SATURDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2018

Buhari, Obasanjo, IBB, Pay Tribute As Allison Ayida is Buried Nigerians must emulate him, says president Bennett Oghifo in Lagos and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has paid glowing tribute to former Secretary

to the Government of the Federation, the late Allison Ayida, who was buried in Lagos yesterday, saying Ayida exhibited remarkable commitment to the progress

and unity of the country The family of Mr. Ayida also received condolence messages from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Military President Ibrahim Badamosi

Babaginda, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. Prior to the burial, which took place at the Vaults and Gardens in Ikoyi, a funeral

service took place at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, presided by The RT. Revd Dr. Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaye, Diocesan Bishop

of Lagos and Missioner. In attendance at the funeral service were: President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Continued on page 6

Okorocha’s Candidate Missing As Uzodinma, Ihedioha, Ararume Make INEC List… Page 8 Saturday 10 November, 2018 Vol 23. No 8606

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N250

N

Abaribe Writes Nigeria’s Envoy to Verify if Nnamdi Kanu is in Israel Court approves suit seeking prosecution of Abaribe, Fani-Kayode over IPOB leader's escape Alex Enumah in Abuja Embattled Senator Eyinanya Abaribe has written the Nigerian High Commissioner to Israel to investigate report to

the effect that the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is currently taking refuge in Isreal. Also yesterday, Justice John Tsoho of the Abuja division

of the Federal High Court gave the go-ahead for the commencement of the suit seeking an order of mandamus to compel the police and the Department of State Security

Service to prosecute, Abaribe, a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode and others for allegedly facilitating the escape of Kanu. Abaribe, Tochukwu

Uchendu and Emmanuel Shalom Ben, a Jewish priest had stood surety for Nnamdi Kanu as part of conditions for his bail granted by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal

High Court, Abuja in April 28, 2017. However, the whereabouts of Kanu and his parents has Continued on page 6

Senate: Presidency Approved Virement of N122bn from MDAs to Fund INEC Budget Executive pressurised us to revise source of funding Udoma: President asked them to vire from the projects they inserted in budget Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday defended its reversal of the mode of funding the 2019 general elections, saying it revisited the issue due to too much pressure on members of the Appropriations Committee by the Executive. But in a swift reaction, the Minister of Budget and Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, said President Muhammadu Bunari was clear in his memo to the lawmakers, asking them to vire from the projects they inserted into the budget. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, explained in Abuja that the Senate’s decision to rescind and revise the

methods of funding the supplementary budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for the conduct of the 2019 general elections, was done in good faith, after due consultation with the Executive. Ibrahim recalled that the Senate on October 16th, passed the N242, 245, 050,100 virement request, stipulating that it should be funded from the Service Wide Vote. He said: “The insinuations being peddled that the Senate single-handedly and unilaterally cut the budgets of critical MDAs is false. Such actions are uncharacteristic of this 8th Senate. “The facts remain that on Continued on page 6

Shun Cowardice or Face Court Martial, Buratai Warns Troops... Page 6

GOODNIGHT ALLISON AYIDA... R-L: Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; and Amb. Tayo Ogunsulere, at the funeral service of Allison Ayida at Our Saviour's Church, Tafawa Belewa Square, Lagos… yesterday etop ukutt

2

THISDAYt 4"563%": /07&.#&3 Ċĉ ċĉĊđ

THISDAYt SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2018

3

4

THISDAYt 4"563%": /07&.#&3 Ċĉ ċĉĊđ

THISDAYt SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2018

5

6

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž Ëœ ͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚΀

PAGE SIX

Shun Cowardice or Face Court Martial, Buratai Warns Troops Says Army injecting new weapons Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, yesterday warned troops fighting insurgents in the North-east to shun acts of cowardice of face court-martial. Buratai gave the warning in a goodwill message to troops in the frontline in the North-East, released in Abuja yesterday. The army chief issued the warning as he disclosed that the recent large consignment of ammunition procured by the army was being "injected" into the theatre of war. "The Nigerian Army is not known for cowardly behaviour. We have contained several incursions and several security challenges bedeviling our dear country within the last three

years and now would not be an exception. "Consequently, any soldier that turns away in the face of enemy incursion would be appropriately sanctioned and made to face field court martial in accordance with our extant laws. "As you are all aware; the consequences could be grave. Do not be complacent by being contented with repelling their attacks, instead, go after them, capture them, and when absolutely necessary, be decisive with the daring ones. "Some women and children have been held captive, you are therefore to ensure that adequate rules of engagement are employed to extricate them before any offensive action", he warned.

Buratai said the army had begun to inject high caliber ammunition into the war and noted that as army chief he was committed to the welfare of troops. "As your Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), I have never relented in my pursuits of ensuring that your welfare is adequately catered for. To this end, I have directed that your allowances are paid regularly as and when due. I have also directed that troops’ rotation be carried out as scheduled. "As soldiers in battle, I am aware of the effects of battle fatigue. Consequently, I have also directed that passes be issued to officers and soldiers that require same to visit their families. Recall that I approved

the special promotion of more than 5000 troops for gallantry. Be rest assured that the process is continuous. Your kitting has also been improved drastically. Special uniform allowance was paid a month ago directly into your individual accounts. "Through the various intervention programmes to the NA by the government, the stock of arms and ammunition has greatly improved. Just recently, the NA took delivery of large consignment of high caliber weapons and ammunition. "These are already being injected into the theatre. I therefore urge you to make use of them judiciously and ensure they are effectively used against the terrorists and not taken away by them", he said.

Buratai said that the terrorists "in a bid to swell their depleting ranks, had continued with their false teachings and instilling fake ideologies on the youths of the North East.� He added: “To curb that, I have directed the Department of Civil Military Affairs in collaboration with the Department of NA Chaplain/ Imam Services to immediately provide counter narratives through the community resilience and stabilization campaign programme. "I have also established the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command to amongst others prevent online terrorism, online radicalisation as well as online recruitment. To this end, do not let the false propaganda and narratives being spread by the

rag-tagged terrorists sway your thoughts and actions about our dear country. We should continue to stand and fight even when the going gets tough and the ignorant and enemies of the state choose to castigate us. "You are to also note that many people have returned to their towns, villages and communities that were hitherto abandoned, and the terrorists have taken advantage of the large population in the towns and villages to infiltrate into them. You must therefore be extra vigilant and establish good civil military relations with the locals. You are to use this to acquire actionable intelligence to prevent any attack on the communities as well as your positions".

commence investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape of Kanu from Nigeria, after the Nigerian Army were accused of abducting, arresting, killing and assassinating him. Apart from Abaribe and Fani-Kayode, others the plaintiff is seeking their arrest and prosecution are Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Tochukwu Uchendu, Emmanuel Shallow Ben, Emmanuel Kanu, Uchechi Kanu. Ayugu, in the suit filed and dated October 31 through his counsel, Oghenovo Otemu, prayed the court for an order mandating all the respondents in the case “to investigate and

prosecute all those who worked together to propagate and spread lies and falsehood that Kanu was abducted, kidnapped, arrested and detained by the Nigerian Military, when indeed they were well aware of Kanu's whereabouts because they played roles in helping him to disappear from Nigeria.� Delivering ruling on the motion, Justice Tsoho however ordered the suit to be served on the defendants – the DSS, its Director-General, the police and the Inspector-General of Police. Tsoho subsequently adjourned till November 22 for the hearing of the suit.

States from the then Regional Government structure. Also, his patriotism and astuteness was instrumental to keeping Nigeria as one nation through his advice to General Gowon not to accede to the agitation to split the country.� Mustapha also recalled the role Mr. Ayida played as a member of the committee that was instrumental for the upward review of salaries of Civil Servants popularly known as Udoji Award which took effect from January 1975. “I make bold to say that the memory of his sterling contributions to successful and peaceful governance will remain indelible on the sands of Nigerian history.� Babaginda said, in his condolence message, that Mr. Ayida “carved for himself a special place in the history of public service as one of Nigeria’s most reputable public servants and that he reached the peak of his career with his appointment as the fifth Secretary to the

Government and Head of Service of the Federation.� The former president said, as a seasoned, intelligent and highly qualified experienced development economist, Ayida “brought to bear on the reconstruction programme of post civil war Nigeria.� He stated that “Allison Ayida was a man of high moral integrity and brought his unquantifiable qualities and wealth of experience to the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club and the King’s College Old Boys Association. As an accomplished son of Warri Kingdom, his community acknowledges him with immense pride. He occupied the position of Chairman of the Itsekiri Leaders Forum and member Itsekiri Leaders of Thought.� Babaginda said Nigeria would miss his wisdom, counsel, experience and courage at a time when such qualities are much needed for the economic, social and political development of our country.

ABARIBE WRITES NIGERIA’S ENVOY TO VERIFY IF NNAMDI KANU IS IN ISRAEL remained a mystery since September 14, 2017 when soldiers of the Nigerian army invaded their native home in Umuahia, Abia State. Following, the disappearance of Kanu, the trial court has asked the sureties to produce the defendant or forfeit their bail bond of N100,000,000 each. Abaribe in the letter dated November 7, 2018, through his lawyer Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume SAN is however urging the High Commissioner, Ambassador Enoch Duchi, to "Use his good office to painstakingly enquire from the government of Israel" if there is

any Nnamdi Kanu, a Nigerian citizen in their country. The lawyer noted that the investigation and the report which would be made on oath by the High commissioner would be submitted before the court. Ume in the letter written to the Nigerian High Commissioner to Isreal through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the letter is necessitated by social and online media reports to the effect that Nnamdi Kanu was recently sighted at the wailing wall during a prayer session in Israel. He said if his findings

revealed that there is an Nnamdi Kanu in Israel, he should check whether he is the same person standing trial in Nigeria. Part of the letter read, "He is to find out from the government, how he arrived there and the circumstances that led to that, what of his parents.� Ume, in addition said if indeed there is an Nnamdi Kanu in Isreal, " We are ready to assist you in a necessary DNA procedure to enable you verify whether the alleged Nnamdi Kanu said to be in Isreal is same as the Nnamdi Kanu standing trial in Nigeria ". Meanwhile, Justice John

Tsoho of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court yesterday gave the go-ahead for the commencement of the suit seeking an order of mandamus to compel the police and the Department of State Security Service to prosecute Abaribe, Fani-Kayode and others for allegedly facilitating the escape of Kanu. Justice Tsoho gave the approval in a ruling on an ex parte application filed by one Isiah Ayugu. Ayugu in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1254/18, asked the court to immediately order the respondents in the matter to

BUHARI, OBASANJO, IBB, PAY TRIBUTE AS ALLISON AYIDA IS BURIED Saraki, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ex-Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Jim Ovia, Chief Felix Ohiewere, Tunde Ogbeha, Phillip Asiodu, and Amb. Tayo Ogundurele, among other distinguished guests. In his tribute, President Buhari urged younger Nigerians and public servants to emulate the uncommon patriotism of Ayida. The president also commiserated with the family of the deceased, the government and people of Delta State on the transition of their patriarch. In a statement, the president's media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina said as the remains of Ayida, whom he described as a political economist and boardroom guru, were interred, the president recalled the deceased’s decades of public service to his fatherland, saying his wide experience would be missed. He quoted the president as saying, “Nigeria will surely

miss his wide experience in public and private services. We need people like him and his colleagues, the celebrated super permanent secretaries, who exhibited remarkable commitment to the progress and unity of the country.� Adesina added that the president prayed the Almighty God to comfort the family, close associates and admirers of the late former federal permanent secretary, and grant his soul eternal rest. In his condolence message to the family of the late Commander of the Federal Republic, Obasanjo recalled with “a feeling of nostalgia, but with gratitude to God, the several accomplishments of late Mr. Allison Ayida as a seasoned technocrat, inimitable administrator, quintessential diplomat and a consummate man of ideas.� He said for over two decades, Ayida served the nation with distinction and commitment to the high ideals of the public

service. The former president traced Mr. Ayida’s service to the nation from his humble beginning as an Assistant Secretary of the Federal Public Service which he joined in 1957, serving in various capacities and rising through the ranks to the exalted public service position of the Secretary to the Federal Military Government and Head of Service in 1975, a post he held till 1977 when he retired from the service. Obasanjo added: “Ayida belonged to the pantheon of those thoroughbred and genuine career civil servants who worked assiduously to position and develop the Nigerian Civil Service Commission and who are glowingly revered for keeping the toga of Super Perm Secs till date. “He was one of the special breed of Permanent Secretaries allowed to attend the meetings of the Supreme Military Council as observers and pass memos to the Head of State without

recourse to their Ministers. “Mr. Ayida, who was a hardworking and committed member of my administration as the then Military Head of State, put in his best during his lifetime to ensure that our policies were appreciated and understood by the general populace. His amiable disposition and national outlook were qualities which served him well on the job.� In his condolence message, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said: “The late Allison Ayida was an exemplary Public Servant, a patriot, devoted Christian and Community Leader who will be remembered for his pursuit of honesty, forthrightness and selfless service to the nation.� The SGF said Mr. Ayida had great influence on government during his time in service, stating that “This was demonstrated in his counsel as the Chairman of the Council of Permanent Secretaries to the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, which led to the creation of 12

SENATE: PRESIDENCY APPROVED VIREMENT OF N122BN FROM MDAS TO FUND INEC BUDGET Tuesday, October 16th, the Senate approved a Report that stipulated that the supplementary funding for INEC and security agencies to conduct the 2019 election should be sourced from the Service Wide Vote of the Executive through virement. This information is everywhere. “However, the Executive came up with a counter-proposal that the election be funded through both the Service Wide Vote and the budgets of 30 MDAs - on a pro rata basis. This is why, the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Danjuma Goje, had to come up with a Motion to rescind, reconsider and revise the source of funding contained in the original approval granted by the Senate. “So, if you take a close look at the Senate’s Order paper of Wednesday, November

7, 2018, you will see that N121,122,525,050, which represents half of the entire supplementary budget, was sourced from 30 MDAs chosen by the Executive, while the other N121,122,525,050 was taken from the Service Wide Vote. “As always, all Senators remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria has free, fair and credible general elections next year, and they will continue to collaborate with the Executive, members of the public and all other stakeholders to ensure that this happens." The Senate had on Wednesday rescinded its earlier decision to fund the N242.245 billion 2019 general elections budget from the Service Wide Votes. Goje and 18 other Senators had at Senate plenary sponsored another motion entitled 'Rescission and Reconsideration of the Senate Approval of

Virement/Supplementary Budget for Independent National Electoral Commission and Security Agencies for the Conduct of the 2019 General Election to rescind Senate's earlier decision on mode of funding the 2019 polls. Goje, in moving the motion, drew the attention of the Senate to the fact that due to some obvious and imminent issues of national socio-economic importance, the earlier approved virement/supplementary request could not be implemented. The Senate thereafter rescinded and reconsidered its October 16 approval of the request as contained in resolution (S/RS/027/04/8) in line with Order 53(6) of its Standing Order. Order 53(6) of the Senate Standing Orders states that "It shall be out of order to attempt to reconsider any

specific question upon which the Senate has come to a conclusion during the current session except upon a substantive motion for rescission." The upper chamber of the National Assembly in approving N242.245 billion for INEC (N189.007bn) and five other agencies namely; Office of the National Security Adviser (N9.481bn); Department of State Security (N10.213bn); NSCDC (N3.573bn); Nigeria Police Force (N27.341bn) and Nigeria Immigration Service (N2.628bn) for the conduct of the 2019 general polls emphasised that the fund would be sourced from 2018 Appropriation of 30 federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies ( MDAs) and Service Wide Vote (Special Intervention Programme). While the 30 MDAs will fund the 2019 polls to the tune of

N121.122 billion, the remaining N121.122 billion will be sourced from the Special Intervention Programme of the Service Wide Vote. A breakdown of the MDAs funding include Power, Works and Housing- N25.52bn; Water Resources- N12.95bn; Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentN11.05bn; Budget and National PlanningN8.84bn; Communication Technology-N828.50m; DefenceN2.63bn; Education-N10.23bn; EnvironmentN2.006bn; Federal Capital Territory Administration-N1.508bn; Foreign Affairs-N1.73bn; HealthN8.059bn; ICPC-N157.08m; Information and CultureN1.88bn; Interior- N1.67bn and National Human Rights Commission-N170.43m. Others are Justice- N557.93m; Labour and EmploymentN2.72bn; Mines and Steel

Development-N461.39m; Niger Delta Affairs- N1.19bn; Office of National Security Adviser-N1.12bn; Office of the Head of Service-N38.74m; Office of the SGF-N6.73bn; Petroleum Resources- N20.94m; Presidency- N1.24bn; Public Complaints CommissionNN48.17m; Science and Technology-N7.46bn; Industry, Trade and Investment-N7.08bn; Transportation-N2.28bn; Women Affairs-N319.69m and Youth and Sports DevelopmentN522.76m. Udoma, who spoke through his media aide, Akpamdem James, said if what the lawmakers did was what the President requested for, “then, it is okay.� He added: “However, I know that the President specifically requested that they should vire money from the projects they inserted in the 2019 budget.�

THISDAYt SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2018

7

8

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚΀

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

CHANGE OF BATON... L-R: Obiri of Idobiri Aiyepe Ijebu, Ogun State, Oba Adebisi Okubanjo; President, The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr. Adekunle Mokuolu; Chairman, NSE Ikeja Branch, Mrs. Funmilade Akingbagbohun; her husband, Kehinde; and Immediate Past Chairman, NSE Ikeja Branch, Mr. Charles Akintola, during the investiture of Mrs. Funmilade as the 13th chairman of the Branch in Lagos... on Friday. ‌.. SUNDAY ADIGUN

Okorocha’s Candidate Missing As Uzodinma, Ihedioha, Ararume Make INEC List Amby Uneze Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂœĂ“ All efforts by the Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha to make his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state seem to have failed, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published a list yesterday that bears the name Hope Uzodinma as the governorship candidate of the APC in the 2019 election. INEC Information Officer in Imo state, Emmanuela Ben-Opara confirmed this information to THISDAY on phone at 8:30 PM yesterday, stating that “the name of the APC governorship candidate in Imo state, Hope Uzodimma has been published. I don’t know what you mean by reinstated, what I can tell you

now is that the name of APC governorship candidate for Imo state, Hope Uzodimma has been published.� Other names published by INEC are those of the candidates of the Peoples Democratic party, Emeka Ihedioha; Okey Eze of the Social Democratic Party; Ifeanyi Ararume of the All Progressives Grand Alliance; Ibe Kenechukwu, Accord Party; Linus Okorie, Young Progressives Party; Ike . C. Ibe, Independent Democrats; Tony Nwulu, United Progressives Party; Ngozi Oleh, All Grassroots Alliance; Ukaegbu Joesph Ikechukwu, Labour Party; and Ejike Chukwu, African Democratic Party. Also on the list, are the names of five female governorship candidates: Mrs. Joy Emeziam (GPN), Ijeoma Onwubuariri (NDLP), Mercy

Adaku Ibeh (DP), Onyeka Immaculata Umunakwe (AAP) and Mrs. Nkemjika Ahumonye Ihemadu of the National Conscience Party. Thus, INEC has confirmed Hope Uzodinma as the APC governorship candidate for the 2019 polls, as earlier stated by the National Working Committee of the party. The Uzodimma group also dismissed claims of an ex-parte order given on November 7, 2018 by Justice M.T. Salihu of the Federal High Court sitting in Owerri that restrained both the electoral body and the Party from publishing the name of any candidate until the hearing of substantive matter on November 12, 2018. The Director of Media and Special Duties of the Campaign Organisation, Declan Emelumba, dismissed

the claim by the Governor Okorocha’s group that they stopped the publication of his name by INEC through a court order as misleading because they never really had any court order, explaining that the federal high court in Owerri yesterday declined to grant the order they sought. According to him, “there’s no court order. The court declined the order. Besides, Uzodimma is the APC candidate for Imo state as acknowledged by INEC. So, anybody telling you any other thing is not telling the truth.� It would be recalled that the ruling party in the state had been embroiled in crisis since early this year, which led to its polarisation into two contending factions. The party also has two parallel state executives down to the wards: the governor

Court Restrains IGP from Proscribing Benue Livestock Guard George Okoh Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă•Ă&#x;ĂœĂŽĂ“ A Makurdi High Court under Justice Austine Ityonyiman yesterday restrained the Inspector General of Police, and the Benue State Commissioner of Police from prohibiting or shutting down offices of the Benue State Livestock Guards in any part of the state. The Court also restrained the Inspector General of Police and the Benue State Commissioner of Police from preventing officers of the Benue State Livestock Guards from carrying out their legitimate functions of implementing the state

Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, pending the determination of the motion on notice brought before the court. The Judge granted the motion brought by the Benue State Government through Mr. Douglas Pepe, praying the Court to restrain the Nigerian Police whom he stated where acting outside the scope of their constitutional mandate.  Pepe had argued that the Livestock Guards was a creation of the law and the body was carrying out its functions as stipulated by the legislation establishing

it. After listening to the argument of counsel to the Benue State Government, and going through the affidavit in support of the motion, the Judge was convinced that there was need to grant the application pending the determination of the motion on notice.  The Judge thereafter adjourned the case to November 23, 2018 for hearing of the motion.  Reacting to the restraining order, the Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Michael Gusa said the Samuel Ortom administra-

tion was operating based on the rule of law, and due process.  He expressed surprise that the police whose duty was to help the government to enforce laws were seeking to proscribe a law legitimately enacted by a state. Gusa reaffirmed the determination of the State Government not to be discouraged in pursuing what was in the interest of people of the state. It will be recalled that the IGP had ordered all states to disband all unauthorised security groups operating in their domain.

Rochas Okorocha-led faction and the coalition Alliance who are vehemently opposed to his third term bid by proxy

through his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu who he had vowed must succeed him in 2019 as the next Governor of the state.

IYC Alleges FG Turning NDDC to Election Funding Agency Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă‹

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide, has again, urged the federal government to allow the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) implement its core mandate for the region, rather than use the interventionist agency as an election funding body. The group comprising all youths of Ijaw descent, advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to leave the development of the Niger Delta region unattended to while the NDDC is allowed to derail.  In a statement made available to journalists in Yenagoa and signed by the IYC Secretary General, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, the council insisted that the organisation must be restructured in such a way that any of its leaders interested in politics must first resign their appointments with the commission. The duo of Mr. Nsima Ekere, Managing Director of the organisation and Senator Ndoma Egba, Chairman, is currently gunning for the governorship and a senatorial seat in their respective states. Kemepado argued that not being able to separate the agency from the whims of politics had always been the bane of the NDDC and called on the federal government to ensure that the story of the body changes for good. According to the IYC, in the last five months, the agency had been suffering on the altar of politics, abandoning the people it was set up to serve. “There is no more commitment

to the challenges of the commission but their local politics. This impunity in the commission is inimical to the development of the Niger Delta, especially Ijaw land,� the IYC maintained.  The IYC Scribe argued that the current state of affairs in the commission was capable of provoking fresh anger in the region and called on President Buhari to show more respect for the developmental issues of the Niger Delta. “Furthermore, we call on all Niger Delta sons and daughters to vote for issues in the forthcoming elections and not for parties or people with fake promises. “Our youths should endeavour to shun all those who have been playing politics with our development,� the IYC said. N33,000 Minimum Wage only for Gotel TV, Radio not All Atiku Employee The Atiku Cmapaign Organisation has said the N33,000 minimum wage said to have been approved by the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for all its workers was not a true reflection of what has transpired in their fold. According to a response clarifying the situation, instead of the 100,000 workforce under companies owned by Atiku, the real staff strength was 50,000 while the N33,000 minimum wage was as announced only by Gotel Communications owned by him which did not affect his other companies.

9

NOVEMBER 10, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Word for FRSC As More Nigerians Slip into Extreme Poverty… ABoss, Oyeyemi

A

s I pen this piece, kerosene, the cooking fuel of the masses, sells for between N250 and N280 per litre in Lagos. It is much higher outside Lagos. The masses have been spending more in the last three and half years to fuel their kerosene stoves. It has been a big battle for survival for them as the prices of goods and services skyrocket, dragging many into extreme poverty. So, it did not come as a surprise when the World Poverty Clock reported that over 1.1 million Nigerians slipped into extreme poverty just in four months – June, July, August and September - this year. This has brought the number of Nigerians living in extreme poverty (below $1.90 a day) to more than 88 million. In June 2018, the Brookings Institution named Nigeria as the poverty capital of the world, with 86.9 million extremely poor people. Nigeria overtook India as the world poverty capital, despite being six times smaller in population than the Asian country. According to the World Poverty Clock, created by Vienna-based World Data Lab, 88,011,759 Nigerians are currently living in extreme poverty. The World Bank, IMF, United Nations, and major development institutions across the world are forecasting that Nigeria will not hit the 2030 target for ending global poverty. This is because the responses to poverty reduction by our governments at all levels have been feeble. The federal government in particular, has deliberately pushed many into poverty due to its flawed economic policies, programmes and raging insecurity. A good example here is the plight of millions of displaced Nigerians living in extreme poverty in IDP camps across the country. They have been pushed into extreme poverty by the raging insecurity. The World Poverty Clock reports: “The outlook for poverty alleviation in Nigeria is currently weak, with nearly six people

Buhari

slipping into extreme poverty every minute. Nevertheless, the overall effect will be muted; by 2030 we estimate the percentage of Nigeria’s population living in extreme poverty will increase from 44.2% to 45.5%, representing a total of some 120 million people living under $1.90 per day.” While poverty in India continues to fall, Nigeria wallows in darkness, rising fuel and food prices, disease, insecurity, hunger, unemployment and malnutrition, all leading to more people falling into extreme poverty. The truth be told without sentiment; the economy handed over to the Buhari administration was a fairly good one with consistent growth in GDP and industrial capacity utilisation. Under Obasanjo, late Yar’Adua and Jonathan, industrialists and SMEs were running their businesses with little encumbrances. The Naira was fairly strong and stable. The forex policy was also friendly to industrialists. That was why industrial capacity went up in the last three years of the Jonathan

administration. So, how well-managed has this country been under wailing Buhari and Osinbajo? Are there positive stories to tell in areas like the value of our currency, economy, electricity, fuel prices, manufacturing, job creation and so on? The truth is that this administration squandered virtually all the gains of its predecessors. I challenge pro-Buhari activists to point to a single tangible achievement of this administration in critical sectors like security, education, health, road, economy, power and housing. Even the President and his family members are flown abroad regularly to enjoy foreign medicals. This government brought pain, blood and tears to Nigerians, with thousands of businesses and manufacturers gasping for breath, while millions of Nigerians lost their jobs. The Naira, our symbol of nationhood has never had it so bad. At a point, it was trading for as high as N520/$. This is the same Naira Buhari inherited at about N220/$. Which corruption is bigger than buying petrol at N145 per litre? Which corruption is bigger than plunging Nigeria into unprecedented foreign debt? What do we have to show for all these borrowings? Nigerians continue to be ranked among the poorest globally. So, what has this government done about this in almost four years? Is Buhari unaware of the country’s rising unemployment figures? Any serious government would have ensured a robust engagement of these unemployment and poverty figures. Now, Nigeria has surpassed India as the country with the largest number of people living in life-threatening poverty despite the fact that India’s population is almost four times that of Nigeria’s. This is another insignia of disgrace that should task Buhari and his cohorts. Our President should concentrate on pragmatic steps to pull more Nigerians out of poverty instead of regaling us with skewed anticorruption stories. Forward-looking Nigerians are tired of these monkeyshines.

Amosun, Okorocha and the Wages of Greed Prior to the primaries of the All Progressives Congress, I watched Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State on television, dishing out orders at the state’s APC stakeholders meeting in Abeokuta. The bemused stakeholders watched him anointing his choice for governor and announcing himself as the candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial seat. It was “powerful” Amosun in action, singlehandedly picking APC candidates for all elective positions in the state. For Amosun, those opposed to his dictatorship can as well go to hell. Well, his opponents did not go to hell; they simply pulled the rug from under his feet, leaving him stranded. His anointed governorship candidate, Adekunle Akinlade, has been thrown into the deep blue sea by APC leaders in Abuja. The powerful Amosun has now been consumed by superior powers. He wanted everything but he may end up with nothing. The news in town is that he is planning to move his anointed candidates to one of the fringe political parties. Emperor Amosun looks set to burn all his fingers with his gluttony. The other Emperor in Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, is desperate to have his son- inlaw, Uche Nwosu, succeed him as governor. He also wants a senatorial seat for himself. Just like Amosun, Okorocha wants to determine APC candidates for all elective positions in the state. Greedy Okorocha is also struggling for survival as the Hope Uzodinma gang wrestles him. Already, they have taken the governorship ticket away from his anointed candidate. Okorocha is plotting plan B for his anointed governorship candidate. However, he looks good to fail again. This governor has no iota of credibility in the state. I am shocked that he is even dreaming of producing the next governor of Imo State despite his acrimonious tenure. No single individual has ever inflicted this much pain on the hapless people of Imo State as Okorocha did in almost eight years. The cataclysmic Okorocha government turned Imo State to a big mess. No one will forget in a hurry the ruthless demolition

Amosun

Okorocha

of the famed Eke-ukwu Owerri Market, in spite of a subsisting court order. Imo, under Okorocha, has become a failed state, with the government unable to meet its basic responsibilities to the citizens. Facilities in the health, education and other sectors have collapsed. In Okorocha’s Imo, civil servants have huge backlog of unpaid salaries. Imo State retirees are also wallowing in poverty, due to enormous unpaid annuities. All these have resulted in so much poverty in this largely “civil servant” state. The limited resources of this state are being squandered amid poverty. A good example is when this governor suddenly crops up with an aircraft, said to have been acquired with the funds of the suffering masses of the state. He then went about celebrating, with the impression that this was capable of turning around the fortunes of the state. The impact of Imo Air is yet to be felt. What about Okorocha’s ludicrous trip to Turkey, with about 100 of his cronies, supposedly to study that country’s industrial magic? How much has Imo gained from the lavish trip? This governor has glaringly turned Imo State into a family business

and personal property. His family members occupy key positions and get juicy contracts. Top businessmen, members of the academia, technocrats, retired senior military officers, as well as other professionals of Imo State origin have joined the noble movement against Okorocha, using the platform of Imo Economic Development Initiative. It is pleasing that this formidable opposition to Okorocha is coming less than a year to the election of a new governor. This time around, Imo State has to put forward its best hand for governor to halt the anguish in the state. The Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Diocese, Rev. Anthony Obinna, was apt when he said, “Jesus Christ is always there to restore confidence and give courage to those who are in fear. For some years in the past, Imo citizens have been living in fear because of bad government. It is absurd and undemocratic for the governor to anoint his son-in-law to succeed him while his daughter will succeed his wife as first lady. Christ has liberated us by His death on the cross; therefore, no person can overturn what God has done.”

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Boboye Oyeyemi and his men have decided to inflict more pain on vehicle owners across the country, following Oyeyemi’s directives to his men to impound vehicles without its new preposterous Number Plate. For most of this week, Oyeyemi’s men were on the roads harassing and extorting money from vehicle owners without the new Number Plate. My dear Oyeyemi, I doubt if you know that Nigerians are already going through hell, with the excruciating economic condition of the country. Notwithstanding, you want them to cough out a minimum of N42,000 for a new Number Plate. Are you unaware that new vehicle license, Insurance and Road Worthiness Certificate would be required alongside a new Number Plate? Aside the financial burden on Nigerians, I am very sure that your FRSC lacks the capacity to provide new Number Plates for the millions of vehicles on Nigerian roads at the same time. So, why put vehicles owners through more traumas in an era of economic crisis? My dear Oyeyemi, are you unaware that there is an appeal at the Supreme Court against the judgement you are relying on, to implement this new Number Plate policy? Why don’t you allow the Supreme Court to make a finale pronouncement before implementing this notorious new Number Plate policy? For me, acquisition of new Number Plate should be optional. Only owners of new vehicles should obtain the new number plates. The National Assembly must stop Oyeyemi and his men from traumatising vehicle owners by stopping the implementation of this new Number Plate policy. Our lawmakers must rise and save Nigerians from Oyeyemi and his men.

Osinbajo’s Deadline to Apapa Tanker Drivers I need to remind Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that his 72-hour deadline to security agents and traffic managers to clear the mess created by tanker drivers in and around the Apapa ports has failed. Almost four months after Osinbajo gave the order for the clearance of the gridlock, Apapa remains a big mess. Recall that the VP visited Lagos on July 20 and dashed to Apapa to see the madness of tanker drivers on the roads leading to the ports and inside Apapa itself. After experiencing the gridlock, which has made vehicular movement almost impossible, our VP gave instruction for a 72-hour joint operation by security and traffic managers, to restore order in Apapa and its environs. Of course, I knew Osinbajo was showboating. Many, who are easily deceived, thought succour was on the way for the traumatised residents and businesses in Apapa, with Osinbajo’s instruction. I have been proved right. Almost four months down the line, Apapa remains one big mess, with residents and businesses gasping for breath. Coldblooded tanker drivers have made lives miserable for those entering or leaving Apapa. My dear Osinbajo has suddenly forgotten that he gave an order for the gridlock to be cleared within 72 hours. On Monday, the six governors in the South-west desperately called on the federal government to urgently find a lasting solution to the Apapa gridlock. I am not sorry to say that the federal government lacks the capacity to clear the Apapa gridlock. It’s a big shame. For now, billions of Naira and man hours go down the drains daily, as trucks continue their madness in and around Nigeria’s largest ports. Many businesses and home owners have been forced to flee Apapa. The situation here is hopeless. What a country!

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 10, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY

Okpocha with his heartthrob, Elsie

Basketmouth is Stronger with Elsie Relishing eight years of romance, trust, partnership and tolerance, comedian, Basketmouth and wife, Elsie, took to the social media during the week to express their joy, writes Omolabake Fasogbon

F

or Bright Okpocha, better known by his stage name, Basketmouth and heartthrob, Elsie, who recently marked their eighth wedding anniversary, it was an expression of love like never before and definitely a step to strengthen their envied affairs and togetherness. In revelry mood, the comedian lover boy took to his Instagram page to pen a warmth special anniversary note along with stunning family photos. He wrote, “Happy wedding anniversary. Thank you for saying ‘yes, I do’ thank you for letting me change your surname forever, thank you for our beautiful kids and most especially. thanks for turning my house into a home; 8 years things.’’ Overly excited and love-struck Elsie also cannot afford to ignore her husband’s pass as she replied in admiration, “Happiest of Happy Anniversary to us. My goodness!!! It’s 8 years already. How did time fly? It’s been a bitter-sweet ride all the same, but overall, a fantastic one.. we have cried, laughed, cried and laughed again... fought well well of course, and settled. So glad you know how to beg me. You have taught me, spoilt me with love, made my life more beautiful ...never failed me everytime I needed you and our gossips!!!!!! Omgggg!!!! Always LIT! I love how you always tell me everything about your day, I love that you are my best friend your flaws and imperfections are overly annoying but what can a girl do? Thank you for putting up with the small

stress I give you as well. oh how i loooove you. Bright Okpocha you are all Elsie needs....now and forever!!!!! Cheers to us. I love you Sugar and I’m sooo glad you are mine!.” Marriage manifests the fruit of happiness only if there is an element of friendship between the parties involved. For this eight year-old couple, one couldn’t have found the feature of friendship lagging between the duo who have remained models to a number of married and aspiring couples. While both admit that marriage in actual sense is not a bed of roses, they have been able to surmount its associated storm by playing all well, with all sense of maturity. Both came in contact with each other in 2003 at the University of Lagos. On how they met, Basketmouth once revealed “I was promoting a show back then I think in 2003 or 4 and I was right in front of her hostel in Unilag. She walked past and she was like hey Basketmouth, then my fame had just started growing. And she hailed me and walked past. Then I turned and saw her, she was beautiful, and she is still beautiful. For the first time in my life, I walked after a woman. I asked her for her name and number. The rest is history.” He did not also deny the fact that he fought persistently to win her. In 2010, the relationship was unionised and legalised in a high class and star-studded wedding ceremony that was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life. Today, the duo boasts of two kids as

the product of the union. Apparently one of the celebrated marriages in the Nigerian social circle, theirs till today remains a shock to a lot of people who believe marriages of celebrity do not always stand the test of time, most especially in this clime. Surprisingly, the romance between the comedy king and his creative arts graduate partner has not ceased to glow and full of life, with no iota of scandal. On what sustains and strengthens the marriage, the humour merchant once revealed how he turned himself to an house help in his house: “Marriage is not that simple but I always try to make it work by playing my part. Due to the nature of my job, I am not always around. Sometimes, I could be away for weeks but when I am back home, I try to make it up to my family especially my wife. I go to events with her, take her shopping and make her feel special. When I am home, I am the houseboy, I do all the work, clean up the kids and spend time with them, I sweep, I cook, I wash. I do basically all the house chores.” Away from his success story at home, the multi gifted artiste has been up and doing in his rib cracking business which has earned him excellent ratings locally and globally. Just of recent, the Globacom brand ambassador won the South African Pan-Africa Comic of the Year Award, for the second time in a row.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 10, 2018

11

SUPERSATURDAY

Toke Makinwa’s Bikini Show In true Kim K style, On Air Personality, Toke Makinwa posted sexy pictures of hers in bikini to mark her 34th birthday, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

A

fter teasing followers on social media for days, Toke Makinwa released a series of sexy pictures to celebrate her 34th birthday last Saturday. In one of the pictures posted on Instagram, the author and multimedia personality put her wet body on display in a white bikini on a beach. “Woman thou shall love yourself. It’s my birthday,” she wrote. Changing to a red bikini, she added in another message: “I woke up today with nothing but Joy. My journey is one of grace, nothing but grace and mercy. Just a girl with dreams and God said yes. Thankful for another year, here’s hoping this chapter rocks even much more than the last.” In another post on her birthday, she captioned, “The Book of TM…. Chapter 34 – 03/11. . . A queen. A conqueror. Like a Phoenix, you rise woman; after each fall, you rise. Keep rising fearlessly, burn the earth with your awesome, keep thriving TM, keep pushing happy 34th birthday TM. Your best days are here.” The last few weeks has seen Toke trend on social media for many reasons. From shooting her shot at Don Jazzy to revealing what the value of her private part is in monetary terms. In true Kim K style, the sexy images exemplify Tokes allegiance to the American reality television personality Kim Kardashian. And within a short while after posting, her birthday pictures generated over a thousand comments. “So she is 34 years old that means she is still young. No need to worry, the right man will surely come your way,” and “Whether she is 34 or 38, she still looks good. Stop the hate…Hbd sexy lady Toke!” a plethora of description showered on her. However, a handful also attacked her. It is believed that the author seems challenged on building on past achievement and set on more accomplishment. Toke reportedly has made herself familiar in the literary circle since launching her book. The aftermath of this saw her speak to undergrads at the New York University (NYU). She was invited to talk about building a successful brand in a digital space. The journey to stardom for the vibrant Toke was no fairytale but one filled with major uphill battle paved with heartbreak, betrayal, public humiliation and bad press. From stories about her bleaching her skin, to torrid allegations about affairs here and there, as well as suffering betrayals from close friends including the one she ended up marrying, Toke saw them all and pulled through, against all odds. She also endured the heartbreak of finding out the birth of her husband’s love child with the same lady he cheated her with. The sting and humiliation was especially painful because she was at the height of her career at the time. Despite the public humiliation and constant negative press, Toke doggedly held her head high through it all and when it seemed all was calm, filed for divorce, which in turn led to even more ugliness and legal tussle.

12

NOVEMBER 10, 2018• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

ASUU STRIKE: ISSUES IN CONTENTION It’s in the nation’s interest to resolve the crisis promptly, writes Oludayo Tade

...We have elected and we have chosen to elect people who do not have education. And because they are not educated, they cannot give education (Emir Sanusi Lamido, 2018)

L

ike a thief in the night, the news of an indefinite, total, and comprehensive strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) broke into various homes on Sunday November 4, 2018. The National Executive Council of the union which held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure had unanimously expressed collective disappointment at the ‘Government of Change’ that no substantial progress has been made on the issues of the implementation of 2009 FGN/ASUU agreements, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU; 2012 and 2013) and Memorandum of Action (MOA, 2017) and the truncation of the renegotiation of the union’s agreements. The goal of the strike is to compel government to address the funding for revitalisation of public universities based on the FGN-ASUU MOU of 2012, 2013 and the MOA of 2017. The union wants the reconstitution of the current government team to allow for a leader and chairman who has the interest of the nation and its people at heart; release of the forensic audit report on Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), payments of all outstanding earned academic allowances and mainstreaming of same into salaries beginning with the 2018 budget; payment of all arrears of shortfall in salaries to all universities that have met the verification requirements of the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA); and release of University Pension Fund operational license.

In 2017, I wrote a piece entitled ‘ASUU and the Imperatives of Change Begins with Me’ to unveil the tricky issues causing recurrent gridlock in our educational system. I argued then that the change begins with me slogan of the present government amounted to shifting responsibility of doing the right things to Nigerians when indeed government manifested mannerism has been to the opposite. It is sad that no government can be trusted and when you burst trust in social relationships, empty-shell relationships are nurtured. To suspend its strike in 2017, ASUU signed a Memorandum of Action (MOA) as against Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) thinking mere change of title will make an irresponsive regime behave true to the spirit and letters of an agreement. The MoA which was signed by ASUU President Biodun Ogunyemi, NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, Labour Minister Chris Ngige, Permanent Secretary (FMoE) Sonny Echono and Permanent Secretary (FML&E) Bolaji Adebiyi were to be accomplished within six weeks (October 2017) but almost a year after, the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government has been foot dragging. The federal government released the sum of N23billion to pay outstanding Earned Academic Allowances of outstanding of 2009 and 2010. From 2011 to date, Nigerian academics have been teaching and supervising excess number of students for free while those governors receive pension and severance allowances without being delayed! It is on record that many lecturers have died this year on stress-related deaths. While the MOA stated that “outstanding balance of the EAA arrears shall be paid upon the completion of the forensic audit”, it is bad news that while universities ready for this have submitted, the FG has failed to release the audit report let alone commence payments of outstanding 2009-2012 earned allowances. The 2013 MOU stipulated that Nigerian public varsities would need the sum of N1.3trilion for a modest revitalisation. The fund was to be paid in tranches of (N200 (2013), 220b (2014), 220billion (2015), 220billion (2016), N220b (2017) and 220billion (2018)) in five years. Only the Goodluck Jonathan government released 200billion in 2013. Since that single intervention nothing has come forth. The result is decay in infrastructure, inability to attract foreign scholars and poor

IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS OR MONTHS, PEOPLES’ LIVELIHOODS WILL BE STUNTED, STUDENTS CAN’T COMPLETE THEIR SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS, BUSINESS INTERESTS WILL SUFFER, FAMILIES WILL WITNESS CRISIS

products. But when ASUU asked the FG in 2017 that to suspend the strike it has to pay N220billion for the revitalisation, the government expressed inability to pay because it was not budgeted for in 2017 but offered to release the sum of N20billion by October 2017 as a sign of commitment to raise fund for revitalising the comatose education in 2018. A year after, the federal government went to town, apparently to malign ASUU that it has released the sum of N20billion to the union for revitalisation! Meanwhile only university administrations get credited for funds allocated to universities. It is even more saddening that no N20billion has been released so far. The union was also angered by the hard-line stance of the leader of government renegotiation of ASUU/FGN agreements; Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN) who the union reportedly said only new agreements should be discussed while previous agreements and MOU/MOA (1992, 2001, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2017) should be discarded! This led to the breakdown of renegotiation. ASUU felt insulted and pained that it lost many brilliant Nigerians like Professor Festus Iyayi to the struggle. While the union acknowledged that some progress has been made in payment of shortfall in salaries, in a letter written to the Minister of Education on October 2018, ASUU asked government to pay many outstanding balances. ASUU asked the minister to ensure her loyal members in University of Ilorin who were excluded in the payment of academic allowances get paid. Other issues are the failure to release operational licence to the Nigerian University Employees Pension Company (NUPEMCO). The union has only been given approval in principle letter and cannot hit the ground running. It feels FG is frustrating it because operating pension fund administrators are friends of government. Another reason is the planned re-introduction of Education Bank by government. The scheme had failed before for some reasons including fraudulent management by the ruling class. In 2018, 1,653, 127 candidates wrote Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examination (JAMB). About 94 per cent of this figure picked public varsities. Only 6 per cent chose private universities owned by the ruling class. Is it not a wise policy that a government of vision invests in this critical sector where the interest of her future lies? Is it not unfortunate to be governed by uneducated or unappreciative educated capitalist cohorts whose pre-occupation is to train their children abroad to return home and get jobs in NNPC, CBN, FIRS, Customs and Immigration? The Emir of Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi aptly captures the mood in the country when he said we have historically voted for uneducated cohorts who cannot give what they don’t have. But a point of difference is that our rulers need our minds and that of our children to be blank so they can continue the impunity and remain unchallenged. They are educated enough to know that a mind that knows will be free hence the need to keep the slave trade by denying the masses qualitative education. It is unfortunate that for the next few weeks or months, peoples livelihoods will be stunted, students cant complete their semester examinations, business interests will suffer, families will witness crisis and lecturers will suffer not seeing their students, endure abuses from the learned and illiterate publics. If the government can bail out Skye Bank with public funds to the tune of over one trillion naira, why is it difficult to invest in the future of the country? If the current government blames the past governments, what is change in signing MOA in 2017 and a year after have little to show but investing in re-election? This implies a change in government may not bring new ideas since actors are the same (#APC=PDP). The history of Nigerian system is that only those who dare to struggle dare to win. A government that remembers to budget for cups, spoons and plates annually cannot allocate seven per cent to education in 2018 budget and expect things to turn around. It is better to quickly resolve the ASUU strike to mitigate impending danger. We can only produce rapists, kidnappers, and terrorists when students are trained in prison! Dr Tade, a sociologist sent this piece via dotad2003@yahoo.com

THE BATTLE FOR BRICK HOUSE

P

oliticians are an interesting class of people. Let me illustrate. Back in late 2014 the race for the Rivers APC gubernatorial ticket was hotting up. Two candidates, Hon. Peterside Dakuko and Senator Magnus Abe were the obvious front runners. Some of the officials in Rotimi Amaechi’s administration projected that the governor would pick Dakuku to carry the APC flag even though they thought that Abe would be a better candidate. According to one of Amaechi’s aides, “there is a difference between a man you call your boy and the one you call your friend.” Dakuku is Amaechi’s boy. Abe is a friend. As it turned out, and correctly projected, the mantle fell on Dakuku to carry the APC flag. Abe was very unhappy. Though he participated in Dakuku’s campaign, his heart nursed an injury. As soon as Dakuku picked the ticket, his camp began alienating Abe’s people. At one of the stakeholders meetings in Government House after Dakuku became the APC candidate, Amaechi was livid about the way things were going between the two camps and lambasted Dakuku and his men. Appar-

Philemon D. Adjekuko analyses the costs and benefits to some of the candidates ently, Abe was not assuaged. His heart had begun to drift away from the political empire he helped to build and benefited from for years. A brilliant man was about to make a decision that some of his close friends are still trying to unravel till date. Across the political fence back 2015, Minister of State for Education and former ally of Amaechi, Hon. Nyseom Wike had bulldozed his way into picking up the PDP gubernatorial ticket for Rivers. The sentiment in Rivers was strongly in favour of the PDP winning the governorship election due to Amaechi’s fight with then President Goodluck Jonathan and his decampment to the APC. A scientific poll commissioned by Amaechi himself a few months to the election proved that PDP would win the gubernatorial election. Though the Rivers gubernatorial election was marred by violence and rigged according to court records yet it was upheld mainly due to what the Apex Court justices considered a conflict between the requirement of the Electoral Act with respect to the use of voters’ register and the card reader which was grafted into the act via INEC

guidelines. Abe went on to re-contest his senatorial seat but lost or was rigged out. After a long battle in the courts and a rerun, he got his seat back. However, his eyes remained firmly on how to get to the Brick House as governor. But Amaechi would not buy into that project. Soon the smoldering quarrel became a repressed open confrontation until the primary when the battle lines were publicly drawn. Abe and his men had a parallel office and conducted a parallel primary. Many expected that Abe would defect to another party. But to where? He cannot reasonably go into the PDP to pursue his governorship dream. Wike is gunning for a second term. If Abe goes to a third party, he will disappear into a political black hole. He does not have the grass root popularity across the state to pull a third party upset. So he is, as it where, stuck in the APC to fight from within. That much he said in his response to Premium Times enquiry on October 19 when rumours had it that he had left the APC. How much will this fight cost Abe? At

the moment, a court has stepped into the fight between the opposing camps. Without prejudice, Abe may be holding a shorter end of the stick in this epic but unnecessary war. Head or tail, Abe has more to lose than gain. Why then is he in this war? What can he possible achieve from it? If he fails to go to the Senate which may just be the case, when the dust settles, what happens thereafter? Some in the APC believe that Abe has some understanding with Wike. That is strange. What would be in it for Abe? He cannot look forward to participating in a Wike government in any meaningful capacity (assuming Wike is returned as governor in 2019). Abe was once a Commissioner and Secretary to Government in Rivers. If the PDP wins at the centre, will Wike nominate Abe as a minister or head of a parastatal? Even if that happens, is that what Abe wants? Is Abe making a mistake that will dislodge him from relevance? I asked two people who know Abe very well about their opinion on these developments. One said, “Abe is on his own” and the other said something similar. Has Abe lost a wheel in high motion? Only time can tell

13

NOVEMBER 10, 2018 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

When will there be a closure?

Ogun Youth and the Power Challenge

O

rganise yourselves. Don’t expect much from government. No one is planning for you. Erstwhile speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole harped on these statements recently. The event was the launch of Habeeb Whyte’s compendium -The Burden of Irrelevancy. Youth, from far and near, congregated to felicitate with Whyte and contribute to discussions on politics and governance in Ogun. The timing of the launch was apt. Media organisations and stakeholders alike are counting the days and weeks to the 2019 general election. Media products from editorials to news stories and features stare and beg for our attention across board- traditional and new media. Independent National Electoral Commission is readying for the all-important process with register of voters on display at all of the 119,973 polling units nationwide. The line-up of guests was superb. Three governorship aspirants in the state found the event worthy of their presence. They attended in person and by proxy. Bankole, one of the aspirants opted for a brief appearance. At a time mudslinging is the norm and issues based campaigns have been forced to take a backseat, ex-Speaker Bankole raised cogent developmental issues. He spoke extensively on local government administration and admitted that the tier is an impediment to the advancement of the country. In one of my articles, Strengthening Local Government Administration in Nigeria published in The Guardian of April 23, 2018, I wrote: “It is quite displeasing that local governments have metamorphosed into appendages of state governments.” This is but one of our many drawbacks. Having identified a germane issue as this, one would have expected the guber hopeful to match the problem with practical solutions. But the guber hopeful settled for a game of ego. Provision of primary education and primary health came to the fore as requisite fundamentals for the prosperity of Ogun. The other day, we cried foul and kicked when Nigeria was named as the world’s headquarters of extreme poverty. No sane society relegates basic healthcare and education. Only sane societies that pay close attention to these and other essentials witness ascensions on global economic rankings. The former leader of the green chamber gelled with the audience in this regard. His body language and statements on grasping political power stirred arguments on the sides. Egotism defined his negotiations with the audience. Just like most political actors, the political aspirant shut down every possible means of engaging with the audience on issues. Yet he is eyeing the Chief Executive Officer position of the gateway state. You see our politicians like to feel themselves. They take the electorate for granted. They underestimate the power of the electorate. I am sure they are in the know that citizens can strengthen and weaken their structures. Check the power plays in Ogun, Zamfara and Imo. These locations have one thing in common. Political actors in each location have no regard for the people. Rather, they are interested in pursuing ‘interests’ (selfish ones) more vigorously than they

do for projects and matters of concern. But confronting the afemi, afemi politician who is an enemy of democracy and good governance is not a task for the fainthearted and ill-prepared youth. It would require preparedness. The youth would have to display a strong sense of purpose to lead discussions on issues and developments. It would require the youth to rise above petty sentiments. My amiable brother, Moshood Muhammed equally shares my position on how the youth constituency can challenge the powers that be and exert influence. He offered: “If the youth desire a place in government, or wish to make a CHANGE (not some party’s kind, pls), they must ‘organize themselves’. Nigerians leaders care less what happen to the people. Hence, the people must use their power effectively at every opportunity.” I couldn’t have said it better. Discussions at the event touched on the need for youth to seek knowledge and guidance from established politicians. I listened raptly to arguments and submissions from both sides of the divide. That you desire to be a relevant political figure, keen on working for common good shouldn’t propel you to be a lackey to a political mentor. The best way to go about this is to set goals for learnings and restrictions to guide the relationship. Considering overt and secretive intents of our politicians, there is no alternate route for the Ogun youth constituency in particular, and the Nigerian youth population in general to tread than being prepared. The challenge goes beyond unorganized agitations and social media permutations and analyses. The matter requires a talk-and-do mindset. Power and influence is not dished out freely. It is not tomatoes that you can purchase easily at the local market in the neighbourhood. You earn it. You work for it. After all, we have been advised to organize ourselves. 2019 is a good starting point for Ogun youth to begin to assume even higher positions of influence in the scheme of things in the state. They can raise the bars with involvement and participation. They can do more beyond the regular. The youth constituency can build a formidable force to reckon with. There can be no better time to start fixing the structure than now. The youth must organize for good. Preparedness is the way to go! Afeez Odunoye is a social commentator

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

No Silence for Elizabeth Ochanya

O

n Saturday 3rd November 2018, 13 years old Elizabeth Ochanya was buried amid tears. A promising future destroyed by the inordinate sexual appetite of a man and his son who were meant to be her guardian. For five years she had suffered sexual abuse and died as a result of complications from Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). Elizabeth’s death must not be in vain as perpetrators of the heinous crime against her body must be made to face the wrath of the law. Also, the gender unit in all law enforcement organisations must and should be strengthened to tackle all cases of sexual and gender-based violence and not tagging them ‘ a family matter’ which is what happens in most cases. The government at all levels must endeavour to provide basic necessities such as schools in all communities in view of the requisite value of education to community and national development as well as its interconnection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and African Union Agenda 2063. If good schools are in Elizabeth’s community, her parents would not have deemed it necessary to go to the city to get quality education. Finally, the death of Elizabeth Ochanya is a wake-up call for the judiciary to handle cases of rape assiduously while also ensuring adequate psychological and psycho-social support for rape victims. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, Executive Director, Women & GirlChild Capabilities Enhancement & Empowerment Organisation

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚΀

NEWS

In Brief NDLEA Nab 2 with N250m Cannabis

KwaraStatecommandoftheNigerianDrugLawEnforcementAgency(NDLEA) onFriday,saidthatithadarrested twosuspects inconnectionwithseizureof threetonsofcompressedcannabisvaluedatN250millionintheopenmarket. TheAssistantCommander,LogisticsandIntelligenceoftheagencyinthestate, Mr. Emmanuel Dandi stated this in Ilorin yesterday while parading the two suspectsbeforejournalists.Hesaidthatthearrestandseizurewereeffected onThursdayatabout11:30p.m.atOkolowoareaoftheIlorinmetropolis,adding thatoneofthesuspectsescapedarrest.Dandi,whosaidthatthecompressed cannabis,otherwiseknownasconk,wasimportedfromGhanathroughTogo andRepublicofBenin,addedthatthearrestandseizureweremadepossible byintelligencereports.Healsosaidthatarrestedpersonswereidentifiedas truckloaders,addingthatinvestigationwasongoingtounravelpeoplebehind theimportation.Hestressedthat,“Obviousrepercussionofthecannabisfinding itswayinto KwaraStatemarketscannot beover emphasised.

ITFTrains 30 Kogi Women in Fashion Designing

ENRICHING KNOWLEDGE... L-R: Author of book/ Chairman THISDAY Editorial board, Mr. Segun Adeniyi and Regional director/West Africa, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma at a press conference on the book from frying pan to ďŹ re “How African migrants risk every thing in their futile search for a better Life in Europe written by Segun Adeniyi held in Lagos yesterday.... MUBO PETERS

Michelle Obama: My Two Daughters Conceived Through IVF Ferdinand Ekechukwu åÓÞÒ

Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂž Former United States first Lady Michelle Obama has revealed how she had miscarriage 20 years ago, and then used in-vitro fertilisation to conceive their daughters – Malia and Sasha. The revelation was contained in her memoir, ‘Becoming’, which would be released on Tuesday. The 54-year-old talked about how she and husband, Barack Obama, who was the 44th president of the United States, sought couples therapy, in her 426-page book. In the run-up to the Tuesday’s presentation of her biography, Michelle, lawyer, university administrator and writer told ABC on Good Morning America, that she felt “lost and aloneâ€? after her miscarriage, and felt as if she had “failed, because I didn’t know how common miscarriages were, because we don’t talk about them.â€?

She told Robin Roberts of ABC that when she was around 34 years old, she realised that “the biological clock is real� and that “egg production is limited�, which made her decide to seek in-vitro fertilisation, adding, “I think it’s the worst thing that we do to each other as women, not share the truth about our bodies and how they work.� Mrs. Obama further revealed that the couple’s relationship struggled at times, especially after her husband joined the state legislature, leaving her at home where she was forced to administer IVF shots herself. “Marriage counselling for us was one of those ways where we learned how to talk out our differences,� she told ABC, stating further, “I know too many young couples who struggle and think that somehow there’s something wrong with them. And I want them to know that Michelle and Barack Obama, who have a phenomenal marriage and

who love each other, we work on our marriage. And we get help with our marriage when we need it.â€? She also describes falling in love with Mr. Obama one summer night in Chicago thus, “As soon as I allowed myself to feel anything for Barack, the feelings came rushing - a toppling blast of lust, gratitude, fulfillment, wonder.â€? The book Becoming is her half of a two-book deal, reportedly worth more than $60 million (â‚Ź53 million), the Obamas signed last year with Penguin Random House, a record sum for US presidential memoirs. In Becoming, Mrs. Obama says she would “never forgiveâ€? President Trump for championing the “birtherâ€? theory that her husband was not born in the US, according to excerpts obtained by US media. “The whole (birther) thing was crazy and mean-spirited, of course, it’s underlying bigotry and xenophobia hardly concealed.

What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington? What if that person went looking for our girls? Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my family’s safety at risk. And for this I’d never forgive him,â€? she wrote.  She said she reacted in shock to Trump’s presidential victory and “tried to block it all out.â€? Before departing the White House for Paris on Friday, President Trump addressed some of the quotes from Mrs. Obama’s book. “Michelle Obama got paid a lot of money to write a book and they always insist you come up with controversy. I’ll give you some back. I’ll never forgive him for what he did to our United States military by not funding it properly,â€? Trump said, referring to his predecessor, Barack Obama. “What he did to our military made this country very unsafe,â€? he shot back.Â

Police Arraign DSP that Killed ‘We’ve Created 77,000 Jobs in Two Years’ Nenadi Usman’s Daughter Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The Nigerian Police on Friday arraigned a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Inagozie Godwin, before an Abuja High Court over the alleged murder of Miss Anita Akapson, a niece to a former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman. DSP Godwin was said to have shot Miss Akapson at close range while she sat inside her car. She later died few hours after she was rushed to a nearby hospital in Gwarinpa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a criminal charge filed by the Commissioner of Police against DSP Godwin, aged 36, it was stated that Anita Akapson, 31, was shot to death on October 13, 2018 at about 9:45p.m., at Katampe area of Abuja. The one-count charge, which the prosecutor said was a criminal offence, to wit culpable homicide ran contrary to section 22(3) of the penal code and punishable under section 22(4) of the same code. Godwin, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Following his not guilty plea,

Prosecuting Counsel, Donatus Abah, asked the court for a date for commencement of trial of defendant. Counsel to the defendant, Paul Samsoninformed the court of his client’s bail application, dated October 30, and filed same day. After taking submissions by both counsel on the bail application, the trial judge, Justice A. O Ebong admitted the defendant on bail in the sum of N50m with two sureties. Justice Ebong said he was minded to grant the defendant bail because the police prosecutor failed to advance cogent reasons under the law why bail should not be granted to the DSP. The court noted that the offence was a culpable homicide, not punishable by death, but carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Whereas the defence counsel relied on section 162 of ACJA to persuade the court to grant the accused bail, however, Justice Ebong said, that section in particular applies in offences that carry not more than three years sentence.Â

Adibe Emenyonu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă˜ ÓÞã

Edo State Governor, Mr. Gowin Obaseki, yesterday claimed that his administration in the last two years, has so far created 77, 200 jobs out of the 200,000 jobs he promised during his electioneering campaign.  Obaseki made the claim while addressing a Youth Summit with the theme: ‘Pathway to Prosperity’, as part of events marking his second years of office.  He said his administration believed in youth, hence it chose to commence Alagholaro Summit with them because the future of Nigeria was on their shoulders.  Describing Edo youths as ‘aspirational’ with the skills to conquer their environment as their forefathers did 500 years ago, the governor however lamented that their aspirations were hampered by the collapse of the educational system of the state hence he initiated reforms in the education system such that a child can learn how to read and write within two years. Obaseki explained that Edo Jobs

was set up to train youths to be self-reliant, adding that Benin Technical College had been refurbished with modern facilities and would be ready next year to train youths on skills acquisition. The governor lamented the problem of human trafficking and illegal migration in state and disclosed that over 25,000 boys and girls from the state were in Libya waiting to cross over to Europe. “We don’t like it, that’s why we want to create jobs here. There is nothing in Europe that you cannot achieve here,� he told the youths, stressing the state has locational advantage as gateway to all parts of the country and blessed with rich agricultural land. “That is what prospered our forefathers, we do not need crude oil to be great,� he said and urged the youths to go into agriculture, even as he commended President Muhammadu for his agricultural revolution for the country.  Obaseki announced a grant of N100 million to support the state young entrepreneurs in 2019.

TheIndustrialTrainingFund(ITF)hastrained30womenselectedacrossthe 21 local government areas of Kogi State in fashion designing. The Director GeneralandChiefExecutiveofthefund,Sir.JosephAriwhowasrepresented by a Deputy Director/Training Manager ITF headquarters, Mr. John Kayode Ayoade, said it was on record that women suffer more unemployment and underemployment whencomparedtothemen.Accordingtohim,“Ifyoueducate amanyoueducateanindividualbutwhenyoueducateawomanyoueducatea nation.HesaidtheunemploymentreportbytheNationalBureauofStatistics for the fourth quarter of 2016 show that women suffer an unfair proportion of unemployment and underemployment when compared to the men. “The surveyshowsthat16.3%ofwomeninthelabourforcewereunemployed,while 242%ofwomeninlabourforcewereunderemployed.Amongstthemen,the surveyshowedthat12.3%wereunemployed,while17.9%malesinthelabour forcewereunderemployed.�

ICCOBA Holds 2018 Annual ConventionÂ

Members of the Immaculate Conception College, Benin City, Old Boys Association (ICCOBA) from the United Kingdom and the United States have arrived Nigeria for the 2018 Annual Convention holding today November 9 inVictoriaIsland,Lagos. Thethree-dayconvention,whichwillrunfromFriday November9toSunday11attheNAFOfficer’sMessinVictoriaIsland,Lagos,is part of the Association’s way of giving back to the society and upholding the values and integrity of the school annually. With dignitaries and Old Boys of the Association like Dokpesi, Soni Irabor, retired Major-Generals and Naval Commandersamongotherstogracetheday,theguestspeakerandOldBoy,Mr. OladipoOkpeseyiSANwillgivethekeynotespeechon‘TheRelevanceofLaw inBuildingSocietalInstitutions’. ThePresidentLagosBranch,Mr.Osarenren Osayaba, told newsmen in Lagos that this year’s theme was apt at this time inthecountry.“

Emerge ALĂ RA Winner Announced

Faith Oluwajimi, creative director of BLOKE was announced the winner of thefirsteditionofTheEmergeALĂ RA2018heldrecently.Theyoungfashion designerbeatfiveothercreativeswho emerged ďŹ nalists in the Pan-African competition to clinch the coveted  grant to produce a collection and an opportunity to be stocked at ALĂ RA. He will also receive mentorship from industry leaders. Runners-up Kayinsola Onalaja of Onalaja and Ekwurike Chukwuma of Wuman will also receive business mentorship and the opportunity to retail at ALĂ RA. In July, the luxury fashion store announced the launchofitsEmergeALĂ RAAwards—aseriesoftalenthunt torewardyoung creatives in fashion, art, cuisine and design. For this year, it kicked o the fashion edition which sought out the most promising young designer and fashion media creative to oer them the opportunity to present a retail collectionandexhibitionrespectivelyatALĂ RA,aswellasreceivementorship from a carefully selected team of advisors. Hundreds of applications were received from Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, France, Switzerland and the USA in the ďŹ elds of Fashion Apparel Design, Accessory Design, Photography and Filmmaking.

PDP Accuses APC of Vote Buying

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has alleged that the AllProgressivesCongress(APC)wasbuyingvoterscardsfromunsuspecting persons so as to rig the 2019 election in the state.The PDP also alleged the arrest of an electoral oender, one Atsor Terzungwa in Gboko by the Nigerian Police was a validation of the accusation the party made against the APC that it was buying voters cards from unsuspecting members of the public. Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Benue, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom who made this known at a press conference yesterday at the party’s state secretariat in Makurdi, noted that the said Atsor according to Police had been “deceiving unsuspecting members of the public by collecting the numbers on their PermanentVoters Card (PVC), Bank Account Numbers and Phone numbers with promise of payment in due course.â€? He said the aim of the APC scheme, like the party had earlier warned in its statement, was to rig the 2019 elections in their favour with the attendant potentially negativeanddisruptiveconsequencestothecountry’sedglingdemocracy adding. “This is an impending disaster and we are calling on Benue people to rise up, reject and resist,â€? he added.Â

‘Unproductive Youths  Time Bomb’

DikeChukwumerijeyesterdaywarnedthat“acountrythatisfullofdependent adultsisingreattrouble�andthatwaswhyoneinthreeNigerianswerethinking of fleeing from the country. He said that Nigeria could neither thrive nor be peacefulwhenoldanimositieswerebeinginheritedandmultipliedbythenew generations.Hethen called for a new dawn that would unfold the day of the Nigerian youth in a lecture titled ‘The Youth and the Future of Nigeria:The Paradox of Assets and Liabilities’. Delivering the Convocation Lecture at the 10th Anniversary of the Western Delta University (WDU) Oghara in Ethiope West of Delta State yesterday, Chukwumerije advised on ways to the imminence of an implosion in the country due the growing number of such youths. According to him, ‘’First, the youths must aim at achieving economic freedom and not depend on others beyond their school years or they can never achieve their full potentials.� So, he admonished the WDU graduands:

THISDAYt SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2018

15

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚΀

NEWS

Osinbajo Replies House, Says N5.9bn EmergencyApproval Not Illegal Says approval sequel to CBN request to forestall starvation in North-east Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday described as false and misleading, the report by the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness that he illegally approved N5.865 billion for emergency intervention in food security challenge in the North-east. The House committee in its report on Thursday, had alleged that the Vice-President in his then capacity as the acting president approved N5,865,671,939.26 through a memorandum directing the then Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, and the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, to act on the approval. The committee also reported that the payment made following the approval and release of the money contravened the National Assembly approval. It also alleged that the food items for which the approval was made were not delivered to the expected beneficiaries. But a statement by Osinbajo’s spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, yesterday, said the approval was made following a request by the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, as the facilitator of the National Food Security

Programme. According to him, the CBN boss had made the request in view of the urgent need to distribute grains such as rice, maize, soya beans and sorghum, to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North-east through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). He also said the only way to secure the quantity of grains required at the time was to make a recourse to the National Food Security Progamme which he said had been earlier established by the federal government with a view to shoring up its strategic grain reserves. Akande further explained that prior to the request made by the CBN governor, the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP), which he described as a major aid organisation and food supplier to the North-east, had on April 15, 2017, issued a warning that it would reduce its humanitarian support to about 1.8 million IDPs by as much as 85 per cent following a reduction in funding by the donor countries. According to him, at about the same time, the United Nations Commission for Refugees in Geneva warned against the growing risk of mass deaths from starvation among the people living in the conflict areas.

He said it was in a reaction to these warnings that the federal government swiftly moved to prevent imminent disaster by establishing a strategic food intervention plan for the affected states adding that a Presidential Committee on Emergency Food

Delivery to the North-east was quickly constituted to put machinery in place to arrest the menace. Consequently, the statement said the federal government’s decision to urgently purchase stored grains for onward distribution to IDPs prompted the CBN to

make proposal for the approval of 30,905.08 metric tonnes at the cost of N5,229,685,333.26 out of which he said Osinbajo approved N5,036,644,933.26. However, the statement explained that a subsequent request by the National Emergency

Management Agency (NEMA) for N829 million for general logistics, branding and packaging, among others, as well as contingent costs for movement of grains from various locations to the North-east eventually raised the total approval to N5.865 billion.

GOOD TO SEE YOU... L-R: Divisional Head Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank, Tunde Adeola; and Executive Director, The Vale College, Mrs. Funso Adegbola, at the APEN 9th Annual Conference in Lagos‌yesterday

INEC: Why We Are Cleaning Up Voters’ Register

Court Revokes Bail of Abuja Whistle-Blower

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained that the reason why it embarked on the cleaning of voters’ register ahead of the 2019 general elections was to remove all ineligible persons from the list. The electoral body in keeping strictly with the election timetable had on Tuesday published the register of voters in 120,000 polling units across the country. The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu had also on

Monday said that in an effort to have a clean voters’ register in the forthcoming election that over 300,000 names were removed from the register after the Automatic Fingerprints Identification System (AFIS) after detected multiple registration.  AFIS is a system used by the electoral body to check for multiple registration The commission said that the essence of the display of the register was to draw the attention of the electoral body to prevalence, if any of any ineligible person so

that it could further clean up the voters’ register. INEC said that cleaning the voters’ register was not just the responsibility of the commission, it was also the responsibility of every Nigerian. However, in the infographic released by the commission Friday the commission said that the exercise was designed to remove all ineligible persons including; deceased registered persons, Underaged Registered persons, Non Nigerians and Multiple Registrants.

Dickson, US Varsity Sign MoU on State-owned Medical School Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Louisville, Kentucky, United States, to train manpower for the newly established Bayelsa State University of Medical Sciences, Yenagoa. Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, said in a statement yesterday that the agreement was signed by Governor Dickson and Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, the 18th President of the school. Dickson said that the Louiseville University would also serve as a guide to set up the Goldcoast Dickson Cancer Centre in Bayelsa State to provide effective cancer

treatment to Nigerians. He stressed that, Nigeria was yet to have a functional cancer centre to deal with the growing cases of cancer-related deaths in the country. He said: “Part of what we signed today is a collaboration to enable your institution mentor and guide us in the setting up of the Goldcoast Dickson Cancer Centre as there is no functional and efficient cancer in my country. “We want to be the first to provide these services to a whole lot of people who do not have access to care due to cost-related reasons. We want to work with the University of Louisville and the Brown Cancer Centre to put that on ground in my community. “The partnership we are here to

formalise would cater for training of students who we intend to send to you and it will also cover exchange faculty programmes between your institution and the Bayelsa Medical University� Speaking also, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, said that the state Government would have the opportunity to train 15 students to PhD level in Public Health, in addition to other short courses considered critical for the power needs of Bayelsa State. President of the University of Louisville, Dr. Bendapudi, who signed the agreement assured the governor of the commitment of her team to the actualisation of the vision to provide better and affordable healthcare.

A Wuse Zone 6 Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja on Friday revoked the bail it granted an Abuja-based whistleblower, Jeff Ove. Ove,isstandingtrial forallegedlygiving falseinformationonwhistleblowingpolicy to the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Properties. Chief Magistrate Ahmed Ndajiwo, who revoked the bail in a short ruling on an oral application by the prosecution also ordered that Ove be arrested and be brought to court to face his trial.  The decision to issue the  bench warrant against the Bayelsa Stateborn whistleblower was predicated on his refusal to appear in court

for trial in the four count criminal charge brought against him by the presidential panel. Ove was alleged to have given false information against a businessman, Engineer Emmanuel Mbaka to the effect that the businessman stashed huge amount of money in foreign and local currencies in his house at Gwarinpa Estate in Abuja. At the resumed trial yesterday, Ove, who is the first defendant in the criminal charge was absent in court without cogent reason. His counsel, Abubakar Suleiman in a bid to pacify Magistrate Ndajiwo informed the court that his client was involved in an accident and could not make his trip to Abuja for the trial. The counsel further told the court

that the surety to the first defendant was away to Port Harcourt on official assignment and pleaded with the magistrate to pardon the absence of his client. However, counsel to the presidential committee, Dr. Celsius Ukpong, opposed the excuse adduced for the absence of the whistleblower in court for trial as demanded by law. Ukpong argued that the defendant inflicted malady on himself by not coming to court in spite of the gravity of the charge against him. He therefore applied to the court to revoke the bail granted the accused person by the court to enable him stay in Abuja to face his trial as required by law.

Amnesty OfďŹ ce Activates Rivers, Edo, Bayelsa, Ondo, Delta Training Centres Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Office of the Amnesty Programme headed by Professor Charles Dokubo, has disclosed that plans had been concluded to activate new training centres in Ondo, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Edo states. The aim is to provide training for some ex-Niger Delta agitators who are yet to be placed in either vocational training facilities or deployed for formal education. In Ondo State, the Oil and Gas Vocational Training Centre, Agadagba, would soon be opened while the programme’s Power and

Energy Vocational Centre in Bomadi, Delta State would commence operation in earnest. Speaking to journalists in Warri, Delta State yesterday, the Special Assistant to Dokubo on media Mr. Murphy Ganagana listed other training centres of the Amnesty Programme to include Maritime Vocational Training Centre at Oboama, Rivers State; Basic Skills Vocational Training Centre in Boro Town, Kaiama, Bayelsa State and Agricultural Vocational Training Centre in Gelegele, Edo State. He said as at the time Dokubo, assumed office, 11, 297 ex-agitators were yet to be sent for training

out of the over 30,000 delegates registered for the programme. He further disclosed that 1,537 former agitators had graduated from institutions of learning abroad, while 207 others were currently studying various courses abroad. Ganagana said between 2017 and this year, 2,633 Amnesty Programme students were studying in higher institutions in the country among whom 556 had graduated. He said 34 law graduates would be called to bar this month, adding that 4,903 ex-agitators have been empowered by the programme since its inception.Â

Plus

Motilola Adekunle My Husband is My Springboard, When Things Are Unstable, I Run to Him for Balance

pg. 20

GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND AUTO SHOWBIZFLAIR

Chioma Omeruah In Midst of Challenges, I’m Trying My Best to Live the Best Life

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

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 10, 2018

PLUS

In Midst Challenges, I’m Trying My Best to Live the Best Life Comedian and actress, Chioma Omeruah, popularly known as Chigul is no stranger to the Nigerian entertainment industry. The voice-note of her song “Kilode” made the rounds when she sent it to few friends via BBM at that time. Chigul has since become a household name, thanks to her humorous Igbo accent, voice and personality. The French Education graduate of Delaware State University further stamped her prominence in the movie entertainment industry, starring in hit movies like The Wedding Party 2, Banana Island Ghost and Road to Yesterday. She also featured in the hit song *Karashika* by rapper Falz. Chigul shares her peak moments with AZUKA OGUJIUBA. She also talks about her childhood, the comedy industry, divorce and her father, late sports minister, Emeka Omeruah

NOVEMBER 10, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS I Know That Wherever My Father Is, He Would Be Proud of Me

W

hat was your most devastating moment as a child? My childhood was actually quite cool but if I had to think of something that was devastating, it would be losing my maternal grandmother because she was very special to us. How did you come about ‘Chigul’ Chigul is one of the many characters that I have created over time; she just seems to be the one that people took to quite easily and she became quite popular and so we are here now. What do you think about comedians who center jokes on sensitive issues like rape, divorce, etc and apologising afterwards? I think we should all be held responsible for our actions and words as well. I think it is wise to think before you speak so that you don’t have to come back and apologise. Who inspires you in the comedy industry? Alibaba, Basket Mouth, Bovi, Senator, Julius Agwu, Okey Bakassi and a host of others. You have starred in a couple of movies, which would you deem most challenging and memorable? I would say ‘Banana Island Ghost’ because it was my first feature film and it still holds a very special place in my heart. You went through a very quiet separation, then divorce, despite being a public figure. What’s your opinion about couples who undergo a highly publicised and dramatic divorce? I don’t have an opinion about that because I feel that everybody deals with their situation in different ways but the more private you are I think, the better it is. Given your age and experience, what is the one thing you wish you did differently? I have learnt so much in the past couple of years but I wish I knew a lot more before; that way, I would have probably been more prepared for the task ahead. But no regrets! We learn as we go. You were once a teacher and now a media personality, comedian, actress and even took a shot at music. What job do you think you’d be terrible at? I think I would make a horrible librarian because in a library you have to keep quiet and I don’t think I have mastered that craft just yet. How do you think Nigeria can be shaped into becoming a tourist delight? I feel like there is so much beauty and so much to see in this country. With proper infrastructure in place and the

right people guiding that infrastructure, we can accomplish great things in the tourism space. A video of your arrival in Dubai surfaced where you had a walking aid and also on your Instagram page, you posted videos of you going through pains. What were you really trying to say? I have learnt that one of the best things I can do with my life is spread a message of positivity and a general sense of care and love. People are going through all kinds of challenges at different levels. Some of these people might not have anyone to turn to. I am sharing my experience and also showing that even in the midst of my challenges, I am trying my best to live my best life. So, even if I can help one person then my job is done. Amidst the luxury experiences you were treated to in the just concluded Girls’ Trip to Dubai. What would you say was your peak moment during the trip? Being at the top of the Burj; it literally makes you feel like you are on top of the world and that feeling never gets old. What’s next for you? Is there any forthcoming project? We have a lot going on and a lot more projects in the works. But just keep your eyes and ears open. Chigul can just pop up anywhere, at any time. Your late dad Emeka Omeruah was Nigeria’s former Sports Minister. What are the things you miss most about him? My father was a very strong, disciplined, principled and focused man. It saddens me that he is not here physically to share in my life but I know that wherever he is, he would be proud of me. If you were getting married again and you have the opportunity to pick a location for a destination wedding, where would that be? Dubai of course; over time, it has become my preferred destination for anything. What’s that interesting thing about Chigul that we wouldn’t see anywhere online? That is so hard to answer because my life is online pretty much but I think I can say that with me, what you see is what you get. What’s an average Chigul’s day like? Chigul likes to chill at home. As long as I have television, food and music, I’m okay at home. How would you describe Chioma Omeruah and not Chigul)? Chioma Omeruah is a girl who is trying to live her best life and at the same time trying to make a positive impact

I have learnt that one of the best things I can do with my life is spread a message of positivity and a general sense of care and love. People are going through all kinds of challenges at different levels. Some of these people might not have anyone to turn to. I am sharing my experience and also showing that even in the midst of my challenges, I am trying my best to live my best life. So, even if I can help one person then my job is done

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 10, 2018

20

PLUS

Motilola Adekunle My Husband is My soundboard, When Things Are Unstable, I Run to Him for Balance Actress, scriptwriter and movie producer, Motilola Adekunle, is always unhappy with those who berate the standard of Nollywood movies, especially those shot in native languages. The outspoken and delectable actress speaks to Chinedu Ibeabuchi about her life experiences, family, career and some challenges facing

I

Let’s meet Motilola Adekunle am a mother of two and happily married. I am from the Akinlami family in Ondo Kingdom. My father was a broadcaster and my mother is a retired teacher and politician.

You are currently nursing an infant. How do you combine the stress of home front with your career? Honestly, it’s a lot but I think women are hard wired for stuff like this. We can naturally multitask and wake up the next day and do it all over again. It’s stressful but I have the skill set for it. Can you share events in your growing up stage that have influenced your career or life philosophy? I grew up in a very strong Christian background. My mother was a strong influence in our lives. When we lost our dad, we had to live with some of my cousins who were very mean to us. We endured it for a while but when my mother had had enough, she decided that we should move out and we did. By then, her circle of friends had greatly reduced. People pressured her to remarry because she was quite young but my mom would often say these words in her dialect (idanre) ‘lede ati awon omo e to ja; which translates to ‘the pig and her piglets are enough to make a squad.’ I didn’t understand it then but now I do. Simply

͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

21

PLUS I Always Think Deeply Before Accepting Roles put, family is all you need. In this industry that has a lot of downsides, you will eventually find out that family is all you need. Whatever happens, those are the ones that will have your back. That’s one lesson my upbringing taught me and that life experiences have reinforced.

too? Oh yes! We do. Everyone does. It’s really hurtful to do all the work, get little or no profit and see someone make so much money just because they can pirate. Piracy is their only talent and yet they make all the money. It’s just sad very sad.

How did your acting career start? I started in church a couple of years ago, and the minute my first professional performance was over, I had found my profession. I fell in love with acting and even though we have had a couple of break ups, we always find our way back to each other. Our love is forever.

Are there roles you can never play and why? Never say Never! There are some characters that will send shivers down my spine but never say never. I’m a professional.

New upcoming acts, sometimes, accuse older ones of being jealous of their sudden rise. What are your views about this accusation? It has never been an issue for me. I believe that the world is a really huge platform and we can all blossom at our own time; there will always be new acts all the time. There will always be new talents and each one with his or her peculiar qualities different from mine. Somehow, no other talent can be me. They can be like me but not me and if that doesn’t change, I’m fine. All talents are welcome. You were once rumoured to have separated from your husband. What really happened? That was one very funny story with no iota of truth in it. He was the first person I called when I saw the story and we laughed over it. It was a joke. We were never separated. Early in marriage, was your husband fully in support of your acting career? No, he wasn’t. It was quite a struggle. He had issues with some of my decisions and I’m not a great judge of character but he is, and with the benefit of his hindsight, I must say he was right to be concerned but he was never against my decision to act. It was more of a 70:30 thing. How did you meet your husband? We met during our service year at Katsina. What impact has he played in your career? He keeps me grounded. When it all seems to be tough, he is the person I go to find balance. He is my soundboard. He listens to my rants and he is a constructive critic. What attracted both of you to each other? I was quite intimidating back then. A fine girl by all standard - tall, black beauty, brainy and bold. So we had just finished camp parade that day and I was lacing my shoes on the parade ground. I saw some guys walking towards me. One of them had met me in my 100 level at OAU and he wanted to say hi. So they approached me and introduced themselves. While I was still trying to connect with the guy from Ife, I noticed this guy walking away saying ‘I told you not to come and meet this girl. I know her type.’ I was wondering ‘what did I do to this guy?’ So, I said ‘hi’ to him and asked for his name. He told me his name; the next day he promised me lunch and I have held to him for 10 years now with two kids. I am still holding him to his promises and God has been helping us. Please!! I’m all for NYSC, it played a huge part in my life. Before choosing to feature in a ďŹ lm, what do you consider? I consider the storyline, the character and how it suits me. Some characters make you look like a weak actor because you don’t fit the role. So I think deep to see if the role suits me; then the director also plays a large role in my decision. It’s a large industry and there are some directors I believe in while there are some that I don’t click. How many movies have you featured in so far? Honestly, I have lost count but I have produced about five movies. What do you think has improved in Yoruba movie industry over the last decade? We have come a long way. Our stories, the technical aspect of our shoots and the industry has witnessed an inflow of educated young ones, who are currently changing the way things are run. We aren’t there yet and yes we have a long way to go but if we keep moving we will get there. Piracy still remains a challenge. Do you suffer the effect in your production ďŹ rm

Why is it that we rarely see Yoruba movies in cinemas? It’s not a Yoruba movie issue alone. It affects indigenous movies. People tend to forget that aside the English speaking movie makers, we also have kannywood and the Igbo movie makers. How come we don’t see those ones at the cinemas at all? I believe it’s because Cinemas prefer movies in the official language of Nigeria so that everyone can relate and that’s quite understandable. We hope that in the nearest future, they will understand that we also drive our own audience and be more open minded. I am 100% confident in our ability and I know we tell the best stories especially Yoruba movie makers. Though there are a few bad eggs and that’s not strange because even the ‘almighty’ Hollywood still has bad eggs. Yoruba movies are often criticised for fetishism, cultism and repetition of storylines. What’s your defense against these? I believe that a society’s movie industry is a reflection of that society, the same bunch that criticise Nollywood for being fetish are out there selling their girlfriends panties for 100k. The same people saying oh they are too fetish are barking before they make money and, that just makes me wonder - if nobody is fetish, who then is buying these panties? Who is making them bark, how did the plus get added to yahoo? It’s our job to expose the madness everyone wants to shy away from. If you want to be an ostrich, just hide your head in the sand and leave the rest of your body outside to live in your “unfetishâ€? cocoon. It’s fine but at least you won’t say we didn’t warn you about pants sales. When not acting, what do you do? And how do you relax? I spend time with my family and rest a lot. Do you have a role model? If yes, who and why? I honestly do not believe in modeling my life after one person because I believe in me. No one has the blueprint of success. I can learn from people a lot. I pick up things from a lot of people that help me polish my craft from time to time. Is Yoruba movie lucrative? Would you say it’s career fulďŹ lling? It’s not so lucrative, but it’s fulfilling. There is nothing that compares to being able to‌ unless after you hear the words “actionâ€? and the madness ends on “cutâ€?. It’s beautiful to be able to turn on and off on stage. How would you describe your personal style? Personal style is tomboyish and simple.

22

THISDAYt 4"563%": /07&.#&3 Ċĉ ċĉĊđ

THISDAYt SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2018

23

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 10, 2018

POLITY Amosun and Escalating Ogun APC Crisis Femi Ogbonnikan x-rays recent intrigues that have characterised the aftermath of the declaration of Prince Dapo Abiodun as Ogun State APC governorship standard bearer, ahead of the upcoming 2019 general election

S

everal days after President Muhammadu Buhari hosted all governors and National Assembly candidates of the All Progressives Congress to a peace dinner in Abuja, and extended olive branch to aggrieved candidates, following the controversies that trailed the recent concluded primaries, the crisis rocking the Ogun State chapter of the party is far from over. The governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has returned to the trenches. and has not capitulated on his unalloyed support for his preferred governorship candidate, Adekunle Akinlade. This time around, in a press statement signed on his behalf by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dayo Adeneye, Amosun spared no rod, as he honed his attacking machine and resorted to diatribes. He took on the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, whom he described as lacking respect for truth and decency. In the statement titled; “The lies Oshiomhole represents: He and his collaborators will fail in Ogun State-Amosun”, the governor vowed that the design of Oshiomhole and his collaborators to hijack the government of Ogun State and hand it over to a gang of rapacious expansionists in the South West would fail. He noted that he would not resort to “gutter language” to exchange words with the national chairman as being the unsavoury language used against him by the “garrulous party chairman”, because where he (Oshiomhole) comes from, there are “acceptable standards of conduct expected of people holding certain offices, a virtue he wishes he was expected to exhibit”. But, to many political experts, the scathing attacks on Oshiomole and the national leader of the party, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the press statement, call for more to be desired. They wondered why such a press statement could have emanated from Adeneye, and also for the blackmail and falsehood elevated to its highest peak in his snide remarks over the governorship ticket of the party in the state, given to Prince Dapo Abiodun. By that signature of the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, it was learnt, it infers speaking on behalf of all the good people of Ogun State, a development viewed as short of expectation in public relations practice. “This is quite wrong and unethical. The issue at stake is purely party/personal interest of the governor. It has nothing to do with either the government or the people of Ogun State, in general. “It is anachronistic, derogatory, gross misconduct and unprofessional to have appropriated the function of the government and people of the state to a political appointee (Adeneye) for this assigned tasks of hurling abuses and calling our respectable leaders unprintable names all in attempts of doing the bidding of his paymaster. “This is one of the reasons that, it is being said professional public relations practitioners have no substitute in managing governmental/public affairs. The office of the Commissioner for Information and Strategy is core, managed by a professional and it is not meant for the holder to either abdicate or shirk his responsibility in his job description”, said an APC chieftain who craved anonymous. But sometimes, one shudders as to the quality of education some acclaimed elites possess. The problem lies in chief executives of state who put in round pegs in square holes. The APC chieftain continued, “This is sad and regrettable in Ogun State of ours, which parades an array of icons and constellation of stars (both dead and alive) that have distinguished themselves in their various chosen human endeavours. “In this context, it is the Special Adviser on media (the press

By and large, it is laughable when oftentimes the governor through his Commissioner for Information and Strategy attempts to raise unnecessary dusts and stir the hornet’s nest to cover their soiled tracks before the enlightened, sophisticated and exposed people of Ogun State, shortly after the defeat of his anointed son, Akinlade, at the governorship primary. However, the governor has been crying wolves where there is none. But one wonders at the equanimity of lies, deceit and perfidy they have concocted and which have remained their stock-in-trade

Amosun

Abiodun

secretary of those years) that is best suited to have issued such a press statement on behalf of the governor. “Let us begin to separate or detach the personal from the public. Every disagreement is not in, or of public interest, but this happens to be an example and exception in our dear state, Ogun, with no defined ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ in the discharge of the assigned responsibility. “By and large, it is laughable when oftentimes the governor through his Commissioner for Information and Strategy attempts to raise unnecessary dusts and stir the hornet’s nest to cover their soiled tracks before the enlightened, sophisticated and exposed people of Ogun State, shortly after the defeat of his anointed son, Akinlade, at the governorship primary. However, the governor has been crying wolves where there is none. But one wonders at the equanimity of lies, deceit and perfidy they have concocted and which have remained their stock-in-trade. “It is unheard of, to have the governor descend so low to cast aspersions, poured invectives and desecrated his office with uncouth and foul languages on the national chairman of the APC. “This statement, in its best, smacks of amplified arrogance, disrespect and immorality on the part of a number one citizen of the state, an unsavoury development that is highly reprehensible and condemned. “He (Amosun) is a product of Bourdillon and he has so soon forgotten that his so-called collaborators of today were his benefactors in 2011. He treated his leaders with scorn. The likes of Tope Kuyebi (Ogun West AC consensus candidate) and Prof Remilekun Bakare (Ogun Central leading aspirant) sacrificed their individual ambition to pave way for Amosun’s quest. Amosun rode on their back to become the governor and he has bitten the fingers that fed him. “Gov Amosun has forgotten that since his foray into the active partisan-politics he hasn’t been a party man. He has been leaving one party to another. At the formative stage in 1999, he began his political career with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he, in 2003, realised his Ogun Central Senatorial district bid and soon, he dissolved into APP, later ANPP and to CPC. When he could not actualised his governorship ambition he hob-nobbed with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pitched tent with the Action Congress (AC) which later metamorphosed into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Progressives Congress (APC) He has always displayed arrogance and believed he is wiser than everybody around him in any platform he finds himself. “The most annoying part of it and it is regrettable, that despite Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State and the then, leader of the AC in the state never saw Amosun as a team player, he still succumbed to pleas, persuasions and appeal to allow Amosun fly the AC ticket in 2011, it took the interventions of Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Dapo Abiodun and several other stalwarts of the party 10 times to persuade and beg Osoba to accept him as the governorship standard bearer of the party. At long last,

Osoba gave him a benefit of doubt and accepted him. And he and other aggrieved governorship aspirants buried their individual differences and worked together to ensure he win and governorship seat and it came to pass. “But shortly after had he assumed office as the governor on May 29, 2011 than he started behaving funny. He started abusing and attacking the people who helped him into the state. The first thing he did was that he rejected names of four Commissionership nominees Osoba sent to him, to be included in his complied list. “As if that was not over, he ensured he betrayed Osoba, Senators Gbenga Kaka, Akin Odunsi, Gbenga Obadara and other scores of other chieftains and edged them completely out of the control of the party machinery. He erected his own structure, made himself an emperor without an empire and started calling the shots”, said the APC Chieftain. “Besides, I think the good people of Ogun State owe it a civic duty to ask Amosun, why he is obsessed and desperate in this governorship project, as if his tomorrow is ruined, if Akinlade doesn’t succeed him in office. Ogun people should be wary of this desperation, as there is more to it than meet the eyes. “Amosun needed to do a self-appraisal over the vexed issue of the governorship primary, if truly and genuinely he has the interest of the people of the state at heart, like the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, had rightly said. “He had personally conducted primaries without giving regards to constitutional provisions which said the result must be announced by the election panel, instead of the party chairman of state governors. “The party is supreme and it must be respected. The national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has regained confidence in his leadership and also enthroned sanity since his assumption of office three months ago” added the chieftain. “Furthermore, his (Amosun) support for his preferred candidate, Akinlade, a Yewa man, suffered another setback a fortnight ago when Yewa traditional rulers, converged in Ilaro, the administrative headquarters of Ogun West senatorial district, withdrew their earlier endorsement and threw their weight behind another Yewa candidate, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship flag bearer. “Meanwhile, considering the nine local governments size, out of the 20, the Ogun East district with its abundant economic power base, Ijebu/Remo people and voting population stand at a vantage position in the political equation of Ogun State than the two other districts (Ogun West and Ogun Central). However, recently, there is a rumour of his close aides and incumbent House of Representatives lawmakers who could not make the APC list of their planned defection to a fringe party, Democratic Peoples Party (DPP). “But he can’t rock the boat. What further leaves Amosun with no other choice but to work with the APC in a bid to actualise his Ogun Central Senatorial quest.”

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 10, 2018

POLITY

This is the “Change” We Voted For Godwin Amadi

S

your level of education you still dance to every beat? Shame! This is the “change” I campaigned and voted for. From inception, I know real, lasting change comes at a high cost and discomfort. Have you ever attempted to change your life, weight, values or complexion? Did it come cheap or easy? Why do many people fail to live up to their New Year resolution? Genuine change at any level is tough and cruel at first. Nigeria will not be an exception. What happens when corporate organisations decide to change processes and procedures in the workplace? It is usually resisted because most people prefer the status quo. Corporate changes like mergers, acquisitions and reconstructions create imbalance and uncertainties in

the concerned entities. I know a man whose workforce reduced by 75%when he restricted (or effected change in) his ome people glamourise regret as company. Today, the same man is shouting his if it’s a virtue or an endowment. voice hoarse that Buhari’s change is draconian All some posers need to do to and insensitive. Hypocrite! remain relevant on social media How do we become self-sufficient in food is to say they regret voting production? The answer is simple: make heavy Buhari. Others less imaginative investment in agriculture and ban importation ask, “Is this the change we of foods that deplete our foreign reserve. Take voted for”? Whenever I hear rice for instance. As long as there are no restricthese, I am reminded that loyalty is a high-price tions on the importation of rice, local farmers will commodity. not grow rice and our exotic taste buds will not What are you regretting? If you really voted be restricted. If I were Buhari, I would put a total “change” what did you have in mind? Instead of ban on the importation of rice. revealing in your ignorance, should you not be Take cars, fabrics and wines (and spirits) for ashamed that you lacked the basic understandanother instance. Something drastic needed to ing of what you espoused? At your age and with be done about our appetite for cars, clothes and wines. The cumulative costs of importing this trio into Nigeria consumed a substantial share of our foreign reserve. Buhari says NO. He argues that if you must use these imports, then, be ready to pay a premium price for them. This is simple logic and economics. This is especially so since global price has dwindle and tempers are high in Niger Delta. Goods are more expensive in Nigeria today because Buhari insists that most of the products we import can and should by produced locally. By so doing, he has flung open unending investment and job opportunities for Nigerians especially. While reserving limited foreign exchange for some critical sectors of the economy, Buhari is urging them to make hay while the sun shines. Buhari is changing the way we live, and the pain we now experience are his instruments of change. You can only take it, but you can’t reject it. Why is Buhari putting these strategic restrictions on our consumption pattern? If you are a PDP or a hater, these restrictions are to punish Nigerians. But to the dispassionate observer, Buhari’s stance is the most effective route to Nigeria’s escape from economic doldrums festered by inordinate importation of all and every product. Some countries in Asia, Africa Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (middle) with the Nigerian powerlifting gold medalist at the 2016 and North America have provided infallible Paralympic Game in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Mrs. Lucy Ejike (2nd left), state’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports, precedents to what Buhari has set out to do. Hon. Joseph Udedi (left), and others, when he received the National Sports Festival Torch from representatives What has happened so far? Buhari is in a mad of the Federal Ministry of Sports, Abuja and other stakeholders in the sports sector...recently hurry to fix the refineries. About six states are

Buhari

now producing rice in commercial quantities. Cross River State has almost completed what is arguably the largest textile mill in Africa. Buhari is challenging Nigerians to introspect and unleash their creative geniuses. Unfortunately, politics is providing a distracting counter-intuition to these breath-taking developments. Where will Nigeria be in 10 years if we continue (or forced to continue) to look inwards? Imagine what will happen if we continue to produce a large chunk of what we eat, wear, drink,. Imagine when Aba, Sokoto, Nnewi, Kano, Ondo, Osun, Benue and Nasarawa turn natural endowments into skills; imagine when our universities and polytechnics wake up. Imagine when our industries and blue-chip companies begin to produce. Only a bold step like Buhari’s change will give form to these imaginations. If you did not understand Buhari’s change, it is not Buhari’s fault. Regretting voting Buhari says so much about your character. Asking “Is this the change we voted for” is the clearest indication that you must never be taken seriously again. You are a plastic supporter, but having read what I have written here, I suppose your mind has been bought back to life for us to continue the project of change we started in 2015 by pushing Buhari to continue again in 2019.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Deputy President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr. Babagana Mohammed; President, NSE, Mr. Adekunle Mokuolu; Chairman, NSE Ikeja Branch, Mrs. Funmilade Akingbagbohun; her husband, Kehinde Akingbagbohun; and Immediate Past Chairman, NSE Ikeja Branch, Mr. Charles Akintola, during the investiture of Mrs. Funmilade as the 13th Chairman of the Ikeja Branch in Lagos, yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Senator representing Ogun Central, Senator Lanre Tejuosho; Senator representing Yaba North, Senator Ahmed Lawan; President Muhammadu Buhari; former Member, House of Representatives, Hon. Farouk Aliyu Adamu; Senator representing Lagos East, Senator Olugbenga Ashafa and Senator representing Katsina Central, Senator Umaru Ibrahim Kurfi , during a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Villa, yesterday

L-R: Head Organisation and Communication Department, Skyway Capital, Kristiaan Van Den Vyver; Member, Skyway Capital Board, Veadimie Masles; Partner and Keynote Speaker, Comrade Ayodele Adewale and Member of the Board Leadership, Skyway Capital, Frantisek Solar, during the first International Conference and introduction of Skyway capital cable transportations, in Lagos., yesterday KOLA OLASUPO

L-R: Financial Crime Consultant, Malkara Consulting Australia, Mr. Chris Douglas, Director – General Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Alex Okoh; and Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Cleo Wilson, at a recent ceremony on Anti – Bribery and Corruption in the office of the BPE in Abuja... recently

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

26

SPYGLASS

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

Another Honour for Chimamanda Adichie For Nigerian-born author and novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, putting her country on the world map has been a matter of utmost priority, even as she continues to break records in writing. Adichie, who is now one of the best-selling authors in the world, will once again be a centre of attraction on December 3, in London when she will be the moderator at launch of former U.S. First Lady, Michelle Obama’s new memoirs entitled ‘Becoming’. The event will be hosted by Penguin Live in collaboration with

Southbank Centre. Obama will invite audience into her world, as she speaks on the experiences that have shaped her from childhood, her triumphs, disappointments and life lessons as well as the necesity to inspire people to become the very best version of themselves. Adichie is the author of the novels, Purple Hibiscus, which won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize; Half of a Yellow Sun, which won the Orange Prize, and Americanah, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award.

CHIAMANADA ADICHIE

Lamentations of Rahama Indimi

RAHAMA INDIMI

Since the marriage between Rahama, daughter of the Borno State-born oil magnate and owner of Oriental Energy, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, and Mohammed, son of the former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, hit the rocks, there has always been one bad story or another about them. Recently, Rahama posted a message on her Instagram page, disparaging her estranged hubby. In the Instagram post, she wrote: “Well, I won my case in Minna last year. But victory was short- lived when Mohammed Babangida refused to accept his defeat. He brought his personal Judge to hear the matter again in the same court, instead of going to the Sharia Court of Appeal. “I’m thinking since I’m done in Minna, I can finally move on with my life. Unfortunately, the case was re-listed. I told the court I’m not interested in doing the case. Lo and behold, the Judge forced me to be the plaintiff. My lawyer said we are still not interested in the case.

“Fine, I’m forced to do a case that I know they have no jurisdiction over, against my will. Long story short, the judge said I’m not truthful because I have not a marriage certificate. What does customary law have to do with Sharia Law? “This man changed the Sharia Law to fit his client. He gave him exclusive custody of all the four kids. Mind you, Sharia gives my mum custody if I’m unfit to mother my children. Even the two that are not within jurisdiction. “Hey may God help our judiciary. Money talks and b””” shit works. I will continue to fight till my last breadth. Allah Kareem, Allah Wakil.” However, a source told Spyglass: “Mohammed now has full custody of the four children and if he decides to pursue this matter further, Rahama might go to jail because she actually took the two children with her out of the country without the knowledge of their father, and wait, for this, the father has the passports of the children, but Rahama through her connections moved them out of the country.”

Apostle Chris Omatsola Haunted It is doubtful if the Presiding Pastor of Zionwealth of Life Assembly, Apostle Chris Omatsola, could have imagined the backlash of criticisms and vitriols that would greet his leaked alleged sex tape with his former lover, Tamaratokoni Okpe. Since the video went viral on the internet, the Edo Stats-born “Man of God” has been traumatised. Omatsola allegedly stopped appearing in the public, following wide condemnation, especially in the media. Asource revealed that Omatsola has relocated his church from Lekki, Lagos, to an unknown place, following the ugly incident. It was gathered that the two estranged lovers dated for about seven months in 2018, during which they had sexual intercourse, which was filmed, when the fire of love beclouded their sense of reasoning. However, shortly after things fell apart between them, the lurid video emerged on the Internet. Okpe, in her account of the incident, said the pastor had threatened to leak the video after she quit the relationship. While Okpe, who hails from Delta State, accused Omatsola of releasing the video to force her into marriage with him, the Pastor claimed that the video was leaked to blackmail him. Since the incident, there have been accusations and counter-accusations. The lady revealed that she met Apostle Omatsola in Lekki, Lagos, and they started dating in February 2018. It quickly escalated

to a sexual relationship and when they had sex the first time, he told her they should make it right by getting married. They continued their romantic affair and one of the things they did together was recording videos and taking pictures of their intimacy. She further alleged that everything was rosy until he became violent and constantly beat her up. She said he usually came begging after each episode and she forgave him. However, she couldn’t endure it any more by July, as he had become indifferent about the relationship while his temperament and constant assault also discouraged her.

APOSTLE CHRIS OMATSOLA

DR OKEWALE

Babatunde Okewale Soars Babatunde Okewale, Founder, St. Ives, a specialist fertility hospital, is a game changer by all standards. Since he set up shop in Nigeria, he has put smiles on the faces of several men and women who had thought that they would never be parents. Only recently, he scored an enviable first for delivering Africa’ oldest mum, a 67- year- old, of her baby. Since the news broke, he has widely been applauded for his great feat. Interestingly, in furtherance of his love and service to humanity, Okewale on Thursday, November 1, 2018, inaugurated another branch of his hospital in Akowonjo, Lagos, to the admiration of all.

Oba Frederick Obateru Celebrates

OBATERU

Today, Oba Frederick Akinruntan Obateru, the Olugbo of Ugboland is celebrating his nineth coronation anniversary. The town, which has been undergoing major transformation since he came on the throne, has been agog for some days. Indeed, it has been play-

ing host to personalities from across the country who have been trooping in to celebrate with the respected monarch. A source close to the palace told Spyglass that Olugbo is sparing no cost in celebrating one of the most memorable days in his life.

Very wealthy and cosmopolitan, the Olugbo of Ugbo is described as humility personified. Also, he is said to be a great servant of his Creator. His love for the progress of the town, philanthropic deeds and excellence are immeasurable.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

27

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

CMD, National Hospital Abuja, Dr. Jafaru Alunua Momoh; SSA to the President on SDGS, Princess Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire; Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, and President, Coca-Cola West Africa Business Unit, Mr Peter Njojo at the Launch of the Safe Birth Initiative on at the National Hospital, Abuja Recently

L-R: CO-Founder, Livestock247.com, Ayodeji Adewunmi; Chief Executive Officer, Livestock247.com, Ibrahim Maigari; Chairman, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola; Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Fahm; Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim; and CEO, SAANA Capital, Dr. Aloy Chife, during the inauguration of Livestock 247.com in Lagos… recently

Unilever Certified Africa Top Employer Leading Fast Moving Consumers Goods, FMCG, company, Unilever has been endorsed the number one Top Employer in Africa for the fourth time. The recognition was bestowed on the company at the Top Employer Institute award ceremony held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. The firm has also been certified as the number one Top Employer in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Speaking on the feat, Unilever Vice President of Human Resources in Africa, Mechell Chetty noted that the recognition affirmed the company’s ability to deliver world class employment experience consistently across the continent. “The Top Employer brand signals to talents that we are committed to staff development and helping our employees reach their personal ambitions. The certification also provides us

with important feedback about how we can improve our HR practices.” The countries were ranked in an extremely competitive HR best practices survey conducted by the Top Employers Institute. Criteria examined included talent strategy, on-boarding, learning and development, performance management, career and succession management, and leadership development, compensation and benefits, and culture. On her part, the Human Resources Director, Unilever Ghana-Nigeria, Eniola Onimole stated that Unilever invests in its people through initiatives that contribute to their success in the organisation. “These initiatives include international careers exposure, mentorship programmes, flexible working patterns, graduate recruitment programme and a world class leadership development curriculum.”

Given the high unemployment rate in Africa, Chetty added that Unilever Africa’s human resource purpose is to address youth unemployment through its ‘Level up Programme’. The programme is designed to prepare youth for the world of work and till date, it has reached over 80, 000 youths across the continent through face to face connects and digital platforms delivering nine relevant impactful modules. “We will not stop there; our ambition is to reach one million youth across the continent. Technology-enabled learning has allowed the company to enhance flexible learning to suit different learning styles-learning on the go, anywhere and anytime,” she explained. By being able to leverage global best practices, combined with expertise and understanding of Africa, the firm has been able to continuously create an environment that allows people to thrive and perform with purpose.

Livestock Transactions Go Online 247 Buying livestock in Nigeria is now only one click away with the launch of a revolutionary purchase system that connects buyers and sellers 24 hours on every day of the week. This Nigeria’s first livestock e-commerce platform that was launched in Lagos during the week, works with animal identification and traceability technology to compliment the government’s efforts to regulate, structure, transform and promote investments in the livestock sector. Livestock247.com, as it is known, is Nigeria’s First Online Livestock Market. The platform is structured to bring together the livestock stakeholders, connecting buyers, sellers, ranchers, livestock merchants, veterinary

professionals, butcheries/abattoirs, haulage and logistics companies and financial services providers to ensure that customers have the most cost effective, convenient and healthy livestock available. Livestock247.com’s bold innovation aims to transform the livestock business on two strong premises. Firstly, the World Organization of Animal Health Countries (OIE) has reported that 60% of existing human infectious diseases are Zoonotic (diseases that transmit from animals to humans). And more alarmingly, at least 75% of emerging infectious diseases of humans (including Ebola, HIV and Influenza) has an animal origin. Livestock247. com, Nigeria’s 1st online livestock market will mitigate the spread of zoonotic diseases, with

the listing of only fit-for-slaughter and traceable livestock on the platform. Secondly, it is in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) (Under the office of the Vice President of the Federation). The 6-point plan by the Federal Government to end herders-farmers crisis has, perhaps, as its most significant pillar, economic investment, by encouraging private sector investments in the production and structuring of the livestock sector in Nigeria. Livestock247.com as a platform will serve as a key driver of the initiative where investors, owners and farmers of livestock will readily be marched with buyers anywhere in the country.

P&G Launches New Diaper Leading diaper brand, Pampers has announced the launch of a new product, ‘Pampers Pants’ in the market. Coming with innovative features, Pampers Pants could be pull on and removed by tearing the sides, providing a quick and hassle-free solution to diaper changing. The new product was launched with a TV Ad, featuring , brand ambassador, Tiwa Savage and son, Jamil. In the 30 seconds testimonial Ad, Tiwa shares her experience of using Pampers Pants for Jamil when he became mobile and active and wouldn’t sit still. Her words: “Hey guys, once they are mobile, they just never sit still, especially for changing time. That is when it’s time for Pampers Pants; they fit all round, they pull on easily, even when they are really lively and they are just this dry. But hey, don’t take my word for it. Now that they are so active, try new Pampers Pants for yourselves.” Pampers Communications Manager, Procter and Gamble, Tomiwa Ajewole, Nigeria, explained that its latest was a product of an extensive research, which was also to ease the struggle of change time. “At Pampers, we remain committed to baby’s happy and healthy development, that is why we focus on delivering the best and innovative products for babies so we can continue to deliver on our promise of superior dryness and protection. “We understand the struggle that parents go through trying to change diaper for their babies/ toddlers when they have started crawling or learning to walk. “Our latest is an innovative form of diapers that are easy to pull-on and specially designed for active babies, thus enabling parents to quickly change their babies, even as their babies carry on with playtime,” the company said.

Ogun Makes Headway in 2018 Cowbell Competition Konga Excites Customers in Black Friday Sales The on-going 2018 Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics Television Quiz is getting tougher as Ogun State grabbed three slots in the education focused contest. The excellent performance from Ogun State representatives, by Gabriel Akogun of Welkin International School, Juliet Ekoko and Enoch Adelekan, all from Ota in Ogun State put the contest beyond the reach of other states. Gabriel, son of a teacher, scored 97 per cent in the qualifying examination. He expressed confidence in his ability to win the ultimate prize. “My goal is to win the competition and I will be very happy if I win because a victory will be a good compensation for all my efforts,” he said. In the senior category semis, the duo of Juliet and Enoch lifted the hopes of the state in the highly rated contest. In her words, Juliet, who is also the 2015 junior category champion said: “I have been a champion and will feel very great to be crowned a champion again.” On his part, Enoch expressed relief for getting to the final and prayed that he

becomes the champion to make his parents and school proud. The contestants will reap a bumper harvest this year due to the significance of the 20th anniversary of Cowbell and Mathematics in Nigeria. Consequently, this year’s prize money has been doubled as winners in both categories will receive N2 million each with an all-expense paid educational excursion outside the country; while the first and second runners-up would receive N1.5 million and N1 million respectively. The teachers of the top prize winners would be awarded N500, 000, while those of the first and second runners-up would receive N400,000 and N300,000 respectively. Also, each of the winning schools will be presented with Mathematics textbooks, desktop computers and printers. Meanwhile, preparations have commenced for next year’s edition of the competition. According to the organisers, the 2019 Cowbellpedia registration portal is now open for secondary school students across the country to register.

Leveraging its offline sales model, e-commerce firm, Konga, is pulling more crowd to its platform as it joined other operators across the globe to flaunt the annual Black Friday deal. Having launched the sales on Thursday, the company has informed that the sales will run till November 28, 2018, both on its online and offline stores to improve customers’ experience. According to the company, the all-round discount sales, which it tagged ‘Konga Yakata’ would offer customers unmatched discount on a wide variety of products including mobile phones, laptops and computing items, home and kitchen appliances, electronics, consumer goods, wines and spirits, food items and much more. It added that the deal would unload variety of surprises and freebies for shoppers including flash sales, treasure hunt and special give-away on specific days of the month-long campaign. Commending the company’s offline sales initiative, one of the shoppers, Mrs. Awe, commented that the opportunity to enjoy an offline version of the Konga Yakata sales were among the special attraction for this year’s sales. “In previous years, it was a struggle competing with millions of Nigerians for the special

online deals. This year, Konga has expanded the shopping options available for customers with their retail stores and this made it easy for me. I have already decided on the offline store where I will be doing my shopping and the good thing is that I can pay cash and pick up my items same day.” The company noted further that it decided to introduce the offline sales to take care of the problem shoppers faced during and after Black Friday. It said that there is always the deluge of undelivered or unfulfilled orders as a result of the spike in traffic which is a feature of the heavy shopping season. “Most times, shoppers have no choice but to face cancellation of their orders as a result of the failure to meet up with their deliveries by these e-Commerce companies who are often overwhelmed and under immense pressure. “This is why the Konga nationwide network of brick-and-mortar stores presents a very interesting dynamic for this year’s Black Friday sales. Many savvy shoppers who have had their fingers burnt in previous years now have a choice: place your orders online and choose to pick up in nearest retail store or simply walk into the store to do your Yakata shopping and walk away with your items without any stress.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž NOVEMBER 10, 2018

FAMILY HEALTH with

Effects of Toxin Accumulation in The Body

W

e are all the time eating, drinking and partaking in various activities in the course of living. All of these result in our getting in contact with various toxins. If these go unchecked, there would be harmful effects on the human body. Toxins are anything that interferes with normal physiology and impacts bodily functions in a negative way. It comes from the food we consume, the water we drink, the products we use and even in the water we drink. It’s all around us! Endotoxins vs. Exotoxins: Endotoxins are toxic substances bound to our bacterial cell wall and are released when the bacterium ruptures. Ammonia, uric acid, lactic acid and homocysteine are a part of the endotoxin category. These substances are waste products from our cell’s normal activities. The buildup of these toxins causes diseases. Gout, for example is caused by uric acid lingering in our bodies. Exotoxins are toxins secreted by bacteria. They can cause major damage by destroying cells or disrupting normal cellular metabolism in the host that carries them. These substances are human-made toxins or chemicals that we are exposed to unknowingly or we expose ourselves to willingly. They are found in processed foods, food packaging, prescription drugs, synthetic clothes, carpets (especially synthetic wall-to-wall carpet), building materials, house paint, mattresses, vinyl shower curtains, air fresheners, household cleaning products, cosmetic and skincare products, perfumes, consumer products (even children’s toys!), emissions from cars and trucks, car interiors and tap water. You think you’re healthy, but you don’t feel vibrant. You struggle to find the energy to get through the day. You’re irritable. Your stomach isn’t acting right. And all those headaches! These types of ailments affect many of us in our daily lives. They’re not serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor — or maybe you tried only to be told there was nothing wrong — but they still tend to drag you down, wearing away your resistance and leaving you feeling like you’re just getting old. I have good news for you — it probably has nothing to do with aging. Instead, you may simply be surrounded by too many toxins.

Tips to Avoid Toxins

Buy and eat (as much as possible) organic produce and free-range, organic foods. If you can only purchase one or two organic products it probably should be free range organic eggs and organic milk. Rather than eating fish, which is largely contaminated with PCBs, dioxins and mercury, consume a high-quality purified fish or cod liver oil like

Vital Advantage

Fish Oil or Cardinova Eskimo 3 fresh salad r "WPJE QSPDFTTFE GPPET UIFZ BSF QSPDFTTFE with chemicals. Only use natural cleaning products in your home. Most health food stores have these available or find them on-line. Switch to natural brands of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics. Have metal fillings removed as they’re a major source of mercury. Be sure to have this done by a specialized dentist. Most dentists are technically qualified to replace your amalgam fillings but only a few dentists know how to do it safely minimizing your risk of mercury exposure during the process. r "WPJE BSUJà DJBM BJS GSFTIFOFST UVNCMF ESZFS sheets, fabric softeners or other synthetic fragrances. r "WPJE BSUJà DJBM GPPE BEEJUJWFT PG BMM LJOET including artificial sweeteners and MSG. r (FU QMFOUZ PG TBGF TVO FYQPTVSF UP CPPTU ZPVS vitamin D levels and your immune system. r %SJOL CPUUMFE TQSJOH XBUFS PS à MUFSFE XBUFS Reverse osmosis filtered water is best.

Signs That You Have High Toxin Load

1. Consistent fatigue: Even if you’re sleeping well, you may fight to get through the day. This could be a sign that your body is working too hard to get rid of the toxins you’re pouring into it. How do you cope with fatigue? If you’re answer is “more coffee� or “sweet foods,� you can bet that you’re only making the problem worse. That fatigue could also be in response to hormone disruptors that are zapping your immune system. 2. Stubborn weight gain: It’s never easy to lose weight, but if you’re exercising daily and cutting back on calories and you are still putting on the pounds, you could be looking at a hormonal problem. Strangely enough, our natural hormone function can be greatly affected by the

toxins in our foods and personal care products. You need a complete detox of your diet and personal care routine to give your body a fighting chance. 3. Bad breath: You brush and brush, chew gum, rinse, and swallow breath mints, and still, you can’t get rid of it. Bad breath is often related to digestive problems, but it can also mean that your liver is struggling to get rid of the toxins in your body. Until you tackle the problem from the source, you’ll continue to scare away anyone who comes close! 4. Constipation: The intestines get rid of a lot of toxins every day of our lives. When we’re constipated, we’re storing up all those toxins, allowing them to negatively affect our bodies. In addition to stomach upset, constipation can cause headaches, aches and pains, and tiredness. It can also be related to the toxins in your life, especially if you’re consuming a lot of processed foods filled with chemicals, pesticides, and preservatives. 5. Sensitivity to scents: Strong reactions to smells — particularly fragrances — might mean that you’re simply sensitive to chemicals, which many of us are. It can also mean that your body is fighting toxic overload. Particularly if you suffer headaches or stomach upset simply from scents, this may be the case. 6. Muscle aches and pains: If you can’t tie these to your workout yesterday, could be that the toxins in your life are working away at your muscles and joints. This is more likely if you experience muscle aches on a regular basis. 7. Skin reactions: Acne, rashes, and other skin problems may signal a toxic overload. Acne, in particular, can be related to the toxins in our diet or skin care products. Puffy eyes and eczema or psoriasis outbreaks can also be signs that you’ve just reached your toxic limit.

Toxins are anything that interferes with normal physiology and impacts bodily functions in a negative way. It comes from the food we consume, the water we drink, the products we use and even in the water we drink. It’s all around us! Endotoxins vs. Exotoxins: Endotoxins are toxic substances bound to our bacterial cell wall and are released when the bacte- Remedy: If you find yourself suffering from any of these rium ruptures. seven symptoms, here are a few tips that may help: Support your liver with things like dandelion tea, Ammonia, uric cilantro, and milk thistle. acid, lactic acid parsley, r %SJOL NPSF XBUFS ‡ JU IFMQT åVTI UPYJOT PVU PG and homocyste- your body. ine are a part of ther &YFSDJTF BU MFBTU NJOVUFT B EBZ &YFSDJTF HFUT circulation moving, helping to move toxins along. r (FU B HPPE EBJMZ TVQQMZ PG EJHFTUJPO TVQQPSUJWF the endotoxin probiotics, found in kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, category.These Kombucha tea, miso soup, tempeh, and kim chi. r "MXBZT CSVTI ZPVS UPOHVF ‡ FWFO CFUUFS VTF B substances are tongue scraper—when brushing your teeth. waste products r 1SBDUJDF EFFQ CSFBUIJOH ‡ XF HFU SJE PG B MPU PG toxins in our bodies through our lungs. from our cell’s ther 6TF POMZ OBUVSBM TLJO DBSF QSPEVDUT UIBU BSF GSFF normal activities of fragrances, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and other potentially toxic ingredients, and always read labels. Use my Ingredients to Avoid list to find safer options. Choose clean, whole, and organic foods whenever possible!

General Symptoms:

Toxins can cause or contribute to chronic fatigue, body odor, insomnia, food or chemical sensitivities

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com 08053372356 (sms) only

and headaches. If you are suffering from these symptoms and your doctor can’t find a cause, toxins may be a factor. t *OnBNNBUPSZ $POEJUJPOT Because toxins are foreign substances, they DBO QSPWPLF BO JOåBNNBUPSZ SFTQPOTF BT UIF CPEZ BUUFNQUT UP EFBM XJUI UIFN *OåBNNBUJPO JT implicated in the development of conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, psoriasis, asthma and arthritis, among others. Toxins in the body may JOJUJBUF PS FYBDFSCBUF JOåBNNBUPSZ DPOEJUJPOT MJLF these. t (BTUSPJOUFTUJOBM 1SPCMFNT The gastrointestinal (GI) tract provides one of several routes of toxin elimination. GI problems can both cause and result from toxins. People with a heavy toxic burden may experience poor digestion, constipation, ulcers, hemorrhoids and diverticulitis. t 4LJO *TTVFT The skin is another means of toxin elimination, and skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis are common in those who have excessive amounts of toxins in their bodies. t $PHOJUJWF 'VODUJPO Compromised cognitive ability often results from systemic toxic overload. Memory loss, foggy thinking and mood changes can occur due to toxic overload. Symptoms mimicking dementia–even in young adults–are sometimes observed in those with heavy metal toxicity. t )PSNPOF *NCBMBODFT Xenoestrogens are a type of toxin that is becoming more prevalent in the environment; these are synthetic agents that act like estrogen in the body. Xenoestrogens can cause hormone imbalances in women, leading to symptoms of PMS and endometriosis, and in men, leading to elevated levels of estrogen and lower sperm counts.

How Toxins Aect Our Health

The numerous amounts of toxins that we are exposed to everyday manifests in different health problems for each of us. Some symptoms related to toxicity are allergies, headaches, low energy, depression, bowel irregularities such as constipation and diarrhea, digestive problems and skin issues. TOXICITY Toxins can affect our health in many ways. Some can kill the friendly bacteria in our guts, block oxygen from binding to red blood cells, interfere with DNA synthesis, block enzymes the body needs for normal functions or block absorption of vitamins and minerals. When toxins in our tissues and cells build up faster than they can be eliminated, bioaccumulation occurs. The toxins that remain circulating in our bodies can cause irritation and damage. When toxins are accompanied by other toxins in the same environment, they can cause further damage. The body is designed to get rid of toxicity through our liver, kidneys and intestines. When these three main pathways aren’t functioning properly, toxins exit through our skin and lungs. Acne, skin rashes and chronic fatigue are just a few signs that our bodies are backed up with toxins. Since toxins are everywhere, it’s nearly impossible to eliminate all toxicity from our lives. However, it is possible to reduce our exposure to toxins.

Ways to Reduce Your Toxic Load.

1. Eat Whole foods. The major source of chemicals and toxins comes from our food. So we’ll repeat this until the cows come home: Look for whole foods free of preservatives, conservatives, and coloring agents. If available, choose chemicalfree and organic varieties. 2. Find your toxic triggers. Toxicity is not a new problem. Long before we added the burden of human-made chemicals to our bodies, toxic buildup could occur from eating too many of the foods that don’t work for you. 3. Use chemical-free cosmetics, body care, and cleaning products over the last few years, this topic has been written about extensively. We now have lots of companies that are creating chemical-free products. A single toxin is often not the problem; it’s the symphony of them interacting together. 4. Filter your water. Water is a major source of toxins today. A recent study showed that 41 million Americans drink water contaminated with antidepressants, hormones, heart medications, and other prescription and over-the-counter medications that have made it through the water-treatment system. Add to that the chlorine, carcinogens from industrial and agricultural waste, and you’ve got some real messy stuff. 5. Do a seasonal Cleanse. Cleansing is not an afterthought for health, it’s essential in today’s chemical-laden society.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

10.11.2018

Manchester Derby PAGE. 32

Samuel Chukwueze Super Eagles New Boy

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 10, 2018

30

GLOBAL SOCCER

Super Eagles New Boy As Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr continues to tinker with the Nigeria national team to hone it into a formidable force in world football, soccer-loving Nigerians would be looking forward to how well the team’s newest kid-on-the-block, Samuel Chukwueze, would fare after impressing with his Spanish club, Villarreal. Kunle Adewale reports

W

hen Super Eagles German Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr reeled out names of Super Eagles players that would prosecute the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, there seem to be no surprises except that of 19-year-old Samuel Chukwueze, who is set to make his senior national team debut. Speaking with THISDAY from his base in the United States, former Nigerian international, Paul Okoku said any addition into the national team was a welcome development. “Forget that the team qualified for the last World Cup with ease, we all saw how it struggled when it came to the crunch. The Super Eagles is not yet a team, it’s just struggling to be one and any quality addition should be welcome. “I have not watched Chukwueze play, but from what I have read and

what the coaches (club and national team) are saying about him, I hope he can improve the national team-if not now, at least in the future, because he is still very young. The fact that he is invited to the national team for such a crucial encounter is enough morale booster for him even if he did not get to play,” Okoku said. The 1988 Africa Cup of Nation silver medalist said this was the right time to start investing in young players that would take over from the old ones. “After all, I made the national team at about the same age as Chukwueze and made the team almost immediately, though the plan of the coaches is that some of us (the young ones) would eventually take over from the aging ones,” he noted. Therefore, if Chukwueze doesn’t get to play against the Bafana Bafana, bearing in mind that the coach would not be ready to take a gamble considering the importance of the game to Nigeria, the friendly game against the Cranes

of Uganda is a good avenue for Rohr to unleash Chukwueze,” Okoku said. Meanwhile, Chukwueze has expressed his surprise at the news of his invitation for Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa, saying he was “very very surprised” when he received the news. He, however, said much of it had been down to “hard work, discipline and determination. Especially determination, this had made the difference. It has been amazing and I want to keep improving so that I continue with the rise.” Chukwueze recently received accolades from his Spanish club, Villarreal after an impressive performance in his first La Liga start. He started for the Yellow Submarines against Almeria in the Copa Dey Rey in a game that ended 3 – 3 and made his first start in the La Liga against Levante during the penultimate weekend with the Nigerian playing the entire duration of the game.

Chukwueze who scored his first senior team goal against Almeria and is looking to impose his quality on the first team with a series of eye-catching performances and Vilarreal through its official Twitter handle (Eng Villarreal) has heaped praise on the 19-year-old star. “Our Nigerian winger @chukwueze_8 impressed on his first start in @LaLigaEN! We’re sure it will be the first of many.” However, Villarreal manager Javi Calleja has charged Chukwueze to continue working hard for a regular berth in the La Liga club’s squad. Calleja named the former Golden Eaglets winger in the matchday squad for the Yellow Submarine’s UEFA Europa League match against Scottish giants Rangers on Thursday. Chukwueze then made his Villarreal debut by coming off the bench to replace Nicola Sansone. Signed from Diamond Academy in the summer of 2017, Chukwueze played in Villarreal’s junior ranks the

NOVEMBER 10, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

last term but was promoted to the reserve team ahead of this season. “We’re using nearly all of our players and I think that’s a good thing. We need the whole squad,” Calleja told Villarreal’s official website following their Europa League clash with Rangers. “Today, for example, Samuel Chukwueze made his debut, who is a player with a great future, but he has to carry on working hard.” The 19-year-old has, however, featured for the Yellow Submarine in the Europa League and marked his third appearance in the competition with an assist against Rapid Vienna last month. Rohr is clearly impressed with what he has seen from the immensely talented left winger. “Chukwueze has a good left foot, is quick, has a low centre of gravity - which gives him a very good balance and can deliver and score,” the German coach told KweséESPN. While the youngster may not feature against Bafana Bafana as the Super Eagles look to get over the line, he may well make his debut when the West African giants host Uganda in an international friendly few days later. He’d become the next standout Golden Eaglets performer to make the step up to the senior side. Title-winning teammates and indi-

vidual award winners from the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup squad, Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Nwakali beat Chukwueze to making their international bow, with the former returning to the senior fold ahead of the Bafana game. Chukwueze has had to fight back from a near career mishap to get to this stage. Days after winning the Bronze Ball on the strength of three goals and three assists - and helping Nigeria win a fifth U-17 world title, football agency Stellar Group signed Chukwueze and three other players from the Nigerian squad. The deal ought to have seen the highly sought-after star, who models his game on Arjen Robben, sign for a top European club, as those before him had done. Perhaps the only snag hindering a potential move abroad was his age, as the attacker 16, and would have to wait for two years before he could sign professional terms. The teenager returned home while awaiting news from his agents about a potential career move, and kept busy by shuttling between training and playing for Diamond Academy and the Nigeria U-20s, who were involved in the qualification for the ill-fated 2017 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. After celebrating his 17th birthday, he seemed poised to join Arsenal,

alongside Nwakali, who signed a fiveyear contract with the Gunners. However, Diamond Academy pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute, and Chukwueze began to slip out of the limelight, a situation made more challenging by his Golden Eaglets teammates of lesser profiles securing moves to Europe. Undeterred by those series of disappointments, Chukwueze eventually packed his bags and journeyed to Spain, first joining Villarreal’s U-18 team, before being promoted to the B Team. His superb performances with the Villarreal juniors have seen him regularly grab the headlines with his stunning pace, strength, skillset, goals and assists, and he’s edging closer to Calleja’s first-team. Chukwueze’s emergence should come as positive news to Nigerian fans with the national side lacking a naturally left-footed winger since the untimely retirement of Emmanuel Amuneke, who coached the wonder kid in the Eagles’ U-17 and U-20 teams. Despite his relative inexperience, Rohr has identified the starlet’s raw talent and has handed him an audition in a team which, for all its outstanding attacking players, lacks a natural left winger to create panic and havoc on opposition defences with direct running, effective crossing and superb

technique. Considering the number of quality and experienced competitors ahead of Chukwueze in the Super Eagles squad, he must realise that he’s way down the pecking order. However, the U-20 World Cup in Poland next year could present him with a valuable opportunity to assert himself. How well Chukwueze takes advantage the opportunity dangled at him will soon be confirmed.

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

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Ć˜ ͚͸ Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

GLOBAL SOCCER

Juve Focus on AC Milan after Man United Slip

M

assimiliano Allegri urged Juventus not to dwell on their slip-up against Manchester United but instead to use the Champions League drama to avoid a repeat against AC Milan in Serie A on Sunday. Juventus lost to two late goals against the Premier League club for their first defeat of the season but will be determined to extend their unbeaten run in Serie A as they target an eighth consecutive league title. The Italian champions have 31 points from 11 games - six points ahead of Inter Milan and Napoli - with AC Milan in the fourth position, a further four points adrift along with Lazio. Another banana skin could await at the San Siro against Gennaro Gattuso’s Milan who have pulled off some late winners themselves recently, with a 97th-minute goal sealing victory over Udinese last weekend. “No one expects to win all games, but this kind of defeat, especially from a psychological point of view, can upset us,� said Allegri. “But it will make us smarter and first up we have the match against AC Milan.� “I’m not worried but we just need to be more accurate in front of goal,� added the coach after a series of misses on Wednesday following Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning volley that put them in control. Allegri’s side were the only Italian team to lose in European football during the week. Inter Milan held Barcelona 1-1, with Napoli drawing against Paris Saint-Germain by the same scoreline, and Roma beating CSKA Moscow 2-1. Lazio booked their passage to the

knockout rounds of the Europa League with a 2-1 win over Marseille with AC Milan snatching a point at Real Betis. “Now we’ve got two and a half hours to fly back and do some work on the plane,� said Gattuso.�Juventus are one of the best sides in Europe, not just in Italy, but we won’t sit here crying. We’ll face them and play our football.� Both sides have injury problems with Milan midfielder Lucas Biglia out for four months after surgery on a calf muscle tear. Their top-scorer Gonzalo Higuain went off with a back twinge against Udinese but is expected to return against his parent club after joining Milan on loan from Juve in the close season. Inter, meanwhile, travel to Atalanta, with Napoli, who are behind Luciano Spalletti’s side on goal difference, travelling to Genoa on Saturday. Both Inter and Napoli scored five goals in their wins last weekend and will be keen to keep the pressure on Juventus before the international break. Napoli are still without Simone Verdi, but Dries Mertens - who scored a hat-trick against Empoli - has recovered from a shoulder problem picked up against PSG. Lazio travel to Sassuolo eyeing a move into the top four and the Champions League spots. City rivals Roma are down in ninth and want to start to climb the table against Sampdoria after taking just two points from their last three games. Fiorentina can kick off the weekend action with a win to move up into the European places as they travel to secondfrom-bottom Frosinone. Tailenders Chievo host Bologna, who are three points above the drop zone.

Manchester Derby: Guardiola, Mourinho Revive Having evolved from being ‘Noisy Neighbour’ to Premier League dominance, Manchester City’s quest to defend the title would be put the test on Sunday against Manchester United. An added spice to the Manchester derby is the rivalry between Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho which would be ignited again at the Etihad

M

anchester City will start Sunday’s derby against Manchester United as favourites , with the in-form Premier League champions expected to add to their win streak. City haven’t lost since September and have won their last six across all competitions. United have won three in a row, including a 2-1 upset of Juventus in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. City’s free-flowing, attacking style of play has earned them many fans in the last few years, and after six consecutive wins, the Sky Blues once again look like the team to beat in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola and his troops showed off their immense scoring potential on Wednesday with a 6-0 demolition of Shakhtar Donetsk, who were completely overrun from the opening whistle. United were far less impressive on

Wednesday but perhaps picked up even more momentum than their rivals with a come-from-behind win over Juventus. The Italians dominated large stretches of the match and took a lead via Cristiano Ronaldo, but a crazy finale saw Juan Mata tie things up before Leonardo Bonucci deposited the ball into his own net. United defended well in the win and showed good fight late, leading to plenty of positivity after the match. While it wasn’t pretty, this was exactly what the team needed before making the trip to the Etihad Stadium. The Red Devils don’t offer much in terms of creativity, but they have athleticism and power on their side. Add to that a willingness to defend and keep the spaces tight for their opponents and they might have the formula to counter City’s intricate passing. The Sky Blues are deservedly favourites for this contest, but United have arguably more momentum than at any point this season. If ever there would be an upset in this

derby, now is the time. The Premier League leaders Manchester City can ensure Manchester United’s recent revival is short-lived by opening up a 12-point gap on their local rivals on Sunday. The champions hold just a two-point lead over Chelsea and Liverpool at the top of the table but have looked relentless in recent weeks and shown no sign of a slip in standards from their record-breaking 100-point Premier League campaign of last season, scoring 12 times in their last two outings alone. One of precious few blemishes from the last term, though, was blowing the chance to claim the title by beating United at the Etihad as City threw away a 2-0 half-time lead to lose 3-2. That result only marginally stemmed the tide in the power shift across Manchester towards City since Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. United have failed to finish above City in the league since, and are already nine points

behind the leaders. Defensive concerns remain for Mourinho, though, with United keeping just one clean sheet in their last 10 matches. Stopping a City side averaging four goals a game at the Etihad in the Premier League this season is a monumental task. Manchester United midfielder, Ander Herrera believes the team has shown they can thrive as underdogs and will look to secure another statement win in Sunday’s derby. Mourinho’s United will look to build on a 2-1 comeback victory over the Italian champions, Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday. “When you win, you are more optimistic in your preparations for the next game,� Herrera told the British media. “We are the real Manchester United, also in the bad moments, because we have to recognise we have bad moments and have to improve. “It’s true that recent results gave us good spirit, energy, but the real Manchester

33

͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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

P 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

GD 29 19 16 9 11 6 1 3 4 1 -1 -4 -4 -8 -13 -13 -7 -16 -15 -18

PTS 29 27 27 24 23 20 20 19 18 16 15 14 11 8 8 7 6 6 5 5

Fixture TODAY Cardi

v Brighton

12:30

HuddersďŹ eld

v West Ham

15:00

Leicester

v Burnley

15:00

Newcastle

v Bournemouth15:00

Southampton

v Watford

15:00

C. Palace

v Tottenham

17:30

Liverpool

v Fulham

12:00

Chelsea

v Everton

14:15

Arsenal

v Wolves

16:30

SUNDAY

HEAD TO HEAD 07/04/18 10/12/17 27/04/17 10/09/16 20/03/16 25/10/15 12/04/15 02/11/14 25/03/14 22/09/13 08/04/13

United... we will see at the end of the season if we can say that we had a good season.� “It’s a new game, a new situation,� the Spanish midfielder added. “Hopefully, we can win. It’s true they are the favourites because they are in unbelievable form but this is Manchester United and you never know what can happen.� However, Guardiola does not think Sunday’s derby against Manchester United will define his team’s campaign, but is still keen to avoid a repeat of last season’s defeat by the same opponents. “We have to play good,� Guardiola told a news conference on Friday. “If we play good, we have a chance to win. You cannot imagine we are going to play amazingly for 90 minutes against top teams. I would like to play the same game as last season when we were on top for 75 minutes but United showed us that they just need 10 or 15 minutes to create chances. When they have the ball, they can create something because they have incredible talent.� Guardiola is looking forward to the battle but believes the fixture has come too soon to have significant bearing on the title race. “We are in November so maybe the game at Old Trafford (in March) will be more decisive,� the Spaniard said. “Of course we are on a good run, United as well. It’s a good derby. All of them are special.� The manager also reiterated his faith in the club in the wake of allegations that they had circumvented financial fair play rules. “If people want to undermine what we have done, no problem,� he said. “We live

our lives. Opinions are opinions. I have said I trust the club a lot. If there is something wrong, we will be punished. FIFA or UEFA have to say if we were wrong. If we were wrong, we will accept it but I hear what my club said to me and I trust them.� The City manager’s news conference ended in uproarious laughter after he responded to his former player, Brazilian Dani Alves’s comment that being coached by Guardiola at Barcelona was “better than sex�. Alves made the comment in a documentary about Guardiola’s all-conquering spell at Barcelona, where they won three La Liga titles and the Champions League twice. “I prefer the sex,� a grinning Guardiola said in response to a question on Alves’s comment. “By far!� Meanwhile, Chelsea will play Everton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, looking to take their turn at the top of the Premier League table. The Blues play after title rivals Liverpool and before pacesetters Manchester City face their derby with United, meaning the leadership could change hands three times on Sunday. Maurizio Sarri remains unbeaten since taking the reins in west London, having guided his team to eight wins out of 11, leaving them two points behind leaders City ahead of this weekend. In-form Alvaro Morata ensured the run continued last Sunday, scoring twice in a London derby win over Crystal Palace at the Bridge, with Pedro grabbing the other and result kept the 2016 champions a smidge

Man City Man Utd Man City Man Utd Man City Man Utd Man Utd Man City Man Utd Mar City Man Utd

2:3 1:2 0:0 1:2 0:1 0:0 4:2 1:0 0:3 4:1 1:2

Man Utd Man City Man Utd Man City Man Utd Man City Man City Man Utd Man City Man Utd Man City

ahead of third-placed Liverpool on goal difference. But they face Everton just when they’ve hit a good run of form themselves. The Toffees have won four of their last five in the Premier League, hoisting them up to ninth in the table. Meanwhile, Leicester City players will wear shirts with club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s name embroidered on them when they play their first home match since the Thai tycoon was killed in a helicopter crash, the Premier League club said. Vichai was one of five killed in the crash near the King Power Stadium after Leicester’s last home league match on October 27. Leicester said they will pay tribute to Vichai with a video presentation when they host Burnley in the league on Saturday, while supporters have also planned a march to the venue. Both teams will wear black armbands during the game, with a two-minute silence to be observed before the kickoff, while Leicester’s players will wear the tribute shirts in the first half and shirts with a poppy emblem for the second to commemorate Remembrance Sunday. “The Srivaddhanaprabha family and everyone at Leicester City Football Club have been deeply moved by the remarkable volume of generous and thoughtful tributes left at King Power Stadium,� the club said in a statement. “The support of our fans, our community and the football world during this darkest of weeks will never be forgotten.�

La Liga Fixture TODAY Valladolid Getafe AtlĂŠtico Girona SUNDAY AlavĂŠs Barcelona Vallecano Sevilla Celta Vigo

v v v v

Eibar Valencia Bilbao LeganĂŠs

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

v v v v v

Huesca Real Betis Villarreal Espanyol Madrid

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

SERIE A TODAY Torino SPAL Genoa SUNDAY Atalanta Chievo Empoli Roma Sassuolo Milan

v Parma v Cagliari v Napoli

14:00 17:00 19:30

v v v v v v

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

Inter Bologna Udinese Sampdoria Lazio Juventus

Hot Shots Aubameyang Eden Hazard Sergio Aguero Glenn Murray Sadio ManĂŠ Raheem Sterling Harry Kane Richarlison Callum Wilson Glenn Murray Sadio Mane Alexandre Lacazette Mohamed Salah

Arsenal Chelsea Man City Brighton Liverpool Man City Tottenham Everton B’mouth Brighton Liverpool Arsenal Liverpool

7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 5

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚΀

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Is Onyekuru Answer to Dembele’s Void at Celtic? According to a report from the Scottish Sun in January 2017, Celtic were interested in Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru. But a move never materialised and the 21-year-old ended up signing for Everton last summer. Everton signed Onyekuru from Belgian club Eupen in the summer of 2017 but he was loaned out immediately to Anderlecht without kicking a ball in the Premier League. The Nigerian enjoyed a decent spell with Anderlecht, scoring 10 goals in 28 appearances. However, the 21-year-old suffered a knee ligament injury in December last year and was out of action for the latter half of the 2017/18 season. As a result, Onyekuru was deemed surplus to requirements at Everton

this season and has been farmed out again on loan to Turkish giants Galatasaray. At Galatasaray, Onyekuru has done reasonably well having scored two goals so far this season. And his performances haven’t gone unnoticed as the likes of Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich are keeping track on the Nigerian, claims the Sun. Therefore, it shows how highly rated Onyekuru and Celtic should surely join the race for his signature. Celtic lost the services of their star forward Moussa Dembele on the deadline day of the summer transfer window. Dembele’s departure to Lyon has left a massive void in the attacking ranks which Brendan Rodgers should consider filling in January. And as

the likes of Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths have failed to deliver the goods in front of goal this season, signing a forward should definitely be prioritisedby Rodgers. Onyekuru would be an ideal fit for Rodgers’ Celtic. He is a left winger by trade, also capable of playing on the right or as a secondary striker. Blessed with explosive pace to burn and exquisite dribbling skills, the 21-year-old bursts into life in the final third. His ability to cut inside with pace from the wide areas and score goals with both feet will be a huge asset to the Bhoys. Furthermore, Onyekuru is a player who has a very sound technique which allows him to keep good close control in tight areas

ISFU Unveils ASFU in Nigeria

Woods Turned Down $3m to Play in Saudi Arabia Tiger Woods turned down a large appearance fee of more than $3 million dollars to play in a European Tour event in Saudi Arabia. Woods likely doesn’t want to deal with any negative backlash similar to what the WWE has dealt with after journalistJamal Khashoggi was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Woods has turned down his biggest ever potential overseas pay cheque to play in the European Tour’s inaugural event in Saudi Arabia next year amid the international outcry over the recent murder of a journalist. In the past, Woods has travelled to such countries as China and the United Arab Emirates. Yet it is understood he deemed Saudi Arabia to be an excursion too far – even for at least £2.5m – an amount that apparently dwarfs anything he has received before for an official overseas tournament. Woods hasn’t commented publicly on why he turned down the pay day, but he doesn’t need the money, nor does he need the bad press. The event also takes place a week after the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines which is generally a regular stop on his PGA Tour schedule. Woods won the Tour Championship in August and is competing in a head-to-head event with Phil Mickelson with a $9 million dollar purse this month. He’s also climbed to 13th in the world rankings, which is one spot ahead of Jordan Spieth. According to the Telegraph, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, and Paul Casey have signed up to play in the event, but that could change if they feel that the backlash is not worth the payday.

Scramble for Q/ďŹ nals Spot in Nigeria Bankers Games The stage is now set for the quarterfinal matches of the ongoing 2018 Nigeria Bankers Games this weekend at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos. In the pairings made available by the organisers , Fidelity Bank will host Keystone Bank, FCMB entertains Sterling Bank, Union Bank take on Stanbic IBTC, just as UBA and First Bank vie for a place in the semifinals. To qualify for the quarterfinals, Sterling Bank took on Stanbic IBTC and the game ended one-goal apiece as both teams struggled to get a winner. In the encounter between Keystone Bank and FCMB, the experience of the latter came to bare as they ran away with a lone goal. The other events kicked off with tennis at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Court, Lagos Island, while the chess, scrabble and table tennis at the YabaTech Indoor Hall (Alumni Building), Yaba. Some of the dignitaries in attendance include; Charles Omoera – Head, Investment Research and Corporate Strategy, Stanbic IBTC; Sam Ocheho – Non-Executive Director Of Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Adeyinka Atilade – Head, IT Budget and Control, FCMB and Corporate Nigeria Games Hall of Famer - Eric Iruh.

along the flanks. In fact, he will be the ideal man to provide competition for the likes of Scott Sinclair, James Forrest, Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor. Despite being very young, Edouard has shouldered the bulk of the workload so far and Celtic definitely need another topquality forward with goalscoring pedigree to compete on all fronts this season. That said, someone like Onyekuru would add depth and competition for places if Celtic manage to land him. At 21, Onyekuru would be a long-term investment for the Bhoys and might turn out to be the deal that makes them all the more formidable force in the Scottish Premiership.

Onyeakuru tipped to ďŹ ll Dembele’s Void at Celtic

Federer Heaps Pressure on Djokovic ahead of Nitto ATP Finals

Roger Federer has heaped the pressure on rival Novak Djokovic by claiming the Serbian can win the ATP Tour Finals easily. Djokovic is the pre-tournament favourite after winning four of his last six events including titles at Wimbledon and the US Open. However, the Serbian suffered a blip in his most recent outing, a Paris Masters final defeat to Karen Khachanov. But Federer has not won the ATP Finals since 2011 and he cannot foresee that drought coming to an end this time around. “Dominating the field is not something that comes very easy,� Federer said. “I think only Novak can say ‘if I play as well as I have the last few months, maybe I can also win the World Tour Finals. “The best of three set matches indoors, the margins are slimmer. It can slip fast. “I have played well. Since 2011 I have not won the World Tour Finals but I have done

well. “It does not feel like that long ago, there were always just a couple of other guys who were a little bit better during that week. “I think it just didn’t happen because of my opponents, maybe a little bit. “Maybe I wasn’t out-right dominating the season as well.� Federer also played down his chances of winning the ATP Finals. However, he insists he does not want to finish his season off with three defeats. “If I would have known last year that this would have been the season then I would have taken it,� Federer said. “I am very happy with the season so far. We have one more (tournament) left. “I hope I don’t go on vacation with three losses, put it that way.� Federer gets his campaign underway against Kei Nishikori on Sunday evening

Max Verstappen Edges Out Big Rivals in Brazilian GP Max Verstappen edged out Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton in Practice One as F1’s big three teams provided a mouthwatering glimpse of what could be ahead at this weekend’s Brazilian GP. Adding to the early anticipation that the Interlagos weekend may again prove one of best races of the season despite the Drivers’ Championship already being settled, less than a tenth of a second split Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes. Mexico victor Verstappen was 0.049s ahead of Ferrari’s Vettel, with new five-time champion Hamilton also within striking distance of the leading Red Bull. “I wouldn’t be disappointed with that grid on Sunday, that’s for sure!� said Sky Sports F1’s Paul di Resta. With Mercedes bidding to close out the Constructors’ Championship, Hamilton has made clear his determination to win Sunday’s race - something he never achieved in the two previous seasons when he wrapped up the title with races to spare.

Mercedes are also keen to rebound from disappointing races in Austin and Mexico, which were won by Ferrari and Red Bull respectively. “l believe we have solved the issues - it is down to us to sort it out,� Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told Sky F1 after the session. With the top three clear of the rest in P1, Daniel Ricciardo was fourth fastest in the other Red Bull and it was confirmed during the session that the Australian will take a five-place grid penalty this weekend for exceeding engine limits. Kimi Raikkonen, on the slower soft tyres, was fifth ahead of countryman Valtteri Bottas, who lost track time during the mid-part of the session as Mercedes investigated a possible oil leak on his car. After a wretched Mexican weekend, Haas started strongly in the midfield battle with Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen rounding out the top eight ahead of Sauber’s Charles Leclerc and Force India’s Esteban Ocon.

As part of activities to ensure the growth of football among students on the continent, International Student Football Union (ISFU) has unveiled the African Student Football Union(ASFU) in Nigeria. At the unveiling held at SportsBar of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, in the presence of the 1st Vice President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Seyi Akinwunmi, said the Union will help in discovering more student footballers not only in the country but across the continent. Speaking at the unveiling, Edmond Osio, Deputy General, ISFU Russia commended the project coordinator in Africa, Professor Seun Omotayo for a great job. He implored Nigerian and African universities to follow suit on the successful lunch. “This marks the beginning of new era in African student football. We will need all hands on deck, both cooperate, government and especially the higher institutions, “he said. Responding, Omotayo expressed optimism that the project will be a huge success, saying the ASFU initiative is primarily to promote football at that level and collaboration through the prism of football in universities across the world. “I am happy to see Nigeria play a leading role in this ASFU project in Africa,� Omotayo said.

Bellew, Usyk Clash Live on KwesÊ Platforms KwesÊ will broadcast two highlyanticipated live events this weekend via its satellite TV and mobile platforms. Boxing fans will be treated to the cruiserweight world title fight between England’s Tony Bellew and Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk while tennis lovers will enjoy the best of tennis as KwesÊ TV delivers the Fed Cup finals between the Czech Republic and USA. At 6pm today, coverage of the Bellew versus Usyk boxing bout will begin and continue until about midnight at the Manchester Arena, England. Select matches of the NBA and NFL continue to air on KwesÊ Free Sports, channel 285. The NBA weekend line-up includes; Sacramento Kings v Minnesota Timberwolves at 4am and Toronto Raptors v New York Knicks at 9pm both today and Detroit Pistons versus Charlotte Hornets at 9.30pm on Sunday. KwesÊ Free Sports also continues to broadcast its Premier League match of the week every Saturday. Football fans will this weekend enjoy the encounter between sixth-placed Bournemouth and seventeenth-placed Newcastle at 4pm.

35

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

JOE/FAJ

Apapa Gridlock Undoing Economic Competitiveness

I

n its recent annual report, the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked Nigeria 115 out of 140 countries in its 2018 Global Competitiveness Index. The WEF report noted that Nigeria moved 10 places upward from its 2017/2018 ranking of 125 out of 137 countries. According to the report, Nigeria’s ranking improved in four of 12 ranking pillars, namely infrastructure, health, business dynamism and innovation capability. It, however, pointed out that the country would require improvement in the areas of institutions, ICT adoption, macroeconomic environment, skill, market size among others. One compelling area that holds the key to the country’s economy but which the WEF failed to mention is in massive port reforms. It is estimated that over N803m is lost daily as a result of port congestion and a survey conducted by a private consultancy firm, Akintola Williams Deloitte revealed that the efficiency at the nation’s seaports had earlier saved the Nigerian economy an estimated $800 million annually in congestion fees alone. How could a country loss such quantum of money daily and still expect to remain competitive on the global stage? What about the impact on its economy and how did we get to this sorry state? In the mid- 80s before General Ibrahim Babangida took over government in a military coup and went ahead to introduce his Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), as a young man moonlighting in Apapa industrial area to raise funds for higher education, the whole stretch of Creek Road up to the main Apapa Port gate was a beehive of activities. The companies that were maintaining the engines of production in Apapa were Cadbury, manufacturer of Trebor sweets, peppermint, a pharmaceutical company was next, SCOA Motors, Niger Biscuit, Michelin, SGBN, Ibru Fisheries, Elf right up to the Federated Motors Incorporated (FMI) manufacturers of American brand trucks, Dizengoff W.A, Brian Munroe, SCOA Assembly which assembled 404 pickup vehicles and then PKN, manufacturers of glass products. On Burma road were First Bank, Tarpaulin Industries, Lipton Tea, Union Bank, Borini Prono, CAP and several others that relied mostly on the petrodollars to import raw materials for their factories. Yet, Apapa roads were free, the ports were accessible and the cost of doing business was low, prices of goods and services affordable and the economy was stable. Today, Apapa is a ghost of its former past, not only has it lost it productive capacity, virtually all the companies mentioned above have left for greener pastures. In their places, we now have tank farms, gas plants, tankers and trailers occupying

T

WITH

JOSEPH USHIGIALE e-mail: jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com mobile phone: 08023422660 (sms only)

Fashola, Minister of Works and Housing every imaginable space and crippling movement to a halt. Apart from ships waiting for months to berth and offload cargoes, importers are forced to pay huge sums in demurrage, transport cost and several other charges imposed by duplicitous agencies. In Apapa ports, it now takes over 30 days to clear a container and importers have to go through excruciating pains to clear their goods from the port. Many industry operators complain seriously about lack of access to the ports because of bad roads, but that is just one side of the story. It has been discovered that apart from lack of access road which luckily Dangote Group is already addressing, most of the port operators are said to have converted the holding bays for trucks inside the ports to warehouses for containers thereby forcing the trucks on the roads. It is a pity that each successive government has failed to creatively find ways to bring succour to Apapa basically because it has adopted the same approach to tackle an aged long problem. Unfortunately, the present administration has not shown a strong political will to address Apapa’s intractable traffic problems by wielding the big stick on these companies owned by such sacred cows like retired generals, highly

Are We That Dirty?

he world has exploded as a community stitched together by the tough invisible strings of technology. There are millions of communities or groups on different social media networks engaging themselves in diverse ways to improve themselves, their reality or some sort of nation building. Of course, there are others who derive immense joy in fomenting troubles or distributing distresses. In the instant case, a few of us, less than 100, have banded in a group called RingMasters. We set for ourselves an admittedly ambitious assignment of seeking ways to challenge and engage the multifarious issues plaguing our country. As usual with most things Nigerian, we have more often than not deviated from well-structured modules of activities designed to populate our spare time intellectually and emotionally. Politics and its darker arts have often pushed us to the precipice of our mantra of civility and patriotism. By the way, members of the group are scattered all over the country, and the universe courtesy of the world wide web, we chat as next-door neighbours! In one our more sober moments, we tackled the crippling collapse of environmental management, both the public and private dimensions. The following statements are a condensation of various thoughts and positions in an attempt to understand why it seemed we were being overawed by sheer waste and debris in our major cities. Are we that dirty? Are our governments overwhelmed? Do we need expatriates to manage our waste? What worked, and why did we try to fix what was not broken? Many questions bubbled in our discussions. And answers popped too, hopefully. It was clear that as the political atmosphere of Lagos State was being traumatized by political grandstanding and chicanery, the streets of Lagos were going to the dogs, literally. Many questions agitated the minds of Lagosians: What happened to the great new-age waste removal master-plan touted to revolutionize waste management in Lagos, less than a year earlier? Why was the former head of Lagos Waste Management Agency, LAWMA, Ola Oresanya removed? (He has reportedly been recalled by a chastened governor after the spectacular bungling of his pet-project, VisionScape, a private company that was comprehensively lacerated by the governor’s adversaries as incompetent and ridiculously unrealistic). Then more questions: What were the problems leading to the jettisoning of the old waste master-plan that needed a new vision for the landscape? Inadequate dumpsites? Stagnated recycling modules? Not enough trucks or loaders? Too many undocumented waste producers? Do we still have functional dumpsites in Lagos, after the closure of three? Do we have functional plants recycling our waste beneficially?

THEFRONTLINES

Why wasn’t the modernization plan of the Ambode administration phased progressively to avoid systemic shocks and shortfalls that polluted many parts of Lagos? Queries are legion. However, while governance failed us spectacularly in this area - well, as far as the ordinary eyes can see - our people are also culpable. I recall my consternation on a visit to Central Lagos last year. As I trekked along Tinubu area, Dosumu, Ali-Balogun streets... towards Jankara market, the ‘scenery’ left me speechless. The level of decay and volume of trash on the streets, shopfronts, gutters, etc, bordered on the irresponsible. It was like a massive flat-top dumpsite. Many of our people who sell in open stalls are unperturbed with the filth surrounding them... We are careless with public spaces... We litter any environment without scruples... how can any government cope with that level of indiscipline and apathy? However, there are voices who believe that though most of our people dispose garbage carelessly, it is incumbent on governments to provide amenities that will encourage a change of attitude: Waste bins placed in strategic locations all over our streets, with subtle encouragement or compulsion to use them well. Get motorised road sweepers to complement, if not make redundant, the current status of our women who “labour� to clean our perennially dirty highways! Nigerians’ poor maintenance culture, especially of public utilities, is still a sore point. It appears our mentality makes us see government and its officials as enemies...that must be outwitted or made to look bad, because we believe they care very little about our welfare or survival. We suspect that if waste bins were put all over the place, they will sooner be turned to other ridiculous usage. Remember public toilets, after the hues and cries over no public utilities... We messed them up faster than we built them. Obviously, we have scant regard for clean environment... We don’t care...We all do it, including the waste disposal personnel! So, we need to bring the fear back. A good example is our fear of being arrested or fined for fake vehicle particulars, not using seat belts, or talking on the phone while driving. To give flesh to that assertion, a story comes handy: of how in a vehicle coming from Ghana, passengers put trash in a basket in the bus all the way through Togo and Benin Republic. But as soon as the vehicle entered the borders of Nigeria, the trash was thrown out of the windows of the vehicle! No prize for guessing the nationality of the passengers. Thus, it makes sense that even when waste bins are placed everywhere, sanitation officers are still necessary until the awareness and consciousness penetrate the locality - as part of serious orientation and enlightenment campaigns. All that will have to be backed by reasonable legislation to make our people environmentally

connected politicians and big business owners who are milking the economy dry from their punitive actions. In order to point the way forward by comparing port reforms in other climes to what obtains in the country, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in its recent report titled ‘Cost of Maritime Ports Challenges in Nigeria’ acknowledged that the Netherland Port in Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe, also faced serious congestion in the port. However, as part of reforms to decongest the port, the Port Authority allocated different terminals to the ships arriving based on their size and number of containers carried. This helped to free up main terminals for the vessels with high capacity; deployed efficient cranes to unload vessels with high capacity. This made the processes associated with unloading of containers faster; expanded use of inland port facilities; riding on an efficient rail system and water tracks. This meant that containers meant for inland shipping were bundled at one location i.e. Uniport Terminal in the Waalhaven area. This allowed for the other terminals to be free for seagoing vessels. Citing another example of Singapore as the shipping hub in Asia and at a time when there were congestions and other issues in the port, the country created a Research and Development Unit called The Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) with massive investment, about 150 million dollars was invested in the unit. It noted that the Singapore straits are monitored by the Maritime Port Authority’s (MPA) port operations control centre, using Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) which has the capacity of handling up to 10,000 tracks at any one time. Annually, more than 130,000 ships call at Singapore with at least 1,000 vessels in the port at any one time. Every 2-3 minutes, a ship arrives or leaves Singapore. The report pointed out that although Singapore does not produce any oil, it is the top ship refuelling port in the world. In 2015, more than 45 million tonnes of bunkers were lifted in Singapore. Today there are more than 5,000 maritime establishments contributing about 7% to Singapore’s GDP, and employing more than 170,000 personnel.

COUNTERPOINT BY

FEMI

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

sensitive and accountable. In addition, serious enforcement of those laws must be a priority. It is not all gloom though, concerning our people’s mindset on waste disposal. We were told of a situation in Warri, where, if a person in a vehicle throws dirt out of the window, he or she is compelled to alight from the vehicle and pick the dirt. If true, Lagos is in dire need of such action. But are we short on visionary leadership? Are we being frustrated by lipservice to pragmatic continuity in governance? The narrative is not that bad. Former Lagos governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande built some waste treatment centers at Oshodi, Agege, Ebute Metta, etc, in the early 80’s... were they left to rot? Have they ever been utilised, after the unfortunate military intervention of 1983? Furthermore, the over-centralization of simple tasks that could be handled competently at the City Council level - a relic of unitary mindset of the military - could also be fingered as cankerworm afflicting issues of waste evacuation in major urban centers like Lagos, Ibadan and Port Harcourt. We merely enjoy making simple chores complex. In the same vein, the replacement of City Councils in favour of local governments, and the derogation of LGs to mere appendages of the states, may be one of the root causes of the decay. Our poor infrastructural planning and negligent oversight also contribute shamelessly. Initially, many of our sandfills were located far away from human population - now, we have built houses and other structure right up to their dross-steps. Such is also the case of our military barracks, bases, airports and such establishments that were built at city outskirts, and which are now centrepieces of our urban expansion! Our enforcement of city planning laws, ordinances, or control is zilch! Going forward, the prognosis are clear: though cleaning of streets, prompt evacuation of waste, enforcement of environmental laws, etc, are vital; without a comprehensive programme of waste treatment and new-age recycling technology with capacity to generate electricity and other spin-offs, we will sooner be back where we started. That was the lacuna in the previous programme in Lagos; inspite of the triumphant return of a local system that was miles away from world-class service delivery. Yet, examples abound around us, in smaller African countries, that can help staunch our shameless seepage of sewage.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

36

FAIRGROUND

Akiin ShugaThanks Fans, Partners for Successful 20th Anniversary

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

A

kin Tofowomo popularly known as Akiin Shuga, the leader of prestigious music band, Shuga Band, has expressed his utmost gratitude for the success of his band’s 20th anniversary tagged, 'the Shuga Coated Concert', which held at the Eko Convention Center on Sunday, October 21, 2018. The Shuga Coated concert, which was one of the most talked about this year, was graced by celebrities, politicians, comedians and corporate executives who all came out to show their love and support for Akiin Shuga and his band. The night was filled with electrifying performances from top acts like Small Doctor, Mayorkun, Damola, Tosin Martins, Koffi, Funnybone, Tee A, Bolanle Olukanni, Toyin Abraham and Dayo Amusa but the Shuga Band still outperformed them all, proving they are the king of live band in Nigeria. Among some of the top dignitaries at the event were the wife of a former Governor of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Dr. Biodun Laja, Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Tunji Alapinni, Lady Maiden Ibru, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Hon. Bukola Olopade (Ozogula), Mrs. Kemi Nelson and a host of others. Crediting the success of the show to everyone who supported him physically, financially, emotionally, morally or otherwise, Akiin Shuga said he was grateful and overwhelmed by the show of love. He said: “I am still rather shaken by the love and support that I got from people in the Industry and outside the Industry. I do believe that mere words won’t be able to do enough justice when it comes to expressing my gratitude to my fans, family, friends, supporters and all the media partners who showed up for the concert. It is with awe and humble mind that I say a hearty thank you to everyone. 20 years is a lot and to have garnered the love we are getting right now all through the years is a blessing and I am deeply grateful.” On what the success of the show meant to him, Akiin Shuga said: “It was surreal for me and every member of the band. The whole crowd came to see us perform. We made history and we are extremely grateful to every one for coming. To all the people who have consistently stood by us for these past 20 years, thank you. To all the couples who have had us as the preferred live band at their weddings, we are grateful. You all have shown us that it is possible to dream and achieve your dreams regardless of any challenges. One thing I can promise you is that this is just the beginning for us. You have not seen anything yet. If you all thought that we were great, we are about to be greater for the trust you have reposed in us, we will reciprocate with nothing short of excellence and quality service," he concluded.

Host – Tee-A and Bolanle Olukanni

The Shuga Band is 20 cake cutting

Comedian Funnybone performing on stage

Dame Abimbola Fashola, Sarah Sosan and Friends around the table

Comedian Woli Arole on stage Mayorkun performing on stage

Small Doctor performing among guests

Comedian Funnybone performing on stage

Kennyblaq performing on stage

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

37

FAIRGROUND

Bolanle Austen-Peters Rounds Off 'The Bling Lagosians' Movie Production

I

t has been many days of making magic on the set of Bolanle AustenPeters production of The Bling Lagosians movie. The star studded movie rounded off production after spending close to a month on set shooting and perfecting the magic. Bolanle Austen-Peters is the founder of TerraKulture and was responsible for bringing into Nigeria some of the best stage plays ever such as Fela on Broadway, Kalakuta Queens and a host of others. On the set of the Bling Lagosians were the biggest names from the old to the new known actors such as Sharon Ooja, Jimmy Odukoya, Bisola Aiyeola, Bamike Olawunmi (Bambam), Denola, Grey, Broda Shaggi, Ayoola Aiyeola, Gbenga Titiloye, Toyin Abraham, Helen Paul, Osas Ighodaro, Jide Kosoko, Tana Adelana, Elvina Ibru, Pasuma,

Monalisa Chinda, Alex Ekubo and a host of others. The Bling Lagosians tells the story of a powerful Lagosian socialite who prepares for her flamboyant birthday party, her husband fights to prevent foreclosure of their family company for billions of unpaid loans. This is a story about the fake lifestyles of many Lagosians. Intrigues upon intrigue are waved as the plots unfold. Fans who have witnessed the rush as clips and images flood social media have been asking for the release date but they will have to wait till sometime in 2019 to fully behold the movie. The production crew has now gone on a few weeks rest while the movie moves into post production. A social media influencer who had visited the set to observe and report for some days came back with a

verdict; “I will be shocked if this movie does not pack all the awards when it is finally released because the depth of artistic touch and excellence on set is second to none that I have seen”. This verdict is similar to what everyone preview to the production has said as well. As The Bling Lagosians movie goes into post production, fans are eager to see what Bolanle Austen-Peters first directorial debut will look like. Having been there and done that with stage plays and even one of the executive producers of Nigeria’s biggest and most notable ‘cause’ movie, 93 Days, a feature movie that tells the story of Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. The Bling Lagosians movie was directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters with the artistic No Dash as Director of Photography.

Bolanle-Austen-Peters

Love Idoko Leads Celebrities, Professionals to Empower Youths

T

he founder of Activate Success International Foundation Love Idoko, through her foundation, is set to lead a team of professionals and celebrities, including Music star, Tuface Idibia, Nollywood star, Nollywood star and law maker Desmond Elliot, The CEO of flying Doctors West Africa, Dr Ola Brown(Orekunrin), CEO of Vodi Tailors, Seyi Adekunle, Multiple Award winning Photographer, George Okoro, CEO Farm Crowdy, Onyeka Akumah, CEO Sapphire Scents, Wale Aladejana, CEO DZYN, Ogwa Iweze and others to empower youths summit in the country. The event, tagged National Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme (YEEP), which will hold at the International Conference Center, Abuja on December 3, 2018, will not only give participants the opportunity to learn, but will provide them access to startup funds, which is also the sole aim of the empowerment. Thirty persons will be given the chance to win start up grants of between one N100,000 and N200,000 each. These grants and the success of YEEP will be made possible through the support and collaboration from Nestle, Airtel, 2Baba Foundation, SchoolMe, Sapphire Scents and others. The Activate Success Int’l Foundation Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme is aimed at teaching youth practical steps on how to become successful entrepreneurs through exposure to practical stories of people who have done it and how they can also do it as well. “Our world is in dire need of inspiration and Activate Success Foundation is that platform that inspires and gives hope to young people across the country. The platform enables potential for success in their various fields”, said the organisers. While responding to questions about the forthcoming National

Love Idoko Liz Anjorin

YEEP event, Idoko said: “I am passionate about inspiring people. Everybody is talented, but we all need to be inspired, encouraged and supported to grow. There are thousands of business-minded youths out there that are just looking for mentorship or direction as well as funds to start their businesses and that’s where our foundation comes in. The purpose of the forthcoming event is not just to give grants, it is to empower and motivate as many youths as possible thereby turning them into success stories to their community, family and by extension Nigeria. If Nigeria and Africa will develop, we need a mass number of youths whose potentials get enabled and who are constantly inspired to be the change they want to see in their continent, she concluded.” YEEP event is free for as many youths who can make it there. Events start by 9am.

Liz Anjorin’s “Owo Naira Bet” Movie Debuts

F

or those clamouring for the release of star actress, Liz Anjorin’s multi-million naira movie, ‘Owo Naira Bet’, Okiki Films and Music Productions is finally set to drop the flick. According to Yorubamoviegist. com, the much anticipated flick hit the shelves last Monday, November 5, 2018, from the stable of Okiki Films and Music Productions. Owo Naira Bet talks about how people spend lavishly without making any investment for their future or for their children.

The movie was directed by Seun Olaiya while the likes of Liz Anjorin, Saidi Balogun, Olaiya Igwe, Jumoke George and others featured in it. Recall that in July 2017, Nigerian high society stood still in honour of the delectable actress at the premiere of the new movie, and it was reported to have cost her more than N40 million to produce. The event, which took place at Ruby’s Event Centre, Lekki was witnessed by dignitaries from all walks of life and different top Nigerian music stars electrified the event.

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

AUTO Verisure Gets CILT National Endorsement

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe interior

All New High-Tech Hyundai Santa Fe Drives Smoothly in Nigeria Stories by Bennett Oghifo

H

yundaiMotorsNigeriahasjoined renowned markets in Europe, North America and the Middle East as it premiered the fourth generation Santa Fe mid-size SUV that incorporates Hyundai first AWD–HTRAC, an electronic all-wheel drive system that tracks vehicle speed and road conditions. Also incorporating a newly adopted 8-speed automatic transmission with cutting-edge powertrain and maximized fuel economy, the Santa Fe continues Hyundai fluidic design tradition that typifies cascading three-dimensional honeycomb patterned radiator grille and a separated-type composite-light. The arrival of the all new family SUV, dubbed “the lifetime partner for SUV customers who value balance between work and life,” coincides with Hyundai budding accomplishment as the foremost selling passenger-car brand in Nigeria, the company’s Managing Director Parvir Singh told journalists in Lagos, at a media preview of the car. Exterior Styling Emerging from a makeover in 2017 with a slight front-end adjustment, the 4th generation Santa Fe is as it is a quintessence of deluxe with a new

front-end, reshaped front bumper and new LED fog lights that is standard across the entire line-up. The side profile with tough side volume and wheel arches are connected to a stable designed rear bumper to create a progressive SUV image and character line that stretches along the body panel from the headlamp to the rear to add dynamism and strength to its silhouette. This is in addition to the new flag-type outside mirrors applied to the outside A-shaped pillar to enhance side/rear visibility and express strong exterior appeal. At the rear end is a high-tech lighting image achieved with 3D-type LED rear lamps graphics and a bold proportion that creates a stance full of confidence. Interior Panache Hyundai Motors Nigeria Head, Sales and Marketing, Gaurav Vashisht who gave these hints in his presentation said the vehicle’s cockpits adopts well-heeled SUV ideals with a shield-shaped control hub flanked by big air vents and undulating dash, dipping low in front of passengers and bubbling up for gauges. “Simply put, the dashboard design wraps around the crash pad to express three-dimensional image, which maximize a sense of openness to provide

the best visibility while enhancing a sense of luxury by covering a large area with PU leather.” He said the center stack with large control knobs and audio volume are so intuitively arranged with a larger (7-inch TFT LCD) touchscreen and electroluminescent gauges to add an aura of conviviality. Also worthy of note is the windshield-type headup display, which was applied for the first time to provide safety and convenience by minimizing movement of eyes during driving by projecting main vehicle information on the front windshield, Mr. Vashisht said. The Santa Fe’s seat design optimization with an 8-way adjustment function astonishingly uses electric tilting type cushion to enhance thigh support, making driving a cinch for tall drivers. “At the mere touch of a button, the first and second row seats allow easy access with improved third row spaciousness that enhances the capacity of the rear area of second row, which has been increased by 40-liter from 585liter to 625liter to maximize the convenience of luggage loading.” Powertrain Styling isn’t the only reason to seek out the Santa Fe. Hyundai has equipped the new Santa Fe with cutting-edge drivetrains that assures on powerful performance and maximized fuel efficiency.

The Nigerian headquarters of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), has thrown it weight behind Verisure, an integrated IT solutions and software manufacturing company with head office in the United Kingdom, and operating in Nigeria. This endorsement came recently after a comprehensive delivery by Verisure Nigeria Limited at the Annual General Meeting of the CILT held in Lagos and attended by industry operators in the public and private sectors. CILT believe it is high time the haulage industry had this form of technological intervention in terms of driver performance rating and background checks to ensure that the human element in the value chain of haulage services is to a large extent regulated. CILT also believes that the coming onboard of Drivercheck will go a long way in easing the troubles associated with recruiting drivers of unscrupulous behaviour who, often times, have collapsed businesses worth millions of naira. These same drivers may still be in the system as there have, hitherto, been no objective way and manner of flagging them and ultimately flushing them out of the system.[1] According Olumuyiwa Adewunmi, a Director of the company, “we recently launched a new and innovative IT product/software, specifically targeted at the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry, haulage companies, as well as the various national transport unions with a large pool of drivers in their employ”. He added that Verisure is being generally accepted in the country as many fleet owners have come to appreciate the importance of keying into the system in order to ensure the smooth flow of their businesses. Adewunmi explained that Verisure provides “DriversCheck™, a drivers database where haulage drivers are duly registered and their details updated to make for easy check on their status. Before employing a driver, you should look them up on DriversCheck™ to ensure you are employing a driver whose integrity is guaranteed”. “Current and constant reporting on driver’s activities to give an overall picture of a driver’s professional or work attitude. Employment information database like guarantor’s current information, Driver’s License check and verification, to determine employability Allows for easy traceability in the case of theft and locks out offending drivers hence preventing a re-occurrence by such drivers again in the industry. The product is absolutely free to Transporters”. Adewunmi, an international haulage expert also said all registered drivers are covered by Fidelity Guarantee Insurance, just as they are issued Verisure Identity Cards which includes drivers’ VIN (Verisure Identification Number) that is unique to each driver and guarantees confidentiality of all stored data about each driver on the Drivercheck app. With a mission to standardize the haulage industry in terms of driver information, record keeping and performance monitoring and management, the company’s vision is to be the go-to company for any issues relating to driver recruitment, training and discipline for the haulage industry.

PrimeroTransport DisplaysTechnologically-driven Facilities atThird Anniversary

P

rimero Transport services Ltd., a privately owned company, has presented to the media its ultramodern facility in Ikorodu which boasts of a fuel storage system, an automated washing bay, a maintenance workshop, a warehouse and a control room also driven by technology. Primero Transport Services Limited, a leading transportation and allied services provider, hosted media stakeholders at its premises in Ikorodu, as part of activities to mark its three-year anniversary. The media parley was to thank key stakeholders for the support the company has received since its inception. They also conducted a facility tour to showcase the thoroughness, quality and standards that Primero has set. The Managing Director of Primero Transport Services Ltd., Mr. Fola Tinubu said, “Although three years feels relatively new, we have made significant strides in this short period. We are happy to serve the people of Lagos State and know that our work here will be integral in our quest to becomingAfrica’s leading transportation provider” He further noted that Primero Transport Services Ltd. has introduced the card system scheme to Lagos- the cashless system, enables passengers to travel seamlessly and eliminates leakages which are often associated with cash

transactions. In the same vein, Mr. Tinubu appreciated Primero’s staff for keying into the vision and working to ensure the company’s mission statement is met; while tirelessly serving its esteemed customers. The Managing Director expressed Primero’s commitment to excellence, as evidenced by their fully air-conditioned buses which are outfitted with free Wi-Fi. On the challenges to doing business, he said, “Too many people rely on our service daily for government to cap our ability to generate revenue and not do something about the ever-increasing cost of doing business”. The increase in cost of operation has affected everything from the price of diesel to the price of spare parts, which, at times, has hampered Primero’s operations. In order to overcome these, and many other challenges of doing business locally, Tinubu stated that Primero Transport Services has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the biggest bus manufacturer globally to ensure that going forward the company would start assembling buses locally. This new initiative, which will take effect next year, will work to bring jobs and revenue to the nation while hopefully reducing Primero’s operational costs. Primero’s future plans, he said included expanding their number of routes, but noted

L-R: General Manager, Primero Transport Services Limited, Segun Anako; Managing Director, Primero Transport Services Limited, Fola Tinubu; and Director, Primero Transport Services Limited, Francis C. Obi, at the media parley and facility tour which held at Primero Transport Services main depot, Majidun Awori, Ikorodu… recently

that this could only happen with approval from the Lagos State Government. He said, “Primero Transportation Services Ltd. prides itself as socially responsible, in just a few

short years it has impacted people through its various CSR activities, and improved the quality of life for the millions of commuters it has served thus far.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

39

AUTO

Porsche Definitively Enters Electric Era with new Taycan Stories by Bennett Oghifo

S

ix billion euros in investments, 1,200 new employees for the launch of the Taycan alone, the ongoing development of Porsche Production 4.0 and an unparalleled knowledge campaign rolled out throughout the entire company: in firmly committing to electric mobility, the sports car manufacturer is undergoing a process of major change and once again reaffirming its ability to safeguard its future. “We predict that over 50 percent of Porsche models delivered from 2025 will be electrified,” states Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Board responsible for Finance and IT at Porsche. This will involve substantial investments in fields such as development and production, as well as staff training. Despite this, the target profit margin of at least 15 percent remains unchanged. “In addition to efficient processes, the revenue from digital products and services should also increasingly contribute to our economic success,” says Meschke. One example of an efficient approach is the new Taycan production and assembly facilities currently being built as a “factory within a factory” at the main plant in Zuffenhausen. This development signals Porsche’s move away from the traditional principle of an assembly line. Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board responsible for Production and Logistics, explains: “By applying flexi-line production, Porsche will become the first

All new Porsche Taycan vehicle manufacturer to use driverless transport systems in a continuous series production process.” This will enable the sports car brand to combine the advantages of the traditional principle of continuous production with the flexibility of versatile assembly. It will also allow the number of work cycles to be increased using the same amount of space. Following the concept of “smart, green, lean”, Porsche is also pursuing resource-friendly

production. The Taycan production process is carbon neutral, with the future goal in production being to establish a complete zero-impact factory, a factory with no environmental impact. The introduction of the Taycan is generating 1,200 new jobs in Zuffenhausen. “The Taycan is one of biggest creators of jobs in the history of Porsche,” emphasises Andreas Haffner, Member of the Executive Board responsible for HR and

Social Affairs. Not all of these new employees will be producing the Taycan; they will also build two-door sports cars. Porsche’s aim for the Taycan is to create a team with a healthy mix of experienced sports car manufacturers and new staff. This development will also see a large-scale training initiative take place in a specially created production hall built on the training centre premises in Zuffenhausen.

Jaguar Land Rover Invests in World’s Most Advanced Electric Motorcycle

I

nMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund, this week announced its investment in Arc, which has unveiled ‘Vector’ – the world’s first fullyelectric motorcycle with Human Machine Interface (HMI). Arc Vector is the most advanced electric motorcycle ever brought to market, using exotic materials, thoroughbred componentry and cutting-edge architecture, wrapped in a futuristic body, according to a statement by the automaker. The investment from InMotion Ventures, along with Mercia Fund Managers, the Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund which is part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, and a number of industry specialist angels, will support Arc with its global ambition for Vector to be the cleanest, safest, and most fulfilling motorcycle on the road. The Arc team consists of industryleading professionals, coming together to develop and build an all-new experience on two wheels. Mark Truman, Founder & CEO, Arc,

said: “Our aim has always been to bring technology, performance and safety together to create an entirely new twowheeled experience. Vector isn’t just a motorbike; it’s the world’s first fully-electric café racer, it’s an innovative heads-up display helmet and it’s a sensory riding suit – all working in unison to create an experience package like no other. We’re delighted to get the support of InMotion for this exciting launch phase. The team shares our vision and we’re looking forward to working together and creating more ground-breaking products.” Sebastian Peck, Managing Director, InMotion Ventures, said: “Electric vehicles are pivotal for the future of urban mobility, helping people travel through cities quickly and cleanly as possible. We want to make sure that we’re not only changing the way people move but delivering unparalleled outdoor experiences while doing so. With Arc’s technology and vision, the Vector is an incredible development in the next generation of motorcycle travel.”

Vector’, the world’s first fully-electric motorcycle with Human Machine Interface

Noa and Tougher Driver Eyesight Regulations

T

he National OptometricAssociation istheumbrellabodyforeyespecialist. For the last three years the Association has been at the forefront for the call for an overhaul of the driving license architecture with respect to curbing impaired driving. A fortnight ago, I told you of their visit to the leadership of the Federal Road Safety Corps on the eve of the World sight day to re-enforce this same call. The result of that visit was the constitution of a working group to fine-tune these and other issues that hopefully will trigger a further reduction in road traffic crashes in the country. Last week we had a maiden meeting where some of the experience shared reminded me of my experience sometime in 2014, when a friend of mine engaged me in a very interesting discussion on the procedure for obtaining a driver’s license. The discussion was not about him since he already had a driver’s license. The discussion centred on his 16years old son, David. David, like he told me is a sports freak who spends the better part of his time in the gym building up muscles. As a result of this daily routine, he had developed a muscular frame similar to a 25years old. Restless, smart and highly intelligent, David daily antics includes driving his parents’ car to the gym without a valid driver’s license or guide on the ground that he does not need any one babysitting him. This James Bond behavior was driving my friends nuts and really frustrating him .His anxiety was worsened by his inability to

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 navigate through the rule to process a driver license for the energetic young man .David penchant for driving his father’s car without a valid license once resulted in a near miss road traffic crash that but for the mercies of God could have claimed his life. In the course of our discussion, I patiently guided myfriendthroughtheprocess,emphasizingtheneed to do the needful in line with the laid down rules including ensuring that his son undergoes an eye examination to ascertain his sight. The thought of an eye test as a precondition startled my friend who was quick to ask if it is was really necessary for him to undergo the eye examination to be qualified for a driver license. Reluctantly though, my friend agreed anddiligentlytookDavidthroughtheprocess.David has since gotten a driver’s license immediately he clocked 18 and has been doing quite well for his age .I know there are families who have had to carry similar cross. Some get so desperate and willingly lie on oath in other to jerk up their wards age just to procure a driver’s license while others are responsible

enough to follow the process by doing the needful as provided by the law. I do not know if you are among such parents or among those who think that short-circuiting the process by not going for an eye examination is a smart move. For your safety and the safety of others, your need to know that the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, remains our encyclopedia and shouldbeamusthavedocumentfordriversorwould be drivers as it contains all you need to know as a car owner or driver. In Section 57:3,it stipulates that an applicant for a driver’s license shall undergo vision acuity and general medical fitness examination as a prerequisite for obtaining a driver’s license? This examination includes the following; blood pressure assessmentforhypertension,bloodsugarfordiabetes, visual acuity and color blindness, chronic arthritis, e.g. screening for epilepsy and ear defects.You should also know that the acuity and medical fitness can only be carried out in only government hospital? There are other provisions contained in the regulations such as that which stipulates that only a person not below the age of 18years among other criteria can apply for a driver’s license. Such applicant must attend a certified driving school, attend and pass a driving test conducted by the vehicle inspection officer and present himself for biometric capture at the driver’s license center. The rule contains other conditions for an applicant for a commercial driver’s license who must not be below 26years. It was the provision on eye examination that came under scrutiny when we jaw jawed with officials of the Association who believe that curbing impaired

drivinginthecountryinkeepingwiththeCorporate strategy of the Federal Road Safety Corps requires a rejig of the current process for licensing . Whileponderingonsomeoftheissuesraisedbythe group, I again remembered I recently stumbled on a material that has gotten me pondering on certain global developments that are critical to raising the bar on our interventions too. Before I share these developments with you, please allow me to share with you the highpoint of the concerns of the Association which borders on the absence of a national standard and the engagement of professionals for a thorough test among others. But before I ran you through the full details of the concern as captured by the National President of theAssociation, let me take you through the interesting development in the United Kingdom where despite the feat achieved in road traffic crash reduction, there is presently an increasing clamor by stakeholders on the need to review the procedure for driver’s license. Report surfedindicatesthatthereisagroundswellofopinion in favor of a long overdue change; three quarters of its members back ‘long-overdue’ changes to driver eyesight regulations. In a survey of over 2,500, the road safety members under the auspices of GEM MotoringAssist,75percentofrespondentsarerouting for mandatory eye testing for anyone returning to driving. This call is coming on the heels of a court ban or medical revocation – with 71 percent also in favor of requiring a current eye test certificate to be provided atthetimeofrenewingaphotocardlicense.Statistics available at the Driver and vehicle licensingAgency (DVLA) indicates that nearly 50,000 motorists had their license revoked or refused between 2012 and 2016 due to poor vision.

40

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

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

41

42

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 11, 2018

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Vonne Couture Stuns with an All Black Collection at Glitz Africa Fashion Week

NOVEMBER 11, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

43

FASHION FILE

Vonne Couture

N

igerian based Womenswear Label Vonne Couture left everyone stunned with an all black collection at the just concluded Glitz Africa Fashion week in Accra Ghana. The collection certainly brought a vibe to the runway, with the use of mesh, nicely detailed appliques styled with the ‘gele’ head wrap revealing Vonne Couture’s playful yet very edgy aesthetic.

44

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

White Elephants

EBERE WABARA

D

AILY Sun Editorial of November 5 welcomes us today with three blunders: “Recent report (A recent report or recent reports, depending on context) that the NNPC, its subsidiary, the NPDC and some companies‌.â€? “We decry the inability of the oil behemoth and other entities concerned to renege in (on) remitting the revenue to the government.â€? The Business Report lead headline of November 5 fumbled: “How NIMASA can strenghten (sic) professionalism amongst (sic) Nigerian seafarersâ€? A rewrite: How NIMASA can strengthen professionalism among Nigerian seafarers “Emmanuel not interested in white elephant projectsâ€? (South South News Headline, November 5) Just white elephants—no redundant ‘projects The Guardian of July 14 fumbled two ti mes: “The United States has donated a whooping (whopping) N995 billion to the Multinational Joint Task Force to boost military operations against the Boko Haram insurgency, the U.S. government has said.â€? Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: no whooping cough, please “Also, the Presidency has pledged to garner the necessary investments to improve the wheeling capacity of the nation’s transmission infrastructure.â€? Would it have been ‘unnecessary’ investment? Still on THE GUARDIAN under focus: “He said that is (was) why he would come back to salvage the state and rescue it to put it back to realize it’s (its) pride

BY

of place as he left it in 2003 and go even beyond that.â€? “Cash and carry (Cash-and-carry) democracy, bane of Nigeria’s developmentâ€? “Falana supports Soyinka’s objections on (to) Sexual Offences Billâ€? “Train to become a certified child care personnel (official)â€? ‘Personnel’ is a collective noun. “In other jurisdiction (another jurisdiction or other jurisdictions), you don’t just file for the sake of filing, you can’t just take a matter for the sake of taken (taking) it.â€? “We therefore regret any inconveniences this might cause our esteem (esteemed) distributors. This announcement is ordered by Tiens Group—Nigeria.â€? “NDIC boss charges corps members on bank saving (bank-saving) cultureâ€? â€œâ€Śand newly-elected officials swornin (sworn in) at the federal and state levels‌.â€? Phrasal verbs abhor hyphenation. “Oil swap (Oil-swap) contracts: AITEO not front for Jonathan, AlisonMadueke—Spokespersonâ€? Except if the headline caster meant that oil was swapping contracts! “Jigawa council chairmen pledge support to (for) APC govtâ€? “I wish you many more years in good health and prosperity, to further your accomplishments to (in) journalism and humanity (service to humanity, you mean?)â€? “I and my wife, Lady (My wife, Lady‌ and I‌.) Etymological sequence is critical to good writing. “Use of made-in Nigerian (Nigeria) cars by Mr. President will lift auto industryâ€?

“Tribunal will recover Abia stolen mandate, APGA chieftain assuresâ€? Who did the chieftain assure? THE NATION ON SUNDAY of July 29 comes up next with the following errors: “Dangote commissions (inaugurates/ auspicates/launches, et al) $500 million cement plant in Ethiopiaâ€? “Osinbajo to flag off (inaugurate) super highway in Cross Riverâ€? “First and foremost, you must look at the PDP; they mismanaged their victory and haven (having) mismanaged the victory‌.â€? “The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria‌played very prominent roles during the electioneering campaigns that ushered in the new administration.â€? ‘Electioneering’ and ‘campaigns’ cannot co-exist in the same lexical environment as the former encompasses the latter. From THE NATION of July 30 comes the next set of diseased lines: “Ekweremadu: Igbos (Igbo) right to vote for PDPâ€? “On the occasion of your birthday anniversary‌.â€? For the umpteenth time, ‘birthday’ and ‘anniversary’ cannot cofunction. ‘Birthday’ is the anniversary/ commemoration of one’s birth. Take note that the old, grammatical rule that “oneâ€? must be followed by “oneâ€? and its parts –“one, one’s, oneselfâ€?, has changed. The feeling that the repetition of “oneâ€? - - - one’s (e.g. One must do what one can to ensure one’s family a decent standard of living) makes for a stilted style has now led to the permissible shift from “one, one’sâ€? to “he, hisâ€? (e.g. One must do what he can to ensure his family a decent standard of living). In general, a shift in the number or nature of pronouns is undesirable, but

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

this particular shift is established usage. Examples: When one is in power and things go his way in highly competitive elections, his first task is to fight his own mentality. Perhaps one has gone to the university where he has been given the wrong orientation that his degree is an opportunity to reach for the skies just like that. One could be said to hate himself if he lacks self–confidence in his abilities. Every user of the language, particularly every journalist or communicator, must keep abreast of the current changes—the dynamics—in the language. It seems to me that most pen brothers of mine either do not read Wordsworth or they are simply lazy in the head. Now, in whose pool of blood is a person shot or stabbed to death supposed to lie? And how do we know “unknown gunmen�? The import of my intervention with regard to the word “decampment�, published in this column on July 4 appears to have been missed, judging from an undeserved stinging feedback a week later. Granted the word is listed as a noun derived from “decamp� (word not in dispute) in a few dictionaries, it is not a substitute or synonym for “defection� which the concerned writer meant. Longman (Contemporary English), Oxford Advanced Learner’s and Chambers are some standard dictionaries and are not meant for us in the nursery school. The phrase “available to me� was my honest submission. So, it is regrettable that a lofty and highly interactive portal such as Wordsworth is being turned to a platform for hurling abuses and insults at this columnist!

Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœË? ĂžĂ Ă–Ă‹Ă¤Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă– Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Bolaji Falola

A

bout a decade ago, the prospect of Nigerians enjoying world class digital terrestrial television remained an elusive dream as the country trailed behind other developing and developed nations in this area. Memories and experiences of television, outside premium pay TV offerings, were limited to the provision of outdated programming by public and private terrestrial broadcasters which was in turn hindered by sub-par audio-visual quality and production values. In 2011, however, all of that changed in Ibadan, the birthplace of African television, as the nation was put on the right track with the launch of GOtv which also premiered the advanced DVB-T2 digital broadcasting standard. This guaranteed premium grade audiovisual quality and at the same time, showed readiness to lead the country’s march towards digitization. Awhole new vista was opened as the ease of GOtv hardware installation made it an instant hit among subscribers, with the service currently available in over 50 cities in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory. While people like me, who rarely operate anything more complex than the zipper on my trousers, had to call in installers, those with most basic familiarity with technical stuff had no problem installing the hardware, as it required no satellite dish. Agreater part of GOtv’s appeal to customers, however, lies in its impressive channel line-up, programming and of course, affordability.Available to GOtv subscribers are the best of the Spanish and Italian football leagues, La Liga and SerieA, what industry pundits would refer to as big ticket content! In addition, the platform boasts of top-tier local and international channels and programmes available on its sister platform, DStv.Also available are local terrestrial television stations popularly referred to as Free-to-Air (FTA) channels. In line with its desire to be innovative, the platform was also the first DTT service provider to carry audio channels, when it added Wazobia FM and Naija FM to its video channels. GOtv’s operations in Nigeria over the years have been incredibly impactful, with an array of channels broadcasting news, movies (local and foreign), hit television series, children’s entertainment, documentaries, sports and other programming genres; these channels have continued to grow in number as the packages on the GOtv platform have also grown to accommodate new and existing viewers. From a single package in 2011, GOtv now offers four packages namely GOtv MAX, GOtv Plus, GOtv Value and GOtv Lite, with the last offering customers flexible payment plans of N400 monthly, N1, 050 quarterly and N3, 100 yearly. GOtv MAX, the platform’s fattest package with over 65 world class channels, now costs N3, 200 monthly. But beyond affordability, ease of access and use for viewers, what does the seventh year of GOtv’s operations mean for the Nigerian broadcast industry, especially with fast changing TV consumption

GRADUATION: L-R. Onajite Omoru, Mrs Kehinde Omoru, Mr. Chris Erhi Omoru and Ogheneoruese Omoru during the graduation from the Said Business School, University of Oxford, United kingdom...recently habits and the race for a global digital switchover? From a policy standpoint, GOtv’s operations contribute to Nigeria’s digital switchover which in turn substantially buoys the country’s GDP. With a population over 180 million people and a TV penetration of just about 2.5 million digital TV homes, the potential is endless and GOtv continues to serve as template for the effective implementation and deployment of quality, feasible and scalable advancements in DTT provision that meets global broadcast standards whilst spurring local creative, technical and entrepreneurial sectors, industries and economies. The impact of GOtv can also be seen in the celebration and promotion of our local content industry. With three channels devoted to broadcast in the country’s three major languages have come bigger investments in acquisition of local creative content, the result of which has been a spike in the patronage of producers.Along with this has come the exposure to other cultures in the country via the hugely popularAfrica Magic channels. This, I have to say, would have been much slower without a platform aggregating diverse indigenous language content and giving producers an outlet for their craft. The increased demand for local television content certainly has economic implications, which manifest in the ability of content creators to retain personnel, hire more and are encouraged to raise production standards. Content creators are by no means the only category to have been empowered in the seven years GOtv has been with us.

Through a variety of skill impartation and entrepreneurship schemes, GOtv has created thousands of employment opportunities for Nigerians. This, notably, has seen young men and women trained and hired sales canvassers, installers, retailers and maintenance personnel, called GOtv Sabimen, who move from door-to-door to resolve technical issues and customers’ complaints. According to a Deloitte report on MultiChoice’s Economic Impact in Nigeria (2017), there are 2,937 Sabimen while there are also thousands of installers, retailers and tens of dealers. Another major impact of GOtv can be gleaned from its efforts to develop Nigerian boxing through GOtv Boxing Night. The event, which started in 2014, was conceived to rescue the sport from the pit of near-irrelevance it slipped into for about two decades. Now in its third year, GOtv Boxing Night has remade the sport locally and won admirers around the continent, where it is beamed live to audiences in 47 countries. The event has made previously unknown Nigerian boxers local and continental superstars and rekindled domestic interest in the sport. Nigerian boxers currently earn about ten times what they earned pre-2014, with the sweetener of between N1million and N2.5million given to the best boxer at the event. Their rankings by regional, continental and global boxing organizations have similarly taking a leap because they get regular opportunities to fight and build their fight records unlike before when they endured a two to four-year hiatus between fights. The future, from all indications, is pregnant with positive developments, which Nigerians and indeedAfricans are on the lookout for.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

45

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Uche Jombo Thrills Movie Buffs with ‘Heaven on My Mind’ BLARKGOLD I Feel Younger with Sexy Photos of My 40th Birthday pg. 48

One Kiss For Tito Da Fire pg. 50

46

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Uche JomboThrills Movie Buffs with ‘Heaven on My Mind’ From Uche Jombo’s debut movie appearance in ‘Visa to Hell’ in 1999 to her first directorial attempt with Heaven on My Mind, both movies incidentally have ethereal themes, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

I

t’s ‘Heaven on My Mind’, another family movie from Uche Jombo productions in conjunction with Minini Empire Productions, owned by Ini Edo. The collaborative effort by the two Nollywood divas (Uche Jombo Rodriguez and Ini Edo) comes handy in some way that both combined forces to produce a movie, with Mercy Aigbe as the poster girl, playing the role of Mrs. Peters. The film parades a mixed cast of popular Nollywood faces from the English and Yoruba Nollywood genres, including Eric Ogbonna, Adunni Ade, Andrea Chika Chukwu, Ray Emordi, Yvonne Nwosu, and Femi Adebayo. The movie which has just secured a release date, began pre-production in late 2017 and finished filming in March 2018. To Uche Jombo, the movie is really a breath of fresh air when it comes to storytelling, production and casting. The story, production, cast and crew members brought their A-game to the table. It is refreshingly different. On this being her directorial debut, the Mathematician and Statistician turned actress/movie maker said, “I mean we all get to a point in life when you just know that it is time to do something you really enjoy and take it to the next level. “For me, directing this movie is a huge market in my books and I really appreciate everyone who had faith in me. Not only did I get to act with some of the most talented actors in the industry, I also got a chance to bring out the best in them through the lens. It was an amazing experience.” This is the first time the Nollywood actresses would jointly put together material and resources to make a movie as executive directors. Whether the movie meets expectation would be another thing when it finally hits the cinemas pretty soon. From her debut movie appearance in Visa to Hell in 1999 to now her first directorial attempt with Heaven on My Mind, which has been set for release December 2018, both movies incidentally have ethereal themes, hence the religious toga on the latter from different quarters following the trailer release. But the lead producer Uche Jombo had contested it, saying it’s not but a true life story. “I keep hearing this over and over from people saying that the movie is a Christian film and I know why that is. It is because of the title but you only need to see the film to realise that it had nothing on Christianity or any religion. “It is simply a human story. The idea for the movie came from a real life story I heard which was corroborated from another source and we had to invite someone who had similar experience. That was how we developed the story and the script.” The actress with 17 movie productions to her credit has the upcoming movie as her first full feature. As a screenwriter, she has written and cowritten movies, some of which include; The Celebrity, Games Men Play, Girls in

Uche Jombo

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

Investing in Nollywood wasn’t about Making Money

The Hood and A Time to Love. With her very first movie as a producer being a comedy flick titled Nollywood Hustlers back in the days, Jombo went on to produce films such as Holding Hope and Damage, which deals with issues of domestic violence. “I started as a script writer, an actress, producer, a studio owner and I have everything that I need to help anyone that is interested in production.” Uche is noted to have had her fair share of cinema runs with several collaborations with filmmakers like her best friend Desmond Elliot, Emem Isong, and Monalisa Chinda, but not like this one which is her most challenging work. According to Uche, the new partnership movie ‘Heaven on My Mind’, was executively produced by her and Ini Edo: “I initially gave Ini the script to read and act in the film but she loved it after reading the script and she asked to partner with me on it which is probably the best decision I ever made.” She and Ini complimented each other’s strength while working on the project and that made the partnership amazing. The movie is a drama-comedy about relationship, marriage and the good side to polygamy. There have been some other comedy movies as Wives on Strike, Mrs. Somebody among others which she starred in. Available synopsis of the yet to be released movie tells the story of Ben Peters who believes marriage as a business transaction and he is

hard working at it. His wife is sexy, a goal getter, hardworking and intelligent woman who never denies him sex. This will be an amazing love story if he is talking about just one woman. In contradistinction however, the movie somewhat casts a shadow on the two actresses (including the lead actress Mercy Aigbe), who were all at one point or another, beset by marriage storms. Ini whose marriage to Philip Ehiagwina crashed irredeemably in 2014 has moved on. While in 2012, Uche’s marriage to her Puerto Rican beau, Kenney Rodriguez, was rumoured to have ended on alleged infidelity on the part of her husband. Despite believes in the industry that marriage has affected her acting career as she rarely appears in movies regularly as much as she used to, Uche has remained on top despite having other talented ones coming after. This she attributes to passion. “Passion has also driven me to invest back into Nollywood. “That is how much I believe in it. I am sure I am not the only one who is capable of doing that. Investing in Nollywood wasn’t about making money. You can tell by the kind of films I do, which is advocacy based. It was really about the kind of story I write and want to bring out because I prefer to do human stories. If you get to a point, you define why you are here. But if you don’t, you will float. So you as ask why you are in the industry. It will either make or mar you.”

Uche Jumbo and Ini Edo

47

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

48

SHOWBIZFLAIR BLARKGOLD

I Feel Younger with Sexy Photos of My 40th Birthday Becky Adediwura, fondly called Blarkgold, is one actress who has carved a niche for herself in the ever booming movie industry. With over 10 years experience as an actor, she has proven herself worthy and has further diversified into other sectors of Nollywood. Blarkgold recounts to Tosin Clegg her difficult childhood, and how the movie ‘Lizard’ shot her to fame Adediwura is an outspoken woman dediwura is a young talented, outspoken woman in her early forties. A mother, an actor, founder of an NGO and a graduate of English. On set, I am a very calm person, though I mingle but not too much. I try to bury myself in whatever character I play, get my lines and deliver. Offset, I am the playful and troublesome Wura. I love having fun and creating happiness within my circle so I party a lot, but at the same time, I am a homely girl. Sometimes, I stay indoors for a week (ask my friends) but if I decide to have fun nothing can stop me.

A

Growing up was interesting and difficult That was because at some point, reality sets in, my parents went their separate ways, things became tough but we scaled through. Academically, I am sound but the financial aspect made it slow and worse. I left secondary school in 1996, had to hustle for seven years to gather some money before I could go to university and I got admission in 2003/2004 into LASU. My family is simply the best despite the storm; we wax stronger in love and unity. We fought through and we conquered. When I was a child, my dream was to become a musical artiste or a dancer, and nothing more; just because I love entertainment. Recognition came when I shot the movie Lizard, ‘Alangba’ Although society reckoned with me it wasn’t as real and cordial as it became after I shot Lizard. Then, reality sets in. My brain functions non-stop, fame is sweet so I craved for more. I ponder day and night on what next to do and how to carve a niche for myself. My journey into movies started in 2008 That was when I met a marketer of Tenifab Motion Pictures, the Late Abdul Fatai Teniola. I met him at my sister’s office off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. I was singing when he walked in to patronise my sister. He listened to me and beckoned to me. He acknowledged how sweet my voice is and told me ‘I am a Marketer and a Producer. Presently, I am working on a movie script that has to do with music’ and he popped the question ‘would you love to act’. I responded ‘yes’ with a wide smile because it was a great opportunity for me. I went to his office for an audition and I got the lead character. That was the first movie I featured in- ‘Afiwo’. Late Teniola gave me the platform I am building on today. May his soul rest in peace! Haven’t encountered any challenging movie yet And that’s because I have a passion for what I do, so nothing is challenging. I will always strive to put in my best no matter how odd it may seem. I have featured in a couple of great movies I have lost count of the number of films I

have featured in, but in 2008-2010, the first set of people I acted with were Adeolu Funso, Faithia Williams, Yomi Fash Laso, Jumoke George, Jaiye Kuti, Aina Gold, Femi Adebayo, Ronke Oshodi Oke and Muyiwa Ademola. Others till date are, Antar Laniyan, Clarion Chukwura, Iyabo Ojo, Bolanle Ninalowo, Madam Saje, Segun Abiola Williams, Odun Adekola, ToyinAbraham, Bimbo Oshin, Dayo Amusa, Yinka Quadri, Ibrahim Chatta and more. My first production was ‘Ikoko’ And that was followed by Lizard ‘Alangba’ after which I wrote and coordinated a story called ‘Eedu’ then I became a Brand Ambassador to Play TV and I produced an English movie for them titled, Deep Heat. This year, I have had two productions. ‘Bile Oronro’ came out about a month ago. The second production was the 40th Birthday; we are presently on post-production. It will come out hopefully before the end of the year. I released all my movies on my production company, Blarkgold Signatures; anything that comes through me on entertainment falls under Blarkgold Signatures. Well, Blarkgold was coined out of who Adediwura is. I took the Black from my complexion and the Gold is simply the English translation of my name Wura. I simply set myself as my trademark! I Started my NGO in 2015 I needed to give back to the society and I thought of blessing little children out of the little I have. Then, I took some kids to Playzone at Maryland and the following year to Apapa Amusement Park after a while I took my friends and we all went to Destitute Home at Ebutte Metta to support the kids there. I came up with Giving Is Fun Initiative in the same year and diverted to helping widows due to what my mum had been through being a widow. I have seen the agony of a dying widow, have watched my mum toil day and night just for us to survive. My mum sold everything she had to put us through school. She did terrible odd jobs so we could make ends meet. Giving Is Fun Initiative supports a lot of things It is a registered NGO to create employment opportunities for widows through skills acquisition training and seminars. To empower widows to be self-accountable and self-reliant thereby extricate themselves from poverty. To provide physical and financial assistance to widows in need and also to provide material gift and relief to those in need.

Blarkgold

on widows we’ve watched so far. About my new projects Widow’s Story is going to be a film documentary based on true life story about some of the widows Giving Is Fun Initiative has encountered during our survey and those we’ve empowered. They want to share their pains and gains with the people out there and also to encourage other widows not to lose hope. Another project is going to be a full movie titled Eclipse ‘Osan Doru’. This storyline is based on two particular widows and it will be different from the normal movies

I have an empowerment programme coming up The 7th edition of Giving Is Fun Initiative is coming up this month, November 25th at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, at 10a.m. prompt. The actors coming on board as hosts are Iyabo Ojo, Toyin Abraham, Bimbo Oshin, Empress Njamah, Ibironke Ojo Anthony, Fausat Balogun, Labi Olayori, Tayo Amokeade, popularly known as Ijebu, Femi Adebayo and Funsho Adeolu. We are

supporting 500 widows and empowering 40 with items like Grinders, Camp Gas with pots, Cash Relief and Sewing Machine. There will be dancing competition, Gele competition and a lot to eat and drink. What inspired my 40th sexy photos I only wanted to make myself feel younger and show the world that I am still sexy despite my age. I keep my body in shape by not stressing myself, Simple! I relax by watching movies. I hang out and gist with friends then I surf the net.

49

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

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

SHOWBIZFLAIR

MY STORY

Gists FLORENCE OKONKWO SHINES AT MAFAA Magic Lens Africa Film Academy Awards (MAFAA) honoured United Kingdombased movie producer and actress, Florence Okonkwo, popularly known as the queen of red carpet and others at this year’s edition of the prestigious award ceremony held in Abuja, recently. The CEO of MAFAA, Charles Awurum explained that “Florence Okonkwo is one of the few Africans in the United Kingdom making sure that the movie industry in Africa survives and grows to meet up with the standard of the western world. Consequently, Magic Lens Africa Film Academy Awards (MAFAA) honoured her, among other celebrities in Africa, for supporting Nollywood.” Speaking on her award, Okonkwo said: “I am elated for all the grace God has bestowed on me for adding more feathers to my cap at MAFAA. I appreciate all my fans, family and friends for supporting and recognising my hard work and commitment in the movie industry. My warm gratitude to the organisers of this awards, especially MAFAA for appreciating my efforts in repositioning Nollywood to the

TONI TIJANI

I Like Making Pieces That Aren’t Cliché Toni Tijani isn’t just an average designer. She blazes excellence, creativity, top notch, poise and creates truly Nigerian pieces. Ever since her inception into the fashion world, she has proven herself worthwhile. She tells Tosin Clegg about her first fashion show and her brand

world, as well as encouraging movie production in Africa.” Celebrities present at the show included Kanayo O Kanayo, Vitalis Ndubuisi, Florence Okonkwo, Kate Osamor, John Okafor, Francis Duru, Stan K Amadi, Linc Edochie, Agility Onwurah, AGN President, Emeka Rollas, Nazareth Jesse, among others.

STARDOM REALITY SHOW FOR BUDDING VOCALISTS, SONGWRITERS Musical maestros, Cobhams Asuquo, Ego, and Rotimi Keys are in on a unique reality show called Stardom Nigeria that is set to produce talented vocalists, songwriters, and producers who will smile home with $30,000 each. The winners will also produce a hit single with top-selling music artiste, said the Executive Producer, Stardom Nigeria, Jennifer Okeakwa, at a press conference attended by the three judges, Cobhams Asuquo, Ego, and Rotimi Keys, at Westown Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, recently.

According to Jennifer, “Stardom Nigeria reality TV show is a platform that primarily seeks to unearth unpolished gems with the potential to contribute a new sound and fresh take from the usual musicianship, business and showmanship that music is all about.” The executive director, who was flanked by the Producer, Mr. Ware Zupkumor, and two other collaborators, Charles Osagie and Damola Adewole, said, “The show is more focused on finding people that are musicians at heart but are looking

for a platform that not only wants to propel them but also accepts their diversity in style and sound.” She added that this ranged from folk music like Apala to classically trained singers, self-taught producers and naturally endowed lyrists. Specifically, “the platform brings together music enthusiasts from three categories – Vocalists, Songwriters and Producers.” She said auditioning would take place this month in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Jos, Calabar and Kaduna.

YANNICK PHILIPPE: WHY SOCIAL MEDIA COMEDIANS ARE BAGGING BIG DEALS It’s no longer news that comedians who rose to fame with the emergence of social media are speedily giving mainstream comedians a run for their money. For multi-talented, actor, rapper and comedian, Philippe Yannick Iwuegbu, better known with the stage name, Yannick Philippe, it now pays more to be a popular social media comedian and influencer. “As one who doubles as a content creator, I am proud to say Nigerian comedy has taken over the industry

in Africa. These days, those of us that do comedy on social media, are speedily taking over the mic from the stand-up comedians we grew up watching on TV.” Yannick encouraged all hands to be on deck to move this new found industry higher, especially brands who are out to reach their youthful target audience. On his style of comedy, the Imo State-born act said: “I am not the type that dresses up in my mother’s

gown or fights to win a huge audience, but I am an actor/performer that creates very good contents, as well as trying to position myself ahead of my peers with a unique unusual performance via my Instagram page. I have a very fast growing Instagram account. I also hope to reach up to a hundred thousand in a short run. For now, I just want to prove myself as a sensation this year and also work to collaborate with brands that are willing to work with me,’’ he said.

H

ow did the journey begin?

I’ve always been a creative child. I always had to keep my hands busy. I’ve always known how to draw and sketch but I took the bold step to learn how to sew right after High School because my mom’s tailor did not sew exactly what I pitched to her in my drawing for my cocktail dress. So in 2013, I learnt how to sew from a tailor. I would describe myself as a Fashion Designer, Tailor, Stylist and a Draper. The name of my brand is Toni Tijani, which I named after myself.

Successes and challenges so far? In 2016, I took part in my first fashion show ‘The Genesis Fashion Show’ and I was the third best designer at the show. In 2017, I won a campus heat award for Entrepreneur of the Year. And by the Grace of God, there’ll be more wins. There have been a lot of challenges along the line in terms of the brand.

What’s exceptional about your brand?

DESIGNER, MODHAN SHOWCASES IN HOUSTON Last September, the Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week, took place at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, with over 30 emerging fashion designers who came from different states in Nigeria to showcase their most recent fashion collection to a large community of fashion lovers. Guest judges; Adebayo Oke Lawal, Akin Faminu, Dipo Ayoadeusi, Sharon Ojong, Jane Michael Ekanem, Maryannee Alabi and Chidera Muoka eventually selected Olakanye Modupe,

the creative director of Modhan as the Women’s wear designer of the year. They were very impressed with the way she was able to use crochets to make beautiful pieces which made her collection stand out. As a prize winner of NSFDW, Modhan was sponsored to showcase during the African Fashion Week in Houston, United States, an event that highlights the essence of African culture and aesthetics on the runway through a series

of fashion shows, events, educational seminars, industry-focused workshops and special campaigns. Modhan’s showcase was the highlight of the African Fashion Week in Houston as the audience had never seen anything close to what this young designer displayed. Her pieces were all unique, beautiful and carefully finished. It was gathered that Houston’s notable fashion influencer Phylicia Alvarez has indicated an interest in working closely with this young designer.

I like to make pieces that aren’t cliché. Not only do I think outside the box when making a piece, I create my own box. Making a piece for me isn’t just simply making a piece; I’m making an artwork, a masterpiece. I dropped a collection in October titled ‘Réchauffé’; Réchauffé is a French term which means reheating old dishes to make new dishes. The old dishes fused together in this collection included Aso Oke and Coats. The fuse of both is what made it a masterpiece.

Who are your role models? I loveAdebayo Okelawal, that’s my crush in the fashion industry, his pieces make me want to cry tears of joy because they are artworks (the Orange nerd of Orange culture) and I admire Mai Atafo, Lisa Folawiyo and Sisiano.

Where do you see yourself in a few years from now? I see my brand making red carpet dresses, getting the recognition it truly deserves. Also being successful not only at home but also abroad.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t NOVEMBER 10, 2018

50

SHOWBIZFLAIR

One Kiss For Tito Da Fire After a long spell away from music, singer and songwriter, Jedidiah Uduak Peters, whose stage name is Tito Da Fire, returns to the game with a new body of work titled ‘One Kiss’. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

Tito Da Fire

A

fter many years of music break, Nigerian pop music rave of the early 2000s, Tito Da Fire, rekindles his music career with a new single late last year titled ‘One Kiss’. The impressive reception that followed his music come back has now inspired a new album which was presented at the periodic Meets Media session in Lagos. The event had strong industry names like Rugged Man and Sound Sultan who were his musical influences in attendance to support the comeback artiste. “I think my major regret is the fact that I took a break, like a long break!” he said emphatically. “In music taking breaks is not good for the health. Like why are you taking break…it’s like you are breathing why are you stopping breathing? You know that’s why I’m trying to make up for the lost time with a body of work. Some were saying ‘wait till next year to drop the album’, but I’m like there can’t be a better time than now. For now I know for certain we can talk about now, we don’t know what exactly tomorrow will be.” The 17-track album with a fusion of afropop, R ‘n’ B and reggae, Tito Da Fire in some of the tracks collaborated with some notable music acts in the country like 9ice. Real name Jedidiah Uduak Peters, the singer whose song was a radio toast back in the days, recounts his journey into music: “When I was coming up, I had to study a whole lot of people; I studied Rugged Man right here. Rugged Man at the point in time had the most collabos you can ever find (I think he still holds that record) by any Nigerian artiste. I studied Sound Sultan because he was spiritual; like he tells what’s happening around. I studied even Chantaman; he did a verse and I was wondering how much time he must

have taken to put that together. And if you talk about the dedication, the hard work, I think everybody should learn something from Olamide, from Davido, from every musician that’s releasing hits back to back.” The singer and songwriter further shared his experience while working on the album One Kiss. “When I started recording this album, there was a time I was in the studio consistently for almost like a month, I couldn’t do anything social. I was like ‘God, is this what this guys are doing . . . you know.’” The artiste describes his sound as Ganta music. The new album features contributions from Jamaican dancehall star, Beenie Man and production credit from American beat maker Mantra who has worked with Rihanna and Future. “In terms of consistency, I have learnt from Tubaba (Innocent Idibia), and other great artistes who have proved their mettle in the entertainment industry, paved way

for others and continued to remain relevant,” he added. On what makes him unique as an artiste, he said, “I’m an Afrocentric musician who loves to tell stories about myself and the environment. Social relevance is very essential in my music. I am not afraid of competition because I believe there is a big playing field for everyone. If you have your own unique sound, there is a place for you. I believe music is something that will outlive you. I had to divorce myself from everybody’s sound and do me.” His earlier releases include Majekaja (which could be referred to as one of the early original Nigerian pop songs), and Seun Rere, and of recent, Imagination, Pop Tins and others. “Five years from now, I see myself doing good music, more collaboration, more albums and Ganta Sounds recognised. I also see myself being the best I can be in my musical career,” he enthused.

Born in Ganta, Nimba County, Liberia, Tito Da Fire spent most of his childhood in Tappita with his parents. The family relocated to Nigeria in 1990 during the Liberian Civil War and spent one year in Yaba, Lagos where the young lad took interest in Nigerian and foreign music. During this period, Tito with his brother, Mickey, recorded several demos and continued to perform at gigs in Sango-Ota High School, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, when their parents relocated from Lagos to Ogun State. Later in 1997, he met with Daniel Wilson a Reggae/Dancehall icon who tutored Tito Da Fire and his brother Michael “Mickey” in songwriting and singing. Tito Da Fire and Mickey formed the band Gent2men in 2002 with their first single “Seun ReRe (Its going be alright)” becoming a chart-topper across Nigeria. He was the official male “Voice” for Fanta rasta radio commercials used between 1999 and 2002. He was also the official Close-up Toothpaste “voice” during same period. Gent2Men released two highly successful singles namely; Seun Rere and Their follow up single “Majekaja” (a Yoruba word meaning “Don’t let us fight”) which was an afro-fusion song and later album title. It became a national anthem of some sorts and earned them spots on numerous charts, MTN Top Ten Chart, it also was in the Top 10 spot of the 100 most-played songs in Nigeria on Ray Power 100.5Fm and Rhythm 93.7Fm’s year-end countdown, and on other stations’ top rotation. Tito Da Fire also became a favourite TV personality for anchoring of multiple awards nominated nationally syndicated (2002-2003) Star World Chart Hits (Star Music), a TV musical show where Tito interviewed Usher and Shaggy on their respective visits to Nigeria. Gent2Men split in 2007, and Tito went solo.

51

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚΀

NEWSXTRA Biafra Newspaper Distributors,Vendors Scamper as DSS Raid Newsstands in Delta Omon-Julius Onabu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹

TO ACQUIRE SKILLS... L-R: Triathlon Coach, Comfort Nwankwo; Deputy General Secretary, Nigerian Triathlon Union, Nkechi Ofonedu; and Triathlon Coach, Barakumo Loyal, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, on their way to international coaching course in Korea, organised by the International Triathlon Union

Political Elites Cut Demand for First Class Tickets Chika Amanze Nwachuku

The Nigerian aviation sector is still grappling with the effect of the 2015/2016 economic recession as only two foreign airlines - Emirates and British Airways currently have first class cabins in Nigeria. The two Nigeria’s high-capacity airlines were choice airlines for Nigerian elite, who drained government coffers with their lavish spending. But these politicians who hitherto enjoyed luxury air travel are currently having their first class wings trimmed owing to the current economic situation and anti-corruption stance of the present administration. Owing to poor patronage, the demand for First-Class tickets had dropped, prompting the airlines to reduce their first class seats. Bookings on first class cabins fell sharply during the 2008 financial crisis. However, demand is slowly picking up and most carriers are

gradually revamping their first class cabins, according to a recent report by Financial Derivatives Company (FDC). In the October edition of its monthly economic review presented at the Lagos Business School (LBS), the FDC noted that Singapore Airlines is offering first class suites (instead of 12 on older planes), Lufthansa has reduced first class seats on its 777 aircraft to 4 (from 8). The Managing Director of FDC, Bismark Rewane, in the presentation, noted that low demand for First-Class travel tickets by the Nigerian political class was due to the anti-corruption war of present Muhammadu Buhari administration and less money in circulation due to the lingering impact of 2015/2016 recession. Prior to the recession, British Airways was making the highest earnings from the Nigerian air transport market as it remained the premium airline, making its

highest revenue from its first class cabin particularly in its Lagos and Abuja operations. With about 70 first class and business class seats, British Airways was making in one flight what airline like Ethiopian Airlines was making in two flights to Nigeria. The FDC also noted that Nigeria’s passenger traffic, put at 7.5m is lagging behind passenger traffic in other countries like the USA (104m), China (96m) and Dubai (88m). The economic recession had resulted in the drop in 2017 passenger traffic as international airlines were cutting down frequencies into Nigeria as a result of the economic downturn and the high exchange rate. Top carriers including Air France, British Airways, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic were adversely affected by currency restrictions introduced in the wake of the economic crisis. Rewane also noted in the

presentation that premium-class passengers accounted for 5.2% of total O-D traffic between Jan-July. In the domestic arena, he noted that Air Peace “is currently overstretched in operations�, affecting its on-time performance, while Arik is rationalising its infrastructure and operations Bristow now has two aircraft in operation leading to scheduling issues and reduction of its flights to two per day. He put passenger growth rate in Nigeria at 5.19%. In his year end outlook, he predicted that headline inflation will inch up to 11.35%, while the Monetary Policy Committee will increase interest rates by 50bps to 14.5%. Similarly, he said GDP growth for the third quarter will rise to 2.0% on stronger oil production, which is currently put at 1.8mbpd. Rewane also said the external reserves will fall below $40bn in November, while the stock market will decline further 4%-5%.

Newspaper distributors and vendors in Asaba, the Delta State capital, on Friday had a hectic time as men of the Department of Security Service (DSS) swooped on them, raiding the various newsstands in the metropolis allegedly in search of so-called Biafra press materials. Nigerian authorities are believed to be uneasy about the growing number of newspapers, magazines and newsletters with Biafran symbols and masthead hence the clampdown on their outlets and agents. About six months ago, personnel of the special security agency carried out a similar operation in parts of the state and forced many newspaper vendors to abandon sale of newspapers for the day. Over 1,000 copies of different newspapers, including ‘Biafra Times’, ‘Biafra Republic’, ‘Biafra Rising Sun’, ‘Biafra Voice’, ‘Biafra Journal’ and ‘Biafra Trust’ were confiscated. Armed to the teeth, the security operatives scared the crowds of ‘’free-readers of newspapers’’ along Nnebisi Road as they swooped on the newsstands, claiming that they were acting on directives from

‘above’ to carry out the operation. A vendor at the popular DENCO Spot near the newspapers distribution centre at Ibusa Junction (names withheld) in Asaba was forced to surrender at gun point as he made to flee at the sight of the fierce-looking security operatives. Distributors and vendors along Summit Road, Okpanam Road,Anwai Road, West-End Road, Traffic-Light Roundabout, Abraka and Cable-Point were not spared the ordeal following raid. The target of the raid later counted their losses, with a newspaper distributor lamenting that the fear created by the raid scared off the vendors leading to a sharp drop in her sales from about N45,000 daily to just N11,000 on Friday. ‘’They were on a dangerous mission; they came with rifles of different shapes and in their usual black-on-black uniforms,’’ she said. ‘’I wanted to run but one of them aimed his gun at my leg. At this, I stopped. ‘’They ransacked my newspapers stand and collected all those that have Biafra as their mastheads.� Passersby who watched the scary drama decried the raid as another form of intimidation and harassment of the general public, describing it as “repression of freedom of information.�

I Will Sustain Lake Chad Recharge Campaign to Developed Countries, Insists Buhari Omololu Ogunmade Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, in Abuja, said his administration would continue to champion the campaign for the revival of the Lake Chad and exert more commitment from the developed countries to do the needful. The president, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, made the remarks during a courtesy call on him by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).  Adesina said Buhari who was also invested as the Patron of NCF, said it was regrettable that the issue of the receding Lake Chad had not been addressed till recent times. He quoted him as saying, ‘‘The problem of climate change is real. The desert encroachment

is aggravating it. The population explosion in Nigeria is another big challenge. ‘‘The drying up of Lake Chad is a serious thing for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin countries. Nigeria is much more affected because fishing, animal husbandry and farming are affected very seriously. ‘‘We are trying to prick the conscience of the developed countries that have the resources and the technology to quickly execute the interbasin transfer from Congo Basin to Chad Basin.� According to the statement, Buhari welcomed the advocacy by NCF on the need to protect endangered plants and animals in the country and directed the Federal Ministry of Environment to reflect this in its budgetary requirements in the next fiscal year.

Victor Ogunje Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ ÕÓÞÓ

Africa Agribusiness to Hit US$1 Trillion by 2030 to be strict on its conduct of

In the quests to curtail carnage on Nigerian roads by preventing road users from driving with defective eyesight, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) would soon begin conduct eye test on drivers to make the ember months free of accidents. The Corps said the step became imperative owing  to 1,602 deaths recorded on highways from 2,805 accidents between September and December 2017 across the country, describing the scenario as too devastating to be overlooked. Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Friday during the 2018 ember months campaign tagged: ‘Safe Driving , Saves Lives’, the Corps Marshall, Boboye Oyeyemi, said the FRSC would no longer tolerate unwarranted killings of innocent Nigerians owing to recklessness on the part of some road users. He said the Corps was going

vision acuity tests to make sure all drivers on roads don’t have defective eyesight, calling on other traffic agencies to collaborate with FRSC to achieve the task. “The ember months is a period of festivity many people erroneously believe that evil forces on the roads are responsible for road crashes and fatalities. “Whereas, it is the struggle on the part of most people to travel to meet their loved ones, more trips on the part of commercial drivers to make more money in preparation for the yuletide without adequate rest that are responsible for the road mishap “The Corps is going to be strict on its conduct of vision acuity tests to make sure all drivers on the roads do not have defective eyesight, and responsibility equally falls on the other traffic agencies to collaborative with FRSC to achieve this task.

First African-made Smartphon Debutes FRSC Orders Eye Test for Motorists Charles Ajunwa

African high-tech player Mara on Friday announced the production of their newest product the Maraphone – the first madein-Africa, full-scale smartphone, soon to be manufactured in plants across Africa. Founder of Mara Group, Ashish Thakkar who disclosed this during a press conference at the Africa Investment Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, said: “China has Huawei, Xiaomi; the U.S. has iPhone and finally Africa has Maraphone.� “This project will show the potential and ability that Africa can produce high quality and affordable smartphones in Africa, by Africans, for Africans and for the rest of the world. We are extremely grateful for the African Development Bank’s push in this sector which greatly encouraged our progress,� Thakkar said.

The Maraphone phone, a first-of-its-kind in the history of Africa, will produce high quality and affordable smartphones to primarily serve the population of Africa and also with the aim to export to other continents such as Europe. “This is going to be totally transformative and create thousands of direct jobs,� Thakkar said. While global manufacture of phones is on the rise and expected to hit a billion in the next few years, none of them are produced on the continent, Thakkar said. The initial target market for the phones would be first-time African smart phone users, while the first manufacturing plants are to be located in Rwanda and South Africa. Thakkar commended the African Development Bank for its push to support industrialisation of Africa through its High 5’s strategy under which the Maraphone had received support.

Charles Ajunwa

Africa’s agribusiness sector has been projected to hit US$1 trillion by 2030 with its vast agricultural potential. This was arrived at in the just concluded Africa Investment Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, where leaders of the continent’s top agribusiness companies shared their thoughts on the future of the industry. They were also of the view that Agribusiness would become the “new oil� on the African continent. “Agriculture is a key priority for the African Development Bank, through our Feed Africa strategy,� said Jennifer Blanke, the African Development Bank Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development. “Understand that by transforming Africa’s agriculture sector it will become the engine that drives Africa’s economic transformation

through increased income, better jobs higher on the value chain, improved nutrition, and so on,� she said in her opening remarks at an Africa Investment Forum session titled, Agribusiness: Investment Conversation with Industry Leaders. Some agribusiness leaders said there was a need to invest US$45 billion per year to harness the power of agriculture and move up the value chain to create jobs and wealth. At present, only US$7 billion is invested in the sector. Investments from the private sector, leaders said, would create an adequate environment and enhance the emergence of locally owned agro-processing industries, capable of creating jobs and increasing incomes in rural Africa. The continent could become a net exporter of agricultural commodities, replacing US$110 billion worth of imports, as well as doubling its share of market value for select processed commodities.

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚΀

NEWSXTRA

We’re Solidly Behind You, S’East PDP Youth Tell Ekweremmadu Benjamin Nworie Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ‹Ă•Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă“

LUCKY WINNER... L-R: Founder, Luxury fashion store ALà RA,Reni Folawiyo and Faith Oluwajimi, creative director of BLOKE and winner of the first edition of The Emerge ALà RA 2018...recently

We Are Returning Nigeria to Good Old Days of Textile Industry Omololu Ogunmade Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, in Abuja, pledged the commitment of his administration to restore the ‘good old days’ when the cotton and textile industry employed hundreds of thousands of Nigerians. The president, according to his media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, made the pledge while receiving the Chief Executive Officer of Vlisco Group, David Suddens, at the Presidential Villa. He also said Buhari welcomed the proposed investment of $200 million by the company in Nigeria, which, he said in turn, would create 700,000 jobs.   Adesina quoted Buhari as saying, “I am very much aware of your company’s effort especially your investments in the textile industry,

and it is one area that we are trying to develop because it will create employment and boost agriculture. ‘’To get cotton to grow again in the country is like going back to the good old days when the textile industry used to employ more than hundreds of thousands of people. ‘’I am very excited about the prospects of reviving the industry because it will keep farmers busy, create employment which brings more security, help the economy, transfer of technology and of course we have a large market to absorb the products.� Adesina also said the president reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to forging a stronger economic partnership with the Netherlands, assuring the Dutch investor that the Nigerian authorities would continue to do the utmost to keep

Group Mobilises Anambra Youths for Atiku/Obi Ticket As the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Peter Obi continue to gather support across the country, a campaign support group, the Dubem Onyia Youth(DUYA) for Atiku, says it was ready to mobilise Anambra State youths to ensure their victory in the 2019 general election. As a strategic vanguard of Atiku/Obi presidential ticket, DOYA is primarily focused on taking the message to the youths in all the nooks and crannies of the state through voters’ education advocacy programmes. According to the Coordinator of the group, Enyi Onyekachukwu Samuel, also known as Katchy Samwealth, while speaking Awka, the objective of DOYA was to sensitise the youths at the grassroots, especially those who cannot read or write and those in the higher education campuses in the state, on the Atiku/Obi ticket. “DOYA has a stronghold in Anambra and believes in the joint Presidential candidate of PDP, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former

governor of the state, Peter Obi; as it represents what Nigeria needs to rescue the country from the current economic, political and security crisis. The Atiku/Obi president in 2019 will bring fresh new perspective not only to governance but with the youths as the main trust. “Every young person in Anambra State should know what the Atiku/Obi means for the future of the great nation. Our confidence is in the joint ticket. They are the best at this point in our national life. DOYA has a resolve to support PDP to succeed,â€? said Samwealth. He further explained that DOYA, a brainchild of a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, was committed endearing the Atiku/Obi ticket in the minds of the people and working to raise an army of youth voters in Anambra State to ensure victory for the PDP candidates in the coming election. He said that functional structures would be established across the state with plans to elect Executive members of the body in the coming weeks. Â

smugglers at bay at borders. Furthermore, he said Suddens in his remarks, told the president that the 172-year-old company had planned to use cotton grown in Nigeria for production. ‘’I want a new strategy that brings Vlisco manufacturing to Nigeria. I want to change the supply chain from Asia to Nigeria. ‘’For the total supply chain for cotton, textile and garment industry from weaving, spinning, printing to retail, we want to use Nigeria cotton and we have already started to encourage the creative industries in the country to find a voice and give them a platform across the world. ‘’I am convinced that it is time for the textile industry to move from Asia to Africa, ‘’ he quoted Suddens as saying. In the same vein, the statement

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as AMUSA MUYIDEEN NIYI, now wish to be known and addressed as AMUSA MUYIDEEN NURU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I formerly known and addressed as MISS RUKAYAT BELLO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKPUKPARA RUKAYAT, CHINYERE PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MOSES OKE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKE MOSES AJAO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ENEYI OGOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ENEYI OGOLA EDENBO. All documents remain valid. Nursing & midfery Council of Nigeria, Abuja & Bayelsa state chapter, the general public to take note. I, formerly known and addressed as ILESANMI MABEL OLUWABUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADENIRAN MABEL ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid. University of Calabar, Calabar, GTBank and the general public should please take note.

said the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, Robert Petri, told Buhari that the company’s visit was a follow-up to his successful visit to the Netherlands in July, during which he met with Chief Executive Officers of Dutch companies.

The South East Youth Wing of the Peoples Democractic Party have strongly condemned the alleged assassination attempt on the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremmadu, his wife and son, describing it as an attempted to silence leaders of the Igbo race. Briefing newsmen after an emergency meeting of the states PDP Youth Leaders of the zone in Enugu, the South East PDP Youth Leader, Comrade Chidiebere Egwu said it was unacceptable the purported police report which attributed the invasion to burglary, lamenting that the Deputy Senate President had been victim of similar incidence since he emerged as the Deputy Senate President. The Youths warned that if the President Muhammadu Buhari did not take practical steps to uncover the sinister motives behind the attack, they would assume that the assassins were sponsored by the federal government. The Youth Leader urged the police and other security agencies to launch full scale investigation on the incident to avoid future occurrence, lamenting that it was worrisome how all

the security operatives attached to residence of the Deputy Senate President were not on ground at the time of the incident. Egwu said: “We, the South East PDP Youth wing unequivocally condemn in very strong terms the despicable, barbaric and cowardly assassination attempt on the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremmadu, his wife and son by unscrupulous elements and their desperate sponsors. “We therefore reject the purported police report which attributed the invasion to mere burglary. The attempt was a continuous political plot to silence Senate Ike Ekweremmadu since he emerged as Deputy Senate President. “We further state without mincing words that the South East PDP Youths will not take it likely with the APC led government of Nigeria should our appeal to problem the assassination attempt with levity as we would assume that the assassins were sponsored the federal government�. The Youths however raised the alarm to the International Community on the growing political tension in Nigeria, appealing that they should monitor political activities in the country ahead of the 2019 general election.

NOVEMBER 10, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

53

SPORTSXTRA

Esperance of Tunisia posing with the CAF Champions League after defeating Al Ahly of Egypt on 4-3 aggregate

Super Falcons training in Abijan

NFF Denies Abandoning Super Falcons Esperance Lift Third CAF Against the general view that Nigeria’s representative to Africa Women’s Cup of Nations holding in Ghana, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) secretary-general, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi has declared emphatically that the soccer governing body didn’t abandon the female national team Super Falcons ahead of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. With a ripple of critical comments still trailing the Falcons’ trip to Sol Beni in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire for the last phase of their

training ahead of the championship in Ghana, Sanusi stressed that the NFF is solidly behind the squad and working to make the players happy. Nigerian fans and media were aghast when the Falcons’ players had to travel out to Abidjan in multi-coloured personal apparels, instead of a uniformed kit but Sanusi insists there is no cause for alarm. The NFF scribe told footballlive.ng that there is no cause for alarm, but admitted that the team’s official kits had been

delayed at the port. “It is not true to say the Falcons have been abandoned. The quality they had at their camp in Epe showed that they are getting the best. “It is only that their kit was delayed at the port, but they will get the required material in Abidjan before leaving to Ghana for the 2018 AWCON starting next weekend,” Sanusi promised. However, Sanusi assurance came at a point one of the Falcons’ dropped players confirmed

that the team actually lacked adequate materials during their camping phase in Epe, Lagos State. The player, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged: “The only good thing about the camp was the feeding and the pitch. “The conditions under which we trained were bad. We had no kits for training. We wore what we had and some had to share. “The balls were not enough at a point but we endured all that for the success of the team.”

2019 AFCON Qualifier:

Omeruo Optimistic of Eagles Victory over Bafana Bafana Leganes of Spain defender, Kenneth Omeruo has assured Nigerian soccer fans that he and his colleagues in the Super Eagles will secure victory against South Africa next weekend. Although the Eagles will be away at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg in the Africa Cup of Nations decisive qualifier, Omeruo who is upbeat for maximum points added that they know

how to handle Bafana Bafana. The dark-skinned stopper, who is on loan at Leganes from Chelsea of England, said the Eagles’ technical crew led by Franco-German boss, Gernot Rohr, has given them enough clues of how to beat their hosts. Omeruo recounted how South Africa gave Rohr his first defeat as Eagles’ coach, while also notching their first ever victory against Nigeria during

the first leg in Uyo, but stressed that the story will be different next Saturday, November 17. Charting a course into the match at Soccer City, Omeruo stressed that the Eagles will win in Johannesburg to reclaim pride after losing the first leg 2-0 at home in June last year. Omeruo declared: “The game against South Africa is a very important one because it’s a game we have to win, not just

for our pride, but also for the country and to put us back in the Nations Cup come next year. “The technical crew provide us with more than enough to know our opponents very well – how they play and how they move around. “We have capable hands to win this game; it doesn’t matter where we are playing, we are going to give everything to get maximum points.”

Bellew Branded Usyk a ‘Lunatic’ ahead of Cruiserweight Title Fight Tony Bellew admitted it was like ‘two maniacs in the mirror’ when he shared a face-off with Oleksandr Usyk at the final weigh-in for their undisputed title fight. The Merseysider comfortably made the cruiserweight limit, tipping the scales at14st 3lbs 5oz, with Usyk coming in at 14st 2lbs 4oz before he defends all four of his belts in Manchester tonight. Both fighters covered their faces as Bellew wore a bandana, while Usyk spotted a Manchester City scarf, and the British fighter

predicted a dramatic showdown this weekend. Asked what he saw in Usyk, Bellew told Sky Sports News: “No fear. A lunatic. The exact same thing that he’s looking at. It’s like two maniacs in the mirror. “We’re going to create madness, and you’re going to get one of the greatest fights you’ve ever seen of all time, believe you me. As long as he doesn’t come here to run, play games, and steal decisions. “He’s a formidable and fantastic champion. Pound for

pound one of the kings of the world. I’ve been an underdog so many times, you might as well start calling me the ‘overdog’, because tomorrow night I’m going to shock the odds once again, and surprise the whole world of boxing. “The only person who beats me, is me. Tomorrow night I will be crowned the king of the world.” Bellew had no problems making weight after stepping down a division to challengeUsyk, and revealed how he delivered a part-

ing message to the Ukrainian. “I feel fantastic, fat boy is in shape,” he said. “I made weight, told everyone I would, and I’m ready for war. “I told them right there, be ready for war tomorrow, because that’s what this is. There can be no peace until there is war. Tomorrow night, I’m going to war, believeyou me. “He’s in at the deep end. I know exactly where I’m at. I’ve experienced everything in this game. Tomorrow night, it’s going to show. I cannot wait for war.”

Drogba Bows Out of Professional Football at 40 The illustrious career in professional football of former Ivorian international and Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba has finally come to an end at the age of 40. The legendary Drogba hung up his boots on Friday following the painful 1-0 defeat his team, Phoenix Rising suffered in the hands of Louisville City in the USL Cup final on Thursday night. Drogba helped Phoenix reach the final by scoring

three goals in three matches, including a magnificent freekick in the team’s post-season opener but unfortunately, he was unable to help his final club lift the trophy. Drogba, who scored 10 goals in 14 games during his debut season in USA’s second tier before netting five goals in nine regular-season games this season, is bowing out of football with an impressive collection of winners’ medals. During his remarkable 20-

year playing career, he won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, two Premier League Golden Boots and the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea. After leaving Stamford Bridge, he also won the Turkish Super League, the Turkish Cup, Turkish Football’s Player of the Year award as well as two African Player of the Year awards.

Drogba

Champions League Title, Beat Al Ahly

Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis yesterday lifted their third CAF Champions League title after beating Al Ahly 3-0 in the second leg before a large crowd in the 60,000-seater Stade Olympique de Rades Stadium. Al Ahly have lost the final despite beating Esperance 3-1 in the first leg in Egypt last week Friday, meaning that the Tunisian side won 4-3 on aggregate. Esperance clearly dominated the first 45 minutes as they had more possession but failed to create any clear chances, until Tunisian midfielder Saad Beguir opened the scoring for the hosts in the very last minute of the first-half. Just nine minutes into the second-half Beguir scored his side’s second goal and completed his brace after a very powerful header. In the 60th minute Tunisian striker, Anice Badri took a shot from outside the penalty area and nearly scored Esperance’s third. In the 79th minute Anice Badri took a short-range shot in the near post but it was easily dealt by Mohamed ElShennawy. He, however, scored Esperance’s third and final goal in the 86th minute after a great solo effort and then a very strong shot inside the penalty area. Esperance have now three CAF Champions League titles to their name after winning the tournament back in 1994 and 2011. Beguir was the unlikely two-goal star as he has been a reserve for most of the campaign and started in the second leg of the final only because Cameroonian Franck Kom was suspended. A dominant performance by the home team ended a 10-match winless run against Ahly in CAF competitions since July 2011. After a tense build-up with Esperance furious at on and off-field treatment they received in Egypt, the match passed without incident. Ahly needed a goal to get back in front on aggregate but never troubled Tunisian goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia. Esperance will now participate in the Club World Cup that will take place in December 2018 in the UAE.

England Striker, Ubogagu Still Eligible for Nigeria Former Arsenal star Chioma Ubogagu had a memorable debut for her country of birth, England, after she accounted for one of the three goals scored by the Lionesses in their 3-0 rout of Austria in an international friendly staged in Vienna on Thursday, November 8. The Orlando Pride striker was named in the starting lineup by head coach Phil Neville and scored her maiden goal 26 minutes into the game after capitalising on a mistake by Carina Wenninger. She fired home from six yards out after Wenninger failed in her attempt to clear the ball out of danger. The number eleven made way for Rachel Daly of Houston Dash 13 minutes into the second half. With England already through to next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, Ubogagu would be hoping to impress once again when they entertain Sweden on Sunday as she aims to cement her place in the side ahead of the trip to France. Despite appearing for the Lionesses, Nigeria and United States can still make a move to secure her services as yesterday’s match does not cap-tie her to England because it was only a friendly.

54

THISDAYt 4"563%": /07&.#&3 Ċĉ ċĉĊđ

THISDAYt SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2018

55

Saturday, November 10, 2018

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

Atiku to Buhari “A government is only as reliable as its word and if its word is not reliable then nothing else about the government will be stable” – Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, chastising President Muhammadu Buhari over the Minimum Waga crisis.

PENDULUM There Was a Party: Who Has Jazzed APC DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

F

ellow Nigerians, let me state once again that I have never been a member of Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, but I was almost a fanatical supporter of its Presidential flagbearer, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, in the 2015 Presidential election. The reason was simple. We were mostly tired of PDP after wasting loads of opportunities in 16 years. Even hardened members of that Party would readily admit to their myriads of gaffes, faux pas, misfortune and misadventure which seemed uncontrollable over those unfortunate years, particularly in the last days of the Jonathan administration. Despite our strident pleas for sanity to prevail, the party pressed on with its crass arrogance that it can rule with impunity for eternity. For that reason, we desperately craved a change and the amalgamation, or cocktail, of political parties called APC was forged in that season of the rape of Nigerian people. With PDP’s unrelenting assault on the people despite the emergence of the mega political party called APC, that party became too attractive to ignore or resist and Nigerians openly welcomed the Party and its charismatic leader, General Muhammadu Buhari, as their saviour. The choice of Buhari was both divine and coincidental. Many of those who had opposed and rejected him as an untouchable entity for various reasons which are now well known were forced to embrace him on his fourth attempt at seeking the Holy Grail of the Nigerian Presidency. Our theory was rather simple or too over-simplistic: the enemy of your enemy is your friend. At any rate, Buhari won and the rest is history. The meat of the story is that the APC that took over from PDP under four years ago and what was envisaged by most Nigerians to be the beginning of unity of progressive forces has suddenly become the nightmare prospect of a party in disarray and almost in tatters. It is unbelievable that a party that came into power with so much promise and uncommon goodwill has virtually frittered away its humongous equity. It has become very tempting to see APC as a victim of hypnotism and jazz, a truly Nigerian phenomenon that besets some good ventures and deeds. In case you are not familiar with those terms in the Nigerian context, let me explain what I mean in a jiffy. I don’t know how much of superstitions still exist in our world today, but I think it is still big enough to affect the way we live, in Africa in general, and Nigeria in particular. Everything bad is attributed to evil machinations of the enemies and the devil. It’s so bad that if you have headache, your wicked enemies are said to be squarely responsible. To put it bluntly, someone must have used juju on you. Juju is supposed to be a kind of talismanic weapon capable of having devastating effect on the victim. Almost everyone believes in the efficacy of juju, including those who pretend to be holier than the Pope. That is why we hear of a lot of Islamic and Christian leaders paying nocturnal visits to the haunts inhabited by alleged practitioners of the dark and arcane art of Juju. Many tend to hate the concept of juju or traditional medicine, but deep down, they still feel it works wonders. In our days as pioneer JAMBITES at the then University of Ife, from 1978, we decided to funkify the concept of juju or “oogun abenugongo.” As a student of Yoruba language and literature, we studied the cultural aspect of Yoruba in-depth and came to the conclusion

Buhari that there were esoteric powers that exist with or without our knowledge. In order not to sound crude, we came up with the term jazz. It is difficult to know where it originated from. “You have been jazzed” was a popular cliché on campus. It was a way of telling you things were not normal with you or there is more than meets the eye in your matter. Some powerful enemies are on your case! The matter of APC thus looks extraordinary. It is difficult not to imagine that APC has been jazzed, hypnotised, mesmerised or spellbound by some powerful, possibly extra-terrestrial forces and influences, walahi. They have apparently learnt no lessons whatsoever from our very recent history and the crisis that rocked PDP and brought it catastrophically to its knees and paved the way for Buhari to become President and the party to gain ascendancy at the centre. The current situation of APC appears abysmally worse than that of PDP pre-2015, when some influential leaders of PDP left the party and teamed up with others to form APC and then proceeded to work assiduously to change government. I can’t remember PDP breaking up to as many warring groups as there are in APC today. It is unthinkable that a ruling party facing major elections in barely three months from now would engage in this stultifying war of attrition. This is why many have come to the conclusion that some juju men and fetish women are working hard on bringing the APC government down at the polls next year. Whenever the APC hardliners get some sober moment for reflection, they should please consider the following. It is doubtful if the APC has gained new members substantially since it came to power in 2015. As a matter of fact, it seems the party has lost control in many States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have never seen members of a political party descend so viciously and violently against its party Chairman like they have done, and doing, to my former Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who was only recently overwhelmingly supported, by the Governors of APC, as Party Chairman. No sooner than he took power than the bubbles began to burst. At the point Comrade came on board, it was as if the former Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun was the arch-enemy of the party he had helped nurture from infancy. Oshiomhole was the much needed angel of mercy and life-saver. Uncle Adams settled in quickly, but not before he had fired darts at those he considered internal saboteurs. He embarked on a reconciliation

process of party chieftains, an exercise at which the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had only just recently appeared to have failed woefully. Even Comrade Adams was unable to bring any camaraderie to the process and his undoubted efforts were not enough to stop party chieftains in the Senate, House of Representatives and Governors of some states from making a wholesale departure from the party that had suddenly become afflicted with the plague of carpet-crossing and defection. Whilst we thought that the party would quickly heal its near mortal wounds and come together in a show of unity we were to have our hopes dashed as very quickly the messianic party seemed to unravel like a ball of wool. The crux of the matter was the party primaries which has led almost to a fatal implosion in the party. No zone appears to have been spared in this folly apart from the North Central zone of the country. Perhaps the State that best demonstrates the massive problems facing the party in terms of a total lack of cohesion is Adamawa State, in the North East of the country, where the Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari sought to install her younger brother, Mahmood Halidu, as the Governorship candidate of the Party for the State. She lamented the lack of transparency and deceny in the conduct of the party primaries which had been manipulated to give automatic tickets to anointed candidates despite the fact that other candidates had been encouraged to purchase nomination forms at exorbitant prices. She declared that this was not in consonance with the party’s change mantra or the perception of the new national chairman of the party, comrade Adams, who should have stood for the common man and fairness. She ended her homily to the party faithful by urging them to “vote wisely”, an apparent indictment of her husband’s party. It is a sad state of affairs when the President cannot hold the home front and the “other room” just months before the election and the condemnation of the party by the Wife of the President speaks volumes about the unity and preparation of the party for these pivotal elections. Another calamity arose from the party primaries in Zamfara State in the North West Zone of the country. The situation got so bad that INEC declared that no primaries had been held in accordance with its guidelines and that no candidate of the APC would be eligible to contest the forthcoming elections for that reason. This position remains complicated and it is distressing that a party in power could not get its act together in such a crucial state and that by virtue of the intransigence of its party members in Zamfara State the PDP as the other leading party would clearly waltz its way into all the elective, including that of governor, in that State. What a crying shame! Also, in the North Western State of Kaduna, there is intra party feuding between the incumbent Governor, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Senator Shehu Sani. The Senator had been in a running battle with the Governor for a long time, but matters came to a boil with the conduct of the party primaries which naturally was skewed in favour of the Governor. The Senator who had stuck by the party when the gale of defections decimated the party’s ranks decided that enough was enough! He asserted that honour, integrity and internal democracy which he had believed would be

the ethos and norm of the parry had been jettisoned and for this reason he resigned and has now joined the People’s Redemption Party to contest the election as the gubernatorial candidate of that party. The misfortune that has befallen the APC arising form the party primaries is not limited to the Northern part of the country alone. The same situation has been replicated in equally pronounced form in Imo State in the South East Zone, Rivers State in the South South Zone and Ogun State in the South West Zone. In Imo State, the incumbent Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who is completing his second term in office decided that he would only hand over the mantle of Governor of the State to his son-in-law, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu rather than Senator Hope Uzodinma who is the preferred choice of the National Executive and the acclaimed winner of the party primaries. The National Secretariat kicked against this contending that Rochas himself had already been handed an automatic ticket as a Senatorial candidate of the party. There was no justification for imposing his son-in-law on the people of Imo State and the party has stuck to its guns. Naturally, Rochas has been insistent, pouring acidic vituperation and invective on the party executive and particularly the national chairman, Adams Oshiomole. However, it is noteworthy that the impasse has continued with the submission of the party’s candidates for elections into State offices and no candidate has been presented to INEC as APC Governorship candidate for Imo State. Perhaps nowhere has the battle line between the party executive and an incumbent Governor been more starkly drawn than in Ogun State, in the South West of Nigeria. There Senator Ibikunle Amosun who is, like Okorocha, serving out his second term embroiled in a royal titanic battle with Prince Dapo Abiodun, billionaire business magnate and chairman of the Corporate Affiars Commission as to who will succeed Amosun as Governor of the State. Whist Abiodun has the full backing of Oshiomole and the party executive and ostensibly won the party primaries conducted by the National executive and observed by INEC, Amosun is standing staunchly in support of Hon. Abdulkadir Adekunle Akinlade, a federal legislator representing Ogun State in the House of Representatives. Akinlade, who had initially been declared as the APC consensus gubernatorial candidate by Amosun, subsequently won a direct primary election organised by the State Executive of the Party with the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, as the Chief Returning Officer. The insults, slurs and vitriol emanating from both camps are simply too venomous and considering these are members of the same party, the damage to the party is best left to the imagination. Abiodun and Oshiomole seem to have prevailed as it is Abiodun’s name that has been announced by INEC. The debacle has reached comical proportions with some APC governors accusing Oshiomhole of fraud and corruption and the DSS which is in the control of the party arresting, detaining and questioning him over these allegations. Oshiomhole upon release travelled to the UK although his return to the country is said to be imminent. Again, we pray that APC finds its mojo and resolves these intractable differences otherwise its fortunes will be non-existent at the polls next year.

Printed and Published in Abuja 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