SATURDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2018

Economic Team Meets Tuesday to Determine New Minimum Wage Osinbajo set to preside special session Inflation rate rises for first time in 18 months Chika Amanze-Nwachuku in Lagos, Omololu Ogunmade and James Emejo in Abuja The Economic Management Team chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will meet in

Abuja on Tuesday to take a stand on what the new national minimum wage should be.

Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, disclosed

this yesterday, after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside the chairman of the National Minimum Wage Committee (NMWC), Ms. Amma Pepple on the progress made so far by the

committee.

Also, a report released yesterday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the rate of consumer price index (CPI), which measures inflation

increased to 11.23 per cent in August from 11.14 per cent in July, the first year -on -year rise after 18 consecutive decline in the inflation rate.

Ngige, who briefed journalists on steps taken so far

by the government to resolve the lingering issue, described as untrue insinuation that the government is insensitive to the plights of labour, Continued on page 6

We Will Sanitise Ogoniland, President Assures Leaders… Page 6 Saturday 15 September, 2018 Vol 23. No 8550

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N250

N

Tambuwal Kicks off Presidential Campaign in Abakaliki Says unity of Nigeria threatened by exclusionary policies of Buhari Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abakaliki One of the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential aspirants,

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, yesterday kicked off his campaign to get the ticket of his party in Abakaliki, Ebonyi

State, appealing to Nigerians to come together and rescue the country “from the near collapse under the leadership of President Muhammadu

Buhari.”

Condemning what he described as primordial policies and exclusionary attitude of the present

leadership at the national level, the presidential aspirant said that the country had never been so divided along ethnic and religious line than now.

Tambuwal therefore appealed to party members and delegates to present to Continued on page 6

Buhari Accepts Kemi Adeosun’s Resignation I wish her well in her future pursuits Minister: I didn't know my NYSC certificate was fake Unease in S’west over Zainab Ahmed’s choice to oversee ministry Ndubuisi Francis and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja, Bennett Oghifo and Elizabeth Oluwasegun in Lagos President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, accepted the resignation of the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, ending rumours that she actually resigned for allegedly presenting a fake certificate of exemption from the mandatory

National Youth Service.

Special Adviser, Media, to the president, Mr. Femi Adesina confirmed this development in a statement released last night. Her resignation was earlier denied by the presidency and officials of her ministry.

Adesina said President Buhari accepted Mrs Adeosun’s letter of resignation Continued on page 6

IYC: Buhari's Choice of New DSS Boss, Manifestation of Nepotism... Page 6

OGONI WILL BE CLEAN AGAIN...

President Muhammadu Buhari with a delegation of Ogoni Traditional Rulers and Leaders of Thoughts at the State House, Abuja…yesterday

2

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

3

4

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 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 Ëž Ëœ ÍšÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

PAGE SIX

We Will Sanitise Ogoniland, Buhari Assures Leaders Omololu Ogunmade Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja appealed to leaders of Ogoni land to be patient, promising that with the involvement of the international community, their environment will be sanitised soon.

Buhari made this pledge while receiving a delegation of Ogoni leaders on the aegis of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers and elected leaders of Movement for

the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) at the State House.

According to the president's spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, the delegation also included the academia, women, community and religious leaders.

According to Adesina, the president said the challenge of infrastructure in Ogoni-land would have been long resolved with more focus and commitment to improving the lives of the people, but for the award and re-awarding of contracts without

implementation.

He said the president urged the leaders to prevail on their youths and sensitise their communities more on the benefits of the clean-up process, especially with the involvement of the international community.

The statement also said the president noted that the degradation of the environment over the years had undermined the economy of Ogoni people, adding that commercial farming and fishing will pick up after

the restoration. “We are working hard to change the situation. I know that if we had power in the country, many Nigerians will create and face their businesses,’’ he was further quoted.

It also said the president assured Nigerians that the country’s resources would be retained and utilised for the benefit of all citizens, with a strong focus on infrastructure. “We will not abuse the trust.

What belongs to Nigeria stays

in Nigeria and will be utilised

by Nigerians,’’ the president reportedly added.

According to the statement, the leader of the delegation, His Royal Majesty King GNK Ogininwa, in his remarks, commended the president for restoring security and the economy and called for more federal government attention on the plight of the people of Ogoni-land. “Through you, Mr President, we will achieve great things in

Ogoni-land,’’ Ogininwa said.

Adesina also said Ogininwa conferred the title of “MeniDoo-Lenu," meaning the “the King of Doing Good Things in Ogoni-land," on the president.

He also said a member of the delegation, Prof. Walter Ollor, presented a list of the needs of Ogoni people including a national recognition for the Ogoni 12, which included Ken Saro-Wiwa, improved security and establishment of a Centre for Environmental Excellence.

IYC: Buhari's Choice of New DSS Boss, Manifestation of Nepotism Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă‹ The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), the umbrella of all youths of Ijaw descent worldwide yesterday described the removal of Mr Matthew Seiyefa and choice of Yusuf Bichi as the new boss of the Department of State Security (DSS) as a show of President Muhammadu Buhari's profound nepotism.

The influential Niger Delta youth group, said

the appointment was a true reflection of the president's ethnic bias and which it said had been on display since he was sworn in on May 29, 2015.

Secretary-General of the IYC, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, in a statement released in Yenagoa, the national headquarters of the body, wondered why the president would appoint a man who had finished his term and retired over six months ago, in place of a 'very qualified

Matthew Seiyefa' who it insisted was already doing a fantastic job.

IYC alleged that the next set of most qualified persons who should have been appointed were all from Southern Nigeria, stressing that because of his sectional interest, the president went shopping for Bichi who had already retired.

"The IYC condemns the President for his insensitivity, outright disrespect and

disregard for people of the South. With this provocative action, it has become obvious that Buhari no longer pretends about his dislike for the concept of Nigeria for All Nigerians'.

"We also charge members of the President's cabinet from the South to protest the appointment of the new DSS helmsman by walking out of the government. By doing so, they will be demonstrating

their patriotism", the youth organisation argued.

It added: "The removal of Mr. Seiyefa, who is by far more experienced and qualified for the number one DSS job should not be forgiven and forgotten.

"IYC calls on people of the region not to consider the President as an ally when it comes to their development. " That the President has shown disrespect and consistently assaulted our

collective sensibilities even in the way he has treated members of his cabinet from our region, shows his disdain for our people."

According to the IYC, it is now obvious that despite the groundswell of criticisms against the President's actions flouting the principle of Federal Character in the past, this latest decision only points to the fact that he (the president) is pursuing an agenda.�

in question. Having never worked in NYSC, visited the premises, been privy to nor familiar with their operations, I had no reason to suspect that the certificate was anything but genuine. Indeed, I presented that certificate at the 2011 Ogun State House of Assembly and in 2015 for Directorate of State Services (DSS) Clearance, as well as to the National Assembly for screening. Be that as it may, as someone totally committed to a culture of probity and accountability, I have decided to resign with effect from Friday, 14th September, 2018.�

She said it had been an exceptional privilege to have served the nation under President Buhari’s leadership and to have played a role in steering the nation’s economy at a very challenging time. “I am proud that Nigeria has brought discipline into its finances, has identified and is pursuing a path to long term sustainable growth that will

unlock the potential in this great economy. “Under your leadership, Nigeria was able to exit recession and has now started to lay the foundations for lasting growth and wealth creation. Repositioning this huge economy is not a short term task and there are no short cuts, indeed there are tough decisions still to be made but I have no doubt that your focus on infrastructural investment, revenue mobilisation and value for money in public expenditure will deliver growth, wealth and opportunity for all Nigerians.�

She thanked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and her colleagues in the Federal Executive Council for the huge pleasure and honour of working with them. I also thank most specially, the team in the ‘Finance Family’ of advisers and heads of agencies under the Ministry of Finance.

Her letter of resignation and the acceptance by the president puts to rest rumour that was

denied by the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who said there was no such information to suggest that the rumour was true and urged Nigerians to disregard it.

Reacting prior to the confirmation of the minister’s resignation, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA) in a statement by its Executive Director, Emmanuel Onwubiko, had asked the government to prosecute Adeosun as resignation was not enough to cover the alleged offence of forgery.

Meanwhile, the appointment of Mrs. Ahmed is seen as an attempt to cheat the Southwest by preventing them from producing a replacement for Adeosun. “We urge him to understand and respond to our anxiety,� some key South-west politicians who pleaded for anonymity told THISDAY last night.

As finance minister, Adeosun

was perceived to have hurt some powerful forces through her actions.

For instance, she allegedly refused to approve the payment of $16.9 million fees to two lawyers appointed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for the recovery of Abacha loot worth $322 million.

The recovered sum had been repatriated to Nigeria by the Swiss government following the execution of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries for the judicious use of the recovery.

Adeosun also took on the former director general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mounir Gwarzo who was later dismissed and currently on trial for alleged corruption.

The introduction of the Voluntary Assets and Income Scheme (VAIDS) also earned her some enemies.

be allowed to continue. We need leader that has complete knowledge of this country; that will be fair to all, irrespective of where you come from; irrespective of your religious. ‘’We need a leader who will go to Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Adamawa, Oyo and other states, and will feel very much at home; a leader that is accessible and feels the entire country. We will present alternative that will be a sharp departure from the past. ‘’We have a responsibility to

rescue our country from the drifting at the moment. I am sure we know what is going on in Nigeria; we are all feeling the pain of poverty in our country; the absence of the rule of law and the abuse of power by the current administration.’’ While calling for urgent need to have a complete change of government at the centre come 2019, he further explained that some of them in PDP had indicated interest to be the flag bearer of their party to be able to accomplish a new vision for

the country.

Explaining why he chose to begin his campaign in Ebonyi State, he said that ‘’the governor is my good friend; we have had long time relationship; also, he is the chairman of the south east governors forum, and it is wise for me to come and say: leaders, here I am; I am coming through the proper way and not through the widow.’’ He promised to run an inclusive government, where all Nigerians will feel a sense of belonging.

concluding the matter on the failure of states to submit their own figures to the committee.

However, the minister promised that government was still working within the timeframe it set for itself.

According to him, whereas the private sector had earlier proposed N42,000 minimum wage, it later reviewed it down to N25,000 in view of the current economic situations.

This proposal is however, a far cry from the N56,000 demanded by the organised labour in May 2016. The current national minimum wage is N18, 000.

Meanwhile, data released yesterday by the NBS showed

that the rate of CPI, which measures inflation rose to 11.23 per cent in August, up from 11.14 per cent recorded in July.

The slight jump, driven by food prices, was the first year -on -year rise after 18 consecutive decline in the inflation rate. “This is 0.09 per cent points higher than the rate recorded in July 2018 (11.14 per cent) and represents the first year- onyear rise in headline inflation following the 18 consecutive disinflation.

The Bureau added: “Increases were recorded in all divisions that yielded the headline index. “On a month-on month basis, the headline index

increased by 1.05 per cent in August 2018, down by 0.08 per cent points from the rate recorded in July 2018 (1.13 per cent).�

The data revealed a rise in composite food index to 13.16 per cent in August 2018 over the 12.85 per cent in July 2018.

The rise in the food index, according to the Bureau, was caused by increases in prices of cereals, Potatoes, yam, Bread and Meat, Vegetables, Fish, Fruits and Oils and Fat. It said that food sub-index increased to 1.42 percent on month-on-month basis in August 2018, up by 0.02 percent points from 1.40 percent recorded in July.

BUHARI ACCEPTS KEMI ADEOSUN’S RESIGNATION and wished her well in her future pursuits, adding that the president appointed the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed to preside at the finance ministry.

However, President Buhari’s choice of Mrs. Ahmed is causing disquiet in the South-west where most people believe the next minister of finance should be picked from to replace Adeosun, who is from that geopolitical zone.

Explaining her resignation, Adeosun, in her resignation letter dated 14th September, 2018, stated: “I have, today, become privy to the findings of the investigation into the allegation made in an online medium that the Certificate of Exemption from National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) that I had presented was not genuine. This has come as a shock to me and I believe that in line with this administration’s focus on integrity, I must do the

honourable thing and resign.�

Adeosun outlined some of the background to this matter, stating, “I was born and raised in the United Kingdom, indeed my parental family home remains in London. My visits to Nigeria up until the age of thirty-four (34) were holidays, with visas obtained in my UK passport. I obtained my first Nigerian passport at the age of thirty-four (34) and when I relocated there was debate as to whether NYSC Law applied to me. Upon enquiry as to my status relating to NYSC, I was informed that due to my residency history and having exceeded the age of thirty (30), I was exempted from the requirement to serve. Until recent events, that remained my understanding. “On the basis of that advice and with the guidance and assistance of those, I thought were trusted associates, NYSC were approached for documentary proof of status.

I then received the certificate

TAMBUWAL KICKS OFF PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN ABAKALIKI Nigerians, an alternative to what the country currently has at the centre. ‘’We need an alternative to the present leader that is grossly incompetent; we should present a leadership that is dynamic and has proper understanding of the constitution of the structures of Nigeria and democratic institutions; a leader that will follow the rule of law’’, he added while addressing members of the party. ‘’The economy is not performing under this

administration because the present leadership lacks understanding on how to make it works. We, therefore, need a leadership that has the capacity to bring together, the best of the brains that will make things work for the betterment of our great country. ‘’We need a leader that will put aside primordial sentiments, when it comes to getting the best brains to work for the best interest of our country, and when assigning national assignments; all these I will do

if you elect me as the candidate of our party, and by the grace of Almighty God the president of Nigeria.’’ He said the unity of Nigeria was seriously being threatened, saying, ‘’It has never be this bad in the history of this country; we need a leader that has the capacity to bring everybody together and hold it together.’’ He added, ‘’That is why I said we need to rescue this country from collapsing. What is currently going in the country is not the best, and must not

ECONOMIC TEAM MEETS TUESDAY TO DETERMINE NEW MINIMUM WAGE insisting that the current administration is “a labour friendly government�.

He said: “Next week, we will have an economic management team meeting on Tuesday, specially dedicated to the issue of national minimum wage to be chaired by the Vice President.

"For anybody to say that this government is stalling or playing games will be uncharitable, because, we have done what we are supposed to do. We have the interest of workers at heart.

"We have not retrenched anybody. There is no embargo on employment. There is no embargo on promotions. We are

paying backlog of promotional arrears. “So this government is a labour friendly government and we must put smiles on their faces before the next election...

We are labour activists. We don’t want to turn our backs on them.�

Pepple, on her part, said the final report of the negotiating committee, would be sent to President Buhari before the end of September.

She said: "Everything is on course but we need a definite figure from government and of course, we have to carry the states along.

"So, we need those figures so that we can conclude on

the figures we include in our report. “This month, at least, I expect our report will be ready this month. We are submitting our report to Mr. President this month."

The organised labour recently issued a two-week ultimatum to the federal government to conclude negotiations and come up with the final decision on the minimum wage.

But Ngige in a swift reaction to the ultimatum had accused the organised labour of blackmailing and unnecessarily pressuring the government to pass a new minimum wage that it may be unable to implement.

He blamed the delay in

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

! "

#

"

$ " " % & #'()*

+

,

-

."" " /0

+ - % 1

&

231))'4422

!

-

" 231))'4422

/

7

8

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍ˝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

BACK TO GRASSROOTS...

L-R: Lagos state APC Chairman, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun; APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole; Sen. Oluremi Tinubu ; Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Ahmed Lawan and APC Leader Lagos Central Senatorial District, Prince Tajudeen Olusi at the 27th Edition of Lagos Central Senatorial Town Hall Meeting by Sen. Oluremi Tinubu In Lagos.‌.. KOLA OLASUPO

IPOB sit-at-home: Aba Locked Down, Partial Compliance in Umuahia, Anambra Police arrest suspected members in Rivers as action fail in Enugu, Ebonyi

By Our Reporters

It was a mixed bag unlike in the past when the stay-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) recorded total success as while some cities in the South-east and parts of South-south region were on lockdown, others ignored the order and carried on with various businesses.

While the commercial city of Aba in Abia State was shut down following the freezing of businesses and commercial activities in compliance with the directive, Umuahia, the state capital only recorded partial success.

However, in Enugu and Abakaliki, the state capitals of Enugu and Ebonyi respectively, the sit-at-home order was largely observed in breach as people went about their businesses while in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, four drivers who plied the Onne-Oyigbo axis were allegedly abducted by suspected IPOB members while no fewer than 15 trucks were allegedly burnt.

The group had directed “that every Biafran, both home and abroad, is expected to stay indoors, away from work, market and roads� on Friday to mark the anniversary of

the September 14, 2017 military invasion of the home of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Residents of Aba, characteristically seen as the stronghold of IPOB obeyed the directive as markets were closed for what some said was fear of attacks. But in Umuahia, the capital city the impact of the sit-at-home order was not totally felt as businesses were in full swing though the streets were devoid of the heavy traffic usually witnessed on Fridays. However, both public and private schools that reopened for the new session on Monday did not open their doors.

In Anambra, there were some level of compliance in Onitsha where businesses and banks closed their doors, but Awka and Nnewi and other parts of the state recorded skeletal services by public institutions. It was alleged that town criers were employed by IPOB to disseminate the directive, leading to partial grounding of activities.

In Onitsha, markets, banks and schools were under lock, while traders were seen in streets playing football.

Street traders were, however, seen doing business.

IPOB, however, claimed success

and total compliance while the police contradicted the claim, insisting that the directive went unheeded.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) which is a coalition of civil society organisations has commended the people of South-east for complying with the sit-at-home order, describing it as victory for IPOB. In a statement issued by the secretary of ECA, Elliot Uko, who is also deputy secretary, Igbo Leaders of Thought, the group noted for the sit-at-home order to have recorded over 85 per cent compliance “is a confirmation that the people are completely tired of Nigeria.� “Ndigbo have spoken in an unmistakable voice (that) we are with IPOB,� he said, adding that the warning bell now is that ‘If the political class and the elite club, together with the Igbo government contractors are not careful they may see the masses turn against them.�  He said that while IPOB was enjoying the support of the people, the sharp division between the political leaders and the led thereby making the political leaders, generals without troops or leaders without followers.� “In spite of all that was done surreptitiously to both threaten and

induce people to come out to defy the IPOB order, yet the people complied over 85 per cent. That says it all: IPOB has defeated its adversaries. They will define the direction, tone, and eventual outcome of the general elections five months away,� the ECA scribe said.

While IPOB insists that the compliance was total, Anambra Police Command commended the people of the state for shunning the directive and going about their duties.

A press release by the publicity secretary of IPOB, Mr. Emma Powerful stated that the entire South-east was locked down. He said there were attempts by some ‘compromised’ Igbo leaders to sabotage the exercise, but their moves failed. “Huge sums of money has been promised to journalists of all newspaper houses not to issue even an interim report on the sit-at-home because it recorded over 90 per cent compliance. “South-east governors have failed woefully as we know they would, so too has Ohaneze Ndigbo. Buratai and his killer army has been defeated without IPOB firing a bullet. Saboteurs that asked the people to ignore IPOB must hide their face in shame. IPOB is the people and the people is IPOB.�

CSO Protests against Alleged N13.4b Fraud in NPA, BPP Adedayo Akinwale Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

A group, Transparent Extractive Sector Operators Initiative (TESOI), Friday protested against N13.4 billion fraud allegedly perpetrated by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

The National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Jude Ogiba who led the protest in Abuja, alleged that the NPA as a procuring entity and the BPP as a regulator colluded to subvert the provisions of the Public Procurement Act (PPA )2007 to win the contract.

The group said investigations

it carried out revealed that both NPA and BPP were marred with infractions, forgery, falsification, rigging of bids and abuse of office.

According to him, “The award of N13,461,787,192.25 contract to Dredging International Services Limited by the NPA in February 2018 is a complete violation of the provisions of section 16(8)(e&f) of the Public Procurement Act PPA(2007).�

Ogiba stressed that the company with its affiliate, Dredging International Services Cyprus Limited, both of which are subsidiaries of DEME group, had been convicted by a court of law in Switzerland on allegations of $20 million bribe

He lamented; “Despite the facts and investigation, the NPA in its show of “desperation� has proceeded to pay Dredging International Services, the sum of $6,289,538.52 as mobilisation fee for the project.� “The award of the contract was done in flagrant violation of the provisions of extant procurement laws . The NPA and BPP decided to cover their tracks to mislead the president by failing to disclose the facts,� he added.

Ogiba pointed out that the group embarked on a peaceful protest to let Nigerians know what was going on in the two government

agencies, stressing that the group would approach a federal high court to secure an injunction in order to stop the contract. “We are requesting that the matter is investigated because we feel this is injustice and we cannot continue to take it. There is so much infractions and so much corruption that must be investigated,� he stressed He, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari, all security agencies and prosecutorial bodies to intervene in the matter, saying it’s a mockery of the present administration to bring corruption to a standstill.

But the police public relations officer of Anambra State Police Command in a press release titled; ‘update on IPOB ‘sit at home threat’ said, “Compliance is poor as people, commuters and traders are seen going about their lawful businesses without harassment or intimidation.�

He said the Command deployed adequate security to all nooks and crannies of the state including critical government instalations, while undercover operatives were also deployed to gather intelligence.

The release read: “Meanwhile, enhanced visibility patrols and Joint show of Force of all security agencies within the neighborhood and highways

are ongoing. All major entries and exit routes in the state are well secured.

However, some of the markets visited includingtheMainMarket,NewMarket and Timber Market were deserted as most of the shops remained under lock and key.

In Enugu, although the entrances to these markets were wide open, most of the traders did not open for the day’s business, apparently in compliance with the order.

The poor compliance by residents is being blamed on the call by a faction of MASSOB led by Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo among others which asked Ndigbo to defy the sit- at-home order.

EFCC Deny Raiding Standard Chartered Bank’s Head OfďŹ ce ObinnaChima

About 20 operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, stormed the Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, head office of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited.

However, the Commission denied raiding the head office of Standard Chartered Bank in Lagos, adding in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren that,“There was no raid on the bank by its (EFCC) officers.�

A former Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olasupo Shasore, disclosed this on his Twitter handle. “Disturbing news - 20 EFCC Agents at Standard Chartered Bank HQ to arrest Managing Director, Mrs. Bola Adesola, happening now!�

Shasore wrote, adding, “Now private sector under siege.�

The bank which confirmed the development in a statement, did not state why the EFCC agents visited the bank. “We can confirm that law enforce-

ment officials entered our head office building on 14th September 2018. We are clear there was no basis for this entry, and the law enforcement officials left the building shortly afterwards,� the statement explained.

Standard Chartered Bank and three other banks in the country were recently fined a total of N5.87 billion by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for alleged violation of extant laws and regulations of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, and the Foreign Exchange Manual, 2006.

They were accused of illegally repatriating funds on behalf of MTN Nigeria and the telecom company was directed to immediately refund $8,134,312,397.63 to the coffers of the bank.

Standard Chartered got the highest fine of N2,470,604,767.13 and the CBN has since debited the bank.

But the EFCC statement added: “The raid by operatives purportedly wearing the jackets of the commission might have been the handiwork of errant officers who acted without authorisation.

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

9

NEWS

In Brief Two Die, 3 injured in FuelTanker Fire

Twopeoplewerereportedtohavediedwhilethreeotherssustainedserious injurieswhenapetroltankerconveyingfueloverturnedandburstintoflamein Sulejatown,NigerStateonFriday. Accordingtoreports,thefueltankerwhich containedover50,000litresoffuelinsteadoffollowingthebyepassdecided totraversethecentreofthecityandduetothebadroad,turnedover. Oneofthe threeinjuredpersonshadbothlimbschoppedoffandwaswithothers,admittedattheSulejageneralhospitalfortreatment.Theremainsofthedeceased accordingtothereportswereevacuatedanddepositedatthemorgue. Itwas gatheredthatofficialsoftheNigerStateEmergencyManagementAgency andthestatefireservicebattledspiritedlytocontrolthefirefromburningthe housesaroundwheretheaccidenttookplace. However,fivecarsandsomesix shopswerecompletelyburntbytheensuingfire. TheDirectorGeneralNiger StateEmergencyManagementAgency(NSEMA),AlhajiIbrahimIngawhen contactedconfirmedtheincident.Ingasaidtheaccidenthappenedbecause the tanker driver decided to traverse the middle of the town instead of the byepassatDikkotownwhendriverlost controlofthevehiclebecauseofthe narrownessof theroad.

Presidential AspirantsThreaten Parallel Convention

HONOUR WELL DESERVED...

L-R: Executive Director, Unmissable Incentives, Kayode Idowu; Nigerian Sports Award Panel Member and ace sport broadcaster, Mitchel Obi; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom and Managing Director, Integrated Indigo Limited, Bolaji Abimbola during the presentation of Sports Governor of the Year 2017 award to the governor held in Akwa Ibom

Dickson: Buhari Propping Sylva, Lokpobiri, Others to Destabilise Bayelsa Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă‹

Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Seriake Dickson, yesterday accused President Muhammadu Buhari of watching while a former governor of the state, Timipre Sylva, and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, undermined the security of the state.

Dickson expressed shock that the president had failed to take any action against the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and their cohorts who he accused of causing mayhem in the state despite making several reports and complaints to him ,(Buhari) and the security agencies.

Refuting the allegations, the APC and its leaders accused the governor of attempting to intimidate the opposition because he was afraid of the rising profile of the party in the state.

A statement signed by Dickson’s

Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said that the security agencies were applying double standards with the raid on the homes of Caretaker Chairman of Brass, Victor Isaiah and Tiwei Orunimigha, former APC chair who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party( PDP) last weekend.

The governor vowed to personally mobilise the people of the state to arrest Mr. Israel Sunny-Goli, the only APC lawmaker in the state, if the police fail to act on an alleged petition concerning the activities of the party stalwart. “The president has allowed common criminals and terrorists such as Sylva and Lokpobiri to unleash violence on their people while the Inspector General of Police is sitting in Abuja to direct investigation of a petition against the Brass Council chairman.

“At the moment, they are attacking innocent people in Brass, who are members of the PDP, with people bloodied and houses burnt all in a bid to destabilise the state,� Dickson said.

He also accused the legislator representing the Brass Constituency 1 in the state House of Assembly, Sunny-Goli, of being responsible for the mayhem in Brass and that he was being shielded by Sylva and Lokpobiri in connivance with security agencies.

He called for his arrest and prosecution for various crimes, including murder, thuggery and cultism in his constituency and the whole of Brass Local Government Area. “The position of the Bayelsa State Government is that Sunny-Goli has to be arrested. We are asking the IG and the DSS to take steps to prevent an abuse of their powers by someone

who terrorises innocent people. “I will mobilise the people of this state to arrest him since the law enforcement agencies cannot do it.

As governor of this state, I do not and will not condone criminal acts by any individual no matter his position in the state,� he said.

But Sunny- Goli yesterday denied the allegations against him, stating that the PDP had become desperate because of the Nembe/Brass House of Representatives Federal constituency which he was contesting under the platform of the APC. He disclosed that he had refused overtures to defect to the PDP and contest for the seat under its platform, stressing that he had come under malicious attacks by the PDP government in the state which is looking for ways to prosecute him on trumped-up charges.

N’Delta Militants Insist FG Must Wrong NiMET Rain Forecast Probe Amnesty Office Caused  Skybird Aircraft Incident Ex-militants warn against planned protest

Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă‹

A coalition of Niger Delta militants have called on the federal government to investigate  the current state of affairs in the Presidential Amnesty Office led by Prof. Charles Dokubo.

The warlords also demanded a probe into the activities of the department responsible for reintegration of ex-militants, insisting that some underhand dealings were currently going on there.

The demand came, even as a counter group of ex-militant leaders under the aegis of the Environmental Rights Advocates Organisation of Niger Delta, (ERAOND) described the planned protest by the militants as misplaced, wicked and selfish.

In a statement yesterday, the Creek Lords and nine other militant groups, threatened that if an overhaul of the PAP by the federal government was not carried out, they would not hesitate to suspend their ceasefire declaration and go back to the trenches.

The statement signed by one ‘Col’ Derick Peter and Amas August, said

the coalition would commence a massive protest in Abuja and the Niger Delta region in order to force  the government to act.

According to the group, several names of authentic ex-militants were being swapped for suspicious ones by the amnesty office, a development they described as unacceptable.  “It has come to our notice that the laid down rules governing the Amnesty programme has been grossly flouted. It thereby reflects a high sense of inefficiency, incompetency and confusion in the operations of the scheme,� the warlords said.

The group said that a certain company close to some of the leaders of the programme was being used as a front under the guise of contracting companies with special consideration for jobs. According to the Creek Lords, in an era where the programme was challenged by cash crunch, anytime payment was made to the programme, first line payment was made to the said company to the detriment of genuine contractors.

Chinedu Eze

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has explained that the Gulfstream G IV operated by Skybird Airline, which overshot the runway Wednesday night at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was caused by heavy downpour that waterlogged the runway.

AIB said the pilot of the flight was not aware of the intensity of the rain and attributed the cause of the incident to the wrong rain forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET).

AIB in its preliminary report released to journalists yesterday said that the rain on landing was heavier than the advised slight rain by the authorities.

The aircraft with the registration number 5N-BOD had overshot the runway at 2200hrs and moved to the muddy area of that aspect of the airport.

This led to flight cancellations and delays, as morning flights on Thursday morning when some early morning flights were cancelled and

others were delayed by at least two hours. AIB said at the time of the incident the aircraft had one passenger onboard with five crewmembers.

A statement by the General Manager, Public Affairs, AIB Tunji Oketunbi also said that on touchdown, the aircraft did not slow down as normal.

He, however, said that when this happened, the captain deployed the speed brakes manually, and applied maximum braking, but it was too late from preventing the aircraft to overshoot the runway.

The statement read in part: “The rain on landing was heavier than the advised slight rain and on touched down; the aircraft did not slow down as normal. At that time, the captain deployed the speed brakes manually, and applied maximum braking. “However, the deployment of thrust reversers could not stop the aircraft on the wet and slippery runway. The aircraft exited the end of the runway and came to a stop in a mud; at a distance of 71m from the end of RWY 22 stop way.�

ThreeAll ProgressivesCongress(APC),presidential aspirantshave threatened to organiseaparallel national conventionontheclaim that theN45 millionnominationformswereexorbitant and against the provisionsoftheElectoralLaw.Inastatementissuedatapressconferencein Lagosduringtheweek,as“Coalitionof2019PresidentialAspirantsoftheAll ProgressivesCongress�,theaspirantsurgedPresidentMuhammaduBuharito rejectthenominationformpurchasedforhimbyagroup.Thestatementsigned bythethreepresidentialaspirants,SKCOgbonnia,CharlesUdeogaranyaand Mumakai Unagha, while demanding the scrapping of the nomination forms also urged President Muhammadu Buhari in the light of his anti-corruption crusade to join them in rejecting the amount fixed for the forms. Recall that a group under the platform of Nigeria Consolidation Ambassador Network (NCAN)lastweekpaidtheAPC,N45milliontopurchasetheNominationand Expressionof Interest formsfor President Buhari.

Osun Governorship Primary

TheAllProgressivesCongress(APC)hasdismissedasfalse,thereportthatthe governorshipprimarieswhichproduceditscandidate,AlhajiIsiakaGboyega Oyetolahadbeennullified.InastatementissuedonFridaybytheactingNational Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabene, APC said the true position was that the matterwasadjournedtoSeptember27,forhearing. TheAPCstatementstates: “Ourattentionhasbeendrawntosomemisleadingmediareportssuggesting thattheDirectprimarieswhichproducedAlhajiIsiakaGboyegaOyetolaasthe AllProgressivesCongress(APC)candidatefortheforthcomingOsunState governorship election has been nullified by an Abuja Federal High Court in a matterfiledbyoneKunleRasheedAdegoke. “ThiscaseisbeforeJusticeDimgba andourconfirmationfromtheCourt’sRegistryshowthatthematterwasfiled onJuly27,2018.ItisbeinghandledforthePlaintiffbyA.UMustapha(SAN)and cameupforthefirsttimeonSeptember13,2018whenserviceoforiginating processesonall other Partieswasconfirmedâ€?.Â

Septuagenarian Jailed for Assault

AmagistratecourtinEgbe,YagbaWestLocalGovernment,KogiStaterecently sentenced a traditional title holder, Chief Stephen Fogbonjaiye, the Ologun ofAgidi-Ododi,to 12monthsimprisonment ontwochargesof“criminalforce toawomanwithintenttooutragehermodestyandmischief�.Fogbonjaiye,a 70yearsretiredcivilservant, wasarraignedinAugust2017inacasebrought beforethecourtbythevictimandcomplainant,FunmilayoAlbert.  Theincident occurredatOja-AbuMarket,Egbefollowingabrawlinvolvingthevictim,acassavasellerandafellowmarketwomanoverchangedispute inthepurchaseof puff-puff.  Albert was handed over to the accused and convict, who claimed tobethetraditionalauthorityinchargeofthemarket.Thevictimhadalleged thattheconvict hadhertopandslippersforciblyremovedandburnttoashes, leavingherhalfnakedwithonlyherbraandskirton.  Theconvict,inhisstatement ofdefenseconfessedtothecriminalactsaying,however,that he actedbased onEgbecustomarylawofmarketadministration thatforbadefightinginthe market and asthetraditional authorityinchargeof themarket.  .

Obiano Appoints Female Journalist LG Boss

AnambraStateGovernor,ChiefWillieObianohasappointedMrs.IfyObinabo, afemalejournalistwiththestateownedmediaoutfit,AnambraBroadcasting Service,ABSasthechairmanofOrumbaNorthLocalGovernmentArea.Mrs. Obinabowasfirstappointed  SpecialAssistanttothegovernoronAgriculture, before she was elevated as council boss.The journalist who is also known in theareaasarenownedfarmerassumedofficeonFriday,promisingtoturnthe fortune of the council area around, using agriculture as her main focus. In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Obinabo said the appointment was in line with her burningdesiretoserveherpeople,especiallyatthegrassroots.“Iassureyou all,Iwillcarryeveryonealoneinthisgovernment.Iaminvitingyouall,especially myfellowfarmerstocomeandlet’sworkthingsoutforourlocalgovernment,� shesaid.Obinaboisthefirstfemalelocalgovernmentchairmanofthecouncil.

Shecommendedherpredecessor,Mr.EmekaAforkaforhisdevelopmental stridesinthearea.

Mkpat Enin Cultural Festival

Corporate bodies and organisations, including Zenith Bank PLC, Ibom Power, Dana Air, among others have so far indicated interests to support and participate in a two-week cultural festival planned by the Mkpat Enin LocalGovernmentAreaofAkwaIbomState. Thefirstmegaculturalfestival coming up on December 15th to 31st is an attempt by the local government counciltoreverseculturaltraffickingandattracttouriststothearea. Already, specialcoloursoftheMkpatEninLGAhavebeenunveiledwiththethemeof the festival being; “Rediscovering our cultural heritageâ€?. The unveiling of the programmepackagedbytheAkwaTourismDevelopment Company Limited was witnessed by a Nollywood Star Actor, Harry B Anyanwu and one of the front line comedians in Nigeria; Clint Da Drunk who is the star model for the cultural event.  According to the Chairman of the LGA, Mr. Ekanem Brown the festival is aimed at attracting tourism and tourists to explore the cultural potentials of Mkpat Enin as well as making cultural heritage an income generating venture for the people.Â

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY Harrysong’s Battle with Depression Music star, Harrison Tare Okiri, popularly known as Harrysong, is battling with depression. His recent cryptic message and visit to therapists are worrying, writes. Ferdinand Ekechukwu

C

ases of celebrities battling with depression are not unlikely in Nigeria as it is in other parts of the world. In fact, in recent times, many cases have been recorded in the Nigerian entertainment industry, with music artistes mostly the victims. In the likely scenario, it is not uncommon to see such depressive mood, often expressed via suicide notes to associates or posts on social media.

One that comes to mind would be Tiwa Savage’s estranged husband TeeBillz, who at the height of their marital squables threatened to take his own life and was only dramatically restrained from doing so by friends at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.

Incidentally, it was the same TeeBillz, that was among the first to reach out to versatile singer and songwriter, Harrison Tare Okiri, popularly known as Harrisong , when the music star posted a cryptic photo on his Instagram page in what appeared to be suicide message where he asked friends and family not to cry when he dies.“Don’t cry when I die.

Celebrate! Put up a kingmaker concert; empower more youths. I have lived. I have done my bit. Carry on in grace… Tekero? I Love You All. #altersoldier”, he wrote.

The troubling note got fans and associates alike concerned about the wellbeing of the “Alterplate Records”owner. It is, however, unclear if he had other issues not known to the public. Only last year, he welcomed a set of twins in the United States. That attracted some criticisms for using stock photos of newborn twins to announce the news. He later explained he was protecting the identity of the babies.

A statement and response from the singer had confirmed that he is suffering from depression. His management team revealed in a release on Thursday that the 37-year-old was dealing with “emotional issues”. The statement came on September 6, just a day after Harrysong caused panic among fans and friends with an Instagram post about dying.“The truth is Harrysong has been dealing with slight emotional issues in the last few days and has been trying to manage it alone. But at this point, we are getting him the needed help. We have been in talks with a therapist and a session has been booked.

Depression is real, but when that happens, one should seek for help from appropriate quarters.”

In an Instagram post on Friday, September 7, Harrysong had shared a picture of himself and a therapist named Oyinkansola Alabi. The ‘Beta Pikin’ singer had revealed that the session he had with the therapist was successful. He added that depression was a silent killer.“Thank you so much guys . My session with Miss. Oyinkansola Alabi went well and I am gradually getting my feet back. Always show love and be kind to people. Depression is a silent killer, learn to unburden your mind to trusted ones. I love you all,”he wrote.

While the record label boss battled depression, his one-time PR manager, Anusiobi Frank had claimed his recent emotional outburst on IG is not in any way from a place of depression but just a publicity stunt. According to Frank,“I pray you to recover and change your ways then leave the rest for God and believe, but to me, I know you well and I can tell what your doing is a publicity stunt but if it’s not, God see you through.”

But on the surface, there are some things about the ‘Ofeshe’ hitmaker that made his alarming post so good to be true for a stunt in some quarters. And that summed up in one piece is that the music star has attained success in his music career be it fame or fortune. No doubt about this, going by his multiple brands’ endorsement deals, sold out concerts and multiple hit songs released back to back from when he was with his former record label till date.

Like one of his colleagues, Jaywon, rightly noted waving aside the notion that the singer might be suffering from depression.“I don’t think that Harry is depressed, although many Nigerians are going through a lot nowadays. A lot of people are actually depressed, but I think Harrysong is fine. His new song is doing well in the market.”

Popular for his songs Reggae Blues, I’m in Love and ‘Arabanko’ wherein he threw subtle shades to his friend and former record label mate and his boss, E-Money of Five Star Music, Harrysong until 2007 when he moved to Lagos, performed as the lead singer of a live band in nightclubs. The Nigerian singer hit stardom after his tribute song to Nelson Mandela won the ‘Most Downloaded Callertune Award’ at The Headies 2013.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

11

SUPERSATURDAY

Wizkid

Tiwa Savage and Teebillz

Teebillz Reacts to Wizkid, Tiwa Savage’s Suggestive Routines Tiwa Savage’s estranged husband, Tunji Balogun, better known as Teebillz, took everyone by surprise when, during the week, he broke his silence on the rumoured relationship between his ex and music star, Wizkid.

His stand, hard to believe though, is eliciting a second thought. Omolabake Fasogbon reports

T

he widespread speculations on the amorous relationship between music stars, Tiwa Savage and Wizkid leaves no hope of petering out so soon, rather it continues to gather strength as each passing day new and interesting episodes unfolding.

Ever since the screen diva separated from her husband in 2016, tongues have not stopped wagging on her alleged enamoured dealings with 24 years old ‘Pakurumo’ crooner.

Although, the duo has on several occasions insisted that the kind of bond that existed between them was strictly platonic, and not what people thought of, diehard fans still find it difficult to come to terms with this claim, especially as their closeness continues to wax stronger.

In a surprising move, Tiwa’s estranged husband, Teebillz, satisfied the curiosity of watchers when he responded to trolls on the issue on Instagram.

According to him, Wizkid, being his little brother would not disrespect him by engaging in such an act, adding that the mother of his child would not stoop to such show despite the feud between them.

He wrote: “Whether you like it or not, Ayo is my lil bro and he knows not to cross me on blood gang … we don’t play that shit on 400 blocks! That’s my lil Nigga and is Big Hommie Sauce kid aka Sinzu guaranteed me on the lil homie even though he’s my blood and Mr. Capable Banky W is my blood! “…. I’m just saying this to the general public that tend to come at me on some disrespectful Shit!!!! For your information! Thank you Titi for respecting me! Your opinion on her and my lil bro Wizzy is bullshit! Don Jazzy!

Jazzy! Will never allow that! I trusted you fam??????? He will never allow that!!!!.

“Tiwa gets mad at me on my own P but she will never put me down like that…and at the end of the day my hustle will match on with my responsibilities in my kid’s names !!! But 4real on Jamil#!!!!! Tiwa will never disrespect me like That!!! @tiwasavage @wizkidayo keep giving us that. Congratulations blood @wizkidayo on The NIKE thanks for putting Naija On the Map.” Very much unlike him, Teebillz coming out of the blues to react against the gossiped affairs between the music icons still leaves many wondering on his stand as well as his decision to speak on the issue after a very long time.

More bothersome is the fact that the father of four, who once accused his wife of infidelity, dropped an exciting remark after he already took an excuse off the social media to undergo spiritual maintenance.

Teebillz in an earlier post wrote, “Temporary close for spiritual maintenance” and Tiwa in her naivety replied, “yeah cause you getting ready to come back even stronger”.

In less than 24 hours, the Afro-pop singer’s ex-manager betrayed his words only to resurface on Instagram to drop the rousing post.

It would be recalled that Tiwa’s intimacy with the self-acclaimed number one music star in Africa was first observed when both of them were on the set of ‘Bad’ video from Tiwa’s second album, ‘Red’. Beyond this, subsequent acts between the pair are as good as calling them lovebirds.

Their collaboration in ‘Malo’ from Tiwa Savage’s EP, ‘Sugarcane’ did not suggest any clue of platonic involve-

ment as they held close to each other tightly on stage.

The singers were also seen together at Ushbebe’s comedy show in March, not only that they attended the event together, they were sighted dancing together, days after news rent the air that Teebillz was filling for divorce.

The height of it all was when the pop-singer gave Tiwa a romantic cheek kiss at Gidifest. This got many to conclude over doubt that there was more to friendship and music business between them.

The super-talented Tiwa, who says she has grown a thick skin to all the speculations on her sexual involvement with her colleagues, most especially Wizkid reveals that she will forever be grateful to Wizkid for being a friend in need.

She once appreciated him in a post saying, “Forget music, you’ve been there for me even when you didn’t have to be. When I doubt myself, you call me ‘mama JamJam’ and put a smile on my face. My dear Ayo, mama JamJam loves you.”

The Pepsi brand ambassador has also been cool with her estranged husband despite the row between them.

This is particularly obvious in her posts and comments.

Even in their present state, she did not fail to acknowledge Teebillz’s role in her career as she says she will forever be appreciative to a man who worked hard to give her image a face-lift.

The mother of one who is presently rocking her low cut hairstyle says she is happy in her natural looks and wants to remain like that.

Although Teebillz’s note may not be convincing enough for doubtful fans, it is expected that his position should calm the airwaves.

12

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

COMMENTARY

THE DRUMS OF RESTRUCTURING

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has been in the forefront of restructuring, argues Kanmi Ademiluyi

“

Restructuringâ€? is all the rage. It has become all things to all segments and a political battering ram in an election season. Unfortunately, very much like Richard Nixon’s campaign catchphrase,“Law and Orderâ€?, referred to jocularly in the press as Laura Norder during the American presidential election in 1968, in some areas it has inadvertently acquired a sinister undertone. In 1968,“Law and Orderâ€? on the surface sounded innocuous. Who could possibly be against the imposition of “lawâ€? and “orderâ€? unless of course you are anarchist? Nevertheless, many believed that Nixon was talking in code. Decoded, it actually stood for – “keeping the African – Americans ďŹ rmly in their place.â€?Things like this have to be handled with care, analytical rigour and sensitivity.

In a campaign season in which ill-prepared candidates have sadly not presented a coherent alternative perspective on social and economic reconstruction, a nebulous “restructuring� unsurprisingly, has replaced clinical analysis of the key issues. Former vice-president Atiku Abubakar has seized on the buzzword with glee. Glaringly obvious is the former VP’s problem in explaining why he did not seek action on an issue he is now so passionate about earlier in his long political career.

Until his present reboot for another presidential run, Atiku has certainly not been associated with any deep thinking on the issue of the structure of the Nigerian state. In looking for a cause to use as a campaign theme, he makes a faux pas in taking on the current Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo who in words and in deed has a proven track-record on this issue. What is intended to be Atiku’s knock-out punch is the mistaken belief by Atiku that Osinbajo has taken an opportunistic maneuver, a u-turn conveniently because he is now in government. This flies in the face of available evidence much of it verifiable in court decisions. As Attorney- General of Lagos State from 1999-2007, Osinbajo was fortuitously thrust into the heat of a series of legal battles and jurisprudential jousts over the issue of the rights of the federating units and the necessity to operate a real federal structure in Nigeria.

The irony of history here is pronounced. At the time the Lagos State Attorney – General was jousting in the courts on states’ rights, the sitting vice-president, surprise, surprise, was Atiku Abubakar. On the contrary, there is no available evidence of dissent from the sitting vice-president on these issues. On most of the defining issues, only the states of the Niger Delta sided with Lagos. It is on record that Osinbajo as Attorney General of Lagos State went to court to ascertain the fact that every state should control, to a certain extent, its own resources.

This eventually led to the landmark ruling that the oil-producing states should continue to get 13% derivation.

In Attorney General of Abia State & 2 Ors v Attorney General of the Federation and 33 Ors, VP Osinbajo (as Attorney General of Lagos State) challenged the constitutionality of the Local Government Revenue Monitoring Act in the Supreme Court contending that it is a major negation of true federalism. As third plaintiff in the case, Lagos State filed the most comprehensive objections to the act. Osinbajo had argued that the National Assembly could not exercise oversight functions over local government administration in the country.

The act which provided for direct disbursement of local government allocations from the federal account and monitoring of the process by the federal government, amounted to undue interference with the powers of the states over local governments as provided by Section 7 (and other sections) of the 1999 Constitution. He argued too that it was also unconstitutional for the National Assembly to impose a duty on the state as – the act sought to do -, in matters within the legislative competence of the state legislature. The other 33 states supported the arguments. The Supreme Court agreed with his position and ruled in favour of Lagos State. This case has been pivotal to maintaining the powers of states over local governments till in line with the principles

IT IS ON RECORD THAT OSINBAJO AS ATTORNEY GENERAL OF LAGOS STATE WENT TO COURT TO ASCERTAIN THE FACT THAT EVERY STATE SHOULD CONTROL, TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, ITS OWN RESOURCES. THIS EVENTUALLY LED TO THE LANDMARK RULING THAT THE OIL-PRODUCING STATES SHOULD CONTINUE TO GET 13% DERIVATION

of true federalism till today.

In Attorney General of Lagos State v Attorney General of the Federation & 35 Ors (Urban Planning case), he challenged the provisions of the Urban Planning Decree which had been passed by the military and adopted by the PDP government of President Olusegun Obasanjo (with Atiku as VP). The law had purported to confer powers of urban and regional planning for the whole country on the federal government. Based on the decree, the federal government was issuing building plan approvals to people in Lagos State and other parts of the country, in complete disregard of the physical planning laws and arrangements of the states.

The facts are incontrovertible that vice-president Osinbajo has had a distinguished track record of fighting for true federalist cause. What he should not be stampeded into doing is to jump into a vacuous bandwagon using the buzzword ‘restructuring’ to obscure the decisive realities that the Nigerian federation faces. Apart from devolution of authority to the states and the local governments, the critical issue is not a nebulous, ill-defined ‘restructuring’, but a programme of social and economic reconstruction of the glaring inequalities in our country.

Much of the sources of conflicts can be traced to social inequalities and the limitations of opportunities. With the advent of the preposterously termed Structural Adjustment Programme in 1985, Nigeria has largely had what the Latin American economist Andre Gunder Frank described as ‘growth without development’. Ephemeral ‘growth’ figures have not translated into the realities of higher living standards and a fight back against the underlying causes of structured poverty.

Cyclical commodities boom have come and gone without policies which have been of benefit to the majority and not to just a privileged view. In contradistinction, the government of Ignacio Lula da Silva in Brazil took 40 million people out of poverty in eight years through the sort of social intervention programmes which vice-president Osinbajo is associated with.

As the vice-president himself in response to Atiku has pointed out, “Good governance involves, inter alia, transparency and prudence in public finance. It involves social justice, investing in the poor, and jobs for young people; which explains our school feeding programme, providing a meal a day to over nine million public school children in 25 states as of today. Our NPower is now employing 500,000 graduates; our TraderMoni that will be giving microcredit to two million petty traders; our Conditional Cash Transfers giving monthly grants to over 400,000 of the poorest in Nigeria. The plan is to cover a million households.�

There are a myriad of other social intervention programmes such as free school meals and the anchor borrowing programme for farmers which are a demonstrable attempt to convert millions of subsistence farmers into commercial farmers.

The Italian political philosopher Antonio Gramsci decades ago very astutely pointed out that the central ethos of politics is to shift the territory of debate decisively in favour of one’s own position. For the first time in decades, the territory of the discourse is being shifted to focus on government policies that will benefit the majority. It is early days and there will be hitches and hiccups. Nevertheless, what is shaping up as a decisive break from a dismal past should be supported. What will not be helpful to the prospects of the hitherto neglected majority are attempts by the beneficiaries of underserved and unsustainable privileges to obscure attempts at building a more inclusive, socially just society and lessening inequalities by hiding behind the smokescreen of ill-defined buzzwords and catch-phrases. The central issue of our time is widening social injustice. Personally, I am glad that at least there is now a re-direction of policies to face it.

Ademiluyi is a former Chairman of the editorial Board of Independent Newspaper

THE BATTLE FOR DOUGLAS HOUSE

Uzor Maxim Uzoatu writes that Ikedi Ohakim has what it takes to make a difference

I

t was through my late senior colleague, friend and mentor Pini Jason that I learnt what former Governor of Imo State, Dr Ikedi Ohakim, said on Wednesday, August 22, 2007, during the swearing-in of his commissioners, to wit: “It is not important to me how long I stay in ofďŹ ce. What matters to me is the legacy I leave behind even if I stayed four months.â€?

Dr. Ohakim is once more on the hustings for a march back into Douglas House, Owerri. Outgoing Governor Rochas Okorocha is understandably very worried over the return of Ohakim. It’s quite obvious that Ohakim knows Okorocha’s secrets as he makes bold to stress: “I am the only former governor of the state that is still electable and who has the capacity to fix Imo. I handed over N26.6bn to Rochas Okorocha in 2011. If I am re-elected in 2019, I will use all democratic means to make sure that Imo fund is recovered. I will retrieve Imo Eastern Palm University and make it the Orlu campus of Imo State University. Okorocha has turned Imo to a monarchical place where a father-in-law wants to handover to his son-in-law.

I know what was where in Government House in 2011. I have the experience to repair Imo. No matter what it takes, I shall bring back Eke-Ukwu Owerri if I become governor in 2019. I will bring back tricycles in Owerri. I have sworn to an affidavit of assurance to Imo people and I shall use

the last drop of my blood to serve Imo people.�

There is the Igbo proverb that says that it is when a woman gets married to a second husband that she gets to appreciate the values of the first husband. It is against this background that Ohakim bowed to the pressure from Imo people to run for the governorship again 2019.

The former governor is poised to reverse all past wrongs, averring: “We must get it right this time. The lives of our people would no longer be objects for experimentation. Mistakes have been made and lessons have been learned and now, together, we are taking Imo State back into the Hands of God come 2019. We owe our future generations that much.�

As an insider, Ohakim would not have to waste time learning the ropes. It’s a process that is already within his ambit. According to him, “I want to come back to create the right investment climate that would credibly and consistently support current businesses and attract new investments by promoting investor-friendly reforms and providing valuable incentives, building effective partnership aimed at targeting and generating investment opportunities. I am returning to create a system that would place premium on justice, peace and security that would challenge the entrepreneurial and competitive spirit of the Imo people, which is the touchstone of Igbo high achievement. Above

all, I will add value to leadership through accountability and responsible governance. I am coming back to complete the Imo Free Trade Zone, Imo Freeway, the Ring Roads, the Housing Schemes, the Wonder Lake Resort and Conference Centre, to rejuvenate the tourism and hospitality sector, to boost agriculture through Agro-nova, complete the Imo Refinery and Petrochemical project in the oil communities of Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta LGAs, and lots of other projects that were abandoned immediately I left office in 2011.�

Governor Okorocha who is poised to have his son-in-law replace him as Imo Governor on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) clearly foresees the danger of having Ohakim as the key opponent from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The permutations are on that Okorocha is determined to sponsor spoilers against Ohakim’s bid. The ruling government’s game-plan is to foist the weakest candidates on the other contending platforms in the bid to make the gubernatorial contest a walkover for Okorocha’s anointed godson.

The clear and present danger in Imo State is for the people to dig deep to understand the undercurrents. Ohakim insists that during his time as governor between 2007 and 2011 all the institutions of government worked like clockwork while he made sure that pensions and salaries

were paid duly. It is his regret that most of his projects and policies, notably IROMA, ISIPA and ENTRACO have been neglected. His plan is to re-establish the Eke Ukwu Owerri Market with underground parking. This had been put in the works by his administration before he left office in 2011. He plans to just as well revive all the abandoned water schemes in Imo State.

Empowering the private sector is a fulcrum of his manifesto as he is determined to create jobs for the youths and bring back cleanliness to Imo State in the manner of his Clean-and-Green programme. “If we don’t get it right in 2019, it is going to be calamitous,� Ohakim asserts, insisting that 2019 is not the time for experimentation. Ohakim does not mince words in deposing that he forgot many things in Douglas House which are now going to waste, thus: “I forgot the development of Owerri Master Plan there. My vision is to transform Imo as the heartland for viable and sustainable investment in Nigeria and make Imo a leading provider of value-added support services and human and material inputs to business across Africa; thus spurring economic growth and sustainable job and wealth creation in Imo State.�

There is no escaping the reality that Ohakim remains the ultimate insider who can change the game in Douglas House.

13

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

INSIGHT

The race is on...

Abuja Disasters and FCTA’s Timely Response

A

buja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been hit of recent with disasters that claimed lives and property. Some of these include the three oor building collapse at Jabi District, which killed three persons and injured six others, the recent earth tremors that unsettled the nerves of residents in and around Mpape, Gwarinpa, Garki and Kubwa, as well as the ood disaster in Kobi and Kuruduma settlement that resulted in the death three persons and swept away houses.

Much as these disasters have been worrisome and unsettling, the reactions and subsequent actions taken by the FCT Administration, headed by the Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, to calm the nerves and guard against future occurrence have been commendable to say the least. To begin with, the FCT Minister, in company with the FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa proceeded straight to the Plot 711, Cadastral Zone B04, Jabi District, Abuja site of the collapsed building to do an on the spot assessment of the situation when he received news of the sad incident.

Upon inspecting the scene of the carnage and with the understanding that human lives was of utmost priority, the minister directed the immediate and comprehensive mobilisation of men and machines to the site of the disaster by both federal and FCT emergency agencies to join in the rescue efforts. More than seven earth moving machines were engaged in the operations including support equipment from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMCC) and the Federal Capital Development Authority also joined in the rescue efforts and worked overnight with floodlights and other equipment to excavate the rubbles and rescue some of the people that were trapped in the debris. Officials remained on the site on the directive of the minister, much after the FEMA and other agencies had called off operations, to completely remove the debris. It was as a result of the prolonged operation that the body of one Sadiq Aliu was discovered, vindicating the minister’s directive.

With rescue operations over and done with, the minister set up a panel of inquiry headed by Director General and Chief Executive officer of the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute, Prof. Danladi S. Matawal to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the Jabi building collapse and make recommendations within three weeks.

The panel was also mandated to assess the level of regulation at the site and recommend appropriate sanction against any person found wanting. This is in addition to the suspension of some officers directly in charge of monitoring the project site, pending completion of investigations.

The FCT Minister also demonstrated competence in manner he handled the recent incident of earth tremor in parts of the FCT. The Minister who had earlier visited the epicentre of the tremor in Mpape, wasted no time in taking precautionary steps by directing the immediate stoppage of such activities that are capable of setting off disturbances within the earth, pending the outcome of investigations. As a result, quarrying, mining and borehole drilling activities in the affected areas of

Farewell, Emmanuel Aguma

T

he Board of Trustees, Caretaker Committee and members of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), mourn the passing away of our ranking member, Hon. Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, SAN. He was until his death the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Hon. Aguma was an old student of one of the Unity Schools, Federal Government College, Port Harcourt (1980 A-Level Set). Senior Chinwe as he was fondly called by many was a worthy USOSAN, whose passion, commitment, dedication and love for the association was felt by those of us that were privileged to have met him. He believed and was committed to the unity of Nigeria. He will always take any given opportunity to recant his days at FGC Port Harcourt and give reasons why all hands must be on deck to ensure that the standards he met then at the school are restored.

During a chat with some of our members that paid him a courtesy visit at his Port Harcourt residence about three months ago, he relished the memories of his days in the school, saying, “My best days were spent within the four walls of my alma mater, Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, and I am sure it is the same for those of us that were privileged to attend any of the Unity Schools.

The values that we were taught were second to none and they have never left us’’.

The erudite professional until his death contributed immensely to the execution of various projects at his Alma Mater. He took it upon himself to consistently host the annual Christmas party of the Port Harcourt chapter of his Old Students Association for some years.

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R Just a few months ago, he displayed his EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE unwavering commitment to the success of DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO USOSA. Although he was unable to attend DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE the USOSA Port Harcourt Plenary held in CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI June 2018 due to health reasons, he gave EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN his full support and as usual committed MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE his treasure to ensure that the event was successful.

Hon. Aguma will be greatly missed by his family; the entire USOSA family, particularly the Federal Government T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D College Port Harcourt Old Students EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, Association; the legal profession; and the ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI good people of Rivers State, but we will DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE all take solace in the footprints he has left DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI in the sands of time. The vacuum created SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH by this indefatigable and renowned legal ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO luminary may be difficult to fill.

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO Mrs Harriet Idarisoma Ateke, Member,

Mpape, Gwarinpa and Garki districts of Abuja, were suspended pending when investigations would be concluded.

The FCTA and other agencies of government also moved fast to allay the fears of residents by getting experts to confirm that Abuja does not sit on any fault line that could trigger major seismic disasters. The very vital earthquake monitoring seismograms was also procured by government to monitor ground disturbances.

These in my mind, are the attributes of pragmatic leadership. Bello is really an action minister and things are made easier with him on the saddle. To him the Jabi building collapse is a slap on the face and he has vowed to work extra hard in synergy with the building regulation agencies to prevent a reoccurrence of the ugly incident. The minister is also not leaving anything to chance as far disturbances within the crust are concerned. Truly the FCT Minister deserves commendation for his personal and official sacrifices to make sure that the agonies that arose from the unfortunate disasters are cushioned.

Also deserving of commendation are the emergency response to the building collapse and earth tremor by officials from the AMCC, the FCDA, the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Road Traffic Service Department of FCTA, the Nigeria Police, the military, paramilitary and ambulance services unit of the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat who were able to mobilise and carry out swift rescue operations which made possible for those who were injured in the case of the building collapse to be rushed to hospital, while the dead were moved to various hospital mortuaries.

Danladi Akilu, Durumi II, Gudu District, Abuja

TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

USOSA Board of Trustees

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

14

NEWS

South-east to BeneďŹ t from New Chinese Textile Investments, Says Buhari Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja, assured that the South-east, especially Aba would benefit from new investment commitments coming into Nigeria’s textile sector which would come into fruition within the shortest possible time.

Buhari who spoke through his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, said while receiving traditional rulers from Abia State led by His Royal Majesty, Dr. Isaac Ikonne, that he was committed to spreading development and rejigging the economy.

Adesina said the president assured the monarchs that the issues of unstable electricity and other basic infrastructure challenges in Ariaria Market, a major trading hub in West and Central Africa, would soon be addressed.

According to him, Buhari reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rapidly industrialise the country through projects that promote import substitution, adding that the investments in the textile industry would create thousands of jobs for youths in Aba. He quoted him as saying, ‘‘Just last week, I was in China to attend the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation. During that visit, I personally met with executives of one of the largest cotton and garment companies in the world who will soon establish operations in Aba. ‘‘This is following a joint effort of attracting this investor by both the Federal and Abia State Government.

‘‘The proposed investment will create thousands of jobs for the vibrant and creative youths in Aba. ‘‘I am very excited about this project. I have directed the Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure this investment is actualised within the shortest possible time.�

On Ariaria Market, Adesina said the president recalled that during his visit to Aba in 2015 as a presidential candidate, he was warmly received by residents during which he walked through parts of the market and observed lack of electricity and other basic infrastructure for its over 40,000 shops.

He quoted him further, ‘‘As a government, we issued a presidential mandate to the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the Rural Electrification Agency to energise the market. ‘‘In June 2018, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission granted an electricity generation licence as well as a distribution licence for the market. This will enable the generation and distribution of 9.5 Megawatts of electricity within the market. ‘‘The project is moving smoothly and I have been assured the market will be fully electrified soon. We are working closely with the State Government, Local Government, Traditional Rulers, Market Associations and the community on this project to ensure this goal is actualised by the end of the year.�

He said the president also spoke on security, reiterating that the federal government would continue to do its best to maintain the sovereign

GOOD TO SEE YOU...

L-R: Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe, H.E Patrice Emery Trovoada; Minister of State Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and President Muhammadu Buhari at the Residence, Presidential Villa, Abujafor dinner. ͯͲ Ͱ͎ͯ͜

integrity of Nigeria and protect the livelihoods of its hardworking and honest citizens.

The statement added that the president advocated the need for elder statesmen, leaders, parents and patriots to continue to guide youths on the path of peace and prosperity while eschewing hateful and divisionary rhetoric.

‘‘We must not shy away from this responsibility. We only have one Nigeria. And we must ensure we hand over a better Nigeria to the next generation,’’ the president reportedly said.

The statement also said Eze Ikonne, in his remarks, lauded the president for successes recorded so far since he assumed office in

2015, particularly in the fight against corruption, agricultural revolution, infrastructure development and security.

He said Eze also spoke on infrastructure development in the South-east, saying, ‘‘Mr. President, I thank you for the massive federal roads rehabilitation going on in the South- East; like the Enugu-

Aba-Port Harcourt expressway, Port Harcourt-Elele-Owerri road, Enugu-Onitsha expressway. ‘‘These roads were death traps for 16 years before you came into office, but today they are wearing new solid looks, though not completed but relief is already there with the level of work done so far.’’

Lagos APC: Our National Leader Remains Committed to Group Writes Fayemi on Alleged Looting of Ekiti, Calls for Probe They are hypocrites, Fayose’s aide replies theValues of Participatory Democracy, Says Sanwo-Olu UgoAliogo

One of the Lagos State gubernatorial aspirants, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is running under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Tinubu, was highly committed to entrenching the values of participatory democracy especially in the 2019 general election.

Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed this in Lagos yesterday during a media briefing about intention to run for the seat of governor in the 2019 election in the state, said he was a fully-fledged red democrat and the party’s national leader, Bola Tinubu is responsible for the affairs of the party at both the state and national levels respectively.

He expressed confidence that Tinubu would allow the tenets of democracy to reign and strive, adding that he (Tinubu) believes in participatory democracy.

He explained that as part of his desire to run a people-engaged governance, after their declaration on September 16, they would set up people, engaged team at all levels that would join him in visiting all local government areas to listen to the plights of the people.

He added that if elected governor, his administration would operate an open door policy. “On Monday 10 of September, I travelled to collect the nomination and expression of interest form to contest for the governorship seat of Lagos State, under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) and two days later

I submitted the form in Abuja to confirm my willingness to proceed with the vision I have for Lagos.

In the last 30 years, I have had the opportunity to work with the private sector for 16 years, and the public sector for 12 years. What that means is that in my public life I have been two times Special Adviser and three-time commissioner, I have ran one of the biggest agencies in the government. With the wealth of experience that I have and the teeming population that is going to be supporting me, we will take our state to greater and bigger level. If I have this belief, I don’t want to wait when I am 75 to tell my children that 20 years ago, I probably will have taken this decision,� Sanwo-Olu stated.

Akwa Ibom APC Leaders Divided Over Governorship Candidate Okon Bassey in Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been divided over the choice of the party governorship candidate for the 2019 general election as some of the leaders warned that there was no zoning of elective offices in the party.

This is coming three days after the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere was presented with the governorship nomination and expression of interest form by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to

contest the governorship election.

Others prominent elders of the party have protested against any attempt by the hierarchy of the party to be partisan in the selection of the flag bearer of the party for the forthcoming governorship race in the state.

Leaders of the APC across the three senatorial districts of the state had at a solidarity rally organised by the people of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District last Tuesday to persuade the NDDC boss to go for the governorship race in the state.

Led by Chief Don Etiebet at the rally, they urged Obong Ekere to

resign from his NDDC job that they had okayed him for the state 2019 governorship race under the platform of the APC. Though the party is yet to settle on either direct primary or consensus candidate, Etiebet had added that the party was convinced with Obong Ekere, APC would win the governorship election in the state.

But last Thursday, other chieftains of the party in the state led

by Group Capt. Sam Ewang (rtd) and Senator John Akpanudoedehe disapproved the said endorsement of the NDDC boss saying such move was to sideline them in the governorship election.

Victor Ogunje Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ ÕÓÞÓ

A group of elite in Ekiti State, Ado Integrity group, has urged the governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to upon assumption of office, set up a panel to probe how Governor Ayodele Fayose and his aides had allegedly been looting the state at the expiration of their tenure.

The group’s chairman, Dr. Sikiru Eniola, in a letter dated September 14 and addressed to the incoming governor, revealed that some governor’s aides had allegedly sold about 30 luxury vehicles worth over N660 million to themselves at ridiculously low prices.

Eniola stated that dependable source had revealed that the vehicles, which were mainly the 2017 editions of Toyota Camry, were purchased by the state government for N22 million each and were allegedly allocated to the governor’s close aides, as their official vehicles at the beginning of the year.

But Governor Fayose had consistently clarified that he had not at any time converted government property for personal use since he came on board in 2014, saying he had always been cautious of his action and undertook some of his policies with the fear of God. To this end, the governor on Wednesday, September 12 wrote a letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), promising to appear

before it on October 16 to clear grounds on how he ran Ekiti’s affairs.

Lodging complaints about the alleged looting of the state’s commonwealth, Eniola said: “They sell the cars to the “highest bidders� among themselves, for as low as N500.000 - N700.000. “In some cases, they even use civil servants to bid for the vehicles and transfer to themselves,� the group said.  The group advised the incoming administration to ensure the recovery of all the stolen properties and prosecute those involved in the mass looting spree.

It said: “We, members of the Ado Ekiti Integrity group of the National Ado-Ekiti Progressive Union, have issued the same alert to the people of Ekiti and especially the Transition Committee. “It is despicable that a state governor who is leaving office is looting government properties.

This is the height of impunity and roguery. A proper audit of government properties should be done immediately after the swearing-in of the new governor. “This is not an issue that can be treated with levity. It is a crime of a notorious dimension and those who are putting their monies into stolen properties should have themselves to blame as they won’t only lose their monies, they shall also be subjected to prosecution.�

Reacting to how those sympathetic to the All Progressives

Congress (APC) have been upbraiding Fayose in recent time, the governor’s Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, described the opposition as being allegedly hypocritical with the way they have been condemning the governor.

Olayinka added that the hypocritical stands of the APC people led to the condemnation of the N10 billion supplementary budget sent to the Assembly by the governor 35 days to the expiration of his tenure. “On September 15, 2014 (one month to the end of Fayemi’s tenure), the APC controlled House of Assembly passed a N9.4bn Supplementary Budget and Fayemi signed the budget the same day. “Today, the same Fayemi and his APC people are ranting over Governor Fayose’s presentation of N10bn Supplementary Budget to the House of Assembly for passage. “When Fayemi got the House of Assembly to pass N9.4bn Supplementary Budget 30 days to the expiration of his tenure, it was right. But now that Fayose has also gotten the House of Assembly to pass N10bn Supplementary Budget 32 days to the end of his tenure, the same Fayemi is ranting. “Discerning minds can always see the hypocrisy of the APC. They see themselves as angel if when they are not,� he said.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

15

16

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

NEWSXTRA

Nigeria, 15 African Countries to BeneďŹ t from New UK Education Programme Vincent Obia

PLOTTING FOR 2019...

L-R: Governor of Awka Ibom State, Mr. Emmanuel Udom with the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, after their meeting at Uyo, the state capital...yesterdayÂ

Buhari Authorises NEMA to Declare Emergency on Flooding Asks agency to spend N3bn on victims’ well-being OmololuOgunmade Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă”Ă‹Ëœ HammedShittuĂ“Ă˜ Ă–Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Adibe Emenyonu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă˜ ÓÞã

President Muhammadu Buhari last night in Abuja authorised the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Maihaja, to declare a “national disaster’’ if anticipated flooding in some parts of the country becomes a reality.

This is coming on the heels of NEMA placing all Disaster Response Units across the country on red alert so as to avoid any catastrophic disaster in the country as 12 states have been identified as flood prone.

Also in Edo State, communities and the lawmaker representing Etsako Central Constituency at the

Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Damian Lawani, weekend relocated to the only resettlement Centre In Ekperi in Estako Central Local Government Area having been sacked by flood.

According to presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, the president’s directive was the fallout of a warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency that Rivers, Benue and Niger had almost reached levels which resulted in flooding in 2012 and led to destruction of lives and property.

He said the president’s authorisation, contained in a letter to the Director of General of NEMA, was titled: ‘Situation Report on the River Flood along the Banks of Rivers Benue and Niger’, and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

He cited a portion of the letter as: “Delegation of authority to the Director General of NEMA to activate the Disaster Response Units of the military for possible search and rescue missions, and the procurement and proportionate stocking of relief materials and health related items up to N3 billion to provide for the needs of possible victims.’’ The statement added that the letter also instructed the head of the emergency agency to provide regular updates to the president.

Already, the agency said that, it had identified 12 states in the nation that may likely be prone to flood disaster.

Maihaja disclosed this on Friday in Ilorin, Kwara State capital when NEMA team paid a visit to the 222 Battalion, Sobi Military cantonment,

Ilorin and 303 Medium Airlift Group Nigeria Air Force, Ilorin.

Represented at the event by the NEMADirector of Search and Rescue, Air CommodoreAkugbe Iyamu, noted that water level across the country has been rising consistently as a result of heavy rainfall.

He said, “As at yesterday (Thursday) the water level was 10.84 at the confluence in Lokoja, this is approaching the level experienced in 2012 which was about 12. “Putting that into focus and looking at that in perspective that is why we are building a response team to adequately address it. “The DG has put all the response agencies on red alert to be mainstreamed if the situation gets to catastrophic

BPE: Insurance Premium Zamfara APC Crisis: Court Stops Increased by N225bn in 10 Years Gov.Yari’s Faction from Parading Ndubuisi Francis Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The insurance sector in Nigeria has continued to enjoy steady growth with premiums increasing from N75 billion to over N300 billion between 2005 and 2015, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex Okoh has disclosed.

Speaking as a special guest at the investiture ceremony of the 23rd Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr. Tope Smart in Lagos,  Okoh said spurred by the potential growth in the sector, foreign investors had acquired substantial equity in local insurance companies.

A statement issued by BPE’s Head, Public Communications, Amina Tukur Othman, said Okoh listed the foreign investors as Old Mutual of South Africa which has substantial investments in Oceanic Insurance, Sanlam Insurance in FBN Life Assurance, Greenoaks Global Holdings of the United Kingdom in Ensure Insurance Plc (former Union Assurance).

Others are NSIA Participation of South Africa in ADIC Insurance and AXA of France with substantial investments in Mansard Insurance.

Okoh maintained that despite this, there was still much room for

improvement in growth in the sector in Nigeria as the country by the 2016 statistics, is 10th in Africa with 0.27 per cent insurance penetration premiums as a percentage of  Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compared to South Africa, Namibia and Mauritius with 14.27 per cent, 6.87 per cent and 6.4 per cent respectively.

The BPE DG adduced reasons for this to include; lack of consumer trust, low implementation of compulsory insurance and lack of adequately skilled professionals. “Whilst the foregoing may make for bleak reading, a number of factors, including: The emergence of a middle class with increased spending power, a large youth population who are technology savvy, and increasing female empowerment thus enabling women to make spending decisions, all make the sector ripe for growth. “And the possibility of achieving this growth can become a reality with the right policy formulation, a sustained sensatisation programme to educate the population on the benefits of insurance, engaging the support of other sectors including the telecoms sector to increase market penetration for insurance,� he said.

Itself as State’s Executive Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered all parties in the disputed Congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State to maintain status quo pending the determination of the suit filed by aggrieved members of the party led

by Alhaji Sirajo Garba.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba gave the preservative order yesterday while ruling on an application challenging the result of the Congresses of the party held on 5th, 12th and 19th May, 2018.

After listening to submissions made by counsel to the plaintiffs, James Onoja (SAN), Justice Dimgba ordered parties to maintain “status quo and should not take any steps that would render nugatory the subject matter of this litigation, adding that “A breach of this order attracts judicial sanction.�

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/910/2018, 139 Â aggrieved members of the party, loyal to Senator Kabir Garba Marafa, Â led

by Alhaji Sirajo Garba, are praying the court for an order declaring them as the persons duly elected chairmen/ members of the 147 ward Executive

Committee and state Executive Committee, as the case may be, of the APC in Zamfara State being the only members/ candidates who expressed their intent to be elected to such offices, paid prescribed fees for the party’s nomination forms following electoral guidelines and thus remained unopposed at all material times leading to the said congress election.  Defendants in the suit are, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lawal Liman Namado; Alhaji Sani Musa; Engr. Babangida Abdullahi and Aminu Saraki and two others.

Besides, the plaintiffs urged the court to grant an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 1st and 8th defendants by themselves, their servants, organs from dealing in anyway with and or accepting /according recognition to any person, decision or action or result of any election to any Organ of the party, particularly the wards, Local government Area and State Congresses of the party for the 147 wards Executive Committees, 14 LGA Executive Committees and State Executive Committee, as the case may be for Zamfara State.

The United Kingdom on Thursday launched a new education programme for children aged between seven and 14 years, with Nigeria as one of the benefitting countries.

Jointly funded and delivered by the British Council, which will contribute ÂŁ17 million, and the Department for International Development, which will contribute ÂŁ21 million, Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning will unite pupils in the UK with school children in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Besides Nigeria, the programme launched at St. Joseph’s School in Wandsworth, London, will operate in 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). Also to benefit are five countries in South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, India), one in East Asia (Burma), and eight Middle East and North African countries (Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco).

The Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning programme is designed to build long-term

partnerships between schools and communities in the UK and countries around the world, a joint statement by the DFID, British Council, and Department for Education said.

The statement added, “The previous Connecting Classrooms programme involved more than 5,000 schools working in partnership and reached more than one million children between 2015 and 2018.

DFID and British Council’s new programme builds on elements of Connecting Classrooms and the Global Learning Programme.

It will increase awareness and understanding of global issues and different cultures by reaching a further three million pupils for a period of three years. “It will also train 60,000 teachers and school leaders in the UK and developing countries to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to live and work in a global economy. “The Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning programme is part of an initiative that introduces the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals, to students and teachers in the UK and around the world. The goals are designed to deliver a more sustainable future for all and include tackling hunger, providing clean water and affordable clean energy.�

Osinbajo Bemoans Demise as Senator Adeyemi Buries Wife Yekini Jimoh Ă“Ă˜ ÙÕÙÔË

Senator Smart Adeyemi yesterday finally laid to rest his late wife Yemisi at his country home, Iyara in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo who graced the occasion described the death of the wife of Senator Smart Adeyemi as a personal loss to him, the church and the nation at large.

Professor Osinbajo who was at the funeral service with other eminent personalities at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, Iyara, said that he was consoled by the knowledge that late Mrs. Yemisi Adeyemi was already resting with her Creator.

The vice president urged the congregation to emulate the selfless service exhibited by late Mrs. Adeyemi whose service to humanity was unparalleled.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello solicited the support of the people of Kogi West Senatorial district in ensuring the re-election

of President Muhammadu Buhari for second term.

The governor said that President Buhari deserved a second term because he was not discriminative just as himself.

He said that he foresees good things coming to Okun people and called for cooperation on the part of every one in the state to avoid a situation where they would use their hands to block the good things. “President Buhari is not discriminative, I am not discriminative, Senator Smart Adeyemi is not discriminative, our sister is not discriminative,� the governor said.

He described Late Mrs. Adeyemi as having fought a good fight and resting in the bosom of her Creator.

Earlier, the officiating pastor, Bishop Paul Ojo described late Mrs. Adeyemi. as precious soul whom life flows through. “She was a precious soul whom life flowed through. To produce a senator, she must have been a prayer warrior, she was precious and not ordinary,�

AGAP Gets Female Presidential Aspirant Udora Orizu Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

“Women are not fully participating in politics, the percentage is very low.

A newly registered political party, We were supposed to have 35 per All Grand Alliance Party (AGAP) cent for now based on the affirmative has welcomed Dr. Adeline Iwuagwu- action, so we need more women Emihe, who declared her interest to on the platform and I’m happy to run for the office of the President of hear that the government is doing Nigeria in 2019, under the platform something about that.� of the party.

The party’s National Chairman, Speaking at the declaration event Okey Chikwendu said the party in Abuja, Emihe said she wanted was happy to welcome a female to be President in order to change presidential aspirant, adding that the status quo. the party was trying to woo more “We need to make more positive, women to participate in politics. expunge the negativity, create jobs for “We want more women to the youths, industrialise agriculture, participate in politics, women are bring technological innovation, ensure the mothers of the family, we checked that the civil service, banks, parastatals the history of Nigeria and we saw and everywhere in Nigeria that needs that the women given chances to play improvement has to be innovated a part in leadership have done well, and revamped so that our country so we are trying to woo more women can move forward in 2019,� she said to come and participate in politics, She also urged women to come we believe that with their motherly out and participate more in politics. nature they will play a better role.�

Plus

GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND FASHION FILE SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 43 pg. 45

Josephine Anenih I Pity People Who Think That Life is All About What They Can Get

pg. 22

Genevieve Nnaji on the Spotlight at Toronto Film Festival

Olisa Agbakoba

Our System is Money-Driven, If You Don’t Have Money You Are Nobody…

This is Also Corrupting Churches

pg. 20

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

PLUS

Our System is Money-Driven, If You Don’t Have Money You Are Nobody…This is Also Corrupting Churches Olisa Agbakoba is cerebral and extremely stubborn on his convictions. No wonder this human rights activist looked down the barrel of guns during the Abacha regime without batting an eye. After his stint with the Biafran army, he was fixated on uniforms and discipline in the profession. However, his equally strict father steered him into law. He tells AHAMEFULA OGBU that his greatest regret in life is the failure of the Nigerian state and other sundry issues. Excerpts

Y

ou look young and sprightly, what do you owe that to?

Basically I am content. I am not interested in looking for money for money sake.

I like to be highly regarded professionally, but I do not put money as the motivating factor. The mistake that Nigerians make is to place money at the center of their lives and when money is at the center of your life, you become stressed, you become greedy, you overreach yourself, you want to be everywhere and nowhere. You want to be in politics, you have not even held a local government chair, you want to be governor, you want to be president, you want to be president of Nigerian Bar Association. So I think contentment is critical to how a person perceives himself in relation to society and I am very content.

People know you as comrade that stood for the people, looking at where you are now, are you still for the people or…?

Yes, absolutely. Where you are is not what makes you feel or not feel. Sometimes, where a person is or at the so called bottom does not mean that the person feels connected; I have always felt connected.

I have always come from a very highly privileged background, both on my father and mother’s side. My mother’s side was very industrious Igbo family, they were first in a number of things, first Igbo lawyer, first Igbo doctor, first Igbo at that time in 1932, highest Nigerian in the West African Police Force. Actually the contradiction is why somebody of my background would even be interested in public issues. So, I think that is the way I need to be seen, that I have nothing to gain and everything to lose; but what is everything to lose? Just nothing. So, I feel more satisfied when people see me as a person who has pursued human rights, public interest courses.

Did you set out wanting to be a lawyer or how did you come into the profession?

As I said, my background both father and mother were highly legal. My father was one of the early Igbo lawyers; my mother’s uncle was the first Igbo lawyer and first Attorney General of Northern Nigeria. So, I had to bring this in to answer the question; if given all these factors, whether I said I want to be a lawyer or why I am a lawyer. Actually my first professional inspiration was to be a soldier because I was a boy soldier in Biafra.

At the end of the war, I got into the issue of uniform and discipline, so I wanted to continue as a Nigerian army officer, not law, but my father didn’t think that was the

Actually my first professional inspiration was to be a soldier because I was a boy soldier in Biafra. At the end of the war, I got into the issue of uniform and discipline, so I wanted to continue as a Nigerian army officer, not law, but my father didn’t think that was the way to go. Looking back at what happened then, I can say he frustrated all the efforts in my becoming a soldier. Then I just found myself taking the examination for Law at the University of Nigeria; so to answer your question, no, I didn’t set out in life to be a lawyer way to go. Looking back at what happened then, I can say he frustrated all the efforts in my becoming a soldier. Then I just found myself taking the examination for Law at the University of Nigeria; so to answer your question, no, I didn’t set out in life to be a lawyer.

But you have found fulfilment in the profession?

Absolutely! My father was right to steer me into the legal profession.

What do you think life would have been like if you were a soldier?

I would have been frustrated. I would have possibly risen to be a general but it will just be about looting, stealing, corruption, no discipline, non-democratic practices. So, I think even though I was very keen in 1970 to become an officer, but looking back 50-60 years, I think my father’s decision to veer me out of the military was a right one.

You catch the image of a stubborn man that is strict, how does that work with the pliability needed in pursuit of human rights?

I am not only strict, I am a very private

person, so a lot of people don’t understand me; they feel that I am strict and austere.

Some people say arrogant, but I am not; I’m just a quiet private person who minds his own business and in doing that, I have heard a lot of people say he is a show off, like to pose but that is not it. I am an extremely simple person if you understand me very well, actually simple but I have very basic immutable principles, I believe in excellence, professionalism and in an incorruptible life and I believe that everyone has a reason to be a Nigerian, to serve the country.

came your way?

She was highly disciplined person, very quiet, very beautiful looking and I could see immediately that she was different from the lot I had come across that are always dancing, smoking and drinking. She was not part of that crowd. So, immediately, you know I was a very difficult guy to please, that time, hmm, very difficult and tough, when I sit back, for me to even have said, hmmm, there may be something here suggests to me today that she would have been a distinguished person.

What do you consider your most scary encounter in life?

Well, I think there are two of them. One was in Biafra, during the war. I was conscripted and was training and sent to the war front; I knew we were ill-equipped, I didn’t even have shoes; in the context of that war, in the morning, there was a major engagement and in my company of 28 soldiers, about 20 died including one guy we called armoured. We call him armoured because during training, he was like an armoured person and when he died, it made us feel mortal even though I belong to the immortal battalion. It made us feel very mortal that if armoured could die, that was one of the scariest day in my life.

The other one is 27th of March 1998 when we clashed with Abacha at the Yaba square when I could see my life ebbing; soldiers and policemen were pointing guns. When I replay it in my head, I just wonder how did I come out of this, luckily I had a totally bruised left eye, but with all the guns that were mustered to fire, those are the two scariest days of my life.

You said you didn’t date before meeting your wife. That means you never had your fair share of the girls that milled around you?

No, I never had, she was my first girlfriend. I was only 19 and my father was very tough and strict. So I was brought up in a highly strict disciplined family, there was no time to fool around and do anything, she was my first girlfriend.

How did you meet your wife?

Back in school, that was back at the University of Nigeria reading law that I didn’t want to read, I finally went in to read law in 1973 and she came in 74. She came with a very good friend of mine called Ngozi Nwokolo, daughter of late Professor Nwokolo, Dean of Faculty of Medicine and Ngozi Nwokolo had a very high regard for me and my best friend was interested in her because she was a very beautiful girl so I chased Ngozi Nwokolo for him and she agreed.

She then told me ‘well, I have a friend so since you chased me for your friend Maxi Okonkwo then I will pass on my own friend to you.’ I said who is that, she said ‘Lillian Harlem’ and I said okay, alright because as of that time, I never had a girlfriend, never, so I said fine let’s see her and she came along.

Slowly, slowly we began to date and today it is history, it is now 42 years.

What stood Lillian out that made you settle for her among all the girls that

Were you a daddy’s or errant boy growing up?

Errant. I was very rascally. I was daddy’s boy because he loved my being rascally because in his own time he too was rascally but we were six, five boys and a girl, my dad was never one to shower love on anybody differently from the others. It was an equal rights home, affection for all but in a very strict and disciplined environment and you don’t mess up with daddy; if you do that, you gonna get smacked, that was the environment.

What gives you fulfillment?

To be content. Because when you are content, you find out that what people are looking for, you wonder what are they looking for? The first thing in life is to be content. If you are content, then fulfillment comes which is why a lot of historical leaders speak of lack of contentment in spite of power because they are not happy.

Money is very important tool in happiness but it is not a critical tool to be happy.

I am able to isolate materialism whilst understanding its power because I am just coming from a month-long holidays in United Kingdom and United States which will cost money but that is not to say my life depends on it. Contentment, peace at home, you live without crisis and incrimination, then there is peace, once there is peace, everything closed, once you have peace and contentment, any other thing becomes an addition, becoming an SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, becoming whatever you want to become is an addition but if you are whoever you are but those foundational frameworks are not there, you won’t be happy. There are

SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS I Wanted to be a Soldier but My Father Steered Me into Law the press he had no idea why his client killed the wife, so he didn’t go to the court to tell the judge ‘my client is not guilty.’ He presented the case of the client as best as he could. Problem in Nigeria is that the lawyers always try to become the clients. They can’t separate their role as professional advisers from that of the person accused and that has painted a bad brush so I understand your question. You find lawyers who make every effort to exonerate their clients even when the evidence point to the contrary, that’s not the proper function of the lawyer. Proper function is to offer a defence in respect of the client and the defence may well plead what we call allocutus to plead well, my client did it but there were reasons. So your question in the context of Nigerians practices is understandable. What I generally do is that I am not sure in my 40 years of practice and particularly in the last eight years, that I have personally handled any of these graft cases not because I am not consulted but I generally stay away from it.

a lot of Nigerians today who you will be admiring and say I wish I was like this, I can assure you that in my job as a lawyer, just like an accountant and a doctor, we see through the DNAs of the so called big men, a lot are not happy but it won’t show on their faces.

Are you fulfilled or are there things you would want to achieve while on earth?

I like to be in a position to deliver good governance to Nigeria and when I see what is going on, where we are and the opportunity that God has given this country to be great and when I think the tools that I have to add to the efforts to make Nigeria great, it saddens me because I know it is so simple. Take the issue of why Nigeria is the way it is, Nigeria is the way it is because power is in the hands of one person in Abuja so it disempowers 200 million people. Just think if we are to decentralise power, the so called restructuring debate, Nigeria will be different. But where is that leader that can say, you know what, let’s get this country sorted, I think I can contribute to that debate.

Is Dr. Agbakoba a billionaire? How comfortable are you?

Very comfortable but as I said, a person who has the spirit of contentment doesn’t aspire to acquire riches. So, in order to be at the level you suggest, there must be a very active programme that you are pursuing.

The pursuit of wealth would be primary reason for your existence then you can become a billionaire but do I have to be a billionaire to enjoy the basic comfort of life?

I don’t think so. You can enjoy life whilst not being an extremely wealthy person.

Okay, when I went to the UK and back, probably N12 million, that doesn’t make me a billionaire. For about a month, I went to the UK, I went to the US but I never asked myself why should I go on British Airways? If I want a private jet, you now need about maybe N40 to N50 million to fly only to London, pay parking fees and then fly off too. By the time you come back, you will find out that your holiday has cost you about N200 million. Like the other time, I was in one big hotel in the UK, Femi Otedola was there, Dangote was there, I was there. They might have been in presidential suites but I was in a junior suit but we were all in the hotel, so it doesn’t take as much as people think to have a comfortable life.

You have achieved so much in life what are your sad moments?

The sad moments continue to be that Nigeria is the way it is in disarray, I don’t understand why our leaders cannot see that this is a country that should be one of the 10 most industrialised countries. So, that makes me very sad. Honestly, people dispossessed, no education, no medicare, no jobs, no schools, it is sad. I know but for the greed of a very few, Nigeria would have been a Garden of Eden, so that’s the sad picture that I have.

How do you relax?

I do relax by having a good drink like my wine, I use to smoke but I’ve stopped that. I like to watch a lot of movies, serious, not fiction and all that. I love to read a lot of our leaders, biographies, travel a lot because it opens the mind so you can see opportunities. What travel has done also is like I was in New York, you see leaders who sacrifice their life to make America what it is and you look back at your own situation and say why don’t we have such people? So travel makes me relaxed. I relax in the circumstances of furious obligations.

You are a successful man, handsome and of means, definitely you fall in the circle of those women will always come after, how do you handle women trying to seduce you?

I am not interested, that’s all.

And it works for you?

It works. If you don’t know what you are losing, then you don’t know what it is all about. I have very very good women friends, lots of them, even very young from the church, 15, 16, 17, 18 and even 19 but you just know there are boundaries and those boundaries must be kept because I don’t think it is my role to inflict exploitation on young women nor would I want to cheat on my wife by getting into dalliances with older women, so just be content, it may be tempting , lots of things are tempting, even when I was smoking cigarettes, it took me a long time to struggle to get out of it mostly because of such issues, but I did.

When do you plan to retire?

Never. What am I retiring for? My retirement to just go home and sit down?

Noooo. I will always find myself to be relevant, if I am tired of law practice, I can be public commentator, I can talk on television , so retirement in that sense for me is out of the dictionary.

We’ve not been hearing you taking chieftaincy titles, Why? No, I don’t believe in that. It is all fake. Chieftaincy titles and doctorate degrees are given out to the criminals of society, so why should I degrade myself by looking for a chieftaincy title? People who ordinarily should be in jail will go and take chieftaincy titles. I don’t find the traditional system any good; I think it has not helped our democracy. Everybody is a chief, everybody is an Obi, Igwe, Oba, Emir, any small domain and they use it to

I do relax by having a good drink like my wine, I use to smoke but I’ve stopped that. I like to watch a lot of movies, serious, not fiction and all that. I love to read a lot of our leaders, biographies, travel a lot because it opens the mind so you can see opportunities.

What travel has done also is like I was in New York, you see leaders who sacrifice their life to make America what it is and you look back at your own situation and say why don’t we have such people? So travel makes me relaxed. I relax in the circumstances of furious obligations

them all playing, travelling around the whole place feeling very important when they are absolutely useless to the society, so I have complete disdain for the traditional system.

If you were given an opportunity to change any aspect of your life, what will it be?

I will wish I never smoked cigarette otherwise I have not done anything extraordinary. I’ve been like the-middle-of the-road type of person, not as quiet. I don’t socialise much so maybe actually one thing I would have liked to change is to be more outgoing, I have been like too inward, you know, stay at home though it has some advantages but with hindsight, maybe I just don’t like mixing, I find it a tedious thing mixing, going to parties and all that. I just like to after work, go home, read a good book, watch television, have my dinner, sleep, the following day I start life.

Lawyers are professionals that partake from the looting of the national treasury through representations, have you not been benefitting from such?

Generally not. In our law firm, we have an unspoken rule generally not to get involved in anti-corruption cases. I am not suggesting that if we have one, we will say yes or no but we have not identified the particular role but somehow, we have stayed out of corruption scandal type of cases. Having said that, let me qualify what you have said by saying that there is a presumption of innocence therefore by our rule of professional conduct oppress people, extort money from them, so we have a duty to offer legal representation that is the one institution that had I had my to everybody, even a murderer. Our duty is not therefore to go to court and tell lies; own way, would be completely abolished because it has no relevance to democracy at Indeed I was watching the news the other all. If they will have a role they will play, but day, not in Nigeria but abroad and there was certainly not the type of prominent role I see a lawyer defence counsel who was telling

You can afford a private jet, when are you buying one?

No I can’t, even if I could, I will not buy one because it makes absolutely no sense.

When I was extremely active on election petition cases, what I would do is that I will hire private jets. I had a case once in Jos, I had to be in Jos at nine o’clock in the court of Appeal, at Court of Appeal in Enugu at about 11 and Court of Appeal in Benin, so I had to hire a private jet, This was about eight years ago, it cost me about N1.5 million but the client paid N10 million, covered the cost, so why then go and spend N60, N70 million on a jet that will be parked doing nothing. Worst case scenario, if I need to make sure that my time is well spent on far-flung cases, I will go and hire a jet for that purpose but certainly not to own one; to keep it where and do what with it?

Can you compare value systems when you were growing up and what it is today?

You can’t compare it. There is no value system now, it is gone because the value system then was like my father was content to be Chief Judge, he was very happy, he was the highest paid public officer in the East Central State government, he wasn’t interested in contracts, just doing his job as CJ. Today, that is not the case. The system is money- driven, if you don’t have money you are nobody and it is unfortunate that this is also corrupting the churches. No matter what you steal, if you go to the church you can offer it to God and the priest will accept it. Back then, if they say so so and so man did so and so, you will be ostracised and be ashamed, you won’t even come out.

Nigeria has no value system, a very big shame. Whatever system we had in the past 60 years has been completely eroded.

What would you like to be remembered for?

That I played my role, spoke the truth and to be counted as having been part of humanity and pushing course of public good.

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

PLUS

Josephine Anenih

I Pity People Who Think That Life is All About What They Can Get A former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Iyom Josephine Anenih, is characteristically personable; but then beneath that veneer is a streak of mental toughness that exemplifies the magnitude of her spartan disposition, the unremitting authority of an educationist cum lawyer; and the bravura deployment of wits and grits in the contact between law and politics.

In a chat with SUFUYAN OJEIFO in Abuja, she was in her elements, trying to redirect the trajectory and the focus of the narrative of her being, longing and belonging from what she considered to be pedestrian to the sublime

21

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

PLUS I Get More Satisfaction and FulďŹ llment When I Give Than When I Receive

S

he exuded a gung-ho disposition as I was ushered into the living room of the modest home of one of her sons, Oseyili, obviously a chip off the old block, in the highbrow Maitama District of Abuja. Exchange of pleasantries was short and sharp like an angel’s visit. She was ready for the chat, which I had requested about a week earlier through her very reliable son.

Clad in her typical white buba (top) and iro (wrapper) with white headscarf, Iyom Joseph Anenih, a grandmother, who recently turned 70, adjusted herself in a corner of the sofa and fired the first salvo: “this kind of soft interview, for me, is not inspiring. I have been talking about my life, my upbringing and all those stuff over and again; and I do not see how that has added value to society. We should engage with the serious issues.�

I tried to explain how the reading public is not static and, to that extent, while it is true that many persons might have read her interviews in the past about the sedate aspects of her life, there are many others who are yet to and, for them, it would be an opportunity and, perhaps, a pleasure to be let into her life and times, that were preponderated by her dignity before and during the ferment of her politics and participation in political party administration.

And when I thought I had won the first round of the deliberate, even if fecund engagement, and that the voyage of discovery would be smooth, she fired back in a swift riposte when I addressed her as chief: “I am not a chief.� I tried to redirect myself: “Mrs. would be it.�

She replied: “I am not Mrs.� I tried some other descriptions; I could not strike the right chord, until she came to my rescue: “I am Iyom Josephine Anenih.� And with that temporary dissonance over, the interface began.

The genesis of Iyom pedigree When I asked, in curiosity, about the construction, conception and meaning of Iyom, I could see the excitement in her eyes. She replied: “Iyom is a title in Igbo land. It is actually from Agukwu-Nri but, I find out that I was a trendsetter; when I started answering Iyom, everybody wanted to answer Iyom; even up to communities that did not use to have it are now doing it. It originally started from Nri. It is a social and elitist status.

The equivalent in men is called Ozo. We have the Igwe; we have the Ozo; we have the Nze and then the Iyom. This Iyom is a community leader for women and in the days gone past, it was actually even a spiritual leader because those from Nri were the priests of Ibo land. If there was any abomination or anything, it was from Nri that you would get a priest that would come cleanse the land. So, Iyom would do the same thing especially for the market and women; and in that patriarchal society, where men and women don’t sit together, by the time you attain that level, you can actually sit in meetings, in council with the men. “The Iyom elitist club is quite expensive to join; the fees, the cost of the ceremony that you have to do, can be quite exorbitant. So, I am not a chief.

I used to be a chief in Okpella and in Amawbia. Iyom is not a chief.�

An unchanged worldview at 70 Iyom Josephine Anenih is a respected woman leader both in the political and cultural settings nuanced by mundane considerations. And at 70, even her traducers would be at great pains to deny her due recognition and accolades for her accomplishments so far. Regardless of the vicissitudes of life and the obvious deficit of reciprocal gestures in social-political interactions, her worldview has not changed. Responding to a question in that direction, she fired a poser: “Am I expected to change my sight at 70? But I

still see the world as I see it. But maybe, you want to say that at 70, I should slow down and do more recollection about my life so far and what I think because the world is till the world and I see it the way you see it.�

In a succinct explication of an ideal world that has been violated through the tension of inhuman goals and objectives, she said: “The world, right now, is so violent; an unsafe place to live in and I remember the days back, that we call the good old days when there was relative peace and there was humanity.

People loved to see and interact with other human beings, make genuine and lasting friends. But we do not see that these days. Most of the people you find now are detached. There is not that connection between and among human beings any more. You find that a lot of people who you meet along the road, acquaintances, may be professional associates, but there is no depth in the relationship. It is more like what can I get out of it, not for the sake of wanting to interact with fellow human beings. “People are always watching and looking out for what they can get out of the relationship. And, it is sad. I pity people who think that life is all about what you can get; I find that personally what gives me more joy and satisfaction and the sense of fulfillment is when I consider what I can give. When I give, I get more joy than when I receive. But most people now would tell you that they are not on that lane. So, it is not a trend that started at my 70th birthday. It has been growing.� Consider her amplification: “So, the day I will stop giving will be the day I will be in the coffin.�

Activist or non-conformist While she agreed to be an activist, she did not acquiesce to her being categorised as a non-conformist: “It is not that I am non-conformist. I have said what it is: that I am nobody’s person. Nobody put me there. I worked my way through and I do not owe my existence in the party to anybody. So, I was fighting my way through. I had to be a real fighter to survive. I had no godfather or godmother or anybody protecting me. So, I had nobody to offend. And, I was not afraid. It also happens to men, not only women. When some people are sponsored by godfathers, they cannot be their own persons; they cannot express their own opinions because if you offended your godfather, you would not be allowed to re-contest or retain your position and people are more interested in holding on to their positions than in doing what they should do. And they have no opinion and they do not believe

in anything other than pleasing their masters. So my master was my God; my master was the interest of the Nigerian women. The woman was my master; what to do to please the woman.�

Love for hereditary politics Her take on this is quite revealing, which is perhaps, a good insight into the fact that no child of the great political tactician, Chief Tony Anenih, is in politics yet: “Well, they are all independent human beings and all of them are very intelligent and they know what they want from life; and, so, it is not for me to say that ‘you must be in politics or not.’ If they want to be in politics, they would have made my day. I would be very happy. If they don’t want to be in politics, I would also be very happy because I know that whatever path they decide to take in life, it is a path that would bring out who they are or what they are. It is not only in politics that they can impact their society; it is not only through politics that they can leave a mark in the sands of time. There are so many things and so, for me, what I want for my children would be their happiness. “Whatever they are doing that gives them that sense of fulfillment and accomplishment; and, allows them to express themselves as full-bodied, intelligent human beings, I would go for it. If any of them says he wants to be politics, I would be happy that I am leaving a trail behind and I know that a couple of my children are interested in politics and I am encouraging them but maybe their father is not encouraging them; maybe that is the reason they have not launched out because they are obedient children.�

Political mentorship of women But as for how well she has fared in the political mentoring of women, she said, “I would score myself 100 per cent because I have not relented. I am still doing it and I have always done it, encouraging women to come out and any woman who wants to come out, I share my experience, knowledge and everything with them. The thing is that Nigerian women have not discovered the potential in themselves. That is why this country is not getting it right. The only thing is that because of socialisation, the way we were brought up as women, a lot of them are wired to be seen and not to be heard. They should be demur and self-effacing. For them to come out is taking some time but I am happy that they are blossoming; they are coming out and if you see the ones that have come out, they are so confident,

Iyom is a title in Igbo land. It is actually from Agukwu-Nri but, I ďŹ nd out that I was a trendsetter; when I started answering Iyom, everybody wanted to answer Iyom; even up to communities that did not use to have it are now doing it. It originally started from Nri. It is a social and elitist status. The equivalent in men is called Ozo. We have the Igwe; we have the Ozo; we have the Nze and then the Iyom. This Iyom is a community leader for women and in the days gone past, it was actually even a spiritual leader because those from Nri were the priests of Ibo land. If there was any abomination or anything, it was from Nri that you would get a priest that would come cleanse the land

brave and articulate. You see women from all walks of life, showing interest in politics because I tell them: “You see, you are the best politicians but you are doing it under cover.� I tell them to come out.�

Regrets, low and high points According to her “I have a lot of low and high points. My low point was when after elections and I looked at the tally and I did not see a substantial increment in the number of women that have been elected and I knew that we had worked so hard for it but we could not make it; it was quite discouraging and it depressed me. And it still does.

At those moments, I just sit and wonder whether it is worth it, whether it is not better for Nigerians to carry on, to let them do whatever they like; and, luckily, I do not stay too long in that valley. I would come out again and ensure that we keep slugging it out; we keep going at it; it is not going to be an easy thing to change a culture, to reform the way things are done is not achieved in a generation. It has never been. You read history; there are some struggles that had taken two hundred years, over 100 years before they were actualised. So, I encourage myself to go on, knowing that we will get there one day. It may not be in my time, but if we just continue chipping at it, one day it will give way.�

Secret of looking 50 at 70 Iyom Josephine Anenih has this to say: “Well, I give glory to God because He is the one that molded me. So, I don’t know how He did it. But I also think that what you are inside reflects outside. If you are bitter, it will show outside. If you are frowning inside and squeezing your face, your face would be wrinkled but if you don’t, it would always look ironed and smooth. When I see women frowning, I say to them to iron out their faces. If you understand the basis of life, one would know that one is not in charge of life. There is God that is in charge of your life. You give that to Him and you do not try to manipulate anything: just flow with what you see and with what you get.

You are content with whatever you have. You do not want to own the entire world. I am a Christian and I read the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible wherein the writer summarises life: there is a time for everything; there is a season for everything. If you accumulate material things; it is all vanity because you are not going anywhere with it. And so, if you understand that and you imbibe it, you find that it helps you to live your life. You are content with what you have. All these unnecessary fights and having sleepless nights, you have one house and you are running around because you want to have 10 houses; you have a good car and you are looking for a second backup car in case that one goes to mechanic but you want to own all the cars in the world, cover them up with tarpaulin because you cannot drive them all; you want to step on people, to get ahead of people; you want to be everywhere; you want to have everything that everybody has. Then you will be getting old now because it is called “wear and tear�. But if you are content with what you have, knowing that you can only eat so much and you are always thinking of what to do for other people and not what they can do for you, putting smiles on other people’s faces; that extra money that you have, instead of hoarding it or using it to buy a car to park without using, you use it to help another person or even dash another person that car, the joy that you get will elongate your life. But so many people do not understand this. This penchant for material acquisition, that is, vulgar acquisition, is what causes a lot of problem for a lot of people.�

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͚ͽ, 2014

PLUS

Genevieve Nnaji on the Spotlight at Toronto Film Festival

Cheery news as Nigerian actress, Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut got spotlight at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and becomes the ďŹ rst original ďŹ lm from Nigeria acquired by Netix, an American movie streaming platform. FERDINAND EKECHUKWU reports

23

ÍšÍ˝Ëœ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS

‌ On set

Genevieve Nnaji on the Spotlight at Toronto Film Festival

W

hile the amount involved in the deal is yet to be disclosed, the big news in Nollywood at the moment is the recent acquisition of the movie ‘Lion Heart’ by American movie streaming company, Netflix Inc. Netflix had announced right on the eve of its first premiere at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), that it had bought worldwide rights to ‘Lion Heart’. This development makes the movie the first original film from Nigeria to be owned by Netflix.

The comic movie is Genevieve Nnaji’s first attempt at movie directing after a successful acting career spanning over 30 years.

Taking place at the moment at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Toronto, Canada, the 2018 TIFF hosts the premieres of two movies which starred the Nigerian actress. Described as the Julia Roberts of Africa by Oprah Winfrey, Genevieve was at the premiere of Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s ‘Farming’ as well as her own co-produced movie, ‘Lion Heart’. This is not the first time she would attend the TIFF. The Nigerian actress and producer was amongst the guests at the premiere of Half of a Yellow Sun in 2013.

With its opening screening at Toronto, on September 7, Lion Heart was shown five times during the annual film festival. Although, ‘Lion Heart’ is not the only Nigerian movie on Netflix, it is the first original film purchased by the global movie streaming giant in that the other Nollywood flicks previously licensed by Netflicks, including romantic comedy ‘The Wedding Party’, ‘Fifty’, and the crime ‘thriller October 1, were only after they had been screened in local cinemas.

Speaking to CNN on her Netflix acquired film during an interview with Richard Quest on Tuesday September 11, the actress discussed how she was able to gather funds for the production of the movie and the chances of Nollywood gaining further global acceptance.

On how she was able to put the movie together, she said: ‘’For money, we had to self-fund unfortunately. We don’t have adequate funding for movies.

There isn’t that provision yet.’’ The movie entry into the market was just

timely as there were already indications of the American company’s emerging interest in Nollywood.

Netflix putting its $8 billion original production budget to work in Nigeria’s movie industry might just be the turnaround for an industry struggling to make high budget movies. And more so, distribution processes that would take advantage of the 180 million Nigerians to provide returns on film investment worldwide being that Nollywood is the second largest movie industry in the world in terms of production volume.

Remarkably, as of July 2018, Netflix had 130 million total subscribers worldwide, including 57.38 million in the United States.

Netflix entered the content-production industry in 2012. It has greatly expanded the production of both film and television series since then, offering Netflix Original content through its online library of films and television. Netflix released an estimated 126 original series or films in 2016, more than any other network or cable channel.

The first hint Netflix would have more active interest in original African content came in May when it advertised for a director of content acquisition for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa.

Back in October 2016, nine months after launching in Africa, it also deployed a dedicated server in Nigeria to ease the difficulties of content delivery for its local users. Initially known for its model of low-budget high-volume productions, Nollywood, in recent years, has begun placing more emphasis on quality over quantity. This has seen the gradual rise in the artistic merit and production value of Nollywood projects.

Those efforts it is believed to have been rewarded with local and international box office success. But as it continues to grapple with the lack of a vast distribution networks locally, global streaming revenues will be a big lift for Nollywood. This is in addition to significant investment from the South Africa-owned Africa Magic television channel which has backed Nollywood productions with millions of dollars.

The acquisition which has earned Genevieve deserved accolades and pleased the hearts of Nigeria movie practitioners at home and abroad has continued to attract significant remarks.

One is such from UK-based Nigerian filmmaker, Obi Emelonye. In a chat with this reporter, following the news of the

With her quest for perfection, her patience and her dedicated craft, Genevieve has broken down the huge wall that kept Nollywood out of the mainstream. Her victory is eloquent proof if any was needed that, if you work smart, aim high and believe: that all things are possible. I celebrate you Genny and hope that this breakthrough is not just a one-o but that the door of opportunity remains open for some other great works coming out of Nollywood deal, the prolific filmmaker opined that “Netflix acquiring global rights in the Genevieve Nnaji’s film ‘Lion Heart’ as a Netflix original is fantastic news for Genevieve personally, but also a great development for Nollywood as a whole. “With her quest for perfection, her patience and her dedicated craft, Genevieve has broken down the huge wall that kept Nollywood out of the mainstream. Her victory is eloquent proof if any was needed that, if you work smart, aim high and believe: that all things are possible. I celebrate you Genny and hope that this breakthrough is not just a one-off but that the door of opportunity remains open for some other great works coming out of Nollywood. There’s hope for us all.â€?

Genevieve, who made her debut as a producer in 2015 with the movie Road to Yesterday, assembled an impressive list of talents and pop culture icons for Lion Heart – the second movie from her production company, The Entertainment Network, which was founded in partnership with Chinny Onwugbenu. The movie’s impressive veteran cast includes Steve Eboh, Chika Okpala (Zebrudaya), Pete Edochie, Kalu Ikeagwu, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Onyeka Onwenu and Nkem Owoh.

Written by C.J Obasi, based on a screenplay by Ishaya Bako and Emil Garuba, the story follows a daughter who’s forced to work with her feckless uncle (Nkem Owoh) in order to save her father’s ailing bus company. Genevieve plays Adaeze, a level-headed executive in her father’s bus company, Lion Heart Transport. When the father (played by Pete Edochie) falls ill, both she and her rival (Kalu Ikeagwu) are passed over in favour of the uncle. Complications arise when they discovered that the family business was in dire financial straits leading to absurd results as they try to save the company.

Considered the poster girl of Nollywood, Genevieve started her acting career as a child actress in the then popular television soap opera Ripples at the age of 8. In 1998, at the age of 19, she was introduced into the growing Nigerian film industry with the movie ‘Most Wanted’. Her subsequent movies include Last Party, Mark of the Beast. In 2010 she starred in the award-winning film IjĂŠ: The Journey. She has starred in over 80 Nollywood movies, including 2013 movie Mirror Boy which gave her international prominence. As of 2009 Nnaji was one of the best paid actresses in Nollywood.

She was also the first actress to be awarded Best Actress by the Censors Board of Nigeria in 2003. In 2011, she was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the Nigerian government for her contribution to Nollywood. Genevieve has received several awards and nominations for her work, including the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2005 edition Africa Movie Academy Awards. She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005, making her the first actress to win the award.

The future just might be here for the exceptionally-talented movie star who had in 2011, during an African Voices interview with CNN, wished to be further challenged in her career. “I don’t think I have reached my peak necessarily. So, I hope for other opportunities, greater opportunities to express myself.

Mostly because there is still something inside of me that I just feel I haven’t let out and it’s really trying to come out and trying to burst loose so I’m hoping for that opportunity‌I just want that story, that story that challenges me even further.�

24

˜ ˞ SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

VINTAGE Abolaji Odunuga

Duchess International Magazine Aims to BringWomenTogether United Kingdom-based Abolaji Odunuga is an application system support analyst and publisher of Duchess International magazine. She talks to Benneth Oghifo about the inspirations for the magazine and plans to launch the print copy in Nigeria and other countries

W

hat inspired you to venture into the media terrain?

I found myself in a very dark place at some point in my life and I lost my selfesteem, I hit rock bottom. Writing became my therapy during those moments, and I have until that moment worked for an international magazine for 10 years.

I therefore decided to share my story online and since been getting a lot of responses from people relating to my story and also sharing theirs.

This has since been pushing me further to start adding inspirational quotes to women’s pictures which I then post online.

The positive responses I receive from readers online motivated the birth of the online magazine which I have named Duchess International Magazine.

Could you share with us what the dark place was?

Hmmm (Smile) I found myself in an abusive relationship and I struggled a lot to leave the relationship thinking about what my families especially my Mum would think about me. In the process of trying to stay married, I began to lose my hair. I was on four different prescriptions and would not want to see anyone nor go out socialising. Little did I know I was depressed.

To cut the story short, I had to make a decision to leave or stay and lose my life at some point and my children ends up in a care home.

I left my marriage, it was a lot of challenge, and it feels like you broke a taboo. I had some of my female friends and older ones, calling me on the phone abusing me. You won’t die, you should go back. This added to my pain and I wondered why I was being judged especially by females and not males.

I wake up every morning saying out loud affirmations ‘I am Beautiful, I am strong, I am special etc.’ but I woke up one morning and I said to myself, ‘I am a duchess waiting for my duke. I deserve a duke, I deserve to be treated better’ and the rest is history.

Many great ideas have ended up right where they started without much to show, how were you able to overcome doubt and push through? What was your greatest challenge starting out?

I was in pain and had great challenges even before starting

in that article, why don’t we “women� come together first, work on us first, stay together, achieve together, encourage one another and lift each other up first, after which we will now talk about feminism.

Duchess International Magazine exclusively focuses on the uniqueness, strength and relevance of women. It unveils what women in the higher rung of success ladder, from different walks of life go through and how their experiences shaped them into what they have become today.

Duchess International aims to bring women together, we should learn from one another and lift each other up, and when this is achieved I would then like to have a conversation about feminism.

When I was going through my challenges, I was expecting to be supported by my sisters, when I say sisters, I mean more females in my community, don’t get me wrong I was supported by great sisters but the ratio was little. For us the achieve anything, working together and lifting each other up is key.

What distinguishes Duchess International Magazine from her competitors?

Duchess International magazine does not intend to have a competitor, I pray we all succeed in all we lay our hands on.

You’ve managed to stand out in your chosen career, what’s the driving force to your success?

Prayers and listening to my inner voice keeps me and my career going.

Odunuga

and because it was from the inside, It was a therapy I use to get my day started. I had no expectation so I had no challenge until people start reaching out to me from different parts of the world appreciating the work I do.

Now I have decided to take it to the next level by coming out with the print publication of the magazine. I hope it meets my audience needs and impact their lives positively.

Your magazine is focused on women alone. Are you a feminist?

In 2015, I wrote an article titled “Letter to my Nigerian Women, Am I a feminist�. I did share my thought on feminism

As an entrepreneur, if you can turn back the hands of time and rewrite your mistakes, what would you love to do differently? What has been your biggest mistake?

I would want to have it exactly the way it is now because mistakes/challenges brings out the best in you and this has made me the woman I have become.

What’s the next big thing for Duchess International Magazine?

We are launching our maiden edition on the 9th of December, 2018 in Lagos. I am hoping everyone will come and support us, you are all invited. Thanks to those that have supported me in all areas of my life. We rise by lifting others, I pray we all achieve our aimed goal.

NOUN Law Students Dine, Mull A Hazy Future Godwin IďŹ jeh

I

t was fun and a refreshing evening for the Law Students Association of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Lagos Chapter. The President of the Chapter, Mr. Asogbon Oluwayomi Godwin and other members of his executive committee were in their best of spirit.

This 2018 Law Dinner of the Lagos chapter of the Law Students Association (LAWSA) with the theme: “Acceptability of Digital Legal Education in This 21st Century ‌A Way Forwardâ€? was acclaimed as most successful and with the high turnout of such calibre of persons as the Dean, Faculty of Law, NOUN, Dr. (Mrs.) Alero Akujobi, National President of the Association, Mr. Austin Obano, who came all the way from Benin, the Edo State capital, to be part of the occasion, the Guest Speaker for the night, Mr. Seyi Sowemimo, SAN, a former Chairman of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, Lagos State, Hon. Afeez Ipesa-Balogun, who was on hand as a Special Guest, other equally prominent guests of note and a huge presence of members of the Association, they had every reason to be.

Amidst the eating and drinking, Asogbon cheerily told the delightful audience that they were not only there that night to eat, drink together and listen to the special lecture for the evening, but to rub minds on all issues, relating to their academic pursuit at the NOUN, honour and present 25 awards to the most deserving among them and ensure that every member of the Association left with a Certificate of Honour in their names. After the sumptuous meals and the presentation of the awards and certificate, the palatial room of the NUT Pavilion in the sprawling magnificent quiet Alausa Suburb of Ikeja, the Lagos Seat of power and capital, was

electrified in the joy of a successful outing.

Before then, the Special Guest Speaker, Seyi Sowemimo, Secretary, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), held the audience spellbound with his presentation.

The “Acceptability of Digital Legal Education in This 21st Century,� the subject he spoke on, he told them, was now on the front burner of current legal discourse as the future of the legal profession hangs on it. Pointing out that digital legal education is of utmost importance today to all lawyers, young and old, the legal luminary told the gathering that the digital legal process is not only now taking the centre stage in the country and beyond and becoming the norm for the profession, it was increasingly turning a manifestation of a revolution or a transformation in the way legal services are to be rendered. He was convinced that the trend would make the practice more efficient, more cost effective and more challenging, stressing, however, that “only those lawyers equipped with broad digital legal education have any hope of survival.�

Just as the wide applause occasioned by the lucid presentation receded, a thaw of silence enveloped the hall by a kill joy remark of the National President of LAWSA, Mr. Obano, who next addressed them. The President, who tried to take them through the lingering struggle by the executive committee to ensure that they at last gain the recognition of the Council of Legal Education in Nigeria to make it possible for graduating law students of NOUN to be admitted to the law school and get called up ultimately to the bar to be able to practice their dream profession of law in the land, left a sad taste in the mouth. Assuring them that they were working round the clock to ensure

Law students of NOUN Association

that the issue remains in the front burner, Obano took the students round the unending struggle, from the National Assembly through the umbrella body of students unionism in Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the table of the President of the Federal Republic, where the amended law of NOUN has remained seated, awaiting his assent to finally remove the encumbrances inherent in its establishing Act of 1983 that have from time impacted negatively on the academic and professional prospects of the NOUN students.

With several hundreds of students already graduated from the NOUN School of Law

since the commencement of the university some 18years ago, its law students have been unable to gain recognition to be allowed admission into the Law School to make it possible for them to be called to Bar and practice law in the country, just as it is impossible for eligible graduates of the school for the National Service Corps to participate in the scheme.

The issues over all of these bother on the negative perception of the public about the University in respect of the word, ‘correspondence’, which gave the impression that the University programmes were not full but part time.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

26

SPYGLASS

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

Femi Otedola’s Waiting to Repeat History In 1991, Dr. Femi Agbalajobi was the favourite candidate of the now-defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). Ahead of the governorship election in Lagos State, all preparations for his inauguration as governor had been concluded. But fate had other plans quite different from those of men. A bitterly-fought battle for the party’s ticket between Agbalajobi and Dapo Sarumi threw up so much dirty and sticky dust that failed to settle down.

For Agbalajobi and Sarumi, the battle became intractable and only resolved by their party, which eventually disqualified them. The party eventually opted for Yomi Edu who faced Sir Michael Otedola, the candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in the election.

Whilebothcamps(AgbalajobiandSarumi)worked together for a clean sweep of the legislative election, one of them allied with Otedola’s NRC and gave their own candidate a terrible electoral hiding.

And when the results were announced, the political progressives, for the first time in Lagos history, lost the governorship to the conservative NRC.

FEMI OTEDOLA

Fast forward to 2018, while the actors may be different, one particular name has again cropped up. It is Femi Otedola.

With the confusion in the camp of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the emergence

of factions, another Otedola may again spring a surprise. The memory of the events of 1991 has become the beginning of wisdom for leaders and members of the APC in Lagos.

Another factor that may work in favour of Otedola is that the cirisis in APC has led to further factionalisation whereby more members are leaving APC in droves. For example, over 1000 members decamped fromAPC to PDPinAjeromi/ Ifelodun Council.

The interest of Femi in the Lagos governorship, considered the biggest and most trending news of the year, sent shivers down the spine of the ruling party. It hit them like tornado, shaking the party to its very foundation.

Another source disclosed that there is palpable tension in the camp of the party, particularly after the revelation that the new poster boy of the majority of the members, Jide Sanwoolu, was being propped by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Whether Femi will yield to the pressure or not remains in the womb of time.

Leo Stan Ekeh’s Wondrous Taste LEO STAN

Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Zinox Group, is an ambitious businessman is his newly completed Yudala Height in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Since the imposing building literally sprouted in Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, not a few who have sighted it attested to the wondrous taste of the Imo State-born businessman, who is widely recognised for his pioneering efforts in Information Communication Technology in Nigeria, nayAfrica.

Investigation by Spyglass revealed that he had envisioned the building 17 years ago after he set up Zinox. But at different times, he had had to alter the design, all in the quest for excellence. The building, it was gathered, cost a staggering N15 billion!

For a man whose eyes are on the future, it is not surprising that the eight-floor architectural masterpiece has changed the narrative about the area for its beauty and artistic design.

The first floor of the ornate building, it was

gathered, serves as a relaxation centre for the billionaire businessman, where he can enjoy jazz and other soulful tunes after work.

Interestingly, in spite of his great accomplishments, one can say that Leo Stan Ekeh is still a story waiting to be told. Since he started out as a businessman, he has continued to ply his trade in such a way that makes many of his competitors green with envy.

Considering his chain of businesses, which includes e-commerce, ICT with offices in major cities like Lagos, Paris, London and New York, it is evident that he enjoys uncommon grace, especially when you consider the inclement business climate in the country.

For this and more, the consummate businessman has never hidden the fact that he enjoys the amazing grace of God in his life.

Again, Drumbeat of War in Ojukwu’s Family Since Bianca Ojukwu was removed as Ambassador to Spain by President Mohammadu Buhari, she has been struggling to remain relevant.

The former beauty queen has found another passion: politics. She supported the new governor, Willy Obiano to victory in last year election in Anambra State.

Consequently, she has taken the bull by the horns and thrown her cap into the ring for All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, seeking to represent Anambra South Senatorial District in the Senate.

However, the ex-beauty queen was unaware of the popular saying that “the saddest thing about betrayal is that it never

comes from your enemies.”

It was gathered that those throwing spanner in her plans are her in-laws who should be supporting her to realise her dream. Those in the know confirmed to Spy Glass that despite pleas from some personalities in and around the eastern part of the nation, they have refused to give her their blessings.

This, it was also gathered, has been giving the 51-year ago headache.

This is not the first time she would be facing a tempestuous period. She was once in the news when her in-laws took her up over some properties bequeathed to her by the late Ikemba.

Agony of Emir Sa’ad Abubakar

SULTAN

That revered monarch, Usman Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, is heavy hearted is to put it mildly. For over a week now, he has been worried sick over the fate of his eldest son, Amir, who was involved in a ghastly accident in Sokoto.

Amir, who is described as a fun-loving man, was involved in the accident alongside Khalifa Maccido, son of Aliyu Macciddo and a female friend, whom he reportedly picked from the Usmanu Dan Fodio University an hour before the accident.

Amir was said to be driving in high speed when he lost control of the car along the Sokoto Airport Road in the city.

Since the incident, several mosques in the city have organised prayers for Amir, who was admitted Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital, where medical doctors are battling to save his life.

BIANCA-OJUKWU

IRETI KINGIBE

Ireti Kingibe’s Bold Step Hajia Habeebah Ireti, wife ofAmb. Babagana Kingibe, a former Secretary to the Federal Government, is beautiful, bold and brainy.

People in the FCT Abuja, repose so much confidence in her because of her unwavering commitment to their cause.

At a time when people in the FCT needed someone who could bring to them the dividends of democracy, they turned to her to represent them in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

But they were gravely disappointed when she withdrew from the senatorial race to represent the FCT in 2014 .

Although she tried to rationalise her withdrawal from the race then, her people insisted she has to come back. Indeed, for some time, the civil engineering graduate has been under pressure to throw her cap into the ring again to give the FCT good representation in the Senate, which they had missed for too long.

The multiple-award winner and younger sister to Nigeria’s former First Lady, Ajoke Mohammed, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota, United States, in 1980, becoming one of the very few female engineers in Nigeria at that time.

At various times, she was Quality Control Engineer of Bradley Precast Concrete Incorporated in Minnesota, USA, as well as Roads and Highway Designer in the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

On her return to Nigeria, she served at the Nigerian Air Force headquarters in Lagos for her compulsory National Youth Service from 1981 to1982. While there, she participated actively in some projects of the force, including the supervision of a water project at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos.

A frontline philanthropist and outstanding advocate of women empowerment, Hajiya Kingibe has deployed her talent to the improvement of the society.

Finecoat Paints Boss, Remi Awode, Celebrates @ 55 Apostle Aderemi Awode, Finecoat Paint boss, is a perfect gentleman laced with an endearing pure heart of gold. His gait and impeccable modest lifestyle often served as a point of reference to those around him.

Awode is known for his generosity to a fault. He is a benevolent cheerful giver. His philanthropic deed we learnt helped his business conglomerate attain an enviable height, as one of the most sold indigenous paint products in Nigeria.

He is a happy man, who is currently witnessing the proverbial seventh heaven, like that of a woman whom just got delivered a bouncing baby boy. His heart is full of joy laced with appreciation songs in his mouth. This was the reason why he threw his doors open to family and friends last week to celebrate his 55th birthday. It was one event so many of his admirers had looked forward to. They turned out in their large number to celebrate a man described as a cheerful giver. Many of them spoke glowingly about him in superlative terms.

Prominent faces at the event were Mr. Toyin Haastrup, Engr. Tunde Akintona, Mr & Mrs. Sam Ajagu, Mrs. Odeyinka, Founder Fluorescent Group

REMI AWODE

of Schools, Alh. Soladoye, PRO, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Mr. & Mrs. Yemi Sonde, Sp. Apostle John Oyeku, HRH, Oba Oluwalambe Taiwo J.P., The Olojokoro of Ojokoro Land, Pastor Dayo Paseda, Deputy Managing Director, Chemstar Paints Industry (Nig.) Ltd. and many of the alumni of the University of Ibadan who have been friends since then till date.

27

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

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... ͸΀͚ͽͽ͚͚͝΀Ϳ͟

L-R: Chairman, Saidel Limited, Akanimo UdoďŹ a; General Manager, Project and Engineering, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Toyin Olagunju; Senior Vice President, Sapura Energy, Vivek Arora; Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director of SPDC, Osagie Okunbor; and General Manager, Business and Government Relations of SPDC, Bashir Bello, during a visit to the SPDC Management Team in Lagos recently

L-R: Executive Director,Micro Enterprise, Bank of Industry, Mrs.Toyin Adeniji; Deputy Governor of Oyo State,Chief Moses Adeyemo; and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, during the inauguration of TraderMoni at New Gbagi Market in Ibadan..recently

US Partners Nigeria on Retail Sector Growth The United States of America, through the United States Department of Agriculture, USDA/Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) has expressed its commitment to the growth and development of the Nigerian retail business toward a sustainable and attractive economy.

The Department is also partnering indigenous experts and the National Association of Supermarket Operators of Nigeria (NASON), to train operators and chart on way forward for the industry, especially in the areas of food handling and safety.

According to the Department, there is a new trend in the retail space whereby consumers have shifted from purchasing food products at the traditional, open-air market to patronising modern temperature-controlled supermarket and convenience store as well as the need to equip operators with required knowledge to meet up with latest trends and operate within global standards.

Speaking at a workshop that brought together operators, regulators and stakeholders in the retail sector, Regional Agricultural Counselor, Embassy of the USA, Mr. Jude Akhidenor explained that Nigeria maintained a good relationship with the US in the area of exporting and selling of US based products. He said the initiative was important to deepen the bond between the parties and also increase knowledge. “We seek to spread knowledge and skills to improve the handling of food products sold in modern temperature -controlled supermarket and convenience store to consumers. Operators would also gain knowledge of developing and building business relationship with food products suppliers from across the globe�, he added.

In his speech titled: ‘Nigeria Retail Food Sector, Trends, Challenges and Opportunities, National Chairman of NASON, Asiwaju

Solomon Onafowokan disclosed that Nigeria is still about 75% of what is expected from all formal supermarket operators, pointing out that engagement of this nature would improve its status. “With the proliferation of retail outlets in all state capitals and major cities, there are clear indices to show that the sector is now becoming entrenched with masters of the industry becoming exposed to world class training and proper foregrounding, thereby making the business no longer an all comers trade venture�, he said.

Despite the prospects in the sector which are not limited to employment opportunities, investments and business expansion, Onafo-

in food market, Nigeria’s retail food sector remains under developed and poorly managed whilst many discerning food suppliers across the world are now concerned about handling and distribution of their products to consumers. “Issues such as food safety, nutrition and consumers rights/ protection are also increasingly becoming the major focus of discussion in global food businesses. There is need to transform significantly towards adopting the modern and evolving consumer food distribution and system that address these global issues. More importantly, the welfare of retail staff should be taken as paramount�, he said.

Kaduna, NGO Sign MOU S’Africa Firm Explores Nigerian on Economic Devt N420bn Wine Market Kaduna State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a non-government organisation, Teach For Nigeria, to lift education in the state.

This would enable the NGO, which focuses on improving the quality of education for Nigeria’s most marginalised children to teach in high-need primary schools in the state for two years.

The Northern region of Nigeria is recorded to be one of the worst hit in terms of educational equity; according to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF. Speaking on the development,

Uber Turns Five, Expresses FulďŹ llment Ride hailing firm, Uber has said that it is proud of its achievements in its five years of operations in Africa.

The company, which clocked five recently, stated that it had since amassed 1.3 million riders across sub-Saharan African, since it commenced business in Johannesburg, in September, 2003.

In a statement issued by the company, it noted that it was excited on how it had been able to transform lives and impact the economy through its driver-partner model. “From driver earnings, to community spending, to increased mobility options, riders and drivers who use Uber are having a substantial impact on the economy Africa.

wokan lamented that the sector is still very much constrained by the unfriendly business environment and workers unfaithfulness.

He noted that, “the global listing agreement entered into between NAFDAC and the association as well as the self -regulatory process embarked upon by its members has had tremendous impact on emerging shopping malls now abound all over the country, which has led many shoppers gradually moving from traditional open- market food purchases to organised food stores that guaranteed temperature controlled ‘ Food Handling Safety Net’ for their purchases.�

President of Bervidson Retail Group, Mr. Joseph Ebata, explained that despite the trends

“Uber’s business partnership approach provides an accessible means for entrepreneurs to not only supplement their own income but also to become small business owners, thereby helping to improve the lives and future of individuals, families and communities. In the short time, we have been in Africa, we’ve enabled over 36 000 economic opportunities. “The sub-Saharan Africa has certainly benefitted from Uber’s arrival.

Citizens have a new, reliable way to get around; entrepreneurs have found a new way to earn an income and cities have also benefitted – with possibly fewer cars on the road and therefore fewer carbon emissions,� the statement added.

the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El- Rufai, said: “We considered education the most important sector from the onset of our administration.

This is why we have been consistent in allocating between 25 - 35% of our budget to the sector through the years. Most of us are products of public schools and we must bequeath the type of quality education that was bequeathed to us. We hope the NGO will become the guiding light for future interventions and scale up as quickly as possible from the present 22 schools to 200 schools next year.�

In his remarks, CEO of Teach For Nigeria, Folawe Omikunle, said that the organisation was committed to contributing significantly towards improving access to quality education for all children across Nigeria. “Our partnership with the Kaduna State Government is a major milestone and the State will serve as a vital platform from which our programme will be implemented across the remaining States within the Northern region of Nigeria.

We will continue to channel our nation’s most outstanding and capable young minds to the education sector and foster their leadership as a force for change in the economy. “This will also serve as a model for future engagements across other states in the Northern region as Teach For Nigeria expands and deepens its reach over the next 10 years - impacting over 500,000 primary school children across Nigeria annually�, he added.

South Africa wines, spirits and liqueur manufacturer, KWA, has announced its business in Nigeria with the introduction of Wild Africa Cream Liqueur.

Launched in the business hub of the country, Lagos, the product manufacturer revealed that its investment in Nigeria was to satisfy the classy yearnings of consumers and to celebrate Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch, Brand Manager, RTD’s Liqueurs, KWA SA, Barry Badenhorst, stated that the product, which has its presence in other countries is expanding its reach to more African states. “Wild Africa has been around for few years and its available basically in every continent and because Africa is in our name, it’s time to move our African countries better so we decided to bring it to Nigeria and from here, we hope it becomes a household name that most people know because we believe as they taste the brand, there will be no going back,� he said.

He further added that the organisation had partnered Nigeria’s leading household products manufacturing and commodity distribution conglomerate, the Ekulo Group for fast and effective distribution network, which will enable the brand to have significant visibility around the country.

Also speaking, the Regional Manager, West Africa KWA, John Terfa Mka, stated that the unique proposition of the brand is to offer quality products even at affordable rate which gives it an edge over those in the same category.

According to him, “Unique selling is the quality thing we are bringing while also coming at price point to understand that great value can be purchased in very affordable prices. Some products in that category have priced themselves so high but we give quality even better than what is in the market.�

According to reports, the Nigeria Wine market is expected to witness a strong growth rate in the medium to long term future, driven by surge in market conditions and technological advancements.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

FAMILY HEALTH with

Causes of Itching in Genitals

T

he human body is made up of several folds and it is natural that bacteria and fungi dwell in our body parts . This creates s natural balance , which can also be altered if there is s change in the environmental conditions . Either by increase in temperature or external infecting agent .

Genital itching is a very unpleasant condition, accompanied by a wide variety of emotional color from shades of minor irritation and discomfort, to severe depression. r *UDIJOH HFOJUBMT WFSZ DPNNPO XPSMEXJEF CVU is more common in women than in men.

Genital itching can be a symptom of many conditions which may include vaginal infections in females or KPDL JUDI JO NBMFT *O FJUIFS TFY JUDIJOH NBZ CF DBVTFE by skin irritation, sexually transmitted diseases, and allergies. Other causes of itching may require more intensive treatment.

Genital itch with rash , is a skin symptom that can be caused by a number of health problems and can occur on any part of the male or female genital area.

Rashes are normally reddish in color, may be painful PS JUDIZ BOE NBZ JODMVEF CVNQT PS TPSFT *G ZPV experience any skin rash that you cannot explain, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

Genital itching can be a symptom of many conditions.

These may include vaginal infections in females or KPDL JUDI JO NBMFT *O FJUIFS TFY JUDIJOH DBO CF DBVTFE by skin irritation, sexually transmitted diseases and allergies. *O NBOZ DBTFT HFOJUBM JUDIJOH UIBU JT DBVTFE CZ irritation will clear up on its own if the irritants (lotions, soaps) are removed. Other causes of itching may SFRVJSF NPSF JOUFOTJWF USFBUNFOU *G ZPV BSF DPODFSOFE about genital itching that does not go away, talk to your doctor or another health care professional.

When a man feels itchy down there, the itch is commonly due to a rash caused by inflammatory skin diseases, fungi, lice, or a viral infection. While viral infection and lice infestation are usually sexually transmitted, the other skin conditions have non-sexual causes.

However, whatever the cause of this itch, it is always advisable to seek medical attention instead of trying to treat the problem with over-the-counter skin creams.

Common causes in males and females : Most often, genital pruritus in women occurs due to the following reasons: Diseases of the female organs: irritation of the mucous membranes of the uterus or secretions from the vagina that has fallen into urine during urination, etc.

Other diseases: endocrine disorders (diabetes, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), diseases of the blood. *NQBDU PO UIF QTZDIF TUSFTT GFBS BOE TPNF PUIFS negative emotions.

External influences: hypothermia or mechanical irritation of chemicals, contact with allergens, pollution of the genital area, the infection. *O ZPVOH XPNFO UIF DBVTF PG UIF JUDI JT NPTU PGUFO DBOEJEJBTJT UISVTI BOE WVMWPWBHJOBM *O XPNFO after 40 years the cause of itching genitals must first seek internal organs and various chronic diseases in the pathology (eg, diabetes mellitus). For the period of menopause is most typical genital itching due to a sharp deficit of female sex hormones.

The nature of itching in women can be quite varied: QFSJPEJD DPOTUBOU QBJOGVM JOUFOTF XFBL FUD *O HFOeral, characterised by a strengthening in the night time. Often accompanied by itching genital trauma to the mucosa (scratches, cracks), and the subsequent inflammation, which may itself exacerbate itch.

Itching of the genitals in men

*O NFO HFOJUBM JUDIJOH PDDVST WFSZ SBSFMZ BOE NBZ occur in the following cases: r BMMFSHZ UP DPOUSBDFQUJWF ESVHT BOE NFBOT PG intimate hygiene, which are used by r UIF QBSUOFS EVSJOH TFYVBM JOUJNBDZ r QSPTUBUJUJT r DBOEJEJBTJT PG UIF HMBOT QFOJT UISVTI

r WFTJDMFT r QPPS IZHJFOF

Other reasons

*UDIJOH HFOJUBMT B QPTTJCMF TPMVUJPO UP UIF QSPCMFN

In case of itching of genitals, consult the following specialists: r 5IF HZOFDPMPHJTU GPS XPNFO B VSPMPHJTU PS andrologist (for men) r %FSNBUPMPHJTU r *G OFDFTTBSZ JU XJMM CF UP WJTJU UIF QSPÃ MFT PG PUIFS specialists (infectious disease specialist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, etc.) for the final diagnosis of the cause of the itch is necessary. r 5SFBUNFOU PG HFOJUBM JUDIJOH *UDIJOH HFOJUBMT complex, aims to eliminate the cause of the itch (for example, the treatment of candidiasis, the removal of

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com 08053372356

acidic where the bacteria cannot thrive for long.

Cold Compress:

Vaginal itching can especially be very troublesome during nigh time. This could interrupt your sleep and cause tiredness and lethargy along with the itching. For stopping that intense itch at night, apply ice cubes directly or a cold compress in the vagina. This could turn out to be a burdensome job.

But when you consider the severe itch, doing a DPME DPNQSFTT JT B NVDI CFUUFS KPC BOZ EBZ "U MFBTU you can sleep well after the itch is put to rest.

Salt Bath:

4BMU DBO FGGFDUJWFMZ SFNPWF JUDIJOH BOE CBDUFSJB due to its antibacterial properties. Wash your vagina with concentrated salt water whenever you feel the itch. This will give you great relief instantly and prevent further multiplication of bacteria.

"MUFSOBUFMZ ZPV DBO Ã MM IBMG UIF UVC XJUI XBSN XBUFS BOE BEE IBMG B DVQ PG TBMU JOUP JU 4JU JOTJEF UIF tub in a squatting position. While sitting, open your vaginal walls using your finger so that saline water goes inside and kills the bacterial action effectively.

Garlic: Itching of the genitals in men

Local widely used bath with camomile broth, cream and ointment with anesthetic properties, as well as containing female or male sex hormones.

Not the least role in the treatment of itching of genitals play a healthy lifestyle (avoiding the use of products that enhance mucosal irritation of the genitalia), thoroughly intimate hygiene.

Men struggle with itching genitals includes the treatment of prostatitis, with the removal of inflammation of the penis head mucous membranes, etc. If allergies are assigned appropriate antihistamines

MPDBM JOáBNNBUJPO *G UIF DBVTF DBO OPU CF FMJNJOBUFE then the prescribed panacea to the general condition and relieve itching: drugs female hormones during menopause, pain killers and anti-inflammatory agents in diabetes, procaine blockade.

Local widely used bath with camomile broth, cream and ointment with anesthetic properties, as well as containing female or male sex hormones. Not the least role in the treatment of itching of genitals play a healthy lifestyle (avoiding the use of products that enhance mucosal irritation of the genitalia), thoroughly intimate hygiene.

Men struggle with itching genitals includes the treatment of prostatitis, with the removal of inflammation of the penis head mucous membranes, etc. *G BMMFSHJFT BSF BTTJHOFE BQQSPQSJBUF BOUJIJTUBNJOFT How to prevent genital itching : Females should take the following steps to help avoid genital itching: r "GUFS VSJOBUJPO PS CPXFM NPWFNFOUT XJQF GSPN front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus (rectum) entering the vagina.

"WPJE DIFNJDBM QSPEVDUT TVDI BT WBHJOBM EPVDIFT or feminine hygiene sprays, which can upset the acidic balance of the vagina. r "WPJE UIF VTF PG FYDFTTJWF BNPVOUT PG MBVOESZ detergent in the washing machine. r 4UBZ BXBZ GSPN PWFS UIF DPVOUFS JUDI CMPDLFST as these products can make the itching worse in the long term. r *G ZPV TVTQFDU B MVCSJDBOU NJHIU CF XPSTFOJOH the itching, talk to your doctor about the best options. r "WPJE USBVNB UP UIF BSFB TVDI BT FYDFTTJWF TIBWJOH and scratching. r &BU B XFMM CBMBODFE EJFU UP NBJOUBJO IFBMUIZ bacteria in the vagina.

Males should take the following steps to help avoid genital itching: r 8BTI UIF QFOJT XFMM JODMVEJOH UIF BSFB VOEFS the foreskin in uncircumcised men. r *G ZPV TXFBU UISPVHIPVU UIF EBZ DPOTJEFS DIBOHJOH underwear frequently.

Both males and females should take the following steps to help prevent genital itching: r ,FFQ UIF HFOJUBM BSFB DMFBO BOE ESZ 6TF NJME soap, or better yet, avoid soap completely, and rinse XFMM XJUI XBUFS "WPJE PWFS DMFBOJOH UIF WBHJOBM BSFB r 8FBS MPPTF OBUVSBM Ã CFS VOEFSXFBS BOE DMPUIJOH Change underwear at least every 24 hours. r %SZ PGG UIPSPVHIMZ BGUFS CBUIJOH BOE TXJNNJOH "WPJE TUBZJOH JO XFU DMPUIJOH GPS MPOH QFSJPET PG UJNF r "WPJE VOQSPUFDUFE TFY FTQFDJBMMZ JG ZPV BSF XPSSJFE that you or your partner might have an infection. r )PNF SFNFEJFT DBO BMTP CF BQQMJFE VOEFS DBVUJPO r 5BML UP ZPVS EPDUPS CFGPSF VTJOH BOZ PUIFS NFUIPE

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has excellent antibacterial BOE BOUJGVOHBM QSPQFSUJFT *U XJMM IFMQ SFNPWF UIF itching completely if it is a fungal or bacterial action that is causing the infection. For enjoying the benefit of apple cider vinegar, take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and mix it with warm water.

Wash your vagina with this water twice a day for two to three days. This should effectively take care of ZPVS QSPCMFN "QQMF DJEFS WJOFHBS NBLFT UIF WBHJOB

Garlic too has strong antibacterial properties that can relieve your symptoms instantly, or it is probably the smell of garlic that does the trick! Whatever the reason maybe, there is no harm in trying this wonderful herb when you have intense itching that you cannot stop.

Chew 2-3 cloves of garlic down your throat. Make garlic into a paste and apply inside the vagina by tying it in a cheesecloth. The smell could be depressing, but the relief could come as a surprise!

Yoghurt:

The use of probiotics to overwhelm the bad bacteria in the body is not a new remedy whatsoever. Pure yoghurt has active cultures that can remove the bad bacteria by adding good bacteria in abundance. For treating vaginal itch, drink a cup of pure unsweetened curd every day. Yeast infections can be immediately taken care of with yoghurt. Yoghurt made of goat’s or sheep’s milk is a better remedy for treating vaginal itch.

"OPUIFS XBZ UP VTF ZPHVSU JT UP BQQMZ JO UIF WBHJOBM area directly which is a better way of dealing with vaginal itch. Direct application of yoghurt will immediately stop vaginal itch. Constant application will surely remove the problem forever. You can VTF B UBNQPO GPS UIJT QVSQPTF 4PBL B UBNQPO XJUI yoghurt and leave it in the vagina for a few hours.

Frozen yoghurt can also be inserted inside the vagina for instant relief.

Basil Leaves:

Basil leaves have anti microbial, anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. Take basil leaves and boil it in two cups of water.

4UFFQ GPS NJOVUFT DPWFSFE UJMM UIF XBUFS CFDPNFT strong. Drink this water twice a day for removing the bacteria causing vaginal itching.

Anti Bacterial Talc:

"OUJCBDUFSJBM UBMDT BSF BWBJMBCMF JO IFSCBM BT XFMM BT NFEJDBUFE WBSJFUJFT " IFSCBM PS IPNFPQBUIJD talc will be mild on the body but requires time to heal. Over the counter medicated talcs are very effective if you are looking at a quick fix solution to your problem.

"QQMZ UIF UBMD JO UIF WBHJOB UP EFTUSPZ UIF CBDUFSJB and also to remove any fungal action as a result of moist surroundings.

Rosemary Leaves:

Rosemary leaves can be steeped with water for 15 minutes and allowed to cool. Wash the vaginal area with this herbal solution and feel the difference in an instant.

Keeping The Vagina Dry:

"MMPXJOH UIF WBHJOBM BSFB UP SFNBJO NPJTU EVF to sweat and water is one reason for cultivation of bacteria and fungus allowing it to create infections and embarrassing problems.

"MXBZT FOTVSF UIBU ZPV LFFQ UIF WBHJOBM BSFB GSFF GSPN NPJTUVSF UP QSFWFOU JOGFDUJPOT "QQMZ B mild anti bacterial talc for this purpose which will offer its double action on your skin.

Wear Loose Clothing:

1SFWFOUJPO JT CFUUFS UIBO DVSF BOZ EBZ *G ZPV IBWF had vaginal itching any time in your life, you will know exactly why this advice is the best to keep away from trouble.

"MMPX DPPM BJS UP LFFQ ZPVS WBHJOB ESZ 8FBS DPUUPO underwear or leave your private parts free of tight clothing whenever you can .

The bottom line is that stay clean and fresh at all times .

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Dream Debut for Kalu, Ajayi

15.09.2018

Liverpool Seek Wembley Redemption PAGE. 35

30

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

Dream Debut for Kalu, Ajayi Kalu tries to get past an opponent

ÙÜ Ë×ßÏÖ ËÖß ËØÎ Ï×Ó ÔËãÓ˜ ÓÞ ×Ëã ÒËàÏ ÌÏÏØ Ë ÝÒËʵÏÜÏÎ ÎÜÏË× áÒÏØ ßÚÏÜ ËÑÖÏÝ ÑËʥÏܘ ÏÜØÙÞ ÙÒÜ ÎÓÎ ØÙÞ ÖÙÙÕ ËÞ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÎÓÜÏÍÞÓÙØ ÎßÜÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ͺ͸͹΀ ÙÜÖÎ ßÚ ÓØ ßÝÝÓ˘ ÌßÞ ÓÞ áËÝ Ë ÎÜÏË× ÍÙ×Ï ÞÜßÏ áÒÏØ ÞÒÏ ÎßÙ ×ËÎÏ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÎÏÌßÞ ÐÙÜ ÞÒÏ ßÚÏÜ ËÑÖÏÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ͺ͸͹΁ ÐÜÓÍË ßÚ ÙÐ ËÞÓÙØÝ ÛßËÖÓʨÏÜ ËÑËÓØÝÞ ÏãÍÒÏÖÖÏÝ ÖËÝÞ ËÞßÜÎËã

31

SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ajayi (right)

S

amuel Kalu and Semi Ayayi were among the four new players handed invitation by the Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr for the 2019 AFCON qualifier against the Pirates of Seychelles, the other two being Jamilu Collins, a defender with German Bundesliga B team, SC Paderborn and Kelechi Nwakali of FC Porto of Portugal. But it was only the duo of Kalu and Ayayi that had the chance to play.

Prior to the encounter, Kalu who stars for Bordeaux in France was keen to shine with the team, as he said: “I’m prepared to give everything to the Super Eagles. It’s my first call-up and I want to make the country proud. I’m expecting us to win the game and nothing more.

It’s an important game that we cannot afford to lose. We have to work hard and do whatever we can to win the game.”

In a chat with former Nigerian international, Tajudeen Disu, he said the Super Eagles were not impressive against Seychelles, but hailed the duo of Kalu and Ayaji, saying they showed some glimpses.

“Kalu was very impressive all through the time he was on the field. He showed signs of a player that wants to earn a regular shirt in the team and with the way he played it is obvious he would be one of the players Rohr would be looking up to in future,” the former Abiola Babes Captain told THISDAY. Disu , however, said the time Ajayi featured last Saturday was not really enough to assess him.

“You cannot really assess a player that played for less than 20 minutes, however, the little time he was on the field he showed confidence and defended well. But the quality of opposition from the Pirates is not enough to measure a player. However, the fact that he was even supporting the attack is a sign of a good defender,” Disu noted.

With the likes of Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ogenyi Onazi failing to truly seize the opportunity to prove critics wrong, Kalu was the standout performer, playing 84 minutes of brilliant attacking football that won the heart of many fans back home.

The Bordeaux winger was lively from the blast of the referee’s whistle to his exit, with his pace troubling the Seychelles backline. His quick feet were too hot to handle, and he was fouled in the penalty area just before the hour mark which resulted in Ighalo's converted effort.

Kalu’s deft touches on the ball were a joy to behold, while his dribbling and trickery were also impressive.

Kalu will have an opportunity to build on his early impact in the doubleheader against Libya next month.

Over the coming weeks, expect the 21-year-old wideman to build on his positive early start to life with Bordeaux and to continue to settle into life in Ligue 1.

He may not have registered any goals or assists in his three top-flight games so far for the Les Girondins, but he’s made a name for himself with some scintillating showings.

He's created five goals scoring chances in 270 minutes of action so far, and these should develop into assists as he and his teammates develop a deeper understanding and a greater connection.

Victor Moses's time with the Super Eagles, and particularly his performances during the 2013 AFCON-winning campaign, won't be forgotten, but the emergence of Kalu - who began his own international career in such style - can mean an easy transition for Eagles fans.

For 24-year-old Ajayi, he feels ‘honoured’ after making his international debut for his country in their 3-0 win over Seychelles.

The Rotherham United defender was introduced for injured right-back Chidozie Awaziem in the 73rd minute of the encounter and put in a decent showing to help the Super Eagles see out a comfortable victory.

“Was an honour to make my international debut today. Humbled to finally represent my country at the highest level and even more grateful to mark it with a win and clean sheet. Thank you God ,” Ajayi tweeted.

“It was so exciting and an honour to represent my country. It was a very proud day for me. The Cup of Nations

qualifier is the perfect stage for my Super Eagles debut. The team played very well. Three points is always important,” Ajayi told Footballlive.ng.

He added: “I’m just delighted to be out here because it’s such an honour to be called up to represent your country.

It will be a different experience and one that can only make me better as a player.”

The former Arsenal player said that his club performance will earn him more call-ups, just as he reiterated that Rotherham’s target is to stabilise in the English Championship.

“As long as I keep performing for my club I hope to get more call-ups.

At Rotherham United, we are taking it game by game and want to stay up. We will try and continue to stabilise in the English Championship,” he concluded.

Born to Nigerian parents, Ajayi began his football career as a youth product of the Charlton Athletic Academy.

After progressing through the Charlton Athletic ranks, he was offered his first professional contract in January 2012.

In November 2012, Ajayi joined Dartford on a short-term loan for 28 days. He played three games and scored one goal before returning to his parent club in late-December.

After returning to Charlton Athletic, Ajayi played for the reserve side for the rest of the season and helped win the Professional Development League 2.

Shortly before he was due to make his debut for the Charlton first team, Ajayi caught the eye of Premier League side, Arsenal and he joined the Arsenal Academy on a two-year deal after impressing as a trialist with the club in September 2013.

In 2015, Ajayi joined Championship side, Cardiff City on loan until the end of the 2014–2015 Season but did not feature for the first team. At the end of the season, he, however, joined Cardiff on a two-year permanent deal following the end of his contract at Arsenal.

In 2017, Ajayi signed a loan deal until the end of the 2016–17 season with fellow Championship strugglers, Rothertham United and made his debut the following day and ever since he has been solid for his team.

Kalu was very impressive all through the time he was on the field. He showed signs of a player that wants to earn a regular shirt in the team and with the way he played it is obvious he would be one of the players Rohr would be looking up to in future…

You cannot really assess a player that played for less than 20 minutes, however, the little time he was on the field he showed confidence and defended well. But the quality of opposition from the Pirates is not enough to measure a player. However, the fact that he was even supporting the attack is a sign of a good defender 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 ͚ͽ Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

Lionel Messi tries to outwit Cassimero

Barca, Madrid Risk Perfect Record with Basque Trips

R

eal Madrid and Barcelona's flying start to the La Liga season will be put to the test today when they both travel to the Basque country.

Real play Athletic Bilbao while Barcelona visit Real Sociedad in fixtures that have often proved to be among their hardest away trips over the last decade.

Real were held to a goalless draw at the famously atmospheric San Mames Stadium last season and have only won two of their five league visits to the ground since it was built in 2013, and they will face a typically hostile atmosphere as they chase a fourth win after seeing off Getafe, Girona and Leganes.

Champions Barca, meanwhile, have scored 12 goals in their opening three league wins but have only picked up one victory in their last eight league visits to Real Sociedad's Anoeta Stadium, finally snapping an 11-year winless run thereby coming from two goals down to win 4-2 in January.

Things could be even tougher than usual for Ernesto Valverde's side as Real Sociedad will be playing for the first time at their stadium since it was renovated to get rid of a running track and bring the stands closer to the pitch.

"We are very happy because at last,

we get to play at a stadium without a running track, it's going to be a very special day," said Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay.

A new pitch has been re-laid at Anoeta and both clubs will be hoping it fares better than the new surface Barca had to play on in their last away trip when the pitch repeatedly cut up in a narrow 1-0 win at Real Valladolid which led to La Liga launching an investigation.

Barca often struggle in the first game back after an international break but this time they will benefit from extra rest for talisman Lionel Messi, who sat out Argentina's recent international friendlies, and defender Gerard Pique, who has retired from the Spanish national team.

Real Madrid players featured heavily in Spain's 6-0 drubbing of Croatia on Tuesday and the impressive display of midfielder Dani Ceballos may see him force his way into the starting line-up in Bilbao.

Real forward Marco Asensio will also be feeling confident after playing a part in five of Spain's six goals against Croatia, while Gareth Bale will be looking to extend his run of scoring in six consecutive La Liga games, having scored a wonder goal in Wales' 4-1 win over the Republic of Ireland.

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid host Eibar while Valencia will be out to rectify their poor record of two points from three games when they host Real Betis.

Liverpool Seek Wembley Redemption Ă’Ă? Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă’ ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?Ă? ÞÙÎËã Ă‹Ę°Ă?Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• åÓÞÒ Ă?Ù×Ă? ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ʨâÞĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă‘Ă‹Ă—Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁ Ă•Ă“Ă?ÕÙʼ ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ÙʾĂ?Ă˜Ă’Ă‹Ă— ÙÞĂ?ĂšĂ&#x;Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂšĂ™Ă™Ă–Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?ĂŽĂ? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ ĂŒĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŒĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă˜ ĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ ĂĄĂ‹Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ ĂĄĂ“ĂšĂ? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă?Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœËŞĂ? ͚̋͟ Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ăž Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ–Ă?ĂŁ ÞËÎÓĂ&#x;Ă—Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă’Ă™ĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă• Ă’ĂœĂ?Ă? ͺ͚̋ Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă™ĂœĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ÚÓÞĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ę¨ĂœĂ?Þ˛ Ăž Ă“Ă?Ëœ ÒÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă‹ ÑÙÙÎ Ă‘Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă–Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă˜Ă”Ă™ĂŁ

L

iverpool will not have happy memories of their last visit to Wembley Stadium and will head south with a point to prove against Tottenham Hotspur.

Eleven months ago Juergen Klopp's side were swept aside 4-1 by a rampant Tottenham leading to a bout of navel-gazing that, as it transpired, helped transform Liverpool's season.

The defensive lapses that undermined them that day were soon eradicated, the goals began to flow and with the addition of central defender Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in January, Liverpool became a force to be reckoned with.

The damage had already been done though and, just like every other contender, they never got anywhere near a Manchester City

side that strolled to the Premier League title.

They did reach the Champions League final and have continued the momentum into the new campaign, topping the table with four wins from four, scoring nine goals and conceding one.

Tottenham began with three wins but slipped up in their last game before the international break, losing 2-1 at Watford who are surprisejoint-leaders.

Early in the season it may be, but the lunchtime clash will offer a pointer as to which club can push on and make a credible challenge to a City side who host Fulham.

Tottenham's starting line-up will be similar to the one that started last year's fixture after the London club bucked the trend by spending nothing in the transfer window.

Liverpool, on the other hand, splashed out

in the region of 160 million pounds on the likes of Naby Keita, versatile Brazilian Fabinho, Brazil keeper Alisson and Swiss playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri from relegated Stoke City.

The Merseysiders have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League meetings against Tottenham.

There is an edge between the clubs and Klopp knows three points today would send out a message of intent.

Defeat for Tottenham in a fixture that was supposed to be the christening of their new stadium will lead to further scrutiny of the decision to trust the same players that have achieved three successive top-three finishes but no silverware.

While Liverpool's outlay on new players has, so far, proved beneficial, the same cannot be said of West Ham United. The London

club bolstered their squad with nearly ÂŁ100 million worth of new signings for incoming manager Manuel Pellegrini, but are pointless after four games.

Things do not get any easier either with West Ham away to Everton on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho takes his Manchester United side to high-flying Watford today knowing they cannot afford another slip-up if they are to stay on the coattails of the Premier League pacesetters.

A 2-0 victory against struggling Burnley followed by an international break has taken the heat off the Portuguese manager as he tries to inject momentum into a stuttering start to the season.

Defeat at Watford - who have won all four of their games would leave United nine points off the lead and their title ambitions in

33

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

GLOBAL SOCCER Premiership Table TEAM Liverpool Chelsea Watford Man City Tottenham Bournemouth Everton Leicester Arsenal Man Utd Wolves Southampton Fulham Brighton Crystal Palace Cardi HuddersďŹ eld Newcastle Burnley West Ham

P 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

GD 8 7 6 8 5 1 1 1 0 -1 -1 0 -2 -2 -3 -3 -8 -3 -6 -8

PTS 12 12 12 10 9 7 6 6 6 6 5 4 4 4 3 2 2 1 1 0

Fixture TODAY Tottenham Bournemouth Chelsea HuddersďŹ eld Man City Newcastle

v v v v v v

Watford

v Man Utd

17:30

SUNDAY Wolvers

v Burnley

13:30

Everton

v West Ham

16:00

Liverpool Leicester Cardi City Crystal Palace Fulham Arsenal

12:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00

La Liga Fixture TODAY AtlĂŠtico Sociedad Valencia Bilbao

v v v v

Eibar Barcelona Real Betis Madrid

12:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

SUNDAY LeganĂŠs Espanyol Valladolid Sevilla

v v v v

Villarreal Levante AlavĂŠs Getafe

11:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

Serie A Fixture

tatters midway through September.

Former United and England defender Gary Neville hopes his old club can still mount a challenge to Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool despite two defeats in four matches.

"If they can stay in it until January and maybe get one or two defenders in, they may have a chance, but I doubt it," he told The Timesnewspaper. "I think United will be third or fourth."

Neville insisted it is far too early to write Mourinho off despite his early-season struggles, which have given rise to the suspicion he is yesterday's man.

"I think Jose is a brilliant manager, and, in a 25-year career, young managers will emerge, people will ask questions if you aren't successful," he added.

"He's having a more difficult time, but finished? I genuinely think that's a nonsense."

Mourinho's tasks in solving a rift with World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba and his side's defensive frailties have not gone away in the international break, even if some of his stars showed the richness of the resources at his disposal with their countries.

Romelu Lukaku continued a fine start to his season by netting three times for Belgium and Marcus Rashford scored twice for England, against Spain and Switzerland.

Rashford has struggled for time on the pitch at United this season with Mourinho

able to pick from a clutch of attacking options including Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial and Juan Mata.

But the United boss will be spared the difficult decision of whether to play Rashford over the next few weeks, with the 20-year-old starting a three-game ban against Watford following a red card in the Burnley match.

Mourinho could also be without defender Luke Shaw, who suffered a nasty head injury in England's match against Spain on his return to the national side.

Watford brushed aside Brighton, Burnley and Crystal Palace as they made a perfect start to the season.

But their real statement of intent came in their come-from-behind win against Tottenham that enabled them to keep pace with Liverpool and Chelsea.

Watford boss Javi Gracia, though, warned his side of underestimating United.

"Nowadays we talk about the coaches a lot more, but they have a great squad, many internationals, recently crowned champions of the world," said the Spaniard.

"We've seen them in all the big international games and we know it is going to be a very difficult game. But we will try to compete in the same way we have done things in the last couple of games.

"I think that as soon as we begin to think the next game is going to be easier for some reason, we are dead... we will pay heavily for

Head to Head 06/02/12 28/11/12 10/03/13 15/12/13 30/03/14 31/08/14 10/02/15 17/09/15 02/04/16 27/08/16 25/10/16 11/02/17 22/10/17 04/02/18

Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool Liverpool 3-2 Tottenham Tottenham 0-5 Liverpool Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham Tottenham 0-3 Liverpool Liverpool 3-2 Tottenham Tottenham 0-0 Liverpool Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham Tottenham 1-1 Liverpool Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Tottenham 4-1 Liverpool Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham

any sense of over-confidence against a team like United."

Chelsea, who have quietly gone about their business under new manager Maurizio Sarri, are also 100 per cent after four games and will relish a home clash against Cardiff City.

TODAY Inter v Parma Napoli v Fiorentina Frosinone v Sampdoria

14:00 17:00 19:30

SUNDAY Roma Genoa Juventus Udinese Empoli Cagliari

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 17:00 19:30

v v v v v v

Chievo Bologna Sassuolo Torino Lazio AC Milan

Bundesliga Fixture TODAY Mainz 05 v Munich v DĂźsseldorf v Leipzig v Wolfsburg v M. gladbach v SUNDAY Bremen Freiburg

FC Augsburg Leverkusen Hoenheim Hannover Hertha Berlin Schalke 04

v Nuremberg v Stuttgart

14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 17:30 14:30 17:00

34

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

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS GOtv Boxing NextGen 4

Coaches, Administrators Thrilled by Performance Levels

C

oaches and boxing authority figures at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 4 holding in Abeokuta have expressed delight at the quality of young boxers participating in the programme.

The three-day event designed to spot young aspiring professional boxers started on Thursday at the Dunkin Pepper Gym of the MKO Abiola International Stadium.

At yesterday's session which featured over 50 bouts, coaches and

boxing administrators praised the level of performances put up by the boxers on parade and were thrilled by the preponderance of youthful boxers.

The programme will be concluded today with the announcement of selected boxers. The selection was made by elite coaches with a cumulative boxing experience of over 100 years.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday, Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director of Flykite Productions

stated that all boxers selected today from the event will have their professional boxing licence fees paid by the Chairman of GOtv Boxing, Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya (SAN) and will also be given free pre-licensing medical check-up.

He also said that this year's edition has experienced the highest turnout of boxers since the first edition, recording boxers from over five states: Lagos, Enugu, Ondo, Abia, Oyo and Ogun.

Alumona equally stated that at least

Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? Ù×Ă?Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ă˜ ÙÖÎĂ? Ùà Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ ͚͸

ͺ͸͚΀Ë? Ă?Ă‹Ă— Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? ĂĄĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ? ÙÖÎ Ă?ĂŽĂ‹Ă–Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂŁĂ—Ă˜Ă‹Ă?ÞÓĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ–Ă“Ę°Ă“Ă˜Ă‘

Team Lagos have a haul of medals in Gymnastics and Weightlifting events at the ongoing National Youth Games, taking place at the University of Ilorin in Ilorin, Kwara State.

A sensational young gymnast from Lagos Abimbola Disu wascynosure of all eyes as she won three gold and silver medals on Tuesday in the Gymnastics events of the 4th National Youth Games, while Zainab Quadri won three gold in 48kg of the Weightlifting event In the Girls Apparatus Final (Vault), Abimbola, 14, a student of BrendedCollege, Ebute-metta, won gold medal with 10.30 points. She went ahead to win another gold medal in Floor Girls event with 12.65 points, and also a gold medal as best all-around girl with 40.35 points.

In the Team Event for Girls, Team Lagos won a gold medal with 96.20 points leaving Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Plateau State with one silver and a bronze medal at 82.65 and 75.60 points respectively.

In the Team Event for Boys, Team Lagos claimed silver medal with 43.80 points, while Team Plateau won the gold medal of that event, Team Oyo settled for bronze medal with 41.70 points.

Overall Team Lagos won four gold medals, two silver and one bronze medals. Team Edo was second with four gold, while Team Plateau placed third with one gold, three silver and one bronze medals.

Meanwhile, Zainab Disu was outstanding in jack, clean and jack events of 48kg category of the weightlifting event of the NYG 2018 on Wednesday.

ĂžĂ‹Ăœ Ă“Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă? âĂ?Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă Ă? ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă‘Ă’ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă&#x;ĂœĂ™ĂšĂ‹ Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?

Africa’s leading pay-TV operator, StarTimes has acquired exclusive broadcasting rights for UEFA Europa League in subSaharan Africa until 2021.

The broadcast, which will begin on September 20, will see football fans enjoy matches between the best European clubs. “We are very happy to bring UEFA Europa League to our subscribers. This summer FIFA World Cup was a success and fans really appreciated that we brought them ICC exclusive and live right after. We then thought that they would be delighted to watch another European club competition on StarTimes,� explained Qasim Elegbede, StarTimes Brand and Marketing Director. “We are working hard to bring the best sports content to our subscribers. This season will be intense for football fans with Bundesliga, French Ligue 1, FIFA Club World Cup, French and Italian Cups and now UEFA Europa League.�

StarTimes will broadcast UEFA Europa League in all sub-Saharan Africa except South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.

StarTimes has been awarded exclusive rights for English, Portuguese and local languages in English and Portuguese speaking areas.

two of the selected boxers at GOtv Boxing NextGen 4 will fight at the next edition of the GOtv Boxing Night.

Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, President, Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), commended sponsors of the programme for their continued support for Nigerian boxing.

Mr. Remi Aboderin, President, West African Boxing Union (WABU), who was also in attendance, expressed gratitude to the organisers and sponsors.

L-R: Dr RaďŹ u Ladipo, President, Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C); Mr Jenkins Alumona, Chief Executive OďŹƒcer Flykite Productions and Mr Kayode Soyemi, GOtv Marketing Executive during the GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 4 Press Conference held in Abeokuta yesterday

Rohr Reveals What Weah Told Him Before Liberia-Nigeria Friendly Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has revealed that Liberian President, George Weah, reminded him that he sustained an injury when Bordeaux faced AC Milan in the quarterfinal second leg of the UEFA Cup 22 years ago.

The Bordeaux team coached by Rohr shocked Milan 3-0 with Weah going the distance despite suffering an injury.

The former Chelsea striker made a return to the national team 16 years after he retired in Nigeria's 2-1 win over the Lone Stars on September 11, starting and playing for 79 minutes before he was substituted.

''We were told maybe five or six days before. There was a beautiful atmosphere, a lot of people, it was super nice,'' Rohr said to L'Equipe. ''Weah reminded me that he had broken his hand against Bordeaux that I was training, on a contact, involuntary I think, with 'Liza' (Bixente Lizarazu). ''He had played the whole match like that and in one lastaction, he had even fallen back.''

The Super Eagles scored through Henry Onyekuru and Simeon Nwankwo before Kpah Sherman reduced the deficit with a late penalty.

2018 Nigeria FMCG Games Enter Week Three All is now set for the Week Three at the ongoing 2018 Nigeria FMCG Games this Sunday, 15 September at the Alumni building, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

This weekend the drama continues with two football matches and the commencement of the indoor games - Scrabbles, Table Tennis and Chess.

In the second weekend of championship there was the feeling of expectancy in the air as the anxious fans watched the participating teams compete against each other for the right to claim all three points and move a step closer to being crowned the football champions of the tournament.

The action-packed day was graced by dignitaries from participating teams; Victoria Uwadoka - Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria, Adelanwa Olawunmi – Human Resource Services Manager, Nestle, Olu-

watorinmo Fabamwo – Human Resource Manager, Reckitt Benckiser, Ayo Alabi – Corporate Affairs Manager, Guinness and Lawal Shakiru – Human Resources Manager, Agbara Factory, Nestle.

The match day 2 featured two football matches. The first match saw the FMCG football defending champions, FrieslandCampina take on Reckitt Benckiser in an exciting game. Both teams created numerous chances to score but were denied by the opposing goalkeepers as the match ended in a stalemate.

In the second match, Guinness took on Nestle in a pulsating match. Nestle dominated the early stages of the match but Guinness grew into the game with both teams almost clinching the winner.

The match ended in a goalless to end an exciting day of football with lots of chances created but also witnessing some fantastic goalkeeping.

The 2018 edition of the Lagos Women Run, a 10 kilometre marathon race, the third in the series, has been scheduled to hold in Lagos on Saturday, November 10, with series of innovation introduced to make the event a memorable one.

According to the General Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, the LWR, which is the first and only Women race in Nigeria, would see females from all walks of life running the 10 kilometres race.

One of the latest innovations that would be introduced in the 2018 edition of the Lagos Women Run is the new route of competition. In the words of Tayo Popoola: “This time around, the Lagos Women Run would start from the ultra-modern Bus Rapid Transit park at the Race Course, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island and move throughApogbon, down to Ijora Olopa to link the National Art Theatre, then down Costain Bus Stop towards the National Stadium and finish at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

Popoola, stated that the new route was carefully selected by the Local Organising Committee to compliment the new face of Lagos under the administration of the sports-loving Governor of the state, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, while at the same time showcasing the beauty of Lagos.

She stated that in fulfillment of the promise she made in 2017, that the 2018 edition would be a lot better, two categories of women runners will compete in the race.

They comprise the Open Category made up of runners from ages 18 years to 44 and the Veteran Category for runners from age 45years and above. The two categories will be differentiated by the colours of their running bibs.

Ă?ÞåËã Ă“Ă?Ă•Ă? Ùʼ ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă“Ă?Ăœ ͽ̋Ë̋Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ? Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?

Betway, a leading international online and mobile sports betting operator, has announced the formation of Nigeria’s first amateur 5-a-side football league, the Betway 5s League.

The league will kick off in September 2018 in the commercial capital of Nigeria, Lagos. As well as being the official kit sponsor of Premier League club West Ham United, Betway has been an active force in Nigeria improving community relations, grassroots football, fitness, and the love of the game. “The Betway 5s League is organised primarily to further encourage the growing culture of 5-a-side football in Nigeria by creating a competitive annual league and it will be a very competitive nine weeks of football and we expect a lot of talent to be displayed.� said the Country Manager of Betway Nigeria, Mr. Lere Awokoya.

The league, which will be made up of 24 registered teams, will be played in four locations across Lagos. These locations include two venues on Lagos Island (Lekki), and two venues on the Lagos Mainland (Ikeja and Surulere). Matches will be held on Saturdays at each location over a five-week regular season. After the season has been completed, a playoff involving the league’s four top teams from across the two zones will decide the league’s champions. The winning team will claim One Million Naira in prize money, while the second and third placed teams will also receive cash prizes.

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

35

GLOBAL SOCCER

Jayden with family members

SuperSport academy where Jayden was discovered

A New Gunner is Born?

Aside from their free-ow style of football, what erstwhile Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger and indeed Arsenal as a football club is noted for is given teenagers opportunity to show their talent and the list is endless and it therefore came as a little surprise when the North London club signed on nine-year-old Nigerian’s kid, Jayden Adetiba, after ďŹ veweeks trial. However, whether he would blossom to be a real Gunner is another question entirely

A

rsenal might not have made it big during the summer transfer by bringing a in a high profile player, but the Gunners had a fair share of the market.

The Gunners how hit the air waves last week with the signing of nine-year-old Nigerian- Jayden Adetiba, after impressing the football club during a five-week trial.

Adetiba has been living in South Africa and has also spent time living in the UK. He has been a fan of the team his whole life. He spoke about how he felt about the news. “I thank God and my parents for this. I am very happy. I train three times a week at the academy,� he told The Sun. Adetiba has been playing for the SuperSport United Soccer School in Cape Town.

Footballing talent seems to run in the family, with his older brother having spent three years at Blackburn Rovers' Academy.

For Adetiba, it's a dream come true. "The amazing thing is, I have always been an Arsenal fan and I will work hard every day to make the first team."

According to his former coach at the SuperSport United Soccer School in Cape Town, Brent Sanders, he said it was clear from day one that Adetiba had "something special".

"Jayden worked with me for two years from the age of seven, and from his first practice session I could see that he was an exceptional talent that stood out in the group," Sanders said.

"You could see he had something special, but what was also so impressive was the way he progressed almost with every training session. He had a real hunger to learn and was able to put that into practice quickly."

Sanders said that above the youngster's obvious ability, it was also his attitude that set him apart.

"His mentality is different, the way he goes about his training. His work ethic is a lot better than other kids his age, and I think that comes down to the way he was brought up. His family is very supportive of him and that allows Jayden to express himself. He never stops the intensity of his

training, you can see how much he wants it."

Adetiba has signed for Arsenal, but Sanders revealed that he first joined Blackburn Rovers earlier this year.

"We went to the FDS [Futebol de Salao] World Cup in Johannesburg last year, and Jayden was scouted there by Blackburn Rovers. We won the tournament and he was given a trial by Blackburn at the beginning of this year, after which he was offered a place in their academy.

"I stand corrected but I think in his first match for Rovers he scored four goals and won Man of the Match. After just a month with Blackburn, he was offered a fiveweek trial with Arsenal and has now been offered a contract."

Another stand-out feature of the youngster is his maturity, Sanders said.

"Kids peak at different times, but with his maturity level, if you saw him you would think he is a 10- or 11 years old, and he was like that from the age of seven or eight. He has this will to learn and to always try to become a better player."

Sanders believes he has other youngsters in his academy who could follow a similar path as Adetiba, but they do not have the benefit of a United Kingdom passport to help get them into an academy set-up overseas at an early age.

Sanders nevertheless believes more young players of Adetiba's quality will be discovered if they enter academies at an earlier age.

"In South Africa there needs to be more attention in the area of grassroots football.

Most academies start at the age of 13 and by that age too many bad footballing habits have been instilled in the kids. In this country we are starting too late.

"South African kids are naturally talented, as talented as their peers overseas, but they are not being taught the basic skills at an early age, and therefore they fall behind.

"But I think academies like ours can make a difference. Look at Jayden, and he is not the only one who can make it out of our group."

It however remains to be seen how well Jayden would progress to become a star.

Jayden signing a contract with Arsenal FC

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

FAIRGROUND The Thrills and Fun from The Dubai Girls Trip

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

D

ubai Tourism Africa rcently treated Nollywood actors, Omoni Oboli, Uche Jumbo, Chioma Akpotha and Ufuoma Mcdermott as well as media personalities, Azuka Ogujiuba of ThisDay Newspaper and Chioma Omeruah popularly known as Chigurl to an all expense paid 5-day luxurious trip to Dubai tagged #DubaiGirlsTrip.

The trip which kicked off from August 26th, 2018 through 30th of same month, had the ladies wishing for another visit to the United Arab Emerates as they had their very first breakfast at the popular five-star Hotel Zabeel Al Seef where they stayed for two days. Of course the first day in Dubai only started at this point as they also visited the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, Aquarium/ Dubai Mall and had the SeaWingsExperience.

For all the obvious reasons, the trip was indeed a memorable one for the ladies as they did also experience how things are unfold at a traditional market called Dubai Gold Souq.

Among other amazing and wow moments for the ladies, were visits to Atlantis the Palm where they had the Atlantis Dolphin experience, they stopped at the Ski Dubai, had a great time at the La Perle and backstage tour, then headed to the Platium Heritage for sightseeing as well had a photoshoot session after which they had a dinner at Kiza.

One of the highlights of the luxurious all expense paid Dubai Girls Trip was definitely the fact that the ladies had the opportunity to visit at least 3 prime shopping locations, Gold Souk, Dubai Mall, and Mall of Emirates where they shooped loads of designers items among other things to their satisfaction.

The trip which was planed and supervised by the Director Dubai Tourism Africa, Stella Ibiene Obinwa was such an adventure for the ladies as they experienced the hospitality of Dubai in it's fullest.

L-R: Ufuoma McDermott, Stella Fubara, Uche Jumbo, Chioma Akpotha and Omoni Oboli

Chioma Omeruah (Chigurl) with her shopping bags Joy, Charmaine Afolabi, Salim Dahman, Adewale and Chigurl

Omoni Oboli Uche Jumbo catching fun

Chioma Akpotha and Ufuoma McDermott Chioma Akpotha, Ufuoma McDermott, Uche Jumbo, Chioma Omeruah and Omoni Oboli

Chioma Omeruah, Azuka Ogujiuba and Chioma Akpotha

Chigurl, Chioma Akpotha, Omoni Oboli, Salim Dahman,Abdallah, Uche Jumbo, Charmaine Afolabi, Khalaf, and Ufuoma McDermott

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

FAIRGROUND

The Naija Social Media Awards

I

ts an annual event that would honor winners from 36 categories as polled from their personalities and activities on social media. All nominees must be active on social media to be a part of the awards.

The universe for the NSMA covers the entire virtual world of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Blogs and other entertainment sites.

While the nominated shall be selected by a respectable committee working with professional guidelines, the selection of winners from the nominated would lie strictly on the voting fan base.

Every owner of a social media handle or account is an automatic

eligible participant.

Collation of the final results and presentation of awards shall be unveiled on a magical award nite with performances from social media sensations from the world of comedy and music.

There is more to the NSMA awards says the organisers: Emma Ugolee and Paul Cole CHIORI, who have been working on building the concept for over a year. "We wanted an award ceremony that left every participant satisfied after the show. Voter, Nominated and Winner.

No post event debates. So the NSMA is built on remarkable transparency and an unprecedented reward system where no nominee goes home empty handed and the voters get thrilled with surprises.

Paul Cole

RMD, Don Jazzy Land in Scotland

R

ichard MofeDamijo (popularly known as RMD), and music maestro, Don Jazzy, arrived Scotland, United Kingdom, in a quest to uncover the secrets of the perfectly blended whisky.

During the 4-day tour, RMD and Don Jazzy will be immersed in the process of selection of the 29 single malt whiskies that are blended into the full flavour that defines Johnnie Walker.

RMD & Don Jazzy will tour the world’s largest private whisky collection and the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.

They will additionally visit Cardhu Distillery and Dalwhinie Distillery; and dine at the exclusive Kitchin amongst other top Scottish experiences.

Don Jazzy, IK Agu (Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador) and RMD

Shuga to Celebrate 20 Years with Shuga Coated Concert After rising to become Nigeria’s leading musical band, the Shuga Band led by polio survivor and ambassador, Akiin Shuga has concluded plans to become the first musical band to host a prestigious live show at the Eko Hotels and Suites on Sunday, October 21, 2018.

The Shuga Band which started two decades ago has had performances upon performances, played for Presidents after Presidents, the favourite musical band of governors, captain of industries, and corporate bodies; with cross cultural representation and performances in almost all geo political zone in the country, the band has not only conquered Nigeria but even gone ahead to headline multiple shows and events on the international scene.

The Shuga Coated concert has been proclaimed to be an event that will remain unforgettable in people’s mind.

With major performances to come from the professional Shuga Band, creating a musi-

cal experience through the times, and highly experienced and versatile hosts with loads of surprises.

The man who has defied the odds both personally and professionally to build this band from nothing and who is known to pick raw talents and polish them into becoming great instrumentalists and singers, Akiin Shuga is overjoyed at how far they have come but he insists that Shuga Coated Concert will be nothing compared to anything we have ever witnessed from the band before.

“We are overjoyed at being able to remain consistent in a very dynamic event industry for 20 years. It is no small feat because we have seen many come and go.

It is by the grace of God and the support of our friends all over the world who continued to patronize us.

I am super excited because I can remember when this started. I know the struggles and the battles we fought personally and professionally to remain grounded and

committed to excellence. Yes, today we are referred to as Nigeria’s most prestigious live band but we didn’t start like this. We had to pay our dues, he said” Responding to what the public, clients and fans should expect at the Shuga Coated Concert: “We have had hundreds of performances all across Nigeria. But what our friends who attend Shuga Coated concert will experience will be nothing compared to anything they have seen from us before.

We are taking it ten notches higher.

This is a celebration of our fall and rise but more candidly, it is a celebration of those who have stood by us and made us their preferred for 20 years. I can assure you that we will deliver a worldclass musical experience, Akiin Shuga said.”

Shuga Coated concert will take place on Sunday, October 21 at Eko Convention Centre to a premium audience who can get a pass to the show.

Shuga Band Shuga Coated Concert

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

AUTO Buy, Pay Later Using Kia Finance Scheme with Access Bank

W

idelytoutedasanintimidating process at first, applying for a car loan is now easier and accessible. The Kia Access Bank joint vehicle acquisition scheme is introduced to seamlessly bridge the gap between customers’ desire to own a new car and their budget. To ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible, the finance scheme has provided a flexible acquisition scheme that fits all.

Choosing how to pay for a new Kia is as important as deciding which model customers’ want to drive.As one of the leading auto companies in Nigeria with special interest in making buying process of new cars easy, flexible and affordable, Kia Motors Nigeria has struck a partnership deal withAccess Bank to provide car acquisition scheme that perfectly fits varied budgets and allow customers to drive any 2018 Kia models now and pay later at your pace.

When taking out finance to buy a car, it is important that intending car owners consider all the available options that won’t take a toll or hamper their budget. The joint finance scheme withAccess Bank is designed to provide customers with key information on Kia cars and flexible payment options to help make them own their dream car.

Financing a new car with Kia is simple, whether it’s the 2018 Kia Rio or the leading class SUV, the Sportage, Kia finance scheme with Access Bank have a range of products and offers which can be personalized to suit individual needs. The finance option offers a simple car loan, structured to customers’ budget, with monthly repayments throughout the agreement.

Nissan and Ryan Keys celebrating all-new Nissan Micra design

Nissan, Ryan Keys Celebrate All-new Nissan Micra Design with Dress Collection Stories by Bennett Oghifo

N

issan is celebrating the fifth generation of Nissan’s iconic Micra with the creation of a dress collection by Ryan Keys inspired by the boldlydesigned vehicle.

“I was extremely inspired by the “V-motion” grille which translated well in the collection’s necklines. In addition to this, the Micra’s exterior design also added to the detail of my garments,” says Keys.

Nissan Group ofAfrica is located in SouthAfrica and it serves 45 markets throughout Africa. The companymanufacturesvehiclesinSouthAfricain both left- and right hand drive format for export to the rest of the continent and as semi knock-down kits for the new state of the art assembly facility in Nigeria.Apart from its facilities in Nigeria and South Africa, Nissan also assembles vehicles in Kenya, Morocco and Egypt.

Nissan chose to partner with the young designer following the launch of the Nissan Micra in May, which represented a significant progression in design that aimed to revitalise the city car segment in South Africa. Nissan put customers

at the heart of the development of the all-new Micra with extensive focus groups and clinics to create a no-compromise package that answers the needs of city car buyers.

“I am so happy to have partnered with the 5th generation Nissan Micra, as the original was my first car. I love the evolution in design that Nissan has brought to the table, not only with the all-new Micra, but all their cars. Each garment was targeted towards the Micra target market – the young and vibrant individual that want to enjoy driving a car that suits their personality.”

With a bold exterior design and an interior that is both contemporary and premium, the all-new Micra is perfect if you’re looking for an injection of excitement in your life.

To further celebrate the Micra, Nissan hosted Keys and his collection at its Rosslyn-based headquarters for a Women’s Day celebration.

The event gathered 300 of Nissan’s 480-women complement, ranging from those working in the manufacturing plant to those in corporate roles.

Reigning Miss World SouthAfrica Thulisa Keyi attended the event to speak about working in the corporate space and staying true to yourself.

Radio and TV personality Somizi Mhlongo also attended to celebrate Women’s Day with the

Nissan staff.

Expressive Nissan Micra Design The new Nissan Micra has dynamic hatchback proportions, and with an overall length of 3,999 mm, it’s placed right at the core of the B-hatchback segment. Featuring a sculpted body with strong and sharp character lines visible from every angle, the car delivers an athletic feeling that’s hard to ignore.

From the front, the shortened bonnet design and reduced A-pillar angle create a poised silhouette. The narrow headlamps stretch through the front wings and include signature LED daytime running lights on every trim level.

Halogen headlamps are standard on all grades.

The lights frame Nissan’s familiar “V-motion” grille, reinterpreted to complete the new Micra’s bold front-end design.

Below the car’s sloping roof line is the expressive character which runs the entire length of the new Micra’s body, dipping dramatically as it passes over the front door and sweeping upwards towards the rear. The black B and C-pillars create a floating roof effect, while the C-pillar is home to the discrete door handles which provide access for rear passengers.

Hilux Crowned SA’s Most Popular new Vehicle for 8th

T

he Toyota Hilux has been crowned South Africa’s most popular new vehicle for the eighth consecutive time in 2018. Amassing a total of 3,366 units in the month of August and 26 581 year-to-date, the Hilux is now 6 468 units ahead of its nearest competitor with some four months to go before year-end.

The mighty Hilux accounted for more than 30% of the marque’s overall vehicle sales as well as more than half the Toyota Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) total sales. Key to the total LCV sales of 5 039 was the Quantum platform, recording 1 477 sales – including 1 257 taxis, 172 busses and 48 vans.

On the passenger front, Toyota moved no less than5 434units – with outstanding sales performances by Corolla and Corolla Quest (1 136), Etios (900), Yaris (884) and Avanza (442).

A total of 1 958 Toyota and Lexus SUVs models also found new homes. SA’s most popular SUV, Fortuner, recorded 888 units, while newcomer Rush sold a total of 300 units. The funky C-HR continued its steady run with a respectable 223 units. Luxury SUVs, Land Cruiser 200 and Prado, fared just as well, registering 109 and 108 sales, respectively. Lexus SUVs were registered double digit sales again: NX (20), RX (10) and LX (14).

In terms of Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles segment, both the Hino 300 and 500 Series improved on their July sales, selling 186 and 131 units apiece.

Mercedes-Benz Records Over 1.5 million Units in First Eight Months

M

ercedes-Benz delivered 1,512,268 vehicles to customers worldwide in the first eight months of this year, thus setting a new record (+1.1%), according to a statement by the automaker.

Never before in the company’s history were sales of 1.5 million vehicles achieved earlier in the year. Mercedes-Benz sold 155,918 (-8.5%) vehicles worldwide in August, the 30th consecutive month with global sales of more than 150,000 units due to the ongoing strong demand for cars with the three-pointed star.

As expected, however, there was an impact on unit sales in August from challenges relating to vehicle availability, including model changes and delays in vehicle certification in some markets. Nevertheless, Mercedes-Benz defended in the first eight months of the year its position as the best-selling premium brand worldwide.

“I am delighted that Mercedes-Benz reached the mark of 1.5 million cars delivered earlier

than ever in the year. As a strong team, we will continue to work on meeting the ongoing high demand for our vehicles, also again in terms of delivery,” stated Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. “And with the EQC, we have presented the first fully-electric SUV of our EQ product and technology brand to the world public in Stockholm. We will set additional markers and impulses in the market with the EQC,” Seeger continued.

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by region and market In Europe, Mercedes-Benz sold 54,989 vehicles in August (-10.7%). In the first eight months of the year, sales totalled 597,347 units (-3.9%). In Germany, the domestic market, Mercedes-Benz delivered 21,442 vehicles with the three-pointed star in August (-14.8%) and a total of 195,163 cars were handed over to customers in Germany in the first eight months of this year (-4.2%). In France, Spain, Sweden, Poland and Denmark, more cars with the star were sold in the first eight months than ever before in that period.

Captionssss

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

39

AUTO

Rolls-Royce Motor CarsTakes Luxury of Privacy to a new Level Stories by Bennett Oghifo

A

stheworld’sleadingluxurybrand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is best placed to understand and harness the many different possibilities of luxury for its influential clients.

Throughout history the power brokers and history makers have negotiated some of the most historical agreements in confidence thanks to the ‘luxury of privacy’ afforded to them by the rear compartment of a Rolls-Royce.

As the world’s leading luxury brand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is best placed to understand and harness the many different possibilities of luxury for its influential clients. Throughout history the power brokers and history makers have negotiated some of the most historical agreements in confidence thanks to the ‘luxury of privacy’ afforded to them by the rear compartment of a Rolls-Royce.

In this spirit, Rolls-Royce announced at the 2018 Chengdu Motor Show today the introduction of the ‘Privacy Suite’ for the new Extended Wheelbase Phantom; an innovation that provides unrivalled levels of privacy and luxury.

As it has over the past 90 years, Phantom today stands as the most celebrated luxury item in the world.Itslegendcompelstheworld’smostinfluential and enigmatic individuals – men and women who demand the ‘luxury of privacy’ wherever they travel.

Expressingadeepunderstandingofthisrequirement, the marque has created the Privacy Suite, balancing functionandluxurywithoutcompromisingthespace

and comfort of rear passengers.

Rolls-Royce has once again demonstrated the link between luxury and technology with the integration of Electrochromatic Glass, allowing front and rear cabins to be visually separated at the touch of a button. The rear occupant is offered the option to see through the glass and on to the road ahead or to instantly transform the glass to opaque, providing a highly sophisticated and absolute level of privacy.

The Privacy Suite also represents a leap forward in sound absorption in a motor car that is already hailed as the quietest in the world, delivering the highest possible levels of acoustic insulation. A frequency-specific compound inhibits the transmission of conversations in the rear cabin to the front cabin, yet a fully integrated Intercom System allows communication on demand. Controlled by the rear passenger, the Intercom System can be used to open a direct line to the driver at the press of a button whilst the driver is able to ‘call’ the rear occupants, who can choose to answer or reject the communication.

In addition, a large aperture controlled solely by the rear passenger allows documents or other objects to be easily passed between the front and rear cabins.

When open, the aperture is discretely illuminated to ensure passengers are satisfied with the nature of the documents or objects before they receive them.

ABespoke Rear Theatre Entertainment system has also been integrated into the Privacy Suite, which includes two high definition 12-inch monitors linked to the motor car’s suite of fully connected software as well as an HDMI port that allows pas-

Rolls-Royce keeps privacy pact sengers to synchronise their highly secure personal devices. This complex execution of craftsmanship and technology is deployed and controlled from

the centre console and, combined with Starlight Headliner and Bespoke Clock, creates a peerless ambience for passengers.

CFAO Yamaha Unveils Crux Rev Motorcycle nveiledinNigeriabythemanagement team led by the Managing Director, Mr. Boye Ajayi, and other commercial motorcycle stakeholders, the product was presented as the first strategic Yamaha motorcycle built for Africa.

The Managing Director stated that the Yamaha Crux Rev was developed after series of thorough local surveys from end users on their needs, comfort and safety requirements.

Explaining the key features of the new product, the company’s Sales Manager, Mr. Enifadhe Abugo, said the main features are 1) class-leading excellent fuel efficiency from its BLUE CORE engine (improved by approx. 20% in comparison to existing models), 2) High performance with full torque, powerful at low speed, strong and smooth passing acceleration 3) Easy handling with newly engineered diamond frame chassis which optimises body size weight and layout creating a balanced body design 4) Stylish design with modern curves, LED headlight, and a plastic tank cover that can be interchanged with the different colour variations.

Other features are reinforcement ribs on the inside which improves toughness and shape

U

retention, a newly developed blue-core engine that increases combustion efficiency, cooling efficiency and reduction in power loss.

TheABS plastic tank cover combines utility, knee grip ease and a stylish design; long, wide and flat seat easy to ride for both rider and passenger; large rear carrier rack with greatly increased luggage area; and rear suspension with dual-rate springs for a pleasant ride..

On the unique selling points that make the Crux Rev superior to other 110cc Motorcycles, the Sales Manager said “The Yamaha motorcycle has a number of features that differentiates it from other brands such as the all new “blue core” engine with excellent fuel economy: 72.2km/p/l; unbreakable plastic fender; stronger front engine guard frame: light weight with optimum rigidity; strong rear suspension: adjustable; advanced air cooled engine; good ground clearance: 160mm; and strong, long and comfortable seat”.

On the fuel economy, the company says a rider who works for six days a week, covering 140kilometres a week, saves N144,000 per annum from fuel versus competitors motorcycles. Also on engine oil economy, the rider saves up to 10 % per week with YAMALUBE – Yamaha’s genuine engine oil.

L-R: State Financial Secretary, All Nigerians Auto Bike Commercial Owners and Workers’ Association, (ANACOWA) (ANACOWA), Yusuf Haruna Oladimeji; National Sales Manager, CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited, Enifadhe Abugo; Regional Manager, Eastern Africa, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Japan, Sakaki Akira; Production Manager, CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Adekola Bukola; Marketing Manager, CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited, Funmi Abiola; Managing Director, CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited, Boye Ajayi; Technical Director, CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited, Fujita Hurukuyi and Chairman Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State, Comrade Chukwu, during the official launch of Yamaha Crux Rev Motorcycle in Lagos… recently

Still on Seat Belt Reminders in Cars for 2019

I

f you have been following my piece that ran for two weeks on seat belt reminders, you must have read my promise to run excerpts of some materials I had earlier used on this same page on seat usage and the misconceptions about its safety value among some road users.

Please enjoy this piece .Some years ago, a very senior colleague of mine told me a pathetic story of a friend of his who died as a result of a brief error in judgement towards the seat-belt use.

According to his story, his friend had gone out with a girlfriend on a certain Friday night. After some drinks, it was time to leave, and the friend obviously thought, and probably spoke it out loud, ‘well, it’s a Friday night, no pestering law enforcement agent on the road to jaw-jaw on seat-belt.’ Note that this man had hitherto been known to be highly compliant to the practice of belting up. But, unfortunately, this particular Friday took a different turn. Even when his girlfriend advised him to use his belt, the man refused. And so, tipsy, (outright drunk?) he engaged gear and drove off. But the girlfriend, smart girl, decided to use her own seat belt. And that’s probably why she’s still alive. Because on approaching the big round-about by the Area 1 Junction in the FCT, the man had a crash and died. The girlfriend was alive to tell the story of what had transpired.

Tie this to another story involving a colleague’s brother-in-law, who is a military Officer. He had

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

just rounded up from a late night assignment, and, obviously fatigued and sleepy, was driving home without using his seatbelt. On his way, somewhere in Lagos, he lost control, ran into a pavement, bounced back to hit a stationary vehicle, which acted as a wedge to finally stop him. But not before the force had snapped his head forward to crash into the windscreen, with his chest hitting the steering. Fortunately, he is still alive to tell the story by himself.

There are so many others, people we know, some of them dead, some of them alive to tell the story by themselves, some with life scaring injuries, some of them drivers, some of them passengers. The deaths, or severity of injuries, could have been avoided if only they had worn their seatbelts.

Seat belts save lives. It can’t be put simpler than that. Seatbelts have been adjudged to be the most effective traffic safety device for the prevention of death and injury in the event of a crash. Wearing

a seat belt can reduce risk of crash injuries by fifty percent, according to the Global National Safety Council.

In Nigeria, when the issue of seatbelt is raised, our minds immediately run to front seat occupants.

It is a general consensus that seatbelts are basically for those in front. Come to think of it, it has been a widely-held belief that seatbelt use is just a necessary nuisance to avoid the greater nuisance of been stopped by an over-zealous Road Safety Official. But that is a far cry from the truth.

A seatbelt is designed to protect the occupants of a vehicle against any dangerous movement in the event of a crash or sudden stop. A seatbelt reduces the severity or even the possibility of an injury in a crash by preventing the occupants from colliding with interior elements of the vehicle or other passengers. It keeps occupants positioned correctly for maximum safety, and prevents them from being ejected from the vehicle.

Statistics from traffic management agencies and groups in developed countries reveal percentage of severity of injuries of deaths resulting from non-use of seatbelts in the event of a crash or a sudden stop. In the United Kingdom, out of the 1,432 car occupants killed in 2007, 34% had not belted up. An estimated 565 people were not using seatbelt when killed in 2005. 370 would have probably survived if they had been properly restrained. In Canada, the ‘insignificant’ 7% of people not wearing seatbelts account for almost 40% of fatalities in crashes. In the US, seatbelts saved almost 13,000 lives in 2009. Nigeria may

not have the sophisticated data bank on this as at today, as the afore-mentioned countries, but fact remains that deaths and permanent injuries are occurring due to non-use of seat belts.

Since we launched the seat belt culture in 2003,you could say without fear of contradiction that the launch was extremely successful, with about 90% compliance level recorded all over the country. However, the focus as at then was on front seat occupants. Fifteen years down the line, the need arises to take another long look at the issue of seat belt usage in the country.

Evolving times come with evolving technologies, which in turn come with associated complications and risk factors, which in their own turn require commensurate strategies to combat. As technology improves on vehicles and roads, traffic management strategies must also be employed to examine ways to minimise crash causative factors inherent in these. Thus, the advantages of seatbelt use forALLoccupants of the vehicle cannot be over-emphasized. The following is a piece I culled from a safety article from the Oklahoma State University, and I’d like to present it just as it was written: Imagine running as fast as you can - into a wall. You’d expect to get pretty banged up. Do you think you could stop yourself if the wall suddenly loomed up when you were two feet away from it? This is exactly the situation you face when the front of your car hits something at only 15 miles an hour.

The car stops in the first tenth of a second, but you keep on at the same rate you were going in the car until something stops you - the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield - if you’re not wearing your safety belt..

40

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

41

42

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍŻÍłËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

‘Outrightly’ Outdated

EBERE WABARA

“O

NLY card carrying (card-carrying) members can be nominated, can nominate, and can vote�

DAILY Sun Editorial of September 11 goofed: “Indeed, the Yoruba Elders (sic) Council (YEC) while praising him for his ‘inspiring’ performance as acting president and as vice president had to express its disappointment on (sic) Osinbajo’s current views restructuring.â€? The imperative of restructuring: disappointment at/with/about/by/ in—depending on context—never ‘on’. “Ahead of 2019 general election in the country, there is the need for the coalition of civil society organisations to provide voter education that will bring about free, fair, credible and violent free (violent-free) election.â€? “SON alerts on (to) cancer-causing substance in school uniforms from Chinaâ€? (THE BUSINESS REPORT, September 10) “Libya (Libyan) coach apologises to Nigeria for ‘juju’ commentâ€? “Rohr invites Ezenwa, four homes based players for Liberia friendlyâ€? Get it right: four home-based players “Police recovers stolen carsâ€? No community application: Police recover (plural verb) stolen cars “Why were they not liquidated outrightly by NDIC and on whose instruction?â€? (Vanguard NEWS ANALYSIS, August 9) There is no such word as ‘outrightly’. The correct entry is ‘outright’, which could function either as an adjective or adverb. Perhaps, in the future, it would be acceptable. â€œâ€Śgive it the oxygen that will restore confidence in (to) our democratic system is indeed sad.â€? (DAILY Sun Editorial, September 12)

BY

“Etuhu turns down last minute call-up� (Vanguard SPORTS, August 9) Nigeria versus Ghana: last-minute call-up.

Still on phrasal verbs: “NNPC-Capital Oil Kero-Direct Scheme kicks-off in 3 states� (THISDAY Business WORLD, August 9) Let us energize: scheme kicks off. For noun application only: kick-off. “Volatility of global stocks: Nigeria may not be immuned� (THE GUARDIAN BUSINESS Banner, August 7) Even Rutam House is not immune from solecisms.

SUNDAY Tribune of August 5 promoted a faulty headline: “AMCON injects N678bn to three rescued banks�

Nigeria’s most informative newspaper: AMCON injects N678b into (take note) 3 nationalized banks.

DAILY INDEPENDENT of August 6 issued a few fractured lines: “Ibrahim explained that the Bridge Banks are being run by the NDIC as growing concern‌.â€? National News: going concerns. “Meanwhile (a comma) the CBN appointed (a hyphen, please) managements cease to be employers (employees) of CBN but are now under the NDIC.â€? “The NDIC boss further said that the corporation will (would) keep operating‌.â€? â€œâ€Śa cutter in cutting key and breaking burglary proof‌.â€? A special entry: burglar proof/alarm. “Travails of under-aged sex workers in the hands of their Madam.â€? Get it right: under-age commercial sex workers.â€? “US-based firm poises to crash prices of ‘Tokunbo’ carsâ€? (DAILY INDEPENDENT Headline, August 5) Auto Business: poised. And this for formal communication which is the basis of newspaper language: second-hand or used cars instead of ‘Tokunbo’! Native

English could be used in vernacular/ local/soft-sell (celebrity)/informal publications, not standard dailies. “Second Niger Bridge: Group tasks FG on expedite actions� (DAILY CHAMPION Banner, August 5) ‘Expedite’ is a verb—not an adjective. So: Group tasks FG to expedite actions. Alternatively: Group tasks FG on expeditious actions.

THE NATION NATURAL HEALTH Column of August 4 was not clinical on two occasions: “It has been noted that cases of mental illness is on the increase in Nigeria‌.â€? Music as healing therapy: cases of mental illness are on the increase. “Our psychiatry hospitals are filled with young men and women suffering from mental disorder.â€? Clinic Day: Our psychiatric hospitals. “I, Otunba (Dr.) Christopher‌on behalf of my family, felicitates with my leader‌.â€? (Full Page Congratulatory Advert, Vanguard, August 4) The challenge of honorary doctorate degrees: I felicitate (not felicitates) with my leader! “Customs dismiss 4 for gross misconductâ€? (Nigerian Tribune Headline, 3 August) The Nigeria Customs Service (either NCS or Customs for headline purposes) takes singular—not plural— verbs. This is too basic to be bungled daily by journalists. “Robbery: Policeman killed by vigilante groupâ€? This way: vigilance group. “The gallantry effort exhibited by the driver of.‌â€? Get it right: either gallantry or gallant effort. “Armed robbers attacked a Lagos bound (a hyphen) luxurious (luxury) bus at the same spot killing some passengers and made (making) away with several millions of naira belong (belonging) to the travellers who were mostly traders.â€? What a coarse arrangement!

We surely need a syntactic consultant surgeon! “The mess has simply re-occurred

Whe n W ill O u r Sta r s Sh ine i n This Pr e sen t D a r k n ess ?

W

e recognise the several vital interventions of our youth, and especially the creatively gifted and exposed titans, in the area of philanthropy, technology, culture interrogation, and similar concepts that may need further explanations. An exercise I hope to provide further down the road.

However, in all the pomp and circumstance of our millennial galaxy of stars - in music, movie, sports, internet, and such exciting innovations and distractions that have seized the imaginations of 100 million odd Nigerians - I feel a sense of disappointment. A throbbing hollowness that painfully appears unlikely to be assuaged in a very long time.

Considering our love for the minimal, and excitement at the mundane, we may not attain defining milestones similar to what transpired at a summer period, like now, a mere two years ago in a country chickily dubbed “God’s own country�.

Two horrible days in July 2016, white police officers “gunned down� two black men on two consecutive days, in a manner that could be described as hasty, indifferent, bothering on the malicious, and callously brazen. Both victims were not hostile, nor threatening the police.

A mildly shocked nation woke up to situation ballooned by the haunting one-liner crusade, ‘Black Lives Matter’. To incinerate any doubts about the frightening fault lines within the American society, a Micah Xavier Johnson showed up to be recognised. He was a black former member of the US Army Reserve who shot and killed five police officers and wounded 11 civilians, hours after a ‘Black Lives Matter’ protest march in Dallas, Texas on July 7 - two days after the first shooting. Johnson was, in a BBC report anchored by Peter Jennings, “himself killed following a stand-off with police, who sent remotely detonated explosives into the car park where he had taken refuge�.

It was in the ensuing gale of despair, demonstrations and demagoguery that a rising star of the American Football League (NFL), Colin Kaepernick (then 28) stirred out of his cozy ambience, to launch a tackle on history. Kaepernick, of mixed blood,

was a talented quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers. He was drafted in 2011, at 23, and two years later, led the 49ers to the final of the Super Bowl (the ‘World Cup’ of American football, sort of). In 2014, Kaepernick signed a six-year contract worth $126m (that is a staggering 45.3 billion naira!)

About two years into that fantastically lucrative arrangement, the 28-year old elected to put all on the line - to start what he didn’t know would become a historic movement with the capacity to, at the very least, invoke some shift in cultural and social engagements, and possibly provoke real change, in the near future.

What did he do? He chose to respond to racially suspect police brutality and murder by some form of a one-man protest in a most disconcerting way - and the world looked up! Even the President of the US, Donald J. Trump could not resist the itch to tweet in rage. But his vitriol is not our focus today.

Kaepernick’s first words on Tweeter, July 5, 2016, the day Alton Sterling (37) was killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were: “Another murder in the streets because of the colour of a man’s skin, at the hands of the people who they say will protect us...

When will they be held accountable?�

The tall troubled sportsman, adopted as a baby by a white family whose two young sons died of heart defects, was deeply loved, and well-educated.

The second-day shooting (on July 6) of 32-year old Philando Castile sparked instant diverse reactions.

Castile, who was in the car with his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds and four year old daughter, alerted the policeman who stopped his car in traffic that he had a licensed firearm on him, and was captured on police dashcam reassuring the agitated white officer that he was only reaching for the ‘particulars’ the police requested for. He was shot six times, at close range. His original crime: that his car had a broken brake light!

Colin Kaepernick’s first act of defiance, and solidarity with the oppressed of his people triggered shockwaves around the sports-loving world - igniting love and hate in unmeasured proportions.

Here is how BBC’s Jennings eloquently crafted the moment: “The singer pauses, hanging between verses. He knows - like the thousands standing around him in the stands, on the pitch and on the

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

because of the propensity of some of our citizens to flout relevant laws and statutes with impunity.â€? Return to the basics: recurred (never re-occurred). “Haruna had at (on) various occasions stunned the nation by the level of fraudulent practices the former functionaries had being (been) involved.â€? “Nigeria’s soccer house set to take the bull by the horn and change the face of the game.â€? Sport Today: take the bull by the horns. “The wretched has (have) no voiceâ€? â€?The victim is a specie (species) from among the wretched of the earth.â€? “We could do nothing against such formidable odds giving (given) the worthless tools at our disposal.â€? â€œâ€Śfrom whom he took over the reign of power.â€? This way: reins of government. “Within few months of his administration, the crime rate in the state ostensibly reduced to the barest minimum....â€?

For goodness’ sake, what is the function of ‘ostensibly’ here? “The congestion on our roads are (is) very unhealthy for the economic sector.�

A recurring S-VD case as below, too “A further review of the performance of the major currencies of Nigeria’s trading partners also indicate (indicates) that the Euro‌.â€? ‘An association comprising of Great Britain and its former colonies....â€? Just remove ‘of’ to foreclose neocolonialism! “The strappy look is now the vogue.â€? ‘Vogue’ and ‘is’ connote currency. So, yank off ‘now.’ “The pen will always eventually silence the gun in a contest between the two (between them) because the former is creative and produces lasting artifacts while the latter is destructive.â€? For me, the bracketed preference hallmarks scholarship.

COUNTERPOINT BY

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON e-mail: fajalive1@gmail.com mobile phone: 08182223348

stage - that the Star-Spangled Banner, the American national anthem, is about to reach its highest point. “Kaepernick is on the team bench. Sandwiched between two giant soft-drink barrels, he sits alone as thousands roar and whoop in appreciation. �I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. �There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder,� he says after the pre-season match in August 2016.

Of course, millions were appalled by the supposed politicisation of a well-treasured sport; just as millions also hoorayed the imagery and audacity of standing by and with dehumanised people in an atmosphere of inequality and bigotry that supplies oxygen to the brutality and brazen wanton killings of people of colour in America - on flimsy and ridiculous excuses. A caption on one of the shooting videos on his Instagram page is viciously apt: “This is what lynchings look like in 2016.�

A week after his shocking “siddon-look� gesture, the movement was well underway. He, in Jennings’ words, “...protests again. This time he is joined by his team-mate Eric Reid, and both men kneel while the national anthem plays. (Nate Boyer, a US Army Special Forces personnel and ex-NFL player, who initially disagreed with Kaepernick’s action), stands next to them. On the same night, at another match, Jeremy Lane of the Seattle Seahawks remains seated for the anthem. The movement is growing.� �It took courage for him to sit initially. It took more courage to bend his position a little bit,�

Boyer adds.� “I told him if they knelt I would be next to them with my hand on my heart, because I support your right to peacefully protest in this country. That is what I fought for.��

(TO BE CONTINUED)

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

PDP

43

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) Power to the People...

Motto: Justice, Unity and Progress

National Secretariat: Plot 1970, Wadata Plaza, Michael Okpara Street, Wuse zone 5, Abuja. Tel: 09-7822806, 09-7822781

Special Announcement

Revised and Updated Time-Table S/N0

Exercise/Activites

Current Date

1.

Last Date for purchase of NASS, Guber and Presidential Forms

Monday September 10, 2018

Monday September 17, 2018

2.

Last Day for submission of forms for NASS, Guber and Presidential

Tuesday September 11, 2018

Tuesday September 18, 2018

3.

New Dates

Thursday September 20, 2018 Screening of NASS, Guber and Presidential Aspirants

Thursday September 13, 2018

4.

Publication of Delegates Lists

Friday September 14, 2018

5.

Governorship Primaries (State Congresses)

PDP

National Assembly Saturday September 22, 2018 Governorship Monday September 24, 2018 Presidential Monday September 24, 2018

Wednesday October 3, 2018

Friday September 28, 2018

Thursday October 4, 2018

Sunday September 30, 2018

Friday September 28, 2018

Sunday September 30, 2018

6.

Appeals on Guber Primaries

7.

House of Representatives Congresses (Candidate Nomination)

8.

Appeals on House of Representatives Congresses

Sunday October 1, 2018

Tuesday October 2, 2018

9.

Senatorial District Congresses (Candidate Nomination)

Tuesday October 2, 2018

Monday October 1, 2018

10.

Appeals on Senatorial District Congresses

Wednesday October 3, 2018

Wednesday October 3, 2018

11.

State House of Assembly Primaries (Candidate Nomination)

Saturday September 15, 2018

Tuesday October 2, 2018

12.

Appeals on SHOA Primaries

Monday September 17, 2018

Thursday October 4, 2018

13.

Presidential Primary Election (National Convention)

Friday 5 - Saturday 6, October 2018 Unchanged

SPECIAL SCREENING FOR ALL OUTSTANDING STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ASPIRANTS WHO ARE YET TO BE SCREENED.

VENUE: PDP NATIONAL SECRETARIAT

DATE: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2018 PDP NATIONAL SECRETARIAT WADATA PLAZA, ABUJA

TIME: 10:00AM

This Time-Table supersedes any other that may be in circulation through other sources, including the social media.

Col. Austin Akobundu National Organizing Secretary

44

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

45

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Ejine Okoroafor

I’m Searching for the Man After My Heart TERRY APALA I’m Addicted to Any Music that Promotes Africa pg. 48

DICE AVENUE Dice Avenue: We’ll Like to Work with Tu Face, Tiwa Savage

pg. 50

46

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR EJINE OKOROAFOR

I’m Searching for the Man After My Heart If Kunle Afolayan, Teco Benson and Chico Ejiro, among other renowned producers ring bell to you, then Ejine Okoroafor is one of the next-generation of Nollywood filmmakers you should lookout for.

Despite the presence of bigwigs in the industry, Ejine feels that Nollywood is not yet saturated and still has very huge untapped opportunities. The delectable and sumptuously busty producer cum actress shares her road to limelight with Chinedu Ibeabuchi As a child, I loved watching Nigeria movies because the stories are always interesting and motivating. I still remember watching Genevieve in the movie ‘Sharon stone.’ So after my secondary school, I went to study Theatre Art at the University of Port Harcourt but those who know me well can confirm that right from my secondary school days, I have been industrious and always helping my mum in business

turn, I sell in school. From there, I started trading in Ghana, Dubai, South Africa and China. I used to have a shop in Owerri back in 2011 and I used to go for movie auditions in Lagos anytime I was on holiday.

The first movie I featured in was Oil village. I acted the role of a jjournalist who interviewed late Sam Loco. I heard they were filming across the lake so I went to meet the director, Sam Onwuka that I wanted to be part of it. Afterwards, I left back to school.

Okoroafor

I’m a film maker and an entrepreneur. am from a family of seven and occupy the fifth position. I’m from oguta in Imo state and interestingly, I grew up in Oguta. I’m a film maker and an entrepreneur. I just finished work on a movie I produced called Trophy wife. The movie is written

I

and directed by Tchidi Chikere and also featured Laz Ekwume, Esther Ahudu, Tamara Etaimo and several others.

I Grew up Watching Nigerian Movies As a child, I loved watching Nigeria movies because the stories are always interesting and motivating. I still remember watching Genevieve in the movie ‘Sharon

stone.’ So after my secondary school, I went to study Theatre Art at the University of Port Harcourt but those who know me well can confirm that right from my secondary school days, I have been industrious and always helping my mum in business. My mum was a teacher and also a business woman. So while in the University, my sister abroad and other friends, used to send me clothes and accessories, which in

At Some Point, I Left for South Africa I have featured in movies like Sorrow to Joy, Guilty as Sin, Miss Queen, Ofe Owerri Special, among others. At some point, I left for South Africa to study because I had this hunger to be an expert in film making. I had to hone my skills because I wasn’t the bookwarm type of girl while in the University. I was one of the youngest in my class and missed out lots of night rehearsals.

Immediately, after my first degree, I applied to study in Newcastle University in England but didn’t get visa from the embassy.

After some years, I competed in the Next Movie Star, completed my NYSC and left for South Africa to study. While in school, I got pregnant and now I’m a proud super mum. I am back to Nigeria fulltime

47

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR

, &DQ 1HYHU $FW 1XGH (YHQ LI R;HUHG 1 PLOOLRQ

These days, we have new exciting, intriguing, twist and suspense in our stories. Nollywood is mature and it is taking a new shape big time. Gradually we are getting there and I must commend the level we are in now. Several of our movies are shortlisted at international festivals and have gained international recognition. Our movies are highly patronised across Africa and even our celebrities are revered in other African countries Okoroafor

as a film maker, actress and entrepreneur.

I have produced some views. I have a big film which will hit the market soon. It’s called ‘True Vision’ which stars many A-list stars like Femi jacob, Ufuoma Mcdermott, Ebere Okaro, Chinyere winifred, Adeyemi and more. The film was written by Doris Ariole and directed by Charles Uwagbai. True Vision tells the story of Janet and Janice, identical twins with different characteristic traits. While Janet is married to a serial womanizer, her twin sister, Janice is a dare-devil in pursuit of mischievous adventures, which in turn, culminate in irreparable disaster in the end.

I Can Never Act Nude Even if offered N10 million I won’t act in a pornographic movie for any amount.I am a big star in the making. I haven’t gotten

to the height I want to attain but I am happy with my recent movies.

The stories are quite interesting and unique. I won’t acknowledge that I have haters though. They are fans in disguise.

Nigeria Movies are Great Now Oh my God. These days, we have new exciting, intriguing, twist and suspense in our stories. Nollywood is mature and it is taking a new shape big time. Gradually we are getting there and I must commend the level we are in now. Several of our movies are shortlisted at international festivals and have gained international recognition. Our movies are highly patronised across Africa and even our celebrities are revered in other African countries.

To an extent, Nollywood is a pace setter in Africa.

Restricting Romance Hollywood is okay

Yes, there is restriction in art because we are Nigerians and we have a culture that is unique to our kind. So, there’s a level to what we can do.

When not Acting, I Spend Time with My Family I’m home taking care of my business. And don’t forget I told you I am an entrepreneur aside being an actress and producer.

I have always loved and admired her work, personality and carriage.

She’s the type you can refer to as the prototype which many actresses should follow.

Many actresses live flamboyant lives Yes, it is true because I’m in the industry and privy to some information but I won’t say more than that.

I am currently in no relationship I don’t know yet if I Can Kiss in I am currently in no relationship Movie and well, I’m searching for the man Oh My God, I don’t know yet if I after my heart.Good man, loving Can Kiss in Movies. I’m very unpre- personality, caring to a fault, God dictable. The story and the quality fearing and most of all, a man who of the movie will determine what adores me.

I can do or how I will interpret the role.

I May Marry an Actor I have learnt in life never to say Genevieve Nnaji is My Role never. So, I don’t know what the Model. future holds but would love to This might sound funny but marry a totally different race from Genevieve Nnaji is my role model. ours.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

48

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

TERRY APALA

I’m Addicted to Any Music that Promotes Africa Terry Alexander Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, is a musician who started gaining attention in 2016. Apala has been doing music for 20 years, starting out in the church as a drummer, to the streets and the entertainment industry in Nigeria. He is loved and appreciated by his fans for modernising the almost extinct Yoruba genre; ‘Apala Music’, which he calls ‘Apala Hip Hop’. He talks to Tosin Clegg about this music and his career I have been doing music since I was nine years old I started in the church choir and I used to go for shows, talent hunts, school competitions and I listened to music a lot which helped me to improve my skills in singing. So, from there I started composing my own songs. That was how it started and I really thank God that I am in the industry today, making waves with my sound.

I

I brought a new sound to the music industry Well, I started as an RnB singer, but later I sat down and took a look at the music industry and it was as if all the artistes were doing the same thing.

Then I started to mimic Apala musicians such as Haruna Ishola, Ligali Mukaiba, Ayinla Omowura and some other African artistes to change my sound. So, from there I started fusing the hip-pop sound together with the Apala sound. Gradually, I began to train myself with it before I gave it my own name ‘Apala Hip Pop’. That was how it happened.

My song, Champagne Shower gave me my big break Though I had some songs Champagne Shower brought me to the limelight as I wanted and that has really changed my life from nothing to something. So now at least, I can be proud of something that I have achieved.

How I came about my style of music Well, the kind of songs I listened to are more of African songs, most especially Apala music but the song that gave me the encouragement to go into it fully was Soyoyo album by Musiliu Ishola in 2007 and from that year till now I remain an Apala Hip Pop singer.

I have actually worked with several artistes My career has indeed been blessed and has brought me to work with people of different music genres such as Falz, Niniola, Dj Jimmy Jatt, Flavour, Korede Bello, Cdq, Orezi, Phyno, Olamide, Burna Boy, Jesse Jagz, MI, Omawumi and many more that I can’t even remember and it was a privilege, and a great one at that, working with these artistes I just mentioned because these are some of the people that helped me to where I am today.

I haven’t gotten to my peak Because in life, anything you wanna become or try to achieve has to be done through a gradual process. So, I’ll say I’m getting there by the special grace of God. My musical influences are the kinds of music I listen to I’m just addicted to any music that promotes more of African sounds. I listen to Haruna Ishola, Musiliu Ishola, Ayinla Omowura, Angelique Kidjo and I also appreciate what some of my colleagues are doing, like Burna Boy, Black Magic, Brymo. I listen to these people to improve my sound.

I have a few ongoing projects up my sleeves There is so much at the moment I’m working on; such as my international tour, international collaborations, more songs to drop and I’m also trying to spread my sound all over the world. I just believe that with time Apala Hip Pop would be heard all over the world and enjoyed by many people.

I have received few awards and I have also been nominated for several categories In 2016 when I came into the industry, I got my first nomination for ‘The Most Promising Act to Watch AT NEA Award, and that same year I was nominated for the ‘Rookie of the Year’ at HEADIES Award 2017. I received my first award for the ‘Best Cover of the Year’ (International), coupled with a special recognition award as Best Indigenous Act. Nigerian Hype Awards, Next Rated in 2018 came after and several school’s awards also.

My music has kept me relevant And my fans also, for being so strong with me on this journey. I’ll simply say it’s my good music that is helping my craft. I pledge my loyalty to the industry and to all my fans all over the world because these are the people that are important to my hustle.

My management and I have a bond And it is more like a covenant. We are one family and they are really trying all their best to take me to the top; you know it’s good when you are working with people that understand your craft and people that see you as the biggest artiste in the whole world. It is a wonderful thing working with them and that will be the definition of my management.

Apala

49

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Gists

MY STORY

BOSE ALAO SIGNS NEW ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH PRAGMATIC HOMES Beautiful and admirable, Bose Alao has inked a mouth-watering endorsement deal with one of Lagos’ leading real estate firms, Pragmatic Homes. The deal was struck to help push the property brand out to more movie lovers and fans of the superstar actress.

Olalekan Awonusi, the Chairman of Pragmatic Homes was elated at the signing which was a dawn into a big expansion of the company’s, Berry Court project, launched recently with Bose Alao as the face of its campaign.

Bose Alao has been known to be a fine actress and as a distinct interpreter of her roles. This endorsement comes at a time the actress is focusing on expanding her brand and better position her career for a big picture.

Pragmatic Homes hopes to benefit from the image promotion of Bose’s celebrity status and in line help promote their products which have been selectively designed for public consumption.

SOFFTOLA My Music is Very Spiritual Sanni Olaniyi Sikiru, popularly known as Sofftola is an Afro-Pop/Trap artiste who is back in the country to serve his music to his esteemed fans and to secure a place for himself in the nation’s ever-growing music business. He tells Tosin Clegg about his kind of music, the journey so far and a lot more

SYLVIA EDEM, NYCN, PLAN MEGA RALLY IN PORT HARCOURT The National Youth Council of Nigeria says it is committed to an initiative or concept that will enhance youth development in Nigeria. The President of the Council, Sokubo Sara-Igbe stated this when Nollywood actress and founder of Nigeria Peace Project, Sylvia Edem and her team paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Port Harcourt.

He commended the founder of the Peach Project for deeming it fit to visit him andpromisedtopartnerwith herbyinitiatingprogrammes that would better the lives of the youths. Earlier, Sylvia Edem said the initiative was conceived by her to give the youths in Nigeria, especially those residents in the rural areas, a better reorientation and integration into the society by engaging them in skills acquisition schemes that would provide them an opportunity to have their source

of livelihood.

According to her, “We intend to hold a mega peace rally across different states in Nigeria. The mega peace rally will flag off in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states before the general election because I think that peace is the only foundation that will enable development.”

LAGOS HOLDS DJ CARNIVAL TO GET 500,000 YOUTHS OFF STREETS

Apparently to correct the age-long erroneous impression linking music and drug abuse, Corner47 group of companies has unveiled plans for the 2018 Lagos Disc Jockey (DJ) Carnival, aimed at discovering talents. The carnival, which grand finale holds on October 1st was, according to the organisers, a five-year programme designed to further take youths off the streets through

music.

The project coordinator, Lagos DJ carnival, Mr. Gbolahan Odusanya said that the programme was to “ensure total positive mindset revolution shift from the present negativity linking music and drugs.”

He said: “This project is an emerging platform for empowering the youths and showcasing the talents of the youths in the state, hence the reason for a five-year long-term project. We want the inclusive participation of all the youths in the state.”

According to Odusanya, to inspire youths at the grand finale, DJ Khaleed from USA, DJ Niki Tall from Germany, our own DJ Cuppy and DJ Zenny will be guest performers and Judges to help discover new talents for the country. Explaining reasons for their invitation to the event, the coordinator stressed: “we are trying to do a lot for the youths and during our investigation, we discovered that the youths don’t have reputable role models. They claim that they don’t have an interest in government.”

Aside from the DJs performing at the event, he noted that the audience, youths, would be sensitised on the need to get away from drugs and how the company could assist them get over their challenges, saying “we target to get no fewer than 500,000 youths off the streets.”

H

ow did your music career begin?

I do Afro Pop, Rap and Trap music. I do listen to a lot of music and there was a time I woke up in the morning and told myself I could really do music. Ever since 2014 when I started music, it has been good for me and I have released

about nine tracks so far.

What’s your ongoing project?

I’m working on shooting a video and I’m working with a mega artiste, Wande Coal to be precise. But right now I’m a solo artiste, working on building my own record label, and I believe in time everything will fall in place.

Why did you leave South Africa to start your music in Nigeria?

I believe this is my home and I would have a lot of people here to support me. And being home, I promise to give my fans the best.

Back in South Africa, a lot of their artistes did inspire my music.

Who are your musical influences?

Wizkid and Davido have largely inspired a lot of us young artistes. But my influences span from Burna Boy, 2face, Psquare, and a lot more.

As an artiste, what does music mean to you?

For me, music is very spiritual. And it’s something I can rely on and use to help put myself in a good mood even if I’m not that settled within me.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

50

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Dice Avenue

Dice Avenue: We’ll Like to Work with Tu Face, Tiwa Savage Dice Avenue is a four-man band of talented young men with mindset on stardom. Listening to their pieces left Bennett Oghifo with a strong feeling that this band would rock the Nigerian music scene with the right hand at the controls

N

othing captivates listeners like strong vocals driving enduring lyrics. The rendition grips, leading to the next question; who are these?

They are: Chukwuka “JUDE” Frederick, Delta State indigene and UNILAG graduate of Economics who is a singer/ songwriter and the band pianist; Edwin Terlumun “ED” Yisa, from Benue State, a Business Admin graduate of UNILAG who is a singer/songwriter; Anambra State indigene and professional graphic artist, who is also a singer/songwriter, Onyedikachi “HENRI” Okonkwo; and Choir trainer, singer/ songwriter Donatus Nsima “DON” Effiong from Akwa Ibom State.

They have big dreams also, because they see themselves holding large crowds spell-bound at the O2 Arena in London, as well as being nominated

Dice Avenue performing

for Grammy and winning it for Nigeria, they told THISDAY, excitedly.

They plan to stay together long enough to realise their dream and then mutually agree to disband at a time they will choose.

Exuding so much confidence and versatility, DiceAvenue are the newest addition to the incredibly talent ridden Nigerian music industry and it appears they have vocal tricks to unleash that which the industry may have needed for over two decades now.

The 4-man band members met as choristers in St Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos, and they have had a combination of over 18 years of musical practice and involvement. Okonkwo join the others after they met at X-Factor audition where he appeared as a solo artiste. Their union was electric, and since then, they have been blending and have been able to define their type of music as Afro R&B.

The name Dice Avenue represents the dynamism of the group in its ability to deliver smooth, highqualitytunesofvariousmusicgenresranging from A cappella to hip-hop and R&B and the greatest pride of its members is their ability to read and interpret score music which has helped the team greatly in composing all their music.

DiceAvenue was formed in 2013 and ventured into mainstream music same year participating in the auditions for X-Factor Nigeria. Although they didn’t progress beyond the final auditions, the group went on performing and miming songs of other Artistes within and outside their environment for two years, before recording their first single “One Life” in 2015. In October 2017, they recorded a follow up single “Biye Biye” which has been a hit everywhere they have performed.

On December 1, 2017, the group released a Christmas song Afro Christmas; which enjoyed

playtime on major radio stations in the country as it as seen as a new and refreshing addition to music loving Nigerians. In May and June this year, Dice Avenue released unique boy band styled cover to Reekado banks single “Like” featuring Nigerian Hip Hop Queen & songstress Tiwa Savage as well as Davido’s Assurance. These covers flow from the original with a smooth blend of A cappella vocals likened to sounds heard from international bands like Boyz II Men and Nsync. Very recently, they were back at their home base, where they cut their teeth as a group with a big self-sponsored concert titled “DICE AVENUE Unleashed’. This concert which attracted a large crowd had people wondering who these boys were after listening to the various tracks dished out by them.

Dice Avenue whose philosophy is to combine hard work and persistence are set to serenade music loving fans in Nigeria and the rest of the world with their brand of music for years to come.

So, how did a band that originated from the church, like most musicians, end up doing Afro R&B? It is not a conflict of interest, and here is why, according to Jude: “The issue with us as a people is we cannot distinguish our service to God from our career. The service to God is different from career; for instance, I’ve worked in the bank, but nobody asked if I were a gospel banker or a secular banker; that is my job for now, my career, it doesn’t have to be what defines my spirituality.

We play instruments and sing in our church on Sundays, but this is our work. People say secular music has a lot of explicit language and all that but lyrics are clean. Love is love everywhere and as Christians, if we see something bad happening in society and we are not able to talk about it and I come to church to shout hosanna, hosanna, then what am I saying. We should be able to tackle what is happening in the society.”

Individually, the four members have their mentors, including Kanmi DA-SILVA, Director/Creative Lead 1201 Brandsway Limited, but regarding role models they tend to agree on Boyz II Men for their professionalism and longevity; Westlife that stayed for 15 years and mutually resolved to go their separate ways.

On collaborations: “We will like to work with Tu Face, Patoranking, Simi, Tiwa Savage, and M I Abaga.”

51

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

POLITY

‘Power Nigeria’ Exhibition and Conference

T

he 2018 Power Nigeria exhibition and conference, will take place at Landmark Centre in Lagos from 25 to September 27, It is set to attract the entire power market value chain, from decision makers and business leaders to experts and trade professionals, who will gather to deliberate the latest trends and progression within the country’s electricity sector.

Nigeria has set ambitious goals to move away from its reliance on fossil fuel sources. The government wants to add 13GW of off-grid solar power by 2030, officials announced during COP21 in Paris. In the last 15 years, Nigeria has seen over USD4 billion worth of investments in power generation capacity.

Speaking ahead of the exhibition, Sheetij Taneja, Exhibition Manager at Informa’s Industrial Group, recognised the importance of bringing together the industry every year and the potential the power generation investments will have: Taneja said: “It is this type of growth that drives our platform and allows us year after year to bring together a wide range of key stakeholders, from power manufacturers, suppliers, domestic wholesalers and distributors, to thousands of visitors from across Nigeria and neighboring countries, all with decisionmaking competence.

“The longevity of the event has allowed us to establish a distinct reputation with government, associations and ministries in the Nigerian power market.

It also provides the perfect opportunity to attend free, educational CPD-credited sessions, improving your knowledge and skills.

“We once again have three days of packed conference topics through our ever-popular Power Nigeria Agenda, giving municipal, disco, financial, manufacturing, and solar leaders the chance to come together to discuss the nation’s electricity deficiencies and solutions.

We have put a keen focus this year on renewables, solar, and how digitization of the industry is playing a big part in its evolution.”

According to a press statement by the organsers, Skipper Seil and Schneider Electric which are some of Power Nigeria’s longest standing exhibitors, will

Two APC Aspirants Pledge Quality Representation in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

T

wo All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants for Offa, Oyun and Ifelodun federal constituency of Kwara state, Mr. Gbenga Oyekunle -Power and Mr. Kayode Oyin-Zubair have pledged to deliver to their people effective and people-driven representation if given opportunity to serve.

The duo also said that, if given a chance, they would ensure the provision of qualitative education, health, employment opportunities and eradication of poverty among the people of the constituency.

Speaking, yesterday, at different fora, while expressing their intention in Igbaja and Ilorin respectively, Mr. Oyekunle -Power and Mr. Oyin-Zubair said there was no doubt that the people of the

constituency needed good representation and that they were the ones to provide such representation so as to add value to the socio-economic growth of the area.

Oyekunle-Power said he had been on the frontline of providing the needs of the less privilege in the society across the three senatorial districts of the state in the last eight years through his foundation.

He added that this gesture would be sustained so as to improve the wellbeing of the constituency.

He said that, in the course of doing this, unemployed youths, women, aged people among others, were empowered, while food stuffs and other household utensils were given to them free of charge through his foundation.

Oyekunle-Power noted further that, he would leave no stone unturned to ensure

that the people of the federal constituency had access to quality representation so as to boost the social wellbeing of the populace if given the mandate to represent the area.

In his own submission, Mr. OyinZubair said that he would use his experience in the management of human resources to provide good representation for the people of the constituency.

The aspirant, who is a journalist, said that his representation would also address infrastructure deficit in the constituency so that the desired socioeconomic growth could be achieved.

He, therefore, assured the people of the area to continue to support the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in order to add value to the wellbeing of the populace.

return once again to showcase their latest range of industry leading products to local suppliers.

The release added that Power Nigeria 2018 will also welcome Lucy Electric as a first-time exhibitor.

According to the Regional Marketing Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa for Lucy Electric, Connie Ochola, “Given the developments in the Nigerian power sector, we will have a range of products to demonstrate at the show to help utilities with enhanced network monitoring, automation and control.

“Last year, we launched our first 36kV ring main unit, the Aegis36, which meets the growing demand for a quality switchgear solution across this voltage supporting utilities in West Africa to connect more renewable energy to the grid.

“We will also be presenting our industryleading Gridkey LV/MV monitoring system and associated analytics which enables customers to identify actionable information from the data on their network. We have launched a new graphical user interface for Gridkey too, unlocking greater network potential and making network data more accessible and easier for operators to quickly interpret.”

Over 3 days, the much-anticipated Power Nigeria Agenda will discuss topics such as minigrids, solar and the use of blockchain within the power sector, with day 3 hosted

by Elsewedy Electric.

The conference will also feature industry experts including the new Chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Prof. James Momoh, and the Director General of Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Osita A. Aboloma.

Power Nigeria draws on the strengths of Informa Industrial Group’s geographical foothold in the Middle East and Africa through its partner events Electricx in Cairo, Middle East Electricity Saudi in Riyadh, and Middle East Electricity in Dubai, one of the world’s largest power exhibitions.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Secretary General, Association of Friends (ASOF), Mr. Bayo Babatunde; President, Alhaji Oluropo Owolabi; pioneer Vice President, Mr. Akinlawon Abiola; and past President, Otunba Akin Oshiyemi, at a Press conference to announce the 40th anniversary of the Association, held in Lagos... recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Principal, State Senior High School, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Mrs. Olajumoke Ilori; Tutor-general /Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Lagos, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Onadipe; and CEO, X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko, at the commissioning of the Senior Secondary 3 block /Administrative block renovated by X3M Ideas as the agency’s 6th year anniversary Corporate Social Responsibility project in Lagos... recently

L-R: District Governor, D9110, Rotary, Kola Sodipo (left); his Wife, Nike Sodipo; President Elect, Rotary International, Mark Maloney; and his wife, Gay Maloney, during the arrival of Mark and his wife at the Muritala Muhammed International airport, Lagos for Rotary Programme in Lagos, yesterday PHOTO:ETOP UKUTT

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

POLITY

Lagos Builds Capacity of Tradesmen, Artisans Bennett Oghifo

S

everal training modules are being applied to build the capacity of tradesmen and artisans by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment to boost craftsmanship in the state.

A scorecard of the ministry shows that it recently organised an eightweek capacity-building workshop for tradesmen and artisans in partnership with the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB).

The participants were equipped with tools after the training, as approved by the Commissioner, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, who assumed the leadership position in the ministry in January, this year, after serving as the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development.

The nexus here is that the Ministry of Youth and Social Development has the mandate to give succour to vulnerable members of the societychildren, youth, elderly and people living with disabilities- while the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has the mandate to state, initiate, formulate, execute, evaluate policies, set and regulate standards for all wealth creation and employment-related matters in the creation of value-chain systems, according to ministry officials.

It is equally to facilitate skill acquisition for graduates and upgrade the skills of artisans for employability and promotion of entrepreneurship. The ministry is also mandated to ensure broad-based capacity building, sensitisation and enlightenment for prospective stakeholders.

The ministry also has a mandate to engage the Board of Trustees of the State Employment Trust Fund (ETF) on promotion of wealth creation and employment.

On this platform, Mrs. Akinbile-Yussuf organised a mentoring seminar on Youth Entrepreneur- Pharm Akinbile ship with the theme, “Learn a Skill, Earn a Living” held at the Staff Clinical Hall, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja partnership with the Hudson Group. The workshop focused on various business processes and how they in July, this year, in addition to a programme tagged, could be effective if properly implemented to optimise “Mindset Re-orientation, Leadership and Employproductivity. ability Skills” programme for the unemployed youths Barely a month after her deployment to the ministry in Lagos State between Tuesday, July 10 and Saturday, of wealth creation, she registered 50 successful canJuly 14, 2018. “Out of compassion, she allowed about didates for a six-month training programme under 1,200 participants to attend the programme originally the Sustainable Development Programme with Ruff n planned for 500 participants,” said a staff of the Tumble (Betti-O School of Fashion). An official of the ministry. ministry said, “The interesting thing is that these 50 This successful entrepreneur equally organised candidates graduated on July 30, 2018 and necessary Technical Workshop on Lagos State Non-oil Export starter-packs, including industrial machines and other Development Programme with the theme “MSME as tools were given to them. a Catalyst for Export Development” on July 17, 2018.

“Also on March 20, 2018, she registered another 50 She also organised a two-day Strategic Workshop held candidates for the six-month training programme on Tuesday, July 25 and Wednesday, July 26, 2018 in

under the Sustainable Development with Ruff n Tumble (Betti-O School of Fashion). “This proactive commissioner equally organised the ministry’s second edition of Breakfast Roundtable in March 2018 to meet with prospective employers and discuss planned activities of the ministry for the 2018 Graduate Internship Programme.

“She facilitated Lagos State Government’s sponsorship of 15 Lagos-based Techpreneurs and Start-ups to an international ICT Summit held between April 23 and 26, 2018 in Washington, DC, United States of America. This effort is alignment with the mandate of the ministry under the Yaba ICT Hub Programme.

“She has equally facilitated the approval of N492, 798, 560.90 loans from the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund for disbursement to 1,753 beneficiaries.”

The commissioner, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, a 2006 graduate of Pharmacy from the University of Lagos, executed several projects in her former post at the Ministry of Youth in partnership with international organisations like USAID, UNFPA, EU, UN, among others.

She also embarked on regular sensitisation and screening of youths to stem the onslaught of HIV/ AIDs and other diseases. One of the projects she established was innovatively christened the Ibile Youth Academy (IYA), aimed at instilling in the youth, the multipronged virtues of effective leadership, responsible citizenship and sincere volunteerism for their personal enhancement as well as state and national development.

The inaugural training programmes of the academy were held for about 500 youthful participants in five divisions of Epe, Ikeja, Lagos, Badagry and Ikorodu in March, 2017. The highpoint of the intellectual empowerment project was the eventual selection of the most outstanding participant as the State Ambassador for 2017.

At the Youth Ministry, “she ensured stringent enforcement of the Lagos State Child Rights Law and facilitated publication of the Lagos State Child Safeguarding Policy. Many violators of the children’s rights were made to face the full weight of the law through relentless efforts of this social advocate.

“She practically encouraged and involved the Lagos State Children Parliament and Youth Parliament in the course of championing their cause.”

The ministry under her watch facilitated State Government’s empowerment of 500 Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) in Lagos State. They were given grants, mobility aids, one Hyundai 12-Seater Minibus, one Hyundai 30-seater Bus, 500 White Canes, one Index Express Embosser with Duxbury Braille Translation Software for the Blind, 10 Accessible Desktop Computers and 20 Tactile Metric Sets.

A sum of N100,000 was also given to each of the 323 beneficiaries of the State Disability Employment Fund to enhance their financial capacity.

Obi Nduka Promotes 2018 Ine Festival

T

he traditional ruler of Oligbo Kingdom, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nduka, the Obi of IsseleUku, recently at the Oligbo Royal Palace announced activities marking this year’s Ine festival.

In addition, he invited the public to grace the Ine Aho festival on the 15th of September, which he described as a remarkable culture of Issele-Uku, worthy of being celebrated and experienced.

According to the monarch, “The glory of Issele-Uku lies in its unfettered adherence to its rich culture and traditions. One of the imperative cultures of Issele-Uku, is the Ine Aho Festival, which is the most revered festival in the ancient town of Issele-Uku. “Ine Aho festival, (now christened Ine Onyimi) has been celebrated over the years by our people yearly, mostly from the month of August through September to October. The significance of the Ine Aho festival to the people of Issele-Uku is numerous.”

Obi Nduka promised to bring back the glory and viability of other traditional activities of the annual festival that had become silent.

He maintained that one of his cardinal objectives going forward is to engage the youths, not only in imbibing the cultural traits and norms of Issele-Uku community, but getting involved in their propagation.

The royal father posited that he intends to make the Ine Aho festival a tourist attraction, through the promotion of native Akwa Ocha, food, language, morals and hospitality.

The Agbogidi Oloe Omee listed a

number of traditional festivals in IsseleUku that could be leveraged to attract investment to the town. He talked about the “Izu Afiachi” which he does once every year to honour Queen Omu, the progenitor of the Omu dynasty in Oligbo Kingdom.

He equally highlighted various activities within this period, including his going into seclusion (Iba Nzu) five days to the Ine Aho festival, which is a period of spiritual cleansing and purification of the town from evil.

The chief custodian of Issele-Uku culture and traditions stated, “During the period of ‘Iba Nzu’, the people in the town would be refrained from noisemaking. Vigils are observed in this period at the palace. Our ancestors during this time are appeased by the prayers offered by the Obi who remains isolated and abstained from movements. Friends, well-wishers as well as visitors are given Nzu (white chalk) to rob on their bodies.

It is believed that by so doing, it cleanses them of evil”.

The Obi commended the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for his developmental strides in Issele-Uku in particular and Aniocha North Local Government Area in general.

He said he was lucky to have ascended the throne of Oligbo Kingdom at a time when such an ordained and passionate leader like Okowa is on the saddle of leadership in the state.

The amiable Obi Nduka acknowledged that he was fortunate and proud to be the traditional ruler of Issele-Uku. “It is important that I tell you that my success so far is anchored on the unalloyed supports I have received from my subjects - the

The Obi of Issele uku. HRM Obi Agbogidi Nduka good people of Issele-Uku. My people are wonderful, and I tell you that I am fortunate and proud to be the traditional ruler of this beautiful, hospitable and lovable kingdom.”

The revered Agbogidi Obi Nduka was supported at the press briefing by by some of his chiefs and elders, including Chief Chidi (Onei-nwe-afia of IsseleUku); Chief Ada Josephine Kachikwu (Ezinne of Oligbo Kingdom); Chief

Uche Mgbanwa (Ashi Obi of IsseleUku); Engr. Frank Mordi (Coordinator, Oligbo Consultative Forum); Mr. J.I. Adigwe (Chairman, Committee on Oligbo Culture and Traditions); Mr. Ofordile Ugeh (National President, Issele-Uku Development Union); Mr. Steve Moeteke (Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee); Engr. Azomani (Chairman, Works Committee) and Mr. Paul Issoh (OCF member).

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

53

54

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

NEWSXTRA

$1m ICT Innovation System to Create 50,000 Jobs, Says Shittu Elizabeth Oluwasegun

The Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu has launched a $1 million breakthrough innovation which will change the face of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigeria.

Shittu while speaking at the unveiling of the new multimedia multifunctional digital system in Abuja, said the ICT when fully deployed would employ at least 50,000 Nigerians.

He noted that the device had unique features, which was the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

He added that the introduction and further production of the product would create Sustainable employment and promote local industry.

He said: “The production of this product in Nigeria will certainly create a lot of job and it will help us preserve our foreign exchange, when products are assembled locally, those who supply material will have good businesses and those employed will be assured of Sustainable jobs.�

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of WILSON, Multimedia Technologies, Mr. Unachukwu Ikechukwu, who is the brain behind the innovation explained that the device has special features which will place Nigeria in the leading position in Africa.

He added that the solutions are designed to meet the key needs of simplicity in operation, dynamism in scale and far reaching capability.

According to Ikechukwu, “the multimedia multifunction screen has multiple touch capability, with dual operating system running a full suite of android and windows 10 operating system. “The products are fully

tropicalised and made to withstand the peculiarities of our environment.�

He added that the innovation would not only generate at least 50,000 jobs but will cut back excess cost incurred in governance, education, businesses and military operations.

He continued: “The innovation will support government immensely, it will cut travel cost, enables conference meeting,

signing and documentation. “The WILSON multimedia system makes things easy and presentation so easy. It can be used in schools as a white board and also as a projector because it runs from 4k resolution that makes it different from projector. “It can be used in public sectors, it will be beneficial to the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Airforce for their real time interactive sessions.�

Ooni Harps on Economic BeneďŹ ts of Festival Omolabake Fasogbon

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has asked investors to see festival as a veritable tool for economic advancements and to tap into it.

He said while addressing journalists in his palace at Ile-Ife, Osun State as part of the activities for the 2018 Olojo Festival.

According to him, the annual Olojo Festival was an occasion set aside to acknowledge God who is the Creator of all things as well as the deities that had contributed immensely to human existence contrary to the wrong perception shared by many.

�Olojo festival symbolises celebrating the first day of creation and the beginning of existence in Ile-Ife, being the cradle of the human race. “The word “Olojo� implies reference to Olodumare, the creator and the owner of the day, and that is why Olojo festival is being celebrated in Ife kingdom, the cradle of the Yoruba.�

He added that while Christians and Muslims celebrate Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed respectively in due times, the festival was also applicable to traditional worshippers. “All forces of nature such as rain, sun and water among others will interact for the

betterment of the day and humanity. �We all believe and worship one God in diverse ways, Olojo festival is a day that God specially answers prayer not for Ife indigenes alone, but for all and sundry,� he stated.

Commending the sponsors of the programme which are: Grand Oak, MTN, BetNaija and Goldberg, he urged them to sustain the gesture as he was confident that it would rub-off positively on their bottom line.

He also implored the Yoruba race to embrace the occasion and see it as one that unite them and sustain the Yoruba tradition.

The innovator also revealed that the initiative started in 2010, in partnership with Soho company in china where the product was first assembled. “I made the script available to the on renewable energy and ICT and it was built by the MD of soho, Shirley lieu,� he explained.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as CHIEMEZUO CHIMEX CHIEMEZUO, now wish to be known and addressed as NWACHUKWU CHIEMEZUO. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as MISS FALODUN OLUWASEYI DAMILOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AWOYEMI OLUWASEYI DAMILOLA. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as ADESINA SERIFAT GBADAMOSI ADEBISI SERIFATU, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUTAYO ADEBISI SERIFAT. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as ADIGUN NAIMOT TITLAYO. now wish to be known and addressed as ADEMOROTI NAIMOT TITILAYO. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

He stated that plans were already underway to establish an assembling plant in south east of Nigeria and in Abuja.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. ENEMCHUKWU OGOCHUKWU NGOZI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OMODIA OGOCHUKWU NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as OGUNBANJO IDOWU M, now wish to be known and addressed as OKUNBANJO IDOWU MARY. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as UDEH ADEYI, now wish to be known and addressed as MONDAY JOHN. All other documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as ELIJAH JUSTINE, now wish to be known and addressed as ELIJAH DORNUBARI FRIDAY. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as ANIEFIOK GODSPOWER, now wish to be known and addressed as GODSPOWER FRIDAY. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ZZZ À\GDQDDLU FRP

LQWURGXFLQJ DQ DPD]LQJ RIIHU #

00$ NHW

K WLF W

U X R HW \

QG J

HV D P L W

U L $ \ 'DQD

)O

OHUV

UDYHO W

$ 0 U 0

UG IR

UHZD \ W O D \ R O $

LQ V R 7

O O QJ &D

FRP

PPD Z Z Z

LW

OV YLV

GHWDL U PRUH

D _ %LVRO

)R

7HUPV DQG FRQGLWLRQV DSSO\

'$,/< )/,*+76 72

$%8-$

/$*26

3+&

8<2

2:(55,

SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPORTSXTRA

Pinnick meets the Golden Eaglets

U-17 AFCON WAFU Qualifier

Eaglets, Starlets Rekindle Nigeria-Ghana Rivalry Kunle Adewale The football rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana will again be rekindled as the Golden Eaglets take on the Black Starlets in the final of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations WAFU qualification this evening at the Stade General Seyni Kountche, Niamey.

Both West African giants of world cadet football clash in the final of the CAF U-17 Cup of Nations WAFU B Tournament with the lone ticket to the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations Tanzania 2019 to serve as the spur for an explosive encounter.

The atmosphere will be further charged by a 67-year rivalry between both nations, with crucial wins for either country over the decades. But the Eaglets are encouraged that Ghana’s semi-final victims Cote d’Ivoire, suffered a 5-1 hiding when both teams met at the same venue last week.

Nigeria would be further buoyed by the maturity that comes with a plurality of experience, having come from a shaky start to the tournament to reach the final battle. They fell behind 0-2 to Burkina Faso in their opening match before drawing level, only to lose the tie by conceding late in the game.

Against the Ivorians, they fired from all cylinders from the begin-

ning and led 5-0, and against Niger Republic on Wednesday, created a hatful of chances and led 2-0 before conceding a late consolation to the hosts.

Meanwhile, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick has charged the Golden Eaglets to keep level heads and stay focused in order to conquer Ghana’s Black Starlets and qualify for the finals of the 2019 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

Pinnick, who is also 1st Vice President of the Confederation of African Football, is in no doubt that the Nigerian boys possess the quality to defeat the Black Starlets and also do the nation proud at the final tournament in Tanzania.

“First, I want to congratulate you on a job well done so far; you have done very well including exhibiting the never-say-die spirit that is peculiar to Nigerians.

This was visible in the manner you bounced back after the loss to the Burkinabes to dismiss the Ivorians 5-1, and also beat the host nation in the semi finals.

“But I want you to know that the job is not done yet. You must stay focused and listen to your coaches. I believe in their leadership because they are very knowledgeable and experienced and have discovered so many talented players that have excelled in recent years,” Pinnick said.

Speaking further, the NFF supremo advised the young lads to avoid distractions from agents, who according to him, will deceive and hurry them into signing for clubs that would not aid their proper development.

“The youth tournaments are basically developmental, so you have to follow instructions from your coaches and don’t allow agents to deceive you and make you sign for clubs in obscure countries. Players like Nwankwo Kanu and Mikel John Obi, just to mention two, started properly and so were properly developed to stay longer in the game.”

Pinnick then promised to take the team for a training tour in either Qatar or Jordan ahead of the U-17 AFCON in Tanzania to further help their development, once they qualify.

Five players from the NFF U-15 squad discovered during the annual NFF/Zenith Bank Future Eagles Championship, are part of the current squad tutored by Manu Garba.

Responding on behalf of the team, goalkeeper Joseph Oluwabusola thanked the Nigeria Football Federation for the support so far and promised that they will make Nigeria proud on Saturday by defeating the Black Starlets to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Tanzania.

Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi Cleared for NFF Presidency Election The coast is now clear with regards to the 20 September elections into the NFF Executive Committee 2018-2022, following the official release of the list of candidates for the polls by the NFF Electoral Committee on Friday.

Four persons are battling for the presidency, including incumbent Amaju Pinnick.

Pinnick, a former Chairman of the Delta State Football Association and Executive Chairman of the Delta State Commission, is the highest-placed Nigerian ever in football’s boardroom globally.

There is also Alhaji Aminu Maigari, immediate past President of NFF, who was for several years Chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association and also headed the Bauchi sub-seat for the FIFAU-17 World Cup that Nigeria hosted nine years ago.

Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, a former Nigerian international defender, also has his hat in the ring. Ogunjobi captained and administered one of Nigeria’s traditional powerhouse clubs,

Shooting Stars of Ibadan, served as Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (2002-2005) and was Member of the NFF Executive Committee 2006-2010. He is presently Chairman of the Osun State Football Association.

There is also Mr. Chinedu Okoye, proprietor of amateur league club, Bimo FC. For the 1st Vice President’s position, there are two candidates. The incumbent, SeyiAkinwunmi, whose stock has risen steeply as a result of his passion, commitment and investment in youth football development and charity, slugs it out with another South West chieftain, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi.

Incumbent Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will battle club proprietor, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah for the slot of Chairman of Chairmen on the board.

For other positions on the Executive Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, a Member of the present Board, is the only candidate from the North-west.

The battle in the North-central has been somewhat narrowed with the withdrawal of FCT FA chairman Musa Talle. However, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’ and Honourable Suleiman YahayaKwande, ranking Members of the Board, have to contend with Alhaji Busari Ishola, chairman of Kwara State FA. Similarly, incumbents Babagana Kalli and Musa Duhu from the North-east have to contend with Farouk Yarma Adamu.

In the South-east, Hon. Chidi Ofor Okenwa (presently Chairman of the Nigeria National League), will vie with Enyimba FC chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (ranking Member of Board); Barrister Jude Obikwelu (Vice Chairman, Anambra State FA); Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha (Vice Chairman, Imo State FA) and; High Chief Emeka Inyama (former Chairman of the NNL and former Chairman of NFF Marketing and Sponsorship, and also Chairman of NPFL side Abia Warriors).

55

Saturday, September 15, 2018

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

SMBLF to Buhari “President Buhari has exposed his rabid nepotism with the replacement of acting DG of DSS, Mathew Seyeifa, with Yusuf Bichi, a Kano indigene. This nation has never had a more parochial, sectional and tribalistic leader as Buhari” – Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum protesting the choice of Bichi as DSS boss.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Will Otedola Mythology Haunt The APC in Lagos State?

F

ellow Nigerians, if you are under the age of 30, you may not readily understand what I have called the “Otedola mythology” in this heading. Let me, therefore, take little time to explain, or describe, the meaning. Otedola is a Yoruba name that translates into English as conspiracy turns to fortune. What was expected to be a negative development favoured someone, inadvertently.

This was the case of Sir Michael Otedola, the father of billionaire oil baron, Femi, whose name is sometimes transmuted and translated, by his acolytes, as Otedollar - someone who prints US Dollar, because of his fabled wealth.

It was Femi, who is credited with dragging his father into politics. According to available information, Femi had a brainwave one day and suggested to his dad to go into politics and contest for the seat of Governor of Lagos State because he saw an opportunity for him given the state of affairs at the time.

Sir Michael Otedola, who was a revered elder of the National Republican Party, however, did not seem to have any chance of winning.

One, age was not on his side. He was born in 1926 and was 66 years old when he entered the race in 1991. By the standards of those days, he was considered too old - those clamouring that the young should take over the reins of power in Nigeria, under the ‘Not too young to Rule Platform – should take a view from the politics of that era which was meant to be for the younger generation with the tacit support of the older generation like Sir Michael. Two, he was never known to be an accomplished politician. Three, he was a man of modest means who could not afford the stupendous funding required. Four, he had two formidable youthful politicians, Dapo Sarumi and Femi Agbalajobi to contend with and there was no way he was going to defeat either of the two on any regular day.

But man proposes and God disposes.

Agbalajobi and Sarumi both targeted the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ticket. Agbalajobi had the avuncular support of former Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande who was like the Alpha and Omega of Lagos State at the time, but he was resisted. No one wanted an imposition and Jakande was challenged by Dapo Sarumi and his group of newbreed politicians. Both of them fought gallantly for the ticket and neither was ready to step down for the other. The stalemate became so rough that their party had to step in by disqualifying both of them. Another popular young politician, Yomi Edu was then drafted in to replace the implacable duo. They were livid, and they and their supporters decided to sabotage their party.

In the other party was Sir Michael Otedola who had won the National Republican Party ticket. As noted earlier, the bitterness and lack of cohesion in SDP was so bad that those who lost out in the party decided to join forces with the NRC candidate against their own man, Yomi Edu. As to be expected, a house divided against itself would naturally collapse. The underdog, Sir Michael Otedola thus gathered strength and momentum and the unthinkable soon happened.

Sir Michael won the race to the shock of most onlookers. Sir Michael reigned from January 1992 to November 1993 when General Sani Abacha struck and truncated that democratic government. The rest is history.

History seems to have a knack of repeating itself and this tale was reawakened early this week by the intractable squabbles in the same Lagos State, this time by a party in power only

Otedola as a result of a slender lead. There had been rumours that the political godfather in Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his political godson, the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, were at loggerheads. Many had hoped that it was a joke or one of those usual beer parlour rumours. And if it was for real, they had hoped it would be resolved eventually in favour of Ambode, as it was in the case of Ambode’s erstwhile predecessor - Tinubu versus Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola when Fashola sought a second term in office. I wrote an article at that time advising both of them to join hands together or risk losing Lagos to their opponents because, according to me, their marriage was made and consummated in heaven. Somehow that ugly situation was reportedly amicably settled then. However, later events were to demonstrate that any resolution had merely been on the surface as Tinubu and Fashola now appear to be intractable foes. Their situation is akin to what the Yoruba’s will describe as “ara o ro okun ara o ro adie” (the hen perches on a rope but no reprieve for the hen or the rope).

It is therefore very strange that given the antecedents, and the subsequent events, the same situation has come reincarnated with bigger force. And it is very unfortunate. It is not immediately clear what brought about the current imbroglio which if not properly managed could spell doom and total disaster for the APC in Lagos, with a spiralling effect at the Federal level. Everyone was relieved when the hardworking and visionary Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, picked his form and seemed to have no challenger whatsoever in his party. Prior to that, the Governor had reached out to many stakeholders, including captains of industries from the State and elsewhere. One of such Lagosians was the billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola who coincidentally hails from Epe, the same town as Governor Ambode.

Otedola apparently has his gaze concentrated on becoming Governor of Lagos State, like his dad, sometime in the future. Indeed, Otedola had mentioned privately to his inner circle of friends that he would like to contest in 2023.

Why not run in 2019? Otedola said he had given his word to Governor Ambode not to run against him but, with a caveat, that if he fails to secure his party ticket he would run against any other APC candidate in 2019.

Anyway, back to Ambode, Tinubu and the 2019 APC ticket. Our relief and joy were however short-lived and dramatically and drastically cut short. The next day, two other giants of the APC stepped out of the wings to challenge

Governor Ambode for the APC ticket. The first of the shockwaves that rippled through APC and Lagos State was the spectacular orchestrated declaration of Babajide Sanwo-olu, erstwhile Commissioner in the Tinubu and Fashola administrations before being appointed as Managing Director of Lagos State Property Development Corporation in May 2016 by Governor Ambode, the very man he seeks to unceremoniously unseat. Sanwo-olu is a well-known veritable disciple of Asiwaju. He would not dare to make this opening gambit, unless he had the consent of Asiwaju to go for it. This was what made people believe that there was truly a rift of monumental proportions.

Almost simultaneously, a three-way split loomed in the APC as Dr. Obafemi Hamzat announced that he was also running for the prized position of Governor of Lagos State. Hamzat, a prodigious Information Technology talent was Commissioner of Science and Technology from the Tinubu administration in 2005 to the end of the first Fashola Administration in 2011.

In 2011, he became Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under Fashola, in his second term, a post he held until the end of Fashola’s tenure in 2015. Since Fashola moved to the Federal level as Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Hamzat has joined him as an Adviser.

As to be expected Hamzat is a strong loyalist of Fashola who is widely known to be disaffected with Tinubu despite the appearances that they keep up in public.

It is rumoured that there is a clique of current Federal Government Ministers and APC Governors who are intent on challenging the supremacy of Asiwaju Tinubu in South-West Nigeria and are intent on taking him down a peg or two. They do not support the assertion that he is leader of the Yorubas. Hamzat’s announcement that he will be running as an APC candidate for Governor of Lagos State appears to support legend that Tinubu has major problems on his hands even as he seeks to topple and remove Ambode from the Lagos State Government House. Tinubu appears to be facing a battle on two flanks from Ambode and Hamzat which is causing consternation not only in the Tinubu camp, but also in the ranks of the APC stalwarts.

This unnecessary and unimagined debacle was what led to the hoopla this week when news broke that Otedola had accepted to fly the flag of PDP since it had become obvious that Tinubu has dumped his beloved godson and there was a double schism in the APC. The emergence of a colossal gladiator like Otedola raises the stakes in the Lagos political conundrum several notches higher. It is now not simply a case of inter-party feuding, but also one of strong intra-party contest that may break the otherwise seemingly unbreakable back of APC’s camel I have spoken to Otedola who confirmed that he has reached agreement with several key members of Lagos PDP to offer him the PDP gubernatorial ticket and he has accepted in principle whilst awaiting the outcome of the APC primaries which will take place before the PDP primaries. However, he said he was not in a hurry to make any open declaration.

He would keep his options open because there were conflicting reports of Ambode and Tinubu reconciling their differences, and he would not break his promise to his kinsman, Ambode as a matter of honour and integrity.

The news of Otedola’s interest in running against the apparently Tinubu anointed APC

candidate, Babajide Sanwo-olu, ignited fire, and went viral everywhere. The APC National Secretariat was said to be critically worried and troubled by what raises the spectre of history repeating itself, if Otedola contests and wins the election as a result of APC fighting a corrosive war of attrition. Otedola has all the attributes that his father lacked which makes him a very formidable opposition. He is also well loved and respected in Lagos State. The populace know that he is wealthy enough not to dip his hand into the Treasury as most politicians are wont to do. He has also promised to recreate Lagos State into an international cosmopolitan city which will rival similar cities in the world.

His vision is expansive. He does not see any reason why the Lagos landscape should not be filled with skyscrapers and other scenic attractions as other famous municipalities of the world.

That Otedola may well have his wish and contest on this occasion is becoming ominous.

Activities from the Tinubu-Sanwo-olu camp appear unrelenting. As at the time of writing this article, Sanwo-olu is going on with his plans as scheduled. He has announced plans to have a mega rally tomorrow, Sunday, September 16, 2018. It is believed that all efforts to placate Tinubu may have failed abysmally, the reason for Sanwo-olu’s renewed confidence in going ahead with his campaign.

Governor Ambode is clearly in a big dilemma. It is not clear, and very doubtful, that he can win the APC ticket, on his own without serious intervention from Tinubu.

Despite the overwhelming deluge of support from many political parties, it is not certain if the Governor would want to risk decamping to any other party, especially PDP, and if he would be able to win enough votes to retain his exalted position in any other party. Indeed, such a decision by Ambode would significantly play into the hands of PDP which needs APC to lose just a few hundred votes to lose the next election based on the outcome of the 2015 gubernatorial elections.

Lagos is currently in limbo and floating while awaiting the decision of the warriors and their godfathers and sponsors. The possibility of another Sir Michael Otedola scenario should not be discountenanced or totally ruled out.

Otedola is not joking about his ambition at all.

As he has indicated to me, he has his plans for an election well mapped out and he is ready to hit the ground running, whenever the coast becomes clearer, and it is evident that Ambode is totally out in the cold and has been hung out to dry. But even if Otedola decides to chicken out, there are big candidates hovering in the wings in the opposition party. They include former PDP candidate, Jimi Agbaje, who has tried but lost twice. He is a fine gentleman with the discipline and diligence to continue with the good works of the Ambode era, whilst charting his own course. There is also a member of the Council of Elders, Deji Doherty, a relatively young and popular businessman and hospitality giant who has wanted to be governor for some time now.

APC itself has Femi Hamzat, son of a great political family, eyeing the seat of Governor of Lagos. No one should write off any of these fine distinguished and hard-working men. They all come with fantastic resume. If the Governor is totally frustrated, the game may open up and become an all-comers affair.

The world is watching how this game would end. Good luck to Lagos and Lagosians.

Printed and Published in Lagos 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