SATURDAY 22ND DECEMBER 2018

NEITI: Nigeria Earned $677bn from Crude Oil Sales in 18 Years Highest of $68.44bn grossed in 2011 Chineme Okafor in Abuja A new audit report by Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has revealed that Nigeria earned as much as $677.9

billion, between 1999 and 2016, a period of 18 years, from the sale of crude oil produced from oil fields in the Niger Delta region.

This was contained in a statement released yesterday

by NEITI’s Director of Communications, Dr. Orji Ogbonnanya Orji, which also included the total financial flows from Nigeria’s oil and gas sector in 2016 into the account of the federation.

According to NEITI, the 2016 audit report was the latest of its audits of financial flows from Nigeria’s oil industry, adding that its calculation showed that the highest revenue of $68.44 billion the

country earned from oil came in 2011, while its lowest of $8.07 billion was gotten in 1999.

NEITI tabulated the country’s oil earnings within the period, pointing out that

in 1999, Nigeria earned $8.07 billion; $15.81 billion in 2000: $15.91 billion in 2001; 2002 was put at $11.87 billion; while 2003 earning was $17.08 billion.

Continued on page 6

EFCC Seizes $2.8m at Enugu Airport, Arrests Two… Page 6 Saturday 22 December, 2018 Vol 23. No 8648

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Lai Mohammed Says APC Has Fulfilled All Promises to Nigerians FG determined to do more, minister declares in special Christmas message Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, yesterday in Abuja claimed that the government of the All

Progressives Congress (APC) had fulfilled all the promises it made to Nigerians.

The minister who made this claim while answering questions from journalists

in the State House, further argued that the government had met all its obligations to Nigerians.

Promising that the government is determined

to do more in the New Year, Mohammed who said he had made the portrait of President Muhammadu Buhari in five different Nigerian cultures, wished everyone a Merry

Christmas.

"I wish everybody Merry Christmas and as a government, we are happy that we have been able to meet all our promises, all

our obligations to Nigerians.

And as the year rolls out, we are more determined to even deliver more to Nigerians.

Continued on page 6

Minimum Wage Delay: Labour Orders Nationwide Protest January 8 Urges EFCC to probe governors over bailout, Paris Club funds FG: NLC can't embarrass us over new wage Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that it would embark on a nationwide mobilisation of Nigerian workers to protest federal government’s delay in transmitting, enacting and implementing a new national minimum wage of N30,000.

The NLC also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to investigate allegations of diversion of the bailout fund, Paris Club refund, as well as all budget support releases to the states.

In a swift reaction, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed said that he was confident that labour would not embarrass the government.

NLC in the communiqué issued at the end of its Continued on page 6

ALL FOR BUHARI, OSINBAJO...

President Muhammadu Buhari with members of the Muhammadu Buhari Osinbajo (MBO) Dynamic Support Group during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday godwin omoigui

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EFCC Seizes $2.8m at Enugu Airport, Arrests Two Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday said its operatives had arrested two men with the sum of $2.8m suspected to be laundered funds.

The men, Ighoh Augustine and Ezekwe Emmanuel, allegedly working for a

company identified as Bankers Warehouse, were arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu on their way to Lagos.

A statement by the acting Head, Media and Publicity, Tony Orilade, said the suspects who are currently being investigated would be charged to court if found

culpable of money laundering offences.

"The EFCC, Enugu Zonal Office, on Thursday, December 20, 2018, intercepted $2.8million, from two people, suspected to be money launderers, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

"The suspects, namely Ighoh Augustine and Ezekwe

Emmanuel, allegedly working for a company- Bankers Warehouse, were nabbed based on intelligence report.

"Upon their arrests, they were caught with consignments of two suitcases, containing $1.4 million each, totalling $2.8 million, at the departure lounge of the airport while about to board an Arik

Air evening flight to Lagos", part of the statement read.

However Orilade stated that the defendants during interrogation, confessed that they have been in the business of conveying cash for "some notable banks", for over six years and were in the process of doing same for Union Bank Plc, located at New Market,

Onitsha, Anambra State, when they were caught.

According to the statement, this is the fourth time the defendants said they have engaged in the act this year.

"They are presently giving useful information to operatives of the Commission, and will be charged to court soon", the statement read.

INEC Gets New Secretary, Staff Urged to Protect Electoral Process Adedayo Akinwale Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed not to tolerate the complicity of its staff with political actors or their agents to subvert the electoral process in the forthcoming elections.

The commission declared that its officials must remain neutral in the discharge of their duties and must be committed to protecting the sanctity of the process.

INEC Chairman, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this yesterday at the swearingin of the new Secretary of the commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, where he also described the application by support groups of candidates contesting the 2019 general elections as election observers as unacceptable.

According to him, “As we approach the 2019 general elections, the commission will pay attention to the conduct of our own officials from the headquarters to the

state and local government areas, including adhoc staff engaged in or their agents to subvert the electoral process.�

Yakubu asserted: “We will not tolerate the complicity of staff with political actors or their agents to subvert the electoral process. All officials of the commission must remain neutral in the discharge of their duties and committed to protecting the sanctity of the process. “Similarly, for the 2019 general elections, the

commission has been inundated with applications from several groups in the country for accreditation to observe 2019 elections, including support groups of candidates contesting in the elections. This is unacceptable.�

The chairman stressed that observers are neutral groups interested only in the process and not agents of political parties, candidates or campaign organisations.

Furthermore he explained

that the purpose of accrediting observers for elections was a noble one and intended to increase the transparency and openness of the process, noting that the reports of observers also serve as useful feedback mechanism for strengthening the electoral process band produces.

Yakubu stated: “It is therefore counter-productive for such an important process to become an all-comers business. Going forward, the commission has revised the

guidelines for the accreditation of observers. Interested organisations are required to apply to the commission.�

According to him, details would be published this weekend and early next week in national newspapers and on the commission's website.

Yakubu said that the commission has confidence in the ability of the newly appointed secretary to bring her tremendous desk and field experiences to bear on her new responsibilities.

Abuja yesterday on the planned NLC protests, described labour as being made up of patriotic Nigerians and that the federal government would continue to engage them until a consensus was arrived at in the end.

He said: "The NLC is a very patriotic union and I am very confident that they will not do anything that will embarrass the

government or do anything that is going to worsen the situation.

"Continuous engagement, I think, is the key. We continue to engage them and I think they do also fully understand what the challenges are. Both parties are determined to ensure that a common ground is arrived at which will be comfortable for all."

MINIMUM WAGE DELAY: LABOUR ORDERS NATIONWIDE PROTEST JANUARY 8 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, yesterday, said it had directed that the protests should hold in all state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja on January 8, 2019.

The NEC also said all industrial unions and state councils had been directed to fully mobilise workers and coordinate with other labour unions “for this mother-of-all protests.�

According to the communiquĂŠ signed by the NLC NLC President, Ayuba Wabba and General Secretary, Peter Ozo-Eson, the NEC also condemned the alleged violation of the fundamental human rights and freedom of association of workers by the Ogun State Government.

It accused the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun of illegal proscription of trade union rights in the Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu – Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The NLC lamented what it described as the entrenched insensitivity by some state governments and other political office holders to the plight

of workers and pensioners, especially in the states where workers were being owed several months of salary arrears, unpaid pension and gratuity.

"It is most unfortunate that many of the governors diverted a significant part of the bailout funds and the Paris Club Refund initiatives meant to offset salaries, pension and gratuity owed workers and pensioners for purposes of personal aggrandisement and to fund non-impactful frivolous programmes and projects.

"The NEC demands full investigations by the EFCC of the disbursement of all Bailout, Paris Club Refund and Budget Support releases to the states," the communiquĂŠ stated.

The labour unions also picked holes in the alleged unending neglect of the education sector by both the federal and state governments.

It noted that FG's neglect for human capital development was clearly exemplified by the refusal of government to respect the agreement it freely entered with ASUU, especially the Memorandum of Action of November 2017.

According to Labour, the agreement was primarily focused on adequate funding for the repositioning of public education in Nigeria for national rebirth and global competitiveness of the products of Nigerian universities.

The NLC demanded that all state governments still owing workers arrears of salaries, pension and gratuity must settle all their wage liabilities before the 2019 general election.

"The NEC reiterates its earlier directives to workers all over the country not only to vote out state governors and other political office holders owing workers but also, to mobilise their families and friends to ensure that all elected public office holders who are not worker-friendly are voted out of office in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. Nigerian workers are also directed to support in full force the re-election bid of all state governors and political office holders who are workerfriendly and up to date in the payment of workers’ salaries and gratuity cum pension for retired workers," it said.

On the issue of the rising unemployment rate in the country, NLC said that beyond the increase in the size of the labour force, another issue of great concern was the increasing pool of graduates, skilled and semi-skilled youth in the unemployment market especially the increase in rural unemployment, which it said was a sign of the sluggishness of the economy and “our inability to diversify beyond oil, extractives and primary agricultural production".

It added: "It is more worrisome that as unemployment/ underemployment increase, so is the general increase in social vices and criminalities around the country where the youth are the most common perpetrators."

The NEC meeting was attended by members of the National Administrative Council (NAC), Presidents, General Secretaries and Treasurers of the affiliate industrial unions and the Chairpersons of the 36 State Councils and the FCT. Meanwhile, Lai Mohammed who addressed journalists in

LAI MOHAMMED SAYS APC HAS FULFILLED ALL PROMISES TO NIGERIANS "I wish to use this opportunity to wish everybody merry Christmas and a happy new year.

"I made a portrait of Mr. President in five major Nigeria attires. One is in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Efik and one in suit. It is reminiscent of the portrait we used during this campaign," he said.

On fear that the National Assembly may shut down the 2019 budget following the hostilities against the president by lawmakers while presenting the Appropriation Bill on Wednesday, the minister said it was not in the tradition of the executive to trade words

with the National Assembly.

Describing the National Assembly as an independent arm of government, Mohammed said the executive had done its part, leaving the rest for the federal legislature to also play its own role.

"It is not the practice of the executive to be exchanging words with the legislative arm of government. They are independent. We are independent but to the best of our knowledge, we presented a budget, given the circumstances of our resources this year. We feel that is the best we can. It is left for the National Assembly to consider it," he submitted.

It said a breakdown of the payment Nigeria got from oil in 2016 showed that the major earnings for the year came from export and domestic sale of federation crude oil and gas with $7.97 billion; Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT) with $4.21 billion; and royalty oil with $1.57 billion.

According to NEITI, the major highlight of the 2016 report was that for the first time in Nigeria’s history, crude oil produced from Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) overtook output from the Joint Ventures (JVs). “In 2016, PSCs accounted for 324 million barrels, while the JVs accounted for 289.1 million barrels, as against the 320 million barrels for PSCs and 375.5 million barrels for JVs in 2015. “PSCs, a production arrangement introduced in 1993, thus became the leading production arrangement in 2016. The PSCs are mostly offshore, thus insulated from vandalism and sabotage,

and are not constrained by adequacy/availability of equity funding by the federation. “This change in production structure pushes to the fore the need to renegotiate the terms of the PSCs as stipulated in the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act of 1993 so as to increase government’s take,�

NEITI stated.

The NEITI report also revealed that the total lifting for 2016 was 668.1 million barrels, as against the 780.4 million barrels lifted in 2015, representing a drop of 14.35 per cent.

It added that out of the total figure for 2016, NNPC lifted 244.6 million barrels - 36.61 per cent, on behalf of the federation while the oil companies lifted 423.5 million barrels, 63.39 per cent.

It stated that the contribution of the oil and gas sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) dropped from 9.5 per cent in 2015 to 8.3 per cent in 2016.

NEITI: NIGERIA EARNED $677BN FROM CRUDE OIL SALES IN 18 YEARS In 2004, the earning was $26.63 billion; 2005 earning was $28.07 billion; 2006 - $44.69 billion; 2007 - $43.79 billion; 2008 - $60.36 billion; 2009 $30.13 billion; 2010, was $44.94 billion; 2011 was $68.44; 2012 was $62.94 billion; 2013 - $58.08 billion; 2014 - $54.56 billion; 2015 - $24.79 billion and 2016 was $17.05 billion.

The agency revealed that in 2016, there was a decline in earnings by 31 per cent over the $24.79 billion generated in 2015, and a 75 per cent plunge on the sector’s peak earnings of $68.44 billion generated in 2011.

In addition, NEITI noted the 2016 figure was the lowest in 10 years and the fifth lowest in the 18 years covered by its audit reports so far between 1999 and 2016.

The plunge in revenue in 2016, the agency further stated, resulted from low oil prices in the global market and reduced oil production in Nigeria, which was caused by disruption of activities, and

vandalism of oil assets and spike in crude theft, among others.

It stated that yearly average price of crude oil per barrel, was $43.73 in 2016 as against $52.5 in 2015.

The statement further added that total oil production in 2016 was 659 million barrels as against 776 million barrels produced in 2015, representing a fall of 15 per cent.

It also stated that losses due to crude oil theft and sabotage rose from 27 million barrels in 2015 to 101 million barrels in 2016, which was an increase of 274 per cent. “This was aside losses due to deferment, which in 2016 was put at 144 million barrels which also went up by 65 per cent when compared to the 87.5 million barrels in 2015. “The bombing of the underwater 48-inch Forcados oil loading/export pipeline was one of many major occurrences that befell the industry in the year under review,� the NEITI said.

It explained: “This incident occurred in February 2016 and the line remained inoperational for seven months.

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) declared force majeure on lifting from Forcados on 21st February 2016. Companies injecting into the Forcados Terminal such as Seplat, Pan-Ocean, Midwestern, Energia, Platform, Pillar, Waltersmith, and Excel shut down production for over 147 days.�

In addition, the agency disclosed that the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) declared force majeure on the Bonny Terminal due to a leak in Nembe Creek pipeline between May and July 2016 while the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) declared force majeure on the Brass Terminal between July and August 2016.

Similarly, NEITI explained that Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited declared force majeure twice between May

and June, as well as July and October 2016. “This was due to a drilling process disruption and damage to the QIT loading system.

MPN’s total production within the four-month period was 4,616,825bbls, which is less than half of what was produced in each month previously as reflected in DPR reconciled sign-off records,� it added.

NEITI noted that after surviving the slump in the global oil market in 2008 and 2009, Nigeria’s oil sector rebounded in 2010 with a 49 per cent increase in total financial flows to $44.94 billion, followed by the peak of $68.44 billion in 2011.

However, it said flows from the sector have been trending downward since that peak year, in addition to steady decline in oil production, with 866 million barrels produced in 2012; 800 million barrels in 2013; 798 million barrels in 2014; 776 million barrels in 2015 and 659 million barrels in 2016.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍşËœÍşÍ¸ÍšÎ€

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

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L-R: Special Adviser on Diaspora and Special Projects, Mrs. Olangwa Ezekwu; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and the President, Ndi Enugu Diaspora, United Arab Emirates, Mr. Kingsley Eze, during a solidarity visit where he endorsed the Governor for second term ...yesterday

Police Arrest Mastermind of 2015 Nyanya, Kuje Bombings Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended one Umar Abdulmalik, said to be one of the most wanted Boko Haram terrorists, and leader of the Boko Haram cell in Kogi State.

Abdulmalik, 39, a native of Idoji Village Okene, Kogi State, is said to be an explosive expert for the insurgence group and the mastermind of the Nyanya and Kuje bombings in Abuja in 2015.

He and his group were also alleged to be behind the killings of seven police officers in Galadimawa Roundabout on 2nd July, 2018. He was also linked to the killing of two police officers around Abaji in June, 2018 and another police officer in Lugbe, Abuja on 4th November, 2018.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Jimoh Moshood said the suspect was arrested Thursday, 20th December, 2018 by the IGP Intelligence Response Team (IRT) led by DCP Abba Kyari in a location at Ibafo, Lagos, while receiving treatment from the bullet wound he sustained during a shootout with the police.

According to the statement, Abdulmalik was shot on 26thNovember, 2018 at Bassa Village, off Airport Road, Abuja, during exchange of gun fire with the operatives of the Intelligence Response Team. Four of his gang members were arrested and three other suspects were subsequently arrested.

The arrested suspects included Abubakar Bello Sidi 29 years, a

native of Obehira Village, Okene, Kogi State; Yusuf Abdulazeez 31, a.k.a Fine Boy, a native of Enyinare Village, Okene, Kogi State; Suleman Zakariya 24 years a.k.a Cause Trouble, who hails from Idah, Kogi State.

Others were Lukman Abdulmalik 25 years, a.k.a Lampard, native of Idoji Village, Okene, Kogi State; Haruna Lamidi 25 years, a native of Ihima village, Okehi, Kogi State; Abdullahi Mammanjimoh 30 years, a native of Idogido Village, Okene, Kogi State and Mustapha Adenoyi 34 years, a native of Ihima Village, Okehi, Kogi State.

The statement added that the suspects have already confessed to the crime.

It added that exhibits caught with the defendants included four Police

AK47 rifles (carted away after killing the Policemen), Six (6) Magazines, Two Hundred and Seventy (270) rounds of AK47 ammunition and two Police walking talkie radio (carted away after killing the policemen) were recovered from them. “Umar Abdulmalik confessed to be leader of Boko Haram Cell in Kogi State and was responsible for many terrorist attacks across the North-east, Niger State and the FCT, including the Nyanya and Kuje bombings in 2015.

The Five (5) suspects now in prison custody earlier arrested in connection with Nyanya and Kuje bombings confessed that Umar Abdulmalik was the mastermind of Nyanya and Kuje bombings in 2015 and he was responsible for the manufacturing and use of the Improvised Explosive

Devices (IED) in the Nyanya and Kuje bombings. “The suspects further admitted that Umar Abdulmalik is the owner of the Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) factory discovered by the Police in Gaulaka Village, near Suleja, Niger State in 2015. “The Boko Haram terrorist gang during interrogation and investigation also confessed to several bank robberies in Edo and Ondo states, and other kidnappings, armed robberies and killings in different locations in Kogi and other contiguous states,� part of the statement read.

The gang was also said to be responsible for the attack and jail break in Medium Security Prison, Minna, Niger State, on 3rd June, 2018 where 219 prisoners serving

jail terms for capital offences and other crimes escaped from lawful custody.

Two Boko Haram members under the control of Umar Abdulmalik in the Medium Security Prison, Minna, Niger State, were rescued by him during the jail break.

Moshood said investigation was being intensified to arrest other members of the Boko Haram cell under the control of Umar Abdulmalik and other suspects connected to the crimes the gang committed. “All the suspects confessed to the crime and admitted to their various criminal roles they played in the commission of the crimes.

They will all be arraigned in court on completion of investigation,� he added.

Rivers Govt Terminates Sale of State-owned NDDC Has SacriďŹ ced Niger Delta Power Plants to Tonye Cole’s Companies Development for Politics, Says Dickson Ernest Chinwo Ă“Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂž Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂž

The Rivers State Government has announced the termination of the share sale contract for the 70 per cent equity of the State Governmentowned power generation assets held

by First Independent Power Limited in Omoku, Afam, Trans-Amadi and Eleme Gas Turbines to NG Power-HPS Limited.

The government also terminated the concession of the Rivers and Bayelsa State-owned Olympia Hotel to Cenpropsaroten Hotel Management Limited.

The State Government further terminated the concession agreement between the Government of Rivers State and Kild Concession Limited in respect of the construction of a Toll road and Secondary developments in Abonnema Wharf, Port Harcourt.

These were part of resolutions at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The three companies that had their contracts/concessions terminated are subsidiaries of Sahara Energy Limited, allegedly used by the immediate past Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, to acquire state assets.

Sahara Energy Limited is owned by the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole.

Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting, Information and Communication Commissioner, Emma Okah, said the State Government arrived at the resolutions in line with yet-to-beimplemented recommendations of the White Paper on the Report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the Investigation of the administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi on the sale of Valued Assets of Rivers State and other related matters under the chairmanship of Justice George Omereji.

The Rivers State Government directed the Honourable Attorney

General of the state to take further steps as contained in the White Paper.

But reacting to the development, Director, Strategic Communications of Tonye Cole Campaign Organisation, Prince Tonye Princewill, said the action of the state government was a panicky measure to victimise the APC governorship candidate.

His words: “This may be a surprise to some, but not me. This is the vindictive nature of the politics we play today and the reason why many who can salvage our analog politics stay away. “We’ve said it before that politics is too important to be left to politicians, so the Tonye Coles of this world should have no fear. The old way is going and the old style politicians know it. My surprise is it took this long. “I can only imagine that now Wike knows that Tonye Cole will be confirmed as his opponent, he can no longer hide his frustration.

What he fails to appreciate is that no serious businessman will want to do business with Rivers State.

Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă‹ The Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday took a swipe at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for sacrificing the development of the region on the altar of politics.

The governor lamented that the NDDC which was established with the objective of aiding the development of the Niger Delta was doing nothing while the oil-producing area continued to deteriorate.

He added that rather, the commission was devoting it’s energy and attention to things which would not assuage the sufferings brought about by the exploitation of oil and gas resources by the federal government in collaboration with multinationals. “NDDC is doing nothing. They are not even around to plan anything with anybody. Everything is just politics to them. When they started, they were doing one or two things but now, they do nothing,� Dickson argued.

Dickson who spoke during a media chat with journalists at The Government House, Yenagoa, therefore urged the commission to refocus its priorities, so as to ensure that its primary duty of ensuring that the people of the region get some benefit from their God-given resource is fulfilled.

On the rise in cultism cases in the state and region in general, the governor called on the youths not to be misled by criminals cultists masquerading as politicians in the state.

Dickson, who blamed opposition elements for encouraging cultism in the state, said that the sole motivation of such characters was destabilise and subvert the achievements of his administration in the past seven years.

The governor who commended the security services for their determination and commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizenry, called on leaders at all levels to promote peaceful coexistence.

He ascribed the frequent change

of Police Commissioners in the state to a sinister plot by the leadership of the opposition in the state who want someone who will protect them and cover up their activities.

He said: “Bayelsa remains one of the safest and most stable states in this region and in Nigeria. This is as a result of a lot of factors and measures put in place by this administration. The leadership of this state has shown maturity in how we have been managing things, even matters that are provocative. “Though there are a few challenges that are quite troubling, such as cultism and drug abuse, particularly as it involves young people, the security services are doing their best to ensure the state is safe and stable for the citizenry even during this Christmas period. “Political, traditional, community and religious leaders should mobilise people to ensure and promote peaceful co-existence and those taking advantage of lapses in the security and structural imbalances and weak judicial system to desist.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 22, 2018

SUPER SATURDAY

Queeneth Agbor Stands for Sex Before Marriage

Actress Queeneth Agbor’s provocative comments dwell on her relationship preference, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

N

ollywood star, Queeneth Agbor appears one of the most talked about actresses in the movie industry; not necessarily for her roles in movies but for her incendiary comments about relationship, sex and marriage, which in most cases, dwell on her relationship preferences. As dialectic as premarital sex is, the Nollywood actress, Queeneth Agbor, recently revealed she is fully in support of sex before marriage, as she doesn’t want to end up with a man who is not sexually active. Speaking on the importance of sex in a relationship during a recent chat, Queeneth said, “To some people, sex is associated with stability because it increases the bond and maintains a level of stability. As for me, I believe that sex is overrated in a relationship though I stand for sex before marriage with a good reason.

“I need to test my ‘goods’ so I don’t end up with something inadequate. Cheating is a no-no for me. However, in a relationship, getting to know your partner doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with sex. I prefer to bond mentally and intellectually.

I know my lover for who he truly is. Sex gone badly can actually end a relationship before you even get to know the real person.”

The actress once revealed how her Igbo Boyfriend slapped her silly for kissing a guy in a movie she acted and vowed never to date an Igbo guy.

“I won’t be dating an Ibo guy again; they are possessive and could be violent.”

Famous for her role in ‘Hooked’, she moved from Calabar to Lagos to pursue her dream career.

In Lagos, she enrolled in intensive acting classes for three months at a popular film school, which she claimed was the right foundation that put her on the right track without being sexually harassed. Among others, she has starred in movies like Marriage Rules, Finally in Love, Midnight Quest, The Vigil, Prince on Fire and Wannabe Girl.

2018 has been one of her best years ever as she has featured in over 10 movies so far. “It’s been God all the way. I give him all the praise. I’ve been pretty busy with work back to back,” she acknowledged.

So far, she could be said to have had a sensational career making provocative comments, among others, that no woman can snatch her man to denying reports that popular actress Tonto Dike slept with a movie producer to get a lead role in a movie. She was quoted to have said that she did not get a role in a movie that had Tonto Dikeh as lead actress because she refused to sleep with the producer of the movie.

She had responded thus, “People always have something to talk about. It does not matter whether you say things that are meant to inspire people or not.

People always have a way of making a mountain out of a molehill. I refused to respond before now because what was reported was not what I meant. I was only trying to inspire people by saying that Nollywood is not about sex for roles. In order to succeed, you need to know your worth and you must also be able to pray ceaselessly.

I didn’t say Tonto Dikeh slept with any producer.

People will keep talking and that’s their problem.”

On her relationship status, the fast-rising actress doesn’t give a care about marriage. “Marriage to be honest scares me but when we get to that bridge we shall cross it.” Earlier this year on Saint Valentine, she received a car gift from her man, but just a fortnight ago, declared she was not in any serious relationship and was not searching, adding that she’s in a relationship with herself and that’s the best kind of relationship to her.

Perceived to be proud of her heritage, the Calabar born actress had adduced reasons behind the popular myth that ‘Calabar girls are husband snatchers. “I don’t think they are husband snatchers but we know how to keep a man to ourselves. Some men don’t like food, so you might not be able to keep him through that; but men like it when a lady is clean and of course sexy too; so a Calabar girl is a combination of all. They can cook, clean and also good in that thing.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 22, 2018

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SUPERSATURDAY

Gideon Okeke Falls for Chidera Actor Gideon Okeke is set to wed his special one Chidera Udueze, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

I

t was on a television entertainment chat show that ‘cocky actor’, Gideon Okeke revealed that there was a special lady in his life but acknowledged that he enjoys the attention he gets from the ladies. “I enjoy the attention I get from women, but I’m not just single, I have a great lady in my life.” Thereafter, he enthused about the special lady: “I’ve got an adorable lady who wins heart overall and is very secure about my working relationship with these ladies (Tinsel Stars). I can’t wait to walk her down the aisle! I’m done looking! Found a crown jewel that reins me in. God bless our courtship.”

Months later, the actor and his fiancée, Chidera Udueze, are set to walk down the aisle this December.

The actor shared their beautiful pre-wedding photos on his Instagram page on Monday, with a short prayer for their journey ahead.

He wrote: ‘’Have you ever wondered why when greatness happens to be on the cusp of unraveling, that’s when a certain West wind of resistance finds its perfect timing to blow? Honey’m. Nothing! Nothing will ‘deshine’ the glory moments that are ahead of us. I seize this moment to reaffirm to you, ever so defiantly, that we both bear something-great-about-to-happen.

Grace abounds that we may be empowered, as the wisdom of God, is profitable to direct our paths. Thank you for holding my hand. Here goes...to the Future!”

The talent scout and model manager, Chidera, and the actor, Gideon, had met through a friend and

successfully had their traditional marriage in late April this year. Since the identity of his fiancée became public knowledge, Gideon who is known to keep his life private has in the euphoria of his new status and experience, been seen teasing his followers and dishing out some words of advice for men regarding marriage.

Perceived as the ‘one man to a woman’ kind of guy, Gideon doesn’t strike one as a flirt. Fresh from the very reality show that fetched him fame, Gideon had this experience shared during a chat. “My late dad said ‘Son I am very proud of you. You have made yourself proud, you have made the family proud but I have one personal beef with you.’ He said that to me in my hotel room and he was like, ‘why chase one girl, when you can face the money, get the money and get all the girls?’

He was joking but serious and we laughed about it and he just tapped me on the back and I was like maybe that was what I should have done differently, but no disrespect to the lady I was involved with, she is an amazing person…everything has gone right. I didn’t plan it, I am a testimony to what you ask for is what you get because I am here because I asked for it.

I prayed, I fasted, and I gave. I asked to be here, so this is not a mistake at all.”

As an actor, Okeke has played dynamic roles both on stage and screen. Whether he is on stage or screen, he always throws all in the ring to deliver a believable performance. The actor, model, TV presenter…came

to limelight in 2006 when he appeared as a contestant on the first edition of Big Brother Nigeria. In 2008, Gideon joined the cast of MNET TV drama series Tinsel, as Phillip Ade-Williams, the arrogant son of a media mogul, a role he played for 10 years. An only child, Gideon grew up in Ajegunle, one of the slums of Lagos, a place he speaks so fondly of.

He attended Nnamdi Azikiwe University where he studied applied bio-chemistry. He later enrolled at the Lee Strasberg Institute in New York where he obtained professional training in acting. After appearing in the first edition of Big Brother Nigeria, Gideon has experienced a meteoric rise in his acting career, featuring in other productions such as Steve Gukas’ multiple award winning movie ’93 Days’ which he got nominated for an African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and ‘Crossroads’ which recently fetched him an African Movie Academy Award.

Gideon has also appeared on the South African TV series Jacobs Cross. In 2014, he played the role of Bernard in the irokotv series Poisoned Bait, directed

by BAFTA LA award-winning director Leila Djansi.

In addition, Gideon was the host of the DSTV game show Money Drop. He landed his first lead role in the Nigerian drama film Relentless in 2010, starring alongside Jimmy Jean-Louis and Nneka Egbuna. In the same year, he played the role of Tobena, the love interest of the lead character in the romantic comedy When Love Happens.

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COMMENTARY

AFE BABALOLA AT 90

Tola Adeniyi pays tribute to Afe Babalola, legal luminary and educationist, at age 90

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sk for Aare Afe Babalola SAN from anybody in the street in Ekiti, Ibadan, Enugu, Kano, Abuja or Port Harcourt, the ready answer will come in torrents: Afe Babalola is a distinguished legal luminary, Afe Babalola is an Ekiti man. Afe Babalola is a self-made man. Afe Babalola is the Aare BamoďŹ n of Yoruba land. Afe Babalola is a philanthropist. Afe Babalola is Obasanjo’s legal adviser. Afe Babalola is one of the prominent founders of Ekiti State. Yes, these are factual descriptions of who Afe Babalola is. But those descriptions are not and cannot be the actual deďŹ nition of who Afe Babalola is.

We all tend to reduce the humanity that resides in all of us to mere labels. We reduce ourselves to simply the names given to us by our parents; to the schools we attend; the social groups we belong to; to our towns and villages; and to other tags arising from our achievements and accomplishments. Afe Babalola is bigger and greater than just being an Ekiti born czar. Afe Babalola is bigger and greater than just being a SAN. Afe Babalola is bigger and greater than just being the founder of one of the fastest growing universities in the world. Afe Babalola is bigger and greater than just being the biggest individual tax payer in Ekiti State. Afe Babalola is bigger and greater than just being labelled the father of virtually all the successive governors in Ekiti State since the creation of that Fountain of Knowledge.

We remember Kiniwun Onibudo, the Olumoko, The Right Honourable Chief Obafemi Awolowo today, tomorrow and forever.

But ask anybody about Awolowo ‘agbolaya bi aara’ Baba Segun, the simplest and commonest answer is; Awo was Premier of Western Region. Whereas before being Premier there was Obafemi Awolowo.

Before being a public letter writer, produce merchant, labour unionist, journalist, lawyer and finally a politician, there was Obafemi Awolowo.

Even before being christened Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi ibn Awolowo, there was a creature, a specimen of humanity in whom resided soul, spirit and body; a being with destiny and spirit-head.

The public figure and achiever per excellence we all came to know as Aare Afe Babalola was, in the beginning, a ‘nobody’ like most of us mortals. And yet he was a ‘somebody’! A being with strong will and self-determination embedded in his tiny skull. A being already designed and defined by his Creator. A being upon release to the planet earth would live out his destiny. That persona, that being, that creature beyond all appellations and tags is the man that we are celebrating.

A man who has grown beyond the name given to him at birth such that we cannot reduce his stature to just the name. Looked at this way, there are over half a billion Mohammeds, or variations and varieties or derivatives of the name Mohammed: Momodu, Moh, Mamudu, Momoh, Muhammadu, Modu, and many more. In fact Mohammed is the name borne by the largest number of human beings on earth. But Mohammed [PBOH] the Prophet stands out.

Aare Afe Babalola was not privileged to see the inside of any secondary school after graduating from primary school. He read only Standard Six of those days. Armed with that lowly certificate, and without ever stepping a foot in any university, Babalola’s spirit-head propelled him beyond secondary school certificate, catapulted him beyond a first university degree, beyond second and third degrees and armed him with laurels in Law studies and practice and landed him at the very peak of the respected profession. Babalola’s chambers has produced well over a hundred SANs! The very moment Babalola started earning a living from his law

AFE BABALOLA IS NOT ONLY AN INSPIRER BUT A GREAT INSPIRATION TO ALL YOUNG PEOPLE THAT EVER HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME INTO HIS CIRCUIT. HE LOVES AND ENCOURAGES THE YOUNGER PEOPLE

practice and was able to make some savings, he turned his attention to philanthropy. He did not wait to become a millionaire or a billionaire before he decided he should help the needy and the poor and to ensure that other talented but deprived children of the poor didn’t have to go through his own harrowing path. He started awarding grants and scholarships to indigent students and went an extra mile by helping proprietors of private schools with financial assistance. All without noise and fanfare!

Afe Babalola turned to agriculture, probably in remembrance and commemoration of his roots and made a success of it as a big time farmer primarily as a contributor to the country’s food security.

Education however remains Afe Babalola’s major focus and he has spent more than 90% of all his investments on provision of education and knowledge. Even as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the prestigious University of Lagos he served meritoriously without a Kobo for all his selfless services to the university. He even donated a massive building to the university.

More than anybody else, Afe Babalola can beat his chest and lay claim to being the chief protagonist in the creation of Ekiti State. He and a few others clamoured for the creation of the state and engaged all his faculties to ensure victory.

It was Afe Babalola’s passion for education and his well-known perfectionist tendencies that informed his decision to establish a model university sited in his state. His vision was not just to assemble buildings, students and teachers. His mission and vision were larger and bigger. He envisioned a comprehensive and all-encompassing university that would meet the needs and standard of not just 21st century but 22nd! Information Technology, Medical Health Sciences, Agriculture and Food Security, Culture and Tradition and Character Building, Leadership and Human Capital Development are all brought under one huge umbrella in the university. It is little wonder that within its young existence it has caught the attention of UNESCO and all major international assessors as one of the most vibrant universities not only in Africa but in the world.

Aare Babalola has continued to nurture the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, and it can be said without any fear of contradiction that the university has become like ‘a last child’. He gives the university the love and attention a parent gives to their last child.

Aare Afe Babalola, or the Inner Being that goes by that appellation will be remembered long after entering a second stage in existence in the continuum as a person who identified with the youth more than any other characteristic of his. Afe Babalola is not only an inspirer but a great inspiration to all young people that ever have the opportunity to come into his circuit. He loves and encourages the younger people.

Whenever a younger person is in his company he makes them feel that they are with their friend or age mate while of course he still plays the father figure. Aare Afe Babalola shuns partisan politics and has refused to be dragged into the murky waters of African politics, the reason why he has rejected every political offer like vice president, minister, governor, and senator thrown at his feet.

What we are celebrating therefore is not Afe Babalola, many people will go by that name/title/description/appellation now or in the future, but the distinct and distinguished spiritual ENTITY, the Soul Fire, the Driving Force that existed before the name was given to it as a label, and will continue to exist in perpetuity.

SETESCO RISES AND SHINES AGAIN

The old students of the school are eager to give back, writes Ikechukwu Amaechi

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even years after Nigeria’s fratricidal war, the bucolic Obohia community in Ahiazu-Mbaise local government area, Imo State, came alive, rediscovering its soul, literally, with education as the tonic.

What used to be Eastern Nigeria had been devastated by the 30-month civil war. But the people were not broken. Out of the ruins sprang up community secondary schools. Secondary Technical School Obohia (SETESCO) was one of them. It remains a study in communal effort.

Established in 1977, the school admitted students from all the nooks and crannies of old Imo State. The government only gave the approval, there was no financial support.

But the people were happy that they got government’s permission to build a school. Had the money come with the approval, they would have been happier for it.

But the fact that it didn’t was not going to be an obstacle to the realisation of their dream. They gave the project their all – donated hectares of land, devoted time and were selfless with their financial resources.

Those who had no money offered their talents; bricklayers, carpenters, other artisans. There was no compulsion. It was voluntarism at its best. The women cooked food for their husbands who worked tirelessly on the project.

The land was Ohia Mbara, a virgin land. The trees were big and needed to be uprooted. There were neither caterpillars nor bulldozers. The work was done manually. It was sheer hard labour.

But the people were determined to have a school and no sacrifice was considered too much. And about a year after the approval was granted, there

was indeed a school.

By the time the first set of students – boys and girls – arrived in September 1977, some buildings had sprung up, but there was still work to be done.

Some bushes still needed to be cleared and there were trees yet to be uprooted. The task fell on the students. Consequently, the most common punishment was the uprooting of trees. In a bid to ensure that the school continued to develop its infrastructure, one of the principals became very creative, introducing an unusual kind of punishment for truancy. Rather than flogging any student caught scaling the school fence, the punishment was a bag of cement.

There was no boarding house, yet many of the students came from far-flung places. The school authorities had no choice but to improvise. The community, once again, rose to the occasion, providing a classroom block of the primary school, Group School Amaiyi Obohia, as an emergency hostel.

The environment was harsh. The students would go to the local stream to fetch water for their domestic chores every day. But the villagers helped in making sure they settled in well. The students were so integrated into the community that some of them even competed with the locals during the annual wrestling contests at the Nkwo Obohia market.

But most of the older students had a hitch. Imo State government had an age cap of 14 years for fresh students, a policy Dr. Agom Eze, Commissioner for Education and Information, was prepared to follow through.

The pioneer principal, Mr. Edward Amadi, turned back some of the students who were in their 20s until the policy, which didn’t make sense in the first

place considering that these were boys and girls whose education was disrupted by the civil war, was rescinded. In fact, some of them were actually recruited into the “Boys Company� of the Biafran Army.

It was in this same school that I gained admission for my secondary education in 1978. We were the second set of students to be admitted.

SETESCO had little or no paraphernalia of a secondary school. There was neither a library nor science laboratory. The school had no generator and there was no public power supply in the community.

There was no borehole. Students had to go to the stream to fetch water.

Within the first five years, the school had three principals – Mr. Amadi, Mr. O.U Duru and Mr. Vincent Akubueze. They were all father-figures who cared for the students as they would for their own biological children. Every morning at the assembly ground, Mr. Amadi would call out the names of every student of the 1977 set to ensure that they were all accounted for. Such was the devotion to duty and sense of responsibility.

With the exception of the principal, none of the pioneer teachers had a Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), not to talk of university degree. In fact, half of them were drafted from primary schools with certificates from teachers training colleges. I still don’t know the criteria for the elevation, but what was evident was that they didn’t have the prerequisite qualifications for their new jobs.

The other half were “auxiliary teachers,� mostly young men and women who had just left secondary school with good grades in their WAEC results.

Many left few years later in pursuit of the Golden Fleece in various institutions of higher learning.

Some of these dire situations changed for the better over the years, when the school had science laboratory and more qualified teachers came on board with some of those drafted from primary schools going back to their former stations.

But one thing was glaring. Despite their handicaps, the pioneer teachers were remarkably dedicated and passionate, the success of their students being the ultimate motivation.

Their sacrifice of love, commitment and insatiable appetite to impact knowledge rubbed off positively on the students. The quest for knowledge and excellence was extraordinary. There was competition in burning the axiomatic midnight candle. The distractions were few and negligible.

The result was phenomenal. Despite the humble beginnings, many of the students excelled in academics, passing their West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) in good grades, and gaining admission into the universities. Today, many SETESCO alumni are high-flying professionals proving their mettle in plum jobs locally and internationally. Those that opted for business are also shining.

But just like the story of our country Nigeria, sadly, 41 years after, as it nears its golden jubilee, the school has become seedy.

Though the few teachers there today are better qualified, they are not enough and the quality of education is at an all-time low. Most senior secondary school students can hardly read and write.

They have no role models, little or no aspirations and therefore, no motivation to study hard and excel.

There is no library. The science laboratory is no more.

Amaechi, MD/E-in-C of TheNiche newspaper, wrote from Lagos

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INSIGHT

The parliament in action...

It is Another Christmas in Nigeria

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hen it’s nearing the Christmas day, the Harmattan breeze will come with its chilly coolness. In Nigeria, the trees by the roadsides will wear the coat of dust, the colour of which is ochre, the earth’s colour. Mango trees will start owering, preparatory to bearing fruits.

And our bodies will become dry, yearning for a touch of Vaseline cream; and our lips chapped. These are tell-tale signs that Christmas is around the corner.

It will soon be another Christmas, a holiday period for festivities. Christmas is a day we commemorate the birthday of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, who is our Messiah, Redeemer, and Saviour. Jesus Christ, one of the greatest religious figures to ever walk the earth, was born of very lowly parentage more than two millennia ago in today’s middle-east.

His father, Joseph, was a carpenter while His mother was the Virgin Mary. The nativity story of Christ is that of an immaculate conception.

Jesus Christ was partly human and partly divine.

He’s believed to be the only son of God, and the ransom for our sins in the entire Christendom.

During his earthly ministry and sojourn, he performed astounding miracles like turning water into wine, stilling tempestuous waves, healing the sick, and raising the dead. His teachings, which were revolutionary, echoed throughout the middle-east and beyond. Little wonder, he was impaled on the cross, and crucified with thieves.

Jesus Christ reconciled us to God through his divinely-inspired messages after humans had become estranged from God owing to the sins of our first parents, Adam and Eve. More than all his other teachings and messages, his message of love has become the doctrinal base of Christianity. It encapsulates all his messages to us. Jesus Christ said this: “Love covers a multitude of sins.�

If we love God, we’ll not murder other people, who are God’s creations; neither will we loot the national exchequer to enrich ourselves at the expense of the hapless and suffering masses. And if we possess the spiritual virtue of love, we will forgive those who wronged us, and will not keep a record of the wrongs we suffered in their hands, not to talk of our revenging on them.

But, now, in Nigeria, love is a scarce commodity among us. Millions of Nigerians are without fellow-feeling, compassion, and empathy. The so-called Christians in Nigeria are driven by base and vile impulses rather than love. They’re acquisitive.

And their rapacity is very nauseating. However, we should blame the rot and moral depravity existing among Christians in Nigeria on the ministers of God, who are steering their flock away from the path of spirituality, righteousness, and moral rectitude.

Where Sowore Got it Wrong

In the immediate past, men of cloth would centre their teachings and sermons on holiness, righteousness, and the reality of hell-fire. They would sermonize on the consequences of our living sinful lives, which is eternal damnation in hell fire.

Nowadays, priests, especially Pentecostal pastors, preach about the indispensability of wealth in a man’s life. Prosperity message is at the core of their sermons and teachings. Consequently, the poor among us are made to believe that they are the accursed of the earth. And they are fired to strive to acquire money at any cost. However, the Bible tells us that we would always have the poor among us.

And Jesus Christ for whom we celebrate the Christmas never despised the poor. More so, he’s an exemplification of love. But in the weeks leading to Christmas, some men will perpetrate criminal deeds in order to acquire money with which they will buy expensive clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, and cars for the celebration of the Christmas festival. And some ladies will become scarlet ladies, desecrating their bodies for filthy lucre, which they will use to make purchases for the yuletide season.

Chiedu Uche Okoye, Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State

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wasn’t one bit surprised when news ďŹ ltered in that Omoleye Sowore, the presidential standard bearer of the African Alliance Congress (AAC) political party, was excluded from the list of candidates that would participate in the electoral debate organised by Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG). Nor was I disappointed.

His exclusion is only a confirmation that I’m not the only one that has seen the need for his petulant abrasiveness to be curtailed. I had advised Mr. Sowore in my comments to make a career decision on what exactly he wanted to do between human rights activism and presidential aspiration.

Those with nodding acquaintance of our country’s political history would know that as touching presidential elections in Nigeria, no one who has attempted to use human rights activism as a spring board to court the support of the masses has ever succeeded. Some only came as far as contesting. They never won. Others got thrown out through outright disqualification.

An example of the former was late Gani Fawehinmi, a selfless human rights activist, who had genuine affection to see the flag of civil rights for all persons raised high. He ran as the presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP)

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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

and was a far distance from the winning candidate despite the fame activism brought him.

Fela Kuti, the legendary Afrobeat musician, is an apt example of the latter category. Upon the lifting of ban on political parties in 1978 by the Obasanjo/ Yar’Adua-led military government, Baba ‘70, like many other Nigerians, declared his intention to run for the number one political seat in the country.

Fela, a beneficiary of civil activism through the instrumentality of his music which he employed to antagonise and demonize governments, had the heart of the masses. He was even christened the black president for his stand on change in government orientation, not just in Nigeria, but in Africa as a whole. While political parties were being registered, Fela had his Movement of the People (MOP) political party declined registration by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), thus ending his aspiration.

Sowore had it coming. As a writer I expected that he would have tested and judged his adopted approach against history. If he had done this, or perhaps listened to the advice of some Nigerians who sensed the danger in his chosen approach, the organisers of the debate would not have at all thought of excluding him.

Let’s disregard the spurious excuse of the organisers for failing to accept him as one of the debaters. We know the reason is not because he didn’t get enough online votes.

The week preceding Sowore’s declaration for the presidency I was so shocked when I saw a trending picture of him pushing wheelbarrow, stocked with African Cherry, in hawkers’ ilk attire, in the market place! Talk about a show! I thought to myself, this young man has missed it. This is a mistake. Many would read it as desperation, because before then he was a behind-the-scene personality.

They can’t miss the fact that he did it to court the votes of the commoners.

This wrong political tactic was to open the floor for more bizarre acts done in a bid to sell himself to the electorate.

Mr. Sowore breaks and disrespects protocols. He was in the midst of every social storm in the country, to the point a number of observers began to feel he was stage-managing socio-political conflicts in order to get fame. Even though the things he usually fought for are right to some extent, as a presidential aspirant, it is a gross mistake for him to exert himself on civic issues. We understand his passion for Nigeria could be his drive but he was overdoing things.

Stanley Sciense Esonanjo, Ile-Ife

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Sliding Economy, $1bn for Arms, and Other Stories

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ne thing the Buhari government is adept at is telling Nigerians stories; mainly redundant and old tales. We get stories without practicable follow-up solutions. Unending stories of the depraved economy inherited. Stories of how former President Jonathan made it impossible for a cabinet to be swiftly constituted.

Stories about the current economic hardship not being the making of the present administration are eternal. Nigerians are tired of stories, stories and stories. Nigeria’s economy is in a bad shape. This is the latest story in town. So what? We know this. It is visible all over the country. The challenge requires proactive engagement and not needless stories.

Nigeria’s economy has been in a bad shape for years and it eventually slumped under President Buhari due to compound inept management. The slump was largely motivated by bad economic policies - banning deposit into domiciliary accounts (which was reversed after a big damage had been done), restricting international transfers and the rest of them. The federal government should rise above story-telling and tackle this economic slump.

Virtually all economic indices are on the negative for Nigeria because of the glitches of our Eaglet economic managers. The latest dizzying fact is that ourBalance of Payment (BOP) is now negative. The newest Q3 2018 BOP is frightening. Provisional estimates for this country’s BOP in this third quarter showed the overall BOP swinging into a deficit of US$4.542 billion, compared to a surplus of $503.97 million and $2.787 billion recorded in the preceding quarter and corresponding period of 2017, respectively.

According to a CBN report, the current account balance (CAB) also worsened from a surplus of $4.453 billion in Q2 2018, to a deficit of $3.105 billion in the review period.

The financial account balance indicated net financial liabilities of $10.724 billion in the review period as against $2.576 billion recorded in the preceding period.

In very simple language, the country’s imports of goods and services in the period under review outweighed its exports. Our unemployment rate also worsened in the third quarter of 2018, rising from 18.8 per cent in Q3 2017 to 23.1 per cent. According to the Labour Force Statistics – Volume I released by the National Bureau of Statistics

Another endless story is that the $1 billion approved by the government for the purchase of arms and ammunition to aid the military in the ďŹ ght against terrorism in the North-east region can’t be accessed. The military is still waiting for another arm of government to do the needful

(NBS), the total number of people classified as unemployed rose from 17.6 million in Q4 2017 to 20.9 million in Q3 2018.

Another endless story is that the $1 billion approved by the government for the purchase of arms and ammunition to aid the military in the fight against terrorism in the North-east region can’t be accessed. The military is still waiting for another arm of government to do the needful. Recall that the approval was given after a meeting of the National Economic Council in Abuja in April 2018. Eight months after, it remains a dream.

Back in April, I remember Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, speaking with so much enthusiasm about the $1 billion after the NEC meeting: “We are pleased with the federal government’s achievements in the insurgency war and in that vein, state governors have approved that the sum of $1 billion be taken from the excess crude account by the federal government to fight insurgency to its conclusion. The money will cover the whole array of needs which include purchase of equipment, training for military personnel and logistics.� I grudgingly celebrated the approval but unfortunately, it was just one of the usual stories of this government. It was all showiness.

Eight months down the line, and days

after Metele attack by Boko Haran that claimed the lives of scores of soldiers, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai, confessed and informed a bewildered country that the Nigerian Army was yet to receive any fund or equipment purchased from the fund. He said: “You know the process of funding is a major issue. The bureaucracy is another issue.

Approvals are given but getting the money out is another challenge. “So, the people are talking or the media has been talking of $1 billion that has been approved but I tell you up till today, the fund that is supposed to come from that amount to the army in particular is still with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The Ministry of Defence is yet to access the fund.

When the ministry gets the fund, they will get the right equipment for us as proposed.�

What a country!

Our soldiers have been fighting literally with bare hands, yet, they can’t access the approved $1 billion for equipment. The impact has been devastating. Just few days back, some soldiers were killed and dozens of others injured when the terrorists attacked their base in Gudumbali Local Government Area of Borno State. As usual, inadequate equipment was the bane of our gallant soldiers.

On Wednesday, bandits attacked three communities in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing 25 people. Our ill-equipped military responded hours after the bandits had gone.

The Society for Good Governance (SGG) was apt when it accused the federal government of playing politics with the $1 billion intervention fund, “the absence of which has led to the death of many soldiers in the North-east.�

SGG said: “The non-release of the $1 billion approved is a serious national embarrassment. Have we lost all conscience in this country? Those keeping this money, can’t they see the carnage in the North-east, the killing of our soldiers and innocent civilians?

We are asking the federal government or any tier of government still holding onto the fund, to as a matter of urgent national importance, release this fund and stop this deception and disdain for human lives.�

Well, I hope the two powerful men running the show in Aso Rock are listening.

The Army desperately needs this $1 billion.

They should just get it out.

Igbo as Slaves in Nigeria I have spent quality time reading the speech on Igbo marginalisation delivered by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Agunwa Ohiri. It is indeed a thought-provoking speech. How I wish those around President Buhari would allow him to read it. My take away from the submission of Nwodo was his remark that restraining their youths from arm struggle, in a bid to resist the brazen marginalisation, had been tough for the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation and Igbo leaders. “Today, we are treated like slaves in our own land not just by this government, but by successive governments, since the military came into government‌I know how difficult it has been restraining our young people, who are disturbed by what they are passing through. But, we wouldn’t allow them because they didn’t see war, so, they don’t know what war is all about. We’ve come with the message that we are not going to rest until Nigeria is restructured.â€?

The marginalisation of Igbos assumed a frightening dimension under the Buhari government, with their exclusion from heading key MDAs. For example, no single Igbo was appointed to head any security agency by this government.

It is unprecedented. Few weeks back, Senator Victor Umeh (seconded by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe) moved a motion for the inclusion of South-east representatives in the National Defence Council and the National Security Council “as enshrined in the constitution through the spirit and Principle of Federal character.�

He said that defence and security advice relayed to the President by members of the Defence and Security Council, which excluded security officers from the South East, may not likely represent fair and equitable security situation of the zone.

Umeh added: “The beauty, tenet and cardinal principle of democracy, as opposed to all other forms of government, are inclusiveness, representation, justice and fairness. When these essential ingredients are missing and lacking in any government, it will create a feeling

Nwodo

of alienation.�

Nwodo and his Ohanaeze Ndigbo are indeed showing great leadership. They have shown that they are indeed patriots. Nwodo must continue to impress on Igbo youths to spurn violence and join like minds for the struggle for fiscal federalism.

Ekere

Why is Nsima Ekere Still NDDC MD? I am worried about the ability of the Buhari government to deliver on a free and fair election in 2019 as promised. There are ominous signs all over. One of them is playing out in Akwa Ibom State, where the governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Nsima Ekere, is being allowed to hold on to his position as Managing Director of the lucrative Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. This decision is said to be strategic, as it would give Ekere access to huge war chest through his NDDC connections. This is an unfair advantage to Ekere.

The standard is for this category of public office holders to resign before contesting for elective positions. Ekere cannot be an exception. Well, the NDDC boss may say that there is no law against his action. But there is a big moral burden here. The Buhari government must do the needful by removing the NDDC boss with immediate effect.

Musings on Budget 2019 So many proposals in Budget 2019 have left me confounded. For example, why should a serious government set aside N305 billion to subsidise petrol importation? For how long shall we continue to subsidise inefficiency?

Why should Nigeria continue to pay so much as petrol subsidy, while public schools, hospital and roads are in tatters? Just imagine the impact N305 billion would have on public hospitals across the country.

Recurrent Cost is N4.04 trillion in budget 2019; almost 50 per cent of the entire budget will go to recurrent expenditure. Is this how we will attain development?

It is also shocking that out of the proposed N8.83 trillion spending plan, N2.14 trillion will go to debt servicing. This is over 25 per cent of the entire budget. It also comes to over 30 per cent of the total projected revenue of N6.97 trillion for 2019.Borrowings under Buhari have been reckless. With the way we are going about binge borrowing, in few years, debt servicing will eventually consume 50 per cent of our budget.

The budget was prepared on the assumption of $60 per barrel with crude oil production of2.3 million barrels per day. Can’t remember the last time Nigeria did 2.3 MB per day. Buhari’s Budget 2019 evidently lacks the requirement for alleviating poverty in the country. The proposals for education, health, roads are poor.

On rice importation, Buhari said: “Barely three years ago, Nigeria was spending $5 million dollars a day on rice importation.

Today rice imports have virtually stopped.

Indeed, we are on course to achieve food security in major staple foods in the not too distant future.� Haba! This is evidently not true. 99 per cent of rice consumed in Nigeria today is still imported.

On school feeding, the president said: “The National Home-Grown School Feeding programme is feeding 9,300,892 pupils in 49, 837 schools in 24 states across Nigeria, and empowering 96,972 cooks.� Almost 9.4 million pupils getting free meals? Where?

When? This is laughable.

5 ) * 4 % ": t SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

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NEWS

In Brief Umeh Awards Scholarships to Indigents

The Senator representing Anambra Central senatorial zone, Senator Victor Umeh has awarded scholarships to 70 indigent undergraduates in the zone. Umeh who spoke during the award said it was part of the promise he made a week after he was sworn into the Senate, in January this year. Though he noted that he had a foundation that had run for 11 years, issuing scholarships to indigent student, in which he just spent N11million on tuition for his beneficiaries, he stated that he decided to undertake additional one to fulfill his promise. “I made the promise within a week of my swearing in, during a radio programme. I did not make the promise so they will vote for me, but after I had won and sworn-in. We choose 10 persons from each of the local government areas that make up my senatorial zone and our target is to give scholarships to people who cannot afford it and not to people whose parents can afford to give their children the education they need,� he explained.

Ogun APC Caretaker Executive

GOOD TO SEE YOU ...

L-R: Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Extended National Economic Council Meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. ... recently

Police Defy IG’s No Road-Block Order Mounts 19 check points between Abuja and Benin Collects as high as N20,000 from motorists over trumped up charges Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Police officers across the country have apparently decided to disregard the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to dismantle all road blocks across the country this yelutide.

Idris as part of efforts at guaranteeing safety of lives and property during the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebration had specifically directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police and Commissioners of Police “to ensure that no roadblock is mounted anywhere in the country, including those by revenue agencies who are prohibited by law from obstructing any road or highway under the guise of collecting revenue.�

The directive was made public in a press statement by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Jimoh Moshood

last Sunday.

However, THISDAY checks revealed that the directive is obeyed in breach as it is being disregarded by men of the Force. Several road blocks have been mounted in major high ways across the country.

For instance, a source who travelled from Abuja to Edo State capital, Benin City counted 19 road blocks, with stern looking policemen bringing up various charges against vehicle owners all in the bid to extort money from them. “They stop you for no reason and expect you to give them something.

They will ask for receipts of plate number, car radio and all what not to make sure you are charged with one offence or the other. At times they demand for as high as N20,000 from vehicle with tinted glasses,� the source said.

The source, who preferred anonymity said he was frustrated after calling on Force PRO to rescue him on three different occasions on his trip to Benin City in Edo State.

He said the leadership of the police should urgently take a look at the development so as to rescue travellers from the hands of the officers.

Similar reports were also received

by THISDAY from some travellers from other parts of the country especially the Eastern region where the disobedience is said to be most flouted with alleged high level extortion. “Police Federal Highway Patrol Teams, Safer Highway Teams, Divisional Patrol Teams and other tactical squads have been mandated and are under strict instruction to be polite, civil but strict in ensuring security and safety of travellers and other road users on all the highways and

major roads throughout the country.

The motor traffic divisions of the Force in every state are to ensure free flow of traffic throughout the highways and major roads in the Country. They are to enforce the road traffic act in totality. “The Inspector General of Police has equally directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police and Commissioners of Police to ensure that no roadblock is mounted anywhere in the country, including those by revenue agencies who are prohibited by law not to obstruct any road or highway under the guise of collecting revenue. CPs and AIGs to ensure visibility police and crime prevention patrols in their Area of Responsibilities (AOR) throughout the country, this is to make sure that safety and free passage for all travellers nationwide are guaranteed.

Korea Sends N180m Food Items to Boko HaramVictims

NGO Sponsors 25 Free Pediatric Open Heart Surgeries

AlexEnumahĂ“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

An Enugu-based non-governmental orgnanisation , Spiritan Self Awareness Initiative headed by Reverend Father Charles Ogaga has arranged for 25 free pediatrics open heart surgeries to be carried out by Doctors from India who are expected in the country with their hi-tech equipment early January 2019.

Ogaga who spoke to the press in the company of his partners lamented there were over 89,000 cases of congenital heart problems among infants in the country yearly, adding that facilities to take care and save their lives were still lacking.

According to him, over 100 infants had been screened but due to the dearth of capacity and space for patients after the surgery, they had to slate only 25 for now while arrangement and capacity were being made to do more. “This our medical outreach is part of an ongoing intervention aimed at saving children from heart diseases. We have our partners coming from India who would use some facilities of the UNTH

The Government of Republic of Korea has provided food items for 125,000 victims of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east to last them at least a month.

The food assistance, a donation through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), is put at a total worth of US$500,000 (about N180 million).

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in a statement on Friday said it welcomed “a contribution of US$500,000 from the Republic of Korea that will provide one month of food assistance for nearly 125,000 food-insecure people in the conflictaffected North-east Nigerian states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.�

The statement quoting, Maj. General (Rtd) In-tae Lee, Republic of Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, said: “The Korean Government has been making unwavering efforts to address the needs of the most vulnerable people and I’m glad that we are endowing Nigeria with the total sum of US$2.5 million, including our recent contribution to

WFP.� He added that: “We stand ready to fight against malnutrition and poverty, joining hands with the people of Nigeria.�

The statement said the latest contribution would allow WFP to continue to provide food assistance to Nigerian families displaced or otherwise affected by a devastating conflict now entering its tenth year.

It stated that: “Though in-kind food assistance procured with the contribution, recipient families will be able to prepare and consume nutritious meals every day to stay healthy.�

The statement also quoted Myrta Kaulard, WFP Representative in Nigeria, as saying: “This timely funding from the Republic of Korea builds on earlier support when parts of northeast Nigeria were on the verge of famine,� adding that “Thanks to this life saving action, we can continue to sustain the momentum of our response in Northeast Nigeria, where large numbers of people remain reliant upon WFP assistance made possible through the generosity of donors such as the Republic of Korea.�

to perform the procedures. “Were there enough facilities to take on the operations, the team coming could have handled more than that but UNTH that we are collaborating with limits the number of people they can take after the procedure, so we have to reduce the number to 25. “However, there are other legs of the programme whereby some doctors would be sent for free training and in return, spend some hours, days, months or even years of free service to us in return.

We hope to grow bigger than this,� he said.

He explained that the facility at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Enugu which they rely on could only take three open-heart surgery patients at a time or more would have been done within the period of the mission.

The cleric said he was moved by compassion to save the lives of the children who come mainly from the very rural poor that from infancy were malnourished and mostly die of treatable diseases.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed a caretaker committee to run the affairs of the party in Ogun State. In statement issued Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, the party said the Chairman of the caretaker committee for Ogun State is Chief Yemi Sanusi while Ayobami Olubori is to serve as Secretary. The National Working Committee of the APC had last Tuesday dissolved the state party executives in Ogun and Imo states led by Chief Derin Adebiyi and Mr. Daniel Nwafor respectively. The National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole had said during the inauguration of the Imo State caretaker committee, that the reason behind the decision to sack the previous executives was to instill discipline within the ranks of APC membership.

JAMB Sanctions 50 CBT Centres

The Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Olanrewaju Is’haq Oloyede disclosed yesterday that it had sanctioned 50 Computer Based Test (CBT) centres across the country for various forms of infractions and also prosecuted more than five of them for the same offense. Oloyede who made this known while briefing journalists in Lagos, during its meeting with stakeholders ahead of 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), said their offenses range from using technology to extend the registration date while duping candidates in the process, having access to the board’s private network and writing examination for candidates. According to him, “By registring them, it means that on the day of the examination, the candidates will not be able to thumb print. They did that and even had access to our private network.

2Face, Jimmy Jatt, Falz for Jos Fiesta

The fun city of Jos is gearing up for yet another magical experience as 2Face Idibia and friends return to the entertainment hub for Jos Chillin’ Mega Fiesta, Power of 1 edition. Already confirmed for throwdown besides 2Baba are DJ Jimmy Jatt, Osama, Falz the Bahd Guy, Alex Ekubo, and Mr. Real as co-headliners. Others are home grown stars including Lyrical Dr. Smith, Classiq, Blakah, Mad Dragon All Stars and Lucky Stars Band among others. The event is billed for January 5, 2019 at the familiar and ever bubbly Mees Palace, Rayfield, Jos. This edition of the event is coming complete with the inspiring theme ‘Power of 1’ which has already garnered mad buzz and left its mark in the Lagos area.

The social movement campaign is driven through concerts, road shows and a movie of the same title directed by Izu Ojukwu starring Ramsey Nouah, Alex Ekubo, Annie Idibia, Jibola Dabo, Jide Kosoko, Racheal Oniga, Michelle Dede, Padita Agu and many more. It will be available in cinemas nationwide from the 7th of December 2018.

Lagos Christmas Market

The first Lagos Christmas Market, a free to enter family friendly evening event, specialised in promoting small businesses in crafts, fashion and food industry. Highly curated with no two stall the same, the market has contemporary and vintage items including crafts, art, design, jewelry, fashion, skin care, edibles and collectables. Their sitting side by side are Nigerian food vendors selling local cuisine and a cafÊ, as well as entertainment such as musical performances and games for kids. Now taking place over 20 days from 14th December 2018 to 2nd January 2019, the organiser says the Lagos Christmas Market would put Lagos in the league of cities with Christmas Market. The market is a hugely exciting platform supporting creative Nigeria’s startup and small businesses, not always found in the market or high street. The market host different stalls in each week.

DYH Records Release New Video

Lagos-based record label, DYH Records, recently released a new video titled ‘The Code’. The urban themed energetic and motivational dance track was produced for a young audience and the young at heart. The DYH Crew is a Nigerian hip hop group formed in 2018 and is based in Nigeria’s entertainment capital, Lagos. The music group consists of three rappers and a singer, and known by their stage names PSO (born Paul Samson O.), Diego (born Emmanuel Henry), Studio Boy (born Agbo Damian Obinna), and Ric (born Akinwande Bowale Henry). The group’s genre mixes afrobeat, pop and hip hop, which is evident on their debut single titled “The Code�, produced by Joseph Fabz, and the video, with great visuals as directed by Clinton Ray Films..

African China, Marvelous Benji in Concert

Sheikh Records, organisers of Sheikh Live in Concert, has announced the second edition of the music talent hunt show scheduled to take place on December 28 at the 1st Benue Bus Stop arena, Olodi Apapa Lagos. The concert, according to the CEO of Sheikh Records, John James (aka Don Dada), is a grassroots show that gives upcoming artistes in and outside Ajegunle the platform to showcase their talent and land a recording deal. Launched in 2016, this year’s edition will parade over 25 artistes including the popular African China whose single ‘Mr. President’ was a rave of the moment in the 2000s, and the ‘Swo’ crooner, Marvelous Benjy.

Plus

Bimbola Ashiru I See No Reason Why I Should Grow Wings over Life’s Vanity…

No Condition is Permanent

GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND FASHION FILE SHOWBIZFLAIR

Funmi Adesoji

pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 42 pg. 45

Growing Up Under Strict Parents Was the Best That Happened to Me… They Molded Me into a Piece of Art

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 22, 2018

PLUS

Growing Up Under Strict Parents Was the Best That Happened to Me… They Molded Me into a Piece of Art Funmi Adesoji is Head Chef at Lagos-based Phummyndeps Kitchen. For her, culinary is an art that comes naturally to creative-minded chefs. Funmi showed traces of this even as a kid. Back then, she would cook noodles and add her own extra plating skills to make it more appealing. After her education, she unconsciously delved into catering and settled fully into professional catering, with Phummyndeps dishing out unique meals. She shares her journey into culinary, growing up, family, virtues and a lot more with Tosin Clegg Culinary is an art that comes naturally ulinary is an art that comes naturally to creative-minded chefs.

I’m a lover of colours, cuts, excellence and I hate boring meals; hence my style of plating. I would cook noodles as a child and add my own extra plating skills to make it more appealing. Plating is not something I plan. I just cook and envision how I want it to look on the plate and I go for it. Cooking is a beautiful thing; food is life and should be treated as such. I intend to tell the story of Nigerian food throughout Africa and eventually the world, one step at a time.

C

my parents were extremely strict. I remember vividly always wanting to go to a boarding school. I wanted to do this just to gain freedom. My parents would not allow us watch television because they were very strict. We could not mingle with other kids and had to wear knee length dresses, long skirts and loose blouses. I also remember church back then was my second home because I had so much fun and enjoyed meeting children of my age and interacting with them which I did enjoy. The fun began when I got into secondary school. There I was able to express myself more. It’s time filled with memories most I wish were never seen, some I wish were still present.

Growing up in Gbagada, Lagos was fun My family was a middle class one. I can proudly say that I had the best experience growing up in Nigeria though

Things weren’t tough growing up I think my struggle was that I was unable to do all the things most children around could do. Which I think

Adesoji

DECEMBER 22 , 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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PLUS I never thought for once that I was going to die even though I was diagnosed to be at stage three of cancer was normal in every strict Christian home back then. And as regards my background shaping my life, well that’s a big one. Honestly, now I get the message thank you mum. I’m very grounded.

I call my parents my super heroes My mother was a caterer and my late dad an ex-military man, both Christians. They are very loving and caring.

My dad was the most caring one especially when I or any of my siblings was ill. He would always make sure we were taken care of extremely well. I do miss that about him even now that I’m a lot older. Growing up under the guardianship of my strict parents is the best that has ever happened to me. I’m forever grateful to them; they molded me into a piece of art.

Best gift gotten as a child I find it funny now. I remember the day my dad bought us a television. I was in secondary school then, omg!! We were super excited but then we could only watch Christians channels.

I’m not married but engaged I’m not married but engaged to my partner and we have three beautiful kids together. We got together when I was 24.

The saddest day of my entire life The most difficult thing that has ever happened to me was when I was told I had cancer last year on 15th of December 2017. It was the saddest day of my entire life. Though, I never thought for once I was going to die even though I was diagnosed to be at stage three of cancer. All I did was I re-dedicated my life to God and I held on to all his promises for me in the bible. So grateful to God I’m cancer free now and that is a living testimony.

Mistakes in Life I am sure that we have all made a few mistakes in our lives or professional career but everything in life is supposed to teach us to do better or make more focused decisions. Life is a learning curve and we keep learning every day to become our best and give our best.

Indelible high and low point The lower you hit rock bottom, the highest you rise. It’s not about the number of times you fall but how you rise matters. Always seeing my family alive and well gives me so much joy every day. The kids are achieving good grades at school, hubby doing well; I am doing what fulfills me 100 per cent.

I’m alive, God is good, cannot ask for anything more.

My biggest fear is failure To let myself and my children down remains my biggest fear in life. The future is so uncertain and no one knows what it holds or what will happen. I strive to do my best so I can leave a legacy for my children. Something they can look back and say, ‘Wooow, that was because of Mummy.’

Things I still desire In as much as I am living a lifestyle and creating a brand, the passion and hard work to strive and do better will always be there; it’s the desire that motivates you to want to learn more and do better. I want to take my fine dining to a global level someday. I never made a conscious decision to become a cook. It just happened. I was bored of staying at home doing nothing so I started catering for my close friends for free and from there I realised people enjoyed my food and here we are.

Adesoji

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PLUS

Bimbola Ashiru

I See No Reason Why I Should Grow Wings over Life’s Vanity‌ No Condition is Permanent Otunba Bimbola Ashiru is one fascinating personality whose aura evokes happiness on four sides. As a banker, politician, husband and motivational speaker, he is exemplary and exceptional. The business pundit who will clock 55 in a couple of days, talks to Omolabake Fasogbon about life in the public and private sectors, lifestyle and marriage

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ÍşÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS I Wanted to Be a Medical Doctor But this Did Not Work Out

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recisely on December 26, Asha, as he is fondly called will be 55, an event that also coincided with his 27th wedding anniversary.

On this account of life and marriage, are endearing and inevitable heartbreaking tales that characterised his life. Welcoming this reporter to his moderately furnished edifice in Magodo, one of the affluent towns in Lagos, this humble and interesting personality was well at home to share all sides of his details in the last 55 years with great enthusiasm. But the vim and vigour with which he flows could have just been shocking to anyone who is aware of his fate in the last governorship primary elections in Ogun State.

For the successful father of two who perfectly fits for a role model, his life is a confirmation of the word of the holy book, which says ‘Seeth thou a man diligent in his work, he shall stand before kings and not before mean men.’ Although, Ashiru has a wealthy upbringing, he was able to complement this with his zeal for success, which paved way for him to rise even above his root.

No doubt, his sterling performance within and outside the country, and most recently, in Stanbic IBTC where he facilitated huge and profitable deals could have fetched him his public service job in Ogun State other than his affiliation with the state governor. Even as a Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, the Adetola Odutola alumni nailed it exceedingly as usual and with that, come another capital point in his trajectory.

Coming from a banking environment to take over the number one job in a ministry didn’t come so easy for the private sector groomed, albeit, not because of the task in waiting. According to him, he almost gave up as a result of the bureaucratic structure in the system, the initial lackadaisical attitude of workers as well as the issue of getting workers to trust him on his true mission.

Apparently zealous to share this experience, he sat more comfortably on the two- seater sofa as he relayed the episode: “We had a lot of issues at the beginning, I must confess. You know, coming from a more disciplined background, I mean the private sector, one finds it is easier to sack someone who misbehaves but it will take donkey years to fire in the civil service. Unlike in the private industry where decisions are taken within time, this is lagging in the ministry and it really obstructs development to a great extent. “All thanks to the intervention of people like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Fashola, things started working out well in the ministry during their time, as people started putting private sector experience to fore and governance became improved with digitalisation. The issue of trust is another drawback that hindered a lot of performance. You see, civil servants see political appointee as one coming in to the system to make money as they are only temporal, and so they commit their loyalty only to the government in power.

Though life has treated him well especially with riches, honour and position, he is not carried away by luxury and sweet talks. He merely considered himself as only being fortunate and not a special creature from another planet .This is proven in friends testimonies of his person.

A secondary school friend, Mr. Tunji Folami, once said of him, “Bimbo I have known when we were growing up in Secondary school at Adeola Odutola College in Ijebu Ode, is an easy going person and he stills maintains his disposition. In a nutshell, he is very intelligent and trust worthy. He maintains cordial relationship and he never despises his friends. It is the same trait he has carried over while we were in secondary school till present�.

Hearing this testimony, the Ijebu chief, now blushing said, “Well, I remain myself, I see no reason why I should grow wings over life’s vanity. As much as I know that in this clime, most people put up negative attitude when they attain a greater height, but I tell you that it is not worth it, no condition is permanent. I see no reason

The Ashirus

why I won’t pick or return anybody’s call irrespective of the person’s status. Up to my domestic workers, I remain loyal and submissive to them because they are my immediate family members.�

Not just that the Strategic Management graduate is close to the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetola, he equally picks some traits from the octogenarian which he says have equally shaped his attitude to life. “Awujale is a father to me and so he is to all. He became king at age 26 and that speaks a lot of him. I’ve learnt a lot from his bravery, tolerance, kindness and of course openness. He likes to share experience for others to learn from and he is very accommodating, the more reason why Ijebu land is peaceful till date. Away from these characteristics, I love his sense of dressing. Even at 86, he is simply cosmopolitan. “ In actual sense, Bimbo finding himself in the bank could have been predestined, because all the while as a child, he had always wanted to have the stethoscope around his neck, but he said,� I’ve always wanted to be a medical doctor but this did not work out because of my weakness in some science courses, but I found out I was doing better in the art and commercial subjects. Now, finding myself in the financial sector, I think I was born to be there going by my speed and heights of achievements. As a motivational speaker, I find it interesting and possible to convert people without hassle. “Getting to the bank, I didn’t find it hard to convince prospect to buy whatever am selling to them so I was able to meet my target timely. I remember a scenario in 1998, a bank I was working with introduced a programme called Guarantee Money Market Fund and I was given a target of N1 billon in January, by December, I had already covered almost N2.5 billion. To the glory of God, I happen to be one of the pioneers of private banking in Nigeria when it was newly initiated. It was in the course of this private banking that I got to meet a lot of people in my life.�

He also talked about how he managed to resign from the bank as a director, to an unknown space, ‘a hard take it was’, he confessed. “Like I said earlier, I didn’t see myself taking up a job in the public sector, but when the governor called me to join his team, it then dawned on me that a new challenge is beckoning. Whether to join

his team or not, the decision lies on my royal father, Oba Adetona and my mentor, Atedo Peterside, the former Chairman of Stanbic IBTC. They eventually gave their consent. But my chairman didn’t just let me go like that, he wanted the governor to know he was taking one of the best hands in the bank and so, he decided that the bank was going to pay my salary for four years which the bank did. He did that also to prove the bank’s commitment to the development of the state�.

Reminiscing his days in the bank, he gushed,� I miss those days I must confess.

I enjoy the fact that I help people to help their business grow, but I didn’t go too far from my interest because commerce and industry is more or less like marketing too.

Some of the industries that came to the state were my clients in the bank, it was not too hard for me to carry them along because of the trust they have in me.�

For the youngest Otunba in Ijebu land, he would rather not venture into anything if his wife, who is also his chief adviser, was not aware of such. My wife happens to be my backbone spiritually and I will not do a thing behind her. All the while, I made up my mind to resign and joined the governorship race, she and my daughter were initially scared because of the dirty power play in politics, she consulted God on it and gave me the go ahead, with the conviction that God’s will alone will be done.�

Excitedly, he speaks further on her lawyer partner: “I met her on her cousin’s birthday 28 years ago. From where I was seated, I sighted this beautiful, charming young lady in a purple dress and I was like, who is this damsel? I admired her dance steps, beauty, comportment and her dress, so I summoned courage to approach her, the rest as they say, is history today.

The memory of that purple gown still lingers�

And so, how does the loverboy get to appreciate his second half for keeping late vigils to ensure the homestead is alive and hearty? “Oh! I made sure she doesn’t lack�. Looking confused now, the reporter questioned him, ‘but a woman needs much more than material items and money’, he replied, “yes, I know, I satisfy her on all ends but I can’t start saying how and what I do to her in the public, it’s between us�.

Away from his career, the ex-commissioner is a sports addict except for football which he says he’s not a fan of the game. “I really don’t like football, I create time to

watch it at times, but I don’t get to play it. I developed aversion for the game right from secondary school when I see my colleagues play and get injured in the process. Other than that, I do other sports like jogging, ride bicycle and walk around. I also party to keep myself alive.

His dance step does not resist any musical genre be it juju, oldies, Apala or the trendy shakushaku beat, whichever one that caught his step is decided by his mood. However, he says,� As much as I dance at public occasion, I will never stoop so low to spray money in the public. I see it as madness and this is not because I use to be a banker. I would rather package my cash gift to a musician or celebrant in a more descent manner.�

For the period he spent in the ministry, the Marketing, Purchasing and Supply graduate has this has to offer as a giveaway to those in position of authority, based on his experience: “In my little time in politics, I have come to realise that a lot of people are not real, they only try to be your friends because of what they want to benefit from you. The moment you leave that position, you are off their memory, they start looking for the next bait. Let me cite a good example here, a good number of people kept in touch with me during my first tenure, but immediately the tenure expired; I can’t even sight their shadows. But immediately it was announced that my name has been submitted to the House of Assembly for second term, oh my God! You needed to see how calls were rushing in from those that have not been in touch for long. “I didn’t even know my name has been submitted because I was away in England, it was their calls that gave me the hint. But for me, I try as much as possible to avoid sycophants who will want to tell me what I want to hear.

Mind you, they also told your predecessor same story. This is one of problems with our leaders, not being surrounded by the right people and that is why I will advise them not to be carried away by what they hear, but to remain focused and be fair to all�.

On his next line of action, he revealed: “My times are in God hands. I will announce my next step when the time is ripe�.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž Í°Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

EVENTS

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ntrepreneur and founder of SLOT, Nnamdi Ezeigbo, last Sunday celebrated 20 years of business success with the presentation of a book, Entrepreneurship the Slot Way. Ooni Ife Oba Ogunwusi Enitan led other guests to honour the author at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island Lagos.

Photographs by Abiodun Ajala

Mazi Sam Onwuabuwa, Onni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Enitan, Nnamdi Ezeigbo and his wife; Nkechi

Mazi Sam Onwuabuwa and his wife, Stella

Leo Eke Ukwu and his wife; Chioma

Osy Gbamudu and his wife; Tonia

Nnamdi Ezeigbo and Onni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Enitan

Madam Blessing Ezeigbo and Amaka Ogwurumba

A guest and Prof. Pat Utomi

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž Í°Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

EVENTS

“I

t was a glorious outing last Saturday for the royal family of Oladinnis from Ile-Ife and the aristocratic family of Dr. Engr, Adewale Oduwole from Ijebu-Ode during the solemnization of holy matrimony of their children Damilola and Adewale. The creme dĂŠ la crĂŠme of the society were hosted to a grand reception at Landmark Centre,Victoria Island annex, Lagos. Below are some of the dignitaries at the event.

Photographs by: Mubo Peters

L-R: The couple former Miss Damilola Oladoyin Oladinni and Adewale Oluwaseun Oduwole

L-R: Bride’s parents, Omooba Christopher Olufemi Oladinni and his wife

L-R: Groom’s parents, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Oduwole her husband Engr. Adewale Oduwole

L-R: Mr. Babu Akinbobola and Mr. Eric Teniola

L-R: Mr. Adekoya Abiodun and Mr. Gbayode Somuyiwa

L-R: Mr. Lai Oriowo and Arc. Biodun Fari-Arole

L-R: Olori Risikat Adams and HRM Oba Lateef Adams.

L-R: Mr. Bisi Onasanya and his wife Helen

L-R: Otunba Alex Onabanjo and Honorable Gbolahan Funsho

L-R: Mr. Wale Okusi, Omooba Bade Adebowale and Mr. Bode Ademuyiwa

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 22, 2018

24

SPYGLASS

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

Quincy Ayodele Warms Up for 60th Birthday in Dubai If there is anything that is uppermost in the mind of celebrated herbal slimming specialist, Quincy Ayodele, it is the grand plan to mark her 60 birthday in January, 2019. She is eager to play host to family, friends and well-wishers who will be joining her in the celebration early next year in Dubai.

Being a landmark occasion, the herbal medicine expert has decided to celebrate it in a big way with her family and select friends.

Spyglass gathered that all the invited guests have started making preparations to join her in Dubai. It was gathered that the choice of Dubai for her 60th birthday is meant to find a convivial atmosphere for her friends in Africa as well as her friends and business partners from other countries of the world too. Recall that for her birthday last year, she spent time with the less privileged, in an expression of her love, at the Destitute Home in Ebute Metta, Lagos.

QUINCY AYODELE

Ex- NSE Top Shot, MUSA Elekama, Bereaved

MUSA ELEKAMA

If you ask Dr. Lance Musa Elakama, a former Deputy Director-General, Nigeria Stock Exchange, NSE, to talk about one of the things he cherishes most in life, he will, even without a second thought, mention his mother as a priceless gift. The reason is not farfetched. The lessons of life handed down to him by his dear mother have greatly shaped him and redefined his paths in life.

But fate dealt Elakama

,who currently sits atop Oak Group of Companies, the makers of Lasena waters, a heavy blow when he lost his loving mother, Alhaja Ayshetu, to the cold hands of death in the late hours of December 18, 2018.

The 96 years matriarch, until her demise, was a devout Muslim. She lived in Auchi, Edo State until she passed on.

She was lowered to the mother earth on the De-

cember 19, 2018, according to the Islamic rites. A close source to the billionaire business man told Spy Glass that Lance, a lawyer and chattered accountant, would not throw an elaborate burial for his mother, who lived a modest and impactful life.

“Lance and his siblings want to maintain the status quo. Lance will host a few close associates to a lowkey 41 days fidau prayer rites, “ a source said.

Titi Abubakar’s Strong Prop For Hubby As the 2019 general election draws near, candidates of all registered political parties vying for various elective positions are neck-deep in campaigns across the country, selling their manifestoes to the electorate. Apart from deploying posters, bill boards, Radio and TV commercials as well as press ads to complement their campaigns, one other strategy is visiting various stakeholders, traditional rulers for support.

Interestingly, the respective candidates are supported

by their spouses in these campaigns. In particular, Titi, wife of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has been journeying across the country to garner support for her husband. It was gathered that while many will be celebrating the festive period with friends and families in style, she has chosen to go on a tour this December, visiting traditional leaders and political stakeholders to solicit support for her husband.

Her efforts have lent credence to the popular saying that

“Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and happier is even the one who finds that true friend in his wife.”

The pretty woman of substance hails from from Ilesa, Osun State. She’s an advocate of women and child rights and the founder of Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF).

She was the initiator of the private bill that led to the establishment of National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

TITI ABUBAKAR

Honour For Samson Itodo

SAMSON ITODO

In the words of Cesar Chavez, “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”

Without a doubt, the above quote aptly captures the essential Samson Itodo, sponsor of the ‘Not-Too-Young-ToRun bill, For his efforts, he emerged The Young Person of the Year at the 13th edition of

The Future Awards Africa held on December 16, 2018 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

The ground-breaking bill, which was finally signed in 2018, sought to advance youth participation in Nigerian politics, challenging post-Independence laws that preclude citizens under the age of 30 from participating in Federal, State and Local Government election.

He won the top prize in a category made up of several inspiring Nigerians like au-

thor Tomi Adeyemi; artiste David ‘Davido’ Adeleke; Nemitari Ajienka, an academic and scientist, Dr. Mahmoud Maina.

Receiving his award, Itodo emphasized the importance of active youth participation in the electoral process especially the upcoming elections in 2019.

He advised young Nigerians to leverage on the opportunities provided by the Not-Too-Young-To-Run bill to get involved and create real impact in their communities.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 22, 2018

PERSPECTIVE 9th Mile as Subtle Referendum on Enugu’s Governorship Uchenna Nwatu

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ew highway stops during my childhood holiday trips with my parents ever captured my imagination like Ore, in Ondo State, and 9th Mile Corner, a popular terminus for the weary traveller and corridor for north- or east-bound vehicles.

While Ore was particularly memorable for the horrid gridlock travellers experienced as they plodded through kilometres of treacherous roads, 9th Mile on the contrary evoked pleasant memories, first for the convivial air it exuded as loud highlife tunes and indigenous gospel songs blared from rows of stalls and, secondly for the opportunity it presented for children to splurge on the many local snacks hawked by traders who seemed to become even more unrelenting the more they are shooed away by parents.

But the intervening decades brought a somewhat reversal of memory, with the 9th Mile road experiencing a period of constant deterioration that would later result in a nightmare traffic while Ore has since shed its once notorious image. The effects of the collapsed 9th Mile were often severely felt during the Yuletide season given the understandably high traffic caused by the massive influx of Igbo sons and daughters returning to their country-home for Christmas. The story until three years ago was one of sheer frustration. There were, indeed, accounts of travellers spending hours, and even Christmas Eve, in the 9th Mile traffic.

Although the 9th Mile intersection has today witnessed a substantial upgrade, with a number of bypass created to further aid traffic decongestion and give motorists diverse options - a luxury they could not have contemplated years back - it’s hard to miss its subtle sub-text, especially in a campaign year where, a candidate whose administration had fixed the rot is pitted against another who could easily have facilitated its rehabilitation long before the former’s ascendancy, but curiously did not.

The latter candidate referenced here is former Senator Ayogu Eze, who was chairman of Senate Committee on Works in the 7th Senate (2011 - 2015), a period that witnessed the near total collapse of the 9th Mile Corner and the roads leading to it. As chairman of that committee, former Senator Eze could have influenced the rehabilitation of this important federal road that is both an access route to the Enugu - Onitsha Expressway and Nigeria’s northern flank via the 9th Mile - Oturkpo - Makurdi Expressway. The reason the roads were not fixed is a puzzle which only former Senator Eze himself can resolve.

And how sorely he must be wishing that he had, for it is certainly a failing that has come back to haunt him as he

Ugwuanyi launches a bid for Enugu State’s top job, fully aware that the road in question - despite being a federal infrastructure - has been given a major facelift by his fellow contestant and incumbent helmsman of the state - Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. A sense of how mortified former Senator Eze has felt, apparently, as a result of his non-action on that road while he was chair of the Senate’s works committee could be discerned from the fact that his headship of this influential committee was missing in the profile section of his official campaign document.

The profile section of his manifesto, instructively, gushed about how he “distinguished himself as a member of various committees: Police Affairs, National Planning, Information and Media, and Federal Character & Inter-Government Affairs”, adding that “by 1999, he has become the face of the Senate, a darling of the media... (and) ran the information machinery of

the Senate like no other to date.” So was the omission of former Senator Eze’s headship of the works committee simply an oversight? Again, it’s a question he alone can answer. What is not in doubt though is that had he utilized such influential position to attract federal projects to Enugu State, the state government wouldn’t be seeking a refund of over N22bn it has spent fixing the many collapsed federal roads in the state. That is no way to treat a people whose votes you hope to solicit someday.

However as I drove through 9th Mile last week, I couldn’t help viewing the current excellent state of the roads as selfvalidating points that further strengthen Governor Ugwuanyi’s bid for reelection. Few years back, it would have been a different sentiment altogether when the roads were still in a horrible condition. But the governor responded to an expedient situation which, to all intents and purposes, has been the hallmark of his administration to date. And that has been the difference as the Enugu electorate prepare to vote in the governorship election, early next year.

Another point I find especially gratifying is that the policies of the Governor Ugwuanyi administration have never even remotely seemed like they were conceived with a desire to secure the electorate’s support. They have mostly been shaped, in my view, by the conviction that governments should always be accountable to the people; that the rural dwellers are just as entitled to the good life as their city counterparts; and that high-density suburban communities are not locations politicians should visit only when elections are nigh. These are no campaign rhetoric, they are democratic virtues embodied by the incumbent governor of Enugu State and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.

If it were not so, then nearly all the infrastructural projects sited across the state including in the remotest regions would not have been conceived, let alone implemented. No doubt about that, the 9th Mile intersection and all the adjoining roads would have still retained its previous sorry state because the governor could conveniently had found solace in this excuse: “It’s a federal road!”

I find such philosophy as embodied by Governor Ugwuanyi a lot more welcoming compared to former Senator Eze’s disconcerting reference to the prospect of being governed by one in the same party as that at the central government, as the reason why the people should vote for him. Flaunting political affiliation to the ruling government has become rather staid, especially where the other contestant has shown a sufficient capacity to respond to the yearnings of the people. That is a lesson former Senator Eze ought to have learnt. It’s all about the people.

–––Nwatu, an archivist, lives and works in Enugu.

The Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments will Promote Nigerian Brand, Says Osinbajo Bennett Oghifo

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ice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the entrant of The Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments into the nation’s hospitality industry would promote the Nigerian Brand.

Prof. Osinbajo, who cut the ribbon to commission the five-star hotel, located at No 8, Gado Nasko Street, Asokoro, Abuja, was impressed with its facilities, declaring that the arrival of the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments would herald a significant transformation in hotel services in Nigeria, particularly in promoting the Nigerian brand.

He encouraged Nigerians to be steadfast in chasing their dreams to conclusion, and not to give up halfway, insisting

that “only people who are tenacious and consistent in pursuit of their dreams would fulfill and realise set goals and aspirations.”

The Vice President was, however, unhappy that some Nigerians endowed with talent and ability to transform the nation always underestimated such endowment, and get discouraged whenever there were obstacles.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, in his remarks, stressed that such projects were required to boost the tourism industry and also contribute significantly to the economy of the country.

The exquisite hotel that is furnished to global standard, with a desire to close some gaps identified in hotel and hospitality services in Abuja, did not come easy, according to the Chairman, Captain Hosa Okunbo.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo cutting the tape to declare open the Wells Carlton Hotel, Abuja; with him are the chairman of The Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Captain Hosa Okunbo, and his wife (left) and the Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara

The idea of having the facility began few years ago, Captain Okunbo said: “I bought the land in 1999 for N10 million and I started the construction in 2009 and commissioned it nine years after. It took me time because I needed on board people that shared same vision with me.

“This project represents what I stand for, which are my name and reputation. But the most important joy for me was that the multi-billion-naira project was completed successfully without a dime being owed any bank or anybody elsewhere.”

He thus encouraged young people to draw inspiration from his story and dare things beyond them. He said his dream was to replicate such projects across cities of world, so that Nigeria could have a hospitality brand to compete with the likes of Transcorp Hilton and other global brands.

Okunbo said he was happy that he was able to fulfill his dream of being a job creator and a great contributor to human and socioeconomic development of Nigeria.

He said: “Currently, we have over 300 people directly working in the hotel, including foreigners, in addition to thousands of other indirect jobs that we have created. There is no doubt that the number will go up as soon as possible.”

His rich Edo culture and dance were used to entertain guests, in addition to performances by artistes who took turns to entertain guests with their stagecraft.

Popular comedian, Ali Baba, who handled the microphone as master of ceremonies, also kept the guest laughing all the way. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, led some National Assembly members to the event, while Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, his deputy, Philip Shuaibu, All Progressive Congress (APC), national chairman, Adams Oshiomole, and his predecessor, John Oyegun, led the political team from Edo. FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, who could not attend the event, was represented by the executive secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Gambo Jibrin.

The Oba of Benin sent representatives, while the presence of US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, and other members of the diplomatic corps, and businessmen and women were conspicuous at the event.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 22, 2018

POLITY

Who Killed Alex Badeh?

The high profile murder of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh came too cheaply. It has set tongues wagging with many insinuations, prompting Ahamefula Ogbu to ask who killed him

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onspiracy theories and speculations are rife and appear to be the only things Nigerians can hold on to over the shocked killing of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh. Although the Nigerian Air Force, his force of primary enlistment has vowed that they were already making progress in unravelling his killers, the long list of unresolved violent murders across the country make the promise a near hot air until proved otherwise. However the ability of the Army to resolve the murder of General Idris Alkali might make such vow to hold a promise.

Latest information on the incident has it that he was killed by men in uniform who set up a road block along his route which was dismantled after gun shots were heard in the evening announcing the killing of the former Defence Chief make it appear either as accidental discharge or outright targeted killing for which many tend to tag an assassination.

Already, President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered security agencies to fish out perpetrators of the heinous act.

The former CDS was pumped with hot lead on December 18 while returning from his farm in Keffi, Nassarawa State when his car was attacked, his driver who was presumed killed in the attack is said to be recuperating in an Air Force facility while his farm manager was reportedly kidnapped raising the issue of how such high profile Nigerian could have been easily taken out. His killing has provided politicians with an opportunity to use it to their political ends as fingers are pointing in different directions in blames and justifications.

The killing was further complicated by the non-removal of any of the personal effects of the late General.

Conundrums that agitate the mind are whether full compliment of the security he was entitled to as a former CDS was provided and whether soft body cars were supposed to be his official issue? Others include if Badeh on his own will, dropped the armoured car he was supposed to be driving in as well as dropped the security personnel that were supposed to protect him.

President Buhari had while condemning the brutal murder of Badeh as “very sad and unfortunate”, directed security agencies to quickly find the killers and bring them to book. He also regretted that the killing signposted the hazards which road users were exposed to and charged those under whose purview stopping the trend rested on to up their ante and ensure safety of Nigerians everywhere.

Official position of both the Air Force and the Defence Headquarters are to the effect that his security details were not withdrawn while sources claim that his security was withdrawn which he wrote to protest before he was cut down.

Most of the suspicions appear to gain traction from the fact that he was out of favour with the present administration as he was docked for graft on alleged diversion of billions in local and foreign currencies with which he was alleged to have bought properties and made other illicit investments The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, through its Public Relations and Information officer, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola has tagged most positions on the killing as “misinformation” and charged people to stop henceforth as such could adversely affect the outcome of their investigations and ongoing operations. ”Other reports allege that adequate security was not provided for the deceased Air Chief Marshal. ”The NAF wishes to state categorically that nothing could

Air Chief Marshal Badeh has always been provided with the full compliment of personal staff and security personnel commensurate with his status as a former Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, CDS and a 4-star general in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. ”As mentioned by the CAS, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Dec. 19, the NAF is working closely with other relevant security agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of the former CDS with a view to ensuring that the perpetrators of the heinous act are brought to justice

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh

be further from the truth. ”Firstly, all are please requested to note that the driver is alive and recuperating extremely well at one of our NAF Hospitals. ”Secondly, Air Chief Marshal Badeh has always been provided with the full compliment of personal staff and security personnel commensurate with his status as a former Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, CDS and a 4-star general in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. ”As mentioned by the CAS, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Dec. 19, the NAF is working closely with other relevant security agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of the former CDS with a view to ensuring that the perpetrators of the heinous act are brought to justice. ”Substantial progress has already been made in the ongoing investigation and details would be communicated at the appropriate time. ”The NAF wishes to request that the spreading of misinformation about the incident should stop forthwith as this could have adverse effects on the conduct of ongoing operations,” NAF stated. The killing which reverberated across the country made the upper legislative chamber to tag it an assassination and charged the security agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident as well as ensure the rescue of the kidnapped farm manager.

Senator Shehu Sani, on the floor of the Senate said, “Badeh served his country from the beginning to the end, meritoriously. It is sad that he is a victim of assassination. He was killed few kilometers from the state capital. The state has failed Badeh. We should take the issue of security serious. He is a victim of an assassination.

“This should bring to light a national discourse. If this can happen to Alex Badeh, it can happen to anybody. It is an addition to the cases of unresolved assassination. The state must take this issue very seriously. We owe him a duty to ensure that such a thing never happen again. The security agencies should deploy necessary security technologies to fish out the killers.”

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu regretted that: “The killers might never be found because this is not the first time we would have such incidence. The time has come for us to ensure that assassins are found.

“Abuja, the FCT is becoming unsafe for the residents. We must ensure that all the CCTV are working in memory of Badeh and ensure that the killers are found.”

Senate President, Bukola Saraki concluded that, “we need to do more in the area of security. Necessary measures must be taken to ensure that lives and properties are protected.”

The Peoples Democratic Party in its official reaction blamed

the general failure of security and progress in the country for the murder, pointing out that life had become cheap “under the incompetent and insensitive Buhari administration.”

“The PDP therefore demands a wide-ranging investigation into the killing to unravel those behind the dastardly act as well as the motive behind their action. The party recalls the killing of former Chief of Army Administration, Major General Idris Alkali, in Plateau State as well as the horrific murder of over 100 of our gallant soldiers in Melete, Borno State, by insurgents and stated that President Buhari has failed woefully as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“PDP insists that our nation is drifting and gradually assuming the status of a failed state and urges President Buhari to spend the few months left of his administration to provide a leadership that will secure respect for our territorial integrity and the lives of our people. Our party notes further that the failure of President Buhari is whittling the confidence of the citizens in our nationhood. The PDP describes ACM Badeh as a fine and patriotic officer, who made various sacrifices towards the security, unity and stability of the nation, particularly as the Chief of Defence Staff, adding that his killing is a monumental loss to the nation. The party condoles the Badeh family, the Government and people of Adamawa State and prays God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss, while urging our security forces to immediately swing into action and leave no stones unturned until the killers are brought to book,” Ologbodiyan said.

Former Aviation Minister Spokesman of Atiku Campaign Organisation was more vitriolic in his reaction alleging that the killing of Badeh was a pure assassination of man “targeted and vilified” before his murder; insinuating that it was due to his “courageous and unrelenting critic of tyranny, injustice and ethnic and religious subjugation till the end.”

According to Fani-Kayode, “He knew many of the Buhari government’s excesses and secrets, he worked quietly against them from behind the scenes and, by his numerous actions and interventions, he saved the lives of many of his Middle Belt people.

“Those that were behind his assassination know who they are. They shall not escape justice and they will pay a terrible price for their wickedness. His assassination is a debt that will be repaid by God and the people no matter how long it takes.”

He insisted that though investigations were yet to be concluded, he would not accept that it was a “random and isolated”, as it was “too convenient” to aid covering of the tracks of the perpetrators “For example, how come a former Chief of Defence Staff and a former Chief of Air Staff did not have any military personnel or security details guarding and protecting him?

This is especially so given the fact that it appears that he was on a long distance drive on a road which has proved to be dangerous in the early hours of the evening.

“Badeh was entitled to that level of protection by virtue of his position as a former Chief of Defence Staff. How come he was denied it? Who withdrew his men? Who wanted him to be alone with just his driver on that journey? Who wanted him dead?

“There are many other questions which we shall ask at the appropriate time. And one day we shall get the answers.

“Meanwhile, I add my voice to those who have called for an independent and public commission of enquiry into this courageous and noble soul’s brutal assassination.

“With his murder it is clear that, under Buhari, ours is a nation of not just ethnic and religious cleansing but also a nation of political cleansing,” Fani-Kayode charged.

He claimed an insider who wished to remain anonymous sent the following to him: “Air Chief Alex Badeh the former Chief of Defence Staff who called the Nigerian President, Mohammadu Buhari a “religious bigot” to his face was assassinated yesterday after he had threatened to expose the government over its involvement with Boko Haram prior to removing Jonathan. Just before he left office, he visited Maiduguri in a covert operation and ran into some top members of the current day government as they were coming out of a meeting with Boko Haram Commanders at the Nigerian Army underground Armory which was seized by Boko Haram. He ordered his boys not to open fire but took pictures which he refused to hand over to the government when he was retired. He raised the alarm first week in November 2018 when two hooded men tried to break into his Asokoro house but DSS played it down. He was assassinated in cold blood by unknown gun men one month later”.

Though he admitted that, “I cannot confirm the veracity of some of these assertions”, he continued, “but two things are self-evident. Firstly that he was indeed murdered on December 18th and secondly that there is a dimension to this matter that few are familiar with.

“Yet whatever we choose to believe or choose not to believe we must always remember the following: theirs is an ancient and hegemonic agenda and it is as real today as it was 58 years ago when we won our independence from the British.

“First it was Rear Admiral Daniel Ikoli, the Fleet Commander of the Western Naval Command, who reports Continued online www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 22, 2018

POLITY

Marwa: Random Drug Testing Will Curb Abuse Benneth Oghifo

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residential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse, PACEDA, has said it is working on a proposal that will guide the introduction of random drug testing for employees, students and other persons suspected of using illegal drugs whether in public or private places.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Chairman of the Committee, Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), said the aim of the proposed policy is not to criminalise individual drug

abusers but to identify persons who may be in need of attention and help from relevant agencies of government to overcome their mental health challenges.

Recall that the Federal Ministry of Health recently said an estimated 40 million Nigerians suffer one form of mental disorder. The Marwaled committee comprising first lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari and wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo among others, was inaugurated by President Buhari last week to advice the federal government and develop policies on how to eliminate the menace of drug abuse across the country.

Marwa decried the inadequacy of trained personnel and treatment facilities for drugrelated mental disorders, saying the country

had only 11 rehabilitation centres and less than 200 psychiatrists for the entire population.

He however assured that the federal government was doing its best through the inter-ministerial committee against drug abuse and the PACEDA to develop urgent strategies that will address the worrisome trend in a sustainable manner.

His words: “Drug abuse is central to practically all the problems associated with this country. Hence, we have a war before us that must be fought and won.

So, we must have the capacity of testing people at random for drugs. It will send a strong message to the public that if anyone wants to enjoy certain rights and privileges, he must get out of drug abuse.

“We must have institutions that will be prepared and equipped to enter public and private institutions and test people at random for drugs.

The issue is not to criminalise individuals but to determine who needs help to overcome the challenge of substance abuse.”

Marwa stressed that the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative will cascade down to the grassroots so that the people at the community levels will be sensitised and made to assume ownership of the efforts the country is making towards combating the menace.

He further called for inputs from the public in the form of memoranda to his committee suggesting better strategies and improvements that could be made in the efforts to tackle drug abuse in Nigeria.

MTNNigeriaAppointsFunsoAinaSeniorManager Confusion over Ruling on Kwara APC Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

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unso Aina has been appointed Senior Manager, External Relations for ICT giant, MTN Nigeria. Funso joined MTN Nigeria in January 2009, and until his latest appointment, he was the company’s Public Relations Manager where he had oversight responsibility for MTN’s reputation/perception management; stakeholder management; media relations and PR leveraging for all activities; corporate sponsorships and events management. Aina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History (University of Ilorin, 1992) and a Masters degree in International Relations (Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 1998). He is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Prior to joining MTN, Funso was the Communications Manager of British Council, UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations.

Before then, he was at different times, Punch newspapers’ Chief Correspondent in Aso Rock (Presidential Villa), Abuja; Foreign Affairs

C

Aina

Correspondent and a member of the newspaper’s Editorial Board. He has over 22 years work experience in journalism, cultural diplomacy and telecommunications.

onfusion has now gripped the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over an Ilorin High Court judgement on the authentic working committee of the party in the state.

Already, the two factions in the case are still laying claims to the leadership of the party in the state.

Justice T. S Umar had on Wednesday this week said that the dissolution of theAPC executives led byAlhaji Ishola Balogun-Fulani, by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party as illegal, null and void.Alhaji Balogun-Fulani, however, at a press conference in Ilorin after the ruling asked the national working committee of the party led by ComradeAdams Oshiomhole to recognise all the candidates of his group, including the governorship candidate, Hon.Abdulwahab Omotose as the authentic candidate for the next year general elections.

He claimed that his committee duly conducted primaries in which the candidates emerged and duly submitted their lists to the national leadership.

But, theAPC in the state, led by Hon. Bashr Bolarinwa at a press conference in Ilorin said that

it had filed an appeal against the ruling of Justice Unarmed at the Court ofAppeal in Ilorin.

He also said that, it had reported alleged compromise of the judge at the National Judicial Council on the outcome of the ruling at the court.

Hon. Bolarinwa alleged that the conduct of Justice Umar during the trial smacked of compromise. He said, “Since the commencement of the case in July, 2018, Ishola Balogun-Fulani and his cohorts have always boasted to whoever cared to listen that the Kwara state judiciary is in the pocket and full grip and control of one man.

“I wish to intimate you that every conduct of Justice T.S Umar that made the judgment no news has been documented and forwarded by our lawyers to the Chief Judge of Nigeria as the chairman of the National Judicial Council and copied to the chief judge of the state.

“As believers in the rule of law and ability of the judiciary to dispense justice without fear or favour and in the best tradition of incorruptible judiciary, we refused to take their boisterous attitude and utterances as mere psychological ego massaging.

“Alas, the developments that culminated in the judgement and the conduct of T.S Umar in the course of trial have proved to us that our absolute belief in the impartiality and absolute integrity of every judicial officer is grossly misplaced in the instance case.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Executive Producer God, Calling, Ibukun Awosika; Lead Actor God Calling, Karibi Fubara; Lead Actress God Calling, Zainab Balogun; Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock and his wife, Pastor Ifeanyi at the Calling in Lagos...recently.

L-R: Lagos State Accord Party Chieftain, Sunday Ajay; former Commissioner for Energy-Lagos State, Olawale Oluwo; Lagos State Accord Party Governorship Candidate, Joseph Oladeinde Berkeley; Lagos State Accord Party Acting Chairman, Femi Ikuomola; and Lagos State PDP Governorship Candidate, Jimi Agbaje, during Accord Party endorsement of Jimi Agbaje as its governorship candidate in Lagos... reently

L-R: Chairman, Motor Mechanic and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN), Alhaji Maruf Arowolo; Oleum Academy Best Graduating Student, Samuel Ogunade; CEO, OVH Energy, Mr. Huub Stokman; and Chairman, NATA, Mr. Jacob Omonide Fayehun , at the Oleum Academy Graduation SeasonVceremony in Apapa, Lagos... recently

L-R: Marketing Manager, Domino’s Pizza Nigeria, Ilyas Kazeem; CEO, Eat’N’Go Limited;, Patrick McMichael; CEO/ founder, Slum2 School Africa, Otto Orondaam; and Head of Operations, Slum2 School Africa, Ruth Ene, at the Eat’N’Go and Slum2 School Africa partnership to send 1000 children to school in Lagos... recently

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 22, 2018

POLITY Obaigbena Emmanuel

Naira: Let’s Promote Our Own Economy to Raise Value

P

I made up my mind that this is the kind of place I’d love to work in. And, as God would have it, I was posted to Maiduguri to do my youth service (NYSC) in 1981. While in Maiduguri, I was posted to Central Bank, no influence because you didn’t need to know anybody then. You see, God has a way of doing His own things. When I was posted to Central Bank, I had nothing doing that particular day, so I was the very first corper to report to central bank. Fourteen of us were posted to central bank, but they then sent a message that 14 was too much. They would take just seven; the other seven should go. They decided to use the method, last in, first out. Obviously, I was retained. It used to be automatic employment, but we attended interview for the job.

In fact, it began with our set; I traveled to Lagos from Maiduguri for the interview. So, I joined Central Bank as a staff in 1982, after my youth service.

So, it’s not really that I had always wanted to be a banker. You see, there is a difference between a banker and a CBN banker - all those commercial, industrial or micro bankers and the central banker. For me, I worked in the research department of the CBN, worked in the then Banking Operations Department that is now Banking and Payment System Department. We were instrumental to setting up the payment system, changing the horizon of the payment system in Nigeria. I was chairman, Electronic Fraud Unit Forum, a body that was in charge of educating the banks on fraud especially electronic fraud.

We brought in most of these things including the ATM card.

Before then it was the marked stripe, but we were able to reduce fraud drastically with the introduction of the ATM card by over 99 per cent. Though it was cheaper to produce than the marked strip, we needed to restore confidence in the system, and we did that by ensuring that the ATM card was foolproof. What needed to be done next was to educate the populace on the use and benefits of the electronic fraud detecting device, like the chip in your ATM card.

rince Obaigbena Emmanuel jettisoned his childhood fantasy of becoming a Medical Doctor, and opted to become an economist.

This decision elevated him to the policy-shaping echelon of the country’s apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where he retired as a Director. He tells OMON-JULIUS ONABU about his early childhood and career, as well as his passionate thoughts about the Nigerian economy, especially the financial sector What was the Christmas season like in your days as a young boy?

Our celebration of Christmas in those days was a thing of joy; and it was peaceful. The mood then was that you could perceive Christmas in the air. Christmas was in the air from the very first day of December. Everybody looked forward to Christmas; everybody looked forward to a peaceful celebration. For us children, it was a time to put on new clothes, eat rice, plenty of rice. Rice was not common; it wasn’t a staple food then, it was a kind of celebrity food. We eat rice and drank a lot of soft drinks like Tango drink. It was actually a thing of joy. Anyhow, the stress in the economy today has watered down, has more or less removed the joy. All over the world we used to talk about white Christmas; everywhere was so cold with the harmattan.

Today, it’s quite different. There is now heat during harmattan.

All the same, we thank God. The Bible says we should thank God in everything. We thank God for the birth of Jesus that is Emmanuel, which actually means God with us. He is the reason for the season.

Retiring as a Director in CBN, you obviously rose to the pinnacle of your chosen profession. Did you always want to be a banker?

At the outset, at the beginning, probably because my mother happened to be in the medical profession, I wanted to be a medical doctor. As a matter of fact, in my hay days in primary school, my friends used to call me “doctor, doctor”. Then, I had one experience I would like every parent to keep away from their children. One day, the nurses on duty kept coming to tell my mother who was with us at table, “Three fingers!” Later, they said, “Two fingers!” Finally, immediately they said, “One finger!”, my mother rushed out, she left the food she was eating to take the delivery. I soon followed her into the room; I was curious. I thought they were talking about a baby with three fingers or two fingers or one finger. I did not know they were talking about dilation. I thought instead of five fingers, the baby had three fingers, two fingers or one finger. So, I decided to see the baby that had just one finger! So, without their knowledge - because they were busy taking delivery of the child - I entered; and, I was busy watching out for the baby with one finger. But when the baby came out, all the fingers were complete! Eventually, by the time they were in a relaxed mood, they were now laughing because everything had been done successfully. They did not even realise I was there. I then asked them, the baby you people were saying three fingers, two fingers, one finger,.... look, all the fingers are complete! Well, they then drove me out.

They drove me out without explaining anything whatsoever.

Anyway, I left and with the blood and everything I saw, I made up my mind, that if that is what it takes to be a doctor I wasn’t

Obaigbena

interested. Thus, when I got to secondary school I asked my teachers what subjects I would do to be a doctor. They said you must be good in Mathematics and General Science, including Biology, if you want to be a doctor. That term, I failed mathematics and general science! Well, my teacher said, it is impossible for you to fail mathematics, because you are among the best in this class. What happened? I told him that I didn’t want to be a doctor. He said, No! With mathematics you can do other things.

So, the next term I was the best in mathematics. But I never passed biology. However, when I started reading economics in class four, I made up my mind I was going to be an economist, because I was in love with the subject. So, from secondary school days, I loved economics. Even when I got to the University of Ife, I read economics. Thank God, the maths was very helpful. While in the university, I had a little dealing with the central bank; I was collecting some publications for them. I think

Talking about restoring confidence in the system, we have witnessed a lot of bank mergers, the latest being that of Access Bank and Diamond Bank. Does it have to do with confidence restoration or instability in the financial system?

When you talk about merger and acquisition, the bank usually seeks to have more strength. In fact, if they can be strengthened, they could become a mega bank, and able to accomplish greater things the banks couldn’t achieve severally.

I think the banks in the country are at the moment are in a stable condition. The CBN, to the best if my knowledge, is working hard to ensure the stability of banks and the stability of the naira.

Let me say this unequivocally: if other areas of the nation’s economy are as stable as the financial sector, then Nigeria will go places. However, I think the CBN is really overstressed. For instance, when you talk about diversification of the economy, we talk about agriculture. Even then, the agricultural sector today is being driven primarily by the financial system. We are too import-dependent and we still rely heavily on revenue from oil. Now that the developed countries are talking about less emphasis on oil, but the production of electric vehicles, I think it is time for us to sit down and work out a way to really diversify our economy, instead of quarelling and fighting over smaller matters. These countries, what do they buy from us apart from oil?

How AI is Transforming the Financial Services Industry Ibrahim Youssry

D

igital transformation is remaking the world around us, and artificial intelligence (AI) is a frontrunner.

No industry will be left untouched by this digital journey, but one sector that is seeing the fastest and most fundamental effects is the financial services industry (FSI).

FSI players are geared to be dramatically disrupted by the power of AI – both internally (in the ways they operate) and externally (in terms of dealing with clients and customers).

A 2018 report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) on The New Physics of Financial Services unpacks this phenomenon at length, but one high-level take-away is that the AI changes here cannot be overstated.

The long-term impacts of AI are radical and transformative, putting the FSI ecosystem into a period of reorganisation.

FSI has traditionally been dominated by large and established corporations, often with extensive heritage and market dominance. Through this, many FSI companies have enjoyed relatively low competition

for customers, and have been slow to innovate and change ‘with the times’. Enter the leveling power of the cloud, accessible analytics and machine learning, and we see how a scrappy, determined fintech startup can disrupt a whole market or sector.

Many of these startups offer alternatives for banking, payments, transfers, payroll, credit, and other financial services. These digital-first businesses are highly agile, and are creating a whole new customer base that was underserved by established FSI companies – putting the pressure on older firms.

As a result, many FSIs have started embracing cloud technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their own agility, their array of service offerings, and their customer experiences. Recent studies suggest that approximately 40 per cent of African banking customers prefer to use digital channels for transactions over branch channels.

Added competition is good for the entire industry, and customers will benefit from new and improved technologies that change the way the industry interacts with them and meets their expectations.

AI at the core of digital transformation But just what form do these advances take?

AI lies at the heart of things like chatbots, advanced customer credit assessment, relationship management, security, anti-money laundering and fraud detection.

Chatbots draw from big data and machine learning to respond to customer queries and concerns. They can streamline customer support on routine services like banking transactions, and make product recommendations. This is customer-facing AI that helps FSI companies be ever-present for their clients, while reducing the resources required to do so.

For fraud detection, AI-powered technology enables computers to mimic, extend and amplify the thought process of a human analyst, at a pace and scale unmatched by humans. It can review trillions of transactions in every possible portfolio in the organisation. Because of this, banks, fintechs and payment facilitators are able to detect or be alerted to potential fraud – receiving fast, efficient and accurate alerts of the likelihood of an individual’s card or account being compromised, for example.

AI and analytics can draw inference from vast stores of data and spot trends that are

often beyond the possible scope of human sight, driving insight to analysts, investors and the like. AI is also able to evaluate an organisation’s public remarks and documents, bundle that up with sentiment analysis, and cross-correlate this with historical data to predict the performance of upcoming stocks, in literal split seconds. These functions provide agility and resilience in an increasingly risky global market. In short, they inject a new level of intelligence into our organisations. Pairing this with our unique human capabilities of relationship management and creativity, and we unlock huge potential for our FSI companies.

Through Microsoft’s security solutions (in which we have invested more than $1 billion year-on-year), we are working with FSI organisations to improve their security standards globally. Solutions such as the Customer Lockbox for Microsoft Azure, for example, assists customers with controlling and auditing support engineers’ access to compute workloads on Azure that may contain data while resolving the support issue.

–––Youssry is Regional General Manager, North, West, East, Central Africa, Levant & Pakistan, Microsoft

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

Is Mou Out of Tune?

22.12.2018

Samuel Chukwueze Atletico Eye €40m Man

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Operation stop Chukwueze

Samuel Chukwueze Atletico Eye â‚Ź40m Man

After some superlative performance since being promoted to La Liga top ight with Villarreal, culminating to his invitation to the national team, Samuel Chukwueze has suddenly become the toast of top clubs in Spain. Little wonder, Atletico Madrid is planning to splash ₏40m on the Nigerian prodigy when the January transfer market opens

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illarreal teen sensation Samuel Chukwueze is now the prime target of Atletico Madrid when the January transfer window opens according to Spanish outlet elgoldigital.com.

Atletico Madrid is ready to splash â‚Ź40m on Chukwueze as a replacement for Vitolo.

The 19-year-old who is enjoying his breakthrough season at the club has impressed Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone who is searching for firepower up front.

Chukwueze current contract carries a buy-out clause of â‚Ź40m, a fee that Atletico Madrid can match with ease as one of their forwards Vitolo who has failed to live up to expectations since his signing is set to depart the team in January.

Vitolo will likely return to Sevilla and if that happens the club will waste no time in triggering the buy-out clause of Chukwueze who is now a firm fan favourite at Villarreal in what is his first season as a senior professional.

Already he has scored in all competitions for Villarreal this season- the La Liga, Europa Leagueand Copa Del Rey. Chukwueze’s good form for Villarreal this season has not gone unnoticed as he is included among the top talents in Spain.

The 19-year-old has been a surprise star player for the yellow submarines this season, after being promoted from the second team.

Chukwueze has been impressive for Villarreal this season in all competitions he has featured.

Following another sparkling performance

by Chukwueze for The Yellow Submarine in La Liga, former Arsenal star, Lauren Etame Meyer said he was amazed at the youngster’s performance.

Lauren, who now works as a television pundit, said he was again thrilled by Chukwueze’s form with Villarreal against Huesca last weekend, after which he rated the Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup revelation and a

gold medalist as his team’s best player in the game.

The Cameroonian legend added that Chukwueze, who has four goals this season, provides much more for Villarreal than just scoring.

Lauren added: “He is a very good footballer. Can score and also create plus he is very good with the ball at his feet. He is the best and probably most complete 19-year-old I’ve seen in a while in the La Liga. “Most teams need players who can offer them balance and something different in attack especially for a team like Villarreal who are used to having the ball. He compliments their style very well.�

He, however, said much of what he achieved had been down to “hard work, discipline and determination. Especially determination, this had made the difference.

It has been amazing and I want to keep improving so that I continue with the rise.�

Chukwueze recently received accolades from his Spanish club Villarreal after an impressive performance in his first La Liga start.

He started for the Yellow Submarines against Almeria in the Copa Dey Rey in a game that ended 3 – 3 and made his first start in the La Liga against Levante during the penultimate weekend with the Nigerian playing the entire duration of the game.

Chukwueze who scored his first senior team goal against Almeria and is looking to impose his quality on the first team with a series of eye-catching performances and Villarreal through its official Twitter handle (Eng_Villarreal) has heaped praise on the 19-year-old star. “Our Nigerian winger @ chukwueze_8 impressed on his first start in @LaLigaEN! We’re sure it will be the first of many.�

However, Villarreal manager Javi Calleja has charged Chukwueze to continue working hard for a regular berth in the La Liga club’s squad.

Calleja named the former Golden Eaglets winger in the matchday squad for the Yellow

Submarine’s UEFA Europa League match against Scottish giants Rangers on Thursday.

Chukwueze then made his Villarreal debut by coming off the bench to replace Nicola Sansone.

Signed from Diamond Academy in the summer of 2017, Chukwueze played in Villarreal’s junior ranks the last term but was promoted to the reserve team ahead of this season. “We’re using nearly all of our players and I think that’s a good thing. We need the whole squad,� Calleja told Villarreal’s official website following their Europa League clash with Rangers. “Today, for example, Samuel Chukwueze made his debut, who is a player with a great future, but he has to carry on working hard.�

The 19-year-old has, however, featured for the Yellow Submarine in the Europa League, and marked his third appearance in the competition with an assist against Rapid Vienna last month.

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is clearly impressed with what he’s seen from the immensely talented left winger. “Chukwueze has a good left foot, is quick, has a low centre of gravity - which gives him a very good balance - and can deliver and score,â€? the German coach told KwesĂŠESPN. While the youngster may not feature against Bafana Bafana as the Super Eagles look to get over the line, he may well make his debut when the West African giants host Uganda in an international friendly a few days later.

He’d become the next standout Golden Eaglets performer to make the step up to the senior side.

Title-winning teammates and individual award winners from the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup squad, Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Nwakali beat Chukwueze to making their international bow, with the former returning to the senior fold ahead of the Bafana game.

Chukwueze has had to fight back from a

near career mishap to get to this stage.

Days after winning the Bronze Ball - on the strength of three goals and three assists - and helping Nigeria win a fifth U-17 world title, football agency Stellar Group signed Chukwueze and three other players from the Nigerian squad.

The deal ought to have seen the highly sought-after star, who models his game on Arjen Robben, sign for a top European club, as those before him had done.

Perhaps the only snag hindering a potential move abroad was his age, as the attacker 16, and would have to wait for two years before he could sign professional terms.

The teenager returned home while awaiting news from his agents about a potential career move, and kept busy by shuttling between training and playing for Diamond Academy and the Nigeria U-20s, who were involved in the qualification for the ill-fated 2017 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

DEPUTY EDITOR

Ě“

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

31

DECEMBER 22, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ogenyi Onazi Eyeing 2019 AFCON Glory He played a prominent role in Super Eagles winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and was involved in Nigeria’s four matches at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Injury and poor form have denied him of regular playing time in the national team. Ogenyi Onazi, however, assured that he is still targeting international glory with the Super Eagles

N

igerian international Ogenyi Onazi has reiterated his commitment to the Super Eagles and said that he was always happy to play for his country.

Onazi, 25, missed the last three matches due to injury as Nigeria returned to their first Africa Cup of Nations since winning the tournament in 2013.

His performance in his last appearance away to Seychelles after the World Cup raised question marks over his form and fitness, but the midfielder insisted he was back to his best form at Trabzonspor.

“It was a tough time I must admit, but despite all the criticisms I remain committed to playing for my country,” Onazi told BBC Sport.

“Whenever I go out there to play, I give 120 per cent , but unfortunately my Achilles tendon problems slowed me down.

“Now things are looking up again for me at club level, I hope to keep giving my best to my country as well.”

The Super Eagle has been a key part of Trabzonspor’s run of good form since September. They sit 7th in the Turkish Super Lig table and he wants to replicate that form with Nigeria.

“After what happened in Russia, it was important for all the players to ensure a return to the African Cup of Nations.

“It’s an exciting feeling to achieve that and we can only hope that collectively we can all bring our good club form to the national team.

“The last time I played in the tournament we won it and we as players have to go back again with the mentality to win it, and if we can’t, we shouldn’t be there,” Onazi said.

Onazi started his professional career in Italy with Lazio, winning the 2013 Italian Cup, before switching to Turkish side Trabzonspor in August 2016.

He played for Nigeria at the 2009 U-17 World Cup on home soil and has scored once since making his senior debut against Liberia in October 2012.

Onazi, who has 51 international caps, helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and played in all four of his country’s games at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The midfielder is having quite an impressive campaign in the Turkish topflight but has struggled for form in Gernot Rohr’s team.

After fighting off criticism for his recent performances in the national team, the Trabzonspor midfielder has reiterated his commitment to bringing his fine form from the Turkish Super Lig to the Super Eagles.

The 25-year-old has produced fine displays for Trabzonspor who are seventh in the league table and even scored a goal in their 3-0 victory over Konyaspor last Saturday - his second in the league this term.

On Sunday, Onazi scored an own goal but provided an assist for compatriot Anthony Nwakaeme as they settled for a 2-2 draw against Besiktas.

His last appearance was in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Seychelles back in September.

Onazi who was a member of Gernot

Rohr’s squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup did not make a single appearance at the tournament in Russia.

However, the former Lazio admitted that he has battled criticism and injuries in ‘a tough time’ and declares himself ready to play for three-time African champions.

Following a 1-1 draw with South Africa in November, Nigeria returned to the continental stage for the first time since 2013 after missing the last three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.

And the Jos-born star who was part of the winning team that lifted the title in South Africa eight years ago has set his sights on another silverware.

Nigeria top Group E with 10 points from five matches and will wrap up the qualifying round when they host Seychelles in March 2019.

Onazi spent five years with Lazio, where he was under contract until 2018 but moved to Turkey in 2016 after joining Trabzonspor.”I needed to make this move to clear my head and be happy playing football again,” he told BBC Sport.

Injury and lack of form hampered him and he almost left in January, when a proposed loan move to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen collapsed.

He played 20 games for Lazio during the campaign, although he became a more regular starter when Simone Inzaghi took over as coach in April.

“I left Lazio for personal reasons,” said Onazi, who had two years left to run in his contract at the Stadio Olimpico, and had been offered a deal to extend it.

“It might be difficult for some people to understand my decision but this is a step forward in my career.

“The Lazio coach spoke to the management about keeping me. I was even offered a contract extension to stay but Trabzonspor provides a new lease of life.

I will always be a Lazio fan because the club gave me the platform to be the player I am today.”

Former Lazio and Nigeria striker Ayodele Makinwa, the midfielder’s agent, said that Onazi would benefit from the move.

“He desperately wanted a change and new motivation,” said Makinwa.

“Trabzonspor is one of the biggest clubs in Turkey and it is a stepping stone towards achieving his goals as a professional footballer. Joining a club fighting for the title will challenge and push him to the next level. He will definitely be one of the leaders in the team and this should serve as a motivation to achieve what he wants.”

Onazi began playing football in the streets of Jos in 1998. His football skills and abilities drew a lot of attention to him and afforded him the opportunity to play in some academies in the city.

His footballing abilities came to prominence when he moved to Lagos to play for My People.

As a 16-year-old, Onazi represented his country at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where Nigeria finished runners-up.

However, he was overlooked for selection at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup two years later, despite participating in the training camps in Portugal and Panama.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀

GLOBAL SOCCER

What Man Utd should Expect from Solskjaer?

T

here is no doubting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s place in Manchester United folklore - but the fact he is now their caretaker manager has raised a few eyebrows.

Solskjaer scored 126 goals in 366 appearances during his 11 years at Old Trafford and is best remembered for scoring the winner in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 1999.

The fans’ favourite - affectionately known as the ‘baby-faced assassin’ - also won six Premier League titles and two FA Cups with United.

But as a manager, he is somewhat unproven.

Solskjaer has enjoyed two successful spells with Norwegian club Molde but, between those, he lasted less than nine months at Cardiff City and got them relegated from the Premier League.

Arguably that failure is a blot on an otherwise burgeoning CV, but it is a significant enough one for some to doubt whether he would be the right man to succeed the sacked Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford. “For Manchester United to be appointing an interim manager is a shambles,� said former United midfielder Robbie Savage. “Yes, Solskjaer might have scored the winning goal in the Champions League final but is this where Manchester United are? “He’s a legend and the fans sing his name, but really?�

One of Solskjaer’s former United team-mates, Darren Fletcher, is a little more open to the idea. “Ole has got cutting words,� he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “The smiling assassin sums him up.

He’s a lovely fella but Ole will let people know if he’s not happy with them.�

football and nurturing young players is precisely what United are looking for after Mourinho was deemed to have failed to deliver on both those fronts.

‘His Molde team is a bit like watching Liverpool’ Tor-Kristian Karlsen is the sporting director at Norwegian club IK Start and previously held the same role at clubs such as Monaco and Maccabi Haifa.

Karlsen has followed Solskjaer’s playing and managerial career and his IK Start side have faced Solskjaer’s Molde on several occasions. “The way I see it, Solskjaer appears more ready to face a new challenge now than when he joined Cardiff,� Karlsen told BBC Sport. “I’m sure that experience taught him a great deal and is something that will prove useful knowledge if he were to get another go in the Premier League. “Molde started off the season quite slowly, but as the team started to gel and develop they ended up playing some exhilarating football. “In my view, despite ending up second behind Rosenborg, they were the outstanding team this season. “And had they not faced a slump in form during the summer months, in which they dropped some unnecessary league points - the early European rounds took their toll - they would have caught Rosenborg in the end. “Molde played with a lot of energy, pace and flair. Their home win against Rosenborg towards the end of the season was the best performance I’ve seen from a team in Norway this season. “Ironically, it was a bit like watching Liverpool against Manchester United at the weekend - Rosenborg could hardly get the ball out of their own half. “Solskjaer has also done exceptionally well by bringing through some new talented players this season. Erling Braut Haland has already been sold to Red Bull Salzburg for a huge transfer fee and Eirik Hestad ended up as one of the most exciting midfielders in the league.�

That emphasis on adventurous

Charming and engaging but where is the vision?

After one of his many defeats in charge of Cardiff in 2014, Solskjaer walked into a cramped, makeshift interview room at Cardiff City Stadium and started doing keep-ups with a balloon. “It’s good for your control,� he said with a giggle, seemingly oblivious to his side’s loss to Chelsea earlier that afternoon.

It was an incongruous moment typical of his short-lived reign, Solskjaer’s sunny demeanour undimmed neither

by Cardiff’s relegation from the Premier League nor the fact this was his 12th defeat from 18 league matches that season.

Things did not improve, and a disappointing start to the following campaign in the Championship saw Solskjaer sacked in September, less than nine months after he was appointed.

The Norwegian and Cardiff’s chairman, Mehmet Dalman, both cited a “difference in philosophy� as the reason for his departure. It sounded like the kind of excuse an eccentric guitarist might offer after getting kicked out of a band.

In truth, there was no real philosophy.

That was one of the many problems of Solskjaer’s Cardiff tenure: he was charming and engaging but he had no clear vision or discernible plan for his side.

Now, having been back in Norway for a second successful stint with Molde, it seems Solskjaer will return to the Premier League as a more rounded manager than the one who floundered in south Wales.

His exploits as a player have secured his hero status at Old Trafford but, as far as his managerial credentials are concerned, he is still something of a risk.

And yet perhaps after the dreariness that defined much of Mourinho’s reign, a risk is exactly what United need.

So what kind of manager is Solskjaer?

Solskjaer is a principled coach but one whose man-management may have to improve if he is to succeed at United, according to former Wales and West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon, who Solskjaer signed at Cardiff. “From being a player in the dressing room under Solskjaer’s management, I couldn’t really say anything bad about him as a person,� Gabbidon told BBC Radio Wales. “But whether he could manage those big personalities and be the guy to lay down the law when it’s needed, I’m not too sure.�

Gabbidon was one of 18 players signed

by Solskjaer during his brief spell at Cardiff, and the majority of those were failures.

Guido Burgstaller and Javi Guerra were among those who quickly faded from view, while Mats Moller Daehli, Magnus Wolff Eikrem and Jo Inge Berget were three players recruited from Norway who struggled to make any meaningful impact.

At times, Solskjaer’s scattergun approach in the transfer market gave the impression he was indulging in a real-life version of Football Manager, the computer game he said he had enjoyed playing before making the actual move to the dugout.

Given that track record, if Solskjaer is to take the reins at United, it will be interesting to see how much influence chief executive Ed Woodward will allow the Norwegian when the transfer window reopens in January.

Chelsea Hope to Compound Leicester’s Woes Chelsea head into their Premier League encounter with Leicester City this afternoon looking to record their third successive win in the top ight while Leicester make the trip to Stamford Bridge having dropped down to 12th position in the standings

helsea are still some way short of being the finished article under Maurizio Sarri, but the Blues continue to find a way to churn out results in order to remain in the top four of the table.

The defeats at Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves were a wakeup call for a side who had previously put together an unbeaten run lasting

over three months but hard-fought wins over Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion have improved the mood at Stamford Bridge.

Their efforts in the final third remain a concern with Chelsea having gone six games without netting more than twice in a top-flight fixture and their lack of a clinical touch was once again on the show during the narrow 1-0 win over Bournemouth in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

Chelsea created 25 shots and registered

ÍşÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

33

GLOBAL SOCCER Premiership Table

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

P 18 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17

GD 32 38 15 21 14 0 0 2 0 -2 -3 0 -4 -8 -9 -16 -16 -18 -18

Pts 48 44 39 37 34 26 25 24 24 24 23 22 21 16 15 14 12 12 10

Premiership TODAY

Arsenal v Bournemouth v Chelsea v HuddersďŹ eld v Man City v Newcastle v West Ham v Cardi v

Burnley 12:30 Brighton 15:00 Leicester 15:00 Southampton 15:00 C’ Palace 15:00 Fulham 15:00 Watford 15:00 Man Utd 17:30

SUNDAY

Everton

v

Tottenham

16:00

Spanish La Liga Fixtures TODAY

Real Betis

v

Eibar

12:00

AtlĂŠtico

v

Espanyol

15:15

Barcelona

v

Celta Vigo 17:30

Bilbao

v

Valladolid 19:45

Valencia

v

Huesca

12:00

LeganĂŠs

v

Sevilla

15:15

Vallecano

v

Levante

17:30

12:30

SUNDAY

as many as 12 on target but it took a heavily-deflected effort from Eden Hazard to finally get the better of Cherries stopper Attur Boruc.

Hazard has now scored 10 goals in all competitions this season but it is nine assists in the Premier League which have perhaps made him the standout player in English football during the first half of the campaign.

However, Chelsea still have issues in the centre-forward role with Olivier Giroud only netting one domestic goal since the beginning of August while the backline still looks shaky at times despite four clean sheets coming from their last seven outings.

Results are all that will matter over a hectic schedule over Christmas and New Year but Sarri will remain unsatisfied until his players have fully adapted to his tactics.

Whether that materialises this season remains to be seen but getting 12 points on the board from four games over the next two weeks is the short-term objective and achieving that target may be enough to close the gap on the top two.

Leicester put together a remarkable run of form in the aftermath of the helicopter crash at the King Power Stadium on October 27 but Claude Puel faces a fight to get his side back on track after a poor couple of weeks.

The Foxes have registered just one point from their last three outings in the Premier League and it has been enough for the East Midlands outfit to

drop down into the bottom half of the table.

There was more disappointment on Tuesday evening as Leicester bowed out to Manchester City in the EFL Cup quarterfinals and Puel must now find a way to quickly get back to winning ways.

The Frenchman has put together a squad which should be capable of challenging for seventh spot and a place in the Europa League and although there is only a small gap to that target that could change with further setbacks at Chelsea and against Man City.

Puel will acknowledge that Leicester are unlikely to gain much in terms of points from that double-header but there at least needs to be improvements in all areas of the pitch ahead of what could be regarded as a huge match at home to Cardiff City on December 29.

The biggest concern for Puel will be the club’s return in front of goal and it has now been 11 games since Leicester last scored more than two goals in a Premier League fixture.

Jamie Vardy has struggled with injury at times but the long-term top goalscorer has not received much help from his teammates with only James Maddison netting more than twice in the top flight.

The backline has performed solidly enough and currently holds the sixth-best defensive record in the top flight but unless Leicester can start scoring goals they will not make any further progress.

Leicester have played teams from the London area in their last three league outings and haven’t fared too well with just a draw against bottom club Fulham and losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal

Palace for their efforts.

The defeat against the Eagles was particularly concerning because the hosts were without star forward Wilfried Zaha and that usually spells trouble for Palace.

Their recent record against the Blues is not good although Leicester did battle to a scoreless draw at Stamford Bridge in January despite finishing the match with 10 players.

Their last meeting came in March when Chelsea needed extra time to beat the Foxes in an FA Cup quarterfinal.

Leicester have the sixth-best defensive record in the Premier League conceding just 21 goals but their attack has only yielded the same amount of goals but against a more talented and in-form Chelsea team, a defeat looms today.

Second-placed City are at home to Crystal Palace in 15th on today when fourth-placed Chelsea entertain 2016 champions Leicester City and fifthplaced Arsenal host struggling Burnley after Sunday’s shock 3-2 defeat at Southampton.

Third-placed Tottenham Hotspur whose Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino has been tipped as a favourite to take over at United on a full-time basis next summer will hope to keep within touching distance of Liverpool and City as they travel to Everton.

Manchester United face off with Cardiff City in the club’s first Premier League match since the firing of Jose Mourinho.

Serie A TODAY

Lazio

v

Cagliari

Empoli

v

Sampdoria 14:00

Genoa

v

Atalanta

Milan

v

Fiorentina 14:00

14:00

Napoli

v

SPAL

14:00

Sassuolo

v

Torino

14:00

Udinese

v

Frosinone 14:00

Chievo

v

Inter

17:00

Parma

v

Bologna

17:00

Juventus

v

Roma

19:30

Hot Shot NAME

CLUB

GOALS

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

11

Aubameyang

Arsenal

10

Raheem Sterling

Man City

9

Harry Kane

Tottenham

9

Eden Hazard

Chelsea

8

Callum Wilson

B’mouth

8

Sergio AgĂźero

Man City

8

Glenn Murray

Brighton

8

Richarlison

Everton

8

r a

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍşËœ ͺ͸͚΀

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Set for GOtv Boxing Night 17

Mourinho

Burna Boy, Wande Coal, to Spice Up GOtv Boxing Night 17 An out-and-out blockbuster show awaits music and boxing fans in Lagos on 28 December, when the Tafawa Balewa Square hosts the 17th edition of GOtv Boxing Night (GOtv Boxing Night 17).

Tagged ‘Boxing Jams Music’, the show will combine the best of Nigerian music and boxing. On parade will be Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Teni Da Entertainer, Ghetto Soldier, Daddy Showkey, TJ Classic and OJ Flamez.

Burna Boy’s dancehall-oriented has delivered hits such as Ye, Gbona, On the Low and Heaven’s Gate, with the first three burning up the charts and enjoying massive airplay. It has been a hugely successful year for the grandson of Pa Benson Idonije, the first manager of late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Wande Coal has been similarly hot.

The Black Diamond singer, who ended 2017 with a bang, following the release of the critically acclaimed Iskaba, cemented his status as a hitmaker with gems such as Oh No No, Turkey Nla and So mi So. Songstress, Teni Da Entertainer is equally wowing fans, with 2018 being

her breakout year. Last year, she served notice of her enormous potential with the hit, Fargin. She has delivered an impressive follow-up with a body of work that includes Case, a song that has taken her out of the shadow of her more famous sister, Niniola. Other releases such as Askamaya and Shake Am mark her out as a future megastar.

Ghetto Soldier, Daddy Showkey, who recently made a return with a new song, is famous for his rousing repertoire of reggae-flavoured classics such as Fire Fire, Somebody Call My Name, and Diana as well as electrifying stage performances.

The quartet will be backed by two upcoming stars, TJ Classic and OJ Flamez.

The boxing menu will contain eight tasty bouts, the biggest of which is the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental super featherweight title fight between Nigeria’s Seun “The Machine� Wahab and Issa “Peche Boy�

Nampepeche of Tanzania. Another international bout will see US-based Femi Oyeleye take on Victor Kemavor of Ghana in a challenge bout. The show will also have a generous sprinkling of

the biggest stars of Nigerian boxing.

These include Olaide “Fijaborn� Fijabi, Oto “Joe Boy� Joseph, Rilwan “Real One� Oladosu, Nurudeen “Prince�

Fatai and Ridwan “Scorpion� Oyekola.

Flykite Productions, organisers of the show, explained that the decision to marry music and boxing at GOtv Boxing Night 17, the biggest ever edition, was taken to give fans a well-molded festive season entertainment package that caters to both tastes. “This show is designed to deliver optimally on both counts. The line-up of artistes will offer the best of Nigerian music, while the fights scheduled will meet the expectations of boxing fans.

And for those with an appetite for both, it is a double portion,� said Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director, Flykite Productions.

He assured that adequate security arrangements involving a top-tier private security firm, anti-riot and regular policemen as well as traffic management plans had been concluded to ensure safety and ease of vehicular movement in and around the venue.

Osinbajo Commends Ikeja Golf Club

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has commended the Ikeja Golf Club for its support for social causes.

Osinbajo gave the commendation while speaking as the special guest of honour at the 50th anniversary gala night of the club, which held recently.

The Vice President said all members of the club and its leaders deserved praise for what they had done over the last 50 years, adding that the club was stable and the world’s friendliest golf club. The anniversary had as theme ‘Half a Century of Growing Friendships through Golf’.

Osinbajo urged the society’s elite class to take a cue from Ikeja Golf Club’s support for the community by contributing to the development of their respective communities in order to ensure eradication of poverty through education.

Speaking at the event, the club captain, Mr. Bola Temowo, praised all past and present members of the club.

He also thanked the Vice President and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, who was represented

by Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, for their presence.

Temowo explained that the club was desirous of expanding and creating another entrance to its grounds, a situation that has led to friction with its neighbours. He appealed to the Vice President and governor to assist in making the dream of expansion realisable. The club awarded the title of “Honorary Member� to the Vice President.

Tandoh said the Governor Ambode had been very supportive of the club and would continue to support its development. He also stated that the desire of the club for expansion will be communicated to the governor.

Oriakhi Wins Mavericks Kitty Group Golf Tourney Dr. Matthew Oriakhi over the weekend emerged champion at the Mavericks Kitty Group end of the year golf tournament held at the Benin Club golf section, Benin City.

Oriakhi, Vice-President of Benin Club, played a net score of 70 to emerge victorious over hard-hit golfer, Oscar Iyare by two net margins at the one-day event that attracted about 80 members from the golf section.

The former captain, table-tennis section, who was inducted into the golf section in December 2017 attributed his victory to regular daily training, and determination to win trophy barely a year of his induction into the game of golf.�My desire is

with KUNLE ADEWALE ͸΀͚͚͚΀͚͝͸΀ͺ

to win more trophies next year by God’s grace.�

Also, captain of the club, Osagie Nehikhare commended the group led

by AVM Aliyu Hassan for organising such wonderful tournament, while calling other Kitty groups to emulate Mavericks group, as well as to organise a combined tournament next year.

Similarly, the group chairman, AVM Hassan thanked all members for participating at the event, and for a demonstration of love and unity within the club. He noted that next year edition would be bigger and better organised by the group.

Moreover, Steve Ebaretonbofa won the men’s category with 73 net ahead of

Dr. Mojeed Momoh who played 74 net, while Esosa Ojomo’s 88 gross won him the best gross trophy. Pat Ojebuoboh won the veteran men trophy with 77 net, just as S. Imasuen’s 81 net secured the super veteran trophy for him.

Former lady captain, Suwadetu Mahmud won the ladies event with a net score of 72 to beat another former lady captain, Nkiru Awiaka. Phil Ojebuoboh lifted the veteran ladies trophy having played 80 net to beat Ivie Iyoha who had 84 net.

In the individual awards, Oscar Iyare and Ebaretonbofa won the best putter award in the Mavericks Kitty Group members and BCGS men’s respectively.

Is Mourinho a Man Out of His Time?

Mourinho’s time at Old Trafford was heavily laced with accusations the modern game - in the shape of managers such as Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, and Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool - had left the 55-year-old Portuguese behind.

And games in opposition to Guardiola and Klopp that are fresh in the memory intensify the image Mourinho, once the trailblazer, is light years behind the modernisers.

Guardiola’s City outclassed their neighbours two months ago and it was symbolic that the sight of United cowering as Klopp’s Liverpool blew them away at Anfield on Sunday was the final straw.

The intense, attacking, easy-on-the-eye approaches of Guardiola, Klopp, and Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham have been used as sticks to beat what is regarded as Mourinho’s more pragmatic strategy.

In Mourinho’s defence, it should be stated he won more trophies in his first season at United (the League Cup and the Europa League) than Klopp or Pochettino have in their whole time at Liverpool and Spurs - indeed they are still waiting for their first trophies in England.

Football’s landscape moves swiftly, however, and while that trio are fresh and innovative, Mourinho has cut a tired, careworn, negative figure out of touch with their vibrant approach.

So is it fair to say he is now yesterday’s man?

Prime targets and long shots: Who will be the next Man United manager? ‘Take stock and reset structure’ - Neville on Man United Mark Schwarzer joined Chelsea a month after Mourinho returned for his second spell in 2013 and spent two years working under him during which they won the Premier League.

The former Australia goalkeeper told BBC Sport: “Yesterday’s man? Not at all. He is still very relevant no matter what has happened at United, and his methods are modern in his training and approach to tactics. “People talk about his style compared to the likes of Klopp and Guardiola but everyone has a different interpretation on how football should be played. If everyone played the same way as Klopp or Guardiola’s teams I think it would be pretty boring after a while with everyone doing the same thing. “This is what makes football so appealing. There is such a variety of styles, and just because one manager employs a different style to another doesn’t make them outdated or yesterday’s man.�

That support is in contrast to some players under his charge in recent years who, while privately accepting he always had a plan and was tactically meticulous, often felt he leaned too heavily towards the defensive aspects.

Schwarzer added: “You can argue all day long, and if you are one of those people in the camp who say the way the modern game is going it is all about the way Manchester City and Liverpool play then they might say he is past it and his methods are old. ‘Something had to give’ - Shearer Q&A on Mourinho sacking “I don’t agree. I am a firm believer there are a variety of ways you can play football. Yes, one is more appealing on the eye than the other but ultimately it is about delivering results, performances and trophies. “This is how you are judged and he has won trophies everywhere he has been, including Manchester United.�

South African striker Benni McCarthy, who played in Mourinho’s Porto team that won the Champions League in 2004, agrees.

He told BBC Sport: “I don’t think you become outdated all of a sudden. I just think it is down to the players not applying what the manager ’s expecting from them. “Mourinho is still one of the best in the world. He has not become a bad manager overnight.�

Can Mourinho no longer handle big stars?

The narrative surrounding Mourinho’s decline at both Chelsea and United has involved friction - and often friction with star players.

5 ) * 4 % ": t SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

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36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 22, 2018

FAIRGROUND with

Dignitaries, Business Executives, Celebrities Storm Premiere of 'Chief Daddy'

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

R

cently, EbonyLife Films premiered their fifth feature film, Chief Daddy, at the Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Lagos. The highly anticipated comedy was debuted for guests in attendance.

The theme of the night was ‘Opulently Nigerian – Be Extra’ and guests arrived adorned in glamorous and unique outfits fully reflecting the richness of their individual native attires. The exclusive event attracted major power players in business, politics and entertainment such as Wife of the Vice-President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, who gave the welcome speech; Lagos gubernatorial aspirants Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Mr. Jimi Agbaje and their wives. Sponsors including the MD of Keystone Bank, Obeahon Ohiwerei; Ms. Stella Obinwa and Mr. Salim Ali Mohamed Dahman of Dubai Tourism; MD of Airtel, Olusegun Ogunsanya; and Ms. Nike Adebola of Guinness Nigeria amongst others.

Chief Daddy which was produced by MO Abudu, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and co-produced by Temidayo Abudu and Queen Martins chronicles the events that occur following the death of a wealthy and prominent philanthropist and the battle for his estate.

Chief Daddy is now showing in cinemas across the country.

L-R: Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu; wife of the vice president, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo; Mo Abudu; and MD of Keystone Bank Mr Obeahon Ohiweri

Ini Edo L-R: Stella Fubara; Salim (Directors of Dubai Tourism) and Mo Abudu

Niyi Akinmolayan with his wife, Victoria

Patience Ozokwor

Shaffy Bello

Chioma Omeruah- Chigurl

Heidi Uys

L-R: Mo Abudu and Temidayo Abudu

Dakore Akande; Mo Abudu; and Kate Henshaw

Mr. and Mrs. Jimi Agbaje

Mr. and Mrs. Segun Ogunsanya

5 ) * 4 % ": t SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 22, 2018

AUTO CES 2019: Kia Prepares for Post-autonomous Driving Era

K

Legendry Kingsley Holgate on his trans-continental road tour

Cape Town to Kathmandu – Mission Accomplished!

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

A

fternearly17,000km,146daysand 10 countries, Kingsley Holgate and his fleet of Land Rovers have successfully reached Nepal and completed their arduous, trans-continental Cape Town to Kathmandu expedition.

A statement by Izak Louw, Public Relations Manager, Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa, said shortly after conquering the precarious mountain passes of the Karakoram Highway, Holgate and crew exited Pakistan and crossed India for the final leg of their journey. The expedition team drove their two Discoverys and trusty Defender 130 across the Wagah-Attari border, famous for its Beating Retreat ceremony where thousands of spectators on both sides arrive to witness a colourful parade of soldiers who lower flags and close border gates in perfect coordination every day before sunset.

“The crossing wasn’t entirely smooth sailing, however, as Indian customs officials spent three hours searching every inch of the three Land Rovers and their contents. Each car was also driven onto ramps to inspect for explosives, but once satisfied all was in order a friendly official waved them through and wrote “Welcome to India” on the Madiba100 Scroll of Peace and Goodwill, which was on its way to representatives of Kathmandu as a symbolic gesture friendship from the people of South Africa.

“On previous Land Rover expeditions, we’ve faced the gridlocked traffic of overcrowded cities such as Cairo, Kinshasa, Lagos and Nairobi, but nothing prepared us for the chaos, pandemonium and sensory overload of driving in India,” said Kingsley.

“But it was all worthwhile when we stood at the famous World Heritage Sites of the Golden Palace in Amritsar, the Red Fort of New Delhi and observed the poignant beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, which Rudyard Kipling referred to as ‘the

embodiment of all things pure’.”

With the end in sight the team pushed north and crossed into its destination country of Nepal.

From Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the vehicles cruised east to the jungle wonderland of the Chitwan National Park and zigzagged over one final Himalayan mountain pass choked with trucks and kamikaze buses.

“Once again, it’s the incredible handling, braking and acceleration of the Discoverys that got us here safely, ”said Kingsley. “They seem to be born for these types of road conditions. Despite the long and challenging journey, we’re all upbeat. Kathmandu is finally a reality.”

The team received an emotional welcome in the Nepalese capital city. With lights flashing, a Nepal Tourist Police vehicle escorted the three expedition LandRoverstothe600-year-old,high-domedWorld Heritage Site of the Boudhanath Stupa – the holiest Buddhist temple in Kathmandu – where they were welcomed by a group of school children waving South African and Nepalese flags.

ia Motors will preview a range of new technologies developed for the post-autonomous driving era at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next month.

Kia’s interactive ‘Space of Emotive Driving’ exhibit looks to a future when autonomous driving is the norm and priority is given to improving the human mobility experience. Central to this concept is Kia’s new Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving (R.E.A.D.) System – a world’s first technology developed based on a joint research collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab’s Affective Computing group.

R.E.A.D. System can optimize and personalize a vehicle cabin space by analyzing a driver ’s emotional state in real-time through artificial intelligence-based bio-signal recognition technology. The technology monitors a driver ’s emotional state and tailors the interior environment according to its assessment – potentially altering conditions relating to the human senses within the cabin, creating a more joyful mobility experience.

Mr. Albert Biermann, President and Head of Research & Development Division of Kia Motors, said, “We have developed R.E.A.D. System to create an interactive future mobility in-cabin space by converging cutting edge vehicle control technology and AI-based emotional intelligence. Consequently, R.E.A.D. System will enable continuous communication between drivers and vehicles through the unspoken language of ‘emotional feeling’, thereby providing an optimized human senses-oriented space for drivers in real-time.”

Kia’s CES exhibit will also feature several other advanced in-car and mobility technologies focused on the brand’s ‘emotive driving’ concept, with more details set to be announced in the build-up to the 2019 event. For an enhanced visitor experience, Kia will operate 15-minute ‘Docent Tours’ at regular intervals at the booth throughout the duration of CES 2019. The tours will give attendees a more in-depth understanding of the new technologies on display.

NAJA Awards Confirms Mitsubishi Motors Repositioning in Nigeria

M

itsubishi Motors has once again hit the headlines with its recent recognition by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards at the 2018 edition held in Lagos.

Massilia Motors, sole distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Nigeria, a joint venture consolidated with the CFAO group, was awarded the most innovative automotive brand in 2018 and the most outstanding SUV design for the recently launched Eclipse Cross model. The Mitsubishi L200 was also amongst the nominees for the best pick-up of the year.

This did not come as a surprise to many industry watchers as Massilia Motors has in recent times, been very innovative in its marketing push and has given a new look to its car showrooms . The company has also invested in its aftersales facility in Ijora and ensuring continuous quality improvement.

With the introduction of models such as the Pajero Sport and the Eclipse Cross, Massilia Motors offers customers sophisticated vehicles that are good value for money.

The brands new approach was seen during the unconventional launch of the Eclipse Cross at the Heineken Lagos Fashion Week

where a virtual reality booth was set up for visitor to tour the vehicle through VR glasses. The company also collaborated with fashion designer Sisiano to create the ‘’Eclipse collection’’ inspired by the compact SUV. Earlier this year, Massilia Motors celebrated the centenary anniversary of Mitsubishi Motors as part of its repositioning strategies.

The event tagged the Heritage Week was one of its kind in the industry and was an opportunity to share milestones and achievements of the Japanese car manufacturer. It was a memorable week for the Mitsubishi Motors family and visitors with fun filled activities in the Victoria Island showroom in partnership with renowned brands, celebrities and influencers. In addition, giveaways were organized to reward Mitsubishi car owners for their patronage over the years.

Commenting on the NAJA Awards, Deputy Managing Director of Massilia Motors, Mr. Kunle Jaiyesimi stated: ‘’we are delighted with the recognition. We will continue striving to find new ways to add value to our customers.’’

Aside the Pajero Sport and Eclipse Cross, other models distributed by Massilia Motors include the ASX, Outlander, Pajero Suv and the L200 robust Pickup.

L-R: Head of Sales, Massilia Motors (sole distributor of Mitsubishi in Nigeria), Mr. Olatunji Itiola; FRSC Acting Unit Commander, Lagos Island unit Command, Chief Route Commander, S. W. Duke; Marketing Manager of Massilia Motors, Funmi Abiola; and Chairman of NAJA, Mr. Mike Ochonma, when the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross was recognised for Outstanding design in the Sports Utility Vehicle segment at the 2018 NAJA Awards, held at Eko Hotel, Lagos… recently

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 22, 2018

39

AUTO

Daimler to Premiere new Mercedes-Benz CLA at Consumer Electronics Show 2019 Stories by Bennett Oghifo

D

aimler’s trade fair exhibition at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (CES; 8 to 11 January 2019) will be focusing fully on the outlook on the future of mobility. Highlights include the world première of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, US premières of the battery-electric MercedesBenz EQC (combined power consumption: 2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures)[1] as well as the revolutionary Vision URBANETIC mobility concept plus essential news about the Daimler Trucks’ strategy for automated trucks. After the Mercedes-Benz press conference, Sajjad Khan, MemberoftheDivisionalBoardofMercedes-Benz Cars, CASE and Vice President Digital Vehicle & Mobility, will be giving an insight into the current developments within the context of the Daimler-wide CASE digitalisation strategy – Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Service and Electric Drive. In the afternoon, Wilfried Porth, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AGandHumanResourcesandDirectorofLabour Relations at Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz Vans, will be explaining the future of mobility using Vision URBANETIC as an example.

On the day before (Monday, 7 January), Daimler Trucks will be providing an overview of the most recent company and technology developments at the Keep Memory Alive Center (KMAC) and will be announcing the company’s next steps within the context of automated driving. Media representatives will subsequently be given the opportunity to experience the most recent products from the North American truck and bus/ coach portfolio at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

ThenewMercedes-BenzCLAwillbeshowcased to the global public for the very first time, featuring its evolved MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, a technological innovation that premièred at CES in 2018. New functions have already been added a mere 12 months later. As a result, the new MercedesBenz CLACoupé is not only the most emotional vehicle of its class, it is also a highly intelligent automotive specimen: the new CLA offers a number of clever solutions, from the MBUX Interior Assistant that identifies operation requests on the basis of movements to lend the vehicle interior a certain level of intelligence, to augmented reality for navigation and the ability to understand indirect voice commands as well as ENERGIZING COACH featuring individual fitness recommendations.

2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC

PAN Nigeria Limited Clinches Auto Assembly Plant of The Year at NAJA Awards

O

n Thursday night December 13th, 2018, in a colourfully event attended by crème de la crème of Nigerian auto industry at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island Lagos. PAN Nigeria Limited emerged the winner of Nigeria Auto Journalist Award 2018 edition, Auto Assembly Plant Of The Year.

National Automotive Design and Development Council ( NADDC ) sustains PAN’s validation as a bona fide Plant with capability to assembly CKD/ SKD, good and wide range of automobiles, passenger cars, commercial vehicles, light van and vehicle adaptation for use as ambulance, fire fighting vehicles, bullion vans and also a platform for local content development programs. The Director General, NADDC Engr. Jelani Aliyu, described PAN as “ Plant with great

potentials”.

PAN Nigeria Limited was incorporated in 1972 as a joint venture between the Federal government of Nigeria and Automobile Peugeot France.

The Kaduna factory was commissioned in 1975 and production commenced the same year, the factory has an installed capacity to produce 90,000 vehicles annually in three shifts and can generate direct employment of over 5000 people.

The factory attained peaked production 1981, producing 160 cars per day in two shifts.

To date, PAN remains the leading assembler of vehicles in Nigeria auto industry.

The plant has been fully certified by Standard Organisation of Nigeria ( SON ) to have met the Quality Management System certification mark with NIS ISO 9001:2008.

It will be recalled PAN won same award at the NAJA 2017 edition.

PAN Nigeria’s vehicle assembly plant in Kaduna

How To Tame Traffic Demons in December

T

he opening paragraphs of this piece are not mine but were forwarded to me by a friend without any details on the author. I have chosen to share it with you as we prepare for another round of celebrations in about 72hours-There are no special demons that operate in December; it is lack of planning and unnecessary competition that leads to all manner of tragedies this period. I know a young man who bought a car during Christmas, went to driving school for few days, and chose to drive to the village by himself. Unfortunately, he entered under a trailer on the highway, and everybody in the car, including himself died. That was a careless death.

The best thing he would have done was to pay an experienced driver to take him to the village. Many peoplewillrepeatthissamemistakefromnextweek, and when they die, we will say it is the spirit of ember month. Africans have demonic names for all their mistakes. I’m not saying that there are no forces of hell on the highway, but if we do our part, God will definitely protect us.

Iknowthatsomeofuswillsay“Godforbid,”butthe competition to show who is the wealthiest person in the village this season is also why some people may not see 2019. I have always maintained that having carsandbuildinghouses,andusingexpensivewine to wash your clothes is not a sign that you’re rich.

Stop trying to show the villagers that you’re now a wealthy person. If you’re truly wealthy we will know. We know thatAliko Dangote is a billionaire

SAFE DRIVING with

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 because his companies are there for all to see. To go through this season unscattered, you need rest. Jesus said: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy ladenandIwillgiveyourest.”Matthew11:28.Therest He is talking about is not idleness, but having peace of mind while chasing after your dreams.

I will never forget what my father told me many years ago. He said, “Good things will never finish.” That phrase delivered me from unnecessary competition forever. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to be motivated or inspired by the achievements of others, but do not let it put you under unnecessary pressure. Celebrate their achievements and move on.

If you cannot comfortably buy cars for now kindly relax. You think you have seen cars? You have seen nothing yet. You will see real cars within the next years. So if you cannot comfortable afford the 2018 model of your dream car, kindly wait for the 2020 model. Don’t be lazy, but don’t kill yourself because you want to belong.

If you did not plan to travel to the village during this

festive season, kindly stay back and rest. Let me be frank with you, January is almost here. You must do twothingsbeforeyoutravel.Firstly,don’ttamperwith your children’s school fees. Secondly, don’t tamper with your house rent if you’re still a tenant. Don’t forget that Christmas is only one day celebration.

Finally, experts said that fatigue is the major cause of road accidents in Nigeria!As an experienced driver, I understandwhattheyaretalkingabout.Themoment you find out that you’re feeling sleepy while driving, donotsitthereandbepleadingtheBloodofJesus.Pull over immediately and wash your face. Walk around and probably rest for a while before you continue the journey. It is better to be late than for people to add ‘late’ before your name.

Wisdom is profitable to direct! I pray that wisdom in this message will be a lesson to us and open our eyes towards activities in the last few weeks of 2018.

Wisdom as summed up in the borrowed materials refers to how you treat the following which remain prevalent during and after this season of merriment; excessive speed, dangerous driving and tyre burst and among others. I have chosen to treat these offences which I refer to as the demons of the season as a guide, hoping that as you drive, that you will make the choice to spend this season with your loved ones and not in the hospital, mortuary or grave.

Vehicular and human traffic would increase as motorists dare the challenge of road travel to team up with families to savor the joy of the season. Road violation or better put, bad driving habit would be on the increase leading to avoidable crashes.All this would

happen because in every road crash, the predominant factor is the human behavior. Human behavior makesadirectcontributiontocrashrisk,throughthe knowledge and understanding of traffic systems, driver experience and skill and the relationship between risk and factors such as speed choice and alcohol consumptions. The road, the weather and the vehicle will no doubt play their roles too.

Tosome,theChristmasseasonisjinxedastoomany road traffic crashes occur. Too many deaths. Too many injuries. This group believes there is a demon responsible for all the road crashes that would occur this December, including others that occurred previously. They don’t believe that motorists should be blamed .Rather the demon that delight in sucking blood, the same demon that holds sway over the highways will as usual ensure deaths occur.. As a safety practitioner, I have seen a lot to know that, the devil does not need to do much to cause a crash.

All he needs to do is sit down and watch us drive in December the same way we drove in January, June and august despite repeated warnings. To others, however, the season is normal except for the above which demands extra caution. Without soundingthedeathknell,thisChristmasmightbethe lastforsome.Notbecauseitisdivinelyordained,but becauseinkeepingwithdivineinjunction,theywould make a choice, a choice of death, not life through their actions.Actions that has formed their driving habits over time. Road crashes are avoidable even thoughagoodnumberofpeoplepreferbuckpassing.

The remedy is not to plead the blood. Neither is it in trusting on voodoo or charms. Prayer will no doubt be good but ultimately, simple obedience to traffic rules would be appropriate. I don’t know if you share my view that there is nothing like a demon.

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

DECEMBER 22, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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Fashion File

“The Maze�

Spring/Summer 2019

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚΀

FASHION FILE

Spring/ Summer 2019 A Maze can be described as a network of paths and hedges designed as a puzzle through which one has to find a way.

Our Spring/Summer 2019 collection identifies with an individual trying to journey his way through life amidst the struggles and setbacks he experiences whilst hoping and anticipating for a pot of gold.

This collection showcases patterns, cuts and colors which symbolizes the different stages of life he experiences through layers and embriodery. We also infused the tie/dye prints also referred to as “Adire�, creating our own unique prints.

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EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Expectant, Not Expecting, Moms

EBERE WABARA

Y

OU are welcome to this edition: “You may wonder how he combines all these and remain (remains) relevant.� “We believe that boosting the non-oil revenues and continuing fiscal consolidation plans must be pursued by oil exporting (an oil-exporting) country like Nigeria.� (DAILY Sun Editorial, December 19) Please take note of the article and the hyphenation. “Broll Nigeria distributes safe delivery (safedelivery) kits to expecting (expectant) mothers�

(THISDAY MARKET PLACE, December 15) “Union Bank organizes capacity building (capacity-building) programme for SMEsâ€? “Here are photographs of some personalities at (on) the occasion.â€? (THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER EVENTS, December 15) “Why there’s gang up (gang-up) against Buhari—Osinbajoâ€? (DAILY Sun Front Page Headline, December 5) “The affected staff must be given fair hearing (a fair hearing).â€? (DAILY Sun Editorial, December 5) “When he came in, he said he doesn’t (didn’t) belong to anybody‌.â€? (Politics & Power, December 5) â€œâ€ŚAs relatives, neighbours mourn deaths (death) of four men killed by hoodlums at birthday partyâ€? (The Lifeline, December 5) From a full-page advertorial in THISDAY of November 24 signed by Management Team of Caverton Offshore Support Group come the next two blunders: â€œâ€Śyour giant strides in bridging the gap in the aviation industry by providing support to the major players is (are) an attestation of (to) your commitment‌.â€? “Being one of the most sought-after stylists and designer (designers) in the country‌.â€? “Tension over an alleged decamping (defection) of Kogi Deputy Governorâ€? (THISDAY Headline, November 24â€? “The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted various contrabands (has intercepted contraband) with‌.â€? (DAILY SUN BUSINESS, December 12) ‘Contraband’

BY

is non-count. “Looking very smart in his made-in-Aba attire, he beamed with smiles‌.â€? (THISDAY PLUS, December 8) The non-performing governor could not have beamed with a frown!

Therefore, yank off ‘with smiles’ in the interest of classical prose. “We are proud to be associated with you and wish you many more success (successes).â€? “FG re-opens (reopens) Ijora-Wharf Bridge in Lagosâ€? “Ailment knocks-out (knocks out) Solanke against Bournemouthâ€? “This is surely the reward of (for) hard work‌.â€?’ “The Boards (sic), Management and Staff of Fujian Lanshun hereby felicitates (felicitate) with‌.â€? â€œâ€Śwe are proud of your uncommon dedication, hardwork (hard work), honesty and fear of God in all your business life that has (have) led to this glorious award to you.â€? â€œâ€Śespecially in our collective quest to restore good governance and democratic ideals in (to) our country.â€? â€œâ€Śis a thorough-bred grassroot (grassroots) politician.â€? “Banyana Banyana coach craves first AWCON title at Falcons (Falcons’) expenseâ€?

THE GUARDIAN of December 1 circulated two improprieties: “He said it is (was) sad that a government that prides itself as having integrity has shamefully shown it lacks integrity by failing to honour agreements reached with the union but resulted (resorted) to harassment‌.â€? “Obi, Igbos (Igbo) and the wisdom of the Westâ€? (DAILY SUN OPINION Page Headline, December 17) “But in the welter of these realignment of forces‌â€? Re-thinking development: this realignment of forces.

VANGUARD of August 28 circulated three goofs: “The fear along the room and corridor (corridors) of power of a sovereign national conference.‌â€? “It is not in doubt that most of the commuters in the luxurious (luxury) buses that ply.‌â€? â€œâ€ŚAba traders constitute a large proportion of the passengers on commercial aircrafts

(aircraft) that fly....â€? “Major reorganization of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which may lead to mass retirement and sack of its men and officers, now looms.â€? Get it right: a major reorganization or major reorganizations, as context demands. “One of the most outrageous abuses occurred.‌â€? Spelling in the lurch: occur, occurrence, occurred. “I do not buy the argument that the advent of electronic mails and network computers have rendered postal services absolute.â€? Not yet time for structural proximity: the advent of electronic mails and network computers has (not have). “In doing this, however, he must be faithful to the mandate of the ECOWAS Heads of Government under whose platform he operates.â€? Agenda: on (not under) whose platform he operates “As Nigerian editors converge in (on) Katsina for their.‌â€? “A government white paper on the demonstration‌.â€? Sheer abuse of words! ‘White paper’ is a report issued by Government to give information. Let’s respect words. After all, reporting is all about telegraphic brevity. “UNN students union honour vice chancellorâ€? What is happening? Sub-editors of these days show traces of illiteracy! This way: UNN students’ union honours VC “The fact that some people eat food that does nothing for their physical well-being put them in the class of the poor.â€? The fact‌puts. “The richer nations who (sic) have more than enough should in this moment of great need and expectation by the poor masses (the masses are basically poor) be their brothers’ keepers.â€? Standard sociolinguistics: ‘brother’s keeper’—whether one or more. “Any further discourse on it, some might say, amounts to nothing but over-flogging a dad horse.â€? You flog, not over-flog, a dead horse, talking idiomatically. “Like few (a few in this context) years ago, a life cow was allegedly buried‌.â€? ‘Life cow’ in place of ‘live cow’ portrays sub-literacy. “Opponents of private universities claim that they will aggravate the unemployment

For the Sake of Our Tomorrow

N

ow, after the sleaze and puff of the Bowen University narrative, what lessons can we take away? First, Nigerian university administrators must, as a matter of national emergency, come together to device a proactive measure capable of integrating data and intelligence across our more than 100 campuses, in order to share vital alarms and disclosures on “persons of interest� in their communities.

Critical gatekeeping will largely prevent undesirable elements from “campus-crossing�, or restrict migration of unrepentant users and sellers of drugs and other contrabands, into the mainstream of impressionable students - what with more students entering our institutions today as “infants� aged 15-17 years.

Another vital jigsaw piece of redeeming the present anomaly is the role and directive principles of both state and federal governments. Beyond providing legislation, ordination and funding to found and build tertiary institutions, government must see education as a major artery that pumps blood into the heart of the nation.

No country can be great and peaceful without deliberate, structured and aggressive prioritisation of effective education of its population. At all levels, the content, curricular, tuition and supervision of our education infrastructure must be keenly reviewed, upgraded, modernised and configured to impact on the moral, behavioural, aspirational and technological needs, growth and potential of the Nigerian child. A brilliant certificated addict is of no use to a progressive nation, if not rehabilitated...ditto the miseducated, unemployable godly moralist or the devious character who is able to swindle the system without a trace of quality education.

Such a sorry nation is doubly unfortunate if it is saddled with hare-brained legislators whose understanding of improving the quality of education is to propose a phenomenal increase (reportedly over 80) in public tertiary institutions with each of the 36 states getting between one and four “schools�! Yesterday, this shallow-thinking “Father Christmas� binge is in a situation where the lecturers of the existing 90-odd public universities are currently on strike to press home their anger and frustrations at government’s inadequate funding and near-neglect of existing infrastructure! The irony is obviously lost on our so-called legislators.

But I digress... A forward-looking government ought to realise that family values have virtually collapsed in Nigeria now. Our young ones perform heinous and incredible acts with such disarming proficiency, right under the busy noses of their parents - making our thoroughly abused mantra of “Leaders of Tomorrow� hollow and of no effect. Nowadays, our “tomorrow� is threatened by cumulative years of parental negligence, institutional decay and misdirection, societal pressures and temptations, religious hypocrisy and summer-

sault - and more... All amplified by the uninhibited visual and graphic allure of the Internet.

Our children now have unfettered access to the indiscretions, fallacies, misdemeanours and tom-foolery of people who ought to be inspirations and exemplars: political, religious, economic, military leaders and such supposed popular or famous “icons� and “legends� (two words that have been notoriously bastardised amongst the “tomorrow people�). They don’t only watch and read current foolishness of today’s leaders, they have tons of despicable archival materials that Google (and other search engines) have stored up for their “entertainment� and “re-education�.

We therefore have to rev our orientation and indoctrination machinery. Government must be in the vanguard of reigniting moral and ethical evolution (if not a revolution) by showing personal examples, and unleashing swift application of the law on violators.

Government must take a lead in restoring character, diligence and virtue in the Nigerian psyche; in rekindling values and order; in deepening law and punishment; in fostering equitable and reasonable distribution of the commonwealth.

And finally, the Nigerian parents. As it is, the observable faults and failings of the family and home-building dynamics in our society will take a full article, and more. Suffice to briefly remark that on several levels, many Nigerian parents have failed spectacularly in understanding their “first-line� position of moulding the moral and aspirational frame-work of their children. Many work so hard to provide for their families that they unconsciously ignore the critical imperative to also provide other needs of the home, beyond feeding, housing, clothing and other allowances. So, we outsource discipline, instructions, indoctrination and grooming to school teachers, hostel matrons, semi-foster houses (especially overseas) and such cubicles of convenience. Inevitably, these cubicles expose our children to strange ethos, callous doctrines and emotional escapes into drug abuse, sexual perversions, gang wars and high crimes.

New parents and intending couples should learn from the embarrassing drama of the “Bowen 28�, and elect to watch, pray and work on raising children who will give them joy, pride and satisfaction in their old age, and be blessings to others and to their country.

- SNIPPETS -

Friday night, December 14, 2018, was an exciting day for some people. It was the first debate beamed live from the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. It was organised by Nigerian Elections Debate Group, NEDG and Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON. In spite of the angst of some of the “disenfranchised� 74 presidential candidates, only five VP candidates were invited: Yemi Osinbajo of APC, Peter Obi (PDP), Umma Abdulahi Getso (of Kingsley Moghalu’s YPP),

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

problem in the country.â€? ‘Unemployment’ is certainly a problem—so why compound it by adding another ‘problem’? “Denmark has just played an historic role in‌.â€? ‘An historic role’ is the type of expression Ndaeyo Uko calls Elizabethan English!

Current syntactic trend: ‘a historic‌’ “One of the enduring concerns at the workshop concerned the role and orientation of the military with regards to our democratic aspirations.â€? Received English: ‘as regards’ or ‘with regard to’ â€œâ€Śthe two ethnic rivals are now creating the impression that they are about to re-open (no hyphen) their old wounds and embark on another round of strive (strife). “ “To blackmail has so much become the past-time.â€? Standard entry: ‘pastime’. “They have in most cases remained willing collaborators in the de-politicization of the political system by acquiescing to virtually all the issues‌.â€? Get it right: acquiesce in (not to). “And the neglect of such costs lead to political and economic imbalance that create disequilibria in the larger society. “ The two verbs in this sentence (‘lead’ and ‘create’) demand singular usage to agree with ‘neglect’ and ‘imbalance.’ “The criteria for the choice of candidates was based on partisan political loyalties and ethnic considerations.â€? The plural of ‘criterion’ is ‘criteria’. “NSE parleys foreign stock exchangeâ€? ‘Parley’ takes ‘with’, if it must be used in this sense at all.

By the way, is it not amazing that some Nigerian sub-editors do not know what they ‘N’ in ‘NUJ’ represents? It is Nigeria (not Nigerian) Union of Journalists. One keeps coming across the unpardonable error in reputable newspapers and magazines. “Rangers’ boss picks holes on 3SCâ€? I also pick my won holes in (not on) this headline. “We express these fears, knowing fully well the nature of‌.â€? This amounts to ill-treatment of the English language.

COUNTERPOINT BY

FEMI

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

Khadijat Abdullayi-Iya (of Fela Durotoye’s ANN) and Ganiyu Galadima (of Oby Ezekwesili’s ACPN).

All sorts of critics flooded the airspace as soon as the VP “Debate� ended; from the mundane to the esoteric. Many were on a free-fall riling the two principal contestants (Obi and Osinbajo) for allegedly cooking facts or misquotes... Several truth-police sprang up all through the following week, fact-checking gaffes which opponents insisted were lies - even when sometimes the ‘police’ added few gaffes of their own. The female VPs were savagely dismissed as convenient “spare tyres� unworthy of critical interrogation... in a society hypocritically clamoring for more political space for women and the youth! Chauvinists!!

The ACPN’s Galadima was casually tarred as Papa Aluwe’s comrade, and some used him as Damocles’ sword to wag at, and question Ezekwesili’s sense of judgement. ############ My main concern is not the attempt to demonise either Obi and Osinbajo by partisans; rather, I worry that a serious society ought to appraise the words and imagined thoughts of those who profess to lead us, and extract clues. Were there moments in the word-fest in which we can find hope, reason and succour? Should we not be worried about what they didn’t emphasise? Are they sufficiently concerned or aware about those things that affect us - using their body language and rhetorics as prisms?

I do not care much about who spoke more fluently, or who gaffed more eloquently... Can this so-called debate (which to me was more like scattered interview sessions) affect voter interest and decision? Are the viewers motivated to vote contrary to what they planned to do before the ‘debate’? Is there anyone indecisive who was won over by the power of delivery or promised deliverables?

I’m afraid, the answer is not in this sort of debate structure which appears to work in advanced democratic environment, but grossly inadequate in our peculiar terrain. ############ And now this: One of the “unforgettable� scenes of the “VP Debate� telecast was watching almost everyone visible to the camera “stand up� for the National Anthem... except the dour anchor, Imoni Amarere.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 22, 2018

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Ibrahim Suleiman My Sweetheart Story with Linda Ejiofor UZEE USMAN I’m Not Ready for Marriage Now…Too Busy to Think about Relationships pg. 48

Toyin Subair Finds Love in India pg. 50

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 22, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR

My Sweetheart Story with Linda Ejiofor There is something similar between the movie, “Up North” and Ibrahim Suleiman - two cultures crossing path. Ibrahim, who featured in the potential blockbuster Nollywood movie billed to hit cinemas next week, tied the knot last month with Linda Ejiofor, an Igbo-born Nollywood act. They are apparently the fourth Tinsel couple to get married. Ibrahim speaks about his love affair, career and passion in this conversation with Chinedu Ibeabuchi

W

ho is Ibrahim Suleiman?

Ibrahim Suleiman is man born and raised in the north to parents from Edo State.

He loves art, soft dodo and creating dope stuff. Values his relationship with God, fiercely loyal and Family oriented.

You are described as an artiste in various forms. How do you juggle all these?

I am a bit of an insomniac; so, sort of gain an extra three hours per day to do other things. Basically, I work in the day and I create at night.

Many expected you to be enjoying your honey moon now, but here you are chasing passion, featuring in Up North and perhaps, on set of other movies. Tell us how you combine your new found home and work together?

Luckily, I’m blessed with a woman who is also a creative. So, she’s involved in my creative processes as I am in hers. We also thoroughly enjoy each other’s company, so we are steadily hanging out even at home. It feels like a continuous sleepover.

How did you meet wife? What’s the love story like?

Mahn...That’s an entire interview on its own o. But short version, she and I had been friends for a few years before I landed a steady role on Tinsel (My first acting gig) and our characters play colleagues/lovers. So we went from seeing each other maybe once a quarter to seeing each other every week day on set. Over time, we became best buds and she almost brother zoned me! But I wasn’t having it. Put a ring on it as quickly as I could get her to say yes.

Don’t you think your love story can make another good Nollywood script?

Hahahaha please let’s not bore the whole world.

We are just two regular people who fell in love from best friends. And we were blessed enough to get a forever after.

There is something similar between Up North movie and your marriage. Two cultures crossing path. What fears did you have to conquer to marry from another tribe?

To be honest, she always did say her parents were not tribalists, especially as they were both raised in the north. So, from the get go, they were on board.

My family is interesting because I have cousins who are Igbo, Yoruba, Delta, Plateau, Edo and even Dutch. Never worried for a second.

What lessons did you pick from “Up North” that you feel can be relevant to cross-cultural relationships?

Love is a universal connector.

Should we expect a collabo with your wife like the Banky Ws? Hahahaha. Well...We’ll see, won’t we?

Why did you abandon architecture for entertainment?

I didn’t. I and two other people I schooled with run our small Archi Firm, DeepSpaceInc. So I still practice Architecture.

Tell us about your journey to stardom? How did you start and are you living your dream now?

Thanks to YWAP, a non-profit, faith based organisation I’ve been a member of for 15 years. I was able to hone my skills as an event compere, dancer/choreographer, and playwright. In 2008, I and 5 mem-

Suleiman

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 22, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR My Sweetheart Story with Linda Ejiofor

bers of SoulQuest (YWAPs dance department) participated in and won the Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa, after which we represented Nigeria in a few international meets.

That was basically my first introduction to the entertainment industry. I went on to become brand ambassador for Malta Guinness, then did a bunch of dance inspired TVCs for MTN, GTBank, Unilever, etc.

Among your creative talents, which was your breaking point and which one is paying the bills?

I’d say my four years as a Malta Guinness ambassador did a ton of good for me. Right now, a combination of Architecture, digital art and acting are paying my bills.

Being in that ‘youth’ age bracket and having worked with a lot of young talents over the years, what are the major challenges they face?

Trustworthy representation.

What role can you not allow her act or will she not allow you?

She has built a solid career over a decade without my help/direction. The young lady always makes wise choices and I’m here to hold her hand all the way.

Can you allow her take a passionate kiss if the script says so?

These are decisions that primarily involve the actor and director.

Between Nollywood and Hollywood, which would you choose and why?

Why choose if I can have it all? I want it all.

What do you think has improved in Nollywood and what extra improvement should we expecting from budding talents like you?

Every single year, Nollywood has pushed the boundaries. Growing year after year, with more and more quality in terms of writing, directing, producing, art direction, post production, talent management, everything. I’m excited about the immediate future.

Any project(s) you are working on?

A couple of movies for Q1 of 2019, whilst preparing for my art exhibition. And of course, playing Damini on Tinsel is close to my heart (for obvious reasons. Lol)

How do you relax?

Watch a show at home or game night with my inner circle.

The couple

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 22, 2018

48

SHOWBIZFLAIR UZEE USMAN

I’m Not Ready for Marriage Now…Too Busy to Think about Relationships Uzee Usman is a Young Nollywood producer based in the North. He studied Special Effects in South Africa and has become one of the biggest entertainers in the northern part of Nigeria. He talks to Tosin Clegg about the challenges of entertainers in the North, Nollywood as a whole, his top-notch stylish looks and more can say that there is just about five of us that can take the industry from the North to the South successfully and be accepted immediately, especially when you consider language barrier, education and a host of others. Most fans do not care where you come from as long as you give them what they really want.

2018 has been wonderful e thank Almighty God and we keep pushing. It has been quite a successful one for me. Again, I thank the Almighty God for the level he has brought me so far. I can proudly say that I am a United Nations ambassador on SDGs, Nigerian ambassador to Mac-Arthur Foundation Global, amongst others.

W

How I balance work and leisure Trust me, out of the 12 months in a year, 11 months for me is totally work.

I take a break in December every year, but lately, since I started appearing in television shows, December has become one of the busiest periods for me because of the event of the year. I can’t say I have a love life because I’m totally dedicated to my job. One of the secrets of my urbane look is that I’m a free minded person. I go to bed every night with no ill feelings. If I must sleep, I sleep like a baby. I wake up every morning and I look fresher than I was the night before.

I started my career in the North I was born and grew up in Kaduna.

I was in Lagos for a while though, until 2008 when somebody reminded me of being from the northern part of the country and suggested that I go back and give back to my people, which I did, almost immediately. It is northern movies that really brought me fame. I am the producer that started this merger thing in the industry today; that is bringing people from the Kannywood to join Nollywood stars to do movies.

I began my movie career in 2003 I started as a make-up artiste which earned me an award at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in 2008. I also won the best Makeup Artiste for the movie, ‘London Boy,’ and gained experience and contacts that launched me into stardom.

I then started acting, after which I tried presenting before upgrading to a movie maker and entrepreneur. I soon became very famous in Kannywood movies and even produced some of the movies.

I have produced more than 20 movies in Nollywood and Kannywood, which earned me multiple awards, including the United Nations Peace Achievers Award.

I’ve also been Best Film African Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) winner in 2014, Best Producer, B.U.K, Best Film Maker (North), Actors Screen Award, Best Movie Producer, Afro-Hollywood Awards London 2016, and lots more. My movies so far include: ‘Maja’, ‘Oga Abuja’, ‘Under’, ‘Red Line’, ‘Hassana Da Hussaina’, ‘Thorny’, ‘Power of Tomorrow’, ‘Almost Perfect’, ‘Dark Closet’, ‘If I Am President’ and ‘Makeroom’. I also host the most talked about show in northern Nigeria called, ‘Taurarin Zamani’, which airs every Saturday and Sunday on African Magic Hausa at 5:30p.m., Arewa24, and AIT, at different times.

It’s all about the passion I have a passion for entertainment, movie making, especially acting. That passion has driven me to where I am today and, to the glory of God, I have

Fashion and style means a lot to me Half of my earnings go to fashion.

I wear almost all the top designers in Abuja and Lagos. I am an ambassador to a very top brand designer. I like fashion; you cannot be in the circle of entertainment and not be top notch in terms of fashion. Fashion opens the door for me; it’s a must for anybody that is in the limelight. I can proudly say that I am the most fashionable person in the North.

I’m single at the moment Not ready for marriage for now. In fact, right now, I’m too busy to think about relationships or marriage. My job is taking much of my time and I’m enjoying it. And my life’s philosophy is that everybody will be alright, don’t take things too seriously. Always remember that you will die one day.

achieved a lot doing it.

morning, I’ll let all the worries go.

My advice to young Nigerians Always believe in yourself. Don’t fake another person; you can achieve your own goals. Don’t allow politicians to use you and dump you. Always start from somewhere, time is never a problem. You can be 35 and still pursue a degree in the university; it’s not a big deal. Always be positive and be yourself, be prayerful and dedicated to whatever you do.

Dealing with challenges I am the kind of person that never allows anything to bother me.

My friends know me to believe in the phrase; ‘everything will be alright’. So basically, I sleep over things and then let it go.

I am a very simple human being and I know that no matter what, I will sleep and when I wake up the next

Challenges so far There wasn’t really any big challenge that I had to deal with because when I came, the top actors at the time just let me take the position that I proved to be worthy of. The only thing I will say is that there is a lot of competition which is healthy in every profession. But in the North, there isn’t a lot of competition because there’s just a few of us. I

Message to my fans To my fans, I will always be that little boy you have supported to this level and I promise to always bring out my positive vibe especially on my show. I promise that you will keep seeing good products from me. ‘Makeroom’ is on the way by the grace of God, before the middle of 2019, it will be out. Then there is ‘Lagos Street Life’ to expect too.

Usman

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 22, 2018

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

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Gists BUSOLA DAKOLO, DADDY FREEZE, OTHERS ATTEND NEW SPIDER-MAN SERIES Silverbird Film recently held a canvas painting and an advance screening event for Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse, which was premiered on the 14th of December. The event, which held at Film House Cinemas Lekki (IMAX), was filled with Spider-Man enthusiasts who came to paint “Into the Spider Verse” canvas, network and have fun. The event also had celebrity guests Busola Dakolo, Daddy Freeze and movie buff Shola Thompson in attendance. With a rotten Tomatoes rating of 99 per cent, Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse is the seventh Spider-Man feature film in 16 years and it is said to be the best animation in the series so far.

Into the Spider Verse chronicles the story of a Brooklyn teenager, Miles Morales who developed superpowers after he was bitten by a radioactive spider. When he meets Peter Parker, he suddenly realises there are many others from other dimensions who share his special abilities.

AWOOF MAMA BEGINS NEW CAMPAIGN, PLANS TO LAUNCH MAKEUP LINE Socialite and social media celebrity, Anastencia Ezenwa, popularly known as The Awoof Mama of Instagram, has started an Awoof spree campaign, giving out her makeup brand products, Lipstain, Eyeshadow Palletes, Lip Liners etc, all selling at Awoof prices. The young champ and CEO, Zeeclass beauty, who partners with other entrepreneurs to sell products at a ridiculously discounted price, has said that all was set for the launching of the Zeeclass makeup brand in February, next year.

According to Anastencia, “I know how it feels wanting something but the price tag becomes a hindrance. I came to crash prices but then I thought to myself again;

you can extend this to helping other brands sell out their items that they have had for a while or could not sell because they don’t have the on-

line customer base yet. Then I started running Awoof Ads for brands and the testimonies have been mind-blowing.

“Personally, I deal on makeup products, I sell different brands of makeup products but right now I’m super excited to mention that the zeeclass makeup products will be launched in February, 2019. I intend to continue selling other brands after zeeclass launch but I assure you that my wide range of products I am currently working on will give you that amazing look you crave for, because here at zeeclass beauty we believe every woman is born gorgeous.”

DIKE CHUKWUMERIJE’S ‘MADE IN NIGERIA POETRY’ SHOW CONTINUES Made in Nigeria is the brainchild of Dike Chukwumerije who is an actor, performance poetry artiste and an award-winning author. His poetry theatre production - Made in Nigeria is currently touring the country and as at October, this year, had been to nine Nigerian cities: Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Benin, Ile-Ife, Maiduguri, Yola, Bonny and Jos. Now, the show is back to the country’s cultural capital for the festive season, courtesy of the MTN Foundation as part of its Arts and Culture line of events for the fourth quarter of the year. Made in Nigeria Poetry tells the story of Nigeria’s progression from the beginning of the last century through

colonialism and independence to the present day with a mix of songs, and intriguing dramatic performances.

Dike Chukwumerije said, “The stories our parents tell, of the clubs they danced in and the music they danced to, have far too many similarities, even when you grew up in Minna and I grew up in Lagos. So, we decided to write a poem about a Nigerian story, and in 120 minutes tell a story on stage that is indisputably made in Nigeria.”

The Show is a part of the MTN Foundation’s Arts and Culture activities for Q4, which commenced in October and promotes key art, drama and music productions that tell authentically Nigerian stories.

BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES ON STARTIMES DURING FESTIVE SEASON In a bid to deliver unmatched entertainment to its subscribers during the Christmas season, StarTimes is rolling out blockbuster movies from Nollywood and in local languages all through this December and January 2019.

According to the pay-Tv company, more than 100 blockbuster movies from some of the best producers in Nollywood, Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa languages will be aired.

Some of the movies include Last Date, Enigma, Blind Spot, Friendship Betrayal and Criminals in

love all showing on ST Nollywood Plus, while AMC Movies would show Fall Guy, Rage, The Keeper, Crazy People, among others showing on AMC Series.

Others include Ajo Obi, Ife Chukwu Dere, Oku Nso, Osu and Munachi showing on Isimbido, while Mama Swaga, Ekundayo, Somolu Babes and Mr. Ambode on ST Yoruba.

Hausa speaking subscribers are not left out with Haske: Matan Arewa, Gari ya Waye, showing on Arewa 24.

Aquaman Arrives

A

quaman has arrived! Movie lovers who watched it recently with friends, colleagues and fans at an exclusive private viewing at IMAX Filmhouse in Lagos were excited that DStv made it happen. Years of anticipation have led to this write-up, as DC Comics has finally brought the legendary comics character to the big screen.

Aquaman tells a story of Jason Momoa who played the role of Arthur Curry (Aquaman) the heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, who finds himself caught between a surface world that ravages the sea and the underwater Atlanteans who are ready to revolt. Arthur must step forward to lead his people against his half-brother Orm, who seeks to unite the seven underwater kingdoms against the surface world.

A little about the lead actor, Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa whose body kept having ladies scream and shout at the top of their voice during the viewing.

He undoubtedly gave every female something to enjoy and admire. He was born August 1, 1979, and he is an American actor, writer, film producer, director and model. He is known for portraying Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe, beginning with the 2016 superhero film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the 2017 ensemble Justice League, and the 2018 solo film Aquaman.

One thing that movie lovers won’t fail to talk about is the cinematography of the movie which was of world-class standard and uncompromised. The extra attention to detailing was one of a kind especially as it related to showing life under water.

The conscious reflection of being underwater wasn’t mistaken. The movements, the swimming and everything that related to portraying life underwater was well served and that gave the movie a major thumbs up.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 22, 2018

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Toyin Subair and wife

Toyin Subair Finds Love in India Boss of defunct HiTV, Toyin Subair is in cloud seven with Anita Gumpta and savouring his marriage to the Indian, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

T

he last healthy piece of news that was heard of Toyin Subair, after the huge financial crisis that sent his promising cable television company aground was his emergence in London where he was said to be putting the pieces of his life together.

It was further reported that the flamboyant socialite had established a new line of business courtesy of his bosom friend and oil mogul, Kola Aluko who assisted him in setting up a night club in London.

Subair is in the news again. The owner of defunct pay television station, HiTV recently got married to his beautiful lover of many years, Anita Gupta. Subair the jolly good guy who divorced his first wife some years ago got married at a colorful and classy event in faraway India. Though

a small gathering, the wedding had in excess the components of an elaborate Nigerian party.

With this could be said a new lease of life for Subair. Hardly anyone believed that Subair would find another love of his life soon.

An entertainment lawyer by profession, Subair holds a more poignant modern version of the hero-to-zero tale.

Here was the enterprising entrepreneur who emerged from nowhere a few years ago with his indigenous pay TV company, HiTV. Determined to give his competitors a run for their money, he arrived the scene with a lot of fresh ideas that made him worthy of emulation and became an overnight sensation and almost sent its major competitor, South African based DSTV, out of the market. Such was the feat of his success with the satellite TV which earned him endless tributes.

Subair ubair and wife

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t DECEMBER 22, 2018

SHOWBIZFLAIR/EVENTS

Mohammed Dangote Grabs Sara in Malaysia Mohammed, son of Sani Dangote’s got married to his Malaysian bride, Sara, at the Mayang Sari Grand Ballroom, JW Marrriott Hotel in Malaysia on Wednesday, in the presence of family and friends. Sani Dangote is the brother of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. Guests at the wedding included oil magnate Femi Otedola, businessman Atedo Peterside and many others

The couple, Mohammed Dangote and wife, Sara

R-L: Bride, Sara and her husband Mohammed Dangote, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and a friend

L-R: Femi Otedola, Dantatta Dangote with Mohammed Dangote

The couple with friends

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍşËœÍşÍ¸ÍšÎ€

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Moody’s: Access, Diamond Deal, Positive for Nigerian Banking System Obinna Chima

One of the leading global rating agencies, Moody’s Investors Service, has stated that the recent business combination agreement between Access Bank Plc and Diamond Bank will be “credit positive� for the overall Nigerian banking system.

According to Moody’s, Diamond Bank potentially merging with Access Bank would limit the threat of contagion of the former’s relatively weak credit profile to the Nigeria’s banking system.

The rating agency stated this in a note made available to THISDAY yesterday.

The proposed merger between both banks have gotten a ‘no objection’ approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and is expected to be finalised before June 2019.

Based on the agreement reached by the Boards of the two financial institutions, Diamond Bank shareholders would receive a consideration of N3.13 per share, comprising N1 per share in cash and the allotment of two New Access Bank ordinary shares for every seven Diamond

Bank ordinary shares held as at the Implementation Date.

The offer represents a premium of 260 per cent to the closing market price of N0.87 per share of Diamond Bank on the NSE as of December 13, 2018, the date of the final binding offer.

Immediately following completion of the merger, Diamond Bank would be absorbed into Access Bank and it will cease to exist under Nigerian law.

In its review of the deal, Moody’s stated: “We view the potential merger of Access Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc, two of Nigeria’s systemically important banks, as credit positive for the Nigerian banking system overall. “Downgrading Diamond’s ratings to Caa1 from B3 and placing its ratings on review with direction uncertain last month reflected the bank’s weak solvency and liquidity metrics as well as its corporate governance tensions. “Diamond Bank potentially merging with Access, a stronger bank, would help limit the threat of contagion of its relatively weak credit profile to the Nigeria’s banking system.�

In a separate report, Moody’s assigned a long-term local currency

deposits ratings of ‘B2/Not Prime’ to Access Bank.

The long-term local currency deposit rating was underpinned by Moody’s baseline credit assessment (BCA) of ‘b2’ for Access Bank. “We also assign foreign currency deposit ratings of B3/Not Prime, local and foreign currency issuer ratings of B2, local currency national scale deposit ratings of A1.ng/NG-1, foreign currency national scale deposit ratings of A3.ng/NG-2 and

a counterparty risk assessment of B1(cr)/NP(cr). “Access Bank’s b2 standalone profile reflects its strong asset quality metrics and robust loan underwriting standards and risk management processes, large local currency liquidity buffers, and resilient capital buffers. “These strengths are balanced against Nigeria’s still challenging operating environment which negatively affects banks’ asset quality and revenue growth, and

concentration risks in the bank’s loan book, including its exposure to loans denominated in foreign currencies.�

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Thursday said Diamond Bank would write off its non-performing loans (NPLs) before the deal was finalised.

This, he said, was necessary to protect the health of the new entity.

Wigwe said this when he appeared as a guest on ‘The Morning Show,’

programme of Arise TV, a broadcast arm of THISDAY. He maintained that the merger would be of great benefit to all stakeholders, saying that concerns about NPLs in the tier II bank were fully considered before they entered into the business combination agreement. He had also reiterated that there won’t be job losses even as he restated Access Bank’s plan to raise $250 million fresh tier II capital

2019: Ex-agitators Raise the Alarm over Arms Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

As the tempo of political activities pick up across the country ahead of the 2019 elections, former agitators in the Niger Delta have raised the alarm over the mass movement of sophisticated arms and ammunition to the South-south zone of the country and the recruitment of thugs by politicians.

In a statement issued yesterday and made available to THISDAY, the ex-militants, under the aegis of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators, said more than 48,000 AK-47 rifles, pump actions, pistols, ammunition and others weapons have been moved to different locations in the Niger Delta region.

The statement was signed by the Convener, Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators and leader of Niger Delta Watchdogs, General

John Duku; Gen. Jomo Gbomo for Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND); Gen. Mudoch Agbinibo for Niger Delta Avengers; Gen. Ekpo Ekpo for Niger Delta Volunteers; and Gen. Simple Benjamin for Bakassi Strike Force; among others.

The statement read in part: “Recently, there is proliferation of assorted sophisticated and dangerous weapons in the Niger Delta region brought in by politicians to cause mayhem in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. “Already, one of our Generals has been contacted by a top official of a political party to supply about 150 of his boys who will be part of the 3,500 thugs they want to use in each state of Niger Delta region to prosecute their nefarious activities during the forthcoming elections.

Buhari’s Aide, Obla Finally Addresses Certificate Forgery Allegation Nseobong Okon-Ekong

The Chairman, Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has reacted to a call for his dismissal by the House of Representatives.

Obla has been under attack over an alleged forged WAEC certificate ever since he commenced investigations into the activities and finances of some senators and Reps members.

Recently, a House of Representatives’ panel asked the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to arrest ObonoObla, for forgery.

The panel’s report, presented on Thursday by the Chairman of the ad hoc Committee, Aliyu Pategi (PDP, Kwara), indicted

Obono-Obla of forgery, arbitrariness and abuse of office.

The report therefore urged President Buhari to relieve him of his duties as Special Adviser, and to dissolve SPIP henceforth.

It also directed the University of Jos, Nigerian Law School, and the Body of Benchers to withdraw all the law degrees awarded to Obono-Obla, “having been obtained fraudulently.�

The lawmakers’ indictment is coming six months after they commenced investigations into allegations of forgery and abuse of office against the President’s anti-corruption aide.

The House of Representatives began probing Obono-Obla since June 2018, during which he shunned all summons by the Pategi Committee.

BUDGET 2019...

Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi presenting the 2019 Appropriation document to Ekiti State House of Assembly, yesterday

FG Sets Aside $650m for Completion Five Major Roads Bennett Oghifo

The reconstruction of the LagosIbadan Expressway is to be completed in 2021 and work on the road is not expected to stop until it is ready, as the federal government has set aside $650 million to complete it and four others, including Abuja-KadunaKano, the last section of East-West Road, Mambila Plateau and the Second Niger Bridge.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engineer Adedammola Kuti stated this, during the week, at the opening of a section of the road that was shut for reconstruction, to ease movement during the festive period.

Kuti said the infrastructure fund of the federal government was growing and that if he had his figures right, “it must have risen to about a billion dollars, but I know that it is not less than $650 million.

The 127.6 kilometre Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction and expansion was started by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration in July 2013 and the cost of the total works was put at N167 billion in 48 months by two contractors, Messrs Julius Berger Plc., and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Ltd. The reconstruction and expansion works did not go as planned because of inadequate funding but this has been resolved with the setting aside of $600 million by the President Muhammadu Buhari

administration, according to Kuti.

He said the road ought to have been completed in 2017 but that because of additional work, “we now have to take into consideration the construction of under-passes, flyovers and even toll plazas- and with additional works, you expect the completion date to also shift; we are moving it forward to about 2021 but the work is not going to stop, like we experienced in the past which was due to poor funding. Right now, this federal government has set aside enough funds for the completion of this job.�

The project, he said is ongoing and that the federal government was committed to completing it and had set aside huge sum of money that it would benefit from massively. “So, we don’t expect any slowdown of activities outside weather that is why we want to make the best use of this dry season to finish our work. The public should exercise patience with us; the road is a priority road to the federal government of Nigeria.�

He said the rate of work on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway had increased significantly since the introduction of the Infrastructural Fund. “Completion percentage has also risen; initially, we were getting close to 60 per cent, but now with the introduction of new works, the percentage drops; that is the way it is calculated.�

Bayelsa Proposes N275bn Budget for 2019 Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson yesterday presented a budget estimate of N275.8 billion to the State House of Assembly for the 2019 fiscal year.

It was a substantial reduction compared to last year’s budget which was N316. 9 billion, which the government said was due to recent financial projections at the national level.

While presenting the budget tagged, “Budget of Final Completion� to the state House of Assembly for consideration and passage, the Governor assured that concerted efforts would be made to complete most of the ongoing projects before his administration comes to an end in February 2020.

Dickson said the 2019 budget proposal consisted of statutory allocation of N233.5 billion representing 84% of the total budget and value added tax of N9.7 billion or 3.55 per cent.

He noted that other revenue projections comprised of internally generated revenue of N16.7 billion representing 6.7 percent and capital receipts of N15.6 billion or five percent of the total budget, Governor Dickson listed the proposed expenditure as: Personnel cost, N47 billion (17.1%), overhead cost N49

billion or 17.79 per cent, consolidated revenue fund charges N66 billion or 23.49 per cent. The governor who said the capital expenditure was allocated a lion share of N113.5 billion representing 41.16 percent, put the performance rate of the 2018 budget at 50 per cent as government received N153 billion out of the budgeted N316 billion.

On sectoral allocation, the Governor allotted N31 billion to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, which is the highest followed by Education, N23 billion, while N6 billion was earmarked for Health.

Also, N4 billion each was allocated to the ministries of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Sports Development and Trade and Investment while Housing and Urban Development was allotted N3.5 billion.

Others include: Transport N2.5 billion, Information N2 billion, Water Resources and Science and Technology N1.5 billion each while Local Government Administration got N720 million.

Also, Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs got N700 million, Environment N505 million, Labour and Productivity as well as Women and Social Development were allocated N500 million each.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž DECEMBER 22, 2018

NEWSXTRA

Poor Governance, Unemployment, Fuel Banditry in Zamfara, Says Defence Minister 1$) 7DNHV GHOLYHU\ RI ÀJKWHU MHW IURP 86 H[SHFWV WZR IURP ,WDO\ %XUDWDL YLVLWV WURRSV LQ 1RUWK HDVW Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Minister of Defence, BrigadierGeneral Mansur Dan Ali(rtd), yesterday attribute d the raging banditry in Zamfara State to poor governance and unemployment in the state.

Bandits have pillaged the state in recent times leaving a trail of blood and destruction.

This is coming as the Nigerian Air Force said it took delivery of fighter aircraft from the United States while expecting another two power helicopters from Italy in bid to strengthen the air Force in the war against insurgents.

In the same vein, the Chief of Army Staff has paid a moraleboosting visit to commanders, troops and mobile Policemen in Buni Yadi, Borno State, the theater of war in the north-east.

Speaking in Abuja, the minister, who is also from Zamfara said poor governance, unemployment and drug abuse were triggers for banditry in the state.

He said federal government had, in an effort to curb the menace in the North-west cre-

ated 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto and a brigade in Gusau, the state capital while another one would be located in Birnni Kebbi. “It is noteworthy to state that the issue of drug abuse, unemployment and governance amongst others contributes to the deplorable security situation in Zamfara State. “It is therefore suggested that the all necessary stakeholders should come together and take necessary steps to address these issues and to provide adequate support to security agencies so as to get maximum cooperation�, he said.

The minister stated that “the Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Force was established in Gusau to give air support to the ground troops. Additionally, 500 troops of Nigerian Armed Forces and 500 other security agents were recently deployed to join Operation Sharan Daji to curb the activities of armed bandits and other security challenges in Zamfara and Kaduna states and the region in general�.

REWARDED FOR SERVICE...

R-L: Managing Director, Total Nigeria Plc, Imrane Barry; 30 years long service awardee, Mrs Olubunmi Olalekan and son, Mr Ayomide Olalekan during Total Nigeria Plc End of Year and award Presentation Ceremony in Lagos yesterday

“These are all geared towards realising the mandate of the Ministry of Defence and achieving the Federal Government’s drive on security of its citizens and properties.�

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air

Fayose: Bad Economy, Nepotism Remain Buhari’s Legacies for Nigerians Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

The former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has declared that the only legacy President Muhammadu Buhari would be leaving for Nigerians after the 2019 poll would be a weak economy and rising unemployment that had been the hallmark of his government.

Fayose said Nigerians would never forget President Buhari for ruining the country economically and promoting nepotism to the level of state policy thereby dividing the country and threatening its unity.

Fayose, who is the Southwest Coordinator of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential

Campaign Council, said “apart from the civil war era, the country had never been so insecure to the extent that our military men, including retired top officers are killed so recklessly. “Thousands of Nigerians have been killed by herdsmen and the President has done nothing.�

According to a statement on Friday by his Media Aide, Lere Olayinka, the former governor said; “At this time in 2014, a bag of rice was N7,000 but the same bag of rice is over N20, 000 now while other food items are also beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.�

He said Nigerians would never forget a President who met petrol

at N86.50 per litre and increased it to N145 within one year and destroyed the economy of the country to the extent that dollar that exchanged for N197 to N1 is now over N360. “Most importantly, Nigerians will forever remember President Buhari’s flagrant disobedience to rule of law, selective application of justice, use of state apparatus like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Police and Department of State Services (DSS) to oppress his perceived political enemies and treatment of other arms of government, especially the judiciary with contempt.

Gov Abubakar Presents 2019 Budget of N196.7 to BAHA Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar has presented the 2019 budget estimate of N196.7 billion to the Bauchi State House of Assembly which focuses on priority areas of health, education, agriculture, water supply, youth and women empowerment and infrastructural development.

The budget proposal which is put on ratio of 40:60 recurrent and capital expenditure, respectively emphasises on the completion of all ongoing projects and programmes, while embarking upon on new ones only where they become necessary.

The 2019 budget estimate has N79.2 billion, or 40% on recurrent expenditure while capital expenditure receives N117.5 billion, representing 60% of the total budget estimates, which the governor said was a clear

“demonstration of our resolve to the provision of infrastructure which is the bedrock for economic development of the State.�

Under the recurrent estimates in the 2019 budget, N125.5 billion is estimated as recurrent revenue, made up of N17.141 billion internally generated revenue and N108.3 statutory allocation, whereas N79.196 is estimated as the recurrent expenditure.

The recurrent expenditure is broken down into N35.3 billion personnel cost, N26.399 overhead cost and N17.488 as consolidated revenue charges. The consolidated revenue fund comprises of N10 billion as pension and gratuity, and N6.672 billion for public debt charges/debt servicing.

Governor Abubakar explained that the 2018 budget had been largely successful as the economy was beginning to stabilise, owing to prudence in management of meagre

resources in government coffers. “Out of the budgeted recurrent revenue of N101.4 billion, the sum of N64.4 billion was realised, representing 63.49% as at June 2018, while independent revenue generation was N6.8 billion as at September, 2018,� the governor explained.

According to the governor, the projected capital receipts in 2018 stood at N53. 143 billion and the sum of N21.260 billion, representing 39.78% was recorded as actual receipts as at June 2018, while aids and grants actual receipts as at June 2018 stood N8. 129 billion.

He said the path to growth had always been difficult, but not insurmountable, and pointed out that tremendous achievements had been recorded in the face of the difficult situation under which the administration came into being.

Force said it took delivery of a fighter jet from the United States and expected two more from Italy even as it commenced “in country� maintenance of some of its aircraft. “Most recently in this regard,

the NAF has commenced the in-country Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of 3 Alpha Jet aircraft at the 407 Air Combat Training Group (407 ACTG) Kainji. The in-country PDM, which commenced on 19

December 2018, is expected to further boost aircraft availability for the conduct of air operations, whilst enhancing the capacity of NAF engineers and technicians involved in the maintenance activity.

Fayemi Submits N129.9bn Budget Estimate for 2019 Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Friday presented a sum of N129.924,472,135.01 appropriation bill before the State House of Assembly for passage.

The budget composed of N57, 214, 891, 758.72 capital expenditure and N72, 709, 580, 376.29 as recurrent expenditure .

The budget tagged: Budget of Restoration’ was presented before the Speaker, Hon Adeniran Alagbada and other members of the Assembly for passage.

The Assembly complex witnessed a frenzied mood , as party leaders and loyalists of the governor thronged the palatial premises of the legislative building

to give support .

In the proposal, infrastructure takes the largest share and will gulp a sum of N40, 122, 788, 579.

83 while a total of N33, 393, 440, 901.80 was earmarked for social investment drives.

Fayemi, clad in white Agbada praised the assembly for the commitment to the State, saying the cardinal objective of the budget estimate is to drive the four cardinal objective of his administration, anchored on; Knowledge economy, social investment, infrastructure and Human capital development and Agriculture and Rural Development.

He said the budget was judiciously tailored towards good governance and speedy

economic recovery for Ekiti State and its people. “Mr. Speaker, the budget encapsulates the plans, policies and programmes of this administration.

I equally want to assure you that the needed resources to ensure the success of its provisions shall be effectively sourced. “I urge you for timely consideration to the passage of this revenue and expenditure estimate as 2019 is already here�, Fayemi stated.

Fayemi said for smooth sail and passage of the appropriation bill, that he sought the inputs of all relevant stakeholders and reflected the collective aspiration, needs and demands for sustainable growth and development across the 16 local government areas of the state.

Amosun Promises Buhari Ogun Votes Femi Ogbonikan

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has restated his resolve to work and deliver the votes of the people of the state for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in the upcoming 2019 presidential election.

The governor, while addressing party faithful drawn from across the 236 wards of the state at the APC party secretariat in Abeokuta on Friday, urged scores of party them to ensure that they vote massively for Buhari in the Presidential election scheduled for February 16, 2019.

According to Amosun, “Our detractors are trying to destroy the APC in Ogun State. The best way to answer them is to vote massively for President Buhari. This

is because power resides with the people and not with the detractors who are bent on destroying us.

We will tell them that we are on ground in Ogun State�.

He said Ogun APC did not fear the adversaries of the party in the state but “the leeway that they enjoy is our fear for God and President Buhari�.

While expressing appreciation to the APC members for standing steadfastly and tenaciously in the face of oppression and violation of their fundamental rights by the National Secretariat of the party, the governor, however, urged them to eschew violence and aggression of any kind but conduct themselves peacefully throughout the 2019 elections.

Besides, Amosun disclosed that he would launch his senatorial

campaign on Thursday, December 27, 2018 and added that branded APC vehicles would be distributed to the 20 local government chapters of the party for the purpose of electioneering campaign.

However, a mild drama ensued as the event progressed, following the arrival of the gubernatorial candidate of Allied Peoples Movement (APC), Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, and some party stalwarts at the venue.

Amosun while receiving the APM governorship candidate and other chieftains of the new party, explained that they were at the venue to submit a letter to the APC in Ogun State expressing the wish of APM to adopt President Buhari as their presidential candidate in the 2019 presidential election.

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First Female Nigerian Appointed Lufthansa Group General Manager, Sales Charles Ajunwa

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L-R: Managing Director, Angels Guards, Mr. Israel Asigbe; Technical Director, Industry Organisations, Mr. Emmanuel Industry; Chairman, Apapa Government Reserved Area Residents Association (AGRA), Brig. General Sola Ayo-Vaughan and a Resident; Mr.Yemi Yusuf, during a media conference on Apapa traffic in Lagos....recently

ANDP Partners Bauchi Govt to Build 5000 Houses for Less Privileged Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi African Nations Development Programme (ANDP) in partnership with the Bauchi State Government is to build 5000 houses in form of new cities in remote places for the less-privileged and indigent people in Bauchi State.

While speaking at the inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony of the new cities at KM 5, Ningi Road, Bauchi yesterday, the Country Director of ANDP, Eze Ifeanyichukwu, explained that the initiative would bring to the people of the state 5000 fully detached two bedrooms bungalows.

Ifeanyichukwu who disclosed that the programme was already at work in Cross River, Kwara, Benue, Ebonyi and the Osun states, said that the houses would be accompanied with infrastructures such as primary and secondary schools, health centre, farmers market with open lockup shops, sports arena, skills acquisition centre, Police station and so on.

The ANDP Country Director further said that the project was to create cities that could sustain themselves as well as produce good leaders of tomorrow through better orientation and good environment.

He said that the project, which is funded 100 per cent by World Nations Development Programme Initiative (WNDPI), was to create the new cities in remote places for the less-privileged would enable children of the beneficiaries to access a good education in a good and suitable learning environment.

According to him, “The second phase of this laudable programme shall include training and empowerment of the occupants of this new city with agricultural practice and skills acquisition.

Most importantly, provide a marker for their produce locally and internationally to enable them to maintain a standard livelihood and contribute positively to Bauchi State economy.�

In his remarks, the Director General of ANDP, Ambassador Samson Omojuyigbe, who was

represented by Mr. Babatunde Kuye, commended Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State, for the relative peace enjoyed in the state hence the reason the programme is taking place in the state.

Omojuyigbe expressed gratitude to the governor and the people of Bauchi State for providing a large expanse of land for the project.

The DG of ANDP assured that the 5000 house units would be completed and delivered to the state government within the next 24 months provided that land space would be made available.

In his speech, Governor Abubakar assured that his administration would continue to embark on the provision of houses to the citizens of the state at affordable prices.

The Governor added that so far his administration had completed all abandoned housing projects it inherited from previous administrations and ensured that the houses had been given out to the people.

Abubakar assured the ANDP team that the administration would continue to collaborate with well-meaning organisations and individuals to bring programmes that would improve the living standard of the people.

He then commended the ANDP for identifying the state among those to benefit from the project assuring that his administration will do everything possible to make the project a reality.

Also speaking, the commissioner for Housing, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said the project was a historic moment and a dream come true.

Mohammed said that the housing project was a milestone achievement among many projects initiated by the Governor Mohammed Abdullahi administration to improve the quality of life of the people.

He disclosed that the 5000 houses would be spread across 10 local government areas in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Nestle Nigeria Restates Commitment to Responsible Sourcing Charles Ajunwa

Nestle Nigeria has restated its commitment to responsible sourcing at its last Supplier’s Day event held in Lagos.

The event united all key players who supply raw materials, packaging materials, services and indirect materials to Nestle. This was an opportunity to consolidate existing relationships as well as ensure best practices in sourcing.

With about 80 per cent local sourcing reached in 2018, the company is poised to increase the percentages where possible in the coming years. “We work with more than 1,000 direct suppliers, 700 of which are local suppliers,� said Nestor Finalo , Supply Chain Manager for Nestle Nigeria at the event. “We hope to invest more in local suppliers who are able to meet with the quality requirements of Nestle,� he

continued.

Responsible sourcing has always been at the core of Nestle Nigeria’s operations, especially in a society where consumers and stakeholders increasingly want to know what is in their food, where it comes from and how it is made. Nestle Nigeria has responded to these demands by ensuring transparency and compliance in its supply chain.

The company continues to urge its suppliers to adhere to the highest ethical standards and procedures. “All our suppliers must imbibe and adhere to good ethical practices whether in terms of labour laws, working hours or relationship with the environment.

We have also put structures in place to ensure that quality is not compromised,� Mr. Finalo said.

On their part, suppliers at the event reaffirmed their trust in Nestle while identifying op-

portunities for improvement to better meet the company’s requirements. Commenting, one of the key players said, “We are confident that we will be able to reach and surpass Nestle’s standards on quality. We are happy about our partnership and hope to do more with Nestle in the coming years.�

In her welcome address, the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager for NestlĂŠ Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka said, “The Suppliers Day presents a unique opportunity for us to celebrate everyone who supplies the products or services that help us produce high-quality nutritious products. We are certain that this relationship will be sustained in the long-term as we work together to meet consumer expectations by ensuring responsible sourcing practices.â€?

Nestle Nigeria reiterated its commitment to work together

with its suppliers to ensure that they have all the support they need to continue to grow their businesses while contributing to the company’s growth. This is in line with Nestle’s Creating Shared Value principles.

To strengthen supplier relationships, Nestle Suppliers Day will continue to be held annually going forward. There will also be opportunities for training, skills and capacity building for the company’s top suppliers. “This event will be carried out yearly to keep you abreast of the company’s best practices and to develop even stronger partnerships. We will also hold workshops and joint trainings to improve the quality of deliveries and empower you, our esteemed suppliers,� said Mr. Nestor Finalo in his closing remarks at the event.

Attendees at the event included top management executives of all Nestle key suppliers.

Lufthansa Group has appointed Mrs. Adenike Macaulay General Manager, Sales Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, to be responsible for all the commercial and sales activities of the Lufthansa Group Airlines in Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

She would be the first Nigerian to hold such a position in the airline while the appointment will take effect January 2019.

Mrs. Macaulay started her career at Lufthansa in 2009 as a business analyst for West Africa, responsible for regional results analysis, market and ad-hoc reporting, competitor monitoring and sales planning.

In 2010, she took over leadership of the team as Regional Marketing Manager, directing marketing activities as well as business analysis, pricing and sales support across seven regions in West and Central Africa.

Five years later, Mrs. Macaulay assumed the position of Senior Manager, Customer, Products and Marketing for sub-Sahara Africa, directing customer relations, product management and marketing activities across sub-Sahara Africa.

In 2017, her position transitioned into Head Sales, Products and Programmes, where she was responsible for the development and optimisation of sales products, B2B incentive programs, sales promotions and sales service processes, across the sub-Sahara Africa region. “I look forward to a cooperative relationship with our trade partners and continuing the good work of my predecessor in serving our esteemed passengers,� said Mrs. Macaulay, General Manager Sales, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, Lufthansa Group.

In her new appointment, Mrs. Macaulay will be based in Lagos, succeeding Mr. Robin Sohdi, who held this position since the beginning of January 2016.

Mrs. Macaulay will report to Mr. Philippe Saeys- Desmedt, Senior Director Sales sub-Saharan Africa, Lufthansa Group based in Brussels, the new regional Headquarters for Lufthansa Group sub-Sahara Africa.

The Lufthansa Group offers 15 weekly flights from Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt via Frankfurt to over 200 destinations in Europe, USA, Canada and beyond.

Enugu Govt Awards Contracts, Purchase Fire Trucks Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, in sustaining the tempo of infrastructural development at the urban and rural areas, yesterday, awarded N1 billion contracts for infrastructural development across the state.

The road projects, according to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Greg Nnaji, who briefed newsmen after the meeting of the State Executive Council (EXCO) include, the completion of Akpakwume-Nze-Aku Road, between Udi and Igbo Etiti Local Government Areas (phase one); the construction of culverts/ river crossing along Nike Lake Junction-Harmony Estate- Amorji Nike-Adoration Ministry Road - a bypass (phase one), in Enugu East LGA. Others include: rehabilitation/ construction of Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Boulevard in Enugu North LGA; construction of Amalla Orba-Orie Orba-Eke Ovoko Road (phase one), Udenu LGA; and the Amaechnenu junction to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Eha Alumona in Nsukka LGA. The Council also approved the purchase of five fire trucks for the newly constructed fire service stations across the three senatorial districts of Enugu State.

Also briefing newsmen, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Gab Onuzulike, disclosed that the fire-fighting equipment were approved by the Council to ensure that the five new service stations commence full operation for safety of lives and property.

Hon. Onuzulike added that the EXCO also approved the recruitment of 52 qualified personnel to man the stations, stressing that the decision was taken in view of the importance of the project and the fact that “the last time we had any construction of fire service stations was about 56 years ago, precisely in 1962.�

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EKEOCHA PATIENCE IJEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IWUNNA PATIENCE IJEOMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as PROSPER MONDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as NWEKEAL GOD’SWILL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MR. MERITAGADAGA, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. MERIT ABAIANYAM JAY QUINN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AKPAN PATRICIA SYLVESTER, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS AKPAN RITA SYLVESTER. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NWEZE ADAEZE FAITH, now wish to be known and addressed as BENARD ADAEZE FAITH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CORRECTION/ADDITIONAL OF NAMES I, BALOGUN FUNMILAYO ADUAGBEMI bears BALOGUN FUNMILAYO on my BVN and BALOGUN FUNMILAYO ADUAGBEMI on my voters card. All documents remain valid.

DECEMBER 22, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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SPORTS XTRA

L-R; Managing Partner SIAO, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Founder, Kanu Heart Foundation, Mr. Kanu Nwankwo; CEO Matchmakers Consultant, Mr. Shina Phillips; and Stanley Commopore during Kanu Heart Foundation’s visit to SIAO in Ikoyi, Lagos

Mourinho with Sanchez

CAF Confederation Cup

Rangers Optimistic of Second Round Ticket

T

he management, coaches and players of Rangers International have vowed to ensure that the team picks the ticket for the second round of the 2018/2019 CAF Confederation Cup after the second leg, first round clash with visiting Algerian cup champions, USM Bel Abbes on Sunday.

In a release from the Head, Media/Publicity department of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Norbert Okolie, said the players are at

their peak to make the club victorious.

“The coaches and players are doing all they can to ensure that victory is achieved and get the ticket for the next round of the competition. Since the team’ returned from Algeria, the coaches have been working on the team with the hope of producing a perfect team to fly the colors of the club on Sunday,” Okolie said.

The release further quoted the coach of the Enugu side as saying, “The game is still

open but we have all it takes to emerge winners at the end of the day. By God’s grace and some luck, I believe that we shall overcome the USMBA challenge.”

Also, Ghanaian shotstopper of the team, Nana Bonsu, said, “We pray for the team from Algeria to arrive safely in Enugu but we hope to pick the ticket for the second round of the competition. No doubt, our performance so far in the competition can only be traced to the grace of God,

team work and great motivation from our supporters.”

Commenting on the upcoming encounter, General Manager of the seven-time league champions, Davidson Owumi said, “Victory is all we crave for and that is what we are prepared to get on Sunday. The first leg was very tough but we shall ensure that the return leg will be easier for us and the ticket shall be in the kitty. I call on our numerous fans to come out in their numbers to cheer us to victory on Sunday.”

Sanchez Slams Report Claiming He Betted on Mourinho’s Sack Alexis Sanchez has slammed a newspaper report claiming he bet £20,000 with team-mate Marcos Rojo on whether Jose Mourinho would be sacked by Manchester United.

The Sun reported on Friday that Sanchez took to a Whatsapp group containing United players following Mourinho’s sacking, saying “Patience is all it takes”, and telling Rojo he now owed him £20,000.

However, Sanchez has denied

the report, writing on Twitter alongside a picture of The Sun’s story: “This is FALSE!!!

“José gave me the chance to play for the best team in the world and I only have gratitude for him. We are a truly United team. We are MANCHESTER UNITED. Respect.

“I can’t wait to help the team!

Good luck tomorrow family!”

Sanchez was signed from Arsenal in January but has struggled to find his best form

for United. Mourinho was even forced to deny reports last month that Sanchez was seeking an exit from Old Trafford.

Mourinho was dismissed

by United on Tuesday, just two days after a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool which left them sixth in the Premier League and trailing their opponents by 19 points.

Former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed as Mourinho’s temporary

replacement on Wednesday and will lead the club until the end of the season before returning to Norwegian side Molde.

Solskjaer takes United to Cardiff on Saturday for his first game, where he will face the side he was relegated with when in charge in 2014.

The former United striker confirmed on Friday he had not yet spoken to Sanchez since taking the job as the Chilean is still recovering from injury.

Roy Hodgson on Abraham’s Crystal Palace Move Crystal Palace coach Roy Hodgson has refused to be drawn on speculation linking the club with a move for Chelsea striker of Nigerian descent, Tammy Abraham in the January transfer window.

Chelsea are reportedly will-

ing to sell the England U-21 star and Palace as well as Newcastle United have been mentioned as a potential destination but Hodgson declined to comment when quizzed by reporters at Friday’s press conference. ‘’This is the time when players

get linked to football clubs. Any goalscorer who may or may not be available will be linked with us. I won’t comment on links,’’ Hodgson told the national press in England.

Former Nigerian international Victor Moses and

Liverpool’s Dominic Solanke have also been linked with a move to Selhurst Park in the January transfer window.

Crystal Palace have scored the second least goals in the Premier League this term, with just 14 from 17 matches.

How GOtv Boxing Night Made Us Stars- Joe Boy, Real One African Boxing Union lightweight champion, Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, and Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu, West African Boxing Union lightweight champion, have attributed their rise to fame and fortune to GOtv Boxing Night. Both boxers have enjoyed a meteoric rise in boxing in addition to winning the best boxer award at the event.

Joe Boy, who made his professional debut at GOtv Boxing Night 1 after an impressive reign as amateur champion, is a three-time winner of the Mojisola Ogunsanya Prize for the best boxer and has once been a second runner-up. He won

N1million twice, N1.5 million once and N500, 000 for emerging second runner-up. Oladosu has won the biggest ever sum in the history of GOtv Boxing Night, walking away with N2.5 million at GOtv Boxing Night 13 in 2017.

Speaking of the impact of GOtv Boxing Night on his career, Oladosu said the event has ensured that he has had the opportunity to fight regularly, become a national and sub-national champion as well as giving him financial breakthrough.

“It was through GOtv Boxing Night that I became the national and West African champion. I

am also happy and proud to be the winner of the biggest amount at GOtv Boxing Night when I won N2.5 million. I am seen on television across Africa.

This is very encouraging and has inspired me to aim higher. I will be in action at GOtv Boxing Night 17, where I hope to put in a good fight,” he said.

Joe Boy, who is equally billed to fight at GOtv Boxing Night 17 holding at the Tafawa Balewa Square on 28 December, is of similar persuasion.

“Without the intervention of GOtv, I do not think that people like me would have had the opportunities currently avail-

able. GOtv Boxing Night has given hope to Nigeria boxing and, of course, boxers. We are now respected across Africa and we are better paid than ever before,” said the ABU lightweight champion.

GOtv Boxing Night 17 will feature eight fights, including the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental super featherweight title bout and musical performances by Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Teni da Entertainer, Daddy Showkey, TJ Classic and OJ Flamez. The best boxer on the night will go home with a cash prize of N1.5million.

Anunah Emerges Winner at Special Jami-Jami Golf Tourney Peace Anunah played a net score of 69 to emerge the winner at the Special Jami-Jami golf tournament held at the Benin club golf section (BCGS), GRA, Benin City on Thursday.

Over 80 golfers from UBTH, Ibori Golf and Country Club, Asaba and Shell club, Warri, participated in the tournament organised by the Jami Jami Kitty Group to honour and celebrate the return of Chief Sam Iredia, Epa of Jami Jami Worldwide, whose leadership impartation and quality were attested to by club members with lots of encomiums being showered on him.

The exemplary two-under-par performance by Anunah, lifted him above the duo of Monday Ikhureigbe 70 net and Wilco Otabor 74 net to place them second and third respectively in the tournament whereby Osaze Iyare, 74 gross won the best gross award.

In his admonition, Anunah expressed happiness to have won the tournament organised for Chief Iredia, former president of Benin Club, while he expressed fulfillment to have beaten all other contenders in respective of their ages.

Similarly, BCGS Captain, Osagie Nehikhare and Iredia, as well as Comrade Philip Shaibu, deputy governor of Edo State used the occasion to thank all members of the Kitty Group and the club generally for playing in such a wonderful tournament organised within a short period and graced by golfers across the South-south zone.

Other winners are Nkiru Awiaka 76 net in the ladies category. General S. Asemota 76 net in the veteran men cadre; Percy Okojie 71 net won the guests men, as H. Osawe 36 net won the super veteran men. Longest drive hole one winners are Suwadetu Mahmud, O. Henry, Ben Oghumah and Ikay Afe. While the nearest the pin hole two winners include Sandra Emina, Monday Oriakhi and Soji Benson.

Chelsea Keen on HiguainMorata Swap Deal with AC Milan Chelsea are keen on signing Gonzalo Higuain from AC Milan in a swap deal with Alvaro Morata, according to Sky in Italy.

It is understood that Blues boss Maurizio Sarri has huge respect for Higuain, who he worked with at Napoli and was interested in bringing to Chelsea in the summer.

Sky in Italy understands Morata is keen to return to Italy having previously spent two years with Juventus where he won two Serie A titles and two Coppa Italias.

However, the deal would be complicated by the fact that Higuain is on loan at AC Milan from Juventus.

Higuain scored 36 league goals in the one season he worked with Sarri before leaving the San Paolo to join Juventus.

He was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but joined Milan in a £16.3m loan deal, with the club having an option to buy him permanently for £32.6m.

At his news conference on Friday, Sarri called Higuain a “wonderful player” but refused to discuss a potential move for the Argentinian.

“As you know, I like him very much. He is a wonderful player, a wonderful man,” Sarri said.

“But I don’t want to talk about Higuain. I have two strikers, two-and-a-half at the moment, and Gonzalo is playing for AC Milan. It’s better not to talk about him at the moment.”

The 31-year-old has scored seven goals in all competitions so far this season.

Chelsea have deployed Eden Hazard as a false nine on a number of occasions this season, with Morata struggling for form and Olivier Giroud scoring just once in the Premier League.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

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MISSILE

Falana to Army “I am very concerned that rather than telling Nigerians what they would do to address the very damaging allegations made by Amnesty International of grave human rights abuses against the Nigerian Army and other security agencies the Army is targeting AI simply for working to hold the Army to account” – Lawyer, Femi Falana, chiding the Army for attacking Amnesty International.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Why That Popular APC Song is Getting Stale and Boring

F

ellow Nigerians, let me say on this page what I have been saying privately to my friends in Nigeria’s ruling party, APC. I must confess that I have much more friends in APC than in any other party. It is also frustrating to me that some of my preferred Presidential candidates are not in either of the two major parties, APC and PDP. Unfortunately, for whatever reason these talented politicians shun the main stream political parties and thus reduce their electability to almost zero. The truth is that, logically, if you find APC disappointing and must try another party, you must, necessarily, end up with PDP. That is the same party many of us worked hard to sack from power just over three years ago, accusing it of atrocious and abominable sins. This is the dilemma many normal Nigerians face. How can we go back to swallow the same vomit that we spewed out only a short while ago because of the odious bile that it had become in our guts? However, these are abnormal times. And it seems that we have been presented with a situation where we must scoop up our own faeces and eat it, in order to survive as a nation.

The question I keep asking myself is how did we get to this sorry impasse in so short a time? I simply have no answers. Where then do we go from here? Do we allow APC to run away with gross incompetence or gobble up our puke by allowing PDP to come back with the attendant risks of returning to those incredibly profligate days? This obviously is a Catch 22 situation. No easy answer, no simple solution.

What are people saying on the streets?

There are many factions, but let me reflect on what several of them think.

One. Those who want APC to continue.

You may wish to call them Buharists (I was once one of them, they are gentle, mild-mannered and reasonably rational) or the Buharideens (the Buhari fanatics who will never see anything wrong with Buhari or his party no matter how terrible and horrible the facts laid before them are). But they both have some things in common, their unassailable love for Brand Buhari. The deification of Buhari was one of the first miracles of the 21st century. Many have asked, how did a man who was sacked from power in 1985 in a military coup amidst accusations of atrocious misadventures, integrity issues surrounding his aides and friends and colleagues, not to mention horrendous human rights abuses, comatose economy due to voodoonomics (voodoo economics), religious fanaticism and ethnic jingoism, bounce back to become the last saint standing? Buhari must be praised for a job well done. What has made Buhari so attractive to his die-hard acolytes are his supposed incorruptibility, simplicity, and ascetic discipline. Can you argue with them? Not necessary. You can’t win.

Two. We have the supporters of PDP

Buhari

who remained steadfast despite the defeat and disgrace they suffered in the hands of APC in 2015. Notwithstanding the tag of fraudulent and corrupt persons placed on them, these are principled and loyal people because they have stuck to their guns in the face of great adversity and challenges. Indeed, some of them have had cause to jump ship and head for shallow waters at the slightest hint of trouble. They have not been able to withstand the heat.

Three. There are those who migrated from both parties at different times and crisscrossed into one or the other. There is no feeling or sense of altruism in their bones.

Four. There are those who vowed never to be in either of the two leading parties.

Ask them for their reason though and you immediately can see why Nigeria is in the state that it is in. The truth is that these groups of people have a great deal of complex and fear of the unknown which, makes it difficult to do those things which can make them thrive in the circles in which they find themselves.

5. There are radical parties, like those that want to take Nigeria back from the slave masters. Sadly, whilst these parties are probably part of the ultimate solution for the country, they have little crossover appeal to the very people that will benefit from them if they win an election. They are brusque, brash, brazen and brutal.

They do not speak the language of the people they seek to represent. They are so driven by anger that their judgment has been beclouded and impaired.

6. There are those that just want to be seen or heard, and so on. But I’m under no illusion that we have more than two political parties and that these parties can retain or produce the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The fringe parties are just too weak and disunited for them to make any appreciable inroads into the fortunes of the two largest parties who hold sway in the political landscape of Nigeria.

Back to the main contenders. The APC believes the only way to retain power is

to continue pummelling the PDP into a tight corner from which it cannot emerge, by accusing it of looting and destroying Nigeria in 16 useless years.

The strategy seems very effective, but it is beginning to wear off for certain reasons. While it is true that PDP fumbled, APC cannot make an evergreen song of that. The reason APC is in power is because of promises made that it would do a much better job than PDP. Nearly four years after, nothing drastic has changed from the time PDP was sacked. The argument that the problems caused in 16 years cannot be cleared and settled in four years is not tenable.

At the current speed, and attitude, I’m convinced that APC may not be able to do much even if given an open cheque of 20 years.

My favourite analogy is that of someone suffering from chronic ulcer who goes to his Doctor. The usual practice is to quickly check the condition of the patient, check his blood pressure, sugar level, and stabilise him, if need be, before prescribing remedies and administering drugs. A Doctor should never make his condition worse than when he arrived the hospital. In Buhari’s case, he took about six months to assemble a medical team. He took several more months to diagnose the ailments of the patient. Since then, the medical team has never stopped talking about the condition under which the patient was received at the ward. The patient keeps trying to tell the doctors that he is dying in the midst of this unending tirade by the Doctors about the things he did to bring the aliments upon himself. He tries to tell the Doctors that now he has been informed countless times about his deathwish lifestyle, all that he now requires is treatment. However, his pleas and entreaties fall upon deaf ears. The discordant noises being made by the medical team is all that they and the patient hear! By now the medical team should have known what to do to bring the patient’s condition under control, but their obsession with how he was the cause of his medical misfortune makes it impossible for them to offer any prognosis, much less commence the therapy. This is the tragedy of the APC strategy. No one is ever in doubt that Nigeria was in critical condition when it was rushed to the APC intensive care. The PDP Doctors were accused of cluelessness, gross incompetence and grand larceny. No one expected the APC to make matters worse. But, this is what it seems that they have done.

One example is the excuse that Nigeria would have collapsed totally if PDP was not sacked but this is mere hypothesis.

The Naira was much stronger, but it has collapsed since APC took over and no one knows if and when it would ever recover or whether it will even get worse.

Those who oppose APC have been promoting the following narratives.

One. There is no marked difference

between APC and PDP. Many of those who were in PDP are now in APC and not one of them has been rejected or sent packing for past misdemeanours. Two. It is uncharitable for APC to say PDP achieved nothing in the 16 years that Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan reigned. If nothing else, they laid the framework and backbone upon which the achievements of the Buhari government are built. 3. If PDP was peopled by devils, who are the saints in APC to which the PDP devils have migrated and welcomed with warm embrace? 4. If PDP did nothing, how come APC is today commissioning so many projects said to have been abandoned by the previous government? 5. APC promised to abolish the fuel subsidy, but it has since increased the subsidy astronomically without any plausible explanation. APC promised to fix refineries, but petroleum products are still being imported heavily and the common man is groaning. APC has increased pump prices and is still paying much more on subsidies. 6. APC promised to cancel medical tourism but the Chief Culprit has been the President himself who has lived abroad intermittently. 7.

APC promised not to devalue the Naira yet the Nigerian currency has nose-dived in a kamikaze fall. Its future is uncertain!

The APC on the other hand has its own version of attack against PDP. One. PDP is a party of looters and criminals who ruined Nigeria in 16 years. Two. Anyone who supports PDP is a looter who’s not happy that Buhari has stopped corruption. 3. Most of the companies that collapsed thrived on corruption. 4. APC prefers to complete projects abandoned

by PDP, the reason it is yet to start new projects. 5. APC is blocking thieves from looting. 6. No one can accuse Buhari of looting. 7. Buhari is building a new Nigeria.

My prediction is that the popular song and refrain of “looting, looting, looting” may backfire if APC continues to chant the same song repeatedly. Nigerians want action plans and real action time.

They would have left PDP in power if they thought the party was doing fine. Two, Atiku Abubakar should not be underrated. I see a lot of similarities in the process that brought Buhari to power. People were simply fed up with Jonathan and his government and this led to a groundswell of opposition against him. It seems Buhari has attracted a worse opprobrium to himself and his government and is following the same path of perdition from which Jonathan never recovered or returned. It is my prayer and fervent hope that Buhari can see the huge chasm ahead and make the necessary adjustments and corrections so that he does not fall and plunge headlong into that similar gaping hole from which he may never surface!

My beloved, that popular APC song is getting stale and boring...

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