LijaduConfirmedasSECChairman,BoardtoBeInauguratedMonday Goddy Egene with agency report Two weeks after THISDAY exclusively reported that the federal government would constitute the board of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to be
chaired by a lawyer, Mr. Olufemi Lijadu, all is now set to inaugurate the board on Monday. The board’s constitution is coming almost five years after President Muhammadu Buhari sacked the former SEC board headed by Mr. Peter Obi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a senior management source confirmed the constitution and inauguration of the new SEC Board to it in Lagos. The source said that the inauguration would take place at the Ministry of Finance
Headquarters, Abuja, and would be conducted by the permanent secretary. While Lijadu, who is from Ogun State will be the chairman, other non-executive commissioners are: Mr. Lamido Yuguda from Gombe State, Mrs. Rekiya Ladi (Kaduna),
Mr. Okokon Ekanem, representing the Ministry of Finance, and Dr. Alvan Ikoku, representing the Central Bank of Nigeria. The acting Director-General, SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk and the Acting Executive Commissioner, Corporate
Service, Mr. Henry Rowlands, are also on the Board. The other members of the board from SEC are Acting Executive Commissioner (Operations), Mr. Isyaku Tilde and acting Executive Commissioner (Legal Continued on page 6
Humanitarian Response in North-east Below Standard, UN Laments… Page 6 Saturday 22 June, 2019 Vol 24. No 8839
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Oshiomhole: Bauchi Gov Inviting Trouble over House of Assembly Election We'll prevail on IG not to support illegality Says he is ashamed to speak about Edo State House of Assembly Crisis Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), Adams Oshiomhole has warned that the Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Muhammed, is inviting trouble to the state over his alleged support for the installation of an “illegal
Speaker and Deputy Speaker, by minority members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, and vowed to prevail on the Inspector General of Police not to
support the illegality. Oshiomhole stated this while playing host to the Bauchi State APC House of Assembly members at the party’s secretariat in Abuja,
yesterday. The APC lawmakers had gone to complain to their national chairman that 11 members, comprising eight PDP, two APC and one New
Nigeria People’s Party, out of 31 members, elected a Speakers and his deputy. The aggrieved Continued on page 6
Emir of Tsafe: Bandits Came with Over 50 Motorcycles, Shooting Sporadically Traumatic tales of how 19 were killed in renewed attacks in Zamfara State Village head abducted in Kauran Namoda LG Bennett Oghifo with agency repor Suspected gunmen on Thursday night attacked some communities in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and killed 18 persons. The Emir of Tsafe, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa, disclosed this yesterday while receiving a House of Representatives member representing Gusau/ Tsafe Federal Constituency, Alhaji Kabir Mai-Palace in Gusau. The bandits also struck early yesterday in Yan’Kaba village, Kauran Namoda Local Government Area of the same Zamfara State, killing one person, while the village head, Alhaji Buhari Ammani, was abducted The News Agency of Nigeria
reports that Mai-Palace was at the Emir of Tsafe’s palace to condole with him and the entire people of the area over the attacks. Emir Bawa said that the attackers, who came with over 50 motorcycles, invaded Bamamu, Danmale and Sako communities, Thursday evening, shooting sporadically. In the end, 18 persons were killed. The emir thanked the lawmaker for the visit and his concern for his people. Earlier, Mai-Palace had described the attack as unfortunate and worrisome. He said: “I had earlier visited the general hospital in Tsafe to sympathise with the victims who are receiving Continued on page 6
FG: No Immediate Plan to Ban Almajiri... Page 54
CELEBRATING ZAINAB AHMED... L-R: Former Minister of Finance, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed; former permanent secretary, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Fatima Mede; Director General, Debt Management Office, Mrs. Patience Oniha; and the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, during a dinner in honour of Hajiya Ahmed, in Abuja...Thursday night
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Humanitarian Response in North-east Below Standard, UN Laments
Michael Olugbode Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“
The United Nations has decried humanitarian services to victims of Northeast crisis, lamenting that it is not meeting international best standard. The world body also criticised what it described as dearth of knowledge by some of the key stakeholders in the provision of humanitarian services in the
troubled Northeast region. Speaking at the Humanitarian Stakeholders Forum organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Maiduguri on Thursday, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon said services to the troubled Northeast region must be based on international best practices. He said: “We need to have a
better understanding of the gap in the services we are providing for the displaced persons in the camps; it seems we don't have a better understanding of the gaps. “We also need to provide services based on international best practices. We are not meeting the best standard; it requires we must work together to provide better services.� Kallon added: “One thing
that is very clear whatever we have done and what we are doing currently is way below international standard.� He asked the meeting to as a matter of urgency brainstorm on how to relocate 89,000 IDPs, adding that more than 28 hectares of land was needed for this. He said he was shocked to discover that 20,110 displaced persons were sleeping outside
without shelters in Bama, Borno State. Kallon said: “When I was in Bama, I was shocked with what I saw. Damboa shows another ugly face with over 10,000 without shelter.� “Camps are over congested, we are under so much pressure to improve on what we are doing; we should not be too proud that we have done extremely well,
there is still a lot that needs to be done. I call on NEMA and SEMA that we need to work with the international community to bridge the gap. I am seriously worried about the efficiency and effectiveness of what we are doing to address displacement in Northeast. We should do better and we must do better."
out the millions and suddenly the Obaseki he once described as a stingy bastard became his new god father. Oshiomhole is too big for these people and it is sad that each time Idahosa wants to seek relevance, he sang Oshiomhole's name so his benefactor will see he is working."
in the newly-inaugurated 9th National Assembly, adding that the ruling party has set new standards in party politics by upstaging the rule of force, while upholding the rule of law. Issa-Onilu stated: "As a party that has made a commitment to change, we strongly reject any attempt to take recourse to brigandage of the past, when democratic practices were defined by the inordinate whims of people in power. "Democracy must be governed by the rule of law. A situation where 11 lawmakers in the 31-member Bauchi State House of Assembly and nine lawmakers in the 24-member Edo State House of Assembly were secretly ‘inaugurated’ and purportedly ‘elect’ principal officers behind closed doors is a joke and an embarrassment. "It is an unfortunate reminder of PDP’s queer brand of democracy. Practices like this are unacceptable under APC-led administration. As a party that is committed to higher ideals, we would use all democratic means necessary to ensure the right thing is done." The party restated that every elected lawmaker has a legitimate right to participate unhindered in the inauguration of the legislative arm in which he belongs, saying that the plot to arm-twist the majority in favour of the minority in the legislative arm died with the defeat of the PDP in 2015.
Continued on page 55
OSHIOMHOLE: BAUCHI GOV INVITING TROUBLE OVER HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ELECTION APC
lawmakers,
who held a parallel inauguration at another location, said the 11 members on Thursday, illegally elected Abubakar Suleiman as the Speaker of the House, while Danlami Kawule representing Zungur/Galambi (PDP) was elected the Deputy Speaker. The Bauchi Assembly has 22 APC members. The APC members subsequently held plenary outside the Assembly complex under the stature of the symbol of a mace, and elected the former Speaker of the Assembly, Kawuwa Damina and Tukur Ibrahim as parallel Speaker and Deputy respectively. Oshiomhole, who said he was ashamed to speak on a similar situation in home state, Edo, told his visitors that had already briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on what transpired in Bauchi. He stated: “I have had conversation with the Governor, so I have all the facts. We members of NWC have met with the IG after deliberating on the issues. We will prevail on him to ensure that the police does not provide security for an illegal act. Because the worse form of robbery is political robbery, it is worse than robbing people of their property. “Like you said Speaker, the laws are clear; democracy is a game of numbers. Minority can never preside over majority in a democracy. So, to the extent that we have 21 members, there is nothing the Governor can do about that. We Have APC 22, PDP 8 and NNPP 1. “There is no way PDP can produce the speaker, the deputy speaker and other principal officers. If the governor insists, then he is inviting trouble for himself. The earlier the governor of Bauchi comes to terms with this reality, the better for him and for everyone.� Oshiomhole noted that the ruling party believes in the rule of law, saying that if it was about the use of might, the APC could as well use the police to occupy the Government House and put anybody of its own choice to govern Bauchi.
He added that since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has chosen to recognise Bala Muhammed, APC has to abide despite the huge reservations it had about the alleged manipulation of the election. Oshiomhole stated: “That is because we realise we are under the rule of law even as a national governing party. So, if we have not misused federal might or federal instrument or institution to prevent Governor Bala Muhammed from being inaugurated, it is a shame that he would rather sit and use federal institution to undermine the rights and privileges of APC members elected duly by the people of Bauchi State and certified by INEC to be inaugurated. We told the IG it is a shame if the police provide cover for any legal act. “I assure you, on behalf of APC, that we stand by the statement we made yesterday that the purported election organised under cover with illegal use of the Nigerian Police to install a puppet against the wish of the majority of the members cannot stand and it will not stand by God's grace. “We will fight it to its logical conclusion and we will prevail on the police to provide enforcement for the rule of law.� The national chairman said it was unfortunate that the situation in Bauchi was also similar to the one that is happening in Edo State. According to him, “I am ashamed to talk about it but there is nothing to hide. We have a similar situation in Edo where in our own case we have 24/24 all of them APC but somebody wants a particular person as a Speaker, 19 out of 24 are opposed to this person. They then decide to carry six members into the house, who were willing, while they invited the other ones as if for dinner only to arrive and be bundled into a vehicle, some of them in their short nickers to be inaugurated at 9.30 pm in the night. “Yours was 6am, Edo’s was 9.30pm. All these are unholy hours. Those are nocturnal
hours. The working hours for parliament are provided by the rules of the parliament. It is not up to anyone to change those rules; only properly constituted parliament can change the rules as they are.�
Edo Assembly Crisis: Ex Political Adviser Blames Oshiomhole Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC, Mr. Charles Idahosa yesterday accused Oshiomhole as the one fanning the embers of crisis in the state’s House of Assembly. He attributed the raging crisis within the party and among elected members of the state legislature to lack of leadership and undue interest. But the spokesman of Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), Mr. Henry Idahagbon, alleged that Idahosa is a known political jobber. Addressing a press conference in Benin, Idahosa specifically challenged Oshiomhole to speak out on his position over the unfolding political situation in the state, which he described as a “tragic-comedy� due to his (Oshiomhole’s) dictatorship and overbearing influence on the party and the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government. He said, “Why is it that Oshiomhole has refused to say a word since the problem started. Silence means consent. You can see that the problem has snowballed into the house of assembly. I made bold to say that Oshiomhole is the problem of APC in Edo state. What is important for all of us is development and peace. Enough is enough, Oshiomhole in a decent society should resign his position as the national chairman of a ruling party for losing five states in his first outing,� during the recently conducted general elections. Idahosa, who was the Political Adviser to Oshiomhole while in office as governor of the state, noted that the “whole idea of the opposition against Governor Obaseki is to cause confusion in Edo state so that Obaseki is
pushed out and another Benin person is brought in.� According to him, “The problem is that Oshiomhole brought Godwin Obaseki, Anselm Ojezua (APC State chairman), the Deputy Governor (Hon. Philip Shaibu) and the Secretary to the state government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq. He controls the party and everybody; he wants to see himself as an Emperor and that will not happen.� He stated that Governor Obaseki “has never been rude to Oshiomhole or engage him in any confrontation,� adding that “the minority is trying to lord it over the majority and that is the problem.� He warned that “When two friends quarrel, they don’t talk to each other but confess like witches and wizards.� Meanwhile, Idahagbon, who was a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo, as well as former Council chairman and Commissioner for Lands and Survey, noted that Oshiomhole is the national chairman of APC and not that of Edo State and that as a result he cannot condescend so low to play ethnic politics. He said: "Idahosa is only frustrated because Oshiomhole failed to give him Ghana-mustgo when he faked his illness and claimed he was traveling abroad for checkup. Of course, Obaseki the willing tool dished
APC: Edo, Bauchi Houses of Assembly Inaugurations, Elections, a Charade Also last night, APC described the inauguration of the new State Houses of Assembly in both Edo and Bauchi States as a charade. The party, therefore, called Governor Obaseki and Governor Bala Mohammed to urgently issue a proper letter of proclamation to allow for the lawful inauguration of the Houses of Assembly and subsequent election of presiding officers in a transparent manner. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement yesterday said that the national leadership of the party viewed this illegality with shock and disappointment. The party said that perhaps the actors in the inauguration sham in Edo and Bauchi States needed to be reminded of the recent and widely-commended election of presiding officers
EMIR OF TSAFE: BANDITS CAME WITH OVER 50 MOTORCYCLES, SHOOTING SPORADICALLY treatment. Security is the major area I am giving priority to; it is very disheartening the way these bandits are attacking our communities. “If I go back to Abuja, I am going to raise these issues in the House with the aim of finding solutions to the problems. As a representative of the people, I don’t have any commitment beyond the interest of my people. l am also going to present this incident to the Governor, Muhammad Matawallen-Maradun.� The lawmaker, however, urged the people of the state to remain calm and continue
Meanwhile, the bandits also struck early yesterday in Yan’Kaba village, Kauran Namoda Local Government
Area of the same Zamfara State, killing one person. They likewise abducted the village head, Alhaji Buhari Ammani, and seven others. The Chairman of the local government, Abdullahi Isah, confirmed the killings. A team of search and rescue team has since cordoned the village, while security officials are yet to make official statements regarding the incident. Zamfara is one of the states most affected by the rise of insecurity in the country as bandits have killed and abducted hundreds of people in the state.
“Can you give what you do not have it? You cannot be superintending over what you do not have�, the market operator, who would not want his name in print asserted. He added that SEC is signatory ‘A’ member of International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), explaining that being a signatory ‘A’ member requires that commission should have an institution in place and the head of that institution is the board. “In terms of market dynamics, information is the key and the timeliness of information is pivotal. For information, which is key and timely, you must have a board that quickly takes
decisions because as it is today, the Ministry of Finance serves as a board. For any decision to be taken, the ministry, which is already saddled with the running of the economy, and over-burdened with such, what time will it have to attend to the commission. Though the ministry supervises the commission, what capacity with specific reference to capital market that the ministry to be able to give a guided advice to the commission,� he added. Buhari dissolved the previous board on July 16, 2015, and set up an eight-man panel headed by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal, two months later, to reconstitute it.
with prayers to seek Allah’s intervention to end the problem. NAN reports that the lawmaker donated cash and 20 mattresses to the victims in the hospital. He also held a closed-door meeting with the Divisional Police Officer, Tsafe Division.
Yan’Kaba Village in Kauran Namoda LG Attacked
LIJADU CONFIRMED AS SEC CHAIRMAN, BOARD TO BE INAUGURATED MONDAY and Enforcement), Mr. Reginald Karawusa. Lijadu, who is a partner in the law firm of Ukiri Lijadu, heads the banking and finance practice of the law firm. He is a leading commercial lawyer with over 30 years of experience in private practice and in-house. He recently worked for the federal government as a Chairman, Presidential Audit Committee on Recovered Public Assets. Lijadu returned to private practice in 2011, having worked in-house as Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, and subsequently, Executive Director of United Bank of Africa Plc. He was also a non – executive director of UBA Trustees and
First Security Discount House (the first Discount House in Nigeria). He has written several articles on globalisation of legal services and local content development in Nigeria’s Oil & Gas sector and regularly speaks on these issues on domestic and international platforms. Fellow and Director of the Aspen Leadership Global Network (West – Africa), he is also a member of the advisory board of Art X (Art Fair) and was a member of the Presidential committee on the recovery of stolen assets. He is a Sloan Fellow of London Business School. Market stakeholders had been calling on the government to
constitute a board for the capital market regulator to ensure effective regulation of the market. For instance, the Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing of Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Chief Patrick Ezeagu had urged the federal government not to delay any longer to get a board for SEC. “We have been calling for a board for SEC without response from the government. SEC, which is regulating a market of several trillions of Naira should have a board to enable a smooth running. It is disheartening to know that most of the laudable projects espoused in the master plan are being affected by lack of a board, which is statutorily
mandated to take some major decisions in that direction.� Ezeagu further noted: “Apart from not having a board, the DG and the commissioners are all in acting capacities. This does not send good signals to investors out there. Appointing a board for the commission and confirming the officers would significantly boost investor confidence, thereby restoring some level of stability to the market.� Speaking on why SEC urgently needed a board, a senior market operator and lawyer had said the commission could not be an arbiter over corporate governance of listed companies without a board.
SATURDAY JUNE 22, 2019 • T H I S D AY
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NEWS
News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com
ENRICHING KNOWLEDGE... L-R: Registrar, Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers (CIS), Mr. Adedeji Ajadi; Group Managing Director, GTI Capital, Mr. Abubakar Lawal; Managing Director/CEO, Goldbanc Management Associates Ltd. (GMA), Mr. Olu Abayomi Sanya; and Finance Director, GTI Asset Management, Mr. Adeboye Adegbemi, at the GTI Capital Group Training Programme for Brokers, held in Lagos... yesterday
Jonathan, Dickson: In Okara’s Death, We Lost a Gem Governor to build mausoleum in his honour Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Several Niger Delta leaders, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa Governor, Seriake Dickson, writers and other professionals yesterday attended the Ceremony of Poems, Songs and Tributes in honour of late Dr. Gabriel Okara whose interment takes place today. Many of the guests spoke glowingly of the late 98-year-old poet, novelist and administrator whose literary works spanned over six decades, describing his death as the loss of a rare treasure which would be hard to replace. Leading the eulogies, former President Jonathan, described Okara as a humble man and expressed joy that the literary icon was honoured during his lifetime, with the naming of the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre and the State-owned Library after him.
While thanking the Bayelsa government for agreeing to host the funeral rites as state burial, Jonathan noted that Okara was a voice of justice and equality everywhere his works were read all over the world and urged Nigerians to emulate the kind of life he lived. “This theatre (Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre) was named after him and the state library when he was still alive and that’s the best way to do it when he was still alive. He was a treasure nobody would want to lose. His death is painful though he lived a reasonable time. “He was a good administrator, journalist, poet, novelist etc. Nobody ever spoke ill of him in any gathering. I remember in secondary school when we read his West African Verse in our literature class. “Pa Okara was a voice, a voice of reason, truth, equality, justice and we
should all emulate him. I remember how he served in Rivers State. He established the Tide Newspaper and the state television. “Even in Bayelsa, he did the classification of traditional rulers as head of the committee in the formative years of this state. Okara was good to us and humble and contributed to the Ijaw race and the world. Today, we are all here as a part of his last journey,� he said. In his remarks, Governor Dickson said that a mausoleum would be built in honour of the late poet, while working with his Alma mater, Government College, Umuahia, a project to be named after Okara would soon commence. He added that Bayelsa would have preferred to bury the late writer at the Ijaw Heroes Park, but said he understood the family which chose to bury the man in his village in Bomoundi,
Yenagoa Local Government Area. “Our state and the world at large have lost a great man. Many people our age started reading this man over 40 years ago. It speaks to our profound sense of loss. Our government believes in honouring our leaders whose works have brought glory to Bayelsa, Nigeria and Africa. We brought back the remains of Boro (Adaka) from where it was buried in a shallow grave in Lagos. “You don’t have to be always a political figure. For us in Bayelsa, once you live a life of service, of honour and bring acclaim to our people, we showcase and honour you as a beacon of hope of what is possible in the Niger Delta. “That was why in 2013 we remodelled this building and named it after Gabriel Okara. We are happy we honoured him while he was alive. Today, as our contribution to honouring our leaders, dead or alive, he will have
a mausoleum at the Ijaw Heroes’ Park. “We had requested that his remains be buried in the place of honour reserved for our leaders but they have reached out and explained the other dimensions to it. But he will have a final place of honour at the memorial park where Isaac Boro, Owoeye Azazi, our first four-star general and others whose lives continue to be an inspiration to us were buried. “For the Government College Umuahia, I have listened to you and working together, we will undertake a project that will be named after Pa Gabriel Okara. “Beyond these confines, he had several children, he will always insist on praying for me each time he came to my office. I thank him for telling the Ijaw story so well. I acknowledge the prayers and support. For exposing the Ijaw culture to the
world,� he noted. Dickson added: “When you read the “Fisherman’s Invocation�, when you read “Piano and Drums� and he compares the rustic mystical drums in Bomoundi and the concerto ending in its crescendo, the “Call of the River Nun� and “The Voice�, it was an entire life of service, showing the right values, a great Nigerian and a great citizen of the world. “He has answered the inevitable call of the River Nun. Now he’s listening to the mystical drums on the other side. We bid him farewell on that journey. From this glorious proud land will rise many Gabriel Okaras.� Earlier, during the launching of the Gabriel Okara Foundation, daughter of the literary icon, Mrs. Timinipre Okara-Schiller, said a major objective of the Foundation was to protect, preserve and promote Dr. Okara’s legacies.
N5.2bn Fraud: Court Jails Five REA Directors, Discharges Ex Perm Sec
Nigerian Airforce Well Equipped to Counter Banditry, Says Abubakar
Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano
Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, sitting in Gudu, Abuja, has convicted and sentenced former directors of the Rural Electricity Agency (REA) to various jail terms for their culpability in the N5.2 billion scam. The convicts include Mr. Samuel Ibi Gekpe, former Managing Director (REA), Simon Kirdi Nanle, an Accountant in REA, Engr. Kayode Orekoya, Director of Projects, Abdusamad Garba Hahun, Assistant Director and Kayode Oyedeji, Head of Legal Department. However, the second defendant, Dr. Abdullahi Aliyu, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power was discharged and acquitted. They were charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
with criminal breach of trust in fraudulently awarding contract for Grid Extension and Solar Electricity from the amended 2008 Budget of REA. They were alleged to have fraudulently facilitated the withdrawal of N119.7 million from the account of the agency, domiciled in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In the course of the trial, the prosecution led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, called seven witnesses before closing its case. Rather than open its defence, the defendants through Paul Erokoro, SAN, made a no case submission which was overruled by the court and thereafter were called upon to open their defences. Dr. Abdullahi Aliyu’s “nocase� submission was, however, upheld on appeal and he was consequently discharged and acquitted. The first and third defendants
rested their cases on that of the prosecution. The fourth-sixth defendants testified in person. Final addresses were filed, exchanged and adopted. Upon adoption of the respective final addresses by the prosecution and the defence, the court adjourned for judgment. In a significant judgement, the court dismissed the application of Gekpe, the first defendant, which challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge. On the substantive charge, the court found that the prosecution had established by evidence all ingredients of the offences against the defendants. The defendants were accordingly convicted and sentenced as follows: First defendant sentenced three years imprisonment with an option of N5 million fine; the third- sixth defendants were sentenced to three years imprisonment with an option of N500,000 fine each.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Mashal Sadique Abubakar yesterday in Kano said the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) was well equipped to further combat insurgency and banditry with the re-activation of three L-39ZA aircraft which include NAF352, NAF354 and NAF364. The NAF boss who spoke during handover ceremony of the reactivated L-39ZA aircrafts by Czech-based company, Aero Vodochody Aerospace, at the 403 NAF Training School, Kano, said additional six of such aircraft would also be re-activated before the end of 2019. According to him, “I think the impact the re-activation of these aircraft is going to make should go beyond even training the officers here. It is like sending a signal to Nigerians that the President and Commander-In-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari is highly committed to ensuring that all that is required
for us to be able to address some of the fundamental issues of internal security facing Nigeria are being addressed. “That is why I think that it is not just a message to the school, but a message to Nigerians and I think the federal government is committed. “We have brought in three grounded fighter aircraft that are now out, ready to be used. We need to train pilots to be able to have combat pilots that will go out to address these challenges. It is here in Kano that we do the basic training and we cannot achieve that, if we don’t have sufficient number of aircraft. “So, this is a giant stride in my opinion, the federal government has made ensure that we continue the training of pilots. Remember also that some of these aircraft that you see here, we have utilised them in the North-east and that is why one
of them that you see over there is painted in desert camouflage. “I think it will impact positively on the air force to ensure that fighting training is going on without hindrance. They already have 15 pilots that are here. They will commence training immediately with these aircraft that have been re-activated, in addition to the ones that are already here. “The re-activation of these aircraft means saving money and building capacity because all the guys, our engineers and technicians participated right from the beginning. They put the aircraft together with our technical partners from the Czech Republic and they have been very professional because these are aircraft manufactured in Czech Republic. “These are the original equipment manufacturers; they are not just business people. They are the people that manufactured the aircraft and supplied it to Nigeria in the 80s.
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Buhari Must Read UNICEF’s Report on Borno State
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resident Muhammadu Buhari must pick up and read the latest report of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on troubled Borno State, if he is truly interested in ending the trauma in the entire North-east. Unlike the slanted report our president has been getting on the situation in the war front, this report presents the facts and figures as it is. The long and the short of the UNICEF report is that the terrorists control a large portion of Nigerian territory, contrary to the persistent report of the military to Buhari. It seems the President is being shielded from reading alternative perspective on the situation in the North-east. The few ones around him, who are genuinely interested in the progress of this country, must break this spell, and get him to read this latest UNICEF report. This daring report titled, “Situation Overview and Humanitarian Needsâ€?, echoes the reality that several communities in Borno State are controlled by Boko Haram. It avers that four local government areas are completely inaccessible for humanitarian assistance as a result of activities of the terrorists. The UN agency said attacks and armed clashes remained consistently high across the state, thus hampering its efforts to reach women and children in need of urgent help. Yes, Marte, Abadam, Guzamala, and Kukawa local government areas of the state are controlled by the terrorists. This is why aid workers can’t step into them. Also, Kala Balge and Mobbar LGs are like 80 per cent controlled by the terrorists. Civil authority has broken down in these LGs. No police, no military, no Nigerian government in these areas. Boko Haram administers these places. UNICEF notes: “Many local government councils remain partially accessible. The security situation remains volatile, with a significant impact on humanitarian access‌access to Kala Balge LGA (Rann) remains severely constrained. UNICEF has only been able to conduct a limited number of day trips to Rann – Kala Balge LGA, where the nutritional situation of children appears to be deteriorating. “The number of armed clashes and attacks remain consistently high across the state. A marked deterioration in road security has further increased humanitarian actors’ reliance on UNHAS helicopters to reach many locations, including Monguno, where there are significant humanitarian needs following the arrival of nearly 15,000 newly displaced persons over the past six months. “Humanitarian actors consider it unlikely that the security situation in the majority of LGAs of Borno State will allow for any population return in the near future, either of IDPs or refugees. The urgency of overcrowding and congestion of camps is rising as the rainy season
Buhari
approaches, particularly in Maiduguri and Monguno where more than 20,000 people are still sleeping under open skies.� The biggest draw back to the war against Boko Haram is the persistent fabrications by the government that the terrorists had been defeated. Killings by Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) will persist if the Buhari administration fails to face the reality that the war is far from over and tackle it appropriately. All the lies that the terrorists had been decapitated are falling like a pack of cards, with security agents struggling to hold on to areas under their control. The terrorists are waxing stronger by the day. A triple suicide bombing last Sunday by Boko Haram killed over 30 people in Konduga, on the outskirts of Maiduguri. Just 10 days ago, the terrorists drove the Nigerian military out of Mobbar Local Government. They sacked the 158 Task Battalion located in Kareto village and killed the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Azubuike, and several of his troops. The guerrillas are also roaming freely in Marte LG after they successfully dismissed the military base in the town. Residents are so frightened to return to their homes. This is why I get very angry whenever I hear Buhari assuring puzzled Nigerians that “security and law enforcement agencies are capable of safeguarding the country, its people and property.� They have evidently failed the people and can’t even protect their military bases. The Army lost scores of soldiers in the last one week after Boko Haram fighters attacked its bases in the Mobbar, Damasak, Monguno and Gajiram areas
of Borno State. Huge ammunition was also carted away by the terrorists. The military inadvertently advertises that the terrorists are alive and kicking. The hand writing is always all over the press statements they issue. I doubt if their Public Relations guys thoroughly read these declarations before pushing them out. A recent one on the battle in the Lake Chad area reads: “For the record, two days ago, about 300 heavilyarmed Boko Haram terrorists invaded Darak. However, they were met with stiff Multinational Joint Task Force resistance, resulting in a bloody gun battle, which lasted for several hours. Troops of the MNJTF killed 64 Boko Haram terrorists and captured eight others‌The terrorists, however, killed 18 people, comprising 10 soldiers and eight civilians.â€? From their own statement, they admitted that the terror group came with “about 300 heavily-armedâ€? men. If Boko Haram can mobilise 300 rebels to battle MNJTF in just one location, then, evidently, they have not been beheaded, as we are being told. MNJTF even confirmed that a “decapitatedâ€? Boko Haram killed 10 soldiers in the Darak battle. Our soldiers are struggling to contain the rebels because they are poorly motivated and poorly equipped. It is so depressing hearing stories of soldiers on the war front being owed field allowances. Army Chief, Tukur Buratai, rubbed salt on the injuries of these gallant officers and soldiers on Tuesday when he accused those involved in the anti-insurgency war of indiscipline and lacking commitment. He added: “It is unfortunate but the truth is that almost every setback the Nigeria Army has had in our operations in recent times can be traced to insufficient willingness to perform assigned tasks or simply insufficient commitment to a common national/military course by those at the frontlines.â€? This is a very unfortunate and painful statement from the Army Chief. I was not surprised. Our gallant soldiers lack things as basic as water, yet, they put their lives on the line. Boko Haram parades better apparatus than our soldiers, yet, Buratai wants our men to perform magic. This country has been needlessly losing hundreds of its gallant soldiers to Boko Haram because of these failings. What about the unprecedented and persistent killing of officers by the terrorists under Buratai’s leadership? Some of those killed included Lt. Colonel O. Umusu, Lt. Colonel K Yusuf, Lt. Colonel Abu Ali, Lt. Colonel B. U. Umar, Captain Victor Ulasi, Lt Col Yusuf Aminu and Group Lt. Col. A E Mamudu. Now, Lt. Col. Azubuike. All these happened during his tenure. So, what is this army chief talking about? Buratai has never really been there for the soldiers. That
The Scholarship Mess at NDDC
Braimbraifa
About 200 Nigerians who benefitted from the Niger Delta Development Commission’s 2018 Scholarship are wallowing in pain in Europe. Aside from hunger, many of them run the risk of being deported any moment from now, due to non-payment of their academic fees and maintenance allowances. They were given scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies abroad, fully funded by NDDC, and left the country with fanfare late last year to various universities in Europe. NDDC’s promise was to remit the school fees into accounts of the universities. The sustenance component of the scholarship was to be paid into their personal accounts. All these are yet to happen several months after. Each beneficiary for the doctorate programme is entitled to about N28
million while those going for master’s degree would each receive about N9 million. Some of the recipients of the scholarship used their personal funds to commence registration in their various schools after assurances of repayment by NDDC. One of the traumatised scholarship recipients told an online publication: “When we were given the award letter, NDDC was supposed to give us N500,000 as take-off grant but they gave very few people the money and promised others that they will give us the take-off grant later. Till now, we are yet to receive any money from the commission.� The acting MD of the NDDC, Prof. Nelson Braimbraifa, should do the needful and end the agony of these scholars.
was why I had consistently advocated his removal. On the other side, the killings in Zamfara State by so-called bandits have not abated. Just two days ago, the bandits attacked some communities in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara, and killed 18 persons. Few days back, 34 persons were killed in an attack in Tungar Kafau and Gidan Wawa communities in Shinkafi Local Government Areas. Zamfara is still very much in a mess, with Nigerian citizens relocating to Niger Republic in droves. When a delegation of Zamfara Advocacy Group visited Buhari 12 days ago to complain about the killings, they got feeble assurances from him, with his usual rhetoric. “The police have been taking drastic measures to check the activities of some local elements threatening the peace of the communities, including preventing farmers from going to their farms. I assure you, I get daily reports from people in the field and traditional rulers. I also meet regularly with the leadership of the security agencies, and they have been directed to deploy their personnel to secure the society,� President Buhari said. That was where it all ended. The attacks have continued.
Ministry of Works Sabotaging NPA? Wonders will never end in Nigeria. The news in town is that the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has been preventing the Nigerian Ports Authority from fixing parts of the deplorable Apapa ports’ access roads. Yes, that was the cruel dispatch released this week. The NPA “expose� was in reaction to wide condemnation by some port investors, following an incident where a container fell on three cars in Apapa, because of the craters on the road. A General Manager at NPA, Jatto Adams, said the agency had indicated willingness to fix the bad roads, but was banned by the ministry. Adams added: “While this incident is regrettable, it is on record that the present management of the NPA, under the leadership of Hadiza Bala-Usman, had before now, written series of letters to the ministry, to hand over the port axis of the road to NPA for complete reactivation at NPA’s cost, to no avail. It took the personal intervention of the MD to involve Dangote and Flour Mills with NPA counterpart funds to re-construct the Wharf Road from Leventis to Apapa Port. The NPA is not unmindful of the havoc and damage this road is causing the port operations and the revenue loss, albeit the sufferings to the port users but as stated, the management is handicapped, and not that nothing is being done.� I am shocked that the Works Ministry is yet to react to this indictment. Then, it must be true. Virtually all the roads into and out of an area, where the nation’s major sea ports are situated, are in shambles, yet, efforts by the NPA to ease the pain are being sabotaged. It can only happen in Nigeria. President Buhari must intervene to empower the NPA to do more on Apapa roads.
MD, Nigeria Ports Authority, Bala-Usman
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 22, 2019
SUPER SATURDAY
Jim Iyke, Adesua Etomi, Thrill in ‘The Set Up’ From the plot, women seem to be playing a big role in the movie, “The Set Up.” However, the surprise element really is that the movie looks nothing close to emotional. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports
A
star-studded cast, including Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Kehinde Bankole, Joke Silva, Jim Iyke, Dakore Egbosun Akande, Tina Mba, and Damilare Kuku among others, make up the pack in an upcoming movie titled ‘The Set Up’. The film is an Inkblot Productions project, in collaboration with FilmOne Distribution and Anakle Films. Inkblot is known for dishing out high quality cinema films, picture-wise, that have shaped the Nollywood film industry in recent times. A look at its movie collection shows the Wedding
Party 1 & 2, New Money, The Arbitration, The Department, Out of Luck, Up North, Merry Men, and now ‘The Set Up’, which is out in cinemas from August 9, is a thriller directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. Here is the plot for the audience who might want to pin the lead cast to their particular role: The Set Up tells the story of Chike (Adesua Etomi Wellington) a young drug smuggler who gets more than she bargains for and is drawn into a web of deceit when she is hired by a socialite (Jim Iyke) to assist with his scheme to marry a wealthy heiress (Dakore Egbuson Akande). Other notable actors in the cast ensemble
are Ayo Ayoola, Wendy Lawal, and Marie Humbert. Touted a riveting thriller of grit, deceit, and survival, written by Naz Onuzo, a one minute teaser for The Set Up which dropped a fortnight ago leaves pulsating scenes without any voices or lines but music in the background. Even so, the teaser shows again Adesua, star of another upcoming film, Muna where she gets to play a badass killer alongside Adam Huss and Robert Miano in the long-awaited movie. Other notable films Adesua has appeared in include A Soldier’s Story (2015), Out of Luck (2015), and Couple of Days (2016). Etomi played Shiela in
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 22, 2019
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SUPERSATURDAY Jim Iyke, Adesua Etomi, Thrill in ‘The Set Up’
Adesua Etomi with Tina Mba on set of the movie, ‘The Set Up’ the fourth and fifth seasons of Shuga, a television soap opera about HIV/ AIDS prevention. She began starring as Amaka Obiora, an undercover police officer, in Yemisi Wada’s crime series, LasGidi Cops, which debuted in June 2016 on television. Adesua Etomi, on her career strength, recently featured on the cover of Vogue Magazine April 2019 edition tagged “The Global Issue”, alongside 13 other global superstars. Her acting journey began when she joined the drama club in her primary school. At 13, she moved to the United Kingdom after briefly attending Queen’s College in Lagos. There, she got a diploma in “Physical Theatre, Musical Theatre and Performing Arts” from City College Coventry. She also studied drama and performance at the University of Wolverhampton where she graduated with first-class honours. Speaking with Vogue, the actress revealed her love for Nollywood, “I
love, love, love Nollywood,” she said during the shoot. “I feel like she’s my baby, and it’s my responsibility, along with a lot of other performers, to grow her.” Jim Iyke is an established brand name in the industry. He bounced back, after a spell away from the scene, to star in a couple of hit movies like Merry Men and the recent steamy love film, Cold Feet. With over 150 movies, Jim Iyke comes in on the list of the leading male artists in the industry as well as one of the highest paid actors. The charming actor made his debut in 2001. He made a signature impression in the industry with his unique acting style. Dubbed the ultramodern Nollywood “Bad Boy” who effortlessly interprets the notorious cum playboy roles with efficiency, Jim Iyke has featured in movies as 1 Dollar, which was acclaimed as one of the most commercially successful comic Nollywood movies. He also starred in Games Men
Play, Last Flight to Abuja and a host of others. From his humble acting days, he geared off to the level of film and music production. As a film producer, Jim Iyke has produced a couple of movies in London, starring international actress Judy Shekoni and Tangerine Martins. He also went on to produce 2 Dollarz, a sequel to 1 Dollar. From the plot and the teaser of ‘The Set Up’, women are playing a big role, just like most of Akinmolayan’s films. His artistic works deserve to be seen in the best pictures. The surprise element really is that the movie looks nothing close to emotional. The Setup is one of three different movies promised by Inkblot Productions this year and will be the 10th film from the production company which birthed in 2015. Notably about the movie director is that he uses an idealistic approach for all movies he directs and by default, his movies are penetrating. Akinmo-
layan is the founder and Creative Director of Anthill Productions, a media production facility he set up in 2008. At the start of his professional career, he worked as an apprentice to Nollywood filmmakers, and honed his skills in video editing, animations and visual effects. His debut film titled Kajola, released in 2010, was an experiment in visual effects, but was panned by filmmakers and critics alike. In 2014, he directed the Nigerian dance movie Make a Move. The movie was nominated for the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Best Movie (Drama). The same year, Akinmolayan also directed the critically acclaimed movie, ‘Falling’, featuring Adesua Etomi, Desmond Elliot and Blossom Chukwujekwu. The film earned him a nomination for Best Director at the 2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA) and the lead actress, Adesua, won the award for Best Actress at the 2016 AMVCA.
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JUNE 22, 2019 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
COMMENTARY
TACKLING THE LAGOS GRIDLOCK
Tayo Ogunbiyi writes that the Lagos State government is all out to ensure that traffic flows
B
eing a cosmopolitan city, access to an organized public transportation system remains one of the major challenges of Lagos residents. As it is with similar cities such as New York, New Delhi and Jakarta, population growth in Lagos compounds the challenge of public transportation. With a population in excess of 22 million people while also attracting 65 per cent of Nigeria’s commercial activities, Lagos, no doubt, has a peculiar public transportation challenge. The ubiquitous Lagos traffic, complicated by the legendary Lagosians knack for impatience in addition to motorists’ impunity, makes commuting in Lagos a tricky experience. Sadly, traffic gridlock has severe consequences such as economic losses arising from delays, wasted energy, environmental deprivation and a diminished standard of living. Other effects are failed appointments, increased fuel expenses, decreased productivity and diverse health challenges. This, no doubt, poses great threat to socio-economic development in the state. A variety of strategies have been deployed by subsequent administrations in the state to deal with the perennial gridlock. In the past 20 years, the state government has expanded and rehabilitated major roads across the state. In same vein, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme, a mass transit initiative, was developed to advance and enhance public transportation. Similarly, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) was created for efficient management of traffic. Efforts were also made to improve water transportation while the first light rail project by a state government in sub-Sahara Africa was initiated. Also, the first traffic radio station in the country, Lagos Traffic Radio, solely established to give traffic news to commuters, came on board in May, 2012. Equally, the Lagos Drivers’ Institute was set up in June, 2008 to improve and moderate the driving attitude of motorists in the state. However, in spite of these genuine interventions, recent experience has shown that much still needs to be done to effectively be on top of traffic situation. It is, from this perspective that the current administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is embarking on numerous reforms towards easing the gridlock in the state. To begin with, THEMES, an acronym for Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and the Environment, Education and Technology, “Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy”, Entertainment and Tourism as well as Security and Governance was conceived by the administration as a Pillar of Development (POD). Part of the administration’s THEMES agenda is a comprehensive programme to integrate road, rail and water transportation to solve the pressing problem of commuting within the metropolis. There are ongoing efforts to complete existing road projects, fix all bad roads and expand the road infrastructure to improve economic and social activities. Plans are also on to improve navigation on the state’s waterways to facilitate water transportation and promote private investment.
THERE ARE ONGOING EFFORTS TO COMPLETE EXISTING ROAD PROJECTS, FIX ALL BAD ROADS AND EXPAND THE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE TO IMPROVE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Presently, the state government has identified about 60 traffic gridlocks in the state and it is working round the clock to ensure that gridlock red spots such as Third Mainland Bridge and Lekki-Ikoyi/Admiralty Way and Lekki Toll Plaza, among others would be urgently tackled and resolved. Also, in one of his earliest official tasks, Governor SanwoOlu signed his first Executive Order to address the issue of traffic control and management, fixing of potholes on the roads, sanitation as well as cleaning of drainages in the state. The governor, who signed the executive order in the presence of security chiefs and the heads of relevant agencies in the state, stressed that the support and cooperation of military personnel cannot be overemphasized especially in the implementation of the order. Governor Sanwo-Olu also charged LASTMA to effectively carry out their functions by ensuring strict compliance with all extant traffic rules and regulations as prescribed in the enabling law, adding that other pronouncements would be made soon to address other issues relating to gridlock on Lagos roads. Sanwo-Olu equally directed the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) to be more communicative and advisory on issues of bad vehicle wipers, spare tyres and non-provision of jacks in vehicles, among others. Similarly, in another development, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced 100% increase in the allowances of LASTMA officials. The aim of this gesture is to encourage and motivate the workers in the performance of their duties and also in fulfillment of his vision to make traffic management and transportation a number one priority in his administration. Governor Sanwo-Olu who made this announcement at an interactive session with staff of the agency warned them to desist from any act of corruption or corrupt tendencies. The governor equally announced free treatment for every LASTMA official in the state. He also promised a more conducive working environment for the staff such as repair of damaged vehicles and motorbikes, provision of raincoats, among others. The rapid transformation of Lagos metropolis in recent years has caught global attention, as two renowned international bodies, Citigroup and Urban Land Institute, ranked the metropolis as one of two most innovative cities in Africa. The other city is Cape Town in South Africa. Citigroup and Urban Land Institute, which assess cities worldwide in terms of sustainability and livability, once ranked Lagos and Cape Town the most innovative cities in Africa in the list of the world’s 25 most innovative cities. Lagos with this kind of posture in the global pedestal cannot and would not afford to soil her reputation by allowing needless traffic gridlocks to become the order of the day in the metropolis. This is why all stakeholders must join hands with the state government to ensure that ongoing reforms and efforts that tackling gridlocks in the state achieve set goals. Ogunbiyi is of the Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja
INEC AND THE 2019 ELECTION
The electoral umpire did a poor job of the last general elections, writes Mahmud Abubakar
G
oing by the unending gymnastics with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the issue of the server promised by the electoral body for central collation of result which has emerged at the Presidential Election Tribunal, it seems that the present INEC is not comfortable with the fact that people are holding it responsible with the organization of the 2019 polls. Developments at the tribunal on the question of the server, particularly the demand by Atiku Abubakar and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to be allowed to examine the server to determine some of the results declared by INEC, have shown that the election authority is not comfortable with whether it procured a server or even used it. Today, INEC denies that it had a server, another day; it says that indeed it had one but that votes cast at the presidential elections were not transmitted to the latter. In another breadth, it claims that it only experimented with server. Something is indeed wrong with INEC and it seems that within its management there was little or no coordination before or during the elections. It could also be that some interested parties in INEC are telling bare-faced lies to Nigerians whose tax money was used to organize the elections as well as pay regular salaries to officials of the commission. The INEC as presently constituted is a drain pipe as Nigerians who voted in the 2019 polls
and had high hopes that their votes would count seem to have been shortchanged because the electoral umpire cannot categorically state its position on a number of issues critical to a free, fair and credible election. The back and forth argument over the issue of the server provided for and cash-backed for the 2019 election and the uncertainty of INEC’s position makes a laughing stock of Nigeria, the famed giant of Africa and the administration of Muhammadu Buhari which has tried strenuously to put on the toga of an anti-corruption government. In fact, it is as if Nigeria is not a serious country having been portrayed as a country incapable of organizing free and fair elections. The recent report on the elections by the European Union Observer Mission is also damning to a large extent. In summary, the report aligns with those Nigerians who maintain that the election was anything but free, fair and credible. The EU final report went as far as calling for far-reaching electoral reforms which the Buhari government has vowed to implement. It is doubtful however, whether the promise of the government can be believed when it keeps people like those currently in INEC on their jobs. INEC seems to have organized a halfhearted election that a concerned Nigerian recently opined that given the opportunity, the commission would deny that it was in charge of the 2019 polls that has caused distress and
doubt. Nigerians were given the short end of the stick by INEC. During the elections, many parts of the country were like war theatres as political thugs under the control of influential political leaders were unleashed on innocent citizens in the bid to force them to vote in a particular way for a particular set of politicians and parties. In all this, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was complicit and INEC looked the other way. Several deaths of innocent Nigerians occurred. The EU report puts it at 58. Other reports say the figure is higher. No election anywhere in the world can be described as free, fair and credible if innocent people died in the process except for those who died in automobile accidents! The argument on the server, the inability of INEC to allow the election petitioners to access and examine it, means that the result declared by INEC from the president down is not believable and Nigerians may not have got what they expected and deserved in terms of those who occupy public offices today. In all sincerity, a review of the preparations for the elections and developments in the polity before the polls indicates that the all-important election was designed to fail by those whose duty it was to ensure that Nigerians got free, fair and peaceful elections. The most important sign that the elections were designed to fail and end in controversy was when President Buhari refused to sign
into law, the amended Electoral Act. President Buhari failure to sign the act created apprehension among Nigerians and foreigners alike that the president and his party wanted to make organizing the election difficult for INEC which is the reason for the commission’s lack of confidence in explaining its stewardship of the elections. This is where the judiciary comes in as the last hope for justice. All Nigerians including those who are being accused of doctoring votes of the opposition candidate and his party in the February 23, 2019 presidential election are now at a loss and cannot hold their heads high in celebration of their supposed victory. In view of the emerging evidence of collusion, lies and outright falsehood about the conduct of the elections and the release of results, everyone now looks up to the judiciary to determine the truth about who won that election. Also, in many parts of the country, the environment was not conducive for people to vote. Thus, instances of low participation and no-voting were very high, casting doubt on the credibility of the election. And with identified violence in as many as 20 states of the federation, one wonders how any credible election could be possible in an atmosphere of violence. Thus it behooves on the judiciary to ensure that the cause of justice is served. Abubakar, a Sociologist, wrote from Bauchi
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JUNE 22, 2019 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
INSIGHT
The beginning of the end?
Alcohol and ‘on the go Packaging’
T
o drive sales, most product designers advise manufacturers of consumer goods to adopt the small packaging, otherwise called the “on the go packaging” strategy. The adoption of this strategy by alcoholic drink manufacturers in Nigeria is one that will get people either killed or maimed. Everywhere you go, alcohol in small satchets and pocket size plastic bottles are available for sale, even at motor parks and bus stops. The satchet alcohol is called “pelebe” among drivers especially in the south west of Nigeria. “Pelebe” literally means flat but figuratively implies portable, accessible and affordable. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in 2017 said that 90 per cent of road accidents were as a result of alcoholic drinks consumption and hard drugs. One does not need rocket science to deduce that portability, accessibility and affordability are factors that encourage consumption of alcohol among drivers. With alcohol being sold at passenger loading parks and bus stops, we have successfully ensured that we have drivers and bus conductors with traces of alcohol in their system. We created our problem, why won’t road crashes occur? From my interaction with factory workers, I learnt that most workers go to work with several satchets of alcoholic drinks or “pelebe” concealed in their pockets. Of course they hide it because it is not allowed to operate machines under the influence of alcohol. But they can easily flout the law because the packaging of the alcohol makes it easy to hide. This people are a danger to themselves and co-workers. The World Health Organisation in 2014 said that 50.1 g of pure alcohol was consumed daily by drinkers aged 15 years and above. Several times, I have seen secondary school students drinking the satchet alcohol. The satchet alcohol goes for as little as N50 while the alcohol in small plastic bottles goes for as little as N100. Most young people below and above age 18 can easily raise money to buy alcohol, thanks to the product design and sales strategy of alcohol manufacturers in Nigeria. During my days as a Youth Corps member, it was common to perceive alcohol from students. We are building a generation of future alcoholics. The Nigerian government needs to wake up and perform its responsibilities. The production, sale and consumption of alcohol in satchet and pocket size plastic bottles should be banned. It is posing too much danger. Low income people prefer the alcohol in satchets and pocket-size plastic bottles because it is cheap. Its cheap price and portability
are factors that encourage abuse. The brewing companies are just after profit and will use any strategies to drive sales. It is nonsensical to write on alcohol package that “not for persons under age 18” and still sell the product at a price that is so low that even a toddler can purchase it. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 4.7 per cent of overall cancer cases in Nigeria last year can be attributed to alcohol. The Medical Consultant for the medical journalism programme at the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism opined that alcoholism affects 1.5 million Nigerians yearly. The data clearly shows that something needs to be done urgently as a matter of public health. The Ugandan government banned the sale and consumption of alcohol in satchets and it ordered manufacturers to not produce liquor in bottles less than 200 ml. It is not a crime for the Nigerian government to copy the Ugandan example. In Nigeria, two factors that encourage the drinking of alcohol are accessibility and affordability. We provided them by allowing the sales of alcohol at passenger loading parks and bus stops. We complain of increase in crime and violence among young people, yet we make it extremely cheap to purchase alcohol. We created a fertile ground for a problem and then we complain about the problem. The government needs to force alcohol manufacturers to be responsible. Alcohol in satchets and bottles small enough to be hidden in the pocket should be banned. Adeola Oladipupo, Lagos
T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE
T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
Ndigbo and the Presidency A return to democratic rule in 1979 signified progress and a sense of integration for Nigerians. This integration is especially necessary what with the scars of the Civil War healing gradually back then. Alex Ekwueme was vice to Shehu Shagari and it was nice to see that Nigerians will give Ndigbo an opportunity in 1987 to produce one of their own as the president of Nigeria just some 27 years after the cessation of hostilities. It was fine, just fine especially after Shagari and Ekwueme won a second term joint ticket in 1983 and, regrettably now, it was in the last day of that 1983 that all goodwill was lost when the turd hit the Nigerian fan; apparently, there was no stopping Ekwueme succeeding Shagari in the four-year time frame from 1983 to 1987 when, suddenly, the then Major General Muhammadu Buhari bulldozed his way into the scene with yarns about “widespread corruption.” Widespread corruption in a country whose local currency, the naira, was almost at par with the dollar and expats teachers and doctors were attracted to this country from all over the world? Without the benefit of history to judge what Major General Buhari was up to, he was hailed as a hero who had come to swat the undesirables by his decrees and the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) mass-rally movement. Only the few discernible ones took notice that the interference of Buhari was slowing down our
once-robust economy. Now, nearly 40 years after 1983 (40 years being a long time span in the modern world of ours to make historical judgments) and the recent sham at the ninth Assembly elections of 2019 (interestingly, this same Buhari has morphed from a “Major General” to a “President” and is in charge now) that totally excluded the Ndigbo from key legislative positions at the federal level in order to balance the NorthwestSouthwest President-Vice President ticket, and the opportunity that a four-year media exposure afforded to study the intellectual wherewithal of President Buhari in detail, discerning minds are re-visiting the event of 1983 to see if that coup d’état was solely the handiwork of Buhari. Was it really a desire to fix an ill-defined “corruption” that pushed a one-man Buhari to overthrow President Shagari or was it a collective fear amongst Arewa elements that 1987 was too soon or not good at all for an Ndigbo presidency? The Buhari I saw on that NTA interview couldn’t have pulled off that 1983 coup on his own. Ndigbo has a lot to learn and it should stop presenting a weak political front before other Nigerians, one that is exemplified by the likes of Orji Uzor Kalu, Rochas Okorocha, Chris Ngige, Rotimi Amaechi, Osita Okechukwu, etc., still blowing the trumpet of the APC political party. Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State
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Dickson: Police Must Probe 'Invasion' of Ishaku's House Emmanuel Addeh inYenagoa Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors' Forum, Seriake Dickson, has urged the federal authorities to launch a probe into the alleged invasion of the home of Governor Darius Ishaku, Governor of Taraba State. While condemning the Police raid on the residence of Governor Ishaku, which he said took place on June 11, 2019, Dickson noted that the security
apparatus in the country must take the matter seriously and ensure that the governor and his family were protected. The Bayelsa Governor said Police operatives led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police who claimed to have been deployed with a warrant from the Presidency’s Special Investigation Panel had broken into the Governor’s Abuja residence to conduct a search on it. The Governor of Bayelsa State spoke against the Police action in a statement by his Adviser,
Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei late Thursday night. Governor Dickson called on the Inspector General of Police and other relevant bodies to investigate the illegal invasion of the governor’s residence with a view to identifying the culprits for necessary action. “The Governor urges the National security establishment to adopt appropriate measures to protect Governor Ishaku, members of his family and officials. “We hereby condemn the
invasion and forcible entry into the Abuja residence of the Taraba State Governor, Arc Darius Ishaku, by people who claimed to be police operatives. “We condemn the illegal action and call on the police authorities to investigate this disturbing incident with a view to bringing the suspect to book. “We also call on the national security establishment to take the requisite step to protect Gov. Ishaku, members of his family and officials� the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum said.
In Brief Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters' Bill
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja assented to Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, 2019. The bill, which has now become an Act of the National Assembly, according to presidential liaison officer, Senator Ita Enang, seeks to obtain from other countries, on reciprocal basis, mutual assistance in the prosecution of criminal matters, including the location and identification of suspects, witnesses and other materials for prosecution of criminalmatters. HelistedotherobjectivesoftheActtoinclude:theidentification, tracing, freezing, restraining, recovery, forfeiture and confiscation of proceeds, property and other instrumentalities of crime. Other objectives of the Act, according to Enang, were the interception of telecommunications, conversion of electronic surveillance, the restraint of dealings in property, or the freezing of assets that may be recovered, forfeited or confiscated in respect of offences and other assistance that was not contrary to the municipal law of the requesting state. Enang disclosed that the Act designates the Attorney-General of the Federation as the central authority to make, receive and transmit requests for assistance to and from other countries and as well perform other functions reserved in the Act. "Where the alleged offence is of a political character or an offence under military law or is not an offence under the laws of Nigeria, the provisions of this law shall not apply," Enang explained. According to him, the law took effect from June 20, 2019.
PDP Orders Fresh Congress in Kogi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ordered a fresh congress to elect new officers for its Kogi State Chapter.The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP,Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan made this known in Lokoja, on Friday. Ologbondiyan said that the decision by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to hold the congress was due to the fact that the tenure of the present state officers would come to an end on July 22. He said that a date for the governorship primaries would be announced in due course. He, however, said that the Congress would not hold at the local government and ward levels of the party; and confirmed that the fee of the Governorship nomination form of the party had been increased from the initial N5 million to N10 million. Ologbondiyan urged all aspirants on the need to guide against misconduct and utterances that are capable of negatively affecting the chances of the party in the Nov. ember 16 Governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States.
Nigeria Elected Head ILO Group
Nigeria has been elected the Chairman of the Government Group of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for the year 2019 - 2020. The group is made up of all the regional groups of the ILO. A statement signed by the Assistant Director (Press), at the Ministry of Labour, Rhoda Iliya, said the Nigerian Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Audu Kadiri, was elected during the 108th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), held from 10-21 June, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. Nigeria was theVice-Chairman of the Government Group in 2018-2019 and as a policy of the ILO, theVice-Chairman automatically becomes the Chairman the next year. According to Iliya, the role of the Chairmanship of the Government Group was to put up strategic plans and coordinate all government members of the ILO during the tenure. Also elected as theVice-Chairman of the Government Group was Brazil. Lesotho was elected as the Chairman of the Governing Body (GB) for the year 2019-2020.
THE YOUNG SHALL GROW... L-R: Speaker, Enugu State Children's Parliament, Nkemakonam Oragwu and Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi , when members of the Parliament paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Enugu...recently
FG Calls for Heightened Surveillance against Ebola Outbreak Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Martins iďŹ jeh The federal government has directed all Port Health Service officials and other relevant agencies at the point of entry to Nigeria to heighten surveillance and ensure that all passengers coming into the country are screened. It said any suspected case must be presented for relevant test in line with the global practice on disease emergency control and prevention. Speaking during the inspection of port health facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos yesterday, the Permanent
Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Abdulaziz Abdullahi said even though thermal cameras at the airport were working, the federal government would ensure more cameras and manpower were deployed for adequate screening. The permanent secretary alongside some directors from the ministry, the and staff of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) inspected the health facilities to ascertain the level of preparedness in case of any emergency following the rumored Ebola threats in Lagos. He said: “More doctors, nurses and other health officials would be deployed to the port health
services at the international airport, consumable required for day to day activities at the airport would also be adequately provided. "I appreciate the effort of the Lagos State Government on preparedness and surveillance system against Ebola virus. "Our ministry and the Lagos State Ministry of Health have been working together to forestall importation of any disease into the country, hence we call for continuous collaboration," he said. He also explained that since Lagos State was the entry point of most visitors to Nigeria, there was need to heighten the surveillance system.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Titilayo Goncalves said the state was already at alert in case of any eventuality. She said the recent information circulating on social media that someone imported Ebola into the country was not true, adding that the said patient had been tested and the result was negative. “I want to authoritatively tell you that the patient was tested and the result was negative, she is well and has been discharged, everybody should put his mind to rest there is no Ebola in Lagos," she said.
Customs to Prosecute Nigerien, EFCC Arrests 7 Internet Benonoise for Smuggling Fraud Suspects in Ilorin According to him, " I was arrested Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Ammunition into Nigeria on the 11 of June 2019 at Mandate Laleye Dipo in Minna
Almost one year after their arrest, the Nigeria Customs Service is to commence the prosecution of two suspects arrested for smuggling into the country a large catche of ammunition. Bukari Dauda a Nigerian and Martins Anokwara a Benenoise were arrested in July 2018 at the Nigeria-Benin border at Banana in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State with 189,000 packages of live cartridges loaded in a utility vehicle. They were transferred toAbuja and detained at the Kuje Prison while investigation into the case took place. The duo were brought to Minna the Niger State capital on Monday for their prosecution and are presently
being kept at the Minna Maximum Security Prison. The Customs Area Controller in charge of Niger, Kwara and Kogi commands, Alhaji Abba Kassim confirmed this in Minna on Thursday when he paid a courtesy visit to the state NUJ Chairman, Comrade Abdul Idris at the IBB Pen House. Alhaji Kassim who did not say when the prosecution of the suspects would commence however disclosed that they would be tried for smuggling since the Customs headquarters had completed investigation into the alleged crime they committed. "We cannot try them for gun running it is not in our mandate, we will only try them for smuggling" Kassim said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ilorin zonal office has arrested seven suspected internet fraudsters at two different locations of Ilorin, Kwara State capital. The suspects, Kayode Obanewo a.k.a Samantha James, Muhammed Ademola a.ka Catherine Smith, Yusuf Rasheed a.k.a Rebecca Moore and Apata Oluwakayode a.k.a Hanna Cole. They were arrested on the 11th of June 2019 at Mandate Estate Phase Two behind Irewolede area of Ilorin following intelligence reports. One of the suspects, Obanewo Kayode during interrogation with the operatives however admitted to the commission of the crime.
Estate Phase Two, but before the day of my arrest, I met a friend who introduced me to Internet fraud, "He gave me a Laptop which was the reason behind my arrest, I saw one email address on the laptop, I started using it to chat with some people at night when I come back from work," he said. Meanwhile, the commission has also arrested three persons on similar offence in Agric Estate in Ilorin. The suspects are Olorunwa Okikiola, Olurunfemi Olamide and Ogungbemi Soho. Items recovered from the suspects include, laptops, phones, different type of sim cards among others. The suspects will soon be charged to court.
NYSC DG to ‘Corpers’: Avoid Night Journeys
The Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has cautioned Corps members posted to different parts of the country to always be security conscious and avoid night journeys. He gave the advice yesterday when he paid an unscheduled visit to the 2019 Batch B Corps Members posted to Bauchi State currently undergoing their Orientation Course at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Wailo Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state. The NYSC DG represented by director special duties, Mr. Afolayan James stated that the admonition became necessary in view of the present situation in the nation, adding that he was there to see for himself the level of preparedness on the part of the camp management, receive and accommodate the newly developed corps members. Shuaibu added that even though it was an impromptu visit, he was happy with the general situation of the camp as well as how the corps members had adapted and faring well in the camp. Meanwhile, the Director General inspected some of the camp facilities to ascertain their extent of readiness before moving to the Parade Ground to address the corps members.
ITF Equips Graduate Trainees
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) yesterday equipped about 300 graduate traineesinNasarawaStatewhohavecompletedtheirtrainingwithNationalIndustrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) with start-up-kits. The start-up-kits were presented to the graduate trainees in Lafia by the Director General of the ITF, Joseph Ari, at a closing ceremony of the NISDP. Ari, who was represented at the closing ceremony by a Deputy Director of the ITF, Ayo John Kayode, said that shortly before the 2019 general elections, ITF had trained over 11,000 Nigerians in various trades areas. According to him, "300 indigenes of Nasarawa State also benefited and were trained in various trades that were carefully selected based on their potentials to directly impact the economy of the state and the country in general. Our monitoring and evaluation of earlier graduands indicates that where training occurs without the accompanying empowerment tools, the results become less impactful. Bearing this in mind, the ITF decided to empower all beneficiaries of its skills acquisition programmes with start-up-kits. He charged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity provided by the ITF skills acquisition programmes.
CNN AfricanVoices Features Car Enthusiasts Globacom-sponsored African Voices, a magazine programme of the Cable News Network (CNN), will this week, in its recap, feature three car enthusiasts who engage in rare arts ranging from spinning, racing and collection of antique wheels. They are Amirah Alladeen from Mauritius, Stacey Lee May, a South African, and Fred Apaloo from Ghana. Amirah got her passion for car rally from her father, Rayhan Alladeen, with whom she has created a rare record as the fastest overall racer during the last stage of the Mauritius National Rally Championship for 2018. She has sufficiently dominated the largely masculine rally racing circuit with her father often as co-pilot. Stacey Lee May is fondly referred to in her hometown as the queen of spinning. She has carved a niche for herself performing jaw-dropping stunts, often hanging out of or jumping out of a muscle car while spinning “donuts� in front of a stunned audience. Trained by her truck driver father with the support of her mum, May saw spinning and drifting on cars as a way to tell her bullies in school that she could do anything she set her young mind to do.
SATURDAY JUNE 22, 2019 • T H I S D AY
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Magu: DNFIs Havens for Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu yesterday described Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs) as havens for money laundering activities by criminals. Magu made the declaration at a one-day zonal workshop for the sensitisation of Non Profit Organisations (NPO) on compliance with the Nigerian Anti Money Laundering/ Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime, organised by the EFCC in collaboration with Space for Change, held at Rockview
Hotel, Abuja. Speaking on the theme: “Effective Implementation and Regulations of AML/CFT within the NPO Sector�, Magu said criminal elements had turned their focus on the sub-sector. “As a result of lack of adequate supervision and regulation of NPOs and by extension DNFIs, criminals have now turned their focus on the DNFIs sector to perpetrate money laundering and terrorism financing.� While noting the vulnerability of DFNI institutions in both developed and developing economies of the world to the scourge of money laundering and terrorism financing, Magu noted that money launder-
ing and terrorism financing would continue to thrive, especially with criminals continuously discovering new methods of exploiting the vulnerability of DFNI institutions and the legal systems. According to him, “The DNFIs have been identified as the most vulnerable sector in money laundering and terrorism financing because criminals no longer use the conventional financial systems like banks to launder their ill-gotten wealth.� While hoping for appropriate actions that would be effective against criminals’ exploitation of the DNFIs, he urged the Non Profit
Organisations to be conscious of their obligations and responsibilities under the Nigerian AML/CFT regime and develop a culture of compliance with AML/CFT measures. Magu who commended the NPOs on their efforts at complementing the efforts of the government, said “SCUML understands the importance of NPOs in the Nigerian project, the good work you do to support government in its programmes and your reach in the society.� He said the partnership and cooperation with NPOs was key to winning the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.
Nigeria May Begin Direct Flight to Israel in 2020 Onyebuchi EzigboinAbuja The Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has expressed optimism that the country would be able to commence direct flight operations to airlift thousands of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land in Israel next year. Presently, Christians pilgrims going to the Holy Land are made to fly to either Turkey or Jordan before boarding a connecting flight to Israel. As such the pilgrims are subjected harrowing experience of double security checks and longer hours of flight to Israel. NCPC said the reason for not flying Nigerian Christian pilgrims direct to Israel is due to non-existence of a formal bilateral air travel agreement between both countries. However, the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Rev. Uja Tour Uja who spoke exclusively to THISDAY in Abuja on Friday, said that efforts were being made to negotiate the remaining part of the bilateral air travel agreement between Nigeria and Israel. “The process is ongoing and from what the Ministry of Aviation told me the Basa agreement is likely to be implemented in 2020,� he said. Uja explained that apart from the bilateral agreement, there were ongoing discussions between Nigerian Aviation officials and their Israeli counterparts to address the security concerns. Uja said: “As you know very well, Israel has three priorities in their
national life; the first one is security. The second one is security and the third one is security. So they want to be sure that people who are coming to Israel from any country are people that are coming for a genuine mission and that they would not be part of some of the problems that they are having with security. So they have been networking with the Nigerian Government to discuss all this. Of course, Nigeria also as you know is concerned about its own security. That if we are dealing with a nation we should be sure that the nation is not only conscious of their own security but conscious of Nigeria’s security needs as well. We will ensure that before the end of the year that the agreement and details would have been finalised and by 2020 there would be the first direct flight from Nigeria to Israel and back.� Meanwhile, the pilgrims commission has said that as part of preparations for the 2019 Christian pilgrimage exercise to Israel, Rome or Greece, it will hold its selection/ Examination today (Saturday) in the six geo-political zones across the country. A statement issued on Friday by the Head of the Media Relations Department of the NCPC, Mrs. Mary Gana, said the medical team of the Pilgrimage comprises medical personnel who will be deployed in batches to accompany and to attend to pilgrim’s medical needs during pilgrimage from October-December this year.
FG Directs Immediate Resumption of History Study to Schools
TALKING SECURITY ... L -R: Inspector General of Police , Mohammmed Adamu; National Security Adviser to the President (NSA) , Maj. General (Rtd) Babagana Munguno; and Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, addressing the State House Press Corp shortly after the inaugural National Economic Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja ‌recently
Reprieve for Rickey Tarfa as Court Grants Him Time to Recuperate
Osun Assembly Press for Security Summit for Strategy against Criminals
Justice Adedayo Akintoye of an Igbosere High Court in Lagos yesterday granted Rickey Tarfa more time to recuperate from his surgery. According to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report, Justice Akintoye gave the order following an application by Tarfa’s counsel, Mr. Jelili Owonikoko, praying the court for more time for his client to recuperate. Tarfa is standing trial on a 26-count charge of offering gratification to two judges of the Federal High Court – Justices Hyeladzira Nganjiwa and Mohammed Yunusa. He is also standing trial for alleged justice perversion. Tarfa had not attended court proceedings since January 21, when he travelled abroad for a medical emergency. He had always stayed inside his vehicle during court proceedings. According to his counsel, Tarfa was unable to climb the staircase leading to Justice Akintoye’s courtroom, even on a wheelchair because of the severity of his condition. On March 19, Owonikoko filed a medical recommendation from Tarfa’s doctors which stated that the defendant required a minimum of three months medical leave to
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
enable him recuperate. On May 31, Tarfa filed another application seeking an extension of his recovery time. But the judge ordered that a medical report on his health from a general or a teaching hospital be provided before the hearing of the application. At the resumed hearing on Friday, Tarfa, who was represented by Mr. John Odubela (SAN), said the defendant had carried out the court’s orders. “We have provided sufficient evidence surrounding the circumstances of the defendant’s ill health, among other things,� Odubela said. He explained that Tarfa had succumbed to unexpected complications in his recovery, adding that he was going through “so much pains.� He added that the doctor who performed the operation had to be brought back and that the doctor had recommended daily physiotherapy sections. The counsel, however, prayed the court to discountenance the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr. U.U. Buhari’s objection. In her ruling, Justice Akintoye held that having taken all the factors
The 7th Assembly of Osun State in its first Plenary sitting yesterday presided over by the newly elected Speaker, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, passed a resolution calling for the convocation of security summit to address related issues bedeviling the state. The motion which was moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Maruf Ajibola and seconded by the Chief Whip, Hon. Babatunde Olatunji, pressed for Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, to immediately convene a high profile security summit involving major stakeholders in the nine federal constituencies in the state. This with a view to having holistic security strategy to address the problems of kidnapping, armed banditry, communal clashes and other social menace in every part of the state. The resolution also include that the governor should direct the local government chairmen in the state to beef
up security in their respective domains by ensuring that the security agencies were alive to their responsibilities. The parliament also had it in the said resolution that the Police Command should provide more Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) to strategic places in the state. After exhaustive deliberations on the issue by the Honourable Members, they commended the efforts of the governor on it before now saying the investors, visitors and other people who had business to do with the state were welcome as Osun remained as peaceful as ever. He also assured the residents of the state to be more sensitive to their environments by reporting any strange face or movement to the security agencies for prompt intervention. Hon. Owoeye equally charged the Immigration officers in the state to always check the influx of people into the state describing the current security challenges as alien to the peaceful State of Osun.
The federal government has directed all basic and secondary schools across the country to immediately implement the teaching of history as a standalone subject from the next academic calendar. Mr. Sonny Echono, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education made this known yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja. The Federal Government on June 18 promised the return history to school curriculum while ensuring that all primary school teachers were trained to deliver digital literacy. Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo declared at the launch of Education for Justice Programme that
government had kick-started implementation in 12 primary and secondary schools across the six geopolitical zones and instructional classes had also commenced. According to Echono, the directive had already been given and it is automatic that all the schools should implement simultaneously. “By the next academic calendar, history will be taught as a standalone subject. “It is with immediate implementation. So, definitely for the next academic year everybody will fall in line because we already articulated the curriculum and the examination should be done along those lines,� he said.
Otti’s Loyalists Take Control of Abia APGA as Leadership Crisis Deepens Emmanuel Ugwu Ă“Ă˜ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă’Ă“Ă‹ Following the emergence of two factions in the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) the state working committee headed by Chief Nkem Okoro has taken full control of the party, saying that ‘impostors’ had been made to vacate the party office. The SWC led by Okoro known to have the backing of the party’s state leader and governorship candidate in the 2019 general election, Mr. Alex Otti, has been engaged in supremacy contest with the faction led by Rev. Augustine Ehiemere over the authentic leadership of APGA in Abia. State publicity secretary of APGA, Hon. Ebere Uzoukwa said that the state secretariat of the party located at School Road Umuahia had been taken over by Nkem Okoro and his executives, penultimate Friday without any resistance from the “impostors masquerading as APGA
chieftains�. He said that the state police commissioner, Mr. Etim Ene Okon was duly notified and security protection obtained before the property, said to have been paid for and equipped by Otti was reclaimed by the authentic state leadership of APGA. The state chairman, Hon. Okoro told journalists that due process was followed in taking over the party secretariat without breaching of law and order in line with the peaceful disposition of APGA members. It was gathered that the factional chairman, Ehiemere and some of his men who were at the secretariat at the time of the takeover, had on sighting the teeming APGA members disappeared from the secretariat. Meanwhile, Okoro has inaugurated the 17 local government chairmen of the party, charging them to remain loyal and steadfast even in the face of provocation from the “impostors and political merchants “ that had made attempts to hijack the party.
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The Legacy Lives On! PAGES 24 - 25
FASHION FILE
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GLOBAL SOCCER
pg. 29
SHOWBIZFLAIR
pg. 45
Tchidi Chikere
When I Fail, I Don’t Blame God. I Just Feel It’s My Fault… There is Something I Didn’t Do Right
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When I Fail, I Don’t Blame God. I Just Feel It’s My Fault… There is Something I Didn’t Do Right Tchidi Chikere’s works speak for him. So much so that sets him apart in the world of make-believe, with deserved accolades and recognition over the years. That’s because he has been in the industry long enough to earn the term veteran, which is oftentimes inappropriately ascribed. With production value in motion pictures alone that numbers close to 400 aside music videos, Chikere holds a claim worthy of its place as a prolific scriptwriter, producer, director and an actor. These are works shot over a period of 20 years in the industry. The seasoned movie practitioner and businessman took time off set for a one on one chat where he talks about his new movie, life, his journey so far and the industry with Ferdinand Ekechukwu
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Let’s start from your 20 years in the industry If I send you a catalogue of my movies you wouldn’t be able to publish all of them. I have a filmography of about 400 movies shot in Nollywood in 20 years.
You started as an actor? No I started as a scriptwriter in 1999. Then I started assisting Fred Amata as an Assistant Director and then by 2001, I shot my first movie that I wrote and directed- Fire Dancer. It featured Zak Orji, Chidi Mokeme, Genevieve Nnaji, Ayo Adesanya. But in 1999, I had done ‘Friends’ then I did ‘Alusi Iyi.’ I wrote it and I wrote ‘Sins of the Father’ between 1999 and 2000. The same November 1999, I wrote and co-produced ‘Ijele.’ In ‘Sins of the Father’, I played a pastor. Because I was always on set especially as a writer and co-producer, it was easy to take a role. By 2001, I was two years understudying, directing and editing the movies. Then the jobs started coming. It went on like that till I took a break in 2008.
I was actually coming to that because it appears you took a break from the industry at some point ... In 2008, first of all 2005; let’s say I was the highest paid director so to speak. I was the only director banned by the marketers because, well they said it was a ban, they said we were charging too much; they couldn’t afford to pay us. So they tried to subdue us by saying we wouldn’t work for one year. But I went and published my book ‘Strangers in Paradise’ in the UK, even though that same year, they (marketers) were shooting scripts I was writing. They will call me and say ‘Tchidi you know they only said you can’t direct, nobody said you can’t write’ because they wanted my script. That year, I wrote 24 scripts. They will take me to location, hide
me in an hotel and I will write a directorial note for the director. But that started me thinking ‘you know what, this is not all that my career is all about’. Coupled with other experiences that I have had in Nollywood, I realised that I needed to start diversifying and thinking beyond Nollywood with writing my books and doing other art-related stuff; my music and all. Because I realised also that in showbiz, there is more business than the show. So you must not let the business suffer because of the show. I had to stay on top of my game, I had to redefine and that is what I have done in every step of my career.
So far, how has the journey been for you? Twenty years on in Nollywood, I’m still as excited as I was at the beginning. I still have a whole lot that I haven’t given. I’m at the edge of experimenting with new genres, I’m at the age where I can take a risk and say ‘okay everybody is doing this I want to do it differently’. I want to take something outside of the box which is why I did ‘Everything Happens To Me’ the one coming to the cinemas on June 21. It’s a one cast movie I took one person and built a story around one character from beginning to end for 70 minutes. The industry now compared to when you first started, what do you think has changed? Outputting has changed a lot and that’s as a result of change in technology. You know change in technology drives change in human behaviour. Before, people were watching DVD, on VCDs. First, they were watching on VHS camera/VHS tapes but technology brought DVDs. Then change came again and brought digital file, which is what we are mostly making now. So outputting is mostly online.
Tchidi Chikere
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Tchidi Chikere and wife, Nuella
How about the scripts because we have seen some quality scripts? I was coming to that after talking about output, I have talked about technological changes, and I haven’t talked about performance. The faces you were seeing then the Liz Bensons and the rest of them, they are still there but not as much as you saw them then. Young people are coming in and a lot of influx of younger talent in the industry and it’s good because it brings freshness and newness to the narrative. So there is change in performance, there is change in technology, there is change in output, and there is change in storyline. There was a time they all were ritual movies. I remember there was time it was epic movies. Then after the blood stories, the epics, then the love stories and then it became comedy. Then love stories again and then rom-com. If you ask me now the industry is a healthy pot-pouri of everything. There is this trend that a lot of cinema movies lately are produced by the females. What do you make of that? Two things. I would say it has to do with women. When they want to do something, they are more out there, they are more up in your face unlike the men. Men are more reserved. The man will take his time. But then the women seem to burn out faster. It’s very easy to come and shine for five years. But we are looking at 20 years. We have a lot of men making movies. I will tell you why. When you have three women make cinema movies and you have 20 men make cinema movies, the three women will make
more noise. It’s just like when you have a house with two guys and one girl living, you will always hear the girl’s voice. They tend to be a little more expressive than the men. So events that are built around women tend to attract more attention especially in this social media age. It doesn’t mean that the men are not there. If you check all the movies coming to the cinemas this month, you will find out that most of them are done by men.
background and that helped to water my creative imagination. From a very young age, I started thinking in dreams. I would lock myself in my room and day dreaming. And stand in front of the mirror and act a priest with the water and wine and then I ran off to the seminary thinking it was my calling. Then I packed my bag one day and left and said I was done with this and went to UNICAL. Later on, I obtained a Masters degree in Literature from UNILAG
What challenges have you had to face as a movie practitioner? The challenges are a lot. For example the recent one I faced is health related. Let me talk about this. I came back with terrible back ache and neck pain. When I was in London last month, I had to see a Chiropractor and he said ‘you have been bending over for 20 years writing scripts, it is bent to show.’ So healthwise, it’s not easy to write and direct for 20 years. You need your energy level high. We have faced distribution challenges but I’m glad things are happening. Now, we can get distribution to the cinemas and online and other channels unlike when the marketers were the call all.
Talk about the awards you have won so far... Movie awards are mostly the psychological makeup of the judge at that point in time which is why I like the people’s awards which is people stopping you on the road saying I enjoyed your movie, people calling and saying I watched this movie and it changed something about me; that’s the public award. Award of the market place is what I call it. Most of the awards I have won are mostly based on my achievements. I’m picking up three more this year. I’m picking up an award in California in November - the HAPA awards – Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards; I’m picking up another one in Texas - the African Heritage Broadcasting and Entertainment Awards in October; and then I’m picking up another one in Washington DC and in Poland for the Polish Film Festivals. Last year, I picked up about five from different countries around the world. That is what I like. I got nominated for the Best TV series with Professor Johnbull that I created and produced and wrote and directed for Globacom. Professor John Bull has about
Your background shows you are very literary, how did your path connect with that? I studied English and Literary Studies in University of Calabar and in my first year (first semester) I read 40 novels by force. And then in primary/secondary school, I read most novels that they were reading in the university. So I have a strong literary
sixty something episodes. I wrote about 45 of the episodes. So I got a nomination for AMVCA last year 2018. I have got so many nominations from the AMAA. I have won City Peoples Awards and all that.
Who is Tchidi Chikere on the other side not related to movie making and acting? Tchidi Chikere is a businessman. I love to travel, and I love to stay in a quiet place just chilling with my family (married to Nollywood actress Nuella Njubigbo) playing with my kids, eat and stay healthy, work out in the gym and travel with my wife. I like to go to the movies. I just like to live the good life ... In all, I live with a very strong awareness of the existence of a supernatural being (God), who has planned it all out and giving it over to us to take charge of our destinies. I don’t really believe in happenstance. I believe that God has given man the authority to be the author of his own faith; to take dominion. So when I fail, I don’t blame God. I just feel it’s my fault, there is something I didn’t do right. I’m a real person whatever you see is what you get. Because I’m real, it’s effortless for me to be where I am at the point where I am. I’m very comfortable in my own skin and I have a family comfortable in their own skin; so it works for us. The kind of woman I’m married to is comfortable in her own skin. Like she is not home now, she is on set in Enugu. I’m the dad and the mum. Most of the time when she is at home, she is the dad and the mum. Most of the time we are together, oftentimes travelling together.
In Showbiz, There Should Be More Business Than the Show‌ You Must Not Let the Business Suer
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SATURDAY JUNE 22, 2019 • T H I S D AY
SATURDAY JUNE 22, 2019 • T H I S D AY
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍşËœ ͺ͸͚Î
Fashion File
Africana Couture O-season Collection
with
AZUKA OGUJIUBA
azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍşËœ ͺ͸͚Î
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FASHION FILE
Africana Couture O-season Collection Inspired by native Nigerian menswear and modern tailoring, Africana Couture has reimagined Nigerian traditional menswear like none other - consequently, elevating it through contemporary tailoring and presentation. This collection is a celebration of authentic continental style, as Africa’s most stylish men are continuously inspired by homegrown fashion over westernized ideas
of “dapper� and “style�. This collection memorializes this hybridization of true African style with western styling elements. The collection is made of elaborate ceremonial three-piece looks, everyday caftan set (pant and tunics), and lounge wears. I hope you find this a worthy fit for your audience - who I’m sure would find this iteration of �dapper� a little closer to home.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 22, 2019
INTERVIEW
Bimbo Olashore
The Legacy Lives On! What the late Oba Oladele Olashore conceived as a temporary initiative to solve a personal challenge, has been taken to greater pedestals by his son, Bimbo Olashore , now catering to the educational needs of multitudes in Nigeria and outside the shore. In this interview with Ayo Arowolo, Olashore, an accomplished banker and investment guru shares insights on the state of education in Nigeria, the role private school owners can play in proving solution and his vision for Olashore International School. Excerpts:
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as there a particular story that gave birth to Olashore International School by your late father, Oba Oladele Olasore. What was the vision and would you say it is being fulfilled? Kabeyesi’s investment in secondary school was borne out of his experience in getting good quality schools form my brothers. He struggled to find the right balance of world class education while fostering Nigerian morals and cultural values. Realizing that there was a gap in the education sector for Nigerians in and outside of Nigeria for a school at encapsulates these offerings, Oba Olashore took it upon himself to solve this problem for himself and many other Nigerians that sought quality international standard education for their children without compromising on instilling Nigerian cultural values and morals in their children. Olashore International School was conceived to cater to three classes of Nigerians, Nigerians resident here and in diaspora as well expatriates in Nigeria.Acore part of the vision is to develop leaders for Nigeria,Africa and the global community. Over the years, we have had students that have been recognized locally and internationally for their academic and nonacademic achievements. Two of our recently graduating students received awards from the British Council. Ginika Kalu for a perfect score in Design and Technology in the Cambridge IGCSE 2017 and Bolaji Olalere received the award for “Top in country” in Cambridge IGCSE 2017 First Language English (Oral Endorsement). These are just a few of the milestones to fulfilling the Founder’s long term vision. What would you consider as the significant accomplishment of the school in the past 25 years?
Olahsore International School has maintained a culture of providing world class learning opportunities for our students to develop academically and to learn beyond the class room in order to gain exposure and experiences that will serve them on a global scale. This is clearly reflected in the quality of our global alumni group. The alumni body and their achievements till date show the firm foundation built during their formative years at Olashore. Our focus has never been solely on academic performance and certification but also imbibing life skills that will be of significant benefit beyond their time at Olashore International School. In 2018, two of our students, Chidera Olalereand and Taslim Salaudeen, received the 2018 Council of British International School (COBIS) StudentAchievementAwards for ‘Sustained, high-level contribution to the wider life of the School’ and ‘ASingleAct of Bravery’ respectively. Taslim Salaudeen took initiated and executed a fundraising campaign to help meet some of the needs of internally displaced persons due to Boko Haram terrorist activities living in the Sesôr camp in Lagos. Over the past 25 years we have had graduates of the school become international pop stars with the likes of Folarin Falana who was also named alongside Obinna Okwondo in ForbesAfrica 30 under 30 list of most promising young entrepreneurs inAfrica. We’ve also had a member of our pioneer set, Bode Olasnipekun become the youngest SeniorAdvocate of Nigeria. Mrs. Kikelemo Banjo also a member of the pioneer set is the first female operations manager of Maersk line in Nigeria and these are just a few of the success stories of students that have gone on to be captains of industries, business owners and problem solvers across the world. You organized a mental health seminar sometime last year; could you restate the reason for the seminar and would you say it has created any impact?
Olashore International School does not only focus on academic excellence but believes in the all-round development of its students. This belief has led to numerous initiatives that contribute to the development of a total child, some of which are a bespoke leadership programme based on the social change model of leadership, the focus of the 25th anniversary lecture and #OISMWIT – Olashore International School Mental Wellness Initiative. #OISMWIT was conceived to demystify issues and concerns surrounding the mental health of Nigerians, especially children. In 2018, the school along with Lagos Business School and other key partners hosted the first #OISMWIT programme to promote conversations about mental health as a result of the notable increase in mental health issues among teenagers in Nigeria. We intend to continue to emphasis the need for this conversation on an annual base to create awareness. This year, #OISMWIT will hold on the 10th of October, 2019 on the World Mental Health Day at the Lagos Business School main auditorium. How would you describe the state of education in the country and your thoughts on how identified challenges can be tackled? The state of education in the country is not encouraging; the education sector in Nigeria suffers from a lack of investment or underinvestment. This puts significant pressure on the private schools to accommodate the demands of Nigerian parents that have developed a bias against public schools which has resulted in its collapse. This means a lot of private schools have turned up to fill in the gap created out of the inadequacies of public school education. For the private sector the major challenge is maintaining the standards of education delivered across board. This begs the questions; do we have the capacity to inspect all this private schools in Nigeria to
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 22, 2019
INTERVIEW THE LEGACY LIVES ON! ensure that proprietors are conforming? Nigerian employers place a lot of emphasis on certificates, which is driving Nigerians to forego vocational studies and purse certification which does not guaranty success in life. With the continues increase of university applicants and university graduates year on year, Nigerian’s need to strongly consider developing vocational skills in order to be able to create jobs for themselves by offering value instead of competing with a large number of unemployed youth for a limited number of jobs. The Nigerian government needs to invest in vocational schools so that young Nigerians have the option of choosing between skill development or acquisition and professional certification. Gradually public schools are fast becoming no-go areas for parents essentially because of the unfortunate states of those schools. How deep do you think the problems are? Do these shortcomings bring any advantage to the private school? The government’s underinvestment in education has led to the decline in the quality of education delivered in public schools as well as dilapidated infrastructure. Poor welfare for teachers is also a primary factor because teachers are forced to seek various means to augment their monthly income and this cause a distraction from their primary duty which is educating young Nigerians. With the steady increase in population growth year on year, one would assume that this would be to the benefits of private schools as they would have more learners enrolling. Unfortunately because of the low spending power of the majority of Nigerians, the lack of investment on the government’s part to subsidize education for indigent Nigerians, schools like Olashore International School have had to step in to ensure that not only privilege members of our community have access to quality education. Through the Olashore International School Association Foundation, we raise funds for indigent students annually to create an opportunity for them to get international standard education in a school like ours and not only that, we are working closely with some universities in and outside Nigeria to give scholarship to these students so that their journey of seeking a better life for themselves is not cut short. The association is sponsoring 11 students at Olashore International School so far. The gap between the skills impacted by the tertiary institutions and the ones needed by the market /employers is widening by the day. Most universities teach skills that have no relevance to what the industry need.What are your thoughts on how to resolve this dilemma? Vocational education and technical institutions should receive significant funding and push to the forefront of skill acquisition and empowerment with less emphasis on academic degrees. Societal attitude must change to encourage big corporations invest in university research to the extent that the outcomes of the researches will be applied to real life problems to reach a lasting solution. These researches should be industry relevant and in line with current trends. It is in the interest of public and private sector to invest in shaping the curriculum by funding specific programs.An example is the Dangote donating to fund the development of a business school at the University of Ibadan. There should be less emphasis on theory based teaching and more on experiential learning by technocrats with practical experience of the industry sharing their experiences directly with students. This will expose students to possible real life scenarios helping them to become grounded in the industry relevant to their choice of study. What informed the choice of the theme for the 25th anniversary lecture? The social change model of leadership provides a framework to develop leadership competencies that will allow individuals impact positively on their immediate communities. It defines leadership not as a position as we see it in Nigeria andAfrica as a whole but as a purposeful, collaborative, value-driven process.All of this forms the bases of the bespoke leadership programme at Olashore International School designed to ensure that each child at Olashore International School has the opportunity to harness their leadership skills. InAfrica, there is a leadership deficiency with little or no investment in developing leaders. The focus appears to be more on tackling the results of years of poor leadership inAfrica instead of developing entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders that will provide lasting solutions to the root cause ofAfrica’s problems. This is why everyone involved in this lecture is passionate about good governance, effective leadership and has or currently fosters leadership development in and acrossAfrica. Speaking at this event will be Mr. Fred Swaniker, founder of theAfrican Leadership Academy andAfrican Leadership University. He will be delivering a lecture on “Leadership and social change: Developing 21st Century Leaders forAfrica”. Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe is the Guest Speaker will be sharing comments on the “Role of Education in Philanthropy and Community Development”. Professor IbidapoObe has served as deputy vice-chancellor and vice-chancellor of the prestigious University of Lagos. The occasion will be chaired by Dr. Christopher Kolade (CON), the former Nigerian High Commissioner to The United Kingdom. You were known to have spent most of your years in the financial services industry; but you seem to be playing more roles in the education sector; how were you able to switch? The question is not about switching, in your life after you spend time in the private sector and you reach the top, you start to ask in what way I can pay back. For most people the pay back is by going to the public sector, playing a role in reforming by bring their private sector experience to reform it. Some cases you do charitable works
partnership in the funding of the tertiary school system; do you share this view I certainly do, funding of universities in other countries is really more of a partnership. Large corporations tend to invest in and support university research as the results are industry relevant and used to solve real life problems. It is in the interest of public and private sector to be involved in shaping the curriculum so that the output is more relevant to the industry and the only way it can work is to fund specific programs. For example the University of Ibadan Vice- Chancellor, Professor Isaac FolorunsoAdewole who led a delegation to a meeting with the foremost industrialist in LagosAlhaji Dangote to propose the establishment of a formidable Business School that would train individuals for industrial development and business growth and would need to partner with other notable companies and organizations in the country to be able to achieve this. You have travelled widely; which country would you say models the kind of the education system Nigeria should have? I would say a cross between the German education system with emphasis on vocational studies and no pressure to go to university where most youths are trained to work in industries and Finland’s educational system which is similar to that of the Germans
as part of contributing to one’s quota. In Nigeria there is a problem with education and ethics and bringing up people correctly I am passionate about contributing to that. Part of the ethos of the school is to create leadership opportunities for the students and not just focusing on academics alone. Since the school is preaching the social change model of leadership, you will notice that the students carry out a lot of community impact projects with the support and supervision of the school. It’s all about giving back to your community; it is all a continuum as one comes to the tail end of one’s career another opportunity or challenge turns up allowing most people to have more than one career in their lifetime. We are witnessing more incidents of students committing suicide; what would say is responsible for the upsurge? What roles can the proprietors of private schools play? I would say some of the contributing factors to this menace is societal pressures and the need to succeed at all cost over the shortest period of time. Most of the older generation would be family with the saying “It takes a village to bring up a child” and its practicality. In the old days, neighbors and everyone around you were involved directly or indirectly in the life of children in the community but now most people tend not to be concerned about their neighbors. People seem to want to be left alone which adds pressure to them when they face challenges or feel depressed. There is a breakdown of the nuclear and extended family structure with many families becoming smaller in size. The busy lifestyle of parents is also a contributing factor leading to a fracture in parent-child relationships. Most children nowadays hardly have anyone to relate with and share some of your concerns. In some case, in order to keep their children occupied, parents expose them to the internet where these children then to seek validation and approval. In most cases they do not find it and then become depressed. Society is also putting pressure on people to succeed which is amplified by the belief of parents that academic excellence is paramount. The proprietors’ biggest role in this is to be able to provide a safety net for children by train the teachers and support staff to recognize signs of depression in children. It is also important to have trained counselors in schools for cases that may be beyond the scope of the teachers and support staff. Heads of schools and proprietors should maintain a strong relationship with parents and encourage parent involvement in their children’s school activities while creating an enabling environment for the child to speak up and share some of their concerns with school authority. Children should also be educated to recognize signs and symptoms of depression. What has been your experience running an education institution within the context of the infrastructural problems amongst others in the country? Infrastructural deficit has made fees very high, higher than they should be. The government does not give any tax breaks to appreciate the role the private sector plays in education. When they created the education trust funds it was for all schools and private sector still do not have access to it even as all sectors contributed towards the fund. It would go a long way if private schools could also access the funds to help infrastructure, this will relief pressure on fees.Another problem is the unquenchable thirst for certification by parents who will do almost anything to get results for their wards even if it means going to quack schools to get the “good results”. We don’t have much faith in examination results because of the level of corruption in the education sector. The educational system is broken, teachers are compromised and there are challenges with the administration of examinations across the nation, devaluing the system and educational qualifications in Nigeria. It is difficult to determine if the holder of the result actually merits it. Some are of the opinion that there should be public/private
Where do you see OIS in the next 25 years? I would like to see a well-established alumni group that will be involved in the running of the school and giving back to the school. Running the school is about maintaining the legacy and the culture in the school, something you have to visit the school to experience. With time, society will recognize the impact of the members of the Olashore International School alumni group. My hope is that Olashore International School can take a leaf out of the pages of a school like Eton College.As at 2016, 19 of the 54 Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom were educated at Eton College. This is the type of legacy and impact I would like to see members of the alumni have over time. Tell us about the leadership programme at Olashore International School. The Olashore International School leadership programme is based on the Social change model of leadership which began development in 1994 with research at the Higher Education research Institute at UCLAwhich provides students the framework to develop leadership competencies that will them focus on positively impacting their societies. The programme allows for enhance student learning and development while them make a positive impact on their community.As part of the review of the school’s mission statement, You will note the emphasis on the need to “develop leaders for the 21st century” and “nature each child to their full potential”. The social change model is the arc linking these two statements.As they progress on their leadership journey at Olashore International School, students explore group processes and shared values as they begin to discover their leadership talents. Students then study and implement most, if not all of the 7Cs of the social change model of leadership with focus on; collaboration, common purpose and controversy with civility. In a research carried out by the World Economic Forum, collaboration with others and people management place amongst the top five skills that employers will be for in the 21st century. Students at Olashore have started to positively impact their immediate societies through fundraising for the less privileged in 2017 by washing cars and a bake sales. The funds raised where used to provide basic educational materials and food items for the Gripe of SalvationArmy home for the less privileged in Ilesa. In 2019, year 9 students at Olashore collaborated with students ofAustin Friars School in the UK after identifying the need for potable water by the people of Iloko-Ijesa. Following their annual visit to the local community and meeting with the elders of Iloko community, Year 9 students took the initiative to raise funds with the collaboration of students fromAustin Frairs School, Carlisle to repair the boreholes for the people of Iloko. The fundraising was done through a Go-Fund-Me account and reaching out to members of the Olashore alumni group, friends of Olashore and parents. This was motivated by the Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation. These community impact projects fosters numerous soft skills required in developing a total child such as collaboration, creativity and public speaking, all these are attributes of a typical Olashore International School student. When you look back on the past 25 years, are you pleased with the progress of the school? What would you single out as the school’s greatest achievement? I am very pleased with the growth the school has gone through in that past 25 years. This is why we have taken time to develop a 25th anniversary coffee table book to showcase the infrastructural development the school has undergone as well as raising the standards in academic achievements year on year at the school. The one thing that brings me joy when I look back and reflect on the past 25 years is how young children just over the age of 10 years walk through the school gates and into their new learning community and six years down the line they have grown in to young, confident men and women who then go on to be captains of industries, business owners and experts in various fields across the world. We have seen members of alumni become SeniorAdvocates of Nigeria, international popstars, data engineers, medical practitioners and so much more. These alumni members are spread across the world so when I travel and a young confident man or woman comes up to me on a flight or in a foreign country and say to me “I was a student of Olashore International School”, it gladdens my heart. So this is one of the school’s numerous achievements that I can single out as the greatest.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 22, 2019
POLITY
Bayelsa 2020: In Search of Dickson’s Successor Joshua Ebiegberi
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n February 14, 2020, the only Valentine’s Day governor in Nigeria would bid farewell to the Creek Haven seat of power in Bayelsa State. That day, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson would have completed eight remarkable years as governor of the most riverine and deltaic state in Nigeria known as the Glory of All Lands. Without doubt, the towering figure commonly called the Countriman Governor would be leaving not only very big shoes for his successor but also an oversized bowler hat. Apart from his hugely successful and impactful developmental strides across the state, his oratorical prowess would also be difficult to match. The governor’s zeal and passion to change the narrative about the state has stood him out. Today, Bayelsa’s story is intertwined with that of a man who bestrode the state like a colossus; not only transforming it but equally changing the governance culture. In every facet of the state, the Dickson imprint is indelible. The touch of the Ofurumapepe (the Great White Shark) can be felt even beyond the shores of the Jerusalem of the Ijaw Nation. On November 16, 2019, Dickson’s successor would be elected, according to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The expectation is that his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would again produce the next occupant of the iconic Governor’s Office he built. This expectation is consistent with the fact that the PDP had won every governorship election in the state since 1999 when the country returned to democratic rule. The governor’s sterling performance in office has made it even more difficult for any other political party to think about staging an upset in the November poll. This is regardless of the pretensions of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants. Already a titanic battle is brewing in the APC over the ambition of its aspirants. Interestingly, the aspirants, who were appointees of President Muhammadu Buhari, could not attract any significant project to the state throughout the president’s first term of four years. So, their ambition has a huge question mark hanging over it. With what are they going to campaign? In any case, the PDP governorship ticket appears more attractive. At the last count, no fewer than 15 individuals are said to have indicated interest to succeed the current occupant. The list includes a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), retired federal Permanent Secretary and envoy, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, a philanthropist and businessman, Chief Reuben Okoya, the current SSG, Mr. Kemela Okara, a lawyer and the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria governorship candidate in 2012 as well as the Chairman, Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue, Dr. Nimibofa Ayawei. Others are the immediate past Director-General, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Franklin Osaisai, an oil magnate, Mr. Keniebi Okoko, a former chairman of the state PDP, Deacon James Dugo, Chief Great Joshua Maciver, a retired Permanent Secretary, ex-Director of Protocol and currently chairman of the state Land Use Allocation Committee, Mr. Joseph Akedesuo among others. Several considerations will determine who eventually picks the single ticket. Chief among which is the input of the governor, who is the undisputed leader of the party in the state. Dickson has a firm and unshakable grip on the party with his influence and significance further boosted as chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. So his preference and support for any aspirant definitely carry a lot of weight. Interestingly, this also comes with a burden, which he recognises. But he has elected to be a team player. He said he would toe the path of consulting other critical stakeholders in the state and the party, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, who he calls “my elder brother and leader.” According to him, the PDP candidate would not be the product of an imposition but rather would emerge through the right process of consensus and consultation.
Dickson He said: “I led the party (PDP) to victory against a vicious opposition. I can lead PDP to victory again. I have done it repeatedly. In the primary election, there will be no form of manipulation. People talking about manipulation are anticipating that they should be imposed. I am not going to impose any of them. Any of them who feels he has the capacity and experience should make his case before the party and the people of Bayelsa. “I hope the right person with competence and capacity emerges to build on the foundation my team and I have laid over the past seven years plus. I have no doubt that the right person would emerge with my support.” The Jonathan factor is also being touted by those who think the former President can still pull the required strings to get his choice candidate to scale the hurdle. But at the moment, this could be a far-fetched expectation. Feelers within the state PDP indicate that the support and endorsement of the former president alone might no longer carry the expected weight. Jonathan’s taciturnity and aloofness towards affairs of the party in the state has largely whittled down his influence. In recent months, even his loyalty to the PDP and that of his foot soldiers has been called to question. Most of his henchmen were said to have engaged in anti-party activities, particularly in his Ogbia Local Government Area. As a consequence, aspirants like Alaibe and even Okoya, who are perceived to be banking on the Jonathan factor, could be left with the short end of the stick. Another topical but contentious issue is that of the zone that would produce the PDP candidate. The governorship slot has gone round the three senatorial districts at different times in the last 20 years under the PDP. The late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, an indigene of Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, took the Bayelsa Central slot as the first elected governor of the state from 1999 to 2005. Bayelsa East has been more fortunate to produce two governors. Dr. Jonathan completed Alamieyeseigha’s tenure in 2007 and had picked the governorship ticket to start his own tenure before he was nominated as the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s running mate and eventually became Vice President. He is from Otuoke community in Ogbia Local Government Area. Sylva (from the same zone), an indigene of Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area, was then handed the PDP ticket and was governor from 2007 to 2012. Dickson, from Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area under Bayelsa West, stepped in in February 2012. So which zone would be the next beneficiary? Many clamour that the fresh rotation should begin with Bayelsa Central having produced the first civilian governor in Alamieyeseigha but who
didn’t complete his tenure. This agitation and expectation has resulted in a high number of aspirants from the zone indicating interest in the PDP ticket. Two related political events might however scuttle the aspiration of some of the contenders from the zone. On June 6, 2019, Hon. Tonye Isenah was elected Speaker of the sixth session of the Bayelsa House of Assembly. He is a third term member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 1. Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area is under the Central Zone. On February 23, 2019, Douye Diri (then member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives) was elected senator representing the Central Senatorial District. He also hails from Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area. What is significant about these two events is that for the first time in the political history of the state, Kolokuma/Opokuma has produced the speaker of the assembly as well as the senator representing the zone at the same time. This has however thrown up a fresh dynamics. Would the central zone and particularly Kolokuma/Opokuma still be justified to seek the governorship ticket of the party having produced the speaker and a senator? Would Bayelsa East in particular not feel shortchanged and alienated if the governorship eludes the zone? How would Bayelsa West take the political recalibration despite having the governorship slot for eight years? Importantly, what happens to the aspiration of the governorship aspirants from the central zone? The case of Alaibe, who is also from Kolokuma/Opokuma council, appears quite instructive. He is believed to have returned to the PDP with his eyes solely fixed on the governorship ticket. Would his aspiration be aborted or would he pursue it on another platform if the PDP door is again shut against him? Apolitical analyst described the election of Diri and Isenah as the masterstroke of highwire politics. The perceived frontrunners might have lost out even before the real contest began. Regardless of the permutations, many Bayelsans are of the view that Dickson’s successor should be a focused politician or technocrat with a clear Ijawcentric agenda. The outgoing governor has so far left no one in doubt about his desire to promote the Ijaw culture, tradition and renaissance. He wholly epitomised it in his dress sense, which always stood him out as a proud Ijaw ambassador. The governorship cap might also not fit those without any business interest or key stake in the state. Bayelsans are tired of mercenary politicians that appear only during election seasons. They beat a fast retreat once they are unable to achieve their aspiration and reappear the next election cycle to hoodwink the people again. Such politicians do not feel the pulse of the people they seek to represent or govern. In this category are the itinerant politicians who change parties at the drop of a hat. They do not build their parties. Rather they are opportunists. Their singular aim is to occupy the Creek Haven but do not invest in the youths or women in the state. Bayelsa does not also need anyone who thinks the governorship is his birthright. Such aspirants surreptitiously sponsor media campaigns to run down every sitting administration. If they are not the ones in the saddle, any other person is not good enough. The man Bayelsa needs must have a clear blueprint on how to develop the state with well-articulated short, medium and long term goals and projection. Somebody who will create the required environment for jobs and positive engagement of the youths. Somebody who will further the exceptional legacies of the Dickson administration and not seek to destroy them. Ateam player and not a wheeler-dealer politician who will mortgage the state’s interest on the altar of personal aggrandisement. The state no longer needs a governor that does not have a zerotolerance to violent politics or cultism. Enough of the bloodshed arising from cult and gang rivalries. The streets of Yenagoa must not be allowed to be watered any longer with the blood of the youths whose patrons are politicians. –––Ebiegberi, a public affairs analyst and political commentator, writes fromYenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Nike Art Gallery at 2019 Ogidi Day Cultural Fiesta Justina Uzo
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he stand of NikeArt Gallery was a major attraction at the recently concluded Ogidi Day held atAgegbe ground Ogidi-Ijumu, Kogi State, as hundreds of people visited to have a good look at its latest works, enjoy the scenery and other tourism products.
Ogidi, a Yoruba town, is known for its igneous rock mountain formations, a traditional art industry and hospitality. The best of Dr. Mrs. Nike Okundaye’s works, as well as those of other famous Nigerian visual artists were on display at the art exhibition, which has become a major part of Ogidi festival. The community also used the Ogidi Day as an occasion to recognise their sons and daughters, as well as friends of Ogidi-Ijumu who have contributed to the development of the community. Those honoured included, Marion S. Kappeyne van de Coppello, Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands; Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, the Director General, Ekiti State Arts and Culture, and Chief Jiang Zeqian, Chairman of Wfor Industry Nigeria Limited. The Chinese man was conferred with the title of Asoludero of Ogidi Kingdom by the Ologidi
of Ogidi, Oba Rabiu Oladimeji Sule. The icing on the cake was the presentation of 2019 New Yam by the Proprietor, Nike Art Gallery, Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye, Yeyeoba Ogidi. Mama Nike rose from her corner where she was surrounded by art lovers, family and friends and joined a band with new yam wrapped beautifully in adire cloth. All the cultural troupes in attendance accompanied her to the dais where the dignitaries were seated amid music and dance. She now bowed and did the needful. The presentation was greeted by ululation among the women. The Oba received it and prayed for his people for long life, prosperity and general wellness. The royal father announced that they can consume the new yam, as well as bring it to the market for sale. Adjudged one of Nigeria’s cultural events, ‘Nigeria’s biggest culture event in June,’ Ogidi Day is when many Ogidi sons and daughters come home to celebrate their new yam. They cultivated yam through irrigation in early January and were obviously lucky to harvest their yam before other communities. It was therefore an opportunity to celebrate the new yam which signalled the beginning of harvest and gave the indigenes of the town the nod to eat the new yam.
Continued online www.thisdaylive.com
Okundaye presents Ogidi new yam
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 22, 2019
POLITY
Bayelsa Guber: Uphill Task Before Alaibe Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa
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ince the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the schedule for the governorship elections in Bayelsa State, the political space in the state has attracted an army of politicians aspiring to succeed Governor Seriake Dickson. Several politicians from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) have besieged the state to pursue their ambition to rule the oil rich state. If anything, the November 16, 2019 date fixed by INEC for the election jostled the state back to life as politicians fell over one another to again try their hands in the onerous task of governing Bayelsa. For the PDP, the number of aspirants is particularly high, perhaps because the party has had political control of Bayelsa since the commencement of democratic governance in 1999. Many politicians believe that the PDP provides a viable political platform for the realisation of their ambition to govern the state, particularly given the fact that the party has been labelled an Ijaw party by its leaders. Among those who are seemingly interested in contesting the governorship are a former Senator representing Bayelsa Central in the National Assembly, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, former Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Franklin Osaisai, former Federal Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and later Power, Amb. Godknows Igali and former Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Municipal Council and Businessman, Architect Reuben Okoya. Others are the publisher of Pilot Newspaper, Chief Denis Sammy, former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe, former Nigeria Delta agitator, Mr. Joshua Maciver, former Deputy Governor, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, and a former Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Romeo Bekeyeye. Though the whistle has not been officially blown by the governor, those within his administration, who might form the pool from which he might likely pick a successor are the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Kemela Okara, the Chairman of the PDP, Chief Moses Cleopas, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Revenue Board, Mr. Nimibofa Ayawei, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Doodei Week and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Talford Ongolo. In addition to the fast expanding list of aspirants under the PDP, are several top politicians who have embraced the platform of the opposition APC to pursue their gubernatorial ambition. In this category are former Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, Former Minister of State for Agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri, former Director of Treasury, Chief Okpoi, and Businessman, Mr. Preye Aganaba. However, of the latter pack bestriding the Bayelsa political space in pursuit of this singular ambition, one particular aspirant and his kind of politics draws immediate attention- he is the Kolokuma/Opokuma born politician fondly called “the Principal” by his admirers, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe. Those abreast of political developments in Bayelsa would readily recall that Alaibe’s ambition to govern Bayelsa dates back to his days as the Director, Finance and Administration in the NDDC In 2002. After what seemed to be years of planning, at the time, Alaibe resigned his position as Special Adviser on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme to pursue his passion to rule Bayelsa. His defection from the then ruling PDP to the Labour Party (LP), to test his popularity against the PDP, was to open the floodgate of not so strategic movements
Alaibe across parties that have dotted his political career. And that, many say, appears to be his major undoing. After the unfulfilled quest to capture the Bayelsa Government House under the Labour Party in 2011, Alaibe returned to the PDP and remained in the party till August 15, 2015 few months to the gruelling gubernatorial contest between Governor Dickson and Sylva of the APC which Dickson won. Alaibe who had engaged Sylva for the ticket of the APC remained in the APC till October
A leader must have the capacity to persuasively generate support without the use of force or coercion. A leader must be peaceful. A leader must have a history of leadership without violence. A leader must have that charisma that convinces his followers and must be able to use the weapon of love to disarm hatred
2018 when he led his supporters in yet another return to the PDP. Although, the leadership of the PDP received Alaibe and other returnees with celebration at the Ox Bow Lake in Yenagoa, his return was said to have ignited suspicion especially among key members of the main political group within the PDP, the Restoration Group, which Dickson controls. Not many of the key players in the Restoration Group, within the PDP were taken in by Alaibe’s message that he was back home to the PDP which according him, he owes his political achievements. To many, Alaibe’s return could well signify the beginning of a struggle for the gubernatorial ticket of the PDP which his return could only help to fast-track. Not a few observers are of the view that Alaibe should ordinarily have been a major factor in the forthcoming contest for the gubernatorial ticket of the PDP in the state but for what appears like the albatross of political inconsistency which has been an inextricable feature of his politics. Perhaps, while he was away in other parties, it deeply weakened what he would have used to make a strong case for the position of governor, thereby yielding the space to new entrants into the race who have remained in the party to prevent it from disintegration. Investigation revealed that Alaibe took off on a healthy note in the days immediately following his defection in November last year. His regular presence in government functions including the burial ceremony of of the Governor’s mother, Mrs. GoldCoast Dickson, was said to have prompted the governor to also visit him in his Lagos residence. But recent events revealed that the relationship between Alaibe and the governor may have soured or at best nosedived. Insiders claim that the governor’s team was uncomfortable with reports from his camp,
allegedly carried by his men that the PDP roundly lost election in contentious Nembe Bassambiri, even when the party had filed a suit to challenge the outcome of the election in the tribunal. Aside his not so cordial relationship with the governor, keen watchers of the political equation in Bayelsa are of the view that the emergence of Tonye Isenah and the Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Senator Douye Diri, from the same Kolokuma/Okpokuma, local Government Area where Alaibe comes from, may have added more spanners in his bid for the PDP ticket. The contention is that the KOLGA which is the smallest local government in Bayelsa central cannot have a speaker, a senator and the governor at the same time, given the need to ensure balance in the distribution of major positions in the state. Besides, the politician may not have the deep pockets he once had as finance director at the NDDC or as the head of the interventionist agency or even as the driver of the federal government’s amnesty programme at the time. The huge support he once commanded may have also waned, given the fact that he seems to recluse after every election circle, made worse this time, by the changing dynamics of the politics of the state which in the main, seems not to be clement to that brand of ‘off and on’ politicking. Are his best days behind him? That’s a puzzle that will soon unravel. But Alaibe, a few weeks ago, defended his brand of politics. Alaibe who spoke at an event in Yenagoa, said his political decisions in the past were informed by the need to allow peace reign instead of insisting on certain things at all cost and shedding blood or causing chaos. “A leader must have the capacity to persuasively generate support without the use of force or coercion. A leader must be peaceful. A leader must have a history of leadership without violence. A leader must have that charisma that convinces his followers and must be able to use the weapon of love to disarm hatred. “Why should a true Ijaw man murder a fellow Ijaw man just because he wants to win an election? Why should anyone procure arms and train people to kill their fellow human beings so as to pave way for their rise to power? Why would anyone desire to swim in the blood of fellow Ijaw men and women so as to attain exalted political offices? This is not just an abomination but an aberration. “From our recent history, we have witnessed detonation of explosives at political campaign grounds, campaign offices and homes of political leaders and perceived political opponents. “You are aware that I was, more than once, a victim of such senseless attack. The bloodshed and killings in the last elections was another example of disgraceful acts of violence. It must never happen again,” he maintained. Alaibe continued: “You will recall that since 2002 when I stepped into the political arena in Bayelsa State, I have had to pull back a few times in the middle of the contest - not out of timidity, weakness or lack of support base to win elections. Far from it! “I have always taken such a decision when it became clear that for me to achieve my goal, I will have to swim in the blood of fellow citizens - by matching violence with violence. Instead of this, I have always chosen the path of peace at the risk of my political career. Why should I create orphans and widows just because I want political power? In the words of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan: is my personal ambition worth the blood of a fellow Ijaw man? The answer is no”. But for now, the former NDDC boss is again faced with odds that appear humongous in his chosen mission to govern Bayelsa. As it is, he has many rivers to cross. Is he destined to rule Bayelsa or will it be the same story as in the past? As they say, only time will tell!
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 22, 2019
POLITY
Ekweremadu: A ‘Rebel’ with a Cause
Isa Yustus
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n the words of the ever celebrated and charismatic rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr., “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”. Likewise, the Italian poet, Dante Alighieri, posits, “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in time of moral crisis preserve their neutrality”. Turpitude I have followed the opinions expressed over the politics of emergence of the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly that of the Deputy Senate President where Chief Ike Ekweremadu squared up to the eventual winner and an anointed of the ruling party, Senator Ovie Omor-Agege. I am led to further interrogate Omo-Agege’s emergence vis-à-vis the mace stealing incidence, which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Ekweremadu predicated the decision not to allow Omo-Agege take a bow and go home unopposed. Let us not pretend about it. I can tell us for free that Nigeria is not new to legislative brawls that shame her democracy. Surely, we remember that fateful 25thMay 1962 event when the lawmaker representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun/Badagry in Western Nigeria House of Assembly seized and weaponised the mace even against the Speaker, Prince Adeleke Adedoyin. That was in the heat of the Action Group crisis and alleged attempt by Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s to expropriate the Western Region where the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was Premier. Indeed a State of Emergency was slammed on the Western region four days later (29th May 1962). The rest is our sad history. The event of year 2000 when the Senate adjourn at the height of the crisis culminated in the removal of former Senate President, the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo is still fresh on our minds. The mace, according to Okadigbo, was reportedly kept in the “safe custody” of a seven-foot python at Ogbunike to thwart the attempts to illegally reconvene the Senate and remove him from office. Okadigbo, whose reverence of the mace was unmatched and bothered on deification, had told Obasanjo that he would first kill him before getting hold of Senate’s symbol of authority. Yes,
Ekweremadu we saw the show of shame that happened in the Rivers State House of Assembly on 9thJuly 2013. We are living witnesses to the 23rd June 2015 fisticuffs between pro-Yakubu Dogara and Femi Gbajabiamila lawmakers over alleged attempt to impose House principal officers from Bourdillon, Lagos. The drama has been endless. However, the event of 18th April 2019 when hoodlums strolled into the Senate live on NTA local and international networks and “escaped” with the mace after manhandling staff of the National Assembly was unprecedented. Not only was the mace of either chambers never forcefully taken away in session, it had never registered external incursion in session. So, many Nigerians and lovers of democracy, including the late Senator Joseph Waku, rightly described it as an attempted coup. Waku cried out: “The person behind this should be brought to book. It is an attempted coup. He should be tried for treason”. It was therefore a rude shock for Nigerians when the police announced that Omo-Agege, thought to have been arrested, was only escorted out of harm’s way. Next, there was a weird court order barring the law enforcement agencies from arresting or detaining him. Nothing else was also
heard about suspects arrested within the National Assembly and handed over to force headquarters. Not only were they not paraded like the Ofa Robbery suspects, the police refused to produce them to testify before the National Assembly Joint Committee that investigated the incident. Instead, the former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, transferred the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the National Assembly, Abdul Sulu-Gambari, to faraway Adamawa State. Allegation at the time was that Sulu-Gambari’s testimonies before the Joint NASS panel was indicting of the security agencies. Even when the Joint Committee’s report indicted Senator OmoAgege and recommended his suspension for six months, the courts, which have become notorious for meddling in the business of another arm of government, barred the National Assembly from adopting and implementing the report. The hamstringing of the Senate did not however abate the repulsion of many Senators towards the dishonorable act. The ever-vocal Senator Dino Melaye captured the mode of most Nigerians during the valedictory session of the 8th Senate when he said: “My day of sadness, bitterness, was the day my own colleague, Ovie Omo-Agege became the mace thief, the day dissidents, thugs, desecrated the chambers of the Nigerian Senate. It was the day he (Agege) led criminals, to move the symbol of democracy, symbol of authority, out of the sacred chamber of the Senate”. Therefore, if many likened the audacity as well as ease with which the mace stealing was executed to the proverbial child sent on robbery by the father, who breaks the door with his legs, many more saw the thwarting of efforts to bring the suspects to book and anointment of the man in the middle of the controversy as APC and presidency’s sole candidate for Deputy Senate President as recompense for a job well done. If the nation had a conscience, Ekweremadu pricked it while accepting his nomination to run against Omo-Agege when he said: “On a fateful day, something unusual happened in this chamber. And that was the day I was presiding here. Some people came into this Assembly, passing through the first gate, second, gate, and passed through the building entrance, came here and brutalized our staff and eventually took away mace.
“So, distinguished colleagues, what we are doing today is appropriately a referendum on that conduct. So, I want to appeal to my colleagues that this is an opportunity for us to decide what we want”. He also alluded to the willful exclusion of the South East (which produced Senator Orji Uzor Kalu from the seven topmost offices in the land insisting that it is only through justice and equity to all parts of Nigeria that Nigeria’s unity can be guaranteed. Meanwhile, media reports had it that PDP’s decision in the early hours of that Tuesday morning to field Ekweremadu was fallout of the late withdrawal from the race by the other APC Senator from South South. In that circumstance, Ekweremadu can be rightly described as a “rebel” with a cause. And I identify with such radicalism in defence of democracy. By standing for that election, he saved the Senate and a national embarrassment and a repeat of the events of over 2000 years ago when the Jews were deemed to have unanimously chosen Barnabas (the robber) over Jesus the saviour. I don’t believe that all the Jews endorsed that choice. It was simply because men failed to be real men. They failed to speak up and preferred to preserve their neutrality and comfort in a time of moral crisis. They forget that whatever political comfort they seek to preserve now will pass away with time. Thereafter, what excuses would we have given to our children? How could we have continued our pretences to democratic rule before the international community had the highest legislative chamber of the Federal Republic unanimously sanctioned Senate invasion and mace-theft democratic virtues? While some may see an attempt at self-perpetuation in power, I see a holy rebellion in defence of democracy. History will surely reckon that the 9th Senate had men and women of conviction like him, Senator Chukwuka utazi, Senator Rose Okoh, Senator Dino Melaye, and a host of others, who could stand their ground and refuse to let political immorality and depravity have its way, irrespective of the immediate consequences and temporal inconveniences that such choices entail today; men and women, who appreciate that to ignore evil, according to Martin Luther King Jr., is to become an accomplice to it. ––Yustus writes from Kaduna.
PHOTO NEWS
L-R: Managing/CEO, Credit Direct Limited, Akinwande Ademosu; Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment/Keynote Speaker, Maryam Uwais; Chairman,Theseabilities Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; and the President, Olawoyin Awosika School of Innovative Studies, Abiola Awosika, at the 2019 disability summit and career fair with the theme ‘Realities of the Nigeria Disability Law: Implications for Workplaces, Business, and other Stakeholders’ held in Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN
L-R: Nollywood Actress, Alvina Babu Ibru; Hollywood Actor, Alex Okubo; Founder/Artistic Director, BAP, Bolanle Ausin-Peter; Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan; Hollywood Actor, Denola Gray; Nollywood Actress, Mawuyon Ojun; and Actress, Banke Olawumi, at the Premiere of the Movie visit to Ecobank Nigeria in Lagos...yesterday
L-R: Imam (Dr.) Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa; Pastor (Dr.) James Movel Wuye; Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola; Registrar, Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede; and Naib Amir Northern Region, Dr. Yaqeen Habeeb, during the presentation of joint award to Pastor Wuye and Imam Ashafa, at the 4thNational Peace Symposium Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria Northern Region in Abuja...recently
L-R: Vice Chairmen, Island Club of Nigeria, Otunba Kehinde Shitta; Asiwaju Rabiu Oluwa; Members, Prince Kola Abumere; and Asiwaju Taofeek Adelekan, during the 2019 Eid-El-fitri dance at it’s Peacock Hall, Inikan, Lagos...recently KOLA OLASUPO
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011
GLOBAL SOCCER A
WEEKLY PULL-OUT
22.06.2019
NEWS
QUEST FOR FOURTH AFCON TITLE
PAGE. 32
Super Eagles Begin Quest for fourth AFCON Title
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍşËœÍşÍ¸ÍšÎ
30
GLOBAL SOCCER
Super Eagles Begin Quest for fourth AFCON Title After victories in 1980, 1994 and 2013, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will today begin their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title as they host Burundi in the opening Group B game at the Alexandria Stadium
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ince winning the 2013 edition of the AFCON, the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the last two editions of the biennial competition, therefore Nigerian fans are expecting a good outing from the team especially after booking a place to the competition with a game to spare. However, the team was not impressive in its last two warm up matches prior to their AFCON opening game today. The Super Eagles struggled against Zimbabwe at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba and a 0-1 defeat to one of the tournament’s favourite in Alexandria leave much to be desired about the team’s character. Interestingly, Gernot Rohr’s men have made winning a fourth African title their priority in Egypt, and the team’s captain, Mikel Obi will be crucial if they are to do so. According to Obi’s former teammate, Efe Ambrose, the 32-year old has vast experience and would make the difference for Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Mikel helped the Super Eagles win the
competition in South Africa 2013, and will be aiming to lead the team to victory in Egypt. Ambrose is backing Mikel to help the three-time champions go far once again. “Mikel is the captain and also a leader in the team, he has also seen it all so his experience will be very crucial for the Super Eagles. There are so many players in the squad who are playing the competition for the first time, so Mikel’s presence will help propel them to give their best.� Ambrose also knocked off the ‘inexperienced’ tag placed on the team, insisting that the Eagles had the desire to challenge any country when the competition gets underway. “In 2013, no one gave us a chance because people felt we were inexperienced. I believe this squad has got the belief, zeal, passion and hunger and will be hoping to repeat our feat in South Africa. Also, these boys want to make a name for themselves and I am sure that the Super Eagles will not let Nigerians
down in Egypt,�Efe said. Indeed, Obi has said the three time African champions will do everything humanly possible to do their teeming fans proud in in Egypt. The former Chelsea star also promised that the Eagles will be highly professional on and off the pitch in the land of the Pharaohs. Responding to the appeal by the president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick for the team to stay focused on winning the top prize at Africa’s flagship tournament when he visited the players’ camp. Mikel said “Mr. President, we thank you for all that you have done for this team over the years, as the head of Nigerian Football. We appreciate your honest approach to all issues that concern our welfare. We all are aware of what is at stake. This tournament will not be child’s play or a stroll in the park, but we are ready. It will be tough but when it gets tough, we will get tougher.� Pinnick had challenged the Super Eagles
not to take any team for granted in Egypt. “Do not take any team for granted. Easy groups exist only on paper; things are different on the pitch. The NFF will ensure you get all that is due to you. This is a very important tournament and Nigerians are fully behind you. You should do your very best not to disappoint them. “The NFF is happy about the situation in camp; the commitment, discipline and dedication of each and every one of you. You have all the quality of a champion team and everything about you is positive.� Speaking in the same vein, former Nigeria midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju believes that Nigeria are among the favourites to win the 2019 AFCON based on their squad depth and quality players. While acknowledging that the Super Eagles would head into the finals in the North African country as contenders for the trophy, he feels pressurising the team to emerge as champions could serve as an obstacle for the three-time African winners.
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Rohr
“Nigeria are always favourites because they are a team to beat and that’s why it’s not surprising when you see teams who play against them come out in full force. Those who tip the Super Eagles as favourites are not wrong because of the quality of players they parade,� Adepoju said. Meanwhile, Rohr has urged his players to humble themselves and remain in the right frame of mind for the AFCON, just as he played down his team’s chances, even though the Super Eagles are seen as one of the Cup favourites. “Our aim at this moment is to stay humble and not get too excited. To say we have to win the AFCON is not my philosophy because we are a very young team Already the president said we must win it, but this is not the ideology. We are only making a return after a period of absence so we have to play with happiness and enthusiasm in Egypt,� the Nigeria coach told BBC Sport The 65-year-old German further cau-
tioned that his squad are a young group, yet a semi-finals progress is possible. “Our young team will do the best. We have a chance to reach the last four, which for me is already a good result. They did very well in Russia and won hearts, I can tell from the reactions of the fans at home and everywhere I go.� Meanwhile, Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun says he feels relaxed and ready ahead of Nigeria’s kick off on this evening. “You always have your thoughts around the tournament – you train everyday with the team, but because you’re in a different country you don’t always get to do the things you’d normally do in your spare time,� Balogun told Brighton’s official website. “It’s always a relaxed feeling with the Nigerian team though, it means it isn’t hard to switch off. I always have a few books with me, I’ve brought my iPad away, so I can watch Netflix and I talk to a lot of my friends
too, so I always have ways to occupy my mind.� “After the last game of the season with Brighton, I went on a little sightseeing tour for a few days to New York, since then it’s just been training,� “I went back to Berlin and had some personal training, and then met up with the national squad. Ever since that it’s been about getting ready – we had a match a few weeks ago against Zimbabwe which was very important for me because I hadn’t played at all since March with the national team.� In his reaction, Arsenal of England midfielder. Alex Iwobi disclosed that the tournament would not be an easy ride for any team. “Everyone is saying on paper that we should go through and qualify [from Group B but we know it is not going to be easy,� Iwobi told NFF media. “Every team is there to try and do their best, to try and win. It is going to be almost like a war, it is going to be a serious battle and fight, every game will be competitive. “I’m sure Madagascar and Burundi, even though it is their first, they will come to prove to everyone why they had the chance to get to the AFCON. “We know it will not be easy because it’s been a while we played at the Africa Cup of Nations but we are going with confidence and our heads held up high. “And not only that, we are still young and the future is very bright with young talent in the team. There is a lot of hope and a bright future ahead of us.� Nigeria begin their 18th appearance with a clash against debutants Burundi today in Alexandria. Burundi, a small landlocked country in the African great lakes region in the Central Eastern Africa are participating at the AFCON for the very first time. The Swallows under the tutelage of coach, Olivier Niyungeko is led by former England youth international Sadio Berahino who decided to change nationality last year after representing England from U-16 o U-21 winning 47 caps. The Stoke City forward THE SIX GROUPS Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, and Tanzania Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, S’Africa, Namibia Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, G’-Bissau
inspired the team to qualify behind Mali ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon. Berahino will team up with Captain Selemani Ndikumana to give a good showing at the tournament. NIGERIA FULL TEAM LIST
Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho (20yrs) Daniel Akpeyi (33yrs) Ikechukwu Ezenwa (30yrs) Midfielders Wilfred Ndidi (22yrs) Alex Nwobi (23yrs) Oghenekaro Etebo (23yrs) Moses Simon (23yrs) John Obi Mikel (32yrs) Defenders Kenneth Omeruo (25yrs) William Troost-Ekong (25yrs) Chidioze Awaziem (22yrs) Leon Balogun (30yrs) Jamilu Collins (24yrs) Ola Aina (22yrs) Forwards Ahmed Musa (26yrs) Henry Onyekuru (22yrs) Samuel Chukwueze (20yrs) Samuel Kalu (21yrs), Odion Ighalo (30yrs) Victor Osimhen (20yrs) Paul Onuachu (25yrs) John Ogu (31yrs)
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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Players Expected to Set the AFCON Alight Talents such Mikel Obi, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are not strange to African football fans, but as the Africa Cup of Nations kicko, the big question is which other players will take the tournament by storm?
P
ercy Tau (South Africa) Had he been granted a UK work permit, he’d be making waves with Brighton & Hove Albion, and not be on this list. But still, he impressed on loan in Belgium, winning the Player of the Season award in his maiden European campaign, playing at Union Saint-Gilloise in the Belgian second division. “Look at Percy, I’ve seen him. You can’t tell me Percy cannot play at Brighton. He’s good, brilliant... a good footballer,� Arsenal legend Ian Wright mused over the 25-year-old’s talent in an interview with Sport24. Blessed with trickery and the ability to create or convert chances, in 34 games for his club Tau scored 11 goals, laying on 13 others to grateful teammates. He was also a key figure as Bafana Bafana secured an Afcon ticket, scoring four goals. In Egypt, the diminutive forward would be expected to help South Africa past Ivory Coast, Namibia and Morocco in Group D.
Saido Berahino
Samuel Kalu (Nigeria)
For now, Nigeria’s new Victor Moses is Samuel Kalu, with the former retiring from international football after last year’s World Cup aged just 27. Signed by Bordeaux as a replacement for Barcelona-bound winger Malcom last summer, 22-year-old Kalu has only shown glimpses of his brilliance in Ligue 1. Since making a terrific debut against Seychelles for the Super Eagles, however, he has become a mainstay in Gernot Rohr’s set-up – and looks likely to continue his form at the finals. A great dribbler, with nimble feet, pace and a knack for scoring spectacular goals, good things are bound to be created by the winger as Nigeria eye a stunning first return to the AFCON since 2013.
Saido Berahino (Burundi)
According to coach Oliver Niyungeko, Burundi’s rise to reckoning in African football wouldn’t have been possible without the inputs of Saido Berahino and Gael Bigirmana, despite both players
Ibrahim Sangare
contributing a goal apiece on their way to 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. However, of the two, Berahino – who switched allegiance from England to Burundi last year – still has a lot to prove and, after being away from the top for a long time due to some ill-advised decisions, the former Tottenham Hotspur target will look to use the platform
to return to prominence. On paper, only Nigeria are certain of going through in Group B, with Les Hirondelles left to do battle with Guinea and fellow debutants Madagascar, and Berahino would look to champion his country’s cause.
Mbaye Diagne (Senegal)
Arriving at the point he is now
has been quite a rollercoaster for Diagne. Signed by Juventus in 2013, but shipped out on several loan deals, the forward never even got to make an appearance for the Old Lady. In 2016, he moved to Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA. Two years later, Diagne left China to join Turkish outfit KasÄąmpaa to bolster his chances of making his
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Mbaye Diagne
Colins
percy Tau
international debut with Senegal – but the towering striker was overlooked for Aliou Cisse’s 2018 World Cup plan, and only made his international a month before his 27th birthday. In January, Galatasaray snapped him up from KasĹmpaa, where he had already scored 20 league goals. He contributed a further 10 to help Fatih Terim’s side to a Turkish Super Lig title – with a goal in the cup as Galatasaray completed a domestic double. He has joined Cisse’s squad red-hot and would be expected to announce himself to international football in a clinical fashion.
Jamilu Collins (Nigeria)
Since the exit of former Marseille star Taiye Taiwo, Nigeria have
struggled with the left-back position. Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa and Brian Idowu are the most notable names to have a go at that spot in the past years. To varying degrees, all failed. But Jamilu Collins’ emergence out of the blues has ticked a problem off Gernot Rohr’s list. Able to balance his defensive duties with attacking forays, since the Paderborn defender made his international debut against Libya in an AFCON qualifier last year, he has yet to have a poor outing. Relatively unknown so far, he will be playing in the Bundesliga next season after helping Paderborn to top-flight promotion.
Ibrahim Sangare (Ivory Coast)
Samuel-Kalu-22
At 34, Serey Die is in the twilight of his career, and the inclusion of Ibrahim Sangara will relieve coach Ibrahim Kamara of any issue regarding the Ivory Coast’s defensive midfield position. By default, Franck Kessie and Jean Michael Seri own the other two creative spots, and Sangara, fresh off an impressive season in France with Toulouse, might be tasked with doing the dirty jobs.
The lanky player is capable of screening the back four, tidy in tackles, bosses aerial balls, and his frame makes him a useful target for set pieces. He played in 28 Ligue 1 games for Toulouse last season and, in January, was reportedly drawing interest from Barcelona. The Cup of Nations presents him the chance to finally introduce his abilities to a wider audience.
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L-R: Comrade Godbless Governor, (Secretary Gbaramatu Youth Council, GYC), Chief Jerey Ojogun ( Kurowei Of Gbaramatu Kingdom), Chief Dennis Otuaro ( Ibe-Uyadonwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom) presenting the winners trophy to Abobo Ikioyokenegha, (Captain, Yankee Football Club Okerenkoko Town) and Comrade Christopher Wuruyai, President GYC at the end of Amaseikumor Tournament 2019 organized by Gbaramatu Youth Council in Gbaramatu Kingdom ...recently
Argentine Coach Gonzalo Rubio, addressing the team before a match
FC Bulmaro Lagos, Tops Group A1 Nationwide League One The FC Bulmaro, Lagos, led by Argentine Coach Gonzalo Rubio, on Tuesday, at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos, shared the spoils with Gbagada FC, Lagos, in the ongoing Nigerian Nationwide League One, 2018/2019, season, topping Group A1, with 13 points, after four very impressive straight wins. Other teams in the Group include: First Bank FC, Collins Edwards FC, B - Angels FC and Iganmu FC all Lagos-based clubs. For Football fans and enthusiasts who watched the teams play and had been following the tournament closely, claimed that the FC Bulmaro, the youngest team in the country, now, have come to change the game of the business of the football in the country. Specifically, to offer the abundant wealth of talents, a veritable platform to discover themselves, and maximise the
huge opportunities available globally. On investigation, it was discovered that the new team is a product of the Elite 96 Scholarship Project, of the Lagos-based Barca Academy, number one, in sub-Saharan Africa, solely sponsored by Blaugrana Group International. The young FC Bulmaro team that returned from abroad recently after a rigorous training tour, and an inspiring representation of Nigeria in the 2019 Mediterranean International Cup Competition, a two-week long, age group tournament, held in San SebastiĂĄn, Spain. Where the team recorded an outstanding performance. It was the first time a Nigerian clubside took part in the world event acclaimed to be the best and biggest, aside FIFA organised age group football fiestas. The young club made up of
17 vibrant and robustly skillful and talented players, not above the age of 19 years is fully sponsored by Blaugrana Group International, the promoters of the elite Barca Academy Group, Lagos, Nigeria, in fulfillment of her corporate ideals and vision, fostering her culture of corporate social responsibility, to promote the Nigeria essence and resilient spirit, giving the participants the enablement to live their dream and opportunity to exhibit their skills and talents in a global stage, competing with scores of first level clubs from other countries including the giant football nations. She believes that the team participation in the Nationwide League One is a good step put forward to begin the climb. During a chat with the media, shortly after their match against Gbagada FC, Gonzalo Rubio, expressed confidence and
optimism that the team was holistically honed and prepared not only to win which is the primary objective of every coach and team in any outing but to also learn to become excellent professionals, who know that good leadership is farther than on the spot victory. He has no doubt the experience that would never leave the players the same, which he believes will give all the stakeholders something to be happy with. “For all the boys it is a first and lifetime experience to be exposed to an array of things they are not familiar with in a very different and sophisticated clime. We strongly believe it would be impossible for the legend or giant in them not to wake up. The ready for the second phase of the League. Our fans will not be disappointed. We pray..,� Gonzalo Rubio stated.
Lagos Opens Viewing Centres for 2019 AFCON In fulfillment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to engender community engagement, Lagos for-all and unity among Lagosians regardless of ethnic and religion background, Lagos State Government has concluded plans to beam live matches of the 32nd edition of the 2019Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at designated viewing centres across the city of Lagos through ‘LAGOS ISSA GOAL’ initiative. Put together by the Lagos
State Government through Lagos State Sports Commission inpartnershipwithSlimburgLtd (the official partner/agent), Egypt 2019 Live in Lagos underscores the influence of sports in community engagement and nation-building. Governor Sanwo-Olu has continued to thank and appreciate Lagosians for their overwhelming support and unwavering steadfastness during the last general elections and has pledged to uplift the fortune and impact of
sports “For a Greater Lagos�. With 24 African countries and best of African players on parade, 2019 AFCON Live in the city of Lagos promises to be a 29-day of unforgettable football experience, full of maximum fun, comradeship and entertainment. The 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nation will hold in four Egyptian cities – Ismailia, Alexandria, Suez and Cairo from June 21st to July 19th. Being the biggest soccer fiesta in Africa, the initiative
by the state government will give those who cannot afford Pay TV opportunity to watch every 52 live match at Epe Recreation Centre, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Mushin Youth Centre, Abesan Playing Ground, Campos Mini Stadium, Naval Barrack Ajegunle, Badagry Ikorodu, among others. Adequate security, safety and traffic management will be in place before and during the 52 live games across the city of Lagos.
The HIVE Leagues Begins 6-A-side World Cup Registration The HIVE Leagues Limited, Nigeria’s foremost Sports Management Company, has begun preparations for the six-a-side small-sided football World Cup tournament taking place in Crete, Greece, later in the year. The HIVE leagues is affiliated to the International Socca Federation (ISF), which is an authority on small sided football worldwide. Its major focus is to begin organised small-sided football and recreational sport leagues in Nigeria in general with a focus on putting together a
squad from everyday players and amateurs that will compete in the small-sided football World Cup tournament in Greece. Chief Executive Officer, Henry Koko said the vision for small sided football in the country was huge, which is why the company is setting up leagues around the country to bring the vision to life. “We want to replicate the culture and structure of organised small sided football as seen in the UK, for instance, here in Nigeria and we believe ‘Ev-
erybody Should Play’. Our desire is to have individuals or teams compete in the leagues, play regional tournaments and produce a dream team, made up of everyday footballers, that will represent Nigeria in the small sided football World Cup at the world stage.� The leagues kick-off this weekend and several captains have already registered their teams. In addition, entry fees for the first four teams in each league have been waived
to encourage participation. Currently teams can register to play in Lagos or in Abuja, with more locations coming soon “A lot of recreational football gets played in Nigeria but usually without too much structure. What appears to occur from an organisation point of view, seasonally, are small sided tournaments which are held over a few days, usually organised by companies� Koko added. To participate, football lovers should visit www.thehiveleagues.com to register
LSSCHailsIWSDayNurseryon Sports Fiesta The international Women Society (IWS) Day Nursery School recently organised its inter-house fiesta competition in view of giving kids good educational background through active nurturing in sports. The President IWS, Mrs. Nkoli Ogbolu, expressed “the need for good solid educational foundation for kids through active nurturing in sports to enable them gain required skill set for the future.� She noted that early childhood marks a critical period in the life of pupils towards setting foundation for healthy development and life-long learning. The competition which started with a march past, witnessed four houses contesting for several position in Fill the basket, bead and string, Egg and spoon, Filling the bottle, 50 meters sprint and relay race. At the end of the competition Godwin Amakulor, Amoo Azeezat, Chioma Chioma, Boluwatife Ademola of Red, Blue, Green respectively emerging tops while Francis Utuh won the 50m race and group of Ogim John, Adeoye Darasimi, Grace Ifeanyi, Osamade Kenechukwu emerged victorious at relay.
1980 AFCONWinner, Charles Bassey ill, Solicits for Help Recent news from one of the team members of the 1980 African Cup of Nations winning Super Eagles, indicate that Charles Bassey, the former Super Eagle star is down with a life threatening illness, It was gathered that the illness started after a car accident in 1986 which involved the ex-play turned coach. ThisdaySports reliable gathered that the football star said that he had been going through rough patches to treat himself and sustain livelihood. The illness, according to his family sources, has kept him down and without a source of livelihood. Bassey who last coached at Akwa United Football Club in 2007 as the Uyo side’s Technical Adviser, when he was the Technical Director of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports, said the ailment had left him unable to walk for some time now. “The illness started in 1986 when I was the coach of BCC Lions FC of Gboko where I did so well to prevent the team from going on relegation and brought the team back. ``I was sent on a coaching training in Brazil, and shortly after returning from Brazil, I had a car accident which did some damage to my back,’’ he said. Bassey who has the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), which was bestowed on him by the then President Shehu Shagari in 1980 for helping Nigeria to win its first continental football title at the national level, said the accident caused him to have ``Nerve Root Compression’’. ``I can now hardly walk, but I have been nursing this illness since 1986. I have also been experiencing numbness on my palms and my feet now,’’ he said.
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Korede Adedoyin
Hunted By Big Clubs In spite of Nigeria’s lacklustre performance at the U-20 World Cup in Poland, Everton of England prodigy, Korede Adedoyin is still attracting oers from Dutch, German, Belgian clubs
S
everal European clubs have started negotiations with Premier League side Everton over a loan deal for former Nigerian U-20 invitee Korede Adedoyin. The exciting winger has agreed on terms with The Toffees over a new contract though nothing has been signed yet, and an official announcement is expected to be made in the coming days. German clubs have been scouring England for the most exciting talents and they are eager to add Adedoyin to their
ranks next season but face competition from Belgian and Dutch clubs who have also expressed an interest in the Lagos-born player. Some of the interested clubs wish to take him on loan with an option to buy included in the deal. It remains to be seen if the Toffees hierarchy will sanction Adedoyin’s loan move to a foreign club as their teenage players are usually prevented from leaving the club. The 18-year-old joined Everton at the age of 10 and notched up 21 goals in 35 appearances
in the U-18 Premier League over the last two seasons. Everton have a youngster heading to the U-20 World Cup in Poland. Korede Adedoyin is on his way to join up with the young Flying Eagles side. The coaching crew of the Nigeria U-20 team to Poland decided to add Adedoyin in the Flying Eagles team after struggling for goals from their strikers in warm-up games. The 18-year-old was in fine form for Everton’s U-18s last season. He has scored 13 goals in 21 games and looks like being a top talent going forward for the Toffees.
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AUTO
Yutong range of commercial buses
Kojo Motors Rolls Out 14-meter Commercial Yutong Bus Stories by Bennett Oghifo
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he use of high capacity buses in the nation’s road transport sector has received a boost with the launch of Yutong range of commercial buses by Kojo Motors Limited, sole franchise owners and assemblers of the brand in Nigeria. The range of buses, presented during the week, included Yutong 14-meter long luxury bus that runs on Mercedes-Benz powertrain, double rear axle that is customised for the African region. Across section of Nigerian transporters plying the domestic and international routes, who were at the presentation at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, said they were impressed with the buses, which they said give them good return on investment. Yutong passenger buses are suitable for use by transport operators, corporate fleet
operators, schools, churches and other blue chip organisations, said the Executive Director, Kojo Motors Limited, Chinedu Oguegbu. He added that the new 14 meters long commercial bus leading other Yutong models. Apart from the 14-meter T139HDH, some of the Yutong range of buses on display during the launch included the 7-meter, 25-seater city bus ZK6729D and DG city bus versions that come with more space and the ZK6858h, 33 and 35 seats upgraded coaches, respectively. He said both the 14-meter high capacity luxury passenger bus and other model line-up are equipped with more reinforced tonnage to carry more luggage of customers and traders. The bus is also strengthened with double rear axle, which is a critical requirement for the local market considering the bad conditions of the roads. He said the buses are also streamlined to fit perfectly into BRT lanes in Lagos and some cities. The 7 meters bus version is good for schools
and church logistics needs and shuttles. There is also the 8-meter bus models which is about half of the 14 meters bus that takes 33 passengers with adequate room for luggage. Bus operators, he said have a choice of buying the small and medium range buses if they have fewer passengers and luggage to carry, especially for short distances like Benin and Onitsha. He said the buses can travel up to 1000 kilometers without breakdown, and that passengers will travel in safety and comfort, complete with good entertainment and airconditioning. The new Yutong buses, he said are durable and places the Chinese bus maker among the top manufacturers in the world. “Yutong is no longer competing in the Chinese market; rather, they are at par with other established European brands.” Chinedu Oguegbu said some of the buses are equipped with drive recorders, cameras and other additional features which the transport companies and the travelling public are beginning to embrace.
All-new Arocs Combines Power, Robustness, Efficiency
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ast year, Weststar unveiled two new powerhouses in the commercial vehicle segment; the all new Actros and Arocs. The latter has since been touted as the new force in construction, one that promises to take on every challenge in the construction business with tailor-made solutions for every vehicle body. Weststar presents hard facts to determine just how powerful the all-new Arocs really is. Combining power, robustness and efficiency in a unique way, the Arocs continues the 120-year old tradition of Mercedes-Benz Trucks in the construction industry while bringing them into the future with innovative technology. Designed to provide a reliable, high-torque drive configuration to suit the construction industry down to the ground, the Arocs offers a number of frame and suspension configurations developed to excel both on and off-road. The new Arocs powerfully masters every driving situation, equipped with a robust and high-torque engine, Mercedes PowerShift 3 and a new unique suspension and frame design, all as standard. It comes with a durable powertrain that delivers precisely the power you need in offroad transportation, construction sites or extreme terrain. The newArocs also comes with increased ground clearance with high angles of approach to ensure optimized agility even in challenging road conditions. From platform vehicles and concrete mixers to heavy-duty tippers, the new Arocs is a particularly tough and robust vehicle that will meet any challenge in construction and off-road transportation. The new in-line 6-cylinder engines have higher engine efficiency through the wastegate turbocharger, the optimized viscous fan clutch and the intelligent auxiliary consumers. The OM473 (Euro III), a state of the art 6-cylinder in-line 15.6 liter engine opens a new dimension in high performance
The all-new Actros and Arocs
engines. The turbo compound unit transforms thermal energy into mechanical energy and thus increases the operating efficiency of the engine: the engine has additional power but lower fuel consumption by using the X-Pulse fuel-injection system which reduces the fuel quantity utilized in the engine. ThenewArocscomeswithMercedesPowerShift 3 standard and manual gearshift as an option.
The gearbox is 100 per cent made by MercedesBenz ensuring the best integration with engine and axles, providing a wider range of gears for operation in optimal torque ranges and optimized start-off capabilities. With Mercedes PowerShift 3 you get the best shifting strategy at any time (30-50 percent faster gear changes than manual) with friction reduction for minimized wear and tear of the driveline.
Texting While Driving is Like Driving with Your Eyes Closed
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verytext,emojiandselfiewhichcaptures your attention limits your awareness while driving, putting you and those around you in unnecessary danger. Yes, even “just one” text can cause an accident. And that’s one accident too
many. You’ve heard it before, but the reality is that every time you pick up your phone while driving, you see and concentrate less. You stop looking around at your environment – in front, behind, to the right and left. Your field of vision shrinks. You don’t even see what’s in front of you. Brain drain Researchshowsthatthebrainhasdifficultyprocessing two tasks simultaneously. It can switch between the tasks but will perform each more slowly. Many people think they can do two things at once – like talking or texting on the phone while driving – but it’s just not possible to concentrate fully on both. Drivers stopmonitoringtheirenvironment.Andnewdrivers in particular aren’t in the habit of scanning the road for hazards – with a phone in hand, it’s an even more dangerous combination. Derek Kirkby, Training Director for Ford’s global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme in South Africa, says: “In my experience of training hundreds of drivers, I’d say that even normal, everyday driving uses around 85 per cent of your mental load. Sending one text or selfie, and even talking with a passenger, can overload the brain while driving – increasing the risk of an accident.” Further study shows that distracted driving cuts a driver’s field of vision by as much as 50 per cent. This meansthatdriversdon’t“see”importantobjectswhich are right in front of them, like red lights, pedestrians and obstacles in the road, putting everyone at risk. “Whenyou’reusing85percentofyourbrainpower to drive, your mind isn’t capable of doing much else,” adds Kirkby. “Regardless of whether you’re a professional or new to the road – you will be a safer driver if you understand how much of your brain you’re using just to drive the car.” Data on distractions Experts have identified four main types of driver distractions:1)Visual,likelookingataphone,causing drivers to take their eyes off the road; 2) Auditory, suchasloudmusic,causingdriverstomissimportant sounds; 3) Manual, such as eating, causing drivers to takeoneormorehandsoffthewheel;and4)Cognitive, like tiredness, causing diminished concentration. Using a cell phone while driving is all four! AccordingtotheWorldHealthOrganisation(WHO), over 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes and between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries. They found that drivers using cell phones are approximately four timesmorelikelytobeinvolvedinacrashthandrivers not using a cell phone. Ford Motor Company has developed advanced restraintsystemsandinnovativefeaturesaspartofthe FordCo-Pilot360TMsuiteofdriver-assisttechnologies, like Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, to help customers drive more safely and confidently. Ford’shands-freeSYNCtechnologyalsohelpsdrivers to keep their full attention on the road while driving, but it’s ultimately up to each individual to keep their eyes – and minds – on the road for their continued safety. So, park your phone to ensure you stay aware of everything happening around you.
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t +6/& 2019
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AUTO
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Berths in Nigeria Stories by Bennett Oghifo
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t was an evening of fun, exquisite meal and networking when the first ever SUV by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the Cullinan was recently previewed in Lagos, by an exclusive audience at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner to
Nigeria. TheeventaffordedcollectorsofRolls-RoyceCarsand prospective clients to experience the all-new Cullinan in an exclusive luxury setting. There was a roll call of variants of Rolls-Royce cars parked on the green lawn before guests were ushered into the expansive area for dinner. On the list of the Rolls-Royce’s roll call of honour, in addition to the Cullinan, were the new Phantom and the Black Badge Ghost. As guests arrived, most of them interestingly drove in their classy Rolls-Royce cars. It was a roll call of exclusive owners of the brand in Nigeria. It was as if the ultimate visa to be a part of the dinner was to own a Rolls-Royce car! Well-dressed ushers led the carefully selected Ultra HNIs to the welcome cocktail in the waiting room in the house and later moved to the dining table that was well-decorated with flowers and other bespoke accessories. Being a part of this Rolls-Royce exclusive evening right at the house of the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria makes Coscharis Motors, the exclusive franchisee of Rolls-Royce in Nigeria deliver the British iconic luxury brand experience in Nigeria a perfect match. The Deputy British High Commissioner, Laure Beaufilsstartedthedinnerpartoftheeveningwelcoming everyone to the ‘country home’ of Rolls-Royce in
Rolls Royce Cullinan Nigeria which is her official residence. She expressed her excitement in co-hosting the select VVIIPs to an exclusive dinner event to celebrate the British luxury brand. An obviously elated President of Coscharis Group, the exclusive franchisee of Rolls-Royce auto brand in Nigeria, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, in his opening comments, spoke about the objectives of the gathering. According to him, “This evening event is put together to simply say thank you to you our ever loyal customers for your patronage over the
years and equally give you the exclusive privilege to privately view some of our latest collections of the globallyrespectediconicRolls-Roycebrandespecially the new SUV Cullinan, the new Phantom and the new Black Badge Ghost all on display tonight to further excite you as our Rolls-Royce ambassadors in Nigeria.” Also commenting on the event is the Regional Director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Middle – East andAfrica in person of Cesar Habib, who led a team from the regional office in Dubai to Nigeria for the
event. He said “We are excited with this gathering of credible Rolls-Royce enthusiasts gathered here today to view our new variants to further delight them as Nigeria remains one of our growing markets with great potentials.” Earlier in 2018, Rolls-Royce Motor Car announced the debut of its first Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), Cullinan, an automobile that can be referred to as a show of absolute freedom. The SUV is the pinnacle of luxury that shows lovers of Rolls-Royce can live their desired luxury lifestyle in all-terrain, whether off-road or on the road. It is named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered. The Cullinan sits above the Ghost and below the Phantom in Rolls-Royce’s line-up. Series production of the Cullinan is expected to have begun in the second half of 2018 while first customer deliveries started taking place in the first quarter of 2019. The car is reported to have started its testing phase on 2nd January 2016 and has been tested on different terrain including on snow. Its innovative features enhance every journey and make your driving experience truly luxurious. The signature Rolls-Royce motifs on the SUV speak to a heritage of perfection, and the mastery of craft creates a new dimension in luxury adventure. In every way, Cullinan has come to change the game. The Cullinan of an incomparable luxury that RollsRoyce is known for wherever your adventure takes you with its elegant interior design. The Viewing Suite in the rear cabin which slides out of the compartment with a single button consists of two leather seats and a cocktail table. Its bespoke configuration gives you the best place in the house for the most beautiful views in the world.
New BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Packs Four Doors
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four-door sports car has been added to the new BMW 8 Series range. With its standalone body concept, plus powertrain and chassis technology designed squarely to engender supreme dynamic ability, the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe embodies a brand of sporting flair unique in the luxury segment. New BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe has a distinctive character, smile-inducing driving dynamics, emotion-rich design, a luxurious aura and greater spaciousness in the rear. Sports performance of the new BMW 8 Series combines with enhanced everyday usability and a talent for covering long distances. Only model in segment derived directly from a two-door sports car. Developed alongside the BMW 8 Series Coupe and the BMW M8 GTE endurance racing car. Body structure, powertrain and chassis geared squarely to maximising performance capabilities. Low centre of gravity, even weight distribution, lightweight construction with aluminium, magnesium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), aerodynamically optimised body.
T
World premiere of the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe at the BMW Group #NEXTGen event on 25 – 27 June 2019 in Munich; launch from September 2019 with four model variants: the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 10.0 – 9.9 l/100 km [28.2 – 28.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 229 – 226 g/km)* with 390 kW/530 hp V8 engine, BMW 840i Gran Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 7.5 – 7.4 l/100 km [37.7 – 38.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 170 – 168 g/km)* and BMW 840i xDrive Gran Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 7.8 – 7.7 l/100 km [36.2 – 36.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 179 – 176 g/km)* with new 250 kW/340 hp six-cylinder in-line petrol engine, plus the BMW 840d xDrive Gran Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 6.3 – 6.2 l/100 km [44.8 – 45.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 166 – 162 g/km)* with six-cylinder in-line diesel unit and 235 kW/320 hp.All engines comply with the Euro 6d-TEMP exhaust gas standard. Power transfer via eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive or (on BMW 840i Gran Coupe) rear-wheel drive.
The new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
The Folly of Novice Drivers
he challenges faced were: relentless hacking into the DSSP Portal to gain unmerited advantage for driving schools clients, worry by many Nigerian on the quality of driver training and certification, citizens are worried, and rightly so, about licenses touting arising from the knack for driving schools breach of DSSP processes and procedures, registration of a trainees by multiple driving schools, in-fighting and rivalry among driving schools in the state leading to unhealthy competition, nonadherence to the rule of engagement and outright deceit operation of the State committees of driving schools’ registration leading to rogue approval of non-existing/sub-standard driving schools, general non- cooperative attitude of driving schools operators to be properly organized for better operation and regulation in order to ensure best practice is maintained. Based on the FRSC record, the status of driving schools stands at 1,450 certified with 940 adjudged to be running effectively while 124 have been suspended due to compliance breaches and 510 driving schools were not accredited due to standard noncompliance. The three stage Graduated driver’s licence is the first in the country and an improvement from what had existed
SAFE DRIVING with
Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491
before now. It is broken into three parts; the first part is the pre adult (18-25) years category. Those within this group after complying with the relevant tests and other procedures as stated in the quoted sections, if found suitable, are issued with a drivers lincence that is renewal after every year. Class B licence. The second is the adult (26-64) years category is renewal every three (3) years. Only applicants within this category are qualified to apply for a commercial driver’s licence. However, for such applicants who already possess a class B (private) to qualify for a commercial driver’s lincence they must belong to a transport union, attend a driving school and pass a medical test government hospital. The last category is the post adult meant for people between the age of 65 years and above. Like the pre adult category, this
group’s driver’s licence is renewal every year after proof of medical fitness. In Canada, Motor Vehicles are provincially regulations vary by province. In British Columbia following the instructional phase and after passing a road test, new drivers are required to show a green N (novice) plate until they have passed an additional road test usually after 24 months. In British Columbia a red L (for learner) plate is required for 12 months before the N can be issued, and new drivers with this marking are not permitted to drive without a licensed driver over the age of 25 present in the vehicle. In the case of France, after passing their driving test, learners must display an a plate (for apprentice) for three years 2 years for those who learned with their parents. In the case of the United Kingdom, all new drivers in Great Britain upon receipt of a provisional licence, must display L plates at all times and be accompanied by another driver who is over 21 years of age and has held a full and valid licence for the type of vehicle being driven for at least three years. In Wales either red L plates or red D plates are permitted due to the bilingual legislation in force within the country, while a learner is driving the vehicle. After learners have passed a driving test for the appropriate vehicle, they may opt to display green P plate (P for passed) to show that they have less
experience than other driver. These plates are voluntary and not required by law or the high way code. L plate are required to be displayed at all times whilst riding a motorcycle or moped of no more than 125cc (7.6 cu in) after passing motorcycle compulsory basic training (CBT). This sub licence allows the holder to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc without a full and proper licence. Therefore it is mainly used by younger motorist (16-19) who are legally allowed to ride motorcycles up to 125cc but cannot afford to buy full lessons to gain a restricted licence (enabling the holder to travel on motorways and carry pillion passenger but only able to ride motor bikes up to 33hp 25kw after 2 years). Riders over 21 may opt to train for full lincence therefore a CBT is just a stepping stone to this. The story in Northern Ireland is almost similar. One year after passing a driver test, the driver is defined as a restricted driver who must not must not exceed 45mph and must display an “R plate” consisting of a red sans serif R on a white back ground. L plates in Northern Ireland commonly have an R plate as a revers side. R plate drivers are often viewed as a nuisance on motorways, due to their limited speed resulting in many restricted drivers not displaying their R plate or not keeping to the restricted limit. In the republic of Ireland, you can obtain a learners permit at the age of 17. Before applying for your first learners permit you must pass a computerized Driver Theory Test.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER หพ อบอบห อบอธอนฮ
JUNE 22, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
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˜ ˞ JUNE 22, 2019
EXPRESSION
‘Invited Guests’ Incorrect
“T
HE governors‌ demanded for an immediate establishment of state police‌.â€? (THISDAY Front Page Lead Story, June 9) Delete ‘for’ from the extract to avoid failed
English. “Few (A few) days to the inauguration of the National Assembly‌.â€? (The Polity, June 9) You use ‘few’ days when the days are insufficient. Example: Having resumed just last week, I have few days to my rescheduled second-semester examination. “Obituary: May the fond memories you share (shared) with her, (needless comma) bring you comfort during this trying time.â€? â€œâ€Śshe holds a bag of experience (experiences).â€? (Showbiz Flair—not Showbizflair—June 9) “Senate presidency: Lawan, Ndume hold last minute (last-minute) talks with PDPâ€? (National News Banner, June 10) “The Chairman‌welcomes invited guests (sic), captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps to the‌.â€? Democracy Day: if the guests are uninvited, they are gatecrashers—so, simply ‘guests’ without qualification (“invited guestsâ€?). “Israel ends Six Days (Days’) Warâ€? (Memories, June 10) Alternatively, Six-day War “Octogenarian proffers solutions to nation’s educational crisisâ€? Lifeline: educational crises “War in capital market: Regulator, operator go for broke over governance breachesâ€? (DAILY SUN, THE BUSINESS REPORT Headline, June 10) ‘Go for broke’ is an informal expression unfit for a standard newspaper like the Voice of the Nation. “The suspension of the CEO and DCEO of Oando would send signal (a signal) to other managing directors and executives in the market.â€? (Source: as above) “Governors biting more than they can chewâ€? A rewrite: Governors biting off more
than they can chew “I am immuned from litigationâ€? Just like “opportuneâ€?, the only inflection “immuneâ€? takes is “immunityâ€?. 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 “wakeâ€? and “wake-keepâ€?. There are no such words as “wake-keepingâ€? and “wakekeepâ€?. 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€? “Pogba 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 arms—vide 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) 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 development.â€? 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
MEDIAGAFFES
EBERE WABARA
ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948
“Tears of instability of power has (have) caused many Nigerians to turn their attention to alternative sources of power supply.â€? “The most cheering news item in recent times is the marching order given to the NPF....â€? Stock phrase: marching orders. “The police strenght is inadequate to cope with the security of a large population of 150 million Nigerians.â€? Spell-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 accident—got 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) who has‌.“ ‘Moneybags’ (plural unchanged) (especially informal and derogatory) is a rich person. (Source: OXFORD Advanced Learner’s DICTIONARY) “Moneybagâ€? is a bag for containing money.
Governor Bagudu Vs Justice Karatu: Unmasking the Truth Jonathan Abu
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n any issue, there are always three sides to it - the ‘truth’ from both sides of the divide and the real truth. For some days now, there has been this hullabaloo about the alleged confirmation and sack of the former Acting Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Elizabeth Asabe Karatu. It has been back and forth on the veracity of what transpired between the former judge, the governor, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu and the Kebbi State House of Assembly. Justice Karatu, no doubt, paid her dues, having served the bench for close to 35 years. No query, no suspension. She was unblemished. She was appointed acting chief judge and rightly so. She was the most senior in the Bagudu hierarchy when the incumbent, Justice Bala Ibrahim Mairiga was to retire. Mairiga retired to finding a lasting solution. The committee October 30, 2018 while Karatu was appointed comprised of Chief Judge of the High Court in acting capacity October 26, 2018. of the Federal Capital Territory and ChairBagudu, as expected, forwarded her name man of the committee, Justice Ishaq Usman to the House of Assembly for confirmation on Bello, Chief Judge of Imo state, Justice Pascal June 2, 2018. She was invited to the house for Obinna Nnadi, Grand Khadi of Kwara screening. She was screened. However, the State, Justice Idris Abdullahi Haroon, and a verdict of the screening was that she could not member of the NJC, Hajiya Sarki Ibrahim. be confirmed because of alleged alterations of The committee met with the governor and dates observed on her primary school leaving Speaker of the House. certificate. In another letter, sent to the House, There, it was established that the House Bagudu, this time, hoping to convince the was never confirmed the former acting judge. House, appealed that she be considered again. With the approval of the NJC, in its letter But the House, in a signed letter by its speaker, dated June 11, 2019, Justice Sulaiman AmAbdulmumini Kamba said her confirmation bursa, being the most senior, was sworn- in, in would have been easier if not for the alleged acting capacity. alterations discovered in her records. Meanwhile, the former acting judge With the complications arising from her reportedly petitioned the NJC against the records, the governor was said to have apsaid action of the governor, claiming that she proached the National Judicial Council, NJC, was refused to be sworn in because she was which advised him to represent same to the a Christian even after she had been screened House, but it was still the same-no dice. This and confirmed by the State House of Asstalemate made the NJC to constitute a four sembly. man committee to visit the state with a view She reportedly said in the petition, “I have
been working for 35 years up to the rank of Permanent Secretary and later became a judge but Justice Ambursa has never complained about my religion, in fact, most of his victims are Muslims rather than Christians. I therefore believe that he is just using religion for his personal gain, I was a Muslim before and all my children are still devoted Muslims. The NJC set up a reconciliation committee in May 2019 to come to Kebbi and talk to the governor about my confirmation and swearing in. But before my confirmation, Justice Ambursa engaged in trading with the governor and the speaker of the House and indeed to the public that I was sponsored by the Christian association to serve the Christendom. He spent a lot of money in forestalling my confirmation at the House and eventually the House rejected me on the grounds of alteration on my certificate which I believed must have been cooked by Justice Ambursa.� Karatu in the petition claimed that the state’s House of Assembly confirmed her for the job which Kamba denied vehemently. According to him, “at no time did we at plenary or an executive session confirm the appointment of Justice Karatu as claimed in the social media story. The purported letter mentioned in the story was never written by us. On three occasions that her name was brought forward to the House, on three occasions, it was withheld. The alterations in her records were quite inconsistence. It should also be added that it is not the governor that confirms such nominations. The governor does not have such power. The power is vested in the House. It is after the confirmation that the governor can then swear in such persons.� This background is necessary in order to put the event in proper perspective. I think to play the ethnic or religious card in all of this is missing the point. The point is and should be the inconsistencies in her records. Are they true? That is what should be on the plate rather than who worships what and where you come from. Yes, the question that naturally follows is
what has the system been doing before the so called observation? Yes, the fact that the system did not look into her records until now still does not make her alleged action right. On a lighter note. Until this hullabaloo, Bagudu was a Christian. That was why he did everything, three times, submitting his fellow Christian’s name to the House so that she could be confirmed and sworn in. Now that he has converted to Islam, he suddenly realized that working with a Christian was detrimental to his new belief. So, if Bagudu whom she claimed rejected her expected appointment because of her faith, the question any discerning mind would ask is why would Bagudu, a Muslim, went all out, three times, to ensure that the House confirmed Karatu. When did Karatu suddenly realise that Bagudu hated her and her faith? Was she not aware on those three occasions where he was pleading and appealing to the house on her behalf so that she could be confirmed? Bagudu was a good man when he had renewed her appointment between 2018 and 2019. But the moment the man could no longer push his way through for her, he became a bigot. Bagudu superintended the education committee of the Senate between 2009 and 2015 before he returned home to superintend Kebbi State as its governor in 2015. None of his colleagues who were of other faith can and would say he was biased whether in thought or in actions. Karatu made her case worse by her wild but unsubstantiated allegations. Bagudu is the least person to play any card, talk less of religion which he, being the chief security officer of the state, knows the implications and the effects it may have on the general being of the state. Black is black. White is white. There is no amount of coloration you can give black to turn white and vice versa. The religious card the former acting judge played was in bad taste which unfortunately, fell flat like pack of cards.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍşËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
JOE/FAJ THEFRONTLINES
Rice Revolution: The Good News from C’River State
N
igerians love rice with a passion. You can decipher that from the multiple recipes that have come out of rice alone. Whether it is prepared as Jollof, (a recipe currently in keen contention with the Ghanaians over who originated it), to yet another recipe of rice eaten with stew and whatever protein of your choice or even rice and beans, Nigerians would eat up all of these with relish. Rice is one of the most consumed staple foods in Nigeria, PWC in one of its recent reports estimate that rice has a consumption rate per capita of 32kg. According to the firm, “In the past decade, consumption has increased by 4.7%, almost four times the global consumption growth, and reached 6.4 million tonnes in 2017 – accounting for c.20% of Africa’s consumption.� This is not surprising, in the 60s and 70s according to how the story goes, rice was eaten mostly on Sundays and Christmas only depending on how privileged your family or household was at the time. Today, with the exponential explosion in the middle class with the attendant income advantage, rice consumption witnessed an unprecedented surge to the extent that such traditional stables like yam, fufu, garri, Amala suddenly took a back seat as rice overtook them to become a daily item on the family menu in some households. According to PWC, “As of 2011, rice accounted for 10% of household food spending, and 6.6% of total household spending. Given the importance of rice as a staple food in Nigeria, boosting its production has been accorded high priority by the government in the past 7 years. Significant progress has been recorded; rice production in Nigeria peaked at 3.7 million tonnes in 2017. Yet, the demand for rice exceeded its supply by 2.7 per cent to peak at 6.4 per cent. The apparent importance of the gap was the opportunity it presented to farmers, government and the private sector to take advantage of the opportunity to fill the gap by going into rice production. But there is a problem and PWC succinctly located the problem in the traditional ways of farming in Nigeria which needed change because of the low yields per hectare of farmland. According to the auditing firm, “Nigeria’s mechanisation has remained low at 0.3 hp/ha, relative to 2.6hp/ha in India and 8 hp/ha in China. The number of agricultural tractors is estimated around 22,000, relative to 1 million and 2.5 million in China and India respectively. Low income, limited access to affordable financing and the lack of technical skills have limited the adoption of mechanisation across the rice value chain.� It suggested that increasing the mechanisation rate in Nigeria from 0.3hp/ha to 0.8hp/ha in the next 5 years, can double rice production to 7.2 million tonnes; adding that “To achieve this,
Harvesting of rice seedlings for export-planting
we estimate that Nigeria will need to at least triple its current stock of machinery over the same period. In addition to raising production, adequately increasing mechanisation has the capacity to raise yields, increase labour productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, increase the income generated by farmers and deepen import substitution. That brings us to the story of today. In the last few days or for about a week now, the soundbites coming out of Calabar, the Cross River State capital are a melody to the ears. The good news is that the federal government has approved the sum of N10.8 billion to order rice seedlings from the newly established rice seedling multiplication factory set up some few years ago by the current administration in Cross River State. The order is for the southern states under the auspices of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) with the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). According to a recent statement from the state government, it has begun the supply of seedlings during the week to Bayelsa and Delta States. Other states within the South-South region are next in line in the supply chain from the automated rice seeds and seedlings factory inaugurated in June last year by President Mohammadu Buhari. The supply forms part of the first batch of production worth
JOSEPH USHIGIALE jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com 08023422660 (sms only)
N3 billion, This goes to confirm that the state government’s industrial revolution is not only for real, but it is also gradually unravelling and gaining traction by the day. The ample reason for the state and particularly Governor Ben Ayade to celebrate this remarkable milestone. Shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the project in June last year’s, cynics went to town with the story that the equipment and machinery installed for the inauguration were hired and soon as the event ended, the owners or vendors who brought the equipment reportedly carted them away. That is why perhaps the governor is taking it in his stride to pat himself on the back like the proverbial lizard after jumping down from a baobab tree and seeing no applause nod its head in self-praise. The governor was far-sighted and right in choosing this project because the state has a comparative advantage in rice production. It has the arable land mass for general agriculture not only for rice alone, bountiful rainfall and sunshine to become the food basket of the nation. Visualizing the agricultural future of the state and the South-South region, Ayade pointed out that “overtime, Cross River will lead us into a situation where Nigeria will be the next exporter of rice because Bayelsa and Delta are fully ready to receive our seedlings and I am sure that in no distant time, Rivers, Edo and other states in the Niger Delta will follow.� He has already started well by identifying a cash cow which is agriculture. The next step is to tap into the opportunities that abound in the entire rice value chain especially with the introduction of mechanised rice cultivation which would ultimately optimized yields and revenues. The governor is firm on this promise when he recently reiterated that he would provide “mechanisation support and planting services, so indeed what is happening is that Nigeria is gradually migrating from the primitive, rural and African method of rice farming to a civilised modern technology-driven farming as your yield will go up, your size of land will be less with maximum yield and your per hectare will move from two tons to ten tons per hectare.� Given the multiplier effect agriculture provides in a well-thought-out programme, Ayade is on the right track to genuinely create a new set of entrepreneurs or business owners who would create wealth, be employers of labour and emerge as millionaires in the long run. Hear him: “I intend to make 18 green millionaires driven from agriculture, green because they were peasants before they met Ayade and become millionaires of agriculture, so every local government area in Cross River will have one millionaire made by Ayade.�
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y the time the National Judicial Council, NJC, endorses the request of President Muhammadu Buhari for five more Supreme Court justices to be added to the zenith of Nigerian judicial system, the ruling All Progressives’ Congress, APC, would have virtually framed the three arms of government in its own ‘image and likeness’. It will now be pretty difficult to convince anyone, except rabid partisans, why the new administration would fail in delivering on its promises and projections. The Senate is in the grip of the ruling party, and so also the House of Representatives. Nigerians, apparently, won’t condone the millipede pace of the last administration in taking decisive actions and effecting prompt changes, reviews and reshuffling where and when necessary. The alluring sing-song of blaming the “past corrupt administration� ought to have worn thin - any recourse to blaming a past that is getting blurred by each wasted day will be awkward and self-indicting. Let the APC legislature throw up anticipatory and effective legislations to chaperone all the executive gyrations that we have been promised - and the reformed judiciary should soon be able to weave intricate judicious stratagems and procedures that will animate and deepen the ejaculations of a vigorous Executive. We have a short time to wait and see, can we start working, really?
Searching For President’s List, Again?
We hear the President’s list of ministers will be ready on or before the July 2, 2019 resumption of the new National Assembly. If it is true, that is a clear one month and half a week after the swearing-in. We thank God for little mercies; at least, that should be a quantum leap forward from the last term when we mopped around for six months before a staggeringly underwhelming list was unearthed! We don’t think it’s asking too much for the president to release the names of his aides (the so-called kitchen cabinet) 24 hours after his second inauguration. After all, he is not the only one working out of Aso Rock since May 30; and we were led to believe that his cabinet was dissolved on May 28! Or that did not include his aides? Even so, it is not asking too much if we expect that a list of
names and portfolios should officially be in public domain a week after the inauguration for robust debates and discourse on the merits and otherwise of such picks. Or is it not true that the President’s re-election had been confirmed as far back as February 26!? It is clear now that no “body language� will camouflage any indecisiveness or beating around the bush - we need our President to do some things in a new way, revamping the change ‘mantra’, and plugging into the latest, “Next Level�. We cannot sit before our ladder to the next level, taking ages to contemplate the best way to get up the ladder - Sir, just get up, and go!
Sanwo-Olu’s Big Wild Foot Forward
Well, the honeymoon is over, as the romance between Lagos governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Lagosians suffered its first irritation with the rearmament of the hitherto restrained Lagos State Transport Management Agency, LASTMA. The agency was recently given a shot in the arm by Sanwo-Olu, and what followed was a regime of draconian penalties for all sorts of traffic offences - from the sheer irresponsible to the mundane. The highlight of the regulation (apart from its poor language construction which led some to believe it was one big hoax) was the alarming severity of the fines and possible jail sentences attached to sundry violations. To many of Sanwo-Olu fans, it was like a kick in the gut by a man who ran a people-centred campaign, and endeared himself to voters as a “redeemer� of sort, sent to relieve the “emasculation� of the past. Now, this! It’s repugnant to logic for any driver to take an obvious “one-way lane�, and thus should face the full weight of the law, notwithstanding the state of our roads. In fact, such a driver should be subjected to psychiatric evaluation which cost must be borne by the offender, apart from reasonable fines. Jailing anyone for traffic offence (which doesn’t involve harm or loss of human life) is obnoxious and grossly outdated. Another headache, and cash-cow to disreputable elements among the enforcement officers, are those so-called “hidden� and unmarked “one-way� entrapments known only to residents and “task-forcers�. Surely, for visitors, driving on Lagos roads must be like a “terrorist destination� instead of the much vaunted “tourist attraction�. To serve three years in prison for admittedly a dangerous traffic offence (like one-way
COUNTERPOINT
FEMI
AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)
driving, eating and driving with one hand) is preposterous. Of course, without second-tier monitoring or regulatory technology, it’s a free reign of impunity, extortion and general marginalisation of Lagosians by “the boys�, who along with refuse entrepreneurs, were the most vocal in accusing former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode of deliberate marginalisation. Is this a reversal of fortune, a carte blanche for “the boys� to bounce back? These fines are so ridiculous that it would have been funny if not that no government agency or official has offered to debunk them. For instance, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC which introduced the compulsory seat-belt regulation charges N2,000 as fine for its violation (and has probably recorded over 80% observance). For the same violation, SanwoOlu’s LASTMA demands N30,000 “per offensive belt� - as my friendly lawyer offered, “that’s the new minimum monthly wage� that some states are still crying and whinnying over their inability to pay! As antecedents have shown, when you deploy unreasonably heavy fines for simple offences, the enforcers are the main beneficiaries - givers and takers of bribes will find accommodation in skillful negotiation...to the detriment of same road users and government. A word of advice for Governor Sanwo-Olu and his LASTMA, the brutal reality of firing squads have never deterred armed robbery or violent kidnapping. It is better to crank up efforts at promoting awareness and dialogue on responsible motoring for easy offenders (mostly commercial bus and taxi drivers). Mindlessly applying these fines and prosecuting imagined or real offenders will invariably lead to more sufferings for Lagos commuters... then gradually, a huge community of whiners may erupt, causing government to reverse itself. For government is set up for the good of the people, not to intimidate and decimate them. However, a pillar of suspicion and disenchantment would have been erected, which will continually poke at government-people relationship... the consequence of which no one can predict.
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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874
Exhibitors Express Confidence in Nigerian Market at Food & Beverage Fair Investors across the globe have expressed confidence in the Nigerian Food and Beverage market and have shown high readiness to invest in the segment of the economy. They made this known at the maiden edition of the Food & Beverage West Africa Exhibition organised by United Kingdom based firm, B to B Events. The three- day event held in Lagos, had in attendance over 150 food & beverage exhibitors and 5000 visitors from within and outside the country, who were exposed to trends, opportunities and innovations in the sector, in addition to the business and networking windows open to them. The Food & Beverage sector is reported to be the largest segment of the Nigerian
manufacturing industry estimated at €16.5bn in aggregate output and generating 1 5.m jobs. According to the Association of Fast Food and Confectioners of Nigeria, the Nigeria food industry alone is worth over one N1trillion. In view of this, Managing Director of B to B Events, Mr. Jamie Hill explained that the huge prospects and positive outlook presented by the sector informed the choice of Nigeria’s venue for the fair coupled with investors interest to establish their foothold in the country. Revealing that Nigerian businesses made up 40 per cent of the over 150 exhibitors, Hill said: “This will enable local SMEs to benefit from the annual platform and showcase what they have to offer alongside the local and
international power houses across sectors. By offering local businesses opportunity to participate, we hope to facilitate their growth in the market and work towards the long-term goal of increasing local production and exports from Nigeria across the region. Also present at the exhibition, was a former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, Bimbo Ashiru, who saw the fair as an avenue to draw foreign direct investment (FDI), into the country and promote the local content, most especially as Nigeria looks to be among the largest economies in year 2020. He however urged government to put more efforts in making the business environment friendly for investors. “What we need is the enabling environment
from government for businesses to thrive. Once this is there, I can tell you the sky is the starting point because Nigeria is full of opportunities. Talking about the ease of doing business today, we have moved from over 170 in global ranking to 146. The target is to probably move to 80 or 70 and there is no reason why we can not achieve that. All we need to do is to create that environment.” The fair also enjoyed wide sponsorship from local and foreign companies including Just Food, NASCO, Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria (REFSPAN), National Association of Supermarket Owners of Nigeria (NASON) and SPAR, amongst others.
Munch It Thrills Lagosians with Free Bus Ride Munch It, a brand of Kellogg Tolaram LFTZ Enterprise, has excited Lagosians with a free bus ride as part of its strategies to get closer to its teeming customers. The bus ride captured two prominent Bus Rapid Transfer,BRT, routes in Lagos,viz: Ajah to CMS and Iyana Ipaja to Maryland. In addition to the free ride,consumers were treated to varieties of fun filled activities such as in-transit games, product giveaways and sampling throughout the trip. There were also virtual reality games, fun question & answer, sing-along and sharing of gift items , amongst others. Present at one of the trips at Ajah, Marketing Manager of Munch it, Mr. Darlington Igabali, appreciated customer for their loyalty to the brand. He added that the essence of the programme was to enable direct engagement with customers in such a way that it will forever be in their memory. He said, “Three days have been set aside for
the activity where consumers will be privileged to travel with the identified BRT bus plying Ajah into CMS and from Iyana Ipaja into Maryland, at absolutely no cost to them. “More so, the choice of route was deliberate. Because of their stretch advantage; we reckon that this will enable the passengers interact with the brand and enjoy the series of activities lined through each trip. We equally hope to achieve an extent of coverage amongst the consumers residing on the island and the mainland, so no one is left out of the fun”. Also speaking, Public Relations Manager of Tolaram Group, Mrs. Omotayo Abiodun stated that the plan was to cover a minimum of five round trips in a day per bus, with an estimate of 130 passengers per trip. “The whole idea is to connect with our numerous consumers in a fun and exhilarating way at every touch point possible, which is what the brand stands for, and we hope to continue such engagement activities as the brand expands”, she said.
Promasidor Launches ‘Chatbox’ for Cowbellpedia Candidates Organisers of Cowbellpedia Mathematics competition, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, has introduced a new channel, dubbed Cowbellpedia Chat Bot on facebook , to enable its candidates check their result on the platform. Announcing this innovation, Marketing Manager of the company, Abiodun Ayodeji, explained that the Chat Bot complements the website process of checking the result, which is a seamless platform for students, school proprietors and parents on facebook to check their results. He added that results for the 2019 Cowbellpedia National qualifying examination have been released by the National Examination Council (NECO). “While on the Cowbellpedia Chat Bot, students have the options to search their results using their registration numbers, names, top 10 students, e.t.c.”, he informed. For this year’s edition of the competition, a new record of 15 perfect scores has been set by
participating students. The old record of six perfect scores achieved in 2016 was erased in this year’s qualifying examinations by 12 students in the junior category and three others in the senior category. A total of 56,073 students, comprising 29,073 (junior category) and 27,000 (senior category) sat for the qualifying examination in 203 centres across the country. The ultimate winner in each of the junior and senior categories will have a reward of N2million plus an all-expense paid educational excursion outside the country at the end of the initiative in November 2019. The first and second runners-up in each category will receive N1.5million and N1million respectively while the teachers of the top prize winners will be awarded N500,000 and that of first and second runners-up to receive N400,000 and N300,000 respectively.
Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila in a hand shake with Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of 21st Century Technologies, Wale Ajisebutu and the General Manager, 21st Century Technologies, Dapo Areola, during a courtesy visit of the company to the speaker in Abuja ... recently
Energia Expands Presence in Nigeria Foremost indigenous exploration and production company, Energia Limited, has strengthened its footprint in the Nigerian market. This is to enable its boost performance and improve productivity internally and externally. Speaking during the unveiling of the company’s new head office in Lagos, Chairman, Board of Director of the firm, George Osahon, stated that the company has come of age and is pulling all stops to deliver on it vision , as well as improve on it. He said that as part of expansion drives, is the relocation to a new office which he believed would stir business growth and impact on the economy at large. Speaking further, Managing Director of the company, Leste Aihevba, urged staff to see ongoing development in the firm as a wake-up call to deliver more effectively.
Addressing the staff,he said, “we appreciate your committment since we started production at Kwale in 2009.Without you,we will not be here today. We expect more from you going forward” Aiheva further tasked government to tailor its policies in such a way that that would attract investors to the country. He said, “ For the sector to deliver more, there is need for legislation that will improve businesses. This is because there are lots of foreign involvement in the sector, as such, government regulations should put foreign partners in considerations such that will clear the path for more businesses. “Also, business environment should be made to encourage indigenous investors to keep pumping their money in the sector as well as government should invest on the people in terms of education,so we can have qualified people on the field”.
Own Your Journey: A Lesson In Courage For Young Nigerians With Dreams We all seem to have been there; that moment when you’re working late on that big dream of yours. Tired and stressed, you almost want to quit. And just when you think it can’t get any worse, someone reinforces your doubt by reminding you that all of these efforts, this unrelenting commitment to your dreams, this hope for a pie in the sky may be all for nothing. This encapsulates the new television commercial (TVC) for Gulder brand when it plays out this scene in its 3rd act; it’s all too familiar, and millions of millennials across the country can relate to the struggle of the modern Nigerian man. With this one singular scene, Gulder brilliantly captures the message it had spent the last few months trying to communicate, and it does this with some gusto. The Gulder TVC is the first from the beer brand since it launched its “Own Your Journey” campaign in January; it taps into an important phase which many of its target audience are in and excels at capturing it. The young man with a dream, played by Chidozie Nwachukwu, failed to convince his uncle that his idea is important enough to earn his Uncle’s support. He turns to his friend and his staff who unfortunately, share the same sentiment with his uncle; a belief that to survive in business you need deep pockets and a
strong support system. Again, he shares a couple of drinks with his friend and staff, before the next scene of the ad which shows the business up and running. Of course, the business succeeds and earns media attention (and maybe profits), thus perfecting the story the brand was seeking to tell - one about the rewards of resilience and self-belief. Gulder has used the launch of the ‘Own Your Journey’ campaign to stay connected with its target audience from a strong inspirational angle, something the brand has always been good at. One can say that the brand has a thing for ads that pump up a person’s energy and spur them to take a leap. At least the one from a few years ago, about three men confronting their fears also did this. Now, beyond the surface story of a young man chasing his dream and succeeding at it, the Gulder campaign manages to earn more points for infusing the brand at the right points and teaching a huge lesson in success. For a campaign about journey, the brand shows up at crucial moments - celebratory or not. If the aim was to position as a wingman for bravery or something of that sort, then the script did justice to that. There was a Gulder shared to mark rejections, and a win as well, just maybe to buttress the point that both
events are all part of the journey to success.It is a good thing that the ad does more than just inspire and spread hope to the many brave Nigerians working tirelessly every day. Just like when Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut film, ‘Lionheart’ dropped, one of the major talking points was that of her uncle’s announcement as interim CEO not ending in a power tussle. That appears a very refreshing angle for people very conversant with Nollywood storylines. For those conversant with startup life, at least in Nigeria, it was good to see rejection well taken all through the Gulder ad, with no showings of the usual “pepper dem” behavior people have when they succeed. In one of the ending frames of the ad, the lead actor’s uncle could be seen celebrating, with his friend present too despite both not being supportive in the beginning. Gulder’s campaign will most certainly succeed, partly because of this new ad and the events that will follow. There is only one recognizable face in the ad, that of Simeon Kalu, who plays uncle, the rest, all those of everyday Nigerians; who better to tell our story of boldness and courage? Without using celebrity faces, it accomplishes storytelling that is real, inspiring and educating. It is only right that the commercial got a warm reception, now we wait for the people it inspires to own and enjoy their journeys.
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SHOWBIZFLAIR
Omawumi Bares Her Feelings in New EP Ojo-Abbas Makes Directorial Debut with Trapped Heart pg. 47
NNAMDI NWABASILI Why I Decided to Address Dishonest Trends in the Entertainment Industry pg. 52
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SHOWBIZFLAIR
Omawumi Bares Her Feelings in New EP
L-R: Olisa Adibua, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Omawumi, Chris Ubosi and Debola Williams at the album listening party
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
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er artistry and sheer dexterity has clearly lived up to reckoning since emerging on the Nigerian entertainment scene from the 2007 West African Idol, a music reality show contest. Such was the defining stake that set forth Omawumi Megbele, stage name Omawumi, to stardom and shortly afterwards in 2009 came out with an album. Ten years after on Friday, June 15, 2019, the multi-talented singer and songwriter released her fourth body of work titled, ‘In Her Feelings’. The new project features songs specially dedicated to her husband such as ‘Without You’, and other amazing tracks like ‘For My Baby’, ‘Mr. Sinner Man’, ‘Away’, ‘True Loving’, ‘Tabansi’ and ‘Green Grass’. Remarkably all songs were written and performed by the vocal powerhouse “Omawonder”. Little wonder the Seven-
track list of songs is without collaborations, unlike her previous records. ‘In Her Feelings’ follows her 2017 album ‘Timeless’, which reflects the fact that her songwriting was not hooked to any specific sound or trend. Omawumi has had other two albums; her 2015 sophomore effort, ‘Lasso of Truth’ and her debut ‘Wonder Woman’. The album was met with universal acclaim, with many praising her decision to incorporate a vast number of styles in the album’s sound palette, such as afropop, jazz, funk, and even techno. In similar approach is her latest effort which is a beautiful multi-genre experience. The album opens with the jazzy lead single, ‘Without You’, an upbeat tune which sets the pace for much of the project. The second song ‘For My Baby’ makes a vibrant jam as sheurges listeners to applaud her baby for the way he loves her. ‘Mr. Sinnerman’ is socio-political commentary about the dire state of things in Nigeria.
The fourth song, ‘Away’ is afro-beat from the flanks of the originator, Fela. With ‘True Loving,’ brings the theme of love on an afrosentimental ballad. ‘Tabansi’ the sixth track runs on a beautiful afro-folk is a heartbreak song that questions why a lover is reciprocating love with abuse. The project finds Omawumi addressing a wide range of topics, from encouraging fans through financial distress (“Away”), to counselling listeners that although things might seem great from another perspective, we never know what is lurking in the shadows - as in ‘Green Grass’ - the seventh track. Omawumi would at the album listening party for celebrity friends and industry colleagues which held at Twin Towers Lekki, Lagos, a week ago, perform all the songs displaying her powerful vocal dexterity. The singer in her usual playful style held the audience spellbound with her amazing vocal prowess. She later took part in an interactive session where guests had the chance to engage her and ask
questions on the inspiration behind the songs. Speaking at the event, Omawumi said, “I’m delighted to see my friends and colleagues come listen and celebrate with me. “It is a great feeling to experience the positive response towards the songs on the LP, and the review of the lead single, ‘Without You’ has been really fantastic so far. “In Her Feelings represents a legacy which was inspired by family, relationships, domestic violence and our society, and I hope it contributes to the lives of everyone who listens to it. I am deeply humbled to have my fans and close friends show up to support me,” she added. Sunday Are, Omawumi’s manager, expressed his excitement about the new project saying, “We listened to the songs and immediately knew it’s a creative product that is truly industry-defining. Omawumi has a lot to share with her fans from the LP, and the entire management can’t wait to see our superstar set global standards for making impactful music”.
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Nancy Isime with Tope Tedela on set of the movie ‘Trapped Heart’
Ojo-Abbas Makes Directorial Debut with Trapped Heart Endy Ojo-Abbas, film producer and director, has wrapped up production of her new movie, Trapped Heart.
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ndy makes her directorial debut with the movie which stars Nancy Isime, Tope Tedela, Mofe Duncan and Tonia Nwosu. Before her debut as a director, Endy attended the prestigious New York Film Academy to sharpen her theatrical skills. She is bringing her experience to bear as part of efforts at promoting professionalism in Nollywood, a step some other practitioners have also taken, leading to a surge in quality of Nollywood films. Endy carved a niche for herself in the industry as a producer with works including The Green Eyed, Mama Osaro Goes Kinky (wahala mama), Godly Mothers, The Aggregator and a short film, Implicit. Since she made her debut as a producer,
Endy’s filmography has remained consistent with romantic comedy movies offering fresh perspective to issues that affect everyday lives. Her cast list is remarkable. She takes her time to select actors who can bring life to a script, making a makebelieve fiction seem real and leaving the audience with a mindboggling experience. Trapped Heart, which she also produced, is an intriguing love story that narrates the dilemma of Emily who finds herself at crossroads between her husband’s and another’s love. She must choose between what she needs as a woman and her vow as a wife. Trapped Heart takes viewers down the path of Emily’s decision. “Trapped Heart has a captivating and catchy story line. It’s what young couples can relate with to save their marriage/relationships,” Endy said.
Nancy Isime
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SHOWBIZFLAIR NAZARETH JESSE
Street Hustlers are Now Entering Nollywood to Boost Their Businesses Nazareth Jesse is a delectable actress whose knack for role interpretation has made her a popular name in the Nigeria movie industry. Jesse narrates to Tosin Clegg her heartbreak story, life as an actress and plans for the remaining months of 2019 I will not say I’m fulfilled as an actress yet his second quarter of 2019 has been better than every other one. I have been able to achieve so many things I planned and despite the elections that took place, it’s been favour all the way. I have been featured in three movies and I’m currently on another one. I will not say I’m fulfilled as an actress yet. Because I have not attained the height I want, but since it’s a thing of passion, I love it. Well, the movie business isn’t yielding income as much as we deserve in Nigeria, but we can’t give up yet. Aside movie making, I am into event planning, facial modelling and mentorship in terms of relationships and more. I was also into buying and selling of wears, but it’s suspended for now, I do script writing, filmmaking and co-producing.
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Pressures to get married I had to make my dad understand I can’t force myself on a man or settle with just anyone that comes asking for my hand in marriage. Now, he has seen so many rushing in and out of marriage. He is now praying for me to settle with a better person who will be compatible with me. For me, there is nothing like having a man that gives you peace, love and support. It takes the fear of God in a man to have those things listed towards his wife or his woman. I like my man to have vision, and to be kind hearted; a literate with prospects; a God-fearing man that is ready to have me as his life partner and not just a baby factory. Looks and pockets are very important too He must be well to do financially and handsome too. A man that wants to marry me should be ready to take responsibility when I become his wife. Then for his looks, it all depends on me because they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don’t like beautiful men; I like my man to have that ‘manly’ look if there is a word like that. I’m not saying my man must be a billionaire but if a billionaire comes my way, to God be the glory. That’s also an answered prayer. Lest I forget, my man must be romantic and sexy too, because I have seen and heard so many Nigerian women complain about their husbands not being romantic. Mine must be romantic please, because I hate and can’t stand adultery. But right now, I’m very single and ready to mingle. I can’t keep fooling myself over a distant relationship that has not been favouring me. The main reason marriages crash is adultery Both the rich and the poor experience the same thing. Lots of women are dying in silence. They won’t talk or go for orientation; rather they go into adultery to keep their minds busy. I can’t speak for our actresses though, but from what I see and hear I think most of them don’t know what marriage is all about. Marriage is a different field of its own that needs more attention and commitment. You can’t be married to a man who is not in your field and not have an agreement with him based on your career. Even with that agreement you as the woman should know you are starting a different life entirely and that you have to be committed and be submissive to your
man to make the marriage work. But most of them raise shoulder with their husbands or go against him because of the supposed passion of being on the screen. I also advise people not to marry a lazy man because he is cute or because he is good in bed. That kind of man will end up pushing you into prostitution or adultery. Women committing adultery Marrying a lazy man, a gold digger, a prayerless man, a man without vision or a man that can’t perform his marital duties, a man that beats his wife, are enough to push a woman to commit adultery, repeatedly. However, some women are so possessed that they can’t stay without a man. Some are just longer throats that want to have everything the other woman has without knowing how they got it. Women hardly support women these days. It’s more of slut shaming I think it’s just few women out there that do that due to their past encounters. I would admit some women are jealous of others and want to be the one on top without knowing there is space for everyone out there. Some are just so satanic that they don’t like to see others succeed in life, even when they are doing well too. How my journey to the movie industry started I had an opportunity to embrace my passion through a senior colleague while I was still in school. I don’t want to mention name, because I have done that several times. Sexual harassment in early stage is normal It happens in every sector too. But as long as you know what you want all you need to do is focus on the reason why you are in the industry, which I did. These days the girls sexually harass the producers instead. They want to be known and seen on TV by all means. We also have street hustlers coming into the industry to boost their business too. Not easy dealing with people That don’t know the pain of daily expenses, it’s just patience and humility that helped, especially when you are doing it secretly because I don’t want to be seen like competing with my bosses. If I have a chance to change something about the Nigerian movie industry, then I will change the rate at which our movies are being produced, because when you spend more time in crafting, you will achieve a better result and a better result equals good money. Sadly, we see lots of avoidable errors in our movies and people just ignore them. So far, no regrets at all Because in every mistake made there is a lesson learnt. Some are steps to success; a life without mistakes is a dead one. My parents kicked against me venturing into Nollywood because they had different plans and visions for me. So, I had to go for shoot secretly, but after a while they stopped complaining and said ‘You are an adult you have the right to choose your career’. Plans for the rest of 2019 So many good things will come this year, by the grace of God. Just wait as they unfold one after another.
Jesse
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Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com
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MY STORY
Gists ‘The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq’ Billed for the Third Term
FEMI KOYA
After staging two magnificent editions, ace comedian Otolorin Kehinde Peter, popularly known as Kenny Blaq, has announced plans for the third edition of The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq, scheduled to hold on Sunday, July 28th 2019 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Tagged “The Third Term”, the show brings Kenny Blaq to the fore in one frenetic night of entertainment alongside other comedians, dancers and musicians. The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq 3 is set to be bigger than last year’s event, which sold out the Eko Hotel Convention Centre with guest performances from Davido, CDQ, Josh2funny, Small Doctor and many others. Kenny Blaq, who shut down the 02 Arena in London recently, has promised fans a never-seen-before performance on the show date which also will be a celebration of five years on stage. While speaking about the event, Kenny Blaq said, “My fans should anticipate a side of me they’ve never seen before. I’m more than ready to make history on the 28th of July and I’ll ensure this event will be talked about for several years, get your tickets!” Since inception, The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq has proven to be one of the best events in Nigeria receiving the best comedy show of the year at Naija FM Comedy Awards in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Kenny Blaq also shone at the Future Awards 2017, winning the Future Awards Prize for Comedy and comedian of the year at the Lagos Achievers Awards 2019.
I Want to Erase the Fear That Young People Can’t Play Their Original Music Femi Koya is an Afrobeat music composer and performer. He is also a saxophonist, dynamic vocalist with a rich blend of deep afrobeat and contemporary groove. He lived in South Africa for years and grew a brand and legacy which he has now brought back home. He talks to Tosin Clegg about his music, plans and more
Israel Houghton, Phil Thompson, JJ Hairston, Thrill at ‘Fearless 2019’
Award-winning Music Maestro, Dr. Tim Godfrey and his Multiple Award winning crew – Xtreme, held the fourth edition of their annual Fearless concert with the theme “Rebirth” for the first time in Eko Hotel and Suites, at the weekend. This year’s edition was indeed a tremendous blessing to the world and the body of Christ as Dr. Tim Godfrey was joined by three international, multiple award winning acts - Israel Houghton,
JJ.Hairston and Phil Thompson alongside several other Nigerian A-list gospel artists. Having held three editions in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively with over a 100,000 worshippers in attendance, lifting up the name of Jesus, Dr. Tim Godfrey brought in a new sound of worship and praise. Tim Godfrey speaks on this year’s edition: “Rebirth is significant because the devil deceives us a lot of times, by making us believe our sins and shortcomings cannot and will not allow us amount to anything. I am using the Fearless platform to bring a message of hope to everyone (young and old) to live their lives to the fullest because in Christ, we have been given victory over every lie of the devil. We are Fearless!” The first edition of Fearless hosted the renowned Bishop Marvin Sapp, the second edition featured Kirk Franklin and the third, a tour of five states in Nigeria, with Travis Greene, and other Nigerian artistes.
D
efine your kind of music and what makes it special?
My Kind of music is Root African sound mixed with jazz, urban sound - traditional Afrobeat highlife. It’s special because I had the opportunity of having a crossover sound between the West and South Africa. Engaging in both cultures of Nigeria and South Africa has influenced my music.
What would you be doing differently, coming back home with your music? I wouldn’t be doing things differently, as staying true to who I am makes the difference. I am willing to make meaningful collaborations that will enhance the perception of the music. Furthermore, I want to erase the fear that young people cannot play their original music or stay true to their culture.
How has your musical journey been so far?
Telenovela Series ‘Asintado’ Airs on Startimes Asintado, the stylish telenovela series, is currently enjoying massive viewership StarTimes Novela E Plus, Channel 128 and 057. The new telenovela series, Asintado is aired every Friday to Sunday at 6: 50 pm African Time and it promises to be a mind blowing, intriguing and a nonstop one-of-a-kind watching experience. According to StarTimes Content Manager, Abosede Adewara, the series centers on a tight relationship of the inseparable Ramirez siblings that disintegrates when they lose their parents in a fire. It follows the paths of both siblings, living polar opposite lives. The siblings’ lives are thrust into a world of politics, power and corruption that shake their core values, mur-
der their loved ones and potentially destroy themselves. “StarTimes beyond doubt has gained ground as one of the leading telenovelas choice with quality programming that includes interesting television series, dramas, sitcoms, shows and movies, among others, which include some original programming, spanning from different cultures, language and origins. “The new series is a must-watch and it’s packed with every tangible ingredient of a good production that will boost StarTimes growing entertainment portfolio, spice up viewers experience and enrich memorable digital TV moments,” she stated.
My musical journey so far has enjoyed the strength of originality and embraces the Nigerian heritage. People find my music interesting because they have what I have, and I am not trying to be like them. Challenges have been language barrier and being seen as a foreigner on African soil. Moreover, the wrongdoings of fellow Nigerians outside there is pretty disturbing.
What’s your music to you and how do you think it impacts lives? My music to me is the air that I breathe, it’s the food that I eat, it’s my entirety. When I perform and I see happiness on the faces of people and, sometimes, when the music’s message gets stronger and the people get thinking, I feel good that someone has been touched. In a couple of years from now, I see myself as an African ambassador who will bring to life the spirit of Africa and heritage of our land.
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SHOWBIZFLAIR
Kemi Adetiba’s Special on Father’s Day The social media was last Sunday flooded with father’s day pictures. Showbizflair’s pick is that of film maker, Kemi Adetiba and her father. In her Instagram post, Kemi wished her dad well and shared screenshots of a witty chat they exchanged in 2015.
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SHOWBIZFLAIR
Sparkling Genevieve Nnaji During the week, Nollywood superstar, Genevieve Nnaji, released lovely new photos on her Instagram page. The pictures left her fans asking for me.
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SHOWBIZFLAIR NNAMDI NWABASILI
Why I Decided to Address Dishonest Trends in the Entertainment Industry Recently, broadcaster, rapper and social scientist, Nnamdi Nwabasili, popularly known as N6, gave his candid opinion on a number of societal ills in a track called “clout”. The song addressed trends such as cosmetic surgeries and deception by public figures. Even before “clout”, N6 had dropped what many considered controversial tracks in the past. There are loads of unanswered questions as regards “clout”. N6 opens up to Azuka Ogujiuba, on why he wrote the song and blasted actress, Eniola Badmus and broadcaster, Toke Makinwa, his altercation with rapper, take on Naira Marley’s arrest and more I Was Hairy, Had Full Beards But Lost My Hair At the Age of 17
W
hat does N6 mean and how did it come about?
I used to rap when I was much younger but I didn’t have a rap name. Whenever I was on holiday, I would go to the studio. So there was this gospel Yoruba artiste who paid me N20,000 in 1997 to do a verse on a song for her and I had to come with a stage name. My real name is Nnamdi and there was this singer called ‘W4’ and I thought I could have a similar name. Now Nnamdi is a 6-word name so with the initial ‘N’, I came up with ‘N6’.
Have you always wanted to be a broadcaster? I have never thought I would be a broadcaster. I used to do music before I traveled overseas and after four years I came back, rounded off from school and then got a nine to five job. The company was located in same building with Cool FM. In my capacity as the HR of the company, I used to talk to a lot of broadcasters around. There was this highly decorated presenter working with Wazobia FM, Mashe, so I would talk to her, talk to Daddy Freeze etc. Freeze was one of the first persons to give me a shot. He would say ‘do you know that just gisting with you I already have something to talk on the radio?’ So, one day, he said ‘how about you joining me on air when you are done from work?’ And that was how it started. I would round off at my nine to five job and then go on radio and gist with Freeze. I did that for like two weeks and everybody was like who is that N6; he is really good. I kept going on air with Freeze after my regular job for about a year without being paid. So one day, my MD called me and said ‘you are good on radio and Freeze has no co-host, how about giving you three months to train someone to assume your position here while you go join Freeze,’ and that was it.
What is the most interesting part of being a broadcaster? For me, I would say the feedback. I didn’t know how much of a social scientist I was until I started the radio job. We discuss pressing issues in the country and get immediate feedback.
When should we expect an EP or album from N6? My album has been ready for a while but before the year runs out I will drop it.
We heard you had an altercation with M.I’s crew after the beef you two had in
2017. Are you guys in good terms now? Yes, we are good. I saw M.I last week at an event and we said hi.
Your single “clout”started a conversation on social media recently; did you have specific persons in mind when writing those verses? I only had specific situations in mind and persons. I just noticed some dishonest trends in the entertainment industry in Nigeria and decided to address it. People just lie without minding those who look up to us. People come on social media and claim what they are not. I feel that depression and suicide rate are increasing because of this trend among entertainers and nobody was doing anything about it. So, that was it.
Tell us about the lady under your radio supervision that committed suicide? Her death still makes me emotional. She used to work at power 45, and she would come to my show in the evening and when her job became demanding, she started coming during the weekends. She was very smart and could even play the guitar. So, I was wondering how such a young girl would kill herself. She had never told me about any issues and there were no signs because she was very vibrant and cheerful. In fact, we had a long discussion the day before and I taught her a lot on how to be socially conscious then gave her an assignment to be submitted the following day. I asked her to come with 10 social media discussion that were trending. The next day, I got a call and was told Pelumi, that’s her name, drank poison and I was shocked. It surprising and shocking, I did not see it coming.
Do you think social media contributes to these cases of depression and suicide? Yes! It’s our reality. It actually started as a reconstructive surgery. If you have issue with any part of your body then you can go for a reconstructive surgery but if you go for surgery just for vanity reasons then you are starting and promoting a vanity culture. It’s really not the way forward.
You dragged Toke Makinwa on Instagram after she called you out last year. Do you know her in person and are you guys good now? I don’t know her in person but her brother is my good friend. What actually happened was AY the comedian made a tasteless and insensitive joke about D’Banj and his wife after they lost their son. AY came on Instagram asking them to try and make another baby. So, I went on air and talked about it and said it was insensitive. Hours later,
Nwabasili
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SHOWBIZFLAIR This is the first time I am revealing this. I was hairy and had full beards but I lost my hair at the age of 17. It was a medical misdiagnosis by a doctor who ended up losing her certificate because my mother followed up the case. I used to be asthmatic and back in the day one of the treatments for asthma was aminophylline, a drug they inject you after every 15 minutes. Now, the lady who put me in this condition used to be domestically abused by her husband
Nwabasili
people started tagging me on instablog9ja after they shaded what she said about me. She said if I haven’t achieved anything in the industry then I shouldn’t be putting my mouth in other people’s business. So, I came and dropped a comment and asked her to clear the air within 24 hours if the post was about me but she did not respond so the following day I put up a blast about her too.
Who are your favorite Nigerian musicians?
Do you think you owe Eniola Badmus an apology following her claims that you body-shamed her four years ago?
Tiwa Savage is like a big sister to me. I respect her and place her up there. I also like Don Jazzy, Davido, Wizkid, 2Baba and I am cool with Olamide and Kizz Daniel too.
I do not owe her an apology and I believe that malice is one bus stop away from witchcraft. If you keep malice with people you can actually do jazz to them since you don’t want to confront them or call their attention to it. When I wrote that comment about her being fat, I did state that it was a joke but blogs blew it out of proportion and I deleted it. I sent her a DM explaining myself but she never replied and I didn’t mean to hurt her. I thought she was going to understand it was a joke. For her to bring it up four years later is what hurts me. There was a time Eniola came out and said she was suicidal on social media and it was huge and everyone was trying to reach her but her phone was off. Now, I did my recent “clout” which went viral and Tunde Ednut posted it on his page and Eniola came to Tunde’s page and wrote ‘Balu’ under the post and I replied her and said ‘you that formed suicidal for clout’. Then she came back and said she was not forming suicidal, it was for a movie coming soon and that hit me. She added that she was going to treat my file soon for body
shaming her four years ago and that I should go to Jumia and buy a life. People started tagging me, mocking and cursing me. At this point I decided to really reply her and give her something to be mad about. So, I won’t apologise to her because I don’t owe her one.
What do you think about the recent attack on Tiwa Savage by Seyi Shay and Victoria Kimani on Instagram? What hurts me is that Seyi and Victoria are also my friends but what they did was uncalled for.
What’s your take on Naira Marley’s case and cyber fraud generally? Naira did glorify cyber fraud. I was at his first trial and I think he made a big mistake. Here’s the thing, drug dealers and cyber fraudsters don’t come out to say they are into such crimes, they stay low key. So when Naira’s issue started, I think he came out to promote it for clout. Singer, Simi made a blanket statement and Naira Marley had no reason to stand up for cyber fraud. What is wrong is wrong. Let’s not justify it because our politicians are corrupt. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Naira Marley made himself a target. Do whatever you want to do, it’s your life but be discreet about it.
What would you have done differently if you weren’t a broadcaster and a rapper? I probably would be a lawyer or a nurse because I found out that I love to take care of people physically.
What’s your take on couples who bring their private issues to social media? I don’t think couples should take their issues to social media. There are so many options to explore. They can talk to their families, go for counseling or therapy etc. If all of these don’t work at the end of the day, then I think it’s over already.
Tell is about your formative years We moved around a lot. I was born in London, my brother was born in Lagos, my other brother was born in Port Harcourt. I don’t have a British passport because I was born during the reign of Margaret Thatcher. She was a racist so we didn’t get the passport. So I started schooling in London then moved to Nigeria and we’ve been going back and forth since then. My first degree was in Political science from University of Nigeria, Nsuka.
What’s your guilty pleasure? I would say YouTube. I watch weird information there.
Who is your kind of woman?
Okay, this is the first time I am revealing this. I was hairy and had full beards but I lost my hair at the age of 17. It was a medical misdiagnosis by a doctor who ended up losing her certificate because my mother followed up the case. I used to be asthmatic and back in the day one of the treatments for asthma was aminophylline, a drug they inject you after every 15 minutes. Now, the lady who put me in this condition used to be domestically abused by her husband. That fateful day, she came to the clinic black-eyed and unhappy. She mixed something and injected me and it was not aminophylline. I almost lost my arm. I was unconscious for a while and lost two years of school. I didn’t lose my hair immediately until after three months. So, when they did the biopsy, they found out that she didn’t use aminophylline. Doctors told me I might lose my hair, arm or legs. Six months later I wanted to comb my hair and everything just pulled off with the comb and that was the beginning of the horror. And this is why I won’t pity Eniola Badmus because I went through serious bullying back in high school. Generally, I am confident right know because of knowledge. I read a lot and I know everything about what happened to me. So I have learnt to be confident in myself. That was how I lost my hair. The condition is called ‘alopacia’ but mine was from medical misdiagnosis.
Should we expect more music from you? Yes, but I have to take it more seriously. Lol.
She has to be intelligent, confident and be kind. I am not all about the cliche ‘God fearing’ tuff but just be human.
If offered a movie role, would you try acting?
People always refer to you as escaped albino, how did that come about?
Yes I will give it a try. If someone says hey I think you can act and offers me role, why not?
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FG: No Immediate Plan to Ban Almajiri Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja
The Presidency last night said it had no immediate plan to proscribe the Almajiri system in the North as reported by a section of the media, explaining that it could only be a long term goal. This comment was made in reaction to a declaration by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd.), on Thursday, that the federal government would proscribe Almajiri because it had been a breeding ground for insecurity. The NSA had while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja, blamed some of the security problems confronting the country on Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria, saying the federal government would be left with no option than to proscribe it. “The group I spoke about on illiteracy is the Almajiri. Ultimately, government will have to proscribe this Almajiri phenomena, because we cannot continue to have street urchins, children roaming around, only for them in a couple of years, or decades to become problems to society,� Monguno said. But reacting to the NSA’s declaration, presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement, said while the eventual proscription of Almajiri (Qur’anic learning system associated with begging on economic and religious grounds peculiar to some Northern states) system of education, remained a goal to be pursued, it would not be an immediate decision by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari as widely reported by the media. The statement also admonished Nigerians to be moderate in their
reactions to Buhari’s call for free and compulsory basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age in Nigeria, at the inauguration of NEC in the State House on Thursday. It said: “The Presidency notes that while the Buhari administration is committed to free and compulsory education as a long-term objective of bringing to an end, the phenomenon of outof-school children, any necessary ban on Almajiri would follow due process and consultation with relevant authorities. “Indeed, the federal government wants a situation where every child of primary school age is in school rather than begging on the streets during school hours. At the same time, we don’t want to create panic or a backlash.� The statement described as absurd some media reports that there were plans by the government to carry out massive arrests of parents who deprive their children of the opportunity to obtain free and compulsory primary school education as stipulated in the Nigerian constitution. While denying such reports, Shehu said at no time did the president state that any individual or group which fails to comply with the provision is violating the law of the land and liable to some punishment. Buttressing his position, Shehu opted to reproduce the president’s speech at the inauguration of NEC on Thursday, noting that the president only stated without any fear of equivocation, that Nigerian children had the right to free education and must be accorded such rights and protection under the law. The president’s comments as reproduced by Shehu, said:
Rising Insecurity: Catholic Lawyers Want FG to Rejig Security Structure Chika Amanze-Nwachuku The National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL) has called on the federal government to revitalise and rejig the entire security structure that is technology driven to curb the rising insecurity in the country. The group made the call in a communiquĂŠ issued at the end of its National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting, and Colloquium held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Resource Centre, Durumi, Abuja. In the communiquĂŠ signed by its President, Chukwuma Ezeala and National Secretary, Angela E. Odunukwe, the Catholic Lawyers observed among others the alarming level of insecurity in Nigeria, declaring that no part of the country was safe currently. “The visible level of insecurity is a fall out of social injustice, mismanagement of our collective patrimony and resources due to lack of accountability, transparency and paucity of good governance in the Nigerian State. The insecurity in the country has negatively affected socio-economic activities; hence business activities can no longer thrive optimally in the interest of the nation. Insecurity has heightened youth restiveness that is inimical to peace, growth
and development of Nigeriaâ€?, the communiquĂŠ noted. The group, at the NEC meeting with the theme, ‘the Role of Catholic Lawyers in the Church and the Nation’, also noted the wide-spread abuse of human rights that undermines the dignity of human person in the country, pointing out that the agencies saddled with the responsibility of protecting abuse of human rights are either overwhelmed or lack the wherewithal to effectively rise to the incessant human rights abuses in the country. The NACL further noted: “The country is currently experiencing poverty, insecurity, youth restiveness, contraptions, illiteracy, deprivation, hunger, unemployment, primordial sentiments, ethnicity, nepotism, marginalisation, religious bigotry that are inimical to the optimal growth and development of Nigeria. It was observed that the government and her citizenry pay lip service to fundamental rules of life that promote common good. “Breach of the Rule of Law which is the fulcrum of existence of any group of people is either compromised or not strictly adhered to thereby undermine democratic principles in Nigerian society.
“On education, I want to stress in particular the need to take very seriously and enforce very rigorously the statutory provisions on free and compulsory basic education. Section 18(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended places on all of us here an obligation to eradicate illiteracy and provide free and compulsory education.
“Section 2 of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act provides that every Government in Nigeria shall provide free, compulsory and universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age. ‘‘It is indeed a crime for any parent to keep his child out of
school for this period. In my view, when a government fails to provide the schools, teachers and teaching materials necessary for basic education, it is actually aiding and abetting that crime. “This is, therefore, a call to action. I would like to see every governor rise from this meeting and rally his local government chairmen
towards ensuring that our schools offer the right opportunities and provide the needed materials and teachers for basic education, at the minimum. If we are able to do this, the benefits will surely manifest themselves.� The statement insisted that Buhari’s remark was made within the law of Nigeria.
HONOURING OKARA... L-R: Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd); Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson; wife of Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Rachael Dickson; and Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, during the ceremony of poems, songs, and tributes, in honour of the late Ijaw literary Icon, Dr. Gabriel Okara, as part of the burial ceremony of the late sage, at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa...yesterday
Trump Aborts Retaliatory Strike on Iran for Downing Drone Bennett Oghifo with agency
report
President Donald Trump has said the US military was “cocked and loaded to retaliate� against Iran, but he changed his mind 10 minutes before planned strikes. The BBC reports that attacks on three sites were planned in response to the shooting down of a US unmanned drone this week. Mr. Trump said he had called off strikes after being told 150 people would die, according to the BBC report. He tweeted: “10 minutes before the strike I stopped it, not proportionate to shooting down an unmanned drone.� The late reversal was first reported by the New York Times on Thursday night. The newspaper said the operation had been “in its early stages� when Mr. Trump stood the US military down. “I am in no hurry,� Mr. Trump said yesterday. “Our military is
rebuilt, new, and ready to go, by far the best in the world.� Mr. Trump said Iran had downed the drone on Monday, despite an earlier US military statement that the incident happened at 23:35 GMT on Wednesday (04:05 Iran time on Thursday). Tehran said the unmanned US aircraft entered Iranian airspace early on Thursday morning. The US maintains it was shot down in international airspace. Tensions have been escalating between the two countries, with the US recently blaming Iran for attacks on oil tankers operating in the region. Iran has announced it will soon exceed international agreed limits on its nuclear programme. Last year, the US unilaterally pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear activities. “Iran can NEVER have nuclear weapons,� Mr. Trump said in his tweets on the aborted strikes - also revealing that increased
economic sanctions against Iran were “added last night�. The US has now asked the United Nations Security Council to meet on Monday to discuss Iran, Reuters news agency reports. The BBC said, in its initial report, The New York Times said that as late as 19:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on Thursday, US military and diplomatic officials had still expected the strikes to take place on agreed targets, including Iranian radar and missile batteries. “Planes were in the air and ships were in position, but no missiles had been fired when word came to stand down,� the newspaper reported, citing an unnamed senior administration official. The strikes had been set to take place just before dawn yesterday to minimise risk to the Iranian military or to civilians,� the newspaper added. Tweeting yesterday, Mr. Trump
said three sites had been targeted. The Associated Press quoted a US official as saying the strikes had been recommended by the Pentagon and had been among options presented to senior administration officials. According to the New York Times, top Pentagon officials warned a military response could result in a spiraling escalation with risks for US forces in the region. The operation was called off after President Trump spent most of Thursday discussing Iran with his national security advisers and congressional leaders, AP reports. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton had pushed for a hardline stance, but congressional leaders urged caution, the agency said. Separately, Reuters quoted two Iranian officials as saying Tehran had received a message from Mr. Trump through Oman overnight warning about an imminent US attack.
NIMC Extends Diaspora Enrolment to India In continuation to the enrolment of Nigerians in Diaspora into the National Identity Database, the National Identity Management Commission has extended the programme to the Republic of India. The Director General/CEO NIMC, Mr. Aliyu Aziz reiterated that the extension was in line with NIMC’s mandate to ensure that all Nigerian citizens, Legal Residents and Nigerians in Diaspora are enrolled into the National Identity Database and issued the unique National Identification Number (NIN) upon successful enrolment. Aziz also emphasised the importance of the NIN in Nigeria, stressing that it is a mandatory
requirement for Bank account opening, Land Transactions, access to Legal/health services, acquisition/renewal of the International Passport, Driver’s License and the ECOWAS travel document, amongst others. The NIN enrolment exercise will involve the demographic and biometrics data capture of all Nigerian citizens residing in India and in collaboration with Dantata Universal Services Nigeria Limited/VFS Global, a Nigerian Company licensed by NIMC to serve as its agent, and carry out enrolment services across the globe with a view to ensuring best-in-class services
and inclusivity. The exercise is scheduled to go live on Monday, 24th June 2019 at Shivaji Stadium Metro Station Mezzanine level Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi- 110001, India. In addition to India, the partners will also be going live in Johannesburg, South Africa from Friday, 21st June, 2019 at 1st floor Rivonia Village Office Block, cnr. Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road, Rivonia and in the United Arab Emirates from Thursday, 27th June 2019 at WAFI Mall, level 3, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair2, Dubai 114 100.
The Nigerian companies licensed to work with their respective partners across all countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and America to carry out the enrolment of Nigerian adults and children in the Diaspora into the National Identity Database (NIDB) are Biosec Solutions Limited, CHAMS Consortium Limited, Defcon Systems Limited & OIS Services, National eAuthentication Limited & OIS Services, Thebez Global Resources, Dantata Universal Services/VFS Global and Venn Technology Limited, Kevonne Consults Limited/Iris ID Systems INC., UGS Technologies Limited/ OrangeHook African Continental/ Carvus.
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NEWS
$1.3bn Malabu Oil Scandal: Italy Protests Swiss Delay in Releasing Evidence against Shell, Eni Chika Amanze-Nwachuku with agency report
Italian prosecutors have expressed dissatisfaction about lengthy delays in obtaining evidence they have requested from Switzerland in the criminal charges against Royal Dutch Shell and Italy’s Eni with regard to the controversial Oil Prospecting License (OPL 245) otherwise known as Malabu Oil block. The oil firms and their executives are currently facing criminal charges for paying $1.1 billion in bribes to secure the purchase of the oil
licence in 2011. Italian prosecutors have decried the continued delay from Swiss authorities and had in April written to the Geneva prosecutors’ office, describing their three-year wait for documents to be handed over by Swiss authorities as “unprecedented”. Reuters reported yesterday that Swiss police found the documents in a briefcase they seized in April 2016 in an inquiry unrelated to the corruption case, and the source said Milan prosecutors believed the documents could be vital to their prosecution of Eni and Shell.
But Italy’s request for the documents to be handed over has been blocked by Swiss courts after repeated legal challenges by the owner of the briefcase, Nigerian lawyer Emeka Obi, who was charged alongside Eni and Shell executives in the graft case, the newswire reported. In September 2018, Obi was convicted of corruption and sentenced to four years in jail by a Milan judge in a fast-track trial, though he has appealed, remains outside Italy and his lawyer continues to pursue legal action in Switzerland to block Italy’s request.
The Geneva prosecutors’ office said in a statement to Reuters that it had spared no effort to cooperate with Italy over its request, adding the Swiss judicial process was long and involved delays that it admitted could cost precious time. Milan prosecutors have an understanding of the contents of the documents and believe they would strengthen their case against defendants in the Nigeria graft trial, Reuters quoted the source to have said. They hope their letter will be passed onto the Swiss Federal Penal Tribunal in Bellinzona which
is considering which documents can be passed to Milan prosecutors. The tribunal’s eventual ruling is also subject to appeal. The OPL 245 is believed to be one of the biggest untapped oil resources in Nigeria with reserves estimated at nine billion barrels. A former Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete, had used his position to allocate the lucrative oil prospecting license to Malabu Oil and Gas, a company he had interest. The oil block licence was revoked in 2001 by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo and awarded to Shell, without a public bid. Malabu headed to court, and the ownership was reverted to it in 2006 after it reached an out-ofcourt settlement with the federal government. Shell, which had commenced
arbitration against Nigeria over the oil block, had agreed with Eni and jointly paid Malabu for $1.1 billion to buy the oil block. The two oil companies were also said to have paid $210 million as signature bonus to the federal government of Nigeria. It was however revealed that the $1.1 billion paid by Shell and Eni was used to bribe top Nigerian politicians, businessmen and middlemen to acquire the OPL 245. The companies had agreed the payment was made, but denied those funds went to bribes. In the charges before a Milan court, prosecutors alleged that Shell and Eni knew that the $1.1 billion used for the acquisition of OPL 245 would be used for bribery. Both oil firms however denied any wrongdoing.
Kaduna CAN Condemns Blackmail of Reno Omokri Bennett Oghifo
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L-R: Rt.Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Hon.Speaker of the House of Representative and Mr Wole Ajisebutu The Vice Chairman/ CEO 24 Century Technologies Limited during a courtesy visit to the honourable speaker in his office recently in Abuja
ARCON Pledges Support to OAU as it Plans Overhaul of Curricula Bennett Oghifo
The Architects' Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has promised to support the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife, to develop enterpreneurship studies, as the university’s authority prepare to overhaul its curricula. President of ARCON, Sir Oladipo Ajayi made the pledge, yesterday, when he led council members of ARCON, including the immediate past president, Umaru Aliu; and the Registrar, Umar Murnai, on a visit to school authorities. Ajayi urged the university authourities to include the Council in its budget, while it advised them to ensure a quick upgrade of the Department of Architecture of the institution into faculty status. "We are eager to have the faculty as soon
as possible, as this would further enhance both the university and the profession at large." According to Ajayi, ARCON was, among other things, established to raise the educational standard and practice of architecture and has mandate to register and deregister institutions. Ajayi said there was need for OAU to adopt Architects Projects Registration Number (APRN), which would help to monitor all building projects, thereby prevent incidents of collapsed building in the country. ARCON president also tasked the university on the issue of jury, which he noted has been misunderstood by many, urging them to facilitate the process of ensuring this initiative, which is backed law, is implemented by
Humanitarian Response in North-east Below Standard, UN Laments Continued from Page 6 The NEMA has also painted an ugly picture of handling of humanitarian services in the North-east, lamenting that over 45,000 IDPs are sleeping in the open in Borno State. The Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Maihajja, who was represented by Director of Planning and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Fagbemi said that the recent challenges faced was as a result of massive arrival of IDPs from some attacked areas in Borno. According to him, the North-east Zonal Coordinator said
about 45,000 people were without shelter, and this was because of the new arrivals. He said the agency was there to address the challenges as well as to provide food and other items that will bring succour to the people. He explained that the purpose of conveying the meeting was to tell discuss the challenges and gaps so as to proffer solutions to them. He said: “We know that the humanitarian situation is getting worse in some areas and there are more critical needs in some areas.”
the university without any hitch. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede pledged support for ARCON, and tasked the Council to assist the university as it was already in the process of doing a total overhaul of its curricula. He also charged ARCON to help the university in the development of enterpreneural studies, but said the issue of upgrading the Departure of Architecture to a faculty was actually dependent on the regulatory body, National
University Commission (NUC), and the lecturers within the department. Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, Prof. Mrs. Olubola Babalola, who was the first female professor of Quantity Surveying in Africa, expressed satisfaction at the proposal to make the department of architecture a faculty. Meanwhile, ARCON has concluded arrangements to induct over 400 newly registered architects.
HoS Inaugurates 250-Room Workers’ Hostel, Others Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Head of Service of the Federation (HoS), Mrs. Winnifred Oyo-Ita, has inaugurated several projects at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Abuja under the Public Private Partnership (PPP). The inaugurated projects included a 250-bedroom male hostel, PSIN staff clinic, a computer centre, an auditorium named after President Muhammadu Buhari, a classroom block named after Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo and a lecture theatre, named after the Head of Service. The Administrator of PSIN, Dr. Abdul Ganiyu Obatoyinbo led the other officers that conducted the HoS on tour of the centre. Oyo-Ita said her office had been able to achieve its main goal of re-positioning the institute through the PPP, insisting
that the remaining goals would be pursued vigorously to meet President Buhari’s next level agenda. The 250-room male hostel was abandoned some years ago owing to paucity of fund. But it was revived in 2017 with full appropriation. The facility has 210 bedrooms, 40 offices spread on four floors. It also boasts of three conference halls, a basement restaurant, in addition to shops at the forefront and gardens, where wedding ceremonies and receptions can be held. The hostel is to generate revenue for government. Oyo-Ita said though the idea of a female hostel was in the pipeline, the facility would cater for the needs of visitors to the nation’s capital, who come for many reasons, including conferencing, capacity training, social events and political activities.
The Chairman, CAN Kaduna State, Rev John Joseph Hayab has appealed to social crusader, Reno Omokri not to the discouraged by people spreading lies that he was enriching himself off the predicament of Miss Leah Sharibu, who is being held captive by Boko Haram insurgents. Rev. Hayab said this in a statement yesterday, adding “Many people are afraid to do good work today in our society because those who are afraid of their growing popularity can go out to tell lies against them and defame their character. “I have been involved with the parents of our dear daughter Leah who is still been held captive by Boko Haram and we know those who are sacrificing their time, energy and resources to let the world know about her plight, but sadly some faceless people have been sponsored to spread lies against them. “I, therefore, wish to appeal to our dear brother Reno Omokri not to allow those spreading lies against him that he is enriching himself about Leah to discourage him from continuing with the good struggle.” Hayab said when he saw “the false propaganda I reached out to Leah’s parents and I want Reno to
know that Leah’s parents know the sacrifice he and honest Nigerians are making for the release of their daughter which I am a witness. “They said whosoever is blackmailing you is an agent of satan doing his master business. Therefore cheer up and remain focused. “Evil actions like this can stop good people from doing good. I can testify that all proceeds from sale of Tshirts and books are credited direct to her parents account.
St. Francis Catholic Secondary School Holds Funds Raising Luncheon The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of St. Francis Catholic Secondary School Idimu, Lagos, is embarking on a funds raising campaign luncheon, which comes up today by 12:00 noon at the Loyola Jesuit Jubilee Building in the school premises. This luncheon is for infrastructural upgrade to guarantee conducive learning environment and transformation for all-round education of Nigerian children. The school said any donation would be greatly appreciated, adding, "Little drops of water make a mighty ocean." The school invites people of good will and corporate organisations to be part of the vision, innovation, and transformation for the greater
glory of God. “By the special grace of God, the school is a rising citadel of learning in Nigeria, Africa, and globally. It is a model JesuitCatholic School for training Nigerian youths in leadership and service," the school said in a release. The statement said donations could be made to the school's account: St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu, Union Bank, 0037575222. All Parents of the Magis, Alumni of the Magis, friends of St. Francis, and sticklers for education are invited to join us in this renaissance St. Francis. God bless you,” said Rev. Fr. Maduabuchi Leo Muoneme, S.J. Administrator.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
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SERAP to Buratai “If the commander cannot vouch for the integrity and seriousness of his troops, then that commander should be allowed to go” – The Socio-Economic Right and Accountability Project, chastising the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, for criticizing soldiers on the war front.
PENDULUM DELE MOMODU
dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com
Ahmed Lawan is Already My Man of the Year
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ellow Nigerians, it is with so much pride and joy that I wish to choose my Man of the Year, midway to the end of 2019. God’s ways are indeed mysterious. I was a bit uncomfortable and perturbed when the ruling party, APC, was fighting tooth and nail to install Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan as President of the Senate and Hakeem Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The reason for my reservations and concern was not farfetched. I had imagined that the only reason was that, as has been typical of the highly touchy and sensitive APC apparatchiks, they must have identified Lawan as a robot they believe would do whatever he’s asked to do by the Executive, no matter how preposterous the assignment may be. It was my belief at the time, the vitriol with which the race was being pursued by the Party hierarchy could only lend credence to the pervading public perception that the Party and the Government wanted to foist a pliable and malleable leadership on the National Assembly. This was particularly the case when the candidates themselves seemed to be maintaining a level of decorum and sense of fairness which the party top-notch seemed to be lacking. Anyway. Lawan has won the contest by a handsome margin and he is now comfortably ensconced as the head of the Red Chamber of the National Assembly and, as a result, the head of the Federal Legislature. Congratulations to the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, and our dear friend, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, who emerged as Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, also with an even healthier margin. It is noteworthy that their respective victories obviously transcended party lines and that the duo are quite popular amongst their colleagues as the applause and happy buzzing atmosphere that erupted after their elections demonstrates. I pray they both individually and jointly act in the overall interests of Nigeria and Nigerians. I’m of the opinion that their loyalty and allegiance should be to the country, in accordance with the hallowed and solemn oaths that they both took after their elections, and not to any individual or collective of individuals. May God grant them the requisite wisdom and courage to foster peace, fairness and unity at all times in all that they do. I will not trouble you with a rehash of the antecedents of the new Senate President, Senator Lawan. Much of that information is now readily available. Such is the allure of power, that one can go from relative obscurity to instant fame and stardom. It is pertinent to however note some features of Senator Lawan which I believe has not only catapulted him into the elevated position that he now occupies, but also offers a glimpse as to his personality and what the future may hold for this man who seems destined for greatness. Lawan is a geographer and former university academic who holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Cranfield, in England, United Kingdom. His Bachelors and Master’s degrees came from the University of Maiduguri and the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, respectively. It is clear that Senator Lawan is a very educated man who has the opportunity of international exposure in his educational formative years. I am partial to academics because I grew up amongst them and I know the expansiveness
Lawan
of their thoughts and views. Clearly, Senator Lawan is a man of this ilk and the views he espouses and his purposive embracing of all-comers in the political and social spectrum shows learning and a cultured background. It accounts for why he is able to reach out to everybody and his willingness to work with all shades of opinion as long as he believes it is the best for Nigeria. Lawan’s accomplishment as both Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee whilst in opposition and the Appropriations Committee in 2015 shows that he is a man his colleagues believe has integrity and accountability. The margin of his victory despite the shenanigans that accompanied the Senate Presidency elections, and the seeming uncertainty before that, typifies a man who is very well respected by his colleagues and seen as a unifying factor. Watching from the distance, I also see Lawan as a man of cool mien and demeanour. What Nigeria desperately needs today is that unification process which all Nigerians are now stridently and strickenly crying for as they are ravaged and savaged by all manner of disuniting and separatist talk and actions. Nigerians certainly do not need or want the endless wars of attrition being fought by President Muhammadu Buhari and, in particular, his vengeful and neurotic cronies, allies, and foot soldiers who derive so much pleasure in seeking and drawing their pints of blood from real or imagined enemies. Unknown to them, it is not all wars that must be fought because the nation is bigger than them all. However, they studiously ignore this point and only seem to see the here and now. They forget the transience and evanescence of power and the ephemeral and fugacious nature of the intoxicating elixir that excessive and abusive power brews. They regularly flex their muscles and try to bully submissive and already wounded Nigerians into giving in to their bizarre ways. One of their recent acts of truculence and obnoxiousness arose from an innocuous appointment made by the new Senate President, Mohammed Lawan. And what was the cause of their irritation and irritability? Lawan, in his uncommon wisdom had chosen to embrace meritocracy, competence and capacity by appointing as an aide, Festus Adedayo, a highly cerebral writer and journalist, and a Lawyer in the making, who was to be his Special Adviser
on Media and Publicity. The way the APC trolls responded was unbelievably shocking and irrationally jejune. They pressurised Lawan so much that he had to quickly drop Festus like a hot and scorching charcoal. They unleashed a blistering campaign of calumny and obloquy against a man they claimed had committed heresy by criticizing their demi-god, President Muhammadu Buhari. Oh my God! How, they asserted, could Lawan have committed such a huge blunder and colossal faux pas by appointing such an infamous person to enjoy the spoils of war that President Buhari had made possible for all APC legislators by his own might and right? Unfortunately, and sadly, these are the signs of the times. I can almost bet my life that most of these APC folks who took to venting their unrelenting anger against Festus Adedayo have never read any of his articles which they seek to impugn. They only acted on rumours and hearsay. Even if true that Festus is such an irascible fellow who never saw any good in Buhari, was this not an opportunity to win one of the critics over? Why could none of them see that the fact that Lawan, who is expectedly a protégé of the President had deemed it fit to appoint him would suggest that there was some benefit and advantage to be derived from Senate President and indirectly the APC and the government. Previous administrations have brought in their most vociferous and harshest critics and converted them to their attack dogs. Your worst critics often become your greatest fanatic. So, in Buhari’s Nigeria, all critics of Buhari have been summarily rejected, convicted and regarded as persona non grata without any benefit of doubt or possible rehabilitation. It is indeed a sad moment for Nigeria. What the APC has inadvertently confirmed is that political appointments are some form of gratification and reward for loyal party men and women and not a call to service. As such, Festus Adedayo was axed and hacked down because he was going to enjoy the soup he did not help in cooking. What chicanery! If his main crime was criticizing the President, I doubt if anyone has criticized Buhari in more trenchant terms than his own irrepressible wife, Mrs Aisha Buhari, a woman whose objectivity and boldness we all hail as refreshing and commendable in a government that regards any form of critique as an attack on its performance and perceived successes. What the President’s acolytes must realise is that critics are not necessarily the enemies of governments. Critics, even those that are acerbic, caustic and nasty can be like the mad man who enjoys his lucid moments. In their venom one will always find nuggets of golden truths that can illuminate and inspire the government to aim to do even better. In any event, every Government actually needs bold critics to help sharpen and reshape their focus. Buhari will fail, spectacularly, if he continues to live under the illusion of grandeur that he is infallible and beyond reproach. In my view , it is those selfish sycophants, lackeys and hangers-on that have contributed in the portrayal of the President as a spiteful, bitter man who does not forget or forgive. Indeed, I believe that people may have been taking advantage of his style of leadership by delegation to feather their own nests at the detriment of their principal’s reputation and goodwill. I believe that President Buhari has just wasted
what could easily have been a major public relations stunt for his government and party of gladiators and warmongers. Like I am doing now, many people would have hailed not just Lawan, but the entire APC executive and the President for allowing a vocal critic like Festus Adedayo to join the team of the country’s number three citizen. The danger I see is in the vainglorification of APC members and the illusory belief that Buhari is the only saint and no one must ever criticize him. Nigeria can do much better than this. Our country needs loving and caring leaders and not divisive elements, diversionists and divisionists. If Nelson Mandela was a Nigerian, he would have killed all his enemies when he came out of 27 years’ incarceration, mainly in solitary confinement. But he chose the path of peace and became the world’s greatest statesman. Why can’t my own people borrow a leaf from such remarkable legacy. Did our leaders not see or notice the peace the Republic of Kenya currently enjoys after President Uhuru Kenyatta and his arch-rival Raila Odinga embraced publicly and apologized to each other. There is much to gain in true reconciliation, obviously. Nigeria has been effectively taken over by demons who are engaged in wanton destruction of lives and property. There is no other reason for this than the dearth and death of love in our climes. Nigeria is richly blessed with some of the smartest and loving humans on earth. Yet, we have suddenly become so poor of spirit and so suspicious of one another that the cankerworm of disharmony, distrust and deceit has eaten deep into the fabric and soul of our country. Nigeria should go in search of anyone who can restore hope and glory to our dear beloved nation. That is why Senator Lawan is such a refreshing breath of fresh air that must be celebrated. I am aware that the recent appointments of his personal aides not only cut across party lines and the political divide, he also avoided parochialism and shunned religious bigotry. He did not save plum appointments for his kinsmen or fellow Moslems. He simply decided to choose those he felt were competent even if he did not personally know them. He worked on the basis of proven ability and diligence and passion for Nigeria. It was his reason for choosing Festus Adedayo. However, those who do not care about this nation, but are egotistical and self-absorbed persons immediately rushed to destroy what would have been an epoch momentous development. Dividing Nigeria along political, ethnic and religious lines can only deepen the mortal and fatal wounds we’ve sustained these past few years. Someone needs to rise up stoutly and halt our supersonic slide towards perdition. That someone is no other than President Muhammadu Buhari, who needs to take a leaf from Senator Lawan’s book and be more all-inclusive and all-embracing in appointments, purge himself of sickening acolytes and their rabid viewpoints and proceed to keep Nigeria united, peaceful and prosperous. President Buhari can still live up to the expectations of those who voted for change in 2015. He has one final opportunity. Indeed, he has entered the last chance train. How he acquits himself this time around may well determine whether Nigeria survives or not!
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