SATURDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2018

Power: FG Unveils Plans to Add 4200MW to National Grid Under-utilised assets to deliver incremental power nationwide

James Emejo in Abuja Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah yesterday unveiled plans by

the Federal Government to deploy under-utilised power assets to deliver incremental power to industrial centres and needy communities in the country.

According to him, the move is currently being coordinated through the Nigeria Industrial Policy and Competitiveness Advisory Council (NIPCAC), chaired by Vice President Yemi

Osinbajo, towards generating additional 4.2 Gigawatts (4200 MW) of power to the national grid within the next 12-18 months.

A total of eight power

projects-including Aba Integrated Power Project; Kainji rehabilitation and expansion; power transmission; captive power projects for industry; Afam IV rehabilitation; Afam

V rehabilitation; Seplat gas facility and Alaoji power plant have been selected for the critical intervention.

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Osinbajo Visits Flooded Bayelsa, Rivers, Says Disaster Massive… Page 6 Saturday 20 October, 2018 Vol 23. No 8585

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Minimum Wage: FG Pleads with Labour to Accept N20,000 Proposed Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Minister of labour and Employment, Chris Ngige has implored the organised labour to accept a mutually agreeable new National Minimum Wage in order to avert labour crisis.

Though, the minister did

not disclose the exact figure proposed, sources told THISDAY last night that the government team offered labour a new minimum wage of N20,000.

Ngige said that Nigeria could not afford rounds of labour crisis, hence, the

imperative for the organised labour to accept a new National Minimum Wage figure based on the capacity and the ability of both the government and the private sector to pay in line with social dialogue and the overall interest of the nation.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Director Press in the Ministry, Samuel Olowookere, the minister made the appeal when he received the new Director General (DG) of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) Mr.

Timothy Olawale and his predecessor, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, in his new office.

Ngige appealed to NECA to weigh its influence on the organised labour to accede to the new National Minimum Wage figure mutually agreeable to all the social

partners.

“We need to arrive at a figure which the employers can afford to pay as an employee cannot fix a figure for the employer. Rather, it must be based on collective Continued on page 6

Buhari: I’ll Continue to Hold Jonathan in High Esteem for Yielding Power Says Boko Haram will soon be history Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja A President Muhammadu Buhari has praised his predecessor, former President Goodluck Jonathan for voluntarily conceding defeat to him after the 2015 presidential elections.

Buhari, who poured encomiums on the former president at a dinner he hosted for Kannywood entertainers at the Presidential Villa, recently, stated that he would continue to hold the former president in high esteem for that selfless act.

The president, who addressed his guests in Hausa, also condemned the dastardly acts of Boko Haram, stating that the group would be distroyed.

While praising the former president for willingly yielding power to him, Buhari said he

was puzzled that Jonathan, after being in power for several years, would voluntarily hand over power to him. "I will continue to hold former President Jonathan in high esteem as a result of that singular act.

“He was in power as deputy governor, governor, vice-president and president, all for about 10 years and he voluntarily accepted defeat and surrendered power to me."

Addressing Boko Haram and its terrorist acts, the president promised to wipe off the insurgent group outright, adding that it was senseless for a group of people to shout Allahu Akbar (God is great) on one hand and gruesomely hack worshippers of the same God in places of worship.

Continued on page 6

Family Claims Nnamdi Kanu Sighted in Israel ... Page 6

OONI AND HIS NEW QUEEN...

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and his new wife, Queen Morenike Naomi Oluwaseyi, during their wedding in Ile-Ife… yesterday

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OsinbajoVisitsFloodedBayelsa,Rivers,SaysDisasterMassive Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt and Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday visited some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, describing the current flood scourge in the state as a disaster of great proportions.

The vice President also visited flood victims in Rivers State, where he announced that the federal government was working towards proper resettlement of the victims Osinbajo, who also jointly flew over some flooded parts of Bayelsa State with Governor Seriake Dickson, to assess the flood situation in the state, sympathised with the victims of the flood, assuring that the federal government would provide succour for them.

On the entourage of the vice president were the Minister of the Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibrin, Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

Mustapha Maihaja, Senator Magnus Abe and former Governor of the State, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Osinbajo said he was directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, to come and have an on-the-spot assessment and expressed shock at the level of destruction occasioned by the phenomenon.

"You are obviously going through a lot of stress but despite that, you are still able to smile. On our way here, we overflew some of the communities affected by the flood. We saw so many areas affected by the flood, many homes, farmlands are under water.

“We saw clearly that it is major disaster indeed. We were able to see that there is a major disaster in Bayelsa especially in Yenagoa. We express our sincere condolences to you. It's a sad development. We are glad we were able to respond as quickly as possible.

"We will support as much as possible the National Emergency Management

Agency (NEMA) which is working hard to ensure that we give as much succour and provision of tents, mattresses, food, mosquito nets and all that are required.

“In the next few weeks, many will be returning home where many have lost their homes, farmlands and livelihoods. We will support Bayelsa state government in the resettlement efforts which is more important.

"In future, we want to be able to prevent this situation. It's repeating itself in 2018, so steps need to be taken to dredge our rivers, stop dumping of solid waste into our water bodies, clear waterways and build canals, so that there will be no flooding," he said.

He observed that five women had been delivered of babies in the IDP camps, noting that the Federal Government would render the necessary assistance to them. “I have seen about five women who have given birth. A lot of them would require a lot of care. We are committed to supporting them

in whatever way we can. We are here with the NEMA DG to understand firsthand what is required.” He added.

At the St. John's Catholic Church, Igbogene, where the church took in some 600 displaced victims, Osinbajo reiterated his earlier message of comfort, noting that in the next few days the government will bring more relief to the victims who were initially being taken care of by Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, the Vicar-General of Bomadi Diocese.

In his comments, Dickson wondered why the federal government did not add the state to the first list of flood disaster zones in the country, but admitted that he had been told that it was not deliberate.

He emphasised the need for the Federal Government and donor organisations to collaborate with the state in providing long term solutions to the perennial problem.

He said: "We are dealing with a flood disaster of monumental proportion. Let it be known at the centre that this is the state

that is inevitably always most affected because of our peculiar terrain and topography.

“The entire state is below sea level, so once there is any slight increase in water level from the rivers that are all around us, the whole of this state is submerged."

The Governor said that the state had 13 IDP camps while efforts were being made to establish three others to alleviate the plight of those displaced by the flood.

He lamented the destruction of farmlands and other sources of livelihood and called on the Federal Government to equip NEMA to be able to render the necessary assistance to the victims.

In Rivers State, Osinbajo said the Federal Government was working towards the effective resettlement of victims of the flood that have ravaged parts of the state.

Addressing victims of the flood at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, Okogbe in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers

State, Osinbajo lamented that the flood caused unimaginable destruction in the Orashi region but said government was poised to ensure the proper resettlement of the victims.

“We over flew the whole of Ahoada West and we saw so much of the damage and disaster. Most homes, most of the villages are under water and it is very clear this is a disaster of enormous proportions,” he lamented.

He said he had to visit the area, with the Minister of Environment and the Director General of NEMA, to assess the damage and to understand the nature and enormity of the disaster so that the Federal Government can react appropriately.

He commended the Rivers State Government and NEMA for their efforts in addressing the needs of the victims but said there was still need for immediate intervention.

He also said government would seek ways of checking the perennial flooding in the areas.

Family Claims Nnamdi Kanu Sighted in Israel IPOB leader seen praying in Jerusalem, says brother

Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The mystery surrounding the whereabouts of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) may have been unraveled, eventually, as his family, yesterday, claimed that he has been seen in Israel.

Kanu's younger brother, Emmanuel in a phone chat with journalists claimed that a video allegedly posted by one Castro Nkume had been confirmed to be authentic, stating that the deputy director of IPOB, Uche Ejiofor affirmed that the leader of IPOB was indeed captured in the video while praying in Jerusalem.

However, he did not reveal the exact date some pictures

of Kanu that have gone viral, were taken and why it took the IPOB leader this long to make a public appearance since September 14, 2017 when he disappeared, following the military invasion of his father's palace at Isiama Afaraukwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

Kanu's whereabouts has become a subject of a court case, as the former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kanu was sued for claiming that the IPOB leader was in London. Not only that, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who signed the bail bond for Kanu in his treason trial, was asked by Justice Binta Nyako to produce Kanu or forfeit the N100 million bail bond.

Meanwhile, the people of Afaraukwu Ibeku have demanded the return of their traditional ruler, Eze Israel Kanu and his wife Ugoeze Sally, who equally disappeared the same day their son, Kanu was last seen when troops stormed the palace of Egwukwu II to dislodge IPOB members.

Kanu's kinsmen, who appeared to be more concerned about the fate of the IPOB leader's father, have warned against any attempt to politicise the whereabouts of their paramount ruler and the efforts being made to bring him back from wherever he is.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu had promised a delegation of Afaraukwu Ibeku community

that paid him a courtesy visit last week that he was going to liaise with his fellow Southeast governors to engage the federal government to locate and bring back the missing royal father before December.

But the people of Afaraukwu told journalists yesterday that they were worried that some politicians in Abia were trying to play politics with the governor’s promise to return their traditional ruler to his palace.

The President-general of Afaraukwu Development Union (ADU), Chief Emeka Ezebuiro, who addressed journalists on the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting of the entire Afaraukwu community, said that the people

want their monarch back to his palace.

At the press conference were royal fathers of the component autonomous communities that make up Afaraukwu, namely Eze Eddy Ibeabuchi (Okwu I of Okwulaga) and Eze Phillip Ukaegbu (Enyi I of Enyiukwu), as well as the presidents of the autonomous communities, including Livinus Ogbonna of Okwulaga.

Ezebuiro said that some Abia politicians have manifested high level of insensitivity by trying to score political points through an attack on Ikpeazu for promising to bring back Eze Kanu, adding that it was at the request of the of Afaraukwu delegation that the governor

promised to assist in bringing back the missing monarch.

The politicians, he said accused Ikpeazu of colluding with the federal government to launch Operation Python Dance II at the palace, leading to the destruction of lives and property, as well as the disappearance of Eze Kanu, his wife, Sally and son Nnamdi, the IPOB leader.

“We wish to state that our people have never accused Governor Ikpeazu of masterminding the attack on our community as we were privy to the efforts he made to stave off the attack (Operation Python Dance II), as well as his exemplary post-crisis management efforts,” Ezebuiro said.

Executive, GE Nigeria, Lazarus Agbanzo; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Power; Mr. Louis Edozien; Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu; Chairman, KAM Industries, Dr. Kamarudeen Yusuf and representatives of TCN and the Nigerian Communications Commission.

The further considered other matters including broadband penetration in the country towards achieving fibre connectivity in all 774 local government areas; and the establishment of a Sugar Industry Apprenticeship Centre.

Osinbajo had on May 30, 2017 inaugurated the NIPCAC which comprised government and private sector representatives to assist

government in formulating policies and strategies for implementation to enhance the performance and industrialisation of the country.

POWER: FG UNVEILS PLANS TO ADD 4200MW TO NATIONAL GRID Briefing journalists on the development, Enelamah, who is a Vice Chairman of the Council, said work is already ongoing on the Alaoji power plant to supply about 360Megawatts of unutilised power to industrial centres and people in the South-East Axis of Onitsha, Aba, Nnewi and Ihiala.

He said only 120MW out of the 480MW of power generated by the plant was regularly utilised, stressing that 360MW of power is available for centres which were willing and ready.

He said:"The end-to-end

power delivery project, which is being undertaken through Public-Private Partnership ensures that generation, transmission and distribution are all aligned and simultaneously executed.

"The beauty of this project, which is a pilot, is the optimisation of resources and also that the learning from it is intended to be used to unlock up to 2GW from underutilised Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) power plants.”

A statement issued by the minister's Strategy and Communications Adviser,

Mr. Bisi Daniels, stated that Enelamah had during the Council meeting, clarified that the main purpose of the body is to deal with critical intervention at the highest level.

Meanwhile, the meeting was attended by Alhaji Aliko Dangote; a Vice Chairman of the Council, Chief Kola Jumodu; the newly elected president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mansur Ahmed.

Others present include Managing Director, National Sugar Development Council, Dr. Latif Busari; Chief

MINIMUM WAGE: FG PLEADS WITH LABOUR TO ACCEPT N20,000 PROPOSED bargaining and mutual agreement by the tripartite partners. It is not a function of moving motions or voting at the National Tripartite Negotiation committee to insist that the figure must be as the organised labour appears to make it look,” he said.

The minister cautioned against heating up the polity, adding that "government’s proposed new minimum wage figure is clearly based on critical facts and indices incapable of causing disequilibrium in

the economy or upturning the national social order”.

He further charged the new NECA boss to exceed the impressive record of his predecessor.

"You have enormous task ahead of you. The need for the establishment of more NECA offices across the country cannot be over emphasised so that more employers association can register with you".

Ngige further said that the appeal was in tandem with the economic policies of the present administration.

According to the minister, the numerous private sector employers who are informal need to be brought on board the formalised private sector employers’ body.

Governors of the 36 states of the federation under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum had on Wednesday declared that they were not opposed to the ongoing plans to approve a new minimum wage but that they lacked the capacity to foot the new wage bill.

The governors' position

drew a sharp reaction from the organised labour, which spoke through the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, insisting that the implementation of a new minimum wage was over due.

Ngige however urged the new D-G of NECA to ensure that numerous private sector employers who are members of NECA as well as those not yet registered but are defaulting in payment of even the existing National Minimum Wage of N18, 000 are made to comply with the law.

BUHARI: I’LL CONTINUE TO HOLD JONATHAN IN HIGH ESTEEM FOR YIELDING POWER "You can’t be shouting Allahu Akbar (Allah is Great), Allahu Akbar, and killing innocent citizens and destroying properties, all in the name of God.” Buhari’s resolve to deal decisively with Boko Haram came amid increasing and deadly activities of the group, in recent times, which included the mindless murder of Hauwa Liman, a Midwife working with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), on Monday, barely a month after they murdered an aid worker, Saifura Khorsa.

The president told his guests that it was wrong for a group which claimed to be religious to storm churches and mosques to destroy innocent lives.

He said such destructive activities only showed that the insurgents were either confused or did not even know what they were doing, insisting that they would ultimately be distroyed.

“It is either you don’t know what you are saying or you don’t even believe in the existence of God Almighty.

God has nothing to do with injustice.

“So, now we are confronting them and by the grace of God we will destroy them,” the president stated.

Also speaking at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, expressed hope that Buhari would garner 5 million votes from the fans of the entertainers at the forthcoming 2019 presidential poll. Mustapha also thanked the entertainers for their contributions to Buhari's victory in 2015, imploring them to repeat the feat in 2019.

The entertainers yielded to the pleas, promising to widely mobilise support not only for Buhari but also for other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at the forthcoming elections.

THISDAY˾SATURDAY OCTOBER 20, 2018

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

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

AT THE ROOT...

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora and Chairperson, Door of Return Initiative, Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Special Guest, Timothy McPherson; Guest Speaker and Senior Pastor, Author, Radio Host and Global Public Speaker, Dr. David Anderson and the representative of Akran of Badagry and Agoloto of Badagry, High Chief Hundegen Samuel, during the opening of a 3-day Diaspora Festival “tagged: PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO Badagry 2018�, in Badagry Lagos........yesterday

Woman Killed, Others Injured as Soldiers Allegedly Raid Plateau Community over Gen. Alkali Seriki Adinoyi Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă?

A 35-year woman, Sarah Edward Nyam was allegedly shot dead in Fwapwa Di Village of Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State on Thursday night by men of the Nigerian Army.

Doi is a neighbouring village to Dura Du where missing Army General Idris Alkali’s car was discovered in a minning pond penultimate week.

Husband of the women, Mr. Edward Nyam told journalists on

Friday that his wife was shot dead on Thursday night around 7:35pm and alleged that the military who had visited the village shot his wife and mother of five. He added that several others were injured in the raid and have been rushed for medical emergencies.

Nyam said, “My wife had relocated with the children on Monday to Lapamde village in Doi as a result of regular harassment of the military in the community, but just yesterday at about 7:35pm she was shot dead.

�You can see the gun shot on her body and the wall of the house, we have five children, now, I am left alone with the children.

We didn’t know what we did to deserve this, since the discovery of the missing General’s car in Dura Du, we here in Doi cannot sleep and we don’t know our crime.�

Village Head of Doi, Da Michael Gyang, while speaking on the incident, said the community was been humiliated by the military without any crime.

He said, “Three days ago around 3am, soldiers came to the village here in Doi, blocked all the roads linking Doi with other hamlets, stopped people from accessing their homes. They also burgled every shop here, eating our chicken and goats, and ransacked our homes. “Our schools have been closed as result of the military activities; we don’t know what crime we’ve committed, our children no longer go to school. “We urge the government to

take away the military from our domain. Why are they killing us, what did we do? If they are really trained Military men why are they destroying people’s homes, shops and carting away our properties?�

Gyang condemned the killing of the innocent woman and the burgling of people’s shops.

When contacted on phone, the Media Officer of the Special Task Force (STF), Major Umar Adam sent a text message saying he was in a meeting and therefore

could not respond.

Commander of 3 Armoured Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos, BrigadierGeneral Umar Mohammed, while parading 13 suspects in connection with the Missing General earlier in the week had encouraged residents not to panic, asking those that had deserted their homes to return. “We are professional army, we have our rules of engagement and we also follow international best practices.�

USADF, Kebbi State Announce $10m Group Threatens to Picket Lagos Assembly over Ambode’s Impeachment Plot Agribusiness Partnership Ahamefula Ogbu The President and CEO of United States African Development Foundation (USADF), and the Governor of Kebbi State have signed a $10 million Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop and expand local agricultural enterprises in the state.

The two parties entered into a five-year $10m agreement, each contributing $5 million over the five years to provide seed capital and technical assistance to local agribusinesses.

A statement from the United States Media hub said USADF, the U.S. Government’s African enterprise development agency, was uniquely positioned to leverage funds from African governments and directly invest them into community enterprises. “USADF will provide $1 million a year in seed capital funding as well as technical assistance and oversight through their local

partner, Diamond Development Initiative (DDI). “USADF recognises the challenges facing the African continent today and in the future, and co-creates solutions with Nigerians to build stronger communities across the country in agribusiness. “Empowering local governments is essential for rural transformation. The Kebbi State government’s agreement to match funds with USADF, to invest in local grassroots economic development, and to create jobs for vulnerable populations is essential to this vision,� C.D. Glin, President and CEO of USADF said. The Kebbi Governor has approved separate funds for better transportation infrastructure, as well as boosting agricultural activities in partnership with USADF. Kebbi State government through the Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Muazu Dakingarin, said, “The Rural Access Agricultural

Marketing Project (RAAMP) project is to cover rural access roads in the state while USADF is to engage rice farmers, milk processors and makers of groundnut cake known as (Kuli-Kuli).

This partnership demonstrates a joint commitment of the Governor of Kebbi State and the United States to achieving sustainable development for the region, to find ways to increase Kebbi State’s market competitiveness in rice production, while also increasing incomes for farmers and their families.

This partnership will align with Kebbi State development priorities and provide funding for market-oriented rice, groundnut and dairy value chains in the region, to create jobs and increase incomes. USADF has been active in Nigeria since 2001, investing a total of $9.5 million in 100 grassroots and growing enterprises and reaching nearly 500,000 people with improved livelihoods.�

A Lagos-based civil rights movement, Save Lagos Group (SLG) has threatened to picket the Lagos State House of Assembly next week if it goes ahead with alleged plans to impeach Governor Akinwumi Ambode.

It also warned Mr. Mudashiru Obasa led State House of Assembly against being the tool to be used by some selfish individuals to impeach Ambode, saying that the group had prepared to legally, constitutionally and democratically resist any attempt to by the State Assembly to impeach the governor.

A statement from the group described as unconstitutional and illegal, attempt by the Assembly to impeach Ambode which it further dismissed as a “ruse, selfserving and politically motivated by the acclaimed selfish imposed leader in the state, noting that the Assembly’s action was not in the interest of Lagosians but an attempt to create confusion and bad political precedent in the state.

Rising from the emergency meeting of the group in Lagos on Friday over the Subject matter, it

alleged that the only sin of Ambode was his refusal to open the treasury of the state to certain leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Convener of the group, Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman, who circulated copies of the decisions reached at the meeting, hinted that they had consulted widely before coming out in the open with their position, vowing that they were set to picket the Assembly to forestall the impeachment. “They wanted Ambode out of office prematurely because they didn’t want him to be entitled to the pension emolument of the exalted office. As a civil rights group that stood for truth and Justice, we must say capital ‘NO’ to selfish removal of the Lagos governor. It is a shame on the leadership of the party (APC) that is claiming to be different in deeds from the main opposition political party (PDP), could attempt to impeach a governor through ‘PALACE COUP’ on the basis of not satisfying certain political leaders’ interest. To us, we believe

that the impeachment process in any democratic clime used to be the poor performance of a holder of the certain executive offices. “Truly, we are not members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and we should be less concerned on their matter but as a responsible and responsive Civil Society Organisation (CSO) that believes in good governance, we cannot fold our arms by allowing certain individuals to lay bad precedent for our hard earned democracy. Our democracy should be allowed to grow beyond the interest of godfatherism�, the group claimed.

Comrade Sulaiman who doubles as Executive Chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ) therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the APC leaders in the State to caution the leadership of the State House of Assembly against illegal attempt to remove Governor Ambode because it might be catastrophic for the state.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 20, 2018

OONI OF IFE, OBA ADEYEYE OGUNWUSI WEDS QUEEN NAOMI OLUWASEYI

Ooni of Ife and His wife, Naomi Oluwaseyi

Ooni of Ife advising his Queen Naomi Oluwaseyi

Ooni of Ife assisting his Queen Naomi Oluwaseyi

Performing the wedding rites on Naomi Oluwaseyi

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 20, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY Agbani Darego is Relishing Motherhood It’s been nothing short of amazing for ex-Miss World Agbani Darego as she celebrates motherhood, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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hen she married her long time love Ishaya Danjuma, son of billionaire General and former Nigeria’s defense minister, Theophilus Danjuma at a private wedding in Marakesh, Morocco in April 2017, Agbani Darego, as it is natural, could have only wished for kids. As newly wedded bride then, the former beauty queen had a loving husband, a cute niece who calls her “Aunty Miss World”, plus her modeling career which was hitherto her mainstay.

Following that memorable moment was the wedding picture showing her in a wedding dress with her partner turning their backs to the camera. As symbolic as that image appeared, it only hinted on what was to follow as the couple maintained low key and kept their marriage off the prying eyes of the public immediately after the solumnisation witnessed by just thirty-five guests. A world class figure, a lady with beauty, so refreshing like a serenade, Agbani is believed to be unlike many celebrities; calm, reserved and discerning.

The good looking ex most beautiful woman in the world, recently took to her Instagram page to share feelings and experience about her new status. The couple had concealed the news of the pregnancy for all of nine months.

The happy mother, who gave birth not quite long ago, wrote: “It’s only been a month with my baby boy, and it has been nothing short of amazing…my heart has never been so full! Mommy, Daddy and Baby Danjuma are doing great, and are thankful for all the love we have received.”

It’s been one month since the former Miss World gave birth to a baby boy. Agbani and her husband welcomed their first baby boy in September, 2018, in the United Kingdom. Agbani is the first native African woman to win the coveted Miss World title in 2001 at 18. In some of her appearances during her reign, she made notable remarks that in one way or the other, influenced the way the Western world viewed African continent. One of such was during an interview with Evening Standard, a London newspaper, where she stated that Africa is not entirely as poor as the rest of the world sees it.

According to her, “There are parts that are like that, but in Nigeria a lot of people are well-to-do.” One year after she became the Miss World, Agbani relocated to London where she further developed her career as a model.

On a trip in December 15, 2016, a friend of this reporter (Juliet Ike) had encountered the ebony complexioned beauty and had this interesting story shared about this charitably humane and humble human. Describing her as an angel, Juliet wrote: “I was travelling with my 10 months old daughter from Lagos to Dubai, a pretty tall lady and a gentleman sat next to me on the flight.

“I was still contemplating how I was going to deal with my daughter because she can be a handful and I needed to use the restroom so I had to plead with the lady to help me take care of her while am gone and she willingly agreed. The gentleman with her showed so much care to my baby that if you didn’t know one would think he was the father of my child. . . Up to the extent that my baby was finding it difficult to sleep in the plane and this gentleman would stand, carry her and try to rock her to sleep.

“This pretty tall lady and the gentleman with her showed my baby so much love all through the journey that I didn’t feel it was a seven hours journey without having the slightest knowledge of who was sitting beside me on the plane.

“As if all the help they rendered me wasn’t enough, on getting to Dubai they assisted me in carrying my luggage to where it was convenient enough for me because I had a connecting flight to New York. While we were walking towards our connecting flights a lady approached this pretty tall lady who has been so caring to my daughter and lo and behold I realised I have been seated close to Agbani Darego without having the slightest idea.

“I was shocked and asked her why she didn’t tell me all this while she just kept on smiling and said ‘she just blew my cover’. I never knew all this while that the lady seated with me for seven hours from Lagos to Dubai was former Miss World Agbani Darego. Never knew someone with that status could be that simple and humble. Humility is the true key to success. God bless you and bless the gentleman with you. . . With caring people like this, this world would be a better place.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 20, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY

Moyo Lawal Tired of Sleeping Alone Nollywood “bad girl’ Moyo Lawal is in need of a man. She is tired of sleeping alone. Moyo expects a man to show up this year and make her happy, reports Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ho doesn’t know Moyo Lawal? The Nollywood celebrity who of recent, pulled a Kim K stunt with her picture from a makeup line photo-shoot perceived to be a nude shoot. The vixen who once assumed that many have quickly passed her off as a bad girl who loves to show off her body . . . The diva who loves sharing lewd contents on social media and often attract diverse reactions, criticisms and few praises.

Or let’s say, the Barbie is fond of dropping suggestive photos for her fans online. The entertainer has had the most attacks on social media perhaps after Toke Makinwa and Cossy Orjiako. The Moyo who got her mojo putting up body part contest for her followers to mention the favourite part of her body they think she loves and win a prize in return.And lately, the single lady seems tired of sleeping alone and now expects a man to show up this year and make her happy. Well it all seems like her antics to be on the spotlight.

The Nollywood actress is at it again and this time, took to her Instagram page and gave a hint that she is ready for a serious relationship. The screen star who claims she hardly have much sex, says she is tired of sleeping alone. Expressing her feelings, she wrote: “Our society is so bad and corrupt that a single lady being tired of sleeping alone is weird . . . You people realise, you are supposed to

be sleeping alone till you are married abi . . . But then what do I do now . . .” For quite some time now Moyo has not been linked to any man or to any romantic relationship.

The curvaceous actress is famous for her racy photos. Sometime in 2014, the ‘Shallow Waters’ entrant went off social media.

According to her, she was beginning to question her career choice.

“I went on a hiatus from social media because there were too many questions I was beginning to ask myself about my industry, career choices and public perception of my image”, she wrote on her return.

Following her return, the actress has had it in all shades of controversy. Moyo has had to grapple with being seen as loose and promiscuous.

Aproduct of “Next Movie Star” TV reality show, Moyo has featured in numerous movies and soaps.Among the many movies she acted in are Big Gals on Campus, Cloud of Pain, Mistresses, Never Love a Prince, Thanks For Coming, Judas Game and Now WeAre Married . One of her prominent works is Tinsel, the soap opera where she played a role of Chinny.Apart from that, she appeared in the comedy series Jenifa’s Diary. The actress is known for her role in the movie Holding Hope, and the family drama series Fuji House of Commotion, produced by the lateAmaka Igwe.

Sassy, famous, and controversial, Moyo has had her streak given her so many amazing challenging opportunities in not just acting

but in dancing, music, fashion, hosting, etc. with her growing Instagram followers in the range of 490,000. Fans of Moyo were left to wonder if the notable actress really has a low self-esteem which she covers with confident photos and direct interviews or she is just speaking this way to get more compliments. Rotund Moyo was a regular girl who attended Tomobid Primary School.

She proceeded to Lagos State Model College and thereafter, she chose TheatreArts in University where she successfully earned her Bachelor degree. Even if she has natural ability to act, her higher education institution shaped her professionally and as a person.

Before developing her successful movie career and becoming popular, she kept receiving small roles in low-budget productions.

She also once revealed that she does not understand why people call her hot when she considers herself really far from that.

The feisty Nollywood actress is never out of circulation when it comes to being in the eye of the social media storm. The Badagryborn has been reported to be so active on her Instagram page. Most of her focus has been about sex and relationship, to the extent that one of her followers had to remark that the actress is obsessed with sex. She has said it time and time again that she would pick good sex over money if both come knocking at her door when asked to pick one out of a variety of men with different endowment. “It would be really sensible picking a man with money, but I’d rather go for what I lack right now, which is good sex.”

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

COMMENTARY

BACK TO WINNING WAYS

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The PDP has served notice that it is ready to reclaim the presidency it lost in 2015, argues Greg Mbadiwe

f there was any sign and wonder that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needed to perform to be taken seriously by Nigerians of its readiness to return to power, the peaceful national convention of the party held recently in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital was it. Many Nigerians had predicted the implosion of the party, given the dozen presidential aspirants that vied for its ticket at the convention. Even among the leaders of the party, they were those who feared that the fragile peace engendered by the smooth election of a national chairman was about to give way. But then, the way of man is not the way of God. With the election of Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of PDP, the party has suddenly even become stronger.

Yes, as doomsayers were getting ready to sing a dirge for the party, another event of even proportional importance occurred.

President Olusegun Obasanjo endorsed Atiku, his former deputy and implacable political foe. Baba did not even stop there, he commenced a campaign to get the international community to support Atiku’s candidature as the man who will reverse the dwindling economic fortunes of Nigeria and reunite the sharply divided people. President Obasanjo who in a similar fashion endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2014, said he was convinced that Atiku’s time has come for him to be president.

These two significant political events which would be likened to a political tsunami has swept through the Nigerian political space, igniting fears among the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and rekindling hope among the distraught people of Nigeria who are dissatisfied with the lack-lustre performance of the Buhari’s administration. Within two weeks, the PDP has served notice that it is more than ready to reclaim the presidency it lost in 2015.

One of the reasons why PDP lost in 2015 was lack of internal democracy which bred impunity and arrogance among the leaders. The transparent manner in which the convention in Port Harcourt was conducted confirmed that whenever the will of the people is upheld, trust and confidence would be engendered in the system. The Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led convention committee demonstrated a high sense of responsibility such that none of the 12 aspirants was in doubt of getting justice. Across many states of the federation, the PDP primaries went on in a similar fashion, thus confirming that this is a new PDP bereft of the baggage of the past.

It is also refreshing that the new leaders of the party, including the presidential candidate, realised the need to quickly reach out to President Obasanjo, to mend fences with him and seek his blessings. That was also a clear departure from the past when some of the leaders derided Obasanjo that he didn’t have any electoral value. Unknown to them, the international stature of Obasanjo dwarfs whatever political clout they believe they have in their little corners. So, the foresight of these new leaders in seeking Obasanjo’s forgiveness and endorsement deserves commendation.

And being the statesman that he has always been, Obasanjo forgave and gave reasons why he had refrained earlier from supporting Atiku for the presidency. As a Christian, he knows the wordings of the Lord’s Prayer which enjoins people to forgive in order to be forgiven. But what struck me most was that contrary to wide-held belief that Obasanjo had a personal grudge against

THE TRANSPARENT MANNER IN WHICH THE CONVENTION IN PORT HARCOURT WAS CONDUCTED CONFIRMED THAT WHENEVER THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE IS UPHELD, TRUST AND CONFIDENCE WOULD BE ENGENDERED IN THE SYSTEM

Atiku, it turned out that the grand old man was his patriotic self, fighting that long battle just for the sake of Nigeria.

For Atiku, winning the presidential ticket of PDP is more like a home coming. There are very few Nigerians who worked harder than Atiku in the emergence of PDP as a formidable political party in the country. There are even fewer who committed more time and resources than Waziri Adamawa in the campaign that ushered in Obasanjo into office in 1999. That is why many of us had been praying for their reconciliation because it seemed incongruous that a man will be denied the fruits of his labour just because of a moment of indiscretion. Like Obasanjo said, the Presidential candidate has learnt from his mistakes.

Learning from those mistakes is actually a plus for the nation and Nigerian people because Atiku’s vast economic experience is urgently needed to halt the drift of the Nigerian ship. As an entrepreneur and creator of wealth, Atiku was a key figure in the economic revolution that characterised the Obasanjo’s Presidency.

No other person is better suited than the former vice -president for the enormous job required to restore investors’ confidence in the nation’s economy and create jobs for our teeming youths.

As a pan Nigerian who is neither a religious bigot nor an ethnic irredentist, Atiku has started well by picking former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi as his running mate. There couldn’t have been a more formidable economic team than the duo.

The Igbos who for the past 42 months have been treated like outsiders in their own country now have a sense of belonging.

This is actually a good sign of what the Atiku’s Presidency will portend.

This bright prospect is what should inform the return to the fold of those who previously left PDP for a sabbatical in other political parties. The acrimonies and rancorous primaries of APC across the nation including subverting the right of first refusal for a sitting governor, has shown that APC is on its way out of power. Understandably, the party was not prepared for power.

It howled its way to Aso Rock through base propaganda and emotion. Now that it is clear that it cannot offer the change it promised, it will be changed with an Atiku’s presidency.

However, a word of caution, even advice for the APC and the Buhari’s administration will not be out of place. They must show commitment to the rule of law and a free, transparent and credible national election next year. What happened in the Osun Governorship election was a national disgrace and embarrassment that should not repeat itself. The hands of INEC were openly tied by the present government and APC. President Buhari recently at the United Nations gave his word that the 2019 elections will be free. We believe him. But certain actions of the administration including the controversial Executive Order Six which I am opposed to as a lawyer, give ominous signs as to whether we shall have the kind of elections that ushered in Buhari in 2015. However, as an incurable optimist, I sincerely hope that President Buhari will behave like President Jonathan in giving us a credible election that would be applauded by the international community even if he loses.

Mbadiwe, former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Congo, wrote from Lagos

FOOTPRINTS OF A VISIONARY

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Tola Adeniyi pays tribute to Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of Osun State

here is no doubt in the fact that Governor Rauf Aregbesola delivered on his electoral promises as enshrined in his six-point integral action plan, entitled ‘My Pact With The People Of Osun’, otherwise known as the “Green Book”. In that covenant, Aregbesola swore to tackle poverty, tackle hunger, tackle unemployment through wealth creation, restore healthy living, promote functional education and enhance communal peace and progress.

Prior to his administration, virtually all the roads across the state were in deplorable conditions. Governor Aregbesola constructed over 2000 kilometres of roads which traversed the nooks and crannies of the state. Among them are: 74km boundary highway connecting Osun directly to Lagos through Gbongan via OrileOwu and Ijebu-Igbo; 17.5km dual-carriage road Osogbo East/West Bypass; 47km highway connecting Osogbo to Kwara State boundary; and 30km Gbongan-Akoda Road and the Adebisi Akande Trumpet Interchange Bridge. Others are 81 Township roads covering 138km; inter-city roads covering 588km and 426 kilometres of roads constructed through the rural access and mobility project (RAMP) among others.

In boosting agriculture and food security Aregbesola allocated 4,000 hectares of land under the Land Bank scheme while support to large scale farmers shot Osun into the second position in the production of poultry. IITA was brought to Osun for agricultural demonstration purposes on cassava, maize, cowpea and most of the arable crops. Of course, some tree crops were not excluded.

In the education sector, 22 -state-of-the-art Elementary Schools, 15 Middle schools and 11 High Schools [that look like universities] were constructed and completed across the nooks and crannies of the state to revamp the sector and make education attractive to every child.

The yearly examinations grants per student was increased while periodic training and retraining of over 5,000 teachers running grants were raised from N7.4million to over

N427million per year and 30 per cent reduction in tuition fees for state tertiary institutions while 98 medical students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) were sponsored to Ukraine to complete their medical studies.

Other areas of interventions of the Aregbesolaled government in the education sector included: school reclassification into elementary, middle and high school system to aid easy teaching and learning; and introduction of education marshalls to maintain discipline. School administration and management was decentralised through the creation of three education districts, with each district headed by a tutor-general.

Calisthenics display is another legacy for which this administration will be remembered.

Calisthenics incorporates a lot of virtues like team spirit, unity, resilience, cooperation, tenacity, which an average individual needs to survive and succeed in life. The display has since been introduced into all the schools in the state to create a complete ‘Omoluabi’ in the student.

As at 2016, Osun’s performance level in WAEC rose to 46.7% which is quite a huge jump in the number of students with credit passes in English and Mathematics. Similarly, the state has, since 2013, been featuring prominently between the first and third positions in the JAMB ‘matriculatable’ students in Nigeria.

On Osun elementary school feeding and health programme (O’MEAL) alone, the state government provides free meals for over 250,000 pupils in primary one-four every school day. Through the programme, malnutrition in pupils has been reduced; school enrolment and promotion of healthy living among public school pupils have been improved. Also, about 4000 caterers were empowered as food vendors serving nutritious delicacies to all the pupils in elementary schools across the state every school day while over 50 school buses (Omoluabi Scholar Buses) were procured by Aregbesola’s administration to enhance easy transportation of students in the state.

Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O’YES)

is an innovative idea conceptualised to find meaningful solution to youth unemployment.

Within the first 100 days in office, 20,000 O’YES cadets were trained and engaged for productive ventures. Grouped into units like Public Works Brigade, Green Gang, Osun Sherriff Corps, Traffic Marshalls, Osun Paramedics, Sanitation Czars and Teachers Corps, over-40,000 youth have so far been empowered though the scheme.

The last batch of 20,000 for this administration, which is expected to be passed on to the next administration, is already being prepared.

Some 6000 of these youths were subsequently recruited as permanent teachers. However, 1,600 youths were trained in modern agricultural practices under Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (O’REAP) while 40 of them were sponsored by the state government to Germany to acquire knowledge on advanced farming techniques.

The beauty of this scheme is the fact that N200 million allowances being paid to OYES Cadets monthly is injected into the local economy of the state as all the materials and tools used for the success of the scheme were sourced locally. This scheme was recommended to federal government by the World Bank as a panacea to youth unemployment and restiveness in the country as the scheme made Osun to experience a drastic drop in her unemployment rate from 12.4% to 2%, thereby making Osun the state with lowest unemployment rate.

Aregbesola’s administration was the first in the country to replace books with computer tablets called ‘Tablet of Knowledge’ aka ‘Opon Imo’[acknowledged by UNESCO as unique] to further stimulate the interest of students to learning as well as completely turn learning into play in schools. Altogether, 17 subjects that students offer during West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) were included as learning experiences in form of lesson notes, textbooks, mostly provided by Evans Publishers and Master Teacher’s inputs.

Computer Education and Entrepreneurship

Education are also included in the device.

‘Opon Imo’ also contains 10 years past questions and answers provided by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as well as West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

It also needs to be noted that Aregbesola’s government increased bursary allocations to all Osun indigenes in tertiary institutions.

In the health sector, 90 new primary health centres were built and equipped; 35 existing primary health centres were upgraded, just as 50 state-of-the-art ambulances were procured as 400 paramedics were employed. In the same vein, 20 ultra-modern dug warehouses were constructed as well as the construction of Comprehensive Health Centres at Ogbaagba, Erin-Ijesa and Erin-Oke. Aregbesola’s administration is reputed to have doled out over 20,000 free-eye medical glasses to visually impaired persons, just as free treatment was given to farmers to rescue them from the debilitating disease of Ochocerciasis while tuberculosis and leprosy patients were treated free of charge in all the state hospitals.

Effective daily routine immunisation was put in place at all health facilities in the state while over four million insecticide treated mosquito nets were distributed to households just as free medical check-up was organised for civil servants. The state also established Tuberculosis Control Laboratory in Ilesa while nine primary healthcare facilities were refurbished and supplied with essential drugs to increase safe delivery by skilled-birth attendants.

The Aregbesola-led administration deserves commendation for spearheading a process that has consistently led to a year-on-year improvement in internally generated revenue (IGR) and tax remittances to the state, the latest being the N11.9 billion generated as actual full year IGR for 2017, representing more than 30% increase over the previous year’s N8.9b.

Chief Adeniyi is supported with additional materials by Abiodun Komolafe

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

INSIGHT

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.

NCAA AND POLICE COMPLICITY IN MMA2 SHUTDOWN FCT AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

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ome weeks back, The Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) was shut down by the aviation unions over their dispute with the operators of the terminal. Airlines, banks, shop owners and services providers at the terminal said they lost over N1.5billion for what they described as ‘insensitive picketing’ of the terminal.

Unfortunately, our dear unions do not understand the difference between picketing and shutting down. While you have a right to picket, you do not have the right to shut down the operations of key player such as MMA2. This is a terminal that plays an important role in the economy of our nation and these unions still decided to shut it down irrespective of a subsisting court injunction. How lawless can we be as a nation? In a lawful country those union leaders should be in jail by now.

In other climes, you would expect the main regulator of the sector which is the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to have intervened before the matter got to the extent of picketing. It still baffles me how the NCAA and FAAN looked the other way, while their staff who are known members of these unions shut down a critical service industry. The NCAA watches everything in limbo and acts like it doesn’t exist. When the chief regulator looks the other way when it should stamp its authority, then we are in for more shockers!

Now this is the main problem with concessions in Nigeria. If a major investor in the mould and pedigree of Dr Wale Babalakin can be subjected to such humiliation, how do we expect to get more local investors, let alone foreign investors? We are yet to recover from a failed Nigeria Air project which we all know never got a single investor and the NCAA and FAAN are still adopting a ‘siddon look’ style?

From the look of the whole MMA2 and union brouhaha, it is obvious the NCAA, FAAN and the Police were all in support of the impunity exhibited by the unions. How else can one describe the inability of the police to disperse an unlawful gathering / trespass at MMA2 even with a court injunction? And they were all happy seeing outlets at the terminal shut, passengers missing important business or professional engagements, banks shut and airlines losing millions and threatening to downsize? Are we not tired of the level of job losses under the present administration? It was such a dark day for Nigeria, concessions and the rule of law!

Recently, an aircraft belonging to Overland Airline caught fire while undergoing maintenance at its hanger at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT). The video of how the aircraft burnt beyond repair went viral and it exposed the inefficiency of FAAN and NCAA. It was a shameful sight. I felt like crying for Nigeria and the aviation industry while watching the video and I asked: what if there were passengers onboard? We would have lost precious lives as a result of the ineptitude of these agencies. Voices in the background of the video confirmed that, apart from the fact that the fire fighters got to the hanger late, they ran out of water. Shame!

And this is supposed to be a Category 1 Airport recently certified by NCAA! I am inclined to request what emergency management programme the NCAA put in place to manage such emergency situations? When was the last audit inspection carried out on the hanger? Was this part of the audit carried out by NCAA? How did the hanger get an AMO certificate? FAAN is complicit in all of these as performance of the airport fire service fell short of a CAT

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o those who do not travel across the length and breadth of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on a regular basis, developments in the territory would seem to them as a mirage. Abuja is one of the fastest and growing capital territories in the world. This is as a result of a survey carried out by the United Nations in their world developments report (WDR). This assertion has confirmed that Abuja is a fast developing modern city.

The sectorial developments in the FCT in recent times when reviewed with infrastructural developments in the past will show that the momentum has changed for the better. The dream of making Abuja one of the best federal capitals is still alive if the present tempo is maintained.

The Abuja development index must not only be gauged on the basis of the physical infrastructural development but must include the intangible sectors like the education and health sectors which have received massive investments from the administration in recent times.

The educational and the health sectors of the FCT development processes have received tremendous attention from the authorities. To ensure that education remains the indelible right of every child in the FCT, the present administration incentivised the leapfrog approach to the development of the sector by recently presenting certificates to over 140 newly approved and accredited schools, bringing the total number of public and private schools in the FCT to a manageable 572.This is prior to an evaluation by the inspectorate department which certified that these schools are competent in the areas of physical infrastructural facilities and environmental, academic and support services, and above all welfare. Five new secondary schools namely, GSS Bukpe, GSS Gosa, GSS Paikon-kore and GSS Gwarinpa Estate have now been established to tackle the influx of students into the FCT which increases the pressures on overstretched education infrastructure in the ever expanding city. This also necessitated the closure of over 556 illegal private schools after they were deemed not to have the required standards as stipulated by the educational Emeka Gbulie, Abuja board. The administration has also settled its liabilities in the counterpart projects with other international partners that are aimed at boosting the educational facilities in the FCT. The released counterpart authorised is to the tune of N2.8billion which enabled the administration to access the UBE funds, including the unpaid arrears of the 2014 for the teachers T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R professional developments fund, among others which EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE brought the FCT up to date in its financial obligations to DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU UBEC. To this end such projects as the Nigerian-Korean MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO Model School, the construction and rehabilitation of over DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE 400 primary and junior secondary classrooms blocks across CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI the territory, fencing of three secondary schools, furnishing EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN of classrooms, offices, transit and staff quarters at the MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE University of Abuja, Abuja University of Technology, Abaji; provision of laptops to secondary schools in Kuje and Jabi among others, have been completed and paid for.

Other projects worth N3.8billion that were awarded and completed include the furnishing and equipping of science T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D laboratories at GGSS Kuje and GGSS Abaji for computerEDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA based exam centre, ITVI, supply of laptop computers GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, for students support programme of the FCT scholarship ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI board, Area 11 Garki, development and expansion of DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY e-education database and network infrastructure at DPPR, OGEDENGBE amongst others.

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI The FCT administration is even doing more and the SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH benefit of these investments in educational infrastructure is ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO manifesting daily. FCT schools have been reaping the fruits CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI of improved investments by the government as attested by DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO the prizes and awards that were won during the year.

one standard.

Our CAT one regulators NCAA and FAAN need to tell us when last they trained and bought equipment for their emergency services officers and staff. A supposed category one airport as large as what we have should have a minimum of four fire service teams; one each at MM2, GAT, MMIA and cargo to meet the ICAO three minutes recommended standards to put out a fire incident.

A member of the Aviation Round Table, John Ojukutu, while querying the last time the NCAA conducted an inspection or audit on the maintenance hanger also asked, ‘’What is the category of the MMA fire service that could not put the fire out on a passenger aircraft of less than 40-seater? What would have happened if it were a B777 or even a B737? I heard people in the background of the video screaming no water, no water! But where were the water hydrants in the NCAA certified airport? Does the hanger where the incident happened not have emergency management programme for such incident? Is the emergency management programme for the hanger not an NCAA’s audit or inspection checklist? If the answers to these questions are negative, then it’s a big shame for a regulatory agency that prides itself with the FAA CAT 1.’’ He advised the NCAA to review its checklist for hanger inspection and audit.

Unfortunately, both the Minister of State for Aviation Hadi Sirika and the NCAA DG Muhtar Usman have refused to issue a statement on both the MMA2 and Overland aircraft fire incidents.

I gathered from reliable sources that both were outside the country lounging somewhere in Canada while the country or their sector was on fire. These are the kind of people we have at the helm of affairs of a critical sector such as aviation and nobody seems to be auditing their affairs.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Jamila Musa, Abuja

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

NEWS

In Brief Ita-Giwa Not Interested in Being Deputy Gov

FormerPresidentialliaisononNationalAssemblyMatters,SenatorFlorence Ita-Giwa has denied interest in becoming the running mate to Governor Ben AyadeofCrossRiverStateinthe2019election. Insinuationsabouthereyeing theseatofthedeputygovernorbecamerifewhensheacceptedtoworkwith Ayadetofasttracktheindustrialadvancementofthestate.Shewasrecently appointed Ambassador of the Cross River State Industrialisation Initiative.

TheworkingrelationshipbetweenIta-GiwaandAyadehasbeeninterpreted insomequarterstomeanthatshequittheAllProgressivesCongress(APC)to returntothePeople’sDemocratic Party(PDP). Whileshedidnotdenymaking a comeback to the PDP out rightly, she skirted the subject of her interest in becomingdeputygovernor. Accordingtoher,she“hashadnodiscussionsabout thedeputygovernorshipticketofthestateandwishestomakeitclearthatshe owesnooneanyexplanationsevenifshedid.”Shesaid,“asaverybusyindividual she does not need the office of deputy governor to impact positively on the fortunesofthestateortosupportthegovernorinthedevelopmentofthestate.”

Restoration of Electricity in Edo Communities

WELCOME HOME...

L-R: Former governor of Anambra State and Vice Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in 2019 general election, Mr. Peter Obi and Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi yesterday in Enugu during consultations

Nigeria Airways: Two Retirees Slump, Die at Verification Centre Chinedu Eze Two retirees who were former staff of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) yesterday slumped and died after waiting for long in the verification queue at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The federal government gave approval for part payment of their severance emoluments of N22. 5 billion out of N45 billion, opened verification centres at different parts of the country where the retirees would process their documentation for payment.

But since it was opened on Monday by the President Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) department of the Ministry of Finance, the procedure has been characterised by hiccups and delays for the aged who found it extremely difficult to stand up for long.

It was under these circumstances that the two retirees whose names were kept away from the public by the families died, while another

was carried to the centre on life support but was quickly attended to by the verification officials.

THISDAY gathered that the major cause of delay was the absence of the verification forms, which made it impossible for hundreds of retirees to be attended to by the officials.

The verification forms exhausted as early as 10:00 am yesterday and were not made available as at 1:00 pm.

No fewer than 3,000 retirees were slated to be verified at the Lagos centre by the officials of PICA. However, as at yesterday out of that number, only 400 had been verified and through with data capturing.

On Monday, officials of PICA had said that at least 500 retirees would be verified and captured daily, but five days after the commencement of the exercise, about 400 had been processed.

A NAL retiree and the first black pilot on the continent, Capt. Julius Orimoloye, 87 who

Peter Obi an Iconic Son of Igboland - Gov. Ugwuanyi My VP candidacy about Ndigbo, Nigerians, not me, says Obi Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has backed the choice of former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi as formidable choice for the office of Vice President of the country.

Ugwuanyi stated this Friday when he hosted Obi, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he eulogized him as an iconic son of Igboland, who has distinguished himself creditably in private and public dealings as a successful businessman.

The governor who used the opportunity to thank Enugu people for his gale of endorsements for 2019 promised to be there for the people, adding that he was sure their support would end in praise.

He therefore, used the opportunity to congratulate the entire PDP family on the party’s “very successful and peaceful convention in Port Harcourt”.

Earlier, Obi told the governor that he was at the Government House to consult him and seek the usual support of the state, stressing that his candidacy was not about him “as Peter Obi” but the people of the Igbo nation and Nigerians at large.

Obi who was accorded a warm reception at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, by the state government delegation and other supporters of the PDP expressed delight that “this is the first time in my political life that I am welcomed at the airport”.

While applauding Gov. Ugwuanyi for his giant development strides in Enugu State, Obi pointed out that the success of his nomination depended on the leaders of the South East geo-political zone, pledging to bring meaningful development to the zone such as the Enugu – Onitsha expressway, when elected into office.

came for the verification, decried the sordid arrangement by PICA and disclosed that he was slated for Friday by the officials, but expressed disappointment with the handling of the exercise by the officials.

Orimoloye who spoke to newsmen at the verification centre, noted that the exercise was poorly handled

by PICA officials in Lagos, stressing that the last exercise about 10 years ago was better handled than the current one.

“It has been very terrible, worse than before. We were here last in 2008 and the exercise was much better than this, but have we made progress? The answer is no. There

The paramount ruler of the Adara people, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Agwom Adara, Mr. Maiwada Galadima and his wife were on Friday abducted by gunmen while his driver, alongside four others were said to have been killed.

The abduction of the traditional ruler came less than 24 hours after Thursday’s bloody clashes between Muslim and Christian youths in Kasuwan Magani Community, also in Kajuru Local Government Area which claimed over 50 lives with property worth millions of naira destroyed.

The abduction of the traditional ruler, though not connected with the violence in Kasuwan Magani, many communities in Kajuru council are said to be gripped by fear of reprisal attacks.

Confirming the abduction of the paramount ruler in a telephone interview, Chairman of Adara Development Association (ADA), Maisamari Dio said, the traditional ruler was abducted near Idon village on his way from Kaduna to Kachia, his aboard.

“Initially, people thought that it was an armed robbery attack.

We thought he was killed, but now it has been confirmed that

Lawmaker Donates Medical Facilities

PregnantwomenandothersresidentsofOkpoko,Ogbarulocalgovernment areaofAnambraStatebrokeoutinjubilationandappreciationtoalawmaker fromthearea,ChukwukaOnyema,fordonatingmedicalfacilitiestothecommunity.Onyema,thememberrepresentingOgbaruFederalConstituencyat the National Assembly, had renovated some primary health Centres in the are lots that should have been done, area,oneofwhichhehandedovertotheAnglicanchurchinthearea,aswellasa brandnewambulance.BishopofOgbaruDiocese,Rt.Rev.ProsperAmah,who but things are now worse.

“I came here from Akure, Ondo receivedthefacilitiesonbehalfofthepeoplesaidthefacilitieswouldreduce State Capital today (Friday), but all thehealthchallengesbedevilingresidentsofthearea.Hesaidpregnantwomen I see is chaos. I can’t comment on andotherpatientswouldnolongerencounterdifficultiesaccessingmedicare a chaotic situation. I have not done in the area, promising to make available a mobile phone number in the event anything. I was billed for Friday, ofemergencies. which is today. The last exercise of 10 years ago, they billed me for Ucha: I Never Accused Elechi of Killings Monday and I came down on a Monday, only to meet everybody The candidate of Ebonyi central senatorial zone for the All Progressives Congress in the 2019 general election, Senator Julius Ucha has described as else here.

“Those who were billed for false,unfortunate,deceptiveandmisrepresentationoffact,areportcredited Tuesday and Friday were entering to him to have accused the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin the place before me, but despite the Elechi, to have masterminded the shootings at Onueke on Oct. 5 during the confusion then, I was attended National Assembly primaries of the party. Ucha while briefing newsmen in to within three hours. Now, I Abakaliki expressed shock to read on a national daily where he reportedly have been here since 9:00 am, linked the former governor to the attack which claimed over four lives with but nothing is happening.” carsburnt and other valued propertydestroyed.

Traditional Ruler, Wife Abducted in Kaduna John Shiklam ÓØ ËÎßØË

ForRestoringelectricitytothemaftereightmonthsofdarkness,thepeople ofWaterSide,IguorakhiandOgboguicommunitiesofOviaNorthEastLocal Government Area of Edo State, have commended Mr. Dennis Idahosa, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the gesture. Giving the commendationshortlyaftertheBeninElectricityDistributionCompany(BEDC) hookedtheaffectedcommunitiesbacktothenationalgrid,anelatedmember ofthecommunities,PaIdemudiaOsazuwa,describedIdahosa’sgestureasGod sent,sayingtheyhavesuffereduntoldhardshipmonthswithoutelectricity. An ElatedPaOsazuwawhospokeonbehalfofotherssaid:“Smallbusinessessome of us use in taking care of our families suffered because of lack of electricity.

“Over the months without power, we met with several persons to get them to help us restore electricity to the affected areas without success before HonourableIdahosa’snamecameup.

he and his wife were kidnapped while the driver and four others were killed.

“We are still gathering more information because it happened this evening” Dio said.

Meanwhile about 60 people were said to have been killed during Thursday’s clashes in Kasuwan Magani, also in Kajuru Local Government Area.

Sources said corpses of the victims were evacuated to hospitals in Kaduna on Thursday night by security personnel.

The corpses were said to have been deposited at Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital, St. Gerald Catholic Hospital and Agwam Awan Hospital.

Another source, said four corpses were also buried on Thursday night in Kasuwan Magani .

But Dio who also spoke on the killings, maintained that about 100 people may have been killed in the incident.

He insisted that in Barau Dikko General Hospital alone, over 50 corpses were deposited in the morgue. He said the incident was not a clash as some people were saying, but a massacre.

“Those whose houses are close to the market brought out weapons and started killing people in the market over a minor misunderstanding,” he said.

Youths Blame Govt for Illegal Migration

Theincreasingratesofhumantraffickingandillegalmigrationwasyesterday blamedbytheinabilityofgovernmenttocreatejobstoabsorbthethousands of youths who graduated from higher institutions in the country. This was the submissions made during a town hall meeting organised by Channels TelevisionincollaborationwiththeGermanBroadcastDeutscheWell(DW), held at the University of Benin Multipurpose Hall, Benin City. Participants at the town hall meeting with the theme: “The 77 Per cent”, was drawn from students of the University, AAU, Edo University, Iyamho; Benson Idahosa University, Benin and a host of others. Reacting to comments from panelists at the debate session which beam live and centred on Edo as the hub of recruitment to Europe and America for prostitutions, those who spoke blamed it on governments failure to put in facilities and infrastructure that matchthe ever growing population of youths who graduated from higher institutions over the years.

Osinbajo Loses Inlaw, Soyode

ThedeathhasbeenannouncedinLagosofMr.AdeniyiAdekunleSoyode.He wasaged74yearsold.HewastheyoungerbrotherofChiefTayoSoyode,the NigeriaVicePresident’sFather-in-law.Untilhisdeath,hewastheCEOPlastoweld IndustriesNigeriaLtd. AgraduateofPlasticWeldingfromtheUnitedKingdom, LateAdekunleSoyodestartedhiseducationfromtheformerOlu-IwaCollege, Ijebu-Ode,nowAdeolaOdutolaCollege,Ijebu-OdeandSt.FinbarrsCollege, Akoka,Yaba,Lagos,beforeadvancingtotheUnitedKingdom.Thedeceased,a devoutChristian,wasamemberoftheChoirandMenAuxiliaryAssociationof theSt.Paul’sBreadfruit(AnglicanCommunion)Cathedral,BroadStreet,Lagos.

HeissurvivedbywifeMrs.BabafunkeOlufunmilayoSoyode,aRetiredLagos StateSeniorOfficialoftheStateMinistryofJustice,children,grandchildren, brothers,sisters,cousinsandrelations,amongwhomare:thefather-in-law totheNigeria’sVicePresident,elderChiefTayoSoyode,in-laws,associates and friends.

Pa Olumoko Passes on at 96

The death has been announced in Lagos of a very devout, prominent, religious and community leader, Pa Paul Olatunji Olumoko. He was 96 when he died on Thursday, 19th April 2018. Until his death, Pa Olatunji Olumoko, a disciplined, philanthropic, caring leader, was a very outstanding class leader of the First Baptist Church, Ekinrin-Adde, as well as in the length and breadth of the entire Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State, whose exit will not be easily forgotten for his numerous spiritual, financial and moral contributions for the inestimable growth and expansion of the church ministry and the general empowerment of others in Kogi State.

THISDAY˾SATURDAY OCTOBER 20, 2018

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THISDAY˾SATURDAY OCTOBER 20, 2018

Plus

Dayo Amusa I Am in a Healthy Relationship, Very Soon, I’lI Walk Down the Aisle pg. 20

GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND AUTO SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tiwa Savage

Music is Obviously a Short Lifespan, I’m Already Looking at Other Things That Can Sustain Me

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 20, 2018

PLUS

Music is Obviously a Short Lifespan, I’m Already Looking at Other Things That Can Sustain Me Tiwa Savage is undeniably one of the most celebrated artistes in Africa, exporting Afrobeats across boundaries. She had her first concert recently at the O2 Indigo in London, making her the first African female artiste to clinch such a feat. Tiwa speaks to Azuka Ogijiuba about challenges facing female artistes in Africa, her forthcoming single with British rapper Stefflon Don, sharing the same stage with her idol, Brandy as well as the expectations from her forthcoming Lagos concert in December, among others

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fter your sold-out concert in London, you spoke about having it tough being a female artiste in Nigeria. What prompted that?

As an artiste, we’re still human and as much as we grow a thick skin to certain things, it still gets to us. Initially, when I said I wanted to use that venue, I was discouraged by few people because it’s a big venue and no female artiste had ever filled it. So, I felt like I was fighting the battle alone, trying to prove to people that I could fill maybe 70-80% of the venue. I wasn’t even looking at filling it.

Eventually, as time went on, we put in so much work - the stage, the dancing, costume, hours, sleepless nights. I flew everyone; choreographers, musicians to London so you can imagine the logistical nightmare.

The day before, we got the news that we actually did sell out. It was fantastic news. The show went well and I got great reviews. So, you wake up the next day and you have people doubting if I really sold out. I wondered, it’s the UK and I cannot lie about something like that because you can just go online and try to buy a ticket, if it really isn’t sold out, it’ll allow you buy tickets. Moreso, this isn’t an off-the-streets promoter. He’s a well known promoter and it is the Indigo 02 where everything is proper. So, we weren’t trying to cut corners or lie to our fans.

It was really heartbreaking that even though we made history, people still don’t want to believe it and I don’t think that would’ve happened if it were a male artiste. I had to take a step back and just remember the faces in the audience; some were crying and they actually had fun, so I had to re-evaluate myself and not let a couple of people who were trying to downplay how important that moment was, not just for me but for Nigerians, Africans and for female artistes. I had to get out of my feelings and just get back on track.

You’ve been in the Nigerian music industry for years with an array of smash hits, why did it take so long to headline a concert abroad?

I could’ve done it a few years back because I get approached all the time by many people in the US, UK, Europe etc but for me, I think I’m a bit ambitious. I

want to do it right. I wanted to go hard, push myself and I also wanted to build a catalogue of hits, not do a one hour show and I’m trying to fill it in with songs of other people. The London show had all popular songs and there is no one song I did there that wasn’t mine, I wanted to get to that stage.

Tiwa Savage hasn’t featured a female musician. Save for your collaboration with Stefflon Don, why haven’t you featured a Nigerian female artiste?

There’s no actual reason. It’s just that every time I do a song and I want to feature someone, it just happens to be a male artiste until the Stefflon Don record which is not out yet but it’s coming out.

I don’t try to force anything or purposely do something like ‘because I’ve never done a feature with a female then I have to do it’ because it’s not gonna be natural. I feel it’ll come eventually and I’d love to. I’ve featured in other female artiste’s songs and I’m really excited about the Stefflon Don record. Now, I would be more mindful when I’m recording or creating songs which I can feature a female artiste.

When will the collaboration with Stefflon Don be released?

I’d love it to be out this year because I feel like it’s going to be such a big record and we want to put so much more into it. We actually want to push it internationally and those type of things take time, getting clearance from her label et al. but I’m hoping that’s my next single.

Apart from being an artiste, what other things do you plan to venture into?

Yeah definitely, we’ve started working on a couple of projects. I usually don’t like to say what it is, not to jinx things.

We all know as musicians, music is obviously a short lifespan and I’m starting to look at other things that can sustain me.

So, I’m not just making money when I’m singing but also when I’m sleeping and that’s what myself and my team have really been working on.

Are you considering going into clothing full time or it’s solely for the tour era?

No, ‘Merch’ is not necessarily a clothing line. I would love to but I don’t know if I have the time to go into

OCTOBER 20, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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PLUS I Can Afford Some Luxury Items but Still Love Street Wears clothing fully but the Merch is a stepping stone and because it got so many great reviews, I’m going to look into it full time.

If you could undo one thing at the start of your career, what would that be?

If there’s one thing...I think I’d have taken more risks when I was younger. I think I was a bit too safe and ‘careful’, I think I definitely would’ve been a bit more radical.

Should we be expecting another collection of the Savage Merch?

Yes, because I’ll have my first headline show in December at Eko hotel, Lagos

by God’s grace and I’m going to have a pop-up store for that concert. I’m actually doing a special ‘Merch’ for that concert.

In sourcing ideas for the Merch, how did you determine the actual designs and was there a rationale for

each of the designs?

For the clothing, I wanted easy wear.

Anyone who knows me, know that I’m really a tomboy at heart. I hate heels, I love leggings, T-shirts, hoodies and that’s exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted my fans to buy into what I love. I also wanted something affordable and quick to make as it’s my first ever Merch, that’s why we decided to make T-shirt, hoodies. We also did accessories like lumie-light, stickers etc.

What’s your current fashion obsession?

Right now, I love Off-White because they have this street wears that is feminine as well, so I love the balance between them.

Fashion-wise, your personal style has evolved drastically. Was it a conscious effort or it just happened?

(Laughs) A lot of people say that and now I’m starting to realise. I go through my page, trying to see where the switch

was but I tell you that it wasn’t a conscious effort. The honest truth is that I think I can just afford a lot more now.

(Laughs) I think it’s just that my bank account was starting to change a bit and that’s basically what it is. I can afford some luxury items but still love street wears. I still love my Adidas, Zara etc like, I’m wearing Zara right now.

In October 2016, you hinted on having a collaboration with fashion designer Deola Sagoe. Can you tell us what it was all about and why we’re yet to hear about it?

Deola is obviously a legend in the fashion industry and she designed a couple of my stage outfits at the time.

So, in my head, I felt like it’ll be so great for us to have a full collaboration like Rihanna would go on tour and collaborate with Balmain. Our scheduling has been so crazy, we haven’t been able to really actualise that dream but it’s something I would want to revisit, maybe for next year.

Being one of the most celebrated artistes in Africa, how would you describe the Tiwa Savage brand?

Tiwa Savage brand is basically one who overcomes with a smile on her face.

Tiwa Savage brand should be inspiring to not just young women but women in their 40s, 50s who maybe haven’t started their dreams yet and think it’s too late.

So, they see a Tiwa Savage brand and think that if she can do it at this age and with a baby then, ‘I can do it too’. It’s a brand that should inspire women from all walks of life and it’s also a carefree brand. A very friendly girl-next-door, no-stress kind of

brand; basically, just living my best life.

You’d be headlining a concert with Brandy in South Africa and it’s no news that she’s been your idol and influence. How did you feel on hearing the news?

If you asked me this about four to five years ago, I probably would be panicking but because of how strong Afrobeats is now and how strong my fan base is, I’m just so humbled that I’m on the same stage and headlining with her. The genre is now so big and who would have thought that a female Afrobeats artiste would be headlining with someone that I looked up to all my life. Just like Wizkid or Davido having a song with Drake, Migos etc. It’s just inspiring for me.

I’m not so nervous about it; I’m excited that I’m helping with the movement of Afrobeats with an American artiste that has been celebrated for so many years.

I’m just happy that I’ll be representing Naija.

Words have it that you would be headlining your own concert this December in Lagos. Tell us about it and what we should expect from it?

I don’t want people to just come, watch and go. I want it to be a vibe, literally Tiwa’s Vibe from you walking into the hall, the atmosphere etc. I think my fans are different from a lot of other fans.

They seem to interact with each other. I want them to come have fun, dance, be free; they don’t even have to watch me on stage; they could be dancing with each other just like partying. For that moment, one to two hours, I want them to forget anything that’s stressing them and just have fun.

It was really heartbreaking that even though we made history, people still don’t want to believe it and I don’t think that would’ve happened if it were a male artiste. I had to take a step back and just remember the faces in the audience; some were crying and they actually had fun, so I had to re-evaluate myself and not let a couple of people who were trying to downplay how important that moment was, not just for me but for Nigerians, Africans and for female artistes

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 20, 2018

PLUS

Dayo Amusan

I’m in a Relationship, Very Soon, I’lI Walk Down the Aisle

No doubt, Nollywood has become a competitive industry for both actors and filmmakers and has given them the needed avenue to build a career. Dayo Amusa is one of the few talented actresses in the industry who has remained relevant over time. This actress, who is also a singer and an entrepreneur, reveals to Azuka Ogujiuba how she combines business with acting. She also talks about her new project, “That which Binds Us”, directed by Desmond Elliot

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

PLUS If you have a movie with a very good storyline, well produced, you will make money

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In as much as I want to agree that everybody should have equal rights and even as women we should be given our platform, we should have freedom of expressions. I would at the same time say that we cannot be equal in totality with men.

Men have their own responsibilities that they have to stand up to, same as women

ow did you fall in love with the movie industry?

Being an actress is something I have always wanted to do and had passion for while growing up. I joined the movie industry in June 2002 precisely, I produced my very first movie in 2006 ‘Ajigbodo’ and here we are.

“Ajigbodo” is an all-female cast movie. What was the idea behind the movie?

It is a movie that talks about lesbianism and HIV. The message behind it basically was trying to speak to girls and women out there that being a lesbian does not rule out the fact that you can contact HIV in the process.

What was the reception like, considering the fact that our society doesn’t like acknowledging lesbianism? How were you able to handle the backlash?

Initially, it was something else. Some certain people said, ‘If she’s not a lesbian, why would she write a story that has to do with lesbianism? Why is she producing an all-female cast movie?

If she’s not into the act, how did she know this and that?’ and it went viral at some point. I was wondering how I can be a lesbian and still preach against it. I wanted young girls out there who are into the act to know that it’s not something that is acceptable in our society and you could also contact various STD/STIs in the process. My motive behind it was very positive, so I was able to relate with people that feel otherwise about it.

There are loads of movies making it to the cinemas at the moment. Do you consider this as progress for Nollywood?

Yes, it is and we are making money too. I believe if you have a movie with a very good storyline, well produced with good production management, of course, you will make your money.

Tell us about your new project?

My new project is ‘That Which Binds Us’ directed by Desmond Elliot and produced by myself. The movie is a family tale that talks about love, betrayal, and coming together as a family to amend any form of challenge.

It talks about family values as well.

You have ventured into music.

How has the reception been?

Initially, it was like ‘what’s she doing? Why is she singing? Let her stick to her movie, let her stick to acting’ and all, but over time I guess they were able to understand my kind of music and my kind of person.

Are you going into music fulltime or is it just for fun?

I’ve dropped a couple of singles, I’ve dropped like three videos and I’m working towards dropping a playlist very soon that consists of all my past music and two new songs.

Who has influenced you musically?

I grew up having this thing for entertainment. It wasn’t like I’m being influenced to go into it; I just realised that I have the gift. I started music while I was in school even before I joined the entertainment industry where I performed in Canaanland Shiloh and as a chorister in Winner

must be heard whether they like it or not.

Have you ever been approached to go for an elective office before?

Yes, I am the Vice Chairman of Actors Guide of Nigeria (AGN) Lagos Chapter.

Amusa

Chapel, Abeokuta.

Tell us about your formative years and how you started your acting career?

As I said, I grew up knowing that I love entertainment. I remember those days that I will have my cousins participate in drama within the house, so I grew up knowing it’s something I want to do, though I wasn’t given the opportunity.

Which stars did you grow up watching?

I grew up watching Aunty Shola Sobowale, Sandra Achums, and Bimbo Akintola. Those are the three people I looked out for in any movie back then.

You run a school. How do you juggle this role with acting?

It’s not a school, it’s a crèche. I love kids, I run a kiddies store too and have been able to juggle all with my acting career. I feel it will be easy if you have the right people working for you, everything falls in place.

Are you in a serious relationship or still waiting for Mr. Right?

I am in a healthy relationship.

Are there plans for you to walk down the aisle?

Yes of course, very soon.

What do you have to say to your younger colleagues who think it’s right to call out their older colleagues on social media?

I see it as being rude. I think there was a time when situations like that arose and I did make a post about it.

Though, some people took it personal but really it’s high time we let the

upcoming actors understood that there should be room for respect and for the older colleagues, they should try as much as possible to respect their younger colleagues too.

There was a time you had issues with Kemi Olunloyo, how were you able to handle it?

For Kemi Olunloyo’s issue, I didn’t know her until she picked on me on social media when we lost Aunty Henrietta. She came up with a post that Uncle Jide Kosoko used her for money rituals and I’m like ‘is this person okay?’ That was how it started. I felt like I cannot give room to be bullied and I cannot be silenced for my own opinion, so I just expressed myself and gave it to her straight up.

How do you handle negative comments?

Over time, I’ve come to understand that everybody has the right to his or her own opinion and then the fact that the way you see things is different from the way I see things, fingers aren’t equal; so there is room for us to see things differently. Sometimes, I like critics because they help me be a better person. I really don’t pick offense in it, but when I get to see some nasty comments or someone makes a nasty statement, If you don’t think of me as a fan or as a celebrity before you say trash, I’m not going to think of you as my fan before I give it back to you.

Do you think women have a role to play in politics or men are still dominating?

Politically, men are dominating, then it still doesn’t rule out the fact that they can take out women. We have our space, we have our voice and it

Women are very vocal when it comes to equal rights these days, what are your views on feminism?

In as much as I want to agree that everybody should have equal rights and even as women we should be given our platform, we should have freedom of expressions. I would at the same time say that we cannot be equal in totality with men. Men have their own responsibilities that they have to stand up to, same as women.

There is this impression about actresses that as playful as they are, they are flirty and randomly available, how true is this?

It depends on the angle they are looking at it from, for me, if you are in a relationship and the relationship isn’t working or you feel you have every reason to walk out; you walking out does not make you a flirt. If you are in a healthy relationship and you are finding it all cool, I don’t think there is any reason for you to move from here to there.

Some people refer Yoruba actresses to being local and not polished compared to your English counterparts. What is your take on this?

I like the fact that you started with “Yoruba”, so I don’t know where ‘polishness’ is coming from locality.

We are locally rooted and I don’t see the classiness you want to put into you being a local girl. How do you expect a village girl to come on heels and be sassy? So, Yoruba actresses are not razz, as a matter of fact, we have graduates, we have many that speak good English and we are the most polished ‘Chickitos’ in the industry.

What outfits are you more relaxed in?

I like outfits that are not clingy; they make me feel very comfortable.

Sometimes, I might want to be trendy but then, I still love free outfits.

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˜ ˞ OCTOBER 20, 2018

VINTAGE

Ooni of Ife Finds a New Queen Jubilation in Ile Ife as Oba Ogunwusi unveils his new Queen. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

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oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Friday unveiled his new Queen, Miss Naomi Oluwaseyi. According to reports, Naomi, 25, is based in Akure, the Ondo State Capital, and is an evangelist. The new Queen is also the Founder/President of ENHERALDS, a prophetic mandate and an interdenominational ministry founded in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

The monarch, who made the announcement through his social media platforms, praised his new Queen for her beauty, uniqueness and royal qualities and most especially, the fear of God she has. He stated, “I waited patiently upon the Almighty the King of kings, He eventually did it in the midst of many trials.

Shilekunola, Moronke, Naomi; the greatest arsenal you can apply on this highly revered throne with many rules and regulations in the midst of undiluted tradition, heritage and culture is the ‘Fear of God In You’, which is the beginning of your wisdom on this throne of Oduduwa. “You are welcome home my beautiful and adorable queen.� Oba Ogunwusi was previously married to two women at separate times, the more recent of which was Olori Wuraola Zaynab Otiti-Obanor.�

According to a statement from the palace of the Ooni of Ife, revealed why the king opted for Olori Moronke Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi. The palace said he mar-

ried the woman because of the spiritual strength she will bring to the kingdom and the fear of God in her.

The statement further revealed that the marriage rights were done privately in Akure, Ondo State and she was later received at the Ooni’s palace. “Her Majesty, Olori Moronke Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi is the new Yeyeluwa Oodua. Necessary rites fully performed,� th-e statement read. The Ooni Ojaja II, it was reported, received his new wife at the palace a day after he marked his 44th birthday amidst wild jubilation at Ile-Ife, Osun State on Thursday.

The duration and details of the royal couple’s relationship isn’t known. However, the Queen will be the King’s third wife, after Queen Adebukunola Ogunwusi whom he married in 2008 and Queen Wuraola Otiti.

Both previous marriages of the supreme monarch appeared to have crashed due to irreconcilable differences with the latest marriage happening a year after the last one with Olori Wuraola ended, and linked to Omolara Olatubosun, with whom he had his only daughter, Princess Adeola Aanuoluwapo Ogunwusi.

Oba Ogunwusi, the fifth child in a family of seven is the spiritual leader of the Yoruba people now saddled with the responsibility of making supplications to God and the Ă’rĂŹsĂ on behalf of his tribe and the world at large during annual festivals such as Olojo. He has served as the traditional ruler of the Yoruba Kingdom of Ile-Ife since 2015. Shortly after his coronation, Ooni Ogunwusi met with the Alaafin of Oyo and by so

doing initiated a new era in the history of the Yoruba States.

He effectively broke the jinx of institutionalised discord between the thrones that had plagued Ile-Ife and Oyo for decades previously. The Oba is an advocate for the empowerment and emancipation of women and young people. He has transformed Ile-Ife into a tourist zone, with changes including the beautification, redesign and re-construction of the ancient city.

Oba Ogunwusi is also a renowned philanthropist who is committed to humanity and an advocate for the less privileged.

He has granted support over the years through the House of Oduduwa Foundation and, recently, through Hopes Alive Initiative. For the new Queen, she started public ministry at the age of eighteen when she became a full time evangelist in October 2011. She has six siblings.

Not much is known of the new Queen. Not many saw it coming, especially after a member of the King’s inner circle had said, just two months ago, that the Oba would not be marrying anytime soon.

Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi was selected from amongst several well to do indigenes of Ile-Ife who were also heirs to the throne on 26 October 2015. He received his staff of office on 7 December 2015. He has been described as an ‘astute entrepreneur driven by the need to turn impossibilities into possibilities. Until his recent marriage, the revered monarch was single.

THISDAY˾SATURDAY OCTOBER 20, 2018

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˜ ˞ OCTOBER 20, 2018

PERSPECTIVE

South East and VP Slot

Chibueze Daniel

Some Igbo disparaging their leaders on social media over the displeasure and concern expressed by their leaders over the manner the position ceded to the region was ďŹ lled forgot that the beneďŹ ciary (Obi) owes his allegiance to the likes of Wike and forces outside the region. That makes it will now be diďŹƒcult to hold Obi accountable to the zone and its interest. He who pays the piper dictates the tune. The South East leaders wants to make it clear that Obi is there, not on behalf of those external forces, but on behalf of the South East

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or a few days now, South East leaders, especially the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in that region, have taken flaks from some Ndigbo for allegedly “opposing� the choice of Peter Obi as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate.

The impression out there is that they don’t want Obi because of their selfish interests.

These sentiments are understandable because the Igbo have not been favoured in Nigeria’s power equation.

The South East believe that there is a grand accord since after the war to keep them at bay from the presidency and sensitive positions.

In a detailed interview granted by the former Vice President, the late Chief Alex Ekwueme, in October 2016, he revealed that he was the major target of the 1983 coup; that it was simply to stop an Igbo from succeeding Alhaji Shehu Shagari. Former Special Assistant to ex-President Shehu Shagari, Prof. Pat Utomi, reinforced this view in a newspaper interview last July.

Even under the military, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (Rtd.), who managed to become the Chief of General Staff and deputy to former military president retired under controversial circumstances.

Again, when it seemed Chief Ekwueme had clinched the presidential ticket of the PDP in 1998 to become the President, the Igbo watched helplessly as Ekwueme was literally chased out of the house he built from the G34 structure.

So, it is understandable that Ndigbo are so ecstatic about Obi’s nomination as Atiku’s running mate. Even the hitherto unenthusiastic about Atiku suddenly became “Atikulated�. It was in the midst of this euphoria that news filtered in that South East PDP leaders, governors, etc. were allegedly opposed to Obi. A meeting was called to handle the bad situation so it did not escalate.

That was able to rein the hardliners.

Governor Dave Umahi told journalists after the meeting that they weren’t opposed to Obi’s nomination, but that they were concerned that they were not consulted as agreed in making decisions on anything ceded to the South East.

That was all that was needed for mis- Obi leading headlines and blackmailers to go to town with the falsehood that the South East PDP leaders rejected Obi. They set the Igbo against their political elites on the Internet: Ndigbo are their own worst enemies; where were the “so-called� Igbo leaders when the python danced, etc.? Ironically, though eminently qualified to be VP, Obi wouldn’t have made the list if speaking up for Ndigbo were the sole criteria. People like Senators Ekweremadu and Enyinnaya Abaribe have been the bastion of Ndigbo in the last three years.

Facing the real issues, are the South East PDP leaders really opposed to Obi? Not to my knowledge and from what I have read so far. Their grouse was that they were not carried along/consulted.

Was that too much to ask for in a political atmosphere? Importantly, they know that such exclusion so early in the day portends danger for the region in the near future if Atiku/Obi ticket wins.

While the vice presidential ticket is a very welcome relief for Ndigbo, it is not what Ndigbo are after. Several Igbo socio-cultural organisations and elders have repeatedly emphasised that Ndigbo are more interested in restructuring than the presidency.

One of the most respected Igbo statesmen and constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, reechoed this position as recently as last August.

He stressed: “The primary need of Ndigbo now is restructuring, not Igbo presidency. We want a restructured Nigeria because that is the only way we can get what we want, and every zone would be satisfied. If Nigeria is restructured, that will go a long way to satisfy our demands. As the country is today, we cannot get anything until Nigeria is restructured. We can begin to talk about Igbo presidency only when Nigeria is restructured�.

Now, it is no longer news that Atiku ran for the PDP ticket on the strength of restructuring. He

also consulted Ndigbo ahead of the Port Harcourt convention. One of the governors confided that although the governors and other party leaders had their preferred aspirants, they agreed to meet with their South South counterparts in Port Harcourt to agree on a common candidate. But when Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State wasn’t forthcoming, possibly because he was cocksure he had secured victory for Governor Aminu Tambuwal, the South East PDP leaders went ahead to meet in the hotel room of Senator Ekweremadu in Port Harcourt.

They analysed the capacity of each aspirant to dislodge Buhari, commitment to restructuring, and Igbo presidency come 2023, and settled for Atiku.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo bought into it. The delegates went to the field and executed the decision, which outcome in the emergence of Atiku hurt Governor Wike so much that he allegedly talked down on the Igbo and their political leaders right there at the venue before storming out of the stadium.

So, to be fair to the party’s leaders in the South East, I must say that if Atiku consulted them to get a black vote, it was only right that they should have also been consulted in filling the position of the VP ceded to them. To sit with forces outside the region like Senator Bukola Saraki, Prince Uche Secondus, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Governor Tambuwal, and also the same Wike, who worked for a different aspirant to take that decision is most disdainful.

Having decided on Obi, he could also have invited them to say, this is your brother I want to work with. But they only heard it as breaking news like every other Nigerian. And at the time of writing this piece, a governor alleged that Atiku has not even called the leaders over the matter. It is humiliation of indescribable proportions. Much as it is a candidate’s prerogative to choose his running mate, I am just wondering if it was possible for Buhari to

have just picked Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as his running mate in 2014 without consulting South West APC elders like Bola Tinubu and Bisi Akande.

Some Igbo disparaging their leaders on social media over the displeasure and concern expressed by their leaders over the manner the position ceded to the region was filled forgot that the beneficiary (Obi) owes his allegiance to the likes of Wike and forces outside the region. That makes it will now be difficult to hold Obi accountable to the zone and its interest. He who pays the piper dictates the tune. The South East leaders wants to make it clear that Obi is there, not on behalf of those external forces, but on behalf of the South East.

The other worry is: How do our leaders get Atiku to honour the major understandings for which he got South East support in Port Harcourt - restructuring, one term/Igbo presidency 2023, etc.

Ndigbo must know that a Vice President will always be a Vice President, useful or useless as the President wishes. Ask Atiku, Goodluck Jonathan, and Osinbajo. So, there is little Obi would do for Ndigbo, more so when he owes his position to political forces outside the South East interest.

These are the hard facts the Igbo leaders must be worried about and which the South East must not sweep under the carpet if it wants a bright future within the Nigerian nation.

Unfortunately, Atiku and Obi appear to care less about correcting this early wrong impression. As at the time of writing this piece, insider information alleged that Atiku was yet to call any of the aggrieved leaders, while Obi only started reaching out and meeting with the South party leaders on Sunday in a manner that suggests afterthought.

If our leaders are excluded from important decisions when we are preparing for the hunting expedition, what will be our fate when the meat starts cooking on the fire? Our leaders must put their feet down and extract firm commitments from Atiku on the key issues as agreed ahead of Port Harcourt convention. If Atku isn’t the Messiah, then let’s look for another. No sentiments. ––––Daniel wrote in from Aba

˜ ˞ OCTOBER 20, 2018

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PERSPECTIVE

MultiChoice: 25 Years in Nigeria Tunmise Badru

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igerians aged 35 and above are unlikely to have problems recalling what constituted our entertainment staple before 1993.

It broadly consisted of movie releases at 10pm after the news bulletin on national or state-owned television, blockbuster movies on video cassette recorders, old Latin American soaps and dramas, recorded matches of the Premier League and for the children, cartoons early in the evening. Each, I have to say, fulfilled its role.

Then came satellite TV in the name of MultiChoice Nigeria to change the future of television.

A quarter of a century later, MultiChoice has grown to become a household name and a lifestyle choice in the country, bringing entertainment and information to millions of homes, cutting across different ages and cultures, as well as making huge contributions to the nation’s economy via huge investments.

Television, it is safe to say, has never been more powerful since November 1993 when MultiChoice landed on these shores.

How did the company succeed in causing a sea change in the television sector, where it has remained the dominant operator? Given where we were at the time MultiChoice commenced operations in the country, I would say the company showed enormous faith in

Nigeria, was committed to providing high quality pay television service through investments in cutting-edge technology, content and service to kick off a revolution.

MultiChoice came into the country at a time of great political upheaval and uncertainty induced by the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, a period the country was, with some justification, avoided like a plague.

The foul socio-political weather aside, there was the huge infrastructural deficit in the country, a state of affairs that required a pioneer to provide for its own needs. This required eyewatering financial investments and near-blind faith in a climate of political uncertainty.

Notable among investments made in infrastructure were the commissioning of the Eutelsat satellite at a cost of N1.3 billion for the provision of the KU-Band transmission service, having a spot-beam with Nigeria at its epicenter; building of the Lagos up-link to enable the carriage of the national free-to air channels, yearly expansion of satellite transponder capacity for the continuing carriage of these freeto-air channels as well as backhaul of the channels to the company’s facilities in Guadalajara in Spain at no cost to the channel providers.

MultiChoice, over the years, has continued to invest heavily in the latest technology in digital television, including its decoders, which it has consistently improved upon, new products, improved services and new

payment systems.

The company has also been the leading figure in the country’s efforts to migrate from analogue to digital transmission being the first two introduce the second generation broadcast technology through its GOtv platform.

The launch of new technologies has contributed to the efforts of the government to create quality employment in the engineering and technical fields.

Through its products, MultiChoice has demonstrated commitment to Nigeria’s progress by ramping up its investment in local content. This has been variously demonstrated by SuperSports in increasing interest to solicit local content for programming and support for Nigerian boxing through GOtv Boxing Night to mention just a few.

The entertainment industry owes a large slice of its progress to support for MultiChoice, whose Africa Magic range of channels has established the country’s cultural hegemony by providing local artistes and producers the platform to showcase their talents to millions of viewers across the continent.

And to ensure an improvement in production quality, MultiChoice has continued to invest in various capacity building efforts for professionals in the creative content industry.

The latest of these efforts is the MultiChoice Talent Factory initiative, which is aimed at raising the next crop of African film and television professionals by equipping them with skills capable of putting them on the same level with their counterparts in other

parts of the world.

A major element of the initiative is the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy, a fully-funded one-year training programme for young people in the creative industry. The continent-wide initiative has three academies, with the one for West Africa located in Nigeria.

The company has, in addition to providing family entertainment, continued to contribute to the country’s social and economic development through the creation of job opportunities via local entrepreneurship schemes in dealership, training of a network of installers to assist in the installation of DStv and GOtv hardware as well as resolution of issues associated with the products.

On the Corporate Social Investment front, MultiChoice has invested a huge amount of resources in the rollout of over 300 MultiChoice Resource Centres in secondary schools in 29 states of the country.

Each beneficiary school receives a TV set, High Definition personal video recorder (HDPVR) decoder, generating set, complimentary subscription to DStv education bouquet, which contains BBC World, BBC Knowledge, National Geography, Animal Planet, National Geography Wild, History Channel, Learn and ED channel, as well as facilities such as chairs and tables. Equally importantly, the company has been a good corporate citizen, paying about 10 different tax types to government. ––Badru, a business analyst, writes from Suleja

TRIBUTE

R eme mber in g Ij eo ma C o ll i n s - A kus h i e Collins Akushie

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die - Thomas Campbell.

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y dear Ogechi, it is painful, unbelievable and heart-breaking that I am writing a tribute in your memory. A beautiful woman, who became my wife and mother of our two children - Chinmeri and Nmachi at such an early stage in your life. Certainly, words are not sufficient for us to express our heart-felt feelings and shared pains since your extraordinary life was abruptly snuffed out in a car-fire accident, on the 2nd of October 2017; and you left a huge vacuum in our lives.

After one year of your sad departure, we have reflected on your life and what you represented in the lives of our family and those of our friends and well-wishers. The thoughts of which we share here.

Our journey of love commenced like a fairytale, culminated into marriage on the 26th of May 2007. In marriage, our love grew and blossomed daily amidst good times, challenges and victories. Our ten years and four months marriage was filled with joy and laughter, the coming of our two children brought more joy and another dimension of God’s glory into our lives and our home.

God blessed my life with your extraordinary life, and you became an outstanding wife and a mother, a partner and a beloved friend. You were already an achiever before you accepted to share your life with me. You had a Midas touch to everything you touched; obtaining two first degrees in Law from University of Nigeria Nsukka and in Accounting from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. These laurels at a youthful age never instilled a sense of arrogance or baseless pride in you, nor disrespect for others. You had a successful five-year career with the then Intercontinental Bank Plc; a job that brought out your latent leadership qualities.

Beyond the corporate bank job, your strong and entrepreneurial spirit inspired you to start a micro-scale manufacturing business that specialised in the production of household consumables. From a humble beginning, you grew to become an employer of labour. Your commitment to advance the course of God and humanity

Ijeoma was beyond description. You were always willing and ready to lift a hand for others, give listening ear to the hurting, succour to the suffering and wise counsel to those in need of direction. You never hoarded your knowledge or your skills from serving humanity.

In you, I found a dependable friend, wife and partner; we had a synergy of purpose uncommon to many, understanding beyond words, the spark you brought to my life inspired me to launch out without fear of failure; for I knew you always got my back. Your undiluted and unshakable faith in me was amazing and a source of strength. It is pretty difficult to accept the fact that you are no longer physically here with us, but your expression of confidence in our common vision, as captured in these your usual words - “sweetie, we are on course� keeps me focused.

The tributes and condolences that have come in have taught me again who you were in this life; a beacon of light to many, a source of inspiration for women and men everywhere you reached out, a uniquely gifted mother to our two children and a wonderful friend to all who came your way.

Your son Chinmeri says: ‘‘I remember you as a super

mum, who gave me advice whenever I needed it. You were a helper whenever I needed it. You were my super hero. Life has not been easy without you, mummy. I wish your soul remains with God in heaven and to meet you one day’’ Nmachi, your beautiful daughter and your carbon copy who has lived this last one year without you in pains says: ‘‘my mum was kind and a helping mother to me and whenever I needed help she was there. She was a hard working woman, an accountant and a soap maker.

I loved my mum so much and everyone loved her too.

Since after her death, I have been feeling sad and not happy. I pray that God takes care of her soul and I will on the last day meet her in heaven.’’ Because of whom you were, your in-laws loved you and you cared for them. My younger sister, Janet on behalf of the family says: Ogechi was a good and kind–hearted woman. She loved everyone in the family.

She was my sister in-law, but I didn’t relate with her as such. We related like direct sisters. She was an ambitious woman. I lost a sister with whom I did things like twins.

I miss her a lot, when I remember her, I feel sad as if October 2nd does not exist. No day has passed without my remembering her especially the things we did together. I wish her eternal rest; that God will accept her in His bosom.�

Ijeoma Collins-Akushie, (Nee Onyerinma) while alive was a committed member of Catholic Women Organisation of the Archangel Michael Police Chaplaincy Maitama and a team member of the Skill Acquisition/ Empowerment Programme for Women and Youth of the Chaplaincy. She was a member of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International and the Managing Director of Adcol Chemicals Limited.

We are consoled by the legacies of greatness, enterprise, peace, friendship, love of humanity and God you left behind. For that, you will remain fresh in our minds.

I and the children will remain committed to the ideals, vision and dreams of our family. It was truly a great privilege to have had you as a wife, with all my heart I celebrate you, a true ‘‘Proverb 31 woman’’, mother in Israel, daughter of Zion, lover of God, Nwanyi Obioma (woman with a good heart) and the love of my life.

Though very tough, to accept the reality of your demise, the fond memories of your life lighten our pains. We are consoled by the fact that we shall meet again on the Resurrection morning.

You will forever live in our hearts! Continue to rest in peace!

Your husband, Collins Akujobi Akushie

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 20, 2018

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SPYGLASS

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Kola Aluko’s Dwindling Fortunes His story will definitely make a good box office hit, if turned into a movie by a creative director. Kola Aluko was the oil magnate who used to live life like a super star. Stupendously wealthy, he spoiled himself with good things of life; drove expensive cars, flew private jets around the world and sailed across the sea with eye-popping luxury yacht Given his status, he also commanded a lot of respect and his popularity literally soared beyond the shores of Nigeria. He partied hard and hanged out with Hollywood super star. At a time, he was ranked by Forbes

Africa as one of the 40 Richest Africans.

But that was when his benefactor, Diezani Allison Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, was in power. As soon as power changed hands and the former President, Goodluck Jonathan, was sent packing by the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari, he literally poked the law in the eyes Today, the billionaire, who was once described as a jolly good fellow, is battling for survival, since his company, Atlantic Energy, was slammed and indicted by the Nigerian anti- graft

agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly laundering billions of Naira for the former Petroleum Minister.

Consequently, many of his assets were seized, while his banks accounts scattered around the world were frozen.

This has been a serious headache too many for the man who loved to spend money as if it was going out of fashion. He has reportedly run out of circulation and crawled into his cocoon, even though he was sighted recently in Mexico partying with some of his old friends.

KOLA ALUKO

Ex-Minister, Nenadi Usman Grief-stricken Nenadi Usman, a former Minister of Finance has again, been thrown into a pensive mood, following the death of her niece, Anita Akapson.

The late Akapson was allegedly “ trailed, targeted, intercepted and shot dead by four policemen in the middle of the night” last Saturday in what they later described as a case of “mistaken identity.”

It was reported that

NENADI USMAN

the woman, who recently returned to the country after her university education in the United Kingdom, was driving out of her house at Katampe Extension

by Gwarimpa Estate in a Honda Accord car when she was shot dead by a Superintendent of Police around 11p.m.that fateful Saturday.

Although the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has

ordered the detention of policemen allegedly involved in the death of the deceased, there have been uproar in many quarters, particucarly the leading opposition party in Nigeria, PDP. The PDP alleged that this could be deliberately targeted at the woman whose name was among the list of those banned from travelling abroad by the Federal Government.

Adebiyi Taiwo’s Day With History When you talk about women who are slugging it out with men in some professions, the name Adebiyi Taiwo comes to your mind. It is obvious that she has stooped to conquer her world; and without a doubt, her endearing personality and aura have continued to catch the fancy of her admirers.

Blessed with a humane affection and meekness, the graduate of Banking and Finance from the Ekiti State University never ceases

to surprise her detractors with her rising profile.

As proof of her abiding passion for tourism and African culture, the Nigeria Institute of Journalism-trained Public Relations professional gathered top Lagos socialites, music and movie celebrities, media enthusiasts and scholars to launch her new publication, De’ Spotlight Africa Magazine at Pearlsworth Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday, October14, 2018.

At the well-attended magazine launch soiree, she played host to several dignitaries, who were treated to sumptuous meals and exotic drinks.

The radiant former staff of National Identity Management Commission dressed in a glamorous blue gown, mounted the podium to appreciate the audience and promised to keep doing everything within her capacity to promote African tourism, entertainment and culture values.

Jonathan Calls FFK a Selfless Patriot in Birthday Message Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described Chief Femi Fani-Kayode as a “selfless patriot” in a congratulatory message, yesterday, to the former Minister of Aviation, who turned 58 years, this week.

“Your great services in the country has represented you as a selfless patriot and I have no doubt that you will continue to serve as a source of inspiration and a testimony that honesty, selflessness and love for one another, are tenets we all need to imbibe to build the nation of our dreams.”

President Jonathan said as he joined Fani-Kayode’s family, friends and well-wishers to wish him peace and happiness on the special day, he was pleased that “the Almighty God has continued to bless you with life, good health and strength to make impactful contributions to our dear country.”

He prayed that Almighty God continues to guide and protect the former minister “in your strong desire and efforts to make Nigeria a better country.”

ADEBIYI TAIWO

Abiso Kabir’s Kind Gesture

ABISO KABIR

In his 45 years of earthly sojourn, Dr. Abiso Kabir, Chairman, WalWanne Group, has done so well for himself. Very cerebral, Kabir, a silent achiever, sits atop a chain of businesses that cuts across commerce and trade in cattle and agricultural produce.

Not known to make noise about his achievements, Kabir, who holds a degree in Economics, has shown uncommon dedication to the plights of the Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have been sacked from

their various comfort zones by the Boko Haram militants.

He has touched the lives of thousands of these disadvantaged individuals by engaging them in agriculture to reduce unemployment and poverty.

Besides, he has donated food items as well as cash to them. Kabir, who hails from Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State, holds a Ph.D in Entrepreneurship Management from the Oxford University, Namibia.

FEMI FANI-KAYODE

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 20, 2018

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Chairperson, Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative ,Prince Gbenga Oguntayo; Managing Director, SYNLAB, Dr. Pamela Jackson-Ajayi ; Founder, Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative, Dr. Ama Onyerinma; Chairman, Punch Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Angela Emuwa ; and Trustee, Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative,Mr. Peter Armand Boyo at a sensitisation programme for girls on the occasion of 2018 Int’l Day of the Girl Child in Lagos recently

President , Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, ACFE, Lagos, Nigeria and MD, OGE Professional Services Ltd, Dr Godwin E. Oyedokun ; Global President, ACFE, USA, Dr Bruce Dorris and Head, Finance & Accounts, Shipping & Terminal Logistics Ltd, Mr. Tajudeen Abdulkareem, at the 11th Annual ACFE African Anti- Fraud Conference in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa recently

Beer Festival to Promote Benefits of Beer As preparations for the 2nd edition of the Nigeria Beer Festival hit top gear, organisers of the programme have said that this year’s event would devote more efforts to promoting the positive influence of beer in take.

According to the organisers, beyond the excitement and fun that characterise the event, the festival seeks to correct a lot of misconceptions on beverage intake and draw attention to its health and social influence in a responsible manner.

Speaking at a press conference to announce this year’s feast, which is supported by the Lagos State Government, General Manager of On and One Events Limited and Coordinator of the Festival, Akinola Oluwaleimu, said that the festival would run between October 25th and October 31st, 2018.

With over 20,000 beer enthusiasts expected at the Lagos Atlantic City, Bar Beach Water front venue of the occasion, the impact of the merriment would also drive economic

activities in the host state, improve the buttom line of exhibitors and raise the tourism profile of Lagos State and the country at large.

The festival has proven to become a major international tourist event in Nigeria with a potential to compete with other international beer festivals around the world.

Emphasising that the festival will promote responsible drinking among the drinking-age of 18 plus,Oluwaleimu assured that It will be a gathering of the largest community of beer consumers from across the country and beyond, with this year’s edition promising to come bigger, better and beertiful .

“Nigeria Beer Festival will be a carnival week of entertainment, sales and marketing and a gathering of the largest community of beer consumers from across the country to bond and ‘beer’,it will provide a fitting ambience to showcase fashion and lifestyle, as well as culture in a carnival atmosphere with various beer brands connecting with their existing and potential consumers.”

The coordinator also assured partners of world-standard facilities having liased with reputable and qualified architects from Europe to design modular stands to fit into shape and style desired by exhibitors.

In his address, Permanent Secretary , Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, expressed confidence that the initiative will drive the vision of the state to be the destination of tourism in Africa.

He said that the state was impressed with the successful outcome of the first edition and was proud to be part of the initiative this year.

“The priority of this administration is to grow tourism potential in the state , this it has demonstrated through sponsorship of relevant and result oriented initiatives.

“Our interest in Nigeria Beer Festival is not far fetched,we strongly believe in the value it will create for the state especially as the state looks forward to be tourism destination in Africa,” he said.

ATCON Rewards Excellence, Creativity in ICT Sector The Nigerian Information Technology sector, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), has honoured exceptional operators, who have contributed immensely to the growth of the sector at the second edition of the Nigeria Tech Innovation and Telecom Awards (NTITA).

The award ceremony held at the Oriental Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos, was graced by regulators, operators, telecommunications customers and other stakeholders in the industry.

President of ATCON, Olusola Teniola pointed out that the efforts, powered by Instinct wave Africa, a leading B2B event organiser, was in recognition of the laudable feats in the ICT space despite challenges in the business environment such as multiple taxation, forex,

right of way issues, multiple regulation and a host of others.

“Despite all these challenges, our members are not found wanting in the discharge of delivering quality telecommunication services to Nigerians. It is on this basis that ATCON thought it fit to reward and appreciate individuals and organisations that have continued to provide seamless communications services to Nigerians regardless of the nature of the environment.”

NTITA is reputed to be the most celebrated industry awards that has grown to be the Oscars of the ICT and Telecoms Industry.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Instinct Wave, Akin Naphtal, informed that the latest edition of the award was specially packaged to promote success stories, technology advance-

ment and disruption in the market. “ Not only do we look at businesses, but also individuals who have made a genuine impact on the market from within these companies.

The industry is driven by people who deserve to have their contributions recognised,” he said.

The award has judges from an independent panel of industry experts that recognise organisational performances products and services, innovations, executives, etc.

At the colourful event, telecommunication giant, MTN stole the show to emerge the biggest winner of the year with five distinguished awards to its credit including: Telecom Company of the year, Social Impact Award, Digital Transformation Award, Customer Experience Award and Telecom CEO of the year awards.

CHI Presents Refreshing Value of Pineapple Coconut Product Chi Exotic Nectar has unveiled a new 150ml pack size for its hugely popular Pineapple Coconut product variant. The new pack size which promises to offer the same superior taste the brand is renowned and cherished for is a strategic move to provide distinctive refreshment to a wider spectrum of Nigerian consumers.

Retailing at N50, the product line innovation comes at a pocket friendly price. The new 150ml Chi Exotic Pineapple Coconut pack is the result of deploying consumer insights and marketing intelligence to drive brand growth in a dynamic market environment.

The Chi Exotic Pineapple Coconut 150ml pack size’s rich unique fruity blend offers an irresistible taste and distinctive refreshment that makes it ideal for indulgence and relaxation. Its superior taste

and handy pack size is poised to connect with the preferences and healthy choices of a youthful consumer segment.

According to a brand analyst with Pride Communications, Linus Nwokoji, the fruit juice segment market is becoming driven by competition, retail power and local consumer choices that increasingly determine brand and product line extension trajectory.

“The Chi Exotic Pineapple Coconut 150ml pack size is an innovative way to invigorate the market with its affordable N50 retail price. Its superior taste is sure to enable it trigger more demand, maintain market dominance, and as well as improve penetration in geographical markets,” he stated.

Speaking on the introduction of the new pack size, Chi Limited’s Marketing Director, Mr. Probal

Bhattacharya, said the Chi Exotic Pineapple Coconut 150ml pack size demonstrates the brand’s resolve to deepen its market reach by offering consumers an affordable option without compromising their quest for distinctive refreshment and indulgent taste.

“We are confident about the prospects of the new Chi Exotic Pineapple Coconut 150ml pack size. The 150ml pack size was introduced to align with the demand and choices of consumers by availing them the same healthy great tasting juice, but just for N50 – which is both pocket friendly and value driven,” he added.

The new Chi Exotic Pineapple Coconut 150ml pack adds to the currently existing 1Ltr, 500ml, 315ml, and 180ml pack sizes. It can be purchased in any Chi Shoppe, neighborhood kiosks and departmental stores across Nigeria.

Union Bank Raises Hope in New TV Commercial Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has released a new Television message to lift the hopes of customers in realising their dreams regardless of what the country holds in the present time.

The two - minute film, devoid of product advertisement and marketing notes demonstrated the bank’s priority at improving lives , especially those who have given up hope on the country.

In the commercial, the financial institution highlighted the daily struggles and disappointments of an average Nigerian and firmly reiterates its commitment to support the people in their bid to rise above odds and live more successful, thereby fulfilling lives.

The production paints vivid scenarios of a society flawed with several problems. It then urges all to be optimistic and unite in a passionate purpose to fight against the factors that seek to divide the country. The message was structured such that viewers can easily identify themselves in the plot of the commercial; from the aspiring photographer, to the taxi driver battling societal forces that threaten his fledgling business; the single mother struggling to make ends meet for her young family and the youth corper who stares into a future that is difficult to see.

Shedding more light on the message, the bank said in a statement that: “As Nigeria marks another milestone in its post-independence journey, we chose to demonstrate our faith in the country and her people by releasing an indigenous television production that sought to rekindle flames of hope in the heart of the people.

Dell Enters Market with World’s First 49- inch Monitor Multinational Technology Firm, Dell, has made a new stride in the information communication technology space with its latest 49-inch dual QHD curved monitor.

The first of its kind in the world, the latest boasts of innovative design and features that enhance workplace operations as well as customers experience. Also introduced into the market are the new Dell UltraSharp 49 Curved, 32 4K USB-C and 34 Curved USB-C monitors.

According to the company, effects of globalisation and proliferation of data have raised the preference of ever improving consumers who now crave for better visualisation tools.

It noted that there was growing demand for larger screen size, better support for multitasking, higher resolution monitors and a clutter-free work area to enhance visualisation of data.

Senior Vice President, Dell Displays & Engineering,Kirk Schell, explained that the company’s latest move was in response to market directions in order to meet the demands of the future workforce.

“The new range of Dell UltraSharp monitors, featuring innovative design and technology promise to drive productivity with ultimate screen performance and an outstanding user experience.

The products are designed to cater for users in financial services and insurance, trading floor, financial analysis and accounting, media post production, programming and engineering.

“This new portfolio of UltraSharp monitors also offers convenient USB-C connectivity that charges the connected laptop while transmitting data and video signals, all from one single cable to reduce cable clutter”.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž OCTOBER 20, 2018

FAMILY HEALTH with

Sexual Health in Man And Woman

H

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com 08053372356

uman beings are sexual beings. This is because we are created to fulfill the ultimate purpose of not just enjoying intimacy but to procreate. Therefore, the human body would undergo certain changes from birth, toddler, teenage, young adult and mature adult, to middle age, and then

geriatric years.

It is very normal that you get excited when you are around the opposite sex.As a matter of fact, if you are not excited, then there is a problem.

We are to enjoy these sexual years, before changes set in.

These changes are natural developmental processes, which culminate through the years of puberty, the onset of your sexuality becoming visible, up till you become fully aware of the presence, development and use of your sex organs.

MEN:

Long before you had ever heard the word, “penis�, you were well acquainted with what has been called, “man’s favorite organ.� Boys discover their external sex organs in infancy.As they mature, their sex organs continue to develop as their understanding of the male reproductive systems also grows. r 4FY JT BO JNQPSUBOU QBSU PG MJGF 'PS NBOZ NFO thinking about sex starts early, often before puberty, and lasts until their final days on earth. On one level, sex is just another hormone-driven bodily function designed to perpetuate the species. On another, it’s a pleasurable activity. It’s also an activity that can help cement the bonds between two people. r 4FYVBM IFBMUI SFGFST UP B TUBUF PG XFMM CFJOH UIBU MFUT B man fully participate in and enjoy sexual activity.Arange of physical, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors influence a man’s sexual health. r 0QUJNBM NBMF TFYVBM IFBMUI JODMVEFT TFYVBM EFTJSF (libido) and the ability to get and sustain an erection (erectile function).Although physiology can affect the desire for sex and the ability to have sex, mental health and emotional factors also play important roles. r .BMF TFYVBM IFBMUI JTO U NFSFMZ UIF BCTFODF PG EJTFBTF Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get an erection or to maintain it long enough for satisfying sexual activity. .BOZ UIJOHT DBO DBVTF &% JODMVEJOH TUSFTT EFQSFTTJPO relationship issues, abnormally low testosterone, damage from urological surgery, and even cholesterol-clogged arteries. In fact, it is often an early warning sign for heart disease. ED can be treated with pills, injections into the QFOJT PS EFWJDFT .FO DBO BMTP FYQFSJFODF EJGGJDVMUJFT related to ejaculation, including premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or the inability to experience orgasm VQPO FKBDVMBUJPO BOPSHBTNJB .BMF TFYVBM IFBMUI BMTP covers the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and the assessment and treatment of male infertility.

Testosterone is the hormone that gives men their manliness. Produced by the testicles, it is responsible for male characteristics like a deep voice, muscular build, and facial hair. Testosterone also fosters the production of red blood cells, boosts mood, keeps bones strong, and aids thinking ability.

Testosterone levels peak by early adulthood and drop as you age—about 1% to 2% a year beginning in the 40s.

As men reach their 50s and beyond, this may lead to signs and symptoms, such as impotence or changes in sexual desire, depression or anxiety, reduced muscle mass, less energy, weight gain, anemia, and hot flashes. While falling testosterone levels are a normal part of aging, certain conditions can hasten the decline. These include: r *OKVSZ PS JOGFDUJPO r $IFNPUIFSBQZ PS SBEJBUJPO USFBUNFOU GPS DBODFS r .FEJDBUJPOT FTQFDJBMMZ IPSNPOFT VTFE UP USFBU prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs r $ISPOJD JMMOFTT r 4USFTT r "MDPIPMJTN r 0CFTJUZ .JMMJPOT PG NFO VTF UFTUPTUFSPOF UIFSBQZ UP SFTUPSF MPX levels and feel more alert, energetic, mentally sharp, and sexually functional. But it’s not that simple.Aman’s genFSBM IFBMUI BMTP BGGFDUT IJT UFTUPTUFSPOF MFWFMT 'PS JOTUBODF being overweight, having diabetes or thyroid problems, and taking certain medications, such as glucocorticoids and other steroids, can affect levels. Therefore, simply having low levels does not always call for taking extra testosterone.

WOMEN:

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

Talking about your sexual needs can help bring you and your partner closer together and promote sexual fulfillment. Try these tips for talking to your partner.

Women’s sexual health, like men’s, is important to overall emotional and physical well-being.And achieving a healthy and satisfying sex life doesn’t happen by magic. It takes self-reflection and candid communication.

Although talking about sexuality can be difficult, it’s a topic well worth addressing.

'PMMPX UIJT HVJEF UP EJTDVTTJOH XPNFO T TFYVBM IFBMUI concerns and promoting sexual enjoyment:

r .BOZ QFPQMF UIJOL UIBU TFYVBM BDUJWJUZ JT NPUJWBUFE CZ physical desire, such as the desire of the body to want sex, which leads to sexual arousal and then orgasm.Although this may be true for men, research suggests that women’s sexual motivations and responses may be more complex. r 'PS NBOZ XPNFO QBSUJDVMBSMZ UIPTF XIP BSF PMEFS than 40 or who have gone through menopause, physical desire isn’t the primary motivation for sex.Awoman may be motivated to have sex to feel close to her partner or to show her feelings. r 8IBU JU NFBOT UP CF TFYVBMMZ TBUJTGJFE NBZ EJGGFS GPS NFO BOE XPNFO BOE FWFO BNPOH XPNFO 'PS example, some women say the pleasure of sexual arousal is sufficient, while others want to experience orgasm. If you have concerns about your sex life, or you just want to find ways to enhance it, a good first step is talking with your partner.

8PNFO T TFYVBM IFBMUI 4UBSU CZ UBMLJOH BCPVU ZPVS needs You may feel uncomfortable talking about your sexual experiences and desires; however, your partner can’t read ZPVS NJOE 4IBSJOH ZPVS UIPVHIUT BOE FYQFDUBUJPOT BCPVU your sexual experiences can bring you closer together and help you experience greater sexual enjoyment.

Sex is an important part of life. For many men, thinking about sex starts early, To get started: often before r "ENJU ZPVS EJTDPNGPSU *G ZPV GFFM BOYJPVT TBZ TP puberty, and Opening up about your concerns may help you start the lasts until their conversation. r 4UBSU UBMLJOH 0ODF ZPV CFHJO UIF DPOWFSTBUJPO ZPVS and comfort level may increase. ďŹ nal days on confidence r 4FU B UJNF MJNJU "WPJE PWFSXIFMNJOH FBDI PUIFS earth. On one with a lengthy talk. By devoting 15-minute conversations the topic, you might find it easier to stay within your level, sex is to emotional comfort zones. just another r 5BML SFHVMBSMZ :PVS DPOWFSTBUJPOT BCPVU TFYVBM experiences and desires will get easier the more you talk. hormone-drivr 6TF B CPPL PS NPWJF *OWJUF ZPVS QBSUOFS UP SFBE en bodily func- a book about women’s sexual health, or recommend or sections that highlight your questions and tion designed chapters concerns. You might also use a movie scene as a starting to perpetuate point for a discussion. the species. On TO HIM ABOUT IT: another, it’s TALK When you’re talking to your partner about your sexual a pleasurable OFFET USZ UP CF TQFDJGJD $POTJEFS BEESFTTJOH UIFTF UPQJDT 1. Time.Are you setting aside enough time for sexual activity. It’s intimacy?

If not, what can you do to change things? How also an activity can you prioritize sexual intimacy?

2. Romance. Do you and your partner have the same that can help definition of romance? Is it missing? How can you reignite cement the it? How can romance set the stage for sexual intimacy?

3. Pleasure. What gives you individual and mutual bonds between enjoyment?

Be open to hearing your partner’s requests two people and negotiating differences if one of you is uncomfortable

with the other’s request.

4. Routine vs. rut. Has sex become too routine or QSFEJDUBCMF 8IBU DIBOHFT NJHIU ZPV NBLF 'PS JOTUBODF explore different times to have sex or try new techniques. $POTJEFS NPSF DVEEMJOH B TFOTVBM NBTTBHF‡ EFQFOEJOH on what interests you. &NPUJPOBM JOUJNBDZ 4FY JT NPSF UIBO B QIZTJDBM act. Remind each other that it’s also an opportunity for emotional connection, which builds closeness in a relationship.

6. Physical and emotional changes.Are physical changes, such as an illness, weight gain, changes after surgery or hormonal changes, affecting your sex life?Also address emotional factors that may be interfering with your ability to enjoy sexual activity, such as being under stress or feeling depressed.

7. Beliefs. Discuss your beliefs and expectations about TFYVBMJUZ $POTJEFS XIFUIFS NJTDPODFQUJPOT ‡ TVDI BT UIF idea that women become less sexual after menopause — are affecting your sex life.

How to handle differing sexual needs: 4FYVBM OFFET WBSZ .BOZ GBDUPST DBO BGGFDU ZPVS TFYVBM appetite, from stress, illness and aging to family, career and social commitments. Whatever the cause, differences in sexual desire between partners can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or resentment.

Talk to your partner about: Your intimacy needs. Intimacy is more than just sexual needs. Intimacy also includes emotional, spiritual, physical and recreational needs. If your emotional intimacy needs aren’t being met, you may be less interested in sex. Think about what your partner could do to enhance your emotional intimacy, and talk about it openly and honestly.

There could be differences in sexual desire. In any long-term relationship, couples may experience differing levels of sexual desire. Discuss your differences and try to explore options that will satisfy both of you.

If your difficulty persists, consider turning to a doctor or sex therapist for help. If you take medications and are concerned about your level of desire, review your medications with your doctor. If a particular medication is affecting your comfort with sex or desire for sex, your doctor may be able to suggest an alternative. Likewise, if a physical sign or symptom — such as vaginal dryness — is interfering with your sexual enjoyment, ask about USFBUNFOU PQUJPOT 'PS FYBNQMF B MVCSJDBOU PS PUIFS medication can help with vaginal dryness associated with hormonal changes or other factors.

SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION:

Both men and women experience sexual dysfunction, from her vaginal dryness to his erectile dysfunction, to low libido in either partner. But there are ways to treat sexual problems like these and enjoy sex again.

4FYVBM EZTGVODUJPO DBO UBLF NBOZ GPSNT ‡ JU T OPU limited to erectile dysfunction or lack of interest in sex, PGUFO SFGFSSFE UP BT B MPX MJCJEP 4FYVBM EZTGVODUJPO DBO involve pain during intercourse, an inability to maintain an erection, or difficulty experiencing an orgasm.

Though there are many causes of diminished libido and sexual dysfunction in men and women, there are also many ways to increase libido and rekindle the joy of sex once you identify the problem.

4FYVBM %ZTGVODUJPO JO 8PNFO 4FYVBM EZTGVODUJPO JO XPNFO JT HSPVQFE JOUP different disorders: sexual pain, problems with desire, BSPVTBM QSPCMFNT BOE PSHBTN EJGGJDVMUZ $IBOHFT JO hormone levels, medical conditions, and other factors can contribute to low libido and other forms of sexual dysfunction in women.

4QFDJGJDBMMZ TFYVBM EZTGVODUJPO JO XPNFO NBZ CF due to: 1. Vaginal dryness. This can lead to low libido and problems with arousal and desire, as sex can be painful when the vagina isn’t properly lubricated. Vaginal dryness can result from hormonal changes that occur during and after menopause or while breastfeeding, for example. Psychological issues, like anxiety about sex, can also cause vaginal dryness.And anticipation of painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness may, in turn, decrease a woman’s desire for sex.

2. Low libido. Lack of sexual desire can also be caused CZ MPXFS MFWFMT PG UIF IPSNPOF FTUSPHFO 'BUJHVF depression, and anxiety can also lead to low libido, as can certain medications, including some antidepressants.

3. Difficulty achieving orgasm. Orgasm disorders, such as delayed orgasms or inability to have one at all, can affect both men and women.Again, some antidepressant medications can also cause these problems.

4. Pain during sex. Pain is sometimes from a known cause, such as vaginal dryness or endometriosis. But sometimes the cause of painful sex is elusive. experts don’t know what’s behind this mysterious type of chronic, painful intercourse.Aburning sensation may accompany pain during sex.

Sexual Dysfunction in Men

The types of sexual dysfunction men may experience include: 1. Erectile dysfunction (ED). ED can be caused by medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or by anxiety about having sex. Depression, fatigue, and stress can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

2. Ejaculation problems. These include premature ejaculation (ejaculation that occurs too early during JOUFSDPVSTF BOE UIF JOBCJMJUZ UP FKBDVMBUF BU BMM $BVTFT include medications, like some antidepressants, anxiety about sex, a history of sexual trauma (such as a partner being unfaithful), and strict religious beliefs.

3.

Low libido. Psychological issues like stress and depression, as well as anxiety about having sex also can lead to a decreased or no sexual desire. Decreased hormone levels (particularly if testosterone is low), physical illnesses, and medication side effects may also diminish libido in men.

(See the full article on www.thisdaylive.com)

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

20.10.2018

Can Mourinho Hand Chelsea First Defeat?

Odion Ighalo

Has He Won Back the Hearts of Nigerian Fans?

PAGE. 32

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 20, 2018

GLOBAL SOCCER

Has He Won Back the Hearts of Nigerian Fans?

Following Nigeria’s failed bid to advance from the group stage of the World Cup after losing to Argentina, Odion Ighalo was railed at for failing to convert begging chances against the Argies. Indeed, his life was threatened and fans called for his exclusion from the Super Eagles. However, national team Manager, Gernot Rohr insisted on the Changchun Yatai striker in Eagles subsequent matches. In Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier against Libya, Ighalo scored a hat trick in the first leg and a brace in the return leg, which not only placed Nigeria on top of Group E, but put the three times African champions in good stead to qualify for next year’s AFCON in Cameroon. Kunle Adewale asks if Ighalo’s current performance has restored the trust on him

W

hen the team list was rolled out for the game against Seychelles and Ighalo’s name was included, eyebrows were raised but Rohr doubled down on his forward, telling media that he wanted to give the 29-year-old a chance to show the fans that he could still do the job.

“We had gained the confidence to bring Ighalo. Even two days ago during the press conference, one of you asked me why do you maintain Ighalo in this team. I think today he has given the answer. It is wonderful to see him score these goals,” the German said after the game against Libya.

In his reaction, Ighalo has said fans were overtaken by passion when he failed to score at the World Cup in Russia, while pledging to always give his best in a Super Eagles shirt.

“The fans love football, they are passionate about the Super Eagles and

so sometimes you don’t blame them when they are angry. As a striker, they wanted me to score goals at the World Cup but unfortunately it was not so.

Some of the fans took the criticisms to another level, which was bad, but I can understand them because I am a professional and so whatever comes with that, you have to go with it.

“I thank the fans who believed in me even after the World Cup and those who didn’t believe in me, I still thank them because they were supporting the Super Eagles.Hopefully, I will work to give my 100 per cent whenever I play for the national team.”

Rohr said Ighalo’s hat-trick against Libya was the perfect answer to his critics.

Speaking after the Super Eagles thrashed Libya 4-0, Rohr said: “It is wonderful to see him score these goals.

The positives I take from this game is the team scoring four goals because it is not easy to do that. Secondly, it is the comeback of Ighalo. I am very happy

about it because he has been criticised in the social media which went beyond any human endurance limit.

“So, I am very happy that he has given them the answer on the pitch.

He proved that he is a great player and confirmed the confidence I have in him.”

The 29-year-old with his hat-trick against Libya became the first player to score three goals for the Super Eagles in 18 years.

If his performance in the first leg against Libya at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo last Saturday was not convincing enough, Ighalo scored a brace in the return leg on Tuesday.

The second of his two goals shot Nigeria past South Africa on the Group E table, thereby placing the Super Eagles in a vantage position of qualifying for the 2019 AFCON slated for Cameroon.

Though Ighalo has reposed the trust bestowed on him by the Super Eagles Technical Adviser, but the big ques-

tions are whether he had done enough to erase the memory of his lacklustre performance in Russia and warmed himself back to the hearts of soccer loving Nigerians?

After failing to convert any of the begging chances that came his way especially in the match against Argentina in which the Super Eagles needed only a draw to progress from the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, the Yatai Changchun striker indeed admitted to having let the country down.

“I apologise to Nigeria. I apologise to my team-mates. I take responsibility for this game, because had I taken those chances I had that would have made it a different ball game. It’s a sad day for me, the boys and the country because we went out in a bad manner and we deserved more.

“It’s a sad day for me, the boys and the country because we went out in a bad manner and we deserved more in the game. We had a penalty in the

OCTOBER 20, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

GLOBAL SOCCER

game and another one which the referee did not give. I missed a couple of chances that would have finished the game but that’s football because sometimes you win and sometimes to lose,” Ighalo had said.

In what started as mere accusing fingers being pointed at him quickly turned to a death threat.

The striker received death threats following two the glorious opportunities he missed against Argentina in Saint Petersburg before Marcos Rojo’s late strike ended the Rohrs’ side Russia campaign.

The 29-year-old wrote: “For those who want to kill me, please - I am someone’s child. We did our best, but sometimes things don’t always go the way you want - but life has to go on.

Great experience to be at the World Cup, and I enjoyed every moment of it.”

Ighalo was born on June 16, 1989. He started his career at Prime FC and later moved to Julius Berger and in 2007, he

moved to Lyn in Norway. A year after, was signed

by Udineze of Italy but was loaned out to Granada in Spain, before signing for Watford in 2014.

Last year, he moved to Changchun Yatai in China for a fee of £20m.

In March 2015, after a series of strong performances for Watford, the then newly appointed Super Eagles interim coach, Daniel Amokachi invited Ighalo to the senior national and he said then, “I feel good because it is my dream to play for my country.”

With death threat hanging on his neck, it remains to be seen if he still feels good playing for his country.

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

32

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

GLOBAL SOCCER

Morata’s headed goal was enough to inflict Mourinho his third loss at Stamford Bridge since moving to Manchester United

Can Mourinho Hand Chelsea First Defeat?

Jose Mourinho’s three previous visits to Stamford Bridge had ended in defeat for the ‘Special One,’ since leaving Blues for Reds and this is one hoodoo the Portuguese would be hoping to end as he hopes to inflict Chelsea their first in today’s early Premier League kickoff

M

anchester United can alleviate some of the pressure on Jose Mourinho with a win at his old club Chelsea.

United’s 3-2 win over Newcastle before the international break may have saved Mourinho’s job in the short-term, but this is still their thirdworst start to a Premier League season, and defeat at Stamford Bridge could see them slip into the bottom half.

Mourinho has a poor record against Chelsea since he was sacked in his second spell in west London in 2015, and is yet to win an away game against the Blues since he took over at Manchester United a year later.

And questions over his future at Old

Trafford will intensify if he is unable to arrest that run today.

Things are looking a lot better for Chelsea who sit joint top of the Premier League after an impressive start under Maurizio Sarri.

The Italian, highly rated for his work at Napoli, has implemented his style in rapid time at Stamford Bridge to lead them to an unbeaten start with eight games gone.

Much of that success has revolved around Eden Hazard, who is the Premier League’s top scorer with seven goals.

The Belgian has also made no secret of his admiration for his new manager, who is on course to help him deliver the most productive season of his career.

“I like this type of game. It’s com-

pletely different than Antonio Conte or Mourinho before,” he said. “We have more balls so for me it’s not bad.”

Meanwhile, Mourinho has been quick to remind Chelsea fans on his previous returns to Stamford Bridge he delivered three Premier League titles in two spells in charge. However, he has lost without even scoring a goal in three visits as United manager.

Another defeat wouldn’t just realistically end United’s chances of winning the title in mid-October, but leave a mountain to climb just to make it back into the top four.

With Juventus to come twice in quick succession in the Champions League and a visit to City also to come before the next international break in three weeks’ time, Mourinho needs a good start to a difficult

spell to avoid more speculation over his future.

While the Portuguese has a history for touchline theatrics, Mourinho insists he will be on his best behaviour for today’s match in West London.

“For me it’s another game,” said Mourinho. “Would I celebrate like crazy my team’s goal or victory at Stamford Bridge? I don’t think so.

“I think I will try always to control myself and to respect the stadium and supporters that were my supporters and my stadium for many years. To do that I would have to lose my emotional control, which is not easy.

“I think I would always think where I am, which stadium I’m in and which public is in the stands. Apart from that, it’s just another match for me. A match

33

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

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

P 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

GD 18 13 12 9 8 4 3 -1 -1 2 1 -2 -4 -4 -5 -8 -12 -13 -7 -13

PTS 20 20 20 18 18 16 15 13 13 12 12 8 8 7 7 5 5 3 2 2

Fixture TODAY Chelsea v Man Utd 12:30 Bournemouth v S’pton 15:00 Cardiff v Fulham 15:00 Man City v Burnley 15:00 Newcastle v Brighton 15:00 West Ham v Tottenham 15:00 Wolverhampton v Watford 15:00 Huddersfield v Liverpool 17:30 SUNDAY Everton v Palace 16:00 MONDAY Arsenal v Leicester 20:00

La Liga Fixture TODAY Madrid Valencia Villarreal Barcelona SUNDAY Vallecano Eibar Huesca Real Betis MONDAY Sociedad Valencia

v v v v

Levante Leganés Atlético Sevilla

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

v v v v

Getafe Bilbao Espanyol Valladolid

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

v Girona v Barcelona

20:00 19:45

Serie A Fixture

I want to do well in for my players, my team and my supporters, that’s what I want.

“I’m 100 per cent Manchester United tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City can set another Premier League record against Burnley at the Etihad Stadium today. The English champions will hold the record for the longest unbeaten run of Premier League games if they avoid defeat against Sean Dyche’s side, taking their tally to 34 in a row.

City are joint top of the Premier League after playing out a goalless draw at Anfield in their last game before the international break, and would have been two points clear had Riyad Mahrez not missed a late penalty.

Kevin De Bruyne could make his first appearance since the opening day of the season since recovering quicker than expected from a knee injury, and returning to training during the international break.

Guardiola said: “I don’t know if he is able to play 90 minutes but he has trained well in the last two weeks without pain. He is ready to be part of the group.”

Burnley have finally got their season up and running with a run of seven points from their last three games, but travelling to the Etihad presents another test entirely.

However, Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele will be available for Tottenham as they take on West Ham in a Premier League London derby on Saturday.

Eriksen has missed the last four games with an abdomen injury while Dembele has been struggling with a thigh problem, but both are set to return for Mauricio Pochettino.

The Spurs manager is pleased to have the two players back for the trip to the London Stadium, with a busy schedule coming up for the north London side.

“It was a good time for us because we are going to recover a few players like Christian and Mousa Dembele,” he said.

“There are a lot of games ahead and it’s so important to have nearly all the squad fit to compete and play and to give options to rotate and share the games because it will be tough, the months we have ahead.

“We have seven games in one month, in four weeks, and it’s so important to have all fit to compete and to give the level that we want.”

However, Manuel Pellegrini does not expect to be facing a tired Tottenham side today after another bout of international duty, but the West Ham manager insists fatigue will not be a factor.

“I don’t think that a Spurs player will be tired, they played on Monday and then now on Saturday,” he said.

“Maybe for the League Cup game on October 31, when they will have played on Monday and then again on Wednesday. But they are all young players, they will be 100 per cent for this game.”

TODAY Roma v Juventus v Udinese v SUNDAY Frosinone v Bologna v Chievo v Parma v Fiorentina v Milan v MONDAY Sampdoria v

Hot Shots

Bundesliga Fixture

Eden Hazard Chelsea Sergio Aguero Man City Harry Kane Tottenham Aleksandar Mitrovic Fulham Glenn Murray Brighton Marko Arnautovic West Ham Emerick Aubameyang Arsenal Richarlison Everton Joshua King B’mouth Alexandre Lacazette Arsenal

7 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4

SPAL Genoa Napoli

14:00 17:00 19:30

Empoli Torino Atalanta Lazio Cagliari AC Milan

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

Sassuolo

19:30

TODAY Nuremberg v

Hoffenheim 14:30

Leverkusen v

Hannover 14:30

Augsburg

v

Leipzig

Stuttgart

v

Dortmund 14:30

14:30

Wolfsburg

v

Bayern

14:30

Schalke

v

Bremen

17:30

Hertha Berlin v

Freiburg

14:30

M’gladbach v

Mainz

17:00

Sunday

34

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

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Haye’s Involvement Quickened Whyte, Chisora Rematch Eddie Hearn says a December 22 fight between Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora is “closer to being made”, now David Haye is involved.

Negotiations for a much-anticipated rematch between the British rivals are ongoing and took an unexpected turn when it was announced yesterday that former heavyweight Haye is now the manager of Chisora.

Promoter Hearn says that the appointment has only gone to aid communication

and both teams remain in agreement that Whyte-Chisora 2 is “the fight to make”.

“I could probably have a more sensible conversation with Haye than I could with Dereck,” Hearn said, speaking from Boston.

“I spoke to David this morning, both guys have got their ideas of how this fight should happen in terms of the split of the fight.

“We’re getting closer. David understands, as we do, that this is the fight to make.

“The first one was one of the best we’ve

ever seen in the division, the second fight could be even better, it’d be a mistake if it doesn’t get over the line. We’re working hard to try and get this done over the weekend.

“We will get an announcement out next week, fingers crossed. Everyone just has to be sensible.”

Haye believes his new charge, once a bitter rival, can avenge his 2016 defeat to Whyte and set up a bid for world glory.

“Dereck can shock the world once again,

Wolfsburg Clash with Bayern Live on StarTimes Today

GOtv Boxing Night 16: When Fans Got Thrills Aplenty The Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, erupted in wild cheers just after the bell signalling the start of the sixth of the 12-round national light heavyweight title bout.

The cheer was for the underdog, Adewale Masebinu, whose brutality over five rounds forced the corner of his opponent and pre-bout favourite, Kabiru Towolawi, to throw in the towel.

This was the scene from the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, venue of GOtv Boxing Night 16, on Sunday.

The fans’ exuberance was a feature throughout the duration of the event, which featured nine fights, including the West African Boxing Union (WABU) lightweight title bout and an international lightweight challenge contest. On parade were exciting mix of big-name pairings and a crop of debutants hoping to worm their way into the mind boxing-watching public.

As early as 2pm, snaking queues of spectators had formed at entrances to the hall itching two see action in the nine bouts scheduled. The fans hunger was understandable, given that the event was making its return to Lagos from Ibadan, where it held in July.

In the headline bout, Nigeria’s Rilwan ‘Real One’ Oladosu of Nigeria defeated Benjamin Lamptey of Ghana to clinch the West African Boxing Union (WABU) lightweight title. In the other international bout, reigning African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, Nigeria’s Otto ‘Joe Boy’ Joseph knocked out Ghana’s, Emmanuel Mensah.

The much anticipated rematch between Waidi Usman and Chibuzor Obi provided an anti-climax, with the latter’s defeat by knockout in the second round of a national featherweight challenge bout.

A few debutants had their first moments of professional glory. These were products of GOtv Boxing NextGen Search from the last two editions of the programme. Waheed Shogbamu conquered stage fright to achieve a first-round knockout victory over Azeez Tijani in a national light welterweight challenge bout. In the same weight category, Adeyemi Adekanla defeated the more experienced Ganiyu Kolawole via a split decision. Opeyemi Elijah, GOtv NextGen Search 4, showed what is to come by defeating Sheriff Ogunbanjo in a super bantamweight clash, while Aminu Akintayo did the business on Mutiu Lawal.

The biggest winner on the night, however, was the little known Taiwo Agbaje, whose explosive encounter against Tope Musa in a national lightweight challenge got the crowd jumping from start to finish.

For his efforts, Agbaje was voted best boxer on the night, winning the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy and a cash prize of N1.5 million.

and will be knocking on the door for a world title shot,” said Haye.

“Can you imagine Dereck knocking Dillian out? The shockwaves that would send around the world. No longer would he be ‘Del Boy’ Chisora. He would be ‘War’ Chisora.

“I truly believe that Dereck on his day - with relentless pressure, tremendous fitness, a solid game-plan from [his trainer] Don Charles - can stop Whyte, and stop him conclusively.”

Adewale Masebinu stopped pre-bout favourite, Kabiru Towolawi in the fifth round

… Masebinu Eyes WABU Title New national light heavyweight boxer, Adewale Masebinu, has declared his desire to claim the West African Boxing Union (WABU) title in the division. The Ekiti-born boxer became the national champion on Sunday at GOtv Boxing Night 16, following his victory, by knockout, over Kabiru Towolawi at the Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Masebinu, who avenged his previous defeat to the same opponent, said he is proud of his achievement so far, but he already has his eyes on the sub-regional title.

“The next step is the WABU title. I’m

sure of winning. I was sure I’d defeat Towolawi and through determination, I did. The same applies to the WABU title. I will continue to train hard and remain focused, ready and able to take on anybody once the opportunity presents itself,” he said.

Masebinu dominated the fight against Towolawi, restricting his opponent to harmless jabs while stinging him at every opportunity. From the third round, Towolawi started looking dazed, but stayed on till the end of the fifth round. But when the bell for the sixth round was rung, the boxer indicated his unwillingness to continue taking punishment.

Musa Lends Support to Amputee Eagles Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia attacker, Ahmed Musa has added his voice in support of the ongoing fund raising campaign by Nigeria’s Special Eagles, to enable them participate in this year’s Amputee Football World Cup. Although Musa led the way in ensuring the Super Eagles contributed over N6m to the team before Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo last weekend, the stand-in captain has now gone ahead to call on all soccer loving people across the country to give more to the amputees.

Footballlive.ng reports that the Amputee Eagles are drawn in the same group with Brazil, Russia and El Salvador, but the team are cash-strapped and hampered in their plans to fly out for the competition in Mexico.

After missing the past two editions due to similar constraints, the squad

cannot afford to miss out this time, as they would be suspended by the global body, and Musa says more Nigerians should support them.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnnick promised the team N2.5m and an additional $5, 000 for their efforts of travelling out early, in order not to miss their opening game against Brazil.

Aside joining his team mates to contribute handsomely to the amputee team, Musa has now urged other Nigerians to give in various formats.

Musa added: “We know the condition of the country now but I am going to call on everyone who has the passion for the sport to support them with any amount.

“Apart from that, we also all have to give them all the support that they need. We can also pray for them and wish them the best of luck.”

Exciting football league continues this weekend with unbeatable live matches from the Bundesliga season as Wolfsburg battles it out with Bayern Munich at the Volkswagen Arena today on StarTimes (Channel 254 and 245).

Wolfsburg will attempt to snatch three points from Bayern Munich when they go head to head today.

Sixth placed Bayern Munich with 13 points from seven matches will battle it out with Wolfsburg, who have gathered nine points from seven games.

After winning his first seven matches in charge of the club, Bayern Munich Head Coach, Niko Kovac has now failed to guide his side to victory in three domestic games on the spin - a run that leaves them four points behind early Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund Kovac has cited Bayern Munich’s failure to play as a team as the reason for their shock 3-0 home defeat to Borussia Mochengladbach. Kovac’s men looked sluggish from the outset and found themselves two down after just 16 minutes, Alassane Plea and Lars StindI making his first appearance of the season finishing emphatically past Manuel Never.

Robert Lewandowski had a goal ruled out for offside in the second period but any dramatic comeback from Bayern would have been harsh on the visitors, who were deserving winners and added gloss to the score line late on through Patrick Herrmann.

Also in action this weekend, Stuttgart will host current table topper, Borussia Dortmund at the Mercedes Benz Arena by 2:30pm African time on the same day.

Zambia’s Shepolopolo to Camp in Nigeria Zambia has announced a training camp in Nigeria as part of preparations for the final tournament.

General Secretary of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Adrian Kashala said Shepolopolo will play a series of friendlies while in the West African country.

“You know that the Zambia women’s national team has qualified to the Women’s AFCON that will be held in Ghana next month,” Kashala said.

“And to that effect we have organized a number of friendlies and our team will hold its camp in Nigeria in the next few weeks.”

Meanwhile Coach Bruce Mwape has named a provisional 26-member to begin first phase of preparations from October 14 to November 3, in Lusaka.

Shepolopolo had earlier in September warmed-up for their second appearance at the finals with participation in the regional COSAFA Women’s Championship in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where they finished fourth.

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

GLOBAL SOCCER

Jamilu Collins

Bringing Stability to Eagles’ Left Back Defence Odion Ighalo’s hat-trick against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya took the shine off other players at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, last Saturday. However, the exceptional performance of Super Eagles new boy, Jamilu Collins did not go unnoticed

Collins

S

ince Celestine Babayaro made the left-back of Super Eagle defence his left-back and later Ifeanyi Udeze, the position has been the weakest link in the senior national team’s line of defence.

While Elderson Echiejile has held the left-back position for the better part of the last decade, several players including Juwon Oshaniwa, Stanley Amuzie and Kingsley Madu have auditioned for the role but failed to nail down a regular spot till rightfooted Brian Idowu’s emergence prior to last summer’s World Cup in Russia.

However, succour may have after all been in place if the performance of new boy, Jamilu Collins against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in the double header 2019 Africa Cup of Nations billed for Cameroon is anything to go by.

Collins did not quite turn heads in much the same way in his first start and full game against Libya. What he did show, however, was that there was the potential to be something more than just a trialist.

“I was very happy with him,” Rohr told KweséESPN after the game. “He did well and we are happy to have him.”

Udeze also told KweséESPN that he was impressed by this latest successor to his number three jersey.

“He is good, but we still need to watch him play more games,” Udeze said. “I like his recovery and he knows how to cover from the left side. But he needs to get himself involved more during the game.”

With Echiejile back at Monaco but essentially clubless, Collins is now the only natural left-footed left-back available to Gernot Rohr.

As a matter of fact, he is one of only three natural left-footers in the squad; the other two being Kelechi Iheanacho and John Ogu. Rohr’s other options in the position are inverted players, Bryan Idowu and Ola Aina.

This lack of natural left-footers has left the Super Eagles somewhat unbalanced, with wide players always looking to pinch in rather than do what Collins did on their game with Libya in Uyo which was to provide the dual threat of driving in and attacking the full-back on their outside while keeping open the threat of a cross.

Of course, one game is not enough to make a judgement. Kingsley Madu impressed on his debut in the same position under the late Stephen Keshi, but dropped off the radar after Keshi was replaced.

Collins has the advantage of a coach

Collins and Rohr

who not only believes in his ability but who also appears willing to trust him to grow into the role alongside Idowu and to some extent, Aina.

That competition should be of immense benefit to all three players. But more importantly, if Collins does reach the potential that Rohr appears to envisage for him, he could well be a long-term solution to the Super Eagles left-back issues.

The 24-year-old is on the payroll of second-tier German Aged 18, the Kaduna native was called up by John Obuh for the 2013 Toulon Tournament where he made no appearance.

Five years later after surviving five loan spells from his first professional club Rijeka in Croatia and a promotion from German third-tier league, he was handed his maiden national team invite alongside England-born centre-back Semi Ajayi, also part of Obuh’s set-up in 2013.

Collins indeed admitted having been taken aback after receiving news of his first ever call-up to the Nigeria national side ahead of last month’s international duties against Seychelles and Liberia.

The 24-year-old turns out for Paderborn SC in the 2. Bundesliga in Germany and his invite to join the Super Eagles came as a surprise as he never expected being on the radar of Coach Rohr and his scouts.

Collins indeed expressed his delight at the opportunity to represent his country despite playing in the lower league.

“At first, it was surprising, despite the fact that I’ve been working really hard in Paderborn,” Collins told Goal.

“Secondly, I’ve been praying for it to come and when I got the call-up, I was a little bit surprise - surprise of happiness and it was a joy for me to see that I’ve my country watching over me while playing.

I never expected it that they watched me.

It was a great feeling and I was happy about it.”

“I know that if you follow football very well you’d never react badly to a player invited from the 2. Bundesliga. When you don’t follow football, you can’t [have a] say… but it’s normal. This is not the first time, we have such everywhere.

“It was a great experience, great team at that moment but unfortunately things didn’t work out the way we all wanted it;

for me and some of my teammates. I feel good seeing my friends again and we chat like before and the relationship is back again, so it’s a great feeling.”

In Seychelles camping, Collins left a good first impression on Rohr whom during Libya’s pre-match presser revealed that injury limited his chances in last month’s 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers win over Seychelles before he was handed his debut in the friendly win against Liberia in Monrovia days later.

“Good, good physique, he’s quick, he can go forward, he’s defensively strong,” the German tactician lauded his defensive and attacking qualities - as well as the width and balance his left foot brings to the team.

“My style of play; I play to instructions; I play to what the coach wants. We are all professionals, we have quality. The way the coach asks me to do, I do,” he said.

Asked what he’d do to keep it, he said: “I’ll play my football, playing the same style I’m best at.

“Everything! The same way I play my football. The same thing the coach saw in me that made him invite me.”

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 20, 2018

FAIRGROUND

It’s Here! Watch REDTV’s Web Series ‘The Men’s Club’

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

R

ed TV has released the first episode of their anticipated new web series The Men’s Club titled ‘A Man’s World‘.

The night of 7th October, 2018 was one to remember as the premium online lifestyle TV platform, REDTV powered by the United Bank for Africa (UBA), opened its doors to a select number of industry stakeholders, film enthusiasts and celebrities for the private screening of its new show, The Mens Club.

The series starred Ayo Ayoola, Etim Effiong, Efa Iwara, Sharon Ooja Egwurube, Baaj Adebule, Grace Ajilore, Enado Odigie, Dineo Mofammere, Mimi Chaka, Segilola Ogidan and Nengi Adoki.

REDTV is the producer of award winning shows like The Adventures of TASA, Our Best friend’s Wedding and Inspector K. Men’s Club, another big hit trails the life of four eligible young men running through the scheme of love, betrayal and friendship, channeling their inner voices and forging the path for the life that they want in Lagos.

The mostly all-male lead is a shift from the norm as it tells the story of ‘the –average Lagos lad’ and even beckons to answer the question; What do men really want?.

According to the Creative director of REDTV, Obinna Okerekeocha, "The Men’s club is bound to be a huge success with a fantastic cast of veterans and professionals within the industry who have amassed years of experience and expertise.

Starring Ayo Ayoola, Etim Effiong, Efa Iwara, Sharon Ooja Egwurube, Baaj Adegbule, Grace Ajilore, Enado Odigie, Dineo Mofammere, Mimi Chaka, Segilola Ogidan and Nengi Adoki to mention a few, The Men’s club is guaranteed to become a must-watch on everyone’s list this year'.

The show was shot and directed in prime locations across the city of Lagos

by Tola Odunsi with impeccable character.

Akin Akingugbe, Tony Elumelu, Tola Odunsi (Director)

Tony Elumelu, Chairman, UBA PLC and Kennedy Uzoka GMD/CEO

Eku Edewor, Olatunde ‘O.T’ Fagbenle , Osas Ighodaro

Folu Storms

Bizzle Osikoya and Seyi Shay

Obinna Okerekeocha

Baaj Adegbule

Bucci Frankin, Daniel Etim Effiong and Guests

Ayo Ayoola

Mimi Chaka

Cast and Crew with Kennedy Uzoka, GMD UBA Group

Funlola Obe and Morenikeji Omotoso

Dj Sparrow

THISDAY˾SATURDAY OCTOBER 20, 2018

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38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 20, 2018

AUTO New GTS Models: Two Athletes Join Porsche Panamera Family

A dancer welcoming the new Arocs Mercedes-Benz truck during the unveiling of both the Actros and Arocs Trucks at Weststar Associates, Lekki, Lagos, during the week PHOTO: autotrackng.com

Mercedes-Benz Launches New Actros, Arocs into Nigeria’s Market Stories by Bennett Oghifo

M

ercedes-Benz has launched two sturdy fresh-fromproduction-line trucks, the new Actros and Arocs, into Nigeria’sheavydutyvehicles’ market.

“This year we are introducing our new truck generation, the all-new Actros and Arocs to this continent and especially to Nigeria. More than 120 years after Gottlieb Daimler invented the first truck and now, after over 20 years of the proven Actros - it is time to enter a new dimension of heavy-duty trucks in your market,” the Head of Sales and Customer Service, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Mr. Torsten Bauerheim said during the national launch of the newActros andArocs Mercedes-Benz Trucks on Tuesday at Weststar Associates office

in Lekki, Lagos.

The all-new Actros is a synonym for efficiency and reliability and the all-new Arocs symbolises reliability and robustness, worldwide but especially in Africa, he said.

Bauerheim said he was proud to present their newly developed product range to Nigeria and Africa, adding that the new trucks are not only beautiful with completely new, functional and aerodynamic cabins, the biggest change comes from inside. Each piece is equipped with the new 6 cylinder in-line engine in Euro III with an incredible torque and as new standard, our third generation automated transmission the Mercedes-Benz PowerShift 3.

In short, the Mercedes-Benz Powershift 3 offers more comfort, faster shifting, efficient power transmission, better handling and above all less operational errors. Thus cutting down the wear

and tear and reducing maintenance costs.

“Knowing your environment, the extreme climate, the rough roads and heavy loads, and knowing your tough applications and also the driver qualification–all together made us invest a lot in research and development to bring you – our valued customers and dear friends of Mercedes-Benz trucks – economic benefits for your company, for your business and for your transport tasks.

“Our trucks stand for famous robustness and versatility, high residual values, low downtimes, high spare parts availability and user-friendliness what makes Mercedes-Benz Trucks worldwide, Africa-wide, and in Nigeria known and valued.

All together, we deliver you the best Total Cost of the Ownership. You prove every day that your business and our trucks are successful together. It is time forAfrica. I am delighted to be here with you, to celebrate a great milestone of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

Hyundai Motors Donates Ultramodern ICT Labs to Schools Nationwide

I

n line with Hyundai global cardinal objective of “Moving the World Together,” Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited (HMNL), last week commenced the inauguration of ultra-modern ICT (Information Communication Technology) Laboratories, which it facilitated in select public schools and colleges across the country.

The project is aimed at exercising the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) principles of supporting grassroots education and enhancing human resources development.

Stallion Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited Managing Director Parvir Singh who corroborated these hints in his keynote address at the inauguration of the ICT laboratory at Vetland Senior Grammar School Oko-Oba -Agege Lagos said the project also seeks to improve the lives of the people under a development-oriented and sustainable movement.

Represented by the company’s Head of Sales and Marketing Gaurav Vashisht, the director said the initiative was crucial to Hyundai corporate social values of touching lives and being a customer-centric organization that is loved and trusted by the society.

He added that the event was also being held simultaneously in several parts of the world with other Hyundai dealerships.

“We in Nigeria, in line with Hyundai Motors global CSR maxim of “Moving the World Together” are joining hundreds of thousands of other Hyundai dealerships across the world to demonstrate Hyundai’s Corporate Social Responsibility doctrines of empowering lives, supporting youths’ education and helping them to access quality education.”

It is in realisation of these objectives that this year’s CSR campaign initiative was christened: ‘Supporting

L-R: Vice Principal (Academic), Vetland Senior Grammar School Oko-Oba Agege Lagos, Mrs. Olatunbi Ogundele; Head boy of the school, Master Adebowale Oluwatobiloba; Tutor General/ Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye; and Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited Head, Sales and Marketing, Gaurav Vashisht, at the inauguration of Vetland Senior Grammar School ICT laboratory in Lagos … recently Computer Education for Brighter Tomorrow,’ Mr. Singh affirmed.

No fewer than eight schools and colleges in Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt are select beneficiaries of the ultramodern ICT gadgets, which includes the installation of 20 desktops computers each.

“We therefore hope this project will impact directly,

hundreds of thousands of lives in Lagos and several other communities in Port-Harcourt and Abuja.”

In her reaction, the Lagos State Tutor General / Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Adebunmi Adekanye, who inaugurated the facility, said the recipient schools have had their ICT Labs equipped.

Porschehasaddedtwosportymodelstoitsluxury saloonseries–thePanameraGTSandthePanamera GTS Sport Turismo. With a powerful performance from the four-litre V8 biturbo engine (460 hp/338 kW), extra dynamic chassis systems including three-chamberairsuspension,andtheirownunique design elements and equipment, the Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo harness a one-of-a-kind performance set. The Sport Design package with black exterior elements and large Alcantarasurfacesintheinteriorcomesasstandard.

In addition, Porsche has expanded its portfolio of comfort and assistance systems to include a head-updisplaywithvariousconfigurationoptions for the entire Panamera range.

Emotion and efficiency:V8 engine with 460 hp and sports exhaust system At the heart of both new GTS models is a fourlitre V8 engine with 460 hp (338 kW) of output and maximum torque of 620 Nm, cultivating an emotional sound and driving experience in combination with the standard sports exhaust system.

The biturbo engine outperforms its predecessor by 20 hp (15 Kw) and 100 Nm. Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 4.1 seconds (with standard Sport Chrono package). The Panamera GTS has a top speed of 292, while the Panamera GTS Sport Turismoreachesupto289km/h.Therearenointerruptions in tractive force as power is transmitted to thePorscheTractionManagement(PTM)all-wheel drive system by the eight-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox. Despite those performance credentials, the Panamera GTS has a fuel consumption of just 10.3 l/100 km (Sport Turismo: 10.6 l/100 km).

Performance and comfort: sports chassis with three-chamber air suspension DesignedtoreflectthesportingprowessoftheGTS models, the chassis systems have been further enhancedforanevenmoredynamicdriveexperience.

The adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology is fitted as standard. A lower sports chassis (-10 millimetres) and a sportier Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) result in outstanding lateral dynamics. Large brakes (390 millimetres in diameter at the front, 365 millimetres at the rear) deliver exceptional deceleration.

That distinctive GTS look: Sport Design package with black highlights When compared to the predecessor, the new Panamera GTS models’ basic equipment has been significantly upgraded in a number of areas. The Sport Design package, with a new black front end, black trim at the bottom of the rear, and a variety of darker elements, highlights the more athletic appearance. The GTS models are equipped with 20-inch Panamera Design wheels as standard. The interior features elements of black Alcantara and anodised aluminium. The standard package also includesamultifunctionsportssteeringwheelwith gearshift paddles and the Connect Plus module for a wide range of digital services.

Volvo Acclaimed as Manufacturer of the Year Volvo has reaped rich rewards in the first ever Car of the Year Awards from carwow, the online consumer car deals and reviews specialist, being honoured as Manufacturer of the Year and with the new V60 receiving the Practicality Award.

The Manufacturer of the YearAward recognises the advances Volvo is making as a brand, not just by bringing exciting new generations of saloons, estate cars and SUVs to the market, but also by demonstrating in real terms its commitment to the environment, safety and the application of useful, advanced technology. Its priorities are resonating with customers, helping drive global sales to record levels.

Mat Watson, carwow Editorial Director, said: “Volvo has won the Manufacturer of the Year Award because it has quite literally transformed its entire range, and the public perception of its brand, thanks to brilliant and desirable new cars such as the new V60 and XC40.”

Turning to the success of the V60, he added: “The new Volvo V60 is stylish, feels posh inside, and has lots of storage solutions and passenger room. But most importantly of all, it has class-leading boot space. Yes, Volvo is back as the undisputed king of the posh estate car.”

Jon Wakefield, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “It is a genuine honour for Volvo to be named ManufactureroftheYearbycarwow.Asabrand,we areseekingtodelivervaluableinnovationsthatmake drivingbetterconnected,moreconvenientandsafer, while at the same time designing and engineering cars that are highly efficient, enjoyable to drive and meet all the priorities of today’s customers in terms of contemporary style and everyday practicality.

And it’s on this last point that we’re delighted that our V60 estate has again been selected as one of the best new cars on the market.”

The new V60 is in the best traditions of Volvo family estate cars, benefiting from intelligent packaging that ensures there is generous room for everyone on board, together with a spacious and cleverly designed boot. With all the seats in place, there is a class-leading 529 litres of load space, while maximum volume with the rear seats folded down extends to 1,441 litres.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 20, 2018

39

AUTO

Massilia Motors Unveils Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Stories by Bennett Oghifo

information in full color above the meters for easy viewing.

You can adjust image brightness and display height to suit your preference and time of day.

The combiner extends or retracts when you turn the ignition.

M

assilia Motors, sole distributor of Mitsubishi Motors and subsidiary of CFAO in Nigeria has unveiled its latest all-new compact SUV to the delight of the motoring public.

Known for its strength in Sports Utility Vehicles, the Japanese auto maker has crafted the Eclipse Cross with a fusion of sharp coupe looks, dynamic SUV mobility and the signature Mitsubishi styling, technology and driving confidence.

The rear design is distinguished by the almost cubist styling created around the high-mounted, stretched rear lamps and a horizontally divided rear window.

Eclipse derives its name from the Mitsubishi Motors popular specialty coupe model sold in the 90’s, while Cross is short for crossover.

The vehicle was unveiled in the recently renovated showroom of Massilia Motors in Ijora Lagos. A tour of the facility was conducted with a stop by the newly renovated state of the art workshop which boasts of an epoxy flooring and modern day car lifts amongst other things.

Journalists were also taken on a tour of the newly refurbished after-sales facility of Massilia Motors which features state of the art features like a well stocked spare parts store and a modern spray booth.

The after-sales facility also feature modern engine room, warranty room, tools warehouse, multiple working bays, oil room, washing stand and an electrical and AC department among others.

Being an intelligent vehicle, the human connectivity features of the Eclipse Cross such as Bluetooth, AM/FM/CD Touchscreen Audio system + MP3,

Rear seat adjustment The comfortable rear seats with 9-step reclining and 200mm sliding adjustment can be slid all the way back for class-leading leg room. Even then, there is plenty of storage space in back and the 60:40 split seatbacks can be individually lowered for more.

Tailgate window The rear view is clear through the double rear windows with minimal interference from the height-adjustable rear headrests, which are specially designed to stay low while providing comfortable head support.

L-R: Head of Sales, Massilia Motors Limited, Olatunji Itiola; Managing Director, Massilia Motors/ Country Delegate, CFAO Group Nigeria, Thomas Pelletier; Marketing Manager, Massilia Motors Limited, Funmi Abiola; and General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Massilia Motors Limited, Navin Chander, at a press conference to announce the launch of Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross into the Nigeria market, in Lagos, yesterday PHOTO: autotrackng.com Hands-free phone kit etc. are well pronounced just as in the cockpit, the Smartphone Link Display Audio system encourages new encounters on the road.

The Eclipse Cross comes with a variety of seat materials such as standard fabric, high grade fabric with silver stitches and leather with orange stitches.

The Head Up Display (HUD) conveys vehicle

Performance Eclipse Cross for the local market which is the GLS CVT Gearbox 4WD (2.0 litre engine), comes with some other performance enhancing features such as the Super-All Wheel Control, which takes away worries in difficult terrains such as muddy, gravel or sandy roads.

Even if you unintentionally brake or accelerate too hard around a muddy turn, you can maintain control without extra steering effort because S-AWC adjusts braking and coupling in the rear differential to improve vehicle performance.

The Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM) helps prevent a frontal collision or reduce damage if the collision becomes unavoidable. Responds to vehicles and pedestrians via camera and laser radar.

Audible Vehicle Alert System of All-Electric Jaguar I-PACE Protects Road Users ithnoenginesound,theelectric Jaguar I-PACE required a new way to warn blind, visually impaired and other vulnerable road users it is approaching at low speed.

Jaguar has designed a unique Audible Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) for its first EV that meets and exceeds all forthcoming global legislation.

Jaguar’s engineers have developed a sound that can be heard at speeds up to 20km/h and exceeds the 56dB(A) minimum required by forthcoming European legislation – the strictest in the world – for all new EVs from July 2019.

The I-PACE’s sound was tested by members of Guide Dogs for the Blind, the UK’s leading charity for people affected by sight loss, as part of the testing undertaken by Jaguar. It also marks the start of an on-going relationship between the two organisations.

Iain Suffield, Jaguar NVH Technical Specialist, said:“The absence of traditional engine noise from electric vehicles creates a problem for vulnerable pedestrians, such as the blind or visually impaired. This is especially true at low speeds in town centres and car parks. We developed the Audible Vehicle Alert System for

W

I

the I-PACE to ensure the safety of all road users.

Our potentially life-saving technology cannot be switched off and as the leading charity for people with sight loss, we are pleased to have the support of Guide Dogs to ensure real people are at the heart of our product testing.”

Jaguar’s engineers worked for four years to develop a soundtrack that is audible yet discreet and cannot be heard from inside the vehicle.

Initial attempts to create a noise inspired by the sound of sci-fi spacecraft had to be shelved after pedestrians reacted by looking up to the sky, rather than at the road, as the vehicle approached.

Engineers tested sounds in a number of environments, including an anechoic chamber (specialist echo-free room) and various urban scenarios, before settling on the final sound for the I-PACE. It is emitted from a speaker located behind the front grille, can be heard in every direction and cannot be disengaged.

The alert increases in pitch and volume in line with the speed of the vehicle and, when in reverse, is accompanied by an additional tone that indicates the change in direction. AVAS is not required at higher speeds as there is sufficient wind and tyre noise for pedestrians to hear the zero-emissions vehicle approaching.

All-Electric Jaguar I-PACE

Are You Visually Impaired ?

f you read the first part of this piece last week, you must have been stunned by the report of the 2016 exercise which I conducted in Rivers State in collaboration with the Nigeria Optometric Association .The report revealed that out of the total number of cases seen, the following results were found, Glaucoma (10), Myopia (10) and Hyperopia(60) There were other findings such as cases of cataract, presbyopia, bacteria conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis just to mention a few.

These findings including those contained in the national survey which the Association recently presented to the leadership of the Federal Road Safety Corps have significant bearings on our ability as an Agency to promote a safer road culture in the country.

The first finding showed 10people with cases of glaucoma; which according to my colleague is a condition which affects the visual field of a person; which means all the points of a physical environment that can be perceived by a stable eye. Glaucoma literally can result to tunnel vision, a situation whereby the driver cannot see peripherally. Adequate visual field is very important for drivers as peripheral vision is needed for common driving tasks such as use of side mirror. Also glaucoma can affect central visual field as well resulting to the driver having hazy vision thereby knocking down a pedestrian or running into

SAFE DRIVING with

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 an oncoming vehicle.

Therefore drivers with visual field defects show poorer performances with driving speed, steering stability and tune to collision.

The second finding revealed that 10 people had myopia.Myopia is called short sightedness; If such drivers do not wear their prescription, they will be susceptible to having crashes because of their hazy vision. Night myopia is an increase in shortsightedness at night or low light levels.

Drivers with this condition may be involved in night tine road crashes due to the inability to see glare (blazing light) from an oncoming vehicle. It is found that night myopia is prevalent in younger drivers and such drivers should be restricted from driving at night.The report also revealed that 60 people had cases of Hyperopia: This is called farsightedness; here, the driver cannot see properly at very near and at a near distance. In this case, the driver might have difficulty in recognizing near targets such as

the speedometer and pedestrians not too far from the vehicle especially at night and as well experience glare.

From the screening exercise, two cases worth mentioning were those of two drivers whose conditions were indeed frightening; the first one who was about 63 years of age claimed to have driven for more than 20years with vision on one eye (counting finger -cf)at 3 meters while the second one who was referred after the examination was about 40 years of age, drives drunk and has high hyperopia (long sightedness) and therefore experiences glare.

These two cases are similar to the one that occurred some 10years ago at the, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja where a driver was actually driving with dark glasses at night until luck ran out on him when it was observed that the driver had difficulty controlling his vehicle whenever there was an oncoming vehicle whose headlights obviously blurred the vision of the driver. After pleading to the driver to take off his dark glasses, a male commuter sitting by his side, smartly removed the dark glass. Shock was written all over the faces of the commuters when they noticed the driver was a one eye sight man.

Recently I stumbled on a report in the UK which raised the alarm that millions risk driving with bad eyesight .According to the report, motorists who need glasses or contact lenses but drive without them increase their risk of an accident four-fold. It further noted

that a fifth (21 per cent) of motorists who need glasses or contact lenses always drive without them while 37 per cent have not had an eye test in the past two years or more.

Popping to the shops according to the report is the most common occurrence of driving without glasses or contact lenses.

This is why UK drivers risk invalidating their insurance, a £1,000 fine or could face prison if they cause an accident due to defective vision’’. This kind of deterrent forms the core of the drive between the Corps and the Association.

I must doff my hat for the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps,Dr Boboye Oyeyemi and the Association for laying a solid foundation that will change our story.

The first is that a standard which in the words of Dr Ozy never existed will hopefully be worked upon as is the case in other climes such as the United Kingdom where the standards states that a driver must be able to read a plate number from 20metres away.

The UK also has a minimum visual acuity of 0.5(6/12) measured on the Snellen scale as well as an adequate field of vision .There are supplementary rules in place for lorry and bus drivers one of which is the requirement for the lorry driver to have a horizontal visual field of at least 160degrees with extension of at least 70degrees left and right and 30 degrees up and down. You will be amazed to know that since 2012,over 42000drivers have lost their permit to drive due to insufficient vision .The story is not different in other climes and hopefully will soon be the same here. .

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

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FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Kunle Afolayan’s Ire Clothing Makes Runway Debut

“liaDliv “ by

ADETUTU DARAMOLA

OCTOBER 20, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

“liaDliv “ by Adetutu Daramola

T

hey say dreams come true....

Well, it’s been a dream of Tutu Daramola to pursue her passion.

Growing up and getting married with kids over the past few years presented a life opportunity she never imagined.

“To the Glory of God, I have a family of a boy and three girls, to crown it all, a set of twin girls.”

At some point, her dream became a reality from trying different ideas with dresses and styling her kids.

Taking it further, she received so much complements from her family and close friends in the fashion & Beauty

business, much that it was irresistible not to take it further and create a platform for what comes naturally to her.

Daramola continued to present her creation and ideas through her daughters with the aim to showcase kids’ styling, talents and enormous confidence which exist in every child. All these could not have been made possible without her husband whose support is endless, her wonderful friends and the great support of the people who have contributed in one way or the other towards her growth, especially Toyin Lawani - the CEO of Tiannah Place Empire, Azuka Ogujiuba of This Day Newspaper

and Eni Balogun of Lise Beauty Place.

She is grateful for their encouragements and support .

She is also grateful to Jokotade shonowo of @poshclick, photographer extrao “My success story wont be complete without you all, our beautiful Instagram family. Thank you so much for your undiluted love, we love you right back.

We say a big thank you from the unidenticalduo. “ Creative director÷ Adetutu Daramola Photography : poshclick Designer.ms.izellakidscouture

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EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Alumni: Plural Verb

EBERE WABARA

D

AILY SUN of October 17 welcomes us today with this headline infraction: “14 nude dancers remanded in Kebbi prison” Yank off ‘prison’ on grounds of its redundancy.

The next three schoolboy howlers are from DAILY Sun Editorial of the above date: “…and against every tenets (every tenet or all tenets) of democracy.”

“Executive Orders, such as the ones issued

by American President are targeted against (at) institutions not against (on) individuals as is the case in Nigeria.”

“But like (as) I said recently during an interview on AIT….” (Politics & Power, October 17) “Darkness blights Imo oil producing (oilproducing) communities” (Oriental News, October 17) “2019: APC alerts INEC, security agents on (to) alleged PVC buying in Abia” (South East News, October 17) “LAUTECH students shut down Ogbomoso, Osogbo over hike in tuition fees” (South West News, October 17) Delete otiose ‘fees’ “2019: Buhari reassures of free, fair elections” Who did the President reassure? “…who is our presidential flag-bearer (standard-bearer)….”

“CKC Onitsha alumni backs (back) Obi as VP” Alternatively, alumni association backs….

‘The Annual UBA Foundation National Essay Competition Prizes—1st Prize: N2,000,000 or it’s (its) local currency equivalent towards university tuition/fees” (sic) From DAILY Sun Editorial of October 15 come the next four blunders: “…even though those offences are against the spirit and letters (letter) of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.” “The idea of ‘when we are not winning,

BY

we scatter the election’ ought to be severely punished to serve as a deterrence (deterrent)….”

“This is why the tribe of political thugs keep (keeps) swelling at a time it ought to be a disqualifying offence for candidates.”

“The influence of money in politics can be reversed only through civics education.”

Lessons from the primaries: civics (noun) or civic (adjective) education “Breading (Breeding) albino rats: Easy way of earning income” (THE BUSINESS REPORT, October 15) “So far, conservatively, our remittances to the federation account has (have) hit N20 billion from what it was in 2017, where (when) we had a paltry sum of N3 billion.”

(DAILY Sun Politics & Power, August 29) DAILY Sun Banner of August 27 slipped: “2019 Presidency: Saraki, Tambuwal plot strategy” Voice of The Nation: 2019 Presidency: Saraki, Tambuwal strategize “The assailants, who were bent at (on) killing him…,” (Source: as above) “…said the police have (had) stepped up a manhunt of (for) the hoodlums….”

“The fuel tracking (fuel-tracking) device will reveal the accurate figures of fuel consumption.” (DAILY Sun Editorial, August 27) “Congratulations on the attainment of 27th year anniversary” Enugu State Housing Development Corporation: on the attainment of 27 years or congratulations on 27th anniversary “It is in realization of these giant strides that the Nnamdi Azikiwe University salute (salutes) our amiable Governor (unnecessary capitalization)….”

“Contact informations of zonal coordinators of Re-elect Buhari Movement” This way: ‘information’ is non-count.

“2019: Ohaneze Lagos reads riot act (the riot act) to Igbo on PVC” From the front page of the Voice of The Nation of October 20 comes this embarrass-

ing error: “Radio Biafra director arraigned in court” Yank off the last two words!

“It has come to the notice of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that certain unscrupulous individuals have been sending unsolicited mails and text messages to unsuspecting bank customers, alerting them about (to) deactivation or suspension of their bank accounts….”

“Lagos police transfer: Residents commend IGP, want same (the same) exercise for Aba” “NASU gives marching order (orders) to debtor state govts” “Four drown as flood hit (hits) Calabar-Itu highway” “There have been casualities (casualties).”

“EFCC have (has) declared ex-pension boss wanted for stealing N2 billion.”

“The league in America like everybody know (knows) is not….”

“Obiano cries out over erosion ravaged (erosion-ravaged) federal roads in Anambra” “Port-Harcourt (Port Harcourt) refinery shuts (shut) down” The refinery did not shut itself down—it was shut down!

“Lamenting the fuel scarcity, Kachikwu said the NNPC is (was) speeding up the payment of the subsidy claims….”

“Residents raise alarm (the alarm) on (over) security threat” WE begin this edition with copious blunders from DAILY SUN of October 11: “He said if anyone is (was) desperate for power, it is (was) the….”

Now the Editorial which offered readers two infelicities: “Kachikwu also assured that this time ‘government wants to end gas flaring.’” Who did he assure?

“It has become a compelling agenda (agendum) that government cannot ignore its destructive effects on our population and the ecosystem.”

From the Editorial to opinion page: “…as we know that transformers matter in all the

Rant Nigeriana: Going For The Jugular

W

e are in that season, less than four months to the general elections, when politicians conspire to dish out delicious and appetising concoctions, delicacies and aromatic condiments in the guise of promises, projections, manifestoes, catch-phrases, jingles, limericks and all sorts of colourful or morbid devices...to win the hearts of Nigerians. Trust our people, especially the young warriors and cut-throats of the Social Media under-world; they will no sooner tear with equal frenzy into one another, decimating and demonising friends, families, fathers and all whatnots... nothing is sacred...no one is beyond the reaches of their caustic and calloused fingers.

Blessed with immense creative nous, the Lions of Twitter, Denizens of WhatsApp and Pharoahs of Facebook will carry the message and ministry of the calculative politicians with gusto, well beyond the politicians’ expectations. Some may describe it as the incredibly rare and widespread strain of Stockholm Syndrome, inducing agitated paralysis of decency, civility and logic!

So, we rant at government, scratch at the eyes of opposition, seethe at our friends, curse the parents of contending strangers, doubt the sanity of our media, gouge the eyes of religious interlopers, smash the staff of traditional rulers on their ornamented heads and... on and on goes the orgies of internecine back-and-forth.

I suspect, we do all the damage we can to ourselves not merely out of a narcissicistic adoration of disgracing the successful, or repudiating the fortunate amongst us. It is perhaps, for some people, their way of ventilating pent-up frustrations at the stagnate reality of their existence. Perhaps, some have lost genuine hope of witnessing national prosperity and advancement similar to other countries of their affection. Yet, there may be others smarting from being fooled into believing a Change mantra that did not even pretend to change their littlest expectations.

We cannot exhaust the legion of reasons and motives that fire the angst of the moment against (and for) the current political gladiators. What is clear though is that Nigeria is now in super high alert of a rant mode; her children may spend the next four months in bitter, biting and bruising orgy of turbulent words, fuss and fury.

May God help us land safely on May 29, 2019 with our tattered wings still intact and functional.

- SNIPPETS Scary Options?

It appears to me that the clear and present option of

either APC candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari or his PDP counterpart, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for the 2019 presidential election has been giving some Nigerians nightmares similar to the experience of the children of Israel after leaving Egypt. In front of them was the seethingly intimidating and foreboding gloominess of the Red Sea; and behind them was the formidably well-oiled pride of the Egyptian infantry on a ferocious gallop!

Two hard-to-swallow options, and millions of helpless undulating voters!

Perhaps, this is the silent question: Is there a utopian possibility of another Moses?

Fussing Over North & South Arithmetics

It is not immodest to imagine that I may speak for some with this: the challenge and fear inherent in who to vote for between Mr. Muhammadu Buhari and Mr. Atiku Abubakar may be largely fuelled by anxieties over the shape and contours of 2023. Pernicious as it may appear, in Nigeria, we live for elections; we are energised, even overly, every election year (and seemingly go to sleep the following three years)... well, I digress.

I suspect some people are worried about what happens in 2023 - if Buhari wins in 2019, it will be difficult not to return the presidency to Southern Nigeria in 2023. But an Atiku victory puts the entire “arrangement” in reverse gear... throwing into the mix the regional undercurrents about Ndigbos’ claim to the presidency after the expiration of the northern tenure, a legitimate ambition that was given filip by the seemingly astute choice of Mr. Peter Obi as Atuku’s vice (a choice I suspect may not be as strategically sound as its promoters are wont to celebrate). That Ndigbos’ permutation is inelegantly juxtaposed against the Yorubas’ systemic agenda to leverage their advantage in a Buhari government deputised by their son. Though more than four or eight years away, the arbiters of our democratic business have started swabbing sweat off the balance sheets!

On the face of an Atiku success at the polls, it will be difficult, and even unfair, to convince him and his minders not to stretch their luck into eight years!

Welcome, 2027!?

Admittedly, it is despicable the level our politics has been dragged to (rotating power willy-nilly, at the expense of competence, vision and vitality); and that should trouble discerning minds. Yet, therein is the reality of our political dynamics - and the headaches of competing supporters.

Can the South ‘stomach’ another four years of Buhari? Or can they indulge the North another eight years? Or will Atiku kowtow and endorse a one-term

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

(the entire) supply claim (chain).” “…is poised to change the narrative through the exploitation of the tourism potentials (potential) in the area.”Oriental News: ‘potential’ is uncountable unlike ‘potentiality (potentialities).‘ Wrong: PDP flag-bearer; right: standardbearer Still on DAILY SUN: “Expert proffers solution on (to) irregular migration” From the front page of the Voice of The Nation of October 20 comes this embarrassing error: “Radio Biafra director arraigned in court” Yank off the last two words!

“It has come to the notice of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that certain unscrupulous individuals have been sending unsolicited mails and text messages to unsuspecting bank customers, alerting them about (to) deactivation or suspension of their bank accounts….”

“Lagos police transfer: Residents commend IGP, want same (the same) exercise for Aba” “NASU gives marching order (orders) to debtor state govts” “Four drown as flood hit (hits) Calabar-Itu highway” “There have been casualities (casualties).”

“EFCC have (has) declared ex-pension boss wanted for stealing N2 billion.”

“The league in America like everybody know (knows) is not….”

“Obiano cries out over erosion ravaged (erosion-ravaged) federal roads in Anambra” “Port-Harcourt (Port Harcourt) refinery shuts (shut) down” The refinery did not shut itself down—it was shut down!

“Lamenting the fuel scarcity, Kachikwu said the NNPC is (was) speeding up the payment of the subsidy claims….”

“Residents raise alarm (the alarm) on (over) security threat”

COUNTERPOINT BY

FEMI

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

stint? He recently suggested it was an option he was willing to live with. Or are we merely fussing over nothing?

That Kukah’s Confessional Statement

During the past week, the cerebral Catholic priest, Bishop Matthew Kukah, shared with Nigerians a long explanation on what actually happened behind the scenes leading to the much-publicised Obasanjo/ Atiku reconciliation shindig at the former president’s place in Ota. Did you read from start to end? It was more like a confessional statement declaring his non-involvement in any endorsement charade. His role was merely to reconcile two warring parties, in consonance with his religious creed, especially since one of the combatants is of same faith, if not denomination, with him. That was the kernel of the entire brouhaha, he narrated.

After due reflection, I shared with friends that I had elected to believe the Rev. Father’s version. After all, he was not only an active participant, he is accountable to God. No cross is weighthier. And that is sufficient for me. What about you? Do you believe Kukah?

I expected simple answers, but some tirade came through. I received mixed reactions: many believed the servant of God, while others sniggered. Permit me to quote a particularly cynical extract from a good friend, a senior lawyer, who chose, along with others, to enlist the priest in more ecumenical pursuit: “You can never satisfy everybody. Therefore, you do not need to mind the noise about your good intention at Ota. You were even magnanimous enough to issue clarifications on your visit, because you owe nobody any explanation (or) apology... Since your mission was that of reconciling an enstranged Oga and his Boy, kudos to you once again. Still in the spirit of reconciliation, and with all humility, I have these urgent assignments for the sake of our nation. We need to reconcile many more for peace. Here is the list. God will strengthen you to do this work of God: Buhari vs OBJ, Buhari vs Danjuma, Obiano vs Obi, El Rufai vs Sheu Sanni, Saraki vs PMB, Tinubu vs Ambode, Amaechi vs Wike, etc....”

Instantly, Commander Ebenezer Obey’s classic on the Donkey (Ketekete) and its rider came to mind.

Naija!

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 20, 2018

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Endy Ojo-Abas Home Comes First, I Always Sort Things Out Before Going Out GENEVIEVE NNAJI

Another Feat for Genevieve Nnaji pg. 48

TWIZZY

I Got into Music to Catch Girls Attention pg. 49

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 20, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR ENDY OJO-ABAS

Home Comes First, I Always Sort Things Out Before Going Out Nollywood is waxing stronger everyday with an increasing global recognition. The industry is fast shifting from being a craft to attaining professionalism. Practitioners are taking steps further by attending film making courses in best movie academies across the globe. One of such is Endy Ojo-Abas, a producer and alumnus of New York Film Academy who is poised to improve standards in the Niger-Delta segment of the industry as well as employ Nollywood as a tool to curb youth restiveness in the region. Endy shares her passions with Chinedu Ibeabuchi

Y

ou recently travelled for a course in filmmaking?

What’s the experience like?

I went to the New York film Academy for an eight-week film making course. It was a wonderful experience. Film making is something very serious in Hollywood. You just have to do the right thing, no short cuts. I find out they pay so much attention to even little details and I was impressed, I wished I had enrolled sooner.

Why did you choose to invest in Nollywood among several other business opportunities?

I started writing, acting and directing when I was a kid, and I dance very well too. I have strong passion for entertainment and I feel the film industry is where I belong.

You recently opened an academy in Port Harcourt to groom budding talents in film making.

What motivated this?

I realised that there are a lot of quacks in the industry. People we call ,’cut and join’ film makers, and it’s not telling well on the industry, especially in Port Harcourt where I operate from. Having acquired more knowledge from the New York Film Academy, I decided to impart same knowledge to the youths as a way of giving back to the society with a little token.

I know for sure they stand too much to gain, it will serve as a distraction and also an empowerment.

They will learn acting, screenwriting, directing, cinematography, photography and film editing for now. As time goes on, we will have special effect and make up.

Many producers lament that cinemas rip them of their efforts by taking the larger share.

What’s your view about this?

It’s true. I have had experience myself on my first movie, The Green-Eyed. There were hidden

charges that I wasn’t aware of but being a novice producer, I just wanted my movie to be out there.

After showing the movie in their cinemas, while I was waiting to get my money, I was given so many documents to sign, that was when I discovered what had happened to me. I took it in good faith though.

As a producer, what movies have you produced?

I have produced and featured in few films like The Green-Eyed, Mama Osaro Goes Kinky, Godly Mothers and The Aggregator.

How do you juggle home and filmmaking together?

Home comes first. I always try to sort out my home before going out to face the hustle.

Would you say it’s lucrative producing a movie? Share your experience?

Presently, I would say it is not lucrative, but I know with time it will pay off. From experience, after making a movie, to get distributors is a big challenge, it is as if one has to be in a particular cartel or clique.

What lessons have you learnt in the industry that shape how you carry out your business activities?

I have learnt you don’t mix business with pleasure. I have known now that one has to be firm in taking some decisions, if not you will regret.

I am too emotional and sentimental in my dealings with people, I am still trying to balance that though, especially when it comes to my business and dealings with people, so that I don’t get frustrated.

You also double as an actor.

What kind of character would you like to be known for?

Hmmm... Never really given it a thought though, but I think I just love to be an all-round character, so any role goes.

I have known now that one has to be firm in taking some decisions, if not you will regret. I am too emotional and sentimental in my dealings with people, I am still trying to balance that though

Ojo-Abas and husband

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 20, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR

I think there should be accessible grants because money is one major problem Producers, at several times, have complained of unruly behaviour of actors on set. How do you manage this?

Can you share an experience where these nearly ruin your production?

Never really had such. I have been working with professional actors.

What ways do you think government can assist the creative industry?

I think there should be accessible grants because money is one major problem. If government can sponsor projects especially the ones that sends or pass good message across, I think filmmakers will be encouraged.

Have you ever been a victim of piracy?

Do you think enough is being done to tackle piracy?

No. In Nigeria, it may be difficult to fully tackle piracy. For instance, there are several streaming platforms where one can download content for free. Also, streets are crammed with pirated CDs cheaper than original copies. Either relevant anti-piracy agencies don’t have enough manpower or are lackadaisical about it. However, the advent of pay-TV and video on demand platforms has helped producers a lot in not only making gains from their creative rights but also to protect their works.

Tell us about your latest work?

I did a short film titled Implicit though it’s still in post. It talks about the girl child.

I met my hubby, Sir Festus Abanonkhua 2002 in Choba Uniport, Rivers State. I just graduated and went to see a friend when he walked in with another of my friend. He saw me and said ‘This is my wife’ and one thing led to another, we started dating and in less than six months, we were married

What will the Poise Fendy Production be known for in the next five years?

Nollywood audience is hungrier for something more interesting and at par with Hollywood. Though Nollywood has come a long way but there are still many stones unturned. Poise Fendy isn’t going to be just there, but will offer something different and more appealing to a global audience. We want to be known for awardwinning movies that educate and inform.

As a female producer, have you ever been a victim of sexual molestation?

No. It’s funny. I’m my own boss. Lol.

Netflix interest in Nollywood is growing bigger with the acquisition of a Nigerian original movie. What does this portend for Nollywood?

It’s a good one. It shows Nollywood is gaining more global recognition. Also, it challenges other players in the industry to raise the bar.

How did you meet your husband?

I met my hubby, Sir Festus Abanonkhua 2002 in Choba Uniport, Rivers State. I just

Ojo-Abas

graduated and went to see a friend when he walked in with another of my friend.

He saw me and said ‘This is my wife’ and one thing led to another, we started dating and in less than six months, we were married.

While dating, he promised to support my chosen career whenever I’m ready, and he kept to his promise financially, morally, psychologically etc.

Any moment of choosing between family and career? How did you manage this?

Hmmm… That sounds difficult, but family comes first. I pray never to be in such a dicey situation. I love my family and I love what I do, and I thank God, my hubby appreciates what I do.

How does he react when you kiss on set?

I have never really kissed on set, but I’m sure my hubby won’t be comfortable with it.

Ojo-Abas set for work

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 20, 2018

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Another Feat for Genevieve Nnaji Superstar actress Genevieve Nnaji raises her game by signing a deal with one of the largest talent agencies in the world, United Talent Agency (UTA), writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

S

uper star actress and filmmaker, Genevieve Nnaji, has signed a deal with one of the largest talent agencies in the world, United Talent Agency (UTA).

This collaboration between the actress and the talent agency, which has Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp amongst others, will see to the possibility of Genevieve working with top Hollywood filmmakers to produce movies from African stories.

UTA, also represents Hollywood’s Gwyneth Paltrow, Channing Tatum, Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor, Kelvin Heart and Liv Tyler, Maria Carey and DJ Khaled. In a report by Deadline, an online entertainment medium, it was revealed that UTA will be representing Genevieve in film, TV and production as she hopes to break into the Hollywood scene.

Genevieve has been having a great run this year as rights to her movie “Lion Heart”, was acquired by Netflix, making it the first Nigerian original movie on the streaming service.

In an interview with CNN as a guest of Richard Quest on “Quest Means Business”, the actress expressed her love for the movie saying it provided an environment for her to show things that made her proud of her culture. “I think the authenticity of the story which was what I loved about it. It provided an environment where I could showcase the things that made me proud of our culture, our talent and our values. We focused on quality this time,” she told Quest.

Speaking on BBC’s Newsday programme, the actress shared her excitement and declared: ‘’To be honest, I was happy for the country. I was happy for the industry. I forgot about me because I really didn’t set out to do a movie about Genevieve, it wasn’t a selfish endeavour, I really wanted something good and positive to come out of the industry finally; that was fulfilling and vindicating at the same time.’’

Genevieve, who is one of the highest paid Nigerian actresses, has starred in a number of Nollywood features including Ije: The Journey, Tango With Me, Doctor Bello, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Road to Yesterday, a film that marked her first outing as a producer. When she made her debut as an Executive Producer with Road to Yesterday in 2015, it was believed that she showed a departure, tonally and aesthetically from the films which made her a household name. Remarkably, it earned her Best Movie Overall-West Africa at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, amidst a handful of criticism.

None of this, it could be said, happened by coincidence, nor was it a miracle, but strategic engineering by the multiple award-winning actress.

Along with Kunle Afolayan, she was a guest at TIFF in 2016, featuring on the “In Conversation” section of the programme. She was there without a film and it can be assumed that while there, she did her research, cultivated relationships and planned to come back as a filmmaker.

Genevieve, who would also be seen at 2018 TIFF performed alongside Kate Beckinsale in the highly anticipated Hollywood film, Farming from NigerianBritish writer and director, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, was also celebrated at TIFF 2013 in ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’.

I’m a proud feminist who embraces her femininity. I feel sometimes women are made to feel self-conscious and ashamed of their womanhood.

Perhaps like ‘Wonder Woman’, we may wake up one day to discover that it is our superpower, and then we would be unstoppable

Nnaji

In ‘Farming’, the Nigeria screen goddess appeared alongside Hollywood actors Kate Beckinsale, Damon Idris and Gugu Mmbatha-Raw. The film was based on Adewale’s autobiographical story and was shot in U.K and Nigeria.

The script was developed at the Sundance Film Institute and chronicles his own coming-of-age story growing up fostered by a white working-class family in the U.K. In the movie, the lead character is sent to the U.K. by his parents in hopes of achieving a better life.

Instead, he becomes the feared leader of a white skinhead gang in 1980s England.

When all seems lost and he spirals into self-destruction, a benevolent teacher (played by Mbatha-Raw) offers him one last chance at redemption.

It is not surprising that her latest exploits and crystalising factors in the movie world as spur of her moment are gaining traction to Hollywood. The “Julia Roberts of Africa”, according to Oprah Winfrey’s 2009 special episode of

Meet the Famous People in the World, Genevieve had openly identified herself with the feminist movement.

The actress in an interview with Women and Hollywood Magazine, a media orgnaisation that educates, advocates, and agitates for gender diversity in Hollywood and the global film industry, said she is a feminist and proud of it.

She called on other women to wake up and stop feeling self-conscious and ashamed of their womanhood. Genevieve said, “I’m a proud feminist who embraces her femininity. I feel sometimes women are made to feel self-conscious and ashamed of their womanhood. Perhaps like ‘Wonder Woman’, we may wake up one day to discover that it is our superpower, and then we would be unstoppable.

“History has shown that in almost every situation where a group of people or a demographic is being oppressed, it’s usually because the oppressors are threatened by the potential of the oppressed to be great. I’m happy women all over the world are discovering their superpower and turning ‘why me?’ into ‘not me.’”

A brand ambassador across sectors, Genevieve made her acting debut as a child actress in the 90s soap opera Ripples when she was just eight years.

She, however, made her Nollywood debut in the film Most Wanted. She was only 19. But her breakthrough came in 2002 when she acted in Sharon Stone.

With her endless filmography, multiple awards, nominations and recognition at home and abroad, Miss Nnaji is sure that African thespian on a crossroad.

49

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 20, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR TWIZZY

ITobechukwu Got into Music to Catch Girls Attention “Twizzy” Rodney Ukairo is an AfroPop/Dancehall musician. Twizzy, who hails from Abia State, began to develop an inclination towards music at age of 10, after recording his first song using some less than professional equipment. He sent the song to his classmates and was pleased to receive encouraging feedback. This spurred his writing songs and performing throughout his secondary school days. He moved to Canada for his A-levels at Columbia International College, after which he returned to the UK where he studied the science of music and music production at Oxford Brookes University, graduating with a BSc (Hons), Sound Technology and Digital Music in December 2017. Twizzy is currently based in Lagos and signed to Radio Love. In this interview with with select journalists, including Benneth Oghifo, he talks about himself, his music and his inspiration

H

It’s my eyes. When I look at colours, some of them light up my brain. Colours hit me in a weird way.

ow did you come about your stage name Twizzy?

It used to be Twist before and as a human being, I feel I’m twisted, so after some time, I decided to change it to Twizzy.

career?

What is your favourite dish?

Right now, it’s spaghetti and stew and plantain, with some kind of meat, chicken, turkey.

When did you start your musical

Are you in a relationship?

No, I am single.

I started making music when I was in JSS 2, I was about 10 years old then, so it’s been about 10 years now.

How do you handle female fans?

They are friends, they are fans, they are supporters and I love all of them.

What got you interested in music?

To be realistic, it’s girls! I was first trying to get attention, then I realised that I’m naturally good at it, so I tried to learn more. There was a particular girl, though she doesn’t know the story; that I was trying to have a common ground to talk to and I realised she was into music, so I made a song and sent it through my classmate. It was cool and so I felt I should try it.

What do you fancy in a girl?

The first thing I see is her smile, then if we can keep a smooth conversation and if it doesn’t feel as if I’m forcing the flow; if it flows naturally.

Can you remember the first time you fell in love?

Did you eventually date her?

No, I am still trying to figure out what love means. I have never fallen in love and I don’t think that a lot of us know what love is.

Yes, but not with that; it wasn’t even a music thing at the end of the day.

Have you ever had a girlfriend?

What’s your genre of music?

Yes, I have.

Afro pop, that’s the most natural for me.

And you didn’t feel any love for her?

What projects have you been doing or have you done so far, musically that is?

I don’t think it’s love; we were young. It’s just an idea of being in love and we rushed into it.

I’m just coming in with my first single, which I just dropped.

I have shot the video, I shot it in the UK and it should be coming out soon. I want to have a clean introduction before I introduce it to corporate bodies. We have about seven songs we are exploring at the moment and I don’t want them to be unnecessarily long. I want real good songs, so we are featuring only one for this project.

What are you cooking next for your fans?

Lot of visuals, lot of music. I am just trying to let them see the intro, but I’m not slowing down after this. I am taking my time with the intro.

Most music artistes indulge in drugs, why is this so?

Tell us about the seven songs you are working on?

They are all about love. Apart from that, they are energetic songs. I am giving all my energy to this project, ‘For The Gram’.

I want to introduce myself properly.

Which is your hit track?

My hit track is my next track, (laughs) it’s any track I drop next, though for now it is ‘For The Gram’. Twizzy for the Gram…

Having schooled in the UK, why didn’t you start your music career over there? Why wait till you got to Nigeria?

I had to think it through for a while. I wanted to make sure that I started on a good foundation because of what people always say about foundation and home being the best. Your foundation has to be strong. I also feel that Nigeria is where I can get my most authentic vibe from because I am Nigerian.

Do you think you will be more accepted here than in the UK? I don’t know, but it’s not about acceptance. I just want to be real and I think this is where I can get the best vibes.

Your single is trending out there, how does that make you feel and how did the song come about?

I am happy that it is taking shape and people are beginning to feel and appreciate the song. The song was actually what I was feeling in the studio. I will give you the breakdown: the world we live in now is about social media, the Instagram is a new world that people now exist in. Nowadays, take pictures, people will like your picture and you will think they are showing you real love. People who get lost in the social media hype most times are girls; so in a way of making it sound like fun, girls go the extra mile to impress the world and they are doing it for love.

So ‘For The Gram’ is all about how people flow on instagram.

Which artistes are you looking forward to working with?

Locally, I would like to work with Burna Boy, Mr Easi; they are the best Nigerian music artistes to me at the moment.

Are you interested in working with any female artiste?

For female artistes, I would want to work with Simi. I love Simi’s music.

What about international artistes?

I feel their pain, it’s an individual thing, and I can’t speak for them, i can only speak for myself.

Twizzy

Future; he is one of my favorite artistes.

What challenges are you facing in the industry right now?

I feel I am going through the regular process of trying to be heard, that is the challenge for now. I just want people to give me a chance, once they listen, it’s over.

What makes your music different?

Everyone has noticed that apart from the vibes what turn them off, sometimes it is the lyrics. What makes my music different is that I combine nice vibes with clean lyrics. I want to be a good role model. I want to shake the music industry with good, danceable vibes and clean lyrics

Considering your age, did your parents complain when you started wearing dreadlocks?

It started as an afro, then rough afro, then twisted and it became dread. By then, it was too late to stop. My mom tried making a comment, but she didn’t fret over it.

Can you remember the particular thing she said?

When I came back one day, I tried to hug her and she was like, this hair? So, I feel if that is all I’m getting, I’m good then.

Your most embarrassing moment?

I have a lot; one happened when I was in high school, I was running to my class because I was late and there was water all over the floor so I slipped for like 10 seconds and hit my head on the wall. Fortunately, there was no one there.

What is your fashion style?

Cozy, comfortable, unique, try to stand out.

What’s your favourite colour?

It switches, it was pink some days ago, but now, it’s yellow.

What makes it switch?

Have you ever done drugs before?

No, music is my drug; when i make music and when I see people’s reaction, I feel high.

If not music, what other thing would you have been doing?

Acting, comedy.

So, entertainment generally?

Yes, I like entertainment.

Was there any objection from your parents when you told them you wanted to embrace music?

When I hinted my dad, I was still young and he was like, it’s a cute thing; you want to be a musician and it kept on going. So, it was not hard to support me because they had been supporting me.

Some kids tell their parent they want to go in music and they are prevented, how do you feel having the support of your parents?

I don’t take it for granted. I think they know. I love you guys, I appreciate you a lot, thank you so much. I try to paint a scenario where it could have been the other way, so I appreciate them for the support.

I’m sure you have been told that you look good; how do you cope with female attention, do they disturb you and if yes, how do you avoid them?

I just try to be real with girls, so you will know when it is real or lust. Don’t let it go too just be real with your feeling

Are you signed to a record Label?

Yes.I am signed to Radio Love and I happy with the arrangements. I feel very excited to share my vibes with the world, I think they’ll love it once they give it a chance

A shout out to your fans…

I love you guys, I am still trying to make this grow and spread, so, please, when you listen to my songs, help me share it with friends. Enjoy the song.

50

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 20, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR

A Timely Intervention for the Creative Industry Vanessa Obioha reports that at the opening ceremony of the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy in Lagos, stakeholders agreed that it was a timely and welcome intervention

T

he Nigeria film industry has always fascinated Jonathan Haynes right from his first visit to Nigeria as a Fulbright lecturer in the 90s. A chance meeting with film aficionado Onookome Okome further stirred that desire which eventually led to an academic research on the history of the film industry in Nigeria.

But that wasn’t what caught Haynes attention initially.

He was first of all captivated by the country itself with its diverse ethnic groups and system of governance. It was while attempting to understand this unique set of people that Haynes discovered a crop of independent entrepreneurs who sought to tell the African stories in the way they know best: through films. The manner and vigour with which the filmmakers struggle to tell these stories with little or no help from the government was very astonishing to Haynes. As he pointed out in his book “Nollywood: The Creation of Nigeria Film Genres”, the films are a record and interpretation of contemporary Nigeria, a social and emotional history.

These stories soon became popular culture in the continent as many within and outside Africa resonate with the plots and themes explored. It was the birth of Africans telling their own stories, though the quality of films produced was questionable. At a time when Africans stories are told through the Western eyes, Haynes was impressed by the dominance of Nigerian filmmakers in telling stories that resonated with their audience even if the aim was to make cheap commercial success.

He was more intrigued by their business model to churn out big numbers of films within a low budget, a practice that earned the industry the third largest film industry in the world.

Over the years, Haynes interest in the film industry has not waned. He witnessed the boom of video films in the early 90s, the birth of Nollywood- a controversial term which he argued is not synonymous to the Nigerian film industry, and of course the new Nollywood pioneered by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan. He also saw how filmmakers struggle with piracy and the lack of structures and funds to help the art of filmmaking easy. In all of these, Nollywood has continued to surprise Haynes- both in good and bad ways. It was one of the good ways that made him catch a flight from US to Lagos to witness the official opening of Multichoice Talent Factory recently.

The Birth of MultiChoice Talent Factory In May this year, MultiChoice Africa announced that it was embarking on a project to empower young creatives whose passion lie in filmmaking. The initiative called Multichoice Talent Factory (MTF) will involve three stages and will spread across three regions in Africa: Southern Africa, West Africa and East Africa. Each of these regions will have a learning hub known as MTF Academy which is the first touch point of the initiative. Nigeria is the hub for West African, Kenya for East Africa and Zambia for Southern African countries. The Academy which is a 12-month intensive training will focus on the youth market and a curriculum will be developed in partnership with relevant local and international industry experts.

Other touch points of the initiative include Masterclasses for film practitioners and a portal for the filmmakers to network and market their ideas.

Over 3000 applications were received across the continent for the training.

Through a rigorous selection process, 60 students were picked, 20 from each region. In West Africa, mostly Nigerians and Ghanainas made the cut. The session was to begin on October 1.

MTF is the second time MultiChoice

L-R: Femi Odugbemi, Steve Ayorinde, Dr. Iddi Ziblim and John Ugbe, Managing Director of MultiChoice Nigeria

Africa is intervening in the development of the creative history on a big scale. Two decades ago, it launched New Directions, an initiative to empower the crop of budding filmmakers in the continent. Filmmakers like the late Amaka Igwe, Tunde Kelani and Femi Odugbemi who is the Academy Director of MTF West Africa were among the recipients of that training.

However, MTF is slightly different from New Directions - though their goals are same: to stimulate the growth of African fimmamkers - by giving birth to not only the new generation of filmmakers but also to institutions as Odugbemi stated in an interview in June.

“It is a film school, a business school, a passion school wrapped into one. It has the potential not only to empower the participants to become great professionals in whatever their chosen skill focus is; whether they be writer or director, it really empowers them in a powerful way with up-to-date information the likes of which you can only get from the best film schools across the world.

“It empowers them with technology to achieve whatever it is their skill level, but more importantly from a creative entrepreneurship perspective. MTF will empower these talented young ones to

build institutions, to become employers of labour. They become people who have enough empowerment in understanding the business of film and TV, such that each one of them has the capacity to employ tens more of their colleagues.”

MTF Means Business On Friday, September 28, the 20 students from the West Africa region arrived at their new habitat- a well-furnished residence tucked in the serene environment of Lekki.

While they were still catching their breath, Odugbemi bundled them to The Light Camera Africa Film Festival, organised

by Ugoma Adegoke. For the three-day the festival lasted, the students were at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, feasting their eyes on the various films screened, from documentaries to feature films. If they thought the festival was just an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the programme, they were mistaken. By Monday morning, October 1, when they resumed classes, Odugbemi asked them to review three films they enjoyed at the festival including the opening film, ‘Kasala’ by Ema Edosio Deelen. On Tuesday morning, they received a surprise visit from Deelen who interacted with them and got the opportunity to listen to their

It empowers them with technology to achieve whatever it is their skill level, but more importantly from a creative entrepreneurship perspective. MTF will empower these talented young ones to build institutions, to become employers of labour

thoughts about her feature film.

At the official opening ceremony, the students basked in the spotlight as they were addressed by major stakeholders in the industry. But not for too long. Just as they were heading back to their residence, Odugbemi once again handed them a book titled “The Little Book of Quantum Success” by Sammy ‘Sage’ Hassan which they were to review that night and submit their reviews the following morning.

“I want them to read books, not only film themed books. That way, they can expand their knowledge. We are serious about this programme. I don’t want them to just read and study film. We don’t want to teach them what is already available online. If that was the case, this will be a total waste of time. We have great professors coming to teach them and they will also embark on an immersion programme. We really mean business,” said Odugbemi.

Accolades for MTF As Haynes sat among the distinguished guests at the ceremony, he couldn’t help but marvel at this intervention which he described as a rare example of good corporate citizenship.

“This is terrific, really terrific. Just looking at the 20 young people and their enthusiasm is really great and it’s happening in the African culture. It makes me very hopeful for the future. MultiChoice has a history of training people in this country. Femi Odugbemi is one of the people I listen to with utmost respect when talking about films and audio visual. I have been hearing him say for most times that what Nigerians need at this moment is not brilliant new directors but brilliant new producers.

Producers who are competent, who know their jobs and that’s one of the interesting things I find with this programme; that it is training people who are not only good at the craft of making movies but also teach them to know what to do with it and to think about what to do with it into the future.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 20, 2018

51

POLITY Mayor Eze

It will Be Unfair to Have another Orlu Man in Owerri Government House Mayor Eze was once the Local Council Chairman for Orlu in Imo State. At the lower chamber of the National Assembly 2007 – 2011, he distinguished himself with 22 Bills. Eze wants to return to the House of Representatives. He tells Stanley Nkwazema why restructuring is the best way forward for Nigeria and why Owerre zone should produce the next governor of Imo state

C

an the PDP really wrestle power from the APC government at the centre?

PDP continues to live by example of free and fair election. No matter what you say about the last regime of President Goodluck Jonathan, he gave Nigerians and the International community an idea that a black man can get it right; that is exactly what the International community and Nigerians are expecting from this government; let there be free and transparent elections.

The PDP National convention where its Presidential ilcandidates emerged was free and fair. One advantage of free and fair election is that losers and winners always come together to support the winner which is the strength of a party In the PDP, we sat and decided that it is best to take the battle to the base of APC. Nigerians wants to continue to live peacefully, together and there is no doubt about that. I have friends all over the country and strategically it is good for us. We don’t want the President to have a territorial political haven where he will mop up all the votes. We have no doubt that PDP is going to form the next government of this country especially the nostalgic feeling of the good old days of PDP which was by far better than what Nigerians have now, hence we are hampering on free and fair elections.

Why do you want to return to the House of Representatives?

For two major reasons, I want to return to the National Assembly. Initially, I wanted to contest for Governorship but we are all reasonable. The Owerri axis should produce the next Governor of Imo State. What we complain of at the national level, we cannot do otherwise when it comes to our state. If you look at the history of Imo State, in this dispensation since 1999, Orlu has governed the state for 16 years.

Chief Achike Udenwa my boss was there for eight years and the incumbent governor Rochas Okorocha is also from Orlu zone and would be there for eight years by May 2019.

It is unthinkable and unreasonable for another Orlu man to aspire for the governorship seat of Imo State at this time. It is very insensitive and we don’t want to be part of that attitude.

Now the five major aspirants in PDP are from Owerri Zone.

PDP is a parry with conscience at all levels. That is why we are saying that if it is true that APC government in Imo State led by Chief Rochas Okorocha is trying to produce another Orlu son for the Governorship, it is insensitive and bad. And if it is true that his son in-law Uche Nwosu is being targeted for that position again and the APC is keeping quiet, I don’t think it is a welcome idea.

I had a meritorious four years at the lower chamber of the National Assembly and people know quality representation when they see one. I am happy that I had a first term and had the highest number of bills (22) and it is on record that I am the only first termer that has that record. Many of them passed the first and second reading and even the debate stages. My people are desirous that I should have another shot..

What is your position on the clamour for restructuring of Nigeria?

I want to see this thing differently. Restructuring favours everybody. The questions people need to understand and very well too are: what is restructuring? Does restructuring mean ‘to your tents o Israel?’ The answer is definitely no. I live in Abuja, my children have friends in Abuja, and they speak Hausa fluently. The last two speak Hausa better than they speak Igbo and most of their friends are Northerners.

There is nothing wrong in having a large country but we must make it functional. Restructuring to me means functionality. If you go to the exclusive list of the constitution, there are many things there that should go to residual or concurrent list. It beats my imagination that a road that passes through my village in Orlu will be called a federal road and it is neglected and abandoned. That money should go to the state. When you look at the revenue formula, we unbundle the federal government and give powers to other agencies that can do it better. We all travel abroad and we see how things are done and we feel comfortable. We answer Federal Republic of Nigeria and we should ask ourselves; Are we really a federal government in practice? The answer is no. We must answer what we preach. Even as it is now, is the average northerner happy? Is that Southerner happy?, the answer is no. Nigerians are being marginalised by the political class. If the political class wants Nigeria to function, how do we achieve these aspirations from both sides? It is only through restructuring. Many see restructuring as

Eze

picking a knife and dividing Nigeria. It is not so .Let us unbundle the federal government.

Take a look at the Police; why should an Igbo Policeman be posted to Jigawa where he does not understand the terrain? Policing means knowledge. It you take time before you get used to Jigawa and understand the terrain. Before you know it, you are posted to Kebbi and from Kebbi they will take you to South West. This is not functional. In business it is common sense, it is a function of rationality. We should look at all these things and fashion out how best we can sort it out. Come to think of it, some vigilantes are doing better policing than uniformed Policemen. Do we need any body to tell us that things are not working as they should?

That is my idea of restructuring The best definition of democracy remains government of the people by the people and for the people. When you elect somebody as a representative, governor, President, you are part of that governance. In developed countries public opinion drives government policies. Like the 22 Bills I presented while I was in the National assembly, if they are not implemented, they are just paper works. The Press is the fourth estate of the realm, the way and manner you write about restructuring from all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, we know that all hands must be on deck. The worst thing is that no matter the mood of whoever is the next President, restructuring is the way to go. It is just like when you have a vehicle that is not moving, you take it to the mechanic and make it move. Nigeria as a vehicle is grounded, so let us make it work. That is restructuring to me. If you tell me now that you have a property in Igbo land and that the property does not belong to me again because I am Hausa, that is not restructuring. If you tell me that I must pack out from where I am staying and go to a particular place to stay because I am from a certain part, that is not restructuring.

The North stands to benefit more in restructuring. What

It is just like when you have a vehicle that is not moving, you take it to the mechanic and make it move. Nigeria as a vehicle is grounded, so let us make it work.That is restructuring to me.

If you tell me now that you have a property in Igbo land and that the property does not belong to me again because I am Hausa, that is not restructuring.

If you tell me that I must pack out from where I am staying and go to a particular place to stay because I am from a certain part, that is not restructuring.The North stands to benefit more I learnt in Political economics is that access to water is wealth, whether dams for agriculture, rivers and oceans for international businesses. We have it all in abundance but my idea of restructuring is, let’s look inwards, let us put square pegs in square holes. There are revenue streams lying fallow because we are all dependent on oil. But while we are depending on oil, let us look at other revenue sources or revenue. Let us diversify and think outside the box. It is no longer fashionable for people or government to go and share money in the name of FAAC. Even if you are sharing that money, let us begin to look inwards and generate other funds via exports, solid minerals etc.

If you have a child and every month you give him money and even when he is married you are giving him money to feed his children, he will never be productive. Let us be productive and make Nigeria work and that is my idea of restructuring because it is not a mere geographical thing but a process.

Are you getting support in your quest to return to the National Assembly?

As you know very well, politics is competition and there must be struggle for power. Of course some people are saying no to my aspirations while some in the majority wants me to go back. But again, those saying no want to aspire; they are not saying no that I am not qualified or that I will not distinguish myself. The voters know who will give them a better representation and that is why I want the political parties to imbibe the spirit of internal democracy; let INEC and the federal government assure Nigerians of a transparent process of producing our leaders. That is the essence of elections and nobody aspires to go unopposed. Let there be competitions and let the winners accommodate the losers and let the losers congratulate the winners in a transparent process. I am optimistic that If things are done the right way people won’t have time to complain.

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 20, 2018

POLITY

Relationship Pattern and Spread of HIV/AIDS II Mark Neboh

M

y first article in this series “Relationship Pattern and Spread of HIV/AIDS” published on ThisDay Saturday 27th January, 2018 dealt broadly on relationship pattern within the family setting and between intending couples. Before i continue i wish to express my gratitude to all those who called me to make noteworthy comments on the article.

In this second article in the series, i intend to deal with the same topic but in workplace, school and neighbourhood settings.

This has become necessary to further enlighten the general public on the need to accept the plain truth that HIV pandemic is a reality of our time. Secondly that being infected with the virus does not in any way impair the person’s mental or physical capability. Scientific research has proven beyond doubt that once the infected person takes the drugs prescribed by a qualified physician accordingly (adherence), avoids abuse of alcohol and similar substances, maintains a single partner and observes related precautions that the individual remains in the right mental and physical state as he/she had been before contracting the virus.

It is therefore out of sheer ignorance that some un-informed employers deny employment to a qualified candidate simply because he/she happens to be HIV positive. Worse still when a staff that has been diligent and has acquired appreciable on the job experience is laid off simply because he/she tested HIV positive.

This unfortunate scenario is common in the developing countries primarily because of wide spread ignorance of the basic facts on the epidemic especially as relates to proper post detection management. In the developed countries, the candidate that has tested positive is encouraged with employment opportunity and officially permitted to absent him/herself from duty at regular intervals to visit the hospital for medical follow-up and drug pick-up. It is also not viewed negatively that an employee is

HIV positive.

The authority only takes necessary precautions to ensure that other company staff are protected from the infection both within the office environment and outside. This they achieve by encouraging their staff to visit government approved hospitals and health care centres to undergo periodic free HIV counseling and testing.

In the absence of the right encouragement and protection from the employer, the infected worker becomes unduly exposed to stigmatization (discrimination) and subsequently unwillingly resigns his/her appointment out of frustration. When this happens, the individual and by extension the general public is plunged into avoidable regrettable circumstances that will contribute to increase the spread of the virus.

This same improper reasoning takes place in educational institutions where the authority does not take appropriate steps to keep a student’s HIV status confidential. Once a student’s HIV status becomes an open secret he/ she definitely faces undue stigmatization from other students and the resultant outcome is that the student becomes extremely uncomfortable within the environment which invariably compels him/her to withdraw from the institute.

Making the matter worse, there are some institutions that require the student to submit his/her HIV test result as a mandatory requirement for admission.

These unhelpful situations could be avoided in the best interest of the general public by knowledge of simple facts as the mode of transmission of the virus and precautions to prevent infection.

Just as we hear continually within our residential environment stories going on that one of our neighbours has contracted HIV/AIDS simply because he/she has some symptoms similar to those of the epidemic. Once the unverified gossip goes round, both the family members and close friends of the suspected person receive the same discrimination as the supposed infected person. These damaging scenarios continually occur because of ignorance or outright neglet of proper measures to take to ascertain the person’s

Adewole

exact HIV status.

It is sad to point out at this juncture that our people are still reluctant to liberally submit themselves to free HIV Counseling and Testing going on in most government hospitals and health care centres. Unfortunately most people are still reluctant to observe the basic precautions as the use of condom and not to share unsterilized sharp objects with others.

Making the matter worse is the claim by some devilish miracle and wonders pastors who promise total cure of the epidemic by spiritual deliverance at exorbitant costs. It is not and has never been in doubt that the Lord performs miracles but it is advisable that the infected person takes his/her drugs strictly as prescribed while going through the spiritual deliverance.

Failure to do this will definitely result in deteriorated health condition that will take extra grace of God for the individual to survive.

Same as some quack hospitals that maliciously admit ignorant HIV patients only to discharge them in deteriorated state after extorting money from them.

Presently there is no cure for the epidemic but concerted efforts are going on to develop one.

For this reason, infected persons are advised to adhere strictly to their drug intake as only those who follow this rule will live to see the cure when it eventually comes.

Finally let us all relate with infected persons as we do with every other person in our environment as we do not know who it could be next.

–––Neboh writes from Lagos

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Director, Life in My City Art Festival, Mr. Kevin Ejiofor; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugbonma; Chairman, Duke of Shomolu Production, Edgar Joseph; and the Chief Operating Officer, Beeta Universal Art Foundation, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, at the MTN Foundation Art and Culture press conference held in Lagos, yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Senior Brand Manager, Heineken, Obabiyi Fagade; Creative and Managing Director, Style House Files, Omoyemi Akerele; and Head, Information Security, FETS Limited, John Mago, at a Press Cocktail in Lagos, where Heineken was announced headline sponsor of Lagos Fashion Week 2018

L-R: Headmaster, Oswestry School, England, Julian Noad; Director of External Relations, Bethany, England, Fiona Jones; Principal/CEO, Atlantic Hall, Andrew Jedras; and Executive Director, Nubi Education, Mrs. Rose Omonubi, during the Nubi Education 10th UK/North America boarding school fair seminar and exhibition in Lagos... recently

L-R: Executive Secretary, Association of Food BeveragesTobacco Employers, Mr Adewale Jones; Director General, National Agency for Food, Drugs Adminstration & Control (NAFDAC), Prof Moji Adeyeye; Managing Director Intercontinental Distillers Limited ( IDL ), Mr. Patrick Anegbe; Director, Registration and Regulatory Affairs NAFDAC, Dr Monica Hemben-Eimunjeze; with other members of the entourage, during NAFDAC team’s courtesy visit to IDL’s factory at Ota, Ogun State... recently

53

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

NEWS

2019: No Extension of Deadline for Submission of Candidates’ List- INEC The Independent National Electoral Commission yesterday insisted that it would not extend the deadline for submission of list of candidates by political parties for the 2019 general elections.

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.

Oyekanmi said that the Commission had scheduled the submission of candidates’ names for the Presidential and National Assembly between October 10 and 18, and deadline for the governorship and state Assemblies election for November 2, and there was no extension.

“The Commission is following its timetable and schedule of activities for 2019 general elections. No extension of deadline for submission,” he said.

Rotimi, who was unable to give the precise number of political parties that met the deadline as at the time of filing this report, said “over 80 political parties made it, but said he was still waiting

for the precise number.

NAN correspondent who visited the Aso Hall, International Conference Centre, Abuja, the venue of the submission after the deadline, reports that some officers of political parties who got tallies on Wednesday night were still going through the submission process.

A staff of the Commission, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that issuing of tally to political parties stopped on Thursday night.

He said due to the last-minute rush by political parties, INEC staff, security officers and other personnel on duty at the venue were unable to go home.

He said that they had reached about 70 out of over 80 political parties that had so far submitted their candidates’ list.

He also confirmed that the ruling All Progressives Congress and major opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, had submitted their forms.

NAN reports that as at 4p.m. on Friday, some political parties’ representatives were seen in front of the hall waiting for their turn to submit their forms.

EQUIPPING FOR FUTURE...

L-R: Senior Manager, Oracle Academy, Danny Gooris; Managing Director, Oracle Academy, Adebayo Sanni;Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Sunny Echono, during the signing of MOU between the Federal Ministry of Education and Oracle Academy to educate 1,500,OOO PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE students on computer science courses in Nigerian Abuja…yesterday

A’Ibom Govt Worried over Renewed Insecurity Allegedly Created by APC Okon Bassey ÓØ ãÙ

Akwa Ibom Government has raised the alarm that the threat and strategy by the All Progressive Congress (APC) to cause insecurity in the state ahead of the 2019 general elections was manifesting.

The leaders of APC in the state recently said hoodlums harboured by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attempted to assassinate the gubernatorial candidate of the Party, Obong Nsima Ekere just as aide to Governor Emmanuel on Electoral Matters, Mr. Mfon Udeme who defected to the APC equally escaped being killed.

The state government’s alarm followed the arrest, detention and plans to move the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Inibong Essien and the Chairman of Uyo local government area, Mr. Imoh Okon to Abuja on the order of the Inspector General of Police,

The State Commissioner had on September 24, 2018 directed all outdoor advertising companies operating in the state to immediately stop the hoisting and installation of new bill boards across the state which he described as hazardous to members of the public.

Essien is reported to have caused the destruction of the political bill boards of the second term bid of President, Muhammadu Buhari and the Governorship candidate of the APC, Obong Nsima Ekere erected near the popular Akpan Andem market in the state capital.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh who was at the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia to witness plans to move the state government officials to Abuja maintained that the exercise was plot by APC at the centre to weaken the peace being enjoy in the state.

According to him, the approach

to politicking by the APC and supported by the federal government was a deliberate plan to stir up violence and insecurity in the state and scare off investors the administration has succeeded in attracting.

He described the forceful arrest of the Commissioner and the Council Chairman to the Force Headquarters as the move to test run the Warsaw threat by one of the APC leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“We all woke up one day and found out that an official of the state, the Commissioner for Environment has been invited for a discussion with the police on the instruction from Abuja, over a dispute on a billboard location.

“The billboard is located in a densely populated area. The approval before locating the billboard was not followed to the letter because it was not located where it should have been located.

Abia Won’t Protect Fraudulent Staff from EFCC Emmanuel Ugwu ÓØ ×ßËÒÓË

Abia State government yesterday welcomed the ongoing probe of some accounts officers by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraudulent practices, saying that the affected civil servants would answer for their deeds.

No fewer than five accounts officers of the ministry of finance were arrested by EFCC operatives last week and taken to Port Harcourt where they were quizzed over fraudulent practices in the ministry.

The commissioner for finance, Mr. Obinna Oriaku, who was invited by the anti-graft agency “to shed light on some of the issues raised by the petitioner”, has returned along with three of the arrested civil servants while two suspects are still being held by the EFCC. Commissioner for information, Mr. John Okiyi Kalu, confirmed at a joint news conference with his finance counterpart, Mr. Obinna

Oriaku, in Umuahia that the affected civil servants were indeed being probed by the EFCC based on a petition written by a commissioner in the state Civil service Commission, Mr. Guy Chigoziri Okite.

He said that the state government was not going to interfere with the investigation of the fraudulent activities in the finance ministry because “the administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has zero tolerance for corruption and has long been adjudged the most transparent in the country” The government spokesman further said that government was indeed open to further “scrutiny by relevant (relevant) agencies of the state into our transactions, within the ambit of the law”.

“Governor Ikpeazu expects all employees of the government to carry out their official functions with the highest level of transparency, professionalism and also be prepared to give account to relevant institutions and the people of the

state upon demand,” he said.

However, the information commissioner said that while government was favourably disposed to the EFCC investigations “we expect officials of EFCC to conduct their investigation professionally, in line with their constitutional mandate and those found culpable punished according to the law”.

Oriaku said that the petition was prompted by a “contentious allowance” claimed by the petitioner and “because we were not on the same page with him and when the allowance was not forthcoming” Okite petitioned the EFCC. He stated that some of the issues raised in the petition were based on the misunderstanding of the report of the 2017 audit team and have since been sorted out. Nonetheless the finance commissioner noted that “in the course of the EFCC investigation we discovered some things that are unethical”, citing cases of double payments of salaries by accounts officers as well as leakages in tax payments.

Court Vacates Order Restraining Dapo Elishama Tasks Buhari on Hauwa Abiodun As Ogun APC Candidate Femi Ogbonnikan ÓØ ÌÏÙÕßÞË

A Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Friday, vacated its earlier interim order restraining the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting the submitted list of the National Working Committee (NWC) which recognised Prince Dapo Abiodun as APC governorship candidate in the upcoming 2019 general election.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the court was intimated of a pending suit involving some of the parties at a Federal High Court in Abuja wherein the Plaintiffs are part of the Defendants.

In his ruling, the Presiding

Judge, Ibrahim Watila, vacated the interim order earlier granted and subsequently referred the matter be consolidated with the suit filed earlier before Federal High Court Abuja for proper adjudication.

It would be recalled that three chieftains of the party in Ogun State, Alhaji Bola Adeyemi (Ogun Central Senatorial District), Architect Kuoye Olayiwola (Ogun West Senatorial District) and Mr. Musbau Oyefeso (Ogun East Senatorial District), in a motion exparte in Suit FHC/AB/ CS/125/2018, had on Wednesday approached the court to stop the defendants from presenting any other governorship candidate for the 2019 general election pending the hearing and determination

of the motion on notice before the court, claiming the Executive Committee of the state APC had earlier declared Hon Adekunle Akinlade as winner, following the conduct of its primary elections which was observed, monitored and authenticated by INEC. In the ruling delivered on Wednesday, the court restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC), its National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the National Secretary, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, from recognising Prince Dapo Abiodun as the candidate of the party for the 2019 general election for the office of the Governor of Ogun State.

Leman Murder

Yekini Jimoh ÓØ ÙÕÙÔË

As well-meaning Nigerians and the international community continue to mourn and condemn the killing of Hauwa Leman a health worker and midwife with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

by Boko Haram, foremost female politician, Dr. Elishama Ideh has asked on President Muhammadu Buhari to stop all these evil perpetrated by the terrorist group.

The presidential aspirant, who said that Nigerians again woke up to the rude shock of the dastardly vicious and wicked act of the BokoHaram in carrying out their threat by killing health worker, tasked

the federal government not to allow to befall others kidnapped by the terrorist group, including Leah Sharibu.

“I strongly call on the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of President Mohammed Buhari to act fast to stop the ungodly activities of this dreaded terrorist group.”

She reminded that the primary aim of any government is for the welfare and security of the people they have been called to govern, adding that it is very obvious that “these two basic reasons for governance has irreparably broken down in our nation.”

Elishama Ideh said its now worse

with the undeniable situation of almost 70% of the population grappling with endemic poverty.

“I strongly condemn this killings and urge our government to act fast by securing the release of Leah Sharibu and every other persons captured by the notorious terrorist organisation.

“I sincerely express my condolence to the family of Leman and the ICRC and I pray that all these evil atrocities will come to an end in Nigeria soon.

“The government must ensure that the Boko-Haram group must not be allowed to bring to pass their threats against Leah Sharibu and others in captivity.

54

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

NEWSXTRA

Foundation Challenges Girls to Explore Careers in STEM Vanessa Obioha

With the global call to empower more girls in technology, the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation recently hosted 400 girls from 13 secondary schools in Local Educational District VI of the Lagos State Educational Board in Lagos to a Girl Empowered Conference.

The conference was an opportunity for the foundation to reiterate the need to bridge the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Held at the Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, Lagos, the schoolgirls had the privilege to be lectured by leading women in the technology field. One of the speakers, Olaide Agboola, Software Developer, Andela Nigeria exposed the girls to various STEM careers while pointing out that STEM is not gender biased.

“You can be whoever you want to be and your sex should not A cross section of Rotary Club officials at the closing ceremony marking the end of a week long Free Eye Surgeries Operations sponsored by the Club impede your career path. This is why we want more women and the Foundation, held at ECWA Eye Hospital, Kano....recently

SERVING HUMANITY ...

Charge Dasuki for Money Laundering not Me, Dokpesi Tells Court

to embrace technology, because technology is a liberator,” she said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Code Tutor, Ade Olowojoba, echoed similar thoughts during an interactive session with the students on ‘Beyond the Classroom: Leveraging Opportunities for Technology’. He encouraged them to dismiss the myth that technology is exclusively reserved for boys.

Another speaker, Charity Babatunde, founder Rave Et al, addressed social media utilisation and internet security. Highlighting the positive and negative sides of social media, she encouraged the girls to explore the endless opportunities of social media, citing examples of role models to follow like the 17-year-old Makoko girl, Sharon Okpoe who built a website to help fishermen in Makoko sell fish online and 26-year-old Nigerian British and Silas Adekunle, who built the world’s first gaming robot, and has just become the highest paid in the field of Robotic engineering.

Firm Unveils Technology to Boost Credible 2019 Elections Four months to the 2019 general elections and ahead of the campaigns expected to kick off in November, Widenit, a Geo-Fencing firm is unveiling a new technology towards boosting and actualising a credible election.

The technology, which is a location-based target campaign, is expected to, when deployed, galvanise youth participation in the election, address voter apathy, discourage vote-buying with the strong potential as an anti-rigging tool, and is ideal for political campaigns as it facilitates easy reach out to potential voters.

Tagged ‘the game changer’, the Chief Facilitator of Widenit, Bosco Onyeme, said the technology, which can be accessed on (www. widenit.com) when introduced into the Nigerian market is expected to revolutionalise the conduct of and participation in elections in the country.

He said: “Statistics indicate that in the run-up to the general elections, the demographic distribution of voters is skewed heavily in favour of the youths with a commanding percentage of 65 per cent of the population aged 18 to 35 years.

“Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

recently released the updated figures of the voters register across the geopolitical zones of the country.

Wike Approves Immediate 103 Bags First Class at 34th UNILORIN Convocation as VC Pledges Academic Stability Reconstruction of Razed Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ graduating with higher degrees the 2017/2018 academic calendar Fruit, Vegetables Market /post graduates diplomas”. on record time in spite of the

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Alex Enumah ÓØ ÌßÔË

Media Mogul and Chairman Emeritus of Daar Communication PLC, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, on Friday told the Federal High Court, Abuja, that former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd.) ought to be the one standing trial over allegations of corruption and money laundering and not him.

Dokpesi and his Daar Investment and Holdings Company Limited are currently standing trial on alleged monkey laundering charges to the tune of N2.1bn said to be obtained illegally and fraudulently from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in 2015.

The prosecution, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in proving its case against the defendants called 14 witnesses before closing its case on May 28, 2018.

However Dokpesi, responding, told the court of his intention to file a no-case-submission, adding that the prosecution had failed to establish any evidence of criminal act against him.

Ernest Chinwo ÓØ ÙÜÞ ËÜÍÙßÜÞ

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has approved the immediate reconstruction of the Fruits and Vegetables Market in D/ Line, Port Harcourt which was gutted by fire recently.

The governor also approved the release of compensation to traders who were affected by the inferno at the market.

In an interview yesterday, Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Special Projects, Dax George Kerley, stated that contractors would be mobilised to site on Tuesday next week, while actual construction would start on Wednesday , October 24.

According to Kerley, the new Fruit and Vegetables Market will have four buildings (one

At a resumed hearing yesterday, Dokpesi, through his lead defence counsel, Kanu Agabi SAN, prayed the court to discharge him and his company from the charges because the prosecutor failed woefully to prove any element of the offence levelled against them.

Agabi posited that out of the seven-count charge, counts 1, 2, 3 and 4, bordered on money laundering.

He argued that no offence was committed by the defendants because the proceeds were legitimate.

“I submit that money in the account of National Security Adviser, and Central Bank of Nigeria are not the proceeds of crime and when it is spent for any purpose whatsoever, the NSA is not trying to launder it.

“In what manner did he obtain the money, assuming without conceeding that it was a proceed of crime, the essential ingredients of money laundering offence have not been established.

“A payment was made by Colonel Dasuki and his name

storey each) and eight buildings (bungalow), designed to promote commercial activities.

Other facilities in the market include: 232 Open Stalls, 72 Lock Up Shops, Toilet Blocks, car park, drainage, internal roads, a warehouse, generator, transformer, perimeter fence and a security house.

He said Wike approved the release of N400,000 compensation to each of the 213 traders operating inside the market while 200 other traders operating around the market would receive N300,000 each.

Following the governor’s directive, the Special Adviser on Special Projects yesterday met with the leaders of the market and communicated the proposed actions of the State Government to the traders

was specifically mentioned, which implies that he was the person laundering the account.

“The accused are not the launderers but Dasuki. If the money launderer is Colonel Dasuki, are we going to condemn him behind his back, and if so, why was he not charged?

Agabi queried.

“If the objective of the prosecution is to adjudge a man guilty when he has not appeared before this court, you are not that kind of judge.

“If a witness who ought to be called by the prosecution is not called, it means that his evidence is detrimental to the prosecution.

“If you uphold these submissions, then, you must dismiss counts 6 and 7 because they are rooted in counts 1 to 4.

You cannot build something on nothing” Agabi insisted.

Agabi contended that there was a fundamental inconsistency the judge must not fail to observe and that was the fact that whereas the funds stashed in CBN as stated in counts 1 to 4 are considered illegitimate,

No fewer than 103 students of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State will be honoured with first class during the forthcoming 34th convocation ceremony of the institution.

Also, 2, 553 students will bag second class upper division, 5,750 second class lower, 1,660 third class division and 36 students for pass division.

The vice chancellor of the University, Professor Sulyman Age Abdulkareem made this disclosure in Ilorin on Friday during the press conference to mark the 34th convocation programme of the University.

According to him, “out of the total 12,108 students that will be convoking on Tuesday, 23rd October, 2018, 10,330 are first degree/diplomas graduands while the remaining 1,778 are

in counts 6 and 7, the same funds became legitimate for the procurement of arms.

“So, if the funds are legitimate as stated in counts 6 and 7, then, they should not be regarded as proceeds of crime, the defence counsel said.

“The prosecution called 14 witnesses, and all that the PW1 said was that money was paid into the account of 2nd defendant, he did not incriminate the defendants in any way.

He said, “PW 3, a staff of First Bank simply said the defendants bank with them and banking is a legitimate business and not an offence.

“PW 4, a staff of Top Rank Hotel said he reserved an accommodation at the instance of the 2nd defendant, which again was not a crime.

After adumbration, Agabi urged the court to dismiss the case as there was nothing in it.

In adopting his address, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, representing the EFCC argued that prosecution had made a very strong prima facie case against the defendants.

He also said that, “the institution would graduate 104 MBBS graduands,18 graduands in pharmacy, 49 in Veterinary medicine and 32 in nursing.

“Furthermore, a total of 25 graduands are obtaining diploma from the faculties of Education and management science. The higher degree to be awarded this year comprise 99 post graduate diplomas, I, 287 Masters from various faculties, 162 MBA/MPA/MILR/MPH/ MHPH and 236 Phds”.

He added that, “the graduating of 12,108 students this year in its 34th convocation ceremony of the University is its highest of its kind in the 34 years of its existence.

The vice chancellor also said that, “The success is an outcome of our tenacity to end

challenges we contended with at the beginning of the session.

“It is our wish to regularise our calendar and return to normal September to June academic calendar in order to bring back hope and glory to the entire Nigeria university system.”

On his resolutions for the institution, the vice chancellor said that “it is my resolve that I will not rest on my oars and my management team has also resolved not to denounce or abandon me in my expedition.

“Together, we shall arrive to retain the university of Ilorin on top for ever. I believe that the collective support of my management team and that of the entire staff of the University shall culminate in our collective victory.”

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55

OCTOBER 20, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPORTSXTRA

Mayweather versus Nurmagomedov yet to get UFC sanction

LeBron James failed to inspire LA Lakers against Portland

UFC President Denies Knowledge of Mayweather-Nurmagomedov Talk UFC president Dana White says he has not been contacted by anyone associated with Floyd Mayweather regarding a boxing match against Khabib Nurmagomedov, despite both camps expressing interest in public.

“Don’t pay attention to it,” White told ESPN. “First of all, the Mayweather team has not approached us at all. Khabib is under contract with the UFC. Floyd is very good about getting his name out there when he wants to.”

Nurmagomedov (27-0), the UFC’s lightweight champion, is coming off a submission victory against Conor McGregor in the highest-selling fight in UFC history.

He recently appeared in an online video alongside Mayweather advisor Leonard Ellerbe, telling Mayweather, “we have to fight.” The currently retired Mayweather (50-0) has since responded, telling TMZ earlier this week his team can “make it happen.”

Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdelaziz told ESPN on Thursday that Nurmagomedov would certainly entertain the idea.

“I’m talking to everybody right now,” Abdelaziz said.

“At the end of the day, Khabib is a UFC fighter. He has a contract with the UFC and we respect the contract. ... But we’re open, if Floyd wants to box Khabib.

“You have a guy who is 50-0, a guy who is 27-0.

Both have never tasted defeat. Khabib brings 2.5 billion Muslims around the world, some of the richest countries in the world, and they’re behind him. Floyd Mayweather is a megastar.

Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather.

If the two forces clash, that’s a real fight.”

As far as Nurmagomedov’s next fight in the UFC, White said the promotion has not given it serious thought.

Nurmagomedov is currently under temporary suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for his postfight actions at UFC 229, and is facing a disciplinary suspension that would likely

spill into 2019.

McGregor (21-4) is already campaigning for a rematch.

Abdelaziz said he doubts the Irish star truly wants one.

“He say he want it, but he don’t want it,” Abdelaziz said. “How you want something like that? How you want a nightmare hunting you for 25 minutes? You have to understand, Khabib carried this boy. Khabib could have finished in the first, second, third round. He finished him in the fourth round. He carried him to punish him.

“Conor was an enemy, a true enemy to all of us. When you defeat an enemy, you move on -- especially when the enemy surrenders.”

Sarri Backs Hazard to Become World’s Best at Chelsea Chelsea forward Eden Hazard has the potential to become the world’s best player while still representing the Premier League club, manager Maurizio Sarri said on Friday.

The in-form Hazard had suggested this month that he may need to join a Spanish club in order to win the Ballon d’Or, which is awarded every year to the world’s best player.

The Belgium international, who has a contract with Chelsea until 2020, has also

stated his desire to play for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

“Eden is a fantastic player.

It’ll be important for us if he will remain. He can win everything, also the Ballon d’Or, here without playing in Spain,” Sarri told a news conference before Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.

“Chelsea will be able to win the Champions League, Belgium will be able to win the European Cup... I only saw him yesterday, but I want to tell him (that) very

soon.”

Chelsea have made a strong start to the campaign under new manager Sarri, winning six out of eight games and drawing the other two to sit second in the table behind leaders Manchester City on goal difference.

They come up against former manager Jose Mourinho, who has endured a testing time with United this season having lost three times to lie in eighth spot.

“We are talking about a coach who has won every-

thing. He has won everywhere. So I think that I have to respect him. But I think you also all have to respect him,” Sarri added.

United came from behind to seal a 3-2 win over Newcastle United with three late goals in their last match.

“They are a very strong team. Maybe player-byplayer, they are the best team in the Premier League. At the moment I think City is better like a team. But player-byplayer, they are really very strong.”

Wimbledon Introduces Final Set Tie-breaks from Next Year Wimbledon will introduce final-set tie-breaks when the score reaches 12-12 in all events from 2019, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has confirmed.

The move will prevent a repeat of the marathon matches that have previously occurred at the tournament, including the world-record match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut in 2010 that reached 70-68 in the final

set and lasted over 11 hours.

AELTC chairman Philip Brook said: “Our view was that the time had come to introduce a tie-break method for matches that had not reached their natural conclusion at a reasonable point during the deciding set.

“While we know the instances of matches extending deep into the final set are rare, we feel that a tie-break at 12-12 strikes an equitable

balance between allowing players ample opportunity to complete the match to advantage, while also providing certainty that the match will reach a conclusion in an acceptable time-frame.”

The changes have been made following a review of match data from the previous 20 Wimbledon championships, as well as consultation with players and officials.

As well as being host to the longest match of all time, Wimbledon also saw the third-longest match ever this year when Kevin Anderson beat John Isner in the semi-finals.

Following the match, Anderson called for Wimbledon to rethink their policy on final set tie-breaks. Visibly tired, he went on to lose the final to Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

LeBron James Says LA Lakers will Take Time to Gel LeBron James could not reverse a string of losing debut games with new NBA teams as his Los Angeles Lakers era began with defeat at Portland.

James scored a game-high 26 points, including two rim-rattling dunks, and had 12 rebounds but the Portland Trail Blazers spoiled his Lakers debut with a 128-119 victory at the Moda Center arena.

The basketball world had been waiting months to see the 33-year-old James in the purple and gold jersey and when the moment arrived he electrified the Portland crowd, but ultimately he couldn’t prevent the Lakers from dropping their 16th straight game to the Trail Blazers.

James, who averaged 27.5 points, a career-high 9.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds last season, finished with six assists but at times he also looked out of sync with his new team-mates.

“It’s not instant oatmeal. It’s not that fast,” James said. “It takes some time to get that chemistry where you can just close your eyes and know exactly where guys are.

“I liked our fight to get back into the game when we were down double digits. I liked the way we competed at times. I liked the way we shared the ball as well. Those were all positive.

“There are some things that we could do better. We can rebound a lot better, we had some turnovers, which I expected. Us just trying to get a feel for one another.”

Lakers coach Luke Walton said of James: “Glad he’s on our team. He’s pretty good at the game of basketball.”

Ighalo Optimistic of Eagles Victory against Bafana Bafana Changchun Yatai of China striker, Odion Jude Ighalo has expressed optimism that the new found form displayed by the Super Eagles against Libya would be enough to see them defeat South Africa next month.

With the Eagles haven taken all six points off the Libyans, winning 4-0 at home and 3-2 away, for a massive 7-2 aggregate win, Ighalo said in a TV sports programme monitored by footballlive. ng that he is happy that the Nigerian team have now hit top form.

He, however, admitted that the game against South Africa will be tough, as Bafana Bafana are also eager to reach Cameroon 2019, but stressed that it is a match the Eagles want to win.

Ighalo recounted how the South Africans shocked Nigeria by beating the Eagles 2-0 in Uyo last year, at the start of the race to AFCON 2019, and stated that it would only be fitting to pay them back in their own coins.

With that in mind, Ighalo is now thinking positively ahead of the match in Johannesburg on November 17 and, while admitting he would love to score again, the six-goal hero says the Eagles will play as a team to win.

Ighalo said: “The match in South Africa will be tough, but we have to win that match for us to go to the Nations Cup. “We want to be at the Nations Cup, so we have to beat South Africa at their own home. They did the same to us in Uyo, so we want to return the favour to them.

Coaches Win Appeal against Ban for Removing Medal Three coaches who quickly took off their silver medals after last year’s title game at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship have won appeals against bans.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of Sweden head coach Tomas Monten and assistants Nizze Landen and Henrik Stridh. They faced bans of two or three games at the 2019 junior worlds.

The International Ice Hockey Federation says it “acknowledges the oversight” in rules which previously required only players to wear their medals “in respectful manner” for the post-game ceremony and interviews.

The IIHF has updated its rules for the next tournament, which starts in December in Canada.

Sweden lost to Canada for the 2018 title in January in Buffalo, New York.

Saturday, October 20, 2018

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MISSILE

Falana to FG “For the umpteenth time, I am compelled to caution the Buhari administration to wage the war against corruption within the ambit of the rule of law.”

– Lawyer, Femi Falana opposing the movement restrictions placed on 50 high profile Nigerians by the federal government.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

How I Became Addicted to Social Media

F

ellow Nigerians, if you are not yet on any social media platform, or you are one of those still doubting the efficacy of the new revolution in town, you are certainly on a long thing, to borrow one of those popular slangs of today’s youths. I often smile when I see myopic people who dismiss the social media phenomenon as nothing but a fad that is not as influential as many of us try to put it. Truth is, you can only ignore this twenty-first century wonder at your own peril. I know some politicians deluding themselves that the masses are not on social media and my response is they know not what they are saying.

The penetration level of social media has certainly quadrupled since the General Elections of 2015. And it has continued to gallivant geometrically upward since then. News has become so instant such that woe betide any media organisation that has not embraced it, or upgraded Mark Elliot Zuckerberg its operations, to catch up with this most the enthusiasm of my legion of younger modern of trends.

I stumbled on social media initially as a friends now in next year’s Presidential race, form of entertainment in the last decade. I but I must tell them the gospel truth, and think my romance started with Facebook. nothing but the truth. Nigeria is not yet ripe I saw it as a veritable means of linking for the true and genuine hope and brilliant up with friends globally. The process was promise they can offer our troubled, and slow but steady. But we enjoyed what troublesome, country. I couldn’t believe, or started in form of an elitist recreational imagine, the reaction, and attitude of the tool but snowballed before our very same grumblers, who saw nothing good eyes into a supersonic means of modern in any of our leaders, to our exceptionally communications. Today, I’m able to easily innovative campaign. We had no funds, and quickly connect with members of my but we had amazing guts and took on families and friends, even in the remotest the Lions of our tough nation with bare of villages. Social media is no longer for the hands. They showed us what we didn’t bourgeois gang but for all and sundry. It has know. The experience was surreal. The been spreading like bushfire in harmattan. young people who should appreciate, and Social media became serious business for applaud, our audacity, chose to tease, and me when I decided to run for the highest diss, us endlessly. But we gained something, office in our dear beloved country Nigeria against all odds.

By January 2012, when the fuel subsidy in the year of our Lord 2011. My team controversy broke out, my team had moved in Nigeria and the United States, led by Ohimai Godwin Amaize, the Campaign my Twitter account admirably to about Manager, and Bamikole Omishore, who 13,000 followers. Not many politicians were coordinated our American operations were visible on social media at that time. At a already social media aficionados! I was point, I was certainly amongst the top five, persuaded and coerced by both of them with Nasir El Rufai and Babatunde Fashola to accept the inevitability of social media ahead. In those days, we grew our accounts as a powerful tool in political campaigns. organically unlike these days when with What was more, we had by then studied handsome money in the pocket, you can the works of David Plouffe and David buy followership. I’m proud to say we Axelrod, the brains behind Barack Obama’s never did and we still don’t. We engaged monumental campaign and wished, or our followers directly and decorously. It was at this stage I decided to take over hoped, to replicate same in Nigeria.

We wanted as much of a clean break my account personally.

The moment I encountered Twitter, I was with the past era of political thuggery as possible. We didn’t even think we should soon on a journey to addiction. My success join any of the big parties in existence. We came through my literary background in wanted to associate mainly with ideologically Yoruba oral and written literature and conducive parties, the reason I approached, English language and literature. It is such and joined, the Labour Party, thinking we an uncommon combination that had already could galvanise the long-suffering workers launched and propelled me on an exciting of Nigeria into action and activism. We soon journalistic excursion into worlds I had hit a brick-wall and ended up in a cul de hitherto dreamt about. Unlike Facebook sac. We retreated in earnest and meandered and Instagram, you need some sufficient, if our way to the National Conscience Party, not substantial, understanding of the use of a platform that had such a reputable friend English language and expression, logic and of the poor, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, as a intellect to operate effectively on Twitter. progenitor and forerunner. But it seemed we Twitter easily and readily exposes illiterates, were too idealistic and certainly ahead of dim-wits, half-wits and nit-wits, many of our time. The position we found ourselves whom now swam the cyberspace in droves as trolls. Nevertheless, you cannot even sadly remains the same today.

While I do not wish to discourage or kill ignore these category of people because

they have their followership and can do great damage to reputations and careers.

To grow astronomically on social media, you must maintain your presence constantly and feed your followers the food of life regularly. You must possess the gift of tolerance and forbearance. You will receive insults from all manner of ill-mannered and manner-less people who hide behind computers and smartphones to haul diatribes, invectives and vitriol at those old enough to be their parents. Many of them are so uninformed or ill-informed, or both, but come and charge at you as all-knowing, and what is worse, without control. I have been at the receiving end at the slightest provocation, for something as insignificant as doing my professional job by interviewing someone they despise and don’t want to see on your page. They forget that freedom of expression is a two-way street and that rational people know that it is always better to hear the other side, no matter how we feel about what they may have to say. Justice always demands that the principle of fair hearing should be a cardinal principle that journalists, judges and all fair-minded individuals embrace.

My all-time baptism of fire was when I supported Major General Muhammadu Buhari as APC Presidential candidate in the 2015 Presidential elections. The PDP supporters on the Internet immediately saw me as THE enemy. In all honesty, and in retrospect, those guys were brutal, but they still argued with some sense and facts.

Somehow, we managed ourselves to the end. It was a game of tit for tat. But things have changed now for the worse. Tolerance has been thrown out of the windows and the worst forms of division, hatred and downright bestiality have taken over. Before you finish pronouncing the name Buhari, some trolls would have pounced on you, even if they are yet to hear you out. It is already assumed that you are about to attack their idol and object of worship.

It is that simple. You are likely to trigger a third world war if you do not accept Buhari as your Lord and Saviour. Many distinguished people have been successfully bullied off social media lest they incur the wrath of the Buhari fanatics. They have absconded and gone into quiet retirement due to fear of savage attacks on not just their views but their personality, family and heritage. Unfortunately, in my view, these guys have created, and amassed, unseen, and unquantifiable, multitude of silent enemies for the President, who on a good day is so simple and jovial but, has been turned into a monstrosity by the words and actions, of his pyromaniac acolytes.

As for me and my house, I have become a porcupine, who has the capacity to rebuff all the poisoned darts, barbs and arrows they fire from different directions.

Most of my followers have come to like and acknowledge my unusual calmness in the face of reckless insults. My job is my only means of survival and that of many dependants and no one can succeed in telling me not to report any human being just because you hate him/her.

If you don’t like some faces you see on

my page, you have the total freedom to move on to other accounts. If I have not complained about your choice, why complain about mine, when I have not attacked yours? I believe I’m old enough, and have acquired enough experience, to help me form an informed opinion and arrive at my reasonable choice, whether you consider it wise or utterly stupid.

That’s the whole essence and beauty of democracy and free speech. Many of those opposed to the re-election of the President, again in my view, do so because of the palpable fear that he is incapable of uniting the many ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria. How he manages to control and correct this anomalous perception would ultimately determine his success or failure in the 2019 Presidential election. He needs to start by asking for greater decorum for his baying and rabid attack dogs. It is clear to me that they are currently not acting at his behest or doing his bidding.

WhatsApp seems to be the in thing at the moment with a massive cacophony of information, misinformation and disinformation flying left, right and centre.

The Atiku and Buhari war machines are in full throttle. It is a battle royale between the two determined, if not desperate groups, and troops. Unfortunately, most of the rival advocates for the protagonists have focussed largely on the personalities of the two main gladiators. There has been very little emphasis on ideology, principle, or policies of the respective Parties. Yet according to the Constitution, and as we have seen in practice, it is the Parties that contest the elections, and it is the Party that wins that is meant to run the country.

Perhaps, this is one of the reasons, the present administration of President Buhari has not succeeded, because it has veered substantially from the policies it espoused in its manifesto before assuming power and the party has largely remained a rubber stamp. The curtailment or elimination of corruption cannot of itself make the government progress, unless effort and action are put into government and the provision of infrastructure and social welfare for the generality of the populace.

Social media could be used to re-energise and re-orientate the populace to focus on the essential things in this forthcoming election and compare the attributes of not just the two Presidential candidates, but what their respective Parties now have for us going forward. It is to the future, rather than the past, that the debate and discourse must focus.

The past is merely something from which both sides should learn from. However, social media is not being properly utilised.

Rather it has decimated friends and families like never before.

All kinds of groups now exist where people tear at each other’s throats, in the name of politics, while the leaders still meet publicly or surreptitiously and cement pacts and relationships. My only hope is that Nigeria would survive the unprecedented bitterness of this foul season.

Those who know how to pray should not stop screaming in their loudest voices to the God they worship.

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