SATURDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2018

FG Seeks Support of IMF, G24 to Tighten Noose on Tax Defaulters Kunle Aderinokun and Obinna Chima in Bali, Indonesia The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed has appealed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the G24 to assist the federal government

in identifying the assets of Nigerians overseas and of international companies doing business in the country for proper inventory, for the purpose of effective taxation.

Ahmed made the request, yesterday, at a closed-door G24 meeting, which took place on

the sidelines of the ongoing IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bali, Indonesia.

The minister said the G24 meeting, which was co-chaired by the Vice President of the World Bank and the Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary

Fund (IMF), “was for us to ask questions and for them to respond to how they can better assist us. So, what we asked was how they can help us to fashion out instruments that can help us pursue taxes, especially from very large corporates like international

oil companies (IOCs).

Ahmed said the federal government was assiduously working towards fashioning out strategies that would help improve the country’s tax revenues, especially from the International Oil Companies (IOCs).

According to her, “Our greatest tax potential is from the IOCs that operate in the oil and gas sector. Yes, this is the industry that, from the Thabo Mbeki Report, shows that about 70 per cent of the Continued on page 6

Senate Leader: We Suspended Saraki Impeachment Plan in National Interest… Page 53 Saturday 13 October, 2018 Vol 23. No 8578

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CAN, NSCIA, Mount Pressure on Buhari to Save Leah Sharibu

As Boko Haram’s October 15 deadline draws near Archbishop of Canterbury arrives Abuja for interfaith conference

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja As the October 15 deadline set by Boko Haram to execute abducted school girl, Leah Sharibu if the federal government fails to meet

its demands draws near, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) yesterday mounted pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to do all

in his powers to save her life.

The plea was made at the ongoing Interfaith Initiative for Peace Conference in Abuja.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern

Nigeria, Reverend Yakubu Pam and the Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters, Sheikh Mohammed Khalid called on the government “to do whatever it can within its powers to ensure Miss Sharibu

is safely released and reunited with her family.”

According to Pam, “We heard they said next week is their deadline and that is why in this meeting as we are discussing about the peace

of this country, we felt that it is very important to talk about this matter. The mother and the family are in agony, and we are appealing to their

In Move to Assuage S’East, Atiku Settles for Obi as Running Mate Continued on page 6

Jubilation in Anambra Atiku: Obasanjo has promised to lead my campaign Ahamefula Ogbu in Lagos, David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka, Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Director General, Atiku Presidential Campaign Organization (APCO), Otuba Gbenga Daniels yesterday confirmed that the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has been picked as the running mate to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2019 elections.

The choice of Obi immediately elicited wild jubilation across Anambra State, with Atku further hinting that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had promised to lead his Presidential campaign.

In a statement he personally signed, Daniel said that the

choice of Obi was to steer the country to the path of progress, economic prosperity and unity.

The former governor of Ogun State revealed that Obi's choice was largely influenced by his youthfulness, vast knowledge of global and local economics as well as being a financial expert, all experience which Nigeria is in great need at this point in time.

He said Obi born on 19th July, 1961, attended the Christ the King College, Onitsha and later proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.

He is also a graduate of several international and national institutions such as the Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, London School of Economics, Continued on page 6

Yari: APC Electoral Committee Bungled Zamfara Primaries... Page 16

EYE ON 2019...

Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; and former vice president/Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, after a meeting in Atiku’s residence in Abuja… yesterday

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PAGE SIX IN MOVE TO ASSUAGE S’EAST, ATIKU SETTLES FOR OBI AS RUNNING MATE Columbia Business School, Institute of Management, Switzerland, Kellogg Graduate School, Oxford University and Cambridge University.

In public service, he has led various divisions some of which includes: Member, Presidential Economic Management Team; Vice-Chairman, Nigeria Governors' Forum; Chairman, South-East Governors' Forum, and the Governor of Anambra State.

He described Obi as an astute professional who has laid his footprints across the corporate world.

He said Obi was the Chairman, Board of Security and Exchange Commission (SEC); former Chairman, Fidelity Bank PLC; former Chairman, Guardian Express Mortgage Bank; former Chairman, Future Views Securities; former Chairman, Paymaster Nigeria; former Chairman, Next International Nigeria; former Director, Guardian Express Bank PLC; former Director, Chams Nigeria PLC; former Director, Emerging Capital: former Director, Card Centre PLC. He is a member of the British Institute of Directors (IOD), Nigerian Chartered Institute of Bankers and Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

THISDAY learnt that after series of meetings, the decision to pick Obi was reached at Atiku’s residence in Abuja.

Insiders who had been following events hinted that nationalists who saw Atiku as capable of uniting different regions of the country had asked him to look towards the Eastern region to assuage frayed nerves being that they were yet to adequately be at the center of power in the country.

Names particularly mentioned as having a hand in rooting for a Vice Presidential candidate from the South East included former president Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head

of State, Ibrahim Babangida.

It was gathered that the trio of Atiku, Obi and Director General of Atiku Campaign Organisation, Otunba Gbenga Daniel were at the meeting in Atiku’s residence yesterday where necessary forms were said to have been handed to Obi to fill pending proper confirmation of the choice to be followed by the formal announcement.

Calls to Obi’s mobile line indicated his phone was turned off; fueling speculations that he might have turned his phone off to avoid his line being jammed with calls.

After the information of Obi’s choice hit the social media, there were positive comments most of which said it was a proof that the South East region had been recognised as part of Nigeria with the possibility of a president of the country coming from the arrangement.

Ebonyi State Governor, Mr. Dave Umahi was the first South East governor to congratulate Obi on the nomination.

Umahi in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, described the choice of Obi as a master stroke, a political calculation that has all the trappings of making Nigeria work again under the PDP. He expressed optimism that with the Atiku /Obi ticket, Nigerians would work again, describing Obi as a consumate administrator, who showed class in leadership as a two term governor of Anambra State.

Umahi further congratulated Nigerians and members of PDP for electing Atiku their presidential candidate and maintained that the duo would bring their ingenuity and wealth of experience to bear when they become President and Vice President of Nigeria in next year's election.

In Anambra, almost every

public place had people discussing it just as many hailed Atiku as having made a very good choice.

A legal practitioner, Mr. Okwuchuku Orji told our correspondent: "Just see the happiness on people's faces.

Who in the south east and the south west would have been so acceptable? Nobody," he submitted.

Orji further said that he was happy for the choice of Obi,noting that his sterling performance while he was governor might have been the main reason for his selection.

"Obi set a standard in governance in the eight years he was here as governor. You may not like him, but you cannot exactly wish away the fact that he is good.

Knowledge of the economy was one thing Atiku based his nomination on, and in that aspect, Obi is a guru.

I think Nigerians will get it right this time," he pointed out.

According to some PDP stalwarts who did not want their names in print, “Obi is a great pick; he has been fighting for the poor and middle-class families his entire life. Atiku, opting for an experienced governing partner will help him present the PDP ticket as a steady alternative to president Buhari.

“Together they portray themselves as bridgebuilders who will champion government as a powerful and positive tool for Nigeria.

While their policy positions have not been identical, they are of like mind about battling to keep President Muhammadu Buhari out of the Aso Villa come 2019.”

Atiku while narrating his meeting with Obasanjo before he announced his support for him revealed that his former boss before delivering his speech during the reconciliatory meeting in Abeokuta assured him that he would launch his campaign to presidency.

Atiku who said he could not tell if Obasanjo was still a member of the PDP or not, said that the former president was with the party both in body and spirit.

Obasanjo, had on Thursday during a reconciliatory meeting in Abeokuta, brokered by the Afenifere, said he had forgiven Atiku, stating that given his personal knowledge of him, he had better capacity to perform than the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari.

The meeting was witnessed by the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Dioceses, Bishop Matthew Kukah; Founder of Living Faith Church, Pastor David Oyedepo; a leading Moslem cleric, Sheik Ibrahim Gumi; and Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, among others.

Speaking at a meeting with the leadership of the party on Thursday night in Abuja, the former Vice president promised to work with and reward all the presidential aspirants that contested against him at the Port Harcourt convention in a bid to achieve success in the 2019 elections.

The meeting had in attendance the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, Board of Trustees (BoT) members, Senate President Bukola Saraki, NWC members among others.

According to him, "I visited my former boss in Abeokuta where we exchanged confidences. I may not say whether he is a PDP member or not, but he is with us in body and spirit.

Even before he delivered his statement, we retired to his private room where he gave me his statement to go through and possibly edit.

He said he will launch my campaign to the presidency with the statement. That is vintage Olusegun Obasanjo for you."

Atiku said that many of the BoT members were the founding members of the

PDP, urging them to get ready for the next phase, pointing out that the second phase is important.

The presidential candidate also urged the BoT members not to underrate their opponent, while also imploring them to make use of their qualities to ensure the party recorded phenomenal success in 2019.

Atiku stated: "I can assure you that I am prepared to work with and reward all of you if we unite together to achieve success. I must commend the sense of patriotism displayed by my fellow contestants. From the very day I delivered my acceptance speech, we have been working together.

I believe it is our duty to provide that sense of unity and leadership to the rest of party members.”

Also, the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, said that members must now come out of the convention mood and face the challenges ahead.

He added that it was time for fence mending and rebuilding of confidences and for everybody to work together.

Secondus noted that it is going to be different this time around, because they are facing a vicious government and must stand firmly.

He said: "Immediately after the convention, the presidential candidate and I visited the host governor and a few issues were resolved almost immediately because we had to carry the momentum from the venue.

“On Monday, I called a meeting of all the former aspirants and they all came and we discussed heartily.

They have already started implementing what we discussed by visiting critical stakeholders, governors and dignitaries.

"The party was complacent in 2015, which led to our losing the election. Now, every BoT member must deliver his or her unit, ward

or constituency. This was lacking in the last election.

We must build a consensus and arrangement that you will be rewarded and be recognised when you deliver.

We cannot play the type of Abuja politics that made us lose in 2015."

Secondus noted that INEC would not rig when they see the faces of the nationalist BoT members at the polling units, neither would security operatives intimidate them, saying they should not leave the task to the younger ones, but to support and encourage them to get the desired result.

He stated: "Our task now is to focus and remain focused.

Our target is to win all the polling units in the country and we will able to do that, with the strategies in place.

“A popular candidate has emerged. He is grounded in Nigeria. What is left for us to do is to take the message home. The current government is vicious. They are framing up and coming up with lies and propaganda, but we are happy that we are in complete control of the National Assembly.

"We must sustain that so that the international community will be aware that the PDP is ready to take over the government and do what we know how to do best: which is to provide good leadership for Nigerians.

“Of course, the APC know how to be in opposition and they will go back to their former position. However, we can't do it alone. We must have everyone on board. We must move fast immediately when INEC releases the timetable for campaigns.”

Reacting to insults heaped on Obasanjo for endorsing Atiku by the Buhari Campaign Organisation, his campaign organisation described it as expected, saying that in trying to paint Obasanjo as a flip-flopper, the Buhari Campaign Organisation shot itself in the foot.

to rethink and revisit their minds so that they will release their captives, especially somebody like Leah Sharibu,” Sheikh Khalid said.

The clerics called for her immediate release and other teenage girls abducted by the group in the restive north-east.

Sharibu is one of the 110 school girls that were abducted by Boko Haram from Government Girls' Science and Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe State on February 19, 2018.

Her ordeal has remained a

hot button issue as she is still held by her captors, although 104 girls, who were abducted along her, were released on March 21.

The Interfaith peace conference was convened by the Sultan of Sokoto and leader of NSCIA, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar and the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop Justin Welby, will today, deliver a keynote address at the interfaith conference at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja

to be attended by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking on the role of religious leaders in a free and fair election, the Archbishop of Sokoto, Rev Hassan Matthew Kukah, appealed to religious leaders to refrain from politics because their voices are very influential.

Kukah voiced concern about next year's elections, saying the conduct of party primaries had created fears among the electorate, who believe the outcome of the elections have been predetermined.

from Nigeria are high, at about 14 per cent, as against about four per cent in the United States.”

She expressed optimism that the planned $2.79 billion Eurobond would have a positive outcome.

“In Nigeria, we have had a policy of diversifying the economy away from oil for a very long time and the Buhari administration is vigorously pursuing that.

The evidence of that is seen in the last GDP report for the second quarter that was released recently where the non-oil sector grew by 2.05

per cent, compared with the oil sector that had a negative growth of four per cent. That is evidence that the non-oil sector is growing, service sector is growing and the manufacturing is growing,” she added.

Ahmed assured Nigerians that the federal government would work on improving on its disaster management process.

According to her, one of the issues that were discussed at the meeting was on the need for countries to be prepared to be able to act very quickly during period of disaster.

“Also, we have to be ready to provide support to our neighbours and other countries that have such disasters. We are lucky in Nigeria that we haven’t had extremely devastating natural disasters.

If you look at what happened to Indonesia recently, a lot of lives were lost, as well as a lot of properties. What we are discussing is how we should be ready, because these are things that are not within our control. So, we should be ready to respond as quickly as possible to minimise the damage that has happened,” she said.

CAN, NSCIA, MOUNT PRESSURE ON BUHARI TO SAVE LEAH SHARIBU conscience. Whatever it is, let them be lenient and also allow God to speak to their heart.”

He said besides concerns about peace and security ahead of the 2019 general elections, religious leaders, who gathered for the three-day interfaith peace conference, were also disturbed by the continued detention of other innocent girls.

“We have heard the abductors and we appeal to their conscience for the sake of the innocent girls. We want to appeal that for the sake of

God, they should release these innocent girls and I believe that by doing this Nigerians will be appreciative,” Rev Pam said.

Pam begged Leah Sharibu's abductors to shelve their threat to execute her, saying that would save her family from the agony of losing a child in such a violent circumstance.

Addressing the issue, the Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters, Sheikh Khalid said Miss Sharibu's abductors were on their own and that they did not

represent Islam.

“We are here to speak on behalf of the bodies of the two main religions, Islam and Christianity. We want the world to understand that these people that are holding our children and other people in captivity are not representing anything, they are on their own. Islam is not asking them to abduct anybody and we the Muslims are going to join hands with anybody to do anything possible to secure Nigerians from their agony.

“We are appealing to them

FG SEEKS SUPPORT OF IMF, G24 TO TIGHTEN NOOSE ON TAX DEFAULTERS illicit financial flows that go out of Africa, including Nigeria, is related to the extractive industry.

“So, we did ask for how we can effect transfer pricing and how we can stop the flows from that sector. That is because these are revenues that are needed to enhance development,” she explained.

President Muhammadu Buhari had, on Monday in Abuja, signed executive order eight, tagged Voluntary Offshore Assets Regularisation Scheme (VOARS) to make money laundering and tax evasion difficult. The

Executive Order 008 has become effective.

According to the president, by the order, Nigerian taxpayers, who hold offshore assets and incomes are expected to, within a period of 12 months, voluntarily declare those assets and pay required taxes from such assets.

When this is done, he added, such obedient citizens would derive certain specified benefits.

“Any taxpayer who truthfully and voluntarily complies with the conditions of the scheme, pays a onetime levy of 35 per cent on

the total offshore assets or pays all outstanding taxes, penalties and interest after forensic audit of their offshore assets and income shall obtain immunity from prosecution for tax offenses and offences related to offshore assets, among others.”

Continuing, the finance minister also disclosed that the Nigerian delegation had a meeting with investors from different part of the world and, “all we told them is the Nigerian story, making it clear to them that Nigeria is a good place to do business and that the returns you get

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY OCTOBER 13, 2018

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀

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

ENRICHING KNOWLEDGE...

L-R: Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Pascal Dozie; Chairman/CEO of Geometric Power Limited, Prof. Barth Nnaji; Vice Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Luke Anike and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State during the 5th/2018 Prof. Barth Nnaji Biennial Lecture held at ESUT...yesterday Â

19 Persons Killed in Abia Pipeline Explosion Emmanuel Ugwu Ă“Ă˜ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă’Ă“Ă‹

No fewer than 19 people were yesterday feared dead following an explosion that occurred at the Osisioma, Abia State axis of the petroleum products pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Eye witness account said that the explosion happened in the early hours of Friday and the victims included a nursing mother, three soldiers and dozens of others who were all burnt to death.

Several others were said to have sustained various degrees of burns and were rushed to hospitals where medical personnel were

battling to save their lives.

The explosion was said to have occurred when NNPC pumped products through old and abandoned pipelines which security agencies understood were no longer used to transport products.

The state commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benito Eze confirmed that 19 burnt bodies were recovered by his men at the scene of the incident.

Abia State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna said that the state command was aware of the ugly incident but added that he didn’t have details

of what actually happened and the number of casualties.

He said that it was unfortunate that people did not heed the warning by police that people should not scoop petroleum products from ruptured pipelines because of the very high risk to life and property when explosion occurs.

There was great wailing at the scene as village folks trooped out to identify their loved ones who died in the fire incident. The identified bodies were quickly evacuated by relatives.

Like in past incidents, the pipeline fire was said to have been caused by pipeline vandals who in the process of scooping

petroleum products from the damaged pipeline sparked the fire.

The scene of the sad incident is located on a spot between Umuaduru and Umuimo villages of Osisioma which is part of the network of pipeline running from Aba to Enugu.

At the scene, the tail tales of the explosion was still evident with burnt remains of victims, two motor cycles, four wheel barrows and iron buckets said to have been used by the pipeline vandals to scoop fuel from the ruptured pipeline.

Some soldiers who were seen at the explosion spot later left after recovering what looked like barrel

of a gun, ostensibly belonging to one of the burnt soldiers.

According to sources, the nursing mother who was among the victims, had scoffed at the warning by husband not to go join those scooping fuel at the damaged pipeline because of the inherent danger.

In his account, a pipeline surveillance guard, Chuks Uzoechi whose family house was razed down said that the explosion occurred along the abandoned old pipeline that already had leakages.

The guard, who identified himself as a staff of UTM Limited, explained that the surveillance team had received the informa-

tion about leaking pipelines at about 8.00p.m. on Thursday and promptly reported to their superiors.

However, he stated that “our bosses in charge of the pipelines from Port Harcourt to Kaduna allayed their fears, saying that the old pipelines were no longer being maintained by the authorities and bears no petroleum products. “When we raised the alarm our boss said that government is not doing anything with the old line and they were not paid to maintain it,� he said, adding that product was eventually pumped into the abandoned pipeline with leakages thereby resulting to explosion.

Fayose OfďŹ cially Hands Over to APC Claims Obasanjo Lobbying U.S. HoS Ahead of Fayemi’s Swearing-in Authorities to Drop Entry Ban on Atiku

APC’s Chances in 2019 under Threat over Primaries, Says Onjeh

Victor Ogunje Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ ÕÓÞÓ

Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has presented a handover note to the state’s Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka as part of the steps to be fulfilled for proper transfer of power and authority to Kayode Fayemi, the governor–elect of the state.

The handing over ceremony took place during the special State Executive Council meeting at the new Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti on Friday.

The governor also  inaugurated the new Speaker’s residence named Rt. Hon. Kola Oluwawole’s residence, urging the embattled speaker to see his impeachment as a price of leadership. “If I were you, in the interest of Ekiti, I will tell them to carry on. Everything works for good,� he counseled.

Speaking at the council’s meeting witnessed by some traditional rulers, the outgoing governor thanked the people of the state for the opportunity to serve.

He urged them to extend same cooperation to the incoming administration in the interest of the development of the state.

Fayose said, “What has a beginning must have an end. It is not the number of years spent but the quantity and quality of achievements. “I thank the people of the state for their cooperation and urge them to extend same to the incoming administration. There should never be a vacuum; our priority must be Ekiti in discharge of our duties. “I’m a man who came, saw and conquered. I can’t finish all, I have done my best. History will be kind on me as a man who has given his best to the people. I will remember all for your support, I bear no grudges against anyone.�

Fayose said he would be available to answer any question on his administration.

The Commissioner for Finance, Toyin Ojo and that of Works, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, who spoke at the event thanked Fayose for the opportunity to serve.

OnyebuchiEzigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of intervening on behalf of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar to help secure American entry visa.

In a statement issued by the acting National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, APC said it had stumbled on credible information which showed that Obasanjo had made moves to secure United States entry visa for Abubakar.

The statement said: “We have come across credible reports that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has made moves to secure United States entry visa for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), AlhajiAtikuAbubakar, whose candidacy he endorsed on Thursday,� it said.

APC said that Obasanjo was lobbying U.S. authorities to withdraw the ban reportedly placed onAtiku over alleged corruption indictment.

The ruling party had challenged the PDP’s presidential candidate to explain why he was unable to visit the U.S. many years after serving as

Nigeria’s Vice President, adding that Abubakar was trying to evade arrest.

But the United States Justice Ministry had cleared Abubakar of any criminal offence as well as any pending investigation.

However, APC is still insisting that Abubakar was barred from entering the United States following an alleged $500,000 bribery scandal in 2005 that involved him, his fourth wife, Jennifer and former United States Congressman, William Jefferson.

The party said that former president Obasanjo while in office had deployed enormous resources of the country on a global dragnet coordinated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in getting Atiku prosecuted for corrupt enrichment and money laundering.

APC said in the statement that: “A report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by Senator Carl Levin reported that Atiku used offshore companies to siphon millions of dollars to his fourth wife in the United States, Jennifer while still the vice president of Nigeria between 2000 and 2008.

Former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students and senatorial aspirant, Daniel Onjeh has cautioned that the electoral chances of All Progressives Congress (APC) may be badly hurt if the party failed to quickly resolve the primary election crisis ravaging its state chapters.

The APC aspirant who addressed journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Friday, said contrary to insinuations in the media, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar posed no threat to the reelection bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.  Onjeh who complained of being shortchanged at the recent party primary election in the Benue State, however, advised the leadership of the APC to work hard to reconcile aggrieved members so that the chances of the party would not be affected by the spill-over of the primary election crisis.

The former student Unionist said that he expected the appeal panel set up by the party to do what was

right and just so as to bring back members to forge a common front ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Onjeh who dismissed the endorsements recieved by the candidate of the main opposition party, Atiku Abubakar from two former Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida as well as Christian and Muslim clerics, said that President Buhari had done enough to earn him a second term.

He said that the former presidents were ganging up against President Buhari because they would all be made to account for their ill-gottcn wealth if he was re-elected. “The same Obasanjo who gushed over Atiku a couple of days ago, is the same person who wrote in the second volume of his hagiography, My Watch: Why I Did Not Let Atiku Succeed Me as President,� he said.

When asked to juxtapose the alleged cases of corruption during the past PDP administration with similar scandals witnessed in the last three and half years of President Buhari’s administration, Onjeh said the president had tried to deal with any such acts even if slowly.

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OCTOBER 13, 2͸͹΀ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale Why is Buhari Retaining Yusuf as NHIS Boss?

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

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t is always very depressing when pro-Buhari activists make noise about the President’s so called war against corruption. These people want us to believe that the President is truly fighting corruption.

This position is so difficult to reconcile with the loads of sleaze allegations against key figures of the Buhari government and heads of federal agencies. It pours from Barugate to NNPCgate, to Maihajagate to NHISgate, to Mainagate and Babachirgate.

The list is endless.

The case of the Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, is most intriguing. Sleaze allegations against him pour daily, yet, the Buhari government has refused to quarantine him.

Early this week, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) called for Yusuf’s immediate suspension over alleged gross misconduct. Mr. Isaac Ojemhenke, Head of Abuja Secretariat of the association, alleged that after Yusuf`s recall from suspension, “the scribe paid himself N3.6 million allegedly used to fuel seven vehicles attached to himself and as reimbursement for purchase of newspapers when he was on suspension.”

Ojemhenke further alleged that the NHIS boss refused to refund N4.3 million which he advanced to himself for a trip to Netherlands, “which the Minister of Health never approved in 2017.” He also alleged that Yusuf allocated seven official vehicles to himself, with monthly allowance of N500,000 for fuelling. Seven policemen are also allegedly attached to the NHIS boss with monthly expense of N565,000.

The ASCSN said: “The Association is demanding that the government should do the needful as regards the case of Prof. Yusuf.

He needs to be asked to step down to serve as a deterrent to others.”

Ojemhenke added that such action was necessary in conformity with the anti-corruption war of the present administration.

By now, the reinstated NHIS boss ought to have been asked to return home, if we are truly serious about the war against corruption. The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, had on July 6, 2017 suspended Yusuf over allegations of fraud against him. However, the Presidency reinstated him but failed to make reference to the sleaze accusations against him. Perhaps, our President was in a trance when he gave approval for this ignoble reinstatement of Yusuf. Nobel laureate, Prof.

Wole Soyinka alludes to this, saying “Buhari

Yusuf

is in a trance based on so many unforced errors”.

Public service rules are very clear about how to handle cases like that of Yusuf’s. Since he is under investigation, he should remain at home until the conclusion of the investigation. This did not happen. I am very sure that the EFCC must have thrown his file into the trash can.

Recall that Adewole had set up a panel to probe Yusuf’s alleged transgressions and the panel found him culpable. He was subsequently suspended indefinitely by the minister.

The allegations against the NHIS boss are weighty. He was mainly accused of violating procurement laws and dishing out contracts to cronies. Why should government sweep under the carpet the alleged purchase of a Prado SUV by Yusuf for N58 million, even though his approval limit was N2.5 million? Why should government overlook claims that Yusuf mismanaged huge contributions of subscribers to the NHIS? Why is government keeping quiet about the alleged award of contracts worth about N1 billion by Yusuf to his cronies? Is this how Buhari is fighting his war against corruption? This is evidently a mockery of his anti-corruption war.

Besides, our President has again demonstrated his clannishness and lack of respect for due process. Recall that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stepped in on this Yusuf’s case, suspended him and handed his file to the EFCC before Buhari’s prickly recall of the NHIS boss. Yusuf’s godfa-

ther could not wait for the EFCC to conclude its investigation before recalling him.

After Yusuf’s controversial recall in February, I remember erudite lawyer, Yusuf Ali, (SAN) saying: “Nigerians deserved an explanation from the federal government. The President’s recall of the indicted NHIS official belittles the minister’s authority. The reason for which he was suspended is well known to everybody. It was well publicised. It was said that there was some money which he couldn’t account for and for which the EFCC was invited. Curiously, nobody has heard anything from the EFCC and the man was recalled.

“So, I think the government owes us an explanation on why the man who was suspended by the minister was recalled by the Presidency. Why was it not the minister that recalled him? The problem about such a matter is that it would have been better if the minister recalled him because they are demystifying the office of the minister. The reinstatement does not portend well for the anti-corruption crusade of the present administration. It has the tendency of sending a wrong signal. For all intents and purposes, it means that the anti-corruption body can do whatever it wants to do; the government is least concerned.”

Another lawyer, Ifedayo Adedipe, added: “It is a total disgrace and an embarrassment.

If I were the minister of health, I would resign and give them back their useless position.

The President has undermined his so-called war on corruption for whatever reason, and it does him no credit that he is doing this. A man under his watch is accused of corruption and being probed, and you reinstate him. He has undermined that minister. And this professor (Yusuf) was so boastful, saying only the President could query him. That he (Buhari) would do this kind of thing no longer shocks me.”

The reinstatement of Yusuf is unconvincing.

All forces of good must continue to challenge it until the needful is done. The workers were spot-on when, back in February, they said Yusuf’s recall would thwart his investigation by the EFCC. Clearly, no staff will be willing to give evidence against a sitting CEO at the EFCC office. This is exactly what happened when Yusuf returned.

The leadership of the NLC and the TUC must rise and support the leader of the NHIS workers’ union in this war against Yusuf, As for our President, I want him to reflect on a portion of late Shehu Usman Dan Fodio’s teaching that “the crown of a leader is his integrity, his stronghold is his impartiality.”

Professor Adewole Should Respond to SERAP’s Challenge A recent report released by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP), detailing the sordid state of federal tertiary health institutions across the country should not surprise Nigerians. Public health facilities across our nation have been in tatters for years without any hope in sight.

The truth is that they have degenerated in the last three years. Just as SERAP noted, “Healthcare services in the country remain extremely poor.

Nigeria is rated 187th out of 191 countries in terms of health care delivery.

One-third of more than 700 health facilities in the country have been destroyed because of many years of corruption, mismanagement and neglect, and about 3.7 million people are in need of healthcare assistance.

“Despite huge budgetary allocations, many of the teaching hospitals and medical centres under the direct control of your Ministry have been left to fall apart and health care facilities in many of these hospitals lack even the most basic of amenities. Ordinary Nigerians have derived appallingly little benefit from all of the allocations, in terms of access to basic healthcare, showing a failure to respect and ensure the right to health and human dignity in the country.”

The challenge thrown at the Minister

Adewole

of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, to render account of the spending by these federal health institutions is thus timely.

Nigerians want to know why these institutions have become death centres and what they have been doing with their annual allocations. It is a shame that Nigeria has the third highest infant mortality rate in the world.

In the Freedom of Information request to the Minister, SERAP urged him to urgently provide information about details of actual spending of allocations to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH) and the other 20 federal teaching hospitals and 20 federal medical

centres across the country, for the period covering 2010 to 2017.

The organisation said the information should include details of spending on specific projects and facilities.

I hope that Adewole will comply with the request. This minister hasto provide strong leadership in the efforts to provide basic healthcare to Nigerians.

Federal health institutions have been left to crumble and wither away and Nigerians have suffered greatly from the decay of these vital public services.

The latest SERAP report is titled: Failing Healthcare: How Federal Hospitals are letting Down the Poor and Making Healthcare a Privilege rather than a Right.

It reported that at LUTH, even bed sheets were in short supply. “Patients use their wrapper for bed sheets sometimes. And when they use LUTH bed sheets, they are usually old and torn most of the time. Toilets in LUTH are centres of disease distribution. You can be sure to get urinary tract infections.”

The report revealed humanitarian crisis, manifestations of corruption and mismanagement at LUTH and how unhygienic conditions, severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies in the hospital and two other Federal Government owned hospitals in Lagos make it extremely difficult for many Nigerians to obtain essential medical care.”

Aisha

Aisha Buhari Vs Oshiomhole

It was heartwarming seeing somebody stand up to Emperor Adams Oshiomhole.

The APC National Chairman evidently runs the party without regard for its constitution. Aisha Buhari, wife of the President is tired of his impunity/dictatorship and exploded during the week, saying that the party was not fair to aspirants who partook in its primaries across the country. The exercise in many states such as Lagos, Imo, Enugu, Rivers, Delta and Adamawa were marred by lawlessness.

Consistently blunt Aisha remarked: “It is disheartening to note that some aspirants used their hard-earned money to purchase nomination forms, got screened, cleared and campaigned vigorously yet found their names omitted on Election Day. “All Progressives Congress being a party whose cardinal principle is change and headed by a comrade/activist whose main concern is for the common man, yet, such impunity could take place under his watch.

“Given this development, one will not hesitate to dissociate from such unfairness, be neutral and speak for the voiceless. It is important for the populace to rise against impunity and for voters to demand from aspirants commitment to the provision of basic amenities.”

I don’t think Aisha exploded, simply because her brother, Halilu Ahmed, a governorship aspirant of the APC in Adamawa State, failed to get the ticket. APC’s primaries across the country were indeed a big mess, with the constitution of the party shredded. It was a celebration of impunity and a reflection of a failed leadership.

Buhari’s Fairylike Affirmation Figures It is no longer news that President Buhari garnered 14,842,072 votes from party members in 36 and the FCT during the presidential primary election to win the APC ticket. However, the startling figures from across the states remain a source of worry for true lovers of free, credible and fair election.

This is the same Buhari that scored 15,424,921 votes to win the 2015 general election. Now, party members alone gave him close to 15 million votes. Members in Kano State gave him 2,931,235 during the Presidential primary. This is the same Kano that gave him about 2.1 million votes in the 2015 general election. Members in Lagos gave him 2,217,722 votes. This is the same Lagos State that gave him less than a million votes in the 2015 general election.

The figures conjured from the Presidential primary are worrying. For me, it looks like a prelude to the falsification of figures in the 2019 elections by the APC. I am worried and all lovers of democracy must remain on the alert.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 13, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY

Blessing Egbe’s ‘Ten Virgins’ Ready to Explode With the trailer of her upcoming movie making waves, Blessing Egbe’s 10 Virgins could be the focus of cinema buffs in days to come, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

B

lessing Effiom Egbe is, to some extent a feminist, and for some reasons, drawn to marital stories. The ex-model and actress has etched her name with her movies which she has continued to churn out yearly. A look at her productions since she ventured into moviemaking would almost immediately tell the genre of her works.

With her B’ Concept Network Productions, Blessing has produced popular movies like This Thing Called Marriage, One Room, Two Brides And A Baby, She Drives Me Nuts, The Women, Disclosure, amongst other works from her stable.

Blessing has written scripts, produced and has featured in her own movies including Before The Vow, After The Vow, African Queen, Working The Lane, The Rivals, Survivors and the TV series, Disclosures. Movie buffs would readily remember the profundity of the drama series, Lekki Wives, her other work. So, with the general excitement that The Women, her 2017 movie, brought to viewers within and outside the country last year. The prolific filmmaker is at it again as she released the trailer of her upcoming movie, The Ten Virgins.

The Ten Virgins, inspired by the biblical parable of the same name is the story of 10 virgins who are betrothed to a great prince and must remain faithful and pure until he returns from a seemingly infinite journey. Egbe says in a statement that she is motivated to tell stories that reflect the everyday lives of people with lessons that would make the world a better place.

“I’m motivated to tell stories that reflect the everyday lives of people with lessons that would make the world a better one.”

The new movie, which sources at B’ Concept Network say could turn into series, parades relatively new faces in Nollywood with characters of the biblical 10 virgins and a groom. Known for her

Egbe penchant to most often cast whole new acts, one would be glad to watch a mix of relatively fresh but talented acts. This she was reported to have justified during a previous work, saying “I was stunned by the talents that abound in this country but for some reason we don’t get to see them.

“What I’ve done is to take the bull by the horns, damn all consequences that come with not bombarding my film with the same old faces and bring to the open these new talented guys who will match any old talent any day, anytime.” Same thing she has done in this new flick. Featuring a cast of mostly new but talented actors, ‘The Ten virgins’ is said to be highly symbolic and represents the relationship between Christ and the church universal.

The movie features Osereme Inegbenebor, Ogechi Aniegboka, Leelee Byoma, Chinonso Young, Bukky Okorodus, Chidera Makatah, Blessing Effiong, Damilare Kuku, Honey Adum, Aanu Adeleke, Priye George and Tumbosin Aiyedehin. Written, produced and directed by Blessing Egbe, The Ten Virgins is told with a lot of compelling theatrics and Egbe says she cannot wait for a final release.

The CEO of B’ Concept productions, Blessing, not long ago shared via her TV Network, the trailer of the movie.

Whether she tells the story well enough or not would be for the transcendent minds after the movie release as what should be expected in the trailer could make difference as foretold in the parable of the 10 Virgins which has been a mystery for some but clear to others.

Be that as it may, the Nollywood actress and producer could have taken up a theme like that which made her contentious and brought to fore her sex life.

Once, she talked about her sex life when she sent out message on the need for abstinence before marriage after a church service. “In church today and guess what is being preached. A topic most preachers run away from in order not to offend their congregations: adultery and fornication!

Sex outside of marriage is sin. Ladies, stop provocative dressing, men are attracted to what they see. For fornicators and adulterers will be judged.”

But then in addition, she went ahead to advise married women on the need to submit totally to husbands. She also touched on faithfulness among couples.

Blessing, however, admitted she was not a virgin before she got married but upon realising the truth, she went off pre-marital sex. She said: “I wasn’t a virgin but later I came to know the truth. And when I did, I stayed off sex before marriage and after. Then I was a born-again Christian by proxy. You know

family values and all of that, but when I had the personal encounter, it changed everything. If judgment had come when I was an adulterer, I would have been on the dark side. I am not forcing anyone. It is the truth that must be told.”

The Cross River State indigene made her name junketing major catwalks and television channels across the world promoting major products and services in places like New York, South Africa, United Kingdom, France and other countries as a super model before returning to Nigeria to pitch her tent in the movie industry. Born Blessing Ibiang Effiom, the proudly married with three kids, is a 2001 graduate of University of Calabar, where she studied Theatre Arts.

Her modeling career began with Silverbird International Fashion show, shortly after, she won the ECOWAS Best Model competition in 2002. Through that win, Blessing got plunged into the world of international modeling and in the process, settled in Cape Town, South Africa. She featured in several television commercials in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and other places for big brands like Investec Bank, Smart Car, and Snickers Chocolate.

The high points of her modeling career was when she represented Nigeria at the Next Top Model Competition in Lebanon in 2003 and then working with Tyra Banks for the America Next Top Model competition. She would, after a while, take the hard decision to stop all that and pursue a career in acting just after being a pretty face and the body of some products brands.

Then her choice of career switch had earned her a degree in Scriptwriting and Production at the City Varsity Film School in Cape Town, South Africa. Four scenes as a barmaid to a renowned female thespian in her first professional appearance earned her N8, 000 in the movie, ‘Bleeding Heart.’

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 13, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY

DJ Cuppy Raises Her Game International disc jockey and singer, Florence Otedola (DJ Cuppy) has evolved with her craft, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

I

t is not uncommon to mention celebrity disc jockey Florence Otedola, aka DJ Cuppy, without her billionaire dad, Femi Otedola. Being her daughter’s biggest supporter, the Nigerian businessman recently took to his social media page to congratulate her daughter on the release of her new video for the song titled ‘Werk’.

The Afro-pop tune features the music duo of ‘Skuki’ (Pishaun).

Expressing how pleased he is of his daughter on Instagram, the oil magnate wrote,”Congrats to my angel @cuppymusic on her new hit WERK! Papa is proud!” DJ Cuppy has continued to prove that she is more than just a billionaire’s daughter as she marks her territory in the Nigerian music industry as a singer. DJ. Cuppy is known to have dropped hit collaboration since she discovered a new side to her talents outside of the turntable.

Paving her path in a male dominated turf, the beautiful DJ believes the industry is still bedeviled by sexism. She disclosed during a chat about how she had concluded plans to put out a song and just then the artiste she collaborated with decided not to do the song anymore. “So I had to jump into the studio and record new music.” The song Currency turned out good and on the list of her recent collaborative efforts. “I got into the studio, just vibing and we basically came up with ‘Currency’ and L.A.X came up and smashed it in one hour and we shot the video a week after.”

The global disc jockey and music producer made her music debut last year. Cuppy’s career has evolved and

currently, she is expanding her career into making music after her first smash hit with Triple M Nigerian artiste, Tekno, titled ‘Green Light’. With her creative juices flowing, she appears dedicated and seems not to joke with her craft positive results to show for.

Twenty five year old Cuppy describes her sound as “Neo Afro-beats”, which is a fusion of Electro house and Afrobeats. Famed for her artistry, Cuppy graduated from King’s College London in July 2014, with a degree in Business and Economics. She earned a Master’s Degree in Music Business from New York University in 2015. In 2014 Cuppy was the resident DJ at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Durban as an intern. She then played at the Tatler and Christie’s Art Ball in London, and at the Financial Times Luxury Summit in Mexico City.

In July 2014, she released House of Cuppy as her first compilation mix in London and Lagos, before launching it in New York on September 2, 2014. That same year, Cuppy also launched the London-based music management and content production business, Red Velvet Music Group. In March 2015, Cuppy was named the official DJ for the 2015 Oil Barons Charity in Dubai, and became the first African act to perform at the event. She was featured in the 2015 April/ May issue of Forbes Woman Africa.

In August 2015, Cuppy set off on her first DJ tour to eight cities in Africa, titled “Cuppy Takes Africa”. She visited Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa. The “Cuppy Takes Africa” tour included

performances, major collaborations, and charitable engagements. Later that year, she interned at J-Z’s Roc Nation. In October 2016, the “Cuppy Takes Africa” tour aired on Fox Life Africa as an eight-episode docu-series. In 2016, Cuppy was the resident DJ for MTV2’s Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne Tha God. She produced two songs, “Vibe” and “The way I am”, which appeared on the “Afrobeats” EP by Young Paris which was released on March 24, 2017. On March 30, 2018, she released “Vybe”, her second official single. The song features guest vocals from Ghanaian rapper Sardodie. Cuppy’s open-format DJ style and unlimited genre catalogue takes audiences on an exuberant journey. She is praised for her ability to seamlessly fuse commercial hits with innovative remixes, relating with any diverse crowd.

With her lovable personality and undeniable hard work ethic, she has quickly risen and continues her pop-cultured supreme lead role as a global pan-African brand. To this date, Cuppy’s DJ skills have taken her to over 25 countries and she continues to fill dance floors across the globe. Based in London, she once wished she wasn’t the daughter of her father, but that was back in the days. Now she’s very comfortable in her own skin. For her, with hard work, resilience and consistency, she no longer feels the same way but feels like she has paid her dues over the last few years.

“So now I’m happy to say who my dad is. I can’t really change who my dad is and I’m embracing it and seeing it as a blessing now.”

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

COMMENTARY

2019: THE BATTLE OF BABA 70S

F

Oludayo Tade writes about the forthcoming election ‘ring fight’ between President Buhari and Atiku Abubakar

rom the vote-buying and voters intimidation scenarios of Ekiti and Osun to the trashing of Ambode in Lagos State by the structures that enthroned him and the eventual emergence of party standard bearers at the state and federal levels, the political ecosystem of the country has been charged in the past few weeks. Acclaimed progressives have behaved, and are still behaving, retrogressively while the acclaimed conservatives became unconventional as they all deliberately manipulated, excluded, coerced and influenced election outcomes with power, money and authority. Through the political activities of the past few weeks, many people whose economies were in recession suddenly exited recession as monies changed hands from all aspirants in the battle to serve their ‘people’.

From House of Assembly aspirants who paid up to N100, 000 per delegate to gubernatorial aspirants who mobilised money, food and accommodation and Presidential aspirants of Broom wielders association and the Rain or Sun cannot beat me party, it is obvious that Nigerian politics and its participation is heavily monetised. So, because of monetised mobilisation, the Broom party’s anointed candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari (75years), emerged, so did former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (72 years) of the PDP extraction after a tortuous nationwide campaign, lobby and mobilisation of delegates.

With the emergence of ‘Baba 70s’ as major contenders for the Aso Rock, it goes to show how the structures of moneybags continue to hold sway in our politics. The establishments in both PDP and APC are now in for the battle of their lives. While there are other presidential candidates from other political parties, PDP and APC appear to be top contenders while the rest can only articulate their ideas and ginger the debate climate ahead of 2019.

Without the structure, money and power, the rest will only be seen; they cannot move mountains.

Being itself a mountain, Nigeria is moved only by money, power and authority which both Baba 70s command in excess.

While it is a shocking outcome to the APC that Atiku Abubakar, a serial contender for a party’s ticket to vie for the number one position in Nigeria, APC undoubtedly knows that this is not a push over fight as the structure of Atiku is national and his tentacles are ubiquitous.

The two parties are not totally different. However, the one who pulls the lever may dictate the direction of governance. As the two ‘Old School’ enter the battle ring, no punch will be spared.

Specifically, propaganda machinery will be oiled for the tasks ahead: Is Atiku a corrupt man? If this is true, it should not come from the mouth of the APC who has harboured him for some years and may have contributed to the campaign of President Buhari in 2015, a reason he has representatives in the government.

If a man is corrupt and you failed to activate appropriate laws for over three years to prosecute him; that is failure and such a government should be silent for failing Nigeria.

The selling points for Buhari government will be how his government has transformed the economy, increased employment, checked Fulani-herdsmen carnage, and ‘technically’ defeated Boko Haram. PMB will campaign based on interesting movement of Nigeria as poverty capital and how budget to education and health has increased since he came on board. He will tell unbeliev-

WE MAY NEED TO KNOW THEIR FITNESS LEVEL/HEALTH STATUS, ECONOMIC IDEA, POLICY FOR EDUCATION AND HEALTH, AND IDEA ON RESTRUCTURING

ers how the poor business women and men are benefiting from N10,000 interest free loans, and how they are recovering looted funds. PMB will attempt to explain away the endless failure to ensure conviction of former Special Adviser on security. We shall be told how the government has strengthened the rule of law by obeying court orders on El-Zakzaky, and others. More significantly, PMB will be sure to remain silent on how he fumigates perceived enemies and deodorises members of his cabinet alleged to have been involved in corruption. He will not be able to explain why he has yet to keep to his promise of stopping health tourism and why flying out for treatment of his ailment remains the best option for three and half years while reproducing same at home has eluded his government.

As an employer of labour, Atiku will be able to ‘Atikulate’ his points based on the wonders performed during the regime of Olusegun Obasanjo. He has stories of how their government inherited an economy in comatose and how they revived it with the assemblage of experts and not saintly ministers. The Waziri Adamawa will show their achievements in security, employment and the transformation of the telecommunication industry. He will have questions to answer on power and the money invested and its outcomes between 1999 and 2007. He will definitely show his understanding of how economy works and grow with the right policies and how investor-friendly environment is crucial to rescue the country. His selling point will be his overt support for restructuring which his opponent is overtly opposed to despite promising it in 2015. But will ‘Atikulating’ restructuring Nigeria win the heart of Nigerians towards the retired customs officer?

Can he be trusted just the way his kinsman, Buhari was trusted with promises made but overtly denied?

The ring is being prepared for these old men by the referee who has told them to wait for the bell to begin the fight before punching each other. But, pre-match vituperations have begun.

Throwing the ‘lifeless’ jab to His Excellency, the Prince of Daura, Atiku limited Nigerian’s options to the two of them while marketing his credential as a job provider. The Broom party swiftly responded that Atiku was desperate and his Aso Rock dream would come to naught.

I am interested in ring fight where both men will engage each other and argue as well as proffer solutions to our myriad of troubles. Belonging to the same cohort, PMB camp should no longer run away from debates. They are both in their 70s, Osinbajo should not represent him in debates this time around.

Let both parties stop throwing punches on corruption because Atiku will show the feat of the EFCC during their administration too. As they battle dirty, we may need to know their fitness level/ health status, economic idea, policy for education and health, and idea on restructuring. I know what late Abami Eda, the REAL Baba 70, Fela Anikulapo Kuti calls roforofo battle will soon ensue but what is important to us is to have someone who can get the best team to rescue this sleeping giant and deliver the goods to the teeming suffering masses. Will it be Atiku or Buhari? Only the Nigerian electorate will decide.

Dr Tade, a sociologist, sent this piece via dotad2003@ yahoo.com

MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Udom Emmanuel administration in Akwa Ibom is demonstrating the essence of government, writes Aniefiok Macauley

O

n September 25, 2015 member countries of the United Nations adopted a template under a new set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda.

Each goal has specific targets achievable over the next 15 years. This new agenda, Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs) replaced its forerunner, code-named Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Sustainability is seen as development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the capacity of future generations to satisfy its own needs as well as guaranteeing the balance between economic growth, care for the environment and social well-being.

The document, unanimously ratified by all member states, was to, among others: eradicate poverty and hunger, guaranty a healthy life, universalise access to basic services such as water, sanitation and sustainable energy, support the generation of development opportunities through inclusive education and decent work.

Others include to: foster innovation and resilient infrastructure, creating communities and cities able to produce and consume sustainably, reduce gender inequality, care for the environment, combat climate change and protect the oceans and land ecosystems as well as promote collaboration between different social agents to create an environment of peace and sustainable development.

Perhaps, it could be said that before the comity of global states reached the consensus on these areas of global concerns, Udom Emmanuel, the governor of Akwa Ibom State had as early as May 2017 on assumption of office marshalled out a five-point development agenda to drive his administration economic blueprint.

These five-point agenda were aimed at achieving poverty alleviation, wealth creation, infrastructure consolidation and expansion as well as political/economic inclusion and job

creation. In perspective, the Emmanuel administration has religiously stuck to the agenda in all its policy thrust.

Bearing in mind the importance of education in the development of its citizens, Emmanuel, despite enormous financial obligations on the state funds, has continued with the implementation of free and compulsory education from the primary to secondary schools in the state.

The government through this policy, pays N100 per head of every pupil in the primary school and N300 per student in the secondary schools monthly as subventions for the purchase of chalks and other day- to- day running of the schools.

Besides, the Emmanuel administration also bankrolls WASSCE, NECO and NABTEB fees for students in public schools with an annual fee estimated at over N600 million, thereby relieving the parents of that financial burden and offering a window of opportunity to indigent students who would otherwise have been incapacitated financially from writing such foundational examinations.

Needless to note that Governor Emmanuel’s administration has also taken over some schools earlier managed either by communities or missionaries to put them in sound educational footing.

Interestingly, more than 360 dilapidated class room blocks have so far been renovated across the state and works are ongoing on others to provide conducive learning environment for students and pupils in the state.

To guarantee a healthy living for the populace, massive renovation of secondary health facilities is being undertaken also by the administration.

Among the health institutions that have undergone a total transformation are: the General Hospital, Ikot Okoro, General Hospital, Ikono, General Hospital, Ituk Mbang, General Hospital, Etinan, as well as the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Essien Udim.

But beyond mere renovation, these hospitals

are also equipped with the best medical and state of the art equipment that can be got anywhere in the world.

There is also free medical treatment for children, pregnant women and the elderly.

The administration is not leaving any stone unturned as there are several primary health centres being either built or expanded to cater to the needs of the citizenry with qualified and competent medical personnel assigned to manage same.

In terms of food sufficiency and poverty reduction, the Emmanuel administration is upbeat with the knowledge that one of the key essentials of human necessity is food.

The government is adequately deploying resources to ensure that there is a nexus between food sufficiency, and its multiplier effects in relation to wealth creation and poverty alleviation. Akwa Ibom is blessed with arable land capable of growing any type of crops. Currently the state has planted over 15000 hectares of cassava across the state, 10,000 hectares of tomato green house, cucumber, onion, pepper, etc.

Besides, three cassava processing mills each have been established in the three senatorial districts to cater to the processing of cassava into garri, odour-free foofoo and other cassava-related food items. There is also the rice plantation and processing mill capable of producing over 170 000 metric tonnes of rice annually in Ini Local Government Area.

With the expansion of agricultural base of the state, Akwa Ibom is already on its way to becoming one of the notable food baskets of the country. The concomitant impact of the agricultural revolution taking place in the state will, besides food sufficiency, reduce prices, create employment and eliminate poverty. These are all geared towards achieving the sustainable development goals.

Interestingly, the government through its skill acquisition and women development programme is training over 4500 youths under

several skill sets to become entrepreneurs. With such massive training with provision of start- up capital, the multiplier effect of this initiative is enormous in terms of employment generation.

Also worthy of note is the fact that knowing the important role SMEs play in boosting local economy, the government has disbursed over N4 billion as revolving loan to traders and small- and- medium scale businesses to boost that vital sub-sector of the economy.

It is instructive too that beside all these, the governor’s industrialisation drive is running full stream with such industries already up and running: the Electric Metering Solution Company, Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company, Fertilizer Blending Plant, the resuscitated Peacock Paint Manufacturing Company, Akees Toothpick and Pencil factory, and Agricon Ibom Rice Factory.

Others under construction include Coconut oil Refining Company, Flour Manufacturing Company and Akees Plastic Manufacturing Company. Moreover Emmanuel’s administration is not leaving any stone unturned in infrastructural expansion. He is the first governor in modern Akwa Ibom to construct over 1700 kilometres of road in his first three years in office.

Emmanuel’s infrastructure expansion, understandably include power generation, expansion of facilities at the airport and ensuring the realisation of the Ibom deep seaport project which when completed will irreversibly alter the economic landscape of the state for good.

Close watchers of the administration are of the view that given the fast pace the governor is moving, the Emmanuel administration may achieve more than is designed in the SDGs document within his eight-year term as governor. They hinged their opinions on the fact that there are lots of developments going on simultaneously in so many sectors of the state economy.

Macauley, a journalist, wrote from Uyo

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

INSIGHT

The great game...

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.

CURBING POPULATION EXPLOSION IN NIGERIA

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family is obviously the smallest institution that constitutes the bedrock of a nation. A peaceful nation therefore is ostensibly a true reflection of a stable, healthy and resourceful family. To make and achieve the aforesaid, a well-structured procreation system must be put in place and this is readily achievable by embracing the family planning programme designed to enable everyone of child- bearing age to effectively plan and space their children.

In other words it won’t be out of place to define family planning as a process of educational, comprehensive medical activity which enables individuals including minors to determine freely the number and spacing of their children and to select the means by which this may be achieved. This may involve consideration of the number of children a woman wishes to have, including the choice to have no children, as well as the age at which she wishes to have them.

These are usually informed by external factors such as marital situation, career considerations, financial position, any disabilities that may affect their ability to have children and raise them, besides many other considerations.

According to the United Nations and the World Health Organisation, family planning encompasses services leading up to conception and does not promote abortion as a family planning method. Although levels of contraceptive use reduce the need for it.

Family planning is sometimes used as a synonym for access to and the use of contraception, methods and practices capable of achieving seeming control over child bearing are involved. The reasons for these is not far-fetched as many people who might wish to use contraception but are not, necessarily planning a family (e.g unmarried adolescents, young married couples delay childbearing while building a career). However, the essence of planning a healthy and sustainable family tends to place a woman and her childbearing decisions at the centre of discussion, as notions of women’s empowerment and reproductive autonomy have gained attraction in many parts of the world.

In 2006, the US Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) issued a recommendation encouraging men and women to formulate a reproductive life plan, to help them in avoiding unintended pregnancies and improve the health of women and reduce complicated pregnancy outcomes.

It is worthy to say that raising a child requires significant amount of resources, time as well as proper environmental considerations. Planning can help to ensure that resources available are properly harnessed to achieve an intended result. Therefore the purpose of family planning is to make sure that any couple who has a child has the resources that are needed in order to complete this goal. With these resources, the couple can explore the potions of natural birth, surrogacy, artificial insemination or adoption.

In another case, if a person does not wish to have a child at the specific time, he/she can investigate the resources that are needed to prevent pregnancy such as birth control contraceptives and physical preventions.

A review of the economic literature on “life satisfaction” shows that certain groups of people are much happier without children. These include single parents, the divorced as well as the poor, to say the least.

Meanwhile it is pertinent to say that about 99% of

THE GIRL CHILD AND NATION-BUILDING

T

he girl child is a powerful being that possesses unique traits and characteristics which makes her not only a woman, but a force to reckon with in a world where strength and virtue is on a constant decline. There is more to a girl child that meets the eye. She is more than a wife or mother, she is the channel through which the balance of human existence is built upon. She is a life giver and a sole connection between the idea of life and life itself.

When we empower the girl child everybody benefits. Girls who are educated, healthy and free can transform their communities when they become mothers and consequently pass on the benefits to their children and even posterity yet unborn. The girl child must be empowered because it is her right; discrimination has no place in the 21st century and every girl has the right to good things of life. Empowering girls means healthier families. In fact, it is universally acclaimed that when you train a girl, you’ve trained a nation, ostensibly showing the immense importance of a girl child in the society.

The forum of African women educationist, a Pan African non-governmental organisation founded in 1992 has been promoting girls and women education. Gender discrimination is one of the primary impediments to education for all, which is one of the primary challenges to education, which affects boys and girls.

However, in many parts of the world, girls are most often the victims as they pursue education.

According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) “Institute for statistics database shows that poor girls from rural areas with uneducated mothers are the children most likely to be excluded from learning opportunities.

In west central Africa, more than 40 per cent of secondary schoolaged girls are not in school and more than 60 per cent of illiterate Adesola Ogunbanwo, Abeokuta, Ogun State young people in the world are women”.

In Nigeria, many girls suffer from abuse. It might be abuse at home, including harmful bodily practices, and it might also be sexual abuse or even worse. That is why many households think that girls should not receive education in the way boys do, if they receive T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R it at all. Many people still live with a traditionally bias EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE view of life. According to them, “a girl should grow up DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU to be a mother and housewife”. What would she need MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO education for anyway?

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE Out of these reasons stems another one, which is CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI gender discrimination. Girls are discriminated against EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN based on their gender, both in their communities and MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE in schools. Their achievements are not considered as significant as the boys achievements are. Less attention is paid to educating girls on topics of their bodies and their health. Also most girls in some part of the country are often forced into marrying very early. When a girl becomes a wife as early as 11-12 years old, she will T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D most likely not have an opportunity to receive proper EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, education.

ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI To this extent, the need to examine measures capable DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY of correcting these anomalies affecting the girl child has OGEDENGBE become inevitable. Introduction of laws that protect the DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI girl child from abuses and the meting out of appropriSNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ate punishment to whoever abuses a girl child would ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO serve as one of the measures to improve the situation.

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI Nigeria policymakers should seriously consider the DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO issues of the girl-child education in the country in order to ensure a secured future for all and sundry.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com Abisola Ayorinde, Ita-Iyalode, Abeokuta, Ogun State

maternal deaths occur in less developed countries, less than one half occur in sub-Sahara Africa and almost one third in South Asia. Available records show that both early and late motherhood have increased risks. Young teenagers face a higher risk of complications and death as a result of pregnancy. The ideal thing is to wait until the mother is at least 18 years old before trying to have children.

However, if additional children are desired after a child is born it is healthier for the mother and the child to wait at least two years after the previous birth before attempting to conceive. When planning a family, women should be aware that reproductive risks increase with the age of the woman. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says that “contraceptives prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the number of abortions and lower the incidence of death and disability related to complications of pregnancy and childbirth “.UNFPA states that “if all women with an unmet need for contraceptives were able to use modern methods like the use of pills, injectable, inplants, Calendar-based methods, condoms as well as Intra-Uterine Device(IUD),their aim for a healthy, properly planned family life would have safely been achieved.

At this juncture it becomes important to examine the benefits family planning has on the society at large. For mothers, it allows her to rest between pregnancies in order to regain her health and strength therefore reducing the risk of complications during or after pregnancy. It also makes her to have time to develop herself and contribute financially to her family. It allows her to give more attention to her husband and love him more. By delaying the next pregnancy, she is able to spend quality time with each child.

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NEWS

In Brief Year Old Boy Found in Forest

MembersofthevigilanteservicesinAdazi-Nnukwu,acommunityintheAnaocha LocalGovernmentAreaofAnambraStatehaverescuedayearoldboyallegedto havebeenlostinaforestinthearea.Theboywasallegedlypickedbythechairman oftheservicesinthecommunity,Mr.FrankOkonkwoatmidnightwhileonduty.

THISDAYgatheredthatthatthechildwhosenamecouldnotbeascertainedas atpresstimewasfoundinaforestoppositeHolyTrinityHouse,Adazi-Nnukwu.

Asourcesaid,“Iwonderwhocouldhavebroughtthisyoungchildintosuchforest.

Isuspectritualists.Theymighthaveusedhimforrituals.Idon’tthinkitwasjusta caseofchildabandonment.Thisispoliticalperiod;everythingispossible.That’s whyeverybodyshouldbecarefulandwatchful�,thesourcestated.

PAN Distributes Free Eggs

PoultryAssociationofNigeria(PAN)onFridaydistributedfreeeggsinschools andhospitalsinMaiduguritomarktheWorldEggDay.Theassociationsaidthe gesturewastoassistinthebattleagainstmalnutritionespeciallyamongschool-age students.TheNationalPresidentofPAN,Mr.EzekielMam,briefingnewsmen as part of activities marking the ‘World Egg Day’ said “we are advocating for nationwide school feeding programme where an egg a day for Nigerian child is encouraged throughout the country.  He said: “This will be help our policies, politicsandtheeconomy.�HesaidtheWorldEggDaywiththeme:“Proteinfor Life,Enjoynutritious,sustainable,affordableateveryStage,�willgreatlyassist in eliminating hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. Mam appealed to the governmenttoasamatterofpolicy,resuscitatesomenationalprogrammes that will assist to ameliorate the health of Nigerians using egg as part of the country’snationalprogramming.

HUMAN PARTS DEALERS...

Police Public Relations OďŹƒce Ag DCP Jimoh Moshood , parading 16 suspects for kidnapping, murder, removing male and female organs after Delay in Passing Disability Bill killing their victims and selling of human parts to personalities in Kogi and other neighboring states. They were also alleged to be responsible Personslivingwithdisabilities(PWDs)have expressedangeroverthecontinued for the gruesome murder of a Police Inspector, Abdul Alfa attached to Ejule Police outpost in Kogi State

Ë› delayinpassingintolawtheNigeriaDisabilityBill2018,sayingthattheabsence ofalawtoprotectthemwasadverselyaffectingtheirlives. ThePWDsunder theaegisofJointNationalAssociationofPersonswithDisabilities,Abiastate chapterexpressedtheirdisappointmentwiththefederalgovernmentandthe NationalAssemblyduringaprotestattheNUJPressCentreUmuahiaoverthe delayinpassingthedisabilitybill. StatechairmanoftheJNAPWDs,Mr.Stanley Onyebuchi told journalists that it was disheartening that the PWDs were yet to arrive at their destination in a journey which started 14 years ago when the disabilitybillwasfirstpresentedtotheNationalAssembly.Â

10,000 Nigerians Evacuated from Libya Since 2017 Chinedu Eze

The National Emergency Management Agency (NAMA) said on Friday that total of 10, 000 Nigerians had returned from Libya from April 2017 to October 2018.

NEMA made this known during the 50th flight of voluntary returnees from Libya who arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos in the early hours of yesterday.

A total of 161 Nigerians arrived with the 50th flight with the

assistance of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Â Among the arrivals were 147 adults, four children, 10 infants and one unaccompanied sevenyear-old minor. Â Earlier on Tuesday, NEMA had received a batch of 149 returnees, making a total of 310 returnees brought back in the week. Â It was learnt that on Tuesday, a pregnant woman went into labour immediately she arrived at the MMIA cargo wing and she was delivered of a baby boy by the combined team of

medical personnel on ground.

The Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Suleiman Yakubu commended the IOM and other development partners for their humanitarian efforts on the returnees.

Represented by Mr. Segun Afolayan, the Coordinator noted that since the pact with IOM in 2011, the synergy and partnership of UN agency has been smooth.

The Zonal Coordinator appealed to the returnees not to feel ashamed to disclose their

health status on arrival in Nigeria.

This, he noted, would help government to take care of them adequately, adding that information on health status of some of the returnees were only revealed by others who felt it was a national responsibility for them to help the general public.

He also urged the families of the returnees to ensure that all their relations go for full medical examinations as soon as they arrive their homes.

Boko Haram: 833 Minors in 17 Children Born in Anambra IDP Camps CJTF Service Disengaged David-Chyddy Eleke Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ•Ă‹

No fewer than 17 children have been born in various holding centres provided

by Anambra State Government for people displaced by floodwaters over the last three weeks.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, announced this while receiving a team of medical doctors from Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Chapter, who were on medical outreach at Aguleri and Atani holding centres.

According to the Health Commissioner, of the six women at Atani centre, two were delivered of their babies through Caesarean Section (CS) at the Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC), Atani.

Dr. Akabuike added that government had installed adequate measures to care for pregnant women and others at various centres.

State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Richmond Achugbu, during a confirmatory visit to the centres and medical facility, said that 11 nursing mothers were quartered at Central School Odekpe holding

centre.

Achugbu added that they all had Spontaneous Vatex Delivery (SVD), noting, that they and their babies were doing fine.

The names of the women quartered at Atani Holding Centre in Ogbaru (LGA) who were delivered of their babies are Onyechi Okenwa (CS), Chidinma Chimaobi (SVD), Joy Okolo (SVD), Baby Kelechi (SVD, twins), and Chineye Azuka.

Women who were delivered of their babies at Central School Odekpe, Ogbaru Council Area are Celestina Ifeanyi, Chisom Ozah, Joy Christian (SVD), Esther Innocent, Oluchi Eden, Elizabeth Emeka, Oluchi Ogbede and Assisi Iyabo.

Others are Promise Daniel, Chizoba Obene, Angela Udoji, and Chioma Sunday (SVD).

He added that pregnant women at the holding centres with health challenges were receiving Medicare at Comprehensive Health Centre, Atani.

Achugbu added that a team of medical personnel had been assigned to offer assistance in different areas of needs at the centres.

MichaelOlugbode Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“

Eight hundred and thirty-three (833) minors formerly engaged by the young vigilance group, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the ongoing counter-insurgency war in the North-east were on Friday disengaged.  The disengagement and release of the minor for reintegration into the society is in collaboration between the CJTF and the United Nations Children’s Fund as contained in an agreement they both signed in September 2017 to see that children were not allowed to carry arms in the decade old Boko Haram crisis.

The Friday’s occasion was the first formal release of children from the CJTF since September 2017 when the group signed an action plan committing to put measures in place to end and prevent child recruitment following a listing in the annexes of the UN Secretary-General’s Annual Report for Children and Armed Conflict for the recruitment and use of children.

Speaking at the occasion in Maiduguri, Pernille Ironside, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Nigeria and the Co-chair of United Nations Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting on grave child rights violations (CTFMR), said the release of the children from CJTF showed commitment to implement the provisions of the Action Plan and to uphold international humanitarian law, human rights laws

as well as other regional and national legislations, protecting children’s rights.

She said: “This is a significant milestone in ending the recruitment and use of children, but many more children remain in the ranks of other armed groups in either combat or support roles. We call on all parties to stop recruiting children and let children be children.�

Since the Action Plan was signed, members of the CTFMR initiated a joint field verification exercise to ascertain the presence and association of children within the command structures and ranks of the Civilian Joint Task Force. Â As of today, a total of 1,469 children (1,175 boys and 294 girls), associated with the Civilian Joint Task Force have been identified within the city of Maiduguri.

UNICEF said it continued to work closely with state authorities to support the implementation of reintegration programmes for the children released today as well as others affected by the ongoing conflict.

UNICEF added that since 2017, it had supported the social and economic reintegration of more than 8,700 children released from armed groups, helping trace their families, returning them to their communities, and offering them psychosocial support, education, vocational training and informal apprenticeships, and opportunities to improve livelihoods.

Global Hand Washing Day

Ahead of the October 51th Global Handwashing Day, a global advocacy day dedicatedtoincreasingawarenessandunderstandingabouttheimportance ofhandwashingwithsoapasaneffectiveandaffordablewaytopreventdiseases,  Saponaria Industries a consumer products company with an array of marketleadingbrandsacrossthepersonalcare,homecareandbeauty cosmetics categories,hasreinforceditscommitmenttoreducediseasescausedbybacteria aheadoftheglobalhandwashingday. Tothisend,thecompanyhasremained consistentinitsinitiativetoensureonemillionstudentsacrossNigeriaimbibe thecultureofwashingtheirhandsregularlyinabidtoreducediseases. Â

AAAN to Hold LAIF Awards

TheAssociationofAdvertisingAgenciesofNigeria(AAAN)hasconcludedplans toholdthe13th editionoftheLagosAdvertisingandIdeasFestival(LAIF)Awards.

ThiswasdisclosedinastatementsignedbyJenkinsAlumona,AAANPublicity Secretary.Accordingtothestatement,thethemeforthisyear’sLAIFawards, whichholdsDecember9,is‘FutureForward’. TheLAIFAwardswereinstitutedin 2006bytheAAANwiththeaimofrecognising,rewardingandfosteringcreative excellenceinallareasofMarketingCommunications.Aninternationalstatus award,LAIFAwardshascontinuouslypromotedNigeria’screativepotentialsin theinternationalcircleaswellasrecognisedoutstandingcreativityandcreated an avenue for the celebration of world class ideas. For the prestigious event, theorganisershavedecidedtoorganisethreemajorevents-TheLAIFSeminar, YoungLAIFERSCompetitionandLAIFAwardsDinner.Â

U.S. Embassy Encourages Girl Education

IncommemorationoftheInternationalDayoftheGirlChild,theUnitedStates Consulateorganisedamentorshipeventforselectschoolgirlsfromunderserved communitiesinLagos. Thestudentshadaninteractionwithleadingfemalecelebrities from different walks of life who shared their experience with them while stressingtheimportanceofeducation.Withthetheme‘NoGirlLeftBehind’,the conversationrevolvedaroundhoweverygirlchildcouldbeeducated,challenges theymightfaceandhowtoconquertheminordertoachievetheirdreams.  From theresilienceofColetteOtushesowhoheadstheAccelerateTVtothedogged determinationofNollywoodactressMercyJohnson,thestudentshadanearful ofinspiringstoriestoguidethem.Â

Lipton LaunchesTea Party for Artists

Lipton yellow label tea in partnership with African Artist’s Foundation (AAF) celebratedleadingcreativevoicesattheLiptonandLiteratureteapartywhichheld recently.TheeventfeaturedworksofartistslikeOyinkanBraithwaite,Ifeoluwa Nihinlola,IsaacAkah,SeunOdukoya,REZthapoet,PelumiKoladeandDamiAjayi.

TherewerepoetryrenditionsbyKoromoneKoroyeandWilliamMoore,aswell asaspecialinstallationbyleadingHipHopartisteandChocolateCityCEO,MI Abaga.Speakingattheevent,SeniorBrandManagerRefreshment,Unilever, AbimbolaOgunsemiemphasisedLipton’scommitmenttosupportingartists andtheimportanceofartsandliteratureinbuildingcommunities. Â

Quramo Writers’ Prize 2018

Thefivefinalistsaimingforthe Quramo Writers’Prize2018havebeenannounced byQuramoPublishing. Naturally,thewinnerofthe2018editionoftheprizewillbe announcedattheawardceremonyscheduledforSundayOctober21. Theannual prizewhichisawardedtoanunpublishedfictionmanuscriptwasbestowedonSamuel Monyelastyearwhenheemergedasthewinnerforhismanuscript, GiveUsEach Day. The top fivefinalistsareAchalugoEzekobewiththebook, Boys on Jumping Trousers;AniObiamakaSplendourforherworktitled, TheGirlWhoSawTomorrow; ChiomaMildred Okonkwoforthebook, All That Glitters,Emmanuel Michaelwith thebooktitled, Running Waters andOriasotieEmmanuelEhimare forhisentry, When YesterdaySavedTomorrow.  TheExecutivePublisherofQuramoPublishing,Mrs. GbemiShasoreinapressstatementexpressedhergratitudeforthejudges’painstaking effortasmakingthisprizeaverycompetitivedeal.Â

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY OCTOBER 13, 2018

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

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NEWS

Yari: How APC Electoral Committee Bungled Zamfara Primaries Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, yesterday in Abuja accused the electoral panel constituted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to conduct election primaries in Zamfara State of frustrating the success of the elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the week ruled out the possibility of accepting candidates’ names from the Zamfara State chapter of APC, saying the party failed to conduct primaries in the state within the stipulated period.

But Yari while answering questions from journalists in the State House, described INEC claim as untrue, arguing that on October 4 when the primaries were being conducted, there was a pocket of crises in one part of the state which he said made it impossible to conclude the elections that day.

According to him, in view of the development, there was a resolution to continue with the conduct of the poll the following day, pointing out that when it was eventually concluded on October 5, the committee failed to collate the results and disappeared.

“So, the following day, we continued and we concluded the election by the committee set up to conduct election but the committee ran away and refused to collate the results,” he said.

Yari further alleged that before the election was eventually conducted, the electoral panel had already wasted 18 full hours discussing the modalities for its conduct.

He also disclosed that following the non-availability of the committee

members to count the results of the election, INEC advised them to begin counting, bearing in mind that party members had come out to vote since 7a.m.

Furthermore, Yari said after the counting, members of the committee re-appeared and when they were challenged on why they came back, they claimed that they only came for reconciliation, alleging that it was at this point he knew that the committee had a hidden agenda.

Insisting that INEC, Civil Defence Corps, Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) witnessed the primaries, Yari said the claim made by the chairman of the electoral panel that there was no election in Zamfara State prompted them to quickly rush to court to file a suit.

He said the suit which would be heard next week had helped to keep hope alive that APC would eventually field candidates for 2019 polls in Zamfara State upon the determination of the suit.

“This was what we were going to do but the committee wasted about 18 hours discussing about the modalities to be taken. So, when we realised that, we were actually advised by the supervisory agency, that is the INEC and other agencies that the best thing to do since people had been out to vote since 7a.m. was to ask them to start counting.

“When they finished, they released the materials and we adopted the numbers. Already, we had produced our own set of forms for the National Assembly elections which we had done and then, when we concluded. I didn’t see members of the committee until one and half hours to the time.

“Then, when they came, I asked

them what they came for. They said they came for reconciliation and I said which reconciliation? People cannot reconcile over a month and you are trying to reconcile in an hour.

“Then, I realised that there was a game that was being played so that we could run out of time. And then, maybe, the national body can think they have other ways to produce a candidate which is a crude way because Section 87 is

very clear in the Electoral Act that the party must follow a process before producing any candidate.

“Therefore, the most important thing is that we conducted elections on the 3rd and 4th of October and all agencies - INEC, Civil Defence, Police, and DSS were there and they signed for us and the report was written by the REC that elections were conducted. And unfortunately, for the INEC to say that there was no election, we don’t know where

they got their information but we believe they have a report directly from their representatives that elections were held in Zamfara State. So, it depends on what they want to do.

“When the chairman of the committee came out and said there was no election in Zamfara State, we realised it was going to be a litigation issue. We quickly rushed to court. We filed a suit and the case is coming up next week.

So, I think that is the only saving grace for the party - for a court of competent jurisdiction to give judgement on Zamfara matter. So, there was election,” he submitted.

Yari also dismissed allegations that he was planning to dump APC for another party, saying it is not in his character to jump from one party to the other. He said since he joined the All Peoples Party (APP) in 1998, he never left the party until it dissolved into APC in 2015.

SHARING IDEAS...

L -R: Principal Financial Analyst, DBrown Consulting Ltd, David Brown; President /Chairman of Council, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Akin Olawore; General Manager, Enterprise Marketing MTN Nigeria, Oyinye Ikenna-Emeka; Division Head, FINTECH and Innovation GTBank, Deji Oguntonnade; and Country Senior Partner PWC Nigeria, Uyi Akpata, recently at the October breakfast session of the NigerianBritish Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) in Lagos

Despite Widespread Violence, Observers Adjudge Court Refuses Restraining Fayemi Plateau LG Elections Peaceful, Credible from Sacking LG Chairs SerikiAdinoyiinJos

Despite widespread protests that characterised recent local government elections in Plateau State, observers have insisted that the exercise was credible and peaceful.

The violence followed alleged malpractices that trailed the exercise in which Returning Officers allegedly abandoned the Local Government Collation Centres in connivance with the agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) left behind the result sheets and disappeared into thin air.

As the people were still waiting for the votes to be collated and counted, the winners of the elections were already

announced at the headquarters of the Plateau Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC).

In Bassa Local Government, the protesters burnt the local government PLASIEC office and the house of the Local Government Management Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Sarah Bali.

Similarly, in Mikang and Langtang-North local government, the malpractices led to the burning of the houses of the APC chieftains involved in the fraud.

Protesting electorate also barricaded the highway in Kanke and Mangu for several hours preventing the Governor Simon Lalong and his deputy from returning to Jos from their villages

where they had gone to cast their votes. It took the combined effort of the state Police Commissioner and Commander of the military Special Task Force (STF) to clear the way for them to scale through the protesters. The governor had to be flown into Jos with chopper to avoid being lynched.

PLASIEC announced APC candidates as winners in 11 local governments, while the elections in Mangu and Langtang North LGAs were declared inconclusive.

The governor immediately swore-in the Chairmen-elect on the same day to avoid restraining order of court.

Fire Guts Overland Aircraft under Maintenance at MMIA ChineduEze

Overland Airways ATR aircraft has been engulfed by fire at the company’s hangar located at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

This was confirmed by the Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, who said that it happened in the early hours of Friday.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

Passengers and other airport users were frightened when they saw heavy smoke billowing from that side of the airport and fire fighters drove through

the airside of the Runway 18L to the facility to put out the fire.

Eye witness account disclosed to THISDAY that the aircraft which was under maintenance was being tested by the company’s technical personnel.

He said the personnel motored the engine inside the hanger and as the propeller started turning it hit the ground power which sparked and caught fire.

The two tyres of the aircraft also cut fire and busted. As the tyres busted the aircraft caught fire and sent huge smokes into the air. No one was injured in the incident.

“I went to the tarmac to see what happened. They were trying to motor the engine in the hangar, which is not done, especially for turbo props.

We don’t do that because the rotor will be moving. So when they did that it hit ground power.

“The ground power sparked and caught fire and the two tyres of the aircraft caught fire and busted and the aircraft went into flames. The three persons in the aircraft walked out. I saw them walk out of the aircraft.

“Motoring is a situation where you switch on the ignition without fully starting the engine. In a car it is when you switch on the car halfway without starting the engine. You can listen and play music, wind down the glass and honk the horn,” the eyewitness who is also a pilot explained.

Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÕÓÞÓ

An Ekiti State High Court on Friday refused to grant an order seeking to restrain the governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, from sacking the 16 local government councils when he assumes office.

The suit was filed to preempt what may happen after Fayemi takes over on Tuesday, October 16.

The council chiefs, led by the state Association of Local Governments of

Nigeria (ALGON) Chairman, Hon. Dapo Olagunju, had approached the court seeking an interlocutory injunction to stop Fayemi from sacking them.

Striking out the application in a ruling, Justice Abiodun Adesodun, described the application as “unmeritorious, pre-emptive and speculative.”

Justice Adesodun said there was no compelling fact in the application to warrant the granting of the order.

The judge subsequently adjourned the substantive matter to October 22.

The LG bosses filed the case through their counsel, Mr. Obafemi Adewale, while Mr. Tajudeen Akingbolu and Mr. Adeoye Aribasoye appeared for Fayemi.

Counsel to the defendant (Fayemi) challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the application on grounds that the matter was speculative.

PDP Youth Group Urges Party to Reconsider Primaries Results in Plateau Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Group operating under the aegis of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Mandate Actualisation Network has called on the party to look into party primaries in Plateau South Senatorial zone of the party where the Senatorial and the Governorship candidates both emerged from same tribe in the same local government area.

Senator Jeremiah Useni, the flag-bearer of the PDP in the 2019 general elections is Taroh from Langtang North LGA and Mr. Peter Dandam Kefas, the flag-bearer of the party for the Plateau South Senatorial zone is also Taroh from Langtang North LGA. Addressing newsmen in Jos,

Mr. Noel Begun Dogari, former Assistant Legal Adviser of the PDP in the state said, “Our inability to foresee these outcomes, especially at the Senatorial district level is a major cause we do not accept it and wish to sound with a loud voice and in clear terms that the national secretariat and all relevant organs of the party must step in and do all within its powers as enshrined in the written and unwritten constitution of our great party to address this matter.

“We call for the adjustment of the imbalance in the southern zone and I believe the party is set to re-take our mandate come February, 2019.

“Anyone who has followed the political history of our state would agree that it is always not a

surprise that either Langtang North or Langtang South will win due to the imbalance in the creation of federal wards or constituencies as an ethnic group with control of close to thirty federal wards in the zone. It will take as much as the brutal suppression of candidates from among the remaining ethnic groups as was the experience at the APC primaries before such capacity can be deprived them.

“However, it is in a bid to cure this ugly development that our great party has enshrined in its constitution the doctrine of zoning of elective and appointive positions so as to continually foist a situation of perpetual domination within its membership.

Plus

Chris Bode At LUTH, We have Adopted Measures to Ensure Patients Get Attention

pg. 20

GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND AUTO SHOWBIZFLAIR

Bisi Akintayo

I was Born With a Silver Spoon But I Didn’t Grow Up with It

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 13, 2018

PLUS

I was Born With a Silver Spoon But I Didn’t Grow Up with it Bisi B isi Akin Akintayo, a Director of Lagos-based G-text G Group roup conglomerate, c whose services cut across digital d igital marketing m and real estate, means different tthings hings tto different people. To some, she is a motivational m otivat speaker and serial entrepreneur; and to other others, Bisi is a business coach and author. She is today living her childhood dream of being one off Niger o Nigeria’s biggest philanthropists, particularly iimpacting mpactin positively on the lives of children of tthe he poo poor. With her foundation, Bisi has impacted o on n the lilives of hundreds of children across the country. S She shares the dream of her Infinity Foundation and life experiences with Bayo Adeoye Foundatio and Ayode Ayodeji Ake. Excerpts

W

ho is Bisi Akintayo?

I’m originally from Ibadan, Oyo State.

I’m married to Stephen Akintayo and blessed b bl essed with three th kids, two boys and a girl. an g Iw work with G-Text and I also run an online importation b business. usiness. I’m also involved in giving g g back tto the society, helping h ho housewives, usewives, students who can’t afford to fen fend for themselves, and ffathers fa thers whos whose monthly earnings are not enou enough to sustain their ffamilies. amilies. I lov love meeting people but I don’t li like going out. I am more of an indoor person, but I meet people p p on social media. I’m a down to earth person. Truly II’m I’ m humble but I don’t take n nonsense. onsense.

How w was growing up like?

Well, g gr growing up was actually y fun. My dad was rrich. ri ch. He was a custom officer in charge of one of the bo borders. But later, as the y years progressed, he resig resigned and dabbled

into business which at the end, didn’t work out for him. I didn’t grow up with my mom, not because she wasn’t a good mom. I remember growing up with my step mom. There were days there won’t be food on the table. It happened when my dad forgot to give us money. So, what I did most times was to go and hide some foods stuff for the dry days. When I look back and see poor people on the street, I feel for them. At least I had school bags, uniforms, shoes and a father who was paying my fees. When I see people lacking, my heart aches and I always feel I should reach out to them. When I see poor children on the street; I always wish I have the money to take good care of them. I feel we don’t need to wait for the government.

Can you say you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth?

Yes I was born with a silver spoon but I didn’t grow up with the silver spoon. Growing up in a polygamous family was not a good experience. But then, different cars take me to school and my friends envy me.

Where did you spend your formative years?

Here in Lagos, Badagry to be precise.

There were days there won’t be food on the table. It happened when my dad forgot to give us ta money. So, what I did most times was to go and hide some foods stuff for the dry days. When I look back and see poor people on the street, I feel for them

OCTOBER 13, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS My Dad Didn’t Want Me to Get Married That’s where I grew up. I had my primary and secondary education before I proceeded to Olabisi Onabanjo University.

What was the best gift you received when you were a kid?

The best gift I received was education.

Can we say your background, growing up in a polygamous family, has affected your style of living?

Yes, and no. because I remember while growing up I had terrible low self -esteem. Inasmuch as I had my dreams and aspirations, but there were limitations because of things happening around me. For instance, I never wanted to get married because all the marriages around me were not what I was looking forward to. I knew I had a lot of potential but because of the low self–esteem, I didn’t see myself accomplishing those things. When I met my husband, he was there to help me; making sure I have the best by encouraging me to go for trainings, read books and those changed my perception. I grew up in the family where I have a sister who never sees anything good in me. As soon as she sees you with your friend, she starts saying bad things about you. Even the good you have done will turn to bad. And all these things affected me despite the fact that I was making good grades and making my dad proud but deep inside me, there were so many things like; I was not beautiful enough, like I was in a wrong family, nobody loved me, but I later understood I was wrong about all that.

How old were you when you got married?

I was 24 years old.

How did you meet your husband?

It was war when I wanted to get

I remember my dad asked him a couple of questions when he came to our house with ‘Legedes Benz’. It was just a coincidence.

I took him to see someone who is like a family friend then she took us straight to my dad (sigh), it wasn’t funny. Later he called me and asked me how many marriages I have seen that worked?

Everything negative about marriage, he told me just to discourage me from getting married. But one of the reasons for that was simply because I was one of his beloved

married. I was from a home where my dad would tell you ‘if you have a boyfriend God will curse you’ (laughs).

He didn’t believe in dating. When I was in the university, I said to myself, ‘I’m not going to date and if I will date, it is going to be after my university’ because of my dad’s words. I actually fell in love but not really that much in love but I was not convinced. As a good Christian, I prayed about it and each time I rebuked it. I could remember at a time I knelt down and told God ‘If this is what is in the heart of this man, please take it off.’ But each time, even when he proposed, I have this inner feeling that this is the person and today it’s a reality. But when we went to my dad, it was as if ground should open and swallow me. It was really a funny experience. I couldn’t utter a word when I took my fiancé home. I remember my dad asked him a couple of questions when he came to our house with ‘Legedes Benz’. It was just a coincidence. I took him to see someone who is like a family friend then she took us straight to my dad (sigh), it wasn’t funny. Later he called me and asked me how many marriages I have seen that worked? Everything negative about marriage, he told me just to discourage me from getting married. But one of the reasons for that was simply because I was one of his beloved. He wanted me to finish my masters, work for some years before I get married. But my husband called and asked if I wanted to get married to him or my father? It was a risk I had to take but because I have an inner spirit and that I was really sure I know this man’s vision. Then he didn’t have money, even when he proposed to me, I doubt if he had a thousand naira or up to five thousand naira in his account. But I just strongly believed in him and I was so sure about his future. My dad changed towards me because of the risk I took,

but now when I call him, he gladly picks my calls and pray for me because my husband is doing well today.

What’s the most tasking challenge you have encountered?

It was when I got married. We encountered a lot of problems in business. Also the most difficult thing was early stage of marriage. We have so many financial issues. There was a time our company folded up and we had to pack our bags and baggage back to the house. We were working from home online. There were days when I was pregnant and could not boast of eating one square meal. Even in those days, we were still giving to people. That’s the funny thing. Those days we were really struggling, when I could not afford to take my child to the hospital yet you will still see us giving. And when my husband gave out forgetting we didn’t have anything at home, he will come home and explain to me and I will understand because it’s a ministry I’m also committed to. I remember what happened one day when I watched a Yoruba movie and I told my husband that I hope I’m not that type of wife that will come and everything turns upside down. That day marked the end of watching Yoruba movie in our house.

What will you consider to be the biggest mistake?

The biggest mistake I can point at was not having a mentor. My husband actually mentors people and before I actually submitted to his mentorship in business, it had affected me in business. That’s the mistake and I have corrected it.

What are those things you still desire in life?

What I desire is more money. Why

do I desire more money? Money is never enough because I want to reach out to more people. I want to have a goal whereby I can travel to countries, train and empower people and set them up. I believe if I have more resources in terms of cash, I won’t have limitations to how many people I can help. I want to cloth more people and house them. This can’t be done with paper.

What business are you into and how did you start?

Mini importation for me started long ago. I have always been the person who wants to buy and sell. It’s a passion I have nurtured. So, when I have the opportunity of training, I quickly grabbed it. And when I had the training, I walked up to people to teach them for free. This is simply because I felt these people needed an additional source of income. And those people I was willing to teach for free misused the opportunity. By the time I went further in training, they began coming and I couldn’t train them for free. Everything I do today is always about helping people at the end of the day. I want to be remembered for the lives I have impacted and projects I have done with my own money and not government money. Bisi Akintayo is under G-Text Group registered as Stephen Akintayo Group of Company and Infinity Foundation is meant for Corporate Social Responsibility, where we give back to the society by providing help to indigents.

What are some of the lessons life has taught you?

What life has thought me is just one thing: Don’t do anything without a mentor. If you can’t afford to get one, you can follow them online. And my goodwill message to Nigerians remains, they should be consistent and focused.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 13, 2018

PLUS

Chris Bode

At LUTH, We have Adopted Measures to Ensure Patients are Given Attention The Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi Araba, Lagos, was established in 1962 to offer tertiary health services and engage in teaching and research. It attends to 2,000 outpatient cases, 120 new emergencies and admits about 50 new patients every day. LUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Chris Bode, explains to Tobi Soniyi, how the nation’s foremost tertiary health facility is coping with overstretched physical and human resources

R

ecently, a victim of hit-andrun driver reportedly died at the gate of this hospital.

Can you put this story in its proper context?

Any death is an unfortunate situation but this particular case was also seemingly difficult to prevent. We encountered the victim who has been identified as Mr. Segun Ogunjobi, a 24-year old man. He did not die at our gate and no, he was not left unattended in LUTH. The true story was that he was seen, registered and promptly treated. Our records showed that he was brought into LUTH at 6:43pm on Sunday, 2nd September, in a public vehicle upon referral from Navy Hospital, Ojo. Information at our disposal indicated that he was hit by a commercial vehicle. He was brought to LUTH from LASUTH where he was initially referred from Navy Hospital, Ojo. Our findings at LUTH indicated that the victim did not receive any form of initial resuscitation at the hospitals of first and second call after the accident. Other medical findings were: An assessment of moderate traumatic brain injury was made by the attending Triage Doctor who saw him within five minutes of arrival. Staff on duty said resuscitation was

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

PLUS We Stock More than 80 per cent of Prescribed Drugs and We Have Enough Stock of Medical Consumables at All Times immediately commenced even while he was in the vehicle with intravenous fluids administered through two venous accesses sited on arrival in LUTH. The Emergency Unit of LUTH, in line with our protocol for such cases, provided all initial materials for resuscitation. His relatives were informed that the materials would be replaced later by them.

It is true that the victim could not be provided a bed immediately as the emergency center was at full bed capacity. This was explained in detail to the relatives. Also the neurosurgical team was informed about his case and a Computerised Axial Tomography (CAT-scan) was requested to determine the extent of his brain injury following review by the consultant in the Triage Unit. His family however could not provide funds for the CT-scan.

Meanwhile, the A&E Unit continued to make arrangements to provide a bed space in the Center while resuscitative effort was on-going. Reports indicated that the family continued to delay in ensuring a CT scan.

Our team continued to monitor his level of consciousness. Eventually, a bed was provided following the transfer of another patient to the theatre for emergency surgery.

Some 90 minutes after arrival, his level of consciousness depreciated and attempts at cardiopulmonary resuscitation was not successful.

Let me emphasise that, unlike at the other centers where he had been taken to following the accident, LUTH did all that was possible within the constraints of our environment.

We didn’t abandon him on account of lack of bed space. He was admitted and was being actively resuscitated by our teams of emergency doctors and neurosurgeons till he passed on. I also need to state here that we continue daily to stretch our manpower and material resources to ensure that as many citizens of this country that require emergency care are provided with compassionate care.

This particular case was a bad one before he got to our hospital for intervention. His care, which should have commenced several hours since injury, was delayed till he got to LUTH very late.

With just 500 beds and in a city harbouring millions of people, majority depending on government healthcare services, how are you coping with the pressure?

With population growth, pressure and time, the attrition of ‘wear and tear’ on facilities in use will overstretch their capacities, especially in view of decades of usage in attending to Nigerians who daily throng LUTH for minor and tertiary medical cases. No doubt, it has been a herculean experience for us. In spite of this, we are responding to mitigate the consequences of huge hospital attendance and we will keep improving as our funding improves. For instance, the institution has commenced a hospital-wide renewal of its 56-year old ward blocks, starting with the B-Block. Expectedly, withdrawing a block of 120 beds from service has created some bed constraints, but we have continued to do our best in the circumstance by ensuring that nobody is sent away; and on rare occasions we arrange with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital to accommodate such patients in line with world’s best standard practice.

Will you rightly ascribe the situation to inadequate funding by government or manpower shortage or both?

Truly, the government cannot solely be responsible for funding the health sector, even when huge resources are being massively invested in the sector. This informed the ingenuity of the management at LUTH to embrace the Public Private Partnership – PPP – arrangement to provide some projects with direct impact on services and the patients, in line with what government encourages us to do now. For instance, out of the N60.9 million appropriated for LUTH in 2015, only N30 million was released for the year; in 2016, we got N83.9 million out of the N130.3 million budgeted and in 2017, the total release was N161.3 million of the N322.7million appropriated. So it is understandable why alternative sources must be explored to keep providing services.

As a result, with the 3.48-MW PPPfinanced LUTH Independent Power Project, we are enjoying uninterrupted electric

from the rural areas to the city has continued unabated. The policy on PHC is on course.

I’m sure you are aware that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency is doing a lot in this regard. Government also has a deliberate policy to train more care givers including nurses, midwives and traditional birth attendants to strengthen the system and reach all remote corners of the country. It is however worrisome that many Nigerians will rather come to a tertiary facility as LUTH rather than go to the General Hospital for minor ailments like malaria.

Bode

power supply. This informed the priority accorded each of the critical areas. We now provide uninterrupted electricity to operation theaters, Neonatal Unit, Intensive Care Unit, Labour Wards and each has a backup generator that is seldom used now due to constant power supply. Most of these facilities also have inverter backups as a third line of defense. We also have the private Synlab, another PPP-funded project that has been on for several years which is an ISO-Certified Laboratory with an international reputation for efficient and prompt services.

Of course, we are aware of the mobility of our personnel that have been attracted to seek greener pasture abroad. In order to prioritise staff welfare, a lot of initiatives have been embarked upon to cater for our staff. A recent one is the Staff Emotional Care which provides emotional support in cases that may impact on their mental health and well-being. In addition, we have compulsory Annual Staff Medical Examination for each staff on their birthday.

The LUTH Staff Housing Project at Pakoto, Ifo, Ogun State, where 50 beneficiaries of the first batch of 300 houses would be home owners is under construction.

This scheme is supported by the Federal Mortgage Bank. The first set of houses will be ready next month.

In addition, Job Description handbook for Consultants has been produced while efforts are in progress to do the same for all cadres of LUTH workers. The Hospital Information Management System is also awaiting funds for its execution.

All the eight Endoscopes that became dysfunctional from overuse have been fully repaired in Germany and returned to LUTH for use.

However, efforts are ongoing to further improve efficiency of service delivery in the hospital: among them are the sixty Outpatient Consultation Rooms; the expansion of the Accidents and Emergency Department; new wards for services now in high demand, including Stroke, Burns, Child Psychiatry; more Operation Theatre Suites, modernisation of the Anatomic & Molecular Pathology Department; equipment and facilities, especially, new dental chairs, new CSSD equipment and new Lifts which are direly needed. We are hopeful that some of these facilities will be made available, subject to budgetary allocation.

Some years back, there was a deliberate policy to strengthen primary health care to ease the pressure on tertiary health institutions. Why have we abandoned that policy?

I will not agree that the policy on Primary Health Care had been abandoned. Rather, we have to take cognisance of Nigeria’s rising population and the fact that migration

What strategies have you put in place to cope with the rising demand for services here?

A lot has been done within our resources and abilities to scale up our services.

Remember we are talking of human life and wellbeing of the Nigerian people here, so we cannot but adopt whatever measures are desirable to add value to how patients are given attention, within reasonable time and of course, with charges too.

Part of what we have done is the addition of the new Blood Bank, a new Accidents & Emergency Laboratory, Optical Workshop & Laboratory, Acute Stroke Care Centre, Endo-laser Surgical Suite which were built from scratch. Each of these was the first of its kind in Nigeria and these projects have attracted favorable comments from clients, other federal institutions, government and staff.

In the last three and a half years, we have successfully rehabilitated the Modular Theatre, Accident and Emergency Department, Psychiatry and the Dental Outpatient departments. Water is very important to the hygiene and our operations, therefore our 44,000 gallons per hour Water Treatment Plant is very functional now alongside the Industrial Incinerator and the Administrative Block which were previously in disrepair. All have been rehabilitated and are now fully in use. All eight endoscopes that became dysfunctional from overuse have been fully repaired in Germany and returned to LUTH for use.

At present, we stock more than 80 per cent of prescribed drugs and we have enough stock of medical consumables at all times. Those we could not stock are the rarely prescribed items, implants and other expensive individualised needs.

Within this same period, the School of Biomedical Engineering, the Advanced Fertility Centre, the Interns’ Hostel Accommodation, Olikoye Ransome Kuti Children’s Emergency Building, Infectious Disease Isolation Unit, have all been completed and put to use.

To cater for the personnel, the longabandoned Road 6 was reconstructed with gutters on both sides and has been graded and in use, now ready for asphalting.

Similarly, the student nurses’ Hostels & Nurses’ Seminar Rooms have all been repaired and currently functional.

We are aware of the importance of water to operations and hygiene to patients and health workers. Now every ward and building at LUTH enjoy adequate water supply due to the rehabilitation of the water treatment plant where 40,000 gallons of water is produced every hour in addition to being connected to the Lagos State Water Corporation pipeline. We also have boreholes in a few locations within the hospital.

Truly, the old MRI machine is dysfunctional due to years of use, but a new one has been ordered and should be in place before the end of December this year.

Recently, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority partnered with LUTH to upgrade the Radiotherapy Unit and build an Advanced Cancer Treatment Centre. With an investment of $10 million, LUTH is being re-equipped with three new Linear Accelerators, a Brachytherapy Machine, Treatment Planning System and many other facilities to make us a pride of place for patients with cancer.

The Eyeware Laboratory is now equipped to get tested and be issued with a new pair of eye-glasses under an hour at the Crystal Optics Eyeware Laboratory. Our Advanced Fertility Centre charges only a modest fee for IVF services and we are already recording success. Just recently, seven of nine infertile women became pregnant in one cycle of infertility treatment.

Through the Suicide Research & Preven-

tion Initiative, (SURPIN) LUTH has been able to save over 100 lives nationally, using our SURPIN Hotline Service where calls were received that prevented suicide in 16 states of the federation in past 18 months.

In the same way, drug abuse problems are combated by linking callers to Appropriate Mental Health Services at different locations.

This novel initiative prompted the West African Health Organisation to visit LUTH and understudy its model for replication in other West African countries. In fact, a number of other institutions have come to understudy these new models of service delivery.

The Blood Bank which was long a place of blood scarcity and agony has been transformed into yet another sphere of excellence. It is one of the best in Nigeria. With well-stocked fridges and a fully-equipped floor, surgeons, pediatricians, physicians and obstetricians are happy with the blood bank as availability of blood and blood products is now guaranteed.

Although majority of nurses employed were young and highly mobile female workers who constantly marry and are much sought-after abroad, LUTH recruits up to 100 new nurses every year. Many also leave the system for greener pastures.

As such, locum workers are also recruited in areas where such are direly needed, as is common practice the world over. Currently, LUTH has close to 700 nurses even as its peak bed capacity is about 500.

These and many more should be the feats to celebrate in appreciating the great strides and efforts of the federal government and the management of a reputable health institution like LUTH. This will further encourage the sacrifice and service of the personnel towards combating the health needs of our nation and motivating those practicing at home to remain committed to the task of saving life.

In our desire for excellence, many projects are ongoing. The LUTH/NSIA Advanced Cancer treatment Centre, a PPP Project worth $10 million, is at an advanced stage ready for commissioning in January 2019.

On completion, the Centre will feature 3 new Linear Accelerators, 1 Brachytherapy Machine, a Treatment Planning System, Seminar Rooms and teaching facilities.

Another is the Radiology Department which is also being re-equipped through a PPP initiative with Messrs JNCI to provide three new digital X-Ray machines, Fluoroscopy, Mammography, MRI machine, Mobile X-Ray machines, ultra-scan Machines, Picture Archiving Machine and many more.

The whole facility is being upgraded to make it a one-stop Imaging Centre. This project will also be ready for inauguration

by January 2019.

LUTH is building a Treatment Center for over 8000 HIV-AIDS patients. The project is now at the roofing stage now and will also be ready for commissioning next January.

Are you optimistic that these measures can stand the test of time amidst increasing population of Lagos?

Despite the pressure, we must continue to do our best for the welfare and wellbeing of our citizens. There is no other option. As we are all aware, government resources are not limitless in the face of competing demands.

As you know, citizens are also yearning for quality education, good roads and potable water in all our towns and villages. All these are competing for scarce resources.

It is therefore critical that the health care sector must continue to be managed by competent, committed and selfless managers; policy makers and managers who can think out of the box and make the greatest impact with limited available resources and manpower.

At LUTH efforts are ongoing to further improve efficiency of service delivery in the hospital. Going round, you have seen the renovated Triage Area of our Accidents and Emergency Department. New wards for services are now in high demand and we need a Stroke Rehabilitation Unit, Burns Ward, and a Ward for Child Psychiatry.

We have plans to build and equip more Operation Theatre Suites, modernise the Anatomy and Molecular Pathology section, get new equipment and facilities including new dental chairs, new CSSD equipment and new elevators. All these plans are subject to availability of funds.

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˜ ˞ OCTOBER 13, 2018

VINTAGE

UnilagWaterfront: An UntappedTourist Destination Ferdinand Ekechukwu recently visited the University of Lagos Waterfront and writes that it’s an untapped tourism destination

T

he University of Lagos waterfront is a major tourist attraction to the university community. Its tranquil setting explores natural ambience. The inspiration that flows from the place is wistful. On a usual day, a good number of people visit it for various reasons.

Being one of the most popular leisure spots at the campus, students come there to read, some on romantic picnics, while others for adventurous and licentious trysts. Yet some traverse there just to meditate on their academic misfortunes and woes.

Prosper Okeke who has been there five times this semester said: “Because of the trees and the natural ambience, it’s actually a cool place to come and relax. Most students come here to think of worries. Like now, I came here actually (sighs) because I just wrote a test and I saw the test score was very bad.�

People, young and old, children, from within and beyond the university; Akoka and its environs are patrons.

For most first time callers to the school, the waterfront is the major attraction that easily comes to their minds.

Relatively a safe location depending on the time of visit, it is not unusual to find people at the edge of the lagoon for one reason or the other due to its idyllic ambience. On any visit here, one is likely to meet motley of friends playing, relaxing or sightseeing. Crab holes litter the surroundings.

Trees of various kinds dot the place. For Alex Okwuaku, whose last visit was five years ago, the place is okay but could be better with more recreational facilities. “I actually grew up around this area. So I come here

I want to say it’s a place where people can have time by the lagoon front which also means that a lot of possible boat cruise and others can happen here. I am somebody who is passionate about tourism potentials of every location I am‌.and knowing that this is one of the closest to my neighbourhood, I know that I have made personal enquiries and efforts, I can tell you that, and I’m aware that it’s a process

when we were young. I remember the time when we were crazy about crabs; you know, trying to hunt for crabs and stuffs like that. I don’t know about the younger generation but I think I don’t hear much about the story when people say ‘we are going to Lagoon Front’. Even then, those who were not in school were crazy about coming to the spot.

For now, within the younger folks, except for people that are in Unilag or people within the area, I don’t see that urge to come here again. “But what it is offering me is probably just the Lagoon Front and the calmness of the place. I could do more here if I have some facilities other than just looking at the lagoon and relaxing. If they put those things in place even if it has to be revenue driven, they can turn it into a big park.�

People having a feel of the evening breeze or simply enjoying the ocean views from the shores of the Lagoon Front are regulars at this site. Notable as spot for picnics, pictures and meditation, hence day-trippers, couples, young lovers and photographers are always here for one social engagement or activity at different spots under the coconut trees.

The erstwhile Lagoon Front, now Unilag Waterfront provides a landscape view of the third mainland bridge, said to be the longest bridge in Africa. Its prime view from the lagoon and its serene atmosphere gives a sprawling overview of the bridge with automobiles on speed. “It’s mostly serene, calm, cool breeze and nothing much‌ and yes the quietnessâ€?, reckons Olatunji Moses, 300 level Law students who visit twice weekly.

He says, “Anytime I come here, I get to do what I want to do so fast and so easily. And inspirations like that pop in.

Everybody here is doing their thing seated in every angle depending on their mission here. Majorly students but sometimes, the art people come here; outsiders too come here to do pre-wedding photo shoot, birthday photo shoot and stuffs like that. Sometime ago, I think I saw Gabriel Afolayan come here and they shot some videos with some other actors. Yea I think there should be some renovations and stuffs; there should be enough chairs for people to sit and do stuffs. I think it’s somehow dirty. So if there are some sorts of innovations as regards the cleanliness and other stuffs, it will be more befitting to come over here.�

During a recent visit, scores of students were seen in groups. There was a group of boys discussing while smoking at the left end near the wall that borders the lagoon and the Unilag Guest House. Just at the extreme part was another group of a Muslim society identified with the hijab. Apparently, they were observing their weekly ritual in a peaceful manner. Another set of final year students from Banking and Finance department were there for a photo shoot, preparatory for their year book and complemented by the presence of some budding artistes who were rehearsing songs.

At the extreme right of the lagoon front were a group of Christians in a prayer session. From a distance, one could hear them chant religious songs while clapping and praising God. There were also the studious students seen in groups reading in what seems like a last minute revision for their impending exams. They barely have five weeks to the end of session. Others were just lounging and idling

away their time in frivolous discussion as observed. There were also pupils from the university’s foundation school on excursion, guided by their teachers.

Although transportation by boat or canoe has been prohibited around the vicinity, one observed a canoe brought in a student from the Bariga, Oworonshoki axis despite the notice that cautions canoe operators. The seawaters clap gently against the stoppers, the atmosphere is one of cool breeze. The barricade by some parts of the shoreline has gone off. Empty plastic water bottles and other garbage pushed in by the waves littered the waterfront. The large rubber waste bins put at strategic points there are as good as useless.

There were officers of the works and physical planning department of the school seen around the location. One of them claimed the place was being cleaned daily. However, the overgrown weed covering large expanse of the area put paid to the claim as that appears far from the truth.

From all indications, the place lacks proper maintenance.

The structures there seem abandoned. Broken slabs here and there, most of the walkways that network the footpaths are unkempt, and the security posts in a shabby and derelict state. Once it is getting dark, visitors are quick to leave.

The last time the area was given a serious facelift was in 2008 during the tenure of Prof. Tolu Odugbemi. Further attempts to dignify the area recently, during the schools golden jubilee, have added to the near ruins that lie at the place. Like the multimillion naira Waterfront Fountain which has remained fallow since it was constructed and the University of Lagos 50th Anniversary Park facilitated by late Deacon Gamaliel Onosode, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council 2009 – 2013. Interestingly, the Unilag Waterfront is akin to Whispering Palms at Badagry which was designed and beautified by a former vice chancellor of the school, Professor Deji Femi Pearse.

To Dr. Patrick Okpah, who with his family, was incidentally among picnickers met during the time of this report, “I have seen this as a major relaxation spot. I was told that there were efforts concerning this with respect to the guest house, the swimming pool and this axis. But I would rather say that this has the potential to become the major tourist attraction on the Lagos mainland. So much can happen here. Even as we speak now, families are here, people are playing, people are reading, people are praying too. “So, I want to say it’s a place where people can have time by the lagoon front which also means that a lot of possible boat cruise and others can happen here. I am somebody who is passionate about tourism potentials of every location I am‌.and knowing that this is one of the closest to my neighbourhood, I know that I have made personal enquiries and efforts, I can tell you that, and I’m aware that it’s a process.â€?

Is there any plan by the school authority towards revamping the place and making it befitting to boost the tourism potential of the Waterfront? Director of Works and Physical Planning, Unilag, Dr. E A Adeniran, was not on seat to respond to this question.

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

23

24

˜ ˞ OCTOBER 13, 2018

PERSPECTIVE

Ekweremadu and the PDP

Barnabas Nze

Ekweremadu stands out because when it looked as though the PDP was down and out; when it seemed like the end of the road for it; and when it was deserted like an orphan by its teeming fair weather friends and well wishers, Ekweremadu and his comrades- the PDP delegation to the 8th National Assembly pulled a masterstroke at the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly. They did not only become the kingmakers that installed all the presiding oďŹƒcers of the National Assembly, but also ensured that Ekweremadu returned as Deputy Senate President

B

y the time this is published, the vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2019 election would have been announced. So, this piece is certainly not to canvass the selection of the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu. It is rather a retrospect on the man whose roles in keeping the PDP alive at the most trying time in its history, to a great extent, helped the party to weather the storm of the post 2015 election defeat to emerge the beautiful bride that it is today.

But, first, let me say that the Senate number two man has also benefited a lot from the PDP. He has served as Chief of Staff, Government House in Governor Chimaroke Nnamani administration.

He later served as Secretary to State Government (SSG) before heading to the Senate where he has been consecutively elected four times as Senator and thrice as Deputy Senate President.

However, there are also others, who had benefited even far more than Ekweremadu, but turned their backs on the party at the most critical time.

I am not talking about those who left the PDP in 2015 over lack of internal democracy and the decision of former President Goodluck Jonathan to run for a second term in 2015, a decision the North saw as an attempt to short-change them.

As the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, rightly remarked recently, the real enemies of the PDP were those who stayed behind to work against the party from the inside in the 2015 election. Let me add to Wike’s diagnosis that the real enemies of the party are also a retinue of people, who benefited heavily from the party as Senate President, Speakers, Ministers, Governors, serving and former Senators and members of the House of Representatives, but dumped it immediately the PDP lost the general elections.

Some left because they are incurable “long throat�, who always want to be where the milk and honey flows, but never ready to rear the cow or farm the bee. Some left because they had skeletons in their cupboards and could not stand the media trial and harassment in a clearly selective “anti-corruption war�. Even some, who have no skeletons know that being an opposition leader is the worst form of corruption and anathema as far as this government is concerned.

Ekweremadu stands out because when it looked as though the PDP was down and out; when it seemed like the end of the road for it; and when it was deserted like an orphan by its teeming fair weather friends and well wishers, Ekweremadu and his comrades- the PDP delegation to the 8th National Assembly pulled a masterstroke at the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly. They did not only become the kingmakers that installed all the presiding officers of the National Assembly, but also ensured that Ekweremadu returned as Deputy Senate President.

Expectedly, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) didn’t take Ekweremadu’s reemergence lying low, for they well understood the wider implications. One of the APC chieftains that did not hide his feelings and wider implications of that development was the Chief Chris Ngige, who said that it was a bad omen for the APC that a PDP man had become the highest-ranking elected public office holder from the South East.

He said: “The PDP in the South-East will have oxygen to breath from since they now have the highest ranking person in Nigeria coming from the South-East, that disadvantages us and puts us in a difficult position on our aspiration to make the South-East people to join the main stream of Nigerian politics by aligning with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government.�

Ngige told journalists that Ekweremadu had made the job of the South East APC difficult, but vowed: “You know, there are many ways to kill a rat. You can decide to go and kill it manually, you can go and put it in hot water, and you can use poison - Gammalin. We are back to the drawing table because it poses a problem for us�.

Of course, APC chieftains and Senators took turns bemoan the development, threatening fire and brimstone. In fact, a media reports quoted the President, Muhammadu Buhari, as saying that Ekweremadu’s emergence was unacceptable. The APC spokesperson in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, said that the party would stop at nothing to remove the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and Ekweremadu, even if it would require cutting off his their hands from the exalted seats.

But, he had an option- to dump the PDP and defect to the APC. Beside the covert pushes to have him in the folds to take hold of the South East, there were also open overtures. On one

Ekweremadu occasion, the spokesperson of the Senate Unity Forum, Senator Kabir Marafa, said “The remaining problem is what we do with our Deputy Senate President — my leader and my boss. Let me use the opportunity to call on my leader and my boss, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, to please defect to the APC and that will seal the whole thing and there will never be a problem.�

On his 56th birthday, the Majority Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan even waved the carrot of a possible 2023 presidential ticket at him. While paying tribute to him at plenary, Lawan said: “I will use this opportunity to urge Senator Ike Ekweremadu to see through the mist; this woolly environment and take the right decision. You are an asset. I want to say clearly that you are going to fit in perfectly well. 2023 is here (for you) for the taking�.

Ekweremadu survived an assasnination attempt in November 2015. He was charged to court along with Saraki for alleged forgery of Senate Standing Rule, which they claimed helped him and Saraki to emerge. It was such an idiotic claim, Nigerians knew. They were nevertheless arraigned, even when there was no mention of their names anywhere in the police report. The Federal Government withdrew the case when it became clear it was an effort in futility.

The police stormed his official guest house in

Abuja in search of phantom caches of arms, which many saw as a failed attempt to set him up. They also launched attack at him from the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property headed by Chief Okoi Obono-Obla.

Not, done, they used the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to come after him when the hostage-taking of himself and Saraki on 24th July 2018 and the siege to the National Assembly for their unlawful refusal did not yield result.

To sum it, Ekweremadu has practically taken the bullet to for the PDP to keep it alive. Apart from his work as the Chairman of the PDP Post-election Review Panel that turned the fortunes of the party around and also recommended the zoning of the presidency to the North, he rallied the South East to unprecedentedly become the hotbed of opposition. They didn’t mind the python dances and marginalisation. I often imagine what could have become of the PDP if Ekweremadu just defected to the APC. PDP would have collapsed patapata.

Ordinarily, you would say that when a man has paid these dues and played such roles, he would have the right of first refusal if the Vice President were zoned to the East. But trust the Nigerian political parties. They don’t give a damn and the ticket could go to the man or woman with the largest war chest to co-fund the election. –––Nze, a political analyst writs from Lagos

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY OCTOBER 13, 2018

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

26

SPYGLASS

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

Encomiums as Oyinkan Adewale Bows Out

It was Paul Glen who said, “A good manager finds satisfaction in helping others to be productive and not being the most productive person in the room.’’

This sums up Oyinkan Adewale’s attitude to work as a banker for over three decades.

She retired as the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Union Bank this week.

Little wonder, the news of her retirement, which was received with mixed feelings.

In her banking career, the astute banker proved to the world that brilliance and intel-

ligence know no gender.

To say she succeeded in the male-dominated sector is an understatement, especially as her brilliance earned her rapid promotions in the industry.

She joined Union Bank Plc following its acquisition by the private equity investor consortium, United Global Partners Limited, in 2012 and retired as an Executive Director.

The veteran banker kicked off her banking career with Citibank, where she rose to the position of Executive Director and CFO for West Africa.

She went on to co-found

SIAO, a leading indigenous accounting firm, and later became the pioneer Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer for Renaissance Capital in Nigeria.

She also held other senior management positions, including Central Bank of Nigeria’s appointed Executive Director/CFO at Oceanic Bank and Group Head of MIS at Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

As CFO, she began the foundational work that led to developing and executing Union bank’s strategic objectives and transformation.

OYINKAN-ADEWALE

Lara Banjoko Bounces Back

LARA BANJOKO

Lara Banjoko, CEO, Zone 4 Energy Limited, is successful by all standards. As a businesswoman, she has worked so hard to make a name in the industry.

Many attest to the fact that she holds the magic wand that can turn the fortunes of any moribund petroleum company around.

Banjoko, a former Chief Operating Officer of Oando, is also scored highly in the social scene, as she is always a cynosure of eyes whenever she steps out. Her profile got a boost when she

floated her company, Zone 4 Energy, which has since become one of Nigeria’s fastest growing indigenous oil and gas brands.

Curiously, Spyglass gathered that some of her competitors have allegedly been sponsoring negative stories about her in the media.

The media war against her became more intense when her firm was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an allegation that it received N5 billion from a former Minister of Petroleum,

Diezani Alison-Madueke.

But many vouch for her integrity, maintaining that she would weather the storm in no time. Her supporters were indeed proven right, as the prosecution lost the case in 2016 for lack of merit.

Today, she cannot be happier, as Zone 4 Energy is fast going global, with many outlets recently opened across the country despite the harsh economic situation in the country.

This is evidence that she surely knows her onions.

Oba Fredrick Akinruntan’s Words on Marble His Royal Majesty, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, is one of the richest and most flamboyant traditional rulers in the country.

Besides, he is outspoken and never shies away from saying things the way it is without minding whose ox is gored. For some inexplicable reasons, many cannot fathom his seeming silence in recent time.

But their fears, even if misplaced, may now be put to rest as the colourful King, who is also

the Chairman of Obat Petroleum, ‘resurfaced’ in grand style, last Monday, when he was honoured with an award at the Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Initiative of Nigeria (TEEIN) in Lagos.

Obateru was presented with the award of ‘Distinguished Excellence in Enterprise Creation and Philanthropy’ by the President of TEEIN, Bola Adeboye. In his remark at the award night, he preached the gospel of patience to Nigeria youths.

Also, in what he

described as his independence goodwill message to the youth, he literally went on a voyage around oil business that he started with a paltry sum of N2, 000 and a loan of N40, 000 he obtained from a bank.

“A lot of countries had experienced what we are experiencing today and they are okay now. I am very convinced that Nigeria will be great in the nearest future. For the youths, I would advise you to tread softly in life and be focused,” he was quoted to have said on the occasion.

OBA AKINRUNTAN

Toye Arulogun’s Ambition

TOYE ARULOGUN

Before he came into the limelight as Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Oyo State, many did not know that this Ibadan-born dude, Toye Arulogun, had already carved a unique niche for himself in the brands, marketing, communication, advertising and broadcasting world.

It was only a few who knew about his antecedents and solid pedigree that readily

agree with his well-deserved appointment into Oyo State Government’s cabinet, first as a Special Adviser on Media to the governor during his first term and later his present portfolio in the now out-going second term of the governor.

So meticulous, articulate and efficient waw Arulogun in his responsibilities as the governor and government’s spokesperson that he soon wormed himself into the

hearts of many for obvious reasons Arulogun, a graduate of the University of Ibadan, is now touted to be eying a political post after he might have served his time with his principal, Ajumobi.

On the side, dynamic and very versatile Arulogun worked in dual capacities as the General Manager of Lagos-based MITV, where he also presented a popular programme, Lagos Sense.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

27

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Network Capital Ltd, Mr. Oluropo Dada; Non-Executive Director, Emerging Africa Capital, EAC , Advisory, Mr. Lucien Moolenaar; Chairman, EAC Advisory, Mallam Mahmoud Bello; Group CEO, Emerging Africa L-R: Fitness Coach,Mr. Leo Onezer; exercise participant,Mr. Necim Sa Baran; Exercise Participant,Ms. Kelechi Mathe; Capital Group, Mrs Toyin Sanni and Lead Partner, Giwa-Osagie and Co., Barr. Osayaba Giwa-Osagie at the launch of and Public Relations Manager, Power Oil, Mrs. Omotayo Azeez-Abiodun, during the Power Oil ‘Pay With Calories 5.0’ activation to commemorate 2018 World Heart Day in Lagos “Riding The Eagle’ ,a book written by Toyin Sanni, in Lagos recently

Emerging Africa Unveils Book to Guide Investors A drop in global flow of Foreign Direct Investment, (FDI) by 23 per cent in 2017, has created an urgent need to make the global investment environment more conducive through open and non-discriminatory investment policies.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Africa Capital Group (EAC), Toyin Sanni stated this in her new book, ‘Riding the Eagle’, which examines the strengths and weaknesses of the Nigerian investment market.

The book was launched on the sidelines of EAC inaugural board meeting, chaired by renowned economist, Mrs. Nike Akande.

According to the author, the work is directed at local and foreign investors who wish to explore the Nigerian market.

She said that the idea of the book was to correct misconceptions in the market and her quota towards making Nigeria a sustainable

preferred destination for FDI flows.

According to Sanni, African economies are naturally some of the worst hit by the reversal in global FDI. She pointed out that Nigeria often attracted global attention for wrong reasons, such as economic mismanagement, corruption, terrorism, extreme poverty, infrastructure deficiencies and financial inequalities, amongst others.

“Regardless, a growing segment of global investment market is beginning to realise the significant investment opportunities that the country offers. Investors are learning to properly dimension the opportunities in the market to adopt measures to appropriately evaluate, mitigate, transfer or otherwise manage the risks of playing in Africa’s market.”

She added that the book provides answers to a wide range of questions that an investor may want to know about the business sectors

in the country.

Reviewing the book, Managing Partners of London based Anthem Advisory LLP, and a non-Executive Director on the EAC group, Lucien Moolenaar , described the book as an excellent ‘go-to’ source book, coming at a right time.

He noted that for as much as Nigeria was imaged in its weaknesses, investors around the world find it hard to ignore the scale of investment opportunities the country boasts of.

“The book is more practical than academic, more pragmatic than ideological and written from the perspective of one of the most experienced and innovative investment bankers in the market. I therefore recommend the book for those who have already invested in the Nigerian market or aspiring to enter it,” he said.

Indomie Rewards Exceptional Children It was a display of emotions and awakening of hopes as Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie Noodles, recently held the 11th edition of the Indomie Independence Day Award,IIDA. The IIDA is Dufil’s corporate social responsibility initiative aims to reward and celebrate Nigerian children below age 15 that have demonstrated bravery to physical, social and intellectual challenges.

This year’s event, which held amid pomp and pegeantry in Lagos, presented Elijah Ephraim Umanah, Victor Olayiwola and David Nengi Ayomide Pepple as the 2018 Independence heroes .The trio were rewarded with millions of naira worth of scholarship.

Pepple, nine , emerged the social hero of the year for his rare artistry works,the proceeds from which he uses to foot the hospital bill of his younger brother who is down with cerebral palsy. Pepple was not only rewarded

with millions of naira but also attracted the sympathy of the organisers which promised to pay the hospital bills of his sick brother.

13 year-old Senior Secondary School 1 Umanah, became the intellectual hero of the year for his creative ingenuity that saw him produced reading ingenuity, using torchlight, solar panel and universal serial bus (USB) ports.

In his address, Chief Executive Officer of Multipro Consumer Products Limited, Mr. Pawan Sharma, reiterated that IIDA emanated from the brand’s passion for children and their laudable exploits.

“As a brand, we decided to take our CSR initiative further to celebrate unnoticed and unsung heroes whose extraordinary feats worth rewarded.

“This year, we received hundreds of entries and when we go through those entries, we were amazed to see amazing exploits of Nigerian children. We are grateful to our

partners , including Stanbic IBTC Bank and TVC Communications for supporting this cause, individual or organisations who may want to support this cause are equally welcome.”

Speaking further, the Founder of Rise Networks, Mrs. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, emphasised the need to empower Nigerian children through quality and scientific-oriented education for the overall growth and development of the country “I want to commend Dufil for its consistency in the past 11 years. This I will like to say is the most inspiring programme for Nigerian children which has not only succeeded in igniting hopes, but as well reshaped societal values in the positive.”

The high point of the event was the announcement of the 2018 physical hero.

Olayiwola, 15, emerged the physical hero for saving his mother from a car accident, which later resulted to his left leg being amputated.

PZ Launches Mamador Devon King’s Seasoning Cubes The PZ Wilmar has launched a new product in Ibadan ‘Mamador Devon King’s seasoning cubes’ to breach the nutrients gap in food consumption with lesser spending by the family.

The management of the company said the latest product has been imbued with the 30 percent recommended daily allowance for healthy living in food intakes.

A representative of the management, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Popoola Dania said Devon King’s Seasoning Cubes comprises 15percent

zinc and another 15 percent iron to cater for the health needs of the families.

Dania said the company chose Ibadan for the flag-off because of the love residents of the city and neighbouring Abeokuta, Osogbo and other cities closer to Ibadan have in Mamador products over the years.

With improved taste, and edible variants, Dania said the new product requires no condiments to give consumers value for their money.

Dania further remarked that Devon King’s

seasoning cubes was specially formulated to reduce money being spent on cooking.

She said even without chicken or beef, consumers can still enjoy every semblance of their taste required in their food consumption adding that, “devon king’s seasoning chicken cubes remains the best in the market for all types of meals or cooking”.

A consumer, Dr. Adeyoola Olaitan recommended the new product for young and old especially people above 40 years.

Maltina Raises Hope of Teachers, Rewards Excellence Nigerian Breweries Plc., NBplc, has restated its commitment to educational development by sustaining the ‘Maltina Teachers of the Year’ initiative, geared towards the improvement and motivation of teachers through reward.

This year, the initiative produced and rewarded not less than 26 teachers from different states with N500,000 each for their outstanding work.

Managing Director, NBplc, Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel explained that in line with its philosophy of ‘Winning with Nigeria’, the company resolved in 1994, to play a more active role in the development of education in the country, which was why it established the Nigerian Breweries – Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund with a commencement capital of N100 million.

He added that in 2015, the company’s intervention in education was expanded to include teachers when the ‘Maltina Teacher of the Year’ initiative was launched.

According to him, the idea was hinged on the realisation that teachers hardly got the recognition they deserved in spite of the pivotal role they play in determining the quality of education and the future of the country.

He said that the committed fund has so far impacted over 25,000 students with over 400 classrooms, 30 libraries and laboratories built in over 40 communities across Nigeria.

The programme this year saw an Abuja based teacher, Olasunkanmi Samuel Opeifa, win the teacher of the year award.

Opeifa, a teacher in Government Day Secondary School, Karu, Abuja was rewarded with one million Naira in addition to N500,000 he received as state champion from Abuja.

He will also get N1 million every year for the next five years and a block of six classrooms built at his school.

Olalekan Adeeko, a Computer Studies teacher from Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, Ogun State emerged the first runner-up, while Mr. Samuel Temitope Popoola, a Physics teacher with Deeper Life High School, Akure, Ondo State clinched the second runnerup position.

Apart from the N500,000 reward, as State Champion, the first and second runners-up got an additional N1 million and N750,000, respectively.

In his remark, Opeifa said: “Today, I am very happy and proud to say that teachers’ rewards are both in heaven and on earth. My father never believed in me as a teacher, but my passion kept me going on the job. I’m indeed happy for a day like this; I want to specifically thank my wife who has been supportive. This appreciation can only make me get better.”

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 13, 2018

FAMILY HEALTH with

Dealing with Arthritis

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com 08053372356

Arthritis

T

he human body is a very delicate structure, with your bones forming a great part of your shape. The importance of the bone has made it a carrier or support for your body, and this makes your joint to be susceptible to arthritis.

Arthritis is a disease causing painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints.

It causes pain and inflammation in a joint. This condition affects people of all ages.

Types of arthritis

The two most common types of arthritis are: r 0TUFPBSUISJUJT r 3IFVNBUPJE BSUISJUJT Both forms damage joints in different ways. r 0TUFPBSUISJUJT 0TUFPBSUISJUJT JT UIF NPTU DPNmon type of arthritis affecting around millions of people. It most often develops in adults who are in their late 40s or older. It’s also more common in women and people with a family history of the condition. However, it can occur at any age as a result of an injury or be associated with other joint-related conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to your joint’s cartilage — the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones. Enough damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can be IBTUFOFE CZ B KPJOU JOKVSZ PS JOGFDUJPO 0TUFPBSthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement more difficult UIBO VTVBM MFBEJOH UP QBJO BOE TUJGGOFTT 0ODF UIF cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, the tendons and ligaments have to work harder. This can cause swelling and the formation of bony spurs, called osteophytes. Severe loss of cartilage can lead to bone rubbing on bone, altering the shape of the joint and forcing the bones out of their normal position.

The most commonly affected joints are those in the: )BOET r 4QJOF r ,OFFT r )JQT r 3IFVNBUPJE BSUISJUJT *U PGUFO TUBSUT r when a person is between 40 and 50 years old.

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The outer covering (synovial) of the joint is the first place affected. This can then spread across the joint, leading to further swelling and a change in the joint’s shape. This may cause the bone and cartilage to break down. People with 3IFVNBUPJE BSUISJUJT DBO BMTP EFWFMPQ QSPCMFNT with other tissues and organs in their body. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This

Osteoarthritisis themostcommon typeofarthritis affectingaround millionsof people.It mostoftendevelops inadultswhoare intheirlate40sor older.It’salsomore commoninwomen andpeoplewitha familyhistoryofthe condition.However, itcanoccuratanyage asaresultofaninjury orbeassociatedwith otherjoint-related conditions,suchas goutorrheumatoid arthritis.Themost commontypeof arthritis,osteoarthritisinvolveswear-andteardamagetoyour joint’scartilage—the hard,slickcoatingon theendsofbones.

Enoughdamage canresultinbone grindingdirectlyon bone,whichcauses painandrestricted movement.Thiswear andtearcanoccur overmanyyears,orit canbehastenedbya jointinjuryorinfection.Osteoarthritis initiallyaffectsthe smoothcartilage liningofthejoint.This makesmovement moredifficultthan usual,leadingtopain andstiffness

lining, known as the synovial membrane, becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

3JTL GBDUPST GPS BSUISJUJT JODMVEF r 'BNJMZ IJTUPSZ 4PNF UZQFT PG BSUISJUJT run in families, so you may be more likely to develop arthritis if your parents or siblings have the disorder. Your genes can make you more susceptible to environmental factors that may trigger arthritis. r "HF 5IF SJTL PG NBOZ UZQFT PG BSUISJUJT — including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout — increases with age. r :PVS TFY 8PNFO BSF NPSF MJLFMZ UIBO are men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while most of the people who have gout, another type of arthritis, are men. r 1SFWJPVT KPJOU JOKVSZ 1FPQMF XIP IBWF injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint. r 0CFTJUZ $BSSZJOH FYDFTT QPVOET QVUT stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips and TQJOF 0CFTF QFPQMF IBWF B IJHIFS SJTL PG EFWFMoping arthritis.

Symptoms:

The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis involve the joints. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your signs and symptoms NBZ WBSZ 5IF TZNQUPNT PG BSUISJUJT ZPV FYQFSJence will vary depending on the type you have and this is why it is important to have an accurate diagnosis if you have: r +PJOU QBJO UFOEFSOFTT BOE TUJGGOFTT r *OáBNNBUJPO JO BOE BSPVOE UIF KPJOUT r 3FTUSJDUFE NPWFNFOU PG UIF KPJOUT r 8BSN SFE TLJO PWFS UIF BGGFDUFE KPJOU r 8FBLOFTT BOE NVTDMF XBTUJOH r %FDSFBTFE SBOHF PG NPUJPO $PNQMJDBUJPOT Severe arthritis, particularly if it affects your hands or arms, can make it difficult for you to do daily tasks. Arthritis of weight-bearing joints can keep you from walking comfortably or sitting up straight. In some cases, joints may become twisted and deformed. %*"(/04*4 %VSJOH UIF QIZTJDBM FYBN ZPVS EPDUPS XJMM check your joints for swelling, redness and warmth. He or she will also want to see how well you can move your joints. Depending on the type of arthritis suspected, your doctor may suggest some of the following tests. r -BCPSBUPSZ UFTUT r 5IF BOBMZTJT PG EJGGFSFOU UZQFT PG CPEZ áVJET can help pinpoint the type of arthritis you may IBWF 'MVJET DPNNPOMZ BOBMZ[FE JODMVEF CMPPE urine and joint fluid. To obtain a sample of your joint fluid, your doctor will cleanse and numb the area before inserting a needle in your joint space to withdraw some fluid (aspiration).

r

*NBHJOH

r 5IFTF UZQFT PG UFTUT DBO EFUFDU QSPCMFNT within your joint that may be causing your TZNQUPNT &YBNQMFT JODMVEF r 9 SBZT 6TJOH MPX MFWFMT PG SBEJBUJPO UP WJTVBMJ[F CPOF 9 SBZT DBO TIPX DBSUJMBHF MPTT CPOF EBNBHF BOE CPOF TQVST 9 SBZT NBZ OPU reveal early arthritic damage, but they are often used to track progression of the disease. r $PNQVUFSJ[FE UPNPHSBQIZ $5 $5 TDBOOFST UBLF 9 SBZT GSPN NBOZ EJGGFSFOU BOHMFT and combine the information to create crossTFDUJPOBM WJFXT PG JOUFSOBM TUSVDUVSFT $5T DBO WJTVBMJ[F CPUI CPOF BOE UIF TVSSPVOEJOH TPGU tissues. r .BHOFUJD SFTPOBODF JNBHJOH .3* $PNbining radio waves with a strong magnetic field, .3* DBO QSPEVDF NPSF EFUBJMFE DSPTT TFDUJPOBM images of soft tissues such as cartilage, tendons and ligaments. r 6MUSBTPVOE 5IJT UFDIOPMPHZ VTFT IJHI frequency sound waves to image soft tissues, cartilage and fluid-containing structures such as CVSTBF 6MUSBTPVOE BMTP JT VTFE UP HVJEF OFFEMF placement for joint aspirations and injections.

Treatment Of Arthritis: There’s no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help slow down the condition.

Treating Osteoarthritis:

.FEJDBUJPOT BSF PGUFO QSFTDSJCFE JODMVEJOH r 1BJOLJMMFST r /PO 4UFSPJEBM "OUJ *OáBNNBUPSZ Drugs (NSAIDs) r $PSUJDPTUFSPJET In severe cases, the following surgical procedures may be recommended: r BSUISPQMBTUZ KPJOU SFQMBDFNFOU

r BSUIPEFTJT KPJOU GVTJPO

r 0TUFPUPNZ XIFSF B CPOF JT DVU BOE re-aligned) 53&"5*/( 3)&6."50*% "35)3*5*4 Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis aims to slow down the condition’s progress and minimise joint inflammation or swelling. This is UP USZ BOE QSFWFOU EBNBHF UP UIF KPJOUT 3FDPNmended treatments include: r "OBMHFTJDT QBJOLJMMFST

r %JTFBTF NPEJGZJOH BOUJ SIFVNBUJD ESVHT %."3%T m B DPNCJOBUJPO PG USFBUNFOUT is often recommended r 1IZTJPUIFSBQZ r 3FHVMBS FYFSDJTF 0G SFDFOU UIFSF IBT CFFO B TVSHF JO UIF FGGFDtive use of herbal remedies that are working quite well.

But it must be stressed that the use of any supplements whatsoever must be with your doctor or professionals approval.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

13.10.2018

Netherlands, Germany Renew Rivalry PAGE. 32

2019 AFCON QualiďŹ er

Mediterranean Knights Try Super Eagles for Size

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀

2019 AFCON QualiďŹ er Mediterranean Knights Try Super Eagles for Size Ă’Ă? Ă&#x;ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă‘Ă–Ă?Ă? ÖÙÙÕ ĂŽĂ?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ?Ă? ÞÓ×Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ÞËÕĂ? Ă™Ă˜ Ă“ĂŒĂŁĂ‹ ÞÙÎËã Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă›Ă&#x;ËÖÓʨĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ͺ͸͚ΠĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă&#x;Ăš Ă™Ă? Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ÙÎĂ?ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă•ĂšĂ‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ ÞËÎÓĂ&#x;Ă—Ëœ ãÙ˛ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă?Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž ÞåÙ Ă?ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ù×ÚĂ?ĂžĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ ÞÒĂ&#x;Ă? ĂšĂ&#x;ĘľĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ÚÖËãĂ?ĂœĂ? ÞÙ ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÒÙÓĂ?Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁËŞĂ? ĘŽĂ‹Ă‘ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ͺ͸͚ΠĂ?ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ù×ÚĂ?ĂžĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă™Ă˜

T

he Super Eagles of Nigeria will today at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State take on the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in a match the three-time African champions must win to have a chance of qualifying for next year’s edition of the Africa Cup of Nations billed for Cameroon.

After two matches, Libya top Group E with four points, after demolishing the group’s weeping boy-Seychelles 5-1 and drawing South Africa 0-0, while Nigeria have only three points from the same number of matches, with a loss at home to the Bafana Bafana in their first group game and a 3-0 win against Seychelles in their last game.

That is why today’s encounter against The Mediterranean Knights is a must win for the Super Eagles for them to have a chance of playing in Cameroon’s edition of AFCON next year after missing out of the last two editions.

To ensure that the team enjoys tremendous home support, the Akwa Ibom State Government has slashed from N1,000 to

N500 ticket price for the match. The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Sports, Mr. Paul Bassey, disclosed this while interacting with sports journalists in Uyo. According to him, “Fans will have to pay as low as N500.00 to watch the crucial game from the popular stands as against N1,000.00 while those wishing to see the game from the VIP stands would now pay a token of N1,000.00 as against the initial N2,000.00 price tag. “The tickets would also be available for sale later in the week. Football fans around the world usually pay huge amounts of money as gate fees to watch international games of this standard, but here in Akwa Ibom, His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel has graciously subsidised the ticket price to N500 for popular stands tickets and N1000 for VIP tickets,� said Bassey.

Also to ensure nothing is taken for granted, Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr had invited a 24 strong team23 of them foreign professionals that will confront Libya today.

However, like when the team played against Seychelles, team’s captain, China-

based Mikel Obi was again omitted from the list.

According to Super Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, Rohr dropped Obi from Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier game against Libya because he needs time to recover from injury.

Ibitoye, however, said that Mikel has been “excused� from Eagles’ squad to face Libya. “Mikel has been excused because he is just recovering from injury in China and needs time to fully regain fitness. We expect him to be available for the November game against South Africa,� Ibitoye told BBC Sport.

Mikel, who plays for Chinese club, Tianjin TEDA, has not played for his country since the summer’s 2018 FIFA World Cup, leading to speculation about his international future.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo has urged Nigerians to come out in support of the Super Eagles today. “We will be up against a strong Libyan side but we are the Super Eagles and we have a great squad. We will give our all to pick maximum six points from both games,� Omeruo assured.

Speaking in the same vein, Super Eagles forward, Moses Simon has stated that he was confident that Nigeria will pick a ticket to the 2019 AFCON ahead of the clash against Libya.

The Levante of Spain striker said: “We all want to be part of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations. We will take our chances in both games and give our best. We urge our fans to wear green and white and fill up the stadium on match day."

Interestingly, Libya coach Adel Amrouche had been talking tough ahead of their encounter with the Super Eagles.

Amrouche accused players of the Super Eagles of Nigeria of using ‘Juju’ ahead of the 2019 AFCON qualifiers between the two countries.

Amrouche gave his remarks about the Super Eagles after his side played a goalless draw against South Africa in their second group game of the qualification series.

The result which meant that Libya are on top of Group E with four points same as South Africa but with a better goal difference while the Super Eagles are behind with three points.

In his press conference after the encoun-

31

OCTOBER 13, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

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

ter, Amrouche revealed his admiration for his opponents and stated that they were tougher than the Super Eagles.

In a viral video clip upload to Twitter, Amrouche suggested that the Bafana Bafana had better players than Nigeria in today’s clash.

He said, "Believe me, I prefer to play Nigeria than Bafana Bafana because I have this experience to play against Nigeria. For me, Bafana they have fantastic players and its not easy to play Bafana Bafana."

He further went on to accuse players of the Super Eagles of using juju known as witchcraft.

He said, "I am ready for Nigeria, if they want to play two times in Nigeria, we play two times in Nigeria. They believe on juju too much, and we believe in God. It's not easy to play in South Africa."

It, however, came as a shock to observers that barely three days to the encounter between Nigeria and Libya, Amrouche resigned from his position as the head coach of the Libyan national team.

Libyan daily, Alwasat.ly, announced on Tuesday that Amrouche had quit his job after going six months without his salary

Group E TEAM Libya South Africa Nigeria Seychelles

P 2 2 2 2

WON 1 1 1 0

being paid.

Amrouche was appointed Omar AlMaryami’s successor in May. The newspaper also revealed that Al-Maryami will lead the Mediterranean Knights out against Nigeria in Uyo today.

Al-Maryami has already taken charge of the team’s training in Tunisia following the sudden exit of Amrouche.

Meanwhile, former Nigerian international, Henry Nwosu is confident that Rohr's men will topple the Mediterranean Knights in today's game in Uyo After a false start in the qualifiers - losing 2-0 to South Africa - the Super Eagles defeated Seychelles last month to brighten their chances in Group E.

DRAWN LOST 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 2

GF 5 2 3 1

GA 1 0 2 8

PTS 4 4 3 0

However, Nwosu does not see any upset being caused by the Mediterranean Knights over both legs as he also expects Rohr's side to see off their remaining oppositions.

“I know Libya have always been a troublesome country for Nigeria when it comes to football but with the way it is now I think our boys will be ready to give them what it takes to qualify because we are trailing so we must do everything humanly possible to see that we win this game,” Nwosu told Goal.com.

“South Africa too is there and we are supposed to beat them and I can't see us playing any draw with any team again.

“The boys and the coaches have shown that they are ready to go and, as such, I don't

see any team giving us a problem now, whether it is at home or away. But we must be very careful.

“Mikel is not there, no problem and Victor Moses has said he is not playing again - that is a minus on our side. But that would make the other guys step up.

“I once played football and anytime I was put on the bench to come in later, I go inside to show that I should have started this match and that's what I expect of our boys that'd be playing.

“They should show Nigerians that ‘look, if Moses is not there, if Mikel is not there, we can do better’. So that by the time they come back they will be struggling to enter the team.”

Two teams will progress from the group phase to the tournament scheduled to hold in Cameroon.

Libya are top in the Group E with four points, same as South Africa but with superior goal difference. The Super Eagles are third on the log with three points from two games and they need to win today to have any real chance of making it to AFCON 2019 in Cameroon, while Seychelles are bottom in the standings with no point.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚͝ Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

Germany celebrating victory against Spain

UEFA Nations League: Netherlands, Germany Renew Rivalry Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ? ĂžĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ Ă’Ă?Ă‹Ă ĂŁĂĄĂ?Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă?Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă’ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă? Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ? ÞËÕĂ? Ă™Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ It’s been a while since we’ve seen the Netherlands take part in an international competition, four years – since their thirdplace World Cup finish in 2014.

The UEFA Nations League, if nothing else, is technically an international competition, and one with qualification for the European Championships at stake.

Both Germany and Netherlands have already taken on current world champions France in UEFA’s brand-new competition, with the latter losing and Germany drawing.

While Germany endured pain at the World Cup in Russia, the Netherlands had the summer off having failed to qualify for the quadrennial competition. As a result, 2014 World Cup winners Germany are currently ranked 12th in the FIFA world rankings, while the Netherlands are five lower in 17th.

The Netherlands are in somewhat of a transitional period, following the interna-

tional retirements of two long-term stars Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, and having missed out on the World Cup and Euro 2016, starting life anew under Ronald Koeman.

And Germany are in a weird spell of their own following a disastrous World Cup but have kept a large part of their squad from Russia, with the group as a whole trying to figure out the problems.

However, after one game each in the Nations League, Germany are in a slightly better position having earned a point against France, while the Netherlands fell in a narrow defeat.

After the meeting between the two sides today, the Netherlands face Belgium in a friendly while Germany will have another go at the defending world champions France in the Nations League.

Fans of the Oranje hoping for an immediate turnaround under Ronald Koeman will have to be slightly more patient with

the Netherlands still some way off from their total football highs.

Given his squad selections, it appears Koeman is still trying to work out his best 25 players having given four men their first international call-ups this time around.

Although those that have been included fall into the category of ‘exciting prospect’ in the main which is promising for the future.

The World Cup was undeniably a disaster for Germany, with the then-defending world champions bowing out at the group stages. And it appears, with Joachim Low still in charge, Die Mannschaft have not quite worked out what is wrong.

Against France and Peru, Germany showed signs of the weaknesses exposed in Russia but also glimpses of what once saw them crowned world champions. It is up to Low to find the balance, replacing the stars who are beginning to fall with younger talent hungry to impress.

AFCON QualiďŹ er: Senegal Tackle Struggling Sudan Senegal will take on Sudan in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification Group A match at the Stade LĂŠopold SĂŠdar Senghor in Dakar today.

The Lions of Teranga extended their winless run to three games in all competitions when they surprisingly drew 2-2 with Madagascar away in their previous Group A match last month.

The draw left the West African giants placed at the top of the group standings with four points from two games. They are only above second-placed Madagascar on goal difference.

Senegal captain Cheikhou Kouyate has stressed the importance of securing a victory against the Falcons of Jediane.

"We will not hide - we will play a difficult game. It's up to us to please our fans because we come a long way with them," Kouyate said.

"After elimination in the first round of the (FIFA 2018) World Cup, we want to

start on a new foundation. But we will not succeed by talking.

"We must work. The Senegalese (people) are frustrated with our performance which we have displayed. Now we want to make a difference. It starts with a victory on Saturday."

Aliou Cisse's side will look to Liverpool FC forward Sadio Mane, who has the ability to inspire Senegal to victory against a struggling Sudan side.

Meanwhile, Sudan remain winless in Group A having lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea away in their previous game last month.

The defeat left the East African side placed fourth in the group standings without a single point from two games.

They are three points behind third-placed Equatorial Guinea.

Sudan head coach Zdravko Logarusic has insisted that his side will play without pressure against a much-fancied Senegal

side.

"It's football, anything is possible, but we know that Sudan's chances are minimal. We are aware that Senegal are the favourites, but we will do our best to honour ourselves," Logarusic said.

"We are here to enjoy without any pressure. It's a chance for my players to play against such a big team like Senegal. My players will have fun.

"We will fight to represent Sudan with dignity. Now, if the results arefavourable to us, we will be much happier - all of our players are locals, we have no foreignbased players."

The Falcons of Jediane will look to their inspirational captain Muhannad El Tahir, who netted against Madagascar in the 2019 AFCON qualifier last year.

The return leg between Senegal and Sudan will be played at the Khartoum Stadium in Khartoum next week Tuesday.

Weah Watches as Liberia Lose ͚̋͝ ÞÙ Ă™Ă˜Ă‘Ă™ Liberia's President George Weah watched on as his country's national team lost 3-1 to hosts Congo in 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

The former world footballer of the year, played in an international friendly for Liberia in September.

It was a first win in Group G for the Red Devils and lifts them to four points, leaving Liberia bottom of the pool with 1 point after three matches.

The two sides meet again in Monrovia on Tuesday.

DR Congo and Zimbabwe are the other two teams in Group G and they play on Friday in Kinshasa and then on Tuesday in Harare, both nations have four points from their opening two games.

Weah watched on as Merveil Ndockyt converted a cross on 15 minutes to give the hosts the lead at half-time in Brazzaville.

Norway-based Sam Johnson levelled two minutes after the break with a powerful shot that was warmly applauded

by Weah who played for Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.

However, Congo's win was sealed with goals from two Princes - Ibara headed home after 62 minutes and Oniangue in the final minute of the game.

Prsident Weah

33

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

GLOBAL SOCCER Ramla Ali

From the Bullets Ridden Mogadishu to a Boxing Champion When boxer Ramla Ali won the British and English titles in 2016 not one of her family was watching. This wasn't because they couldn't bear to watch - they simply didn't know

F

or the first Muslim woman to win an English boxing title had long kept her boxing a secret from her strict family - believing they would disapprove, as some still do.

"I remember I competed in the national finals," Ali, the daughter of an Imam, told BBC Sport Africa. "My parents live in Bethnal Green (in London) and the finals were taking place in nearby York Hall.

"I remember giving my kit bag to my coach and saying: 'I will meet you there later'. I said: 'Mum, mum, I'm going out for a run, I'll see you soon' - and all the while, I was going to compete nationally.

Those are the lengths I had to go to."

Ali started boxing in her early teens and told her mother that she was simply training for fitness, rather than contesting any bouts.

With her gentle demeanour masking a steely determination, it wasn't until her mid-20s that Ali's double life was blown.

'Why are you showing skin?'

"I remember walking in from training and everyone was there in the living room," explains a fighter who represented England prior to switching allegiance to her homeland, Somalia.

"I thought: 'What's going on here? We never sit down as a family' and they were like: 'Look, you need to stop. Why are you showing skin? A Muslim girl shouldn't be doing this, it's a man's sport - what's the community going to think?'

"It just broke my heart when they said that."

To please her family, the featherweight stopped - just as she has many times throughout her stop-start career, to its undoubted detriment.

At one point, graduate Ali worked for a London law firm but with regular late nights ruling out any chance of boxing, after six months she returned to a sport that has profoundly impacted upon her life.

Escape from Mogadishu Ali was a toddler when her family fled the Somali capital Mogadishu in the early 1990s after her elder brother, 12, was killed by a mortar while playing outside during the civil war.

That she is alive at all seems a minor miracle given the way her mother describes their terrifying escape from the city.

"We left behind our home, our papers, everything," says Anisa Maye Maalim.

"There were bombs and people shooting at us - they killed most of the people in our car."

After enduring a horrific nine-day boat journey to Kenya during which Maalim says many passengers on an overcrowded sailboat died of starvation, they survived on UN hand-outs in Mombasa prior to eventually arriving in England as refugees.

'I became hooked' They ended up in London where Ali, who only spoke Somali, began her education.

"I was fairly overweight - Somali food is delicious by the way - so I was picked on a lot for being the size I was," she recalls.

"So I went to the local gym."

"I eventually stumbled upon a boxercise class. I was sweating, out of breath and I thought: 'I love this'. I just became hooked - hooked on the results I was seeing in my body, the confidence I was gaining and the friends I was making."

Within a few years, the secret boxer was contesting proper bouts under bright lights even if nearly all her family was still in the dark, apart from a younger brother who helped her sneak out.

"She used to come home wearing sunglasses and a cap," recalls her mother, who has been far more vocal about Ali's boxing than her father.

"One day I saw her eyes were black and said: 'What happened to your eyes, Ramla?' She said: 'Oh - nothing Mum'."

Wedding ring woes On the few occasions she was rumbled, she always told her family she would give up but on the eve of her marriage two years ago her family discovered she was boxing again.

Her sisters and mother told her husband-to-be, Richard Moore - a boxing coach, that the marriage would not go ahead unless he stopped her pugilistic passions.

A problem with the ring?

"I had to say: 'Ok, I will' - knowing very well I wasn't going to," says Moore, the grandson of former Chelsea coach Dave Sexton.

"I wanted them to be happy with the marriage but I also wanted to see Ramla achieve her goals with something she has worked for all her life."

The next day, Ali boxed for - and won - the English title.

But by the time this unlikely couple walked down the aisle in October 2016, she had given up.

"Then I got a phone conversation saying I would be going to the European games," says Ali. "I thought: 'Well, I can't say no to that - let me get back down to the gym'. It's the best decision I ever made."

She represented England at the European Women's Boxing Championships the following month before winning the second of her English titles in December 2016.

'I'm so proud of you' But last year, Ali decided to represent Somalia which was a considerable challenge given that the country is regularly described as a failed state, and had no boxing federation.

But the newly-weds' indomitable drive resulted in the Somali Boxing Federation being approved in February, with Moore now the country's national boxing coach.

As Ramla and Richard pursued their goal, an interview with Somali TV earlier this year changed the boxer's life.

An uncle was watching.

"He said: 'I'm so proud of you. What you are doing is amazing and it breaks my heart that you have done it in secret for so long. Don't worry, I am going to tell your mum it's actually a good thing and it's not a bad thing'," she smiles.

"I can't tell you how much I cried that

day."

At long last, Ali's mother came on board - won over by the positives that could be brought for troubled Somalia.

"I can't stop her because she is not going to listen to me, so I'm just going to do what makes her happy," says Maalim.

"I just told her to cover up with a scarf so that people can know she is a good Muslim girl."

Community role model "The reasons my mum would ask me to stop were just because of community backlash - but now that she has found that the community is actually OK with it, she has become OK with it," says Ali. "In fact, she is really supportive now.

You can't imagine the relief and excitement you get from having a conversation about something you love with someone you love - it's just an incredible feeling."

Ali is also getting never-ending support from the very community her mother was once so concerned about.

"Every day I am getting messages from people saying: 'You are doing incredible things for our country, you are raising awareness for our country, a country that has been associated with war and famine for so long, so you are bringing a positive light to the country - thank you so much'."

Even though some in the community still disapprove, including some elder siblings, the aim is to go several steps further.

Somalia has never sent a boxer to the Olympics nor won a medal before - but Ali is targeting both in 2020.

Whether she succeeds or not, she believes she has already triumphed.

"I had a Muslim mother message me on social media saying: 'My daughter saw an interview of you and has now signed up for boxing - she is 10'.

"That's amazing so if you could do that throughout your career, you'd have won." t $VMMFE GSPN #$$ 4QPSU

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

German Magazine Stands by Ronaldo’s Rape Allegation The German magazine that reported a rape allegation made against footballer Cristiano Ronaldo says it has "no reason" to doubt the authenticity of key documents used in its story.

Ronaldo, 33, denies assaulting Kathryn Mayorga at a Las Vegas hotel in 2009.

Lawyers representing the Juventus player said on Wednesday that documents had been "completely fabricated".

But Der Spiegel said: "We have hundreds of documents from different sources that substantiate our reporting."

It added in a statement: "We stand by our reporting. We have no reason to believe that those documents are not authentic.

"Furthermore, as always and before publishing every single article in Der Spiegel, we have meticulously fact-checked our information and had it legally reviewed.

"The statement that was issued by Ronaldo's lawyer, Peter Christiansen on behalf of Cristiano Ronaldo presents the usual path that Mr. Ronaldo

and his lawyers have taken in the past when unsuccessfully fighting our investigative work."

The magazine's story centres on a questionnaire, which it says came from Ronaldo's lawyers, in which the Portugal international admits Mayorga, 34, said "no" and "stop" during the alleged attack.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Christiansen said the documents were "pure inventions" and the result of a 2015 cyber attack, during which "electronic data was stolen" from "dozens of entities (including law firms) in different parts of Europe".

He added: "This hacker tried to sell such information, and a media outlet irresponsibly ended up publishing some of the stolen documents, significant parts of which were altered and/or completely fabricated."

Der Spiegel responded by saying: "In our article, we quote two versions of a document with statements by Mr. Ronaldo.

"It's a questionnaire that comes from his lawyers and describes the course of the night, in which the alleged rape occurred. The first version of

this questionnaire, in which Ronaldo is quoted as saying that Ms Mayorga said 'no' and 'stop', is consistent with many details of Ms Mayorga's description of the incident.

"Both also state that he apologised to her afterwards. In a later version of this questionnaire, Mr. Ronaldo denies the accusation of rape and denies apologising to Ms Mayorga."

Christiansen said his client's position continues to be that "what happened in 2009 in Las Vegas was completely consensual".

He added: "So that there are no doubts: Cristiano Ronaldo vehemently denies all the accusations in this civil action, in consistency with what he has done in the last nine years."

Mayorga's lawyers have now called for any documents to be handed over to "the appropriate law enforcement agencies" to help resolve any discrepancies.

They added they wanted to review any evidence that showed documents had been altered or fabricated.

Kanu Lauds Petrolex for Success of Legends’ Charity

ĂžĂ Ă™Ă˘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž ͚͞Ë?

NextGen Stars Take Centre Stage When the first bell is rung on Sunday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, venue of GOtv Boxing Night 16, it will signal- more than anything else- the start of a march to stardom of a new crop of Nigerian boxers.

Young, talented and brimming with ambition are eight of the 45 boxers discovered at the last two editions of GOtv Boxing NextGen Search. On the big stage for the first time are 18-year-old Opeyemi Elijah, best boxer at GOtv Boxing NextGen 4, who will take on Sheriff Ogunbanjo in a super bantamweight duel; Taiwo Agbaje who faces Tope Musa in a lightweight clash; Azeez Tijani, who will confront Waheed Shogbanmu; Isaac Chukwudi, who goes up against Adeyemi Adekanla in a welterweight clash; and Aminu Akintayo, who squares up with Mutiu Lawal.

Each will hope to emulate Rilwan “Baby Face� Babatunde, a graduate of the inaugural edition of GOtv Boxing NextGen Search in 2015 and current West African Boxing Union (WABU) champion. Babatunde, on two occasions, also won the best boxer award at GOtv Boxing Night.

On Sunday, each of the kids will seek to make his mark, in the hope of kicking off from there. Over the last two weeks, the raw talent, which accounted for their selection from hordes of trialists, has been refined at a camp run by the country’s best coaches.

How well they haveinternalised the instructions will be known on Sunday.

GOtv Boxing Night 16 will feature a total of nine bouts across weight divisions. The pick of the lot is the WABU lightweight title bout between the flamboyant Rilwan “Real One� Oladosu of Nigeria and the powerful Benjamin Lamptey of Ghana. “Real One�, a former winner of the best boxer award at GOtv Boxing Night, will seek to add the subregional title to the national title he currently holds. Another big hitter in action at the event is the reigning African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, Nigeria’s Oto Joseph, who faces Ghana’s Emmanuel Mensah, a replacement for his compatriot, Anama Dotse, who was ruled out by injury.

Next to this is the national lightweight title duel between Kabiru Towolawi and Adewale Masebinu. The fight provides the latter the chance to avenge his defeat by knockout in a previous edition of GOtv Boxing Night.

Masevex has boasted that the fight will not go beyond two rounds. Will he deliver?

Der Spiegel also believes Ronaldo's representatives have changed their narrative regarding the alleged payment that was made to Mayorga by Ronaldo's lawyers in 2010.

Mayorga, who the magazine says filed a report with Las Vegas police shortly after the alleged incident, reportedly reached an out-of-court settlement with Ronaldo involving a $375,000 (ÂŁ288,000) payment for agreeing never to go public with the allegations.

Christiansen says Ronaldo does not deny he entered into an agreement, but "the reasons that led him to do so are at least to be distorted". He added: "This agreement is by no means a confession of guilt."

Der Spiegel said: "When we published an article about the settlement agreement between Ms Mayorga and Mr. Ronaldo in 2017, his advisors called it 'nothing but a piece of journalistic fiction'.

"Now, Mr. Ronaldo admits that he agreed to that settlement."

Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Mr. Segun Adebutu presenting the trophy to former Super Eagles Captain, Kanu Nwankwo and former Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger while former Portsmouth captain, Sol Campbell looks on

L-R: Panel member, Nigerian Sports Award (NSA), Mr. Kayode Idowu; another Panel member, Mrs. HauwaKulu Akinyemi; Chairman of Nigerian Sports Award Panel, Dr. Kweku Tandoh and another Panel member, Mrs. Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo during the press brieďŹ ng to announce ďŹ nal shortlist of nominees for the 2018 Nigerian Sports Award in Lagos ‌.

SUNDAY ADIGUN

Nigerian football legend, Nwankwo Kanu has heaped plaudits on Petrolex Oil and Gas and other sponsors of the Legends' Charity Football game, which took place at The Hive Stadium in London for their support in making the programme a huge success.

Speaking about the event which was tagged the Petrolex Kanu Cup, the former Arsenal striker said, “We appreciate Petrolex for what the company did to make the event happen as the main sponsor. When we called them, they didn’t say ‘no’, they said ‘yes’ because they were convinced it is for a good cause. And from Day 1, they have been supporting us till now.�

The charity game pitched former African players tagged African Masters against their European counterparts dubbed the Premier League Masters and at the end of proceedings, the African Masters succumbed to a 9 - 4 drubbing by their opponents.

Kanu had initially revealed that proceeds from the Petrolex Kanu Cup which was in association with Masters Football will be used to help African children access life-saving heart operations through the Kanu Heart Foundation.

It will also be invested in the construction of a modern Cardiac Centre in Africa to reduce travelling overseas for treatment.

He said: “The Kanu Heart Foundation has done 542 operations since inception and there are about 200 children on the waiting list for heart surgeries. The more we can raise funds, the more we can save more lives. Our dream is to build hospitals in Africa, starting from Nigeria. The pressure is on us to make sure that we can help more. “The Petrolex Kanu Cup is an opportunity to bring people together to see some amazing players – and my great friends – play the beautiful game once more, whilst also raising money for a good cause.�

Some of the African stars present were Lomana LuaLua, Michael Essien, Lauren Kolo Toure, Christopher Kanu, Rami Shaaban, George Boateng, Emmanuel Eboue, Eric Djemba Djemba, Quinton Fortune, Mido, Danny Shittu, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Daniel Amokachi and Peter Odemwingie.

The Premier League team comprised had Sol Campbell, Steve McManaman (Captain), Louis Saha, Robert Pires, William Gallas, Wes Brown, Phil Babb, Jens Lehmann, Pascal Chimbonda and David Thompson among others.

‌ Ghanaian Boxers Promise Tough Time for Joe Boy, Real One Ghana’s Benjamin Lamptey and Emmanuel Mensah, who are billed to fight at GOtv Boxing Night 16, have vowed to disgrace their Nigerian opponents in the latest revival of the traditionally fierce Nigeria/Ghana sporting rivalry.

Both boxers spoke on Friday after their arrival in Lagos for GOtv Boxing Night 16, which holds at the Indoor Sports of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Lamptey , who is billed to fight Rilwan “Real One� Oladosu for the West African Boxing Union (WABU)

lightweight title, bragged that everyone would enjoy the fight except his opponent, who will be beaten like a child. “Rilwan is, way, way below my class.

I will prove that on Sunday by defeating him with ease. It would be like I’m fighting a child. In boxing terms, he is a child. I am here for the title. I will disgrace him before his fans. Ghana has better boxers than Nigeria and that will be demonstrated,� he said.

Mensah, Lamptey’s compatriot

billed to fight Oto “Joe Boy� Joseph, the African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion in a lightweight challenge bout, also spoke in similar vein. Despite being a replacement for Anama Dotse, who pulled out through injury, Mensah said he is sufficiently prepared to defeat his opponent as a step to challenging for the continental title. “Joe Boy is in trouble. I always train hard, so it was not a problem when I was asked to fill in for Dotse. I can

say with confidence that I’m ready, willing and able to see off Joe Boy. In fact, I’m determined to do that, as that will improve my chances of going for the ABU title. It will be Ghana all the way on Sunday. Mark my words,� he boasted.

The best boxer at the event will go home with the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy and a cash prize of N1.5million. GOtv Boxing Night 16 will be beamed live in 47 African countries by SuperSport.

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

35

GLOBAL SOCCER

Eagles Reunite Simon, Kalu The relationship between Moses Simon and Samuel Kalu had come a long way. Both players are products of the famous Golden Boot Soccer Academy of Jos. The two attackers spent two years together at Belgian side, Gent, before departures to Spain and France respectively. However, both had reunited in Uyo ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier game against Liberia today, but in a different atmosphere as both players would be struggling for one position in the team. They, however, said it would not strain their chummy relationship

S

uper Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr, says he rates Moses Simon higher than Samuel Kalu, despite the latter’s rise to prominence and transfer to French Ligue 1 club Girondins de Bordeaux.

Kalu was handed the prestigious number 10 jersey at Bordeaux after completing a big-money move from Belgian First Division A side KAA Gent.

Simon himself has also left Gent, signing for Spanish La Liga club, Levante, on a fiveyear contract.

“I never selected him (Kalu). I saw him play, but in his team, I took another, which is Simon Moses. He is in my group since the beginning, two years ago. He is also a winger, fast. He’s almost the same, but I found him better than Kalu,” Rohr told the Girondins4ever website.

“Simon Moses was in my group. He was injured, he was the only injured player I had before the World Cup. He played with Kalu in La Gantoise. He missed the World Cup because of a muscle injury.”

Simon would be itching at the prospect of linking up with Kalu for the Super Eagles versus Mediterranean Knights. In Simon’s absence due to injury, Kalu got his international debut against Seychelles, impressing Rohr, culminating to suggestions that the Bordeaux winger may have knocked his former teammate off the team with his superb display.

However, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations double-header qualifiers against Libya,

Simon believes their reunion will benefit the team.

“Kalu is more than a friend. He is my brother; we can’t be seen to be in a competition for a position on the pitch due to our closeness off the pitch. We can play together on either flanks,” Simon was quoted by the Sun. ” If we don’t get to play, whoever that is selected will get the backing of the other. My presence will help him a lot, he knows what I can do, so he will be at his best in training and even if he gets selected to play.”

Kalu made his international debut last month against Seychelles, playing in Simon's position on the right and impressed in winning a second-half penalty. However, with Simon back in the fold, Rohr might be tempted to revert to his preferred system and personnel?

Simon, aside from his tactical conscientiousness, is reportedly one of the German's favourites in the national team set-up and will befavourite to regain his position in the side, in spite of the fact he has only played a total of 49 league minutes this term for new club Levante.

After injury shattered his dream of being part of Super Eagles' party to the World Cup in Russia, Simon has since picked up the pieces.

When Rohr rolled out his 30-man provisional list for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with Simon included, the player believed he was just inches away from achieving his long-time dream of playing in the World Cup. But it was not to be as injury has ruined his

Simon and Kalu

dream.

Simon sustained a thigh injury in his second training session with the Super Eagles in Uyo and report of the scan carried out on Simon revealed the extent of the injury.

“It is unfortunate Moses Simon will not be travelling with the team to London because he is down with an injury. The nature of his injury is such that he won’t be recovering quickly enough to make the World Cup. We are looking at three to four weeks and thereafter, rehabilitation training will start before getting to match the fitness level. You can see that the situation is not good for him and for the team as well,” Rohr said.

“For a playing player to be ruled out of a major competition like the World Cup when he was already dreaming could be very devastating and the memory is not always a good one,” Nduka Ugbade had told THISDAY in an interview.

“I feel very sorry for Simon. I hope he would shake it away with time. But the truth is that it’s not a palatable experience. It was one I went through and till today, it still pained,” Ugbade said then.

He received his first call-up by Coach Daniel Amokachi in 2015 and made his debut in an international friendly against Uganda.

For Samuel Kalu, it may have been a shattered dream when Rohr did not look at their direction during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but it was a dream come true when he made his debut for the Super Eagles in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles last month.

Prior to the encounter, Kalu who stars for Bordeaux in France was keen to shine with the team, as he said: “I’m prepared to give everything to the Super Eagles. It’s my first call-up and I want to make the country proud. I’m expecting us to win the game and nothing more. It’s an important game that we cannot afford to lose. We have to work hard and do whatever we can to win the game.

“Kalu was very impressive all through the time he was on the field. He showed signs of a player that wants to earn a regular shirt in the team and with the way he played it is obvious he would be the one the players Rohr would be looking up to in future,” former Abiola Babes captain,Tajudeen Disu told THISDAY. With the likes of Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ogenyi Onazi failing to truly seize the opportunity to prove critics wrong, Kalu was the standout performer, playing 84 minutes of brilliant attacking football that won the heart of many fans back home.

The Bordeaux winger was lively from the blast of the referee’s whistle to his exit, with his pace troubling the Seychelles backline.

His quick feet were too hot to handle, and he was fouled in the penalty area just before the hour mark which resulted in Ighalo's converted effort.

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

Kalu will have an opportunity to build on his early impact in the double-header against Libya today.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

FAIRGROUND Balanle Ambode, Mamodu, Ali Baba, Others Honoured at 6th Glam and Essence Awards

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

W

ife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, media guru, Bashorun Dele Momodu and Ali baba Akpobome were among dignitaries honoured at the 6th Glam and Essence Awards and Runway Show, 2018 held recently at the Red Carpet Event centre, Oniru Victoria Island, Lagos.

It was indeed a colourful evening, hosted by MC extraordinaire, Oladele Ogunlana. The event was graced by several celebrities in the business of fashion and beauty.

Multi award winning singer, J'odie, performed her evergreen hit song," kuchi kuchi" and it was well received.

It was indeed an array of fashion icons and designers, so were there different displays of styles, which lit up the Red Carpet and inside the hall. It was not just about the dresses and colours, but they all oozed class and quality.

The list of those who made bold fashion statements included Ndidi Obioha, Data Okorodudu, Remi Talabi, Azuka Sonzy, Uju Murphy, Ozinna Anumudu, Bimbo Ademoye, Bunmi Ayuba, Buky Latunji, Olori Ranti Ajayi, Ex Miss Nigeria, Helen Prest Ajayi, who attended with her beautiful kids and several others.

This year’s edition saw the designers taking their game on the runway to the next level with their amazing styles.

Little wonder they are setting a pace with their craft, from the Remi Talabi led Grace Couture, who made her debut appearance on the runway, to award winning designers, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Data Okorodudu of JD7 Couture and Azuka Sonzy’s House of Loisonell, who all hit the runway in grand style.

Special recognition award winners were the Humanitarian award, which went to Mrs. Bolanle Ambode for her various achievements with empowering women and the education of children; Bashorun Dele Momodu for being an Influencer in the Media, while Ali baba Akpobome was honoured for being an Influencer in Entertainment.

Mrs. Shade Okoya bagged This year's Style Icon, while Sir Dr. Ernest Nwaigbo was honoured for his contribution to making Medical support available to those in the rural areas in his state. Mr. Patrick Agbaza was recognised for his contribution to real Estate hopefuls in achieving their dreams, while Man of Style for 2018 was Mr. Lai Oriowo.

Mrs Data Okorodudu was specially honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award in Fashion; Mrs. Banke Meshida Lawal for Beauty and Iyalaje of Apapa Princess Toyin Kolade was honoured for Business.

Other award winners were: Style Personality of the Year, which went to Mrs. Ndidi Obioha; Most Outstanding Red Carpet Presenter, 2018, this Award went To Mr. Denrele Edun Most Outstanding Bespoke Fashion Brand was won by House of Loisonell; Most Outstanding Make-up Artist was Ms. Joyce Jacob; Men’s Custom Designer of the Year was Mr. Evans Akere, CEO, VANSKERE for his Recognition of Unique Creativity as a Men’s Apparel Designer.

Most Outstanding Young Style Influencer was won by Ms. Ozinna Anumudu, for her Outstanding Work as a Style Consultant; Most Outstanding Style Diva 2018 went to Abisola Kola-Daisi. Beautician of the Year was won by Mrs. Fifi Safia Usman, the CEO of D MOON SPA for her recognition in Outstanding Performance as a Beautician.

Most outstanding Hi fashion designer was Bunmi Ayuba Badejo of Tailormade Fashion.

Susan Eyo-Honesty

Bimbo Ademoye

Bukky Latunji

Data Okorodudu

Denrele

Ozinna Anumudu

Dr. Anu Adepoju

Bambo Adetu

Ejiro Amos-Tafiri

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

FAIRGROUND

Bespoke PR to Host Funky Brunch he Funky Brunch is back and ready to give us the ultimate brunch experience come Sunday, 28th October, 2018 at Twin Waters, Lekki, Lagos.

With the success of its maiden edition, the Funky Brunch creatively put together by Bespoke PR has earned a reputation for hosting the coolest events bringing influential people and socialites to have a splendid time.

As recounted by Efe Tommy, founder, Bespoke PR: “We want people from different sectors and industries to have the ultimate day time fun; good freshly made food, beautiful music from a selection of the best Djs and of course high level networking” This edition promises to do the most with its invite ONLY guest list, interesting table games, snooker board, a strategic partnership with leading lifestyle brand, Oasis Medspa offering free massage and Sari Signature making sure every girl’s hair is laid to infinity for absolutely free of charge.

The Funky Brunch in its second edition promises to be bigger, better Efe Tommy and Ita Giwa and spicier.

T

Lexy Mojo-Eyes

Nigeria Fashion Show is Back and Better

L

Uche Jombo, Ini Edo's Movie New Movie Debuts December 7

T

he release date for Uche Jombo and Ini Edo's movie, 'Heaven on my mind' has been set for December 7, 2018.

Jombo has had her fair share of cinema runs with several collaborations with top filmmakers like Desmond Elliot, Emem Isong.

The highly anticipated movie which began pre-production in late 2017 and finished filming in March 2018 is the first collaboration between the two talented actors Uche Jombo and Ini Edo as co-producers and will be released under their film companies, Uche Jombo Studios and Minini Empire Production.

Synopsis: To Ben Peters; marriage is a business transaction and he is hard working at it, his wife is sexy, a goal getter, hardworking and intelligent woman never denies him sex. This will be an amazing love story if he is talking about just one woman.

The combination of Uche Jombo and Ini Edo has resulted in the casting of popular

Nollywood faces from English and Yoruba speaking sectors as the movie features talented actors like Uche Jombo, Ini Edo, Mercy Aigbe, Ray Emordi, Andrea Chika Chukwu, Femi Adebayo, Adunni Ade and Eric Ogbonna.

Uche Jombo revealed that ‘Heaven on my Mind’ is a breath of fresh air when it comes to storytelling, production and casting.

She said: “Heaven on My Mind is really a breath of fresh air when it comes to film making. The story, production, cast and crew members brought their A-Game to the table.

It is refreshingly different and I had massive fun and joy filming this.”

On this being her cinema directorial debut, Jombo said: “I mean we all get to a point in life when you just know that it is time to do something you really enjoy and take it to the next level. I have directed several movies but this being my first cinematic directorial movie is a huge mark in my books and I really appreciate everyone who had faith in me. Not only did I get to act with some of the most talented actors in the industry, I also got

Uche Jumbo

a chance to bring out the best in them through the lens. It was an amazing experience.”

Uche Jombo ventured into the Nigerian movie industry in 1999 in the movie Visa to hell. She has since gone to make a name for herself as a screenwriter, actor, producer and a director.

Heaven on My Mind to hit cinemas nationwide come December 7th 2018.

Samuel Olatunji Thanks Nigerians for Success of ‘Seven and a Half Dates’

I

In the first quarter of 2018, several Nollywood movies made it to the cinemas. However, few of them were a true box office material.

One which stood out was the movie, ‘Seven and a Half Dates’ churned out by the producers of ‘The Ghost and the Tout’, Samuel Olatunji and Toyin Abraham.

Seven and a Half Dates which was released August 3rd 2018 went ahead to rule the Box Office in its opening weekend, topped famous Hollywood movie; Mission Impossible and consistently had sold out shows throughout most of its run in the cinemas. Right now, the movie remains one of the top five Nollywood movies to have hit cinemas this year.

To show his appreciation on behalf of the cast and crew, Executive Producer, journalist and a PR Expert, Samuel Olatunji, said: “We couldn’t have achieved the feat of becoming one of the top five movies in 2018 so far without the help of each and every Nigerians who took time out

to go to the cinemas with their friends and loved ones to see this movie with their hard earned money. It was indeed an incredible journey and I speak for both the cast, crew and every other person who had a sweat in making this movie a success that we couldn’t have done it with you all.”

Speaking on whether there will be another work soon, he said: “Absolutely. The last thing we want to do is to give Nigerians something as good as Seven and a Half Dates and then fade out of the picture.

We have several project coming up and one of them will be announced really soon. We are working hard to try and top what we did in the last project and I believe we are definitely ticking all boxes with this one.”

Seven and a Half Dates fatured Mercy Johnson, Toyin Abraham, Jim Iyke, Sola Sobowale, Akin Lewis, Bayray McNwizu, Roxy Antak and more. It was Directed

by Biodun Stephen, Produced by Toyin Abraham.

Sam Olatunji

egendary Gold Limited is proud to announce that Nigeria’s premier fashion event – Nigeria Fashion Show is back, bigger and better as Africa’s first fashion reality Tv show.

Since 1997, the Nigeria Fashion Show has been staged annually and contributed immensely in giving birth to today’s Nigerian fashion industry.

The Nigeria Fashion Show is the first and only national fashion event in Nigeria. It is a competition for young and upcoming fashion designers from across Nigeria. It has been the biggest designers contest in Nigeria. Past winners had shot up to the top of the Nigerian fashion industry after winning the NFS. Prizes had included all expense trips to participate in the international edition of the Nigeria Fashion Show in Paris, Milan, New York, London, etc Past winners and participants included Zizi Cardow, Deola Sagoe, Mudi, Frank Oshodi, Modela Couture, Nobel Afrique, Kese Jabare etc.

The Nigeria Fashion Show over 2 decades reoriented Nigerian designers to looking inward for inspiration by encouraging them to using local fabrics, accessories and designs.

It also reoriented Nigerians to patronising Nigerian designers by wearing locally made dresses hence the permanent theme ‘NFS says dress Nigerian’. To this end, dress code to attend Nigeria Fashion Show is strictly Nigerian outfits.

The Nigeria Fashion Show brought vibrancy and excellence to the Nigerian fashion industry.

This event over the years has created exposure and marketing opportunities for Nigerian designers both locally and internationally. It has also brought about a huge patronage and appreciation for locally made clothes, fashion accessories and lifestyle products by Nigerians.

The Nigeria Fashion Show’s major goal is to re-orient Nigerian designers to look inward for inspiration. To this end, the event makes it compulsory for all participants to use only locally sourced fabrics and accessories for their production line. Through the NFS, Nigerian designers are encouraged to research into their various ethnic cultural backgrounds and come up with creative, original and innovative designs that have global appeal. As a result, the Nigeria Fashion Show is usually rich in content because participating designers draws inspiration from over 250 ethnic groups from across Nigeria The zonal screening of Nigeria Fashion Show reality TV series comes up 16th, 18th & 20th October in Abuja, Port Harcourt & Lagos respectively.

The 20 designers that will be selected from the 3 zonal screenings will be unveiled in an event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja 25th November, 2018. After the unveiling event, the 20 designers will be put in an incubator workshop for a month from where 10 designers will be eliminated. The final 10 designers will be presented at the grand finale of the Nigeria Fashion Show which will take place in Lagos.

The best designer at the grand finale will be declared Nigeria’s best designer.

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

AUTO 19th Abuja International Motor Fair Holds October 21-27

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz Sells Over 200,000 Vehicles Worldwide in September Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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ercedes-Benz sold 202,819 vehicles worldwide in September (-8.2%) and was at the high prior-year level in the first nine months of the year with sales of 1,715,087 units (-0.1%). In the third quarter of 2018, 526,255 vehicles with the three-pointed star were delivered to customers (-8.2%). With more than 200,000 units sold last month, sales in September were for Mercedes-Benz as a car manufacturer in the premium segment on a high level. In addition, Mercedes-Benz certified its entire fleet for Europe according to the WLTP standard with effect as of September 1. Certified vehicles are already on their way to the retailers, but despite the on-going strong demand, it was not possible to fulfil all customers’

wishes already in September. Compared with the best September for unit sales achieved last year, sales were also impacted by delays in certification in some international markets and by model changes.

In a highly competitive environment, the brand with the three-pointed star maintained its market leadership as the premium brand with the highest number of new registrations in September in the markets UK, Italy, France, Russia, Switzerland, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey, Japan, Australia, the USA and Mexico, among others.

“I am delighted that Mercedes-Benz has maintained the high level of prior-year sales in the first nine months of the year despite the challenges we faced in the third quarter. It is our goal to ensure that our customers can enjoy receiving their new vehicles as soon as possible – and this is exactly what our teams are currently working on intensively,” stated Britta Seeger, Member of the

Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales.

“With the GLE, we presented the latest model of our most successful SUV ever to the public at the Paris Motor Show. Mercedes-Benz SUVs have been in the fast lane with our customers since the beginning of the year, with over 610,000 units sold worldwide.”

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by region and market In Europe, Mercedes-Benz sold 91,609 vehicles in September (-9.4%) and a total of 688,956 units in the first nine months of the year (-4.7%). In Germany, the domestic market, Mercedes-Benz delivered 22,780 cars with the star last month (-16.7%) and 217,943 in the period of January to September (-5.6%). In Spain, Sweden, Poland, Denmark and Hungary, more cars with the star were sold than ever before in the first nine months of a year.

Coscharis Motors, Ford to Sponsor Season 5 of Next Titan TV Show

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oscharis Motors and Ford Motor Company have announced that they would sponsor the entrepreneurial reality TV show The Next Titan for a third consecutive season.

The winner of Season 5 will receive a brand new Ford Focus to help them run their business more efficiently, according to a statement by the sponsors.

Coscharis Motors is the sole official distributor of new Ford vehicles in Nigeria. Coscharis Motors and Ford were official automotive sponsors of The Next Titan in 2016 and 2017. The 2016 winner received a Ford Escape while the 2017 winner received a Ford Ranger.

“Coscharis Motors is pleased to support the reality show once again,” saysAbiona Babarinde, General Manager,MarketingandCorporateCommunications at Coscharis Motors. “We are also excited to support emerging entrepreneurs in Nigeria as they resonate with the humble beginning of our company as an entrepreneur’s dream nurtured into a conglomerate. We appreciate our collaboration with Ford, and will continue to promote skills development and training in the automotive industry, and across the board in Nigeria.

“Coscharis Motors wishes all participants the best of luck for the competition,” said Babarinde. “We believe that the current contestants will both inspire young entrepreneurs, and educate society on just how much hard work goes into growing a business.”

Director of Marketing, Sales and Service for South Africa and Sub-SaharanAfrica at Ford Motor Company, Conrad Groenewald said, “At Ford we firmly believe in the importance of mobility and freedom

L-R: General Manager Marketing and Communications at Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde; Executive Producer, Mr. Mide Kunle-Akinlaja; Brand Manager, Ford, Coscharis Motors Plc, Mr. Felix Mahan, at the recently held Premier for the Season 5 of The Next Titans, held at the Oriental Hotels, Lagos… recently of movement in driving human progress. We hold firm to the vision of our founder Henry Ford who strived to put the world on wheels so everyone could enjoy the benefits of mobility. That is why we have continued this partnership, which will help a deserving contestant realise their dream.”

The Next Titan, now in its fifth season, is a platform

for young entrepreneurs to demonstrate their talent in business. The primary purpose of the programme is to challenge the public’s perception of entrepreneurship, to awaken the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit, to inspire contestants and viewers to strive for success in business, and become masters of their own destinies.

The annual Abuja International Motor Fair will hold at the Eagle Square,Abuja from October 21-27, 2018.According to the chairman of the organising committee for the event Mr. IfeanyichukwuAgwu, the event which is having its 19th edition is targeted towards boosting investments in the sector, which despite the myriads of challenges confronting the sector as well as the Nigerian economy in general, is set to seriously assume its rightful place in as a key sector that drives socio-economic development.

According to Mr Agwu, “The platform of this edition has been packaged to increasing the attention of the government to the importance of urgently addressing the current challenges in the sector so as to use it to drive the nation’s economic diversification policy.”

At a chat with the press over the weekend, Mr. Agwu, who is also the managing director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, organiser of the event said that every effort have been deployed to ensure that through the event, the sector receives the needed support from the government and the private sector to enhance its’ rapid development. “We are packaging a show that will showcase all the existing and potential investment opportunities that abound in the Nigerian automotive industry, which we believe are very attractive to existing and prospective investors,” he announced.

According to him; this edition of the annual event is set to provide the litmus test to the shape of things in the industry with the current paradigm shift in theeconomyandmostimportantlytheautomotive sector. “The quality and quantity of showcased automobiles is undoubtedly the primary yardstick of measuring the success of any auto exhibition.

This means that auto enterprises showcasing at any exhibition must ensure visibility, wholeness andcompleteness,notleavinganythingtochance.”

These will be highly on display at the Eagle Square Abuja from October 21-27, 2018 under the auspices of the Abuja international motor fair.”

Continuing the BKG Exhibitions boss said, “With our reach, high powered delegations from the federal government, executive of states and local governments; members and leadership of the other arms of government in all the tiers of government in Nigeria as well lots of corporate heads and organisations across the nation have been invited to visit the mundial.”

“In our continuous drive to add values to participants, this edition is a total package of all that the automotive and road transport sub sectors offer. the bus and tuck segment of the event has been packaged to draw special attention to manufacturers and or dealers on: trucks, buses, spare parts, accessories, equipment, components, logistics, body works, SPV’s etc.

Land Rover Classic Team Builds One-Off Defender Store in London Aone-off Land Rover Defender made a dramatic entrance at Selfridges in London, entering the famous department store through a first-floor window.

TheuniqueSelfridgesEditionDefenderWorksV8 willformthecentrepieceofthenew-lookmenswear departmentattheOxfordStreetstore,butnotbefore technicians from Land Rover Classic reassemble the vehicle in full view of shoppers.

To fit through the first-floor window, the specially commissioned Defender was dismantled and a team of experts will rebuild the vehicle over the next four days. Once complete, the one-off vehicle will be placed under a protective cover while Selfridges puts the finishing touches to its new menswear department ahead of its official opening on 29 October.

The Selfridges Edition vehicle began life as a 2016 Defender 110 Pick Up but the Land Rover Classic team have turned it into a 110 Soft Top, complete withabrandedhoodintrademarkSelfridgesyellow.

The bodywork is finished in contrasting Bronze Green and a heritage style folding windscreen and half-height doors complete the open-air look.

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, Tim Hannig, said: “Our skilled engineers and craftsmen can tailor vehicles to meet any request, from applying unique paintwork or interior trim to delivering far-reaching mechanical enhancements. The Selfridges Edition shows what can be achieved and we can’t wait to see it take pride of place in the famous department store.”

The Selfridges Edition features chassis and powertrainupgradesintroducedontheDefenderWorks V8–70thEdition,whichwasannouncedinJanuary to celebrate Land Rover’s 70th anniversary year.

Featuring a 298kW V8 that produces 515Nm of torque, an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission plus uprated brakes and suspension, the limitedrun Works V8 derivatives are the fastest and most powerful Defender models ever produced.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

39

AUTO

Porsche Introduces new Macan Compact SUV Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

he new Porsche Macan, showcased during the Paris Motorshow, now comes with an efficient 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with improved combustion chamber geometry and gasoline particulate filter.

It delivers a performance of 252 hp (185 kW) and has a maximum torque of 370 Nm, according to a statement by the automaker.

In combination with its seven-gear PDK dualclutch gearbox, the compact SUV can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 225 km/h. Its consumption rate is 8.1 l/100 km according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The most prominent new features in terms of design, comfort, connectivity and driving dynamics include the three-dimensional LED light panel at the rear and the new fully interconnected Porsche communication management system with 10.9-inch touchscreen inside the vehicle.

Newly tuned chassis for enhanced balance The vehicle dynamics of the Macan remain its principle feature. The overhauled chassis increases comfort and makes Porsche’s compact SUV even more enjoyable to drive.As is typical for a sports car, it comes with mixed-size tyres, enabling the driver to take full advantage of the intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system and adopt a dynamic driving style. Newly developed tyres with improved performance characteristics allow for even better lateral dynamics. The wheel diameters range from 18 inches as standard to an optional 21 inches.

A more streamlined design with full LED lights

Porsche new Macan and new colours In keeping with Porsche’s design DNA, the new Macan features a three-dimensional LED light panel on the rear of the vehicle. The brake lights with their four-point design provide further reinforcement of the brand’s identity. LED technology is incorporated as standard into the newly designed main

headlights, while the optional Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) can be used to control light distribution. The Macan’s front end has been redesigned and now appears wider. New exterior colours available for the model include, Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue and Crayon.

The Macan offers a range of digital features operated via the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. The full-HD touchscreen is now 10.9 inches in width (previously 7.2 inches). Similar to the Panamera and Cayenne, the user interface can be adapted to suit personal requirements via predefined tiles.

Kia Motors Unveils new Models at 2018 Paris Motor Show ia Motors has revealed the new Kia ProCeed today at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The all-new shooting brake makes its public debut alongside the new highperformance Ceed GT and ProCeed GT, as well as the Ceed GT Line. The Kia e-Niro electric crossover also makes its European premiere at the show.

Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, commented: “The new cars on display underline the level of ambition and design passion that defines Kia’s cars. The ProCeed offers buyers stunning and emotional design, the Ceed GT provides maximum driver engagement, and the e-Niro helps to break down the barriers to electric car ownership, making it easy, fun and reliable.”

All four models unveiled by Kia in Paris will be sold with the company’s unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty as standard. Kia’s warranty also covers the lithium-ion polymer battery pack in the e-Niro.

New Kia ProCeed merges stunning coupéinspired lines with tourer versatility Shown publicly for the first time in Paris, the new Kia ProCeed merges stunning design with

K

I

the space and versatility of a tourer in a fivedoor shooting brake body. The ProCeed goes on sale exclusively to European drivers at the beginning of 2019.

Carrying the name over from the secondgeneration Kia ProCeed three-door coupé, the new ProCeed has been designed, developed and engineered in Europe. A product of Kia’s Europeandesign,productdevelopmentandR&D teams in Frankfurt, Germany, the ProCeed will be manufactured at the brand’s Žilina production facility in Slovakia. It will be built alongside the Kia Ceed and Ceed Sportswagon, first introduced earlier this year.

The new ProCeed encapsulates the spirit and athleticism of the second-generation Kia pro_cee’d hatch. A shooting brake by design, the ProCeed presents an alternative to the traditional three-door hatch, and marries imposing proportions with a compact footprint that hints at its outright agility. With the DNA of a coupé, the car is lower and longer than both the Ceed five-door hatchback and Sportswagon, giving it a unique raked-back silhouette unlike anything in the family car segment.

Inside the cabin, the ProCeed features the same ergonomic cabin as its Ceed compatriots.

Kia ProCeed GT

Are You Visually Impaired ?

dris Pata is my official driver. He has been my driver for more than three years since 2015. Although I am licensed to drive, and daily wish I am allowed to drive myself because of my passion for driving, I am officially not allowed to drive my official car but to be chauffeured by him. In 2016, while conducting a compulsory health programme for stakeholders, I made him to undergo an eye examination to ensure that he was not visually impaired. The result according to my colleague Dr Nonye Okere, a qualified optometrist attached to the Zonal Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Port Harcourt, Rivers State was good. I do not know what your story is; if like me, you are a licensed driver but officially you are most often chauffeured to and fro work because of the demand of your schedule and your position where you work. I know that in our clime, it is the vogue for some to be chauffeured even if it is in a rickety taxi with worn out tyres and cracked windshield.

So when was the last time you did a routine to confirm how far and wide you can see and also what your field of view is? Have you even bothered to ensure your chauffer undergoes the same kind of routine? These were some of the rhetorical posers thrown at us when on the 9th of October 2018; we listened to tales of drivers who had one visual impairment or the other. I have chosen to guide your thoughts and choices

SAFE DRIVING with

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 by sharing these stories hoping you will take a cue and detour from the path which a handful of road users take as they rarely undergo eye examination to ascertain their status. The first story was that of Timothy Obiaekwe(not real name), a 51 years old Nigerian who lives in the United States of America. During a visit to the country, Tim as he is fondly called by his close friends went for a routine eye check. The result was so bad that the doctor who handled the examination, out of curiosity asked him if he drives.

The doctor was shocked when Tim responded that although he drives in Nigeria whenever he visits, he dare not do the same in the United States where he lives and works because of the illegality of doing so. The second story was that of a 49 ambulance driver named Musa Inusa (not real name) whose predicament was observed by a caring specialist who out of concern brought it to the attention of her superiors. The routine examination conducted revealed that Musa had

tunnel vision. My last story for this week was that involving an expatriate who brought a driver who had been driving a high profile Consulate Officer for about 24years.The driver like the other two was brought for a routine check after he was involved in two separate road traffic crashes whose frequency created panic among top officials at the Consulate. The result of his own check revealed he had advanced glaucoma.

If you are startled by these stories, I dare you to drag your driver or even yourself for a routine check to see whether you are one of the blind drivers on Nigerian roads. Such a check will reveal why drivers like you who are visually impaired are quick to tell you when they are involved in a road traffic crash that they did not see the oncoming vehicle.The level of visual impairment among drivers is contained in a study conducted by the Association in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other partners. The report in its introduction notes the importance of sight in perceiving light, colour and depth of objects and particularly for discerning obstacles and navigation while driving. The survey involved a total of 3508 respondents from 28 out of the 37 states of the country. Although drivers involved in the survey had many years of driving experience, with the average being 20years, nearly half of the drivers (46.5percent) have never had their eyes examined by an eye specialist. For those who did, about one in four (25) percent did so within one to two years before the survey while about 10percent did so more than five years ago.

About 52.5 percent of drivers said they have never visited an eye specialist while about one third (29.4) percent of drivers have worn glasses mostly for seeing far. Now I need to reserve the other details contained in this commendable survey which I believe will no doubt cause a change in the driving culture in the country especially with respect to reducing the the current state of impairment among drivers.

Like I stated earlier, I got these revelations when the Nigerian Optometric Association led by its national President, Dr Okonkhua Ozy paid a visit to the Corps Marshal as a prelude to the 2018 World Sight Day whose theme I deliberately refused to focus on last week. For the sake of those who may be too curious, the theme for this year is EyeCare, Everywhere. Dr Okonokhua Ozy is one of the numerous Optometrist in the country who are rarely sought after by drivers until it gets really bad. On the 9th of October, I was privileged to accompany Deputy Corps Marshal, Charles Theophilus to receive him with his team of optometrists on behalf of the Corps Marshal,Boboye Oyeyemi. The point man of the Association was clear on why they came visiting ,noting that the visit is to further strengthen partnership with the Corps .He observed that the theme for 2018 is apt the importance of vision for driving. He said they have noted the high rate of visual impairment amongst licensed drivers and would like to collaborate with the Corps to identify those with any form of visual impairment during prelicensing tests in recognized centers to ensure that only those good visual acuity or best corrected visual acuity are licensed to drive as is done globally.

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

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

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FASHION FILE

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 13, 2018

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Kunle Afolayan’s Ire Clothing Makes Runway Debut

OCTOBER 13, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

Kunle Afolayan’s Ire Clothing Makes Runway Debut

H

aving conquered the realm of filmmaking, the prolific Kunle Afolayan is broadening his horizon, making a mark in Fashion with the launch of his clothing line called Ire Clothing where he’s also the creative director of the line.

Kunle’s indigenousness is one that has been evident as you would tell from it’s portrayal in his movies.

Ire Clothing initially designed the unisex baggy-esque “Kunle Kembe” locally sourced from fabrics like Ankara and Adire (tie & die).

Recently at Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, Kunle Afolayan introduced the Kunle Dashiki and Ire T-shirts

which can either be worn on the Kembe or can be freestyled. The outfits were modelled by the likes of Caroline Ekanem, Demola Adedoyin and Tobi Bakre.

Just last week, he introduced the Ire shirt and all these collections are unisex.

Ire Clothing sells locally and does international shipping as well.

These collections have been endorsed by an array of notable personalities like Governor of Lagos State Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ego Boyo, Alibaba, Desmond Elliot, Fathia Balogun etc.

Credit Creative Director: Kunle Afolayan Ire Clothing: @ireclothings

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EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Dictionary Limitations

EBERE WABARA

D

AILY Sun Front Page Banner of October 10 welcomes us this weekend with this embarrassing error: “APC senators sheath (sheathe) swords against Saraki” “Ihedioha has been parading a purported 3 man (3-man) ad-hoc (ad hoc) ward delegate….”

“To cement his claim, Ihedioha wrote and delivered congratulation (congratulatory) letters to….”

“Imo PDP is in the opposition and characters (a character) akin to that of Ihedioha posses (poses) a serious threat to the much needed (much-needed) unity in the party and must be dealt with, else the party stand (stands) a (the) risk of another poor outing come (in) 2019 in Imo State.”

“Zamfara guber (governorship): I’m better (best) equipped to rescue our state, people—Lawal, aspirant” (Politics & Power, September 26) With more than two governorship aspirants in the race, it should be ‘best’, not ‘better’. Please also note that ‘guber’ is an informal entry not fit for a knowledge-based publication.

“FG to invest $22bn on (in) 164 projects in 2020” “Ebonyi to probe 11 years (years’) transactions with banks” “Dangote, Otedola’II fast track (fasttrack) Nigerian football” “When the president of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick said there is (was) no Nigerian….” ”…barely a year after it exited a recession (it exited recession).”

It is not everything that is in the dictionary that is correct at all times because of language dynamism. It is for this reason that the dictionary and other

BY

reference books are continually revised.

So, don’t go about dogmatically chestthumping that you have an infallible authority when reacting to etymological issues published in this column. You need to do a lot of research-based rationalization informed by voracious reading if you crave purity in communication. That is the only way to go for sticklers.

“They, in turn, could be able to carry out their legitimate duties to their customers.” Either: could or would be able. ‘Could be able’ is offensive.

“Some people who have axe (an axe) to grind against (with) NIJ and its management.”

“That is one thing that is not so easy to come by at the Ogba campus of the NIJ” Get it right: on the Ogba campus.

“The effort of such illustrious alumni are needed to lift it up from the present morass.” Why the subject-verb discord?

Effort is (not are) needed.

“To those close to the corridor (corridors) of power.…”

“Let him breath the air of freedom.”

Noun: breath; verb: breathe.

“With a stroke of fate, Muhammadu Buhari had been thrust on (in) the leadership saddle of the nation.”

“Rather, we prefer to import the latest from foreign countries, without trying to see whether we can produce better varieties”. Delete ‘from foreign countries’.

“Though successful (successive) governments had at different times urged Nigerians to….” “…the armed robbers have already gone with their loots”. ‘Loot’ is noncount.

“Nigerians need other people friendly (sic) foundations to join the bandwagon”. Either climb or jump on/aboard the bandwagon.

“Regard the face of our Head of State at formal and informal occasions.” (THE GUARDIAN, January 2) To laugh is human: on (not at) all occasions.

“That shoot-at-sight order in Libya” Get it right: shoot-on-sight order. “…a constitution designed to ensure peace and stability is this nation’s only antidote against (to) national disintegration.”

“When our prisons are bursting at their seems (seams) with political detainees.…”

“The aversion of Nigerians for (to) military rule is clear and unmistakable.” “…alleging intimidation and harassments which made fair conduct of elections unattainable.“ ‘Harassment’ is non-count.

“But I believe in a Nigeria in which what is good for the goose is good for the gander” (Thisday, January 2) What is sauce for the goose.… ”…Nigeria which should be flying with the eagles is roaming about with the chicken” (Source: as above) Always at the brink: delete ‘about’.

“While those with matured (mature) minds were able to control their emotions.…”

“Musicians pay last respect to departed….” Fixed: last respects “The armed bandits struck at HawanKibo, about 60 kilometres from Jos.” Are there un-armed bandits?

“Members of ANCLA are now working on plans to see that this menace is reduced or wiped out completely.”

Yank off ‘completely’ to foreclose lexical insanity.

“The development is sad, pathetic and constitutes a terrible setback on the objective of the party reform.” Get it right: a setback to (not on) the objective.

“Hopefully, we will end up with a human specie (species) that is half-man

We Failed FELA (1938 - 1997)

T

he coming week is the 21st annual binge celebrating the life, struggles, music and mission of Afrobeat cognoscenti and authentic African icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti...it is of course, called “Felabration”. Not to be left out, here is my tribute (penned hours after his tumultuous lying-in-state and burial) to the man who took music beyond the realm of its creation... a prickly necklace on the necks of African mindless dictators and military insurrectionists!

“He was not immodest; he just had to say it as he felt it. You might wish to block your ears to escape the predilection of the weak-hearted. Even before death destroyed, when the mere thought of the great passage claimed the sanity of less endowed men; one of the world’s most illustrious beings, Olufela AnikuIapo Kuti challenged death. He chose a name, the established idiom of primary human inter-relationship; and told the world in clear terms what his name stood for: “He who emanates greatness (Fela), who has control over death (Anikulapo) and who cannot be killed by man (Kuti)”.

Those who love Fela will spend precious moments eulogising his irrepressible courage in the face of official braggadocio, his unbelievable stamina in spite of cold and barbaric attacks from soulless soldiers; his irreverent disparagement of religious pretences which have turned the souls of Nigerians to helpless sponge of unpredictability.

They go on and on about the pungency of his lyrics; the asceticism of his ‘yabis’; the finesse of his masterful compositions, the surrealism of his arcane religious beliefs.

And that is not all of Fela. Because he is a living being, a particularly assertive, domineering and unabashedly principled being; he has a legion of detractors, professional opponents and sworn enemies - only surpassed by his legion of fans and millions of silent ‘envious’ admirers.

Therefore, it will not be a strange occurrence, even if the conclusion is strange, to “see” the other picture of Fela which his avowed ‘opponents’ would paint. To them, he is incurably addictive to contraband substances of all sorts. His commune and music provoke unnecessary rebellion and waywardness in ordinarily obedient and normal young souls. His courage and logic are misplaced, misapplied and misinformed; that confrontations with higher authorities, in spite of the latter’s corrosive corruption, have been divinely discountenanced by the holy books. So who is a man to challenge such

entities?

That Fela is paganistic and a consummate atavist whose grating realism has been deactivated by an undue exposure to evil doctrines and occultic societies. They can go on and on vouching for the sanctity of their beliefs.

But the two camps will be compelled to arrive at a joint decision - that FELA is Africa’s most colourful artiste. That Fela is the voice of the oppressed: chanting, ranting, grumbling and forever carpeting the incredible excesses and corruption of Africa’s depraved leadership. All the big, mean rulers got the flip of his tongue: Bedel Bokassa, Mobutu Sese Seko, Said Barre, Olusegun Obasanjo, Yakubu Gowon, Idi Amin, etc.

Today (August 12, 1997), as Fela is buried, Nigeria will tremble - sorrow, tears and blood will flow. It will be in character. As Fela himself reminded us: that is the “regular trademark” of the African situation - especially the Nigerian environment. Nigerians, who grunted and dallied to honour their own son, while the world poured encomiums and love on him when alive, will today shed crocodile tears of immeasurable affection.

The media, even those who could not stand Fela’s abrasive outspokenness, would write their fingers white with layers and pages of empty eulogies and profane celebration.

Even the (military) government, a past-master of uncoordinated state burials, will suck the glowing drops of international exposure today’s burial of Africa’s creative magnum opus will attract. But this is the same government which hastened his death, which destroyed his wealth, which antagonised his ideas and almost vanquished his soul.

And the uncontrollable flow of the down-trodden, the trodden and the untrod would mill around the Tafawa Balewa Square, venue of the lying-instate, moaning, crying, postulating, lamenting and virtually crippling the roads and soul of Lagos.

Yet, these are the same souls Fela had battled to infiltrate and activate, to become conscious and committed so they could lift his crusade beyond lyricism to street activism. The people failed Fela, bowing to the greater fear of pain, loss, poverty and imprisonment.

In envy at Fela’s courage and vision, and their embarrassing lack of such, the people gaped at Fela’s tribulations on their behalf; sneered at Fela’s antics and vituperations; chuckled at Fela’s yabis and reformative anecdotes - but they lost him.

Fela struggled to bring himself and his vision down to the level of the ordinary Africans; to be

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

and half-dog.”

“We must congratulate him for (on) these, but....”

“At the end of the day, their children still have to interact with the offsprings of the marginalized masses.” ‘Offspring’ is uncountable.

“And Nigerians, as well as the international community, have evidently warmed to this new hopeful visage.”

Get it right: wormed.

“As we observed last week Tuesday in regard to.…” Either: last Tuesday or Tuesday, last week “Do we have any right to demand for grain supplements from these countries?” Readers have the right to demand (not demand for) formal use of the English language by Nigerian newspapers. “…the oba suffered the indignity in London of having some of his luggages (luggage) identified….”

“Atimes (At times) the person falls asleep easily.…”

“Right from the time she served on the guild’s standing committees, she put in her very best.” The face of grammar: ‘best’ cannot be amplified (very best!) because of its superlative form which abhors inflection.

“Firm plans MKO pavillion at poly” Spell-check: pavilion.

“Hence the reluctance of some private sector employers to participate in the new welfare scheme is borne out of the precedence being set by the public sector.” Get it right: precedent.

“Are you hearing me?” This is wrong.

‘Hearing’ cannot function as a verb because of its structural characterization. The correct expression goes thus: ‘Can you hear me?’

COUNTERPOINT BY

FEMI

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

able to motivate them and thus recreate a continent of progressive malcontents. But his people refused to follow his lead; they ran into the safety of career building and property acquisition. They vanished into the semi-darkness of religious “salvation” - surrendering their tomorrow to no one in particular.

Even the few that heeded, were booed, stigmatised and ostracised. In no time, the focus changed for the strong breed: they were forced to redirect their rebellion. The emerging malcontents were pushed to a revivalist vision: to confront societal norms and obeisance; instead of converging into a force powerful enough to change society, change governments and their irresponsibility.

Fela’s message got lost, and trivialities were elevated to diffuse his impact and crusade. Thick hairs were planted in the earlobes of young souls.

Priorities were misplaced or lost entirely; force replaced logic with barbarism. Even Nigerian musicians did not understand the equation of Fela’s essence. For two or three years, the umbrella body of the musicians, Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (FMEAN) cajoled, begged and hassled Fela to attend their Nigerian Music Awards (NMA) to receive, in person, his Afrobeat Music Award! Of course, he refused and lambasted them.

Unfortunately, it never occurred to them then, that Fela that was so well-loved and admired all over Europe and the Americas, deserved much more than a miserly award in a category of music genre he single-handedly created! What is the pungency or relevance of Mariam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and, even Manu Debango, to their national ideals? They all fled their broiling countries, throwing jibes and glove-laced punches at the terrors at home from the safety of distances. Fela confronted the ogres at his own backyard - and withstood the consequences - for 25 years!!!

Today, Fela is buried. Tomorrow, his children will start the unofficial mourning. But forever, his legend, myth and music will flow and flourish.”

Hmmm...just like yesterday.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

45

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Peju Johnson True Beauty Comes from What Lies Inside a Woman, Not the Outside Features ABIMBOLA OGUNNOWO

My Love Story with Okiki Afolayan pg. 48

Niniola Presents Human Radio Concert pg. 49

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR PEJU JOHNSON

True Beauty Comes from What Lies Inside a Woman, Not the Outside Features Peju Johnson is a fast rising Yoruba Nollywood actor. Beautiful, young, bold and talented, Peju is fast becoming a delight among movie fans and gradually paving her path to link the league of top flight actors. She shares her dreams, career, life and much more with Chinedu Ibeabuchi

W

hat is there to know about Peju Johnson?

Peju Johnson is an upcoming actress who likes to mind her own business. She’s focused and determined to be the best she can be, as an actress and a woman. I was born in Ile-Ife, Osun State. I had my primary education at Community Primary School and my secondary education at Kingswill College, both in Osun State. After that, I started living in Shagamu, from where I relocated to Egypt in 2011 where I was living and doing a little business. I did a bit of acting on the side too.

Why Egypt?

My sister invited me over and I liked the place.

So, what pushed you into acting?

I have always wanted to be in the acting craft. It was a dream that became a passion. Although I have always dreamt of becoming an actress but the desire became a passion after I was given an opportunity in my secondary school.

I was a member of the drama group but I got my big chance when some people came to my school to shoot a movie and needed a student for a role. I was picked for a semi lead role in the movie, even as a student.

Also, when I was in Egypt I did some acting too. There’s a branch of TAMPAN (Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria) over there.

So, there’s TAMPAN in Egypt too. How active is it because we haven’t seen a film shot in Egypt?

There are many good Yoruba films shot in Egypt. There is a popular one titled ‘Omo Cairo’ shot by Austin Emmanuel and many Nigerian actors were featured in it. There’s also ‘Baba Esu’, I think that one is not online yet. I was once misquoted that I featured in Omo Cairo and Baba Esu, but I never did. I only mentioned them as some of the films that were shot in Cairo, Egypt. The ones I featured in Egypt are Lawori Baba Ole and Ikanju

Why did you relocate to Nigeria?

I relocated because I’ve been there for a long time and wanted to change environment

So, tell us how your journey into acting started, when and the challenges faced along the way?

I came back to Nigeria in 2016 and met Kehinde Adeyemi in 2017. He is my boss and the person that puts me through. Without him, the journey would have been very hard but with

his help and tutelage, things have been moving for me very well. I wouldn’t say things are going on smoothly but I have been coping because acting comes with stress and some other challenges.

How many films have you done since you came back to Nigeria?

I have done up to 13 films or more. There are Law of Karma, Gbajumo, Banuso, Wonuola, Farayola, Okomi-otami, Widow, Wrong number, Nkan Elege and many more!

Is it true that you cannot make it in the Yoruba industry if you don’t belong to a group or have a boss who trained you and introduced you?

I would only say it would be difficult but not impossible. Even if you don’t have anybody and God says you would make it, you will.

There are people who have come to the industry without belonging to a group or being trained by anyone who have made it. If you have the talent and the passion and God’s grace you will definitely make it.

No doubt, having a boss helps a lot but I don’t believe you can’t make it without one.

No. To me, I want a home. I want a husband not a baby daddy.

I love couples’ life. Marriage is fun when God gives you your own husband.

Marriage is so sweet when you marry someone you love. I want to settle down with a man, not live my life as a single mother

Johnson

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR

I think I Wouldn’t Have Come this far, So fast, if I was Ugly

Johnson

In your own opinion and from your experience, what does it take to get a breakthrough, especially in the Yoruba sector?

The most important thing is the talent and the drive. Like I said earlier, having a boss to introduce you also helps because you can get jobs through him. Meanwhile, if you have money to produce your own movies, it will give you fame quicker than any other way round.

Because, with your money as a producer you can call the shots and take up any role you want for yourself.

You are very beautiful, do you think it has helped you in breaking through?

Thanks for the compliments.

Seriously, I don’t really know. But I think I wouldn’t have come this far, so fast, if I was ugly.

What makes a woman truly beautiful?

True beauty comes from what lies inside a woman and not the outside attribute or features. Beauty does not come from wearing make-ups, hair products or other ornaments. It comes from intelligence, kindness, love of others, decency, sensitivity and other attributes that express love and humanity. And to different people it means different things.

That’s why they say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

What of sexiness?

Sexy is soul. I think you’re born with it. It’s not what you buy or adorn yourself with. Sexiness is just about your being; I mean who

you are. Contrary to belief, you can’t buy it, it’s not about what you wear, it’s about you as a woman and the person behind your womanhood.

What is it about the industry that annoys you?

The down side I have noticed is the unfriendly attitude of some colleagues spreading false rumours.

When there is some form of closeness between you and the opposite sex, to them, it means you are automatically dating the person.

They assume so much and start gossiping which leads to rumours.

In some cases, they start off by jokingly calling you the girlfriend of this and that, and before you know it, the news is everywhere. Like seriously, that can be very annoying.

They make it look like it’s a sin or big deal to make friends with the opposite sex,

How do you handle male advances?

It has not been easy but I simply let them know I am not searching. For the stubborn ones, I let them know no matter how hard they try I am not interested. Besides, I hardly give people audience. It’s very hard to get my contacts or to even see me.

Why do female actors tend to be richer than their male counterparts?

(Laughs) I’m new in there. So, I can’t really say!

Can you be a baby mama?

No, I can’t and I don’t think I can ever be!

Why? Many women are saying it is better than being a wife?

No. To me, I want a home. I want a husband not a baby daddy. I love couples’ life. Marriage is fun when God gives you your own husband.

Marriage is so sweet when you marry someone you love. I want to settle down with a man, not live my life as a single mother.

The down side I have noticed is the unfriendly attitude of some colleagues spreading false rumours. When there is some form of closeness between you and the opposite sex, to them, it means you are automatically dating the person

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR ABIMBOLA OGUNNOWO

My Love Story with Okiki Afolayan Yoruba movie actress, Abimbola Ogunnowo has been a key player in the movie scene with several films to her credit. She has an evergreen career and a cosmetics business, among others. She talks to Tosin Clegg about her love with movie director, Okiki Afolayan, how it all started, lessons with love and a lot more A Agbede in Ikorodu and shuttling b between that place and Ibadan w wasn’t easy for me, we had to ffall apart. Then, he was working w with AK Media as their continuity m man and we didn’t have time for o ourselves. I had to stay back at tthe University of Ibadan for my D Diploma. After my school, we had aalready broken up.

The journey started 11 years ago t was on the set of my debut movie titled ‘Ifejafunmi’ at Classic Hotel, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. When I got to the hotel, I had long braids on me, and everyone was wondering what type of hairstyle I had on? They wanted to know if I had seen Okiki? I was kind of confused because I didn’t know who Okiki was and why everyone was calling his name. When Okiki eventually came out, he asked me to remove the braids or find a solution to it before I could come on set. He left and I was of the opinion that I didn’t know this guy, so why would he tell me to remove my hair. He later came to me to explain why. He said I couldn’t use one look for the whole movie, so I needed to work around it, which I eventually did.

So, that was how I met him.

I

Getting along with him We dated for a year and a half.

W We broke up for about three years aand some months. A friend of m mine, Tunde Anjola later called me ffor a job around Magodo area of L Lagos State, where Afeez Owo was d directing, and Okiki saw me again.

H He said this babe, where have you b been all these while, we got talkiing, he invited me for a chat and I was with him the following day aand we decided to reunite, the rest iis now history, we are now Mr. and M Mrs. Afolayan.

After the reconciliation The story is that, we are not just ttogether because we are dating.

W What we have together is friendsship. It is based on this he is my ffriend, someone I can confide iin. We are friends and it was so eeasy for us to come back, nothing cchanged about the way we were.

F From the long talks, I began to say tthis guy has not really changed, llikewise me. He is someone who aalways wants to make you happy. I tthought I should give him another cchance and here we are now.

Eleven years ago, he wasn’t a director but a continuity manager At that time, he was like the heart of a production, and he still is right now the heart of movie productions because if you have to change a story, add to it or remove from it, you have to go by him. I actually thought he hated me at first, just because of the way he dropped the heat on me. I later realised that he was doing his job, he didn’t hate me.

How I felt that moment he told me to remove my hair I didn’t feel anything. Funny enough, he was the first person to check on me the second day, asking if I had eaten. Hope yesterday’s job wasn’t that stressful.

Seeing someone for the first time and he started picking on you takes you aback, but we just had to move on. Naturally, I am a very pleasant person. When I meet people for the first time, I don’t form an opinion about them because I don’t know what you have in you. I don’t know what you’d gone through that day before meeting me. But that was my first appearance on the screen. He was giving me tutorial on how to act because he wasn’t pleased with the way I acted the first day. After that day, the rest is now history, as it’s said.

I only reckon with people based on their character If you do something to me repeatedly, then it tells me your real character. Like the popular saying “first impression lasts longer”, I don’t believe in that ideology. People can be very terrible the first time you meet them but this doesn’t mean because you don’t know what he/she had gone through before you met them. I don’t judge by that, you need to do the same thing twice or thrice before I’ll make my judgement.

He has so many qualities that m make him different from others He can do anything just to make p people around him better. He is so ssupportive. I am a very industrio ous person and I am a true lover.

A As long as you are contented with a particular person, why not do tthe right thing on time and go with h him or her? That was why I chose m my husband above any other man.

I am contented with his kind of p person. He is one guy that, when I am with him, the whole world is ffulfilled, I am fulfilled.

Ogunnowo

Relationships work out mostly because of our head not our heart It works out because of our emotional maturity, empathetic intelligence and self-discipline.

Time will come when you’ll see more beautiful, handsome, romantic, intelligent, sexy, rich, curvy and God-fearing people than the one you’re in a relationship with.

At a time like this, love will not help you; self-control will help you, emotional intelligence will come to your rescue and commitment will keep you going. With those characteristics, no matter

what you feel for someone else, the person you’re committed to will rank first in your life.

How the love affair set in As I said, we became friends and he has been my best friend in the industry. After the movie thing, we were friends for three years before we started dating. He has a lot of things on him.

He is a director, story writer and a producer. At some point, we broke up and that was when I told him that I was going back to school. Then, he was living at

Dealing with his excesses I have been coping with that for 111 years, so there is no big deal aabout that. I am used to it. I know h him too well.

He is somebody who gets tired o of things so easily. You can’t get h his attention on the phone for five minutes, he is done with you. He is always on the move working, but the truth of the matter is that when you are with a right person, you will not get tired of him, no matter what. I am so sure that he is going to be a good husband and a good father.

I love Okiki’s mum I love her heart, and she is just like my mother. I know what it means for you to have a child and take good care of him/her. His mum is so amazing. I so much love her because she is the one who calls me every day to pray for me.

I don’t think I will ever have any problem with her.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR

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

The Nickelodeon Feast of Colours

Gists NINIOLA PRESENTS HUMAN RADIO CONCERT The coveted and highly infectious musical sound of the Queen of Afro-House and Drumroll Records artiste Niniola will, on November 9 be unleashed live like never before at her headline concert tagged ‘The Human Radio Concert’. The concert, a first of its kind, will hold at the Landmark Centre. Also billed to join Niniola, are Reminisce, Aramide, Mayorkun, Mr. Real, Terry Apala, Slimcase, Immaculate, Johnny Drille, Teni, Oladips, Godwin Strings, Tyson Noir, Soti, Music Policy by DJ Dips and DJ Crowd Kontroller, among others.

Niniola took Africa and, indeed, the world by storm in the past few years with consistent hits and a perfectly delivered universal and world-class debut album ‘This Is Me’. However, the theme of this concert, which is ‘The Human Radio’, is one that transcends time, going far back to when the magical core and personality of the inspired teenager, Niniola Apata, started to manifest.

Nicknamed ‘The Human Radio’ while in secondary school, Niniola had her very own singing request show where she sang songs from various musicians as requested by her friends and classmates at the time to the amazement and cheering of listeners.

The Human Radio Concert will be like none before it, showcasing a powerful blend of music and stagecraft via a unique theme and special features inspired by the persona, charisma, and soul of one of Nigeria’s finest singer-songwriter and performer, Niniola Apata.

MAJOR LAZER THRILLS NIGERIAN FANS The United States Consulate General in Lagos in collaboration with U-Live Africa, recently, cohosted the Major Lazer Sound System Concert at the Hard Rock Beach on Victoria Island.

Major Lazer, the American electronic dance music group, comprising Diplo, Jillionaire, and Walshy Fire, were in Nigeria as part of a broaderAfrica tour which has taken them to South Africa, Malawi, Kenya and Uganda.

Following performances by leading Nigerian disc-jockeys, United States Consul General F. John Bray delivered brief remarks to hundreds of excited music lovers.

It was a night to remember for the hundreds of fans who thronged the Hard Rock Beach as the electronic dance music trio thrilled the audience with a blend of local and international tunes.

Major Lazer’s visit to Nigeria underscores the strong U.S.-

Nigeria cultural and people-to-people ties. The electronic dance music group has recently dropped three singles featuring three popular Nigerian acts Tied Up featuring Mr. Eazi; Loyal featuring Kizz Daniel and All My Life, featuring Burna Boy.

TOSIN BEE RELEASES NEW SONGS, PLANS ALBUM One Hallelujah Records act, Tosin Bee is set to take gospel music to another level. He recently released some songs off his forthcoming album which serenaded the music scene and blessed the ears of his listeners. His kind of music has been a blessing so far and has earned Tosin performances slots at major concerts, shows and programmes in and out of Nigeria making him one of the most sought-after gospel music brands.

His contemporary African music style has earned him so much excellence over the years, keeping inline his sonorous voice which continues to captivate his listening audience. Unequivocally, his unique style of gospel music largely consists RnB, Hip-fuji, Jazz, Ewi (traditional Yoruba chant) injects a breath of fresh air in the Nigerian gospel arena.

Tosin is passionately committed to lifting Jesus Christ higher in his divinely located parish. His passion equally goes out to the elderly who are struggling to make ends meet. Thus, his Tosin Bee Hopeful Initiative is currently being put in place to administer help to senior citizens of Nigeria.

The word of God is his main source that drives him on to greater heights. And this kept him going in spite of adversities.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports on the recent Nickelodeon Festival in Lagos, aptly described as the biggest family festival in Africa

T

he sea of colorful logos of various consumer brands provided a pleasant feast to the eyes on arrival at the venue. Apparently the flamboyant spectacle was targeted at parents and children. The environment was draped with lively banners. Vendors littered the open but segmented space. In the mix of celebrity guests, brand influencers and very familiar faces, music and sounds wafted from different corners around the upscale environment.

The beautiful faces seen around were complemented by this feeling of camaraderie that sparkles amongst the teens with children games and exciting adventures for the kids and various age groups. NickFest made its debut in Nigeria last year courtesy of Nickelodeon, popular family entertainment TV network owned by Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa).

Tagged NickFest Nigeria 2018, in partnership with Maltina, the two day event delivered fun-filled experience for families and amazing features to enjoy the best of Nickelodeon lots of singing, dancing, and game shows and pure laugh aloud fuan. NickFest “basically is about creating experiences for families and children particularly to have fun, to bond, to share special moments and memories like no other,” explains Bada Akintunde-Johnson, Country Manager, Nigeria, Viacom Africa.

“We had the first installment last year, this is the second edition.

Feedback was great as you can see you know the kids have absolute grip of every activity that you find around and you would attest to the fact that this is not what you readily would found around here. “So it’s about creating those experiences you know that are memorable, that are talked about by these kids and that live long in their memories.”

He highlights the extra special thing about NickFest and the Nickelodeon brand. “It’s extra special because, I mean for the kids ordinarily, this is something that would outlive entirely on TV for them growing up. I can’t imagine how priceless it would have been if I had the opportunity to meet the characters I watched on TV. So you know I can relate to this sort of experience what this means for these kids to be able to relate one on one with the characters that they absolutely adore on TV. “So Nickelodeon is that brand that can enable the experiences no one else can. Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, these are big name characters hugely popular with the kids and to afford them is an opportunity to relate with them, see them at very close quarters. That’s absolutely priceless.” Believed to be far Nigeria’s largest family-centric festival, NickFest 2018 was all shades of fun and spectacles.

Kids splashed around in thousands of litres of gloriously gooey slime at the legendary Slime Zone. The venue was transformed into a massive kiddie’s wonderland with amazing toys, fun games and activities, and plenty color, notably the Nickelodeon and Maltina traditional bright orange which helped achieved a vibrantly playful ambience. Parents and guardians also had a wonderful time channeling their inner child as they joined in the revelry. Maltina lived up to its “Share Happiness” mantra by putting smiles on the faces of families at the Maltina Happy Land at NickFest through exciting give aways.

Executive Vice President and Managing Director, VIMN Africa & BET International Alex Okosi, shared some thoughts about the show and its relevance during the kid’s festival that has held across Africa, nay South Africa and Nigeria. “I think to be honest to the African kids the great thing about our kids is that in a lot of ways they appreciate the same things around the world; they love their families and then want to able to have fun.

“I think what is great about Nickelodeon or what is great about the brand is that we do provide that really fun exciting environment that is relatively safe for kids to interact not only with themselves but also with some other brands. And I think that a festival like this being held in Nigeria (it’s only two places on the continent that we have held it which is South Africa and Nigeria) is a great testament too.

“Nigerian kids really do appreciate an xperience like this enough to really, really get closer to the brand and the characters and the experiences that they love. So as you would see there in the festival grounds we not only have the characters taking on shows that are going on great entertainments for the kids; we have music that’s part of the experience. So it’s a mesh of all these amazing opportunities that really, really speak to the hearts of most kids.”

The organisers were also able to pull in a host of popular celebrities like Adekunle Gold and Simi, Sound Sultan, Darey Art-Alade, M.I Abaga, Mayorkun, Damilola Adegbite, OAPs Manny and Lolo 1 of Cool and Wazobia Fm. The music stars thrilled and entertained amilies at event with electrifying performances. The pair of IK Osakioduwa and the beautiful teen entertainer Amarachi on stage enthralled the attendees as it lightings up the place.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 13, 2018

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

HS Media Seals Production Services Deal for American Game Show

H

S Media Group, owners of the Hotsports brand, has tied up a production services deal for the recording of the Nigerian version of a popular US television game show, The Price Is Right.

The deal was sealed Tuesday after an MOU signing ceremony at the HS Media Group headquarters in Oregun, Lagos, between the Company and Genesis Studios, the franchise owners and Producers of the oldest reality game show on American television for the Nigerian market.

According to Abraham Praise, Director/ Producer of The Price Is Right Nigeria: “Genesis Studios is engaging HS Media Group for the production of the game show in Nigeria because of the state-of-the-art facilities on offer at the Centre.

Reacting to the new production contract, the Chief Executive Officer, HS Media Group, Taye Ige said: “the price is right when an enthusiastic buyer meets an enthusiastic seller and in between them there is the issue of capability. On our side, evidently, I believe we have very little to prove. We are capable, we are able and we are willing to deliver on this brief.”

The Price Is Right, a television game show, has been a constant household delight for American television audience since it was first produced on September 4, 1972.

The show revolves around contestants competing by identifying accurate pricing of merchandise to win cash and prizes.

L-R: Director/Producer, ‘The Price is Right’, Abraham Praise; Executive Producer, ‘The Price is Right’CEO, Olatubosun David Olaegbe; HS Media Group, owners of the HotSports Brand,Taye Ige; and Chief Operating Officer, HS Media Group, Robert Paltiel after the MOU signing ceremony between the two organisations in Lagos.

Creative Content Industry and Present Danger Folake Oladipupo

A

sAfricaandthewholeworld await the much expected leap of the African creative industry to the next level, the thrill may be gone even before its starts being felt. On 1st October, the first dose of the biggest ever injection of impetus into the African creative industry via the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy (MTFA) project, which aims to provide students a one-year fully funded education in all aspects of film and television.

The objective of the MTFAs, located in Nigeria, Zambia and Kenya, is to develop the next generation of African film and television professionals by equipping them with technical skills required to make the African film industry cross over to the global mainstream.

While the 60 students, 20 in each regional MTFA, are thrilled by the possibility of learning from accomplished industry greats and the hope of producing huge quantity of work at the highest quality, their output and those of other content creators is threatened by pervasive piracy, a global malaise rampant in Africa where the unregulated industry is at the mercy of limp legislation, enforcement and suffocating corruption.

The engine of piracy is up and running. Its destructive effects on the creative industry are far-reaching. For one, it greatly reduces resources available to content creators to keep on creating by making paupers of them. The local content industry requires a lot of money to make it grow.

But with piracy, such money is unavailable. Most pirated movies are victims of their own success.

Pirates target the fastest-selling DVDs, often to China, to be mass-produced and bring them back to Africa to sell.

Three weeks after its release in July 2014, Half of a Yellow Sun, a film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie’s novel, was found being hawked on Lagos streets. A year later, famous actor/producer, Kunle Afolayan threatened to leave Nigeria after discovering that the VCD of his popular movie, October 1, had been pirated and was already on sale on the street at N500 per

copy when he had yet to recoup a fraction of the $2million invested in its production.

Emmanuel Isikaku, a leading figure in Nigeria’s Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association, knows more than little about the debilitating effect of piracy. His experience with Plane Crash, his 2007 flick, still haunts. “I couldn’t make anything from it. Because of piracy I didn’t even break even. A lot of people watched the film, but unfortunately they watched pirated copies,” he said.

He argued that pirates have stopped producers from working hard and investors from providing the finance because they do not get what they are due.

Piracy is abetted, perhaps unwittingly, by consumers, who are happy to pay N100 for a pirated movie VCD instead of N400 for the original. In many cases, pirated versions holds up to seven movie titles. Most movie retailers also get their stock from pirates, leaving them with fantastic profit margins on meager investments. This robs investors in creative content of the opportunity to recoup their investments and does the same to the government in terms of taxes and levies.

Another effect of piracy is the reduction of the capacity of the local content industry to create jobs as much as it should. Over a million people, it is estimated, are currently employed in Nollywood.

Nollywood films have a large following in Africa and immigrant enclaves around the world.

On account of its popularity, it is well placed to create more employment opportunities. But stifled by piracy, its chances of doing are dim.

Piracy equally affects the remuneration of actors, who get financial rewards grossly at variance with what their talents and fame merit.

The World Bank estimates that for every legitimate copy sold, nine others are pirated.

In terms of exports, these movies are purchased and watched across the world — in otherAfrican countries, Europe, USAand the Caribbean, and almost all the exports are pirated copies,” said a World Bank official. She added that because there are currently few legal channels for exporting movies, very meager or no returns go to the filmmakers and practically no revenue goes to the government.

According to Isikaku, piracy was eroding his profits back in 2005. He estimated that he lost

Three weeks after its release in July 2014, Half of a Yellow Sun, a film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie’s novel, was found being hawked on Lagos streets. A year later, famous actor/ producer, Kunle Afolayan threatened to leave Nigeria after discovering that the VCD of his popular movie, October 1, had been pirated and was already on sale on the street at N500 per copy when he had yet to recoup a fraction of the $2million invested in its production

about N10million because of illegally copied DVDs. The problem, he said, became alarming in 2007 when pirates started to use video compression technology, which allows between five and 20 films (both local and foreign) to be squeezed onto one disk and then sold at N100, leaving producers unable compete by charging N400.

Industry figures explain that pirates lay their hands on movies through a number of ways.

These include cinema screenings, which require the producer to send the movie hard drive to cinema houses, where control, usually left to lowlevel staff on meager wages, is weak. A poorly remunerated staff is easily targeted by pirates, who could seduce him with about N1million to make copies of original versions.

Another source of is the post-production stage, which allows unscrupulous editors and other post-production crew members access to original copies of movies. Yet another is DVD release which, with the improvements in piracy technology, has made it considerably easier and quicker for content to be ripped off the original and deliver almost the same audio-visual grade.

Pirates also get movies via online portals, which indicate that the content is encoded, but are easily downloadable by mid-level Information Technology personnel. Piracy of television content, for example, has seen DStv signal illegally relayed and movies downloaded from DStv Box office.

A few years ago, one Ubong Obot was dragged to court by the Nigerian Copyright Commission and slapped with charges related illegal relaying of DStv signal to about 500 homes in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A raid on his house yielded items such as illegal decoders, transmission boosters, rolls of installation wires and other accessories valued at N20 million.

With cinema-going culture yet to fully take root and film consumers still dependent on VCDs and DVDs, piracy continues to boom. In addition to these, the country’s porous land and sea borders as well as airport provide no impediment to pirated DVDs re-entry into the country from China. Weak enforcement of anti-piracy laws, slap-on-the wrist penalties for pirates and corruption provide additional impetus to endemic piracy and create a dangerous economic climate for even the most skilled filmmakers, who are usually self-funded.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 13, 2018

POLITY

‘Dangote Champions’ Showcase Sustainability Strategies Across Africa

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olunteers and other stakeholders within the Dangote conglomerate worldwide, otherwise called Dangote Champions recently operationalised the company’s sustainability policy framework when they embarked on various activities aimed at impacting the environment positively across Nigeria and in some African countries.

This, the Champions explained, is to promote sustainable development in ‘The Dangote Way’ under the seven sustainability pillars adopted and practicalised by the organisation.

The activities, which coincided with the United Nations 73rd General Assembly at the New York Headquarters were carried out with a ‘Call to Action’, included environmental cleanups, tree planting, road rehabilitation, health outreach and sensitisation.

Others involved awareness creation on safety and clean environment, hospital sanitation and clean-up, educational outreach and donation of materials, and organisation of symposia; all of which were undertaken by volunteer Dangote staff and external partners and stakeholders.

The sustainability exercises, which spanned four days (September 24 to 27) included cleanup of Oniru Blockmakers village in Victoria Island, Lagos; cleanup of Ajibese community undertaken by Dangote Cement PLC at Ibese; cleanup of Anjorin Market in Apapa by Apapa Greenville; and Isolo community clean-up by DCP Cement Depot, Isolo.

There was also beach cleanup and

Dangote Champions

tree planting in Tema by DCP Ghana; hospital sanitation and cleanup in Bounsa by DCP Congo; educational outreach in Douala by DCP Cameroon; and road rehabilitation and symposium by DCP Gboko in Benue State of Nigeria. The Oniru activities, which were carried out alongside programme partners like VisionScape, Growing Businesses Foundation (GBF), and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), showcased the seven sustain-

ability pillars of the Dangote Group, including environmental, economic, social, financial, operational, financial, cultural, and institutional pillars.

The Oniru block-makers village cleanup, witnessed by the Dangote Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Usen Udoh; Mr. Mohammed Sani-Dangote; Chief Operating Officer of VisionScape, Mr. Thomas Forgacs; Head, SME of LSETF, Mr. Charles Anyanwu; and Programme Director

of GBF, Mr. Seyi Dare, involved dozens of volunteers from Dangote Head Office.

Aside the cleanup of the block market, a female beneficiary, Alufojie Happiness Mercy was given a loan by GBF to help improve the block and cement seller ’s livelihood and financial sustainability.

The sustainability week activities, which also included a selfie competition, preceded the annual Dangote Cement Customer Service Week, which is marked all over the Group’s plants.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Commercial Manager, Nestle Nigeria, Chandana Fernando; Academic Director, Sales and Marketing Academy, Lagos Business School, Dr. Ogechi Adeola; Managing Director, Nestle Nigeria, Mauricio Alarcon; and Director, LBS Sustainability Centre, Prof. Chris Ogbechie, during the Nestle Nigeria and Lagos Business School partnership to run Sales Academy in Lagos...yesterday Photo:SUNDAY

L-R: Senior Brand Manager, Three Crowns Milk; Mrs. Omolara Banjoko; star prize winner; Mrs. Jennifer Michael; star winner, Mrs. Pauline Pambolo; star winner; Mrs. Adaobi Okonkwo; and Marketing Director, Friesland Campina Wamco, Mr. Chris Wulff Caesar, at the 2018 Three Crowns Mum of the Year grand finale in Lagos... yesterday Photo:SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Proprietor, Ken Ade Private School, Makoko, Mr. Bawo Ayeseminikan; Unilever Africa President, Bruno Witvoet; and Chief Executive Officer, Wecyclers Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Olawale Adebiyi, during Bruno’s visit to Makoko Community, Lagos... recently

L-R: ChemistryTeacher, Penny International College, Lagos, Mr. Unogu Henry;Top femal winner of PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge, Miss. Irene Iliemene-Ejike; Group Brand Development/Activation Manager, PZ Cussons, Charity Illevebare; and co-winner, Miss Onyinye Nwachukwu, at the presentation of gifts to top female candidates in the PZ Cussions Chemistry challenge to commemorate the internatioal day of the girl child 2018 in Lagos...yesterday

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 13, 2018

POLITY

OsarodionOgie: CelebratingaFieldMarshal,LoverofHumanity Adibe Emenyonu

O

n Friday, September 21, the family, friends and associates of Mr. Osarodion Ogie, Secretary to the Edo State Government rolled out drums to celebrate his new age.

Due to his easy-going nature, he never wanted a party, but his friends gave a surprise bash to thank God for this lover of humanity, who never show off but is ready to render help whenever he is called upon, as long as it is within his capacity to do so.

Ogie came into political limelight in 2008 when the former governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole appointed him as his Chief of Staff.

Prior to his appointment, he coordinated the legal team that fought for Oshiomhole’s victory over Prof.

Osarhiemen Okunbo governorship both at the Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

Since then, nothing has stopped the man with a soft voice. For serving meritoriously in the first four years, Oshiomhole gave him a bigger portfolio as Commissioner for Works where he superintended most of the laudable projects that became the hallmark of Oshiomhole’s eight years as governor of Edo State.

Even with the important positions he occupied, he never displayed any form of arrogance that is characteristic of the average Nigerian politician, who at the moment they attain a little position of authority, will become swollen headed.

Rather, Ogie operates an open door policy that endears him to all those that come across him. Amongst Oshiomhole’s cabinet members, he was the only one whose office door was always open.

Anytime you visit his office and the door is closed, it is obvious that Ogie is not in the office.

The practice began when he was COS and throughout the period he was Works Commissioner under Oshiomhole.

It is the same life style he adopted even in his private residence where the gate is always open and closes whenever there was body coming in or going out.

This characteristics, over the year as an official of Edo State Government, earned him the sobriquet, “Field Marshal” because of his stance that politics and governance should be for uplifting the society; and not for personal aggran-

Osarodion Ogie

dizement.

Like a true party man, who cherishes and adores loyalty, his patience was tested prior to the governorship election of 2016. He did not betray his emotions but decided to abide by party decision that Mr. Obaseki should be the governor.

Even with his large number of followers and being in charge of the party structure in the state, he collapsed his political machinery to work for the emergence of Mr. Obaseki as governor.

As a true party man, he did not argue with his then boss, Oshiomhole, unlike others who would have insisted it must be them or no one else.

His ability to proffer solution in dif-

ficult political situations has become a legacy that has earned him respect from all quarters to the extent that today, he is regarded as an encyclopedia of politics in Edo across party lines.

Little wonder his cronies both in government and out of government decided to honour him on his birthday. Prior to this celebration, Governor Obaseki, shortly before he celebrated his one year in office last year, had described Ogie as the engine room of his administration.

Obaseki, who disclosed this when he paid a thank you visit to Egor and Ikpoba Okhai Local Government Area where the SSG hails from, promised to kick-start the development of an Industrial Park at Ologbo in the LGA,

as part of activities to mark his one-year anniversary in office, which today is on course.

Also addressing APC members in Ikpoba Okhai, Obaseki said: “I am happy that the SSG, Osarodion Ogie, is from this local government. You call me ‘Wake and see, Governor’. For your information, I sleep, but you have to thank your son, the SSG because, while I am sleeping, he is awake and should be commended for he is responsible for what you see when you wake up.”

Obaseki did not just end the accolades like that; he commended the local government for ensuring that the party won in its 10 wards during the 2016 governorship election. The governor awarded N500,000 to Ward 7 where the SSG hails from for securing for the party the highest number of votes during the governorship election.

The immediate past Governor Oshiomhole, now National Chairman of APC, also spoke glowingly about him.

“Ogie is my political son of whom am proud of.”

It is the characteristics of Ogie to have people around him both at work and during his moment of relaxation. His philosophy has always been that you are working with him and not for him.

He is also a man of tender and kind heart, and a hard worker who expects everyone around him to do the same.

He is a philanthropist that gives quietly without blowing trumpets.

Ogie was born on 24th day of September, 1960. He has his educational background at Eghosa Grammar School, Benin City; University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where he bagged LL.B between 19811985 before he proceeded to Nigerian Law School for his Bachelor of Law and was called to the Bar in 1986.

From there, he became the Principal Partner, Osarodion Ogie & Co until politics beckoned on him and he was appointed Chief of Staff to Adams Oshiomhole (2008-2012); Works Commissioner (2012-2016). In 2007, he was awarded the Oba Merit Award by Oba Erediauwa (CFR). He was also the Director General, Godwin Obaseki Governorship Campaign Team in 2016, before attaining the present position of Secretary to State Government. He is a great sportsman. He plays football, tennis at his leisure time and takes delight in swimming for relaxation. At 58, Ogie looks forward to joining the diamond club next year. Happy birthday to the “Field Marshal.”

Imparting Maritime Skills Ferdinand Ekechukwu

A

three day programme on maritime training tagged GMT 2018, organised by Ginai Integrated Ventures, had students of Certified Institute of Shipping, Badagry, Lagos, with diverse resource persons in attendance to share with the students, different perspectives on what they have learnt in school. The students numbering 106 were trained on health, safety and techniques on board a vessel.

The organiser of the programme, Mrs. Regina Jideonwo, stated that GMT 2018 – Ginai Maritime Training 2018 was geared towards maritime training outside the school. “The Ginai Maritime is designed to impart skills outside the maritime schools to the students. We have some maritime skills that we want to impart to them. These include training on vessel cleaning and maintenance, vessel docking and mooring, and vessel survey and inspection.

“We have different kinds of skills that we are training them on so as to be self-reliant after leaving school before getting a job. Apart from that, we are also trying to bring in entertainment into the marine industry. A whole lot of youths don’t know about maritime. When you just call a youth that just finish high

Ginai Maritime Training Insitute students school and ask them what they want to be, you hear them say ‘I want to be a lawyer, I want to be a doctor’. You hardly hear someone say ‘I want to be or I want to study nautical science’.

“So, we want to create awareness for youths out there to know about the maritime sector; they will get to know most

of the skills. We want to use this platform to marry entertainment with maritime so that we are be able to create awareness for them to be interested, hence comedian Koffi as the programme anchor, lightening the atmosphere with jokes.”

Mrs. Jideonwu further stated that the yearly programme would take partici-

pants to different cities with maritime schools. “GMT 2018 is going to Warri; we will go to Port Harcourt. We intend going all over the places we have maritime schools to create the awareness and train them. It’s not as if it is a programme where we are really charging them for it.

We take a token for logistics.”

53

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀

NEWSXTRA

Obasanjo’s Reconciliation with Atiku was to Save Nigeria

MAKING A POINT...

L-R; Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Zamfara State Governor, Abdul-aziz Yari Abubakar; and Special Adviser to President Muhammad u Buhari on National Assembly Matters, Alhaji Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, during the visit of Zamfara State Governor to President Buhari at the State House Abuja on the Zamfara State APC crisis... yesterday

‘We Suspended Saraki Impeachment Plan in National Interest’ OmololuOgunmadeĂ“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan, yesterday in Abuja said the All Progressives Congress (APC) senators opted to suspend their threats to impeach Senate President, Bukola Saraki in the overall national interest.

Lawan had at the APC Convention in Eagle Square, Abuja last Saturday, told his fellow party men that APC caucus would upon National Assembly resumption on October 9, ensure that it regained its rightful position by ousting Saraki, The Senate Leader had implied that APC senators would make real their threat by removing from office Saraki, following his defection from APC to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in July.

But while the nation looked

forward to heated sessions in accordance with the threat in the National Assembly after its formal resumption on Wednesday, everywhere was very calm, making many Nigerians to wonder the essence of the persistent threat of impeachment against both Saraki and House of Representatives’ Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, for over two months.

Dogara also defected from APC to PDP. But asked why they failed to carry out their threats, Lawan, answering questions from journalists in the State House, said they placed the necessity to be patriotic above partisan or personal issues.

The senator who further claimed that they opted to put Nigerian interest first, added that they only had disagreement which he said

was normal.

According to him, the main commitment now is to ensure that Nigerians are offered deserved benefits by treating all pending national issues before them. “I don’t know what informed your view to anticipate crisis but let me tell you that National Assembly will continue to remain focused on national issues. “We must be patriotic, nationalistic.

We must put national interest above individuals, parochial or partisan interest. “We definitely have to bury our hatchets for us to work for Nigeria and Nigerians; perhaps that might have informed the disappointment of many people that there will be crisis in the National Assembly. “Let me also say that disagree-

ments are usual. In fact, there are very practical components of any parliament. When you have two to three parties or even within parties, you will have views that may differ. “It is traditional. It is usual for us to disagree, maybe this disagreements may crop up and some other issues but for now, our focus is on national interest. “The National Assembly is a Nigerian parliament and therefore the best thing to do is to ensure that Nigerians get a good deal and for now the good deal is for Nigeria to have all those pending requests of Mr. President approved by the National Assembly. “I think the national interest for now override any other interest,� he insisted.

Delta Community Gives NPDC 14-Days Ultimatum, to Shut Down Oil Wells

Stop Attacking Senator Orji, Aide Warns Nkechi Nwogu

SylvesterIdowu Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ“

Legislative Aide and Media Adviser to Senator T.A. Orji, Mr. Eddie Onuzuruike, has asked Senator Nkechi Nwogu to stop attacking the Senator representing Abia Central at the National Assembly.

Onuzuruike, who accused Nwogu of making frivolous and disparaging claims against the former governor of Abia State, said Nwogu “is a drowning politician and has been grabbing all straws to keep afloat.�

According to him, Senator Orji as the first-time lawmaker had continued to give his constituents effective representation at the National Assembly in the last three and half years. “Senator Orji has in all ramifications represented and projected his constituency and constituents. Suite 2.20, Senate Wing, National Assembly is a beehive of activities where all manner of assistance is given even to non-constituents. Senator Orji as a habit has listening ears, answering all calls and replying text messages of all irrespective of creed, tribe and colour

The people of Udu kingdom in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State has given a 14-day ultimatum to Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) to construct a flow station at Emadadja, Ogbe Udu or Ubogo or face shutdown of all oil wells in the area.

Udu is one of the foremost producers of oil and gas in the country but is neglected by stakeholders with the natural resources drilled in the area and piped to Utorogun community in the neighbouring Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

Thousands of indigenes of Udu yesterday stormed Udu Local Government Area headquarters, Ovwian Divisional Police Station and Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) to protest their anger over the neglect of the kingdom by NPDC, a subsidiaryofNigerianNationalPetroleum Corporation (NNPC).

President of Union of Udu Youth (Ighele Re’ Udu), Comrade Sunday Subi, told the Vice Chairman of the local government that the protest was a result of breach of agreement by NPDC with the community.

He said NPDC refused to construct a flow station despite two parcels of land made available but preferred to drill the community oil and pipe to neighbouring Utorogun community in another local government area. “It is highly iniquitous when oil drilled in Udu are piped to Utorogun and not countedaspartofUduquantumbutrather counted for Ughelli South, a neighboring localgovernmentareatoUdu,unarguably, this is great injustice and tantamount to robbing Peter to pay Paul,� he lamented.

Comrade Subi explained that Udu, as peace loving people, had engaged the management of NPDC and other relevant agencies, through dialogue and correspondences, on construction of a flow station in the kingdom but that the oil company reneged on agreements. “It came to us as a rude shock after formal conclusion with the management team of NPDC and two parcels of land earmarked to construct a flow station at either Emadadja, Ogbe Udu or Ubogo to take care of the OMLs in the kingdom when the oil from the recently drilled wells of Abura field (OML 65) is now being piped to Utorogun flow stationagainst the collective will of and aspiration of Udu people.

“No. 32 Ojike Street, Umuahia, the constituency office is a haven for so many with multiple activities on weekly basis catering for all. Senator Orji has executed many projects, rendered humanitarian services, educational and all, having published his score-card. “Nkechi Nwogu should first secure a ticket from her APC or APGA where she is sure of defecting to in case of any misadventure. Enough of her senseless jibes. The ultimate for every politician is gaining the confidence of the electorate which Senator Orji has done in the six local government area constituency structure and challenged Nwogu to list her achievements in the National Assembly for 12 years as a House of Representative member and Senator and compare with Senator Orji’s three years as Senator.�

He insisted that against her claims, Abia Central was ably represented by Senator T. A. Orji.

Director of strategic communications, Coalition of Nigeria and former political adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Akin Osuntokun has said that the reconciliation between Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo was occasioned by the desire to check the dangers President Muhammadu Buhari posed to the country.

Osuntokun in a statement said that Obasanjo had to subordinate his personal grievances to ensure that the country was saved from downward spiral and descent into the abyss.

He insisted that that there was nothing wrong in a man forgiving those who wronged him which he said was the hallmark of Christian faith given the challenge of rescuing the country. “The Buhari surrogates who have been frothing over the reunion of President Olusegun Obasanjo and President to be, Atiku Abubakar are correct in the observation that this is an unusual development. And they only have their principal, President

Muhammadu Buhari to thank for this positive turn of events. To put it mildly these are desperate times in Nigeria and desperate problems readily provoke desperate measures. “Confronted with the present danger and calamity that the presidency of Buhari poses to Nigeria, the choice and course of action open to any responsible Nigerian statesman is clear-and that is the subordination of all personal differences to the task of rescuing Nigeria from the fast pace downward spiral towards the political abyss. “And God, in his inimitable ways, has seen fit to choose Atiku Abubakar as the instrument of rescuing Nigeria from the dark and dangerous turn that the incumbent driver has swerved the country. It is perhaps for the task of the unprecedented challenge of this moment that God has been preparing Atiku-who like all mortals is not without his share of human imperfections. To err is human and to forgive is divine. This cannon alone recommends and sanctions the reconciliation between Obasanjo and Atiku.

About 30 Medical Doctors Left Kogi Civil Service, Says NMA YekiniJimoh Ă“Ă˜ ÙÕÙÔË

 “The worst hit are the doctors working with the Kogi State No fewer than 30 medical doctors Hospitals Management Board as have left Kogi State civil service as well as the Kogi Specialist Hospital, a result of non-payment of salary Lokoja. and poor enumeration, Kogi State  “This is due to the differential Chairman of the Nigeria Medical and poor remuneration of docAssociation (NMA), Dr. Kabiru tors, which NMA has been at Zubair has said. the forefront of the struggle for He stated this yesterday at a meet- better welfare for doctors and all ing with the new NMA executives healthcare workers in the state. held with the management of Kogi  “Although, some of the issues Ministry of Health in Lokoja. have been resolved, the government “Among the newly employed needs to do more in order to slow doctors, 13 have remained unpaid down the rate of this mass exodus till date since their resumption in and to attract more doctors to the August, 2017,â€? he added. state,â€? Zubair said. He noted that the Kogi GovernHe, therefore, urged government should give utmost priority ment to ensure regularity in to the welfare of health workers to salary payment of doctors and prevent the current mass exodus of other health workers, correction of doctors from the state’s civil service. underpayments, implementation of According to him, in the last corrected/adjusted CONMESS, cash nine months, over 30 doctors had backing of promotion and annual left the state civil service and more step increment. were threatening to leave as soon He stressed that the heavy as they had better opportunities taxation on doctors’ salaries had elsewhere. further worsened their remuneration,  “It is no longer news, that there and non-payment of gratuity and is ongoing mass exodus of doctors pensions to some doctors who from Kogi to other states and federal retired recently from Kogi civil health institutions. service.Â

Niger PDP Releases Final List of Candidates for the 2019 Elections LaleyeDipo Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger state has released its candidates for all the elections slated for 2019 with its gubernatorial candidate Alhaji Umar Nasko topping the list.

The list is, however, still silent on the running mate for the standard bearer.

State chairman of the party Alhaji Tanko Beji who unveiled the list at the party secretariat on Thursday said the candidates emerged after a “crisis free primaries�.

On the list according to Tanko Beji, were the three senatorial candidates; Alhaji Ishyaku Ibrahim (SAN) for Niger East senatorial zone, Alhaji Sani Cuba for Niger North zone

and a former deputy chief whip of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Baba Shehu Agaie for Niger South senatorial zone.

Beji said Alhaji Rico Mohammed would be leading a 10-man assault team for the House of Representatives seats allotted to the state while 27 others among them a woman, Hajia Sadatu Kolo were elected to battle for the House of Assembly seats with other political parties in the general election. “We had a crisis of free election, there was no petition from any of the contestants, the appeal committee sent by the national body did not have any work to do. “The congresses were peaceful and transparent we learnt from our mistakes we did not have a single appeal filed,� Beji declared.

54

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

NEWSXTRA

APC Election Chairman, Sani, in War of Words Over Bribery Allegation John Shiklam ÓØ ËÎßØË

A GRATEFUL HEART...

L-R: Director General, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO), Mr. Tayo Ayinde; APC Lagos State Governorship Candidate, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; Leaders, APC Lagos State, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku; Senatorial Leader, Lagos East Senatorial District, Chief Busura Alebiosun and Baba Aladura, Olorunfunmi Bashorun, during the official thank you visit to Lagos East senatorial, by Mr. Sawo-Olu at Shaginsha, Lagos... yesterday

2019: Make Peace, Unity Hallmark of Campaign, CEPEJ Urges Presidential Candidates Urges security agencies to maintain neutrality

Alex Enumah ÓØ ÌßÔË

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), has called on all candidates in the forthcoming general elections and their political parties to make peace and unity the hallmark of their campaigns as they seek to win support of the electorate in the elections.

The centre while also urging the contestants to eschew violence and hate speech in their campaigns, appealed to them to engage in issue-based discussions of how they plan to transform the country.

CEPEJ Coordinator, Sheriff Mulade, who made the call,

during a Media Parley Friday in Abuja, said Nigeria was strategic to global peace, hence the country could not afford to be in crisis as a result of the upcoming 2019 general elections.

“Peace is vital for national unity and development. If there is no peace in Nigeria, there will be no credible elections,” Mulade said, “All the presidential candidates owe the nation a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the general elections.

While advising that the candidates and their political parties to note that the blood of one Nigerian was worth more than the entire elections, he said

politicians should understand that those who toy with human lives would have to answer to God. Mulade said, “We hereby call on the followers of the candidates of the various political parties to shun bloodshed no matter the situation.

“Nigeria must henceforth learn to cherish and protect peace and avoid the killings that have characterised the nation’s electioneering campaign period.”

The coordinator, while advising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure that the candidates sign a peace accord before the flag off of campaigns, harped on the need for both

the commission and security agencies to maintain neutrality in the elections.

He particularly charged the police not to allow themselves to be used by any party to rig elections or provide protection for thugs and politicians who may plan to scuttle the elections or swing its outcome to their favour.

He assured that the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice will monitor the 2019 electioneering campaign by the various political parties within the framework of justice and peace advocacy. “The Centre will also canvas for peace and remain apolitical in its quest for a violence free and developed nation,” he said.

and Peace Lane College, Iju. Globacom’s representative at the event and Manager, Public Sector, Lagos, Mrs. Justina Abdulateef, explained that the company partnered with the organisers to help realise the objectives of the Girl Child Day and to encourage young girls to strive to realise their potentials.

She encouraged participants to rise above stereotypes and discriminations that had deterred many girls from pursuing their dreams, adding that, with determination, they would excel in hitherto male-dominated areas such as Engineering and ICT. “You must, therefore, never let anyone limit your possibilities. If you set your mind to it, there is nothing you cannot achieve as a girl,” Mrs. Abdulateef stated.

Also speaking at the event, the Convener of the forum and Publisher of e-Business Life magazine, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, said the objectives of the International Girl Child Day were “to spread awareness about issues faced by girls and to promote girls’ empowerment and fulfillment of their human rights while also highlighting the challenges that girls all over the world face.” The challenges include lack of access to education, gender bias, early marriage and sexual abuse.

UgoAliogo

The Society for Family Health (SFH) and Novartis Social Business have signed an agreement to implement Novartis Access in Nigeria.

Through the partnership, SFH will distribute Novartis Access medicines to treat chronic diseases to the vulnerable populations in health facilities and in the hospitals and clinics SFH is working with in the country.

According a statement made available to THISDAY by the SFH Media Relations, Donald Etim, the collaboration also included capacitybuilding activities and community awareness.

The statement explained that the Novartis Access portfolio include high-quality medicines targeting four key chronic diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs): cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and breast cancer.

The statement said the portfolio covered the world’s most frequently prescribed medicines for chronic diseases.

The Managing Director of SFH, Sir Bright Ekweremadu, said Nigeria was increasingly affected by the burden of non-communicable diseases as lifestyles and habits become more

Primaries: Ondo APC Group Urges Buhari, Oshiomhole to Probe Bribery Scandal Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË

The Ondo APC Mandate Group has asked the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to wade into the alleged bribery scandal involving a chieftain of the party in Ondo State.

It alleged that said party chieftain had connived with the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu to substitute aspirants names with favoured ones.

The leader of group, Mr. Gbenga Bojuwomi, who made the call on Friday in Abuja, when he led some sedentary.

He added: “We have been work- protesters to the APC national ing for more than 30 years to help secretariat, urged President Nigerians, particularly the poor and Muhammadu Buhari to help most vulnerable, to leave healthier address the crisis in Ondo lives including by improving access State to forestall defeat of to essential health services. This the party in 2019.

Bojuwomi claimed that the collaboration with Novartis Social Business is part of the solution to state governor in collaborathe challenges of the poor who are tion with some of the party`s stakeholders was imposing most at risk of NCDs.” It was learnt from the statement his will on the people, said Nigeria is facing many challenges there was need for the party’s to tackle its growing NCD burden. national leadership to intervene According to the statement: “NCDs in the situation.

“We hereby call on our amiare estimated to account for 24 per cent of deaths in the country as a able National Chairman, Mr. whole. Cardiovascular diseases Adams Oshiomhole to wade are the deadliest set of NCDs in into the alleged bribery before it the country, responsible for seven paints black and dent the good percent of deaths. Cancer accounts image of our dear President for three per cent of deaths; diabetes Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

The leader of the group accounts for two percent of deaths; chronic respiratory diseases account said it was disappointing that for one per cent of deaths; and other despite President Buhari’s quest NCDs account for eleven percent. to eradicate corruption in all “The country’s advancing middle- spheres of Nigerian system, class and increasing urbanisation is a top hierarchy of the party driving an increase in lifestyle factors could be involved in scandal.

He further alleged that the which pose high risk for several NCDs, including obesity and tobacco Federal and State House of Asuse. 8.9 per cent of Nigerian adults sembly list had been tempered are obese2 and more than 3.5 million with names being substituted.

Bojuwomi also accused the adults use tobacco daily - a smoking state factional chairman, Mr. prevalence of 17.4 per cent3.”

Sosan Commends Glo SFH, Novartis Social over Girl Child Day Business Fight Disease Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State and Educationist, Princess Adebisi Sosan, has paid tribute to Globacom, for supporting the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child.

Speaking at the event held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos on Thursday, Princess Sosan said that it was a mark of good corporate citizenship for Globacom to sponsor a programme designed to help promote the welfare of the girl-child.

“I give kudos to Glo for supporting this noble objective. Girls are the moulders of society, the homemakers, the ones that make the world great, the ones that promote peace and stability in the world. I am delighted the United Nations set aside October 11 every year as the International Day of the Girl Child to help draw attention to the plight of girls. I am happy that through the support of organisations like Globacom we are able to join the rest of the world to mark this day,” Princess Sosan said.

She urged the girls drawn from several secondary schools in Lagos who attended the forum to embrace information and communications technology (ICT) to conquer today’s world. The schools included Grace High School, Gbagada; Chrisland School, Lekki; Lagoon School, Lekki; Baptist Girls Academy, Palmgrove,

don’t need cash inducement at all”.

Iduoriyekemwen, alleged further Chairman of All Progressives that the senator “tried to convince Congress (APC) primary election me that he was the sole candidate committee for Kaduna state, and that was why I must accept Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, has the money.” alleged that Senator Shehu Sani Speaking further, he said “I told offered him N10 million bribe him pointedly that I was in Kaduna which he rejected. on assignment for the National But Sani in a reaction dismissed Working Committee, with a brief the allegations, saying it was to do free and fair primary elections fabricated by failed politicians for duly-cleared candidates”. to malign him.

When contacted for his reaction Iduoriyekemwen who reacting via a text message, Sani merely to allegations that his committee responded by resending the text was bribed to manipulate the asking for his reaction. results of the primaries in favour However, a statement by his of some of the aspirants in Kaduna aide, Abdulsamad Chima Amadi, State, said the offer was made described allegation as laughable. through one of his committee “Our attention has been drawn to members. a mischievous and frivolous news In a recorded telephone interview, making the rounds that the chairhe said: “The only person in Kaduna man of the Kaduna APC electoral State who offered me money was panel purportedly claimed he was Senator Shehu Sani, through one of offered financial inducements by my Comittee members, to inform Sen. Shehu Sani... me that N10m gift was set aside for “It is laughable for him to claim the Committee Chairman. an aspirant who was the sole “And I said we don’t need the candidate cleared in Kaduna central money, asking them what the offered him financial inducements” money was for. Even after the the statement said. primaries, before the announcement Amadi said: “First of all, Sen of results, Senator Shehu and his Shehu Sani virtually had no rival men put pressure on us to come in the primaries he was the and take the money. only person cleared. So what “He called me several times, but does he need to bribe the we made it clear to him that we committee for?

Ade Adetimilehin collaborating in the deal.

He stressed that unless the party’s national leadership dissolved the Adetimilehin factional executive in the state and canceled the result of the parallel congress, the crisis in the state chapter of the party would persist.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly MISS CICILIA LAWYER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ZAINAB YAHAYA ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly GASALI OLUWAKEMI SERIFAT, now wish to be known and addressed OLOWO SERIFAT as OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IDONGESIT NTAKWA UDO, now wish to be known and addressed as SIMON EMMANUEL UDO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BRAVE TESSY HARVEST, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JUDE TESSY HARVEST. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly MISS RACHAEL IHECHI NWOBODO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS RACHAEL IHECHI NNAEMEKA. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

55

OCTOBER 13, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPORTSXTRA

Usain Bolt scores his first professional goals

Federer hails Nadal

Ezenwa Craves for Starting Shirt against Libya Enyimba of Aba goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, has declared that he is up to the task of putting up a good performance for the Super Eagles, if called upon to start today against Libya.

Although Elche of Spain youngster, Francis Odinaka Uzoho is most likely to continue as Nigeria’s current number one in goal, footballlive .ng gathered

that Ezenwa is eager for an opportunity to showcase himself.

The home-based Eagles captain copped an injury in action with his club a day before reporting for national team duty, but Ezenwa said he would give his very best if called upon by Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr.

Ezenwa vowed to fight for his place in the Nigeria team

and challenge Uzoho for a starting role at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, in order to prove his potentials.

He said: “The most important thing is to keep working hard because this is my business and whenever I’m being invited to the national team, I just have to give my best.

“Football is a game where you are expected to give your

Sofoluwe Warns against Underrating Libya best, especially for your country. “ In life, everyone is faced with challenges.

“In football, whenever you are faced with challenges, you have to put it behind and work very hard to bounce back.

“One thing I have promised myself is that, whenever I’m being called upon to represent this great country, I’ll always give my best.

South Africa’s Coach Turns Attention Away from Nigeria/Libya Clash Stuart Baxter will not allow his mind to stray to the results of the matches between Nigeria and Libya when Bafana Bafana meet Seychelles in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers today and Tuesday.

Bafana‚ on four points and in second place on goal difference from Libya‚ can go to 10 points and put themselves in the driving seat in Group E beating 189th-ranked Seychelles at FNB Stadium on Saturday‚

then in Victoria on Tuesday.

The best-case scenario for South Africa is that Nigeria and Libya cancel each other out over their two games on the same days.

Baxter was asked if he would hope to see the other results in Group E games going Bafana’s way as they meet Seychelles.

“You can ask me that question after we’ve played the game‚ because I don’t want any modicum of my being to be somewhere else

than at the FNB Stadium when we’re playing Seychelles ‚ ” the Bafana coach said after his team’s final training session at FNB on Friday.

“So I understand your question‚ and it would be very nice (other results going Bafana’s way). But that’s nothing we can control‚ so let’s control what we can and then we’ll move on.

“We’ll take what we can get from there and then we’ll see what sort of challenges

we have in the future.”

If Nigeria can beat Libya in one game to go to six points‚ then Libya win the other to go to seven‚ and Bafana beat Seychelles twice‚ South Africa will be on 10 points and would need a draw from their last two games to ensure qualification for Cameroon 2019.

Bafana will be meeting Nigeria at home on November 16 and Libya away in March next year in their last two fixtures.

Usain Bolt Scores First Professional Goals Usain Bolt scored his first goals in professional football after starting up front for Australia's Central Coast Mariners in a pre-season friendly.

The 100m world-record holder, who is bidding for a professional contract, recovered from a painful kick in the groin to score twice against Macarthur South West United in Sydney.

Bolt put the Mariners 3-0

up in the 55th minute after a strong left-footed finish, celebrating with his trademark 'Lightning Bolt' pose.

The Jamaican then capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score his second just after the hour mark before being substituted with the score at 4-0.

The eight-time Olympic champion, who retired from athletics in 2017, arrived at the Mariners in August in

a bid to ignite his football career.

Bolt expressed his concerns that Friday's match would determine his future with the club as he strives towards winning a professional contract and a place with the Mariners for the season, which begins on October 19.

"I'm just happy that I got a chance and I'm proud of myself," Bolt told Fox Sports

after the game.

"It was a big deal... first start and scoring two goals.

It was a good feeling. This is what I worked towards.

I try to get better and I am on the way to doing that.

"I'm keen, that's why I'm here to play my best and to try and get into the team," he added.

The 32-year-old previously trained with Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

Henry Set for Head Coach Role of Monaco Thierry Henry is expected to agree a deal to become Monaco head coach within the next 48 hours, Sky Sports News understands.

Talks are at an extremely advanced stage and though a deal is not fully concluded yet both parties are hoping to settle on terms over the weekend.

Monaco sacked Leonardo Jardim on Thursday with the club 18th in Ligue 1 and having won only once this season.

Other names on Monaco's shortlist were former Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte and River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo.

Since winning the French

title in 2017, Monaco have raised almost half a billion pounds by selling players such as Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City), Tiemoue Bakayoko (Chelsea), Thomas Lemar (Atletico Madrid), and Fabinho (Liverpool).

Henry, currently assistant

manager of the Belgium national team, started his playing career at Monaco in 1994 and he was part of the side that won the French title in 1997 under Jean Tigana.

He ruled himself out of the running to replace Steve Bruce as Aston Villa manager before Dean Smith was appointed earlier this week.

Yisa Sofoluwe has warned Nigeria against underrating Libya when they meet in Saturday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The west Africans welcome Omar Al-Marime’s men to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo with the return leg scheduled for Tunisia on Tuesday.

The three-time African champions are ranked 48th best team in the world while the Mediterranean Knights are ranked 99th according to the September Fifa ranking.

Notwithstanding, the north Africans sit at the summit of Group E with four points from two games while Gernot Rohr’s men are third with three points.

And the former defender has urged the three-time African champions to play together as a team and defend well to ensure victory in the games.

"Every African team wants to play and beat Nigeria just like other teams to Brazil,” Sofoluwe told Goal.

“We should not think that we have a good team. we should work hard and not underrate Libya because it is a very important game and we must win.

“We must be defensive conscious because even if we score goals and we don’t defend well and allow them to equalise, they could win the game and so we must avoid such and defend very well.”

The Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the last two editions of the tournament since winning the title in 2013 and the 50-year-old wants Gernot Rohr’s men to correct the mistake by ensuring they did not miss out on the 2019 edition in Cameroon.

Cameroon overcome Malawi in Yaounde

Cameroon secured a narrow 1-0 win over Malawi in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group B match at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé on Friday.

The victory saw the Indomitable Lions extend their lead at the top of the group standings, while the Flames remained third on the table.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon were looking to return to winning ways in their qualifying campaign after drawing 1-1 with Comoros away last month.

While Malawi's Flames were hoping to return to winning ways after losing 3-0 to Morocco away in their previous Group B encounter.

The hosts' attacker was led by Spain-based striker Karl Toko Ekambi, while Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was pulling the strings in midfield.

Malawi's defence which was led by Stanley Sanudi were able to contain the home side in the first-half.

The score was 0-0 at the interval in Cameroon's capital city, Yaounde.

The 2019 Afcon hosts Cameroon kept pushing for the opening goal after the restart and they managed to break the deadlock in the 61st minute.

Federer Hails Nadal for Joining Majorca Clean-up Operation Roger Federer hailed old rival Rafael Nadal as "super-inspiring" after the world No1 joined in the clean-up operation in Majorca.

Flash floods have killed 12 people on the island where Nadal livesand the tennis star was pictured wearing boots and white gloves, mopping up the floor of a warehouse, on Wednesday.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion, currently sidelined through injury, has also offered to open up his sports centre and tennis academy to people made homeless by the floods.

"I know how important Majorca is to Rafa and I have been in touch with him to see if I can help with anything," Federer said in a video message recorded in Shanghai, where he is currently competing.

"I have seen him helping in the village where he comes from and to see that is super-inspiring. Rafa, you have our support.

"We are thinking of all the people in Majorca. We wish you strength in these difficult times and I hope to be back on Majorca soon."

Fellow rival Novak Djokovic, also taking part in Shanghai, said he hoped Nadal's efforts would inspire others.

"A big hug and friendly regards to Rafa and well done amigo for helping out," the reigning Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion said.

"I invite anyone to give their support in any way they can. Gracias."

Saturday, October 13, 2018

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MISSILE

CACOL to EFCC

“EFCC’s refusal to act on petitions containing weighty allegations against Oshiomhole, ran contrary to Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which enjoined the State to abolish corrupt practices” – The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), urging the EFCC to investigate allegations of fraud levelled against the National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole.

PENDULUM Can Atiku Defeat Buhari in 2019?

F DELE MOMODU

ellow Nigerians, interesting times are here again. And the ways of God are mysterious indeed. This time last week, no one was sure who would ultimately emerge as the quintessential leader of opposition for the general elections in our dear beloved country which comes up in February next year. There were about 12 assorted gladiators lined up and seeking the Presidential ticket of PDP, which truly needs to redeem itself urgently from the vestiges of near death. For the most part, its national convention in Port Harcourt went smoothly. Even its worst critics attest to the fact that it was effectively well organised and set the right tone for the regeneration of the democratic credentials of the Party. What was more remarkable, a candidate emerged without rancour or the usual bickering that attends such highly contentious contests. Virtually all the other aspirants immediately aligned with their chosen candidate, former Vice President of Nigeria, the Wazirin Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Since then, both traditional and social media have ignited with blazing fire with both positive and negative comments about the outcome. Atiku himself wasted no time in seeking the support of everyone, whether members of his Party or not. He’s smart and knowledgeable to know that he will need more than votes of the Party faithful alone to win the stiff electoral battle ahead. As he emphasised in my two previous interviews with him in the last couple of months, he has redeemed his pledge to pick a Vice Presidential candidate from the South East of Nigeria, a move many Nigerians have applauded, and embraced, as a masterstroke. The choice of former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State is seen by some analysts as the first step towards the restructuring Atiku and company have been mouthing from the rooftops in recent times. Apart from this, Peter Obi is seen by many as a seasoned technocrat and astute businessman with credible and capable government experience and service. The Igbos have rightly complained that they have had neither the Presidential or Vice-Presidential slot since 1983, some 35 years ago, when Dr Alex Ekwueme, of blessed memory, was President Shehu Shagari’s deputy.

Buhari has an equally formidable person, who also boasts intimidating credentials and capabilities, as his Vice-President in Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Obi comes with an array of impressive academic, business and political credentials and achievements.

He is a Philosophy graduate from the University of Nsukka. He has improved and enhanced himself with academic and practical studies at Harvard Business School, London School of Economics, Kellogg School of Management, University of Columbia, Said Business School, Oxford University, George Business School, Cambridge University and Lagos Business School. These have sharpened his entrepreneurial, management and leadership skills which he clearly utilised in the 8 years that he was Governor of Anambra State between 2006 and 2014. Peter Obi is a recipient of many national and international awards notably the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation Award for which his State won US$1 million for its immunisation programme. He created an enabling environment for industrial development in Anambra State which saw the likes of SABMiller, the 2nd largest brewery in the world establishing their first Greenfield facility in Anambra State. Similarly, Innoson Motors established their internationally acclaimed plant where they manufacture their made in Nigeria vehicles. Obi adds unquantifiable value to the Atiku candidacy in much the same way as Vice President Osinbajo has done for President Buhari. The battle of the Vice-Presidential candidates may well be the tipping point of these forthcoming elections. We will revisit the contest between this highly esteemed and acclaimed gentlemen soon.

The battle for the control of Nigeria’s jugular in 2019 is all set and looks like a straight fight between Buhari/Osinbajo and Abubakar/Obi,

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Buhari except a miracle, or some magic, erupts and one of the fringe candidates pulls a monumental surprise by defeating both teams in what must be close to a volcanic eruption in Nigeria. I personally do not see that happening.

The battle will be tough because old rivalries will also come into play. Buhari needs to prove and revalidate his seeming invincibility which seems to be waning if my reading of the pulse of public opinion is accurate. As the incumbent, Buhari controls the appurtenances of power. His ego is at stake.

Like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Buhari came back to power as a retired army General and former military Head of State. Obasanjo was able to complete two terms and Buhari would definitely wish to equal that feat even if he can’t surpass it because of constitutional limitations. Buhari is not known to be a self-acclaimed democrat. The aspect of his brand that has brought him this far is his no-nonsense posturing. A man who would destroy and obliterate all looters and oppressors, by any means possible, if allowed to have his way. This has endeared him to a multitude of totally loyal die-hard supporters. His disciples swear by his name and they are willing to fly to heaven and back to prove their ardent fervour and love for him.

Buhari comes into the boxing ring with a daunting personality and attributes. He is tall and gangling, even if seemingly frail, but his punches are capable of deadly effect. Unlike Obasanjo or Atiku, many have said this President is not going to bow to any public opinion and go away without a whimper. Fingers are being pointed at the recent over-militarisation of the democratic process and suspected manipulation of the electoral body, INEC. Whether imaginary or not, or imagination just running riot, no one can easily dismiss certain unseemly electoral practices and possibilities in next year’s elections. We hope that the desperation to remain in power will not go as far as besmirching the view of how far our democracy has been deepened by the fact of President Goodluck Jonathan, accepting the will of the people, and handing over power to President Buhari without any fuss.

The Buhari government won’t accept the tag of incompetence many have affixed to it. They have already compiled a long list of their projects and accomplishments. They have argued that government is a continuum and they are fixing incomplete projects abandoned by its predecessors. Good point. They are correcting the rot of nearly two decades. While they may appear slow, and sluggish, to those of us on the outside, they are insisting they have had to be methodical and painstaking in their work.

Perhaps, they are right, we are not sure.

From Atiku’s side, he comes with an effervescent, ever smiling easy going demeanour and personality.

He is renowned for his great flexibility and negotiation skills, a shrewd manager of men and women and

Atiku resources. However, when required he is known to possess a steely resolve necessary to head a country like Nigeria. Atiku comes with a controversial and colourful past though, not least because of the unrelenting assault and pummelling about his character that he had been subjected to by his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo. This is veritable easy meat and fodder for APC to deploy in rubbishing his candidacy and demonstrating his unfitness to be President of this great nation.

We should expect Atiku and his campaign team to go all out on the offensive and try to debunk all the criticisms, arguments and jibes that APC will propel at him. The harsh disparaging and denigrating diatribe as well as the strident blame game the Buhari government has perfected will have to be met head on by Atiku and his forces. It will not be easy as so much damage has been done to Atiku in the past by the perception of him as an unreliable corrupt politician. On his part Atiku can point to the fact that notwithstanding all the many allegations made against him, nobody has yet been made to make any stick. He has consistently maintained his innocence and dared anyone to prove otherwise.

Nobody has called his bluff, if bluff it is! Indeed, he has pointedly referred to the claimed American albatross hanging over his head like a sword of Damocles, that it is but a mere figment of imagination of his inept traducers. As Atiku says, he has never been charged or indicted for any offence either in Nigeria or elsewhere. the American Government has never declared him wanted. He has applied for an American visa on a few occasions, but this has not been granted. If indeed he was wanted in America, surely his visa would have been granted to enable him visit and be arrested. The American Government has never denied either of these claims.

On the contrary, that Government has also stated that Atiku is not wanted. In my view, that should put an end to the matter.

The Buhari Presidency is not without its shortcomings and negatives. I expect the Atiku campaign to focus heavily on those areas where the Nigerian public have been most critical of the Buhari administration. They will undoubtedly point at the precarious economic condition of Nigerians and Nigeria and blame Buhari for creating panic in the system. On this aspect, Buhari obviously relies on the fact that oil prices dipped violently when he assumed power, but nonetheless his Government has grown foreign reserves to US$44 million and maintained the Naira at a steady level in the past year. Critics of this position point to the fact that oil prices have now increased to a level not contemplated by the Government, which has increased borrowing to an unprecedented level and appears to have heavily mortgaged Nigeria to the Chinese through the exceptionally and dangerously ominous high level of borrowing from that country. The Government has

also revived and revitalised transportation through its resuscitation of the road and rail networks. The opposition PDP has always claimed that Government is a continuum, and it was PDP that conceived, started and almost completed these projects, none of which this administration could claim to have commenced itself. Atiku and his team will also enjoy castigating the Buhari government as being overly dependent on taxing business and ordinary Nigerians to death. Atiku will also naturally present, and sell, himself as a successful businessman and try to portray Buhari as a novice who lacks business acumen and therefore is not business friendly. Atiku will contend that Buhari has never had a head, or acumen, for business which accounts for why Nigeria is on the verge of an economic precipice even as the dark shadows that loomed globally at the beginning of his tenure have lifted considerably and there should have been prosperity in the land. Atiku says he has a well-structured economic blueprint, whilst the government is presently adopting and applying a slapdash and inimical approach to the economy.

Furthermore, the Atiku camp will exploit the heightened insecurity in the country especially by the infamous herdsmen which the government appears to be treating glibly. They will also point to the apparent resurgence of the Boko Haram insurgency despite what the Buhari administration will claim are the valiant efforts of our security forces. The agitation

by IPOB and its followers continues relentlessly. The manner in which the Government has handled the situation is something that the opposition Party is expected to capitalise upon.

While Buhari would tout his anti-corruption pedigree, Atiku would lampoon it as nothing but grandstanding and at the very best a witch-hunt of the opposition Party. Atiku will contend that most of those who have defected to the ruling Party have had grave allegations of corruption levelled against them in the past, but these have mysteriously disappeared as soon as they jumped shipped and landed with the ruling Party. In addition, I can foresee the opposition claiming that almost all of the so-called achievements of the Buhari Government in relation to corruption originated from the Jonathan administration and that within the highest level of government corruption is rife and thriving and being studiously overlooked by the President because they concern his friends and cronies. The ding-dong claims and counter-claims will dovetail into other areas and continue unabated until well after the general elections.

The most critical area would be how to get the numbers together to win. Buhari will come in with anything between 10 million to 12 million guaranteed votes, as always. Most of those votes would come from North West and North East. For whatever reason, I believe that more people will be stated to have voted in this election than in 2015. In my estimation the victor will need to garner at least 18 million votes for success. What is not certain is if North East would abandon its own son now that it has the brightest chance since Tafawa Balewa from Bauchi became Prime Minister in the First republic. PDP will play its traditional joker from the South East and South South axis. Buhari and Atiku require humongous votes from about four out of six regions. Buhari would target North East, North West, North Central and South West while Atiku will target North East (as his home base), North Central (as an endangered zone supposedly mismanaged by the APC Government), South East, South South and enough of a chunk from South West. Let no one rule Atiku out of those five zones, in the present mood across the country. If Atiku gallops away, continuously, as it seems at the moment, he might obliterate Buhari in a devastating defeat.

As tough as it may seem, after running for a record 25 years, perhaps this may be Atiku’s date with destiny and his final battle.

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