SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2018

FG Vows to Prosecute Skye Bank Directors as NDIC Remits N107bn Surplus We cannot continue to bail-out banks while those responsible for the failure are shielded Ndubuisi Francis and James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed has vowed that the federal government will bring to book all persons

responsible for the failure of the erstwhile Skye Bank, now Polaris Bank. Speaking yesterday during a familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), she said

government cannot continue to bail-out banks with public funds while those behind the failure of banks are shielded from prosecution. The minister also commended the NDIC for

being up to date with the payment of its operating surpluses into the Consolidated Revenue Fund, stressing that till date, a total of N107 billion had been remitted. She said: "The example of

the recently wound-up Skye Bank, now Polaris Bank is something we would look into. We would find out what happened. Your investigation must be thorough; we are going to hold whoever was

responsible for the failure of that bank.” “We have to show some examples, we cannot just be bailing out banks and leaving Continued on page 6

Osun Poll: Saraki, Dogara, Secondus Lead Protest to INEC HQ … Page 6 Saturday 6 October, 2018 Vol 23. No 8571

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APC Set for Buhari’s Coronation Today Party unveils list of 24 governorship candidates

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The All Progressives Congress

(APC) has said that no less than 7,000 delegates will participate in a voice vote to affirm the choice of President Muhammadu Buhari as the

party's presidential candidate at today's non-elective national convention in Abuja. This is as the ruling party has approved the election of

24 governorship candidates for the next year's general election. President Buhari had earlier been elected by majority of

APC party men through a direct primary election. Already, the venue of the convention, the Eagles Square has been put in shape with a

colourful display of Nigerian national flag and APC's flag. Also, security has been Continued on page 6

Horse Trading in Port Harcourt As Atiku, Saraki, Battle for Supremacy Tambuwal, Kwankwaso may spring surprise if they join forces with others

Our Correspondents

There was intense horse trading for the most part of last night going into the early hours of today, as the 12 presidential

aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) throw mouth-watering baits to delegates from across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja, who will, today in Port

ATIKU ABUBAKAR

Harcourt, Rivers State elect the party’s flag bearer in the 2019 presidential election. The National Convention of the party, which culminates with the emergence of a

BUKOLA SARAKI

ODDS FOR VICTORY 59%

ODDS FOR VICTORY 55%

Strength: Extensive contacts nationwide Huge war chest Courageous and consistent Has a team of professionals prosecuting his campaign

Strength: Seen as a team player Combines executive and legislative experience Political pedigree with wide exposure

presidential flag bearer, is a major step in the bid of the party to return to centre stage of governance in Nigeria, which it lost in 2015 to the All Progressives Congress (APC),

after an unbroken 16-year hold on power. There are 12 contenders jostling for a chance to lead lead the PDP's charge in the 2019 general elections.

AMINU TAMBUWAL

ODDS FOR VICTORY 45%

Strength: Young, vibrant and urbane Strong Legislative background Considered a defender of democratic ethos

They include former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki and the governors of Continued on page 6

KWANKWASO

ODDS FOR VICTORY 40%

Strength: Rich executive and legislative experience Rich political experience Focused and determined Energetic

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Osun Poll: Saraki, Dogara, Secondus Lead Protest to INEC HQ Police Summon protesters

Alex Enumah and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accompanied by the party’s presidential aspirants, yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the Headquarters of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and that of the police to demand the declaration of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the governor-elect of Osun State. Also yesterday, the Police summoned Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senators Dino Melaye and Ben Bruce for alleged attack on policemen at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The party leaders, who took part in the peaceful protest included the National Chairman of the party, Prince

Uche Secondus, Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Governor of Gombe state, Ibrahim Dankwambo, a former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Ekiti state Governor, Ayo Fayose, Governor of Sokoto state, Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Dino Melaye, former governor of Kano state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido, presidential aspirant, Prof. Datti Baba-Ahmed, Senator Ben-Murray Bruce, among others. The PDP leaders matched peacefully to the headquarters of INEC to demand free, fair and credible elections in 2019, and later headed to the Force Headquarters of the

Nigerian Police where they were teargased by policemen. The party leaders said that the protest was an introduction to civil disobedience, adding that the party had agreed that it would do everything within the ambit of law to reclaim every stolen mandate. However, the police erected a barricade to prevent the PDP leaders from entering their premises, and proceeded to shoot teargas at them, forcing the protesters to retreat in different directions. At INEC headquarters, the Senate President said that Nigeria had raised the standard of the electoral processes before the present INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu came on board, warning the electoral body against taking the country

backward. The PDP leader demanded that the 2019 elections must be free, fair and credible, stressing that there was need to put an end to the issue of inconclusive election. Saraki warned INEC that Nigerians would not take elections that are not credible, while urging the He stated: “We are here representing millions of Nigerians to speak to you; that INEC you have a responsibility by law, by the constitution to do what is right to all Nigerians. “Enough is enough of elections that are not credible. Enough is enough of impunity. Enough is enough of harassment. INEC you met a standard, don’t take us back. “Nigeria has raised the

standard of electoral processes, take us forward, don’t take us backward. The last two elections have been said to be a sham by people all over the villages and towns of Africa, and in other continents. INEC, enough is enough. “Just last night, the Senate and Congress in the United States of America issued a statement saying enough is enough. We must have credible elections in Nigeria. You are not a department, or a division of the APC. You represent the entire Nigeria and Nigerians are saying give us free and credible election.” Also, the national chairman of the party warned that the country was sitting on a keg of gun powder, noting that Nigerians were aware of the

activities of INEC and the police. According to Secondus, “You are pushing Nigerians to the wall, and when you push them to the wall there would be resistance. We hope we will not get there, but this will serve as a notice.” The opposition leaders again demanded that INEC Chairman and INEC National Commissioner, Amina Zakariyau should resign, saying “she is the manipulator of all elections.” On his part, Tambuwal urged the INEC chairman not to allow anybody, no matter how high, to use him to undermine the will of Nigerians. CONTINUE ON www. thisdaylive.com

BUKOLA SARAKI

KWANKWASO

HORSE TRADING IN PORT HARCOURT AS ATIKU, SARAKI, BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY Gombe and Sokoto states, Ibrahim Dankwambo and Aminu Tambuwal respectively. Others are former governors of Jigawa, Kano, Sokoto, Plateau and Kaduna States, Sule Lamido, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Attahiru Bafarawa, Jonah Jang and Ahmed Makarfi. Also in the contest are former Senate President David Mark among others. Riding on the heated horse trading going on, Port Harcourt, last night, came alive with the aspirants moving from door to door, laying bare their proposals in addition to inviting delegates to unusual largess. Initial forecasts by political pundits was a three-horse race, largely involving Atiku, Saraki and Tambuwal. Barring any upset, these leading contenders are expected to make a testy and interesting duel. The winner of the PDP presidential primary will square up to APC's President Muhammad Buhari in the general election in February, 2019. Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike who is the host governor has been upbeat in preparations leading to the convention, even threatening dire consequences against the party should the event be moved out of his state. The city centre of Port Harcourt and the major streets were jammed with traffic as a result of siren-blaring VIP movement. The city appeared tensed as the presence of heavily

armed security personnel was noticeable everywhere. All major hotels in Port Harcourt Metropolis are fully booked with the influx of delegates and other visitors to the state on account of the convention while the capital city is witnessing an increased traffic build up on the eve of the convention. An incident involving a tanker laden with diesel at the Garrison Junction along Aba Road did not help matters as it created additional traffic situation along the major road. Government House, Port Harcourt has become a Mecca of sorts as presidential aspirants throng to the palace to pay homage to the governor, who has become the Czar of the party. Governor Wike welcomed all the delegates of the party to the state, assuring them of a memorable stay. Wike said: "The good people of Rivers State are most delighted and honoured to play host to the distinguished National Delegates of our great party as we elect our Presidential flag bearer this weekend and collectively work towards rescuing our nation from the brink of collapse. "As we gather for this allimportant national convention, I assure all delegates of our great party of their security before, during and after the convention. Working with the security agencies and other stakeholders, we will ensure that your stay in Port Harcourt is memorable. "Once again, I welcome all delegates, journalists, observers and other visitors to Rivers State,

the Treasure Base of the Nation. While you are here, enjoy the peace, love, cuisine, heritage and hospitality of Rivers State and her people. "I pray for journey mercies as you return to your respective destinations. I welcome you." In the midst of it all, Senator Mark has said he would not step down for anybody, while Tambuwal, has alleged a gang-up against him by other presidential aspirants. Mark, in a brief statement issued yesterday in Abuja by his Media Assistant, Mr. Paul Mumeh, denied insinuations by one of the presidential aspirants that he and two others have stepped down for the said aspirant. The statement said: “This is serious business. Those who have nothing to offer should honourably quit from the race instead of degenerating to purveyors of fake news and rumour peddlers. “Those who are afraid of contest have no business in the race. I came into the race well prepared after due consultations with various groups. The positive outcome of my consultations across the country and the overwhelming endorsements encouraged me to vie. “The PDP is a big family. Nobody should insinuate what does not exist. I’m not aware of any meeting where it was discussed or agreed that any one should step down for another. What I’m aware of is that delegates should vote and let the votes count”. Mark therefore urged

ATIKU ABUBAKAR Defender of democracy, fought 3rd term Weaknesses: Painted by opponents as corrupt Rejection by Obasanjo Perceived to be politically unstable Perceived as too old for the job

delegates to be steadfast with him because saying he has a clear road map on how the nation can get out of the woods and restore the pride and dignity of Nigeria before the global community once more.” Also stating that he is still in the race is a former governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido, whose Personal Assistant on Social Media, Mansur Ahmed denied media reports that he had stepped down from the race. "We are in the race to win Insha Allah. Issue of withdrawing does not arise. It is those who are afraid of contest that are behind such reports. "We urge all our teeming supporters to disregard the misinformation," he said. On the alleged gang up of other aspirants on Tambuwal,

APC SET FOR BUHARI’S CORONATION TODAY beefed up around the venue, with more security men still expected to be deployed before the arrival of President Buhari. Ahead of today's convention, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party is working assiduously to resolve all the issues encountered during the primaries in various states. Meanwhile, APC’s NWC has approved the election of 24 governorship candidates for the next year's general election. However, the NWC at its meeting held on Thursday, disallowed the factional governorship primary election that produced Senator Magnus Abe in Rivers and Pat Utomi in Delta states. In a statement issued yesterday by the acting National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, the party said it had ratified the reports of the

various Electoral Committees adopted the 24 men as governorship candidates of the APC for the forthcoming 2019 general elections. Those approved by the party to fly its flag at the 2019 governorship elections include, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano State), Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi State), Simon Lalong (Plateau State), Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna State), Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa State), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto State), Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi State), Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina State), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger State), Babagana Umara-Zulum (Borno State) Others are, Mai Mala Buni (Yobe State), Abubakar A. Sule (Nasarawa State), Emmanuel Jimme (Benue State), Babajide Sanwoolu (Lagos State), Tonye Cole (Rivers State), Uche Ogah (Abia State), Nsima

Ekere (Akwa Ibom State), and Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo State). Also cleared by the party to contest on its ticket are, Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State), Great Ogboru (Delta State), Owan Enoh (Cross-River), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe State), Sunny Ogboji (Ebonyi State) and Sani Abubakar Danladi (Taraba State). Meanwhile, Senator Abe, has rejected the endorsement of Tonye Cole by the APC NWC as the elected governorship candidate of the party in Rivers State for the 2019 elections.. Cole was elected through an indirect primary ordered by the NWC while Abe was elected through direct primary earlier ordered by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party. Both aspirants claimed the candidacy of the party till the NWC announced the

endorsement of Cole. Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, Abe vowed that he would appeal the NWC’s decision, pointing out that his legal team was already preparing a petition to present to an appeal committee set up by the party. He said: "The leadership of the party has set up an appeal committee to look into the complaints of some members who are aggrieved over the decision of the NWC. "We are preparing our petition, which we will send to the appeal committee. Although we were told that the petition to the appeal committee is a mere formality, we will still present our position to them." Abe said as a person, he has nothing against Cole, but as a politician, he would continue to seek for justice.

Huge war chest Defender of democracy and independent legislature Diverse and extensive family roots in the north and the southwest

Weaknesses: Painted by opponents as untrustworthy Seen more as a Yoruba man Perceived as extremely independent-minded the Director-General of his Campaign Organisation, Dr. Mike Omere, told journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday that the governor’s intimidating credentials were responsible for the gang-up. Omere said: "The others are up against our candidate because he is the most qualified. There are candidates and there are candidates. Our candidate has the credential of being one of the very few that have served in public office and is yet to be invited by any of the investigative agencies for talks. "Our candidate is young and appeals to the leaders of the moment because that is the direction the world is going. "Our candidate is the one who believes that the future of our country is now and we should begin to create the space for people to begin to

Weaknesses: Perceived as arrogant Limited National contacts Limited funds Perceived as a religious extremist

AMINU TAMBUWAL Weaknesses: A serial defector Lacks serious political ideology Perceived as Wike’s stooge achieve their destinies. Our candidate believes that we have passed that stage of He expressed the hope that the PDP national convention would be transparent in line with established processes, which produced former leaders of the party. Omere said: "The party always has a process; an established process of conducting its businesses and affairs. Like transparent processes that produced former leaders of the party, this will be done in full glare of the media and the public. "Everyone who is an accredited delegate will be free to cast his vote according to his will. I cannot see how interference will take place in the process. The others are up against our candidate because he is the most qualified.”

FG VOWS TO PROSECUTE SKYE BANK DIRECTORS AS NDIC REMITS N107BN SURPLUS perpetrators of the failure of these banks to just go scot-free. "Even though you intervene by protecting depositors, but your intervention is limited. You’re not able to payback all that the depositors have. We must show some examples and this is a good one for us to start with." Ahmed emphasised the need for the NDIC to continuously monitor the banks to ensure that problems were detected early and solved before they become crisis. She said: “The role that you have in monitoring banks should be continuous, because if you capture these issues early, there is a better chance of us protecting these banks, protecting shareholders and depositors." The minister also

commended the corporation for adhering to the requirements of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, by constantly paying its operational surpluses to the federal government. She said: “I can confirm to you that just within this week, the sum of N15 billion was received by the federal government and this brings to about N107 billion that NDIC has paid to date." Earlier, the NDIC boss, Mr. Umaru Ibrahim hinted that following the revocation of Skye Bank Plc licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the former chairman and other director of the defunct bank, including Mr. Tunde Ayeni and Dr. Festus Fadeyi are currently under investigation.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY OCTOBER 6, 2018

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͞˜ ͺ͸͚΀

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

SWEET VICTORY... L-R: APC Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshimhole; President Muhammadu Buhari; Governor-elect of Osun State, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola and the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, during PHOTO: STATE HOUSE his visit to Aso Rock on Friday to thank the president for his support for the party’s victory

Swiss Banks Begin Unmasking Identity, Balances of Secret Account Holders Ahamefula Ogbu åÓÞÒ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ? The era of mystery-cloaked numbered Swiss bank accounts has officially come to a close as Switzerland, the world’s biggest centre for managing offshore wealth, began automatically sharing client data with tax authorities in dozens of other countries. According to Reuters, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) said on Friday it had for the first

time exchanged financial account data at the end of September under global standards that aim to crack down on tax cheats. Bank secrecy still exists in some areas — Swiss authorities cannot automatically see what citizens have in their domestic bank accounts, for example — but gone are the days when well-paid European professionals could stash wealth across the border and beyond the prying eyes of their tax man. The initial exchange was

supposed to be with European Union countries plus nine other jurisdictions: Australia, Canada, Guernsey, Iceland, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Norway and South Korea. “Cyprus and Romania are currently excluded as they do not yet meet the international requirements on confidentiality and data security,� the FTA said. Transmission of data to Australia and France was delayed “as these states could not yet deliver

FG Insists on Concession of Nation’s Airports As Hilton unveils exotic hotel at MMIA Chinedu Eze The federal government said yesterday that it has resolved to concession nation’s airports under the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to create opportunity for the private sector to participate in airport infrastructure development in Nigeria under the PPP arrangement. Government said the concession process would start with the first four major airports in the country located in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt for a maximum of 30 years to ensure they are run efficiently and profitably Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, disclosed this on Friday when he opened the Legend Lagos Airport Hotel operated by Hilton at the Quits Aviation Terminal, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The opening of the exotic hotel, which was graced by the President of Hilton Worldwide, Christopher Nasette, the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Managing Director of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, Chairman of Oando, Mr. Wale Tinubu, among others, was described as unique. Sirika before he cut the tape to

open the hotel disclosed that the new airport terminals in Abuja and Port Harcourt built by the Chinese under the $500 million facility from China Exim Bank would be inaugurated before end of October. The minister observed that many Nigerians have taken to the social media to celebrate the new terminal at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana, but they did not know that the country has better airport terminal facilities in Port Harcourt, Kano, Abuja and Lagos, adding that the four terminals would be unveiled soon, starting with Port Harcourt and Abuja this October. He, however, stressed that despite the building of the four facilities and additional one at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, government had realised that it cannot efficiently build and manage airport infrastructure, hence the decision to concession them. “I will like to say that within the first quarter of next year, Airbus A380 aircraft would be landing in Nigeria. We have facilities to receive such an airplane. But this year before the end of this October, we would be opening the terminal in Port Harcourt which is ready even

to the apron operations. We will also be opening the terminal in Abuja. They would be ready for operations. “There are many other terminals we will open. I am sure my friends in the media have not forgotten that the intent and purpose of this government regarding aviation is to concession these airports. We don’t believe that government can run these facilities and run them very well. We must hand them over to the private sector,� he said. The minister said Nigeria would soon record the highest passenger traffic in Africa as it was presently recording 16 million passengers per annum and the country strategically located to become a natural hub for West and Central Africa. “If you talk about passenger traffic in air transportation, Ghana is just 450,000 passengers per annum last year. Here with all the dilapidated structures around the airports which we are working hard to improve very soon, Nigeria did about 16 million passengers, that’s 30 times Ghana market. We’re so lucky by our geography to be at the centre of the world. We are close to all locations in the world,� Sirika said.

data to the FTA due to technical reasons,� it said, adding that it also had not yet received data from Croatia, Estonia and Poland. About 7,000 banks, trusts, insurers and other financial institutions registered with the FTA collect data on millions of accounts and send them on the Swiss tax agency. The FTA in turn sent information on around two million accounts to partner states. It put no value on the accounts in question.

The information includes the owner’s name, address, country of residence and tax identification number as well as the reporting institution, account balance and capital income. This lets authorities check whether taxpayers have correctly declared their foreign financial accounts. The annual data swap will expand next year to about 80 partner states, provided they meet requirements on confidentiality and data security. The OECD

Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes reviews states’ implementation of the accord. Under international pressure, Swiss banking secrecy has weakened for years, meaning rich people from around the world can no longer easily use the Alpine republic to hide wealth. The changes have put Switzerland in fierce competition with faster-growing centers like Hong Kong and Singapore.

NJC Recommends Abba Aji, for Supreme Court, 8 Others as Judges Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended for appointment one Supreme Court Justice, three Chief Judges, three other judges of the state High Courts as well as a judge each for the Sharia Court of Appeal and the Customary Court of Appeal. The NJC took the decision at its 87th meeting of 3rd and 4th October which held under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen. According to a statement issued by the NJC Director of Information, Soji Oye, “The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Mr. Justice Walter

Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON, at its 87th Meeting of 3rd and 4th October, 2018, recommended to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and governors of Abia, Benue, Ogun, Oyo and Kwara states, eight (8) successful candidates for appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Heads of Courts and Judicial Officers.� While the NJC recommended Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji, (JCA) to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointment as Justice of the Supreme Court, it recommended Justices Onuoha Arisa Kalu Ogwe, Aondover Kaka’an and Mosunmola Arinola Dipeolu to the governors of Abia, Benue and Ogun states respectively for appointment as

Chief Judge of their states’ High Court. Also recommended to the Ogun State governor for appointment as judges of the Ogun State High Court are; Oludayo Oluwabamise Osunfisan, Olusola Stephen Oloyede and Olatunde Hassan Oyajinmi. The council, however, recommended Zakariyah Abdulrasaq and Eni Esan to the governors of Kwara and Oyo states for appointment as Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal and President, Customary Court of Appeal of the two states respectively. The statement noted that the newly appointed candidates would be sworn-in after the approval of the President and their respective state governors as the case may be.

Osinbajo to Address Energy Stakeholders at Sustainability Conference in Lagos Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will hold discussions with energy policy makers, investors and industry leaders as they gather in Lagos to discuss the theme, “Energy Dynamics; current issues and policy options�, and explore collaborations for a more resilient energy future. A statement by the Energy Institute said the inaugural Energy sustainability Conference 2018 would take place on October 11th 2018, in Lagos and that Vice President Osinbajo would deliver

the opening remarks. This will be followed by a Keynote address by Mr. Osten Olorunshola, Chairman Energy Institute Nigeria. The conference, which is now open to participants for registration, will feature prolific experts who are leaders in government and public policy, industry leaders from the private sector policy makers, regulators, energy consultants and analysts, who will discuss and analyse critical issues on creating an energy sustainable future for

Nigeria by promoting the exchange of knowledge, best practices, innovative ideas and past experiences between important stakeholders from across the energy spectrum. The conference will also provide exclusive round-table networking opportunities chaired by leading organisations with innovative projects and initiatives within the energy sector. It is also a forum to identify synergies and forge partnerships in off-grid renewable energy.

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OCTOBER 6, 2͸͹΀ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

58 Years of Blood, Tears and Pain

T

he lavish display at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Tuesday, which climaxed Nigeria’s 58 Independence Day celebration was absolutely unnecessary. For me, there is really nothing to celebrate. October 1 should have been a day for sober reflection, with so much hunger, disease, poverty, pain, malnutrition, insurgency, mass unemployment, decaying infrastructure and all the negatives you can think of, ravaging mother Nigeria. For 58 years, wicked civilians and military politicians combined to pauparise the masses of the people, turning our commonwealth into personal wealth. As a result, our dear country is miles behind her contemporaries on all development indices. It is a big shame that after 58, Nigeria can’t provide quality healthcare in public hospitals, quality education in public schools and quality infrastructure to motivate development. Our leaders run abroad for healthcare and send their children overseas for quality education. In the year 2019, Nigeria is still struggling to provide uninterrupted electricity to its citizenry, while inner and outer roads remain largely tattered. The bulk of our commonwealth is stolen and stashed abroad. So, how will Nigeria develop? The last three years have been horrendous, with poverty assuming a frightening dimension. For the first time in a long while, inflation in Nigeria jumped to a double digit. Unemployment jumped to an unprecedented height. No wonder the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, openly branded Nigeria as “home to the poorest people in the world”. May made the statement while delivering a speech in South Africa just before her visit to Nigeria. The surprised British PM remarked: “Much of Nigeria is thriving, with many individuals enjoying the fruits of a resurgent economy, yet 87 million Nigerians live on less than $1 and 90 cents a day, making it home to more very poor people than any other nation in the world.” Yes, Nigeria is indeed World Poverty Capital. Our dear 58 years old Nigeria has overtaken India as the country with the larg-

Buhari

est number of extreme poor as of 2018, a report by the Washington-based Brookings Institution confirmed. The report titled, “The Start of a New Poverty Narrative said: “At the end of May 2018, our trajectories suggest that Nigeria had about 87 million people in extreme poverty, compared with India’s 73 million. What is more, extreme poverty in Nigeria is growing by six people every minute, while poverty in India continues to fall.” So, what is there to celebrate? The October 1st charade was clearly a celebration of poverty. The International Monetary Fund in a report in March affirmed that poverty assumed an unprecedented height in Nigeria within three years of the Buhari administration. It reported that more Nigerians got poorer under Buhari’s watch. The IMF said Nigeria needed urgent economic reforms to stem the poverty. It is also pathetic that Nigeria is now ranked as one of the most dangerous countries to live in, in the world, and more unsafe than war-torn Libya, according to the 2018 Global Law and Order Report by the Gallup Poll. In the latest annual ranking of the safest and least safe countries by Gallup, Nigeria placed 116th

out of 142 countries, with the index score of 66, which is lower than the global average score of 81. Nigeria ranked below African countries like Egypt, Rwanda, Mauritius, Morocco, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Niger, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Togo in the law and order log. Nigeria also placed lower than violenceridden Libya, the Central African Republic and Algeria. What a shame. Nigeria is evidently one of the most dangerous places to live in the world, with Fulani herders, Boko Haram, bandits and numerous unknown gunmen killing scores of people daily. What a country! Rather than address these challenges, the government went about celebrating on October 1. I also watched with dismay, the military displaying its so-called “might’ at the Eagle Square on October 1. The Nigerian military that was once revered globally is now persistently humiliated by Boko Haram, bandits and herders. These days, stories of terrorists dislodging military posts pour. From Zari, to Bama, from Jilli to Gudumbali, the story is the same. The terrorists continue to overrun military posts. Majority of the industries that ought to help alleviate the poverty in Nigeria are gasping for survival. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), last week reminded the Buhari government that the country’s industrial sector is yet to record any growth for a long time. According to MAN, the development does not portend well for the country that is striving to make impact in the highly competitive global economy. MAN said despite the alleged growth of the Nigerian economy in 2017, the challenges are not yet over as the manufacturing sector is still on the brink of recession and called on the government to take urgent steps to address the challenges facing the sector to enable it impact on the macroeconomic development of the country. The association’s national President, Dr. Frank Jacobs, said the situation of zero growth in the sector was an indication that a lot needed to be done by the government to rescue the sector from imminent collapse. Unfortunately, this is not a listening government. May Allah save Nigeria.

Still on the Pain in Osun State

As I pen this piece, the Forum of 2011/2012 retirees of Osun State Government has a list of over 1400 retirees that have died of penury in the last eight years, due to the non-payment of their pensions and gratuities. The Secretary of the Forum, Mr. Sola Olojede, remarked: “They (Osun State Government) have embarrassed us and our families. We have lost 1,468 pensioners to hunger and sickness while waiting for their statutory emoluments.” This is the inglorious level Osun State degenerated to, under the leadership of Rauf Aregbesola. Today, I have decided to concentrate on the plight of these retirees. For over seven years, these seniors are persistently pummeled and humiliated by Aregbesola. In January last year, the aggrieved pensioners added a twist to their protest when they erected an Internally Displaced Pensioners camp at a strategic location in Osogbo, the first of its kind in the entire South-west. It was a sorry scene. Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Omoniyi Ilesanmi, said: “Some of our members Who are unable to pay house rent Now reside in uncompleted buildings across the state. The policy of half salary and pension by the Osun State Government has worsened humanitarian crisis in the state.” Olojede added: “Our record also shows that about 500 pensioners are sick and have no money to buy drugs let alone go to the hospital. Are these factors not enough reasons to expose the insensitivity of the governor to the whole world? If hunger and sickness killed 1,468 people and we are protesting, in what way are we wrong?” This is the tragedy that has befallen Osun State retirees under the Aregbesola administration. This monumental tragedy has caused irreparable physically and psychological damages to the seniors and their families.

APC’s Voodoo Governorship Primary in Lagos The APC National Working Committee’s panel sent to conduct the Lagos governorship primary danced naked in public on Wednesday. It was a dance of shame by the Clement Ebri-led panel. 24-hours earlier, Ebri, a former governor of Cross River State, had on national television declared the voodoo Lagos governorship primary conducted on that day by the Lagos APC chieftains as a charade and subsequently cancelled the exercise. I can clearly remember Ebri saying that the preparatory process for the election had just been concluded and that his panel was shocked to hear that the primary had been concluded. He remarked on Tuesday: “The preparatory process had just been concluded for the primary. The primary is to begin anytime soon. There was no election today. Election materials are being sorted. The stage is set and election begins anytime from now. We have guidelines and we will stick to the guidelines. “Because of the political tension in the state, we decided to be very careful, very methodical. As party men, peace is more important to us than victory. We want a kind of victory that will be celebrated by both parties. “We want an election that will be credible and in line with the guidelines, the extant rules and the laws of the country. And that is what we have done. We are ready to go to the field and execute this, so that at the end of the day, we will not be accused of partisanship. Lagos is very important to us and it is a flagship of the APC. “We have two aspirants and we need to be fair to both parties. The information we demanded for came in about an hour ago. And we had to struggle this period to balance the equation. Now that we are ready,

we will contact the national headquarters on the situation and the right time will be announced. The national secretariat advised us to use ballot papers and we came into Lagos with thousands of them. But during the stakeholders meeting, it became obvious that the state chapter of the party was not ready for such primary.” That was Ebri speaking on Tuesday. I thought a transparent primary election would take place the following day. But Ebri made a world record reversal on Wednesday and accepted the result of an election he said was a travesty. In fact, he collected and signed it, declaring Jide Sanwoolu winner of the fraudulent primary. I have never seen this kind of a thing before in my life. It was a travesty of justice. So, what changed within 23 hours? Very simple: The Ebri panel got instruction from Abuja to accept and sign the manufactured result. The primary was simply skewed to favour Sanwoolu. My dear Ebri at his level could not resist these shenanigans. A man that had earlier distanced his panel from the charade was seen signing the jaundiced result. In fact, it was Tunde Balogun, chairman of the APC in Lagos State that declared Sanwoolu winner, when Ebri initially refused to do so. This same Ebri suddenly forgot about the equity and fairness he talked about on Tuesday and openly backed the farce. What a disgrace. So, this is the “change” APC promised Nigerians? A party that promised change is seen promoting a world record farce. It was a brazen disrespect for Justice and equity. The truth that must be told is that there was no governorship primary election on Tuesday. The result submitted was brazenly concocted to knock out Akinwunmi Ambode. It was a mockery of democracy. Lagosians know what to do in 2019.

Ebiri

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 6, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY Serena Goes Topless for Cancer War From tennis court to gender course, Serena Williams is remarkably a champion, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ust last month, The Herald Sun published an article against Serena Williams. The Australian newspaper had attempted to discredit her character for “unsportsmanlike behaviour” following her loss to Naomi Osaka during the US Open Women’s final. According to the headline of an Andrew Bolt column in the paper, Williams “is no feminist hero”, the paper wrote. However, in a move that boldly tells otherwise and sparks breast cancer stir, the tennis superstar has gone topless in a video posted on Instagram on Saturday to raise awareness for the disease. The mother of one covers her breasts with her hands while singing a version of Australian band The Divinyls’ 1991 hit, I Touch Myself, in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia. “This Breast Cancer Awareness Month I’ve recorded a version of The Divinyls global hit ‘I Touch Myself’ to remind women to self-check regularly,” wrote Williams on the post. “Yes, this put me out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to do it because it’s an issue that affects all women of all colours, all around the world. Early detection is key — it saves so many lives.” The sports celebrity hopes it helps remind women of the course. The song was co-written by Divinyls Australian vocalist Chrissy Amphlett who died of breast cancer five years ago aged 53. “The music video is part of the I Touch Myself Project which was created in honour of celebrated diva, Chrissy Amphlett, who passed away from breast cancer, and who gave us her hit song to remind women to put their health first,” said the 23-time Grand Slam champion. In the video, the tennis legend was seen singing and touching her breast emotionally as a means of creating awareness of breast cancer. Serena surprised many with her singing talent and who knows, as observers noted, she might decide to pick singing up as another career after tennis. Ranked number 16 as at September 10, Serena is known to be close to Beyoncé and made a cameo appearance dancing in Beyoncé’s music video for the song Sorry in the hit album Lemonade. She said the director told her, “We would love you to be in this particular song. It’s about strength and it’s about courage and that’s what we see you as. Breast cancer is reported to have killed many women than men and women have always been advised on how to detect early symptoms of the ravaging terminal ailment. Serena has dominated tennis in a way few have dominated any sport, and she comes equipped with clear messages. The black and beautifully talented athlete is now more mainstream seen as several people who are not sports enthusiasts know who she is. She confessed that she was “uncomfortable” doing the video but believed in the cause that much that she cannot reject the role. The video was reported to have been viewed more than 1.3 million times in the first 10 hours after it was posted early Sunday with fans lauding the tennis superstar for her bravery in performing the song. Serena, who celebrated her 37th birthday on Wednesday, September 26, pulled out of the China Open in Beijing to bring a premature end to her 2018 season, her first back on tour since giving birth to a daughter a year ago. But her prowess perhaps transcends her sport. Williams has a passion for helping children have access to education, and her Serena Williams Foundation was crucial in the construction of two schools in Kenya. She also built a school in Uganda and another in Jamaica. Serena’s school in Jamaica imposes “strict guidelines and rules to support gender equality in access to education.” Her Reddit-cofounder husband, Alexis Ohanian, even installed four giant billboards in California that say “Greatest Mother of All Time” to welcome Serena back to tennis after she gave birth. Serena previously opened up about her personal health struggles after giving birth to her daughter Alexis Ohanian Jr. The athlete told Vogue magazine in February that she had dangerous blood clots in her lungs that led to a burst C-section wound due to intense coughing days after childbirth. She was bedridden for six weeks after coming home from the hospital. There is little question that she is the best women’s tennis player of her generation and, very likely, of all time, who uses her profile to raise awareness for key causes. She has played in only eight tournaments this year but managed to reach the Wimbledon final in July and the US Open final in September.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 6, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY

Kanu, Amarachi, Still Glowing with Love Former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu and his heartthrob, Amarachi, have been exemplary in their marital exploits as both continue to wax stronger in romance, Omolabake Fasogbon reports

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rsenal and Ajax legend, Nwankwo Kanu, has been married to the love of his youth for 14 years and ever since, it has been an exciting, passionate, hilarious and fulfilling marital journey. There have been no public account of disagreement between them, and they look perfectly fit for a model couple after studying their trajectories. The fondness between the lovebirds has further befuddled the law of science that says that love loses its intensity with time, as both wax stronger in a cage of endless love. Looking stunning as usual, the pair, yet again got aspiring and actual couples fantasising the ‘sweetness of togetherness’ as they made a public appearance at the FIFA The Best Awards ceremony that held in London recently. Kanu got global attention with beautiful Amarachi, as photographers struggle for shots of these stunning couple. Taking a closer look at the duo right at the occasion, their body language read new intense feelings of a newly wedded twosome, relishing the richness of true love and both feeling important, understood and secured for each other. Love struck Amarachi recently set the social media agog with a complete family picture, putting on customised jersey. All looking radiant and beautiful, the picture which was to further hype Kanu’s heart campaign was well received with inspiring and likeable comments by numerous fans. This is not the first time she would be

posting pictures, this particular one drew more attention. The two-time African player of the year may not be known for heart-melting candy-coated expressions, his actions indeed speaks volumes about love and got Amarachi seeking more of him. His architect wife once attested to this when she said: “He (Kanu) is a kind man with a big heart. He is also very sensitive and intelligent. He shows me compassion through his actions and he doesn’t say too much” While Kanu the philanthropist is busy strategising on breaking new grounds and redeeming more lives with his heart focused NGO, as visible in his social media posts, his 32 year-old wife is quite expressive about her emotional feelings. Not unusual of women, the brilliant architect, as much as she tries to be discreet with her private life, cannot hide the fact that she is in love! The wife of the football legend maintains that she finds no reason to fall in love on the basis of temporal reality. She bared it in an interview she granted a while ago: “When I was getting married, I was not ready to be thrust into the limelight. I didn’t even know what I was getting into. I wasn’t a football fan and I knew nothing about the Premiership. I didn’t know I was getting married into that level of limelight as I was young, vibrant and in love. Getting married to Kanu was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was in love; I think the love I had and still have for my husband was all I needed to feel comfortable and good.” For the obvious, one may want to believe the fitness expert for her words that indeed, hers is not physical closeness and emotional distance, a situation which Robert Firestone terms as ‘Fantasy bond’. More reason

to believe her is the glowing spark in the 14 year- old relationship. Although, he is a man of few words, Kanu who recently clocked 42 is not completely dry in displaying affections publicly with words. One of those few displays was when he appreciated his wife for saving him from untimely death following the return of a life threatening heart valve defect some 22 years ago. Also on the occasion of their 14th wedding anniversary in July, the father of three wrote on his Instagram page: “Is a goal. Happy anniversary to us” while Amara replied, “confident in the knowledge that the best is yet to come. Happy wedding anniversary to us”. For as much as she cannot stand a minute without her husband, she also gives her all to the kids. This is non-negotiable. On her children, she says: “Motherhood is the best thing that has ever happened to me. In terms of motherhood, women empowerment and business sense, Beyonce inspires me. My children will always be my priority and I give God the most gratitude for blessing me with children. If I invest my time in them, they will give me more value at the end of the day.” Kanu found Amarachi at a village beauty competition in Imo State when Amara, as was fondly called, was barely 18 years old. After dating for some time, Amarachi and Kanu got married in December 2004, in Imo State. Unlike in some cases where girls are given away in marriage at an early age, with opportunity for education foreclosed, Kanu gave Amara quality education. She holds a degree in Architecture and an MBA. She also obtained a diploma before the birth of her daughter.

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

COMMENTARY

INEC AND THE OSUN ELECTION

The conduct of the Osun governorship election has further depressed the record of the umpire, argues Jude Ndukwe

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uring his screening exercise before the Senate prior to his confirmation as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof Mahmood Yakubu had, in response to one of the questions from the senators, said it was too late in his life for anyone, no matter how highly placed or powerful, to influence him in the discharge of his duties. Although I had my reservations about his sincerity but having watched him on that day, he performed so well in convincing the senators and every other person who might have had doubts about his capacity, firmness and fairness that he was the right man for the job. Since then I have taken special interest in him to know if indeed we still have men around who honour their word irrespective of the prevailing circumstances and pressure. For a majority of the elections which Mahmood Yakubu’s INEC has conducted since he came on board, Nigerians have often expressed strong reservations about them to the extent that at a point in time, the commission was rechristened Inconclusive National Electoral Commission in mockery of its several elections it declared inconclusive as a result of reasons not appearing genuine to some citizens, a move which many saw as attempts to rig the system in favour of one party against the other. Although INEC has stoutly defended its conduct of elections, if there was still any faith in INEC by the citizens, such faith must have finally melted away with the conduct of the Osun State election which started well but whose rerun ended up leaving soured grapes in the mouths of the electorate, observers and Nigerians in general. To start with, it is believed by many Nigerians that the Osun rerun was conjured up by INEC under the influence of powerful forces who were desperate to subvert the people’s will in the election in order to create time and space for the many infractions observed during the rerun on Thursday, September 27, 2019. The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room rightly observes that “the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the election in the seven polling units where the election were rerun including violence, also repeated themselves in most of this election, raising questions on why results obtained under these conditions should now stand”. It further stated that “the entirety of the Osun State rerun election derogates from the recent gains made in our elections process and the confidence that was beginning to be built. The lapses in the Osun rerun election have put a serious question mark on the electoral process and raise concerns about the forthcoming 2019 Nigeria general elections”. Also, missions of the US, EU and UK observed these infractions with particular concern about the role of the security agents who were reported to have harassed and intimidated voters as a way of preventing some of them from voting and even arrested some election observers including those from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). It is therefore troubling that despite these reports from credible local and international observers, INEC still went ahead to declare results in a rerun where a good number of the voters were deliberately disenfranchised. The Osun election has, no doubt, cast a dark shadow on the nation’s electoral process. Following the election, Nigerians across spectrums have questioned the usefulness of their PVCs which they conclude are only just another card that has no value whatsoever for elections as, in their reckoning, INEC, the security forces and other relevant

FOR A MAJORITY OF THE ELECTIONS WHICH MAHMOOD YAKUBU’S INEC HAS CONDUCTED, NIGERIANS HAVE OFTEN EXPRESSED STRONG RESERVATIONS ABOUT THEM TO THE EXTENT THAT AT A POINT IN TIME, THE COMMISSION WAS RECHRISTENED INCONCLUSIVE NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

agencies of government have over time shown unrestrained bias and openly pitched their tents consistently towards one party against the other. There is no stronger evidence of the rigging template and determination of the APC in their insatiable desire for power even if it means severely circumventing the process and denying the people their will and choice than the Freudian slip of the APC chairman, Adams Oshiomhole who was caught on camera saying “Only people who can afford the pains of rigging…should partake in elections”. The bravado with which the former Edo State governor said it is even a louder testimony that the APC is working in cahoots with INEC and security agencies to continue to demean the system. The Osun debacle borrowed its roots from the earlier Ekiti governorship election that was heavily militarised with the security agencies showing unmitigated bias against the PDP and other political parties in favour of the APC. It is therefore most unfortunate that the zeal and enthusiasm with which Nigerians registered for and collected their permanent voters card just in August have been dampened only barely a month after by the shenanigans of those in authority. Some Nigerians have even been forced to conclude that the results of the 2019 general elections have already been written to favour the ruling party at the centre and therefore there is no need participating in the electoral process any longer. How we got here is saddening. While APC rode on the goodwill of Nigerians based on their scurrilous attacks, campaigns of calumny, propaganda, half-truths and sophistry embarked upon against the then President Goodluck Jonathan and his party, the PDP, it is bewildering how this same party that had endeared itself to the hearts of Nigerians with their vitriolic style of campaign has lost so much support just in three years to the extent that they apply the win-it-by-all-means strategy including dubious collaboration with security agencies and INEC officials to manipulate the process and thereafter declare themselves winners with aplomb while dismissing the electorate and other participants with the “go-to-court” sermon that has now become a new catchphrase of ridicule in our electoral lexicon. The Osun rerun is a monumental travesty. Videos abound where the electorate were lamenting their inability to vote because security agents or APC thugs either harassed them or turned them back from approaching their polling units to cast their votes. The larger implications of such practices could be very dire on the nation. It was John F. Kennedy who once said that “Those who make peaceful change impossible will make violent revolution inevitable”. In as much as no one wishes violence on another not to talk of the nation, the actions of some of our leaders have gone beyond preaching the impossibility of making peaceful change impossible to actually practicing its impossibility. Such leaders should know that there is a limit to the endurance of a people, and no one has the monopoly of violence. When people are constantly pushed to the wall, they would be forced to react and the extent of their reaction is sometimes only measured after the billowing smoke have gone down and the dust settled. Prof Yakubu and his team must realise that they owe posterity their integrity. They owe the nation their sworn impartiality. They must realise that sovereignty resides with the people and the people have the freedom to exercise it as they see fit. From Kogi, Ondo, Edo, Ekiti to Osun, the story has not been different. The disenchantment created by INEC’s perceived partiality against the people is leaving question marks on their lips. jrndukwe@yahoo.co.uk

CONVERSATION WITH A NIGERIAN VOTE SELLER

Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku writes that money will continue to influence voting, particularly among the poor

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uring the timeline allocated for Nigerians to get Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), venues for the exercises were usually packed. About 90% of these prospective voters were Nigerians within the 20-30 age-brackets. This perhaps conveyed the idea that the most productive arm of the Nigerian economy, the youth, were ready to execute the will behind the Not-Too-Young-to-Run idea. This supposition had not come far-fetched. A report ascribed to the Brookings Institution had said that with over 87 million Nigerian poor people, Nigeria had overtaken India as the poverty capital city of the World. About three months or so ago, one of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates when he visited Nigeria had said that the reason Nigeria is backward is because substantial investments have not been made in two key areas which affect young people especially – education and health. Furthermore, a report by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Goalkeepers had said that poverty in places like Nigeria is rooted in violence, political instability, gender inequality, severe climate change, and other deep-seated crises. It’s also tied to other problems, including high rates of child mortality and malnutrition. As a result, today’s poorest people have significantly fewer opportunities than most of the billion people who escaped poverty during the first two waves. In certain cosmopolitan cities like Benin City, conversations one often picks up at the newsvendor’s and from sometimes plying public transport would suggest that Nigerians are ready

for a fight with their PVCs. Most of the gist indicates that there is a strong interest in Nigerians to put the full weight of the power of their PVC to use to alter the recurring decimal of poverty in the Goalkeeper report. But a recent experience from an interaction with a struggling taxi driver in Benin City put to question assumptions on the so-called power of the PVC. The following conversation between me and this young taxi driver took place recently. ME: Ah, my friend how we country na? Taxi Driver: Oga we thank God…we dey patch am. ME: (Looking closer at him, I assume he’s from up North. Then I let off a couple of my best Northern lingo) Ina kwana mallam? Antashi Lafia kwo? Taxi Driver: (He looks at me and appears bemused). I’m not Hausa sir. Am from Benue sir. ME: Ah, so and so is your brother. I hear he is trying his hands on being president. What do you think are his chances? Taxi Driver: He’s very rich o ...and very shrewd. He behaves like a slow poison for the most part but when he strikes he can be very deadly. ME: But what’s the use of his money in today’s Nigeria? Everyone is wise now o. Taxi Driver: No mind am. A stingy man he is. Instead of spending the money on poor people around his base he allows it to gather mucus inside his house. I hear most times they burn the money…millions and millions which have spent so much time in his vaults unused to the extent that the money becomes useless.

ME: But na wa. People are suffering yet some are just piling up the money just to let it gather mucus and then just burn it. Taxi Driver: But oga others are not like him sha o! ME: How? Taxi Driver: The others dey maintain o. They know the elections are very close so they open up their doors and encourage you to visit and pass time with them. One of them who I told my mother was sick prayed for me ehn. I thought this was a prayer warrior politician. He even dashed me plenty money. ME: Let him win first…let the campaigns come and go na. Taxi Driver: Oga I know…this is the only time you can ever see them like this. Four years ago after our man win we no fit smell him gate again…four years! Before that time he used to come to our joint to play draft with us. ME: Na so them be. But I know say you guys are ready for them with your PVCs. Taxi Driver: Yes o. We ready. Anyone wey come wey go collect our own before he win and come disappear. ME: Ehn, you want to collect the money and vote for them? That’s selling your conscience! It’s an offence in the eyes of the law. Taxi Driver: We don wise up. Anyone wey come wey dey collect from am. See how wey dey take do am. If na PDP first come, we collect. Then APC go wan give us more than PDP…we dey collect both of them o. ME: Ehn, ok, which one of them do you then vote for after you collect from both of them?

Taxi Driver: The highest giver oga. ME: Is that so? Taxi Driver: Yes na…after them win shebi them go forget us. Better collect wetin we fit now otherwise we go enter one chance again. ME:But how una dey take make the arrangee? How them they contact and give una the money so that you go vote for them? Taxi Driver: E easy…you receive a phone call. The voice on the other side go ask you: Do you want to change the way things be now or you want make e continue? If you say you want to change things that means you support PDP…and if you say you want things to remain as them be then you be APC supporter. ME: So? How you go take collect your money? Taxi Driver: Oga, if you go there, they will still interact with you to continue to know where you stand. Una go plenty there shao. When they are sure say you dey their side them go feed una well well… but no be just the food o. ME: Them will give you money for there? Taxi Driver: Yes…them celotape am under the plate of food for you so that you no fit use your phone take record as them give you money. ME: Jesu…for real? Taxi Driver: Yes na! ME: Okay, how will they know that you actually voted for them? Taxi Driver: The money under the plate is like first instalment...on the day you vote, they will ask you to put your hand on their party logo and take a photo with your phone as evidence. After that you collect the remainder...na so. Etemiku is ANEEJ Communications

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

INSIGHT

When will the violence end? TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact and details to saturdayeditor@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950-1000 words). They should be sent to saturdayeditor@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

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GO-SLOW ENDANGERS THE ECONOMY

n 2001, somewhere in California, United States, an old woman aged 79 was on an interstate highway driving very slowly. When the police stopped her and pulled her out of the road for traffic offence, the police said, “Ma, for driving slowly you’ve committed a serious highway traffic offence.” In her swift response she ask: “Officers, what exactly is the offence? Where exactly are those speeding running to? At least by being slow am I not avoiding accidents than those speeding?” In response, the police said, “No Ma! In fact, by driving slowly rather than avoiding accidents your driving is a threat to yourself and thousands of other users of the highway. If you want to drive slowly you’d better leave the highway and take the state and rural roads, where the law says you’d drive slowly and not fast. Ma, you’re fined $50 for your offence.” During his just concluded visit to the UNGA (UN General Assembly) in New York, while addressing Nigerians in Diaspora, President Buhari said, “Those who call me ‘Baba go-slow,’ where have they taken the country to with their speed?” The president’s question was similar to that of the 79- year- old driver to the police who wondered why she should not drive slowly on an interstate highway when slow driving should be supposedly safer. But unknown to Buhari as it was unknown to the old woman, driving slowly on a highway, like a go-slow government, you are meant by law of good governance to maintain certain level of speed in order to ensure that government drives a productive and high job creating economy. At least, his predecessors were able to maintain the set out governance speed that ensured that they never broke the law of good governance. Not only did Buhari break the art of governance, his refusal to admit that go-slow is undermining the economy only expresses his ignorance of the law. Like the ignorant old women, President Buhari’s fine should be losing second term reelection biding. Did he know that it’s as a result of that that the economy suddenly went into recession? Did he know that it is as a result of his go-slow government that as high as 12 million Nigerians lost their jobs within three years? Did he need to be reminded that it is as a result of his go-slow government that herdsmen have slaughtered many rural Nigerians with impunity because the government never came to the aid of these powerless Nigerians?

ELECTIONS AND PARTY AGENT EDUCATION

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lection education means providing citizens with basic information about participating in elections. Election education is often provided by the state itself, often through a national electoral Does President Buhari know that it is as a result of commission. So it is therefore important that it is his go-slow government that Nigeria has recently been politically non-partisan. Election education and declared the poverty capital of the world? party agent is training programme designed to equip and Buhari should by now be told that he has broken the educate party agents with adequate information on modern law of good governance which sets out the minimum speed a government should be on, because he is too slow and sophisticated strategy used by political opponents for rigging election in modern society. Party agents are central to have been driving below the minimum speed. to the protection of election results and election fraud. The Those who did run fast did not sacrifice efficiency and selection and nomination of credible party agents is thus productivity. At least, they didn’t turn the country into negative growths, not to mention turning the country into a vital stage of taming election fraud. The negligence by political aspirants of party agent strategy is strengthening the world’s poverty capital. Had Buhari been speeding election rigging and manipulation in Nigeria. Political as required by the law guiding good governance, there parties expend great energy in campaigns and in buying wouldn’t have been anything like herdsmen killings as the electorate, but pay little attention to party agent strategy have become commonplace since Buhari became the which is the last resort for reclaiming victory amidst election President of Nigeria. fraud. INEC manual for election official (2015) reveals These are the tragedies of bad government caused by the significance of form EC.8B, EC.8C, EC.8D and EC.8E go-slow. It is a tragedy that in all honesty Mr President including EC.40 (G), EC.40G (1), EC.40G (2) and EC.40G (3) has no regrets for plunging the country into its present in the collation of governorship election results. The main economic mess, which will take the Atiku Abubakar objectives for including party agents in the election process presidency a lot of economic reengineering to reposiare to identify human errors and rigging at voting points. tion. A key role of a party agent is to inspect and list the serial numbers and the seals on ballot boxes including listing the Odilim Enwegbara, Abuja serial number of the ballot papers. Every voting point has a form EC.8B with a serial number written on it. It is the chief duty of the party agent to ensure the correct figures and words are documented on the form EC.8B. Nomination of credible party agents is a key tool for salvaging manipulation of election results. Osun State is known to be a peaceful state free of election violence. But the just T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R concluded Osun election was enmeshed EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU in modern rigging strategy adopted by MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO All Progressives Congress. Osun State has DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE a total of 1,682,495 registered voters, and CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI 3,010 voting points. Of the 3,010 voting EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN points, there were 3,003 successful election MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE conducts prior to the rerun gubernatorial election that saw Adeleke recording the highest votes. But INEC, determined to rob Osun people, decided on a rerun election on seven voting points. Is this rerun justifiable in light of Nigeria electoral T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D law? Election fraud or manipulation begins EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, with party agent being compromised at ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI voting points. The primary role required to DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE be played by party agent is to ensure that DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI a copy of the form EC.8B at each voting SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH point is collated in his presence and a copy ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO of the collated result as cited in form EC.8B CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI are sent by video, text message or phone DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO shot to the chief party agent. TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Pedro Ukokobili, Lagos

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T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY OCTOBER 6, 2018

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NEWS

In Brief NSITF Pays N835m Compensation

The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSTF) yesterday said that it had paid over N835, 318, 858, 62 to 288 injured workers under the Employee CompensationScheme.TheFundsaidthattheamountwasmainlyspenton theprovisionofartificiallimbsaswellasothercategoriesofbenefitsbetween January2017andJune2018.SpeakingattheNISTFspecialdayattheongoing AbujaInternationalTradeFair,theManagingDirector,AdebayoSomefunsaid thatinthelastoneyearalone,theFundhadpaidfor42artificiallimbs/partsto caterforworkerswholosttheirlimbsorsustainedinjurieswhilecarryingout theirdutiesatwork.“Itwouldinterestyoutoknowthatthe42beneficiariesof theartificiallimbs/partsarecurrentlybeingfittedandtrainedonhowtomove onwiththeirlivesaswespeak,”hesaid.Givingdetailsofdisbursementsbythe ECA, Somefun said health medical refund got N202.9 million, death benefit -N261millionanddisabilitybenefitN74million.Othersareasinclude,Lossof productivityforemployers-N8 mllionamongstothers.“Thisistosaythatthose who have benefitted from this special scheme run by the Fund include 298 injuredemployeesplacedonmonthlyorperiodicpayment.Thoseonperiodic payments are employees still in their productive years of 55 and below who arenolongerfunctioningeffectivelybecauseofworkplace/relatedinjuries. Twenty(20)personsabovetheageof55yearshavebeenpaidlumpsumson aonce-off basis,” hesaid.

‘Why we Didn’t Celebrate WorldTeachers Day’

TeachersinKogiStaterefusedtocelebratethisyearWorlds’TeacherDayasa protestoverunpaidsalariesandthehardshipfacingworkersinthestate.World Teachers’Day,alsoknownasInternationalTeachersDay,isheldeveryyearon President of the Senate and Presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki with other aspirants October5tohonourteachersandrecognisetheircontributionstoeducation and leaders of the party during a march from the Legacy House to the INEC headquarters in Abuja to protest against the outcome of the Osun and development. Many events are organised on this day to emphasise the importanceofteachersandlearningandtoraisetheprofileandincreasethe State governorship election...yesterday awarenessandunderstandingoftheteachingprofessionanditsimportance. Addressingjournalistsyesterday,theKogiStateChairman,AcademicStaff UnionofSecondarySchool(ASUSS),ComradeRontiMathewOjo,saidteachers werehungry,anddemoralisedwiththecurrentsituationonground.Comrade OjowhodoublesastheKogiStateChairmanTradeUnionCongress(TUC)noted that, teachers in the state now found it difficult to feed their families daily as theywereownedbetweensixand20monthssalaries.“If youasktheteacher to come to Lokoja from all the 21 local government area from their various schools,theycan’tevenafforditbecausesalarieshavenotbeenpaid.Thatis whytheeconomydoesnotpermit toorganiseanymeetingorcelebratethe 2018WorldTeachersday.Iwillusethisopportunitytoappreciateteachersinthe statethatdespiteallthesehardship,theyarestilldoingtheirjobs.Government yesterday dragged before Justice and employers of teachers in the state should give us transport allowance before he was hit by a shot fired he acted in self-defence. Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÏØËÑÙË “I disbelieve and reject the Eradiri of the Bayelsa High Court to maintain our body and souls and be able to transport our self to heaven by the convict. The victim who was confirmed defence of the accused for being for alleged illegal possession of so that we could meet our reward there since they say teachers reward is in A Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa, yesterday sentenced dead at the Federal Medical Centre contradictory and unsatisfactory. I firearm. However, the defendant, who heavenandnotearth. a policeman, Corporal Vincent in Yenagoa, on August 17, 2016, at find the accused guilty as charged Koluamawei, to death by hanging about 11a.m., the police said, fired and is hereby convicted for the was accused of attacking Mr. Tare Porri, Chairman of the zone, with Priests, Ex-seminarians Gather in Awka over the extra-judicial killing of at the security agents deployed to murder of Innocent Kokorifa. “The punishment prescribed for a gun, pleaded not guilty. The SavioBoscoAlumniAssociation(SABAA)willkickofftheirfirstretreat/re-union Innocent Kokorifa, a 17-year-old apprehend them, before leaving behind one locally made Single murder is death. Accordingly, the prosecution said that the incident attheArch-bishopObiefunaRetreat,PastoralandconferenceCentre,Okpuno, teenager. Justice Ineikade Eradiri held that Barrel pistol, one live cartridge, one sentence of this court is that you took place at Erepa, Yenagoa, AwkaSouthLocalGovernmentCouncilofAnambraState.TheThree-dayevent that contrary to the position of the expended cartridge and wraps of be hanged by the neck until you leading to the theft of valuables. commencedyesterday,witharrivalsofthemembersfromallthepartsofthe Eradiri ordered that Mr. Turner world.Thesecondday,whichistheeventproper,willcommencewithpontifical police, he was convinced that the substances suspected to be Indian be dead. May God have mercy on your soul.” be remanded in the Okaka Federal massat7ambytheBishopofAwka,MostRev.Dr.PaulinusEzeokafor,whowas young Kokorifa, who was running hemp. Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman, Prisons, pending the argument on theRectorofbothinstitutionsbeforehebecamethebishopofthedioceseof The incident had sparked outrage an errand for his mother when he was shot dead by a member of a leading to protests by youths and Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central his bail application on the 11th of Awka.The retreat lecture initially billed to be delivered by former Gov. Peter police patrol team in Okaka area, Civil Society Groups led by Morris Zone, Mr. Amiebi Turner was this month. Obi,whowillbeoccupiedbythePDPConvention,wouldnowbedeliveredby was not armed at the time he was Alagoa, Nengi James and Aluzu Prof. Stan Udedi, the Dean, Students’ Affairs of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Ebikebuna, a lawyer and rights gruesomely murdered. whobesidesbeingan Ex-seminarian, alsothoughtintheSeminaryduringhis The judge also averred that activist. formation.Partoftheeventsisthevisittothetwoschools–StDominicSavio But in his judgement yesterday, there was no evidence that the Seminary,AkpuandSt.JohnBoscoSeminary,Isuanicoha.Alltherectorsthat gun allegedly recovered by the Justice Eradiri held that the prosecuhaveservedinbothinstitutionswillalsobeappreciated. Foundedin1980bythe police after Kokorifa’s killing and a tion had proved its case beyond lateArchbishopAlbertObiefuna,theSeminarytrainedover50percentofthe substance suspected to be marijuana all reasonable doubts, maintaining Seriki Adinoyi ÓØ ÙÝ that it becomes true.” the police said were found in his that the defence of the police was Para-Mallam in a statement priestsservingintheDioceseofAwkaduringtheminorpartoftheirformation. pocket, belonged to the deceased. conflicting. Friends of the Family of Leah also described the claim as He said: “I hold that the prosecu- Sharibu, one of the110 female “wild and misleading.” Police authorities in the state Group Rally Support for Buhari in South-east had maintained that the young tion has proven its case beyond all students of Government Girls’ He said, “It has come to The #iStandWithBuhari, a voluntary pro-Buhari group, is organising a rally boy belonged to a gang of armed reasonable doubt and that on the Science and Technical College, our notice that some groups for President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 presidential election. robbers, arguing that his group contrary, there was serious doubt Dapchi, Yobe State, have dis- and individuals have been Tagged‘NdigboSolidarityMarchforBuhari’onSaturday,October13,inEnugu exchanged gunfire with the cops in the claim by the accused that missed as false and misleading, spreading the false news that State with theme: No Vacancy in Aso Rock. In a release, the groups Deputy media reports that Leah had Leah Sharibu has been released NationalCoordinatorSouth,Hon.ChinemeEdwinUme-Ezeokesaidtherally been released. and currently in Jos. For the wastohighlightBuhari’sachievementsintheregion.“Buharihasdonewellin The family friends, Reverend avoidance of doubt, I hereby infrastructure development in the South Eastern states, therefore need Gideon Para-Mallam, and Dr. wish to categorically state that our support to continue in office”, Ume-Ezeoke said. The group claims to be Gloria Samdi Puldu separately Leah Sharibu has not yet been active in all the 774 local government areas, with over 23 million members refuted the report on Friday, released. Our consistent hope withregisteredvoters’card.AccordingtoUme-Ezeoke,“thisprovidesusthe Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ Ilorin, one Yakubu Azeez “M”, saying that contrary to claims and prayer is that she should platformtomobilisesupportonbehalfofthePresident.”Continuing,hesaid,“We his wife and three other suspects that Leah had been released be released as soon as possible. alsohaveapro-governmentpublicationthatseekstobridgethegapbetweenthe Five persons including a woman were rounded up. from the captivity of Boko “I’m issuing this statement leadership and the people through the promotion of the government’s have been arrested by the Kwara “A further search was con- Haram and was being kept as a very close friend of the achievements. It is a weekly newspaper publication with a print volume of State Police Command for alleg- ducted in the building, 11 human somewhere in Jos, the girl was Sharibu family who have 10,000 copies and is distributed free in Nigeria.” In preparation for the rally edly being in possession of 11 skulls, several suspected human still being incarcerated. been and is still in very close andelection,Ume-Ezeokesaidthegrouphadalreadycommencedmobilising human skulls. bones, a bunch of suspected huPuldu, a Senior Lecturer in contact with them, that, as at The state Police Commissioner, man hair and other items were the Department of Political this morning (8:00 am Friday, structures in all the 36 states of the federation down to all polling unit levels Mr. Fafowora Bolaji, disclosed also recovered.” Science, University of Jos, October 5 2018), these wild and to“supportthePresident’sreelectionin2019.” this in Ilorin on Friday during a Mr. Bolaji who decried the and Para-Mallam, founder misleading reports about her press conference held at the state activities of ritualists in the state of Citizen Monitoring Group release are false and should ERCAAN Tasks Members on Professionalism police command headquarters, said that the Criminal Investiga- (CMG) said it was untrue that be disregarded. Please let us The Zonal Chairman, Estate, Rent and Commission Agents Association of Ilorin. tion Bureau of the state police Leah had been released and continue to pray for Leah and Nigeria(ERCAAN)OkotaIsoloZone,Hon.AkinlosotuOlugbemiro,hastasked He said that, the suspects command had commenced further now in the headquarters of her release, her family and membersontheneedtoimbibethecultureofprofessionalisminthedischarge were also allegedly found to be investigation on the incident. Evangelical Church Winning Nigeria as a whole. Thank oftheirdutiesasrealestateagents.Olugbemirowhodisclosedatthesecond AnnualGeneralMeeting(AGM)inLagosrecentlywiththetheme:‘RealEstate in possession of various human He, however, said that, “as All (ECWA), Jos. you and God bless.” bones and hair. soon as the investigation is Puldu said, “It’s not true, Leah is now seven months in Practice:EthicsandPublicPerception,notedthatthepublicperceptionabout He added that, the suspects completed on them they will there is nothing like that; ignore cºaptivity after the abductors realestatewasthattheycouldnotbetrusted.Healsostatedthatrealbusinessis were arrested at Adewole area, be arraigned before the court them, it is all rumours, that released the other students and allabouttrustandrelationship,addingthattherewasneedforagentstopursue Ilorin, following a tip off from of law.” is all. I think the speculation kept her back by the reason of the values of professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He explained the members of the public. Bolaji also called on the came into effect because of her Christian faith. Since then, thattheconferencewasaforumaimedattrainingandempoweringmembers The police commissioner noted people of the state to be security the assurance by President her mother, Rebecca Sharibu on the proper ethical practices to embark on in the discharge of their duties. that, “the suspects after swooping conscious and inform the police Muhammadu Buhari after he and other well-wishers have Olugbemiroexpressedconfidencethattheconferencewouldallowmembers on their location by the men of command whenever they had any spoke with her mother that Leah vehemently called on the federal andassociationtolearnmoreonthenecessarystepstoadopttosucceed.“Many the command at No 20, Ile-Opa information about the criminal Sharibu would be released soon. government to do everything realestateagentstodayareintheindustryforashortperiod(easyentryand area of Aromadudu, Adeiwple, activities in the state. We should just keep praying to ensure that she was released. easyexit),manyforalongperiodbutnocompanyname,nooffice,notraining.

ALUTA OVER OSUN...

Court Sentences Cop to Death for Killing 17-year-old Remands IYC Deputy Chair in prison custody

Leah Sharibu Not Released Yet, Say Friends of Family

Five Suspects with 11 Human Skulls Nabbed in Kwara

Plus

Adewale Aladejana I’m a Big Dreamer, I Made it Thinking Big

pg. 20

GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND AUTO SHOWBIZFLAIR

Kalu Ikeagwu

My Relocation to Nigeria at Age 9 was Harrowing

pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 38 pg. 45

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 6, 2018

PLUS

My Relocation to Nigeria at Age 9 was Harrowing Actor, Kalu Ikeagwu, is a veteran who sees acting from a different perspective. He sees it as a calling and a spiritual exercise to positively affect the lives of his audience. The prolific writer, stage actor, teacher and life coach sees his career as a life ministry. He has featured in scores of movies including the Lionheart, which is the first Nollywood original movie on Netflix. Unlike many of his contemporaries, accolades mean nothing to him. He shared his married life experience, career as well as the role of Nollywood in nation building with Chinedu Ibeabuchi

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ongrats on your nomination as best actor in a drama for the movie “Benevolence.” Can you share what makes your character unique in the movie? To be honest, I can’t exactly say; that is for the audience to say. Mine was just to tell the story the best way I could. How was it like not clinching the award? Exhilarating! To be honest, I only felt bad for my friends and fans that rooted solidly for me. It showed how much they cared about me. I love it when I never win because it forces me to stay focused on Lord Jesus. That way, I remain dependent on Him for my jobs, work and for honing my craft/skills. You are a revered actor in the industry. What makes you different from the flock? I don’t know what makes me different from the flock. The only thing I’m aware of is the recognition of the fact that everyone runs his own race. I recently came to the realisation that I am on this earth for a purpose, and that it is my responsibility to find what that purpose is. I have recognised that I am a story teller, and as a story teller, I have joined a league of entertainers who help instruct, influence and mould people’s perspectives and minds; to show them stark aspects of life’s truths and realities however subtle they may be. I am aware that when I die, as I must someday, I will have to give an account of my life and my craft to my maker and this motivates me to work circumspectly in all that I do. So, in summary, my greatest competition is myself, the aspects of myself that pull me back to keep me from attaining my goals and my prize. How would you describe the Kalu Ikeagwu’s brand? Kalu Ikeagwu as a brand is one that stands for integrity, who commits totally to every character he plays as an actor with a view to impacting his audience as his primary aim. He is also a prolific writer, stage actor, teacher and life coach of sorts. His brand is synonymous with the person Kalu Ikeagwu and his faith in God, all of which he sees as his ministry, life ministry. How was growing up like after relocating to Nigeria? Can you share interesting memory lane in trying to

adapt to a new environment? The first time I relocated to Nigeria was a very harrowing experience. Imagine a nine year old boy being ripped from the secure environment of his parents and being thrust into boarding school in a different state. Secondary school was the most traumatic period of my life; so much so I went to five different schools, one of them twice. That period was also one I am most grateful to God for because it’s that period that taught me the joy of doing what you were born to do in life, and the agony of doing a job you absolutely hate - the very reason I am an actor and not a doctor today. I learnt to be tough, to fight, and to be relentless - as my name implies - in all my ventures today. Your dad had feared that you might abandon your Igbo roots if you remain in England. How Igboish are you now? Proudly Igbo? Hahaha! Very proudly Igbo my brother. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank my father for instilling in me our Igbo culture from a very young age. I love who I am, the fact that I’m Igbo, being Nigerian and being black and above all, my name Kalu Ikeagwu, my most important asset. I love these particular things about me because I am very aware of the immense benefits that will accrue from them when I pass on from this world. All these things make me celebrate everything that belongs to me, heritage and all. How did your acting career begin? Quite by chance actually, in my first year in the university. I never thought I’d ever be an actor even though I loved it but was discouraged by my shyness and introverted nature. A chance audition took place in my department, Department of English Literature, during its literary week wherein it was mandated to produce a play. I went, and to my utter amazement, I was picked. I went on to perform in several plays and even shot a series for NTA back then. Once the bug bit, I was chronically infected. Did your dad also support your career choice as an actor or he wanted you to be something else? My father’s goal for me was to be a doctor but he inadvertently truncated that plan by introducing me to the wonderful world of literature by the age of four, firing up my imagination, never to be quenched. Oh yes, he fought and kicked against my decision to study English in university but I think he began to relax a bit when his

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PLUS I Have Joined a League of Entertainers Who Help Instruct, Influence and Mould Minds colleagues at work began to tell him of my progress as an actor. Sadly he passed on before I entered the Nollywood industry but I’m sure he knew I had found my niche in this life before he left. Would you say it’s been a lucrative venture for you? Without a sliver of a doubt yes! It has fed my soul and given me my sense of purpose in this life, plus from it I found my lovely wife! It still doesn’t pay as much as it should but it has given me an absolute sense of fulfilment, life’s fulfillment and God has been very faithful in paying my bills and looking after my family from it. It literally is being paid for what I enjoy doing. You had a stellar performance in the movie Benevolence. How would you describe Doris Ariole as a director or producer? Doris is every actor’s dream of what a director and producer should be; she pampers, cuddles, creates the very environment the actor needs to be creative and to express oneself. She studies the actor to know his temperament then works with what she finds. My ability to appropriately play the character in her movie Benevolence was mostly due to the brilliance of the script, the flow of the lines, the set - suitably depressing set - and the props; so much so that all I had to do was fit into the role that was just waiting for me to walk in. At the same time, she does not brook any rubbish or non-professionalism on her set, from the actor down to the p.a. Acting takes so much time away from family? How do you marry your profession and marriage? It does seem to yes but like I said, God is my manager and He regulates my working schedule to create that balance with Him, my family and my work. The times I’m away at work, I stay in contact to know what’s going on, to make decisions but am mostly thankful that I have a good, strong and loving woman who holds the fort well back home. When I get back home I try to spend at least a week at home before leaving for the next project. I rarely go out during that time but spend all of it with my family and God - to rejuvenate myself and get ready for the next onslaught life may have for me round the corner. Has there been any time your wife complained that your career takes more of your time than her? No she hasn’t ever, oh sorry, I lied, she has, and that was in the first year of our marriage. I was working all the time and we had just set up home at the time. We had only known each other for five months before getting married and obviously had a lot of bonding to do which I was oblivious to. All that was on my mind then was being the provider, to be the head and all, until my wife called my attention to what was really needed in a marriage - companionship and striking a balance in the needs of the home. Now, we have struck that fine balance and all is kosher. Has marriage affected the kind of roles you play in movies? What roles can you not play? Yes and no. Yes because there was a time I had to explain to my daughter why I kissed another woman who was not my wife after watching a movie I featured in. I had to explain to her that my work on screen was helping with storytelling while my love for her mother was real life. The most important of acting for me is telling stories as best and realistically as I can, devoid of melodrama, sensationalism and pandering

to the gallery. What are those factors you consider before taking a script? I like to look at the direction the script is going, its spirit and its philosophy. It is a spiritual exercise and I treat it as such because the target/clientele is the audience, one (at least) of whose lives your work could affect for the better. Accolades mean nothing to me; it is those people that watch your story that are the real prize. The industry is rife with many issues among which is funding. Do you think the present government is doing enough for Nollywood? The government is, I would boldly say, criminally negligent towards the country’s future and progress because of its disregard and neglect of the Nollywood industry. Who takes a goose that lays golden eggs, throws into the bin in the backyard and goes hawking limp dead chickens alongside neighbours selling far better fowl? That is what this government is doing. Our movies have the potential to launder the bad image western media heaps upon us. This industry alone can direct tourism to this country with collaboration on content with the government by encouraging filming in most of the tourist sites strewn all over the country. Awareness of the country’s rich and diverse culture can be exported to the world. The list goes on and on, and yet our leaders go cap in hand begging and grovelling before other countries for money and handouts. All we ask for is to have laws, executive laws, enforced laws to protect our intellectual property, to give producers a fair share of profit from their hard work by fighting pirates and other charlatans that clog the distribution end of the business, is all I’m saying. Since you joined the industry, what would you say has improved? The quality of production has greatly improved. Stories have become weaker in the sense that most pander to the cosmopolitan and away from the real issues the everyday man or woman goes through in Nigeria. The part that amazes me the most is the passion producers have for making movies, good movies however the budget. This period is the most challenging we have ever been as an industry especially with the present administration but the irony is that the harsher this climate is, the more resilient, dogged and passionate our industry is; one of the reasons I love this country. When not acting, how do you relax? As I get older, I find understanding life and what lies beyond it interests me the most. I love to read deep stuff, especially the bible. I love to ponder and meditate. I love to travel and check new cultures. I like hiking through forests and other things. From your experience, what is your advice for upcoming actors? God first, humility second, discipline third and education last. Any project at hand? I have a few busy months. I’m on a movie project about kidnapping with Jade, award winning producer and director of the movie Isoken, and another which is co-produced by the legendary Ramsey Nouah. And finally, can you share briefly your family background? I came from a very conservative Igbo family background of whom I am the only actor and entertainer. Both my parents hail from Achara Ihechiowa in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State.

The government is, I would boldly say, criminally negligent towards the country’s future and progress because of its disregard and neglect of the Nollywood industry. Who takes a goose that lays golden eggs, throws into the bin in the backyard and goes hawking limp dead chickens alongside neighbours selling far better fowl? That is what this government is doing

Kalu and wife

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PLUS

Adewale Aladejana I’m a Big Dreamer, I Made it Thinking Big Adewale Aladejana is a perfumer whose works have earned the patronage of high profile individuals, celebrities and public figures. Aladejana’s Sapphire Scents, which he started with just N30,000 some years back, is now a global brand. The perfume brand is known for excellence and uniqueness, making it more Nigerian, with names such as Jagaban and Arewa that promote the Nigerian feel. This perfumer shares his journey and Sapphire Scents’ growth into one of the most reputable Nigerian made brand, with TOSIN CLEGG

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 6, 2018

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

PLUS You Can’t Dishonour Your Father and Do Well

Because I was looking for a way to earn extra money and God began to bless it, I would advertise on social media and I began to sell every day. People would make orders from everywhere and at my break time, I would rush to Chisco Motors to go and send perfumer to my customers. In three months of doing that I made N1 million. On August 24, 2015, my pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA gave me another N1 million and encouraged me to expand the business and prayed for me. He said ‘this money will not finish, go and explode and takeover

I grew up in Ibadan

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y early years were in Ibadan, Oyo State. I attended Staff School University of Ibadan, Kings College Lagos and The International School Ibadan. Growing up was fun, we lived very well, my father loved big houses; all our houses were huge. We had a library and I loved reading a lot of books and that helped my imagination. I still try to read a lot. I am a big dreamer too. I was born with a silver spoon We had the biggest house on my street in Ibadan and my father made sure we lacked nothing. I grew up believing that fathers were magicians; there was nothing you wanted from my father that you couldn’t get as long as you told him. He would tell you to go and pray and after that, he would give you whatever you wanted. My background made me think big My father didn’t do small things. My father taught me the importance of hardwork, class, quality and integrity. Very early, I learnt the importance of doing things properly and very well. I saw excellence all around me while I was growing up and I learnt to imbibe that. About my parents My father was Prince Bisi Aladejana of Iworoko Ekiti. He had the most successful book store in Ibadan at the time called Bisi Books. He was appointed as one of the commissioners who conducted the June 12 election and later became a federal commissioner at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, which was the post he held till he died in 2010. My mother is Mrs. Adunni Aladejana from Akure Ondo State. My mum was a home maker while we grew up and she later started various businesses. The best gift I remember receiving as a child It must have been my FUBU trainers from my sister and my G-Shock watch from my uncle. I cherished them. G-Shock watches were the rave then and if you had one of those, it was a big deal. Also, this designer called ‘For Us By Us’ was also very hot. We would check out shoes on footlocker and other websites. I was the only one with my kind of trainers and yellow G-Shock I felt so cool. I was 29 when I married My wife and I met on Facebook, although we both attended Bowen University but we didn’t meet in school. We got talking and we met and I ended up proposing to her at Oba Tejuoso’s palace, who was also the chairman at our wedding. The most difficult thing that ever happened to me It must have been the way I was transferred from my office from Benin to Abuja without accommodation or transportation with a seven months pregnant wife and for the

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next 10 months, my wife, daughter and I squatted on a mattress on the floor in my younger brother’s house. God changed our story five months after Sapphire Scents started. My biggest mistake was not listening to my father enough before he passed on When I was supposed to go for NYSC, I didn’t go because I had a magazine project I was working on and that put a strain on our relationship and we didn’t talk till the project failed and I came back home like a prodigal son. I learnt that you can’t dishonour your father and do well. My high points in life My biggest high is for someone to ask ‘what perfume are you wearing?’ Or for my distributors to tell me how they sold out their perfumes in record time.

My biggest fear is believing or living on lies The bible says there is a way that seems right to a man but the end is destruction. Some people are living on lies but they don’t know. Imagine getting to the tail end when it is too late and you realise that all the values you hold dear are not real. The only people I hold in high esteem are those who fear God that’s a value that is based on truth. I still desire for things I long for the time when there will be a bottle of Sapphire Scents in every home and generations yet unborn will say things like ‘my grandmother introduced me to this perfume’. Sapphire Scents started in 2015 with N30,000 Because I was looking for a way to earn extra money and God began to bless it, I would advertise on social

media and I began to sell every day. People would make orders from everywhere and at my break time, I would rush to Chisco Motors to go and send perfumer to my customers. In three months of doing that I made N1 million. On August 24, 2015, my pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA gave me another N1 million and encouraged me to expand the business and prayed for me. He said ‘this money will not finish, go and explode and takeover.’ Today by God’s grace Sapphire Scents is a multi-million dollar business with over 400 distributors in 20 states of Nigeria, the UK, US, Ghana, Canada, Cyprus and Cameroon and we have kept growing. In five years, by God’s grace, Sapphire Scents would be the most formidable perfume brand in Africa. We must conquer Africa because over 200 million people represent a big market for any business and that’s where we are headed. We should be the highest and fastest selling perfume brand in the world by God’s grace. Already, we have a factory in Abuja and we are the first perfume brand to have both NAFDAC and SON certifications. Lessons life has taught me . . . You need mentors and a problem shared is half solved. Don’t fight your battles alone and when God wants to bless you, He will not come down from heaven, He will use men.

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PDP

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 2018 Special Elective National Convention

His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi A. Okowa Chairman, National Convention Planning Committee & Governor of Delta State

His Excellency, Prince Uche Secondus National Chairman

The Chairman of the 2018 Elective National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, welcomes our National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), State governors, presidential aspirants, elected candidates for the 2019 general elections and our esteemed national delegates to the 2018 National Convention to elect our Presidential Candidate for the 2019 Presidential election, as follows:

PDP

Date: Saturday, October 6 to Sunday October 7, 2018 Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Accreditation of delegates begins at 7Am. All accredited delegates to be seated by 10Am Come let us elect the winning candidate, as we coast to victory! PDP...Power to the people! Signed: Kola Ologbondiyan National Publicity Secretary & Chairman, National Convention Sub-Committee on Publicity

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY OCTOBER 6, 2018

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PERSPECTIVE Need for Continuous Dredging of Waterways Ojo Maduekwe

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redging is the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of the sea, lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water bodies. It is a routine necessity in waterways around the world because sedimentation-the natural process of sand and silt washing downstream - gradually fills channels and harbors. Dredging often is focused on maintaining or increasing the depth of navigation channels, anchorages, or berthing areas to ensure the safe passage of boats and ships. Vessels require a certain amount of water in order to float and not touch bottom. This water depth continues to increase over time as larger and larger ships are deployed and thus deeper dredging is required. Since massive ships carry the bulk of the goods imported into Nigeria, dredging plays a vital role in the nation’s economy. Rivers, canals and creeks in excess of 10,000 kilometres make up what are collectively the waterways in Nigeria, out of which some 3,800 kilometers are navigable seasonally. This is aside the 850 kilometers of coastal waters of the Atlantic that runs through the southwest/south-south belt. Twenty eight of Nigeria’s 36 states are accessible through water. The Rivers Niger and Benue constitute the major channels for inland navigation which include but not limited to the Cross River, Port Novo/Badagry-Lagos waterways, Lekki and Lagos Lagoons, Ogun-Ondo waterways, Benin River, Escravos Channel, Nun River, Imo River, Orashi River, Ethiope River, Ugwuta Lake, Lake Chad and the numerous creeks in the Niger Delta. Although the Niger and its largest tributary, the Benue are the two longest rivers respectively, the most used waterways, especially by larger powered boats and for commerce, are found in the Niger Delta and all along the coast from the Lagos Lagoon to Cross River. The need for dredging Nigeria’s principal waterways for economic benefits has never been lost on government and has long been a part of the government’s development agenda, dating back to the 1960s development plans. Although no action was taken on dredging for over four decades, government’s award in 2009 of a 36 billion naira dredging contract of the lower Niger River from Baro in Niger State to Warri, Delta State, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s waterways management. With removal of silt covering a distance of 572 km, which was completed in late 2016, the Niger dredging set the pace for government to begin planning for dredging of the Benue and other important rivers in tow. As river silting is a natural phenomenon, maintenance and

capital dredging of the type of the Niger is not an end in itself, but only a means to an end. This is because rivers require continuous maintenance dredging to remain navigable and productive. Besides navigation, other advantages accruing from continuous dredging of Nigeria’s waterways include curtailment of seasonal flooding which has so far ravaged 27 out of the 36 states of the country this year 2018 alone, leaving displacement of households, destruction and death of scores of citizens in its trail. With continuous dredging of the waterways, these seasonal heavy floodings will be minimized. Secondly, continuous dredging of the waterways for navigability will cause goods to be transported to island settlements located deep away from the Atlantic in ever larger quantities, thereby stimulating trade and engendering inclusive growth and economic development of riverine settlements. With the current revolution in the oil and gas downstream sector, where lots of private modular refineries are being proposed for siting in the Niger Delta creeks, accessing the refineries by tanker vessels can only be effective with continuous dredging of the waterways. Towards this end, the Nigerian Government recently awarded the Dredging of the Escravos Channel to Dredging International Services Nigeria Ltd (DISN),an experienced dredging company

that has been a global provider of marine and water way solutions since 1991. The company has successfully delivered turn-key port, marine, land reclamation and waterways dredging projects for various clients in Nigeria. This continuous Dredging works will by all means aid the growth and development of cabotage trade vessels which Nigerians have been clamoring for to stimulate internal maritime traffic and generate needed employment for youths through thousands of seafarers’ employment and the creation of new commercial activities. Also, dredging helps to contain more waters in river channels which become useful for irrigation during the dry season. This is a great aid to farming. furthermore, continuous maintenance dredging provides added tool for Maritime security. Last but not least, continuous dredging of the waterways has the potential for boosting water tourism because the waterways tend to be safer for passenger ferries when they have depth. So there is indeed an urgent need for Government and the Private sector to invest more in opening up the water ways across the country, as this will definitely lead to the opening up of new opportunities for millions of citizens all over Nigeria.

MA Abubakar: A Victory Foretold Ali M. Ali

“Men talk as if victory were something fortunate. Work is victory.� ––Ralph Waldo Emerson

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his may probably get me fired. May be that’s hyperbolic. But it will fetch me a serious reprimand. I am going against the boss’s “counsel�. He pointedly asked us (personal aides) not to “gloat� for his ringing victory in the APC Bauchi state rancorous gubernatorial primary. Not all of us are that graceful in triumph. I have been dancing “Shaku Shaku� since he dusted the “landlords� and “owners� of the party. With votes nearly twenty times higher to his closest challenger, it was “no contest� really. It wasn’t even “keen�. It was a total “rout�. A “panel beating� of the “wannabes�. It’s almost humanly impossible therefore, not to “gloat� especially when viewed against the background of the campaign of bile and vile mounted by the challengers. The campaign preparatory to the election of Governor Mohammed A. Abubakar as flag bearer of the APC in the 2019 election ought to occupy front row in the hall of infamy. It was that despicable. Yet Oga did not want us to “gloat� after that resounding success. Few leaders are this magnanimous in victory. Fewer still are gracious enough to shrug off the filth of the malodourous campaign as “politics�. To walk his talk of “no gloating�, he immediately extended the olive branch to the elements he floored. I recall an exact scenario in 2015. As candidate in the 2015 election, he went knocking on the doors of competitors of the ticket who lost in the delegates’ election. He was squarely rebuffed. He wasn’t deterred. He is still on the trail of making peace and forging ahead. The mudslinging started long before the blast of the whistle. The direct primary was an opportunity political foe of governor Abubakar wanted to use it to exact their pound of flesh. They ran from pillar to post hollering that “direct primary� was the “only� panacea against defeat in the general polls. They argued that its products tended to have the seal of mass approval of party members and therefore, the electorates. On face value, truly the “direct primary� option looks charming and more democratic. It dilutes the grip of delegates on the selection process. Over time, and in every selection process to determine a flag bearer, delegates became “hawkers� selling their votes to the highest “bidder�. This may indeed, be true. On the other hand,

Soyinka

direct primary is a logistic nightmare. There must be a duly certified register of genuine members in every ward. Such members must have a genuine membership card issued by the party years ago. This was likely to cause a rift. The fall out therefore, rarely augurs well for the party. In 2011, for instance, the defunct Congress for

Progressive Change (CPC) went to the polls fractured and with multiple gubernatorial candidates in Bauchi State specifically. It had a golden opportunity to unseat the PDP controlled government but divisions within its ranks caused by fall out of “direct primary� Not even the star power of its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari could save it from its self-inflicted wounds. The rest is history. The call for direct primary started as a whimper until it became cacophonous. Before then, stakeholders of the party in Bauchi state had chosen the delegates option. The APC constitution lists three options to pick a candidate. The third is the “consensus� option. But the vocal few mounted the campaign for direct primary. Eventually, they had their way. Those who wanted to unseat him by all means possible misconstrued the seeming lack of enthusiasm of Governor Abubakar for as “fear� of defeat. Before Election Day, he was subjected to the crucible. He was daily roasted in local and national media by doomsday Sayers. Every conceivable sin was hurled in his direction. Strangely, all the “sins� were a rehash of the

old ones. Nothing fresh, Nothing new. It was same old, same old. It was just politics. The result of the direct primary confirmed the popularity of Abubakar among party faithful and the disconnect among the three musketeers. Governor Abubakar’s victory wasn’t an accident. It was actually foretold. On account of his record of service delivery, he has earned the mandate. He was elected in the first place to serve the people and not a political cabal that has held the state hostage. His travails might have started when he decided it wasn’t going to be business as usual. This is paying off. The recent result is a testimony Today in Bauchi, everywhere you look at, you see some of the reforms of governor Abubakar. Some enduring legacy beckons. A reconstructed road, a rehabilitated school, or a freshly constructed healthcare facility. With a combined road network of 400 kilometers spread across the state, his urban renewal drive manifested. A drive through the three urban centres of Bauchi, Misau and Azare will reveal the amazing transformation in urban renewal. All the major roads leading to Bauchi city have been expanded, dualised and adorned with streetlights. This is a record first. Approaching the town in the night is pleasing to the eyes. Everywhere is lit powered by generating plants. This particular reform has earned him recognition. Last year the Abuja Housing show decorated him for outstanding performance Under Abubakar’s watch, agriculture, the main occupation of the people of the state has been boosted. Major farming inputs like fertilizer and improved seedlings were made available. The comatose state fertilizer blending plant was resuscitated to meet the fertilizer needs of farmers beyond the state. This year the government purchased a staggering 500 tractors in one fell swoop to fast track its dream of mechanized farming. In fiscal discipline, Governor Abubakar is second to none in the state since the dawn of this Republic in 1999.His financial management skills have seen him achieve so much with so little. His style of running an all-inclusive government has seen former foes becoming allies. On top of all these, is an unusual ability to connect with ordinary folks who see in him a performer and a reformer The outcome of the election has put to rest as to who really owns the “houses� between self-appointed “landlords� and the voters, the masses who are direct beneficiaries of the reformist government of MA Abubakar faithfully implementing the APC manifesto. So in the words ofRalphWaldo Emerson “Men talk as if victory were something fortunate. Work is victory.� The members have spoken! –––Ali M. Ali is an aide to MA Abubakar

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY OCTOBER 6, 2018

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NEWS

Alleged $10.1bn Infractions: CBN Asks Court to Dismiss MTN’s Suit Chika Amanze-Nwachuku with agency report

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has asked a Lagos High Court to dismiss a suit brought before it by MTN Nigeria, seeking to stop the bank’s directive to it (MTN) to return to the coffers of the apex bank, $8.1billion alleged to have been improperly repatriated by the telecom firm and unpaid taxes of $2.0 billion levied against it. MTN Nigeria had last month, sued the CBN and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) over allegations of improper repatriation of about $8.1billion and unpaid taxes of $2.0 billion the duo levied against it. Specifically, the telco is seeking injunction to restrain the CBN and AGF from taking further action in respect of their orders to reclaim the alleged debts. But the CBN has filed counterclaims, praying the court to dismiss the suit filed by the telco, Reuters reported yesterday. The apex regulator, according to the report, also asked the court to compel the MTN to pay 15 per cent annual interest on the $8.1 billion. “MTN had gone to court, sued the central bank and the attorney general. The central bank has filed a response and a counter claim, meaning that nobody can resort to

self-help in the matter any longer,” Reuters quoted the MTN’s lawyer, Wole Olanipekun. He added: “With this development everybody has now surrendered ... the grievances to the court. Everybody has to wait for the decision of the court. MTN will file a reply to the bank’s claim, he added.” The newswire also quoted the CBN spokesman, Isaac Okorafor to have said the central bank “is aggressively engaging MTN and the banks.” “I’m hopeful that an amicable resolution will soon be achieved.” The telecoms firm is also facing a $2 billion tax bill from Nigeria’s attorney general, the demand for which MTN has also asked the court to halt to protect its assets in the country. Olanipekun said MTN had received no response from the AGF. The CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele has said MTN is “systemically important” to Nigeria, adding that the company and its lenders had written to the bank and provided documents on the matter. MTN’s latest troubles come about two years after it agreed to pay more than $1 billion to settle a dispute over SIM cards in Nigeria, whose finances have been hit by a weak economy and volatile global oil prices.

BRINGING THE BEST HERE... L-R: Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Dunoma Saleh; Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe; Chief Executive Officer, Quits Aviation, Mr. Sam Iwajoku; Minister of State, Aviation, Captain Hadi Sirika; and President/Chief Executive Officer, Hilton worldwide, Mr. Christopher Nassetta , during the unveilling ceremony of Legend Hotel at Duits Aviation Terminal, Murtala Muhammed PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI International Airport Ikeja, Lagos ...yesterday

Nigeria, Other African Countries Meet In Stockholm, Soyinka Draws Ovation in Tokyo to Set Development Agenda Over Annan Iyobosa Uwugiaren ÓØ ÙÕãÙ

African countries, including Nigeria today begin the Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo. It is jointly hosted by the Japanese Government with the United Nations, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC) to set agenda for African development conference expected to hold next year in Yokohoma, Japan. At the ministerial meeting, the progress of initiatives announced in VI in Kenya, in 2016, will be reviewed and the discussions will be made towards the TICAD 7 to be held from August 28 to 30, 2019 in Yokohama, Japan. Minister Kono Taro of Japan is also expected to hold bilateral talks with ministers from African

countries at the occasion to further strengthen ties with African countries. While side events such as business related events, jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNDP, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO)), Japan Africa · Business · Fair 2018 (hosted by Ministry of Foreign Affairs), clean city platform (JICA, jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Africa’s acceleration of development and open innovation (JICA, World Bank) co-organised for the promotion of rice development in Africa (JICA), Co-hosted by UNDP), civil society side event (citizen network for TICAD sponsored) are scheduled to be held. As part of the side events scheduled, the African Clean Cities Platform (ACCP) yesterday gave an overview of its activities. ACCP is a platform created in April 2017 with the initiatives of the Ministry of the Environment

of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlement Plan (UN-Habitat) and City of Yokohama, and currently with 62 cities in 34 countries in Africa participating, to share knowledge and promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on waste management in Africa with the aim of African countries realising clean and healthy cities. Making a presentation yesterday, a senior staff of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Dr. Shunichi Honda, said that in spite of several efforts made by African countries to address waste management issues, economic growth and urbanisation had continued to compound the problems of waste management, adding that it was becoming more and more serious due to insufficient collection services and inappropriate disposal.

Delta APC Declare Omo-Agege Authentic Candidate Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday clarified that incumbent Senator Ovie Omo-Agege was the authentic candidate of the party for Delta Central Senatorial for 2019 election. The party’s position was contained in a statement signed by the state party Secretary, Mr. Chidi Okonji and made available to THISDAY titled ‘Statement by Delta State APC on the Purported Suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’. The party maintained that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, as a key member of the All Progressives Congress, was the authentic nominee of the party for the Delta Central Senatorial District in next

year’s election. “He won the primary conducted on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 by the Primary Election Panel of APC led by General Lawrence Onoja from Benue State in a landslide. “This clarification became necessary due to the fake news circulating in the media that the Distinguished Senator who is the only elected member of APC in Delta State has been suspended by the illegal State Working Committee led by Chief Cyril Ogodo on Wednesday, October 3, 2018,” it stated. It recalled that “this same illegal Delta APC State Working Committee that claim to have suspended Omo-Agege also organised an alternative Delta Central Senatorial primary in

Ughelli on Tuesday, October 2, that returned Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, who is no longer in our party, as the winner of the APC Delta Central Senatorial primary. “Mr. Solomon Igbiaye who acted as the Returning Officer of the alternative primary is a member of APC from Warri North Local Government Area. He was not authorised by the National Working Committee or any organ of our party to perform such function,” the party said. Delta APC noted that Mr. Ogodo and five other members of his “illegal State Working Committee” were expelled from the party last week for anti-party activities and impersonation of party officials and such had no powers to suspend any member of the party.

African Literary statesman, Professor Wole Soyinka, yesterday in Stockholm, Sweden, earned prolonged applause when he dedicated his keynote address at the ‘Nobel Teachers Summit’ to the memory of the late former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Kofi Annan. The year’s Nobel Teachers Summit in Stockholm is themed around the inculcation of Human Rights in global consciousness. Soyinka’s address at the summit, which focuses on the theme Ideas That Changing the World Rights, elicited spontaneous response and standing ovation, the moment he announced, to the surprise of the gathering of eminent global citizens that his address, Riding the Tides of Relativism in Human Rights,

was to the memory of Annan, the late Ghanaian global statesman. Normally, October 4 is the day on which the Literature Prize is announced by the Nobel Academy but, of course, this year’s Award was cancelled owing to the scandals that had enveloped the administration. In an interview after the lecture, Soyinka often initialed as WS, stated that while he could empathize with the Academy’s decision, he still felt that the tradition should have been sustained in some symbolic way, such as recognition of some literary institution or event that would actually made the Prize symbolically inclusive. Literary creativity, stressed Soyinka, remains the heart of the celebration, and only secondarily

the individuals who are singled out to wear the annual laurel. He mentioned specifically the ‘Network of Cities of Asylum for Endangered Writers’, the brainchild of the International Parliament of Writers, or any similarly motivated organization or movement as deserving of honour. The Cities of Asylum network now has nearly 50 residences scattered all over the world, a number of them playing host to victims of government persecution as well as religious fundamentalist terror. Professor Soyinka will travel to the United Nations later in the month to participate in the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the events attached to this year’s UN General Assembly.

Trouble in Anambra APC as Party Leaders Reject Uba, Ekwunife, Okadigbo David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË

Stakeholders and aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State have rejected what it called purported primary elections, which threw up the trio of Senators Andy Uba, Uche Ekwunife and Margery Okadigbo as candidates for Anambra South, Central and Northern Senatorial zones of the state respectively. The stakeholders in a joint press briefing with Senatorial and House of Representatives aspirants told journalists that the names touted as winners of the primary elections were false, saying that no primary election had been held in the state. Chief Nelson Onubogu, an aspirant of the party for

Anambra North Senatorial zone who addressed journalists on behalf of other aspirants said, “Our party scheduled its primary election for 4th October, and we mobilised our supporters for the election, but to our surprise, we could not find the committee for the conduct of the election. “The exercise was deferred for 5th, yet we have not seen the committee. We have called all their phone lines, but none of them has picked our call. “Why we are holding this press conference is to tell the world of this injustice in our party, and to call on the leadership of our party to quickly wade in an ensure conduct of the primary election, because none has held.” The aggrieved aspirants

and stakeholders of the party pointedly accused the trio of Andy Uba, Uche Ekwunife and Late Senator Chuba Okadigbo’s widow, Margery of being responsible for the problem in the party. Another aspirant, Mr. Ebele Obi who is contesting for the ticket of the party for Anambra Central Senatorial zone described their opponents as fair weather politicians who joined the party because it won power, and were trying to foist themselves on the party using the same method they deployed in their previous party, PDP. He said, “These people are not members of our party, they joined the party because we are in power. If we did not win election in 2015, would they have joined us?

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NEWSXTRA

Emir of Ilorin Happy as Atunwa Emerges PDP Guber Candidate Kwara State Chairman of Traditional Council and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari, has expressed delight over the choice of Rt. Hon. Razak Atunwa as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party come 2019 elections. Alhaji Gambari stated this in Ilorin on Friday when he received the PDP governorship candidate and his entourage at his palace when he has gone to the palace to solicit for his support and equally seek royal blessings. Atunwa on Monday, emerged as the governorship candidate of the PDP at the party primaries held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Ilorin. Since then, the candidate has been visiting stakeholders in the state so as to solicit their support for the next year general elections. L-R: Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai with the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the nationwide Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises The Emir who expressed his (MSME) clinics in Kaduna State...yesterday joy for his emergence as the PDP governorship candidate, described Atunwa as an illustrious son of the Emirate, with immense contributions since he joined politics in the state. He noted that Atunwa’s choice was a testimony to the diversity of the Emirate. The Emir reiterated his comparty that doesn’t mean well for party to support Dickson in the Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÏØËÑÙË While Azaiki will attempt to our people. The APC clearly is interest of the state. represent Yenagoa/ Kolokuma/ A former Managing Director of being folded up in Bayelsa with “PDP for me as an individual Opokuma federal constituthe Niger Delta Development all of you leaving,” Dickson said. is home. My political life was ency, Ebikake will represent the Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi He assured Alaibe and others defined by the PDP. My political Nembe/Brass constituency under Alaibe, yesterday dumped the of their full integration to the PDP, public service, work and all the the PDP. All Progressives Congress (APC) stressing that a rally would soon political positions that I have held In Ogbia federal constituency, and returned to the Peoples be organised to formally receive were facilitated by the PDP and Fred Obua of the PDP will slug Seriki Adinoyi ÓØ ÙÝ Democratic Party (PDP), with them into the PDP. for a lot of us here, it was the it out with Samuel Ogbuku, who He added: “I have told the PDP. So for us, PDP is home. It clinched the All Progressives Following its gubernatorial a horde of his supporters and chairman and the political desk is a good-come-back home. former lawmakers. Congress APC ticket, while Fred primaries in Plateau State, Al“We want to assure you that Agbedi (PDP) won in Sagbama/ liance for New Nigeria (ANN) While officially welcoming the working with your team that we former governorship aspirant, at will organise a formal reception at some point in the course of Ekeremor federal constituency. has unanimously affirmed Mr. Also former commissioner for Alex Ladan as its governorship the Government House Yenagoa, to receive you because you are our political life, just like a child Governor Seriake Dickson said a big fish. You cannot come into will not know the richness of his Works, Lawrence Ewrudjakpor candidate in the 2019 general with the defection of Alaibe, the the PDP and people will not mother’s soup until he tastes his won the senate candidacy of the election. end of the APC in the state had know you have come. So what neighbour’s soup, we have gone PDP for Bayelsa West, Douye Diri Addressing delegates in Jos, is happening today is a prelude out there and we have tasted won in Bayelsa Central while state Chairman of the party, Mr. finally come. our neighbour’s soup. erstwhile Commissioner for Senlat Garba said, “we are not “PDP has the majority of to your formal reception. “We were pained when you left “And we have made compari- Science and Technology, Ipigansi the good and decent patriotic a crowd in this group, but I people. I used to say there are at a time we needed you most, son and our own soup, the soup Izagara emerged in Bayelsa East. can assure you that we are a Meanwhile, Mr. Famous few APC members in Bayelsa but all of that is history. What you pilot is sweeter. And that’s Daunemigha, a former governor- people with credibility and good that are good and patriotic. Now, is important is what is ahead of why we are here.” Meanwhile, Dickson’s loyalists, ship aspirant has emerged in the quality. Good things come in you can imagine the few good us and I want to assure you that you are all valued leaders in the including Prof. Steve Azaiki, Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal small packages. ANN is what ones have now left. Nigeria has been waiting for.” Pro-Chancellor of the state-owned constituency under the APC. “When we come to campaign, party once again.” Ladan who emerged by afAlaibe, in his remarks, de- Niger Delta University, Speaker of Speaking on his emergence, we will wait for them to tell us the roads and bridges from Abuja that scribed PDP as the party of the the Bayelsa House of Assembly, the former Vice President of the firmation observed that Nigeria they have brought to this state, to Ijaw people, saying that all the Konbowei Benson and Maria Ijaw Youth Council, Daunemigha, was desperately in need of good show us the major appointments. political positions he held were Ebikake, a former commissioner, said the APC had demonstrated leadership and that is what the “And the benefits and patron- facilitated by the PDP which were among candidates who that it has what it takes to party has come to provide. Turning to the delegates, Ladan age that they deceived these good informed his decision to leave emerged yesterday in the House conduct a free and fair primary election. said, “You had the chance to and decent people to go to their the “wilderness” to return to the of Representatives primaries. follow the money bags, but you looked beyond your emotions

A CLOSER LOOK...

Alaibe Dumps APC for PDP Dickson’s loyalists clear National Assembly polls

mitment to the unity, cohesion and harmonious relation within the Emirate. Alhaji Gambari, however, used the occasion to offer prayers to Almighty God to grant Atunwa the exalted position. 49-year-old Razak Atunwa is the chairman, House Committee on Justice. Atunwa, is Barrister at Law, with specialisation in Criminal and International Law. Atunwa was appointed as the Commissioner for Land and Housing in Kwara State in August 2005. He served as the Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs (2006 - 2007), Commissioner for Works and Transport (2007 - 2009) and Commissioner for Finance (2009 - 2010). In 2011, he was elected into the Kwara State House of Assembly to represent Owode/ Onire Constituency of Kwara state on the (PDP) platform and was later unanimously elected Speaker of the Assembly at the inauguration of the 7th legislature. Asides from his law practice, Hon Atunwa, is also a licensed pilot certified in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

2019: Ladan Emerges Plateau ANN Governorship Candidate and your lacks, and have come to declare your support for ANN, the party you believe will bring about a New Plateau that we would all believe in; the Plateau that will restore our collective hope. “We are like a seed. When you plant it, it yields bountiful harvest, far beyond our dreams. ANN is what we currently need in Plateau and in Nigeria, and we have to work together to achieve it.” Reeling out his programme in education, health, security amongst other, Ladan said, a mandate for him would be a mandate for a total liberation of Plateau from the siege it is currently in. Aside from Ladan that emerged as the governorship candidate, others for the positions of National and State Houses of Assembly also emerged by affirmation.

SDP Presidential Aspirant Warns Isiguzo, THISDAY Correspondent Emerges NUJ President Against Money Politics ID Knocks PDP, APC Over Shola Oyeyipo ÓØ ÌßÔË

Professor of Theatre and Drama and a leading presidential aspirant on the platform of the Social Democratice Party (SDP), Iyorwuese Hagher, has warned Nigerians against money politics ahead of the 2019 general election. Speaking yesterday during a press conference held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, Hagher, who is the President, African Leadership Institute (USA), blamed the rising spate of vote buying on the desperation of the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) to hold on to power at all costs, saying it could have consequences on Nigeria democracy. According to him, “The desperate attempts by incumbent to retain power at all cost could fatally derail the freedom of the voter and one-person one-vote and the electoral value.”

He added that: “The APC government wants to win elections at all cost; the Ekiti and Osun elections leave little to be desired. There was reckless buying of votes, deployment of security agents. It is unacceptable to me. They should not push the button too hard.” Noting that the Nigerian masses are deliberately impoverished to deny them their freedom to elect candidates of their choice, Hagher, referring to the SDP national convention holding Saturday in Abuja, said: “The delegates will come; those who will give them money will give them money but they will vote for me.” He vowed that given the opportunity to lead Nigeria he would implement his manifesto, which he described as a crystallisation of all the ideas he had documented to make Nigeria a great country.

Emmanuel Ugwu ÓØ ×ßËÒÓË

Chris Isiguzo, the Enugu State correspondent of THISDAY Friday emerged the president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in a keenly contested election at the 6th triennial delegates conference at Abeokuta, Ogun State. Reacting to the victory, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi congratulated Isiguzo on his victory and charged him to use the platform to impact positively on the country and the journalism profession which was his primary constituency. He defeated seven other candidates, including the incumbent, Abdulwaheed Odusile to coast home to victory. Isiguzo polled 346 votes to confine Odusile to second position with 329 votes. The result of the election

which lasted from Thursday night to early hours of Friday was announced by the returning officer, Comrade Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs, Nigeria Labour CCongress (NLC). He said that election was “highly competitive”, adding that the national credentials committee was not only vigilant but also fair to all the contestants to ensure a credible and transparent poll. First national president of NUJ, Comrade George Izobo while congratulating the newly elected NUJ president said that his emergence was historical as “he is coming to office at a critical time in Nigeria’s history.” He also noted that Isiguzo’s emergence was significant since he was from the marginalised part of Nigeria.

Rancorous Primaries David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË

The National Chairman of Independent Democrats, Chief Edozie Madu, has blasted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the conflicts arising from their primary elections nationwide. Edozie who spoke to journalists during their party’s House of Assembly primary election in Anambra said that the duo of PDP and APC had forgotten that Nigerians were no longer fascinated about the so called big political parties, but were looking for political parties that would offer true leadership. He said his party would present a candidate that would rival President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 presidential election, and

that with the massive grassroots support they were mobilising, the party would put up a big fight. “I am a presidential aspirant myself. We have two other aspirants who are gunning for our ticket, and I can tell you that in the next 48 hours, our presidential candidate would emerge, and we are going into the election as a team, with our eyes focused. “The so called big parties are still basking in past glory, forgetting that Nigerians are no longer interested in big political parties, but in parties that would deliver result.” He foreclosed chances of going into alliance with any other political party, or surrendering its platform to other political parties to use as a vehicle towards the election.

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

NEWSXTRA

2019: Agbaje Wins Lagos PDP Guber Primaries, Vows to Defeat Sanwo-Olu Segun James

LIVING HEALTHY... L-R: Alex Nwachukwu; Donatus I.; Prof. O.O.Adedeji; Shiva Kumar; Tobechi Madu; Dr. D. O. Wariboko; Dr. Adeniyi L, and Dr. Tanko, at a forum on Preventing Treatment Failure with Artemether/Lumefantrine in Port Harcourt, River State...recently

Buhari’s Meeting with Anyim Raises Suspicion of Ex-SGF’s Defection Aregbesola describes protesters of alleged rigging in Osun as mentally ill Omololu Ogunmade ÓØ ÌßÔË

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Anyim Pius Anyim behind closed-doors in the Presidential Villa. The president also met with the former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). While Uduaghan’s meeting with Buhari did not generate any interest, the president’s meeting with Anyim, a prominent leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, however, raised a number of questions,

moreso that the former Senate President deliberately avoided journalists and rushed out of the State House in a curious manner. In recent times, prominent leaders of the opposition PDP in the South-south and South-east have been dumping the party for APC. While some do so in search of political relevance, others defect to the ruling party, seeking protection from prosecution over allegations of fraud. One of the former PDP leaders who recently defected to APC is a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio. His critics accused him of dumping PDP to evade imminent prosecution. Recently, Anyim was arrested

and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of fraud. The manner of his meeting with the president yesterday and his eventual hurried exit from the State House raised suspicions that Anyim who weighs a notable political strength in Ebonyi State might also be negotiating his exit from PDP in search of refuge. However, Uduaghan on his part, while speaking with journalists, dismissed claims of acute crises rocking the APC following the conduct of controversial primaries in various states, describing the development as rather healthy for the party. According to him, the situation

was not unusual because any party that produces the government in power will naturally have a large number of aspirants who want to align with it. He said: “The crisis in the party shows that the APC have become a formidable party. It is only when a party is strong and formidable that everybody will be showing interest in it. “That is why we have this kind of issues that are going on. But I also know that the leadership is doing a lot to resolve the issues and with time, the issues will be settled and everybody will move forward and move the party forward. It is not unusual. What is happening is not unusual with a party that is growing and has become very strong.”

11 Incumbents Defeated as A’Ibom NWC Cancels Edo N’Assembly Primaries as Violence Mars Exercise PDP Ends House of Assembly Okon Bassey ÓØ ãÙ

Official result of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the State House of Assembly released Friday recorded upset as some incumbents who had aspired to return were subdued in the exercise. The primaries conducted at various local government areas showed that 11 incumbents in the State House of Assembly were defeated in the primaries that were peacefully conducted. While 11 members are not returning to the floor of the House as they lost in the party’s primaries 14 incumbents have made the list of those returning. However, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly from Nsit Ubium, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke won the party ticket to contest the House of Representatives election. The new candidates elected to replace their incumbents and local governments included Victor Ekwere (Mkpat Enin), Udeme Atong (Abak), Godwin Ekpo (Ibiono Ibom), Kufre Abasi Edidem (Itu), Charity Ido (Ukanafun), Asuquo Nnanna (Ikono), Anietie Ekah (Uyo), Otobong Bob (Nsit

Ubium), Mfon Idung (Ika/Etim Ekpo), Esseh Umoh (Essien Udim), Okon Asuquo Frank (Mbo), Ifiok Udo (Nsit Ibom). The 14 incumbents that won the tickets to fly the flag of their party in the forthcoming 2019 elections were the Deputy Speaker, Felicia Bassey (Okobo), Udo Kierian Akpan (Oruk Anam), Emmanuel Ekpenyong ( Ini), Nse Essien (Onna), Aniekan Uko (Ibesikpo), Aniekan Bassey (Uruan), Idongesit Ntekpere (IkotEkpene/ Obot Akara). Others were: Usoro Akpanusoh (Esit Eket/Ibeno), Asukwo Archibong (Urue Offong/Uruko), David Lawrence (Eket). Mark Esset (Nsit Atai), Aniefiok Dennis (Etinan), Uduak Ududoh (Ikot Abasi), Effiong Bassey (Oron Udung Uko). Accepting the party’s mandate they lauded the party for conducting peaceful, fair and transparent primaries for candidates to emerge and pledged to represent their state constituencies well if elected at the general elections. They also called on their opponents who lost in the race to show understanding and support them so that PDP would have a total victory in the general elections.

Adibe Emenyonu ÓØ ÏØÓØ ÓÞã

Some aspirants of the All Progressives Congress have kicked against the conduct of the primaries held across the 192 wards in the state. The aspirants urged National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to cancel the primaries and conduct a fresh one. They alleged that no results sheets were available and that the candidates that emerged were known as ‘Establishment candidates’. A former member of the House of Representatives and an aspirant for the Edo Central Senatorial seat, Hon Patrick Ikhariale, described the primaries as sham and a negation of the values of the APC. Ikhariale said he would seek redress through the party’s machinery and warned that the APC risked losing at the general elections. His words, “What happened today leaves a negative impression and it is unfortunate for the party. It was a total charade and a jamboree. “The primaries do not represent the ethos and political values of the APC. It was done in a brutal manner because some people do not belong to the establishment group.” A House of Assembly aspirant

for Esan Central, Prince Kingsley Shaka Momodu, called for the sacking of the APC State executives for allowing an aspirant whose name was not in the register to participate in the election. The lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo constituency in the House of Representatives said primaries only took place in Ward nine and Ward four. Akpatason condemned the exercise saying it was marred by thuggery orchestrated by his opponent. “In Ward three where I was leading, my opponent relocated to a beer parlour where the results were written,” he alleged. A former Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources, Chris Ebare, alleged that party chieftains were given bribes to vote for selected aspirants. Based on the public outcry and condemnation, the APC National Working Committee (NWC), headed by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, has cancelled exercise in Edo. In a statement signed APC Acting Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, said the Edo Primaries was conducted by unauthorized persons which therefore rendered the exercise null and void.

Pharmacist, Jimi Agbaje, yesterday defeated Adedeji Doherty, to emerge as the Lagos State governorship candidates of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2019 elections. Agbaje polled 1,100 votes as against Doherty who recorded 724 votes after the primaries held in Ikeja which lasted for 30 hours. 23 votes were declared as invalid. Agbaje, who lost the last governorship election to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will now face the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Babajide SanwoOlu who defeated the incumbent governor at the APC primaries last Tuesday. Announcing the result after over 30 hours, the chairman of the five-man panel constituted by PDP National Working Committee (NWC) on Lagos governorship primary, Senator Victor Oyofo, described the exercise as free and fair. While addressing the winner and runner-up, Oyofo said: “The primary which commenced yesterday and was concluded today. It was a keenly contested election which portrayed what our democracy should look like. “And since the votes of both candidates have counted. By the power conferred on me, I declare Chief Agbaje as the winner of the

contest. I believe that he would be the next governor of Lagos State,” he added. In his acceptance speech, Agbaje stressed that his decision to contest for the post was to free Lagos from the disease that had constantly affected its growth. “There is need for us to free Lagos from the disease that had affected it. In few weeks, I will be explaining that but the state is seriously infected by a disease. “All other disease that had affected the state were due to the symptoms of that disease.” He stated that to achieve this, he would defeat Sanwo-Olu and other contenders and become next governor of the state. On how to achieve the feat considering the grip of APC on the state, Agbaje stressed that his campaign policy would be to built on the successes recorded during 2015 election in the state. “We recorded so much in 2015 and we have to build on it. I believe that was the reason the party members decided to elect me again. And that gives me the confidence that we will win next year.” Accepting outcome of the primary, Doherty assures Agbaje of his support to free Lagos from it challenges, saying, the debt already incurred by present and previous administrations cannot be paid easily by anyone.

Expert Laments Dearth of Podiatrists Martins Ifijeh

Despite five million Nigerians suffering from diabetes with tens of thousands of such people at risk of diabetes foot ulcer, the country only has two podiatrists, the Project Coordinator, Gintervenes Health Foundation, Dr. Andrew Agun has said. Podiatrists are medical doctors specialised in the care and treatment of the foot. Speaking during a week-long training for nurses on Diabetes Foot Care in Lagos recently, and organised by GHF, he said what was more worrisome is that many Nigerians were increasingly being diagnosed of diabetes foot ulcer with no commensurate expertise to address their issues. He said: “Podiatry is not taught in any university in Nigeria, so there is a big gap because when people have severe foot issues, the next thing is to take it to orthopaedic surgeons who would most likely amputate it if they can’t manage it. “The best people to manage foot issues are podiatrists, and in Nigeria, there are presently only two of them, and they both work with private healthcare facilities in Lagos and Abuja. “With over five million Nigerians already diagnosed with diabetes and five more million not diagnosed, there is a high possibility that many of such persons may come down with foot ulcer if they are unable to manage themselves properly. Foot ulcer is a complication from diabetes,” he added. Dr. Agun who practices in the United Kingdom said it was in tackling the obvious gap that GHF was training nurses from across the country on how to manage diabetes foot ulcer, and what best to do when case are beyond them. “In this training, we have nurses from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Ikorodu General Hospital, among others, and we intend to extend this intervention to other parts of the country with time,” he said.

He said the foundation had started talking to pharmaceutical companies to provide drugs free of charge or subsidise their products, so that diabetes foot patients with the foundation could get affordable or free healthcare, adding that by the end of one year, the organisation will review the intervention and note how many Nigerians they have been able to prevent from getting amputation. “Even though our intervention is aimed at supporting government’s effort in addressing diabetes in the country, we can’t do it alone. We call on public spirited individuals and philanthropic organisations to support our course” he said.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as HOPE MARKSON OPUOYIBO, now wish to be known and addressed as BIOKPO IBUBESOA OPUOYIBO. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as MISS PEACE MICHAEL AKPAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. PEACE BIOKPO IBUBESOA. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as MR. ESO SUNNY AMADU, now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY SO. AMADI. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note. dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ƚŽ ŶŽƟĨLJ ƚŚĞ ƉƵďůŝĐ that IBECHEOZO KELECHI and IBECHEOZO KELECHI DARLINGTON where wrongly ǁƌŝƩĞŶ ŽŶ ŵLJ ďǀŶ͘ DLJ ĐŽƌƌĞĐƚ name is IBECHIUZO KELECHI DARLINGTON. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as ISINKAYE OMOLARA SOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKE OMOLARA SOLA.. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

06.10.2018

Man. City vs Liverpool: Who Blinks First? PAGE. 35

Efe Ajagba From Local Baker to Heavyweight Champion Prospect

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͞˜ ͺ͸͚΀

Efe Ajagba From Local Baker to Heavyweight Champion Prospect Ę°Ă?Ăœ ĂžĂœĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă? Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă—Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ ĂŒĂ‹Ă•Ă?Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹Ă– ĂŒĂ‹Ă•Ă?ĂœĂŁËœ Ă?Ă? Ă”Ă‹Ă‘ĂŒĂ‹ ĂžĂœĂ“Ă?ĂŽ ĂšĂ–Ă‹ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– åÓÞÒ ÖÓʾÖĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? ĂžĂ‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ™Ă˘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă˜ ͺ͸͚͚ Ă‹Ę°Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ™Ă˜ Ă‹ ĂŒĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă¤Ă? Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ‹Ă– Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ͺ͸͚͟ Ă™Ă—Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂĄĂ?ËÖÞÒ Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă™ĂžĂ–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ?ĂœĘ¨Ă˜Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ͺ͸͚͞ Öã×ÚÓĂ? Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă’Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ ʨÑÒÞĂ?Ë› Kunle Adewale Ă‹Ă?Ă•Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă?Ăž ÞÙ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă‹ Ă’Ă?Ă‹Ă ĂŁĂĄĂ?Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž ĂŒĂ™Ă˘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ“Ă™Ă˜

N

o matter what Anthony Joshua could achieve as a boxer, the credit would always go to England- the country of his birth. The best his name could be attributed to his fatherland is being of Nigerian descent. However, another Nigerian boxer, Efe Ajagba (a full-fledged Nigerian) is on the verge of having a shot at the heavyweight title. According to the Ughelli-born boxer, “in the next two years, I should be having a shot at the heavyweight boxing title.� Ajagba took up the sport of boxing in 2011 after previously playing football for a club in Ughelli since 2005, under the tutelage of coach Anthony Konyegwachie. Ajagba was selected to compete for the Nigerian team at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow. Competing in the super heavyweight division, he defeated Junior Fa of Tonga in the round of 16 and Paul Schafer of South Africa in the quarterfinals. He advanced to the semifinals where he was defeated by Joseph Goodall of Australia, meaning Ajagba won a bronze medal. At the 2015 African Games held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, Ajagba was

selected as the Nigerian entrant in the men's super heavyweight event. He won the gold medal, beating Keddy Angnes of the Seychelles by a score 3–0 in the final. In 2016 he won the gold medal in the super heavyweight event at the African Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament held in YaoundÊ, Cameroon. By doing so, Ajagba qualified to represent Nigeria at the2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the first round, Ajagba beat Ugandan Michael Sekamembe on points, he defeated Tunisian boxer Aymen Trabelsi in the semifinal to secure his qualification and then in the final he beat Mohamed Arjaoui of Morocco. Ajagba’s silent rise did not go unnoticed and in 2017, Toronto businessman Les Woods flew to Nigeria to recruit the former baker. Ajagba doesn’t take a national television appearance lightly. Since childhood, he’s dreamed of becoming a star athlete. In elementary school, Ajagba competed in high and long jumps with kids several years older. At 11, he became the youngest member of the local soccer team in his hometown of Ughelli, in the Delta State. Three years later, he had little to show for it aside from a pair of worn soccer shoes and blistered feet. As he made the twomile walk home from the pitch, he decided there had to be another way.

“Boxing?� screamed Samuel Ajagba, his agbada nearly slipping off as he rose in anger. “I told you about that! My son, why not just concentrate on your job?� Ajagba worked part-time at a bread factory. The family needed every last naira. Samuel, his father, was once a boxer himself. After birthing five boys — Ajagba was the fifth and then two girls, he gave it up and found work at a local bottling company, a job he kept till retirement. “My father’s experience with boxing is why he didn’t want me to fight,� Ajagba says. “He didn’t make much money. He wanted to support my dreams, but he didn’t want me to waste my time.� Much of Samuel’s retirement fund was swallowed up by medical bills following a stroke. Ajagba’s earnings helped keep the house afloat, but he had bigger dreams. “Training and then working in the bread factory wasn’t easy,� he says. “I would be so tired that I wasn’t doing any one of the jobs as well as I should have. So, I decided to quit my job and concentrate on boxing full time.� Samuel was furious. At one point, he marched down to the boxing gym and threatened to have Ajagba’s coaches arrested for training his teen son against his wishes. “They had to beg him,� Ajagba smiles. “They convinced him that I had the talent, that

Nigeria didn’t have a tall heavyweight and that I could go far.� Thankfully, they were right. Ajagba grew into a chiseled 6-5 standout. Three years after taking up boxing, he won bronze in his first international tournament, the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Ajagba became the only boxer to represent Nigeria at the 2016 Olympics, advancing to the quarterfinals. His performance caught the eye of then-boxing agent Mirko Wolf. “He was there scouting with Floyd Mayweather,� Ajagba says. “But Mayweather wanted guys in the smaller weight classes.� Wolf, on the other hand, was intrigued. He passed Ajagba’s reel around. The person most interested was Shelley Finkel. Finkel managed heavyweights Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and currently manages WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. “He wasn’t the only one,� Ajagba says. “Lennox Lewis wanted to sign me too. He was my favorite boxer when I was growing up. I could watch him every blessed day if I could. But Lennox wanted me to train in Canada. I spoke to my father and we agreed the U.S. was best. I had my lawyers look over the agreement Shelley sent me and that was it.� Ajagba moved to Houston, Texas, where

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GLOBAL SOCCER

there is a strong Nigerian community. In Houston, he connected with trainer Ronnie Shields. Shields has worked with Tyson, Holyfield, and Pernell Whitaker, among others. Along with Ajagba, he currently trains Jermall Charlo and Erislandy Lara. “He’s the best,” Ajagba exclaims. “He’s like a father to me. He makes people laugh, he’s a great teacher and he treats everyone equally. He’s taught me so many things about boxing.” Ajagba’s right hand is scary, but Shields wants Ajagba to master setting up that shot by utilising his 88-inch reach. “Lennox Lewis used the jab a lot and he’s my favorite,” Ajagba points out. “If I want to get better as a fighter I have to improve every part of myself.” Ajagba’s stopped every opponent, but Harper didn’t give him the pleasure. News of that debacle, and Ajagba’s other exploits reached Nigeria. “They all keep up with me,” says Ajagba. “I miss them so much. They are amazed at everything that’s happening.” Samuel, who once pleaded with him to quit boxing, is now his biggest fan. “I’m in America for business. Boxing is now my job and that is something my dad respects,” Ajagba says. “He knows I can become the heavyweight champion of the world. My mission here will not be complete

until that has happened.” On August 24, Ajaba scored the fastest victory in boxing history in a match against Curtis Harper, winning via a 1-second disqualification after Harper walked out of the ring in protest over a pay dispute. Normally, boxing matches end in one of three ways: a knockout, a technical knockout or a judges’ decision, but Harper decided to end the match before it ever really began. Harper was scheduled to fight Ajagba in Minnesota. But before anybody threw a punch, he climbed through the ropes and back to his locker room. The boxer did not return to the ring, and Ajagba was awarded a victory due to disqualification. According to PBC commentator, Jordan Hardy, who spoke to Harper after the bout, the boxer walked out in protest because he believed he was not getting paid enough for the fight. “He’s not getting paid enough and he wants respect,” said Hardy. In an interview with BBC Sport, Leon Margules, the promoter for the fight, said Harper made no money at all as a result of the disqualification. “He signed a contract and agreed to the fight,” Margules told the BBC. “First time we heard about money issues was after he left the ring. He weighed in and showed up on time and even touched gloves

before the bell. It is strange.” Ajagba, however, is of the opinion that Harper got scared along the line, saying that his wife (Harper’s wife) met with him minutes before the scheduled bout appealing to him to thread gently with her husband. Minutes before the weigh-in, his opponent, chatted with a woman who kept looking in Ajagba’s direction. Then, she walked over. “I didn’t know if she was his wife, his girlfriend or what,” Ajagba recalls. “She said, ‘You are so talented. I watched your videos and you have real power. Please … take it easy on Curtis. Don’t hurt him.’” “I was caught off-guard,” says Ajagba. “But when me and Harper came face to face, I saw he was scared. It was in his eyes. “I was shocked,” Ajagba told Sporting News. “We all were: Coach Ronnie Shields, me, the whole team. We couldn’t believe it. I was upset and then I was angry.” Harper’s walkout went viral. Some say his actions prove just how fearsome Ajagba is, but these weren’t the kind of headlines Ajagba, (6-0, 5 KOs), wanted. “I was so upset about what Harper did,” Ajagba says. “But I’ve moved on. I’m thankful because more people know me now and will watch my fight with Jones. I have more to do, but I’m working hard to get here.”

Ajagba’s promoter, Richard Schaefer, feels Harper simply feared the Olympian. “We waited a long time to have another heavyweight who instills fear in his opponents by just being in the ring and looking at them,” Richard Schaefer said. “The last time a fighter instilled that kind of fear in an opponent was Mike Tyson. The heavyweight division has a new star, and his name is Efe. No doubt that he is the biggest puncher in the sport. “He defined what the most feared man in boxing means — no punch necessary. A look and the opponent runs, runs out of the ring.” Harper’s trainer Nate Campbell has denied the allegation that the boxer walked out of his heavyweight fight with Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba in protest over pay. But Campbell wrote on Facebook, “This man disrespected himself, his wife, the fans and me. They didn’t change his purse, he made that up. He is pulling those lies out to cover up.” He said Harper’s action cost him money because he was not paid from the event. He wrote, “It’s sad that a guy with no integrity is trying to say anything about me. He cost me money and didn’t want to pay me for my time. This guy cost me money and now he’s trying to make me out to be the bad guy! I invested tens of thousands in him.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Íž Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

Barca Hope to Return to Winning Ways with Valencia

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arcelona face a difficult test on Sunday night as they travel to Valencia in search of their first La Liga win in four games. Lionel Messi inspired Barca to a 4-2 Champions League win over Tottenham at Wembley in midweek, but the Liga champions need to return to winning ways back in Spain after picking up just two points from their last three domestic outings. Sunday's clash could be a tight affair given Valencia's strange form. Marcelino Garcia Toral's side have only conceded six goals, but have scored just five to leave them with five draws from seven La Liga games to sit 14th in the table. Meanwhile, Real Madrid could have been forgiven for watching on with envy as Barcelona lifted the mood with a rousing win over Tottenham on Wednesday. Spain's established pair have endured a turbulent fortnight, registering just one win between them in six league games. While the Champions League offered Barca some respite, Madrid's dip only deepened. A strong start saw some predicting the European champions might even improve without Cristiano Ronaldo. After three opening wins, Madrid looked more balanced and better suited to gleaning the best from Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. But Benzema was chief among those that failed to deliver in the 1-0 loss to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, the sharpness of his early-season form gone, just like his team's. It was Madrid's third game without a win, and without a goal either. "We have to keep pushing, keep creating the chances," Real coach Julen Lopetegui said. "We missed chances but also missed that little bit of luck too." Bale was absent in Russia with a minor groin strain, which he could shake off in time for today's trip to Alaves and they will be desperate to have him back. However, Isco, Marcelo and Dani Carvajal, who all give attacking impetus to varying degrees, are unlikely to return before the international break. Ronaldo's name is never far from any conversation about Madrid's offensive edge and president Florentino Perez

may be wondering if he should have pushed harder for a marquee replacement. Eden Hazard's electric performances in the Premier League will not have gone unnoticed. Mariano Diaz is an alternative to Benzema, the 25-year-old who the club re-signed in the summer from Lyon and who enjoys the support of the fans, having started in Madrid's C team. He is more direct than Benzema but may offer less to his teammates. "We have maximum confidence in Karim," Lopetegui said. In Spain, when Madrid or Barca do well, the other seems automatically to be doing badly and Real's defeat by CSKA was compounded by Barcelona's victory 24 hours later at Wembley. Lionel Messi is staying true to his word of an all-out assault on Europe this season. He now has five goals from two games in this year's competition. "It was important after the recent results," Messi said. For his team, the task is now to carry the euphoria from London to the Mestalla on Sunday. Valencia held Manchester United to a goalless draw in the Champions League and are showing signs of life after beating Real Sociedad last weekend. That was their first win in five games. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde may decide to persist with the rotation that seemed to disrupt so much of his side's rhythm last week. Ousmane Dembele and Arturo Vidal were both left out of the line-up that beat Spurs and could be given a chance to reintegrate. As much as the momentum appears to be back with Barca, the table shows them level on points with Real. Another slip-up and the feel-good factor could instantly be lost. "Nothing has changed," Valverde said. "When you have not won some games it is difficult to react as the team has done. We have reacted." Sevilla sit third after three wins on the bounce, a run they will be hoping to continue at home to Celta Vigo, who are without a win in four. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid, fresh off the back of their own Champions League win over Club Brugge, host Real Betis, in a battle of fourth against fifth.

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remier League champions Manchester City return to the scene of their worst defeats of last season when they take on title rivals Liverpool in a highly-anticipated clash at Anfield on Sunday. City were beaten twice by Juergen Klopp's team at Anfield- a 4-3 defeat in the league and a 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal. The matches were superb entertainment for the neutral fan and another high-octane affair is expected on Sunday. Both teams have made unbeaten starts to the domestic season with six victories from seven games and 19 points each but Pep Guardiola's side are top of the

table thanks to a better goal difference. The manner of Liverpool's victories, ripping apart City's defence with their high pressing and high-speed forward line, left the impression that the Reds may have City's number. "These are the games you want to win. They are a team in form and at Anfield, we know this will be a difficult game for us, but I think this City side has shown in the past that we are always up for these games" City captain Vincent Kompany said. In January, Liverpool led 4-1 before a late City attempted comeback yielded two goals in the last 10 minutes, with all three of Klopp's forwards - Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino on target. That front-line hasn't quite hit the

heights of last season yet with Salah in particular lacking sharpness, but in Xherdan Shaqiri and Daniel Sturridge, whose spectacular late goal earned a point at Chelsea last week, Klopp has options from the bench. Liverpool also look stronger at the back than last season and have more options in midfield with the addition of Naby Keita and Fabinho. Both teams will feature Brazilian goalkeepers who are adept at passing with Alisson Becker at Liverpool bringing some of the qualities City have benefited from with their number one Ederson. However, Liverpool's perfect run of seven straight wins to begin the campaign in all competitions has come unstuck in the past week. Defeat by Chelsea with a much-

changed side in the League Cup was followed by a well-earned point against the same opponents at Stamford Bridge thanks to Daniel Sturridge's brilliant late equaliser. Yet, more worrying for Jurgen Klopp was an uncharacteristically lacklustre display in losing 1-0 to Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday. "This was a reality check on how things must not go," warned midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. Liverpool were outplayed for large spells in Italy and looked to be feeling the physical toll of a brutal run of fixtures that also included a trip to Tottenham and a thrilling 3-2 Champions League win over French champions Paris Saint-Germain in a four-week spell.

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

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

P 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

GD 18 12 10 7 5 3 0 3 2 -2 0 -2 -3 -4 -5 -5 -8 -6 -12 -13

PTS 19 19 17 15 15 13 13 12 12 10 9 7 7 7 5 5 5 2 2 2

Fixture TODAY Burnley

v Huddersfield

15:00

Crystal Palace v Wolves

15:00

Leicester

v Everton

15:00

Tottenham

v Cardiff

15:00

Watford

v Bournemouth 15:00

Man Utd

v Newcastle

17:30

v Arsenal

12:00

Southampton v Chelsea

14:15

Liverpool

6:30

SUNDAY Fulham

v Man City 1

La Liga Fixture TODAY

"You have seen it has been absolutely intense since the last international break with the games we've had – Chelsea twice, coming to Napoli, playing PSG and now we have the game on Sunday against Man City. We cannot change that, so we have to make sure we are ready," said Klopp. City's visit, therefore, doesn't come at the best time as Liverpool seek to show they are capable of knocking Guardiola's record breakers off their perch. Liverpool had the edge on City when they went head-to-head last season, winning three of their four meetings. City's hopes of an unbeaten season went up in smoke in a 10-minute period at Anfield in January as Liverpool struck three times en route to winning 4-3. And they also prolonged Guardiola's quest to land City's first-ever Champions League title with a 5-1 aggregate thrashing in the quarterfinals. However, the task for Klopp is to marry that ability to rise to the big occasion with City's consistency that racked up 100 Premier League points last season. Liverpool certainly now have the squad for the long haul. So often outgunned by Abu-Dhabi backed City in the transfer market in recent years, it was the Reds who were the biggest

spenders this summer. Of the new recruits, though, only goalkeeper Becker has made a big impact as Klopp has preferred to stand by those who got Liverpool to the Champions League final last season. That run owed much to the firepower of Mohamed Salah's 44 goals. However, the Egyptian has so far struggled to match those heights in his second season at Anfield. Salah was subbed off on his return to Stamford Bridge last weekend and largely anonymous in Naples as Liverpool failed to muster a single shot on target. "I don't remember when that happened last," admitted Klopp, who remains convinced Salah's slump will be temporary. "It's like riding a bike. It's not like you wake up in the morning and you cannot finish anymore." Liverpool need Salah back in the saddle come Sunday if they are to stop City puncturing their super start by striking first blood in the title race. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho can illafford another poor result for his struggling Manchester United side when they face Rafa Benitez's Newcastle at Old Trafford today. Amidst reports of divisions in the camp, United have not won in their last

four outings in all competitions and are 10th in the Premier League, nine points adrift of the top two. Third-placed Chelsea, who are also unbeaten, are away to Southampton on Sunday while Arsenal face promoted Fulham at Craven Cottage. After losing to Barcelona on Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur, depleted by injuries, host second-bottom Cardiff City.

Head to Head 18 /14/01 17/09/09 17/19/03 16/31/12 16/02/03 15/21/11 15/01/03 14/25/08 14/13/04 13/26/12 13/03/02 12/26/08 12/03/01

Liverpool Man City Man City Liverpool Liverpool Man City Liverpool Man City Liverpool Man City Man City Liverpool Man City

4 - 3 Man City 5 - 0 Liverpool 1 - 1 Liverpool 1 - 0 Man City 3 - 0 Man City 1 - 4 Liverpool 2 - 1 Man City 3 - 1 Liverpool 3 - 2 Man City 2 - 1 Liverpool 2 - 2 Liverpool 2 - 2 Man City 3 - 0 Liverpool

Girona

v Eibar

12:00

Getafe

v Levante

15:15

Alavés

v Madrid

17:30

Leganés SUNDAY

v Vallecano

19:45

Valladolid v Huesca

11:00

Atlético

15:15

v Real Betis

Espanyol v Villarreal

17:30

Sevilla

17:30

v Celta Vigo

Serie A Fixture TODAY Cagliari Udinese Empoli

v Bologna v Juventus v Roma

14:00 17:00 19:30

SUNDAY Genoa Atalanta Lazio AC Milan Napoli SPAL

v v v v v v

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

Parma Sampdoria Fiorentina Chievo Sassuolo Inter

Bundesliga Fixture TODAY Mainz

v Hertha Berlin 14:30

Borussia

v Augsburg

14:30

Fortuna

v Schalke

14:30

Hannover

v Stuttgart

14:30

Bayern

v M’gladbach

17:30

v Leverkusen

12:30

SUNDAY Freiburg

Hoffenheim v Frankfurt

14:30

Leipzig

17:00

v Nuremberg

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͞˜ ͺ͸͚΀

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS GOtv Boxing Night 16

Joe Boy Vows to Mess up Ghanaian Opponent's Face

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eigning African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, Oto “Joe Boy� Joseph of Nigeria, has vowed to mess up the face of his Ghanaian challenger, Anama Dotse, when they clash in the international lightweight challenge bout at GOtv Boxing Night 16 on October 14, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. The bout is one of the two international contests scheduled for the event. Speaking in Lagos on Friday, the hardhitting ABU champion said he was in good shape for the fight and he is ready

to make his opponent suffer. “I am in the best shape possible. This is a bad omen for Dotse, who should know that Nigeria is superior to Ghana in every way. I will prove that superiority by messing up his face. His face remains smooth because he has been meeting soft opponents. That will end at GOtv Boxing Night,� bragged Joe Boy. GOtv Boxing Night 16 will feature nine bouts across different weight divisions, the highest number since the show began in November 2014. The headline fight is the West African Boxing Union (WABU) lightweight

title clash between Rilwan Oladosu of Nigeria and Ghana's Benjamin Lamptey. Also scheduled is the national light heavyweight title bout between Kabiru Towolawi and Adewale Masebinu. In the featherweight class, Waidi Usman will have a rematch with Chibuzor Obi. The event will equally feature alumni of the last two editions of GOtv Boxing NextGen Search. Leading the pack is Opeyemi Elijah, best boxer at GOtv Boxing NextGen 4, who will take on Sheriff Ogunbanjo in a super bantamweight duel. Taiwo Agbaje will take on Tope Musa in a lightweight clash;

ËÖÙÑĂ&#x;Ă˜ Ă“Ę°Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă&#x;Ăš ĂœĂ™ĂšĂ’ĂŁ

‌NextGen Best ÙâĂ?Ăœ Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă?ĂžĂ? ͚˛ͽ× Prize Money Opeyemi Elijah, best boxer at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 4, has vowed to win the best boxer award at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 16 billed to hold on 14 October at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Attached to the award is a cash prize of N1.5 million, specifically for the Independence edition, and the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer. Speaking in an interview in Lagos, the Ibadan-based 18-year-old said he was determined to prove that his emergence as the best boxer at GOtv Boxing NextGen 4 is no fluke. “I want to win the best boxer award and of course, the cash prize that is attached to it. I will do so by defeating my opponent and prove that my success at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 4 in Abeokuta was not by accident,â€? he said. Elijah is billed to fight Sheriff Ogunbanjo in a super bantamweight challenge duel. Big things are expected of Elijah, who shone at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search 3, but was advised by coaches to delay his entry into the professional cadre by a year on account of age.

L-R: Public Relations Manager, GOtv, Jennifer Ukoh; Marketing Manager GOtv, Chidozie Bede-Nwokoye; Chief Executive oďŹƒcer, Flykite Productions, Jenkins Alumona and President NBB of C, Dr. RaďŹ u Ladipo, during the GOtv Boxing Night 16 press conference held at The Regent Hotel, Joel Ogunnike, GRA Ikeja, Lagos‌ recently

ĂžĂ‹Ăœ Ă“Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă’ĂœĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă? Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ?Ă?ĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ?ĂœĂ? åÓÞÒ Ă“Ă Ă? Europa League Actions StarTimes subscribers were on Thursday treated to live matches of the 2018 Europa League as some European power house, AC Milan, Arsenal, Chelsea made appearances in match day 2. Italian giants, AC Milan came from 0-1 down to score three goals in the last 10 minutes against a Yaya Toure inspired Olympiacos side to the delight of their fans at the San Siro Stadium. Arsenal made it eight straight wins in all competitions as they defeat Azerbaijani champions, Qarabag FK 3-0, at the 69,000-seater Baku Olympic Stadium, which has been selected to host this season’s final but now provides the backdrop for Gunners’ second match in Group E. Arsenal boss, Emery’s team selection for their opening match against FC Vorskla won their first Europa League match by 4-2. However, Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri on the other hand chose to go with a relatively strong line-up against Vidi FC. In a game the Blues dominated, Chelsea laboured to a meagre 1-0 win. After two very competitive match-ups against Liverpool, Sarri will likely dig a little deeper into his squad’s rotational possibilities. It was not all hurray for the big clubs in the Europa League, as Sevilla, which recently walloped Spanish giants, Real Madrid 3-0, Bordeaux, Anderlecht and Besiktas were all stunned by their opponents. According to StarTimes, football lovers will continue to enjoy the thrills and actions of the games on ST World Football (Channels 244 and 254), ST Sport Premium (channel 246) and on the Mobile App.

while Azeez Tijani will square up with Waheed Shogbanmu. Another GOtv Boxing NextGen graduate, Isaac Chukwudi will slug it out with Adeyemi Adekanla in a welterweight clash, while Aminu Akintayo would face Mutiu Lawal in a super flyweight division contest. The event will be beamed live on SuperSport in 47 African countries. The best boxer at the event will go home with a cash prize of N1.5 million alongside the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy.

L-R: Chairman 2018 Nigeria Cup Organising Committee, Babatunde Johnson; Ikoyi Club Chairman, Babatunde Akinleye; MD, NDwestern, Dr. Layi Fatona; Nigeria Cup Champion, Folabi Balogun; Golf Captain, Brig-Gen Musbau Amolegbe Rtd., at the closing Gala Night held at Muson Centre in Lagos‌ ÒÙÞÙË? SUNDAY ADIGUN

AXA Mansard Partners Liverpool FC AXA Mansard, a member of AXA, the global leader in insurance and asset management is proud to announce that the global Insurance brand is partnering with Liverpool FC. AXA reignites its sponsorship strategy and is proud to join forces with one of the most famous names in sports. The multi-year partnership with English Premier League legends Liverpool Football Club sees AXA become the club’s official global insurance partner. Commenting on the partnership, the CEO of AXA, Thomas Burbel said, “I am delighted to announce this longterm partnership with Liverpool FC, which comes at a particularly exciting moment for AXA as the Best Global Brand Ranking, announced by Interbrand, recognized AXA as the number one insurance brand for the 10th year in a row.� Building on shared values, AXA and Liverpool FC will create innovative

experiences for clients, partners and fans around the world, as well as making meaningful contributions to the local communities in which they both operate. Working closely with Liverpool players, manager, coaches and health professionals, AXA will also create unique and relevant content that will help support the shared goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle, delivering on the AXA brand purpose of empowering people to live a better life. Also commenting on the Partnership, the Head, Strategy and Marketing at AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Mr. Emeka Muonaka noted, “We are excited about this partnership with Liverpool FC. It’s our way of identifying with the passion and energy of football fans both in Nigeria and all over the world, which reflects our passion to consistently provide quality products and services to our esteemed customers.�

Folabi Balogun has emerges as the winner of the 2018 Nigeria Cup. He defeated a field of over 140-players to come out victorious after shooting a score of 69-net to beat his closest rival, Tunde Olowude on countback. Balogun now replaces Femi Feyide, two-time winner and the defending champion on the Nigeria Cup winner’s chart. B. A Raji came in the third position also losing on countback to Olowude while Steve Oboh ducks in the fourth position with a net score of 70. M. Walsh completed the top five positions in the net category. Former Nigeria Cup champion, Tim Ayomike won in the men gross category leaving Remi Olukoya also a former Champion in the second position. Shola Omilabu finished in third [position in the category. Speaking shortly after being declared the winner, Balogun said it was almost unbelievable he won saying he believed that his victory was divinely ordained as a spent the night before the competition in the church. “I went for a night vigil on Friday and was even planning to travel before I decided to play. I started well, then I lose rhythm mid-way but I was able to manage the game till the end. Knowing that everybody wants to win a competition like the Nigeria Cup I was not still sure I will win. Eventually the news came that I won, I give God the glory�, the champion said. Satisfied with the turnout of golfers throughout the event, Chairman of 2018 Organising Committee and Vice-captain of the golf section of Ikoyi Club, Babatunde Johnson said the event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of corporate sponsors. While saying a big thank you to individuals and corporate sponsors, Johnson urged Nigerians to continue to work for the unity of the country.

Ă?Ă?ÞÖĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă? ͺ͸͚΀ Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?

Nestle Nigeria Plc has emerged the overall winners of the 2018 edition of the Fast Moving Consumers Good Games held at the Yabatech Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos. The competition which ran for five weeks came to a climax last weekend. The eagerly awaited final day provided plenty of thrills and excitement as sports fans from of all spheres of life watched as industry heavy weights in the FMCG industry battled for the crown at the games. The final match day kicked off with Reckitt Benckiser trading tackles with Unilever and Nestle taking on FrieslandCampina. In the first match of the day, Unilever defeated Reckitt Benckiser by 2-1 with goals from Kehinde Adewale and Richard Akhadelor to push Unilever up to second on the table. The concluding match of the day saw table topping Nestle go up against FrieslandCampina with Nestle needing only a draw to be crowned champions and FrieslandCampina requiring a win to retain their trophy. The hugely anticipated match did not disappoint as both teams tested their opposingdefence but were met by the resolute defenders. The match ended in a stalemate which but confirmed Nestle as the 2018 Football Champions of the Nigeria FMCG Games.

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY OCTOBER 6, 2018

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 6, 2018

FAIRGROUND

Adebola Williams Hosts Private Gathering As Nigeria Turn 58

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

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s Nigeria turned 58, Adebola Williams fondly called Debola Lagos hosted one of the few private gatherings that happened around the country celebrating the nation’s Independence. We find citizens around the world celebrating their independence and national days, American Independence on July 4th is a global celebration with many Nigerians throwing private barbecue parties and events to celebrate but rarely do we see many celebrate our own. In his opening remarks to guests, Adebola shared how a friend advised him to spend the day at an orphanage but he responded saying, “We do that every other day and we will continue to do that, but what we barely do and must begin to do is to celebrate Nigeria, celebrate our Nigerianess, tribes and diversity, and the burdens that have brought us blessings and opportunities. We must remember to celebrate it as a sign of love and as a duty to a nation that has given us the opportunity to create, to innovate and to grow.” The night came alive with an assortment of Nigerian delicacies such as Abacha, Banga and Starch, Amala, and Jollof rice. All these to go with Palm wine and more. Guests at the party include the Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwale; Actress, Kate Henshaw, Inidinma Okojie, Omawumi, and Presidential candidate, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu.

L-R: Uzoma Nwagba; Luqman Edu; Host Adebola Williams; Commissioner for Economic and Budget Planning, Anambra State, Mark Okoye and Yomi Adedeji

Martins Acha, Uche Nnaji and wife

Toke Makinwa and Tola Odunsi

Adebola Williams, Hon. Mark Okoye, Kate Henshaw

Dr. Oduwale Jumoke SA to the President on Trade and Investments and Adebola Williams

Seyi Oyinlola and Dr. Ola Orekurin

Uche Nnaji and Kingsley Moghalu

Mimi Onaloja, Omawunmi, Ini Dima-Okogie and Lala Kemi Akindoju

Adam Isiakpona and Nkem Isiakpona

Alex Yangs, CEO Red Media Africa and Omeyi YANGS, CEO Emmaternity Timi Dakolo and Mfon Ekpo

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 6, 2018

FAIRGROUND

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi

Techcode Organizes South-East Cyber Security Conference

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echcode Nigeria, an indigenous Cyber security company is organizing the maiden edition of the SouthEast Cyber Security Conference (SECYCONE 2018), with the aim of promoting Cyber security due diligence, audiences’ knowledge, awareness and understanding of the issues around Cyber-crime in our global digital society. According to Mr. Nwogha Joshua, the Chief Operating officer for Techcode Nigeria, the programme with the theme, “Emerging Challenges in CyberSecurity and Countermeasures” is intended to digitally influence the cyberspace by offering the platform for discussion for participants, as well as various products and services that will help bridge the digital and information bridge in Nige-

ria and indeed in West Africa. Mr. Nwogha posited that SECYCONE 2018, the first Southeast Cyber security Conference, is holding in Enugu State because of the State’s strategic and economic importance in the South-East. He mentioned also that SECYCONE 2018 has the support of Governors of the South-Eastern States. The two-day event which will hold from Wednesday 11th – Thursday 11st October, 2018 at De Castle Hotel and Resort GRA, Enugu, Enugu State, will attract Cyber Security professionals from various industries within and outside the South-Eastern Region, including, Financial Services sector, Insurance firms, Telecommunications, the Oil and Gas, conglomerates, Tech Start-ups, Financial Technology (FinTech) companies,

States & Local Governments in the South-Eastern Region, Parastatals in the South East, the Police, Military/Para-Military, etc. Cyber threats and attacks are constantly growing and becoming more sophisticated, dangerous and damaging. It is a top priority for businesses to protect their networks, computers, and information from unauthorized access and breaches. As enterprises and governments now provide most services online to their clients, the size of cyberattack has grown exponentially. Many of these cyber criminals’ current exploits are going unnoticed. Secycone 2018 Conference will focus on how businesses can protect themselves from falling victims and also learn how to mitigate these threats in a digital age through workshops, technical sessions, plenary sessions

and breakout session and the Conference is uniquely merged with exhibition to provide a platform to display state of the art safety products & solutions, showcase the latest technology, provide networking & marketing opportunities for manufacturers and also attract prospective investors to the South Eastern region. The Keynote address would be delivered by (Amb.) Dr Oyedokun Ayodeji Oyewole, the Founder, President / Chairman, Governing Council of Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa. Other Speakers at the event includes Dr. Uche M. Mbanso, Yaniv Ovitz, Udoh Kingsley, Mr. Destiny Amana, Mr. Don Okereke, Mr. Adeyemi Ademiluyi, Dr. Steve Bassy, Mr. Steve Obiago, Bolaji Ebiye Beredugo, and Mr. Remi Afon.

BON Awards Holds October 29 Eze Meju First Nigeria Male Model Signed to IMG

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est of Nollywood, BON Awards, the highly coveted award platform in Nollywood, has announced December 9, as the date for the 2018 edition of the ceremony, which also doubles as celebration of a decade of the award ceremony, a press statement has revealed. The statement was made public on Friday, September 28, and signed by the Chief Executive of BON, Seun Oloketuyi. He revealed that the host state and unveiling of the 2018 nominees will be announced October, 29. Oloketuyi also assured that this year;s edition which is also the tenth year anniversary of the award, will be the mother of ball in Nollywood. BON Awards is an annual film event presented by Best of Nollywood Magazine to honor outstanding achievements in the Nigerian Movie Industry.

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t is the best feeling in the world for our Dreamer Eze Meju, Finalist of Dare2Dream Season 5 who just got signed to IMG Models shortly after the Grand Finale of Dare2Dream Season 5. He has become the first Nigerian Male to be signed into this prestigious agency. This is the beginning of an Amazing journey for our Dreamer Eze, who is on his way to stardom. Seun Oloketuyi

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 6, 2018

AUTO Again, Hyundai Motor Achieves Top 40 Best Global Brands Position

The 2018 Jaguar I-Pace EV

Electric Revolution: Jaguar Land Rover Will Not Drop Diesel Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he use of electric energy sources to power vehicles will not stop Jaguar Land Rover from using diesel to fuel some of its vehicles. According to Nigel Clarke, Sales Director, Jaguar Land Rover subSahara Africa, “Some 40% of Range Rover buyers across the globe choose diesel which is why CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, Dr. Ralf Speth, has said: “We have no plans to drop diesel. It will be one of several solutions.” Given that diesel also powers a significant proportion of Jaguar output, you can be sure that the company’s engineers will be working at pace to make diesels cleaner and cleaner, Clarke said. “In recent times, I have expended quite a lot

of my own energy resources on the subject of future energy sources likely to power our transport, be it public or private. It does not take an expert to identify that the electric motor is destined to eat away at the dominance of the combustion engine, and as I’ve been happy to report, Jaguar Land Rover is very much in the vanguard in terms of model introductions and on-going development. Back on home territory in the UK though, the company currently faces uncertainties of the political type, and one word dominates the undercurrent: Brexit.” Clarke quoted the CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, Dr. Ralf Speth, who said, “Of course Brexit is causing uncertainties in the UK, but free and fair trade helps all nations.” Terms of trade have much to do with the location of manufacturing plants and in this regard, the parent company has been spreading its wings to

ensure that customers benefit as far as possible from production and fiscal efficiencies, said the Sales Director, Jaguar Land Rover sub-Sahara Africa. “These diversions have not been allowed to distract Jaguar Land Rover from the job at hand as continued investment in R & D proves and while the need to “go electric” is indisputable, Jaguar Land Rover will not be ditching diesel any time soon, which should be good news for many of our customers in the region.” He said in the meantime, the much-lauded electric I-PACE with its encouraging 470km range, is earmarked for the South African market in the first quarter of 2019. “Plans are well advanced to ensure that a support infrastructure is in place to facilitate charging on the move, an issue which needs close attention in the sub-Sahara Africa region in the very near future.

Toyota Boosts Safety, Assistance Technology for Landcruiser 200 Series

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oyota has expanded the driver assistance and safety features of two of its popular LandCruiser 200 Series grades, according to a statement by the automaker. The luxury VX grade gains blindspot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, a four-camera multi-terrain monitor and auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors - all of which were previously exclusive to the top-of-range Sahara. Volume-selling GXL has been enhanced with features from VX and Sahara: front and rear parking sensors and a new instrument cluster that incorporates a 4.2-inch multi-information display. The additional features will enhance LandCruiser’s reputation as a favourite for people seeking a large, comfortable and extremely capable vehicle to head well off the beaten track or negotiate the urban jungle. Toyota Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said Toyota was continually improving all its vehicles to better meet the expectations of customers. “The Toyota LandCruiser has been an Australian favourite since it first arrived here, regularly praised for its comfortable and extremely competent ability to get to the most remote corners of the country... and back,” Mr. Hanley said. “Part of that ability comes from its advanced technology to assist drivers whatever the terrain they come across and the upgrades we are introducing for the mid-range GXL and VX models, further aids that assistance,” he said. New VX features in detail Blind-spot monitor# warns when vehicles are

Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series present in the blind spots to the sides of the LandCruiser while the rear cross-traffic alert# warns when a vehicle is approaching from either side when reversing. For even greater awareness of the off-road environment, the four-camera multi-terrain monitor# displays the exact position of the

vehicle within its immediate surroundings on the large 9-inch satellite-navigation screen. The monitor can be activated when the four-wheel-drive multi-terrain select system is operating and uses a wide-angle front camera, rear camera and side cameras mounted in the exterior mirrors.

Hyundai Motor has been ranked among the highest valued brands in the world once again, according to the latest rankings published by global brand specialist Interbrand. Hyundai’s global brand value grows 3% since 2017 to a company record high of US $13.5 billion. This result successfully places the company in a top 40 Best Global Brands position for the fourth year in a row. The company is ranked the world’s 36th most valuable brand in challenging conditions of many global markets. “Hyundai Motor is an innovative and creative brand that continually develops and implements new vehicle functions that our customers want, providing them with seamless automotive experiences, so we are thrilled to see the company’s brand value increase continuously year over year,” said Wonhong Cho, Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company. “Recent developments in the automotive industry, such as electrification, connectivity and autonomous driving, present huge opportunities for Hyundai to be a leading force in the future of global mobility.” Hyundai Motor maintains sixth position in the global automotive rankings. This follows a period of exponential growth for the company, which has seen a four-fold increase in brand value since 2005. “The continuous growth of Hyundai’s brand value is the result of Hyundai’s investments in future mobility initiatives, as well as its commitment to continuously enhance the strength of its brand. The launch of NEXO, based on advanced fuel cell technology, as well as its new high performance brand N have showcased Hyundai’s technological credentials and laid the foundations for a more differentiated positioning for the Hyundai brand. Brands that truly internalize their values and respond rapidly to market changes always add value for their businesses,” Mike Rocha, Global Director of Brand Valuation for Interbrand said. Hyundai has achieved a significant number of major automotive industry milestones, including creating the world’s first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV, NEXO. Hyundai’s eco-car line-up also includes the All-new Kona Electric, and the IONIQ, which showcases the company’s pioneering spirit in the field of future mobility. With its progressive models Hyundai offers the broadest range of eco-powertrains in the industry. Hyundai continues to focus on developing technological innovation to expedite achieving the company’s future mobility vision. This includes advanced research through Project IONIQ and open-innovation through collaborations with external parties such as Cisco, Baidu Inc., and SoundHound Inc. This is combined with strategic investments in future technologies such as electrification, smart cars, robots and artificial intelligence, and future energy.

Peugeot 508 SW First Edition Unlimited Class Whereas the new PEUGEOT 508 SW will be meeting the public for the first time at the 2018 Paris Car Show, PEUGEOT is presenting a limited edition called First Edition. Featuring unique stylistic attributes, this exclusive version will be marketed from October 2, 2018, with the online selling available in France and United Kingdom and an e-reservation website in ten other European countries. Exclusive and radical Based on the high-end GT finish, the PEUGEOT 508 SW First Edition limited edition has new exterior attributes: shiny black grille surround, Augusta twin-tone 19” alloy wheels with Grey Dust varnish. It will be available in three colours: Dark Blue, Pearly White and Amazonite Grey. The PEUGEOT 508 SW First Edition will be available in PureTech 225 S&S EAT8 and BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT8 engines. These engines are approved according to the WLTP certification protocol. High-class interior The interior of the new PEUGEOT 508 SW First Edition is adorned with Zebrano essence wood trim and black or red Sellier leather. This limited version of course includes the PEUGEOT iCockpit® consisting of a compact full-grain leather steering wheel, a configurable head-up digital panel and a 10’’ HD capacitive touch screen. In order to further enhance its dynamic character, the PEUGEOT 508 SW First Edition features a black headliner, full LED mood lighting, aluminium pedals and door sills specific to this version. With the hands-free tailgate, the PEUGEOT 508 SW First Edition’s boot has a wood flooring in Zebrano essence, with anti-slip bars: only on this version! A velvet upholstery with flaps is also provided to protect the floor, the boot sill and the bumper during loading.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 6, 2018

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AUTO

Mercedes-Benz Best World’s Clinches Most Valuable Premium Automobile Brand Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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ercedes-Benz was able to further increase its brand value and is once again the world’s most valuable premium car brand. In the current “Best Global Brands 2018” ranking by the renowned U.S. brand consulting company Interbrand, Mercedes-Benz again climbed places in the top ten most valuable global brands and now is ranked on 8th place. Mercedes-Benz is still the only European brand in the top ten. Compared with 2017, the value of the brand grew by two percent to 48.6 billion dollars. Mercedes-Benz has continually increased its value since 2009. “It is great news that the value of the MercedesBenz brand has further increased”, says Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales. “Once again we are the world’s most valuable premium automobile brand and are thus holding our ground in a field surrounded by big technology and consumer brands. We are delighted that people reward our new products such as the fully-electric EQC, our bold marketing campaigns such as the Grow Up campaign and new dialogue formats such as the ‘me Convention’.” The strengths of the Mercedes-Benz brand lie in its long tradition, great innovative strength, the will to constantly reinvent itself and the abiding principle of its founding fathers only to be satisfied with the best. From the invention of the automobile to the largest manufacturer of luxury vehicles and

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class a provider of comprehensive mobility services Mercedes-Benz always looks for the best answers to the mobility needs of people. Global study on brand valuation: This year marks the 19th time that the annual “Best Global Brands” study has been published by Interbrand. The study is considered by leading CEOs world-

wide to represent the competitive benchmark for the value of international brands. The study is designed to identify the world’s 100 most valuable brands. Interbrand’s brand valuation considers the three aspects “financial performance of the brand’s products or services”, “role of the brand in the purchase decision-making process” and

“strength of the brand in relation to safeguarding the company’s future revenue”. This method is the first one to be successfully certified according to ISO 10668:2010 - an international standard that defines the basic requirements on procedures and methods for determining the monetary value of a brand.

One Year on, New Nissan LEAF Leads Electric Vehicle Sales Across Europe year since going on sale in Europe, the new Nissan LEAF is leading the way for customers switching to electric vehicles (EV), with 26,000 units already delivered to customers and on European

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roads. The award-winning LEAF topped European EV sales for every one of the first eight months of 2018, with one unit sold every 10 minutes across the continent. Strong sales growth has been a characteristic for new LEAF across Europe inclusing markets such as Austria, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. In Norway, the Nissan LEAF has risen through the sales charts to become the top-selling passenger car in 2018, outperforming allelectricandcombustion-poweredmodelsalike. Like retail customers, business users are also embracing electrification. More than 8,000 of the total have been delivered to corporate fleets throughout Europe. The new Nissan LEAF builds on the talents of its predecessor, adding the latest generation of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating under the latest test standards. The Nissan LEAF’s advanced driving assistance technology, ProPILOT and ProPILOT Park, make

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it effortless to navigate through traffic and easy to park. The innovative e-Pedal brings new levels of driving simplicity and fun by allowing customers to accelerate and decelerate using only one pedal. Gareth Dunsmore, director, electric vehicles, Nissan Europe, said: “As the interest in electric vehicles continues to grow, we’ve made sure that the opportunity to experience and own our new LEAF model is more accessible than ever before.” He added: “When we set out to design the new Nissan LEAF, we wanted to create a car built on the feedback of over 100,000 existing owners here in Europe. Today feedback such as - ‘I love the instant torque… the performance is fantastic… e-Pedal makes driving very easy’ are common reactions from our newest customers. It’s a car you can look forward to driving and appreciate living with on a day-to-day basis, and the sales figures reflect this.” The Nissan LEAF is available in 51 markets worldwide and has posted strong global demand. Its sales success, combined with sales of its predecessor, makes it the global leader for electric vehicles with over 350,000 units delivered since 2010. Its LCV and seven-seat electric sibling, the e-NV200 also continues to enjoy strong sales throughout Europe.

New Nissan LEAF

Are You A Blind Driver?

he2018WorldSightdaywillbeheldon October 11. This year’s focus will be to draw attention to eye care issues aimed at encouraging people the world over to imbibe the culture of eye examination especially for the vulnerable, such as the young, school going children, the elderly and those with diabetes. Globally 1.2billion people do not have access to glasses while 75perent of the world’s vision impaired are avoidable. Without bugging you with the usual stories about the theme for 2018, I have chosen to be nostalgic about my brief stay in Port Harcourt,theRiverStatecapital.Mynostalgiaisnotborne out of the excitement of the sound bites of the Garden city but rather the memories of the 2016 World sight day when the National Optometrist Association, Rivers State partnered with the Zonal Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps in carrying out a programme in the state meant to raise awareness on the issue of eye care. Before I bore you with details of that partnership which I once shared on this same page, please permit me first to share with you a very interesting material I stumbled on while pondering of my focus for this week. I believe you will find the material as interesting as I did. It is a material on driving in the United Kingdom which underscores the seriousness attached to driving with healthy eyesight. According to the data,between 2013 and 2017, there was a 20percent increase in the number of drivers notifying the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency,( DVLA) of problems relating to their eyesight .A breakdown of the data shows thattheDVLAreceived200,289notifications of ‘eyesight issues’ in 2017 compared to 166,148 in 2013. ThefindingwasafalloutoftheNationalEyeHealthWeek conceived to promote the importance of eye health and

SAFE DRIVING with

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 the need for regular eye tests. Road Safety Wales recently issued a plea to motorists to have an eye test every two years, or more often if suggested by an optician. The data furthershowsthatthenumberoflicensesthatwere‘refused on application or revoked for eyesight-related conditions’ between 2013 and 2017 was 42,803 for ‘Group 1’ drivers (car/motorcycle) and 6,965 for ‘Group 2’ drivers (lorry/ bus).The rule in the UK is that , learner drivers must prove they can read a number plate from a distance of 20m (65ft) during their practical test and are then legally responsible for ensuring their sight remains good enough to drive thereafter. The Driving Blind Campaign has spearheaded the calls for better regulations of eyesight tests for drivers maintaining that drivers should be tested by an optician before their driving test and at every subsequent licence renewal application. As I browsed through this positive development which is part of the focus between the Corps and the Optometrists Association, my memory flashed to the 2016 event held in Port Harcourt in collaboration with the Assocaition. It was precisely on Thursday, Oct 13, 2016, that we assembled 221 people made up of drivers and others to enjoy what

in Nigerian parlance we call awoof. They were privileged to go through the compulsory eye screening jointly conducted by personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps, Zone 6 headquarters, Port Harcourt, Rivers State and the Optometric Association in commemoration of the World Sight Day with the theme, ‘’Staying Strong’’. Besides the free eye screening, about 55 reading glasses were given out. A breakdown of the one day event shows that a total of221 people made up of 187males and 34females were screened; a further breakdown shows that the number of persons above 18years was 211 while the number that received glasses was 50 made up of 47males and 3females. Out of the total number screened, 55 people made up of 53 males and 2females were referred. Out of the total number of cases seen, some of the results were as follows;, Glaucoma(10), Myopia(10) and Hyperopia(60) There were other findings such as cases of cataract, presbyopia, bacteria conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitisjustto mentionafew. My concernishowever on these findings that have significant bearings on our ability as an Agency to promote a safer road culture in keeping with our statutory mandate as contained in our 2007 Establishment Act. Let me start with the first finding which shows 10people with cases of glaucoma. Glaucoma. I was tutored by my colleague that this condition affects the visual field of a person, which means all the points of a physical environment that can be perceived by a stable eye. Glaucoma literally can result to tunnel vision, a situation wherebythedrivercannotseeperipherally.Adequatevisual field is very important for drivers as peripheral vision is needed for common driving tasks such as use of side mirror. Also glaucoma can affect central visual field as well resulting to the driver having hazy vision thereby knocking down a pedestrian or running into an oncoming vehicle.

Therefore drivers with visual field defects show poorer performances with driving speed, steering stability and tune to collision. The second finding is the 10 people with myopia. Myopia is called short sightedness; drivers who do not weartheirprescriptionwillbesusceptibletohavingcrashes because of their hazy vision. Night myopia is an increase in shortsightedness at night or low light levels. Drivers with this condition may be involved in night tune road crashes due to the inability to see glare (blazing light) from an oncoming vehicle. It is found that night myopia is prevalent in younger drivers and such drivers should be restricted from driving at night. 60 people had cases of Hyperopia: This is called farsightedness; here, the driver cannot see properly at very near and at a near distance. In this case, the driver might have difficulty in recognizing near targets such as the speedometer and pedestrians not too far from the vehicle especially at night and as well experience glare. From the screening exercise, two cases worth mentioning are two drivers whose conditions were indeed frightening; the first one who is about 63 years of age claimed to have driven for more than 20years with vision on one eye counting finger (counting finger -cf)at 3 meters while the second one who was referred is about 40 years of age, drives drunk and has high hyperopia (long sightedness) and therefore experiences glare. These two cases are similar to the one that occurred some 10years ago at the, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja where a driver was actually driving with dark glasses at night until luck ran out on him when they observed the driver had difficulty controlling his vehicle whenever there was an oncoming vehicle whose headlights obviously blurred the vision of the driver. After pleading to the driver to take off his dark glasses, a male commuter sitting by his side, smartly removed the dark glass. Shock was written all over the faces of the commuters when they noticed the driver was a one eye sight man.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 6, 2018

All Progressive Congress Governorship Candidates for 2019 Elections KANO Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

BAUCHI

PLATEAU

KADUNA

Mohammed Abubakar

Simon Lalong

Nasir el-Rufai

KATSINA

JIGAWA

SOKOTO

KEBBI

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar

Ahmed Aliyu

Abubakar Atiku Bagudu

NIGER

BORNO

YOBE

Abubakar Sani Bello

Babagana Umara-Zulum

Mai Mala Buni

BENUE

LAGOS

RIVERS

Emmanuel Jimme

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Tonye Cole

Aminu Bello Masari

NASARAWA Abubakar A. Sule

ABIA Uche Ogah

AKWA IBOM

OYO

OGUN

Nsima Ekere

Adebayo Adelabu

Dapo Abiodun

Great Ogboru

CROSS-RIVER

GOMBE

EBONYI

TARABA

Sunny Ogboji

Sani Abubakar Danladi

Owan Enoh

Inuwa Yahaya

DELTA

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OCTOBER 6, 2͸͹΀ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Peoples Democratic Party’s Governorship Candidates for 2019 Elections ABIA Okezie Ikpeazu

BAUCHI

ADAMAWA

AKWA IBOM

Ahmadu Fintiri

Udom Emmanuel

Bala Mohammed

DELTA

BENUE

BORNO

CROSS RIVER

Samuel Ortom

Mohammed Alkali Imam

Ben Ayade

EBONYI

ENUGU

GOMBE

David Umahi

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

Bayero Nafada

Ifeanyi Okowa

IMO Emeka Ihedioha

Jeremiah Useni JIGAWA

KADUNA

Aminu Ringim

Isa Ashiru

Lado Danmarke

LAGOS

NASARAWA

KWARA Razak Atunwa

OGUN Seyi Makinde

Umar Nasko

Jimi Agbaje

PLATEAU Jeremiah Useni

KATSINA

David Ombugadu

RIVERS Nyesom Wike

KEBBI Galaudu Augie

NIGER Umar Nasko

TARABA Ishaku Darius

Jer

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 6, 2018

FASHION FILE

Today’s Modern Man Redefined

Looks From The Bankole Thomas 21st Century Groom Collection

OCTOBER 6, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Today’s Modern Man Redefined

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frica’s Young and Popular Men’s fashion Brand Bankole Thomas just released another Unconventional Collection. Drawing his inspiration from the concept of the 21st Century Man, These Bankole Thomas designs are an Exquisite Collection, focusing on a classic vintage look, a splash of the Urban African vibe skillfully displayed with special focus on each piece. This collection comprises of Modern Casual Ankara pieces as well as unique Contemporary Groom and groomsmen pieces highlighting color palettes like yellow, blue, red white and black. Teaming up with the Talented Uk Based Photographer; Joseph Lanre, Bankole Thomas’s latest collaborative shoot was taken on the streets of London, England. The essence of this shoot was to capture today’s modern man in

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his everyday life and element. Hence; his choice of backgrounds comprising mostly of houses, Greenery and floral scenery to showcase a perfect blend of fashion, Nature and Archaic Architecture. The Bankole Thomas 21st Century Collection seeks to visually express its passion and artistic vision for the Sophisticated Urban Man. This Collection successfully merges Western designs and local African materials, solid and floral patterns to achieve sui generis pieces. The Bankole Thomas Piece is a stylish and glamorous collection designed specifically to leave you contented, comfortable and Trendy. ‘’What stands me out is my tenacity, curiosity and absolute lack of fear to try things outside the box. I am not afraid to take risks or challenge the status quo. This is what motivates my edgy, calm and sophisticated pieces’’- Bankole Thomas.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Which: ‘Onset’ or Outset?

EBERE WABARA

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F the deduction of the proposed $1bn is for investment purpose….” Punching below the belt: an investment purpose or investment purposes “Lagosians have a cause to celebrate as the state government opens a modern bridge in upscale Lagos Island.” Sights & Signs: on upscale Lagos Island. “Police is your friend, so extend the hand of fellowship to them (sic).” Either the policeman is your friend, so extend your hand of fellowship to him or the police are your friends, so extend the hand of fellowship to them. Even the police themselves are guilty of this juvenile grammatical solecism! “Peak reiterates commitment to sustain quality” Why not ‘Peak reiterates quality sustenance’? “Falcons failure puts Eguavoen under pressure” SPORT ON SATURDAY: Falcons’ failure. “OnArsenal website, the England youth international, who has accepted to play for the Super Eagles (another comma) was described as a powerful but technically-astute midfielder….” ‘But’ is a contrasting conjunction misapplied here. The right word should be ‘and’. “…keep resting in the bossom of the Lord.” Spell-check: bosom. “Most airports set-up for political motives—Experts” Perhaps, by year-end, we shall de-emphasize this continual abuse of phrasal verbs: set up. “The siege on The Nation” The siege to (not on) “CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: String of loses haunt Man U” Two points: losses; and string of losses haunts (not haunt)! “One may say that in some countries people literarily (literally) fought for their independence.” “Trouble, however, started when security personnels at the stadium adopted the Boko Haram style.” ‘Personnel’ is non-count. “I was a witness to a very moving event recently at the Idimu Police Station at the outskirts of Lagos.” FromAto Z: on the outskirts. “Astrong grassroot force has to be in the drivers’ seat for the targeted poverty programme.” Richness of language: grassroots. “The poor has to see themselves properly involved in the programme.” How does it sound?

BY

Once more, the poor think more about money than the rich! “Government should take the bull by the horn and restructure PHCN.” No blackout: take the bull by the horns. “Nigeria needs a judiciary that would neither be intimidated or humiliated.” Neither…nor and either…or. No carelessness! “This is because the governor was not really in the good book of the electorate.” Afall foreseen: in the good/bad books of the electorate. “Hunger is threatening to crush majority of our citizens.” The shape of things to come: a/the (take note of the determiner) majority of our citizens. “…other inducements to get the electorates vote for them.” The electorate/electors—note, however, that some language activists unofficially insist that the word is correct! “The type of exotic jewelleries (jewellery) you can find at museum shop.” ‘Jewellery’ is uncountable. “…the president of the country can be harassed with a degree that bothers (borders) on flippancy….” “The noise have (has) been deafening about imposition of candidates.…” “Sometimes (Sometime) around (about) 9.35 a.m., a convoy of six cars comprising of….” Do away with the second ‘of’ in the extract. “There were sporadic explosions while the cars were burning in Maiduguri apparently due to remnants of ammunitions.” ‘Ammunition’ does not take any inflexion. “Beyond the cloud, pomp and pageantry.…” Either pomp and ceremony or pomp and circumstance “As the saying goes, money is the root of all evils.” From my file, the love of money (not money itself) is the root of all evils. “Also, at the onset (outset) of the computer revolution.…” “The naira permitted it’s (its) designers to inflict on it some tribal (ethnic) marks.” “They aroused his curiousity and we soon displayed all the denominations of the naira…” Spell-check: curiosity. “Beyond mere symbols of ethnic jingoism which may prove difficult for the ordinary man in the street to identify….” ‘The man in the street’ does not require any embellishment such as

’ordinary’ because the man is simply ordinary. “…eyes where poor man (a poor man) can own mansions in (on) Victoria Island.” “One is gratified by the rising attention on (to) consumerism in the organized private sector.” “In addition, there had been no report that he had gone to condole (condole with) the family of (the) late....” “…he may be able to warm (worm) himself in (to) the recognition and acceptance of the various nationalities and interest groups in Nigeria.” “The police officer noted that since armed bandits have (had) shifted their operation to the churches….” Whoever wrote ‘armed bandits’ obviously does not understand the nature of banditry. There is no banditry without arms. Otherwise, it becomes another form of criminality, not banditry. “They demanded for money only after they had made sure that the victim would not survive the shooting” Delete ‘for’. “…Most victims of sexual exploitation were found to be young girls aged between 13 to 18 years. Between 13 and 18 or from 13 to 18 “…that effort at sensitizing Nigerians on (to) the essence of the Vision 20-2020 is well in an advanced stage.” What is the definition of the cliché ‘advanced stage’?Any form of public communication—gestural, written or verbal—that is subject to individualistic interpretations is not efficient and effective. “ACF urges Boko Haram to sheath swords” Truth is a burden: sheathe swords. “New car owners stranded over plate numbers”Aso Chronicle: number plates “New Year bomb victim dissatisfied over (with) treatment abroad.” “Muslims in all continents of the world would today celebrate Eid-El-Kabir.” My comment: on all continents. “…at (in) the nick of time to provide him a white ram that was slaughtered as replacement (a replacement) of (for) his son, Ismael (Ismail/ Ishmael)” “It is hoped that those engaging in acts inimical of (to) the nation’s corporate progress….” “We seize today’s occasion of….” ForAmericanism and all its informalities, this is acceptable. But, in formal (standard) British entry—which I strongly advocate—you take or use an occasion/

W h en Doing G o o d Is C o stl y

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astline: We continue on Princess’ story as the partners faced a decision: should they help the needy when they too were in some sort of need? Princess and partner started a new set of fasting and prayer session... seeking God’s face and voice. More like biblical David’s eternal mantra: “Shall we pursue and overtake, or...?” We were not told if God answered Princess directly or through a vision, dream or sent-man two days into the fasting, Princess was stimulated somehow to ignite a fundraiser for Shaqirat. This time, she also enlisted the help of a sympathetic ear in a television station, who plugged it into the station’s top human-interest show. The show’s hosts were electric, and surprisingly energised... something Princess’ partner insisted was a sign that God was behind the intervention, in spite of their own conditions. Incredibly, within two weeks, using different social media platforms, and in conjunction with the massive radio appeal, the N1.5m target was outstripped by a healthy N500,000! As stunningly confirmed by Shaqirat’s father who had earlier opened the personal account being used in her name. It was a tearily grateful Maliq and Risqat that sought to visit Princess and partner...but they refused to take the glory - asking Shaqirat’s mother to begin arrangements for getting Nigerian passports, US visas and air-tickets. None of them had ever left the country - not even to Togo! So from the scratch, the Boli seller had to acquire the stamina to overcome the rigour and machinations of the Nigerian Immigration, the tigerish US consulate and the grumpy foreign airlines, among other exigencies. With Princess’ help and strategic interventions, passports were fast-tracked (on humanitarian grounds), visa processing was unusually smooth - apparently, the US charity group had muscles, and had moved their senator to pull some strings. Tickets were a matter of cash. They were ready! Four days to the deadline! Praise God! Then tragedy struck... completely unrelated to man. A scenario that sent Princess and partner wondering where and how they had offended God, again! One of these feminine tornadoes struck America three days to departure. And as if

the devil was the chief architect, the worst hit was the state, the city where the Christian group and children’s specialist hospital domiciled! Of course, all homeland services were in emergency mode - there was no space nor personnel to cater to new inbound patients. The journey stagnated. Tithered! The disappointment was palpable. Princess and partner were hit by a fresh wave of doubts and dismay: “Could this be God? Was God angry that they didn’t wait long enough for Him? Did they mishear? Or heard their own voices, substituting for that of God? Could it be because Shaqirat’s parents were moslems? Of course, Shaqirat was too young to be a cause...or could she? Was it from past sins not exhaustively confessed? Or other acts of disobedience disguised as affirmative actions? Could it be because...” So many divergent, and sometimes crazy thoughts seized the two mobilizers within the first three days after the disappointing international incident, vividly captured on CNN. So, they resumed their fast. One week after, the US group reverted: they were sorry for the elemental hiccups, but new dates had been guaranteed for the surgeries (less than 14 days); all other plans were as earlier arranged. And the icing - Princess had been told much earlier by Maliq that the airline only refunded about 70% of the actual cost of the botched return tickets - the US group expressed their regret on the ticket matter, and offered to provide free return tickets for mother and child! Hope restored! “The devil is a liar” became the favourite punchline. When we reviewed the scenarios with Princess and partner after the return of Risqat and the ‘brand-new’ Shaqirat from the US, we joined hands to thank God...yet struck by the quiet wonder of the reality that the electrician, Maliq, was now richer, many times, than his benefactors, Princess and partner! Such irony still baffles me. To be fair, Maliq was not ungrateful. Earlier, even while his family were still abroad, in expressing his indescribable joy at the incredible turn-around of his situation, he had offered to turn over the close to N2m cash - since none was spent, apart from the airline’s penalty deduction and cost of pre-travel expenses. Princess told Maliq that from the onset, it must have been God’s plan to enrich Maliq in a bizarre and completely disarming way,

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

opportunity. ‘Seize’ has an inherent, elemental force (connotatively and denotatively), imperativeness of sociolinguistics, notwithstanding. “Entrepreneurs team-up (team up) with Rivers on investment” “...the intrigues has (have) just begun.” “Each passing day I pray that the lord will wipe my tears, heal the wound and the pains that your sudden departure have (has) left in my heart.” “I still thank God because I believe that you are resting peacefully in His bossom (bosom).”And this, by the way: in God’s bosom, peace is integral and guaranteed. My condolences, the avoidable slips notwithstanding. “We are however rest assured that you are been (being) taken care of and that one day, we will meet to part no more.” “…many Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions over (to) this development.” “The herbalist allegedly demanded for his wife’s eyeball….” Delete ‘for’ in pursuit of lexical excellence. “Nigerian women are not mediocre” Our women are not mediocrities or mediocrists. Put differently, Nigerian women are not mediocre people (adjectival parlance). “Nigeria’s First Lady and wife of the president Dame Patience….” Obviously, ‘Nigeria’s First Lady’ or ‘the president’s wife’ is enough—not both at the same time! (This observation was contributed by Lucky Ihanza) “Several (Many, preferably) innocent Nigerians have been killed by uniform (uniformed) men at checkpoints for failure to give bribe (bribes).” “He got the woman’s phone number and texted (text-messaged) her N500 phone (recharge) credit.” “…until such a time his adversary is able to proof (prove) to the court that he is not the rightful king.” “Police contributes (contribute) to sexual violence in Nigeria, says Olufemi” “I doff my hat for the resilience of those who staked their necks to confront the excesses of the military.” Dogma at the barricades: I doff/take off my hat to (not for) newspaper contributors, the occasional Freudian slips notwithstanding.

COUNTERPOINT BY

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON e-mail: fajalive1@gmail.com mobile phone: (08182223348 - SMS Only)

so as to know that Shaqirat is a special child, to be well taken care of; and that God did not see her as a Moslem - but a special child of God. She advised Maliq to invest and spend the money wisely - for the sake of Shaqirat. The electrician was shocked! I could only assume the position of his mouth on the phone while thanking Princess and partner for their selfless service in the aid of his family, when yet he had not met his helpers nor seen them physically! All their interactions had been through telephone voice calls or WhatsApp! Now, I am unable to second-guess God, who could use Princess - broke, broken and bruised - to raise help, relief, health and plenty of cash for an indigent man she didn’t know...of a different faith, virtually unsophisticated... yet Princess and partner were not sure of how to survive the next week. Even as I write, though Princess is not begging for bread - she is not giving out bread free on the streets either, though she wanted to - she couldn’t pay for it. She insisted God is not unkind; nor would she ever contemplate that God was punishing her for one unforgivable sin. Or for doing good. She hopes to do more to help any other Shaqirat God brings their way - succumbing to the possibility that though God may not be ready to answer their own prayers at the moment - He seems to derive some kind of satisfaction in granting the prayers of others using Princess and partner as the conveyor belts. Without a scent of doubt, I agree with Princess, and anyone in the same valley - that, because your prayers are not answered, yet, does not mean you cannot be an answer to some other person’s prayers. While waiting for your “time and chance”, make out time to be someone’s God-sent. You may, like biblical Abraham, be entertaining angels inadvertently. Even if it is not so - you cannot be in error doing good. Therefore, wary not in doing good. Try it!

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 6, 2018

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Mercy Aigbe

I Strive for Success in Whatever I Do

CHARLES INOJIE

VICTORIA LAZARE

Comedy Roles Come Very Natural, It is My Strongest Forte

Modeling Came Naturally

pg. 48

pg. 47

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 6, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR MERCY AIGBE

I Strive for Success in Whatever I Do Mercy Aigbe is one of the most celebrated actresses in Nollywood today. Her excellence and style have earned her roles in both Yoruba and English movies. She tells Tosin Clegg about an upcoming movie, her new partnership deal, her life, career and much more My new movie is titled, 77 bullets he title should tell you what to expect from the movie. It will come out pretty soon at the cinemas and people are going to love it; that I’m 100 per cent sure of.

As much as possible I stay away from fatty foods and drink lots of water. Eat healthily and do a lot of vegetables and fruits. This may sound cliché but it’s the routine that has kept me this young. I also exercise when I can, because of my busy schedule. I jump on a treadmill and work out most times

T

I have a few big names in the new movie Yinka Quadri, Abimbola Ogunlowo, myself and a lot of other names that I will want you all to see. By the special grace of God, the movie would be out later this year. There are so many other movies set for cinemas There is a Movie I did with Dayo Amusa which will be hitting the cinemas in a few weeks. I did another one with Uche Jumbo and Ini Edo, among many others. Aside movies, I’m a fashion entrepreneur, and my daughter also launched her makeup line. It’s just been work, work and work for me. Success drives me to do more I always want to be successful in what I set out to do and that’s what keeps me going. My social media is big and a lot of people follow me, and they can attest to the fact that I am a trendy and fashionable person. So, I always want to succeed in whatever I do. My son is showing interest in acting Like I always say, I’ll give my 100 per cent to whatever my children want to do.

scrub, facial cleanser and face cream alongside some other products. I have so much joy seeing my daughter do what she is doing And it’s so beautiful. She has gone to school now, outside the country and it’s not easy for me. For 17 years we’ve been together, as she is my best friend, we gist and talk together. Letting her go was so emotional for me and I miss her a lot. But it’s fine, she is a big girl now and she is starting her own journey in life. I have brought her up well and I have imbibed the value I want her to live with. The joy is unexplainable.

Cinema has been revived in Nigeria I remember when I was young; we used to go and see Ogunde and other such performances. But now, people are accepting the cinema culture that has been revived. It is now another avenue for movie makers like myself to make more money. Both home videos and cinemas make money These are just different channels to make money for your movies. But I believe that as long as people are asking for your movies, it’s going to be in cinemas for as long as the demand is high. But if we weigh the maths from cinema tickets and DVD sales, you can tell the difference in revenue, but for me, both are revenue earners for movie makers. I represent very credible brands I do my investigation when brands approach me with my team working on the investigation. I make sure they are brands that a brand like mine can associate with because I would want the feedback from the people marketing this product to be good and favourable. So, I would make sure I go into any sort of partnership with brands that have integrity. I’m a businesswoman and I

Piracy is still a major challenge Now they have taken it online. For example, my soon to be released movie, 77 Bullets had a situation. One day someone sent me a poster of the movie that said the movie is showing on YouTube with my picture. I quickly went to the YouTube channel and lo and behold it was another movie entirely. That isn’t good for us as movie producers and directors.

Aigbe

know what marketing is all about and how to push brands. The energy I put in is what may attract people to me. I’m delighted and happy with my new partnership Even before now I have tried Mary Maks products, and when the contact person got to me I asked for some of

their products to try it to be sure it’s going to work. I like to represent credible companies, and when I tried it, I was so happy because the results were amazing. Now that we are having this collaboration, I am thrilled and looking forward to greater things. I will be representing some of their products; the Skin body

I try to live a healthy lifestyle As much as possible I stay away from fatty foods and drink lots of water. Eat healthily and do a lot of vegetables and fruits. This may sound cliché but it’s the routine that has kept me this young. I also exercise when I can, because of my busy schedule. I jump on a treadmill and work out most times.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 6, 2018

Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

Gists

SHOWBIZFLAIR

MY STORY

BIODUN OKEOWO, MERCY AIGBE, BOSE ALAO BAG ENDORSEMENT DEALS WITH MARY MAK Three of Yoruba movie industry’s big names recently penned an endorsement deal with cosmetics giant, Mary Mak. The new endorsements see each of the three actresses flagging out their own products under the cosmetics brand with each party putting all in place for the successes of the products they represent. Biodun Okeowo, popularly known as Omo Butty will be pushing the brand within her own space, focusing more on her body. Mercy Aigbe, as well, will focus on her skin and more so will Bose Alao who has her own line. Mary Mak sees the selected actresses as figures strong enough to represent and push the brands they want out there the way they have targeted. They are indeed glad all three can partner with them for this success.

VICTORIA LAZARE

Modeling Came Naturally Filacy Victoria Lazare, popularly referred to as Cicy, has been a key player in the modelling industry. Her flexibility has earned her topnotch commercial jobs over the years, working with all the big names in the industry. She discusses her career and her life with Tosin Clegg

ABUJA THRILLED AT PEACE ACHIEVERS AWARDS It was indeed a night of glitz and fun, as guests were ravishingly dressed in admirable attires at Peace Achievers Award and Miss Ambassador for Peace Nigeria, which held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Project Director, Miss Ambassador for Peace Agency, Mr. Kingsley Amafibe, appreciated guests for identifying with his project, he applauded them for their continuous support over the years. He also congratulated his crew for their hard work and consistency. The event went underway with musical performances from different Abuja-based artistes; but guests were thrilled by the amazing performance of Styl Plus as they sang and danced along with the duos. Also Lagos-based singer, Faze electrified the stage as guests enjoyed good musical performance. Thereafter, Lagos-based comedian Acapella took centre stage to crack jokes with his colleague Ajebo. During the pageantry side of the event contestants showcased their talents and intellectual abilities as they entertained guests with dance performance and quiz. Interestingly, Nene Alagimenlen emerged as winners of Miss Ambassador for Peace Nigeria; while Williams Ugochi Testimony emerged as Miss Ambassador for Peace Africa.

DELIVERY BOY SHOWS AT THE 2018 LIGHTS, CAMERA, AFRICA FILM FESTIVAL

‘The Delivery Boy’ features Jammal Ibrahim, Jemima Osunde, Charles Etubiebi, Jude Chukwuka, Chris Iheuwa, Kehinde Fasuyi and a host of others. The movie was directed by Adekunle Nodash Adejuyigbe.

Nodash’s latest movie was well-received by festival goers as it made its Nigerian debut at the Lights, Camera, Africa 2018 Film Festival which ended on Sunday. Movie watchers were left in awes and shrieks as the movie which highlighted social issues like selling of children, homosexuality, radicalisation, terrorism, prostitution screened at the Muson Centre. Shot by The Elite Film Team and produced by Something Unusual Studios, ‘The Delivery Boy’ has been screened at the Nollywood Paris Film Festival and at the New York African Film Festival in May. The movie follows up Amir, a teenage orphan boy, who runs into a young girl while trying to escape a mob. She is a prostitute with an agenda and he has a bomb vest under his dress. They are both running out of time and they soon realise they need each other to achieve their goals. Before the night ends, they will have to contend with each other, Amir’s group, the knowledge of the terrible secrets that made them who they are, and the consequences of living in a society that doesn’t care. Their journey takes them through the underbelly of the city, exposing the hidden backside of the African society and its dangerous culture of silence in the presence of evil.

T

ell us about yourself and how you ventured into modelling? I’m multilingual and that’s one of my major strengths. Modelling came naturally to me. I started modelling when I was little but I stopped for a while. Then I took it up professionally after secondary school.

What’s been your challenge so far? In every profession, there are challenges to be faced. I had this mentality going in. So, rather than dwell on the challenges, I looked for a way to overcome them.

Tell us about your success story For my successes, I would say the exposure. The exposures I got opened doors for more opportunities.

What inspires you, and where would you be in five years’ time? My biggest inspiration is knowing that I can do better and contribute to the society. In five years I see myself amongst the top 10 influential individuals in this country

Who is your role model? I would say Tyra Banks. She has been able to transit from being a model to a major stakeholder in the modelling business. Her works have years of excellence and her career has been blessed.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 6, 2018

48

SHOWBIZFLAIR CHARLES INOJIE

Comedy Roles Come Very Natural, It is My Strongest Forte Charles Inojie remains a household name in the industry having, at all times, ranked amongst the best comic acts in Nigeria. Aside being very popular for his roles in movies, his face is synonymous with comedy and this has robbed off on his persona. His journey into klieg light appears interesting and could make a good Nollywood script, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ife oftentimes throws up a phase or possibly, situation that could define your path and bring you face to face with fate. This is not strange as it is often based on the peculiarity of nature most often related to human. For though he needs little or no introduction based on the strength of his popularity in movies and on TV shows, star of the popular Mnet sitcom - The Johnsons - Charles Inojie fits in the precept above. Mostly known for his comic roles, a blend of his trademarks as an actor, scriptwriter, movie producer and director for screen and stage plays, makes him the personality he is today. His story, following a chance encounter with one of Nigeria’s literary icons, could make a good Nollywood script and one wonders why he has not deemed it fit for the screen. It goes that growing up in Ogun State with his father, a young Inojie had barely left secondary school in the early 90s with the intention to study law. His relatively poor father would neither object nor make a career choice for the ‘Jambite’. One of those days in the company of his literary minded friends as usual, had gone to a place called Writers Resort at Ijoko, in Ota, Ogun State. Owned by the late Professor Bode Osanyin of University of Lagos, the Resort would organise a monthly retreat and invite coterie of writers, poets, dramatists and literary critics. So it happened that the guest reader for the month will read from his literary work be it a poem or play and thereafter would respond to questions from the gathering of mostly literary enthusiasts. Fresh from secondary school, Inojie would make it to the literary gathering and with his other friends; assist the Resort with chores within the arena. Auspiciously, this particular month, the late Ogoni environmentalist and human rights activist, Ken Saro Wiwa would be the special guest at the Resort. Shortly before that period, Bassey and Company, a popular soap opera written by Saro-Wiwa was already a rave on television coupled with his Ogoni struggle which was already trending on the international scene. Having been exposed to the works of the late titan, Inojie and his impressionably mindful friends were eager to meet with Saro Wiwa as he was in their view, large. According to him, “Saro Wiwa was large and because we have read some of his plays, the enthusiasm to meet him was very high”. On that fateful Saturday evening, the late professor Osanyin had urged him and his friends to stage a short play for Wiwa. Initially, he had refused to be part of the play, preferring to do something different. Somehow, he was encouraged to be part of the short play. Immediately after the last scene was over, he ran backstage to hide, not knowing he had impressed the star guest. While he was hiding, he was asked to be invited back on stage. To his utmost surprise, “Saro Wiwa singled me out and asked if I had acted before, I replied in the contrary. He asked what I was doing, I said I was a Jambite and wanted to read law. He asked if I had secured admission, I said I was waiting for my JAMB result. He then reasoned that it would take about eight to 12 months and he advised me to enroll for certificate programme that would last for 10 months. When we left, Malik (his journalist friend) and some of my friends encouraged me to do so. “That was how I secured an admission to do certificate programme in Uniport. While doing the programme, I discovered I had

IInojie Ino jie ji

only come face to face with my destiny. So, I did not spare any time to seek admission for a full time degree programme.” Eventually, he achieved his goal in 1993 after which he enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dramatic and Theater Arts in 1999. Due to his comic roles, the actor revealed that he has a challenge with people taking him seriously. As a result, people always laugh about everything he says without paying attention to the message he is trying to convey. He said: “For me, comedy roles come very natural. And I dare say that comedy is my strongest forte. However, it has completely eroded the serious part of me. These days, even when I’m supposedly angry, people around me still find it funny. It is painful not to be taken seriously.” Well known for his ‘pot-belly’ posture, which he readily admits, that because of his character, has given his stomach a larger than life status. Inojie believes he has given comedy a good face in the country; popular for his role in TV series, The Johnson’s and this is an example of a top TV comedy series not just in Nigeria but in Africa. Nigerians really have a thing for slangs

and the viral phrase ‘Na Dem Dey Rush Us’ has continued to trend for a while now. The real man behind the trending slang “Na Dem Dey Rush Us”, at the 2018 AMVCA, Inoji gave the best performance for the night in less than 10 seconds at the awards ceremony and everyone couldn’t stop talking about it. In the session of revelry, during the awards after party, the actor who was at his fun best had shared some thoughts about the industry with this reporter. “The industry (Nollywood) has grown in leaps and bounds over the last couple of years and the result is obvious even to the most strident critic of our productions. Those who castigated our movies yesterday have turned Nollywood stars overnight. It is no more news that the Nigerian movie industry ranks second highest employer of labour, second only to government. “Today, it is a thing of enormous pride to be associated with the industry. What more can one asks for? No doubt that there are still pockets of mushroom productions scattered here and there, but that is to be expected. In every great community, the good and the bad cohabit. From Cannes to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Nollywood films have made very remarkable statements worthy of commendations.”

For me, comedy roles come very natural. And I dare say that comedy is my strongest forte. However, it has completely eroded the serious part of me. These days, even when I’m supposedly angry, people around me still find it funny. It is painful not to be taken seriously

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 6, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Cast, Kalu Ikeagwu; Producers, Teni Stuffman and Doris Ariole at premiere of The Kinsman

New Romantic Comedy, ‘The Kinsman’ Hits Cinemas

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he premiere of romantic comedy movie, ‘The Kinsman,’ drew wide admiration from guests as dazzling acts led by Kalu Ikeagwu, Ebele Okaro, Lota Chukwu and Yaw Onu stirred reverberating laughter across the fully-seated hall at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday. It promises to be a blockbuster from reviews garnered from movie critics after the screening. Though laced with comedy, the audience connected so well with the story which held them spellbound till the end. One of the lead characters, Kalu Ikeagwu brought to fore his acting prowess. He fitted perfectly into his role and made it look as if the script was premeditated to match his personality while Okaro, Lota, Yaw and other cast provided comic twist to the drama. The Kinsman tells the story of Nneoma who decides to return to Nigeria from Cotonou after losing her husband and two sons. Her devoted daughter in-law, and late son’s widow, Nadia, insist on following her back. In appreciation of Nadia’s loyalty, Nneoma’s sole desire and pursuit, is to help Nadia get a good husband, by playing cupid. A quest that takes them on a journey full of humour, drama and intrigue. The premiere was graced by A-list Nollywood celebrities, dignitaries from the private sectors and movie buffs. Among the cast that graced the event were Kalu Ikeagwu, Ebele Okaro, Lota Chukwu, Chioma Nwosu, Bridget Chibufue and Omobala Akinde. Others were producer of the

movie, Teni Stuffman; her husband, Ayo Stuffman; and the director and coproducer, Doris Ariole, among others. The Kinsman is a faith-based story remarkably told without the overbearing of religiosity, with lot of humour and drama. Written and produced by Teni Stuffman and Doris Ariole, The Kinsman is the first original movie of fast-growing online media streaming platform, Lodios.com. On the inspiration behind the conceptualization of the comic-romantic story, Teni Stuffman, said that she realised that one of the best ways to pass a message is to mix it with comedy as attention span is very important. “So as people are laughing and you are making the messages very subtle, they will easily internalize it.” The Kinsman is already in the Cinemas across the country.

Ayo Stuffman, Lota Chukwu and Teni Stuffman at premiere of The Kinsman

Quick Facts About MultiChoiceTalent Factory Academy

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he MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy (MTFA) is a year-long continent-wide, fully funded experiential and training programme designed to upgrade the skills of young Africans in film and television production to ignite the continent’s creative industries and put them on the global stage The MTFA was conceived to address the skill gap of Africans in movie and television production by providing education that will result in the production of highly competent graduates, who

are employable and entrepreneurial. The MTFA Initiative will operate in Lagos, Nigeria (West Africa); Nairobi, Kenya (East Africa); and Lusaka, Zambia (Southern Africa), providing training in cinematography, film editing, audio production and storytelling A total of 60 students, 20 in each academy, will participate in the inaugural edition of the MTFA beginning from October, 2018 They were selected from 3, 100 entries. The Director of the MTFA Regional Academy for West Africa is Femi Odugbemi.

The West African Regional MTFA has 16 Nigerian students and four from Ghana. The MTFA is the first of the three touch points that MTF will deliver over the course of the year The others are the MTF Master classes and the MTF Portal MultiChoice will provide academy students with monthly stipends to meet their living expenses MultiChoice will also bear the costs of academy-related travels, subject to the approval of the Academy Director.

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Power Oil Unveils ‘Pay with Calories 5.0’ Campaign In marking the 2018 World Heart Day, Vegetable Oil producer, Power Oil, has staged the fifth edition of its annual health campaign, ‘Pay with Calories’. The annual health project encourages healthy lifestyle by sensitising members of the public on how to take care of the heart and maintain a healthy calories body system. At Festival Mall in Lagos and some areas in Ibadan where the sensitisation exercise held, members of the public exercised with equipment for at least five minutes to burn some calories, after which they were rewarded with gift prizes based on the amount of calories they burnt on the spot within an allotted time. The campaign created an exciting atmosphere for customers and passers-by to get connected with the brand in a fun, relaxing and rewarding manner. Branded gift items

were laid out for consumers to pick from equals to the amount of calories burnt. Reiterating the company’s commitment to wellness, Brand Manager, Power Oil, Miss. Amisha Chawla, stated that as a health conscious brand, physical wellness is one area that the company does not compromise and reiterated the plans of the company to sustain the initiative. “Interestingly, this edition has coincided with the World Heart Day that is celebrated globally. As our focus, we will help to build healthy families through our nutritious products of quality standards. At the end, Nigeria can boasts of strong and healthy citizens Similarly, Public Relations Manager of the firm, Mrs. Omotayo Azeez- Abiodun, explained further that the experiential campaign was borne out of the necessity to

encourage Nigerians to become mindful of their heart health by making efforts to maintain good body fitness and possibly eliminate unhealthy consumption habits. “And because the world Heart Day is a symbolic event for us, we went a step further to enter into the streets of Ibadan to engage consumers to some caloriesburning moves while they get to win gifts in exchange”. One of the participants, Miss. Judith Biegusa, was able to burn 75 calories within six minutes and won a smart Wrist watch. Also reacting, another participant, Mr. Obaide Austin, said: “It has been so much fun while getting rewarded and that made the challenge more interesting. I applaud the company for conceiving this campaign and we shall be looking forward to the next edition.”

Brands Rally to Support Lagos Festival As part of their commitment to promote indigenous arts and culture, corporate organisations including, Dangote Flour, Dufil Prima Foods, MTN and Intercontinental Distillers Limited have rallied round the Epe community in Lagos State to celebrate its 2018 Kayo-Kayo festival. Their presence at the occasion did not only enrich lives and economy of the local community, but also offered life and glamour to the annual event that brought together prominent sons and daughters of the soil, politicians and business moguls. This year’s event was graced by over 50,000 tourists both within and outside the country who were treated to a live and rich display of cultural activities including royal procession, cultural performance, display of historic Kosoko

boat and the brandishing of local traditional light. The week long programme provided for an avenue to promote the tourism potential of the community as well as created a business environment for petty traders, local business men and women and corporate organisations. Speaking on the occasion, Chairman, Festival Planning Committee, Alade Saliu- Okulu reiterated the three symbolic purpose of the over 150 year -old festival. The festival has historical, religious and cultural facets. The religious aspect is as weighty as its history. The solemnity of religion and history in its social manifestation is absolute ‘KayoKayo’ unchained. In recent years, the socio-cultural ramification of the festival has been expanded

to showcase Epe cuisine and fashion, health awareness and screening, youth parade and carnival has also been incorporated. He added that plans were underway to rebrand and relaunch the festival into a global phenomenon such that it could rival the popular Rio carnival. The Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, also informed that the festival was one of the many ways the community remembers and celebrates the coming of King Kosoko to Epe land in 1851. He emphasised that the religious aspect symbolises the herald of the new Islamic year while its social impact celebrates communal bonding by making and sharing abundant food to all.

Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita Launched in Affordable 100ml Pouches Chi Limited, makers of Happy Hour by Chivita Fruit Drink, have launched Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita. The new fruit drink which is available in 100ml pouches is touted as a healthy, refreshing, fruit flavoured drink with exciting variants that offer an instant shot of refreshment for consumers. Retailing at a N25 price point, Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita is currently viewed as the most affordable quality product in the market. It is a healthy beverage as it offers natural fruity benefits as well as provides high quality refreshment for the mind and body. Along with its handy pack size which resonates with an upwardly mobile youthful

consumer segment desirous of rejuvenating satisfaction anytime and anywhere, Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita further seeks to increase its appeal and create a connection with consumers with three intriguing variants of Orange, Pineapple and Red Berries. The brand’s tagline of “a shot of refreshment” highlights a consistent and memorable brand message that communicates its promise of unrivalled refreshment. At its core is a promise to deliver a shot of affordable fruity refreshing goodness with each consumer experience. Speaking about the new product, Managing Director of Chi Limited, Deepanjan Roy, said

that Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita was introduced to invigorate and tap into a market demand for more affordable options of great tasting, refreshing and healthy drinks. “Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita is an invitation to consumers to experience a refreshing drink but more importantly, to do so at a price point of N25, which is more affordable to meet a growing demand and offer consumers added value for healthy refreshment for every hour,” he noted. Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita 100ml pouches are currently available in roadside kiosks, Chi Shoppe, departmental stores and Neighbourhood shops across Nigeria.

Cowbell Maths Competition Turns 20 Cowbell Milk, the flagship brand of Promasidor Nigeria Limited (PNL), has announced the launch of a TV show titled ‘Cowbell Milk of Kindness’ to celebrate its 20 years of promoting mathematics in the country through its annual quiz competition. The programme highlighted the contributions of the brand to Mathematics subject in the country through the voices of student participants in a special ‘docu-feature’. The initiative has since inception, attracted the commendations of stakeholders including parents, teachers and students and others in the education sector who reckoned that the mathematics quiz programme has been of great impact in arousing and re-awakening interest of students, especially at the secondary school level. In his words, teacher of 2015 and 2017 winner of the competition, Mr. Femi Fasotito described the initiative as an unparalleled intervention to support Mathematics education in Nigeria. He added: “I am a fulfilled teacher today because the performance of my students in various external examinations is now the major talking point among my colleagues. It has also become a thing of pride to the school I represent.” Country Representative of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund UNICEF, Ms. Jean Gough, appreciated the company for promoting one its developmental goals. She also encouraged concerned parties to invest in girl education which to her was a cost-effective tool to permanently break the cycle of poverty permanently. In 2016, PNL began to encourage mixed schools to present a minimum of two girls for the junior and senior categories in the competition in a bid to promote girl-child education . A direct impact of the girl-child campaign championed by UNICEF was felt in 2016 when eight of the 12 finalists in the competition were girls. Since 1998, Cowbell and Mathematics have expanded in size, scope, and prizes. It now holds in over 200 centers across the nation and over 11,000 schools.

Computer Village to Launch Online Store Popular Lagos-based Computer Village market is set to launch in the online space. This was disclosed by the newly elected chairman of Plaza heads in the Computer Village, Mr. Chuks Ekekwe, in Lagos. According to Ekekwe, online stores for the biggest technological hub in West Africa was necessary to get connected to the world and reach out to more customers. He said as a technological hub, it was necessary to go with the trends of digitalisation and embracing online stores. ”We are creating a platform that will be bigger than Jumia, Computer village is losing customers due to online stores. ”We are looking at a way to create a platform that everybody will key into instead of going to Jumia and Konga for product and services we can offer. ”We want to reach out to as many people as possible by being connected as this is the importance of online presence,” he said

From left :Rector ,Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, Dr Samson Omobayo Adegoke; Executive Secretary , Former Executive Chairman, Nigeria Communication Commission ,NCC, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe (right) presenting the International Center for Tax Research and Development, ICTRD, Dr. Goodwin Emmanuel Oyedokun ; and Vice ChancelTitan of Tech CEO of the year award to the Managing Director, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, Mr Godfrey lor, Lead City University, Ibadan, Prof Aderemi Kabiru Adeyemo at the reunion party and award ceremony organised Efeurhobo during the Titan of Tech award held in Lekki, Lagos recentl by the Alumni Association of Osun State College of Technology in Ibadan recently

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FREE SPECIAL CONVENTION

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ISSUE

Let Us Continue Our Steady March to Sustainable Peace & Progress

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FOREWORD

Long, uneasy road, but we have held our ground

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y political journey started in 2002, when I emerged from what I like to call my second retirement. My first retirement started in 1985, in a small bungalow in Benin City. My second retirement started in 1999, when the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which I chaired, was disbanded.

In 2002, I joined partisan politics, with a group of like-minded people. We went to work, campaigned hard and formed a credible opposition. Nigerians voted. But when the results came out, we had lost by close to 12 million votes. The statistics did not add up. We came out once again in 2007 with our simple mission to CHANGE things, since it is our desire that the dividends of democracy must be felt by all, and not just a handful. When the 2007 election results came out, we were told we lost by over 18 million votes. This election was a national disgrace. International observers called it a “charade”, “flawed” and “illegitimate”. Even the declared winners were embarrassed by the results. Again, we decided to do the right thing. We went to court. And like in 2003, the Supreme Court upheld the results. This time, Nigerians were not deprived of their basic right; it was actually stolen from them, right in front of their eyes - in broad daylight. In the 2011 elections, things got a bit better compared to 2007. We only lost by 10 million votes, according to the electoral commission. Whether it was by design or through Divine intervention, the Permanent Voters Card (PVC), was introduced for the 2015 elections. The PVC became the saviour for Nigerians. This meant every Nigerian now had an equal voice, and brought an end to the impunity of the past.

Finally, the people’s voices could be heard, and eventually was heard through the ballot box. Our dream for change, which started in 2002, finally became a reality. We have come a long way in the years. On the national security front, we have regained lost territory in the North East. We are decisive

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ly addressing new security challenges locally while maintaining our regional and international commitments. On infrastructure development: we are completing old rail and road projects and starting new ones; reviving power projects abandoned for decades; developing affordable housing projects across the country; and commenced long overdue repairs and upgrades of our sea and air ports. On food security, we have supported our farmers to produce. We have rehabilitated abandoned fertiliser plants. We have seen unprecedented investments in food processing. All these have led to a decline in food and other agricultural imports. Our fight against corruption is also yielding results. The strict implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has stopped the leakages in government activities. Our aggressive anti-corruption campaign has shown that it is no longer business as usual. Our Social Investment Programme is feeding children in schools; giving microcredit loans to entrepreneurs in the rural economy; providing jobs for unemployed graduates; and providing cash to the most vulnerable and poorest Nigerians. We are also engaging the oil and gas sector to ensure investments continue in the upstream sector while we, at the same time, reduce scarcity and shortages of products in the downstream sector. Our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan has created the platform for a diversified, sustainable and inclusive economy for future generations. These achievements over the past three years have not been easy. Corruption has been fighting back from both within and outside. But we have held our ground. We will keep marching on steadily and assuredly in our journey of nationhood. May God bless Nigeria.

Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR President Federal Republic of Nigeria September 2018

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PREFACE

A feel of what’s to come

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ast year, we issued a 360-paged compendium, titled “Making Steady, Sustainable Progress for Nigeria’s Peace & Prosperity. A mid-term score card on the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration.” Former Information Minister and Pro-chancellor & Chairman Governing Council, University of Jos, Prince Tony Momoh, who reviewed it, described it as “incredibly clean, wellresearched and carefully packaged.”

VICE PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO DELIVERS A REMARK AT THE BOOK LAUNCH BY MEDIA SECTION OF THE STATE HOUSE AT THE STATE CONFERENCE CENTRE ABUJA ON 16TH NOV 2017

We are at work again to publish an update, and there are more MDAs participating; so, it is going to be bigger and richer. No compromise on quality. As it was the other time, we are working as a collective. Permit me to recognise and appreciate the contributions of the Buhari Media Organisation; Femi Adesina, Laolu Akande, Johannes Tobi Wojuola, Bayo Omoboriowo, Sunny Aghaeze and Novo Isioro, all of the Presidential Media Team and our technical partners (Taiwo Obe and Ogbenyi Egbe). We also appreciate the support of Yahaya Bello, Mohammed Abubakar, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Aminu Bello Masari and all other well-meaning Nigerians. While we await the big one, please enjoy this teaser.

Garba Shehu

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We have regained lost territory in the North East. We are decisively addressing new security challenges locally while maintaining our regional and international commitments.

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PRESIDENT BUHARI INTERACTING WITH TROOPS DEPLOYED TO CURB THE ACTIVITIES OF BANDITS AND CRIMINALS IN ZAMFARA AND NEIGHBOURING STATES UNDER OPERATIONS SHARAN DAJI AND DIRAN MIKIYA, AT KATSINA AIRPORT SHORTLY BEFORE DEPARTING FOR ABUJA ON 25TH AUG 2018

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We are completing old rail and road projects and starting new ones; reviving power projects abandoned for decades; developing affordable housing projects across the country; and commenced long overdue repairs and upgrades of our sea and air ports.

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PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS FIRST PHASE OF THE ABUJA LIGHT RAIL MASS TRANSIT PROJECT IN ABUJA ON 12TH JULY 2018

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TOP: TRACK LAYING ON THE REVIVED ITAKPE - AJAOKUTA - WARRI RAILWAY PROJECT ABOVE: NIMASA’S NEW MODULAR FLOATING DOCKYARD THAT WOULD SAVE NIGERIA AT LEAST 100 MILLION DOLLARS YEARLY

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NEW LAGOS TERMINAL BUILDING

AERIAL VIEW OF NATIONAL HOUSING PROGRAMME SITE AT IDUMWN-EHIJIE, BENIN CITY AS AT 8 FEB 2018

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We have supported our farmers to produce. We have rehabilitated abandoned fertiliser plants. We have seen unprecedented investments in food processing. All these have led to a decline in food and other agricultural imports.

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PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS 1ST RICE SEEDLINGS FACTORY IN CALABAR, CROSS RIVERS STATE ON 26TH JUNE 2018

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THE NEW $1.5 BILLION INDORAMA UREA FERTILISER PLANT WITH A YEARLY PRODUCTION CAPACITY OF 1.5 MILLION METRIC TONNES, AT NIGHT

REHABILITATION OF 9TH MILE - OTUKPO - MAKURDI ROAD (OTUKPO - OTUKPA SECTION) IN BENUE STATE

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The strict implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has stopped the leakages in government activities. Our aggressive anti-corruption campaign has shown that it is no longer business as usual.

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PRESIDENT BUHARI LOOKING AT ITEMS CONFISCATED BY EFCC AT THE COMMISSIONING OF ITS NEW HEADQUARTERS

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Our Social Investment Programme is feeding children in schools; giving microcredit loans to entrepreneurs in the rural economy; providing jobs for unemployed graduates; and providing cash to the most vulnerable and poorest Nigerians.

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CHILDREN EATING MEALS FROM THE HOME-GROWN SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME AIMED AT IMPROVING THEIR ENROLMENT AND RETENTION IN SCHOOL

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TOP:: INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS FROM NORTH-EAST NIGERIA RECEIVING TRAINING IN FOOD PROCESSING AS SKILLS ACQUISITION TOWARD THEIR RESETTLEMENT ABOVE: DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTIONS OF SHELTERS TO INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN EBONYI STATE

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SOME INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE DISPLAYING THE FOOD ITEMS THEY RECEIVED AND THEIR VOUCHERS

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS: VICE-PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO AND PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 6, 2018

POLITY

DapoAbiodunSpringsSurpriseinOgunState Femi Ogbonnikan writes on the intrigues that trailed the Ogun State APC governorship primary which subsequently produced Dapo Abiodun, an Iperu-Remo Prince, against the anointed candidate of Governor Ibikunle Amosun

D

apo Abiodun has picked the APC governorship ticket in Ogus State contrary to circumstantial events that preceded the governorship primary election. Governor Amosun wanted the flag for his anointed aspirant, Adekunle Akinlade, but it did not work out that way. In a twist of fate, an arch-rival of the governor, Abiodun, a multi-billionaire and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Heyden Oil & Gas Limited, carried the day. ,This is a rare feat in the history of a ruling party in the state, where a neutral aspirant would drub an anointed candidate of an incumbent governor during an intra-party contest. Thus, Abiodun, DAas he is fondly called, was declared winner on Wednesday evening by the eight-man National Working Committee (NWC)-led by Alhaji Muhammad Indabawa, having polled 102,305 votes to defeat five other aspirants. While declaring the oil magnate winner in Abeokuta, after the primary election conducted in the 236 wards across the 20 local governments areas of Ogun State, the Chairman of the Committee, Muhammad Indabawa added that the five other contestants-Jimi Lawal scored 51, 153 votes while Abimbola Ashiru polled 29, 764 votes. Also, Senator Gbenga Kaka got 17,771 votes and Abayomi Hunye 9,110 votes while Akinlade scored 23, 443 votes. The electoral chairman noted that the declaration of Abiodun winner of the primary and governorship candidate of APC in Ogun state for 2019 governorship election, is “subject to ratification by the National Working Committee” of the party. While fielding questions from reporters regarding the primary earlier conducted by Committees set up by the Ogun state APC and

Abiodun

subsequent declaration of Abdukabir Akinlade winner and gubernatorial candidate by the state Chairman, Chief Derin Adebiyi, Indabawa denied knowledge of any parralel election in the state, saying “I was not aware of such a primary.” He added that the Committee he led, is the “authentic body constituted by the NWC” of the party to conduct and supervise the governorship primary in the state, in line with the party’s guidelines and constitution. Other members of the panel include Sen Gbenga Aluko (Secretary), Alhaji Ali Magashi, Hon Matthew Omegara, Alhaji Kabir Ahmed, Mr Osita Okechukwu, Mr Echeza Oshogwe and

Alhaji Abdulazeez Anuchi. The state chairman of the APC had on Wednesday declared Amosun’s man the winner of the purported governorship primary, allegedly, conducted by the governor’s caucus of the party. Thus, the intrigues that played out before and during the primary election could be likened to a test of might. It was a straight fight between two titans, the incumbent governor, who wanted his anointed aspirant to succeed and the IperuRemo, both of the APC family. Prince Abiodun, son of Dr Emmanuel and Mrs Victoria Abiodun from Iperu-Remo, in Ogun East Senatorial district was born on May 29, 1960. He studied civil engineering at the then, University of Ife (now, Obafemi Awolowo University), Ife, Osun State and subsequently, Accounting at Kennesaw State University, Atlanta Georgia, United States of America (USA). By virtue of the sense of independence instilled in him by his parents who were from the academic community (both still alive), DA proceeded to establish his own enterprise. He is a serial entrepreneur who has founded quite a few companies in the energy and real estate sectors, namely Heyden Petroleum Limited and First Power Limited, among others. He acquired a wealth of experience in boardroom activities, corporate governance and finance. He currently holds a Honours et Doctorate Degree in Finance from Ekiti State University and another in Business Administration from Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State. Growing up with principled parents and charting his own course from employment to entrepreneurship, life has taken him on a path of building capacity and diverse experiences which has culminated to where he is today and has as well, prepared him for the journey of service that he now seeks to embark on, with the good people of Ogun state. In his service to the nation, Abiodun was

elected a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the platform of the defunct UNCP at a younger age of 33 in 1993. Also, he has served as a member of various Presidential Committees and organisations, including the Presidential Think-Tank in 2001, appointed Chairman, Oil and Gas Committee, Ogun State in 2009, chairman, Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) in 2012 and also appointed chairman, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2018. Abiodun declared after his victory: “I am grateful to have parents who have experienced and lived to tell the good old days of positive leadership and people-driven governance in Nigeria, I also have my own children whose generations have little idea if what a good governance is. Education has become effective and the most basic of human needs are elusive, even, while the people continue to work harder than ever. This is a situation I see to change from the grassroots by reaching for the opportunity to serve as the Governor of our beloved Gateway State of Ogun. “My life and personal experience have revealed to me more than anything that, if given the right environment, values and opportunities, anyone can rise to become anything. I believe that beyond investing in sectors and trades, investing in people should come first. This is something that is evident in the most prosperous nations of the world. “Towering magnificent structures and good, roads are beautiful to behold but build the individual and each one can grow to build you the best infrastructures the world has ever seen. “I know of no impossibilities in a world where the people are ready to thrive. Our dear state is blessed with both the human capital and intellectual capacities to equate and exceed other successful states in Nigeria. “I strongly believe that strategic positioning and close proximity to Lagos can also be maximised to our greatest advantage where we can easily generate as much internal revenue as Lagos State, if the opportunities are properly harnessed.”

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Chairman, Board of Trustees, Independent Democrats, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq; Presidential Candidate, Independent Democrats, Hon. Edozie Madu; and Member, Independent Democrats, Hon.. Stanley Okeke, during the Presidential Primaries of Independent Democrats in Abuja

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Capital Bancorp Plc, Mr. Higo Aigboje; Chairman, Mr. Tola Mobolurin; Chief Finance Office, Mr. Oluwarotimi Odeyemi; and Head Investment, Mrs.Tosin Olojo, at a press conference on Capital Bancorp’s 30th Anniversary Celebration in Lagos...yesterday

L-R: Member, Urja Foundation, Mawta Naik Basha: Director of Administration, Ibru Organisation, Sir Henry Mougho; General Manager, Zabadne and Co. Ltd., Prince Ochuko Ejohwomu: Chairperson, Urja Foundation, Mrs. Rukhi Mitra; Member Urja Foundation, Vibha Kothaou; and Sudha Reddy, during the celebration of Nigeria’s 58th Independence Day and Award Presentation by Urja Foundation held in Lagos Photo:Sunday Adigun

L-R: Productions Director, Mouka Limited, Mr. Femi Faponda; Managing Director, Evergreen International Services Limited, Chief Evergreen Jude Onyedum; Managing Director, Funmi-Pauls, Mrs. Funmilayo Yakubu; and Managing Director/CEO, Mouka Limited, Mr. Raymond Murphy, during the formal launch and unveiling of Mouka Mondeo Spring Mattress and New Generation Pillows in Lagos...yesterday Photo: KOLAOLASUPO

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 6, 2018

POLITY

PDP Decides Presidential Flag Bearer Today in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic party, (PDP) jostling to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) is choosing its standard bearer in the 2019 presidential election and who clinches the ticket will determine whether President Muhammadu Buhari would have a fight to retain his seat or have an easy ride to history and re-election writes Ahamefula Ogbu

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f politics was a straightforward game, one could have safely predicted with measured accuracy how the battle would go. However, a peep into not too distant past shows that a lot of horse-trading usually humbles the strong and leave bookmakers licking their wounds. It comes with diverse reasons, sometimes bordering on the inane. Though there appears to be only contenders and no pretenders in today’s contest, the strongest sign of seriousness though, is from the understanding that the candidate to fly the PDP 2019 flag has to come from the north, the all-encompassing region where Buhari comes from so as to not only give him a fight but to ensure that another eight years of power to the region is not truncated as happened under the late President Umaru Musa Ya’Adua and created a lot of bad blood and permutations.

Bukola Saraki

Atiku Abubakar

Comes from Adamawa State and a former Vice President who had the closest hands-on to the coveted seat when he was ripped from his governorship seat and made Vice President to Olusegun Obasanjo. He has financial war chest enough to personally fund his campaign and has contested to get a ticket for a direct shot at the top post severally. He however has an unforgiving and unrepentant traducer in President Olusegun Obasanjo who has publicly vowed he would not be alive to see him sit on the highest political seat of Nigeria. Atiku is reputed to be a team player with capacity to put together egg heads that can make things work; he is a Muslim like Buhari though lacks the talakawa appeal and carries the unenvious tag of a corrupt leader foisted on him and furthered by Obasanjo whom he has gone to speak with severally behind closed doors but with the same result of failing to secure his consent and support. Another factor that may not work in his favour is that the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike appear to have a strangle hold on the party and would play a significant role in deciding who becomes the standard bearer of the party. If information coming from the state is anything to go by, there is already a preferred candidate whose understanding on power sharing favours Aminu Tambuwal. If Wike’s choice holds, Atiku will again as in the past, grab Abubakar the wind and suck for the next four or eight years when he may decide on another shot at the same stage his ambition has always evaporated. He has Abraham Lincoln to embrace in political philosophy if the usual happens to him again.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

A former governor of Kano State and presently a Senator who was reputed to have given Buhari over 2 million votes in 2015. He is a grassroots person whose red cap insignia gives palpitation to his political opponents at least in Kano where majority of the tricycle operators dot their tools of trade with his red cap posters. However, he is seen as another fundamentalist with his strength at a local level though after dumping the APC for the PDP from where he had been in the past, there were gatherings across many states to prove his reach. He has the capacity to break the block vote f Buhari from Kano but how he can make inroads into other regions to win a presidential election on the strength of his political popularity is worthy of questioning. Like other candidates not favoured by Wike for the job, he may not be considered as Wike who also threatened hellfire and brimstone should the convention not hold in his state already has a preferred candidate that is definitely not Kwankwaso. Though it is not clear if he has enough financial muscle to sponsor his campaign and contest, he manifestly has the capacity mobilise that having been long on the turf and is Kwankwaso well connected especially among northern leaders who may see him as a good alternative to Buhari in protecting the interest of the region. From the home front, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is doing everything to run him out of Kano and might with his power of incumbency, beat back on Kwankwaso’s support base. When he wanted to have a triumphal entry into Kano to test his popularity which many know is on the high side, he was stopped by Ganduje who took over power from him.

Saraki

Two time governor of Kwara State from the Olusola Saraki political dynasty and current Senate President steadied his political steps on slippery surfaces using more brain than brawn. He was Chairman of governors’ forum and can leverage on the reach of some of his former colleagues whom he has not fallen out with to garner votes across the states. He has been on the political scene for long to have enough money to pursue his ambition. His tenure as Senate President with the stylish distribution of juicy committee positions may come in his favour since all the Senators come from different zones. However, not being anointed by Wike may melt all his positive attributes especially the convention holding in the governor’s backyard and the threat may not have been to favour Saraki.

Aminu Tambuwal

He was in the House of Representatives where he later presided as Speaker before through horse-trading, emerging as the dark horse in the Sokoto State gubernatorial contest in 2015 after he dumped the PDP for the APC. An adroit and unassuming politician, he may leverage on his former position as Speaker to mobilise his colleagues to help him deliver their various constituencies. Being a sitting governor with immunity, the till of the state is at his disposal like all political office holders so his financial muscle may not be too weak. However former governor Aliyu Wamako who anointed him governor is in a different camp now, raising concern he may not deliver Sokoto in an election. His chances today are bright because those who know say the gathering in Port Harcourt is for him as Wike had allegedly cut a deal with him to emerge as Vice President when he would be exiting on completion of his tenure so that he can take a shot at or become the president after Tambuwal. How other contestants and factors will let him railroad them on that trajectory would be seen today if he has his way. Tambuwal

David Mark

Mark

Very exposed retired general who had the smoothest tenure as Senate President for eight years and progenitor of the “Doctrine of necessity” that ensured former President Goodluck Jonathan eased into the seat of power as President after the demise of his boss, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He held many positions as Secretary of the Abandoned Properties team that sold off Igbo properties in present South South and Minister of Communication where he allegedly said telephones was not for the poor. While he may be a good administrator and coming from the middle belt which may put him across as more acceptable than others especially as the region had supported others in power without being in power, certain events in his past might haunt him. He is rich and can fund his campaign. However, having not been anointed by Wike may further pale his advantages.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž OCTOBER 6, 2018

POLITY

Dankwabo

Lamido

Ibrahim Dankwabo

The Gombe State Governor is completing eight years and may rely on league of governors in the party to mobilise votes for himself. He is said to be a very close friend of Mr. Ayo Fayose who can mobilise support for him except that Fayose is being named in the negotiation for the position of Vice President to be shared between him and Wike. He however appears not have a good grasp on national issues though he currently enjoys immunity so APC cannot take him out.

Sule Lamido

Kabiru Tanimu Turaki

He was minister of special duties where he headed a forum of PDP ministers and held his loyalty to the party at a time most people were defecting to the ruling party. He appears to have an unblemished record as inspite of the demonisation of the Jonathan cabinet members, no investigation on him is known to have been done and no indictment has tainted him. While he is not a preferred candidate by Wike, he may not also be well known across the country to be considered strong enough to face Buhari in a contest.

Attahiru Bafarawa

Very intelligent and bold politically and has a popular appeal among the talakawas because of his utilitarian principles. He has blue blood and fearlessly voices his opinion. He has kept to fate without dumping the PDP when others that shared common political feelings left the party. As former governor, all the advantages of mobilising his former colleagues to work for him are there. The government however has hung a toga of doubt on him with the corruption case hanging on his neck from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. With his bold and fearless disposition, it is doubtful if he will for the sake of clinching the party ticket, bow to Wike; infact he may tell off the governor for daring to call the shots. He is not likely to enjoy Wike’s support, being outside the deal for power sharing.

Former governor of Sokoto State and said to be a grassroots man with talakawa appeal, he has been around the political scene for long and at a time served as mobiliser for politicians of his preference in Sokoto. However, he comes from the same state as the Wike’s anointed candidate and apart from dividing the vote of Tambuwal; he stands no chance as the youthful governors appear to have formed an alliance without him knowing. He is comfortable but may not solely fund his campaign and may not match the Buhari popularity in the north.

Jonah Jang

Ahmed Makarfi

Former governor of Kaduna State and immediate past national Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party that nursed it back to life before Uche Secondus came on board. His working with PDP governors to revive the party and had worked closely with Wike to unify the party may work for him though an agreement said to have been entered into with the governors on certain issues he has delivered his own side is supposed to get the support he needs to clinch the ticket. However, the Baba-Ahmed governors he worked with seem to have more than one dice in their pack as the sought for another coalition is in the open with Tambuwal being the preferred choice of Wike. Makarfi is said to be battling an undisclosed illness which may limit his ability to perform.

Turaki

Makarfi

Bafarawa

A former governor of Plateau State, serving senator and a retired Air force big wig. He comes from the middle belt that has given support to the core north for a long time and may expect reciprocal support moreso as the middle belt is yet to produce a president. He may rely on his mates in military school across the country to mobilise support for him though he may not have deep pocket to fund his campaign. He is an outsider in the alliances that has come to the fore as he is not considered by Wike.

Datti Baba-Ahmed

He was member of the House of Representatives and later, Senator before setting up a university where he is presiding. He appeals to the youths and is very cerebral, said to be leveraging on connections he has made across the country and seen as the possible dark horse that is in the race. He however does not come under the consideration of those who are deciding.

Jang

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 6, 2018

POLITY How Atunwa Emerged PDP Guber Candidate in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

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he governorship primary of the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the next year ’s general election has come and gone and the candidate has emerged among the aspirants vying for the Ahmadu Bello Government House, Ilorin. The primary produced an erudite lawyer, a former commissioner, a former Speaker and a current serving member of the National Assembly representing Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, Hon. Razak Atunwa, as the party’s flag bearer. The event which was conducted at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Ilorin, was attended by who-is-who in the Saraki political dynasty in the state. Atunwa, polled 1,555 votes to beat his rival, a former governor of the state and serving Senator, Alhaji Mohammed Sha’aba Lafiagi who scored 578 votes. Atunwa is from Asa Local Government Area in Kwara Central while Lafiagi is from Edu Local Government Area in Kwara North. Prior to the conduct of the primary, a meeting was held with the aspirants of the party, called by the leader of the PDP and Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. At the meeting, the Senate President, who urged governorship aspirants to work as a team, noted that whoever emerged among them as the candidate should be supported so as to assist the PDP to win the next year general election in the state. The decision of the political leader of the state, Dr. Saraki to allow 10 aspirants to jostle for the ticket, according to THISDAY investigations, was to allow a level playing ground for all the aspirants and to exhibit their intellectual capacity so that a sellable and acceptable candidate can finally emerge for the party.

Atunwa

On Sunday, September 29, 2018, delegates came out to pick the party’s governorship candidate. The accreditation of the delegates was held at the Kwara Hotels, Ilorin and after the accreditation of the delegates, a vehicle was put on ground that took the delegates to the venue of the voting at Banquet Hall, Government House, Ilorin. Each of the aspirants was called to address the delegates for two minutes so as to tell them their

agenda if emerged as the candidate of the PDP. It was at this event that, the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad withdrew from the race. Moreover, as the election was going on peacefully, some hoodlums disrupted the exercise and it was shifted to the second day. On the second day which was Monday October 1, 2018, the party ordered the primary to start afresh and this led to the reaccreditation of all the delegates. After the reaccreditation of the delegates, the aspirants were called out to address the delegates on their agenda. The development led about eight aspirants of the party to step down. The contest was now a straight fight between Atunwa and Senator Sha’aba Lafiagi from Kwara North. In his acceptance speech, Atunwa lauded the efforts of the leadership of the party led by Saraki for making the whole exercise hitch-free one. He also commended the delegates, co-aspirants and other PDP stakeholders in the state for their steadfast and commitment. Atunwa assured that he would run an open government if voted into office so as to add more value to the socio-economic growth of the state. Atunwa is a political juggernaut in the state. He has occupied many political positions Atunwa fondly called by his political admirers as “Atunwa 1” according observers, possesses the political experience and exposures that can be used to take the state into the next level of growth. His sterling leadership at the state House of Assembly where several bills were passed into laws for the good governance of the state cannot be forgotten in a hurry. He is a philanthropist per excellence and loved by the people and PDP supporters in the state. His emergence as the governorship candidate of the PDP may lead the party to electoral victory come 2019.

Ugwuanyi’s 2019 Re-election is Fait Accompli Onyekachi Nwosu

A

s the 2019 general elections draw nearer, more groups, national leaders, statesmen, and communities have continued to troop to the Government House, Enugu to register their support for the re-election bid of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Governor Ugwuanyi who has clinched the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2019 election in the state stood as the sole aspirant for the Party’s governorship primary election in the state. Prominent among those that paid him solidarity visit before and after the primary election in the state include the National chairman of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, Alhaji Balarabe Musa; and the Apostolic Nuncio – Pope Francis’ representative in Nigeria, Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi who led a delegation comprising a Cardinal, Archbishops, Bishops and Priests of the Catholic Church to pay him a courtesy visit at the Government House. Others include the enthusiastic Enugu Workers and Youths; Enugu Pensioners; and the people of Obukpa in the University town of Nsukka led by their traditional rulers, other elders and leaders of thoughts, as well as the PDP Ward chairmen from Enugu West senatorial district. The elder statesman, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, who led a delegation of members of the organisation, to the Government House, Enugu on a courtesy visit, before the primaries, applauded the developmental strides of Governor Ugwuanyi, especially in the area of massive road construction and other critical infrastructure, saying he is impressed with his achievements. Musa said his experience in the state in terms of “the wonderful things that are happening in Enugu State” are part of what the CNPP will tell Nigerians about Gov. Ugwuanyi. “I was very surprised about what I saw in Enugu State. I saw good road network in Nsukka and other parts of the state. I was very much impressed because all these were achieved in less than two years. I am sure that at the end of eight years, we will see more wonders of your administration”, the CNPP National Chairman said.

Also applauding Governor Ugwuanyi was the Apostolic Nuncio, Filipazzi, commmended his closeness to God and exemplary leadership style, which he said “has brought peace and good governance to the state.” The Apostolic Nuncio – Pope Francis’ representative in Nigeria – spoke in Enugu recently, when he led a delegation comprising a Cardinal, Archbishops, Bishops and Priests of the Catholic Church to pay a courtesy visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House. He also commended him for his faithful service to the church and to the residents of Enugu State, irrespective of religion, state of origin and ethnicity. Describing Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a good governor” and “a father of the family”, he noted that he is inspired by the governor’s good works in the state and his commitment to the development of the church. “You (Ugwuanyi) have faithfully served the church; you are a good governor; you are a governor for everyone living in this state, Catholic and non-Catholic; from every group, you are the father of the family for everybody and of course things are not separated. I think you have found inspiration in your work as a governor; I also feel you belong to the Catholic Church,” he stated. Another addition to the governor’s recent commendation endorsement came from the jubilant people of Obukpa town comprising four autonomous communities who also paid a solidarity visit to the Government House in Enugu. Speaking during their visit, they said they were impressed with Gov. Ugwuanyi’s numerous landmark achievements since he assumed office, stressing that his sterling performance across the three senatorial districts of the state was a rewarding experience in the social contract between him and the people. The PDP ward chairmen appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for entrenching participatory democracy in the state, saying that his style of leadership has rejuvenated the party’s organs at the grassroots, according them their rightful place in the scheme of things as “proud ward leaders”. The ward party leaders noted with delight that the governor’s emergence as the sole aspirant for the governorship primaries was because of his good works and inclusive leadership

style that have brought peace and unity in the state. In an endorsement address signed by the first Deputy Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council and the Enugu North Zonal Chairman, H.R.H R.S.N Ezeh, other traditional rulers of the autonomous communities, the Chairman of Enugu State Town Unions and President-General of Ejuona Obukpa, Chief Paully Eze, three other Presidents-General, and the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, among others, the people of Obukpa town also commended the governor for “prudently deploying the state resources for the transformation of Enugu State”. They told the governor that “this gave rise to the wide range of endorsements you have received from people of this state and beyond including members of the opposition party”. Describing Gov. Ugwuanyi as a pacesetter, the people applauded him for initiating the ‘one community one project’ programme , which earmarked N10 million each for the 458 autonomous communities in the state to enable them execute priority projects of their choice as well as the first ever Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme that assists genuine traders, who win the monthly raffle draw of N50,000 each, to grow their various businesses, “irrespective of state of origin, religion and ethnicity”. On the governor’s intervention in the education sector, the group stated that the state government has provided adequate infrastructural facilities and teaching aids in the primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, disclosing that “dilapidated structures in most primary and secondary schools in the state, Obukpa town inclusive have been renovated”. They said: “With your prudent management of our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), you have taken our state into the league of viable and economically independent states in Nigeria with prompt payment of salaries and the 13th month salary bonus to our workers. “You broke a jinx recently when you paid the June and July 2018 salaries to our workers without the traditional allocation from the Federation account, showing that Enugu State has indeed arrived.” The Obukpa people equally praised the governor for the security of lives and

property in the state, saying: “your government has performed above average to the extent that we now go to our beds with two eyes closed” and “you have put smiles back to the faces of our women, youths and traders in the state with various empowerment packages from your government”. “Consequent upon the foregoing sir, our people in the four autonomous communities have mandated us to endorse you for a second tenure in office as Executive Governor of Enugu State because we have the firm belief that the reward for every good work done is more work. “We promise firmly to mobilize support of everybody to ensure that we give you 100% of our votes during the 2019 general election. We are battle ready with our PVCs, waiting anxiously for the D-day”, the excited visitors declared. It will also be recalled that workers in Enugu State and the entire youth of the state have reiterated their stance on the earlier endorsement of Governor Ugwuanyi’s re-election, declaring that they are solidly behind him. The workers and youths, who spoke separately through the state chairmen of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe and Comrade Paschal Ugwu, respectively, said the decision was based on their conviction that the governor has continued to entrench good governance, cater for their welfare and promote peaceful co-existence and national unity among residents of the state. They described the governor as a God-fearing, peace-loving, visionary, hardworking, unassuming, pragmatic and high-performing leader, whose style of governance is uncommon and remarkable in the annals of the state. Pensioners under the payroll of Enugu State government, had recently also paid a solidarity visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, in appreciation of his commitment to their welfare, in spite of the nation’s economic challenges. The jubilant retirees, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “one of the foremost pensioner-friendly Governor Enugu State has ever produced”, reassured him of their “absolute loyalty and support”. Nwosu, a public commentator and financial analyst wrote from Lagos

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OCTOBER 6, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPORTSXTRA

D'Tigress celebrating Nigeria's quarterfinal achievement at the FIBA Women's World Cup in Tenerife, Spain... recently

Will improved offer tempt Wilder?

D’Tigress Now 19th on FIBA World Ranking Wilder Gets Improved Offer to Fight Joshua

Kida hails team, federation Nigeria’s D’Tigress, the reigning African champions, had the biggest move up on the FIBA World Ranking Women of any team, climbing a massive 15 places, from 34th to 19th in the latest listing. D’Tigress achieved this massive climb as a result of an inspiring run in Tenerife, Spain, where they reached the quarter-finals and, along the way, scored historic milestones, including the country’s first-ever win in the Group Phase of the competition and over European opposition, in the shape of Turkey. According to the FIBA. Basketball release on Friday, USA and Spain were joined by Australia at the top of the FIBA World Ranking Women, presented by Nike, following the Opals’ run to the title game Tenerife. The USA, on the back of being crowned world champions

for the third time in a row (2010, 2014 and 2018) last Sunday, remains comfortably ahead of everyone else. Spain are their nearest rivals after claiming the last step on the podium at the Women’s World Cup which they hosted in Tenerife. Australia moved up one spot to third in the world following their performance in the competition, where they returned to the final for the first time since winning the world title in 2006. They overtake France, who lost in the quarter-finals stage of the competition. China were rewarded for reaching the Last Eight of the biggest women’s basketball competition – including knocking out Asian champions and rivals Japan in the quarter-final qualifications – by moving up three spots, from 10th to 7th. There was also a huge leap for Belgium. The Belgians

registered the second biggest jump of any team in 2018, moving up 12 places, from 28th to 16th. This came on the strength of an impressive run on their Women’s World Cup debut that saw them finish fourth, behind USA, Australia and Spain. Reacting to the latest ranking, NBBF President, Amadu Musa Kida, expressed delight in the hard work of the federation which saw a better prepared and motivated D'Tigress take on the world in a stunning fashion and has finally been recognised. According to him, “with the recent feat of the team in 2017 when they emerged as African Champions before shocking the world at the 2018 FIBA World Cup, it was just a matter of time before the team took its pride of place. "What a way to start October

for us as a team, federation and lovers of basketball. It was just a matter of time before this happened because the consistency of this team has been so amazing." Kida said although the federation was still not satisfied with where the team is, they will savour the new found status while it lasts as the NBBF will continue to work assiduously to ensure future success. "Now, we have to double our efforts because it will no longer be business as usual. More recognitions bring stiffer oppositions because we are gradually becoming a team to beat. "Before now, the team was an unknown quantity, but with what they have achieved in the last one year, future opponents will pay more attention to them."

England Invites Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool Starlets of Nigerian Descent The English Football Association on Friday morning announced the rosters for the U-19, U-20 and U-21 national teams and as expected, several dual-eligible English-Nigerian players have received invitations for the October fixtures. Liverpool's Dominic Solanke, Chelsea duo Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham, Tottenham

Hotspur's Josh Onomah and Everton wingerAdemola Lookman have all been named in the England U-21 squad. England U-21s, coached by Aidy Boothroyd, battleAndorra and Scotland on October 11 and 16 respectively in the UEFA European U-21 Championship qualifiers and need a point to seal qualification.

Meanwhile, Felix Nmecha of Manchester City has been simultaneously invited to the England U-19 and Germany U-19 teams, and not for the first time, meaning the midfielder has to choose which of the invitations to honour. Tottenham Hotspur centreback Timothy Eyoma is among eight defenders included in the

23-man squad by manager Keith Downing. England U-19s' first game this month comes up against Portugal on October 11 before facing Macedonia at St. George’s Park on Tuesday 16 October. As previously reported, Queens Park Rangers star Eberechi Eze has been named in the England U20 squad.

…Beat Nigeria to QPR Sensation, Eze as Striker Handed Maiden Call-up England have leapfrogged Nigeria in the race for Queens Park Rangers sensation Eberechi Eze after the striker cum attacking midfielder was included in the Young Lions squad for games in October. Eze, who has caught the eye for QPR this campaign and was recently named the club's Player of the Month, has received his first call-up to the England team and could debut for the U-20s when they face Italy at Mill Farm, AFC Fylde on October 11. Explaining why Eze was named in the 18-player squad,

Paul Simpson told thefa.com :''We have a very similar squad to last month and are pleased to welcome Aaron Ramsdale back after injury. ''We have a couple of new faces in Kyle Edwards and Eberechi Eze, both of who have impressed at their clubs so far this season.'' Eze trained with Nigeria's National Team in London back in March 2017, along with exEngland U-19 captain OlaAina who later became cap-tied to Nigeria ahead of the 2018 World Cup. The 20-year-old Londoner

has scored two goals in his last five matches in the EFL Championship. England U-20s face Czech Republic in their second international friendly on October 15. Meanwhile, Manchester City wonder kid of Nigerian descent Felix Nmecha has been called up to the Germany U-19 squad. The Citizens U-23 star has previously made three appearances for Germany's U-18 national team against France and Russia. Born in Hamburg but raised in England, he has represented

the Young Lions at U-16 and U-18 level and all the matches were unofficial, meaning he could still feature for the Nigeria teams without requesting to change his association. Nmecha has made five appearances for Manchester City youth teams so far this season, scoring two goals and recently captained the U-19s against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the UEFA Youth League. His brother, Lukas Nmecha, has been loaned out by Manchester City to Championship club Preston North End for the 2018-19 Season.

Deontay Wilder and his team have been given a "much-improved" offer to face Anthony Joshua, but are still refusing to have a meeting, Eddie Hearn has revealed. The Matchroom promoter and his father Barry have been trying to negotiate a unification showdown between Wilder and Joshua that would take place at Wembley Stadium on April 13. Hearn Snr has already been denied a meeting and even though Eddie Hearn sent his second offer - involving more money and an updated percentage split - to Wilder's team, he admits he has been left frustrated and suggested "something doesn't smell right". He told Sky Sports: "It's frustrating. We keep requesting these meetings and they don't want them to take place, which is a bit strange when you're talking about the biggest fight in world boxing - you can't negotiate fights like this over the internet or over a telephone. "So we wrote to them after our fight with (Alexander) Povetkin and said we need to make our move soon because of mandatories in place for April 13, so could we have a meeting? "They got back and said no, we're not interested in meeting you, make us an offer and we'll let you know. "We went back and made a much-improved offer from the first one - this one with a percentage split - a very attractive offer and then requested a meeting, but they turned round and said 'no, we won't meet you'. "There's not much we can do. It's frustrating because we know the public wants to see that fight and are putting pressure on us and Anthony Joshua, but we are continuously making offers, we keep requesting meetings and keep getting turned down. "We will probably have to move forward with a fight before December 1, but we hoped that at least we could have a meeting so we can go face to face to discuss it. "The previous offer was accepted and we sent a contract but they didn't respond, so this offer is much better than the previous offer. "This is an improvement on the previous offer that was accepted. But obviously, if he won his fight with (Tyson) Fury, it would increase his value in the fight and we've taken that into consideration. "It's only binding if he beats Fury so we have taken that into consideration and offered him more money. I am not expecting them to sign the deal within a week or two weeks, but we have to have a meeting." Wilder will defend his WBC title against Fury in Los Angeles on December 1, and Hearn has pencilled in that date as decisive on the chances of the American agreeing to meet Joshua in April. The promoter though, who is out in Chicago for the first Matchroom USA show, is not using it as a deadline, but again urged Wilder's co-manager Shelly Finkel to at least meetup and discuss the improved offer face to face. Hearn said: "I understand Deontay Wilder has a fight with Tyson Fury to focus on but the job of an adviser or as a manager is to plan the future and if there is the opportunity to have an undisputed heavyweight world champions' fight, they have the responsibility to explore that. "But they are not even willing to explore that and something CHANGE OF NAME doesn't smell right. But we've got to go about our own business. I formerly known as HOPE OPUOYIBO, Can we wait until after December MARKSON 1? Well there's mandatory situa- now wish to be known addressed as BIOKPO tions as well, so it's just frustrating and IBUBESOA OPUOYIBO. All we can't even have a meeting to other documents remain valid. discuss it. The general public should CHANGE OF NAME please take note. I formerly known as MISS PEACE MICHAEL AKPAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. PEACE BIOKPO IBUBESOA. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ƚŽ ŶŽƟĨLJ ƚŚĞ ƉƵďůŝĐ that IBECHEOZO KELECHI and IBECHEOZO KELECHI DARLINGTON where wrongly ǁƌŝƩĞŶ ŽŶ ŵLJ ďǀŶ͘ DLJ ĐŽƌƌĞĐƚ name is IBECHIUZO KELECHI DARLINGTON. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as MR. ESO SUNNY AMADU, now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY SO. AMADI. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as ISINKAYE OMOLARA SOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKE OMOLARA SOLA.. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Saturday, October 6, 2018

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Finance Minister on Failed Bank “We have to show some examples. We can not just be bailing out banks and leaving perpetrators of the failure to just go scot-free.” – Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, pledging to prosecute directors of failed banks.

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As PDP Decides...

oday, over 3,000 delegates of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will, at a national convention in Port Harcourt, elect the party’s candidate for the 2019 presidential election, in a spectacle of songs, dance, drama and colour. Today, leaders and dealers and elders of the party will weave through a maze of intrigues and blackmail and betrayal and trade off and arm twisting to settle for one from among the contenders and pretenders. Today, the generality of Nigerians as well as friends and lovers of Nigeria will monitor events in Port Harcourt to see if the process that would produce the main opposition candidate and possible Nigerian President satisfies global democratic best practices. Those seeking the delegates votes

include a former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; two senators Bukola Saraki and David Mark, current and immediate past senate presidents respectively; two state governors Aminu Tambuwal and Ibrahim Dankwabo, and four former state governors Sule Lamido, Mohammed Makarfi, Attahiru Bafarawa and Rabiu Kwankwaso. Were today’s primary about Nigeria and its development, the delegates would possibly be sold on the best of the aspirants in vision, knowledge, capacity, pedigree, capability, nationalism, charisma and compassion. For issues that should drive the delegates in making their choice are an economy with a less than 2 percentage growth; depressing poverty, the worst in the world; inflation at double digit in the last three years; worsening unemployment;

deplorable infrastructure; heightened insecurity in some parts of the country; and of course, corruption. Who among the aspirants has carried out the necessary work and put in the rigour to draw out a plan that could turn around the fortunes of this country for the better? Who amongst them has a development agenda with timelines and deliverables? Who wants presidential powers for love of country and service to the people? That, ordinarily, should what the delegates be concerned about. However, the issues ailing Nigeria may likely be the least of the delegates’ worries. If past conventions of the party are any guide, the delegates are bound to be more concerned with the sights and sounds: who the state governors

have endorsed, and of course, where the dollars are being shared. And the PDP hierarchy may place primacy on who among the aspirants have the electoral reach to return the party to power. For them it is all about regaining what was lost, power for its own sake. One thing though, Port Harcourt is again at the epicenter of a national power play. Rotimi Amaechi, the immediate past governor of Rivers State played a critical role in the collapse of the Jonathan administration and the election of President Muhammadu Buhari. Today, Nyesom Wike, current governor of the state, is critical to the forces being marshaled to frustrate Buhari’s second term election. Will Port Harcourt be twice lucky? Well, the nation waits...

Atiku

Saraki

Tambuwal

Kwankwso

Makarfi

Dankwambo

Mark

Bafarawa

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