SATURDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2018

Buhari Wants Europe, US to Help Recharge Lake Chad It would be the greatest western investment in Africa Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said the greatest investment Europe and the United States could

make in Africa now was to help in accomplishing inter-basin water transfer to recharge the Lake Chad.

Receiving the Chairman of the African Union

Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, in the State House, Buhari recalled how the Lake Chad had served as the source of livelihood for millions of West African

citizens in the past.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the president listed countries which benefitted

immensely from the lake in its productive years as Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria.

The president, according to the statement, also noted that Lake Chad had now shrunk

to 10 per cent of its initial size as a result of the huge impact of climate change.

He was quoted as saying, Continued on page 6

Tension in Jos as Army Discovers Grave of Missing General‌ Page 16 Saturday 27 October, 2018 Vol 23. No 8592

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N250

N

24-Hour Curfew Re-imposed in Kaduna as Abducted Monarch is Killed El-Rufai vows to bring culprits to justice John Shiklam in Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State yesterday reimposed the 24 hour curfew in the metropolis and some local government areas, following

the killing of the abducted monarch, the Agom Adara, Mr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima.

The governor, who expressed shock at the development while extolling the sterling qualities of the

murdered First Class Chief, vowed to work with security agencies to ensure justice for “revered man."

The traditional ruler who was abducted recently on his way from Kasuwan Magani

to his palace in Kachia was killed on Thursday night by his abductors after collecting an undisclosed sum of money as ransom.

News of his death threw the city into confusion as restive

youth burnt tyres along the Sabon Tasha Express Way, causing residents to flee the area.

The 24 hour curfew earlier imposed on the city following violent clashes that claimed 77

lives within the metropolis and Kasuwan Magani community, was Wednesday reviewed to commence from 6:00am to 5:00pm daily till further notice.

Continued on page 6

PDP to Buhari: Present Your CertiďŹ cate, Nigerians Not Interested in AfďŹ davit President’s credential raises huge questions about his integrity APC: It’s a dead issue, we’re focused on salvaging Nigeria Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to make available his academic credentials like other presidential candidates and stop bugging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with affidavits.

In a swift reaction, the All Progressives Congress said the certificate issue was a dead one, and that the party was focused on salvaging Nigeria destroyed by the PDP. INEC had last Thursday published a list of candidates, who are participating in the 2019 presidential elections and their credentials.

But Buhari, who is seeking a re-election, failed to provide his academic credentials, which

is part of the requirements to qualify to contest elective positions in Nigeria.

The President had told INEC that all his academic credentials, including his General Certificate of Education, were in the custody of the military.

Reacting to the president’s failure to make available his credentials, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan in a statement yesterday in Abuja, challenged Buhari to show proof of his ‘vaunted integrity’ by presenting his academic documents, if he has any to INEC and put an end to the certificate saga.

The main opposition party said that a situation where Continued on page 6

INEC: We Are Privy to Provisions of the Electoral Amendment Bill... Page 6

A ROYAL VISIT...

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (with the Emir of Kano, His Royal Majesty, Muhammadu Sanusi II, when the governor played host to the Royal Father at the Government House, Enugu‌yesterday

8VH DQ\ RI RXU H FKDQQHOV IRU WUDQVIHUV SD\PHQWV RU EDODQFH HQTXLULHV $YRLG7KH4XHXHV % ( 3$ 57 2 ) , 1 * 6 + 2 8 / ' 1 Ĺ&#x203A; 7 ( 9 ( 5< ' $< %$ 1 .

(6 //(1* <2 8 5 ' $ , /< & + $

&$5'6 02%,/( %$1.,1* 21/,1( %$1.,1*

2

THISDAYtSATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2018

THISDAYt SATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2018

3

4

THISDAYtSATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2018

&$5'6 02%,/( %$1.,1* 21/,1( %$1.,1* 9LVLW

ZZZ DFFHVVEDQNSOF FRP

WR JHW VWDUWHG

'RZQORDG \RXU 0RELOH %DQNLQJ DSS IURP

5

THISDAYt SATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2018

LAGOS, NIGERIA October 26, 2018 RECENT SPECULATIONS ON CAPITAL INJECTION Our attention has been drawn to recent media reports concerning new equity investment in Diamond Bank Plc. Such reports have speculated on the identity of a new investor, with permutations on the structure of the investment.

We wish to notify the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the General Public that these reports are far from the truth. Diamond Bank is not in talks with any party, global or otherwise, for any capital injection. While previous communication from the bank has highlighted a need to shore up the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), the preferred option is an internal capital management programme that has been explained in detail to analysts and investors.

While we recognize the need to expand our options in the short term, we have no concrete new development to report and will notify The Exchange once there is any.

Yours faithfully, For: DIAMOND BANK PLC

Uzoma Uja Company Secretary/Legal Adviser

6

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

PAGE SIX

INEC: We Are Privy to Provisions of the Electoral Amendment Bill Says it’s yet to be served Supreme Court judgement on Rivers APC

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said it was privy to the provisions of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly earlier in the week.

The commission stated categorically that many of the new provisions in the bill were based on recommendations of the commission.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this in Abuja while briefing journalists on the preparations of the electoral body ahead of the 2019 elections.

He stated: “Over the last three years, we worked very closely with the National Assembly on improving

the legal framework for the conduct of elections, both constitutional and the Electoral Act.” “In our discussions with the National Assembly, we have been privy to some of the provisions in the draft bills and we took a proactive step.”

“If tomorrow, the bill is assented to, there are provisions that we can easily implement and there are provisions we can’t implement because of time.”

Yakubu noted that the full implementation of electronic voting would be impossible due to the short time frame to the 2019 general elections.

The commission also revealed that it was yet to be served the full text of the Supreme Court judgment on the congresses held in River State by the All

Progressive Congress (APC) for it to study the details and know what appropriate action to take.

The Supreme Court had on Monday descended on the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal for granting an application in favour of the APC in respect of the conduct of the party’s congresses in Rivers State.

A five-man panel of the Supreme Court, in its unanimous judgment, held that the Court of Appeal committed “a sacrilegious exercise of discretion” by favouring the APC in its June 21, 2018 judgment despite the party’s decision to conduct its congresses in Rivers State in disobedience of subsisting orders of the court.

The apex court described the conduct of the party’s

ward, local government and state congresses of May 19, 20 and 21, 2018, respectively, in Rivers State, in violation of a pending court order, as “condemnable, egregious and preposterous.”

The INEC boss also revealed that 79 presidential candidates have been cleared to contest 2019 elections.

He added that while 1,856 candidates are vying for Senatorial seats, 4,496 are vying for House of Representatives seats.

He said that governorship elections would be held in 29 States, while State Assembly elections would be conducted in 991 state constituencies.

The chairman also insisted that the electoral body did not receive any list of candidates from APC for Zamfara state.

He said that the personal particulars of those contesting in Governorship and State Assembly elections would be published on 9th November 2018, one week after the close of submission of nominations by political parties..

On the suspended Port Harcourt state constituency election, Yakubu said that it would engage the stakeholders before picking a date for another election.

The commission pledged that no part of Nigeria would be left unrepresented, but said there was need to address the issues that led to the commission invoking its powers under section 26 of the electoral Act to suspend the election.

Yakubu also stressed further that the register of voters for each polling unit

would be displayed at the polling units nationwide for one week from 6th – 12th November 2018 for claims and objections by citizens in accordance with the provision of Section 20 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

On INEC budget, he said there was no discrepancies between what the commission submitted and the N189.2 billion that was passed by the National Assembly.

He said: “We had some discussion with the Ministry of Finance on the disbursement of funds for the elections and we are confident that we are not going to suffer any encumbrances in that respect. We are not going to suffer any difficulty in the 2019 elections.”

beguiled in 2015, are currently not prepared to accept ‘NEPA bill’ as WAEC certificate in the 2019 elections.”

The PDP urged Buhari to do the needful so as not to cause any frictions that would put INEC under further pressure ahead of the 2019 general elections.

APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu told THISDAY last night

that the party was more concerned about how to salvage the country, instead of engaging in an unnecessary debate with the PDP. “The PDP has not been able to come up with facts and figures to contradict Buhari’s educational qualifications. They should focus on vital issues affecting the country,” he said.

Kakuri, Kaduna.

The paramount ruler was abducted on his way to his palace in Kachia after accompanying Governor Nasir el-Rufai to Kasuwan Magani which is in his domain, to commiserate with the community over the bloody violence that claimed many lives last week Thursday.

His convoy was intercepted by the bandits who killed his police orderly and four other palace guards before he and his wife were taken into the

bush.

A similar incident had occurred in January 2018, when another traditional ruler in the southern part of Kaduna State, the Etum Numana, Mr. Gambo Makama and his pregnant wife were abducted and killed in Arak, Sanga local government area of the state.

The spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Yakubu Sabo did not respond to telephone calls and text messages when contacted.

PDP TO BUHARI: PRESENT YOUR CERTIFICATE, NIGERIANS NOT INTERESTED IN AFFIDAVIT Buhari has been dodging the certificate issue, raises huge questions of integrity, which demands that he provides his credentials, or apologise to Nigerians, if he has none.

The PDP said whereas its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had submitted his educational and other relevant documents to INEC, Buhari was seeking ways to shortcircuit the system, instead

of complying with set rules.

Ologbondiyan noted that Buhari should know by now that Nigerians are no longer interested in his claims in an affidavit wherein he stated: “I am the abovenamed person and the deponent of this affidavit herein. All my academic qualification documents as filled in my Presidential form, APC/001/2015 are currently with the Secretary

of the Military Board as of the time of this affidavit.”

The party said that integrity strictly demands that Buhari, particularly as the Commander-in-Chief, “writes to the military authorities directing them to forward his claimed credentials to INEC, as requisite evidence of compliance with a key requirement for election into the office of the

President, under section 131 (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

Ologbondiyan added: “President Buhari and the previous INEC succeeded in circumventing the law in 2015, and that does not make such acceptable in our current electoral process.

“Moreover, President Buhari and the APC must realise that even their followers that were

24-HOUR CURFEW RE-IMPOSED IN KADUNA AS ABDUCTED MONARCH IS KILLED The state government in a statement by Samuel Aruwan, the Media Aide to Governor Nasir el-Rufai, said the 24 hour curfew had been re-imposed owing to fresh security concerns.

He listed areas where the curfew would be in place to include Kaduna metropolis and environs, Kasuwan Magani, Kajuru, Kateri and Kachia, where the palace of the traditional ruler is located.

"This is a necessary step to help maintain peace as we mourn the death of His Royal Highness, the Agom Adara, who we lost in the early hours of today (Friday) to the criminals who abducted him last week.

"The Kaduna State Government calls for calm in all our communities. The criminal elements who perpetrated this crime should not be allowed to divide us," the statement said.

He explained that the violent clashes in the state were between law abiding people and those who wanted to divide and destroy the state.

"This is a struggle between good, decent, law-abiding people trying to uphold the peace and criminals who want to divide and destroy.

It is not a struggle between religious or ethnic groups.

Let no criminal find succor in faith or tribe.

The state government sued for peace, adding,

"Let us unite against every criminal activity. Let us stand together as human beings who have a right to live in peace "We mourn this quintessential traditional ruler who was killed by his abductors in the early hours of today.

"We are pained and heartbroken that criminal elements have taken away from us a man who did his best for peace and harmony in our state.

"The Kaduna State Government extends its condolence to the family of this revered leader and to the people of the chiefdom he led with dedication and commitment.” Following the abduction of the royal father, the security agencies and the government worked strenuously to secure his release.

"Government is shocked and disappointed by this unfortunate development, the government of Kaduna State and security agencies will pursue justice for this revered man."

The statement said the traditional ruler was "a man of peace, a traditional ruler who consistently made positive contributions for the peace and tranquility in his Chiefdom and the entire state" stressing that "he was a gentleman to the core.”

The statement reads: "Kaduna state has lost a cherished leader. Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai on

behalf of the government and people of the state extends deep sympathy to the immediate family and the people of the Adara Chiefdom.”

Meanwhile, the Adara Development Association (ADA) which is the umbrella body representing the domain of the slain royal father has called on the Adara nation to refrain from negative, inciting, inflammatory or unwholesome speeches detrimental to peace.

The association in a statement by its National President, Mr. Awema Dio Maisamari, said the killing of the Agom Adara was shocking and devastating.

According to the statement, "Words alone are not enough to express the past, present and future grief of the Adara nation and indeed other persons of goodwill over the frightening and agonising events of this week within and outside our community.

"We are however comforted by the knowledge that those who bring evil, death and destruction are not enemies of Adara people but the enemies of humanity.

"Fortunately, God is powerful enough to fight His enemies if only we are obedient to him by remaining true to our faith in the God of Love and forgiveness. By so doing, the goodness of God will manifest abundantly

even in the midst of the cruelty and wickedness of the increasingly confident agents of darkness.

"We are therefore, passionately appealing to all and sundry to remain calm, prayerful and law abiding.

Let us refrain from negative, inciting, inflammatory or unwholesome speech or posts on social media.

"Let us also cooperate with all relevant authorities and agencies concerned to ensure peace and tranquility in this period of mourning for our citizens and our Royal Father.

"We do not deny our rights to express our legitimate opinions, feelings and frustrations.

But that must be done at the appropriate time, manner and place and to the appropriate authorities".

The association also urged the Adara people to observe a period of mourning from now until the burial arrangements for the paramount ruler is announced by the elders.

An official of the Adara Development Association (ADA) who broke the news of the monarch’s death yesterday, said the kidnappers collected an undisclosed sum of money as ransom before killing him.

He said the traditional ruler was killed on Thursday night, adding that his corpse was recovered and deposited at the St. Gerald Catholic Hospital

BUHARI WANTS EUROPE, US TO HELP RECHARGE LAKE CHAD "People who depended on the Lake for fishing, farming, animal husbandry, and many others, have been thrown into dire straits.

"That is one of the reasons youths now dare the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, to seek greener pastures in Europe.

But helping to recharge Lake Chad will help a great deal in curbing irregular migration."

The statement added that Buhari observed that the size of Nigeria and resources available there-in placed a lot of responsibilities on the country's shoulders and pledged that the country would continue to fulfill its obligations to the African Union (AU).

Adesina further quoted the president as saying,

"At all international fora, we emphasise the matter of Lake Chad. We also talk about the influx of small arms from the Sahel, which worsens the security situation between herders and stagnant farmers. We will keep the issues on the front burners."

Furthermore, the statement added that Mahamat, in his remarks, praised Buhari, saying his leadership has been good for Nigeria, the AU, and Africa in general.

"He added that the next AU summit would look into the reform of the AU Commission, positioning the AU and Africa in the world, Single Air Transport Market, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, and other issues," the statement added.

THISDAYt SATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2018

! "

#

"

$ " " % & #'()*

+

,

-

."" " /0

+ - % 1

&

231))'4422

!

-

" 231))'4422

/

7

8

THISDAYtSATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2018

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC Unaudited financial results for the nine months period ended 30 September 2018

Interim consolidated and separate statement of financial position Group

Company

30-Sep-18

31-Dec-17

30-Sep-18

31-Dec-17

N’million

N’million

N’million

N’million

Cash and cash equivalents

416,249

401,348

18,445

7,545

Pledged assets

191,997

43,240

-

-

Trading assets

31,726

151,479

-

-

Derivative assets

36,538

11,052

-

-

294,979

316,641

1,758

1,625

-

114

-

-

438,648

381,711

-

-

8,654

9,623

-

-

Loans and advances to customers

429,994

372,088

-

-

Other assets

102,569

49,442

3,462

2,148

-

-

85,539

85,539

21,409

21,883

653

517

830

605

-

-

Assets

Financial investments Asset held for sale Loans and advances Loans and advances to banks

Equity investment in subsidiaries Property and equipment Intangible assets Deferred tax assets Total assets

8,976

8,901

-

-

1,543,921

1,386,416

109,857

97,374

218,657

185,218

98,047

92,654

214,928

182,060

98,047

92,654

5,057

5,025

5,057

5,025

Equity and liabilities Equity Equity attributable to ordinary shareholders Ordinary share capital Ordinary share premium Reserves Non-controlling interest

Liabilities Trading liabilities

70,035

66,945

70,035

66,945

139,836

110,090

22,955

20,684

3,729

3,158

-

-

1,325,264

1,201,198

11,810

4,720

120,341

62,449

-

-

Derivative liabilities

6,871

2,592

-

-

Current tax liabilities

11,567

12,240

331

157

907,681

815,363

-

-

Deposits from banks

169,325

61,721

-

-

Deposits from customers

738,356

753,642

-

-

Other borrowings

65,462

74,892

-

-

Subordinated debt

30,092

29,046

-

-

13,315

12,979

-

-

169,752

191,517

11,479

4,563

Deposits and current accounts

Provisions Other liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Total equity and liabilities

183

120

-

-

1,543,921

1,386,416

109,857

97,374

Interim consolidated and separate statement of profit or loss Group 3 months 9 months 3 months 30-Sep-18 30-Sep-18 30-Sep-17 N’million N’million N’million Gross earnings 54,594 168,801 57,022 Net interest income 18,274 58,443 21,912 Interest income 27,964 87,888 32,956 Interest expense (9,690) (29,445) (11,044) Non-interest revenue 26,146 79,974 23,991 Net fee and commission revenue 16,229 52,916 15,416 Fee and commission revenue 16,713 53,855 15,491 Fee and commission expense (484) (939) (75) Trading revenue 9,744 25,720 8,229 Other revenue 173 1,338 346 Income before credit impairment charges Net impairment write-back/(loss) on financial assets Income after credit impairment charges Operating expenses Staff costs Other operating expenses Profit before tax Income tax Profit for the period Profit attributable to: Non-controlling interests Equity holders of the parent Profit for the period Earnings per share Basic /diluted earnings per ordinary share (kobo)

9 months 30-Sep-17 N’million 154,220 62,947 89,684 (26,737) 64,280 43,309 43,565 (256) 20,195 776

3 months 30-Sep-18 N’million 695 216 216 479 520 520 (41)

Company 9 months 3 months 30-Sep-18 30-Sep-17 N’million N’million 18,951 3,333 216 13 216 13 18,735 3,320 1,719 284 1,719 284 17,016 3,036

9 months 30-Sep-17 N’million 29,229 (1,063) 32 (1,095) 29,197 1,010 1,010 28,187

44,420

138,417

45,903

127,227

695

18,951

3,333

28,134

(1,372)

4,136

(6,381)

(20,334)

-

-

-

-

43,048 (23,398) (10,004) (13,394)

142,553 (72,173) (31,337) (40,836)

39,522 (23,041) (11,148) (11,893)

106,893 (61,243) (27,640) (33,603)

695 (612) (325) (287)

18,951 (1,188) (609) (579)

3,333 (350) (206) (144)

28,134 (1,131) (581) (550)

19,650 (2,977) 16,673

70,380 (10,623) 59,757

16,481 (2,921) 13,560

45,650 (7,978) 37,672

83 40 123

17,763 (369) 17,394

2,983 (42) 2,941

27,003 168 27,171

519 16,154 16,673

1,799 57,958 59,757

550 13,010 13,560

1,617 36,055 37,672

123 123

17,394 17,394

2,941 2,941

27,171 27,171

160

573

130

361

1

172

29

272

Company 9 months 3 months 30-Sep-18 30-Sep-17 N’million N’million 17,394 2,941

9 months 30-Sep-17 N’million 27,171

Interim consolidated and separate statement of comprehensive income Group 3 months 9 months 3 months 9 months 30-Sep-18 30-Sep-18 30-Sep-17 30-Sep-17 N’million N’million N’million N’million Profit for the period 16,673 59,757 13,560 37,672 Other comprehensive income: Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss Movement in fair value reserve (equity instruments): 118 292 Net change in fair value 127 287 Related income tax (9) 5 Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Movement in the available-forsale revaluation reserve 323 187 - Net change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets 347 297 - Realised fair value adjustments on available-for-sale financial assets reclassified to income statement (24) (110) ‘Movement in debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (OCI) (1,609) (3,241) Total expected credit loss 56 33 Net change in fair value (1,515) (2,459) Realised fair value adjustments transferred to profit or loss (150) (815) Related income tax Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax (1,491) (2,949) 323 187 Total comprehensive income for the period 15,182 56,808 13,883 37,859

3 months 30-Sep-18 N’million 123

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

123

17,394

2,941

27,171

123 123

17,394 17,394

2,941 2,941

27,171 27,171

Total comprehensive income attributable to: Non-controlling interests Equity holders of the parent

516 14,666 15,182

1,747 55,061 56,808

569 13,314 13,883

1,630 36,229 37,859

The full financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 26 October 2018 and signed on its behalf by:

Basil Omiyi CON Chairman FRC/2016/IODN/00000014093

Yinka Sanni Chief Executive FRC/2013/CISN/00000001072

Adekunle Adedeji Chief Financial Officer FRC/2013/ICAN/00000001137

Board of Directors Basil Omiyi CON (Chairman), Yinka Sanni (Chief Executive) Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), Ngozi Edozien, Ifeoma Esiri, Ballama Manu, Salamatu Suleiman, Simpiwe Tshabalala* *South African

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

RC 1018051

THISDAYt SATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2018

9

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 27, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY

Tope Oshin’s ‘We Don’t Live Here Anymore’ Rattles Nollywood Ferdinand Ekechukwu writes that Tope Oshin has delicately taken on a sensitive issue with her new movie ‘We Don’t Live Here Anymore’

F

ilmmaker Tope Oshin is known in Nollywood, first as a director, then producer and casting director who studied Theatre Arts, T.V & Film Production at the Lagos State University, and thereafter, Filmmaking Techniques and Methodologies at Colorado Film School, USA. Exclusively-unique productions has been associated with the multiple award-winning motion picture professional. So it’s always a delight whenever Oshin announces a new project. This time, it is somewhat different as it touches on a delicatelysensitive issue the Nigerian society abhors.

Sponsored by The Initiative For Equal Rights (TIERs), the Tope Oshin directed movie ‘We Don’t Live Here Anymore’ tells the story of the plight of two teenage boys in love with each other, and have to deal with the society. By the official plot of the movie, the story goes that in a fictional Prominence High School, two teenage boys; Tolu Bajulaiye and Chidi Egwuonwu find themselves embroiled in a high stake scandal that could alter the course of their future.

With an impending expulsion, Tolu’s mother, Nike, who is a powerful matriarch, pulls all the strings within her palm and resets the tone into what would become a battle of class, blackballing and a triggering society ready to punish anything besides the status-quo. The Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) themed movie, along with heterosexuality, was recently premiered at the IMAX Cinemas in Lagos, and witnessed by celebrities/Nollywood players.

The movie premiere finally ended months of anticipation since it was first announced in May this year. In the last few years, TIERs has produced quite a number

of Nigerian LGBT films. These films - Hell or High Water, Everything in Between, and Veil of Silence - are aimed at bringing about a society that is free from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

TIERS Nigeria has somewhat been working to change the narrative of Gay people in Nigeria. In 2016, when they made Hell or High Water, directed by Asurf Oluseyi, It featured a Gay pastor that was coming to terms with the public being aware of his sexual preference. TIERS followed up with ‘Everything in Between’, a series which had a bigger focus on marginalised women, as well as a gay man that was disowned by his family and takes on an NGO. Truthfully, there are only a few people who can effectively handle a story like this and Tope Oshin is believed to be one of them. Tope is known for producing Fifty and The Wedding Party 2 and for directing New-Money, Inline and Journey To Self.

She is a prolific and respected director who has served as a juror for the International Emmy Award.

Oshin was also listed as one of “9 Nigerian female movie directors you should know” in Nollywood.

However, for all that Nollywood has accomplished in the past few years, the industry still skirts around LGBT stories, perhaps because there’s no market for those stories with Nigerian movie audiences.

Since Oshin announced this new project, We Don’t Live Here Anymore, there seems to be some anticipation for the film; largely due to the fact that the film is set up to be a humanising story about two young gay men rather than portraying them as exaggerated caricatures of popularised stereotypes about the LGBT community.

What’s even more interesting is that this is also a

young adult film. While the young adult literary and film industry seems to be an evergreen genre in the United States, it remains virtually untapped in Nigeria.

There are very few Nigerian films that tell stories from the young adult point of view, even less with stories such as this at its core.

Written by Noni Salma, the film starred quite a number of Nollywood actors including Osas Ighodaro Ajibade, Funlola Aofiyebi, Katherine Obiang, Funmi Eko, Abiodun Aleja, Francis Sule, Kunle Dada, Temidayo Akinboro, Chris Iheuwa and Omotunde Adebowale.

Speaking at the premiere, the Executive Producer, Olumide Makanjuola said, “We Don’t Live Here Anymore is particularly important, as it discusses a facet of society that is usually ignored. We’re not sure what this will mean for the LGBT society here, but we have a lot of faith in Tope Oshin’s ability, and the nuanced manner with which she typically tackles issues. It is expected that this will spark a lot of horrible reactions from the average Nigerian, however, it is hoped that the movie will sensitise them to issues surrounding sexuality in the sponsors’ estimation.”

Oshin argues that the movie preached the message of humanity, saying “Irrespective of the lines that divide us, we need to tolerate each other and being knowledgeable that whatever we do to another person comes back to us.

“It’s important to touch on human rights. It’s important to heal the society and tame the evils before the society and that’s why we came up with this movie.

We looked at how we can talk about one of the evils in the society and also mirror the society and inspire changes,” she said.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 27, 2018

11

SUPERSATURDAY

Tiwa Savage and Wizkid in Love tango

Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Unveil Intimate Scenes Few weeks after Teebillz debunked the relationship rumour between his ex,Tiwa Savage and music icon, Wizkid, again, the music stars have left many fans in awe after both displayed raw romance in trending ‘Fever’ video, writes Omolabake Fasogbon

J

ust when fans were struggling to withdraw their assumptions on the love story between top selling music artistes, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage, a breathtaking performance by the duo in the just released Wizkid’s ‘Fever’ video has got a number of fans concluding on their love status. Tiwa’s estranged husband, Tunji Balogun aka Teebillz has in not less than a month ago dropped an arguable comment on the music stars, describing the alleged relationship between them as fictitious.

This, to some extent, seems to have calmed the airwaves as not so much noise was made thereafter.

In a familiar but surprising move, Wizkid’s much anticipated ‘fever’ video shows an apparently love-stuck Tiwa and the fever crooner in the peak of romance while almost getting into each other. Quite expectedly, the clips are generating a torrent of reactions from die-hard fans who feel the father of Tiwa’s child might be wrong on his position on the artistes after all.

Beyond the message being passed across and the creativeness that go into the work, the amorous scenes in the clip have set the social and soft media agog.

Some trolls consider the video to have manifested an excellent mark of professionalism in the make believe world, exonerating the icons from being in actual love, but majority saw a different picture, insisting that the chemistry and emotions that transpired between the actors in the clips were real, while some went as far as throwing shade at Teebillz, describing him as being shallow minded.

Some of the exciting comments that run on the video read: “There is nothing that will make me believe Wizkid and Tiwa are dating. These two are just acting. They are giving us what we want.”

“Can’t tell if Wizkid and Tiwa are dating or not but let’s be honest, this ‘fever’ video is a perfect PR.” “Teebillz needs to stop being in denial and move on with his life. Tiwa is definitely in some sort of relationship with Wizkid.” “I really won’t assume that Wizkid and Tiwa are having anything together until they come out. They are professionals,so the video might

just be work.”

“Lmaooo Wizkid’s ‘fever’ video makes me happy because they both didn’t say anything after TeeBillz wrote his rant.”

The afropop queen didn’t pretend not to have seen the

torrent of ripostes that followed her frolic acts with the 28 year old super-talented lad.

Tiwa obviously not given a heck wrote in form of admonishment: “Your relationship doesn’t need to make sense to anyone except you and your partner. It’s a relationship. not a community projects. You’re my favourite place to go when my mind searches for peace ‘’ Her comments further hike the rage of scepticism that rents the air during the week.

Tiwa and Wizkid have become subject of suspicion ever since the former separated from her husband and ex manager, Teebillz in 2016. Their closeness in many outing and acts could just settle them as lovebirds as many have observed and believed, but both continue to maintain that they are nothing other than bestie.

The multiple award-winning father of three, who was recently called out by his baby mamas for neglecting his fatherly duty, has been having a good run in his career in the recent time. His latest song, which is the talk of the town, was released on October 1st as an independent gift to Nigeria. He didn’t just release the fever that happens to be his first solo of the year, he also dropped ‘Master Groove’, produced by Phantom .

Fever, produced by Blaq Jerzee and directed by ace music video director, Meji Alabi, has succeeded in gaining the heart of music enthusiasts away from other hits.

The pakurumo crooner went up another notch in the global scene when the State of Minnesota declared a proclamation dedicating October 6 of every year to the music icon, thus breaking African and World entertainment record.

The Governor of the State recognised that the song writer had inspired Minnesotans and music fans around the world as one of he biggest cultural influencers of the present time.

The proclamation stated that Wizkid achieved international recognition in 2016, following his collaboration with Drake on the global hit, One Dance, thereby becoming the first indigenous Nigerian musician to score a number one hit on the popular US Singles chart.

Wizkid has been stamped as the powerhouse in Nigeria.

He is gradually carving a niche for himself in the United Kingdom through collaborations and most recently in America.

12

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

COMMENTARY

THE FIRST AND THE BEST

F

The University of Ibadan celebrates 70 years of remarkable services, writes Sunday Saanu

rom Faculty to Faculty, drums will rumble and grumble as the campus of the University of Ibadan (UI), will be kept agog with all manner of festivities in celebration of the Nigeria’s premier university. The University of Ibadan turns 70 years this November. In marking the milestone however, the management of the university headed by Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka has declared a year-long ceremony, beginning from October this year to November 2019 in order to fully commemorate a university that has remarkably imparted the world.

Established in 1948, UI which is admirably tagged “the First and Best”, could be described as a relatively young university when compared with some prestigious universities across the globe. For instance, a 70-year old UI can’t be compared with the University of Cambridge in England which is 809 years old this year. Neither can UI at 70 match the record of Harvard University which marked its 382 years this year. Oxford University is 922 years this year while Yale University which was founded in 1701 is 317 years old. There are many others which are well above a thousand years! This is, perhaps, where those who are quick to condemn Nigerian universities because of poor world ranking need to be a bit cautious before throwing away the baby with the bath water.

Obviously, there is still a long distance to destination!

However, despite its young age, UI has by far, established itself as a world-class institution, becoming a prestigious national patrimony with an enviable reputation and record of sound scholarship obtainable and comparable in any part of the world.

The achievements of this university in the last 70 years, to use that particularly all-in-the-air American expression, are “awesome”. If indeed you know a tree by its fruits, Ibadan has undoubtedly defined itself by the high quality of its products, parading many brilliant and bold graduates who have since been shaping the world. Indeed, UI’s products are its pride.

Universities all over the world function on the tripod of teaching, research and service to the community. Ibadan has distinguished itself in all these key areas to the amazement of the pundits. The exponential effect of its contributions to Nigeria, Africa and the world is quite unimaginable. There is no continent that the UI’s products are not making waves. It needs no emphasis that Ibadan produced the first generation of writers, scholars, diplomats, technocrats and artists among others.

Those who attended UI are the pride of the country. They include but certainly not limited to Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, J. P. Clark, Christopher Okigbo, Mabel Segun, Ben Obumselu, Micheal Echeruo, Biodun Jeyifo, Francis J. Ellah, Oladipo Akinkugbe, Femi Osofisan, Niyi Osundare, Odia Ofeimun, Bode Sowande, Franscesca Perreira, Dan Izevbaye, and Abiola Iyere . Also in the long list are Kenneth Dike, Adiele Afigbo, Kayode Osuntokun, Olumuyiwa Awe, J. F. Ade Ajayi, Bola Ige, Olumbe Bassir, Goke Olubunmi, Dapo Adelugba, Tekena Tamuno, Obaro Ikime, Gamaliel Onosode, Billy Dudley, Ojetunji Aboyade, Felix Ohiwerei, Akin Mabogunje, Adamu Ciroma, Jubril Aminu, Ola Oni, Bade Onimode, Omafume Onoge and so on Travelling through the past, one is compelled to pay homage to those who had passed through Ibadan, thus, creating the enduring, rigorous intellectual template with which the institution has been reinventing itself. Records show that scholars of different stripes from different parts of the world have passed through Ibadan,

UI HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A WORLD-CLASS INSTITUTION WITH AN ENVIABLE REPUTATION AND RECORD OF SOUND SCHOLARSHIP OBTAINABLE AND COMPARABLE IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD

leaving behind remarkable creative, artistic and scientific legacies.

We have them to thank for blazing a worthy trail. UI is what it is today because some people sacrificed their yesterday for the betterment of our today. We are indeed beholden to our forebears.

Can this university celebrate its platinum jubilee without remembering the past vice-chancellors who staked their lives for the survival of the system? Many of them were insulted, embarrassed, threatened and assaulted in the course of building Ibadan. Yet, they put in their best to ensure that UI remains the flagship of higher education in Nigeria. Prof. Kenneth Mellanby began this journey.

He was the first principal between 1947 and 1953, followed by J. T. Saunders (1953 – 1956), John Parry (1956 – 1960), Prof. Kenneth Onwuka Dike (1960 – 1967), Prof. Thomas Adeoye Lambo (1967 – 1971) and Prof. H. Oritsejolomi Thomas (1972 – 1975).

They also included Prof. Tekena N. Tamuno (1975 – 1979), Prof.

Samson O. Olayide (1979 – 1983), Prof. Ayo Banjo (1983 – 1991), Prof. Alien B. Oyediran (1991 – 1995), Prof. Oladosu Ojengbele (1995 – 1996), Prof. Omoniyi Adewoye (1996 – 2000), Prof. O. O. Olorunsogo (acting, 2000), Prof. Ayodele Falase (2000 – 2005), Prof.

Olufemi Bamiro (2005 – 2010), Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole (2010 – 2015) and the incumbent, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka whose five-year single tenure is expected to lapse in 2020. All these people and their team players gave UI their best of service. Perhaps it is against this background that a “Night of Honour” (where those who have contributed to the development of the university will be appreciated) is included in the schedule of activities marking the 70th anniversary.

In the same vein, it is not out of place to thank Olubadan in Council and the entire Ibadan people for their generosity with their land. Ibadan is a city of open arms. The friendliness of the natives draws all like a mystic magnet. Ibadan people gave the university much latitude to thrive as there has never been a record of hostility between the university community and the native of Ibadan.

Kudos to our brothers and sisters of Ibadan origin.

Clearly, this 70th anniversary commands singing, drumming, dancing, champagne popping, jollification and merry making. It deserves a year-long commemoration that has been declared. This institution, where academic prowess is combined with intellectual sagacity deserves to be celebrated by all Nigerian for its impressive achievements and contributions to the country. It was the former President Goodluck Jonathan who noted with delight, some years back that every Nigerian bears the influence of UI. According to him, “if you did not attend UI, somebody from your family must have finished from UI. If that is not the case, but you went to school in Nigeria, you must have been taught by someone who graduated from UI or who was taught by someone who finished from UI. Therefore, you bear the influence of UI”. This could not have been an empty assertion. More so when UI produces 45 per cent of all vice chancellors of other universities in the country. At a recent press conference, the UI Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayinka disclosed that UI has since inception produced 232,225 graduates in various disciplines. Today, Ibadan is the producer of the highest number of Ph.D degree holders in Africa with over 400 professors on its staff list. It is the intellectual capital of Nigeria; a scholastic beehive where cerebral honey is being produced for the world.

Saanu is Media Assistant to Vice Chancellor

OSHIOMHOLE, APC AND BAD LOSERS

D

The APC national chairman is doing his best in the prevailing circumstances, argues Sufuyan Ojeifo

emocracy would lose its defining egalitarianism if it foreclosed the free expression of viewpoints by adherents and diverse stakeholders. This is a cosmopolitan truth. But the essential paradox of this truth is that the crucial element of free expression of opinions can be unjustifiably weaponised in the amoral contestations for ungodly validity of ill-gotten mandates as have been witnessed in the quest for nomination tickets of some political parties.

This scenario lucidly exemplifies the reality in some political parties, especially in the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) where the element of free expression of viewpoints has become weaponised in the hands of bad losers in the governorship primary elections in Ogun, Imo and Zamfara States. The bad losers, as they have been described by the party leadership, have desperately and sadly resorted to self-help by unleashing a free-for-all in the party.

Indeed, in a season of partisan frenzy, there is a tendency for discipline, party supremacy and rule-governed processes to become threatened.

This has been the lot of the APC in recent times, particularly in the miasma of its primary elections, closely mediated by the supervening process of appeal, which unfortunately had failed to mitigate the cacophonous outcomes of the governorship primary elections in the three states.

Expectedly, the party’s national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is in the eye of this largely weakened storm. To be clear, the former governor of Edo State is not new to storms. Having been toughened and burnished earlier in his public space trajectory, particularly in the burning furnace of trade unionism where he reached the peak as number one in the labour leadership hierarchy, the one-time president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is not cowardly.

His ascendancy as national chairman in June, this year, for good reasons, had ended

the reign of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the mild-mannered politician from Edo State, who succeeded the equally sedate and urbane Chief Bisi Akande, the party’s pioneer national chairman. But the contrast that Oshiomhole brought into the pedigree is his tough and no-nonsense background, which undergirds his fundamental commitment to repositioning the party.

Not surprisingly, this has spawned some resistance, verging on odious attacks on his character and person. But to be sure, Oshiomhole is not a saint. In fact, the guidelines for electing the national chairmen of political parties in Nigeria do not specify sainthood as a key requirement.

His choice simply acknowledges the capacity of focused individuals to change their societies for the better. For about two and a half decades, both as labour leader and politician, Oshiomhole has continued to provide clear, pragmatic leadership during periods of self-doubt by a citizenry under siege.

Looking back, Oshiomhole deployed the instrumentality of law to achieve what many thought were lost causes. Today, he is doing no less. He is duty bound to submit to the rule of law and due process while superintending the affairs of the APC. Those throwing tantrums are thus advised to submit themselves to the majesties of the rule of law and due process rather than populate the media with reports about plots to unseat him over frictions generated by the recent primary elections.

Oshiomhole is curiously accused of deploying the powers of the national working committee (NWC) to allegedly alienate the party’s power base. Consequently, some governors and stakeholders are allegedly up in arms against him. What is the fact? The governors are usually fingered as arrowheads of such quaint plots.

True, governors are very powerful members of the ruling party, a scenario also replicated in opposition parties too. They control the grassroots for the party.

Usually, governors insist on the control of

the party through indirect primary elections.

But in the last APC’s primary elections, the Oshiomhole-led NWC opted for direct mode. It had, however, conceded that the state governors be allowed some latitude based on the peculiar circumstances in each state. This position is captured in both the party’s rule-book and the guidelines by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the process of consummating the nomination processes in the states, some state governors had taken steps to circumvent the election by foisting their preferred candidates on the majority of the party members. They had overreached themselves by conducting their own primary elections without recourse to the electoral panels mandated by the NWC to do so.

But the NWC, with the magnitude of Oshiomhole’s chairmanship, had resisted the governor’s shenanigans. Some of the governors had fought back, thus heating up the party.

Some of the APC’s ‘rebels without genuine causes’ include governors of Ogun, Zamfara, and Imo states who expressed their dissatisfaction with the national leadership of the party.

Also, the governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, joined the fray when he said the APC primary elections were mismanaged. He had taken an unjustifiable swipe at Oshiomhole.

Another APC leader, Osita Okechukwu, who lost out in the Enugu senatorial primary election, had called for Oshiomhole’s head. In Rivers States, there were also issues shadowing the primary elections.

But the party’s newly-appointed national publicity secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, succinctly captured the emerging situation when he said the grievances and outbursts of some of its leaders who lost out at the recent primary elections were results of their inability to accept their ‘losses’. According to Issa-Onilu, “These persons were taking their losses at the polls very badly, and looking for whom to blame.”

This position is hardly disputable. A common

thread tying together the opponents of the party’s primary elections is loss. This orchestra constitutes the shrill, transient opposition to Oshiomhole. For failing to impose a governorship candidate on the people, in an undemocratic way which is unacceptable to the party, Governor Amosun enthusiastically joined the folks opposing Oshiomhole. Much of the forgoing scenario defines the so-called opposition that allegedly wants to unseat Oshiomhole.

This is clearly a forlorn project. I doubt if it can stand the focus, firmness and courage of Oshiomhole and other very influential leaders of the party who believe in his current exertions to reposition the party as a truly supreme entity. Significantly, a common denominator undergirding the antagonistic reactions leans heavily on personal interest. They have pretty little connection to party interest or ultimately national interest. These primordial agenda unfortunately form the key conceptual planks of politicking in Nigeria.

It is now very clear that Oshiomhole’s choice to lead the ruling party by its top echelon was not accidental. The diminutive dynamite from Edo State has, indeed, taken this responsibility very seriously. The position of national chairmanship of a political party, more especially a governing party, carries considerable weight, particularly in charting the course of progressive engagements with the critical elements in a democratic mix.

In Nigeria’s cloak-and-dagger politics, Oshiomhole represents a powerful force feared by the opposition within and outside the party.

Many of the allegations against his style fly in the face of objective analyses of the challenges of repositioning the party. In all, Oshiomhole has demonstrated that where principle, discipline and integrity underlie leadership, outcomes can also be peaceful, notwithstanding the initial turbulence.

Ojeifo wrote from Abuja via ojwonderngr@yahoo.com

13

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

INSIGHT

Will there ever be a break?

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

CURBING THE RISING INCIDENCE OF RAPE

O

nce again, the dreadful subject of rape in our society has been brought to the fore as Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbaje, a 13-year-old girl who was raped by a lecturer and his son in Benue State, recently passed away. The young girl reportedly fought with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) and other related medical problems at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, before her demise. Autopsy report affirmed the cause of her death to be sexual molestation of a minor.

According to reports, Mr. Andrew Ogbuja, the 51-year-old lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Benue State, and his son, Victor Inalegwu Ogbuja, a final year student of Animal Production at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, had allegedly molested and raped little Ochanya since she was eight years old.

Ochanya was living with the family as a result of her relationship to Mrs. Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, the lecturer’s wife who is her cousin, before she was turned to an object of sexual pleasure for both father and son. Reports had it that though the girl usually took ill, it was really hard for the hospitals in Ugbokolo to discover precisely what was wrong with her.

However, after severe grilling, the deceased disclosed how she had been sexually abused by the sexual predators but could not confide in anyone because she was threatened with death by the murderous duo if she ever told anyone about their escapades.

The poor girl further revealed that she was often drugged by the twosome.

Andrew Ogbuja had allegedly jumped bail and is currently at large. Angered by the repulsive and disgusting event, Nigerians are demanding for justice for the late girl.

Though a global phenomenon, the appalling issue of rape in our clime has to do with recklessness of the perpetrators, lackluster response of justice administrators and absence of institutional supportive system to help the victims. More worrying is that a good number of suspected rapists move freely on the streets after committing the heinous act. Also worrisome is the fact that not much is being done in respect of strengthening our weak laws to incisively deal with the problem.

Rape victims suffer a sense of abuse that goes beyond physical injury. They may become sceptical of men and experience feelings of embarrassment and disgrace. Victims who suffer rape trauma syndrome experience physical symptoms such as headaches, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. They may also develop psychological disturbances related to the circumstances of the rape, such as intense fears. Fear of being raped has social as well as personal consequences. For example, it may prevent women from socialising or travelling as they wish while worried and unenlightened parent can use it as excuse of limiting educational progress of girl-child.

Rape takes away from the victim human rights such as right to life (as it led to death in some instances), right to dignity of human person, right to personal liberty and security of person and right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It is a crime against basic human rights and it also violates the victim’s most cherished of the fundamental rights - the right to life.

Sadly, occurrence of cases of rape calls to question not only our sense of justice but our civilisation as a

REVAMPING THE POWER SECTOR IN NIGERIA

T

he performance agreement for all the electricity distribution companies has hindered President Buhari’s efforts in revamping the power sector in Nigeria. The terms of the performance agreement provide for a five-year tenure during which the core investors in the Discos are required to achieve far-reaching efficiency and improvement targets.

President Buhari’s government has no definite road map to untangle the mess of 2013 power privatisation because of the dubious associated performance agreements signed in August 2013 which was based on political patronage. President Buhari is sidelined by the performance agreement which provided among other things performance indices that the core investors covenanted to achieve, agreed reduction targets of aggregate technical, commercial and collection losses. This means that operating licenses of the incompetent Discos would not be cancelled based on this agreement. This agreement treats so well Discos that lack track record, technical and managerial expertise, financial capacity and transparency. Those that drafted and signed the power privatisation agreement are also accusing President Buhari of inaction in the power sector. The Discos that got billions of naira as bailout fund have accused President Buhari of not putting much investment to improve power supply.

Privatisation was meant to attract foreign and local investments, create jobs, stimulate every other sector of the economy, transfer skills and technology and make local products competitive.

Former President Jonathan dealt Nigeria a deadly blow on power privatisation, but President Buhari is prevented and sidelined by the associated performance agreements.

Power supply today is an admission that the Goodluck Jonathan administration that superintended over the power sector privatisation dealt so selfishly and so cavalierly with the issue. Shamsuddeen Usman, a former National Planning Minister, confirmed recently that politicians and officials circumvented safeguards as they scrambled to corner stakes in the unbundled Discos and Gencos. Usman, a former director-general of the TCPC, forerunner of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, recalled how transaction principles were T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R “side-stepped and the outcome, therefore, influenced EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE by political considerations as against economic and DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU technical capacities of the eventual preferred bidders.”

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO BPE recently sets December 2019 for final DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE performance review of Discos as those that sold NEPA CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI bought NEPA. NEPA was sold by the then PDP-led EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN federal government and bought by the business men MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE within the then ruling party. They gave Nigerians fixed charge to pay whether you have power supply or not. The Discos have created a dedicated line of power supply to serve the rich people and leave the poor people in darkness. Exactly four years since 11 power distribution and six generating firms were T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D handed over to some “private investors,” it is a bleak EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, anniversary, rendered gloomier still for Nigerians and ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI businesses by the missteps and disarticulation of the DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY power privatisation. President Buhari government OGEDENGBE does not know what to do with the mess it inherited.

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI President Buhari government is considering reviewSNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ing the controversial power privatisation of 2013. The ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has announced CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI December 31, 2019 as the final performance review DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO date of 10 of the 11 electricity distribution companies with the exception of Kaduna Disco.

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

people. Now, let’s attempt to examine why some men engage in the heinous crime of rape. According to experts, rape mostly occurs as result of a violent craving to control the victim rather than an attempt to achieve sexual fulfillment. They deem rape an act of violence rather than mainly a sexual encounter.

It needs to be, however, stressed that besides the desire to control, rape also underscores the sorry state of the mind of perpetrators. The blatant way rape is often committed shows that perpetrators still operate in a distorted mindset of women as assets to be used and dispensed with at will.

In our country, the weak stance of the law towards rape needs to be seriously addressed. Women and girls who are raped have little hope of obtaining justice and reparation. Victims are sometimes pressured into withdrawing the case or parents of victims prefer financial settlement out of court to a criminal prosecution.

Where cases are brought to court, prosecution sometimes fails because police refer cases to a court lacking appropriate jurisdiction and progress is then obstructed by the slow administration of justice. In some cases the alleged perpetrator is charged with a different and less serious criminal offence.

Sadly, perpetrators of rape have continued to enjoy the crime because the onus of proof lies only with the victims.

Digging into the provisions of the law on rape and sexual abuses, it is clear that a lot still has to be done if we must achieve a rape/sexual abuse-free society. A bothersome issue is the idea of giving culprit option of paying fine of such amount as ridiculous as N250, 000 which can be easily afforded by the culprit and his family. Of what use is the fine compared to damage caused the rape victims?

Tayo Ogunbiyi, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

Inwalomhe Donald, Benin City

14

RingTrue

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͺͿË&#x153; Íş018

Yemi

Adebowale

͎;͎ͯ͹͡Ͳ͎ͳͰͯ yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Terrifying Debt to Revenue Ratio

T

he federal government currently spends 69 per cent of its revenue on servicing both local and international debts. This is a fact.

I thought government officials would come out to dispute this figure when the former Vice-President (Africa) of the World Bank, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili unveiled it. It did not happen. It means that 69 per cent of the expected revenue in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s federal budget will go towards debt servicing. It is also pertinent to note that in the 2019 budget proposal still being worked, over N2.1 trillion has been set aside for debt servicing, yet, the government is not disturbed. The binge borrowing continues. This is why I found it shocking that the National Assembly approved FGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request to raise $2.8 billion in Eurobond to fund the 2018 budget.

With Buhari governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s binge borrowing, in few years, Nigeria may be plunged into insolvency by the huge repayments commitments.

Ezekwesili, a former minister, was apt when she advised government to suspend the Eurobond plans because â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is not good for the health of the economy.â&#x20AC;?

The former minister added that borrowing more was not a sustainable step as the country was not generating much revenue to cater for its critical development needs.

She remarked: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Federal Government is digging in instead of digging out. Already, the debt service to revenue is so high. Today it is 69 per cent. 69 per cent of revenue is used to service our debts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is not a sustainable situation. I see the government quote all the time `Debt to GDP ratioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, but that is like a blunt instrument in an environment where your GDP is not reflective of your productivity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We measure your productivity by the revenue the GDP generates in the form of revenue of government that comes as a result of the GDP. Your debt to GDP is three per cent

Ezekwesili

and you think that gives you the legroom to borrow and borrow. No, that is not your instrument. Your instrument is your debt service tool, which is the revenue.â&#x20AC;?

Ezekwesili urged the government to explore innovative ways of increasing revenue and deploying its limited resources only in those areas with massive impact on development, instead of accumulating more debt.

Ezekwesili is an experienced economist. I sincerely hope that the baby economists around our President will learn and act on her incisive analysis, before binge borrowing cripples this country.

It is depressing to note that Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debt has been on the rise in the last three years, amid so much poverty. This country has very little to show for this binge borrowing.

The federal government which accounts for over 90 per cent of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total debt profile has been very reckless. The Buhari administration is evidently looking good for the unenviable record of being the most notorious for binge borrowing in the 58 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; history of

this country. Within its first 29 months, it took foreign loans of almost $7 billion. There was a $150 million World Bank loan for our mining sector.

There was also a $1.25 billion in budget support from the World Bank. This is aside the $575 million approved by the same bank for the rehabilitation of the North-east. There was a $1 billion loan from the African Development Bank. There was a $1 billion Eurobond issued, with an additional $500 million from the Global Medium Term Note Programme.

The China Exim bank is expected to provide $5.8 billion. There was $300 million raised through a Diaspora Bond issued in June 2017.

Perhaps, the debt would have been higher if the Senate had not truncated plans to borrow another $30 billion.

I can clearly remember the Chairman, Senate Committee on Debts, Shehu Sani, remarking that if Nigeria must borrow, it must borrow responsibly: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we must bequeath to the future generation a pile of debt, it must be justified with commensurate infrastructural proof of the value of the debt. The payment plan of this debt will undoubtedly last the length of our lifetimes and possibly beyond.

We must leave behind a legacy that will appease and answer the questions the next generation of Nigerians will ask.â&#x20AC;?

The burden of these loans on our star-crossed generation and indeed future generation is weighty. Many of the states have accumulated foreign and domestic loans far beyond their repayment abilities. This is one of the reasons many can no longer meet basic obligations to their citizens.

The way the federal government celebrate these loans often leaves me crestfallen. They create the impression that it would be a quick fix for all our problems. Unfortunately, it does not often turn out that way. What hapless Nigerians have been gaining from these massive borrowings are poverty, hunger, disease, malnutrition, unemployment and infrastructure decay.

Minimun Wage, Maximum Problem Our sliding economy canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cope with the persistent strike by organised labour over their demand for a new minimum wage. Last month, the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy suffered greatly during the warning strike that lasted four days. Labour is again threatening to embark on a fresh nationwide strike from November 6. I get confused whenever labour says that government is unwilling to implement a new minimum wage for workers. So, the federal government should arbitrarily decree a new minimum wage for all levels of government and the private sector? It is obvious that there was no agreement by the tripartite committee involved in the negotiation for the new wage.

For example, the Nigeria Governors Forum had openly stated that many states lack the capacity to pay the new wage proposed by labour.

I am not in support of the current miserable minimum wage. I am just opposed to persistent strike as the only option for eliciting positive response. So, labour should intensify the negotiation instead of threaten-

ing the rest of the country with strike. The masses of our people suffer the most when it happens. This country does not deserve this kind of punishment at a critical period when our economy lays prostrate. Millions of Nigerians have lost their jobs, while industries are gasping for breath; yet, labour keeps talking about going on strike. Labour should also learn to sponsor/endorse candidates capable of improving the wellbeing of the working class.

On the flip side, I have never been a fan of the retention of minimum wage in the Exclusive list of our constitution. Our lawmakers should work towards moving it to the concurrent list or delete it from our constitution, else this crisis will persist. All levels of government and the private sector should be allowed to determine their minimum wage. It does not make sense for a state like Ekiti, to be compelled to pay the same minimum wage with a buoyant state like Lagos. It is just nonsense.

This is one big issue our lawmakers must tackle during the next round of constitution amendment.

ofhuman rights activist and Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, in opposing this illegality. He described the restrictions on the 50 Nigerians as repressive, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Order cannot restrict the movement of any Nigerian citizen.â&#x20AC;?

Falana declared: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The travel ban is a sad reminder of the reckless placement of political opponents on security watch list and seizure of their passports by the defunct military juntaâ&#x20AC;Ś the directive to place the 50 high profile suspected persons on watch list and restrict their movement is highly superfluous, completely unwarranted and totally uncalled for. In fact, it is an ingenious design to expose the Buhari administration to ridiculeâ&#x20AC;Ś For the umpteenth time, I am compelled to caution

Kalle village located about 17 kilometres from Maiduguri is now a ghost community after Boko attacked it last Saturday, killing 12 farmers. Residents of three other communities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dala-Malari, Fuguri and Femari - in Jere Local Government Area have also been displaced after the terrorists attacked them.

Three people were killed, with about1300 others displaced, when the insurgents sacked the villages in Jere LG. Two weeks back, I woke on a Tuesday morning with my pillow soaked in tears; tears for another brutally killed victim of the coldblooded Boko Haram; tears for traumatised residents of Borno and Yobe states, who are persistently deceived by a government that claims to have decapitated the rampaging terrorists.

Hapless Hauwa Mohammed Liman, a Red Cross worker in the custody of Boko Haram, was murdered, despite numerous appeals for her freedom. This is indeed an act of despicable cruelty. Hauwa was the second Red Cross worker to be killed by the terrorists.

Saifura Khorsa was the first to be slayed. They were abducted by Boko Haram from the IDP camp in Rann on March 1.

Few months back, I dedicated my column to the abducted aid workers, urging the federal government to rescue them. These patriots defied all pressures to go and assist IDPs in Rann. According to the Red Cross, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hauwa and Saifuraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deaths are not only a tragedy for their families, but to thousands of people in Rann and other conflict-affected areas of north-east Nigeria where accessing health care remains a challenge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How can it be that two female health care workers were killed back-to-back? Nothing can justify this. Hauwa, 24, was full of life, became a midwife at an early age and people who knew her described her as a sociable, dynamic and enthusiastic woman who was loved by family and friends. She was truly dedicated to her work helping vulnerable women in her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home area.â&#x20AC;?

It is disheartening that the federal government failed these patriots. The international community has to step in to save Alice Loksha, the last aid worker being held by Boko Haram.

The federal government can no longer be trusted to do this. Of course, they must also not forget Leah Sharibu and the other Chibok girls still in captivity. The rest of the world must assist Nigeria to secure freedom for these hapless girls.

The murder of Saifura and Hauwa, and the persistent attacks across Borno State is a clear confirmation that the terrorists are alive, kicking and control territories in Nigeria. The war against Boko Haram is evidently sagging while the Buhari administration continues with its sham story of success against the terrorists. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Degradedâ&#x20AC;? Boko Haram fighters are the ones taking the fight to our soldiers.

Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153; ??

Ngige

Still on the Tyrannical Executive Order 6 The federal government has brazenly shown that it would tame opponents with the ludicrous Executive Order 6 which gives President Muhammadu Buhari the right to arbitrarily seize peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assets. Buhari has gone further to impose restrictions on the movement of unnamed 50 high profile Nigerians and placed them on security watch list. Are we back to a military government? No section of our constitution gives the President such executive authority. This is an intrusion into the principles of separation of powers and must be opposed by all.

The laws of this country did not authorise the Executive to restrict the movement of criminal suspects.

I was really impressed by the courage

Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;

the Buhari administration to wage the war against the menace of corruption within the ambit of the rule of law.â&#x20AC;?

It is pertinent to note that the Supreme Court had in 1999 ruled that the right of citizens to freedom of movement guaranteed

by Section 41 of the Constitution and Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act could not be abridged or abrogated by the Executive outside the procedure permitted by law.

Patriots must proceed to the appellate court and challenge the Federal High Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruling upholding the validity of the controversial Executive Order 6. This judgement canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand in a higher court.

Residents of Kasuwan Magani community in Kaduna State are still burying their loved ones. Scores of people were killed in this area about two weeks ago, following clashes between the natives and Hausa settlers. Many were also killed in various parts of Kaduna metropolis three days after the Kasuwan Magani massacre.

Tension has always been very high in this state. There is so much mistrust among the diverse people here. Unfortunately, Kaduna State lacks a dispassionate leader; one capable of uniting these assorted people. The truth is that Christians, natives and other minorities across the state have no speck of trust in Governor Nasir El-Rufai. I concur that this man clearly lacks the capacity to govern a multi-ethnic and multi-religion society like Kaduna State. El-Rufai openly and persistently displays his prejudices, particularly during attacks in Southern Kaduna. This is why this state is on fire again.

The last three years have been horrendous, with so many communities in Southern Kaduna torn into shreds by bandits and herders. The only way forward is for this state to have a dispassionate governor, who would treat all parts of the state and all faiths equally.

They need a governor to unite them and draw strength from their diversity. I believe that the people of Kaduna State know what to do in 2019.

THISDAYt SATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2018

15

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͺͿË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

Ă?ĂĄĂ? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁĚ&#x161; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

FOR ROBUST ECONOMY...

L-R: Mrs. Nikechi Obi; former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and honorary life Vice-President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mrs. Onikepo Akande; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Babatunde Paul Ruwase; President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief of StaďŹ&#x20AC;, Mallam Abba Kyari and Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, during a courtesy visit by the group at the State House in Abuja. Ë&#x203A;

Tension in Jos as Army Discovers Grave of Missing General District head, two others submit self to Police SerikiAdinoyiĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă?

Following intensified efforts by the military towards unraveling the whereabouts of Major General Idris Alkali (rtd) who was declared missing on Monday 3rd of September, 2018 while travelling from Abuja to Bauchi, an open shallow grave where his body was allegedly buried before it was exhumed and taken to an unknown place has been discovered.  Alkaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car was found in a mining pit at Dura-Du Village in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

An expert who allegedly aided

in exhuming the Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remains alongside other accomplices have been apprehended and are now helping in the investigations.

Also, some of the persons, including the district head of Dura-Du, Mr. Yakubu Rapp, who were declared wanted by the Police in connection with the incident, have turned themselves up to the Police.

In a short statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Terna Tyopev, a Deputy Superintended of Police, the command said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Plateau State Police Commandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to declare some people wanted in respect to the case of the

mysterious disappearance of Major General IM Alkali (rtd) has started yielding results. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the persons declared wanted, Da Yakubu Rapp, the district Head reported to the Plateau State Police Command Headquarters Jos this morning, and he is undergoing interrogation.â&#x20AC;?

Others, according to Tyopev, are Timothy Chuwang, Matthew Chuwang, and Stephen Chuwang.

The Royal father Rapp said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know anything about the missing Army General. On Sunday, September 2, the soldiers came to our Lopandyet community, started

shooting and killing people. Even two of my sons were killed and two of my grandsons were wounded, and are now in critical conditions.

One was taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital, while the other was admitted in Plateau State Hospital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On October 2, about one month later, the Divisional Police Officer of Anglo Jos Division called me and showed me two of the police officers who gave me a paper that I should report to the Plateau State Command Headquarters on October 4 in respect of the missing Army General. Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Army also came to my house and started shooting guns

NNPC Denies Funding Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2019 Re-election Campaign Kachikwu earns citizenship of two US states, woos investors ChinemeOkafor Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039;Ëż

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday denied that its Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, made any cash transfer to the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation in support of the media and publicity of Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2019 re-election campaigns.

It noted in a statement in Abuja that the allegations that Baru made such transfer was a, â&#x20AC;&#x153;politically induced hallucination which has found accommodation in the subconscious of some mischievous political actors intent on dragging the corporation and its GMD into the arena of partisan political tussle.â&#x20AC;?

NNPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s denial of funding Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s re-election came at a time the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, was conferred with the honorary citizenship of the States of Georgia and South Carolina in the United States of America, thus making him honorary citizen of both states.

In the NNPC statement which

was signed by its Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, it said the allegation against Baru was patently false and ran against the prevailing gale of transparency and accountability pervading its operations since Buhari became president. Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;With no regard for the cherished investigative reporting ethos of balance and confirmation of story, the allegation, without doubt, come across as a kindergarten execution of an ill thought political brinksmanship,â&#x20AC;? the corporation said in the statement.

It asked Nigerians to pay no attention to the claims, adding that its management was focused on delivering Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aspiration for the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s petroleum industry. Â Meanwhile, Kachikwu according to a statement from his office, had at an event organised by the State of Georgia in his honour, got enlisted as a citizen of the state and that of South Carolina.

The statement said the event was held at Atlanta Georgia, in

the presence of the top brass of the legislative arm of the state which included Senator Donzella James, Georgia State Senate; Honourable Billy Mitchell, Vice President of the National Black Caucus of State, as well as other legislators of Georgia which included Honourable Erica Thomas, member Georgia House of Representatives; Honourable John Richard King, Chair South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus; and Honourable Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler amongst others.

Dawkins-Haigler, who is the Chair Emeritus of Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, was quoted to have said while speaking at the conferment of the honorary citizenship on Kachikwu, that the conferment was in recognition of Kachikwuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indelible strides and outstanding achievements in the global oil and gas industry, especially during his time as President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and also for institutionalising transparency in

Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil sector.

According to the statement, the citizenship conferment by Georgia was followed by that of South Carolina by Honourable John Richard King, Chair of South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus who represented the state.

Both states reportedly presented the symbolic keys to the states to Kachikwu as a further affirmation of the honorary citizenship to him. Â Kachikwu, the statement added, equally got conferred with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree, Humane Letters, Honoris Causa by the Trinity International University of Ambassadors, with robing ceremony and presentation of certificate done by Dr. Jaqueline Mohair, founder and chancellor of the university.

It explained that the minister also chaired the Nigerian Oil and Gas Core Strategic Investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Meeting held in Atlanta, to woo investors into Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil sector.

sporadically. They knocked at my door and threatened that they would kill me as they killed my children.

They left, but promised to come back by 3:00a.m. They threatened that if they did not see me, they will arrest my children, with the hope that I will come if they detain me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The soldiers destroyed my house and it was because of their threats that I did not come. When the Army came to the mining pond, they never asked for anybody. I have decided to surrender myself to the police after I heard that I have been declared wanted. I have decided to go myself because I am not a wanted

person. Let the police carry out their investigation. I have confidence in the police than the Army. Let justice be done.â&#x20AC;?

Gen. Alkali, immediate past Chief of Administration of the Nigerian Army, recently travelled from Abuja to Bauchi via Jos in his black Toyota Corolla car with registration number, Kwara MUN 670 AA on a restive day, and unfortunately ran into some hoodlums who were protesting an attack on the village which had happened the previous night, 2nd September, 2018.  The General was allegedly assaulted and killed by the hoodlums.

Army Launches 3rd Operation Crocodile Smile in Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Delta Emmanuel Addeh Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ëż

The Nigerian Army has begun the third phase of its Operation Crocodile Smile in the Niger Delta, meant to mop up all vestiges of criminalities in the region.

As part of the community relations aspect of the programme, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.. Gen. Tukur Buratai yesterday donated relief items to persons displaced by the recent floods in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

Making the presentation on behalf of the COAS, Brig. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, Commander 16 Brigade, Yenagoa, who visited Community Primary School, Igbogene and St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church, two of the major camps in the city, reminded the people that the army remains part of them and would always protect them whenever the need arose.

He added that the leadership of the army was saddened by the displacement of persons from their homes, noting that the military would always support any cause to make life more bearable for those

affected by the flood.

Gen. Aligbe, who also designated an army doctor in his team to attend to a few medical emergencies, called on the people of the Niger Delta not to fret over the current operation, especially if they observe an increase in the number of soldiers in their communities.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153; Operation Crocodile Smile 111 commenced on the 22 of this month with a multi-agency show of force in Yenagoa metropolis as well as contiguous communities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As part of the activities, is the rising trajectory of our visibility in the waterways and on land. As part of the confidence building measures, the Chief of Army Staff has identified with these Nigerians. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Especially, Bayelsans who have been displaced by the flooding in their communities and so has sent the first batch of relief materials to support them while they are in the campâ&#x20AC;?.

The army lauded the people of the region for their support and vowed to ensure that communities and businesses thrive in the area with maximum security.

Plus

Niniola Apata

I Jumped from One Reality Show to Another, Trying to Kick Start My Career pg. 20

GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND AUTO SHOWBIZFLAIR

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

Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika While in High School, I Started Dating An Old Manâ&#x20AC;¦ The Old Man Was My Dad

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž OCTOBER 27, 2018

18

PLUS

While in High School, I Started Dating An Old Manâ&#x20AC;Ś The Old Man Was My Dad Getting this Professor of Development and Mass Communication to grant interview is not always easy because of her multiple roles in the public and private spheres. So, it was a delight to meet her unscheduled and take her on a subject matter extempore. It was easy to get her because of established rapport.

Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, the substantive Head of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, takes Ferdinand Ekechukwu on a roller-coaster journey of her academic trajectory, administrative position, family, beliefs and lifestyle

OCTOBER 27, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS While Studying Abroad, My Values Changed, it wasn’t Money Again, but Development

O

n this occasion, the subject of the girl child was up on her mind. An opinion she recently worked on for a leading Nigerian newspaper, being a member of its editorial board, had caused a call to the affected family by

a duty-bearer.

The editorial had raised concerns about the fate of the girl. Having been involved in gender activities, it is no surprise that her leaning towards advocacy courses for the empowerment and emancipation of women and gender equality is at the core of her being.

And as it would appear, framing such editorial in a manner that elicited positive response from appropriate quarter and as a mark and consequence of social responsibility appears well justified, especially as a Chevening scholar. Prof. Ogwezzy-Ndisika holds M.A. in Gender and Development from the University of Sussex, England.

Prior to her traveling to UK for her study, Ogwezzy-Ndisika was pursuing a PhD at the University of Ibadan. “While doing that, I also got the British Chevening Scholarship.

So, I moved on to England to study Gender and Development in 1999/2000, because I have been involved in women and gender activities, feminism and all that. Therefore, it was an opportunity to have formal training in the field. ”So I had to go and spend one year, which was fully funded under the British Chevening scholarship by her Royal Majesty, the Queen of England; and administered by the Foreign and Common Wealth Office (FCO). Upon completion of my M.A. in Gender and Development, I returned and completed my PhD in Communication Arts at the University of Ibadan. When I finished, there were different job offers, even from the bilateral and multilateral agencies but I chose to come to the university. I wanted to get into the academic world,” she explained.

Continuing, she asked though rhetorically “And why did I do that?”, even when there were job offerings with better pay, even the bank she had worked with before she travelled to England wanted her back.

Ogwezzy-Ndiska had worked in the corporate affairs department of a financial institution. “I said, no. Life is not all about money’ I want to have a platform that I can use to develop myself and develop others and it is the university that will give me that.

Meanwhile, while I was studying abroad, my values changed, it wasn’t money again, but development, impact. So, I said the only place I will do that is the university.”

However, left with the choice of taking up employment after her mandatory NYSC programme in Katsina or self-indulgence, Ogwezzy-Ndisika followed her dream. Her coming back for a post-graduate programme would require doing a diploma course in Mass Communication first, before her M.Sc. despite her graduating with second class upper honours, as it is a policy in the Department of Mass Communication, if your first degree is not in Mass Communication.

While studying for her Master of Science Degree, by divine providence, she met some very good teachers, who acculturated her with the academic system; and while she was about to complete her PhD, the need for more staff lecturers arose. She applied and the rest, she says is history.

By dint of hard work Ogwezzy-Ndisika wedged through and in 2009 was promoted to a senior lecturer. Soon enough, she was due for the position of Associate Professor; she applied and got it. Also, when it was time for her to become a Professor, she applied having met the requirements and she got it. By God’s grace, she is the first female appointed Associate Professor and Professor; and the first Female Acting and substantive Head of Department, of Mass Communication, University of Lagos. Ogwezzy-Ndisika has spent about seventeen and half years, and teaches across all levels of study from 100 levels to the doctoral level.

Her desire to get to the peak of academic was nurtured by her aspiration while growing up. When she was in high school, she was very close to her dad. “I started dating an old man. Who was that old man? My dad! My daddy taught me how to drive… bought wrist watches and perfumes for

me… and took me out for occasions and sometimes to have a drink and meals. These are some of the things that go with dating”, she said with a wry smile. “In all these, I had it in mind to get my PhD. So, I used to ask my dad: What are the educational stages in getting a PhD? You see, I didn’t have any break in my education. So it was my personal desire to get it. Again, when I was an undergraduate, my female lecturers who were PhD holders sustained my desire.

As an undergraduate, I did my best and God helped me. Furthermore, all I needed to get to that destination was there - the natural endowment, personal will, and determination and focus.

“I just pulled through and I didn’t have any encumbrances from family; or early marriage and early child bearing and rearing. I decided to complete my education before getting into family life. So, basically while growing up, I had aspired to get to the highest level of academic and my parents were good mentors they kept us in check, shape and direction.” The Delta State born academic had her first degree at the University of Port Harcourt where she studied Linguistics. “To the glory of God, I was the best graduating student in my class”, Ogwezzy-Ndisika, said.

A thoroughbred scholar, Ogwezzy-Ndisika holds an enviable academic record from cradle having studied in public institutions all through her life, from being a young school leaver at 12. “Because I had double promotion in one, then from primary five, I latched on to secondary school, having passed my common entrance examination to different schools- Federal Girls College, Warri and Saint Theresa’s Girls Grammar School, Ughelli. So, my mum, who was then a school teacher in a secondary school, said, no. I cannot go . . . that I will not leave this community and go to another one? No way, that I have to stay because I was very young.

‘So, be that as it may, they had to copy my aggregate score. Then, you can copy your aggregate. So they copied my aggregate to the secondary school, where my mum was teaching. I sat for schools examination, passed, was interviewed and at the end, I was number two overall for those admitted into class one that year in my secondary school, Abbi Grammar School in Delta State. My desk number was 2A, while Iweanya Sunday who was overall best was 1A”.

The third and the only female out of the family of six children, she had due to her late mother’s constant in-service training, spent most of her formative years with her late maternal grand-mother at her mother’s town, Abbi. From a studious family, her eldest brother, Dr. Victor Ogwezzy runs a thriving private firm; her immediate elder brother Mr. Ernest Ogwezzy is currently a commissioner; her immediate younger brother, Dr. Michael Ogwezzy is law lecturer and an Associate Professor; the fifth

Underfunding, she said repeatedly. And because of that, there are problems with facilities; staffstudents ratio is poor. These are stark realities that are staring at us in the face and we must come with a strategic intervention and plan on how to deal with the issues

order, Mr. Kelvin Ogwezzy, a sailor; and the last born, Dr. Darlington Ogwezzy, is a lecturer in optometry. “You can see that it’s like pass on the touch. Fifty per cent of us are teachers and we are all born and bred by teachers. So, those things will account for some of our forensic behaviours; stickler for time, rules, and all that because that was how we started in our formative years… everybody was focused; and those things influenced our lives and you can see the profile of all my siblings. It didn’t just come by accident. People were doing the work.

My parents really did the work. And God helped them,” she enthused.

Having risen to her academic peak in a public institution and pretty much exposed to happenings in the system, what does she think is the bane of public tertiary institutions? She took no breath before responding.

“Underfunding”, she said repeatedly. “And because of that, there are problems with facilities; staff-students ratio is poor. These are stark realities that are staring at us in the face and we must come with a strategic intervention and plan on how to deal with the issues.”

The accomplished and successful mother of two would take no inherent opportunity to change any aspect of her life should it be.

In retrospect, she doubts if there’s anything she would be willing to change, and so far grateful to God. She reminds one of the aphorism that “godliness with contentment is great gain”, which was due largely to her upbringing. As it is with every human, there comes a period of low and high moment.

Asked what hers was, the disciplinarian retorts. “Do I really have any high moment?”

The loss of her mum, she declared, was her lowest moment in life. “I was jolted.

It was as if the world had come to an end. It was a black Saturday.” The turn of motherhood in 2003 was her high moment.

“Perhaps I think the day I became a mother and I had my first son. Because it’s just like that, and I have to put myself in check and assume my new role as a mother.” The scholar of repute believes in the philosophy of - live and let live; and that there’s enough space for everyone. Like her late mum taught her, live everyday as if it’s your last.

And remember, everything you do is a seed; someday, you will reap it.

When she was fairly a young academic, her routine covered one or two domestic chores, but her mum largely took charge of the home front. But now, “I’m not so much involved in household chores. Not that I don’t do them, I have competence. I’m a very good cook. I can use traditional and modern kitchen equipment and utensils, including labour saving devices. I can do all household chores. However, due to duty calls, I had to staff domestic chores.

In addition, I do a lot of forward planning, because 24 hours is not enough for me now to attend to professional activities. Apart from teaching, I also do community service.

As such, I am involved with different professional bodies and associations with the attendant meetings and activities. Interestingly, my little boys are grown up now; and they are in the boarding school, which takes away the burden of routine daily of motherhood. However, whenever they come back from school, I spend quality time with them and I try as much as possible to keep my activities light so that I can have a family-work life balance.”

Amidst her busy schedule, the professor of Development and Mass Communication still finds time to relax but mostly with music; most times gospel and classics- the new sounds she still listens to. “You know, I work with young people, so, I listen to them to flow with trends. You know I’m a hybrid.” Even, I have my hand held device, and the sound system of my SUV must be good at any point in time. I play very good music and I’m addicted to Nigerian movies - I love them because I can relate well with them and it tells me what really happens in our society. Of late, I have taken to vacations and tourism. Generally, I don’t go out much; once in a while, I go to the sports centre for exercise. Usually, my children pull me to the sports centre for walk out. That’s how I find time to relax. Then I attend weddings and birthdays sparingly, not all the time.”

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž OCTOBER 27, 2018

PLUS

Niniola Apata

I Jumped from One Reality Show to Another, Trying to Kick Start My Career Niniola Apata aka Niniola is a singer, song writer and performer. Shortly after a successful showing on Project Fame, she put herself in line and started pushing her music big time, earning her awards, major performances, topping musical charts and more. Niniola talks about her time at Project Fame, upcoming show, her music and a lot more with TOSIN CLEGG

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

21

PLUS I Had Major Challenges Funding My Project, but God Made Away

I

The real Niniola ’m God-fearing and fun to be with, easy going and a happy person who loves to sing and dance. My style of music is simply Afro-House, that is a blend of Afrobeat and House music and obviously done in my native tongue Yoruba.

Like I have always said, I was so determined that music was for me. So, I was jumping from one reality show to another trying to kick start my career.

At some point, I got my own band and we will perform at bars/lounges until I now got into Project Fame.

After Project Fame, I got myself experience and since then, we have been working. It’s never easy but we thank God for where we are at the moment and where we are heading to. Project Fame show was a huge platform, but not a major because the world outside the competition is totally different. But no doubt, the competition played a huge role. My experience on the show was fun, not all the time though, but it was worth it. Living with different people and learning how to survive was fun.

Each song I put out tells a story.

Prior to my debut album, I had about 10 songs, which played a huge role in building me till it was time to release the album. Putting out the album was a huge achievement for me because an album puts you on a certain level. Each song I have put out tells a story. Most times, people think they understand what I am talking about, but 90% of the time, they are wrong. Most times, it’s because of the way I twist the Yoruba.

My music is mostly from experiences.

Most of the time, not mine but that of people. I have collaborated with quite a number of people, both local and international and have won awards with those records as well.

I was ‘human radio’ in school I got the name ‘human radio’ when I was in secondary school. Then, my classmates will come to me at break time and request I sing for them. It was more like a request show. So, if it is a song I don’t know, I will go home, learn it and the next day I will sing it.

The ‘Human Radio Concert’ was born out of the fact that I had to look for a way to give back to the fans that have supported me from day 1 and for me, there is no better way to do this than a proper show. Expect an Electrifying Performance on that day.

The show is a self-funded project by my label, Drumroll Records and My Management Naijareview Limited, but we also got assistance from the Good guys at Monkey Shoulder Whiskey and media partnership from MtvBase, SoundcityTv, PlanetTv, BeatFm, Soundcity Radio, HOTFm, Urban Radio, NaijaFm, Nelson Jack, The Scar

Production, Olorisupergal, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, City FM, Kiss FM and Alp360.

Several artistes will be performing at the show. You will be seeing the likes of Reminisce, Aramide, Mayorkun, Lax, Johnny Drille, Mr. Real, Slim Case, Godwin Strings, Terry Apala, Immaculate, OlaDips, Ric Hassan, Tyson Noir, SOTI and of course my Sister Teni.

With God I have been able to achieve a lot in my short stay on the scene. I was nominated for the BET Awards, South Africa Music Awards, winning an Afrima Award and other awards. Having two songs topping the charts in South Africa (Maradona and Monini) in the same year, performing on stages around the world and also working with major names such as DJ Snake, I guess I would say God has been faithful. Honestly all that comes from God, because I never really do anything without prayers before and after. So, I will give God all the Glory.

Inspiration for my creativity First, I never like to listen to a beat before I go to the studio. So, the first time I listen is when I am ready to record. First, I vibe and the mood I get determines what I write. Sometimes, it’s either personal experience or other people’s experiences. Once I like the beat, the rest is history.

My mentors God, my late dad and my mother are my mentors. One particular memory that resonates with me is when my late father used to play his records and have me dance to them while he videotaped me. After recording me, he would then play it for his friends. Little did I know that he was preparing me for the life I’m living now.

African sound across borders I have found a way to make a mark and inspire a lot of lives, being able to take the African sound across borders.

When you hit milestones and you are thankful for each day you see, you do not talk about the challenges, you only think about the challenges when they are ongoing but when you pass them, you will be like ‘oh thank God,’ then you celebrate. Of course, challenges were truly there when I started; I had major challenges with funding my project but then God made a way, my mum was really supportive.

Working with Teni Of course, Teni and I will definitely give you guys something. I was welcomed by other people so welcoming her was never a problem, its actually good company. As kids, we used to sing together and do other things but when she travelled out of the country for her tertiary education, we couldn’t do all that again. Right now, we still call each other and talk about music every now and then.

One particular memory that resonates with me is when my late father used to play his records and have me dance to them while he videotaped me. After recording me, he would then play it for his friends. Little did I know that he was preparing me for the life I’m living now

A

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

22

VINTAGE

For RMD, It’s Good News from Kigali The awards have come in for veteran Nollywood actor RMD and he keeps winning more, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

R

ichard Mofe-Damijo, better known as RMD to many fans, is a folk hero greatly admired for his achievements in acting in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.

Richard, last Saturday night, emerged winner at the 14th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) held in Kigali, Rwanda. Mofe-Damijo emerged the overall Best Actor in a Leading Role, in the movie Cross Roads.

Following his win, the celebrated actor and model penned a gratitude note about his career journey and how he has managed to earn so many accolades in the past years.

He wrote on his Instagram page, “As a young actor starting out, I always wanted to have a voice to do my craft to the best of my abilities. Get lost in it and be able to shine through no matter the pressures of the living conditions in Nigeria. Am so grateful I have managed to live some of my dreams. The awards have come in and to get them in my life time and not posthumously makes me even more grateful.

“You see, none of my parents made it to be 60 years old. So to be 57 and healthy and winning awards in a profession I love so much just makes me super grateful today. I was at the beautiful new airport in Accra, past 4am using their Wifi when the news from AMAA Awards holding in Kigali came that I won best actor in a leading role for the movie Crossroads. I had won the same award at the very first AMAA AWARDS in Bayelsa. I was later honoured two years ago with a lifetime achievement award in acting.

Now this. This is me using this opportunity to say thank you to my fans and everybody else that has made my journey a beautiful one. Keep striving and keep believing and God will make everything perfect in His own time.”

For Nigeria’s leading ‘Prince of the Silver Screen’, RMD has been an actor, politician, writer, lawyer and poet, but he likes to keep it simple by insisting that he likes to be known as an actor, for it was the study of Theatre Arts at the University of Benin, going against the expectations of his parents as the only male child in a family of 17, that opened the opportunities for his other roles. He told this paper sometime early this year that, “I’m an actor because that’s what everybody knows me as. I’m a qualified lawyer, a communicator. I do corporate communications, government relations, public operations and I give opinions on legal matters when it concerns trademarks and intellectual property.”

The most interesting part of the RMD phenomena has been how he was able to take leave of acting and then make a come-back as if he never went for eight years in the first place as popular notion posits that many who take leave of the professions to serve in government are almost never able to return to their original calling. “I began a movement many years ago when one had become even much more than actor by standing up everywhere at every time there was an opportunity to say I’m an actor. That’s what I am. Even as a politician or somebody that served in the government, when people see me, they say, ‘actor’. I wanted to give it a definition that did not in any way denigrate it or me or put me in a certain box.”

The evergreen actor RMD has produced two films in his very active

RMD

years over a period of 34 years of being in the industry and has maintained

a dignity worthy of note. The classed thespian has been more in front of the camera.

You see, none of my parents made it to be 60 years old. So to be 57 and healthy and winning awards in a profession I love so much just makes me super grateful today. I was at the beautiful new airport in Accra, past 4am using their Wifi when the news from AMAA Awards holding in Kigali came that I won best actor in a leading role for the movie Crossroads

And get cast like any other person.

“Only Nobert Young and Dede Mabiaku, have done less films than I have done until date, in spite of the fact that I have spent 34 years in this business, I have not done 100 movies. That’s what some people do in six months. I have always chosen deliberately well. I just don’t jump into a role because it is offered to me.

I have probably turned down 20 times more roles than I have accepted.

I’m not afraid to say that.

I wasn’t one of those who were in a position to sit down and say ‘oh I need to cast you in a film but before I will cast you, I need you to visit me somewhere. I think that by having the fear of God, I have conducted myself in a way that I will never be ashamed in this industry.”

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

23

NEWS

In Brief Gunmen Shoot Ekiti Lawmaker

AmemberoftheEkitiStateHouseofAssembly,Hon.MichaelAdedejiwas at theearlyhoursofFridayshot byunknowngunmenwhiletravellingtoAkure, OndoStatecapital.ThePeoplesDemocraticParty(PDP)lawmaker wasone ofthelegislatorsthatpartookintheremovaloftheformerSpeaker,Hon.Kola OluwawoleandsubsequentelectionofanAllProgressivesCongress(APC) colleague,Hon.AdeniranAlagbada,asthenewoccupantoftheplumseat.The DeputySpeakeroftheHouse,Hon.SegunAdewumi,revealedtojournalistsin AdoEkitionFridaythat,Adedeji,representingEkitiSouthwestconstituency II was shot in the head . He said the lawmaker was immediately whisked to EkitiStateUniversityTeachingHospital(EKSUTH), wherehewasadmitted at the Accident and Emergency unit for intensive medicare.The legislator , whoisofPDPextractionaddedthat thelawmakerwasaccostedontheroad by the gunmen and was shot while trying to escape the scene by putting his car in reverse. “When he was accosted on the way, the lawmaker wanted to flee the scene by putting his car on reverse gear to another direction, but these evil men opened fire on his vehicle and the bullets hit him on the head.

Pencils for Africa Donates Educational Material

BALM ON THEIR PAINS...

L-R: Goldcoast Coordinator; Authority Benson, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Founder of Goldcoast Foundation; Mr, Moses Oruaze Dickson and Governor of Bayelsa State; Henry Seriake Dickson, during visit to flood displaced people in Bayelsa communities

FG Receives Another Batch of 149 Stranded Nigerians from Libya Air Peace flight makes Air return over incident Chinedu Eze

Another batch of 149 Nigerians were yesterday flown back to the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, just as Nigeria’s major carrier flight made air return over presurisation incident.

The Nigerians returned aboard Buraq Airlines’ Boeing 737-8000 with registration number 5A-DMG at about 1:20a.m. on Friday at the Cargo Wing of the airport.

The profile of the returnees showed that adult females are 56, one female child and 2 female infants while adult men are 81, with 2 male children and 8 male infants.

Though, all the returnees were those living in Tripoli, the country’s capital City, many of them confessed that they didn’t suffer the ordeals of

those who stayed outside the capital city but regretted venturing into such unreasonable and destructive journey.

One of the returnees, Aminat Sunday, 29, from Ifo Local Government of Ogun State, regretted the journey and said that if she had known she would not have travelled but because of much burdens of siblings, her children and persuasion by her trafficker.

She said she didn’t pay her trafficker before leaving but paid her with a year’s salary, after she arrived Libya.

“I got a fair job as housemaid but the work made me to come home because it is very stressful, tiring and have serious health problems on my body,” she said.

Aminat explained, “Libyans have houses that have large compounds In Libya, their houses have large

compounds and all of them have tiles. As maid after cleaning the main house, I have to scrub the whole tiled floors and fence every day with a salary of an average of N50, 000.00.

She said she was disappointed that she could not achieve the objective to raise enough money for the upkeep of her family.

“There is no banking system over there and there is no way money could be remitted back to Nigeria except through Nigerians who have banks in Nigeria. You pay them $5,000 dollars only $2,500 dollars will be given to the dependants.

“I actually regretted embarking on the journey but thank Almighty God and IOM for bringing me safely home,” she said.

Meanwhile, Air Peace yesterday confirmed that its Lagos-Owerri Flight 7252 on Thursday returned to base

after its crew observed that there was a change in cabin pressure.

“In line with our standard operating procedure, the captainin-command descended to a level where it would be comfortable for our valued guests, before making a return to base in line with global best practices in the aviation industry,” spokesman of the airline, Chris Iwarah said.

Iwarah said after the aircraft safely landed in Lagos, passengers on board, who had remained calm, were quickly transferred to an alternate aircraft and flown to Owerri.

“We regret the inconvenience and discomfort caused our esteemed guests on board the flight. We wish to assure members of the public that the incident had nothing whatsoever to do with the engines of the aircraft nor was it a life-threatening situation.

NEMA Distributes Relief Materials to Rivers IDPs

Fayemi Seals Buildings Allegedly Linked to Ex-governor Fayose

Ernest Chinwo ÓØ ÙÜÞ ËÜÍÙßÜÞ

Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said it has distributed food and other materials to more than 800 people displaced by flood in five affected local government areas of Rivers State.

NEMA’s Coordinator, Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in Rivers and Bayelsa states, Mr. Yakubu Suleiman, stated this at a stakeholders meeting yesterday in Port Harcourt.

He said the distribution was part of the agency’s intervention to provide succour to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the affected areas.

Suleiman said the stakeholders’ meeting was called to assess the activities of the EOC and their challenges in Port Harcourt.

According to him, the absence of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Rivers posed challenges in the course of the intervention unlike what obtained in neighbouring Bayelsa.

“We have started distribution

of the intervention materials after assessments of the areas. We had some challenges which the presence SEMA would have taken care of.

“We were able to control the situation in Bayelsa because the state SEMA was on ground already so we had necessary equipment to work with unlike in Rivers State.

“Here we are working with the local government chairmen, who we were told to work with because they are from those affected areas and know the areas very well,’’ Suleiman said.

Suleiman, who also commended the local government chairmen from the areas, said that items distributed so far were rice, beans, garri, milk, Milo, sugar, vegetable oil, and palm oil.

He said that items also distributed to the IDPs were: tin tomatoes, detergent, bathing soap, children’s wear, men’s wear, women’s wear, mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets, and buckets.

Others are cups, spoons, nylon mats, plates, clothing materials spoons and tent among others.

Two buildings in Ado Ekiti linked to the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, have been sealed off by the state government for lack of approved plan and permit.

The state government, through the Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning and Urban Development, said the erection of the buildings contravened the laws guiding urban renewal regulations of the state government.

Fayose is currently being tried at the Federal High Court, Lagos, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged reception of N2.99 billion from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, to fund his reelection in 2014.

He is presently being detained at the EFCC custody in Ikoyi, Lagos State despite that he had been granted bail since Wednesday.

The sprawling twin duplexes with elevated fences, covering over six plots, were located at

Anon-governmentalorganisation,PencilsforAfrica(P4A)hasdonated7,000 pencils,about500booksandfivelaptopstohundredsofschoolchildren. The organisationdonatedbookstoABUStaffSchoolinZariaand alsodonated pencils and laptops to GRA Model Primary School in Hanwa-Zaria while pencilsandlaptopwerealsodonatedtoModelPrimarySchoolinMaitama, Abuja. PencilsforAfrica(P4A)isthebrain-childof16yearsoldHabibaOdogba, a junior at Kettle Moraine High School in Wales, Wisconsin, USA. Habiba’s ingenuity,fosteredthroughhercompassionofothers’well-being,hashelped achievemajormilestoneswithinthismovement,andtrulydemonstratesthe KettleMoraineSchoolDistrict(KMSD)visionofLearningWithoutBoundaries.

P4A knows that under-supplied students do not get to receive the fullest experienceoftheirlearning,especiallywhentheylacksomethingasbasicas apencil. P4AbelievesthatthestudentswithintheKMSDcouldbeafighting force to combat this lapse by being the change agents for this.

79 Doctors Quit Kogi Civil Service

TheStateChairmanoftheNigeriaMedicalAssociation(NMA),Dr.KabiruZubair hasraisedthealarmthatabout79doctorshaveleftKogiCivilService.Healso disclosedthatdoctorsinKogiStateCivilServicewereprovidinghealthcare services on empty stomach. Zubair, made this known yesterday at a world newsconferenceinLokoja,tomarkthe2018NMA’sPhysicians’Week,themed: ‘UniversalHealthCoverage:LeavingNoOneBehind’.Accordingtohim,“Asat today,atotalof79doctorshaveleftKogiCivilService.Inthelastninemonths alone,27doctorshaveresignedfromtheKogiStateSpecialistHospital(KSSH), Lokoja, including two consultants. Forty four (44) have resigned from the State Hospitals Management Board (HMB) and eight from the Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba. More doctors are just waiting for the next available opportunity to leave. The consequences are worsening healthcare indices in the state.The vacuum created will ultimately be filled bymedicalquackstothedetrimentofourpeopleandnolevelofpolicingcan stop it,’’ the chairman lamented.

New Sims Digital Center Opens

SimsNigeriaLtd,ownersofSimsDigitalCentersandtheofficialrepresentatives ofSamsung,RoyalandPanasonicinNigeria,hasopenedaworld-classDigital CentrebesidetheIkejaCity-MallatAlausa. Thisisapparentlytheveryfirstof itskindinthecountryasitshowcasesmostoftheinternationallyrespected electronics and home-appliance brands in a very customer-friendly layout.

Products are displayed at very competitive prices and the staff, made up of both Nigerian and expatriate customer-service professionals, are very courteoustocustomers.Totopitoff,earlyshoppersattheCentrearebeing thrilledwithanofferofaneye-poppinggiftforeverypurchase.Accordingto the MD of the company, Mr. Simeon Eyisi, the Digital Centre was conceived to give buyers of Electronics and Home Appliances in Nigeria a shopping experiencesimilartowhattheyenjoyinthemajorcommercialcitiesacross the world. It also comes with the very reliable After-Sales service that the company has been known for.

Bakson Best in Fireproof Products

The Institute of Oil and Gas Research and Hydrocarbons Studies has named Bakson Fire Resistant Safe Brand the Best Fireproof Safe Product the Government Reservation of the Year at its Oil and Gas Products Awards held in Lagos last week.The Area (GRA) in Ado Ekiti and award was received by Mr. Jonathan Bakare, Managing Director and Chief almost adjacent the new Deputy Executive Officer of Bakson Investment Nigeria Limited on behalf of the Governor’s lodge located within company. Professor Akin Akindoyeni, Chairman of Council of the institute handedovertheaward. Bestowingtheaward,theinstitutenotedthatBakson the Government House.

When journalists visited the productswere“madewiththefinestfireresistantsafematerialsthatclosely building on Friday, the gates were adheretointernationalstandards”. Speakingwithnewsmen,Mr.Bakaresaid locked while contractors working his company was grateful for such recognition and promised not to rest on on the buildings had deserted the their laurels. He noted that the products’ ruggedness and safety remained unparalleledforlongserviceproductlife,makingittostandoutinitscategory. place.

A paper dated October 18, “Our product is complete structure coated with epoxy resin powder. Again which was attached to the gate and wefullycomplywithgovernmentpolicyonstandardisationandregulation,” signed by the Director of Urban and he said. The managing director urged players in the oil and gas industry to Regional Planning in the Ministry lookinwardsandusemoreoflocallyfabricatedpartsintheiroperations.“The said: “It was discovered during Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, is doing a inspection by the inspectorate staff good job. Local content must include use of Nigerian contractors, goods of our ministry that a residential and services as well as employing Nigerian personnel. Over time there will building by you at GRA has no be an increase in Nigerian companies rendering services within the oil and approved plan/permit for the site gas industry. Industry operators need to work with Nigerian contractors to or bring same to our office to get grow their capacity. certification for the erection.

“You are hereby ordered to Gospel Believers Conference suspend the use of the building The annual Gospel Believers Conference 2018 is to hold from October premises until approved plan is 29th to November 4th, 2018 at the Faith Cathedral International, Lagos. submitted for clearance,” it stated. The programme is to be hosted by Bishop Sam Ukaegbu where Bishop The contractor handling the project Mike Okonkwo of TREM, Dr. Felix Omobude, the President of PFN, Bishop began work about four months ago Simeon Ukah, Rev. Faith Ukaegbu would be ministering while inspirational after the buildings erected on the musicwouldbebyNazarene,SammyJ,Emmanuel,GloriousGloandtheFaith plot were pulled down to give way CathedralGospelChoir.Astatementbytheorgnaniserssaiditpromisesto be a life changing experience. for the new edifices.

24

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

NEWS

FG to Fine Overstaying Foreigners $4000 Chinedu Eze

The federal government has introduced strict punitive measure against foreigners who overstay their visa approved days in the country.

Depending on the number of days, foreigners who breach visa deadline may pay from $200 (N72, 000) to $4000 (N1.8million) as sanctions for attempting to beat the system.

Inside Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) sources confirmed to THISDAY that this policy has been implemented by the Ministry of Interiors, which also expects to generate huge revenues for the federal government.

For effective implementation of the policy, the federal government has ceded to Concec Limited the concession to generate money from this policy and since the implementation as approved, THISDAY learnt that foreigners travelling outside the country and those still staying have paid to legalise their stay in Nigeria.

“This policy has been implemented and it is not a secret. It is even on the notice for everyone to see. But Nigerian Immigration Service is not directly in charge; a company known as Concec Services Limited is in charge, though it is under Immigration.

So this is punitive measure but if you wish to regularise you stay you pay for it. It is stated in clear terms,” Immigration official told THISDAY. So government through the Ministry of Interior is using this new regime to monitor the movement of foreigners, but the new policy does not involve visitors from ECOWAS nations.

A document recently signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior and made available to newsmen indicated that a foreigner would be adjudged to have overstayed in the country if he exceeded the number of days approved for him in the visa he obtained from Nigeria.

The document, which was obtained from the Ministry, indicated that a non-ECOWAS visitor who intended to stay in Nigeria for a period exceeding 56 days, but not beyond 90 days aggregate would be sanctioned with a fine of $200 or the naira equivalent.

For a non-ECOWAS visitor who stayed in Nigeria beyond 90 days, but not exceeding 180 days aggregate would be sanctioned with the sum of $1000 or its naira equivalent.

Besides, any non-ECOWAS visitor who intended to stay in Nigeria or who stayed for a period exceeding 180 days, but not beyond 365 days aggregate in the country would pay to the government the sum

of $2000 or its equivalent.

Also, any non-ECOWAS visitor who overstayed in the country without authorisation or regularisation would pay penalty equivalent of $4000.

Informed source has revealed that several foreigners especially from China, Malaysia and Indonesia had been sanctioned by the government for violating the orders.

The official who spoke to THIS-

DAY said, “The federal government had to introduce this new regime in order to checkmate foreigners who abuse visas granted them by the government. It was discovered that some of them intentionally

overstay in Nigeria without regularising their papers. This, the government will not agree with and will do everything humanly possible to stop such abuse.

PROMISE REDEEMED...

L-R: Managing Director of Iso-Black Prints, Mr. Igho Okor; Samsung Galaxy NOTE 9 Winner, Mr. Mofe Ani-Mumuney, Brand Ambassadors, Timileyin Familoni and Sandra Agim at the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 promotions held at the Lagos Motor Boat Club, Ikoyi, Lagos... recently

APGA Plots to Win 5 States in 2019 Stakeholders Canvass Taxable Elections, Says Presidential Running Mate Donations to Politicians AmbyUneze ÓØ áÏÜÜÓ

Despite that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is yet to come out from the challenges it faces presently as a result of complaints of shortchanging aspirants particularly in Imo State, the party’s Vice Presidential candidate, Chief Jerry Chukwueke has assured Nigerians that the party would win in at least five states of the federation in 2019 general elections.

Chukwueke who is also the Chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to reconcile all aggrieved members who felt vexed over the fallout of the just concluded party primaries said that the states being targeted include Imo, Abia, Benue, Taraba and Nassarawa.

He pointed out that APGA had come to fill the yawning gap which the PDP and APC had failed to provide for the people of the country in the past nearly 20 years of their colossally failed leadership.

According to him, PDP had failed the nation for the past 16 years and APC couldn’t get her acts together for

the past three and half years it had been in the saddle then it was time to enthrone APGA that is the beautiful bride in town.

He added that tribe and religion were not enemy of the country but poverty, which according to him, was the cardinal message of APGAin 2019 election as it would tackle headlong poverty and insecurity in the country.

“APGA is committed in reducing cost of governance to at least by 10 per cent. It is unfortunate that the two major parties are not talking about it; they are more concerned with selling our oil and making use of its proceeds.

“It is also unfortunate that they are not talking about security because their leaders are part of those sponsoring insecurity and other notorious outfits that cause mayhem across the country,” he stated.

Chukwueke, who hails from Owerri North in Imo State, however, invited Nigerians to be part of the APGA project, noting that while the other two political parties were busy stockpiling billions of Naira to prosecute the 2019 general elections, he enjoined Nigerians to be part of the project by donating

their widow’s mite as stakeholders of the Nigerian project.

He used the opportunity to appeal to aggrieved members of the party to sheath their swords and come together to work for victory of the party, adding that it was impossible to give governorship ticket to the over 28 governorship aspirants at the same time.

“We are pleading with all our brothers and sisters who are aggrieved to come back and work together to enthrone APGA in Imo State government house. We shall also go to Abia State and other states for the same message,” he said.

Among the terms of reference include, to take steps to hear from and collate the alleged grievances of all aspirants in connection with the party’s primary elections across the country, especially in the South East; to take measures to bring back into the party all the aggrieved aspirants that have left the party as a result of the outcome of the primary election; and to take steps to ensure those aspirants threatening to leave the party do not do so.

Benue Communities Commend Military for Return of Peace George Okoh in Makurdi

Residents of Logo, Guma and Gwer Local Government Areas of Benue State have commended the joint Nigeria military operation Whirl Stroke for the return of peace and resettlement of thousands of displaced victims of suspected herdsmen attacks in the state.

This is even as the OPWS Commander Major General Adeyemi Yekini revealed that 145,000 displaced persons across Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states had returned to their ancestral homes.

According to the Chairman of Gwer West Local Government, Mr. Francis Ayaga and his Guma

counterpart, Anthony Shawon who spoke with reporters yesterday, said that there was peace in their areas and many who were displaced by the Fulani invasion in their councils had returned home.

Ayaga said 33,000 of the 34,900 IDPs in his local government had returned to their ancestral homes but Shawon who could not give the exact number of returnees however said that no part of the council area was occupied by herdsmen but added that the herdsmen terrorising the council area come from Nasarawa State.

Ayaga said, “In Gwer West 34,951 persons were displaced from their homes, most of them

were in Naka but with the help of the troops, 33,000 have returned home though it’s not easy for them because most of the homeless guys are staying in shades.

“But because the major occupation in the local government is farming, they have no option but to go back to their homes.”

A number of residents spoken to also expressed joy with the effort of the military in bringing about peace in the areas.

According to a resident in Logo, Mr. Terver Suswam, almost all the residents of Jooter had returned back home, “As you can see we are back to our farms and we thank the military for the protection.“

Udora Orizu in Abuja

manipulative tendencies of few money bags politicians who To promote transparency and always take undue advantage reduce the influence of money of political processes with their bags in politics, some stakeholders wealths. and non-governmental organisaAccording to Onyekpere, “Taxtions, Centre for Social Justice ing every donation and contribuand Friedrich Ebert Stiftung tions to candidates and political have canvassed that donations parties not more than N1m as and contributions to candidates allowed for individuals under the and political parties should be Act, would encourage popular made taxable by law. participation in campaign finance.

One of such stakeholders The act is silent on the tax status canvassing for this reform is of donations and contributions to the Lead Director of Centre for candidates and political parties.

Social Justice (CSJ), Eze Onyekpere Ideally, the donations should earn who noted that the unchecked tax credits as a tax deductible expenditure was as a result of expenses. But this will be limited the silence of the Electoral Act on to donations not more than N1 tax status of campaign finances million allowed for individuals of individual candidates and under the Act. political parties.

“This will encourage popular Onyekpere who addressed the participation in campaign finance press in Abuja on the ‘Reforming and reduce the influence of money Campaign Finance and Use of bags in politics. Thus, the mischief State Administrative Resources of the overbearing influence of in Nigeria’ said that Nigeria’s money bags and godfathers will democracy cannot be left to the be suppressed while the remedy

of involving a large part of the population in party financing will be advanced.

“The Act should have introduced the concept of “Permissible donor” to bar government contractors, contributors by proxy or in the name of another, persons who in the last five years have been convicted of offences involving fraud or dishonesty, defrauding the revenue and dealing with psychotropic substances from contributing to the coffers of political parties and candidates”.

Onyekpere urged the National Assembly to amend and clarify section 225 (3) and (4) of the constitution on the prohibition of holding assets and monies abroad by political parties or keeping any receipt from outside Nigeria to include a prohibition of foreigners from contributing to election expenses, adding that the ceiling of expenditure for candidates across board should be upwardly reviewed.

Firm Stresses Need to Manage Employee Relations It was a gathering of who is who in the business of law at the Wheatbaker, Ikoyi, Lagos, as the law firm of Jackson, Etti and Edu and immigration firm Fragomen, recently put together a seminar with the theme, ‘Managing Employment Relations and Immigration Issues: The Myths, Challenges and Solutions’.

The gathering discussed the common links between employment relations, immigration and tax in the current landscape across a range of sectors, including energy and natural resources, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) and infrastructure

in Nigeria.

The event which kicked off with a keynote address delivered

by Honourable Justice Benedict Kanyip, the Presiding Judge of National Industrial Court (Lagos Division), which was followed by panel sessions comprised immigration practitioners, human resource managers, local content specialists, tax specialists and regulatory authorities such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, Federal Ministry of Interior, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and the Lagos Internal Revenue Service; and an interview comprised of immigration practitioners.

In his speech, Justice Kanyip said employee relations had replaced industrial relations as the term used in defining the relationship between employers and employees. Today, employee relations is seen as focusing on both individual and collective relationships with an increasing emphasis on allowing line managers for instance, establish true based relationships with employees. A positive climate of employee relations with increased employee involvement, commitment and engagement can improve business outcomes and contribute to employee’s well-being.

25

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

NEWSXTRA

Produce Armoured Tanks to Fight Insurgency, IG Charges Innoson David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË

MARITAL BLISS...

L-R: Mr. Micah Ukpai Nkele and his wife, Grace shortly after being joined in holy matrimony at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Apapa Parish...recently

Osinbajo Inaugurates 1.5MW Mini Grid Power System in Lagos Says provision of off grid electricity to business clusters across Nigeria on course Chineme Okafor˿ÓØ ÌßÔË

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said the federal government would provide off-grid electricity to power business clusters across the country to support them to create jobs and wealth.

The vice president stated this, yesterday, as he inaugurated a 1.5 megawatts (MW) independent mini grid power supply system to provide electricity at Sura Shopping Complex in Lagos.

The off-grid electricity was developed by a private operator - Solad Power Holdings, from the Island Power Plant in Marina, through a dedicated underground distribution

network infrastructure.

The Sura mini grid power system was initiated by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Energising Economy Initiative (EEI) of the federal government which is aimed at providing off grid electricity to business clusters across Nigeria.

The off grid system has reportedly taken out 700 generators out of operation in Sura, reduced harmful greenhouse emissions and noise pollution, and provided gas-fired electricity to 1,047 shops in the mall for up to 70 days since it kicked-off.

According to Osinbajo, many other markets across the country are slated to benefit from the EEI. “This

is a very special federal government project and one of the reasons why this project is particularly important is because it tells us what can be done. It tells us what is possible, and so much is possible. There are several other markets that we are going to.

“The reason why we are going to the markets is because we believe that small businesses hold the future, they are the future of the Nigerian economy and we must support the small and medium enterprises,” the vice president explained.

While inaugurating the mini grid system, Osinbajo said that societal factors such as tribes or religious affiliations should not

be determinants of elections and governance in Nigeria, stating clearly that Nigerians should rather consider voting for people who cared about advancing the country and providing good solutions to its challenges.

According to him, corrupt practices were Nigeria’s major problem and often perpetrated by all the tribes and religious groups in the country.

He asked Nigerians to ignore people who often ask them to vote along tribal or religious lines, adding that the battle for the soul of the country was between good and bad people.

Goldcoast Foundation Distributes Relief Materials to Flood Victims

Entrepreneurship Key to Unlocking Economic Devt in Africa, Says Elumelu

Goldcoast Foundation, a Bayelsa based non-profit organisation has distributed relief materials to flood victims in Bayelsa and Delta State through the foundations ‘All Lives Matter Flood Relief Programme’.

The foundation, working with a team of volunteers made of up of doctors, nurses and pharmacists visited temporary camp sites of displaced flood victims to distribute a wide range of relief materials; including drugs, insecticide-treated mosquito nets and food items.

“We are deeply touched by what the flood waters have done to people across the country and particularly, in the Niger-Delta” said Goldcoast’s founder and managing solicitor, TRIAX Solicitors, Moses Oruaze Dickson.

“We recognise that our assistance will not solve all their problems, but it can help them cope with the impact of the tragedy at this time”, he said.

This initiative is the second time the foundation would be part of flood relief initiative in the state, as in the 2012 flood; which also affected about 28 communities in Bayelsa State, the foundation worked with other civil society groups and medical teams to provide succor to the victims.

Oruaze with his team visited relief camps in Yenagoa, Igbogene,

Charles Ajunwa

Seibokorogha, Igbedi, Okoloba, Angiama, Toru-Orua and Toru- Angiama in Delta State among others. The medical team treated various ailments, dewormed children and delivered health awareness talks alongside the relief materials they provided.

“As a foundation, we are dedicated to ensuring that we reduce the sufferings of people who are affected by the flood”, said Mr. Benson, the coordinator of the foundation, who also called on corporate organisations and individuals to lend their support to the affected communities.

Also, the vice president of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, who visited one of the camps where the foundation distributed relief materials, commended the efforts of the foundation. “The reward for the good work you young people are doing, is the smiles you put on the faces of others”, he said.

Responding to the commendation, Oruaze Dickson thanked him for his visit and kind words.

“All these would not have been possible without the support of volunteers and donors who have contributed to this programme”, he said. All lives matter, and it is our responsibility as a people to always put humanity first in all our endeavours.

Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) founder, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has said that entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking economic development in the African continent.

Elumelu, who stated this at the just-concluded fourth in the series of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum held at the Federal Palace Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, reiterated his commitment to championing Africa’s economic development by supporting and training a new generation of entrepreneurs, whose successes can transform the continent, delivering opportunity, job creation and social impact.

Over 5,000 African entrepreneurs, private and public sector leaders and the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem convened in Lagos for the event.

One of the highlights was the unveiling of TEFConnect, a revolutionary digital community that brings together the complete entrepreneurshipecosystem across Africa and beyond, including entrepreneurs, investors and the broader business community on one platform, connecting them digitally with three vital elements

for success – capital, market and business tools. Africa is riding a wave of rapid technological driven change in payment systems, education, agriculture and infrastructure and TEFConnect fulfills a critical role in linking entrepreneurs across the continent.

“Our Foundation and its unique approach of training, mentoring and funding has proven that entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking economic transformation of our continent.

I believe so strongly that success can be democratised and if we can match ambition to opportunities, this extraordinary generation can achieve anything,” Elumelu said.

He added that “With TEFConnect, we have created a tool, that provides a digital platform to host ideas, champion success and demonstrate Africans ability to use the most advanced technologies to take charge of their economic destinies.”

President Nana Akudo-Addo of Ghana underlined the importance of galvanising the broad entrepreneurship eco-system, calling on public sector representatives to encourage, support and replicate the work of the Tony Elumelu Foundation in their respective regions.

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has charged Chief Innocent Chukwuma, chairman of Innoson Motors to consider building Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) as his contribution to assist the government in fighting insurgency in the country.

Idris spoke in Nnewi, Anambra State at the inauguration of Innoson Vehicle Automated Plant and unveiling of one of the company’s latest brand; Innoson IVM Granite 2019 edition.

Represented by his Deputy, Agboola Oshodi-Glover, Idris commended Innoson for providing camouflaged vehicles to the Army to tackle all forms of insecurity.

He assured of police patronage on armoured vehicles produced by the company, just as he called on other organisations to support the locally made vehicles.

“Innoson is making history. This type is rare. I congratulate you and want to assure you that police will give you all the necessary supports you need.

“But you need to commence production of Armoured Personnel Carriers to enable the police tackle insurgents and other security challenges in the country,” he added.

Also speaking, the Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, praised the ingenuity of the company amidst apparent challenges in the industry.

“I’m happy this is happening in our state. It’s only here that

we’re manufacturing vehicles.

Others travel to other countries and gather parts to assemble in Nigeria,” he said.

He however regretted the epileptic power supply in the state, which he said, had hampered the production possibility frontier of the company.

The governor urged the federal government, to as a matter of urgency, provide adequate power supply and enabling environment for maximum productivity.

He also appealed to both governments to commence placing orders on the vehicles produced by IVM. “With what Innoson is doing, he’s contributing immensely to the nation’s GDP and should be encouraged to do more,” Obiano added.

Earlier, the chairman of the Innoson vehicle manufacturing company, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, said the vehicles’ major strength depended in its ability to produce according to clients’ specifications.

He said, “The fact that the Nigerian Police vehicle operate in diverse and dangerous terrains as a result of its functions, Innoson vehicles can produce specific operational vehicles that would meet the operational requirements of the Nigerian Police.”

He however urged the police to partner with them for the manufacturing of its specific and customised vehicles that would enhance its constitutional responsibilities to the nation.

Bauchi Traders Eulogise FG for Trader Moni Segun Awofadeji ÓØ ËßÍÒÓ

Beneficiaries of the Trader Moni in Bauchi State have commended the Federal Government for introducing the programme which saw each trader getting a loan of N10, 000 to boost their businesses.

They also pleaded with the Federal Government to sustain the initiative so as to accommodate more traders and artisans in the state.

THISDAY checks revealed that about 11, 000 Traders and Artisans in the State had enrolled into the initiative, Trader Moni.

Investigations carried out in Muda Lawal market by our correspondent, indicated that already 8, 000 beneficiaries have so far received their free interest loan of N10, 000 each.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who was in Bauchi State last Tuesday to launch the programme said Bauchi was the 21st state to benefit from the Federal Government’s intervention.

Osinbajo who personally visited the Muda Lawal market, called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds to boost their business activities.

The traders are expected to pay back the loan within six months after which they can be given another loan and after payment, it will be reviewed upwards periodically.

Some of the Muda Lawal Traders who spoke to our Correspondent said that the loan would help them boost their businesses.

They said the Buhari-led government had shown that it has good intentions for all Nigerians.

Abdullahi Ibrahim who sells sweet potatoes in the market said he had been managing his business with the little capital he has.

He said with this loan, he hoped to expand his business which would

yield him more profit to enable him provide food for his family.

“I am very happy for this N10, 000 loan from the Federal Government because it will help me boost my business.

“I used to buy this potatoes using between N3, 000 and N4, 000 but now, with this money, I will be able to buy up to three bags to sell and my profit will triple. And from it, I’ll have enough to feed my family and solve other family issues.

“This is a great initiative. We were actually expecting this government to do something like this for the masses because we voted for them with great expectations and we have started seeing the benefit,” Ibrahim stated.

Another trader, Adamu Garba said this loan will help him double his profit.

He said: “This is a very good help to us the petty traders because it will make our businesses grow. As you can see, I see tomatoes, onions and peppers, and by the time I add N10, 000 to this business, I’ll make twice the profit I make weekly.”

Garba said six months was too long a time to pay back the loan declaring that “I am determined to finish paying this loan in three to four months’ time so that I can access the N15, 000 to also invest in my business.”

He said: “this is a proof that Buhari has us at heart and has good intentions for this country.

We can only pray that he wins the election so he can continue with this good work he has started.

“For me, this loan is timely because it came at a time I was struggling to make ends meet but with this, I know things will improve a little bit better than they were before.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

26

SPYGLASS

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

Ooni of Ife’s Ex-Wife’s Forgiving Spirit It seems Queen Zaynab OtitiObanor, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has imbibed the sense in the words of the late Indian activist, Mahatma Gandhi that “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

Immediately the news broke that the royal father had taken a new wife, Shilekunola Moronke Naomi, not a few had looked in the direction of Queen Zainab, whose marriage with the Oba crashed over a year ago.

However, she shocked many when she took another turn and rather congratulated the respected monarch and his

new wife.

Explaining why she rejoiced with the royal family, she sought recourse in John Connolly’s words that “It was once said that there is nobility in compassion, beauty in empathy, and grace in forgiveness.”

This has further proven that the fair-complexioned lady seems to have put the doleful experience behind her and moved on.

Although, she is yet to be romantically linked with any other man, she is a happy woman.

She has been busy globetrotting, meeting new people and running her business.

QUEEN ZAYNAB OTITI-OBANOR

Folorunsho Folarin-Coker’s Secret Move

FOLORUNSHO FOLARIN-COKER

Undoubtedly, the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, comes across as a respectable man who is loved for his uncommon sagacity and welcoming nature.

Without a doubt, he feels more comfortable playing politics in Lagos.

However, he was forced to take a ‘temporary exit’ from the Lagos political environment after he lost his position as commissioner.

But since Governor Akinwumi Ambode lost out in the race to seek re-election for governor in 2019 under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Coker

is said to be staging a comeback into the Lagos politics, where his influence remains at the top, despite his problem with the governor last year.

While he headed the Ministry of Tourism in Lagos, his opinions were well respected. His invaluable contributions to the success of One Lagos Fiesta further confirmed his brilliance.

Apart from this, Coker is also said to have brokered several deals among top businessmen and the state government in the past, a situation that attests to his relevance in the corridors of power not only in the state, but also across the South Western States of Nigeria.

Adewale Adesina Plans Big For Mother-in-Law’s Burial Popular socialite and boss of Western Group, Adewale Adesina, has never hidden his love for his mother-in-law, Madam Grace Ibironke Fabanwo, who passed on recently at the ripe age of 75.

Until her passage, the late septuagenarian treated Adesina as her biological son rather than son-in-law.

No wonder, Adesina, also known as Saranda, is planning for her burial next Friday at the ancient town of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

In life, the deceased did her humanly possible best for anyone who came across her

way. She was very motherly and accommodating.

She was also a pillar of support for many who came in contact with her.

She lived a selfless life and was at peace with the people around her.

Her life was simply a study in humaneness.

Her children, it was also gathered, are sparing nothing to give their late mother a befitting final honour.

Ace Fuji act, King Wasiu Ayinde marshal, aka K1 De Ultimate, is billed to entertain the high-flying guests on the occasion.

Oba Saheed Elegushi Honoured For His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi Kusenla (III), Wednesday, October 22, 2018 will go down as most memorable, as dignitaries from all walks of life celebrated with him on his appointment as a member of the Nigeria Olympic Committee at an investiture ceremony.

In his remarks, Oba Elegushi, who couldn’t hide his joy, promised to use his membership of the Committee to work assiduously with other members in order to take the Committee to the next level.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, who led other dignitaries to the well-attended event, held at the palace of the Elegushi of Ikateland, promised Nigerians a better representation at the next global sporting fiesta, adding that the Committee would do its best to live beyond expectations.

In attendance at the event anchored by popular comedian, Tunde Adewale, aka Tee-A, were a former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; the Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Hakeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo; Oluwo of Iwo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adul-Rasheed Akanbi Telu 1 and human rights activist, Favour Benson.

WALE ADESINA

Lagos Lawmaker, Mutiu Shadimu’s Winning Tricks

MUTIU SHADIMU

Except Mutiu Shadimu, representing Oshodi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, voluntarily reveals the rationale behind his abiding political romance with the opposition party, PDP, in Lagos, you may not truly appreciate his ideological and political points of view.

Indeed, it is not impossible that some, out of genuine concern for his survival politically in the state, would have advised him to reconsider his membership of the PDP. But those fears have always been misplaced, especially as Shadimu is still

as relevant as ever; he is still loved by his constituents.

As proof of his increasing fan base, Shadimu, a grassroots politician, clinched the ticket of his party in the last primaries, thereby signifying that he may just be on his way for a second term in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

In a state like Lagos, which is largely controlled by the ruling party, APC, it is almost inconceivable that a candidate from the opposition could pull all stunts in the 2015 election to emerge the winner.

ELEGUSHI

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

27

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Customer Service Awards,Dr. Ilias Aliyu; Customer Service Manager, Leadway Pensure, Adedoyin Aiyedun; and Customer Service Officer, Leadway Pensure, Temitope Lasaki, at the presentation of the award for Excellence Service Delivery in the PFA category to Leadway Pensure, at the Nigeria Customer Service awards 2018, in Lagos recently

L-R: Producer, Stardom Nigeria, Ware Zupkumor; Executive Producer, Stardom Nigeria, Jennifer Okeakwa; musical maestros, Cobhams Asuquo; Ego; and Rotimi Keys, at a press conference upcoming unique reality show to unearth talented vocalists, songwriters and producers, held at Westown Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos… recently

Total Commissions 30th Solar-Powered Service Station As part of its expansion drive, Total Nigeria Plc has inaugurated its 30th solar service station, three years after it opened its first service station in Lagos.

The new service station on Court House Road, Zaria, boasts 11.7 Kilowatt peak, kWp with 36 Sunpower E327 Panels and PV-diesel hybrid architecture.

According to International Energy Agency, the current installed solar capacity would enable the firm to generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 460 average Nigerian households.

Since the company inaugurated the Onigbagbo solar service station in 2013, the first ever to be installed in Nigeria, it has been able to save 340,000 liters of diesel, and has offset approximately 900 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Solar installations designed and managed by Total Nigeria Plc, the Nigerian downstream affiliate of the Total group, have now reached a combined capacity of 1 megawatt installed (MW) and has produced more than 1 gigawatt hour (GWh) of clean electricity.

Speaking on the development, Managing

Director of the firm, Imrane Barry said, “This project is in line with the group’s ambition to become the responsible energy major and with its commitment to develop solar energy. It reduces our CO2 emissions while decreasing our electricity bill each year.”

He added, “As an organisation committed to worldwide solarisation programme, Total has the ambition to equip 5,000 of its service stations worldwide with solar panels by 2021, with the goal of offering affordable, reliable and clean energy solutions for all.

TD to Host Partners, Customers in Style Foremost Information Communication Technology distribution firm,Technology Distributions Ltd., TD, plans to fete its business drivers, especially partners and customers in an elaborate party to appreciate their consistency and loyalty in 2018.

The occasion, themed ‘Celebrating You 2018’, would afford the company the opportunity to celebrate its regulars in the technology space and strategise for the coming year in a more relaxed and entertaining environment.

To be held next month, this year’s edition would be graced by Ghana President, Nana Akufo-Addo and other prominent individuals including captains of industries, bank CEOs and entertainment stars.

Managing Director of the firm, Mrs. Gozy

Ijogun, explained that this year’s event would reach an unprecedented height in terms of the quality and calibre of acts, entertainment and attendance expected.

“For ‘Celebrating You 2018’, we are taking things a notch higher, as we have always done every year since it became an annual tradition of TD. “We intend to celebrate our partners in a more special way this year for their patronage, support and loyalty to the TD brand. Apart from the mouth-watering delicacies on the menu, we have put together a strong cast of artistes, entertainers and performers to thrill our special guests who are expected within and outside Nigeria. There will also be an after-party to be anchored by one

of Nigeria’s finest DJs – another way we intend to make it a memorable occasion for everyone,” she stated.

According to the Ijogun, ‘Celebrating You’ is its annual tradition that aimed to bring together employees, partners, suppliers and clients in a fun and relaxing environment to mark the end of the calendar year on a positive note.

“It’s an avenue to unwind after the rigours of the current year and re-energise for the challenges of the coming year, Celebrating You is also an effective medium of showing appreciation and encouragement to outstanding individuals and corporate entities that have positively impacted our performance during the year under review, she added.

Quickteller Moves to Improve Services, Unveils Global Mall Quick Teller and Interswitch Group have announced the launch of the Quickteller Global Mall.

The move according to Quickteller, was in furtherance of its commitment to enhance easy and better service delivery.

As a result of this development, customers can shop directly from over 100 international stores, including: Amazon, Zara, eBay and Macy’s and make payment in Naira.

Group Head, Digital Payments, Products & Marketing Management at Interswitch, Adetayo Teluwo explained that the product was borne out of the need to cater for customers’ needs.

He said: “This product was borne out of a rigorous series of surveys, user interviews and user testing which we have piloted with a couple of the company’s most loyal users, and they share our excitement at this innovation.

“The e-commerce platform allows users to purchase a wide variety of goods and services including household items, electronic devices, furniture, mobile devices, laptops, books, cars and so on, from the UK and the USA within a period of 10 to 15days, thus reducing delivery cost and time in business transactions.

“The service also includes custom clearance and doorstep item delivery.

“The beauty about the service is that the customer does not need to bother about changing currencies or looking for forex.

All payments are done in Naira.

“How convenient is this? I will say, very, meaning this is something every business person should take advantage of.”

Motorola Partners IFixit, Unveils Microsoft 4Afrika Deepening Data, AI Capabilities to Enhance Employability, Entrepreneurship Do it Yourself Kit for Devices Mobile phone brand, Motorola has partnered IFixit to launch the first ever ‘Do it Yourself’, DIY, repair kit in order to reduce customers visit to technicians.

According to the company, the latest move was informed by difficulties experienced by users in fixing their devices as parts get smaller while manufacturers resort to measures that make opening devices harder.

It revealed further in a statement that it had partnered with IFIxit to ensure that its customers who needed a new battery or display assembly including all needed tools to perform a repair had access to them in their closet.

“Through our partnership with IFixit, we are offering screen and

digitiser assemblies as well as replacement batteries that include the necessary tools to make the replacement.

A handful of plastic picks, a pair of tweezers, suction tools and precision bits arrive with all kits to make opening up a phone a lot less difficult.

“In an era where electronic waste is a problem that is yet to be fully solved, extending the lifespan of devices is important.

“Other manufacturers have turned their noses up at repair shops and do not offer any opportunity to let customers fix their own devices, instead they are forced to pay expensive inhouse repair services that should be called replacement services”, it stated.

Digital transformation is re-imagining industries around the world. Technology is no longer a nice-tohave, but a necessity for staying in business. Research shows that modern technologies like AI will contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, making it the biggest commercial opportunity in today’s fast-changing economy (PwC). AI is also expected to create 2.3 million jobs by 2020 (Gartner). “The appetite for these technologies exists in Africa,” says Ryno Rijnsburger, Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft 4Afrika. “More and more companies – including several of the local partners we work with – are starting to experiment with and enact their strategies towards this. As AI opens new business and employment opportunities, now is a crucial time to equip Africa’s young people with the skills that will enable access to higher paying jobs, in faster growing fields.”

Microsoft, through its 4Afrika Initiative, is throwing its global weight behind developing data and AI capabilities in Africa, through a deep and prolonged investment into skills and the youth, via initiatives like internships, training, events, challenges, and strategic partnering. “With the pace of change driven by AI, there is an increasing need for life-long learning, on-the-job

training, apprenticeships and other programmes that deliver training in a more nimble manner,” adds Rijnsburger.

Earlier in the month, Microsoft participated in Data Science Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) bootcamp, to build the capacity of local developers in using AI to drive financial inclusion. This week, the tech giant also provided sponsorship and mentorship at the International Python Conference (PyCon), which took place in Kenya (October 25 to 26) and the Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) Innovation Day (October 24 to 25).

In partnership with the Botswana Innovation Hub, Microsoft 4Afrika launched its 17th AppFactory (Apprenticeship Factory) in Africa. Three of these AppFactories are currently running in Nigeria and Ghana, in collaboration with local partners Mobile Web Ghana, Lotus Beta Analytics and Sidmach Technologies, which recently graduated its first set of apprentices. At these factories, young ICT graduates are developing skills in secure coding, machine learning, bot framework and data analytics – empowering them to innovate in the fields of healthcare, finance, education, transportation and more.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 27, 2018

FAMILY HEALTH with

Tips To Treating Common Cold

T

nose or eyes r JOIBMJOH UJOZ droplets of fluid that contain the cold virus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these are launched into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes

Typical symptoms associated with common cold are well known to both doctors and patients. Over half of patients start by developing a sore throat followed by congestion in the sinuses and the nose, sneezing and a Common Cold runny nose. These symptoms are usually accompanied by fever, cough, and hoarseness which may outlast them sometimes by a few weeks. High fevers, are however, rare from common cold alone. $POHFTUJPO JO UIF TJOVTFT OPTF r $PVHI r 4OFF[JOH r 3VOOJOH OPTF r 'FWFS r )FBEBDIF r %FDSFBTFE BQQFUJUF r .VTDMF BDIFT r 4PSF UISPBU r 1PTU OBTBM ESJQ r .PSF TFWFSF TZNQUPNT JODMVEJOH B IJHI UFNQFSBUVSF (fever), headache and aching muscles can also occur, although these tend to be associated more with flu.

The symptoms will however, last longer if you have developed a viral bronchitis concomitantly. This happens when the same virus infects both your upper airways and the inner airways.Apart from bronchitis the congestion caused by the common cold can create conditions for other illness, with bacterial sinus infections (sinusitis) CFJOH UIF NPTU DPNNPO 1BUJFOUT XJUI SFTQJSBUPSZ USBDL complications such as asthma may experience more severe symptoms lasting for a month or even longer.

MOSTCRUCIALMOMENTS:

1BUJFOUT BSF BU UIFJS NPTU JOGFDUJPVT EVSJOH UIF GJSTU 24 hours but they continue to remain infectious for the duration of the symptoms.As the cold progresses, the discharge from your nose will initially be runnier but will thicken and may even turn yellow. However, this is quite normal and there is rarely any need for antibiotics.

In most cases, the common cold goes away within five to ten days although a few symptoms can last for as long as three weeks among certain individuals.

Prevention

Transmission of the common cold commonly occurs when viruses that cause the disease from the mouth, nose or sneezed or coughed as droplets by an infected individual come into direct contact with a healthy individual. Viruses passed from the hand of one individual to anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand can also result in transmission if the second person proceed to rub or touch his/her nose or eyes, where a new infection takes root. One can also get infected by coming into contact with surfaces recently touched by a infected individual. %VF UP UIF FBTF XJUI XIJDI UIF DPNNPO DPME HFUT transmitted, nearly half the family members, flatmates or roommates also end up getting infected. There is also a high rate of transmission of colds in day care facilities and schools.

Howdocoldsspread?

In general, a person becomes contagious from a few days before their symptoms begin until all of their symptoms have gone. This means most people will be infectious for around two weeks.

You can catch the virus from an infectious person by: r UPVDIJOH BO PCKFDU PS TVSGBDF DPOUBNJOBUFE CZ infected droplets and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes r UPVDIJOH UIF TLJO PG TPNFPOF XIP IBT UIF JOGFDUFE droplets on their skin and then touching your mouth,

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com 08053372356

here are times when the human body just slows down and if at this time you are exposed to infections or harsh weather conditions, you may just come up with symptoms of common colds.

The bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immune system is compromised and the infection sets in. It could be caused by various infecting agents which have been able to attack your body defense and you become ill.

Acold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very common and usually clears up on its own within a week or two.

The common cold is a self-limited contagious disease that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. The common cold is medically referred to as a viral upper respiratory tract infection.

Common colds, known as viral rhinitis, the ordinary cold is among the most common infections among humans. It is primarily an upper respiratory tract infection that can be caused by several virus families. The virus family that is responsible for up to 40 percent of colds is called rhino-virus and it has over 100 distinct virus types.

Since common cold symptoms can be caused by so many viruses, it has not been possible to develop a simple cure for the infection. The common cold should not be mistaken for influenza, which can make you ill for much longer, has more severe symptoms, and can result in hospitalisation or lead to serious health problems including pneumonia.

SYMPTOMS:

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

r $PMET TQSFBE most easily among groups of people in constant close contact, such as families and children in school or day care facilities.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also more frequent during the winter, although itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not clear exactly why.

Anumber of different viruses can cause a cold, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to have several colds one after the other, as each one may be caused by a different virus.

To lower your chances of getting infected, you can take some simple steps to IFMQ QSFWFOU UIF TQSFBE PG B DPME 'PS FYBNQMF 1. Wash your hands regularly, particularly before touching your nose or mouth and before handling food 2. Always sneeze and cough into tissues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this will help prevent the virus-containing droplets from your nose and mouth entering the air, where they can infect others; you should throw away used tissues immediately and wash your hands 3. Clean surfaces regularly to keep them free of germs 4. Use your own cup, plates, cutlery and kitchen utensils %PO U TIBSF UPXFMT PS UPZT XJUI TPNFPOF XIP IBT B cold Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been suggested that vitamin C, zinc and garlic supplements may help reduce your risk of getting a cold, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently not enough strong evidence to support this.

Hand washing:Adults and children should wash their hands after nose wiping, using the bathroom, preparing food, eating, etc. r ,FFQ ZPVS FOWJSPONFOU TUFSJMF m ZPVS QSJPSJUZ TIPVME be to disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as door LOPCT TJOL IBOEMFT TMFFQJOH NBUUFST FUD XJUI BO &1" approved disinfectant. r 4UPQ UIF TQSFBE PG HFSNT CZ VTJOH JOTUBOU IBE sanitizers. r 3FQMBDF DMPUI UPXFMT XJUI QBQFS UPXFMT XIFO VTJOH public facilities. r %SJOL QMFOUZ PG GMVJE UP LFFQ ZPVS JNNVOF TZTUFN working at the optimal level. r $POTVNF B IFBMUIZ EJFU XJUI QMFOUZ PG WJUBNJOT BOE minerals to optimize your immune health. r "WPJE VTJOH BOUJCJPUJDT VOMFTT UIFZ BSF SFBMMZ OFFEFE r &BU ZPHVSUT DPOUBJOJOH iBDUJWF DVMUVSFTu BT UIFZ NBZ help prevent the common cold.

A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very common and usually clears up on its own within a week or two.

The common cold is a self-limited contagious disease that can be TREATMENT: Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no cure for a cold, but you can look after yourself caused by a athome by: number of r 3FTUJOH ESJOLJOH QMFOUZ PG GMVJET BOE FBUJOH IFBMUIJMZ r 5BLJOH PWFS UIF DPVOUFS QBJOLJMMFST TVDI BT diï¬&#x20AC;erent paracetamol or ibuprofen, to reduce any fever or discomfort types of r 6TJOH EFDPOHFTUBOU TQSBZT PS UBCMFUT UP SFMJFWF B nose viruses. The blocked r 5SZJOH SFNFEJFT TVDI BT HBSHMJOH TBMU XBUFS BOE on menthol sweets common cold sucking .BOZ QBJOLJMMFST BOE EFDPOHFTUBOUT BSF BWBJMBCMF GSPN is medically pharmacieswithoutaprescription.Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;regenerallysafe older children and adults to take, but might not be suitreferred to as for able for babies, young children, pregnant women, people certain underlying health conditions, and those a viral upper with taking certain other medications. Speak to a pharmacist if unsure. respiratory youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Although it is possible for you to improve the symptract infec- tomsofcommoncoldusingavarietyofmedicaltherapies, do not cure, shorten or prevent the illness. It is advised tion they to try and keep yourself comfortable and get as much rest as possibly, drink lots of fluids and treat the symptoms.

Some of the common ways to treat the symptoms of cold are:r (BSHMF XBSN TBMU XBUFS UP TPPUIF TPSF UISPBU r *OIBMJOH TUFBN XJUI PS XJUIPVU FTTFOUJBM PJMT BOE

herbal aromas can temporarily relieve nasal congestion r 05$ SFNFEJFT DPOUBJOJOH EFDPOHFTUBOUT IFMQ relieve congestion and stop secretions. They can also be used to stop cough if it is triggered by mucus in the throat. r "OUJIJTUBNJOFT BSF VTFE UP SFMJWF TZNQUPNT PG watery eyes and runny nose. r "DDPSEJOH UP TPNF TUVEJFT [JOD MP[FOHFT DBO shorten the duration of common cold symptoms. r "OUJCJPUJDT TIPVME OPU CF VTFE UP USFBU DPNNPO cold and its symptoms.

3&-*"#-& )0.& 3&.&%*&4 50 53&"5 $0-%

1.Garlic

(BSMJD T BOUJCBDUFSJBM BOE BOUJWJSBM QSPQFSUJFT DBO CF WFSZ IFMQGVM JO HFUUJOH SJE PG DPME TZNQUPNT (BSMJD is good for the immune system and helps open up respiratory passages, and also helps flush toxins out of your body. .JY UPHFUIFS POF DSVTIFE HBSMJD DMPWF UXP UFBTQPPOT lemon juice, one teaspoon honey, and half a teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chilli powder. Consume it daily until the symptoms subside. #PJM GPVS UP GJWF DIPQQFE HBSMJD DMPWFT JO B DVQ PG XBUFS BOE BEE POF UFBTQPPO PG IPOFZ %SJOL JU UXP UP three times a day.

You can also eat raw garlic or use a few drops of garlic oil in your food and drinks.

2. Honey

Honey can be of great help in soothing an irritated throat as well as shortening the lifespan of a cold. The high amount of nutrients and enzymes in honey help kill bacteria and viruses that cause colds. The simplest home remedy is to consume a mixture of one teaspoon of lemon juice and two teaspoons of honey. Take it every two hours to get immense relief from your cold and sore throat.

If you prefer, you can simply swallow a spoonful of raw honey.

3. SpiceTea

Spice tea is a highly beneficialAyurvedic remedy to HFU SJE PG DPNNPO DPME %SZ SPBTU BOE HSJOE B RVBSUFS cup of coriander seeds, one a half tablespoons each of cumin and fennel seeds, and a quarter teaspoon of fenugreek seeds.

Now, boil a cup of water.

Add one and a half tablespoon of this spice powder and one and a half teaspoon of rock candy (misri).

-FU JU TJNNFS GPS UISFF UP GPVS NJOVUFT Add two tablespoons of milk. #SJOH UIF TPMVUJPO UP B CPJM BOE UIFO TUSBJO JU Sip it slowly while it is hot. %SJOL UIJT TQJDF UFB EBJMZ VOUJM UIF TZNQUPNT subside.

4.Ginger

(JOHFS DBO CF IFMQGVM JO USFBUJOH DPNNPO DPME BOE its symptoms due to its antiviral, expectorant, and antiinflammatory properties. Eat raw ginger or drink ginger UFB TFWFSBM UJNFT B EBZ 'PS FOIBODF UIF FGGFDUJWFOFTT PG ginger tea, add a lemon juice and honey to it.

You can also make a paste of ginger, cloves and salt and eat one-half teaspoon of it two times a day.

'PS B SVOOZ OPTF NJY FRVBM BNPVOUT PG ESZ HJOHFS powder, clarified butter (ghee) and jaggery (gur), a natural sweetener. Consume this mixture daily in the morning on an empty stomach.

5.ChickenSoup

Chicken soup has many essential nutrients and vitamins that help treat common cold symptoms. The high antioxidant properties in chicken soup speed up the healing process.

6.RedOnion

Those suffering from a cold can get relief from homemade red onion syrup. To make the syrup, you will need red onions and honey or brown sugar.

4MJDF UXP UP UISFF SFE POJPOT IPSJ[POUBMMZ 1VU POF TMJDF PG POJPO JO B CPXM BOE BEE SBX IPOFZ 3FQFBU UIF process until the bowl is full.

Cover the bowl and leave it for 12 to 15 hours. When you open the bowl, there will be thick liquid like syrup. %SJOL B TQPPOGVM PG UIF TZSVQ TFWFSBM UJNFT B EBZ UP get relief from sore throats and other symptoms of a cold.

SEEYOURDOCTORIF:

r ZPVS TZNQUPNT QFSTJTU GPS NPSF UIBO UISFF XFFLT r ZPVS TZNQUPNT HFU TVEEFOMZ XPSTF r ZPV IBWF CSFBUIJOH EJGGJDVMUJFT r ZPV EFWFMPQ DPNQMJDBUJPOT PG B DPME TVDI BT DIFTU QBJO or coughing up bloodstained mucus Some cases of common cold can result in the development of complications such as bacterial infections of the lungs, sinuses or middle ear. If you develop ear pain, tooth ache, high fevers, breathing difficulties, severe pain over the sinuses, then it is advised to consult your physician to ascertain that you have not contracted a more serious illness such as bacterial sinusitis, a middle ear infection, pneumonia or bronchitis.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

27.10.2018

El Clasico

Victor Moses Another Loan Spell Looms?

PAGE. 32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 27, 2018

18

GLOBAL SOCCER

Another Loan Spell Looms?

After several loan spells under erstwhile Manager, Jose Mourinho, the arrival of Antonio Conte gave Victor Moses some respite as he enjoyed regular playing time under the Italian in his two-year stint at Stamford Bridge. With the sack of Conte, the arrival of Maurizio Sarri, regular shirt has been far and between for Moses. After the Nigerian had initially insisted that he would stay back and try to adapt to Sarri’s style of play, the 2013 AFCON winner is considering a move away from Chelsea. Kunle Adewale asks if another loan spell is looming for Moses

O

ne of the reasons Victor Moses gave for quitting the national team was to concentrate on his club career but the objective seems to be defeated as he is finding regular playing time difficult under Chelsea new manager, Maurizio Sarri.

“I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on club career,” Moses had said while announcing his retirement from the national team.

The Blues winger has failed to impress Sarri, who arrived in the summer after replacing Antonio Conte.

Under Conte, Moses was a key player - fitting in at right wingback in his three-at-the-back system.

However, Sarri has switched the formation to 4-3-3 with Eden Hazard and Willian as his first-choice wingers.

The 27-year-old has appeared in just five matches this season, completing a full 90 minutes just once.

The former Crystal Palace star has

indicated that he was looking to leave in January because of the lack of gametime. And he recently admitted he was thinking of departing the club where he came up through the academy.

He said: “Right now, it’s not a good season for me, but I have to find some way to get back on.

“How? I do not know, but it’s up to me to figure that out. But right now it looks hard. We have good results and we play super football, which only makes it harder.”

His new stand is in contrast to his earlier decision to stay back and fightt for the shirt.

Speaking in an interview with Chelsea FC’s website earlier in the summe er, summer, Moses insisted he was not looking to leave the club but embrace the Italian’s Italian n’s methods.

“We’re looking forward to it. Obviously, we have a new manager now, he’s got a new philosophy and we’re looking look lo okin ing g good good in in training. trai tr aini ning ng. We just jjus ustt want wa to work hard together tog gether as a team and make ma ke ssur sure uree we understand ur und nder erst stan st and an d wh what at he he

This may, however, be good news for Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr as Moses would most likely need the national team as a launch-pad in his search for a new and equally high profile club in the mold of Chelsea - meaning he could consider his stand and stage a comeback to the Super Eagles

OCTOBER 27, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

GLOBAL SOCCER

wants from us and do the best we can this season.

“Chelsea is a big club. It’s a club with a great history, we’ve won loads of big trophies, and we always want to do that.

“With the players we’ve got and ability that we’ve got, we just want to keep on working hard together to make the club great and keep doing well,” he said.

After a Superlative performance for Wigan Athletic during the 2011/12 season, the coaching crew of Chelsea signed on Moses. But as a result of not having enough playing time, he was sent on a season loan to rivals, Liverpool in September 2013. He was then shipped to Stoke City and West Ham the following seasons. But with the arrival of Conte at Stamford Bridge after the sack of Mourinho, Moses found a new lease of life.

Before Conte’s arrival, Moses had not played a league game for Chelsea for more than three years but he became a key role in the former Juventus Manager’s 3-4-3 system, which was a huge turnaround for a player who, partly because of injury, started only 38 league games in the past three seasons, completing 90 minutes just 12 times.

“I played as a wing-back a lot during my career, particularly when I was younger in the mid-to-late 1990s when that system was least popular in the Premier League. I used to enjoy it because, like Moses, it suited my game.

Like him, I was more of an attacker than a defender and wing-backs have the freedom to get forward when they want.

“You have to be disciplined defensively and decide when to join the attack or hold back, but you have the freedom of the touchline and the ability to impose yourself on the game far more than you can as a normal winger.

By timing

your runs, you can come from deep with a head of steam and burst into great positions - the sort of thing that Moses was doing when he used his power and pace to great effect,” Conte had said.

Moses admitted that he always hoped to play regularly for a big club like the Blues, but struggled to make any impact on the first team at Stamford Bridge until Conte arrived and his 3-4-3 formation has brought the best out of the 26-year-old.

“I’ve always wanted to play for this big club, it’s one of the best clubs in the world at the moment and I’m enjoying every single minute. I just want to keep on working hard and helping my teammates out,” he told Chelsea’s official website.

The arrival of another Italian at Chelsea in the summer had to change the narratives and Moses has now fallen behind in the pecking order.

This may, however, be good news for Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr as Moses would most likely need the national team as a launch-pad in his search for a new and equally high profile club in the mold of Chelsea meaning he could consider his stand and stage a comeback to the Super Eagles.

Moses shocked soccer loving Nigerians in early August as he announced his retirement from international football after playing 37 matches and scoring 12 goals for Nigeria.

He made it known on his social media account that he will play no part wearing the green and white colours of Nigeria after he joined the national team in 2012 since switching allegiance from England to Nigeria.

“I would like to announce that after much thought I have made the decision to retire from playing international football. I have experienced some of the best moments of my life wearing the Super Eagles shirt and have memories with me that will last a lifetime. Nothing will ever compete to what it felt like

to represent Nigeria on behalf of our country.

“However, I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on club career and my young family as well as to allow the next generation of Super Eagles stars the opportunity to step up and to flourish.

“We are blessed as a nation to have so many exciting young players coming through and now is their time.

“I have already spoken to the manager by telephone and would like to say thank you to him and his staff, the NFF and all of my teammates for all of their support over the years.

“Most importantly, I would like to say thank you to the Nigerian people for believing in me and supporting me over the years. It’s meant the world to me and my family and I will always be a proud Nigerian supporting the team.

“Thank you for the memories and good luck to the team for the future.”

With regular shirt at Chelsea no longer in sight, the national team might be the new option for Moses to continue playing at the top flight.

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 ˾ ͺͿ ˜ ͺ͸͹΀

GLOBAL SOCCER

Struggling United Set for Everton Threat

A

fter a tough-luck result at Chelsea and a humbling 1-0 loss to Juventus, the Reds welcome Everton to Old Trafford on Sunday hoping for a change in fortune. Marco Silva’s side have won three matches in a row and now sit one point above United in the Premier League table.

Despite all the doom and gloom, there’s been much to build on in the last week.

Most predicted Sarri-ball would dominate the visiting Reds, but only a heartbreaking stoppage time equaliser kept Chelsea’s unbeaten run intact.

And, even with that loss to Juventus, United’s Champions League outlook grew quite a bit brighter. The Reds remain in second place in Group H thanks to the shocking draw between Valencia and Young Boys. That result completely upended the conventional wisdom that everyone would take full points off the Swiss champs.

Most importantly, it leaves United in great position to advance to the knockout rounds, even with another loss to Juventus next month. Unless Valencia pull off a huge upset in their own trip to Turin, United should only need a draw in the Group H finale to qualify. Assuming, of course, that they beat Young Boys at Old Trafford.

But, before any of that happens, Manchester United must sort out two key problems to beat Everton on Sunday — the suddenly goal-poor Romelu Lukaku and the much-maligned defense.

José Mourinho, though, refused to give anything away when discussing his striker’s struggles. “The player is a fantastic professional who wants to give everything for the team,” he said. “But, I agree, his moment is not sweet. Not just for the goals he’s not scoring, but his confidence, movement, and touch. He is not linking the game well with the team.”

“But he’s our striker,” the United boss

continued. “He’s a good striker and a striker we believe in. Could I play Rashford there?

Then I don’t have a winger as we’re in this difficult (injury) situation. He’s a hardworking professional. One day, the goals will arrive and the confidence will be back.”

United’s defense is equally bereft of confidence after allowing eight goals in the last five games. Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelöf earned praise from the manager after the Juventus match, but something’s got to change.

Everton, on the other hand, are loving life under new manager Marco Silva. After publicly flirting with the then-Watford manager last January, the Toffees finally got their man this summer.

Alongside Everton’s new director of football, Marcel Brands, Silva started his Goodison Park reign with a summer shopping spree that must have left José Mourinho glowering with envy. Richarlison, Bernard, Kurt Zouma, Lucas Digne, Yerry Mina, and Andre Gomes all signed up for Silva’s Merseyside project.

The new manager brings an up-tempo, high-pressing style of football that’s easy on the eyes. It also leads to high-scoring matches that put undue pressure on the defense.

But, with this Everton backline, Silva might finally have a stable defense. He’s already had success partnering Zouma with Michael Keane at centre-back, and Yerry Mina will only add to that now that he’s back in training.

The man of the hour for Everton, though, is Richarlison. Silva paid £40 million to bring over his former player from Watford and the early returns have been astounding.

The fee seemed like a lot at the time, but the 21-year-old Brazilian has hit the ground running in a blue shirt. He plays out wide, scores goals, and puts in a defensive shift too. Richarlison is the complete package.

Gerrard Pique tries to stops Karim Benzema

El Clasico: Lopotegui Sings Revival Song at Camp Nou Barcelona welcomes a beleaguered Real Madrid to the Camp Nou for the first El Clasico of the season and a victory for the Catalans would consolidate their place at the top of the La Liga table, although it could be a hard task without Leo Messi who will miss the game with a broken arm. A defeat for Real would almost certainly mean that Julien Lopotegui would be relieved of his duties as head coach

A

fter initially struggling, it seems that Barca has found their rhythm at home and in Europe. Last weekend, Barca returned to the top of the table with a comfortable 4-2 win over Sevilla, whilst a 2-0 win over Inter Milan midweek ensured that Ernesto Valverde’s side maintained a perfect start in the Champions League. Questions remain about the defensive stability of the side, although the recent form of keeper Marc-André ter Stegen has been impressive and could prove to be a match winner for the Blaugrana.

Much of the pre-match build-up has been dominated by the absence of Messi who is ruled out with a broken

arm. Rafinha is the likely candidate to replace the Barca captain on Sunday evening.

Valverde opted for the Brazilian midweek against Inter Milan, and his gamble worked out as the attacking midfielder scored the opening goal in the 2-0 victory.

Real Madrid are however are in the depths of a poor run of form that could cost head coach Julian Lopotegui his job. For all intensive purposes, the former Spain coach is a dead man walking, with management at the club weighing up potential suitors before releasing Lopotegui of his duties.

Last time out, Real cruised to a routine 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen

in the Champions League. However, it is the winless run in five league games that has got Los Blancos in trouble. It’s the side’s worse start to a season in 17 years.

Part of the problem is that Real simply did not invest after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, the clubs all-time leading goalscorer and the supplier of some 50 goals a season for the side.

The return of striker Mariano Diaz to the club the only signing of note in the summer, simply put he is not the quality to match up to Ronaldo and as a result Real have suffered. While most of the blame should fall squarely at Real President Florentino Perez, it would seem that Lopotegui will get the boot for

his role in the malaise.

Lopetegui said it was the happiest day of his life being named coach of Real Madrid but he could not have imagined this. Four and a half months, 138 days, nine La Liga games. One defeat at Camp Nou on Sunday and that might well be that.

If Florentino Perez’s mind is already made up, the result against Barcelona may not matter. A draw, or even a Madrid win, is not beyond the realm of possibility. After all, this game rarely has much respect for form and Lionel Messi is injured.

“It’s a great game for us in this moment because we have no choice but to stand up,” Toni Kroos told AFP this

33

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

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

P 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

GD 23 13 13 11 9 4 1 3 1 -1 0 -3 -7 -6 -6 -8 -11 -14 -14 -8

PTS 23 23 21 21 21 17 16 15 15 14 12 11 8 7 7 6 5 5 3 2

Fixture TODAY Brighton

v Wolves

15:00

Fulham

v B’mouth

15:00

Liverpool

v Cardiff

15:00

Southampton v Newcastle 15:00 Watford

v Huddersfield 15:00

Leicester

v West Ham 17:30

SUNDAY Burnley

v Chelsea

13:30

Crystal Palace v Arsenal

13:30

Man Utd

16:00

v Everton

La Liga Fixture

TODAY Girona v Vallecano 12:00 Bilbao v Valencia 15:15 Celta Vigo v Eibar 17:30 Levante v Leganés 17:30 Atlético v Sociedad 19:45 SUNDAY Getafe v Betis 11:00 Barcelona v Madrid 15:15 Alavés v Villarreal 17:30 Sevilla v Huesca 19:45

Hot Shots week. “We have to show how good we are against a difficult opponent and I think we can do it.”

A surprise success would make sacking Lopetegui harder to justify but five games without a win, more than eight hours without a goal, these are not quickly forgotten either.

There were disgruntled whistles at fulltime on Tuesday, the home fans deflated after watching a team that featured UEFA’s best goalkeeper, defender and player hang on for a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen.

After the match, Lopetegui talked about turning points and changing dynamics but his demeanour perhaps betrayed the truth. “I don’t often smile anyway,” he said. Madrid’s chaotic performance had weakened his position, not strengthened it.

Isco insisted on Monday that if they fire the coach, they should fire the players too. Lopetegui might have added the one the club did let go last summer took an average of 50 goals a season with him.

Players though are never accountable - certainly not ones crowned European champions only five months ago - and He instils confidence, which leads to creativity and precision. He also sets the rules and for some, perhaps Perez

Barcelona. included, this team has been indulged Messi will return, in three weeks if his for too long. right arm heals as expected, but RonFor their part, the players might aldo’s permanent absence has weighed argue they have struggled before and come through, not least under Zinedine heavier with every chance missed.

When Barca went three games withZidane last season. out a win last month, the feeling was “The confidence in my opinion is not both clubs were in crisis. Lopetegui was a problem,” said Kroos, whose Gerunder pressure, but so was Valverde. many coach Joachim Loew is among Then Messi blew away Tottenham at those considered a potential successor Wembley and, a day later, Madrid lost to Lopetegui.

1-0 to CSKA Moscow, lacking the snap “We have many champions in the World Cup and the Champions League, and spark Ronaldo once provided and and we have shown we can turn around that Messi had given the night before.

Momentum has diverged since. Two tough situations. Remember that in the last few years, we have not only played more Madrid defeats followed to leave Lopetegui on the brink while Barca are good games, there have been bad ones now 10 points from 12 and top of the too. table.

“We are creating, we are doing ev“Madrid will be even more dangererything we can to get good results and that proves we are behind the coach. He ous,” Valverde said on Wednesday. is a very good coach in my opinion and “They will come here to demonstrate all the strength they have.”

I’m confident we can turn this around He also knows failure to put away with him.” a wobbling rival will see the doubts Opposite Lopetegui this weekend circling again, but win, and a sevenwill be Ernesto Valverde, watching his point gap opens up.

Barca side with their own superstar Or, Madrid can cut it to one, with only extracted too. a single game, at home to Real ValThis will be the first Clasico without Messi or Ronaldo since December 2007. ladolid, against an opponent in the top half before Christmas. It will either be The strikers then included Ruud van a chance for a Lopetegui revival or, the Nistelrooy and Robinho for Madrid, perfect start for his successor.

Samuel Eto’o and Ronaldinho for

Eden Hazard Sergio Aguero Aubameyang Harry Kane Aleksandar Mitrovic Glenn Murray Marko Arnautovic Richarlison Alexandre Lacazette Joshua King Ramelu Lukaku Sadio Mané Roberto Pereyra

Chelsea Man City Arsenal Tottenha Fulham Brighton West Ham Everton Arsenal B’mouth Man Utd Liverpool Watford

7 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

HEAD TO HEAD 06/05/18 23/12/17 23/04/17 03/12/16 02/04/16 21/11/15 22/03/15 25/10/14 23/03/14 26/10/13 02/03/13

Barcelona Madrid Madrid Barcelona Barcelona Madrid Barcelona Madrid Madrid Barcelona Madrid

2-2 0-3 2-3 1-1 1-2 0-4 2-1 3-1 3-4 2-1 2-1

Madrid Barcelona Barcelona Madrid Madrid Barcelona Madrid Barcelona Barcelona Madrid Barcelona

34

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

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Ogunbote Unsure of Future with Enugu Rangers Despite winning the 2018Aiteo Cup trophy for Enugu Rangers, the first in 35 years in a thrilling comeback coach Gbenga Ogunbote is currently unsure if he will continue as the team’s handler next season.

Enugu Rangers in a spirited performance came from three goals down to equal the score at 3 – 3 after regulation time and beat Kano Pillars 4 – 2 on penalties to lift the oldest football tournament in Nigeria which they last won in 1983.

Ogunbote after the match in an interview revealed that his contract as coach of the team expired immediately after the win against Pillars and the future is still very uncertain.

“Talking about Rangers and how soon preparation should start for next season is a difficult one for me to answer because my contract with Rangers expired today.”

Ogunbote has also revealed that it is not yet time to talk about sitting for a new contract as he is going to take time to enjoy the moment. “I can’t say for sure now if I’ll stay at Rangers but let me enjoy the moment. Another issue is that I just won my first major trophy as a coach so I want to celebrate it. But sooner than later we will look into it.”

Meanwhile, Rangers Ghanaian goalkeeper, Nana Bonsu has said he was not under any pressure to deliver when he came on to

replace first choice goalkeeper Olufemi Thomas, who had a terrible day at the office conceding three goals.

The Ghanaian shot stopper was Rangers’ first choice goalkeeper under Imama Amakapabo in 2016 and was key to the team winning the Nigerian Professional Football League that season before losing his spot to the veteran safe hands Femi Thomas.

After conceding three goals and Enugu Rangers trailing in a performance he will hope to forget in a hurry, Ogunbote introduced Bonsu who kept Rangers in the match after Kano Pillars danger man Junior Lokosa’s close attempt.

Bonsu reacting to the game said he was

Ambode Approves Re-constitution of Boards of Lagos State Sports Associations The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the appointments into the Boards of 40 state sports associations.

This was announced by the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Adedayo Tandoh who stated that the appointments take immediate effect and will be for a four-year tenure in line with the stipulations contained in the enabling Law of the Lagos State Sports Commission.

It would be recalled that some months ago, the former Boards were dissolved as they had long exceeded their tenures. According to Dr. Tandoh, the new appointees were painstakingly selected to ensure that men and women with passion, knowledge and commitment for sports are brought on board.

“We are certain that with the new Boards in place, the pace of sports development in the state, particularly grassroots sports development will be very much accelerated,” Tandoh said.

Some of the 40 sports associations are Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, and Swimming. Others include Scrabble, Para-Athletics, Deaf Sports, Basketball, Judo and others.

The Boards are expected to swing into action immediately especially in view of the forthcoming 19th National Sports Festival holding in Abuja in December 2018.

WWE Women’s Revolution Hots up Live on DStv Wrestling fans in Nigeria will on Monday have an opportunity of watching history being made as the first-ever WWE pay-per-view event featuring women superstars will be exclusively live on DStv. The event, scheduled to take place in New York with all four women’s championship belts on the line, will be live on SuperSport 8 (channel 228) at Tuesday midnight and repeated in the evening at 6p.m. on SuperSport 9 (channel 229). GOtv viewers can catch the special event on Friday 2 November at 7:30p.m. on SuperSport Select 3 (channel 33).

The most anticipated bout of the night is between the Raw women’s champion, Ronda Rousey, as she takes on Nikki Bella, who is threatening a “Bellalution”.

The two combatants, who were once allies, would square-up in what will be a grudge bout, with Bella threatening her more prominent opponent.

Also on the card, SmackDown women’s champion, Becky Lynch, will defend her title against Charlotte Flair in a last woman standing match.

The “Irish Lass Kicker” and Flair heiress will do battle in the first-ever Last Woman Standing match at the historic event. This will be the third encounter between both fighters, with Flair winning the first when Lynch got herself intentionally disqualified, and the second ended in a brawl.

not under any pressure to prove his mettle.

“I was brought in to do my job and I am happy I did it well. I know the pressure was on me as we had scored two and Pillars wanted to score at least one more goal to make the scoreline safe for them. I thank God for my performance.

“Not playing regularly did not affect my performance because everyone knows what Nana can do. I know I lost my spot because of the injury and from my actions on the pitch you can see that I still have what it takes to be up there.”

Ogunbote, however, said the decision to make the goalkeeping substitution was purely tactical and he was happy it paid off.

StarTimes Boost Oyo SWAN Chapter with Dish, Decoder

Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (middle) with his wife during the presentation of the award by the NOC President, Habu Gumel in his palace on Tuesday

Rohr Still Shocked at Moses Retirement

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has admitted that he was surprised by the decision of Chelsea winger Victor Moses who decided to quit the national team less than two months after he represented the country at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

One of the reasons why the Blues number 15 decided to quit the Super Eagles was to concentrate on his career with the Premier League side, however, he has found playing opportunities hard to come by this season.

Bordeaux summer signing Samuel Kalu has struggled to replicate the performances of Moses after three matches for the Super Eagles in the Africa Cup of

Nations qualifiers. ‘’I have to admit that it did come as a surprise, but we had to accept it. He wanted to focus more on his family and club,’’ said Rohr to Kick Off Magazine. ‘’Unfortunately, he is now not playing regularly at Chelsea. He is only 27 and it really was a bit surprising, but we have to live with it. ‘’We tried to find a replacement for him and found Kalu from Bordeaux, who has done well so far.’’

Moses was one of the stars when Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and scored 12 goals in 38 appearances for the Super Eagles.

Gattuso’s Job on Line after Loss to Betis AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso accepts his job should be debated after they produced a “terrible, embarrassing performance” against Real Betis.

Milan are 12th in Serie A after a 1-0 injury-time defeat by Inter Milan and followed that with a 2-1 Europa League home defeat to the Spanish side.

“It’s only right that my position is under discussion,” Gattuso, 40, said.

“It’s difficult for a coach to sleep after a performance like this, one of the worst.”

Gattuso, a former midfielder with Milan and Italy, has been in charge of the club - who have not won a major trophy in seven years - since November 2017.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport said his job was not in immediate danger, but that Milan’s next three games are crucial.

“I’m worried, disappointed and angry, especially with myself,” he said. “I do not

think about my situation, I’m thinking about how to solve this problem.

“I’m the first person responsible for this situation; I’m bound by the results. I train a great club and it is right for me to take responsibility.

“I have to understand who has the right mentality. In some moments we applied nothing which we had prepared. There is too much fear of making mistakes.

“It’s not a question of formations - the team has lost its identity. This performance baffles me. Probably my staff and I were not clear enough, otherwise, we cannot explain this performance.

The defeat does not hurt as much as the performance.

“We did not play as AC Milan do. Right now what leaves me more worried is the fragility and the mentality. We must understand why the light suddenly turned off.”

As part of its effort at improving the cordial relationship between members of SWAN Oyo and enhance their working abilities, StarTimes Nigeria has supported the association with dish and decoder.

The equipment which came with full bouque and full subscription was presented to the chairman of the association, Niyi Alebiosu in Lagos Monday at a brief ceremony held at the company’s corporate head office by the Public Relations Manager, StarTimes Nigeria; Mr. Kunmi Balogun.

Speaking shortly after the presentation, Balogun who commended the leadership of Oyo SWAN executives for its transparency and commitment to serve the association, said the decoder and dish was just a tip of iceberg in the relationship Oyo SWAN chapter.

He also said that with the full bouque the sport writers will have access to various sport channels that will enhance their job and make them abreast of happenings in sport circle worldwide.

“We are glad to be associated with SWAN in Oyo State and this was made possible because we are keen follower of happenings since this administration took over two and half years ago and I can assure you that we are looking forward to more fruitful and cordial relationship,” Balogun said.

Responding, the chairman, SWAN Oyo State, Niyi Alebiosu expressed appreciation to the management of StarTimes Nigeria on behalf of executives and members for the support. He promised that the company will not regret its relationship with the association.

“This is the beginning of good things to come between members and the company and we are ready to uphold the good image of the association and protect it against any external influence that may want to destroy the good work of all members,” Alebiosu said.

Atua Wins Peace Anunah Birthday Golf Kitty Dr. Bola Atua has emerged overall winner at the Peace Anunah Birthday Golf Kitty held at the Benin Club Golf Section, (BCGS), GRA, Benin City on Thursday.

The former captain of the club against all odds proved his prowess by playing a net score of 75 to win the one day tournament organised by Peace Anunah Golf Buddies in his honour.

Coming second at the tournament was Monday Ikhuregbe with a net score of 78 while Steve Eberetofa placed third with 79 net.

Speaking at the event, the celebrant, who could not hide his joy, thanked all those who out of their busy scheduled deemed it fit to grace the occasion. While he commended his group for the wonderful display of love shown on him.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of valuable gift items to those who distinguished themselves at the tournament while members and guests were fully entertained to assorted refreshment.

35

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

GLOBAL SOCCER

Alex Iwobi

Arsenal New ‘Messi’ Weeks after the arrival of Unai Emery to the Emirate Stadium, Nigerian international, Alex Iwobi was one of the first Arsenal players to hail the Spaniard, saying he had brought a new lease of life to the Gunners and that his game had improved under him. Indeed, his recent performance proved him right so much so that Arsenal fans hailed him as the club’s version of Barcelona’s Messi

S

uper Eagles star, Alex Iwobi, has been a different player this season under Unai Emery and his stellar performance in Monday night’s Premier League game against Leicester City in which he earned himself the man-of-the-match award for his crucial part in his side’s counter-attack plan to catch the Foxes on the break.

Following the match, YouTube channel AFTV spoke to those leaving the ground about their thoughts on the 22-year-old.

And they may have got a bit carried away.

“Don’t call him Alex Iwobi anymore, he is the Nigerian Lionel Messi,” one claimed.

Before adding: “Emery has brought such a freshness to the side.

“He came in and lost the first two games, but that feels so long ago now.”

“I think you mean Messi is the Argentinian Iwobi,” one viewer claimed.

Another added: “Iwobi doing things so right! Last season he’d make such brain-dead decisions but this season I’m shouting for him to receive it!”

And a third claimed: “Iwobi is definitely a candidate for Young Player of The Season!”

Meanwhile, Arsenal coach has charged Iwobi to be staying nearer to the box so as to continue scoring and laying assists.

“I’m very happy with him and his mentality. He has the quality to play right or left, to do more one-on-ones against the opposition. I want him to stay nearer the box to score and be more aggressive, finding assists for team-mates. This is the way for him and other players,” Emery said So far this season, Iwobi’s performances have seen him become a pivotal part of new coach Emery’s plan.

Iwobi however said Emery had removed the fear of failure at Arsenal, which has allowed the club to piece together a run of 10 consecutive victories in all competitions.

The atmosphere towards the end of the Arsène Wenger years was tainted by negativity, which was not all down to the former manager – rather the broader situation around him and the yearning for change among a large section of the fanbase.

One of the consequences was an extreme lack of patience. If the team fell behind in matches, the players would not want to make mistakes and, invariably, they chose not to take risks. The result could be inertia; an inability to make comebacks.

Emery has benefitted from a greater degree of slack but, at the same time, he has driven a positive feeling through his bold approach. Arsenal started poorly once again at home to Leicester on Monday night. They trailed 1-0 after 31 minutes and the deficit could and should have been greater.

There are defensive holes in the team and it was not difficult to imagine how the Emirates crowd would have reacted last season. But Arsenal remained unafraid to express themselves in an attacking sense and the result was an eventual 3-1 win.

“The manager has imposed a new style and we are enjoying our time,” Iwobi

said. “We are enjoying each other and the chemistry is good – it’s not just the people who are starting but those on the bench, as well. It’s a team thing and we are all enjoying it.

“The manager has just given me the confidence to express myself and to believe in my ability, which I have been trying to show. In training, too, he is always letting me try new things – be positive, be direct and prove it in the games. It is working for me so I just have to keep it going.

“Do I feel like a better player than a year ago? I’d just say I am more confident. I feel that even if I make a mistake, I am able to go again. I think that is the difference between me last year and this year.”

Iwobi got the nod on the left ahead of Aubameyang and Welbeck against Leicester, and he was a factor in the comeback, getting into dangerous areas towards the end of the first half.

“I get the privilege to play with Mesut every day,” Iwobi said. “He is a worldclass player. He gives me advice in a different way. He jokes around but he always tells me I can do more. He also gives me the confidence to express myself.”

‘I have been training with him since I was 17 and I have seen what he can do. The quality he has is not just in training but as you can see in the match last night, he is a world-class player and he proved that again. Mesut will come across as laid back but he is helping everyone in a different way and he helps me a lot,’ Iwobi said.

‘For me, he has just given me confidence to express myself, to believe in my ability which I have been trying to show and basically also in training he is always letting me try new things, be positive, be direct and prove it in the game,’ Iwobi said.

‘It is working for me so I just have to keep it going. I am more confident, I feel that even if I make a mistake I am able to go again. I think that is the difference between me last year and this year.’

Arsenal are now level on points with Chelsea and remain just two points behind league leaders Manchester City and Liverpool.

Since that defeat at Stamford Bridge the north London side are yet to lose a game, and made it 10 in a row with Monday’s victory over Leicester. And the 22-year-old has conceded that things are looking up at the Emirates this term.

“Yeah, it’s going well, I’m very confident now. The manager is always being very positive to me, he’s always telling me to keep on going even if I make a mistake,” he told the club’s official website.

“That’s what I’m showing, and also proving to myself that I can put in 100 per cent throughout the game, and that’s why I’m shattered right now! Yeah, that’s basically what he’s been telling me.” he aid.

Indeed, Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr says Iwobi is free to express himself in the Super Eagles, as long he plays for the collective good of the team.

“Perhaps some times he did a little too much individually, he wanted to make a show. We prefer collective football.

“But when he can eliminate his opponent it’s very good. He’s with us all the time in confidence. He’s free when he has

Iwobi

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

36

FAIRGROUND

Africa Gears Up for Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2018

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

L

agos Fashion Week will return for its 8th edition this year from October 24th - 27th 2018. Serving as a hub to connect fashion stakeholders, LFW tents Oniru will open from 10am - 10pm.

Heineken Lagos Fashion Week is the leading event on the African Fashion calendar, attracting thousands of fashion experts, enthusiasts and media across the continent and beyond. This seasons event will feature over 50 designers showcasing their Spring/Summer 2019 collections as well as the Fashion Business Series, #LagosFWRetail in partnership with #SheTrades, Visual Makers Fellowship with Canon, Green Access Showcase with Fayrouz x Garment Care and Heineken Live Your Music After Party.

The Heineken Lagos Fashion Week was announced at a press cocktail, which took place on October 11, 2018. The cocktail began with a short message by Senior Brand Manager Heineken, Obabiyi Fagade, who reiterated Heineken’s commitment to inspiring African consumers to break boundaries through the LFW platform. He also expressed his excitement for LFW guests to experience the Heineken hospitality suite as well as Live Your Music.

Fashion Focus Alumni, and Fashion Focus x FETS Wallet Fund recipient, Emmy Kasbit was also present.

Sharing his experience of the incubator programme, he said: “Fashion Focus has been a great journey so far. The fund has helped propel my brand forward in such a short period of time through business mentorship and global opportunities, this has only been possible with the support of the Fashion Focus platform which continuously facilitates positioning my brand globally."

Excited at the opportunity to continue to impact young African businesses, the 2018/19 Fashion Focus Africa Semi Finalists who will be going through to the interview stages have been selected.

Interviews will be conducted during the Lagos Fashion week.

The Fashion Business Series will take a new turn this year, and will on the first day, usher in #HLFW18. The aim of FBS is to create a platform for fashion stakeholders to drive conversation about the development of the fashion industry.

This year’s theme; “The Importance of Platforms”, will feature a panel of experts discussing how various media platforms can be utilised for the benefit of the industry. We look forward to hosting our very first “FBS Gathering”, a dinner solely for fashion stakeholders.

Also a key feature in the 2018 lineup is the Visual Makers Fellowship. Ten filmmakers and 20 photographers will attend workshops over a seven-day period facilitated by Canon, and will be offered the opportunity to shoot for #HLFW2018. In addition, the Green Access showcase with Fayrouz and Garment Care, a platform set-up to promote sustainable fashion. Workshops for Green Access begun earlier on Thursday the 11th of October, and will see five finalists present upcycled pieces at Lagos Fashion Week.

This year’s theme is titled ‘The Importance of Platforms’ and discussions will delve into how the fashion industry can leverage platforms. A dynamic selection of industry experts will lead these discussions.

Tickets for the runway shows can be purchased online at Afritickets.

Heineken Lagos Fashion Week is brought to you by Style House Files and Heineken in partnership with FETS Wallet, JC Decaux, Fayrouz, NEPC, Maybelline, Oando, and Garment Care.

Media Partners: BellaNaija, Business Day, Genevieve Magazine, George Britton, Guardian Life, Konbini, Pulse NG, Style Vitae, Ventures Africa and Zumi. Official Logistics Partner is Taxify.

Angel Obasi and friend

Eromosele, Tomisin, Winston, Omoyemi, Onyinye, Andie and Godwin of the Lagos Fashion Week team

Emmy Kasbit with Adebayo Oke-Lawal

Hafsah Mohammed, Dodos and Eki Ogunbor Sharon Ojong, Adebayo Oke-Lawal, Sisiano Paolo, Emmy Kasbit

Mary Collette

Obabiyi Fagade, Senior Brand Manager Heineken

Mimi Onalaja and Denola Grey

Folake Otudeko

Moyo Jolaolu, Olamide Olarewaju, Noble Igwe and Favor Olugu

Akin Faminu

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

37

FAIRGROUND

Cool FM Celebrates 20th Anniversary hen AIM Group introduced Cool FM on October 1, 1998 right in the heart of Lagos, it ignited a notable era in the business of broadcasting and promoting music in a then relatively tyro industry. Over the past two decades, Cool FM has stood out as the forefront in music-radio, driving innovations and solutions to enhance the radio experience for listeners, musicians and stakeholders.

The cutting-edge media equipment’s and evolving solutions from Cool FM team, combined with creative ideas from Pioneers who saw the potential of an entire radio station dedicated to music at the reach of every listener, sparked the buzz that would forever change how, what and when people listened to music in Nigeria.

Today, listeners near and wide can stream any of the 13 local stations situated round the country from anywhere in the world.

W

Credits: Creative Director @tonyeekine Photographer: @theoladayo Assistant photographer: @henry_handle Male Stylist: @henriuduku Assistant Male Stylist: @soft_ Female Stylist: @theadenike Make up Artist @heavenessencebeauty Hair Stylist @akinshair Location @radissonbluikeja.

L-R: June Ubi, Do2dtun, Freeze, Joyce, Taymi, N6, Mannie, Kemi Smallz and La voca

Love Idoko’s Activate Success Foundation, Partners NYSC

A

After the successful completion of the Youth Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme (YEEP) where many participants won financial grants from Love Idoko's Activate Success team, FCMB and some facilitators. The winners who have been waiting for the official presentation of their cheques can finally smile to the bank as the official presentation was done at the NYSC secretariat on Thursday, October 11.

YEEP is an initiative of Love Idoko’s Activate success international foundation (ASIF) in conjunction with FCMB with the sole aim of giving corpers not just the opportunity to learn but to empower selected corp members with startup funds.

YEEP featured some of the brightest minds in different industry. Some of whom made financial commitments to some of the participants as well. Commitments that have now been honoured at the official financial grant presentation. Desmond Elliot (Nollywood Actor & member Lagos state House of Assembly), Seyi Adekunle (M.D Vodi Tailors) and Samson Itodo (Executive Director YIAGA AFRICA) are few of the facilitators at the event.

Beyond the grants from FCMB, Mr Seyi Adekunle, CEO, VODI supported 12 Corp Members with N1,200,000, Mr Samson Itodo, Executive Director, YIAGA Africa supported 10 Corp Members with N500,000 and Honorable Desmond Elliot supported 4 Corp Members with N200, 000.

A total of N3 million was given to 32 business

From Left, Love Idoko, Grant Beneficary and Mr Seyi Adekunle. CEO VODI tailors at the Grant presentation Ceremony by Activate Success Int'l foundation Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme

minded corpers who have proven themselves worthy of the money through their ideas and compelling appeal.

The convener, Love Idoko expressed her joy and excitement at being finally able to present the grants to the winners since the event.

“Since the event, we have been trying to find the appropriate day for this presentation.

I'm glad it has finally happened. There are

lots of youths out there who needs just a little push of empowerment motivation and I feel fulfilled knowing that I can make an impact in such people’s lives.

"I also want to seize the opportunity to thank the Director General of the NYSC, all the Directors and Deputy Directors and staff of NYSC who were present at the presentation.

"To all our sponsors, facilitators and guests, we

are really grateful for their consistent support.

It has been an honour to partner with you to make the dreams of these young ones a reality," she said.

Winners of the grants were also full of excitement and promised to utilise the grant purposefully and profitably. The whole YEEP event was in partnership with FCMB, NYSC, and INTELIA.

Olubunmi Odekunle Plans Big, Pushes His Course Around Africa

O

lubunmi Odekunle is a Social and Tech Entrepreneur who works earnestly to solve social problems and improve public service delivery with technology. He is currently the Co-Founder/ Executive Director of Sabon Africa Development Network (SADEN). A pan-African youth led organisation with presence in Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon and the Republic of Benin with members from the 55 countries under the African Union.

He believes social work is more of a calling than a profession. His passion for working and helping others succeed inspired him into social work. He gets to see young people struggle with life almost everyday especially from this part of the world where we live. He

feels there is a missing link he had to fill. He believes a life that negates the service of others is wasted. Social work has given him the opportunity to empower, motivate, connect, and encourage resilience.

His company has done quite a number of projects in Nigeria, Kenya and the Republic of Benin, as part of the mandate to advocate for issues which mitigate the development and growth of the African continent especially poverty. They have impacted more than 200 vulnerable young adults in Nigeria, Kenya and Benin through training in technical skills, financial literacy, ICT and leadership skills.

Olubunmi and his team plans to impact as many lives as possible under the African continent. He sees himself as a connector and a solution provider.

Odekunle

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

AUTO Much Ado About Ember Months Bisi Kazeem

L-R: General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; Coscharis/Ford Customer, Olanrewaju Koleade; Coscharis/Ford Customer, Debbie Davies; Brand Manager, Coscharis-Ford, Felix Mahan at the official unveiling of the All New Ford EcoSport into the Nigeria market at the Abuja Motor Fair… recently

Coscharis Motors Launches new Ford EcoSport at Abuja Motor Fair Stories by Bennett Oghifo

C

oscharis Motors, exclusive distributor for Ford in Nigeria, unveiled the new EcoSport compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) at the Abuja International Motor Fair.

“We are thrilled to introduce the new Ford EcoSport to the Nigerian market,” says Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications at Coscharis Motors.

“The vehicle comes with more advanced features, more refined styling, and more sophisticated technologies.

“The EcoSport is a popular model in Nigeria,” said Babarinde. “And the new EcoSport offers customers even more style, comfort, capability, and choice – blending rugged SUV functionality with city car practicality – making it more appealing and competitive than ever.”

Powerful and efficient The new EcoSport is powered by Ford’s proven

range of 1.5-litre engines, linked to front-wheel drive. The 1.5 TiVCT petrol unit produces 90kW (123PS) of power matched to a peak torque output of 151Nm. It is available with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission on the EcoSport Ambiente, or in automatic guise on the Trend and Titanium.

Rugged and refined styling The new EcoSport features bold, dynamic Ford SUV styling. A sculpted bonnet with a central bulge delivers a cleaner front-end appearance.

Angular fog light housings complete a front three-quarter profile that was inspired by the straps of a rucksack and designed to reflect an adventurous character.

EcoSport’s rear bumper and tail light designs also are revised to deliver a cleaner, more sculpted appearance. Customers can choose from seven bold exterior colours, including Lightning Blue and Race Red. EcoSport now also delivers a new level of interior refinement with easier-to-use controls and soft-touch materials, and a new centre console

ergonomically designed for easy operation, featuring fewer buttons. New seats designs are optimised for greater front and rear occupant comfort, and deliver a more upscale feel, including partial leather on the Titanium model.

The interior features a host of smart stowage solutions, including an underseat storage drawer located beneath the front passenger seat, along with a spacious rear luggage compartment with integrated cargo tie-down hooks.

Sophisticated driver assistance technology The new EcoSport builds on the commanding SUV driving position and rewarding Ford driving dynamics to deliver an even easier and more enjoyable driving experience using advanced technologies.

Ford’s sophisticated SYNC®3 communications and entertainment system is available on the new EcoSport. SYNC®3 is supported by the new 8-inch colour touchscreen, which can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. On the Trend model, SYNC®3 uses a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen.

Porsche Launches new pop-up at La Mer

P

orsche’s latest brand experience destination, a three-month long pop-up, is now open at La Mer. The result of a collaboration between the brand’s regional office, Porsche Centre Dubai and MERAAS, the new go-to destination is open to all sports car enthusiasts, customers and the public. Located at the Smoky Beach venue those visiting La Mer can get access to the Porsche lifestyle at one of Dubai’s most popular beach spots.

Running until January 19th, 2019, the pop-up will feature an exciting roster of the brand’s sports cars on display, starting with the 718 Boxster GTS in a striking Miami Blue exterior colour. Sporty performance, sharp design and a convertible roof make this two-seater the perfect choice for driving fun over the UAE’s winter months. Reinforcing the Porsche lifestyle further, a specially commissioned set of artworks by 3D artist, Chris LaBrooy, have been created to celebrate the launch of Porsche La Mer, which will host a range of events over the next three months.

Those visiting the pop-up will be able to order food and drink, whilst interacting with the Porsche Pro, a member of staff who will be on-hand to answer questions and offer test-drives to those interested in extending their Porsche experience.

Speaking about the opening of the pop-up, Peter Vogel, Acting Chief Executive Officer and

Porsche Cayenne

Sales Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, said: “With more than 70 years of experience building sports cars, the Porsche name has transcended beyond just vehicle production.

It is now a brand with a true lifestyle appeal.

As such, creating experiences like the one at La Mer, for people to immerse themselves in everything Porsche, is an important part of our culture. I would like to congratulate Porsche Centre Dubai on their role in the opening of

this exciting destination.”

Vijay Rao, General Manager of Porsche Centre Dubai and Northern Emirates, added: “Porsche La Mer is part of our customer-centric approach to bringing the brand and services directly to where our customers are, and we look forward to interacting with current and future Porsche customers in this vibrant new venue in Dubai, where they can relax, eat and get to grips with our diverse line-up of sports cars.”

As a mother, Dr. Mrs. Farida Adelaja could not help but weep uncontrollably after watching a sitcom during the 9pm Network News bulletin on the inherent hazards of dangerous driving and other road vices. She shuddered with fright while reading the reaction from the Medical Doctor of Divine Touch Hospital Ibafo in Ogun State on the recent fatal crash involving a commercial bus belonging to the Young Shall Grow Motors along the Lagos – Ibadan express way, Ogun State in the early hours of Tuesday, 23rd October, 2018, killing 10 persons and injuring many other passengers, Dr Dotun Odofin, said “of the eight injured brought to the hospital, seven survived. He added, “The motor boy of the luxury bus, Ifeanyi Eze, died five minutes after arriving at our hospital. He was among the eight injured admitted to our hospital. His two legs were crushed. Six patients have been discharged because they had minor injuries, while one Togolese woman is still receiving treatment. The passengers said the driver had been reckless since they left Onitsha, Anambra State, for Lagos and they even called the company’s office to complain before the accident happened.”

According to The Ogun State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps who led a team of rescue operatives to the scene of the crash, Corps Commander Clement Oladele, said “the commercial bus conveyed 42 passengers. He, however, said nine people died in the crash, adding that eight passengers were injured”.

He said, “Atotal of 42 persons were involved in the accident, comprising 34 males and eight females.

Three males and two female adults were injured, while seven males and two female adults died.”

Oladele said the whereabouts of the bus driver was unknown.

Reacting further, The Chief Medical Director of OOUTH, Dr PeterAdefuye, said “nine bodies were brought to the hospital’s mortuary by emergency management workers”, adding that “some of the deceased could be members of the National Youth Service Corps”.

He said, “We learnt that the luxury bus rammed into a parked trailer on the highway. Nine bodies were brought to the mortuary; they had injuries.

“One had his head almost ruptured, while others had multiple fractures. It is possible that the deceased sat close to where the bus rammed into the trailer.

Some of them appeared like youths on the NYSC scheme; they were in white tops and khakis. There were others in mufti.

“For now, the deceased are still recorded as unknown. However, the medical and social departments, with the support of the Police, will search their luggage. If they have ID cards or any means of identification, we will trace their family members. This process will take one or two days.

We may have to contact their families if they don’t show up.”

These gloomy reflections were the pre-occupations on the mind of Dr. Mrs.Adelaja as she lay bedridden in her room with feeling of relieve after surviving a near fatal lone crash which resulted to spinal cord injuries. Within the last 11 months, she has passed through the Doctor’s surgical knives for 5 times with scars which only brings unpleasant memories.

With occasional grunts; she recounts the painful experience of November 2014 which according to her was an unforgettable day of her life. A day which puts an abrupt end to all her plans and then confined her to a solitary bed and has to move with the aid of one of her children, Bimpe who has virtually stopped going to school in order to attend to her mother’s needs.

According to her “We had almost passed Katsinala when I heard a sudden sound which was followed by a burst tyre and the next thing I saw was our bus skidding off the road. I woke up later on a hospital bed with a strange numb feeling on my left leg. The nurse later told me that I was brought in by concerned Nigerians together with some other passengers who were involved in the near fatal accident and now, I can no longer use my left leg.

It is very painful.” he said.

Also recounting an unpleasant experience during a trip started from the Kaduna Mando park at exactly 7.30pm in October of last year, Miss Ephraim Bassey; a tomato seller who trades on perishable food items at the popular Uyo Central market, recalled from her hospital bed in Abuja that “the fatal crash which claimed 7 lives and left 4 other passengers on critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit of Unity Clinic at Kubwa, could have been averted if the driver had noticed the worn-out tyre on his vehicle before the night trip which has left me with a severe neck and back injury that made it difficult for me to sit down for too long.

It was very ghastly and I was lucky to have lived through it.” she explained.

AcommonfeaturebetweenAdelaja andEphraim’s near death experience is the fact that both are hinged on the fact that both crashes occurred during the period which most people referred to as the ember month’s period.

Bisi Kazeem,Corps Commander,Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC Headquarters,Abuja

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

39

AUTO

Rolls-Royce Debuts ‘Spirit Of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg Stories by Bennett Oghifo

F

rom Kings and Queens to entrepreneurs, many of the most prominent and wealthy collectors of the 20th and 21st century have been beguiled by the lure of a Fabergé Egg. With just 50 pre-1917 Imperial Eggs completed, these exceptionally precious creations are some of the most valuable and coveted objects ever to have been made.

Now, in a contemporary fashion, a new Fabergé Egg has been created. Two of the world’s most esteemed houses of luxury have joined forces to create one unique objet d’art, for one discerning patron. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Fabergé proudly announce the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg. For the first time in history, an iteration of the Spirit of Ecstasy, the enigmatic mascot that has adorned Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1911, is cocooned in an exquisite, contemporary, Fabergé Egg. The design, conceived by Rolls-Royce Designers Stefan Monro andAlex Innes and rendered by Fabergé Lead Designer Liisa Tallgren, has been brought to life by Fabergé workmaster Paul Jones, creating a contemporary interpretation of one of the world’s most fabled and prized possessions.

The commissioning of a Rolls-Royce motor car is often a seminal moment for the patron, so too is the commissioning of a Fabergé Egg. Indeed, this ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg, the second to be commissioned in the ‘Imperial Class’ since 1917 – a category reserved only for Fabergé’s most illustrious creations – celebrates the history, heritage and legend for which both Rolls-Royce and Fabergé have been revered over

2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge more than a century. Both brands have navigated the vicissitudes of time and continue to produce the apogee of modern, highly sought after, true luxury items. The Egg is destined for the residence of a great collector of both brands.

The Egg connects the elements that lie at the very core of each marque – the Spirit of Ecstasy, the illustrious muse that has guided each RollsRoyce motor car for over a century, and the form of a Fabergé Egg, the pinnacle of ornamental

expression. The masterpiece resulting from this distinguished collaboration reflects the extraordinary attention to detail and the consummate craftsmanship for which both brands are renowned to this day.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “’The Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg was born from an intrinsic desire to further the realms of Bespoke personalisation. Responding to

the continuing demands of patrons in search of unique and cherished possessions, a designer at the House of Rolls-Royce sketched an Egg, igniting a fascination that will undoubtedly become one of the most collectable items of modern times.”

A team of seven craftspeople from Fabergé undertook the challenge of fabricating the design using the finest materials married with their extraordinary skill as artist jewellers. At first glance, the Egg is unmistakable in its character. Design cues from Fabergé’s heritage are masterfully woven into the intricate design which stands at 160mm and weighs just 400g, with the Egg harnessing the ‘surprise and delight’ attributes for which Imperial Eggs are celebrated.

The Egg rests on an engine-turned, handengraved, purple enamel guilloché base of 18 karat white gold. Arms of rose gold define the shape of the Egg, acting as a protective chamber for the Egg’s precious inhabitant. Upon operating the movement via a discreet lever at the base of the stand, a sense of theatre ensues as the boughs open to present the fine figurine of the Spirit of Ecstasy, hand-sculpted in frosted rock crystal, standing nobly in her opulent surrounds. The rose gold vanes, embellished with nearly 10 carats of round white diamonds, resolve into swathes of natural amethyst weighing over 390 carats, specially selected for its colour saturation and quality.

The purple hue of the enamel and amethyst provide a playful nod to the use of colour found in Fabergé’s heritage.

The technical mastery of Fabergé prevails. The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg adopts a highly complexoperatingmechanism,conceivedthrough computer aided design and animation, developed with micro engineering.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class of Hybrids to be Launched he third generation of the plug-in hybrid from Mercedes-Benz is due to be launched. The new S 560 e (combined fuel consumption: 2.6-2.5 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 59-57 g/km, combined electrical consumption: 20.2-20.0 kWh/100 km)1 can be ordered from 10 October. The modified components and the intelligent powertrain management’s new anticipatory functions give the customer enhanced electric performance and, last but not least, added convenience thanks to faster charging times.

In the luxury saloon - available exclusively with a long wheelbase (V 222) – the efficiency of the 9G-TRONIC plug-in-hybrid transmission and a new lithium-ion battery are good for an all-electric range of around 50 kilometres. The hybrid drive system in the S 560 e combines the 270 kW (367 hp) of the V6 petrol engine with 90 kW of EQ Power to deliver a maximum system output of up to 350 kW. The vehicle launch is scheduled for this month. Prices start at 96,065 euro2.

Plug-in hybrids are a key technology on the road to a locally emission-free future for the automobile. They offer customers the benefits

T

of two worlds: in town they run in all-electric mode, while on long journeys they benefit from the range of the combustion engine. They make the vehicle more efficient overall because they can firstly recover energy and secondly allow the combustion engine to run in favourable operating ranges. Mercedes-Benz is driving forward with the development of its plug-in hybrids under the motto EQ Power.

The hybrid drive system in the S 560 e combines the 270 kW (367 hp) of the V6 petrol engine with an electric output of 90 kW. What’s more, its lithium-ion battery stores a lot more energy, giving it an all-electric range of around 50 kilometres. The new cell chemistry with lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (Li-NMC) makes for a cell capacity of 37 Ah (previously 22 Ah). The highly efficient battery system in the S-Class comes, for the first time, from the wholly owned Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE. The DC/DC converter previously housed separately in the luggage compartment is now installed in the power electronics housing. Despite an increase of around 50 percent in its energy content, the dimensions of the new battery are smaller than those of its predecessor.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid

The Hit and Run Tragedies

O

n 28th September 2018, I had the rare privilege of meeting in flesh and blood with Justice Monica Dongban –Mensem of the Court of Appeal .The meeting was my second. The first meeting was some ten years ago when as Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Command, I was invited for the induction programme put together to honor selected Celebrities drawn from the entertainment industry ,the media and other rare Nigerians such as the Justice as a plank for raising the bar of the Corps public enlightenment campaign strategies in keeping with the United Nations Decade of Actions for road safety goals aimed at cutting down global road traffic crash fatalities by 50percent by 2020.As the anchor, I had the opportunity to flip through her dozzier to unravel the road she had travelled and to understand why she was engaged in a business reserved for people like us.I was therefore priviledged to hear first-hand, the tragedy that influenced her foray into safety.

The unique Celebrity Special Marshal concept,was conceived as a platform to utilize creative minds in driving the road safety awareness campaign programme in the country. The easy going Justice was one of the few honoured during the programme held at the Domme in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. It was at that programme that I listened as the Justice and a mother who in our parlance should be mourning ,choose a path

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 that is rarely taken by bereaved parents in our clime;a path taken by mothers such as Rochele Sobel, the brain behind the Association for safe International Road Travel( ASIRT) which she founded in 1995 in response to the death ofAron Sobel, her 25-year old son and medical school student who was killed in a bus crash in Turkey along with 22 other passengers from many countries.According to the report,the bus driver was said to be speeding down the wrong lane of a narrow, ill-maintained road with a sharp curve and no guard rail;a road that had long been on a government list of “black spots” in need of repair. Aron’s graduation from the University of Maryland Medical School would have taken place two weeks from the day he was killed in that avoidable road traffic crash.The traumatised Rochele choose to join the train of safety crusaders rather than wallow in pain.

The Justice perhaps was also conscious of the tragedy suffered by Candy Lightner, founder of mothers against drunk driving (MAAD) since

1980.MAAD seeks to stop drunk driving, support those affected by drunk driving, prevent underage drinking and strive for stricter impaired driving policy whether that impairment is caused by alcohol or any other drug. Like Rochele, Candy Lightner who founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was equally driven ibto the crusade by the trauma suffered. She had three children. As captured by reports, a drunken driver rear-ended Candy Lightner’s car when her daughter Serena was 18 months old. The crash injured Serena. Six years later, an impaired driver ran over her son Travis. He had many broken bones and other injuries, was in a coma, and had permanent brain damage. The driver who injured him was impaired by tranquilizers when she ran over him. She also had no license. Yet she got no ticket.On May 3, 1980, Candy Lightner’s 13-year-old daughter, Cari, was walking in her residential neighborhood in Fair Oaks, California.

She was on her way to a church carnival.Adrunken driver struck her from behind. He briefly passed out, came to, and drove off after having killed the young girl. The crash threw Cari’s body 125 feet and so badly mutilated her body that her organs were not donatable. The report further notes , that a repeat driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving while impaired offender committed the crime. He was free on bail for a hit and run drunken driving crash only two days earlier. Killing Cari was his fifth offense in four years These were the noble path she choose. So when I said it was rare, it wasn’t because I had a criminal case pending in her court but just my humble way

of doffing my hat for what she has chosen to do in the fight against road traffic crash in the country.

My recent meeting with her was at the occasion of the KWAPDA’AS ROAD SAFETY TRUST FUND programme held in Awka the Anambra State capital. I don’t know how much you know about her NGO but permit me to inform you that the NGO was inspired by the need to create a road safety awareness following the road traffic crash which occurred when a hit and run driver knocked down her law graduate son, Kwapda’as Rangnaan Samsom Dongban in Jos,the Plateau State Capital on 23rd Sept,2011. The young man was left in the pool of his own blood as passersby willing to take him to the hospital were afraid of what security men would do to them thus compounding the golden hour needed to save his life. By the time he was finally taken to the hospital, it was too late as he had died as a result of too much bleeding. She therefore set up the foundation in 2011 after he was buried to stop the needless loss of life.

Her son’s death reminds one of similar tragic incidences such as that involving the late media guru Dimgba Igwe, among others. Amore recent story which occurred a fortnight ago is that of one of my junior staff who almost lost his life when a reckless motorcycle rider crashed onto him while waiting for a vehicle to convey him home after the day’s works. The young man ended with series of injuries including a swollen eye, head injury while the passenger of the bike sustained more serious injuries caused by the recklessness of the rider who in the new found mad driving among this group was driving against the flow of traffic in the outskirt of Abuja,in the Federal Capital Territory.

40

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 27, 2018

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

La Vache Vintage Magnifique Collection by

Trish O. Couture

OCTOBER 27, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

41

FASHION FILE La Vache Vintage Magnifique Collection

T

he word La Vache means an expression of surprise or admiration, while magnifique means magnificent. The word “La vache” was just something i pick from one of my trip aboard.

(French country) The La Vache Vintage Magnifique collection is a blend of refined fashion style and elegant outfit. There’s so much precision and accurate details on all of the outfits. Blending the Africa culture (Ankara) into each outfit to make a statement, the originality of the Africa heritage.

With stones, Net and a bit of the western culture. Let’s just say, the Africa/western culture blend together to unite a Magnifique world.

We have the Victorian queen ruffle dress, the vintage red Michelle dress, the vintage black wing dress and the sanguine frill dress, just to mention a few in the collection. We are so excited to introduce this collection because, it has been a vision for a long time.

I am so glad to show Paris and the world a taste of Nigeria (Africa) culture with style.

We always make you look good.... Trish O. Collection

42

Ë&#x153; Ëž OCTOBER 27, 2018

The Denmark, Kaduna Dairy Farm Initiative

R

ecently, stakeholders rose from a conference organised by two leading media houses to demand the setting up of a Federal Peace and Conflict Resolution Commission to address the prevalent farmers-herders crisis in the country.

They also urged the Federal Government to strengthen security arrangements to make both farmers and herders feel safe, while also saying the proposal for grazing reserves should be embraced, beginning with consenting states.

However, the conference was earlier preceded by an endorsement of the Denmark and Kaduna State Governmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dairy farm partnership initiative by President Muhammadu Buhari. This major event which went almost unnoticed has far-reaching implications on the persistent Fulani Herders/Farmers clashes as well as profound capacity to reshape the crisis and cattle ranching discourse towards a new trajectory.

Why is it so? It will be the first time the President would openly admit or acknowledge that open grazing is no longer feasible and that the time has rightly come for cattle herders to jettison their age-old and time-worn nomadic methods and embrace modern ways of rearing cattle in Nigeria.

As a background, the president received in audience, the outgoing Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Torben Gettermann. As part of his farewell itinerary, the diplomat unveiled a partnership initiative entered into between his country and the Kaduna State Government in the area of dairy farming.

Gettermann told the President that the concept of dairy farms was to have 1,000 families of herdsmen with 12,000 heads of cattle in a location, where they would have veterinary attention, schools for their children, and generally live as a small community. He said a Danish company, Arla, would then buy the milk off the cattle farmers, adding that the concept was not the same as ranching.

The envoy said the Danish government would bring investors through its agriculture counsellor in the country, while the Kaduna State Government would provide initial infrastructure and funding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A pilot project will start in Kaduna, and then move to other locations, as it becomes commercially viable,â&#x20AC;? he added.

In his response, the President asserted that â&#x20AC;&#x153;The establishment of dairy farms, as being promoted by the Kingdom of Denmark, will save the country from the almost perennial problem of clashes between herders and farmers, made worse by population explosion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the dairy farms are economically viable, the herders will see the need to stay in one place, as they will realise that productive considerations, rather than the number of heads of cattle, are more important.â&#x20AC;?

But why would it take the president, who is himself a cattle owner and farmer this long to realise this? To be fair to the Buhari administration, the Fulani herdsmen/farmers clashes precede this administration, however, a careful study of the crisis within the last three years will reveal that it has escalated more under Buhari administration.

The reason for this is situated in the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s penchant for slow reaction to rather volatile situations, shifting blame to previous

THEFRONTLINES WITH

JOSEPH USHIGIALE e-mail: jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com mobile phone: 08023422660 (sms only)

Buhari administration as well as sticking to primordial sentiments and adopting knee-jerk and old-fashioned ways of solving new problems instead of embracing global modern techniques.

Hear him: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The problem is even older than us. It has always been there but now made worse by the influx of armed gunmen from the Sahel region into different parts of the West African sub-region. These gunmen were trained and armed by Muammar Gadaffi of Libya. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When he was killed, the gunmen escaped with their arms. We encountered some of them fighting against Boko Haram. Herdsmen that we used to know carried only sticks and maybe a cutlass to clear the way, but these ones now carry sophisticated weapons. The problem is not religious, but sociological and economic. But we are working on solutions.â&#x20AC;? Buhari said.

Apparently frustrated by Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lack of pragmatism, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) led by its President, Rev. Ignatius Kaigama called on the President during a visit of its members in Abuja to use his background as a farmer and cattle rearer to find a `civilized solutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to farmers/herdsmen clashes across the country.

The state governors in the affected states, on the other hand, decided to enact laws outlawing open grazing of livestock in their respective

Ode to Message And Its Messenger

I

am always amused when people advise that others should try to separate the message from the messenger; that for discussions to be premised on logic, order and substance the personification of the carrier of the message should be pushed to the background so as to focus attention and passion on the spirit and letters of the content (the message). My amusement is not as a result of my inability to appreciate this wonderful argument, nor do I seriously object to it, in principle. I am amused because human beings are not machines - we have sentiments, sensibilities, experiences, exposure, idiosyncrasies, etc, arising from our diverse backgrounds, training, locations and education. Except as means of deliberate academic exercise or some fancy psychoanalytic adventure, where we are requested to suspend reality and immediacy of our environment, to challenge and interrogate issues and problems dispassionately and forensically. Beyond that - well, I may be advised of other situations subsequently - there is hardly any public debate in which anyone can successfully and efficiently maintain dialogue and duality in a manner that separates a messenger from his message! One, most Messengers have motives and mission, good or bad, altruistic or prebendal, mischievous or ingenuous, selfserving or troubleshooting. There is always a reason for arguing (for or against) in the public space on virtually all issues.

Secondly, reliable and responsible Messengers are often consistent and hardly piss too far from their pottie. For some, merely reading the opening paragraphs of their Message, the swerving construction, the elevated words...disparaging anecdotes...tangling sarcasm... etc, discerning readers immediately know the writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political or ideological persuasion. For others, they glance at the byline (name at the top of the article) or below, and identify the piece as written by â&#x20AC;&#x153;an old customerâ&#x20AC;?... a sentiment principally fueled by the understanding that tigers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change their stripes...and a virile lion canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t share a drinking hole with a hyena!

Permit this stretch to some sort of absurdity: Can you see the hardworking Nigerian transvestite, Bobrisky, explaining the challenges of living responsibly, and you knowing her/his antecedents, will it be outrageous of you not to wonder, or perhaps â&#x20AC;&#x153;rejectâ&#x20AC;? the spirit that leads a man to crave and profess to be a woman... even in all his/ her seductive posturing? Here, as is often the case even in more sublime scenarios, the message is gasping grossly in the suffocating aroma of the messenger!

So, it is supremely impossible for partisans to wear a robe of objectivity in an arena of open-square discussion, even when they

incredibly restrain themselves by seeking to focus on issues, in stead of abuses and cusswords.

Now, the inability to separate the Messenger from the Message may not be as bad as it sounds... if the duellers agree and make effort to interrogate the Message in civil, responsible and constructive manner.

You may repudiate an argument based on the presupposition that an APC supporter (not apologist, nitwit, liar or worse still â&#x20AC;&#x153;zombieâ&#x20AC;?) cannot find anything good in a position canvassed by a PDP enthusiast (scratch PDPig, dimwit, devourer, or worse still â&#x20AC;&#x153;pestilenceâ&#x20AC;?).

Our comfort with abusive, disparaging and vicious debates - garnised with savage baiting, derision, lampooning and such eccentricities make political engagements violent, intolerant and primitive. We then wonder why the streets are extensions of the social media battlefronts.

We can disagree and disprove, and even dismiss possitions and opposition in such a way the other party will seek a review of its strategies and offerings, while scavenging for better, improved substitutes in the wake of mature and invigorating contestations of ideas and suggestions.

Let us ply a higher road... to solving our mutual challenges of, and temptations in nation building.

- SNIPPETS â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Sharibu Nethan, Leah Sharibuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father has disclosed that his family was terrified with the recent murder of Hauwa Leman, by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The father of the only Dapchi school girl in captivity appealed to President Buhari to act quickly in order to secure the release of his daughter.â&#x20AC;?

- From a father to another, I join my voice to demand that the president give Leahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father a definite answer, and give the nation a sense of closure over the Dapchi debacle before this October expires.

The signs are indeed baleful.

XXXXXXXXXXX â&#x20AC;&#x153;National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, on Monday, dismissed as untrue the reported gang-up

by APC governors against his leadership of the party. Oshiomhole, while responding to State House correspondents in Abuja, said only one or two out of the 23 state governors under the platform of APC were vehemently opposed to his leadership style.â&#x20AC;?

- Bros, why are few people â&#x20AC;&#x153;vehemently opposedâ&#x20AC;? to your style?

Werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we told that good leadership is built on consensus and

states. The action stoked the flame of anger and provoked the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Association to draw the battle line culminating in it insisting that the law must be repealed because it would not obey the law. What happened next is now history.

But why again would it take the federal government which already has abundant resources and evidence at its disposal so long to wait for the Danish government to prompt it to take decisive and proactive measures to prevent the avoidable killings in the ensuing conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and Adamawa States?

While we praise the Danish government for deploying what we hope would be an effective solution to a festering problem through diplomatic means, there are also some palpable takeaways from the dairy farms initiative. First, it has been laid bare that the dairy farm initiative is a business venture supported by a model which is expected to be profitable as against the federal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patronage and pacifist policy to placate MACBAN and its members.

Accusation that the MACAN which has never exhibited such recalcitrant tendencies under previous regimes is exploiting its filial relationship with the president to wreck havoc on the hapless farmers is cited in a report that Buhari led a delegation on October 13, 2000 of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to Lam Adesina in Oyo state to press a case against the killing of some Fulani herdsmen at the time.

If the president can now admit that the time has finally come for Fulani herdsmen to embrace modern means of cattle rearing. Does it mean that he just recently learnt of these modern techniques of cattle rearing? Is he also telling Nigerians that his own cattle are roaming in the wild?

It simply means that the president has all this while deliberately turned a blind eye and either displayed a lack of political will or adopted partisanship in the handling of the Fulani herders/farmers clash in the past three years that he has been on the saddle same as he did during Lam Adesinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tenure to protect his MACBAN against landowners.

The president can be forgiven if he is currently still roaming his cattle in the wild like others, but if he is not, charity should begin from home by getting the herders to adopt his own farm practices. It is a shame that Nigeria will be adopting a modern cattle rearing model in this age and time when the concept of open grazing in the civilized world was abolished following the invention of barbed wires in 1894 in the United States which gave birth to ranching of cattle.

If the present administration was interested in saving lives and engendering peace, it would have utilised available resources at its disposal to provide interim succour for the herders. For example, there are solid ranch resources in Obudu Cattle Ranch, Cross River State with 27 well-established ranges that can comfortably accommodate 35,000 cows. Others abound with temperate climax suitable for cattle rearing in Plateau State ditto Mambilla in Adamawa state etc which the federal government would have quickly deployed to stem these killings rather than pursuing its primordial sentiments and arguing for the resuscitation of outdated cattle routes in the face of advanced technology in agriculture especially cattle rearing.

COUNTERPOINT BY

FEMI

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

diplomacy...leading sometimes from the rear...being firm but fair... strong but flexible. How does your leadership style scale along those parameters? Repent, before youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re reposted in the coming days of the long knives.

XXXXXXXXXXX â&#x20AC;&#x153;A coalition of the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidates have insisted that the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole must be removed now. The coalition, in a statement, described Oshiomhole as cancerous, accusing him of causing much of the crisis brewing in the party.â&#x20AC;?

Emm... Emm... Coalition of wetin? So, there were other presidential candidates in APC? Were they dozing when their party was carrying on weeks before the affirmation primary as if Buhari was the only aspirant available? Well, that cancer has spread wide and deep for us to be hearing of disgruntled aspirants long after the owambe has ended. Please, shift!

XXXXXXXXXXX â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Director of Strategy and Documentation of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Olisa Mbakwe announced in the week that its leader, Nnamdi Kanu has been sacked from the group. Mbakwe said Kanu was fired for placing more value on his dog than those murdered in the struggle for the realisation of Biafra.â&#x20AC;?

- Oh, you guys just realised he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit to lead your dream? Well, now, that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve unplugged your heads from the sand, kindly confirm that the brash statement alluded to Kanu actually came from him!

Was Jack real? Did he show such disdain for human lives while on the Biafran throne? Is he really in Israel? Were you privy to his exile, or we all saw the rabbi photograph on Facebook about the same time? Any clear and verifiable evidence that he made that broadcast?

Audio and pictures can be easily faked. Yes, video too - but at least weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have something to investigate. Even a scoundrel deserves the benefit of doubts?

THISDAYt SATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2018

43

44

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í°ÍľË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Business v. Standard English

EBERE WABARA

W

ELCOME to this edition: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aftermath of primaries: Oshiomhole alleges plot, gang up (gang-up)â&#x20AC;?

(National News Headline, October 22) DAILY SUN Editorial of October 22 comes in with five blunders: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a result of the recent warning by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Nigeria to halt her rising debt stock, fast track (fast-track) structural reforms and diversify revenue base or face imminent crisis (an imminent crisis or imminent crises)â&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śsaid there is (was) a silver lining in the horizon as government hasâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The government must summon the political will to find permanent solution (a permanent solution or permanent solutions, as context demands) to the herdsmen (herdsmenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) menace.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;ASHON unfolds initiatives to strenghten (strengthen) advocacy rolesâ&#x20AC;? (THE BUSINESS REPORT Headline, October 22) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kutigi: CJN declares 7 days (daysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) mourningâ&#x20AC;? (National News, Headline, October 22) â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) said on Tuesday that the fate of banks are now in the hands of their shareholders.â&#x20AC;? (DAILY INDEPENDENT Business, August 17) No commercialese: the fate of banks is (not are). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The testimony of Major Hamza AlMustapha, former CSO to late General Sani Abachaâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? A fox and his bagful of yarns: former CSO to the late General Sani Abacha. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The corporation said it is (was) determined to protect depositors by all means.â&#x20AC;?

(THISDAY, August 15) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Food crop production has declined

BY

rapidly and this is largely attributable to soil despoilationâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Frequent oil spills in the Niger Delta axis: despoliation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Money speaks, we will interpreteâ&#x20AC;?

Spell-check: interpret. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He said the taking over of these banks

by AMCON will (would) notâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? (Source: as above) Yet another Business English (commercialese)!

Still on the preceding edition: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is very unfortunate that in a country with a shattered and troubled education sector like oursâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Counting the cost of dormant funds: educational sector â&#x20AC;&#x153;The boys who were to kill us started fighting themselvesâ&#x20AC;? This way: The boys fought one another (not themselves).

Except, of course, they were on a suicide mission! â&#x20AC;&#x153;English Premiership kicks-off in grand styleâ&#x20AC;? (THE GUARDIAN Back Page Headline, August 13) This is incongruent with flagship journalism: inclusion of hyphens in phrasal verbs! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Banks nationalization: Accusing fingers point at regulatorsâ&#x20AC;? (SATURDAY TRIBUNE Feature Banner, August 13) A rewrite: Banksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (take note of the apostrophe) nationalization: The finger points at regulators â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adanma who is based in the United States and works as a medical personnelâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;?

(Source: as above) â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Personnelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a collective noun and cannot function as used. Get it right: a medical official, employee, worker, service provider, assistant, handâ&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;&#x153;Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that forceful takeover of power through coup dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;etats will no longer be toleratedâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? (THE GUARDIAN, August 12) Conscience, nurtured by truth: coups dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; etat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imoke mourns late Hausa leaderâ&#x20AC;?

(DAILY INDEPENDENT, August 12) The former governor couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have mourned someone who was alive! So, he mourns

Hausa leader. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Veteran golfers converge at Ikeja clubâ&#x20AC;?

(Source: as above) Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go golfing as we converge on Ikeja Club.

Nigerian TRIBUNE of August 11 circulated two embarrassing errors: â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śeven foreigners who should ordinarily be living in utmost circumspection have the effrontory and confidence to dupe Nigerians and even kill them.â&#x20AC;? No lexical quackery: effrontery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We shudder to imagine how many of these foreigners are involved in various forms of criminality which the lax security system of the state have (has) permitted.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;He will do it well, but if you give it to a mediocreâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? (DAILY CHAMPION, August 11) People and Power: a mediocrity or mediocrist. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mediocreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is an adjective. â&#x20AC;&#x153;FRSC records 180 causalities in Kogiâ&#x20AC;?

(National News Headline, August 10) Spell-check: casualties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She argued that a pact such as is being advocated for by the lawmakers amounted to Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s re-orientation.â&#x20AC;? Remove â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;forâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I searched in vain for the Ministry of Defence and, unless the text I had was defective, it was conspicuously absent.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Absenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; does not require any qualification. Simply, it was absent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His Excellencyâ&#x20AC;ŚAmbassador Extraordinary (Extraordinaire) and Plenipotentiaryâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fact, the situation has degenerated from that of epileptic power supply down to that of complete blackout which in most cases lasts from weeks to months.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Blackoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; does not need any modifierâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it means total extinction or concealment of lights. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reasons range from power generation limitation to the use of overaged (overage), antiquated and arsenic hydro-terminal plants and so many others too numerous to mention.â&#x20AC;? Agreed that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;overageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; means â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;too

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

oldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (used mostly for human beings), but for contextualization and language grasp, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;obsoleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (for inanimate things) should have been it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is no gain saying (gainsaying) that both officers and civilians sentenced on the incidence (incident) mustâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;?

The next three improprieties are from THE NATION ON SUNDAY of October 14: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The suicide bombings, according to reports, had happened at about 4.30 pm (p.m.) whenâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Time precision: either at 4.30 p.m. or about 4.30 p.m. The idea of using both in the same environment smacks of cloudy thinking! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, the damages in goods and even cash will remainâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Damageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is non-count except in legal or other reparative circumstances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We think the attackers were trying to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ethniciseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; their operation in other (order) to provoke a spontaneous chain of retaliations across the country.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śwrite on the enduring power of the moneybag and confidant of presidents.â&#x20AC;?

The second coming of Arthur Eze: power of the moneybags. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Moneybagâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the bag containing a moneybagsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; money.

Still on THE NATION under review: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In one of the minsterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house (houses) I saw Dr. Kalu Idika Kaluâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The man said he will (would) never say anything.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sources close to Aisha who became the third wife of Shinkafi in 2008 said the union has (had) broken down irrevocablyâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;?

The last contribution from THE NATION ON SUNDAY: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Note this! Change of name is now published every Sundays (sic!).â&#x20AC;?

Truth in defence of freedom: every Sunday or all Sundays!

âĂ&#x161;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2014;ĂŁ Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2014;ĂŁ Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153; Ă?âĂ&#x161;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Benneth Oghifo

W

ith their broad smiles, occasionally growing into hearty laughter, and wide-eyed excitement, they could be taken for jackpot winners. It could not have been otherwise. The opportunity with which they have been presented is a jackpot of some sort, better even. Twenty of them, comprising sixteen young Nigerians and four Ghanaians, chuckled non-stop as they waited to be unveiled on 8 October as the first first batch of students admitted into the West African regional academy of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Project, a continent-wide initiative conceived to find and equip the next generation of African film and television professionals with skills required to tell authentic African stories through a comprehensive curriculum comprising theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.

The MTF Academies, three in number, are a major component of the MTF initiative. The two others are located in Nairobi, Kenya (for the East African region), and Lusaka, Zambia (for the Southern African region).

Each of the three regional academies has admitted 20 students, who are currently undergoing a fully funded one-year academic and practical training programme. While at the academy, headed by local industry experts and working with creative organizations, regulatory as well as government bodies, the students will be provided education in all aspects of film and television production to enable them launch successful careers in the creative industry. Each of the students waiting to be unveiled at the MultiChoice office in Lagos knew he or she had scaled a major hurdle on the road to professional renown.

Across Africa, there were over 3,000 applications for 60 available slots, a testament to the stiffness of the competition for places. The importance of the occasion was reflected by the high-profile guests it attracted. In attendance were Dr. Ziblim Iddi, Ghanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture; Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Lagos State Commissioner for Arts, Tourism and Culture; and Mr. John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, among others.

Speaking at the occasion, Ayorinde said the students should consider themselves lucky for the opportunity they have and urged them to make good use of it, as the much is expected of them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What MultiChoice did deserves huge commendation and these 20 students should consider themselves lucky. They need to acknowledge the fact that stakeholders in the entertainment industry in Nigeria and across the continent expect a lot

MTF Students from them and the students on their part should make good use of this opportunity given to them,â&#x20AC;? he said.

The Ghanaian Deputy Minister for Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture spoke in similar vein. He described the opportunity the students have been given as â&#x20AC;&#x153;life changingâ&#x20AC;? and advised the students to be committed to learning. Dr. Iddi also commended MultiChoice for initiating the MTF Project.

Explaining the decision to commit resources to the Project, Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, said it was borne out of the need to nurture and polish the raw film and television talents that abound in Africa, adding that the MTF Academy will provide the ambience for students to acquire the skills required to produce top-tier movie and television content and learn the business of filmmaking. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The film and television industry is the pioneer of creative

industries in Africa and is particularly relevant as a tool for shaping the African narrative. We have been telling authentic and well-produced stories that only Africans themselves can tell.

Nevertheless, there is a lot of raw talent that need to be nurtured and polished. The Academy will give such talent the opportunity to hone their skills, thereby increasing the pool of world-class talent within the industry. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also about teaching the selected candidates the business of film and television,â&#x20AC;? he said.

In addition to learning, the Academy will also provide students the opportunity of networking with established industry professionals. Femi Odugbemi, an accomplished professional and Director of the West African regional Academy said the students are being prepared to assume key roles in Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s film and television industry.

Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

45

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Brymo Creations of Other Songwriters, Vocalists Fuel My Creativity FUNKE ETTI I’m Living My Dreams, Acting Was All I Wanted pg. 48

BIDEMI KOSOKO Charming Bidemi Kosoko Clocks ‘21’ pg. 50

46

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR BRYMO

Creations of Other Songwriters, Vocalists Fuel My Creativity Olawale Ashimi, better known as Brymo, is a singer, songwriter and composer. He started recording music about two decades ago and has relentlessly kept up his game. Over the years, he has had hit tracks and a lot more. Brymo tells Tosin Clegg how the journey started in 1999, becoming Brymo, his projects and more Pretty difficult to describe oneself think it’s pretty difficult to describe oneself, but I know that a lot of thought goes into doing what I do and being Brymo can be lonely, but that’s part of the deal. To blaze the trail usually includes doing it alone.

I

In 1999 Brymo was still an idea Keeping ‘Brymo’ has seen me evolving from phase to phase. I can tell you a long story about how I did it, but the truth is all of this is only a product of continuous effort and grace. My musical influences have expanded a lot since 1999, from my R&B days till now, I make folk music. I think the greatest gift any artiste of the 21st century has is the abundance of musical works by great artistes of the past and present. I have particularly enjoyed immensely the creations of other songwriters and vocalists worldwide, and their efforts have greatly fuelled my own creativity.

My style of music is ‘alternative’ I have drawn influence from soul, traditional Yoruba music, rock, folk and even pop. Inspiration is from living, therefore very easy to find. I think the hard part is channeling one’s ever-changing truth and sharing it with the world.

I admire Asa’s music I would like to work with Asa. What remains is to set it up. She is the one person I can collaborate with. What she talks about, such as love, social issues, everyday issues, are things that matter to me. I had important things to talk about. It is hard to bring someone who doesn’t know my thought process to collaborate on such a song.

Many of my colleagues collaborate because of positioning. There is so much politics involved in collaboration so I chose to sing alone. I have collaborated in the past but I was not satisfied with the outcome.

What drove my controversial nude post The loincloth costume was designed for the video of ‘Heya’, and the concept was basically around a bushman coming to the city. People had different reactions, and it’s the power of entertainment. You get different perspectives from different quarters.

The video is for people to see that we’re backward and need to change.

I was not happy that people said I did something wrong. It means people have forgotten where we came from.

I am a bushman, still living in a world made possible by the West.

I, like other Africans, am just existing and not responsible for technological advancements and innovations. We have not contributed to the world. We don’t solve problems or create solu-

tions.

About my recent concerts We had one in the UK, and another in Lagos, a few days later. The London concert was my first in many years there, and I was pretty surprised people came out at all to see me, and we are looking to expand there and even tour more of Europe. Lagos was a blast, we had a greater turnout this year than the previous editions before it.

Currently, there are a few projects in the works for me, more information will be shared with the public as time passes. The team is working on concerts, albums, and even a few movie scores.

My management I have worked with ‘The Bail Entertainment’ for the last five years, it’s been one success story after another, and I hope we can continue to push the bar higher, and enjoy greater successes together. I want to continuously find success off the satisfaction of my followers and fans. To continue to be a part of the conversations that’ll bring lasting solutions, to take my industry and country to greater heights.

My latest album My latest album is OSÓand it contains no collaborations. There are 11 tracks, and the project was a culmination of my experiences as a songwriter and performer. The songs are ‘a poetic pondering’, and some of them are about love. OSÓ was produced by Amarachukwu Joses, my producer since the last decade or so.

There have been a lot of greats Acts, especially when you mention the greats like Fela, without any doubt, who happens to be my number one mentor. But as it stands today, the present generation did not listen to Fela, so you cannot sell that to them. They will tell you ‘yeah! Fela was great, Fela was great,’ but what are they listening to now? Somebody needs to get their attention and tell them: ‘look over here, this will help your life more. This will help you find calm and help you find peace. And if that’s not what is greatest, then what is?’

Brymo is also a writer I recently completed and published my first book as a bestselling author.

My everyday life is pretty much around family and friends, I also like to meet people and get involved in important conversations and I love to travel. I travel as often as I can.

Because of the nature of my job, I get to move around a lot. I like to travel as a tourist as well; it exposes me to new cultures and places.

Life is a miracle, love is magic, and society, despite its great flaws is an entity worth protecting, for the sake of those coming after us at least.

Brymo

47

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

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

MY STORY

Gists LAGOS FASHION FAIR RECORDS BIG SUCCESS

The Lagos Fashion Fair is the largest International Ready-to-Wear Garments, Accessories and Footwear Fair in Nigeria. The event held from the 17-19th October at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, in Victoria Island.

The fair included Fashion shows by the best of local and international designers; Exhibitions to showcase the finest fashion apparels and accessories; Masterclass facilitated by top industry experts; Celebrity appearances by Africa’s finest

SHOWBIZFLAIR

and talented stars; Music performances by popular artistes; African Nail competition, Raffle draws and the Celebration of Icons gala.

The three-day event brought together fashion and beauty enthusiasts, industry experts, designers, buyers, retailers and consumers, for an unparalleled showcase and shopping experience from the best local and international brands. The fair afforded exhibitors and visitors the chance to meet and network with other industry professionals, explore export opportunities, direct investment prospects, and view and buy the latest collections and innovations in the ready-to-wear garment industry.

Speakers at the Master Class were Tiwa Savage, Toyin Lawani, Funmi Ajila, Lanre DaSilva Ajayi, Latasha Ngwube, Seyi Tinubu, Laura Ikeji, Laila St Matthew-Daniels, Sound Sultan, Caroline Danjuma, Funke Bucknor Obruthe and the Host of the master class is Layole Oyatogun.

SOARES GREGORY

My Journey into Fashion Started from High School Soares Oladele Gregory, the brain behind Pablo Soares Kollection, is a seasoned fashion deisgner, socialite and showbiz enthusiast who has built his brand successfully in Lagos and expanding globally to other cities. He talks to Tosin Clegg about starting his brand, his inspirations, what makes his works exceptional and lots more

PREMIERE OF ‘WE DON’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE’ Uti Nwachukwu, Denrele Edun, Shade Ladipo, Ashionye Raccah and Latasha Ngwube were some of the celebrities who turned out for the premiere of ‘We Don’t Live Here Anymore’ at the IMAX Cinemas, Lekki, Lagos, recently.

Directed and Produced by Tope Oshin, the film takes the audience through the emotional journey of two families forced to confront ‘taboo’ issues and navigate their realities in the society, with an in-depth look at violence, discrimination, and the many struggles faced by persons of non-heteronormative sexual orientation.

‘We Don’t Live Here Anymore’, which has co-Executive Producers, Olumide Makanjuola and The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs), stars Funlola Aofiyebi Raimi, Katherine Obiang, Osas Ighodaro Ajibade, Francis Sule, Temidayo Akinboro and Omotunde ‘Lolo’ Adebowale-David.

CHEF FREGZ FEATURES IN DAVID WEJ’S ‘LIVE YOUR DREAM’ CAMPAIGN Gbugbemi ‘Chef Fregz’ Fregene, one of Nigeria’s foremost celebrity chefs, has joined the list of personalities featured in the ‘Live Your Dream’ campaign by David Wej. Created out of the brand’s mission to inspire Nigerians, the campaign celebrates icons and leaders across several industries with notable achievements.

In the new video, Chef Fregz spoke on his enduring love for cooking and the influence of style on his personality.

“I love to look casual in a detailed kaftan, and sometimes, depending on what occasion it is, you might spot me in a welltailored sophisticated suit,” he said.

The campaign has featured a number of notable icons, such as Mawuli Favor, Charles O’Tudor and TV presenter, Tosin Odunfa.

H

ow did the journey start?

The journey into fashion started a long time ago but originally in 2015 after my university education at Lagos State University. It all started amongst friends and family when I tried to sort out fabrics and match designs for them. And before I knew it, something bespoke and magical came out of my design.

Although, while I was in high school, I tried to keep my style updated. So, I would say my journey into fashion started originally from my high school days.

What has been the successes and challenges so far?

First, I have to thank God for the success over the years although there has been ups and downs which is a normal thing for every entrepreneur. But with the grace of God I have been able to extend my clientele base outside the country. There are still challenges that come along with it like building up a standard brand in Nigeria, which is quite expensive and it takes a very disciplined mind to overcome such challenge, but with the grace of God, I would overcome all of it.

What’s exceptional about your pieces and what do you think would make you the most preferred brand to wear?

What I think is exceptional about my work is detailing. You know clothing is not just about fabrics and sewing. The details are very vital and that I would say makes me different.

Who are your role models and mentors?

I have a lot of them but I would mention a few. Internationally, I respect whatever comes from D&G, Giorgio Armani, Sergio Galeotti, Gianni Versace and in Nigerian, I love anything from Duro Oluwo, Mai Atafo, Yomi Casual and Vanskere.

Where do you see your brand in a few years?

With a lot of work I’m putting into my brand, in the next few years, I would be amongst the top designers in Nigeria. And would also be a source of inspiration to other up and coming entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR FUNKE ETTI

I’m Living My Dreams, Acting Was All I Wanted Nollywood director and film producer, Oluwafunke Abidemi Etti, has many movies to her credit. Being a breed between the old and new generation of the Yoruba movie industry, the delectable actress knows the pains and gains of the industry. For instance, having seen many veterans die poor, she has mitigated this by having a dual profession. In this interview with Chinedu Ibeabuchi, she sheds light on her career, husband, fashion and her retirement plans

A

t the stage you are now in the industry, would you say you are now living your dreams? What do you feel deep down you, a star or star-in-themaking?

Yes! I am living my dreams because this is what I really wanted to do from outset. I would say my fans and movie buffs who appreciate my acting prowess see me as a star. We grow every day, so I believe I will grow bigger than this. My goal is to become the number one in this my chosen career.

You are hardly seen in English Nollywood movies. Why?

Well it’s because I hardly get calls to feature in English speaking segment of the Nollywood, although I have featured in about two English speaking productions. If invitation comes from that segment, why not?

Why do you have a passion for exposing sensitive parts of your body?

It’s what the script says that I will do. The role I am given to play determines how I will interpret it

Can you act nude?

Nope! Nope!! Nope!!!

How do you manage several male admirers especially those who want to see beyond the sexy wears?

There is always a borderline between acting and reality. So, I respectfully deal with them as they are part of my fans and accord them the respect they deserve.

I am grateful to God that they respect my opinion too because I usually open up to such people that I have my man.

Being an actor should not make me wayward and how many of my admirers will I give such chances to? I have never dated a male admirer and I will never because I love my man.

He loves me too and he respect my profession.

How many movies have you featured in so far?

Do I really keep an account of such?

But we’ll say over 500.

Can you share events in your growing up stage that have influenced your career or life

Etti

48

49

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR I Can’t Act Nude or Participate in X-rated Films for Any Money in the World philosophy?

Well, I remembered how I was treated by a senior colleague when I was starting out. She shouted at me on set and even refused to act along with me because I was a greenhorn.

Today, I bless God that we have done couple of films together now, that she even had to wait for me on set because of my tight schedule.

We respect each other now. The situation then made me focus more and turned me to a better actor.

How would you rate the Yoruba movie industry? Are we there yet?

Yoruba movie industry is growing rapidly well. Yorubas started movie making in this country, and I’m happy to say that people appreciate us more now. We have more films in cinemas now than before and I think it could only get better because our genre of movie makers are focused, educated and professional.

What role can you never act even if offered N20 million and why?

I can’t act nude or participate in X-rated films for any money in the world.

What’s your message for haters of your lifestyles?

Do I have haters? I don’t know because I stay on my lane. Thank God I got no scandalous stories and it’s because of my lifestyle.

Yoruba movies are often criticized for fetishism, cultism and repetition of storylines. What’s your view on these?

We are Africans. We portray what we know. So, it is not a big deal if we interpret what we know to be real.

However, these days we do more of love and human angle stories.

When not acting, what do you do. how do you relax?

I have a fashion house so if am not on movie set, I am in my fashion house and I love watching movies more at home because I need to be learning more on what I am into.

Is Yoruba movie lucrative, would you say it’s career fulling?

Yes, it’s fulfilling and lucrative but I pray its get better.

Many actresses are accused of living flamboyant lives above their means and only use acting as a camouflage. What is your view about this?

Hmmm! I can only speak for myself. I don’t live above my means.

I hate pretense or camouflage. I am a realist. So, based on my own lifestyle, I wouldn’t want to know if someone is living above his or her means.

How would you describe your

Etti

personal style?

Like I said before I am a realist. I do things that will make me happy and comfortable. I love to pray a lot and very jovial.

It’s not often easy running home

There is always a borderline between acting and reality. So, I respectfully deal with them as they are part of my fans and accord them the respect they deserve. I am grateful to God that they respect my opinion too because I usually open up to such people that I have my man. Being an actor should not make me wayward and how many of my admirers will I give such chances to

and career same time. How so you juggle the two?

It’s understanding that matters between you and your partner and I bless God for the partner God gave to me. He is very supportive and I draw lines between my work and home.

Many veterans are dying poor, though little was earned back then. Do you think actors earn so much now for a lifetime happiness?

That is why we need to embrace entrepreneurship and investment so that we can take care of our old age. Nothing is permanent likewise stardom is not. It’s just a stop gap.

So, I will advise whoever is enjoying stardom now to invest in their future.

I have another means that will be taking care of me even when roles stop coming hence the reason for my

fashion house.

I had to invest my time to learn how to sew. Bless God today I have dual profession.

How did you meet your husband?

Anything about my husband is private so I wouldn’t want to go there.

That is the agreement we both have unless I take permission from him to answer this. So, please let’s leave my husband outside this, but let me just say that when we met he never knew I was an actor.

What impact has he made in your career?

He is my number one fan and critic also. He criticises me very well if needs be and he has sponsored my productions also very well. May God continue to bless him.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t OCTOBER 27, 2018

50

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Charming Bidemi Kosoko Clocks ‘21’ Twenty-one or not, thrilling Nollywood actress, Bidemi Kosoko, excitedly marks her ‘21’ birthday, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Y

ou could refer to her as petite, dimple faced with no pimples and that would aptly fit her description. That was some years back. Fast forward to the present, the actress is all chubby, polished and presentable.

That is exactly how Bidemi Kosoko, daughter of veteran Nigerian actor, Prince Jide Kosoko, looks of recent.

Bidemi “intentionally added more weight because I was too small and I didn’t like it.” For her polished and presentable, time has changed and with that comes more movie roles with additional money (featuring in the Globacom-sponsored TV drama series, Professor Johnbull, as the “Prevaricator”) for the actress to preen up.

Aside, Bidemi has stepped out of her father ’s shadow as his name opened doors for her. “My acting career started with my dad because when I started, people usually used me in their movies because they knew there is one of Jide Kosoko’s daughters who act. At that time, I won’t say it was because of my talent but because of the name, so the more they came to use me in their movies, the more I learnt, and got better.

“So, I will say the name has actually opened doors for me, even till now. Although people now call me for their movies because of my talent, some still call me because of the name. But the truth is it has opened doors for me.” The fashionable Nollywood actress Bidemi recently celebrated her birthday on 21st of October, 2018. The beautiful Nollywood actress who is known for her amazing roles and popular in Yoruba Nollywood genre had in anticipation of her birthday posted pictures of herself with different joyous captions, smileys and emoticons.

On the day of her birthday, Bidemi took to her Instagram page and wrote, “Thank you father, thank you Jesus, Oluwa modupe, another great year. Baba modupe. Thank you Lord.

Yes it’s my birthday, 21 years is not a joke. Please don’t argue with my age because you are not Jide Kosoko.”

Was the Theatre Arts graduate joking about her being 21 or was just simply having fun, goofing around with her birth age? The actress was born on October 21, 1988. And by that, her real age should be 30.

The actress comes from a family that is talented in the acting world.

Her stepmother, Henrietta Kosoko was also an actress. Bidemi has an elder sister, Sola Kosoko who is also an actress. She also has a brother, Tunji Kosoko.

“I remember while growing up that I was a very stubborn and troublesome girl. Many still avoid me because they feel my dad will arrest them if they touch me, and with that I will still act like I have some kind of power somewhere, but all that is gone now,” she reclalled.

Bidemi is one that has been able to, within a short time, make her mark in the Yoruba movie industry, having acted in several movies. Some of the movies include Marriage Runs, Asiri, My Mum and I, Wicked Wife and Shikemi. Naturally pretty Bidemi has a good sense of fashion which often attracts comments about her style.

According to her, her fashion sense comes to her naturally. She does not really have anyone she looks up to when it comes to fashion. She believes anything natural is beautiful and so cannot go for cosmetic sur-

Kosoko

gery. “I don’t think there is anything that I want to change in order to fit in, nothing reigns forever, so I like myself the way I am and and I cherish my nature”, the ‘Aina Baseje’ star said during an interview.

“I am an African lady and I hope to settle down some day with the man of my dream. I cannot afford to let some roles I had played in the past haunt me later in life. And moreover, I come from a good home and we are well brought up.

Although, as a professional, you should not have any boundary, but as an African lady, who was brought up and nurtured in a cultured environment that detests shameful acts, I do set boundaries for myself.”

Bidemi’s career has thrived almost without scandal and controversy except for the alleged adultery mess that reared its ugly head sometime in her life but made the adorable actress more famous.

Although, as a professional, you should not have any boundary, but as an African lady, who was brought up and nurtured in a cultured environment that detests shameful acts, I do set boundaries for myself

51

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 27, 2018

POLITY

Udom and Ekpo: A Synergy that Works Ojo Maduekwe

I

n May, some stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, representing the ‘Abak Five’, asked the state’s governor, Udom Emmanuel, to replace his deputy since 2015, Mr. Moses Ekpo, as his running mate for the forthcoming 2019 gubernatorial election.

Their grouse was that deputy governor Ekpo was “imposed on us” by former Governor Godswill Akpabio.

They went ahead to inform Udom that if he wanted the support of the Abak people, he must assent to their request.

It’s been five months since the supposed stakeholders made their request, and then came the news this week that Governor Udom had re-nominated the same Ekpo as his running mate in next year’s state governorship election.

Observers of Akwa Ibom politics are wondering why Governor Udom would re-nominate as his deputy – someone that was for his first tenure said to had been imposed on him by Akpabio – at a time when he has the opportunity of picking a deputy of his own choosing. The answer appears not far-fetched.

In a brief statement announcing the re-nomination of the deputy governor, Mr. Ekpo’s press secretary, Mr. Ekerette Udo explained that the governor based his choice of Mr. Ekpo on his “stability and strength of character”.

Also alluding to the popularity of his deputy, Governor Udom according to Mr. Udo was reported as saying that aside having an “unbeatable profile”, at any event, “the presence of the deputy governor cannot be ignored.”

This larger than life description of the deputy governor was corroborated by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Onofiok Luke.

In a Facebook post after Governor Udom announced his pick to state PDP leaders, Hon. Luke wrote: “The Governor who presented him before the State Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Government House, Uyo, said his deputy has shown resilience and capacity in the discharge of his duties.”

It was said that Akpabio had initially imposed Ekpo on Udom so that he could be his eyes in the administration, but midway, Ekpo proved he wasn’t ready to play games. His loyalty earned him Udom’s trust and confidence, the outcome of which is the governor’s decision to run with him a second time.

For those that fail to grasp the import of Udom’s decision to renominate Ekpo, it is imperative we revisit some incidents that happened this year.

It was within the period of the Abak meeting that the dispute between Akpabio and Governor Udom became irreparable, and so supporters of both men were pitching tents. Suspecting the deputy governor’s loyalty at the time, some were also attempting to drive a wedge between him and the governor.

Prior to the Abak meeting, something happened that did not help the deputy governor’s case. He had organized an annual get-together for his senatorial district, Ikot Ekpene. Since he was at the time still a member of the PDP, Akpabio like any other party member from the district was invited.

Thinking he would curry the sympathy of Mr. Ekpo in his disagreement with Governor Udom, Akpabio hijacked the rather cheerful occasion to attack the governor. Observers claim that since earlier attempts to sway Ekpo back to his camp had failed, Akpabio’s thinking was to publicly back the deputy governor to a corner and force him to choose between him and the governor.

Then three months after the Abak stakeholders called for his replacement, another incident happened.

There were rumoured reports – in what appeared an APC sponsored propaganda against the Akwa Ibom PDP – that Mr. Ekpo had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join his kinsman and “political associate”, Akpabio.

Denying this at the time, Mr. Ekpo in a statement said “I have no reason whatsoever to resign or jump ship from a government that is both responsive and performing optimally, while giving practical meaning to democratic dividends for the people of Akwa Ibom. I cannot, and will not jump ship.”

It is instructive that people understand that both Akpabio and Ekpo share same Annang ethnicity, and in extension the same

Udom Ikot Ekpene senatorial district, and also that in the buildup to the 2015 state governorship election, Akpabio had singlehandedly imposed Mr. Ekpo to deputize Governor Udom.

Deciding to retain him for his deputy against every innuendo means that their relationship has transcended the man that joined them together. Observers say this was possible because of Mr. Ekpo’s character; one that is very key to the success of the administration as is currently being run by both men.

In his Facebook post, Hon. Luke wrote, “The Governor... described Mr Ekpo in glowing terms as one whose deep commitment to the Akwa Ibom project has assisted in the spate of development in the state since 2015.”

Analysts have argued how important it is for the governor to keep a winning team ahead of next year’s election to consolidate on his achievements.

Governor Emmanuel is not the only one that considers his deputy as a stabilizing factor. Several party members think of Mr. Ekpo in the same way. Even the state chairman of the PDP was said to have “spoke glowingly” about the deputy governor, “describing him as a major stabilizer in the administration.”

So what is all this talk about Ekpo being a stabilising figure, especially when juxtaposed with the administration’s first term achievements?

Politically Mr. Ekpo is seen as the stabilising factor between the governor who is of Ibibio extraction and the Annang nation where he and Akpabio come from. He represents the interest of the ‘Abak five’ people who have for many years been marginalised by other parts of the Ikot Ekpene senatorial district.

His supporters claim that he’s brought his fatherly disposition and years of experience as an administrator to bear in the

Ekpo

administration; that he has been a key member of the implementing team of the governor’s industrialisation agenda; and he is a major part of the foreign direct investment committee.

Not only that; as the chairman overseeing one of the most complex committees in the state, the boundary committee, he’s been pivotal in settling intrastate boundary crises that normally would have escalated without his input.

To better understand the stabilising label used to describe Mr. Ekpo, let’s compare Governor Udom’s administration to that of Akpabio.

While Akpabio’s administration was characterized by instability and uncertainty in both of his term as governor, Udom’s first term has witnessed political stability.

By this time in 2011, Akpabio had had up to three deputies.

Stakeholders observed how he kept changing them out of fear and, or suspicion.

He first ran with Mr. Patrick Ekpotu, but dropped him after falling out with Ekpotu’s kinsmen. Then in 2011 he ran with Mr. Nsima Ekere and barely 17 months later threw him out on the grounds of disloyalty. He would go ahead to pick Valerie Ebe with whom he later finished his second term.

Interestingly, this is the first time since 1999 that Akwa Ibom has had a governor and his deputy that have worked harmoniously together.

One of the PDP stakeholders and supporter spoken to told ThisDay that, “This synergy works for the growth and continued peace of Akwa Ibom because this is the first time since 1999 that we are having a governor and deputy who aren’t fighting themselves and who have been most productive as a pair.”

ATAF Re-elects Fowler As African Tax Chief Bennett Oghifo

T

he Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Tunde Fowler, has been re-elected as Council Chairman of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) for a fresh two-year term.

This was disclosed in a press release signed by Wahab Gbadamosi, FIRS’ Head of Communications and Servicom Department.

According to the release, Fowler was returned unopposed by all ATAF Council members at the Forum’s 5thGeneral Assembly meeting, on Wednesday, in Gaborone, Botswana. He led the organisation in the last two years, with commendable applause from members of the organisation. His candidature was not opposed by any of the 26 countries that participated in the elections.

Burundi, Burkina Faso and Mauritius

contested the position of the Vice-Chairman, which Mauritius won.

Established in 2009, ATAF, the continental association of tax authorities, has 38 members.

Fowler succeeded Mr Gershem T. Pasi, the Commissioner-General of Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, in 2016.

Under Fowler, ATAF has made tremendous strides. Last year in Abuja, ATAF launched the landmark ATAF Transfer Pricing Toolkit, which is assisting African countries to prevent huge financial loses through new Transfer Pricing Rules. Many African Tax Authorities are leveraging on the toolkit to contain financial leakages from their economy.

ATAF under Fowler, has given Africa a global voice in global tax matters. It is also leading the world in African position on Tax Affairs, with its representation on High Level Talks on stemming Illicit Financial Flows (IFF).

Under Fowler, the Forum has also launched the African Tax Outlook, through which African Tax administrations are sharing data.

It has equally strengthened the capacities of African Tax Administration Authorities, with its organisation of quality technical training on the continentWhile declaring the conference open on Monday, Fowler noted that attendance of 35 countries at the event (out of 38 members) reflected the value and appreciation attached to the role ATAF continues to play in leading and shaping tax matters on the African Continent, adding that the attendance reinforced members’ support for and participation in the ATAF agenda.

The ATAF Chairman stated that the ATAF Council considers the General Assembly as pivotal in ATAF’s journey.

“We take cognisance of the fact that this is the 10th year of its operations and, as such, we are delighted that for the last two years, as the Council, we have been deeply engaged in providing the organisation with the direction required to meet its mandate to support the forging of effective and efficient tax systems in Africa,” he said.

Fowler similarly noted that the foundation and current health of the organisation is robust and ready to propel the work of ATAF into the next 10 years that can be productive, focussed and support Africa as articulated in its Agenda 2063.

“The work of the organisation is at the peak of its visibility, both at the continental level and globally. The recent recognition of ATAF’s work by the African Union during the July Assembly of its Heads of State and Government in Mauritania as well as the most recent acceptance of ATAF as a member to two sub committees, of the UN Experts on Mutual Tax Matters (ODA and Tax Treaties) that took place last week in Geneva-Switzerland, is a clear manifestation of the global and continental recognition and endorsement of ATAF as the leading voice on African taxation. This is a vision that we, as Council, have steadily promoted, in our tenure, and that we have no doubt the new Council will strengthen and advance this vision,” he stated.

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 27, 2018

POLITY

Udom Emmanuel: Study in Selfless Leadership Elijah Essien

G

overnor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State is a study in selfless leadership.

Since assuming the mantle of leadership of the state that has the sobriquet of The Land of Promise over three years ago, he has practically demonstrated what it means for a leader to put the interest of his people first. It was the reason he responded to the clarion call to serve the people of the state in the capacity of governor in the first place.

A man of great conviction, Udom would not have joined politics and offer to go through the rigours of electioneering, which in Nigeria is akin to participating in a real war, if he was not sure he has what it takes to make a difference in the lives of the people of the state. And since he accepted the challenge to serve the people, the interest of the Akwa Ibomite, man and woman, young and old, has been for him something of a personal responsibility – one for which nothing can be too much to sacrifice to achieve.

The governor may not have fully understood the nature of Nigerian politics to know that it is not a calling for gentlemen, but having dabbled into it, he soon learned the ropes.

And rather than do as the Romans while in Rome, he has been able to bring finesse, polish, statesmanship and selfless leadership into the art of governance. This explains why he has withstood all manner of persecution to provide purposeful leadership to a state that is blessed with enough natural and human resources to be a beacon of light in the country.

No sooner had Udom assumed office as governor than he realized that his path was strewn with thorns and thistles, with obstacles erected at every step to make him fail. But not being a man given to cowardice, despite his quiet nature that may sometimes be misunderstood to mean weakness, he soon found a way to navigate the waters of treachery and betrayal that is characteristic of politics at that level of governance. Today, the state is the better for it.

Udom loves his people, and would do anything to put their interest first. He demonstrates this in the manner he has pursued implementation of the various programmes he has put in place to uplift their standard of living, with singlemindedness of purpose. He has been able to achieve this despite the various challenges he had to deal with from his first day in office. Some of those challenges manifested in the recent political developments in the state, which were designed to give the impression of a government that had fallen apart, headed by

Udom

an unpopular leader that was not in control.

But the result was the opposite.

It is to the credit of Udom’s intellectual and leadership qualities, and a clear manifestation of his acceptability by the larger segment of the population, that the party on which platform he became governor has not only remained intact, but has become more united with support for his re-election, to enable him to continue to deliver on his election promises.

The state legislature has thrown its weight behind him, while his cabinet has remained fiercely loyal to his administration. Simply put,

what was expected to be an earthquake that would signpost the imminence of his political destruction turned out to be a non-event.

Instead, it has made him more popular and endeared him more to the people who yearn for his continuity in office beyond 2019.

Udom is a man that is committed to truth.

He understands that having taken an oath to serve the people of the state to the best of his ability, with his hand placed on the Holy Bible, he must be guided by the fear of God in the discharge of his responsibilities in line with that oath. Despite the shenanigans he has had

to deal with as a politician and as governor, he has not forgotten the place of God in all affairs of the state thus his enjoying tremendous goodwill of the Church across all domination.

His faith,uprigthness and steadfastness has proven that one can be a politician and still serve God. His commitment to the transformation of the state in all ramifications manifests in the priority attention he gives to the execution of the various programmes he has put in place in different areas. These include education, with free basic education in all public schools; youth empowerment and capacity building; industrialization and job creation; agriculture and food sufficiency, as well as housing and urban renewal.

Udom has put in place policies for the promotion of investment, commerce and industry, with particular attention to micro, small and medium enterprises. Other areas of focus are provision of critical infrastructure through road construction and rehabilitation, in the effort to open up the state for investment, and emergency interventions to check gully erosion that threatens some parts of the state, including Uyo, the capital.

The governor’s concern for the aged has seen him provide medical support including free eye screening and treatment to people within that age bracket.

In years gone by, Akwa Ibom was noted for its prominence in culture and tourism. As a matter of fact, the first position was something of a birthright for the then South Eastern State ( as the state, together with the present Cross River State, was called up to July, 1975, when General Yakubu Gowon was military head of state) at the annual National Festival of the Arts (NAFEST).

A firm believer in the relevance of Akwa Ibom in contemporary Nigeria, Udom is promoting the revival of culture and tourism in the state, with a view to making the state Nigeria’s tourism capital. The Akwa Ibom Food and Beverage Fair, an event at which the best of food and delicacies for which the state is famous is showcased, is a novelty of his administration. It is an event that showcases the culinary expertise of the average Akwa Ibomn woman, and an avenue for raising the profile of the people of the state.

As the people of the state gear up to the important task of deciding who occupies the Hilltop Mansion from May, 2019, the choice will be between a selfless leadership like Udom for the good of the people or acquisition of power for personal aggrandizement.

–––Essien writes in from Kaduna

Is Alex Otti’s Heart Big Enough for Abia?

Awa Kalu

I

n Abia, something appears to be playing out as the state inches closer to the February 2019 governorship and other elections. It may not be entirely about parties this time! What with the number of parties long hitting past the four score mark-or so the-‘parties’ registration efficient’- INEC has told us.

What is up and playing out in Abia, is that the denied but enlightened people of our state appear set not to again, miss the glorious opportunity to change the script of how things are run in Umuahia. So long for settling for more of the same! Let’s however try to be ‘very’ patronising and believe this: That since 1999, Abia has gotten those leaders who seemed to have done their best. Or so it has seemed.

Respect therefore has to be given to Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

That said, any day set aside for inquest into how these three performed in office will be a good one.

It will however amount to poor ‘matching reading tactics’-a sad one at that- to see Abia stuck in a time-warp when the world is changing around her. No. In Abia, we lead and others follow. That perhaps explains why across Umuahia to Aba, the United States, Asia and Europe, there is an awakened consciousness amongst Abians of all classes to get it right this time. In Europe, Mr. Dan Ochonma, a banker, financial expert and influential stakeholder in Abia State, is busy rallying Abians in the Diaspora and at home with one single message: Let’s get Alex elected. In November, Mr. Ochonma and his Europe support Group for Otti will hold road shows and other interactive

events in London for him. Otti certainly has to convince his people that he has it.

Convinced that Abia has never had an aspiring governor more prepared, experienced and ready for the job as Dr. Otti, Ochonma believes the time has come to give his state, the modern, accountable leadership it deserves. Abians in the United States are not left out. This weekend they are holding ‘Live Town Hall’ events in New York and Houston for Otti.

Does Otti appear to talk in a way that defines the way forward for his people? Writing last week on what he termed ‘It’s Still the Economy, Stupid outside the Box’, the former Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank lamented the slow response of the Eastern part of the country where he hails from to some developments in the economy. Even with some unsavory developments in the country, painted in clear signs of general despondency and spike in many of the social ills that plague any failing society, Dr. Otti singles out a rather curious interest from the developed economies in the Nigerian economy:”In spite of these developments, there is the curious growth of interest among the developed economies in the Nigerian market.

In quick succession, the Western countries, Asia, Russia and China have practically been tripping over each other either visiting the country or inviting Nigeria’s top officials to visit them in their countries. Even more curiously is the fact that lately, those who visited simply touched Abuja, the nation’s capital just to say ‘hi’ to the President and fulfill all righteousness and the next minute they zoom off to Lagos to spend the night, sign deals and even dance Afrobeat? Macron was quick to seize on his days here in Nigeria to come visiting and dancing.

Alex Otti

“On a sad note” however, the Eastern axis of the country is not in the picture at all. “None of them has even thought of visiting any city in the East. The last major event of that magnitude was when the World Bank President visited Ariaria market clusters in Aba, Abia State and stayed a couple of days there. That was several years ago. I remember having a chat with the then Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi

Okonjo Iweala after that visit. She shared with me the embarrassing question the World Bank President put to her. According to her, the visitor who may have been in the same car with her asked, “I can understand that the people here are poor, but must poverty and filth go together?”

––Awa a multi-sectoral expert and Mobiliser wrote in from London, United Kingdom

53

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 27, 2018

POLITY

Amosun’s Aide Alleges Falsehood in APC National Spokesman’ Statement on Ogun Primaries Bennett Oghifo

T

he Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor of Ogun State, Opeyemi Soyombo has described as false claims made by the acting National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Lanre Issa Onilu, on the outcome of the governorship primaries held in Ogun State, recently.

Soyombo said, in a statement yesterday, the comments that were allegedly made by Mr Onilu were untrue and therefore misleading.

He noted that Mr. Onilu was not yet the Publicity Secretary when the primaries took place, stating that his account of the primaries was drawn from the briefing he received from the same personalities who perpetrated the alleged fraud “they seek to foist on the good people of Ogun State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we state for the upteenth time that there was no gubernatorial primaries in Ogun State order than the one held on October 2 that produced Hon. Adekunle Akinlade as governorship candidate.

“The attempt by Mr Onilu to confuse the issues is therefore belittling of someone holding a position of publicity secretary of a reputable political party. His attack on eminent members of the party as governors raises concerns about his agenda in the APC, if not that of a fifth columnist for the PDP under which he strived unsuccessfully to become a minister in the last years of President

Goodluck Jonathan.”

The guidelines of the APC, he said are clear on the roles of the state party executive and the NWC committee on the conduct of primaries.

“The claim by Mr. Onilu of a phoney court injunction restraining Ogun State Executive committee from participating in the conduct of the primaries is a fabrication to defraud the people of Ogun State. Which court gave the injunction and when?

Who are the parties in the case?

If at all there is, did the national secretariat bring it to the attention of the state executive committee of the party? Was the injunction given at a weekend or on the public holiday of October 1 because the national secretariat engaged the state executive of the party on the primaries all through the weekend leading to the October 2 primaries.

“Besides, where did the primaries that produced Dapo Abiodun hold?

The primary election was to hold on October 1. The NWC panel and all aspirants agreed at a stakeholders meeting on October 1 to hold the primaries on October 2, the state government extended the school holiday of October 1 by one day so that school premises that were the designated venues for the primaries, accepted by all aspirants, would be available.

The venues were used for the primaries on October 2 and the schools resumed on October 3. So, where did the Dapo Abiodun primaries hold?

“It is instructive that while the video footage of the October 2 primaries in all the 236 wards in the state had been put in public domain, the so- called Dapo Abiodun primaries

remain only in the imagination of these perpetrators of fraud.

“Where did Dapo Abiodun cast his vote? Where did Chief Segun Osoba cast his vote? It is instructive that when this question was put to Prince Segun Adesegun who claimed there was such a primary on a national television network programme, he could not mention a single venue where their conjured primaries took place.”

According to him, there are 236 wards in Ogun State and only 12 election committee members were sent in from Abuja. “Did 12 panel members conduct primaries simultaneously in 236 wards? Did the panel assemble a local election committee as provided by the party guidelines without the knowledge and input of the governor and the state, local government and ward executives of the party?

“Three gubernatorial aspirants namely Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, Senator Gbenga Kaka and Mr. Jimi Lawal have all declared that there was no other primary other than that which produced Akinlade. So, where did Onilu and his pay-masters get the result that purportedly produced Abiodun?

“Onilu alleged that Gov. Amosun resorted to self-help hence the non-recognition of the October 2 primaries. The question is whether the declaration of primaries result by the Chairman of APC in the same exercise in Lagos State different from what happened in Ogun State.

Besides, where and when did the one whose result was announced in a hotel room in Lagos conducted?

“If the gubernatorial primaries were cancelled because of the allegation made

by Onilu, what was responsible for the tampering with the outcome of the National Assembly and State Assembly primaries conducted by the panel set up by the National Working Committee led

by Col. Ali Ciroma?”

He alleged that Oshiomhole removed four of the nine winners of the primaries and replaced them with acolytes of Chief Olusegun Osoba and Dapo Abiodun.

“Was the election conducted by the NWC panel also rejected because of selfhelp? This level of arbitrariness hardly has precedence in the annals of party politics in Nigeria.

“The imbroglio over the primaries of Ogun State has brought to the fore the danger APC faces in the hands of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and few members of the NWC like Issa Onilu who are in cohorts with him.

“We assure them, though, that the people of Ogun State are too enlightened to allow willing tools in the national secretariat to hand over our state to some expansionist adventurers who are in desperate search for additional territories for their insatiable economic exploitation.”

The members of APC in Ogun State, he said have thus urged leaders of the party “to call Comrade Oshiomhole to order before he puts the chances of the party in the 2019 elections in jeopardy.

“Senator Ibikunle Amosun remains committed, and will work for the second term election of President Muhammadu Buhari. No provocation by Oshiomhole and his co-travellers, who are working against the interest of Mr President and the overall interest of the party, will change that,” the statement said.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: President, Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), Professor Mosto Onuoha; Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi; and Managing Partner, The Eugenia Abu Media , Mrs. Eugenia Abu, at 2018 NAS Media Award Sponsored by Vitafoam , held in Lagos recently PHOTO:SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Guest Speaker and Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN); Life patron, Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Oba Otudeko; President, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, and CEO Phillips Consulting, Mr. Foluso Phillips; and Managing Director, Phillips Consulting, Mr. Robert Taiwo, at the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, held in Lagos, yesterday MUBO PETERS

L-R: Regional Officer for Africa United nations HABITAT, Mrs. Omoh Odunbaku; Minister, State Power, Works and Housing, Arch. Suleiman Hassan; Minister, State, Power Works and Housing, Alh Mustapha Shehuri; real estate developer, Esv. Wole Aboderin, at the stakeholders conference on World habitat Day with the theme ‘Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities’ held in Abuja… recently

L-R: Deputy Trade Commissioner, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Chiharu Yamamura; Trade Commissioner/Managing Director, Shigeyo Nishizawa; and the General Manager, Michael Anusa, during JETRO press conference on the forthcoming trade fair in Lagos, held JETRO Office, Ikoyi in Lagos

54

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͺͿË&#x153;ͺ͸͚Î&#x20AC;

NEWSXTRA

AFDB, Others Urge Power Sector to Capitalise on Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Capabilities CharlesAjunwa

The African Development Bank Group (AFDB) and other international organisations have urged the power sector in theAfrican continent to leverage on womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capabilities, noting that women represent only 20 per cent of employees in the African power sector and less than 10 per cent of engineers.

They arrived at this, during a threeday seminar on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Promoting Gender Equality in the African Power Sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organised by the AFDB in partnership with the French Development Agency, Association of Power Utilities of Africa and African Network of Centres of Excellence (ANCEE) held at the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters in Abidjan A statement made available to THISDAY said the seminar brought together 50 human resource directors from 50 power utility companies, eight Directors from ANCEE and other participants from more than 25 African countries to the Bank for the talks.

Participants at the seminar shared best practices, raised awareness about the interlinkages between gender and the power sector and moved toward a consensus on advocacy for reform, policy implementation and regulations to ensure gender-equal access to energy services, as well as ways to increase women representation in the sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diversity is not only nice to

have, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a business case for it.

We strongly believe that, both in the public and private sector, we must have leadership bodies that reflect the societies they live in, for better, more sustainable, long term results,â&#x20AC;? Vanessa Moungar, Director of the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gender, Women and Civil Society Department said at the seminar.

Also, participants highlighted the importance of developing a concerted approach to promoting gender equality in the workplace. These strategies aim to attract more women to the power sector, improve their career prospects and increase their access to management positions within utilities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We expect women to not only be minor workers in the power sector but leaders, policymakers, renewable energy entrepreneurs, utility managers, employers of power plants and distribution systems, executives of private sector partners, and customers of electricity services,â&#x20AC;? said Amadou Hott, Vice President for Power, energy, Climate Change and Green Growth.

Speaking at the opening session, Hott noted that the power sector needed to capitalise on womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talents. Integrating gender in the power sector would create opportunities for women and strengthen the sector to support improved healthcare, education and entrepreneurial opportunities. This would propel socio-economic development across the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regional member countries,

he added.

Women represent only 20 per cent of employees in the African power sector and less than 10 per cent of engineers.

Basil Jones, Gender Programme and Policy Coordinator in the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gender, Women and Civil Society Department,

Two persons were yesterday killed by unknown Fulani herdsmen who attacked farmers on their farms in Guma local government area of Benue State According to a resident the herdsmen came from Nasarawa State to the area to graze their cows and in the process attacked the people in their farms.

He said since the deployment of Operation Whirl Stroke in the area, the herdsmen had left their communities to stay along Nasarawa State border with Benue.

According to another source one of those killed was identified as Mr. Kpesa had since been buried, while the corpse of the other victim was taken away by police.

When contacted the chairman of the local government, Anthony Shawon, confirmed that the kindred head of Angela community intimated him about the incident.

Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom has alerted the military Operation Whirl Stroke and other security forces in the state that armed herdsmen were threatening to unleash fresh terror attacks on innocent Benue people.

Ortom in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase said, herdsmen had sent a message to the people of Mbagwen community in Guma local government area that they will attack in matter of days; the threat was confirmed by the Council Chairman of Guma LGA. According to the Governor, â&#x20AC;&#x153;two days ago, herdsmen drove the people of Tse-Ado and the surrounding villages out of their homes after they killed two farmers at Angela community. The threats are coming on the heels of the return of some

internally displaced persons from the IDPs camps to their ancestral homes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The question is; why are the attacks resuming at a time the harvest season is here? We suspect that the planned invasion is targeted at preventing the people from harvesting the few crops they were able to cultivate amid the mindless attacks which took place earlier in the year,â&#x20AC;? he questioned.

Ortom who commended the Commander, officers and men of Operation Whirl Stroke for the great job they have done to ensure the return of the IDPs to

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as HASSAN CHIROMA ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as NANLE ESTHER HASSAN CHIROMA. All documents bearing my former name remain valid.

Access bank and the general public please take note.

Bennett Oghifo

A non-profit organisation, Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), has designed its 2018 conference to give omni-directional perspectives on health, nutrition, family, professional development, finance, leadership, enterprise and workplace survival that can significantly influence the 21st century African woman positively.

A statement by WIMBIZ said this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference tagged â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unstoppable You: Reinvent and Reinvigorateâ&#x20AC;?, was designed to have a robust array of sessions carefully segmented into debates, plenaries and deep dives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To ensure a highly beneficial engagement for participants, the organising committee has designated 50 notable personalities to facilitate, moderate and speak on various issues such as health, nutrition, family, professional development, finance,

their communities, urged them not to take the latest threat of attack lightly, by moving swiftly to forestall the evil agenda of the armed herdsmen and their sponsors.

Confirming the killing, the PPRO Benue State Police Command Moses Yamu said they received report of the herdsmen alleged matcheted to death one Shiaondo Goom (30years) in his farm and the police have commenced investigation.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as :K,E 'K t/E E zKÍ&#x2022; now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN ^d/EzÍ&#x2DC; All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as :K,E 'K t/E ANAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as :K,E ^d/EzÍ&#x2DC; All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as E <t K' ,h<thÍ&#x2022; now wish to be known and addressed as E <t ,Z/^dKW, Z K' ,h<thÍ&#x2DC; All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as D/^^ tKE/Z E ZK^ >/E &K>h< Í&#x2022; now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONI ZK^ >/E &K>h< Í&#x2DC; All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

the SDGs Goal 5 can be achieved.â&#x20AC;?

This workshop reflects the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to strengthen its engagement with partner institutions to achieve gender equality in delivering the High 5 on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Light up and Power Africaâ&#x20AC;? in its Regional Member Countries. The Bank col-

laborated with the AFD and APUA to provide over US$10 million grant for a three-year project to set up ANCEE. The aim of the project is to improve performance in the electricity sector and intensify regional trade by strengthening governance, technical and managerial skills.

WIMBIZ 2018 Targets Positive InďŹ&#x201A;uence on African Women

Two Killed as Unknown Herdsmen Attack Guma George Okoh Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;

told attendees during the closing session that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women are game changers in the economic sphere. Therefore, HR directors ought to develop gender policies and strategies to mainstream women in their various organisations . This way, we are taking giant steps to ensure

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of KĆ&#x152;Ĺ?Ĺ?Ĺ?ĹśÄ&#x201A;ĹŻ Ĺ˝Ć&#x2030;Ç&#x2021; ŽĨ Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x; ÄŽ Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E; of KÄ?Ä?ĆľĆ&#x2030;Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ?Ç&#x2021; EĹ˝Í&#x2DC; ϲÄ&#x201A;Ä&#x17E;ĆľÇ Í˛ĎąĎľÄ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;ͲÄ&#x201A;ĎŹĎ´Ç&#x152;ƾͲϭϏÍ&#x2022; EÄ&#x17E;Ç &Ĺ?ĹŻÄ&#x17E; EĹ˝Í&#x2DC; <Ď­ĎŹĎŹĎŹĎ­ĎŹÍ&#x2022; on the named BASSEY E. INUAEYEN in respect of WĹŻĹ˝Ć&#x161; EĹ˝Í&#x2DC; ϳϏϯ Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć?Ć&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;ĹŻ ŽŜÄ&#x17E; ĎŹĎŻÍ&#x2022; 'Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹŹĹ? // Ä?ƾŊÄ&#x201A;Í&#x2DC; ĹŻĹŻ Ä&#x17E;ÄŤ Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ć&#x161; ĹľÄ&#x201A;Ä&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ć&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ä&#x17E; Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ć?Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?Ä&#x161; Ĺ˝Ä?ƾžÄ&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161; Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ć&#x; Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2DC; /Ĩ ĨŽƾŜÄ&#x161; ĹŹĹ?ĹśÄ&#x161;ĹŻÇ&#x2021; Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x152;Ĺś Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć?Ć&#x161; WŽůĹ?Ä?Ä&#x17E; ^Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x; ŽŜÍ&#x2DC; General public should please take note. ^Ĺ?Ĺ?ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x161;Í&#x2014; DZ^ :Kz K Íł D Eh >Í&#x2DC;

leadership, enterprise and workplace survival,â&#x20AC;? the statement said.

Moderating various sessions at the conference are: Bunmi George, Founder Shredder Gang; Chiadi Ndu, Founder BTH Integrated Service; Didi Akinyelure, Journalist, Reuters Business; Enahoro Okhae, Principal Strategist, Simeonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pivot; Ihuoma Onyearugha, Director, Medical and Human Resources at Chevron Nigeria Ltd; Laure Beaufils, Deputy High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission Lagos; Owen Omogiafo, Executive Director, Transcorp Hilton; Oyiza Salu, Head of HR, GTB; Rasheed Jaiyeola, Founder, Bukka Hut; Simon Kolawole, Founder, The Cable Newspaper; Nkem Begho, Managing Director, Futuresoft; Steve Babaeko, Founder, X3M Ideas; Taba Peterside, Chief Executive Officer, Waveline Growth Partners; Toyin Sanni, Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Africa Group; and Toyosi Olatunji, Managing Director, Arcane

Insights Ltd. Speakers at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition include: Betty Irabor, Founder and Publisher, Genevieve Magazine; Abiola Adekoya, Chief Executive Officer, RMB Stockbrokers Nigeria Limited; Adenike Oyetunde, OnAir Personality, Nigeria Info FM; Adesua Dozie General Counsel, GE Gas Systems and Services; Chike Onyia, Chief Executive Officer, Zolts; Chinyere Anokwuru, Founder, Self-Worth Organization; Dr. Dayo Joseph, Founder, The Dorcas Cancer Foundation; Dr. Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi, Founder, Healthy Living Services; Dr. Kamar Adeleke, Chief Executive Officer, Tri-State Cardiovascular Institute; Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, Pinnacle Medical Services; Dr. Ola Brown Founder, Flying Doctors; Dr. Omobola Johnson Partner, TLCOM Capital; Dr. Patrick Ijewere, Medical Director, Carib Health Ltd; Esiri Agbeyi, Partner, PwC Nigeria; Fareed

Arogundade, Founder, Workstation; Folake Soetan, Chief Commercial Officer, Ikeja Electric a subsidiary of Sahara Group; Funmi Roberts, Principal Partner, Funmi Roberts & Co; Hamisha Daryani-Ahuja, Motivational Speaker/Coach; Ibidun Ighodalo, Founder and Managing Director, Elizabeth R; Ifeoma Dozie, Regional Marketing, The Heineken Company; Ifeoma Idigbe, Founder and Executive Vice Chairman, boys to MEN Foundation; Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Chief Executive Officer, Flutterwave; Japeth Omojuwa, Nigerian Blogger; Kola Oyeneyin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Venia Group; Laila Johnson-Salami, Co-Founder of Artillery Lagos and the We Rise Initiative; Nichole Yembra, Chief Financial Officer, Venture Garden Group; Odein Ajumogobia SAN, Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2007 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2011); Oke Maduewusi, Founder, Zaron Cosmetics; Omokehinde Adebanjo,

OCTOBER 27, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

55

SPORTSXTRA

Lawrence Okolie

Usain Bolt turning pro would be a ‘kick in the teeth’ for proper footballers, says Keogh

Okolie to Spar with Fury Ahead of Wilder’s Showdown Lawrence Okolie will fly out to America to spar with Tyson Fury ahead of his WBC title fight with Deontay Wilder and could join the heavyweight division in the future.

Fury is basing himself at Big Bear Lake in California as he prepares to challenge WBC champion Wilder in Los Angeles on December 1, and Okolie has been called in as a sparring partner to replicate the American’s fighting style.

The unbeaten cruiserweight also sparred Anthony Joshua ahead of last month’s world title win over Alexander Povetkin, and is relishing the challenge of sharing the ring with the 6’9” tall Fury.

“I think it’s getting confirmed today or before the end of the week,” Okolie told Sky Sports. “I’ll probably go out next week, help out for a few weeks.

“I’ve sparred with another heavyweight champion

in Anthony Joshua, I’ve sparred with Dillian Whyte, so I’ve been in there with top heavyweights.

“It’s just going to be interesting to be in there with someone so much bigger than myself. He’s got a long reach, good boxing IQ, so it’s going to be a great opportunity to learn some stuff, and just work.”

In 10 fights, Okolie has already claimed the British and Commonwealth titles in his weight class and ad-

mits he would welcome the chance to test himself against the sport’s biggest fighters.

“It’s an ambition of mine to move up to heavyweight, but I still feel like I have a lot of fundamentals that need to be ironed out at cruiserweight,” he said.

“I’m able to get away with a lot of stuff as a cruiserweight that I won’t be able to get away with as a heavyweight, so we’re just going to work on it.”

Rohr Backs Lookman to Ditch England for Nigeria Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr is hoping Ademola Lookman will switch allegiance to represent the Super Eagles.

The forward currently features for England at youth level and had helped them to win the U20 World Cup in 2017. However, he is still eligible to represent his parents’ country, Nigeria.

The 21-year-old was impressive on loan with German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig last season though he has struggled for game time since he joined Ever-

ton in 2017 from Charlton Athletic.

However, the 65-year-old gaffer is confident that the youngster will add value to his team, although, aware that the process can be tedious.

“He plays for the youth now but we hope he can change his mind and play for us,” Rohr told BBC Sport.

“He’s a player we know can add something to the team.

“Getting a player to change his national choice is not easy, quick and the

process is never so straightforward.

“First we must be sure he wants to come. And hope to get it cleared by FIFA. “Then the most important part is that he brings something new, different and better than we have.”

WithAhmed Musa, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru and Samuel Kalu impressing on the wings, the German tactician is upbeat that the addition of the forward will give him more options up front.

“Every coach wants op-

tions, we’ve been lucky to get some players and if we get him, Lookman will give us more options,” he continued.

“But we have to be careful about how we go about this because Nigeria have some good players at home and playing outside.”

Previously, the Nigeria Football Federation had successfully persuaded former England youth internationals Sone Aluko, Victor Moses, Shola Ameobi, Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina to play for the country.

Onyekuru Makes Shock Recovery from Injury Ahead of Galatasaray Clash Everton winger Henry Onyekuru was expected to be ruled out for the next 4-5 weeks on loan for Galatasaray after picking up a hamstring injury returning from international duty with Nigeria.

The Nigerian international has, however, made a shock recovery sooner than the

Galatasaray medics expected.

Onyekuru was able to join training ahead of the Evkur Yeni Malatyaspor clash and is in contention to make a return.

The latest development will come as a boost to Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim who is dealing with

an injury crisis.

The 21-year-old has two assists in 10 appearances for the Lions in all competitions.

Onyekuru will feature if he regains match fitness in time for the Malatyaspor clash and could even be pushed up front as Terim could also be without his sole striker

Eren Derdiyok who has a hamstring problem.

Serdar Aziz, Fernando Reges and Sofiane Feghouli have all been ruled out with injury but have returned to light training.

Yuto Nagatomo and Emre Akbaba are also out with long-term injuries.

Mourinho Not Confident over New Deal for De Gea Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is “not confident” goalkeeper David de Gea will sign a new contract - but says he is “not worried” by the situation.

In August, United were positive over the chance of De Gea renewing his deal.

He is committed to Old Traf-

ford until the summer, with the club having an option to extend to 2020.

“If the club want to be better than it is and not worse, obviously it would be very important to keep David,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

De Gea, 27, was named in May as the club’s Player of

the Year for an unprecedented fourth time.

Juventus have reportedly targeted the Spain international as another low-cost high-quality addition after picking up Liverpool midfielder Emre Can, Barcelona full-back Dani Alves, Bayern Munich midfielder Sami

Khedira and Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente on free transfers in recent years.

De Gea, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 in an £18.9m deal, is one of several players nearing the end of their deals with the Premier League club.

‘Usain Bolt Won’t Make it as a Footballer’ Ex-Republic of Ireland international Andy Keogh says Usain Bolt turning pro would be a huge kick in the teeth for footballers in Australia Bolt will never make it as a footballer, according to former Premier League and current A-League striker Andy Keogh, who says the Olympic legend’s first touch is ‘like a trampoline’.

The greatest sprinter of all-time has been offered a contract by Australian side Central Coast Mariners following a trial period with the club.

The Australian FA has said it is working with the Mariners to help fund a deal for the 32-year-old Jamaican.

But Keogh, the former Wolves star now playing for Perth Glory in the A-League, is unconvinced by Bolt’s ability and says giving him a contract would be ‘facial’ and would make a mockery of the game.

“It’s nice to have the attention on the A-League but him playing in the A-League, that’s not for me,” Keogh told Off the Ball.

“For me, he’s not going to be able to make it (as a footballer).

“He’s shown a bit (of potential) but it’s a little bit of a kick in the teeth to the professionals that are in the league.”

Asked about the Jamaican’s first touch, he added: “From what I’ve seen, it’s like a trampoline, so I’m not too sure.

“If there’s someone who genuinely thinks he’d be a good football addition, I don’t think they should be in a position to make those calls.

“It’s fine from a marketing point of view but from a football perspective, it’s a little bit farcical.

“He says he’s chasing a dream of becoming a professional footballer yet he’s come out with quotes about he wants X amount (of money) when, if you’re chasing the dream, it’s not about the money and he’s obviously contradicted himself massively there.”

Bolt, who holds the 100m and 200m world records, retired from athletics last year.

The Mariners have said that “without the contribution of an external third party” it was unlikely that Bolt and the club would agree terms.

Bolt turned down a two-year deal with Maltese champions Valletta FC earlier this month.

GOtv MAX Subscribers to Watch El Clasico Live The Spanish league’s biggest and most anticipated club match, the El Clasico, will be aired live to GOtv MAX subscribers. Barcelona, the defending LaLiga champions, host eternal rivals, Real Madrid, at the Camp Nou, on Sunday.

The game, which will be the 177th encounter between both teams, will be broadcast live exclusively on SuperSport Select 4 (channel 34) at 4:15p.m.

The two giants will renew their famous rivalry in unfamiliar circumstances. For Barcelona, this will be the first time that Andres Iniesta, their former captain, will not feature in the El Clasico in over a decade, following his move to the Japanese league.

Also, for the first time since 2007, Barcelona’s current skipper, Lionel Messi, will be absent from El Clasico after suffering a broken right arm in his team’s game against Sevilla.

Real Madrid will also be missing Cristiano Ronaldo, their iconic goalscorer and dominant feature for nine seasons, having moved to Italian giants, Juventus, during the summer transfer window.

This will also be the first El Clasico for Real Madrid under Julen Lopetegui, a former player of the club and former Spanish national team manager, who replaced Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

Lopetegui is, however, under pressure arising from the team’s failure to record a victory in five games in all competitions before their UEFA Champions League victory over Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday.

Of the nine games so far played, Barcelona have won five, drawn three, lost one and are second on the log behind Sevilla.

Real Madrid are seventh after winning four, drawing two and losing three games respectively.

But form rarely matters in the El Clasico, as it is a game that thrives on passion and near-tribal rivalry.

Subscribers who upgrade to the GOtv MAX package will have access to El Clasico and also explore unlimited fun of world-class channels such as FOX, ROK2, Star Life, BET, CBS Reality, SuperSport Select 4 including the newly added BET and SuperSport Select 5.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

Shehu Sani to APC

“A party that wants to deliver change should not fake a pregnancy. The APC reneged on its word, breached its laws, and concurred with illegalities” – Senator Shehu Sani chastising the concluded primaries of the All Progressives Congress.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

A Prayer for President Buhari and His Ruling Party

F

ellow Nigerians, I don’t know about you but I’m truly worried that our dear beloved country may have fallen into the hands of those who do not see unity and nation-building as a priority. Before I go on, let me tell a true life story. In 2014, I was on a bus ride with the current Minister of Transport, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and a few others. We were on our way to view a suitable office for the Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Campaign office in Abuja. As always, discussions dovetailed from one topic to another. The one I will never forget was when the then Governor of Rivers State, Amaechi, suddenly turned to me and asked my opinion on whether Buhari should drop the title ‘General’ from his name.

Amaechi did not say what was behind that thought, but I suspected that many people felt it could be an albatross being a sad reminder of his days as a military dictator. Some young folks in the bus had apparently suggested this to the Governor as brand consultants but I responded by disagreeing vehemently.

“Why would a man drop his greatest achievement in life?” I asked rhetorically, with a straight poker face. There was pin drop silence.

I fired on “so what do you now want to call Buhari, Mister, Chief, Dr. or what? I think the title ‘General’ can even be funkified by us by referring to him as “the People’s General…” I humbly suggested. There was general excitement and consensus, thereafter. That day, it was clear that we were all very happy and delighted to be working for the victory of a man we believed had learnt his lessons after being unceremoniously sacked in a military coup 30 years earlier.

For the sake of those who do not know what happened between 1983 and 1985, let me summarise the history and story of that period.

On December 31, 1983, a military coup was heralded by a certain Colonel Sani Abacha. I had never heard his name before then, and I’m sure not many Nigerians did. The coup brought an abrupt end to the President Shehu Shagari government and its reckless and profligate ruling party, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

A general election held barely months to the coup had been heavily rigged by the NPN and such unheard of adjectives like “landslide and moonslide” were used to describe the outcome.

Nigerians were shocked to their marrow, but the government of the day could not be bothered.

Therefore, it was not a big surprise when the stern-faced Abacha made his announcement on the last day of 1983 and a Brigadier Muhammadu Buhari was soon declared as the new Military Head of State.

The Buhari regime immediately made a “war against corruption and indiscipline” its signature mantra. Draconian Decrees were promulgated.

Military tribunals were set up and pronto, politicians, businessmen and journalists were thrown into detention, summarily prosecuted and convicted. Huge sentences were manufactured and handed out like popcorn or confetti. Many Nigerians initially welcomed this Messiah, Buhari, and his deputy, Angel Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon, who had come to rescue Nigeria from political demons and other prodigal children. Everyone screamed “crucify them…” It was such a sweet refrain, but the honeymoon period was soon over, and Nigerians started groaning under the yoke of repressive laws, squalid and degrading detention camps, atrocious sentences, unjustifiable double standards, myopic and visionless economic policies, beggarly supplies, rationing of essential commodities, a mindless clampdown on the Press, and so on. Buhari and his deputy, Idiagbon were on rampage, out of supposed righteous

Buhari indignation at the way Nigerians and Nigeria had been defiled and desecrated by the political class and businessmen. They studiously ignored all entreaties to temper justice with mercy.

To cut a long story short, Nigerians groaned and moaned and cried for deliverance from this bitter, brash and brutish government. This was the opportunity Ibrahim Babangida and company needed to strike and they took full advantage, sacked the Buhari government almost effortlessly in a palace coup.

Upon learning of the cataclysmic fall of that government, Nigerians spilled into the streets in wild jubilation. History would record many reasons the government failed woefully. Let me briefly mention a few. The discipline it sought to instil was lopsided and discriminatory. In a country that is totally neurotic about ethnicity and religion, President Shagari was placed under house arrest, but his Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, and many other Southern politicians were kept in prison under the most excruciating conditions, in a most bizarre act of man’s inhumanity to man. Many of the prisoners, like Governor Bisi Onabanjo of Ogun State, became human skeletons and walking corpses. Some, such as Governor Ambrose Alli of Bendel State, suffered irreparable or even fatal damages to their health. Laws were made in typical Orwellian fashion, in which all animals were supposed to be equal, but some were more equal than others. The Big Brother kept watch over the animals, but allowed some to enjoy unbelievable privileges, including, allegedly, the Emir of Gwandu, who contrived to bring in 53 suitcases into the country without being searched, contrary to Buhari’s law at the time, because his son was the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Buhari. Fela, the legendary musician was jailed under the flimsiest of pretexs. Two journalists, Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor were jailed as warning to other would be troublemakers.

The list of atrocities was long and endless.

The government ran a voodoo economic misadventure and the economy nosedived and collapsed with debilitating consequences. It was a policy of “do as I say and not as I do…” Babangida crept in and dismantled the unfriendliness of that government. In fact, Babangida’s attraction was being the opposite of what Buhari represented.

Babangida assembled the most cerebral Nigerians and ran a government of intellectuals who could challenge him, policy for policy. Even known critics were attracted to work for their countrt.

Back to Buhari, the regime went into oblivion and a sad place in our history, or so it seemed.

Babangida’s government itself ended tragically by overstaying its welcome. Perhaps, had

Babangida allowed the 1993 elections to hold in peace, and not in pieces, Nigeria won’t be in this mess today. Over-tinkering with the political process led to endless conflagration.

It is not known at what point Buhari started nursing his ambition to run back to power. He probably suffered from withdrawal syndrome like other Generals who at different times attempted to return to the hallowed corridors of power. For example, Major-General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (died without realising his dream), General Olusegun Obasanjo (returned by the conspiracy of the military Mafiosi and almost bagged a third term, in the kitty), General Ibrahim Babangida (couldn’t muster enough support from Obasanjo, the capo di tutti capi, and others, so quickly beat a hasty retreat), Lt. General Aliyu Gusau (silent power house, highly regarded in intelligence circles). In the event, General Buhari contested a record four times and eventually won in 2015.

It is ironic that a man who was brusquely booted out of power 30 years earlier was brought back in a haze of glory. His triumphant re-entry into the Nigerian political sphere and space will remain one of the most mysterious miracles of this century. The best way to describe it would be that Nigerians were victims of mass hypnotism and “collective amnesia”. Please, let me succinctly explain, again. Today is a day for going down memory lane. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) handed power on a platter of gold to Buhari. Some of us had written all the English in the lexicon warning of the danger ahead if the ruling party did not reduce its profligacy and pugnacity. Just as the Party went on a binge and wasted resources, it also suffered another calamity by not keeping its house in order. Nigerians got increasingly frustrated and desperately wanted a terminal end to a ruling Party that boasted it would rule eternally. It was this desperation that catapulted Buhari back to power, warts and all.

I remember some of our deliberations after Amaechi and company stormed out of the PDP. That was the beginning of the end. PDP, in its state of cockiness did not envisage the catastrophe that awaited it in the near future. Amaechi and friends tactically aligned with a few other parties like ACN, ANPP and CPC to form APC. I will forever salute the total commitment of two people in particular, Amaechi and Dr Bukola Saraki, the current Senate President. The combination of both was lethal. I was honoured to participate in a few of their meetings. They were responsible for attracting a lot of the younger folk to Buhari.

Many of the questions people asked about Buhari included: does he have intellectual capacity to run a modern government?; what business did he run in the last 30 years?; will he discriminate or seek revenge against supposed enemies?; has he purged himself of dictatorial tendencies?; will he be an ethnic bigot?; a religious fanatic coming to Islamise Nigeria?; etc,. We devised a general and standard response to the myriad of thought-provoking queries - “General Buhari is a born-again democrat…” - and we stuck to our guns, even if not totally assured or convinced about the true nature and status of the last saint standing. We were driven by our blind faith and the hope that Baba must have learnt useful lessons in 30 years and had had time to reflect on the things he did wrong in the past and what he plans to do right in the future.

The clincher for many of us was the invitation and inclusion of Professor Yemi Osinbajo, a renowned scholar, legal luminary, seasoned administrator and revered priest of the Christian faith. To every known or imagined defect in

Buhari, we found a foil, an antithesis, and counter-solution in Osinbajo. We assumed their relationship was going to pan out like that of the symbiotic relationship of Buhari and Idiagbon, and that Osinbajo would be the guiding spirit and stabilising force of the government. No one reckoned with a hidden cabal while Amaechi, Tinubu, Saraki and others sweated profusely to make Buhari President. Not that we were not warned by those who should know because they were close to him, once upon a time.

Anyway, the rest is now history. Baba realised his ambition and we were all elated. But as in the proverbial death of the elephant, no sooner did Baba assume office than everyone, including strangers to the party, surfaced with knives and plates to cut their portions. I was stunned when, systematically, even Amaechi was being blocked by some of those who used to loiter in his corridor begging for mobilisation. A new power block suddenly emerged. On several occasions, I approached Amaechi and sympathised with his gradual and steady banishment from the inner caucus, but my man had, and still has, incurable faith in Buhari. The President is his hero who could do no wrong, so he ignored all the other distractions. The tragedy of APC was in alienating most of the powerful forces that brought it to fruition. Things fell apart too quickly. Ill-health also slowed Baba down and threw up some over-zealous and ambitious people who seized upon the lacuna to govern by proxy.

I also suspect the existence of a fifth columnist within government who programmed everything to fail. The many fractious and fracticidal wars that broke out were totally unnecessary. Again, the battle against corruption could have been fought differently. Before the election, there was a tacit understanding that the Change government was going to tackle the scourge of corruption differently, that it was not going to be selective and that the priority would be on recovering the loot across board, irrespective of party affiliations. Punitive measures were only going to be unleashed on those who refuse to give back a substantial chunk of their loot.

Baba was going to demonstrate his new avowed embrace of democratic and nationalistic credentials in order to dispel the fears of those who believe a leopard can never change its spots.

It is strange and inexplicable how the massive goodwill was frittered away in no time. Today, the President and his Party are merely struggling to put up an appearance. Even his most fastidious supporters admit in private that only a miracle and unprecedented rigging can bring them back to power in 2019. The objective ones agree that those who did not vote for Buhari in 2015 will never vote for him in 2019, while many of those who did will no longer do so next year. The ruling Party has been shattered into smithereens.

Not even PDP was this divided in its journey towards Golgotha. I don’t know, since I’m not God, what game plan APC has for the rest of its first-term, but these are perilous times for a Party that willy-nilly blew its humongous chances on the altar of intolerance, vengefulness, selfishness and disregard for the rule of Law, such that very few now seem to care about the giant strides and major achievements of the government.

Nigerians need nationalists, democrats and performers, not ethnic jingoists, vengeful autocrats and struggling performers. It is not impossible for this administration to draw back from the precipice and the Buhari administration still has a few months to woo Nigerians again. Those who can still pray should intercede on its behalf.

As for me and my house, we shall offer The Lord’s Prayer…

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com