SATURDAY 9TH MARCH 2019

Buhari Celebrates Osinbajo at 62, Says He’s a Very Dependable Deputy He has diligently championed the values of setting the foundation for the peace, progress, stability of Nigeria Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday showered encomiums on Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, describing

him as a dependable deputy with whom he shared a very special bond.

Buhari, who eulogised Osinbajo on yesterday's occasion of his 62nd birthday, said he joined the vice-

president's wife, children and Nigerians at large to celebrate the former university don whom he described as an erudite scholar and a minister of the gospel.

According to a statement by

his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari thanked God for preserving the life of the vice-president whom he said had been a promoter of peace, progress and stability of Nigeria, adding that Osinbajo

had worked very hard to foster a promising economy as well as transparency and accountability in the country.

Buhari wished him many more years of happiness, sound health and fulfilment

in his service to God and humanity.

The statement read: "On behalf of his family and the Federal Executive Council, Continued on page 6

British Council Twists Nigeria’s Anti-graft War, Says EFCC … Page 55 Saturday 9 March, 2019 Vol 24. No 8734

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Fierce Battle in 19 States As Nigeria Elects Governors 29 governors, 991 members of Houses of Assembly to emerge INEC: Logistics challenges resolved Conduct yourself within the ambit of the law, military warns politicians US, British envoys canvass for peaceful polls in Rivers INEC office in Akwa Ibom bombed CAN demands free, fair, credible poll Ahamefula Ogbu, Benneth Oghifo, Ernest Chinwo, Kingsley Nwezeh and Alex Enumah Millions of Nigerians will this morning troop out to elect governors for 29 states and 991 members of Houses of Assembly.

On the eve of the elections, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, assured Nigerians that the polls would be free and fair, while urging them to turn out massively.

He said that the commission had tackled the challenge of logistics and all materials for today’s elections had been delivered to all the local government areas.

Continued on page 6

Buhari Engages Olanipekun, 8 Other SANs, to Battle Atiku at Tribunal Benneth Oghifo

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), to lead the team that will defend his mandate at the Presidential Election Tribunal.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who came second in the February 23 presidential poll had gone to court to challenge Buhari’s victory.

Olanipekun also led a team of lawyers in 2015 to defend Buhari when he was sued for his failure to provide his WAEC certificate.

Recall that Olanipekun is also the lead counsel for the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, who is standing trial before the CCT for alleged non-declaration of assets.

Other members of Buhari’s nine-man defence team, Continued on page 6

GOODBYE PROFESSOR ADE ELEBUTE… L-R: Son of the Deceased, Kunle Elebute, Mrs. Lara Elebute, Dr. Dupe Odunsi (nee Elebute) and Mr. Bolaji Odunsi, at the funeral service for the founder of Lagoon Hospitals and Clinic, Professor Ade Elebute, at the Chapel of Transfiguration, School of Nursing, Idi Araba, Lagos… yesterday ETOP UKUTT

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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 Ëœ Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Î

PAGE SIX FIERCE BATTLE IN 19 STATES AS NIGERIA ELECTS GOVERNORS In addition to elections into 1,082 constituencies nationwide, the commission will conduct supplementary elections in 14 states of the federation covering seven senatorial districts and 24 federal constituencies.

Security agencies have put all necessary machinery in place to ensure hitch-free elections, warning that trouble makers would be dealt with.

The battle for governorship is expected to be fierce in 19 of the 29 states. In Abia State, incumbent Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the PDP will be contending with two main rivals, Dr. Alex Otti of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); and Uche Ogah of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Regardless, Ikpeazu has the power of incumbency to his advantage, having governed the state close to four years. Thus, he has control of the state’s treasury, as well as other state apparatus required to renew his tenure as governor today.

Oti of APGA is contesting the governorship seat for the second time. He is a close contender whose personality as a technocrat and his platform put him in good standing.

In Adamawa State, the major contenders are incumbent Governor Jibrilla Bindow of the APC, Umaru Ahmadu of PDP and Nyako Abdul-Aziz Murtala of ADC. Bindow has headwind advantage both as incumbent governor and as a prospective beneficiary of the win his party had at the presidential election.

However, his thrust could be checked by the PDP candidate, whose state party presented the presidential candidate for the presidential election, Atiku Abubakar. It is going to be a tough contest for Bindow.

Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel of PDP is adjudged to have performed creditably well, added to the state being a traditional PDP state, which has drawn the peoples support to him. This fact was recorded during the presidential and National Assembly elections.

But Nsima Ekere of APC could give Udom problems. Added to this is the fact that Ekere is representing the ruling party with the backing of Senator Godswill Akpabio who was governor of the state for eight years and who also has a very deep war chest.

Bauchi State is another kettle of fish. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (APC), who is the incumbent governor, has the backing of Abuja. However, he has Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (PDP), a former Minister of the FCT and a grassroots politician to contend with in today’s election. Mohammed has an able ally in former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara who

won his election against the opposition of the governor.

He has enough resources to prosecute the quest.

Benue State

The Benue State governorship contest is between incumbent Governor Samuel Ortom (PDP) and Emmanuel Jime (APC).

Ortom has his people behind him, particularly with his antiopen grazing law. He appears to pander to the feelings of the people and is poised to retain his seat as governor. Emmanuel Jime of the (APC) has the backing of Abuja, running on the platform of the ruling party.

He has already been tagged “Myetti Allah� candidate, which may work against him.

Cross River

It will be a straight fight between incumbent Governor Ben Ayade of PDP and John Owan Eno of the APC. Ayade, has a key campaign thrust, standing on the zoning formula to hang on to his mandate.

Uncertainty had dodged Eno’s candidacy before the courts cleared him to be on the ballot. He has the support of the power at the center which is believed wants all the Niger Delta States in its kitty.

Delta State

Many believe the incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (PDP) has performed. He is still maintaining former Governor James Ibori’s structure with vast resources. He is superintending a purely PDP state where APC is doing everything to take over.

The APC intends to wrest power from PDP through Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, who comes with his sturdy reputation as a grassroots champion. He has been a power broker even under the military but has not been lucky to make a front run. He is a politician with deep pocket and running under the platform of the ruling party. He will not be a pushover.

Gombe State

The governorship contest in Gombe State appears to be between the government and traditional institution.

Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (APC) is running on the federal might, while Nafada Usman Bayero (PDP) is running as opposition with some royal support.

Imo State

There is a loose fight today for the Imo State government house. Nwosu Uche (AA), has the backing of the incumbent governor, who is his father-inlaw. His candidature has been facing a lot of opposition but the treasury and contacts of the state are open to him.

Uzodinma Hope (APC) is running on the platform of the ruling party and his emergence

broke the ranks of the party in the state leading to the suspension of the governor for supporting his son in-law.

Also in the race is Emeka Ihedioha (PDP). He is running as the main opposition and lost the election for the same position in 2015. He has been a lawmaker for a while and is one of the closest allies to Atiku Abubakar; He will not lack funds and support.

Kaduna State

In Kaduna State, incumbent Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (APC) is seen as controversial in some of his decisions. He has the treasury of the state and the backing of APC at the centre to his advantage. Contending with El-Rufai is Isa Mohammed Ashiru (PDP). He is running against an incumbent in a state divided along ethnic and religious lines.

Kano State

Incumbent Governor Ganduje Abdullahi Umar (APC), who is dodged by bribery scandal, has the treasury of the state and is running on the platform of the ruling party. He is in close contest with Abba Kabir Yusuf (PDP), who has the backing of Kwankwaso. Whether or not he can displace the incumbent will be seen today.

Kwara State

In Kwara State, the contest is between Abdulrahman Abburazaq (APC), who has the support the federal government and Razak Atunwa (PDP), who is supported by the Saraki machinery. Regardless, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed sees it as a project to install a governor and sack the Saraki dynasty. He has funds from the federal government.

Lagos State

Babajide Olusola Sanwolu (APC) is Tinubu’s candidate who has unlimited resources even from the center. He may benefit from the unfortunate tribal politics being played in cosmopolitan Lagos. He detests it and has called on perpetrators to desist from it.

He has Jimi Agbaje (PDP) to contend with. Agbaje is struggling to break the stronghold of Tinubu on Lagos.

The power at the center would want to control Lagos.

Nasarawa State

Alhaji Sule Audu (APC) is running to maintain the hold of the party in the state. Also in the race is David Emmanuel Ombudagu (PDP), who is running on the platform of the main opposition.

Ogun State

In Ogun, the main contestant is Adedapo Abiodun (APC).

He was chosen above the candidate of the incumbent governor that led to altercation

in the party. He will have support from the center.

Next is Akinlade Adekunle Abdulkabir (APM): He is backed by Governor Amosun who will open the floodgate of the state treasury and support base for him.

Oyo State

In Oyo State, Adelabu Adebayo Adekola (APC) stands for the ruling party, which has seen alignments and realignments, while Oluseyi Makinde (PDP), appears to garner the support of the aggrieved people of the state.

Plateau state

In Plateau State, incumbent Governor Simon Bako Lalong (APC) has access to the treasury, as well as support from the center. Belonging to APC and the problem of herdsmen attack may hamper his re-election bid. He has Jeremiah Useni (PDP), former FCT minister, and lawmaker to contend with.

Useni has deep pocket and will have the advantage of rallying his people for security reasons over incessant attacks.

Sokoto State

In Sokoto State, Tambuwal Aminu Waziri (PDP), the incumbent governor, has access to the treasury and could retain his seat. However, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto (APC) is working with former governor Wamakko Maittagarawa to snatch power with the support of the ruling party in Abuja.

Taraba State

The Taraba contest is between Darius Ishaku (PDP), incumbent governor with access to the treasury. He may have a free run, more so as 20 other gubernatorial candidates have endorsed him. Abubakar Sani Danladi (APC) who is running on the platform of APC is his main challenger.

Though, he was formerly disqualified by the court, but his appeal was speedily heard and he was brought back to the race. Danladi has federal support.

Again, DHQ Warns Politicians against Unlawful Conduct

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday warned politicians against engaging in unlawful behavior and urged them to conduct themselves within the ambit of the law in today’s governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

This is coming as it said the military would not embark on reprisal attacks over the killing of its personnel in some parts of the country in the last elections.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, acting Director, Defence Information, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said that politicians and their supporters should tow the part of the law in their conduct throughout the elections. “It is imperative to state that no one deserves to lose his or her life during elections, be it personnel of security agencies, civilians, electoral officials or observers, both local and international. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) therefore urges all politicians and their supporters to embrace peace and conduct themselves within the ambit of the law. “In order to guarantee prompt response to security challenges in any part of the country, the DHQ and the Services Headquarters established Situation Rooms where security situations are monitored across the nation during the elections. This is also to further ensure compliance of AFN personnel to the code of conduct during the elections�, he said.

On fears of reprisal attacks following the killing of military personnel in the last elections, Nwachukwu said as a reputable and professional institution, there would be no such attacks.

The DHQ also ordered military commanders to ensure sanity in their areas of responsibility and arrest anyone in military uniform who is not on election duty.

INEC OfďŹ ce in Akwa Ibom Bombed

A section of INEC’s office in Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has been destroyed with the use of explosives by

suspected thugs.

Electoral materials were burnt in the affected offices in the building, but the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr. Mike Igini, said sensitive materials meant for the conduct of the election on Saturday were not destroyed.

Igini, who had earlier inspected the extent of damage, noted that elections would go on unhindered in the local government area.

Court Clears Wike

In a related development, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court yesterday dismissed a suit seeking the disqualification of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State from today’s governorship election. The suit was dismissed on the grounds that the plaintiff failed to provide credible evidence of forgery against the governor.

The plaintiff, a Rivers State indigene, Elvis Chinda, had filed the suit last year praying the court to interpret certain sections of the Electoral Act, which deal with presentation of forged document to INEC by aspirant seeking clearance to contest an election.

Delivering Judgment in the main suit, the court held that the crux of the suit against Wike bothered on criminality especially forgery of certifcate, which requires the plaintiff to proof beyond reasonable doubt before judgement can be entered in his favour.

The judge said apart from the documentary evidence obtained by the plaintiff from doubtful sources, the ingredients of establishing a criminal matter were not provided to establish a case of forgery against Wike.

Besides, the judge said that the plaintiff being the sole witness in the suit, served as both the accuser and prosecutor, adding that his failure to call vital witnesses in respect of adocumentary evidence brought to court was fatal to his case and made it liable to dismissal.

Continued on page 54

BUHARI ENGAGES OLANIPEKUN, 8 OTHER SANS, TO BATTLE ATIKU AT TRIBUNAL according to a list exclusively obtained by THISDAY last night are Yusuf Alli, SAN, A.B. Mahmoud SAN, Funke Adekoya, SAN, Femi Atoyebi, SAN, Mike Igbokwe, SAN, Osa Egbobamien, SAN, Akin Osinbajo, SAN and Niyi Akintola, SAN. Akin Osinbajo, a former Attorney-General of Ogun State is younger brother to the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

The ruling All Progressives

Congress (APC), has also constituted a nine-man team to the Presidential Election Tribunal, to be led

by Lateef Fagbemi. Other members of the APC team are Alex Izinyon, SAN, Charles Edosonwan, SAN, Prof. Taiwo Osopitan, SAN, Y.C. Maikyau, SAN, Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, Ibrahim Bawa, SAN, Benbella Anaechebe, SAN and Festus Keyamo, SAN. Banire is the Chairman

of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, while Keyamo is the spokesperson of the Buhari Campaign Organisation.

The source who revealed the list said: “We can’t joke with this case. This is why Mr. President and the APC decided to assemble a crack team. This is the biggest and most deadly squad ever assembled for an election petition case. We are more than ready to face Atiku.�

and prosperous Lagos that is blind to ethnicity and religion. “Most of the landmark cases Lagos won at the Supreme Court bore his imprint. He is a champion of restructuring and true federalism of sort because he used the instrumentality of the law to advance the course of restructuring. “One of such landmark cases won by Lagos is the one on creation of Local Governments where the Supreme Court held that the state had the power to create additional councils and complied with the extant constitutional provisions.

“That judgment helped in expanding the centres of development which has changed the Lagos political landscape forever�.

Asiwaju Tinubu commended the vice president for working harmoniously with President Muhammadu Buhari. He again congratulated the duo for winning re-election.

While wishing Osinbajo continued good health, renewed vitality and many more years of meritorious services to the country, he congratulated Osinbajo’s wife, Dolapo, and other members of the family on the birthday.

BUHARI CELEBRATES OSINBAJO AT 62, SAYS HE’S A VERY DEPENDABLE DEPUTY President Muhammadu Buhari heartily felicitates with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN on the occasion of his 62nd birthday.

"The President joins Dolapo, her children and Nigerians across the country and around the world to celebrate the erudite scholar, Minister of the Gospel and 'very dependable deputy with whom I share a very special bond.’ "President Buhari is grateful to God for preserving the life of Prof. Osinbajo, who in the past four years has diligently championed the values of setting the foundation for the peace, progress, and

stability of Nigeria, by working very hard to build a resilient economy while promoting transparency and accountability.

"On this special occasion, the President extends special appreciation to the Vice President and wishes him many more years of robust health, happiness and fulfilment in his service to God, the nation and humanity.

"He looks forward to sharing many special moments of celebration with his deputy as they take Nigeria to the Next Level in the years ahead."

Osinbajo, A Worthy Partner, Says Tinubu Also yesterday, the All Progressives Congress National Leader and former Lagos governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, congratulated Osinbajo, on turning 62.

He described the VP as an erudite legal luminary and worthy partner with whom he worked along with other technocrats to lay a solid foundation for the Lagos that is the envy of others today.

In a statement by his Media Adviser, Tunde Rahman, the former Lagos governor said as Attorney-General

and Commissioner for Justice, Osinbajo led Lagos to institute and win most of the important cases that changed the political landscape and advanced the course of restructuring and true federalism.

He said: “Since I knew him, he has n’t changed one bit in brilliance, commitment to causes he believes in, selflessness and loyalty to the nation. He remains an erudite legal luminary and worthy ally. “Together with Osinbajo and other technocrats we helped to lay a solid foundation for an egalitarian

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NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

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YEMI OSINBAJO@62 ...

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo cutting his 62nd birthday cake with sta of his oďŹƒce at the State House, Abuja... yesterday

It is Battle Royale Between PDP, APC, LP in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Residents of Kwara State will today file out to elect the new governor and 24 members of the state House of Assembly.

Over 35 governorship candidates are going to participate in the election while 338 candidates would be vying for only 24 seats at the state House of Assembly.

Out of the 35 governorship

candidates that are vying for one governorship position of the state, three of them are prominently moving around to solicit the votes of the people of the state.

They are the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Razak Atunwa, APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq and former deputy president of NLC and Labour Party governorship candidate,

Army Probes CCTV Footage of Soldiers Invading Rivers’ Commissioner’s Residence Kingsley Nwezeh Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The Nigerian Army said it has launched a forensic investigation into a CCTV footage circulating on social media, showing soldiers invading the residence of the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Hon Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja.

A statement issued last night said the army would conduct an investigation to ascertain the validity of the claims to guide its action. “The Nigerian Army has started conducting a comprehensive forensic investigation of the footages to authenticate the validity or otherwise of the claims to guide its further actions. “In the view of these allegations, the NA, for the umpteenth time, categorically reiterate its position in the entire conduct of the 2019 General elections as severally and consistently espoused and directed by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai which is - “NA is apolitical,

neutral, impartial and will not compromise its constitutional roles under any guise�, it said.

The statement issued

by Army Spokesman, Col Sagir Musa, stated that “for re-emphasis, NA’s responsibility in the entire electioneering process is only to assist civil authority, Nigeria Police and other relevant security agencies to - “provide a secure, peaceful and enabling environment for the successful and transparent conduct of the election�. “Anything beyond this is not authorised and therefore totally unacceptable by the leadership of the NA. “Any military personnel comfirmed to be involved in any professional misconduct, such a person/s would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law. “To this end, the NA wishes to request well-meaning Nigerians to always forward genuine complaints and evidences of professional misconduct against any of its personnel for investigation and necessary action�

Comrade Issa Aremu.

Already, the state police command has deployed a military helicopter that would provide effective surveillance across the 16 local government councils of the state so as to ensure violence-free poll.

Also, the INEC in the state has said that, it has distributed sensitive electoral materials meant for the polls while ad-hoc staff

that would conduct the polls had been trained so as to have a successful conduct of the election.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin yesterday, the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Tunde Ashaolu said that, the PDP would coast to electoral victory in today’s poll in view of the new strategy put on ground to correct the result of the last polls in the state.

He said, “we have done all necessary underground work that would assist our party to win the elections.�

Ashaolu therefore advised the voters to come out enmasse and not to be intimidated by the presence of military personnel and other security agencies deployed to the state for the polls.

In the same vein, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, media aide to

Abdulrahmam Abdulrasaq, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), exuded confidence that the election today would be a walkover for his principal in view of the results of the last National Assembly and Presidential election in the state.

He therefore called on Kwarans to come out to vote so as to elect new leaders in the state.

IPAC Tasks INEC, Security on No Election Will be Conducted Without Credible Assembly Poll in Ekiti Card Reader, Says Kaduna REC Victor Ogunje Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

Coalition of political parties in Ekiti State, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to up their games for the conduct of credible House of Assembly elections in Ekiti on Saturday.

The coalition, under the banner of Inter-party Advisory Commuter (IPAC), applauded the two agencies for working assiduously for the success of the presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

The state chairman of IPAC, Mr. Ilesanmi Omotayo, said these in Ado Ekiti on Friday after a meeting of political stakeholders on the success of today’s election.

Ekiti is one of the seven states where the governorship election will not hold today.

But the commission would conduct elections to fill 26 state House of Assembly seats in the state.

The IPAC chief urged the commission to repeat the feat recorded in the July 14, 2018 governorship election and the

recent presidential and National Assembly elections, he said had been adjudged peaceful and credible by local and international observers.

Omotayo said nothing would profit the state if politicians were allowed to manipulate the electoral process in a manner that would return the state to era when results were being brazenly fabricated by politicians.

The IPAC chairman advised police to be vigilant and prevent cases of ballot snatching and stuffing by sponsored party thugs. “Our advocacy in IPAC has always been that the votes of the electorate must count. We have always been advocating one man, one vote and on that we stand. “INEC and security must be neutral, because they must not forget that all political parties are equal in the face of the law, there are no big or small parties in our constitution. “As much as INEC and security agencies have been trying to live up to expectations of the people, politicians must obey the rules governing the conduct of elections.

John Shiklam Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹

Kaduna State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abdullahi Kaugama, has warned that no election would be conducted without card reader.

Addressing a joint press conference on Saturday’s governorship and State Assembly elections with Ahmad Abdulrahman, Kaduna State Police Commissioner, the REC said the result of any election conducted without the use of the card reader would be rejected.

He said the challenges that were witnessed during the presidential and National Assembly elections had been addressed, assuring that elections would commence on time as scheduled. “The card reader is election itself, no card reader, no voting.

This is just to let you know that card reader operators were given refresher training. “We have 34, 000 ad-hoc staff to conduct the elections and out of this figure, 10,000 staff are members of the NYSC, while the rest number are from other higher institutions. “Our staff are people of high integrity who are capable to conduct the election process. We sourced them from Ahmadu Bello

University (ABU), Zaria, so they are capable for the election jobs,�

Kaugama said.

He said all election materials had been deployed to the 23 local governments in the state assuring that issues of late arrival of election materials and malfunctioning card readers had been addressed and elections would commence at every polling unit by 8:00a.m.

On his part, Ahmad Abdulrahman, the Kaduna State Police Commissioner warned that those who had no business to move around on election day should stay off the streets.

He also said food vendors were banned from all polling units to avoid politicians who would want to capitalise on that to buy votes.

He said adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections. “We have finished our deployment, we have banned food vendors from polling unit areas in order to stop them from the likelihood of accommodating vote-buyers. “We have ordered for good number of helicopters to hover around the state during the election,� he said.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 9, 2019

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518 Candidates Jostle for 30 Anambra Assembly Seats David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË

A total of 518 candidates from all political parties would be slugging it out on Saturday for the 30 seats in Anambra State House of Assembly.

THISDAY gathered from the state headquarters of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that most state constituencies had as much as 23 candidates jostling for one seat, while the least was 13 candidates in a state constituency.

On the contrary, Ayamelum, Onitsha North II and Anaocha II are constituencies with least

number of candidates in the exercise with 13 candidates each.

Speaking with newsmen, the INEC Head of Department of Voter Education and Publicity in the state, Mr. Leo Nkedife, assured the readiness of the commission to conduct a free, fair and credible election.

He said, “Our men and materials will soon move to Registration Area Centres where they will sleep over so they can hit their duty posts early in the morning.” He urged the electorate to come out en masse to cast their votes for candidates of their choice, assuring that their votes would count.

Tension in Obokun LGA over Today’s Election Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

HONOURING WOMEN...

L-R: Sola Amusan, Sarah Makka, Kemi dasilva ibru, Erelu Angela Adebayo, Tinu Awe, Mr Lassana Wonneh, Sandra Agurbor, Dr. Ola Brown (Flying Doctors), Debola Williams…during the 2019 Nigerian Stock Exchange International women’s Day programme at the Stock Exchange Building in Lagos... yesterday

INEC Sacks Head of Operations in Plateau over Fraudulent Act Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Amidst the ensuing tension in Plateau State ahead of the governorship and State Assembly elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sacked its Head of Operations in the state, Mr. Kundu Yagba.

Yagba was sacked on Friday after the police allegedly intercepted INEC results sheets and collation materials in his possession.

He was said to have allegedly removed the electoral

materials from the Jos office of CBN under some questionable circumstances before he was caught by the police.

INEC Head of Voter Education and Publicity in the state, Mr. Osaretin Imahiyerobo, was rather unwilling to speak on the matter when contacted. He simply said, “I cannot speak on an issue I am not fully aware of. I can only speak when I get to know what really happened in the case.”

But the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Mr.

Tyopev Mathias confirmed the development, but added that the electoral materials found in possession of the INEC official had been recovered by the police.

Mathias said, “The Commissioner of Police and the State Resident Electoral Commissioner have already addressed the matter jointly.

“What happened was that the INEC Head of Operations of INEC in the state was said to have removed some sensitive electoral materials from the

CBN Jos office where they were kept for the INEC headquarters in Jos. “Under normal circumstance, the movement of such materials should be accompanied with police escort, but that did not happen. So when we got wind of the information, the police moved in and recovered the materials.

In the course of addressing the issue, the INEC official involved was relieved of his position as confirmed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner.

HURIWA Warns against Unlawful 198 Candidates, 13 Parties to Partake in Ekiti Assembly Election Action by Army, Police, DSS A Non-Governmental Organisation- Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has asked the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai to ensure that the military operatives were not misused by federal government office holders from Rivers and other states to manipulate the March 9th 2019 governorship and State Assembly elections nationwide.

The NGO claimed that her members on ground in Rivers State had reported that federal appointees were parading about with massive numbers of armed security forces thus threatening the peace of the state and unduly harassing civilians.

HURIWAsaid it had approached the Chief of Army staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and international community through their representatives in Nigeria to investigate allegations that houses of 50 top members of the opposition Peoples Democratic party (PDP) in Rivers State had been destroyed and many of these political opposition leaders arrested by soldiers.

They asked Buratai to order the release of all the political opposition members so arrested if any and to deal with those who destroyed the housing assets of PDP leaders in Rivers State.

A statement by HURIWA National Coordinator, Comrade

Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf cautioned law enforcement agencies to stop parading suspects or subjecting them to media persecution just as they faulted the recent parade of some politicians in Rivers State by the military over their alleged involvement in election-related bribery scam.

“The legal principle in Nigeria is such that presumes that all suspected offenders are innocent until proven guilty. Only the courts of competent jurisdiction in line with section 6 of the Nigerian Constitution can reach a determination in all cases and accusations just as it stated that media trials are antithetical to modernism, legalism and Rule of Law but amounts to lynch mob justice. “We are aware and we believe that the Army being a professional institution knows that the presumption of innocence is the legal principle in criminal cases that one is considered innocent until proven guilty. This basically means that until a judicial pronouncement on the guilt or otherwise of the accused person is made, he/she is to be treated the same as a regular person; any suggestion to the opposite would be a breach of the Fundamental Human Rights of the individual.

“The Nigerian 1999 Constitution

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

No fewer than 198 candidates from 13 political parties will be slugging it out in Saturday’s House of Assembly election in Ekiti State.

The State Public Relations Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Alhaji Taiwo Gbadegesin, said on Thursday that the contestants are from a total of 13 political parties.

Names of the participating political parties were given as APC, PDP, NAC, LP, ACPN, and NDCP. Others are ADC, NDL, YP, AAC, NPC, PPN and MPN. Gbadegesin, who spoke on behalf of the INEC Administrative Secretary, Dr. Muslim Omoleke, who doubles as the State Acting Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), said all was now ready for the poll exercise.

He also disclosed that the commission had distributed all sensitive materials to the 16 local government areas of the state for the smooth conduct of House of Assembly election scheduled for Saturday.

The distribution, according him to him, was done in the presence of security agencies

and party representatives.

The governorship election was held in the state on July 14, 2018, which produced Dr. Kayode Fayemi, leaving the state with only Assembly election as the next gubernatorial poll will hold in 2022.

He assured that the commission would not disappoint Ekiti voters with the conduct of the election.

Omoleke advised all the regular and ad hoc staff to shed the toga of politics, by displaying patriotism through neutrality and shunning of corrupt tendencies that could mar the poll.

“The sensitive and nonsensitive materials have been distributed to all the council areas under heavy security cover.

“We are not taking anything for granted. We tracked all the vehicles to ensure that those materials were not diverted.

“We did not only distribute the materials, but we partnered the security agencies to ensure that they are on ground in all the LGs to protect them till Saturday.

“Early on Saturday, the materials will be distributed to the wards for onward distribution to the units.

There was palpable tension in Ibokun, in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continued to trade blames over attack on members Thursday night.

Also as the APC claimed that members of PDP ignited the fracas by attacking the office of member of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Bosun Oyintiloye located in Ibokun, the PDP equally accused APC of starting the feud by attacking their vehicles while returning from campaign ground at Ikinyinwa.

Addressing reporters at the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, yesterday Oyintiloye accused the candidate of PDPin the constituency, of allegedly leading hoodlums to attack him and his supporters in his office.

He alleged that the attack was carried out with the intention to assassinate him and intimidate his supporters against tomorrow poll.

He noted that some arrests were made by the police after reporting the incident at the police station, in which his opponent from the

PDP, Adeyemi was apprehended while others were presently at large.

According to him, “We were at my campaign office after series of meetings were held when armed PDP hoodlums, led by Arch. Adeyemi came in different directions and started shooting sporadically.

“These thugs were practically shooting in my direction with the aim to assassinate me, while many of my supporters were seriously injured.

“We reported this case at the police station and police swung into action by arresting some of these people as other were presently at large,“ Oyintiloye said. He however expressed confidence that he would carry the day on Saturday, saying he remained most popular amongst the electorate.

However, the spokesperson for the PDP, Mrs. Grace Olojede Omotosho in her reaction accused members of APC of descending on her members, in collusion with security operatives, including military personnel.

According to Omotosho, every plea she made to Oyintiloye and APC members to stop the assault was disregarded, adding that the atmosphere later became charged when some of PDP members were whisked away by the police.

Don’t Panic When You Sight Fighter Helicopters, Obiano Urges David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano said the Nigerian Air Force had deployed helicopters for aerial surveillance of Saturday’s House of Assembly elections across the state.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba disclosed this on Friday in Awka, the Anambra State capital for the governor, asking the people of state not to panic should they see low-flying helicopters on election day.

Adinuba explained, “As part of the efforts to ensure a free and fair election on Saturday, March 9, the Nigerian Air Force will deploy some of its helicopters to conduct surveillance across the country. The helicopters will fly at low altitudes most of the time.

“The Anambra State Government is, therefore, advising the people not to panic at the aerial surveillance especially when they see the helicopters flying at low levels in different parts

of the state.

“The aircraft will fly at low levels to enable the Nigerian Air Force personnel to have a bird’s eye view of the situation on the ground.

“A number of innocent Nigerians, including security officers, lost their lives or were maimed during the February 23 presidential and National Assembly elections.

“The Government does not want a repeat of any such tragic occurrence in any part of the federation.”

The commissioner added, “The Anambra State Government calls upon all our people, particularly youths who are used by unconscionable politicians to snatch ballot boxes and foment trouble generally during elections, to resist the temptation to run foul of the law or contravene any electoral regulation.”

He enjoined the people of the state to follow the path of peace, law and order that the state had sustained over the years during and after elections.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 9, 2019

SUPER SATURDAY Seyi Hunter

I’m on a Mission to Help Nigerians Experience Better Sex Life Seyi Kokomma Hunter is an actress, beauty pageant an organiser and sex therapist. Aside the many shades that come with being a sex therapist, she has built her name helping thousands of people experience better sex life, getting proper sex education and spicing up their love life. Hunter tells Tosin Clegg more about her sex therapy career, the hurdles and challenges and everything thrilling about her sex therapy/education I am an Akwa Ibom girl with an Igbo father

I

’m from a large family, grew up among lots of people. I was born and bred in Surulere, Lagos. I am an Akwa Ibom girl with an Igbo father. Growing up, I’ve always wanted to be in the entertainment industry. I started by selling tickets for Julius Agwu’s show, ‘Crack ya Ribs’, and doing ushering jobs, while in secondary school. Then, I graduated to dancing in music videos. Before finally becoming a movie producer/actor, then got the international franchise for my pageant, Miss Bikini Nigeria International. Thereafter, I set up my Sex Vlog. I’m a graduate of Performing Arts from the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State.

I love and enjoy talking about Sex

I decided to share my passion to the world. The feedback was shocking, like the world was waiting for me and people wanted to learn. Lots of people lack sexual skills and so many men out there don’t even know how to satisfy us.

So, I started teaching them and mentoring some people.

Then, I decided to make it a career, started taking online classes in Sex Education and Human Sexuality.

I took it five steps further to enable me help people, since 80% of people out there have sexual issues.

My family is my bedrock

I’m from a good Christian home. But they support everything I do. When I wanted to start, I sat them down and told them. My mum and sister said carry go, we dey your back in Ibibio. As for friends, they supported me too.

The meaning of Sex

I would say it is when two or more people come together to explore and devour each other, till they’re weak and unable to move for hours. You wanna have sex with me? You have to bring every damn thing in the book. Nigerians don’t talk about sex openly but, amazingly, they love and appreciate Sinful Friday. The unique thing about Sinfulfriday with Seyi Hunter Uncensored is that 95% of what I teach is my sexual experiences. I make sure I practice it first, before coming to teach it.

Sinfulfriday WhatsApp Group is a paid platform

Sinfulfriday WhatsApp Group is a pay platform where people subscribe $15 monthly to be there. I teach sexual skills, sex education, mentoring, networking, I teach dirty talk, I’ll bring out your A game. Once you are a member of the group, you have access to free seminars, counselling and therapy. And of course, we’ll be having our first craziest party in Easter; it’s going to come with live practical classes and more.

It’s going to be wet and juicy.

I started the Sinfulfriday WhatsApp group in the second week of February. We have 122 members presently. I started it based on requests

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 9, 2019

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SUPERSATURDAY I’m on a Mission to Help Nigerians Experience Better Sex Life from my viewers. They needed a place where they can have access to me 24/7. We’ll be moving to Telegram soon, because WhatsApp won’t contain us.

I’m an extremely private person

I can be sleeping with your next door neighbour and you’ll think he’s my cousin. I love a man that spoils me silly, with gifts, care and ‘sexcation.’ He has to be very romantic and I need me a man that will give me TLC. I’m single and presently not in a relationship.

Marriage is too overrated in Nigeria. If you find someone you’re compatible with marry, if not face your career. Nobody should marry under pressure, as the rate of divorce is too high. Marriage to me is till death do us part, so I’ll take my time till I meet the man whom God specially made for me.

My Sex Vlog has been smooth

Funny enough my Sex Vlog has been smooth; it’s my beauty pageant that hasn’t been easy in terms of sponsorship. One major blast I had was when two people sent in mail asking me to shut down my Sex Vlog saying I was sent by Satan from the pit of hell. I wish you can see the mails I receive and I post them on my Instagram page. People send in thank you mails, saying how I’ve helped their marriages and relationships with my videos and one on one Therapy. And I receive lots of gifts from men and women, especially women, they appreciate me a lot.

A good foreplay essential

A good foreplay is the bedrock of good sex. As for the advice, let everybody go and subscribe to my Vlog and watch all my videos. New videos come up every Friday.

This new year, I’m focusing on building my brands, making my face and name known.

I’m concentrating on doing more production, acting and building both my Vlog and the WhatsApp Group. I’m putting Miss Bikini on hold till 2021. Once I’ve built my face, I’ll start back the pageant.

My Mentors and role models

They are every woman out there, who came from nothing but have made something of themselves.

My weirdest sex experience

I have plenty of them and I love outdoor sex, there’s something about it that keeps me dripping. I’ve had sex in the club, balconies during the day several times, parking lots and Yatch. The Yatch is my best till date. It happened when I was in Europe on vacation.

Smell of the water is intoxicating plus the waves, and people around heard me screaming. I love to experiment and try out new things every-time, I love to tie up my man and be in charge, and I also love to be tied.

Then, I’m crazy about role play. I sell sex toys and Lingeries so I have lots of these things I use at my disposal. And I encourage couples to introduce sextoys in their relationship and role play. It keeps the relationship alive and warm and will make you have something you’re looking forward to all the time. I’m not a regular girl, so I don’t do regular. Can’t remember the last time I had regular sex. I have a sex dice I use with my man.

I’m not a bad influence

My Vlog is 18+. I’m the best thing that has happened to people of our time, the sex goddess. I bring smiles, joy and sexual satisfaction to people. I make people’s sexual dreams come true by bringing their greatest fantasies to reality. I deserve some accolades and awards.

Miss Bikini Nigeria stalled my acting career

I started Miss Bikini Nigeria about the same time I started acting; so it stalled my acting career. I had to focus on building the pageant and that affected me as an actor a great deal.

I was working once in a while, not the way I should. Now, I’ve decided to put the pageant on hold for two years so I can concentrate on building my face. Once I’ve achieved that, sponsors will come easily and everything will flow. So starting this year, I’m giving acting 101% of my time. The Sex Vlog isn’t in the way at all, I have people handling my sex toys and lingerie business. WhatsApp group is Online. So, everything is flowing. Miss Bikini is my baby; organising the event is always one of my best moments, but I’ll miss that. The pageant has opened the greatest doors for.

I Bring Smiles, Joy and Sexual Satisfaction to People

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MARCH 9, 2019 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

THE FUTURE IS HUMAN

Both genders should be given equal opportunities to develop themselves, argues Ezekiel Nworie

H

umanity is incomplete when one gender is annihilated. Violence against men or women should be viewed with the same lens, both treated on the basis of humanity rather than gender. Any action that directly or indirectly supports, encourages, promotes or empowers a particular gender does not reflect the struggle for gender balance and equity. The saying that “the Future is Female”, promotes inequality in all senses. For me, “the future is human”, not male, not female. The theme of this year’s International women’s day celebration (Balance for Better) is a wake-up call for all who are fighting for a particular gender. To put the record straight, I’m neither writing in favour of male or female, but in favour of humanity which comprises female and male.

The landmark declaration, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948, reaffirms that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and that “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, … birth or other status.” This declaration was backed by Article one of its charter which maintained that “To achieve international co-operation … in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.”

It is on record that the world has done more visible actions in recent times geared towards promoting and empowering a particular gender rather than promoting a balance in the issues relating to both genders. According to The UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres “achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is the unfinished business of our time, and the greatest human rights challenge in our world”. Gender equality is not all about women and girls, it is about humanity, creating a level playing ground and opportunities for both genders to succeed and to be mutually integrated into all aspect of human endeavours without being gender biased.

The support for a particular gender does not promote gender equity, several actions implemented in the name of promoting gender equality have ended up creating more gender inequality. United Nations hasn’t been too fair to both genders as the majority of their actions were geared towards promoting and empowering a particular gender.

Looking at the history according to UN source, the United Nations has organized four world conferences on women.

These took place in Mexico City in 1975, Copenhagen in 1980, Nairobi in 1985 and Beijing in 1995. The last was followed by a series of five-year reviews.

The 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing marked a significant turning point for the global agenda for gender equality. The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, adopted unanimously by 189 countries, is an agenda for women’s empowerment and considered the key global policy document on gender equality.

I’m not against the declaration or the setting up of strategic objectives and actions for the achievement of gender equality especially in 12 critical areas of concern.

IT IS AN INCONTROVERTIBLE FACT THAT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRY LIKE NIGERIA, BOTH GENDERS FACE EQUAL SHARE OF PROBLEMS LIKE HUNGER, DISEASE, POVERTY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND NATURAL DISASTER

My question is “Why Women Only”? Are all these issues not affecting both genders directly? Why are there no actions for both genders in this regard? The world cannot claim to achieve gender equality when it is busy promoting one gender at the detriment of the other. There are several actions by the private sector, civil society organizations and government that help to advance the course of women and girl-child only while the boy-child is left to struggle on his own with little or no resources to support him.

In the nearest future the number of males likely to be involved in terrorist activities might increase if the world doesn’t push for actions that will create equal opportunities for both genders. In the next 10 years, there is a likelihood that the world will record more male school drop-outs, especially in the developing countries as all efforts are geared towards educating the girl-child. Balancing for better maintains that both genders be given equal opportunities to develop themselves.

It is an incontrovertible fact that in developing country like Nigeria, both genders face equal share of problems like hunger, disease, poverty, climate change, and natural disaster. During a crisis, every effort is made to save women and children, if all the men will perish no problem. This is a height of gender discrimination. I think the focus of the world should be how to salvage humanity rather than the womenfolk. I encourage every action that will give both genders equal representation and equal opportunities.

As at 2014, 143 out of 195 countries guaranteed equality between men and women in their constitutions according to UN report, but in practice, there are more actions that are geared towards improving women’s capacity to outsmart men. I’m not against any action directed towards helping the female gender, but I’m more in support of any action that gives equal opportunity to both genders.

If we have more male than female in a particular sector, the world sees it as an imbalance but when we have same for female, the world will see it as a breakthrough in gender equality struggle. If a body like UN, UNESCO, ECOWAS, etc., should have 70% of women in their workforce, the world will clap for them that they have done well; but does it really mean gender equality? Let me make it clear, I am currently gifted with two children and both are female, but I decide to stand with humanity and not gender.

I still maintain that any gender equality action that supports one gender amounts to gender discrimination. Like in 1985, World Conference was held to review and appraise the achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women, which many described as the birth of global feminism. For those who do not know, every feminist fight for the course of women only at the expense of the men. Who is fooling who when the world talks about gender discrimination?

Given these actions, who is being discriminated against more, men or women? Balance for better is the best approach for any gender issue.

Nworie is Program Manager Academy, Youth for Technology Foundation

THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE Chukwudi Enekwechi writes that the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, is a woman of substance

M

rs Aisha Buhari, wife of Nigeria’s president and commander- inchief Muhammadu Buhari, is acknowledged nationwide as not only a beauty, but endowed with brain and brawn. She periodically steps into the national consciousness when it appears there exists a yawning gap between the powers that be and the Nigerian people. Oftentimes she takes sides with the people and insists that the president should not lose sight of the mammoth support of Nigerians that propelled him to the highest office in the land.

Most times her interventions have helped to crystallise any fogginess as far as her husband’s leadership is concerned.

She is famous for telling truth to power with a view to impacting on the lives of most Nigerians.

Aisha Buhari is not only sound academically but urbane, sophisticated, caring and able to read the signs of the times politically. Until she joined the political fray by setting up the Women and Youth Presidential Campaign Team, the second term bid of President Buhari was tottering on the shenanigans of powerful political forces who had one axe to grind with the system or the other, yet she was able to discern the shady and unclear horizon and

immediately stepped in to bridge the gap.

This singular act helped to galvanise the entire gamut of the All Progressives Congress political hierarchy to key in and align, seeing and realising that victory was possible. She did not only take the gauntlet but she led the way to mobilise Nigerians towards supporting her husband to serve Nigeria for the next four years. In the end both the Presidential Campaign Council and the Women and Youth Campaign Team complimented themselves towards the realisation of the ultimate goal- re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term.

Apart from her regular interactions with the masses across the country, she exhibited uncommon leadership by interfacing with different political leaders who at the nick of time pitched their tent with the ruling party despite the opposition they faced from their past political allies.

Perhaps it can be said that the tone for her future political role in the Buhari presidency was set when the governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha rolled out the red carpet and galvanised Imo women to march for her at the Dan Anyiam stadium in Owerri. That was the first and last mammoth show of support by a state government for Aisha Buhari, until

recently when she stepped into the political arena to lead the re-election campaign of her husband.

Today her efforts in seeing to the realisation of the president’s second term have come to fruition and she deserves adequate recognition. Aisha is not only a leader of men, women and materials but she is an asset to the president and Nigeria as a whole. We as a people cannot afford to relegate such an important woman in the scheme of things especially as she remains unassuming, simple, loyal to her husband and Nigeria, and is committed to using her elevated position to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Therefore as we celebrate the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians owe it an obligation to give honour to whom it is due. Lest we forget, she played a significant role in drawing the attention of the country to the many ills ailing our country, among them infrastructural deficit in the South East and this has enabled the president to look inwards and seek permanent and endurable solutions to the boiling issues.

Aisha Buhari is reputed for telling truth to power and this has largely contributed to the success of her husband’s administration, and enabled Nigerians

to reap the dividends of democracy as in infrastructure, fight against corruption and the revolution we now witness in the agricultural sector. The latest news is that Nigeria now leads Egypt in rice production and nobody can doubt that Nigeria is witnessing food security.

It is pertinent to remark that this is the first time a wife of the president is being applauded by all and sundry and across the political spectrum and the reason is not farfetched - her altruism, courage and commitment to equity and justice. In the weeks and months ahead Nigerians are expectant that her past interventions will influence the choices of the Buhari administration in appointments and governance generally for the greater good of Nigerians. We recall that she was the advocate of compensation to those who worked assiduously towards the election of President Buhari in 2015.

Gladly, President Buhari has laid the necessary foundation for the repositioning of the country and the next four years offer a window of opportunity for inclusiveness and even distribution of infrastructural amenities across the country.

Enekwechi is member, Women and Youth Presidential Campaign Team

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MARCH 9, 2019 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Another test case for INEC...

Balancing For Better, A He-For-She Agenda

F

rom the very moment the woman steps into the market, she is assaulted; hands grabbed, buttocks slapped, names called and whatever else you can think of. It’s the same thing when she commutes daily to work, even in the office dress and all. Or even when she just takes a casual walk down her street. Whether it’s the bus driver, classroom lecturer or randy boss at work, she must contend with a panoply of these every day.

In certain instances, she will be threatened by the ‘street boys’ for just passing by like that and not greeting. She is the victim of objectification, on the TV, in comics, on the streets, and now even in cartoons. She is also the same one that when it comes to taking up strategic corporate positions or holding political offices is not considered, for the mere fact that she is a woman.

The bias against womenfolk is so default that even in enlightened circles where people boast of gender balanced and sensitive populations, in selecting team leaders, the male is made to lead and the female to assist. This way of thinking is regular in primary and secondary schools, the bedrock of any culture, ideology or value system. Thus, the average woman has come to accept what she has seen both at home and in school; that she cannot lead; that she can only be subordinate and provide welfare services to the men around her.

This is not surprising, especially when the woman as a girl had it sounded to her that the essence of her life was to ‘prepare herself for her husband’ and all the movies she had seen had the storyline of a village girl preening herself to be noticed and getting married off by some septuagenarian king or young prince who would often be ogling a ton of other ladies all the while.

Thus, the scale is constantly tipped; the society’s default mode has the woman as the victim, the subject of male domination. Every inch of society tells the woman she can’t. Politics, religion, business, culture, and the stereotypes have existed so much with us, that they are subconscious leanings, things we do without even knowing we are doing them.

It is for this reason that March 8 was set aside to celebrate women all over the world; to recognize those who are breaking barriers and to make way for others who haven’t quite been given that opportunity. This year’s campaign theme has been tagged ‘Balance for Better’.

This cuts across all spheres of life, and simply means that gender inclusion has to mean something to us; that we have to begin to consciously change the narrative and find a gender balance to ensure a better economy, better governance, better policies, better solutions.

The National Bureau of Statistics 2016 report has it that 49.5% of Nigeria’s population is female. Also, women account for half of the world’s working age population.

Yet, with such a large percentage (almost a full half of

the population) being female, women are being kept out of the room when it matters most, and are poorly represented at all levels. While things are changing slowly, the pace at which it is not good enough. Leaving women out of the conversation is a terrible mistake and the society we aim to create is one with a government passionate about women representation at all levels.

We have left women out of important conversations like climate change and how to mitigate or adapt, so we have climate and environmental responses not tailored to meet the needs of female folk, as with other laws and policies, creating a gaping vacuum in our laws, policies and systems; lopsided legislations and programmes that do not take into consideration the peculiar challenges of womenfolk.

My proposition, however, is a He-for-she response. Men are the flip side of the coin in the gender discourse. We need more men to start standing up for women, more men to start respecting women enough not to harass them at the slightest opportunity. We need more men who will fight for the rights of women and see them beyond the confines of sex, a meal and welfare. We need more men who will stop being intimidated by women rising, and instead support them and hand–in- hand build better societies. We need male clergymen, male elders, male politicians, fathers, brothers, husbands who will stand up for women and encourage them to climb to the heights they aspire.

We need more non-violent men, men who are groomed to respect the woman, who are taught to do their own dishes and fix their own meals and not assume that those things are reserved matters, exclusively within the confines of womenfolk. We need more men who will stand up against rape, more who will pave the path for women to take up political offices.

Caleb Adebayo, Lagos

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

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

ElectionTales from Kutigi

W

ith a strong pro-Atiku push to wit, I’d’ve my conscience in smithereens by now if I had partook as a collation officer in the last presidential and national assembly elections, a position everyone assumed was automatically opened to all university lecturers. The anecdotal tale just told by my good friend, Dr. James Amgbafi of the Department of Electrical Engineering, about his experience as a collation officer at Kutigi in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State got me really worried; even though everyone knew from the THISDAY opinion poll that Candidate Atiku Abubakar will lose in Niger State, it was shocking that agents of the Niger State Government, according to Dr. Amgbafi, sought to pressure him upon threats to life and limb and cash inducement to suppress vote-numbers for Atiku Abubakar or annul them totally. Dr. Amgbafi resisted the threats and monetary gift but how many other collation officers succumbed?

Informal findings show that not much is the answer. I, along with another conscientious objector, Dr. Salihu Saidu of the Department of Geography was glad not to partake in the flawed INEC’s exercise.

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Î

NEWS

GUBER, ASSEMBLY POLLS‌GUBER, ASSEMBLY POLLS‌ GUBER, ASSEMBLY POLLS

Elections: Again, DHQ Warns Politicians against Unlawful Conduct Says military will not embark on reprisal attacks over killing of personnel Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday warned politicians against engaging in unlawful behaviour and urged them to conduct themselves within the ambit of the law in today’s Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

This is coming as it said the military would not embark on reprisal attacks over the killing of its personnel in some parts of the country in the last elections.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Acting Director, Defence Information, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said politicians and their supporters should tow the part of the law in their conduct throughout the elections. “It is imperative to state that no one deserves to lose his or her life during elections, be it personnel of security agencies, civilians, electoral officials or observers, both local and international. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) therefore urges all politicians and their supporters to embrace peace and conduct themselves within the ambit of the law. “In order to guarantee prompt response to security challenges in any part of the country, the DHQ and the Services Headquarters established Situation Rooms where security situations are monitored

across the nation during the elections. This is also to further ensure compliance of AFN personnel to the code of conduct during the elections,� he said.

On fears of reprisal attacks where military personnel were killed in the last elections, Nwachukwu said as a reputable and professional institution, there would be no such attacks. “Despite the unfortunate attacks on our personnel by political hoodlums during the last election, the AFN, as a professional and reputable institution, wishes to reassure the public that no reprisal attack will be carried out by any military personnel, unit or formation. “We assure all Nigerians that in tandem with our mandate, we will continue to compliment and support the efforts of the Nigerian Police in ensuring that all law abiding citizens of this nation and members of the international community go about their legitimate duties and obligations in an environment devoid of violence and insecurity,� he said.

The DHQ also ordered military commanders to ensure sanity in their areas of responsibility and arrest anyone in military uniform who is not on election duty. “Likewise, all military commanders have been tasked to

BACK TO BASE ...

President Buhari attends Juma’at Prayer at the new Mosque in his village, Dumurkul, near Daura, Katsina State while he waits to vote today ...yesterday

ensure that sanity prevails in their respective Areas of Responsibility.

These assigned tasks include arrest of anyone in military uniform who is not on election security duty on the Election Day. Likewise, any civilian caught in military uniform will be treated as an impostor.

Anambra Govt, Obi Spat over Meeting in Agulu The Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi, was yesterday allegedly stopped by Anambra State Government from holding a meeting in Agulu.

The news which first was taken as a rumour was confirmed when the people of the town, already seated for the meeting at 1p.m. were asked by the President General of the town, Mr. Andy Orakwue to leave the hall of Agulu Town Union Building on the terse reason that the meeting had been called off.

However, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Mr. James Eze dismissed the story as unreasonable, pointing out that if no such

action was taken against Obi in an election he was involved in, how would such be when he was not a contestant. “It fails all logic to vend such stories. How can the government stop him? The Governor does not even have the power to do so and would never do so. Peter Obi held several meetings when he was contesting as Vice President and has been holding more and nobody stopped him so why should the government stop his meeting when he is not a candidate. Stopping his meeting is akin to stopping him from visiting Anambra and that did not and cannot happen. It is not true,� Eze said.

The President General was alleged to be under pressure to

call off the meeting by security agents even when he explained that it was a routine meeting with the people, carefully chosen to hold before those that came home for elections would start returning to their bases.

The President General who presented the agenda which had “Thank you by the Vice Presidential Candidate, discussion on the planned empowerment of the people of the town by Mr. Peter Obi, and Peter Obi’s Mentorship Programme� as the only three items to security agents to convince them that it had no political undertone, was asked to call off the meeting in his own interest, since the order came from the government.

“It is crucial to re-emphasise the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, that while military personnel have the right to perform their civic duty of voting as provided in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they must

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dispatched all the necessary voting materials central to the success of the FCT Area Councils election to the concerned six area councils.

THISDAY gathered last night that the materials which arrived Abuja on Thursday, had been dispatched to the six councils.

FCT INEC head office sources, disclosed that the materials would be shared at the 62 wards of the affected councils for onward distribution to the 871 polling units and Voting Point Settlements on the election day.

About 1, 344, 856 FCT registered voters would exercise their constitutional rights by voting for candidates of their choice for the chairmanship and councillorship positions.

The six Area Councils are Bwari, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and Abaji.

A total of 105 candidates cutting across the political parties are vying for the six chairmanship positions, while 701 candidates are bidding to occupy the 62 councillorship slots.

Also 40 of those candidates in the chairmanship race are women while 88 are seeking to be elected councilors.

Victor Ogunje in Abuja

An All Progressives Congress (APC) House of assembly candidate in Ekiti State, Mr. Adeyemi Ajibade, has escaped being killed in his home town, Osun Ekiti, Moba Local government on Thursday night, by unknown hoodlums.

Ajibade,who is seeking to represent Moba Constituency 1 in the Saturday’s election narrowly escaped death from the assailants , who stormed his residence at a about 11:58p.m. on the faithful day.

Speaking with journalists on the incident on Friday, Ajibade revealed that while some of the hoodlums had already

justice system,� he said.

The defence spokesman further noted that the role of the military “in the on-going elections is to support the Nigeria Police in ensuring that Nigerians are able to perform their civic obligations in a peaceful and secured environment.

Court Dismisses Suit Seeking DisqualiďŹ cation of Wike over Alleged Forgery Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Friday dismissed a suit seeking the disqualification of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State in the March 9, 2019 governorship election.

The suit was dismissed on the grounds that the plaintiff failed to provide credible evidence of forgery against the governor.

The plaintiff, a Rivers State indigene, Elvis Chinda, had filed the suit last year praying the court to interpret certain sections of the Electoral Act which deal with presentation of forged document to the Independent National Electoral

INEC DispatchesVoting Materials Suspected Gunmen Attack APC Assembly Candidate in Ekiti to Six FCT Area Councils Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

approach their polling units in civilian clothings, devoid of any military accoutrements. “Additionally, any military personnel who is not on election security duty found in military uniform on Election Day will be arrested and sanctioned in accordance with the military

gained partial entrance into his building, that some other maintained strategic placement outside.

He said upon sighting the strange movement and sounds, Ajibade said he raised alert and cried for help which awoke the neighbours. “The noise forced them to quickly vacate from my building.

I thank God for averting the attempt by using the neighbour for my safety. “The hoodlums were sent by the opposition. They were five in number with dangerous weapons in their possession. They forced the door to gain entrance but as I observed that I decided to shout and cry for help.

Commission (INEC) by aspirant seeking clearance to contest an election.

Delivering Judgment in the main suit, however, the court held that the crux of the suit against Wike bothered on criminality especially forgery of certifcate, which requires the plaintiff to proof beyond reasonable doubt before judgement can be entered in his favour.

The judge said apart from the documentary evidence obtained by the plaintiff from doubtful sources the ingredients of establishing a criminal matter were not provided to establish a case of forgery against Wike.

Besides, the judge said that the

plaintiff being the sole witness in the suit, served as both the accuser and prosecutor, adding that his failure to call vital witnesses in respect of a documentary evidence brought to court was fatal to his case and made it liable to dismissal.

Justice Ekwo said he could not ascribe probate value to the documents purportedly obtained by the plaintiff from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), because the plaintiff failed to attach receipt of payment for the Certified True Copy of the documents obtained from INEC as required by law.

Justice Ekwo therefore dismissed the suit for being unmeritorious in substance and in fact.

Bauchi Police Debunks Reports of Plans to Arrest PDP Guber Candidate in the State Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi State Police Command has debunked the allegations by the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that there is a grand plan to arrest and place its gubernatorial candidate, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir under house arrest till after the gubernatorial and State Assembly elections coming up today.

The State Commissioner of Police (COMPOL), Ali Aji Kangare while reacting to the allegations during a Press Conference held at the State Police Command headquarters, Bauchi Friday, said that the allegation is baseless and unfounded.

According to him, “how can we arrest a candidate standing election for doing nothing? The Command

does not have that plan, all we want is a peaceful conduct of the election, even more peaceful than the last one.� It would be recalled that the State chapter of the PDP had alleged that there was a grand plan to arrest its gubernatorial candidate, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir and placed under house arrest until after the elections.

Ali Janga who addressed Journalists on the preparations of the Command for the election disclosed that a total of over 5000 personnel will be deployed to all the 20 local government areas of the state adding that the Command will operate in conjunction with other sister security agencies to maintain law and order before, during and after the elections.

5 ) * 4 % ": t SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R; Managing Director, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, Boyi Ibrahim; Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed; General Manager Sales and Marketing, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, Bawo Omatsigbe; Abuja Zonal Manager, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, Olayinka Seriki and National Sales Consultant, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan during a Business visit to the IGP at the Police Headquarters Abuja…... recently

L-R (Front to Back): Olohita Iribhogbe; Cresta Durojaiye; Olusola Oguche-Agudah; Oghomwen Ogbonmwan; Tosin Ajayi; vohkeh Osusuluwa; Adaobi Ofoche; Ini Ibe; and Elizabeth Okonofua, all of APON, at the launch of the association in Lagos… recently

Frudi Fruit Juice Introduces New Products Competition in the Nigerian fruit juice market is expected to get stiffer as a new player, Frudi Fruit Juice , battles for market leadership with its diverse variants.

Coming from the stable of GX Foods, Frudi is launching with four variants namely: Gingy Lemon, Zobo Blast, Guava and Exotic, all meant to cater for the nutritional and health needs of consumers.

At the launch of the products, which held in Lagos during the week, Head of Sales and Marketing, GX Foods, Theresa Arome- Sule, stated that the latest has come to satisfy the yearnings of young adults who desire beyond ordinary refreshments in fruit juice and mothers who decide the best for the family.

“We have come to realise that people are

becoming more conscious of their health especially through what they consume, we are moving along with this trends in our new products consisting of health friendly ingredients such as ginger, Zobo, guava and others.

“We want to imbibe an indigenous culture in our customers, hence, the zobo blast, which is 95 per cent indigenous, moreso, to stimulate the habit of drinking healthy. This is why we have taken a step beyond the single flavour juice, which we are all familiar with, to mixing flavours and blending them in such a way that they will be nutritionally beneficial.”

She added: “The goal for Frudi is to take the consumers away from the norm to a place where they get to experience the extra taste in

juices so they quickly forget the ordinary.”

Managing Director of GX Foods, Gbemi Adio Moses, reiterated the essence of the new products to enhance healthy living.

He said: “Now, we are moving from an era of refreshments and just drinking juice, to an era where health and nutrition are strictly considered in whatever that goes into our stomach.

This is where the world is headed and we are on that train and direction.

“With our very vibrant and strong research development team, we are constantly trying to explore new ways of replacing sugar with other natural sweetener. Frudi targets to be the market leader in the segment of functional and beneficial juice drink within a very short time”

P&G Woos Customers with New Sanitary Pad As part of its expansion drive, feminine care brand of Procter & Gamble, Always, has introduced new ‘Always Cotton Soft’ sanitary pad to the Nigerian market.

The new product comes at a more friendly price in addition to its skin soothing features, which make it a great choice for every woman .

Speaking during the launch, Brand Manager of Always Nigeria, Funmi Adigolo, stated that the new product was specially designed to be as soft as cotton to soothe the skin and afford users comfortable protection all day long.

She said: “The product was made

particularly for people who desire a soft and soothing feel from their pads, so as to make their period a happier and more comfortable experience.

“It is two times softer than our Always Classic thick pads.

The new Always comes with a very soft top sheet that protects the skin from irritation and harm”.

Communications Manager of P&G Nigeria, Tomiwa Ajewole, said that the latest was part of the company’s efforts to make everyday life a little better and easier for the average Nigerian female.

Describing the product, he explained:

“Always Cotton Soft is available nationwide in attractive pink packs of eight pads, in individual packs. It comes in ‘long’ and ‘extra-long’ variants, giving users a choice to get the one that best suits them. As with other variants, the new Cotton Soft guarantees superior and comfortable protection for up to eight hours.

Ajewole informed further that the new product is available nationwide at a recommended price point of N250 at most retail stores across Nigeria, while the pricing at the shelves is at the sole discretion of the retailers.

APON to Improve Productivity by Creating Order in Habitable Spaces People struggling with clutter in their homes, offices and other valuable spaces can now heave a sigh of relief with launch the Association of Productivity and Organising Professionals in Nigeria (APON).

The association, which was officially launched in Lagos, recently, was formed to help people live quality lives by de-cluttering their spaces, creating order and increasing efficiency and productivity, according to a statement by its initiators.

The statement said the launch of APON was a dream come true for its founders, Cresta Durojaiye, the Chairperson and Sola Oguche-Agudah, Vice Chairperson, who came together in 2014 with a dream to start a productivity and professional organising business, which was a new business terrain in Nigeria.

The association is the umbrella body for all persons in the productivity and professional organising industry. The APON body aims to create an environment for its members to rub minds, share ideas, learn together and build successful organising businesses that promote more productive lifestyles, starting with Nigeria and spanning outwards, aiming to put Nigeria on the global map, through productivity and professional organising, the statement said.

At the launch were well-known productivity and organising professionals in the Nigerian industry, who will be starting the association as its pioneer members.

APON’s immediate objective is to host trainings for existing and upcoming productivity and organising professionals and also roll out solutions to help its members scale up their businesses and implement strategies to counter challenges currently faced by productivity and organising professionals in Nigeria.

The major highlight of the day was the official flag-off ceremony of the association, symbolised by the joint cake-cutting session with the association’s executives and its pioneer members, amidst fireworks and loud cheers.

ZTE Unveils 5G Phone, Others Olam Seals $90m Deal with BT Cocoa Mobile phone brand, ZTE, has strengthened its presence in the market as it launched its first ever 5G mobile device.

The company’s latest upgrade, Axon 10 Pro 5G was officially announced at MWC 2019 in Barcelona.

MWC is the premier exhibition of new smartphones and mobile tech that holds annually in Barcelona.

According to reports, Axon 10 Pro 5G is a fairly upgrade to Axon 9 Pro that was launched by the phone brand last year.

The device boasts a triple-camera system featuring both wide-angle and ultra-wide angle lenses, in addition to the main shooter, with an in-display fingerprint sensor.

While the phone makers has not announced the full specs of its latest, experts envisaged that the

device would feature Snapdragon 855 processor as well as Qualcomm’s X50 5G modem.

In addition to the new 5G device, ZTE also introduced new BladeV10 and cheaper Blade V10 Vita, which were upgraded version of BladeV 9 andBlade V9 Vita phones, launched last year.

The Blade V10 boasts features as octa-core 2.1GHz processor, 6.3-inch 2280 x 1080 display and a headlining 32-megapixel front-facing camera that’s meant for selfies.

It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a 3,200mAh battery, Android Pie. According to reports, Axon 10 Pro 5G would be first released in Europe and China markets towards the end of Q12019, before it spread to Nigeria and other parts of the world.

A foremost supplier of cocoa products, Olam Cocoa is expanding its footprint in the global cocoa market with its acquisition of Indonesia’s largest cocoa processor, BT Cocoa.

This, according to the company, would enable it to capitalise on surging cocoa powder consumption in Asia.

The company revealed in a statement that it had paid $90 million for an 85 per cent share of YTS Holdings, which is the 100 per cent owner of PT Bumitangerang Mesindotama (BT Cocoa).

The deal will add 120,000 tonnes of cocoa bean processing capacity and 30,000 tonnes of cocoa mass pressing capacity.

Olam said the deal supports

the worldwide positive growth trend of chocolate and cocoa ingredient consumption and the expectation that the need for cocoa processing will continue to grow, supported by additional investment in cocoa producing and consuming countries.

BT Cocoa’s recognition as an existing supplier to leading chocolate and confectionery manufacturers in the region will present new market opportunities for Olam Cocoa’s ingredients portfolio, such as cocoa powders brand Huysman, which was launched in Asia in 2018.

Reacting to the deal, Chief Executive Officer of Olam Cocoa , Gerard Manley, said: “We are excited to have the opportunity to rapidly expand

our footprint in Asia and to develop this business with the founder and family of BT Cocoa.

“Our longstanding relationship will enable us to deliver world-class cocoa ingredients and services to our expanded customer base and look to strengthen these relationships in future in one of the fastest growing regions in the world.”

Also speaking for BT Cocoa, Piter Jasman, added: “The relationship with Olam Cocoa represents a powerful opportunity for BT Cocoa to significantly expand our market with enhancements to quality, safety and ethically responsible cocoa products. The past three years of collaboration has clearly demonstrated the potential for delivering better value.

Plus Natasha Akpoti

I Learnt Community Building, Service to Humanity from My Father

Adeola Sowemimo Living her Dreams

FASHION FILE GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 22 pg. 29 pg. 42 pg. 45

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 9, 2019

PLUS

I Learnt Community Building, Service to Humanity from My Father Many will always remember Natasha Hadiza Akpoti as the brave warrior that fought gallantly for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the February 23 election on the platform of the SDP. But there is more to this Amazon than politics. Natasha, the second of four children, and the only daughter of a Nigerian father and a Ukrainian mother, is a social entrepreneur, working with marginalised communities. She has a special interest in managing resources to the advantage of marginalised rural people. This fighter has European blood flowing in her. Her mother, Ludmila Kravchenk, is a Ukranian from Rakitna in the region of Chernivtsi. Her father, Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, is from Obeiba- Ihima, Kogi State. Natasha, 39, mother of three, shares her adventures, including challenges she had to square up trying to establish herself, with Onyebuchi Ezigbo All through my educational timeline, I tried getting in positions of authority am a lawyer and I attained my LL.B from the University of Abuja after which I attended the Nigerian Law School. I have a post graduate diploma in Petroleum law and Policy. I also have an MBA in Oil and Gas management which I attained at the University of Dundee, Scotland.

All through my educational timeline, I tried getting in positions of authority. I have also acquired a lot of certificates while I was in the oil and gas sector and when I transitioned into being a social entrepreneur which is where I am now trying to work with marginalised communities. Career wise; I worked with Brass LNG in Lagos even though our plant is in Baylesa. I was an in-house legal counsel then. I stepped out and set up my own company which I do consulting in the oil and gas sector and also in the construction industry.

I

Manage resources for the better advantage of rural communities What matters the most to me is my impact investment programmes; how best do I manage resources for the better advantage of rural communities and the marginalised.

Then I started advocating for the Ajaokuta Steel Company which is also part of my social entrepreneurship. I believe Nigeria’s major problem is poverty, unemployment.

The country doesn’t generate revenue and we are dependent solely on imports and I looked around starting from home because Ajaokuta Steel is actually in my domain; how best can this singular project if operating fully will be able to help in driving Nigeria’s economy forward? I thought about advocating for it and like everything, you have to identify the problem first before you begin to talk about the solutions and it was when I started looking into the problem that I discovered the whole conspiracies. In as much as we blame international influence as a people, we are solely to be blamed as well.

Akpoti

Growing up in Iyima

I spent my early years in my home town Iyima, Okene Local Government. You can drive from one community to the other within 10 – 20 minutes maximum. So I grew up all around there and my father was a philanthropist. He was a medical doctor and I learnt community building, the attributes of humanity from him. He didn’t just speak, he actually worked. He had his hospital and everybody whether you had money or not you would go for treatment. He never turned anybody down. At times, some patients couldn’t buy blood when needed and if he too was cash strapped at that time, he donates his own blood when needed. I remember that as a little girl because I was the only girl and very involved with his activities like his handbag. I would sit with him in the hospital, watched what he was doing and his interactions. I attended some community meetings with him even when he was nominated during the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Abiola’s era and there were some meetings and they were like ‘who are we going to send to the House of Representatives’ and everyone there was like ‘it is going to be doctor’ and that was my father and most of them were like ‘he doesn’t have the money, he is more of a goodwill kind of people’ and they said yes ‘we want you’ and his election was crowd funded at that time and he won with a landslide. So, what I am saying is that my formative years were spent learning and observing the actions of my father in community building, caring more about your neighbour than yourself, understanding that you can’t be a successful island surrounded by the waters of poverty. So I learnt all that from him and that was how I shaped myself.

As a little girl, I used to read a lot, my father brought home encyclopaedia and to a large extent the television we had back then was NTA which starts at 4pm and Children programme was usually for an hour with Seseme Street and other cartoons. So, after that, what was I going to do with my time? So I started reading and I read a lot. I think by the age of 15, I had finished the encyclopaedia. That was where I learnt the habit of reading, which is the reason why I research a lot at the

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PLUS I Have Over 600 Children I Have Adopted in My Community ‌ I Cater for Their Clothing, Feeding, Healthcare moment. People ask me ‘how are you able to get such information in a very short time?’ I tell them I read and I can stay reading for a whole day without getting hungry because I always longed for information, to know why a particular thing is like the way it is.

me because I was already speaking for about two and a half years and no one would listen to me and the government wasn’t responding but that moment was what transformed a lot for me and for the advocacy because it now yielded results. One billion dollars was approved by the National Assembly for Ajaokuta steel in December, it was that effort. That was my high point professionally; at least I knew I wasn’t just shouting for nothing, the risk was worth it. Of course my children, each time I had a baby those were high points for me.

The best privilege I was born with is goodwill Born with a silver spoon? No! Silver spoon means privileges and I think the best privilege I was born with would be goodwill but when it comes to finances, my father had a humble beginning, he never had a home of his own because each time he would say ‘this year I am going to build our own house’ and before you know it the year is over and I am like ’what happened, where is the house?’ He couldn’t because he had to take care of thousands of children he was putting in schools; to the farmers he was supplying seedlings and tools. Our home was like a haven of people who needed something and my father won’t send anybody away. At times, when things were really tight because we ate twice a day and I am like ‘I am really hungry’ and he will say ‘at least you have eaten twice and some people have eaten just once’. He was quite humble but I never really thought we were in need because he always put the balance in my mind that it isn’t the clothes you wear or the cars you drive or the house you live, that it is what is in your heart and most times when we are driving, he will tell me ‘you see that big beautiful house, there is nobody around it but our house is a humble place and people are always around’ that was what he always made me see and understand. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon but I had the very best at the time; love, compassion, care and the lessons of life.

I have come to appreciate failure as stepping point The biggest mistake ever made in my life?

Thinking about it! Two weeks ago I was asking myself that same question. I don’t think there is any big mistake. Like I have told you, I have come to appreciate failure as stepping points. So, every time I look at things; is it my broken marriage but it made me stronger. I built this house. Immediately I left, I moved into a rented apartment and told myself ‘after this two years rent, I will not be going to pay rent again; I am going to move into my own house.’ With that strong determination and in two years, I put this up and when I moved in I said ‘I am okay now I want to start giving back to my community and helping people who are suffering what I went through years ago’. So it is not about failure or mistake. I looked at it as learning points and I learnt some lessons and got off better.

The things I desire in life I desire happiness and love, not necessarily from man but love from people, which I think compensates a lot.

I have three children Yes I have three children. My first is going to be 20 in April, next month. My second is going to be 13 also in April sharing the same birth date 16th of April then my last girl is nine. So I have three children and my daughter is just like me, very interested in anything that has to do with the community work and reading. She can tell you everything about Ajaokuta Steel. I started earlier when I was just over 19 years.

I am beginning to appreciate failure as a learning curve Of recent I am beginning to appreciate failure as a learning curve. Failure and poverty are my biggest fear in life. In short, I think the greatest is poverty and it is also the greatest motivator because at times when I sit down and look at my friends who are from privileged homes and I just wonder ‘they must just be happy knowing that their fathers have these investments and no matter what, they have something coming in every month. I have friends whose fathers have hotels, filling stations, so at the end of the day, even if their father is dead, there is a way they structure the returns that every month this income is made available and I am like ‘how does it feel waking up and knowing that no matter what you can’t be hungry? But me, I always pushed to be better, to have more for myself, my family and the people that depend on me because right now I have over 600 children I have adopted in my community and for the past five years, I have been paying their school fees. 238 of these children are orphans; I cater for their clothing, feeding, healthcare.

Once in a while, I get support from some supporting organisations but most of them I run myself. In Abuja, I have about 50 children I put in school. I picked them from streets, from among those cleaning car, windscreens, filling pot holes and I am like ‘what are you doing?’ and they speak and I can see that they are intelligent and I will move them to school. Yes; happiness, love and I run away from poverty which is now my motivator.

Failure, I have come from being afraid of it to knowing it is just a learning process. If you learn from the mistakes that led to that failure, then you are winning because it is a lesson learnt.

The most difficult thing you been confronted with The most difficult thing is managing a relationship that both of you have gone away from because the mid set is very important.

Akpoti

It is not that the person is bad but you have just grown apart, you guys have changed, your vision has changed and every time you are struggling with your dreams and the person’s dreams causes a lot of friction and frustration and I have come to realise that we were born as individuals and we have to be the best of ourselves before we can be the best for somebody else and if you can’t be the best of yourself, then there is no happiness and even love is affected and that is why I stayed single. What I have been able to achieve in my life of recent being single is much because there is no distractions; there is a 101 per cent focus. The most difficult thing not just for me but for everybody is managing a relationship with interest because it is very difficult, it affects everything, it affects your health, your productivity; it affects your output and everything.

Being single, the challenges and missing relationship Of course I experience a lot of challenges being single. Almost every day I go out, men ask me out and I am like I am not interested and before I used to think with three children it would be difficult for me to find anyone but I have come to realise that when a women becomes more defined, knowing who you are, growing in your character and person, you even attract more people.

When I tell them I have three children, the response at times is ‘I don’t mind if you have 10’ because they have started seeing me as an asset but I have put that aside. I have made it clear to them that I am not interested and my needs, because I grew up from that humble background, are simple. My dresses are not more than N4,000 in the market, I am not like the typical woman who would want to wear gold, diamonds and all that.

If I get them, fine, but I don’t go out of my way. I have learnt how to manage myself.

I don’t need a man to maintain me. I am productive in my own little way. I take care of my children’s school fees, this is my home that I have built; I am not paying rent. So, I have learnt to manage within my space. I am not under pressure to look for support from another man and like I have said, it is a lot of pressure.

Once in a while I get emotional. I am a human being and there are times when I feel

‘oh it will be good to have someone to talk to, to share fears, worries and dreams’ and then suddenly I just remember some episodes in my life. If you had met my children, you will know that they are a handful. My children always tell me sweet words. My daughter always writes me the sweetest love notes of why she loves me and I get balance from that. There is one thing I have come to realise and I now understand it more when I watched Mahatma Gandhi’s movie and how he evolved in building his people. He actually began to abstain from his wife. He became celibate and when she was asking him why, it was like the interest just died down and there is just this point you become less of yourself. When people ask how are you able to cope for years and I am like how? Because I didn’t even know when time went by and when you are in a space whereby you pray a lot, you realise you are in a difficult and dangerous terrain shared by Ajaokuta and you just want to keep yourself holy because at anytime you pray, you just need results.

That is just how I feel and overtime, all those needs and stuffs didn’t come out. I was just preoccupied even in spirituality. When I first watched Mahatma Gandhi’s movie, I was saying what is wrong with this man but later on, it even got to a point where if a man asked me out, it irritates me. It was like there are so many people depending on me and saying I should get there for us and here you are destabilising me with what? Dinner or what? It is about focus. I just got so involved in who I am, my vision and my needs for myself and my people than to be distracted.

My happiest moment in life I think one of the happiest moments was when I made that presentation on Ajaokuta at the National Assembly March 1st last year and I was given the chance to speak to the nation on the conspiracies about the Ajaokuta steel and the need for its revival. I was just invited and I was told that it was the first time an ordinary person was invited to speak and I was there for almost 50 minutes just speaking and when I spoke, I didn’t even have a speech because I was just notified a day before and I wasn’t afraid. I just walked down trusting it was going to be fine. That is one of my best moments because it was from that time that everything turned around for

I always sympathise with women who suffer domestic abuse I always sympathise with women who witness domestic abuse and I just feel Nigeria should have more support, avenues and I think the society has a lot of roles to play because of the culture that once a woman gets married, you must stay there whether the husband is right or wrong, he is right and you are wrong and that kind of dampens a woman. I think the society should have more support in terms of counselling, the religious homes, everyone should support the woman who is in an abusive relationship so that she can come out of it and it is not that bad, it is this stigma of being a single parent and why don’t you just stay there in an abusive home.

We should stop stigmatising single women so that anyone that isn’t happy in the home can come out and still contribute her quota in nation building and if anyone is in an abusive marriage, they should find the courage to speak up and of course be productive. Many women stay in abusive homes because they depend solely on the man. Until today, I would like to say I still maintain a good relationship with my Ex. He understands that we are not coming back again but we maintain a good relationship for the children, which helps in balance. Last weekend, they went to their father’s place and even during my elections he helped me a lot. He was very supportive.

I love my space. I don’t have a lot of friends I am very adventurous; I love travelling a lot, I love reading and watching documentaries at my spare time, I love classical music, I love drama shows. I could say I am quite conservative and many people will see me and say I look like someone who loves the limelight but that isn’t true. If I can stay in my bedroom for two weeks with my books, my documentaries; I am fine. I enjoy my solitude a lot because it is in my solitude I am able to think and process solutions to problems. I love my space. I don’t have a lot of friends.

Growing up I used to run, I used to play badminton and tennis but every year it is always a resolution that I am going to register in a gym.

There was a time I registered in two gyms at a time; I registered in Hilton; I ended up not going, I registered in one nearby, didn’t go and then I knew it was myself but now that I have my horse, I ride it once a while but that is not exercise it is just adventure.

I love gardening, I love travelling to many countries. That is my weakness. If not because of the outcome of this election, by now I would have just taken off to a country in Africa or even some nice spots in Nigeria. I love discovering new places. I love tasting new food and of course not things like snake, monkey and so on. If I can get someone who said they used some certain kind of leaves to make soup, I will taste it. I love exploring new places and when I explore, I learn a lot about the people.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Î

PLUS

Adeola Sowemimo Living Her Dreams

In Doha, Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo, a Nigerian female pilot etched a record of her own. She is the ďŹ rst Nigerian female pilot to be hired by Qatar Airways and she will be ying the big bird, the Dreamliner Boeing 787.

FERDINAND EKECHUKWU reports

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Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS An indigene of Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Sowemimo, the Nigerian pilot is married with kids; a true inspiration for Nigerian women to pursue their dreams despite having a family.

It may be tough but the rewards can be truly fulďŹ lling. The graduate of Ladoke Akintola University in the ancient town of Ogbomosho is married to Seunfunmi Olamilekan Sowemimo Living Her Dreams

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he place of the female pilot in African socio-political context is subjective. One account has Asli Hassan Abade of Somali as the first female African pilot, trained in the 1970s and her first solo flight in 1976.

Another account credited Ghanaian Millicent Melody Danquah as the first female pilot after she flew solo for the first time in a de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk aircraft in 1964.

Quite few other versions abound, but that of Danquah has been severally repeated, making her more prominent as the authentic first female African aviator. From Nigeria, Chinyere Kalu was recorded the first Nigerian female commercial pilot in 1978, thereby making her part of the first wave of African female pilots but not the first female pilot in Africa.

For African women, history shows that it took a very long time for them to enjoy basic human rights. Through the fight for equality and provision of human rights and privileges to women in society, they have proven that they are a force to reckon with and a setback is no reason not to rise as fast they can.

They have also proven that they are capable of achieving incredible feats across many industries.

In recent times, African women are leading and dominating the spaces they find themselves but only a few are making waves in male-dominated industries. Many trailblazers have accomplished in the field of sports, business, and medicine and so on.

Now, a Nigerian trailblazer, Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo has emerged in the aviation industry.

An indigene of Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Sowemimo, the Nigerian pilot is married with kids; a true inspiration for Nigerian women to pursue their dreams despite having a family. It may be tough but the rewards can be truly fulfilling. The graduate of Ladoke Akintola University in the ancient town of Ogbomosho is married to Seunfunmi Olamilekan Sowemimo.

Sowemimo becomes the first Nigerian female pilot to work at Qatar Airways; likewise, the first Nigerian female pilot on the gigantic Boeing 787 Dreamliner Aircraft. According to reports, she is also the first Nigerian woman pilot to fly the Boeing 767 Aircraft across the Atlantic. She now joins the likes of Kenya’s Captain Irene Koki Mutungi, Ethiopia’s Captain Amsale Gulau and a few other African women like Captain Aluel Bol Aluenge who fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Captain Mutungi was only 17 when she etched her name in Kenyan history as the first female pilot in 1993. Twentyone years later, the determined woman once again left her mark in history as the first female pilot in Africa to be certified as a Captain of the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner� aircraft. Koki ventured into an occupation that was dominated by men at a time when women in Kenya and Africa were discouraged from venturing into science and

engineering.

For Captain Aluenge, she defied all odds by becoming a pilot in the airline industry after living as a refugee in Kenya during the ethnic and political conflict of South Sudan. She holds the distinction of being the first female South Sudanese pilot working for Ethiopian Airlines and Fly Dubai. Aluel Bol made history in 2011. She had worked at Ethiopian Airlines and Fly Dubai before joining Delta Airline.

Like Abade, Danquah and Kalu, cited earlier, a wave of positive acknowledgement, praise and congratulatory messages have continued to trail the announcement of Sowemimo. She had taken to her Facebook page to thank God for his mercy. She wrote: “It is the Lord’s doing and it’s marvelous in my sight.� Caught in the euphoria of her moment, the Orlando, Floridabased pilot further posted a picture of herself as a student of Sunrise Aviation Academy, US on Facebook with the caption “Days of little beginning... God be praised #ihavedominion�.

The picture taken years back shows her (with some co-pilots from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East) in a classroom. A short note attached to the throwback photo reads: “Sunrise Aviation’s January 2011 Private Pilot ground school class. Students are from Nigeria, India, Saudi Arabia, Bahamas, Tunisia, UAE and Turkey. Interest in pilot training at Sunrise Aviation from students around the world has been increasing!

Mel Quinton, one of Sunrise’s most experienced instructors, is the ground instructor (out of the picture).�

On seeing her post, friends and family members on the platform also celebrated her for the great achievement, thanking God for granting her the abilities to achieve it. Other well-meaning Nigerians also followed suit on social media to heap praises on her for the stunning milestone.

One of such is Arunma Oteh, a former World Bank Vice-President, who gave Sowemimo the applause on Sunday, with this tweet: Arunma Oteh@aoteh Congratulations Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo. Making#Nigeriaproud.

President Okonkwo@IkechukwuQwu wrote First Nigerian Female Pilot with Qatar Airways, Mrs. Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo flying the Dreamliner Boeing 787. Congrats Captain!

Headquartered in the Qatar Airways Tower in Doha, Qatar Airline operates a hub-and-spoke network, linking over 150 international destinations across Africa, Central Asia, Europe, Far East, South Asia, Middle East, North America, South America and Oceania, using a fleet of more than 200 aircraft.

Even though the Middle East is home to some of the world’s biggest and most recognisable airlines like Emirates and Etihad, it’s reputed as an extremely challenging region for women hoping to get into the cockpit. The state-owned national carrier of Qatar is one of the first in the region to introduce female pilots with women accounting for 44 per cent of the airline’s workforce as at 2018, according to its Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.

Sowemimo with her hubby

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Î

Fashion File Adey Soile’s

‘More Than A Bloom’ International Women’s Day Campaign

MARCH 9, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

‘More Than a Bloom’ As a brand, Adéy Soile prides itself on supporting and striving to empower women to be the best versions of themselves and achieve all they can through their timeless pieces and message.

Every year they run a campaign in partnership with respected women breaking grounds in their varying fields of work to honour women all over during the International Women’s Day. This year they worked with an amazing group of super women who are breaking boundaries for the next generation; Funke BucknorObruthe, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Vimbai Mutinhiri, Elizabeth Oputa, Latasha Ngwube, Temilade Aduroja, Yagazie Eguare and of course their creative director Tinuade Soile.

The theme for this year’s collection is “More Than a Bloom” which means that women are more than just pretty roses/flowers, we are strong with deep roots able to lift up another. Alongside the campaign photos is a short film that depicts these women in their everyday working environment.

The More than a Bloom collection by Adéy Soile will be sold throughout the Month of March and 40% of the proceeds of sale will be donated to WARIF (Women At Risk International Foundation) a charity that supports the rehabilitation of young women who have suffered sexual and physical abuse

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˜ ˞ MARCH 9, 2019

TRIBUTE Subomi Balogun

God Has Given Me Everything at 85

Otunba Subomi Balogun is the founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group and Olori Omoba of Ijebuland. Balogun, an accomplished banker and philanthropist, who also is the head, Christain laities in Ijebuland, turned 85 recently. Nsonma Nnadi captures his diverse record of achievements and God’s numerous blessings in his life

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hose who argue that there can be no greater treasure in life than the early understanding of purpose and its diligent pursuit have a point. In it, is the wisdom of according a pride of place to the Almighty in all of one’s affairs – the doors of limitless possibilities just seem to remain eternally open, and favours of unimaginable proportions tiding towards one’s ways. You need only to take a glean at the life and antecedents of Nigeria’s exemplar-entrepreneur and man of the moment, a great colossus of the month of March, to be generally reassured of the truism in the above assertions.

Not only has The Olori Omo-Oba Akile Ijebu treaded on daunting paths, in some cases as pioneer, but has set records of accomplishments in those paths. Having contemplated and dared; having succeeded where others have failed, and even for that courage to go and succeed anywhere whims had taken him, the first Nigerian to single-handedly set-up a Bank, now fits the bill of the proverbial saying: `whatever he does, clap.’ Otunba Dr. Michael Olasubomi Balogun, CON, is one man whose epithets could fill a basin. Variously described as the billionaire with taste and charisma, an icon of a rare kind, a pathfinder, Nigeria’s grandmaster of banking, the man with a heart of gold and a pillar of the Christian faith and more, Otunba Balogun has become more than an inspiration, a man whose quietness also speaks volumes.

Imagine for a moment, the several thousands of Nigerians, even foreigners that have been provided platforms to express their skills and talents because someone had provided a platform. Think for a moment, all the difference that has been made because one decided to, not only dream but fight to accomplish the dreams. These are why, as he adds another year this season, the bells cannot but toll, and the citations cannot but roll, for the impact that he has made and continues to make in life.

In the corporate world for example, he is the torch-bearer of the financial power house with numerous outlets, the FCMB Group. Through that alone, he has become a beacon of hope for Nigeria in the financial services sector of the economy. One man who has produced over 10 Managing Directors of different Banks in Nigeria, all his former staff, not only is the story behind FCMB founding also a lesson in perseverance and vision, its cutting-edge service delivery in the sea of other equally determined competitors, is still a subject of corporate study. How else can a single life be more impactful? How else would anyone desire to pass through this existence! Yet, it is not the beginning. The whole story goes back to that auspicious 9th day in March in 1934 in the Nigerian traditional and legendary town of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, and the infant Subomi was born. The stars may not have dimmed, but there was no doubt that a mortal of rare qualities that would translate ingenious ideas and unusual commitment had come to sojourn. The account has been re-narrated times over, how quite early in life, he began to show signs of his unique individuality, beginning with his decision to get right early, his spiritual side.

It was unheard of at the time, but for a man that understands both vision and capability of the sovereign God, there was no deterring. This was how, supported by his wife of inestimable value, Olori Abimbola Adetutu, he ‘waylaid’ the then Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, seeking the assistance of being given a banking license.

Flash back again to his early life: He was just 13 when the conviction to convert to Christianity dawned on him, and if you had expected the young lad to do so in a brash manner, you got it wrong. Instead, he tabled the matter maturely before his parents who were established Muslims, via his loving mother. Which parent would refuse a child endowed with respect and driven with determination? The rest, as they say is history.

The paradigm shift in philosophical focus happened while he was schooling at Igbobi College, and after school, Subomi took up employment as a class room teacher, helping to groom the future hope of the nation as at that time. Thereafter, he left the shores of the land for the United Kingdom where he studied law at the London School of Economics. Thanks to the right foundation he had before traveling, and in line with his life of vision, the young Subomi did not allow the klieg lights of Europe distract him from his vision of being an accomplished man. This can be attested to by the fact he remained diligent in attending fellowships in faraway UK. All through, he never left anything to chance; instead, he always demonstrated readiness to give what is required, and to pay the price necessary

Balogun cutting birthday cake with wife

to obtain the desirable goals. Earlier, he had passed out with a Cambridge Grade One School Certificate in 1952, from Igbobi College, and later the London School of Economics (LSE) where he read Law. He graduated from LSE with Second Class Honours Degree in June, 1959 and was called to the English Bar in December, 1959.

With the academic feathers firmly in his pocket, he returned to his fatherland, promptly joining the then Western Region’s Ministry of Justice, where he was a Crown Counsel and later, a Parliamentary Counsel. Another turning point of his life dawned in 1966 for it was in this year that he joined the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank, a dream work place for many young Nigerians then. He invested some nine years of diligent work, being the first Principal Counsel and Company Secretary, and also worked at the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), otherwise known as the World Bank, and its private

One man who has produced over 10 Managing Directors of different Banks in Nigeria, all his former staff, not only is the story behind FCMB founding

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

I believe there was a manifestation of God’s inuence on my choice of wife sector affiliate, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) both in Washington DC. Here, he caught another vision, but it was not a vision caught while idling away, but one that flowed from the diligent engagement and sinking of one’s self in the daily, but daunting work regimen of the financial institution.

Thus, began an intriguing rendezvous with investment banking, a quest that has since brought a paradigm shift in his entrepreneurial endeavours, and indeed the banking direction of the entire nation. Subomi Balogun’s elite position amongst banking moguls in the country is not without a reason, but comes from the missionary journeys he has led, and the pioneering roles he has played. He is reputed to have been the leading advocate for the establishment of investment banking in Nigeria, using the auspices of the NIDB. Any Nigerian banker of note would always regale the story of the then ICON securities, a merchant banking outfit which was established in 1973 as a subsidiary of NIDB. He made great things happen, even in anonymous ways while holding the forte as the Director of operations in the institution.

His was not devoid of intrigues, for while it was expected that he would naturally move up to head the institution where he had invested tremendous passion and diligence, the opposite was happening.

Like it is said, you cannot bottle a man of vision, and this was what precipitated Subomi Balogun’s move to leave, a move that culminated in the founding of a Broking and Issuing House that was shortly to become a household name - City Securities. Its cutting-edge delivery saw to it netting business relationships with equally bluechip oil service firms and institutions of the time like Mobil, Texaco and Total. Upon reflection in the near past, he had equally shared how it was he was inspired by entrepreneurial feats of Siegmund Warburg, who co-founded S.G. Warburg. His was not an admiration from the distance; he actually paid an understudy visit to the firms in London, prior to birthing his bank for merchant financing. Then came 1979 when he took the bold step of applying for a merchant banking license to establish the FCMB. The dream came to fruition four years later in 1983, - a new dawn in Nigeria’s banking culture had begun, in that Balogun’s new baby came with an infectious culture and tradition, such that has impacted lives and businesses and set new vistas of service delivery in the banking firmament.

Otunba Balogun established an entrepreneurial culture at the new bank, unique as an owner managed bank in contrast to the government owned banks at the time. His business philosophy is unique and has accounted for the soaring success that FCMB has recorded since inception. Those who know say this is anchored on his human faced profit mentality, in the sense that he is a serial investor in persons, individuals, groups, institutions and the society. This is exemplified in his massive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) engagements as both an individual and as a corporate player.

Recall that in 1987, he was the first in Nigeria, through First City Merchant Bank Limited to endow a Professorial Chair in a University when at the University of Ibadan he set up a Chair for Capital Market Studies in the Department of Economics and Finance. A Research Fellowship domiciled at the Legal Department of the

University of Lagos, is also to his name, the roll call of benefiting institutions from his milk of human kindness including the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yaba College of Technology, African Leadership Forum, the Children’s Emergency Unit in the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan as well as the Ijebu-Ode General Hospital. One of his many legacies is the fully equipped and airconditioned 40-bed Children’s Centre at the Ijebu Ode General Hospital, a fulfillment of a promise he had made earlier.

Otunba Subomi endowed, perpetually, an annual award of scholarships to the best students in Muslim College, IjebuOde in honour of his late father; and also set up another scholarship endowment in honour of his mother known as “Iye Subomi Scholarship�; an endowment at the Nigerian School for the Blind at Oshodi, as well as an Annual National Marathon Championship for Disabled Athletes. He has single handedly endowed churches and even the establishment of dioceses in some Christian denominations in Nigeria.

It is difficult to think of any sphere of society where he has not left footprints.

Otunba Balogun is the pillar behind the “Otunba Tunwase Foundation� to cater for all his philanthropic endeavours and services to the community. When the construction work of the “Otunba Tunwase National Paediatric Centre (OTNPC), tookoff in earnest, he handed over a cheque of

Otunba Balogun established an entrepreneurial culture at the new bank, unique as an owner managed bank in contrast to the government owned banks at the time. His business philosophy is unique and has accounted for the soaring success that FCMB has recorded since inception

N10 million and on June 7, 2013, Otunba Balogun wholly donated the Paediatric Centre, valued modestly at N3.7billion, to the University of Ibadan at a signing of Deed of Total Gift ceremony. These are just specters of the several interventions he has made to life and society, the reason he is a leading socialite in the country. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management in recognition of his contribution to the development of Corporate Management & Leadership; Former Chairman of U.I. Ventures Limited (a business group of the University of Ibadan recently renamed Otunba Olasubomi Balogun Conference Center and Hotels); he is a recipient of the American Biographical Institute Inc’s Distinguished Leadership Award for outstanding contributions to the development of Investment Banking.

Others are the University of Ibadan’s Degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his outstanding achievements both in the field of Law and his contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. A Merit Award for philanthropic services to Ogun State in particular and the country as a whole, and also the Ijebu Development Association award and Council Membership of a number of multi-national Chambers of Commerce.

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria made him a Fellow of the Institute for his pioneering and outstanding contribution to the Banking Industry. “There is nothing I did I wish I had not done. I have no regrets over any of my past actions. When I was starting FCMB, I said I was coming with a culture of excellence and I defined what the culture of excellence would be. I was the first to create a special dining room for banks. I was the first to insist that my staff should be wearing dark suits. I wouldn’t say that I am anything more than a human being but there is the unseen hand of God holding me. If I come again, I would do all that I have done again�.

If you want to know where all the expertise had come from, and the foundation for all the favours that his life has experienced, he is quick to respond, “my God , the good Lord has done it all. God has given me everything�, up to how he was able to get the kind of extremely supportive

and understanding wife that he has, given that it is somewhat challenging to make it in the corporate world without a peaceful and cooperative home front. Otunba Balogun says of his wife: “God gave her to me. I believe there was a manifestation of God’s influence on my choice� Even as he celebrates, there is no doubt as to his enduring desires. According to him, “I want to spend the rest of my life, giving my service to God and humanity. I want my God to give me the opportunity of showing my appreciation�.

In terms of awards, he has a harvest, enough to erect a mansion. Each of such awards is an endorsement of his many good works in the society. Aside his national honour at home, he has equally been recognised in faraway Italy, since 1994.

In January of that year, the President of the Republic conferred on him the prestigious honour of “Cavaliere� dell’Ordine “Al Merito della Repubblica Italiana� which means, “Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy�. He is the Olori Omo-Oba Akile Ijebu, conferred on him by His Royal Majesty, the Awujale of Ijebuland; Baba Oba of Ijebu Ife by the Ajalorun of Ijebu Ife; the Asalu-Oba of Ijebu Mushin, and the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians by the entire Christian community in Ijebuland.

The Olabisi Onabanjo University, has awarded him a honorary degree of the Doctor of Science in Management Sciences (D. Sc. Management Sciences, Honoris Causa); he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, Fellow Chartered Institute of Bankers, Former Deputy President now Life Vice President of the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce, Council Member of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman, Primrose Investments Limited; Chairman, Bluechip Holdings Limited; Chairman, Swiftdrill (Nigeria) Limited, Chairman, Primrose Properties Investments Limited and Director of a number of other companies.

Married to Olori Abimbola Adetutu Balogun (nee Ayoola), the Yeye Olofin of Ijebu-Ife, the Yeye Tunwase of Ijebu, and the Yeye Oba of Ode Remo, they have four illustrious sons.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 9, 2019

GOVERNORSHIPPOLL... GOVERNORSHIPPOLL...GOVERNORSHIPPOLL...

Abia State

Alex Otti (APGA)

Borno State

Okezie Ikpeazu (PDP)

Uche Ogah (APC)

Umaru Ahmadu (PDP)

Akwa-Ibom State

Udom Emmanuel (PDP)

Owan John (APC)

Nsima Ekere (APC) Ifeanyi Okowa (PDP)

Great Ogboru (APC)

Ebonyi State

Mohammed Abubakar (APC)

Benue State

Samuel Ortom (PDP)

Benedict Ayade (PDP)

Delta State

Bauchi State

Bala Mohammed (PDP)

Babagana Umara-Zulum (APC)

Cross River State

Adamawa State

Mohammed Jibrilla (APC)

Mohammed Imam (PDP)

David Umahi (PDP)

Sunday Ogbuoji (APC)

Enugu State

Emmanuel Jime (APC)

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (PDP)

Ayogu Eze (APC)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 9, 2019

GOVERNORSHIPPOLL... GOVERNORSHIPPOLL...GOVERNORSHIPPOLL...

Katsina State

Gombe State

Mohammed Yahaya (APC)

Usman Nafada (PDP)

Aminu Masari (APC)

Garba Lado (PDP)

Hope Uzodinma (APC)

Uche Nwosu (AA)

Ifeanyi Araraume (APGA)

Imo State

Emeka Ihedioha (PDP)

Kebbi State

Jigawa State

Mohammed Abubakar (APC)

Aminu Ringim (PDP)

Kaduna State

Nasir El-Rufai (APC)

Isa Galadu (PDP)

Kwara State

Isa Ashiru (PDP)

Abdulrahman Abbulrazaq (APC)

Razak Atunwa (PDP)

Lagos State

Kano State

Umar Gadunje (APC)

Abubakar Bagudu (APC)

Abba Yussuf (PDP)

Jimi Agbaje (PDP)

Babajide Sanwo-Olu (APC)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 9, 2019

GOVERNORSHIPPOLL... GOVERNORSHIPPOLL...GOVERNORSHIPPOLL...

Rivers State

Nasarawa State

Audu Sule (APC)

David Ombugadu (PDP)

Niger State

Umar Nasko ((PDP))

Abubakar Bello (APC)

Adekunle Akinlade (APM)

Buruji Kashamu (PDP)

Ahmed Sokoto (APC)

Abubakar Danladi (APC)

Darius Ishaku (PDP)

Yobe State

Adebayo Adelabu (APC)

Mai Mala (APC)

Umar Damagum (PDP)

Zamfara State

Plateau State

Jeremiah Useni (PDP)

Aminu Tambuwal (PDP)

Taraba State

Oyo State

Oluseyi Makinde (PDP)

Nyesom Wike (PDP)

Sokoto State

Ogun State

Adedapo Abiodun (APC)

Dumo Lulu-Briggs (A)

Simon Lalong (APC)

Bello Mohammed (PDP)

Mukhtar Idris (APC)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Victor Osimhen Tipped to Replace Icardi at Inter?

09.03.2019

NEWS

Battle for Top-Four PAGE. 32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Î

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Victor Osimhen Tipped to Replace Icardi at Inter?

With several names, including Edin Dzeko and Higuian linked to Inter Milan in the past as a replacement for their exiting striker, Mauro Icardi, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen is the latest name strongly linked to the San Siro giants. However, observers still have doubts as to whether the Charleroi striker is stronghearted enough to ďŹ ll the big shoe left by the Argentine

V

ictor Osimhen could join Inter Milan in the summer and not their city rivals AC Milan who were keen on signing him during the recently concluded January transfer window.

Osimhen has taken the Belgium league by storm this season with 10 league goals to his name for modest side Charleroi and despite the option of signing him permanently in the summer, there’s every chance of the forward leaving.

His loan deal with Charleroi has a clause agreed with Wolfsburg for him to be signed permanently for a fee in the region of â‚Ź5m although his current market value is double that

amount now.

Inter Milan contacted his representatives about a possible deal and it is believed that he is their prime target for former captain Mauro Icardi who is currently involved in a row with the club after he was stripped of the captain band and his relationship with the management seems to have hit rock bottom levels.

The deal for Osimhen will no doubt encounter some complications as Charleroi are willing to use every means available to trigger the clause of buying him permanently before selling him for a hefty profit and also a percentage of his future sale.

Wolfsburg, on the other hand,

want the striker back after his loan spell but it is believed they want to trade him off as their player to recoup some of their investment in the player they signed in 2015 following his exploits at the U-17 World Youth Championship.

Super Eagles youngster has revealed the secrets behind his incredible form on-loan at Belgian club Charleroi since arriving Belgium from VfL Wolfsburg.

His impressive form earned him a recall to the Super Eagles squad for the 2019 Nations Cup qualifier against South Africa and he also started in 0-0 friendly draw against Uganda in Asaba. “My confidence level was very

low at some point and what going out on loan to Charleroi has done for me is unexplainable,� Osimhen told BBC Sport. “It was tough in Germany because of the high expectations – some people started doubting me and also pushed me to start doubting myself as well. “The football in Belgium has helped, I also have a wonderful group of players around me and the coaching crew have been great with me. “As a young player, you hear people comparing you to other stars who emerged from the U-17 World Cup and never fulfilled their

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MARCH 9, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

As a young player, you hear people comparing you to other stars who emerged from the U-17 World Cup and never fulfilled their potential

potential.

“But now at Charleroi I have comfortably found my happiness again, and I thank everyone in Belgium and at Wolfsburg for the opportunity and support.”

Osimhen was the top scorer as Nigeria clinched a fifth U-17 World Cup title in 2015 with 10 goals in Chile, which saw him win the Golden Boot and Silver Ball.

After the tournament he decided against joining English side Arsenal, to sign with the 2009 German champions Wolfsburg in January 2016, but injuries restricted him to 16 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Despite being a part of the squad for two years, his lack of games meant he missed out of the 2018 World Cup with Nigeria.

“I am still young and I think it wasn’t meant to be, but I can still look forward to the future,” he added.

“I thank coach Gernot Rohr for the opportunity to return to the squad and I hope to keep working hard to

stay in his plans.”

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

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

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

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

A move to Germany always

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

It seems now as though the intervening period has been rather wasted, as has some of his lustre.

The German side were eager to farm him out in the summer, and he suffered the indignity of a number of trials in Belgium and the Netherlands, before finally earning a loan move to Charleroi.

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

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

Rohr extended invitations to him in his early days as Super Eagles boss, all the ,while the 19-year-old

was barely getting minutes at Wolfsburg.

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

What is however not clear is if he could stand the pressure of filling the vacuum left by the Icardi at Inter Milan.

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

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKWU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Î

GLOBAL SOCCER

Arsenal Battle United in Top-Four Quest Arsenal and Manchester United are highly motivated heading into Sunday’s Premier League ďŹ xture at the Emirate Stadium. While Arsenal can draw inspiration o the back of an inspiring performance against Tottenham in their last league game, United on Wednesday did the unthinkable by overturning a 2-0 home loss to PSG in the UEFA Champions League. The Gunners will, however, be looking to claim all three points to leapfrog United in the table and edge closer to a top-four ďŹ nish

rsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League home games, winning 12 and drawing two, and winning each of the last eight in a row. This highlights how impressive Unai Emery’s side are when they have home advantage.

The London club were tactically well-organised and defensively strong in last Saturday’s north London derby against Tottenham and there is a sense that, with Emery now in charge, his game plans and tactics seem to be having a positive effect and are beginning

to work when facing stronger opposition: the Gunners have already taken nine points from ‘top six’ opposition this season, compared to just six the whole season before.

However, the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has seen Manchester United totally turn their fortunes around, and they will come into the fixture off the back of another victory, overturning a 2-0 home loss against PSG in the UEFA Champions League having earlier beaten Southampton 3-2 in the league at Old Trafford, to extend their record in the Premier League to 10 wins and two draws from their last 12 matches.

Just one point separates these two longstanding Premier League rivals, with Manchester United having surged into fourth place under Solskjaer and Arsenal right behind in fifth.

The two sides played out a manic 2-2 draw in December at Old Trafford, with some nervy defending from both teams making for an entertaining fixture. That was during the last days of the Jose Mourinho era at United, however, and a more instructive result would be the 3-1 win Solskjaer masterminded in the FA Cup at the Emirates in January.

United made it clear after that game they

knew they could hit Arsenal on the counter, which means it’s up to the Gunners and Emery to adjust this time around. Otherwise, United could be dancing on their rivals’ pitch yet again.

However, Solskjaer has warned his Manchester United players that they must quickly turn their attention to this weekend’s Premier League showdown with Arsenal after the victory over PSG. While Solskjaer acknowledges the players should soak in the delight of such a win, he insists they must get their feet back on the ground in time for the weekend as they travel to the

Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

33

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

P 27 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 27 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

GD 54 44 29 17 16 16 1 0 -3 -7 -10 -3 -7 -11 -18 -12 -23 -16 -33 -34

Pts 65 65 60 51 50 50 39 37 33 33 33 32 27 27 27 25 25 24 17 11

Premiership TODAY

Crystal Palace Cardi City HuddersďŹ eld Leicester Newcastle Southampton Manchester

v v v v v v v

Brighton West Ham Bournemouth Fulham Everton Tottenham Watford

12:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

SUNDAY

Liverpool Chelsea

v Burnley v Wolves

12:00 14:05

Hot Shot

Emirates with the chance to go four points clear of the north London outfit with what would then be just eight games left of the season.

Asked by United legend Gary Neville if he had already begun to bring his players back down in a post-match interview after the PSG win, Solskjaer told his former team-mate: “Yeah of course. You’ve got Arsenal. “We’ve got the biggest game for us. We need to be among the top four when the season finishes.

We’ve been down there earlier on in the FA Cup so we know how hard it’s going to be. “Now, of course, they’ll have to enjoy this.

The boss has been in there saying it to them and they’ve got to enjoy these nights.�

Despite cautioning his players that they must remain level-headed ahead of the Arsenal clash, Solskjaer admitted to Neville that this was the best moment of his managerial career so far - despite winning two titles with Molde in his homeland.

He added in his beIN SPORTS interview: “Definitely it was the best moment. Absolutely unbelievable. It was great to be there. These are the moments you do it with your coaching staff, the players, the staff, the supporters. That’s what football is all about.�

Meanwhile, United will be hoping that Romelu Lukaku can add to his eight away league goals this campaign, while Rashford goes into the game looking to score the fifth goal in six top-flight games on the road.

Only Sergio Aguero, Paul Pogba and HeungMin Son have scored more Premier League goals than these four since December 22 - but nobody

in the league can match Lukaku’s goal ratio of 85 minutes per goal in that time.

His six goals have come despite just 28 touches in the opposition box, some 41 fewer than Lacazette in the same period and even three fewer than Brighton defender Shane Duffy - who has played in the same number of games.

Lukaku has scored 28 goals in 60 Premier League appearances for United, but has only one goal in 17 against big-six clubs - scoring in a 2-1 win against former club Chelsea back in February 2018.

In contrast, Rashford has scored eight of his 26 top-flight goals against United’s big-six rivals.

Lukaku will undoubtedly want to improve this record on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Manchester United could be without Eric Bailly for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal after the defender limped out of his side’s Champions League win against Paris Saint-Germain. The Ivorian was selected in an unorthodox right-back position by Solskjaer and endured a torrid half an hour before being replaced

by Diogo Dalot.

Bailly was playing so poorly that many felt Solskjaer was simply replacing making a tactical decision to replace the former Villarreal defender.

However, Bailly was on the end of a nasty tackle from Marco Verratti and hobbled off the field moments later to be replaced.

The defender is now a doubt for Sunday’s clash at the Emirates and his injury couldn’t come at a more unfortunate time for Solskjaer. United are without 10 first team players at this moment in time, though Anthony Martial could return for the game against the Gunners.

Head to Head

NAME

CLUB

Sergio AgĂźero

Man City

GOALS

18

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

17

Aubameyang

Arsenal

16

Harry Kane

Tottenham

16

Sadio ManĂŠ

Liverpool

14

Eden Hazard

Chelsea

12

Raheem Sterling

Man City

12

Alexandre Lacazette

Arsenal

12

Romelu Lukaku

Man Utd

12

Paul Pogba

Man Utd

11

RaĂşl JimĂŠnez

Wolves

11

Son Heung-Min

Tottenham

11

GylďŹ Sigurdsson

Everton

11

Callum Wilson

B’mouth

10

Jamie Vardy

Leicester

10

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham

10

18/05/12 Man Utd 2 - 2 Arsenal

Spanish La Liga Fixtures

18/29/04 Man Utd 2 - 1 Arsenal

TODAY

17/02/12 Arsenal 1 - 3 Man Utd 17/07/05 Arsenal 2 - 0 Man Utd 16/09/11 Man Utd 1 - 1 Arsenal 16/28/02 Man Utd 3 - 2 Arsenal 15/04/10 Arsenal 3 - 0 Man Utd 15/17/05 Man Utd 1 - 1 Arsenal 14/22/11 Arsenal 1 - 2 Man Utd 14/12/02 Arsenal 0 - 0 Man Utd 13/10/11 Man Utd 1 - 0 Arsenal 13/28/04 Arsenal 1 - 1 Man Utd 12/03/11 Man Utd 2 - 1 Arsenal 12/22/01 Arsenal 1 - 2 Man Utd 11/28/08 Man Utd 8 - 2 Arsenal 11/01/05 Arsenal 1 - 0 Man Utd 10/13/12 Man Utd 1 - 0 Arsenal 10/31/01 Arsenal 1 - 3 Man Utd

AlavĂŠs Madrid Barcelona Getafe

v v v v

Eibar LeganĂŠs Vallecano Huesca

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

v v v v v

Real Betis Valencia Villarreal Sociedad Madrid

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

v v

Genoa AC Milan

17:00 19:30

v v v v v v

Cagliari Torino SPAL Atalanta Napoli Lazio

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

v

Empoli

19:30

SUNDAY

Celta Vigo Girona Levante Sevilla Valladolid

Serie A TODAY

Parma Chievo SUNDAY

Bologna Frosinone Inter Sampdoria Sassuolo Fiorentina MONDAY

Roma

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Î

GLOBAL SOCCER

Joe Boy

Kamaru Usman

Joe Boy vs Real One

UFC Conquest

‘My Success Will Inspire Nigerian Youths into Stardom’ All hail King Kamaru Usman, the new dominant ďŹ gure in the Welterweight category in one of the most brutal sport a man can think about. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The sport is an American mixed martial arts promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada, that is owned and operated by parent company William Morris Endeavor. Moments after the Nigerian overpowered number one in the category, American Tyron Woodley, to become the ďŹ rst African to win a belt in the deadly sport, Usman via a telephone conversation put together by DSTv bares his mind to Femi Solaja on what he wants to attain after the conquest Background The Nigerian-American fighter was born in Auchi, Edo State.

His father was in the Nigerian army and at about eight years old, he migrated with his family to United States. He started wrestling in his sophomore year in high school, at Bowie High School in Arlinton, Texas and achieved a record of 53-3 in high school wrestling and thereafter continued his career at Williams Penn University and laterUniversity of Nebraska where he attained more glory but his journey changed when he met former champion, Rashae Heaven who encouraged him to switch to martial art sport and today the rest is history.

Although Usman admitted that he could not speak his native dialect, that did not translate to total disconnect with the Nigerian background because he still communicates with families and friends in broken English rather than the fluent American slangs most young men and women in his category embraced. “I left the country when I was very young and that was a great disconnect but my parents encourage me and I’m happy that the Nigerian blood in me is very thick and I hope to go higher with it. “I am a fan of many Nigerian artistes like Olamide, Davido, Wiz Kid and many more whom I

listen to their musics during my pastimes instead of numerous R&B famous artistes here in America. “My daughter, Famirah Usman is my major inspiration of this conquest. Before now she has always watched my fights on television but because of the importance of last weekend bout in my life, I gave her a seat at the ring side and behold she motivated me to victory. This explained why I brought her to the ring to be part of the success story in my life,� he explained.

Next Level Until recently when DSTv through one of its dedicated channels, SuperSports 226 started airing series, UFC looks more like an alien sport.

However, as Usman continued to hit the limelight winning many battles just like few other Nigerian in the mix, the sport is beginning to gain recognition in the society especially among the youths. “My sport is a brutal one and it’s survival of the fittest.

Only the strong stay alive to tell his story. I have adapted to it because if many critics say it’s too bloody and scary, it is the wildness that makes it entertaining to many of us. To stay alive you have to crush your opponent to submission and I’m

happy that most of my injuries are not fatal. “After attaining greatness in my category and for a long time I want to retain the belt.

However, my ultimate goal is to bring as many Nigerians as possible into this sport. As the most populous black nation I think we have many potentials that could fit into our sport. “Our youths naturally strong and bold to attain greatness and instead of wasting away, it will be a good development if they chanel their energy into a useful venture instead of restiveness that they have been known for,� he pointed out.

He strongly believes in the next few years, UFC will have its own fair share of the market on the continent of Africa and that is one cross he is ready to carry when he comes visiting in the next few months. “So far, all my achievements have been self-motivated but for me to expand my coast, I need to meet with Nigerian government both at state and national levels, set up academies and other related projects that will help in the development of the sport locally,� Usman remarked.

While the much-advertised fight between former welterweight boxing champion Floyd May Weather and UFC

champion Mc Gregor received flaks from critics after the mega bout, Usman sees nothing wrong in the contest. He said sports generally was about entertainment and that was exactly what the duo did and luckily for them, it was a mega pay but no contest some sort. “If such opportunity comes my way, I don’t see anything wrong in going for such a contest between two different sport that shares some similarities,� he responded.

The UFC is the biggest competition in MMA, where competitors combine boxing, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, wrestling and other disciplines while fighting in an octagonal cage.

Usman, 31, produced the performance of his career to dominate long-reigning welterweight champion Woodley.

He extended his winning streak to 14 and maintained his unbeaten record in the UFC. In his post-match press conference he revealed that before the match, he had fractured his foot and had been walking around in a supportive boot all week.

The trend is illustrated in UFC’s price - the competition was bought in 2001 for $2m by the Fertita brothers. They sold it to a group of firms in 2016 for $4bn, according to Forbes business magazine.

GOtv to Air Barcelona, Real Madrid Matches Live

LaLiga table toppers and defending champions, Barcelona, will today, seek to continue their march to yet another title when they take on relegationthreatened Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou. The match is one of Week 27 matches to air live exclusively to GOtv MAX subscribers.

The match will be aired at 6.30 pm on SuperSport Select 4 (channel 34).

Barcelona are currently on a hot streak; last week, the defending champions defeated

Real One

their fierce rivals, Real Madrid, 1-0 away from home in the El Clasico, following an earlier 3-0 victory over the same opponents in the Copa del Rey semi-final, also at the Santiago Bernabeau.

Barcelona will hope to win their 19th match of the season and maintain a seven-point lead over second-placed Atletico Madrid.

Second-placed Atletico Madrid is also in action today when they host 11th-placed Leganes in what is expected to be a tough

game. The match will be live at 4:15 pm on SuperSport Select 4.

The Madrid-based team has regained form after a minislump, which saw them lose to Real Betis and Barcelona.

However, Leganes, who are punching above their weight this season, have won four of their last eight matches and are playing some eye-catching football after their near-catastrophic campaign last season.

On Sunday, Real Madrid, who are currently distressed, will hope to begin their

recovery from back-to-back home defeats in the hands of Barcelona and UEFA Champions League exit in the hands of Ajax Amsterdam when they confront Real Valladolid away from home. The El Clasico loss to Barcelona has left them trailing the Catalan side by 12 points. They will, however, be motivated by the possibility of picking up Spain’s final automatic UEFA Champions League ticket. The match will air live at 8:45 pm on SuperSport Select 4.

Nigeria’s Most Anticipated Boxing Clash As marquee boxing match-ups go, no bout is currently more anticipated on the Nigerian boxing scene than the prospective clash between Oto “Joe Boy� Joseph and Rilwan “Real One�

Oladosu. So lip-licking is the prospect of the pairing that, for about two years, it has been the subject of discussions among boxing fans, who have seen the two boxers snuff out opponents for fun at various editions of GOtv Boxing Night and are wondering who the better boxer is.

Joe Boy, the reigning African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, is viewed by some, with some justification, as being a few streets ahead. Real One, reigning West African Boxing Union (WABU) champion, in other circles, is very highly regarded and considered as belonging in the space Joe Boy currently inhabits.

For neutral boxing fans, there is little to choose between the two. That both have remained yet undefeated points to one thing: Ability. Both boxers have won the best boxer award at GOtv Boxing Night, with Joe Boy doing so thrice and Real One twice. But the skill sets, modes of application and body types, however, differ.

Joe Boy, the shorter (at 5’4) and stockier of the two, comes across as having more aggression, bigger punching power and arguably, greater stamina. Offensive? Defensive/counterattacking? The lines are blurred.

When fighting obliging or tiring opponents, as he did in his first-round dismissal of Lukman Hogan Jimoh Jnr at GOtv Boxing Night 6 and his fifth-round national title win against veteran Nurudeen “Prince� Fatai at GOtv Boxing Night 7, he is in full-blown offensive mode. Against taller and cagier opponents capable of delivering a killer punch, like Prince “Lion� Nwoye, he is more restrained and fights from the inside. He tries to pressure opponents, using hooks and short-range uppercuts to negate the reach advantage of his taller adversary, who needs space to throw punches from distance. This attribute is likely to stand him in good stead against Real One a boxer who benefits from a speed advantage. Real One is hard to defend against because he throws fast but not so powerful ones. The Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Product is a volume puncher; a master of flurries, who requires opponents to frequently enter into a clinch to curtail his undoubted menace.

Joe Boy, a serial amateur champion, is the more experienced of the two with 14 wins (five TKOs) in as many fights. But despite hitting the big time a little later than his prospective opponent, the WABU champion has made up on lost grounds, building a reputation as a fearsome opponent; one with a graceful, edge-of-the-seat style that wows fans and leaves opponents despondent.

He is, in some way, like Ronaldinho, the former Brazil andBarcelona midfielder, who made football seem a dance rather than a discipline. Real One seems to fight with the nonchalance of a lounge-bar singer, making it seem as though he is not exerting himself. It is an approach that provokes the temptation to view him as more style than substance. But such assessment of him is an invitation to defeat-of the dismissive variety. At 5’7, his reach is better than Joe Boy’s. He delivers punches at good speed and with impeccable timing. He fights by staying on the outside, using his reach as a weapon to pepper opponents with pinpoint accuracy, connecting with shots to prevent opponents from closing in on him. By accumulating damage on opponents, breaking them down with clean and precise punching, he tends to methodically pick them apart before delivering precise finishes. His eight victories in as many fights have yielded three TKOs, a probable indication of his tendency not to want to finish things off very quickly.

This raises the question of when the fight will hold. Left to boxing fans, it should hold next week-a dream with zero chance of fulfillment. Joe Boy is billed to defend his ABU title soon, so the fight can only come after the title defence. If he successfully does, his next opponent is likely to be Real One, raising the possibility of a really cracking bout, one Nigerian boxing cannot wait for.

Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

35

GLOBAL SOCCER

Kion Etete

Another Spurs Master Stroke?

When Tottenham Hotspurs signed Dele Ali from League One side, MK Dons as an 18-year old rookie, not many expected that he would be such a huge success within a short while. Encouraged by the success of Ali, the White Hart Lane side is set to gamble on another Nigerian greenhorn, Kion Etete

I

n what could be akin to Spurs’ success with the likes of Dele Alli and Josh Onoma, the North London club have already welcomed Etete for a period of trial.

The lad is now making the best of the opportunity, as Etete is impressing Tottenham technocrats, who had good marks for the 17-year-old after a week’s trial with the English Premier League club. All fingers are now pointing in the direction of a repeat of the Alli saga for Etete.

Tottenham are considering a move for Notts County’s pacy teenage forward Kion Etete. The 17-year-old had a week’s trial with the Premier League club culminating in a game for their Under 18s against West Ham at the weekend where he scored twice in a 5-3 win, in which Mauricio Pochettino’s son, Maurizio, put Spurs 1-0 up.

Etete signed a professional contract with Notts County on his birthday in November. That came just weeks after being handed his first team debut, by then manager Harry Kewell, as a 16-year-old in the Checkatrade Trophy against Newcastle

Etete in October.

He was linked with city rivals Nottingham Forest in January and has gone on to make six first team appearances for the League Two strugglers. Tottenham will continue to monitor his progress in the coming weeks.

The youngster has played four League Two matches this season, and six in all competitions, all coming from the bench.

His debut had come just weeks before, then-manager Harry Kewell handing him minutes in the Checkatrade Trophy against Newcastle United U-21s.

Spurs will continue to track Etete’s progress before deciding whether to make a permanent move for the starlet.

Tottenham have not brought in any new players since the arrival of Lucas Moura on deadline day in January 2018 and fans have been frustrated by the lack of activity, as has manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Spurs are now nine points off secondplace Liverpool and just three ahead of

fourth-place Manchester United haven picked up just one point in their last three games.

Meanwhile, Notts County fans have now taken to Twitter to react to the news, begging Etete to stay but understanding that it’s hard to reject a club like Tottenham, believing that he’s probably already gone.

Others want Etete sold quickly to ease the club’s financial issues, with some joking that a £7million fee would be needed to price him away from Meadow Lane as they backed him for a bright future.

Etete has celebrated his 17th birthday in style - by signing a professional contract at Notts County and has been a regular on the substitutes’ bench in recent weeks and made his senior debut against Newcastle United U-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy last month.

The teenager is now looking forward to working under new boss Neal Ardley. “Being around the first team has been a great experience for me and now I’m just

going to be doing all I can to show the new manager what I can do,� Etete told the club’s website. “Under-23s matches will give me the chance to prove myself against older players from a higher level and I can still play for the Under-18s, which will keep me up to speed.�

Etete, who turns 17 today, will have to put his celebrations on hold as he is due to face Southampton in the Premier League Cup later today. “It feels quite surreal as this is just the start of my day. I’ve got my first driving lesson and a Premier League Cup fixture against Southampton coming up later,� he said.

Tottenham Hotspur’s first team drew 1-1 at home to Arsenal on Saturday afternoon in a dramatic, controversial encounter – but their Under-18’s were also in action.

Spurs Under-18’s took on their West Ham United counterparts in a London derby at Hotspur Way last Saturday morning, with the game somewhat overshadowed by the North London derby.

Kion Etete scored twice for Spurs, and if fans aren’t too familiar with his name in relation to Tottenham, that’s more than fair; he was a trialist for the game.

The Notts County teenager, 17, has already made six first-team appearances for the League Two side, but was allowed to play for Spurs as a trialist last Saturday.

Scoring twice in the first half is some way to make an impact, and the teenager has surely given himself a great chance of earning a permanent move to Tottenham this summer.

Etete came through the youth team at Notts County and made his senior debut for the “Magpies� in a group stage match of the EFL Trophy against Newcastle United U-21 in October last year, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute. He made his EFL League Two debut in November, in a 2–2 draw with Port Vale and after the game he said “I was nervous because it was a big occasion and I just wanted to keep my head on the game�.

His manager said afterwards, “Kion was excellent�.

It, however, remains to be seen if he can reciprocate the success recorded by his compatriot, Alli at Tottenham.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

FAIRGROUND

'Baby Mamas' Makes its Cinema Debut in Nigeria

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

F

ilmhouse Cinemas, on February 24, hosted a private screening of Baby Mamas, the first ever South African film to show in Nigeria. The film was premiered in Lagos on March 1, 2019 at all Filmhouse Cinemas’ locations at its Twin Waters branch in Oniru.

Directed by Stephanie Zwane, Baby Mamas takes a look at the daily lives of four young professional women, each in various phases of their own baby mama drama.

Although the different themes of the film are approached comically, each message conveyed is unfeigned, candid and thought-provoking. As the four women explore the many dynamics of being baby mamas, the audience is brought into the world of their witty charms and how they tackle the strained relationships with the men in their lives. With an ensemble female cast of Salamina Mosese, Thembisa Mdoda, Dineo Ranaka, and Kay Smith, the film highlights sisterhood, female empowerment, friendship, family, pain, healing, and love.

L-R: Ife Durosinmi Etti; Olabisi Soetan; and Toyin Onigbanjo

Yetunde Edunjobi Temilola Akinmuda

Paul and Rhema Chisom

Tunde and Grace Renner

Queen Martins

Tolu Bally

Chizoba Okpala Atsu

Sophia Ojireoghene

Bolanle Olukanni

Shasha

Vimbai Mutinhiri

Lilian Paul

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

FAIRGROUND

Feyi, LuxuryByFeyi Fashion Director Turns 40

A

London-based Nigerian couture artist, Feyisola Adeyemi, who turned 40 on January 2, 2019, threw an exclusive birthday dinner party at the prestigious and luxurious “The Mayfair” hotel in the heart of west end, London, United Kingdom.

Feyi as popularly called and often referred to as “D Red Carpet Queen is the CEO/Creative Director Of LuxuryByFeyi fashion brand.

She recently collaborated with Aston Martin London to showcase her SS19 collection “Black Swan” during London Fashion Week.

The party was a cosy, intimate, fun and a glamorous celebration graced by close friends and family. In attendance were entertain-

ment and media consultant personalities, Dj Abass and wife, Sam and Tola Onigbanjo of “Women for Africa” , Yvonne Ayegbeni, Chioma of “GlamAfrica Media, Uriel Ngozi Oputa, Brenda David of “Celario” and many more. The celebrant looked elegant and chic in her own designs. When asked about the inspiration behind her brand, she said: “Feyisola’s efforts is to create a voice that encourages women and young female generation, particularly from the African decent (not to limit themselves) to break boundaries and be the best version of themselves globally, most especially in the luxury industry, which has been dominated for a while now by the western market.” Feyi wishes herself an outstanding year of prosperity and peace.

Feyisola and husband, Adedoyin Adeyemi

Feyisola, her husband and children

Cross-sections of guests at the party

The WED Show 2019 to Showcase Wedding Vendors, Fashion Trends

T

he biggest wedding event ever to be held in the city of Lagos is coming! Promising three days of fully loaded exhibition, flawless fashion shows, and forward-thinking seminars, THE WED SHOW would be a highlight of the wedding industry calendar.

From the 29th- 31st March 2018, The Wed Show is set to take Nigeria by storm. Holding at the Balmoral Convention Centre in the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Get ready for the show of the year, there promises to be not one, not two but three shows to delight visitors.

Timed to be the first major event on the international calendar, it is a fusion of largescale trade fair, fashion show, and educational seminar programme.

This exciting new format sees hundreds of brands congregating under one roof, a full wedding exhibition, fashion

show, and wedding talk sessions. It’s important that you take the time to plan your visit to ensure you make the most of the experience.

Get to meet all the vendors you need for your wedding and your guests also get to enjoy great deals on fabric and beauty items. What are you waiting for? Mark your calendars now and get ready to win millions in discounts and giveaways.

It's your first chance to look at product and services from over 150 wedding vendors, 30 of Nigeria’s best fashion houses and 60 wedding experts.

You’ll be ahead of the curve for 2019 and able to share the trends for the year ahead.

Admission is free. Are you a wedding vendor? Showcase your business to potential clients at the WED Show.

It promises to be an event with a healthy dose of networking too – you would meet suppliers, catch up with friends and forge new business relationships.

There also would be a highlight of a cake bake off and bridal face-off contest.

Don’t forget to make time in your schedule to attend the Fashion Show as well – you’ll see the very latest in bridal design up close.

If you haven’t already, make sure you clear your calendar and make plans to be at this great event!

If you are a corporate brand that wants to also tap into the wedding market by connecting to bride and grooms with a special product or want to connect with wedding businesses then this is a show you should be on and showcase what product or service you have, it is a place to be.

The WED Show convener, Mr. Akin Esho who is a pioneer in the wedding industry in Nigeria has made it known that the newly repackaged WED Show will serve as a network and meeting point for anyone in the wedding market and buyers who love variety before making Akin Eso their decisions.

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

AUTO

2019 Toyota Camry

2019 Toyota Camry Builds on Exciting Style, Sport Performance, Safety Tech Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he 2019 Toyota Camry, the bestselling car in America for the past 16 years, continues to build on its already thrilling style, performance, and innovative safety and technology, the automaker has said.

The continued excitement over the eighthgeneration sedan is the result of its total evolution that first debuted last model year, from a proven, dependable and safe car to one that adds a more exciting and emotional character, thanks to its much talked about newfound performance and style.

The Camry continues to utilize TNGA(Toyota New Global Architecture), which represents a completely new strategy to the way the company designs, engineers, and packages its vehicles.

TNGA retains all of Toyota’s traditional values of superlative build quality and safety while injecting a fun driving experience that plays on all the senses. The physical manifestation is the usage of its engine, transmission, and GA-K platform.

Design Backstory The Camry development team aimed for a styling design concept that achieves strong harmony between refinement and a sensual athletic image, creating a new approach to the market. The result is a signature design language that takes the car into a beautiful and futuristic

new direction.

There were three primary design goals when penning the Camry: a distinctive, low center of gravity that results in a firm wide stance; a practical-yet-emotionally styled cabin profile, and a sporty and upscale image both inside and out. These design goals have resulted in a type of sedan that’s both exciting to look at and, more importantly drive, reestablishing itself as the standard in the mid-size sedan category.

An Exterior with Unexpected Attitude The Camry’s face is accentuated by a two-piece grille comprised of flowing thin and thick treatments – key elements of the Camry’s “Keen Look” design philosophy. The curvaceous 1.6-inch-lower aluminum hood sits neatly above the grille’s

uppermost section which accommodates a commanding Toyota emblem. For the hybrid model, the emblem is tinged a distinct blue hue. This fashionable trifecta of grille, hood, and emblem blends flawlessly into the A-pillar, and produces a stance that is undoubtedly more aggressive than that of any predecessor.

The 2019 Camry has an unchanged exterior. By lowering the hip points of the occupants over the previous generation (0.8-inches in the front and 1.2-inches at the rear), and therefore their seating positions, the design team was able to reduce the car’s overall vehicle height by approximately one inch and incorporate a lower roofline, without sacrificing interior space. This invited the designers to pursue a wind-cutting shape and improve

Auto Journalists to Hold Capacity Building Workshop The 2019 edition of the annual training workshop of Nigerian Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) will hold in the second quarter of this year.

The NAJA training workshop is an annual training programme for practicing auto journalists on trends in the auto journalism sector worldwide. Members of the association are in print, electronic and online media outfits all over the country.

The annual training workshop is in its fourth

edition. Ford Motors South Africa (FMCSA) in collaboration with Coscharis Motors Nigeria, its local franchisee was the lead sponsor of the first and second editions held in 2016 and 2017. A major outcome of both outings was the domestication of the global Driving Skill for Life (DSFL) programme in Nigeria.

Last year’s NAJA Capacity Building/ Training programme had Stallion Motors Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with Nissan Motors South Africa, as the lead sponsor.

Next Generation Porsche Macan Will be Electric

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he Supervisory Board of Porsche AG has decided to manufacture the next generation of the Macan as a fully electric series.

The automaker said in a statement “This will be the first all-electric SUV from Porsche, and is due to roll off the assembly line at the start of the next decade.” The development represents an expansion of the Porsche range in the field of electromobility: the Taycan – the first purely electrically driven sports car from Porsche – will be launched to market at the end of 2019, followed shortly thereafter by its derivative, the Taycan Cross Turismo.

“Electromobility and Porsche go together perfectly; not just because they share a highefficiency approach, but especially because of their sporty character,” comments Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG. “By 2022 we will be investing more than six billion euros in electric mobility, and by 2025, 50 per cent of all

aerodynamics. Striking character lines around and along the body augment the aggressive front and rear fenders, giving the reimagined Camry a sportiness that it’s never had.

The hip point, shoulder line, roof line and hood height gives the Camry the appearance that it has a low center of gravity, which it does. The design team took full advantage of the TNGA platform’s versatility to create a very expressive sedan. They penned ground-hugging lines, and formed an energetic silhouette. Their efforts enhanced the Camry’s stance, which is now striking at all angles.

Like the front, the rear features an athletic motif that melds flowing lines and complex shapes to form a sculpted landscape. Looking closely at the C-pillar’s detail reveals a multitude of surfaces that reflect light from all angles.Adistinct crease extends from the slim multicolor taillights down to the bumper, effectively “pushing” the wheels outward in appearance to create a wide posture akin to that of a premium sports sedan.

The exclamation point here is provided by the “C A M R Y” badge that gives the car an upscale identity.

new Porsche vehicles could have an electric drive system. Nevertheless, over the next ten years we will focus on a drive mix consisting of even further optimised petrol engines, plug-in hybrid models, and purely electrically operated sports cars. Our aim is to take a pioneering role in technology, and for this reason we will continue to consistently align the company with the mobility of the future.”

The decision to manufacture the next generation of the Macan at the company’s site in Leipzig was taken in July last year.

Making this investment in electromobility at this facility creates the opportunity to produce fully electric vehicles on the existing production line in future. Like the Taycan, the next generation of the Macan features 800-volt technology and is based on the Porsche PPE architecture (Premium Platform Electric), developed in collaboration with Audi AG – highlighting the future viability of the site and enhancing its flexibility and efficiency even further.

Next generation of the Porsche Macan

This year’s training will include lessons on test-drive, safety, automotive/tyre maintenance, lubricants, auto insurance, photography and government policy, among others.

“Journalism is wide and we must open ourselves to consistent training and retraining.

It is important that automotive journalists are well-informed; they must be well-educated and empowered to write effectively,” said Chi-Nwaoha, who heads this year’s event planning committee.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

39

AUTO

Rolls-Royce Hosts Celebration of Luxury at Courchevel 1850 Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he success of the House of RollsRoyce is built on an unparalleled understanding of the lifestyles of the remarkable men and women who patronise the brand. Therefore, the marque fundamentally believes in serving a gentle presence in pinnacle enclaves such as Courchevel 1850, where Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will remain until 10 March as part of the innovative Social Hot Spot programme. As well as ensuring that the brand’s patrons are never without the benefit of a Rolls-Royce motor car, this highly Bespoke programme allows clients to build on the rich dialogue they have with the marque, further integrating the world’s pinnacle luxury house into their lifestyles.

Clients enjoying winter sports in ‘Les Trois Vallées’ region of France expressed a desire for Rolls-Royce to host a highly contemporary après ski party in the exclusive Alpine resort of Courchevel 1850. The marque called upon historic brand, Pacha, widely credited with founding the Ibizan party movement, to create a truly memorable gathering for connoisseurs of luxury on the terrace of the Hôtel Le Lana, overlooking the Bellecote piste of this storied resort.

Julian Jenkins, Regional Director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, says, “The House of Rolls-Royce continuously strives to enrichen the relationship with our clients by offering unique experiences. The overwhelmingly positive response to the Pacha event once again demonstrates the brand’s instinctive understanding of our customers and their highly unique lifestyles.”

Rolls-Royce-Wraith

King Long Buses Return Delights Marketers, Customers

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he re-launch of King Long buses into the Nigerian market by CFAO has been lauded by customers who have been using the buses and dealers who were at the re-launch event in Lagos recently.

A satisfied end user of the King Long buses, Mrs. Erinma Kanno, who is the proprietor of Troika Schools, Lekki, Lagos, noted that the quality of the bus is top class in all ramifications.

According to her, the buses which she has been using for some years now for school runs, are “fuel efficient, rugged, easy to maintain and importantly, affordable”.

She explained that before settling for King Long buses, she used tokunbo (second hand) buses of other brands, but got her hands burnt because of too frequent down time. When she turned to another popular brand, she added, the price was too expensive.

The challenge of transporting her school students from their homes to school and back was tackled when through a driver, she discovered

the King Long brand. Some of the buses on her fleet, she revealed, have run over 200,000 kilometers and are still offering service.

Also, a CFAO dealer, Mr. Adeleke Samuel, stated that he has been doing business with CFAO for over 10 years, and from his experience selling the King Long buses, there is always demand for the buses because it gives value for money.

The General Manager of CFAO Equipment, a division of the multinational company saddled with the responsibility of distributing the King Long brand in Nigeria, Mr. Laurent Friedrich, stated that his company known for distributing only quality products, settled for King Long because of its salient features.

Mr. Friederich said the bus can be used for a wide variety of purposes such as city and inter-city transportation, school bus, Church/ Mosque bus, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and cargo distribution bus, ambulance etc. He added that there are plans to study local assembly of the buses in the nearest future.

King Long bus

Convoy Driving Rules

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bout a year ago, I had the honor to anchor a training programme for a corporate organization to tilt the ugly and embarrassing corporate crash trend which they were recording. The training programme was allinclusive training meant to raise the driving standard for professional company drivers, workers and most significantly, security and pool drivers whose responsibility was exclusively convoy driving. The sessions were a delight to behold especially the sessions with the ones assigned to do convoy who were frank enough to own up that even though they have been on the job for quite some time, most of the things they learnt in the course of the training sounded Latin as they were hearing them for the very first time.

My experience with these drivers prompted me to take another look at the topic for today.

While preparing materials for the piece, I scanned through my archives to see if there were materials on this. While searching, a sense of amusement or would I say relief, dawned on me as I suddenly realized that for some time now, the country has been saved the trauma or would I say the embarrassment of recording multiple road traffic crashes that was the order of the day especially between 2012 and 2014 even though there are still crashes although not as pronounced as the cases cited. Despite the level of sanity that has been achieved in

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491

reducing convoy related crashes which is a testimony to the ongoing convoy driving training for top executives, we in the Federal Road Safety Corps are optimistic that with a change in attitude not just among drivers but also among chauffeur driven executives, a significant measure of success will be recorded in our determined strategy to rid our roads of avoidable road traffic crashes.

I do hope my new found friends have become polished and have saved their company and Nigeria the horror of avoidable crashes. Before I share with you a piece I did way back in 2013 at the height of the incessant convoy crashes, let me inform you that I have had the honour to traverse the South South and North Central in the course of my career.

These deployments have opened me up to frequent travels allowing me to see the horror we call driving in our clime.

The greatest tragedy is that common courtesy

which is the first and perhaps most important rule of driving safety has become alien as almost everyone on the wheel has become a terror on the highway although there are still some very pleasant Nigerian drivers whose love and compassion even on the wheel is a delight. Besides lacking courtesy, these vehicle movers, according to my Pastor,Pastor Gbenga Gbadeyan of Rhema Chapel International Churches, Abuja, can barely stay in their own lane, let alone share the road with other vehicles even if it is an emergency designated vehicle which could be on its way to a hospital with a road traffic crash patient or on its way to offer rescue services to road crash victims .Some drive at terribly slow speed which is not an offence unless it is inappropriate. This explains why when such drivers are opportuned to become convoy drivers, they become suicidal. It is even worse if the convoy is organized with armed security support.

Before I drift away from my focus, a convoy like any group activity is like a chain and is only as strong as its weakest link. It has its rules which must at all times be complied with .Some of these rules threw some of my participating drivers off balance as they feigned ignorance especially when we emphasized on pre-trip meeting with drivers which is one of the rules that requires that the team goes over the rules and guidelines guiding convoy driving. Wikipedia defines a convoy as a group of vehicles, typically motor vehicles or ships, traveling together for mutual

support and protection. Often, a convoy is organized with armed defensive support. It may also be used in a non-military sense, for example when driving through remote areas.

Convoy driving is different depending on the situation and conditions. It could be in a group of five vehicles or a long convoy of about ten or thirty cars which is best with a police escort – The rules for a small convoy are different from the rules for a large one and there is the need to adapt depending on the type.

For emphasis, I need to stress here that a convoy is like a whip: The first two cars are like the handle as they control the direction, speed and flow .These two cars will form our focus in this write up even though every vehicle in a convoy is important .Like I said earlier, whether the convoy is organized with armed defensive or used in a non –military sense, giving priority to professionalism and competence is key in achieving success. This why in any convoy, communications is key.

Communication can be useful during pre-trip and the drive proper. Since we are talking safety, we do not recommend cell phone because of the distraction. Decide at the drivers meeting the channel, route and any possible detour in the event of an emergency. Therefore, knowing the route in vital. It also prepares you for lane changes and your position and where to catch up when you miss out. Murphy’s Law comes to mind here because if it can go wrong, it will.

Without radios... turn signals and hand signals can help, but radios are best. Aradio in the lead car and one in the last car is the minimum, especially when negotiating in town traffic.

40

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 9, 2019

POLITY Jerry Adelu

I Saw Hell Trying to Migrate Illegally In recent times, irregular migration has reached terrifying new heights. Current statistics rank Nigeria highest amongst countries with irregular migrants around, following the sub-Saharan desert, also known as the Agadez route. In their attempttogotoEuropeviairregularmeans,throughthedesertandacrosstheMediterraneansea,thousandsofmigrants, majorlycomingfromWestAfrica,haveperishedorfoundthemselvesinslavery.Mostofthemwererecruitedbytraffickers that had deceived them, making them believe that the channel to Europe would be easy. Libya thrives in human trade and slavery. Migrants who are incapable of settling ridiculous smuggling fees are tortured, sold or forced into prostitution.

Jerry Adelu was one of such migrants who had planned to get to Germany to start life afresh. In this interview with select journalists,includingOlaoluwakitan Babatunde,Adeludetailswhathewentthroughonthecourseofhistrip.

W

hat made you decide you were going to take the trip?

I would say lust. I saw a picture of a friend on Facebook who travelled. There’s an attitude that Nigerians who leave the country display. They would take pictures and share on Facebook and Instagram and tell you, ‘It’s happening over here. What are you doing there? Come over!’And they say, ‘Man, when you come, this laundry that you’re doing in Nigeria, it’s going to bring more money than what you get in Nigeria.’

Whom did you speak to about helping you leave Nigeria?

I didn’t speak to anybody. I was scared because my friend had input that mindset in me that if I tell somebody, that person will now become somebody that is now blocking my way from traveling. He was the one that called people, and directed me on which way to go.

How easy was it sourcing for funds for the trip?

It took me over six months to put the money together. What he told me was that if I could raise N300, 000, it would be more than enough for me to leave Nigeria to Europe. The initial plan was to go to Germany, which we bargained for. He would connect me with some transit guys who would take me from Nigeria to Europe. That was the starting point. Unknown to me, I was going to spend more than that. He didn’t explain to me that I was going to face challenges and see kidnapping and beating. The money didn’t seem much to me. I knew that if I saved for three months or more, I would get it. God so kind, after six months, I raised the money.

Would you say that your friend was a bad influence?

My friend was not a bad influence. He just wanted to help me.

Somebody helped him too, and he wanted to help me that way too.

He was fortunate to get there in a nice way, by not spending much money. The person who took him was a bugger (returnee turned trafficker). But he was not a bugger himself. He wanted me to bypass the bugger. It would make me spend less than he did. He had the contacts of people I could call that could help me get into Europe.

Starting from the beginning, did everything work out according to expectation?

It didn’t work out well, and that’s the reason you’re seeing me here in Nigeria. I ended up spending N1.150 million at the end of the day.

After I left Nigeria, I paid the N300, 000 to someone my friend connected me to , an agent from Benin.After paying the money, we embarked on the journey. But I was shocked when I got to Sokoto and met another agent who said the money I paid in Nigeria was for a wrong connection. The money had expired and couldn’t take me

The Sahara desert experience is one that I have never seen. During the day, the sand is cold, the sun is high. During the night, it will now change. The sand would be hot, the weather we could cold. There was no way we could stand. When I say cold, I mean block. We had to dress like armed robbers. We put on head warmers to cover up, so that we don’t die because of the dust and cold. As you’re passing the desert, you’ll see skeletons of people who have died. Inside the desert, we still have rebels who would come and rob you and take your money from you. Most of us suffered a lot in the desert

Jerry into Europe.

I called my friend and told him what was happening. My friend was furious, but there was nothing he could do. I had to handle it myself, by asking the agent how much it would cost to take me to Europe. He said N200, 000. I said no problem. So, I did a mobile transfer with my bank’s app to an account provided to me. The cash got me as far asAgadez in a journey that took 17 hours, nonstop. We traveled in a luxurious bus.

Arriving inAgadez, the same agent, calledAbdulrahman still told me that the money I paid at the border had expired. I needed to pay 5,000CFA. I did another transfer into another Nigerian bank account.

I asked him if I would pay any other money and he assured me that I wouldn’t, that I would get into Europe.

Tell me about the Sahara desert.What was the experience like?

The Sahara desert experience is one that I have never seen. During the day, the sand is cold, the sun is high. During the night, it will now change. The sand would be hot, the weather we could cold. There was no way we could stand. When I say cold, I mean block. We had to dress like armed robbers. We put on head warmers to cover up, so that we don’t die because of the dust and cold.As you’re passing the desert, you’ll see skeletons of people who have died. Inside the desert, we still have rebels who would come and rob you and take your money from you. Most of us suffered a lot in the desert. I was lucky, probably because of the money I paid. It took us only five days, betweenAgadez and Niger. Others weren’t so lucky.

We passed through that stage and got into Qatrun, Libya. From there, we went to Sabha.And that was when the genesis of our problem started.

What was your experience in Libya?

We were taken to a large detention camp which was like a big hall that could accommodate nothing less than 5,000 persons. We had different departments there. We had Nigerian ghetto, VIP Nigerian ghetto, Ghanaian ghetto, Cameroun, Senegal… Different countries.

When you get there, they will ask you where you’re from. If you say you’re from Nigeria, they will tell you to go to the Nigerian ghetto. If you come on credit fromAgadez, you’ll get VIP. It’s the credit area.

If you’re standing, you will stand there for as long as you’re there.

If you’re lucky to find a space to sit, you will sit there until you leave there. I was asked to stay in the normal ghetto.

Hours later, the people controlling the camp welcomed us and told us we had come to the ‘Land of No Mercy’. They pointed at the walls of the hall and we saw fresh blood there. The story behind that was that some people had tried to escape and they had been shot dead.

This was why they called the place the ‘Land of No Mercy.’ If you break their rules, your blood will stain the walls.

Ahmed, one of the traffickers in charge of the place, came by and told us that we had to pay N300, 000. I reminded him of the guy in Agadez whom we had paid 5000CFAs to, that he promised it would get us to Europe. I told them I was willing to pay the money, but I didn’t have a Libyan bank account to make it happen. They told me that I shouldn’t worry. Two hours later, he brought a bank account number from a Nigerian bank.

God help you, if you are given that bank account number, your days start counting from there. You would be given 48 hours free of charge.After the time expires, they would start beating you. Now, this is how it runs, once they give you that account number and the 48 hours elapses, they would give you 59 seconds to call Nigeria. You would be asked to cram everything you want to say. While you are on that call, they would be beating you, and whomever you’re speaking to would be hearing your cry of pain from the background. It would then trigger them to send the money.

I had no choice but to call my sister who is like a mother to me. She shouted, ‘Again? Which kain wrong connection? You no dey see better connection enter?’

I explained everything to her. She asked how much the money was. I told her and she said she didn’t have the money, but she was going to talk to her husband to help out. Meanwhile, we didn’t tell her husband. I had listened to my friend’s advice about not telling anyone.Also, I relied on his promise, believing I would get there in two weeks. I had planned to reveal to the whole family where I was after I had arrived Germany. I wanted to surprise them. So, my sister had to tell her husband about my predicament, and the husband then sent the money.

In that place also, girls were being used for prostitution. Those who could not pay their money were sold to those who were in charge of connection houses where they would have to work to earn twice of whatever they billed them. What Nigerians who want to make money do is to go there, get a girl and pay like N300, 000. TheArabs take 500 dinar, which is N50, 000 to bail anybody anywhere. It is a fixed price. But the Nigerians would take N300, 000. So, if someone bails someone for N50, 000, the person would then pay N600, 000.

Can you see the difference? The traffickers would pretend as if they are helping you, but they are not doing that. They are actually killing you. That is their own source of income, how they earn their money.

They have been living like that. They are comfortable with it, and they feel you cannot do anything about it.

Now, what got me scared was that on our way back, we noticed they had caught a boat before they caught ours. The boat had about 157 people, but only 27 people survived. The rest died. Some had no eyes, no nose, stiff hands… That was the first thing I saw and my brain said, ‘Man, if you had died on that sea, who would see your corpse?’

We were taken to a deportation camp where we spent nine months. During that time, we were calling on the ambassador, but he didn’t respond. The reason was that were taken to Misrata, which was a no-go area. The law working there was different from the one in Tripoli where the Nigeria embassy was.At Misrata, the law is too stringent. They would detain you if you don’t have papers or they are not complete. Eventually, I called my dad for help. He was upset at first, but he later succumbed to my pleas. I thank God that I am now in Nigeria. The government worked with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to bring us back home.

What advice do you have for those intending to travel out of Nigeria?

We’re not saying migration is bad. But if you must go at all, go through the legitimate means.

What have you been doing since you returned to Nigeria?

Since I came back, I went back to my laundry business. I’m doing it in another way, putting what I learned from Libya into my business.

Today, Jerry works with the Patriotic Citizens Initiative, actively enlightening people on the realities of irregular migration.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 9, 2019

POLITY GDP Growth: Triumph of Sustainable Government Policies Mande Abubakar

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s the y year 2015 drew to a close, there were already y bold hints that the Ni gerian economy g y was heading g towards choppy ppy waters. The price p of oil, the country’s y biggest gg revenue source, had slid on the international market, leaving government at all tiers g g gasping. p g Many y state g governments were, so to speak, p in intensive care units, as they y could no longer g pay p y staff salaries let alone carry y out developmental p initiatives.

This was hardly y the most hospitable p condition for a new g government. President Muhammadu Buhari, who took office in May y of that year, y found that his promise to reform the economy p y and boost infrastructural development, p as contained in the “Change” g manifesto of his g government, faced a mile-high g odd.

The nation’s coffers were virtually y bare; inflation had climbed to 9.6% by y in December 2015, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The following gy year arrived with what was a vicious blow to the new administration and, of course, Nigerians. g The price p of oil on the international market slid below the $50 p per barrel benchmark. This had the none-too-surprising p g effect of ripping pp g up p the govern g ment’s p plans and expenditure p for capital p projects p j and social security yp programmes. g The country y lost its titular designation g as “Africa biggest economy” to South Africa.

Worse was to come. The NBS announced that the economy y contracted by y 2.06% between April p and June 2016. The implication p was that Nigeria, technically, had slipped pp into recession.

Despite p having g attained a 10-year y record high g Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ( ) growth g rate of 6.22% in 2014, the country’s y economy, y in a space p of two years, y had shrunk alarmingly. g y The situation p provided am munition for the critics of the administration, which was condemned to find a way y out of the economic difficulty y the country y was mired in.

The response p was to initiate policies p that would bring g about resuscitation. These took the form of several business p policies and executive orders, notably y the Executive Order One (EO1) ( ) Ease of Doing Business. These have sparked p a slow but steady y growth in the country’s g y GDP, which measures the monetary y value of final goods g and services produced in a country y in a given g period p of time.

The country y exited recession by y the second quarter q of 2017 and bounced back stronger. g The economy’s y improvement p has been validated by y the recent figures g released by y the NBS on the country’s y GDP, the most reliable gauge of a country’s overall economic activ ity.

The NBS report p entitled, Nigerian g Gross Domestic Product Report: p Q4 and Full Year 2018, noted that the country’s y GDP grew g by y 1.93% in 2018 from the 0.82% attained at the end of 2017, representing p ga 1.1% g growth in the economy. y The GDP g growth rate of 2018 rhymed y with the p projection j of the Bretton Wood Institutions, the World Bank and International Monetary y Fund, which had tipped the GDP to grow by y 1.9 p per cent in 2018.

A further evaluation of the report p reveals that the country’s y GDP grew g by y 2.38% in real terms (year-ony year) in the fourth q y quarter. This represents p an in crease of 0.27% when compared p to the fourth q quarter of 2017, which recorded a g growth rate of 2.11%. It also indicates a rise of 0.55% when compared p with the growth rate of 1.81% recorded in Q3 2018. The real g GDP growth g on a quarter on quarter basis for the year 2018 was 5.31%.

Taking g a holistic look at the GDP figures g for the past p four y years, it is discernible that real p progress g has been achieved and that the economy y has improved. p From ag growth rate of 2.79% in 2015, the GDP crashed to a growth rate of -1.58% in 2016 due to the recession.

The nominal GDP for the year y 2018 was N127,762, 545.58 million, representing p g a nominal growth g rate of 12.36% when compared p to N113,711,634.61million recorded in the year y 2017.

Also, upon p assumption p of office, President Buhari promised Nigerians p g that his administration will work relentlessly y to ensure that the country y greatly g y reduces its overdependence p on oil. Just under four years, y the path p towards less dependence p seems to be much clearer and resolute. The non-oil sector g growth rate was at 3.75% in 2015, but sharply p y declined in 2016 to -0.22%, p partly y due to the recession which affected all economic sectors. A bounce occurred in 2017 when it g grew by y 0.4% and even considerably y improved in 2018 when it recorded a growth g of 2%.

Looking g at the opposite pp side of the divide, it has really y been a turbulent four-year y p period for the oil sector. The dwindling gp prices of oil had a catastrophic p effect on the Nigerian g economy y as its p proceeds form a huge g bulk of the country’s y revenue. In 2015, the sector ’s growth g rate contracted at -5.45% and shrunk further to -13.65% in 2016. But the Buhari administration’s policies p rectified the anomaly, y with the oil sector recording g a 4.69% growth g in 2017, before it declined to 1.14% in 2018.

In terms of the individual sectors, there has also been a consistent growth g rate in sectors such as agriculture, g industry y and service.

Agriculture, g p particularly, y has been a fulcrum of the Buhari administration’s economic reform agenda, g which aims for self-sufficiency y in food p production.

Analysis of its GDP growth rate shows that agricul-

Udo Udoma ture g grew by y 3.7% rate in 2015, rose to 4.11% in 2016 before declining to 3.43% and 2.12% in 2017 and 2018 respectively. p y For the industry y sector, which includes manufacturing, g construction, mining g and quarrying, q y g and information and communication, there was contraction to -2.24% in 2015, and -8.85 p percent in 2016. It, however, recorded a 2.15% growth in 2017 before sliding to 1.94% in 2018.

The service sector, which consists of transportation p and storage, g arts and recreation, financial and insurance, administrative and support pp services among g oth ers, recorded a 4.78% growth g in 2015, but contracted in 2016 and 2017 to -0.82% and 0.91% respectively. p yA better output p for the industry occurred in 2018, as it recorded a growth g of 1.83%.

A summary y of the statistical indices as highlighted g g above shows that the country’s y economic profile p has improved, p even after suffering the debilitating reces sion.

The economy y has not only y recovered, but moving g towards a more sustainable level of assurance for all Nigerians. g Such p progression g can only y continue if more astute policies p are well-conceived and implemented p without any y iota of corruption p and with financial prudence as the Buhari administration is currently p doing. g ––Abubakar, a public affairs analyst, writes from Sokoto

Total Health Trust Celebrates Clients, Commits to a Healthy Nigeria Chinedu Ibeabuchi

L

eading g Health Maintenance Organisation g (HMO), Total Health Trust, who turns 21 years y this year, y hosted a cross section of its clients at a cocktail event in Lagos g on Wednesday y to appreciate pp their support. pp The company p y reaffirmed its commitment to continuously y add value to health insurance in Nigeria. g Speaking p g at the event CEO, Nick Zaranyika y said THT has established itself as the leading gp provider of managed g healthcare in Nigeria g and its unrivalled 21-year y industry track record has seen THT build a formidable reputation p in Nigeria, g making g it the HMO of choice for over 200,000 members, over 500 corporate p clients as well a key yp partner to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) under whose supervision p the company p y provides p cover for selected government institutions.

Total Health Trust (THT) is a leading gp pioneer in Health Maintenance in Nigeria. g Its jjourney y dates back to 1998 when the company p y started operations p which marked the genesis g of the managed g healthcare sector in Nigeria. g THT’s vision is to p provide L-R: Oluseyi y Fasanya, y HR Manager, g UPS Nigeria g Ltd; Dr. Richard Ajayi, j y Company p y Medical Adviser, Nigerian g Breweries; Dr. Anu Martins, Nigerians g with access to affordable, Head Client services, THT; Nick Zaranyika, CEO, THT; and Kieran Godden(COO, THT) at a cocktail event organised by THT to celebrate its quality q y health care while creating ga clients in Lagos sustainable environment in which of continuous superior p services: “We know a wealthy y care facilities and more than 1800 NHIS-accredited healthcare providers p can deliver services. nation depends p on healthy y citizens. As a business, we clinics and hospitals p throughout g Nigeria. g The company’s p y success as a leading g HMO in Nigeria g have championed p innovative ways y to improve p health “Our services over the years y have been consistent attracted interest from an international investor which with the quality y and we are committed to q y we espouse. p We are proud p to say y THT insurance in the country led to the introduction of a new innovative comprep supporting pp g our clients to ensure that their employees p y helps p make Nigeria g healthier. We enable our customhensive fee for service health insurance product p in and their families receive the best healthcare possible ers to access affordable, reliable healthcare and we Nigeria, g which provides p enrolees the freedom of g support pp healthcare p providers in their efforts to deliver in Nigeria. choice when accessing g health care, a first for Nigeria. g “We are committed to a healthy y Nigeria, g and will it. We manage g healthcare so that our customers and THT has one of the largest g networks of independent p continue to drive cohesion in the industry in order to our partners p can thrive,” the CEO said. service providers, made up of over 700 private healthachieve quality healthcare.”

He assured the company’s customers and partners

42

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 9, 2019

POLITY

Unsettling the 9th National Assembly Johnson Ikechukwu

I

t is not a surprise to those familiar with the politics of the Senate that the struggle for who takes what at the red and green chambers has started even as the 9th National Assembly would be inaugurated in June, 2019. It is not out of place to seek for leadership seats at the National Assembly but it becomes worrisome when some politicians who are unaware of legislative business goes around peddling rumours that President Muhammadu Buhari is asking them to take a shot and lead the Senate. President Buhari will never ask any Senator to seek the position or foist an inexperienced man on the Senate. The office of the Senate President is not a place for neophytes neither is it a place for inexperienced people considering the fact that 1999 to 2019 is really a long road traveled.

Despite the several upheavals that beleaguered both chambers of the National Assembly, what it does not need now is an unsettling bickering or bringing in a man who may unsettle the perceived smooth ride of transition from the 8thNational Assembly to the 9th Assembly Indeed, there are many ranking Senators who will seriously oppose a lone wolf whose zone could only produce two APC Senator to dream of the position of being the President of the Senate.

The manner INEC managed some of the Senatorial contests also calls for concern. A good example here is the Abia North senatorial election. This poll was obviously inconclusive. The result announced for Abia North is strange. While the total number of cancelled votes was over 38,000, the margin of win was only 10,400.

The position of the law concerning elections where the total number of cancelled votes is more than the margin of win is not ambiguous. According to the Electoral Act, a re-run ought to have been rescheduled in the affected polling units. Fully aware of the provisions of the law, the Returning Officer still went ahead to announce the figures scored by the various political parties.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should, as a matter of urgency, arrange for a re-run in the district to determine the winner of the contest. It only amounts to broad -day robbery of the people’s mandate and mockery of democracy for that result to be allowed and for any man to lay claims to a mandate that was never conferred on him by the people. Any attempt to circumvent the will of the people should be vigorously resisted by the relevant institutions in the interest of our democracy.

Sam-Ohuabunwa The Senator Mao Ohuabunwa Campaign Organization informed the general public that INEC operatives, in their haste to arrive at a pre-determined conclusion, manipulated the electoral process in the Abia North Senatorial elections to the shock of all well-meaning patriots who believe in democracy.

Ohuabunwa Campaign Organization said: “In this respect, it is tragic that INEC could conduct an election without the issuance of form EC40G, a form used to capture cancelled votes and places where there was no voting. Furthermore, there was no Ward collation in the entire Bende Local Council Area and this is not acceptable in any way.”

Ohuabunwa has demanded that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abia State should direct the Returning Officer of the Abia North Senatorial Election to make the requisite declaration in accordance with the dictates of Rule 17E(e) of the guidelines for the conduct of elections issued by INEC by cancelling the elections completely.

Ohuabunwa of the PDP stated: “There was massive and arbitrary purported cancellation of valid votes in 72 of the 149 polling units in the 11 Wards of Arochukwu, 32 in two Wards of Nkporo (17 in Ndi Agbo and 15 in Ndi Elu), and so many other units across the Abia North Senatorial District. This is in conflict with the results earlier announced and pasted at the various units in accordance with the Electoral Act; besides the hijacking of the unit results in Bende LGA, INEC cohorts connived to manipulate figures at will and had a field day allotting scores across the 13 Wards, over 30,000 registered voters and 10,000 potential votes were disenfranchised as a result of the orchestrated and predetermined fraudulent act “Much as it is painful and going to be a herculean task to try to redress the grave injustice, it is tantamount to fraud to declare the result of Abia North Senatorial Zone after cancelling 72 units in Arochukwu and over 21,000 votes in Nkporo.

“According to the declared results of the five local governments in their different headquarters by the Returning Officers, Isuikwuato recorded 8317 votes for the APC followed by the PDP with 4,609 votes.

“In Ohafia, APC recorded 5521 votes while PDP had 4861 votes. In Bende, APC had 10,701 votes while the PDP recorded 4,875 votes. In Arochukwu, APC recorded 1166 votes while the PDP had 843 votes.

“Meanwhile in their bid to confuse and hastily rush to conclusion, they were hasty to jump into conclusion by announcing that Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa lost the Abia Senatorial elections. For the avoidance of doubt, Mazi Sam, a renowned pharmacist, Chairman of Neimith Pharmaceuticals has never contested any election into any political post but Distinguished Senator Mao Ohuabunwa of the PDP.” Little wonder the APC-led federal government has constantly been bashed over alleged bias and selective justice in its anti-graft war. While the opposition is curiously persecuted and prosecuted even without credible evidence most times, suspected corrupt individuals in the party are rather shielded.

Back to the issue of the race for Senate Presidency, it is only those who live in the world of fantasy that will expect a fresher with little or no legislative knowledge to be elected President of the senate that has many ranking members, some serving their fifth tenures.

It is not a bad thing or idea to build Igbo coalition for the plum job of Senate President but it will certainly cause disaffection within the APC, since the party is yet to take a position on the zone that will produce the senate president. Whatever decision the APC leadership takes will abide by the existing tradition of the red chamber on how its President is selected.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: General Manager, Data and Devices, MTN Nigeria, Abiodun Ajayi; Sales and Distribution Executive, MTN Nigeria, Adekunle Adebiyi; Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor; Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Rahul De; and GM, Brand and Communications, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, at the launch of the MTN Smart feature phone held in Lagos...recently Sunday Adigun

L-R: Current Miss Nigeria, Miss Chidinma Aaron; Chief Executive Officer, Miss Nigeria Organisation, Dr. May Ikeora; Head of Commercial, Kohinoor Lagos, Mrs. Nkenie James and 2018 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN), Miss Anita Ukah, during a celebration to mark the International Women’s Day hosted by Kohinoor Lagos at their lounge in Elegushi, Lekki, Lagos...recently Etop Ukutt

L-R: National Sales Manager, Sunola Food Ltd., Mr.Adarsh Bhaskaran; Executive Director, Dr. Satish Nair; Nollywood Actress/Special Guest, Mide Martins; and the Group Managing Director, Kelwaram Chanrai Group, Mr. Siva Subramaian, during the launch of Mom’s Curry Powder in Lagos...recently Sunday Adigun

L-R: Group Managing Director, DM Holdings, Oladapo Ojo; Group Head, Brands, Interswitch, Enyioma Anaba; and Deputy Director of Education, National Examinations Council (NECO), Alhaji Ibrahim Saad, at the press briefing to unveil InterswitchSPAK 2.0 held in Lagos...recently

43

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

JOE/FAJ THEFRONTLINES

As Atiku Struggles for His Votes to Count

I

n the last week or so since the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2019 presidential elections by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) there has been uneasy calm in the polity.

From Abuja, Lagos, Kano and several other places, there were mixture of celebrations, protest and anger by a cross section of Nigerians over the electoral outcome. The highpoint of all this was the decision by former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to challenge the results which gave the prize to Buhari.

Ever since Abubakar took that decision, there has been a huge clamour from a broad section of well meaning Nigerians seeking to dissuade him from charting the legal course for the simple reason that it would come to nothing.

While some of these calls were sensible others were out rightly ridiculous. For instance, a group of women, under the aegis of Two Million Woman Rally for Democracy in Nigeria, Peace and Stability, convened by Mary Onuche kick-started its match at the Unity Fountain down to Hilton Area before proceeding to the Force headquarters, Eagle Square and back to Unity Fountain.

They called on Atiku to emulate former President Goodluck Jonathan and congratulate Buhari on his victory to save Nigeria from anarchy and embrace his brother.

Chief Olisa Agbakoba in a paper titled ‘2019 Presidential Election: Ethnic Consideration vs Governance Consideration’ delivered recently noted that “I understand the PDP is aggrieved at the outcome of the election and alleged massive irregularities. I urge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to approach the Election Petition Tribunal.�

Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi had this to say: “We are celebrating but we are conscious of the fact that we want to repeat what Gowon said in 1970: ‘No victor, no vanquished’. We enjoin our colleagues in the PDP to join us in ensuring that Nigerians benefit from good governance. We believe they are our colleagues and friends, but if they don’t see reason, I think we also have lawyers.�

But Abubakar remained resolute and undeterred by insisting rather that “I hereby reject the result of the February 23, 2019 sham election and will be challenging it in court, because with regards to the presidential elections that took place on February 23, 2019, it is clear that there were manifest and premeditated malpractices in many states which negate the results announced.�

Is Abubakar on the wrong path? No, he is charting a road

WITH

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

Atiku

well travelled right from 1979 when the country returned to civil rule after several years of military rule. That year, two political gladiators, Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and Chief Obafemi Awolowo among others contested for the presidency. Shagari was declared winner by the then federal electoral commission (FEDECO) headed by Michael Ani. Awolowo disputed the result and proceeded to the presidential election tribunal.

On September 6, 1979, the presidential election tribunal declared that Shagari of the NPN, had defeated Awolowo of the UPN. Not satisfied, Awolowo, himself a lawyer, headed for the Supreme Court to seek a determination of section 34 (A) (l) (c) (ii) of the Electoral Decree, 1977 as amended, whether two_ thirds of a state is synonymous with two _ thirds of the total votes cast in that state or the votes cast in two – thirds of votes cast in the territorial or physical areas of the state.

And on September 26, 1979, the Supreme Court, in the case, AWOLOWO v. SHAGARI (1979) NSCC 87, gave a landmark final verdict declaring that Shagari won 2/3 of the total votes cast in 19 states as propounded by Shagari’s lawyer, Chief Richard Akinjide, and which made him the rightful winner of that election. Awolowo secured 4.9 million out of the 16.8 million votes cast – Shagari, over five million.

Since 1979, there had been other elections with election petitions. In 1999 it was Olu Falae Vs Olusegun Obasanjo; and in 2003, Muhammadu Buhari Vs Obasanjo; then in 2007, Buhari Vs Umaru Musa Yar’Adua; again in 2011, Buhari Vs Goodluck Jonathan.

It is self evident that Buhari has patronized the courts more than any other presidential contestant in the political history of this country a record three times. This may only be because he believed he could get justice from it. Although now in power, Buhari has consistently passed a vote-of-no-confidence on the judiciary citing his serial failures as reason.

There are several reasons why Abubakar is on course with his legal struggle. Firstly, there are millions of Nigerians who believed in his ability to bring about the desire changes in the country. These people shut their ears to the orchestrated narratives of hate, corruption and outright bifurcation of the polity reducing the contest to a them versus us struggle. These people would be disappointed and could cost Abubakar his political career if he does not give them hope for the future regardless of whether he loses or wins.

Secondly, Abubakar would be following a precedent set by Buhari, who, right from 2003, had always headed to the courts to seek redress but never had a single reprieve. It is expected that, given his experiences, he is better placed to reform the judiciary to ensure that justice is truly served to a litigant. Therefore, all eyes are on the outcome this legal battle which is to test the present administrations claims to building a strong virile and independent judiciary as the last beacon of hope for the common man.

Thirdly, Abubakar’s legal struggle is particularly to test Buhari’s claim to being a man of integrity who has the gumption to call a spade a spade. The reason being that in 2007, the late Umaru Yar’Adua acknowledged that the election that brought him to power was massively rigged. Can Buhari make such acknowledgment? It remains to be seen.

Fourthly, from our history, no presidential challenger has ever won his case in court largely because of the hurdles they have to cross. Abubakar’s case is possibly not going to be different.

Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

Ù×Ă? Ă’Ă™Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ͺ͸͚ΠÖĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?

W

e are now at the home-run in our election cycle - as we wrap one of our nation’s most tendentious and hypertensive electioneering processes today, March 9, 2019 with the state elections. In few states (Osun, Ekiti, Kogi, Ondo) where the governors’ seats are not in contention, there may be some respite from the pulsating intensity of political acrobatics playing out across the nation - only just, mind you.

The rest of the country will, once again, stand still as we elect our governors and legislators. The irony of Nigeria’s brand of democracy is that this is the level where we need to invest more attention, clear-eyed emotions and resources to make sure that those who lead us at local and state levels are responsible, capable, stable and tested. This is where the most crimes, the least accountability, the highest forms of corruption, the gravest examples of nepotism, wastage, negligence... you can add to the list...are committed without the slightest reprimand or sanction.

Yet, this is where our youth and the so-called intelligentsia will thumb their nostrils, and expend their time and resources on “more important� distractions like international football, happenstances at No.10 Downing Street, the Capitol Hill and the White House!

It will not be surprising if voter apathy is worse than the national election (less than a shameful 30% voted) regardless of the hot-potato divisive politicking playing out in states like: Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, Plateau, Ondo, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, etc.

So, while we enjoin Nigerians to go out peacefully and vote according to their convictions, let us spend some moment on our ongoing appraisal of the different phases of the 2019 elections.

Asiwaju: Strengthening Democracy Or Deepening Animus The candid affirmation of APC National Leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as regards the viral videos and photos of two bullion vans entering his Bourndilon Road, Ikoyi home on the eve of the presidential election, is on many levels very distressing, worrisome and distasteful.

Several hours before the man popularly called Jagaban uttered his bare-faced confession, many of his supporters on social media had tried to debunk the materials as “fake news�, “desperation of PDP�, “photoshops�, and such excuses.

Tinubu, a former senator and two-term governor, reportedly made the following statements after voting in Alausa, Lagos on Saturday, February 23: “Bullion vans? Are those ballot paper? “Excuse me, is it my money or government money? I don’t

work for government, I am not in an agency of government.

Let anybody come out to say I have taken any contract from the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in the last five years. “They should prove it. I am on my own, and I am committed to my party. So, even if I have money to spend in my premises, what is your headache? “Excuse me, if I don’t represent any agency of government and I have money to spend... if I like, I give it to the people free of charge. As long as not to buy votes. “So, who are those watching my house and looking at Bullion vans? They must be mischief makers, they report falsehood, their lies are numerous, and it’s because they are jobless.�

On the face of it, the man, his money and how he chooses to spend it should not cause anyone’s headache...but this man is the co-chairman of the ruling party’s national campaign committee; the party’s undisputed “godfather� in the South West, who was heard on another viral audio recording boasting to stun his party faithful with stupendous cash gratification capable of turning a sedate man into a blubbering fool, so to speak, if the party footmen worked hard to get out the votes in Lagos, especially during the presidential election.

Such “spectacle� may easily excite his followers, and be dismissed by preening acolytes, but this is clearly disturbing, and portends danger for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria.

Yes, a man who has seen it all is entitled to some bragging rights on the way and style he wishes to dole out his cash... Yet, it is impolitic, crass arrogance and pernicious disregard for the psyche of the hardworking ordinary folks to get slapped in the face that their hopes and aspirations to select leaders of their choice can be reduced to the contents of two bullion vans. Any wonder why some miscreants chasing voters away from polling booths, and smashing electoral materials, in Okota, Lagos on February 23, were sketched by his opponents as “Tinubu’s Boys�?

The optics and ungarnished flirtations with pretensions of an Emperor Bokassa type of outlandishness should be reviewed, downsized and banished from our corporate mental archives. Let Jagaban retrieve the high ground, and let others less-endowed play in such disconcerting arena of vain-gloriness.

Premature Stumble of Ajumobi’s Masquerade The news is stale now: that two-term governor of Oyo State, Abiola Isiaka Ajimobi, lost the Oyo South Senatorial seat to Mohammed Kola-Balogun by a painful margin of 13,503 votes.

Ajimobi (of APC) scored 92,217 as against PDP’s Kola-Balogun (105,720).

The gap-toothed jolly governor has rather warmly congratulated the winner, thus revealing a commendable attitude which

COUNTERPOINT BY

FEMI

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

suggests maturity and statesmanship.

Many critics have admitted that Ajimobi performed fairly well as Oyo’s chief executive in his first tenure. There are however mixed reactions concerning the rating of his second and riotous term as governor of the ‘Pacesetter’ state. To his critics, several nuggets are available which point at a man overcome with the aroma of power and position to the height of indecorous intoxication.

For his intemperate handling of the January, 2017 incident with the students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, he was aptly dubbed “Constituted Authority� - a debilitating toga he appears to wear with remarkable aplomb!

Strange.

He woke on another glorious day in August, 2017 and decided to “dash� the paramount ruler of his town, the Olubadan a huge measure of stroke-inducing executive insolence: he commandeered the elevation, installation and legal backbone for 21 High Chiefs and Baales as bearded-crown chiefs - in a city-state hitherto with only one beaded monarch! Though, he is also an Ibadan chief, the profoundly ridiculous effrontery of lacerating the traditional institution that had propped him, and sustained century of peace and unique succession ritual did not trouble the civilian governor!

We may count it as the self-inflicted struggles of a private citizen against a high-handed government, the controversial matter of bulldozing the Fresh FM radio structure of immensely popular songster, Yinka Aiyefele, in August, 2018, thugged at the heartstrings of most Oyo indigenes, and many Nigerians. The peculiarities of Aiyefele’s disability, undoubted talent, entrepreneurial panache and affecting affability combined to highlight the Ajimobi administration as fiendish, rough and soulless.

Then, there are still arguments about his performance in the area of payments of salaries and pensions, a delicate topic in a largely laid-back sprawling state which civil service traditions are tinged with small to mid-scale commercial exertions. While government sources claimed all salaries were paid up till February, going into the elections, critics revealed instances of staggered backlogs of unpaid salaries and pensions!

Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

44

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Polls: Fight to The Finish

EBERE WABARA

D

AILY Sun Editorial blunders of March 6 welcome us today: “Those opposed to the move contend that the presence of soldiers tend (tends) to instill fear in the voters and has (had) even led to harassment, killings and other electoral

infractions.â€? â€œâ€Śthe deployment of soldiers for electoral duties further intensify (intensifies) the propensity for violence and has been abused.â€?

DAILY Sun Editorial of February 27 also fumbled on two occasions: “There is no doubt that multiple taxes by the Federal, States and Local governments have‌.â€? Voice of The Nation: federal, state and local governments â€œâ€Śefforts by capital market regulators to woo more companies to list their shares in (on) the market.â€? “Residents demand proper channelisationâ€?

Please note that ‘channelization’ is American English, while ‘channellisation’ is British English. “Police arrests (arrest) mastermind of attack on DCP Okunola in Bayelsaâ€? (THISDAY Headline, March 2) “You become acceptable and accessible, yet with a resolute (resolution) and focus.â€?(THISDAY PLUS, March 2) â€œâ€Śa heir to an empire who returned home after his father passed on to take over his business but get caught (but got caught up) in a web of crimeâ€? (SHOWBIZFLAIR, THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER, March 2) “Coalition of candidates allege (alleges) APC, INEC plot to sabotage guber (governorship) election in Riversâ€? (NEWSXTRA, March 2) Wrong: “fight to finishâ€?; Right: fight to the finish The next two faults are from DAILY SUN OPINION pages of March 6: “Those who are ethnic minded and express such retrograde

BY

opinions about ethnicity in the 21st century (Century) are taking back the hand of time.� Get it right: putting/turning the clock back “Lessons of (from) the presidential/NASS polls�

DAILY INDEPENDENT of December 30 offered its readers the following blunders: “It took a de Gaul to end the senseless killings and France acquiescing to the self-rule agitation of Algerians.â€? Away from anarchy: acquiescing in (not to). “There will be lots of entertainment, music, a special buffet and the show will be rounded up with a Grand Ballâ€?. The revelry will be rounded off with a grand ball. “In a bid to escape with their booties with (in—not with) a helicopter gunship‌.â€? I am opposed to misadventures in grammar: ‘booty’ is uncountable. “We’d noticed the professor was not too comfortable standing under the blazing sun, but we thought she would nerve it through.â€? Get it right: standing/sitting in the blazing sun. ‘Under the sun’ means ‘anywhere in the world’ THE GUARDIAN on Sunday of March 3 presented four inaccuracies: “And then they demanded for money, at gunpoint. “ Gently remove ‘for’ to avoid any ‘accidental discharge’! â€œâ€Śthe two countries have since been understudying one another’s political system.â€? Two countries: each other; three or more countries: one another. “The Nigeria Police has also assisted in the training of Sierra Leone (Leonean) police and detectives. “ Always: police (collective noun) have.

Vanguard of December 30 did not conform to journalistic excellence: “When a dupe in the regalia of politics tickles himself and laughs hilariously to fool his un-bemused electorate‌.â€?

The person who is duped is the dupe, while the perpetrator is the duper and the act referred to as dupery. The English language abhors

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

un-educated familiarity with words, their meanings and applications. Persistent use of wrong expressions cannot confer acceptability on them. “Nobody can at this stage doubt the ability of the administration to take serious and atimes painful decisions.� Leadership in Nigeria at times (not atimes) smacks of non-seriousness.

THISDAY of December 31 went down with a bazaar of lapses: “In his six-page address paying glowing tribute (tributes) and homage to late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.â€? The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo‌. “People subject themselves to flogging and beating, and all manners of dehumanization in the name of healing.â€? Thoughts on grammar: all manner of. “There have been indications for sometime that‌.â€? Time for distinction between ‘some time’ (which applies here) and ‘sometime’. “Furthermore, the conduct of officials and the general logistics support for that election were unprecedented in the annals of our nation’s history.â€? ‘Annals of history’ is tautological (by my own poetic licence). And this: logistic or logistical support. “Despite the Moslem-Moslem ticket which he and his vice-presidential candidate held, majority of Christians across the country still rallied in their favour.â€? No protest: a majority of Christians. “Medical and scientific researchers have shown that offsprings of drug addicts suffer mental deficiency.â€? ‘Offspring’ uncountable “Garbage ought to be disposed off as regularly as possible because they can constitute a serious nuisance to the public.â€? Fixed expression: dispose of. ‘The eventual failure of many of such drugs have not discouraged fresh attempts at inventing more effective ones.â€? The battle against discord continues: The failure...of drugs has (not have). By the way, we cannot be talking of more effectiveness in the same breath with failure. We

are still in the realm of effectiveness, contextually. “The heavy downpour during the week has made the price of perishable commodities in the market to come down due to low patronage by consumers.â€? ‘Downpour’ does not require amplification (heavy) because of magnitude inherence. And ‘patronage’ is usually by consumers. So, ‘by consumers’ is otiose. â€œâ€Śbecause they are not entirely immuned from the adverse consequences of pervasive poverty in third world nations.â€? Get it right: immune (not immuned) from. “UN statistics on fertility in sub-Saharan Africa has indicated.‌â€? Statistics have (not has) except as a discipline (course). “These are the major factors but there is a final secret with regards to.‌â€? No secrecy: as regards or with regard to. “Students of sports history remember that Morocco played three matches and lost them all, conceeding six goals in the processâ€?. Language scholars endorse these: concede, conceded and conceding. “Last week Monday’s press briefing by the Minister‌.â€? Functional communication: Last Monday’s press briefing‌. “Extremism had also brought about the death of 37 left-wing intellectuals when the hotel in which they were holding a conference in the central town of Sivas was touched on December 2.â€? Love of grammar: torched (not touched). “Some news media have been known to have lent themselves unwittingly into the hands of hack writers by not doing a thorough investigation of the stories they publish.â€? Literate style: lent themselves to (not into). “Jakande as governor of Lagos State warmed his way into the hearts of Lagosians with a single-minded pursuit of his housing programme.â€? LKJ wormed (never warmed!) his way into the hearts of Lagosians.

POLITY Osobajo Olufemi

At Bet9ja, We Aim to Change Lives Ă?Ă™ĂŒĂ‹Ă”Ă™ Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă—Ă“ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ĂŽĂ?ÚÞ Ă‹Ăž Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ•Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ ĂŒĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ùà Ă?Ăœ Í’Í‘ ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ?ËŞ Ă?âÚĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ•Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă—Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă? Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ•Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?ĂžÍšĂ”Ă‹Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘ ĂœĂ™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ ËÓÔË ͓͚͑͒˛ Ă? ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă? Azuka Ogujiuba ĂĄĂ’ĂŁ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ?ĂžĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă? Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂĄËœ Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă‘ĂœĂ™ĂĄĂžĂ’ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?ÒÓÖÎÒÙÙÎ Ă“Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă˜

T

platform the same way everyone has approached Big Brother.

We will give housemates a life changing opportunity, and not just housemates, but viewers as well. We have multiple games for viewers to play, simple games to give them a chance to change their lives. That I can guarantee. We are developing a lot of games for viewers and housemates to be able to make some level of money and provide an enjoyable experience for all.

ell us about Bet9ja? How long has it been in existence?

Bet9ja has been on for six years, and it’s also the second to come into business. We are centered on sports betting in Nigeria and we are the market leader in sports betting. We are number one in sports betting, anything sports, football, basketball, tennis, dog racing, horse racing etc. We are number one in that market inAfrica.

What impact does Bet9ja have on our society and community?

If we look at the history of sport betting in Nigeria, it’s the fastest growing industry in Nigeria now. Our sole purpose is to change lives, whereby people within the community can play for as low as N100 and win N11million. Someone just last week won N11 million with a game of N200. That guy’s life has changed; he’s going to start up multiple businesses with that particular cheque. We pay 100% compared to others who put you on a payment plan. We operate a business where you put in your money based on the perception and knowledge of games that are about commencing/on-going, once that outcome becomes positive, you make a lot of money from there.

Is it another form of gambling?

It is gaming, there’s nothing against gaming. We asAfricans have some negative conditions with gaming. Gaming is normal, though it comes with its own risks. Then again, nothing good comes easy.

Everything you do in life is a risk, coming out of your house with a car not hitting you is a risk, walking under a bridge and a truck not falling on you is a risk, a cab man wakes up in the morning, he doesn’t know if he’s going to get customers or not is a risk, everything in life is a risk. But still, we thrive.

How do you control addicts?

Just like every habit, there are addicts, we as a business help people by providing articles on our platform, website where you can go and read up on responsible gaming.Again, we have other measures for

What special features should people look out for?

The Big Brother platform is a huge bag of surprises on its own. The voice changes from time-to-time, tasks are different, emotions vary, etc.

This year will not be any different. The involvement of Bet9ja as this year’s title sponsors will equally bring some level of uniqueness to the show and we can guarantee it will be something no one wants to miss.

Olufemi

consumer protection as regards gaming. It is responsible gaming, you have to put measures in place for control and consumer protection.

It’s all over the media that Bet9ja is the headline sponsor of this year’s Big Brother Nigeria; can you tell us why?

One of our major vision as a business, is to actually “change lives� as much as we can. The Big Brother Nigeria platform affords us that opportunity. If you are familiar with our history in relation to sponsorships, we tend to align with platforms that afford the average Nigerian youth the opportunity of a life changing experience and this is what Big Brother brings to the table. Whatever platform helps us in achieving this sole purpose of changing lives is what Bet9ja gravitates towards.

What are the unique things we should expect in this year’s Big Brother?

What I can give away is that, we will not approach Big Brother

Are you enjoying your job?

Yes! I’m having a fantastic time. It’s challenging as it should be because it’s a new industry, but it is exciting, it’s a unique industry on its own. It’s totally different, what works in Oil and Gas doesn’t work in gaming. It’s a different world entirely in terms of consumers’ behaviour and consumption habits.

How do you spend your free time?

I am a goof ball. I hang-out with friends and family, play video games. However, I hardly ever have any free time these days but, it is what it is.

Who influenced you, career-wise?

Alot of people have influenced me overtime during the course of my career. Some I know personally, most of them I don’t. Thing is, we live in a digital age where I can look at your career path via Linkedin and tailor mine in that direction. Currently, I draw influence from my current bosses (Mr. Soname and Mr. Ojuroye), they are fantastic individuals, they spotted an opportunity in an industry where it was practically nonexistent and grew the business from scratch to what it is today.

Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

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Wale Adenuga Set to Unleash ‘Knockout’ ADIBUO KELECHI

Nigerian Designer, Eidusi, Gets Global Attention pg. 49

I’ve Always Nurtured a Healthy PassionforActing pg. 48

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Wale Adenuga Set to Unleash ‘Knockout’ Remarkably, it is its first cinematic production since inception, featuring an array of stars like never before seen in Nollywood, Wale Adenuga Productions seems poised with its new comedy movie ‘Knockout’. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

K

nockout! What could have possibly inspired that title for a movie of its kind?

Maybe for its packed cast cutting across movie, music and comedy! Maybe for the anticipated bout of laughter it will unleash on cinema buffs across Nigeria when released on Friday April 19. News of the comedy movie had started making the rounds at the close of 2018 shortly after production ended.

The comic thriller seems by far overwhelming, looking at the eclectic cast of thespians and the mix of different generations of comedy superstars it parades. From the exclusive set pictures and behind-the-scenes videos that went viral post production, it sure stirred laughter. If going by that, the words of its executive producer, Wale Adenuga Jnr, that “Knockout is extremely funny.

“You will laugh and laugh until you forget your name,” might be spot on. And that, in a way, would mean something exciting for millions of families to look forward to come this Easter season and beyond, as it promises extreme laughter explosion.” Shot in Lagos and several other locations, the movie’s exceptionally mixed cast of musicians and comedians has the pull factor for the cinema audience.

Coming from the scion of the Adenuga humour and entertainment merchant, the big budget film, according to Adenuga Jnr, who doubles as the Managing Director of the production outfit, the organisation used the best of its resources for the film to ensure that cinema lovers are entertained. It was gathered that the talented cast and world-class crew had spent six months on several beautiful locations across the country.

Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) is known for its exciting spells of TV drama series. The most likely blockbuster movie directed by Patience Oghre, ‘Knockout’ tells the sidesplitting occurrences that took over a community after the news about a boxing competition with a cash prize of N1 billion hits town and sends a group of people from different walks of life into a hilarious frenzy, after which they devise mischievous means to participate with firm eyes on the prize monies.

Thereafter, the clumsy boxer they choose and the crazy characters they meet along the way, sparked off the intrigues that characterised Knockout. Arguably, the most star-studded film in Nigeria’s recent history, Knockout’s impressive cast of veterans in Nollywood include Patience Ozokwor, Chiwetalu Agu, Toyin Abraham, Odunlade Adekola, Ngozi Nwosu, Jide Kosoko, Segun Arinze, Desmond Elliot, Hafiz Oyetoro, and Ali Nuhu.

Other stars featured are Sola

Wale Adenuga Jnr

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Wale Adenuga Set to Unleash ‘Knockout’

Ngozi Nwosu

Knockout’ tells the sidesplitting occurrences that took over a community after the news about a boxing competition with a cash prize of N1 billion hits town and sends a group of people from different walks of life into a hilarious frenzy, after which they devise mischievous means to participate with firm eyes on the prize monies Sobowale, Amaechi Muonagor, Tony Akposheri (Zaki), Ronke Oshodi Oke, Victor Osuagwu, Gentle Jack, Charles Okocha, Greg Ojefua, Broda Shaggi, Eniola Badmus, Kelechi Udegbe, Remi Surutu, Wale Adebayo, Francis Odega, and the famous Papa Ajasco, Mama Ajasco, Pa James, Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Ajasco, Nnena characters from the Papa Ajasco television comedy series.

Knockout also features popular comedians Funky Mallam, Yaw, Tayo Amokade (Ijebu), Klint Da Drunk, Josh2Funny, Bello Kreb, Princess, MC Lively, Omo Ibadan, Iya Niwe, Akpan & Oduma, Fyne Geh, Chief Olododo, and standup act Kenny Blaq in his first movie debut with some electrifying cameos by 9ice, Derenle Edun and Jaywon. The standup musiccomedian Kenny Blaq represents the new face of comic acting with his unique style of performance.

To some Nollywood buffs, the Wale Adenuga Production has taken its ambition far and farther featuring an array of stars in its new movie, remarkably its first cinema production since the inception of the company.

This could be said a statement kind of having conquered the territory of comedy in television programming.

Founder of the production outfit, Wale Adenuga Snr. was a former cartoonist/publisher, and currently a series producer, best known for

the publications Ikebe Super, Binta and Super Story, and their televised versions. Adenuga studied business administration at the University of Lagos in 1971, and worked for the cartoon section of the campus’ magazine where he was soon made chief cartoonist.

In 1975, after graduation and youth service , his comic Ikebe Super was launched. The comic introduced characters such as womaniser Papa Ajasco, illiterate Pa Jimoh, and playboy Boy Alinco. A leading female character, promiscuous gold-digger Miss Pepeiye, was later introduced.

In the late 80s, Nigerian publications were affected by the economic depression, leaving Adenuga with the decision to move from print to electronic. Before the growth of the film industry, Adenuga had released the celluloid movie Papa Ajasco, which was based on the main character in Ikebe Super, in 1983.

Papa Ajasco made history as the first English comedy in an industry which had been dominated by Yoruba productions.

A film version of Binta, re-entitled Binta My Daughter was released in 1995. A year later, the television series Papa Ajasco (formerly The Ajasco Family) was aired on Nigerian television to rave reviews. This small screen version saw the return of the old characters, and new character.

Charles Okocha and Pa Ajasco

Kenny Blaq

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

SHOWBIZFLAIR

MY STORY

Gists KENYAN’S ETHIC IN MEGA COKE STUDIO MASH UP WITH MR EAZI

ADIBUO KELECHI I’ve Always Nurtured a Healthy Passion for Acting Adibuo Kelechi is a fashion designer, fast rising model and a writer in her own class. Despite being in her late teens, she has been able to clock some heights and set her career on a fast pace. She talks to Tosin Clegg about her works, modeling, career at large and more

Coke Studio Africa was recently ablaze with the mash up of the season, as Kenya’s Ethic music group of the “Lamba Lolo” hit fame joined Mr. Eazi in the live performance of “Keys to The City (Jogede)”. The two acts knew of each other before but never knew that they could have been paired at new season

of ‘Coke Studio Africa 2019’.

The surprise pairing, and mash up of “Lamba Lolo” and “Keys to the City (Jogede)”, produced by Daddy Andre (Uganda) has been received well by most music fans across Africa. This is Ethic’s biggest opportunity yet. Their unusual rise to fame, straight out of

YouTube thanks to their blazing hood hits like “Instagram Bae”, has made them popular among Kenyans and beyond.

Ethic also met with Nigerian music producer Krizbeatz who produced “Panaa” from their Coke Studio Africa stint and they have produced a new track “Nitolee”.

IYKE OLISA: WHAT INSPIRED MY SNAKE MOVIES Nollywood star, Prince Iyke Olisa is a man of many parts. He is multi-talented actor, script writer, film producer, director. He recently shot two scary snake movies; Snake Mother and Son of Python.

On why he ventured into that kind of movie production, the award winning filmmaker maintained that over the years, he had identified his audience and what they liked.

So, on that note, he feeds them with unique stories and outstanding productions. ‘’Well, someone brought the script to me. After I studied it, I liked it. Every movie has an inspiration. I was not really particular about the Snakes but the interesting story behind it. The script writer mentioned to me that he is very good in creating snake related stories, so after we did Son of Python, which we are still releasing its sequels, we just shot Snake Mother.”

While emphasising on the messages the two movies pass to the audience, Olisa asserted that while Son of Python preaches against greed, Snake Mother tackles family and trust issues.

“We all know most times, it takes a stronger devil to fight a weaker devil. Like when armed robbers are out to steal, it takes well-armed policemen to conquer and overpower them.

“A tyrant terrorising a community with his greed was brought down by a mere man who sought for help from higher spiritual powers. He ended up liberating the community and brought peace and happiness back to his people, while the tyrant was punished.

“For Snake Mother teaches that sometimes

H

ow did th the jjourney b begin? i ?

I make unique designs out of Ankara fabrics and beautiful waist beads. Actually, I started when I was in 200 level at the university. I sold second hand wears in school and in neighbouring institutions. I’ve always nurtured a healthy passion for acting and I do hope to break real grounds on this path soon. About modelling, it is something I love doing and have been doing the best I can at the moment. Working with photographers like Weeshotit, kennyjayconcepts, elmooraphotography and also with a perfume brand Sapphire scents.

Talking about your new script, can you shed more light on it?

The script is about a female detective who takes up a case and believes getting justice for the victims is getting justice for herself since she suffered the same issue of being raped at a young age.

Tell us about your modelling and movies, companies and projects you have worked on?

I have been part of a beauty pageant contest, Ada na Opara Oguta and I was 1st runner up. Also, I was 1st runner up at Face of Sapphire Scents. Sapphire Scents is a perfume brand and I am still working with them as a model. Asides writing a script, which I believe would come out well, I starred in a short movie as an extra. I just cried in a particular scene, but more projects are welcome.

What are your set goals?

what is killing you, lives within you. A brother had to wipe off his older brother ’s family to take over his throne. But unluckily for him, the son didn’t die, with the help of his mother who has transited to a Python. He was able to fight his wicked uncle and recovered the stolen throne. So, it’s all about thrilling your audience and passing a good message at the end,” he added.

I actually do have lots and lots of goals to accomplish.

Producing movies someday, appearing on Forbes magazine as a big time model, having so many books published, being a young entrepreneur that young people would actually look up to and also do well as a Barrister.

Who are your role models?

My parents are actually my first role models and mentors.

Genevieve Nnaji has been my role model. I admire her strength and feature of being at the top of her own game.

Also, I have Tiannah of Tiannah Empire and Tolubally. They are both fashion designers.

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Patrick Eidusi and actor Tim Kubart in Eidusi’s design for the 61st Grammy in Los Angeles

Nigerian Designer, Eidusi, Gets Global Attention Young Creative Director at Rick Dusi, Patrick Eromosele Eidusi, has registered his name on the international fashion scene after styling Grammy Awards winner, Tim Kubart, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

R

ick Dusi by Patrick Eromosele Eidusi may not come anywhere closer to making the first list of Nigerian fashion labels when mentioned months back. But the young brand has sure attracted massive growth and recognition after it registered its name on the world stage as the first Nigerian designer to style a Grammy Awards winner and two-time nominee, Tim Kubart, at the just concluded 61st edition of the annual music awards held in Staples, Los Angeles.

The Creative Director who has styled some Nigerian celebrities attracted widespread attention to his brand after crafting the Grammys red carpet outfit for the American actor and musician. Kubart wore a green suit made

by Eidusi that sparked conversations on the Nigerian deigner. It was reported he forgot to acknowledge Eidusi on the red carpet, and quickly sent out appreciation message that went viral through his Twitter account @timkubart.

“I regret not saying the name of the designer in this interview. I was overwhelmed by everything.

But all respect to Rick Dusi,” he tweeted.

Eidusi, in an interview, had mentioned that he was ‘still in shock’ at the attention his brand has been getting since the Grammys. Narrating the buildup to the design, Eidusi said, “Bella Ndubuisi, who I haven’t met before, saw the suit I crafted for my client in Canada. She reached out to my client about who made the suit for him.

“She mentioned my name to Tim Kubart, he saw my brand page on Instagram and he was satisfied with my work after which he contacted me.”

He also described the attention his young brand has been getting and expressed his amazement at the positive reactions, saying: “Since the news broke out, the reactions I have received have been amazing. I mean, my brand is quite young just three years and some months. Most people are quite shocked that such a young brand could actually achieve such feat.”

Kubart was nominated in the category for Best Children’s Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.

Sometime last year, Kubart had visited Lagos to work with children through music and dance workshop with the United States embassy. It was a life-changing experience for him according to Eidusi so that prompted a desire in his choice.

In his words to Eidusi, Kubart said “I will like a western suit but with Nigerian colours, made by a Nigerian designer”. This was after he had inquired about the bespoke brand.

Continuing he said, “At First I thought it was a scam until I did a little research about him and I discovered he had been a Grammy award winner and this was his second nomination for the Grammy Awards. I saw his passion, about being specific with the colour and the kind of suit he wanted me to craft for him for the Grammys. That also helped me believe my after thoughts.”

The Nigerian designer would take to his Instagram to share the good news, expressing the dream-come-true moment. He dressed the singer in a simple green suit, paired with a white shirt (in solidarity with Nigeria) and blue tie and the singer wore a bright smile to the occasion. Shortly after the epic moment on the red carpet, Kubart said: “We are here.

Today I wear green and white to celebrate the incredible spirit and people of Nigeria. Thank you to the amazing Lagos designer @rickdusi for crafting this suit made of Nigerian fabric.

Love to all of you today. So proud of my team

and happy to have chosen this difficult and wondrous career of children’s music.”

Rick Dusi then posted his picture with the caption: “When @timkubart 2019 Grammy Awards nominated singer messaged me from Los Angeles to make him a suit because he was nominated for the Grammys I thought it was a dream. He told me he wanted a suit from a Nigerian designer, a simple and classic green suit. This is a dream come through dressing a Grammy nominee is everything, from Nigeria to Grammy red carpet. You may not have won Tim but you re our winner. Congrats Tim. We celebrate you. It feels good to know that my brand is being appreciated globally and we are doing a good job.”

Founded the brand in 2015, Rick Dusi is a contemporary minimal brand that designs for men and women that enjoys classic British tailoring and bespoke styles. Since starting the brand in 2015, the label has been able to make debuts in fashion weeks within and outside Nigeria. With his new status already reflecting on his Instagram profile, make no mistake of that because he is truly a “Grammy Awards Designer 2019”.

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L-R: Ibidun, her mother and daughter

The Gospel of Ibidun Ighodalo Former beauty queen and businesswoman, Ibidun Ituah-Ighodalo recently shared a lovely photo of herself, her mum and daughter, revealing three generations of beauty. The photo was accompanied by an inspiring piece on her philosophy of life.

Ibidun wrote: ‘’My mum always said that it is the people around you that will hurt you the most .Be careful of the people who have access to you and whose words mean a lot cos they can

make or mar you. Never let anyone make you feel less of who you are...

Be careful what you say to people for your word is like an egg once broken you can never take it back. No matter what anyone says or does to you, take it to God because He sees your heart, He knows how you truly feel. Let them call you names, judge you and say the nastiest things bout you it’s okay... you know the truth and so does the Almighty. God bless us all”.

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Kylie Jenner, 21, Now Youngest Self-Made Billionaire in the World Beats Mark Zuckerberg’s record

K

ylie Jenner, the youngest member of the Kardashian-Jenner American reality TV family has become the world’s youngest billionaire at the age

of 21.

She was on Tuesday admitted to the “nine-zero” fortune club by Forbes. The business magazine ranked Jenner as the world’s 2,057th richest person. She became a billionaire two years younger than Facebook co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg, who took the title at the age of 23 in 2008.

Jenner’s fortune comes from Kylie Cosmetics, the makeup company she runs largely from her iPhone, with the help of her mother Kris. Fueled in part by the Ulta expansion, Kylie Cosmetics’ revenue climbed 9% last year to an estimated $360 million. Ulta is a chain of beauty stores in the United States.

With that kind of growth, and even using a conservative multiple from the booming makeup industry, Forbes estimates Jenner’s company is worth at least $900 million. She owns all of it.

Add the cash Jenner had already pulled from the profitable business, and the 21-year-old is now a billionaire, with an estimated fortune of $1 billion. She’s the youngest-ever self-made billionaire, reaching a 10-figure fortune at a younger age than even Mark Zuckerberg (who was 23 when he hit that mark).

“I didn’t expect anything. I did not foresee the future. But the recognition feels really good. That’s a nice pat on the back,” says Jenner.

The beauty of Kylie Cosmetics, which Jenner started in 2015, is its minuscule overhead - and the outsize profits that go straight into Jenner’s pocket. Her empire consists of just seven full-time and five part-time employees. Manufacturing and packaging is outsourced to Seed Beauty, a private-label producer in nearby Oxnard, California. Sales and fulfillment are handled by online merchant Shopify.

Her shrewd mother, Kris, takes care of finance and PR in exchange for the 10% management fee she siphons from all of her kids. Marketing is done mostly through social media, where Jenner has a massive following. She announces product launches, previews new items and announces the Kylie Cosmetics shades she’s wearing directly to the 175 millionplus who follow her across Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

“It’s the power of social media,” Jenner says. “I had such a strong reach before I was able to start anything.”

When Kylie Cosmetics launched in Ulta in 50 states, the reaction was a real-life version of the online rush Jenner created years earlier, when her initial kits sold out online in less than a minute.

Ulta shoppers went wild. In some stores, inventory was gone in hours. “It sold out faster than we planned,” admits Tara Simon, Ulta’s senior vice president of merchandising.

Forbes’s estimate of Jenner’s wealth comes in its annual ranking of the world’s billionaires. Its research found that the total number of billionaires had declined over the past year from 2,208 to 2,153. The world’s richest person remains the Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos with a $131 billion fortune.

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‘I Didn’t Stop INEC from Issuing CertiďŹ cate to Ekpenyong’ Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

PRAYING FOR PEACEFUL POLLS ...

L-R: Archdiocesan Lay President of Lagos Mainland, Sir Benjamin Oshadiya; Lay President of Lagos Mainland, Sir Bolaji Onabadejo, Bishop of Lagos Central, Rt. Rev. Samuel Nortey, Lay President of Lagos West, Engr. Ayodeji Aderibigbe; Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Sunday Ogunlere; Bishop of Ereko, Rt. Rev. Joshua Adeogun; and Circuit Presbyter of Cathedral of Blessing, Very Rev Mathew Ogunsiji, all of the Methodist Church Nigeria at the presentation service of Engr. Aderibigbe as the new Lay President of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West at Methodist Church Cathedral of Blessing, Palm-Avenue, Lagos‌ recently

S’Court AfďŹ rms Order of Temporary Seizure of $8.4m Linked to Patience Jonathan Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Supreme Court on Friday in Abuja, affirmed the order of a Federal High Court in Lagos, which directed the federal government to temporarily seize $8.4 million linked to the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mrs. Patience Jonathan.

The apex court in a unanimous judgment delivered yesterday, held that it had no reason to interfere with the decision of the lower court.

The Court of Appeal in Lagos, had last year upheld the decision of a Federal High Court in Lagos, which granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) right to temporary take possession of the said funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities pending the

conclusion of investigation.

Displeased with the decision of the appellate court, Mrs. Jonathan had approached the apex court to upturn the decision of the lower courts.

In dismissing her appeal, the five-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Dattijo Muhammad, however, directed the former First Lady to return to the Federal High Court and show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government of Nigeria.

The apex court in its lead Judgment delivered by Justice Kumai Aka’ahs held that, “Appellant is to go back to the trial court (the Federal High Court) to show cause why the interim order should not be made permanent.�

In addition, the Supreme Court refused the prayer of the appellant requesting the striking down of the provisions of Section 17 of the Advanced Fee Fraud Act (AFFA) and other Fraud related offences Act, which was relied on by the Federal High Court to issue the order of interim forfeiture.

Other members of the five-man panel of Justices include Justice Ejembi Eko, who read the lead Judgment on behalf of Justices Aka’ahs, John Okoro and Sidi Bage.

The Federal High Court in Lagos had last year granted an ex parte application by the EFCC which sought the forfeiture of the $8,435,788.84 and other various sums in various bank accounts linked to the former first lady.

The EFCC had anchored its ap-

plication on Section 17 of AFFA and urged the court to grant an order of interim forfeiture of the funds, which they said were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Patience Jonathan and others, including some organisations, were joined in the said ex parte application as respondents.

In granting the ex parte application, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on April 20, 2018, also ordered the EFCC to publish the court’s order in any major national newspaper to enable the respondents or anyone interested in the funds to appear before the court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture of the said funds should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Lekan Shonde to Die by Hanging EFCC Arrests Imo, Kwara for Killing Wife AGs, Others over N2bn Money Akinwale Akintunde A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja yesterday, convicted and sentenced to death by hanging, a dockworker, Lekan Shonde, for killing his banker wife, Ronke at their residence in Egbeda area of Lagos State on May 6, 2016.

Justice Josephine Oyefeso sentenced Shonde to death based on the conviction that he was responsible for the death of his wife.

Lagos State had charged and arraigned Shonde before the court on a one count charge of murder on October 24, 2017.

The Prosecution alleged that Shonde committed the offence at 8:30p.m. on May 5, 2016 at his residence in Tiemo Street, Egbeda, Lagos.

In her judgment yesterday, Justice Oyefeso said that the state had proved their case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that the circumstantial evidence was clear that the deceased is defendant’s wife and they have two children. “I cannot but hold the sudden provocation, the heat of passion and the retaliation. The violence used by the defendant was in excess of a reasonable man,� the judge held.

According to the trial judge, the analyses of the pathologist, Dr. Shokunle Shoyemi examination revealed old and fresh injuries on the deceased.

She held that the bruises on the deceased cheek, blood collection in the brain, brain swelling and other multiple injuries could not have been by self-inflicted injuries. “The defendant in the case was very economical with the truth stating that he only slapped her when he overheard his wife on a phone call praising the sexual prowess of a lover, does not match the degree of autopsy report. “In the light of overwhelming evidence against the defendant, the court is satisfied that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The act was intentionally done. I found the defendant guilty. “Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 prescribed that the person who commit murder shall be sentenced to death. “In line with section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2015, this is the sentence of the court upon you Olalekan Shonde, that you are to hang in the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on you,� Justice Oyefeso held.

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The Accountant Generals of both the Imo and Kwara States government are currently helping the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with information on what they know about how huge sums belonging to their various states were divested into personal ventures.

According to information reaching THISDAY, the Acting Accountant General of Imo State, Casmir Uzoho and his Kwara State counterpart, Ishola Sulaiman were both arrested on March 7, following intelligence report.

According to a source at the commission, Uzoho was arrested on allegation of laundering the sum of N1.050bn, through a new generation bank for the governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, while Sulaiman and some senior officials in the Kwara State Government are being quizzed on alleged N1bn cash withdrawal by the Kwara State Government, a week before the last presidential and National

Assembly elections.

The source said the arrest of Uzoho was based on credible information that the governor intended to use the money for vote buying in favour of a particular candidate in Saturday’s governorship election in Imo State.

The source disclosed that Uzoho withdrew the amount in three tranches between Tuesday and Thursday this week, adding that while the sum of N200m was withdrawn on Tuesday, N500m and N350m were withdrawn on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

Meanwhile, another report said the EFCC has blocked the traced accounts, while the arrested Accountant General has been providing useful information to the Commission. Mr. Casmir was before his appointment, a Director of Finance in Okorocha’s government and was in 2016 fingered in N2bn bailout fund scam, which was then given to the state by the Federal Government for the payment of salary arrears of civil servants.

Justice Valentine Ashi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Friday, said contrary to media reports, he did not issue any order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from issuing Certificate of Return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chris Ekpenyong in the February 23 general elections.

INEC had declared Ekpenyong as winner of the election, against the incumbent Senator, Godswill Akpabio.

According to the result announced by the returning officer, Prof. Peter Oban, Akpabio scored 83,158 votes as against 118,215 scored by Ekpeyong.

The incumbent, Akpabio however in an application filed on February 28 prayed the court for, “An order granting leave to him to apply for a judicial review for the issuance of a writ ofMandamus, prohibition, injunction and other declarative reliefs sought against the respondent (INEC).�

Akpabio in the suit No: FCT/ HC/M/2680/19, also prayed the court to direct the respondent to stay further action “particularly further action in respect of issuance of certificate of return to any candidate in respect of the seat of senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial district on

the account of election held on the 23rd February, 2019.�

In a short ruling Justice Ashi, held that the case of Akpabio is meritorious and that there is need to keep things in status quo. “Leave is hereby granted to the applicant to apply for judicial review for the issuance of a writ of Mandamus, prohibition, injunction and other declaratory reliefs against the respondent. “Leave so granted shall operate as stay of further action by the respondent andparticularly further action in respect of issuance of Certificate of Return to any candidate in respect of the seat of senator representing Akwa Ibom North-west Senatorial District on the account of election held on February 23, 2019,� Justice Ashi held.

While adjourning the matter till March 8 for hearing of the substantive suit, the judge however directed that parties must first address him on the issue of jurisdiction on the next sitting.

However at the resumed hearing, Justice Ashi said the media publication suggesting that he gave such an order were overstretching the facts of the matter treated by his court.

He explained that the nature of the application brought by Akpabio should have been clarified by the media reports or the lawyers who provided information to the media.

FIERCE BATTLE IN 19 STATES AS NIGERIA ELECTS GOVERNORS Cont’d from Pg 6 Justice Ekwo said he could not ascribe probate value to the documents purportedly obtained by the plantiff from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), because the plaintiff failed to attach receipt of payment for the Certified True Copy of the documents obtained from INEC as required by law.

Justice Ekwo therefore dismissed the suit for being unmeritorious in substance and in fact.

US, British Envoys in Rivers, Canvass for Peaceful Polls The United States ConsulGeneral to Nigeria, John Bray, and the Political Officer of the British High Commission in Nigeria, Louis Edwards yesterday visited Governor Wike; Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi; and other stakeholders, canvassing for peaceful polls in the state.

The team visited Wike at Government House while they met with Amaechi at his private residence in Port Harcourt.

The joint meeting with Wike, which lasted about one hour, had the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Harry Banigo; Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah; and Senator Lee Maeba in attendance.

Wike tabled the concerns of the government and people of Rivers State before the Diplomats, pointing out that the people were concerned by the mass arrests of PDP leaders by security agencies. He said the State Government and the PDP have issued several statements alerting the world on the illegal activities of security agencies ahead of the elections.

At the resident of Amaechi, the head of the delegation, Edwards, said, they were in Port Harcourt to support free, fair and credible elections. “We are here to support free,

fair and peaceful election. We have engaged major stakeholders such as politicians, security chiefs and INEC personnel on the need to have a peaceful election�, she said.

Amaechi told the envoys that he wondered why Wike and the PDP would be worried about the security deployments in the state instead of joining forces to encourage them to beef up security apparatus in the State.

Amaechi affirmed that with the presence of the military in the state for the Saturday’s elections, everybody including the APC and PDP members is protected.

Meanwhile, Wike and the state chapter of the PDP have condemned the arrest and intimidation of members of the party by security operatives.

Wike urged security agencies to be professional and unbiased in the discharge of their duties for the peaceful conduct of credible polls in the state.

CAN Urges INEC to Ensure Free, Fair, Credible Poll The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Samson ‘Supo Ayokunle has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that governorship and State Assembly poll is free, fair and credible.

Ayokunle said the Police and the Arm, must operate within the ambit of the law, while youths should resist the temptation of being used to foment troubles.

In a statement signed by Special Assistant Media and Communications to the CAN President, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, CAN appealed to all eligible voters with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to come out enmasse to exercise their inalienable rights without any fear of being intimidated and vote according to their conscience.

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NEWSXTRA

Arbitration Tribunal Awards FG $1.69bn over Dispute on Brass, Forcados Assets $9bn Judgement Debt: Uk Firm Deepens Move to Seize Nigeria’s Assets in US, UK Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Davidson Iriekpen åÓÞÒ Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂž

An Arbitral Tribunal sitting at the Lagos Court of Arbitration has awarded the federal government a whopping $1.69bn in a dispute between the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited and Atlantic Energy Brass Development Ltd. The landmark award in favour of the government came just as reports revealed that the protracted legal battle between a British firm, Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P & ID) and the Nigerian Government has taken a turn for the worst as the foreign firm, which won a staggering judgment, now worth $9 billion against Nigeria

is trying to confirm the award in courtrooms in the United States and London, which would allow it (P&ID) to start seizing Nigerian assets in the U.S. and the U.K. The arbitral proceedings in Nigeria was instituted by the claimants, Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited and Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited) on August 15, 2016, against the NPDC. In resolving the dispute in favour of NPDC, the Arbitral Tribunal dismissed Atlantic Energy’s claims and awarded the sum of US$1,690,900,391.39, US$200,000 and N1,500,000 as costs in favour of NPDC. It directed that the amount be paid within 21 days from the date of the Award for crude oil lifted from OMLs 26, 30, 34 and 42 (Forcados Assets) and OMLs

60, 61, 62 and 63 (Brass Assets).

The tribunal affirmed all the submissions of the lead counsel to NPDC, Professor Fabian Ajogwu (SAN) of Kenna Partners, who held that Atlantic Energy and its sister companies were indebted to NPDC for their failure to perform their financial obligations under the respective Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs).

The dispute started when NPDC entered into several SAAs with Atlantic on April 20, 2011, May 25, 2011 and 2012 for the development and production of hydrocarbon resources with respect to OMLs 26, 30, 34 and 42 (Forcados Assets) and OMLs 60, 61, 62 and 63 (Brass Assets).

The SAAs created obligations for Atlantic Energy to remit to the government the revenues from the crude oil lifted.

Ajogwu in his submission relied heavily on the KPMG Audit Report of the crude oil liftings in OMLs 26, 30, 34 and 42 (Forcados Assets) and OMLs 60, 61, 62 and 63 (Brass Assets); and dwelt on the principle of avoidance of unjust enrichment by the Atlantic Energy of the petroleum assets of the federal government-owned NPDC. This landmark decision is one of the single largest awards ever in a Nigerian Arbitration and also settles the question of impact of non-payment of signature fees on lifted crude oil as well as the principles of Unjust Enrichment in Crude oil lifting and recovery.

Atlantic Energy & Atlantic Brass were represented by their counsel, Mr. Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, from the law firm of Aluko & Oyebode.

Meanwhile, the a$9 billion

ALL FOR WOMEN...

L-R: Business Transformation Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Chidum Ayeni; Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Jordi Borrut Bel, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Grace Omo-Lamai; Non-Executive Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli; and Non-Executive Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Adeyinka Aroyewun at the celebration of the 2019 International Women’s Day held at Nigerian Breweries, in Lagos

British Council Twists Nigeria’s Antigraft War, Says EFCC Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has faulted a statement by the Manager of the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) Programme of the British Council, Mr. Uche Emmanuel, which alleged that the commission had been working at Cross purposes with other agencies in the fight against corruption in the country.

The anti-graft agency in a statement signed by its Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Tony Orilade, said the report credited to Emmanuel, at a recent forum in Abuja, was full of “several illogicalities,� capable of misleading both Nigerians and the international community.

Orilade remarked that most of the claims by Emmanuel were not only unsubstantiated but underserving of the office he occupies. “Without the slightest of attempts to cross-check his claims, Emmanuel alluded that the EFCC

and other anti-corruption agencies in the country were frustrating the corruption fight by an alleged lack of synergy among them, and their inclination to operate as islands unto themselves. “It is striking to note that the General Manager, Public Affairs of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in the same forum where Emmanuel threw caution to the wind with his unsupported allegation disclosed that the corporation through the combined efforts of the Department of State Security (DSS), EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), recently recovered assets worth over N771million from oil marketers, who had under-paid it for petroleum products supplied to them. “As a commission, we are horrified that a ranking official of the British Council, in charge of rule of law and anti-corruption programme, who ordinarily

should be abreast of the robust interface that exists between the EFCC and various local and international law enforcement organisations is the one we are painfully subjecting to this type of schooling,� the statement said.

Orilade said contrary to the claims of Emmanuel, facts abound as to the level of cooperation among Nigerian anti-corruption agencies, which the programme manager cannot comprehend. “The commission as the designated financial intelligence unit, until recently, regularly shared intelligence with all other relevant agencies. Beyond the statutory requirement to synergize, we have a persuasion that no agency can go it alone, which is why, over the years, the Commission absorbs officers from sister agencies who come on secondment to it. “The local inter-agency collaboration, Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies so much needed saw to the establishment of the Combined Inter agency Task Force, (CITF), domiciled in the Lagos Office of

the EFCC. “The CITF, which has its personnel, drawn from all the sister agencies has since its inception, remained a very active Unit within the Commission�, the EFCC’s spokesperson said.

He added that the result of such partnership is partly responsible for the illustrious outing of the commission in the past 15 years.

The statement denied knowledge of any situation that would warrant the British Council or its agent to flay the commission over lack of local inter-agency synergy and collaboration.

Orilade, noted that in the international front, in the U.K particularly, the EFCC and the DFID, (United Kingdom government’s department, responsible for administering overseas aid), the National Crime Agency (NCA), which leads UK government’s fight against serious and organised crimes and similar UK agencies have existing collaboration in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

judgement debt against Nigeria, arose from her alleged failure to perform its contractual obligations under a gas supply and processing agreement it signed with P & ID during the regime of the late President Umar Y’Adua snowballed into $9 billion as a result of $2.3 billion interest calculated at seven per cent ($1.2million) a day from the date the decision was rendered by an arbitration tribunal in the UK. The latest move to recover the debt followed the late last year’s acquisition of large stake in P&ID by a hedge fund managed by UK based VR Capital Group.

With this development, the gas company is trying to pull levers of power in the U.S. and the U.K. to make Nigeria settle the judgement debt, failing which, the gas company will start seizing the country’s assets.

According to Bloomberg, P&ID, owned by the hedge fund and a firm called Lismore Capital Ltd., late last year hired lobbyists, lawyers, and a public-relations firm.

The attorneys, according to the report, are trying to confirm the award in courtrooms in Washington and London, which would allow P&ID to start seizing Nigerian assets in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

P&ID, founded by Irishmen Michael Quinn and Brendan Cahill had in 2010, entered into a 20-year gas and supply processing agreement (GSPA) with the Federal Government of Nigeria to build a state-of-the-art gas processing facility.

The plant, in which Nigeria was to have a 10 percent stake, was to refine associated natural gas into non-associated natural gas to power the national electric grid.

Under the agreement, government was to supply between 150 million standard cubic feet of the gas per day to P&ID — a figure expected to rise to 400 million scf in the life of the project from the gas being flared by oil-producing companies in the country.

The GSPA also required the

government to build a gas supply pipeline to the P&ID facility.

But the UK firm claimed that after spending over $40 million in preparatory work, the project collapsed as the Nigerian government failed to build a pipeline as stipulated in the agreement.

The failure to resolve the dispute even after the foreign firm proposed an amendment to the agreement, prompted it (P&ID) to commence arbitration against Nigeria in August 2012 in London, UK. The dispute was resolved in favour of P&ID in July 2015.

In December 2015, the Nigerian Government appealed the ruling, asking the tribunal to set aside the award completely.

Nigeria’s contention, among others, was that the arbitration seat should be in Nigeria and not UK and that the judgement sum is too big and should be withdrawn.

Besides, the Nigerian government had argued that the petroleum ministry didn’t have the authority to enter into the agreement and the arbitration panel used the wrong legal standard.

The matter was decided in favour of the foreign firm as the tribunal in January 2017, finally ordered Nigeria to pay P&ID $6.6 billion in damages and $2.3 billion in interest.

In June 2018, the US district court also ruled in favour of P&ID and affirmed the award by the UK tribunal, thereby making it enforceable in America.

Nigeria filed a notice of appeal in the US district court in October 2018, claiming foreign sovereignty immunity. But the US court rejected Nigeria’s request to cancel the award, and the government headed to the UK court to get the sanctions waived.

The federal government has however assured of its intention to diligently defend its interest in the case between it P&ID over the dispute arising from the twenty years Gas Supply and Processing Agreement

Calistus Anozie, 92 for Burial March 15 Renowned Agriculturist Chief Callistus Okoye Anozie will be laid to Mother Earth on March 15, 2019 at his country home in Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State.

The funeral of the Agriculturist, who died at 92, would commence with a Christian wake keep on March 14, 2019 at his compound in Nnokwa while thanksgiving service takes place by 10am on March 17, 2019 at St Mary’s Catholic Church Nnokwa two days after the burial.

Anozie, who died January 17, 2019, was blessed with seven children- Mrs. Ijeoma Egwuonwu, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Obinabo, Mr James Anozie, Mr.

Kevin Anozie, Lady Ifeyinwa Maduabuchi (JP), MrsIfeoma Ogwulumba and Mrs. Nneka Agunye and also with twenty three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

According to a statement by the family, “he was an available father. Always there to tell bed time stories and help out with home works when they were kids. To his wife, he was a back bone and moral support. Even though like every human he erred once in a while, he always ensured that differences are settled immediately.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as KIKELOMO ONIKEPO AWOSIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as KIKELOMO ONIKEPO OMIKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as NDIFREKE EDEM PATIENCE now wish to be know and addressed as EDEM BLESSING MARTHA. And also, i hereby confirm that my correct date of birth is 25/08/1990 and not 25/08/1991.

All former documents remain valid. General

Anozie

public take note.

TR

Saturday, March 9, 2019

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MISSILE

Agbakoba on Atiku’s Case “President Buhari has subverted the Supreme Court by the removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, and the appointment of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Muhammad Tanko.”

– Lawyer, Olisa Agbakoba, doubting if Atiku Abubakar will get justice as he challenges the result of the February 23 presidential poll in court.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

An Open Letter to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo “A lost nation is not one which lacks a ruler, but one that lacks law. Distortion of law does not mean there is no law. It means there is law but it is not applied.”

-Law Definition – Duhaime’s Law Dictionary

M

y dear Uncle Yemi, please, permit me to cut out the protocols and address you the way I always do. I have looked up to you as a big Brother for many, many years. I have the highest respect and regard for you personally and for your accomplishments as an academic, religious and political leader (please, note that I did not say politician, because I do not see you as one. You are honest, forthright and loyal unlike most politicians). I must also congratulate you on your election with President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term of office, even if I have reservations about the sloppy conduct of the election. I have never hidden my admiration for your commendable performance in office during your first term. You have been the major embellishment and strongest advocate of this government.

I know this open letter must come to you as a surprise because I have unlimited access to you on my own accord, and through family and friends. We’ve actually met a few times privately since you became Vice President.

I have chosen to go public with this letter because it is not about you personally, even though it is addressed to you, but because it is about matters of a public nature that concerns you and your government. There may be lessons to be learnt by others apart from you. At those times when we have met one on one, I was able to express myself candidly to you. Our last private meeting was a secluded one, in Ikoyi, Lagos which happily was witnessed by one of your aides, Pastor Laolu Akande. At that meeting, when you and I sat and discussed for a considerable period of time, I had expressed serious reservations about the direction your government was headed, and you asked if it was that bad and I responded that it was “much worse.”

I have decided to write you today, Sir, after writing similar letters to your boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, in the past, without eliciting positive results. Our discussions have always been about our uncommon passion for Nigeria and not about anything personal.

Long before you became Vice President, I had stumbled on you at Heathrow Terminal 3 one evening, and naturally, our interaction dovetailed to the State of the Nigerian nation.

We were both concerned about the lack of progress and the usual sundries. By the grace of God, you are now the number two citizen of Nigeria, by virtue of your position as Vice President. I was very excited the day you were selected and even more so, the day you officially won the election. We all expected a new Nigeria, indeed. Our expectations were high.

As days climbed days and months mounted months, things began to fall apart. The last four years became a grand mirage of blame games. I watched you speak at different events and on varying platforms and could not believe how much blames you heaved on past governments without remembering that many of the called past actors are now

Osinbajo

in your party, warts and all. Things seemed to improve admirably whenever you acted as President. The sanity in the land was palpable. You took right decisions and made efforts to reach out to all Nigerians of different persuasions, tribes and tongues.

Everyone praised you for your modern and cosmopolitan style of governance and the way you have embraced technology. But whenever the President resumed work, it seemed the unbridled conservatism and rigidity returned with him in full force, and with renewed vigour. Your exciting forward movement always appeared to go backwards, in reverse gear. It was as if some people were angry about your success and the relative peace and prosperity that you managed to secure.

I did not expect you to do anything other than to keep supporting your boss and espousing his policies. You’ve always been absolutely loyal and dependable since serving Prince Bolasodun Ajibola in the Attorney-General’s office, through to being Attorney-General, yourself, in the Lagos State Government of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and up to now as Vice President to President Muhammadu Buhari. This is commendable.

My worry, and main reason, for writing you publicly today is because of the recklessness of your government in the last few months in its dealings with the Nigerian people. The immediate cause of this epistle is the issue of the ongoing elections. Nigerians had looked forward to these elections with both excitement and trepidation. The energy many put into it was unbelievable. Even after the first date was postponed, many still went out, against all odds, to exercise their rightful franchise.

But what did they meet out there? A simple election was turned into an act and theatre of war. Many innocent souls were killed, wasted, maimed or injured. Properties were mindlessly destroyed including those of the umpire, INEC. There were reported cases of rape of INEC officials and some were forced under duress, at gun points, to declare fake or falsified results. In Lagos, your adopted home State, many voters were disenfranchised through malevolent beatings. Ballot boxes with ballot papers were seized and smashed and scattered into the wild winds or raging inferno. Yet, the security people, with all the braggadocio of the President could do nothing more than to watch the thugs of their own masters go on rampage, unhindered.

Contrary to the provisions of the electoral laws, many States voted without their PVC or the card reader machines that were meant to capture data and reduce the usual electoral malpractices and general rascality, because they were faulty or unutilised, or deliberately ignored.

After all was said and done, your Party was declared winner of the controversial election by INEC. The election was rated among the most dreadful and despicable ever in the history of Nigeria. Despite this fact, I was one of the first to call on the opposition leader, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to rise above everything else and transfer the burden to your government by following the new tradition that was established by former President Goodluck Jonathan despite the fact that President Buhari had stated whether jocularly or seriously, we do not know, that he can never lose the election, so he would never have to congratulate his opponent!

Anyway. My painful and difficult request to Atiku was predicated on my good knowledge of our dear country. One. I didn’t want any violence to break out with more innocent people being killed. Two. I liked the example of former President Al Gore in America, who after fulfilling all righteousness, by calling his opponent, George W. Bush, still went to court, even if it was more of an academic exercise. 3. I have learnt some lessons from the wisdom of the Yoruba which says when your home is invaded by an armed robber, there is no point getting killed when you can pretend to be weak before you fight back later. Also, when a lunatic invades your wedding and says he is the groom of the day, don’t argue with, please tell him he is, and guide him out gently for you to continue your ceremony. 4. There were lessons to learn from how the June 12 crisis was handled and Atiku should know that most of his supporters will soon disappear in a short while due to various reasons, sometimes due to no fault of theirs but practical expediency and self-preservation. It seems to me that no government, in recent memory, has terrorised the opposition more than yours with a fickle and skewed campaign against corruption.

Many have discovered and devised a practical strategy, join them and live in peace and prosperity, and the binge continues. 5. I have read a lot of books and interventions by your grandfather-in-law, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and most of the travails and prejudices he encountered then are still very much with us.

I have no doubt that the elections were not free and fair. I must hasten to add that both sides were apparently guilty of ensuring that this was the case. Not much has changed in Nigeria in this regard. I always say that people are able to rig in areas where they have the most influence. Nobody, least of all me, expected the elections to be perfect, but this one bordered on the ridiculous and, I daresay, was arrant nonsense. My grouse, and that of many people, including local and international election observers, was about the wickedness and intimidation visited upon the opposition by the excessive use of the military and agents and forces of violence and coercion. They acted in a most irresponsible and perfidious manner. I am certain you will not have known or approved of these excesses because I refuse to think you knew

and looked the other way. You are far more of a gentleman for that. I suspect that your Party may still have won a handsome victory without resorting to the apparent self-help that some of your Party chieftains chose to adopt, tragically. What you have today is unfortunately a contested victory, blemished by the violence which makes me sad for you, in particular, since it seems many of your people are living in denial. All I can say is best of luck because you will always have my very best wishes.

On a personal note, I have chosen to hand over everything to God. Sir, you know more than me, as a Pastor, that God is the ultimate Judge of everyone, low and high. If I have been cheated and I choose not to fight, it is not because I’m stupid or squeamish but because I expect God to intervene on my behalf. Therefore, if indeed Atiku Abubakar and others have been robbed, the judgment of God will be harsher than that of the Supreme Court. But since I wasn’t the candidate, I accept whatever measures Atiku decides to take to regain his mandate (a tall order in this clime) and whatever psychological pleasure he derives from exposing the rot and corruption perpetrated by some of your operatives. It is after all his Constitutional right to challenge the result, as President Muhammadu Buhari did on three earlier occasions when it appeared that he had been short-changed. When tomorrow comes, truth will certainly come out.

Please, don’t be deceived by the deluge of greetings that you have received, and will be receiving from both well-meaning Nigerians or soldiers of fortune. Some would do it more out of protocol than sincerity. No matter how many of the revellers visit you and your government in Aso Rock Presidential villa, those visitors will never succeed in conferring legitimacy on your government until we know what actually transpired. Or maybe we will never know, as notoriously typical of our country!

Let me also plead with you to speak to your government most frankly, if anyone would listen to your admonition. President Buhari and his cronies should not over-celebrate and over-dramatise this pyrrhic victory. It is a victory littered with human blood. What you need urgently is to beg God to forgive all those who spilled innocent blood because they must remain in power. I can see that your Party’s army of occupation is still going on rampage in the South South of Nigeria, as if we are in a State of war. I read the article by the brilliant journalist, Comfort Obi, about the state of anarchy in the South South and I had tears in my eyes. Is it that there is more than this proclivity for power to control minds over matter? All parties and persons involved in this higgledy-piggledy need to sit back and remember how transient power is. What shall it profit a man who inherits the whole world but perishes in hell?

I just needed to pour out my heart to you, Sir. Instead of committing more sin by the way your government continues to pummel Atiku and his friends, I beg you to prevail on your people and the Party to be temperate and show great magnanimity in victory. The clock is ticking.

My warmest regards to you and yours, as always…

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