SATURDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2018

Emefiele: Nigeria’s Monthly Import Bill Drops from $665.4m to $160.4m Promises to sustain stability in the forex market Obinna Chima The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday revealed that the various initiatives aimed

at encouraging domestic production, have resulted in Nigeria’s monthly import bill falling significantly from $665.4 million in January 2015, to $160.4 million as at October

2018, representing a drop by 75.9 per cent and an implied savings of over US$21 billion on food imports alone over that period.

He disclosed this in a

keynote address he delivered at the 53rd Annual Bankers’ Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN) held in Lagos.

According to him, many

entrepreneurs are now taking advantage of policies aimed at ramping local production to venture into the domestic production of the restricted items with remarkable successes

Army Warns against Subversion of Democratic Rule…

and great positive impact on employment.

“The dramatic decline in our import bill and the increase in domestic production of these Continued on page 6

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Atiku Begins Race against Buhari Monday in Sokoto 14 directorates, 8 spokespersons rolled out for campaign Saraki: FG’s position on Atiku’s US Visa, signs of a government about to fall Adedayo Akinwale, Mercy Apollos in Abuja and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, will on Monday kick off his bid

to wrestle power from President Muhammadu Buhari at the February 16, 2019 Presidential election, with a campaign rally

in Sokoto State.

The Director General of the Campaign Council and President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki

disclosed this at his inaugural press briefing in Abuja, where he also solicited the support of the media as the party begins

the journey of “Getting Nigeria Working Again”.

Continued on page 6

Buhari Writes for Christian Newspaper, Says Christians, Muslims Must Unite I’m a descendant of Abraham; to those who seek to divide, I still hold my hands out in brotherhood and forgiveness Yemi Adebowale President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday wrote an article for a foreign Christian newspaper, Church Times UK, in which he described himself as a descendant of Abraham, a biblical hero regarded as the father of faith, while also urging Nigerian Christians and Muslims to unite and flourish together.

The president in the opinion article, titled: “Don’t Politicise Religion in Nigeria,” published in the Anglican newspaper, supported his position with various Bible verses and declared, “Muslims and Christians should not only peacefully coexist, but should also flourish together.”

Also in the article, President Buhari said he was being accused of trying to turn Nigeria into an Islamic state, while the Boko Haram terrorists accused him of being anti-Islam.

On the herdsmen/farmers' situation, he said herdsmen “tend to be predominantly Muslims, although not exclusively", while farmers "in certain areas of central Nigeria, are predominantly Christians," noting that there was need for understanding, calling for "reconciliation rather than division."

The President praised late Samuel Ajayi Crowther in the article. He wrote: “In 1844, the Rev. Samuel Ajayi Crowther returned home to Yorubaland Continued on page 6

IN FOCUS… INEC: 2019 Election Primaries, Most WOMEN L-R: Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Bolanle; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; wife of the Oyo State Governor, and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, during the closing ceremony of the 2018 National Women Conference Rancorous in Nigeria’s History… Page 54 Florence organised by the Oyo State Officials Wives Association (OYSOWA), in Ibadan…yesterday

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PAGE SIX ATIKU BEGINS RACE AGAINST BUHARI MONDAY IN SOKOTO He said there was no doubt that the issues confronting Nigerians today were beyond partisan consideration.

According to Saraki, “The campaign council has been inaugurated. We are commencing our campaigns on Monday in Sokoto. Thereafter, we are going to take our message to all the 36 States and the FCT, the 774 LGAs and all the wards in the federation.�

He explained that as part of the party’s grassroots campaign plan, the candidate and his running mate would participate in road shows, town hall meetings, special interactive sessions with traditional institutions, business communities, professional groups, trade unions, market women and men and other interest groups and stakeholders across the nation.

Saraki noted that in the forthcoming elections, the issues that have to be addressed among others are: “Is the economy better or worse? Are more people richer or poorer than they were in 2015? Are there more people suffering from hunger now than in 2015? Have there been more job losses now than in 2015? Are

our people safer now than they were in 2015? Are our military and other security agencies better equipped or motivated to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency and other security challenges than in 2015?�

Other issue-based questions that would drive the campaign, he further added are: “Is the country more united now than it was in 2015?; Is the infrastructure in the country better than it was in 2015?; Is there less corruption in the country than in 2015?; Is the fight against corruption fair to all or a tool deployed against political opponents?; Are people deriving the benefits of the Rule of Law and personal liberty as enshrined in the constitution now than in 2015?�

Saraki posited: “An election is a referendum on the incumbent.

If Nigerians are unable to answer any of these questions positively, they must vote out the incumbent.�

In a related development, the PDP Presidential Campaign Council yesterday released the Operational Directorates, as well as names of eight spokespersons for its 2019 Presidential elections campaign.

According to the statement

by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the campaign council named former governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke as Deputy Director General, Operations while former Presidential aspirant, Taminu Turaki, SAN, was named as Deputy Director-General, Administration.

The spokespersons of the campaign organisation include Buba Galadima, Akin Osuntokun, Osita Chidoka, Senator Dino Melaye, Hon. Nnenna Ukeje, Segun Sowunmi, Kazeem Afegbua and Umar Sanni. The directorates include: Contact and Mobilisation headed by the National Organizing Secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu; Youth, Hon. Udeh Okoye; Women, Mariya Waziri; Finance, Hon. Abdullahi Hussaini MaiBasira; Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan; Policy/Research, Dr. Garba Umar; Intelligence, Amb. Ahmed Magaji; Others are Field Operations/ Logistics, Hon. Gbenga Oduwaiye; Support Groups, Dr. Nathaniel Yadunma; Special Duties, Dr. Baraka Sanni; Communication and Strategy,

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; Legal, Emmanuel Enoidem; CUPP & Inter-party, Senator Ben Obi; CSOs; and Diaspora, Prof.

Isah Odidi.

Saraki also dismissed the protest by the federal government that the United States of America should not grant visa to the PDP presidential candidate, describing it as the rantings of a falling regime. He said: “I think it was a panic action by government.

How does granting somebody visa become endorsement, it's more like a panic action because the government is panicking.�

The federal government through the Minister of Ministry of Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed had on Thursday warned the US government not to give the impression that it was endorsing one particular candidate over the other, though it admitted that it was the prerogative of the US to determine who to allow entry into its territory.

Saraki asserted: “They should allow the normal process to go by; but again as I said, that is a panic reaction of a government that is scared and is worried that it is about to lose election and is trying to see how they

can hustle around and that is otherwise, a desperate act to go along those issue.�

He said he believed that the APC was not going to talk about issues during the campaign, but insisted the campaign of PDP would be issue-based, adding: “It's all about making this country better; it is not about calling people names. They will do that, but we are going to stay, as they go low, we will go high, we are not going to go low with them.�

He also carpeted the federal government intervention to provide soft loan to traders under the Trader Moni initiative as “Sophisticated vote buying�, pointing out that it was designed to buy votes through the back door; a reason permanent Voters Card numbers of recipients were taken by the All Progressives Congress regime before disbursement.

According to him, Tradermoni programme had been going on for the last few years, but wondered why the ruling party was giving out money few weeks to the election.

US Consulate: Atiku's US visa status confidential Meanwhile, the United States

Consulate in Lagos, yesterday, said the issue of US visa for anyone, irrespective of social standing in the society, is strictly a confidential matter, which the US Government will not discuss in public.

The Public Affairs Officer (PAO), US Consulate, Lagos, Mr. Brussel Brooks, said this in Ibadan while speaking with journalists at the end of an education forum organised for 150 teachers and students drawn from various public schools in Oyo State.

Brooks said the case of Atiku's US visa status had been an issue in the papers for some time, stating that the position of the US Mission had remained the same throughout any discussion of the issue, which is that visas are a confidential matter.

He said: "We don't discuss individual visa's status of any person, whether a highly rated official, a presidential candidate or an average citizen.

"Anyone who applies for a visa should know that there will be some records that are confidential. It is classified as private document by the United States Government, and we never discuss them in public."

real sector activities, especially agriculture and manufacturing, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to pick-up in the remaining two quarters of 2018. “This will be buoyed by the anticipated budgetary and electioneering spending in the near-term. From 1.5 per cent in quarter two of 2018, growth is projected to quicken to 1.7 per cent in quarter three and 1.9 by the fourth quarter. “Inflation expectations are rising on the backdrop of anticipated politically-related liquidity injections. For the rest of 2018 and towards mid-2019, Nigeria’s rate of inflation is projected to rise slightly to 11.4 percent and then moderate “Though the CBN has so far managed to maintain exchange rate stability, the current capital flow reversals from emerging markets are expected to continue to exert considerable pressure on market rates. “This pressure could be amplified by the forthcoming elections, especially as the political market place heats up. Notwithstanding these pressures, the CBN is determined to maintain its stable exchange policy stance over the next few months given the relatively high level of reserves.

“Gross stability is projected in the FX market given increased oil related inflows and contained import bill. “I will like to make it categorically clear that sustaining a stable exchange rate is of overriding importance to us even as we continue to put measures in place to shore up reserves.�

He pointed out that the country’s overdependence on crude oil for forex revenue also meant that shocks in the oil market would be transmitted entirely to the economy via the forex markets. “Based on our internal research conducted at the Central Bank of Nigeria, there is strong support that the recovery of our economy from the recession may have been much weaker or even negative, without the implementation of the restriction on 41 items. “Our research supports the conclusion that the combination of the restriction on 41 items along with other measures imposed by the fiscal and monetary authorities has helped to promote the recovery. “In fact, recommendations are being made to the CBN that the list of 41 items be expanded to include other additional items that can be locally produced.�

“Unfortunately, those who wish us all to walk apart have recently found another focus for their efforts: The tragic clashes between nomadic herdsmen and settled farmers in the central regions of Nigeria. For generations, herders have driven their cattle from the north to the centre of our country; they tend to be predominantly Muslim, although not exclusively.

The farmers, in certain areas of central Nigeria, are predominantly Christian. “The causes of this conflict are not religious or theological, but temporal. At the heart of this discord is access to rural land, exacerbated both by climate change and population growth.

Sadly, there are some who seek to play fast and lose and so make others believe that these are not the facts.

When religion is claimed as the cause - and by those who know that it is not - it only

makes finding a resolution more difficult. “The government has taken action to mediate, to bring the two groups together in peace and unity. But we also need all parties to follow the teachings of the scriptures, and encourage reconciliation rather than cause division. It is said: “Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear?� (Mark 8.18). “As our constitution codifies, politicising religion has no place in Nigeria; for it makes us turn away from one another; it makes us retreat into our communities and walk different paths. I believe that there is a better way.

To those who seek to divide, I still hold my hand out in brotherhood and forgiveness.

I ask only that they stop, and instead encourage us to turn towards one another in love and compassion. Nigeria belongs to all of us. This is what I believe.�

EMEFIELE: NIGERIA’S MONTHLY IMPORT BILL DROPS FROM $665.4M TO $160.4M items attest to the efficacy of this policy. “Most evident were the 97.3 percent cumulative reduction in monthly rice import bills, 99.6 percent in fish, 81.3 percent in milk, 63.7 per cent in sugar, and 60.5 percent in wheat. “We are glad with the accomplishments recorded so far. Accordingly, this policy is expected to continue with vigour until the underlying imbalances within the Nigerian economy have been fully resolved. “If we continue to support the growth of small holder farmers, as well as help to revive palm oil refineries, rice mills, cassava and tomato processing factories, you can only imagine the amount of wealth and jobs that will be created in the country. “These could include new set of small holders farmers that will be engaged in productive activities; new logistics companies that will transport raw materials to factories, and finished goods to the market; new storage centres that will be built to store locally produced goods; additional growth for our banks and financial institutions as they will be able to provide financial services to support these new

businesses; and finally, the millions of Nigerians that will be employed in factories to support processing of goods. “If we turn a blind eye to the opportunities that are being created as a result of our policy on 41 items, we will be spelling doom for our nation. We can no longer afford to depend solely on imports given the size of our population, and the need to create jobs for our people.�

The CBN governor also stated that the bank would be collaborating with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expose banks, importers or organisations that collude with corrupt individuals to flout its policy on the restriction of foreign exchange (forex) to 41 items.

The CBN had in July 2015, restricted 41 items, including vegetable oil, poultry products, toothpicks, cosmetics, plastic and rubber products, among others, from accessing foreign exchange from the interbank foreign exchange market.

Importers of the restricted items were asked to source their forex requirements from autonomous sources.

Emefiele pointed out that given the remarkable success that had been achieved in

stimulating domestic production of goods such as rice, cassava and maize, as a result of the restrictions placed on access to forex for the 41 items, the central bank intends to vigorously ensure that the policy remains in place.

He also warned speculators in the forex market that they would lose their shirt, saying the central bank has enough war chest to sustain the stability in the forex market.

According to him, the central bank would continue to take measures to ensure stability in the forex market.

He said additional efforts would be made to block any attempts by unscrupulous parties (both individuals and corporates) that intend to find other avenues of accessing forex, in order to import these items into Nigeria. “The CBN’s Economic intelligence and Banking Supervision Departments will work very closely with the EFCC to expose and sanction any bank, company and or its directors or forex operator who colludes with unscrupulous individuals/ companies to undermine the policy on 41 items. “Such sanctions will include, but not limited to prohibiting

all the banks in Nigeria from maintaining any bank accounts for any such institutions or persons in Nigeria. “If you are caught as an individual or a company, we are saying that, that bank, that company and the individuals, that the central bank would prohibit all the Nigerian banks at same time, from maintaining any bank account for you,� he warned.

In his outlook for 2019, Emefiele predicted that monetary policy stance would remain judicious, research driven, adequate and supportive of the real economy subject to underlying fundamentals.

He pointed out that the current tight stance was expected to continue in the near-term, especially in view of rising inflation expectations and exchange market pressures. “Though we will act to appropriately adjust the policy rate in line with unfolding conditions and outlooks, the CBN will continue to ensure that the policy interest rate is delicately set to balance the objectives of price stability with output stabilisation. “With favourable oil price developments and continued efforts at driving indigenous production in high-impact

BUHARI WRITES FOR CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER, SAYS CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS MUST UNITE (now part of modern-day Nigeria). Twenty years earlier, he had been kidnapped and sold to European slave traders who were bound for the Americas.

He was freed by an abolitionist naval patrol, and received by the Church Missionary Society.

There, he found his calling. “Crowther made his voyage home to establish the first Anglican mission in Yorubaland.

He came with the first Bibles translated into Yoruba and Hausa languages. He opened dialogue and discussion with those of other faiths. And his mission was a success. Crowther later became the first African Anglican Bishop in Africa. “Today, Nigeria has the largest Christian population on the continent. The messages and teachings of Christianity are part of the fabric of each person’s life. Along with the millions of Christians in Nigeria today, I believe in peace, tolerance, and

reconciliation; in the institution of the family, the sanctity of marriage, and the honour of fidelity; in hope, compassion, and divine revelation. “Like Bishop Crowther, I am a descendant of Abraham; unlike him, I am a Muslim. I believe our two great religions cannot only peacefully coexist but also flourish together. But Muslims and Christians must first turn to one another in compassion. For, as it says in Amos 3.3: ‘Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet’ “As they are People of the Book, I believe that there is far more that unites Muslims and Christians than divides them. In fact, I believe that the messages of the Bible are universal: available for anyone to exercise, and instructive to all.

We must resist the temptation to retreat into our communities, because, if we do, we can only

look inwards. It is only when we mix that we can reach new and greater possibilities. “Whichever religion or religious denomination they choose to follow, Nigerians are devout. Anything that Nigerians believe will place impositions on their practice, and belief is therefore sure to cause widespread alarm.

And, unfortunately, there are those who seek to divide Nigerians - and our two great religions - and to do so for their own advantage.

On his allegations that he is biased when it comes to religion, Buhari wrote: ““I stand accused - paradoxically - of trying to Islamise Nigeria while also being accused by Boko Haram terrorists of being against Islam. My Vice-President is a devout man, a Christian pastor. He, too, is accused of selling out his religion, because of his support for me.

“This is not the first time that I - nor, indeed, my Christian-Muslim evenly split cabinet - have been the subject of such nonsense. Fortunately, the facts speak differently from the words of those who seek to divide us from one another.�

Buhari added: “I have befriended church leaders and church groups both within and outside our country; my VicePresident has addressed and opened dialogue with Muslims up and down our land. In all things, we seek that which all well-meaning Christians and well-meaning Muslims must seek: to unite, respect, and never to divide. Does it not say ‘There is no compulsion in religion’ (Qur’an 2.256)? Does it not say ‘forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us’ (Luke 9.50)? This, surely, is the path that followers of both our two great religions must walk.

THISDAYt SATURDAY DECEMBER 1, 2018

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚˜ ͺ͸͚΀

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

KICKSTARTING CAMPAIGNS...

L-R: National Organising Secretary of the Council, Col. Austin Akobundu; President of the Senate and Director General of the Peoples Democratic Party National Campaign Council, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and former Presidential aspirant/Deputy DG of the Campaign, Mr. Tanimu Turaki, during an inaugural press conference by the DG in Abuja...yesterday

Army Warns against Subversion of Democratic Rule Says those peddling fake news want to demoralise the military and promote change of government Kingsley Nwezeh Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Nigerian Army has warned against “subverting the democratic process by peddling fake news and falsehood in order to demoralise the military in the war against insurgency and promote a change of government.â€?

Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman, who gave the warning in a statement last night entitled “Leave Nigerian Army out of Politics and Fake

News�, advised those who indulge in the act to jettison the idea or face the music.

The army said those unleashing attacks on the military and peddling false casualty figures of the Melete attack in spite of the official and “accurate� figures released last Wednesday were covert supporters of terrorism.

Pointing out that the aim of such mischief makers was to scuttle the 2019 election and subvert the democratic process, the army said it had identified “a few unpatriotic

harbingers of the fake news on the attack at Metele and would take appropriate legal actions against them�.

The statement read: “The Nigerian Army is quite aware that the perpetrators through these acts are covertly supporting terrorists and their activities in Nigeria with a long term objective. “We are also aware that they want to use insecurity to scuttle and subvert the democratic process in the country. “Consequently, we would

like to state unequivocally that no amount of mischief or pressure would circumvent the journey to a peaceful, free and fair general elections in Nigeria. “We therefore need the continued support, encouragement and understanding of wellmeaning Nigerians as we deal decisively with the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists hibernating at the fringes of our borders with contiguous countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic.�

The Army further stated

that it remained committed to the defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria and will continue to be professional in its assigned roles and remain apolitical at all times. “Once more, we warn mischief makers and proponents of misinformation and fake news to desist from such practice and join other well meaning, law abiding Nigerians to support our army to countering terrorism and insurgency in the country. “We would like to warn all those mischief makers to keep

the Nigerian Army out of their politics and mischief. Journalists and media platforms should be professional and accurate in their reportage. “The achievements of the Nigerian Army within the last three years are glaringly obvious, therefore, whatever recent temporary setbacks we experienced in the course of the fight against terrorism and insurgency should not be the yardstick for condemning these laudable three and half years’ accomplishments.�

Customs Seizes N3.06bn Tramadol, Ijaw Youths Angry over Delay in $13Bn Zabazaba Deepwater Project Other Drugs at Onne Port

Ernest Chinwo Ă“Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂž Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂž

Barely a week after it seized 50 containers of controlled drugs in Lagos, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of another nine 40ft containers of Tramadol and other controlled pain-killer drugs with a duty paid value of N3,060,000,000 at the Onne Port, Rivers State.

Briefing journalists at Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne Port after an inspection of the seized drugs, Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Augustine Chidi, said the nine containers were falsely declared as containing PVC ball valves and general goods.

He however said that upon diligent profiling of the exporter in the country of origin, India, there was reasonable suspicion that eventually led to the discovery of the dreaded drugs.

He said, “You will recall that last week, Nigerian Customs Service announced the seizure of 50 containers in Lagos. This brings to a total of 59 containers of controlled drugs so far seized

within this month.�

He explained that the importation contravened Section 46 of Customs and Excise Management Act Cap 45 LFN, adding that Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd.) had ordered a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Let me assure you that the NCS will not relent on its role of contributing to national economic and security well-being of Nigerians by ensuring that items that could negatively affect the citizenry are not allowed entry into the country,� Chidi said.

He added that the NCS was increasingly relying on intelligence and technology to make it difficult for smugglers to have their way. “Accordingly, I call on the general public, especially border community dwellers and port users to desist from importation of illicit goods and also support NCS by providing credible information that will help us do better,� he appealed. The Deputy Comptroller General expressed concern that the nation was experiencing increasing

attempts by unpatriotic elements to smuggle dangerous drugs into the country.

He said the increasing smuggling of controlled drugs into the country could be traced to the Christmas and New Year seasons as well as the coming 2019 elections.

He said unscrupulous business men were exploiting the market provided by the seasons and elections in which some politicians might want to engage the youths in unwholesome activities. “These elements are morally bankrupt and willing to make money at the expense of human lives. We must stop them, as we all have a duty to protect our nation,� he said.

The Comptroller, Area II Command, NCS, Comptroller Aliyu Saidu, also said the work of the command would be enhanced when it received one of the three scanners approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the customs. “It will greatly assist our command in checking crime and increase our revenue base,� he said.

Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă‹

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), worldwide, yesterday said it was seriously concerned over the delay in the signing of the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Zabazaba Deepwater Project.

In a statement signed by the Spokesman of the organisation, Daniel Dasimaka, the group said IYC National President, Mr. Oweilaemi Pereotubo, was disturbed that the project might go the way of the Brass LNG project which is currently comatose. “We do not want the Zabazaba Deepwater Project to go the way of the Brass LNG which never saw the light of the day.

We want jobs for our youths.

We want the local economy of the Niger Delta region as well as the national economy in general to grow. “We condemn the unnecessary delay in the signing of the FID for the Zabazaba oilfield.

The 2020 first production date

of the Zabazaba oilfield may be compromised if the FID remains unsigned,� the IYC said.

The $13.5 billion Zabazaba oilfield is located in the Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 245 offshore Nigeria in the Niger Delta of the Gulf of Guinea.

Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) are jointly developing the project, it was gathered.

The IYC said the project would be a major boost to the country’s economy and the local content initiative being promoted and prioritised by the present government.

It noted that the deepwater project would support small and medium enterprises in Nigeria following the decision by the developers for in-country fabrication and integration of the topsides of the Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

The Zabazaba deepwater field, the IYC said, was

estimated to hold 560 million barrels of oil equivalent (MBOE), which will increase the country’s daily crude oil production.

According to the group, when it becomes fully operational, the project is expected to generate at least $8 Billion for Nigeria. “The impact on the Nigerian economy would be unprecedented, and the multiplier effect on the local economies of the catchment areas in the Niger Delta will be huge� the group added.

Agip and Shell acquired OPL 245, which was named the Zabazaba field, in 2012 for $1.3 billion. The acquisition has been the subject of serial corruption investigations and prosecutions in Italy and Nigeria.

The IYC noted that the project must not be allowed to die, noting that the fate of many youths in the region hang on the multi-billion dollar project which is expected to take many Niger Deltans off the streets.

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DECEMBER 1, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Buratai, Sadique Must Not Remain in Office

I

’m still struggling to recover from the shock of the massacre of Nigerian soldiers by Boko Haram in Metele, Borno State. The exact number of soldiers killed at 157 Task Force Battalion on November 18 is still a closely-guided secret. The commander of the battalion, Lt. Col. Ibrahim Sakaba was also killed during the attack.

Over two weeks after the attack, I’m still shedding tears; tears for a military that has been debased by coldblooded service chiefs and commanders; tears for a military that was once the pride of Africa, now the shame of Africa, no thanks to corrupt and inept commanders; tears for a country that can mobilise 30,000 security agents for an election but can’t do same against terrorists.

Our gallant soldiers now struggle for allowances and equipment on the war front.

Many of them have over-stayed on the war front, contrary to the rules of engagement. That was why some soldiers openly protested at the Maiduguri Airport. They struggle for things as ordinary as water. I will never forget army chief, Tukur Buratai admitting last year that war front feeding allowances were delayed for three months because of budget issues.

The Army under the command of Buratai and the Air Force under the command of Sadique Abubakar have never been this mis-managed. In war situations, service chiefs are judged by performance on the war front. Buratai and Sadique have failed abysmally; they have lost touch with modern warfare. The level of ineptitude displayed by these two officers is legendary. The military urgently needs a change of leadership. Sadique’s Air Force persistently fails to provide coverage for ground troops.

These service chiefs have spent almost four years, yet, no result. Never in the history of this country has the military been this humiliated. The last three and half years have been horrendous, with unending tales of woes from the war front.

Many will not forget in a hurry the massacre of our soldiers in places likeGajiram, Mainok, Rann, Geidam, Sasawa, Magumeri, Malam Fatori, Gashigha, Kanama, Gamboru-Ngala, Mafa, Damasak, Gudumbali, Garunda, Kunduga, Kareto, Jilli, Arge, Zari. What about the unprecedented and persistent killing of officers by the terrorists? Those killed include Lt. Colonel O. Umusu, Lt. Colonel K Yusuf, Lt. Colonel Abu Ali, Lt. Colonel B. U. Umar, Captain Victor Ulasi and Lt. Col. A E Mamudu. Add Lt. Col. Ibrahim Sakaba.

Under Buhari, this country has been needlessly losing hundreds of its gallant soldiers to this madness called Boko Haram, yet he

Moving forward, the top echelon of the military must be purged…There should be no sentiment here. The wages of failure is sack. This country wants results in this war against terrorists. For us to get the right man for this job, we must consistently sack those who can’t do it. Buhari must pick up courage and sack these failed service chiefs refuses to replace our inept service chiefs. Just on Wednesday, Boko Haram again attacked Nigeria Army’s 118 Battalion located in Arege, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

What about the massacre of thousands of civilians by Boko Haram under the watch of Buratai and Sadique? I had to stop counting (two and half years ago) when the figure reached 3000. It could be as high as 10,000 in the last 42 months. Even in IDP camps, displaced Nigerians are persistently attacked and killed by Boko Haram, as seen in Rann, Muna Garage, Dalore and a number of other places. Many won’t forget how the terrorists invaded the Rann camp, killing four international aid workers and an undisclosed number of IDPs. There are almost 600,000 Nigerians living in squalid conditions in these camps, struggling for a meal a day. Daily, they dream of going home, but they can’t because their towns and villages are still dominated

by Boko Haram. The few that returned home had to scamper back.

All the lies about having degraded Boko Haram have collapsed like a pack of cards.

The peak of this reckless falsehood was the wild celebration of a fantasy victory over the terrorists in December 2016 by Buhari. I shed tears on that day that Buhari, a retired general, accepted Shekau’s flag/Quaran as symbol of victory over Boko Haram from a confused Buratai.

How can a country with a government and a Commander-in-Chief backed with

huge war chest, have Boko Haram moving around unhindered? How can a country with a supposedly well-trained army be losing grounds to terrorists? President Buhari must wake up and halt this slide into anarchy.Under his watch, Boko Haram still controls territories in the North-east and slaughter scores of civilians and soldiers daily. It is a shame that the war against Boko Haram is sagging while the Buhari administration continues with its sham story of success against the terrorists. If we are not careful, these mad men will start flying jets to bomb us. Moving forward, the top echelon of the military must be purged.

Buhari must retire those in the top hierarchy of this war and appoint fresh hands, so that we can have fresh ideas. The managers of this war have failed these soldiers. Our war commanders have become businessmen.

This is why this country has been losing grounds to Boko Haram. I was shocked by Buhari’s approval of a provocative tenure extension (unusual 3rd term) for the service chiefs. These same service chiefs that have failed our gallant soldiers were rewarded for failure. This is preposterous.

This slide in this war against terrorists is to a large extent, a failure of leadership.

Leadership matters a great deal in every situation. These same soldiers were effectively utilised by Azubuike Ihejirika and Kenneth Minimah as army chiefs. Buratai and Sadique must give way to more proactive and result-oriented service chiefs. There should be no sentiment here. The wages of failure is sack. This country wants results in this war against terrorists. For us to get the right man for this job, we must consistently sack those who can’t do it. Buhari must pick up courage and sack these failed service chiefs.

An additional challenge Nigeria is facing in this war against Boko Haram is that most of those managing the war don’t want it to end. These heartless people are profiting immensely from the blood of our gallant soldiers and that of innocent Nigerians. This is why soldiers on the war front are cruelly denied operation allowances, ill-equipped and ill-motivated. As long as the war is on, there will be more money for these coldblooded war managers. This is the truth that must be told about this war.

I have persistently clamoured for the return of mercenaries. We all saw their impact when they were briefly used by the Jonathan administration. Buhari came and unwisely sacked them. This country must employ the best fighters from anywhere in the world to end this trauma called Boko Haram. The ultimate aim is to genuinely decapitate Boko Haram.

Nigeria Spending 50% Revenue on Debt Servicing A couple of days back, the International Monetary Fund painted the precarious situation of the nation’s economy, going by how much Nigeria was spending on debt servicing. According to the IMF, Nigeria is at present spending more than 50 per cent of its revenues on servicing debts, a situation that does not give room for other necessary expenses.

Senior Resident Representative and Mission Chief for Nigeria, African Department, Amine Mati said this figure was too high and hinders economic growth.

Early this week, the World Bank also raised the alarm about the management of the nation’s economy, stating that fiscal deficits in Nigeria would likely widen further in 2018 due to increased preelection spending and sustained revenue shortfalls.

The Washington-based institution in its Bi-annual Economic Update on Nigeria, titled, “Investing in Human Capital for Nigeria’s Future,” stressed that the Nigerian economy remains dependent on “the small oil sector (under 10 percent of GDP) for the bulk of its fiscal revenues and foreign exchange earnings.”

This, it pointed out, makes Nigeria’s balance of payments and government

budgets vulnerable to volatilities in oil prices, which plunged to a one-year low of $58.41 a barrel, down more than 22 per cent, following global oversupply.

All these warnings from the IMF and the World Bank are meant to assist the managers of our economy. They are also indicators that our economy is not being properly managed. Of course, we can all see the result in our sliding economy. There is so much hunger, poverty, and unemployment in our land. Unfortunately, managers of Nigeria’s economy have remained deaf to these words of wisdom. They keep justifying the binge borrowing even when Nigerians are not feeling the impact of the debt being piled up.

Former Vice-President (Africa) of World Bank, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili once remarked: “the Federal Government is digging in instead of digging out. Already, the debt service to revenue is so high. Today it is 69 per cent. 69 per cent of revenue is used to service our debts. That is not a sustainable situation.”

Unfortunately, this is not a listening government. With the way the Buhari government has been binge borrowing, Nigeria may be plunged into insolvency by the huge repayments commitments.

Udoma

Lalong

Starvation in Plateau IDP Camps Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Riyom Town Hall camp in Plateau State are still wallowing in hunger. It is a shame that governments at all levels and emergency agencies have failed to respond to this humanitarian crisis several weeks after I drew attention to it.

A large number of these hapless people, who were displaced from their villages by rampaging herders are starving and sleeping on the bare floor.

One of the IDPs, John Langai, remarked during a visit to the camp by a delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): “We have been living in degrading and dehumanising conditions ever since we moved to the camp in June.

Many of our people were killed, our houses burnt by the attackers and our farms destroyed. Those of us who survived have nothing to eat; in fact we have been starving. We don’t have what to sleep on. As you can see, the women are on bare floor over there. Many have contacted diseases due to overcrowding and some have even died as a result.”

Mrs Blessing Gyang, a survivor, who lost five members of her immediate family including two of her brothers, described life in the camp as terrible: “People queue to use the toilet provided by the ICRC. Many people, especially women, have contacted different kinds of diseases from the toilets.”

The IDPs have every reason to be angry. Relief materials delivered to their camps are grossly inadequate .

Some have died due to hunger and poor medical care. Besides, they are desperate to return home, but killer herders still roam freely in their towns and villages. Some Plateau youths had earlier attacked Lalong at the Government House, Jos, over his alleged support for killer herders.

Governor Simon Lalong is the biggest disappointment as Plateau IDPs battle for survival. Lalong has evidently abandoned victims of herders’ attacks in Plateau State. He has been acting as if he’s one of the herders. This governor speaks more in support of the herders than his people. That was why IDPs at Geoscience camp, Jos South LG, pelted his convoy with stones few months back. I believe the people of this state know what to do in 2019.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 1, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY

Ejiofor

Beyonce

Chiwetel Ejiofor Stars with Beyonce in ‘Lion King’ Nigerian born British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is playing Scar, the villainous lion in the adaptation of Disney’s animated production, “Lion King”, starring alongside superstar singer, Beyonce. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

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rom playing shoe-mad drag queen Lola, to his emotional and searing performance as Solomon Northrup in slave movie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, 41, has proved his pedigree as a great actor. He has also had a string of successes in film, TV and theatre, with his interpretation of “Othelo” earning him critical acclaim. The Nigerian born English actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor, plays Scar, while singer Beyonce, gets the role of Nala in the adaptation of Disney’s animated feature “Lion King.” The first official trailer for the upcoming movie was released last week and is projected to hit cinemas in July 2019, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “Lion King” depicts the struggle of a lion cub, Simba who was challenged by a stiff opposition from his uncle, Scar, in a battle regarding who will rule the animal kingdom.

Ejiofor has taken on the role of Scar, the villainous lion and brother of Mufasa, who seeks to usurp the throne from his brother and ends up teaming up with the hyenas. In the same vein, Beyonce plays the character, Nala, the fierce lioness and Simba’s childhood friend-turned-love interest. The Lion King marks the singer’s first feature film role since she voiced Queeen Tara in Epic in 2013.

Other casts in the movie are Donald Glover, James Earl Jones, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, Alfre Woodard and John Oliver. “Jungle Book” director, Jon Favreau worked as the director for the virtual-production of the Disney’s 1994 hit. The original “Lion King” grossed more than $968 million worldwide and featured memorable songs from Elton John and Tim Rice.

The award winning actor, Ejiofor had received numerous awards and nominations for acting, including the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Orange Rising Star Award and Primetime Emmy Award.

He was also appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire and elevated to Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2015. The Disney’s 1994 cartoon is the ninth-highest-grossing animated film of all time, and won much praise for its score by Elton John and Tim Rice.

It also spawned a stage musical that is still running in New York and London. Including global productions, the show has been seen by an estimated 95 million people. The Lion King is among almost a dozen big titles Disney is planning to release next year, including Tim Burton’s live-action Dumbo,

sequel to Frozen and Toy Story, and new installments in the Avengers and Star Wars franchises.

One of the biggest Hollywood stars of Nigerian descent, Ejiofor was born on July 10, 1977 in Forest Gate, London, England, to Nigerian parents.

Ejiofor attended Dulwich College in South-East London. By the age of 13, he was appearing in numerous school and National Youth Theatre productions and subsequently attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA).

Ejiofor caught the attention of Steven Spielberg who cast him in the critically acclaimed Amistad (1997) alongside Morgan Freeman and Anthony Hopkins.

He has since been seen on the big screen in numerous features including Stephen Frears’ Dirty Pretty Things (2002) for which he won three film awards; Love Actually (2003), Inside Man (2006), and American Gangster (2007).

Ejiofor has balanced his film and television commitments with a number of prestigious stage productions. In 2008, his portrayal of the title role in Michael Grandage’s “Othelo” at the Donmar Warehouse alongside Ewan McGregor was unanimously commended and won him best actor at the 2008 Laurence

Olivier Awards. His other stage roles include Roger Michell’s “Blue/Orange” in 2000 which received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Play, and the same year Tim Supple’s “Romeo and Juliet” in which Ejiofor portrayed the title role.

Following his television debut in the series episode Screen Two: Deadly Voyage (1996), Ejiofor complimented his film and theatre work on the small screen in productions including Murder in Mind (2001), created by the award-winning writer Anthony Horowitz, Trust (2003), Twelfth Night or What You Will (2003), and Canterbury Tales (2003).

Ejiofor also appeared in such notable films as Endgame (2009), Channel 4’s moving drama set in South Africa for which his performance earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries; Roland Emmerich’s action feature 2012 (2009), opposite John Cusack, Danny Glover and Thandie Newton; and Salt (2010), opposite Angelina Jolie and live Schreiber. In 2013, he starred in Nollywood Half of a Yellow Sun (2013) and 12 Years A Slave (2013). He had his first leading film role playing Nicky Burkett in Jeremy Cameron’s It Was an Accident (2000).

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 1, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY

Regina Askia Puts Husband on the Spotlight Having found fame first as a model, then, as an actress, Regina Askia still keeps close ties with the world of entertainment. She recently shared rare photos of her American husband, Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Williams, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ontemporary Nollywood aficionados would easily connect with the name Regina Askia at the mere mention of it. This isn’t in anyway difficult to comprehend as she was among the few talented actresses who held sway starring in several home movies at the dawn of what is today known as Nollywood. The on-screen diva held a lot of movie watchers spellbound and with her beauty and skillful acting and great interpretations of roles made her a force to reckon with in the movie industry.

In fact, it is believed that Regina made many men adulterers in the confine of their living rooms. She wasn’t just beautiful but sexy, enhanced by her charming hazel eyes. Regina became an actress after her reign as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. Her acting debut was in the then popular NTA series, Fortunes, as Tokunboh Johnson, a role which earned her critical acclaim and further roles in Nollywood movies during the 1990s and early 2000s, starring in movies like Most Wanted, Suicide Mission, The President’s Daughter, Festival of Fire, Dangerous Babe, and Man Snatcher, most of which were filmed and released directly to video, reaching a wide audience in Nigeria and across countries in Africa.

The Former Nollywood actress and ex-beauty queen recently took to Instagram to share rare photos of her husband, Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Williams. The pair who have been married for over 15-years have two children, a daughter, Teesa Olympia, and son, Rudolph Junior. Regina has another daughter, Stephanie Hornecker, from a previous relationship.

The striking resemblance between the veteran actress and her daughter could pass both mother and child for sisters as they look pretty much alike.

Regina, it was noted at the time where actors weren’t really paid so well, was among the highest-earning actors. To star her in a movie at that time, it was reported that it would cost a lot to get her on set because everyone wanted to see a movie with her as part of the cast. Had it been mainstream Nollywood awards like AMAA and AMVCAs were instituted then, she most likely would have had her name registered copiously in their laurels lists, though she still received several awards for her performances – including one for “Best Actress in Nigeria” by Afro Hollywood London in 2000.

She would later leave her acting career when she settled in the United States after her marriage to an American. In America, she took up a job in the medical field where she established herself as a registered nurse and healthcare provider. However, as an educational activist, television producer, writer, and public speaker, who found fame first as a model and then as an actress, she still keeps close ties with the world of entertainment.

The Akwa Ibom State indigene was one screen diva that came with the celebrity package. Her short lived union with businessman Charles Orie still holds memories as one of the most celebrated celebrity marriages. She graced our hearts and screens equally during her glory days.

Regina, a former medical student who had transferred from the University of Calabar to the University of Lagos was crowned Miss Unilag. She competed in the Most Beautiful Girl Nigeria pageant 1989. Even though she was recorded the people’s favourite, she came out second in the competition losing to Bianca Ojukwu. However, when Bianca Ojukwu resigned the crown, Regina took over and became the MBGN. In 1990, she represented Nigeria at Miss Charm International held in Leningrad, Russia, and came second. She also made history by becoming the first Nigerian at Miss International in Japan, where she made an impact with the most outstanding traditional costume. As it is, every beauty queen gets the opportunity to become brand ambassadors during their reign as queen, which was the case of Regina as she was used as a brand ambassador for major brands in the country at that time.

As a model, Regina appeared in several Nigeria print and television commercials. She also worked on several runway shows. After her qualification as nurse at Wagner College in the United States, she still works on promoting greater collaboration between Africa and its diaspora with her fashion shows as well as medical missions to Africa. In 2005, she held a fashion show at the Nigerian Embassy in New York to raise awareness to children’s issues in Nigeria and in 2006, she hosted a charity fashion show at the Lehman College in Bronx New York which displayed the creations of top African fashion designers and introduced her own line, ‘Regine fashions.’

Regina with husband, Rudolph

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COMMENTARY

OLU AGUNLOYE AT 70

Raheem Adedoyin pays tribute to Olu Agunloye, academic, administrator and pioneer chief executive of Federal Road Safety Corps

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oday, Saturday, December 1, 2018, is his day. Actually his day was September 16, 2018 when he turned 70. But friends, family and associates of Dr. Olu Agunloye (aka DOA) have chosen today to celebrate his 70th birthday. It is a milestone.

Dr. Agunloye is known variously as an accomplished physics teacher, two-time former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pioneer Corps Marshal and Chief Executive (COMACE), Federal Road Safety Corps and former senatorial and gubernatorial Candidate and Executive Vice Chairman of National eGovernment Strategies.

That is how the world knows DOA. But to me and our circle of DOA devotees, he is a living legend, an inspirator extraordinaire. It is no surprise that we are active in organising today’s event.

I have known Dr. Agunloye intimately for 30 years. I was a Correspondent (Transport) at The Guardian and he was the boss of the then newly-created FRSC. One cool evening in 1988, he visited his friend and Director of Public Affairs at the Guardian, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi. On Dr. Ogunbiyi’s invitation, I met DOA and had conversation with him in the director’s office.

It wasn’t a scheduled press interview but if you have nose for news, you know what to do with a newsmaker.

A back-page story in The Guardian the following day hallmarked our relationship that has spanned three decades. DOA was surprised that a story came out of my informal conversation with him and was particularly impressed with the accuracy of the report despite not having a taped interview.

I got introduced to the powerful FRSC Chairman, Prof. Wole Soyinka and was inducted into the inner circle of the corps (the strategy team). I became an integral part of FRSC which enhanced my professional practice especially in the realm of exclusive reports.

I have had a robust relationship with DOA. Simple, loving, humble, inspirational. He is one of the few “Bigmen� I can have a decent argument with and win.

Outside the newsroom leadership, Agunloye was the greatest contributor to my (journalism) career development. Our families are very close; I’m a constant visitor to his ancestral home in Erusu Akoko, Ondo State; he has visited my village in Oro too. I cochaired the committee that organised his 60th birthday in Ibadan; he chaired my 50th birthday event in Ilorin in 2011 and was Father of the Day at my son’s wedding reception in Ibadan last year. So, we have come a long way.

But beyond family ties and personal relationship, DOA is a towering figure who inspires the best in those around him. He showed us what integrity means in public office; you learn from him the virtues of contentment, moderation in worldly things, hard work, focus and impactful undertakings.

Some of my best friends today are those that I knew 30 years ago through the DOA/ FRSC link. There is a cult- like bond that

HE SHOWED US WHAT INTEGRITY MEANS IN PUBLIC OFFICE; YOU LEARN FROM HIM THE VIRTUES OF CONTENTMENT, MODERATION IN WORLDLY THINGS, HARD WORK, FOCUS AND IMPACTFUL UNDERTAKINGS

has withstood over three decades test of loyalty.

Thanks to DOA’s pioneering work, FRSC is today the most notable legacy of the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd). With Soyinka’s lethal cover, no one, not especially military personnel, toyed with Agunloye’s FRSC. For motorists, the fear of FRSC was the beginning of wisdom.

Today, one of the pioneer officers, a disciplined DOA disciple, Boboye Oyeyemi is the COMACE. Oyeyemi is restoring the fading virtuous reputation of the corps. That’s a testament to the leadership quality of DOA as builder of Leaders.

As they have done every year since their marriage, DOA and his soulmate, his charming wife, the one we fondly call aunty, Dr. Abimbola Agunloye are marking their birthday together. There are both 70.

When they were 60, we (the Agunloye Clan) threw a great party for them at an event centre in Ibadan. Today, there will be no such lavish celebration.

DOA has evolved politically over the years. He has not made so much success of his quest for elective office in a uniquely merit- tamed Nigerian environment but his experience has shaped his approach to life.

The birthday event at the Omolayole Hall, UI International Conference Centre, Ibadan may be no more than two hours of two items.

The low-key celebration starts with a lecture by Dr. Emeka Okengun who will speak on Empowerment in a Rich Country with Poor Citizens. Prof. Soyinka will Chair the occasion.

The second leg of the birthday programme will be the inauguration of the AG Charitable Trust For Empowerment.

DOA, who denounces the “money-for-vote shenanigans� in Nigerian politics says he has retired from seeking elective political offices but he remains a compassionate and upright politician who wants to serve the underprivileged.

Today’s launching of the Trust fund will lay emphasis on stimulating a future of hope for the young generation and the underprivileged.

The Agunloyes hope that the empowerment programme will encourage young people towards self-reliance and to contribute towards the Nigerian project.

The Charitable Trust will be chaired by Prof. Wole Soyinka with prominent members from the Organised private sector, and kwara political and religious class.

If you do not see any merrymaking and any congratulatory adverts in the newspapers today, that may be because the Agunloyes have requested their family members, friends, associates and well-wishers to channel their contributions towards the Trust Fund.

That’s a new thing I have learnt from the Master.

Many happy returns, the quintessential leader.

Raheem Adedoyin is a Journalist and former Commissioner for Information, Kwara State.

FEDERALISM, LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT Samuel Orovwuje’s book mirrors the country’s social conditions, writes Obed Awowede

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here are very few books that capture the breadth and depth of Nigeria’s contemporary leadership and development experience against the background of its history as Samuel Orovwuje’s Federalism, Leadership and Development. A collection of some of his essays, most of which have been published in Nigerian newspapers and foreign journals, Federalism, Leadership and Development provides a more than sufďŹ cient peek into the Nigerian state and its developmental challenges. Yet, it is not limited to issues about Nigeria as it delves into international relations and migration, another concurrent issue of interest across the world. Aside from the functional themes of nationhood and development, the book looks at the structural issues of federalism and explores the crisis of leadership both in Nigeria and on the African continent. Orovwuje’s kaleidoscopic panorama also touches heavily on such social issues that have engaged Nigeria’s rulers in recent years such as same-sex relationships, the Boko Haram insurgency, national security and free speech, leadership, unemployment and the ethos of nationhood. In all, through 45 essays, he dissects the Nigerian condition in a style that anyone, policy wonk or layman, can connect with.

The background of Orovwuje’s essays is situated in the state of underdevelopment of Nigeria, which has forced a robust public debate on the issues of leadership, federalism and development. This underdevelopment is suffused in the experiences of unemployment, poverty, social dislocation, fear, anxiety, economic difficulties, corruption, migration and political succession problems. In addressing these issues he frontally engages them and is not scared of speaking to the problems and offering solutions.

In ‘Leaders, not Pretenders!’, the author speaks to the malaise of godfatherism, nepotism and empty

campaign promises that are the bane of party democracy in Nigeria. This is an essay he wrote and published just before Nigeria’s 2015 general elections. In it he pushes the argument that the country needs true leaders and not pretenders who want power for the sake of it. He takes on the leadership selection process in the two main parties, APC and PDP thus: “Internal democracy is not respected in the APC, PDP or other parties.

Internal democracy is one of the major attributes of party organisational leadership but it has not always played out in Nigeria’s space and, indeed, the emergence of the incumbent president (Dr Goodluck Jonathan) as the only PDP aspirant is also a challenge for the democratic process and the leadership question in Nigeria.� That was 2015; the same can be said of the primaries for the 2019 general elections where President Buhari ended up the sole aspirant of the APC! The theme of leadership failure interweaves the issues of underdevelopment as seen in the essay, ‘The Common Man and the Failure of Leadership in Nigeria’: “the parochialism in the political realm has not only exacerbated the socio-political and economic disparities between the rich and poor, it has crucially also played a role in institutionalising corruption in Nigeria.�

Those problems were expected to get a salve, especially with the successful transfer of power to President Buhari, a man famed for his ascetic lifestyle and Orovwuje captured the expectations and the potential pitfalls, which must now seem prophetic, as follows: “Indeed no one has a fair idea of the critical mass of this government, but it may only be a matter of time that we see the demonstration of a newfound Nigeria where courage, discipline, stewardship and indeed promise-keeping, reminiscent of Buhari’s ancestral DNA, will resonate with the election

triumph. One thing, however, is abundantly clear.

Unless the bogus structure of governance and the number of political jobbers that draw off the resources of the state at various levels is sorted, Buhari cannot go through with his ambitious economic reforms agenda for Nigeria. We can only hope that the Change is here.� How prophetic!

But Orovwuje’s comes from deep thinking and a thorough reading of the social space, which has been his practice for over two decades now.

For Nigeria to achieve true change and development it must regularly engage its peoples in discussions on the terms of the union. That point is succinctly explored in the essays dealing with Nigeria’s corporate history and true federalism and finds expression also in other subjects dealing with the everyday problems in the country such as insecurity and forced internal migration. In them the author sees the symptoms of the main problem, which is a defective federal structure. Again, the failure of leadership connects with the problems of the political and governance structure, because the current arrangement is both unwieldy and unaccountable. He advocates a structure that promotes national inclusion while providing for the expression of the identities of the diverse nationalities at the local level. In ‘Toward a new Governance Structure for Nigeria’, which was published ahead of the 2014 National Conference organised by the President Jonathan administration, the author counsels as follows: “Nigeria should not be in a hurry to forget the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia between 1992 and 1999, which had similar trajectories like us. Therefore, the national conference should facilitate a deep-rooted and inclusive democracy where all minorities are protected.�

Throughout the book Orovwuje emphasises

that elite exploitation using the instrument of state power creates social problems, pitting groups and against groups through the vehicles of propaganda, hate speech and manipulations of the levers of power. To stem the tide toward civil unrest, he canvasses that ‘politicians should be ready to make necessary compromises whenever it is required in the spirit of national interest.�

(The imperatives of Social Harmony) While majority of the essays focus expressly on issues, a few come in the form of tributes: to Chief MKO Abiola (winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election);President Nelson Mandela; Professor Ali Mazrui; Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yew; Maya Angelou and Dr.Tunji Braithwaite. These are easily recognisable names and their values will resonate with many readers, but in including a tribute to HRH Chamberlain Orovwuje, Okpara I of Agbon Kingdom in Delta State, the author brings out the point that even in our small corners there are persons who have shown commendable qualities deserving of recognition and have in their own ways tried to make a difference in their communities. The king was one such person; he “was a disciplinarian and highly principled man with a large heart that accommodated all shades of opinions, particularly from his chiefs and subjects.�

Federalism, Leadership and Development is not a textbook on those issues but a practical examination of the themes as threads that run through the essays. Broadly the 45 essays provide a deep insight into the historical and contemporary issues that collectively make up the touchstone of the Nigerian experience, a reason the book is highly recommended to anyone who seeks to understand why Nigeria is the way it is, a wasteland of development sprinkled with a few bright stars.

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͚˜ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

There is need to be careful‌

The Relevance of A ‘ so Oke’

Hygienic Toilets as Saver of Lives

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f the call of nature is a common thing in humanity, man cannot be too careful in addressing the issue of toilet towards healthy living and mankind’s survival.

Sequel to this, the United Nations (UN) officially recognised November 19 as World Toilet Day which is aimed at inspiring actions to tackle the global sanitation crisis, increase public awareness on the importance of having hygienic toilets and support concerted efforts to widen access for people worldwide to having hygienic toilets.

Hygienic toilet has figured prominently in the safety and survival of lives at both local and international levels. Access to hygienic toilets has been likened to access to life because it saves lives.

Hygienic toilet prevents environment from being contaminated by human waste, slow the infection cycle of disease outbreaks that can cause widespread illness and death as well as improve health.

The importance of hygienic toilets lies in an effort to prevent diseases which can be transmitted through human waste, which afflict both the developing and under-developed countries.

Today, it is unfortunate that some people are still ‘forced’ to defecate in the open due to lack of access to hygienic toilets which are major causes of diseases outbreak and threat to public health.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) , around 60% of the global population - i.e. 4.5 billon people either have no toilets at home or cannot safely manage excreta; that 862 million people worldwide still defecate in the open, for example, in some gutters, bushes or into open bodies of water especially in the rural areas.

Open defecation perpetuates a vicious cycle of disease and seriously undermines progress in health and child survival. According to the UN, the countries where open defecation is widespread have highest number of deaths of children aged under five years as well as the highest levels of malnutrition and poverty.

The United Nations shared that over 300,000 children are dying yearly from diarrhea caused by poor sanitation while a lot of toilet infections were being contacted in poorly managed toilets. Influenza (flu), shigella bacteria, norovirus and gardnerella also known as bacterial vaginasis mostly found in women are examples of toilet infections.

In Nigeria, many private and public institutions such as schools, offices, bus stations (garages), police stations, court and other government institutions, toilets do not receive proper attention as compared to the rest of the buildings.

It must be noted that no matter how beautiful the building or premises are, if the toilets are dirty,

the country is seen as backward. Therefore, there must be an increase in public awareness on the importance of having hygienic toilets.

Despite the fact that statistics have shown that the number of people gaining access to improved sanitation and hygienic toilets have risen from 54% to 68%, some 2.3 billion people still do not have toilets or improved latrines. Therefore, government must mobilise the communities especially in rural areas to adopt safe disposal of human excreta and implement policies that will ensure strict adherent to environment.

Besides, health officials must be empowered to carry out regular inspections of toilets, soak-away pits and ensure a tidy environment. Mobile toilets should also be constructed and placed in public places especially in motor parks. However, the public toilets must be neatly used by people and there must be workers specifically assigned to clean these toilets so as to ensure cleanliness throughout the day.

Both private and public institutions such as schools, offices, police stations, courts, ministries and other government institutions, toilets must be given adequate attention with frequent water supply and provision of disinfectants.

Individuals who make use of the toilets must observe the general rule of toilets etiquette such as flushing of the toilet after use and washing of hands with soap and water.

Folake Majekodunmi, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta

A

so Oke is a popular clothe material. But it is very disheartening that the ‘Aso Oke’ fabric is increasingly losing its relevance among contemporary Nigerians. Though, in the olden days, Aso Oke, is considered as clothing materials for only the royals, yet it provided sustainable income for its weavers.

Living in a society where fashion trend changes frequently, not a few Aso Oke users and devotees have found new love for the Damascus, Shadda and other latest fabric materials of this world. As their fondness for the aforementioned fabrics subsists, they soon forgot that the Aso Oke, beautifully projects our rich culture and noble traditions. It reveals our ethnic origin/root, while also embellishing our heritage.

It needs be stated that from the Aso Oke ‘world’ emerged the culture of “Aso Ebi’’. The Aso Ebi phenomenon is a social uniform attire that is inextri-

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: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

cable from the ‘’Owanbe’’ spectacle of the Yoruba culture, which in itself is a social performance (or simply a party or celebratory occasion).

Furthermore, Aso Ebi is a fabric that is selected and weaved into garments which the Yorubas call (Iro and Buba).

It is worn by groups of people who are related to one another in various ways, such as family, friends or comrades. The Aso Ebi apparels are worn for social gatherings, especially celebrations popularly known as Owanbe. The type of Aso Oke worn by a person in the Yoruba society not only instantly communicates the status of the person, it also reveals hidden details about his culture, particularly the belief system and level of affluence.

It will be recalled that initially Aso Oke was mostly used in Yoruba funeral activities, chiefly as the uniforms for children of the deceased and other immediate family members.

But in modern times, it has evolved into a formal dressing norm for other events such as weddings, naming ceremonies, birthdays, church events, and political gatherings, among a plethora of festivities.

How is Aso Oke produced? The way of making it has remained the same for centuries. The process is relatively simple and labour-intensive, especially when compared with some contemporary fashion designs.

Amidst all these marvelling facts about Aso Oke, its several cottage industries have almost folded up.

What then should be done to salvage the magnificent fortunes of the Aso Oke textile industries in Nigeria?

Governors of the South-Western states should make attempts to revamp all the comatose Aso-Oke industries. If not as part of efforts geared towards promoting one of the rich heritage symbols of the Yorubas, then at least for the massive employment opportunities they will provide for the teeming youths and unemployed persons.

Abdulhamid Sekinat, Bayero University, Kano

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚˜ ͺ͸͚΀

NEWS

In Brief 91 PartiesThreaten 2019 Election Boycott

The national chairmen of 91 political parties on the platform of Inter Party AdvisoryCouncil(IPAC),haveresolvedtopulloutofthe2019generalelections if the amendment to the Electoral Act is not signed.The meeting, which was held on Friday at the INEC Electoral Institute, Abuja, had in attendance over 70nationalchairmenofpoliticalpartiesinNigeria,whereavoteofconfidence was passed on by the Chairman of IPAC, Peter Ameh and the executive. The politicalpartyleadersreviewedissuesconcerningthe2019generalelections aswellastheIPACleadership.Theyunanimouslyresolvedthatinviewofthe factthatNigeriansyearnfree,fairandcredibleelectionsnextyear,whichthe newElectoralActBillbeforethePresidentBuhariguaranteedtheyarecalling forthepassageoftheBill.“We,asmajorstakeholdersintheelectoralprocess, call onthePresident to signtheBill into law..

Four Die in Nasarawa Auto-crash

NEW WIG...

L-R: Alhaji Deji Mustapha ; Barakat Ifeoluwa Mustapha and Alhaja Mofolake Mustapha, during Barakat’s Call to Bar at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos...recently

Lebanese Arrested at Abuja Airport with Over $2m Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday said its operatives arrested one Abbas Lakis, a Lebanese for money laundering after he was found with undeclared currencies worth over a billion naira.

Lakis, according to a statement from the EFCC was picked up at

the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following intelligence report that he had on him, undeclared huge sums of monies aboard the Egypt Airline bringing him from the Kano Airport en route Lebanon. “At the point of arrest, a thorough search on his luggage, uncovered $2,104,936 (Two Million, One Hundred and Four Thousand,

Nine Hundred and Thirty six Dollars), ÂŁ163, 740 (One Hundred and Sixty Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Pounds), â‚Ź144,680 (One Hundred and Forty Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty Euros). “Other currencies found with Lakis include Riyal 391,838 (Three Hundred and Ninety One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty Eight Riyals), CHF 3,420 (Three Thousand Four Hundred and Twenty Swiss Franc), Lira 435

Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ The European Union (EU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have agreed in principle to pursue and sustain a common political engagement that would produce free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in Nigeria and other West African countries.

The two regional blocks however identified the current security situation in Nigeria as a threat to the success of the 2019 general elections if not nipped in the bud.

This was the fall out of discussions and decisions reached at a two-day ECOWAS-EU Political Dialogue, which ended Friday in Abuja.

According to a draft communiquĂŠ issued at the end of the meeting, participants noted the challenging general security environment ahead of the 16th February 2019 Presidential Election in Nigeria and called for increased effort in dealing with the threats.

While they commended the progress made in the fight against Boko Haram, they expressed worry over the recent increase in attacks by terrorist groups. “In particular, they highlighted the importance of addressing among others, the root causes of conflicts and the basic needs of the population related to the strengthening of resilience, humanitarian assistance and humanitarian access to the affected areasâ€?, the communiquĂŠ said.

Apart from Boko Haram activities particularly in the north east, other security challenges the group identified as threat to the elections include the Farmers-herders conflict in the Middle Belt region among others.

Addressing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, the Chair of the Council of the European Union Representative, Hubert Fuchs, said the meeting considered the overall security situation in West Africa with a special focus on the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea and assessed the ECOWAS peace missions and prospects for ECOWAS-ECCAS Cooperation.

Speaking on the issue of irregular migration, the envoy said that there was need for the two regions to find a common and constructive solution to the menace. “The EU is not fortress, but it cannot be borderless either. So on irregular migration in particular, I wish to stress that this matter is of such high political importance in Europe. “And that we look to our partners in West Africa to find common and constructive and mutually beneficial ways forward.

We aim to do this through solidarity, partnership and shared responsibility,� he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mustapha Suliman, earlier said the meeting discussed various areas of cooperation between the EU and the ECOWAS.

Hammed Shittu Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă˜

Five suspected armed robbers allegedly involved in the April 5, 2018 deadly bank robbery in Offa town, Kwara State where over 30 casualties were recorded yesterday pleaded not guilty to the five-count charges preferred against them at the state High Court, Ilorin.

During the heist, about nine policemen and 21 other innocent people were killed in the ancient town of Offa.

However, when the matter came up on Friday, the accused persons, Ayoade Akinibosun, Ademola Abraham, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Niyi Ogundiran and Salahu Azeez, were represented

by Mathias Emeribe, as the only defence counsel.

The five count charges preferred against the five suspects included conspiracy to commit robbery of five banks while armed with dangerous weapons and explosives, contrary to 2004 Criminal Law 1 sub section 2.

Also, the five accused persons allegedly committed armed robbery on five commercial banks while armed with dangerous weapons and explosives.

Others include alleged murder of nine police officers, including three female police officers and many unidentified residents of the ancient town of Offa during deadly armed robbery attack on five banks on April 5, 2018.

Also, they were charged with culpable homicide of nine police

Buhari Condoles with Rivers

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed condolences to people and government of Rivers State, and families of the deceased, over the loss of lives in the seven-storey building that collapsed in the state. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, President Buharisharedinthegriefwithfamilieswholostlovedones,andpraysforthe recuperationofthosethatsustainedinjuries.PresidentBuharialsocommended theStateGovernmentfortheurgentstepstakentounravelthecauseofthe accident, provide healthcare for victims and ensure safety in the future. He (Four Hundred and Thirty five prayed that the Almighty God would comfort all those who lost loved ones, Lira), ÂŁ109,000 (One Hundred and andgrantgraceofquickrecoverytotheinjured.

Nine Thousand Lebanese Pounds), Dirhams 10,135 (Ten Thousand Ogun APC Governorship Running Mate One Hundred and Thirty Five Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele has emerged as running mate to the Ogun UAE Dirhams) ¼10,000 (Ten State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Thousand Chinese Yuan) and Prince Dapo Abiodun ahead of the 2019 general elections.The emergence Riyal10 (Ten Qatar riyal), in his possession,� part of the statement of Salako-Oyedele, 52 years old and a native of Ota, in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Thursday evening, it was read.

It however, added that the gathered, followed several consultations between and among critical Lebanese would be charged to stakeholders within the APC family after dispassionate deliberations court as soon as investigations and detailed screening of various qualiďŹ ed individuals that were hitherto put forward for screening for the position whereby a voting process took were concluded. place. Noimot is the daughter of late Professor Lateef A. Salako who served state as Chairman, Ogun State Scholarship Board and Chairman Ogun State University Teaching Hospital Board of Management. Her father also served as Special Adviser (SA) to the then, Minister of Health, Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti and was Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research for seven years and for a further three officers and many other innocent people during the deadly bank years, the Chief Executive OďŹƒcer of the Federal Vaccine Research robbery, an offence punishable Laboratories, Yaba, Lagos. with death.

The suspects were also ac- Ogun Chief Of Staff, Odebiyi, Resigns cused of being in possession of Chief of Sta to Ogun State Governor, Chief Tolu Odebiyi, has resigned illegal firearms, including two his appointment. Odebiyi, in his letter of resignation on Friday, thanked AK 47 rifles and other dangerous Governor Amosun and expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity weapons. givenhimtoservethepeopleofthestate.Besides,theSenatorialcandidate All the five suspects, who of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for OgunWest Senatorial district, pleaded not guilty to the five who claimed to have resigned his appointment to pursue his senatorial count charges also said that they ambition,thankedmembersoftheStateExecutiveCouncilfortheirsupport were not in Offa town on the and cooperation during the period he served as the Chief of Sta. In the day of the armed robbery. letter of resignation, the former Chief of Sta expressed happiness in All the accused persons also the conďŹ dence reposed him by the governor with the appointment and said that they did not conspire the process that led to his emergence as the APC Senatorial candidate. with anyone to rob the banks or had any intention to kill He, however, described Governor Amosun as a visionary leader who has anyone, adding that they had impacted positively on the socio-economic development of the state.

Also, Odebiyi vowed to make the progress of Ogun State paramount in never held firearms.

Earlier, the court had struck all his future considerations. out name of the first accused person, Michael Adikwu, said to Uwazurike Loses Father In-law have died in police custody, from Former president of Aka Ikenga, an Igbo socio-cultural organisation the case after the prosecution , Chief Goddy Uwazurike, has lost his father in-law, Mr. Christopher and the state Attorney General, Kalu Amah, a well known businessman in Gabon. He was 80 years old.

Kamaldeen Ajibade, filed an In his life tme, he was well celebrated for philanthropy. Late Amah will application to amend the charge. be buried in Ihechiowa in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia Highlight of the court State on December 7, 2018. He was survived by his wife, ďŹ ve children proceeding was the absence and grandchildren. Among his sons in-laws is Chief Goddy Uwazurike. of compact disc, containing confessional video evidence, Charles Fadipe Dies at 84 which the defence counsel said Founderof MountSinaiHospital,Dr.CharlesBabatundeFadipe,isdead.He he was yet to lay his hands on. was aged 84.Fadipe, who died on November 7, was a presidential aspirant Also, the prosecution said on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) that he was not in possession and chairman of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation of the disc, explaining that it (LSDPC) in the Third Republic. He was also Otun Olotu of Ile Ife and Dike was still in Police headquarters, Oha 1 of Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise. A former deputy governor of Lagos State Abuja, and yet to be released AlhajaSinatuAderojuOjikutudescribedhimas“averygoodperson,agreat friend,mentorandapatriot.â€?Accordingtothefuneralprogramme,aservice to him.

The presiding judge, Halima of songs will take place at his home on Monday, December 10, while a night Salman, therefore, adjourned the of tribute and wake keep will hold on Tuesday December 11 at the Lagos matter till January 7, 2019 to City Hall. A funeral service will hold on Wednesday December 12 at the give the parties ample time to First Baptist Church Lagos, while his remains will be interred at theVaults be in possession of the exhibit. and Gardens. This will be followed by a reception at the MUSON Centre.

Nigeria’s Security Situation, Threat to 2019 Elections, Offa Bank Robbery Suspects Warn EU, ECOWAS Go on Trial, Plead Not Guilty Task Nigeria on current security situation

TheNasarawaStateCommandoftheFederalRoadSafetyCorpshasconfirmed thedeathsoffourpersonsinanAuto-crashalongAkwanga-LafiaRoad.Thestate sectorcommandantoftheFederalRoadSafetyCorps(FRSC),Ms.Feustina Alagbe,confirmedtheaccidenttojournalistsyesterdayinLafia,addingthatit occurredatabout2p.m.and thecorpsesweredepositedattheOlaHospital, Akwanga.Accordingtoher,“thevictimswererushedtoOlaHospitalinAkwanga LocalGovernmentAreaofthestate,butongettingtothehospitalfourpeople were confirmed dead by authorities of the medical outfit and the corpses depositedinthesamehospital.�Alagbecontinuedthattheaccidentinvolved twobuses;oneSharonbusandaJ5buswhile12personswereinvolvedinthe roadmishap.FindingsrevealedthataformerSpecialAssistanttoGovernor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State on Media and Publicity, AhmedTukur, was also involved in the accident and currently responding to treatment at theFederal Medical Centre,Keffi.

THISDAYt SATURDAY DECEMBER 1, 2018

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THISDAYt 4"563%": %&$&.#&3 Ċ ċĉĊđ

Plus

Jude Legemah I Lost My Parents at a Young Age… I Had to Look for a Way to Survive

pg. 20

GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND AUTO SHOWBIZFLAIR

Martha Najomo

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

Happiness Comes from the Inside…Once You’re Happy within, You Glow from the Outside

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 1, 2018

PLUS

Happiness Comes from the Inside…

Once You’re Happy Within, You Glow from the Outside The founder of Seraphina Gems, Martha Najomo is unarguably one of the biggest luxury jewel sellers in Nigeria. She is everything you would wish to be in life.

But success, greatness and fame were never thrust on her laps on a platter of gold. Martha actually worked hard for it. This beautiful woman had the picture of how rich she wanted to be in her head, but was slightly unsure of how to actualise it until she started her jewelry business way back in the university. Today, she has movers and shakers of the society as clients. This mother of seven children, speaks with Bayo Adeoye about her life at 56

H

ow do you feel at 56?

I am grateful to God for still being here. It’s only by His mercies that I’m alive and kicking. I’m thankful.

You look younger than your age. What is the secret even after seven children?

God first and personal life choices.

When I say personal life choices, I mean eating right and exercising regularly.

Also, I learned from my mum a long time ago not to sleep with problems. If they’re on your shoulders and weighing you down, slant your shoulder and let them slip off. Again, she told me not to be a people pleaser. Whatever is right with God is all that matters. Nobody should dictate your life except you.

Happiness comes from the inside and once you’re happy within, you glow from the outside. Envy no one because you don’t know what shoes they’re wearing and where it pinches. Do not be a photocopy of anyone. Be real and be true to yourself.

How were you able to manage bringing up seven kids?

God helped me. Truthfully, I’m fortunate to have children that have their head screwed on in the right place.

Children that listen when you talk to them and even though most times they were away in school, God helped in making sure they didn’t fall in with the wrong crowd.

What are the things you enjoy about having a house full of children?

I love having family around me.

They bring joy and genuine love. When they say they love you, they mean it; especially your children. I’m not really a

DECEMBER 1, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS Do Not Be a Photocopy of Anyone. Be Real and Be True to Yourself social media person so I get to hear new slangs, social media antics and all the daily gists from them. We talk and relate like friends. But most of them are out of the house now so it’s just me and my television.

You are one of the top jewelers in the country, how easy is it running a luxury jewelry store like yours?

First and foremost, I don’t ascribe to that line. God enthrones man. I’m on my own lane. I’m a jeweler who has been here for over two decades. I must be doing something right to still be here so I give glory to God. Running a jewelry store is not easy and so many safety measures have to be taken in this country. Also, jewelry is a luxury item so it’s not always easy but we give God praise.

Would you say it’s been good since its inception?

It’s not been all smooth sailing and it’s definitely not been a bed of roses but we are still here. Every business has its ups and downs but it’s mostly been good.

God has been faithful. No lies.

What are the challenges handling such high end business in this terrain?

Security and debtors. Mainly people that would buy your items and thereafter stop taking your calls or keep fobbing you off. Then they go about calling you all sorts of names. Also, greedy people that fail to pick items based on their pocket capabilities. They pack your items and they disappear into thin air. Also, the present economy is really challenging as well. Like I mentioned earlier, jewelry is a luxury item so people have to think of feeding and basic needs first before buying it. But in all, God is faithful.

Being married to an equally known person like Capt. Chris Najomo must sure come with its own responsibilities. So how have you made a success of your marriage?

I’m an introvert really and I’m not ‘out there’. I think that focusing on yourself and developing yourself is more beneficial than being known.

Separating

your private life from your public persona is equally very important. You have to balance everything really to make a success of it all.

One of your daughters is getting married soon to a Kenyan, how do you feel that she is getting married to a non-Nigerian?

This question has been asked over and over again. It’s the same response I’ll give once again. It’s the person that matters and not the tribe. As long as there’s friendship, genuine love amongst the persons involved, I’m fine. The world is a global village. It’s not about the tribe or the nationality.

Security and debtors.

Mainly people that would buy your items and thereafter stop taking your calls or keep fobbing you off. Then they go about calling you all sorts of names. Also, greedy people that fail to pick items based on their pocket capabilities.

They yp pack y your items and th they hey disappear into thin a air ir

What marriage tips would you give her in these times?

Patience - Courtship (boyfriend and girlfriend relationship) is not the same as marriage. Communication is the key. No matter what it is, both of you should be able to talk about it and resolve issues.

Nobody knows what’s in your mind except you. So you can’t expect your partner to predict and know what you want. Do not let third party into your marriage. Take your issues to God and not to man. You don’t want your issues being told to a fourth and a fifth party.

Thrash out all issues immediately they occur as brooding over an issue never helps anyone. You only create insurmountable mountains over little molehills. Do not keep separate rooms. It helps widen the gap between you when you have a little misunderstanding with your husband.

If you have not been in business, what other thing would you have chosen?

Hnnmm… I’ve done this my whole life so I really don’t know. But I know that buying and selling is my forte so maybe the boutique business? I’ve been buying and selling since I was nine years old so it would have been something that relates to that aspect I guess.

You are one of the most stylish women in Nigeria; what does style mean to you?

Really? One of the most stylish? I actually just do my thing really. I wear what I feel comfortable in and what I feel suits me and not going with the trend and wearing outfits just because they’re in vogue. I don’t know about being one of the most stylish. I just try to dress up with the right accessories for the right occasion. That’s all.

What is your favourite designer in the world and what would you not compromise on stylewise?

Favorite designers? I have a lot of favourites really. Top on the list is Vera Wang although I don’t get to wear a lot of their clothing. I also love Escada, St. John and Teri Jon mostly

because of the way they fit. Like I said, I only wear what suits me and not what everyone is wearing. Shoes - I love Loubs (although they’re not comfortable but once in a while, you have to wear them.

Beauty after all, is pain. I also like YSL, LV, D&G and Chanel shoes, anything comfortable really.

I wouldn’t compromise on my accessories especially jewelry. Maybe because that’s my field I guess.

How have you coped with being married to a pilot?

By being busy myself. Every woman must work. Every woman must have her handwork. No matter how little the business is, you must have something doing. You must have something productive to occupy yourself with. A marriage is a union of two but you must also have your own life and not be an extension of anybody. We just have to cope well.

What are you passionate about outside of business and fashion that gives you pleasure and fulfillment?

Studying the word of God; making notes to lead prayers in church, talking and counseling women about the true meaning of living, living life before dying because most women don’t live/ exist outside their marriage. Exercising, holidaying with family and friends and IrokoTV. After work, I like coming home to relax. I used to visit friends and hang out but I’ve come to realise that sometimes it’s best to mind your business and stay in the confines of your home. People misconstrue your actions and the words you speak. They read different meanings into what is said and what is unsaid just because of a preconceived mindset about who they think you are.

What makes you tick now at 56?

GOD, He has always been there for me. lf you were to describe yourself in three words, who would you say Martha is?

Sweet, spicy and sour. What you give is what you receive. If you give me love, you receive double love. Give me attitude and you receive it in full measure.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 1, 2018

PLUS

Jude Legemah I Lost My Parents at a Young Age… I Had to Look for a Way to Survive Hit movie, Ghost and the Tout, was not only praised for its huge humour but also picture quality. Meet Jude Legemah, the editor of the movie and the director of photography of several blockbuster movies. The highly sought-after cinematographer speaks to Chinedu Ibeabuchi about his dreams, specialty and issues affecting the industry

W

ho is Jude Legemah?

Jude Legemah is an introvert, calm and always eager to learn. I studied Banking and Finance at University of Benin. Jude Legemah is proudly Benin and hails from Oredo in Edo State.

How did your journey to Nollywood begin?

It all started nine years ago. I came to Lagos wanting to attend NIIT but fate smiled on me. I was lucky enough to meet my elder brother’s friend. He advised me to join the creative department of Blast Media, a production company headed by Charles Uwagbai and Alex Mouth. It was a wonderful experience and up till this moment I have not regretted the decision.

Before venturing into film production, were you a fan of Nigerian movies?

Not really, I hardly watch Nollywood movies. My attention was far off from that direction.

What do you think has changed in this era of young and vibrant guys like you in Nollywood?

A lot has changed. We have more young and vibrant creative film makers

that are driven by passion to make a difference. In this era, we are blessed with innovative technology that has made our work easier, more productive and inventive. Also, social media like YouTube has put Nollywood on the World Map. Nollywood garners fans from across the globe now.

When shooting, what biggest obstacles do you face and how do you tackle them?

Our major problems are finance,

21

͚˜ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS With Adequate Funding, Nollywood Can Compete with Hollywood piracy and mediocrity. Others are Lack of quality control, bad story lines and lack of unity among practitioners. Most people come into Nollywood not for passion but for the money. But a few of us that have passion for our craft don’t cut corners. We go the extra mile to get that perfect story and get the best cast to match each role, not minding the cost.

How do you manage popular but highly pompous actors on set?

You don’t need to chase them around. They have already penned it in a contract to finish the project. As a director or producer, you have to be calm so that your production will run smoothly. The actors who are proud and pompous don’t last. Our industry is based on referrals. Most actors know this, so they behave themselves on set.

What does the work of a Director of Photography entail?

Director of Photography (DoP) or Cinematographer is the crew chief that presides over the camera and light crews working on a film, television production or other live action piece.

He is responsible for making artistic and technical decisions relating to the image. The study and practice of this field is referred to as cinematography.

What projects have you been involved in and which are you most proud of?

I have worked on several movies.

These include the Ghost and The Tout (Editor and 2nd unit DoP), True Vision (DoP and Editor). Brother Jekwu (Editor), Esohe (Editor), Breathless (Editor), Deep Fever (Editor and DoP), Benevolence (DoP: Editor), Drive (Editor), Christmas is Coming, Okoro the Prince (Editor) and Kinsmen (DoP / Editor), just to mention a few. All these movies are Cinema movies. I am super proud of all of the projects I have worked on. My policy is ‘you are as good as your last project.’ So every Job is my best job.

As a proud Benin native, how have you tried to project Benin culture in Nollywood?

Esohe and Okoro the Prince directed and produced by Charles Uwagbai are epic Edo Movies that promote our culture and tell our story to a global audience. Currently, I am partnering with my cousin, Osahon Amiuwu and we have some projects running in Benin like Panenka Spot Kick. Panenka is a sport programme to help youths in Benin get off the street and focus on becoming good citizens of the state.

And also, there’s Oduma Life, a pet project of the Crown Prince of Benin.

What can you say you are very proud of about your Benin culture?

I am a very proud son of the Soil.

My culture and tradition have never changed. The average Edo man lives his life every day to promote the values and doctrines of our culture.

Many youths dream Nollywood, can you share lucrative aspects in the ďŹ lm aside acting that they can try the skills?

First and foremost, you need to have passion for what you do. I can’t say acting, editing or even producing is lucrative. You need to build an experience in the industry first, then find that that gives you joy, build your clientele base and money will locate you. Like I said, our work is based on referrals.

Legemah

You don’t need to chase them around. They have already penned it in a contract to ďŹ nish the project. As a director or producer, you have to be calm so that your production will run smoothly. The actors who are proud and pompous don’t last. Our industry is based on referrals. Most actors know this, so they behave themselves on set

Compared to Hollywood, what are the missing plugs that still need to be ďŹ xed in Nollywood?

A lot of things. First of all is budget, our structure and technical knowhow.

Hollywood can budget $200 million for a project. But in Nollywood, we mange what we have. However, we are doing great within our budget constraints. If we have one quarter of the budget Hollywood has for a movie, our production will be at par with Hollywood. We are getting there.

How would you describe your growing up as a typical Benin boy?

Any incident that shaped your life that you are proud of or would like

to advise others to avoid?

Growing up in Benin was fun. I did my primary, secondary and university education in Benin. Then our economy was by far better than what we have now. Life was easy. I lost my parent at a young age and I knew I had to look for a way to survive. Thank God, things went the way they did. My advice to the youth is that they should be patient, everything happens for a reason. Anywhere you find yourself, it is for a reason. Just be the best at what you do and hope for the best.

Did you at any point take odd jobs to survive?

No, I never did. I was actually working for my uncle as a graphic designer.

Tell us about your role in the Ghost and the Tout. How much did the movie make in cinema?

Ghost and Tout was a hit back to back. I was the 2nd Cinematographer and I edited the movie. Working on set was amazing. Toyin Abraham was amazing and she produced the Movie.

I don’t know the actual figure, Ghost and the Tout made a lot of money in the cinema, breaking records with lots of sold out tickets week in week out.

Aside this movie, which other movie that you involved in is a blockbuster in cinemas?

Every movie that I ever worked on has always been a hit, from Ghost and the Tout to The WasherMan, Brother Jekwu, Kinsmen, Breathless and What Just Happened, etc.

To aim towards success in cinemas, what must ďŹ lm makers consider in their ďŹ lm production process?

Story is very important. You need to have a very good script, perfect

cast and a crew that is ready to push beyond their limits to do a great job.

How does a working week look like for a D.O.P/post production editor?

Currently, I work Monday to Monday. That’s why I said you have to love what you do. At Creative Unit Studios, we are more like a family. I can’t stay a day without seeing my colleagues in the office. While am on set, it’s another life. The Jude you see in the studio is different from the Jude on set. I just love what I do.

You seem to have done quite some works with Charles Uwagbai.

How would you describe him in the industry?

I am very proud to be working with Charles Uwagbai. He is a very creative and innovative Director. He listens to you, he carries you along in every production and he always gives you tasks to make you a better person.

Working with Charles Uwagbai is the most important thing that ever happens to me.

Is there any old actor you admired?

Who was that and what did you admire about him/her?

Like of Joke Silver, Pete Edochie and Olu Jacobs. These are amazing actors.

These actors have been consistent over the years. We also have amazing new generation of actors now in Nollywood.

Many actors and ďŹ lm makers shy away from marriage. So tell us, have you not found Miss Right? Or perhaps there are enough wanabe babes to enjoy in the industry?

Marriage is a life long journey and you will certainly want to embark on this journey with someone you are compatible with. I am not shying away from marriage. In the nick of time, the wedding bell will ring.

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

01.12.2018

North London Derby PAGE. 32

Falcons Target 9th AWCON Title, Seek Revenge against Banyana

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 1, 2018

GLOBAL SOCCER

Falcons Target 9th AWCON Title, Seek Revenge against Banyana Super Falcons of Nigeria will not only be hoping to defend the Africa Women Cup of Nations which they won in Cameroon in 2016 to make it their ninth win in the competition but will also be seeking revenge against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, a side they lost to in their opening group game, reports Kunle Adewale

A

fter winning the AWCON a record eighth time, the Super Falcons have almost made the biennial competition their birthright, but their first group game against the Bayana Bayana proved they have to earn it as they lost 0-1, which is why today’s final game at the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana, today, would prove to be a scintillating encounter.

While revenge would be at the back of the Falcons’ mind, the girls from South Africa would want to prove that their group stage win was not a fluke as they would be hoping to win the competition for the first time in their history.

Before the start of the competition, Falcons’ China-based striker, Asisat Oshoala was confident that none of the other teams competing in the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations could rival Nigeria as they go in search of their record-extending ninth AWCON title, but she has been proved wrong as they only managed to beat 2016-finalistsCameroon, who are by far the better side via penalty shootouts.

Time: 5pm Venue: Accra Sports Stadium “Every time you see Nigeria, you know there is no other competitor, we are here to win the trophy. We are here to make our nation proud once more, the girls are ready to give 100 per cent at every point in time,” Oshoala had told ESPN before the start of the competition.

However, the China-based striker and her colleagues must have known better after the loss to South Africa and being the second best against Cameroon in the semifinals.

Nigeria coach Thomas Dennerby, however, didn’t quite share his star player’s bullish optimism and sounded a note of caution regarding the Super Falcons’ would-be rivals for the title.

“We are defending champions. Everybody wants to beat Nigeria and that definitely puts us under pressure. However, we have to live with that, and I think we have a good chance to defend the title, that’s our aim.

“Winning it again won’t be easy but that’s

our aim. We know that other teams have improved a lot since the last tournament. Some of them have really done good preparation, they have played a lot of friendlies and so we know that we will play good teams. That’s good for women’s football because more and more teams are getting better,” Dennerby said.

After the narrow semifinal win against Cameroon, the Falcons’ coach in his postmatch presser declared the team would celebrate, but also prepare for today’s final against South Africa.

“For now, we celebrate and prepare for the final match on Saturday. We are happy that we have won the game and picked one of the three tickets to the world cup. Now, the next target is retaining the trophy.”

Dennerby, however, vowed that Super Falcons will avenge a shock 1-0 loss to South Africa when both teams clash today in the AWCON final in Accra.

“We have a very good chance to beat South Africa,” Dennerby declared.

“It was really a tough game against Cameroon, a lot of players are tired, it’s time

for recovery and I will say we have a good chance to win in the final. When it comes to the final we will do whatever it takes to bring the cup back to Nigeria.”

Dernneby said the first target at the AWCON had been achieved which was to qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women World Cup in France and the next target was to retain the championship.

“We said when we came here, that we had two goals, the first one was to qualify for the World Cup, we did that, I’m impressed.

“We know when we came that Cameroon are a good team, honestly I was not happy in the first 10 to 15 minutes, my players were anxious, we lost the ball too much and definitely in the midfield, we had to defend a lot.

“Looking at the game, we were compact, we defended well in depth and width I think that was key to our win,” he said.

He admitted an attack that paraded Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie and Francisca Ordega would have to improve in the final today.

“It’s good to know it’s difficult to score

DECEMBER 1, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Past Winners I998 Nigeria 2000 Nigeria 2002 Nigeria 2004 Nigeria 2006 Nigeria 2008 E’ Guinea 2010 E’Guinea 2012 Nigeria 2014 Nigeria 2016 Nigeria 2018 ???

against us, definitely we need to improve on the attack, quick passing and more options upfront ,” he said.

South Africa, four-time AWCON runnersup, will be looking to finally finish the tournament at the top of the podium when they play defending champions Nigeria in the showpiece match of the 2018 edition in Ghana today.

Standing between Banyana and a first continental title is an all too familiar rival in the form of eight-time champions, the Super Falcons.

The Bayana-Super Falcons rivalry dates to the final of the second edition of the tournament in 1995. South Africa were making their tournament debut while Nigeria were the defending champions having steamrolled their way to the inaugural title four years earlier. An inexperienced Bayana side, still trying to find their feet in international football, were blown away 11-2 on aggregate.

Their next meeting, five years later in South Africa, would also be in the tournament’s decider. An improving Bayana side, now well-adapted to the demands of international football, would gallantly lose 2-0 to an unstoppable force marching to a fourth consecutive title.

Bayana’s next appearance in a Cup of Nations final would come eight years later in Equatorial Guinea, a narrow 2-1 defeat to the hosts seeing them come up short again.

Four years later it would be Equatorial Guinea - again - to deny them the opportunity to assume the throne of African football queens.

Having already proven in the first round of the Ghana tournament that a solid game plan and tactical discipline can bring the

Super Falcons to earth, Bayana could finally find themselves at the top of the podium come the end of today’s much-awaited encounter.

Speaking after South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Mali, Bafana Bafana coach Desiree Ellis, who was obviously over the moon by their first-time qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup said: “We knew that we had accomplished what we wanted to do and that’s going to the World Cup. “This is not about this team only. This is about all of South Africa. This is about all the coaches there before. About all the players who have been there before. It is also about the Football Association. We wouldn’t have been anywhere if they weren’t on board. They have been tremendous in the preparations we have had over a year. They made sure we made the best preparations possible.”

With World Cup ticket firmly secured, Ellis is now turning her sights to today’s final, where they will come up against none other than eight-time champions Nigeria.

“We will celebrate and start preparing for the final. We are not a team that talk much in the media. We will work together as a team and plan again. And hope to execute the plan because that’s all it is about. We have never won the AWCON and we are going to give it a shot and see what happens on the weekend,” said the coach.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to boost the morale of the Super Falcons, the Nigeria Football Federation has opted to double the winning bonus of the team as a big incentive ahead today’s final against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in Accra.

President of the NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, made the pledge when he met with

the players and officials at the AH Hotel, Accra on Thursday, as he delivered the good wishes of President Muhammadu Buhari and the football –loving populace of Nigeria to the Cup holders.

The Falcons had earned $3,000 for a win in the group phase but were earmarked for $5,000 each for victory in the Final.

“I want to let you know that the government and the good and great people of Nigeria are happy with your performance in the championship so far. They are looking forward to you retaining the trophy by beating South Africa on Saturday (today).

“Let me commend the lofty commitment, dedication and resilience that you have displayed so far in the championship, alongside that unique Nigerian spirit that was most in evidence against the Cameroonians in the semi final. You are indeed true champions, and we believe you will retain the Cup on Saturday. Go out there and win on Saturday and earn yourselves $10,000 each, as against the $5,000 that the NFF earlier promised.”

Onome Ebi and Rita Chikwelu on behalf of the team expressed gratitude to the NFF, the Nigeria media and football –loving Nigerians at home and in the diaspora for their support to the team, and pledged that they will overcome the Banyana Banyana in today’s final in order to return to Nigeria with the trophy.

Ebi said: “We have the World Cup ticket now, which was always our first target here.

The second is winning the Cup for a third successive time and ninth time overall. It is a mission we are determined to accomplish on Saturday.” Nigeria have dominated the tournament, winning eight of the previous 10 editions, with only Equatorial Guinea (twice) denying them a clean sweep.

Road to Final

SUPER FALCONS Nigeria 0-1 Nigeria 4-0 Nigeria 6-0 Semifinal Nigeria 4-2 BANYANA BANYANA South Africa 1-0 South Africa 7-1 South Africa 2-2 Semifinal South Africa 2-0

South Africa Zambia E’Guinea Cameroon (Pen.) Nigeria E’Guinea Zambia Mali

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

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Everton Undaunted by Merseyside Poor Record in Clash with Liverpool

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iverpool face a derby clash against Everton as they lick their Champions League wounds. Jurgen Klopp’s team lost 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, meaning their bid to reach the knockout stages in Europe will go to the last game against Napoli.

Everton have a shocking record against city rivals Liverpool, not tasting victory in the derby since 2010 and failing to win at Anfield since 1999, but Marco Silva’s task looks daunting on Sunday but Everton travel in hope after a solid start to the season that sees them in sixth, 11 points behind Klopp’s team.

Silva said Sunday’s Merseyside derby with Liverpool holds no fear for his Everton players despite their poor record at Anfield.

The Toffees climbed to sixth in the Premier League table with victory over Cardiff last weekend but have not won at Anfield since 1999.

Silva said such records exist to be broken and is looking for continuity from a side that have lost just once in their last seven league games. “My players know I don’t want the word ‘fear’ in our dressing room,� said the Everton boss. “We will respect all our opponents like we did against Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. “It will be the same on Sunday but we don’t change anything in our ambition or style of play. It is important to enjoy the moment and we have to be strong. “We want to win the match and nothing more.�

Silva knows Sunday’s game will be a “special match� but does not want his Everton side to change anything in their approach. “It is an important match, it’s a special match for everyone in the city,� said the Portuguese. “We did everything, in the same way, to prepare well our players but of course it’s a special match. “What I want to see in our team is for us to be ourselves, nothing different to what we did in the big games we already played until now. I’m sure this is what our fans want to see, for us to be ourselves, to fight to achieve a result. “I feel it’s a special game for them as well but our fans want us to be the same

team, playing to win the match, to be strong, to enjoy the moment and have the ambition to win. “Nothing changes because in the last match we achieved sixth position in the table.�

Silva has no fresh injury concerns for Sunday’s game and said Ademola Lookman is pushing hard for a first league start of the season.

The 21-year-old has made seven substitute appearances for Everton in the Premier League this campaign and his attitude has impressed Silva. “He is doing more than enough to play in our starting XI,� said Silva. “When I make that decision, he is deserving. “He is doing a fantastic job every day here at Finch Farm and in the matches as well. I am really happy with him. “I know he wants to play more minutes and start matches. His time will come, I’ve no doubts about that.

He knows my opinion as well. This is the Lookman I told you about.�

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said their derby against Liverpool is one of the biggest in the country, saying the dressing room want to give fans something to smile about from their derby game.

Speaking about the match, Pickford said: “For me personally, I never put myself under any pressure and a lot of people will talk and hype the game up. But for me personally, it’s another game and another chance for me to perform to my best ability.

Everton last beat Liverpool in a derby game in October 2010, but with a new squad under Silva, Pickford hopes they can “make the fans happy� as they have a positive “squad mentality�. “I think if we get the win, it’s massive for us, for the fans,� Pickford said. “In the league, there is a lot of games to be played, we have good momentum going into the game and that’s always nice. “But we have to keep plugging away, take it as another game, and make the fans really happy. We want to win every game, every game we play we want to win. Some are tougher than others to get the victory.

Arsenal, Tottenham Clash in North London Derby Arsenal and Tottenham head into the North London derby in good form as Arsenal are unbeaten in 11 Premier League matches and Tottenham are o to their best-ever league start. The Gunners have not won any of their last six Premier League matches against their bitter North London rivals who are looking to mount a title challenge this season

A

rsenal would be hoping to have Alexandre Lacazette available when they face North London rivals Tottenham on Sunday.

The striker missed the 2-1 win at Bournemouth last weekend with a minor groin complaint and did not travel to Ukraine on Thursday for the Europa League game against Vorskla Poltava.

Unai Emery played a youthful side in Kiev and is expected to ring the changes against Spurs on Sunday.

Arsenal have won just one of their last eight Premier League matches against their North London rivals, although that win came at the Emirates last season. A victory this weekend would see Arsenal move level on 30 points with Spurs in the Premier League table.

Spurs have won their last six matches in a row in all competitions and ended Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season with a 3-1 victory

last weekend. “It is important to build that confidence, to trust in the way that we play. But the derby is always a different game and our approach will be different. We know very well what it means for our fans and we hope to be at the level that we expect,� said manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino said that it’s still too early to determine who will be in the title race. “I don’t care what is going on around us.

We have improved from last season and after 13 games we have more points than last season. Arsenal are the same too. They are having an amazing season, like Manchester City or Liverpool. “But it is only 13 games and there is still a lot to play. We will see what happens. We are coming to a period that is so difficult to manage, between now and Christmas we have a lot of games. In the next few months, we will see if we are going to be there.�

Meanwhile, Tottenham midfielder, Harry Winks said Sunday’s North London derby against Arsenal in the Premier League has come at the perfect time for his in-form team.

Tottenham outclassed title rivals Chelsea 3-1 last weekend and followed it up with a 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan on Wednesday to boost their confidence ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium. “The form we are in right now, it is probably the perfect time to go there,� Winks told British media.

Tottenham have not won at Arsenal since a 3-2 victory in 2010 and face a potentially difficult test against Emery’s fifth-placed side, who are unbeaten in their last 17 games in all competitions.

However, England international Winks is optimistic that Tottenham can stop their city rivals’ charge. “Of course they are beatable, but it is going to be another difficult game, so we have to be

physically prepared for it,� England international Winks added.

Defender Jan Vertonghen suggested that Arsenal were a rejuvenated side under Spaniard Emery, who took over from longserving Frenchman Arsene Wenger before the new campaign. “They look like a good and solid team.

They look a different team to the last couple of years,� the Belgian international, who returned against Inter after 10 games out with injury, said. “It’s going to be a big game. They’ve won many games in a row, they’re confident. But the way we are playing gives a lot of confidence as well.�

However, Tottenham captain, Hugo Lloris said that Sunday’s North London derby against Arsenal is “more than a game� for his team. “We know it is more than a game for both clubs and for both (sets of) fans. Now, we

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

P 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

GD 35 21 12 17 12 5 -1 4 0 1 -3 -5 -5 -8 -14 -9 -14 -14 -15 -19

PTS 35 33 30 28 27 22 21 20 20 18 16 15 12 12 10 9 9 8 8 8

Fixture TODAY Crystal Palace

v Burnley

15:00

HuddersďŹ eld

v Brighton

15:00

Leicester

v Watford

15:00

Man City

v B’mouth

15:00

Newcastle

v West Ham

15:00

Southampton

v Man Utd

17:30

Chelsea

v Fulham

12:00

Arsenal

v Tottenham

14:05

Liverpool

v Everton

16:15

SUNDAY

Hot Shots Sergio Aguero Aubameyang Raheem Sterling Eden Hazard Mohamed Salah Harry Kane Aleksandar Mitrovic Glenn Murray Glenn Murray Sadio ManĂŠ Richarlison Callum Wilson Sadio Mane have time to recover and to prepare as well as possible but that type of game you play more with passion and desire. It is the type of game we all want to play and we are all excited to play. It is going to be interesting to face Arsenal this season with a new manager. “They have a good energy and they have had some very good results in the last few weeks so it is going to be a very good game for both teams.â€?

Spurs go into Sunday’s game third in the

Facts

Premier League table, three points behind Liverpool and five adrift of leaders Manchester City.

Lloris believes Liverpool and Man City deserve to be considered title favourites ahead of Spurs, who he said have been hindered by the delay in getting into their new stadium. “We are building our season step by step,�

Lloris said. “The main target is to keep our place in the top four. “You need to accept the context. It is still one

˞ Spurs have won just one of their last 25 away Premier League games against Arsenal (D10 L14), a 3-2 victory in November 2010. ˞ Tottenham have lost more points from winning positions in Premier League games against Arsenal than any side have against another in the competition’s history (37).

Premier League matches between Arsenal and Tottenham have seen both teams ďŹ nd the net more often than any other ďŹ xture in the competition (34). Ëž Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League matches (W8 D3), since losing against Chelsea back in August. Ëž Arsenal have scored a league-high 21 goals in the second half of Premier League games this season. The only times they’ve failed to score after half-time were in their opening two matches of the season (defeats vs Man City and Chelsea). Ëž Tottenham have won their last seven Premier League London derby matches - only once have they ever had a longer such run in the top-ight (8 between October 1950 and August 1951). Ëž Tottenham striker Harry Kane has scored in six of his seven Premier League appearances against Arsenal (seven goals in total), failing only in this ďŹ xture last season. Ëž Arsenal’s Unai Emery and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino haven’t faced each other since April 2012, when Pochettino’s Espanyol side won 4-0 against Valencia in La Liga. However, Emery won all three of his home La Liga meetings with Pochettino between January 2010 and December 2011.

more season of being homeless. We need to deal with Wembley for another season. We don’t know until when. It demands a lot of energy but we are ready to deal with that. We have no choice. “We will see where we will be in the second part of the season if we still have a chance or not. But for me, Liverpool and Man City are both favourites for the title. We will see because a lot of things can happen, especially during the Boxing Day. Many teams lose chances and lose points.�

HEAD TO HEAD 18-02-10 17-11-18 17-04-30 16-11-06 16-03-05

Tottenham Arsenal Tottenham Arsenal Tottenham

1-0Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham 2-0 Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

15-11-08 15-02-07 14-09-27 14-03-16 13-09-01 13-03-03 12-11-17 12-02-26 11-10-02

Arsenal Tottenham Arsenal Tottenham Arsenal Tottenham Arsenal Arsenal Tottenham

1-1 2-1 1-1 0-1 1-0 2-1 5-2 5-2 2-1

Tottenham Arsenal Tottenham Arsenal Tottenham Arsenal Tottenham Tottenham Arsenal

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

8 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6

La Liga Fixture TODAY Celta Vigo v Huesca Valladolid v LeganĂŠs Getafe v Espanyol Madrid v Valencia 19:45 SUNDAY Real Betis v Sociedad Girona v AtlĂŠtico Barcelona v Villarreal AlavĂŠs v Sevilla MONDAY Levante v Bilbao

12:00 15:15 17:30

01:00 15:15 17: 30 19:45 20:00

SERIE A TODAY SPAL1 Fiorentina Sampdoria SUNDAY Milan Frosinone Sassuolo Torino Chievo Roma

v Empoli v Juventus v Bologna

14:00 17:00 19:30

v v v v v v

12:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 7:00 19:30

Parma Cagliari Udinese Genoa Lazio Inter

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚˜ ͺ͸͚΀

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Wilder, Fury Put Unbeaten Records on the Line Many of the world’s best boxers reside in the lower weight divisions, but there’s something extra-special when the big men limber up, in this case, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, who do battle in Los Angeles this weekend.

Anyone who weighs over 100kg can do lasting damage with a single punch, although this is especially true of Wilder, who is statistically the heaviest puncher in heavyweight boxing history. With 39 KOs in 40 fights, the American knows how to short circuit his opponents.

He may be crude and unorthodox, but he has a savage instinct for hitting hard and will have every ambition of separating Fury from his senses.

Fury, in turn, is all legs and arms, a human threshing machine who is both big and seriously difficult to land against.

With the longest jab in the business, he can frustrate opponents and mess with their defences.

The build-up has been typically loud and brash, which is to be expected from a pair of fighters who have never tasted defeat in a professional ring. “It’s important to establish dominance,� said Wilder. “I say I’m the best, the baddestman on the planet. When it comes to Tyson Fury, I’m all about devastating knock-outs, it’s what I do.�

Fury, no shrinking violet, hit back: “I am no challenger for no man. I’m the linear heavyweight champion of the world, the best of the best.�

Wilder probably doesn’t have the skill-set to outbox Fury, but his power makes him dangerous for every second of every round. The WBC champion is shortest in price to win the fight during rounds 5-8.

Fury will likely aim to dominate over

12 rounds, but the Wilder equaliser might see him pulling out big shots of his own down the stretch.

There’s something special about the Heavyweight title. Always has been.

Whether you think of the days of Ali, Foreman, and Frazier, or the days of Tyson, Holyfield, and Lewis, in boxing, the Heavyweight champion has long been the sign of the true pinnacle of the sport - the belt that truly names the baddest man on the planet.

Right now, that man is Tyson Fury, who only recently returned from a threeyear absence.

One night, November 28, 2015. That’s the night Fury shocked the boxing world by upsetting Wladimir Klitschko.

For a decade, Klitschko (along with his brother Vitali) had been the king of the Heavyweight division. Since the 2003 retirement of champion Lennox Lewis, the Klitschkos had dominated the division - not always in the most dramatic and exciting fashion, but they had dominated nonetheless. Then in 2015, Fury flipped the narrative, knocking Wladimir off his pedestal and claiming boxing’s top prize. Was it a good fight? No, not at all. But he won.

He was the man.

And then, poof, he was gone. In the aftermath of the historic win, the always mercurial Fury started to really fall apart. He became even more erratic, he failed drug tests, he openly battled with depression, he put on a tremendous amount of weight, and his new titles were, one by one, taken from him. And he stopped boxing. Until now.

That’s why today’s showdown between Fury and Wilder is one of the year’s most must-watch fights for all

combat sports fans. Because sure, the WBA and WBO and IBO and IBF and any other combination of letters can strip Fury of those titles, but they can’t change history. And history says Fury is the man who beat the man. Today, he returns to the big leagues. Standing across from him will be the American power punching machine Deontay Wilder - the most potentially exciting American Heavyweight since the Tyson days. And, just for an added bonus, the WBC champion too.

The winner here walks away from the WBC champion, the lineal champion, and the true man at Heavyweight. And he sets himself up for an even bigger fight with that other Heavyweight champion of the world, Anthony Joshua.

For fans of Heavyweight boxing - for fans of combat sports period - this is the kind of fight you’ve been waiting for.

Meanwhile, former heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield believe Tyson Fury can dethrone Deontay Wilder if Saturday’s WBC championship fight goes the distance.

While several former heavyweights believe Wilder possesses the punching power to force an early victory on Saturday, Lewis and Holyfield believe the odds will tilt in Fury’s favour the longer the fight goes on. “I think with Deontay’s power, he might be able to end it early, but if Tyson can frustrate him and it goes the distance, then it could go his way,�

Holyfield said Tuesday. “Tyson’s always been the bigger fighter. In fighting Deontay it’s the same case. If things get difficult, he’s (Fury’s) got more experience and a lot of tricks.�

Lewis, the former undisputed heavyweight king, echoed Holyfield’s verdict. “If it goes the distance then it belongs to Tyson Fury,� Lewis said. “If it’s a short fight it will belong to Deontay Wilder.�

Heavyweight legend Mike Tyson meanwhile believes Fury’s mental durability will carry him to the title.

Tyson said that Fury’s ability to rebuild his career after overcoming personal turmoil sets him apart from Wilder. “Although Wilder’s punch is strong, nothing can compare to the mental strength Fury has shown both in and out of the ring,� Tyson said. “It’ll be a close call, but I think Fury’s got a true fighting chance.� But former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe is backing Wilder’s punching power to overwhelm Fury early on. “If Wilder comes out and means business then he should beat Fury with ease,� said Bowe, the undisputed heavyweight champion in 1992. “My prediction is Wilder by knockout!�

‌Heavyweight Thriller to be Aired Live on DStv The almighty heavyweight boxing clash between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury billed to hold on Saturday in Los Angeles, will be broadcast live on SuperSport 1 (Channel 221). The fight is exclusive to Premium customers at no extra charge.

The televised undercard, which starts at 3a.m. Nigerian time includes several top fighters.

Undergraduate Wins Big in Panenka Spot Kick Challenge Mission Augustine, a 400 level student of Igbinedion University, has emerged winner of the third edition of Panenka Spot Kick Challenge, winning a hundred thousand naira cash prize.

Igbinedion University played host to the exciting spot kick challenge.

The third edition was held to promote an Igbinedion University Alumni

themed event tagged ‘From Trips to Drips’ which is, in a nutshell, a “Say No to Drugs Campaign�organised to sensitise today’s Nigerian youth, especially the Okada community, on the ills of drug use, abuse and addiction.

Staged at the university’s Crown Estate Football Field Okada, the game was both ascolourful as it was exciting. The

Challenge was a pulsating roller coaster keenly contested by a total number of 16 players made up of both staff of the university and students.

After a grueling 13 rounds of penalty kicks, it boiled down to two finalists Mission Augustine, a 400 level student of the Department of Geography and Regional Planning and Olugbenga Jegede, the University’s Admission’s

Officer. Augustine defeated Jegede to emerge winner of the third edition.

Speaking on his victory after receiving a cheque of one hundred thousand naira, a visibly elated Augustine reveled in his good fortune while revealing the mental battle and pressure he had to face in overcoming two missed penalty kicks to become the last man standing and claim the star prize.

35

͚˜ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Victor Osimhen Found a Home in Belgium

In the llate 1980s up to the 90s, Belgium was the ‘Mecca’ for Nigeria footballers and the roll call ‘Mecc iiss end endless. From late Stephen Keshi to Etim Esin to Peter Rufai to Sunday Oliseh, Samson Siasia Sia to mention but a few. Little wonder, Belgium Be is where former Nigeria U-17 starVictor Vic Osimhen rediscovered his form

S

uper Eagles y o u n g s t e r, Victor Osimhen, has revealed the secrets behind his incredible form on-loan at Belgian club

Charleroi.

Since arriving from VfL Wolfsg Belgium g burg, g the 19-year-old y has ha scored seven goals in 12 g games for the club. club His impressive p form eearned him a recall to the Super p Eagles g squad q for this month’s 2019 Nations Cup p qualifier q against a South Africa and he started in Tuesday’s Tuesda 0-0 friendly draw against g Uganda g in Asaba.

Asab “My y confidence level was very low at some point p and what going go g out on loan to Charleroi has done for me m is unexplainable,�

Osimhen told BBC Sport.

Spor p “It was tough g in Germany Germ because of the high g expectations p – some som people started doubting g me and also pushed p me to start doubting as well. g myself y well “The football in Belgium Belgi g has helped, I also have a wonderful group g p of players around me and the coaching crew cre have been great with me. “As a young y g player, p y you y hear people comparing p g you y to other stars who emerged from the under-17 World Worl Cup and never fulfilled their potential. p “But now at Charleroi Charlero I have comfortably found my again, and I thank y happiness pp p ag g everyone y in Belgium g and an at Wolfsburg for pp y and support.� sup p the opportunity Osimhen was the top p scorer as Nigeria clinched a fifth Under-17 Under-1 World Cup title in 2015 with 10 goals g in Chile, Ch which saw him an Silver Ball. win the Golden Boot and After the tournament he decided against joining j g English g side Arsenal, Ars to sign with the 2009 German champions champ p Wolfsburg in January restricted him to 16 y 2016, but injuries injurie j appearances pp for the club in all competitions.

Despite p being g a part p o of the squad for two years, y his lack of games g meant he missed out on going to the 2018 World Cup with Nigeria. g “I am still young y g and I think it wasn’t meant to be, but I can c still look forward to the future,� he added. f t fu “I thank coach Gernot Rohr for the opportunity to return to the squad and I hope to keep working hard to stay in his plans.�

On the back of his impressive performance at 2015 U-17 World Cup with Nigeria emerging the top scorer to claim both the Golden Boot and Silver Ball, the attacker joined the former German Bundesliga champions.

However, the 19-year-old failed to settle into the Wolves’ senior set-up amid injury struggles and was shipped on loan to Charleroi this summer.

Since moving to Belgium, the youngster has rediscovered his form, scoring seven goals in 12 outings across all competitions.

Osimhen’s failure to get sufficient playing time and impress at Wolfsburg cost him a place in Rohr’s squad to the 2018 World Cup. “I am still young and I think it wasn’t meant to be, but I can still look forward to the future,� he added.

The rise to prominence of Osimhen looked set to address a long-standing problem of Nigerian football: the lack of a dead-eye centre-forward . Not since the passing of Rashidi Yekini, the famed Super Eagles goleador has there been anything close to a sure thing, a player with the ability to ruthlessly home in on goal.

A move to Germany always seemed a problematic fit, as Wolfsburg, whom he joined, are lacking in stability, and have been for quite a while. The constant upheaval, both managerially and administratively, would provide no kind of proper environment for fostering a promising young player.

It seems now as though the intervening period has been rather wasted, as has some of his lustre . The German side were eager to farm him out in the summer, and he suffered the indignity of a number of trials in Belgium and the Netherlands, before finally earning a loan move to Charleroi.

Not the most auspicious of clubs then or even manner of arrival, given his promise and the fact that he was still only 19.

That is not to say that Osimhen is that good; merely that he may be ready now to lead and if flights of fancy are acceptable, then how far off an invitation to the senior national team is he?

Rohr extended invitations to him in his early days as Super Eagles boss, all while the 19-year-old was barely getting minutes at Wolfsburg.

There really is something there and while there are still a few rough edges, the diamond is just starting to peak out.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 1, 2018

FAIRGROUND Ade Bakare’s 25 years Retrospective Exhibition for Secondary School Students

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

A

de Bakare Couture held its two decades and a half retrospective recently. The one week event, which held between November 11 and 16, according to him, was an educational programme targeted at secondary school students but also opened to the public.

It was held at Terra Kulture on Tiamiyu Savage in Victoria Island, an exciting hub of creativity in Lagos, Nigeria The private opening was held for his sponsors and private clients. The guests included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Lagos State Mrs. Solarin, Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Mrs. Kaye Ovia, Hon. Niyi Oyemade, Mr. Lampe Omoyele and Mr. & Mrs. Njoku-Obi, who kindly sponsored the event . Guests were treated to canapés and drinks, while they looked through the exhibition that captured the growth of Ade Bakare Couture over the years, tracing the origin in London where he established to opening of branches in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. The retrospective which has been the brainchild of Ade Bakare, was first held in Nigeria in 2006, when he celebrated 15 years and 2013, when he celebrated 20 years.

Ade Bakare’s major reason for staging these exhibitions was to make people aware of the importance of studying fashion as a degree, which then has the ability of sustaining a person in a career for life. In developing countries, major focus is given to professional courses such as architects, engineers, doctors etc, and the Arts are seen as hobbies.

Recently Ade Bakare was quoted in a major newspaper as saying: “Nigerian universities needed to create fashion departments and award degrees, as is obtainable in developed countries”.

The retrospective exhibition highlighted his developments over the years from his fashion college days in Manchester, England to selling to departments stores across the UK, setting up a couture atelier in Mayfair, London to establishing his perfume lines and staring the young designers creative competition in 2006 in Nigeria, which had the now famous Ejiro Amos Tafiri submitting sketches which were also shown.

Ade Bakare believes shows like this help the students understand that any sustainable business takes years to grow and education or training in any given filed is paramount.

Schools that attended were private and local: Vivian Fowler, Wahab Folawiyo School, Government College Ikoyi and Maroko, Government College Victoria Island, Mare Schools in Ketu to mention a few.

The students were given taken on a tour of the exhibition stands, where they also watched documentaries on Ade Bakare Couture and which they asked questions and were thereafter given refreshments, courtesy of Peak Milk.

Mrs. Tokunboh, Mrs. Yeside and Ade Bakare

Mrs and Mrs Njoku-Obi

Mrs Langhat and Ade Bakare

Mrs Eriye and Ade bakare

Mr Eric Bassey Henshaw and friend

Nikky Ogbuefi

Chip and Aduke Gomez

Mr Mayowa and Mr Adeleke

Designs on Manniquien Mrs Austen -Peters

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 1, 2018

FAIRGROUND

Tee A, Lolo are Hosts of Monarch Experience Concert

T

he Monarch Experience is set to become one of the biggest high society events of the year after organisers last week unveiled the hosts for the music extravangaza.

The duo of comedian cum master event compere, Tee A and Lolo Omotunde of Wazobia FM have been unveiled as the host and co-host respectively of the night of live music culture extravaganza.

Already confirmed are Fuji maestro, Kwam 1 who will headline the concert and lead an enviable list of performing artistes such as Onyeka Onwenu, Sir Shina Peters, Queen Salawa Abeni, Bright Chimezie and Gloria Ibru.

The Monarch Experience Concert, which is organised by Temple Management Company (TMC) is scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 8th at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria

Island, Lagos.

Serving up a cocktail of eclectic genres such as Fuji, Juju, Highlife and contemporary Afro Music, some of the finest music icons will deep into their rich reservoirs and perform their original music with full compliments of their live band.

According to Mark Redguard, Head of Entertainment at Temple Management Company, The Monarch Experience has been getting a lot of positive feedback. He revealed: "The feedback since we first announced the concert has been awesome. We have the support of DSTV who are beaming the event live to audiences across Nigeria and the rest of Africa.”

He added: "We envision that it has been a busy year for everyone and The Monarch Experience presents the perfect atmosphere for hi-society people to reward themselves with an unforgettable experience."

Sir Shina Peters

TEDx Lights P’Harcourt With Chiloe Concierge Launches Inspiring Speeches, Hosts Alagoa, Website for African Clients Okeibunor, Others

O

T

he sixth edition of TEDx Port Harcourt, an annual non-profit event devoted to worthy ideas on topical issues, held recently at Horlikins Event Center, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Titled “ReFrame”, this year’s well-attended event discussed the ability of perspective to alter reality, and its implications in technology, entertainment, design, and other spheres of life.

The rich line up of speakers who graced this year’s event included renowned educationist, Professor Ebiegberi Alagoa; “Workplace reformer”, Dr. Charles Okeibunor; as well as Communication and Media Expert and Heritage Bank boss, Ifie Sekibo, amongst others. They all spoke on issues germane to the Niger Delta region, while offering creative insights into how to view these issues.

Prof. Alagoa's talk titled, “My Niger Delta Story”, recalled the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta people and encouraged youths to learn from those who, in spite of the challenges of the environment, have surmounted barriers to become useful citizens.

Sekibo, who spoke about “Entitlement”, stressed the need for a return to the leadership principles and teachings contained in the Niger Delta culture. In his view, many of the problems encountered by the region have already been tackled by culture’s emphasis on conscientiousness and community. He also stressed the necessity for collaborative efforts towards achieving objectives.

Speaking after the event, the primary TEDx licensee, Mr. Donald Okudu elaborated on what the brand stood for and hoped to achieve.

According to him, TED, which stands

Heritage Bank boss, Ifie Sekibo

for Technology, Entertainment and Design, is a gathering for ideas that are worth sharing, delivered by the best minds, to spur conversations that improve humanity.

He also discussed this year’s theme ‘Reframe’, pointing out that it was foolishness to continue doing the same thing and expecting a different result.

He also thanked all who contributed to, and supported the programme, especially the members and volunteers of the TEDx PHCity team and the event sponsors.

ne of the world’s foremost travel and tour burden bearing outfits based in the United Kingdom, Chiloé Concierge, has unveiled an interactive website mainly for visitors, travellers and businessminded Africans, who want tasks to be performed and accomplished in the UK without heaping the stress on self.

“It is a website which enables you a vista into how we can help you to maximise your time, enjoy the luxury of lifestyle, arrange your meeting, get you whatever your desire is with a touch of luxury, perfection, precision and befitting”, said Miss Amada Ushedo, CEO of Chiloe Concierge.

Ushedo, during the public presentation of the website explained: ‘‘We are launching our website, into the portal of global reference for the benefits of all and particularly for the use of Africans who have many specific and must achieve tasks to accomplish in the UK within a certain time frame. It is a very interactive website where we in the UK can interact personally with any African, no matter the country. It is a platform where details of assignment to be carried out can be offered and smoothly monitored and assessed.’’

She added: “The website is to offer a platform of seamless engagement and point of commencing a personalised relationship between Africans who have a lot to do in the UK and who need an executive assistant to effectively and promptly achieve all without wearing himself or herself out.’’

Furthermore, she said: “The website holds a lot in stock for you. It, in sequential order, exposes the benefits which top officials, the executive class, VIPs and top government delegations visiting the UK can derive from Chiloe

Chiloe

Concierge.’’

Ushedo pointed out that, “Chiloé takes care of the things that you have to do so that you can spend your precious time doing the things that you want to do for a luxury, reliable, discreet and customised service.”

“Our business is to ensure you make use of time appropriately by helping you to ensure equitable and rewarding deals in lifestyle maintenance, exciting travel experience by finding you premium deals for all types of travel needs from luxury Caribbean Island packages, to executive business trips, not forgetting hotel bookings, local transportation and more, including corporate handling of your seminar in the UK, placing your wards in reputable schools and we also enjoy running the errands for you. All we do and how we can help you crystallise your desires and dreams of visiting the UK are found by clicking our website".

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 1, 2018

POLITY Oji Ngofa

Why Abe is at War with Amaechi Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Netherlands, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial candidate for Rivers South-East Senatorial District for 2019, is a thorough-bred grass root politician.

He was a two-time local council chairman in the state and the immediate past Deputy National Secretary of the APC. He is close to Senator Magnus Abe and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. Ngofa, in this interview with select journalists, including Bennett Oghifo speaks on the rift between the two bigwigs of Rivers APC

Y

party operates more than anybody else. And I did not believe that the party would accept that sort of division in Rivers State outside the current structure led by Amaechi. I made my point very clear at that meeting. The Senator himself was there and I said I would not accept division within the party. Sadly, Abe felt he had the required support that could upturn our conventional structure and leadership under Amaechi so he had to go on against it. This unnecessary political fight has been exacerbated by ego, malice and a feeling of entitlement, as well as a tinge of messianic complex by my brother, Abe. Given the love and friendship I witnessed between him and the leader (Amaechi), his behaviour is completely unnecessary.

our party in Rivers State is in crisis.

What is happening?

It is essentially power play, and nothing out of normal politicking, is what is happening in our party in the state. Senator Magnus Abe wanted to be the governorship candidate of the party but he didn’t get it, he lost out and he feels that he has to continuously make a claim to it.

There is this perception that your party in Rivers State is not ready for the 2019 elections?

That is coming from people, especially from the opposition who are trying to give that narrative to create doubt and probably weaken our support base in the state. Even with the plethora of litigations currently going on in the party, I don’t think that it’s a problem. Every day we receive new entrants into the party. Just yesterday, I received even state chairmen of other political parties who came to join us and the people trooped in here to identify with us and be part of what we are doing. All our candidates are out there in the field canvassing for votes and I am sure you are aware that our governorship candidate has been going round the wards on consultations. On the issues in court, I believe that all the institutions concerned with elections in this country are all legally informed. They are institutions set up by the law and all the issues can be dealt with within the framework of the law. I don’t think it is a problem. What is important now is that the legitimate part of the party has done the needful and there is no law, no order, and no judgment stopping the party from participating or contesting in the 2019 election.

At what point did you stop supporting Abe? It is almost a decade and half that I have been part of the Amaechi political family. We have evolved as a family with harmony and unity of purpose on how we take decisions.

I will not be part of any aspiration that will create disunity within the leadership of Amaechi. And I did tell Abe that I did not think that we should divide the family because of his aspiration. Because the way I see it is that he has a right to aspire, nobody is challenging that but I have issues with the fact that you want to upturn and destroy a system because of your own aspiration; a system that he has been part of, a system that Abe is one of its biggest beneficiaries. I disagreed with that and I told him (Abe) that if he intended to pursue his ambition outside the framework of our political family and collective interest under Amaechi’s leadership, then I would not be part of it. I made it very clear to him. I have a concern with the fact that you have been part of a system that has promoted you, has given you the platform. Each time Abe was nominated for one position or another within the political family, somebody else felt denied, and I can give examples because I have been there. I have been part of the system and so to turn around to say that you have to bring down that system because of your own personal aspiration, I disagree with that. I do not think that would work well for the survival of the structure that all of us put in place and that’s exactly what is going on. Everybody knows within the political family that we used to be very close, but I disagreed with him and I told him that I disagree with the fact that he wants to pursue this aspiration outside the framework

I will not be part of any aspiration that will create disunity within the leadership of Amaechi. And I did tell Abe that I did not think that we should divide the family because of his aspiration. Because the way I see it is that he has a right to aspire, nobody is challenging that but I have issues with the fact that you want to upturn and destroy a system because of your own aspiration; a system that he has been part of, a system that Abe is one of its biggest beneficiaries

Abe said that Amaechi wanted to deny him his right to run for governor.

To the best of my knowledge, that is not true. I have never heard him say that. I have never been in any meeting, whether public or private, where our leader said that or said anything to deny Abe his right to run for any office. What happened was that he (Amaechi) and most members of the caucus were just not happy that Abe was not adhering to a decision we made at caucus meetings about building the party first. In fact, in that meeting, he said Peterside seems to have listened but Abe was obviously not listening, as he was going ahead to make consultations and to set up alternate structures to run for governor.

Ngofa

of the leadership and the practices that he has benefited immensely from.

We learnt that there was this consensus among stakeholders in your party that everybody should shelve their ambitions and build the party first. What was Abe’s response?

It was in one of our caucus meetings, everybody resolved and everybody agreed. Nobody raised any objection. There were talks and insinuations everywhere that Abe was still consulting and was setting up structures outside the recognised structure for his governorship ambition.

Did your leader, Amaechi take this decision unilaterally?

No No No. All of us resolved that it was the right thing to do. Nobody opposed it. In fact, in about three of the meetings, he (Amaechi) was even angrier with Dakuku Peterside (DG of NIMASA) because there were issues. Magnus (Abe) complained that some of the structures that Peterside set up like RIVLEAF were still operating and the leader (Amaechi) right in that meeting said that if we ever get to hear that RIVLEAF was still functional that we would hold Peterside personally responsible and we delegated somebody in that meeting to ensure that Alex Wele, who heads RIVLEAF, is called to order immediately. So, Amaechi’s anger was even more directed towards Peterside because Abe always complained in all of those meetings that it appeared as if things were skewed against him. He was always playing the victim in some of these meetings and the leader was always springing up to his defence, always eager to protect Abe. Did you call Abe aside at any time to advise and tell him your view?

Off course I did. Sometime in February or March of 2017, we held a small meeting of the caucus of Ogoni at Novotel in Port Harcourt. I was the first to speak at that meeting and I made it very clear. In fact, a lot of people were surprised because they know how close I was to Abe, and I made it very clear to him and those at the meeting that I would not support any aspiration and ambition that was not within the framework of our larger political structure and leadership the way we knew it, the way it had worked for us for many years, and everyone at that caucus meeting had benefitted from it tremendously. That I was not going to accept any division within the party and I made my point very clear.

And do not forget that I was Deputy National Secretary of the party before my appointment as Ambassador to Netherlands. So, there were things I knew and I know how the

Knowing your closeness with the minister, did Amaechi rule out Magnus Abe from the governorship contest, at

that time?

No. He didn’t, he did not rule out anybody.

But Abe accused Amaechi of removing party leaders in different LGAs that were sympathetic to him Now that is another lie that they have been telling. Those removed, were replaced because of their incompetence, greed and inability to lead. I headed one of the committees that did the APC restructuring in the state and recommended the removal of one of such LGA leaders, Chidi Wihioka, who represents Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. In one of our caucus meetings at the party office in Port Harcourt, three committees was set up; one was saddled with the responsibility of looking at problems in each of the three senatorial districts and restructuring the LGAs leadership and come up with recommendations. I headed that of Rivers East Senatorial District where Wihioka was the leader of Ikwerre LGA, which also happens to be the LGA of the minister. It was my committee that recommended the removal of Wihioka. It was my committee’s recommendation and so the minister did not unilaterally remove LGA leaders as alleged by Abe. In fact, Wihioka himself will confirm that the day of the meeting with his LGA people he was almost mobbed by his own people who didn’t even want him to speak.

If you have the chance to meet with Abe, what would be your advice to him?

I will again advise him to let go, because he is one of those that gave us confidence in this group, in this structure and in this leadership led by Amaechi. Abe is one of those who gave me confidence. Don’t forget I came from opposition and I joined Amaechi from ANPP then. When I came into the family within the senatorial district, we had Abe as our leader and so we became very close and, of course, in his desire to add value, he brought me close and I worked very closely with him. So, he was one of those who made me believe in the leadership and nothing has changed, I have not seen any difference. I do not think that the group, the structure should crumble because he desires something now and he is not getting it the way he wants it and when he wants it. I have seen several examples of others within this same political family that desired something, but did not get it. Some of these people didn’t get it because some of us, including Abe, were given the opportunities. I will advise my brother and my friend that he ends this thing right now and come back and work with his political family. There is no way, as he continues with this agitation, that it will not be seen as a deliberate cooperation, collaboration and conniving with the PDP in Rivers State against his party, the APC.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 1, 2018

POLITY

Ooni Tasks Nigerian Youth on National Responsibility t 1 Leads monarchs to Ogun as Amosun’s wife hosts Queen Moremi pageant Godwin Ifijeh

T

he Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has charged Nigerian youth to brace up and take full responsibilities in the polity, stating that the country belongs to them.

Speaking in his palace ahead of Queen Moremi Cultural Pageant finals, Oba Ogunwusi noted that youths are the leaders of tomorrow and should not be complacent.

According to him, “Reason for empowering the youth is that clearly, the future belongs to them. I see myself a lot in them and I live on

this throne for them all across the whole length and breadth of Nigeria.

“My major wish is that someday the youth of this country will rise up to the occasion of how they will claim their right and take full ownership of what belongs to them - the country, Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the Ooni will tomorrow lead an array of traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts and notable personalities in the country to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital to witness the Queen Moremi Ajasoro cultural pageant final.

The much anticipated finale of the cultural event to be hosted by Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, wife of Ogun State Governor, is termed

Anita Unanaowo, Nee CocoBassey, Passes On

T

he Unanaowo family of Uboro in Urue Offong Oruko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has announced the death of their Mother, Sister, Aunty Mrs Anita Ukpe Unanaowo Nee CocoBassey, who died at the age of 62. She will be buried in their family compound in Oron. In a statement signed by her first son, Mfon Obong Ukpe Unanaowo, there will be a Sing Song Night at the family compound at No 11 Joe Essang Street, off Secretariat Road Oron at 6pm on Thursday 30th Nov 2018 and interment on Saturday December 1, 2018 in the same family compound.

Late Unanaowo

by culture scholars as the greatest cultural reawakening pageant to relive the legacy of a popular Yoruba heroine, Queen Moremi Ajasoro.

Mrs. Amosun, who incidentally is the model of the living ‘Queen Moremi Ajasoro’ with a book and a plaque dedicated to her name by the Ooni, is hosting the 3rd edition to show her support and commitment to uplifting the Oduduwa cultural heritage of Yorubaland and the legacy of the heroine.

About 400 contestants were drilled in an audition that produced 40 candidates who went to camp for the cultural orientation. While in booth, the ladies were exposed to camp life and cultural values by seasoned cultural experts and about 20 disqualified contestants were evicted, leaving 20 for the finals.

The cultural pageant, which started three years ago, was initiated by the Global Cultural Ambassador to Queen Moremi Ajasoro (QMA), Princess Aderonke Ademiluyi, under the auspices of the House of Oduduwa Foundation and the Ooni’s palace.

Two Queens had graced the throne since inception thus, becoming QMA cultural ambassadors while several others also benefited from the foundation’s humanitarian and empowerment initiatives.

With Miss Blessing Animashaun becoming the first Queen Moremi model and Miss Oluwatosin Shittu, the second, the current edition will produce a queen that will be the Moremi torchbearer for the next one year alongside other non-winners, benefiting from the foundation’s empowerment programmes.

Recall that last year, one of the contestants, Damilola Falodun, who did not make it to the finals was immensely rewarded with an empowerment benefit. Having impressed and endeared herself to the Ooni’s heart with her heart-touching story of how she lost her parents, dropped out of school and had a terrible experience as a slave servant in Oman in the Middle East, the Ooni adopted her and offered her a scholarship to continue her University education. The lucky lady, who is

Lady Funke Amosun’

in her 2nd year in the University, is also employed as senior personal assistant to the General Manager, Ife Grand Resort and Leisure, Osun State.

Princess Ademiluyi said “This year, we intend to empower two more young ladies, who will not win the crown, but QMA will impact on their lives immensely too. It has always been Ooni’s idea since he mounted the throne to impact the youth positively.

The Moremi legacy also continued with a stage drama that will be coming in December’ 2018 to January, 2019. All these among other things are what House of Oduduwa is doing to give life a meaning and engage the Nigerian youth positively.”

Prince Jide Fadairo, Chairman, House of Oduduwa Foundation, also added his voice, saying: “The Moremi pageantry is an attestation to upholding that Yoruba heritage, and this also is to reiterates the importance of the heroine’s legacy so that she will not go into extinction. It’s part of our history and we must always project it. The Yoruba history in terms of Moremi’s contributions would not be forgotten.

“The significance of hosting this year’s finals in Ogun State is nothing peculiar, for the fact that Ogun is part of Oduduwaland by extension. It is also a good intention of the First Lady of Ogun State, to have accepted to host this year’s event after last year’s edition in Lagos. The idea is to move the pageantry to every different regions of the Oduduwaland from time to time so that all Yorubas will well imbibe that part of our history.”

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: AllProgressiveCongress(APC)GovernorshipAspirantforEnugunState,SenatorAyoguEze;Founder/Chairmanof Board of Baywood Foundation, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, his wife Pat and the Chairman of the occasion, Emmanuel Ijewere, during the Public presentation of a, Book Beyond Rhetoric, Youth Empowerment And Political Voice In Nigeria.

OrganizedbyBaywoodFoundation took place atCivicCentreVictoriaIslandLagos,yesterday… SUNDAYADIGUN

L-R: Brand Business Strategy Manager, Vlisco Nigeria Ltd. Yvonne Chioke; Digital Marketing Coordinator, Olubunmi Ojo; winner of 2018 Vlisco Fashion fund competition, Tayo Paramole; and Top panelist, Vlisco Fashion fund, Mai Atafo, at the 2018 Vlisco Fashion fund competition, held in Lagos

L-R: ICT Officer, Evertop Realties Ltd, Adeyemo Obadare; Managing Director, Evertop Realties Ltd., Seun Adewale Joseph; Nollywood Actress, Bidemi Kosoko and Admin Manager, Evertop Realties Ltd., Falujo Adedeji L-R: Officiating Priest, Rev.Fr. Jude Njoku; Carrying the Monstrance with blessed sacrament during the after the official signing of the actress as the new Brand Ambassador of Evertop Realties in Lagos...recently Christ The King procession by St.Dominic Catholic Church Yaba in Lagos recently

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 1, 2018

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Nigeria Fashion Show Unveiling Lights Up Abuja

NOVEMBER 24, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

Nigeria Fashion Show

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t was an evening of glamour and razmataz as Transcorp Hilton Abuja hosted the Nigeria Fashion Show reality Tv series’ unveiling event.

In attendance were top deplomats, captains of industry, top government functionaries, Abuja socialites and fashionistas.

Guests arrived to the red carpet and networking cocktails from 5pm.

The event kicked off by 6.45pm by the hosts of the evening – Julius Agu and Inya Ode. The 20 young designers that were being unveiled were introduced

by Lexy Mojo-Eyes, CEO of Legendary Gold Limited, organizers of the Nigeria Fashion Show.

The fashion show started with the 20 designers showing a collection of 5 pieces each. They presented their collection in the following categories - casuals for a male and female, corporate for a male and female and 1 evening for a female.

There were goodwill messages by Mr Valatine Ozigbo, Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton, host partners of the event and His Excellency, the German Ambassador to Nigeria who were co-sponsors. There were also short remarks by 2 other partners – Tilahun Tadessa, traffic Manager of Ethiopian Airlines and Doyle Edeni, Managing Director of Blue Seal Group of Companies and Suso Initiative The evening was spiced up with Music and comedy

by Stainless, Attih Soul, Abbey Sax and Amuta Stone.

Victoria Avemano Couture and Ogodor from Lagos and Abuja respectively presented their summer collections as guests designers It could be recalled that the 20 designers were selected out of 200 young designers from zonal preliminaries held in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos in October 2018.

These designers are Perpetua Chukwukere – Perpzy Fashion (Imo State), Ogbo Sunday of Sundkings Clothing (Edo State), Annabel Chi – Bianel’s Clothing (Anambra State), Tega Obahor – TS Finery House of Fashion (Delta State), Akon Etim Asuquo – Fitted Affairs (Akwa Ibom State), Chinenye Nwasike Nenysty (Anambra State), Ibrahim Bunmi – Fabbody By Yeni (Kogi State), Umweni Ekhoowa – Ekosidentity (Edo State), Agada Love – Luvbucks – Benue State, Emenike Okereke (Abia State), Faith Utoro – Buraye (Delta State), Chienye James – Unusual Breed (Anambra State), Adedamola Oyelade – Adela Kiel (Oyo State), Austine Dibia – Plush Outfits By Dibiachy (Delta State), Nathaniel Gideon – Onyxgem Clothing (Oyo State), Adewole Olaide – Olis Collections (Ondo State), Alexander Nwoke – Xaint Xander (Abia State), Olegbenle Adegoke – Saints Calypso Couture (Osun State), Sheidi Owuza – Ow Couture (Kogi State) and Jide Anthony – J-Anthony Designs (Enugu State).

Partners for the Nigeria Fashion Show unveiling include Design Essentials, Ethiopian Airlines, Suso Initiative, Atunda Entertainmenet, Ebony Life Tv, Studio 24, AIT, Option A International, Alex Report and Blue Seal Group of Companies.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍŻËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

EXPRESSION/TRIBUTE

MEDIAGAFFES

PTA: Parent-Teacher Association

EBERE WABARA

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OU are welcome to this first edition in the last month of the year: â€œâ€Śin their various constituencies to synthesize grassroot opinions on this all important (all-important) project.â€? Not my view: grassroots opinions‌. “In many respect (respects) it is out of tune with modern reality‌.â€? “Nigeria has never degenerated to (into) this level, security wise.â€? “That is why the state governments need to be given the impetus to pool their wisdom and resources together‌.â€? Delete the last word in the extract. â€œâ€Śthe states and local governments sufficiently financially empowered to take care of its (their) responsibilities.â€? There should be a conjunction between ‘sufficiently’ and ‘financially’. “The minister exposed the shock find during an official visit to PHCN’s facilities in (on) the premises of the‌.â€? â€œâ€Ścontributed to PHCN’s woeful (abysmal) failure to provide regular electricity supply to the nation‌.â€? “The governor had, on Tuesday, drew (drawn) the ire of workers by arguing that‌.â€? â€œâ€Śthe federal government must embark on some cost saving (cost-saving) measures‌.â€? “His arguments on the introduction of N5,000 notes was (were)‌.â€? “FG to sanction DISCOs over overbilling of customersâ€? A rewrite: “FG to sanction DISCOs for overbilling customersâ€? “Teachers employed by the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) to complement‌.â€?Education Today: Parent-Teacher Association (PTA),,,, “CANNU donates to flood relief (floodrelief) fundâ€? “Eduwatch gathers students, scholars

togetherâ€? Yank off the last word in the excerpt. “Geepee proudly introduces world class (world-class) multilayer (multi-layer) composite panels‌no painting, no maintainanceâ€? Bloated pride: maintenance!

THE GUARDIAN of November 27 circulated two improprieties: “With preparations in top gear, and barring any last minute (last-minute) hitches‌.â€? “The final death nail (sic) came with the present political dispensation that began in 2000 that paid lip-service to governance.â€? Get it right: death knell or just knell. There is nothing like ‘final death nail’!

DAILY Sun of November 29 contained copious indiscretions: “If the Abia PDP stalwarts have forgotten, we will gladly remind them that candidates who stand for elections under (on) the platform (platforms) of political parties‌.â€? “Kaduna gears up for LG polls amidst (amid) fears of violenceâ€? “Records show that their actions and inactions, in the past, have (had) contributed in‌.â€? “Non-partisan intelligence driven mechanism panacea to Boko Haramâ€? A rewrite: “Non-partisan, intelligence-driven mechanism, panacea to Boko Haram â€œâ€Śthe seeming connivance of the judiciary with those intent in (on/upon) protecting the criminals in our midst.â€? “The suspects are walking free in the society, enjoying their loots and attracting more political patronages.â€? ‘Loot’ is uncountable. â€œâ€Śin the guise of delivering same (the same) as bribe to the Commission’s officers to ‘kill’ such cases under investigation.â€? ‘Same’, in formal—and even most informal—contexts, cannot stand alone. “The highest value of university education is not just about imparting knowledge on (to) individuals‌.â€? “Nigeria loses N533bn to sugar importationâ€? A rewrite: Nigeria spends N533b

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on sugar import â€œâ€Śwhich also congratulated the Sierra-Leonean people for (on/upon) the peaceful conduct of their election and pledged support for their democratic process‌.â€? “The United Nations, which had borne much of the burden of restoring peace in (to) the country‌.â€? “The re-elected president should eschew witch-hunting (witch-hunt) of the opposition‌.â€?

More mistakes from THE GUARDIAN of November 29: “They have proved themselves as medical professionals per (par) excellence.â€? â€œâ€Śand stand a chance to win an all expense paid trip to South Africa.â€? At least two winners must emerge daily: an all-expenses-paid trip‌. “For more details (a comma) go to‌or call the Guinness toll free (toll-free) line on‌.â€? â€œâ€Śthe labour leaders have decided to bury their hatchets and come together again‌.â€? Fixed expression (irrespective of number): bury the hatchet. “Remarkably (Remarkable) as well, (needless comma) was the huge success recorded of (in) this year’s Comptroller General’s Annual Conference just concluded in Kastina (sic).â€?

Finally from the Back Page of The Guardian under review: “Do we have to wait till someone effect (effects) a change?â€? “Today, PMB sits on (in) the saddle of governance.â€? “Israel moves to diffuse (defuse) tension with Egyptâ€? “The objective was attained quite alright.â€? ‘Alright’ is not all right in formal environments. “The Zikists are his political offsprings and despite all the betrayals we have witnessed of recent‌.’ ‘Offspring’ is non-count. “When the storm rages, men can do nothing about it, but when it has seized

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

(ceased), its destruction could be addressed.â€? “Students write exams half-naked.â€? It is a lie! They write exams half-dressed/ half-clad/half-clothed/half-covered or naked/bare to the waist. “I stood up, took another naira note and put it near my half-empty (half-full) beer glass.â€? “The classroom was filled to capacity (filled) as early as‌.â€? “How did you fair (fare) in your examination?â€? “The feeling is that many don’t want to be seen as taking a position which would be interpreted as confrontational and as such they have resulted (resorted) to lobbying‌.â€? “Do not pass the bulk (buck) to anyone‌.â€? “The CBN boss explained that it was not the first time that banks would be liquidated and that the history of bank failure in the country dated (dates) back to 1958 or 1959.â€? There is also ‘dates back from.’

FEEDBACK

YOUR persistent efforts to point out and correct the obvious omissions of colleagues of yours are appreciated by some and misconstrued by others.

Today, all caution seems to have been thrown to the winds, and the value of good writing, which should be the hallmark of every respectable newspaper, has become subordinate to the rush for exclusive and sensational stories which lack depth and quality.

This, however, is not to say that mistakes cannot be made in the course of producing a newspaper. But journalists will make fewer mistakes if they read illuminating columns like this and a few others elsewhere. ––(Kenneth Ugbechie, publisher, Nigeria Political Economist/08056801124 & 08034364524).

Tony Anenih: The End of an Era Sufuyan Ojeifo “When beggars die, there are no comets seen; the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.�-Williams Shakespeare

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he17thcenturyEnglishpoetandplaywright,remarkablyoneofthegreatest wordsmithsthateverlived,musthave penned the enduring lines with the likesofthepoliticalgladiator,inimitable party administrator and aficionado, Chief(Dr)AnthonyAkhakonAnenih, the Iyasele of Esanland, in mind.

Anenih’s demise on October 28, 2018, at the age of 85, together with the surfeit of profound tributes that have trailed it, perfectly fits into Shakespeare’s contemplation and summation of death in its nuances.

Indeed, the observance of burial rites forAnenih is, essentially, a celebration of his life and times; and, it reminds us of how our shared humanity is daily discounted and the compelling obligation to always be ready for our respective exit.

John Donne put it succinctly in his Meditation XV11: “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.�

Anenih’s death diminishes me. It diminishes many others whose paths crossed his and whose lives he touched with his eleemosynary acts.

The Iyasele defined his eon with the magnitude of his humanity and politics, a trade that he plied for about four decades, until that luminous epoch came to an abrupt end on that fateful Lord’s day. But he left his indelible imprints clearly stamped on the nation’s political landscape both as a strategist and tactician par excellence. His political exertions were quite incredible so much so that his associates and those in the other camps had different perceptions of his persona.

To his admiring loyal followers,Anenih was a leader who could be relied upon to attend to their socio-political and economic frailties and needs. But those in the other camps, acting in cahoots with their satellites in the media, successfully hung on him “Mr. Fix it�, a sobriquet he somewhat deprecated because of its connotative usage. But the conspirators succeeded in using it to denote their preconceived

negative imageries and narratives about him.

But providence gave him a second chance in 2015, after he survived an emergency open-heart surgery, to deploy the medium of his autobiography titled, “My Life and Nigerian Politics�, which was presented to the public in 2016, to clear some of the erroneous perceptions, misconceptions and misconstructions by members of the public about his politics, philosophy and persona. He used the occasion to announce his withdrawal from politics as there were no more points to prove, according to him.

That intersection, spanning three years, had also given him the opportunity to sort out so many other things, especially spiritual: rededicating his life to God, reconciling with those that he offended and those who offended him through unsolicited and unconditional forgiveness.Adevout Catholic, it was very clear that he was prepared to meet with his creator, having run his race and completed his course.

But to be clear,Anenih had been somewhat prepared long time ago for his transition to the celestial realm as validated by his decision in 2001 to build his Mausoleum, his final resting place, where he would be interred upon his death, in his country home in Uromi. That is the place his remains will be buried today after the Funeral Mass at the St.Anthony Catholic Cathedral. The interment will be witnessed by members of his immediate family only.

Apolitical icon, he remains a dependable leader, even in death, to his loyal political followers. To the best of his ability, he reciprocated their loyalty with greater loyalty and political rewards, which he selflessly dispensed. He was an apostle of “101 percent loyalty�; and, he was exemplary on that score.

Anenih was consistent and persistent to the end in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) even in the face of treachery by some associates. This was one of the attestations by former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Requiem Mass and a session of Tributes held on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at the Ecumenical Centre inAbuja.

His voyage into the nation’s cloak-and-dagger politics began in 1979 as a member and, subsequently, Chairman of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the old Bendel State. He was instrumental to the victory of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia as governor in 1982.At the time, he had just retired as Commissioner of Police and was tending to his successful private businesses.

Anenih would later, in 1991, as National Chair-

man of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), work for the victory of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun as governor of Edo State. He repeated the same feat with the victory of Chief Lucky Igbinedion as governor in 1999 and 2003. But the 2007 governorship election in Edo marked the turning point. It was one of the very few political battles that he lost irretrievably.

It is important to underscore the pan-Nigerian outlook ofAnenih’s politics, which made him detribalised. In 1982, he played a key role in the election ofAlhaji Shehu Shagari as president for a second term, which was cut short by a military coup; in 1993, as National Chairman of the SDP, he led the presidential electioneering of the SDP that culminated in Chief MKOAbiola’s June 12 victory that was annulled.

Anenih’s role in the 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 presidential elections was writ large. It produced the victory of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Dr Goodluck Jonathan respectively. Some of his single-minded and surefooted assertions such as “there is no vacancy in Aso Rockâ€? helped to reinforce his ĂŠlan as a political strategist and tactician.

At the level of pragmatic administrative savoir faire,Anenih, as Minister of Works and Housing from 1999 to 2002, availed Edo State his influence in government by repairing the critical Benin by-pass that has since greatly helped to ease the perennial traffic gridlock in Benin City. He also repaired the Benin-Asaba road and the Benin-Warri road.

In recognition of his immense contribution to party administration and success of PDP-controlled federal government, he was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). In death, he holds the records of being Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP twice from 2004 to 2007 and from 2013 to 2015. He was also appointed twice as Chairman of the Board of Nigerian PortsAuthority (NPA) from 2009 to 2011 and from 2012 to 2015.

Aholder of many chieftaincy titles and honorary doctorate degrees from some Nigerian universities, the narrative ofAnenih’s rise from grass to grace remains a source of inspiration to those who share with him similar socio-economic circumstances that he overcame in his quest for success in life, which God made possible through the right connection.

On the occasion of his 80thbirthday inAbuja in 2013, he told the quality audience that the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was the person that God used to position him in Nigerian politics. He

Anenih wept as he recognised and appreciated the presence of Hajia Binta, the wife of General Shehu Yar’Adua, at the venue of the birthday reception.

That was the soft side of theAnenih persona that was not known in its vastness to those who saw him as a tough-looking politician. Whereas, beneath the façade of his tough look, accentuated by his taciturn disposition, was a profound humanity that defined his life and act of philanthropy.

Perhaps, the most touching of his charity works remains his endowment in 2012 of the multi-million naira Geriatric Centre at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, the first of its kind on theAfrican continent, for the treatment of senior citizens with age-related sicknesses. He continued to maintain, annually, the facility, until he passed on.

And as Chuk Palahniuk once said, “We all die.

The goal isn’t to live forever; the goal is to create something that will.� His contemplation finds anchorage in Samuel Johnson’s rumination: “It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives. The act of dying is not of importance, it lasts so short a time.�

ChiefAnthonyAkhakonAnenih lived a good life. He lived for humanity. He lived for family. He lived for country and, above all, he lived for and honoured God with his substance. Adieu, great

leader! ––Ojeifo, editor-in-chief of The Congresswatch magazine, was media consultant to ChiefTony Anenih.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 1, 2018

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Mo Abudu Enlivens Movie Fans with ‘Chief Daddy’ D LARGE I Have Been Rolling with Musicians Right from Childhood pg. 48

AY, Omoni Oboli Make Hollywood Debut pg. 50

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 1, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Mo Abudu Enlivens Movie Fans with ‘Chief Daddy’ Ahead of its much anticipated premiere tomorrow and its cinema release on December 14, EbonyLife Films promises an unforgettable experience with its new movie ‘Chief Daddy.’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

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redicted as the next box office burster this season from the stable of EbonyLife Films is ‘Chief Daddy’, a comedy drama. EbonyLife Films has produced blockbuster movies as The Wedding Party, The Wedding Party 2, and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel. Expectedly, fans are in for another treat this Christmas going by the previous releases.

Since the hit film, Fifty was released in 2015, it appears EbonyLife premieres films every Christmas, and they seem to be continuing in this tradition. As the executive producer, Mo Abudu had earlier promised, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience for movie goers: “At EbonyLife Films, we give every movie our very best; we are dedicated to making each one better than the last.

“So, get ready to be blown away because Chief Daddy gives you everything you want in a movie – comedy, drama, suspense, rivalry and lots more.”

The buzz preceding the premiere date of the movie set for tomorrow at Oriental Hotel ,Lekki, Lagos had heightened expectations before its official cinema release date slated for December 14.

In the usual EbonyLife style, the premiere is set to be a grand affair, with a guest list including dignitaries, business moguls, celebrities and socialites. With the dress code being ‘Opulently Nigerian – Extra’, the event promises to be a thrilling and exceptional extravaganza, showcasing Nigerian fashion culture like never before. Speaking of her recent project, Mo Abudu said, “Every year, the crème de la crème of Lagos society shows up for our extraordinary premieres and this will be no exception.

“This time, with Chief Daddy, we are going to have even more fun with fashion, while unveiling what promises to be the biggest movie of 2018. For those fortunate enough to be invited, we promise a wonderful occasion and a hilarious, highly enjoyable, family film.”

From the start of the shoot to the end, EbonyLife Films had kept fans excited; releasing captivating content from the movie including behind-the-scenes visuals, five amusing teasers of scenes from the movie before the trailer released in October.

Written by Bode Asiyanbi and directed

by Niyi Akinmolayan, Chief Daddy is produced by Temidayo Abudu and Queen Martins. The movie is based on a domestic drama that ensued upon the death of a billionaire industrialist, Chief Beecroft otherwise known as Chief Daddy.

A press statement by the production company revealed that “Chief Daddy is centred on the life of billionaire industrialist, Chief Beecroft, who is known to be a pillar of the society. He is extravagant, exuberant and larger-than-life but extremely benevolent, as he serves as a benefactor to everyone around him including a large extended family of relatives, household staff, and mistresses.

“All seems well in the Beecroft household until Chief Daddy passes away and suddenly the ‘wheels begin to turn’ and things go awry. The teaser gives a sneak peek into the movie, showing the pivotal moment when Chief Daddy dies and the events that unfold immediately afterwards.

What follows reveals enormous surprises, twist and turns that prove larger than the life Chief Daddy lived.”

Its stellar cast of veterans and new actors in Nollywood include AMVCAs 2018 Trail-

Mo Abudu

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 1, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR Mo Abudu Enlivens Movie Fans with ‘Chief Daddy’

Chief Daddy Movies

The hysterical scenes had viewers laughing so hard that tears streamed down their faces. The surprise hit of the screening was a hilarious but nuanced performance from Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana, as his character “AK Famzy”, of the movie’s theme song “Moving Mad”. The melody and lyrics of the song were so catchy that viewers continued to sing it even after the movie was over blazer award winner Bisola Aiyeola, Funke Akindele, Zainab Balogun, Shaffy Bello, Lepacious Bose, Ini Edo, Dakore EgbusonAkande, newly wed Linda Ejiofor, Mawuli Gavor, Kate Henshaw, Ayo Lijadu, rapper Jude Abaga (MI), Richard Mofe-Damijo, Beverly Naya, Taiwo Obileye, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah, Rachel Oniga, Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor and the ageless Joke Silva, with star performance by Folarin Falana aka Falz the bahd guy. Shot in Lagos, the movie’s exceptionally mixed cast of musicians and comedians has the pull factor that makes for the cinema audience appeal.

As has been noted, given the wide range of comic and dramatic actors involved, the movie is not short of EbonyLife’s typical formula of star-studded sitcom. And as typical of other box office hits by Ebony Life Production, the plot is said was developed along the party mode.

Penultimate week, a coterie of guests selected by the makers of the movie had the firsthand experience to an exclusive screening of the upcoming feature film.

Members of the press, cast and cinema operators were all present to view the movie as it debuted for the first time at the new Filmhouse cinema, Twin Waters, Oniru, Lagos. As anticipated, Chief Daddy was a hit with guests as they watched the hilarious movie for the very first time.

The hysterical scenes had viewers laughing so hard that tears streamed down their faces. The surprise hit of the screening was a hilarious but nuanced performance from Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana, as his character “AK

Famzy”, of the movie’s theme song “Moving Mad”. The melody and lyrics of the song were so catchy that viewers continued to sing it even after the movie was over.

At the screening, reporters and critics got a first look at the movie; allowing them the opportunity to enjoy the experience and express their first-hand opinions about it. Pleased with the turnout, Mo Abudu enthused: “The buzz is amazing! I am delighted to have received positive and encouraging reviews from our stakeholders and the media about our new film, Chief Daddy.

“It’s great that everyone is so excited, it was humbling to witness the effect that the movie had on the viewers, the laughter could not be contained and we all had a blast. This just proves that Chief Daddy is the movie to watch this holiday; it is a movie that will leave you grinning from molar to molar from start to finish – I can’t wait for the movie to hit the big screen.”

Mo Abudu established EbonyLife TV in 2006 and later ventured into filmmaking via her production company EbonyLife Films.

In a short while after she made her debut as a filmmaker, Abudu has become an auteur, who controls and influences all aspects of a creative work.

Her first film as executive producer was Fifty. Teaming up with The ELFIKE Collective in 2016, she produced The Wedding Party, which became one of the highest-grossing titles of all time in the Nigerian film industry.

Mo Abudu

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 1, 2018

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SHOWBIZFLAIR D LARGE

I Have Been Rolling with Musicians Right from Childhood Solomon Nwosu, better known as “D Large”, is one of the few top cats flying the Afrobeat flag high across various cities in Europe. The wellrounded rapper is no newbie in the Nigerian music landscape. He started out as a rapper in his formative days at the Rivers State Polytechnic before the lure of greener pastures took him away from his motherland in search of that elusive pot of gold. D Large has dropped a slew of singles in the past which enjoyed appreciable rotation on the airwaves. D Large tells Tosin Clegg about the rise of Afropop in Europe reinvented my style and sound, so D Large is coming through with a sound wholly different from what the industry is used to.

I listen to Wyclef Jean a lot Pharell Williams, Will-I-Am, Ace Hood, Osadebe, Oliver De Coque (my mum plays his music a lot), Fela Anikulapo Kuti and so many others. When it comes to mastering Afrobeat as an art, one has to be very open-minded. So, I tap a lot from all these music legends while I still retain my own style, so I can’t pick a role model per se.

It’s been a tough journey with lots of hard work have dropped a couple of songs and videos in the past, such as Obuchukwu, Meet Up, Dance For Me, Turn Me On, but here I am now with a fresh one for my fans titled ‘Badda’ and it’s been blowing up the airwaves like a cyclone.

I

Inspiration behind the name D Large As you know, the world is large, my country Nigeria is big, and what I have on my mind is massive. So I just had to settle with the name D Large because I am way too loaded with too much stuff to make the world a better place.

Music has been part of my life as it’s just like a lifestyle to me. I have been rolling with musicians right from childhood; with the likes of 2much (who manages Duncan Mighty at the moment), Roughhouse Crew to mention a few.

I started out mimicking Wyclef Jean back in Rivers State Polytechnic campus, where I studied Auto-Mechanical Engineering.

I grew up in a house full of fashionistas Especially my older brother from whom I tapped a lot. To be honest, I grew up watching lots of foreign TV programmes as a kid; they kind of influenced my style of dressing.

I love dressing flashy with a unique style that is peculiar to me. Fashion is like a lifestyle to me, same as music.

Advice to those who want to be a part of the music industry First of all, you need to focus on your studies, get that basic education because it is very important when it comes to navigating the turbulent waters of this music industry. The entertainment industry is not like a tea party, many young ones out there only see the glamorous side of the industry. You need to be very humble, master your craft, learn from those before you and respect them. Above all, you need to develop a very large heart and a thick skin because many people are going to use you, betray you, take advantage of you, but you just have to learn how to take things in your stride. Put up a proper team (You can start with friends and family who are passionate about your craft and the music industry) then try to get yourself where things are happening and showcase your talent. You never know who is watching. If you are lucky, a well-connected music manager might develop an interest in you and help you get signed to a record label.

Study the industry deeply, otherwise, you will just keep running in circles.

Afrobeat right now is topping the charts I used to be a full time hip hop head but right now, I do more ofAfropop with a fusion of hi-life and western sound. There used to be a major focus onAmerican sounds but there is a paradigm shift at the moment, people like me have been spreading the gospel of Afrobeat and they love us for it. For now, I can say Afrobeat is the new music culture in Europe. I have been performing all over Europe and have won several awards; I can’t even remember all. I have been the opening act for many African artistes that came to perform in Amsterdam, such as Patoranking, Duncan Mighty and so many others.

My movement has been going smoothly, no doubt The major challenge I just have is most people’s infidelity when doing business with them. Nigerians at home have this notion that any returnee from overseas has wads of cash to throw around for no reason. Hence, they take your money and don’t get the job done; imagining he has a tree planted somewhere where he plucks money anytime he likes. They forget that people out there work tirelessly from pillar to post to gather resources to push their dreams back home; be it investment in real estate, providing services from experiences gathered overseas et al. People like that are the ones giving Nigerians bad image overseas. Most people in the entertainment industry are very dishonest and I have my own fair share of experience with them, though I have met a few good people whose words are their bond and these are the people I have in my team as the Badda movement grows in leaps and bounds day after day.

It’s been a bittersweet experience so far and I believe it will all end in praise.

My new song, Badda is a movement

D large

I’m just trying to tell the story of a man who loves a very beautiful shy girl, the introvert kind of lady but who also loves to enjoy life but do not possess the charisma to show it to the world. She is ravishingly beautiful but she doesn’t know it, so I was only trying to encourage her to come out of her shell in the song. It’s all about showbiz anyway; I was just trying

to show that I can take care of my woman, so every man out there should treat his woman like a queen. A king deserves a queen so I was just showcasing my roots as an African Prince in the video, from my regalia to the motorcade.

It was just crazy and the pictures really came out beautiful; a big shout-out to Don Kuluku for directing such a crispy video for me. I just

I have got so many songs recorded so far I’m still recording, but I am yet to put a timeline to dropping an album yet, let the industry feel more of my vibe then I and my team will decide when to drop an album. If we are talking about songs, I have got a whole lot of them that are yet to be released. I have worked with Dan Jiggy, Boombeatz, Hycent, DelB, Wizzypro, Illbeat, Selebobo, to mention a few but presently, my official producer is Teekay Witty (The producer of B Red’s song featuring Akon).

To all my fans around the world I want you to know that your boy D Large is here to stay, I have so much for you all to enjoy for your listening pleasure. I know you all have missed my vibe for some time now but I am right here to stay and I am taking over real soon.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 1, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR

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

MY STORY

Gists SEYI SHAY, CDQ, IK OSAKIODUWA, OTHERS ATTEND LAUNCH OF HABARI Guaranty Trust Bank has announced the launch of Habari, Nigeria’s largest platform for music, shopping, lifestyle content and more at a special event attended by renowned personalities in the entertainment, such as Seyi Shay, CDQ, Bizzle O, IK Osakioduwa, Illryms. Habari offers users direct access to the largest catalogue of local and foreign music online, a seamless shopping experience and an exciting way to connect with friends, amongst other features.

Built around the everyday lives of customers, Habari is the first mobile platform in Nigeria created by a financial institution that focuses on enabling people’s needs and lifestyles rather than providing a limited bouquet of regular banking products.

Commenting on the

launch of Habari, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc., Mr. Segun Agbaje, said, “By reimagining the role of banking and driving innovation in how we serve customers, we have built a platform that is less about us as bank and more about our customers and everything they need to enable their lifestyle.”

The bank has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s banking industry. Also, the brand is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world-class corporate governance standards, excellent service, quality and innovation.

AINA OLAWALE

My Journey into Entertainment Started With Event Planning Aina Olawale is the founder of the Lagos Urban Fashion Show and the director of Rough Gem Entertainment, an event production company. He is a fashion enthusiast that is passionate about promoting emerging fashion brands. He shares with Tosin Clegg, the challenges funding pose to the fashion and entertainment industries

‘OBA ESHUGBAYI’ LIGHTS UP MUSON The epic play, Oba Eshugbayi, written and directed by versatile thespian, William Benson will be featuring at the Agip Recital Hall of the iconic Muson Centre this December and would see legendary acts like Yinka Davies, Femi Branch and Yemi Shodimu come on stage in some of the most exciting theatrical turns ever seen on the Nigerian Stage.

The play, which is also coproduced by influential On-Air Personality Olisa Adibua, will see over 100 actors on stage reprising a story which started last May with the very engaging Isale Eko Franchise.

Oba Esugbayi is a continuation of the series with the story moving very quickly from14th Century Lagos to pre-modern Lagos during the reign of Oba Esugbayi who was sent into exile by the colonialists. To spice up the story, the writer William Benson has pulled in a romantic side which will see an Efik Prince, played by Big Brother Nigeria alumnus Tall Thin Tony, come to take the Oba’s beautiful daughter, played by

Ayobami Shodimu daughter of the great Yemi Shodimu in marriage.

Audiences will see a colourful fusion of traditions complete with beautiful and brilliant costuming all presented

in a sweetly designed blend of song and dance routine drawn from both cultures.

Legendary National heroes like Herbert Macaulay, Margaret Ekpo and Funmilayo Kuti would also make a showing in a loose adaptation of true historical happenings all spiced up with some of the most exciting song and dance routines ever displayed on stage.

According to the organiser, the play is expected to attract over 10,000 theatre goers as a result of the popularity of Isale Eko, which played in May and has built cult followership. He further stated that the Lagos State Government, through its Commissioner of Arts and Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde has thrown its weight behind the massive production, citing its mission of supporting the entertainment industry and promoting our culture. Other main supporters are MTN Foundation and First Bank of Nigeria, leading over 30 corporate bodies that are backing the production.

ALI BABA, TIMI DAKOLO GRACE GAZELLE ACADEMY GRADUATION CEREMONY Gazelle Academy Lagos recently held a graduation ceremony for about 30 students who partook of her fashion and make up training programmes. The event was put together by the founder, Muna Onuzo who was delighted and proud of her students.

They were all shades of glamour, glitz and fulfillment.

The founder had industry heavy weights, Timi Dakolo and Ali Baba grace the occasion and both took turns to talk to the participants. Timi performed one of his classics and admonished the

students later. Comedy Veteran, Ali Baba then took the microphone and spoke words of encouragement, motivation and shared life experiences.

According to Onuzo, “The passion has kept me going, as well as the commitment to make change happen no matter how difficult things get.” Her academy has been a blessing to a lot of women and men, as well, and this has made her produce some of the emerging names in the fashion sphere today, as she enriches the society with more talents from her academy.

H

ow did you begin the journey into entertainment and fashion?

My journey into entertainment started from when I had the first taste of event planning in secondary school. I was part of the team that planned my school’s graduation party and it was a huge success. So, I fell in love with event planning. My love of fashion events started when I attended my first fashion show in Nigeria in 2016.

Tell us about Rough Gem Entertainment and LUFS? We are an event production company. We produce fashion shows, pop up events, concerts, festivals, etc. LUFS came as a result of my attendance in different fashion shows in the country. I noticed that the fashion shows running at that time were not showcasing the collections of many talented streetwear and emerging designers. I also noticed a new trend of Nigerians buying Made-in-Nigeria wears and a new vibe of streetwear culture.

What have been the challenges?

The challenges are the cost to actually produce a show.

From the venue to the vendors, everything is expensive.

The only way to tackle these challenges is for corporate organisations to support event organisers with funding.

Do you consider fashion and entertainment complementary to each other and how do you think they help the show business industry?

Fashion and entertainment complement each other.

Entertainment influences current fashion trends and style.

The way they can help each other is when we see more collaborations between the entertainment and fashion industry. From more celebrities attending fashion shows, to modeling for fashion brands.

What are your projections for the next five years?

I see the LUFS being one of the biggest streetwear fashion shows in the world, as we would work to include other streetwear designers from the rest of Africa and beyond. I also see Rough Gem Entertainment producing even more fashion and youth inclined events and going into the music business as well.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 1, 2018

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

AY

Oboli

AY, Omoni Oboli Make Hollywood Debut Nollywood super stars, Ayo Makun (AY) and Omoni Oboli debut in a Hollywood animation film, “Elliott: The Littlest Reindeer”, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

C

hristmas it seems would be merrier for cinema buffs as two of Nigeria’s biggest stars, Comedian AY Makun and actress, Omoni Oboli, will make their debut in a Hollywood animation film, “Elliott: The Littlest Reindeer”. The characters AY and Oboli voiced in the film scheduled to premiere on December 14, remain unknown.

The Christmas-themed film also features Hunger Games star, Josh Hutcherson; Dead pool actress, Morena Baccarin; Jeff Dunham; Martin Short and John Cleese. The animation follows Blitzen - one of Santa’s sleighpulling reindeers - announcing his retirement on December 21, giving a miniature horse three days to fulfill his lifelong dream.

The horse has to earn a spot on Santa’s sleigh during the North Pole try-outs in time for Christmas Eve; Elliott and his friend Hazel set out to prove that no dream is too big if you believe in yourself. The animation, according to a statement

by Empire Entertainment, the license holder of the movie, was directed by award-winning writer and director, Jennifer Westcott.

The inclusion of these stars, the statement noted, announced a new era of collaboration across Nigeria and other territories across Africa. The collaboration came through studio partners based in South Africa after seeing the need for two worlds to

come together and make cinematic history.

On the project, Kene Okwusa and Moses Babatope, the directors at FilmOne Distribution and Production who were major contributors to the collaboration, expressed optimism that the two actors are a perfect fit for the movie due to their strong family values. “AY and Omoni are two very talented/ground breaking actors and producers, who we have been very fortunate to work with on varied projects.

“It was only a natural fit for this, especially with two actors which such strong family values and family is very important to us at FilmOne. Their inclusion as part of the cast for this movie portends great things for future collaboration between Nollywood and Hollywood.

Decisions and collaborations like these further show how much the world looks at Nollywood and how it is continuously making its mark. We hope for this to be a stepping stone for more to come.”

AY earned Guinness World Record recognition for his film, ‘30 Days in Atlanta’ as the highest grossing film in the territories of Hollywood and Bollywood.

He is an actor, comedian, radio and TV presenter, who ventured into acting in 2014 in the movie Being Mrs. Elliot. Since dabbling into movie, AY has earned accolades for his movie productions.

Ayo Makun directs and acts in one of Nigeria’s popular sitcom, AY’s Crib. He also hosts one of Africa’s largest comedy shows, AY Live featuring many other

top comedians.

In a chat with the comedian during this report to find out the characters both actors voiced in the animation movie, in addition to some other requests, the following conversation ensued: Reporter: . . . Congrats on your Hollywood debut AY: Where you see that one…

Lol Reporter: Laughs. There’s been a report in the media about you and Omoni Oboli making Hollywood debut in animation film ‘Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer’ AY: We are working on something but there is a nondisclosure agreement for now on our part.

I will double check with the studio to let them know what’s up and what to share.

Omoni Oboli is a seasoned actress and filmmaker, who uses films such as ‘Wives on Strike’ and its sequel to address societal issues. As a scripter she has written screenplays such as Fatal Imagination, Being Mrs. Elliot, The First Lady and Okafor’s Law, which she equally featured in.

Omoni began her movie career with her first movie role in Bitter Encounter (1996), where she played a secretary.

Her next was Shame. She then went on to play the lead female character in three major movies -Not My Will, Destined to Die and Another Campus Tale.

After enjoying a brief career in 1996, Omoni left the movie industry to complete her university education and returned a decade later.

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DECEMBER 1, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PERSPECTIVE

Lagos and the Challenges of Governance He made his mark within a very short period such that civil servants and development partners were curious to know who the new kid on the block was because of his impressive performance and the impact he created. Babajide SanwoOlu took the public interest in his personality and his skills set in his stride. He chose to prove his mettle on the job by rolling up his sleeves and bringing his expertise in finance and management notched in over two decades in the private sector to play

Temitope Ajayi

D

ecades of slavery in America shattered the promise of a new world and blighted the soul of a rising nation. The secession of the states from the Southern hemisphere such as South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina) in 1860–61 in chronological order, and the ensuing outbreak of armed hostilities, were the consequence of years of accentuated sectional friction over slavery.

In 1858, two years before he became President of the United States, the Republican Party candidate for the Senatorial seat, Abraham Lincoln, in debates with the Democratic Party Senator Stephen Douglas, from Illinois spoke on the evils of slavery. He made it very clear why slavery should not spread in America. He lost the election to his Democratic Party rival, but that did not change his stand on the evil of slavery.

With America facing an uncertain future, yet convinced of the righteousness of his stand against slavery, Lincoln rallied Americans in one of his campaign stump speeches quoting, “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown’’, a line from William Shakespeare’s King Henry IV. Lincoln charged Americans to give him the crown to lead a country that would soon become the leader of the free world and he will bear the uneasiness that comes with the crown.

To govern Lagos, the most cosmopolitan city-state and the 6th largest economy in Africa, is not a tea party. Like Abraham Lincoln, the All Progressives Congress candidate for the position of the Governor of the state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is asking Lagosians to give him the crown to lead Lagos at a time the people want government to respond better to the existential challenges that confront them daily.

Abraham Lincoln changed the world with his ideas and actions. Lincoln became very famous as President of the United States till date, for his actions that stopped the slavery trade and civil war.

As a charismatic leader, Lincoln with his power of example, changed the world using his powerful moral authority. He spoke out against the evils of slavery, and as President, he made it abundantly clear that his roles in the war were strongly influenced by his goal of ending slavery as a practice that violated American democratic values.

Like Lincoln, anyone that desires to lead Lagos as Governor must be a man or woman that can dream big and have the capacity to turn his big idea into reality. To be the governor of Lagos is not a job for the faint-hearted, and it has been my considered view that any man or woman that puts himself or herself forward to lead a state with over 20 million diverse people of different persuasions and inclinations, an economy bigger than many countries in Africa and Europe allied with other socio-gravitational pulls that make governing a mega city-state quite challenging must come prepared. The aspiring Governor of Lagos State must come with a mentality to lead a country. A governor of Lagos must think like someone running a country.

Despite the sustained progress it has made since 1999 with 3 governors – Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN and the current Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who have all made commendable impacts on the governance of the state, it would still appear that whatever progress we have seen is a mere drop in an ocean.

Lagos is fortunate to already have a comprehensive development plan authored by different administrations. It was re-energised to a 2012-2025 development blue print by the administration of Fashola having factored new realities. As a financial hub of Nigeria and most prosperous state, Lagos is the home to 60% Nigeria’s industrial base including trade and foreign investment. The state also controls more than 40% of all labour emoluments in Nigeria. The state’s development blue print is a bold initiative to harness and mobilise all the economic potentials as well as investment that will make the state one of the competitive and leading economies in the world.

At the state infrastructure summit which held in October 2017, Governor Ambode put the cost of fixing the infrastructure deficit in

Sanwo-Olu

Lagos at about $50b dollars for the next 20 years. To power the economy of the state with electricity requires about 10,000mw alone. The state is currently working on a 3000 mw power project that will ring-fence it from the national malady electricity has become.

To sustain the ongoing development trajectory and improve on the existing development plan demands some level of competence and capable hands to take the mantle of leadership from Governor Ambode, who without doubt, has had a very impressive run even when the problems of waste management and poor maintenance of the roads seem to have counted very much against him.

With the observable governance challenges, Lagos remains a place of dreams where dreams are realized everyday- its pulsating energy, the burst of creativity of her people, the enterprising spirit, and rambunctiousness of the dwellers all make the commercial capital of Nigeria and West Africa a melting pot.

Converting the governance challenges that currently confront Lagos into opportunities whilst expanding socio-economic opportunities for shared prosperity for all will, however, demand competence and know-how on the part of those who seek to govern. Lagos with its multifarious governance issues is not a place for a loafer who is only interested in the paraphernalia of office without accepting the responsibilities that come with the high office of the Governor. A governor of Lagos that is faced with the daunting burden to provide security, transportation, healthcare, education and housing for an ever-expanding population must be one with superior brain power.

Without any shred of doubt, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, with over 30 years combined public sector work experience are well-suited for the task of leading Lagos at this particular time in her development trajectory. And this is apart from their distinguished career in the private sector, where both men equally made a solid mark before their cross-over to public service, where they served as Commissioners in the administrations of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN. Their public service credentials in Lagos are well established.

Sanwo-Olu started his public service career in year 2004; first, as the Special Adviser

on Corporate Matters to former Deputy Governor, Mr. Femi Pedro and later appointed into same role by the then Governor Tinubu before he got full cabinet role as Acting Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget less than a year after he joined the trail blazing administration. The Tinubu administration became the pathfinder of what has been described as the progressive governance in Lagos since 1999.

He made his mark within a very short period such that civil servants and development partners were curious to know who the new kid on the block was because of his impressive performance and the impact he created. Babajide Sanwo-Olu took the public interest in his personality and his skills set in his stride. He chose to prove his mettle on the job by rolling up his sleeves and bringing his expertise in finance and management notched in over two decades in the private sector to play.

In government-speak, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning was the “headmaster” who wielded the big stick against non-compliance with budgetary limits and held the votes of charge that gave life to expenditures.

The new man on the block slipped into the role as if it was a customized suit. Ministries, departments and agencies met a friendly enforcer and creative provider of solutions to the challenging task of managing the economic development of Africa’ s fastest growing economic hub.

Tracking and providing intelligent analysis of Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) by the various government agencies and parastatals, including the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR), for executive consideration and policymaking; as well as preparation and publication of the Lagos State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LASEEDS) are some of his commendable contributions.

The opportunity gave him a helicopter view of the economic challenges facing the 12 million residents and turned him into a passionate executor of the Lagos State Economic Development Strategy. Only God knew that someday he would respond to the call of the people to apply these solutions to a population that has now grown to estimated 24million.

Perhaps, it was his deployment to the Ministry Establishment Trainings and Pensions during the administration of Governor

Fashola where he had all civil servants in the state under his purview that gave him statewide name recognition. He initiated reforms in the civil service that increased workers’ productivity, increased welfare for workers and pensioners and better revenue for the government. He was very successful that he became the darling of workers who hold him in very high esteem.

Getting difficult tasks done is second nature to Sanwo-Olu. It probably explains why he had his hands full during the Fashola administration where he served diligently between 2007 and 2011.

It was not by happenstance that SanwoOlu was involved in the establishment of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the New Projects Initiation & Promotions Committee, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone and chaired the Consultants Board. These interventions have given him the institutional memory to understand why and how the present agencies of the Lagos State government were formed and how to manage them to give Lagosians the best possible values.

In Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Hamzat, Lagosians will get two able men and strategic thinkers for the price of one.

While either of them can competently lead Lagos, it then becomes more exciting when two great minds are united in purpose to take governance to new heights.

Dr. Hamzat joined the cabinet of Asiwaju Tinubu in 2005 as the Commissioner of Science and Technology. It must be stressed that he made his mark with his revolutionary initiative that triggered the digitalization of Lagos State Civil and Public Service to enhance service delivery to the public.

By 2007, Hamzat who holds a Ph.D. in Process Engineering had earned his stripes having creditably performed in office. It was very easy for Governor Fashola to retain him in his cabinet as Commissioner for Science and Technology. He was later moved as Commissioner in charge of Works and Infrastructure, a role where he excelled more with landmark and groundbreaking projects that include the iconic Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge.

Lagosions can be rest assured that the quality of leadership of the state that have been used to since 1999 will only go a notch higher with Sanwo-Olu from May 29, 2019 will be when the current APC led administration will pass the baton. As a governor, he will also have the advantage of a resourceful Hamzat as co-pilot.

Like Abraham Lincoln, Sanwo-Olu wants the crown and he is prepared to bear the responsibilities that come with it. t "KBZJ XSPUF GSPN *LFKB -BHPT

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NEWSXTRA

Neighbourhood Security: Jonathan to Interface with Buhari over Rivers, Army Face-off Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Former President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that he would interface with President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure an amicable resolution of the impasse between the Army and the Rivers State Government over the state’s Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency in the interest of the security of the state.

He also commiserated with the government and people of Rivers State over the collapse of the seven-Storey building in Port Harcourt.

The former President, who was accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, spoke yesterday at the site of the collapsed building at Woji Road in New GRA, Port Harcourt.

His words: “I will take it up with Mr. President to see how we will resolve the matter amicably in the interest of our people. “If you don’t have the cooperation of volunteers working with the security services, we will not be able to manage the security situation.�

Jonathan noted that when a state government is setting up a volunteer service to manage the security situation, the police and army within the state must give their maximum cooperation. “If a state is setting up a volunteer service to manage the security situation, we expect cooperation from the police and the Army within the state. “If there are any issues that

should be cleared, I expect the Commissioner of Police and the General Officer Commanding to meet with the Security Adviser to the Rivers State Governor to discuss these grey areas,� he said.

He said managing security in the extremely riverine states required the contributions of locals in the form of volunteers. “These are extremely riverine states. Apart from the Navy, 60 per cent of the personnel of the other security services cannot swim. Managing security in these states require the locals,� he said.

The former President said that as Deputy Governor to late DSP Alamiesegha, Bayelsa State had to set up the Bayelsa Volunteers to tackle piracy alongside the security agencies. “When we set up the Bayelsa Volunteers, we worked with the Police to reduce piracy in the state. I have realised that without the locals, you cannot succeed in terms of managing security anywhere,� he said.

He stated that as a President he allowed the setting up of the Civilian Joint Task Force to work with the military to tackle Boko Haram insurgency, saying that the decision helped so much.

On the collapsed seven-storey building, Jonathan described the development as unfortunate and sad, adding that greater regulation was required to avert future occurrence.

Earlier, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike told the Former President that the State

PROVIDING FACILITIES...

Prince Michael Poonle, Owner of Miccom Golf and member, Governing Council, UniOsun, (3rd from left) ; Mr. Modupe Alakija (Chairman, FAMFA Oil and co-donor of Uniosun Teaching Hospital), Mrs. Folorunso Alakija (Chancellor, UniOsun and co-donor of Uniosun Teaching Hospital), Former Gov of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf. Aregbesola, Incumbent Gov. of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola

Government initiated the State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency for the purpose of enhancing the security of the state Wike, who was represented

Fayemi Sacks Ekiti HoS, Retire Two Perm Secs Victor Ogunje Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ ÕÓÞÓ Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has wielded the big stick as he approved the retirement of the Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka, from the state’s service, Fayemi also approved the voluntary retirement of two newly reinstated Permanent Secretaries, Mr. Akin Osho and Mrs Funke Falodun while he also approved the immediate redeployment of all Education secretaries in the state.

The retirement of Faseluka was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji and dated November 30, 2018, is with immediate effect.

Faseluka is to hand over to the most senior Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Peju Babafemi.

Mrs. Babafemi is to function as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of the substantive holder of the post.

The redeployed Education Secretaries are to hand over to the most senior officers in their

respective local government education authorities.

A new set of Education Secretaries will be appointed in due course.

The duo of Osho and Falodun in their letters of notification, appreciated Governor Fayemi for their reinstatement alongside four other colleagues earlier in the month.

They described the development as a proof that Ekiti’s core values of fairness, equity and justice are being restored in the state.

CSR: Host Communities Commend Dangote Refinery’s initiatives Impressed with the provision of communal infrastructures for their communities by Dangote Oil Refining Company (DORC) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility service, traditional rulers and community leaders from host communities in Ibeju-Lekki Free Trade Zone area of Lagos have expressed appreciation at the timely intervention of the Company to their needs.

The monarchs numbering 14 at a stakeholder parley in Lagos with the management of DORC commended Dangote Industries Limited, the parent company for partnering them on various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives targeted toward the development of Lekki Free Trade Zone communities.

The Community leaders said that Dangote Industries had so far demonstrated its resolve to address the concerns of the people by complementing efforts of the state government to develop the

host communities in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, where the Dangote Refinery, Fertilizer and Jetty are located.

The royal fathers pointed out that they appreciate the good gestures by the company by doing so much for the communities even when still at construction stage.

At the parley which took place after a guided tour of the Dangote Refinery, fertilizer and Jetty were the Leaders of all the communities around the project site, including Idasho, Ilekuru, Okeyanta, MagboSegun, Okesegun, Itoke, Idotun, Alasia, Okunraiye and Lekki town.

Other neighbouring communities like Imobido community, Tiye community, Mosa community, Ilege community, and Olomowewe community were also represented at the meeting.

Speaking at the event, the Imobido Community head, Chief Jegede Lateef, commended the company for siting its refinery and petrochemical plants in the community saying his

community was extremely lucky because the projects could have been sited elsewhere. “We appreciate Dangote Industries for its decision to establish a refinery and petrochemical plants in our communities and we believe that the company’s investment will contribute to the development of the community. Dangote is welcome to do his business in our communities and we are fully ready to cooperate with him�, the community leaders said He emphasized the need for the company to ensure that the various investments translate to infrastructural development and employment opportunities for members of the host communities.

Also, the Head of Tiye Community, Chief Adewale Salami, who commended the company for the various completed and ongoing projects, promised that the community would at all times provide an enabling environment for the investment to thrive.

by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani, noted that the state had always supported the security agencies with finances and logistics.

The governor said: “To our shock while the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency was being trained, they were invaded by the Army. “It is a concern for us because

it does appear as if there is one rule for some states which have done the same thing and another rule for us who are just trying our best to assist the security agencies,“ he said.

Crowd Throng Benin Airport to Receive Anenih’s Remains Adibe Emenyonu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă˜ ÓÞã Hundreds of sympathisers, including chieftains of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress ((APC), friends, kinsmen and well-wishers thronged the Benin Airport to receive the remains of late former Chairman, Board of Trustees of PDP, Chief Tony Anenih.

However, there was confusion following the failure of the chartered aircraft conveying the remains of the deceased elder statesman to arrive the airport complex as scheduled in the burial programme by the organising committee set up to accord the Uromi-born politician a befitting state burial.

Sadly, majority of the sympathis-

ers who waited for hours in the scorching sun had left in frustration as the plane bearing the corpse failed to arrive.

The plane was billed to arrive the airport at about 1:30pm to be received by the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, top chieftains of the PDP and other eminent personalities who stormed the Edo capital for a tribute night slated at the University of Benin Sports arena.

Among the eminent personalities who left the airport in the ensuing confusion include the PDP National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus; state chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih; Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, chairman of the burial organising committee

and former Edo governorship candidate of the PDP, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, amongst others.

Others are various support groups adorned in different uniforms, cultural troupes, Uromi kinsmen of the dead, security agencies, MIC undertakers and several others.

The Chief of staff to Governor Obaseki, Mr. Taiwo Akerele and state chairman of the APC, Mr. Anselm Ojezua and some lawmakers of the state House of Assembly were on hand to receive the remains of the late political.

All the personalities had converged on the airport at about 9a.m. and waited till 4:00p.m. when the remaining guests and sympathisers started leaving the airport.

Army Explains Why Texas Chukwu Was Removed as Spokesman Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Contrary to reports that the Nigerian Army removed its spokesman, Brigadier-General Texas Chukwu, over alleged management of information on the counter-insurgency campaign, the force yesterday clarified that his replacement was a routine posting.

The Army said in statement issued in Abuja that any report to the contrary was “malicious� and an attempt to tarnish the image of the “senior officer�.

It said the re-appointment of Brigadier-General Kukasheka Usman as the new Army image maker was a routine deployment in the Nigerian Army. “The re-appointment of Brigadier General Sani Usman is a routine

deployment in the Nigerian Army following his completion of the Strategic course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and not based on media management as alleged by the report. “The Directorate wishes to state categorically that the report is not only malicious but an attempt by the writer to tarnish the reputation of the senior officer which he has built over the years in the course of his career as well as misleading members of the public. “The write-up further alleged that his removal followed outcry from different quarters on his “inability� to manage information on counter-insurgency campaign, which is completely untrue and unsubstantiated.

“Contrary to the report, the Directorate wishes to state that, the re-appointment of Brigadier General Sani Usman is a routine deployment in the Nigerian Army following his completion of the Strategic course at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and not based on media management as alleged by the report. “It is also pertinent to state that Brigadier General Texas Chukwu will be proceeding to the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, Jos for his strategic course. “Consequently, the directorate wishes to state that the writer has only succeeded in exhibiting his ignorance or complete lack of knowledge about postings and appointments in the Nigerian Army.

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NEWSXTRA

AfDB Issues First-Ever SOFR-linked Transaction in Green Bond Market Charles Ajunwa The African Development Bank has been rated Aaa/AAA/AAA

by Moody’s/S&P/Fitch (all stable) successfully priced a dual-tranche US$ 500 million three-year and US$ 100 million two-year SOFRlinked Green bond, becoming the first issuer to bring to the market a SOFR-linked Green Bond transaction.

The fixed rate tranche, oversubscribed within three hours of formal book opening with the support from high-quality green investors, was priced at mid-swaps (MS) flat, in line with Initial Price Thoughts (IPTs) and providing a very limited new issue premium. The SOFRlinked tranche, the result of a green reverse enquiry , priced at SOFR + 32 basis points (bps) and was placed almost entirely in the hands of green-dedicated investors.

Building on the Bank’s ten-Year L-R: Executive Producer, Kunle Mide-Akinlaja; Judge, Kyari Bukar; Winner, Ogechukwu Alexis-Mary Anugo-Obah; General Manager Marketing & CorStrategy for 2013-2022, whose porate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; Judge, Lilian Olubi; Judge, Tonye Cole; and Brand Manager, Ford, Coscharis Motors, Felix overarching objective is to proMahan, during the presentation of a the key to a brand new Ford Focus to the winner of The Next Titan Season 5 reality TV show, in Lagos‌ recently The National Executive Committee of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has dissolved the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) over what it describes as irreconcilable differences with its activities

LUCKY WINNER ...

EFCC Receives Experts’ Report on Malabu Oil Deal Vows to prosecute all those found culpable The Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has given assurances that the commission is revving up its investigations into the Malabu Oil scandal, and those found culpable will be prosecuted in line with the law.

Magu gave the assurance while receiving some documents from the President, Resource for Development Consulting, Dr. Don Hubert, on November 29, 2018 at the EFCC Headquarters, Abuja, a statement from the commission’s Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Tony Orilade said.

Hubert, an extractive industries analyst, analysed the terms and conditions for the sale of the

controversial Oil Prospecting Lease, OPL 245, otherwise known as Malabu Oil Block, to Shell and Eni. In the report, Hubert, pointed out that at least one third of the value of the oil block, which comes from fiscal concessions in the 2011 Resolution Agreement, RA, between Nigeria and the operators of the block, essentially takes away oil profit from the government and the Nigerian people.

While receiving the report, Magu promised to ensure that it is thoroughly dealt with. “We shall constitute a committee to digest it so that investigation can be extended to all grey areas and charges brought or amended against the suspects accordingly,�

Magu was quoted to have said in the statement.

The statement noted that the EFCC was taking its time to investigate the scandal, so that “a water tight case� will be made before prosecution.

According to the Canadabased analyst, the organisation has helped countries, rich in oil and gas to get a fair share of the revenue, analyse oil contracts and build economic models, ultimately forecast government revenue. “The 2011 RA will result in the loss of revenue to the Nigerian people and government to the tune of at least $4.5 billion.� “The reason for the losses is the core relevant of a produc-

tion sharing contract, the share of profit to the government has been removed from this particular deal,� he said, explaining further that “as it stands today, Nigeria will lose between $6bn and N10bn to the deal, which is now being investigated outside Nigeria.�

He explained that the result of their findings indicated an estimate minimum loss of $4.5 billion as a result of the 2011 deal.

Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Olarewaju Suraju, a “corruption hunter�, and one of the partners in the team that produced the findings on the OPL 245, commended the efforts of the EFCC in the fight against corruption.

ASUU Strike: FG Invokes No- Group, CSOs Reiterate Calls for Release of Abducted Girls Work-No-Pay Rule Kemi Olaitan Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ‹ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜ The strike action embarked upon by lecturers in public universities may have assumed a new dimension as the federal government has directed Vice Chancellors of striking Public varsities and inter-varsity centres to enforce no-work-no-pay rule on striking lecturers.

This directive was communicated to the universities in a memo sent by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to the Vice Chancellors.

The memo which was signed by Director, Research, Information and Technology Dr. S.B Ramon-Yusuf, said that payment of salaries from any other sources will be viewed as violation of extant rules and government directive.

The memo read in part, “In view of the current Industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the federal government has directed that there shall be no payment of any form of salaries and allowances to the staff on strike in federal and inter-varsity centres. “Consequently, I am to direct Vice-Chancellors to apply the “No-work-no-pay� rule. However, Universities and inter-varsity

centers are to pay salaries and allowances to Non-teaching staff.

All Vice Chancellors and Directors of centres should note that the salaries to staff on strike from whatever source of funds shall be viewed as violation of extant rules and directive of the federal government of Nigeria.�

But reacting to the memo on no-work-no-pay, the Chairman University of Ibadan Chapter of ASUU, Dr. Deji Omole, described the federal government action as shameless for owing lecturers seven years of unpaid earned academic allowances and still want them to continue to work for free while the Presidency and the National Assembly feed fat on the wealth of the nation.

He said it was sad that a government that prides itself as having integrity has shameful shown it lacks integrity by failing to honour agreements reached with the union but resulted to harassment and intimidation of our members on a patriotic struggle to save public education in Nigeria.

Omole said that the directive will add fuel to the struggle as academic staff have resolved to get proper education for the children of the masses.

Sunday Ehigiator Catalyst for Global Peace Initiative (CPI) in partnership with Realm of Glory International church and other civil society organisations (CSOs) yesterday reiterated its call for the release of the remaining girls who are still in Boko Haram captivity.

Joining the clarion call were the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), Bring Back Our Girls Movement (BBOG), Our Mumu Don Do Movement (OMDD), the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), and Citizens Monitoring Group.

Speaking in one accord at the Lagos Headquarters of Realm of Glory International church, they sought to reawaken the government and the world towards the agony currently being faced by the abducted girls in the embattled Northern part of the country.

They further called for quick intervention by all stakeholders involved, under the banner of ‘Not Forgotten; Not Forsaken’ In a rather pensive atmosphere, the event started with an awareness march to the venue of event by the various groups involved respectively, with each of them able to draw attention the attention of onlookers to the messages carried in their

displayed placards and banners, before the speech session kicked off officially.

In his introductory remarks, the Convener CPJ, Catalyst Abraham Aiyedogbon said, “It’s my conviction, that Nigeria will not remain the same after this movement, because it has been said, that all that evil needs to triumph, is for good people to watch and do nothing, say nothing, and pretend like they see nothing. “But now that there is a forth coming election, there is a great effort to awaken the Nigerian people, the Nigerian youths from their slumber; it is time to bring back the real change; not the change that have changed. “So on behalf of CPJ, it is our pleasure to welcome you all to this great occasion. I think the fact that this event is holding in the premises of a church, speaks volume. “For a long time, the church has been like an army parked. Being armed; either properly, or not sufficient; but not deployed, you and I will agree, that if religious people have been mobilised, and they have been right there deployed, and informed about their civic responsibility, and of the fact that the office of the citizens is higher than any political office in the nation, about the fact that power belongs to the people and not to the government.�

mote inclusive and sustainable growth by supporting African countries transition to “green growth�, the Bank established a Green Bond Framework in 2013 with the goal of supporting the Bank’s commitments towards climate change mitigation and adaptation. This 7th Green Bond under the Bank’s Green Bond Framework and 3rd in USD benchmark format, highlights the Bank’s consistent effort to fully play its role as one of the main actors of climate finance in relevant sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, biosphere conservation and sustainable water and wastewater management.

The transaction was announced on Monday 26 November 2018 at 3p.m. London time, with IPTs for the US$ 500 million three-year tranche released at MS flat area.

Strong interest from real money accounts and central banks started flowing into the books from the outset.

Cleric Urges Buhari to Quit in 2019 over Sufferings Seriki Adinoyi Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă?

General Overseer of Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministries (EBOMI), Prophet Isa El-Buba, has expressed worries over the deteriorating economic and security state of the country under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, urging him to quit in 2019.

Addressing the press in Jos on Friday on the state of the nation, El-Buba noted that under the present administration, Nigeria had suffered the worst form of corruption, underdevelopment and insecurity while the rate of suffering and poverty among the people was alarming.

He said that situations where the President could not manage the affairs of the country for the welfare, protection of lives and property of the citizens called for urgent review, adding that the only way to change the situation was for Nigerians to enthrone responsible leaders by ensuring that the present administration did not remain in power beyond 2019.

El-Buba said: “President Buhari must go for Nigeria to makeprogress. This administration is a lying administration.

The worst form of corruption by public office holders in the country have occurred under his watch. Ask them which project they have started and completed since 2015. They tell of weapons that are being bought to fight insurgents but no one is seeing anything. In leadership, you must be honest with the people and when people discover that you say one thing and do another thing, you discover that you lose their faith and confidence and that has been the experience with Nigerians under Mr. President in the last three and half years of his administration. So, Nigerians must unite to ensure that the present state of affairs in the country does not continue beyond 2019 by ensuring that the right leadership is put in Place.�

The cleric who said he was aware that the present administration had perfected plans to rig the 2019 elections so as to perpetuate themselves in office, warned that Nigerians would resist such plots which he said would surely fail.

He said, “I know their plans.

I know that they have made up their mind not to quit power in 2019.

Rise Above ‘Weaker Sex’ Tag, Ambode Charges Women Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday urged women to rise above all forms of discriminations and ‘weaker sex’ tag and truly play their role as change agents, saying such was necessary to transform Nigeria starting from the family unit.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2018 National Women’s Summit of Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA) held at University of Ibadan Conference Centre, Governor Ambode said it was important for the Nigerian women to recognise the fact that the world was changing, and that they must use their influence to bring about positive change that would in turn cascade into every strata of the society.

According to the Governor, “The world is changing every day and women are now in the forefront of things. Women are now agents of change and are no longer referred to as the “weaker sex�. “So, they must never see themselves as oppressed or discriminated against.

Every woman can be an agent of

change. The society is built on a small unit called the family where the woman has great influence. “From the family unit, every woman can initiate or spark change which can cascade upwards to every level and every sector of the nation. With focus, determination and perseverance, you can transform yourselves, your families, your communities and oĂ&#x;ur country, against all odds,â€? he said.

Governor Ambode, who described the theme of the summit – ‘Against All Odds’, as apt, said it was important for women to appreciate the fact that it is possible for one to attain any goal despite challenges. “There will always be odds facing us; odds against our aspirations, our dreams, our objectives. But we cannot use these as excuses. The world we live in today does not take excuses. The world does not recognise efforts but results. So, against all odds, we must push forward, with a strong desire, and determination to succeed.

54

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšËœÍşÍ¸ÍšÎ€

NEWSXTRA

Diamond Gets CBN Approval on National Banking Licence Nume Ekeghe Following its application to operate as a national bank, Diamond Bank Plc yesterday announced that it had received the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The conversion to a national bank which is with immediate effect, the bank however explained would be subject to its conclusion of the sale of Diamond Bank UK. With this approval the bank would cease to operate as an international bank.

A statement from the bank explained that that the re-licencing as a national bank, “supports Diamond’s objective of streamlining its operations to focus resources on the significant opportunities in the Nigerian retail banking market, and economy as a whole.�

It added: “The move follows Diamond’s decision to sell its international operations, which included the disposal of its West African Subsidiary in 2017 and Diamond Bank UK, the sale of which is currently in its final stages. “The change to national bank L-R: Chief Core Operation Officer, Interswitch Group, Oremeyi Adeola Akah; General Manager, Enterprise Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikennastatus also enables the bank to Emeka; Founder, MumsAtWork, Lilian Odim and Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor during the Mums At Work sym- maintain a lower minimum capital posium held in Lagos recently requirement of 10 per cent as against 15 per cent required for international banks. This creates room for the bank to deploy more capital for stronger growth in the quarters ahead through additional investment in technology platforms, customer acquisition and expansion of loans to the critical sectors of the economy.�

The bank’s chief executive, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, CEO said: “The move to a national banking license marks He noted that across the of the most acrimonious party prelude to more court actions. a continuation of our strategy Adedayo Akinwale Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË world, the media is a powerful primaries in our recent history. “In addition, we have also to focus on Nigeria’s significant The Independent National tool for protecting the right of Internal party democracy is still a received 52 petitions and protests Electoral Commission (INEC) citizens to information, giving source of concern to our electoral from aggrieved party aspirants.

The implication of these chalhas said that the primaries voice to the people, providing progress. “So far, the Commission lenges is that as we prepare for conducted by various political platforms for diverse opinions parties ahead of the 2019 general and creating conditions for has been joined in 396 pend- the general elections, we are also ing actions in various courts going to grapple with pre-election elections, were the most rancorous tolerance and understanding.

However, in strict compliance across the country arising from litigations. in the history of Nigeria.

He added: “Parties that fail The electoral body lamented with the electoral timetable, the conduct of party primaries that internal party democracy the INEC Chairman said that and nomination of candidates to respect the democratic process in selecting candidates during is still a source of concern in campaigns for Governorship and by political parties. “We have similarly received primary elections lose the moral the country’s electoral progress. State Assembly elections will Emmanuel Ukumba Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă?Ă“Ă‹ INEC Chairman, Prof. begin today, December 1, 2018. 302 requests for Certified True right to complain about secondary He restated the commission’s Copies (CTC) of documents, elections. I wish to reassure the Mahmood Yakubu, stated this The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Friday in Abuja at a-two day commitment to free, fair and mainly our monitoring reports nation that we shall continue to Commission (NERC) has directed of party primaries and copies of maintain our neutrality as the capacity building workshop credible elections. all electricity Distributions ComYakubu stated: “Unfortunately, personal particulars of candidates. umpire, registrar and regulator for journalists covering the panies (DisCos) in the country to we have also witnessed some These requests are obviously a of political parties.â€? commission’s activities. carry out customer Enumeration in their domains by March 31, 2019.

NERC gave the directive through its consumer affairs commissioner, Dr. Moses Arigu, at the commissioning of the customer Stalwart of the Young Progressive in Nigeria Politics today and this complaint office in Lafia yesterday.

The consumer affairs comParty (YPP), Egwumba Odogwu is not helpful for the Politics of missioner stated further that the Hawkes, said: “The figures call for N’epe Mpe, has declared that YPP this country. If rigging of elections Charles Ajunwa exercise was very important for immediate action. Malnutrition senatorial candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi should be stopped in Nigeria today, the customers and one of great The 2018 Global Nutrition Report has is responsible for more ill-health Ubah would be the favoured elections conducted according to the benefits that could improve revealed that malnutrition posed a than any other cause. The health against those of the Peoples legal and lawful electoral guidelines metering. serious threat to all countries of the consequences of overweight and Democratic Party (PDP), All people will join the smallest party He revealed that “it is on world, warning that the situation obesity contribute to an estimated Progressives Congress (APC), to run and still win election. Every record that within the period four million deaths globally. The All Progressives Grand Alliance political party is very capable of was “unacceptably high�.

January to September, 2018, the The report apart from revealing uncomfortable question is not so (APGA) and others participating winning elections depending on the Abuja Electricity Distribution that Africa is the region by far the much “why are things so bad?� but in the race if the Independent candidate presented in the election. “To be honest it should be Company (AEDC) recorded 1,123 hardest hit by overlapping forms of “why are things not better when we National Electoral Commission complaints from customers within malnutrition, said of 41 countries that know so much more than before?� (INEC) conducts free, fair and considered unpolitical and very undemocratic that aspirants should Lafia and its environs who were Also commenting on the report, credible elections come in 2019. struggle with three forms of malnutriThe chieftain of YPP, who is be declared winners of elections dissatisfied with services rendered. tion - childhood stunting, anaemia Co-Chair of the Report and Bloom“Majority of these complaints in women of reproductive age and berg Distinguished Associate Professor also the founder of Ihiala People’s base on the political parties they have been on voltage and billing overweight among women - 30 are at Johns Hopkins University, Jessica Mandate (IPM) disclosed this during belongs to. I can describe this issues. These excludes complaints Fanzo, said: “While malnutrition is an interview with journalists in system as a height of injustice in Africa, or 73 per cent . because it’s completely unpolitical.� made and forwarded through The report released in Bangkok, holding back human development Anambra.

During elections, Odogwu other channels.

Odogwu N’epe Mpe posited Thailand, on 29 November 2018 everywhere, costing billions of dollars “The Commission notes the during the global event ‘Accelerating a year, we are now in a position to that Nigeria was a democratic N’epe Mpe advised that voters recurring complaints on estimated the end of hunger and malnutrition’, fight it. From policies such as sugar country but the political system should be allowed to vote according billing which is mainly due to which attracted decision makers, taxes to new data that enables us in Nigeria Elections did not show to their choice, and votes should be counted accordingly without low metering status in the sector.� researchers and practitioners from to understand what people are any practice of democracy.

It is for this purpose that According to him, “When you fear or favour. The candidate key organisations such as the Food eating and how we can best target Arigu said the commission has and Agriculture of the United Na- interventions, the global community examine voters in the country who wins the election should be today you will observe that recent declared winner irrespective of his introduced measures to accelerate tions, UNICEF, the World Health now has the recipes that work.� metering through the Metre AcOn his part, Executive Director, elections are no longer won ac- political party.

Organisation and the European This is the right way politics cess Provider Regulation of 2018 Union, called on stakeholders to World Food Programme, David cording to the political party, the and was very closely monitoring take urgent steps to contain this Beasley, added: “The information aspirants dominates because people should be done in a country Electricity Distribution Companies negative development, saying it’s in the Global Nutrition Report goes now cast their votes according to the where democracy is recognised, metre roll out plan. not too late to end malnutrition in far beyond facts and figures. What individual that contests the election and that’s the only thing that The commission equally is really behind these tables and and not by the political party they can stop election/political crises all its forms. and killings that always happen noted the re-curring complaints Commenting on Africa being the graphs are stories of potential: the belongs to; this is very clear. “Rigging is a very big problem in Nigeria during every election on estimated billing which was hardest hit by malnutrition, Co-Chair potential of more babies seeing their mainly due to low metering on of the Report and Director of the first birthdays, of children achieving in Nigerian; rigging of elections is period, Odogwu N’epe Mpe the sector. already like an incurable disease added.

Centre for Food Policy, Corinna their potential in school.

FOR STABLE FAMILY...

INEC: 2019 Election Primaries, Most Rancorous in Nigeria’s History 396 court cases pending

NERC Directs DisCos to Carry Out Customer Enumeration

Malnutrition a Threat to the World, Says 2018 Global Nutrition Report Says Africa is the hardest hit

Anambra South: YPP’ll Defeat APGA, PDP, APC in Free, Fair Election

fundamental trends, including a large underbanked population and Africa’s biggest economy.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS MARIAGORRETTI CHIOMA UBAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MARIAGORRETTI CHIOMA UMEKAFOR. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as KINGSLEY FRIDAY OBOT, now wish to be known and addressed as FRIDAY PROMISE OBOT. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ELIZABETH WILFRED, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADERINOKUN, VALADA ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. dŚĞ EÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜĂů /ĚĞŜĆ&#x;ƚLJ DĂŜĂĹ?ĞžĞŜƚ ŽžžĹ?Ć?Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜ ÍžE/D Ϳ͕ ĂŜŏĆ?Í• EĹ?Ĺ?ÄžĆŒĹ?Ä‚ /žžĹ?Ĺ?ĆŒÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ ^ÄžĆŒÇ€Ĺ?Ä?Äž ÍžE/^Íż and the general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UKWUOMA ONYINYECHI KAMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKEH ONYINYECHI KAMA . All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADIGUN BUKOLA ABIMBOLA , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKUNDAYO BUKOLA ABIMBOLA . All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ONYEKWEODIRI SYLVIA NKEM, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANGWA SYLVIA NKEM. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as TAIWO OLADEJI YUSUF, now wish to be known and addressed as TAIWO OLAWUNMI YUSUF. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as DONATUS AGU, now wish to be known and addressed as LINUS AGU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AGBOGUNLORI BUSHIRA OYINDAMOLA AND AGBOGUNLORI BUSHIRAH OLUWATOBI, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBOGUNLORI BUSHIRA OLUWATOBI. All former documents remain valid. The general

public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS RAMOTA RUTH OBAGAH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS Z DKd K ' ,Íł^d W, E͘ All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and called EKEMEZIE GODSPOWER Now wish to be known and called EKEMEZIE IKECHUKWU PAUL, and my correct date is 01/011955 NOT 24/08/944 General public take note.

dĹšĹ?Ć? Ĺ?Ć? ƚŽ Ä?Ĺ˝ĹśÄŽĆŒĹľ ƚŚĂƚ I AHAMBA CHARITY CHIOMA is one and same person as AHAMBA CHARITY OKWUKWE and that there was a mistake in the name during the Account opening . I Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as AHAMBA CHARITY OKWUKWE. The general public please take note.

dĹšĹ?Ć? Ĺ?Ć? ƚŽ Ä?Ĺ˝ĹśÄŽĆŒĹľ ƚŚĂƚ / KĹ?Ä?ĂĚƾ KŜƾÄ?ŚĞ ^Ĺ?ĹŻÄ‚Ć? is one and same person with KĹ?Ä?ĂĚƾ ŽŜĂůĚ ඬKŜƾÄ?ŚĞ ^Ĺ?ĹŻÄ‚Ć?Í• I henceforth wish to be known and addressed as KĹ?Ä?ĂĚƾ ŽŜĂůĚ KŜƾÄ?ŚĞ ^Ĺ?ĹŻÄ‚Ć?͘ The General Public please take note.

55

DECEMBER 1, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPORTSXTRA

L-R: Director, Corporate and Government Affairs, Cadbury West Africa, Bala Yesufu, President, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF); Amaju Pinnick, Managing Director, Cadbury West Africa, Amir Shamsi and Corporate Communications Manager, Cadbury West Africa, Frederick Mordi, during Pinnick’s ‘thank you’ visit to the company’s head office in Agidingbi, Lagos recently

L-R: Senior Marketing Manager, GOtv; Chidozie Bede-Nwokoye, Chief Executive Officer, Flykite Production; Jenkins Alumona, Public Relations Manager, GOtv, Jennifer Ukoh, and NBB of C Secretary-General, Remi Aboderin during the GOtv Boxing Night 17 Press Conference held at The Regent Hotel, Ikeja GRA, recently

Cameroon Stripped of AFCON Hosting Rights Reports indicate that Cameroon have been stripped of the rights to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The hosting of the AFCON was part of the agenda in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Extraordinary Executive Committee meeting held in Accra, Ghana yesterday.

Two reports that were central to the final decision regarding Cameroon were to be tabled namely; report of

inspection visits of the security committee from October 27 to November 1 as well as a report of the inspection visit from November 11-15.

In October, CAF President Ahmad Ahmad visited Yaounde for a meeting with Cameroon President Paul Biya just days after CAF deferred the final decision on the hosting of next year’s AFCON. At that time, a report by the last inspection team to Cameroon revealed: “a sig-

nificant delay as far as the delivery of infrastructure is concerned.”

Cameroon’s hosting of African football’s showpiece event has been in jeopardy for months since the decision to increase the tournament from 16 to 24 teams.

CAF will now give a one month window where countries interested in hosting the tournament will submit their official bids.

Morocco, who unsuccessfully bid for the 2026

FIFA World Cup, are likely to replace Cameroon as hosts. South Africa, hosts of the 2010 World Cup, could also be considered.

This will be the second time in recent times that CAF has stripped a country of hosting rights of a continental tourney. Kenya was declared unfit to host the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) in January this year.

Morocco replaced Kenya as hosts.

Croatia Defeat France to Win Davis Cup Title Marin Cilic sealed Croatia’s victory over defending champions France in the Davis Cup final with a 7-6 6-3, 6-3 win over Lucas Pouille last Sunday afternoon in Lille.

Croatia led 2-0 after Borna Coric and Cilic recorded straight-set wins over Jeremy Chardy and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Friday, but Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert won Saturday’s doubles to give France hope.

The hosts trailed 2-1 and needed to win both reverse singles on the final day to become the first team since 1939 to overturn a 2-0 deficit in a final, but their hopes of a comeback were soon dashed.

Cilic produced a dominant

display to defeat Pouille in straight sets and give Croatia an unassailable 3-1 lead, to clinch their second Davis Cup crown following their maiden win in 2005.

Former US Open champion Cilic struggled with his first serve in the opening set, yet still didn’t face a single break point.

Pouille, who replaced Jeremy Chardy after France captain Yannick Noah changed his line-up in a bid to force a decisive fifth match, made repeated mistakes on his backhand.

He managed to stay in contention on the back of his strong serve and some clever drop shots that surprised Cilic, but his Croat rival raised

his level in the tiebreaker.

Cilic won four straight points to seal the set, including a thunderous forehand pass that left Pouille stranded.

Pouille’s level of play then dropped drastically, while Cilic kept up the intensity and broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set.

Pouille managed to save four set points in the eighth game with a series of fine serves before Cilic held his next service game to seal the set with a crosscourt forehand.

Despite the support of the vociferous French fans at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Pouille appeared powerless in the third set and dropped his serve again in the fifth game after yet another backhand

error that sealed his fate.

The Frenchman saved two match points at 5-3 but was forced to watch when Cilic unleashed a superb lob that secured another break and the title.

Croatia, who were the first unseeded nation to win the Davis Cup in 2005, will now enter the history books as the last winners of this Davis Cup format before the century-old competition is revamped next year.

The 2019 competition will do away with the home and away format after an opening qualification round and will culminate in an 18-nation finals week in Madrid in November.

UBA Wins 2018 Nigeria Bankers Games Football Title The 2018 edition of the Nigeria Bankers Games came to a climax at the weekend at the YabaTech Sports Complex, Yaba, as United Bank forAfrica (UBA) emerged champions of football event the of Games.

Samir Bello capitalised on Fidelity Bank defensive blunder late in the second half to give UBA their first football gold since 2014.

The colourful closing ceremony was graced by Mr. Tony Elumelu – Chairman, UBA, Nnamdi Okonkwo – Managing Director Fidelity Bank, Desmond Anumkua – Divisional Head, Internal Control Compliance, Fidelity Bank, Charles Aigbe -

Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Fidelity Bank, Shina Atilola – Group head, Strategy and Innovation, Sterling Bank, Atilade Adeyinka – Unit Head, IT Budget and Control Management, FCMB, Uyi Uhunmwangho – Team Manager, Stanbic IBTC and Corporate Nigeria Hall of Famers - Eric Iruh, Theo Amadi, Lekan Olanrewaju, Mustapha Kayode Abdulrasheed, Kayode Agbalaja and Andrew Enebeli.

The event kicked off with a novelty match between the Corporate Nigeria Hall of Famers and auditing firm – KPMG in what was their first involvement in the Corporate

Nigeria Games. Rasheed Kayode got two goals for the hall of famers before Busayo Olomolaye pulled one back for KPMG. The match ended two goals to one in favourof the Hall of Famers.

In the third place match, 2017 second runner-up – FCMB pipped Union Bank by a lone goal. Opatoki Emmanuel cross found FCMB’s talisman Nsikak Ekanem who beat the goalkeeper with a header to pick the bronze medal.

The closing ceremony also witnessed the finals of the athletics event. In the 100metres, Alaekwe Chidozie of Sterling Bank claimed gold in the male

category, while Sharon JohnAkachi of Fidelity Bank picked the gold in the female category.

In the 200 metres, Mujeeb Oguntowo won gold for Stanbic IBTC in the male category, just as Kodoye Ayakuralere of UBA won the gold medal in the female category.

The 4x100 metres relay saw the Sterling Bank team win gold in the female category with UBA clinching the gold in the male category.

Meanwhile, Fidelity Bank emerged overall champions with a total of seven gold, seven silver and five bronze medals. The bank has now won the games for the fourth consecutive time.

Banyana Banyana Coach Craves First AWCON Title at Falcons Expense After securing a place at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup slated for France for the first time in their history, Banyana Banyana head coach, Desiree Ellis, is hoping to score another first for her country- to win the African Women’s Nations Cup title.

The Banyana Banyana come up against eight-time champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the final of AWCON 2018 at the Accra Sports Stadium today.

South Africans book a place in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Tuesday after beating Mali 2-0 in the semifinal, after Nigeria had earlier beaten Cameroon 4-2 via penalty shootouts.

The South African coach and her girls are however determined to hit France as the African champions.

“We are prepared, our aim was to get a World Cup slot. We have gotten it, but there’s nothing stopping us from creating history twice at this tournament. Having got this far it would be naïve not to want to win but we have to implement our plans very well,” Ellis stated during her Friday’s pre-match press conference.

Ellis will have to alter his line-up for the game against the defending champions after vice-captain of the side, Refiloe Jane was recalled by her Australian club, Canberra United.

But she is adamant Banyana can cope with her absence as there are other players good enough to step up.

“Yes she will be missed but we have a squad and we will utilise the squad. We don’t have a team we have a squad and it’s an opportunity for other players to show what they can do,” the Banyana Banyana coach added.

A focused Ellis however failed to be lured into the thinking that her outfit will be coming into the final with an advantage simply because Nigeria played extra 30 minutes in the semi-final fixture against Cameroon.

“It will be about how badly you want it. If we’re going into a game thinking that their legs might be tired, they’ve been in this position many times, so we’re not going to take anything for granted.”

Banyana Banyana beat the Super Falcons 1-0 in their first Group B game and remain the only side yet to suffer defeat in the tournament with three wins and a draw from four games.

Rio Ferdinand Describes Drogba as His Toughest Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand who is in Lagos on a three-day promotion programme courtesy Guinness Nigeria has described former Chelsea star, Didier Drogba as the toughest African opponent he encountered in the English Premier League.

The ex-Red Devils defender is on an invitation for Guinness’ Fans Made of More camoaugn aimed at discovering football talents.

Speaking at Guinness’ corporate headquarters in Ikeja yesterday, Ferdinand revealed Drogba was an exceptional African footballer.

The former Manchester United central defender also listed Cameroonian Samuel Etoo Fils as another great player from the continent.

He paid glowing tribute to former Nigerian stars like Sunday Oliseh, Rashidi Yekini, Austin Jay Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu.

“Growing up in England there were always Nigerians around me. But (Austin) Okocha was something else. Followed his game from PSG till when he came over to the Premiership with Bolton Wanderers.

“We used to share videos of his games to watch so as to learn one thing or two from his bundle of skills. Same with (Nwankwo) Kanu.

These exceptional Nigerian players had huge influence on black players in the UK,” recalled Ferdinand while fielding questions from reporters He said he was happy to be part of the Guinness project because Nigeria’s passion for the game was huge and infectious. “ Your passion is exceptional for football same as your culture and music that is all over the world now.”

Saturday, December 1, 2018

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Onyema on Massacre of Nigerian Soldiers “It is unfortunate that in the last one year, no fewer than 600 Nigerian soldiers were killed by insurgents, mostly in Borno State around the fringes of the Lake Chad.”

– Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Chukwuka Onyema lamenting the persistent massacre of Nigerian soldiers by Boko Haram

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

A Special Birthday Gift For John Mahama At 60

F

ellow Africans, if you had access to this column last week, you must have seen, or read, the special tribute I penned for one of Africa’s greatest leaders of the 21st century, the former President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr John Dramani Mahama.

The question I have had to answer, countless times, before and after, is that if Mahama was that brilliant, visionary and efficacious, why did he lose the Presidential election? My candid answer always is that the most brilliant students can fail exams for reasons other than intellect and brilliance. I can say with all emphasis at my disposal that Mahama did not lose the 2016 Presidential election in Ghana because he did not perform. He lost for some other known and unknown reasons that history will ultimately reveal.

Let me also add, very quickly, that there is this uncanny similarity between Nigeria and Ghana, in many facets of our political trajectory.

The history of our two countries have shown how we are like Siamese twins, joined together in many parts than one organ. Whenever there has been a coup d’etat in Nigeria, Ghana’s was going to follow soon, or vice versa. We seem to share a common destiny. Once President Goodluck Jonathan lost his election in 2015, it was almost surreally certain that President John Dramani Mahama was going to follow a similar path of catastrophe in Ghana given the similarity in the manner in which both had been elevated to the Presidency. The Opposition, led

by President Buhari, was able to win in Nigeria because of a blistering campaign of calumny against Jonathan. He was given uncharitable monikers and sobriquets, some not undeserved, like clueless, incompetent, corrupt, ditherer and so on. The Opposition also painted a capacity for possessing magical powers to turn Nigeria into an Eldorado overnight. I would have been surprised if the Ghanaian opposition did not borrow a leaf from the Nigerian experiment which saw the collapse of the PDP behemoth after ruling Nigeria for 16 years.

One sure banker for any African opposition is to successfully label the ruling party as blatantly corrupt. Every poor man sees a corrupt politician as the source of his abysmal poverty and failure in life. In Nigeria, many would swear today that Jonathan suffered, and was severely punished, for the sins of his reckless, profligate and thieving subordinates and acolytes. It is certain that Mahama suffered the same fate in Ghana. I was close enough to him and knew Mahama had not amassed the kind of personal wealth and resources ascribed to him. I was stunned during his campaign to see how he panicked about his inability to fund many of his activities.

This often generated arguments between me and some of my Ghanaian friends who could not believe my personal observations. They based their lack of faith on the circumstantial evidence that some of his cronies lived larger than life. It was the same story in Jonathan’s Nigeria.

Jonathan also lost the Presidential election due largely to the war of attrition that ravaged his party. Mahama faced a similar rebellion in his own NDC party, where a lot of relevant and influential members felt sidelined and waited for the opportune moment to retaliate in a most devastating manner. The campaign that there was monumental corruption and looting in the Jonathan government resonated with the foreign powers based on damning reports filed by their local representatives. They were sold

Mahama

on the belief that those who would take power were men and women of impeccable pedigree and integrity. The same was the case in Ghana.

Some damaging reports circulated on the eve of Ghanaian elections purportedly linked Mahama and members of his family to concrete plans to militarise the country and cause maximum mayhem in order to win the election, by fire and by force. But this story was nothing other

than a hoax.

As a matter of fact, anyone who knows Mahama well would know he can never, deliberately, hurt a fly. Mahama did not enjoy the appurtenances of power to the extent that he would get so addicted and become a sit-tight ruler. As President, he lived in a very modest home and shunned the ostentations and trappings of the more ceremonial bpState Houses. His official car was a simple Toyota Avalon, and a few jeeps only followed in tow. Sometimes, he rode his power bike on the streets escorted by undercover agents. On occasions, we went out together in the evening to have dinner at the popular Urban Grill and he would sit alone in the car with his younger brother, Energy, as his driver, and no security in sight. He participated in a family farm of poultry, cattle and grains on some vast land in Akosombo area. I learnt so much from his exceptional humility. He was not a perfect human being, like all mortals, but he worked assiduously to place Ghana on the path of economic buoyancy via infrastructural revolution, the reason his fans called him Kwame Nkrumah II. I will not belabour you with many of his phenomenal achievements. Not even the most vociferous of his critics would accuse him of not working for the greatness of Ghana. His biggest albatross was that he took too many

bold steps and risked everything in the process.

He told Ghanaians the uncommon truth about the state of things and didn’t know how to pretend that all was well when it wasn’t. He told Ghanaians they would have to pay for every convenience they enjoyed and there would be no freebies. He paid dearly for his unusual courage, especially for blatantly refusing to being your typical run-of-the-mill politician with sugar-coated tongue.

Two years after losing that election, Mahama seems to be enjoying a bounce and resurgence.

Many who had criticised him for all manner of malfeasance are beginning to eat and swallow their own words. Some are even apologising for hurting him so much in the past. The best of such apologies went viral during the week.

I won’t tantalise you, but will publish the open letter to Mahama, for your reading delight.

Let me say that I do not know the author, but whosoever wrote this piece did so from the heart. Nigerians have a lot to learn from the Ghanaian saga as we head to the polls again in less than three months. It teaches us to be wary of slanderous campaigns without any iota of proof of misdemeanour. We must weigh our options clearly and not just rely on the aberrant behaviour of a few to hang the multitude. In Nigeria, this goes both ways.

Please enjoy…

Mr Mahama, Stop Campaigning And Form Your Government -”We Are Sorry “

D

ear Mr Mahama, May I please, respectfully, send my sincerest apologies to yourself and your government.

I have now realised that statements I made in the press, posted on my social media platforms were disruptive and ill-informed. I sincerely regret having made any disrespectful comments and I herein unreservedly apologise in this regard to yourself and your government.

With my fake change lenses off, I can now see much more clearly how much good your government brought to the country and the infrastructural development it bequeathed to the land.

Mr Mahama, I apologise unreservedly and without condition for any distress I may have caused as a result of my ignorance of governance issues. If there is anything I can do to remedy my mistake, please let me know as I only want the best for you and Ghana. I have written officially to all the radio stations I lambasted you on, the newspapers that published my articles against your government, my church members who grouped to listen to my lies and falsehood every Sunday, the thousands who follow me on social media platforms and the websites. I will state few of the many reasons why I am rendering this apology but before I do that, I thank you in advance for your indulgence and understanding of an uniformed Ghanaian.

When Kweku Kyen forwarded videos of you campaigning in the Ashanti Region, I asked him “why you wasting resources on the campaign”.

You should be thinking about how you going to continue your governance magic after the 2020 election. Ghanaians today are going through deep pains inflicted on them by this government and no amount of manipulation of the citizenry, the electoral commission and other state institutions can make Ghanaians change their resolve to vote

out the Npp government in 2020.

Mr Mahama, I campaigned against you in 2012 and did same in 2016. I am a registered member of the Npp and have supported the party in many ways and at different levels.

I took it upon myself to make you and your government unpopular because of what I was told about you, your wife, Ibrahim and some of your appointees. We were told you own hotels in Dubai and other places, we were told you have a gold refinery shop in South Africa, your wife owns (sic) shops in South Africa and Equatorial Guinea. We contracted a company in Belgium to investigate these allegations and the results we got were negative. Those who made these allegations during the election and vigorously defended them on Radio in Europe and the United (sic) States, have suddenly gone quiet and will not respond to calls and messages for further and better particulars on the allegations. I and those who supported candidate Akufo Addo and the Npp cannot take the blame for the shocking state we find ourselves.

As an editor of powerful newspaper and online radio station, I worked with a group of brilliant minds to counter whatever (sic) rumour or policy was put out by your government. I doubt the President got the LinkedIn (sic) page that I set for him. As one of Nana’s ardent supporters, this was all unpaid brought from a place of conviction.

Nothing was asked for, nothing was received.

Just to keep Mahama out for the man I thought was incorruptible with the magic wand to take over. I didn’t know I (sic) was preparing a suicide rope for myself and family.

Mr Mahama, once again I say sorry. Why campaigning? Ghanaians have seen the truth and describing as they’ve become, are calmly waiting for 2020 to come for the Npp to tell them where your hotels are situated, why you’ve not been prosecuted, why they are (sic) commissioning and

recommissioning cost inflated projects. Ghanaians will ask them to explain why they borrowed more than your government when we told them we have all the monies needed for our projects here. They will demand to know the projects implemented from the loans. They will ask why Transparency International downgraded Ghana under our government, why teachers are going to do national service, why the 100 year bond, why the double track system the associated problems. They will demand explanation why the President has appointed over 40 members of his family into his administration, why the cedi broke jail, why the weekly fuel price increase.

While demanding for answers, Ghanaians will be looking at your projects in their communities and those whose projects were abandoned after 2016 will continue to pray and fast for the clock to run faster. (sic) This time round, I should be consistent and honorable enough to tell my President as it is and apologise to you for what I said, wrote and preached about you.

Thank you Sir. (sic) (Eugene Nana Poku ).

The content of that letter remains that of the writer and does not necessarily mirror the total reality in Ghana today. Like the case in Nigeria, many supporters of the ruling government in Ghana still believe the current President has delivered on his promises. It is always the job of the opposition to disagree and throw sand in the garri of the incumbent. What is clear in all this is that no government can please everyone and also that there is serious danger in over-promising before taking power. You may end up blaming the past government not only for their much publicised ills, but also for failing to do virtually everything you promised while in opposition.

Meanwhile, the clock of governance is clicking and ticking away at supersonic speed…

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