana, so they framed her up for human trafficking.”

The Redeemed Christian Mission (TREM), Vision House has trained 650 people, both Christians and Muslims in skills acquisition.The Presiding Pastor of the Church, Rev. Maxwell Gbinije, disclosed this in Abuja at the end of the 2018 Leading Edge Conference, with the theme; ‘Seated in the Heavenlies’. He said that over the years the Church has had the cause to support people financially, but most times when the church do a follow up on people supported, sometimes the church finds out that they did nothing with the support. Against this background, rather than supporting a few people financially at this year’s conference, the church decided to organise a skill acquisition training for both Christians and Muslims and it was equally subsidised. Gbinije stressed: “The conference is getting better and better. It was a good conference by all standards. We had about 650 that participated in the skills acquisition.The training was subsidised, the church subsidised for a major part of the people. In empowerment, it is not just to pick a few people, but how many of them are really keen and interested after their training. Are they interested in what you giving to them or beyond what you are giving to them. I’m looking at it beyond just training even Christians. Amongst them we have Muslims that came for this training here.

Annual Cocoa ProductionTarget

TheCrossRiver StateGovernment hasassured that itstarget of achieving 500,000 metrictonnesof cocoaproductionannuallywaswell oncourse.

TheSpecial Adviser to theGovernor onCocoaDevelopment,Dr.Oscar Ofukadisclosed thisyesterdayinAbuja,whileupdatingjournalistson theeffortsbeingput inplacebythestategovernment ayear after it held the first international cocoa summit organised in at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.Herevealed that thestategovernment had alreadyembarked on aggressivecultivationof cocoabyacquiring300,000 hectaresof land for cocoaplanting.Ofukastated:“Thegovernor’svisionisto ensurethat wehit 500,000 metrictonnesof cocoainayear,thisisverygreat becauseNigeria asacountrypresentlyproduceslessthan300,000 metrictonnes.It isnot just growingcocoa,weareaddingvalueto cocoa,becausethegovernor hasconstructed ultra-moderncocoaprocessingindustryinthestate.On completion,theindustrywill crush30,000 metrictonnesof cocoaper annum.Our target isto ensurethat wehit thetarget and possiblyat apoint intime,overtakeCôted’Iviore,who isthehighest producer of cocoainthe continent,whileNigeriaisfourth,” hesaid.

Motailatu Holds Choir Fiesta Today

Not lessthan22 groupswill participateinthechoir fiestaof Motailatu ChurchCherubimand SeraphimWorldwide(MCCSW) todayat theinternational headquartersof thechurchonLekki-Epeexpresswayby10a.m.,with the theme ‘Praise Unlimited’. A statement by the coordinator of Sanctuary choir,Senior Leader Funso Odigie,noted that Mr.KayodeObasawill serve aschairmanof theevent.Rev.Dr.A.Akitoye-Braimohwill functionas chairpersonwhilespecial guestsincludeSpecial ApostleOduselu,Apostle Tayo Phillipsand Bishop Dr.Taiwo Ajose.Also expected isthePermanent SecretaryMinistryofHomeAffairsLagosState,Mrs.ToyinAwoseyi.Some of theinvited choirs,accordingto thestatement,includeC&S Movement SurulereDistrict,C&S Movement St.MaryDistrict;Oko-Obadistrict Zionvoices;Chapel of Christ theLight choir,CAN EpeMasschoir and CAN Agbado Oke-Odo masschoir,amongothers.

Pa Adedapo Adeniran Passes on at 94

Thedeathhasbeenannounced of PaAdedapo AderibigbeAdeniran.A distinguished lawyer,PaAdeniranpassed onpeacefullyinLagosat the ageof 94.Hewaswithfamilymembersincludinghiswife,Dr.Florence AbiolaAdeniran–NeeMartins,88,whenhepassed on.PaAdeniranwas anaccomplished legal practitioner,prolificwriter and classical historian.

Inastatement confirmingthedeathof theeminent Nigerian,hisdaughter, OyinadeAdeniran-Elliot,said,“Our beloved father,Adedapo A.Adeniran slept intheLord onSaturday11thAugust,2018.We,theimmediatefamily, areplanningabefittingfuneral whichwill befollowed byareceptionin honourofhim.Tothisend,weintendtocompiletributesfromfriends,family colleagues,acquaintancesand all thosewhoseliveshetouched duringhis lifetime.” Until thetimeof hisdeath,hewasadevoted member of KingsCollegeLagosOld BoysAssociation,withtheinterest of theschool verymuch at hisheart.“Auniquesoul,helived afruitful lifeand will begreatlymissed bymanysegmentsof thesociety,whomheinspired withhisinfectious personality,stellar career,thought provokingwritingsand opinions.

COP Holds Children Harvest

Church of the Pentecost, Anglican Communion, Festac Town, Lagos , has said it would, tomorrow hold its annual Harvest for the Young People in celebration of gratitude to God for His blessings and protection. Speaking about the harvest, the Vicar of the Church, Ven. Israel Owoyele, noted that the theme of the thanksgiving is ‘Harvest of Divine Help’, pointing out that it is in the gratitude for past helps that more blessings is guaranteed. He called on parishioners and indeed mankind to always set out time to appreciate God for His manifold mercies. The service, which will take place in the Church, will be followed with a Love Feast by parishioners and invited guests.

15

T H I S D AY Ëž SATURDAY AUGUST 25, 2018

A Matriarch Turns 90

CHIEF (MRS) SUZANNE NWABUJE ELUMELU On behalf of the Government and good people of Delta State, I heartily rejoice with you and the entire Elumelu clan on the joyous occasion of your 90th birthday.

God deserves all the praise for keeping you in such good health, strength and sound mind at the age of 90. As a State, we are thankful for your exemplary

life and the children you raised who are high achievers and leading lights in their respective ďŹ elds of human endeavour.

As you join the unique club of nonagenarians today, I pray for God's mercy and grace to continually abound unto you.

Have a wonderful birthday celebration.

Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa Governor, Delta State

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

16

NEWS

Hundreds Rendered Homeless as Flood Ravages Kaduna Metropolis John Shiklam in Kaduna

Hundreds of families have been rendered homeless in some suburbs of Kaduna metropolis following a torrential rain that led to flooding.

Many houses were submerged as a result of the heavy downpour which started on Thursday evening till the early hours of Friday.

Communities worst hit by the disaster include: Ungwa-Romi, Kigo Road, Barnawa, Kudenda, Karatudu, Narayi, Ungwa-Rimi, Gonin-Gora, the Federal Cooperative School, Kawo, Ramat Road and Bachama Road.

The development forced hundreds of people from their homes to take refuge in schools and churches.

Property worth billions of naira may have been lost to the surging rain water.

The disaster came days after warning about a possible flooding by the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA).

The two agencies had issued “flood alert to residents” especially those residing along the Kaduna River and those near flood plains.

The agencies repeatedly announced the warning on local radio stations in the city.

In some of the affected areas, residents were seen parking their belongings to residences of friends or relations in other neighbourhoods.

Some of the residents said they were not aware of the warnings.

Timothy Audu, a victim of the flooding in Romi area, said he and his family were already asleep when water started gushing into the house.

“It was around 11:30p.m., I heard some noise and I wanted to find out what was the cause of the noise, but as I stepped out of the bed, I stepped into the water.

“I managed to evacuate my family to a friend’s house. My house was completely submerged, we lost everything as we could not carry anything,” he said.

Mrs. Bulus, another victim in Romi area said, “Local government officials came here about four days ago to give us a telephone number that we should call if there is any incident of flooding. We have been calling them since yesterday and they are yet to come here.”

She said despite the warning about the flood, they couldn’t leave because they had nowhere to go.

Lamenting the incident, Yohanna Samson said, “Since the rain was falling continuously we were afraid and could not sleep well. We were awake when at about 12a.m. the water started coming into my house.

“When I came outside everywhere was covered by water. We did not sleep at all. We have been packing our load since. Yesterday I took some to my brother’s house.

Now we are still packing.”

Eexecutive Ssecretary of SEMA, Ben Kure, attributed the flood to the flooding of the Kaduna River, as well as blockage of drainages

PARTNERING WITH THE CLERGY...

L-R: Archbishop Anthony Obinna and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi shortly after Obi’s lead speech at the 2018 Provincial Seminar of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Owerri Province at the Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri...yesterday

and waterways by residents and called on them to contribute to environmental safety to avoid such disasters.

He said his agency was taking steps to provide temporary accommodations to those affected by the disaster.

“Before now, we sent warning

which we announced on radio stations on a daily basis. We also embarked on enlightenment campaigns on radio and TV on the possibility flood and we told those living at river banks and water ways to vacate.

“In our interaction with some of those affected, they told us that

the flood occurred every year and “one is wont to ask why they are still living in those places and endangering their lives?”

“We visited Kawo, Ramat Road, Anguwan Rimi, Kigo Road, Gonin Gora, Karatudu, Bachama Road.

“We are working on providing temporary abode for those affected.

in Karatudu, classrooms in the secondary and primary school in the area had been given to the victims.

“We intend to provide mattresses and blankets. We are trying to take a head count of those affected and begin to make quick response,” Kure said.

I Won’t Impose My Son as Makarfi: PDP Has Capacity to Youth Party Election Primaries to Governor, Says Ibrahim Idris Handle Challenges of Defection Hold Next Month Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja The former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris has denied report making the rounds that he wanted to impose his son Alhaji Abubakar Idris as the next governor of Kogi State.

He described the report as spurious, wicked and satanic.

In a press statement issued yesterday which a copy was made available to THISDAY in Lokoja, the former governor noted that no amount of distraction would distract him from leading a credible opposition that would return the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take over government in Kogi State.

In the statement he described the negative report as one that would not distract him, adding that the sponsors of the write up had failed in their bid at blackmailing him.

He disclosed that he was too focused to be distracted.

According to the statement, “Alhaji Idris is a successful businessman and respected politician with tremendous respect for democratic ethos, dialogue and team work, credentials that set aside his nine years in public office for unequalled peace, cohesion and development in the state.”

The statement went further to state that “Alhaji Idris is a responsible father who through the grace of Allah has withheld nothing from the training of his heirs, children, and his vast dependents, believes in giving them the best education possible to earn them a good start in life and to be able to hold their

own anywhere and at any time.

“Certainly, I do not believe in close-circuiting or abridging the process to fast track success for anyone.

Part of the statement reads: “The former governor does not believe in imposition of candidates, nor does he have power to impose his choices on others. He has repeatedly cautioned against it as an unjust practice and has consistently been working along with other leaders to provide a level playing ground for all PDP aspirants in the state. This is his vow to the people.

“As a major stakeholder in the party, many aspirants have without doubts, consulted me about their ambitions. I wished to assure all aspirants and indeed members of the PDP that I have no preferred candidates whether such are my biological, political or foster sons anointed for any of the offices. The task of rescuing our fatherland from bad leadership cannot be a family affair. Rather, it is a task for all and must be discharged selflessly.”

The statement described those behind the reports as harboring intentions that are not noble, with the former governor denying categorically that he was not part and would not be part of any treachery to impose candidates on the electorate.

The statement described the reports as untrue, evil and does not represent the thinking of Alhaji Idris. We therefore urge the good people of Kogi State, PDP members and all lovers of freedom to disregard and dismiss same as concoctions from the pit of hell.

James Sowole ÓØ ÕßÜÏ

The former National Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi yesterday agreed that the recent influx of many notable politicians into the party was a challenge that would be adequately tackled by the party leadership.

Makarfi, a presidential aspirant of the party stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital while speaking with journalists after meeting with state delegates.

The presidential aspirant noted that the party would continue to welcome more people into the party in the spirit of freedom of association.

“There is nothing in this life that has advantage which does not also have its disadvantages.

The influx of the people into the PDP posed some challenges but the leadership of the party will handle the challenges.

“Our party needs new members and we appreciate the defection of some members and we appreciate the defection of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into our party, but this may come with its own challenges as many of them may also signify intention to contest for political offices. However, the leadership of the party has the wisdom to handle such situation and we won’t allow it to divide us,” Makarfi said.

He said the impeachment of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki would not be possible because it would be difficult to get the required number of senators to vote for his

impeachment.

According to Makarfi, those who were crying about the impeachment, did not know the provisions of the constitution.

“I am not surprised with their actions; it shows their ignorance about the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the constitution is clear about that. If they are familiar with the constitution they will know that they lack the legal powers to impeach the Senate president. I am sure they cannot have the two third majority which the constitution requires for the impeachment of the Senate president. Our members in the Senate are intelligent people who will not give lawlessness a place in the senate.

“The constitution is very clear on the matter and whatever anybody is saying cannot change the provisions of the constitution,” Makarfi said.

The presidential aspirant, who is the former governor of Kaduna State, urged the delegates to consider the performances of all aspirants when voting during forthcoming primary of the party.

He said with the successful handling of the party during the last turbulence when the party was unnecessarily factionalised, he had garnered enough experiences to handle challenges confronting Nigeria.

Makarfi said he rose in support of restructuring when he was the caretaker chairman of the PDP stating that he still believed on the need to restructure various aspects of Nigeria’s polity.

Bennett Oghifo Youth Party, one of the political parties registered recently by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will conduct its Primary Elections next month in preparation for the 2019 general elections.

The Party’s National Organising Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, announced that in conformity with the INEC Guidelines on the conduct of party primaries, the Youth Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has issued guidelines for the conduct of the Party’s primaries, according to a statement, yesterday, by National Publicity Secretary, Ms. Ilamosi Ekenimoh.

The Schedule for the party’s primary elections is as follows: Sale of Forms 20th August – 1st September; Screening 27th August – 3rd September; Appeals 27th August – 5th September; State House of Assembly Primaries 25th September; House of Reps. and Senate Primaries 26th September; Governorship Primaries 27th September; and Presidential Primary 28th September.

The statement said the Party had made Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms available at the National Secretariat and State Offices from August 20 – September 1, 2018.

The following are the fees: Expression of Interest for Presidential position costs N200,000, while the nomination form is N2 million; Governorship position is N100,000 and N1 million; Senate is N80,000 and N800,000; Reps is N40,000 and N400,000; member, state house of assembly is N20,000 and N200,000;

and member, FCT, Area Council is N2,500 for Expression of Interest and N25,000 for nomination form.

According to the statement, the Youth Party primaries guideline and further information are available on the Party’s website: www. youthpartyng.com.

Adeniyi further stated that “the primaries would be conducted on the basis of One Member One Vote (OMOV); no delegates or super delegates. All party members are entitled to vote. Our Nomination Forms are affordable. Voting will be innovative and convenient as we are adopting electronic means: online and SMS. It will be secured, monitored by candidates and INEC, and secret as required by the law. The guidelines for the primaries are open and accessible for transparency. The members’ list/voters list for each constituency or elective position will be available to all aspirants without discrimination.

He maintained that the Party is committed to expanding the democratic space by providing a level playing field for all aspirants on its platform.”

He said, “Anyone who aspired to contest in a free and fair primaries should join the Party at www.youthpartyng. com/join-movement/.

“Likewise, persons interested in voting for a candidate of their choice in a party primaries without fear or favour, are encouraged to join the Party. The Party preaches transparent political leadership and followership that frowns at money politics, bribery, violence, ‘anyhowness’, ‘short termism’, repression and corruption.

Plus

GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND FASHION FILE SHOWBIZFLAIR

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

Princess Vicky I Grew Up Learning How to Work with My Hands, Going to the Farm and Hawking

pg. 20

Ibironke Alaba I Hawked Eggs on the Streets of Surulere

Kayode Fayemi

I Wasn’t Born with Silver Spoon but Had Comfortable Upbringing

pg. 22

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 25, 2018

PLUS

I Wasn’t Born with Silver Spoon but Had Comfortable Upbringing His outlook of service to humanity comes from his upbringing by a father who took time to explain why the punishment he gave was well deserved and an equally loving mother that ‘shoots from the hip’. That’s Kayode Fayemi, the governor-elect of Ekiti State. He received more lessons in self-discipline and service to humanity when he was a Mass Server in the Catholic Church in Ibadan as a kid. Fayemi tells Bennett Oghifo the story of his life in a manner that will leave many asking for more

I was Mass Server in Catholic Church Between Age 7 and 10

W

here did you spend your formative years?

I spent my formative years in Ibadan.

I was born in Ibadan at Adeoyo General Hospital. My parents were in Ibadan- my father was a civil servant in the defunct Western Region while my mother was a trader. I grew up in Ibadan and went to school there.

I spent my first 10 years in Ibadan and then got posted to Ekiti, to Christ School for my secondary education.

What was it like growing up in Ibadan at that time?

Oh, Ibadan was beautiful; you know it was a civil service city, well it wasn’t exclusively civil service but the part of Ibadan I grew up in was a civil service place. I actually lived in Agodi, I went to Ibadan City Council Primary School in Agodi, which is not very far from the governor’s lodge and the secretariat at the time. My father worked in the Ministry of Information, but then got posted to different ministries because he was Chief Press Officer to various ministers and commissioners, as they used to call them at the time. I had a strong Catholic upbringing; I was a Mass Server in the Catholic Church. So, I basically grew up in the ‘wild wild west’ Ibadan.

Can we say you were born with a silver spoon?

Not really, but I had a comfortable upbringing. I was the last child in my house- we were six- and I had sisters ahead of me. So, you could say I grew up almost on my own. I was bookish, because of the nature of my father’s job, newspapers were all over my house and from the age of four/five, I had started reading newspapers, I developed a very close relationship with my environment.

At that time we used to have a lot of all these old newspapers- Morning Post, Daily Sketch, Tribune, Daily Times, and the Readers Digest- it was almost manda-

tory to read. I guess that really informed my taking to journalism and academy in my post-graduation years.

How did the Catholic background shape your life?

I was a Mass Server in the Catholic Church between seven and 10 years, and at that time we had a white Bishop, called Bishop Richard Finn, and he was succeeded by the very first Nigerian Catholic Bishop in Ibadan, known as Bishop Alaba Adeosin Job, who retired recently; he was the metropolitan Bishop of Ibadan Dioceses, one of the most senior Bishops in the Catholic Church.

Discipline is the first thing that you take away from being a Mass Server in the Catholic Church, of course, after the faith, I mean- your training, the catechisms, all the rendition of the liturgy. The idea of service is almost synonymous with the Catholic Church- you go for Mass 6am and to prepare for 6am Mass, you have to be up by 5am or even earlier. You prepare and get ready all the chalices, the Altar, the cassocks for the Reverend Father. It was a very regimented lifestyle, so to speak, and you get inducted into a way of life. It was not just superficially religious but also spiritual, also service oriented and I believe that there are still some things I cannot bring myself to do now that I am even no longer a Mass Server in the Catholic Church; you would have to cast your mind back and ask what would Father say about this. I believe that is almost synonymous with anyone who had that kind of upbringing, even if you don’t go to church that training stays with you all through and you know it’s not the noisy religiosity of Pentecostalism, it’s more solemn, businesslike- max 40 minutes the Mass is over. For me, up till now, the idea of staying, sitting in a church for three hours is a problem, because I didn’t grow up in that kind of environment.

Why did your father send you to Ado Ekiti for secondary school?

Two things; first the period coincided

when I was governor I had to just, reluctantly, move my mother out of her home to government house because she was becoming a major wahala for me in a nice way because I will go and see her at my parents’ house in my village and my mother would say to me ‘ok, welcome how are you, and naturally, my security would come to either greet her and my mother would say when you come to this house you know you’re not governor; drop your governor at the gate. Here you’re still my son, and by the way, I have a pile of CV here; you know, this one you have to give him a job because he was praying throughout the time you were struggling to become governor, and this other one is the child of my friend in that village Fayemi

AUGUST 25 , 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS My Wife Could be Very Argumentative…So, Our Home in Those Early Days Could be Quite Stormy with the creation of states and Ondo State was created out of the Western states and my father had to relocate to Akure at the time. But even before then, Christ School was The School in our own part of Nigeria and one of the best in the country. So, it wasn’t surprising for parents to, if you like, post their children back to Christ School, because most Ekiti parents probably went through Christ School or would have loved to go through Christ School but didn’t have the opportunity to do so, when there were growing up, and had made a pact with themselves that once I have the opportunity my children will go to Christ School. All my sisters, by the way, went to school in Ibadan- St. Anne’s, ST. Theresa’s, and St. Louis- these were all Catholic schools in Ibadan. Then, it was always natural for my father; going back home, which school do I send him to? It was Christ School and in Christ School it was almost as regimented as my upbringing anyway. We used to pray 12 times in a day in Christ School, starting with morning devotion at 6am.

Where did you go after Christ School?

From Christ School, I went to do my A Levels at Federal School of Arts and Science, in Ondo. There was one in Ondo at the time, but I don’t think it is still there now. I finished my HSC there and came straight to the University of Lagos for my first degree in History of Political Science.

Not related to media, what happened?

By that time actually, I even thought I was going to be more related to law. I was secretary of the Press Club at Federal School of Arts and Science, media is a passion, more or less, for me, but as a course, I never really thought of applying because I knew at that time that I could still be involved in the media without necessarily studying Mass Communication or Journalism. I was all through my years in the University of Lagos I was lucky I had great mentors. It was around the time I was at the University of Lagos that The Guardian started, so I was more like freelance reporter in The Guardian. I had great mentors like Sonala Olumhense, Odia Ofeimum, Uncle Yemi Ogunbiyi. When I finished and went to serve, I also was a correspondent for The Guardian. It was when I finished my Youth Service that I came to The Guardian, in fact, Debo (Adesina), Paul Nwabuikwu, and a couple of us started on the same day at The Guardian, but then I didn’t stay. Sonala was starting a new paper, so I followed him, with others like Chidi Nwakanma, among others.

Tell us about your mother Hey! My mother, the fiery disciplinarian. My father was slow burning, and growing up, I knew my father to be a very deliberate person. Even when you had done something wrong, my father’s reaction was never immediate; you’ll get your punishment at 5am the next morning; woken up, told the offence and then your strokes of the cane would come. So, you had no confusion about what you had done and why you were being punished. But my mother was not like that; my mother was very impulsive.

If you offend her, and she was in the kitchen, she can take the mortar, right from pounding yam, the cooking spoon and haul it at you. So, you have to take my mother in small doses. But we were lucky; my mother was more out than in, because she was a trader, she had to go out to her shop. She will leave the home very early in the morning and come back very late. My father was more at home; my father had a very strict regime, 7AM out and 3:30PM he was back. We knew when he was coming in with his car horn, even if you’re playing any hanky panky, you got out of it and behave in a prime and proper way by the time he got to the house. He was more at home and

Fayemi, his wife, Erelu Bisi and son

much more able to look after us. But my mother was a very passionate and loving mother, and up to the time I was governor, my mother never really saw me as such.

My parents are dead, my dad died in 2009 just before I became governor, my mom died about three years after in 2012.

So, they both passed on and when I was governor I had to just, reluctantly, move my mother out of her home to government house because she was becoming a major wahala for me in a nice way because I will go and see her at my parents’ house in my village and my mother would say to me ‘ok, welcome how are you, and naturally, my security would come to either greet her and my mother would say when you come to this house you know you’re not governor; drop your governor at the gate.

Here you’re still my son, and by the way, I have a pile of CV here; you know, this one you have to give him a job because he was praying throughout the time you were struggling to become governor, and this other one is the child of my friend in that village. And I told her, you cannot be collecting people’s CV, do you know if I have place for them or not? And she would say, what are you saying? You must find space for everybody, or are you not governor of all? I was close to her, understandably being the last child and the only male child.

When did you leave journalism?

I never believe I left journalism. After Temple, I went back to University of Ife for my Masters in International Relations, and Temple also struggled. It was tough to start a newspaper in those days; we started as a weekly and operated out of Toyin Street in Ikeja, from SO’s house in Ajanakun in Opebi. We were young dynamic very well driven journalists, Azuka, Molokwo, myself, Chido Nwankama, Robert Ogbuagu Anikwe, Jackson Ekugo; there quite a number of us. So, I left and went to do my masters and when I finished my masters, I then worked in development and management consulting, headed by one Dr. Tosho Oguniyi who used to be a top shot in Daily Times in those days. And then I left to the United Kingdom to do my PhD. What’s your link with Ghana?

Well, I had lived in Ghana for the better part of the last 15 years. I went there when I was leaving England, after the demise of General Abacha- democracy return in 1999, in 2000 I came back, but my family settled

in Ghana, because my wife was Head of the African Women Development Fund.

So, we felt it was better for our son to be with the mom in Ghana, because it was a much more settled environment, at the time, than Nigeria, so I was shuttling. My wife was in Ghana from 2000 to the time I became governor in 2010. In fact, we still have a home there, so that is the Ghana connection. Ghana was also an active place for me in the days of our struggle, when I couldn’t come to Nigeria, we had an operational base in Ghana- some of our operations like Radio Kudirat.

When did you meet your wife, how old were you and how did it happen?

Actually, when I met my wife, I was 22 years old. We met in the library in Ife. I had my first degree at 20 years and I was doing my Masters degree at 22 years. I was a graduate student in International Relations and my wife was a graduate student in History but she was taking some courses in International Relations.

We had joint courses, and I kind of knew of her in class and we related from a distance but then on this fortuitous occasion I was in the library and she was in the library and she needed a library card to borrow some books she wanted to use for an assignment, because she had forgotten her library card, and I came to her rescue and, as they say, the story developed from there.

How old were you when the marriage actually took place?

I married at 24 years. We were both in England; we arranged to go to England and in fact, she went ahead of me.

What attracted you to your wife?

If you know my wife, you’ll know that she is very intelligent, quite attractive and pretty. We connected at an intellectual level first; I said we met in the library.

For me, I cannot really connect to anyone if I can’t connect at that level. So, it can’t be the sheer beauty of a woman or attractiveness in the dressing or makeup or mannerism- it has to be something deeper, and I think that happened at the very first level. My wife could be very argumentative; she is very passionate about her beliefs and her views and she expresses them in a very convincing manner. So, our home in those early days, could be quite stormy. We were both young and we could argue from here till tomorrow morning, and then our

house also became the centre of not just intellectual engagement, but also political struggle. So, all of our friends would gather in our one-bedroom flat where we were doing all of our political work. We had a newspaper called Nigeria Now, a very popular newspaper in the UK at the time and we producing it from there- a couple of us, my late friend, Tejudeen Abdurahman, Olu Oguibe, who is now a Professor in the United States, and Tayo Oke, among others, were involved in our pro-democracy work at the time. So, that must have made an impression on me.

She is very bright, very passionate, she is an unapologetic feminist.

Are these attractions still aglow?

Yes, absolutely. She is still very bright; you only need to listen to her to know that she is. That often gets me into trouble in politics, because when you’re a political leader you are supposed to have a sedate, quiet wife who is only seen and not heard. I wasn’t fortunate to have that kind of wife and my people can be quite conservative, even though we are welleducated in Ekiti, some found my wife challenging when I was governor because she was very resolute in pursuing causes she believed in and she spoke loudly, she didn’t speak in whispers.

Looking at your life and your career, there should be some indelible high points and low points High points? It was when we had our son. I think it is something that happens to you when you reproduced yourself.

It puts you on a certain high and I was there (during delivery), I was in the theatre throughout her labour and when the child was brought out. It makes you appreciate life a lot more. That is certainly a high. Another high, you don’t wish anyone dead, but I’m afraid I must admit that it was some kind of high when General Abacha died, for me, because it opened up vistas of opportunity for peace, for freedom and for a return to democracy in our country, because one of the really low points, for me, was also connected to the Abacha regime. I was declared personal non-grata by that government and almost got arrested at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, bringing in ‘contraband items’, the radio transmitters that we originally used for Radio Freedom here in Nigeria before we set up the shortwave radio outside the country.

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž AUGUST 25, 2018

PLUS

Princess Vicky Haastrup is the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, ENL Consortium Limited, the entity that manages Terminals C and D of the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa. But not many knew that Princess Haastrup, a philanthropist of repute and great supporter of women empowerment, started going to farm at age six and hawked items in both Lagos and her village to keep body and soul together. The hardworking and multi-talented wife of a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Adesuyi Haastrup, shares all of these and more with CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU and UGO ALIOGO

Princess Vicky Haastrup

I Grew Up Learning How to Work with My Hands, Going to the Farm and Hawking

21

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

PLUS My Husband Supports me in Reaching Whatever Goals I Set for Myself

T

ell us about your background?

I was born in a small village in Kwara State called Ijara-Isin, under the Isin Local Government Area, Kwara State. I belong to the Ara-oke group, an ethnic group of Yoruba speaking people. I went to primary and secondary school in Nigeria, after which I proceeded to Pitman College in London. Initially, I wanted to be a Personal Assistant; not a Secretary per se because I met a lady who was a Personal Assistant at one point and I liked the way she carried herself and I thought that was the best.

So, to do that, I went to Pitman College, London. But after that, I was not satisfied, I wanted to do a lot more, so I went to Holborn College and I studied business management. I also went to London School of Business because I wanted to enlarge my coast on how to run a business.

From the age of six, I started going to the farm; I was living with my aunt because my parents were not living in the village at the time. I was the only child of my mother, not my father. My father was almost 70 years old when I was born and he died at the age of 120 years.

So when you have a father that is that old, you can imagine what it is. People say I have the wisdom of an older person because my father was old when I was born. He was almost 40 years older than my mother. I lived with my aunt during my early years, I will go to the farm as early as 4a.m and that was what made me the woman I am today. I saw farming with my aunt in the village as a lifestyle that actually helped me to imbibed hard work, because she was a very hardworking woman.

My aunt gets to the farm before anybody. Her sense of entrepreneurship was second to none in the village and I grew up with her. I went to high school at a neighbouring village called Igbomile Grammar School. I grew up learning how to work with my hands, going to farm. After faming, I go hawking in the village. My background really helped me to be the woman I am today. So, I was used to working hard from my childhood so to speak. So tell me how such a person will not want to work. It is something I was born and grew up with.

How did you meet your husband?

My husband is a wonderful man, who encouraged me to be the woman I am today. I will give him the praise for supporting me. Some men for whatever reasons, they choose not to support their wives to work. But my husband is quite different from other men. He supported me in reaching whatever goals I set for myself. He tells me the sky is my limit that whatever I want to do, he will give me his support; and of course me being on this seat today, he is the main reason beside God. What attracted you to him?

What attracted me to him basically was his gentle deposition to life. He is a man of few words. When you look at Prince Haastrup and me, people say ‘how does he cope with this woman’ because I am more a chatterbox, I talk more, while he is a man of few words.

We are so different in attitudes, but that complements us because if your home is too quiet, it will not be interesting. I am an outgoing person, I talk more. What I like about him is his ability to listen.

When I want to talk, he will listen to me and offer his advice. He will let me do whatever I want to do. He will also allow me to make my mistakes. He will not just condemn me. Most times, he lets me make my mistakes; he sees it as a part of learning.

Are you involved in women empowerment programmes given your

Haastrup

success story?

I am just about to start that because it is becoming very obvious to me that women in businesses must also empower other people especially the younger ones that are coming behind us. It is important that we encourage them and let them know that it is time for Nigerian women to rise up and put themselves in strategic positions in all sectors of the economy. There is nothing a woman cannot achieve; as a matter of fact, I think we can do much more. In Nigeria, we have very few women, either as ministers or permanent secretaries or directors in government. But I think that is not fair.

Women at the end of the day need to be encouraged. We were the ones that carried the men in our tummy. Have you ever seen a man who existed without a woman carrying him in her womb? So, why that discrimination against women?

Why are we doing gender consideration when it comes to appointing people into positions of authority in Nigeria? Back to the question you asked me, I have an NGO that is tailored towards helping the artisans in Nigeria, particularly from Kwara State, because it is not everybody that can get education. We have a lot of young men and women out there who are hawking. Like I said, I also hawked at one point, in the village and in Lagos.

So, when I look at them, some of them might be able to get education, some of them might be intelligent enough but did not have the opportunities. For people who couldn’t get education, they could be electricians, they could be plumbers, hair dressers, dress makers, and soap makers. They could do all sorts of things and I tell you all of these areas are what individuals with higher degrees are doing nowadays.

There are individuals who qualify as lawyers, but you see them not practising. You see some of them producing perfumes and packaging them. I know of an individual who makes natural healthy snacks and she is making good income from it. She also studied in England.

What I am saying in essence is that I need to put a lot back and sow into the lives of women being a woman and a strong woman for that matter.

Having achieved what I am today by the grace of God, I need to be able to touch the lives of other women. I need to empower other women, I need to encourage them and pass the baton over to them. I need to encourage them that if I can be what I am today, any woman

It is ripe to have a female Nigerian President. It is more than ripe. The men in Nigeria have tried it and they failed. Maybe, they should give a woman a chance to become president of this country.

When Hilary Clinton wanted to be President of America, when they looked at it from statistics, the women that voted for Donald Trump, were more than the number that voted Hilary. We women are enemies of ourselves everywhere in the world and that is why we are still lagging behind. We are supposed to support each other and that is what we don’t do can do likewise. I am mentoring a lot of women. I am a motivational speaker at women conferences to encourage women and beyond that I am matron to Women In Clearing and Forwarding, Women In Logistics and Transports, and a lot of women organisations look up to me for mentorship.

You operate in male dominated business. How have you been able to weather the storm or do you feel intimated sometimes?

Why should I feel intimidated? No man can intimated me no matter who you are? I can stand before anybody, I am like a biblical word that says if you are diligent in your works, you can stand before kings and princes; that is who I am. I have spoken before former President Jonathan at a maritime retreat inside the Aso Villa. I can stand boldly before any president and tell him the truth he needs to hear. People appear before the President and tell him lies. But in my own case, I told Mr. President that everybody that had spoken at the conference had not told him the truth. I told him what he needed to hear and I did exactly that. I am bold and courageous. I am not afraid to speak the truth; anybody who knows me knows that. This is why they call me Margaret Thatcher of the maritime industry because at meetings I speak my mind, I don’t care even if you get angry with me.

But the fact is that if the truth is not spoken, things cannot get solved. We need to be bold and courageous. If dockworkers could not intimidate me and make me run away, no one else can.

I inherited over 5,000 dockworkers; then, who else can intimidate me?. If you can deal with dockworkers, you can deal with anybody in Nigeria. Dockworkers today in Nigeria call me their mother, but it was tough. So today, they call me ‘dockworkers mother’. I am their mother in Nigeria and they are happy. When they are angry, I treat them like my children. At one point, they threatened to kill me, if I didn’t go away and I said to them that they cannot kill me because I have a job to do which government has given me to do and I will do it. So I tell them if you don’t fall in, you will fall out.

Why should I be afraid of men? Are they not human beings? They are not more intelligent than women.

Do you think it is ripe to have a female president?

Yes it is ripe to have a female Nigerian President. It is more than ripe. The men in Nigeria have tried it and they failed. Maybe, they should give a woman a chance to become president of this country. When Hilary Clinton wanted to be President of America, when they looked at it from statistics, the women that voted for Donald Trump, were more than the number that voted Hilary. We women are enemies of ourselves everywhere in the world and that is why we are still lagging behind. We are supposed to support each other and that is what we don’t do.

Women need to rise up to this occasion and support each other. We need to have a woman as President; we have not even produced a woman Governor. We had one woman who was Governor of Anambra State, who got there by chance. We need a woman voted for the job. Why do we discriminate when it comes to appointing women into positions of authority.

First, women are afraid to take part in politics. Women should not be intimidated by men. They should go out there and compete with men because we have gotten all its takes, they have intelligence; we have too; they can talk, we can too; they can shout, we can too; they can bully, we also can bully. Whatever it is that they have it is not an issue of physical strength; it is not the issue here. We are talking about being able to run a state or a country.

The Australia had a female Prime Minister. We have the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, she is doing so well. We also have the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Theresa May. The Croatian President, who drove the national football team to FIFA World Cup in Russia, is a woman. We women have to come together and invoke this spirit to encourage each other.

What are your low moments?

My low moment is when the enabling environment is not there at work. Recently, I was very low. My low moment is when things seem not to work. You want to deliver, but you cannot deliver because the enabling environment is not there, that makes me sad; because Nigeria should not be what it is. The country is blessed in every sense of it. Few years ago, Nigeria had the money to fix everything in Nigeria. We had the finance to fix roads; we had the finance to fix hospital in order to have world class hospitals in Nigeria; what did we do with the money? There are no places where we can open tap and water is gushing out. Is that not sad? In the late 70s and 80s, when we were growing up, there was pipe borne water running through our taps in Lagos. You really didn’t need to dig your own borehole.

But today, what has happened?

We all are federal government in our homes; you dig your own borehole, you have your own electricity, you do your own security. What is wrong with Nigeria? Are we getting better? What Nigeria was in 1980, see what it has become in 2018.

Should China be better than Nigeria?

China had a visionary leader who brought about change. When people are stealing Nigeria money and they are going after them, they call it intimidation. Has bribe become a way of life for us in Nigeria?

It is shameful because Nigerian children are suffering, women are suffering and pregnant women are dying, children cannot go to school and people cannot feed themselves because some people are sitting on billions of naira that belong to Nigerians. That is why I said women can make a change.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͽ, 2014

PLUS

Ibironke Alaba

I Hawked Eggs on the Streets of Surulere Bold and courageous Princess Ibironke Alaba believes diligence in whatever calling always paves the way for attaining one’s dream.

Alaba, a former Chairperson of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Ogun State chapter, shares her background and career with FEMI OGBONNIKAN

23

ͺͽ˜ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS My Low Point in Life has to Do with My Matrimonial Life. Each Time I Remember that Aspect, I Don’t Feel Good

T

ell us about your background and growing up in Lagos?

I am from a royal family of Ogundelesanmi from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State and Orugbo, in Lagos State. I am apparently a Princess. I hail from Ijebu-Ode and I also have a link with Lagos, Orugbo where my family was enthroned as king. I was actually born in Somolu but I grew up in Surulere, where I started my primary school at Elizabeth Fowler Memorial School, located at Mercy Eleni Street, Surulere and we lived in the popular Shitta area. We had a mosque and a church opposite the building. We would all go to the church and clap, while on Fridays we would all go to the mosque too. So, we had our own fun. Most of us are doing well. Some are within the shores, while others are outside the shores. So, we thank God for His mercy. I moved down to Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, for my secondary school education at Muslim Girls’ High School. After graduation from the Muslim Girls’ High School, I had a bit of delay because I was insisting on being a food technologist. I latter settled for Estate Management at the Kwara State College of Technology.

I had my OND there and came back to Lagos for one year industrial attachment with Mark Odu & Co. In actual fact, they retained me. The principal partner then, Nze Mark Odu, said he discovered some traits in me, that I am an intelligent and a versatile person. He said he was going to retain me after the one year attachment. So, because of that, I was put on a retainership and I had to look for a school within Lagos. So, I got admission at Yaba College of Technology where I did my HND. After the service year, I was absorbed back

by Mark Odu & Co. That was where I started my journey in Estate Surveying and Valuation.

What was it like growing up in Surulere?

Well, it was fun-filled. My own story is quite thrilling. I told you that my family dominated block 15. It is interesting that I was actually not living with my parents, but with my dad’s younger brother and his wife. We shared the same floor. Despite living together in the same block, I dared not go to my father’s flat. My uncle’s wife had a shop where she sold eggs and provisions. I had to hawk in the morning for her.

I would wake up by 4:00am,

take a full crate of eggs and hawk it around Surulere. I would return home again, the children would still be sleeping and I would be the one to wake them up. I knew my clients, and under one hour and 30 minutes, I would have sold every egg.

I had extra years in my primary school because of all these hard works. Even in the evening, I would still hawk provisions for her. Those were the ways I was brought up.

And incidentally, too, because my family was well-to-do, even within the block, they would be watching me because I would be the one to hawk and also be doing lessons for the younger ones at home. After going through all the hawking and the rest of it, I would still come back home to teach my younger ones. If I failed to do home chores, I would be made to carry grinding stone on my head as punishment.

I had my own share of good experience, even from my secondary school years at Ijebu-Ode. When I left primary school, I was put in a boarding and that gave me a kind of relief over all the chores and hawking I was doing in Surulere. So, I had a brief freedom at the secondary school. I was a kind person, but too strict and disciplined. So, I like things being done accordingly. Among my mates, may be because of the extra years I had in primary school, I was a bit matured, when I got admitted into the secondary school and I usually acted as if I was older than everyone. So, it assisted me a lot to be very hard working. During my secondary school, I was made the head girl. I did my beat anyone but I was tough. Even my friends were afraid of me. My seniors too would try to avoid me. My juniors were close to me because they knew that I could protect them.

When I got to Kwaratech, I looked at everybody as my younger ones. At Kwaratech, I was part of the Muslim Society.

It was from Kwaratech that I joined Rotaract Club. I became a member of the club because I tried to find out what they were doing, and I realised they are into humanitarian services.

I love those kinds of things - giving to the needy. So, I took to Yabatech, and I participated in some of these shows. I have also been a sports person. I forgot to mention that. I was particularly good in Volleyball. When I gained admission into Yabatech that was what I used to get an accommodation in one of the hostels.

Hostel accommodation was very easy for me and once you were a sport person, it was automatic.

With sports and Rotaract activities at Yabatech, I actually had fun.

While either at Kwaratech or Yabatech, did you have dates?

Aah!...I missed out. Honestly,

whenever I look back at myself, I would say, ‘Ronke, see what you have caused yourself’.

I am such a person with stringent rules. I would lay out rules like ‘I can’t befriend somebody that is within my school, within my street, within my this and within my that’. So, even in school, like I told you, I used to look at all of them as if they were not my age mates, I didn’t actually have a date, but I only remember one person there that was very much attached to me and thank God today, we are still good friends.

That was at Kwaratech. And today, when he starts his own story, I am sorry, he would want to say somebody tormented him, but we eventually became good friends. Even the same thing happened at Yabatech; people would come to me, but my look, my own ways of doing things in a very hard way scared everybody. I was just a one-way traffic.

At what age did you get married?

I got married at age 29.

The person that I married was 30 years old, then. We are just one year apart.

How did you get into a maledominated profession - Estate Surveying and Valuation?

I came across the profession by chance.

It was just coincidental that somebody just got an admission for me at Kwaratech and I was offered either Town Planning or Estate Management. But eventually, he told me that from his own research, Estate Management would make me an instant millionaire and I jumped at it. Who doesn’t want to be a millionaire? That was how I ventured into it.

As the Ogun State chairperson of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), what were the challenges you faced?

I was actually the first female chairperson of the branch. At the time, people were like, ‘it was the turn of a female to head’. Even though there were still some competitions among the men, I eventually emerged because there was an election. In fact, it was that very year that we started having elections. Before then, it was by nominations.

But we had an election in that year, we had to campaign and go round and I emerged as the winner. As a female chairman, I think, I was the second in the whole nation and the first person was just three months ahead of me, because

their own election came up sometime in January and ours came in April. It was still the same year. So, I was the second in the whole nation. I was the first female chairperson in Ogun State and second in the entire nation. My own background is work, work and work. I always have a target and I must meet up. So, once you find yourself in that profession, you would have to turn yourself to a man. Apart from that, before you can become the chairman, you would have held some positions within the trade. I have held positions of social officer, treasurer and vice-chairman. I thank God that I have a lot of achievements during my own tenure, particularly encouraging more people to be elected into the Associate cadre of the institution.

Tell us some of your high and low points in life?

God has made me to excel in my chosen career. God has given me good children.

They are doing well. God has sustained me to the level of being able to cope with all the challenges I might have faced in the world. So, I want to thank God for that.

And I want to thank my family members.

However, my low point has to do with my matrimonial life. And each time I remember that aspect, I don’t feel good because I think, may be, I made a wrong choice or something went wrong along the line and it did not work. And to my own family, they see a woman leaving her husband as taboo.

And before I could take that decision, I was suffering and suffering and I was looking at a way out. However, God paved a way and things went on smoothly.... And everybody is fine. My children are doing well. I am sure he is doing well wherever he is too.

Apart from your matrimonial life, are there other indelible challenges?

Well, may be, in the course of my profession, particularly where I work. I had a kind of story that I don’t like talking about. However, there is nothing bad about it. You see, when you are a woman and you are moving up in your career, most people would want to attribute it to, may be, she is befriending the head. May be, she is dating somebody. And when you are meant to be promoted or you have been recognised, they would want to attack you and slow things down. It happened to me where I worked before. Honestly, each time I remember that, I feel bad.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 25, 2018

POLITY Omisore

I’m in the Race to Rescue Osun State Senator Iyiola Omisore, a former deputy governor, is the candidate of the Social Democratic Party for the September 22 governorship election in Osun State. He speaks with Yinka Kolawole on why he is seeking to govern the state, his electoral chances, and how he plans to reposition Osun if elected after what he called, eight years of bad governance. Excerpts:

Y

Winning election is not about party or where you control; PDP controlled the centre and lost election in 2015, so it is not a basis for winning elections anymore.The power of winning lies with the people.The current government of APC in Osun State has been rejected by everybody, apart from being rejected members of the party are in disarray, the political space is the worst for them, the public perception about them is zero and their acceptability is poor

ou have been vying to be governor of Osun State since 2003, by implication you are the longest running governorship aspirant in the state. Why are you so persistent about becoming governor of Osun State?

I have only contested for the governorship of Osun State once in 2014. Each time I wanted to contest, there were strong reasons for me to give way for other candidates in the interest of the party and that is my strongest point today, a desperate politician would have insisted that he must run. Each time there was a collective and superior persuasion, I succumbed to the collective persuasion and that is where I am today. That has now made it compelling for well-meaning Osun State indigenes to insist that I must deliver the state from its current state of stagnancy.

Osun State is not El dorado, I am sure you know that the government of Osun State is the worst run government in Nigeria today, agreed and accepted by everybody, even government of Osun State. There is nothing interesting. In hard times like this, it is a call on men of dignity, men with experience to salvage the situation and the people from the comatose of the time.

The Bible says, ‘Whoever starts to plough and look back is not fit for the kingdom of God.’ Even God believes in consistency and determination to achieve a goal, particularly saving a race, salvaging a battered economy and bringing it back from the doldrums.

By the time you see the record of 2010 to 2018 you will pity this state, as in my manifesto and that is the propelling force compelling and other well-meaning people of Osun State, and by the time you see the array of candidates of other parties it can become so clear to you that this is actually the umpteenth time for me to deliver this state from the continuity of mis-governance and bad leadership.

Looking at the political configuration of the state, I know you are from Osun East like the incumbent governor, does the configuration favour your aspiration in terms of zoning?

Zoning is a matter of party arrangement; zoning is always part of political calculations, or political mischief or political mediocrity; who- Omisore ever wants to zone party offices to himself would look for reasons to do so. But today, Osun State is the fairest state in the country, because as we speak today Osun State is a very young state, less than 30 years old. There are three senatorial districts in this state and six zones; out of the three senatorial districts, every senatorial district has had its share of governing the state, it has gone round the three. It started from Osun West, then to Osun Central and then Osun East. At the expiration of that cycle, we will start all over again, that is from Osun Central or Osun East. So we are starting another cycle now and there are candidates from all the senatorial districts. Wherever the governor emerges from, it will mark the start of another turn, but in the three senatorial districts there are sub-zones too. For instance, in Osun East there is the Ijesha zone and the Ife zone; in the West district there is the Ede zone and Iwo zone and in the Central there is Osogbo zone and Ila zone. Since the creation of the state there have been governors from the Ede zone in the west senatorial district; governor from the Ila zone of the Central district and governor from the Ijesha zone of the East district.

If you want to go by rotation, because rotation does not allow for fairness and competition, it mortgages experience and competence, it is an easy route to go by. But if you must go by that easy route it is the turn of the Ife zone, Iwo zone and Osogbo zone to produce governor of the state. Unfortunately, for other parties they are bringing candidates from Ila zone, which has produced governor for 12 years and from Ede zone which produced the first executive governor of the state. Only SDP and other smaller parties are fielding candidates from Ife and Iwo zones and other zones that are yet to produce democratically elected governors of the state. So we are best suited for everything.

In 2014, you were the candidate of your former party, the PDP, everything looked so good, the party was in control at the federal level but your aspiration was not successful, now you are in a party that does not control the federal nor the state, how optimistic are you this time around?

Winning election is not about party or where you control; PDP controlled the centre and lost election in 2015, so it is not a basis for winning elections anymore. The power of winning lies with the

and we have gone past that stage a long time ago. The people you referred to were only trying to attract recognition from members of the public, unfortunately it didn’t work for them. people. The current government of APC in Osun State has been rejected by everybody, apart from being rejected members of the party are in disarray, the political space is the worst for them, the public perception about them is zero and their acceptability is poor.

Two, my former party, the PDP, they are in court up till now regarding their candidate and, of course, they parade the worst governorship candidate in this country since 1999; nothing like that has ever befell us in this part of the country. So the only candidate that the people are looking up to is the candidate of the SDP, Senator Iyiola Omisore. Apart from the electoral qualifications, the experience, integrity, perseverance and acceptability that I enjoy across the board makes me the candidate to beat in the state. So, we are better suited than any party. For instance, we have party chairmen in the 30 local governments and area offices in the state; we have structures in every ward and polling units of the state which we didn’t have back then in PDP at that time. We assumed we had but we didn’t have it. There is no party that is better organised than us in this state. We were out to fight APC and PDP six months ago but now that particular APC has been torn to shreds and PDP is divided across their own lines too; we are daily attracting defectors, we’re the party of destination in Osun State right now.

The primary election of SDP that produced you was controversial?

How? As it Is, the party appears to have two candidates, what really is the problem?

There is no problem in the party, I don’t know where you heard that there are issues; INEC has come out with the list of candidates for the election. Our party held only one primary election and only one candidate emerged, but if a group of people met and decided to call themselves SDP you can’t stop them, they are only known on the pages of newspapers, they are not known to the national headquarters of the party, they are not known to INEC, they are not known anywhere. The anchor of that primary was a former chairman of the party who has been suspended, he is no longer in charge of the party structure so if he is doing that it is an anomaly;

How far have you gone with reconciling aggrieved people including those defecting to your party and the ones that you mentioned that were suspended from your party in order to ensure your own success at the polls?

If you followed the Chief Olu Falae’s interview about a month ago, he said we’ve had the crisis for about five years with the chairman that was suspended, so we inherited them with their crisis, so we just need to put them by the side and focus on what we are doing. The party executive that we have in the state is half SDP and PDP so we have really not lost anything, we are a neutral body and we have spoken to everybody in SDP; we are even taking in people from both APC and PDP every day. We want to win the election so we want everybody to join us.

If today you are elected the governor of the state, how do you intend to go about settling the N175 billion debt that the state is said to owe?

That is why it is someone of my experience, character and competence that can solve the problem of the state; that is why Osun State is looking forward to Omisore to salvage them, if it is business as usual may be they won’t be desperate for a change; my motives are premised on the need to salvage the state from collapse. I have garnered enough experience from being chairman of Appropriation Committee in the Senate and as deputy governor of the state to solve the problems of fake debt that the state is said to owe. Most of the debts are inflated; they are money being taken away from the state through capital flight.

I have studied the finances of the state, the bond and I have seen how I can find my way around it; that is my formula of running the government.

The other question you ought to have asked is the issue of salaries and the payment of emoluments. I have discovered in my analysis that the salary of Osun State is less than two billion naira but the government of the day is not just geared towards paying salaries, they are more concerned with paying for over inflated contracts and suppliers; they have paid contractors who have no business in Osun State and so they continue to impoverish Osun State. Osun State funds are being taken to Lagos and beyond.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 25, 2018

POLITY

Babayemi: Osun State Must Regain its Freedom Recently, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, a Senatorial aspirant in Osun West, along with over 3,000 supporters dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defected to the Action Democratic Party (ADP). They vowed to enthrone good governance in Osun State. Femi Ogbonnikan reports

N

o fewer than 3,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently defected to the Action Democratic Party (ADP), including an Osun West Senatorial district aspirant, omooba Dotun Babayemi.

The politicians, who were drawn from across 10 local government areas of the state - Ayedaade, Ayedire, Ola-Oluwa, Irewole, Isokan, Ejigbo, Ede-North, Ede South, Egbedore and Iwo -, making Osun West district, converged on the Oke Church area of Gbongan town where they were received by the ADP leaders.

Addressing a mammoth crowd at the event, the state party chairman, Mr. Toye Akinola, described Babayemi, as a politician with distinction.

According to him, Babayemi, a Gbongan Prince, had empowered thousands of youths, men and women, whose contributions to the socio-economic development of Osun State are legendary.

Describing ADP as a political party that respects people’s opinions and places much premium on equity and justice, Akinola said that Babayemi had chosen the right party where his aspirations would be met.

The ADP chairman recalled with nostalgia, Babayemi’s various humanitarian projects, like free eye surgeries, other free health care services, scholarships and

Babayemi

essay competitions, saying that with him in ADP, maximum democracy dividends was assured for the people of Osun state.

ADP leaders, including Elder Jekayinfa, Prince Soji Ajayi and Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, described ADP as a political

party to look out for in the general elections.

They recalled their days in their previous parties where they claimed their opinions were not respected and, canvassed the need for people to support ADP for the growth and development of Osun State.

Oluomo Sunday Akere, a former Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, while speaking, noted that the state needed grassroots politicians who are familiar with the needs of the people and also know where the shoe pinches.

Akere commended the bold step taken

by Babayemi in joining the ADP train and emphasised the need for the people of Osun West district to support him and the party.

Responding after receiving the ADP flag, the Gbongan Prince explained that he had always been putting smiles on the faces of the people and pledged not to renege on his benevolence.

Babayemi, who described the ADP governorship candidate, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, as the best bet in the forthcoming September 22 election, identified justice and equity as the key factors distinguishing ADP from other parties.

He, however, implored people of voting age yet to collect their PVCs to get them and vote for Adeoti in the forthcoming governorship election.

Recalling the antecedents of the party’s flagbearer in politics, Babayemi assured

the people of Osun State of the party’s governorship candidate in taking the state to the next level, if given the needed support.

According to him, “The time is now ripe for the people of Osun State to regain their freedom from the shackles of political colonial masters.”

He, therefore, expressed his conviction that the ADP would be the next party to run the governance of Osun State.

Addressing party supporters, the ADP governorship candidate, Adeoti, appreciated the support the people of the state had been giving him since he was given the governorship ticket.

The governorship candidate, who expressed bitterness with his previous political party, APC, said that the party ignored the rights of Osun West people to the governorship seat, describing this as callousness.

He assured that the issue of modulated salary and refusal to pay pensions would soon be a thing of the past, with him as the governor.

Maintaining that Osun is blessed with several resources and fertile lands, the ADP governorship candidate said if given the support to win the forthcoming September 22 governorship election, unemployment, under-employment, hunger, high taxation, and other inhuman programmes of the present administration in Osun would be a thing of the past.

TRIBUTE

For a Father, Who Stood for All That was Good Tajudeen Ahmed

T

uesday, 21st August, 2018, which was incidentally the Eid-il-Kabir day, marked 20 years after the demise of my father, Mallam Musa Adeleke Mosobalaje Ayinde, who was simply known by friends and colleagues as M.A. Ahmed.

Born in Ilorin on February 3, 1939 to the family of Sheikh Nuhu Ahmed of ImamImale Compound, Masingba, OkemaleOkekere area and Alhaja Asmau AbdulBaaqi of Ubandawaki Compound, Pakata area, both of Ilorin;who was born in Ilorin on February 3, 1939. His homestead, the Imam-Imale scholastic and spiritual dynasty, located in the twin areas of Masingba and Koro Guruma, holds the position of Deputy Chief Imam of Ilorin till today on hereditary front.

He was a student, for 5 years, under late Sheikh Imam Muhammad Busayri Ali-Agan of Ali-Agan Compound, father and grandfather of Sheikh Imam Yakub Ali-Agan and Dr. Abubakar Ali-Agan respectively. After his father’s death in the late 1940s, he continued his education in Lagos under late Sheikh Abubakar Siddiq Kadara,an Ilorin indigene who was a top Islamic scholar at Kadara Street, Oyingbo, Ebute-Metta. Heoften sneaked out from Ebute-Metta to Dadi Alaja Street, Lagos Island, to listen to the unique recitation of the Holy Quran by our Grand ‘Baba’, the 1st Mufti of Ilorin, late Sheikh Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adabiyy, MFR, and his student, late Sheikh Ali Olukade.

After the visit of Sheikh Kadara to Ilorin following Hajj (pilgrimage) in 1956/1957, my father requested to be enrolled at the Islamic school of Sheikh Kamaludeen Al-Adabiyy in 1957. His attraction to the unique combination of Islamic and Western education compelled him, in 1958, to enroll at Ansarul-Islam Primary School, Okemale, Ilorin, simultaneously with his Islamic/ Arabic education. That year, at the ‘old age’ of 19, was the first time he attended a

Western-education-oriented school.Based on Islamic education background, his brilliance shone in primary school as he spent only 3 years, from 1958 to 1960, instead of 7 years’ duration, and graduated as best pupil at 21!

Now, at that age, most students would have had a University degree.

He attended Government Higher Teachers’ Training College (GHTTS) Ilorin, renamed as Ilorin Teachers’ College (ITC) Ilorin, but now known as Sheikh AbdulQadir College Ilorin, from 1961 to 1965. After obtaining Grade 2 Teachers’ Certificate, he was appointed Headmaster of Ansarul-Islam Primary School, Oke-Aluko, Ilorin,from January to October 1966.

Having vowed to earn a University degree before marriage, on June 12, 1971, at 32, during anera most men married at between 19 and 24,he married my mother, former Miss Baseerat Titilayo Abiola,now Alhaja B. T. Ahmed, an Awori lady from Otta, Ogun state;daughter of late Sheikh Abdul-Azeez Abiola, a famousIlaro-based producemerchant and cleric who was National President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria from 1978 to his death in January 1987. They were blessed with five children.

Similarly, on June 12 1981, he married my step-mother, former Miss Mulkah Adebisi Bello-Olukade, now Dr. (Alhaja) M. A. Ahmed, an Ilorin lady and daughter of another renowned cleric, late Sheikh Ali Olukade of Jaji Compound, Isale-Aluko area, Ilorin, who livedatShyllon Street, Palmgrove, Lagos, and who was an early disciple of Sheikh Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adabiyy.They were also blessed with five children.

He attended Abdullah Bayero College (ABC), Kano, a department of Arabic & Islamic Studies under Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, from where he graduated with a B.A. (Combined Honours) Islamic Studies& History, Second Class Upper Division, in 1970, at 31! He transited to a secondary school teacher, and was appointed as Head of Department of History, Islamic Studies and Arabic Language at illustrious schools such as Queen Elizabeth School

(QES)Ilorin, Government Secondary School (GSS) Ilorin, and Abdul-Aziz Atta Memorial College Okene (AAMCO), now in Kogi state, between 1973 and 1975.

He also obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the premier university, University of Ibadan, in 1974; and left secondary school teaching for tertiary education lecturing in 1975, when he was a Foundation Lecturer (Lecturer II) of the Arabic & Islamic Studies Department of the College of Education, Ilorin after it gained autonomy from Kwara State College of Technology. He became the Head of Department of Islamic Studies, Advanced Teachers’ College, Oro-Ilorin, which was later renamed as College of Education Ilorin, from October 1976 to August 1985. Mallam was promoted to Senior Lecturer and Principal Lecturer on 1 October 1976 and on 1 October 1981 respectively. His penchant for further studies led him to renowned McGill University, Montreal, Canada, from 1978 to 1980, where he obtained a Master’s degree (M.A) in Islamic Studies with the highest grades and a Research Grant of 15,000 Canadian Dollars from Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research, being the best graduate.

Shortly after his return to Nigeria, he was appointed Dean, School of Arts, Kwara State College of Education (KWCOED) Ilorin from 1981 to 1985, a position he held simultaneously with being Head of Department (HOD) of Islamic Studies.

His journey to executive administrative roles began in August 1985 when he was appointed Deputy Provost of KWCOED Ilorin.

His tenure was adjudged very successful, hence, he was appointed as Acting Provost in December 1986. The Governing Council, under Mrs. M.O Tunji-Olagunju, particularly liked his competence, honesty, and humility; hence he held both the Deputy Provost and Acting Provost roles from December 1986 to April 1988, the first in the history of KWCOED Ilorin,preparatory to the appointment of Dr. Joseph Yusuf Bello as the substantive Provost in May 1998. The new Provost, having noted his sterling records, agreed with members of the Governing Council to

appoint him as Deputy Provost, for a second term, from May 1988 to April 1991; after which he was re-elected as HOD, Islamic Studies, for the umpteenth time.

He attained the zenith of his teaching and administrative career in the College of Education system, when in October 1992, he was appointed Provost, Kwara State College of Education, Oro, by Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Sha’aba Lafiagi, now Senator representing Kwara North in the current 8th Senate.

Against the insistence of the Military Administrator, Col. Peter A.M. Ogar (Rtd) and Commissioner of Education, he declined to take the option of a second term of 4 years as Provost, and returned to his primary institution, KWCOED Ilorin, at the expiration of his first term in October 1996. He returned as Chief Lecturer in Islamic Studies Department, his last position before he died on Friday, 21 August, 1998, at 59. He would have clocked 80 next February.

His life was an open-book in absolute reverence for God; he was a very pious Muslim, and an exemplar in religious tolerance, to the extent that his neighbor in Ilorin, a retired top NITEL executive, who is a Reverend/founder of a church, was one of his closest friends.

He had told us, his family, and many other people, almost 15 years before his death, that he prayed to die on any of these three instances: anytime on a Friday, or between the hours of late afternoon prayer (Asr) and evening prayer (Maghrib), or anytime during Ramadan. Indeed, God granted far beyond his wish- he died both at 5:45pm, between Asr and Maghrib; and on a Friday!

My father was a pious Muslim, a foremost Quranic reciter and memorizer, an Islamic scholar, a professional teacher, a prolific writer and author, a knowledgeable ascetic mystic (Sufi and Maqaddam), a seasoned administrator, a reputable educationist, a lover of God, a responsible and caring husband and father. I wish him eternal peace.

–Tajudeen Ahmed, a top executive of a leading conglomerate, wrote in from Lagos.

51

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 25, 2018

POLITY

IGP Invites Fani-Kayode Over Alleged Incitement Ferdinand Ekechukwu

T

Fani-Kayode

he Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, has summoned former aviation miniter, Mr. Femi Fani Kayode over alleged multiple case of conspiracy, criminal defamation, inciting publication, injurious falsehood and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

In a letter of invitation to Fani Kayode, dated August 20 and signed by Commissioner of Police, Force Headquarters Abuja, CP Habu Sani, stated that the former minister is been invited over the above mentioned case reported to the Inspector-General of Police, in which the former minister’s name was mentioned.

The letter further stated that the former minister be interviewed by Superintendent

of Police at the Monitoring Unit of the Force Headquarters Abuja, Usman Garba, on August 28 by 10am to shed light on the allegations brought against him. The IGP however noted that the invitation is purely for fact findings and thereby sought the former minister’s cooperation as regards the invitation.

Femi Fani-Kayode, had on Wednesday reacted to the call by Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki should resign.

In his remark,Fani-Kayode urged Saraki to watch his back because MACBAN was President Muhammadu Buhari’s foot soldiers.

Fani-kayode in a statement yesterday said: “I received the letter from the IG of Police on Friday afternoon. I have consulted with my lawyers and I will honor the invitation. I have done nothing wrong and I have no fear because God is with me and He is faithful to His own.”

Chinwe Ekpe Counsels Students on High Ethics Benneth Oghifo

T

he pupils of New Global Nursery and Primary School, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, have been told to take their studies seriously in order to be good ambassadors of their teachers and parents.

Addressing the graduates from the Nursery and Primary section of the school during their end of year activities, the Proprietress, Mrs. Chinwe Micah Ekpe observed that with the high quality of the teachers of the school who had been impacting sound education to the pupils, the school was poised to make good impact on the standard of primary education in the area which is inhabited by many Nigerians

who work or do business in Abuja.

She disclosed that arrangements for the opening of Senior Primary School section of the school had reached advanced stage.

Mr. Bismark Ayisi the headteacher of the school, a Ghanaian, informed newsmen at the occasion that the fact that many pupils from various tribes in Nigeria enrolled in the school made it a training ground for fostering national unity and cohesion among Nigerians at the early stages of their lives.

In his address, the Chairman of the School Parent/Teachers Association (PTA), Alhassan Ibrahim praised the teachers for their good conduct and discipline which had been imbibed by the pupils.

Highlights of the 4th graduation ceremony of the School which was opened in September 2014 involved Debate, Fashion Parade of various Nigerian cultural attires and cultural dances.

Pupils of New Global Nursery and Primary School, Mararaba, Nasarawa State graduation ceremony

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, representing Lagos Governor, Mr. Musiliu Folami; The Ayangbure of Ikorodu Kingdom, HRM Oba Adegorushe Shotobi; his wife, Olori Kudirat Shotobi; representative of the Oba of Lagos, Chief Opeolowa Iddo; and Senator Gbenga Ashafa, during the 3rd year anniversary of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, and the commissioning of the new palace extension , recently

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner forYouth and Social Development, Mr. Agboola Dabiri; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello; Country CSR Manager, (East/Central), Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), Mr. Ekuma Eze; and Founder, Rise Networks, Mrs. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, during the Mega Youth Conference held in commemoration of 2018 United Nations International Youth Day in Lagos .. recently

L-R: Sales and Distribution Executive, MTN Nigeria, Adekunle Adebiyi; Senior Manager, Youth and Teens Segment, MTN Nigeria, Omotayo George; Zonal Controller, Lagos Division, NCC, Henry Ojiokpota; and Senior Manager, Intelligent Network and VAS Planning, MTN Nigeria Titilope Fakuade, at the MTN mPulse Launch in Lagos... recently

L-R: Guest of Honour, Special Apostle Prophet Emmanuel Ajijolaoluwa; guest speaker, Prophet Remi Omoni; Special Apostle Kolawole Akinbanjo; and Host Minister, Cherubim Seraphim Movement Church Imole, Ayo Circuit , Bariga , Lagos, Dr. Steven Adenikan Adenikan , during the seven days Night Prayer Convention, at ori oke imuse ileri olorun in igode township along itokin road, Ogun State... recently

27

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

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

Multidisciplinary Artist ,John Madu flanked by guests at the Artyrama Exhibition of “Identity Tones” art work in Pop Up Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently

L-R: Category Manager, Liquid, TG Arla Dairy Nigeria, Victor Okeugo; Category Manager, Kids Nutrition, Rosette Agbor; Marketing Manager, Ifunanya Obiakor; Category Manager, Chilled & Frozen, Ndidi Okoye; Category Manager, Powder, Nathaniel Adewusi; and Digital Manager, Anieno Adeyemi, all of TG Arla after the dairy brand received Guinness World Record certification as the global record holder of the longest drinks-pouring relay in Lagos recently

Dufil Livens Summer Experience for Children Prima Foods, makers of Indomie Noodles has thrown its weight behind the Leadership Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN) programme, as part of its commitment to societal growth.

LEARN was initiated by wife of a former Lagos State governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, and was dedicated to grooming tomorrow’s leaders to be confident, self-sufficient and socially responsive through education, vocational skills acquisition and recreation.

The company, which reached out to its core customers- the children and youth, this summer season, donated education materials and cash to the centre to ensure that the students possess all they required for deep learning.

Speaking at the donation ceremony, Public Relations and Events Manager of the company, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, said that the firm’s consistent support for the programme over the past 11 years was a right step to empower young people with skills needed to succeed in life.

He said: “As a brand, Indomie is committed to the total welfare of young people, who need vocational skills to survive in the future and vocational education is the key to developing those skills. We realised it early enough that it can be part of the preparations for the future of young people through LEARN. Like every other year, Indomie is partnering the centre this year to

educate and create a better future for Nigeria’s teeming young persons through donations and we hope this will boost the objectives of the centre.”

Asiwaju also urged the students to take advantage of the opportunity to impact their future by being committed to the programme, adding that the brand

TSTV Woos Customers with Free Channels Embattled Pay TV Operator, TSTV has announced its come back move with more innovative offerings.

The Direct-To-Home broadcast service, which was officially launched in the market in year October last year, also promised to release 45 free channels to its teeming customers to appreciate their loyalty.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Bright Echefu disclosed this in an open letter where he informed of the service acquisition of five units of 35.5MHz transponders on Nigcomsat.

Part of the letter reads: “I am happy to inform Nigerians that TSTV is back live and direct but this time under the watch of Abba Father.

With our successful acquisition of five units of 35.5MHz transponders last two

LSETF, Coca-Cola Collaborate to Empower In a move that will promote entrepreneurship and curb unemployment, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd along with its bottling partner, Nigeria Bottling Company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish no fewer than 1,000 women.

Under the agreement, the beneficiaries, to be selected across Lagos State will receive training in financial literacy and business skills as well as start-up capital to integrate them into the Coca-Cola value chain as retailers of the company’s beverage products.

This partnership is anchored on Coca-Cola’s 5by20 Programme, which is its global commitment to enable the economic empowerment of five million women across the its value chain by 2020.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Executive Secretary of LSETF, Akintunde Oyebode stated that the fund mandate was aimed at creating an enabling environment for Lagos residents to fulfill their business aspirations by providing and easing access to finance as well as ensuring employment and innovative opportunities for all in the state.

“A partnership with an organisation like this assures us that we are in the right direction and it strengthens our commitment to building entrepreneurs within the state. We understand that to empower a woman, is to empower a whole generation.

We will continue to provide easy-to access and affordable credit to support women to start or expand their businesses; because when we do such, we

was ever ready to contribute to their development in all ramifications.

Chief Operating Officer of LEARN, Mrs. Ronke Oguntoyinbo while commending the company said: “We are excited by this gesture. It shows that someone somewhere appreciates and identifies with our thoughts and programme to secure

create wealth and employment and that alleviates poverty”, he said.

The Managing Director of Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bhupendra Suri, reiterated the company’s commitment to boosting entrepreneurship in the country.

weeks on Nigcomsat through our collaboration with Intertel, Federal Ministry of Communications and Nigcomsat, the service can now offer Nigerians the true meaning of video entertainment.

Our TSTV has successfully migrated to Nigeria Communication Satellite. All channels in full HD, no one does that.

More channels are being added daily.

“In appreciation to everyone, we have decided that 45 TSTV premium HD channels will be available for free for another one month as we don’t intend to encrypt the channels now.

You can use any dish at all, including the ones you are using for other operators to track Nigcomsat today and let’s enjoy premium entertainment together.

“We are now a true Nigerian brand and we all should support ours. Kindly monitor our progress by tracking your dish to 42.5oE, Frequency 12589, Symbol Rate: 30,000. Polarisation: Horizontal.”

Recall that shortly after the initial takeoff of the satellite brand last year, it became enmeshed in a series of issues, part of which was the alleged accusation of intellectual property breach before it finally disappeared into thin air.

Union Bank Excites Audience at TEDxLagos Union Bank of Nigeria has called for the cooperation of the private sector and the general public to aid the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. It made the call at the TEDxLagos event while engaging the audience during the Next100 workshop sponsored by the bank.

The TEDxLagos is an annual conference that aspires to bring together Nigeria’s best scientists, entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators and reformers to share ideas that would spark deep discussions and birth new ideas for societal development.

This year’s occasion, tagged ‘Spotlight’ was graced by renowned industry experts such as former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Olasupo Sasore; popular performer, Bankole Wellington also known as Banky W; Medical Thought Leader, Clare Omatseye, CEO of 9Mobile, Boye Olusanya and Michael

Ryan who heads Global Partnerships at TED. Also in attendance, the Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank, Emeka Emuwa noted that the bank’s partnership with the initiative reiterates its continued commitment to innovation, creativity and support for Nigeria’s growth.

“We are pleased to be a principal partner of this year’s TEDxLagos event. Widely recognised as an initiative synonymous with sharing and inspiring great ideas, we identified the initiative as one that will amplify our efforts to encourage private sector participation for the achievement of Nigeria’s economic and social advancement.

“We are excited by the innovative ideas and potential partnerships that emerged as a result of today’s sessions,” he said.

The day-long event came to a close with a cocktail and networking session for members of the TEDx community, sponsors, speakers and guests.

the future of our youths. We promise to utilise these items judiciously for the purpose they were given.”

Speaking on behalf of the students, Master Oke Olumide, thanked the company for supporting a cause that guarantees their future pursuit.

Yobe Leads as Cowbell Competition Gets Tougher As the 2018 Cowbellpedia Mathematics competition heads to the final stage, it is getting more interesting and tougher as participants intensify efforts to clinch the golden prize.

Amongst others, Yobe State’s chance in the contest got brighter when it emerged the first to secure a semi-final slot ahead of other representatives. This was achieved following the brilliant performance of 16-year-old Shuaibu Abdullahi of Tulip International College (Boys) in Damaturu.

Rivers State’s hope was also heightened when a16year-old Chinedu Mgbemena of Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, advanced to the semi-finals.

In the heat of the competition, four other schools from Sokoto, Anambra, Gombe and Lagos State dropped out of the race.

Shuaibu scored 94 per cent in the qualifying examination, He had won four other school competitions before now. He is however featuring in the Cowbellpedia Mathematics TV Quiz Show for the second time with a stronger spirit to triumph.

Chinedu, who is also a second timer in the competition, is optimistic that he would emerge the 2018 champion.

In the junior category, contestants from Oyo and Ogun States picked the two available semi-final tickets.

This was through the efforts of Toluwanimi Olatunji of The International School, University of Ibadan, Oyo State; and Faisat Edu of Scholars Universal Secondary School, Ota, Ogun State.

They both edged out four challengers – Elizabeth Okoli of The Ambassador College, Ogun State; Emannuella Ezurike of Federal Government Girls College, Owerri, Imo State; Jamila Mustapha of Globa Kids Academy, Sokoto, Sokoto State; and Love Eric of Air force Comprehensive School, Yola, Adamawa State.

Toluwanimi, who scored 89 per cent in the qualifying examination conducted nationwide last February, disclosed that his parents ignited his interest in Mathematics, which thus boosted his confidence in the competition.

On her part, Faisat, who scored 115 points in preliminary rounds, described her experience in the competition as ‘enjoyable.’ She traced her strides in Mathematics to the support from her teacher and parents. In the spirit of the 20th anniversary, this year’s prize money has been increased by 100 per cent. Winners in both Junior and senior categories will receive N2 million each with an all-expense paid educational excursion outside the country; while the first and second runners-up will receive N1.5million and N1million respectively.

The teachers of the top prize winners will each be rewarded with N500,000, while those of the first and second runners-up will each receive N400,000 and N300,000 respectively.

28

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

FAMILY HEALTH with

Your Feet are Very Important

T

he importance of the feet, in human body, cannot be over emphasized. This is so because , of all the structures in your body, your feet are the most vital , in your being able to move around, and carries all your body weight.

They’re the workhorses of our bodies, but we give them so little respect. It’s easy to take our feet for granted. They’re just there, putting up with a host of challenges, from being jammed into high heels and elevated to unnatural heights to smothering inside sweaty socks or tight nylon pantyhose.

While suffering those indignities, our feet take hundreds of tons of force impact just during an average day of walking. That pounding explains why feet are the body part most likely to get injured.

You don’t need an expensive spa treatment to take care of your feet. Spending just a few minutes a day on foot care and choosing the right shoes can keep you free of problems that may lead to pain and even disability.

Healthy feet are important for feeling good and staying active. So if you neglect your feet, that can lead to unnecessary pain and other foot problems.

Fortunately, it’s easy to keep your feet healthy. Use these tips to keep yourself active and your feet pain-free. r ,FFQ ZPVS GFFU DMFBO BOE ESZ )FBMUIZ GFFU TUBSU XJUI good hygiene. Thoroughly clean and scrub your feet with soap and water when you bathe. Afterward, dry them well. Fungal organisms love moisture, so depriving them of any wetness will make it more difficult for them to thrive. Be sure to dry well between each individual toe, Any excess moisture between the toes can create a great environment for a fungal infection to begin. r &YBNJOF ZPVS GFFU GPS QSPCMFNT 1FSGPSN B GPPU self-exam once a week when you take a bath or shower, SFDPNNFOET ,VSU[ "T ZPV SF ESZJOH PGG ZPVS GFFU UBLF a good look on the soles for any scaling and between your toes for peeling areas. That could signal athlete’s foot. Also look for discoloration of the nails, which could indicate a nail fungus. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day since diabetes leads to higher risk of foot sores and infections. r $VU UPFOBJMT QSPQFSMZ $VU OBJMT TUSBJHIU BDSPTT and avoid trimming too close to the skin or drastically rounding the corners of the nails, which can cause painful, ingrown toenails. r %PO U IJEF iVHMZu UPFOBJMT XJUI QPMJTI " EJTDPMPSFE thick, cracked, or crumbling nail could signal a nail fungus. Applying nail polish to an infected nail could make the problem worse. r 1SPUFDU ZPVS GFFU JO QVCMJD BSFBT #F TVSF UP XFBS shower shoes at the gym, in locker rooms, and at public pools. These places tend to be breeding grounds for fungi that can lead to infections. r "WPJE TIBSJOH GPPUHFBS i:PV DBO HFU GVOHBM JOGFDtions by wearing other people’s shoes, as well as socks XPSO CZ BOPUIFS QFSTPO u TBZT ,VSU[ 5IJT JODMVEFT rentals. Always wear your own footgear to help keep your feet healthy. r )FBE PGG TXFBUZ GFFU :PVS GFFU IBWF TXFBU HMBOET HBMPSF ‡ JO FBDI GPPU 1FSTQJSBUJPO DSFBUFT UIF perfect environment for bacteria to set up shop. Wearing socks that keep feet dry will help your feet stay IFBMUIZ i4PDLT NBEF PG TZOUIFUJD à CFST UFOE UP XJDL BXBZ NPJTUVSF GBTUFS UIBO DPUUPO PS XPPM TPDLT u TBZT ,VSU[ "MTP BWPJE XFBSJOH FYDFTTJWFMZ UJHIU QBOUZIPTF which trap moisture. r $IPPTF CSFBUIBCMF GPPUXFBS 5P IFMQ LFFQ ZPVS feet dry and healthy, wear shoes made of leather to allow air to circulate. If you’re prone to excessively sweaty feet, look for shoes made of mesh fabrics for maximum breathability.

Wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes that are too UJHIU DBO DBVTF MPOH UFSN GPPU QSPCMFNT TBZT ,VSU[ Shop for shoes at the end of the day to compensate for foot swelling that occurs later in the day, and wear the same type of socks or hosiery you’ll be wearing with UIF TIPFT $IPPTF B CSPBE SPVOEFE TIPF XJUI QMFOUZ of room for your toes and a wide, stable heel. Avoid pointy shoes, which can cramp your toes and cause ingrown toenails and calluses. ,OPX XIFO UP TFF B EPDUPS %PO U BUUFNQU UP TFMG treat painful foot woes. I see many patients who have attempted what I call bathroom surgery, and they’ve made the problem worse, Any pain, redness, swelling, or discoloration that persists should be checked out by a podiatric physician. Usually the problem can be cleared up with prescription medicine or a minor in-office procedure. Allowing a doctor to take a look will help prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.

By following these 10 easy tips, you can help keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

These ideas can help your feet feel great r .BLF B QPJOU UP XBTI ZPVS GFFU BOE CFUXFFO ZPVS toes!) with a washcloth carefully and regularly. Yes, that means bending over in the shower to soap them up; if you can’t balance safely, use a long-handled shower brush or sit on a chair outside the tub as you wash your feet under the faucets. Be sure to dry feet completely, including between the toes. This wash-and-dry system lessens problems such as athlete’s foot, odor, bacteria

Your foot is an intricate network of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles.

Strong enough to bear your body weight, your foot can be prone to injury and pain.

Foot pain can affect any part of your foot, from your toes to your Achilles tendon at the back of your heel.

Although mild foot pain often responds well to home treatments, it can take time to resolve

and fungus. *G ZPV MJLF UP TPBL ZPVS GFFU GPSHFU UIF &QTPN TBMUT‡ they’re too drying and don’t offer any medical benefit. *OTUFBE KVTU VTF XBSN OFWFS IPU XBUFS BOE B MJUUMF liquid soap, such as dishwashing solution, containing skin softeners. r .PJTUVSJ[F ZPVS GFFU BGUFS XBTIJOH %VSJOH ESZ TLJO winter months, you may want to moisturize several times a day. Nothing fancy is needed: basic lotions and creams are fine. r "MUFSOBUF UIF TIPFT ZPV XFBS FBDI EBZ 5IBU NBZ mean having two pairs of your favorite everyday style, but shoes need time to air out to avoid triggering foot PEPS PS JOGFDUJPOT $IBOHF TPDLT PS TUPDLJOHT NPSF than once a day. If you have a problem with smelly feet, soak them in a mixture of vinegar and water. Your feet should not hurt—ever. Tight shoes can worsen bunions, distort toe shape and cause painful foot growths. If you wear high heels, choose heels that are wide, stable and no higher than two inches. Toe boxes should be wide; pointed toes shouldn’t begin their narrowing shape until well past the ball of the foot. To protect your Achilles tendon from shortening, alternate heel heights regularly.

Flip-flops and completely flat shoes don’t provide arch support. Neither does walking barefoot. Women are especially prone to developing flat feet, which can lead to other foot problems. To keep feet strong and healthy, minimize the amount of time you wear shoes that lack supportive arches. r 1SFHOBODZ BHJOH BOE EJBCFUFT BMM BGGFDU ZPVS GFFU 1SFHOBOU XPNFO OFFE TIPFT XJUI CSPBE IFFMT BSDI support and good shock absorbency. Added pregnancy weight may cause your shoe size to change, so get your feet measured. Older women lose some of the cushioning fat on the balls of their feet; choose shoes that provide NPSF TIPDL QSPUFDUJPO %JBCFUJDT DBO EFWFMPQ TFSJPVT DPOEJUJPOT SFMBUFE UP UIF GFFU BOE MPXFS MFHT $IFDL GFFU for any problems daily and see a podiatric physician at least annually.

Be cautious about having a pedicure in a salon, where cleanliness of tubs and instruments is vital. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor before having a pedicure.

The key points to note includes r $IFDL ZPVS GFFU FWFSZ EBZ r 8BTI ZPVS GFFU FWFSZ EBZ r ,FFQ UIF TLJO TPGU BOE TNPPUI r 4NPPUI DPSOT BOE DBMMVTFT HFOUMZ r *G ZPV DBO TFF SFBDI BOE GFFM ZPVS GFFU USJN ZPVS toenails regularly. ... r 8FBS TIPFT BOE TPDLT BU BMM UJNFT r 1SPUFDU ZPVS GFFU GSPN IPU BOE DPME r ,FFQ UIF CMPPE áPXJOH UP ZPVS GFFU Your foot is an intricate network of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Strong enough to bear your body weight, your foot can be prone to injury and pain. Foot pain can affect any part of your foot, from your toes to your Achilles tendon at the back of your heel. Although mild foot pain often responds well to home treatments, it can take time to resolve. Your doctor should evaluate severe foot pain, especially if it follows an injury.

Possible causes Injury, overuse or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the foot can cause foot pain. Arthritis is a common cause of foot pain. Injury to the nerves of the feet may result in intense burning pain, numbness or tingling .

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, ͸΀͸ͽͻͻͿͺͻͽ;

These may include, &NCFEEFE PCKFDUT 0FEFNB #SPLFO UPF CBEMZ Ã UUFE TIPFT )JHI )FFMT #VOJPOT %JBCFUFT /FVSPQBUIZ Gout, Osteoarthritis, in grown toe nails, tumour etc.

Sprains and strains r 4QSBJOT BOE TUSBJOT BSF WFSZ DPNNPO JOKVSJFT UIBU BGGFDU NVTDMFT BOE MJHBNFOUT TUSPOH CBOET PG UJTTVF around joints that connect one bone to another). They often occur if you change direction or speed suddenly, fall and land awkwardly, or collide with an object or person, such as when playing sports.

A sprain means one or more of your ligaments have stretched, twisted or torn. A strain means muscle fibres have stretched or torn. As well as pain, a sprain or strain can cause swelling, bruising and tenderness, and may result in you being unable to put weight on your foot. .PTU TQSBJOT BOE TUSBJOT DBO CF NBOBHFE BU IPNF VTJOH 13*$& UIFSBQZ QSPUFDUJPO SFTU JDF DPNQSFTTJPO and elevation) and painkillers. r (PVU Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric BDJE B XBTUF QSPEVDU JO ZPVS KPJOUT *U DBVTFT TVEEFO bouts of severe pain, redness, swelling and warmth in affected joints, even when you’re resting.

These attacks usually last a few days at a time and most often affect the big toe joint. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between gout and a severely inflamed bunion .

The pain caused by gout can usually be treated using ice packs and by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ESVH /4"*% QBJOLJMMFST :PV NBZ BMTP OFFE BEEJUJPOBM treatment to prevent further episodes. r#MJTUFST DPSOT BOE DBMMVTFT 1PPSMZ à UUJOH TIPFT UIBU SVC PO UIF GFFU DBO EBNBHF the skin and may cause: blisters – small pockets of fluid that form in the upper layers of the skin corns – small circles of thick skin calluses – hard, rough areas of skin that are often yellowish in colour These conditions can all result in pain and discomfort XIFO ZPV XBML .PTU CMJTUFST IFBM OBUVSBMMZ JO B GFX EBZT and don’t require medical attention. Wearing comfortable, XFMM à UUJOH TIPFT DBO IFMQ TUPQ UIFN SFUVSOJOH 3FBE more about treating blisters and preventing blisters. $PSOT BOE DBMMVTFT EPO U OFDFTTBSJMZ JNQSPWF PO their own and you may need to see a podiatrist or chiropodist, who can advise you about appropriate treatment.

Bunions A bunion is a bony swelling at the base of the big toe that can be painful when wearing shoes and make walking difficult. Bunions are a common foot problem, particularly in women. The big toe points towards the other toes and the big toe joint sticks out, forming a bony lump.

Bunions can get worse if they’re left untreated, so it’s CFTU UP TFF B (1 GPS BEWJDF /PO TVSHJDBM USFBUNFOUT BSF usually tried first, including wearing comfortable and XJEF TIPFT PSUIPUJDT JOTPMFT QBJOLJMMFST BOE CVOJPO QBET $PSSFDUJWF TVSHFSZ NBZ TPNFUJNFT CF OFDFTTBSZ Ingrowing toenails In growing toenails occur when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin.

The toenail pierces the skin, which can become red, swollen and tender. It can also be painful if pressure JT QMBDFE PO UIF UPF PS UIF UPF CFDPNFT JOGFDUFE $VUting your toenails straight across and gently pushing the skin away from the nail using a cotton bud may help improve an ingrowing toenail. In some cases, a procedure to remove part or all of the affected nail may be necessary.

Seek medical help urgently if: r )BWF TFWFSF QBJO PS TXFMMJOH r )BWF BO PQFO XPVOE PS B XPVOE UIBU JT PP[JOH QVT r )BWF TJHOT PG JOGFDUJPO TVDI BT SFEOFTT XBSNUI and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever PWFS ' $

r "SF VOBCMF UP XBML PS QVU XFJHIU PO ZPVS GPPU r )BWF EJBCFUFT BOE IBWF BOZ XPVOE UIBU JTO U healing or is deep, red, swollen or warm to the touch r )BWF QFSTJTUFOU TXFMMJOH UIBU EPFTO U JNQSPWF BU all after two to five days of home treatment r )BWF QFSTJTUFOU QBJO UIBU EPFTO U JNQSPWF BGUFS several weeks r )BWF CVSOJOH QBJO OVNCOFTT PS UJOHMJOH QBSUJDVlarly involving most or all of the bottom of your foot.

Self assist If your foot pain is due to an injury or overuse, it will often respond well to rest and cold therapy. Avoid activities that can worsen your foot pain, and put ice on your foot for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications will also help with pain and may help with healing. &WFO XJUI UIF CFTU PG DBSF ZPV NBZ IBWF TPNF GPPU stiffness or pain, particularly first thing in the morning or after you’ve been active, for several weeks. If you are unsure of the cause of your foot pain, or if it is widespread or involving both feet, and particularly if you have diabetes, see your doctor before trying home remedies.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

25.08.2018

Arsenal Seeking First Point PAGE. 35

William Troost-Ekong

From Turkey to Serie A Debutant

30

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

William Troost-Ekong From Turkey to Serie A Debutant ʰÏÜ ÌÏÓ ʰÏÜ ÌÏÓØÑ ÖËÌÏÖÖÏÎ ÞÙ ÌÏ ÞÙÙ ÝÙʰ ÞÙ ÚÖËã ÐÜÓÍËØ ÐÙÙÞÌËÖÖ˜ ÓÖÖÓË× ÜÙÙÝÞ̋ ÕÙØÑ ÒËÝ ÚÜÙàÏÎ ÐÙÙÞÌËÖÖ˜ ÎÙßÌÞÏÜÝ áÜÙØÑ ÞÙ ÌÏÍÙ×Ï ÙØÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÜÙÍÕÝ ÎÙßÌÞÏÜÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ßÚÏÜ ËÑÖÏÝ ÎÏÐÏØÍÏ ËØÎ ÌÏãÙØÎ ÞÒËÞ˜ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ß ÒÏ ÒËÝ ÞË ÒÏ ÒËÝ ÞËÕÏØ ÒÓÝ ÑË×Ï ÞÙ ÞËÖã áÒÏÜÏ ÞÒÏ ÝÞãÖÏ ÙÐ ÐÙÙÞÌËÖÖ ÓÝ ÌßÓÖÞ ÙØ ÝÙÖÓÎ̋ÜÙÍÕ ÎÏÐÏØÍÏ ËØÎ ÙÐ ÐÙÙÞÌË ËʵÏØÞÓÙØ ÓÝ ÙØ ÒÓ× ËÝ ÞÙ ÒÙá áÏÖÖ ÒÏ áÙßÖÎ ÐËÜÏ ËʵÏØÞÓÙØ

W

illiam Troost-Ekong’s initial attempt to play for the Super Eagles was marred by the then Super Eagles manager, Sunday Oliseh as the former Bursaspor of defender was considered too soft Turkey defend to survive the rrigour of African football, Troost-Ekong was undeterred by but Troost-Eko opinion.

Oliseh’s opinio According to the 24-year-old, Oliseh labelled him as too soft to play African football during his reign as Nigeria’s coach. He said that he was first upset

when he was told by Oliseh that his physical appearance won’t be good enough to confront African strikers.

“My partner at centre-back Leon Balogun is half-German, half-Nigerian, so he is the same as me,” Troost-Ekong told Guardian.co.uk.

“After a game, he (Oliseh) said we were too soft to play against African players. That upset me because one of my traits as a player is that I am someone who does not back away from anyone. I am not the most skillful, but I know what I am good at.

“I think that’s part of being from different countries, different cultures. It’s not

31

AUGUST 25, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

William Troost-Ekong and Argentina's Dario Benedetto struggling for possession in their international friendly football match at Krasnodar

nice when people try to use that against you. I identify myself as being Nigerian as well, and I feel at home in the team.

Not once have I ever looked around and thought ‘this is not for me’. But it spurred me on. I have played against African strikers since then and no one has bullied me. I have proven my point.”

Since then, Troost-Ekong has gone on to form a solid-rock in the Super Eagles alongside his partner, Leon Balogun. He was there for Nigeria all through World Cup qualifiers and at the Mundial in Russia.

As if to further prove that Oliseh misjudged him, he has taken his game to the Serie A, where they are known for their robust play.

Two weeks ago, the 24-year-old announced shock move to Italy tojoin the Italian revolution after announcing his move to Udinese having spent just one year at Bursaspor in Turkey, featuring 32 times with two goals.

Troost-Ekong took to social media last Wednesday, to thank the club, teammates and fans for the memories, saying it was time to take the next step in his career.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone in Bursa and Bursaspor especially my teammates and staff for everything. I

will always have great memories of my time in Turkey as a player but also as a man. However, the time has come for a new step in my career,” he wrote on Twitter.

“I want to wish Bursaspor a great season and I will now follow the team as a fan. So of course, lastly, I want to say a special thank you to Texas and all the fans who supported me and the team.

I will remain one of you now. Texasli Ekong.”

The defender was handed his Serie A bow two days after his signing was announced by the Italian side, revealing how much he revelled in his Udinese debut, lauding his team's 'great fighting spirit' to secure a 2-2 draw against Parma on Sunday.

He was handed a starter's shirt by manager Julio Velazquez two days later, turning out for the entire duration of the tie as his side came from two-goal behind to earn a share of the spoil.

"Happy to make my debut for Udinese on Sunday. Great fighting spirit from the boys to take home a point. We will build on this!" Troost-Ekong tweeted.

Udinese, placed seventh with one point, host Sampdoria in their second Serie A match and Troost-Ekong will hope to have done enough on his

debut to be handed his first Dacia Arena appearance next Sunday.

From a private boarding school in the Hertfordshire town of Bishop’s Stortford, football has taken him all the way from London to Holland, Norway to Belgium and Nigeria to Turkey and now Italy, and seen him represent eight different clubs and two different countries, all before the age of 25. “It’s a long way round,” he says with a smile. “The longest way round.”

The journey came full circle when Troost-Ekong pulls on Nigerian green and trots onto the Wembley pitch to face England in a pre-World Cup friendly. It was like a homecoming, and it provided a reunion with Harry Kane, the striker who once helped Troost-Ekong fill out his registration forms when he was a fresh-faced scholar at Tottenham Hotspur. “He was one of the first guys that sat me down and helped me,” Troost-Ekong remembers. “It’s amazing to see how well he has done.”

Troost-Ekong and Kane have trod markedly different paths since those teenage days, only five years ago, when they shared a training pitch in north London. While Kane is the local lad who became the nation’s striking sensation, Troost-Ekong is the rugged centre-

backwho was born in Holland, raised in England and now praised in Nigeria as a leader.

Born to a Nigerian father and Dutch mother, he grew up near Amsterdam but speaks, as a result of his schooling, with a discernible north London twang. He is at once Nigerian and Dutch but is also at home in England.

This heritage has inevitably presented its own challenges, but it has also shaped his personality. “When I am in Holland they see me almost as a foreigner because I am not a typical Dutch guy,” he says. “And when I go to Nigeria they see me as a foreigner as well, so there has never really been somewhere where I can say: 'OK, this is me.' I have always had a bit of that, but it has become part of me.”

Troost-Ekong played for Holland at junior levels but made his debut for the Nigerian senior team in 2015 after an impressive season on loan at Dutch side FC Dordrecht.

“There were a lot of doubts over me because I did not play for a big team in Holland before my first call-up,” he says.

“Then, on top of that, being ‘Oyibo’, or half-white, you have to prove yourself even more.”

A bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games was a highlight, but he was stung by criticism from his former manager, who once accused the defender of being incapable of coping with the physical rigours of African football.

He has certainly done that under current manager Gernot Rohr, to the extent that he and Balogun have been affectionately nicknamed the ‘Oyibo wall’ in Nigeria. Troost-Ekong captained his country for the first time earlier this year and is a key part of a solid side which he says can be “lethal” in the attack.

Troost-Ekong could have played for England but chose to represent Nigeria instead. “You have to go where you are loved, where you are appreciated,” he says. “It is more appealing for younger players. It is opening doors for foreignborn Nigerians, and I think there are going to be more to follow. Nigeria is a giant of African football.”

He credits his time at Tottenham, and particular the tutelage of academy chief John McDermott, as being crucial to his development, but left the club for Dutch side FC Groningen in 2013 following the appointment of Tin Sherwood as manager. “I and Tim did not have the best rapport,” he says. “He did not really believe in me as a player.”

He may have taken the long road back, and may only be here for a few days, but Troost-Ekong is beginning to make a habit of converting those doubters into believers. “I’ve taken a different route,” he says. “But if I can get to the Premier League, I will feel like I have achieved a lot.”

For Troost-Ekong, he still believes he has unfinished business in England after playing for the junior teams of Fulham and then Tottenham.

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

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

Wilfred Ndidi Staying to Learn the Ropes

Ę°Ă?Ăœ ĂŽĂ™Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă•Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă’ ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă“Ăž Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂŽĂ“ĘĽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ÓÞã Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ę°Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă— Ă“Ă? Ę¨Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ăž ĂŽĂ“ĘŠĂ?Ă&#x;Ă–Ăž ÞÙ Ă•Ă?Ă?Ăš Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ăœ ÚÖËãĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?Ă— Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ×ÓÎʨĂ?Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ‹ĘľĂ–Ă?ĂœĚ‹ Ěł ÙÖÙ Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂĄĂ’ĂŁ Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă‹ ×Ùà Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ËŞĂ? Ă“Ă–Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂŽĂ“ĂŽĂ“ Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ ĂœĂ?ÚÖËĂ?Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂžĂ’ĂŁ ĂœĂ?ÚÖËĂ?Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž

W

ilfred Ndidi indeed has committed his future to Leicester City after signing a new six-year contract with the club having played 63 times for the Foxes since joining from Belgian side Genk in a ÂŁ14m deal in January 2017, scoring four goals in the process.

The 21-year-old, Leicester's Young Player of the Year in each of the last two campaigns have also played in every minute of their two Premier League matches so far this season - the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United and last Saturday's 2-0 victory at home to Wolves - and he has now been rewarded with a long-term deal.

"I'm very happy to sign this contract with Leicester City," Ndidi told the club's official website. "I have enjoyed every moment of my time with the football club, so I'm thrilled to be here for six more years.

"Together with my teammates and our wonderful supporters, I hope we can look forward to many more fantastic moments."

The club themselves were also pleased that Ndidi will be remaining at the King Power Stadium.

"Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm that Wilfred Ndidi has signed a new contract, keeping him at King Power Stadium until June 2024," the club said in a statement.

"In the 18 months since his arrival from Belgian side Genk, the 21-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League's most exciting talents as well as a key member of Leicester City's first team squad."

Giving a reason for his long contract extension, Ndidi said he agreed to sign a six-year contract with Leicester City because he feels he can continue to grow as a player and as a person at the club.

The 21-year-old, who has won the

A man cannot make a team, I think the team makes a player. I think because of my teammates, everyone is pushing and everyone is encouraging each other.

I would say I leave that aside, I wish we can win more games than just the stats or the tackles. I don’t look towards that area, I look towards the team winning. It’s gone now and we look forward to a new season. It’s started already and we’ll try to get as many points as we can. That is the most important thing Young Player of the Year Award for the past two seasons with Leicester, says he was delighted to agree to stay with City until 2024 because of how he is made to feel at home at the club.

Ndidi thanked the supporters and his teammates and staff for helping him develop into a player that City will now build their side around for the next six years. “Honestly, I’m happy because having fans like Leicester fans means a lot to players like me,� Ndidi told LCFC TV. “I’m very, very happy about it. It gives me a lot of joy because it’s not just me.

Supporting the team makes me happy.

With them pushing the team, everything goes well and everyone is happy. “I’m so happy and comfortable with

everyone – the coaches, the players, the staff and the people working here. I’m very happy because everyone is friendly.

As well as playing football, you can also learn a lifestyle outside of football. I’m happy I’m growing here and I’m really looking forward to the future. “I feel welcome here because everyone is friendly. I’m in a place where people love me, encourage me and try to push me. I am so happy I’ve done this."

Ndidi has emerged into one of the most promising midfield players in the Premier League but he is quick to hand the praise to his teammates. “A man cannot make a team, I think the team makes a player. I think because of my teammates, everyone is pushing and everyone is encouraging each other.

I would say I leave that aside, I wish we can win more games than just the stats or the tackles. I don’t look towards that area, I look towards the team winning. It’s gone now and we look forward to a new season.

It’s started already and we’ll try to get as many points as we can. That is the most important thing,� added Ndidi.

Four years ago, Ndidi was starring for Lagos amateur youth side- Nath Boys before he was spotted by scouts of Belgian side, K.R. C Genk. After a successful trial with the Belgium club, he made his debut for the club in January 2014. Two years on the management of Leicester City turned to Ndidi’s direction as a replacement for their diminutive midfielder, N'Golo Kante that left for Chelsea. Last season, the 21-year-old was above every other player in the Premier League in the numbers of tackles won. “I never had any doubt about his talent.

He distinguishes himself anytime and he is focused. I always knew he would go places and I am not surprised at the height he is taking his football to,� the founder of Nath Boys, Yemi Idowu told THISDAY. Ndidi is highly regarded as one of Leicester's finest players and fans are naturally delighted with the news of his

signing a new six-year deal saying he is better than Kante. “Well earned. Excellent player. His predecessor is now languishing in the Chelsea reserves. His name - not Kante, but Drinkwater. Leicester City look to have a really strong squad which is getting stronger every year,� a fan twitted Manager Claude Puel will be hopeful his Leicester side can finish in the top half of the table once again and news of Ndidi's new deal will be a boost to everyone associated with the West Midlands side.

Meanwhile, Ndidi’s experience of representing his country at the 2018 World Cup in Russia has made him a better player.

He was one of the Super Eagles’ best players at Russia 2018, performing strongly in each of their three group matches against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina.

Playing against the likes of Lionel Messi and Luka Modric has inspired the Nigerian to take his game to a new level.

After signing a new contract with Leicester City which ties him to the Premier League club until 2024, Ndidi said the global tournament was a learning experience for him. “The World Cup was an amazing experience and you see different kinds of players. You see players you see on TV and players from teams like Real Madrid,� Ndidi said to the Foxes’ official website. “I would say I learned some things from these players. I’m playing against them and you know what they do, they think very fast. “There is nothing like growing, so learning from all those things will make me grow. I’ll just keep pushing and give everything and look forward to the games.�

Ndidi is set to be in action for Leicester this coming weekend when they play away to Southampton this afternoon.

33

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

GLOBAL SOCCER

Leon Balogun making his debut for Briton against Manchester United

Can Leon Balogun Sustain the Dream Start?

When Leon Balogun joined Premier League side, Brighton and Hove Albion after a nine-year stint in the German League, he knew it would not be a walk in the park donning the colours of the Seagulls as he has to fight for shirt with the two central defenders already in the club- Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy

T

herefore, when on Sunday, he had his opportunity against Manchester United, he grabbed the opportunity.

But the question on the lips of observers is whether he could sustain the dream start.

Leon Balogun played his first English Premier League game for Brighton and Hove Albion as they defeated Manchester United 3-2 at the Falmer Stadium on Sunday after he was introduced in the 20th minute as a result of injury to the side’s captain, Lewis Dunk.

With the game still goalless after Dunk suffered an injury, thus, affording the ex-Mainz 05 defender his debut, and a 20-minute onslaught that started only five minutes after his introduction - on the Red Devils’ defence yielded three goals Balogun has indeed expressed delight with his home debut for Premier League team Brighton and Hove Albion where he shone brilliantly for the homers.

“Thanks, everyone (Brighton and Hove Albion) for the warm welcome. Couldn’t really have wished for a better debut in the EPL, beating Manchester United at home!” he tweeted.

The defeat of Manchester United and the fantastic role played by Balogun did not go unnoticed by fans of the club.

“I honestly feared the worse when (captain) Lewis Dunk went off injured, but you stepped in and played confidently, and very well. Well done, and what a match,” said Brighton fan M.J Jackson.

“Superb performance all round and a particularly impressive debut from yourself! Thanks for being part of a great memory of a great day,” Aron Okines observed.

“Nice display yesterday Please don’t forget to free Romelu Lukaku and rest from your pocket please,” an obviously delighted Phemmy Nice tweeted.

Brighton and Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton was delighted with

Leon Balogun wards off danger

Balogun’s debut performance and he was impressive as Brighton recorded their first win of the campaign.

“I was disappointed for Lewis. He’s a very tough boy and is rarely injured. In Balogun, you have someone you know won’t be phased. He’s played at a very good level and played in the World Cup this summer,” Hughton said after the game during his post-match interview.

Balogun was, however, quick to warn his teammates that Brighton and Hove Albion's Premier League game against Liverpool today will be "more intense" than their clash with Manchester United.

The Nigeria international, who spent the last three seasons at Mainz, believed the Premier League would be faster than the Bundsliga - but when he shared his thoughts with his teammates, "they told me this is always the kind of game you play against United. They like to slow it

down a little bit sometimes."

Balogun, who made his Bundesliga debut in 2009, is familiar with Jurgen Klopp's tactics and expects a different approach by Brighton's next opponents.

"Liverpool is going to be completely different," he said. "I know how Klopp likes to play. It's going to be a lot quicker and a lot more intense."

Balogun said he was surprised by Manchester United’s slow football in the 3-2 defeat to his new club on Sunday.

Albion’s centre-back was under the impression that the Premier League would be faster than the Bundesliga, although his observations about United’s attacking approach probably revealed more about José Mourinho’s methods than the overall state of English football.

It was a dismal effort from United and Balogun said the game would probably be played at a quicker pace when

Brighton visit Anfield today. “Some of the lads have just asked me that too and I said I had expected the Premier League to be quicker, but they told me this is always the kind of game you play against United,” the Nigerian defender said. “They like to slow it down a little bit sometimes. Liverpool is going to be completely different. I know how Jürgen Klopp likes to play. It’s going to be a lot quicker and a lot more intense.”

Balogun’s central defence partner, Shane Duffy said he was delighted with the way Hughton’s side adjusted to losing Lewis Dunk to an ankle injury in the 20th minute and was replaced by Balogun, who came on for his debut and formed an instant understanding with Duffy in central defence.

“He’s fitted straight in,” Duffy said.

“He’s a big character in the changing room.

He’s got a big voice. He’s played with big players in big games. That’s why you bring in players like that. They push us. He was great. That’s another plus for us, that strength in depth with top players. You pick up injuries and suspensions so you need these kinds of players to step in.”

Hughton also believes the win over Manchester United will boost his team’s confidence ahead of their clash against Liverpool.

“It allows the group of players to go into the game with a bit more confidence. They don’t come any more difficult than away at Liverpool, not only with the team they’ve got but the recruitment they had in the summer. You hope we can play to some level like we did today.”

While the severity of Dunk’s injury is yet to be ascertained, it could help the German-born defender, who fared well facing United's attack, force his way into Hughton’s plan.

It remains to be seen how well Balogun could capitalise on Dunk’s injury to win the heart of Seagulls faithful by shunning an above average performance week-in, week-out.

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Stilling the Storm Ă’Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂ™ĂŽĂŁËœ Ă‘Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž ͺ͸ ĂŽĂ?Ă‹ĂŽĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă? ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ă?ÙÖà Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂœĂ™Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁËŞĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă™Ăœ ĂŒĂ? ĂŒĂ‹Ă˜Ă˜Ă?ĂŽËœ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ? ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ?Ă’Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– Ă“Ă? Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‘Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹ĂŽ Ă?ÚÓĂ?ÙÎĂ? ÞÒËÞ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ÞËÕĂ? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă?ËÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă‘Ă‹Ă—Ă? ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă•ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽË› ÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă? ÞÙ ÞãÚĂ?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă?ĂžĂ?ÚÚĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă Ă?ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ËŞ Ă’Ă‹Ă—Ă—Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă‹Ă”Ă&#x; Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă• Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă‹ ËŠĂ?Ă‹Ăž åÓÞÒ Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?Ă?ËŞ

W

hile it is almost a norm that each time the country returns from the World Cup, the head of the footballing body must go unceremoniously, but present NFF President Amaju Pinnick has proven to have more than nine lives after he surmounted threats from all quarters.

World football governing body, FIFA, on Monday confirmed that Nigeria will not be suspended following federal government’s explanation that Amaju Pinnick-led executive committee remains the legitimate board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

A statement from FIFA on Monday afternoon read: “Following the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council of 13 August 2018 concerning the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), FIFA received confirmations that the legitimate leadership of the NFF under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has been given back effective control of the NFF and its offices. “In view of these circumstances, FIFA deems that the conditions set by the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council have now been met and consequently the suspension of the NFF will not take effect. “FIFA will continue to closely monitor the situation in order to ensure that FIFA’s rules and regulations are fully adhered to,� concludes the statement.

Earlier Monday, Laolu Akande, the Special Adviser on Media to VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo, had tweeted FG’s position on the leadership tussle at the Glass House, insisting that the Amaju Pinnick-led executive committee remains the authentic board of the NFF. The statement was a follow up on the communication between the Vice-President, Pinnick and FIFA at the weekend.

Before the Vice-President’s intervention, Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, had made spirited efforts to visit FIFA headquarters last weekend with a 17-man contingent, attempting to go to Zurich to justify why the Supreme Court ruling of last June should be obeyed.

FIFA, however, turned down Dalung’s request made through Nigeria’s ambassador to Switzerland. It stressed that its notice to ban Nigeria if Pinnick and his board members were not handed back the NFF was very clear and unambiguous.

Nigeria was to be handed a lengthy ban Monday, a development that would have thrown Super Eagles qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations into serious jeopardy.

Meanwhile, NFF has expressed sincere appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the resolution of the federation’s leadership issue, which enabled Nigeria to avert suspension from international football on Monday.

Pinnick, who spoke on behalf of the federation on Tuesday, admitted that the timely intervention of the Presidency in the August 20 deadline given to Nigeria to resolve the lingering crisis or face ban caused FIFA to change its decision on the planned sanctions. “The position of His Excellency and that of the Federal Government,

Go, and sin no more‌ Infantino seems to be telling Pinnick

which was conveyed to FIFA by the Vice-President has convinced FIFA that Nigeria is indeed ready as ever to follow FIFA’s Statutes. I want to also use this opportunity to thank the Vice-President, who as Acting President, played a very key role in the resolution of the matter. “Our appreciation also goes to the Members of the Federal Executive Council, members of the National Assembly, Heads of the various Security Agencies, Members of the NFF Congress, all our sponsors/partners, football stakeholders, analysts and ball fans who stood solidly by the tenets of association football,� observed the NFF chief.

Pinnick disclosed that the immediate focus of the NFF now is the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, starting with an away game against Seychelles on September 7, and with home-and-away matches against Libya in October and another away fixture against South Africa in November “We will approach the matches one game at a time. Our objective is not only to qualify for the finals but for the Super Eagles to also make a meaningful impact at the finals in Camerooon in the summer of next year,� stated Pinnick, who is also President of the AFCON Organising Committee.

He affirmed also that focus is on the

upcoming Women Africa Cup of Nations (scheduled for Ghana in November and for which the Super Falcons, reigning champions, have qualified), as well as the 2019 Under-20 and Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations championships billed for Niger Republic and Tanzania respectively.

Pinnick stressed that the resolutions of the NFF Congress at the Extra-Ordinary General Assembly of August 2, in Benin City still stand. “The door remains open for those aggrieved members of the football family who are ready to abide by extant football rules and regulations, as they can still pick up forms for the elections coming up on September 20, in Katsina. “We have learned so much during this crisis. We are more determined to run an inclusive administration where everyone can have a sense of belonging, as we work tenaciously and diligently towards taking Nigerian Football to new heights of excellence. “On behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, I apologise to all those individuals, interests and groups that we might have offended, one way or the other through our actions and inactions, over the years. Nigerian football, and not any individual or group, is the winner.�

We have learned so much during this crisis. We are more determined to run an inclusive administration where everyone can have a sense of belonging, as we work tenaciously and diligently towards taking Nigerian Football to new heights of excellence. On behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, I apologise to all those individuals, interests and groups that we might have oended, one way or the other through our actions and inactions, over the years. Nigerian football, and not any individual or group, is the winner

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

35

GLOBAL SOCCER

G

Arsenal, West Ham, Battle for Season’s First Points in London Derby Arsenal will be looking to record their first points of the new season when they face Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham, who are equally in search of their first Premier League points this afternoon

T

he Gunners have endured a miserable start to the season which has seen them lose to champions Manchester City and FA Cup holders Chelsea in successive weeks.

However, Unai Emery will be confident of picking up his first point as his side faces only one of three sides that have fared worse than the Gunners this season.

The Hammers were thoroughly dismantled 4-0 by Liverpool on the opening weekend before they imploded at home to Bournemouth to lose 2-1.

Both teams are still adopting new styles of play and incorporating their summer additions into their starting XIs, with Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi and West Ham’s Felipe Anderson among the best performers for either side so far.

When Pellegrini and Emery were appointed within a day of each other in May, neither could have envisaged that when their teams met for the first time three months later, West Ham United and Arsenal would be at the bottom and pointless.

Two games are no measure of a season, and both were handed the hardest possible opening fixture, but their poor starts have given today's derby at the Emirates an unexpected edge as each scrambles to kick-start a response.

Both managers have arrived with a bagful of experience and trophies; with Arsenal boss Emery a multiple Europa League winner with Sevilla and West Ham's Pellegrini a Premier League champion with Manchester City.

Each can expect the time to ensure they adjust after securing the all-important first win.

Of the two, Emery has taken on arguably the greater challenge, succeeding Arsene Wenger at a club needing to reassert its topfour potential.

Former Arsenal players have a vocal place in the British media and are divided about what they have seen so far from the Spaniard.

Ray Parlour and Alan Smith both praised the way he was quick to make changes in the two defeats, substituting Aaron Ramsey after 53 minutes against Manchester City and Mesut Ozil in the 68th minute at Chelsea.

"That's a strong statement to make in these early weeks when everyone is trying to come to terms with the manager's methods. A lack of accountability, after all, had marred Arsene Wenger's last few years," wrote Smith in the Evening Standard on Friday.

"Irrespective of performance, you never got the feeling Ozil would be dropped under Wenger. If fit, the inconsistent playmaker seemed guaranteed a place."

Under Wenger, Ramsey and Ozil started a combined total of 45 games last season but the arrival of Lucas Torreira from Sampdoria and Matteo Guendouzi, arguably Arsenal's best player in their first two games, from Lorient has added competition.

The fact that Torreira has not started yet has surprised another former player, Tony Adams, who felt that Emery has presided over two Wenger-like performances, with Arsenal lacking the sort of defensive steel the Uruguay World Cup midfielder was presumably bought to provide.

"I felt so sad about that. Everyone knows what Arsenal have been missing – it's that steel, that resilience," wrote Adams in The Sun. "Whether Emery can coach it or not I don't know yet, it is early days."

Such arguments over Arsenal's midfield will not be lost on former Gunner Jack Wilshere, who will play for West Ham today after being told in a 15-minute conversation with Emery that he did not feature in his plans after 197 appearances for the club.

Wilshere's quality has never been in doubt but his poor injury record made a parting likely and he has faced a tough opening to his West Ham career with a 4-0 thumping at Liverpool followed by an embarrassing 2-1 cave-in at home to Bournemouth.

Wilshere is determined to show Arsenal what they missed out on when he visits his former club for the first time, after he left Arsenal at the end of last season following the expiry of his contract, ending a 17-year stay at the North London side since joining the club's academy at the age of nine.

"It's down to me to prove a point to Arsenal that they were wrong to get rid of me," the 26-year-old Wilshere told West Ham's match-

day programme.

"It'll be a strange one for me as I was never able to go there and play when I went out on loan as you can't play against your parent club," Wilshere added. "But it's one I'm looking forward to... I quite fancy our chances."

The lack of pace at the heart of West Ham's midfield, where Wilshere has partnered Mark Noble, has been questioned by pundits and fans.

Pellegrini is likely to be forced into a change today with captain Noble unlikely to be fit, with Pedro Obiang set to come in.

West Ham spent around 105 million pounds on new players in the close season and Pellegrini said he was unconcerned about the poor start.

"If you review my career, at Villarreal, at Malaga, at Manchester City, the first games that I managed were never good games," he said while acknowledging that some of West Ham's defensive work against Bournemouth had been unimpressive.

Any repeat today will sharply crank up the pressure.

Stats Arsenal is unbeaten in the previous nine London derbies at the Emirates.

Arsenal has 28 victories over West Ham with West Ham managing just seven out of the 44 previous meetings between the London clubs in the Premier League.

Today’s match will be the 139th meeting between the clubs with Arsenal leading with 65 wins and West Ham with 34 wins.

The last time Arsenal suffered successive defeats was in 1954/55 season.

Arsenal won 47 Premier League points at home last season. Only champions Manchester City managed more, with 50.

West Ham have won five PL matches away against Arsenal, three at Highbury and two at Emirates Stadium. Only Liverpool and Manchester United have triumphed away against the Gunners on more occasions, with seven and eight victories respectively.

Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi has made 17 tackles and interceptions combined this season; four more than any other player.

Fixture TODAY Wolves

v

Man City

12:30

Southampton v

Leicester

15:00

Arsenal

West Ham

15:00

Bournemouth v

Everton

15:00

Huddersfield

v

Cardiff

15:00

Liverpool

v

Brighton

17:30

Watford

v

C. Palace

13:30

Fulham

v

Burnley

16:00

Newcastle

v

Chelsea

16:00

v

Tottenham

20:00

v

SUNDAY

MONDAY Man Utd

Premiership Table Man City

2

7

6

Liverpool

2

6

6

Chelsea

2

4

6

Watford

2

4

6

Tottenham

2

3

6

Bournemouth

2

3

6

Everton

2

1

4

Leicester

2

1

3

Man Utd

2

0

3

Crystal Palace

2

0

3

Brighton

2

-1

3

Newcastle

2

-1

1

Southampton

2

-1

1

Wolves

2

-2

1

Burnley

2

-2

1

Cardiff

2

-2

1

Arsenal

2

-3

0

Fulham

2

-4

0

West Ham

2

-5

0

Huddersfield

2

-8

0

36

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

FAIRGROUND

MO Abudu, Eucharia Anunobi, Others at Oboli’s ‘Moms At War’ Movie

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

M

ovie premieres at FilmHouse Lekki are turning out to be “a thing” that no one wants to miss, and Sunday August 12 was one of those perfect nights when everyone just wanted to party. The combination of red carpet glam, great food and a movie experience that was totally worth it was all that was needed to make this a memorable night.

It was the exclusive premiere of Omoni Oboli’s “Moms at War,” featuring Omoni herself starring opposite Funke Akindele and a posse of top-rated young actors who delivered stellar performances to everyone’s delight.

In attendance were the cast Sharon Ooja, Michelle Dede, Eucharia Anunobi as well as friends in industry, AY Makun, Chioma Akpotha, Ufuoma Mc Dermott, Shaffy Bello and many more.

Raised by a single mom, who practically gave up her life to make her children happy, Omoni Oboli, the film’s director, said making this movie was a different experience for her.

“Making this movie brings many memories and mixed feelings,” she said, “but I have nothing but gratitude in my heart for my mother.

This is a tribute to all mothers out there who are doing their best. Thank you!”

There was an after party at Signature Lounge in Filmhouse to celebrate the premiere which was hosted

by Mavin records DJ, Big N who had everyone dancing into the night.

Food and drinks at the lounge kept flowing to keep the guests going.

Producers Inkblot, Dioni Visions and FilmOne production and distribution, who have such hits to their name as New Money, Wedding Party 2 and Wives on Strike 2, had announced the premiere of “Moms at War” weeks ago, promising laughter and intrigue. The film did not disappoint. “Moms at War” was written by Naz Onuzo, with stellar performances by Yul Edochie, Eucharia Anunobi and others. The movie, which made its debut at cinemas nationwide on August 17 is a must watch.

The “Moms at War” movie premiere was sponsored by Mall for Africa, Coca-Cola, Tetmosol, Dominos pizza, Pinkberry and Photogenic Photo Booth.

Chioma Akpotha, Ayo Makun

Kemen Oboli

Eucharia Anunobi

Michelle Dede and Shaffy Bello

Mo Abudu

Guests seated

DJ Big N

37

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

FAIRGROUND

DTCM Storms Dubai with Top Nigerian Girls

D

ubai, the golden city of United Arab Emirates will be playing host to top Nigerian girls at the behest of Dubai Tourism (DTCM) in a programme dubbed “Girls Experience

Dubai.”

On the said trip, six celebrity women will be hosted for a 5-night vacation in Dubai. Those drafted to be on the get-away include Nollywood actresses; Omoni Oboli, Uche Jumbo, Chioma Akpotha and Ufuoma Mcdermott and Chioma Omeruah popularly known as Chigul while a leading lifestyle and entertainment journalist, Azuka Ogujiuba, is the sixth on the list.

These ladies will experience the hospitality of Dubai as well as old and new attractions with a daily itinery of fun and adventure.

According to Stella Ibiene Obinwa, Director Africa International Operations, “We’ve been working these past weeks to ensure those on the trip have an awesome, adventurous, and relaxing time visiting Dubai. We are ready for these quintessential ladies.”

The luxury all-expense paid trip which begins on August 25 comes with amazing perks.

Jumeirah Hotel Group is the hotel host for this trip that will be giving varied experiences of their hotels where the ladies will spend three nights in each of the following hotels: Jumeirah Zabeel House (brand new within the city) and Jumeirah Al Naseem Resort.

The Dubai Tourism has incorporated in the expedition some iconic locations, gasp-inducing Dubai experiences, shopping, even Spa treatments and enchanting meeting with the dolphins and penguins. The itinery team will provide guidance on what to pack for the trip as the DTCM staff will be with the ladies throughout to Omoni Oboli Uche Jombo-Rodriguez, Chioma Akpotha, Ufuoma McDermott and Chigal ensure time and location compliance.

Reiterating its promises, Obinwa of Uber to provide daily transportamuch as possible, throughout added that, “all you have to do is look as tion throughout the programme in your trip.” pretty, happy, and enjoy yourselves.

We will be photographing and filming The organiser boasts of the support which the ladies will visit and shop

at the least of three prime shopping locations; Gold Souk, Dubai Mall, and Mall of Emirates.

Hennessy VS Class Lagos Live Audition

F

rom the display of enormous talents to downright hilarious performances, the Hennessy Artistry 2018 has had a number of highlights and we can definitely add the VS Class Lagos live auditions that took place last Saturday, August 11 as one of the several highlights, even to come.

The live auditions at the Koga Studios in Ikeja, Lagos, which comes on the heels of the successful auditions in Abuja and Benin, saw over 500 MCs step up for a chance to make the final shortlist of MCs to contest for the ultimate prize at the 2018 Hennessy Artistry VS Class.

VS Class judges Vector, Phlow, Jimmie who were joined by surprise guest IllBliss, cut down the list to about 100 MCs then further to 13, who now join the selected 10 from the Abuja and Benin auditions.

“We would have to give it to Hennessy to have done this up until the fifth edition. We have seen a lot of the brands settle with popular music, believe

it so It’s a good time to be a rapper or have aspirations and I am excited about this year’s edition and all the surprises coming,” Vector said with Illbliss in agreement. They spoke of the commitment of the premium cognac to the rap culture, during a conversation with journalists, who were on ground for the auditions. “You have to give it to Hennessy, man,” Illbliss reiterated.

Entries for the online auditions are still open to all lyricists, including those who were unable to attend the live auditions and even the ones who attended but weren’t selected.

Here is your second chance for a first impression! This will close on Monday 20th August. Go to Instagram & Twitter, record & post a 60 second video, spitting ill rhymes and using the #HennessyVSClass2018.

Hennessy VS Class is Nigeria’s biggest Hiphop showcase platform for up and coming rap MCs and femcees across Nigeria.

Couples Renew Marital Vows in ‘Make Me Fabulous’ Show

M

Stephanie Linus

ake Me Fabulous, a Reality TV Show which was created by Stephanie Linus to ignite the spark in marriages is currently airing on DSTV Channel 151 for its second season.

The show, which features 13 couples, has a vow renewal ceremony where they both reaffirmed their love for one another and pledged to work together to strengthen their marriage.

On Episode 2, which aired on Sunday

20th August, a unique couple - Joyful and Temitope brought tears to the eyes of many viewers during their emotional vow renewal ceremony. Another interesting time on the show was when the host, Stephanie Linus, prayed for the couple and gave them some useful advice.

Make Me Fabulous is a raw and unscripted show that is committed to ensuring that marriages work and that the family unit is shrouded in love. The show continues every Sunday by 6pm on DSTV Africa Magic Showcase Channel 151.

38

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

AUTO Land Rover on Trail of Endangered Rhinos

L

Jaguar E-PACE

Dua Lipa Joins Jaguar for Ground-Breaking Music, Technology Collaboration Stories by Bennett Oghifo

J

aguar and Dua Lipa, the global superstar singer-songwriter, have announced a music and technology partnership.

The British/Kosovan music artist will launch a ground-breaking collaboration with Jaguar at an exclusive gig in Amsterdam on 3 September.

The event kicks-off a series of Jaguar events

across Europe, called The Pace: Season One, which celebrate the brand’s popular SUV models, the E-PACE, F-PACE and I-PACE. Dua Lipa, currently the most streamed female music artist in the world, will perform not with another artist but with the new Jaguar I-PACE – an electric performance SUV that has zero tailpipe emissions and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

On the collaboration, Dua Lipa said: “I love to push boundaries with my music and my performances and this partnership is

going to take things to an exciting new level.

It’s a hi-tech project combining music and Jaguar technology, and I know my fans are going to love what we are creating together.

All will be revealed on 3rd September in Amsterdam.

“I’m so excited that my first car is going to be the I-PACE and to be trailblazing for the new electric generation.”

The ‘Dua Lipa x Jaguar’ collaboration launches on 3 September on Jaguar social channels and websites across Europe.

Five Technologies Which Make All-new Ford Escape Ideal Suburban SUV for Nigerian Consumers

T

he all-new Ford Escape delivers bold styling, unmatched capability, and refinement in the mid-size SUV segment.

The Ford Escape was recently launched

by Coscharis Motors, the exclusive distributor of Ford vehicles in Nigeria.

Ford engineers have also packed the Escape with modern connectivity and driver-assist features that make every drive easier, safer and more efficient.

“We are very excited that the new Escape has joined our line-up,” says Abiona Babarinde, GM of Marketing and Communications at Coscharis Motors. “More importantly, our customers are thrilled too. With stunning new design inside and out, smart technologies, fuel-efficient yet powerful engines, and five-star safety, it’s a vehicle that can be so many different things for our customers.”

Wherever the road takes you, you will love these five new technologies* in the all-new Ford Escape, Voice control Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system (dependent on spec-level), allows you to pair your phone with the system, and use your voice to call the office or home, play your favourite music, listen to a text, or stay on track with satellite navigation, and you never have to take your hands off the steering wheel. A new interface features larger, easier to operate buttons and, like your smartphone, pinch and swipe gestures are available for the first time.

Hands-free access Thanks to the Escape’s hands-free foot-activated Power Tailgate (dependent on spec-level), there is no need to fumble for your keys when your hands are full with grocery bags or little ones.

With your Intelligent Access Key in your pocket or purse, your Escape will know once you have approached the vehicle. All you have to do to access the vehicle’s boot space is to kick or swipe your foot beneath the bumper – the liftgate will open automatically.

Adaptive cruise control With Ford’sAdaptive Cruise Control (dependent on spec-level), you can select the speed and distance you want to maintain from the vehicle in

andRoverhasembarkedonanunexpected expeditiontopreservethepreciousAfrican rhinoceros and its habitat by joining an urban rhino trail across London.Agleaming Land Rover rhino model, embellished by Land Rover’s Chief Design Officer Gerry McGovern, made its debut in central London in the latest collaboration of a 15-year relationship with Tusk.

The unique 1.2m-long rhino sculpture was towed into Trafalgar Square in support of the Tusk Rhino Trail, to aid conservation projects for the endangered species.Theinitiativeinvolves21sculpturesdonated and decorated by leading figures from the worlds of art and design installed at prominent locations across the capital city.

The design of the Land Rover rhino uses specialist paint techniques from Land Rover’s state-of-the-art manufacturing process to achieve a highly durable liquid metal finish.

GerryMcGovern,ChiefDesignOfficer,LandRover, said: “I wanted to celebrate the magnificence of this unique creature, so my rhino is covered in a chrome finish. The idea being that because of the highly reflective nature of chrome it would be seen from a long distance, consequently creating awareness of the plight of this animal in Africa.

The red painted horn signifies the absurdity of this beautiful animal being hunted for such a small part of its overall being.”

Traditionally chrome has been used on vehicles to communicate prestige. Land Rover has developed an innovative and sustainable process to create a modern interpretation of chrome using a paint coating called spray chrome. Inspired by the dye treatments conservationists use to protect rhinos from ivory traders, the horn of the Land Rover sculpture has been painted red, highlighting the plight of this endangered creature. White ivory has huge value to poachers and one solution is to inject rhino horns with a dye, making them less appealing to hunters.

Chris Thorp, Responsible Business Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “At Jaguar Land Rover we are committed to working on projects that not only demonstrate the talent of our designers but also highlight the vital work carried out by charities like Tusk. In our long-standing partnership we are continuing to enable Tusk to reach remote territories using Land Rover’s all-terrain capability, making it the perfect fit for conservation work all around the world.”

The London-based art installation was towed into place using a Land Rover Discovery SUV and is designed to raise awareness of the plight of the rhino, culminating in the celebration of World Rhino Day on 22 September. Each of the 21 rhinos will then be sold to raise funds for Tusk projects across Africa at an event hosted by leading auction house Christie’s on 9 October.

Nissan announces U.S. Pricing for 2019 Versa Sedan

N

issan has announced a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)1 of $12,360 for the 2019 Versa Sedan (Versa Sedan S with 5-speed manual transmission). It is available now at Nissan dealers nationwide.

The Versa Sedan was upgraded in mid-2018 with the addition of standard RearView Monitor and an upgraded audio system. The new audio system includes a 7.0-inch color touchscreen, Streaming audio via Bluetooth®, Siri® Eyes Free, AM/FM audiosystemwithfourspeakersandUSBconnection port for iPod® and other compatible devices plus an Aux- in port.

For the 2019 model year, the popular SV Special Editionpackagehasbeenenhancedandnowincludes:

manoeuvring beam abilities.

15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels Fog lights and front fascia chrome accents Leather-wrapped steering wheel and Piano Black console lid Special Edition emblem Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System Easy Fill Tire Alert And NissanConnectSM featuringApple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and Handsfree Text Messaging The 2019 Versa Sedan is offered in three grade levels andtwotransmissionchoices.ThepopularSVSpecial Edition Package has a MSRP of $800.

Parking made easy If you dislike parking, the Escape is available with Enhanced Active Park Assist (dependent on spec-level), which helps you park in a variety of situations. Parallel Parking and Reverse Perpendicular Parking systems are able to scan if a parking space is suitable. And if you need help moving out of a tight spot, Ford Park-Out Assist provides instructions on shifting and moving forward/back once you need to be on your way again. Additionally, the Side Sensing System emits a warning when you get too close to an object on either side of your vehicle.

Destination and handling $895.

All 2019 Versa Sedan models are equipped with a 109-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with a range of fuel efficiency-enhancing technologies. The available Xtronic transmission utilizes an auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing, helping enhance efficiency and provide driving enjoyment through new-generationD-modestepshiftprogramming.Fuel economy with the Xtronic transmission is rated at 31 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined2.

The Versa Sedan’s spacious interior offers unexpected leg and headroom to seat five comfortably.

Convenience features include available RearView Monitor and Hands-free Text MessagingAssistant.

All-new Ford Escape interior

front of you. When traffic ahead slows down, your Escape will automatically slow down too, and when the traffic clears, it will accelerate and maintain the pre-set speed you have selected.

All you have to do is steer.

Adaptive front lighting system The Adaptive Front Lighting System (dependent on spec-level) makes driving in the dark easier. It monitors ambient light conditions, and automatically optimises visibility by adjusting the beam angle of the Escape’s new Bi-Xenon headlights, depending on the vehicle’s speed, steering angle, and distance to the object in front.

The system features anti-glare capability, and

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

39

Porsche Classic Builds a classic 911 Using Genuine Parts Stories by Bennett Oghifo

M

P

orsche Classic has built a highly desirable collector’s item: the last 911 Turbo with an air-cooled engine - 20 years after the end of series production. The design of the 993-generation 911 Turbo is based on an original bodyshell, and the vehicle’s appearance is just as unique as its history: Painted in Golden Yellow Metallic, it references the 2018 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series.

The black wheels are highlighted by Golden Yellow design accents, while the seats and interior trim are finished in black with Golden Yellow details. The bodyshell features the characteristic side air intakes of the 993 Turbo S that were also available as an option for the regular 911 Turbo in 1998. Developing 450 horsepower, the classic sports car will celebrate its world premiere at the Porsche Rennsport Reunion in Laguna Seca (USA) on September 27, 2018. The collector’s item, which is limited to use on private tracks, will then be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta on October 27, 2018. The proceeds will be donated to the Ferry Porsche Foundation, a non-profit organization established this year to mark the “70 years of Porsche sports cars” celebrations.

“Project Gold” showcases the comprehensive skill of Porsche Classic in fascinating fashion”, says Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board responsible for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “This project clearly demonstrates our strategic approach.Although we are starting a new chapter in our sports car history with the Porsche Taycan, the story of how the company evolved is no less significant. On the contrary, this Golden Yellow 993 demonstrates how in-

Massilia Motors Celebrates Mitsubishi Motors Heritage

Porsche Cayenne

credibly passionate we are about the tradition of our brand.”

“Project Gold” represents Porsche Classic’s spectacular contribution to the “70 years of Porsche sports cars” celebrations: With this anniversary in mind as well as the forthcoming

market launch of the Taycan as the first purely electric Porsche sports car, the experts at Porsche Classic came up with the idea of constructing a completely new vehicle based on an existing genuine type 993 bodyshell, showcasing both tradition and innovation.

assilia Motors, sole distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Nigeria, is set to celebrate the rich Mitsubishi Motors heritage in style. From August 27 to 31, its Victoria Island, Lagos showroom on Adeola Odeku street, will be transformed into a maze, taking visitors on a journey to celebrate the different milestones of the brand.

According to the General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Massilia Motors, Mr. Navin Chander, the company’s showroom will be open to the many happy Mitsubishi users, auto enthusiasts and invited guests.

Activities lined up for the week include masterclasses, panel discussions, album listening, cocktail night, among others.

The Heritage week will feature Canon and renowned photographer Emmanuel Oyeleke, ASPIRE Luxury Magazine, Chocolate City Rapper - MI Abaga, Zaron Cosmetics, Johnnie Walker (Diageo Nigeria) and Tinsel actress/ Jazz artiste - Tomi Odunsi, amongst others.

The General Manager also stated that “We are also rewarding our existing Mitsubishi Motors clientele through online giveaways.

Visitors can also stopover at the showroom daily to view historic images of Mitsubishi car models from time past and also register online to participate in some of the activities open to the public”.

In 2017, Mitsubishi Motors celebrated its 100th anniversary, holding the title of Japan’s oldest car manufacturer. The first series production passenger car, the Mitsubishi Model-A, was developed by Mitsubishi Shipping Company in 1917. It was the first car to be adorned with the three-diamond emblem and was the first mass production car in Japanese history.

Hyundai Motor Expands Mobility Service, Strategic Investment into Revv

H

yundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, announced a partnership with Revv, India’s fastest growing self-drive car sharing company to develop an innovative car sharing service and conduct creative marketing activities in India.

The strategic partnership including Hyundai Motor’s investment to Revv sees innovative future mobility services gain the company’s first foothold in the Indian mobility market.

The strategic investment and partnership will enable both Hyundai Motor and Revv to build competency and the technology necessary for leading the future mobility market in India; an evolving market showing exponential growth, expanding from USD 900 million in 2016 to USD 1.5 billion in 2018, and projected to expand to USD 2 billion by 2020. India’s 15,000 car sharing vehicles are expected to grow to 50,000 by 2020, and 150,000 by 2022.

Furthermore, millennials, who are heavy users of car sharing services, comprise 35 percent

of the total population of India.

The market growth potential for mobility services is stronger than that of any other global market.

“India is a very important market for Hyundai Motor. As a market leading brand, we will play a proactive role introducing innovative Hyundai Motor technology that will transform Indian society,” said Dr. Youngcho Chi, Executive Vice President of Strategy & Technology Division and Chief Innovation Officer of Hyundai Motor Group. “We will invest and form partnerships in various fields, developing a prominent mobility system in the world.”

Hyundai Motor, which is the only automotive company among Revv’s investors, will explore ways to support Revv’s car sharing service, including the supply of car sharing products, the development of new mobility service platforms, and product marketing. This will allow Indian consumers to experience Hyundai Motor’s vehicles in diverse ways.

Hyundai Motor and Revv to work together

Rejigging The Driving School Architecture

L

Last week I took you through memory lane on the rationale behind the birth of the driving school standardization programme, (DSSP) which was meant to institute standard procedure for establishing driving schools. The component of the scheme also includes driving school certification, uniformity in driving school curriculum, standardized instructors training in addition to assessment and categorization of driving schools. The DSSP made it mandatory for fresh applicants to attend a certified driving school and do a mandatory 26sesssions as a prerequisite for applying for a driver’s license. The DSSP was meant to berth a new generation of drivers who are lettered in the arts of driving as a plank for addressing the country’s crash trend.

Rather than promote a cultured atmosphere for driving, some of the driving schools and some applicants short-circuited the process .These noticeable abuses prompted the Corps to convoke a national workshop for driving school operators to address these issues like I told you last week.

What then were the issues before the birth of these novel ideas which has suddenly hit the rocks becauseofcompromisebysomeoperatorswhodo not care about the ideals but are chronic and selfish business men who would rather watch our crash trend increase than play their vital role in redress it. Before the DSSP, there was no uniformity in the establishment of driving schools, no operational procedure, no standard procedure for specific categories of drivers training programme, no uniform training manuals, curriculum and other relevant instructional materials, drivers training was largely informal, rickety vehicles

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

were used while there was inadequate record or data on driving schools and drivers training in addition to the fact that someacclaimed driving schoolswerenonexistentbutfrontstoextorthapless members of the public.

The DSSP like I earlier wrote based on the presentation of the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps ,Dr Boboye Oyeyemi seeks to regulate the activities of driving schools in Nigeria with clear-cut procedure for driving school operation with the ingredients I mentioned last week as enumerated by the FRSC boss who informed his audience that under the DSSP, driving schools are assessed to ascertain the quality of facilities and trainers deployed for driver education and training.

The assessment provides for the different levels of certification, after which driving schools can officially engage in driver education and training activities. Under the scheme, a driving school that compromises that minimum uniform standards set by FRSC shall have its certification suspended or withdrawn.

He expressed his worry that, a decade after, the DSSPisatcrossroads,facinganumberofchallenges, including: relentless hacking into the DSSP Portal to gain unmerited advantage for driving schools clients, worry by many Nigerian on the quality of driver training and certification, citizens are worried, and rightly so, about licenses touting arising from the knack for driving schools breach of DSSP processes and procedures, registration of a trainees by multiple driving schools, in-fighting and rivalry among driving schools in the state leading to unhealthy competition, non-adherence to the rule of engagement and outright deceit operation of the State committees of driving schools’ registration leading to rogue approval of non-existing/sub-standard driving schools, general non- cooperative attitude of driving schools operators to be properly organized for better operation and regulation in order to ensure best practice is maintained.

Based on the FRSC record, the FRSC boss informed them that the status of driving schools stands at 1,450 certified with 940 adjudged to be running effectively while 124 have been suspended due to compliance breaches and 510 driving schools were not accredited due to standard non-compliance.

The workshop was therefore put together to take a holistic approach to the DSSP value network and proffer comprehensive and enduring strategy to rejuvenate it towards ensuring effective functioning of the programme that would enhance road safety and also continue to offer assistance and guidance to driving schools operators in order to channel them towards innovation and efficient investments. It equally seeks to continually offer the highest safety and security standards, building

a strong safety culture crucial to driving schools’ operation.

The need to offer the highest safety and security standards and build a strong safety culture crucial to driving school operations was the main fulcrum of all intents and efforts at tailored sector development of the nation. One of the issues plaguing driver education, training and licensing in Nigeria still remains the need for the States to establish model driving schools. Aside from very few States that have established one driving school each, many States do not have and this is inspite of its viability and the lead role that such schools can play in driver education and licensing. States should be in the main stream of road safety from the grass roots, especially in view of the immeasurable value addition of driving schools to state development, including employment opportunities. To checkmate the abuse by operators, he prevailed on each State of the Federation to establish at least one driving school per Senatorial District, to begin with, as soon as possible in keeping with the path already towed by States such as Lagos and Bayelsa States .The beauty of the model driving schools to be established by each State is that they will provide competition on best practice as a plank to building a strong road safety culture as this is crucial for the FRSC and should be same for all players in the road sector.

Let me draw your attention to one of the cardinal reasons why my boss is pained by the mess in the driving school operations. Like he said in his presentation, the foundation for a safer driving culture rests sole on the effective and efficient operations of driving school across board. He therefore gave driving school operator’s 60days within which to meet up with the maximum standards noting that there is no room for minimum standard for any driving school.

40

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

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

41

42

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͳ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

‘Ammunition’ Uncountable

EBERE WABARA

T

HE NATION ON SUNDAY of August 19 displayed grammatical hypocrisy: “The president should call the group to order for double standards (standard) and flouting our laws” “Rangers’ boss picks holes on 3SC” I also pick my own holes in (not on) this headline.

“TIME Magazine commends Nigeria over (for) containment” “…was the outcome of the series of meeting (meetings)” “…Assure (Assure Nigerians) Boko Haram will be defeated” “The source said further that…are (were) now firmly in control of the military.”

“Lassa fever scare in Delta as FMC cordonsoff (cordons off) emergency ward” “…the population of the estate has increased considerable (considerably)” Finally from THISDAY of August 22 under review: “Heat free (Heat-free) curls” SATURDAY INDEPENDENT of August18 circulated a potpourri of misapprehensions: “Buhari’s administration is been (being) sabotaged, says cleric” “Irri community seeks for support” Yank off ‘for’ Wrong: electioneering campaign; Right: electioneering or campaign “Siasia clamours for Nigerians (Nigerians’) support” “CNS indicts major oil companies in (for/ on) oil theft” Yet another lexical crisis: “…that the police was (were) supporting the impeached speaker of the House….” “…at the expense of majority (the majority) of other members of the House” “He said the police cannot (could not) be dragged into the mess….”

“Underfunding, bane to (of) poly education” “…incessant strikes actions….” Education

BY

Today: incessant strikes “Truancy among professors and other senior academic staff often percolate (percolates) down the academic hierarchy….”

“Modibbo meets delegates, promises all inclusive (all-inclusive) government” “Obiazor relishes Super Eagles (Eagles’) call-up” “Group insists PDP, APC should pick Christian (Christians) as flag bearers (standardbearers) in 2019” “We express these fears, knowing fully well the nature of ….” This amounts to ill-treatment of the English language. Right: knowing full well “The NFF still have to decide on the outcome of some matches” ‘Federation’ takes a singular verb.

“What is good for the goose can’t be bad for the gander. “ I do not understand the use of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ instead of ‘sauce’ in this instance. “…but LifeStyle will not hesitate to remind you about (sic) one of the qualifying criterion for this jamboree…” Singular: criterion; plural: criteria. In addition, ‘remind you of…’

“An alleged hike in school fees has created a row between the management and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of…. “PTA means Parent-Teacher Association.

“The donation of vehicles and communication gadgets provide a good beginning. “ The donation … provides.

“Fear of robbers keep lawyers away from courts” Fear of robbers keeps…

“CBN intervention bouys naira” (BUSINESSDAY, August 21) Get it right: buoys.

THISDAY of August 18 disseminated the following slips: “Nigeria is, therefore, once more, at crossroads and the path the nation takes shall make all the difference.” Perspective: at a/the crossroads “Indeed, it is now a make or mar situation….” Rise of fascism: make-or-mar situation From Global Soccer comes this: “With a not too impressive (With a not-too-impressive)

outing at the 2018 World Cup….”

“When will governance resume in Nigeria” (THISDAY Back Page, August 18) We need a question mark here!

THISDAY Front Page of August 11 circulated three omissions: “More foreign investment (investments) in Floating Production Storage coming” “FG planning to frame-up (frame up), arrest us, say Saraki, Ekweremadu” “Unknown gunmen kill 9 in fresh Benue attack” We can never know the gunmen! So, just drop ‘unknown’ Plus: “…but like (as) they say….” “…job opportunities for the teaming (teeming) youths.”

“I spoke to some promoters but many said his time has (had) passed.”

“Spate of boat mishap (mishaps), maritime deaths worry FG, says NIMASA Chairman” “Klopp in fresh attack on Ramos’ win at all cost (win-at-all-cost) attitude “Former Tour de France winner arrested over (for) attack on sex worker” DAILY SUN of August 13 takes over from THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER: “Presidential Amnesty Programme: Prof. Charles Dokubo’s 100 days on the saddle” The facts, the figures: in the saddle “Teacher risks 6 years (6 years’) jail (jail term) for bathing neighbour with hot water” “2019 elections: CSOs accuse Buhari of dumping cost savings measure” (National News, August 17) Get it right: cost-saving measures DAILY Sun Editorial of August 17 fumbled four times: “We congratulate Zimbabweans for (on/upon) successful violence-free democratic general election” “…soldiers opened fire with live ammunitions on protesters leading to the death of six opposition protesters.” The Zimbabwe (Zimbabwean) election: ‘ammunition’ is uncountable “…said he has (had) evidence to show he had been cheated out of the presidential

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

election.”

“Jigawa govt, UNICEF sensitise clerics on (to) exclusive breastfeeding” THISDAY Front Page Window of August 18 offended readers this way: “…his immediate family members and close associate (associates) held an early morning prayers at….”

Which one: an early morning prayer or early morning prayers…?

“Defeating APC in 2019 in Bauchi State becomes more feasible, judging from the last week polls result….” Get it right: judging by last week’s polls result “MTN signs N200bn medium term (medium-term) loan facility with 12 banks” “Amnesty office alerts on (to) fake training programmes” “8 die in auto, boat mishap (mishaps) in Benue, Zamfara” “Exhorbitant right of way charges frustrating broadband investors” Spell-check: exorbitant

Language Clinic (2)

MAY I express my appreciation for the high quality of your column.The impact cannot be negated. Please note this from DAILY SUN of January 30, Page 22:“Past hurdles not yet overcomed (overcome)” Dr. S. Chuks (08038094832) I write to appreciate the justice done to my humble response to the growing grammatical challenges. As a matter of fact, to make corrections sets you apart. It is hoped that more people will come to terms with the nice work you are doing.

God bless you. (08161236077) THANK you for doing a good job. But you confused me by using the phrase ‘little bit’ in one of your articles. Using both words together, I think, is tautological. (09081358432) Concluded .

VINTAGE

Enugwu Ukwu: Giant Strides under a New Monarch Sam Ekpe

W

hen the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice. This has been the experience of the people of Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State in the past seven years His Majesty Igwe Ralph Obumneme Ekpeh, Eze Enugwu Ukwu na Igwe Umunri ascended the throne. After a brief interregnum following the demise of the highly revered Igwe Osita Agwuna III who passed on in 2007, and the adoption of a new constitution for the town, the New Royal Father has introduced new ideas and more acceptable ways of ensuring mass participation in the customs and traditions of the people.

In keeping with the provisions of the new town and Chieftaincy Constitution, he dissolved the former Igwe’s Cabinet and constituted a new one as well as a new Traditional Council.

The new cabinet comprises vibrant and progressive young men who live in Nigeria and abroad and have since been making significant contributions to the town’s development.

After only two years of celebrating the annual Igu Aro ceremony in a village square beside his Palace, he now performs the popular ceremony in a brand new 15000-seater stadium stated Umunri Palace Complex in Nkwo Enugwu Ukwu. The edifice whose construction was done within only 15 months was supervised by the late Chief Mike Nkwoji, Okpataozuora Enugwu Ukwu na Umunri, a foremost patriotic indigene who tarred a village road, renovated the Immanuel Anglican Church and also donated a brand new air conditioned Church, St Monica’s Anglican Church Enugwu Ukwu.

The Igu Aro ceremony, celebrated on the first Saturday of January every new year now attracts more visitors from all over the country to witness the traditional breaking of cola nuts and call on Almighty God to bless the people for the New year. At the last ceremony held

Obu Okpalanakana on January 2018 some indigenes of the town were conferred with Chieftaincy titles while some none indigenes were admitted into the Igwe’s Cabinet. They include Dr Nkem Okeke, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Oba Theodore Omalu, Ozonkpu Sylva Onwudinjo, Chief P.J.C Nwokafor while Ajie Kofi Obijiofor of Nanka and Chief Innocent Chukuma of Innoson Motors Nnewi were honoured with the town’s honorary Chieftaincy titles.

Another innovation in the town introduced

by Igwe Ekpeh is the Iluogbo Commission headed by Ichie Philip Nworjih. This is the celebration of the Elder citizens of 80 years and above. This celebration, adopted from Obosi town gives families of the Elders who have

attained the very ripe age to celebrate them while they are still alive and not when they have transited to the great beyond.

Under Igwe Ralph Ekpeh’s leadership the Enugwu Ukwu Youth Council has been inaugurated, fully active and effective, with units in each of the 18 villages in the town. The youths co-operate with the vigilante group to ensure maximum security in the town. The youths are led by Hon Henry Akubuike, a Special Assistant to the Anambra State Governor.

Attention has also been given to the elaborate activities during funeral ceremonies in the town. From a three-day festival of activities the duration has now been reduced to only two days with a minimum of entertainment items to be provided. It is expected that very

soon it will be only a 1 day affair as is done in some neighboring towns. This will afford the bereaved people the resources to take care of the people who are still alive instead of lavishing it on the dead.

However, the greatest impact Igwe Ralph Ekpeh’s reign will make in the town when completed is the construction of Obu Okpalanakana, situated at Ezi Okpalanri, at the junction to Nimo, a neighboring town. This is an edifice being constructed within a record time of 9 months. The Obu Okpalanakana commemorates the home of Okpalanri first son of Nri and father of Enugwu Ukwu. His other children were Okpalariam (Nawfia) Aguiyi (Enugwu Agidi) Ifukwuanum (Agukwu, now called Nri town and Nwora, now extinct due to tribal wars. Nri had one daughter Iguedo who was the mother of Awkuzu, Umueri and many others scattered all over the entire South East States, Delta, Benue, Rivers State who have Nri ancestry.

It is therefore very significant that the great Okpalanakana will now have an Obu dedicated to him where all his descendants will meet, discuss their future and felicitate.

According to the Chairman of the Obu Committee Senator I.G. Abana (Ochikota) the edifice will be officially opened as part of the next Igu Aro activities coming up in January 2019.

The Town Union, Enugwu Ukwu Community Development Union (ECDU) is also making very rapid progress. A new Executive under the leadership of Comrade Bonny Nkwuaku of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka has been elected and inaugurated. The committee has visited many branches in Nigeria and the United States of America.

As the Igwe welcomes all indigenes and their guests to the Onwasato (New Yam) festival which will be celebrated from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th August 2018, one appreciates the many giant strides that have been made in the ancient and historic town of Enugwu Ukwu. Many more laurels await the Igwe.

–––Sam Ekpe is a Media Consultant and wrote in from Abuja.

AUGUST 25, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

43

FASHION FILE

Leo Da Silva, Temidayo Sanusi & Cynthia Lawrence Front Elanred’s In-house Line Debut Campaign

44

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Leo Da Silva, Temidayo Sanusi & Cynthia Lawrence Front Elanred’s In-house Line Debut Campaign Having built a portfolio of housing and launching some of the biggest breakthrough Nigerian designers, Elanred Store is finally launching its first in-house fashion and lifestyle label, RED LINE. Introducing our own in-house line has always been part and parcel of Elanred since day one. We’ve always wanted to create a range that combined high-end fit and finish at a very accessible price point, aimed at serving younger men and women.

The beach inspired debut collection features colourful prints, spotted patterns like the timeless polka dot prints in breezy shapes and cuts perfect for summer. See images from our debut collection staring Leo Da Silva, Temidayo Sanusi and Cynthia Lawrence.

Images Credit Creative Direction & Styling: @SharonOjong Art Direction & Photography: @iamDanielObasi Models: @SirLeoBDasilva @Global_Addict & @ Temidayo_Sanusi at #FEWModels Styling Assistants: @Dike_x and @Thesisikiks Makeup: @Mikes_Makeovers

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 25, 2018

FASHION FILE

45

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

SHOWBIZFLAIR

HAUWA ALLAHBURA

Why I Can’t Act Nude Kola Amusan

Testimony

I’m Hoping to Make an Impact in Hollywood

Testimony Drops New Single, ‘Gone For Life’ pg. 48

pg. 50

46

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

HAUWA ALLAHBURA

Why I Can’t Act Nude Ă‹Ă?ĂžĚ‹ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă&#x;ĂĄĂ‹ Ă–Ă–Ă‹Ă’ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ëœ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ăž ĂŒĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ ÑÙÎÎĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă˜Ë› Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă– Ă™Ă? Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă&#x;ĂĄĂ‹ ĂŒĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ă? ÞÙ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’Ă?Ă Ă?Ăœ ĂœĂ™Ă–Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă? Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă?Ăœ Ă“Ă?Ă? Ëœ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ëœ ÞËÖÕĂ? ÞÙ Chinedu Ibeabuchi Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÖÙÙÕ Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă?

W

ho is Hauwa Allahbura?

The best way to describe me is a young dreamer girl. I started off as a Beauty Queen, Miss FCT 2012 and went ahead to become a TV presenter for Village Square now called Trybe TV. I found love for acting on the Journey. I have featured in movies like Gidi Blues, 3 is a Crowd, The Eve and TV series like Tinsel and Battleground. I now manage a production company called Cut24 Production.

You seem to love your dad so much. So much said about him than your mom?

Those made me laugh out so loud. I actually Love and miss my mum so much but she’s unfortunately late and I don’t like to talk about it. So, I don’t get as emotional as I’m getting now.

Have you always wanted to be an actor?

What I’ve always wanted to be is a media mogul. I am definitely enjoying my journey in attaining that height and I must confess that I have gathered a lot of experience that is needed. I also fell in love with acting along the line and will continue to do it once in a while.

So how did the acting opportunity come up?

I auditioned for Tinsel while I was still a presenter for Village Square and did not get a call back for a year or so. I got a scholarship from African International Film Festival and Ford Foundation to study documentary film making. When I came back, it was like the Heavens opened. I auditioned and got to star in my first big role in Femi Odugbemi’s Gidi Blues. I got a call from Tinsel and I did a few African Magic Original Movies and things began to move for the better.

What are some of the notable movies or series you have featured in?

For notable, I will say Gidi Blues. That was my first big film that gathered a lot of International recognition as I was nominated in France for that role.

Which of them threw you into limelight? And how would you describe such moments?

Hauwa For the limelight, I will say it’s not one particular project that put my face out there. When you are working on a couple of projects, people begin to identify with you. Your face begins to ring a bell. I am grateful for the opportunity to feature in all projects and I will say it’s a combination of all.

To what extent can you go acting romantic scene? Kiss, nude or sex?

And why?

I have always said I will not be in a romantic scene for the sake of it. It needs to be a career advancement role. I need to feel and know why.

Who are your role models?

My role model has always been Oprah Winfrey. The lives she has touched with her show and the comfort she has given to homes through the media are just worthy of emulation. For me, it’s more than being in the Lime Light. I have certain goals and ambitions - Things I want to do and

to become as a media mogul.

Do you still model?

Well, with the right money (laughs).

My answer will be ‘yes, i still model lol!’ If the money is not right, ‘No, I don’t!’

Models and actresses are often accused of living above their means and rely on sugar daddies to maintain their amboyant lifestyles. Do you agree?

For me, it’s whatever rocks your boat!

I am not discriminating anyone and I am also not a judge! How do I approach this?

I am very sure every sugar daddy worked hard for their money. These sugar daddies made their money from hustle or deals.

Why can’t I make my own money? I don’t want to depend on man. Man can only give you crumbs if you are not connected to the ultimate Source. I am trying to work for my money. That’s how I approach life.

Don’t give me fish. Teach me how to fish.

When you are not modelling or acting, what else do you do?

the Meissner technique for acting. I embrace who I am. I embrace who the character is. I am the character and the character is me. That’s my approach to interpreting my scripts.

You recently produced a movie, tell us about it.

You were sad at the outcomes of return on investment of your movie, The Eve. Why did you blame movie distributors for this?

I work in a full time production company and that’s where all my attention is right now. I am currently not modeling or acting.

The Eve was my first film production and it was a passion project. I enjoyed every bit of it and learnt so many things. Bringing together cast and crew members that treated the film like their personal project was an absolute delight. I worked with some of the most amazing people ever.

You are a star to watch in the series, ‘The Battleground’. What makes your acting style unique?

Battleground is such an amazing series with a world class cast and crew. I actually trained as an actor in New York Film Academy. I use

Of course, I was sad about the outcome of The Eve. The Eve did not do badly in the cinemas but when you think of how much you put into PR and canvassing, you will realise that you’ve made absolutely nothing.

I actually don’t blame the distributors. I strongly believe the sharing pattern can be better. I also believe as a distributor, you should contribute to the Success of a film.

If I am making money and you are making money, we will all be happy. It’s not the job of the producers to promote, canvass and advertise. I also encourage people to

47

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

What I’ve always wanted to be is a media mogul I personally do not approach life thinking someone is exploiting me. I have a decision to avoid exploitation.

With The Eve, we made so many mistakes and we are currently re-strategising and rethinking.

As a producer, you have the right to avoid exploitation. I personally think the cinemas have found their own business strategy and its working for them. How can we shout exploitation when we continue to make ďŹ lms that go through this same distribution Chanel right, the right man will find me or I will find the right man. I don’t think too much about marriage. I am looking forward to finding my soul mate.

Who is your Nollywood crush and why?

Not sure I have. I need to think properly and give you an answer next time.

Have you been sexually harassed before given a role?

I have fortunately not been sexually harassed for a role. Someone tried to dupe me when I first started out but I laughed all through‌. People just always want to take advantage one way or the other.

stop sharing lies concerning their box-office figures. If your film did not do well, I will rather you shut up than share lies.

Can you describe your most challenging moments in life? And how did you surmount this?

I have faced so many challenges in my life. I really can’t point at one as the most challenging. I always believe I will keep facing and overcoming.

Many producers blame movie distributors/cinema houses for exploiting producers. Do you share same view?

I personally do not approach life thinking someone is exploiting me. I have a decision to avoid exploitation. With The Eve, we made so many mistakes and we are currently re-strategising and rethinking.

As a producer, you have the right to avoid exploitation. I personally think the cinemas have found their own business strategy and its working for them. How can we shout exploitation when we continue to make films that go through this same distribution Chanel?

Any nomination or notable award?

Yes, I have been nominated for Award mostly Outside Nigeria. None in Nigeria. I have won the Golden Movie Award for Best Break out Actor and best Supporting Actor.

What was your most embarrassing moment on set or in public?

If I was really embarrassed, I won’t remember. I actually purposely forget things that I don’t feel good about.

How would you describe your personal style?

Where should we see Hauwa in the next ďŹ ve years?

I like to be as simple as possible. I have an ‘I cannot go and die sense of style.’ (Laughs!)

Any plan for Kannywood movies or series?

Hmmm!!! I actually have plans for creating Northern content. For acting, I’m open to powerful stories.

Tell us about your Russia 2018 experience I had a blast!! Sadly, we did not make

Running a multi-million dollar company that would be impacting on the entertainment industry in Africa.

Hauwa

it through but I am proud of us. I am a Super Eagles fan for life. Saving up to go watch my favourite team (Chelsea) at the Premier League.

Single, married or engaged?

Very Single. I am waiting for Ruben Loftus

Cheek to come Date and marry me LOL!!

I am not joking.

If single, do you cherish marriage or you see it as a distraction? Also, what’s your ideal man?

I never force anything. Once the time is

The industry is rife with controversy, how have you managed to steer clear of controversies?

I know you might be bored hearing this answer but I am not purposely trying to stay away from Controversies. I am just living my life one day at a time with a vision.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

48

Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‘

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

KOLA AMUSAN

I’m Hoping to Make an Impact in Hollywood ÙÖÖãåÙÙÎ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂœËœ ÙÖË Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ ĂŒĂœĂ™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă™ĂœĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ‹ Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœËœ ×Ùà ÓĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ëœ ÙÖËÔÓ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ ÚÙÚĂ&#x;Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁ Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹ Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ë› Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? ÞÙ Tosin Clegg Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ÙÖÖãåÙÙÎ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ ×Ùà ÓĂ?Ëœ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă˜ I have been in the industry since 2003 hatthatmeansisthatIoverseea lot of the strategic implementations of the initiatives we put on the ground. So right now, I have more of a production and content background.

I used to manage a production studio in Los Angeles. And I’m really trying to revamp the brand of Silverbird and energise some youths in the company.

W

I have been in this job for seven months now I’m the new kid on the block, and no longer active at the studio in Los Angeles, but we have various film and TV projects we work on out there that are still in their early stages. The studio in LA creates local contents for the U.S. and South American markets as well.

There is a lot of room for growth in Nigerian productions Over the last five to 10 years, we have seen massive improvements. If you look at the overall quality of films and TV productions in Nigeria, you’ll see it has greatly improved. It really comes down to our lack of infrastructure, as anywhere around the world, in LA or UK, you may attend a school that’s been there for 50 or 60 years or may understudy a director that’s worked on 30 different projects. So, there is just a wealth of knowledge that exists out there, and we are still in the early stages in Nigeria but I feel like in the next five years we would be producing contents that you wouldn’t be able to tell if I have been in the industry since 2003. I have produced two Yoruba movies, Eyin Ookan and Isijibo, shot in 2008 and 2009 respectively. The third and recent one is African Queen, which is in English and was shot this year.

My passion for movie as a kid I had a passion for movie when I was a kid but I was very shy while growing up. I finally delved into acting in 2003 with the help of my brother Bolaji Amusan popularly known as Mr. Latin. He lives in Abeokuta and I remember he usually came to a location in Lagos for Erinkeke, a series comedy by Babatunde Omidina (Baba Suwe). So, whenever he was in Lagos, I would meet him at Simpson Street, Ebute Meta. That encouraged me to develop myself in front of my mirror. Also, I’m a great fan of RMD; I watch him a lot. In 2003, I took that bold step and called my brother that I would like to act, coincidentally, he was producing a movie and he asked me to come, and my first appearance ever was as a police officer.

Mr. Latin is known for comedy roles, but I don’t do comedy on screen. Though some friends say I’m funny, but I don’t think I can really convince people to laugh.

My brother has contributed to my success When I joined the industry in 2003, I travelled every week from Lagos to Abeokuta for rehearsals because that’s where Mr. Latin lives. At that time, I used to have a business centre in FESTAC where I was born, bred and brought up. In my business centre, I sell recharge cards and make phone call.

I remember I make a minute call for N35 when

GSM just got to Nigeria and I also used a landline.

I was making money then until I got into acting, and travelling to Abeokuta every week caused me my business. At some point, I moved in with him but things did not work as planned. Mr. Latin has just started making his name and was becoming a household name. So, I understand he needed to concentrate on building his own name and that there wouldn’t be an avenue for him to help me build mine. I endured for two years and I returned to Lagos. There and then, I eventually enrolled in Kunle Afod oriented group called Legacy Caucus where I started my career in full. Gradually I started writing scripts, making movie soundtracks and also handling production. I really did achieve much before I travelled out of the country.

People only say I’m the ďŹ ner version of Mr. Latin He’s not a competitor, so people hardly compare or make a contrast. He’s one of the many actors that have travelled far and wide and he has so many connections internationally. He asked me some time ago if I would like to visit South Africa and I said I wouldn’t mind. He tried to get me South African Visa but it did not work out then. After a few months, he notified me of a show he would be having in America. It’s a show that involved Adekunle Shefiu Alao and his band and Mr. Latin would be performing too, so he included my name and Odun Adekola’s to perform alongside with him on stage. That’s the process of how I got to America and ever since the Lord has been good to me, so I appreciate him (Mr. Latin) for including my name in this list.

What makes my new movie different?

Firstly, it’s in English, compared to the first two movies. The script has been in my archive for almost a decade, I remember I have taken proposals to some corporate bodies to co-produce the movie but nobody was ready to help them. What they feared is, my name is not well known and they didn’t want to risk doing business with an upcoming producer. But today, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to achieve the unachievable. I also used veteran actors- Segun Arinze, Tina and Norbert Young- I never thought I would work with because I never thought I would be able to pay them when I had the script newly.

My production crew was also the best I have worked with Technically inclined, but as you know, there will always be some weed in the middle of the wheat. I still did not regret any of what went wrong because it’s an eye opener for me as I’m just coming back into the industry after six years. I used sophisticated equipment, such as two Black magic ursa mini, my lighting equipment was what I have been dreaming of, finally, the post-production came out just the way I wanted it, the colour was so good and I envisage winning an award for this.

African Queen is an achievement for me and it’s going to the cinema and will start showing from September 7, this year.

The cast are awesome We see Segun Arinze playing the role of Alhaji Dasuki, who is a Minister and he actually killed

Amusan A the role; Tina Mba is the wife and made a good translation of her role as well; Norbert Young is an Area Commander and he couldn’t have done better; Ninolowo Bolanle is a leader of a kidnap group and I have never seen him act like this before, which is different from the love story he usually does; Kayode Olaiya popularly known as Aderupoko also plays the role of a commercial driver, he has been in many cinema movies but he nailed it in this one. We used both Abeokuta and Lagos but we faced a lot of challenges during the production. You know it’s not easy bringing different people from different backgrounds, different orientation, different mindset, different drives and many more, bringing them together on a set. But eventually, our goal was achieved.

Baba Latin and I planned the project but he’s a busy person that does so many other stuffs aside acting. Despite the fact, we did the production in his present home (Abeokuta) and also used his students for some of my crew and actors. He wasn’t too much available at that time, I guess he was into politics and having meetings upon meetings. Even during my first two Yoruba movies, he was not available and I replaced him with Pa James Ajirebi and Muyiwa Adegoke Londoner, respectively.

I adopt any language to get my message across I also want to get my message out there and so I adopt any language that helps me do that.

In African Queen, we have Hausa there as well.

I am making a globally accepted movie and so it always depends on the script. I’m not ruling out producing Yoruba movies. African Queen has been in my archive for many years.

Been married for ďŹ ve years now My wife is God-sent, she’s my Angel, and she made me who I am today. She married me unconditionally, when I was struggling, when I was still paying all the debt I borrowed from Nigerian banks to travel. She continually stood by me, even during the planning of Africa Queen, she is always supportive. All these make my home blissful and my marriage worth it.

Marital life is sweet. It made me more responsible and profound in thinking what’s next. It’s a driving force. My wife is a typical Nigerian living in America because she doesn’t even make me do anything in the house except for providing for the family. She’s so respectful, she serves my food and takes the empty plates when I’m done unlike other women here in America, they would say ‘who did you leave those plates for, am I your house help’. As the mother of our three kids, she’s never tired to do house chores, and sometimes I help her but you cannot do it better, you understand.

America is my greener pastures I have been to Nigeria twice this year and will keep going back and forth because I’m returning to the industry in different and dynamic style.

I intend to make an impact in Hollywood by making good movies and working with like minds and positive thinkers.

I also love music I did a couple of soundtracks in movies before I travelled. So don’t be surprised when you see me collaborating with Asa, Simi or Dekunle Gold. I sing their kind of song, Jazz and Pop.

49

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

MY STORY KEMI ‘LALA’ AKINDOJU BARES IT ALL IN NAKED

The one-woman play, Naked had its last show for the second cycle on Sunday, 12th August 2018 in Lagos. The play, which tells the story of failure, pain, pushing the boundaries and the process of achieving success was first premièred at the Lagos Theatre Festival in March.

With eight showings in total, the play was attended by Joke Silva, Olu Jacobs, Biola Alabi, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Shaffy Bello, Pastor Tony Rapu, Ini DimaOkojie, IK Osakioduwa, Funke Bucknor Obruthe, Nancy Isime and many more.

From the first scene to the last, the

character played by Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju takes her audience on a journey, in and out of her memories without losing them in either the present or the stories of her past that she tells.

This vision was kick-started with the first showing of Naked free for young female actors to encourage them to face their challenges and steer them in the right direction. The play which was hosted by Lamide Akintobi, begins with a starlet whose make-up artist and stylist have disappeared on her.

She takes matters into her own hands,

with every action triggering a period or situation in her past.

She keeps her audience glued to her every move, putting them at the forefront of her memories.

There’s a shift in the ambience every time she loops in and out of her memories and secret tears are shed along with her as she unveils the abuse, pains and failures.

The play has moments of laughter and tears with something everyone can relate to. Lala wields the stage in a way that only a seasoned thespian can, piloting the play to a victorious end.

CHIKA LANN REWARDS FANS IN PVC CHALLENGE Internet sensation and style icon, Chika Lann, has rewarded three fans for emerging winners of #chikalannpvcchallenge.

The winners - Okeke Favour (@okeke_favour), Okafor Chinelo Ann (@queen_nellybae) and Scope the Entertainer (@ iamscope_official) emerged winners of the contest held, via a lucky dip, on her Instagram handle, @ chikalann.

The winners were awarded N100,000 each at a celebrity lunch at Oriental Hotel, Lagos last week. At the event, Chika Lann also honoured a loyal fan, Olubiri Chisom (c_iynest) whose wish was to meet her.

Recall that Chika Lann caused a stir recently at Balogun Market, Lagos, when she walked through the streets of the marChika Lann with her fans ket with a placard urging on Instagram.

Nigerians to go get their Permanent The PVC challenge generated over Voters Cards (PVC). two hundred thousand views on In a bid to generate a grass roots Instagram within two weeks. Over movement for her PVC aware40 entries were submitted across the ness campaign, she organised an country.

Instagram contest called #chikalanReacting to why she took this npvcchallenge which saw several initiative, she said, “many things led people coming up with hilarious to this but I think the pivotal point and breathtaking displays in streets was after the (recent) tanker crash (in and markets across the country. The Lagos) and the several loss of lives. contestants then posted the displays You see, like everyone else, I com-

BLESSING OSUAGWU

I Dance Salsa Professionally Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă‘ĂĄĂ&#x;Ëœ Ă‹ ×ÙÎĂ?Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă’Ă?Ăœ ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă— Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜Ă? åÓÞÒ Tosin Clegg

W

ho is Blessing Osuagwu?

I am a model, a Latin dancer, in other words, I dance Salsa professionally and I’m into Public Relations.

Tell us about your career?

My career is something I never thought about because it just happened. The experience so far has been amazing; meeting so many people and networking is a whole lot of fun as there’s always something new to learn and talk about.

What has been your success story so far?

plained 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 much that I wish I could reward every single entry. Nigeria is blessed with so much talent and I hope this challenge will not just end here but will be a catalyst that would trigger real change,� she said.

I have achieved a whole lot, especially when I was given the opportunity to be the lead cast in the Lagos State Governor’s campaign for His Excellency Akinwunmi Ambode. I met a lot of celebrities that also helped my profile.

Who are your mentors and what other things do you do?

My Mentor is Dr. Graeme Abernethy. I also work as a real estate consultant and brand ambassador for MobitooT.

What’s special about you and how do you keep your body sparkling?

For my amazing body and pretty face, a lot of water and healthy living keeps me going, making me younger every day.

50

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚΀˜ ͺ͸͚΀

Testimony Drops New Single, ‘Gone For Life’ Ă–Ă?Ă?ĂžĂœĂ“Ă?ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă?×ËÞÓĂ? Ă&#x;ÔÓÚÙÚ Ă™Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă– ĂœĂ™Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂœËœ Ă‹Ă–Ă‹Ă&#x; Ă–Ă“Ă&#x; Ă–Ă‹ĂŁĂ“ĂĄĂ™Ă–Ă‹Ëœ ĂŒĂ?ĘľĂ?Ăœ Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂŁ Ă“Ă? ĂŽĂœĂ™ĂšĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă? ÞÓÞÖĂ?ĂŽ ËŠ Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă“Ă?Ă?ËŞ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă? Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ•Ă?Ăž ÞÒÓĂ? Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ’

A

ccording to Testimony who is the next biggest act to come out of the Believers Loveworld Incorporated better known as Christ Embassy, the single is to assure music lovers that poverty had gone out of their lives once they stick to God. Testimony who is also known as Mr. Jaga has become a fast rising name in the Nigerian Gospel music industry after his explosive tracks like ‘Jehovah’, ‘Lambano’ and ‘Igara’, described the single as an explosive FujiPop song.

The Igara crooner who has been pioneering an entirely novel and interesting angle to the Gospel genre known as Fujipop said: “My grandfather inspired my kind of music and I call it Fujipop. My grandfather was an Apala musician. If you listen very well to my music, you will realise it is a blend of Apala and Fuji. “All of my songs are big because they glorify God. I started with ‘David Dance’, then ‘Lambano’ and later ‘Igara’. To be honest, ‘Igara’ ushered an unprecedented move of the spirit. It brought the street to the church and took the church back to the street; so it is from glory to glory.

I can tell you that ‘Gone for Life’ is a product of a more matured Mr. Jaga.

JAGA which is an acronym for Jesus Associate, God Ambassador (JAGA), is a reflection of the passion the budding star has for winning souls, a passion that birthed his Street Gospel Movement (SGM); a chariot he found to take the good news of God’s kingdom to the streets.

According to him, the Street Gospel Movement is all about showing the love of Christ to those in the streets. “We do not have to condemn them in what they do because we did not come with a message of condemnation but that of good news. So they can easily accept Christ. We therefore need to be creative in taking our music to the world.�

With his new song “Gone For Life “, Mr. Jaga said he was poised to take something thrilling and scintillating to the streets with his Street Gospel Movement, which has recorded tremendous success.

He added: “Taking gospel music to the streets has wowed many people who have no idea that Gospel music can be fun and done in an exciting manner. Thus, many youths have joined us.�

Mr Jaga who is also the Leader of The Testifiers Band, which plies its trade at weddings, parties and other ceremonies, also has a clothing line called JAGS Wear, a music outlet for branded speakers-TMJ Audio as well as TMJ Gas, a retail gas outlet.

Mr Jaga did not mince words in saying that the strongest influence in his life which brought him into limelight and prominence is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

Mr Jaga started music in his secondary school days and has had a foray into secular music before becoming a gospel artiste.

The Ogun State born artiste assured his n fans that “Gone For Life� is one they will relish in as everyone awaits its release this month.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY AUGUST 25, 2018

51

52

˜ ˞ AUGUST 25, 2018

PERSPECTIVE APC’s Victory in Bauchi South BeautiďŹ ed MA Abubakar Ali M Ali

All politics is local-Tip O’Neil

T

he resounding victory of the APC in the recent senatorial bye-election in Bauchi South district demystified and sealed the political fate of several elements. Chief among are self-appointed “political landlords� resident in Abuja and elsewhere who thought they owned the “houses� and therefore, can only rent them to their ‘anointed’. They thought wrongly. Beaten black and blue, tails between their legs and licking their self-inflicted wounds, whining is their lot now.

This may sound hyperbolic. Tarry a while.

Before the election was conducted on August 11, the “landlords� ran from pillar to post, full throttle, plotting, framing, fabricating and spreading falsehood, undermining the authority of the leader of the party in the state, Governor MA Abubakar, all in the bid to “mortify� and project him as “unfit� and “unworthy� of leading the party to victory.

Exhale!

These are not the only tags hung on the neck of governor Abubakar. There are others, equally uncomplimentary. Some of these sobriquets were very derisive and taunting. They were designed to make him alter his course and cause of his far-reaching reforms. This label “Mai wallet� however, takes the cake. His prudent management of very thin resources apparently inspired it. They said the governor was “stingy�.

He used to dash money counted from his wallet. The idea of such branding was to trick him into throwing wide open the vault of the state for the “locusts� to feast on, as they were wont to. He said nay. From that moment, the politics became very local.

In quarters where such name-calling didn’t impress, “Mai wallet� was celebrated and hailed as the younger version of “Mai Gaskiya�. The originators of that alias were astounded by the unexpected sequence of events. Instead of public odium, it was public accolades for this reformer deliberately misrepresented by a coterie of sore losers masquerading as “patriots�.

Abubakar was still the “whipping� boy of these landlords.

Every chance they got, they “whip� him. They are quick to go abroad with a smear campaign with the newer tag “arrogant� presaging every slur. The recent senatorial bye-election was a litmus test to “show� Abubakar that the “landlords� own the “houses�. The media, especially the social kind, where fiction is garbed in borrowed robes, as real, was awash with all kinds

Governor Abubakar

of scenarios, most of them “dissing� the governor as a political upstart. The first pointer to electoral defeat, according to their “boys� in cyber world, was that the governor’s candidate in the primaries ‘lost’ to the candidate of the “opposition� in the same party! Perfectly laughable, you might say. How could he have lost when all the aspirants were members of his party and he actually played statesman; when he actually was neutral; when he actually told all the aspirants beforehand that their fate was in the hands of delegates?

While they were busy with the campaign of calumny against the man and the party, he was busy leading the campaign to electoral glory in all the nooks and crannies of

the senatorial district.

The president, Muhammadu Buhari, personally flagged off the senatorial bye-election campaign. He implored the voters of Bauchi South to vote for the APC candidate. On Election Day, the voters didn’t disappoint. The APC candidate polled twice the votes of his closest contender who flew the flag of the PDP. With a total of 119,780 votes in APC’s kitty against PDP’s 49,487 votes, it was really a “no contest’.

Expectedly nay Sayers, now sore losers, are abroad spreading the gospel of falsehood, denying credit to the combined hard work of governor MA Abubakar and the entire APC family.

And what is this “hard work?� Service delivery. Today in Bauchi, everywhere you look at, you see some of the reforms of governor Abubakar. Some enduring legacy beckons: A reconstructed road, a rehabilitated school, or a freshly constructed healthcare facility. With a combined road network of 400 kilometers spread across the state, his urban renewal drive manifested. A drive through the three urban centres of Bauchi, Misau and Azare will reveal the amazing transformation in urban renewal. All the major roads leading to Bauchi city have been expanded, dualised and adorned with streetlights. This is a record first. Approaching the town in the night is pleasing to the eyes. Everywhere is lit powered by generating plants. This particular reform has earned him recognition. Last year the Abuja Housing show decorated him for outstanding performance Under Abubakar’s watch, agriculture, the main occupation of the people of the state has been boosted. Major farming inputs like fertilizer and improved seedlings were made available. The comatose state fertilizer blending plant was resuscitated to meet the ferliser needs of farmers beyond the state. This year the government purchased a staggering 500 tractors in one fell swoop to fast track its dream of mechanized farming.

In fiscal discipline, Governor Abubakar is second to none in the state since the dawn of this Republic in 1999.His financial management skills have seen him achieve so much with so little. His style of running an all-inclusive government has seen former foes becoming allies. On top of all these, is an unusual ability to connect with ordinary folks who see in him a performer and a reformer?

The outcome of the election has put to rest as to who really owns the “houses� between self appointed “landlords� and the voters, the masses who are direct beneficiaries of the reformist government of MA Abubakar faithfully implementing the APC manifesto. This has earned him brownie points and elevated him a shoulder above others.

Ali M Ali is an aide to MA Abubakar

MultiChoice Price Increase and CPC’s Soviet-style Price Control Jomiloju Medupin

E

arlier this week, while trawling through Twitter (a platform I hardly use), I stumbled on a news item marked “Breaking News�. The headline read: “Court Halts MultiChoice’s Hike in DStv Subscription Rates�.

It was a report on an interim injunction granted by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining MultiChoice from implementing new rates that came into effect on 1 August. The matter was instituted by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC). Technically, the Council is the defender of consumer rights in the country. Actually, though, it is anything but. Electricity consumers in the country, for example, remain victims of lengthy power outages, grotesquely inflated bills issued by power distribution companies for electricity not consumed and disconnection without notice.

Users of data and mobile telephony services are also unlikely to jump for joy at the mention of CPC. These are just three of the numerous categories of consumers, whose rights are abridged for fun by service providers. But for logically obscure reasons, the Council’s attention is elsewhere. As a consumer of a variety of products and services, I am all for protection of rights.

However, I find it curious that the CPC is always on MultiChoice and now thinks it has the power to determine when the prices charged for its services should be increased or reduced, as shown by the suit filed against MultiChoice.

The Council’s Director-General (DG), Babatunde

Irukera, was all over Twitter-egged on by a suspiciously hired mob of users-making out as though he just won us the right to vote.

When other users pointed out that the CPC cannot determine prices and that price control is antithetical in a market economy, his tune changed.

In a two-page statement he issued on Tuesday, the DG stated that the Council does “not intend to regulate price or in any way interfere with the commercial interface between MultiChoice and its consumers in fixing price�, adding that it “recognizes and respects the fidelity in the operation of market forces in arriving at the prices of goods or services�.

I can draw no reassurance from this. I am interested in what the CPC asked for in court if its objective was not to control prices Soviet-style. As hard as he tried to say otherwise, it was obvious that a transplant of Hugo Chavez’s Venezuela to Nigeria is the aim. I have seen the CPC Act and it does not give power to the Council to determine when prices should be raised or lowered.

But we have been here before. Two years ago, the Senate, in an alleged show of “moral courage� via an idea conceived by Senator Isah Missau, said it was investigating complaints, petitions and litigations by subscribers angry with MultiChoice’s programming and subscription hikes.

Misau argued that the motion was of public interest because many football fans in the country, especially Premier League (PL) fans, have been left at the mercy of

MultiChoice, which exclusively owns broadcast rights in the country. Misau accused MultiChoice of arbitrary hikes in subscription and refusal to adopt the pay-as-you-use method, which he claimed is in operation in other jurisdictions where MultiChoice operates. “Many concerned Nigerians are aggrieved and in constant demand to stop DStv’s arbitrary price hikes, noting that recent increase in DStv subscription is outrageous and totally unacceptable,� Misau raged.

The Senate summoned Mr. Emeka Enelamah, Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment; heads of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and directed its Committee on Information to hold a public hearing for all stakeholders, including the civil society on how to protect subscribers from exploitation. “We must play our role to ensure that we protect Nigerians and ensure that the best global practices are happening in our own country. So, I would want the committees, as directed, to look into the matter, particularly to ensure that the CPC plays the role they (sic) should play in ensuring that the rights of Nigerians are always protected,� said the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

The CPC carried out an investigation and after completion, addressed a joint press conference with MultiChoice. Reports from the press conference quoted Mrs. Dupe Atoki, the then CPC DG, as saying: “The mandate of the Council is to ensure that consumer’s rights and interests are protected. The CPC has been working with MultiChoice Nigeria in achieving this and we

are confident that the issues have been addressed.�

Interestingly, the current CPC DG was the counsel to the Council at the time. Why another investigation so soon if it is not agenda-driven? I am also not aware that a company must suspend all activities around pricing while it is being investigated. The CPC claimed MultiChoice agreed to freeze prices for 24 months, but breached the agreement. I have no knowledge of what the agreement contained, but I wonder if any business would agree to such, given the way the market works.

A year before that, a suit by two lawyers seeking a reversal of price increase by MultiChoice resulted in the litigants being told by the court, while dismissing it, that they were not obliged to use MultiChoice’s services.

CPC’s claim that the pay-as-you-use model obtains in other countries where MultiChoice operates is an invention. The model is available on Video-On-Demand services such as Netflix. An internet search would have shown that Pay TV packages are bundled to make them affordable. MultiChoice is the dominant player in the industry, but it is not the only Pay TV operator and has never been. The defunct HiTV, for three years, was the sole broadcaster of Premier League in the country. There was a reason it could no longer continue operating. Perhaps, the CPC wants MultiChoice dead. For what reason, I cannot claim to know.

Medupin writes from Abuja.

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

53

NEWSXTRA

Ezekwesili, Oshin, Others Task Youths on Integrity Ebere Nwoji

YOU ‘RE WELCOME ...

L-R: Controller of Prisons, Lagos Command, Nigeria Prisons Service, Mr. Tunde Ladipo and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, during a courtesy visit to the Governor at his residence in Epe, Lagos...yesterday

Biafra Zionist Group Alleges Murder of Leader in Enugu Police Custody He’s with us.... Police insist Christopher Isiguzo ÓØ ØßÑß The Biafra Zionist Federation (BZF) on Friday raised the alarm that its leader, Benjamin Onwuka had been killed in the custody of the Enugu Police Command barely five days after he was arrested.

Onwuka was arrested alongside his members on Monday, August 20 as they attempted to enter the Enugu Government House for the inauguration of Biafra.

But while his members were reportedly released same day, his whereabouts has remained unknown according to the BZF. But in a swift reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu dismissed the claim as false, insisting that Onwuka was still in their custody.

“He is still in our custody. We are investigating him. Anybody claiming that he is dead is simply trying to deceive the public, “Amaraizu told THISDAY when contacted.

The BZF had in a press statement on Friday signed by its Deputy Leader, Mazi Ambrose Ugwu said every effort to ascertain the whereabouts of their leader had been unfruitful.

Ugwu said: “From all indications, our leader, Barr. Benjamin Onwuka has been killed by security forces.

“We have been at the DSS Enugu office for several times but they are silent on the matter.

The very first day others were released, they even told us that Onwuka too was released. But it turned out to be a hoax.

“For the past four days, we

have gone there to at least give him food, but they refused us entry. So, based on the above situations, we have no further doubt that he has been killed.

“We are now urging the International Community, especially the United States and Israel to prevail on the Nigerian Government to release his corpse to us for a decent burial. He deserves to be accorded such burial in the light of his struggle for the people.

“The Buhari’s Government should direct whoever is holding the corpse to release it to the Zionists’ family to enable us pay our last respect to him.

“However, we must also decry a situation where the Nigerian Security Forces are turning their arms against harmless freedom fighters whereas armed herdsmen are walking the streets

unhindered. Nobody has ever seen any Zionist with a matchet, let alone a gun.

“It is, therefore, the apex of oppression that we are being subjected to this level of intimidation because we are asking for freedom, which we are doing in line with all international laws and conventions.”

“No form of intimidation will, however, make us to drop our right for self-determination. We can’t be forced to remain in a country where there is no justice and equity.

“The disparity in handling killer herdsmen and Biafra agitators is a case in point. While the former is receiving kingly treatment, despite killing thousands of Nigerians, the latter are being subjected to all manner of torture for being civil in their approach.”

CBN Pumps Fresh $543m, CNY Suspected Armed Robbers that Attacked Akpabio’s Home Killed 63m into Forex Market Nume Ekeghe The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday disclosed that in the past two days, it injected a total sum of $543.22 million and CNY 63.21 million into the interbank foreign exchange market.

A breakdown of the forex intervention showed that at the Thursday’s trading, the Bank offered $100,000,000 as wholesale interventions and allocated $55,000,000 to the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) forex window.

Also, the invisibles window, which caters for customers requiring forex for Business/Personal Travel Allowances, tuition and medical fees, among others, received $55 million.

Similarly, yesterday, the Bank revealed that it injected the sum of $323.22 million into the interbank retail secondary market intervention sales (SMIS) and sold a total of CNY 63.21 million in the spot and short-tenored forwards, arising from bids received from authorized dealers The CBN spokesperson, Isaac

Okorafor, who confirmed the figures, said the Bank remained committed to maintaining the country’s external reserves to safeguard the international value of the naira in line with the Bank’s mandate.

According to him, the Bank’s management of the forex market had entrenched transparency in the market and continued to strengthen the value of the naira against other major currencies of the world.

On the sale of Chinese Yuan (Renminbi), Okorafor disclosed that it was in line with the CBN guidelines, which stipulate that it would be for the payment of Renminbi denominated Letters of Credit for agriculture as well as raw materials.

While also noting that availability of the Chinese currency would ease pressure on the Nigerian foreign exchange market, he attributed the relative stability in the foreign exchange market to the intervention of the CBN as well as the sustained increase in crude oil prices in the international market.

Okon Bassey ÓØ ãÙ

Four suspected armed robbers have been killed by the Police in Akwa Ibom State during a shootout while one escaped.

The incident reportedly happened last Thursday, when the hoodlums attacked ATM users and shop owners in Ikot Ekpene local government area of the state.

The hoodlums were suspected to be among those that attacked a filling station near Ukana, Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area, the country home of a former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio last Wednesday.

The State Police Commissioner, Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi displayed the corpses of the victims and ammunition collected from them during a press briefing yesterday at the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan-abia, Uyo. He said: “The Command under my watch has recorded another great breakthrough in her fight against criminal elements in the

state.

“Yesterday, being the 23rd day of August, 20018, at about 5p.m., five notorious armed robbers, led

by Kingsley Peter, a.k.a “Morale”, who is the gang leader, using three motorcycles robbed some persons along Aba road by Ikot Osurua before proceeding to a banking area along the same road to dispossess ATM customers and shops owners of cash and valubale.

“My men of Ikot Ekpene Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, SP Benjamin Achegbani, trailed and engaged the hoodlums in a fierce shootout; four armed robbers were shot dead while one Akwaowo Daniel Umoren (m) of Ikot Inemme in Essien Udim Local Government Area was arrested with an AK47 with 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

“Other exhibits recovered were; five locally made Pistols, eight live cartridges, two Rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, one AK47 magazine, three expended cartridges, two Masks, six assorted phones, three motorcycles, fiscal cash of N63,000.

A former Minister of Education and Senior Economic Advisor, African Economic Development Policy Initiative (AEDPI), Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili has advised Nigerian youths to imbibe integrity and other sterling values in order to build a better Nigeria.

Ezekwesili, who gave the advice at the Custodian Investment’s Mentors Conference held in Lagos recently, attributed poor governance to bad parenting, recalling that her dad’s words, “Never negotiate your values; You lose when you negotiate your values,” urged the youths to detest indiscipline.

“Integrity is not complete until it is consistent, certificates can expire but the strong values of the person that acquired the certificate doesn’t expire. Being a person of strong values will give you sustainable value. If you stay with your values, the world will ultimately come back to you,” she mentored.

According to her, the solution to poor governance was for young Nigerian citizens to have amplified

voice instituted in integrity and backed up with knowledge.

Echoing Ezekwesili’s comments, Group Managing Director, Custodian Investment Plc, Mr. Wole Oshin and the Principal, Alder Consulting, Leke Alder said their advice to the youths in this regard was against the backdrop of absence of good governance and unfeigned leadership in Nigeria.

Specifically, Oshin said organisational culture was what determined the direction of an organisation, adding that the Custodian Insurance company, had a culture of paying claims as fast as possible.

He also urged the youths to be entrepreneurial anywhere they found themselves in order to emerge as successful fellows in business.

Admonishing the youths on “finding your future”, Alder said: “Putting your best into anything that comes your way, integrity is a credit facility, avoid giving excuses in life, think through before you share your ideas with anyone. Never be afraid to take on giants.”

APC Promises Better Life for Abia Oil Communities Emmanuel Ugwu ÓØ ×ßËÒÓË The All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to expand its support base in the oil communities of Abia State. This was sequel to rising anger over alleged misappropriation of 13 per cent derivation funds and unfulfilled promises by the state government.

Abia is ranked among the oil producing states because of oil exploitation activities in Ukwa West while Ukwa East is said to have capped oil wells. Stakeholders and youths groups in the oil communities expressed their disappointment with the ruling PDP when the state leadership of APC visited the oil bearing communities.

The leader of APC in Abia, Chief Ikechi Emenike assured the oil communities that their lot would definitely change for the better come 2019 as APC was poised to take over the Government House, Umuahia.

He said he was happy at the level of support that President Muhammadu Buhari was enjoying among the Asa and Ndoki people of Ukwa West and Ukwa East, noting that it was evident that the people had embraced the gospel of “change for the good of Abia.”

To this end, the APC has further strengthened its structures organised across different age groups with total membership strength of over 4,000 in the two local governments.

At each of the venues where the party leaders held meetings with the organised party structures an enthusiastic crowd welcomed the party entourage, calling on Emenike to declare for the governorship race.

But Emenike told the Asa and Ndoki people that he was still making “consultations to know if Abians really want change,” adding that the consultation tour would be taken to all the local governments across the state.

The party leadership held meetings with various groups cutting across different age brackets including Emenike Teenagers (18 – 21years), Emenike Youths (22 – 45 years) and Stakeholders whose ages range between 65 and 80 years. The stakeholders’ forum, comprising retired professors, permanent secretaries, judges, bankers among others was inaugurated in the two local governments with the

members, vowing to work tirelessly to enthrone APC led government in Abia.

Emenike stated that the various structures would further strengthen APC in Abia grassroots as no party could exist without structures. He therefore charged the various party structures to register and obtain their permanent voter cards (PVCs) to enable them vote and bring about the desired change in Abia.

“The change we talk about can only be effected with votes. If we don’t have the capacity to vote we can’t bring change,” he said, adding that APC supporters should utilise the extended registration period to get their PVCs and mobilise their relatives, friends and neighbours to do so.

According to Emenike, APC is a party that plays people-oriented politics hence the change the party intends to bring about in Abia would not be achieved by fighting but through the electoral process whereby the people would use their votes to usher in the government they crave for.

He said that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has not moral right to come to the oil producing area of the state to ask for votes given the degree of deprivations in the oil communities.

“If you register and vote you will get the government you desire and there will be development in the state,” he said, adding that stakeholders, who are elders and opinion moulders, should play active part in the electoral process.

The development economist, who had previously vied for the governorship seat of Abia, reminded the people that corruption was impacting negatively on the people hence “we believe President Buhari when he said: if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria”.

Those that spoke for the stakeholders, youths and teenagers said that the ruling PDP has failed the people of Ukwa East and Ukwa West hence they were now looking to the APC to come and save the people and end their sufferings.

“With APC government in Abia under Chief Emenike, Abia people will rejoice,” said Chief Tom Otuka, a medical practitioner who was among the stakeholders that identified with APC at Ukwa East.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

54

NEWSXTRA Niger-Delta Environmental Activist Indicts NOSDRA Over Oil Spills Sylvester Idowu Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ“

PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE...

L-R: Senator Ike Nwachukwu; Yeye Oge of Lagos, Chief Mrs. Opral Benson; representative of Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muazu Abubakar Zaad; National Christian Elder, Elder Nath Okoro; and the Grand Patron, Legacy Initiative International, Chief Kenny Martins, at the 1st Stakeholders dinner and Interactive session of Legacy initiative international, Theme: Inter-Faith Collaboration in Nation Building held at oriental Hotel in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAYADIGUN

Ortom: Herdsmen Planning to Kidnap, Kill Me George Okoh Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă•Ă&#x;ĂœĂŽĂ“ Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has alleged that Fulani herdsmen were planning to kidnap and kill him over his stand against open grazing in the state.

He made this known during an interactive session with the church, traditional institution and other stakeholders towards peaceful elections in 2019, organised by the Makurdi Catholic Diocese at the Pastoral Centre, Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Ortom alleged that he received an intelligence report, which indicated that the Fulani herdsmen, who are currently occupying part of Guma Local Government Area of the state, were planning to attack him along Abuja-Lafia Road.

According to the governor, “The armed herdsmen, according to the intelligence report, would ensure that all my security aides were killed after which they would

Kidnap me, torture me before killing me. Already, l had reported the matter to the police and other security agencies and they are aware of this.�

Pointing out that the plot to kill him is being hatched with some Benue indigenes, Ortom also alleged that there are plans to disenfranchise voters, as he according to him, most of the polling units in the crisis affected areas have been destroyed and taken over by the Fulani herdsmen as their grazing fields. “Amnesty International had come out to disclose that over 19,000 people have lost their lives in Benue, Taraba, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Plateau states to herdsmen attacks and this does not speak well of Nigeria especially as we are heading towards 2019,� he said.

While lamenting that Benue indigenes had become destitutes and refugees in their own father land, Ortom further revealed that

pockets of killings were still going on in Makurdi, Guma, Logo and Katsina Ala local government areas of the state.

He explained further that most of the farmlands along the borderlines of Taraba and Nasarawa States had been taken over by herdsmen militia who currently occupy the areas to the detriment of the indigenes.

He attributed the success of his administration’s Amnesty Programme to the support he enjoyed from the leadership of the Catholic Church in the state.

In his contribution, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe explained that over 306 traditional rulers, youths, members of both Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) and Catholic Men Organisation and other stakeholders were invited for the meeting to educate them on a violence- free election ahead of 2019.

While noting that Nigeria had

been ravaged by violent crisis in the last few years, Anagbe maintained that it was pertinent on the church to meet and discuss with the traditional rulers who are instruments of peace in their domains to enlighten their subjects that no politician should intimidate, coerce or induce them to vote against their conscience. “Tiv land, Benue land and Nigeria as a whole have been traumatised by series of violent crisis in the past few years and now that elections are around the corner, people are taking advantage of this. “We are trying to let them get into the picture of having to be instruments of peace in their localities because these are the people in the grassroots. “We have had enough of bloodshed. Let us now do politics that is devoid of violence. If anyone comes to deceive them with whatever inducement, they must be able to resist it,� the Bishop stated.

Japan Beat Spain to Emerge Ayade Planning to Arrest Me, Alleges APC Guber Aspirant Winner of FIFA U-20 and designed to give credence Bassey Inyang Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹Ăœ to the plot by Ayade to get him Women’s World Cup arrested.

Kunle Adewale

Japan yesterday evening defeated Spain 3-1 to win their first-ever FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup crown in Vannes to ensure the trophy remains in Asia after Korea DPR won the title two years ago in Papua New Guinea.

Despite being on the back foot for most of the half, Japan stunned La Rojita by taking the lead against the run of play on the 38th minute. Having shown a desire to shoot from distance, as she did in hitting the crossbar against England in the semi-finals, Hinata Miyazawa found the target this time with her right foot, leaving the outstretched Catalina Coll with little chance to make the save.

Taking the lead inspired the East Asians to push forward, and only a fine point-blank save from Coll denied the Japanese a second goal before the break through Jun Endo.

On 57th minute, Saori Takarada doubled Japan’s lead with an assured finish after being connected score by a neat Riko Ueki flicked pass, with her back to goal.

Having claimed control of the contest, the Japanese looked more confident with their play.

That best summed up their third goal on 65th minute. Takarada turned supplier for Fuka Nagano on the right of the Spain box.

Her superb first-time shot flew over Coll and into the net.

There was a reply from Pedro Lopez’s side, however after Candela Andujar pulled a goal back on 71st minute, but that was as far as the Spanish comeback efforts would reach, as Japan added to last year’s Asian U-19 title with a maiden world crown in this age category.

In the third place game, England beat hosts France 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win bronze for the first time at the Women’s Under-20 World Cup after both sides played 1-1 at full time

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Cross River State, Mr. Venatius Ikem, has accused the Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, of planning to arrest him over allegation that he sponsored thugs to disrupt the Obudu State Constituency bye-election help on August 11, this year.

Ikem stated this in reaction to an allegation leveled against him by the state government that he imported thugs into Obudu during the bye-election.

The Attorney General of the State, Mr. Joe Abang and the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong had addressed “World Press Conference “at the Exco chambers, Governor’s office last week, alleging that, Ikem, Adah, and another APC governorship aspirant imported thugs to disrupt the bye-election in Obudu.

Abang had stated categorically that the alleged sponsors of thugs would be arrested , and tried no matter how highly placed they were.

Reacting to the allegation, Ikem joined issues with the state government, saying it was trumped-up

He said the latest round of witchhunt against was a continuous attempt by the governor to get him incarcerated having failed in an earlier attempt to arrest him before the bye-election.

A press statement signed by Ikem and made available to THISDAY in Calabar on Friday read in part: “My attention has been drawn to a Press statement issued by some members of the Cross River State Exco accusing me and Hon Paul Adah of importing thugs to disrupt and unleash violence during the just concluded bye-election in Obudu.

Nothing could be farther from the truth than this. “At all material times, I did not and will never get involved in any violent or cult activities for the purpose of winning elections.

I remain fully committed to the ideals of democracy, freedom of expression and the right to freedom of Association. “The action of the State Exco by addressing a press conference was designed simply to distort the facts of the just concluded bye-election and give credence to the desperate and unfortunate plot by the state governor to have me arrested at all cost and for no just cause.

National Coordinator, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade Sheriff Mulade has indicted the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) over slow and uncoordinated to the plight of oil producing communities.

Mulade told THISDAY in Warri yesterday that the federal government was more concerned with oil production than the plight of the communities.

He said that this had allowed multinational oil companies to continue to destroy the environment without mechanisms for remediation. “In Nigeria, we pay lip service to the environment. We should adopt capital punishment like we have in Angola for environmental offenders. “Here, it takes NOSDRA more than two days to get to site of oil spill. We also discover that it is the multinational companies that will provide logistics (accommodation, helicopter) for NOSDRA to assess the site�, he said.

He said that this arrangement enabled the truth behind oil spills

to be covered up.

He said that pipelines in the oilproducing areas were overdue for replacement, leading to constant leakage. “Our investigation reveals that pipeline vandalism has an undertone.

He said the vandalism was carried out by some of the companies to cover up equipment failure. “When there is a leakage, the multinational will take the government agencies to other locations of vandalism, rather than the exact point of problem. They will now in collaboration with the government agencies say it is third party interference� Mulade said.

Mulade called for the relocation of the headquarters of NOSDRA to the oil-producing areas for quick response. “The NOSDRA Act should be amended to relocate the headquarters to any oil-producing state and they will not need the multinational companies to sponsor them. “The DG and Directors are in Abuja and don’t know what is happening here. I can’t remember seeing the DG visiting any oil spill site,� he said.

Buhari Congratulates Matriarch of Elumelu Family Ferdinand Ekechukwu

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent warm greetings to the matriarch of the Elumelu family, Mrs. Suzanne Elumelu, on her 90th birthday. The President who joined family and friends of the mother of the Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, in celebrating the milestone, described her as an evidence of God’s favour and grace.

In a letter to the family yesterday, President Buhari commended Mrs. Elumelu, for her strength of character and

entrepreneurial spirit in raising a strong and healthy family, and her advocacy for good education and investment skills for children and women, particularly in the country.

In the letter signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adeshina, President Buhari said that Mrs. Elumelu’s life story of succeeding against the odds of early widowhood serves as an inspiration to many, while her virtues of the fear of God, discipline, integrity, dedication and hard work will continue to resonate among the communities of the less privileged that she supports and regularly encourages.

Dickson is Best Nigerian Gov. Says Secondus Benneth Oghifo The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has described Governor Seriake Dickson as the best Governor in Nigeria.

He also hailed the tireless efforts of Governor Dickson at ensuring that the PDP remains cohesive and stable not only in his state but also at the national level.

A press statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Francis Ottah Agbo noted that Secondus gave the commendation when he led members of the PDP National Working Committee and the Board of Trustees to Toru-Orua in Bayelsa State to commiserate with Governor Dickson and his Family over the demise of his 72 year old mother, Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson popularly called Mama Gogo. Secondus said Governor Dickson has over the years helped to build a strong PDP into a global brand and had continued to support the party. As Chairman of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee, the PDP Chief said the Governor helped to restore peace and unity to the party at all levels.

Condoling with Governor Dickson on behalf of the National Working Committee over the passage of his mother, Prince Secondus, described the death of Mrs. Dickson as shocking.

The PDP National Chairman

who said Mama Go-go was the Governor’s back bone assured that PDP will both physically and spiritually participate in giving Mrs. Dickson a befitting burial.

His words: “Mrs. Dickson was a powerful praying mother, no wonder you are so successful in your political career. She was on her knees praying and blessing you every day. She was a great and unassuming community leader whose services to mankind has endeared her to many.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as UCHENNA CHIAGOZIE OKORO, now wish to be known and addressed as UCHENNA CHIAGOZIE EROCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ESTHER FUNMILOLA AWOREFA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ESTHER FUNMILOLA OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JULIET OKON EDET, now wish to be known and addressed as :h>/ dÍł ORUK OKON EDET. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

55

AUGUST 25, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPORTSXTRA

Super Eagles warming-up for Seychelles

D'Tigers

AFCON 2019 Qualifiers

Onazi, Musa, Omeruo, 21 Others for Seychelles

Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has released a list of 24 Nigeria senior players who will do battle for the three points in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in Victoria on September 7.

At a world press conference in Lagos yesterday, Rohr unveiled a list of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards. He also put four other players, including former U-17 World Cup-winning Captain, Musa Muhammed on standby.

The three goalkeepers are those who made the final cut for the FIFAWorld Cup finals in Russia in the summer, but the defence has two new boys in England-based Semi Ajayi and Germany-based Jamilu Collins, while Olaoluwa

Aina, overlooked for the World Cup, has been recalled.

Another former U-17 World Cup-winning Captain, Kelechi Nwakali, is the new face in the middle, just as France-based Samuel Kalu is the new man upfront. Henry Onyekuru, who got injured before the World Cup, is also recalled.

Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor told thenff.com on Friday that the invited players are expected to fly directly to Seychelles, arriving on September 3, while the one player (goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa) and team officials travelling from Nigeria will fly into Victoria on September 2.

All three points in the Match-day 2 encounter are important for the Super Eagles, having lost their

opener to the qualifying campaign at home to South Africa 14 months ago.

FULL LIST Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); DanielAkpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa) Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United, England); Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia); ChidozieAwaziem (FC Porto, Portugal); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton and Hove Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany).

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey);

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Kelechi Nwakali (FC Porto, Portugal); Joel Obi (AC Chievo Verona, Italy).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassar FC, Saudi Arabia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Simeon Nwankwo (Crotone FC, Italy); Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Samuel Kalu (Bordeaux FC, France).

Standby: Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium), Stephen Eze (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria); Musa Muhammed (HNK Gorica, Croatia); Blessing Eleke (FC Luzern, Switzerland).

D’Tigers head coach, Alex Nwora has invited 12 players for the next round of the FIBA Men’s World cup qualifiers to be hosted in Lagos between September 14 and 16.

The 12-man team expected to report to camp on September 6, will be headlined

by Portland Trail Blazers’ Al-Farouq Aminu who last featured for Nigeria in 2015 when the team played in the FIBA Afrobasket.

Team Captain, Ike Diogu who recently inked a contract with Bayaman Vasqueros in Peurto Rico will return with a bang alongside Benjamin Uzoh, Ikenna Iroegbu, Mbamalu Bryant and Ikechukwu

Nwamu.

Others who will be making sensational return to the star studded team include Stanley Okoye who last featured for the team in 2015 and the duo of Aminu Alade and Ekenechukwu Ibekwe who were part of the Rio 2016 Olympic adventure.

Benue State-born Christopher Obekpa who plays with Al Riyadi of Lebanon is making a return to the national team while France-based Emenago Obinna Clinton and Akndele Ayodeji will be featuring again in the team that has been tagged “Killer Squad” by many.

Speaking on the decision to invite just 12 players for

the qualifiers, Nwora said “There is no time to have too many players in camp as some of the players will be arriving a few days to the competition based on the time of their release by their clubs.”

According to him, he would have preferred to have more players fight for shirts in camp, but because of the peculiarity of the international window, those invited will only have few days to train before their first game against Ivory Coast.

The NBBF is confident that the players invited based on their current form and pedigree will do the nation proud in its quest to qualify

for the 2019 World cup in China.

Currently topping group F with 12 maximum points from 6 games ahead of closest rival, Senegal with 11 points, D’Tigers will hope to make the home advantage count when they face Central Africa Republic, Ivory Coast and Senegal during the fourth window of the FIBA world cup qualifiers.

Winning all their three games at home will ensure an automatic qualification for the team with three matches left to play.

The federation has assured that Nigeria’s best hands will always be invited irrespective of where they play.

NFF Planning Friendly against Saudi Arabia The Nigeria Football Federation is in talks with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) over a friendly between the two nations next month, allnigeriasoccer. com reports.

If the two associations can agree terms, then the international friendly will be held on September 11, three days after the Super Eagles tackle Seychelles in their second group match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The last time Nigeria and Saudi Arabia faced off in a friendly on May 25, 2010, the two nations battled to a goalless draw.

In the latest FIFA world ranking, the Super Eagles potential opponent is ranked 70th, while they occupy the fifth position among Asian Football Confederation countries.

The Saudi Arabian national team have won the AFC Asian Cup three times and won the regional Arabian Gulf Cup in 1994, 2002 and 2003 plus the Arab Nations Cup in 1998 and 2002.

Nigeria international strikers Ahmed Musa and Joseph Akpala completed moves to Saudi Professional League clubs Al-Nassr and Faisaly respectively this month.

Bayern Begin Title Defence Nwora Invites 12 Players for World Cup Qualifiers with Win as Bundesliga Season Kick-off

Lloris Charged with Drink-driving Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris has been charged with drink-driving after being stopped by police in West London.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper was stopped by a routine pa-

trol in Gloucester Place in the early hours of Friday.

Lloris has been at Spurs since joining from Lyon in 2012, making 256 appearances for the Premier League club.

He captained France as they

won the World Cup for the second time in Russia this summer.

The Metropolitan Police said Lloris has been released on bail and is due at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday,

September 11.

Tottenham have started the Premier League season with a 2-1 win at Newcastle and a 3-1 home victory over Fulham.

Their next match at Manchester United on Monday.

A fascinating start to the season was witnessed yesterday in Germany and StarTimes have started to deliver some of the most action-packed football from the best players in the world which would air on ST World Football Channels 244 and 254 and ST Sport Premium Channel 246.

The new football season debuts with four games live across the opening weekend as the reigning champions Bayern Munich defeated last season’s third-placed side, Hoffenheim, at the Allianz Arena.

Niko Kovac, who spent two years as a player for Bayern between 2001 and 2003, is the new man in the Bayern dug-out after taking over from Jupp Heynckes. The 46-year-old impressed by rejuvenating Eintract Frankfurt, the side Bayern demolished 5-0 in his opening match in charge to lift the Super Cup earlier this month.

Bayern have been uncharacteristically quiet in the transfer market so far but Canadian teenage prodigy Alphonso Davies will arrive in January from the Vancouver Whitecaps. Kovac will also be able to call upon the services of former Arsenal star Serge Gnabry and Renato Sanches, who are back from loans at Hoffenheim and Swansea respectively.

Hoffenheim themselves will be eager to build on a sublime 2017-18 campaign with their unheralded but very effective squad.

Borussia Monchengladbach take on Bayer Leverkusen today (5.30p.m.), before an enthralling double-header on Sunday, in which Stuttgart travel to Mainz before Borussia Dortmund encounter with RB Leipzig at 5:00pm closes out the action in style on the same channel.

TR

Saturday, August 25, 2018

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

SERAP to Governor Ajimobi “This is a gross abuse of powers by Governor Ajimobi against a radio station simply doing its job. The action is politically motivated and patently arbitrary.”

–The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, chastising Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State over the illegal demolition of musician, Yinka Ayefele’s building.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Why Are We So Obsessed With Negativity These Days?

F

our Fellow Nigerians, I flew out of Nigeria two days ago on one of my latest preferred airlines, Rwandair, with some of the Ovation Crew of seasoned photographer, TV cameraman and interviewer and TV producer to attend Jimoh Ibrahim’s latest venture, the International conference on Infrastructure Development for Africa, taking place in Dubai between 25 August and 27 August 2018 at the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. The long journey to Dubai through Kigali gave me time for some deep reflection and I came to the conclusion that we must change our negative attitude urgently or collapse Nigeria totally. As soon as we took off and gained some altitude, a video was played showing the awesome beauty of Rwanda and someone was shown marketing the country so passionately and admirably. I can’t remember his exact words but he went thus, “my name is Paul Kagame, I’m the Chief Tour Operator on this journey through a country that suffered some of the worst tragedies in human history but through genuine reconciliation, our people have reunited today and we have put our ugly past behind us…”

I was stunned at the ease with which President Paul Kagame was selling his country to the world. Having visited Kigali several times in the last one year, I am a living witness not just to the remarkable transformation of Rwanda, but also to the great marketing of the potentials and prospects of the country by virtually everybody from top to bottom. The marketing is not just through advertisements. It is the simple things that the Government and its people do. It has become a way of life.

On my recent visit to Kigali, just weeks ago, and as I was heading to my hotel, I heard some shrilling sirens out of the blue, and my driver quickly branched into a nearby petrol station, and she informed me their President was on his way.

Within minutes the convoy sped past. There was what must have been a Range Rover in the middle somewhere and my obviously excited driver said “that’s our President driving himself…” I asked her, as if for definite confirmation, your President drives himself?” She answered in the affirmative.

“Wonderful,” I exclaimed. I was immediately reminded of President John Mahama who not only sometimes drove himself around Accra, but also rode his power-bikes on occasions for relaxation and getting around town speedily.

This simplicity and unobtrusiveness endeared him to his many ardent fans and supporters, in just the same way that Kagame is much loved in Rwanda today.

Seeing is believing, Rwanda is a twenty-first century wonder. The country is wonderful to me, not because of its serenity but for the incredible way it has successfully converted its tragic past to a magical present. All my friends in Rwanda are marketers of their country. As a matter of fact, they do it so well that I have joined them in marketing Rwanda to anyone who cares to listen to me. I’m sure there must be some ugly things going on in Rwanda that are not so obvious to visitors like me, but the citizens, and in particular their media, have cleverly downplayed those negative things. They must have realised that they stand to gain nothing if they expose the ugliness of their country to everybody. Their attitude is simple and straight forward. The best and easiest way to keep their economy growing, and visitors coming, is to give the impression that

Buhari

all is well, even if all is not perfect. So, to their credit, whilst negative news is still good news and must be highlighted, greater prominence is given to news which show the spectacular non-violent revolution that has taken place in Rwanda and the ensuing beauty and peace of the country.

From Kigali, we flew immediately to Dubai and landed yesterday morning. There is no point describing the beauty of Dubai. That would almost be an exercise in futility because words do not seem adequate to graphically capture and depict the sensation that is Dubai. In fact, to say that Dubai is the mythical Eldorado could almost amount to an understatement. Dubai has achieved this distinction because it has been well marketed and superbly positioned as one of the countries every soul should visit in a lifetime. Those behind the philosophy and principles upon which the Dubai fantasy is based are not only constantly developing ideas which create superlatives in buildings, resorts, hotels, environment, and more importantly people, they are also busy showcasing these accomplishments at every opportunity. This is done not only locally but also on a world-wide stage through the effective and exceptional use of public relations stunts. The PR starts from the media within. As in Rwanda, they have found a way of downplaying the negatives like falling property prices, scandal of the bouncing cheques, the liquidation of one of the largest equity funds, Abraaj to mention a few. Instead, they have even used these potentially grave setbacks to interest investors and visitors about how very efficient Dubai is and how things work. As they say it has never been a more profitable time to invest in and visit Dubai with things becoming cheaper than before. You can see the media at work both domestically and internationally in a concerted effort to raise the profile of Dubai and its people rather than to bring them down.

I then turn my mind to my dear country Nigeria and what do I see. Negativity, negativism and negative ideas, feelings and people. I realised that for far too long, we have never seen anything beautiful in ourselves. Indeed, it dawned on me that this was one of the reasons that motivated me at the time to establish Ovation Magazine.

In 1996, when we founded Ovation International in London, we decided we were only going to publish positive stories about Africa, our rich culture, taste, values, wealth, intellect and people.

Our intervention gave rise to many Africans and African countries getting to meet and know

and appreciate our respective countries, the attractions and the diversity yet similarity of culture as well as the powerful iconic figures and worthy Ambassadors in all areas of human endeavour. We demonstrated to the world that we are truly blessed in Africa and, although we have not yet made the necessary transition in leaving the Third World appellation behind, we have the human, natural and material resources to excel on the globe. Many countries and their people have taken advantage of our platform.

Many still do! The countries include The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Dubai, Liberia, Commonwealth of Dominica, Ghana, Benin Republic, United States, France, United Kingdom, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania, Barbados, India, Cameroon, Gabon, Seychelles, Kenya, Ethiopia, and so many others, directly or indirectly. We have introduced and linked up the people of those countries to one another. We caused a fashion revolution globally to the extent that our Designers, their designs and even our fabrics are now well recognised and patronised globally and there is a growing clamour for our African fashion to take its rightful place in the centre stage of world fashion.

Our events coverage has ignited and provided jobs for millions of Africans all over the world in music, events planning, music, comedy, disc jockeying, MCs, security, catering, food and beverages, photography, media, equipment rentals, technicians, events centres, decorators, newspaper distribution and so on. We are extremely proud of our humble and modest contributions to the staggering economic growth of the entertainment/ showbiz industry even if it is very easy for some people to think otherwise. The essence of this is that we must learn to think positively about ourselves.

The biggest danger facing our country today is that of the exponential explosion of unemployment which has given rise to the mass hysteria we are experiencing from children of anger. Politicians have also greatly mismanaged the situation. Rather than encourage our youths and offer them hope, they have decided to manipulate them into seeing every successful man as the cause of their failure.

From street thugs they’ve been converted to social media trolls who lament endlessly and attack everyone without any modicum of evidence or facts about supposed crimes committed.

The sad thing is that unless our leaders get more imaginatively creative, the condition of our young ones would never improve. Due to acute frustration and desperation, they would be forced to take to hard-drugs, Yahoo Yahoo scams, prostitution, child and adult trafficking to foreign lands, violent crimes, and all manner of dastardly acts. The politicians may succeed in the short run in using our unsuspecting youths as their cannon-fodder to abuse and attack their opponents for a mere pittance, but these kids will someday turn against their masters. The level of despicable intolerance I see is unprecedented in my 58 years on earth. I shudder to think what will happen if these enraged youths spill over their vitriol and venom from the fantasy and imaginary world of the Cloud into the real and visible world of the streets. Yet these young ones and their anger can be turned into something positive and profitable if their talents and tools are properly harnessed to market the nation and its people. For them to do this, there must be something powerful they can sell. Whilst these abound, the climate of negativism prevents

such marketing.

We must begin the process of re-orientation urgently. Something has to be done about the collapse of education. History must be made compulsory in our schools. We are among the greatest people on earth. Many unsung heroes have sacrificed a lot for Nigeria. There are legions of Nigerians doing great things at home and abroad. Nobody hears anything about them because our media is addicted to regaling us with tales of woe, instead. These great Nigerians have never taken contracts from any government. They have never belonged to any mainstream political parties. They have had to struggle for every kobo they made. Thinking that some people found life to easy and rosy is a fallacy that must be scrapped. Assuming that you can’t make it in life unless you turn to begging shamelessly must be discouraged.

Our great men and women must endeavour to work hard and write their true and accurate biographies for posterity sake. Our Historians have failed to do their duty in this regard. They have failed to properly and adequately chronicle our past and our personalities and personages. I feel very sad about many prominent and eminent Nigerians who have died without any trace that they ever existed. It is such a monumental tragedy. But the situation has become desperately urgent to write about our greatness. We should not allow our children to get so brainwashed into thinking there are no good people around or that it is not worth it to be honourable and have integrity. The poverty mentality that they have been fed must be purged by all means.

The ignorance that has become the in-thing must be exterminated. We must tell stories of heroism because we want to say our true stories and not because we just feel like romanticising ourselves or massaging egos.

In literature, medicine, law, science and technology, music, sports, entertainment, entrepreneurship, academic, fashion, and other facets of human endeavour, we have been phenomenally brilliant. We should stop destroying ourselves and demeaning, denigrating and decimating our best. Those who have no properties don’t care about outbreak of wars or natural and artificial disasters. The children of the politicians are somewhere enjoying themselves. All without exception are living large while using the children of the poor to use their own heads to break coconuts. This must be eradicated. The only way to do so is to engender positive thoughts and feelings about ourselves. Let us raise the bar of acceptable conduct and standards by focussing more on stellar achievements. Constantly shouting about evil does not help if good and righteousness are not promoted. The more we relegate negativity to the background and foster and nurture positive thoughts, ideas, principles and success, the more likely we are to gradually draw away from certain darkness and doom and emerge into the glorious dawn and light.

It is time for my brothers and sisters in all variants of the media to see themselves as advocates and chroniclers of a brighter, happier Nigeria. Today should be the start of that day.

Let us put a positive spin even on negative events. We will be amazed at the transformation that this will bring to our national ethos and our advancement and progress as a country.

God bless Nigeria!

Printed and Published in Abuja by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com