SATURDAY 4TH MAY 2019

Military Plans Grand Offensive against Bandits Task now to cover entire North-west

To unfold Joint operation of all security agencies Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Military authorities yesterday unveiled a plan for a grand offensive against armed bandits who have

intensified attacks in Zamfara and contiguous states, killing and abducting hundreds of innocent Nigerians.

Addressing a news conference in Abuja, Chief

of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai, represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Major General Lamidi Adeosun, said the Army Headquarters

had resolved to reorganise "Exercise Harbin Kunama III", an operation earlier put in place to contain banditry in Zamfara State.

He said the new offensive

will incorporate other security agencies and extend to other states experiencing attacks by bandits.

Major General Adeosun said a joint operation involving

other security agencies would soon be unfolded and would take the epicenter of the crisis.

He said the decision was Continued on page 6

NNPC, Seplat Set to Deliver 300m Standard Cubic of Gas Daily… Page 6 Saturday 4 May, 2019 Vol 24. No 8790

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Osinbajo: FG Committed to Completing 2nd Niger Bridge Economic benefit to the South-east, entire country, will be huge David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The federal government is committed to the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, the access roads as well as

other ongoing projects in South-east geopolitical zone, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said.

He gave the assurance yesterday when he inspected

the Delta State axis of the bridge.

Osinbajo, who was on a one-day working visit to Anambra State to launch the second phase of TraderMoni,

a federal government microcredit scheme for petty traders, said the Buhari administration was determined to complete the Second Niger Bridge on schedule because of its

economic benefits to the zone and the entire country.

He said: “The Second Niger Bridge is among the five projects where money has actually been set aside under a

presidential funding initiative to ensure completion. So, we have no fears that it will be completed as promised and Continued on page 6

Gowon: Ejoor, a Patriot Who Worked to Keep Nigeria One Former military administrator of Midwest buried amidst encomiums Okowa: He lived a diligent, loyal and dedicated life worthy of emulation Anxiety at burial as Gowon collapses Sylvester Idowu in Warri, Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The remains of the former Military Administrator of the defunct Mid-Western region (now Edo and Delta states), Maj. Gen. David Ejoor (Rtd.) were laid to rest yesterday in his hometown, Ovwor, Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government area of Delta State, with dignitaries,

including a former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, describing him as a true patriot.

Gowon said the late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) believed in the unity of Nigeria and was a very good and loyal colleague, who worked with him to keep the country together.

Gowon said: “As a good soldier, he suffered to avoid being captured so that he does not fight another day. He had

a lot of military knowledge.

As a military governor, he was able to reconcile the people of Urhobo and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities as well as the Midwest region. His soul will certainly be unforgettable as a professional soldier and administrator. He was my senior until the change that took place. I will like to say goodbye my colleague, rest well, I pray to God to receive Continued on page 6

FEC Approves N9.2bn for New Model Schools, Others… Page 54

David Ejoor (1932-2019)

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NNPC, Seplat Set to Deliver 300m Standard Cubic of Gas Daily Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government is on the verge of ending the perennial shortfall in domestic gas supply with the inauguration of the Asa North/Ohaji South (ANOH) Gas Processing Company, expected to deliver 300 million standard cubic feet (msfct) of gas per day to the domestic market.

The project, a partnership between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, is an integral part of the seven Critical Gas Development

Project (7CGDP) of the NNPC, and designed to bridge the estimated 3.4 billion cubic feet of gas per day shortfall, which could arise as demand increased to about 7bcf/d by 2020.

A statement, yesterday, by the General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ndu Ughamadu, quoted the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, as saying, "We believe that a private sector-driven project should deliver much faster, hence we came up with a structure outside the existing Joint Venture with the intent of getting the appropriate entities

to participate in the project."

According to the statement, Baru, who also inaugurated the Board of ANOH Gas Processing Company, urged them to sustain the momentum and ensure timely delivery of the project not just within budget but below the budget without compromising the industry best practices of zero incidences.

However, he emphasised that NNPC was fully committed to the initiative and would do whatever was possible to keep the dream alive and ensure smooth delivery of the project.

Speaking on behalf of

Board members, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Saidu Mohammed, who also doubles as NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Gas & Power, affirmed the determination of the company’s directors to work assiduously with the management to ensure attainment of set tasks and targets.

Mohammed described the inauguration as history in the making, noting that this was the first time a midstream company had been unbundled to run on its own from JV operations.

He expressed confidence that the board members would

ensure full activation of the shareholders agreement and grow the company to enviable heights in line with agreed timelines.

On his part, Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Petroleum, Mr. Austin Avuru, described the event as memorable for the indigenous firm.

He noted that under the watch of the NNPC GMD, Seplat and the Corporation had made progress in terms of cementing a partnership that was none acrimonious, saying that Dr. Baru had moved that level of support to the current

venture.

According to him, the GMD demonstrated his confidence in indigenous operators by allowing, "a modest Nigeria Company like Seplat, to strike this kind of JV with NNPC to deliver a project that is not far from a billion USD and to deliver 300mscf/d into the domestic market and to structure a company to do what others may start doing in future - establishing a standalone midstream company.�

The AGPC functions as a partnership between Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), a subsidiary of the NNPC, and Seplat Petroleum using a 50-50

and Delta States and Nigeria at large.

He said Ejoor lived a diligent, loyal and dedicated life worthy of emulation. “If a lot of us continue to live in a manner he lived and believed his thought, I believe we can impact very quickly on our nation. He had all the attributes of a good man. That is a lesson we have to learn. Emulate the very good qualities that he had so that we can impact in this on the nation and change the narrative of the future,�

Okowa said.

Earlier, Brig.-Gen. Dominic Oneya, former military administrator of Kano and Benue states said Ejoor had ran a good race that would always be remembered. “He showed me good example of how to live a good life. I was close to him and his family when I was his Aide De Camp (ADC) between 1974 and 1975,� he said.

In his remark, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said Nigerian

Army and indeed Nigeria would forever miss Ejoor. “An astute professional soldier, great peace maker, good human resource manager, robust administrator and a distinguished elder statesman,� Buratai said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Rev. Father, Gregory Umukoro, in his sermon at Ejoor compound in Ovwor, said late Ejoor lived a fulfilled life.

Others who graced the occasion were the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok Ete-Ibas; retired Gen. Alani Akinnade; retired Gen. Alex Ogomudia and former Delta governor, James Ibori.

Also in attendance were President-General, Urhobo Progressive Union, Chief Moses Taiga, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other serving and retired military personnel.

Panic As Gowon Slumps During Oration Panic however gripped the crowd at the funeral when

Gowon slumped while giving his oratory on Ejoor.

The former military ruler slumped mid-way during his oration at the grave side of late Ejoor but the military personnel made fruitless efforts to bar visual coverage of the incident.

General Gowon was promptly rushed by Senior officers of the military into a special tent for emergency resuscitation. Okowa and Chief James Ibori, former governor of Delta state dashed into the tent as part of efforts to ensure he recovered.

THISDAY observed that a military as well as Delta State ambulances were immediately moved into the front of the tent should in case the former Head of State's health deteriorates further.

After a moment, Ibori and Okowa emerged from the tent, an indication that the former army boss had recovered.

Ejoor, who was COAS between 1972 and 1975, died on February 10, at the age of 87.

the money would help them to buy more wares and also enhance their profit margin, thereby improving the standard of living of their families.

A press release by Mrs. Adeniji, said the launch of the second phase was to sustain the continued efforts to meet the primary objective of “broadening financial inclusion, and increasing access to affordable credit for traders and small business owners.�

She said: “This phase will target at least 2,000 new TraderMoni and MarketMoni

beneficiaries. This is in addition to the over 30,000 TraderMoni and 4,000 plus MarketMoni beneficiaries that received the GEEP loans in the first phase, between 2017 and 2018. “Prior to this official market activation, 200 new MarketMoni beneficiaries had been recorded in the state.

The second phase will also target traders for the N15,000 Next Level TraderMoni loans for traders who have repaid the first N10,000 loan.�

Speaking in the same vein, the Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano, hailed the

TraderMoni and MarketMoni initiative.

He said the scheme would encourage the culture of repayment of loans and ensure the prosperity of traders.

The governor also commended the federal government’s zeal towards the ongoing Second Niger Bridge and the completed Zik Mausoleum.

On his part, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, suggested that the federal government should set up a Board of Trustees to manage the affairs of the Zik Mausoleum.

destabilise the normal life, rights and freedom of the people across the country as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

"I want to assure the general public that the Nigerian Army will carry out its constitutional mandate professionally and within the ambit of the law," he said.

The bandits terrorising the North-west of the country were at the height of their criminal enterprise on Wednesday night, attacking Government Girls Secondary School, Moriki in Zuru Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, where they kidnapped six persons.

A witness that saw the

Zamfara attack said the attackers opened fire on the school, killing one man, and abducting two teachers and four nursing students.

Worried about the ugly development, the House of Representatives resolved on Thursday to summon President Muhammadu Buhari to come and explain how he is tackling the escalating banditry.

The resolution followed an amendment to a motion of urgent national importance by Hon. Dayyabu Safana, urging lawmakers to propose to the Buhari-led federal government to impose state of emergency in Safana/Batsari/Dan-Musa Federal Constituency, Katsina State as a way to curb armed

banditry.

Buhari is also under attack from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which Thursday held him responsible for the worsening state of insecurity in the land, saying the president was loitering around the United Kingdom while the nation was under the siege of gun-wielding criminals.

A statement by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, called on Buhari to immediately return home and use the remaining part of his first tenure to seek help instead of wandering abroad under the guise of private visits to the UK.

GOWON: E JOOR, A PATRIOT WHO WORKED TO KEEP NIGERIA ONE you in His bosom.�

On his part, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo said that the spectacular contribution of Ejoor to the struggle to keep Nigeria as a united entity could not be forgotten “in the anal of our common history’’.

Obaseki said that Ejoor would be richly acclaimed for his love and peaceful coexistence of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria.

The Edo State Governor said: "Today, we mourn the demise of an illustrious son of the defunct Mid-Western region, Lt. Maj. Gen. David Ejoor, whose life sojourn is replete with landmark achievements as a one-time Military Administrator of defunct Mid-Western region, former Chief of Army Staff, first indigenous commander of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the most senior chief of Olomo Council of Chiefs in Olomo Kingdom, a consummate traditional and community leader and one time President General of the

Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU). Even in our grief, we are spurred more to honour a man of many achievements and contributions to humanity. “He will be remembered for his belief in true federalism and his pioneering role in drafting the Nigeria Defence Policy. The manner in which the Nigerian military is represented in this occasion gives credence to the rich legacy and the life he lived.

"In my role as the current governor of Edo State, which is an offshoot of the Mid-Western Region where Gen. David Ejoor etched his enviable path of leadership, I think we owe him a sea of gratitude for erecting a right beacon of leadership which I am proud to emulate and follow.

"Maj. Gen. David Ejoor's spectacular contributions to the struggle of keeping Nigeria as a united entity will remain salutary in the annals of our common history. He will be richly acclaimed because of his love and struggle for the

peaceful coexistence of the different ethnic regions in Nigeria and the progress of the entire country."

Obaseki added that late Ejoor, "will forever be remembered for his fervent belief in true federalism, his pioneering role in drafting the Nigeria Defense Policy with the full support of the Nigerian military. The manner in which the Nigerian military is represented on this occasion to honour this great general lends credence to the rich legacy and life he lived. As the world stands in awe of the departed elder statesman who died at the ripe age of 87, I join thousands all over the world today, particularly his immediate family, the Urhobo nation and the Nigerian Military, on behalf of myself and good people of Edo State to wish our dearly beloved father, a deserving farewell."

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, on his part, described late Ejoor as an elder statesman, who contributed immensely to the development of Edo

OSINBAJO: FG COMMITTED TO COMPLETING 2ND NIGER BRIDGE scheduled. “We want to make sure that even in terms of execution of projects, we are fair and just, which is the commitment that the president has made.

The President is committed to ensuring that he brings this to fulfillment.�

The Vice President reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that the country remained united, “where nobody would be oppressed.�

He said: “We are all brothers regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.�

Meanwhile, petty traders

in Awka, Anambra State and Onitsha the commercial nerve center of the state, were yesterday elated as the Vice President launched the second phase of the TraderMoni and MarketMoni in the state.

The schemes were launched in both Eke Awka in Awka South Local Government Area and Ochanja Market in Onitsha.

The traders went into jubilant mode immediately Osinbajo arrived Eke Awka market at about 12 pm, as they sang the praise of the federal government.

Our correspondent gathered

from beneficiaries that the amounts ranging from N10,000 for beneficiaries of the TraderMoni and N50,000 for the beneficiaries of the MarketMoni had been paid to the traders the previous day.

Osinbajo, who arrived with the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, and the Executive director of the Bank of Industry (BoI), Mrs. Toyin Adeniji, moved round the market to interact with the beneficiaries who were happy about the receipt of the money.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to THISDAY said

MILITARY PLANS GRAND OFFENSIVE AGAINST BANDITS premised on the fact that bandits were relocating to safe havens in other states like Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna after they were displaced in Zamfara.

"A joint operation comprising all the security agencies would unfold soon.

They are taking over the epicenter of the crisis.

"The COAS wants us to provide a wedge, a blockade that will plug all the loopholes through which the bandits escape", he said last. This informed the decision to reorganise Exercise ‘Harbin Kunama’ and expand its mandate.

"It has however been observed that there appears

to be a resurgence of their activities in other contiguous states to Zamfara.

"This is occasioned by fleeing bandits that have resorted to attacking soft targets while relocating to other safe havens within contiguous states of Katsina and Sokoto. Current threat assessments revealed the migration of the bandits from their epicenter to other areas in Kaduna, Kano and Niger States", he said.

According to him, "It is against this backdrop that Exercise Harbin Kunama III is being re-organised and its mandate expanded to effectively ensure the complete defeat of the fleeing bandits.

"This is to restore public

confidence and enhance safety while also ensuring socio-economic activities continue without fear or intimidation".

He appealed for the understanding of the public on the inconveniences they may face during the operations.

"It is on this premise that I want to plead with the general public to persevere in the face of seeming inconveniences due to restrictions that may be imposed in these areas while the Nigerian Army is conducting the exercise.

"The Nigerian Army mandate is aimed at building confidence and ensuring our country is rid of criminal elements that are poised to

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NEWS

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

TAKING STOCK ...

L-R: Non-Executive Director, FBN Holdings Plc, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan; Group Managing Director, U.K Eke; Group Chairman, Dr. Oba Otudeko; and company’s secretary, Oluseye Kosoko, during the 7th annual general meeting of FBN Holdings Plc in Lagos...recently

Akabueze: Fuel Subsidy Removal Still Under Consideration Nume Ekeghe The Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze, yesterday said the federal government was still mulling the removal of fuel subsidy.

He also pointed out that there were concerns over the recent increase in workers’ minimum wage.

Akabueze, said this on the ‘Morning Show,’ on Arise Television, a THISDAY sister broadcast station.

Speaking on the recent approval of a new national minimum wage and how to avert further borrowing to fund the increase, he said: “The government would make the recommendations public when it deems it necessary to do so and there is a process that is currently on-going. “It would be difficult for me to comment even though I was a member and secretary of that committee.

“Broadly speaking, the recommendations about initiatives for raising revenues and for cutting cost where feasible. “I can assure you that there are not much recommendations that are totally novel.�

Responding to a question on the raging debate of the fuel subsidy, he said: “Again this is a matter that is under consideration. Right now, we had a situation where the current administration has made some adjustment in petroleum pricing on PMS and because all other products have been deregulated.

It is only about petrol with N145 on the price. “Given the current dynamics of the oil market, the landing cost of PMS is more than the price ceiling and so what has happened is that the private traders of petroleum products have moved away from the market but NNPC given its commitment to ensure availability of petroleum products in the country now finds itself the only

one in that business of importing and distribution. “And in that process, is incurring losses. So the under-recovery of the trading in PMS washes off on the over recovery of profits in some other lines of their business and that is the way it is happening until we get to the point where we can make some kind of firm decision on how to proceed. “Whatever decision we make on recovery is only interim.

The goal of the administration is to increase domestic refining capacity. When we have sufficient capacity, some of the cost elements that contribute to what we call subsidy would disappear and so if the products were refined domestically, we would expect cost like transportation, financing cost for period of ordering to delivery and even the infrastructure cost that is required to manage and handle importation, insurance and more.

Whatever happens to subsidy is only interim measure.�

Sanusi, Mbeki in Rejigged MTN Group, Advisory Board Emma Okonji

MTN Group, yesterday, announced significant changes to the Group Board and the establishment of an International Advisory Board (IAB).

The MTN Group Board is of the view that MTN had entered a more stable and settled period which enabled it to now effect an evolution of the Board following recent challenging regulatory environments and competitive trading conditions.

According to MTN Group, the changes in Group’s Board would take effect over the next 12 months.

The Chairman of MTN Group, Phuthuma Nhleko, who was anticipated to step down from his position at the AGM to be held on 23 May 2019, will step down from the Board on 15

December 2019 after overseeing an orderly transition of the Board including the establishment of the International Advisory Board.

Mcebisi Jonas has been appointed Chairman-designate and will assume the position of Chairman of MTN Group effective 15 December 2019. Dr. Khotso Mokhele will assume the responsibilities of Lead Independent Director with effect from 15 December 2019.

Further, Alan Harper, Jeff Van Rooyen and Koosum Kaylan will step down from the Board on 15 December 2019 after an orderly transition and handover to incoming directors.

Peter Mageza and Dawn Marole will step down from the Board effective 30 April 2020.

One of the major changes in the MTN Group Board, is the appointment the Emir of Kano, His

Royal Highness Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Vincent Rague with effect from 1 July 2019.

Sanusi is a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who was crowned the 14th Emir of Kano, after the death of the former Emir, Ado Bayero.

Vincent Rague is a Kenyan national who worked for the International Finance Corporation for 24 years in a number of senior positions. MTN Group, in a statement, said it remained confident that the incoming directors would bring a wealth of experience, diversity of skills and regional experience to the Board.

This is just as the Board has resolved to establish an international advisory board (IAB) of prominent persons of considerable and wide-ranging experience.

Commenting on the controversy surrounding the federal government’s Tradermoni, he said: “Anyone that says Tradermoni is extra budgetary probably hasn’t read the budget and doesn’t understand it. “There is a N500 billion provision in the budget and it has been there in the last three years, every year, in what we call the social investment program of the government and Tradermoni is only a small component of that. “Tradermoni is provided for in the budget but what has happened also in terms of the delivery and mechanism for delivery. Rather than set up another agency or another structure, of government, government decided to utilise the Bank of Industry which already had an arm of it focused on MSMEs.

“One of the programmes under the social investment and there are five programmes and one of them is the government empowerment programme (GEP) and Tradermoni, Marketmoni are simply just an element of that and a small one at that. So there is nothing extra budgetary about that.�

Responding to a question on the 2019 budget that was recently passed by the Senate, he said: “As we speak, we have not received the details of what they passed from the National Assembly.

And on the usual process, that when they pass the budget, they communicate details to Mr. President who passed them on to us, and we then match what they have passed to what was sent and then try to understand rationale for the changes and what need to

be done to implement them and if it was implementable.�

Akabueze also explained why some items on the budget were repeated in the annual budget. “Also, because resources are constrained, if an agency has a need for 200 computers, we then would say to them that ‘sorry, we might not be able to fund 200 computers in one year, we will be able to fund only 50 computers in a year. “What that means is that in year one, you will see 50 computers in the budget of that agency, in year two, you would see 50 computers in the budget of that agency again, then same as year three and year four. “But that is not repetitive, but 200 computers bought over four years.�

Buhari Group AttacksYari over Prediction on Looming Economic Crisis Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Buhari Media Organisation has described the warning by the Zamfara State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governor Forum (NGF), Abdulaziz Yari, that the country risks another recession in the few years, as wrong and misguided.

The group said that it was aligning with the position of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (NCCI) to debunk the statement credited to Governor of Zamfara State at the Nigerian Governors Forum Yari had in his address at induction for new and returning governors held last Monday, cautioned his colleagues to brace up for another recession in 2020, if nothing was done to diversify and reposition the country’s economy.

But BMO, in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, the group said Nigerians should disregard the warning as false

alarm. “Nigerians should dismiss the false alarm raised by Governor Yari because the Buhari administration runs the Nigerian economy on an economic template of Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) with a robust roadmap towards sustainable growth,� it said.

The Buhari lobby group said although Nigeria’s population growth currently outpaces Nigeria’s economic growth, recent indices had also put the country’s economy on the trajectory of growth.

It added that just like the CBN forecast shows, the country’s GDP will record a sustained growth trajectory from its present 1.9 per cent to 3 per cent in 2019 and attain the single digit inflation target encapsulated in the ERGP. “How can Nigeria slip back into recession when there is a tight monetary policy which has seen an increase in the nation’s foreign Reserves to $44.3 billion dollars from $22 billion dollars

left by the PDP administration? “How can Nigeria slip back into recession when there are deliberate attempts at revamping Nigeria’s rail system, deepening road networks and giving facelifts to airports across the country? “How can Nigeria slip back into recession when reforms like Treasury Single Account (TSA) have been actively pursued to cut down on the leakages from the public treasury? “How can Nigeria slip back into recession when the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund (NSWF) managed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) grew by $350 million?� it stated.

According to BMO, the indicators were easily verifiable; there is a deliberate policy direction to lift more Nigerians out of poverty, it is evident from the impact assessment and independent report of the administration’s social investment programmes (SIP) that had touched 13 million Nigerians across the youth, women, and children demography.

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PERSPECTIVE

Godwin EmeďŹ ele’s Midas Touch in Agriculture Sani Tureta

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o Governor in the history of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has strongly impacted on the country’s agriculture sector as seen in the almost five-year leadership of Godwin Emefiele. He has creatively implemented strategy to diversify the productive base of Nigeria’s economy, thus, creating thousands of jobs in agriculture and conserving foreign exchange. This CBN governor has gone all out to help regain the lost glory of Nigeria in agriculture, meet the local demand and stop the exportation of jobs to other countries at the detriment of our local farmers and industries.

Aside from conserving foreign exchange, the introduction of the policy that excluded 43 items from being procured with foreign exchange from the Nigerian forex markets by Emefiele, was largely aimed at improving domestic agriculture production.

Recall that in March, Emefiele met with stakeholders in the cotton, textile and garment sector where he announced some policy measures to revive the sub-sector, including the reinforcement of the ban on the use of forex from official sources to finance import of textiles. By 2020, the CBN governor expects textile manufacturers to have backward integration arrangements to produce cotton to feed their facilities. He also promised to fast-track the financing of 100,000 cotton farmers in 2019 farming season to meet the needs of Nigerian ginneries while efforts are being made to ensure that cotton seeds are produced locally to meet domestic demand for planting purposes.

In order to fully revive textile industries across the nation, the CBN also decided to provide financial support to textile manufacturers at single digit rate, to refit, retool and upgrade their factories in order to produce high quality textile materials for the local and export market. In addition, the CBN has restricted access to FX for all forms of textile. This CBN governor has laid the foundation expected to plug the loss of over $2 billion on textile importation annually.

His engagements with Oil Palm Value Chain Stakeholders (Plantation Owners, Refiners, Research Institutes and Associations) have also been yielding fruits. Emefiele has helped to catalyze and fast-track investments across the oil palm value chain. Oil palm is on the forex excluded list. Now, official figures indicate that importation of oil palm had declined by about 40 per cent from the peak of 506,000 MTs in 2014 to 302,000 MT in 2017. This CBN governor has clearly changed the narrative.

Last March, the CBN governor met with Oil Palm Value Chain Stakeholders, where he rolled out further steps and set a partnership model that would, with immediate effect, stimulate investments in the palm oil plantations such that within the next five years, the global share of the Nigeria’s oil palm production would increase. “Our ultimate vision is to overtake Thailand and Columbia to become the 3rd largest producer in the next 10 years,� Emefiele said at the meeting.

The CBN governor also told the Oil Palm Value Chain Stakeholders that, “on the finance supply side, the Bankers’ Committee had established a special subcommittee to make recommendations on sustainable financing models for oil palm and four other critical agricultural commodities that include cocoa, sesame seed, shea-butter and cashew.

His engagements with state governors on how to increase oil palm production are also yielding fruits.

Emefiele said: “I am happy to announce that all the states in the South-South and South-East regions have agreed to provide at least 100,000 hectares for the oil palm initiative. This programme also accommodates the small holder oil palm farmers. For the country to attain self-sufficiency, there has to be committed development of more estate plantations and coordinated partnerships between the small holder plantation farmers and processors.

The oil palm industry is a US$60 billion market and Emefiele believes Nigeria desperately needs to be a major player. That was why he promised that the CBN would work with stakeholders to ensure availability of quality seeds and agro-chemicals, ensure land clearing services at affordable cost, and above all, guaranteed prices and markets for all products in the value chain.

The Government’s Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) has ensured that Nigeria emerged from being a net importer of rice to becoming a major producer of rice. The significant reduction in imports of rice from Thailand represents a saving of over US$600 million to Nigeria in 2016 alone. It is heart-warming to note that this fall in imports have been largely filled by a boost in local rice production. As at October 2018, thousands of farmers cultivating about 835,239 hectares, across 16 different commodities, have so far benefited from the

EmeďŹ ele, CBN governor Anchor Borrowers programme, which has generated 2,502,675 jobs across the country.

No doubt, these measures by Emefiele have started bearing fruit with enquiries by various stakeholders and serious investors about doing agriculture business in Nigeria.

The CBN, under Emefiele’s leadership, was able to increase lending to the agriculture sector, through targeted intervention schemes such as the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund (MSMEDF), Anchor Borrowers Programme, Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme and the Real Sector Support Facility. In particular, he worked on improving domestic supply of four commodities (rice, fish, sugar and wheat), that consume about N1.3 trillion annually in Nigeria’s import bill.

Furthermore, to spur banks’ lending to high-impact sector, including agriculture, the CBN, at its July 2018 MPC, pledged to refund CRR to banks that bring proposal for funding of new projects or expansion of existing ones in agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Accordingly, they will qualify for CRR refund of up to 100 per cent. Banks are using this opportunity to expand credits to the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

The recovery of the Nigerian economy has been driven largely by improved non-oil activities, especially the agriculture sector which expanded consistently by about 3.5–4.3 percent, reflecting Emefiele’s efforts at helping to diversify the economy. The gradual re-orientation of the economic structure towards the agriculture sector is a reflection of the diversification drive and the development finance initiatives of the CBN under Emefiele.

Activities in the manufacturing sector also witnessed significant improvement between August 2016 and February 2019, thanks to improvement in local production of agricultural raw materials. The Primary Manufacturing Index rose for 23 consecutive months, from a low of 42 points in August 2016 to 57 points in February 2019. This development was attributed to sustained supply of foreign exchange and stability of the Naira. Due to the dogged implementation of Forex restriction on certain items, Nigeria recorded spectacular improvements in domestic production of agricultural raw materials. Local manufacturers across the country are reporting major boosts to their revenue and profit due to the policy.

The efforts by the CBN over the past three years, to retool the country’s economy have been focused on limiting the reemergence of the vulnerabilities that precipitated and exacerbated the 2015–2017 economic crisis. These vulnerabilities were an overwhelming dependence on oil revenues for the country’s foreign exchange and a high level of imports. Emefiele has been building on efforts at driving domestic productivity and increasing exports of processed goods from

Nigeria. This is paramount, in order to limit the impact of oil prices on the Nigerian economy.

With the CBN continued efforts at driving indigenous production in high-impact real sector activities, especially agriculture and manufacturing, Nigeria’s GDP has consistently been on the rise for almost three years.

The Emefiele agriculture revolution has no doubt contributed to the reasonable measure of economic success achieved in the last four years, such as exiting recession, gradually growing the GDP, moderating the level of inflation, stable exchange rates and maintaining a comfortable level of external reserves.

Emefiele’s CBN has been aggressively deepening its foray into development banking, by ensuring that adequate support, through several means, is directed to support producers of products such as rice, fish, tomato, wheat, textiles, palm oil and the range of items on the list of 43 items excluded from Forex in the Nigerian forex market.

As at March 15, 2019, in order to improve local rice production, the CBN committed a total of N171.35 billion in the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme with active participation across the 36 states of the Federation and FCT. Thousands of farmers have benefited from the Anchor Borrowers Programme, cultivating about 960,643 hectares of land across the states and FCT. Given the success achieved under this programme the CBN has promised to continue to support it until the full potential of the sector is achieved.

The CBN intervention in production of tomatoes currently stands at a little over N10 billion in eight projects. One of the projects is the Dangote Green House tomato manufacturing project, which has the capacity to produce 10 million tomato seedlings in a month. This would be sold to about 5,000 outgrowers that would grow and supply the tomato factory, which has commenced operations, with tomato fruits. The project has the capacity of generating one million jobs from supporting small holder farmers in tomato cultivation to paste. This project has the capacity to save the Nigerian economy over US$250 million annually.

This renewed focus by the CBN to support improved growth in the agriculture and manufacturing Sectors in Nigeria, is clearly in line with the federal government’s determination to diversify the base of Nigeria’s economy away from a reliance on crude oil, so as to insulate our economy from the vagaries and shocks associated with volatility in crude oil prices.

No doubt, this CBN governor has done more than enough for Nigeria’s economy in five years. Many will not forget in a hurry how he oversaw Nigeria’s widely-acclaimed response to the plummeting of crude oil prices, a spiraling inflation, significant exchange rate pressures, sharp fall in Forex inflows, delisting of Nigeria from the JP Morgan Bond Index, normalisation of US monetary policy, geopolitical tensions amongst global superpowers, and overall uncertainty following the historic change of Nigeria’s Federal Government in 2015.

In particular, the Bank’s policies helped Nigeria achieve the following fast-paced recovery from recession, which was caused by sharp and sustained oil price declines from 2015 through 2017. This is a milestone. In contrast, Nigeria’s peers are still struggling. South Africa is basically still in recession while Egypt had to resort to a US$12 billion IMF loan.

Emefiele successfully managed the longest month by month decline in inflation from about 19 per cent in January 2017 to about 11 percent in July 2018. He helped to avert a major crisis with labour groups by innovatively assisting the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari offset billions of arrears in salaries, pensions and gratuities. He led the drive for a sharp drop in Nigeria’s import bill, thereby restoring the country’s current account to a surplus.

His deft economic policies boosted the value of the Naira, which had depreciated to about N520/US$1 as at January 2016. Today, the Governor’s policies restored it to about N360/US$1. Indeed, using uncommon vigilance and deep knowledge of the markets, the rate stayed same throughout Nigeria’s general elections, a first for the country.

He created the Investor-Exporters FX Window, which triggered an inflow of over US$25 billion into the country. There is also the massive accretion in the country’s Foreign Exchange Reserves, from about US$23 billion in October 2016 to nearly US$48 billion in June 2018.

Under Emefiele, there was massive expansion of banking services with financial inclusion rate reaching nearly 64 per cent in 2018, up from only 32 per cent in 2012. He also facilitated major improvements in Nigeria’s ranking on the World Bank’s Doing Business Indicators through the creation of the Collateral Registry and Credit Reference Bureaus. This man clearly deserves another five years as CBN governor.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 4, 2019

SUPER SATURDAY Regina Daniels

Relishing Romance with Ned Nwoko Young Nollywood star, Regina Daniels, is enjoying all the glitz associated with befriending billionaire businessman and politician Ned Nwoko. The last few days saw Regina making numerous public appearances with Nwoko. The secret marriage of the love birds is no longer looking like one of the tales from Nollywood, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

A

fter a supposedly traditional introduction ceremony held quietly in Regina Daniels’ family compound in Asaba, Delta State, the news was quite rife that the young movie star and her billionaire businessman had secretly tied the knot. As it seemed, not a few had doubted the veracity of the gist of Regina’s romance with Ned Nwoko.

It became a very big issue of public interest early in April after the news of their marriage circulated further. Regina is believed to be Nwoko’s 6th wife. Both Regina and Nwoko, a former House of Reps member, did not deny the rumour even as it dominated the blogosphere and social media space. There was further confirmation with Regina seen displaying opulence nestled in expensive cars, wristwatches and mansions and being flown in a private jet.

On few occasions, she was spotted cruising around Abuja in a red Ferrari. Late in March 2019, Regina set tongues wagging after she showed off a Rolex wristwatch she bought for over N3 million. In the same month, the ‘Dumebi in School’ actress shared pictures of a house she bought for her mother and two Mercedez cars she acquired.

She had earlier flaunted a new Brabus G Wagon, all supposedly courtesy of billionaire Nwoko. One could then imagine the reaction that greeted keen observers and their followers seeing pictures of the “couple” trend online when they stepped out for the first time at an event last weekend.

The two had attended a convocation ceremony where Nwoko was awarded a honourary doctorate degree by the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) in Effurun, Warri Delta State. This public appearance put paid to the rumours of the marriage.

Soon after the ceremony, the actress and her billionaire husband were filmed digging it on the dance floor in a manner that depicts Regina in her ‘small girl, big god’ mood at the after event party anchored by ‘Reggae Blues’ crooner, Harrysong. In the video also was Regina’s mum, Rita Daniels. Further footage showed Nwoko introducing Regina to one of his wives, a Moroccan.

Prompted by the footage, this writer who had been in talks with the mum to interview her daughter put a call through to her about the news making the rounds concerning her beloved daughter’s marriage to the billionaire businessman and politician, of which Rita responded thus…

“I don’t understand what do you want me to comment about,” and quickly put off the phone.

That was before she stated she would be in Abuja this weekend. Attempts to reach her immediately afterwards were turned down as she refused to take further calls.

Nwoko, a strong pillar in PDP Delta State where Regina hails from, a lawyer by profession, could be described as a “sweet old wine” that young actress is sipping happily.

Regina, the fifth child in a family of six siblings made her professional debut appearance in the 2015 widely acclaimed Nollywood movie, Marriage in Sorrow.

Regina’s mother, Rita, is well known in the movie industry. She is an actress and a prominent member of the Actors Guild in

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 4, 2019

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SUPERSATURDAY Relishing Romance with Ned Nwoko Delta State. Rita is said to have been very supportive of her daughter’s acting career.

Raised by a mother who is grounded in acting, it is not surprising that it only took Regina a few years to become conversant with the rudiments of the arts. The star actress emerged on the Nigerian entertainment scene at a very young age of seven featuring in a slew of Nollywood movies due to the pivotal roles her mother played in pushing her to stardom within the movie community.

Regina draws strong influence from her mother Rita on whose dictate the wedding was believed to have been consummated.

On one instance, Regina had declared: “The Journey of Regina Daniels started with a woman (Rita Daniels). You were determined to see me succeed, you dropped your own career for me, took lots of insult from people who now beg to feature me in their movies, you hawked,

you carried cement just so we could have a roof over our head, you pushed wheel barrow to earn money, you did lots of hard jobs just for survival.”

The mass communication student of Igbinedion University, Benin, added: “I know that no matter what I do, it can’t repay you for all that you have done.

You dropped your marriage for our sake, suffered a lot, you didn’t have a life of your own, you lived your life all for your children (birth and adopted). You feel my pain even without a single word from me.

Thank you mummy for being you. Happy birthday my world.”

In her precocious wisdom, she had sworn allegiance to her mum whom she owes her all. “My mum has always been there for me. I owe her a lot. It was through the help of my mother that I started acting.

I didn’t really see myself reaching this stage. It all happened all of a sudden. My

mother suffered and made sure I got to this stage in life. Till now, I don’t really have any challenges because my mother is always there, guiding me and also protecting me.”

Regina Daniels is quite outstanding and unique. Not just because of her fame in Nigeria and beyond but also because of her thriving success. The starlet’s first movie, as she once shared, fetched her N10,000 but as time progressed, Regina began scoring lucrative acting gigs that was putting an average of N100,000 in her pocket.

During a recent interview, she disclosed that she gets N500,000 per movie. She further revealed that she had been working on herself so as to become a household name in Africa and beyond. At the moment, there are several conflicting reports on how much Regina makes for roles in Nollywood. With Regina’s status elevation

by Nwoko, it would not be surprising if

the actress raises her appearance fee for movies.

A London trained lawyer, Nwoko’s London-based law firm, Ned Nwoko Solicitors, engages in management and verification of foreign debts of third world countries, including their component states.

While little is known about his other wives, in spite of being away from politics, Nwoko was never away from the news.

Some years back, perhaps in giving vent to his architectural streak, he designed and built a wondrous home on a large expanse of land in his native Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. The eye-popping edifice, nicknamed ‘Castle in the Air,’ is a combination of Arabian and western designs complemented with a royal traditional touch which experts have described as tourists’ destination.

Regina with Ned Nwoko

My Mum Has Always Been There for Me. I Owe Her a Lot

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COMMENTARY

DATA SECURITY AND PRIVACY

It is important for organisations to develop data security and implementation procedure to protect themselves and their customers, writes Zacheaus Akanni Technology advances at a supersonic speed. This advancement has led to the generation, collection, processing, and transfer of gargantuan amount of data at an exponential rate. According to Forbes, by the year 2020, the accumulated digital universe of data would be around 44 zettabytes of data or 44 trillion gigabytes.

This exponential growth of data has raised a number of concerns including, but not limited to, cyber-attack, hacking, cyber-bullying, doxxing, phishing, identity theft, among other things. In its 2018 Global Risks Report, the World Economic Forum ranks the top 10 risks in the likelihood of their happenstance. Cyber-attack ranks third while data fraud or theft ranks fourth. In terms of impact, cyber-attack rank sixth.

In recent times, massive data breaches have diminished public confidence in major players in the tech world. The one that easily comes to mind is the harvest of personal information of more than 80 million Facebook users by Cambridge Analytica. The possibility of abuse, misappropriation and breach of personal data has led to the promulgation of laws and regulations geared towards the protection of personal data/information.

On 25 January 2019, the Nigerian National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) issued the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (the 2019 Regulation). The regulation applies to all residents of Nigeria, all citizens of Nigeria residing outside of Nigeria and all transactions for the processing of personal data of such individuals.

For the sake of clarity, personal data refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable person and it includes names, photo, identification number, address, email address, bank account details, any physiological or genetic feature, posts on any social media networking websites, among other things.

The regulation applies to all categories of personal information across all sectors and provides basic rights and protections to data subjects. It requires that organisations obtain consent before collecting personal information, disclose how the information is to be used, provide how consumers may request the deletion of their information.

By the provisions of the 2019 Regulations, organisations and persons involved in collection, storage and processing shall develop such security measures necessary to minimise the security risks of keeping personal information. Such measures include and are not limited to, protecting systems from hackers, setting up firewalls, storing data securely with access to specific authorized individuals, employing data encryption technologies, developing organizational policy for handling personal data (and other sensitive or confidential data), protection of emailing systems and continuous capacity building for staff.

Personal information must be secured against all foreseeable hazards and breaches such as theft, cyber-attack, viral attack, dissemination, manipulations of any kind, damage by rain, fire or exposure to other natural elements.

Where an organisation is subcontracting its data security/processing obligations to another party, it must be governed by a written contract

PERSONAL INFORMATION MUST BE SECURED AGAINST ALL FORESEEABLE HAZARDS AND BREACHES SUCH AS THEFT, CYBER-ATTACK, VIRAL ATTACK, DISSEMINATION, MANIPULATIONS OF ANY KIND, DAMAGE BY RAIN, FIRE OR EXPOSURE TO OTHER NATURAL ELEMENTS

between the third party and the organisation, which shall ensure strict compliance with the regulation.

Any organisation collecting personal information of persons must publish a privacy policy in a “simple and conspicuous� manner that the data subject can understand on the website, or other media through which the information are collected. The policy should contain, among other things: one, the description of the personal information being collected; two, the purpose of collection of the information; three, the technical methods used to collect and store information, cookies, web tokens, etc; four, access, if any, of third parties to personal information and the purpose of access; and five, available remedies in the event of violation of the privacy policy and the time frame for remedy.

Here are a few key principles to consider before preparing your organisation’s data privacy policy: Identify the applicable law. Each legal system imposes different guidelines to regulate the collection and processing of personal information. The first step, therefore, is to identify the relevant laws which will apply to your website or other media of collection of information.

Your policy should be sector-specific. There is no privacy policy that is a one-size-fits-all. Therefore, one of the first steps in preparing your website’s data privacy policy should be data mapping. This process will allow you to have comprehensive understanding of the information collected through the website, the uses to which the information is to be put, the third parties with whom it could be shared, etc.

Naturally, this process requires the involvement of several teams within the organisation such as the marketing team, legal department and the IT team. Clarity is key. Avoid legalese and complex jargon or you might have a hard time proving that your readers understand your privacy policy.

Dispute resolution. A clause setting out the dispute resolution process is needed, should the need arise.

Usually, personal information is collected for diverse purposes.

Data may be collected in order to access some commercial services (e-banking, e-commerce) or in exercise of a legal right (voters’ card) or pursuant to some statutory regulation (SIM registration). Whatever the purpose for which you collect personal data/user information of people, your organisation’s data security and privacy policy is not something to be taken with frivolity. In recent times, sanctions are being imposed on the biggest players in the tech industry for data breaches and careless handling of personal information. In Nigeria, sanctions for breach of the rights of any data subject are stipulated in the 2019 Regulation. It should be noted that no clause excluding or limiting liability for breach of the regulation shall have any effect. It is therefore important for organisations to develop comprehensive data security and privacy policy and implementation procedure to protect themselves and the personal data of their customers.

Akanni is a lawyer

BUDGET 2019: FOWLER AND ALI AS METAPHOR Cyril Okafor writes that the FIRS and Customs Service are working hard to meet the challenges of the time

I

n political circles, the common saying is that “money is for spendingâ€?. Nothing conďŹ rms this again than the action of federal lawmakers and their counterparts in Lagos few days ago. In passing their budgets - albeit belatedly - at separate sessions in Abuja, the legislators unilaterally topped up the budget estimates submitted by the executive branch.

Whereas the federal budget was raised by almost N90 billion, N21 billion was added to that of Lagos.

The Abuja lawmakers were more forthcoming on why they hiked the federal appropriations bill. The reasons, we were told, include provision for the severance pay for lawmakers and legislative aides as well as a special intervention of N10 billion in Zamfara due to the ongoing security operation there to curb the upsurge in criminality.

Well, that is the easy part. Budgeting as we already know is merely a declaration of intent to spend. The real challenge is how to generate cash backing for the huge figures appropriated.

Looking ahead, experts are agreed on very modest growth forecasts in the global economy in this financial year. One, the mammoth production lines in places like China are yet to return to the high levels recorded few years ago. The implication for mineral-dependent countries, therefore, remains at best tepid.

Since President Muhammadu Buhari came on board in 2015, there has been heightened effort to reduce the country’s over-reliance on oil by formulating deliberate policies to boost agriculture. But the truth of the matter is that it takes a fairly long time for the seed of reforms in agriculture to mature into visible fruits. It certainly requires not only coherence but also consistency of a whole range of policies to make the magic happen.

To be honest, the Buhari administration has been getting less accolades for not only navigating the national economy from perhaps the worst recession in a generation within two budget cycles without an oil windfall, but also getting the leadership mix right in some revenue-yielding agencies such that returns from such organizations have risen astronomically.

Perhaps the most dramatic has been the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) which, for the first time in its more than 40 years of existence, remitted a record N5 billion to the national treasury.

So, by and large, the performance of the budged passed by the National Assembly will still largely depend on how far the big “cash cows� are ready to up their game. Coming on the heels of the increase in minimum wage from N18,000 to N30,000, the times ahead will certainly tax the financial creativity of governments at federal, state and council levels.

To meet the challenge, the agencies that readily come to mind are, of course, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Customs.

With the no-nonsense Colonel Hammed Ali (rtd.) calling the shots at the Nigerian Customs, the revenue threshold of N1 trillion was crossed for the first in 2017. And the figure for 2018 is also in excess of N1 trillion.

In 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015, Customs had generated N741.8billion, N850.8 billion, N833.4billion and N904 billion respectively.

While the figures of the last three years may appear handsome, some experts however believe the full potential of the Customs are yet to be fully tapped. If the ports operations can be made more efficient, the income accruable to the Customs will only increase.

For instance, access to the nation’s premier port - the Apapa ports - has remained a nightmare while the cargo-clearing process is, at best, still problematic.

But much more spectacular is the FIRS. In the last three years, the revenue generated by the tax board has grown exponentially. From the N3.3 trillion generated in 2016, the tax board achieved N4 trillion in 2017 and raised it further to N5.3 trillion in 2018. Why this growth has been described as very impressive is because it came at a time when the national economy was supposed to be contracting as a result of the recession that befell the country.

Industry experts are optimistic that the figures could, in fact, double within the next two or three

years if the management of the FIRS under Mr. Tunde Fowler is hard-nosed enough to sustain its current bouquet of reforms.

Part of the challenge, therefore, is to continue to explore means to synergize with state authorities through the Joint Tax Board under Oseni Elamah as the Executive Secretary for better results. For, higher return by FIRS simply means there is a bigger pile to share between the federal government and the states at the end of the month.

Already, there has been a raging debate on the feasibility of raising VAT to boost revenue at this point. But the preponderant view is that raising VAT shortly after a “token� wage increase will only impoverish the vast majority of the populace.

What is, therefore, recommended is rather to widen the tax net such that more and more people - particularly the hitherto elusive super affluent - are not only captured but also made to henceforth pay rate commensurate to their wealth.

Here, Fowler has undoubtedly brought his rich experience in Lagos to bear to grow FIRS’ revenue.

As the chairman of the Lagos revenue board, he was credited as helping to grow the state’s IGR from a miserly N600 million at the inception of the Bola Tinubu administration in 1999 to around N8 billion by 2007. Under Fowler’s watch, the figure grew further during the Fashola administration to over N20 billion by 2015. It is quite instructive to note that today, roughly 70 per cent of the revenue FIRS has generated in the past three years comes from Lagos.

The good news is that more durable structures are being erected to institutionalize the process such that in the nearest future the system is no longer man-driven but system-propelled.

Already, the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), the board floated last year, has started bearing fruits as many folks have decided to take advantage of a unique official window to regularize the titles or the names on assets hitherto disguised. In any case, with FIRS working closely with financial institutions like banks, there is really no more hiding place for the affluent who would rather

not pay taxes.

To bring such high-net worth individuals into the tax net, the board has to intensify its engagement with them to mutually agree on the terms of compliance. With more and more of such quiet interactions ending happily, it is believed that FIRS will announce more fantastic figures in the new financial year.

Even more beneficial has been the deployment of technology to substantially automate the processes and ensure more efficiency in operation and cost. The old tax auditing system has been abolished in line with global best practices. Duplication or multiplication of taxes is eliminated by unifying the process for all taxpayers across the country. Another innovation is the electronic tax pay solution, a self-service channel available on all commercial banks internet banking platforms to ease the cumbersomeness associated with the existing manual method.

Also noteworthy are the administrative reforms which have ensured that the cost of operation is drastically reduced. Gone are the days when heads of hundreds of FIRS offices across the country received a lump sum monthly over which they had discretion to spend on petrol, diesel and ancillary matters. Audit by the management after assuming office in 2015 had revealed a pattern of abuse which, in fact, impeded productivity rather than aiding it. Revenue officers who failed to meet target had a ready excuse: lack of petrol in their vehicles or blackout in the office because of lack of diesel for their generators.

To check that, what Fowler did was to introduce a new inventory system such that officials are now only required to sign off a voucher to have their operational vehicles fueled at designated filling stations across the country. At the end of the month, the filling stations compile the vouchers and forward directly to the FIRS for payment. The result has been astonishing: operational costs have fallen by more than 60 per cent.

More of such creative measures are surely required to further grow the FIRS’ revenue in the times ahead.

Dr. Okafor, a ďŹ nancial analyst, wrote from Port Harcourt

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INSIGHT

What’s the way out?

A Legislative Agenda for the Ninth NASS

T

he legislature is an institution of democracy which allows for the participation of all in governance through representation. It is that institution which distinguishes democracy from dictatorship. It is the arm of government which acts as check on the executive. Its functions include law-making, budget control, control over the executive arm, amendment of the constitution and impeachment. With this, it is all too clear that the legislature determines the pace at which the vehicle of a democratic government moves.

If a legislature views matters through a prism different from that which the executive arm uses, a nation is bound to suffer unnecessary political, social and economic tensions. This is to suggest that the level of cordiality between the legislature and especially the executive arm of government is directly proportional to the effective and efficient implementation of developmental policies and programmes by the latter.

As the ninth NASS convenes, it is therefore significant that it has as one of its topmost priorities to work with the executive arm harmoniously and with understanding in the name of a greater Nigeria. This is not to submit that the NASS makes itself a rubber stamp. Rather, it should carry out its constitutional functions without deliberately making itself a clog in the wheel of government.

Both the ninth NASS and the Buhari- led executive arm should know that Nigerians do not wish to witness again the kind of sour executive-legislature relationship witnessed in the last four years. Thus, whenever there is conflict, both arms should show willingness to dialogue so as to reach common grounds to facilitate the effective administration of public trust.

With a cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature, a fertile ground to sow the seed of good governance would be in place. And hence the legislature will be able to successfully amend or make laws, as the case may be, on matters that appear to slow down the pace of development in Nigeria. For instance, the State Local Government Joint Account financial policy which has made local governments virtually non-existent despite being the third tier of government needs to be abrogated.

It is known fact that most local government councils in Nigeria have no capacity to generate Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) that is enough to cater for its constitutional functions as a third tier of government. They therefore rely mostly on federal allocation. However, given that Nigeria operates a federal system, it is seen that it is impossible for the federal government to relate directly with the local governments on matters of revenue allocation.

So it was decided that local governments` monthly allocation should be sent through state governments in a financial policy known as the State Local Governments Joint Account System to hinder any possible manipulation of the funds. The

financial policy of the joint account system first appeared in the constitution in 1979 following the 1976 local government reforms. However, the Babangida administration abolished it in 1989 because it was not being implemented effectively by state governments. Following the return to democracy in 1999, it was reintroduced by the 1999 constitution.

Section 162(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states that “The amount standing to the credit of Local Government Councils in the Federal Account shall also be allocated to the state for the benefit of their Local Government Councils on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.� And Section 162(6) states: “Each state shall maintain a specific account to be called “State Joint Local Government Account� into which shall be paid all allocations to the Local Government Councils of the state from the Federation Account and from the Government of the State.�

Regrettably, rather than hinder possible manipulations of the funds either by state governors or local government chairmen, the duo connive to either divert or delay release of local government statutory allocations or even illegally deduct money from local government statutory allocations thereby halting developmental growth.

Mukhtar Jarmajo, dattuwamanga@gmail.com

The North Under Siege

S

enator Shehu Sani during a courtesy visit on him by a group from Birni Gwari and Chikun local governments stated that the North is under siege. Sani said the north west is experiencing banditry, North central herdsmen and farmers clashes while North east is battling with Boko Haram. Even before the senator broke his silence on the insecurity in the North, the once blossoming region has since become the home of crises. The region has the history of ethnic and religious strife that resulted in the death of many innocent souls. Today, the region has gone beyond ethnic and religious crises. As Senator Shehu Sani put it, the north is under the menace of Boko Haram, herdsmen attacks, kidnapping and banditry.

These problems have dragged the region backward and retarded its development.

In the early 60’s and late 70’s, the north was the home of agriculture. This neglected sector had created informal jobs to millions of youth. The hitherto flourishing textile companies had also created millions of jobs. Now, these are history. The region that was the food basket of the country has become the fertile ground of poverty, hunger and insecurity. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, an industralist and chairman of Dangote Group, during the Kaduna State investment summit bemoaned and berated the northern governors for doing little or nothing to address the poverty in the 19 northern states. There is correlation or nexus between the persistent rise of insecurity and the high level of poverty in the region.

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R It is reported that over 10 million children EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE are out of the school in the region. These chilDEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU dren are between the age of seven and eight.

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE In the next 10 years, the north will have 10m CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI illiterate youths. You can imagine the havoc EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN these uneducated youths could wreak on the MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE socio-economic development of the region. The northern governors as complained by Dangote have failed to tackle the problems of poverty, unemployment and illiteracy in the region.

They have been holding different summits T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D aimed at addressing the recurring problems.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA Unfortunately, the recommendations of the GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, summits are not being implemented. The ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI problems plaguing the region cannot be solved DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI with empty promises. There is the need for SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH strong commitment by the leaders and other ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO stakeholders to end the plethora of problems CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI bedevilling the region. These problems can be DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO resolved through good governance.

TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna State

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NEWS

In Brief Katsina Elections Tribunal Receives 2 Petitions

The Secretary of the Katsina State Governorship and House of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, Aishatu Abubakar, Thursday said the Tribunal had received two petitions ahead of its inaugural sitting on Monday.

Abubakar, in a statement made available to THISDAY, said the tribunal had received one petition each for the March, 9, 2019, governorship and House of Assembly elections. “One of the petitions is that of the PDP challenging the election of Governor Aminu Bello Masari of the APC. The other is that of the PDP and its candidate, Aminu Abashe, challenging the election of Ghali Garba of APC as the lawmaker representing Kusada Constituency at the state assembly,� she said. The inaugural sitting of the Tribunal is expected to hold at the State High Court Complex, Katsina, at 9a.m.

Bayelsa Govt Condemns Attack on Journalists

GOODNIGHT DAVID EJOOR...

L-R: Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd); Chief of Army Sta, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, at the funeral service of the former military administrator of the defunct Mid-west region, Maj. Gen. David Ejoor (Rtd.), in Ughelli, Delta State‌yesterday

No Good Governance without Press Freedom, Says Saraki Deji Elumoye Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday declared that there could be no good governance in any country where press freedom was not guaranteed.

Saraki stated this in a goodwill message at a conference in Abuja to mark the 2019 World Press Freedom Day organised by the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ) and the European Union’s Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme.

The theme of the conference was: ‘Press Freedom in Nigeria — the Rule of Law, Media and Violent Extremism’.

Saraki, who was represented

by the Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate, Senator Philip Aduda, emphasised that the 8th Senate valued the media as crucial partners in the quest to build a stronger and more vibrant democracy.

His words: “We do appreciate that we cannot deliver good governance without a free press, and we are always available to work in tandem with the media to ensure a democratic society that serves us all. “Clearly, if we truly wish to grow and preserve our democracy, we must understand that a free and pluralistic media environment that guarantees access to information, is non-negotiable. “When citizens have information, they are able to make informed

Police Parade 7 Suspected Armed Robbers in Enugu Christopher Isiguzo and Gideon Arinze Ă“Ă˜ Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;

Enugu State Police Command yesterday paraded seven suspects for alleged armed robbery activities carried out at various locations in the state.

The State Commissioner of police, Mr. Balarabe Suleiman told newsmen at the Police Headquarters, Enugu, that the suspects were arrested between April and the 1st of May for their involvement in various criminal activities, including armed robbery and cultism.

According to Suleiman, arms ranging from; one AK47 rifle and 17 live ammunition, one single barrel revolver, locally made pistol, two double barrel short gun and two live cartridges, one locally made six rounds revolver pistol were recovered from the suspects.

He added that once investigations were concluded, the suspects would be charged to court to get the punishment that was due to them for their involvement in such criminal activities.

He stated that the suspects identified as, Chibuoke Charles; Okwudili Ilochi Chigozie Michael and Chibueze Chinecherem, all members of Ayee, a certain

confraternity, were arrested on Friday April 26, 2019 at about 6a.m. by his men while they were returning from a wake keep at Agbogueze Nike.

He also noted that on April 17, the police through intelligence information arrested one Eze Emmanuel who is a final year Nursing student for cultism and upon search, a gun and two live cartridges were recovered from him.

Suleiman further noted that on April 4, his men, also on intelligence information, arrested one Okechukwu Egbuaba who according to him, had attacked a Police Officer with his three man-gang while the police officer was returning from election duty in Ebonyi State on 10th of March.

He urged members of the public, journalists especially to work closely with the command to rid the state completely of criminals as according to him, “Enugu State is known for peace and security hence the need for criminals and trouble makers to steer clear. “I and my team have resolved to continue to maintain the culture of peace and security in the state.

We will make sure not to create a space for criminals to operate here,� he said.

choices due to the diversity of their viewpoints. When we have such a society, when citizens are not only well-informed but are free to express their valid opinions — without fear or prejudice — it is only then that we can truly say we are practising true democracy. “This is because democracy has at its foundation the freedom of the press, which in turn promotes good governance, accountability and respect for human rights. “The urgency of this is reflected in Nigeria’s ranking on the Global

Press Freedom Index of 2019, where we are ranked 120 out of 180 countries. “One step lower than our standing in 2018, in fact. Other pointers would include the incidence of detention of journalists in this country,� he stated.

He thanked the Chief Executive of PTCIJ, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, for inviting him to the event, which presented an opportunity to reaffirm the power and responsibility of the media, and to recommit to the ideals of a free and independent press.

FG Inaugurates Nigeria Railway Corporation Board Kasim Sumaina Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The federal government has inaugurated a 26-member board of the Nigerian Railway Corporation(NRC), even as it urged them not to slow down the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Agency in the execution of President Muhammadu Buhari aministration’s strategy for rail development in the country.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who on behalf of government, inaugurated the board in Abuja, however, warned the members that they were strictly advised to acquaint themselves with relevant government circulars and directives on relationship of Board with their Agencies for a good harmonious working relationship.

According to him, “You are to note that in line with the Guides to Administrative Procedures in the Federal Public Service (Chapter 7), the Minister may give to the Board of Directors, directions of general character or relating generally to particular matters to the statutory body with regard to discharge of the Board’s functions.�

Amaechi said, “We should continue from where the last Chairman stopped. With him and the MD, NRC, we were able to effectively tackle critical problems such as, pipe bornewater, gas as well as sewage lines that were obstructing construction works on the Lagos axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Railway project. Please, don’t slow us down.�

Speaking further, he said: “As Governing Board Members, you are responsible for setting out the parastatal’s economic, financial, operational administrative policies in accordance with government policy directives aimed at assisting the corporation to achieve its mandate. “You are also charged with the responsibilities for measuring performance against targets and introducing broad policy measures that will curtail any deviations to ensure that the targets are achieved.�

While cautioning the Board Members not to involve themselves in the day-to-day management of the NRC, he however, enjoined them to engender harmonious working relationship with the Management of the Corporation in order to achieve the objectives of the Government.

The Minister reiterated that as construction works continue on the Rail line, “the track laying would be completed by end of May, 2019 and by the end of December 2019, appreciable progress of work would have been achieved up to Apapa Seaports.

He stated that the congestion being experienced on daily basis at the Apapa Ports were ‘man made’ assuring that as soon as the Lagos-Ibadan extension to Apapa Ports was achieved, all the cargoes coming through the Apapa ports into country would now be transported via the rail line and this would automatically terminate the perennial gridlock at Apapa Ports.

In commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, the Bayelsa State Government yesterday condemned attacks on journalists anywhere in the country. The government also called on journalists in the state to continue to work for the peace, stability and progress of the state through fair and balanced reportage of activities. Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, described practicing journalists in the state as critical partners in the development of Bayelsa.

Iworiso-Markson explained that Bayelsa today could be adjudged to be one of the safest states for the practice of the journalism profession and assured that the government will not relent to sustain the current peaceful atmosphere for them. He urged them to be fair and objective in reporting issues leading to the campaigns and main election of the scheduled local government and governorship polls. The Information Commissioner who expressed worry over the rising tide of fake news also condemned the growing threats and hazards faced by journalists across the country.

Justice Bage, 17th Emir of LaďŹ a

Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State yesterday turbaned retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Sidi Bage, as the 17th Emir of Lafia. The retired Supreme Court Justice ascended the revered throne of the Emir of Lafia following the demise of the immediate past Emir, Isa Mustapha Agwai, about four months ago in an Abuja hospital after a protracted illness. Consequently, Bage contested for the stool of the Lafia Emirate Council with Musa Isa Mustapha of Ari ruling house and the retired Supreme Court Justice, who is from Dala Dunama ruling house, polled four votes to emerge winner on March 26, 2019. Speaking shortly after turbanning Justice Bage as the 17th Emir of the Lafia Emirate Council at the Lafia Public Square in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, Governor Al-Makura drew the attention of traditional rulers in the state on the imperative of peace in their domains. Al-Makura said: “The recent unfortunate spike in ethnic conflict in some areas of the state would be investigated and any traditional ruler found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with our extant laws.

Senator Dino Melaye Loses Mum

Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West senatorial district of Kogi State has lost his mother, Deaconess Comfort Melaye. The senator disclosed this on his social media page yesterday. He wrote �With total submission to the will of the Almighty God, I on behalf of the Melaye’s announce the passing into Glory of our beloved mother.

Deaconess Comfort Melaye. We thank God for Godly life she lived.

I love you my mother and friend. We shall surely meet again. Sen. Dino M.� Meanwhile, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has commiserated with the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, over the death of his mother, Deaconess Comfort Melaye whose sad event took place Thursday, 2nd of May, 2019. In a condolence message to Dino, Bello described the news of Deaconess Melaye’s death as “a rude shock and great loss not only to Kogi State but Nigeria in general, given her invaluable contributions to the cause of humanity.� The Kogi State Governor’s condolence message which was signed by the governor was made available to the journalists in Lokoja yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed.

‘Include Internet as Subject in Schools’

An educationists and former Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Anambra, Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu has called for the inclusion of internet as a separate subject in schools. Onukaogu who spoke during the presentation of a book: New Media and African Society, edited by Prof. Kate Omenugha and two others said teaching internet as a separate subject in schools would equip students for the circular society. He said, “We need to expose our children on what to encounter in the society, the use of the social media and others.

We have to warn them of the uncouth languages people use in the social medians and also help them to avoid such languages. Internet should be taught as a subject in schools. Internet literacy should be made a vital part of our education,� Onukaugu said while reviewing the book. While presenting a welcome remark, the editor of the book, Prof. Omenugha said the book was co-authored by 28 scholars across Africa, and touches on the everyday use of the internet and how it affects the society.

Sambo, Lawan, Others at Goje’s Daughter’s Wedding

Former Vice President Namandi Sambo, Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan and several other Senators yesterday stormed the Asokoro, Abuja residence of Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje to felicitate with him as he gave out his daughter, Fatima, in marriage. The mosque within the residence of Goje where the wedding Fatiha between Fatima and her heartthrob, Ibrahim Tumsa, was held was almost turned into a political campaign ground as serving and newly elected Senators exchanged banters. The bride’s father, Goje, who personally welcomed Sambo and other guests to the ceremony, is a third time Senator representing Gombe Central, and is believed to be eyeing the Senate Presidency of the Ninth National Assembly billed for inauguration in June although he is yet to make public his intention.

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͳ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

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NEWS

FAO Moves to Combat Diseases at IDPs Camps Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has moved to improve the nutrition and combat diseases in the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in the North-east.

The UN agency, in a programme supported by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation yesterday distributed nine fresh foods and protein rich foods to about 2,000 households in Borno State, the epicentre of Boko Haram crisis.

A statement by FAO said: “Beneficiaries were registered electronically and received voucher cards that they later redeemed for fresh foods.�

The statement noted that: “Through these distributions, FAO provides a market for smallholders, especially for producers of fresh foods that typically face high perishability and unstable prices. Some of the food items were purchased directly from locations like the vast Gamboru produce market in Maiduguri, with a state food safety team monitoring the quality of the purchases at point of sale and during the distributions.�

The statement quoted Ahmed

Mohammed who sells produce in Gamboru Market, saying: “I am very happy my cabbage is going towards the nutrition of the IDPs,� revealing that he sourced his cabbage from FAO-assisted dry season farmers in Konduga, a Borno State Local Government Area.

The statement also quoted Suffyan Koroma, FAO Representative in Nigeria, as saying: “FAO is using the fresh food voucher approach to boost access to nutritious and diversified food items to IDPs, while providing a platform for our dry season supported farmers to sell their harvests.�

He said: “Our fresh food distribution is also promoting smallholder market participation as we have focused on crops traditionally farmed within local communities.�

Koroma disclosed that during the dry season, FAO supported farmers received fertiliser and vegetable seed including okra, amaranthus, cabbage, tomato, carrot and onion.

He added that in areas suitable for production, farmers also received rice and maize seed.

He said: �In total, about 62,000 dry season beneficiary households, translating to close to 430,000 people, had their incomes or food and nutrition security

ALL FOR QUALITY HEALTHCARE ...

L-R: Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun State of Dr. Charles Akinola; Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole ; and Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, during the national roll-out of enrolment of clients for Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in Osun, at Primary Healthcare Centre, Isale-Agbara, Osogbo...yesterday

supported. Dry season harvests are expected to be continue to June, 2019 in some communities.�

He revealed that in the forthcoming rainy season, FAO aimed to assist about 92,000

households with crop seed and fertiliser delivered through direct distributions, as well as

seed fairs where farmers could make their ‘seed of choice’ from FAO-supported vendors.

Ekere’s Counsel Slam INEC on Refusal Oyetola Promises Equitable Healthcare as FG launches Health Fund in Osun to Inspect Election Material Okon Bassey in Uyo

The legal team of the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the March 9, 2019 general election in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Nsima Ekere, has raised the alarm that its case was being frustrated over lack of access to inspect the election materials as ordered by the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in the state.

Mr. Victor Iyanam who is leading over 10 lawyers to represent the APC governorship candidate in the tribunal raised the alarm while speaking with newsmen in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

He regretted that 20 days after the election and the order duly given by the tribunal, his team could not access the election material in custody of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC). “We filed the governorship petition papers on the March 29, and on the April 15 we obtained two orders from the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal; one was to empower us inspect

election materials of the March 9 governorship election on behalf of the APC governorship candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere. “The order of that tribunal empowering us to inspect was served on INEC. Since that time all our efforts to inspect materials at the INEC office had been fruitless; fruitless because officials of INEC have refused to present materials for inspection,� Barrister Iyanam lamented.

He threatened that a contempt charge may be secured from the Tribunal and slam on the INEC if the frustration to inspect the materials still linger. “Election held on the March 9, we are now over 20 days after, INEC cannot present materials for tribunal to inspect. “This time around we are not going to accept it from INEC. We are going to commit some of them for contempt of court of the tribunal. “After issuing orders, the tribunal must be in a position to punish for contempt of court otherwise democracy will not

take root in this country,� the petitioner’s counsel insisted.

Ekere has petitioned the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr. Mike Igini on the refusal of his office to comply by the Tribunal order. “We are however distressed by the delay, refusal and unwholesome excuses given by your office for non-compliance. “Some of the excuses include non-availability of the materials as a result of transport challenges in bringing them from the local government areas, inadequate staff to carry out those duties and the fact that the INEC staff are busy with Senator Akpabio’s inspections. “The excuses have variously continued to be untenable in the light of the short period of time to prove our case at the Election Petition Tribunal. “We regret to state that your staff appear to be acting the script of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and now behave as though they are taking instructions from you,� Iyanam declared

Okpekpe Race: Police to Deploy Sniffer Dogs, Horses, Choppers Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

As part of measures to ensure adequate security, management of the 10km Okpekpe Road Race, the Police has said it would deploy sniffer Dogs, choppers and horses in this year’s edition of the annual marathon race at Okpekpe, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Austin Gbaraba, Security Coordinator of the race, disclosed at a media briefing in Benin, the state capital.

He said the deployment of horses and dogs was in addition to hundreds of security personnel that would be engaged to man strategic points, before, during and after the race which would

take place on May 25.

He noted that the essence of the security arrangement was aimed at getting Gold Label for the race as well as guarantee safety of 100 elites athletes, as well as other participants and officials for the race. “We are fully ready in the area of security preparation for the race.

We are working with the Police and other security agencies to guarantee safety for everybody for the race. “Aside the sniffer dogs and horses that would be available, choppers would be deployed for aerial surveillance and would take record of everything. “As for the sniffer dogs and horses, they are also for security

purposes as well as crowd control,� he stated.

Similarly, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), said they would make available two of their ambulances fitted with emergency equipment and Para-Medics.

The hospital’s head of Accident and Emergency Department, Dr. Jude Nwachukwu, made the disclosure at the briefing.

He said every measure that would ensure quick response to emergency situation for the road race had been put in place.

Nwachukwu said aside the ambulances and Para-Medics, Nurses and Doctors had been engaged to respond to any emergency situation.

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State was the cynosure of all eyes yesterday as the federal government’s major healthcare policy to favour women and the vulnerable was launched in Osogbo, the state capital.

The national roll-out of the implementation of enrolment of clients for the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) was launched by Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole and Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola at the Primary Health Centre, Isale-Agbara, Osogbo.

Governor Oyetola reiterated his administration’s commitment to bring adequate, quality and qualitative healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of the citizens.

He said his administration had been working round the clock to reposition the health sector by making health facilities accessible, affordable and sustainable for all.

Oyetola reiterated the determination of his government to commence implementation of Health Insurance Scheme this month to make healthcare equitable.

Besides, he added that work had started on the revitalisation of nine general hospitals and 332 primary healthcare centres across the state. “Our administration is poised to bring quality healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of the citizenry with this noble initiative. “The all-embracing programme involves making available drugs and modern equipment, training and re-training of personnel and powering of activities at the health facilities by modern technology,� the governor said.

Prof. Adewole commended the administration of Governor Oyetola for keying into the national health policies and programmes of the federal government which earned the state the opportunity to host Friday’s kick off of the national programme with the funding support of the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other development partners Adewole who described BHCPF

as a signature programme of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, which is otherwise called Buharicare, said Osun residents will benefit from services worth over N916 million in the next nine months.

According to the minister, the fund is equivalent to payment for the management of two hundred and seventy thousand (270,000) women with normal deliveries, seven hundred and sixty three thousand (763,000) under 5-childhood illnesses or five hundred and seventy two thousand (572,000) cases of malaria.

The minister added that N15million would be released every year to support the programme.

He said: “With this initiative, I am convinced that we will turn the tide on this as we have developed BHCPF based on four key elements which include, a dedicated funding mechanism that creates additional fiscal space for primary health care services. “A focus on improving both supply and demand side functions of the system by providing facilities with operational budgets, to enable them improve the quality of care being delivered and also purchasing an explicit but guaranteed set of services including deliveries, childhood illnesses and screening of hypertension and diabetes in the elderly. “Also, the provision of improved and stronger coordination between federal and state governments, with roles and responsibilities clearly defined as well as a robust governance and accountability structure underpinned by a data and performance management framework for continuous evaluation. “I am positive that the initiative will help reverse the poor health indices in the country. I am also hopeful that death during childbirth would be a thing of the past; and our children would no longer have to die as a result of vaccine preventable diseases or other common ailments. “Also, access to healthcare will not be limited because of

not having money to pay as we have allocated resources per state based on the incidence of poverty and also on a per capita basis to ensure equity in the disbursement of funds. “This guarantees that the BHCPF would help reduce inequality in use and access of services particularly by the most vulnerable.�

Apart from top government officials who attended the ceremony, the World Bank and international development partners gave goodwill messages with the assurance that funding would not stall the programme designed to take healthcare to the vulnerable and the weak.

Oyetola who urged the people to stop patronising traditional doctors and quacks, assured the audience that “In line with extant requirements, we shall ensure effective implementation of all the components of the programme which include antenatal care, child delivery care (including caesarian section) and free immunisation for pregnant women. “Also, free immunisation, treatment for malaria, measles, pneumonia, dysentery and malnutrition for children below five years as well as free family planning services, treatment for malaria, and screening for diabetes and hypertension for all adults shall be taken to cognisance,�

Oyetola said.

The governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for being supportive to the state in her effort to promote quality healthcare delivery. “My administration’s allinclusive health sector focus since assumption of office less than six months ago, is an indication that we are your dependable ally in this noble resolve to ensure that our people are healthy. “The Government and People of The State of Osun are grateful to the federal government for its commitment to adequate and equitable healthcare delivery to the nation,� he assured.

Plus

Adeboye Adefolalu

Growing up with a White Foster Mother was Interesting

GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND FASHION FILE SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 22 pg. 45

Ronke Ademiluyi I Thrive Taking Risks, I’m a Huge Risk Taker, My Ultimate Dream is to Become a Writer of History

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PLUS

I Thrive Taking Risks, I’m a Huge Risk Taker, My Ultimate Dream is to Become a Writer of History Art-loving Princess Ronke Ademiluyi is easy going and level-headed. She is the Vice Chairman of House of Oduduwa, a Non Governmental Organisation. Of course, this Ife Princess has impeccable manners but never afraid to express deep-seated opinion. Though, Princes Ademiluyi is a very private person, she agreed to an interview with Adedayo Adejobi to speak about her passion- Women for Women project a charity mentoring young women and offering them positive role models. Princes Ademiluyi also speaks on how she plans to leave a lasting legacy on the sands on time

W

princess.

at was it like growing up as a princess?

Growing up as a Princess was super amazing, although I did not grow up inside the Palace, I still enjoyed all the privileges of being a

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

As a child I wanted to be so many things but the two main ones were a newscaster because I used to watch a lot of news and loved watching the likes of Ronke Ayuba, Sienne All-Well Brown and Ruth Benamesia-Opia and a lawyer because my mum’s sister now a judge, was a lawyer.

When I was growing up, I used to accompany her to court during the holidays.

Who shaped your outlook on life as a growing child?

My parents in terms of behaviour, manners and discipline, my family were also involved while growing up as we always had aunts and uncles around living with us. Our culture too had a huge impact on my growing up, how to greet; making sure you kneel down to greet elders, how to be respectful, the Yoruba culture teaches us to respect a lot.

What values have shaped you?

For me value is something I consider important and that impacts my life.

Compassion is another. I show a lot of compassion to those around me to the best of my ability. Consistency and commitment are vital. I am consistent in everything I do.

My Africa Fashion Week London has been on for nine years and we have not missed out a single event despite all the challenges, My Africa Fashion Week Nigeria is six years running without missing any year. I apply consistency to everything I do. Moral Values too, which include integrity, treating others well and not looking down on people because of their class, honesty, etc.

What particular trait singles out a Princess?

Leadership. Being humble without calling so much attention to oneself.

What is the meaning of your family name?

Ademiluyi- my Crown Has Dignity.

Are there stories about the origin of your family name?

My great grandfather was an Ooni of Ife and his name was Ooni Ademiluyi Ajagunlawarikan. He was very proud of his crown and that is where the family name Ademiluyi came from.

Have you ever had any nicknames as a child or as an adult? Where did they come from?

Rookie, growing up I was very naive with not much experience and believed everything people told me so I was nicked named rookie.

How are you like your mother?

Unlike her?

My Mother is an amazing woman and like her, I am very accommodating, but unlike her, I make very spontaneous decisions. My Mother will always weigh things and give them a fore-thought before she makes her decision.

How are you like your father?

Unlike him?

My Father of blessed memory was a risk taker when it comes to businesses and I inherited that from him. I remember nine years ago when I came up with the concept of Africa Fashion Week London, so many people tried to convince me otherwise that it would never work, but to the Glory of God, it’s in its ninth year. If I had not taken that risk, who knows what would have happened.

My Father was a very flamboyant Prince; he loved his Rolls Royce’s and was always

ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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PLUS The Most Important Thing to Me is Impacting on Lives showing them off. Growing up, we lived in Sussex Gardens, a very highbrow area of London. He was a show off but he worked so hard so why not, but I am more of a reserved person.

What was most important to your parents?

Their Children, they played an important role in our lives, ensuring that we had the best of everything, but also instilled discipline and prepared us very hard for the future challenges.

Do you feel you’re like any of your grandparents?

I only had the privilege of meeting one of my grand parents- my mum’s dad, who was a retired headmaster and who used to tell us ancient stories. I guess that was where my interest in our African stories started from.

How are your children like you?

My daughter is innovative and creative like me. But unlike me, she is very glamorous, trendy and outgoing, I am more of an introvert and introverts make better leaders.

Why did you leave the shores of England to return fully to Nigeria?

While growing up in England, I always had it at the back of my mind that I was going to live in Nigeria. So, making that decision for me was not hard at all.

Share the experience of how you are settling into life in Nigeria?

Initially it was difficult in adapting and getting things done effectively. The level of incompetence was so new to me and I remember my mum always telling me that London was different from Nigeria and I would have to adapt if I wanted to stay. So here I am almost 15 years later.

If you dropped everything to pursue your dreams, what would you be risking?

I thrive in taking risks, I am a huge risk taker and my ultimate dream is to become a writer of history.

Describe the next ďŹ ve years of your life, and your plans, in a single sentence.

As history is always written by winners (Winston Churchill), I want to be a successful writer of History.

You seem to love the Arts. What do you owe to African paintings and artworks that adorn your space?

I recently became interested in arts after I was contacted by Bonhams during the recent discovery of the African Mona Lisa - TuTu Ademiluyi painting. And at the moment, I am working with Alexis Galleries on a traveling exhibition for Moremi. We will be working with 30 top artists who will all be painting their interpretation of Moremi. Aside UNESCO’s Mandela project, it’s never been done where you commission 30 artists to paint the same figure, this will be history in the making, our aim is for this exhibition to tour the world and end up in the Metropolitan Museum.

You are a purveyor of culture and African tradition. What spurred your expedition?

His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ife has had a huge impact on my expedition of African culture and tradition. I have learnt so much from him and especially by making me the global ambassador for the legacy of the legendary queen Moremi Ajasoro.

With so many books littering your table, you sure come across as a woman of letters. Which are your favourite books?

I just started the habit of reading recently especially with my latest passion of wanting to be a writer of history. So, eventually, after being inspired by my mum’s sister, I ended up studying law and you can’t imagine how many law books I had to read to become a law graduate. So, I got put off reading as I never really practiced as a

Princess Ronke Ademiluyi

Lawyer.

What is your philosophy of life?

My overall vision and attitude towards life is we came with nothing and we will go with nothing, so for me, the most important thing is to impact as much as possible and leave a lasting legacy.

What inspires you?

God inspires me to be creative. I look at the magnitude of the earth, I watch national geographic channel a lot and I get so inspired by the magnitude of God’s creation, and I keep saying to myself, God is my Father and I am created in God’s image so my creative mind should have no boundaries and this has really helped me.

What’s your plan for the Nigerian theatre, Arts and movie industry?

This is something I have just ventured into, I decided to tell the story of the legendary Queen Moremi in a musical format, similar to the lion king and Bolanle Austen Peters interpreted the story into a musical form for me, with His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ife and Mrs. Olufunso Amosun as the Executive Producers.

Any particular collaboration with industry stakeholders in and outside Nigeria?

Yes we have a few in the pipeline.

If your entire life was a movie, what title would best ďŹ t?

The King & I.

How would you describe yourself in ďŹ ve words?

An introvert with great leadership skills.

Introverts charge their batteries by going within and taking time alone. Extroverts charge their batteries by being with people.

What makes you smile?

Lending a helping hand.

What terriďŹ es you the most?

Nothing.

You are known for African fashion for woman, what is the impulse behind your attraction towards a ‘cause’ to engender women supporting women?

When I hear of the recent concern and outburst about the extent of disconnect among women most especially the rate at which women feel the urge to tear down another, I feel the need to explain that this is not a problem that just surfaced in recent times. Most people tend to think that this surfaced as a result of more women having to step up to higher positions and because of the limited opportunities offered to them out of stereotype attached to females they have been pressured to disunity causing mutual hate but no, this had started way back in the 12th century.

We all know of the queen warrior, Queen Moremi Ajasoro for her popular story of her fight for the liberation of her people, she took ownership not undermining her strength and wisdom as a woman. Her undercover duties at the enemies’ kingdom were successful after allowing her deliberate capture by them.

It was recorded that her victory came with a personal prize from her as she had to sacrifice her only son to Esinmirin the river goddess. At first, the whole village wept and mourned with her but history has it that she was later mocked by the same women who praised her who totally ignored her sacrificial pain. It would have been expected that the women would have rallied around her till the end as they are in

the best position to have clearly related to her unpleasant situation since they face and understand equal challenges.

Women yearn for support from men, they want men to praise them, they want to be equals yet they aren’t ready to lift one another. It is important for women to understand that to earn respect in the society, be it equality or in any other conversation, there is a high need to show more love and togetherness in lifting one another up past their struggles.

Women have to understand that you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar, with unity they can achieve more and learn to stop this generational cycle of putting down another. Action speaks louder than words it is not just enough to say or use hashtags on social that preach support among women, it takes real action to achieve this. Women bring each other down so how can you expect men to support you when you can’t even support yourselves.

Until that narrative changes, we will still be where we are. That warped mind -set needs to be changed first. They frustrated Moremi’s life and she ended up committing suicide. Do you know what the women of Ife did to Moremi when she returned and became the queen consort of Ooni Oranmiyan? I am also using the story of Moremi to encourage women to support women. There was not a happy ending to the story of Moremi. Despite the fact that she gave her only son as a sacrifice for Ife, the women still taunted her that she was childless and she eventually committed suicide. Women need to support each other.

History tells us that Moremi drowned herself in Esinmirin River in order to be with her son as the torment from other women was too much.

My Father Was a Risk Taker When it Comes to Businesses, I Inherited that from Him

20

T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY MAY 4, 2019

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͳ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

21

22

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Fashion File

Good Girl Code Urban Chic Collection Ss19

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

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FASHION FILE

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˜ ˞ MAY 4, 2019

PERSPECTIVE

Nigeria: The Prediction of Failure

Oscar Onwudiwe

S

ome undisputed facts are, first, Nigeria is a country of over 250 ethnic nationalities. Second: Nigeria was created by Britain for British interest.

Third: From 1914 till date, Nigeria has enjoyed peace for only 31 years out of 105years. The peaceful years being from 1914 to 1945. Four: Before our colonial masters left in 1960, we agreed to stay together with enough slack built into our Constitution to allow each region to grow and develop their own Economy and their people, at their own pace. Five: Without actually understanding each other, we were told and we believed, that Natural Law favours the unity of many diverse people, and if well managed for positive production, it would lead to greatness. Six: It is also a fact backed by historical evidence that in our excitement to take over from the Colonial masters, we did not think through the caveat to that natural law, that is, there must be social justice.

In other words, leaders of a diverse people must be mentally developed enough to know that it is in the interest of all,to regard fellow men as corner stones rather than stepping stones. The lack of this mental development has been the challenge of Nigerian leaders.

Just 8 years after the much talked about Amalgamation of Nigeria, Sir, Hugh Clifford, (the then Governor of Colonial Nigeria in 1922) actually said “i doubt the ability of the Nigerian to rule his country�. The educated Nigerians at that time saw this as an insult from a racist: but oddly enough, from that 1922 till date, Nigeria is still in search of an enduring constitution. Conference after conference witnessed more rancor and work-outs than civilized adjustment of compromises; until the miracle of 2014. (I shall return to this later) Now, Let us listen to the comments of various notable men about Nigeria. On the 22rd of March 1969 Dr. Francois Duvalier( the then President of the Republic of Haiti) had this to say about us;-. “Federal Nigeria has never since her independence shown the distinctive mark of a united nation. It has been impossible for her to silence tribal rivalries so as to achieve that mixture of Ethnic/ Cultural bIend required to forge National unity�.Has anything changed? No! rather it is now worse.

Three years after Dr. Duvalier’s analysis and 50 years after Sir Clifford passed his verdict, our own Right. Hon Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe had this to say in 1972 “Since the political wind of change transformed the Colonial territories into independent sovereign

Abdulsalami states, it would appear as if the African lacksthe capacity for good governance. While I would have been in the front line of opponents to such a preposterous suggestion before 1stOctober 1960, I today have grave doubts in my mind and I havereasonable grounds to believe that quite a number of dedicated and well meaning compatriots are disillusion with the poor-performance of African Politicians�. This quote remains true about Nigerian, while Ghana, Rwanda and a few other African countries have broken the jinx.

Professor Chinua Achebe’s verdict(which was in agreement with Sir Clifford’s verdict) that leadership is the Nigerian problem,was corroborated in 1997 by the then British Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook who said “Nigeria should be the second richest country in Africa. What holds it back is very poor standards of Government�. It is clear that those who are watching

Nigeria know that our usual fierce struggle for power is really driven more by tribal insecurity, than a burning desire to lift Nigeria; hence the it is our turn to rule (read chop) mantra.

Two years after Robin Cook’s verdict, our own General Abdulsalam Abubakar gave Nigeria his own gift via decree 24 of 1999 and told us that it is now our constitution and written by“We the people�. This decree with 68 items on the exclusive legislative list ensured that the people of Nigeria are stripped of their assets, resources and even the power to protect themselves and their businesses, while such powers are given to the omnipotent and almighty Federal Government thereby reducing the States to groveling beggars at the feetof the Emperor at Abuja. We call this, home grown democracy. This constitution in Sec 14 sub 2a says�Sovereignty belongs to the people�, but with section 6 sub section 6c plus sect 308, leaders of Government were given absolute powers. We all know that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Now let’s hear what some notable Nigerian have to say about this decree 24 A.K.A1999 constitution.

Ladipo Adamolekun wrote in the Vanguard of October 2008 on “The inevitability of devolution�. His message was “Devolution can unleashthe forces for consolidating democracy and achieving accelerated socio -economic progress in Nigeria. The alternative to devolution will likely be the death of the Federation�.Chief Anthony Enahoro, the same man who moved the motion for our independence in 1956, kept screaming with this Pronaco Group that Abdulsalam’s documents should be suspended. He even went to court on the matter. On April 28th 2009, one of Nigeria’s best legal brains Chief Bankole Oki, granted an interview to the Guardian on the burdens of 1999 constitution, he declared “This Presidential Constitution is the foundation for corruption�.

As usual, Almighty Abuja and their court jesters never bother about anything that does not constitute a credible threat to the polity. So in 2013, When the United States Army war college in Pennsylvania prepared a 65 page documents titled �Nigerian Unity in the Balance�, someone brought that to the notice of President Jonathan. He quickly consulted and decided on a national conference. That decision met with serious opposition, but it eventually happened. And for the first time in the history of Nigeria, no work-outs, no Ego or tribal gang-ups and various ethnic nationalities adjusted their compromises and unanimously agreed on 600 items for change. –––––Oscar Onwudiwe esq Is a Legal Attorney & President of Aka-Ikenga Readers continued on online www.thisdaylive.com

Umakhihe: Celebrating Otuo’s First Federal Permanent Secretary Duro Ikhazuagbe

P

enultimate Saturday will go down as a milestone in the history of Otuo, one of the major communities that make up Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Eminent personalities that represent the Whois-Who in the town, turned out in their numbers, to celebrate one of their own, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, who, last December was appointed to the position of a Federal Permanent Secretary. And of course, Otuo Exclusive Club, where Umakhihe is a past President did not spare anything to ensure that this first Permanent Secretary in the history of Otuo, is celebrated with fan-fair and glamour. The Ovie of Otuo, His Royal Highness, Julius Segun Ojeabuo, led the way to Azama College Hall that Exclusive Club had decorated for the celebration.

Expectedly, a retired Director of the National Psychiatric Hospital Management Board, Dr. Dave Agbi, chaired the occasion.

He had in company on the high table such distinguished Otuo professionals like Professor and Mrs J. B. Aregbeyen, a former Patron of the club, Chief Alex Ilalokhoin and his wife, newly elected member of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Eric Okaka and the National President of Exclusive, Hon. Andrew A. Adebo and his wife, the celebrant’s father, Chief Adewole Umakhihe and the Edo State Government was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai, Esq. There were also high-powered delegations from all the places Umakhihe had worked before his current post. From Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in Benin City to the National Sports Commission (now Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development), Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ministry of Defence to the current Budget and National Planning all in Abuja, none was left out. Even the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority CEO, Engr. Saliu Ahmed was there in person to join in celebrating the technocrat whose diligence has made him one of the most sought after public servants. There were also Engr. Austin Edeki, a retired Shell Petroleum Development Company top shot, Prof. K.O. Ilavbare, Dr. Greg Olu Imoohi, Prof. A. Afelokhai, Hon. Ambrose Imoode, Barrister Kunle Edeki, Rev (Dr) Okhaide Otuogbuma of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and several others too numerous to count here.

Speaking at the reception, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Agbi said he holds members of Exclusive Club in very high esteem and very thoughtful of them to have come up with the idea of hosting Umakhihe to this grand and colorful reception. “As a young and

Umakhihe

dynamic Federal Permanent Secretary, Umakhihe still has so much to give to Nigeria. He will go places. It is hard work and diligence in his duty that has brought him this far. I pray to God to continue to give him the wisdom to pilot the affairs of his ministry. I know that he certainly will not disappoint the President and Commander in Chief that found him worthy of this exalted position of authority,� stressed Dr. Agbi in his opening remarks.

President of Otuo Exclusive Club, Andrew A. Adebo, called on sons and daughters of Otuo to emulate Umakhihe’s diligence and enterprise so that the sky will also be their limit. “What we are celebrating here today is the result of hard work. Umakhihe has shown us the way that hard work pays. He’s certainly an inspiration to younger Otuo sons and daughters. I therefore call on all qualified Otuo sons at home and in the diaspora to join the club in the task to lift our town to enviable height in Edo and Nigeria at large�.

Several other guests showered encomium on Umakhihe’s sterling leadership quality and large heart. Amember of the club, Kayode Aghomo, who flew in from San Antonio, Texas, USA specifically to honour him, recalled how the Permanent Secretary sold his car to enable him travel abroad in search of greener pasture. “My businesses were down, jobs I did were not paid for but he came to my rescue by giving me the proceeds of his Mercedes Benz V boot he sold. This is just to show how magnanimous Umakhihe is�. In the same vein, some of the staff of NIFOR present at the ceremony also recalled that since he left the research institute for Abuja, nobody has been able to fill the vacuum created by his exit. Segun Solomon urged everyone present at the reception to continue to pray for him. He said he has no doubt that bigger things await Umakhihe in the country through his diligence and hard work.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of a giant-size congratulatory card and plaque to Umakhihe by one of the five founding members of the club, Kashimawo Ajakaiye. The Lagos District of the club also presented a bronze cast horse from the legendary Igun artistes in Benin.

Umakhihe’s citation, read by another founding member of the club, Ayo Erukpe Omoruanga drew deafening applause from the eminent personalities gathered inside that hall that Easter Saturday afternoon.

In his response, Umakhihe thanked Exclusive Club for the honour done him by the grand reception. He promised to continue to do his best to ensure that the club becomes the best in Edo State and Nigeria.

He also promised to execute his duties as a federal permanent secretary without fear or favour in line with the mandate given to him by President Muhammadu Buhari. “It is a big challenge but I will not disappoint Mr. President who found me qualified for the office. Mr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe was born in Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria on the 5th of April 1964.

He attended Edo College, Benin City for his West African School Certificate and the University of Benin for his Bachelor Of Science Degree in Accountancy. He also obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the same University in 1997.

He started his career with the National Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Benin City in 1988 as an Accountant rising to the position of Head of Accounts of the Accounts Division of the Institute. He held this position up to 2007 when the Division was upgraded to a Department and he was promoted to the position of Director of Finance and Accounts same year.

Readers continued on online www.thisdaylive.com

25

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EXPRESSION

ChristianWake, Not ‘Wake-keeping’

Y

OU are welcome to this first edition in May: “Governors biting more than they can chew�

(NIGERIAN Tribune Back Page, April 29) A rewrite: Governors biting off more than they can

chew “I am immuned from litigation, says Bankole� (THISDAY, April 24) Just like “opportune�, the only inflection “immune� takes is “immunity�. Therefore, this columnist is not immune (not immuned!) from criticism.

A subscriber to this column sent a message to me last weekend on the correctness of “wake� and “wake-keep�.

There are no such words as “wakekeepingâ€? and “wake-keepâ€?. The right expression is “wake.â€? Virtually all funeral announcements in this part of the world disseminate this blunder in blissful flamboyance. And for clarity or emphasis: Christian wake. “He is frank to the point of recklessness and does not bath (bat) an eyelid about sensibilities.â€? “Successful candidates in the exam are placed into (in) universities depending on their performances and choices.â€? “The picture one is likely to get is that of lawmakers yet to come to grip (grips) with the seriousness of what their duties entail.â€? “Both palatable and heart-rending news are (is) most often broken there.â€? ‘News’ is uncountable. â€œâ€Śhis skin must have toughen (you mean toughened?) such that nothing can stir his emotion as to make him cry.â€? “They were, in their primes (prime), sent on a journey from which nobody

returns.â€? “Its police, too, began investigations culminating into (in) arrest of some suspects.â€? “Since last week Tuesday....â€? Either last Tuesday or Tuesday, last week. ‘Last week Tuesday’ indicates lexical ignorance. â€œâ€Śour politicians should realize that if they can hold the country into (to) ransom for their jumbo pay, then footballers should not be blamed if they do same (the same).â€? “Rashford girds lions (loins) for Man U and Johnson stems-up for recordâ€? For sports journalists (who cherish language abuse), phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation. “In Nigeria, it was designed by the military dictators as bait to divert the attention of the people from the enormity of their loots.â€? No questions: ‘loot’ is non-count. â€œâ€Śit was seen as a child of necessity aimed at restoring the primary education sub- sector which was in crisis then back to a sound foundation.â€? Scrap ‘back’ to avoid being charged with word abuse. ‘Restoration’ has taken care of the verbiage. “All that we have in the present Nigerian society is an hostile (a hostile) environment for the youths and children.â€? Either youth or the youth “Having succeeded in intimidating their opponents at primaries, the electorate became a work-over....â€? A time to learn: walk-over. “A nearby police station in Benin has (had) rebuffed the request for a police report on the ground of jurisdiction.â€?

Simply put: on grounds of jurisdiction. “Anyone who monitored the mobilization of women in the last fifteen years in

Nigeria could imagine positive results that could have been achieved if the First Ladies have (had) been sincere.â€? “We do not have to wait for this sporadic attacks by foreign armed bandits to metamorphose into a full blown (a hyphen, please) security threat.â€? Why the discord (this attacks)? And, of course, banditry without arms‌vide a standard dictionary. “Because of an improved revenue base, the governor said that the government is (was) in a good position‌.â€? “What stops us from returning to the heydays (heyday) of the school.‌â€? “This does not mean that a lady should not be congratulated for (on/ upon) a safe delivery.â€? â€œâ€Śmany of the specie (species) had run amuck simply on the suspicion that another woman is nipping at the apple.â€? “Industry players blamed the high cost of borrowing from the money market to (on) a number of factors.â€? “It is high time we make (made) such people pay....â€? â€œâ€Śespecially with regards to human developmentâ€? This way: as regards or with regard to. â€œâ€Śas the North would be placed on an even keel or competing favourably with their kiths and kin in the South.â€?

Fixed expression: kith and kin “Tears of instability of power has (have) caused many Nigerians to turn their attention to alternative sources of power supply.� “The most cheering news item in recent times is the marching order given to the NPF....� Stock phrase: marching orders. “The police strenght is inadequate to cope with the security of a large population of 150 million Nigerians.� Spell-

T

combustion.

Our man in charge of employment at a period in our history when we have one of the world’s poorest unemployment indices; at such a time when labour strifes loom large under the overhanging balloon called “new minimum wage� - figuratively speaking, that balloon houses at least 30,000 shards with capacity to impale or decimate many states still gasping in paying the old miserable minimum wage of 18,000.

It is the same man who is now locked in the epicentre of that throbbing catastrophe... who verbalised on national television his disdain for the abject reality and frustration of our medical workers fleeing to Europe and the US so as to survive. And he “was� a medical doctor...�since June, 1979�! He retired from the Federal Ministry of Health as a Deputy Director, Medical Services and Training, in 1998...

That ought to shut us up, humph! Apparently, Ngige didn’t have the privilege of being “surplus� to the national requirements for effective public health delivery during his active service.

In his goateed tirade against the doctors, Ngige was quoted thus: “I am not worried, we have surplus doctors, if we have a surplus, we export. I was taught Biology and Chemistry by Indian teachers in my secondary school days�. “They are surplus in their country. We have a surplus in the medical profession in our country. I can tell you this.

It is my area, we have excess. We have enough, more than enough, quote me. “There is nothing wrong, they go out to sharpen their skills, earn money and send them back home here. Yes, we have foreign exchange earnings from them, not from oil.� “Brain drain will only be inimical when for instance neurosurgeons travel and we don’t have neurosurgeons here.�

Is it not stunning that Dr. Ngige could have been advised by his cabinet colleague in the Ministry of Health that the major reason “brain drain� is inimical is exactly because “brains� like neurosurgeons and such specialists are the ones “draining� to foreign lands. This level of crude distanciation from reality is frightening if it proves to be common amongst our ruling elite.

However, to latch the former doctor to some form of

existential anchor, Dr. Olusegun Olaopa, the president of the National Association of Resident Doctors, brilliantly profiles the Minister’s psychosis: “He spoke as a politician who does not know what is happening in the country. The doctors we are losing are not fresh doctors but specialists.

That means that Nigeria will continue to battle with shortage of specialist doctors.� Touche!

Also puncturing Ngige’s surplus statistics is the president of his professional body, the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Adedayo Faduyile. He describes Ngige’s huff-puff as “an unfortunate statement which shows that he has done nothing in medical practice�. Faduyile reveals that while the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended that each country should strive for at least a ratio of one doctor to 600 patients... “in Nigeria,� declares Faduyile, “we have 40,000 doctors taking care of 200 million people�. That population figure is right on the button: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently confirmed from its 2019 World Population Report that we are now about 201 million people.

Therefore, if Faduyile is correct on the 40,000 mark, that is a staggering 5,000 patients to one doctor. The poor chap will have to attend to at least 13 people every day of the year to go round all his patients, without observing even a day off duty!

After the hoopla the TV appearance caused, the Minister sought to redeem his tottering position with a statement which somewhat still stands on his stance, with barely any perceptible twist. My summary of his reposte is wrapped in these flamboyant words: “I speak from the vantage position of being a medical doctor and ... enriched by my vast knowledge on health administration... member of Vision 2010 Committee on Health as well as senior member, Senate Committee on Health 2011-2015, therefore the truth no matter how it hurts, must be told and reality, boldly faced. Hence (sic), apart from Nigeria’s non-compliance with the World Health Organisation’s ratio of one doctor to six hundred patients of (sic) which I was misquoted, every other thing I said in that interview is an existential reality, useful and constructive facts which every Nigerian that watched the full interview will hardly dispute.�

One of the problems with our ruling elite, (oh, how I hate generalisations) is the inability to take an uppercut on the chin, step back...shake head to clear the dizziness, review your missteps, and regroup to aim for higher targets. They chase after inconsequential matters, and gleefully pose for photographs to immortalize their tomfoolery.

They travel to speak grandiloquent inanities at global foras which add zilch to our commonwealth, and greedily starch their estacodes and sinful allowances into foreign piggy

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

check: strength. Similarly: straight. “News from reliable sources tend (tends) to portray a government tendency itching (do you mean inching?) towards sustenance.‌â€? “Ex-head of states, who have cracked and liquidated the nation’s coffers are to be paid or are receiving N350,000 every month.â€? Building a new nation: Ex-heads of state “Vocational equipments, basic infrastructures and qualified personnels must be given priority in our scheme of things.â€? Uncountable words: booty, equipment and personnel. “The news of the death of‌via a ghastly motor accident recently came as a rude shock to us.â€? Advert condolence: fatal (not ghastly) motor accident. Beyond the correction, since the man died, there was no need for the inclusion of the mode of mishap. Simply a motor accident‌Got the point? Who can explain the etymology of “rude shockâ€? to me? I am not used to such native registers. “But suffice it to say that those rooting to unseat a recalcitrant lawmaker should be abreast with (of) the legal bottleneck rather than arm-twisting.â€? “It is very easy for a moneybag (sic) that has‌.“ ‘Moneybags’ (plural unchanged) (especially informal and derogatory) is a rich person. (Source: OXFORD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary and Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English for Advanced Learners) “Moneybagâ€? is a bag for containing money.

COUNTERPOINT

Ă‘Ă“Ă‘Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă‹Ă?Þ̋ Ă“Ă˜Ă&#x;ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă—ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ here is a spirit in man that gives him wisdom, or its opposite, when Providence sets him on high places. The thundering snafu delivered by the outgoing Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, was a fitting example of cutting your nose to spite your mirror! A bloody self-inflicted

MEDIAGAFFES

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

banks without a glance at our tomorrow.

They visit China with their entourage (modest or large) and other far-flung places, to inspect fewer than 65 coaches supposedly being built to order, when a more seriousminded person can delegate a junior director with requisite experience to coordinate periodic audio-visual conferencing where either party can check and cross-examine every detail of the manufacturing and funding processes. (And by the way, we are likely to be sourly disappointed when we see the final make and age of the so-called coaches now under production).

You can tick hundreds of such noisy “nothingnesses� which benefits to the Nigerian populace are infinitesimal... of course, when you look closely, there are, more often than not, perforations and loopholes that are designed to lead straight to their pockets and bank accounts, or that of their families, cronies and lapdogs. In a 2017 investigative report by a Nigerian online newspaper reviewing the first two years of our 36 ministers, 80% of them scored less than average when their “promises� were scaled against their “achievements� and “failures� - including Minister Ngige. In fact, only one official scored what we can call a B-minus grade! Then, imagine the cumulative scores, when the following two years ending this month, are added... very likely to be as baleful and disheartening, if not worse.

Snippets: News: “The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Akwa Ibom reported the highest unemployment rate of 37.7 per cent in third quarter 2018.

The bureau said that Rivers had the second highest reported unemployment rate with 36.4 per cent followed

by Bayelsa with 32.6 per cent.� Me: And these are some of the highest recipients of monthly federal allocations, derivation largesse, etc. What are they doing with the funds? Who is seriously monitoring the governors?

What mechanism is open to the army of unemployed youth in each state to demand and monitor accountability and sustainable social investment on available manpower?

Are we to look up to the avaricious legislators shamelessly fighting to legalize daylight robbery in the shape of “lifetime pension� after four years of “serving the people� to mount pressure on imperial governors?

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 4, 2019

POLITY Abdullahi Gbade Akinbode

Doomsday Awaits Bad Leaders in Nigeria In the last forty years, Alhaji Abdullahi Gbade Akinbode has remained in the consciousness of Muslim elites in Nigeria for the various roles he has played through teaching, gospel music and campus evangelism to bridge the gap between the Muslims of the old and the new generation of the adherent of the religion. He changed the gear in the mid-80s when he joined a few Yoruba elites and Muslim professionals in Ibadan to form a prayer group, which later transformed to what is today known as Nasrul-Lahi-l Fatih Society (NASFAT), and subsequently became the organisation’s pioneer Missioner. In this encounter with Raheem Akingbolu, Akinbode speaks on his early life, governance and what led to the establishment of his new prayer group -Jamaa’tu AhliLlahi

A

bdulahi Gbade Akinbode is a household name among the Muslims in the South West of Nigeria. As an Islamic teacher and preacher, Akinbode’s popularity cuts across campuses, corporate institutions, political environment and market places. While congratulating Nigerians who have just been elected into various executive and legislative offices, Akinbode was quick to declare that bad leaders shall meet their Waterloo on the day of resurrection. Though, he admitted that nature abhor vacuum and so leaders should emerge but urged politicians to always pause and review their promises to the people and what their respective office entail.

“Leadership is good but good governance is better. I didn’t envy political leaders because I know what awaits them if they fail to govern with justice and equity. If they fail, they will see the consequence of the injustice they mete out to the people.

Governance requires God’s consciousness, it requires justice and it requires transparency, honesty and loyalty. If you are a Muslim and you lack all these qualities, you are not fit for any political position. I say this because if anybody goes into a position of authority and err in discharging all these responsibilities, the wrath and torment of God will be hard on such people. My advice to leaders is that whatever they are doing, they should be conscious of what Allah says about leadership and followership.

They should discharge their responsibility as if God is watching them. Meanwhile, even though they cannot see God, God is watching and taking records of their deeds,” he stated.

Gospel music

In the late 70s through early 80s, when Christian Gospel Music icons like Niyi Adedokun, Bola Are, Ojo Ade and Funmi Aragbaye were redefining Christian evangelism through music, Akinbode thought of the likely influence of the new approach on Muslim youths and bridged the gap by popularising the Islamic gospel genre.

Speaking on how his early exposure to Islamic Literature helped his music and evangelism career, Akinbode gave the credit to his late father, a farmer and Islamic cleric, who insisted that his children must combine both Islamic and Western education.

“I owe my late father a lot of gratitude in this regard because

Akinbode

he was my first teacher, when it comes to basic moral lesson for a Yoruba boy and early exposure to Arabic and Islamic studies.

All these became useful when the idea of revolutionising Islamic gospel music came to my mind. I started deploring my Islamic music after secondary school. But in our own time, the motive was to use the music to preach morals, guide conduct, remind members of the society on the importance of doing good.

Another reason was to give alternative music to Muslim youths at a time Christian Gospel music had already become prevalent in the Nigerian Music environment,” To Akinbode, the gospel music industry today is miles apart from what was obtainable in their days. “Gospel music was not a professional thing in our own time; most of us who were singing then were students, who were doing what we were doing to add value. We were using our music to preach, teach moral and to propagate Islam. However, the modern trend is strange as we now see band stand with all kind of dances. It is a free market now unlike during our time when they will teach us how to dance. If you dance a ‘shakushaku’ kind of music, your fans and Islamic leaders will criticise you. In short, you dare not,”

Iowe my latefathera lotofgratitude in this regard because he was my first teacher, when itcomes to basicmoral New Islamic order lessonfor aYoruba boy and early Against the belief that the formation of new Islamic organisaexposure toArabicand Islamicstudies. tions like NASFAT, QAREEB, JAMAHLIY and others that emerged between mid-90s and now, first gave South West All thesebecame usefulwhenthe idea Muslim elites enlightened platforms, Akinbode gave the credit ofrevolutionizing Islamicgospelmusic to Muslim Students’ Society, National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation and other youth platforms that were in existence came tomy mind. I started deploring before the above Islamic group.

“MSS and others were the first set of associations that gave my Islamic musicaftersecondary Muslim Youths the voice and platform to propagate Islam and school. But inourowntime, the motive strengthen evangelism in accordance with modern civilisation.

Prior to the formation of MSS by our founding fathers, Muslim was touse the musicto preachmorals, youths had no common umbrella on campuses and this often led to undue influence and conversion to other faiths. NASFAT guide conduct,remind members of and other similar bodies have only deepened it as young graduthe societyonthe importance ofdoing ates and professionals see the various folds as broader platforms to propagate Islam. There have been a vacuum until NASFAT good. Another reasonwas to give came and gave room for social interaction and engagement. alternativemusicto Muslimyouths at a Today, except you don’t want to practice Islam, there are various that take care of the need of various demographies; youths, timeChristian Gospelmusichad already fora professionals, women, young ladies and children.

Using his new Islamic Prayer Group, JAMAHLIY, as exbecome prevalentinthe NigerianMusic ample, Akinbode disclosed that the new body has a continuous environment education center, entrepreneurial forum and another platform

for young graduates who want to have economic independence and need opportunities to explore.

He spoke extensively about NASFAT, how excited he felt leading the group and why he left the association he was so much proud of to start a new one afresh.

“Forever, I will be grateful to Allah for allowing me to pass through NASFAT. The years spent there were exciting as the prayer group further sharpened my evangelical skills and taught me more lessons about leadership, human management and life generally. Of course, I must also thank the Almighty for what he used me to achieve in the association. Having said this, much as I would have loved to dwell again on why I left NASFAT, I must tell you that the issue has almost become overkill. Succinctly speaking, let me state here again that my leaving was in accordance with the constitution of the association and not as a result of any disagreement. Till date, we still relate when the need arises since we are working for the growth of Islam. Neither NASFAT nor JAMAHLIY is for personal aggrandizement,” Speaking further, Akinbode, who left NASFAT at age 60 over two years ago, said since he was still strong and fit in body and brain to continue with his evangelism work, it was not a waste time in establishing JAMAHLY. “Like everything ordained by Allah, the birth of JAMAHLIY was divined. I have just left a group that had prepared me well; both spiritually and in the art of organising people and I was still young and able to continue with evangelism work. I had support of people of like minds and we began the group. The first positive sign was that we grew to over 10,000 members within the first one year. Today, we are in more than 20 states of the federation and have branches in US, UK and other countries,” he said.

Early life and education

Though born in Ibadan at Isale Afaa to the family of Opeolu, only few Nigerians know that Gbade Akinbode family had their root in one of the royal houses in Offa, Kwara State. Speaking on why his musical career was cut short, he pointed out that his father was against gospel music for him not only because of Pa Abdulahi’s belief in Islam but because as a prince, his son had no business in the entertainment industry. Another good thing he revealed about his father was the man’s belief in the combination of western and Islamic education.

“I grew up in a large family set up in a rustic settlement in Ibadan. My father was a Muslim Cleric and a cocoa farmer, who also believed in balanced education that includes western and Islamic education. My mother was a trader and I was nurtured by the two parents, who didn’t allow me to live with any external family as it used to be then. My Arabic tutelage started from home. Later, I was enrolled in a Muslim primary School in our neighborhood, where I later became a Janitor because of my promptness and brilliance in school. For the secondary School, I attended Ahmadiya Grammar School at Eleyele, Ibadan,” Looking back, Akinbode said he was admitted into Sciences in Secondary School but had to change to humanities along the line.

“My father wanted me to be a Muslim cleric but that was not my initial plan but perhaps Allah has destined me to toe the line because along the line, I changed from Sciences to Humanities.

For higher education, I first went for a professional training in Personnel management, alongside my teaching career, before going to University of Lagos to bag a degree in Education Arts. Later, I returned to the same university to acquire Master of International Law and Diplomacy in the Department of Jurisprudence,” Asked to name who influenced him most between his father and mother, Abdullahi was quick to say that both of them did the magic. According to him, at the beginning, he thought his mother loved him more until he discovered that his father was also fantastic, except that he was a disciplinarian who believed he must be a little strict to instill knowledge and discipline into his young son.

“Both parents influenced me. My mother loved me but my father trained and loved me. My father was tough but only tough to disobedient children but people didn’t know. I was easy going; I was either reading books or Quran while with him, so I never had problem,” he said.

27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 4, 2019

POLITY

The Ogun ‘Musketeers’ and Amosun’s Transition Committee Femi Ogbonnikan writes on the Ogun State Musketeers, their strides and conflicts, and the eventual constitution of a transition committee by the outgoing administration in the state

C

onflicts are inevitable parts of life, either at workplace or among family members or friends. But the way these conflicts are managed can have a major impact on success, happiness and one’s fulfillment in life. Conflicts can build up over time, or can flare up suddenly. They can be based on genuine personal disagreements or hatred, fears of the unknown, deceit, lies, perfidy, sheer greed, selfishness, pride, among others.

Reminiscent of “The Three Musketeers”, a historical adventure novel written in 1844

by French Author, Alenxadre Dumas, former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the outgoing governor, Ibikunle Amosun, and the incoming governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, hitherto, were very good friends. They are successful businessmen who did things together and have distinguished themselves in their various spheres of human endeavours. By sheer providence, Daniel and Amosun have been opportune to be governors of the state, while Abiodun, in a month’s time, will also call the shot as the number one citizen.

In retrospect, at the twilight of the 2003 general elections, Amosun and Abiodun contributed significantly to the emergence of Daniel, as governor. There and then, Daniel, Abiodun and Amosun were the leading figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and they rode on the back of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo. But after Daniel assumed office as governor, and Amosun also won the Ogun Central Senatorial seat, both on the PDP platform, the former’s relationship with the latter became frosty. Pride and power were at play. Despite every entreaty by close associates, political leaders and elders to mend the fences, the gulf created between the duo was never bridged. With the turn of events, Amosun dumped the PDP and defected to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), a platform he subsequently tested the water in his gubernatorial bid in the 2007 general elections, but lost out to Daniel, who was re-elected.

Unsure of his electoral victory in the subsequent general elections, precisely in the 2011, Amosun decided to act smart. He romanced and worked closely with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was a bigwig in the defunct Action Congress (AC) that subsequently metamorphosed into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and soon afterwards emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the 11th hour of the AC’s primaries in Ogun state, with the interventions of Tinubu, Prince Dapo Abiodun, former Ekiti and Osun state governors, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Chief Bisi Akande, respectively, Amosun was favoured and he became the governorship flag bearer of the party.

In 2015, preparatory to the general elections, Abiodun supported Amosun financially and morally to boost his re-election campaign. That aside, Abiodun supported Amosun when civil servants in the state threatened to down tools in 2014.

But when Abiodun signified an interest in the number one job of the state in 2017, Amosun objected. He didn’t conceal his disdain for Abiodun’s bid. The outgoing governor deployed every trick to thwart the electoral victory of Abiodun. Unperturbed and dogged, despite all odds, Abiodun took up the gauntlet and squared up with other co-contenders to the governorship race. He eventually won.

Abiodun said after his victory: “If men were God, I wouldn’t have won the governorship race. What has kept me going in the journey of life, despite daunting challenges is my absolute and unshakeable faith in God. My faith is anchored on the message of Christ in Mark 11:23 that assures of an unwavering faith that could relocate a mountain from one point to another.”

While predicating his electoral victory on faith in God, Abiodun gave the testimony during a thanksgiving service held at St James Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, his home town,

L-R: Daniel, Amosun and Abiodun

L-R Dapo Abiodun, a guest and Ibikunle Amosun to appreciate Almighty God for protection and his victory at the governorship poll.

Meanwhile, vision drives ambition. The governor-elect, Prince Dapo Abiodun, leaves no one in doubt, tightening the loose ends, in the commitment of his incoming administration to take Ogun State to a greater height, by exploiting its economic potentials. The incoming governor and the United States of America (USA) Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, deliberated on different issues that are germane to the socio-economic development of the state when the Ambassador visited him in Lagos, on Monday. Specifically, the discussion was on how to attract investors from the US to the state’s thriving economy.

Meanwhile, following perennial crises rocking the state-owned tertiary institutions, especially the Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), located in Omu-Ijebu, Odogbolu Local Government Area, the governor-elect, in his bid to restore sanity, met with the Coalition of Tai Solarin College of Education Staff (COTAS), led by their Chairman, Comrade Daniel Aborisade.

Their visit was hinged on two reasons: to felicitate with him on his recent electoral victory at the poll and, more importantly, to ventilate their views on some critical issues

affecting them and the overall survival of TASCE, an institution named after a foremost Nigerian educator and author, Augustus Taiwo “Tai” Solarin.

“During our interactions, part of the issues raised ranged from non-payment of salaries and arrears, non-payment of pension, nonremittance of cooperative society deduction to absence of governing council board, among others. “To have a deeper understanding of their challenges, the delegation requested that a visitation panel should be constituted to look into the affairs of the institution.

“On my part, I assured them that all the challenges currently facing TASCE will be given immediate and proper attention by the incoming administration, with a promise to personally visit the institution upon my assumption of office,” said Abiodun.

On the recent arson carried out by some suspected political thugs during the grand finale of “Akoogun” festival in Ifo, the governor-elect, who was on an on-the-spot assessment tour of the trouble scene, read riot acts to potential hoodlums, to repent or face the wrath of the law.

During the fracas on Sunday, April 21, that led to the killing of a man simply identified as Hakeem, the thugs razed down the constitu-

ency offices of the Deputy speaker of the Ogun state House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo and that of the lawmaker, representing Ifo/ Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Hon Ibrahim Isiaka.

The governor-elect who talked tough against cultism, among other vices which he linked to the dastardly act, said he had instructed the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of the State Service (DSS) to ensure the arrest of the evil perpetrators and bring them to book.

It would be recalled that violence broke out in the ancient city and claimed the life of a 25-year old man, when some operatives of the police force from Zone 2 Command headquarters, Ikoyi, Lagos, attempted to arrest a suspect in the area. Abiodun, while speaking when he visited the scene of the violence, vowed that his government would not tolerate any act of hooliganism or indiscipline but will embark on aggressive programmes that would better engage the youths.

He said: “For those that seized the opportunity to commit arson, they would be brought to book. We will not tolerate indiscipline; we would not tolerate hooliganism; we would not tolerate thuggery and we would not tolerate or condone cultism.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 4, 2019

POLITY Mich Ikokwu, 1947 – 2019: A Glorious Career in Military, Civilian Life Vera Ikokwu

I

t was not common in those days that one would make a huge success both in military career and in civilian political life. You either reached the zenith of your career in the military; retire thereafter or you join politics and also reach the height. But things and times have changed. We now have retired Generals making a huge success of politics and even becoming Presidents of their countries. Jerry Rawlings of Ghana, David Mark, Obasanjo and Muhammedu Buhari all retired generals, stand up to be counted.

In my own community, Okija Anambra State of Nigeria, Rt. Hon Captain Michael Uzochukwu Ikokwu (rtd), Chief Nzeabata I is one of those to be so counted.

After making a huge success of his military career and retired in 1977, he joined politics and became Deputy Chairman of Ihiala Local Government and later Hon. member House of Representatives 1992 – 1993.

Mich Ikokwu was born into the family of late Moris Nwafor (Power) and Mrs Maria Ikokwu in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on 23rd April 1947.

After his primary education at St. Engene Primary school in Aba where he was born, he proceeded to Ngor Okpala High School for his secondary school education. Captain Ikokwu as a young boy was a Star goal keeper in the then Eastern State football team. His resilience in the field of play got him the nick name “Phensic” in those days “Phensic” was a medicine for headache. Once he was at a goal post, his team “had no headache”.

He made a Grade I in his West Africa School Certificate (WASC) Examination and was admitted into the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsukka in 1967. Unfortunately his studies were disrupted by the Nigerian Civil War. As was common in those days he enlisted in the Biafaran Army and eventually joined the Nigerian Army during the war. While in the Military, he went to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism from where he got Diploma in Journalism. He served in various units of Nigeria Army Public Relations and the Directorate of Military Intelligence. Many Certificates of commendation attest to his glorious career in the Military.

His illustrious career in the Army made him rise to the position of Head of Public Relations before his retirement in 1977, after serving a 10 years Short Service Commission (1967 – 1977).

After retiring from the Army he was called to serve his local government in various capacities – Councilor,

Ikokwu

Ikokwu

Supervisory Councilor and Local Government Chairman.

In 1992 he contested and won election into the House of Representatives and served in various committees until their tenure was cut short by General Sani Abacha in Nov. 1993.

Late Mich Ikokwu also held many high political positions in his civilian life including the Chairmanship of Nigerian National Supply Company (NNSC).

He played the role of a political leader who must be consulted on the way forward for his people.

By Uzochukwu’s death, Okija Community, the political class, the retired Military class and the generality of progressive politicians have lost a rare gem, a decent mind, a giant intellectual and a great lover of his people.

The vacuum created by his death will be very difficult to fill. Survived

PHOTO NEWS

L-R : Senior Circuit Steward, Methodist Church Nigeria, Palm Avenue Circuit, Abiona Babarinde; Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Sunday Ogunlere; and Circuit Presbyter, Very Rev. Mathew Ogunsiji, at the Easter service held at the Methodist Cathedral, Palm Avenue, Lagos… recently

L- R: Chief Executive Officer, 6020 Energy Ltd., Dr. Abiola Oluwaseun Oyedotun; and Emir of Zamfara, HRH Dr. Attahiru Ahmad (CON), during the conferment of the Doctorate degree of Science on Dr. Oyedotun at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Warri, Delta State...recently

L-R: Second place winner, Nigeria Employee of the Year Award (NEYA), Onabajo Ayodeji; CEO, SB Telecomms and Convener of TAMS/NEYA Summit, Afolabi Abiodun; Commercial Director, TVC Communications, Ronan Redmond; 1stplacewinner,NigeriaEmployeeoftheYearAward,RaliatAbe;Head,PRandCorporateCommunications,TVCCommunications, Mabel Aladenusi; and Editor, Content and Quality Control,TVC News, Opeyemi Asaolu, during the courtesy visit byTAMS/NEYA Ambassadors toTVC Communications Management in Lagos...recently Abiodun Ajala

L-R: Head of Finance and Admin, Ikeja Electric, Ikorodu Business Unit, Oyinkansola Idowu; Baale of Ajegunle, Ikorodu, Chief Moyosola Oladunjoye; CDA Chairman, Ajegunle, Ikorodu, Mr. Awobona Sunday; and Brand, Events and PCSR Specialist, Ikeja Electric, Adebimbe Akintola, during the distribution of free mosquito nets to community members of Ajegunle, Ikorodu in commemoration ofWorld Malaria Day 2019 in Lagos...recently AbiodunAjala

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

04.05.2019

NEWS

NO FAVOUR FOR LIVERPOOL

PAGE 32

Kenneth Omeruo Peaking Ahead of AFCON

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Î

30

GLOBAL SOCCER

Kenneth Omeruo Peaking Ahead of AFCON

With less than two months to go, Nigerian national team Manager, Gernot Rohr, is hoping that some of the Super Eagles players would maintain their scintillating performance till summer when the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations kicks o in Egypt.

Leganes of Spain defender, Kenneth Omeruo is one of such players the Germanborn tactician is hoping he keeps his form. Last weekend, the Chelsea loanee was voted the Man-of-the-Match against Celta Vigo and little wonder he was selected in La Liga team of the week

K

enneth Omeruo masterclass in his team’s scoreless draw at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque against Celta Vigo last Saturday has earned him a place in La Liga Santander Team of the Week.

Omeruo solidified the backline and was a major factor in the Los Pepineros picking a point. Little wonder the former Middlesbrough and Kasimpasa defender was voted Man of the Match in the tension soaked encounter.

Playing in a now familiar threeman back formation, the Chelsea

loanee led the defence for the host alongside Unai Bustinza and Dimitrios Slovas as they went in search of their 10th clean sheet of the top tier season.

When the visitors thought they had taken the lead against the run of play, the impressive Omeruo was on hand to deny them as he made a last ditch goal line clearance to earn his side their first point in three outings.

The Nigerian played the full throttle and finished with a high rating of 8.0, making 10 clearances, winning six of his seven duels,

making one interception and also completing 91 per cent of his passes.

He has made 25 league appearances for the Cucumber Growers this season. “See my teammates, Team of the Week La Liga. Big deal for me, all God,� Omeruo posted on Instagram.

The Nigerian defender was at the heart of everything as this plucky Leganes side have now kept 10 lean sheers and it’s based on the rock-solid defence that the Omeruo is part of.

Omeruo has been described as one of the best centre backs in Spain, maybe also across Europe’s top Leagues.

Omeruo who is on loan from Chelsea has made four previous moves in search of first-team football and topsy turvy as his journey has been the Nigerian is showing great adaptability and the stats prove he is heading up.

The 25-year-old joined the Spanish side in August, his seventh loan move away from the English Premier League club Chelsea since he

31

MAY 4, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Obi

joined them in 2012.

“Right now I’m fulfilling my dream of playing in La Liga, it’s amazing and different. It was a frustrating start due to my work permit issue, but after playing in two big La Liga games I must say things are finally looking up,” Omeruo told BBC Sport.

“I’ve been playing away from England in Turkey for a while and every time I always craved for a visible league where people can watch me.

“Luckily, after the World Cup where I had two good games, I got

more options and I chose La Liga where everyone can watch me, and so far it’s been a perfect decision for me.”

Omeruo, who is yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea where he has a deal until 2020, spent a second spell at Turkish side Kasımpasa last season.

A 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner with Nigeria, he has also been loaned to Dutch side ADO Den Haag, Middlesbrough in England for two seasons and another Turkish side Alanyaspor.

Back in 2017 he admitted he may have to leave Chelsea in his quest for first-team football on a regular basis.

He now concedes his dreams of playing in England’s top flight with the Blues could be over as he looks to continue in Spain and hopefully earn a permanent move to Leganes.

“Right now I’m fulfilling my dream of playing in La Liga, it’s amazing and different,” he added.

“Leganes have an option to sign me permanently and I would like to give everything to stay in the league.

“I’ve played in the English championship, I’ve gotten a feel of that but La Liga is very good. If I end up playing for Chelsea someday fine, because it is one of the biggest teams in the world and they have the highest fan base in Nigeria.

“I would love to play for them, even if it’s just a game, but right now I am very happy with my life here in Spain.”

Omeruo can play at centre-back or right-back and is regarded as one of the continent’s best young defenders.

Meanwhile, head coach of the Super Eagles, Rohr has expressed his delight over Omeruo’s recent form in the Spanish League.

“I am really impressed with his performances,” Rohr stated, adding, “playing against teams like Sevilla, Celta Vigo and he was able stay defensively focused and consistent shows his great quality as a defender.”

An obviously excited Rohr observed that Omeruo’s performance was a good development for the Eagles and also for his Spanish team as well. “We hope he continues in that manner and for me that gives a stiff competition in the first line of the Super Eagles.”

Meanwhile, Omeruo wants a

permanent stay at Spanish La Liga side Leganes and has revealed that both his parent club as the modest Spanish outfit should agree before the end of the season.

Omeruo has delivered decent performances to help Mauricio Pellegrino’s men keep 10 clean sheets in 24 appearances.

And the defender has expressed his desire to remain with Estadio Municipal de Butarque outfit as he aims to stabilise his career.

“I want to stay in Spain but right now the club needs to pay or reach an agreement with Chelsea. I know they are working towards it and will reach a decision soon. I just want to keep playing well.

“I’ve seen the importance of playing where Nigerians can watch, they can see me every week and know how improved my game has been.

“I want to stay in Spain, maybe a bigger club. If not, the Leganes. I think this year is the year where I stay as I need a home,” he said.

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 ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Î

GLOBAL SOCCER

Newcastle Test for Liverpool Title Aspiration After Liverpool UEFA Champions League aspiration was dented a big blow with a 3-0 defeat by Lionel Messi inspired Barcelona, the Reds turned their attention to the Premier League as they travel to St. James’ Park against Newcastle in a must win encounter to keep their title aspiration alive

Henderson

L

iverpool have no time to fret over their chastening Champions League defeat at the hands of Barcelona as they scramble to prevent their season from fizzling out without any silverware to show for it.

After the hammer blow of two late Lionel Messi goals at the Camp Nou, which gave Barcelona a 3-0 win in the first leg of the semi-final, Jurgen Klopp’s men must brace themselves for the challenge of Newcastle in the Premier League today.

Despite already posting a club record points tally of 91 with two games remaining, a Liverpool defeat would give Manchester City the chance to retain the title at home to Leicester on Monday. “They don’t have to think about the next game against Barcelona, now we

play Newcastle. That’s all our focus.

We go to the hotel, have a proper sleep, get up in the morning, fly home and then prepare for Newcastle. Whatever happens, these boys, I couldn’t be more proud of them,� said Klopp after Wednesday’s defeat in Spain.

There was plenty for Klopp to be proud about in Catalonia despite a first defeat in 20 games.

Liverpool had more possession and shots on goal as they pressed and penned the Spanish champions back, particularly after Luis Suarez had come back to haunt his former club with the opening goal in the 26th minute. “I can work really well with this game.

I will use this game to show the boys what is possible,� added Klopp. “It was brave performance that was very passionate, very lively and in a lot

of moments creative and direct. “There will be a moment when I can convince the boys again how important this game was for us for our development because I really think it was the best away game we played in the Champions League. That’s a very important message for us, not for the world outside.�

However, while Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah missed huge chances, the magic of Messi swung the tie heavily in Barca’s favour.

If Messi’s first goal 15 minutes from time was opportunistic, his second was out of this world.

The Argentine’s 600th goal for Barcelona was fired into the top corner with unerring accuracy from a long-range free-kick. “In these moments he’s unstoppable,�

admitted Klopp.

A second leg at fortress Anfield is still to come, but ending a 29-year wait to win the Premier League was always Liverpool’s primary target for the season.

Now into his fourth season in charge, Klopp has still to win a trophy with Liverpool.

But if his maturing side were denied by individual brilliance in Barcelona, it is the collective class of City, led by former Barca boss Pep Guardiola, that looks likely to deny them a muchdesired title.

For the seventh game in a row, Liverpool would go back on top with a victory over Newcastle, led by their former manager Rafael Benitez.

However, with City on a 12-game Premier League winning run, Liverpool

ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

33

GLOBAL SOCCER Premiership Table

Team Man City Liverpool Tottenham Chelsea Arsenal Man Utd Wolves Leicesterr Everton Watford West Ham Crystal Palace Newcastle Bournemouth Burnley Southampton Brighton Cardi Fulham HuddersďŹ eld As at 02/05/19

P 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36

GD 68 64 29 21 20 13 25 4 6 -1 -9 -5 -9 -13 -19 -17 -22 -36 -42 -54

Pts 92 91 70 68 66 65 4 51 50 50 46 43 42 42 40 38 35 31 26 14

Premiership TODAY

Tottenham v Bournemouth v West Ham v Wolves v Cardi v Newcastle v

HuddersďŹ eld Tottenham Southampton Fulham Crystal Palace Liverpool

Chelsea v HuddersďŹ eld v Arsenal v

Watford 14:00 Manchester 14:00 Brighton 16:30

Man City

Leicester

SUNDAY

MONDAY

v

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

20:00

Spanish La Liga Fixtures TODAY

Levante Espanyol AlavĂŠs Celta Vigo

v v v v

Vallecano AtlĂŠtico Sociedad Barcelona

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

Getafe Eibar Madrid Valladolid Huesca

v v v v v

Girona Betis Villarreal Bilbao Valencia

11:00 13:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

Chievo Udinese

v v

SPAL Inter

17:00 1930

Empoli Lazio Parma Sassuolo Genoa Napoli

v v v v v v

Fiorentina Atalanta Sampdoria Frosinone Roma Cagliari

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

AC Milan

v

Bologna

19:30

SUNDAY

Serie A TODAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Hot Shot NAME

still need the champions to slip up either at home to Leicester or away at Brighton on the final day of the season to stand a chance of winning the title. “I think mentally, we shouldn’t be affected,� said Liverpool defender and Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year Virgil van Dijk. “I won’t be. It was a tough game but we have a big game at the weekend and we are still in the race. We want the same performance without conceding the goals.�

Meanwhile, Reds forward, James Milner says Liverpool will be ready to go against Newcastle United after their Champions League disappointment.

Milner and his team-mates must now pick themselves up for tonight’s visit to St James’s Park.

Second-placed Liverpool, a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester

City with two games left to play, need to win to be certain of taking the title race into the final weekend of the season. “We’ve obviously got to bounce back first for the weekend, pick ourselves up again after this disappointment,� said former Newcastle midfielder Milner. “But I think we’ve all seen the heart in the dressing room before and the drive, the team spirit. We’ll be ready to go at the weekend. Hopefully, we can get the result and get a bit of positive feeling going into the second leg.�

Liverpool had been unbeaten in 19 games going into the Barcelona game.

Reflecting on the defeat, 33-year-old Milner told beIN Sports: “I think, at this stage of the competition, the result is the only thing that matters really. “Maybe we can take heart that we created chances in the game, and we should have probably taken a couple of those,

but it didn’t happen, and they’re a top team who are always going to create chances and they took them. “We can be proud of our play, but at this stage of the competition you need to get the result.�

However, Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez, has stated that he is not out to hand any favours to his old club when they meet. “We will do what we have done the whole season and that’s try to win the game. We play at home in front of our own fans and will try to do our best.

It’s my responsibility to look after Newcastle and if I was on the other side, I would be expecting the opposition to do their best and the manager to try his best,� Benitez said.

Mohamed Salah Sergio AgĂźero Sadio ManĂŠ Pierre Aubameyang Jamie Vardy Raheem Sterling Harry Kane Eden Hazard Callum Wilson Paul Pogba Alexandre Lacazette RaĂşl JimĂŠnez GylďŹ Sigurdsson Richarlison Son Heung-Min T Roberto Firmino Luka Milivojevic Romelu Lukaku Joshua King Aleksandar Mitrovic Ashley Barnes Ayoze Perez Glenn Murray Leroy Sane Man Marcus Rashford Anthony Martial Aleksanda Mitrovic Chris Wood As at 02/05/19

CLUB

GOALS

Liverpoo l 21 Man Cit y 20 Liverpool 20 Arsenal 19 Leicester 18 Man City 17 Tottenham 17 Chelsea 16 Bournemouth 14 Man Utd 13 Arsenal 13 Wolves 13 Everton 13 Everton 13 ottenham 12 Liverpool 12 Palace 12 Man Utd 12 Bournemouth 11 Fulham 11 Burnley 11 Newcastle 11 Brighton 11 City 10 Man Utd 10 Man Utd 10 Fulham 10 Burnley 10

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Î

GLOBAL SOCCER

The Flag OďŹƒcer Commanding, Western Naval Command; Rear Admiral Dele Daji (left), presenting a gift to the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State; Rear Admiral John Jonah during the Nigerian Navy Sailing Club Annual Competition, held in Lagos ...recently

Coach Dennerby with some of his Super Falcons

POLAND 2019

Flying Eagles Set for Saudi Arabia Confrontation in Vienna As part of effort to perfect their preparations for this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Poland, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria will take on their Saudi Arabia U20 counterpart in Vienna, Austria on Sunday evening.

Both teams were scheduled to clash in a friendly in Jeddah earlier in the year but unforeseen events led to the cancellation.

That meeting was meant to prepare seven –time African champions Nigeria for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Niger Republic in February.

With both teams having qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals, Sunday’s encounter has even higher relevance, only

weeks before the World Cup opens in Poland.

The match will take place at the Sportschule Lindabrunn in Vienna, capital of Austria, according to Team Administrator, Aliyu Ibrahim Lawal.

While the Flying Eagles will confront Qatar, USA and Ukraine in Group D at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals, Saudi Arabia will battle things out with Panama, Mali and France in Group E. In Saudi Arabia, Nigeria will be looking to have an idea of how Qatar set up and do the business on the field, while in playing Nigeria, the Saudis hope to gain knowledge of what to expect from Mali in Poland.

Meanwhile, the Flying Eagles got a surprise visitor at their Germany camp on Thursday when former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Ayegbeni paid a visit to the team.

Ayegbeni, who played for Nigeria at the 2000 Olympics in Australia, said he decided to visit the team to motivate the players ahead of the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Poland.

The former Everton and Portsmouth striker was also happy to reunite with his former teammate Wilson Oruma who is the welfare officer of the team. “I have played in the youth sides for Nigeria and I know what it means to these young

lads to represent their country, “ the former striker said. “It was a pleasure to come here and speak with the boys and also encourage them go all out and do the country proud. I am happy with what I’ve seen in training and I urge them not to rest on their oars. They have the quality to do the country proud.�

Ayegbeni also applauded the technical crew for the blend of home-based and overseas-based players in the squad. The former Portsmouth striker opined that the blend will do Nigeria good as he also expressed happiness in meeting his former Super Eagles teammate Wilson Oruma.

Muscles Count for Nothing in World Title Bout, Ruiz Jr Warns Joshua Andy Ruiz Jr warned Anthony Joshua not to be fooled by his physical appearance when they collide in New York on June 1.

Ruiz has stepped in to face the WBA‘Super’, IBF and WBO champion at Madison Square Garden, after Jarrell Miller failed a drugs test.

Joshua is seeking a ‘spectacular knockout’ to stay on course for a mega fight against Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury but Ruiz believes his confrontational style can wreck the Londoner’s US debut. “I’m an aggressive fighter that throws a lot of combinations,� he said. “I’m not scared

of getting hit. I love action fights. I know a lot of people underestimate me just because of how I look, because of my body, but that has nothing to do with me fighting. “Yes Anthony Joshua is buffed, he has a lot of muscles, but you don’t need a lot of muscles to learn how to fight, to take punches and be strong.

I’ve proved that a lot of times.

I’ve fought a lot of big, muscular guys but that doesn’t really mean anything. “As long as I let my hands go, throw the combinations and stick to the game plan, we are going to win this fight. Joshua hasn’t ever fought somebody

like me. I don’t think he knows how to box and move back. “He hasn’t fought anyone who matches my speed and the pressure I’m going to bring.�

The bout with Joshua presents Ruiz with the chance to write the wrongs of his first world title fight in 2016, when he suffered a controversial points loss to then-WBO champion Joseph Parker.

It remains his only professional defeat in 33 fights. “Joshua is a great champion and has fought a lot of good fighters including Joseph Parker, but in my heart and eyes he has a belt that belongs to me, that I

won against Parker when we eliminated each other in New Zealand. “It is my opportunity to make history and become the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world, and to claim what’s mine - the WBO title. “It motivates me a lot.

It’s my second opportunity.

I’m still young and have never been hurt or knocked down in my professional career. “This means a lot to me and it couldn’t have happened in a better way. I’ve just had a fight [he stopped Alexander Dimitrenko on April 20] and gone back into a training camp.

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

Dennerby Says Falcons won’t Suffer Any Inferiority Complex Head Coach of the Super Falcons, Thomas Dennerby has assured that the African champions will not suffer any mental block when confronting European opposition at the FIFAWomen’s World Cup finals in France.

Speaking during a press conference preceding the WAFU Women’s Tournament starting in Abidjan next week, Dennerby said he believes the Super Falcons have now gained enough confidence to stand their ground against

European, American and Asian opposition any time the need arises. “The team now has confidence to play against any team, whichever continent they come from. That is the benefit of the several training camps and friendly tournaments we have had this year.

I definitely don’t think that it’s some kind of mental block when we lost to Canada in Spain. We know the reason why we lost the game and the biggest lessons are not to do

tactics that the team has not practiced in training, and also to stop playing only when the referee’s whistle goes for the end of the game. “The WAFU tournament is very important for the domestic players as it will avail the team an opportunity to play five really good games. Honestly, the most important thing is not to win the tournament but to have good performances and to have a good environment because some of them will

participate in the final camping in Austria.�

Dennerby, who said he is excited at the numerous talents in the Nigeria Women Football League, said he has plans of taking some of the domestic players who perform well in Abidjan to the World Cup, noting that he cannot be exact on the number for now. “It’s a little bit early to know the exact number, but definitely about eight or 10 domestic players will make the team�.

RedBull Life World Run Holds at National Stadium Lagos RedBull will on Sunday stage a run for charity tagged ‘The Wings for Life World Run’ at the National Stadium Lagos.

It is an initiative of the Wings of Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation that is dedicated to help generate funds for research projects.

The event which will have celebrities and charity lovers from around the globe will join fitness lovers as they take part in the various lined up activities which include running, walking and rolling respectively both physically and virtually.

The foundation which was founded in 2004 has funded life-changing research projects and clinical trials across the globe. 100 per cent of the funds raised from the global charity walk, would be channelled towards the Wings for Life’s ultimate goal, which is to find lasting solution to spinal cord injuries.

The most innovative part of the race is that participants would have a Virtual Catcher Car chase them, once the catcher car passes a runner that makes it a game over for the runner. At the end of the run, a global result list would be released and participants would be availed the opportunity to see the names of other participants at various locations across the globe.

In his comment about the upcoming charity run, Country Manager, RedBull Nigeria, Prashant Shetty, said “the global event is aimed at raising awareness and support for those with spinal cord injuries. We urge participants to come out en masse with their kit pack, smiles and great sense of fun to help our Organised App Run raise money and awareness for spinal cord injury by running for those who can’t, at the moment. “We will love to have Nigerians come to run! You don’t have to be a runner. You don’t have to cover miles but come with the willingness to share an amazing experience with the people around you. We’ll start at 12p.m. on May 5,� he added.

South Africa Condemns CAS Ruling on Semenya Athletics South Africa (ASA) says it is “reeling in shock� after Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya lost a landmark case against athletics’ governing body. The South African, 28, challenged new IAAF rules which attempt to restrict testosterone levels in female runners.

Athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) must now take medication to compete in some track events or change to another distance. ASA said the decision “goes to lengths to justify� discrimination.

Semenya had challenged the IAAF’s new rules at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) but on Wednesday it announced it had rejected the appeal. “We believe their decision is disgraceful,�

ASA added. And it said by justifying discrimination, Cas had “seen it fit to open the wounds of apartheid� - the South African political system which enforced white rule and racial segregation until 1991 - which it pointed out was “condemned by the whole world as a crime against humanity�.

Cas found the rules for athletes with DSD, like Semenya, were discriminatory - but that the discrimination was “necessary, reasonable and proportionate� to protect “the integrity of female athletics�.

But, in making the ruling on Wednesday, Cas said it had “serious concerns as to the future practical application� of the regulations.

Semenya, a multiple Olympic, World and Commonwealth champion, said she believed the IAAF “had always targeted me specifically�. “We are reeling in shock at how a body held in high esteem like Cas can endorse discrimination without flinching,� said ASA in a statement on Wednesday. “For Cas does not only condone discrimination but also goes to lengths to justify it, only undermines the integrity that this body is entrusted with. “We are deeply disappointed and profoundly shocked.� Semenya is still eligible to compete at the Diamond League meet in Doha on Friday and can make an appeal against the Cas ruling to the Swiss Tribunal Courts within the next 30 days.

ÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Paul Onuachu Consolidating Place in Super Eagles Ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, one area that will give the Super Eagles manager sleepless night is the striking role but not in terms of lack of it but who to select. One player that is not ready to let the opportunity that came his way slip is Paul Onuachu. He tasted few minutes of action in Nigeria’s last qualiďŹ er match against Seychelles and scored the lone goal in the international friendly with Egypt three days later and on Monday he scored a brace for his club to remind Rohr of his importance

P

aul Onuachu was back on a score sheet after netting a brace in FC Midtjylland away win over FC NordsjĂŚlland in their Danish Superliga clash on Monday.

Onuachu has failed to score for FC Midtjylland in the last three games with his last goal for the club in the Danish Cup 4-0 win against OB Odense early last month which was also a brace.

He scored the equaliser in the 50th minute after Jonathan Amon had put the home team ahead in the 19th minute of play and scored the winner with a powerful header in the 61st minutes of the encounter to put the game beyond their hosts.

Onuachu has now scored 16 goals in 28 league appearances for FC Midtjylland this season and he’s surely making a claim to a position in Nigeria’s team to 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

FC Midtjylland of Denmark striker debuted for the Super Eagles, against Seychelles after coming in for Oghenekaro Etebo in the 62nd minute. He stated afterwards that he would always give his very best anytime he was called upon to play for Nigeria.

Onuachu was calm even after getting a strong tip

from Eagles’ coach that he would start the game at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, as the towering youngster said he had learnt how to cope with pressure.

Rather than feel that he has already arrived, especially after getting lofty comments from Rohr, Onuachu is keeping his head down and aims to speak with his boots. He then went on to score the only goal in Nigeria’s lone goal victory in an international friendly game.

In spite of missing two months of last season to injury, Paul Onuachu was still able to manage 18 league goals.

He indeed attributed his none invitation to the Super Eagles before now to his injury. “I was supposed to be in the Nigerian squad for the last set of friendly games against Poland and Serbia but I was injured by the time the team list was to be released. I’m back now and hoping to get a look in soon. “My aim is to get back to scoring goals like I was doing before I got injured and hopefully I will make it hard for Coach Gernot Rohr to ignore me. He is aware of me and that is a motivation I need to build on,� Onuachu had said.

So far, Onuachu has been able to walk the talk as he has been in fantastic form this season for FC Midtjylland in the Danish League, scoring 18 goals and also

contributing three assists, which has really made it difficult for Rohr to ignore him.

The 24-year-old, who hails from Owerri was also eligible to play for Denmark as he has lived continuously for at least five years after reaching the age of 18 in the country, but said representing the Danish national team was never an option for him, and he is “super proud� to have been named in Nigeria’s latest squad. “I am super proud to be selected for the Nigerian national team. It’s something I’ve been dreaming for a long time, and it’s just a good feeling to have achieved such a great goal in my career. “It has been a goal for me for a very long time, but you just have to be patient. I do what I can on the football field, and now I’m just glad it has succeeded.

I was called by the Nigeria coach and he told me he wanted to try me out for a while, and now he has found room for me on the team,� said Onuachu.

Speaking to cafonline.com about his player selection, the Franco-German stated that Onuachu was in form and was too strong to be overlooked. “He has the experience of Europe at the height of his 24 years. His size is obviously his strength and the beautiful goals scored in the Danish championship.

This is another profile for us in the attack,� Rohr said.

Last year, Onuachu alongside Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez were the only Africans to join top stars from around the world in the FIFA 19 Ultimate Team of the Week. Onuachu said his first call up to the Nigerian senior national team was a dream come true. The FC Midtjylland striker has lived in Denmark since 2012, and for most of his time in Denmark, he has been a diligent goal scorer.

However, he had to wait to get a shot at the Nigeria senior national team, after he had earlier been called up to the Nigerian under-23 national team in February 2015. He was called up for Nigeria’s Super Eagles game against Seychelles and Egypt.

FC Midtjylland’s head coach, Kenneth Andersen, believes that the selection is well-deserved. “He has played well for a long time, and it is deserved that he gets the chance‌ Now I’m not exactly an expert on the Nigerian national team, but from my point of view it has been underway for a while.â€?

Onuachu said he received the happy message over the phone. “I was called by the Nigerian coach (Gernot Rohr), and he told me he wanted to try me out for a while, and now he could find room for me on the team,� he said.

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T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY MAY 4, 2019

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 4, 2019

VINTAGE

Queen Zaynab, Ooni’s Former Wife Sheds Light on His Claim about Igbos Originating from Yorubaland Bennett Oghifo

T

he Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi may have moved into the realm of human genealogy by claiming that Igbos originated from Yorubaland.

The Ooni, who received in court, at the weekend, the Lagos State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Solomon Ogbonna, who was accompanied by a delegation of African Farmers and Cultural Organisation, said: “I am so happy to have the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State President here as part of this empowerment initiative.

“Lagos is part of Yorubaland and we are all one. We are all the same; the history is there, the facts are there, and we should actually put these facts out. Why are we fighting?

“This is your root. I said it recently that some of our Yoruba kinsmen with ignorance of our history came out with nugatory statements of my position on the family ties between Yoruba and Igbo people. We have to say the truth and the truth must set us all free, we are blood brothers. We should be inseparable. Please feel at home in Yorubaland and respect your Yoruba brothers and sisters too.

“We have a lot of discoveries that the Igbo and Yoruba people once lived together as one family and this will be revealed to the public. We should look at things that connect us together not those that separate us.

“There were different clans of Igbo that left Ife to establish their kingdoms. One of them rebelled back and started coming to cause mayhem in Ife (where they originally came from) and that is the Olugbo Kingdom. We should all come together and forget what happened in the past.”

Reacting to this claim, through her publicist on Wednesday, Her Highness Queen Zaynab

Otiti Obanor said, “I believe this is a subjected topic. During the coronation of the Oba of Benin, part of the speech made by Ewuare ‘N’ Ogidigan 11 that I loved was that “the history of the world is a shared one and there would definitely be unexpected connections in the future.”

She said, “I believe in this and believe truly that we all share common ancestors and so we are all related one way or the other. Perhaps what the Ooni is saying is that we are all from a common place as humans or as Africans or, more streamlined, as Nigerians. Maybe the way he is saying it is what might have created some friction, but I would like to believe what he truly meant is that we are all related and he is not far from the truth.

“I love the whole concept or idea of genealogy getting to know our roots and who we are but maybe at this point in time of several chaos in the world and economic instability where a lot of people are barely able to feed.

With environmental pollution in the southsouth region affecting lives, development, and the insecurity and insurgency happening in the north and, to stretch it further, the global warming and mishaps across the world, I guess our concentration is now beyond who came from who, it should be about how we all survive here.”

She said, “speaking as a Nigerian, regardless of tribe, I believe we can all cohabit with a shared interest to join forces together both the south-south, Hausa, Ibo, Yoruba, Nigeria belongs to us all it doesn’t belong to one tribe more than the other and our individual interest should transcend mundane matters let’s concentrate on building the nation if not for our generation but for the next generation as we must remember that we are the ancestors of the future and what we do today will impact on the survival of the coming generations.”

Zaynab

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t.": , 2019

AUTO

Jaguar’s highest performance SUV, the F-PACE SVR

405kW Jaguar F-PACE SVR Saunters into Nigeria Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

he F-PACE SVR, Jaguar’s highest performance SUV, will soon adorn the elegant showroom of Cosharis Motors in Nigeria, as the automaker has released the beast into subSahara Africa regions.

Speedsters will love this: the F-PACE SVR is capable of launching from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 283km/h, courtesy of its 405kW and 680Nm. Inspired by the F-TYPE sports car, the new SVR features Jaguar’s Variable Valve Active Exhaust System which provides a throaty soundtrack and is another factor behind the SVR’s increased performance capability. The advanced design allows increased exhaust flow and is 6.6kg lighter than the standard system.

The automaker said to make the most of the SVR’s 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged engine, Jaguar’s eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic transmission has been specially calibrated and its uprated suspension delivers driving dynamics to match its performance. The chassis upgrades include progressive front and rear springs that are 30 and

10 per cent stiffer respectively and incorporate an anti-roll bar specification that contributes to a 5% reduction in body roll.

“SVR-specific lightweight forged 21- and optional 22-inch alloy wheels are wider at the rear by 25mm compared to the front and contribute to the SVR’s enhanced handling. The 22-inch wheels are 2.4kg lighter on the front and 1.7kg lighter on the rear and are designed to deliver greater airflow to larger 395mm front and 396mm rear brake discs. Brake discs feature an advanced two-piece construction on the front and rear to reduce weight, further contributing to the SVR’s agile handling.”

Aerodynamic enhancements include larger air intakes at the front and side fender vents that lower pressure in the wheel arches, reduce lift and provide additional cooling while also optimising high-speed stability.

In addition, unique wheel arch extensions and lower body mouldings offer a low-slung muscularity that sets the SVR apart.

At the rear, a unique spoiler is joined by a new bumper housing the quad tailpipes of the Active Exhaust system. The bumper incorporates side strakes that aid aerodynamic performance by smoothing airflow away from the rear of the vehicle. An exclusive SVR bonnet also features

vents to help extract air from the engine bay.

Beyond the visual enhancements, the F-PACE SVR features a comprehensive range of advanced technologies, each calibrated for the performance.

These include the sports-tuned Electronic Differential and Adaptive Dynamics, while Torque Vectoring by Braking provides controlled independent braking on the individual inside front and rear wheels, maximising capability through even the tightest corners.

The Dynamic Stability Control system has been adapted to suit the added performance potential of the F-PACE SVR with the system able to reduce Kassim engine torque or apply braking to individual wheels to help maintain the chosen line when cornering.

Jaguar’s engineers have also developed a unique Dynamic Driving Mode for the SVR, which initiates faster, more responsive gearshifts, sharper throttle responses and increased steering response, which all combine to provide a more engaging driving experience.

The Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) Uber has announced that riders in Nigeria has been tuned to manage the specific demands of high-speed cornering and the steering adapts will now be able to tip their driver after every depending on the drive mode selected – in Dynamic trip to show appreciation for excellent service mode drivers experience a sportier set-up with delivery. This new tipping feature will be 100% enhanced steering feel and more direct response. optional and riders will be given optional tip values, as well as an option to customise an amount for their driver.

A statement by Lola Kassim, General Manager for Uber West Africa explains, “Driving is more than just getting people from point A to B. Every day, driver-partners do their best to make riders lives easier – from getting them to that big business meeting, first date or must-see match – they do it all. This is why improving the driving experience has been a key priority for us over the last few years.

“The tipping feature comes as a result of the feedback we received from driver-partners through our various engagement sessions with them.

With this feature, we want to ensure that drivers that often go above and beyond for their riders are being recognised and rewarded. This could be the driver that waits for riders to safely enter their home, assists with inserting and removing luggage from the trunk or simply a pleasant driver that is warm and friendly and helps you get through Lagos traffic,” Kassim said.

This feature will be made available below the rating and compliments section in the app and will remain completely optional. Payments will be deducted from the rider’s registered credit or debit card, cash-paying riders are free to tip an additional amount of their choice. All tips from riders will go directly to driver-partners and Uber receives no service fee.

Tipping Feature Introduced for Uber Driver-partners

Enthusiasts With Eyes on Jeep, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Other FCA Brands can Deal in Nigeria

C

ar enthusiasts looking to ride FCA brands such as Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Fiat, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, among others now have a better chance with the Nigerian distributorship, Kewalram Chanrai Group.

To drive their point home, Kewalram Chanrai has put on display a sturdy Jeep at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal Two in Lagos.

Kewalram Chanrai is renown, within and outside the country, for auto distribution and after-sales.

The Jeep Wrangler is a series of compact and mid-size (Wrangler Unlimited and Wrangler 2-door JL) four-wheel drive off-road SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle), manufactured by Jeep since 1986, and currently in its fourth generation.

Known for its toughness and rigidity, the SUV, once taken as only meant for off the road terrain, has metamorphosed into an urban vehicle that can adapt to all kinds of terrain be it city or country side.

The Jeep Wrangler, which can easily adapt from being a work vehicle to a leisure accompli, has won a lot of admirers over the years that it has become a household name needing little review about its offerings.

It comes with a Full Time Four Wheel Drive system, with a 7inch touch screen display that enhances its aesthetics and promotes one of its

On road, off road Jeep Wrangler shows strength

major concerns, which is-safety.

According to officials of the company, “The owner of the Jeep Wrangler is also sure of enjoying the use of a park view/rear back-up camera, even as there are also air bags fitted round the

award winning vehicle.

“Different occupants of the vehicle do not only enjoy the powerful air conditioning system the vehicle offers, they are also entitled to automatic temperature controls.

How to tip your driver Download the latest version of the app.

Add a tip after rating your trip. Select from a range of pre-set amounts or enter a custom amount.

Tap Done to send your tip.

Tips will go directly to the driver-partner, Uber receives no service fees.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t.": , 2019

39

AUTO

How Ford Invented new Five-day, 40-hour Work Week for Factory Workers on May 1, 1926 Stories by Bennett Oghifo

O

n May 1, 1926, in commemoration of Worker’s Day, Ford Motor Company adopted a new five-day, 40-hour work week for its factory workers, without a cut in wages.

As productive members of society, we understand the need to rise and grind in order to make a living and provide for our families.

But we also understand the importance of well-deserved time off for rest and relaxation.

May 1st is International Workers’ Day. It is an occasion to commemorate the global struggles of workers and trade unions for fair employment standards over past centuries, and to celebrate a culture of human and worker rights which are now enshrined in law.

Most of us probably don’t realise just how hard the workers of previous generations had to fight for the five-day work week and eight-hour work day we take for granted today.

Back in the First Industrial Revolution, men, women, and even young children working in factories, mills, and mines were all expected to put in six days a week, 10 to 16 hours a day.

It was on 1st May 1926 that Ford Motor Company adopted a new five-day, 40-hour work week for its factory workers, without a cut in wages.

Besides the humanitarian aspect, Henry Ford also knew that leisure increases consumption,

Ford Motor Company’s production line

so people who worked five days a week would consume more goods than people who worked six days a week. The move ended up not only benefitting the health and wellbeing of his employees, but business and the economy at large.

The ground-breaking policy was soon extended to Ford’s office workers.

Manufacturers all over America and around the world followed suit, and the Monday-toFriday work week became standard practice.

Henry Ford predicted, however, that the

work week would continue to evolve.

“The eight-hour day was not the ultimate, and neither is the five-day week,” he said.

“Probably the next move will come in the direction of shortening the day rather than the week.”

More Firms Confirm Participation at 14th Lagos Motor Show, 8th AutoParts Expo Africa

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hisyear’sLagosMotorFair&Autoparts Expo will take off next week on May 6, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos with a good number of the leading brands of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, additives, financials and security gadgets poised to showcase different classes of modern and innovative models, brands and services from their stables.

The Chairman organizing committee and the Managing Director, BKG Exhibitions, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwubroughtthistotheforewhilebriefingjournalist in Lagos on the forth coming 14th Lagos Motor Fair and 8thAutoparts ExpoAfrica. In what has become an Auto mundial and show of strength among the indigenous and foreign firms in the automotive business, more firms are confirming their participation in the events. More indigenous firms have confirmed to join over 70 foreign firms that have confirmed their participation in the event scheduled to hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos from May 6-11, 2019. They are going to display different types of world-class products and services from their stables.

He revealed that “virtually all the major brands of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, banking, insurance, regulatory and policy making agencies and bodies are being expected and the response so far has not been bad.”According to him, some of the latest confirmed participants are: Toyota NigeriaLimited,CoscharisMotors,ElizadeAutoland [JAC] PAN Nigeria, 11 Plc [Mobil], C- Woernman [Nigeria] Limited, R & G Automotives, Golden Tripod International Limited, Michelin Tyres and National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC). Over 80 companies from Turkey, China, India, Germany and United Arab Emirates are also participating”.

According toAgwu, the Lagos Motor Fair remains the unparalleled gathering of established brands as well as new entrants ramging from passenger buses, cars, trucks, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, financialsandmanymore,addingthattheimportance of continuously staging the show cannot be overemphasized as all hands must be on deck to promote and support investments into the sector which he said occupies a strategic position in enhancing the economic development of Nigeria.

Lagos motor show

Driving in the Rain

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eekly in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the heavens pour out its blessings on residents. I don’t know what the report for other parts of the country is, but the simple truth is that the rains are here and we need to take necessary precautions to avoid road traffic crashes and possible deaths. Driving in the rain, according to the Revised Highway Code is more difficult and hazardous. This week, I intend to run this material again as a guide to both new and old drivers starting with P. Olson and M. Sivak research conducted in 1988 which found out that the amount of light required to see at night doubles every thirteen years. That is, at 20years of age, you need 100% of light to see, while at 33years, you will require twice the amount of light used to see at 20. The preponderant age of drivers on our roads would fall within the second category and most of these drivers within the context of our economy cannot rank among drivers on balanced diet. It therefore means that a good number of our drivers because of other factors peculiar to us would not even fit into the 1988 conclusions by Olson and Sivac.The vital lesson however is that we cannot play down the place of visibility. It is safe to drive with your light on when it is raining and at night.

Anytime visibility is poor, endeavor to have your head lights on.

While we advise that we enhance our visibility, special care must be taken to avoid the typical Lagos driving of, kiss me I kiss you or hanging

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 on to someone’s rear light which has the potential of leading you off course; therefore you must defensively keep a safe distance. It is also advisable that you use clean cloth soaked in soap to clean the particles that may have accumulated over time on your wiper to make it more effective. You must also learn to control your speed. You are advised to adopt the common sense speed limit by adjusting your speed to suit the weather, your vehicle, your capability and competence and your age which we have said affects your sight or the amount of light required. Common sense therefore dictates that speed should be lower when weather is bad or roads defective.eg-on wet or slippery roads or when the view is unclear from smoky exhausts of other vehicles, harmattan dust or in foggy weather.

Critical to driving at any time is speed. It is identified as a critical factor and that is why good driving demands that we obey speed limits at all times especially during bad weather such as the raining season. When the road is wet, the chances of your

vehicle gliding are very slim. Also vehicles in front of you, especially large or speeding vehicles may raise a film of dirty water to further reduce visibility.

Your wipers must always work. When it is raining or the road is wet, leave at least double the normal stopping distance. if you are following a vehicle at a safe distance and another vehicle pulls into the gap you have left, drop back to regain a safe distance.

If you are driving in a very wet weather, you may find that your vehicle begins to aquaplane; ie, slide.

This is because water builds up between the tyres and the road and makes the steering feel light Now let’s talk about steering handling at all times, including during the rains. The vogue on our major roads including the cities is to find a good number of drivers who hold the steering with one hand, eat, or phone, with the other. Some others would choose to rest their right arm on the front passengers head rest even under the rain. The correct posture is to hold your steering wheel with both hands except when shifting gear lever or giving signals.

The recommended way is to hold the steering on nearly opposite sides in a position termed “ten-totwo” derived from the clock hand positions at ten minutes to two o’clock, that is, 01.50 or 13.50 hours.

It is a traffic offence to drive with one hand only Driving we have noted is all about visibility. You must be particularly careful at dusk and in misty or dusty environment when it is more difficult to judge speed and distance. To overtake, never do so if you are in doubt. Overtaking is a dangerous manoeuvre. Ask yourself if you really need to overtake. Learn to signal in good time; ensure it is

clear and safe and that it is legal for you to overtake.

Avoid overtaking at the crest of a hill, slope, built up arrears, corner, bend, narrow bridge or a bus stop. Do not overtake where the road narrows, or where your action would force another vehicle to swerve or brake suddenly, or if you would have to cross double solid white lines, or if the solid line of the centre lines is nearer you.

Lastly, remember that your tyre connects the vehicle with the road; they are the part of the vehicle that has direct contact with the road. It is therefore important that you use good tyres and run a check on your tyre pressures with a quality tyre pressure gauge (not the abused/overused roadside vulcanizer’s gauge). Such a check may reveal that at least one of your tyres is incorrectly inflated. Very few vehicles, if any, will pass this test.

Incorrect tyre pressure is the major cause of tyre blowouts, sudden tyre failures and premature tyre wear. Incorrect tyre pressure is an invitation to disaster even if the tyres are brand new! It is a time bomb waiting for the right time to explode.

The implication is that each time such a vehicle is driven, the occupants are facing grave danger without being aware of it. There are two types of incorrect tyre pressure. These are over-inflation and under-inflation. Let’s take a look at how they can affect your tyres and cause disaster and what could be done to maintain a proper pressure for your tyres and so prevent or drastically minimize blowouts and other forms of tyre failures. Under-inflation is the major cause of tyre blowouts. When a tyre is under-inflated, it increases what is known as the ROLLING RESISTANCE (RR) as the vehicle moves. RR generates a tremendous amount of heat that could make your tyre explode like a bomb.

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MAY 4, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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˜ ˞ MAY 4, 2019

EVENTS In its continued effort of giving back to their Alma Mater; Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) in partnership with National Council of Nigeria Muslim Organisations (UCNMO), United States of America from Saturday April 13th – Tuesday April 16th, 2019 held a five-day Medical Outreach at the Obafemi Awolowo University School Clinic, Ile-Ife Osun State. At the humanitarian outreach, not less than 45 less-privileged benefitted from free cataract surgeries while more than 1,000 people also enjoyed general body treatment such as BP check-ups, dental and ears treatment respectively. Here are conveners, health volunteers and some of the beneficiaries at the event

Conveners of the Medical Outreach with some Health Volunteers at the outreach

L-R: Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Bamire, Bursar, Obafemi Awolowo University, Mr. S.O Ayansina and Chairman, L-R NCNMO, U.S.A Medical Team Lead,  Dr. Fatai Ilupeju, Amir, NCNMO, Alhaji Monsur Olajide,  NCNMO Delegate, Pharm. Medinat Ope and Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Balogun Board of Trustee, UNIFEMGA, Alhaji RaďŹ u Adisa Ebiti

L-R: UNIFEMGA  Medical Team Coordinator, Dr. (Mrs.) Fatimat Akinlusi  and  Dr. (Mrs.) Agboola

L-R:  Prof.  M.A Rahman, Prof.  Owolarafe (inset)  and Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University,  Prof.  Eyitope Ogunbodede

L-R:  Chief Medical Director,  LAUTECH Teaching Hospital/UNIFEMGA Medical Team Leader, Prof.  Akeem Lasisi, H.O.D Medicine and Surgery, O.A.U Teaching Hospital, Prof.  Badmus and  Chairman,  UNIFEMGA Lagos Chapter,  Alhaji Goke Adeyemi

L-R: Deputy Director, Health Centre O.A.U, Dr. Olatunji and  Director Health Centre O.A.U, Dr. Irinoye

L-R: UNIFEMGA Hematology Team Leader, H.O.D/ Hematology O.A.U Teaching Hospital Centre,  Dr. Rahaman Bolarinwa L-R : Prof. M. Durosinmi  and NCNMO Delegate OYSHMB, and National Vice President, UNIFEMGA and  Medical Dr. Ayoola Outreach  Coordinator,   Alhaji  AbdulFattah Olanlege

L-R:  Dean, Student Aairs, O.A.U/Chairman O.A.U Muslim  Community, Prof. I.O Aransi  and National President UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Abdul Waheed Odeyimka

Cross section of beneďŹ ciaries undergoing test, receiving treatment, and drugs from health volunteers at the  medical outreach.

Another cross section of beneďŹ ciaries undergoing test, receiving treatment, and drugs from health volunteers at the medical outreach.

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͳ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: Executive Director, PricePointe Wholesale Club, Dr. Seun Davies, Head, High Local Corporates, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Segun Anjorin; Founder/CEO, PricePointe Wholesale Club, Mr. Tayo Williams and Relationship Manager, High Local Corporates, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Wale Sholebo at the launch of PricePointe flagship warehouse in Ilupeju, Lagos ... recently

L – R: MD/CEO, Ideas House Marketing Communications Ltd., Mr. Kehinde Salami; MD/CEO, Neukleos, Mrs. Bukola Akingbade; Jury President and MD/CEO, Noah’s Ark Communications Ltd., Mr. Lanre Adisa; MD, Compact Communications Ltd., Chief Chuddy Oduenyi and MD, BrandEye Media Ltd., Mr. Femi Adelusi during their inauguration as Jury members of Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards held in Lagos ... recently

GTB’s Food & Drinks Fair Appeals to Wellness Although, the 2019 edition of the Guaranty Trust Bank Food & Drinks Fair has come and gone, the impact of the programme has transcended its set objectives, which majorly were to project the richness in foods, promote businesses in the sector and ultimately, add up to the sector’s contributions to the economy.

The four-day historic event further drew attention to the nexus between food intake and wellness, given the belief that the best medicine can be found in food.

This was well demonstrated in the master class sessions that dealt prominently on internationally accepted standards on food preparations and

handling, the fine display and handling of food by entrepreneurs and chefs as well as careful mixture of food recipes to arrive at balanced meal, amidst other hygiene processes.

All of these activities passed a message to the audience on how to go about their next domestic and commercial cooking to the fancy of health conscious food enthusiasts.

This year’s event held at the expansive GT Center in Oniru, Lagos, with thousands of food lovers and entrepreneurs thronging the centre that was filled to the brim throughout the four days. Unlike previous editions, this year’s edition was able to accommodate more than 300 food entrepreneurs,with

15 indigenous and foreign chefs who tutored food vendors on various economics of food trade that is meant to enhance and improve their businesses.

Participants were equally exposed to new trends and innovations in the food business.

The programme expansion thus gave more rooms for other social engagement that characterised the event such as business rapport, networking, entertainment/ fun, shopping, eating galore, and also an increased business opportunity for the vendors.

THISDAY engaged some food vendors and visitors in a chat, their comments further lend credence to the words of the bank’s head of communications and

external affairs, Oyinade Adegite, who boasted about the economic impact of the previous editions.

According to her, the bank was motivated to continue and improve on the programme as a result of the positive reactions that followed previous editions.

She said: “We felt that banking and thought of banking need to be adjusted.

This fair is about how we think of the value proposition for our customers and that is why it’s a free business platform for SMEs to execute their businesses.”

“So far, we are impressed by testimonies of participants and we are encouraged to do more.We are glad we have a platform that is helping people to create business for themselves.”

Tension in ComputerVillage as Leaders Disagree Over ‘Iyaloja’Title Popular Information Communication Technology Market, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, is presently boiling and this is not unconnected to plans by some factions in the market to create the office of ‘Iyaloja’ and Babaloja’ in the market.

Iyaloja and Babaloja which literally mean ‘Mother of the Market’ and’ Father of the Market’ respectively, are titles not uncommon at the general and all purpose market, with the title holders saddled with the responsibility of steering market affairs, while traders in turn remit some returns to their purse.

As part of the move to reject the idea, a protest was organised in the market dur-

ing the week to drive home the points of aggrieved traders.The protest extended to the State House of Assembly.

The demonstration, led by President, Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Ahmed Ojikutu, involved aggrieved traders who shut their shops for the period the action lasted.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, Ojikutu noted that establishing the titles of Iyaloja/ Babaloja, would alter the original plan of the market as the ICT hub in Africa.

He explained that while the embattled titles were recognised in consumable market and others, it had no place in a formal market as Computer Village, which is meant to

Tek Experts Unveil IT Sector White Paper Leading global provider of business and Information Technology (IT), support services, Tek Experts, has launched its white paper, titled ‘Achieving Gender Balance: Views from Across the IT Industry’.

The white paper, which can be downloaded on the company’s website, highlights a wide range of issues as identified by women in the Nigerian IT industry.

These issues, ranging from persistent pay gap, lack of career growth opportunities for women, recruitment bias, general lack of inclusion and diversity in the IT industry amongst many others, were brought to light when the company launched a survey earlier in the year to feel the pulse of women on their experiences as women in the industry.

The survey, completed by over 2,000 women worldwide, was conducted in five countries where the company operates such as : Bulgaria, Nigeria, Costa Rica, USA and Vietnam.

In Nigeria, over 300 women responded to the questions, findings show that 82% of women felt discriminated because of their gender during the recruitment process for an IT organisation; 31% of women do not get the same training opportunities as men and 76% of women felt that policies promoting gender diversity in the IT industry should be strongly implemented by government, major companies, and other stakeholders.

Speaking on the launch of the whitepaper, Chief Executive Officer of Tek Experts, Naama Saar said: “At Tek Experts we are deeply passionate about inclusion and diversity in the workplace and we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure we are a reflection of what we preach. We have implemented recruitment policies to achieve gender balance so we not only talk the talk; we also walk the walk.

“Our leadership team is almost entirely composed of women who have proven through their amazing track record in the industry that they deserve a seat at the table.”

address the technology needs of Africans.

“Computer Village is a respected market across the globe and the eye of Nigeria to global investors. Accommodating such titles would demean the status of the market and harbour unacceptable practices.

However, some factions in the market who are believed to be loyalists of the proposed Iyaloja and Babaloja saw the move as being just and acceptable.”

One of them who spoke on anonymity said, “Iyaloja and Babaloja is not new in markets. Go to every market in Nigeria, you will find them, so why is computer village different ?”

Despite the protests, Thisday learnt

that the Iyaloja General of Nigeria has later appointed both Bisola Afeez and Niyi Olasoji as the Iyaloja and Babaloja of the market respectively, while sources claimed that those behind the move had vowed that no authority can change the development as a lot of money had gone into the process.

However, when contacted , Ojikutu insisted that the traders are not in support of the move and that more protests should be expected in the market.

He added that relevant authority in Lagos State including Ikeja Local Government chairman have been contacted on the issue and promised to get back as soon as possible.

GSK Announces Fidson as Partner for Manufacturing GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc has announced Fidson Health Healthcare Plc as its contract manufacturing partner in Nigeria.

As a result of the latest development, GSK would be transitioning the manufacturing of five of its products to Fidson Healthcare Plc from Q3 2021, while establishing GSK as one of the leading healthcare multinational companies localising productions of its brands via local contract manufacturing.

The decision to engage Fidson came after a detailed and rigorous request for quotation, RFQ, a process that involved a number of local manufacturers in Nigeria.

Speaking on the deal, Managing Director of GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Mr. Bhushan Akshikar explained that the new move would improve company’s services and capacity in Nigeria.

“Working with a local contract manufacturer for the supply of our products, where practical

will build local expertise, transfer technical knowledge and improve local production capacities in the country, we believe this decision will allow us to build a more sustainable commercial business, enable us to continue our efforts in supporting access to our consumer health products, medicines and vaccines across Nigeria and West Africa”, he said.

In his remark, Chief Executive Officer of Fidson, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae said: “Future growth and success in the healthcare industry would be fostered on the right partnerships, and we could not have asked for better partners at this stage of our growth.

“This partnership justifies the investment made in our ultra-modern, GMP-compliant factory and will certainly promote the transfer of technical knowhow and technology , while improving access to quality medicines for people of West African sub-region and beyond”.

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Yemi Alade, Rick Ross, Romp in ‘Oh My Gosh’ Cuppy Delights with Video of New Single ‘Abena’ pg. 47

‘Delivery Boy’ Finally Hits Cinemas pg.52

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Yemi Alade, Rick Ross, Romp in ‘Oh My Gosh’ Yemi Alade’s musical career has grown in leaps and bounds after hitting the limelight in 2009 at the Peak Talent Show. Her latest collaborations with American rapper, Rick Ross, is enjoying rave reviews, writes Omolabake Fasogbon

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en years after she hit stardom following her sterling performance at the “Peak Talent Show”, the brand, “Yemi Alade” has remained strongly relevant, and definitely, still high- reaching. Barely two months that the Johnny crooner released her hot single, ‘Yaji’, which she did together with Slim Case and Brainee, the Afro-pop singer has again set the airwaves ago as she gets down with Mayback Music Chief, Rick Ross, to release a remix of her classic single ‘ Oh My Gosh’ This is coming not too long after the Effizie Music superstar worked with Ross on an episode of Bumbu’s wildly popular Q&A series, ‘The Bumbu Room.’

‘Oh My Gosh’ was originally released in 2018, following the success of her buzzing single, ‘Elele’. The song, co- written by Klem, mixed and mastered by Swaps, reveals her weakness for love as she became swallowed in a new love interest, which she would rather have all to herself.

The new gig was broken on her instagram page as she wrote: #AFRICATOTHEWORLD #OHMYGOSH remix ft @richforever’. The post has so far been followed with high optimism and congratulatory remarks from her impressed fans that saw the remix as the real ‘fire’.

One of the early reactions to the post came from her colleague and close friend, Simi, who wrote: “Yemi won’t let us rest. This one is with brother Rick Ross. Give dem! Kee dem! #BossShit!” while she fondly replied” please share” No sooner the remix was premiered than it started receiving global attention. It has been keeping music suckers spell bound.

A sight of the ‘Oh My Gosh’ music video further reflects the singer’s attractions for nature and an obviously love struck chic, glaringly justified in her red color garment, as she rollicks and gushes hot on Ross who equally reciprocates.

Ross, as usual, demonstrated his crowd pulling rap skills and spiced up the already captivating song, to give it more life and vibes, such that listeners would need to add more energy and jives to their dance steps.

Produced by DJ Coupon and released under Effyzzie Music Group, ‘Oh My Gosh’ remix is manifesting all the traces of dominance in the music space for this period and perhaps beyond, as it is also expected to be on summer pool party selections globally.

Reports say the track would feature on the songstress’ fourth studio album ‘Woman of Steel’ which will feature the likes of Angélique Kidjo, Afrobeats icon Duncan Mighty and Nollywood star Funke Akindele.

Yemi Alade, the self-acclaimed King of Queens has always been consistent and hardly goes off the radar since she entered the music stage officially in 2009. Starting with ‘Fimisele’, her debut singles, the

Alade

University of Lagos Geography graduate has succeeded in dropping at least one hit song, year on year, all of which have enjoyed widespread popularity.

In 2014, she released her debut album, ‘King of Queens’, and later went on a tour after which she came back to release her second studio album, ‘Mama Africa’ in March 2016.

“Oh My Gosh” remix with Ross makes it Alade’s second major appearance within a space of two months in 2019, while more is still expected to rock the airwaves before the year runs out.

Within a short time on the show biz scene, the 30 year-old Ondo State born musician has paid her dues and has had her efforts crowned with continuous recognitions from across the world.

Alade has been featured on the covers of several magazines and performed around the world. She has equally shared stages and songs with local and international stars including Mary J. Blige, Shina Peter’s, M.I, Wizkid, Becca, MayD, Waje and Yemi Sax. She attained a milestone at the dawn of the year after hitting a 100 million view mark on her YouTube platform, to be the second Nigerian to have achieved that.

This was realised after the release of the video of her hit single ‘Johnny’, a song that quivered the airwaves in most Africa countries and beyond.

Alade

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Cuppy Delights with Video of New Single ‘Abena’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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hile everyone had anticipated DJ Cuppy’s Fvck You Challenge, she was busy working on something even better – a new song and its video. DJ and Producer, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, popularly known as Cuppy, is back with a new single titled ‘Abena’, her first release this year. DJ Cuppy in this new single teamed up with three West African Artistes.

This silky afro-love jam will no doubt be a hit in the clubs, DJ sets, and a favourite from Cuppy fans! DJ Cuppy collaborates with Nigerian vocalists – Ceeza Milli and Shaydee and also Ghana’s very own rapper/ singer – Kwesi Arthur to render this melodious joint. She obviously improved drastically on her craft after receiving extreme backlash from her fans regarding her previous collaborative effort – “Charged Up” with Masterkraft.

Unquestionably, a leading female DJ, Cuppy is becoming a major player across the music field, having successfully gained recognition in and outside Nigeria. This new release proves Cuppy’s further solidified position in the music industry as she continues to show that there are many layers to her craft while stepping even further into the world of vocalist, songwriter, and producer. Upon hearing ‘Abena’ its contagious sound certainly captivating! Cuppy it could be said has left his fans asking for more…

Following her Afrobeats hit ‘Green Light’, Cuppy continues her musical exploration. In 2014, she was the resident DJ at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Durban. She then played at the Tatler and Christie’s Art Ball in London, and at the Financial Times Luxury Summit in Mexico City. In July 2014, she released House of Cuppy as her first compilation mix in London and Lagos, before launching it in New York on September 2, 2014.

That same year, Cuppy also launched the London-based music management and content production business, Red Velvet Music Group. Cuppy among a new generation of African women, was in March 2015, named the official DJ for the 2015 Oil Barons Charity in Dubai, and became the first African act to perform at the event. She was featured in the 2015 April/May issue of Forbes Woman Africa.

On October 13, 2017, she released “Green Light”, her first official single. The song features guest vocals from Nigerian singer and producer Tekno. On March 30, 2018, Cuppy released “Vybe”, her second official single. The song features guest vocals from Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR UDUAK ISONG

I Was Writing Poems , Lyrics I Hoped Michael Jackson Would One Day Buy Uduak Isong is a film maker and a Nollywood enthusiast who has been writing scripts and lyrics which she had hoped Michael Jackson would buy some day. Although her Michael Jackson dream didn’t come to pass, she has made a name for herself in the fiercely competitive Nigerian movie industry. Uduak discusses with Tosin Clegg her career in filmmaking, childhood dreams, plans and much more How did your journey to filmmaking begin?

I

started writing at a very young age, about 10. I was writing poems and lyrics I had hoped Michael Jackson would one day buy. As I grew older, I moved to prose; short stories and essays and in 2006, I was one of the winners in the Commonwealth short story writing competition. Screenplay came years later when I watched a Nigerian movie (sadly, I forget the name now) and said to myself; I can do this and that’s how my journey into Nollywood began.

What inspires the kind of films you make?

I make mostly comedies and family dramas.

I’m interested in films that, while being entertaining, would pose questions and force us to re-evaluate our thinking and our lives. I believe there’s so much we can do with film for the greater good of the society. This is why I make films that are relatable to everybody.

You’re particular about raising new talents, what inspired that?

I am interested in raising new talents and crew. Several of my movies star new actors in lead or supporting roles, and many of them have gone on to do very well in the industry. I believe in continuity, as such it’s important to me that I invest in people whom I can one day pass the baton.

Can you name some of the new acts that have used your platform to rise?

I wrote screenplays part time while I studied and worked but after my Masters, I returned to Nigeria to pursue a full time career. I produced my first film, Okon Lagos, in 2011. It was a major commercial success, breaking sales records and winning awards. The actor who played the character of Okon in the film is now known by the name Okon Lagos. I’ve since gone on to produce 20 other films notably Kokomma, Falling, Desperate Housegirls, Lost in London, Back Up Wife etc.

What are the challenges of a female Nigerian filmmaker?

People often ask me how I’ve managed to make a mark in a male-dominated industry; I don’t know if Nollywood is still maledominated. There are several women now in positions of authority and some of the biggest films in the past few years have been by women or in partnership with women, so some of the challenges women faced earlier are now quite limited. I don’t think about my gender as a filmmaker. I just see myself as a filmmaker.

Isong

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

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Gists

Ozimkpa, to Star in ‘3Some’ this June Once again, Uzor Ozimkpa is set to reprise her role in the psycho erotic drama, 3Some. The provocative play, which is written and would be directed by Jude Idada, will throw up very germane issues which today affect relationships and marriages in our society.

The play will deal with marriage, lust and desire, highlighting the issue of emotional infidelity and its effect on partnerships. The play’s Executive Producer is Joseph Edgar, an Investment Banker cum Theatre Producer who has in the last three years brought to the Nigerian Stage some very iconic productions,

including Esugbayi which attracted Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode last December. The play also has legendary Comedian Alibaba and iconic Showman Olisa Adibua as coExecutive Producers.

Supported by Rekit and Coleman, the play according to Edgar comes at an auspicious time as the advent and constant use of social media continue to negatively affect fidelity in relationships.

The play throws this issues to the fore, ensuring continuous engagement with a view to securing better understanding amongst couples.

FIRS Chairman Commends Wale Adenuga’s Knockout Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Services, Dr. Babatunde Fowler has given high commendations to the film Knockout. It was an evening of laughter, merriment and unreserved applause, as the management of Wale Adenuga Productions hosted the FIRS boss at a private screening of the movie at Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, Lekki, Lagos.

Dr. Babatunde Fowler said this after the screening: “It’s a very interesting movie which shows the talents we have in Nigeria.

“When people think about movies, their minds go to the foreign movies, but this is certainly a first-class movie and I think it would be acceptable and watched all over the world.”

Wale Adenuga, Executive Producer of Knockout said: “I am greatly impressed by the unprecedented performance of FIRS

under Dr. Babatunde Fowler. He has contributed immensely to revenue generation for the provision of amenities and the overall betterment of the country.

“He has also been very supportive of the Nigerian Entertainment Industry, thus creating jobs for millions of our youths and turning their dreams into reality.”

Wale Adenuga Productions’ Knockout hit the cinemas on Easter Friday, and since then, it has dominated the Box Office as the most-watched Nigerian movie.

The Blockbuster Comedy Film Knockout is fun for the whole family and stars talents like Sola Sobowale, Hafeez “Saka” Oyetoro, Patience Ozokwor, Chiwetalu Agu, Toyin Abraham, Odunlade Adekola, Desmond Elliot, Ngozi Nwosu, Yaw, Funky Mallam, Charles Okocha, Josh2funny, Akpan & Oduma, MC Lively, Princess and others.

StarTimes, BundesligaTreat Fans, Customers to Funfest It was a combination of football, comedy and music, over the weekend, when StarTimes and Bundesliga International treated their fans and customers to a Bundesliga funfest experience at the Fun Factory, in Lagos. StarTimes and Bundesliga had announced that legendary footballer, Jay-Jay Okocha, a former Bundesliga star would take part in a three-day visit to Nigeria from 25th – Saturday 27th of April 2019 along with other Bundesliga representatives to interact with Bundesliga fans, StarTimes subscribers and to promote the league among Nigerian youths and football lovers.

Part of the activities to celebrate the Fan Fest event, held on Saturday, was a

5-A-side football competition that involved children within the age bracket of eight and 13years from selected schools fully kitted with different Bundesliga club Jersey like; Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Mönchen-gladbach, RB Leipzigb, Schalke 04, TSG Hoffenheim, among others.

Out of the six teams that participated in the children’s competition, one of the two finalists, Ghetto Light lost 7-6 on penalties to Ablaze after the match ended goalless at regulation time.

Apart from the sporting and video games experienced by the children, there was a celebrity match that took place amongst the German Embassy staff in Nigeria, StarTimes staff, The Bundesliga Legend

and media practitioners.

The presence of former Super Eagles captain and Bundesliga legend, Austin Okocha, added glamour to the celebrity legend 5 –A-side football competition.

Jay Jay Okocha emerged champions in the celebrity mini tournament with the former Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany emerging the highest goal scorer and Most Valuable Player.

The event also had in attendance celebrity guest, Dr. Sid, while performance of live entertainment was by one of the top musicians in the country, the Legbegbe Crooner, ‘Mr. Real’, who added glamour to the event as he thrilled fans to his non-stop popular jamz.

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Davido Serenades Chioma@24 It was celebration galore for music superstar, David Adeleke a.k.a Davido on Tuesday celebrating his girlfriend, Chioma Rowland. Davido shared series of videos, pictures and lovely messages to mark the special day for the birthday girl. He took to his instagram handle, davidoofficial saying,’’ happy birthday wifey!!@thechefchi! Im not lucky I’m blessed!! In another post, Davido said, “where we going??!!God bless you for me! Can never imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else!! I love you baby!!

Great things ahead!!

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Monalisa Chinda Working on May Day Nollywood actress/producer, Monalisa Chinda, posted her make-up-free photo on Instagram to mark Workers’ Day on Wednesday. The 44-year-old actress shared a picture of herself working on her laptop. “Workers’day indeed!

Please let me know if you are truly resting or working like I am Still I am grateful to Abba Father for this opportunity to #workhardandstayhumble. Have an awesome May people,” she wrote.

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‘Delivery Boy’ Finally Debuts in Cinemas With great reviews and awards that followed it after making waves at international film festivals, Adekunle ‘Nodash’ Adejuyigbe’s ‘Delivery Boy’ finally comes to the cinemas, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ewastoldnottomake the film and even some of the cast and crew turned down the project, highlighting that it was a great script, but they were not comfortable with the story. What was the story? The movie follows up Amir, a teenage orphan boy, who runs into a young girl while trying to escape a mob.

She is a prostitute with an agenda and he has a bomb vest under his dress.

They are both running out of time and they soon realise they need each other to achieve their goals. Before the night ends, they will have to contend with each other. With themes revolving mostly around terrorism, adoption, sexual abuse, homosexuality, and prostitution, it’s not surprising that Nodash, real name Adekunle Adejuyigbe, was discouraged from making the movie – The Delivery Boy. Since its completion in 2018, the film has been shown at the Nollywood Week Paris Film Festival where it made its debut; Lake International Pan African Film Festival; Real Time International Film Festival, where it also won the Best Supporting Actor award; Lights Camera Africa Film Festival, among others, including the New York African Film Festival, where it was the only Nigerian film out of 66 films from 25 countries that screened.

The Delivery Boy was the only Nigerian feature film that screened at the Film festival where it received great reviews for the writer/director’s ability to tell stories with unforgettable characters. The movie is Nodash’s first self-produced feature-length film after working as a director and cinematographer on some of Nigeria’s biggest films and television series such as Fifty, Isoken, The Bridge and Gidi Up. The team behind the production is Something Unusual Studios, and the film was written and directed by Adekunle Adejuyigbe.

The main cast of the film include Ibrahim Jammal, Jemima Osunde, Charles Etubiebi, Jude Chukwuka, Chris Iheuwa and, Kehinde Fasuyi. Apart from the storyline, the actors are brilliant and worthy of mention is Amir (Jamal Ibrahim) who is phenomenal throughout the movie. Amir takes one on a rollercoaster of emotions from rage to jealousy to confusion, all with his face that tells a lot. The film finally screens at the cinema on May 24, 2019.

Shot between 2015 and 2016, the movie poignantly situates scenarios the country is currently enmeshed in. According to Nodash, the movie which gulped over N4.5 million was a labour of love to tell unpopular stories. “I was told not to make this movie,” said Nodash. “Three of the actors I cast, and the production designer I hired, turned down the project after reading the script.

They all agree it was a good script but

they felt uncomfortable talking about the things that, in the Nigerian society, we typically refuse to talk about.

“On the financial side of things, people felt it was crazy making a self-funded movie that would likely not be allowed to screen in Nigerian cinemas. They felt it was more prudent to make the usual slapstick comedies the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) was known for. But these are the exact reasons why I felt it was important to make a movie. I believe one of the main purposes of art is to ‘tour guide’ the audience through ideas and places that they normally wouldn’t dare explore. I also wanted to present Nigerians / Africans as I saw them.

“So why would a young suicide bomber run away a night before a suicide mission taking the bomb vest with him? And why would a young prostitute agree to help him on his unknown, personal mission? Who is responsible for creating these monsters that haunt us? And how would this story end? These are the questions The Delivery Boy seeks to answer.”

Nodash is known for creating unusual stories, as a cinematographer, he is known as “the master of moods”, as a director he is known for bringing out exceptional performances from his actors so when you put all these together in one film it’s no surprise that the global audience responded with great reviews.

Nigeria is not an LGBT+ friendly country and has a maximum punishment of 14 years for the same-sex activity of any sort, and so, the depiction of these issues may feel like propaganda in the media. It doesn’t even help matters that the film also touches on terrorism – another issue that people do not want to speak about, despite the fact that it happened and is still happening in various cities in the country. With all of this, it is no surprise that some members of the cast and crew had turned down the offer after reading the script, because they were uncomfortable talking about these issues that the movie sheds light on.

In 2009, the Boko Haram insurgency started in Nigeria, with the Jihadist rebel group starting an armed rebellion against the government. There were mass bombings all over the country, with these bombers being Nigerians themselves. Trying to understand why a bomber would go with suicide, Adejuyigbe decided to make a movie to create awareness about terrorism in Nigeria.

In 2015, Adejuyigbe was shortlisted as one of the 21 emerging cinematographers from all over the world by the Berlin Film Festival.

He has shot several TV commercials, a few music videos, a number of documentaries and a handful of films and TV series. He has won a number of awards for his work, including Best Directing for a Musical; Best Cinematography (Nollywood Travel Festival); Best Editor; Best Cinematography (Nigerian Music Video Awards) and Best Editor (Nigerian Movie Awards).

Adekunle Nodash Adejuyigbe

Jemima Osunde

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t .": , 2019

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Tiwa Savage with officials of Universal Music Group after signing the deal

Don Jazzy ‘Weeps’ asTiwa Savage Departs Mavin Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

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he relationship betweenTiwaSavage and Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records is finally over. The relationship lasted over seven years. Tiwa has departed Mavin and signed an exclusive global recording agreement with Universal Music Group, an international record label.

Don Jazzy took to his Instagram page on Thursday to announce that the singer would forever be remembered and cherished at Mavin.

“We would like to say a very big thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us, a friend and a sister.

It’s been an epic journey with you and we are very proud of what we have achieved together. As you start this new chapter in your life, we want you to know that we are solidly behind

you and can’t wait for the world to see what we have always believed you can be. Your jersey as the First Lady of Mavin will forever be yours as we do not intend to fill that posi-

Don Jazzy

tion with anyone else. We love you from the bottom of heart and pray GOD’s blessings continue to follow you. Amennnn.”

Announcing the deal,Adam Granite,

EVP market Development, Universal Music Group, said: “We are looking forward to partnering with Tiwa and her team to help her music reach new audiences around the world.”

Speaking on her arrival to the label, Tiwa Savage, said: “My biggest goal is to make Africa proud. I’m so excited for this moment and I’m thankful to Sir Lucian Grainge and my new UMG family for their belief in my dreams. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career.”

Tiwa Savage had a great run in 2018 as she made history as the first female to win the Best African Act at the MTV European MusicAwards and also became the first African female to sell out at London’s Indigo.

Although 2019 has been a silent year for her, as she is yet to release an official single, this new announcement means her fans can expect some new music from her.

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NEWSXTRA

FEC Approves N9.2bn for New Model Schools, Others Omololu Ogunmade Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday in Abuja approved a total of N9.2 billion for the construction of model schools, the design and construction of sewage in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as the purchase of anti-retroviral drugs.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting which commenced at 4p.m. and ended at about 10p.m., the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said N4.6 billion was approved for the construction of model schools in each of the six geo-political zones of the country and the FCT. The council also approved N3 billion for the construction of sewage in the FCT and another N1.6 billion for the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for the purchase of anti-retroviral drugs for victims of HIV/AIDS. Mohammed listed the states and geo-political zones where the model schools would be sited as the FCT; Nasarawa (Northcentral); Katsina (North-west); Bauchi (North-east); Lagos (South-west); Imo (South-east) and Edo (South-south).

YOU’RE WELCOME...

L-R: Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the bouquet bearer, Princess Daluchukwu Nnaji, during the airport reception for the Vice President in Enugu on his way to Anambra State for an oďŹƒcial engagement... yesterday

Group Protest Relocation, Appointment of VC of New Imo State University of Agriculture Amby Uneze Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂœĂ“

The establishment of the new Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences by the out-going government of Chief Rochas Okorocha is creating concern among the communities of its original siting and the new area where it had suddenly been relocated over the criteria for the appointment of the new Vice Chancellor.

A group of Concerned Imo State Elites (CISE) yesterday raised the alarm over the doctoring of the Imo State Law No.4 of 2019 that established the University Permanent site and headquarters at the premises of the long acquired site of Imo State University by the Sam Mbakwe administration at Aboh Mbaise/ Ngor Okpala axis.

The group in a communique signed by Chief Chike Amadi as its convener also frowned at the appointment of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Akanwa who is a Professor of Management Sciences instead of a Professor

that majors in pure Sciences since the university is a pure agricultural and environmental science oriented.

According to the group, “information at our disposal indicated that ethnic sentiments must have played out in the appointment of the vice chancellor, as the governor cancelled the name of a person who came first in the interview and whose records and capacity to nurture the new university to greatness is not in doubt, even though the fellow’s capability had been tested elsewhere. “We demand the Governor to urgently return the university headquarters/administrative site back to Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala area while the site for the former Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo retains her Agricultural headquarters since Ohaji/Egbema is noted for being the food-basket of the state right from the first republic. “It is also pertinent for the government to refer to the paragraph 3 (1) of the Advertise-

ment for Vacancy for the post of Vice Chancellor in Daily Sun of Monday, March 25, 2019 on page 13 “The Applicant must be a professor in a related discipline of not less than 8 year,� the group demanded.

However, some youths from Ohaji, the landords of the Imo State Polytechnics, Umuagwo are protesting the relocation of the polytechnic to Ehime Mbano local government in Okigwe senatorial zone.

Reacting to their protest, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sam Onwuemeodo described the action of the youths as “unfortunate and misinformed�, adding “It is very unfortunate that some enemies of the state have decided to play politics with everything including the development and progress of the state and her people, otherwise why would any group sponsor needless protest against the new university, which its operational licence has been got and everything needed for its take-off has been put in place. “The government had few days

ago explained that, following the establishment of the Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the premises of the Imo State

Ambode, Obiano are NACJ Integrity Governors of the Year Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) has declared the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode and his Anambra State counterpart, Willy Obiano, as the Integrity Governors of the Year, for their Annual Integrity Lecture/Award holding later this month at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

Their nomination was predicated on their transparency and accountability in governance with high sense of integrity.

The annual event which is designed to discourage corrup-

NDDC Trains, Empowers Eket, Most DifďŹ cult Community to Physically Challenged Attract Development in Akwa Ibom Sylvester Idowu Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ“

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has trained and empowered some persons living with disability on different vocational skills in Delta State.

The programme tagged ‘Training and Empowerment for People living with Disability’ was sponsored by the Commission and facilitated by an NGO called ‘Health and Skills for Africa’.

The programme was in line with NDDC core mandate of improving the standard of living of the people of the Niger Delta region.

Mrs. Rachael Misan-Ruppee, Coordinator of the skill development training programme in Delta State said that while still in training, trainees had started utilising their skills to make money. “When the training started, they had little or no skill on the various skills they choose to be trained on but today they are professionals in their various fields as attested by their trainers,� she said.

Misan-Ruppee commended

the NDDC for organising the programme noting that the gesture had given persons living with disability a sense of belonging in the oil producing region The beneficiaries unanimously thanked the NDDC for the training and called for more of such gesture.

Mr. Friday Otobo, a trainee in photography thanked the NDDC saying, “This is what persons living with disability need, total inclusion into the society. “Since NDDC was created, this is the first time it is impacting on persons living with disability, we must commend them,� he said.

Another trainee on Auto-gele, Miss Kewve Ebireri thanked the Commission and appealed for the extension of the programme to those who did not have the opportunity to participate on the first batch “I will establish my business and also train others,� she said.

Mr. Austin Juwe a trainee on shoe and bag making said, “I thank the NDDC for looking in our direction to see that we are not left behind.�

Okon Bassey Ă“Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™

The under development of Eket Local Government Area, one of the oldest and core oil producing areas in Akwa Ibom State has been blamed on the hostile attitude of the indigenes and not government lack of concern or interest toward its expansion of the area; the state Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ephraim Inyang-eyen has asserted.

The Commissioner for Works who is an indigene of the area made the assertion while answering questions from newsmen on the delay especially to complete the Eket Urban Renewal scheme now attracting criticism of its non-completion two years after it was initiated by the present state administration.

Inyang-eyen complained that since the initial development of the area during the reign of late Brigadier U. J. Esuene who hailed from there and was the Military Governor of then South-Eastern State, the development of Eket had remained static. “Let me say this and I will be

Polytechnic, Umuagwo with Campus at Aboh/Ngor, the Imo State Polytechnic has been relocated to Ehime Mbano with a Campus at the Site of Ahiara

very blunt about it. If that project (Eket Urban Renewal) was sited far away from where I come from probably I would have lost interest in it because of the behaviour of the community. “And I want to be quoted, the most difficult community to have work and construct road in Akwa Ibom is Eket and I am from there. “They speak from both sides of their mouths including their elders.

It is the only community that will receive compensation and denied it and refuse their structures to be taken down,� Inyang-eyen stated The commissioner maintained that “If the Eket remodel project is delayed we have not had help from the Eket people supporting the cause of government. “Let me say this emphatically, they don’t welcome development.

And I understand why that local government which is my senatorial headquarters had remained that way.

There is no dualised road, it is still in the stage that late Brigadier U.J. Esuene left it that we came to meet,� the Commissioner stressed.

tion, especially amongst leaders would have distinguished Senator Dino Melaye as the keynote speaker on the topic: Integrity: Essential Ingredient for Effective Legislation and Building a Virile Nation. Also, the famous journalist and ace broadcaster, Mr Patrick Oke will be on hand to speak on the theme: Integrity is Everything.

A statement from the Secretary General NACJ, Charles Okhai, said: “The focus of the annual event is on Integrity because integrity is the direct opposite of corruption and if our leaders are mentally integrity conscious, cases of corruption in our society will be drastically reduced.�

Other eminent Nigerians to be equally honoured include at the ceremony are Hon. Alex Egbon, Hon Nkem Abonta, Hon Chris Azubogu, Senator MAO Ohuabunwa, Engr Chinedu Orji Majority Leader Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Sunday Ibuot, and Hon Daniel Chimezie Okeke all in the parliamentary category.

Others in the religious category are Apostle Wole Aladuni, Prophet David Babalola, and Dr. Paul Obadare. The entertainment industry is not left out as popular DJ Jimmy Jatt and Charles Oputa, aka Charlie Boy will be honored as Young person of integrity and man of integrity award respectively.

In the Judiciary Category, Justice Morenike Obadina and Justice Sedoten Sosi Ogunsanya will be conferred Woman of integrity Award. His Royal Highness Sir Henry Micah and a few others are also on the roll call of honor at the event.

Several eminent personalities have been slated to grace the occasion in their support for the fight against corruption in our society.

Trade Centre now renamed a Polytechnic, Ahiazu Mbaise,� he stated.

CHANGE OF NAMES

I, JENNIFER UWAEZU UKPABI wish to be addressed as MRS JENNIFER UWAEZU UKPABI ALLEN. All former documents remains valid, Flour Mill of Nigeria Plc and the general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ZACHARIAH PAUL BONAT, now wish to known and addressed as ZACHARIAH PAUL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EJIKE EZEKIAH OJIRE, now wish to known and addressed as OJIRE EJIKE EZEKIEL. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ONOREDELUEMHIN EJEMHEN JENNIFER, now wish to known and addressed as ESEGIARU EJEMHEN JENNIFER. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAMES

This is to inform the general public that I, INNOCENT CHUKWUDI MEGBOLU is the same person as MEGBOLU CHUKWUDI INNOCENT. All former documents remain valid. GTB, Access BANK, Union Bank, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank and the general public should take This is to inform the general public that I, CELESTINE .ULOGHO AGONOR, CELESTINE IZUAGBE ULOGHO now wish to be known as CELESTINE IZUAGBE ULOGHO AGONOR.. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͳ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

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Saturday, May 4, 2019

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Emir of Bungudu to Military “Killings by bandits are not abating in Zamfara State despite military operations. Just on Saturday, in my domain, the bandits struck in broad daylight and killed 15 people.”

– The Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, expressing worry over military’s inability to curb killings by bandits.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Setting New Agenda for the Next Federal Government of Nigeria

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ellow Nigerians, by the 29th of May, two thousand and nineteen years after the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, the present government of President Muhammadu Buhari would have fully completed and exhausted four incredible years in power. It would have been four years of however you wish and want to describe if, good or bad, fantastic or useless, depending on which side of the political divide you belong. As for me and my house, it no longer matters. Truth is constant, no matter how much pretentious we may be. Is Nigeria now much better than Buhari and his team met it? The answer is yours to decide. Will Buhari perform better in the next four years, the answer again is nebulous. All I know is that Nigeria has already dashed four years of excuses and blames to President Buhari.

Assuming he truly had to build a foundation for a stronger, healthier and more prosperous Nigeria, I believe he has had sufficient time to do so. But if he continues to wallow in self-pity, then God bless NIGERIA. Anyone who says Nigeria is making good progress in the most important areas of life that affects and impacts the people, as it looks at the moment, certainly lives on another planet. On the issue of security, economy, social infrastructure, health, education and general well-being, problems abound, whether one scores the President low or high on the performance stakes. Is there a solution to the intractable problems? My answer is an unequivocal YES. Running a country, no matter how complex and complicated, is no rocket science. So, what is the problem right now. My answer is BUHARI. And what is the solution?

My answer again is BUHARI. The Nigerian President wields such enormous powers that he can turn water into wine, and a man into woman, and this is no blasphemy. Even science is already doing these things, which tells us there is nothing under the sun that cannot now be achieved, except possibly the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If Buhari makes up his mind to change his modus operandi, many things would change instantly.

The first solution has to do with the management. A good management team does wonders, no matter the inabilities and incompetence of the leader. Conversely, a bad management team will run the establishment aground, no matter how brilliant and diligent the leader is. Buhari must therefore agree and decide to assemble the brightest stars from every part of Nigeria for the common good of Nigerians. He can pick form any and every sphere of the society, politicians, professionals, academics or a blend of these. That is his choice. What is important is that his squad must be one of round pegs in round holes.

His current line-up has been the weakest in the history of governance in Nigeria. I do not blame the President wholly for this, because some of the choices he had to make may have been foisted upon him, particularly, at the beginning of his administration, when he was in somewhat of a position of weakness as he had to accommodate several interests and pressure groups. However, as time went on, the excuses and justification afforded the President for picking the dregs and plumbing

Buhari

the depths in his manpower search became less and less tenable. Merit, diligence and competence appeared to have been sacrificed on the altar of the nebulous principles of federal character and ethnic balancing, as more and more lopsided appointments were made to benefit one section of the country on the false premise that they were under-represented in government. After a while, this pretence was abandoned wholesale and the Government simply proceeded on the basis of “I don’t care” and “bloody fool to you all”! Of course, this is not the way to get the best out of any government team and it is Nigeria that has suffered in the critical areas. When President Buhari decides to embrace merit and meritocracy, competence and capacity, diligence and assiduousness, performance will improve at all levels. The President must put an end to the parochialism and nepotism that is currently ravaging Nigeria. If he fails to see the debilitating effects of the way Nigeria is presently configured, then there is no hope of a greater Nigeria in sight, in the near future.

Nigeria cannot continue to run on primordial sentiments and expect to catch up with the rest of the civilised world in the foreseeable future. That is the sad reality.

Next, Buhari must encourage Democracy to thrive. A system in which the President seeks to play God and control both heaven and earth is a total humbug that cannot augur well for anybody, not least the President himself. The attraction of Buhari for most of his supporters pre-2015 was his supposed simplicity, frugality and ascetic discipline, but there is nothing to suggest that he has reduced the prodigality of the past in so far as others are concerned.

The Presidential jets are still crisscrossing the skies at the slightest opportunity. Buhari still can’t build or upgrade just one hospital to international standards. As I write this, he has flown to London in search of medical solution to his personal and undisclosed ailments. While it may be justified by his supporters and hangers-on that his absence has not grounded the wheels of governance, truth is Nigeria needs a more energetic, visionary, focused and hands-on leadership at this point in time. While he is on what I will call his “working vacation” – that is, until he tells us

otherwise because of the unabashed desire by his aides to cling on to unbridled and wholesale power at all costs through their abuse, misuse and disuse of the office of the President - the Nation is in a somnambulistic state, which is not helped by the fact that the first term is fast coming to an end and his team has become a lame-duck one.

Buhari cannot, in all honesty, deliver on much of the myriad of problems bedevilling our beloved country, in his present state, no matter how much he and his handlers pretend and suggest that all is well. I said it in the past that I saw no reason Buhari can’t make the ultimate sacrifice by handing over to one of the younger folks in his ruling party. That ship has since sailed with his re-election. However, it is distressing that a man who was so willing to do so, now seems incapable of handing over to his able and veritable deputy, even on a temporary basis. I wonder aloud what really goes on with men, especially when they grow older. They appear to be more stubborn and recalcitrant. In as much as it pleases God, it has been possible for President Buhari to fulfil his life ambition not just once but now twice. God has been too kind and generous to him. He brought him back from the jaws of death, like the Biblical Lazarus.

What more can a man ask from God? Anyone can be sick. It is not a crime to be under the weather, but it becomes offensive when a man’s personal problems lock down the combined potentials of fellow citizens. No man is an island. Buhari is not perfectly fit, so be it. We’ve witnessed the same scenario before when President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was very ill. This same Buhari suggested at the time that Yar’Adua ought to pity Nigeria, by resigning. Why is it now so hard for Buhari to heed his own advice as freely given to his kinsman? In addition, anyone who loves Nigeria would readily admit that our challenges are too grave to be abandoned in the hands of someone whose medical records are far from being perfect. Nigeria needs a healthy virile man at the helm of affairs to complement an intelligent, talented and hardworking executive.

Patriotism demands that everyone should put nation above selfish interests. I have no doubt that Buhari is a Patriot. He has served this country well in the past as a soldier and even as a politician. That patriotic zeal and fervour that endeared him to the nation is now being put to the ultimate test. It is up to him to decide what his final legacy will be on this matter.

Buhari has been a great servant of his nation and has served commendably in many capacities. The country has been grateful for his services. Like all mortals, he has his faults, but he should know that he lacks the capacity to take Nigeria to the much-vaunted next level.

I really don’t see how a man can give what he doesn’t possess. Without mincing words, the generation of Buhari is not just dying, it is long gone, and totally out of vogue. I should say that the same goes for most of his traducers of the same or similar age. They simply have lost touch with the times and are living on past glory. That is not what the present generation of Nigerian technology driven youths want or need. Most of those

goading the President on are only doing so for their own personal interests. Using a sporting analogy, the best sportsmen must retire when the laws of diminishing returns begin to slow down and affect performance.

My appeal to Buhari is a sincere one borne out of my genuine concern for the direction Nigeria is headed.

The biggest appeal of Buhari in 2015 was the expectation that he would improve security, help save Nigerians from incessant and reckless killings wreaked by hoodlums and demonic souls and stamp out terrorism.

But this has not been the case. If relative progress has thankfully been made in tackling the menace of Boko Haram, although we are not yet singing Uhuru, the qualified victory has been wiped out by other insurgencies, lawless militancy and wild extremism. And it is clear that Buhari has become so obviously incapable of dealing with them and the scourge they represent. Sadly, in some instances, like the herdsmen imbroglio, the administration seems complicit, especially in the manner it seems to condone their excesses. So, is Nigeria going to watch, helplessly, with arms akimbo, while the country continues to haemorrhage to death? The conspiracy of silence is so apparent in the critics that used to harass and terrorise previous governments. Now, suddenly, everywhere is quiet, those strident voices and cacophony of noises have decided to go on holiday, even though not much has changed. I keep asking myself, why? Whilst it is true that the President has been re-elected and handed another four-year mandate, it is not every right that must be enjoyed without other considerations. There must be dissent, as there must be assent! When the vocal critic silences itself and cultivates self-censorship as its philosophy, the immolation of both the critic and the leader is nigh. History will always be kind to any leader who can resist the allure of power and act in a way that many others won’t.

Assuming that my plea would not be heeded, and that the next four years would again be a game of seat-warming, one should set some agenda for this government. I have touched on a few critical areas. But there are several more, where issues need to be addressed if indeed, we are going to the Next Level of progress, and not regress!

The priority areas should be how to tackle the spate of senseless killings, improve the economy, upgrade our educational systems, break the jinx of power outages and work urgently on healthcare. The poverty level in Nigeria makes it easy for young ones to become desperately disillusioned and take up arms against their fatherland. This has been compounded by the ritualistic four-year election cycle of abandoning youths employed as thugs once elections are over. The devil finds very bad work for idle, fitful hands!

Lastly, unless we reduce the excesses of government and its operatives and make funds readily available for those with talents, we will find out that we are sitting on a tinderbox. The devastating consequences for our country can only best be imagined. Let it not be the case of the Emperor who fiddled while his country burnt.

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